Survival: Wallet-Sized Survival Kit

This is a video on the purpose and contents of my wallet survival kit. Be it known, my kits are changed often, be it new information or newly aquired equipment, my kits are like me, they change with the times (how poetic). The original idea goes to johnnyjayrambo. Sorry for any stuttering or repeating, it's my first KZbin video. Enjoy.

[@Artyint123]

this is possibly the best setup I have found so far for urban situations. A lot of the items would have come in handy when we lost power in New York City in 2003. The trains stopped, the buses rapidly shut down as drivers on shift finished up and a new shift was not started. This is always a consideraton, the loss of power and mass transportation in an urban environment.

[@icebergo6]

so smart, simple, practical. also love that it's a combo of bought & made objects (like wallet)

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Agreed, you are exactly right. There are few chances that i'll end up in the wild and use this kit. But, in everyday life, things like the matches can come in handy. I don't carry this kit anymore because I realized before what you are telling me now. Instead I carry a pocket urban survival kit, which I will show later. The items in it are geared toward a urbn enviroment and would help in everyday or a urban emergency. Thank you for commenting!

[@alundrasrt]

-throw the sewwing kit, you already have safety pins+needle+fishing line -fit into a small zip bag for fishing kit (line, hooks even smaller for small animals like birds+weights) -already written, but if you need a flatt solution for cutting or saw, you can found some collapsable razor blade and saw blade. They're small (so you'll remove the scalpel blade.

[@enkick]

advice, cut the cotton off of q-tips. heat the end with a lighter and press the hole together. put the needle in it., heat the other end and seal it. So, you'll have a sterile, clean needle and a safe way of carrying it.

[@steffler69]

Great job reducing the overall size of your kit and thanks for your comment on my video. One thing I definitely forgot to add back in my kit was chlorine tabs, thanks for the reminder. A few things I would recommend for your kit are quick, reliable tinder, a signaling device, and a means for boiling water. It would be horrible to think you assembled this kit and when you need it, you have nothing dry to light with the matches, especially in a hypothermic state.

[@MrLancer84]

Good video man. For all of you out there knocking the guy about his kit, why don't you go make your own and post it up. Whatever he puts in his kit, is his preferences and everyone has their own, what works for him may not work for you, thats why everyone is different so before any of you knock him on it, go make ur own. BTW fishing hooks are always a great idea and they dont take up any room! You would only spend energy making fish traps if u had no hooks.

[@ihatesquirrel13]

dont listen to the people who pick at minor details. theres no perfect or right or wrong survival gear. you seem to haveput together a very nice kit that takes up mimimal space and can easily be kept with you. you are pepared for urban as well as bush. in the end nature and circumstance dictates how we survive and what we use. i can vision a thousand uses for the safety pins, or even paper clips. good job on the vid

[@TALLL85]

as you have mentioned in the video the most important thing is to know how to use the items very nice kit

[@quercus417]

Good personal kit. Add or take away over time, situations dictate what we need. I'm sure all of our kits are different because we are. Thank you for the video.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Excellent ideas, I followed such ideas into my new wallet survival kit, when I can get my hands on the camera, i'll show it. I also added a Flint and better saw blade.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

@cyclist01222 When I add the fishing hooks, it's on recommendation of Doug Ritter from Equipped to Survive. Boredom is a problem during survival, waiting for rescuers to show up. It can take a toll on your sanity. Fishing at a nearby lake is a good way to keep boredom at bay. You may catch something, you may not. It takes up so little room, why not? It certainly isn't life threating to add hooks in you kit, like you imply. You can also use the hooks to catch birds. Thanks for your comment!

[@Urudrim]

nice kit. you can sharpen one end of the hacksaw blade , wrap a duct-tape mini handle on it and make a duct tape sheath for it and you'll have a secondary mini blade. but you'll have to keep a decent sized handle on it to get useful leverage.

[@JJRSURVIVAL]

absolutey brilliant kenneth , i think you explain things better than me , thanks for the mention mate , you got some great stuff in there malc

[@woodturningjohn]

Just an idea, something I like to carry in a kit instead of wire for a snare is the stainless steal 18 inch black coated fishing leader. They already have ends on them for fishing but also make great snares without having to try and put knots in wire.

[@zarzegas]

I think you're kit was very well thought out. I also think you managed to fit quite a bit of stuff in that kit. Good job

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Thanks for the comments, makes making videos all worth the time.

[@tulius01]

Great idea! If you don't have on you you wan't have it in an emergency. So carrying the most basic things on your body is a great idea.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

That's because a knife is a item you should have on you already, no need to pack another one in your kit (some people will disagree with this statement), especially if it's small like this one. The razor is just a back-up in case you lose you main knife or for delicate work.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Much appreciated, thanks for the comment! Hope it inspired you!

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Thank you very much, that means alot too me! I will make a video on my 72-hour backpack and 2 other pocket survival kits, keep a eye out for those if you wish.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Yes, thank you for rating and commenting! A small fire steel blank would be perfect, and I could use the saw as a striker.

[@deanznz]

what a great kit you have put together. It's small enough that I actually would carry it, thanks for posting the vid.

[@alundrasrt]

Ok i recommend you to add some bandages, salt (sterilizing and keeping water from the body), replacing the matches by a "standard flat size one", to keep more flatten as possible. Perhaps a flat led light or whistle but according to me you can combine your survival wallet size + stuffs attached to your keys (peanut lgihter, led light, firesteel firestarter, whistle etc... Cheers.

[@OliviaSST]

Nice job well presented, very creative and you're so point about having something useful with you all the time and using the items regularly is very essential. For a first KZbin review presentation it's very good.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

A good idea, great for carrying water when slipped into a sock. Can hold around a liter, enough for my tablets to purify.

[@AI4QT]

Very informative. I learned something new everytime I look at a "survivor video." Thanks for sharing.

[@lukio12]

this is a really good video and a really good kit :) for something as compact as that its very good. i would suggest adding a firesteel and maybe add one of those candles that relight for really extreme weathers :)

[@steffler69]

Continued from above.... Another topic is sustainability; What I mean is, what do you do when your matches run out and chlorine tabs are gone? Statistically, recoveries take between 3 and 7 days. (SAS manual) Additionally, this is why Survivorman stays out for seven days. I hope this feedback helps. All in all, you have a great kit. Keep at it, I have revised my kit at least twenty times and I still forgot chlorine tabs this time. haha

[@getdownbro]

Great kit! Ive been thinking about an escape and evasion kit to sew in the toungue of a shoe so if someone tries to put someone in the psyche ward they will have an escape and evasion kit in the toungue of the shoe because they make you take out your shoe laces

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Your correct, I guess my advice doesn't apply to everyone out of the States. If you make a bigger survival kit, then adding a extra knife as a back-up is a great idea, I do.

[@alundrasrt]

Hi, The concept is clear here, minimize the survival kit to fit into a wallet (perhaps half of the altoids tin?). What i'll remove: -I'm not fan of magnifying glass -wax your matched and tape them with medical tape as tinder -instead of a small diameter rubber band use a strong cord, to compact the plastic bag -beware of the end of the needle -use a scalpel blade in sachet, smaller, sharper and sterilized -use 2 more water tablets

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Thanks Malc, I had a mini tin before, went in my pocket, but found it too bulky. Found your video, then made a similar kit that fit in my wallet. Gonna get a Pocket Survival Pak from AMK, won't replace this kit, but i will carry them in tandem.

[@fugz]

I really like this video I've been making survival kits for 1 year and this is my favorite video yet

[@Guitardude1616]

this kit is awesome. what would really be cool to add is one of those swiss cards or tool logic cards to fit in the another pocket of the wallet

[@habaz72]

You can sharpen the back edge of the hacksaw blade using a dremel tool and even shape it into a knife blade. I got this idea from a website called m40 so I have to give them credit where it's due. You can put a small piece of 550 cord loop thru the hole at the end of the blade for your last 2 fingers and use your thumb and first fingers to hold the knife. The loop can also be gutted to lash this small knife onto a pole or stick to spear fish.

[@Overunity357]

nice kit. well rounded. i like it! the most useless Item i think, would be the sewing thread kit. for about the same volume you could have a small BIC or something. and really, I think that if you REALLY needed to repair something the large needle and the fishing line would cover it. if you added a hank of some OD green nylon thread you would have sewing department covered and woulndt need the entire kit. save you some space. :)

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Thanks, if you want to know how to make the pouch, go to johnnyjayrambo's video. Then add the contents you want, tell me what you put in! I'm always looking for new ideas.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

@GothPuppyGirl There are a few ways to open a can opener without a can opener. There is using a knife (which will dull and damage your blade), and rubbing the can on concrete (not a lot of concrete in the bush). I'm not willing to dull the point of my knife, so a can opener isn't a bad idea. I'm sure a leather needle would be better, but I don't have one. I also don't wear any leather clothing, so it isn't absolutely necessary. And yes, I do. A Cold Steel SRK for the wild and a Voyager for EDC.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

@jackman614 I think sewing equipment is very important. Clothing is your first defense against the elements. If it gets in disrepair from survival chores, your protection against the wind, sun and insects isn't good. A rip may not prevent you from being rescued, but it certainly would help to get that sewed up. A neddle and thread don't take up much space. Maybe you can camp without a shirt, but i'll keep mine on. It's a nice Columbia shirt.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Thanks for the kind words, make your own wallet survival kit and get prepared! Though by your EDC video, you seem very much prepared.

[@ppspsd]

Good job brother ! Something is always better than NOTHING ! Be smart be perpared ! Do some kind of kit ! You just never know when you will need it !

[@frostedfur]

Cool. I guess that what it comes down to it , it is what you think you will need in whatever situation you find yourself in. Good luck with the kit. Survive Safely. Peace out

[@nitroflesh]

Yep, you really gonna make it. Especially with the safetypins.

[@johnhaywood2891]

you can also open cans by grinding the top of the can against concrete in a circular motion.

[@wulfesinger67]

i use the rick birthday candles if the wind blows it out it will re light, great for wet tinder or very windy conditions. i also use spyderwire fishing line it is great for sewing, snares fishing ect and comes in 90lb test. great vid i would also ad a bsa ferro rod very small but they work and under 3$

[@ComradeGeneralK]

I don't keep bandages in my kits because I have a good pocket first aid kit I don't go anywhere without. I don't like the flat paper matches at all, flimsy and unreliable, not good for survival kits. Wooden saftey or strike-anywhere matches I find the best. I made a more compact sewing kit, did away with the fishing gear (not that important to find food in short term situations). I have a scapel blade, which I should add.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Strike-anywheres are much better than these standard ones. I bought a box of 250 sometime ago. Since I no longer carry this kit, I have 5 strike-anywheres in my Urban Emergency Pocket Kit.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

I got the magnifying glass out of a pair of cheap binoculars, just break the bino's apart and get the lense. And the mini compass came from a commerical survival kit. You gan buy the compasses online or get those thermometer/compass keychains and pry the compass out with a knife. Hope I helped.

[@ihatesquirrel13]

@cyclist01222 if you are using any type of trap to try and catch an animal, you know the stick and stone slab or stick and box etc. your trip stick can be tied to the fishing wire and the bait attached to the hook. if the animal just moves the bait it pulls the rock down onto it. you can use it to create support lines. let the hooks bite into two trees and run a line. help in shelter building or a line to dry clothes..saves a couple feet of line. hang meat for cooking used with metal wire...

[@ihatesquirrel13]

@cyclist01222 you can striaghten a couple and attach to a long stick, now you have a gig..frogs, mice, rats etc. can be caught. you can use it as a distance weapon to discourage a wild dog or maybe something else, going for the nose eyes area.trying to keep it away from you..if its close enough for you to knife it, its close enough to bite or scratch you. striaghten and cut off the barb and you have sewing needles

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Great advise, but this is just a second layer of a "survival system". My wallet kit is to small to have tinder, signal device, and aluminum foil. I will always have a zippo and my EDC keychain. On there is a Fox40 Micro whistle. This kit is meant for more of a suburban and everyday crisis event, although in the wilderness it would be useful. Also, my main pocket survival kit i will have usual if space permits. I carry a altoids-sized tin, but i'm looking to get a Pocket Survival Pak from AMK.

[@daddymaxy2729]

This is a really good video I think you need to keep doing what you're doing and I know it takes a while but just loosen up and have fun with your videos

[@ComradeGeneralK]

I have added a hacksaw blade, the wire is ok though. It is still flexiable, I made a snare with it before. Brass is not as good because it is much weaker and rusts. The color is not much of a problem, I can just smear mud or something like that to darken it. I wouldn't be using it just for snares, repairing or lashing too.

[@benowin]

Here Here, Well said. Being prepared is one of the keys for survival. I will make a kit. It seems only logical.

[@kcfier]

Hi, Pretty neat .... I would recommend that you tug in a small flashlight in there (Fenix..or Mag...) that would complete your kit.. I noticed that you have a candle, but it cant complement a flashlight in most situations...but a good video anyways.. Cheers!

[@quercus4730]

What are you going to do with the button compass? If you get lost it won't help you. If you don't have a map you won't know where you are going. Sure you have the cardinal directions you also have up and down but which direction and what for?

[@henryrogers4947]

Thanks! I have now made my own but taped some foil the outside of it for signalling and the atrocity is on the outside too

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Quite soon, actually. Sorry for the delay, but, I have a new Bail out Bag and plenty of new gear I want to show, plus a survival technique series I want to put up. I don't want to half-do anything, so i'm planning my videos out. I'm going to have more time on my hands, which means more videos. Or more playing my PS3. Whichever.

[@frostedfur]

Nice kit dude. A hell of a lot smaller then my "little" kit. IMHO A few things might need a little tweaking, the wire that you currently have looks too stiff, plus it is shiny. Try brass instead it has the flexibility you want in a snare as well as muted colors. And you might want a hacksaw blade used for wood. If you can punch a hole in the blade. That way you can thread in a split-ring or some cord to act as a handle. Those are the only things that I would change, Survive Safely. Peace Out

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

@ihatesquirrel13 I'm not quite sure I understand all these points my friend but I'm convinced you could survive with fish hooks alone! Thanks for the banter.

[@rg1283]

Very neat kit! I'm getting some great ideas for a similar DIY project. Thanks man!

[@ComradeGeneralK]

@kcfier Very good tips, thank you. I now always carry a Streamlight Nano on my keys and a Streamlight Stylus Pro in my cargo pants.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Thanks man, I really appreciate it. Thanks for the invite, I'll make some more vids ASAP, my new survival tin from ebay just came in and I'll do a review on it. Also, got a new knife which I will also show.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

@madchipmunk99 Did you hear me say in the wild? No. Since this is a EDC item, you find canned food everywhere in a a urban environment. Plus it is just a useful tool for all manner of things.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

A very good idea, but i think the razor blade is good enough. I always have a knife on me, small as it is, so that covers the knife part. This kit is really a last ditch/supplementary item.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

No problem, thank you for watching!

[@SuperEnginerd]

Man Nice kit i think its even better than mine thank you for commenting on my video i really appriciate it

[@ComradeGeneralK]

That's awesome, thanks! I have a PSP, essential for mental survival during boring events!

[@389Lee]

I think your wallet survival kit is a great idea!

[@stevieperez9992]

Cool vid, I carry 1 of those can openers every day because you never know

[@chaosmethod]

your hacksaw blade is a metal cutting blade, no so good towards wood. If you go to a hardware store you can get a blade for a reciprocating saw for cheap, and a wood one at that. Good kit tho

[@norcofreerider604]

Cool, not a BOB replacement, but a great idea for everyday carry.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

I do like it, thanks for the video reply! You could easily catch fish with such a kit.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

Yeah, saw it at a 7-11 and thought it would make a very good mini tin kit. I think the contents are pretty good, should I do a vid on it?

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

@ihatesquirrel13 This is interesting and becoming a fun discussion. I would suggest that fish hooks are not needed for any of these tasks nor would the absence of said hooks prevent one from successfuly performing these tasks if needed for survival. Presenting trap bait, rigging support lines to dry clothes and hanging meat can all be done without fish hooks. Again, shelter and rescue should be priority survival kit items. Hooks just aren't that helpful or needed as emergency survival gear.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

I carry my wallet in my front right pocket (more comfortable and avoids pickpockets) so I don't think it is much of a problem. I might carry my Altoids Smalls Kit instead of this, have not decided.

[@ddayblue]

great kit Ithink the magnifie lens is good for looking stuff butto small to start a fire with sunlight (+small whistle in u kit)

[@ihatesquirrel13]

@cyclist01222 how many knives do you usually carry at once ? the hooks allow you to make a weapon that you do not have to dedicate a knife to. carrying hooks may not be for everyone, no one says you have to. but there certainly are uses for them. i live near a large lake and river so most of our outdoor life is around water so aside from the other uses, the normal ones would apply. theres no right or wrong,the important thing is to be prepared in some way

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

@ihatesquirrel13 I always carry fishing line... yes, many uses for that. It can definitely come in handy when building a shelter or repairing clothing. What else besides fishing would you use fish hooks for in a survival situation?

[@TheStupedCat]

Very Nice Kit..thanks for posting

[@m82wings]

i love the idea of the fishing twine tammy had i also suggest a

[@rosrychaplet]

@ComradeGeneralK exactly...the thing about knowledge in survivalism is like the era of the caveman...share,.. expand,...grow....

[@ComradeGeneralK]

@yodaboy170 Haha, I got it along time ago. replaced it with a Maxpedition Micro Wallet. It's a leather trifold my parents got at Wal-Mart, I believe. Nothing fancy, or expensive. It's really worn out from all these years, but no real damage.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Oops,I heard you say fishhook. Fishing gear belongs in an extended stay kit or on a planned fishing trip. I know we all think about crash landing in a remote part of the world and needing to eat something after a few weeks so we better have a fish hook just in case we are near a great fishing lake and the fish are biting... not likely. PLEASE Help Me Spread The Message... NO FISH HOOKS! The life you save may be your own... learn to make a fish trap. Okay, I've done my part. Good luck! Nice job.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

I'm glad to hear that! Perhaps you could share your ideas with us on your kit?

[@KXrhyder547]

perhaps a knife? you could take a knife apart or make one that's just the blade of the knife with a tang to save space and then if your in an emergency situation you could construct a handle.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

@ComradeGeneralK Not really. I have experienced the strange feeling of loosing my direction several times and always without a compass. One hot day while on a summer hunt exploration, thirst scared me but I soon caught up to my buddies . It always happens when you think it won't. Thirst and slight fear kept me moving... no fishing came to mind. Try St. Mary's Wilderness about 24 miles down the Parkway from I-64. Remote, free, fire pits, and plenty of trails to xplore. My son and I had a blast!

[@ComradeGeneralK]

@FixedByDoc Sorry about that, I should have removed his tasteless, useless comments earlier. That said, i'm glad you enjoyed my video, I have seen you videos before and am honored that you enjoyed mine. I would love to see the kit you make. This kit here is alittle dated, I moved on to better gear. Still, I leave it up for posterity. Thanks again for the support.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

In due time, my friend, in due time. I just want to make sure my video are of high quality, don't want to half-do anything. I have new knifes and kits that I will be reviewing.

[@bladeking2013]

i would sudgest u take some tin foil and put it around the b-day candle so u can perserve the wax, also i would add a small fire steel and cottin for tinder, and most imprtintly some strong nylon cord.

[@GothPuppyGirl]

@ComradeGeneralK My much older brother is the one with the leather. He wears em till they fall apart, I make stuff. I made a quiver for my arrows out of the sleeve of an old trench coat and I still have nearly an entire coat left. I used a straight needle on it and my fingers hurt like hell when I was done.

[@dankfish7306]

I recommend putting in a pencil and paper which can be used as tinder

[@Charsept]

perfect sized edc

[@thewaser78]

@ComradeGeneralK dip the match heads in wax. then they are water proof (the wax falls off when you strike it.)

[@ihatesquirrel13]

@cyclist01222 have you ever tried to gig a frog or anything with a striaght point sharpened stick ? unless you get an instant kill they often fling themselves off, which is why a gig you buy in the store comes barbed. try poking a moving animal threatining you with the point of a stick as well, it doesnt deliver much damage unless you get a luck hit. the points on the hooks need only to barely catch the animal to stick and the barbs do alot of damage across a nose or near the eyes.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

@USMCguy42 Fair enough, i've realized that and started speaking louder in my newer videos.

[@ComradeGeneralK]

@habaz72 That's a really good idea for a small, inexpensive survival knife. I wish I had a Dremel, alot of projects I want to do would be easier with one.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

@ComradeGeneralK Yeah, good stuff and good points. Birds are fair game also and the forgotten survival food. I wonder if one could catch a bird in a trap? Haha. I have not been in an extreme remote area since I lived in Alaska. Now, in the VA Blue Ridge, rescue is usually just a few short miles away as with most wilderness trekers. Done lots of subzero survival also but managed to avoid the desert. Used many tools during my adventures but never fished while seeking rescue or escape.

[@dslayer554]

hmmmm interesting i have spent all day reserching my kit and for some reason few of the kits i have seen have had knifes in them and as any survivalist would tell you a knife means life so why is it that people pack weak little blades and no knife?