Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
I’ve seen some tiny survival kits in my time, such as this pill bottle survival kit and this altoids tin survival kit, but this is hands-down the smallest survival kit I’ve ever seen. It’s so small that it actually fits inside a Tic Tac container, which you can attach to your keychain. Inside, it has tools for fire, light, signaling, and even crude water filtration.
Obviously, this is not a complete, doomsday-ready bug out bag here. This is a bare-bones kit, meant for true emergencies when you’re caught off guard and your main kit isn’t available. It’s compact, clever, and surprisingly useful. However, you’ll need some basic survival skills to put it to good use.
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I found this idea on the Youtube channel, MeZillch. You can watch the video and read the instructions below.
Materials You’ll Need
- Tiny Tic Tac container (smaller than regular size — about the size of a 9V battery)
- Whistle (with a heat-shrink lip guard)
- Mini carabiner (S-biner or similar)
- Parafob (~3 ft)
- Gorilla Tape (1 ft strip)
- Fluorescent/orange duct tape (visibility)
- Glow-in-the-dark tape
- AAA Eneloop rechargeable battery
- Solar panel (small, fits the Tic Tac lid)
- Mini LED light
- On/off switch
- Cotton or Tinder-Quick
- Mini fire starter (cut-down Bic lighter mod)
- Short straw segment
- Mini glass signaling mirror
- Razor blade (utility blade)
- Tic Tac mint (optional for “realistic” use)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tic Tac Container
- Use a razor blade to modify the lid of the tiny Tic Tac box so it can accommodate your gear and allow for a keychain attachment.
- Wrap the container in a 1 ft strip of Gorilla Tape for emergency use. This also helps hold the lid securely in place.
- Add a strip of fluorescent orange duct tape for visibility and a layer of glow-in-the-dark tape to make the kit easy to find in the dark.
Step 2: Attach the Whistle and Paracord
- Use a small carabiner to attach the Tic Tac container to your keychain.
- Add a whistle with a heat-shrink lip protector to prevent freezing your lips in cold weather.
- Attach the whistle to the Tic Tac container with a Parafob.
- Wrap a 3 ft length of 750 paracord around the container or attach it via the carabiner for emergency cordage.
Step 3: Build the Fire Starting Kit
- Use a cut-down Bic lighter to make a one-handed fire starter.
- Inside the fire starter, stuff cotton or Tinder-Quick as your tinder source.
- Store a short straw segment in the kit. It can be packed with tinder and used as a primitive water filter in a pinch.
Note: The straw won’t remove viruses or bacteria like a proper filter, but it helps remove debris before boiling or disinfecting water.
Step 4: Add the Light & Power Source
- Place a AAA Eneloop rechargeable battery inside the box.
- Attach a small solar panel to the lid. It will charge the battery through the clear plastic.
- Wire a mini LED light and an on/off switch to the battery so the kit doubles as a glow fob at night.
This light will glow for 6+ days continuously with no sunlight and can be recharged by simply placing it in the sun.
- Slide in a mini glass mirror for signaling.
- Add an extra razor blade for cutting tasks.
- Toss in a single Tic Tac to retain the original dispenser function, and to keep things fun.
How to Use It
This kit is not designed to be opened daily. It’s for emergencies only. Here’s what it covers:
- Fire: One-handed fire starter + tinder
- Light: Solar-powered glow fob with on/off switch
- Signal: Whistle + mirror
- Cordage: 3 ft of 750 paracord
- Tools: Razor blade, Gorilla Tape
- Water: Straw + cotton for crude filtration
- Visibility: Glow tape + fluorescent tape
Final Thoughts
This micro keychain survival kit by MeZillch is a genius example of everyday carry innovation. It’s minimal, functional, and fits in your pocket. Just remember, even the best gear won’t save you if you lack the skills to use it. This kit assumes you know how to make fire, purify water, and signal for help.
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