Gang:
After months of reading and gathering material, I finally took a time to assemble my first Altoids tin PSK. Here's a list of the contents. Please give my any critical comments that occur to you.
Medical
- 2 bandaids, 3/4 x 3 in
- 4 butterfly bandaids
- 2 alcohol swabs
- 2 Xacto blades
- 1 toothpick, plastic
- 1 reading glasses, I4U, 1.5 x power
- medication, in plastic bag:
- 3 ibuprofen
- 3 Aleve
- 3 Benedryl
- 2 Immodium AD
- 3 Sinutab
- 3 Protonix
Shelter
- (no items)
Fire
- 4 matches, strike anywhere
- 1 metal match, MFS, 1/4 x 2-1/4 in
- 1 hacksaw striker
- 2 cotton tinder, Coughlans, in plastic vial
Water
- 20 potable aqua tabs
- 1 oven cooking bag
Food
- 10 ft brass snare wire
- fishing kit, in plastic vial:
- 15 ft fishing line, 15 lb test
- 3 swivels
- 3 fishing hooks, small
- 3 fishing hooks, medium
- 6 split-shot weights, assorted
Signals
- 1 compass, 3/4 in
- 1 flashlight, Photon II, white
- 1 whistle, aluminum tube
Tools
- 1 knife, SAK Classic
- 1 emery paper, 400 grit, 2-1/4 x 3 in
- 1 upholstry needle
- 1 sewing needle, large
- 1 sewing needle, medium
- 12 ft dental floss, unwaxed
I plan to add a large hook and finishing nail for a gaff. I'd also like to add some waterproof paper and a space pen refill. Finally, I need to add an instruction sheet, especially because all the pills are together in one plastic bag. I know what they are and what they're for, but someone else might not.
I learned a lot of valuable lessons packing the tin. Corollary to Muryphy's law: Everything is bigger than you imagine it is. My original pile of material filled THREE tins, not one.
I also learned that you really should only pack what you know how to use. For example, I don't have any suture material, because I don't know how or when to suture a wound. And I'm relying on a pre-packaged fishing kit, because I know nothing about fishing. That's really a vulnerability...
Anyway. Now (after I incorporate your suggestions) I need to go out and test myself with everything in the kit.
It was fun to make an Altoids tin kit, and they sure are handy for dropping into my backpack. But I'll probably also pursue a kit that will fill an entire (small) camera bag. I already hike with a small bag like that, and it goes with me everywhere, especially when I leave camp to explore.
I'll have to use more packaging to ensure waterproofing of things that need waterproofing, but in the end it will probably fit my hiking style better.
Right now my Altoids PSK is in the bottom of my shoulder bag, along with about 12 feet of nylon twine and 20 feet of paracord.
Thanks for reading...
Bear
_________________________
No fire, no steel.