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A mini survival kit contains essential outdoor survival tools and supplies. It is intended to be carried on one's person at all times, be appropriate to all environments, and be a comprehensive kit without being too large. Mini survival kits are intended to provide the basic needs of a survival situation, self-rescue, assistance or a return to normalcy in optimum situations.

Two philosophies surround the preparation of mini survival kits. Some are prepared with a few comparatively large items such as a knife, matches, a whistle, emergency food, and water bottle. Others are a collection of small, useful items such as rubber bands, paper clips, fishing equipment, lashing material, and razor blades. The technique depends on factors such as one's physical condition, survival skills, and wilderness knowledge.

Container

Survival tools and supplies found in a mini survival kit are generally kept in a container that is small enough to fit into a pocket. Small confectionery tins are commonly used but regular tobacco boxes, specially purchased mini-survival kit tins, life capsules,^[1] 35mm film canisters,^[2] plastic bottles, tin cans, and boxes are also commonly used. The common breath mint containers such as Altoids tins measure approximately 9.3 cm (3.7 in) x 5.8 cm (2.3 in) x 2.1 cm (0.83 in).^[3] Some kinds of containers benefit from waterproofing, which may be done with adhesive tape or by dipping the closed container in paraffin wax.

Mini-survival-kit items can be carried on a neck chain,^[4] a satchel, a pouch or a belt kit pouch. Survival items may also be part of the belt kit itself.

Small fire sources such as butane lighters, matches, tinder and ferrocerium rod or "life boat matches" and striker board;
Signal devices (LED micro lights, small heliographs or survival whistles);
Candles, which can be used for emergency food if made from tallow;
Cutting tools, such as flexible wire, collapsible saws, or pocket knives;
String, fishing line, wire, finishing nails, and safety pins for tying off or affixing shelter materials;

Food and water procurement

Fishing line and assorted fishing hooks;
Snare wire; malleable copper or brass wire is often used, as well as steel 'trip wire' or utility wire;
Dental floss for use as string;
Water purification bags, items that occupy the amount of space as transpiration collection bags will not fit in such a kit as a mini-kit (small tobacco tin or altoids tin as pictured in the article) however could be carried separate from this type of kit referred to in Survival Evasion, Resistant and Escape literature SERE as [worn on the body]:often used to keep tinder dry or for water storage / transportation;
Glucose tablets or hard candy;
Water purification sources, including chemical purification means such as Potassium permanganate or bleach;
Non-lubricated condoms, used for their capability to expand to store a large quantity of water.

Button-sized compass;
Magnetized needle and thread to use a makeshift compass;^[5]

First aid

Wound treatment and antiseptic, such as potassium permanganate or iodine tablets
Scalpel or utility knife blades for minor surgery and fine work
Plasters and bandages
Cyanoacrylate glue is adaptable to the size and shape of injury
Prescription medication for pain, such as Paracetamol or Vicoden

Miscellaneous

In addition to the items marked above, the following items are also frequently found in many mini-survival kits (depending on the area the operator is expecting to be in, personal experience, multiple use considerations, serviceability, and durability). In some kits, certain items marked above can also have been completely replaced by certain items below. Items and many of their uses are listed along with alternative uses and/or alternative items to perform the role in the kit.

Tweezers
Files
Information cards
Candle kit components
Rubbing alcohol, wipes or Povidone-Iodine Prep Pads
Needles or sewing awls and yarn
Butterfly closures
Braided nylon cords
Waterproof paper
Plastic bags
Compressed sponges
Aluminium foil
Baking soda
Electrical tape
Parachute cord
Sharpening stone
Systemic analgesics such as aspirin or paracetamol
Anti-malaria tablets
Broad spectrum antibiotics such as Azithromycin
Antihistamine, for first aid against insect bites/stings and allergies
Anti-diarrhea medication such as Loperamide
Tritium or Superluminova kit markers
Magnifying glasses or Fresnel lenses

References

^ Life capsules also employed in mini survival kits
^ Wilderness Survival Kit at e-ScoutCraft.com
^ "Inner dimensions of Altoids tins?". ladyada's tea party. Archived from the original on 2011-05-19. Retrieved 2007-11-24.
^ Mini survival kit items also worn on neck chain
^ Macwelch, Tim (23 October 2012). "Survival Gear: How to Make a Compass". OutdoorLife.com. Retrieved 10 December 2021.

External links

"Doug Ritter's Mini Survival Kit". Equipped To Survive. Retrieved 2008-07-14.
John D. McCann (14 August 2006). "Make a Survival Kit out of an Altoids Tin". Field & Stream. Retrieved 2008-07-14.
John D. MacMenamin. "How to build the Ultimate Altoids Survival Kit". Altoids Survival Ideas. Archived from the original on 2014-12-14. Retrieved 2014-11-12.
' Lofty' Wiseman SAS Survival Handbook The Ultimate Guide To Surviving Anywhere William Morrow ( 2014)

[1] Life capsules also employed in mini survival kits

[2] Wilderness Survival Kit at e-ScoutCraft.com

[3] "Inner dimensions of Altoids tins?". ladyada's tea party. Archived from the original on 2011-05-19. Retrieved 2007-11-24.

[4] Mini survival kit items also worn on neck chain

[5] Macwelch, Tim (23 October 2012). "Survival Gear: How to Make a Compass". OutdoorLife.com. Retrieved 10 December 2021.

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[2]

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Short description|Small kit containing essential survival tools}}
-{{Multiple issues|
-{{Copy edit|date=August 2021}}
 {{More citations needed|date=August 2021}}
-}}
 [[File:A mini survival kit kept in a medium tin box.jpg|right|thumb|300px|A mini survival kit kept in a medium tin box]]
-A '''mini survival kit''' is a [[survival kit]] consisting of essential outdoor survival tools and supplies. It is intended to be carried on one's person at all times, be appropriate to all environments, and be a comprehensive kit without being too large. The mini survival kit should provide for the basic needs of a survival situation, followed by self-rescue, assistance, or a return to normalcy in optimum situations.
+A '''mini survival kit''' contains essential outdoor survival tools and supplies. It is intended to be carried on one's person at all times, be appropriate to all environments, and be a comprehensive kit without being too large. Mini survival kits are intended to provide the basic needs of a survival situation, self-rescue, assistance or a return to normalcy in optimum situations.
-Two philosophies surround the preparation of mini survival kits. Some people like to carry a few relatively large items such as a knife, matches, whistle, emergency food, water bottle, etc. Others prefer a collection of smaller but more comprehensive items such as rubber bands, paper clips, fishing equipment, lashing material, razor blades, etc. The decision as to which technique is best depends on one's physical condition, survival skills, wilderness knowledge, and other factors.
+Two philosophies surround the preparation of mini survival kits. Some are prepared with a few comparatively large items such as a knife, matches, a whistle, emergency food, and water bottle. Others are a collection of small, useful items such as rubber bands, paper clips, fishing equipment, lashing material, and razor blades. The technique depends on factors such as one's physical condition, survival skills, and wilderness knowledge.
 == Container ==
-The survival tools and supplies found in a mini survival kit are generally kept in a container that is small enough to fit in one's pocket.  [[Altoids]] tins are commonly used, but many other options exist, including specially purchased mini-survival kit tins, regular [[tobacco]] boxes, life capsules,<ref>[http://www.equipped.com/etsbriefings202.htm Life capsules also employed in mini survival kits]</ref> film [[35mm format|canisters]],<ref>[http://www.e-scoutcraft.com/film_can/survival_kit.html Wilderness Survival Kit] at e-ScoutCraft.com</ref> plastic bottles, [[tin can]]s or boxes.  The popular Altoids-type tins measure approximately {{convert|9.3|cm |in}} x {{convert|5.8|cm |in}} x {{convert|2.1|cm |in}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ladyada.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=926|title=Inner dimensions of Altoids tins?|work=ladyada's tea party|accessdate=2007-11-24|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519162302/http://www.ladyada.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=926|archivedate=2011-05-19}}</ref>  Some kinds of containers benefit from waterproofing, which may be done with adhesive tape, or by dipping the closed container in [[paraffin wax]].
+Survival tools and supplies found in a mini survival kit are generally kept in a container that is small enough to fit into a pocket. Small confectionery tins are commonly used but regular tobacco boxes, specially purchased mini-survival kit tins, life capsules,<ref>[http://www.equipped.com/etsbriefings202.htm Life capsules also employed in mini survival kits]</ref> [[35mm format|35mm film canisters]],<ref>[http://www.e-scoutcraft.com/film_can/survival_kit.html Wilderness Survival Kit] at e-ScoutCraft.com</ref> plastic bottles, [[tin can]]s, and boxes are also commonly used. The common [[breath mint]] containers such as [[Altoids]] tins measure approximately {{convert|9.3|cm |in|abbr=on}} x {{convert|5.8|cm |in|abbr=on}} x {{convert|2.1|cm |in|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ladyada.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=926|title=Inner dimensions of Altoids tins?|work=ladyada's tea party|accessdate=2007-11-24|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519162302/http://www.ladyada.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=926|archivedate=2011-05-19}}</ref>  Some kinds of containers benefit from waterproofing, which may be done with adhesive tape or by dipping the closed container in [[paraffin wax]].
-An alternative approach is to carry mini survival kit items on a neck chain,<ref>[http://www.wilderness-survival-skills.com/pocket-survival-kit.html Mini survival kit items also worn on neck chain]</ref> or in a [[satchel (bag)|satchel]], [[wikt:pouch|pouch]] or [[Belt (clothing)|belt]] pouch. Survival items may also be part of the belt itself (as is done in [[money belt]]s).
+Mini-survival-kit items can be carried on a neck chain,<ref>[http://www.wilderness-survival-skills.com/pocket-survival-kit.html Mini survival kit items also worn on neck chain]</ref> a [[satchel (bag)|satchel]], a pouch or a [[Belt Kit|belt kit pouch]]. Survival items may also be part of the belt kit itself.
 == Contents ==
+{{refimprove section|date=June 2024}}
-Because each kit depends on the situation and environment of the person carrying it, there isn't a "one size fits all" kit. Instead, the person creating the kit chooses items that they will need. Below are some examples of gear carried in a kit:
-* Fire source: [[butane lighter]], [[matches]], [[tinder]] and [[ferrocerium]] rod or "life boat matches" and striker board
-* Signal device: LED micro light, small [[heliograph]] (signal mirror), or survival whistle
-* Candle: can be used for emergency food if made from [[tallow]]
 [[File:Candles (AM 1966.3-1).jpg|thumb|right|alt=A tallow candle|A tallow candle]]
+Because each kit depends on the situation and environment of the user, they can vary greatly. Listed below are common items one might find in a mini survival kit:
+* Small fire sources such as [[butane lighter]]s, [[Match|matches]], [[tinder]] and [[ferrocerium]] rod or "life boat matches" and striker board;
+* [[Signal]] [[Tool|devices]] ([[Light-emitting diode|LED]] [[Micro-|micro]] [[Light|lights]], small [[heliograph]]s or [[survival]] [[Whistle|whistles]]);
+* [[Candle|Candles]], which can be used for [[Emergency rations|emergency food]] if made from [[tallow]];
+* [[Cutting]] [[Tool|tools]], such as flexible [[wire]], collapsible [[Saw|saws]], or [[Pocketknife|pocket knives]];
+* [[String (structure)|String]], [[fishing line]], [[wire]], finishing nails, and [[Safety pin|safety pins]] for tying off or affixing shelter materials;
 === Food and water procurement ===
+* [[Fishing line]] and assorted [[Fish hook|fishing hooks]];
-* Fishing line: ({{convert|30|ft|m}} to {{convert|100|ft|m}} or all that will fit on a bobbin)
+* Snare wire; [[Ductility|malleable]] [[copper]] or [[brass]] [[wire]] is often used, as well as [[steel]] '[[trip wire]]' or [[utility]] [[wire]];
-* Assorted fishing hooks: "split shot" lead balls, snap swivels
+* [[Dental floss]] for use as string;
-* Snare wire: copper or brass wire is best for workability without tools; steel 'trip wire' or utility wire is better for durability
+* [[Water purification]] [[Bag|bags]], items that occupy the amount of space as transpiration collection bags will not fit in such a kit as a mini-kit (small tobacco tin or altoids tin as pictured in the article) however could be carried separate from this type of kit referred to in Survival Evasion, Resistant and Escape literature SERE as [worn on the body]:often used to keep [[tinder]] dry or for [[Drinking water|water]] [[Storage tank|storage]] / [[Transport|transportation]];
-* [[Dental floss]]: for any uses that string might be helpful; lightweight and strong.
+* [[Glucose]] tablets or hard candy;
-* Water purification bag: small capacity plastic bag, {{convert|10|USoz|l}}, to keep tinder dry or for water storage/transportation
+* [[Water purification]] sources, including [[List of purification methods in chemistry|chemical purification]] means such as [[Potassium permanganate]] or [[bleach]];
-* Food/energy source: [[glucose]] tablets or hard candy
+* Non-[[Lubrication|lubricated]] [[condoms]], used for their capability to expand to store a [[Size|large]] [[quantity]] of [[water]].
-* Water purification source: fire plus a tin for purification or chemical purification means; [[Potassium permanganate]] or bleach for [[Water chlorination|chlorination]]
-* Non-lubricated [[condoms]]: capable of expanding to store a large quantity of water; [[Magnum (condom)]] can hold several gallons before bursting.
 === Navigation ===
-* Button-sized [[compass]]
+* Button-sized [[compass]];
-* [[Magnetism|Magnetized]] needle and thread: a makeshift compass can be produced by using Earth's [[gravitational field]], steering the magnetized needle in a north–south orientation. You can then float the needle on a leaf in water or hang it freely to reveal North and South <ref>{{cite web |last1=Macwelch |first1=Tim |title=Survival Gear: How to Make a Compass |url=https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/survivalist/2012/10/survival-gear-how-make-compass/ |website=OutdoorLife.com |access-date=10 December 2021}}</ref>.
+* [[Magnetized]] [[Sewing needle|needle]] and [[Thread (yarn)|thread]] to use a makeshift [[compass]];<ref>{{cite web |last1=Macwelch |first1=Tim |title=Survival Gear: How to Make a Compass |url=https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/survivalist/2012/10/survival-gear-how-make-compass/ |website=OutdoorLife.com |date=23 October 2012 |access-date=10 December 2021}}</ref>
-=== Shelter ===
-* Cutting tool: flexible wire or collapsible saw
-* String, fishing line, wire, finishing nails, and safety pins are helpful in trying off or affixing shelter materials
 === First aid ===
-* [[Potassium permanganate]] or iodine tablets: wound treatment/water treatment/antiseptic
+* [[History of wound care|Wound treatment]] and [[antiseptic]], such as [[potassium permanganate]] or [[iodine]] tablets
-* [[Scalpel]] or [[utility knife]] blades: minor surgery and fine work
+* [[Scalpel]] or [[utility knife]] [[Blade|blades]] for minor [[surgery]] and fine work
+* [[Orthopedic cast|Plasters]] and [[Bandage|bandages]]
-* Plasters/[[bandages]] if they fit in the kit. Alternatively, superglue or cyanoacrylate glue can also be useful, due to its adaptability to the size and shape of injury.
+* [[Cyanoacrylate]] [[Adhesive|glue]] is [[Adaptability|adaptable]] to the [[size]] and shape of [[injury]]
-* [[Prescription medication]] for pain, such as [[Paracetamol]] or [[Vicoden]]
+* [[Prescription medication]] for [[pain]], such as [[Paracetamol]] or [[Vicoden]]
 === Miscellaneous ===
+In addition to the items marked above, the following items are also frequently found in many mini-survival kits (depending on the area the operator is expecting to be in, personal experience, multiple use considerations, serviceability, and durability). In some kits, certain items marked above can also have been completely replaced by certain items below.  Items and many of their uses are listed along with alternative uses and/or alternative items to perform the role in the kit.
-* Pocket knife
+{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
-* Tweezers
+*[[Tweezers]]
-* File
+* Files
-* Information cards with regionally selected information, knots for fishing, multi-use listings for kit contents.
+* Information cards
+* Candle kit components
-=== Main Categories ===
+* [[Rubbing alcohol]], wipes or Povidone-Iodine Prep Pads
-Some of the historically most important items to have are:
+* Needles or sewing awls and yarn
-* 1. Cutting tools
+* Butterfly closures
-* 2. Combustion devices
+* Braided nylon cords
-* 3. Containers
+* Waterproof paper
-* 4. Cover (warmth and shelter)
+* Plastic bags
-* 5. Cordage
+* Compressed sponges
-* 6. Signalling
+* [[Aluminium foil]]
-* 7. Food procurement
+* [[Baking soda]]
+* [[Electrical tape]]
-In addition to the items marked above, the following items are also frequently found in many mini-survival kits (depending on the area the operator is expecting to be in, personal experience, multiple use considerations, serviceability, and durability).
+* [[Parachute cord]]
-In some kits, certain items marked above can also have been completely replaced by certain items below.  Items and many of their uses are listed along with alternative uses and/or alternative items to perform the role in the kit.
-* Candle kit component: effectively replaced with 'ready-made' [[tinder]] i.e., tinder quick tabs, to save on space.  Fire Kit components are further well filled by 4–6 LifeBoat/Storm Matches
-* [[Rubbing alcohol]] wipes or Povidone-Iodine Prep Pad: wound cleaning, alcohol pads may also be used as fire tinder
-* Needles or sewing awl and durable, thin [[thread (yarn)|thread]]: used for equipment repair, attaching fletching to arrows, and creating sutures.
-* Butterfly closure, medium
-* Braided nylon cord ({{convert|10|ft|m}} {{convert|150|lb|kg}} test): shelter building, lashing, repairs.
-**550 [[Parachute cord]] is a widely accepted kit component for its versatility being used whole or in its constituent parts i.e., with the inner threads removed and used individually.
-* Waxed [[dental floss]]
-* Waterproof paper: note taking or used as tinder
-* Micro LED flashlight: signaling, work light, or fishing aid to attract fish.
-* Additional water scavenging items in large kits include:
-**Medium plastic bags 10x20in used in Transpiration water traps, bandannas
-**Compressed sponges to collect dew.
-* Small mirror {{convert|3|in|cm}} by {{convert|4|in|cm}}: first aid, signaling
-* [[Aluminium foil]] {{convert|1|sqft|m2}}: boiling water, cooking, signaling, reflecting fire or body heat
-* [[Baking soda]]: antacid, antidiarrheal, antifungal, deodorant, toothpaste, source of electrolytes;  cleaning skin and hair, removing resins
-* [[Butane lighter]] or butane torch as a more "capable" flame to ignite damp tinder
-* [[Electrical tape]] ({{convert|18|in|m}}) or teflon tape to waterproof the container.
-* [[Parachute cord]]  ({{convert|20|ft|m}}) wound about the outside of the container or tin: tool and weapon improvising, lashing, fishing line, trapping small game, rigging shelter, sewing repairs, lanyards.
-* [[Duct tape]] ({{convert|18|in|m}}): hasty repairs, waterproofing.
-* [[Safety pins]]: for hasty repairs.
 * [[Sharpening stone]]
 * Systemic [[analgesics]] such as [[aspirin]] or [[paracetamol]]
+* [[Antimalarial medication|Anti-malaria tablet]]s
-* Anti-malaria tablets: for jungle or regionally specific kits
+* Broad spectrum [[Antibiotic|antibiotics]] such as [[Azithromycin]]
-* [[Antibiotics]]: broad spectrum antibiotics such as [[Azithromycin]] inhibit staphylococcus bacteria and can treat ear infections, pneumonia, strep throat, and sinusitis
-* [[Antihistamine]]: first aid against insect bites/stings and allergies
+* [[Antihistamine]], for first aid against insect bites/stings and allergies
 * Anti-diarrhea medication such as [[Loperamide]]
+* [[Tritium]] or [[Superluminova]] kit markers
-* Beta Light, battery-less/waterproof light: work light or as an attractant fishing lure
-* [[Tritium]] or [[Superluminova]] kit marker
+* [[Magnifying glass]]es or [[Fresnel lens]]es
+{{Div col end}}
-* [[Magnifying glass]] or credit card sized [[Fresnel lens]]: igniting charcloth, many first aid applications
-* [[Super glue]]: protect skin, stop fabric from ripping further, weld a knot or two pieces of fabric together, other repairs. Remove with salt, veggie oil, natural alcohol, acetone, nail-polish remover, or paint thinner. Some types of super glue may ignite [[cyanoacrylate]] when used on cotton.
-* [[Zipper storage bag|Ziploc type bag]]: container to collect, treat, store, and transport water and to keep tinder dry
 == See also ==
+*[[Tool]]
 *[[Bushcraft]]
 *[[Hiking equipment]]
 *[[Survival kit]]
+*[[Repair kit]]
 *[[Survival skills]]
+*[[Machine element]]
+*[[Electrical element]]
+*[[Electronic component]]
+*[[List of martial arts weapons]]
+*[[Lists of weapons]]
 == References ==
@@ Line 111: / Line 91: @@
 {{Commons category|Mini survival kit}}
 * {{cite web |title=Doug Ritter's Mini Survival Kit |work=Equipped To Survive |url=http://www.equipped.org/drperskit.htm |accessdate=2008-07-14 }}
-* {{cite journal |title= Make a Survival Kit out of an Altoids Tin |author=John D. McCann |journal=Field & Stream |url=https://www.fieldandstream.com/photos/gallery/survival/food/2006/08/make-survival-kit-out-altoids-tin-and-two-more-life-saving-diy- |accessdate=2008-07-14 }}
+* {{cite journal |title= Make a Survival Kit out of an Altoids Tin |author=John D. McCann |journal=Field & Stream |date=14 August 2006 |url=https://www.fieldandstream.com/photos/gallery/survival/food/2006/08/make-survival-kit-out-altoids-tin-and-two-more-life-saving-diy- |accessdate=2008-07-14 }}
 * {{cite journal |title=How to build the Ultimate Altoids Survival Kit |author=John D. MacMenamin |journal=Altoids Survival Ideas |url=http://www.altoidssurvivalideas.com/ |accessdate=2014-11-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214044515/http://www.altoidssurvivalideas.com/ |archivedate=2014-12-14 }}
+* [https://archive.org/stream/JohnLoftyWisemanSASSurvivalHandbookTheUltimateGuideToSurvivingAnywhereWilliamMorrow2014/ebooks/Antony%20Cummins%2C%20Yoshie%20Minami-The%20Book%20of%20Ninja_%20The%20Bansenshukai%20-%20Japan%27s%20Premier%20Ninja%20Manual-Watkins%20Publishing%20%282013%29_djvu.txtJohn ' Lofty' Wiseman SAS Survival Handbook The Ultimate Guide To Surviving Anywhere William Morrow ( 2014)]
 [[Category:Survival equipment]]