Hi,

On the theory that a survival kit that is with me is more useful, I'm trying to put together one to go into my flight bag. The problem is, I can't find the right container. The flight bag a sporty's style, the one where you put Jepp approach books in. The maximum outer dimensions of the container would be 9 x 11.75 x 2.5. This would also fit well in my hiking day-pack. Water proof is preferred, although not necessary, there's always duct tape. The Plano 3731 is just a little too long, about 14 inches, and maybe a bit thick. I also would think a cookie tin of the right size would be a good idea, I could then use it to boil water.

Any ideas?

-Ben

Hi !

I use rectangular Trangia mess tins for some kits, but they would be too small for your kit :

the ones I find here are :
-- 6.50 x 3.54 x 2.56 inches , weight = 5.64 oz
-- 7.87 x 5.12 x 2.75 inches, weight = 8.64 oz

May be you could use 2 tins to put all your gear :
* one for Fire/Signaling/Water/Shelter !
* one for FAK/Food/Misc. tools

And they are mess tins, so you can use them to boil water or cook ....

You can put quite a lot of gear inside those mess tins (see this thread )

That's a pretty good idea, but getting a bit thick. The bulk of the stuff in my flight bag is book-like, I'd like to fit in with that. Maybe I could rearrange things. Can you fit a good fixed-blade knife in it?

Well, I guess these mess tins won't qualify ...
And I understand your problem ..

As for a fixed blade knife, it depends on its size...

They weren't too expensive, so I just ordered one of each size. I'll juggle the contents of my flight bag and see if I can make something work. If not, they seem like handy mess tins anyways, I'll find a use.

Any other ideas?

I am surprised that Frenchy didn't mention French military mess tins.Three square like tins that nest.Two have handles and are typical military and over built.
BOATMAN
John

I'm a voice in the wilderness regarding these AquaPak products, but I've used them and am in love with them!! Have mentioned them occasionally here in the forum, but no feedback pro or con. But give this a look:
http://www.aquapac.net/usstore/erol.html

To solve the cooking problem, I include heavy aluminium foil. My PSP is in what they call their Belt Case (though it can also slip around my neck). My larger kits are incremental: there are several modules, all in Aquapaks of various sizes. I "mix and match" depending on the trip (e.g. the backpacking kit, the sailing kit, the NYC kit, etc.)

Frenchy, is that Trangia mess tin waterproof? Or at least water resistant? If it is it looks exactly like what I'm looking for for my wilderness kit. (That's a nice kit you assembled for your uncle by the way.)

Regards, Vince

It doesn't look like it to me, but anything is waterproof with enough duct tape. This would probably just need a strip around the lid.

Couldn't agree more on the Aquapaks <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Ever since my cell phone survived 5 weeks under a flooded, half frozen river in one last November, I'm convinced they're the way to go.


FWIW,

Chris.

No, it is not ..... No seal (sp? the rubber one, not the one with the red ballon on its nose) or should I say no gasket ? <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
Well ..... not waterprooof ! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Well I only spent the mandatory 12 months in French Air Forces. And I don't even remember even being issued a kit !
That was for grunts (I guess that means infantry soldier ?)
WE, In the Air Force, were propeller's pumps (= literal translation of "gonfleurs d'h?lices).... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I spent 10 months in Germany, in an "Air Base" (a - previously (?? ) - psychiatric hospital...) where the only flying object was the colonel's copter, landing once a week on the soccer field !!!

The U.S.Navy allowed me three different stays in Marccei(sp).They were two week stops for repairs and resupply.I even found a couple of military surplus stores there.I can not stay out of those places.Aquired some really cool gear also.that was over a decade ago.Just wanted to let you know I enjoyed your country.
BOATMAN
John

I only went once or twice to work in the suburbs, never inside Marseille itself.

I don't know if that town is typically french : it's such a cosmopolitan city... from time to time, you can even find U.S. Navy sailors, down there !!!! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Frenchy:

I've got the Triangia mess tins now. Turns out the larger one is about the size of a standard logbook, a sectional map, or a NOS approach plate book. Might be able to work with that! It's a bit small though, not sure if I can fit everything I want in it. When I get the fixed knife I've ordered I'll try to see what I can cram into it.

Maybe instead of using duct tape to seal the contents into the kit/waterproof it, vacuum sealing it would work? Or, maybe double sealing it in Hefty/Ziploc-style bags? Or, if they make a size large enough, aloksak bags?
You could avoid dealing with that nasty duct tape adhesive residue.
Dave

I think electrical tape seals better anyways. But I already double-seal the items that are really critical to keep dry, like the matches.