17 Survival Altoids Kits to Put Together

We all have those Altoids tins lying around, don’t we? You know, the ones that come with the delicious mints that we all love. Well, did you know that those tins can be reused for a variety of different kits?

nails inside an Altoids tin next to hammer
nails inside an Altoids tin next to hammer

That’s right, Altoid tins are the perfect size for a wide variety of different kits. Whether you’re looking to make a first aid kit, a sewing kit, or even just a simple emergency survival kit, an Altoid tin is the perfect container.

What is it about Altoid tins that makes them so fun and ideal for this purpose? Well, part of it is the fact that they’re small and easy to carry around. But I think the real reason is that they’re just so darned cute and charming!

There is just something about trying to fit something useful into a decidedly tiny space that has universal appeal, I think.

Finding ultra-compact but functional versions of things we use is only part of the problem; assembling them in such a way that they all fit into a compact footprint is the other!

But the challenge is delightful and actually a valuable skill for preppers: it forces you to really think about what the essential items are that you need to have on hand in an emergency or survival situation and also how to truly maximize space and efficiency with much larger luggage!

Not only are they useful, but they’re also fun to make! It’s a great way to upcycle those old tins and turn them into something new and useful.

We all know someone who goes through these mints by the carton load, so next time you talk to them ask them to save the tins for you! You’ll have a bundle of them in no time.

So if you’re looking for a fun and rewarding way to spend your time, why not try making some Altoid tin survival kits, sometimes referred to as BOATS (bug out Altoid tins)?

You’ll be surprised at how much you can actually fit into such a small space.

Do Altoids Survival Kits Actually Work?

Different Sizes of Altoid Tins

One of the first things to know about Altoid Tins if you’re going to reuse them for survival kits of any kind is that they come in a variety of different sizes and shapes.

The most common sizes are the Original tin, the Smalls, and the Mini tins which held the mints, but I’ve seen them circular and even heart-shaped too.

  • Altoid Original (Large) is 3 7/8” Long X 2 3/8” wide X 7/8” deep
  • Altoid Smalls (Medium) is 2 1/16” X 1 5/16” wide. It is 2 3/16” from corner to corner.
  • Altoid Minis (Tiny) aren’t used too often for survival kits but they can be helpful to organize tiny items such as loose pills, seasonings, or other tiny items.

Pro-Tip for Getting the Most from Your Altoids Tin Kit

Sometimes your tin will be just a little too small for your needs. Maybe you have some larger items that you want to include, but they just don’t seem to fit.

Maybe you have done such a good job packing it that the tiny detents holding the lid closed keep slipping and letting it fly open. Here’s a pro-tip for getting the most out of your tin.

Use heavy-duty rubber bands, rigger bands or sections of bicycle tire innertube to hold the lid shut.

This provides a secure, sure way to keep your kit shut and contents safe, even when the going gets rough while also allowing you to “bungee” some small items to the exterior.

These rubber bands are also yet another useful item for a kit to include, particularly a general survival or fire-starting kit. See below for more details.

Ways to Reuse an Altoid Tin

For those of us who were raised by Gen Xers or Babyboomers, reusing an Altoid tin is just one of the ways to honor our parents or grandparents who admonished us not to buy new unless we had used it all, couldn’t live without it, or had worn it out completely.

Those who lived through the Great Depression learned how to use every last bit of something and then still find a way to reuse the container. Many of them passed this penchant for reuse and recycling on to their children and grandchildren.

The Altoid tins are sturdy and close tight every time which makes them an extremely useful and reliable container for a wide variety of items.

Altoids Survival Kit

First Aid Kit

It’s always a good idea to have a mini first aid kit in your pocket to handle life’s little emergencies as well as to temporarily help with any larger issues that may come up unexpectedly.

The original Altoids tin makes the perfect container for a pocket sized first aid kit that can go with you anywhere.

It fits in a back pocket or a jacket pocket or can be tossed in the bottom of your purse with everything else and hold up to the wear and tear of rattling around every day.

a mini first aid kit inside an Altoids tin
Mini first aid kit inside an Altoids tin

  • Band-aids of various sizes
  • Single dose pain reliever
  • “Straw” tubes or sample tubes of Neosporin, sun screen, cortisone cream, etc.
  • Cough drops
  • Mini nail clippers
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Iodine tablets
  • Cotton Swab
  • Super Glue
  • Moleskin bandage
  • Butterfly bandage

Sewing Kit

The Altoid tin makes a great container for a mini sewing kit. Be prepared the next time you are at a school play, at work, on a hike or at the beach and need to fix a strap, replace a button, or mend a tear in a swimsuit.

And in a real emergency, a sewing kit can come in handy for stitching wounds or repairing a leaky tent.

sewing kit inside an Altoids tin
sewing kit inside an Altoids tin
  • Pre-threaded needles
  • Safety pins
  • Buttons
  • Thread or Seam Puller
  • Thimble
  • Thread
  • Small scissors

Mini Games

Before we had smartphones, boredom was a major threat while waiting for an appointment, in a long drive-thru line, or any other time we had to simply “wait”.

People and especially children, have become so used to constant entertainment that during a power outage or other emergency where a long-term bug-in is needed, boredom will be quick to rear its ugly head.

deck of cards, dice, pencil, and paper next to Altoids tin
deck of cards, dice, pencil, and paper next to Altoids tin

Stay ahead of boredom and keep morale high by being prepared with these mini games in Altoid tins.

The Firestarter Kit

Fire is one of mankind’s oldest tools, and starting a fire reliably is one of our oldest technologies.

It is so important in a survival situation (and so essential for a fun camping excursion!) that you should include one of these firestarting kits with every vehicle and all your go-bags.

What You’ll Need:

  • One Altoid tin
  • Storm Matches, or other waterproof matches. Cut down to size if necessary.
  • Mini Bic Lighter
  • Tinder (drier lint, char cloth, resin rope, innertube, corn chips, cottonballs soaked with vaseline, etc.)
  • Ferro rod and striker
    -Glass scraper blade (taped inside lid if necessary. Used to shave wood)
    -Small vial of accelerant (ensure it cannot leak!)
    -Innertube to hold shut. (Also can be used as kindling.)

Fix-It Kit

When you lose a screw from your eyeglasses, accidentally drop your phone, lose a heel on your shoe, or need to mend a fence or reinforce windows against a storm, you’ll be glad to have some of these items on hand.

You’ll remind your friends of MacGyver, if you can’t fix it with one of these items no one can.

EDC kit inside an Altoids tin with multitool zip ties carabiner and more
EDC kit inside an Altoids tin with multitool zip ties carabiner and more
  • Zip ties
  • Duct tape
  • Mini screwdriver
  • Electrical tape
  • Mini multi-tool

School Kit

If you’re a parent of a child that is organizationally challenged, an Altoids tin school kit in the bottom of their bookbag can really come in handy.

Put these items together, throw the kit into their school bag and when they call you because they need something, remind them of the kit. It will save you a trip to the school and keep your child on track for the day.

school supply items in Altoids tin
school supply items in Altoids tin

  • Eraser
  • Half pencil
  • Paper clips
  • Small scissors
  • Spare lunch money
  • Dental floss and wisp on the go toothbrush
  • Binder clip
  • Mini stapler
Urban Altoids EDC Kit (Version 4.0)

Urban Survival Kit

When it comes to survival, those who reside in the city have slightly different needs in an emergency than those who live in rural areas.

In the city, you’re more likely to have your purse stolen or be stuck in traffic for hours. Here’s our suggestions for a city survival kit to get you through when your everyday routine is interrupted or an emergency crops up.

Altoids tin urban survival kit with multi-tool lighter cash and q-tips
Altoids tin urban survival kit with multi-tool, lighter, cash, and q-tips
  • Aluminum foil
  • Mini lighter
  • Razor blade
  • Mini multi-tool
  • Ear plugs
  • Duct tape
  • String or dental floss
  • Safety pins
  • Spare change
  • $5 to $20 in cash
  • Band-aids
  • Cough drops
  • Rubber band
  • Mini can opener

Fishing Kit / Tackle Box

Whether you love to fish in any spare time you get throughout the day or whether you want to be prepared to feed your family during an emergency situation, a fishing kit in an Altoid tin is a great idea.

With a hot glue gun and some popsicle sticks you can create several compartments in the tin, designed to keep your tackle organized.

fishing kit inside Altoids tin
fishing kit inside Altoids tin
  • Hooks
  • Line
  • Rubber lures
  • weights
  • Credit card knife
  • Mini wire snippers or utility scissors

Spice and Seasonings Kit

Whether it’s to add some flavor to a bland lunch or help you spice up meals during an emergency or bug out situation, having an Altoids tin packed with spices and seasonings can make a huge difference.

packs of seasonings inside an Altoids tin
packs of seasonings inside an Altoids tin

Keep one in the bottom of your purse, in your bug out bag, or even in the glove compartment of your car.

  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Sugar
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Garlic Powder
  • Beef and Chicken Bouillon Cubes
  • Chili powder
  • Cinnamon

Snack Kit

Everyone needs a snack now and then as they go about their daily routine.

And sometimes in an emergency situation, having a snack can keep you calm and get you through until help arrives or the situation changes. Focus on high protein snacks and ways to boost the flavor of water.

  • Tea bag
  • Singles to go drink mix
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Nuts
  • Peanut butter cracker
  • Cheez It crackers

Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene including oral hygiene is an important part of staying healthy. Altoid tins can be the perfect container to carry supplies to keep yourself clean and healthy.

  • Dental Pick
  • Dental Floss
  • Single use toothbrush/toothpaste or “Wisp”
  • Breath mints or gum
  • Shaving supplies
  • Feminine Hygiene Supplies
  • Baby wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Cough drop

Overnight Survival Kit

When it comes to an overnight survival situation, it’s hard to determine just what items you will need without knowing the factors involved.

Obviously if you know there’s a chance you will be stuck overnight somewhere, you would pack supplies you might need into your get home bag or car.

You should also always have your EDC items with you. But having an overnight kit packed into and around an Altoid tin and keeping it with you at all times can certainly come in handy if you are unexpectedly trapped in your car or even outdoors overnight.

  • Aluminum foil or small mirror taped into the lid (for signaling, cooking, holding water)
  • Razor blade taped into lid
  • Strike anywhere matches and mini lighter
  • Band-Aids
  • Mini can opener
  • Zip ties or bread ties
  • Paper clips and safety pins (or fish hooks)
  • 15 to 20 feet of white nylon string
  • Air filter mask (wrapped tight with rubber band)
  • Water purification tablets
  • Wire pocket saw
  • Seal edges of tin with electrical tape (keeps tin waterproof and you’ll have tape)
  • Wrap duct tape around outside of tin
  • Put spare keys or credit card on top of duct tape
  • Wrap tin with ace bandage and seal inside Ziploc freezer bag
  • Secure with rubber band or hair tie
matches razor fishing hook and rod and multi-tool inside Altoids tin
matches razor fishing hook and rod and multi-tool inside Altoids tin

Cash and Communication Kit

When an emergency happens, especially one that knocks out power in some or all of the area, communication becomes difficult. For most of us, a power outage also means no access to money that we may have in the bank.

cash and communication emergency kit in Altoids tin
A communication emergency kit in Altoids tin including cash, emergency phone numbers, a debit card and a SIM card.

Use an Altoids tin to keep extra cash, spare change, and other things you might need to get in touch with friends or family in an emergency.

  • Cash
  • Spare change
  • contact list taped inside lid (in case your cell dies)
  • fully charged spare cell phone battery in zip lock bag
  • emergency or backup credit card

Bow Tin

If bow hunting is your thing, you know how important it will be to have your supplies organized and ready for use in a survival emergency. An Altoid tin prepared in advance with the right materials and stored in the bottom of your tackle box, your BOB, or even the glove compartment of your car can come in handy as a last resort.

  • Arrow heads
  • dental floss
  • bow string
  • super glue
  • Fletching

Emergency Candle

Attach a wick clip and wick to the bottom of an Altoid tin. Fill the tin with melted wax and let it cool. Tape a book of matches to the lid of the tin and put the lid on tightly.

Keep in a cool dry place until you need emergency light. Remove the lid and light the wick for hours of light.

Char Cloth

An Altoid tin can make a great container to make and store char cloth for your fire-starting needs during a survival situation.

Store Electronics Components

If you’re an IT person, a ham radio operator, or an electrician you’re aware of how tiny the different components can be that are used to make repairs.

An Altoid tin can be a great place just to store those tiny components. Use mini Altoid tins for each type of component or store multiple components for each type of repair together in one of the original tins. To make separate compartments within the tin, use popsicle sticks and a hot glue gun.

How to Modify Altoid Tins for Survival Use

Altoid tins are also used by many people because they are made of metal, they are sturdy with a tight-fitting lid, and because they block electromagnetic interference.

Because of this, there are a ton of different ways to modify Altoid tins for survival use. I’ve included video instructions for details on the modifications needed for each use below:

USB Charger / Power Bank

These are handy to have when your cell phone battery dies. Get just enough juice to make an emergency phone call or send a text if you’re stranded on the side of the road.

How to make a portable phone/device charger from a Altoids Tin

Alcohol Stove

In an emergency situation, there’s no way of knowing when or where you’ll have time to cook up some sustenance.

These are great to have even for a hunting trip that gets extended or if you find yourself lost on a hike and needing to spend the night on the trail.

Altoid Tin Alcohol Stove

Bake Bread

For the chef in the family, baking bread in an Altoid tin is one of the things that is just a cool thing to say that you’ve done before.

But, for a survival situation, knowing how to bake bread in an Altoid tin could be just the boost to morale your group needs to keep going another few days.

Emergency Radio

If you leave home in a survival situation without your radio or if yours is broken during your bug out trip, this handy Altoid tin radio could be just what you need to keep up with what’s happening in your area.

Make this in advance, store it in your bug out bag, the glove compartment of your car, or even in your purse or backpack. When you need it, you’ll be glad to have it.

BB Gun or Dart Gun from an Altoid Tin

When it comes to security and self-defense, most of us would rather have a firearm or a weapon with some stopping power when we are faced with intruders or an angry wild animal.

But for many people who have a fear of guns or for children who aren’t yet trained to handle a firearm, an Altoid tin can provide some security.

It’s also a great backup weapon to have as a last resort to use to scare off an animal or distract someone’s attention and give you time to get away.

Morse Code Oscillator

If you know Morse code and have trained your family to know Morse code, it can be a great way to communicate if someone is trapped. In the video above, you’ll see how to make a Morse code oscillator from an Altoid tin.

Imagine if every victim of an earthquake or other natural disaster where they were buried or trapped carried one of these in their pocket at all times. In the right situation, it could save lives by helping you to direct rescue workers or family members to your location.

Altoids Morse Code Machines

Use Altoid Tins to Organize Around the Home

In addition to survival uses for Altoids tins, you can use these handy little containers to help organize different areas in your home or garage.

gel lotion and shampoo in Altoids tin
gel lotion and shampoo in Altoids tin

Use different colored or shaped tins for different items or use a permanent marker to label each tin with its contents.

Examples of other supplies or areas that can become ultra-organized with the help of Altoids tins include:

  • The junk drawer
  • Bathroom supplies
  • Office supplies
  • Workbench (screws and other fasteners)
  • Legos
  • Game pieces
multicolor plastic pawns inside Altoids tin
multicolor plastic pawns inside Altoids tin

Storing Foodstuffs

There are many different foods that you can seal into tiny containers and put into an Altoid Tin that will simply last several years or more until you find that you need them.

These foods are good options to include in your survival snack or seasoning tin:

  • Honey
  • Salt
  • Rice
  • Cornstarch
  • White Vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Pure Vanilla Extract
  • Maple Syrup

Other Containers for Survival Kits

If you don’t happen to have empty Altoid tins lying around but you still want to put together some of the survival kits we’ve described above, here are some other containers that are often used to organize, store, or carry survival kits.

  • Sardine tins
  • Large Plastic jars with screw on lids
  • Tupperware
  • Empty 2-liter bottles
  • Fanny or waist pouch
  • Mason Jars
  • Wide mouth pill Bottles with childproof caps
  • Pill Saver Containers for Pills or for Spices

So, you can use an Altoid tin or another type of container to create an all in one survival kit or several different kits each focused on a specific need. You can also use Altoid tins to help improve your daily organization in your home and garage.

Regardless of how you choose to carry or store your kits, having the items you need handy during an emergency situation not only makes life easier, it could save your life.

4 thoughts on “17 Survival Altoids Kits to Put Together”

  1. I recently saw an article on Prepper Journal expressing contempt for Altoid tin survival kits. I commented that one of these little kits could be very useful and possibly even be a life-saver. The author apparently took my comment as a personal attack on himself and viciously attacked me.
    Just goes to show that even good ideas aren’t enough to overcome inferiority complexes.
    Altoid tin survival kits: Yea!

  2. I have quite a few Altoid tins in use. As a sole survival tool, they’re overrated. Someone planning on really surviving an ordeal would want more than a pocketful of bits. But as a sturdy sub-container for a larger survival pack, they’re great! You can get quite a bit of first aid stuff in one, for packing into a backpack. The medium tins will hold thirty 9mm rounds, or 18 5.56. Not a super-arsenal, but an easily stowed re-load. I’m using one tin for a field (gun) cleaner kit.

    Little sturdy containers are just handy.

    — Mic
    — mic-roland.com

  3. The reason why I like these little tins are their size:
    It forces me to minimize and prioritize;
    choose sleight and light over weight; and
    to stuff unnecessary Stuff
    increase my mobility without compromising my ability; and finally
    “Small is Beautiful”.

  4. Timothy K. Toroian

    I have one but another use is carrying spare flashlight batteries in a tin along with a high lumen light in double 40mm grenade pouch. Had to slightly modify one side to keep light from sliding through but the Altoid tin fits perfectly in the other pouch. Not very many people carry extra batteries but I have for more than 30 years. VERY, VERY handy when you need them. Before Cree LEDs I also carried spare bulbs for lights that didn’t have them like Mag-light did. I’m retired but still, carry 2 small lights at all times. And a few batteries in a Gerber folding knife sheath when I’m traveling light.

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