Hi Guys:

I've been experimenting with a number of different sizes of Survival Kits. And rather than just lugging them around, I've been actually using a variety of contents during my hiking and hunting forays. And I'm quickly starting to develop a growing appreciation for the humble coffee can...

I know most PSK's are for the completely unexpected. However, there are times when I know I'm at significantly greater risk for being lost in the "big" woods. I regularly hunt in the Adirondacks, and once hunting is over, I'm typically a frequent snowmobiler. As a result, I'm often 10, 20, sometimes even 60 miles from the nearest road. Under these circumstances I've been carrying a larger PSK.

I've punched two small holes on opposite sides of a 1 lb coffee can (actually 13 ounces). The holes are very near to top of the can. I stuff all my survival gear in a large ziploc or two, and cram them into the coffee can, then snap the plastic lid on top. I've also added about 18 inches of bare copper #12 wire, coiled in the bottom of the can. I'm loving this simple can!

I find the assorted miscellaneous equipment is not rattling and shifting about. The can takes a bit of a beating, but protects the contents. And it makes a great little pot for boiling water and the like. Simply dump the contents (ziplocs keep it togther), thread each end of the wire through a hole and twist, add water (or snow/ice) and boil.

The typical PSK has nothing in which to cook or boil water. I'm finding this makeshift pot is seeing frequent use. A couple of tea bags take little space, and a cup or two of hot tea really helps warm me up. I can't help but feel that a hot drink reall helps ward off hypothermia and dehydration. And even if its warm enough to not need a fire or hot drink, the can is serving as an excellent catch all for everything from collecting berries to holding water while it purifies.

I know this bit of equipment is typically far too large for regular carry. However, there is now a coffee can kit (CCK) in each of my snowmobiles, as well as a another in my hunting day pack. Just don't forget a plastic bag wrap around the sooty can after a boil... It saves a mess...

Frozenny