Prepping Gear Review

9 Weapons (Besides Guns) That Could Save Your Life

2016-01-30T06:14:00.000-08:00

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If the grid goes down, the ability to defend oneself will be invaluable. In fact, the importance of self defense will be right up there with food and water. Of course, a firearm is the most effective way to defend yourself from an attacker, but that might not always be possible. For example, if you find yourself in a place where firearms aren’t allowed.
The purpose of this article is to teach you about the many other types of weapons you can use to defend yourself. You can carry most of these anywhere without drawing any unwanted attention, yet they’re effective enough to take down almost anyone. Here, then, are 9 weapons that could save your life:
1. Knife – We’ll start with the most obvious weapon: the knife. Knives are everywhere, and almost everyone has at least a couple of them, whether they’re Swiss Army knives or big fixed bladed K-bars. Granted, while a K-bar or similar type knife is likely to draw attention to you, a simple folding tactical knife can be kept nicely concealed in your pocket and can be equally as effective. A knife can be even more deadly than a gun in close quarters. For self defense, opt for a durable folding knife that can be opened quickly and has a serrated blade with an ergonomic grip.

Read more at UrbanSurvivalSite.com

10 Ways to Keep from Freezing in the Winter (or How Not to Die at 40 Below!)

2016-01-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

10 Ways to Keep from Freezing in the Winter

(or How Not to Die at 40 Below!)

Layer your clothing
A tee shirt (or thermal shirt) a shirt over it, a sweater and another then a coat, hat, mittens, warm socks and boots. If you are too warm remove a layer. You will look fat, just get over it.
Close off rooms
Rooms that have no water pipes or stored liquids, and aren’t where you are spending all of your time don’t need the heat. Close doors and hang blanket over doors. Small areas are best for staying warm in. This also helps conserve your fuel for keeping you warm longer.

Read more at MomwithaPrep

ve heard some people talk about how their survival gear costs hundreds of dollars PER PIECE, easily making their gear total well into the thousands. But what do you do when you’re on a budget and still need survival gear? When you don’t have that kind of money to spare, you shouldn’t feel any remorse about buying your survival gear on a budget! If you’re just getting started with preparedness, bushcraft or survival, you don’t have to start off buying “the best equipment money can buy” — a conundrum in itself since there will always be argument over which [knife, bag, machete, tent, tarp, etc] is “the best”. The fact is, until you have learned how to properly use the equipment, it would actually be better to start with something that costs less money, yet still has some decent quality characteristics.

Copyright © 2016 - Survival at Home - Read more at: http://survivalathome.com/survival-gear-on-a-budget/

I’ve heard some people talk about how their survival gear costs hundreds of dollars PER PIECE, easily making their gear total well into the thousands. But what do you do when you’re on a budget and still need survival gear? When you don’t have that kind of money to spare, you shouldn’t feel any remorse about buying your survival gear on a budget! If you’re just getting started with preparedness, bushcraft or survival, you don’t have to start off buying “the best equipment money can buy” — a conundrum in itself since there will always be argument over which [knife, bag, machete, tent, tarp, etc] is “the best”. The fact is, until you have learned how to properly use the equipment, it would actually be better to start with something that costs less money, yet still has some decent quality characteristics.

Copyright © 2016 - Survival at Home - Read more at: http://survivalathome.com/survival-gear-on-a-budget/

Survival Foods: What Are The Top Six?

2016-01-26T08:06:00.000-08:00

You will not have the luxury of eating what you feel like when a catastrophe hits. In such situations, you should know what survival foods are best in terms of nourishment, vitality, energy and taste. They should be also easy to carry around in case you need to bug out.
Here is a list of six survival foods regarded as the best by some of the top preppers:

Top Six Survival Foods

Canned Alaskan Wild Salmon

Salmon is rich in protein and sound fats like omega 3s. Many variation of Alaskan wild salmon will come canned with little to none of the contaminants that can appear in cans of other types of fish. The Inuit people (local individuals of Alaska and northern Canada) regularly eat Alaskan wild salmon. Likewise, they are known for low rates of heart attack and stroke. This phenomenon is credited to their regular salmon consumption. Like tuna fish, you can eat canned Alaskan wild salmon right out of the can without cooking. Leftovers must be refrigerated and will keep for 3 – 4 days.

Read more at Suburban Steader

Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Hiking Boot Review

2016-01-24T07:55:00.002-08:00

This post is by Bernie Carr, apartmentprepper.com

Produced in collaboration with SoleLabz.com, where James and colleagues review trail and tactical footwear.
A few words about LOWA (the company)
Being founded in the 1920s, Lowa Company is one of the oldest in the field. It all started in a village of Jetzendorf in Germany when Lorenz Wagner started producing its Brogue Oxford Shoes.
The manufacturing process stemming from Bavarian mountains paired with the quality offered in well-stitched Norwegian shoes turned out to be a winner. The expansion of its facilities was merited as soon as the late 20s and the company just built steam from that moment on.
Lowa is known for its high-quality man-made materials and its many innovations.
Just to name a few:
· They first introduced polyurethane into the business
· The first sole made of vulcanized rubber
· The first sole injected with air…
The company is still located in the village it was founded in, and they’ve celebrated both their 90th anniversary and being the largest rural employer in 2013.
I could go on for pages about Lowa alone, but let’s cut to the chase and see what makes these hiking boots tick.
Here are a few Renegade hiking boot specifications directly from the manufacturer – its fact sheet
The materials used are leather/synthetic combo. The uppers are made out of nubuck leather, which means you’ll pretty much get all the benefits of the full-grain leather with a shortened break-in period.
The shaft from the arch measures 5 inches, heel 1.75 inches and platform approximately 1 inch.
Lowa goes out of its way to stress the footbed that features a “climate control” function, and I’m really eager to see its performance during the testing. The midsole is PU (polyurethane foam) Monowrap Framed, making Lowa one of the rare manufacturers featuring products without EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate).
The shank is full nylon which adds (so they say) to the overall stability of the boot.
Vibram Evo outsole – which is just fancy expression for a patented pattern of the lugs aimed at optimal stability and grip.
Let’s put these on, start testing and see if climate control really works.
Lowa Renegade GTX – my review of the hiking boot

Read the rest here

Sharpen a Knife Using a Common Household Item

2016-01-13T12:14:00.000-08:00

This post originally appeared in Apartment Prepper

A friend told me about this knife sharpening method and I got really curious I had to try it myself.

Dull knives are dangerous! I’ve cut myself a few times by using a dull knife – instead of cutting properly, dull knives will skip or slip and cut you. That is why I am obsessed with always having sharp knives, and a knowing a few ways to sharpen knives comes in handy.

Read the rest here

The Harsh Truth About Bugging Out of Cities, by Patrice Lewis

2016-01-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

This post originally appeared in Survival Bloghttp://survivalblog.com/the-harsh-truth-about-bugging-out-of-cities-by-patrice-lewis/

© Michael Jastremski for openphoto.net

A common concern among rural people in a grid-down situation is the concept of marauding urbanites swarming through the countryside looting and pillaging — the so-called Golden Horde. I addressed this issue on my blog a few months ago when a reader noted, “You can hide yourself, but not your garden. Are you going to take your beef herd into your house with you? In any long-term crisis situation, your cattle and garden will be indefensible and therefore gone in a matter of months. You cannot protect them from a determined large, armed group.”

This reader respectfully listed what he termed a “huge blind spot” among rural preppers. “As an urbanite, I know that millions and millions of people will head for the less populated areas of this country. They will travel in large groups for safety and they will be armed to the teeth. They will not worry about ‘Will the locals welcome you?’ They will do whatever it takes to survive, which likely will include murdering ‘the locals’ for their resources. You cannot hide your garden and livestock and produce them at the same time. It wouldn’t take a very large group for you to be outnumbered and then either pinned down inside while all your outdoor food is stolen, or overrun completely. What then? It seems to me that any prepper scenario only works if you’re willing to kill others to survive, and even then only until the canned goods hold out. The minute you have to plant and tend a garden, you (and your food) will be sitting ducks. I realize this post must sound really hostile, but it isn’t meant to be. I’m just curious about whether preppers think about these eventualities, and what’s the plan then?”

Read the rest here

Solo Stove Titan and Solo Pot 1800

2016-01-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

Here is a review of the Solo Stove Titan and Solo Pot 1800 that appeared in Survival at Home

Check it out!

Solo Stove Titan and Solo Pot 1800

Copyright © 2014 - Survival at Home - Read more at: http://survivalathome.com/solo-stove-titan-solo-pot-1800/

GNS Knife by LT Wright

2015-12-30T09:28:00.000-08:00

Check out this knife review that originally appeared in Survival Weekly

Readers here know of my great affection for Self Reliance Illustrated magazine. It is one of my absolute favorite publications and I never miss an issue. What some of you may not know is they also sell a small selection of gear. As would be expected, they do not deal in cheaply made equipment that is more likely than not to fail when put to the test. Case in point, the GNS Knife.

Read the rest here

How to Waterproof your Bug-Out Shoes and Gear

2015-12-27T08:14:00.002-08:00

If you had to evacuate in an emergency, you'd definitely want to waterproof your shoes, clothes and gear, especially if you are having rainy weather, as we are right now.

Here is a great article that shows you how.

How to Waterproof Fabric

Prepping in Small Spaces

2014-02-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Do you think you don't have enough storage space for emergencies supplies? Think again - there are lots of creative ways to prep even if you live in an apartment or small condo.

See

Small Spaces Prepping Tips – Building a Stockpile in a Shoebox

Other Uses for Baby Wipes

2014-02-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

From One Good Thing by Jillee

Baby wipes are so useful they would be a good addition to your emergency supplies. They can be used to freshen yourself up when there is lack of water, quick wipe downs and as a toilet paper substitute.

For more ideas on what to do with baby wipes, see

33 Uses for Baby Wipes that have Nothing to Do with Babies!

Charge up your Electronics in a Disaster

2013-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Do you have a way to charge your electronic devices in a disaster? A lot of people keep emergency apps in their smart phone, but you'll quickly lose access if you don't have a way to charge them. Fortunately there are some options.

See these articles for some ideas.

GoalZero Guide 10 Adventure Kit Review: Keeping Your Electronic Devices Going During an Emergency

Goal Zero Nomad 7 solar charger

BioLite CampStove Review

The Real Solar Charger Test

Will You have Enough Water in a Disaster

2013-11-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

I saw that NatGeo special American Blackout and it made me think about what my situation would be if it really happened.

The disaster lasted 10 days in the show but in that amount of time, chaos reigned and people had to move to emergency camps because they did not have enough to live on. I may have enough food for 10 days, but I sure don't have enough water which made me worry. I don't have a huge amount of space to store water, but I started revamping my water storage after seeing that show. I ordered a Berkey water filter to ensure I can purify water if tap water got contaminated or if I had to find another less desirable source.

This is a good article on how to store water in a hurry. See Modern Survival Blog's

Ways To Quickly Store Water At Home During Disaster

I am going to take these ideas and make a note for myself.

Find a Way to Get Home in an Emergency

2013-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

If an emergency happens while you're away from home, you'll need backup ways to return home if the roads are blocked or if you have to walk home from an unfamiliar area.

- Pre-plan multiple routes including freeways, side streets, public transportation, or on foot.

- Keep paper maps handy at the office, or in the car.

- GPS devices can help as long as the satellites are functional. See this handy personal GPS device called Bushnell BackTrack Detour - you can pre-program up to five destinations.


Source:http://apartmentprepper.com

Did you know Tents can Pose a Danger?

2013-10-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

I had not even thought about tents trapping carbon monoxide, until I read this article

The Same Tents That Seal Storms Out Can Seal Carbon Monoxide In

With lots of people doing fall backpacking and camping, and packing them in their bug out bags, this is definitely something to keep in mind.

Get your Coffee Fix even in an Emergency

2013-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

To all the coffee drinkers out there - wouldn't you still want your morning cup of joe even if there is no electricity? Sure there are substitutes, but it's good to know how to brew your own. See this post and try the easy directions:

Self-Sufficient Saturdays: How to Brew Coffee without Electricity

Stay Safe in a Hotel

2013-10-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Many times, people who are traveling, especially on vacation, let their guard down. Many travelers who normally prepare for emergencies at home would not even think about it when going on a trip. Unfortunately, the consequences can be serious.

10 Personal Security Tips for Hotel Stays

Don't Leave Home without Your Preps

have great tips and reminders for all of us.

Fast Prepping

2013-10-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Got no time to prep? How about a few quick ideas?

Check out:

13 Preps You Can Do in 120 Seconds or Less

You'll be glad you did!

I'm Back!

2013-10-06T17:01:00.003-07:00

I've been away for a while, but I should be back posting more often now.

I never really stopped my own prepping activities, but I barely had time for anything else.

Glad to be back!

Review of LifeStraw Water Filter

2013-07-15T18:57:00.004-07:00

New giveaway of the Life Straw over at Apartment Prepper: LifeStraw – Test and Giveaway

Check it out!

Fermented Foods are Good for You!

2013-06-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

I haven't given much thought to the idea of your stomach being your second brain, but if you think about it, it actually makes sense. We say "Follow your gut." to protect yourself from danger or to help make the right choice.

See Fermented Foods: Feeding your Second Brain for an interesting discussion about this. And there's a link to how to make sauerkraut quickly

I just might try this.

Doing Laundry Without Electricity

2013-06-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever washed clothes without electricity?

It could be challenging if you don't plan ahead.

Read The Truth about Doing Laundry Off-Grid from Apartment Prepper.

The comments from people who have washed clothes without power are interesting too.

A Doable List to Start a Food Storage Plan

2013-06-21T17:17:00.001-07:00

Starting out with food storage can be confusing and intimidating. You may have picked up a few canned foods and ramen noodles, but where do you go from there?

Found a nice article over at Backdoor Survival: 20 Items to Kickstart your Food Storage Plan

The list is well-rounded and doable.

Check it out!

Which Items Disappear First During a Disaster?

2013-03-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've seen pay sites that promise to tell you which items you should stock up on in a disaster but you can get this list free if you look.

Here's a good article that will tell you which items will get sold out and disappear during a disaster, so now is a good time to start obtaining them:

100 Items That Disappear First in a Disaster

This weekend, I am going to pick up some of these items to add to the stockpile. I am starting with the most affordable: separating the list on items I can get from the dollar store, discount stores like Target or Walmart.

What are you waiting for- start making your list now!

How to Make a Solar Oven

2013-02-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

The instructions given in this article are easy to find and are easy to follow. A sun oven would come in handy if you have no electricity especially if you live in a warm climate.

Check out:

OkSolarBox Oven!

Source: http://www.oksolar.com/samples/sunoven1.html

I plan to try using a solar oven in the summertime, but in the meantime I am going to assemble the materials.