Small survival tin thoughts

[Mariner]

O.K. other then shooting, one of my other hobbies is soaring. I have not flown in several years, but am going to get back into it after my shoulder heals up. So assuming I needed to land out in the forest somewhere and had to spend the night in the plane waiting for help. What would you cary in a personnel survival kit the size of an altoid mint can. The can has to be small and light so it can be carried in a pant leg pocket in a tight cockpit enviroment. Or for that matter is there a better option then the mint can. Your thoughts please.

[Moped]

I read this article sometime back and it gave me some ideas. Check it out and see if it helps.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/photos/gallery/survival/food/2006/08/make-survival-kit-out-altoids-tin-and-two-more-life-saving-diy-?photo=1

Actually, this is page two. Go here and then back up one picture. For some reason I couldn't get that link to copy fully to here.

Edited July 24, 2009 by Moped

[Guest TUNER260]

Mossberg put a sardine type survival can in one of the mossber 500 shotgun packages. I would go to there web site and see what it contained.

[Guest Mugster]

Condoms and blow.

[Jasongar8]

Condoms and blow.

+1

-Jason G

[Transplanted Hoosier]

Mariner,

I recommend a fishing hook, fishing line, a couple asperin, one bullet, some type of fire starter (matches) a pen knife. I had to take a survival class when I was up in Maine and we had to put together a little survival kit like you mentioned. I still have it.

Hope this helps.

[Guest maggie357]

Ranger Joe's catalog has an armband that would hold an altoids type tin, maybe a little larger. I really like the idea of an armband-out of the way but securely attached.

Wallet - Armband/Ankle | Ranger Joe's | Military and Law Enforcement Gear | ACU's, BDU's, army boots, rank, and custom name tapes

[Punisher84]

Several sites (like Ranger Joe's) and others will sell these types of kits. Check out this site might give you some ideas as well.

EQUIPPED TO SURVIVE - Outdoors Gear, Survival Equipment Review & Survival Information

[Jonsaiga]

It is a little bulkier but I prefer travel soap containers as they will hold more and come in bright colors. Here is one I threw together or the wife's GHB.

[Guest SUNTZU]

Bunch of videos for some ideas.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[Moped]

It is a little bulkier but I prefer travel soap containers as they will hold more and come in bright colors. Here is one I threw together or the wife's GHB.

Nice setup! I like to put vasoline on the cotton balls. They catch fire much easier.

[Jonsaiga]

Nice setup! I like to put vasoline on the cotton balls. They catch fire much easier.

I use Vaseline/petroleum jelly soaked cotton balls in our normal fire starting kits. These still work well as tinder, they just burn much faster than PJ soaked cotton balls. I wanted to pack these in the container loose so as to eliminate rattle. Had no way of keeping the PJ from getting on everything so I decided against it for this kit.

[Guest SUNTZU]

Get some trioxane. I'd wrap the outside of it with duct tape. That way you aren't tempted to use what is in it except in a true emergency. Plus, you have duct tape.

[Guest redbarron06]

I dont know how cramped your cockpit is or what type of plane you fly but I would sacrifice 3 gallons of gas to be able to ad a kit that would run about 12 lbs. Water, 3600 cal worth of food, solid knife, couple of different types of signals, tarp or poncho, and some 550 cord. This is what the Army is required to carry per crewmember on each aircraft.

1. One equipment bag per crewmember will be carried on the aircraft.

2. Minimum mandatory items per equipment bag:

1 survival blanket

10 water packets 4oz

Survival rations totaling 3600 calories

2 green chem-lights

2 IR chem-lights

1 FM 3-50.3 (FM 21-76-1)

1 muslin bandage

550 cord 50ft

1 pkg water purification tablets

1 water storage bag.

Now I would leave out the IR chemlights but the rest can be packed in a fairly small package (about the size of a childs lunch box if you dont count the water). I break them down into 2 packages, one with the water, and the other with everything else. Then I vac pack each package and it is good to go. For the equipment bag I use a Camekbak Mule. The bladder serves as the water storage bag and I got 40 oz of water to initially fill it up. The water is good for 5 years from DOM and the food is good for 5 from DOM or 3 from the date you put it in the kit. I would also throw in a little first aid kit.

Depending on your AC you may not have the room but we can get these on the little OH58 (Bell Jet Ranger). It does not fit into a mint tin but of all the things you will need water is going to be high on the list and it is always good to have some with you.

Another approach you may want to try to get more survival stuff but without some of the bulk is an old Airforce style survival vest. Many little pockets so it spreads out the load and helps to keep down the bulk in the cockpit.

If you want some more specifics shoot me a PM. This is what I do for the Army so I can at least get you going in the right direction.

[Mariner]

I am getting back into sailplane flying so no spare room for anything that can not be carried in my pocket in a small container. Most of these cockpits are so tight they should have to build the glider around the person buying it to ensure it fits.

[Moped]

RedBarron06, thanks for the great info! BTW, you guys are doing a great job! We appreciate it!

[Guest redbarron06]

RedBarron06, thanks for the great info! BTW, you guys are doing a great job! We appreciate it!

Thanks. we are normally not appreciated until the bird goes down.

[Magiccarpetrides]

I am getting back into sailplane flying so no spare room for anything that can not be carried in my pocket in a small container. Most of these cockpits are so tight they should have to build the glider around the person buying it to ensure it fits.

Fannypack?(i hate em but might be useful)

[Guest ab28]

I carry the new Swiss Army soldier knife, a military magnesium firestarter, a mini Bic, and a few other items, everyday. I add to this when hiking. Basics would be a good knife, paracord, firestarting, water purification, and a tarp for shelter.

[broylz]

Zombie Squad • View topic - BOAT (Bug-Out Altoids Tin)

here is about 10 pages of ideal for a survival kit in an altoids can.