The point of this article is to demonstrate how to create small, compact survival kits that are easy to carry with you or store.
POCKET-SIZED SURVIVAL KIT
Our first is a pocket-sized survival kit (PSK). It’s light enough to fit in your pocket whenever you’re going out into the wilderness. All of these items should be able to fit into an Altoids tin, or an old tobacco tin.
ITEMS FOR YOUR KIT
The items include:
A small pencil- used for taking notes.
A small compass- will help you find your way if you lost but know what direction you need to move in.
A small mirror- used for signaling, inspecting hard to see wounds, etc.
A zippo lighter- used for starting fires. Zippos are usually more durable than regular lighters.
A swiss army knife- multiple uses, obviously.
Needles and dental floss- used for sewing and stitching. The dental floss can also be used as fishing line.
Water purification tablets- pretty self-explanatory, should you need some clean water.
Fishing wire and a variety of hooks- obviously dependent on if you’ll be in an area where fishing is possible.
Cotton- can be used to dress wounds, start fires, etc.
The beauty if this kit is that it’s not much larger than a wallet. A basic kit you can carry anywhere has more value that a maxed-out kit with all the trimmings that you don’t have on you when you need it.
Check out this article on to make a more traditional 72 hour emergency survival kit.
1 LB COFFEE TIN SURVIVAL KIT
Our second kit is designed to fit into a 1 lb coffee can. Its great for storing in the trunk of your car.
ITEMS FOR YOUR KIT
The items include:
A small pencil and some paper- used for taking notes.
A small compass- will help you find your way if you lost but know what direction you need to move in.
A small mirror- used for signaling, inspecting hard to see wounds, etc
A Zippo lighter- used for starting fires. Zippos are usually more durable than regular lighters.
20+ feet of nylon rope- multiple uses.
A Swiss army knife- multiple uses.
Needles and dental floss- used for sewing and stitching. The dental floss can also be used as fishing line.
A poncho- protection from the rain, choose a bright to attract attention.
A candle wrapped in aluminum foil- candle for light, foil has multiple purposes.
A whistle- used to attract attention.
Money- a few quarters for pay phones, $20+ for gas.
2 large garbage bags
Wax paper- when stuffed in will stop the items from ratting around, and can be used as a fire starter.
If you’re storing it in your car, make sure to include a 1-2L bottle of water.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you may want to consider a wilderness survival kit.
Read this article for building an emergency survival kit for your car.
That’s it, hope this helps!
Good luck and stay prepared!
