survival kit

Here I revist the subject of pocket survival kits in tins, I show what I've come up with and experiment with toaster bags for boiling water, I also light a fire with the kit.

[@MrWmburr7]

I put a KUM Magnesium 2-hole Pencil Sharpener in mine. Btw, I was mesmerized by the calm but deliberate way you spoke. It was very relaxing!

[@howardvarley8795]

Just enjoying this video again Rob and picked up on your point about the sense of warm drinks in warm weather, so thought I'd try to help..Your body cools itself by sweating, a warm drink kickstarts your body's response to overheating by increasing your core temperature thus triggering a 'survival' response. So you Sweat more and cool down. The fluid you lose by sweating more is replaced by the fluid in the hot drink. A hot cup of tea in extreme temperatures does work!!.. The British Empire in the days of the Raj was built on that principal😁 A good curry also has the same effect hence its popularity in Asia.

[@lyellclare9365]

very informative, much better than the crap that comes out of the USA. Toaster bags work really well. I also have a few meters of fishing line and if needed , tie it to my waxed cord for hand casting.

[@feralgrandad4429]

The Victorinox Walker is perfect choice. And the toast bag was genius.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I've taken the Walker out now as I needed it as an EDC, working on something else for the kit.

[@gumms1978]

Awesome video mate Really like your way of thinking I used to put a couple of doses each of immodium and antihistamines in my tin And also a 20 quid note All three have saved the day at some point, Thankfully not all at the same time 😀

[@ogrithetrog]

Good video Rob, the curious thing about "small survival tins" is that they seriously limit the amount of stuff that you can carry, therefore they need to be aimed at the survival priorities that you are either less experienced or have restricted access to the natural resources in a specific environment. The novice outdoorsman is likely to be unaware of many things and spend a lot of money trying to address unlikely scenarios and loosing focus on the factors that are most important. It is a topic that could result in many hours of back & forth discussion, but I think your closing comments sum it up nicely, large ferro rod, good knife, tarp and cord etc are the way to go.

[@figtreeprophecy]

Shelter, water, fire, and food..whenever I'm going into the wilderness! Tell somebody where you went and are expected back! I was kicked out of the cub scouts. I've been lost in the wilderness more than once, but never had to be rescued. Game trails eventually lead to water. I carry a 44mag revolver. When you see a small herd of deer run past you going in the same direction, the coyotes are about 2 minutes away!

[@henningb5028]

Nice video

[@tankdiesel9738]

Good video Rob... I like your kit... I see so many small kits that filled with garbage and yours is not ... the only thing I would add to my kit is a mini bic lighter... ( yes I know you don’t like bic lighters🤣) but I make sure I have more than matches... I like my 🔥... been a while since I have been on here... hope all is well with you and the family... keep up the great work 👍

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

All good Mr.Tank I'm pleased that you remember that I'm not a fan of the bic.

[@kenobiworks]

Fan of Metallica too... I like you even more than I did already Rob! Great vid 👍🤘

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

🤣🤣 I'm a massive metal fan.

[@alanrice39]

Great video Rob, always like to see what the survival tins consist of. Mine has storm matches, 2 fuel tablets of some type, 3 bd candles, 2 fish hooks, straight needle, 2safety pins in between two pieces of duct tape. I use the one inch gorilla tape around the tin. This supplements my edc I carry in my pockets. Ranger lighter, my, SAK on a lanyard and a small ferro rod. Small hank of bank line. My bushcraft belt knife. I also carry a whistle around my neck on a paracord necklace. And a small light. I really enjoy ur videos.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thanks mate, I appreciate you taking the time to comment and give your views.

[@jonathanhughes8670]

Great video- loads of good insight! Another option for a fire lighting aid is the waxed paper that labels come on. way back when I worked at the local discount type shop I used to stuff my pockets with the used roll of the label paper and ended up taking quite a lot home. I was looking for something to help light a fire out in the garden and realised that I had some and also that it burns very well. It's hard to light with a spark but it folds flat and is cheap (free if you ask one of the shops to save you a bit or if you print your own labels). I keep a few feet folded in my wallet and survival kit. Thanks for the vids!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

That's a new one on me, I'll have to try it out, thanks.

[@PowerMadHeadBanger]

Your kit is very good and I dig the the fact you put a SAK inside the tin. The size of tin you chose it's the best size in my opinion for a cargo pocket. Not too big not too small. I took a different approach with my personal tin. I live in a place with very good knife laws so I can carry legally anything for a knife. I am very big on EDC and I have a comprehensive EDC with a knife, full size flashlight, multitool, bic lighter, so I built my tin to complement my EDC and vice and versa.

[@simonridley9333]

Rob you went all SAS ,on us there ditch the metal card thing Kevlar cord multi functional ,decent hooks sandwiched between good old sniper tape , x1 carbon Stanley blade additional fire lighting capabilities char your own clothing in the tin to keep you going i find the survival tin an endless thought process ,totally agree on distributing kit about your person some times that bit of string saves the day loving the channel

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Shit , I forgot all about the Stanley blades, did a video on the bloody things and their uses as firelighters ages ago.

[@Tom_Bee_]

Yeah. Stanley blades are the sharpest tool in a tiny box. Glue a strip of leather to the tin and dress it with smurf poo, or whatever, and it'll stay sharp for a long while.

[@gareththompson5653]

Really well thought out kit. I'm pleased the toaster bag works.

[@perebird]

Some nice ideas Rob 👍 the bags appeal. What’s carried in pockets also helps..like you I have hanks of cord, an EDC pouch and cuts kit

[@stuartlockwood9645]

Hi Rob, good selection of goodies in your tin, and a result from the toasting bag, I think you got the priorities right, and the duck tape ,and ranger bands on the outside is a good idea. They are a way to carry useful bits and pieces , stored safely in a pocket , totally separate from our main pack which holds our everyday bushcraft kit ,and supplies, which in reality is our actual survival kit. The search to build the perfect survival tin is an enjoyable exercise, and will no doubt carry on as long as there are bushcrafters heading to the wild places, and long may it be so. Cheers Rob mate, thanks for another interesting video, stay safe, best wishe's to you and your's, Stuart UK.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Cheers Stu.

[@eddieworsdell517]

Great vid and kit review. Love the toaster bag and wil try that one myself. Cheers

[@oldfart9287]

Thankyou as always Rob, what a nice video hope people take on board what advice you give, I certainly give you a thumbs up for that kit

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Cheers mate

[@tinderboxsurvival6170]

Absolutely the best video I've seen on survived tins, liked millbank bag idea for water.well done good work

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

That's what I like to hear!!

[@gareththompson5653]

Just a quick thought you could glue some wet and dry paper onto the whistle just to touch up the knife blade.

[@farquharwilson2523]

A good no nonsense tin. Quite liked the survival card as it keeps your cutting tool safe from loss or damage when trying to improvise other tools. I might add a wee clipper or bic flint lighter, but totally agree with carrying the essentials of knife, ferro rod, saw, poncho, cord, lighter and keyring torch as a matter of course when you go out.

[@schonbeardwildmark]

Great one Rob! I have about the same in my kit. I don’t use the survival card but added some fish hooks and a bic lighter and some small compresses for small wounds.

[@philleath-dawson2113]

Really well put together small kit, and I agree with adding a couple of fire plugs...... Impressed with the toaster bag, what a great idea. They only thing I could suggest to include is a £20 note (or local currency), or as the SF's do a few sovereigns just in case you have to bribe your way out of something..... 👍👍.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I have a few Sovereigns but at £320 each I won't be putting them in there , always have a £20 note tucked away in my phone case. There will be a follow up to this.

[@mikepiper8799]

Note to self - steal Robs' phone...

[@RhysTucker2603]

Great video Rob! I've just found a screaming deal of a knife! Condor Primitive Mountain knife. It's a pukko design and it's absolutely fantastic as a bushcraft knife. It seems to be your style, I think you'd quite like it as a cheap option. It only cost me £60, 1095 steel, micarta handles and a leather sheath. Bargain!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Sounds good, I'm generally not a fan of Condor, spent some time with Joe Flowers last week, top bloke , how's that for name dropping 😜

[@RhysTucker2603]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Oh wow, look at you living the celebrity lifestyle!😂😂 It's a good little knife, I was very impressed with it. Looking forward to getting one of your bushtools in time (I'm on the waiting list). After that, I'm sure everything else will look like shit!🤣

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

It looks like my kinda knife, can't find it less than £70.

[@markwareham2289]

Love that kit, I’ve spent many a happy hour making them up over the years. I can’t fish for toffee so I’d probably try and squeeze in a mini bic lighter instead. Thinking of basing a kit around a leatherman signal at some point too.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

That's a good idea mate.

[@dennisleighton2812]

A man after my own heart. I was actually thinking of having a mini Bic implanted on the opposite side to my pacemaker!! With a zip=lock seal!! 😉😉😂😂🤣

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Very well thought out kit.

[@grahamwinter5536]

👍Great kit Rob, I know a few people who would need something even bigger than a Campervan 😂. I'm a firm believer in having a kit suited to your conditions and environment, hence when I go out into the bush my pockets are pretty full and I carry a slightly larger tin (best glide ase adventurer mini gear tin 127x89x27 internal dimensions) fits in a cargo pocket great. Love the SAK, use a Huntsman myself plus fireant and tinder in the corkscrew. Never thought of toaster bags, need to give that a try👍.

[@TheDavewatts]

100% agree with this video Rob, superb idea with the toaster bag's never seen them before, the thing is when most people get into a survival situation they have f all with them, top of the list for me is for people to learn to get out of the elements, wind and the rain is a real killer, learn to build a small quick shelter that will keep you warm and dry, Neil's video is excellent as is most of his content. Wire is good for many thing's but agree you'd need a hell of a lot more for catching dinner.

[@gizmocarr3093]

Water bags you might also use are oven-roasting bags made for cooking. They are strong thin and take up little space. Plastic rolls sold for vacuum sealing food for freezing make sturdy water bags of any size you choose. There handy collapsible drink cups made of steel and plastic useful if like too. Carrying para fire cord instead of standard 550 cord used as a knife lanyard. Provides tinder for fires fishing line and strong line for using what you needs require. There are sturdy plastic container boxes that have water tight seals and lanyard rings that can be worn around your neck. They pervent losing your kit and keep the contents dry even if you fall underwater. 🤔👍

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thanks, I have lots of vaccume bags, never crossed my mind.

[@leemichel8199]

Superglue would be a great add and a couple of boiled sweets for moral

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Super glue and a few cable ties. This is great to have new ideas and reminders of what I missed out. I think there will be a follow up video.

[@philleath-dawson2113]

Any plans for a kit in between a pocket and camper van size??????👍👍🤣🤣

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thinking of an anal plug survival kit.

[@philleath-dawson2113]

Just how big and nasty are those Midges???????

[@butchie2752]

@@RobEvansWoodsman excellent plan. Let us know how that works out.

[@BWORKZ_SouthWales]

I've been told to use the notch for wire stripping to strike the mini ferro rod across and avoid snapping. Not tried it myself but I'll be picking one up soon and see if there is less risk of snapping it that way! Great video as always

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Seriously? I think someone was pulling your leg, that notch is rounded and not sharp at all. If you use it skinny side down and place your index finger on the top it won't break.

[@BWORKZ_SouthWales]

@@RobEvansWoodsman it's likely, I asked a question on Facebook how durable they were and someone replied with that idea. They're likely as clueless as I am lol

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@BWORKZ_SouthWales unfortunately the person wasn't talking from experience, more like their backside, don't worry about it my friend.

[@BWORKZ_SouthWales]

@@RobEvansWoodsman I'm still getting the ferro rod :) Loving the channel BTW, great work!

[@johnsteven5544]

The guy that did that was Felix Immler and he made it look easy

[@seanthomasdowd]

Great video Rob and some interesting kit, I enjoy making up survival tins but never put in any firelighting kit as I always mod my knife sheath with a good amount of firelighting kit, in a survival situation I may lose my pack but am unlikely to lose the sheathed knife on my belt.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

This is very true my friend.

[@tangobravoxray8692]

Another great video and a good topic. Over the years I've played with theses tins packing them with as much as possible. However these came about from the military, the concept being that you are caught behind enemy lines or in the heat of battle you loose all you main gear. This little box would be in your pocket and would help you escape and evade the enemy and get back to safety. If you're going to keep it in your bag then it's a bit pointless. Thankfully I've never had to drop everything and run for my life.😀 I prefer to pack duplicate items that I may lose e.g. fero rod, lighter, etc. I never lost my whole rucksack. These pack cost a fortune and I'm buying mine not getting issued one😀 As always tailor what you carry for the adventure.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Spot on mate.

[@markpoore3260]

Good video rob. I have several small tin survial kits depending on what location I’m going to. In desert climates fire isn’t really my priority however shelter is. I build the kits depending o. Location. I always do carry a couple ways to start a fire EDC

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

This is for temperate climate, but you probably knew that.

[@eugeniovaldez7205]

Very instructional and entertaining video! Bloopers included 😂😉

[@clivedunning4317]

The toasting bag is a great idea,never seen that before. All I can suggest as an additional item would be one or two birthday candles , if you could fit them in to the tin.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I don't think I'd survive two years on this kit, a birthday cake without icing made from acorn flour and seaweed just wouldn't be the same 😜

[@daemonharper3928]

Great vid mate - you're dead right, food gathering items in other kits are just silly......some fishing line, a spinner and some hooks is more than enough. I'd maybe add in / fill any space in the tin with water purification tabs but everything you've included is well thought out. The hot drink on a hot day thing - there's really no difference to your body if you drink hot or cold, if it's cold your body works to bring it up to body temperature inside of you, if it's hot it's already up to temp. As we all know a hot drink on a cold day is a different matter....I remember camping out in minus 10 one boxing day, with just enough gas to warm some water slightly higher than tepid as a drink...but boy was it appreciated. The toaster bags - inspired!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I did have water purification tablets in the tin, probably should have had more.

[@MartiniDave02]

Excellent video, well reasoned as usual. How about adding a couple of "magic candle" - the little ones you can't blow out - to the firekit, might be useful with less than optimal kindling?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

You are not the first to suggest birthday candles, fire plugs would be my choice but I forgot to put a couple in. I will do a follow-up video to this.

[@MartiniDave02]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Fire plugs sound good, I was being a cheapskate!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Bigger flame and last longer.

[@Unknown39485]

Add a pencil sharpener for tinder and folding mini scissors to cut your nails and for camp “surgery”

[@strongandco]

I'd never wear a paracord bracelet either but if cord is required I've made myself some of paracord lanyards out of a length of cord that's long enough to use as an emergency bootlace. I've put lobster claw clasps on them and I clip one to my Swiss Army Knife when I go on a hike. I make them out of brightly coloured paracord so that if I drop my knife I stand a better chance of finding it and if my bootlace snaps I'm also covered. Even if it doesn't fit in the tin it's something that's always in my pocket on those occasions when finding yourself in a survival situation is increased.

[@tfisher808]

Your points are spot on.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thanks Ted.

[@howardvarley8795]

Good video with plenty food for thought! I made up my own survival tin some years back, took a fair bit of time and money but unfortunately now can't imagine the circumstances in which I'd actually need it. Not daft enough to risk my life with just a tin in my pocket.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I don't know when I'd need it either but it's been something I've played with on and off for 35 years.

[@howardvarley8795]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Boys with toys yeah?. What Are we like😁😂🤣😂

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@howardvarley8795 big kids mate.

[@harwoodblades3633]

Great video Rob..think I'd put a few catapult elastics in the tin so I could eat a rabbit or a wood pigeon over the fire 🎯🔥

[@reneewood3171]

They say you should have a suvival kit in the wilderness

[@RenThraysk]

Picked up a BCB ration heating kit earlier this year. Seemed a cheap way to get some consumables, 10x puritabs, book of 20 matches, and 6x 7g dragon fuel tabs (size of a single use butter/jam) Think the folding stove is little large for the tabacco tin, but does fit inside a trangia mini mess tin. Another idea never got around to trying, is stainless steel foil heat treat bags for boiling water in.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

You can easily boil water in quality catering foil, I did it a few years ago.

[@dennisleighton2812]

A question (probably a stupid one! 😜): I'm not sure about the SAK inside the tin. Because the SAK is such a handy tool with dozens of uses, it doesn't make much sense to me having it inside the tin (wrapped in duck tape and rubber bands), which is then a pain to access. In my mind the SAK is the Primary tool, backed up by the survival tin. Also, I cannot conceive of a situation where one would have the tin but not the SAK. My SAK has a belt lanyard with a quick release, so that it is always available and quick to grab and use. The tin is always going to be somewhere else (ie NOT in my pocket), so if I have the tin it's a safe assumption the SAK will be there on my belt first. Thus, no need for it inside the tin. I also feel that a good quality candle, cut down to the exact size of the SAK, would be a better inclusion inside the tin. Way back in the day, my Scoutmaster (whom I think I've mentioned before, and was a smoker) used to have a lighter (obviously not a Bic!) that fitted exactly in his trousers' money pocket! He always carried a bone-handled, two-blade Joseph Rogers penknife in his pocket, and a pack of Camels in his shirt pocket! 😂😂🤣 Good comment about shelters! After reading Felix Immler's book (which I bought) I have often wondered why Victorinox don't include the saw on all but the very slim knives. I have a medium size SAK that I have had for years, and it doesn't have one! I have cursed a few times! This lack was addressed when I was given my Swiss Champ some time later! Great video and thought provoking.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

That must have taken a while to write! The tin is meant to be a stand alone survival kit , I totally agree that a SAK and separate fire kit should always be carried. This was just an excercise as to what I consider a sensible stand alone smallish survival kit with multifunction tools , a lighter and candle would just take up too much space, there are three forms of firelighting in the kit and the tin can be utilized to make char material. I hope that clears things up for you. I always have a lighter, ferrorod, matches and tools with me.

[@whiskeyriver4322]

I wonder how that toaster bag would fair if you hung it over a small flame like you did your kettle. I don't believe we have those here; but I might try it with an oven roasting bag. Now, I must find myself one of those ferro's for me SAK. Metallica!!! Right On!!! I'm a bit toned down these days, smoothin' it with some Hatfield & the North. ; ) P.S. Great tip on "Smooth Gefixt". Quite Rad!!! As Brad would say!!! :D

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I think it would have worked over a small flame but would have far more chance of spilling and would shorten the life of the bag, shame it wasn't twice the side, a baguette toaster bag!!

[@RhysTucker2603]

Hiya Rob, just wondering if you have a get home bag/ 72 hour bug out bag for emergencies. I'd be interested to see what kind of stuff you'd pack for a 72 hour emergency kit. Just a thought, hope all is good with you 👍🏻

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Hi mate, I don't have a grab bag, not something I've ever done although as a teenager my pack was permanently packed for two days.

[@RhysTucker2603]

@@RobEvansWoodsman ah fair enough. To be fair it’s probably not as big here in Wales as it is in America where they can have earthquakes/tornadoes and hurricanes at the drop of a hat. I’ve always had one but it’s a bit like what you said, just a load of camping gear kept in one place, all stuff I use.

[@markswann]

Lovely rational approach to the survival tin, seen 1000s of altoids rubbish 👍

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Cheers mate, I always brace myself when I do a survival kit related video, not everyone agrees with me!

[@markswann]

@@RobEvansWoodsman it’s a minefield bud 🤣

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Armchair experts jump all over it.

[@Tom_Bee_]

@@RobEvansWoodsman it's an armchair game though! We all know "real" survival kit barely fits in pockets lol But if you're "surviving" anywhere in the UK, you already messed up pretty bad hahahaha Walk five miles in any direction and you're back on the road...

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I know mate but we all have a soft spot for them, quite a bit of this kit could prove handy in non life threatening situations aswel. If I had the spare time I'd do 48 hours with just this kit video but I don't...... isn't that a shame 🤣🤣🤣

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I'm getting quite a lot of comments saying that a mini bic lighter and birthday candles would be a good edition.

[@ShihabdeentheCyclist]

Demonstrate a video about an adventure with this kit only

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I wish I had the time.

[@thewoodlandschoolltd3999]

Didn't see a lighter in there. Nice for easy, peasy fire.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Matches

[@thewoodlandschoolltd3999]

@@RobEvansWoodsman if i had any gaps I'd have a lighter too. 3 ignition forms then.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

There was a freznel lens in there but no sun no fire.

[@thewoodlandschoolltd3999]

@@RobEvansWoodsman so 4 ways. I just like the lighter as its fairly reliable as regards wind, rain, sun and you get quite a few goes, which the others don't offer as much, but that's my choice, if I was making a tin. I do like the mini milbank idea though and might add a cheap festival style poncho as shelter option even if it just gives you a small footprint shelter to sit under out of the or wear till you make something better.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thanks for the chips.😜

[@jimmyforeskin5659]

What small belt knife goes well with the modern bowie?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Fallkniven R2, any small scandi or flat grind knife.

[@johnturner6251]

Thankx Rob

[@neilcastell6951]

As it happens i bought a BCB Survival tin a few days ago, (looks like a slightly larger tobacco tin) As i'm planning to put together a new survival kit. IMO ... i'd add a couple of OXO stock cubes (will last for years, excellent morale booster) also a couple of aspirin, (or something stronger) and a couple of a Imodium.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thoes BCB kits are shit mate.

[@jooky5]

I carry nanocord. Almost as thin as dental floss and much stronger

[@alanrice39]

Addendum: most of the time I have my haversack with cover items and container. I am making a sleeve for my tin so I can also carry a small space blanket and a plastic bag. I also carry 3 small zip ties in my tin.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I forgot to add the zip ties and Stanley blades.

[@Klatsch_Batsch]

Thx Rob ✌

[@markpoore3260]

Hey Rob is there a site that has any of your hand made knives for sale thanks

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I don't have a site and rarely have stock the only two that might have something are Mike's knives (Mike Keogh) and Customknife UK (Colin Cooper)

[@markpoore3260]

@@RobEvansWoodsman I’ll check them out thank you

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

In a way a camper van is indeed an oversized, self propelling survival tin .. just saying.

[@adamdobner1910]

32:32 My nose just as I’m nodding off.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Was it that boring? Surprised that you got that far into it.

[@adamdobner1910]

Haha, not at all mate. Watched the lot 👌🏻

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@adamdobner1910 I miss read the comment. I thought you were nodding off because it was boring!!! What did you mean.

[@adamdobner1910]

Definitely not boring, it was just a reference to that timestamp. You say, “I gotta whistle”, and I’m inferring that my nose does that whenever I’m dozing off and wakes me up. I mean, it was a bad enough joke already, and now I’ve had to explain it, it’s got worse 😂 It certainly wasn’t a dig mate, I love your vids.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@adamdobner1910 I just laughed at your nose whistle 😂😂