If you’re ever in a situation where you need to take a shower but you’re nowhere near home, or running water, then an off grid shower may be just the thing you need. Off-grid life does not have to be unhealthy. Showering is a must from time to time, and showering in a DIY outdoor…
Quick answer: a folding saw is the best all-round choice for most people because it is rigid, safe to carry and cuts well. A bow saw is better for cutting a lot of firewood, a pocket chainsaw packs the smallest, and a wire saw is a lightweight backup. A saw is usually safer and more…
Quick answer: for a winter power outage, have water, non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries, warm layers and bedding, a battery or hand-crank radio, a power bank and a plan for medical needs. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or gas oven indoors, and install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed:…
Quick answer: for most survival kits, a mid-size Victorinox with a good main blade, scissors, a saw and a can opener is the practical choice. The Victorinox Swiss Champ is the “everything” option with 33 functions, while the Fieldmaster is lighter, with 15 functions and a wood saw. Treat either one as a backup tool…
How to survive martial law, because you won’t have access to this information if we enter it! All preparedness enthusiasts fear martial law, and it may be a horrific experience. All of America is currently experiencing unprecedented levels of civil unrest. Uncontrollable rioting, social unrest, and other factors might lead to the declaration of martial…
Quick answer: a survival spear is a niche, low-priority tool. For most preppers, water treatment, shelter, a good knife and saw, and a fishing kit come first. If you still want one, choose by purpose, keep it short enough to handle and strong enough not to snap, and check your local laws before you buy,…
Quick answer: for a go bag or car kit, choose a ripstop nylon or coated-fabric poncho with a hood drawcord, snaps or grommets, and enough length to cover you and your pack. Keep a cheap emergency poncho as a backup, but do not count on it for long, hard use. Staying dry matters because wet…
Quick answer: choose a watch with a long-lasting power source (solar or a replaceable battery), a sturdy case and strap and honest water resistance. Add an altimeter, barometer and compass only if you will learn to use them. Budget pick: Timex Expedition Gallatin Solar. Feature-packed pick: Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400. Outdoor-sensor pick: Suunto Core. Whatever…
Quick answer: for most families, a pair or set of rechargeable FRS/GMRS handheld radios that also run on AA batteries is the best starting point. FRS radios need no license, but real-world range is usually a mile or two, not the “30 miles” some packages claim. Add a battery or hand-crank NOAA weather radio for…
“Can I refill a Bic lighter from the top with lighter fluid?” is a common question I get from individuals who are getting ready for an emergency. Fire starting using Ferro rods is much easier than with matches or a lighter, but sometimes you’re hungry and in a hurry and just want to use a…