On the underside of the tin I stuck the Brite strike added a piece of reflexite tape to the bottom outside of the tin better for signalling, I swapped out the fishing line for something more robust (Spiderwire), Ditched the Large and medium hooks and added a few more small ones(You can't catch small fish with big hooks IMO, But can catch bigger fish with small hooks) Got rid of the jig as well. Added 3 UCO stormproof matches with striker, Cloth sail needle and 3 mini light sticks... And upgrade the button compass with a solkoa mini baseplate compass with a bezel that rotates
Not sure if a small mylar blanket would fit in there, but it could help in survival mode. The light looks kind of weak. Could be upgraded to something like the Nitecore Tube. It's a decent kit as it is though.
Using the lid as a signal mirror. Glue a sheet of mylar and keep it as smooth as possible. While not as good as the mirror it is better than at can lid. Water bag, use grocery store produce bag. The thin but strong and packs. For bobbers Small zip bags you mentioned early on. Use a heated pin or small nail to melt a hole above the seal. Makes a stronger hole than punching. Tie on point. Put a small piece of flagging tape inside for visability. Inflate and seal.
It's fun to make Altoids™ survival tins.. fitting in as many useful items as possible, and trying to include the five "Cs". Fire starting may be the most important capability, IMO. For EDC, I've eliminated the tin, and simply carry items in my pockets. That way, they are truly every day carry items, because they are always with me.
I've seen people down talk about tins not necessarily Esee. I've done a few and I've used them before. Mine is a city tin and I have things like band aids tape small blade Advil and so forth.
I would add: small full tang knife, wire saw, my daily meds, pain meds, allergy meds, emergency money, mini flashlight, a sewing needle, thread, extra buttons, safety pins, Bobby pins, a hair tie, water-proof matches a few band-aids, and a few hard candies for a quick energy boost and to bring up morale (peppermint always makes me happy 😊).
Id add a turkey bag. They fold flat, hold up to a gallon of water, and they’re tough enough boil with if you hang them up over a fire. Either that or two square feet of heavy duty tin foil. That always has multiple uses. I think the biggest reason people don’t buy this ESSEE kit is because they can build their own for less money.
a brass sparklite sparker would be smaller than that flint and steel and easier to use. some water purification tabs would be good. with all the garbage and trash around, you can almost always find a plastic bottle or can to purify found water in.
This video is old but I'm making my tin right now. The biggest benefit to me is actually sitting down and thinking about what I need to survive. I live in a very temperate part of Australia. 1litre ziplock bag + 10 aquatabs Swiss army knife called the Walker (only has knife and saw and can opener) Fenix e01 2 small ferro rods (good quality) Sunto clipper compass 20 feet of micro cord 30 feet of Kevlar string Small white Bic lighter Whistle Dog tag mirror 2 trick birthday candles Gaffa tape Glow in the dark tape reflective tape 2 tiny chem lights 4 tinder quick things And fatwood shavings 3 fishing hooks 3 sinkers and a stink lure
i have half a dozen altoids tins, and another dozen of different shape and size. i paint them all a coleman green. you can get replacement coleman stickers (meant for lantern and stove refurbs) for a unique vintage look. or make ‘em your own; camo, team colors, color code, first aid. i lined some with felt and some with drawer liner material that you use in crafstman toolboxes...
I love ESEE products, but check out the AMK PSK and Best Glide PSK tins. Both are a little larger than the tin reviewed but they are superior, in my opinion. Thanks for the video review. Well done!
Looks like 3 meters of cordage. A small piece of stick can become an improvised bobber. A small piece of silver mylar is lighter than most other mirrors. That tin lid will be shiny for a while, but might go rusty. I think the info card (or maybe 2 with more tips) should be on top, not the bottom. If the string on your ferro rod and striker is too short for you, why not put longer on it? Better yet, a quick coupler of some sort would be great, like from a cheap pair of gloves or an electrical bullet connector. Water purification tablets are definitely a great idea, I'm surprised there weren't any.
Check out the Kitbash channel. Eric reviews all the PSK tins and also adds and/or removes gear from the tins to improve them. Excellent channel and format!
I think it's a mistake to get rid of the signaling mirror, the tin itself is reflective but it's not going to give the same crisp bright flash to reach out over distance. I would add water tabs and a bag. I'd rather have a small lock blade than the razor, it may not cut as well but it's a lot safer and easier to control.
Nobody likes an empty belly, but I'd rather they replace the fishing kit with a whistle. I like the idea of adding water tabs and a baggie. I wish you could fit an emergency blanket in there, but that's a bit big. However, that plastic waterproof case you had would be able to hold the blanket and all the rest of this stuff.
Great video and review. I'm actually building some kits right now using the ESEE tin for the container. You've given me some good ideas for building mine. Thanks for sharing.
Good video. I like that you actually took the time to measured out the cordage, wire and fishing line. I'm not sure, but I think ESEE built this kit without water tablets because then this kit would need to be check and update with items that expire. It looks like a kit you buy and never have to really check anything because nothing expires. I'm sure the $$$ played a big role as well. You could fill it with top quality gear and people would snivel like a rat eating an onion over the price they'd have to charge, so it's a happy medium for a kit we all know we will probably NEVER use, but fun to have and look at and play with. haha I would drop that LED light. I don't need a marker light and it's not a flashlight, so what will it be used for really. I would also drop that tiny mirror, and like you said, polish the lid and use that. I would also drop 2 of those tinder tabs. I like the fishing kit, but I would replace the line with 30 pound test braided fishing line. A sewing bobbin holds about 65 feet. I'd replace the hooks with all smaller hooks around a #6 or 8 and have six of them and a split shot for each hook. I'd add a small straw and fill it with 6 or 8 of those little crappie nibbles bait, and a small piece of felt and fold it in half and put my bait in it on the hook. The felt adds to attracting fish and holds the nibble bait to be used a few times. I'd add a Gerber breast milk bag, and say 6-8 inches of duct tape to repair the bag if needed. I took a hollow plastic Q-tip shaft and sealed both ends after filling it with potassium permanganate for water treatment as it has no shelf life. It's not the best, but it is very compact and treats a lot of water for that small package and it's better than nothing, which you have now. I like that cordage, but I use about 35 feet of 250 pound test braided fishing line in mine. It's thinner than that cord, or about the same size as one inner strand of 550........maybe a tad thicker, but a lot stronger. I also carry a larger perfume sample vial and fill it with bug juice. I live in southern Louisiana and the bugs are NEVER gone. I can use this to get me through a night in the bush or fixing a flat tire and refill it when I get home. I made a small liquid candle from an MRE Tabasco bottle. If I keep the flame at 1/2 to 3/4 inch, with a small piece of foil with a small hole in it for the wick to regulate flame height, it will burn for 70 to 75 minutes. This replaces those 2 dropped tinder tabs, but the 2 you kept can be use with the ferro rod to start the liquid candle and then put out the tinder tab right away to be used it again to light the candle if needed. Then use this candle to start a fire. Again, in Louisiana I need or like to have fire that lasts longer than a couple minutes. If you make one of these, dip the cap in wax or tape it to keep it tight and closed. I did have ONE come loose back in the early 90's, out of the dozens I have made. So I just tape or wax them now to be sure. I also like the idea of adding some GOOD matches. Well, that's basically how I set up mine, but what the hell do I know. I just enjoy making these small kits. Keep up the great work.
1Fluffy Mama a split shot is the small fishing weight it looks like a big BB but is cut threw the middle you out the fishing line threw squeese closed and it helps get the bait under water if you don't use then if your using a cricket crickets float and you need the cricket under water.
1Fluffy Mama, I'm really sorry for the late reply, but I never got a notice from youtube that you asked me a question. I wouldn't have known at all, but heath schwab answered you and I did receive that notice from youtube. Anyway, he did explain split shot, but here's a quick link to what they are. Again, I'm very sorry. www.basspro.com/_/N-0/Ntk-Search_All/Ntt-split+shot
Seems like a good prebuilt kit. As you alluded to at the end (by your addition suggestions) it looks to be a really good foundation for personalization. I really dig the light they provide too. Thanks for sharing!
I would also add a few Tylenol to your assessment and maybe cut the cost in half. At the end of the video you said "fireproof matches", if you find some let me know. :)
When I was in Boy Scouts, we made water resistant matches from regular kitchen matches and parafin wax. I've heard old candle wax drippings and cheap crayons also work. It's pretty cheap, as the biggest cost is the time you take to make them. If they get hot, they can stck together though, so good there's a razor in there.
I've never carried one. Ever. The gear I need is either in my pack or EDC bag. I'd rather carry something larger and make less compromises in what is carried. Razor blade? Fine, but my guess is everyone who purchases this and then actually commits to packing it every day also has one or more EDC cutting tools already. Redundancy I get, 2 is 1 etc, but these seem like gimmicks. But I've been wrong before.
I like the kit and I'm motivated to build my own kit to suit my needs in the high desert southwest. I'd also use artificial flies to the kit and lose the jig. Adding water purifiers and contain is huge.
I used the extra area in the lid of the Altoids tin to hold an emergency blanket. I also added survival cards" to mine. They don't take hardly any space. Overall though, I agree with your 5 changes.
The adventure medical pocket survival kit blows that thing away. Designed by Doug Ritter. The pocket survival kit plus is a bit more $ but an excellent value IMO.
Love the idea of water purification and container. Instead of matches I have a fresnel lens in my kit. My kit is an extensional my edc so I don’t see a need for a blade.
Hey Tim, first I like to say that it's awesome that your channel has grown. I don't know if you remember I challenged you to make an Altoids kit.I am stoked to see what will you come up with.
Looks like a decent type of paracord. However, you might find that hootchie cord (because it's rated to 550 in a third of the cross-section of 550) might be a better option. My pocket kit carries 5m to support the 100m I carry in my main shelter kit.
My opinion you go into the woods or wherever always carry a small backpack if you think strolling off into wilderness with a small tin filled with a few items is going to keep you alive it may for a bit ,but I wouldn't trust my life to it.water,fire and shelter are the 3 key things to your survival. If it's raining skip being warm by the fire,although you will have plenty of water from the rain the elements will kill you.so for 34$ I can buy a cheap backpack and fill it with things that will truly help in my survival including making my own survival tin
lol fireproof matches sound pretty useless my friend ;) however I definitely agree with you on the water purification - just a few more add ons - some duct tape wrapped around itself for repairs and what not- a few needles of various sizes and thread- some pills to treat every day issues - couple sheets or rite in the rain paper - a writing tool like an ink cartridge or a small pencil- alcohol prep pad - one could cram a whole lot in an altoid size tin with a little patience and some good tetris skills
You can use wood for a float, and the tin to make char cloth & I think that's why they put a mirror in there. BTW, I think you forgot to tell us how long the fishing line was! Oh, where can I find some of those matches too?!? LoL
The only thing in that kit that is useful and somewhat useful is the the tin, mirror, light, tender, cordage,fire starter, blade just because you can feather with it to and make more tender to help get a fire going. Maybe the fishing gear just to have some invade you can catch fish or even have a body of water.
I got a free tin when I ordered the pouch for my esee 6 and have turned it into a small fishing kit. nice and handy. a bunch of sinkers, different size hooks, 1 small lure and about 100 feet of 15# line.
These mini kits are better than nothing but I would not survive very long with one. I would have to admit that my mini kit is fairly large lol but it doesn't fit in my back pocket either.
Great review, but the kit is lacking a few things. First, a couple of iodine tablets for water purification along with a folded zip lock bag to carry water. Second, a small roll or folded section of duct tape would provide the ability to seal wounds and support repairs. Third, I typically cut an emergency blanket in half. This makes it fit a bit easier. You are more likely to die from exposure before needing to gather food. Ditch the snare and fishing kit. They're not needed for short term survival. I would also just place a blade without the handle to save space.
I have that same ESEE tin but empty, it came with something else I bought from them. The tin itself if cool looking although I don't use it right now. My opinion of small (Altoids-tin-sized) kits is very very low. If I was going somewhere I felt I needed to have survival gear then I'm gonna have a helluva lot more than a candy tin! My smallest PSK is home-rolled and weighs about a pound and even that's a bit smaller than I prefer to go with. There's simply no way to fit enough gear in one IMO. A good survival kit is not just gear- it's TIME! As you well know, you can build a debris shelter but it takes time; time if almost always in short supply in a bad situation. There's no way to fit time in a box that small. In a bit larger kit you can have some cordage and a space blanket, and that is time in a survival situation. You can set up a quick tarp shelter with a space blanket in less than five minutes. Those tiny saws are maybe okay for detail work but useless if you're trying to process anything. And any kit that doesn't even have something like a Whirl-Pak is just a toy IMO. The kit seems overpriced but ESEE exists to make a profit so I understand. You're buying their logo mostly. To me the smallest kit that I carry with any regularity is based on a Maxpediton 12x5 water bottle bag. I added a couple of Maxpedition Cocoon pouches/pockets onto the sides and I used the webbing to attack an ESEE Izula 2 to the outside. This gives me a 1 liter steel Nalgene w/nesting cup, a 2-person HeatSheet, some cordage, a small but high quality multi-tool, BIC, Aquatabs, a disposable poncho, cordage, etc. The weakness of the kit is a lack of a warming layer but it addresses everything else. To be completely honest the PSK I carry when in the "big woods" of Idaho and Montana is a Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault pack. It contains the survival stuff you expect plus a Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll, a down jacket and a steel pot. It's small enough to not be a burden yet it verges on camping gear. With that kit I'm okay down to about 40 degrees F without a fire and much colder with.
It doesn't look to me that you get much bang for your buck with this ESEE tin PSK. I think most anyone after watching a few videos and doing some web searches could make a better kit less expensively. I am not trying to beat up on ESEE. Most pre made tin kits are lacking. Most makers want a cutting tool but size restrictions cause them to fall back to razor blades. If you are out in the places were you might need to use a tin PSK you will probably have at least a pocket knife of some kind. To me PSK should be mostly about fire and water. So lose the razor blade add a bag to hold water, water purification tablets and a mini bic or a peanut lighter and more tinder things. Also I am sorry to say that that looked like the cheapest ferro rod they could find. It worked and that's the most important thing. I have bought tins that had matches that were beyond useless as the only fire starter. The more I learn about bushcraft and wilderness survival the more an candy tin kit looked more like something to kill time designing at home instead of something to use in the field.
leave mirror , ad water like you said and fire , but also maybe you didn't think of it but a couple bandaids and small pack triple antibiotic and Tylenol. 3 basics water fire first aid . live videos keep it up
$34 and you receive $5 worth of junk. A decent small blade or better yet a multicolor and I would consider it. The blade being the main selling point. Having the ability to make your own tinder is necessary.
"A decent small blade or better yet a multicolor and I would consider it" Are you kidding? A SAK by itself is $20, this complete kit has a street price of $26 and had MiUSA items. The tins is $6, the Derma blade is less than a dollar (but you have to buy 100 at a time), the signal mirror is probably $5, wire, cord, tinder tabs, ferro rod, striker... and you call it $5 of junk? I'm open to be convinced, please show me a $26 kit that is better than this.
I know this is not related to your vid but it's the easiest way for me to send you a message....I'm looking to buy some paracord to use in a survival kit & I have not bought any before....I have done some research on Google....It look's like I would be looking for 7 strand 550 type 3 paracord.... should I get the military grade paracord or does it not really matter & where is the best place to buy it?
I get the point of these tins and i get that profit needs to be generated for a business. In my opinion, all of the tins i have seen commercially available are over priced. The tin logo is cool, but not $30 cool. The content is good, but not $30 good. I made my own for less than $5 each. one for fishing, one as a fire kit, and one gen purpose. One is an altoid tin and the other two are airgun pullet tins. Again, for me, these commercial tins are just over priced.
I doubt you could make them for less than 5 bucks. Fishing gear alone isn't cheap and having to buy certain items when you only need a couple like storm proof matches or a ferro rod, bandages, etc are a little more than 5 bucks.
I agree 100% - I have made about 6 or 7 for 25 dollars. I haven't put them in a "tin" . I put mine in a small zip lock bag and then store them in a pouch on my knife sheath's or in a pocket in the larger bag. I might also add that the ones I have made, have a lot better quality of items than the store bought ones...
@@rudysal1429 I agree man all these people saying they made em for say $5 probably got most of the stuff free anyways and what they did buy is probably cheap quality not worth depending on in a survival prepper situation. The ESEE firesteel with divot for bowdrill is one of the top things on my BOB list of things to buy Id rather buy a quality item once than a sh!t ton of cheap junk that wont last or work at the best or worst of times. Much like bankline i need a good roll thats been soaked through as once i read about its uses and qualities i wish id never wasted money on paracord.
Ill never understand comments like this. A half decent mini compass is $15, a ferro rod, mini striker and tinder tabs are at least $12. You are already above the cost of this kit and all you have is a ferro rod/striker/tinder and a tiny compass. How are you going to add a container, fishing gear, signal mirror, wire, cordage, knife and a flashing LED signaling device and come in at less than $5. Please explain.
Esee should make a knife the size of the Spyderco Bug or Honey Bee for this kit. Here's my hand made kit: The tin is a regular size altoid tin with a polished inner lid for signaling and when closed it is wrapped with electrical tape Spyderco Bug small ferro rod small fishing kit waterproof matches water purification tabs plastic bag 5ft gorilla tape button compass 15 ft inner strand from 550 cord 10 ft snare wire small sewing kit 3 band aids 2 triple antibiotic ointment The stuff just barely fits in it but at least I know I'm ready for anything
With the Bug closed, the back of the blade can be a firesteel striker. It works great with firesteel.com firesteel, but I don't know about other brands. I have a Spyderco Honeybee in my Altoids SMALLS tin. I wrap a plastic bag lengthwise with some heavy duty foil for water/boiling. Isn't bulky at all. Is it true survival? Probably not. But fun to make and handy if I lose my whistle and light, which I keep on my neck.
The only useful items in that tin is the compass(if it works) and the light. Items one should always carry in the first place, but in a better format so to speak. These tins derives for the military doctrine of survival, which is completely different from the civilian. Civilians have choices when packing gear. That specific tin was actually very poorly put together compared to some of the military equivalent I have seen.
I have mine for some time now...yes I do have other stuff I carry around....the tin is just with on my person al the time in case I ever need it...I don't use it...it's just the emergency kit - and I have added some water purification tablets though.
$34 is robbery for what is supplied in the kit. Whats the actual manufacturing cost? $5...$10...$15?!...At most the actual manufacturing cost is $15 for everything in the tin, including the tin itself. At that amount the manufacturer is making over 50% profit on the product... Think about it.
The mistakes start with the tin. Its bad for boiling water long term. Thats the entire point of a tin, or you should wrap it all in a heavy duty water carrier.
no way of shelter, no water treatment. According to the rule of 3s, first 2 are not covered. And eating fish, without having water to digest is practically worthless. A nice gimmick in my eyes. could be used to take apart and put into other kits.
this kit is no more than a novelty.....like most..if not all of these so called mini survival kits. Heck, a cheap pocket knife or a $5 multi tool and a pack of matches would be more useful in extending one's chances of survival in challenging situations.
On the underside of the tin I stuck the Brite strike added a piece of reflexite tape to the bottom outside of the tin better for signalling, I swapped out the fishing line for something more robust (Spiderwire), Ditched the Large and medium hooks and added a few more small ones(You can't catch small fish with big hooks IMO, But can catch bigger fish with small hooks) Got rid of the jig as well. Added 3 UCO stormproof matches with striker, Cloth sail needle and 3 mini light sticks... And upgrade the button compass with a solkoa mini baseplate compass with a bezel that rotates
Not sure if a small mylar blanket would fit in there, but it could help in survival mode. The light looks kind of weak. Could be upgraded to something like the Nitecore Tube. It's a decent kit as it is though.
John Campbell The blanket could be wrapped around the tin, and secured with rubber bands. This would add to the weather proofing as well.
Using the lid as a signal mirror. Glue a sheet of mylar and keep it as smooth as possible. While not as good as the mirror it is better than at can lid. Water bag, use grocery store produce bag. The thin but strong and packs. For bobbers Small zip bags you mentioned early on. Use a heated pin or small nail to melt a hole above the seal. Makes a stronger hole than punching. Tie on point. Put a small piece of flagging tape inside for visability. Inflate and seal.
I've build my own edc altoids tin and I would recommend adding a couple bandages , needle and thread
Agreed we make are own we been making survival gear alot lately so much fun
It's fun to make Altoids™ survival tins.. fitting in as many useful items as possible, and trying to include the five "Cs". Fire starting may be the most important capability, IMO. For EDC, I've eliminated the tin, and simply carry items in my pockets. That way, they are truly every day carry items, because they are always with me.
I've seen people down talk about tins not necessarily Esee. I've done a few and I've used them before.
Mine is a city tin and I have things like band aids tape small blade Advil and so forth.
Yeah - tins can be good or bad - many factors influence their quality.
I would add: small full tang knife, wire saw, my daily meds, pain meds, allergy meds, emergency money, mini flashlight, a sewing needle, thread, extra buttons, safety pins, Bobby pins, a hair tie, water-proof matches a few band-aids, and a few hard candies for a quick energy boost and to bring up morale (peppermint always makes me happy 😊).
That Small Altoids tin will hold 25 rounds of 22LR ammo. Very handy, rugged and compact. I secure mine with a narrow ranger band.
Well that's a survival tin lol.
Id add a turkey bag. They fold flat, hold up to a gallon of water, and they’re tough enough boil with if you hang them up over a fire.
Either that or two square feet of heavy duty tin foil. That always has multiple uses.
I think the biggest reason people don’t buy this ESSEE kit is because they can build their own for less money.
Yes, building your own is cheaper and also more fun.
@@backrowbrighton
Tell me about it. For the price of this ESEE kit, I can build at least three Altoids kits with more items.
Great additional items ideas. The water container and pills is just smart.
a brass sparklite sparker would be smaller than that flint and steel and easier to use. some water purification tabs would be good. with all the garbage and trash around, you can almost always find a plastic bottle or can to purify found water in.
This video is old but I'm making my tin right now. The biggest benefit to me is actually sitting down and thinking about what I need to survive. I live in a very temperate part of Australia.
1litre ziplock bag + 10 aquatabs
Swiss army knife called the Walker (only has knife and saw and can opener)
Fenix e01
2 small ferro rods (good quality)
Sunto clipper compass
20 feet of micro cord
30 feet of Kevlar string
Small white Bic lighter
Whistle
Dog tag mirror
2 trick birthday candles
Gaffa tape
Glow in the dark tape
reflective tape
2 tiny chem lights
4 tinder quick things
And fatwood shavings
3 fishing hooks 3 sinkers and a stink lure
i have half a dozen altoids tins, and another dozen of different shape and size. i paint them all a coleman green. you can get replacement coleman stickers (meant for lantern and stove refurbs) for a unique vintage look. or make ‘em your own; camo, team colors, color code, first aid. i lined some with felt and some with drawer liner material that you use in crafstman toolboxes...
I love ESEE products, but check out the AMK PSK and Best Glide PSK tins. Both are a little larger than the tin reviewed but they are superior, in my opinion. Thanks for the video review. Well done!
Looks like 3 meters of cordage. A small piece of stick can become an improvised bobber. A small piece of silver mylar is lighter than most other mirrors. That tin lid will be shiny for a while, but might go rusty. I think the info card (or maybe 2 with more tips) should be on top, not the bottom. If the string on your ferro rod and striker is too short for you, why not put longer on it? Better yet, a quick coupler of some sort would be great, like from a cheap pair of gloves or an electrical bullet connector. Water purification tablets are definitely a great idea, I'm surprised there weren't any.
Great review as usual. I was surprised there was no electrical or duct tape.
Nice job reviewing this. Thanks for actually showing what’s inside and measuring things unlike others
Dakota Schelble was Thanks for checking it out.
Check out the Kitbash channel. Eric reviews all the PSK tins and also adds and/or removes gear from the tins to improve them. Excellent channel and format!
I think it's a mistake to get rid of the signaling mirror, the tin itself is reflective but it's not going to give the same crisp bright flash to reach out over distance. I would add water tabs and a bag. I'd rather have a small lock blade than the razor, it may not cut as well but it's a lot safer and easier to control.
Nobody likes an empty belly, but I'd rather they replace the fishing kit with a whistle. I like the idea of adding water tabs and a baggie. I wish you could fit an emergency blanket in there, but that's a bit big. However, that plastic waterproof case you had would be able to hold the blanket and all the rest of this stuff.
Great review. I think you critique is valid. I would add stuff too. Thanks for the review
Great video and review. I'm actually building some kits right now using the ESEE tin for the container. You've given me some good ideas for building mine. Thanks for sharing.
You sir know what we want and that is for you to make an Altoid kit and show us
First change I would make would be to make the outside color something hi-vis. Drop that in the dark and you are screwed.
ssgcmwatsonusa true it needs to be like orange
Reflective tape , or orange paint 🎨
I bought a folding knife & flashlight from Cabelas that came in the clear plastic container.
Good video. I like that you actually took the time to measured out the cordage, wire and fishing line. I'm not sure, but I think ESEE built this kit without water tablets because then this kit would need to be check and update with items that expire. It looks like a kit you buy and never have to really check anything because nothing expires. I'm sure the $$$ played a big role as well. You could fill it with top quality gear and people would snivel like a rat eating an onion over the price they'd have to charge, so it's a happy medium for a kit we all know we will probably NEVER use, but fun to have and look at and play with. haha
I would drop that LED light. I don't need a marker light and it's not a flashlight, so what will it be used for really. I would also drop that tiny mirror, and like you said, polish the lid and use that. I would also drop 2 of those tinder tabs.
I like the fishing kit, but I would replace the line with 30 pound test braided fishing line. A sewing bobbin holds about 65 feet.
I'd replace the hooks with all smaller hooks around a #6 or 8 and have six of them and a split shot for each hook.
I'd add a small straw and fill it with 6 or 8 of those little crappie nibbles bait, and a small piece of felt and fold it in half and put my bait in it on the hook. The felt adds to attracting fish and holds the nibble bait to be used a few times.
I'd add a Gerber breast milk bag, and say 6-8 inches of duct tape to repair the bag if needed.
I took a hollow plastic Q-tip shaft and sealed both ends after filling it with potassium permanganate for water treatment as it has no shelf life. It's not the best, but it is very compact and treats a lot of water for that small package and it's better than nothing, which you have now.
I like that cordage, but I use about 35 feet of 250 pound test braided fishing line in mine. It's thinner than that cord, or about the same size as one inner strand of 550........maybe a tad thicker, but a lot stronger.
I also carry a larger perfume sample vial and fill it with bug juice. I live in southern Louisiana and the bugs are NEVER gone. I can use this to get me through a night in the bush or fixing a flat tire and refill it when I get home.
I made a small liquid candle from an MRE Tabasco bottle. If I keep the flame at 1/2 to 3/4 inch, with a small piece of foil with a small hole in it for the wick to regulate flame height, it will burn for 70 to 75 minutes. This replaces those 2 dropped tinder tabs, but the 2 you kept can be use with the ferro rod to start the liquid candle and then put out the tinder tab right away to be used it again to light the candle if needed. Then use this candle to start a fire. Again, in Louisiana I need or like to have fire that lasts longer than a couple minutes. If you make one of these, dip the cap in wax or tape it to keep it tight and closed. I did have ONE come loose back in the early 90's, out of the dozens I have made. So I just tape or wax them now to be sure.
I also like the idea of adding some GOOD matches.
Well, that's basically how I set up mine, but what the hell do I know. I just enjoy making these small kits. Keep up the great work.
1Fluffy Mama a split shot is the small fishing weight it looks like a big BB but is cut threw the middle you out the fishing line threw squeese closed and it helps get the bait under water if you don't use then if your using a cricket crickets float and you need the cricket under water.
1Fluffy Mama, I'm really sorry for the late reply, but I never got a notice from youtube that you asked me a question. I wouldn't have known at all, but heath schwab answered you and I did receive that notice from youtube. Anyway, he did explain split shot, but here's a quick link to what they are. Again, I'm very sorry.
www.basspro.com/_/N-0/Ntk-Search_All/Ntt-split+shot
Hey you got a video on your candle you made
Thanks for the Review!!
Seems like a good prebuilt kit. As you alluded to at the end (by your addition suggestions) it looks to be a really good foundation for personalization. I really dig the light they provide too. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for checking it out, brother. Colab in the future?
I'm definitely up for a colab. Shoot me an email or hit me up on FB can make a plan. Thanks!
joe@feralwoodcraft.com
The clear case is from a "True Utility" keychain product, the majority come in this little case, tools are not great but cases are really handy.
The whistle is good. No parts to break.
I would also add a few Tylenol to your assessment and maybe cut the cost in half. At the end of the video you said "fireproof matches", if you find some let me know. :)
Ha! Nice - good catch. Well, you know (I am sure) meant water-proof. Oh man - I'm not going to hear the end of that one...and I deserve it!
When I was in Boy Scouts, we made water resistant matches from regular kitchen matches and parafin wax. I've heard old candle wax drippings and cheap crayons also work. It's pretty cheap, as the biggest cost is the time you take to make them. If they get hot, they can stck together though, so good there's a razor in there.
Thank you for sharing this. I have been wondering about it. I think I will make my own
small balloons would save room and could be used as bobbers.
I've never carried one. Ever. The gear I need is either in my pack or EDC bag. I'd rather carry something larger and make less compromises in what is carried. Razor blade? Fine, but my guess is everyone who purchases this and then actually commits to packing it every day also has one or more EDC cutting tools already. Redundancy I get, 2 is 1 etc, but these seem like gimmicks. But I've been wrong before.
Uco "Fireproof " matchs? Gonna have to look into those!
I like the kit and I'm motivated to build my own kit to suit my needs in the high desert southwest. I'd also use artificial flies to the kit and lose the jig. Adding water purifiers and contain is huge.
Agree with ditching the signal mirror. Add uco matches, water tablets, a folded square or two of tinfoil, three small safety pins, and a razor blade.
I used the extra area in the lid of the Altoids tin to hold an emergency blanket. I also added survival cards" to mine. They don't take hardly any space. Overall though, I agree with your 5 changes.
The adventure medical pocket survival kit blows that thing away. Designed by Doug Ritter. The pocket survival kit plus is a bit more $ but an excellent value IMO.
Cheers mate, I enjoy your videos. I get notified every time a new one comes out 👍🏻
Thanks for the review..Great Job!!
Thanks ESEE - looking forward to your new 6 - working with Blade HQ to review that one.
BladeHQ are good people! Thanks again!
Love the idea of water purification and container. Instead of matches I have a fresnel lens in my kit. My kit is an extensional my edc so I don’t see a need for a blade.
Hey Tim, first I like to say that it's awesome that your channel has grown. I don't know if you remember I challenged you to make an Altoids kit.I am stoked to see what will you come up with.
Looks like a decent type of paracord. However, you might find that hootchie cord (because it's rated to 550 in a third of the cross-section of 550) might be a better option. My pocket kit carries 5m to support the 100m I carry in my main shelter kit.
You can also use the ten to boil water
My opinion you go into the woods or wherever always carry a small backpack if you think strolling off into wilderness with a small tin filled with a few items is going to keep you alive it may for a bit ,but I wouldn't trust my life to it.water,fire and shelter are the 3 key things to your survival. If it's raining skip being warm by the fire,although you will have plenty of water from the rain the elements will kill you.so for 34$ I can buy a cheap backpack and fill it with things that will truly help in my survival including making my own survival tin
I live about a mile from a lake and I'd say in the last 5 years I've lost triple digits worth of tackle in that one lake alone.
lol, those "fireproof" matches must be designed to help prevent forest fires, but still a great video, Tim, we all slip up now and then
good info liked your additions.
davidgau thanks David!
i noticed you mention in the beginning that you would leave a link to your otterbox survival kit vid but couldnt find it
i just went go your channel playlist and found it lol
lol fireproof matches sound pretty useless my friend ;) however I definitely agree with you on the water purification - just a few more add ons - some duct tape wrapped around itself for repairs and what not- a few needles of various sizes and thread- some pills to treat every day issues - couple sheets or rite in the rain paper - a writing tool like an ink cartridge or a small pencil- alcohol prep pad - one could cram a whole lot in an altoid size tin with a little patience and some good tetris skills
Great Kit & Review ! The Tin is Used For Boiling Water .
You can use wood for a float, and the tin to make char cloth & I think that's why they put a mirror in there. BTW, I think you forgot to tell us how long the fishing line was! Oh, where can I find some of those matches too?!? LoL
I would like to see you do an overnight with that kit...
In the rain, during early spring or late fall...
If you can do that, i will buy one...
Good call - I hope to do that with a similar kit this fall up in Maine. Stay tuned!
I find it crazy that 'ESSE' didn't offer 'some' kind of knife option. Your additions are good, but...the price point of $35...is insane! 😵
What! no bottle opener? :)
And what is worth $34 in that kit?
The only thing in that kit that is useful and somewhat useful is the the tin, mirror, light, tender, cordage,fire starter, blade just because you can feather with it to and make more tender to help get a fire going. Maybe the fishing gear just to have some invade you can catch fish or even have a body of water.
Looks like a great little kit that could help you out in times of need. Brenden Australia.
Seeing a video about a group of boy scouts dying in the Grand Canyon also put water top on my list with fire for survival.
Olá amigo você tem um bom kit de emergência nas latas de Altoids mas faltou um canivete multifunção mas tudo bem o kit ta legal. Abraço
Cost way too much, better to make your own. I like your suggestions for improvement. I use a piece of wood for a bobber.
I got a free tin when I ordered the pouch for my esee 6 and have turned it into a small fishing kit. nice and handy. a bunch of sinkers, different size hooks, 1 small lure and about 100 feet of 15# line.
Wait, wouldn't fireproof matches be useless?
Yup - my bad. Ha! Nice - good catch. I'm not going to hear the end of that one...and I deserve it!
These mini kits are better than nothing but I would not survive very long with one. I would have to admit that my mini kit is fairly large lol but it doesn't fit in my back pocket either.
Great review, but the kit is lacking a few things. First, a couple of iodine tablets for water purification along with a folded zip lock bag to carry water. Second, a small roll or folded section of duct tape would provide the ability to seal wounds and support repairs. Third, I typically cut an emergency blanket in half. This makes it fit a bit easier. You are more likely to die from exposure before needing to gather food. Ditch the snare and fishing kit. They're not needed for short term survival. I would also just place a blade without the handle to save space.
I have that same ESEE tin but empty, it came with something else I bought from them. The tin itself if cool looking although I don't use it right now. My opinion of small (Altoids-tin-sized) kits is very very low. If I was going somewhere I felt I needed to have survival gear then I'm gonna have a helluva lot more than a candy tin! My smallest PSK is home-rolled and weighs about a pound and even that's a bit smaller than I prefer to go with. There's simply no way to fit enough gear in one IMO. A good survival kit is not just gear- it's TIME! As you well know, you can build a debris shelter but it takes time; time if almost always in short supply in a bad situation. There's no way to fit time in a box that small. In a bit larger kit you can have some cordage and a space blanket, and that is time in a survival situation. You can set up a quick tarp shelter with a space blanket in less than five minutes. Those tiny saws are maybe okay for detail work but useless if you're trying to process anything. And any kit that doesn't even have something like a Whirl-Pak is just a toy IMO.
The kit seems overpriced but ESEE exists to make a profit so I understand. You're buying their logo mostly.
To me the smallest kit that I carry with any regularity is based on a Maxpediton 12x5 water bottle bag. I added a couple of Maxpedition Cocoon pouches/pockets onto the sides and I used the webbing to attack an ESEE Izula 2 to the outside. This gives me a 1 liter steel Nalgene w/nesting cup, a 2-person HeatSheet, some cordage, a small but high quality multi-tool, BIC, Aquatabs, a disposable poncho, cordage, etc. The weakness of the kit is a lack of a warming layer but it addresses everything else.
To be completely honest the PSK I carry when in the "big woods" of Idaho and Montana is a Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault pack. It contains the survival stuff you expect plus a Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll, a down jacket and a steel pot. It's small enough to not be a burden yet it verges on camping gear. With that kit I'm okay down to about 40 degrees F without a fire and much colder with.
RUclips: He said impregnated, DEMONITIZED!
Also you're supposed to use the short end of the striker
why not put a nice polish on the inside of the lid that way u don't have to include a signal mirror.
The price is ridiculous. Also my homemade tin has a grate for building a fire in the tin for cooking or boiling water.
Looks great..
It doesn't look to me that you get much bang for your buck with this ESEE tin PSK. I think most anyone after watching a few videos and doing some web searches could make a better kit less expensively. I am not trying to beat up on ESEE. Most pre made tin kits are lacking.
Most makers want a cutting tool but size restrictions cause them to fall back to razor blades. If you are out in the places were you might need to use a tin PSK you will probably have at least a pocket knife of some kind. To me PSK should be mostly about fire and water. So lose the razor blade add a bag to hold water, water purification tablets and a mini bic or a peanut lighter and more tinder things. Also I am sorry to say that that looked like the cheapest ferro rod they could find. It worked and that's the most important thing. I have bought tins that had matches that were beyond useless as the only fire starter. The more I learn about bushcraft and wilderness survival the more an candy tin kit looked more like something to kill time designing at home instead of something to use in the field.
leave mirror , ad water like you said and fire , but also maybe you didn't think of it but a couple bandaids and small pack triple antibiotic and Tylenol. 3 basics water fire first aid . live videos keep it up
James Price anything you need a bandaid for, you really dont need a bandaid for.
what's the model number for the Outter Box
This is the one: ruclips.net/video/_OZc7jDAZxg/видео.html
Not sure it's available any more.
$34 and you receive $5 worth of junk. A decent small blade or better yet a multicolor and I would consider it. The blade being the main selling point. Having the ability to make your own tinder is necessary.
"A decent small blade or better yet a multicolor and I would consider it" Are you kidding? A SAK by itself is $20, this complete kit has a street price of $26 and had MiUSA items.
The tins is $6, the Derma blade is less than a dollar (but you have to buy 100 at a time), the signal mirror is probably $5, wire, cord, tinder tabs, ferro rod, striker... and you call it $5 of junk?
I'm open to be convinced, please show me a $26 kit that is better than this.
I know this is not related to your vid but it's the easiest way for me to send you a message....I'm looking to buy some paracord to use in a survival kit & I have not bought any before....I have done some research on Google....It look's like I would be looking for 7 strand 550 type 3 paracord.... should I get the military grade paracord or does it not really matter & where is the best place to buy it?
Jesse Cook I would always recommend a military grade. There's also a new store that has other things inside for fire purposes.
EverydayTacticalVids Ok thank you....So were is a good place to buy military grade paracord & how do you tell if it's true military grade paracord?
I'd check Going Gear.
EverydayTacticalVids Thank you
I get the point of these tins and i get that profit needs to be generated for a business. In my opinion, all of the tins i have seen commercially available are over priced. The tin logo is cool, but not $30 cool. The content is good, but not $30 good. I made my own for less than $5 each. one for fishing, one as a fire kit, and one gen purpose. One is an altoid tin and the other two are airgun pullet tins. Again, for me, these commercial tins are just over priced.
JR MTG I very much agree, they don't impress me. A great bugout bag does, however this doesn't. That rod looks horrid to in my opinion
I doubt you could make them for less than 5 bucks. Fishing gear alone isn't cheap and having to buy certain items when you only need a couple like storm proof matches or a ferro rod, bandages, etc are a little more than 5 bucks.
I agree 100% - I have made about 6 or 7 for 25 dollars. I haven't put them in a "tin" . I put mine in a small zip lock bag and then store them in a pouch on my knife sheath's or in a pocket in the larger bag. I might also add that the ones I have made, have a lot better quality of items than the store bought ones...
@@rudysal1429 I agree man all these people saying they made em for say $5 probably got most of the stuff free anyways and what they did buy is probably cheap quality not worth depending on in a survival prepper situation. The ESEE firesteel with divot for bowdrill is one of the top things on my BOB list of things to buy Id rather buy a quality item once than a sh!t ton of cheap junk that wont last or work at the best or worst of times. Much like bankline i need a good roll thats been soaked through as once i read about its uses and qualities i wish id never wasted money on paracord.
Ill never understand comments like this. A half decent mini compass is $15, a ferro rod, mini striker and tinder tabs are at least $12. You are already above the cost of this kit and all you have is a ferro rod/striker/tinder and a tiny compass.
How are you going to add a container, fishing gear, signal mirror, wire, cordage, knife and a flashing LED signaling device and come in at less than $5.
Please explain.
I would secure a Clif bar to the outside with a rubber band.
The first thing i would change is to throw it away and get a better kit.
Amen brother!
Great, show me a better $26 kit.
Esee should make a knife the size of the Spyderco Bug or Honey Bee for this kit. Here's my hand made kit:
The tin is a regular size altoid tin with a polished inner lid for signaling and when closed it is wrapped with electrical tape
Spyderco Bug
small ferro rod
small fishing kit
waterproof matches
water purification tabs
plastic bag
5ft gorilla tape
button compass
15 ft inner strand from 550 cord
10 ft snare wire
small sewing kit
3 band aids
2 triple antibiotic ointment
The stuff just barely fits in it but at least I know I'm ready for anything
With the Bug closed, the back of the blade can be a firesteel striker. It works great with firesteel.com firesteel, but I don't know about other brands. I have a Spyderco Honeybee in my Altoids SMALLS tin. I wrap a plastic bag lengthwise with some heavy duty foil for water/boiling. Isn't bulky at all. Is it true survival? Probably not. But fun to make and handy if I lose my whistle and light, which I keep on my neck.
Rarely do I agree with someone, anyone, totally, but good video. If you have ever had your ass hanging in the wind out there it's water and fire.
This is definitely a decent lit but half the fun of survival tins is making your own. Taking them out and refining what's useful and what's lacking.
Agreed - changing and updating and filling in is the fun part
The only useful items in that tin is the compass(if it works) and the light. Items one should always carry in the first place, but in a better format so to speak. These tins derives for the military doctrine of survival, which is completely different from the civilian. Civilians have choices when packing gear. That specific tin was actually very poorly put together compared to some of the military equivalent I have seen.
I have mine for some time now...yes I do have other stuff I carry around....the tin is just with on my person al the time in case I ever need it...I don't use it...it's just the emergency kit - and I have added some water purification tablets though.
want it
I don't see the point of these little kits. I'd much rather throw it in my EDC bag with much bigger portions. My thoughts though.
Like Nick said aspirin or Tylenol,prefer to do my own kit.
My husband has all that he makes survival items a now doing last chance
$34 is robbery for what is supplied in the kit. Whats the actual manufacturing cost? $5...$10...$15?!...At most the actual manufacturing cost is $15 for everything in the tin, including the tin itself. At that amount the manufacturer is making over 50% profit on the product... Think about it.
The mistakes start with the tin. Its bad for boiling water long term. Thats the entire point of a tin, or you should wrap it all in a heavy duty water carrier.
In survival: 2 is 1, and 1 is none. 😲😵😭💀👻
If you follow that rule, 2 is none. 2=1=0 means every single one of them is 0.
@@finnishboy5923 good point 🤔
I'm not very Impressed if this kit cost over 20 dollars
no way of shelter, no water treatment. According to the rule of 3s, first 2 are not covered. And eating fish, without having water to digest is practically worthless.
A nice gimmick in my eyes. could be used to take apart and put into other kits.
If you are trusting your survival on this stocking stuffer or anything like this.... R.I.P.
A bleached skull logo... for a survival kit.
Exactly, your trying to survive with stuff from a box wearing a curse of death!
this kit is no more than a novelty.....like most..if not all of these so called mini survival kits. Heck, a cheap pocket knife or a $5 multi tool and a pack of matches would be more useful in extending one's chances of survival in challenging situations.
Fireproof matches. “WHAT”
Way to much for that
There must be a lot of fools with money to blow.. $34.00 for this bullshit? Gimme a break!
35 dollars cost to much i can make my own cheaper
That's a rubbish kit and esse stuff isnt cheap