Many hikers spend years perfecting the contents of their daypack.
And for good reason. Although you may plan to be on the trails for just an afternoon, unforeseen circumstances can turn your dayhike into a survival situation-which means a well-stocked pack could mean the difference between life and death. But what happens if you’re separated from your gear? Could you make it through the night on what’s in your pocket? Check out our DIY Altoids Tin Survival Kit for a pocket-size solution to accomplish all four basic survival needs-shelter, water, fire and food-in case of an emergency.
What’s In Our Kit¦ 2 adhesive bandages¦ 2 alcohol swabs¦ Multi-use cord¦ 1 safety pin¦ Salomon soft cup¦ 1 roll duct tape – 36 inches (wrapped tightly around a straw)¦ Emergency fishing kit – 5 hooks, 4 sinkers, 50 ft. fishing line.¦ Gerber paraframe mini knife¦ Vaseline-soaked cotton ball¦ 6 waterproof matches with striker¦ Emergency cord (paracord)¦ Snare wire¦ 2 rubber bands¦ 2 ranger bands (made from bicycle inner tube)¦ 2 water purifier tablets¦ Emergency whistle
Shelter
The first order of business when you’re stranded is to find shelter. In order to prevent hypo- or hyperthermia, it’s important to either find a natural feature to use for shelter (maybe a cave, rock overhang or fallen tree) or to create your own. Inside your Altoids tin, the knife, duct tape, multi-use cord, fishing line, paracord, rubber bands and ranger bands can all be instrumental in helping you create a shelter from small tree limbs tied together. Although it wouldn’t pack inside our tin (we tried), we’d recommend also carrying around a packaged plastic poncho or emergency blanket in another pocket to help protect you from the elements, especially if your shelter isn’t quite waterproof.