Your thoughts on what I can add to my mini kit

Bruceter

Bruceter

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May 19, 2000
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I put together a mini kit in a tin that a pen/pencil set came in. It's about the same size as an Altoids tin, but half again as long, about 2-1/4" x 5-1/2" or so.
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This is what's in it. I also have some hooks and jig heads taped to the bottom of the tin, the top has three utility knife blades taped to it.
DSC01980.jpg

I found a tin that is about 3" x 7", what items do you think I could/should add? I want to put some water purification tabs or maybe a straw in it for sure.

Bruceter
 
I have a container for boiling water covered. I have one of the cups that fits over the bottom of a 1qt nalgene bottle.

Bruceter
 
Not a new idea, but you just gave me an idea for the size of a tin I've been wanting for a while for around town. I like to carry a pen with me, but a full size pen doesn't exactly fit in an altoids tin. Thanks for the idea.
 
I keep a few safety pins - better than a button and can be a fishing hook if needed. Good for gear repair as well.
20 yards of spider wire 30 lb test.
Tube of super glue.
I also dropped in a ready match as fire starter. I cut it up to fill in the gaps in my kit.
Also I keep Benadryl tablet in mine.
 
bearthedog said:
Small dog-tag signal mirror is a must!

-RB
Click to expand...
I was thinking of polishing the inside of the lid of the tin for signalling. I didn't realize you could get a dog tag sized mirror, I'll check it out.
Thanks,

Bruceter
 
Bruceter said:
I was thinking of polishing the inside of the lid of the tin for signalling. I didn't realize you could get a dog tag sized mirror, I'll check it out.
Thanks,

Bruceter
Click to expand...

Try using the inside of the lid, frantically signaling for rescue and say bye to most of your kit. If anything, try polishing the bottom so it can stay closed if you need to signal.

-RB
 
Lke dental floss for cordage because it's so strong and compact.
Could probably also fish with it.

You could get the mini-sample sizes and remove the roll from the bulky plastic container.
 
Bobby Pins
Snare Wire
Needles and Safety Pin
Duct Tape
Wind and Waterproof Matches
Heavy Duty Tin Foil
Thread
A Small Multitool is good too
 
I love making altoids-type kits and this is a good one for sure. This XL size tin gives you a LOT of space to use! You might consider looking for a smaller whistle that doesn't take up as much room in the tin. I know you have some things covered but being prepared also means having multiple solutions to a problem: several ways to start a fire, boil water etc. Two is one and one is none.
I would suggest:
-some form of fire starter aid such as a tiny zip lock bag full of dryer lint, or some paper towels rolled up and dipped in paraffin and then sliced into tiny disks about 1/2" thick. They don't take up much space but burn like the dickens if needed. You could also use a few cotton balls smeared with petroleum jelly and stashed in one of those tiny zip lock bags ( the kind that small parts such as machine screws come in)
- a piece of heavy foil that is folded up to fit in the bottom of the tin would have several uses- making a cup, use it to cook fish or small game. It would take up almost no space at all.
-waterproof/windproof matches
-wire survival type saw
-instead of the small nylon string, you could replace it with 200 FEET of spyder- wire type fishing braid in the 20-30 lb range that can be used for cordage to build a shelter or fishing line, it takes up almost no space in the kit and can do many things.
- safety pins
- various fish hooks with a few lead sinkers (maybe a few choice fishing flies that work well in your area- where I live in NC a black wolly bugger will catch fish anywhere)
- water purification tabs
- a few Tylenol caplets
- 2 Imodium tablets
- 2 benadryl tablets

I ended up making two separate altoids kits, one is geared towards first aid and includes band aids, Tylenol, a couple tea bags and stuff geared towards replenishing/repairing the body. The second kit that is in a pouch on my BK2 is geared towards shelter and fire and is pretty similar to the one above.
 
ignatius said:
I love making altoids-type kits and this is a good one for sure. This XL size tin gives you a LOT of space to use! You might consider looking for a smaller whistle that doesn't take up as much room in the tin. I know you have some things covered but being prepared also means having multiple solutions to a problem: several ways to start a fire, (matches, lighter and a fero-rod are already in the kit.) boil water etc. Two is one and one is none.
I would suggest:
-some form of fire starter aid such as a tiny zip lock bag full of dryer lint, or some paper towels rolled up and dipped in paraffin and then sliced into tiny disks about 1/2" thick. They don't take up much space but burn like the dickens if needed. You could also use a few cotton balls smeared with petroleum jelly and stashed in one of those tiny zip lock bags ( the kind that small parts such as machine screws come in) The piece of straw has some cotton ball/petroleum jelly sealed in it, I also have a chunk of fatwood.
- a piece of heavy foil that is folded up to fit in the bottom of the tin would have several uses- making a cup, use it to cook fish or small game. It would take up almost no space at all.
-waterproof/windproof matches Yup, in the small match box.
-wire survival type saw Great idea,
-instead of the small nylon string, you could replace it with 200 FEET of spyder- wire type fishing braid in the 20-30 lb range that can be used for cordage to build a shelter or fishing line, it takes up almost no space in the kit and can do many things. The nail pictured has quite a bit of 8lb test fishing line on it, I also wrap the tin when closed with about 40 feet of paracord.
- safety pins
- various fish hooks with a few lead sinkers (maybe a few choice fishing flies that work well in your area- where I live in NC a black wolly bugger will catch fish anywhere) I have some hooks and jig heads taped to the bottom of the tin (on the inside)
- water purification tabs
- a few Tylenol caplets
- 2 Imodium tablets
- 2 benadryl tablets

I ended up making two separate altoids kits, one is geared towards first aid and includes band aids, Tylenol, a couple tea bags and stuff geared towards replenishing/repairing the body. The second kit that is in a pouch on my BK2 is geared towards shelter and fire and is pretty similar to the one above.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the ideas!

Bruceter
 
In addition to dryer lint you should try to put some cotton balls rubbed with Vaseline. I definitely agree with that. The lint will catch a spark very easy but the cotton balls will stay burning for much longer, making getting a flame on damp wood much easier.

I did a test between a normal cotton ball and one with just a little Vaseline on it to see how long they would burn. The regular went for 30 seconds. The one with Vaseline burned for 5 and a half minutes.

I always try to think of the basic necessities when making a kit. Fire, food, water, and shelter. You could possibly fit things for all that in your kit but it will be difficult.

I saw a guy on YouTube that makes kits that can fit in a cargo and pants pocket. Your kit could be an addition to one of those.
 
Imodium is super handy! As is super glue. Both were mentioned above and I second them for sure.

A small sharpie marker is handy because it writes on more surfaces than a ballpoint. They are about the size of a chapstick tube (chapstick is also really handy, especially with sunscreen in it).
 
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