Big doesn’t always mean better. You can pack a small survival kit in something like an Altoids tin. This is small enough to fit into your pocket, lightweight, and easily accessible. You can put everything that you need to survive for a short time in a small kit.
Small Is Better
Because it’s so small, you can always have it with you. What you put in the tin will depend on where you might find yourself surviving. You might pack your tin differently than someone else would, but some basics will remain the same regardless of where you are.
#1 Food
You need a way to be able to get a food supply. This is why many people pack fishing gear consisting of fishing lines along with a hook or two and some sinkers. Snare wire can also be packed in the tin.
#2 First Aid
In the kit, you would want to pack bandages – and it’s always better to pack waterproof, flexible ones that will stay on. Put antibacterial cleanser packets or sanitizer packets in the tin. This can be used to clean injuries as well as to disinfect items. Add an antibiotic ointment packet as well. Keep super glue or a small roll of medical tape in the tin.
Either one can be used to treat a wound that’s too deep or big for a Band-Aid. If you have room, keep both.
#3 Compass
Pack a compass in your kit. You can find extremely small ones around an inch or smaller in size that will fit into the tin.
#4 Fire Starter
You’ll want something to start a fire so keep a small fire starter tool in there. A birthday candle along with some waterproof matches is a good idea as well.
#5 Knife
The tin is big enough to hold a small folding knife, as well as some safety pins and a sewing needle. These can be used to repair clothing and for things like removing splinters.
#6 Pain Reliever
You’ll want medication in the tin such as pain medication, anti-nausea medicines, and anti-diarrhea medication. You can get these in small packets so they don’t take up much room.
#7 Filter Water
You’ll need something to use to treat water so it’s safe to drink. There are small packets of purification tablets that you can get to fit in the tin, and for carrying water, you can store a folded yet durable water bag.
#8 Signal Mirror
A mini, lightweight signal mirror can fit into an Altoids tin. You can find many that are smaller than the size of your palm.
#9 Aluminum Foil
Put a square of aluminum foil in your tin, too. The foil has multiple uses – from use as a signal to use for food preparation and cooking.
