DIY Altoids Tin Water Purification Kit: A Lifesaving EDC Essential

When you're out in the wilderness, access to clean drinking water can be the difference between life and death. In survival situations, having a reliable method to purify water is crucial, and a DIY Altoids tin water purification kit is a compact, portable solution that ensures you're prepared no matter where you are. This small kit can fit in your pocket, making it an ideal addition to your everyday carry (EDC) setup or a backup to your primary water purification tools. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through creating your own Altoids tin water purification kit, what items to include, and how to use it effectively.

Don't forget to check out all the other types of Altoids tin an EDC kits you can make. 

Why Create a DIY Altoids Tin Water Purification Kit?

An Altoids tin water purification kit offers several advantages:

• Portability: Its small size makes it easy to carry in your pocket, backpack, or car, ensuring you always have access to water purification tools.
• Versatility: The kit can be used in various situations, from hiking and camping to emergency scenarios where clean water might not be readily available.
• Efficiency: Despite its small size, a well-stocked Altoids tin can provide multiple methods for purifying water, making it a versatile addition to your survival gear.

Essential Components of a DIY Altoids Tin Water Purification Kit

Here’s a breakdown of the key items to include in your water purification kit:

Water Purification Tablets

Water purification tablets are a simple and effective way to make water safe to drink. These tablets are lightweight, compact, and can purify a significant amount of water with just one tablet.

• Contents: Include a few individually wrapped water purification tablets, typically containing chemicals like chlorine dioxide or iodine, which kills bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
• Tip: Store the tablets in a small plastic bag or airtight container to keep them dry and prevent contamination.

Small Container for Water Collection

While the Altoids tin itself can be used as a container for collecting and purifying small amounts of water, it's not ideal. you can also  include small, collapsible crystal clear bags that can be used to hold clean water, or used for solar water disinfection. .

• Contents: A foldable, lightweight water bag that can hold up to a liter of water is ideal. It should be compact enough to fit into the tin when not in use.
• Tip: Ensure the bag is made of food-grade materials and is durable enough to handle rough use.

Filter for Particulates

A simple coffee filter can provide a pre filter to remove large particulates from your water before you treat it or filter it further. 

• Contents: A foldable, lightweight coffee filter.

Instructions for Use

Including a small set of instructions in your kit can be helpful, especially if you're unfamiliar with some of the purification methods or if someone else needs to use the kit.

• Contents: Write or print out concise instructions on how to use each component of the kit, and fold them to fit inside the tin.
• Tip: Laminate the instructions or store them in a small plastic bag to keep them waterproof and readable.

How to Use Your DIY Altoids Tin Water Purification Kit

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the contents of your water purification kit:

1. Collect Water: Use the tin or the collapsible water container to collect water from a stream, lake, or other natural sources.
2. Filter Water: Create a basic filter to remove large particulates from your water.
3. Purify with Tablets: Drop a purification tablet into the water, following the instructions on the packaging regarding dosage and wait time.
4. Use the Water Filter Straw: For immediate drinking, use the filter straw directly from the water source or from your container. Using the improvised filter before using a filter straw extends the filter straws life.
5. Boil or Sterilize: If you not using Tablets, or a commercial filter you need to boil your water, or sterilize it with solar water sterilization methods. 

Maintenance Tips

• Restock Regularly: Replace any used or expired tablets and check the condition of your filter straw and other components periodically.
• Keep It Dry: Store your kit in a dry place to prevent moisture from compromising the tablets or other items.
• Test Your Kit: Practice using each component of your kit in a controlled environment to ensure you know how to use it correctly in an emergency.

FAQ

Q: What types of water purification methods can I include in an Altoids tin kit?
A: You can include water purification tablets, a mini water filter straw, and activated charcoal in your Altoids tin water purification kit. These methods are compact, effective, and complement each other well.

Q: How much water can I purify with an Altoids tin water purification kit?
A: The amount of water you can purify depends on the number of purification tablets and the capacity of the filter straw you include in your kit. Typically, a single tablet can purify about 1 liter of water, and a mini filter straw can purify hundreds of liters before it needs replacement.

Q: How often should I replace the components of my water purification kit?
A: Replace water purification tablets before they expire, typically every 2-5 years. Filter straws should be replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually after filtering a certain number of liters. Activated charcoal should be replaced after several uses or when it no longer effectively removes impurities.

Q: Can the Altoids tin itself be used for boiling water?
A: Yes, the metal Altoids tin can be used to boil small amounts of water, which is another method of purification. Be sure to use a metal wire or other tool to handle the hot tin safely.

About Grim Workshop

Grim Workshop is a pioneer in the creation of compact, durable survival tools that seamlessly integrate into everyday carry (EDC) setups. 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 that 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.