How to Make an Altoids Tin Survival Kit

You never know when you might end up lost in the wilderness, and carrying something as simple as a tin of Altoids with you could save your life. Of course, you'll want to take the Altoids out first and fill the tin with an assortment of survival gear. Be ready to brave the wild all on your own, with just your Altoids Survival Kit to save you. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Focus on what skills you'll need. You'll need to build a fire, find or build shelter, get food and water, be able to give first aid and you'll need a way to get back to civilization or to signal that you need help.

2. Select what to put in your kit based on what immediate needs you'll have. Choose at least one thing to include in your kit for each of your needs, such as shelter, medication, and a means for food. You don't want to end up with too many items that won't fit into your Altoids tin.

3. Bring matches, a disposable lighter, flint, tinder and a magnifying glass or a magnesium starter for a source of fire.

4. Take stuff to make shelter and protect yourself from the elements, such as a poncho or a survival blanket, or a hat and lip balm.

5. Gather first aid supplies for your survival kit. You don't have much room, but at least take bandages and antibacterial ointment.

6. Pack your survival kit. An Altoids tin is not very big; so you'll have to really think about what qualifies as an essential.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to pack multipurpose items in your survival kit. For instance, a garbage bag can be used as a poncho or as shelter.

• You can use your Altoids tin as a cup or even to boil water.

• Look at an Army surplus store or camping supply store for the supplies you'll pack in your survival kit.