Uploaded August 2013 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
A mini survival kit is a small survival kit which consists of the most essential outdoor survival tools and supplies which are the hardest to improvise or replace. A mini survival kit is intended to be carried along all the time and is usually designed to complement other survival tools carried along in a larger, separate bag. These kits may be referred to as BOATs, or Bug-Out Altoids Tins.[1]
Many items included in such a kit are difficult if not impossible to manufacture or obtain in real world survival situations. A mini survival kit is intended to remain on ones person always, be appropriate to all environments, and be a comprehensive kit without being too large. Other personal gear will primarily offer additional serviceability and ease of use, but the mini survival kit should provide for the basic needs of a survival situation, followed by self rescue, assistance, or a return to normalcy in optimum situations.
Two philosophies surround the preparation of mini survival kits. Some people like to carry a few, relatively large items such as a knife, box of matches, whistle, energy food, bottle of water, etc. Others prefer a collection of smaller but more comprehensive items such as rubber bands, paper clips, fishing equipment, lashing material, razor blades, etc. The decision of which technique to subscribe to depends on one's environment, physical condition, survival knowledge, and other factors.
A mini survival kit is a small survival kit which consists of the most essential outdoor survival tools and supplies which are the hardest to improvise or replace. A mini survival kit is intended to be carried along all the time and is usually designed to complement other survival tools carried along in a larger, separate bag. These kits may be referred to as BOATs, or Bug-Out Altoids Tins.[1]
Many items included in such a kit are difficult if not impossible to manufacture or obtain in real world survival situations. A mini survival kit is intended to remain on ones person always, be appropriate to all environments, and be a comprehensive kit without being too large. Other personal gear will primarily offer additional serviceability and ease of use, but the mini survival kit should provide for the basic needs of a survival situation, followed by self rescue, assistance, or a return to normalcy in optimum situations.
Two philosophies surround the preparation of mini survival kits. Some people like to carry a few, relatively large items such as a knife, box of matches, whistle, energy food, bottle of water, etc. Others prefer a collection of smaller but more comprehensive items such as rubber bands, paper clips, fishing equipment, lashing material, razor blades, etc. The decision of which technique to subscribe to depends on one's environment, physical condition, survival knowledge, and other factors.
