This DIY survival kit can be made with inexpensive supplies and a simple metal coffee can. Make sure the coffee can you are using for your survival kit is modified to be a wood stove also. This simple but efficient survival kit is best for if you break down in an uninhabited area while driving your car. This kit is also ideal for a day trip for hiking, camping, or exploring outdoors. We have a list below of the recommended survival gear to put into your kit.
Here are 20 basic items you should include in your DIY Coffee Can Survival Kit:
- Large Metal Coffee Can (Optional: Make holes in it for cooking or boiling water)
- Nylon Rope (30 feet)
- Mirror (plastic so no breakage)
- Box Matches (3 boxes)
- Fire Starter Device (besides matches)
- Poncho (bright orange for visibility)
- Mini Flashlight
- Toilet Paper (1 roll)
- Candle (wrap tin foil)
- Paper and Pencil
- Fishing Line (30ft +)
- Fishing Hooks
- Multi-Tool With Spoon and Knife
- Small Plastic Compass
- Protein Bars
- Plastic Whistle
- Money (2 quarters, 2 dimes, 2 nickels, $20 bill)
- Garbage Bags (2 large size bags)
- Mini First Aid Kit
- Soup Packets or Bouillon Cubes (2+)
Most of the above items will fit in a large metal coffee can. You could also use metal containers available at outdoor stores or elsewhere. To make it so the items do not rattle inside the can, crumple some wax paper and put it around the items. The wax paper will stay dry and also is a great a fire starter if needed. To save weight the contents can be placed in a large nylon outdoor bag instead of the coffee can.
The above chart shows a few items to always leave in your car in the winter
Here is a complete survival supplies kit list with 50 items to make a complete DIY kit yourself:
- Hiking Backpack
- Lighter
- Space Blanket
- Plastic Freezer Bags
- Crowbar
- Can Opener
- Chemical warmer packs
- Energy Bars
- Waterproof Matches
- Emergency Candles
- Hiking Tarp
- Water Storage
- Water Filter
- Camp Axe
- Shovel
- Flares
- Cell Phone
- Water Bottles
- Flashlights
- Multi-Tool
- Pocket Knife
- MRE’S
- First Aid Kit
- Compass
- Signal Mirror
- Tent
- Riffle
- Ammo
- Eating and Cooking Utensils
- Whistle
- Hiking Boots
- Water Purification Tablets
- Paracord
- Hiking Hammock
- Machete
- Plastic Paint Tarp
- Salt
- Mylar blanket
- HeadLamp
- Fishing line
- Sleeping Bag
- Canteen
- Sewing Kit
- Map
- Duct Tape
- Plastic Tubing
- Scissors
- Sunscreen
- Extra Socks
- Gloves
Do you have suggestions on items to add to our survival supply list? Please leave a comment below if we have left anything out!
A small bottle of mild dish soap for clean up. Dishes if you have them and, or you. You also might need small towel for drying or you could just air dry.
Instead of coffee cans, stop by your local paint store and get a quart or gallon size unused paint can and lid. It seals water tight and gallon size has a handle. Also, pick up a paint opener tool and generously silicone it to the lid to provide access to the kit. This provides a sealed, water-tight, sturdy container for your kit and has an indefinite lifespan.
If you use a metal coffee can & spray the inside with plasti-dip (making sure there is a good metal on metal seal) it will safegaurd your electronics against an emp. Also paint cans usually have handles which is handy, and they stack well. Lining the can with a hefty trash bag gives a little protection for your belongings & is a good way to store the bags.
I include two maxi feminine pads o my First Aid kit. They can be used as a sterile dressing to cover a laceration before applying pressure..
It’s what I do…