Survival in a Bottle

R

Row

Joined
Jan 11, 2008
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104
i would think most of us know those kits that come in basically a nalgene bottle. I'm thinking of getting one just for the car. What are people's thoughts on these. Does anyone have a particular one they like from a particular store. I'm open to more then just the ones that come in Nalgene bottles- like the ones that come bags. So I'm basically looking for a small survival kit. Any tips are appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
You will be much better off putting your own kit together. First, it is usually cheaper as when you really look around your place (oh and don't forget work!) you probably have 75% of what you want in your kit. Second, a survival kit is really only worthwhile if you know exactly what your kit contains, why it was put there and how to use each item - including if there are multiple intended uses. If you make your own kit then you will meet each of the above criteria. If you buy a kit and stick it aways somewhere without really looking at the contents you might find it short on what you need or don't know why the heck someone one have put THAT item in there.

That nalgene bottles do make great waterproof and damage resistant containers though!
 
my tip is to make your own. you get higher quality stuff, you know exactly whats inside, and its funner.

i got one of those survival in bottle things. it was like $10.they have a space blanket which is about $3 and one of those combination whistle, compas, firestarter, match holder, which is $5. it also as some other stuff to. unless you WANT those things in there you might as well get better stuff

thats my $.02 ...

EDIT: wow mine is very similar to KGD :D
 
Buy a good nalgene bottle and add you own stuff. You can find it all on line or at outdoor stores and have the same set up with better contents. Just search the forum and you will find many links on what to carry.
 
i got a word of advice. if you i intend to use your bottle in an survival situation dont pack it so full you cant get it all out. the space blacket took me 20 min to get out... :D:D:D:D
 
Build your own and buy the best you can afford. Don't trust your life to a knife that is part of a $15 kit if you haven't tried it first. Build two kits so you can practice with one and store the other. If it is a car kit, don't worry about carrying compact kits, get easier to manipulate tools instead. Pack it in an unassuming and discreet container and keep it within reach if possible. Above all else, practice practice practice.
 
so wat should i hav in it- im sure there are a million threads so want to link one for me:D
 
For a car kit, consider your realistic options in an emergency scenario.

Do you have provisions to stay warm and out of the elements? Stay hydrated and hunger satiated? Signal you are in distress or help identify your location?

I keep three rubbermaid tough boxes in my SUV. One is for on road emergencies. The other is for off road assistance and the last is my dookie hits the fan and I need to hunker down for a while box. Some things you want to include are a blanket or sleeping bag, tarp, candles (keep windows cracked), flashlight, paracord and zip ties, water container and pot, whistle, flares, fix-a-flat, tire repair kit, jumper cables (positive of live to positive of dead to negative of dead to ground. Reverse order to remove), kitty litter for use in winter, multi-tool, hatchet, crowbar, etc. etc. This is what I have in my car off the top of my head, I know there is more but I can't remember it right now.

An excellent source is Doug Ritter's site. He has a vehicle emergency kit list. Build yours around your realistic needs. Keep in mind that the 72 hour scenario of how long an emergency lasts is an average. Prepare to be out longer in case you don't fall within that average.

Good luck and keep us posted with your posts.
 
Make your own, that's the best way to go.

The suggestion of checking out Doug Ritter's site Equipped.com, is excellent. He has done a lot of work and evaluations on emergency kits.

If you want to learn more about what to put in your survival kit and why, how to select components, or how to put together several types of survival kits, I would highly recommend you to read John D. McCann's book, Build The Perfect Survival Kit (Iola: KP Books, 2005)
 
For a car i think you can go bigger than a nalgene. A small to medium size bag is what I aim for. Small kits are mainly for backpacking and the like where weight is an issue. So unless your car cant handle an extra bag go for it.
 
Make your own. I got one of those as a gift, and it had a lot of cheaper & less-durable gear in it.
 
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