Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Paul K on March 13, 2010 at 9:37

I know altoids tins are popular

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by kage on March 13, 2010 at 15:56

I've found that SUCRETS (throat lozenges) tins are a bit more compact and deeper in size than ALTOIDS tins. The lozenges come in blister pacts and can be stored more easily within packs or on the body, and they're far more purposely useful than a mint when you're out and about.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Paul K on March 14, 2010 at 8:12

Is the tin waterproof?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by kage on March 14, 2010 at 11:39

Neither the ALTOIDS or the SUCRETS tins are "truly" 100% waterproof (if the lid is bent, creased, or the tin becomes punctured,) but they can be made to be near-waterproof by use of a Ranger Band as a sleeve cover for the tin. Simply obtain a bicycle inner tube and cut a section that is slightly longer than the tin itself, then stretch the cut inner tube (Ranger Band) piece over the tin. Having a slight excess of material extending from the edges of the tin allows for the folding back of the Ranger Band to facilitate easier access to the tin. Inner tubes come in various sizes, so you might want to get the largest and widest type possible to better accommodate the tin. Additionally, the excess rubber at the ends of the tin can be cut up and used for tinder if necessary.

btw You might also want to use this Ranger Band idea for your fixed blade sheaths, as it will provide for improvised "pockets" for necessary survival gear (fire steel, water purification tablets, paracord, etc...) that will be readily available in one convenient place.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Paul K on March 14, 2010 at 12:01

thats a really great idea, one other type of container i used is one from pellets that go in a pellet gun.
Since the lid screws on, i could imagine it would be more watertight. http://nmproducts.net/images/P022-.22-cal.-Pointed-pellet.jpg

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by kage on March 14, 2010 at 16:18

Well the only way to see if the tin is truly waterproof is to test it. Fill the sink with water, put some paper in the tin, and submerge the tin in the water for approx. a minute, then see how dry the paper is.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Paul K on March 14, 2010 at 16:28

So what do you put in your kit?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by kage on March 14, 2010 at 20:55

I'm currently in the process of changing over from a survival tin to a survival wallet, and my SUCRETS tin was part of a medium-size fanny pack MOLLE-attached to my B-O-B, with the left outer pocket panel holding my EFA (Emergency First Aid) Kit which is a STAY CALM AND CARRY ON tin (there is a BFA (Basic First Aid) kit in the B-O-B,) and the right outer pocket panel holding my Survival Kit SUCRETS tin.

My survival kit tin contents are currently: Tinder (vaseline-soaked cotton balls, dryer lint, magnesium block) Mini BIC lighter, #16 sailmaker's needle (for clothes) and #12 sailmaker's needle (for material,) waxed dental floss, Commando Saw, 20ft coil of 60lbs galvanized steel wire, LEATHERMAN MICRO Multitool, ROTHCO 6-in-1 Survival Whistle (whistle/LED/signal mirror/compass/thermometer/magnify glass.)

btw I use the sailmaker's needles because they have a triangular point and a larger eye than regular sewing needles, so are therefore easier to thread and pierce through material. Additionally, in my area it's easier to spear fish than hook them, so I dispense with fishing gear in my survival tin.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Halicon on February 13, 2011 at 23:32

What happened to good ol' superglue? Always love the sting when you apply it on a wound.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Trent Rock on February 14, 2011 at 1:17

22 Manly Ways to Reuse an Altoids Tin

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Halicon on February 14, 2011 at 22:29

Martini? Pfft, out in the woods you only need wood polish to get you hammered. Also opens up for a great game of "wander the forest and see who shows up in the morning"

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion