The Tin Can Survival Kit

Recently, after checking out some Every Day Carry (EDC) websites, the Hipposaur started exploring the idea of building up a compact 'survival kit' of sorts. While this probably would not save him from a bear attack, it should have a few things that could prove handy during life's everyday activities, like handling small emergencies during the commute, or fending off the odd zombie. On a more serious note, the kit should be urban centered, hence will beskipping the obligatory fishing gear. Most importantly, it had to be small enough to be carried discreetly in the backpack or even a large back-pocket on an EDC basis. While compactness was the prime challenge while approaching such a project, the other goal the Hipposaur set before him was to not actually buy fancy survival gear. It was perhaps more interesting if it were possible to make do with whatever could salvaged around Hippomum's lair (where the Hipposaur has been deposited recently). A full day's rummaging yielded almost all the things required to start assembling the kit.

Stuffing the slim Dutch cigar tin, branded Café Crème proved to be a pretty neat brain (mmm...brain!) jog. Now almost complete, the tin is packed to the gills with more than 30 different kinds of things, some useful, some quirky. All in all, if used properly, the tin box could probably see the Hipposaur live through a few more intrepid explorations, until the zombie apocalypse actually begins :)

Here's what's inside, divided categorically, and what they may be used for:

Hygiene
- Wet wipe - for wiping face / prepping wounds
- Ear buds - cleaning, well, ears, and cleaning small surfaces as well
- Tissue paper - cleaning spectacles, as an improvised wick, fire starter, face wipe
- Dental floss - flossing, as clothesline, as replacement shoelace, for sewing fabric
- Toothpicks - cleaning teeth, nails, misc. and for times when you need to poke around electronics

Medical
- Disposable gloves - they cover your hands
- Tweezers salvaged from replica Swiss Army knife - pick out splinters and small objects and for probing wounds
- Waterproof Band Aid - heal wounds, makeshift cellotape
- Paracetamol tabs - treatment for fever and headache
- Dysentery tab - for the times when you get the loosies from too much exploring
- Salt - re-hydrating agent, stain remover, condiment

Fire
- Matchbox striker - to strike matchsticks
- Matchsticks - to make fire
- Dual magnifying glass - in case the matchsticks fail, also useful for treating wounds and looking at things

Repairs
- Philips head screwdriver with 12” duct tape rolled around - repairs, the duct tape can be unrolled and re-used
- Flat head screw driver with 12” duct tape rolled around - ditto
- Cyanoacrylate glue 2 ml - repairs and sealing nylon fabric, first aid
- Needle - Sewing, poking holes, first aid
- Clamp wire - tying stuff together
- 150 grit sandpaper - abrasive, buffing, needle and blade sharpener
- Fine micro polishing paper - buffing, polishing, needle and blade sharpener

Essentials
- Zip lock bags x3 - storing things, moisture management, storing water
- Aluminum foil: 20x12 inches - cooking, storage, signalling, blade sharpener, deflector
- Rubber bands - keeping things together, as grip for ball pen refill, as adhesive when melted, organising cables
- Button compass - navigation, looks geeky
- Twine thread - multiple uses, tying things, hanging things, sewing, insulation and repair

Miscellaneous
- Paperclips - because there's a McGyver in all of us
- Mini green plastic spoon - for fun, also acts as spindle for string and needle
- Short plastic drinking straw with 10” clear tape rolled around - holds the clear tape and floss, as sheath for screwdriver
- Post Its - paper, shade for fire, fuel

Stuff that may be added later
- Magic (relighting) candle - for lighting in damp / difficult conditions
- Cotton wool - first aid, firestarter
- Paper soap strips - first aid and hygiene
- Chlorine tablets - water purification
- Antacid sachet - for acidity, plus, zombies hate antacid.
- Safety pins - improvised fish hooks, fastener, rip stop for clothes, first aid

That's the story of the Tin Can Survival Kit, folks. What are your Every Day Carry items? Let us know! Comments? Suggestions? This way please.