Camping Survival Tins With Vintage Vibes

You'll feel perfectly prepared on your next outdoor excursion with this trio of mini camping survival tins made from upcycled mint containers.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Camping in the great outdoors is a blast, but no nature-based adventure comes without a few potential hiccups. Whether you're struggling to make a fire, dealing with cuts and splinters or simply in need of tools to tackle a quick campsite snag, we've got you covered with an easy and practical DIY guide for creating a trio of functional camping kits.

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The best part? You don't have to spend a fortune to feel prepared as you embark on your next outdoor trip. Our tutorial will help you transform empty Altoids mint tins into stylish, practical camping survival kits. With a touch of vintage charm, these quaint containers can easily house everything you need for outdoor escapades, from campfire-starting tools to first aid supplies. Ready to get creative? Let's dive into the world of upcycling as we create our very own vintage-inspired camping survival tins!

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Video: Camping Survival Tins With Vintage Vibes

Part 1: Decorate Tins

Things You'll Need

  • Empty Altoids tins

  • Sharp scissors

  • Paper camping images

  • Background paper

  • Mod Podge

  • Foam brush

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

1. Print and cut out paper images

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Check out travel magazines, camping gear packaging or the vast wilderness of the internet to find images for covering the camping tins. These will be decoupaged onto the tins, so use scissors to cut out preferred shapes.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Tip

If your search mission doesn't lead to any enticing usable freebies, no worries! You can always source camping-specific images or logos from Etsy. That's exactly what we did for the graphics seen in this tutorial.

2. Adhere images to tins with Mod Podge

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Using a foam brush and Mod Podge, adhere images to tin tops.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Use multiple layers and give each coat ample time to dry.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Part 2: Build Fire-Starting Tin

Things You'll Need

  • Decorated tin

  • Small pieces of wood kindling

  • Wax-soaked cotton balls

  • Wax chunks

  • Waterproof matches

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Next, you'll need to fill your tins with essentials!

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Picture this: You're out on a day hike, but things take an unexpected turn and you find yourself on an impromptu overnight adventure. Fear not! You've got a lifesaver fire-starting kit in your upcycled tin. To create this kit, fill the tin with a wax-soaked cotton ball, solid wax chunks, dry kindling sticks and a few waterproof matches.

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Part 3: Build Camping Essentials Survival Tin

Things You'll Need

  • Decorated tin

  • Flint

  • Multi-tool

  • Flashlight

  • Water purification tablets

  • Waterproof matches

  • Compass

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

If your day hike or overnight camping trip turns into an extended stay, a camping essentials survival kit will keep you covered. To build your second tin, gather a multi-tool keychain with a knife, set of pliers, screwdriver and file.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Add water purification packets, a mini flashlight, flint and steel, matches and a small compass.

Part 4: Build First Aid Camping Tin

Things You'll Need

  • Adhesive bandages

  • Tweezers

  • Antiseptic

  • Antihistamine tablets

  • Antacid

  • Throat lozenges

  • Pain reliever

  • Decongestant

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

In the third tin, compile a DIY first aid kit to save the day while camping.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Gather antacids, antidiarrheals, antihistamines, decongestants, pain relievers and throat lozenges. Add an antiseptic pad, trusty bandages and a pair of tweezers to round things out.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Congratulations, camper! You've successfully transformed empty Altoids tins into vintage-inspired camping survival kits. With your newly created fire-starting kit, camping essentials kit and first aid supply kit, you're all set to conquer the wilderness with style and preparedness. Go forth, explore the great outdoors and embrace those vintage vibes!

Ready to take on another fun DIY project? Check out our mid-century modern punch bowl tutorial.

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