Rothco Survival Kit Review

Let’s Talk About Rothco Survival Kit

The Rothco Survival Kit is a compact, all-in-one solution designed for emergency preparedness. Manufactured by Rothco, a trusted name in military and outdoor gear, this kit aims to provide essential tools and supplies in a conveniently sized tin. It’s a product that promises peace of mind, but how well does it deliver on that promise?

What led me to this product was a need for a compact, easily transportable survival solution for my daypack. I wanted something small enough to not take up much space, but comprehensive enough to handle basic emergency situations during hiking or short camping trips. The Rothco Survival Kit seemed to fit the bill.

Unboxing the kit revealed a tightly packed tin, smaller than I initially imagined. The contents appeared organized, but my first thought was whether everything inside was of acceptable quality and truly functional. The overall design felt practical, but the lightness of the tin raised some concerns about its durability.

Compared to other similar kits I’ve used, like the SOL Origin or the smaller Altoids tin kits people assemble themselves, the Rothco Survival Kit falls somewhere in the middle. The SOL Origin offers more comprehensive tools but is significantly larger and pricier. The DIY kits are customizable but lack the professional assembly and perceived reliability of a manufactured product. Ultimately, I chose the Rothco Survival Kit for its balance of size, features, and established brand reputation.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the potential of having a readily available survival kit, but also aware that its small size might compromise the quality and utility of its components. Only real-world testing would reveal its true value.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rothco Survival Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Rothco Survival Kit during a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. The conditions were moderately challenging, with temperatures dipping to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night, and occasional light rain. My intention was to evaluate the kit’s effectiveness in basic survival tasks such as fire starting, first aid, and shelter building.

The magnesium fire starter proved to be the most crucial element during my first trial. While it did take some effort and a bit of practice to shave off enough magnesium and ignite the cotton, it ultimately worked even in slightly damp conditions. The small stainless steel blades were helpful for carving tinder and preparing kindling. The compass, though small, proved accurate enough for basic navigation within the campsite area.

Ease of use was generally good, although the small size of some items, particularly the fishing hooks and sewing needles, made them a bit fiddly to handle. I did have some initial difficulty with the magnesium fire starter, requiring a bit of practice to get it to work effectively.

After the first use, I noticed a few minor issues. The whistle felt flimsy and didn’t produce a very loud sound. The stainless steel survival tool also seemed somewhat redundant given the inclusion of the two blades.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of carrying the Rothco Survival Kit in my daypack and utilizing individual components in different scenarios, it has generally held up well. I’ve used the fishing line for basic repairs and the safety pins for securing gear.

The tin itself has shown some minor scratches and dents, but it remains functional and secure. The components inside have remained mostly intact, although the wound pad became slightly compressed.

Maintenance is relatively simple: I just wipe down the blades after use and ensure everything is dry before repacking it into the tin. Compared to some larger survival kits I’ve owned, the Rothco Survival Kit is significantly easier to maintain due to its compact size and limited number of components.

While the Rothco Survival Kit does not outperform more comprehensive kits in terms of sheer capability, it excels in portability and convenience. For its intended purpose as a backup or minimalist survival solution, it’s proven to be a reliable addition to my outdoor gear.

Breaking Down the Features of Rothco Survival Kit

Specifications

The Rothco Survival Kit is designed to offer basic survival tools in a compact form. The core specifications are important to consider.

• Tin Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.5 x 2.3 cm. This compact size makes it highly portable.
• Blades: Two #420 Stainless Steel Blades (#11 & #22). These provide basic cutting capability.
• Fire Starter: Magnesium Fire Starter with Cover. This allows for reliable fire starting in various conditions.
• Compass: A small compass for basic navigation. Accuracy is essential for direction finding.
• Fishing Set: Includes 3 hooks, 2 sinkers, and 2 fishing lines (4 meters each). Offers a food-gathering option.
• Sewing Kit: Contains 2 needles and 1 thread (5 meters). Useful for repairing clothing or gear.
• Candle: Provides a small source of light and heat. Burn time is a critical factor for usability.
• Survival Tool: One #420 Stainless Steel Survival Tool. Its multi-functionality adds versatility.

These specifications dictate the kit’s overall performance and usability. The small size is a trade-off, but it allows for easy carrying in a pack or pocket.

Performance & Functionality

The Rothco Survival Kit performs adequately for its intended purpose: providing essential tools for short-term survival situations. The fire starter works reliably, the blades are reasonably sharp, and the compass provides basic navigation.

The kit’s strengths lie in its portability and ease of use. Its weaknesses are the small size of some components, which can make them difficult to handle in challenging conditions.

The kit meets expectations for a basic survival kit of this size and price point. It’s not designed for extended wilderness survival, but it provides a valuable backup in case of emergencies.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Rothco Survival Kit is decent for its price range. The tin is made of lightweight metal, and the components are generally functional, although some items feel a bit flimsy.

The kit is relatively user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The small size of some components may require some dexterity, but overall, it’s easy to understand and use.

The compact design makes it highly portable, but the small size of some tools can compromise their usability in certain situations.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rothco Survival Kit is designed to be durable enough for occasional use, but it’s not built for heavy-duty, long-term survival situations. The tin can withstand some wear and tear, and the stainless steel components are resistant to corrosion.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and drying of the blades. Overall, it’s a low-maintenance kit that can be easily stored and accessed when needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rothco Survival Kit comes with a pre-selected set of accessories, and there are limited customization options. Users can add or replace components based on their specific needs and preferences.

The kit is compatible with most standard survival accessories, such as paracord, water purification tablets, and additional first-aid supplies. The tin can also be used to store other small items, making it a versatile platform for building a personalized survival kit. It does not, however, lend itself to large-scale modifications or additions due to its inherent size constraints.

Pros and Cons of Rothco Survival Kit

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Who Should Buy Rothco Survival Kit?

The Rothco Survival Kit is perfect for beginner preppers, hikers, campers, and anyone who wants a compact and affordable backup survival solution. It is also ideal for keeping in a vehicle emergency kit.

Those who should skip this product are experienced survivalists needing comprehensive, heavy-duty tools, or individuals with limited dexterity who may struggle with the small components.

Must-have accessories or modifications might include adding a small roll of duct tape, a more robust whistle, and perhaps some water purification tablets to enhance the kit’s overall functionality.

Conclusion on Rothco Survival Kit

The Rothco Survival Kit is a decent entry-level survival solution that prioritizes portability and affordability. While it may not be the most robust or comprehensive kit on the market, it provides essential tools for basic survival situations in a compact and convenient package.

The price is justified for what you get: a pre-assembled kit with reliable fire-starting capabilities and basic navigation tools.

I would recommend the Rothco Survival Kit to those seeking a lightweight and affordable backup survival solution for short-term emergencies. Add it to your bug-out bag or your glove compartment. Be prepared.