DIY  Altoids Tin Shelter Building Kit: Be Prepared for Any Emergency

When you're out camping, hiking, or facing a survival situation, having a reliable means of building a shelter can be the difference between comfort and hardship—or even life and death. A shelter provides protection from the elements, warmth, and a sense of security in the wilderness. While many people focus on carrying large tarps, tents, or bivy sacks, you can also create a compact and efficient backup shelter building kit that fits inside an Altoids tin. This tiny kit can be a game changer in emergency situations, ensuring you're always prepared, even if you're traveling light.

For more kinds of EDC and survival kits, check out our ultimate EDC Kit guide

Why Create an Altoids Tin Shelter Building Kit?

An Altoids tin shelter building kit is a small, portable collection of essential tools and materials that can help you create a shelter quickly and effectively in the wild. The key advantages of this kit include:

• Portability: Its small size means you can carry it everywhere, ensuring you always have the basics for shelter-building on hand.
• Versatility: While compact, the kit can be used to create or enhance various types of shelters, from lean-tos to more complex structures.
• Complementary: It can serve as a backup to your primary shelter gear or be used for quick setups when you're on the move.

Essential Components of an Altoids Tin Shelter Building Kit

Here’s a breakdown of the key items to include in your shelter building kit:

Cordage

Cordage is one of the most critical elements in any survival kit. It can be used for securing shelter materials, tying down tarps, or creating a frame for your shelter.

• Contents: Include several feet of strong, lightweight cordage such as kevlar or heavy duty braided fishing line. You can wrap it around a small piece of cardboard to save space.
• Tip: Some specialized tools can also create cordage from commonly found items like two liter bottles. 

Small Ultralight Tarp, plastic sheeting, or Space Blanket

While it may seem unlikely to fit a full tarp into an Altoids tin, you can carry a compact, emergency space blanket, or ultralight plasticsheeting, which can double as a shelter material. Alternatively you can carry a small ultralight tarp, and keep it folded and wrapped around your tin, held together with bands, cordage, or a Bandit.

• Contents: Choose an emergency space blanket that folds down compactly. These blankets are reflective, helping to retain body heat, and are waterproof, making them an excellent choice for shelter, just be aware they are very fragile and can tear. 
• Tip: Practice folding the blanket to ensure it fits neatly into the tin.

Small Saw Blade or Wire Saw

A small saw blade or wire saw can be extremely useful for cutting small branches or saplings to create the framework of your shelter.

• Contents: Include a small, flexible saw blade or wire saw, or length of kevlar cordage that can be coiled to fit inside the tin.
• Tip: Including a length of kevlar cordage in your tin allows you to use it for cooking ( heat resistant) shelter building (incredibly strong) and even as a backup saw (abrasion resistant)

Zip Ties

Zip ties are incredibly versatile and can be used to secure materials quickly and efficiently without knots.

• Contents: Include a few small, durable zip ties in your kit. They’re perfect for quickly assembling a shelter or securing gear.
• Tip: Choose zip ties that are strong yet flexible, making them easier to work with in various conditions.

Knife or Cutting Tool

A cutting tool is essential for cutting cordage, branches, or other materials needed for shelter construction.

• Contents: Include a small, sharp blade that can be safely stored within the tin, while being as large as possible.

How to Use Your Altoids Tin Shelter Building Kit

Using your Altoids tin shelter building kit effectively requires some practice and creativity. Here’s how you might use the kit in an emergency situation:

1. Select a Shelter Location: Choose a location that provides natural shelter, such as under a tree or near a rock face, and is free from hazards like falling branches.
2. Use Cordage To Secure Tarp: Utilize your cordage to secure your space blanket or tarp between trees, creating a basic lean-to or A-frame shelte, or another shelter configuration your familiar with.
3. Add Natural Materials: Cut small branches or saplings, and add leaves or pine boughs to the exterior of your shelter for additional insulation and protection from the elements.
4. Secure the Structure: Reinforce your shelter’s structure, ensuring it remains stable even in windy conditions.

Maintenance Tips

• Restock After Use: After using items from your kit, be sure to replace them immediately so you're always prepared.
• Check for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect the contents of your kit to ensure everything is in good working order.
• Practice Shelter Building: Familiarize yourself with different shelter-building techniques and practice using your kit in various environments to ensure you’re ready when needed.

FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of an Altoids tin shelter building kit?
A: An Altoids tin shelter building kit is a compact, portable collection of tools and materials designed to help you create an emergency shelter quickly and efficiently. It’s small enough to carry in your pocket or bag, making it an ideal addition to your EDC setup.

Q: What types of shelters can I build with this kit?
A: With an Altoids tin shelter building kit, you can build various types of shelters, such as a lean-to, A-frame, or tarp shelter. The kit provides the basic tools you need to secure materials and create a stable structure.

Q: How can I ensure the contents of my kit remain in good condition?
A: Regularly inspect the items in your kit for wear and tear, especially the cordage and tools. Replace any damaged or worn-out items and ensure that the tin itself remains clean and free from rust or damage.

Q: Can I customize my Altoids tin shelter building kit?
A: Absolutely! The contents of your kit can be tailored to your specific needs and environment. You can add or swap out items depending on your experience level and the types of environments you expect to encounter.

About Grim Workshop

Grim Workshop is a leader in the design and creation of compact, durable survival tools that seamlessly integrate into your everyday carry (EDC) setup. With nearly a decade of experience, Grim Workshop specializes in crafting tools like Survival Cards, Micro Tools, and Dog Tag Tools that fit perfectly into wallets, Altoids tins, or keychains, ensuring you’re always prepared for any situation. Proudly made in the USA, Grim Workshop is dedicated to empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to be self-reliant and ready for any survival scenario. For more information, visit Grim Workshop.