DIY Life

We recently explored a couple cool uses for Altoid tins. First up was the open source hardware project, the Minty Boost iPod charger. Second was X-Entertainment's Sanity Saving Altoids Survival Kit. Want something more serious? Here's the original can't-live-without-it Field & Stream magazine Altoids Tin Survival Kit.

This kit is a survival kit of the old-fashioned kind, with the emphasis on survival in the outdoors. Nope, no crossword puzzles in this one. Says the author, everything you might need -- with the exception of shelter and a blanket to keep warm -- is packed into one little tin. Here are a few of the key items included: mini fire starting tools, waterproof matches, and fire-starting tabs, a tiny candle, an LED flashlight, water-purification gear and fishing tackle, tiny compass, and -- to attract help -- a wee signaling mirror. But wait! There's more. (Can you believe it?) There's also some teensie-weensie first aid supplies, blades, and a tiny wire saw, string, needles, glue, foil, and (naturally) a safety pin. That's one loaded little tin! Check out the wondrous F&S slide show to get started.