PROJECT 37

MINI SURVIVAL KIT

When I was a child, I used to make little survival kits all the time. It got to the point where my mother could not keep bullion cubes in the house, because every time I saw a container of them I “requisitioned” them to make another survival kit.

As I grew older I became less enamored with survival kits, because I felt they either did not have enough tools to be useful, or—on a slightly different note—I had enough skills where didn’t need them.

Now, I have reached a point where I welcome the safety net a well thought out kit brings, as well as confident enough in the use of all the materials I keep in my kit.

When making a kit, take care to plan for the area you operate in, as tools and equipment perfect for a tropical environment would be near useless in a desert. Also think about the skill level of the people using the kit, and the space and size requirements.

A kit perfect for a car is probably too bulky for most to carry on a day hike. Remember, a kit is no good if it is left behind.

This project is geared toward making a more general small pocket kit for temperate climate areas. While the materials listed below are a good start, feel free to modify based upon your needs.

The perfect time to go over basic survival strategies is while making a survival kit. In today’s world, rescue won’t take more than a day or two if the lost individual is smart and stays in one place and makes themselves easy to find.

Food is not as important as protection from the elements, clean water, and some way to signal.

Material:

•   Altoids Tin

o   Used as a storage container, as well as the body of a solid fuel stove (with the Vaseline cotton balls or commercial fuel tabs).

•   2 Razor Blades

o   Used to cut string and field dress any game.

•   1 Box Matches

o   Store in a waterproof container (and waterproof per project 36).

•   4 Cotton Balls with Vaseline in them

o   These firestarters are described in project 20. ensure you dry and compact them before you place them in the kit.

•   10 Feet Parachute Cord

o   True paracord has inner threads that can be removed to use as additional cordage.

•   10–20 Feet Snare Wire (Thin Steel Wire)

o   The wire can be used for shelter construction, but snares are the easiest way to catch game in a survival situation.

•   20 Feet of Fishing Line

•   6 Medium Size Fishing Hooks

o   Large hooks are next to useless when catching fish for survival.

•   6 Lead Fishing Weights

o   Lead reusable split shot work best.

•   Small LED Flashlight

o   I keep a small button LED light on my keychain also.

•   Plastic Wrap or plastic sheet

o   A sheet can help in shelter construction, but it is also useful in getting water (see project 46).

•   Garbage bags

o   Both for water collection, but also as a raincoat, and to sleep on. Garbage bags are very useful for those that are creative.

•   2 Tylenol/Advil (Vacuum Packed)

o   I also like to keep some Benadryl tablets if space allows.

•   2 Feet Duct Tape

o   I keep a lot of duct tape in my gear (project 6), as it can be used in multiple ways.

•   4–7 Various Sized Safety Pins

•   2 Feet Length of Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil

o   This has some limited use as a reflector for signaling, but it is highly useful for cooking. It can even be folded up to make a cooking pot of sorts.

•   Water Purification Tablets

•   Tea Bag

•   Button Compass

o   “Hug a Tree” and stay where you are is the best survival strategy for kids, but a navigation aid may come in useful.

Tools:

•   Sponge

•   Acetone

•   Soap

Procedure:

1.     Remove the paint from the outside of the container by using the acetone and a sponge to rub off the paint.

2.     Use soap and water to wash out the inside of the container, otherwise sugar remnants can attract bugs or feed mold.

3.     Tightly fold the aluminum foil until it fits easily into the bottom of the container.

4.     Fold the garbage bag the same size as the foil using tape to secure the folds. (Place the bag on top of the foil.)

5.     Insert the tea bag.

6.     Wrap a wide and thin amount of duct tape around your fingers, then place inside the tin.

7.     Fit the other items in wherever they fit.

8.     Close the tin.

9.     Wrap the parachute cord around the outside of the tin

Lessons Learned:

Self-reliance builds confidence.

When talking about wilderness survival with children, stress that no matter how scared they may become, staying in one spot makes it much easier for them to be found.