When it comes to prepping supplies that will “save your life” there is literally no end to what we can buy. While we all know that skills will be more valuable than gear in a disaster situation, there are some supplies that we shouldn’t skimp on. When it comes to buying supplies that help you […]
The post Prepping Supplies You Can’t Skimp On…And Some You Can appeared first on Survivalist Prepper.
Whether you are experiencing a lengthy power outage, a natural disaster or apocalyptic event, your stockpile is bound to dwindle sooner or later. I’ll tell you one thing – the folks who get creative with everyday items for survival will definitely be in it for the long haul.
Improvising with these items, which you may not consider for a survival situation on a normal basis, could potentially be the difference between life and death. Lucky for you, these items are already lying around the house. Improvise, adapt, and overcome! Check out these everyday survival items.
You can use it as a disposable plate or bowl so you can just dispose of it after without having the need to wash. It’s a good way to eat on-the-go. A few uses for coffee filters include:
Forgot your fish hooks or maybe ran out of them? Pop a cold one and create a sharp, pointy edge using the tab. A pair of cutting pliers will help you do the trick. Place in your bait and your good to go.
Seal your petroleum jelly soaked-cotton in a drinking straw and burn both ends to make it airtight. Other uses for drinking straws are:
In addition to transporting water or dry storage, broken glass bottles can be knapped down into knives, arrowheads, and scrapers and even use as a magnifying glass to start a fire!
In addition to candle making, wax can be used to make some of your items to become water resistant, serve as a lubricant or keep the rust off your tools! There’s just so many ways to make use of the wax when you come to think of it.
Tampons & condoms have so many uses than its universal use by people around the world. Tampons make excellent water filters and fire starters. Condoms can be used as tourniquets, part of a slingshot, and a water container just to name a few.
Improvising to survive is a great way to put dental floss to good use when SHTF happens. It’s really small and very handy. It’ll help you secure your gear, make a trip wire, a wire tinder and a whole lot more!
There are a million uses for duct tape. We love the idea of making survival arrow spines. As a matter of fact, there’s even an episode of the Mythbusters where Adam and Jamie are stranded on an island with nothing but duct tape.
Save your egg cartons and start your little seedlings. You can even make a mini greenhouse like the image above! This is a smart way to save space and even transport your seedlings indoors if need be.
A bandana may be something that one has when outdoors. You can use it to make smoke signals, a bandage over your head, a holder of edible plants, a slingshot. A brightly colored one can be used to make things or yourself easily visible.
Turn your tin cans into mini stoves or as some call it, the Rocket Stove! This will make you cook food faster even if it’s windy. Other than that, you can make yourself warm because of the heat emanating from the can.
Water purification, mosquito net or food dehydrator! The good thing is it’s light and doesn’t take so much space in your backpack. You can opt to wear it if you’re a woman, that is!
A quick source of light should you run out of other sources of fuel. It’s compact and light. A fire accelerator solves the problem of a zipper that is stuck and temporarily patches holes in a tent.
Our very own will show you a video of 7 simple survival hacks using household items:
There you have it! Everyday items you can actually use if the SHTF! There are actually more you can learn about just by surfing the web. But if you think you need to spend more on packing your survival kit or bug-out bag, then consider these everyday items. Of course, nothing beats the real thing that really serves you for that purpose. Still, just in case you don’t have what you need, these items might just do the job for you.
Do you have any other everyday items for survival you have used in the past? Please let us know in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2014 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
Telling the difference between rural and urban preppers can be quite an interesting discussion. People’s views and preferences are a good source of information to spot advantages of one prepper over the other.
Where would you rather be in an SHTF situation? I always think people prefer to be in the type of environment they already live in. But, we will never really know unless a catastrophic event happens and experience it first-hand. So, the whole point of this topic is to see the advantages and disadvantages of being urban preppers or rural preppers. It’s up to you to decide later on where you want to be when SHTF happens.
More than anything else, food and water are your primary needs for any survival situation. The constant need for provisions will lead to its decrease as each day goes by. You may feel like you have enough food and water supply, but you must consider what’s going to happen next when supplies are running out. Take note that both rural and urban preppers will benefit for stockpiling food and water.
Looting is always a possibility even at the onset of a catastrophic event. Good people change for fear of getting hungry, thus, things will only get worse as time passes. The number of people in an area is one very important factor to consider. More people means more provisions needed for everyone to survive. People may resort to violence in order to survive. I would rather be in the rural areas to secure my family’s safety in this case.
When people are in dire need of help, everyone will hope for the government to act ASAP. The military will go to the closest community with the bigger population to provide aid, security, and order in the chaos. At this point, it may take time to reach the rural areas and people must rely on their own until help arrives.
Watch this video about the possibility of urban survival by city prepping:
Now the question remains, “would you prefer being in an urban setting, or in the countryside in SHTF situations?” Both have advantages and disadvantages in certain aspects. But I think what also matters is the amount of preparation a person makes regardless of the location. If you have a small fortress at home to keep your family safe and enough provisions to get you through the ordeal, you’ll be fine until the situation calms itself. But then again, that also depends on what you’re facing. If a global disaster is underway, people can only hope for the best.
What can you say about urban preppers vs rural preppers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Would you like to know how to escape handcuffs using a paper clip? This is a badass skill to learn and one that you might actually save your life someday!
Handcuffs are not the most complicated of locks and this trick is not really a big secret. In unfortunate times and if someone abducts you for a reason, this might come in useful. With that said, having a paper clip as one of your everyday carry items is not bad at all. If you want to learn this crafty skill, here are the steps to do that. But please, don’t use this to escape from the police if you don’t want to have any problem with the authorities.
Start by biting the small end of your paper clip so there’s a little dent at the top near the end. Unfold the side of the clip to make a little handle. This will be your makeshift key to free you from the handcuffs.
Has a tactical pen earned a place in your EDC bag? Tactical Pens: They “Ain’t” Just For Writing https://t.co/PogLAbCoON
— Survival Life (@SurvivalLF) October 9, 2017
Hold the clip between your third and fourth finger and guide the head of the paper clip through the keyhole. Use the meaty part of your thumb to turn the makeshift handle and free your hand.
Once you have one hand lose, it’s really easy to free the other hand as well. In just a few seconds, you’re free from the handcuffs. As a rule of thumb, go on the top edge of the keyhole on the thin side of the cuffs then turn toward the wide end of the cuffs to open them.
Other handcuffs have double-locking mechanism so picking that will be a little more difficult. To disengage the double-lock, turn the paper clip in the other direction until you hear a click, and then go ahead and open the cuffs the same way as instructed in the steps.
Check out this video by The King of Random on using a paper clip to pick a handcuff:
That’s all there is to it. Just remember whatever you do, never use this to try to escape from the police. It will only cause you more problems if you do. Come to think of it, staying out of trouble is always better, isn’t it? On the other hand, if you are in a life and death situation wherein you’re kidnapped or held hostage, mastery of freeing yourself from cuffs might save your life on a given day.
What can you say about escaping handcuffs using a paper clip? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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source.. https://urbansurvivalsite.com/disaster-strikes-youre-away-home/
A person’s home is their castle. For preppers, almost every aspect of their survival plan is centered around them being at home when disaster strikes. But what if disaster strikes while you’re away from home? Everyone spends some time away from their home for one reason or another, be it a vacation, a business trip, […]
The post What if a Disaster Strikes While You’re Away from Home? appeared first on Urban Survival Site.
source.. https://survivalistprepper.net/society-culture-prepping-sara-hathaway/
In today’s podcast, Lisa and I welcome Sara Hathaway back to talk about where our society is headed, how our changing culture is adding to the increased violence, and why these are important to pay attention to. Preparedness is not only about food and water storage, it’s about paying attention to what is going on […]
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source.. http://www.prepperssurvive.com/storing-candy-food-storage/
Get the latest articles from Preppers Survive by following us on Facebook, Pinterest, and subscribe in the grey box above, between the address bar and the article. Storing Candy in Food Storage Candy may not be the most vital necessity but comfort food may feel like it […]
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source.. https://survivallife.com/25-winter-bug-out-essentials/
These winter bug out bag essentials are your best weapons when caught in the fangs of the biting cold. Scroll down and check out the items you need to include in survival pack!
Preparing for a winter bug out bag is a necessary thing to do since we do not really know what can happen during this cold and gloomy season. It is always best if we are totally prepared should the inevitable or the unexpected occurs. Being cold and wet introduces a whole new set of dangerous and potentially fatal consequences. That is why having a bug out bag which contains all the items you need to survive a disaster for at least 72 hours is an absolute must. Here are the winter bug out bag essentials you should consider when packing.
Carrying a small ax or a hatchet in your winter bug out bag is advantageous especially when you need to cut wood for fire or building a shelter. It can also be a self-defense weapon when SHTF. Choose a hatchet or an ax that has a forged steel head with sturdy and durable handles.
When you’re out for a winter activity such as camping or hiking, having a waterproof bivy sack can guarantee you a warm, good night sleep. It is basically a slip on cover for your sleeping bag thus providing you more warmth and protection from the harshness of the cold. Other than that, it is much easier and lighter to carry compared to tents. But if you’re a bit claustrophobic then a waterproof tent is more suitable. You can also bring a tarp which will serve as an additional shelter or cover.
A durable pair of boots that will exceptionally hold up in extreme weather conditions should be included in your gear. Protection for your feet is a must, especially if you spend most of the time in snowy places. Hypothermia and frostbite are serious threats, and safety should always be the first thing you need to consider. There are plenty of types, designs, and brands you can choose from. In my opinion, mud boots are great because they can hold up pretty well in snow as well as in muddy terrain. They are lightweight, easy to wear and protect your feet from freezing.
More often than not when you’re in the backcountry, cell phone coverage is limited or no coverage at all. And one of the best ways to stay connected with your peers is by using a two-way radio. If you own a satellite phone that has a GPS and built-in navigation system then it is way much better.
First aid kits should always be included every time you hit the outdoors. It is one of the most important items in your bag but unfortunately, it is often neglected and doesn’t seem to get much recognition compared to guns and knives. First aid kit is a must-have if you’re going to be engaged in an outdoor activity such as camping or hiking.
Having a good and reliable sleeping bag that keeps you warm and protected against the cold winter nights is a MUST. You can also use a fleece liner to add more comfort. It can provide a couple extra degrees to make you warmer when you’re out in the biting cold. Choose a sleeping bag that is waterproof and offers exceptional insulation.
Food is our fuel to keep us going so we definitely need it in our bug out bag. During winter, our body needs more calories to keep us warm. You need to bring food fortified with calories and easy to cook. MREs (meals ready to eat) or LRPs (long range patrol rations) along with granola bars or power bars, beef jerkies, and dried fruits are recommended by seasoned outdoorsman to give you the calories you need to survive cold weather conditions. Warm soup, stew, one-pot meals or dutch oven meals are also advisable to give you comfort.
As far as winter gloves go, you need to look for a pair with a sheer cold and moisture-repelling capability. You need to keep your hands dry and toasty warm all the time. Pick a glove that lets you operate your phone or lets you use your fingers while keeping your hands warm and comfortable. But if it gets too old, you can use mittens to make your hands warmer. Don’t leave home without these bug out bag essentials.
Cold can give your eyes a burning sensation and the sun can be blinding when it reflects off the snow. Goggles and glasses can protect your eyes from the harshness of these elements. They come in different lens tints to match the various weather condition.
A full-time and experienced survivalist understands a huge percentage of our body heat escapes through our head. That’s why we have to wear and carry an extra headgear such as beanies and bomber hats during these times. A warm headwear will help our core body temperature to rise. It would be even better if it is waterproof and has a fleece ear covering and drawstrings to keep it tight against the ears for more protection.
You need to be hydrated at all times and having an insulated water bottle in your bug out bag is a real boon. You can drink hot tea or coffee if you want to have a caffeinated companion on a cold winter morning to warm you up and get you going. Having warm water in your pack is absolutely beneficial in a winter survival scenario.
Winter jackets can help you withstand the harshness of the piercing cold weather. It should be made of good materials and insulation so your body can be warm even if you’re not on the move. It would be even better if your jacket is waterproof and has synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas such as the collar, the cuffs, and areas around the zippers. You can also add water-resistant fabric to protect against freezing rain and to keep you warm and dry if you have to take shelter in a snow cave or icy canyon.
Headlamps, flashlights, and other lighting source are real life-savers in long and cold winter nights. You need to make sure you have enough extra batteries before you head out into the wild. Having the capability to see in the dark is an advantage in every survival situation.
Mylar blankets are also known as space blankets, thermal blankets or first aid blankets. It is made of heat-reflective thin which can retain or reflects back up to 90% of our body heat. It can be easily be included in your first aid kit because its compact size and weight is great for tight or small spaces and will come handy in the event of an emergency situation. Though they may be difficult to refold, they are inexpensive enough to have a few in your bug out bag.
In the event you find yourself in an unfamiliar territory, it would be best to have a compass and a map in your hand to find the right direction and location and navigate your way through. In this age where technological advancement is omnipresent in everything, it is easy to avail smartphones and GPS navigation system. But when your batteries ran out and satellite signals are unstable, your map and your good ‘ole compass will guide your way out to safety.
Every seasoned outdoorsman and veteran prepper knows the importance of carrying paracords in their bug out bag. There’s a wide array of uses that you can do with a paracord both in survival and in hunting. It can help you build shelters and snare out animals using their internal stands. You can rig a pulley system if you want to lift heavy stuff, tie things to your bag and a whole lot more. Don’t forget to include some in your bug out bag.
If you’re going to travel in cold weather conditions where snow covers most of your way, then you need to shovel your way through. Having a portable or small shovel in your bug out bag will surely come in handy, especially when blizzards hit hard. It is also useful when you need to dig through the snow when you’re preparing your campsite.
In winter, we are prone to windburn, sunburn, and frostbite. We need protection to prevent these conditions from occurring, that is why having a ski mask is an awesome idea. It can cover your neck, face and all of your head. Fabric and design are the common factors you need to consider when choosing a ski mask. Look for a ski mask that offers exceptional protection from the cold wind while maintaining its breathability.
A Swiss army knife is one of the bug out bag essentials that should always be included in your gears. Since it was first introduced, it remains a go-to tool whenever you’re outdoors or when you need to do a simple task. It is a multi-tool which can serve a lot of purposes primarily because of the things included in it. There are knives that come with a flash drive, scissors, flashlights, saw and steel combinations. With this knife, you can repair stuff, start a fire and can also be used for defensive purposes when SHTF.
A portable stove and cookware should be included in your winter bug out bag. You need a container where you can boil water and cook food since the required calorie is higher in cold weather to keep you warm and your temperature regulated. Silverwares such as spoons and fork is also needed to eat from cans and to deal with hot food.
In times of distress, hygiene is important. Poor hygiene maintenance may lead you to infections and contamination, especially if you have a wound or a cut. Your bug out bag should include sanitation supplies like soaps, shampoos, wipes and hand sanitizers. Communicable diseases during winter like coughs, colds, laryngitis, and pharyngitis are common, so you need to be protected. Wash your hands and other parts of your body and maintain cleanliness at all times.
Extra socks are a bug out bag essentials! Protect and keep your feet warm and toes intact. Good pairs of socks will provide you comfort as you travel and proceed with your journey through the blistering cold. Bring at least three pairs.
Winter weather can be very unforgiving and danger is always present. When faced with a life and death situation, it would be best if you can call for help immediately. But when phones signals are down and your two-way radio ran out of batteries, it will be difficult to call out for help. That’s why carrying a signaling device is a brilliant idea. It may be a whistle or flares that can send signals or SOS messages in far distances.
You can always look for dead wood and tinder to start a fire, but carrying reliable fire starters such as lighters and strike-anywhere matches can make the process much easier! We all know the importance of fire, most especially in a winter survival situation. With fire, you can cook food, boil water, signal for rescue and stay warm and comfortable.
Wool pants are the best option to wear whenever you’re outdoors during winter. It provides warmth and comfort. It is also resistant to flame so you wouldn’t have to worry getting close to a campfire. Don’t forget to pack extra wool pants in your bug out bag.
Watch this video from Country Prepper for more cool info on what to include in your winter bug out bag!
Winter weather can be pretty unforgiving, not to mention deadly. We preppers must be ready and have sufficient supplies. You can never be too sure what the winter season will bring. To bear the unbearable and come out alive from a survival situation is a mark of a true survivalist. Arm yourselves not only with the right gears but also with knowledge about survival tactics.
Penny for your thoughts? Any bug out bag essentials for winter we missed? We would like to hear from you. You can drop your two cents in the comments below.
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source.. https://survivallife.com/budget-pocket-knives/
If you don’t want to spend too much on pocket knives but do not want to sacrifice the quality for a lower price tag, then you’ll be happy to know that getting the right pocket knife is possible. Read on and find out the best pocket knives you can get under $15!
We all know the value of knives in our daily grind. Other than making our task a lot easier to complete, it is also a notable self-defense weapon when the situation requires it. Most of us carry pocket knives every day as a part of our EDC gears. So if you’re looking for a decent quality folding knife at a price that won’t even leave a crack in the bank, then continue reading. Below is a list of affordable pocket knives that will serve as a reliable companion for your everyday adventure.
One of the coolest and versatile yet extremely affordable pocket knives you can get is the Opinel Carbon Blade No.6. The combination of carbon steel blade and a high-quality wooden handle makes it a damn solid EDC knife. This quaint and sleek-looking knife fits perfectly in your pocket or in your pack – available for use anytime.
Features:
The Sanrenmu 710 pocket knife is a compact, lightweight, and an extremely sharp knife. It is very comfortable to carry and it will work for most things you encounter every day. Although this knife is stabbed with controversies because it is almost an exact carbon copy of one of the popular expensive knives, the Sebenza, it is still one of the best pocket knives you can get at a pretty affordable price.
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The M-Tech Folding Knife is one of the coolest and smallest pocket knives on this list. It looks like a grenade when it is closed. Although this grenade pocket knife won’t cause explosions, it is very convenient to use for simple tasks like opening up packages, cutting, and whatnot. It is stylish and compact which makes it an excellent addition to your everyday arsenal.
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The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife is a handy tool and a self-defense weapon as well making it ideal for everyday carry. The size and the weight are just perfect because it is not too small that you can’t use it anymore and not too big where it’s difficult to carry around. It has an ergonomic shape for smooth handling and it comes unmistakably sharp, ready to make your everyday tasks easier.
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Top 10 Reasons To Never Leave Home Without A Paracord Bracelet https://t.co/BUSweQFYh6 #prepper #survivalgear #paracord #survivaltips
— Survival Life (@SurvivalLF) November 7, 2017
This is another awesome knife from Schrade. The SCH217 folding knife is big enough to be useful yet small enough to be discreet, thus, making it a great EDC tool. This thing is sharp, easy to open, comes with all assists function, and the fit and finish are undeniably impressive considering its price.
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Higo no Kami knives have a rich Japanese history dating back to the 19th century. It was a very popular knife that an organization was created to supervise its production. Members of the guild are the only ones allowed to make this knife to ensure its quality and to use the name “Higo no Kami.”
Nagao Seisakusho is the last remaining maker of this handmade pocket knives. A knife with an interesting backstory and can function for everyday utility at a remarkably low price is definitely a must-have.
Features:
This list wouldn’t be complete without the good old Victorinox SD Knife. It has seven different functions you can use for everyday adventures. This excellent pocket knife comes with scissors, a pair of tweezers, a file with regular screwdriver edge, a toothpick, and of course, a sharp knife blade. Another good thing about the SD pocket knives, it is small enough to keep on your keychain, which makes it accessible for immediate use. You can get this classic for only $11.57.
Looking for more awesome pocket knives for your EDC gear? Watch this video from Cool Things and check out these knives you must have!
Cutting ability and concealability are just some of the primary factors we consider when finding the right pocket knives for our everyday carry. However, it would be even better if it is within our budget range. Good thing, almost every manufacturer in the game are continuously making affordable, high-quality knives. It gives knife enthusiasts, preppers, and survivalist a vast sea of options to choose from…and having options is always a good thing!
Already have pocket knives under $15 or less? How do you find it so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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source.. http://www.prepperssurvive.com/cleaning-and-gutting-a-turkey/
Cleaning and gutting a turkey is not as hard as some people might think. Get to learn about the process from this comprehensive guide on preparing your turkey. If you are going to prepare the turkey, then you need to know some of the important steps towards the […]
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