As part of the never-ending quest to make everything in my mini-PSK do as many things as possible, I had a brainstorm regarding the Altoids tin that holds it - what about putting some of that super-reflective tape on it to serve as another way of attracting attention? I know that the reflective tape works very well with even a low-powered flashlight beam from a considerable distance. First thought - put it on the outside bottom of the tin. Nope, then I couldn't use the tin for cooking. Same with putting it on the inside bottom part. What about the inside of the lid? Nope, that's polished to serve as an improvised mirror. What about the outside of the lid? Yes, except I want my tin to look inconspicuous in this era of overly-paranoid security people. Another brainstorm bites the dust, but it sure sounded good at first! <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

if it something doesnt fit in/around a altoid tin, get a bigger one or get more tins ! reflective tape are great, but you could also get glow-in-the-dark tape so you/others can see the tin in the dark even if you don't have anylight on you <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
you can always put the tape on a peel-away backing and tape it on something in an emergency. or use it as normall tape if you have to. you can use the backing as note-paper, to get a fire going,etc.

In some survival situations stealth will be as important as signaling. Certainly, if you want to be found, be loud, bright, and high profile. OTOH, if you are attempting to escape quaranteen (not necessarily a great idea but occasionally members have spoken for this scenario) or trying to bivoac with your gear safe from pilferers or looters or assailants then you will not want to be bright and high profile. I prefer to make my outward appearance of my carry gear and BOB gear muted, cheap and innocuous. I do carry bright lights, sharp knives, mirrors and whistles but I don't wear reflective tape on my clothing or outside of my gear. Instead I have a roll of 2 yards of reflective material that is used on coats and EMT coveralls. (My EMT coveralls and EMT jacket do actually have this stuff sewed all over it and I probably wouldn't wear that gear unless on duty.) If the scenario makes this type of stuff useful and I estimate that the threat of danger from being found to be less than the benefit of being found I would deploy it.

Just my thoughts.

There is material that is both reflective and glow in the dark. Best of both worlds. Pete

http://www.americaningenuity.com/

I obtained some of the high reflectivity red/white strips that are used for semi tractor/trailer marking. Was able to get three pieces to put in two regualr rectangular Altoid tins and one round Altoid tin. I debated long and hard with myself about putting them inside or outside. Finally settled on scotch taping them to the inside of the lid, with the reflective side towards the lid. Also punched a hole in each piece to allow it to be tied or clipped for use. Ran into a minor set back when both sides of the film were taped to the lid, it was hard to get them out, so I placed a thread under the film and when it is needed, the thread gets pulled which rips the tape. Been thinking of getting some good glow in the dark paint and painting some paper then laminating it and placing it in the kit as well. FWIW there is a great discussion thread on www.candlepowerforums.com that reviews some LOOONNG lasting and BRIGHT glow in the dark materials, be sure to choose search all dates though.

Best,
Comanche7

I went and looked at that, interesting stuff! I could see where it would be useful to help you locate gear, especially in the dark. Unfortunately, it also looks like they only sell it in bulk or to authorized agencies, which is so often the case with the "new and innovative" stuff. <img src="images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

www.galls.com Search for GLO FLEX

Above is a link to a distributor of GLO-Flex in smaller quanties. I bought some of the helmet stripes about 8-10 years ago from them. They do glow-in-the-dark after being charged. I used to drive my wife crazy. I would go to bed, shine the flashlight on them in the opposite side of the room. They would reflect and then when I turned the light off, they would glow.

I still drive my wife crazy with silly stuff like that but I just have not tried the above stunt in a while. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The glo-flex has some diminsion. Regular reflective tape is basically flat but Glo-flex is almost cushy.