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View Full Version : Make your Own? Or By a Standard One?



Bladesypher
12-17-2008, 02:53 PM
Hey guys. I got kinda bored with Survivalism/Bushcraft for a while. But now I'm back and I plan on getting myself a survival tin. But I have a bit of a dilemma. I might be going camping in the new year, but I can't decide whether I should throw together my own survival tin or buy a commercial one?

I found a pretty nice site, with a decent shop, here's the pre-made survival kit they sell: Here (http://www.survival-school.org/Default.aspx?tabid=246&CategoryID=40&List=0&ProductID=125)

I think it's pretty good, I'd probably throw in some 550 paracord too.

Or I could make my own. I found a tin on the site: Here (http://www.survival-school.org/Default.aspx?tabid=246&CategoryID=40&List=0&ProductID=197)
Is 5" x 3.5" x 1" a good size?

I'm not that new to survivalism/bushcraft so I think I'd do a good job of throwing together my own personal tin, but it might be a little more expensive to make my own.

Your thoughts,views and ideas are welcome ^^

Thanks
-Andy

MCBushbaby
12-17-2008, 03:11 PM
Treat yourself to some Altoids (http://www.wackypackages.org/realproductsscans/2004/jk/altoids_small.jpg)while you contemplate this. Oh look, you now have a tin! Well golly, you might as well use that now. Ok, what do you need when you're in a survival situation? Fire! But matches may get wet and become useless so let's try a small flint/steel. Not good at sparking? Ok, how about waterproof matches? Bad experience with them? Ok.. how about a lighter? Well those don't work if wet and they are a bit bulky. O! How about the Spark-Lite (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/spark_lite_fire_starter_basic.html)? Now you need some starter tinder... something that can get a little wet and still burn. Maybe some WetFire (http://www.ultimatesurvival.com/product_view.cfm?product_line_ID=157)tabs? Or some Vaseline cotton? Sure, let's pack a couple of those in there. Now you need at least something to say you tried to get food. 50' of standard fishing line and some small hooks will work. How do you cook the fish? Let's throw in a folded piece of aluminum foil in there. It can be folded into a box for water storage, flat like a skillet, or act as a signal reflector! Speaking of water, how do you find and store water? Well you can roll up a ziplock bag which can be used as a solar still. And if you happen to have any non lubricated condoms lying around, well gee wiz, there's a water balloon dying to be filled!

Is that all? You should be able to fit a tea candle in there if you want. How about the $0.10 survival knife (http://www.m4040.com/Survival/10_Cent_Survival_Knife/10_Cent_Survival_Knife.htm)? A craft knife's razor blade (http://scrap-with-cropshop.com/zen-cart/images/33498.jpg) should fit too. And some gum if you need a little piece of mind.

Viola! You just made a survival tin. But remember, no mini survival tin will ever beat a fully-charged cell phone, whistle, compass with signal mirror and waterproof matches in a ziplock baggie.

crashdive123
12-17-2008, 03:18 PM
Bladesypher - IMO one that you make can be of a much higher quality - and less expensive. An Altoids can is a bit smaller than the mess kit you're looking at (2-1/4 X 3-3/4 X 3/4). You can always use two. The side benefit is that your breath will be minty fresh. Here is on that is a little larger, but may give you some good ideas on how you want to go. http://www.m4040.com/Survival/Survival%20Kit.htm

Edit: Looks like Mitch and I were thinking along the same lines.

Bladesypher
12-17-2008, 04:28 PM
Bladesypher - IMO one that you make can be of a much higher quality - and less expensive. An Altoids can is a bit smaller than the mess kit you're looking at (2-1/4 X 3-3/4 X 3/4). You can always use two. The side benefit is that your breath will be minty fresh. Here is on that is a little larger, but may give you some good ideas on how you want to go. http://www.m4040.com/Survival/Survival%20Kit.htm

Edit: Looks like Mitch and I were thinking along the same lines.

Thanks, I've already read that page ^_^. I might go with the commercial one simply because I have two weeks and I'm busy right now. But next time I'm gonna make my own.

ClovisMan
12-17-2008, 05:32 PM
In Texas, you really only need one item to survive.

hermitman
12-17-2008, 05:52 PM
I would always go with your own. You will know that everything in it is good product (if done right) it will most likley be more complete, you will have a better idea on how you would use all of items. I don't think I would ever buy a survival kit.

klkak
12-17-2008, 05:59 PM
In Texas, you really only need one item to survive.
A snake bite provention kit is also handy. Like this snake charmer .410.:D
http://www.lipseys.com/eImages/spscii.jpg

Runs With Beer
12-17-2008, 06:54 PM
In Texas, you really only need one item to survive.

Amen Brother, Same thing here in Fla.

skunkkiller
12-17-2008, 07:19 PM
make your own bcause most of the things you get in ones you buy are crap and it is more fun to do it your self

Stairman
12-17-2008, 07:48 PM
Agreed,make your own.A small tin is not enough for me.I need 3 garbage bags,a dew mopping sponge,a leatherman tool,snare wire,a mag striker and my Polarpure bottle for water purification.Compass and para-cord as well as a pack of koolaid to disguise the iodine taste.A few large ziplocks all packed in a coffee can.2 space blankets and a dozen safety pins,a mosquito headnet,candle,small towel,a few boulion cubes,orange flagging tape and some candy.Also a tiny bar of soap[taken from the motel]and my clear thinking brain.

doug1980
12-17-2008, 08:40 PM
I have to be honest I never heard of a "Survival Tin" before. Great idea really, since reading this I decided to put one together. I have a few more items to add like fishing line, I can't believe I'm out of that, and some type of fire starter besides my lighter. Any suggestions?

crashdive123
12-17-2008, 08:45 PM
I have to be honest I never heard of a "Survival Tin" before. Great idea really, since reading this I decided to put one together. I have a few more items to add like fishing line, I can't believe I'm out of that, and some type of fire starter besides my lighter. Any suggestions?

Braided 20lb test spun onto a sewing bobbin. Takes up very little room - holds quite a bit. Swedish Fire Steel (or similar) for fire. Add in some petroleum soaked cotton balls or some Wetfire Tinder and starting a fire will not be an issue.

Stairman
12-17-2008, 08:45 PM
I prefer a magnesium striker.

crashdive123
12-17-2008, 08:47 PM
I prefer a magnesium striker.

They're great. I've got one in all of my fire kits. Space consideration for the Altoids box is why I chose Fire Steel.

doug1980
12-17-2008, 08:48 PM
Sweet good tips. For the fishing line I have a very small floss container that I was going to spool the line on. It's pretty handy.

Stairman
12-17-2008, 08:55 PM
And the cotton balls coated with vasoline works great by the way.I once read that the energy you spend to catch fish isnt worth the few nutrients you get without a batter.It would be a moral booster though.In my kit I could use a safety pin for the hook and some of the parachute filaments for the line which is why i dont carry a fishin kit.

doug1980
12-17-2008, 08:58 PM
Yeah I got 30' of 550 cord and several safety pins in mine as well. Probably need some type of snare, might be more usefull than the fishing kit. But I have a little room left so I might as well keep it all.

crashdive123
12-17-2008, 08:59 PM
Sweet good tips. For the fishing line I have a very small floss container that I was going to spool the line on. It's pretty handy.

Keep in mind that if you are trying to fit everything into a small container (Altoids Can) any space savings will help.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/FishingLine.jpg

Or you can wrap the line around a few nails (they come in handy).

Stairman
12-17-2008, 09:03 PM
Fish traps work well.With a funnel at one end.Even plant experts need protein.Grubs and a trapline should fill the bill.

hermitman
12-17-2008, 09:04 PM
I once read that the energy you spend to catch fish isnt worth the few nutrients you get without a batter.It would be a moral booster though
That dosn't sound right to me fish having few nutrients

Stairman
12-17-2008, 09:06 PM
My slow typing is coming in after posts I didnt read yet.

Stairman
12-17-2008, 09:08 PM
If Im hungry nutrients or not Im eating.I wish I could quote where I read this at.

doug1980
12-17-2008, 09:09 PM
Keep in mind that if you are trying to fit everything into a small container (Altoids Can) any space savings will help.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/FishingLine.jpg

Or you can wrap the line around a few nails (they come in handy).

Wow next to the spool my idea looks huge. :eek: My tin is a bit larger than an altoid can, I'll take some pics when I get off work. Still though I could use your idea and cram more usefull stuff in there. :D

Gray Wolf
12-17-2008, 09:37 PM
That dosn't sound right to me fish having few nutrients

You're right hermitman. I'll take fresh raw salmon any day of the week...

crashdive123
12-17-2008, 09:41 PM
You're right hermitman. I'll take fresh raw salmon any day of the week...

Sashimi - yummy!!! Plenty of nutritional value in fish.

Runs With Beer
12-17-2008, 10:00 PM
Fish is brain food, Right?

SARKY
12-17-2008, 10:38 PM
I have to ask the question.......why are so many people drawn towards a rigid tin for a small survival kit? I have since gone to the "specOps" brand "Dry Cell Onboard" for the container of my basic (small) kit. Would I buy a kit...NO! Why because I will probably be replacing most of the stuff in the comercial kit with quality products, not to mention the items I will be adding to the kit in order to bring it up to snuff.
Remember everyone approaches survival a little differently. As such our kits though similar are going to our flavor in them.

dbldrew
12-17-2008, 11:45 PM
I have to ask the question.......why are so many people drawn towards a rigid tin for a small survival kit? I have since gone to the "specOps" brand "Dry Cell Onboard" for the container of my basic (small) kit. Would I buy a kit...NO! Why because I will probably be replacing most of the stuff in the comercial kit with quality products, not to mention the items I will be adding to the kit in order to bring it up to snuff.
Remember everyone approaches survival a little differently. As such our kits though similar are going to our flavor in them.

One nice thing with the altoids tin is that if you are running low on your cotton balls, you can easily make char cloth using the tin and cutting a few small squares of your tee shirt.

doug1980
12-18-2008, 01:30 AM
I decided to put it in this little pouch to wear on my belt.
http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo3/speedracer1565/kitandpouch.jpg
I still have some room left for the fire starter and some cotton balls. The tin is 4 3/4"x 5"
http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo3/speedracer1565/kit.jpg
I think I covered all the basics. I even made one of those 10 cent knives. Got the idea from here so thanks all.
http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo3/speedracer1565/kitcontents.jpg
This is the fishing stuff which all gets stored in little black case
http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo3/speedracer1565/kitcontents2.jpg

If I left anything out please let me know. I did add a plastic trash bag as well.

Sam
12-18-2008, 03:43 AM
I decided to put it in this little pouch to wear on my belt.
http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo3/speedracer1565/kitandpouch.jpg
I still have some room left for the fire starter and some cotton balls. The tin is 4 3/4"x 5"
http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo3/speedracer1565/kit.jpg
I think I covered all the basics. I even made one of those 10 cent knives. Got the idea from here so thanks all.
http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo3/speedracer1565/kitcontents.jpg
This is the fishing stuff which all gets stored in little black case
http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo3/speedracer1565/kitcontents2.jpg

If I left anything out please let me know. I did add a plastic trash bag as well.

What about a sewing needle and duct tape for repairing gear? I also don't see a signal mirror and whistle.
-Sam

doug1980
12-18-2008, 03:46 AM
Got a couple needles in the little baggie along with a few more safety pins. Duct tape would be good. How could I fold it so it wouldn't stick to itself though? Wax paper maybe.....

bulrush
12-18-2008, 10:51 AM
I prefer to make my own kit. That way I can be sure of the quality items I put into it. And then I don't pay for stuff I don't need. For example, I never carry an axe or saw of any kind because I can break off tree limbs and build a fire with long branches.

With kits, so much of the parts are made overseas and is of questionable quality. Is that match box really water proof? What if your canoe/raft tips over in class 5 rapids? Will your matches still work? Just another reason to use a flint (ferromag) striker or bic lighter with vaselined cotton balls.

Since I do geocaching I'm familiar with a myriad variety of waterproof and weatherproof boxes of many sizes.

rockymtnchief
12-18-2008, 11:47 AM
Since I do geocaching I'm familiar with a myriad variety of waterproof and weatherproof boxes of many sizes.

Micro-caches gave me most of my ideas for storing small items.

russell_pta
01-14-2009, 09:55 PM
they sell flat "rolls" of duct tape at wallmart i think. i have one with my backpacking gear.

crashdive123
01-14-2009, 10:04 PM
they sell flat "rolls" of duct tape at wallmart i think. i have one with my backpacking gear.

In the camping and sporting goods section. (I think) Thanks for the reminder. Hey, when you get a chance, roll on over to the Introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself. Thanks.

Nativedude
01-15-2009, 01:45 AM
Stairman wrote: "I once read that the energy you spend to catch fish isn't worth the few nutrients you get without a batter". :confused::confused::confused:

Well Stairman, I hope whom ever wrote that statement is NOT teaching anyone else how to stay alive!

Fish are an EXCELLENT source of protein, fatty acids, omega 3's, essential oils and they require much less digestive energy to digest than red meat or some plants.

In a survival situation fish can boost your brain power, which in turn, boosts your energy levels, to help sustain you for longer periods of time. And fish can be eaten raw (Sushi) or cooked. Which is a HUGE benefit if you can't get a fire started! ;)

SARKY
01-15-2009, 10:07 PM
I have to be honest I never heard of a "Survival Tin" before. Great idea really, since reading this I decided to put one together. I have a few more items to add like fishing line, I can't believe I'm out of that, and some type of fire starter besides my lighter. Any suggestions?

Doug..... you're in the AirForce? Go down to the rigger shop and ask them to let you look at the contents of the survival packets that go into a pilots survival vest. I'm not talking about the pilots seat kit, that will be much bigger. Then see if you can snag a pouch from them to put your small kit into.

doug1980
01-15-2009, 10:12 PM
Doug..... you're in the AirForce? Go down to the rigger shop and ask them to let you look at the contents of the survival packets that go into a pilots survival vest. I'm not talking about the pilots seat kit, that will be much bigger. Then see if you can snag a pouch from them to put your small kit into.

I tried no luck. I did get most of the items they use in them though. My wife works in supply so I got a few items. I have a couple different pouches to choose from. I chose the metal tin in case I needed to boil water. It's kinda small but in a pinch it would work.

Kankujoe
01-16-2009, 03:32 AM
I believe you always do better to build your own kit. You will get better quality components and things you are comfortable with.

Last week I put together two identical small kits using two small fanny packs (approx 8"x5"x3") I picked up at REI. The packs have a main compartment w/ a few pockets, & a zippered mesh pocket. There is also another zippered pocket on the front. The waist belt can be tucked behind a flap if not used as a fanny pack.

Inside are:
1. Rain Poncho
2. Heat Sheets 2 person space blanket
3. 1 liter Platypus water bladder
4. Aquamira Frontier Pro water filter, 6 Aquamira water tabs
5. FirstAid kit, personal meds, toothbrush, floss
6. Pocket knife
7. Butane lighter, vaseline cotton balls, magnesium striker
8. 25' Paracord, 2 NiteIze figure 9 carabiners w/ 6' paracord each
9. 3' 90mph duct tape around a pencil
10. 2'x2' square of heavy duty aluminum foil
11. Inova button LED light
12. Whistle
13. Small note pad
14. Storm Shelter Pocket Tent

The bags are not over stuffed & there is room for additional small items.

Each kit weighs a pound or two and is small enough to be easily carried or worn or stuffed in my computer bag, day pack or bug out bag.

headshaker
01-17-2009, 10:12 AM
This is what I like to carry. 1 pint Nalgene bottle wrapped with duct tape & 550 cord. Inside is water purification tablets, magnesium fire starer, cotton/vaseline & space blanket. That should help with the immediate need for water fire & shelter. Also a very small led light, razor blades, snare wire, foil, bandaids, fishing kit (fishing line is wraped around sharpie marker), rubber bands & some cajun spice in case I'm lucky enough to find something to eat.

endurance
01-17-2009, 02:58 PM
Doug, nice tin! I think the only thing that's missing (or is hidden) that would easily fit would be a small LED light like a Photon II. I've never tried to make something this small, but you've done a great job of getting a lot of kit into a very small space. Of course I think space bags are essential kit, but you just can't put something like that in a kit this small and a plastic garbage bag is a very close second place, IMHO. I think I have a tin like that from a knife purchase I made a few years ago. I'll have to give it a shot.

Has anyone else used this Equipped to Survive (http://www.equipped.com/jmjsafe.htm) Pilot Symposium paper as a source for ideas. It really gave me some food for thought on a couple ideas, like the insect head netting in a kit. Far from focused on compactness, but a good number of lists for aviators.

doug1980
01-17-2009, 03:18 PM
Doug, nice tin! I think the only thing that's missing (or is hidden) that would easily fit would be a small LED light like a Photon II. I've never tried to make something this small, but you've done a great job of getting a lot of kit into a very small space. Of course I think space bags are essential kit, but you just can't put something like that in a kit this small and a plastic garbage bag is a very close second place, IMHO. I think I have a tin like that from a knife purchase I made a few years ago. I'll have to give it a shot.

Has anyone else used this Equipped to Survive (http://www.equipped.com/jmjsafe.htm) Pilot Symposium paper as a source for ideas. It really gave me some food for thought on a couple ideas, like the insect head netting in a kit. Far from focused on compactness, but a good number of lists for aviators.

Thanks. Yeah I have no light yet. I have added a few more items since the picture like a magnesium fire starter, wire saw, whistle, and got the fishing line now. Always upgrading.

endurance
01-17-2009, 08:45 PM
I'm always tweaking and improving kits. Usually they'll grow until I realize that I don't need half the crap in them, then I'll clean them out and start over. My current bike kit is getting rediculous, but nearly every item in it is stuff that I've needed at some point in the last two or three years.

Once you've seen the Photon and see how bright it is along with its other features (has a 12 hour battery life, dimmable, has a strobe feature, a clip so you can use it as a headlamp and consider that a spare set of batteries takes up less space than a nickle), it's the obvious choice for a compact kit. I like the Doug Ritter model (http://www.equipped.org/dr_photon.htm) or this model (same features in black) (http://cgi.ebay.com/Photon-Freedom-Micro-Light-w-COVERT-NOSE-Clip-WHITE_W0QQitemZ220334529989QQcmdZViewItem) because they have a shield to prevent leaking light from messing with your night vision and comes with the clip. All for less that $20.

I've gone to the Horseshoe Mountain firestarters (www.hmfire.com) since I discovered them. It still uses a magnesium and manmade flint, but it's smaller diameter so it fits anywhere and has its own striker so I don't have to dull my knife.

MCBushbaby
01-17-2009, 10:07 PM
I cut mine down to the simple necessities: fire, water, signalling.
But I know how to do a lot of primitive navigation and bushcraft, so I can cut out a lot of things.

Flint/steel ($0.10 survival knife hacksaw blade triples as spearpoint or saw, knife, and striker)
Vaseline cotton and char cloth in 2x3" ziplock
2ft folded aluminum acts as signaling (flashing or crafted into whistle) and cooking (folded into pot or skillet)
WetTinder for wet conditions
Carved TeaLite candle (for extended burn on wet tinder)
1gal ziplock baggie for solar still and water storage
P38 can opener (I once found a can of food left by some weekender but didn't have a tool to open it! Never again!)
50' 8lb monofilament fishing line with 6 EagleClaw worm hooks
2 medium safety pins
and I think I made enough room for a mini Bic or snare wire... It's continually changing but the above is my foundation