We all recognize the old standby PSK and FAK as attempts to be minimalist but complete EDC solutions for survival and first aid. Well esch of these can be broken down into function oriented kits and assembled into mini-kits that serve only 1 or two functions.

For example,

Within the typical PSK we have the following mini-kits which some people actually break out and carry separately in a modular / layered kit approach.

Fishing / Snaring / Food procurement kit
Sewing / Repair kit
Water purification / Carrying kit
Fire / Tinder kit
Signalling / Comms kit
Shelter kit
Lighting kit
Orienteering kit (compass, gps, maps etc)

and a miscellaneous category where cordage, knives, multitools, flashlights etc fit

Within the typical FAK we might find the following mini-kits

Bandaging
Splinting
CPR
Medication (analgesics, antibiotics, antidiuretics, antiemetics, etc)
Antiseptics / Cleansers
Hygiene
BSI (gloves, masks)


I have seen some posts on fishing mini-kits - most recently a really decent one by XNessMuk - and Sewing kits - and fire / tinder kits - and recently Jet posted a decent multi-function minikit. How about it anyone got other mini-kits that are single or multi functional but not intended to be "complete"?

I just bought something last weekend from Restoration Hardware made for survival kits. It's an automatic set-it-and-forget-it reel with line. You tie the strap around anything near a body of water, bait the hook, let out the line, flip the switch, and wait for a fish to take the bait and be reeled in. I'll see what they call it and let you know.

is this the gadget?

It is available online at Major Surplus and survival

Hi MiniMe -

I like your thinking - it's a nice extension to the modular kits we were discussing a while back (for those who missed that, here's one thread I started that includes pictures of my modular system.)

What I like about this approach is that it makes organization easier, and it allows for quick assembly of kits that are subsets of a larger collection. For example, an urban PSK that fits in a pocket could be made in just a few seconds by pulling the appropriate modules out of your full PSK.

The subdivided bags also make maintenance of the kit (including replacement of expired items) easier.

MiniMe - do you have further ideas on specific contents for the modules? I could also list what's in mine, if it's of interest.

- Steve

So far I have a PSK and FAK - Standard issue ++/--

I have also started down this path by assembling:

1) a sewing kit in an altoids breath-strips tin - much more comprehensive than what I was able to do in the PSK
2) a fishing kit in a tic-tac box- again much more comprehensive than what I was able to do in an altoids PSK with everything else in there.

Next I will be working on the fire unit. I will disassemble those mini-kits this weekend for the camera if you'd like.

1 problem that becomes quickly apparent is that the total PSK load is much more bulky - that is offset somewhat by it being in smaller pieces that are easier to distribute (lose) in various pockets.

Actually, I would prefer to go the other way. Sounds like you could run the risk of putting all your eggs in one basket - e.g. if all your fire-starting material is in one mini-kit and you lose that mini-kit, you're hooped. Whereas if you have lifeboat matches in one mini-kit, a mag-flint in another, and a Fresnel lens in a third, you could lose two out of three (e.g. in a boat capsize) and still have a better than decent chance of starting a fire. To a certain extent, this could end up requiring you to carry more material - e.g. 2 fish hooks aren't much good without fishing line, so if you split your fishing kit among three mini-kits, you'd more or less have to have three lengths of fishing line; but I'd still aim for diversity rather than specialisation.

Just my humble $.02 worth <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I made up a mini fishing kit in an Altoids breath strips tin about a month ago, more to see what I could fit into this little tin than anything else, since I had never seen one before. I'm not totally happy with it, but it's not too bad considering the size. I'm going to try to see if I can get part of a foam ear plug in there to act as a float and stop the rattling.

]

Contents

4 Small Hooks
4 Medium Hooks
4 Split Shot
About 30ft (10m) of 15 lb test line.

Cheaper than Dirt also carrys a similar item

Hi Aardwolfe -

We're actually referring to setting up modules within a kit, rather than spreading them out amongst separate kits or carrying each on its own...really just a way to organize things inside a kit and make it easier to pull out any particular category of stuff (whether to use it, or to remove it for a slimmed down kit, or to inspect and replace items).

This is a good post, becasue it addresses some of the issued I've faced with my kits. It seems that I'm forever re-configuring and re-packing my kits depending on the situation, and as a result, I've gone 100% modular with all the parts to the kits.
Thus, I have a FAK in one small bag, a "Food & Water" bag, a "Shelter" bag, and so on.
Yes, it adds weight overall, however, when I'm throwing a bag together for a trip to Long Island, I really don't need a fishing set, I can't carry ammo, and I see no need for extensive signalling when I'm in an urban setting. A pair of GMRS radios does the trick, as does a small Ham radio.