05-07-2012, 03:46 AM
Square Altoids mint boxes are not waterproof. The hinges have openings that allow water to enter.
However, the round Altoids Sour Candy tins are waterproof because they fit tightly like a shoeshine can -- another excellent container for a pocket survival kit.
I used to teach basic wilderness survival in the early 1970s, as a civilian. I was taught by a retired U.S. Air Force survival instructor, who had 23 years of experience in desert, arctic and wooded survival. He taught pilots, Special Forces, etc.
I was privileged to learn from him. But he also learned from me: one day I showed him those trick birthday cake candles that relight themselves after being blown out. I put some in my small survival kit, and waterproof match container. A candle is great for getting damp shavings and tinder going, and if this trick candle blows out it will save you matches.
He was impressed.
Back in the 70s, we used to assemble survival kits in soap dishes.These could easily be carried in a shirt pocket or jacket pocket. In those days, you could still find slip-fit soap dishes made of aluminum or steel, which meant that you could brew a cup of tea in it. Wild Strawberry leaves or Rose Hips were our natural tea of choice. There was no need to pack a tea bag and take up valuable space.
A metal Band-Aid can was also another popular container. You waterproofed its hinge openings with a wrap of duct tape, leaving a folded-back tab on the end of the tape to grasp if your fingers were cold.
Avoid any container that you can't open easily, even with cold fingers. Shoeshine containers either have a key on the side, or a detent on top, to flip off the lid.
A Mylar "Space Blanket" is too bulky to fit in a small kit like this, but may be carried separately in a zippered or buttoned shirt pocket.
It doesn't take much to save your own life. The most invaluable item is your mind. Keep your wits, don't give up, and you may live to see trick birthday candles on your next birthday cake.
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However, the round Altoids Sour Candy tins are waterproof because they fit tightly like a shoeshine can -- another excellent container for a pocket survival kit.
I used to teach basic wilderness survival in the early 1970s, as a civilian. I was taught by a retired U.S. Air Force survival instructor, who had 23 years of experience in desert, arctic and wooded survival. He taught pilots, Special Forces, etc.
I was privileged to learn from him. But he also learned from me: one day I showed him those trick birthday cake candles that relight themselves after being blown out. I put some in my small survival kit, and waterproof match container. A candle is great for getting damp shavings and tinder going, and if this trick candle blows out it will save you matches.
He was impressed.
Back in the 70s, we used to assemble survival kits in soap dishes.These could easily be carried in a shirt pocket or jacket pocket. In those days, you could still find slip-fit soap dishes made of aluminum or steel, which meant that you could brew a cup of tea in it. Wild Strawberry leaves or Rose Hips were our natural tea of choice. There was no need to pack a tea bag and take up valuable space.
A metal Band-Aid can was also another popular container. You waterproofed its hinge openings with a wrap of duct tape, leaving a folded-back tab on the end of the tape to grasp if your fingers were cold.
Avoid any container that you can't open easily, even with cold fingers. Shoeshine containers either have a key on the side, or a detent on top, to flip off the lid.
A Mylar "Space Blanket" is too bulky to fit in a small kit like this, but may be carried separately in a zippered or buttoned shirt pocket.
It doesn't take much to save your own life. The most invaluable item is your mind. Keep your wits, don't give up, and you may live to see trick birthday candles on your next birthday cake.
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