Here’s a challenge for you. Build a boat that will help you get through small emergencies or delays. And it has to fit comfortably in your pocket.
No, I’m not crazy. Well, at least that’s what the doctors told me last time I was checked. Do I have your attention now?
What I’m talking about is a BOAT or Bug Out Altoid Tin. A small container, typically an Altoid tin, that contains a few of the essentials that you might need in a minor emergency such as being stuck in traffic, can’t get home for the night, breakdown in an isolated area, or any other hiccup or delay in your plans.
Now obviously a BOAT is not going to help you survive well in the wilderness with a broken leg and no food, but you may be surprised at how handy it is to have. I use mine at least once a week for something. In fact, as I write this, I’m camping in the Mendocino National Forest and I’ve already used my BOAT twice.
To build a BOAT you need to really sit and think about the little things that may help you throughout the day, especially if you spend time on the road or away from home. A BOAT is, in that respect, a very personal thing and no two people will have one that is the same. Do you take a prescription medicine? If so, what would you do if you could not get home one night and needed those pills for a chronic condition? Do you like to go for short hikes during the day? A few feet of paracord would be handy to have in case you snapped a shoelace. And a couple of band aids or a piece of moleskin in case of blisters. Wouldn’t you be the hero if the person you were with complained of a headache and you reached into your pocket and pulled out a couple of pain killers?
Here is my BOAT and a list of the things it contains. First, I have a small container with two days of my essential prescription pills plus a few aspirin and other pain killers. I have another small container with a piece of fire tinder as well as a small waterproof baggie of matches in case I need to start a fire. I have a flat survival tool that has a sharp blade, bottle and can opener, nut wrenches, screwdriver etc. there is also about ten feet of paracord, a couple of safety pins, and a twenty dollar note. A little cash can go a long way in an emergency.
The other thing I have may sound unusual, but as a trained locksmith I also carry a portable lock picking set. Hey, you never know! I also have two band aids and the tin is kept shut with an elastic band, in itself a handy item to have.
So here is your challenge… Build yourself a BOAT that suits you and only you. Then keep track of how many times a month you actually use it. I think you might be surprised at the result.
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