Help Me Build My Altoids Survival Kit

[turnsouth]

I'm looking to build a small kit of everyday possible necessities. I know that there are a ton of kit designs out there, but this is not a wilderness kit, and not a SHTF kit, this is a realistic kit. I want a true "average day in the life" kit to keep in my bag. Given my restrictions stated, here are two rules:

• The world is not coming to an end, and I'm not a bush pilot who is going to end up lost in the desert, or trapped on a frozen mountain top, so I do not need the following:
  - 72 ways to start fire
  - any type of shelter at all
  - 15,000 feet of paracord
  - enough sharps to kill and dress an elephant
  - 15 ways to purify water
  - or any other items that "prepared" people, (who are never more than 60 seconds away from civilization), think they need.
  
• As well, I have a first aid kit, so it doesn't need any first aid items

So what do you all think? I was going to start with a needle and thread. What else?

[Pacu]

asprin/tylenol/ibprophen (spelling?)
eyeglass repair kit (for us 4 eyes)

[turnsouth]

asprin/tylenol/ibprophen (spelling?)

Covered in the first aid kit...

eyeglass repair kit (for us 4 eyes)

[enki_ck]

I was thinking along the same lines recently when I put together MINE.

+1 on the eyeglass screwdriver, I'd recommend THIS ONE or something like it.

As for needle and thread, i came up with this, needles inside a cue tip or coffee stirrer, thread wrapped around it and all inside a straw welded shut.



The small compass, ever been in a strange town, or on the road looking at the map and the map tells you to go north, but you don't know where north is?

If you have a non-apple smartphone, you'll appreciate an extra cell phone battery. 

Maybe dental floss.

A small pen.

[Syph007]

I was just thinking of putting together an urban survival kit too.  For me, picking the items will mostly be thinking about what I wish I had on me and didnt at times over the last years.  Money, bandaids, tape, pins, lockpicks (for my work desk when I forget my key), lighter, extra medications... im sure i can think of other things...

[Pacu]

i always kept a 20 dollar bill in my camelback for emergencies while cycling.
 maybe a spare auto key for those smartchip cars

[Millhouse]

Duct tape - multitude of uses.

Mini pry bar.

Depending on your eyesight - a magnifying glass.

Handcuff key.

[Farmman]

Handcuff key.

Enough about your personal life.

I would add a small flash light, cable ties, elastic bands and spare batteries

[Gareth]

Handcuff key.

Enough about your personal life.

I would add a small flash light, cable ties, elastic bands and spare batteries

Spooky, I was genuinely going to suggest exactly the same list!

[Dr. Bahn]

I want a true "average day in the life" kit to keep in my bag.

so I do not need the following:
- or any other items that "prepared" people, (who are never more than 60 seconds away from civilization), think they need.

This is very easy: All you need is a credit card/money and maybe a mobile phone!     

The topic is a bit misleading imo...

[Zed]

Here is my survival pouch i keep in my backpack, not sure if i could get this in a altoid tin as i keep tinder and a opinel in there.

here is my pouch,hunter SAK ,whistle,fire steel,cotton wool,compass,sharpening stone, fishing line and hooks and weights,matches,and alittle torch,i just need a little mirror, 

[turnsouth]

I never thought of a compass for "strange town" orientation, it could be quite handy. Although, ever since I was young (11-12), and  learned map reading, I've always had this compulsion to constantly pay attention to where north is, especially in strange areas. I call it a sixth sense, my wife calls it creepy.


Quick question to Farmman and Gareth: Why cable ties, and elastic bands?

[Gareth]

I know I've used both before and been grateful I had them on me, but for the life of me I now can't remember what for.

[Zed]

lol i forgot this is more of a urban edc carry kit    i carry thin zipties,usual tablets including some i have to take daily,lighter,plasters,and the little true utility utica mini master copy as a handy small MT  oh and a mini driver kit 

[nuphoria]

My small fixing kit had always got gaffa tape, cable ties, elastic bands and cord..... a whole world of repairs can be done with that

Also, I'd throw in a condom for water carrying, waterproofing (like your phone) and "other" purposes.