Introduction: Ultimate DIY Survival Tin

About: A UK based survival, prepper blog with all the latest techniques needed in a SHTF situation.

Hi guys its my first instructable and I figured I would aim high and enter the travel contest with my take on the ultimate DIY survival tin.

I have been tweaking this kit for a few years now and although I am happy with it i'm sure you would want to add/remove some items depending on your own preferences or requirements.

If you are interested in other survival/prepping tips please stop by my UK survival blog

I would also like to appologise for the less than great pictures but my camera is rubbish hint hint ;)

Step 1: The Tin

One of the most important items in the whole kit is the tin itself as this will house and protect all your items from damage and loss.

I went for a nice gold airtight tin from amazon but any tobacco or Altoids tin will do as long as its strong and you can seal it correctly.

I recommend the use of electrical tape all around the seam and "ranger bands" cut from bike tires to secure the tin once it was assembled and fit for purpose.

Also adding some high visibility tape like Solas tape on the inside of the lid for signalling purposes.

Step 2: The Full Contents

As you can see we are going to be stuffing as much as possible into our kit. Sure there may be a little extra space for a maglight or similar sized item but I leave that to you.

Each kit is packed in a small baggie to keep them dry and separated.

Now onto the kit list.

Step 3: The Medical Bag

You never know what you may encounter in your travels so it always helps to carry a good first aid kit but as we cant fit all that in our tin I have picked the essentials.

Step 4: The Medical Bag Contents

Here is what you need:

  • 2 x plasters (for minor cuts)
  • 3 x Steri-strips
  • 1 x alcohol pad
  • 2 x water purification tablets
  • 1 x bag of potassium permanganate
  • 1 x condom

Plasters are for minor cuts

Steri Strips for larger wounds

Alcohol pad for wound or even fire lighting

warter purification tabs speak for themselves

Potassium permanganate, I know I could swap both of the above for this but as there is room it wont hurt to carry it.

Believe it or not a condom has multiple survival applications

Step 5: The Tool Bag

There are multiple tools that I would like to pack into a survival kit but as they are all far to large I will have to choose carefully.

Step 6: The Tool Bag Contents

Here is what you need:

  • 4 x safety pins
  • 2 x small fishing hooks
  • 1 x tin opener
  • 1 x high carbon blade
  • 1 x bobby pin
  • 1 x needle
  • 1 x foot of gaffa tape

The safety pins can be used to repair you clothing but have multiple other survival uses.

Small fishhooks can be used for night lines.

A tin opener for any tins of beans you happen across.

The high carbon blade can be used to make other tools and strike your ferrocerium rod.

A bobby pin for your hair or to pick locks, Your choice.

A needle for clothing repair or you can make a compass.

Gaffa tape for everything.

Step 7: The Tinder Bag

Fire is going to provide you with warmth and a place to cook as well as a signalling aid so we will pack this bag with as much as possible.

Step 8: The Tinder Bag Contents

Here is what you need:

  • 1 x jute twine
  • 1 x braided Kevlar
  • 1 x ferrocerium rod
  • 3 x windproof matches
  • 1 x match striker
  • 1 x cotton wool/vaseline tinder straw
  • 1 x magnesium powder straw

Jute twine is a great tinder when fluffed up with a blade.

The braided Kevlar can be used as tinder but is better used as a cutting tool.

Ferrocerium rod should be used with the back of the carbon blade.

The windproof matches and striker can be used if the weather is not on your side.

Wool/vaseline will take a spark easily.

Magnesium powder for extra tinder.

Step 9: Miscellaneous Items

As we have some extra room

  • 2 x zip ties
  • 2 x glow sticks
  • 1 x button compass
  • 1 x snare wire
  • 1 x fishing line

The zip ties can be used to help construct a shelter but they also have other uses.

Mini glow sticks are not super bright but are good in a pinch.

A button compass for navigation.

Snare wire for small game.

Fishing line for you night lines.

Step 10: Adventure

Your now ready to embark on your latest adventure safe in the knowledge that if disaster strikes you will be prepared with your own ultimate survival kit.

I hope you enjoyed my first dip into instructables and if you have any questions or ideas for the kit please comment and I will get back to you asap.

Travel Contest 2017

Participated in the
Travel Contest 2017