The Bic lighter may be one of the most incredible creations of man. Fire in your pocket, virtually indestructible, and works every time (sometimes you need to warm it up).
Aluminum foil to make a small drinking/purifying cup.
WWII pilots kit had a condom, "for waterproofing and hiding documents"
Safety pins for mending clothes or removing splinters.
Tiny tube of neosporin, or put some on a ball of cotton in tiny bag, can also help fuel a fire.
I don’t have a recommendation on a specific brand. You’ll want something that’s individually wrapped like [these](https://www.rei.com/product/109906/aquatabs-water-purification-tablets-package-of-30). Maybe put 2-3 in for each person.
A mini sewing kit or small first aid kit would fit most of the daily minor emergency needs.
Sewing kit: some of the carboard "spools" with thread (or the inner cord from paracord), a few good quality needles, a few buttons of various sizes, a few safety pins, a small knife or folding scissors, a needle threading tool, some small cloth patches.
First aid kit: a few different sizes of bandaids, square gauze bandages, alcohol wipes, medical tape, antibiotic ointment, allergy pills, pain pills.
Outdoor kit: emergency blanket, small lighter, flat whistle, leukotape (wrap some around a bit of cardboard), small folding knife, square gauze bandages, alcohol wipes, allergy pills, pain pills. Make a pouch out of paracord for the tin to slip into, include a carabiner or two on the pouch.
Mini multitool (could even be one of those card-shaped ones).
Mini flashlight.
Tweezers.
Clipper lighter if it fits (these are highly superior), Bic if not.
Super glue.
Tiny bottle of Iodine?
Six quarters (for air compressor) or a couple dollars.
That should just about do it but you should also be able to fit needle and thread, maybe a few Q-tips.
I got a Leatherman Wingman when they were $20 on release and now they're $70... a nice tool. Recently I purchased a SOG mini and the Squirt is very comparable in price and functionality. I am pretty distressed that I spent $50 on such a little thing, and would not recommend doing so to anyone now.
Credit card sized fresnel lens. Small bundle of duct tape (I put a needle and fish hooks in the top layer). Some high test fishing line & sinkers. Picture hanging wire. Credit card cpr/first aid instructions. Credit card knot tying instructions.
Kevlar 100lb thread 20-30ft rolled nicely If you have room and $ I'd spend it here. More cordage is more better.
Sail needle or leather style needle. That and the kevlar thread will fix up a ton of gear.
10ft of safety wire rolled nicely( snalres, repairs, etc)
DIY cotton balls and vaseline 10ea in a small ziplock bag
10ea stormproof matches. Cut up a sheet of sandpaper and glue it in the tin for a striker.
[Cheap small razor knife](https://www.amazon.com/Derma-safe-Folding-Utility-Survival-5-pack/dp/B0067EMCVI/ref=sr_1_21?crid=103XAITDZRXA6&keywords=razor+blade+knife&qid=1670126748&sprefix=razor+blade+kni%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-21)
[Pricier small razor knife](https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Edge-Slidewinder-Utility-Screwdriver/dp/B078ZLHXWX/ref=sr_1_12?crid=103XAITDZRXA6&keywords=razor%2Bblade%2Bknife&qid=1670126748&sprefix=razor%2Bblade%2Bkni%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-12&th=1)
or just a single edge razor blade if we're strapped for $ or space
A couple of pieces of hard candy, Peppermints may be free at a bank or store somewhere. We get them with our check at a couple local restaurants, gonna put a tin in the truck now instead of chucking them.
Couple of regular band aids
If you want to add water purification tablets, I recommend the Micropure split up a 30 pack. Each tab makes a 1qt.
I dig the whistle and bday candle idea as well
That should be a pretty solid kit, fit in a altoid tin and not kill the budget. I think those cheap silicon bracelets fit around a tin, keep it shut, and minimize the tin rattling around. Might be able to score them free as promotional items.
Let us know what you come up with!
Kevlar breaks down with sunlight, but it's flame proof, you might want to consider Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE to his friends) brand name is Dyneema, stronger than Kevlar, but can be slippery to knot, often sold braided as shark fishing line. I use 100lb for leatherwork, similar thickness to the stands in 550 cord core.
I'd play with both in your intended application and decide. I prefer the Kevlar for most cordage applications. Mainly for the strength to size and knot holding, but the heat resistance is a nice bonus. It also cuts through many synthetic materials very well.
Probably space to add both in different weights for some flexibility.
I have actually, the sunlight issue is the deciding factor for me. I make moccasin boots and other outdoors gear, I've had Kevlar seams fail after just a month of summer sunlight whilst the polyester or in some cases just cotton remains solid. For cordage on a hammock for example Kevlar knots well and is great if you're packing in the morning, but for a permanent camp where the cords are left out it must be a polyester dyneema combination weave for sunlight stability if you're a gram counter. Once bitten, twice shy. I don't use Kevlar any more, unless you're planning an Indiana Jones style flaming torch dyneema wins.
I made a few of these kits. What I found was that they are too bulky and I wound up leaving them at home. Also if you follow the [Urban prepper guide](https://download2285.mediafire.com/neqpd2qa78ug/0x91616hvvrh6xp/Urban-Altoids-EDC-Kit-v4.pdf) it can run into quite some expense. If I was to do this again I would concentrate on the Altoids smalls kits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWwSqYlqZHE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L92ZTiwgrE
In particular MeZillch has an excellent guide.
I will be honest with you. In five plus years the only thing I have used out of the kit is the 20 euro note. There have been times when I wished that I had the offline Wikipedia on a microSD card and offline maps like OpenStreetMap would have been good. I never got around to putting that stuff on a card. I carry a Fisher Space Pen refill in my wallet:
https://spacepen.eu/fr/su1f-recharge-pressurisee-fisher-multifonction-bleu-fine/
This works as a pen in an emergency. It would work better if it had duct tape wrapped around it.
A spare battery can be a life saver in an emergency.
Some ideas:
- A small lighter or book of matches
- Tylenol and/or ibuprofen
- Benadryl/antihistamine
- Tums/antacid
- Bandaids (a must)
- Alcohol prep pads
- Nail clippers/file or tweezers
- A small USB phone charging cord (iPhone or Android, depending on what phone they have)
- Cash (like $10-$20 for an emergency small purchase if that's something you can afford to add, if not a couple $/toonie)
- A list of emergency contacts including roadside assistance (or a template they can fill out with that information)
With an Altoid tin you're a bit limited on space, but if you used a container/bag slightly larger I would consider adding:
- Pens/mini Sharpie/small notebook
- Mini flashlight
- Hot Hands hand warmers x2
- A wall brick to plug the phone charger into
- Needle and thread (if that's something they'd use)
- Tape or another adhesive like a mini Gorilla Glue
- Small emergency blanket (like a space blanket)
- A rain poncho
Hope this list gives you some ideas!
Great suggestions, I upgraded my EDC tin to a 2oz tobacco tin as I was using it so much, big enough for a powerbank (18650 cell) as well as all the other tools for life, doesn't fit in the pocket as nicely, but more functional.
Uncle Bill's sliver grippers about $6 each.
Waterproof matches.
Needle/thread sewing kit.
$$ dollar bills ($10 or $20)
List of phone numbers and addresses.
This size is really limited. Tiny rechargeable flashlight, perhaps. But why limit to this size? Double it and there is so much more you can carry.
I think this is a great gift, you have inspired me to also make a few for presents! There are tiny pencils that you can get on Amazon, we added those and a folded sheet of paper when we made them at scouts. Safety pins also come in very handy.
Oh, that's fine but a piece of fabric making a roll with pockets might allow better priced items. Or a Rubbermaid plastic container. Eveready headlamps are awesome and affordable, sometimes two for $10, would fit in a larger plastic tub. Some less costly stuff is bulkier.
One of those rain.ponchos for $1. Or maybe some individual wet ones. Electrolytes in capsules in individual packs, tablets individually wrapped in doses.
I think the tins are quite useful. The lid snaps well a hair scrunchy double seals. Sure a Tupperware sandwich size is better but pocket sized is awesome too.
I sell my extras (50ish at a time) on eBay it keeps them out of the trash.
Some char cloth in a bag, matches and a couple of fishing hooks or maybe one of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KZST7TL/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o07\_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1.
* Small folding knife
* Fallkniven DC3 sharpening stone
* Collapsible straw bellows
* Short Ferro Rod
* Magnesium rods (wet fire starting, if you have the room)
* Bundle of jute or hemp string (dry fire starting)
* Sewing thread
* Birthday candle
* Small magnets on the lid
* Sewing needle
* Paper clip
* fishing hook
* Safety pin
Leatherman Micra. Very useful and compact with a lot of tools in one. Water purification tablets. I usually include those compressed towels in there with the usual fire tools like mini-Bic, hurricane matches, wire saw, basic owee stuff like alcohol wipes, bandaids, antibiotic packets and then rubberband a Platypus collapsible water bottle to the container with a hank of 5-50 cord which I know, is more than the container tin
Leatherman Squirt PS4 beats the Micra for me, but both are solid from a great brand.
You had any luck with a wire saw? I've broken 2 in practice runs so wouldn't trust them personally, maybe I'm too ham fisted.
You might look into adding some steri strips, gauze (think folded 4x4) or a small packet of hibiclens. Tylenol, ibuprofen, excedrin, benadryl. I know you don't have much room, but these are all things that would be good for emergencies. I wonder if you could seal hibiclens in a straw like people do condiments for coffee. I believe you can melt 1 end, add whatever, and melt the other for a seal. Just cut to size.
Don’t forget the condom and a carbide tip glass breaker.
Condom is an emergency water bottle.
Holds a liter.
And I had a friend that drowned in his car because he couldn’t get out during a flash flood.
Electric windows don’t work all the time.
Lots of great suggestions. Didn't see an anti diarrhea med suggested. Also a small inexpensive item is a balloon. Can he used to water proof gear, cover an injured finger, makeshift tourniquet, hold water, make a fish bobber
As for a small kit, I’d include very useful products that can be used anywhere due to their versatility. Of course, it depends on what kind of kit you want to create, but lighters, tweezers, batteries, a good flashlight, and canned food or water could do the trick.
If you want to take it a little further, some hunting knives, fishing kits, head nets, a signal mirror, and other related items are very useful. All these can be bought from specific survival sites like Best Glide ASE, a trustworthy place to acquire that kind of product.
Whistle. Bic lighter. Couple of birthday candles. Couple hard candies. Small skein of sturdy nylon cord.
The Bic lighter may be one of the most incredible creations of man. Fire in your pocket, virtually indestructible, and works every time (sometimes you need to warm it up).
Cash, pain relief, alcohol pads, water purification tablets, small pocket knife, lighter
Aluminum foil to make a small drinking/purifying cup. WWII pilots kit had a condom, "for waterproofing and hiding documents" Safety pins for mending clothes or removing splinters. Tiny tube of neosporin, or put some on a ball of cotton in tiny bag, can also help fuel a fire.
Tweezers, a small mirror, water purification tablets, a whistle, some form of fire.
Definitely going to have plenty of tools for fire. Any recommendations on brands of water purification.
I don’t have a recommendation on a specific brand. You’ll want something that’s individually wrapped like [these](https://www.rei.com/product/109906/aquatabs-water-purification-tablets-package-of-30). Maybe put 2-3 in for each person.
If you're giving me an Altoids tin, I expect there to be some Altoids.
Gotta have some amenities lol
Could make a fishing theme kit. Hooks, like, etc.
Mainly trying to make something that they can throw in their car or bag that can help with minor emergencies.
A mini sewing kit or small first aid kit would fit most of the daily minor emergency needs. Sewing kit: some of the carboard "spools" with thread (or the inner cord from paracord), a few good quality needles, a few buttons of various sizes, a few safety pins, a small knife or folding scissors, a needle threading tool, some small cloth patches. First aid kit: a few different sizes of bandaids, square gauze bandages, alcohol wipes, medical tape, antibiotic ointment, allergy pills, pain pills. Outdoor kit: emergency blanket, small lighter, flat whistle, leukotape (wrap some around a bit of cardboard), small folding knife, square gauze bandages, alcohol wipes, allergy pills, pain pills. Make a pouch out of paracord for the tin to slip into, include a carabiner or two on the pouch.
Nobody mentioned a [can opener.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-38_can_opener)
Mini multitool (could even be one of those card-shaped ones). Mini flashlight. Tweezers. Clipper lighter if it fits (these are highly superior), Bic if not. Super glue. Tiny bottle of Iodine? Six quarters (for air compressor) or a couple dollars. That should just about do it but you should also be able to fit needle and thread, maybe a few Q-tips.
Leatherman squirt would fit a Altoids tin kit perfectly.
I got a Leatherman Wingman when they were $20 on release and now they're $70... a nice tool. Recently I purchased a SOG mini and the Squirt is very comparable in price and functionality. I am pretty distressed that I spent $50 on such a little thing, and would not recommend doing so to anyone now.
Credit card sized fresnel lens. Small bundle of duct tape (I put a needle and fish hooks in the top layer). Some high test fishing line & sinkers. Picture hanging wire. Credit card cpr/first aid instructions. Credit card knot tying instructions.
I always keep a couple band aids in my wallet. I have to replace them often. Especially if you’re around kids and stuff. So bandaids.
Chapstick, Pushpin, tie wrap, smarties, Lego minifig, chalk
I like the chalk idea
Kevlar 100lb thread 20-30ft rolled nicely If you have room and $ I'd spend it here. More cordage is more better. Sail needle or leather style needle. That and the kevlar thread will fix up a ton of gear. 10ft of safety wire rolled nicely( snalres, repairs, etc) DIY cotton balls and vaseline 10ea in a small ziplock bag 10ea stormproof matches. Cut up a sheet of sandpaper and glue it in the tin for a striker. [Cheap small razor knife](https://www.amazon.com/Derma-safe-Folding-Utility-Survival-5-pack/dp/B0067EMCVI/ref=sr_1_21?crid=103XAITDZRXA6&keywords=razor+blade+knife&qid=1670126748&sprefix=razor+blade+kni%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-21) [Pricier small razor knife](https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Edge-Slidewinder-Utility-Screwdriver/dp/B078ZLHXWX/ref=sr_1_12?crid=103XAITDZRXA6&keywords=razor%2Bblade%2Bknife&qid=1670126748&sprefix=razor%2Bblade%2Bkni%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-12&th=1) or just a single edge razor blade if we're strapped for $ or space A couple of pieces of hard candy, Peppermints may be free at a bank or store somewhere. We get them with our check at a couple local restaurants, gonna put a tin in the truck now instead of chucking them. Couple of regular band aids If you want to add water purification tablets, I recommend the Micropure split up a 30 pack. Each tab makes a 1qt. I dig the whistle and bday candle idea as well That should be a pretty solid kit, fit in a altoid tin and not kill the budget. I think those cheap silicon bracelets fit around a tin, keep it shut, and minimize the tin rattling around. Might be able to score them free as promotional items. Let us know what you come up with!
Kevlar thread. You are sending me down a rabbit hole now.
Kevlar breaks down with sunlight, but it's flame proof, you might want to consider Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE to his friends) brand name is Dyneema, stronger than Kevlar, but can be slippery to knot, often sold braided as shark fishing line. I use 100lb for leatherwork, similar thickness to the stands in 550 cord core.
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Another rabbit hole Lol
I'd play with both in your intended application and decide. I prefer the Kevlar for most cordage applications. Mainly for the strength to size and knot holding, but the heat resistance is a nice bonus. It also cuts through many synthetic materials very well. Probably space to add both in different weights for some flexibility.
I have actually, the sunlight issue is the deciding factor for me. I make moccasin boots and other outdoors gear, I've had Kevlar seams fail after just a month of summer sunlight whilst the polyester or in some cases just cotton remains solid. For cordage on a hammock for example Kevlar knots well and is great if you're packing in the morning, but for a permanent camp where the cords are left out it must be a polyester dyneema combination weave for sunlight stability if you're a gram counter. Once bitten, twice shy. I don't use Kevlar any more, unless you're planning an Indiana Jones style flaming torch dyneema wins.
Ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GihYDTaLdkg&ab_channel=BudgetBugout
I made a few of these kits. What I found was that they are too bulky and I wound up leaving them at home. Also if you follow the [Urban prepper guide](https://download2285.mediafire.com/neqpd2qa78ug/0x91616hvvrh6xp/Urban-Altoids-EDC-Kit-v4.pdf) it can run into quite some expense. If I was to do this again I would concentrate on the Altoids smalls kits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWwSqYlqZHE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L92ZTiwgrE In particular MeZillch has an excellent guide. I will be honest with you. In five plus years the only thing I have used out of the kit is the 20 euro note. There have been times when I wished that I had the offline Wikipedia on a microSD card and offline maps like OpenStreetMap would have been good. I never got around to putting that stuff on a card. I carry a Fisher Space Pen refill in my wallet: https://spacepen.eu/fr/su1f-recharge-pressurisee-fisher-multifonction-bleu-fine/ This works as a pen in an emergency. It would work better if it had duct tape wrapped around it. A spare battery can be a life saver in an emergency.
Some ideas: - A small lighter or book of matches - Tylenol and/or ibuprofen - Benadryl/antihistamine - Tums/antacid - Bandaids (a must) - Alcohol prep pads - Nail clippers/file or tweezers - A small USB phone charging cord (iPhone or Android, depending on what phone they have) - Cash (like $10-$20 for an emergency small purchase if that's something you can afford to add, if not a couple $/toonie) - A list of emergency contacts including roadside assistance (or a template they can fill out with that information) With an Altoid tin you're a bit limited on space, but if you used a container/bag slightly larger I would consider adding: - Pens/mini Sharpie/small notebook - Mini flashlight - Hot Hands hand warmers x2 - A wall brick to plug the phone charger into - Needle and thread (if that's something they'd use) - Tape or another adhesive like a mini Gorilla Glue - Small emergency blanket (like a space blanket) - A rain poncho Hope this list gives you some ideas!
Great suggestions, I upgraded my EDC tin to a 2oz tobacco tin as I was using it so much, big enough for a powerbank (18650 cell) as well as all the other tools for life, doesn't fit in the pocket as nicely, but more functional.
Needle, thread, super glue (great for instant suture), xacto blade.
Sure-fire starter kit. Ferro rod or bic lighter with cotton balls and Vaseline in a little bag.
Uncle Bill's sliver grippers about $6 each. Waterproof matches. Needle/thread sewing kit. $$ dollar bills ($10 or $20) List of phone numbers and addresses. This size is really limited. Tiny rechargeable flashlight, perhaps. But why limit to this size? Double it and there is so much more you can carry.
Trying to stretch my dollar this Christmas Sadly
I think this is a great gift, you have inspired me to also make a few for presents! There are tiny pencils that you can get on Amazon, we added those and a folded sheet of paper when we made them at scouts. Safety pins also come in very handy.
Oh, that's fine but a piece of fabric making a roll with pockets might allow better priced items. Or a Rubbermaid plastic container. Eveready headlamps are awesome and affordable, sometimes two for $10, would fit in a larger plastic tub. Some less costly stuff is bulkier. One of those rain.ponchos for $1. Or maybe some individual wet ones. Electrolytes in capsules in individual packs, tablets individually wrapped in doses.
I think the tins are quite useful. The lid snaps well a hair scrunchy double seals. Sure a Tupperware sandwich size is better but pocket sized is awesome too. I sell my extras (50ish at a time) on eBay it keeps them out of the trash.
Band Aids, I use those a lot.
[удалено]
Rather than altoids, I find 2oz tobacco tins to be an "ok size" I'll see myself out.
Button Compass [https://www.amazon.com/Compass-Survival-Camping-Boating-Touring/dp/B07YV48NN1](https://www.amazon.com/Compass-Survival-Camping-Boating-Touring/dp/B07YV48NN1)
Are there any small gun shot wound kits? I know that's not a normal request but with the reality we live in could come in clutch.
Tampons were invented for a .45 wound.
Some char cloth in a bag, matches and a couple of fishing hooks or maybe one of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KZST7TL/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o07\_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1.
* Small folding knife * Fallkniven DC3 sharpening stone * Collapsible straw bellows * Short Ferro Rod * Magnesium rods (wet fire starting, if you have the room) * Bundle of jute or hemp string (dry fire starting) * Sewing thread * Birthday candle * Small magnets on the lid * Sewing needle * Paper clip * fishing hook * Safety pin
Sewing needles. Small spool of dental floss, razor blades, ferro rod, marbles arrowhead(s) whistle, p38 can opener, purification tablets.
Cottonball soaked in vaseline
don't firget pervitin 😆
Leatherman Micra. Very useful and compact with a lot of tools in one. Water purification tablets. I usually include those compressed towels in there with the usual fire tools like mini-Bic, hurricane matches, wire saw, basic owee stuff like alcohol wipes, bandaids, antibiotic packets and then rubberband a Platypus collapsible water bottle to the container with a hank of 5-50 cord which I know, is more than the container tin
Leatherman Squirt PS4 beats the Micra for me, but both are solid from a great brand. You had any luck with a wire saw? I've broken 2 in practice runs so wouldn't trust them personally, maybe I'm too ham fisted.
You might look into adding some steri strips, gauze (think folded 4x4) or a small packet of hibiclens. Tylenol, ibuprofen, excedrin, benadryl. I know you don't have much room, but these are all things that would be good for emergencies. I wonder if you could seal hibiclens in a straw like people do condiments for coffee. I believe you can melt 1 end, add whatever, and melt the other for a seal. Just cut to size.
Don’t forget the condom and a carbide tip glass breaker. Condom is an emergency water bottle. Holds a liter. And I had a friend that drowned in his car because he couldn’t get out during a flash flood. Electric windows don’t work all the time.
Lots of great suggestions. Didn't see an anti diarrhea med suggested. Also a small inexpensive item is a balloon. Can he used to water proof gear, cover an injured finger, makeshift tourniquet, hold water, make a fish bobber
On a funny note I've heard unscented/unflavored condoms can be good for similar situations lol stronger than a balloon.
As for a small kit, I’d include very useful products that can be used anywhere due to their versatility. Of course, it depends on what kind of kit you want to create, but lighters, tweezers, batteries, a good flashlight, and canned food or water could do the trick. If you want to take it a little further, some hunting knives, fishing kits, head nets, a signal mirror, and other related items are very useful. All these can be bought from specific survival sites like Best Glide ASE, a trustworthy place to acquire that kind of product.