Survival kits have the potential to make the difference between surviving in a state of relative comfort and surviving by the skin of one’s teeth; however, many of these kits are cumbersome and difficult to transport if it becomes necessary to evacuate the home. As a result of this, a large number of survivalists have begun to experiment with the creation of smaller kits that are less cumbersome to carry but still offer the same degree of adaptability and utility as kits that are larger and more cumbersome.
What Exactly Is a Survival Kit?
A device or a pack designed to provide a person with essential supplies in the event of an emergency is referred to as a survival kit. It is common practice for members of the armed forces as well as civilians who are preparing for natural or man-made disasters to make use of them. Natural disasters can include things like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes. In the event of a catastrophic event, when even the most fundamental of necessities may be in short supply, the user of a survival kit can be confident that they will have access to an adequate supply of the items necessary for their continued existence.
Backpacks, buckets, or duffle bags are the three most common containers for survival kits, but the type of emergency they are designed to prepare for determines which one is used. The most common supplies consist of things like non-perishable foods, water, medical supplies, tools, and other equipment. Other supplies include tools and equipment. The nature of the emergency will also have an impact on the quantity and variety of supplies that are included in a kit.
Why Should You Have a Compact Survival Kit?
Compact survival kits are an excellent commodity to have in one’s stockpile if one is prepping. They are discrete, easy to conceal, and won’t take up much space in your bag. In addition, they are the ideal complement to their more substantial sibling, the survival kit.
A small survival kit is all you need to get through those sudden and unanticipated crises that can strike at any time. However, this isn’t the only reason you should have one or two of these portable kits in your possession.
1. Portable
Put it in your bag or even your pocket and set out on your journey with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a miniature survival kit with you at all times.
2. A Low Profile
When SHTF, someone who is on the lookout for valuables will not be suspicious of a mini survival kit if it is placed next to a duffel bag that is packed to the brim with survival supplies. You accomplish the prepping goal of maintaining a low profile, which brings a reduction in the likelihood that your belongings will be stolen.
3. You Can Produce Several Compact Survival Kits
Putting together multiple survival kits, each tailored to a unique emergency, can be taxing on not only you but also your financial resources. We must prepare strategically if we are to fulfill our desire to be ready for anything that may come our way. Mini survival kits don’t need a lot of components, so it’s easy to throw together a few and stash them in your bag, the glove box of your vehicle, or even the bags that everyone in your family carries. This brings up the next point, which is as follows.
4. You Can Create for Your Loved Ones
Compact survival kits are a fantastic idea for giving to friends and family members, either as a present or as an introduction to the concept of disaster preparedness. They might even get them to adopt a mindset of self-preservation. If you want the people you care about to always be ready for whatever may come their way, one way to put your mind at ease is to make sure they have a small survival kit.
Container
The container that you use is the most important factor in determining the success of your mini survival kit. Because “compact” is part of the name, the next step is to concentrate on locating a container that is on the smaller side. It needs to be condensed so that it does not stick out.
1. Water Container
A water container is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a survival kit, but it makes for a pretty good starting point for one. Purchase one that has a large enough opening for you to easily drop your items in or pull them out of the bag without much effort. One of the reasons why a water container made of metal is the better option is because it is more durable. And two, a metal water container will come in handy if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to purify water by boiling it.
2. Altoids Case
Many survivalists suggest utilizing the recognizable metal tin that Altoids come in as a container for your emergency supplies. It can withstand wear and tear, is portable, and exemplifies the concept of “compact”. Because this container is on the smaller side, you will need to carefully select the items that you put inside of it.
3. Survival Case
You always have the option of purchasing a survival case instead of using tin boxes and other containers if that kind of thing isn’t your thing. No, it’s just the case by itself; there isn’t a pre-assembled set. There is a large selection of heavy-duty cases available for purchase online, some of which are even watertight and airtight. If you are looking for a high-quality container and are willing to spend a few extra dollars, a mini survival case is a right choice for you.
Items Inside Your Compact Survival Kits
After determining the type of container for your compact survival kit you will be using, decide what components will be included in your kit.
1. Money
It is not required that you use an entire roll of hundreds. A handful of bills will do the trick. You don’t want to put in too much cash because then you’ll be tempted to spend it all on unnecessary things.
2. Waterproof Matches
When trying to survive in the wilderness, having a source of heat and light are two essential things to have. Because starting a fire is one of the ways you can increase your chances of having both, it goes without saying that you should include waterproof matches in your kit.
3. Alcohol-Based Wipes
These are pieces of gauze that have been sterilized by being soaked in alcohol and then individually packaged. They are ideal for cleaning wounds, especially if you do not have access to clean water or soap, which makes them particularly useful.
4. A Wallet Sized Multi-Tool
Wallet multitools were designed to be durable while still being able to maintain their small size without compromising their functionality. Including a wallet multitool in your kit is a safe bet that won’t let you down.
5. Dental Floss
Dental floss may not seem like an essential item, but it has several applications, so it is a good idea to bring some along. If you combine it with a miniature fishing hook, you’ll have something usable for fishing in an emergency. One more application for dental floss? Setting up booby traps with triggered detonators or trip wires.
You can never be too prepared and adding a small survival kit to the rest of the gear and supplies you have for surviving in the wilderness is not going to hurt anything. It will only assist you in becoming an even better survivalist and prepper overall.