A coffee can survival kit is one of those old-school ideas you don’t see as much anymore, especially now that most coffee containers are made of plastic. But if you can find an old metal coffee can, it makes a tough, weather-resistant container. Plus, it forces you to build a kit that’s simple, compact, and practical.
The best part? You can keep one in places where you don’t normally store “real” survival gear, like your car, a boat box, an outdoor shed, kitchen cupboard, or pretty much anywhere. Most people will assume it’s full of coffee or random items like hardware.
Now keep in mind, it’s not meant to replace a full-size kit. It’s more like a backup, or an emergency cache. It’s the kind of “I’m glad I had this” setup that can save your day in an unexpected survival scenario.
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You can put anything you want in a coffee can survival kit. I found this particular setup on the YouTube channel, Survival Lore. You can watch the video below, but I also typed up the contents.
If you can find an unlined metal can, that’s ideal. Many modern cans have coatings or liners, but an unlined can gives you more options, like boiling water, and it’s usually tougher long-term.
Supplies List (What Goes In the Can)
This kit covers the major survival categories: fire, shelter, navigation, signaling, water, food comfort, repairs, and first aid.
Shelter & Cordage
Navigation & Signaling
- Brunton Tag Along glow-in-the-dark compass
- TOPS signal whistle (wrapped with orange tape for visibility)
- Signal mirror
- Photon micro light
Fire & Heat
- Ferro rod (with reflective lanyard)
- Bic lighter
- UCO Stormproof matches
- Tinder tabs (waxed cotton)
- Fresnel lens (solar ignition backup)
- 2 candles
Water
- 1L Whirl-Pak bag
- 20 Aquatabs
Tools & Repairs
- Victorinox Farmer X (blade + saw + reamer + scissors)
- Small file
- Large repair/sailing needle
- Duct tape roll
- 12 ft snare wire
Food Comfort / Morale
- 4 beef bouillon cubes
- 3 honey packets
- 4 tea bags
First Aid & Meds
- Assorted bandages (including knuckle/finger protection)
- Pain relievers (enough for about 24 hours)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
Optional (mentioned in kit description)
- Fishing kit (hooks, line, weights, flies)
- Whirl-Pak bag doubles as water storage/cooking prep container
Step-by-Step: How to Build This Coffee Can Survival Kit
Step 1: Find the right can
Find a good metal coffee can, clean it thoroughly, and dry it completely. If you want, leave the label on so it’s easy to identify later.
Step 2: Prep the can for better packing
Put a small strip of duct tape around the rim or add a little padding if the lid is sharp. If the can rattles, plan to use small items (tea, bandages, tabs) as “gap fillers.”
Step 3: Pack the bottom (flat, hard items)
Place the small file flat on the bottom. Lay the repair needle and snare wire beside it (wrapped tight). Add the Aquatabs packet(s) flat so they don’t bend.
Step 4: Add first aid and small essentials (middle layer)
Pack bandages in a small bundle (hands/fingers first). Add pain relievers and Benadryl (sealed in a small bag if needed). Fit in the Fresnel lens (it takes almost no space; slide it against the wall of the can).
Step 5: Pack fire kit components (keep them accessible)
Add a Bic lighter near the top so you can grab it fast. Pack the ferro rod and tinder tabs together. Add the UCO stormproof matches (keep them protected and easy to reach). Place the candles in next; these are part of the warmth strategy.
Step 6: Add water storage + purification
Fold the 1L Whirl-Pak bag flat and tuck it along the side. Keep Aquatabs close to the bag so you don’t separate “container” from “treatment.”
Step 7: Add your tool and cordage
Place the Victorinox Farmer X where it fits best (often along the side). Coil the bank line tight in two small hanks and wedge them in.
Step 8: Add signaling + light (top layer)
Put the whistle and signal mirror near the top. Add the photon light where you can grab it quickly. If you want, you can wrap a bit of bright tape around small items to make them easier to find.
Step 9: Top off with comfort items (and “gap fillers”)
Add tea bags, bouillon cubes, and honey packets last. Use these to fill gaps so the kit doesn’t rattle.
Step 10: Close, test, and label
Close the lid and shake the can. If it rattles, repack tighter. Some people like to label the outside, but I think it’s better to leave it unlabeled so that it’s more likely to be overlooked by a thief.
However, you should put a label on the underside of the lid that shows the date packed. Also, be sure to store it where it won’t rust.
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