Yes. While the tin is a good start, I find it a tad too small, too metal and not water/dustproof. Currently trying out some slightly bigger kit sizes and materials...

I'm a fan of a psk in a pouch that's More camoflauged - a waterproofed digital camera case is my current favorite. Mine has a Ritter AMK PSK plus a few extras. (i.e. mini bic, keychain led, mag bar, SAK, extra tinder, etc.)

I gave up my Altoids too. Now I use a Maxpedition organizer and anything that needs to be waterproof is stored in Aloksak bags inside. The Maxpedition cases are water resistant and are teflon coated to keep it from getting grimy.

They make several sizes (inches)
Micro Pocket Organizer 3.5x5.5x1
Mini Pocket Organizer 4x6x0.75
E.D.C. Pocket Organizer 5x7.0.75
Fatty Pocket Organizer 5x7x2

They also make a lot of other organizer type pouches...
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Organizers-c14.htm

I haven't used a tin to store my PSK in years - like the Otterbox I once carried around and the aluminum match safe kit, it just didn't accessorize well with my purse (not joking). At one point I was storing my PSK in an Aveda makeup bag, but now I'm back to the red Witz container.

Walmart has some Witz-like containers where the opening is on the long side (instead of the top, making it easier to access) that Izzy reviewed awhile back. They might also be good options for you.

LOL@ Christine and Izzy. I'm with you Christina. I get enough ribbing as it is without inviting it every time I open my purse. (the keychain and waterbottle clipped to it to a fine enough job of that.)

I'll have to check the witz out. Do I go to sports, pharamcy, jewlery or purse section of the store?

For me, the altoids tin represents represent a "survival-in-a-tin-can" magical talisman that has no place what so ever in my world. I was exposed to a flawed PSK concept at an early age - and instinctively disliked the idea that a few fishing hooks and a condom stuffed into an incredible tiny amount of space (altoids tin, or worse: Cheap "Rambo" survival knife copy) would somehow assume magical powers and prevent me from freezing to death.

My misinterpretation of the PSK concept doesn't fit the way I think, the way I pack or the way I organize my gear. Not then, not now.

Now, I've adapted and modified the PSK idea to fit my modus operandi. I now consider it a convenient way to carry some backup and emergency items that I would otherwise scatter all over my pockets (and forget the day I really need it). I never go anywhere interesting without it. Still, my clothing, my bivy bag and whatever else that is in my pack is more vital to my survival than the little Doug Ritter pouch that I've modified to my liking.

Somehow, the altoids tin still reminds me of the magical survival talisman concept...

i ran this photo awhile ago but for those who missed it here it is again. a reproduction ,with a few of the original items,of my 1958 Boy Scout "lost kit".we were told they were not to be survival kits but just something to tide you over until you were found,which of course would happen with no problem.



since then i never tried again to make up a pocket tin kit.

My list of containers abounds that I've used.
When I first started, I looked in vain for one of those BCB tins that Lefty wrote about in his book.

Since then I've used:
Altoids tins - impossible to keep dry
Plastic Sucrets box - almost as bad but too thick
Zip loc baggies - not durable but replacements are cheap!
Pill box - not 100% waterproof but not bad either
Fishing lure box - not 100% waterproof but not bad either
Bulk film canister (I used to roll my own b&w film from 50' and 100' rolls back in the '70s) - not waterproof and too large for pocket but makes a pretty good boiling container
Lock'n'lock food containers - waterproof but bulky
1040 pelican case - waterproof but very bulky for the volume

and today I use the Ritter PSK pouch. My problem is that after many uses, it doesn't want to stay 100% closed now so either I find a replacement pouch or another container.

Hey, no problem dropping the Altoid PSK if it works for your circumstances. That's part of the fun!

For me, the Altoid PSK is truly a last ditch, nothing left on me kit. It reproduces nearly all of the 10 essentials. one day I'll have to pull it apart and take pictures, but I'm afraid I won't be able to repack it!

A 2" locking buck, a fauxton light, some tinder, a sparklight, some hurricane matches and striker, a few water purification pills, tin foil, a ziplock bag, a few clothes pins and needles, some fishing line, a few inches of electrical tape, about 20" of orange paracord, a button compass... that's all I can think of off the top of my head.

Like I wrote in a previous post, I don't carry "survival gear." to me, it's basic camping gear. The PSK is my nod towards the possibility of being seperated from my gear. It stays in my pocket whenever I'm in the woods.

What did you keep in your Pelican 1040? It must have been a comprehensive kit. The interior dimensions are 6.50" x 3.87" x 1.75".

Jeanette Isabelle