Altoids tin survival kit

[KLF]

Wife showed me a pic on Pinterest about someone making a nifty mini survival kit that fits inside an Altoid tin. Apparently this is a thing. Did a search here on MUD, nothing came up, so I'm starting a thread. What would you put in yours?

Some ideas that deserve consideration:
Single edge razor
Fishing line, hooks
Duct tape (wrapped around... something)
Plain, unlubricated condom (for storing water, they hold up to a gallon)
Fire starter, or perhaps mini Bic lighter
Foil
Mini compass
Mini LED flashlight
Cable saw
P-38 (can opener)
Needles, thread
Bandaids
String or paracord
Quarters, or maybe a $20 bill, tightly folded
Tweezers

I can see several versions of these, one to stay in a briefcase for "out and about", and one that stays in the center console, slip it in your pocket if you're heading into the woods for a short hike.

Doesn't seem like you could make one that is TSA-complient for carry-on, unless you give up on sharps. I don't think they will even let you carry a P-38 through anymore.

 

[Saddletramp]

I like the idea, we have been using these tins for storage of loose small items in the center console for years but never considered a mini first aid kit.

 

[titanpat57]

I think I would wave the razor for super glue, but would definitely consider single edge razor blades. If you take para cord apart you have lots of thread.

I really like the other ideas.

 

[rusty_tlc]

My thoughts on your suggestions, based on screwing around and trying a lot of stuff out.

........
Some ideas that deserve consideration:
Single edge razor a utility knife blade is just as sharp and a lot stronger but not a lot bigger, wrap it in foil then duct tape.
Fishing line, hooks In most cases your found, or dead, in 72 hours, you can survive that long with out food.
Duct tape (wrapped around... something) Wrap it around the Chapstick
Plain, unlubricated condom (for storing water, they hold up to a gallon) (Anybody ever try this out? I'd love to see how that would work, ever play with water balloons as a kid?)
Fire starter, or perhaps mini Bic lighter & tea candle (light and fire starter in one) throw in a ferro rod and section of hack saw blade as a back up.
Foil signal mirror & whistle
Mini compass probably not much use without a map but it makes most of us feel good to have one.
Mini LED flashlight tape the contact on one battery terminal to stop drain if the switch gets pressed
Cable saw they just suck and you can find enough dead wood for fires and a debris shelter without one
P-38 (can opener) unless canned goods grow wild where you live.
Sail Needles, thread un-waxed floss which is incredibly strong and useful.
Bandaids
String or paracord 100# test braided fishing line; more compact and strong enough for many applications.
Quarters, or maybe a $20 bill, tightly folded You probably have a credit card or ATM card in your wallet already these days you never really need cash.
Tweezers micra multi tool with tweezers.
Chapstick (or any petroleum based lip balm) for chapped lips and fire starting.
sunscreen the stick kind works in kits
deet ditto for stick type
Ibuprofen or some good pain meds, I squirrel away some if I have dental work or surgery.
water purification tablets, you could do without these but why put up with the squirts or worse later.

.....

I'd also look for a better container than an Altoids tin, they are flimsy and far from air tight.
My kit is packed in a tobacco tin.
Pelican makes a nice small box that would be great but expensive. Walmart sells a nice small water proof box in the camping section that won't bust the bank.

There are also some nice pre made kits. These seem to have more useful stuff and less BS stuff than others.
http://www.bestglide.com/Survival_Kits.html

 

[lowtops]

http://www.elementsofsurvival.com/index.html

This kit is pretty slick. Very small and full of useful items.

In the interest of full disclosure, I know the guy who sells these. He is a friend of friend and we have backpacked a few times together. Not trying to pimp his junk, but its relevant to this thread.

I know most people here are DIY'ers, and would rather personalize a kit themselves. Just throwing this out there.

 

[TXLX100]

Why does the "survival" kit have to be the smallest ever? You need a survival backpack if you want to get serious. Stuff all that altoids stuff in a drybag, with some granola bars, knife, bit of water, mirror, lighter, and SOMETHING TO KEEP YOU WARM & DRY. And something to keep your cell charged these days, just in case you get near reception (or take your last picture before you die with the altoids can).

 

[Tapage]

What I start like survival " kit " it's now more like survival action packer .. and still collecting more " necessary " stuff on it ..

 

[rusty_tlc]

Why does the "survival" kit have to be the smallest ever? You need a survival backpack if you want to get serious. Stuff all that altoids stuff in a drybag, with some granola bars, knife, bit of water, mirror, lighter, and SOMETHING TO KEEP YOU WARM & DRY. And something to keep your cell charged these days, just in case you get near reception (or take your last picture before you die with the altoids can).

The survival tools you use are the ones you have. Something small you can tuck into a coat pocket will be with you when you need it. Nothing says you can't also carry a day back full of other gear.