Thanks -- I'm starting to lean towards more water purification tabs and skipping the Esbit after thinking about everyone's comments.

Although, as someone else pointed out, the MicroPUR won't make tea or coffee hot. Maybe bring one esbit tab per tea or coffee bag?

I'm open to criticism on this, but is the waterproof container really the way to go? These containers don't breath. In PA, my car can easy go over 100 degrees in the summer. Then I jump in and crank the A/C. These extremes would most likely cause condensation inside the container and spoil its contents.

What purpose does the waterproof container serve and won't that purpose be defeated when moisture is created inside of the container? I had the metal portion of an air horn rust completely, when left inside of this type of container on my boat.

Thoughts?

At the risk of sounding derivative, I'd like to say, "Me, too." <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig

Comfort food is good. Don't underestimate the psychological component of survival.

Unfortunately I don't like coffee (or tea) without real milk, which goes off quickly. I've never found a powdered milk that's any good. Or tinned, for that matter - I'd love to hear if someone knows better. What I use instead is "OXO" beef stock cubes, which only need water to make a nice hot drink.

Nicely done. My suggestions:

–drop the lightsticks, include work gloves, put first aid items w/ instructions on top if possible, replace one knife with amutli-tool instead.

My seasonal car kit includes a fleece balnket, watch cap, candles and winter sleeping bag, as well.

tro

I have had poor luck heating water over a heat tab in a canteen cup but was able to bring the same amount of water nearly to a boil in a Serria Cup. I think that the smaller bottom surface and high sides may cause the canteen cup to loose to much heat.

I made a sheild for my esbit stove using triple thick heavy duty aluminium foil. I use it with a MSR Mountain Kettle or a Snow Peaks Ti-Mug, and store it inside my mug or kettle, so that it keeps it shape. Along with keeping the wind from effecting the stove, it decreased burn time by a precevible amount (haven't done a actual test). Even in a canteen cup (not my favorite) it works well.

I put silica packs into anything water tight. I snag them at work (my coworkers thing I eat them), and dry them in the oven at it's lowest possible setting for two hours. Swap them when you open the kit.

ironsraven has a good answer here. IMHO, you have to have some type of moisture repellent in those water tight kits. Cabela's, and other online sources, sell the silica gel "pellets" in a small tin. The tin is heated in the oven at 250 to restore itself. I use these small tins for foot lockers, etc., and the larger cans for closets, safes, etc. They work great. But there is the maintenance factor.

I guess what I'm asking is, are waterproof containers necessary in a trunk kit? BTW, your kit is much more impressive than what I currenlty have. What water are the boxes protecting our items from? I am thinking of redoing my kit and using a heavy duty nylon or denier bag instead. With a should strap, it would be easier to go mobile if needed. I'm actually thinking of using a fishing tackle bag with clear box inserts, and clear pockets. Am I off base?