First, let me say that I cannot take credit for this idea and the subsequent list. This ‘micro kit’ was originally created by Alan Smith, who has a great website called Urban Survival Site (check it out at www.urbansurvivalsite.com). Alan’s concept is that the few items that go inside an Altoids box is a tiny survival kit that is intended to be carried around in your pocket or inside your car’s glove box. He says that you just cannot throw these items into the Altoids tin, you need to strategically place the items inside the tin. It is up to you to determine how many of his dozen suggestions you want to put into your Altoids tin or tins if you want to always carry one with you or keep several tins in your glove box.

Here’s Alan’s list and explanation and why he suggests each item for the micro car kit:

Altoids tin can(s) – Duh? Seems obvious, but I might suggest two Altoids tin cans in case you want to pack more items that may not fit in one tin.
Neosporin – it can heal a wound such as a scrape or a cut.
Swiss Army Knife – even if you have one in your Go Bag, you will have access to the knife whenever you travel and you do not have your Go Bag with you. Ideally, you should buy a Swiss Army Knife that has a toothpick and a pair of pliers. You can use the knife for self-defense, cutting paper, opening cans or bottles, even for building a shelter, if need be.
Q-Tips – besides their obvious use for personal hygiene, did you know they can be used as a fire starter? Simply, bring a spark into contact with the fuzzy end and it should light up quickly.
Matches – put a minimum of a half dozen in your tin can. Do not use match book matches. Instead get matches that are both waterproof and strike anywhere. He also says that you should consider having additional fire-starting devices in your second Altoids tin, such as a small lighter or magnesium flint striker or Ferro rod.
Small pencil and paper – I would recommend a small pad of paper and one of those sawed-off pencils you get at the golf course or mini-golf course. These items can come in handy for keeping track of where you are at, for creating a wish list or just making notes. In a pinch, the paper can even be used as kindling to help get a fire going.
Safety pins – another ‘many uses’ item including attaching items to clothes or backpacks, helping build a small shelter, or using as fishhooks. Consider adding a few paper clips to the box which also has many similar uses (and they do not take up much room).
Whistle – should be in your Go Bag, but if you do not bring your Go Bag with you, it does not hurt to have another small whistle inside your micro kit.
Band aids – another item that does not take up too much room. Two or three ‘large size’ band aids along with your Neosporin can be effective at healing a wound and preventing infection.’
Needle and Wax Thread – why wax thread? Because it resists moisture vs. the other type of thread, and it will not unravel. Simply wrap the wax thread around and around the needle and it will not take up too much room in your tin.
Advil and Tylenol – two tablets of each may be useful in calming a headache or any other type of pain that someone may be feeling.

Bonus: the Altoids Box Super Micro Car Kit

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