Looking for input about my "knife-based" kit -

[11x11x]

I don't have an altoids tin handy, but they pack up pretty small- would easily fit in the pouch if it didn't fit in the tin

Whoo, I like that!!! I can already think of how it would be handy as back-up when I forget to take a plastic bag out in the yard to collect fatwood scrapes for our woodstove. How do they hold up to storage and/or repeated uses, do the folds start to break?

Thanks Preacherman3 and mtwarden for the suggestion.

 

[mtwarden]

^ they hold up fair- it's relatively heavy gauge aluminum, but it will give out after a few folds/re-folds

some shots in use here:

http://bepreparedtosurvive.com/Mini Loaf Pans - A Foldable Option.htm

 

[Echo4v]

I can't really say it's an addition but I have an idea of how you can consolidate some items. I have a tool logic survival II card in my wallet every day. It fits perfect in half of the cash carrying area ( never carry cash there so might as well use it for something right) and it has a small knife, ferro rod, whistle, one led light ( red, wish it were white) tweezers and a toothpick. It also has a lanyard hole but I haven't used that. It's about the size of a credit card but a little thicker ( maybe 1/8" thick) and it's very handy on a daily basis ( I hate getting food in between my teeth). I think it would let you leave some other items out and replace them without adding size to your kit.

David

 

[koyote]

without stressing the altoids tin, here are some thoughts:

1: the countycomm light with the clip. I have several of these and the clip makes a world of difference.

2: Is the compass needed? There are different types of land navigation, and without a map, a compass is really just for picking a direction and going "thataway". This can be done with landmarks, or working on a direction to a goal (following the lay of the land, a trail, etc) - Of course, in heavily timbered, flat land, it's going to be faster than some other methods of maintaining a course.

3: double up on the space blankets.

4: I can agree that while a backup firestarting method is essential, a firesteel isn't strictly necessary. a vaccum sealed book of matches would work, too. Some "hot" tindertabs of some sort. I'd also look at a couple of beeswax birthday candles in addition. The beeswax has many uses and will burn hot.

5: If you carry several yards of 550 cord, do have a needle that will thread the core lines. (the thread can be waxed with the beeswax candles and will work well that way)

6: The small SAK officer model, or a midnight manager (even better). Don't discount the utility of tiny scissors and such. (splinters, fine cutting of cloth, cordage, or torn nails when it's cold out, etc) Having the red LED on the midnight manager is also a useful backup to the countycomm light.

 

[beef]

I think what you're aiming for is more of a possibles pouch than a survival kit.
That's what I carry sometimes. Just the items I'll need throughout the day that it might be a pain to dig in the pack for.

Firelighting gear and tinder
sharpening stuff
bit of cord to rig up a cooking tripod.

That's about it for me. Packs into a nice flat leather pouch which sits below the rucksack belt.

For me, even on multi-day walks, I can't see myself ever needing the little SAS altoids tin kit. For me to need that, I'd have to lose my pack somehow, then I'd need to lose both walking companions, or they'd both need to lose their packs too. Hrm. I'm guessing that this scenario is unlikely. But I'll leave my disdain for the typical survival situation for another thread.

I think pain meds are a good idea to keep on hand. And maybe even your phone, if you have reception there. If you get a back bout of pain, you might want to call the family to alert them.