American Survival Guide May 2021

 F O O D  WAT E R  S H E LT E R  S E C U R I T Y  C O M M S  H E A LT H  F I R E  N AV I G AT I O N  E N E R GY  T R
350+o’s
H-T
and Tips!
90+ Survival
Must-Have
U.S. $9.99 SPRING/SUMMER 2021 DISPLAY UNTIL 4/20/21
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FEATURES
1.0 WATER 5.0 SHELTER
By Ryan Lee Price By Jonathan Kilburn
8 52
1.1 TO GO DRY IS TO DIE 5.1 THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME …
Life isn’t possible without water. But there are many options wherever you go.
10 54
1.2 WORDS TO THE WISE ABOUT 5.2 BE FLEXIBLE WHEN SEEKING
WATER SHELTER
Advice for safe hydration Learn to think “outside the box.”
16 58
1.3 KEEP THE CLEAN WATER 5.3 MORE THAN A ROOF OVER YOUR
FLOWING HEAD
Popular water filtration and storage Ideas that run the range of necessity
products
6.0 TRANSPORTATION
2.0 FIRE By Dana Benner
By Jim Cobb
60 30
18 6.1 GET ON THE MOVE!
2.1 IT STARTS WITH A SPARK There are many ways to escape danger.
Keep your home fire burning. 98
62
20 6.2 TRAVEL TIPS TO TAKE CARE OF
2.2 THE FLAME GAME NOW
Helpful hints for fire-making Begin with a viable plan that’s already in place.
24 66
2.3 LIGHT IT UP! 6.3 GET INTO GEAR AND GO
Everything you need to get that blaze going fast The right stuff for when it’s time to move out
3.0 FOOD 7.0 SECURITY 42

By Michael D’Angona By Jim Cobb
28 70
3.1 CRUNCH-TIME CUISINE 7.1 YOUR HOME IS YOUR CASTLE 9.0 COMMUNICATIONS
By Peter Suciu
Options for staying fed during a crisis Protect it!
72 92
30
7.2 BATTEN DOWN YOUR HATCHES 9.1 BAD COMMS LEAD TO BAD RESULTS
3.2 PREPPER FOOD FIXES Staying connected is key to survival.
Palate-pleasing meals Harden your home—and yourself—against attack.
76 94
36
7.3 GEARING UP THE HOME GUARD 9.2 MANY OPTIONS FOR YOUR COMMS PLAN
3.3 ENJOYABLE EMERGENCY Set your “PACE,” but learn to be flexible.
EDIBLES Supplies and equipment that’ll protect and secure
Look forward to your next survival meal. 98
8.0 ENERGY 9.3 COMMS GEAR THAT KEEPS IT SIMPLE
4.0 NAVIGATION By Christopher Nyerges A blend of critical comms technologies
By Ryan Lee Price
80
40 8.1 WATTS UP? EFFICIENCY WILL BRING 10.0 HEALTH
By Suzy Jeffries
4.1 HERE, THERE AND THOSE BILLS DOWN
EVERYWHERE There are many ways to reduce your need for 100
Navigation skills are essential in the wild. electricity.
10.1 TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH
42 82 Even small changes can be beneficial.
4.2 FIND YOUR WAY 8.2 REDUCE DEMAND TO REDUCE 102
Tips and tricks to navigate in the sticks DEPENDENCE
Scaling back is the first step toward energy 10.2 ADVICE FOR STAYING IN TIP-TOP SHAPE
48 independence. 20+ ways to improve your health
4.3 THIS GEAR GETS YOU THERE 86 108
FROM HERE 10.3 SOME HELP TO REMAIN HEALTHY
Tip the scales in your favor with the right kit. 8.3 GET THE POWER TO THE PEOPLE
Equipment and information for energy independence Stay well with these useful items.
4 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [SPRING/SUMMER 2021]

18 102
94
60 54
10
11.0
PREPPER
CHECKLIST
112
THE AMERICAN SURVIVAL
GUIDE PREPPER CHECKLIST
80 72 12.0
DEPARTMENT
6
FIRST WORDS
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TO GO DRY
IS LIFE ISN’T POSSIBLE
WITHOUT WATER.
BY RYAN LEE PRICE
‹ Be wary of drinking water straight from a

river, pond or lake. Unless you’re desperate, you
should assume that these sources of water are
W
teeming with bacteria and parasites.
ithout water of any kind, you’re doomed. of our bodies through the bloodstream dehydration and its adverse effects on
There’s no way around it. Dehydration can and helps dispose of bodily waste via your mind and body.
rapidly affect the body without an ample the kidneys.
water supply. Depending on the person's 1.2 Minimum Requirements 2.0 DEHYDRATION PREVENTION
physical condition, environment and exer- During a normal day of sitting in the METHODS
tion levels, they might notice changes in their body after just office or relaxing at home, your body Just a 5 percent loss of bodily fluids
a few hours. will require 2 to 3 quarts of water to causes a sensation of thirst. Pressed fur-
The big problem with the vast majority of the water on the function properly. The general rule-of- ther, and that sensation turns into irrita-
planet is that it’s not potable. Only 3 percent of the water thumb for survival situations (regardless bility, nausea and weakness. Double the
found in liquid form on this planet is drinkable—and most of of the environment) is to have 1 gallon loss to 10 percent, and the victim will
that’s in underground aquifers and is inaccessible to humans. of water per person per day. experience dizziness, headache, inability
The rest is salt water. 1.3 Active Requirements to walk and a tingling sensation in the
It’s a terrible irony that the majority of people stranded in the When a person is physically active, say, limbs. A 15 percent loss of body fluids
great expanse of the world’s oceans after a plane crash or a building a shelter or transporting a pack results in dim vision, painful urination,
boat catastrophe usually die from lack of water—not drowning, full of gear over rough terrain, the body’s swollen tongue, deafness and a numb
exhaustion or starvation. need for water will increase dramatically. feeling in the skin.
In extremely hot or cold environments, The body compensates for the fluid
1.0 CONSUMPTION REQUIREMENTS the requirement for water doubles—and loss by increasing the heart rate and
Water is far more important than food to our survival. Assum- sometimes triples—what it would need constricting blood vessels to maintain
ing you can stay hydrated, you can live for up to a couple of during a nonstrenuous day. blood pressure and flow to vital organs.
months without food, but you’ll only last a few days without 1.4 Water Is Heat Eventually, you’ll feel nausea, weak-
water. Because of this, you need to either pack enough for the In warmer weather, the body loses ness and delirium. As you become more
duration of your trip or know how to find water in the environment more fluids through perspiration and dehydrated, the brain and other organs
in which you are traveling. respiration as it works to regulate body receive less blood, which leads to coma,
1.1 Water Physiology temperature. We can lose a dangerous organ failure and eventually death.
Our brains are made up of approximately 70 percent water amount of bodily fluids this way, and it 2.1 Dark Urine
(more than what’s in our bodies), whereas our blood is 82 per- can lead to dehydration. Drinking more The most common signs and symptoms
cent water, and our lungs consist of about 90 percent water. water than usual when you’re hot will of dehydration are dark urine with a
Water metabolizes and transports vital elements to all parts replace the lost fluids and help ward off very strong odor, darkened skin around

‹ In an arid desert, searching for water this is caused by work, exercise or air temperature, the more
might be difficult, but nature will provide you sweat. The more you sweat, the more moisture you lose.
some clues: A stand of trees, a depression
in the ground or a dried riverbed might Sweating is typically the principal cause of water loss, and it’s
lead to hidden water deposits. one of your biggest enemies if you’re dehydrated.
3.1 Not Sweating?
If you stop sweating during periods of high air temperature and
heavy work or exercise, you can quickly develop a heat-related
injury.
3.2 Drink Some Water
Even when you’re not thirsty, drink small amounts of water
at regular intervals each hour to prevent dehydration. Drinking
water at regular intervals helps your body remain cool and
decreases sweating. Even if your water supply is low, sipping
‹ Left: When planning your water needs, be water constantly will keep your body cooler and reduce water
sure to include what'll be required for cooking.
Ideally, you’ll also be able to consume the water loss through sweating. Conserve your fluids by reducing activity
used for those meal preparations. during the hottest part of the day.
‹ Below, left: The release of Cryptosporidium 3.3 Water Loss
parvum sporozoites from oocysts that can be In any situation where food intake is low, drink 6 to 8 liters
found in infected water. Infection typically
produces mild symptoms of diarrhea, fever and of water per day. In an extreme climate, especially an arid one,
headache, but this can be fatal in those who the average person can lose up to 3 liters of water per hour.
have compromised immune systems.
In arid climates, you should drink around 10 ounces of water
when there’s a concern about becoming every 30 minutes. However, when you’re thirsty and only lim-
dehydrated. ited water is available, rinse your mouth for 30 seconds before
2.5 Cold Water swallowing. Most of your thirst comes from a dry mouth.
Cold water is easier for your body to 3.4 Don’t Eat
digest in warmer weather, and it can Water is used and consumed as a part of the digestion pro-
reduce your chances of getting heatstroke cess and can lead to dehydration. If water is scarce, don’t eat.
by preventing your core body temperature Food requires water for digestion; therefore, eating food will
from rising significantly. use water that you need for cooling.
2.6 Body Effects 3.5 Heat Injuries
Heat cramps are muscle cramps that Movement, heat, exertion and even stress can all lead to
occur due to the body’s loss of salt. Heat sweating. This is how your body cools itself—but it also uses
exhaustion leads to headaches, confu- a great deal of water in the process. If your water is running
sion, dizziness and excessive sweating. short, limit your activity and anxiety as much as possible.
Heatstroke is characterized by the lack
the eyes, unusual fatigue, loss of skin of sweating, a quick pulse, nausea and, 4.0 WHAT NOT TO DO
elasticity and a deep line down center of ultimately, unconsciousness. 4.1 Drinks to Avoid
the tongue. 2.7 Drink, Drink, Drink! Be mindful that diuretic drinks such as alcohol, beer, wine and
2.2 'Edible' Water It doesn’t matter if you think you’re not grain alcohols encourage water loss by increasing urine production.
When planning for a survival situation, thirsty. Always drink water to ensure you 4.2 Don’t Drink Coffee
choose water-based vegetables (such as stay hydrated. If you have enough and Because caffeine is a mild vasodilator (it opens blood ves-
cucumbers, cabbage, lettuce and toma- don’t need to ration it, drink it. sels), it’ll help draw more blood into the extremities, where
toes) over starchy vegetables (such as 2.8 Medications it’ll cool more quickly. The result will be a colder core, and
corn, beans, potatoes and peas). You might have to consume more your body will use more energy—and water—to warm it.
2.3 Decrease Sodium Intake liquids if you’re taking medications that 4.3 In Hot Water
Sodium keeps water outside your cells, cause the body to lose water, such as The amount of hot water needed to raise the core tempera-
which gives dehydration a helping hand. diuretics for hypertension (high blood ture of a human being is well more than a person is capable of
Eat foods with fewer than 250 mg of pressure) and laxatives, or if you’re drinking at one time. If the nights are cold, it would be better to
sodium per serving when your supply suffering from a disease that causes place a gallon container of warm water in your sleeping bag.
of water is limited or during extended vomiting (such as cancer) or diarrhea 4.4 Never Drink Urine, Salt Water or Blood
periods of increased activity. (such as Crohn’s disease). By the time you even think about doing this, you’re probably
2.4 Increase Potassium Intake very dehydrated. That means your urine and blood are full of
Potassium brings water into your cells, 3.0 COMBATING DEHYDRATION salts and other waste products. If you drink them, you’ll just
which helps hydrate your entire body. Your body's normal temperature is 98.6 be reintroducing them into your body again. And because your
Add high-potassium foods, such as degrees (F). Your body gets rid of excess body uses water to remove waste (such as salt from the salt
coconut water, dark, leafy greens, white heat via sweating and other means. The water), it’ll draw upon its reserves to do so, and you’ll actually
beans, fish and bananas, to your diet warmer your body becomes, whether be losing more water than you’re gaining.

WORDS TO THE WISE
ABOUTWATER
ADVICE FOR SAFE HYDRATION
BY RYAN LEE PRICE

TIPS
P
reppers have been told repeatedly that they need to hole. Dig down a foot or so below the
have on hand 1 gallon of water per day for every person waterline for best results.
in their group. This rule-of-thumb is a mainstay of the 1.4 Is it Questionable?
prepper community, and there’s nothing wrong with If your water source is at all question-
it. The more water you store for an emergency, the better able, always filter and purify it the best
prepared you’ll be and the longer you’ll be safely hydrated, whatever you can. In most cases, raw water should
calamity befalls you. be considered questionable.
However, rarely is the subject of survival hydration brought up,
because it’s a controversial topic that’s full of variables, what-ifs 2.0 BEST WAYS TO PURIFY
and mixed perceptions. Drinking a gallon of water a day is a great WATER
plan, but the takeaway here is that you can stay alive on a lot less There are dozens of filters and chemi-
if you have to. Whatever the outcome, you’ll need to ration what cal treatment options on the market for
scant fluids you might have left. a wide range of situations and needs.
Pump and gravity filters, filter straws,
1.0 IS IT DRINKABLE? chemical drops and UV light are the
Although water might be available, even in great quantities, it most common. Even if those are not at
might not be potable—thanks to chemicals, bacteria, pesticides hand, there are natural methods, such
and micro-organisms polluting it. In order to stay hydrated and as stills, bleach, boiling and solar disin-
healthy, you must find drinkable water (or have the gear to make fecting, that have been the mainstay for
it). thousands of years before modern filters
1.1 Oil Slick were developed.
Avoid collecting water from any source that has an oily film 2.1 Why Carry a Filter?
floating on top. Carrying a water-treatment system is
1.2 Dead Water much lighter than bringing all the water
Water should be considered absolutely undrinkable if there’s a you need. And, with a treatment system,
dead animal in it. The water was either poisoned intentionally (by you need only carry enough water to get
placing the animal there), or the water, itself, is toxic. you from one source to the next.
1.3 Seepage Basin 2.2 Filter Size
If the water source is questionable, dig a seepage basin a few feet The smaller a filter's pore size, the more
away and allow the water to seep through the dirt and into the pathogens and other pollutants it can
› Above: Without water, your days are numbered. Plan ahead, plan for failure; and overplan when it comes to staying hydrated.
› Left: It’s a good practice to process water from any raw source you come across—no matter how clean it looks. With the
efficiency and capacity of most modern filters, it’s worth the time and expense to protect yourself from waterborne illnesses.

› Near right: If you
live in an area where
there’s minimal or
sporadic rainfall,
installing a catchment
system is an effective
way to capture rain
to supplement your
everyday water supply
source.
› Far right: Be prepared

to carry much more
water than you think
you’ll need. You’ll
likely use it, because
water is the most
underestimated surviv-
al-related commodity.
› Far left: If you’re

packing supplies for
a bug-out shelter,
consider canned fruits
and vegetables with
high-water contents.
You won’t need
additional water for
cooking, and you can
consume the water
from the cans.
‹ Near left: You

should always have
a backup supply of
potable water stored
at home. Between
natural and potential
strain out. A simple rule-of-thumb is a negative effect on the taste of water. If you use chemicals to process raw water, you man-made threats to
that the smallest bacteria is 0.2 micron might consider carrying some sugar-free drink mix to mask the chemical flavor. our supply of water,
this is a prudent
in diameter, so a filter should be around 2.6 Harmful Chemicals action to take.
that size—or smaller—to be the most Chemical treatment methods should be considered an emergency or short-term solu-
effective. tion, because these chemicals—iodine, sodium chlorite or potassium permanganate—can
2.3 Process Raw Water Now be harmful long term and to children or pregnant women. In addition, these chemicals
When you find water to add to your sup- might not kill all parasites.
ply, don’t wait until you’re thirsty to start 2.7 Killing Cryptosporidium
the water purification process, because The only effective means of neutralizing Cryptosporidium is by boiling water or by using a
some methods can take 30 minutes or filter. Chemical disinfectants such as iodine tablets or bleach are not 100 percent effective
longer to execute. in eliminating Cryptosporidium.
2.4 Rinse the Lip 2.8 DNA Disrupters
When filtering water into a canteen (or UV light treatments don’t actually kill pathogens. Instead, they disrupt the DNA of
another container from which you plan the organisms so they can’t reproduce. The downside is that after you’ve treated the
to drink directly), make sure to rinse the water and then allow it to sit in sunlight for a long period of time, the organisms can
threads, lip and cap of the canteen or rejuvenate.
container with clean water. 2.9 Drinking Snowmelt
2.5 Chemical Limitations Make snowmelt drinkable either by adding eight drops of bleach per gallon, running it
Chemical treatments eliminate bacteria through a good filter or heating it as described in subsection 2.10.
and viruses. Nevertheless, they elimi- 2.10 No Need to Boil
nate Cryptosporidium usually only after Water doesn’t need to be boiled to be safe. Merely heating the water to 150 degrees
extended time in the chemical solution. (F) for 20 minutes pasteurizes the water, making it safe to drink and reducing the need
Chemical treatments don’t strain out for fuel for your heat source. Pasteurization kills all human disease pathogens.
particulate matter (plants, bugs, heavy 2.11 DIY Natural Still
metals and dirt), and they usually have Make a transpiration still (aka “vegetation bag” still) by gathering a large bunch of

› Near left: Make
it a practice to
drink water before
you feel thirsty.
The effects of
dehydration happen
before your body
even notices.
‹ Far left: When

treating water with-
out a filter, a rolling
boil for a minute or
so or keeping it at
150 degrees (F) for
20 minutes will kill
any organisms that
might be lurking
therein.
leafy tree branches into a clear plastic and more scarce, you’ll need to consider ways to properly store large quantities of
trash bag. Place a small stone inside so water. Keep in mind that your group might grow in size or have to relocate, so having a
there’s a collection area at the bottom plan that can change as your group does is important.
of the bag. Tie the end closed, making 3.1 Go Stainless
it secure on the branches. This method When choosing a water bottle, choose a stainless, single-walled model. A stainless
can average up to 1 or 2 cups of water in steel water bottle will ensure you always have an effective and reliable container to
a day. Move the bag to other branches heat or boil unclean water to make it safe to drink.
regularly to ensure the leaves are fresh 3.2 Creative Storage
and as hydrated as possible. Compared You can store water in a variety of containers—discarded cups, canteens, water
to other types of stills, a vegetation bag bottles, plastic baggies or empty beer cans, to name a few—that you might find along
still produces the most water. Remem- the trail. Be sure to process water stored in these field-expedient containers before
ber that when making a vegetation you drink it.
or transpiration bag still, do not use 3.3 Keep Tap Water Pure
poisonous plants. If you fill your storage containers with tap water, theoretically, you won’t need to
2.12 Filter Building Blocks treat it with anything (such as chlorine or iodine) before you seal the container. Water
Five simple elements go into making a directly from the tap is already treated with chemicals to keep it free of waterborne
natural water filter system: charcoal, fine contaminants and algae/bacteria.
sand, coarse sand, small gravel and large 3.4 Chlorinate
gravel—from bottom to top. Add a piece For large and longer-term storage containers of tap water, add 1/8 teaspoon of unscented
of fabric below the charcoal for a final chlorine bleach per gallon of water. If the water is cloudy, add ¼ teaspoon per gallon.
filter before pouring the water into your 3.5 Stale Water?
container. Water stored for a long time will lack oxygen, resulting in an overall flat taste. This
doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your water. Remedy this by simply stirring it up a bit.
3.0 STORAGE SOLUTIONS 3.6 No Chemical Leaching
If water is at a premium, and you fore- Make sure the containers you use to store water for the long term are BPA-free and
see that in the near future it’ll get more made with food-grade materials.
‹ Far left: If you
find dead animals
in a water source,
consider it abso-
lutely undrinkable.
It’s impossible to
tell if the water’s
been poisoned or is
contaminated with
toxins, so it’s not
worth the risk.
‹ Near left: An oil

slick on the water’s
surface is a bad
sign. Avoid using
this water for any
purpose—especially
drinking.

PROTECTION
PERFECTED.
The safety of your loved ones is top priority.
Whether concealed or open carry,
Alien Gear continues to be the first choice
for carriers who know what matters most.
SHAPE
OWB S
HOLST
L EARN MO RE
R
KEEPTHE CLEAN
WATER FLOWING
POPULAR WATER FILTRATION AND STORAGE PRODUCTS
BY RYAN LEE PRICE
WATERBOB EMERGENCY WATER

STORAGE
The WaterBOB is a bathtub-sized, food-grade plastic container
that allows you to fill up your bathtub with fresh tap water without
having to worry about contamination from cleaning chemicals or
a dirty bathtub. It holds up to 100 gallons, but that depends on the
size of your bathtub. According to the manufacturer, the WaterBOB
will keep water fresh for up to 16 weeks. A siphon pump is included.
MSRP
$34.95
URL
WaterBOB.com
55-GALLON WATER DRUM KIT

One of the best ways to store water for the long term is with a
55-gallon drum. At 36 inches tall and 23 inches in diameter, this
55-Gallon Water Drum Kit includes a water preserver, siphon pump
and bung wrench. It’s made with FDA-approved polyethylene resin.
Water can be stored safely for up to five years. Its empty weight is
21 pounds.
MSRP
$109
URL
MorePrepared.com
16 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [SPRING/SUMMER

2020] 2021]
WATERBRICK WATER CONTAINERS
The main benefit to WaterBricks is that they’re stackable, with
interlocking protrusions and corresponding voids so they’ll stay in
place once stacked. These 3.5-gallon, high-density polyethylene
(HDPE) containers have a large, screw-down lid that makes filling
and pouring fast and easy. You can also use the bricks to store
food and other items. The handle helps for easy portability, while
the holes through the centers can be used as lashing points. They
each measure 18x9x6 inches and weigh 2.52 pounds empty.
MSRP
$35.48 (2-pack)
URL
WaterBrick.org
SAWYER MINI WATER FILTER

SYSTEM
The Sawyer Mini Water Filter System features an extremely lightweight
unit (just 2 ounces) that can filter up to 100,000 gallons of unsafe
water, blocking out micro-organisms and other pathogens that can
be harmful to your health. This unit can be used in many diverse ways,
including drinking directly from it, attaching it to an included squeeze
pouch, using it inline on a hydration pack and, finally, attaching it to
almost any bottled water. It filters to 0.1 microns—exceeding EPA and
NSF recommendations.
MSRP
$29.99
URL
Sawyer.com
KATADYN BASE CAMP PRO 10L

FILTER
Just fill the Katadyn Base Camp Pro 10L Filter's large-capacity,
2.6-gallon bag with questionable water from almost any source
and hang it upright. In fewer than 20 minutes, you’ll have clean,
safe, drinkable water with a flow rate of up to 2 liters per minute.
The glass-fiber filter element removes harmful bacteria and
protozoa. Clean up to 1,500 liters of water before changing filters
(depending on initial water quality). The included hose with on/
off valve makes filling individual containers fast and spill free.
MSRP
$99.95
URL
Katadyn.com

IT STARTS WITH
KEEPYOURHOMEFIREBURNING.
BY JIM COBB
W
› A good fire won’t ithout a doubt, fire is one of our most important assets in a survival 1.2 Fuel
just keep you warm,
it’ll also give you situation. It’ll keep us warm, staving off hypothermia. We can use it Fire needs something to burn. This process
some peace of mind. to boil water, rendering it safer to drink so we can avoid dehydration. normally starts with tinder and then moves
And, of course, a warm meal is often better than cold mush. to kindling before finally adding larger
On top of all that, there’s a psychological element at work: We’re branches or logs.
not only comforted by the fire as it lights up the night and keeps the "bogeyman" at bay, 1.3 Heat
being able to light and tend the fire also gives us something practical we can accomplish. Fire needs heat or a spark in order to start
Even if every other thing seems to be going wrong, at least we have some control over this. the process. This could be from friction,
Carry with you a couple of ways—at minimum—to get a fire going, just in case one of them such as a bow drill, or via any number of
fails or is lost or damaged. modern implements.
1.0 FIRE TRIANGLE 2.0 FIRE-STARTERS

There are three things that must be present for successful combustion to take place. There are many tools available to the
The absence of any one of them will mean failure. Some people refer to this as the “fire survivalist that will aid in getting a fire
triangle.” going quickly and easily.
1.1 Oxygen 2.1 Disposable Lighter
Fire needs to breathe. Smothering the fire by adding too much too fast is one of the most Probably the most common, and certainly
common mistakes people make. Take your time and let the fire get some air. the easiest to use, is the simple disposable

lighter. Roll the thumb wheel, and you have
instant flame. However, it doesn’t work well
when the weather's wet or cold.
2.2 Ferrocerium Rod
When scraped, a ferro rod will rain sparks
onto the tinder, hopefully igniting it. These
rods come in a range of sizes, from necklace
charms to several inches long.
2.3 Flint and Steel
For centuries, mankind has used metal
and rock to start fires. Strike the steel with
a shard of flint, and tiny shards of metal are
carved off, ignited by the friction.
2.4 Stormproof Matches
Because they’re limited to one-time use
and typically require a special strike strip
that could get lost or fouled, stormproof
matches aren’t the best option. However,
› Above: Fire will boil
they can serve as a decent backup tool. water to make it safer getting your kindling and branches going
2.5 Solar Power to drink. It’ll also dry rather easily in most cases. However, this is
you out if you get wet.
A Fresnel lens is a flat magnifying lens a one-and-done method, so make it count.
made with a succession of concentric circles
or rings. The lens is thin and usually some- 5.0 TINDER
what flexible. It works well to concentrate › Top left: Bow drills It’s important to keep tinder in your fire kit
work, but they take a
the sun’s rays onto tinder. lot of practice in order in case you can’t find any natural material
to become proficient to use. Kindling and other fuel will have to
at this fire-starting
3.0 PRIMITIVE METHODS method. be sourced in the wild.
Human beings developed a few different ways 5.1 Cotton Balls
to get a fire going before the development of One of the cheapest and easiest DIY
modern tools. options is to combine cotton balls with
3.1 Bow Drill petroleum jelly, mashing them together in a
The principle is simple; the execution can plastic bag. Use one cotton ball, fluff it up,
be difficult. Spin the end of a rod against and light it.
a board fast enough to generate friction 5.2 Dryer Lint
sufficient to create a burning coal or ember. This is a suitable substitute for cotton
This isn’t a method to rely on without a lot balls, provided your laundry consists of
of practice first. mostly cotton or other natural fabrics. Lint
› Middle left: A simple
3.2 Fire Plough disposable lighter is from man-made materials such as polyester
Another friction method, a fire plough often all you’ll need to will just melt.
get a fire going. Even so,
involves rubbing the end of a stick back and it’s best to be prepared 5.3 Store-Bought Options
forth in a groove of a flat piece of wood, with other methods as There are several types of manufactured
well, just in case.
generating dust that turns into an ember tinder that come in all manner of sizes and
and eventually ignites. shapes—from cubes that’ll light, even when
wet, to paracord with strands of tinder
4.0 UNCONVENTIONAL hidden inside. Play around with different
METHODS options until you find ones that work
While these aren’t recommended as primary › Bottom
ferroceriu
means of fire-lighting, they can work in a pinch rod will w
... if you have the right gear. weather c
making it
4.1 Steel Wool and Battery for your f
The finer the steel wool, the better. Simply
touch the terminals of a 9-volt battery to
the wool, and it’ll quickly heat to several
hundred degrees—glowing hot and ready to
ignite your kindling.
4.2 Road Flare
Ignite a road flare, and it’ll burn very hot,
THE FLAME
GAME
HELPFUL HINTS FOR FIRE-MAKING
BY JIM COBB
› Being able to start a fire in all weather

conditions is a vital survival skill. It's one
that needs to be practiced regularly.
T
he point of survival preparations is to do what you can to
stack the deck in your favor, come what may. You stock up
on food and water in case your normal sources become
unavailable. You learn first aid and other medical skills in
case someone in your family or group gets sick or injured
and you can’t rush them to a clinic or hospital.
Firecraft is similar. You should learn how to build a fire and practice
doing so on a regular basis, in all weather conditions, so that if the chips
are down and you truly need one to keep warm and stay alive, you can
get the job done.

1.0 EDC FIRE KIT
Put together a small collection of items that’ll enable to you to reliably start a fire every
TIPS
time. Keep it small and concise so that it’s easy to carry with you everywhere. It doesn’t
have to be in a single container, although that can be helpful in keeping you organized.
1.1 Tinder
Your kit should have a small supply of ready-to-light tinder. This could be a few cotton › Right: If you can’t
balls wrapped in plastic or something store-bought. The point is that you can’t count on build your fire near
your fuel source,
being able to find something in the field. Always bring tinder with you. stock up on fuel so
1.2 Fire-Starter you aren’t constantly
scrambling for more.
Always have with you at least two ways to light a fire. A disposable lighter is inexpen-
sive and easy to carry, but have something else in case It’s wet or too cold for the gas to
vaporize.
1.3 Carry Method
Most people have enough room in a pants pocket for a lighter and a couple of cotton balls
in a plastic bag. However, it isn’t the worst idea to invest in a small, waterproof container to
protect these vital resources.
2.0 NATURAL RESOURCES

Seeking out sources of tinder while you’re in the field will allow you to conserve your own
supply for when you truly need it.
2.1 Fatwood
Fatwood is coniferous wood that’s soaked with resin, such as you’ll find at the base of a › Below, left: Teach
someone fire skills
dead pine tree. The sap collects in the heartwood and solidifies. This wood can sometimes when they're young,
be so saturated that you can smell it. Light a bit of it with a flame, or scrape shavings and but make sure safety
rules are followed
dust into a pile and light that with a spark. every, single time.
2.2 Birch Bark
Paper-like birch bark works great for getting a fire going. There are a few different birch › Below, right: Birch
trees, including yellow and white, that are perfect for tinder. Shred the bark and light it up. bark is one of the
best forms of natural
2.3 Cedar tinder you can find.
Cedar is another tree to watch for. Its bark easily strips off in shreds. Rub it with your Stock up on it when
you come across a
hands to fluff it up, and it will light readily. birch tree.

› Above, left: Abandoned bird nests are great tinder. They’re usually made with dried grass,
twigs and bark.
› Above, right: In wet conditions, pull off a slab of bark from a downed tree, turn it over, and use
that for the base of your fire.
3.0 LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

When it comes time to build your fire, you need to choose the placement carefully. The
right place will assist in success; the wrong place will doom you to failure.
3.1 Keep it Dry
Building a fire on wet ground might not work well. If you can’t find a dry spot, make one.
Try to find a slab of bark attached to a downed tree. The underside will often be perfect to
use. A large, flat rock might also be workable, but avoid rocks that are in or near bodies of
water, because they might have moisture inside that’ll turn to steam under high heat—and
could explode.
3.2 Keep Fuel Nearby
If possible, build your fire near your fuel supply. This helps preserve your energy. If that’s not
possible, be sure to collect a lot of fuel before you light the fire so you won’t be scrambling to
find more while the fire dies.
› Above: A simple,
2.4 Bird Nests inexpensive 3.3 Clear the Area
Nests work great ... provided they aren’t disposable lighter The last thing you want is for your little campfire to turn into a raging inferno. Keep the area
will start hundreds
occupied. They’re usually made of dried of fires for you. adjacent to the fire cleared of leaves, twigs, pine needles and other flammable material.
grass, twigs and bark. Break them up a bit
to make them airier before lighting. 4.0 TYPES OF FIRE LAYS
Not all fires are equally useful for all things. A fire built primarily for cooking or for boiling
water isn’t built the same as one intended to keep you warm.
4.1 Keyhole Fire
This fire lay is great for heating containers of food or water. As the name suggests, it looks
like a keyhole. The large, round part is where the fire burns. Then, hot coals are scraped into
a rectangular area that extends out from one side of the fire. Lined with rocks or logs on
either side, this is where you place your pot for heating.
4.2 Dakota Hole Fire
This is another cook fire, but it’s one that’s a little more inconspicuous. Dig two holes that
are connected at the bottom by a tunnel. They should be about 8 inches apart. One hole
should be about a foot across, and the other should be about half that size. The tunnel
should be 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Build the fire in the larger hole, and the smaller one will
draft the smoke out. Stretch green sticks across the top of the large hole for your cook pot.
› Cedar bark is an
excellent resource. 4.3 Star Fire
Strip some off the Once you have the basic fire burning well, you can position thicker logs so that one end is
tree and fluff it up for
use as tinder. burning and the other end stretches out from the fire. Set up three or four logs like this in a
star shape. Then, all you need to do is push the logs closer as they burn down.

› There’s nothing better than food cooked over
an open flame at the end of the day!
4.4 Reflector Fire

Build a reflector to increase the fire’s warming
capability. This is simply a stack of logs or other
thick material that sits on the opposite side of the
fire from you. As the name implies, it reflects the
fire’s heat back toward you instead of letting it
just radiate away.
5.0 SAFETY
Fire is one of our “best friends” in a true survival
situation. However, if we’re not careful with it,
it can also turn on us and cause great injury or
death.
5.1 Don’t Rush
Anytime you’re working with or near fire, take
your time and make deliberate movements.
Making quick motions could put you off balance,
causing you to fall into the flames. And, before
grabbing anything near the fire, take a second
look to make sure it isn’t going to burn you.
5.2 Put it Out—Cold
When you’re done with the fire and are moving
on, make darned sure it’s completely out! Drench it
with water and stir the ashes around to get them
all wet. Then, bury it all with a good layer of dirt.
When the ground is cold, that’s when it’s safe to
move out.

GUIDE
LIGHT IT UP!
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET THAT BLAZE GOING FAST
BY JIM COBB
T
he relationship between humans and fire is a long and mixed one. When we need it, fire can be our best friend and, in some
situations, it might be the only thing that keeps us alive. When it comes to human survival in austere environments, it would
be difficult to be successful without the benefits fire affords us. You’ll find some gear in the following pages that can help you
reliably summon fire when and where you need it the most.
BIC Lighter
When it comes to survival, the acronym, KISS (“Keep It Simple,
Stupid”), certainly applies. You’d be hard-pressed to find an
easier-to-use fire starter than a BIC lighter. It isn’t perfect, but
even the most experienced survival instructors usually have one in
their pocket. Spin the thumb wheel, and you have instant flame.
In cold conditions, carry it near your skin to keep it warm or clench
it in a bare fist for several seconds before lighting. Pair it with the
Exotac fireSLEEVE, and you have an unbeatable combination.
MSRP
$5.99 (5-pack)
URL
US.BIC.com
Solkoa FastFire
This is an ideal fire-starter to use in challenging conditions,
because it’ll light from flame or spark, even when wet. It’ll burn
hot—1,300 degrees (F)—for several minutes, easily getting your
campfire going. One cube (approximately 1x1 inches) will last 10
to 12 minutes. However, you can break or cut it into smaller pieces
and use those separately, making as many as eight fires from one
cube. The cubes are individually wrapped in heavy-duty foil for
long-term storage. They’re odorless when burning and give off no
toxic fumes.
MSRP
$7.95 (4-pack)
URL
SolkoaSurvival.com

Fire Blowing Tube
Sometimes, the hardest part about getting a fire going is
directing oxygen to where it’s most needed. Fanning the fire
doesn’t always work. The Fire Blowing Tube allows you to
point air where you need it, but it doesn’t scorch your face in
the process. It consists of two parts—a flexible plastic tube
that’s attached to one end of a collapsible, stainless steel tube
that extends out, not unlike a radio antenna. Place the open
end of the metal tube at the base of the fire and then blow
through the plastic tube. This keeps your face well away from
the heat.
MSRP
$12.95
URL
SurvivalResources.com
Tindår Wick+Bellow
Imagine an easy-to-light fire-starter that’ll last almost an hour
if needed. The Tindår Wick+Bellow's hemp wick is infused with
paraffin, helping it light quickly and stay burning for some time.
It's so simple! Pull out the end of the wick, fluff it up, and light it
with a spark or flame. Use the burning end to light your tinder or
kindling. When you’re done with it, just pull it back into the metal
bellows, and the lit end is extinguished.
MSRP
$12
URL
Uberleben.com
PHOTO: JIM COBB
Titan Stormproof Match Kit

These matches are similar to a sparkler, but with a little less
spark and more flame. In wind, rain and snow, these matches
will stay lit, no matter what. Each one is about 4 inches long and
burns for about 25 seconds. This kit comes with a dozen matches,
along with three replacement strike pads, and it all stores in
a handy, waterproof case. Matches shouldn’t be your primary
fire-starters, but they make a great backup in case you lose your
lighter or ferro rod.
MSRP
$10.99
URL
UCOGear.com

GUIDE
Exotac titanLIGHT
The downside of disposable lighters is that they’re almost
impossible to stand upright and stay lit, at least not without
holding them. And, you risk burning your finger if you try to do so.
Yes, you can light and set down many refillable lighters, but they
often leak fuel in your pocket or pack. The titanLIGHT solves
both problems: It uses standard lighter fluid, but O-rings keep
it from leaking or evaporating. In addition, you can stand it up
as needed or just use it as you would any other lighter. It’s also
overbuilt and rugged, and it’ll last for generations.
MSRP
$49.95
URL
Exotac.com
Wazoo Firecraft Necklace

This isn’t just a neat-looking necklace; it also has everything you’ll
need to get a fire going in an emergency. The necklace, itself, is
a length of Firecord that comprises 550 paracord with an extra
strand running throughout the interior. Colored red, this strand
is an amazing tinder product and can be pulled easily from the
cordage. The inch-long ferrocerium rod is then scraped with the
ceramic pendant to create sparks, thereby lighting the tinder. The
necklace comes standard with a 24.5-inch-length cord, and the
pendant is available in white or black.
MSRP
$24
URL
WazooSurvivalGear.com
Exotac fireROD
A ferrocerium rod is a weatherproof fire-starter. When used
properly, it’ll shower sparks on your tinder, regardless of how
cold or wet it is outside. You’ll also get thousands of lights from
a single rod, giving you a lot of “bang for your buck.” The Exotac
fireROD not only has a high-quality ferrocerium rod, it also holds
tinder in the handle. There’s enough space for two standard
tinder tabs. Alternatively, you can use cotton balls or similar
materials. The rod, itself, is replaceable too.
MSRP
$29.95
URL
Exotac.com

Zippo SureFire Tool
The Zippo SureFire Tool has everything you need to get a fire
going. Use the saw to cut branches to manageable size and
the knife to turn them into feather sticks. The grater works well
to quickly make a pile of wood shavings. Then, cut off some of
the paracord and remove the red strand for use as tinder. Pop
up the thumbwheel and strike sparks to light the strand. Then,
kick back and use the bottle opener to crack open a cold one
as a reward for your hard work!
MSRP
$19.95
URL
PHOTO: STEVE BARLOW
Zippo.com
Brass Spark-Lite Firestarter Kit

The Spark-Lite is one of the most effective fire-starters on the
market today. This brass model adds a touch of class to the mix
too. It’s simple to use: Just roll the wheel with your thumb or
finger as you would on a disposable lighter. The result is sparks
raining down on your tinder. When it eventually wears down, you
can replace the flint with the included wrench. This kit comes
complete with eight tinder bundles, and all of it stores in a handy
case.
MSRP
$18.95
URL
SurvivalResources.com
Pull Start Fire

It doesn’t get much easier than this. The Pull Start Firestarter has
two strings. Build your fire lay and then loop a string to one of
the logs. Hold that log in place as you firmly pull the other string,
and the box ignites. There are no matches, no lighters, no spark
wheels—just nearly instant flame. It’s windproof up to about 200
mph, and it’s hot enough to get even wet wood to burn. Each one
is about the size of a standard TV remote and weighs about 4
ounces.
MSRP
$17.99 (3-pack)
URL
PullStartFire.com

CRUNCH TIME
CUISINE
EXPLORE THE OPTIONS FOR STAYING
FED DURING A CRISIS. BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA
› Above: If last year taught us anything, it’s to
stock up on “survival” food. Food-hoarding,
along with a lack of critical PPE, hygiene and
sanitation supplies, was a major problem in
2020.
on the Internet that feature various types

of survival foods. These could be MREs
(“meals ready to eat”), dehydrated and
freeze-dried entrées and sides, snacks and
breakfast items, and a variety of dried and
canned meats. The variations of recipes
and meal options are numerous—far more
than just five or 10 years ago.
Also, if you must have sugar- or gluten-free,
low-sodium, organic food or food prepared
according to religious guidelines, there are
now a great many choices within these
categories.
One bit of advice that hasn’t changed
since these foods first hit the market: Just
order a sampling first—before you choose
to stock up on large quantities. Enjoying
the taste of your food is a big plus when/if
a crisis hits. Yes, you’ll eat almost anything
when you’re hungry, but why make a bad
A
situation worse because you didn’t take
a little extra time when ordering your
lthough the human body can go about three to most people might not realize is that many supplies?
four weeks without food, death hovers nearby. “normal” foods located in your pantry have
Even with so long between the last bite and the an extremely long shelf life and are stored 2.0 OUTSIDE
last breath, after only a few days without food, a within durable packaging. In addition, with 2.1 Backyard
person’s mental and physical sharpness decrease a home computer, both everyday- and Your backyard is a source of food if you
rapidly, and this can put even greater strain on an already tense survival-style food are available through prepared well before your emergency
situation. online shopping. struck. Starting a vibrant garden can supply
Let’s take this one step more: Remember the last time you missed 1.1 Kitchen Pantry you and your family with fresh fruits and
even one lunch or dinner? Were you grumpy, lightheaded or unable Inside your kitchen pantry are canned goods vegetables in case your local grocery store
to concentrate fully? Most likely, yes, and this is when you skipped such as fish, soups, ready-to-heat favorites, is shut down, inaccessible or looted of
just one meal on one day. fruits and even meats. These items can be everything of value.
Luckily, there are many resources for food that can be found eaten out of the can and cold if need be. The size of your backyard or, more specif-
in your house, just outside your home and in a variety of nearby In addition, pouch-packed items such as ically, the land available for planting crops,
locations. The more options you take advantage of—and that you’re rice, tuna, olives and many other options as well as your tastes, will determine how
aware of—the better off you’ll be when the unexpected hits. are packed flat and can be eaten as a quick many types of tasty edibles you’ll plant.
snack or mixed to create an entrée. Corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries,
1.0 IN-HOUSE OPTIONS 1.2 Bought “Survival” Foods melons, squash and beans, in addition
Your first and easiest source for food is your own home. What There are hundreds of commercial sites to other crops, are great additions to any

› Below, right: If this is
your only option, taking
food from a ransacked
› Below, left: Survival group members store in desperate times
divide up what will become their to feed yourself or your
rations for the next few days of disaster family is something you
preparedness practice. might have to consider.
garden—but only if you already eat them. If trail mix, energy bars and other similarly While out on the trail, fishing and hunting might be options for
room allows, herbs such as basil, oregano, portable foods can be eaten without you securing food. However, as good as it might sound to “live off the
parsley and chives can add fresh flavor having to stop or slow your progress. In an land,” it’s not as easy as you might think. Even a seasoned hunter
to “survival” foods to make them more occasional pinch—and at risk of a “sugar or fisherman could have a long dry spell between kills or catches.
palatable and to vary the taste if your food crash” later—candy bars, marshmallow Taking it as a given that you’ll secure food along your route is likely
selection is limited. treats and other snack bars can be eaten to be met with despair, an empty stomach and eventual starvation.
2.2 Balcony for a quick burst of energy to get you to your Use hunting and fishing as viable supplements to your overall food
If you live in an apartment, fresh destination. Something is always better securing plan.
vegetables can still be grown using a than nothing to keep your stomach from
self-contained garden unit for your porch growling and your temper from rising. 4.0 PRE-PLANNED FOOD CACHES
or balcony if you don’t have access to a 3.2 “Borrowing” in Times of Need For the more-seasoned survivalist, leaving caches of food along
community garden nearby. Although much In a SHTF survival situation, you’ll do what your bug-out route or at your destination can be a sound plan.
smaller than its “country cousin,” this type you must to survive. That could include tak- These could be as simple as a large, sealed PVC tube filled with
of garden can still produce a steady flow of ing what isn’t yours if your or your family’s dehydrated or freeze-dried foods or larger pods that hold enough
healthy produce. lives depend on it. This could mean grab- supplies for weeks or months.
Smaller still are indoor hydroponic herb and bing some produce from a nearby garden, If you choose to go this route, be sure to use the proper containers
vegetable growers. These are self-contained taking bottled water from an abandoned to keep out water, dirt and all sorts of pests. In addition, if you’ll
and include their own light sources and grow- store or swiping a few snack bars from a need tools to access your cache, either hide them nearby or be sure
ing media. Having several of these producing wrecked vehicle. This should be done only to bring them with you when you plan to open the containers. And,
fresh vegetables can be an easy and relatively when it’s absolutely necessary and lives are of course, bury your cache away from prying eyes—and note where
work-free way to enjoy lettuce, tomatoes and on the line. you left it.
herbs. 3.3 Hit the Trail
Knowledge of wild edibles can come in very
3.0 ON-THE-MOVE handy when you’re far from grocery stores
RESOURCEFULNESS or other homes. Plants and mushrooms can
Bugging out is a very real possibility under make a healthy meal when meat isn’t on the
emergency conditions. Food is a must, both menu. However, if you’re an inexperienced
when you’re physically on the move and first-timer, even if you’re armed with a top-
afterward, when you reach your temporary grade field manual, you can get into lots of
“home.” trouble if a poisonous plant or mushroom is
3.1 On Your Person mistaken for an edible one. Researching the
If your trek is relatively short, food items flora in your area and on expected bug-out
stuffed within your pockets will work routes well beforehand can save you from
› Above: Planting fruits, vegetables and herbs in your backyard can be
to keep up your energy levels, physical debilitating stomach issues (or worse) when a great group project for the entire family and can keep you supplied
well-being and mental alertness. Jerky, you can afford to deal with it the least. with lots of produce. (Photo: Getty Images)

PREPPER
FOOD FIXES PRESERVING, PREPPING AND
PLATING PALATE-PLEASING MEALS
BY MICHAEL D'ANGONA
PHOTO: GOSUN.CO

TIPS
F
ood is part of everyone’s life. It’s obvious that without it, you’ll eventually die. 1.2 MRE Heaters
However, most people’s knowledge of food is capped by what can be bought This one is easy. If you go the route of
at the local grocery store, either eaten as is or cooked in any number of ways. securing MREs (“meals, ready to eat”) for
Nevertheless, this is just scratching the surface of an all-encompassing cate- emergencies or survival use, buy the ones
gory when it pertains to an emergency or survival situation. During such events, with the included heaters. If they don’t
you might not have the ability to first procure your wanted food options, cook them under have that option, search the Web, and
ordinary means and finally store them in the refrigerator for later use. Instead, you might you’ll find heaters you can buy separately.
have to hunt, fish or grow your meal, as well as find the means to cook, season and hold A hot meal always tastes better than a
your food properly at the correct temperature to prevent decay and possible foodborne cold or room temperature one. The heaters
illnesses. use water as a catalyst to generate heat
But, as with anything else in life, this isn’t easy. It takes research, planning; and then, for your meal, so no matter where you find
through trial and error, you’ll learn from your mistakes until you achieve a high level yourself, a hot meal is only minutes away.
of competency with food and all its fine details as it pertains to survival or emergency 1.3 Solar Assist
applications. Another way to cook when you’re on the
move is by using the power of the sun. This
1.0 BRINGING THE HEAT free resource can be directed to a solar
Cooking transforms raw food into a safe-to-eat meal. Traditionally, a stove in the kitchen oven or a less-sophisticated, but equally
performs this function, but when you’re in a survival situation, that option can disappear. beneficial, hot bag. These can get very hot
Luckily, there are several diverse and viable substitutes. and truly can cook meat and vegetables.
1.1 Open Fire Naturally, your only limitation is the sun:
Fire is one of the four “core” components of the survival world (water, food and shelter It must be out and shining for optimum
comprise the other three). Fire brings warmth, comfort and, when it’s used in conjunction with performance. For long spans of cloud cover
food, it can cook raw meat, heat water to reconstitute freeze-dried foods, and smoke fish and or rainy conditions, be sure to have another
other game for later use. This makes it vitally important to always carry multiple sources of method to cook your food-of-choice.
creating a fire, as well as know the basics of fire-building. Although it’s “survival-like” to make 1.4 Acid Action
a bow drill or fire plough, it’s best to carry a few disposable lighters, wind- and waterproof Although it’s not normally considered a
matches, and a magnesium block—all are ideal for fire-starting. Add some tinder in a water- method for cooking when outdoors, using
tight canister, and you’re good to go. Remember: Sometimes, simpler is the way to go; and acids—specifically from citrus fruits such
when you need a fire, the tried-and-true basics always work. as lemons, limes or certain varieties of
› Above: An open fire is the go-to method of cooking when you’re out in the wild. (Photo: Bigstock) › Above: By just using twigs and sticks, you
can enjoy an almost limitless supply of fuel for
your outdoor stove. (Photo: BioliteEnergy.com)

oranges—to “cook” fish, shrimp or crayfish
is a viable option. The only factor is that
it takes time for the acids to complete the
denaturation process (that is, for the acid in
the fruit juices to convert the raw flesh into
firm and opaque). The fish isn’t technically
“cooked,” which takes heat, but this process
is very close and is a great option when you
have fish and abundant access to citrus
fruits or true citrus juices.
1.5 Mini Stoves
When you need to cook, you turn to
a stove. It’s no different out in Mother
PHOTO: BIOLITEENERGY.COM
Nature’s backyard, except for the vast
number of options available to you. From › Below: Portable,
single-burner butane stoves to propane sun-powered ovens
are available in a
versions or units that burn twigs and other variety of styles
natural materials, these mini stoves can and models. (Photo:
GoSun.co)
vary greatly in size and output power. It’s
important to purchase a stove that’ll “fit” › Bottom: A solar Your second decision is your fuel source. Propane canisters are heavy and take up space,
oven can produce
piping-hot foods while butane cans are slimmer and a bit lighter. Wood-burning stoves are an option ... but
using only the power you’ll spend more time creating the fire. Finally, smaller stick- and twig-burning stoves
of the sun! (Photo:
SunOven.com) create fast heat ... but you’ll be feeding the unit constantly if you have a lot to cook.
With all these factors to consider, doing your homework concerning portable stoves is an
absolute must.
2.0 OPTIONS AFTER THE CATCH

A great run during your morning fishing trip or game so plentiful that it’s tough to carry
them all back to camp are both a blessing and a curse. Yes, you have loads of food, but if
you don’t preserve them somehow, they’ll rot and become a danger to you if you eat any
“bad” meat or fish. It could also entice scavengers to your camp. Luckily, there are some
great ways to make these foods last longer when you’re far from your fridge.
2.1 Smoke-Out
Smoking meat or fish is an age-old method for making protein sources last longer than
if they’re left unprocessed. First, construct a framework of sticks over the fire to hang the
meat on. Next, create an enclosure around the fire to keep the smoke inside. Then, using
partially green hardwoods (resinous woods will create a type of smoke that’ll ruin your
meat or fish), create an average-to small-sized fire. You’re looking for smoke—not intense
flame or heat. Smoke the meat overnight and into the next day. This should create meat
that’ll last for about three to four days (or longer).
2.2 Canning
How do you keep your fresh meats and vegetables from rotting? One popular answer is
canning; and, if you have the time and materials, you can use the produce from your garden
and your recent catches to create meals for months. First, assemble your supplies. These
include jars, lids and rings, a water bath and jar lifter. If this is your first time canning, you
can find complete starter kits online and in some big box stores. Add your food items to the
cleaned jars, along with any other ingredients you’d like (using proven canning recipes).
Finally, process the canned goods in the water bath or steam canner. Afterward, inspect all
jars for loose seals. Let them cool and then store them in a cool, dry location for two full
years—or more.
2.3 Deep-Freezing
When your hunt is bountiful, or you catch far more than you anticipated in the spring or
summer seasons, you need to store your meat or fish to use in the coming cold seasons. A
stand-alone freezer in your home or apartment is a viable solution and a great investment
for long-term food storage. Frozen meats can last in a freezer between four and 10 months,
depending on the type of meat and if it's packed and stored properly. First, make sure your
freezer maintains a temperature of 0 degrees (F) or lower. Next, securely and thoroughly wrap

‹ Far left: Canning is a
great way to preserve
an abundance of
fruits and vegetables
from your garden.
‹ Near left:
Combining style and
decoration with a
true survival food
option, an indoor
grower is a sound
investment. (Photo:
Gardyn.com)
‹ Below: Have your

entire family sample
freeze-dried foods
in order to make
everyone the most
comfortable if and
when these food
items are actually
needed. (Photo:
MountainHouse.
com)
your meat or fish. Using a vacuum sealer or a heavy-duty zip-close bag is best. Alternatively,
you can use a couple of layers of foil, plastic wrap or freezer paper. The better protected the
food is, the better it’ll hold up (that is, less freezer burn) in the freezer. Finally, follow the
“first in, first out” principle: Rotate your food, using the oldest first, to prevent loss due to
food passing its maximum storage date.
3.0 ADDING TASTE ON THE TRAIL

Seasoning your foods gets tricky when you're out in the wild or on the move during a
survival bug-out situation. However, nature does provide some sources to get herbs, spices
and minerals to accent and kick up your bland foods a notch or two.
3.1 Natural Salt
This needed mineral for your body and the number-one spice throughout the world can be
found in a number of locations in the outdoors. If you’re near the coast, salt water can be foods include meats, poultry and fish, as well as packaged grocery
diluted with fresh water to find the perfect balance of salt for ingestion and for meals. Boil- items, canned goods, dairy products, and breads and cereals.
ing down salt water will also leave a salty, grainy residue in the boiling vessel. This can be Knowing basic food shelf lives and food safety guidelines can
collected and used to season your meals. Hickory tree roots, found throughout America, can reduce your risk of getting sick from “bad” food.
also be boiled down to harvest salt. These useful salt crystals can be utilized for seasoning 5.1 Shelf Life Insight
meals whenever the need arises. Concerning shelf life: Many products have ambiguous dating on
3.2 Wild Herbs their packaging. Some say, “sell by” or “best by”; some use Julian
A handbook of wild herbs is a useful tool to keep in your bug-out bag or at your deep- dating (the 365-day calendar method), and still others use a code
woods bug-out location. In most areas, you can find a number of herbs that make a great that only a math whiz or a member of that particular food com-
addition to your recipes. For instance, alliaria is an herb reminiscent of garlic in flavor, and pany could decipher. The truth is, most canned or packaged foods
its flowers and leaves are fully edible. Nettles, lemon balm and wild spinach can make can safely be eaten past their date. Even so, food taste, texture
great additions to your menu or can be eaten on their own when properly prepared. Chicory or quality might be diminished (but, in a survival situation, who
and dandelion add a bitter snap to most dishes. cares?). Some canned goods have been discovered and sampled
after many decades and were found to have little loss of quality.
4.0 FINE-TUNING “SURVIVAL” FOOD Even “expired” dairy items found in a functioning refrigerator can be
No one said all survival-style foods are gourmet favorites. Nevertheless, with some basic eaten past their date—as long as they pass common-sense smell
trial-and-error scenarios, you can make the best choices when it comes to emergency food and visual tests. For example, mold on cheese can be trimmed off,
sources. leaving edible cheese.
4.1 Choose Your Preferences 5.2 Temperature Range
Never order large quantities of freeze-dried, dehydrated or MRE meals without first There’s a danger zone for cooked foods, and it occurs when food is
sampling them, because you might be disappointed in their taste or texture. Luckily, most left out in a temperature range of 40 to 140 degrees (F) for more than
survival food companies offer single entrées, as well as breakfast and snack options. Try two hours. This allows bacteria to grow (in fact, it can double in quantity
several different companies and styles until you find the ones you and your family enjoy. within 20 minutes) and possibly cause you to get sick if the food is eaten.
Then, buy them in large quantities to meet your long-term food storage goals. Be mindful of this to avoid severe gastrointestinal problems.
5.3 When in Doubt
5.0 COUNTDOWN TO DECAY This one’s very easy: When in doubt if a food item is good to eat or
Most foods have a limited window between “edible” and “harmful” if ingested. These spoiled, throw it out!

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EMERGENCYEDIBLES
F
or those new to the prepping world, the plethora of diverse food food with very little human interaction, are leaps ahead of cracking open a
sources and accessories to produce food today could be over- can of Spam or cooking over a candle.
whelming. From MREs (meals ready to eat) to dehydrated meals Now, for both the novice and the pro, there are tons of options to increase
and hydroponic vegetable-growers, the options are seemingly the variety of your food supply. The more you have, the better, because if or
endless. when a crisis hits, you’ll be on your own—without outside resources, without
For the experienced survivalist, emergency rations aren’t what they were the grocery store down the street and without a sure timeline for when
10 or even five years ago. New ways of cooking, more-advanced and -durable things will get back to normal.
packaging, along with state-of-the-art technology that can literally grow Stock up today to be ready for an uncertain tomorrow.
ReadyWise Ready Grab Bag

The perfect to-go bag, this assortment of 60 tasty, freeze-dried
servings is ready to go at a moment’s notice when you need to
bug out or when emergency strikes unexpectedly. You’ll enjoy
tasty, 4-ounce servings of breakfast and dinner items such as
cereal, granola, Stroganoff, cheesy macaroni, rice and more. Best
of all, they’re securely sealed within durable Mylar pouches and
can last up to 25 years. A 10-liter dry bag is included for additional
protection.
MSRP
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URL
ReadyWise.com
Gardyn Home Starter Harvest Kit

This amazing indoor vertical hydroponic system uses iOS or Android
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for up to 30 large plants. Optimal growing conditions are provided
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MSRP
$899
URL
MyGardyn.com

Ready Hour 1-Week Food Supply
When a crisis hits, panic sets in, and you might forget some
very important essentials. This food kit is conveniently packed
in a plastic ammo can, giving one person an average of
2,037 calories per day for a week. Tasty comfort foods such
as cheesy broccoli soup, Traveler's Stew, mac and cheese,
creamy, chicken-flavored rice and more are easy to prepare.
Packed in resealable, zipper-top, multilayered pouches with
oxygen absorbers, this food will last up to 25 years under
optimal storage conditions.
MSRP
$89
URL
ReadyHour.com
ReadyWise Gluten Free Grab & Go

Bucket
You can’t neglect food allergies, even during a survival situation,
and with this diverse, gluten-free assortment, you don’t have
to. Choose from tasty options, such as loaded baked potato
casserole, tomato-basil soup, potato-and-chicken-flavored pot
pie and creamy yogurt, and you’ll get your nutrients and fill your
stomach. There are four servings per sealed Metallyte pouch for
a total of 13,320 calories. This sturdy bucket contains 84 servings
and is easy to carry, store and reuse if needed. All the food inside
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MSRP
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URL
ReadyWise.com
Rise Gardens Personal Rise

Garden
If space is a factor in your studio or small apartment, this is
the growth system for you. Taking up just 1.5 square feet, this
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work from you. This kit grows tasty and nutritious food from
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MSRP
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URL
RiseGardens.com

My Patriot Supply Urban Seed
Garden
Gardening in the city? You bet—with a little help from this urban
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tomatoes, golden wax beans, bull’s blood beets, finger carrots,
green onions and more. The total package contains hundreds
of organic, 100 percent heirloom seeds (individually sealed) so
you can grow nutritious produce in the "urban jungle." Seeds will
store for five years or more at optimal temperatures.
MSRP
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URL
MyPatriotSupply.com
ReadyWise 60 Servings Meat Bucket

Vegetables are good; so are fruits and pasta. However, you also
want hearty meat in a meal, and this bucket delivers that—in
spades! The bucket contains 60 servings within its durable
shell, so you can enjoy such specialties as roasted chicken, Beef
Stroganoff, Southwest chicken, cheesy beef and teriyaki chicken,
among others. They easily reconstitute with boiling water and
offer a total of 7,720 calories. All meals are sealed in durable
Metallyte pouches. The total weight of the package is just 3
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the convenient Grab-N-Go handle when it’s time to hit the road.
MSRP
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URL
ReadyWise.com
Mountain House 4-Day Food Supply

“They” say you should have a three-day supply of food on hand if
an emergency strikes. If three is good, then four is better. And this
survival food kit does all the work for you. Packed neatly inside
one box are 12 pouches loaded with delicious foods for breakfast,
lunch and dinner that provide an average of 1,735 calories per day
for one person. The box stacks and stores perfectly in closets or
pantries until you need it. Store the food confidently for up to 30
years. Use the lightweight convenience of the pouches for day
hikes or weekend campouts. Emergency situation or not, you’ll
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MSRP
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URL
MountainHouse.com

Mountain House 2-Day Food Supply
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bog you down if you have to move to a safer location. Enjoy
tasty favorites such as breakfast skillet, granola, Stroganoff,
and chicken and rice. All foods reconstitute with boiling water.
When properly stored, this food will retain its fresh taste for up
to 30 years.
MSRP
$49.99
URL
MountainHouse.com
Survival Cave Food Canned Beef

Beef hits the spot, but when you’re away from your refrigerator
or freezer, it might not be easy to obtain … unless it’s canned.
Survival Cave Foods hand-selects its cuts and then hand-packs
them into large, 28-ounce cans (nine servings). There are no
fillers of any kind or preservatives; only water or broth goes into
the long-life cans. When you’re ready to eat, just open the can
and enjoy the food, hot or cold, or add the beef to your favor-
ite side dish. Beef equals protein, and protein is most needed
when you’re out in the field. Chicken, pork and turkey are also
available.
MSRP
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URL
SurvivalCaveFood.com
MRE Star Sugar Cookie

Sometimes, a good, old-fashioned sugar cookie can hit the
spot for both your stomach and heart. Four delicious cookies
are packed in a durable sleeve that keeps them fresh for up
to several years. They can add just the right amount of energy
and fulfillment until your next meal. These small delights fit
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dig deep into your supply bag or backpack. Treat yourself or
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upturned.
MSRP
$1.45
URL
MRE-Meals.net

HERE, THERE AND
EVERYWHERE
NAVIGATION SKILLS ARE
ESSENTIAL IN THE WILD.
BY RYAN LEE PRICE
› Being able to read a compass and orient a
S
map are important skills that can keep you
from getting lost in unfamiliar territory.
tepping off the trail and heading up a canyon for a mile or so is enough to get a person the exercises the manufacturer provides. One of the best ways to
lost. The twists and turns of a benign-looking range of hills and arroyos can be confus- learn to use a map with a compass is to enroll in a local college
ing, especially if you add to it the fears of survival, the pangs of hunger or the parched orienteering class or participate in a few programs with a local
dryness of thirst. orienteering club.
You know where you came from—perhaps a broken-down car or last night’s
camp—and you know where you want to go: civilization. 2.0 MAP AND COMPASS ORIENTATION
But you’re not sure how to get there. You need to get from point A to point Z, and you’re on It’s common practice that all maps are oriented with true north at
foot. You’ve never done that before, so you’ll have some challenges. the top. At the bottom of the map, a symbol of arrows points to the
To help overcome some of those challenges, you’re prepared, because you have in your geographic North Pole (shown by a star), magnetic north (MN) and
pack a map of the area and a compass ... right? grid north (GN).
2.1 Map-Matching
1.0 MAP AND COMPASS By coordinating a compass with a map, you’ll be able to match the
A map of your terrain is always more important than the compass, although you should always features of the map with features in the real world, providing you
consider them as a unit. You can use them independently of each other, but a map, alone, can with the ability to navigate toward any destination on the map.
be complemented by nature’s compass. If you only have a compass, you can accurately travel in 2.2 Declination
a straight line for miles through fog or forest and then go back the same way you came. “Magnetic declination” is the number of degrees and direction
1.1 The Right Map between true north and magnetic north. Because declination varies
A map is an aerial picture of your terrain, showing you the location of roads, buildings, water, over time and by location, it’s advisable to get a reasonably current
towns, railroad lines, mines—everything you need to know. USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) figure by using a current map. If magnetic north is east of true north,
topographical maps are the maps-of-choice, because they give you a visual depiction of the the local declination is positive. If magnetic north is west of true
rise and fall of the land. This enables you to choose the easiest route (which is not necessarily north, the local declination is negative.
the shortest) between two points. 2.3 Neat Line
1.2 The Compass To orient your map, place the compass on the map so it’s parallel
A compass certainly makes the map more useful, because it enables you to accurately to the north-to-south border of the map—known as the “neat line.”
align the map with the actual terrain so you can head in the appropriate direction. There are Rotate the compass dial until north on the compass ring lines up
other ways to align the map with the terrain if you don’t have a compass, such as physical with north on the map. Find the magnetic declination on your map.
observation of the terrain and locating the North Star. If the local declination is positive, subtract the declination amount
1.3 Compass Shopping from the bearing you just derived. If the local declination is negative,
When you buy a compass, read all the instructions that come with it and practice all add the declination amount to the bearing you just derived.

2.4 True North
Holding the map and compass steadily
together (the compass should still be on the
north-to-south map “neat line”), rotate the For example, the myth, “All rivers flow to
› Direct observation of your local area helps
map and compass at the same time until civilization,” simply isn’t always the case. identify things on a map. Mountains, canyons
the red magnetic needle and orienting arrow and rivers can point you in the right direction.
Just look at a map. The only direction rivers
on the compass face line up. Your map and and streams consistently flow is downhill. If
compass are now oriented to true north. you’re lost, following a stream downstream
Look around and compare the physical might lead you into very rugged wilderness.
features around you with your map; they This isn’t a surefire way to get “un-lost.”
should be an exact match. In fact, there’s no single natural obser-
vation that’ll tell you directions. You need
3.0 NAVIGATE BY THE STARS to be observant of many features and,
The North Star isn’t the brightest star in collectively—in conjunction with your
the sky. However, it’s important to naviga- common sense and “thinking on your feet”—
tion because it’s stationary, and all the stars you stand a good chance of determining
would appear to rotate counterclockwise compass points.
around it. If you were standing at the North Here are a few of those general guidelines
Pole, the North Star would be directly ... although some would put these obser-
overhead. vations into the category of “folklore.” This
3.1 Know the Stars is because they're general guidelines. But
Go outside on a moonless and cloudless rely on these, alone, and you could remain
night and get to know the constellations. hopelessly lost.
Begin with the Big Dipper, Southern Cross 5.1 Trees
(if you are in the southern hemisphere) and Tips of certain trees will tend to point in
Cassiopeia. specific directions.
3.2 To find the North Star, locate the 5.1.1 For example, the tops of willows,
Big Dipper. The North Star is in a direct line poplars and alders often point south,
with the two end stars of the Big Dipper. because they typically grow in canyons or
streams, which (more often than not) flow
4.0 YOU AND YOUR SHADOW southward.
Place a stick into the ground. Put a pebble 5.1.2 The tips of pines and hemlocks often
at the end of the shadow the stick makes. point east. These trees are typically found at
Wait 20 minutes or so. The shadow will have higher elevations, and the tips are affected
moved, so put another pebble at the end of by prevailing winds.
the new shadow. Wait another 20 minutes 5.2 Sunflowers Often Face the Sun
and do this again. The shadow’s movement, This is where the sunflower got its name.
marked by the pebbles, will be eastward, Any hill or mountain range that runs in an
because the sun moves westward. When east-west direction will receive the most
you’re in the northern hemisphere, your vegetation on the north side. The south
shadow will be pointing north. side, because it’s more exposed to the sun,
If you draw a straight line from the stick to will have different plant communities and
the stone marking the shortest shadow, you generally be drier.
should have a north-south line, more or less.
A perpendicular line gives you an east-west
line and a crude compass. If you know the
approximate time the sun is rising and set-
› Middle right: There are many constellations
ting, you can evenly divide the arc formed by that can help you navigate at night—
the stones and create a crude, but usable, specifically, the Big Dipper in the northern
hemisphere and the Southern Cross in the
sundial clock. southern hemisphere.
› Bottom right: Consult a map frequently when

5.0 DIRECTION FROM NATURE trekking in unknown areas. It’s easy to get
You have no map, no compass, and you’re turned around when all the trees look the
same or you’re focused on the uneven ground
lost or confused. Are there signs in nature to you’re traversing.
tell you directions? Sometimes.

TIPS
FIND YOUR WAY

ANYWHERE
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR NAVIGATING IN THE STICKS
B
BY RYAN LEE PRICE
efore you start out, it’s important to be able to determine the direction (in degrees) in which you’re
walking. With your orienteering compass (ideally one with a transparent baseplate), point the direc-
tion-of-travel arrow, which is the printed arrow on the housing of the compass, in the direction you’re
traveling. Then, turn the round dial until the orienting arrow is directly over the north end of the needle.
As long as you keep the needle “in the house” and follow your direction-of-travel arrow, you’re accurately
traveling in the direction you’ve decided on.
1.0 COMPASS WORK

A compass not only points north, it also has a scale (in inches and millimeters) on its side to help measure distances
on the map. Some field compasses come with alignment mirrors, inclinometers and magnifying glasses.
1.1 Magnetic Field
Because the magnetic field is different all around the world, a quality topographical map will have a declination
chart that shows the difference between magnetic north (MN) and grid north (GN).
1.2 True North
Orienting a compass to any map is merely adjusting the compass to compensate for magnetic north, as noted on the
map. Once that difference is made, orienting the compass and map to true north is as easy as turning the compass and
map together until the needle rests inside the red outline on the face.
› Right: This is a
popular style of ori-
enteering compass.
The transparent
baseplate makes
it easy to read the
map, and there are
several types of
markings on the
plate that are useful
when working with
maps.
‹ Left: Having
knowledge of
nature’s cues that
show directions is
a skill that might
keep you from
getting lost or
could help point
you in the right
direction.

› Near right: Romer
right-angle coordi-
nate scales, seen
above the bottom
corner of this Silva
Ranger compass, en-
able you to measure
distance or work
out a grid reference
for the coordinates
of a known position
on the map. (Photo:
Silva)
› Far right: It can be

very helpful to join
a local orienteering
group when you’re
learning how to use
a compass and map
together.
e, the easiest way to

Buy a compass (such as a Silva type) with a scale called a “romer,” which has right-angle find north is to look for the North Star, or
marks in tenths. This enables you to give a six-figure grid reference at a glance for better Polaris, which always appears to be over the
location accuracy. northern pole.
3.1 Find Polaris
2.0 FOLLOW THE SUN Polaris is located at the end of the handle
This is an old way to tell approximately how long it’ll be until the sun sets. Face the horizon in the Little Dipper. The most common way
and extend your arm. Bend your hand so that your fingers are parallel to the horizon. Using of finding it is to use the two end stars in the
your four fingers, measure up from the horizon to the sun. Each finger represents about 15 bucket of the Big Dipper. A line drawn across
minutes of the sun’s travel across the sky. This will give you a good idea when the sun hits these pointer stars will point to Polaris.
the horizon. Keep in mind that in the summer, there’ll still be usable light for at least an hour 3.2 Star Movement
after sundown. In the winter, things will get pretty dark after the sun dips below the horizon. A second method for determining direction
from the stars is to look at their movement.
3.0 STAR TIPS First, find the brightest or most easily
Finding direction at night is very simple if the stars are out and the sky is clear. In the recognizable star in the night sky. Then,
› Near right: We can’t

always depend on
familiar landmarks
to find our way. If
all your familiar
landmarks have
been destroyed, you
can still navigate by
using the stars.
› Far right: The

constellation of the
Southern Cross is
used by navigators
in the southern
hemisphere to find
south.

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› Near right: The vertical lines (those that go
from pole to pole) indicate the longitude; the
horizontal lines (those that are parallel with
the equator) represent the latitude. With
coordinates based on these lines, you can
find any location on Earth.
push two sticks into the ground, one longer

than the other, so that you can aim over the
top of them at the star you picked. After
waiting approximately 15 minutes, the star
will appear to have moved from where it
was when you originally aimed at it: If the
star moved up, it’s in the east. If it moved
down, it’s in the west. If it moved left, it’s in
the north. If it moved right, it’s in the south.
These rules apply for the northern hemi-
sphere, so reverse them for the southern
hemisphere.
3.3 The Southern Cross, a constellation
› Above, right: of four bright stars, looks like a cross. It’s

Whenever you used by navigators to find south, because
venture into
unknown areas, a following a line along its long axis for five
compass and a map times its length will put you at a position
are two essential
tools you should over the southern pole. Like the North Star
have in your pack. (Polaris), it’s high enough above the equator
A third necessity
is the knowledge that it’s always visible in the night sky,
of how to use them regardless of the time of year.
independently ...
and together.
4.0 LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE
Latitude and longitude combine to consti-
› Top left: tute a grid, or coordinate system, that can be
Different types of
compasses offer used to find any location on Earth. Both are
different kinds measured in degrees, minutes and seconds.
of information.
Depending on what 4.1 Latitude
you need or your The first half of a positional fix is latitude.
skill level, you
can utilize simple Latitude is shown by the lateral (east-west)
directions with one lines that go around the globe parallel to,
or grid coordinates
with another. and north and south of, the equator. The
distance above the equator is expressed
in degrees north and below the equator in
degrees south.
4.2 Longitude
The second half of a navigational fix is lon-
gitude. Longitude is shown by the long lines
that run from the north pole to the south pole.
Distance is measured in degrees east or west
of the prime meridian (which passes through
Greenwich, England). Examples: Atlanta,
Georgia, is located at 33° 45' 13.4856'' N and
84° 23' 10.7880'' W; Nairobi, Kenya, is located
at 1° 17' 11.0004'' S and 36° 49' 2.0028'' E.
› Bottom left:
4.3 Earth’s Movement
Having a compass— The Earth moves at a constant rate of 15
and the knowledge
to use it—can help
degrees per hour, so you could multiply the
you find your way, difference in hours between the time at the
even when you
can’t see what lies
prime meridian and your local time by 15
ahead. degrees and figure out your longitude.

IGATION
GUIDE
THIS GEAR GETS YOU

THERE FROM HERE
TIP THE SCALES IN YOUR FAVOR WITH THE RIGHT KIT.
M
BY RYAN LEE PRICE
ountain passes and arroyos clogged with twisted foliage can be confusing when you’re lost. The sun might peek into a canyon for
only a brief moment before disappearing behind the rim again. Subtle turns of the trail mask your direction.
Being lost can induce a panic that’ll sap your energy, along with your ability to reason and make smart decisions. There are many
myths and methods associated with the cardinal directions: moss on trees, flights of birds at dusk, the direction squirrels sit while
they’re eating. Which ones are true, and which are just old wives’ tales? Do you remember? Hmmm ... if only you had a compass.
Other gear can help you keep your mind clear and focused on your destination and will often be at least as important to your progress as knowing in
which direction to proceed. Some can also be part of your EDC loadout—as you’ll see here.
BRUNTON TRUARC 5 COMPASS

The TruArc 5 baseplate model has additional map grid lines for
quick orientation and a magnifier for easier map-reading. The
TruArc Global Needle system means you don’t have to buy a new
compass when you make that trek to South America or Australia.
It offers tool-less declination adjustment for easy orienteering and
inch/millimeter scales for accurate and effective map work.
MSRP
$29.99
URL
Brunton.com
SILVA RANGER 2.0 QUAD COMPASS

The Silva Ranger 2.0 Quad compass has DryFlex grip for a secure
hold in all weather, a clinometer for measuring slope angle and a
built-in adjuster for magnetic declination. The magnifying lens and
rubber friction feet help with precision mapwork. It also features
map-measuring in millimeters, inches, scales of 1:25K, 1:50K, 1:24K
USGS scale and GPS scales. Luminous markings allow you to
navigate in the dark. The needle is made from Swedish steel with
high-quality magnetic features. A slope card and distance lanyard
are included.
MSRP
$54.99
URL
Silva-USA.com

Designed for outdoor wilderness racing, during which critical
navigation data is needed in an instant, the TruArc 10 baseplate
compass features quick-reference cardinal points, a high-visibility
needle for low-light performance, tool-free declination adjustment
and a double-gauge ergonomic baseplate for extra durability. The
reversible, inch/millimeter scale is accurate and effective when
working with maps. Plus, the balanced needle lets you take a reading
without breaking stride.
MSRP
$49.99
URL
Brunton.com

This is Brunton’s most advanced baseplate compass—one you
can use for its basic features and for more-demanding needs as
your orienteering skills grow. The TruArc Global Needle system
won’t lose polarity, resists magnetic interference and is ready
for worldwide use. It has tool-free declination adjustment and
meridian lines to assist with aligning the compass with map grid
lines. The clinometer has 2-degree resolution, and an engineer’s
ruler and bubble level are also included. The protective cover
and foot protect the compass and store the included reference
cards.
MSRP
$69.99
URL
Brunton.com

This is a no-frills scouting compass that’s also Brunton’s
best-selling baseplate model. It’s simple to use and small;
even so, the TruArc 3 is still equipped with the TruArc Global
Needle system and tool-less declination compensation. Inch/
millimeter scales provide accurate mapwork, and the 2-degree
resolution azimuth ring gives accurate readings. The baseplate
has a lanyard hole so you can use a small cord to keep this
compass close at hand.
MSRP
$16.99
URL
Brunton.com

IGATION
GUIDE
SILVA GUIDE 2.0 COMPASS
The Silva Guide 2.0 Compass is a compact, mirror-sighting compass
that's great for many outdoor uses and activities. The clear, light-
weight polypropylene baseplate floats—a great feature for any water
or near-water adventure—and offers map-measuring in inches and
two common map scales. Luminous markings stay activated for up
to four hours after being charged with a light. Mirror-sighting allows
you to determine direction over long distances. The declination
scale is located inside the capsule to aid in making calculations.
The Guide 2.0’s compact size lets it slip easily into a shirt pocket
to be readily available for all excursions.
MSRP
$32.99
URL
Silva-USA.com
GARMIN INSTINCT TACTICAL

EDITION WATCH
The Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition smartwatch is more than just a
watch. You can navigate your world with multi-GNSS satellite sup-
port and outdoor sensors. Pair it with your compatible smartphone
for on-wrist messaging, alerts and notifications. This watch can
map, track, sync and share your trek from anywhere with Garmin’s
exclusive app. The fiber-reinforced polymer case is durable, and the
chemically strengthened, scratch-resistant display is high contrast
and readable in sunlight. The Instinct is built to the U.S. Military
Standard 810 for thermal, shock and water resistance (rated to 100
meters). The battery can last up to 14 days in “smartwatch” mode,
up to 16 hours in “GPS” mode and up to 40 hours in “UltraTrac
battery-saver” mode.
MSRP
$299.99
URL
Garmin.com
SUUNTO CORE YELLOW BLACK

TX WATCH
The Suunto Core Yellow Black TX is an outstanding watch. It has
an accurate compass with declination, a recordable altimeter
and barometer, and a number of other features that are useful
for those making their way in the outdoors. Its composite case
and aluminum bezel make it lightweight and comfortable to
wear. And, it’s easy to read. It’s extremely customizable, water
resistant to 10 meters and could greatly aid you in a survival
situation, whether you’re high in the mountains or navigating city
streets.
MSRP
$229
URL
Suunto.com

PRO TREK PRT-B50-4 WATCH
If you’re on the hunt for a watch that can do just about anything
in the field—and look great doing it—the PRT-B50 series might
be the perfect fit. Available in several color schemes, this watch
is loaded with features. The quad-sensor detects compass
bearing, barometric pressure/altitude and temperature and
provides a step counter. It even has a calorie counter, which can
be very helpful when food is scarce and you need to conserve
energy. The watch is equipped with a link function, so you can
pair it with an app using Bluetooth to track your data. Along
with its tons of other functions ... yes, this watch also tells time!
MSRP
$220
URL
ProTrek.com
EXPEDITION WATCHBAND
COMPASS KIT
If two is one, then you need to be sure your backup will be there—
when and where you need it. This simple, but utilitarian, piece is
an oil-filled compass that’s water-resistant-rated down to 100
meters. It has a black face with glow-in-the-dark markings. The
compass rests in an aluminum bezel casing with a glow-in-the-
dark gasket. The casing is made to slide onto most NATO-style
watchbands. It also comes with a silicone carrier that slips easily
onto a pack strap or belt loop.
MSRP
$69
URL
PrometheusDesignWerx.com
ATN NVG7-2 Night Vision Goggles

You can’t let the darkness stop you from making your way to
your objective. These lightweight, Gen 2+ technology, night
vision goggles can keep you on the move, even on the darkest
nights. These goggles feature a high-resolution image intensifier,
auto brightness, bright source shutdown and infrared illuminator,
so it’ll be a snap to see your way in the dark with these rugged
goggles. The hands-free headstrap kit makes multi-tasking easy.
A carrying case, lens tissue, extra battery, warranty card and a
full instruction manual round out this amazing package.
MSRP
$1,699
URL
ATNCorp.com

THERE’S NO PLACE
LIKE HOME ... BUT THERE ARE MANY OPTIONS
WHEREVER YOU GO.
BY JONATHAN KILBURN
T
‹ Tarps are some of here are very few things more critical than shelters during survival situations. lightweight, compact and easy to set up or
the lightest shelters
available. Not only Regardless of the continent, temperate zone or time of year, shelter is one of take down.
can they be carried the constant necessities for human survival. Many times, people get caught 1.1 Sticks and Stones
easily, they’re also
quite versatile and up wondering which shelter type is the longest lasting or strongest structure; Virtually every environment has natural
require very little something in which they can store their belongings and shield themselves materials that can make great building
time to set up and
take down. (Photo: from the elements. materials. Every forest and urban landscape
Jonathan Kilburn) The reality is that even the most humble and temporary shelter should fulfill a user’s needs. possesses an abundance of material that
However temporary a situation might be, there’s a grand sense of security in a reinforced can be used to build a shelter.
and rigid structure that’s meant to last lifetimes. Whether they’re natural or man-made, 1.2 Tarps and Oilcloth
they all must keep at bay one form or another of the “big, bad wolf.” Lightweight materials are frequently
overlooked when part of a shelter’s goal is
1.0 QUICK SHELTERS longevity and proper construction. Tarps
Quick shelters are essentially thrown-together bits and pieces that help protect against the and oilcloth have been used for centuries in
elements. Bushcrafters are some of the best people in the world for coming up with various many parts of the world. Roving woodsmen
types of quick shelters. Regardless of the materials, location or design, the idea is the same: would traverse the North American forests,
Get out of the elements quickly, and find some way to vent or retain heat. looking for pelts. They’d carry with them
Generally, quick shelters are carried with an individual or are quickly manufactured with linseed oil-soaked canvas shelters. Even
materials found on-site. If the intention is for it to be portable, a priority is that it should be today, a simple tarp achieves much the same

‹ Far left: Prebuilt
lean-tos might not be
the best all-season
shelters, but during
the rainy months
between spring and
summer, they’re
excellent options.
‹ Near left: Caves

and overhangs make
excellent emergency
shelters ... if they’re
free of wildlife and
the rock formation is
stable.
purpose and hits all three goals of quick or pop rocks when a fire is placed close by.
setup, light weight and compactness. Discretion should be used for fire and bed
1.3 Clothing and Modular Sleep placement if the potential exists for loose or
Systems falling rock hazards.
In Scotland, kilts or larger pieces of fabric 2.3 Abandoned Buildings
called “plaids” (pronounced "plades") were When I think of opportunistic shelters,
often used as shelters and blankets as much abandoned buildings immediately come to
as they were clothing. Currently, the military mind. These will often have inherent risks
has pieces of clothing and raingear that from internal structural issues, along with
can easily double as shelters in modified mold or even being popular with human or
configurations. In a pinch, even a good wool wildlife visitors.
blanket can serve as rain gear, a tarp, cloak
and a blanket. 3.0 BUILT SHELTERS
Shelters have been constructed from a ‹ Above: Vehicles practically anywhere. They’re available for
could be excellent
2.0 OPPORTUNISTIC SHELTERS very broad range of materials. Constructed short-term shelters,
every sort of environment and can accom-
No one is above staying in unique places rock and mud dwellings housed some of but they generally modate from one to 20 (or more) people.
offer only limited
when their safety or health is on the line. the oldest-known civilizations. Currently, security and privacy.
Some are heavy and are intended to be set
Luckily, the developed world is full of steel, concrete and wood dominate building up for a season or longer; others weigh so
opportunistic shelters just waiting to be material choices. little that they can be carried everywhere
exploited. 3.1 Lean-tos/Cabins and set up in minutes.
2.1 Vehicles Outdoorsmen are renowned for building 4.2 Campers
Safety and privacy are a concern here, but it’s efficient and useful shelters, and they often Depending on your part of the world,
not uncommon for people to use their vehicle last much longer than necessary. Many campers and caravans are sought after
to stay safe, whether it’s functional or not. decades (and even longer) after these for their ability to simulate a home away
This option can limit the ability to create a fire, shelters were built, it’s not uncommon to from home. They can also cost as much
stay warm or cool, or cook if the vehicle isn't find them in the woods for temporary or as a home but are often equipped with
properly outfitted. Privacy and location can occasional use. luxuries not easy to find (such as a solar
also be concerns if the vehicle is immobile. 3.2 Storm/Fallout Shelters charger, bathroom and water tanks) in other
2.2 Overhangs and Caves While less common, these shelters are manufactured shelters.
Natural formations can often offer some meant to be used during disasters. Fol-
of the best shelters available. It’s no mess lowing World War II, many buildings were
and no fuss! Generally, these shelters will designated as shelters because they were
provide a safe place over a long period of believed to be strong enough to protect
time and don’t change often. What you saw people from many Cold War threats. Most
when hiking as a child might still be there, of these spaces have been repurposed, but
ready to be used as a shelter. some can still be found.
2.2.1 Safety Note
Caves can be dangerous shelters in many 4.0 MANUFACTURED SHELTERS
› Right: Militaries all
areas. This is often because bears, coyotes, Manufactured options are easy to find and over the world have
wolves, foxes, skunks and a plethora of other are relatively easy to use. There are options multi-purpose mod-
ular clothing—such
animals call many caves “home.” Look for for everyone and styles to match everyone’s as this poncho—that
tracks and other signs of inhabitance before comfort level and budget. can also be used
to build shelters.
setting up camp. It’s also important to note 4.1 Tents (Photo: Jonathan
that many rock overhangs can often split Tents are common and easy to find Kilburn)

TIPS
BE FLEXIBLE
WHEN SEEKING
SHELTER LEARN TO THINK 'OUTSIDE THE BOX.'
A
BY JONATHAN KILBURN
ny shelter, no matter the people using it who make it suit their particular requirements.
location, needs to cover Everyone’s needs will change according to numerous variables
some basic needs: It needs and time, but knowing what you need and what you want will
to protect you from the heat, allow you to keep your shelter comfortable and effective.
cold, sun, precipitation and
pests; offer a place to set down belongings; 1.0 A PLACE TO REST YOUR HEAD
provide a dry place to sleep; and give some We all require shelter, and when time is short to find or build
sense of security. Fancier shelters meant for it, basic needs should be satisfied over comfort. Establishing
long-term use might even provide heat and and preparing a “base camp” can be instrumental in surviving
cooking capabilities, bathing and toileting successfully.
areas, space to cultivate a garden and room 1.1 Temporary Portable Shelters
to expand. 1.1.1 Carried Options
No matter what type of shelter is nec- The easiest solution is to always have some sort of shelter
essary at a given time, it’s the person or on hand that can be assembled and taken down easily and
› Above: Hammocks are much more difficult and time consuming to set up in new locations. However, they can
offer some of the best protection from cool nights, wind, rain and bugs. (Photo: Jonathan Kilburn)
› Left: When using a tarp, survival shelter fundamentals should be followed.

Wooden frames and raised beds are essential, even when the overhang is
natural material. (Photo: Jonathan Kilburn)

› Near right: Fire
and cooking should
be kept outside the
shelter whenever
possible to avoid
wildlife, other hu-
mans and runaway
fires. (Photo: Jona-
than Kilburn)
› Far right:
Abandoned
buildings off the
beaten path might
offer enough cover
for a few nights—or
a few years. Care
should be taken
in choosing a safe
building, because
nature reclaims
structures quickly.
(Photo: Jonathan
Kilburn)
‹ Left: When
traveling alone and/
or being responsible
for your own
personal sheltering
needs, building off
an existing structure
to augment your
needs can keep
you relatively
comfortable. (Photo:
Jonathan Kilburn)
› Above: Not only are tarps lightweight, reasonably durable and able to
be set up quickly, they can also be set up using natural materials that can
be made or scavenged. (Photo: Jonathan Kilburn)
quickly. Tarps, hammocks, wool blankets, lightweight tents and even circumstances make it difficult or impossible for an individual to make their own shelter. In
multi-purpose rain gear can provide basic temporary cover. times such as those, a carried option can save a life.
1.1.2 How Long Is “Temporary”? 1.2.3 Choose Materials Wisely
While these are great temporary shelters, they’re not intended for Natural materials are never perfectly clean and devoid of possible attractions to unwanted
daily use and will wear down with time. They’ll also require mainte- pests—from insects to scavenging animals. No quickly built temporary structure will be as
nance and could leave the occupant(s) exposed to the elements. For sterile or secure as a finished home. With this in mind, take a little time to make sure your
instance, camping gear is often designed to get you through a single found materials don’t have bug infestations, tantalizing fruits or berries, or other features
season and might not provide the performance the user needs. that could attract wildlife.
1.2 Temporary Fixed Shelters 1.3 Manufactured Shelters
1.2.1 Sticks and Stones 1.3.1 Buildings and Campers
Every survival book contains diagrams and directions for building In survival situations, it’s easy to assume that buildings that look abandoned really are.
or finding a survival shelter. While these work, they also take time They often look barely habitable, but they might actually be home to animals or other
and resources, require exposure to the elements and can burn lots humans. Underground shelters might be different ... but caution should still guide you. If it
of calories that you might not have to spare. It’s also important to looks good to you, it’ll look good to other humans and animals.
find a location with a lot of building materials available nearby. With 1.3.2 Structural Safety
proper planning and a decent stockpile, your temporary shelter can Buildings decay and can be damaged by the same events that caused you to seek alter-
still be durable and effective. native shelter. Checking for soft floors, weak framing and falling ceilings is paramount to
1.2.2 Room for One remaining safe inside while resting.
Temporary shelters are often small and built to house one person, 1.3.3 Ecological Safety
and each person is typically responsible for building their own. Some Mold, animal feces and carcasses, dangerous gases and other toxins are real threats to your

well-being. There’s a huge list of potentially 2.1 Don’t Cook Your Own Goose! › Top right: Fallout
dangerous things to watch out for, especially 2.1.1 Fire Preparations shelters might not be
clearly marked and
in survival situations. Common sense rules When possible, various types of fire might look like just
here, but when your “sixth sense” kicks in, it’s preparation can assist in masking the light or another inconspic-
uous room. (Photo:
better to move on or use an exterior wall to reducing the amount of smoke visible during Jonathan Kilburn)
build a shelter off of. the day. Makeshift rocket stoves, using a
1.3.4 Evading Attention “Dakota” fire hole, fire fencing or even natural
There’s no way to completely avoid discov- smoke diffusion can help prevent flames and
ery if others enter and inspect a structure smoke from attracting attention.
you’re in. You can minimize the chances 2.1.2 Wind
by being discreet in everything—carefully No matter how a person hides their fire, it’s
choosing where you set up, how you manage important to know the direction of the wind
sound and light discipline, and not creating and adjust the location of the fire if needed.
smoke or smells with a cook fire. If you can’t A fire without air is a pile of branches; with
post a sentry, it’s possible to create alarms too much air or moist fuel, it’s a signal.
and reduce your chances of being surprised
by others by scattering empty cans and bot- 3.0 UNCONVENTIONAL
tles or broken glass at likely access points. OPTIONS
Knowing the immediate area and patrolling Nothing is worse than being caught
daily will help reduce the chance that someone unprepared. Sometimes, there are options
or something will sneak up on you. that are only bred through necessity rather
1.4 Opportunistic Shelters than preparation. Human beings come up
1.4.1 Vehicles with some unusual techniques that prove › Middle right:
Long, underground,
Any enclosed, four-wheeled vehicle could effective for staying safe when their lives windowless hallways
make an excellent temporary shelter. There depend on it. such as this are often
all that’s needed
are major limitations in insulation from the 3.1 Many Purposes, One Solution for a fallout shelter.
sun, but often, the vehicle is just an immedi- 3.1.1 Multi-Purpose (Photo: Jonathan
Kilburn)
ate shelter that can keep anyone safe from Many people keep items on hand for disas-
most inclement weather and animals. ters, depending on the climate. Blankets kept
1.4.2 Lean-to/Cabin in the vehicle for warmth during the winter can
Wildlife areas have long maintained lean- also be used in the spring/summer months
tos, and sometimes, even cabins, as a way as quick shelters or supplemental clothing.
for visitors to stay safe from the elements (Think about the rain poncho discussed earlier
and rest for a while. However, they’re gen- and then determine multiple uses for the gear
erally placed on located trails and might be you keep on hand.)
frequented by many people, depending on 3.1.2 Convention Meets Innovation
the situation you’re in. Far from “unheard of” is using garbage
1.4.3 Friend or Foe? bags as a way to stay insulated and dry
It’s entirely possible that someone might during harsh weather. Often, they’re filled
invite you to share their shelter. Whether with leaves and used as a bed or blanket. › Bottom right: While
you accept the offer is highly subjective and Alternatively, they’re ripped open and used rocks aren’t the best
substrate (as the
needs to be based on your assumption that as a tarp, for collecting raw water or just author learned),
they might not be as altruistic as they’d like for trash pickup. Many different types of small shelters such
as this can be perfect
you to think. If there’s even a chance you unconventional items can be repurposed to for stopping while
could put yourself at risk, it might be better help you stay in the game. on the move and
can be large enough
to spend the night in the rain rather than 3.1.3 Contingency, Not Redundancy for multiple people.
not waking up in the morning. All too often, people get caught up in hav- (Photo: Jonathan
Kilburn)
ing a backup for a backup. While this might
2.0 A PLACE TO COOK YOUR FOOD work in some situations, it’s not possible in
An essential aspect of being able to all survival situations. Yes, contingencies
shelter in place is being able to eat in that need to be in place in case a shelter fails,
environment. When it comes to cooking, but it doesn’t have to be another shelter you
it should be done as discreetly as possible carry around “just in case.” Backup locations,
and separately from your shelter. This helps supply caches, multi-purpose clothing, gear
mask your shelter from humans who might and tools, and the knowledge and imagina-
spot your fire. It also keeps animals away tion to fix broken gear are all more valuable
that might be in search of food. than having an excess of supplies.

LTER
GUIDE
MORE THAN A ROOF

OVER YOUR HEAD
SHELTER IDEAS THAT RUN THE RANGE OF NECESSITY
P
BY JONATHAN KILBURN
reparing now means that when it comes time to use the tools you’ve invested in, your focus can be on the important tasks of the moment. If you wait until
trouble arises, you won’t have the time—or clarity of mind—to accomplish everything you’ll need to do in the limited time you’ll have to make decisions and
take action.
Gear choices should be researched, and product purchases should be tested and used to gain experience with them before you need them for survival.
Here are some shelter gear choices we think you might like.
Ameristep Deadwood Stump

Blind
While not a conventional shelter, a hunting blind is the perfect
shelter. Not only does the camo pattern help blend in seamlessly
with the surroundings, it also offers exceptional all-around views.
This blind isn’t meant to be carried for long periods of time but,
in a pinch, it’ll help keep someone safe from the majority of the
elements.
MSRP
$279.99
URL
PHOTO: JONATHAN KILBURN
Ameristep.com
Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket

Pendleton has a reputation that’s been well-known for more than
150 years. Its wool Yakima Camp Blanket is the perfect addition to
a vehicle, cabin or home. Wool is known for retaining 80 percent
of its heat when wet, and it can provide additional warmth or
shelter during a disaster. Pendleton combines quality wool with
proven manufacturing practices, ensuring these blankets will last.
The twin size measures 66x84 inches.
MSRP
Starting at $169
URL
Pendleton-USA.com

Decathlon Quechua 2 Tent
Quick tent setups can be essential for both the tent novice
and those on the move. The Quechua 2 uses a pull system that
allows for easy and quick tent deployment, once staked, in even
the harshest environments. The Quechua 2 is a two-person tent
that measures 80.7x57.1 inches, with a center height of 43.3
inches. Its total weight is 10.4 pounds. This is the perfect option
for those with limited strength or movement or even those
prone to an old “sports injury” that occurs "when it rains."
MSRP
$199.99
URL
Decathlon.com
Minuteman Rocket Stove

At 14 pounds, the Minuteman Rocket Stove isn’t the lightest
wood-burning stove on the market, but its design is one of the
most efficient, and it’s essentially smokeless. With enough
weight to secure itself to the ground and support a cooking pot,
it’s a transportable stove that can be suited to anyone’s needs
for heating and cooking. Use small sticks and other biomass
for fuel to deliver up to 1,200 degrees (F) to your cookware.
The Rocket Stove is self-contained and is a great option for
vehicle-sheltering or someplace that’s more established as an
emergency shelter, including a bug-out location.
MSRP
PHOTO: JONATHAN KILBURN
$199.95
URL
MinutemanStove.com
Etowah Tarps MUST Kit

The Etowah Tarps MUST Kit includes a nylon ripstop tarp with
12 tie-out tabs, six aluminum stakes, 50 feet of 2mm cord and
a storage bag. The tarp measures 66x108 inches, and the kit
weighs just 24 ounces. Etowah’s tarps are durable and light-
weight and are made in the U.S.A. I carry one in my “in-the-
field” bag. It goes everywhere with me and weighs practically
nothing.
MSRP
$33
URL
PHOTO: ETOWAH OUTFITTERS
Shop.BackpackingAdventureGear.com

GETONTHEMOVE!
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO ESCAPE DANGER.
BY DANA BENNER
T
he decision to move might not be yours to make. drive out. Perhaps your home is surrounded ‹ Above: In some
cases, this could be
This year’s forest fires and hurricanes often found people being asked to by water, and it’s still rising. The only way your only way out.
leave “now”! Those without a plan in place often found themselves in a out might be by boat. Watercraft such as Horses can go where
motor vehicles can’t
quandary and wasting precious time trying to figure out what to do and where canoes and rafts have been used for centuries (and they can also
to go. to transport people and cargo, so they, or find water better
than anything with
As a hurricane is approaching your town or a forest fire is cresting the next ridge isn’t the other appropriate vessels, should be part of wheels!).
time to try to figure out what you’re going to do. You must have a plan—or multiple plans— your plans.
already in place so you’re prepared to move on very short notice. 1.4 People Power
Where are you going to go, and how are you going to get there? These are plans that must These options rely solely on an individual’s
be in place long before they are needed. This section will look at modes of travel and travel fitness and stamina. You’ll be extremely
preparation. limited to what you can carry.
1.4.1 Bicycle ‹ Below: Small, all-
wheel-drive SUVs are
1.0 MODES OF TRANSPORTATION This is generally a one-person mode of very popular—for a
There are many factors that’ll dictate how you move from point A to point B. They include, travel. However, some bicycles can be out- good reason: They’re
more fuel efficient
but are not limited to, a person’s health, the terrain, weather and other people. fitted with bags and racks for carrying sup- than larger vehicles
1.1 Conventional Vehicles plies or with carts for transporting people and can handle
tighter spaces and
This would typically be the family car, SUV or pickup. If the roads aren’t blocked, flooded, (especially small children) or gear. While less-than-ideal roads
washed away or crowded with other people, this is the most logical way to go. If you’ve technically capable of carrying heavy loads, and conditions.
Just remember that
planned and practiced for such a moment, everyone in your family or group can grab their what a bicycle can do is governed by the they’re not 4X4s.
go-bags, the pets and be gone in a matter of minutes. In most cases, you’re limited to surface fitness and health of the person peddling (Photo: Dana Benner)
roads, so prepare for traffic and detours. Above all else, give yourself plenty of options, which
means ... get started early in the emergency.
1.2 Off-Road Vehicles
Because the goal is to get yourself and your family to safety, going off-road shouldn’t
be your first choice. Off-road vehicles might give you a sense of security, but they can’t go
everywhere; and, if you get into trouble, you’ll be on your own. Accidents and mechanical
failures are much more likely when you’re off the pavement, so before you head off-road,
read and study maps and do some scouting. Many logging roads and forestry roads dead-
end in the middle of nowhere. They might be washed away or overgrown so much that you
can’t safely or easily pass.
1.3 Watercraft
Maybe you find that the roads are severely flooded and that there’s no way you can safely

and the type of terrain and surface they’re
traveling on.
1.4.2 On Foot
At one time, humans walked everywhere
and, in some places in the world, they
still do. Supplies are limited to what each
person can carry on their back. Even so,
traveling by foot shouldn’t even be consid-
ered for those with severe medical issues or
physical disabilities ... unless, such as in an
extreme emergency, walking out to safety is
your only option.
1.5 Horse Power › Top left:
In some cases, your only way out could Properly loaded, a
bicycle might turn
be in a direction without roads. If this is out to be a viable
the case, your best way out might be on option. Many new
electric off-road bikes
the back of a horse. Horses can carry a are available that
great deal, use no gas and can go places a can make this mode
of transportation
motorized vehicle can’t. So don’t overlook much more worthy of
any options you have when you need consideration.
alternatives to your original plan.

› Top right: While
not the author’s first
2.0 KEEP MOVING choice, this scooter
Issues will come up that slow or temporarily could be used if it truck, bicycle, horse or the pack on your gravity and the fact that you’re traveling on
were the only option.
interrupt your progress. Don’t let them stop Obviously, you can’t back. The better the load is balanced, the two wheels. The heaviest items should be
you if you haven’t reached your intended take much, but it fewer problems you'll have. stowed as low as possible to help maintain a
could get you to
destination. Things will break, and "Murphy’s safety. (Photo: Dana 2.3.1 Your Vehicle safe balance.
Law" says, “If it can go wrong, it will.” Careful Benner) Whether your vehicle is a true passen- 2.3.4 Horseback
preparation beforehand can minimize, if not ger car, an SUV, crossover or a pickup, it’s Be kind to your horse! Balance the load
eliminate, potential problems. › Above, right: Don’t important to spread out your load. Doing so evenly, and don’t make the horse work
dismiss canoes and
2.1 Pack Light kayaks for getting will save you gas and also take some of the harder than it has to. Be especially sure that
Just because you have a pickup or a big out of flooded areas. strain off your vehicle’s engine, suspension none of your gear creates “hot spots” on
They can go where
SUV doesn’t mean you have to load it to the some motorized and brakes. Heavy loads—such as boxes of the horse’s body or inhibits its movement.
top. Take only what you absolutely need to boats can’t. (Photo: canned food, ammunition, tools, fuel and When possible and safe, dismount and walk
Dana Benner)
survive (your mother’s wedding dress isn't water—need to be the first items in the with the horse from time to time to give it a
one of those items!). vehicle ... and they need to be spread out. bit of a break (it’ll probably be a welcome
2.2 Don’t Overload Lighter-weight items can be put on top. change for you as well).
Every vehicle is rated for a certain maximum Fuel, food and water need to be placed 2.3.5 On Your Back
weight. Check the owner’s manual for this where you can get to them without having Keep in mind that whatever you’re car-
information before you start building your list to unload half your cargo to access them. rying is putting a strain on your back, legs
and loading stuff. First, take into consider- As you pack, think about what gear or and feet. It doesn’t matter how good your
ation the human cargo weight, as well as supplies you’ll probably need first so you pack or your hiking boots are; if you over-
that of any pets. As part of your preparations, can position items for easier removal when load, you’ll feel it. This can lead to many
assemble everything you plan to take and you’ll need them. types of injuries, and even small issues can
see how it compares with your vehicle’s 2.3.2 Watercraft stop you dead in your tracks. Distribute the
remaining maximum weight. Adjust your Watercraft of any kind can be tricky. The weight as evenly as you can, and wear the
load accordingly. Just because you haven’t hit wider the craft, the more stable it is. Even pack’s waist belt properly to take some
the maximum load rating doesn’t mean you so, all cargo, even passengers, should be strain off your back by focusing most of
should add nonessential items. evenly spread out, and care should be taken the load on your hips. Again, properly
2.3 Balance the Load to minimize movement of people and cargo loading and balancing your pack will have
Anyone who’s ever traveled by canoe will while the watercraft is away from shore. a huge impact on how far you can get on
tell you how important it is to balance your 2.3.3 Bicycle your feet.
load. The same principle goes for your car, Balance is the key. Remember the center of

TRAVEL TIPS TO
TAKECARE OFNOW
THE SUCCESSFUL BUG-OUT BEGINS WITH A VIABLE PLAN THAT'S
ALREADY IN PLACE.
BY DANA BENNER
› Know your routes. For instance, this is the

main route out of Key West, Florida. You might
want to leave at the first sign of danger to avoid
traffic problems, because it’s also the only way
back to the mainland. (Photo: Dana Benner)

TIPS
D
espite the many transportation modes available, The key is to make that vehicle the best will often dictate what type of vehicle
in all likelihood, when you have to move away from and the safest it can be. is best and how you need to set up that
dangerous situations, you’ll be using a motorized I’ve read many articles on this subject. vehicle.
vehicle (a car, SUV, pickup, etc.). No one can tell Many are good, while others sound like an 1.1.1 Maintained Surface Roads
you which of these vehicles is better, because this advertisement for brand “X.” I am from the For most people, maintained surface roads
is a personal choice that depends on a host of different factors. “KISS Principle” (“Keep It Simple, Stupid”) will be the route taken. Many urban areas
The vehicle you use might just have to be the one that you have school of thought. In other words, don’t have marked out emergency evacuation
closest at hand. make it any more complicated than it has routes. These carefully planned routes are
to be. Take stock of what you’re working usually the safest and best maintained and
with and what you have at your disposal. are normally patrolled by safety personnel.
If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it; however, be They’re suitable for all vehicles. If they go
prepared to fix it when it does break ... in the direction you want to go, know these
because it will. routes. Drive them often before an emergency.
Are they foolproof? If not, devise a backup plan.
1.0 THE PLAN 1.1.2 Back Roads
I can’t emphasize enough the need for Where I live in New Hampshire, there
a well-thought-out plan. When times are are more “back roads” than paved. These
good, you need to train to the plan. This roads can range from maintained gravel to
includes other members of your party. Why? two sets of tire ruts. For this reason, most
Because when something does happen, people here drive all-wheel- or four-wheel-
you want your actions to be second nature. drive vehicles. While standard passenger
Wasted movement is wasted time; and cars can navigate some of these roads, if
in an emergency, you don’t have time to you’re driving a standard sedan, avoid them
waste. Practice the plan, follow the plan and if at all possible.
be ready to adapt the plan as necessary.
Note: Just because you have and practice 2.0 PERSONAL SAFETY
a plan doesn’t mean you can wait until the Even during emergencies—when we should
last minute to execute it. Be ready, willing all be working together—there seems to be
and able to move earlier, rather than later, no shortage of bad actors looking to take
in an emergency. advantage of the situation. To keep you and
1.1 Your Route Out your family safe, it’s best to avoid potential
The route to safety that you plan to take problems. Don’t compromise yourself.
› Above: Yes, this is extreme, but it makes the author’s point: Bright-and-flashy draws attention.
(Photo: Dana Benner)

2.1 Keep a Low Profile ‹ Above, 3.0 WHAT TO CARRY
left: Vehicle
“Flashy” isn’t a good thing. A bright-yellow maintenance is a It goes without saying, or at least it should, that it’s extremely important to keep your
Hummer with massive tires will draw more must. Check your vehicle in top operating condition. That means regular fluid checks and changes, inspecting
belts, hoses, fluids
attention than a white Hummer with stan- and other wear belts, hoses and brakes, and keeping the tires—including the spare—properly inflated. Even
dard all-terrain tires. The same goes for items on a regular then, things do break, and you need to be prepared to fix them when they do.
basis. (Photo: Dana
tricked-out, camouflaged pickup trucks. Benner) 3.1 Tools
Both the yellow Hummer and the camo It’s impossible to carry every tool that you might possibly need, but a simple tool box with
‹ Above, right:
truck will draw unwanted attention. Even Five-gallon water the basics (adjustable wrenches, a socket set that’s appropriate for your vehicle, hammer,
roof-mounted cargo boxes turn heads. Try containers are pliers and slotted/flat- and Phillips-head screwdrivers) should take care of many problems.
the best way to
to be as nondescript as possible. transport the water 3.2 Other Tools
2.2 Plan Your Stops you’ll need. (Photo: Automotive tools are not all that you need to pack. Shovels (folding or entrenching
Dana Benner)
You’ll eventually need to stop for fuel or tools) and chopping tools (axe or machete) are handy to have. Never forget duct tape and
to take a bathroom break (especially if electrical tape, 550 cord, zip-ties, extra belts, bulbs, wiper blades, hoses and fluids. Plastic
you’re traveling with children, elderly folks storage totes with lids are cheap and will keep everything organized.
or pets). If you plotted your route correctly, 3.3 Medical Items
know where the safe areas to stop are Medical needs for those within your party must be taken into consideration. A fully
found. If possible, stick to that plan, but stocked first aid kit is a must. In this day and age of COVID-19, make sure you have plenty
always have a backup. Remember: Your ‹ Below: This of face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. If anyone has special medical needs,
pickup is
vehicle will probably use more fuel than nondescript make sure to carry all prescription medications and anything else that person needs.
you’re used to, depending on the load and and draws no 3.4 Food and Water
attention, yet it
the road conditions. carries everything Food and water—enough for longer than your anticipated trip—need to be included. Not
Never wait until you're on “empty” to the author needs. only will you need to cover your travel time, which could take much longer than it does in
(Photo: Dana
stop for fuel. Take into account that your Benner) good times, but you might also have to support yourselves after you get to your destination
planned stopping point might be compro-
mised, so you’ll need to move on. Large,
state-run highway rest stops are usually
safe options, because they’re well-lit and
patrolled. The emergency you’re trying to
escape could change, so, wherever you stop,
never let your guard down.
2.3 Firearms
Firearms use is always the last resort, but
it never hurts to have one as a means of
protecting your family ... assuming you’re
skilled with it. When times are good, spend
some time at the firing range to learn
how to use it; this includes practicing how
to deal with confrontational situations.
Remember that visible firearms will draw
people, or their attention, like a moth to a
flame. And there’s no need to go tactical;
just have this tool available if it’s needed.

‹ Above, left: An axe,
(assuming you don’t have provisions pre-positioned where you’re going). There’s never such even a small one,
a thing as having “too much” water and food. should be part of
your gear. You might
3.4.1 Food for the Road need it to clear brush
If at all possible, stay away from canned food. While great in the shelter and for the long or a fallen tree along
your path. (Photo:
term, they’re not great for traveling. Plastic totes of canned food can add hundreds of Dana Benner)
pounds of unnecessary weight. Stick to freeze-dried, dehydrated or ready-to-eat food.
‹ Above, right:
Many meal packs can be stowed in a plastic storage tote, thus saving space and weight Snacks, such as these
and protecting the packaging. Be sure to include in your supply any water that’s needed for from Honey Stinger,
are good to have,
these foods. because they’ll keep
3.4.2 Snacks you going between
meals. (Photo: Dana
It’s important to have snacks on hand—whether or not you’re traveling with children. Once Benner)
on the road, you’ll want to limit your stops, so make sure to have plenty of healthy snacks
onboard to keep hunger pangs at bay. › Right: Propane
3.4.3 For Your Pet bottles for running
stoves or lanterns
When putting together your packing list, you must take your pet into consideration. Bring could be needed 5.0 NAVIGATION
plenty of food and water for your four-legged friend. along the way. They Even if you’ve planned your primary route,
must be stored
3.4.4 Water properly while you’re things could suddenly change. Make sure
The most precious item to have is also the heaviest. Figure that you’ll need a minimum on the road. (Photo: you have good regional or larger maps in
Dana Benner)
of 1 gallon per person per day just for drinking and hygiene (more if you're moving in the case you need to make a detour. Don’t rely
summer). Multiply that by the number of people and the number of days you expect to be entirely on GPS or your smartphone.
out ... and that equals a lot of water. Depending on your vehicle, you might not be able to Use all your assets and double-check
carry that much water, so carry as much as you can. yourself often. (For more advice on this
topic, see the “Navigation” section, which
4.0 COMMUNICATIONS begins on page 40).
Having proper communication is vital to your safety. Roads or bridges could be washed
out or blocked by storm or accident debris. Your destination could be in worse shape than
where you started out. There could be long lines or no power at your planned fuel stops.
In fact, the list of surprises could go on. Starting before you leave, you need a way to get
updates on the situation and any problems you should avoid on your journey. If there are
multiple vehicles in your party, you also need to be able to communicate between/among
them. › Right: A stocked
medical bag is always
4.1 Cell Phones in the author’s
Make sure you have at least one fully charged, working cell phone and a dependable vehicle. The red
strap makes it easy
way to recharge it. Sure, cell towers might be down or the system overwhelmed, but a cell to identify as a
phone will be your lifeline ... until it's not. medical bag. (Photo:
Blackhawk)
4.2 Two-Way Radios
There are many options, as covered in the “Communications” section (beginning on page
92 of this PREPPER issue). Use them to monitor emergency channels, trucker channels and
others to learn about road closures or other problems ahead of you or coming your way. You
can also use the radio to call for help if something happens. If your radio also has the ability
to monitor weather information from NOAA, that’s an added bonus.

NSPORTATION
GUIDE
GET'INTOGEAR'
AND GO T
here’s a great deal to plan for when preparing for an emer-
gency move. Food, water, medical items, navigation and
communications are added to personal gear. The key is to
not be concerned about the amount of gear you take; it’s
about having the right gear and knowing how to use it.
THE RIGHT STUFF FOR WHEN When sorting through your gear, ask yourself—
• Does it serve multiple purposes?
IT’S TIME TO MOVE OUT • What are the benefits versus the cost of carrying this?
• Do I really need it? Remember: You aren’t on a camping adventure;
BY DANA BENNER
you’re escaping danger.
Gerber 9-Inch Black Hatchet

An axe is always good to have, but when size and weight are
issues, go with the Gerber 9-inch Black Hatchet, which weighs
only 20 ounces. The head is forged steel and has a PTFE coating
to reduce drag. Its unique grind gives the edge greater cutting
efficiency and can hack three times deeper than average grinds.
The handle is made with FiberComp shock-absorbing composite.
Gerber’s Black Hatchet comes with a slim profile sheath.
MSRP
$48
URL
GerberGear.com
PHOTO BY DANA BENNER
Coleman Rugged Folding Camp

Shovel
A shovel of some sort should be part of your gear. The durable,
steel Coleman Rugged Folding Camp Shovel has an open length
of 23 inches and a folded length of only 10 inches. The blade
is four tools in one, with one side sharpened to hack tinder
and kindling. The other side is serrated to cut roots and small
branches. There’s also a nail-puller at the tip. In addition, you
can lock the blade at 90 degrees from the handle to make a hoe
that’s handy for scraping away sand and mud from wheels. A
storage pouch is included.
MSRP
$27.99
URL
Coleman.com

LT Wright Overland Machete
For removing brush from your path or harvesting small branches
for firewood, nothing beats this blade! Made from 1075 steel, this
machete keeps an edge and is easy to sharpen. The Overland
Machete measures 19 inches, with a 12-inch, sharpened edge. It’s
available without a sheath or with your choice of leather or Kydex
sheaths.
MSRP
Starting at $165 (with a leather sheath)
URL
LTWrightKnives.com
EverStart 750 Jump Starter and

Compressor
You never know when you’ll need to jump-start your car or inflate
your tires. The EverStart 750 can do both. This product has 750
peak amps and 375 instant amps, which will jump-start most
vehicles. The compressor has a maximum pressure of 120 psi and
an AutoStop function. The Sure Fit nozzle accommodates tires,
sports equipment and more. It’s rechargeable via a built-in 120V
AC charger. Just plug it in at home to charge it for upcoming trips.
MSRP
$39.87
URL
Walmart.com
Old Town Discover 119 Solo Canoe

Never underestimate the value of having a canoe, especially if
you live in a flood-prone area. The Discover 119 is 11.75 feet long,
weighs 56 pounds and has a maximum capacity of 354 pounds.
While it’s designed for one person, there’s room for plenty of gear
or other cargo. It’s stable in the water and relatively easy to handle
on the beach or when portaging. Its contoured, padded seat, along
with an adjustable back rest and adjustable foot brace, makes
long days on the water a bit easier.
MSRP
$999.99
URL
OldTownCanoe.com

NSPORTATION
GUIDE
Midland MXT115 MicroMobile
Two-Way Radio
Communication is vital when you’re on the move. Whether it’s
with other members of your party, first responders or just keeping
yourself or others updated on conditions, the MXT115 has every-
thing you need. This 15-watt radio can broadcast up to three times
the range of typical handheld radios. It has eight repeater channels,
15 high-power GMRS channels, 142 privacy codes and picks up the
NOAA weather alert channel. Its small, 5x5.25x1-inch size allows
for many installation options.
MSRP
$149.99
URL
MidlandUSA.com
Hyper Tough 113-Piece

Mechanic’s Tool Set
No matter how well you take care of your vehicle, things will wear
out or break. In many cases, a simple kit of basic tools can get you
back on the move. The Hyper Tough kit contains most of the tools
you’ll need to get back on the road. SAE and metric ¼- and 3/8-
inch drive sockets, wrenches and a wide variety of hex bits, along
with hex key wrenches, are included. All parts snug into a hard
plastic case that can easily fit behind a car seat.
MSRP
$19.97
URL
Walmart.com
The New Primal Sea Salt Beef

Thins
Healthy snacks are extremely important on the road, especially
when there’s added stress related to bugging out. The New Primal
Sea Salt Beef Thins look like jerky but crunch like chips—bringing
two comforting food experiences together when you need them
the most. Each 1-ounce bag provides 13 grams of protein and is
gluten free. There are eight bags in a package.
MSRP
$35.95
URL
TheNewPrimal.com

Rubbermaid 20-Gallon Brute
Tote With Lid
It’s a given that the more stuff you have, the better it needs to be
organized. These heavy-duty, commercial-grade, polyethylene
totes are a great way to keep food, gear, tools, maintenance
supplies and other items clean, mobile and readily accessible. Lids
snap snugly into place, keeping animals, pests, dirt and weather
away from your critical materials. The totes measure approximately
28x17.5x15.25 inches and are stackable for efficient use of space.
MSRP
$191.70/6 totes and lids
URL
GlobalIndustrial.com
MAX Multipurpose Tool Kit

When you're on the road, you have no idea what obstacles might
lie around the next bend. With eight functions, the MAX Multi-
purpose kit is a serious, off-road tool that can get you past most
impediments standing between you and safety. The base tool has
a 34-inch polyglass handle and an axe head with a flat back that
can be used to drive tent pegs and handle similar impact tasks.
Attachable implements include a shovel, a Pulaski tool (adze),
small and broad picks, and a McLeod blade with rake and hoe
tools. A leather axe sheath and Cordura tool bag are included to
keep the tool kit safe and organized.
MSRP
$249.95
URL
ForrestToolCo.com
Sea To Summit Lightweight

Dry Sacks Three-Piece Set
Whether you’re on the water or in an SUV, it’s always a good
idea to protect your gear from the elements. The dry sacks in
this three-piece Sea To Summit set use rolltop construction to
provide submersible water protection. Sizes include 1-, 2- and
4-liter capacities. Their lightweight, 70D nylon construction offers
sealed seams for durable protection. Simply close a bag, engage
the buckle, and you’re ready to go outside. The carry handle has a
D-ring for easy attachment to a pack or for tethering in a boat.
MSRP
$42.95
URL
SeaToSummitUSA.com

› Facing the barrel of a gun,
your best option is going to be
compliance until you have an
opening to act or escape.
YOUR HOME
ISYOURCASTLE PROTECTIT!
F
BY JIM COBB
or far too many people, the concept of security begins and ends with firearms.
While defense weapons are an important component of the plan, they
shouldn’t be the entire plan. There are many facets to a well-rounded approach
to security—from hardening the home to protecting your digital assets.
1.0 PRIVACY
Keeping things close to the chest is one of the best ways to avoid being a target. Often,
we have a tendency to reveal far more than we should ... and we do so without thinking.
1.1 Conceal Big Purchases
Big-ticket items often come in large boxes. Dragging the empty box to the end of the
driveway for pickup tells anyone going by that you just bought a brand-new TV or another
item that might interest them in what else is in your home. A better idea is to slice up the
box and slip it into your recycling bin.
1.2 Keep Preps Under Wraps
Whenever possible, store your extra food, water and supplies out of sight. There are no
prizes for bragging rights. Make judicious use of closets, basements, space under beds and › Above: There are prepared. Nevertheless, you don’t want to
few things more
whatever storage space you have available. Just remember to keep “grab-and-go” items devastating than expose yourself as a potential target for theft.
such as bug-out bags in locations that are easy to access with only a moment’s notice. coming home, only Weigh the risks of sharing this information
to find you’ve been
1.2.1 Creative Storage robbed. with others and act accordingly.
You can conceal long-term goods “in plain sight,” in a sense. Use boxes or totes and
label them “Grandma’s sleepwear” or something similar. The idea is that if someone were 2.0 SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
to search the home, they’ll probably pass up something like that. “Situational awareness” is a popular term
1.3 Loose Lips Sink Ships in the security and defense world, as well
This is a double-edged sword, because you might want to help family and friends get better as among preppers—and for good reason.

› Below, left: Hackers are always looking for an opening.
Use your head, along with common sense.
‹ Above, right: Learning how to get hit and keep coming back
Basically, it means to be aware of the training from a qualified instructor. This is a big benefit of self-defense training.
world around you so you can act as needed should go beyond strikes and blocks and
before, or if, a threat arises. incorporate mental fortitude, as well as the ‹ Below: A couple of small cameras can be
tremendous assets to your home security.
2.1 Put the Phone Away aforementioned situational awareness.
When you’re out and about, keep your 3.2 Weapons
phone in your pocket instead of in front of Because defense response should be
your face. You can’t be observant if your something of a spectrum rather than a
biggest concern is who’s posted what on singular approach, your arsenal, such as
social media. it is, should incorporate less-than-lethal
2.2 Be Abrupt if Needed options as well as firearms.
If there’s one positive that’s resulted 3.2.1 Less Lethal
from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s a height- Pepper spray is a popular choice, and it
ened awareness when people get too close works well. Opt for a stream rather than
to you in public. Don’t be afraid to be firm a fog-type dispersal. In addition, stun
about this, because the closer someone guns can be quite convincing when used
is, the more of a threat they could be. properly.
If you’ve tried to be polite and it didn’t 3.2.2 Blades
work, be blunt. However, avoid being Many people carry knives for defense
confrontational. but have little or no training for this sort data safe rather than relying on hopes and prayers that nobody will
2.3 Technological Assets of use. Furthermore, using a knife as a bother with you.
Motion-sensitive cameras and lights are weapon takes a certain mindset; one that 4.1 Antivirus Software
great for perimeter use at home in order most folks don’t possess naturally. If you’re Like locks on doors and windows, the best antivirus software in
to increase your ability to keep tabs on determined to carry a defense blade, seek the world is worthless if you don’t use it. Have it set up to scan
what’s happening in your area. They might out training on how to use it properly. attachments before you open them, as well as perform a complete
not work during a grid-down scenario, but 3.2.3 Firearms system scan on a regular basis.
they’ll work well until that happens. Carrying a handgun isn’t a responsibility 4.2 Phishing
to take on lightly; nor should it be done “Phishing” refers to attempts to glean your personal data through
3.0 DEFENSE without proper training and regular prac- fraudulent e-mails or other communication. Never directly respond
If you’re threatened or attacked, you tice. You need to be able to hit your target to e-mails asking for your information or click on links embed-
should be prepared to take appropriate confidently ... or the weapon is useless to ded in such e-mails. Go to the bank’s (or other entity’s) website
action. This might not always mean deadly you. directly yourself. Better yet: Call them to find out what’s going on,
force is needed. Be sure to check local laws if anything.
to avoid carrying something that could get 4.0 DIGITAL PROTECTION 4.3 Passwords
you into legal trouble. We live in a world in which computers are Use a unique password for every website or account. Make it
3.1 Training part of our daily lives, whether we like them something you’ll be able to remember but that’s nearly impossible
Seek out martial arts or self-defense or not. It’s best to learn how to keep your to guess. Never use names, including those of your pets.

BATTEN DOWN
YOUR HATCHES!
› If you can prevent a burglar or
other ne’er-do-well from getting
into your home, that’s half the
battle right there.

TIPS
HARDEN YOUR HOME—
AND YOURSELF—AGAINST
WOULD-BE ATTACKERS. 1.2 Firearms
While firearms use is largely a judgment call, there’s little debate against a firearm increas-
BY JIM COBB ing your ability to defend yourself against an assailant. Seek out training in firearms use
S
and maintenance. Marksmanship skills are perishable, so devote time regularly to the range.
Know the pertinent gun laws that apply—both for where you live and where you plan to
ecurity is a vitally important element of your carry firearms.
overall preparedness plan. After all, if someone 1.2.1 Concealed vs. Open Carry
can easily take your supplies and gear, what’s the This is a popular debate. Weigh the pros and cons for yourself, and make the best deci-
point of collecting it all in the first place? sion for you. If the weapon is concealed, it’s less likely to be taken from you before you can
Take the time to invest in the equipment, as well use it. On the other hand, open carry might provide some level of deterrence for someone
as the skills, needed to keep you and your family safe. How- who’s still deciding if they want to engage in “shenanigans.”
ever, be sure to check local laws to avoid carrying something 1.3 Flashlight
that could get you into legal trouble. Staying safe from harm isn’t limited to defending yourself against an attacker. A good-quality
pocket flashlight will help you navigate your way through dark areas to avoid trip hazards and
1.0 EVERYDAY CARRY (EDC) such. In a pinch, a powerful light that's shined right into someone’s eyes might also be enough
There are a few items you should carry on your person as you of a distraction for you to be able to get away. Some medium- and larger-sized lights can
go about your daily life that’ll go a long way toward keeping be used as an impact or pressure point device in hands-on confrontations, but that requires
you safe and secure. training and practice.
1.1 Cell Phone 1.3.1 Extra Lights
In most situations, this is your lifeline to assistance. You It’s a good practice to stage at least one handheld light in most rooms of your home.
can use it to call for help, find directions to get you to a safer If the power were to suddenly cut off, you won’t have to try stumbling your way to the
location and even document what’s happening around you. kitchen or bedroom to find one.
1.4 Pepper Spray
Not all defense situations rise to a level for which lethal force is suitable. Pepper spray
works on a couple of levels, causing the recipient to have trouble seeing and breathing.
This gives you time to escape or deploy another defense option.
1.5 Knife
A knife has a certain range of efficacy—meaning that if you’re close enough to use it,
you’re close enough for the other person to grab you and kick, strike, strangle and more.
Distance is your friend, so anything you can do to maintain it is wise. That said, few people
relish the thought of engaging with someone brandishing a knife (provided they seem to
know what they’re doing with it).
› Right: Just a few

simple tools are all that’s
needed to replace a
cheap doorknob with
something sturdier.

‹ Near right: A firearm and a knife are two
of the best defense weapons to carry in
your daily life.
‹ Far right: A portable floodlight such as

this Waypoint 300 from Streamlight will
certainly light up the night, allowing you
to see what’s making all the noise outside.
2.0 HOME SECURITY

Your home is your castle. Be prepared to
protect it and keep your family safe.
2.1 Exterior
If you can prevent intrusion into your
home by an attacker or thief, the battle
might be over before it‘s even begun. 3.0 TRAPS
2.1.1 Lighting Booby traps that can cause injury are generally a very bad idea. They’re indiscriminate,
Install motion-activated lights near all meaning they can’t discern among you, an attacker, your dog or your grandchild. They can
the entrances to your home, as well as also carry some pretty hefty legal penalties. That might not be an issue after some sort of
along the driveway (if necessary). Not societal collapse, but we’ve not reached that quite yet.
only will they help deter the bad guys, 3.1 Trip Wires
they can also serve as something like an The advisement against traps notwithstanding, you could use trip lines or wires to
alarm. When the light goes on, you’ll know activate some sort of early-warning device. A simple, low-tech example is running a line to
someone or something’s out there. a couple of soda cans partially filled with pebbles. If the line is tripped, the cans fall over
2.1.2 Alarm Systems and make noise. Use different-sounding cans or other noisemakers to help you determine
You can put together a DIY alarm system where the intrusion is taking place.
relatively cheaply if you shop around for
the components. Prioritize your objectives 4.0 NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
and set up motion sensors and the like There are many benefits to getting those around you involved with community-based
near the most "desirable" areas to enter security.
your home or gain access to your stuff, such 4.1 Eyes Everywhere
as your garage (vehicles, tools) or shed, While not everyone lives in an actual neighborhood, if most of the neighbors are looking
and along with the driveway, if it’s long out for one another, they can alert the others to potential threats via a phone call, text
enough to warrant it. message or even a group chat that's set up online.
› Below: Learning
2.2 Trim Hedges and Bushes just a few good
4.2 Make Plans
Burglars don’t want to be seen. Keep self-defense moves When it comes to actions that could be taken, it’s important for everyone to be on the
can get you out of
any plantings near windows and doors many dangerous
same page. For example, a “shoot first, ask questions later” approach isn’t a good idea
trimmed so it’s difficult for someone to situations. anytime, but especially if members of the neighborhood routinely go for walks at night.
hide behind them.
2.2.1 Use Thorny Plants
Planting things such as rosebushes and
other thorny plants will further discourage
someone from lurking in them.
2.3 Locks and Deadbolts
Harden your home by installing
good-quality locks on all exterior doors and
windows. Adding deadbolts to the doors
will provide one more layer of security.
Above all, though, you need to actually
use the locks. Keep the doors and windows
secured when they’re not in use.
2.4 Cameras
Exterior camera equipment has become
very affordable, including models that
offer two-way communication. They’re
easy to install and allow you to see what’s
going on outside from the safety of your
living room.

› Left: Spending time
at the range is good,
but try to add in high-
stress simulations or
a semblance of real
situations that’ll get
your blood pumping
and your adrenaline
flowing.
› Top right: Installing

a new deadbolt
requires basic
handyman skills,
but it dramatically
increases the
security of the door.
4.3 Added Benefits

› Right: Talk to
As you and your neighbors get to know one another, you’ll learn who has useful skills for
residents in your
now, as well as for after a potential collapse. Who can repair engines? Who knows how to area about setting
reload ammunition? Who hunts or traps? up a Neighborhood
Watch program.
5.0 TRAINING
Nobody’s born knowing empty-handed defense techniques or proper weapon-handling
skills. While classes can be pricey, they’re cheap ... compared to the loss of a family member.
5.1 Martial Arts
There are many disciplines that lend themselves to real-world use, rather than for showy
› Below, left: Pepper
and flashy moves intended primarily for tournaments. Krav Maga is highly recommended, spray works very
as well as Jeet Kune Do and the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). However, just about any martial well against most
attackers.
arts training is better than nothing at all. At a minimum, you’ll learn how to react if you’re
hit—something many people have never experienced.
› Below, right:
5.2 Firearms Learning that
Buying a gun is the easy part. Learn how to use it properly, as well as how to deter- someone’s been
rooting through your
mine when its use is and isn’t justified. Seek out courses that’ll include high-stress personal belongings
simulations too. can be terrifying.

SECURITY
GEAR GUIDE
GEARING UP
THE HOME GUARD
SUPPLIESANDEQUIPMENTTHATWILLPROTECTANDSECURE
here’s a wide range of gadgets and gizmos that can augment your security protocols—from cameras to lights, weapons to carry systems and
much more. The important thing to remember? No product on the planet can replace what rests between your ears. Use common sense and
logic to work your way through problems, and make decisions based on facts rather than frenzied emotion that fires off in the middle of a
situation. Training and experience are invaluable too. Seek out classes, seminars and other opportunities to pick up new skills and techniques,
as well as to brush up on the ones you’ve learned already. Remember the old adage: Practice makes perfect.
Kershaw Launch 13
The Launch 13 is an automatic knife that’s perfect for everyday carry
(EDC) because it’s slim and lightweight, yet sturdy and dependable.
The Wharncliffe blade is great for detail work, as well as slicing. Press
the low-profile button, and the CPM 154 steel blade rockets out in a
flash. The sculpted handle is anodized aluminum and has plenty of
traction for a positive grip. Closed, the Launch 13 is 4.5 inches long,
and the blade adds another 3.5 inches when open.
MSRP
$189.99
URL
Kershaw.KaiUSA.com
Ring Floodlight Cam

Pair this floodlight with the Ring app on your phone, and you’ll not
only be able to keep an eye on what’s going on, you can also speak
with whomever is out there and even activate a loud siren to let
neighbors know something’s amiss. You’ll receive alerts on your
phone when motion is detected. The lights provide 1,800 lumens,
and the camera has 1080p HD video along with color night vision.
The camera lens has a 140-degree field of view.
MSRP
$249.99
URL
Ring.com

Make Ready With Pat McNamara
Panteao Productions has an enormous video library that covers
everything from firearms and knife use to wilderness survival. In this
volume, Sentinel, Pat “Mac” McNamara covers executive protection
techniques and how to apply them to everyday life. He covers aware-
ness drills, physical protection, outfitting for preparedness, vehicle
drills and more. This DVD runs a bit more than three hours ... and not
a minute is wasted! It’s also available via streaming subscription.
MSRP
$19.99
URL
Panteao.com
Covert Card
What looks like a run-of-the-mill gift card is actually hiding a slew of
tools that could be useful in a variety of situations—from abductions
to urban escape and evasion. These are actual gift cards that have
been modified, adding a proprietary, closed-cell foam material that’s
hidden inside the card. It’s coated on one side with a reusable adhe-
sive that allows the tools to be removed and replaced. These include
a handcuff lockpick, rake lockpick, diamond rod saw, ceramic razor
blade, tension tool and more.
MSRP
$37
URL
Shomer-Tec.com
A Canine Companion
If you’re willing and able to take on the lifelong commitment,
you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better early-warning system than
a dog. Dogs’ senses of hearing and smell are far better than ours,
and they have a natural inclination to want to protect their “pack,”
which includes you and your family. However, unless you’ve gone
through handler training, don’t push for a true security or attack
dog. Just head to your local shelter or rescue organization and pick
up your new best friend.
MSRP
Cost varies by shelter
URL
ASPCA.org

SECURITY
GEAR GUIDE
Self Defense Marker
Sometimes, you need to be discreet—maybe even sneaky—when it
comes to carrying a defense weapon. Few people would question
seeing a marker in your shirt pocket, but this one hides a durable
metal spike inside. This Self Defense Marker is brass. However, maker
Nick Huffman also makes them in other materials (such as steel).
The spike is securely affixed inside, and there’s plenty of weight to
make it comfortable to use (just don’t tell your workplace’s human
resources person about it).
MSRP
$13
URL
Facebook.com/groups/2583597898568068
BatLight Baton Flashlight

The BatLight Baton Flashlight is constructed of type III aluminum
alloy and will withstand violent impacts again and again. The built-in
flashlight will dazzle an attacker with 450 lumens on “high,” or you
can use the strobe effect. The BatLight has a wrist strap so you won’t
lose your grip while you’re using it. The texturing on the handle means
it won’t slip from your hand, no matter how hard you’re swinging it.
It’s also weather resistant, so you can carry it wherever you go.
MSRP
$29.99
URL
GuardDog-Security.com
Ring Indoor Cam Video Camera

So small you can put it almost anywhere, the Ring Indoor Cam Video
Camera helps you keep an eye on things when you can’t be there.
Simply plug it into an outlet, and you’re good to go. It has 1080p HD
video with night vision capability, as well as a motion-activation
function. The field of view is 140 degrees (diagonal), 115 degrees
(horizontal) and 60 degrees (vertical). The camera also has two-
way audio with noise cancellation, so you can hear and see what’s
happening in real time.
MSRP
$59.99
URL
Ring.com

Escape Nickel
This handy tool started out as an actual nickel. However, it’s been
modified to contain two of the most useful tools in escapology—a
handcuff key and a sharp knife. Each of them is concealed in the coin
and swivel out for use. If you’re taken and searched, nobody’s likely
to notice loose change, much less a lowly nickel. It also comes in a
euro version for those who travel internationally. (Just make sure you
don’t accidentally spend it on your next cup of coffee!)
MSRP
$54
URL
Shomer-Tec.com
Concealed Carry Waist Pack

Fanny packs aren’t as common as they once were, but few people
will notice if you have one under your untucked shirt. This model
from Rothco carries more than just your wallet and a snack. There’s a
concealed-carry pocket at the rear of the pack, keeping your weapon
secured until you need it. There are also three multifunctional outer
pouches, as well as the standard center pocket. The waist strap is
adjustable to 51 inches, and it has a quick-release buckle.
MSRP
$29.99
URL
Rothco.com
Streamlight ProTac 90X USB

Flashlight
Powered by either one Streamlight SL-B26 rechargeable battery
pack or two CR123A lithium batteries, the ProTac 90X USB Flash-
light provides a whopping 1,000 lumens on “high.” Alternatively,
you can dial it down to 300 lumens on “medium” or 65 lumens on
“low.” It utilizes the Streamlight TEN-TAP Programming that allows
you to switch among three different operating programs. The
multifunction, push-button head switch is easy to use, even with
gloved hands. A light such as this will keep you from barking your
shins while you search the house for intruders.
MSRP
$115
URL
Streamlight.com

WATTS UP?
EFFICIENCY IS
DOWN
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO REDUCE
YOURNEEDFORELECTRICITY.
W
BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES
‹ This large solar e’ve all met the man who can live in the woods with next to nothing 1.2 Electricity for Cooking and
panel installation
will also provide
(maybe just a knife), wears leather skins and has learned to live off Kitchen Uses
shade to the animals rats and squirrels. He brags that he pays no taxes and has no electric Today’s modern kitchens have so many
on this homestead.
or gas bills. I say, Good for him! electric appliances that you’d think you
However, we realize that we don’t desire to live off-grid in a cave and couldn’t cook at all without them! This
eat rats. Most of us have a family to support and a comfortable home to maintain. Even wasn’t always the case ... and needn’t be
so, whether or not you’re concerned about the high cost of modern living or modern life’s for you either. Simply purchase manual
degradation of the environment, you’re still interested in living better for less. devices for all your food processing, such as
For most of us, the biggest expenses in life, besides our home, are the costs associated with for opening cans, juicing, slicing, mixing and
living in that home and farming in relative safety and comfort. But, because our energy bills blending.
seem to constantly increase, we wonder if there’s a way to live that’s simultaneously better 1.3 Electricity for Computers and TV
and cheaper. Fortunately, modern computers and TVs
There is such a way, and it’s the result of hundreds of little choices. You don’t need to pull can be powered with minimal electricity or
the plug entirely and jump into an Amish lifestyle (unless you have the desire and ability to even via solar panels and batteries that are
do that). And there’s also the issue that constantly nags at us: How do we maintain life on charged by them. At the very least, analyze
our little plot of land in the aftermath of a disaster? the relative importance of being online
and how necessary it is to your personal or
1.0 ANALYZING OUR DIVERSE NEEDS business survival. If it’s a must-have, use a
If you’re trying to reduce your bills and your electrical dependence, it’s important to small battery and an inverter powered by
identify all the ways in which you currently use electricity. Of course, you can see how many the sun for your power.
kilowatts of power you use each month by reading your bill, but that doesn’t provide the 1.4 Electric Tools and Equipment
details you’ll need to know in order to figure out what you can reduce. Yes, this is more Our modern electric tools help us with
difficult to do if you have a very large family or farm or if you’re trying to reduce costs for a auto repairs, carpentry, gardening and other
large business. Nevertheless, here are some things to consider: tasks. Some tasks, such as gardening and
1.1 Electricity for Lighting landscaping, never needed electricity in the
When I visited Amish families in eastern Ohio, I observed how all their workshops had large, first place! A shop owner should consider
south-facing windows, and all their work tables were near the windows so they didn’t need installing an independent power system;
electric lights. For light at night, they had oil lanterns. So, consider light tubes—ingenious this means adding solar panels, recharge-
ways to passively bring sunlight indoors—added to your home. able batteries and the best inverter that

would suit their needs. Carpentry and lawn work can easily be done
with manual tools. › Near right: Kitchen
wheat grinders are still
1.5 Refrigeration made and sold. (Photo:
There’s no “manual" alternative for refrigeration, and the modern Lehman's)
refrigerator is the least energy-efficient appliance in today’s home.
However, there are ways to make a refrigerator more efficient: Buy › Far right: Wood-
and coal-burning
an efficient, Energy Star-rated refrigerator. Periodically clean the stoves are available
coils on the back (if they’re exposed) to maintain efficiency. Locate at dedicated stores,
as well as at some
it in the coolest part of the house, and add extra insulation to it. hardware stores.
Reduce the volume of food that must be refrigerated so you can (Photo: The Stove
Place)
reduce the size of the appliance needed. The freezer should always
be on the bottom, because cold descends. ways for a more energy-efficient way to live.
1.5.1 No Refrigeration Needed Fill out the simple chart below to see where and how much power you’re using so you
For emergencies, always buy dried, canned and foods in retort can decide what to reduce or eliminate. Add a row and enter the data for every device you
pouches that don’t need refrigeration. expect to power. Add up all the figures in the far-right column. That total will be used to
1.5.2 Ventilation Cabinet determine the required size of your system. Another, more common, option is to do your
Where possible, build a ventilation cabinet in your home. It will power survey research and then just buy as much as you can afford:
allow a breeze from the basement up through to the attic. This was • Device loads or power requirements can be found on information panels attached to the
a common feature in kitchens in the pre-electric days. devices.
1.5.3 Solar • Based on your requirements, decide how large a solar array or other electricity generation
You could run an efficient refrigerator with 12V DC solar panels so system is needed.
the refrigerator would still operate, even if there’s a blackout. • Build your generation and storage system accordingly.
1.5.4 Chest Freezer AC Electrical Device Hours of Days of Use Divide Average Watt-
Get a chest freezer, which is very efficient, inexpensive and doesn’t x x =
Device Watts Daily Use per Week by 7 Hours per Day
use a lot of power. They’re efficient because you tend to not open
Lamp 60 x 4 x 5 = 172
them often.
1.6 Medical Uses x x =
In some cases, lack of electricity for medical devices means you’ll
x x =
die. When you plan your emergency backup power system, consider
using a small refrigerator that runs directly via the sun to keep x x =
medical supplies cold. x x =
x x =
2.0 HEATING AND COOLING YOUR HOME
Heating and cooling a modern home is one of largest wastes x x =
of energy, and much of those energy outlays can be avoided by x x = Total of Above
relatively simple measures.
2.1 Insulation 4.0 NON-ELECTRICAL ALTERNATIVES
A heavily insulated building (walls, ceiling and floors) will be Most electric appliances and devices replaced earlier manual versions that are still
cooler in the summer and warmer in winter. Double-paned windows available (such as juicers, can openers and coffee grinders). Bigger energy savings come
improve the comfort level of homes and can reduce the amount of when you eliminate the garbage disposal and dishwasher. You can then fill those voids with
outside noise you hear. Trapped air or gas between the panes acts storage space.
as insulation, and a Low-E coating reflects infrared energy to keep In a shop, change to a pump drill, hammers, handsaws and other tools that everyone—just
higher outside temperatures outside. two generations ago—took for granted. In the yard, discard the blower and weed-whacker
2.2 Home Design and use a rake and broom.
High ceilings help keep rooms cooler in the summer, but they’re
more expensive to cool and heat. Ceiling fans can help, but that adds 5.0 THREE WAYS TO REDUCE ELECTRICAL DEPENDENCE
cost and load to your power system. Lower ceilings make it easier to 5.1 Do Without
adjust the comfort level of rooms. A white roof will reflect the heat There are many devices you really don’t need, and your life would be no worse off without
in summer and keep the home approximately 15 percent cooler (pas- them. I don’t use an electric clothes dryer; I simply use a clothesline! I open cans with a
sively). And, if you’re building a home or need to replace your roof, manual opener. You can figure this one out for yourself.
investigate the possible benefit of using insulated roof panels. 5.2 Use Less
2.3 Energy Management By practicing a little self-discipline, you can reduce what you use to just what’s needed.
Only cool or heat the rooms you’re working or sleeping in, and Don’t leave lights, the radio or TV running if you’re not using them. Take shorter showers,
remember to adjust the thermostat appropriately at night. and wash only large loads of laundry to improve efficiency.
5.3 Use More-Efficient Equipment
3.0 DO A HOME POWER SURVEY Most new appliances are much more energy efficient than those sold even five or 10 years
This is one of the first things you should do if you want to find ago. The sooner you can modernize, the sooner your energy use will diminish.

REDUCING DEPENDENCE
MEANS REDUCINGDEMAND
SCALING BACK TO THE NECESSITIES IS THE FIRST STEP
TOWARD ENERGY INDEPENDENCE.
BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES

TIPS
› Below: A view of photovoltaic panels on 1.0 CONSTRUCTION MATTERS 1.2 Learn From Other People’s Experiences
the roof of Glenn Forbes's house. These are
used to supply power to numerous devices How a house or other building is built Examples abound regarding how people have scaled back or
in his home. (Photo: Christopher Nyerges) determines how energy efficient it will be. eliminated their electricity use. We’re only a handful of generations
While there are codes and requirements away from a time when homes had no electrical devices. Admittedly,
› Bottom, right: This generator has been for how much insulation must be installed people had less leisure time then, but those who opt for this way of
around for a while, waiting patiently until
it's needed. With only 66.6 hours on it, this in buildings, these should be considered life today can take advantage of other modern conveniences to use
unit has a lot more service life left in it. the absolute minimum by those who want their time more efficiently than our ancestors.
(Photo: Christopher Nyerges)
to reduce their energy consumption below 1.3 Amish Power
the norm. One of the best ways to learn how to wean yourself away from
1.1 New Construction excess electrical usage is to study Amish communities. Practices
Much of the expense of heating and vary by location, but there’s much to be gained by studying their
cooling the modern home can be signifi- methods. Amish families use very little electricity and are very
cantly reduced if the walls are made thicker selective about how they access the small amount they do use.
and fully insulated when the house is built.
A well-insulated home will stay cooler in 2.0 LIGHTING
summer and warmer in winter, with no extra There are plenty of non-electrical lighting methods, including
energy costs. There are other passive ways some that have been around for millennia.
to create an efficient home as well, such as 2.1 Combustion
orienting the house to take advantage of One ancient source of lighting is flame. Sources include candles,
sun, shade and wind patterns. slush lamps and oil lanterns. (Note: Be extra careful with an open
If your house is already built, you should flame. Some insurance policies will be voided if you have open
do everything you can to reduce your heat- flames in your house.)
ing and cooling expenses before you worry 2.2 Battery
about an alternative electrical system. You There’s also a wide assortment of battery-operated lamps and
should begin by doing whatever you can flashlights, which are available virtually everywhere. I suggest
to insulate walls, ceilings and floors above buying only devices that use “common” rechargeable battery
crawlspaces and basements. Then, you sizes (such as D, C or AA). A solar charger for your batteries is a
should find ways to create summer shade. big plus.
This is usually done by extending the eaves 2.3 Passive
over the south-facing windows. These will Passive ways to bring lighting into your home during the day
offer shade in summer and still allow the include skylights and light tubes, which are sold at most home
sun to enter in winter. improvement stores.

exceptions). Alternatively, most power
tools are available with rechargeable
batteries as their power source. Once again,
rigging an appropriately sized solar power
generation system can keep your must-
have power tools running without adding to
your electric bill.
5.0 SOLAR PANELS

Solar panels are readily available these
days, and most will last for several decades.
They are easy to mix and match. It’s proba-
bly OK to buy these used or discounted, but
always do an electrical check before buying;
in addition, visually inspect the panels for
damage.
6.0 BATTERIES
There are numerous chemistry options for
› Above: Glenn 2.4 LED Bulbs batteries to include in your power genera-
Forbes inspects the
vertical axis wind A quick and good step toward reducing your electrical use is to replace all your incan- tion system. Your specific situation will help
tower he built with descent bulbs with LEDs. They produce a comparable light and usually last longer than you determine the best battery choice for
his father. Keep in
mind that mainte- incandescent bulbs. They’re available anywhere that sells light bulbs. your needs.
nance becomes your 6.1 Forklift Batteries
responsibility when
you step away from 3.0 REFRIGERATION If your budget allows, a 48-volt forklift
the utility compa- If you must have a refrigerator to keep food or medical supplies, consider the solar option. battery could be the best choice for a larger
nies. (Photo: Christo-
pher Nyerges) For instance, SunFrost refrigerators are made to run on 12 and 24 volts DC and are up to photovoltaic (PV) system. Properly main-
five times as efficient as regular refrigerators. They can be supported by a solar power tained, it can last 20 years. If possible, look
generation system. If necessary, this system can be backed up by an inverter that can pull for a source of recycled or used batteries.
power from the grid. Companies often change out the batteries
and sell them for surplus.
4.0 MANUAL TOOLS 6.2 Technological Upgrades
Always consider the option of manual tools instead of power tools. This is especially New battery technologies are continually
important if you live in a remote area where electricity might not be reliable. Manual tools being introduced, so do your research to
are generally available for nearly every task done by electricity (although there are some stay abreast of new developments.
› Near right: Angelo

Cervera demon- 7.0 INVERTERS
strates one of the Most inverters made for the United States
many radio/flash-
light combination convert 12-, 24- or 48VDC and produce
devices powered 120- and 220VAC at 60 hertz. There are
by the sun—or by
turning the crank many inverters to choose from; your choice
when the power depends on what you’re trying to power.
goes out. This model
also includes a USB
port for recharging 8.0 GENERATORS
a cell phone or
other small devices. A generator might be a good option for
(Photo: Christopher you. However, before you buy one, consider
Nyerges)
your demand and how much it’ll run. Gener-
ators are classified as “continuous-duty,
short-term use or emergency use only of
› Far right: An
short duration.” This makes a big difference
inverter converts 12 in price. The best generators are designed
volts DC electricity
into 110 volts AC
for continuous operations.
(which is what the Bear in mind that this probably won't
standard U.S. house
uses). This 1,000-
be a way to reduce your energy expense,
watt inverter was because you’ll be trading equipment, fuel
used by the Miller
family. (Photo: Chris-
and maintenance costs for your electric bill.
topher Nyerges) In addition, generators are loud and can be

‹ Far left: This is
the battery pack
used in the home of
Glenn Forbes. The
electricity produced
in the solar panels
is stored here until
it supplies the
demand from his
electric system.
(Photo: Christopher
Nyerges)
heard over significant distances. You should take this into account, as well as methods to
reduce the noise if that’ll be a problem.
‹ Near left: This is a

9.0 SOLAR SYSTEMS vertical axis wind
If you’re trying to assemble your own system in order to either go off the grid or just create some tower built by Glenn
Forbes and his
of your own power without cutting off completely, here’s what one couple did to get started: father. A unique fea-
9.1 The Plan ture of his neighbor-
hood, the tower will
The Millers had long wanted to utilize the sun to produce electricity. The original plan was turn (and generate
to have a system for powering an office for using a laptop computer, a light, fan, phone electricity) at very
low wind speeds.
machine and a small cooler. After much discussion, they purchased a Portawattz 1,000-watt (Photo: Christopher
inverter (which can run continuously at 800 watts), two 98-amp batteries rated for 250 Nyerges)
cycles, two 64-watt Uni-Solar panels and all the hardware from a nearby solar electrical
installer that had a good reputation.
The installer wired the two panels together in series. The batteries were connected in parallel
and then wired to a controller panel that was kept near the batteries. Everything wired into
the controller—including the batteries, the lines from the panels and the line leading to the
inverter. The inverter was mounted just inside the Millers’ home office wall, so the installer had
to drill a hole through a stucco wall to pass the wires from the controller to the inverter.
9.2 Analysis of the System
9.2.1 Two Uni-Solar 64-watt panels, wired together in series for a total of 128 watts (the
actual CEC rating is 60 watts. This is the difference between the theoretical and the actual
wattage you can expect). This is the production end of the system.
9.2.2 Two Deka 12-volt DC batteries rated at 98 amp hours and connected in parallel. This is
the storage end of the system, from which the power is actually drawn. Batteries are “de-rated”
about 20 percent efficiency, meaning that all the power can’t be taken out of them.
9.2.3 A 1,000-watt inverter. This is how the 12-volt DC current is converted to the house-
hold power of 110 volts AC. The inverter is “de-rated” between 5 and 10 percent, meaning
that with a 1,000-watt inverter, only about 800 watts are usable.
9.2.4 Controller: SunSaver 10, which allows up to 10 amps of PV power into it. This system
currently uses two UniSolar 64-watt panels that are rated at 3.88 amps.
9.3 Analysis of Usage
9.3.1 The computer uses 150 watts to operate. If the Millers run the computer eight hours
a day, that’s 150 x 8 = 1,200 watt hours per day.
9.3.2 The two solar panels generate 64 watts x 2 = 128 watts x approximately five hours ‹ Left: The Aladdin
lantern produces
of usable sun, equaling 640 watt hours generated. Therefore, although this system is fine nearly the same
for operating a laptop computer, some lights, a fan and a telephone machine, it should be brightness as an
incandescent bulb.
expanded in order to operate more appliances.

ENERGY
GEAR GUIDE
GETTHE POWER TO
THE PEOPLE
T
here’s no way to generate electricity without some “stuff.” Whether it comprises
EQUIPMENT AND the components of a generator, solar panels, a dynamo or some other device, this
INFORMATION FOR
is one area for which we need some outside resources. The first step in gearing-up
is to determine the bare minimum you’ll need to cover your must-haves during an
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE emergency, whether it’s just for overnight, for several months or longer.
Solar power has the most universal potential, but don’t rule out other options if they make
BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES more sense in your situation.
TRAVELSOL AA, AAA, C and D

BATTERY CHARGER
Rechargeable batteries are a great idea, and many of our devices
use the sizes that this unit charges. These batteries can be cycled
hundreds of times, and the solar panel means you’ll get yours
charged for free! This portable unit allows you to keep Ni-MH or
Ni-CAD AA, AAA, C and D batteries charged. Simply insert the
batteries and put the solar charger in the sunlight. Batteries are
not included.
MSRP
$8.95
URL
SiliconSolar.com
HALO BOLT DEVICE AND CAR

CHARGER
The Halo Bolt is a portable charger for your car when its battery
goes dead. It also doubles as a charger for your laptop or cell
phone via its two USB 2.4-volt charging outputs. It plugs into an
AC outlet to keep it charged, and the charge lasts for about six
months. It only weighs 26.6 ounces and is compact enough to slip
under your vehicle seat. A set of auto jumper cables is included,
and it also has a built-in LED floodlight for emergencies.
MSRP
$159.99
URL
Zagg.com

UPG SEALED LEAD ACID BATTERY
Universal Power Group produces a wide range of batteries for
personal and commercial use. This 12-volt, 100Ah, deep-cycle,
lead acid battery is maintenance free and suitable for solar
panel- or wind-generated power storage. Its dimensions are
12.17x6.61x9.16 inches, and it weighs 55 pounds. Absorbent
Glass Mat (AGM) technology provides superior performance.
The battery's valve-regulated, spill-proof construction allows it
to be mounted in any position. In addition, it resists shocks and
vibration.
MSRP
$299.99
URL
Walmart.com
HILUCKEY 25,000mAh SOLAR

CHARGER-HI
This highly portable, waterproof unit has a solar charger with
four solar panels and a built-in polymer battery. It can charge
your phone eight to 10 times on a single charge. Compatible with
smartphones, tablets and other similar devices, this charger has
two USB outlets and comes with a micro-USB cable to charge it
and an integrated LED flashlight with SOS mode. When the four
foldable solar panels are stowed, this 1.2-pound unit measures a
bug-out bag-friendly 6.1x3.35x1.37 inches.
MSRP
$46.99
URL
Hiluckey.com
AIMS POWER 5,000-WATT

POWER INVERTER
The compact, 5,000-watt Modified Sine Wave Power Inverter
converts direct current stored in batteries into AC electricity for
home appliances and devices. It can also be run off a vehicle,
boat or RV's 12-volt system. This model has two AC outlets, each
with a maximum output of 1,500 watts. It has over-temperature
and overload protection and is protected by an internal fuse.
A voltmeter and amp meter are located on the front panel. At
16.92x7.95x6.1 inches and 18 pounds, it’s small enough to be
moved if the need arises.
MSRP
$479
URL
AIMSCorp.net

ENERGY
GEAR GUIDE
HENRY DURA-BRITE WHITE
ROOF PAINT
A white roof has been proven to passively reduce the heat in an
attic and keep a home cooler in summer, leading to lower elec-
tricity costs. Henry Dura-Brite is a 100 percent acrylic, reflective
elastomer that lowers energy bills and improves the durability of
your roof. It can be brushed, rolled or sprayed on coated, metal,
rubberized asphalt and rubberized mastic roofs. A 0.9-gallon
can covers approximately 100 square feet. Larger containers are
also available.
MSRP
$24.97
URL
HomeDepot.com
MPOWERD THE LUCI ORIGINAL

SOLAR LANTERN
This is the original inflatable solar lantern. It features an adjust-
able carry strap, four modes with up to 65 lumens of output, and
a runtime of up to 24 hours on a single charge. The Luci Original
is a good option for keeping areas of your home lit when there's
no electricity. It recharges in seven hours in the sun. It collapses
to 5x1 inches when not in use and weighs only 4.4 ounces, so it’s
easy to take with you if you have to leave home.
MSRP
$24.95
URL
Mpowerd.com
THE NEW SOLAR ELECTRIC HOME,

3rd EDITION
The original Photovoltaics How-To Handbook, acclaimed as "the
best of the books," is now revised, expanded and updated for our
“new age” of photovoltaics. Condensing years of hands-on and
industry experience, photovoltaic pioneers Joel Davidson and Fran
Orner tell you everything you need to know to take your home
to the solar level. This book comprises almost 500 pages and
includes the basics of photovoltaics, how the components work,
how to select them and how to create your own code-compliant
system.
MSRP
$39.94
URL
Amazon.com

Twice The
Adventure,
One Low Price
SAVE ONLY $42.95

BIG
Get a 1-year subscription to both
American Survival Guide and
Knives Illustrated and save 71%
on the combined cover price! Limited-Time Offer:
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Fill out the order form below and mail it, along with your payment information, to:
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J T CUT That’s 19 issues for a total savings of $106.86 on the cover price.
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Outside U.S., add $49 per year for postage. Payment in U.S. funds only. additional discount on offer price.
ENERGY
GEAR GUIDE
THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO
SOLAR POWER FOR YOUR HOME
Dan Ramsey’s The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Solar Power for Your
Home, 3rd Edition helps readers understand the basics of solar
(photovoltaic) power. Further, it explores whether it makes sense
for their situation, what their options are and what's involved with
installing various on- and off-grid systems. Ramsey has written
more than 20 books about construction contracting, building, and
homeowner remodeling and repair topics. This is a good read for
both the beginner and the advanced DIYer.
MSRP
$19.95
URL
Amazon.com
THE SELF-SUFFICIENT HOME

Written by regular American Survival Guide contributor Christopher
Nyerges, The Self-Sufficient Home: Going Green and Saving Money is
the product of his interviews with over a dozen people who built their
own solar electrical systems and who practiced other self-reliant
methods. It includes lots of details that’ll enable you to follow in their
footsteps and develop a comfortable and satisfying lifestyle that can
be maintained at a relatively low cost.
MSRP
$19.95
URL
SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com
CAT POWER STATION AND

AIR COMPRESSOR
The CAT Professional Power Station provides a vehicle jump-starter,
a 1,000-amp power supply and an air compressor, all in one. The
1,000-peak-amp jump-starter has enough power to jump-start
most 12-volt vehicles, including trucks and SUVs with large V-8
engines. The unit is also a 200-watt power inverter that allows
you to power tool chargers, laptops and small personal electronic
devices. It has four USB charging ports to power and recharge USB
devices such as mobile phones and tablets. It also provides a 12-
volt DC accessory-charging outlet and a front-mounted LED work
light. The 120 psi air compressor with Sure Fit Nozzle is perfect for
inflating tires, sports equipment and more.
MSRP
$99.99
URL
Costco.com

Twice The
Adventure,
One Low Price
SAVE ONLY $57.95

BIG
Get a 1-year subscription to both
American Survival Guide and
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combined cover price! Limited-Time Offer:
Act Now!
Fill out the order form below and mail it, along with your payment information, to:
Engaged Media LLC, PO Box 88761, Chicago, IL 60680-1761
ST SEND IT YES! Sign me up for a subscription to American Survival Guide and Tread for just $57.95.
U
J T CUT IT
That’s 18 issues for a total savings of $103.87 on the cover price.
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Phone Email
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Or, log on to www.engagedmediamags.com/combo_trdasg and use promo code AO04VTR1

or call 800-764-6278 to order your subscription. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of first issue. Scan QR code & pay online to get
Outside U.S., add $58 per year for postage. Payment in U.S. funds only. additional discount on offer price.
BAD COMMS LEAD TO
BAD RESULTS
1.0 HISTORY LESSONS
STAYING CONNECTED IS
KEY TO SURVIVAL.
BY PETER SUCIU
History is filled with lives that were lost because of bad communication. At the Battle of
Waterloo, Napoleon couldn't tell whether an advancing force comprised his expected French
reinforcements or the enemy Prussian forces. By the time it was determined that it was,
indeed, the enemy, France's Marshal Grouchy was executing Napoleon's previous orders and
was unreachable due to the limited communications of the day.
Nearly two millennia earlier, a Greek soldier named Philippides was sent to announce
that the Persian army was defeated at the Battle of Marathon. After running 26.2 miles,
the exhausted messenger arrived and said something like, "We are winners," before
collapsing to the floor and dying. Today, "marathon" races are the same distance in honor
of Philippides' achievement, but certainly, running such a distance isn't an effective way
of sending a message!
1.1 Creating New Problems
Improved technology hasn't solved all the problems; and arguably, it’s created new ones
along the way. It isn't enough to simply have the equipment. It must have trained operators › Above: News but those, too, were sadly disregarded. Had
spread quickly
and be properly used. about the loss of the operator stayed awake for a few more min-
During the maiden voyage of RMS Titanic, the luxury ocean liner struck an iceberg and life on RMS Titanic. utes or the flares been investigated, hundreds
Unfortunately,
sank; and while there was no hope of saving the ship from a watery grave, the same wasn't quicker of passengers could have been saved.
actually true of its passengers. In fact, the ship was outfitted with wireless (radio) that was communication 1.2 A Failure to Communicate
wasn't the problem:
used to contact vessels. The RMS Carpathia received the message and rushed to Titanic's aid Because the message There are countless other tales of radios
... yet she arrived an hour and a half too late. didn't go through, that didn't work and of equipment that
more than 1,000
Much nearer was SS Californian, which had actually warned Titanic of icebergs—a warning people died. (Photo: arrived broken, but also of reports—in military
that obviously wasn't heeded. Moreover, it was close enough that tragedy could’ve been Public Domain) lingo, "intelligence"—that was ignored. Even
largely avoided. Yet, just 10 minutes before Titanic hit an iceberg, Californian's sole radio with the right equipment, what you don't
operator shut down his set for the night and went to bed. want is a failure to communicate.
The crew of Titanic launched signal flares, which were actually seen by the crew of Californian, If you're part of a group, there should be
› \During the Battle of Waterloo, leaders on both sides had to deal with the "fog of war,"
which was amplified by the lack of communication. Smoke, similar uniforms and poor
intelligence all made it difficult to tell who was who! (Photo: Public Domain)

› Near right:
Poor communication
efforts following
the sinking of
Titanic were made
worse for those in
the lifeboats. They
had little way to
communicate with
rescue ships. (Photo:
Public Domain)
› Far right: While

misinformation is
common across
modern media,
this isn't really
new. “Yellow
journalism” and
wrong information
have been problems
with the mainstream
media for years.
(Photo: Public
a plan to communicate when anyone is you know the "real deal." Weather Service (NWS), the National
Domain) beyond the line of sight, especially during a Just because you read it online doesn't Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
crisis or emergency. It could be any plan. make it true. It’s also often too easy to trust (NOAA) and the National Climatic Data
When ham radios and walkies are em- those with the easy answers. Instead, it’s Center (NCDC) are examples of agencies
ployed, it should be predetermined what best to see any situation from as many that can generally be trusted, even in a
channels to use, times to check in and— views as possible. In other words, if you world filled with distrust.
most importantly—that the equipment rely on one network for the news, see what
is in working order. Additionally, keep the the opposition’s saying. This is part of the 3.0 NONVERBAL
channels clear of unnecessary chatter (in "know-your-enemy" strategy that’s been COMMUNICATIONS
the case of Titanic, so much information touted by experts for eons. “Communications” aren’t just about
was being relayed by other vessels that 2.1 Social Media and Forums talking to groups at great distances. As
some pleas for help were lost). There’s also been an active push of misin- we've seen with some recent events involv-
formation and disinformation spread across ing the police, the wrong action or even the
› Below: The 2.0 MISINFORMATION/ social media and other forums. Sources, as wrong choice of words can have truly deadly
National Oceanic DISINFORMATION well as facts, should be checked. It’s easy consequences.
and Atmospheric
Administration Another important consideration today is to jump on the bandwagon and "share" the 3.1 Don't Be a Threat/Don't Be a Victim
(NOAA) is among where you get your news and other infor- latest news as soon as you hear it—simply In a crisis, it’s all too easy to express
the government
agencies that mation. The country is almost as divided because you find it favorable—but you could emotions you might otherwise have kept
actively work to as it’s ever been, and there’s no denying also be spreading misinformation. to yourself. This can include fear and
ensure the American
public is alerted to that there's bias and even an agenda For instance, there’s no denying that anger, and both can be bad signals to send
hurricanes and other presented in the media at times. This can Russia could have interfered with the 2016 during a confrontation. Fear can suggest
extreme weather.
(Photo: NOAA.gov) make it hard to trust the “fourth estate” if election; part of the operation involved weakness, which can be exploited by
getting both sides of the American political individuals with nefarious motives. Just
system to point fingers. Instead of spreading as often, anger can be misconstrued as
misinformation (also known as “gossiping), hostility. Both could appear as guilt at the
it’s critical to fact-check. very worst times.
2.2 Government Sources 3.2 Keep Calm and Carry On
While it might typically be good to At the very worst of times, it’s neces-
question the motives of government, sary—even vital—to "keep calm and carry
some information presented by, or from, on" (as those annoying posters proclaim).
government agencies should be accepted Nervous energy, such as arm-waving,
as generally factual; this can include infor- erratic movements, belligerence or dis-
mation from weather services. Forecasts of connected thoughts, can send the wrong
extreme weather are situations that even message. Understandably, it might be hard
the most-well-funded prepper can't handle to keep cool and collected. Even so, in an
as well as the combined meteorological emergency or tense situation, cool heads
might of the U.S. government. The National prevail.

YOU HAVE MANY
OPTIONS FOR YOUR
COMMS PLAN
SET YOUR ‘PACE,’ BUT LEARN TO
BE FLEXIBLE.
BY PETER SUCIU
› On 9/11, cellular
communications went
down, and landlines
were overloaded. (Photo:
Public Domain/Creative
Commons)

TIPS
› Left: “Breaker,
breaker, good to 35 miles in the open air. However, keep in
buddy!” Citizen's mind that in crowded urban areas or in rugged
Band (CB) radios
might date back to terrain, the effective range could drop to just a
the disco era, but mile or so. For urban dwellers and suburbanites,
they’re still a reliable
communication these radios are still good alternatives or even
W
method today. contingency devices in a time of crisis or emer-
(Photo: Cobra)
gency, during which mobile networks could be
hen things go wrong, it’s common to fall to your knees, throw up your arms, down or unavailable.
stare to the skies and say (often loudly), "Oh God, why?" It's a reaction 2.3 Contingency: Satellite Phones
that’s all too human, but it should never, ever be part of a communications Satellite phones could be considered great
plan. Being prepared for a disaster is more than just having a well-stocked contingency devices because they don’t rely
pantry; it involves knowing how to stay in touch when things go sideways. on towers; instead, they transmit signals via
You should plan a “PACE”—the four-pronged Primary, Alternate, Contingency and Emergency satellites orbiting the Earth. However, even the
methods of communication—but, in our high-tech world, that can rely too heavily on our modern "cheap" ones can cost significantly more than
› Below: Today's
conveniences. It can also fail to take the human factor into account. satellite phones many cellular phones, and they lack the func-
are larger than tionality of a smartphone. Yet, for those who
smartphones, but
1.0 COMMUNICATION CHAIN they will work ... have unreliable cell service, a satellite phone
In a disaster, there should be a communication chain, with person “A” contacting person “B” and even when you don't could be a wise investment for today and the
have any "bars."
so on, with the final person completing the chain back to “A.” This ensures everyone was alerted to (Photo: Motorola) days to come.
a problem, or was accounted for; and if there’s a breakdown, it’s the responsibility of that person to 2.4 Emergency: Ham/CB Radios
› Bottom:
send the message back up the chain. Modern military Ham and CB radios have been used for
1.1 Broken Chain communications decades. While they might not be as “sexy”
gear has become far
One way that communication chains break down is that everyone after an accounted-for person more personalized in
can be left out of the loop. For this reason, “A” should also go to “Z” (or wherever the chain ends) recent years. (Photo:
U.S. Army)
to create a two-way link. But even that can fail and, in this case, it’s advisable that “A” also reaches
out to the middle source who, in turn, should communicate in both directions. Immediately after a
disaster or during a crisis, there can rarely be "too much" communication.
1.2 Broken Communication
The problem with a communication chain is that it can be “susceptible” to technology. In other
words, if you're relying on cell phones, but the networks are down, no amount of effort will resolve
it. For such cases, alternate methods of communication should be considered. This can include
preset key locations and times to meet up and can help overcome breakdowns from electronics.
2.0 HAVE A FOUR-PRONGED PACE PLAN

PACE can help overcome the issues of broken communication, and everyone in the chain should be
alerted to this method. This might not require everyone to have all the forms of communications.
And, as the situation reaches the emergency level, it’s best if those in the chain reach out to key
individuals who can then relay information to other key individuals.
On 9/11 in New York City, cellular signals were taken off-line, and landlines were overwhelmed.
However, voice-over IP (VOIP) was working, as were e-mail and other forms of communications.
Today, this could include social media apps and online forums.
2.1 Primary: Cell Phones
Cell phones might not seem the best option in a crisis—especially if the networks are over-
loaded—but the good thing about these devices (that just about everyone carries) is that they
do so much more than voice calls. Bandwidth-friendly texting and even social media apps
could work when calls won't go through. This makes the cell phone a good primary communi-
cation option. In a real emergency, during which it might be difficult to make a call, texting and
communications via apps can also be conducted via a smartphone or another mobile device.
2.2 Alternative: Radios
The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and Family Radio Service (FRS) comprise simple
walkie-talkies that can allow small groups to remain in communication over short distances of 5

› Top, near right: as that new iPhone, they’ll ensure communi-
A multiple-use
product such cations when others are futilely holding their
as Coghlan's Six phones to the sky, looking for "bars." These
Function Safety
Whistle is compact radios can be good for old-school gabbing but
but can allow are truly a must as emergency devices. Likewise,
multiple ways
for you to signal these can reach remote areas where there’s no
for help. (Photo: cellular service while also offering superior range
Coghlans)
to General Mobile Radios.
› Top, far right:

Signal flares 3.0 LOW-TECH COMMS
can help alert Long before Italian physicist Alessandro Volta
teammates during
an emergency. In devised the first true battery (descendants
addition, following of which enable all our portable gizmos and
an accident, they
can alert authorities gadgets to work), communication was accom-
to your position. plished through other means.
A good survival plan should include knowing
how to send signals via smoke, flags and lights
during an emergency. This can also allow for
silent communication if you’re worried about
attracting the “wrong element,” whether it’s a
‹ Middle right: A hostile individual or an animal.
Vietnam-era radio 3.1 Smoke and Mirrors
lacked the range of
today's walkie- The old expression, “smoke and mirrors,” isn't
talkies ... and it just about misdirection or concealment. If you
weighed nearly 40
pounds. (Photo: find yourself isolated off the grid, fire and smoke
Peter Suciu) remain proven ways to attract some attention
(just make sure that any fire is kept under
control). Signal flares can be used in nearly all
environments and weather conditions, day or
night. Likewise, when hiking in the desert or
traveling in open spaces, a mirror can be used
to flash sunlight to someone in your party or
air- or ground-based rescue teams. While not
seemingly as important, a mirror can also allow you to monitor your appearance, which could some minor events, such as a "routine" traffic
be crucial if you’re injured and can't otherwise stop by the police.
see that part of your body. Preparing how to respond to others might
3.2 Whistle While You Prep not seem an important part of communi-
Along with a mirror and flares, a whistle can cations, but your body language can speak
‹ Not exactly be a good low-tech method of attracting volumes. (Remember to share this advice
"smartphones"—a pair of attention. In fact, many hiking/hunting whistles about social mores with children who’re old
World War II U.S. Army
walkie-talkies. How feature built-in flashlights and/or compasses. enough to understand these concepts and
technology has advanced! So, in addition to alerting authorities or others actions.)
(Photo: International
Military Antiques) to your position, it can help you determine 4.1 Control the Anger
which way you should be going. Anger can make you seem more aggressive
3.3 Fly the Flag and less predictable. So, even on the worst day,
Even today, with digitally secure uplinks, try to maintain a cool head.
navies around the world use signal lamps and 4.2 Don't Show Fear
semaphore flags to provide relatively secure When you’re confronted in a dangerous
communication. While this requires that both situation, fear will make you do irrational things
the sender and receiver understand the mes- and could be seen as sign of weakness or guilt.
sage and are within visual range, waving a flag Control your fear as much as your anger.
certainly beats shouting! 4.3 Don't Overshare
It’s always good to make friends and, in a time
4.0 WORK THE BODY of disaster, you might need to count on the
The final consideration as part of your comms kindness of strangers. Nevertheless, limit the
plan is how to act/respond in a crisis. This sharing. Don't give away more information than
applies to a major disaster but can also include you would on any other day.

ONLINE
GO VISIT US
WWW.ASGMAG.COM
COMMS
COMMSGEAR THAT
KEEPS IT SIMPLE
A BLEND OF CRITICAL COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
T
BY PETER SUCIU
here are plenty of options for staying connected during an emergency or crisis. However, in our high-tech world, little of it keeps to the “KISS”
("Keep It Simple, Stupid") principle.
Often overlooked is what it takes to keep those devices ready to use—and that doesn't mean just keeping the batteries charged. Natural disasters,
as well as far too many man-made events, can turn today's fancy electronic gear into little more than fancy paperweights. A solid communications
plan should include a mix of high- and low-tech solutions, as well as the gear to keep it all safe and ready for those times you need it most.
Faraday Defense 20-Piece Kit NEST-Z

From your mobile phone and portable radio to your laptop and personal
medical devices, if it has a microchip or even just plugs in, all of it could be
rendered useless by an EMP (electromagnetic pulse). Faraday Defense
NEST-Z EMP bags can protect those electronics from harmful electro-
magnetic radiation and electrical currents. Each bag is 7mm thick, adher-
ing to the MIL-STD-3010C military standard for packaging materials. This
kit includes eight bags for small personal electronics, such as handheld
devices; eight for medium devices, such as a GPS unit; three bags that
can hold compact laptops and hard drives; and one large bag that
could be akin to a “mother ship” for all the bags. Like those traditional
Russian dolls, these bags "nest" inside one another, and this can provide
increased protection for those truly important electronic devices.
MSRP
$84.99
URL
Amazon.com
Silent Pocket Waterproof

Faraday Cage Bag (5 Liter)
Any nylon pack could be loaded with your important gear and dubbed
your "bug-out bag," but the Silent Pocket Waterproof Faraday Cage
Bag offers protection from the elements and dangerous electrical cur-
rents. Made of waterproof 210D nylon, this 5-liter bag can hold all your
important gear and keep it dry in variable weather conditions while
also offering a full Faraday cage that blocks cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,
GPS, RFID, NFC and other signals, including those from a key fob. If
you're going off the grid, this bag will allow those devices to be secured
and "caged from detection."
MSRP
$59.95
URL
CampingSurvival.com

Midland 50 Channel Waterproof
GMRS Two-Way Radio
In a crisis, you might need to do more with less. The Midland 50 Channel
Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio was designed for just such a scenario.
First and foremost, this set of walkie-talkies features 50 General Mobile
Radio Service (GMRS) channels, along with a channel scan to check for
activity. It also features a NOAA Weather Scan that can automatically
scan through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and lock onto the
strongest one to alert users to weather updates. The walkies feature 142
privacy codes with up to 3,124 channel options to block other conversa-
tions. These have a 36-mile range and offer Voice and Sound Activation
Transmission (eVOX) with nine sensitivity levels for hands-free operation.
MSRP
$89.99
URL
Amazon.com
UST StarFlash Micro Signal Mirror

For centuries, soldiers and travelers communicated without our "mod-
ern necessities." Among the methods used was something as simple
as a mirror, which could be used during daylight hours for sharing vital
information. This compact, ultralight signal mirror features a polished
surface with vacuum deposition metallization and a target star for
precision aiming. It’s durable enough to withstand a rustic adventure
and is also designed to work in overcast conditions and even at night,
using moonlight. While it doesn't have the range of a portable radio, it’s
something that can alert others to dangers. And, more importantly, no
batteries are required!
MSRP
$4.99
URL
Amazon.com
Coghlan's Six Function

Safety Whistle
Snow White might have touted the merits of “whistling while you
work,” but if she’d had a Coghlan's Six Function Safety Whistle, she
could have alerted her seven friends to the dangers she was facing!
This whistle features a lanyard so it can be worn securely around
the neck; alternatively, it can clip to a backpack or other gear. It also
includes a magnifier, compass, two-scale thermometer, LED light
and signal mirror and produces a shrill sound to alert others to your
location.
MSRP
$12.99
URL
Cabelas.com

TAKE
CHARGE
OF YOUR
HEALTH EVEN SMALL CHANGES
TO YOUR HABITS CAN
BE BENEFICIAL.
W
BY SUZY JEFFRIES
e rely far too heavily What happens if the grid goes down and there’s no one to provide guidance or if there’s no
on the media to tell easy access to medical services? How will you know if there’s a nuclear explosion, chemical
us if there’s an spill or a pandemic? What will you do if you or a loved one breaks an ankle, gets bitten by a
epidemic, tornado, tick carrying Lyme disease or a venomous snake or spider?
hazardous chemical To be prepared, it’s necessary to be as healthy as possible, understand the hazards in your
spill or other event that could affect our area and your environment, implement preventative measures and ensure you have a form
health and to provide guidance on how to of communication that’s independent of the grid.
‹ Below: Changing stay safe. Additionally, too many of us have
your diet to meet
your specific needs
given complete control of our health to 1.0 IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH
might allow you to doctors and pharmaceuticals. In addition, Learn as much as you can about yourself. Each of us is unique—our metabolism, genetics,
manage a health
condition without
we take for granted our ability to dial 911 in a predisposition to disease, immune systems, as well as what we’re exposed to in our work or
prescription drugs. medical emergency. home environments.
1.1 Make a Doctor’s Appointment
Get a thorough physical and blood work. Find out what your blood pressure, blood sugar
and cholesterol levels are and anything else your doctor can tell you. If you suffer from any
type of allergies, get an allergy test and learn what triggers your allergies.
1.2 Take Care of Your Feet
The wrong shoes can have a detrimental effect on your back, knees and ankles, as well as
cause conditions that can make it difficult and painful to walk. Find out if you have fallen
arches, high arches, if one foot is bigger than the other or if one leg is longer than the other.
1.3 Call Your Mom
Your parents can give you valuable insight into the family medical history. Find out what
Uncle Joe, Aunt Mary and Cousin Tom died of and if there’s any disease that runs in the family.
1.4 Go to the Dentist
Oral health should be a top health priority. Abscessed teeth and gum disease can lead to

serious health issues, including brain and Once you know yourself, research exercises
heart infections. that are beneficial for you.
1.5 Understand Why 2.4 Those Forgotten Feet
Some days, we feel great and are in a fab- Many foot conditions can affect your
ulous mood. Other days, we must force our- ability to walk, such as calluses, corns
selves to put one foot in front of the other. and bunions. Some conditions, such as
Take note of both. What did you do? Who ingrown toenails, trench foot and blisters,
were you with? What and when did you eat could allow bacteria that are potentially
and drink? Was the sun shining? What was life-threatening to enter the body.
the pollen count for your specific allergen? 2.5 Oral Health
Find out what makes the difference. Follow your dentist’s advice and, at a
minimum, brush your teeth at least twice a
2.0 TAKE CONTROL day, floss every day and use mouthwash.
Once you’ve completed research on your
specific medical conditions or predisposi- 3.0 UNDERSTAND THE
tions, you have the power to make changes HAZARDS
to improve your health, prevent conditions Regardless of where you live, there’s
from occurring and possibly manage them something natural or otherwise that can
without prescriptions. harm you. To protect against them, you
2.1 Change Your Mindset must know what they are.
Make a commitment and a focused effort 3.1 Natural Hazards
to switch from a situation of dependency on Some common natural hazards include
easily accessible doctors and pharmacies to sunburn, windburn, poisonous plants, poi-
one in which they don’t exist. sonous snakes and spiders, disease-carrying
2.2 Change Your Diet fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, wildlife carriers
Before purchasing prepared meals and of distemper and rabies, and weather haz-
processed foods, read the ingredients. While ards (such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods
‹ Top: Visit your doc-
some prepared meals and processed foods and ice storms). 4.0 COMMUNICATION tor for a physical and
(such as rolled oats and olive oil) are fine, Regardless of where you live, there are It really hasn’t been that long since people blood work to identify
any potential risks to
others are high in sodium, saturated fats and viruses and bacteria; and, if you live in an shared information by walking or traveling your health.
sugars that are linked to obesity, diabetes, area that's prone to significant rainfall, by horseback or bicycle. It might come
heart disease and high blood pressure. Mini- fungi and molds are possibilities. All of to that again. Set up a communication ‹ Above: Weigh the
difference between
mize eating out. Restaurants often buy pro- these can make you extremely ill and can network to stay informed in the event the prescription drugs
cessed foods with which to cook, and many even be life-threatening. grid goes down. and your diet.
The right diet
add salt, butter and other flavor enhancers 3.2 Man-Made Hazards Once you're aware of potential hazards to might allow you to
that might not be good for you. Find out if there’s a nuclear power facility, your health and safety, you can prioritize manage a health
condition without a
2.3 Exercise toxic waste site or other potential threat to the risks, arm yourself with the knowledge prescription.
Not all exercise is created equal; different your health nearby or where you intend to to put preventative measures in place and
exercises are meant for different purposes. relocate during an emergency. minimize those risks.
‹ Above: Flossing and brushing daily help remove plaque and food
particles, preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
‹ Left: Take care of your feet. Many conditions can affect your mobility,
and being mobile is essential—and, in an emergency, being able to walk or
run could save your life. In fact, even changing your socks daily can have
a positive effect on foot health.

ADVICE FOR STAYING
IN TIP-TOP SHAPE
20+ SUGGESTIONS THAT CAN
IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH
BY SUZY JEFFRIES

TIPS
B
eing as healthy as possible “Where in my day can I fit in exercise, and
is up to you. Know what what changes can I make to eat healthier?”
risks you face. You need to 1.2 Establish a Routine
educate yourself on ways to Establishing a routine is a great way to
lessen those risks, make a manage your time, ensure you get enough
plan and commit to implement your plan rest and incorporate exercise and a healthier
for a healthier lifestyle. diet.
1.3 Monitor Your Progress
1.0 IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD Monitor your progress and how you feel.
Changing the way we think is often difficult. And, if you’re taking prescription medi-
However, changing your mindset to take cations, be sure to involve your physician
control of health-related conditions could be before you make changes to your diet
crucial for your survival. and exercise habits. In addition, purchase
1.1 Problem-Solving the equipment needed to monitor your
When it comes to your health, instead particular condition(s) (such as blood
of telling yourself what you need to do, pressure, heart rate, glucose, oxygen levels
think of your specific condition or risk as a and weight).
problem that must be solved. Take whatever
condition or risk you have (such as high blood 2.0 THE RIGHT DIET FOR YOU
pressure), and phrase it into a question: Eating right can significantly reduce
Instead of “I have a prescription for high chronic disease, lower your risk of heart
blood pressure, so can I eat whatever I want,” disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and
ask yourself, “There’s no doctor, no pharmacy. certain cancers.
How am I going to deal with this?” Instead 2.1 Recipes
of “I don’t have time to cook or exercise,” ask, Modify recipes for your specific needs
› Use recipes from a cookbook or those found online. Modify them to address your body’s
specific needs.

‹ Above, left: When (for example, I have a chicken pot pie recipe sprouts and kale) are just a few. (A list of 10 superfoods and how they benefit your health can
changing your diet
and incorporating
that I’ve made heart-healthier: I substitute be found on Harvard Medical School’s website: www.Health.Harvard.edu/blog/10-superfoods-
exercise into your 4 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of to-boost-a-healthy-diet-2018082914463.)
daily routine, make
certain to monitor
butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. I also 2.4 Don’t Cook the Veggies
your progress. make my own pie crust, substituting coconut When eating vegetables, raw is best. Nutrients are lost during the cooking process, so the
oil for Crisco). less vegetables are cooked, the more nutrients are maintained. Steaming veggies slightly is a
› Above, right: Not all
exercises are created 2.2 Meal-Planning healthy alternative, and vegetables retain more flavor.
equal. Find out what Plan your meals, and make a grocery list. As
exercises are right
for you before you part of your routine, determine what days you 3.0 EXERCISE
add them to your can cook and make extra for leftovers. Many Some exercise is better than no exercise. Small changes in your daily routine can have large benefits.
routine. Research
online and/or speak leftovers are still tasty after being frozen. 3.1 Take the Stairs
with a trainer, 2.3 Bring on the ‘Superfoods’ Working in, or visiting, an office building is the perfect opportunity to take the stairs.
exercise coach or
physical therapist. “Superfoods” offer some of the most- 3.2 Park Far Away
packed nutrients: Berries, fish, leafy greens, Rather than parking as close to the door as you can get, park as far away as possible.
nuts, olive oil, whole grains, tomatoes and 3.3 Buy a Stationary Bike
cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels You can ride a stationary bike—regardless of the weather or time of day. These bikes can be
‹ Incorporate “superfoods” into your diet.

These foods are packed with nutrients and
offer many health benefits.

‹ Meal-planning is
a great way to save
time, and it helps
you eat healthier. As
you plan your meals,
make a grocery
list to ensure you
have the necessary
ingredients for your
meal plan.
purchased at very reasonable prices and with a variety of options. Used models that have been 6.0 HAZARDS
barely broken in are available virtually everywhere. You can listen to music or watch television 6.1 Natural Hazards
while peddling. Even if you suffer from a back condition, you might be able to ride a stationary Have you ever looked at old pictures from
bike, but check with your physician first and make sure you purchase one that’s right for you. the late 1800s or early 1900s? Did you notice
how men and women were covered from
4.0 ORAL HEALTH head to toe? Ever wonder why? Protection.
Even if you can’t afford regular visits to the dentist, or if you’re in a situation where there is no
dentist, dental hygiene kits are available for purchase at reasonable prices.
5.0 FIT FEET

5.1 Shoes AD INDEX
Go to a real shoe store. Yes, the shoes will be more expensive than at a big-box chain shoe PREPPER FIELD MANUAL
store, and the selection might not be as varied, but the shoes will last longer, fit better and SPRING/SUMMER 2021
might prevent back pain, corns, bunions and other conditions caused by ill-fitting footwear.
ATABASE .................................................................................................................................................23
Even if you’re not a runner, a running store typically has associates who’ll measure your feet
(length and width) and arches and might watch you walk in a pair of shoes for a while before BATTLBOX LLC ....................................................................................................................................100
they recommend a specific shoe. BIGFOOT HOLSTERS ............................................................................................................................15

5.2 Socks BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION ..............................................................................................................45
Buy socks that'll assist in keeping your feet dry, cool in summer and warm in winter. Adverse
BRADFORD USA....................................................................................................................................45
foot conditions, such as athlete’s foot, trench foot and chilblains, can occur if there’s too
CONDOR - MARS GEAR ....................................................................................................................... 47
much moisture and if the feet are too warm or too cold. Socks made from merino wool are
DAVISON .................................................................................................................................................97
a good option, because merino wool isn’t itchy. It also wicks moisture away from the skin, is
breathable and assists in regulating temperature. Many socks are also made with antimicrobial DOOM AND BLOOM, LLC.................................................................................................................... 99
components that can improve foot health. EOTECH ......................................................................................................................................................7

5.3 Foot Powder FENIX........................................................................................................................................................35
Putting foot powder in your shoes can assist in keeping your feet dry. However, foot powder
LEITNER DESIGNS .................................................................................................................................13
can be expensive. A more economical option is Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. Baking soda
READY MADE RESOURCES .................................................................................................................. 2
has a variety of uses (other than for cooking) and can be purchased almost anywhere. It’s
READY MADE RESOURCES ................................................................................................................33
commonly used to control PH levels in pools (in fact, large bags can be found in the pool aisle
of many big-box chain stores). TOPS KNIVES ........................................................................................................................................... 3
The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to American Survival Guide readers.

American Survival Guide is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.

Always wear a hat, long sleeves, long pants, gloves and boots. In addition to protecting your › Above: Cover 6.3 Man-Made Hazards
yourself from head
skin from sunburn and windburn, covering your body with the appropriate material assists in to toe to protect
To find out if there’s a nuclear power
keeping you cooler or warmer. It protects you from scrapes and scratches, as well as from oil your skin from the plant or toxic waste site in your area or
elements. The right
from plants such as poison ivy and poison oak, and insects such as ticks, mosquitoes and bees. clothes can assist in
the location in which you plan to relocate,
Gloves protect your hands from spider bites, scratches from thorns, splinters and blisters. And keeping you cooler visit the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s
or warmer and can
the proper boots help keep your feet dry or protect you from impacts or snake bites. protect you from
website (www.NRC.gov/reactors/operating/
During the spring and summer months, to prevent insects such as chiggers and ticks from scratches, splinters, map-power-reactors.html) for a searchable
blisters and anything
crawling under your pant legs, wrap your pant legs and tuck them into your socks. In addition, else that might open
map of nuclear power plants, along with the
wear lightweight, long-sleeved, cotton shirts that fit snugly or button at the wrist. your skin and allow Environmental Protection Agency’s website
bacteria to enter.
6.2 Bleach It (www.EPA.gov/superfund/search-superfund-
Bleach kills just about everything, including most bacteria, viruses and fungi (including athlete’s sites-where-you-live) for toxic waste sites
foot and toenail fungus). Refer to CDC guidelines (https://www.CDC.gov/disasters/bleach.html) (these are referred to as “superfund sites” by
for bleach-to-water ratios, and ensure you leave the bleach solution on surfaces long enough to the government).
work. Refer to the bleach container's label for instructions and hazards associated with using
bleach. 7.0 COMMUNICATION
Consider learning about ham radio. Pur-
chase a handheld amateur radio and join
the American Radio Relay League (www.
ARRL.org) to learn more about how to build
› Left: The more
a communication network that doesn’t rely
distance you can put on the grid.
between a nuclear
power plant and
yourself, the better. 8.0 POWER YOUR EQUIPMENT
Research indicates
that living near a
Having medical monitoring and commu-
nuclear power plant nication equipment that relies on power/
increases the risk
for certain types of
batteries is useless if the grid goes down.
cancer. Plus, in the Consider investing in rechargeable batteries, a
event of a nuclear
accident, the farther
battery charger and a solar panel, all of which
away you are from can be purchased at reasonable prices.
the fallout, the better
your chances of
survival.

ONLINE
GO VISIT US
WWW.ASGMAG.COM
DE
SOME HELP TO
REMAINHEALTHY
STAY WELL WITH THESE USEFUL ITEMS.
BY SUZY JEFFRIES
Omron 3 Series Blood Pressure

Monitor
Omron is the number-one brand recommended by doctors and
pharmacists for monitoring blood pressure at home. Omron
has manufactured blood pressure monitors for more than 40
years. The package includes a blood pressure monitor, a wide-
range cuff that fits arms 9 to 17 inches in circumference and an
instruction manual. Be sure to read the instruction manual and
follow the instructions to get an accurate reading, because blood
pressure constantly varies due to many variables, including what
you eat or drink, as well as the time of day. The monitor requires
four AA batteries (not included).
MSRP
$49.99
URL
OmronHealthcare.com
Veridian Model 11-50D

Pulse Oximeter
The Veridian Model 11-50D Pulse Oximeter displays blood-oxygen
saturation and pulse rate. It fits a wide range of finger sizes (finger
circumferences between approximately 20mm and 75mm) and
a user weight of approximately 33 to 242 pounds. The oximeter
has a low-battery indicator and an automatic shutoff. The pack-
age includes the oximeter, a storage pouch, lanyard, two AAA
batteries and instructions in both English and Spanish.
MSRP
$49.99
URL
VeridianHealthcare.com

Energizer Rechargeable Batteries
Energizer rechargeable batteries come in AA, AAA, C, D and 9V.
They come pre-charged, last up to 12 months in storage, can
be charged hundreds of times and have a life of approximately
five years with typical usage. Rechargeable batteries are, by
far, the least expensive way to keep your battery-powered
health and medical devices ready for action.
MSRP
$10.98
URL
Energizer.com
EBL Smart USB Charger

The EBL Smart USB Charger is compatible with AA or AAA
rechargeable batteries. It includes smart indicators (red for
“charging” and green for “fully charged”), uses an intelligent cut-
off charging method and offers an automatic “trickle” charging
mode to prevent overvoltage, overcurrent and overheating. This
charger is compatible with most 5V USB-enabled devices. It’s
available on Amazon and at other retail stores.
MSRP
$11.99
URL
Amazon.com
Darn Tough Hunter OTC

Merino Wool Socks
With multiple options for both men and women, Darn Tough has
taken the lead in producing the best merino wool socks. Merino
wool is breathable and comfortable in all conditions. The com-
pany’s Hunter OTC Merino Wool Socks have fast-action wicking,
pulling moisture away from the skin and drying faster to help
your feet stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Merino wool is
naturally antimicrobial and repels bacteria and odor. Darn Tough
offers a guaranteed-for-life, no-strings, no-conditions guarantee.
MSRP
$30/pair
URL
DarnTough.com

DE
DenTek Professional Oral Care Kit
DenTek oral care tools are softer than tooth enamel for safe
at-home cleaning, and the tools are dishwasher safe (top
rack only). The set includes a stainless steel pick and scaler
for weekly use, a hard plastic scaler for daily use, rubber gum
stimulator, fog-free dental mirror and a hard carry/storage
case. Instructions for proper use are available on the company’s
website.
MSRP
$7.99
URL
Amazon.com
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

The absorption qualities of baking soda make it perfect to sprinkle
into shoes to assist in keeping feet dry and odor free. Additional
baking soda personal health applications include applying a paste
of baking soda and water to bee stings to reduce pain, itching
and swelling. Baking soda applied to mosquito bites, poison ivy
and other rashes soothes the redness and itching. Combining
toothpaste with baking soda or using baking soda alone as an
alternative to toothpaste can help prevent or reduce gum disease.
It’s available in various sizes, including a resealable 12-pound bag.
MSRP
$8.47
URL
Walmart.com
Accu-Chek Blood Glucose

Monitoring System
Roche Diabetes Care, Inc., makes Accu-Chek products and,
with more than 40 years of experience, it’s a leading provider
of blood sugar monitoring systems and insulin pumps. The
Accu-Chek Blood Glucose Monitoring System is easy to use,
and it’s small enough to keep with you when you need it most.
Accu-Chek’s guide includes a strip port light for testing day and
night and includes a spill-resistant vial. It automatically logs
test results to your phone using the mySugr app. A battery and
carry case are included.
MSRP
$29.99
URL
Accu-Chek.com

Renogy E-Flex 50 Portable
Solar Panel
The E-Flex 50’s smart junction box offers output options to
charge smartphones, laptops and rechargeable power supplies.
An intelligent chip automatically identifies connected devices
and adjusts output current to offer the fastest possible charging
speed. The panel is lightweight, compact and has integrated
carrying handles. Voltage-switchable ports include DC, USB and
USB-C. Solar panel connectors are available for rechargeable
power supplies.
MSRP
$139.99
URL
Renogy.com
Listerine Mouthwash
Created in 1879, Listerine was originally used as an antiseptic during
surgeries and for bathing wounds. Today, Listerine offers a range
of mouthwashes for a variety of oral needs. In a clinical study, the
original antiseptic mouthwash was shown to reduce 52 percent
more plaque than just brushing and flossing and provided a 21
percent reduction in gingivitis. Listerine is available in many flavors,
varieties and sizes.
MSRP
$5.59 (original flavor; 33.8 ounces)
URL
Listerine.com
Oral B Smart 3000

Electric Toothbrush
Studies suggest that electric toothbrushes clean teeth and
gums better than manual toothbrushes. Scientists have found
that people who use an electric toothbrush have healthier
gums, less tooth decay and keep their teeth longer. The Oral
B Smart 3000 is a rechargeable electric toothbrush featuring
three modes and a pressure sensor. The round CrossAction
toothbrush head adapts to your teeth as it oscillates, rotating
and pulsating to break up and remove more plaque than a
regular manual toothbrush.
MSRP
$109.99
URL
OralB.com

AMERICAN SURVIVALGUIDE 1. WATER
We suggest storing enough potable water so each person has access to 2 gallons
PREPPER’S
per day for at least 30 days. This covers hydration, food preparation and hygiene
requirements. Always use FDA-approved, food-grade, non-BPA containers and
rotate your supply every six months (unless you treat it with a water preservative).
CHECKLIST
Note: Be careful where you store it. One gallon of water weighs 8.3 pounds.
1.1 WATER STORAGE

◻ Individual bottles or cans
◻ Portable water containers (1 to 5 gallons)
◻ Static water storage (30- and 50-gallon barrels, tanks, bladders, cisterns)
◻ Water resupply plan
O
◻
◻
ur goal here, at American Survival Guide, is to provide you with the informa-
tion and advice you’ll need to survive any emergency situation. Everyone’s
1.2 PRESERVATION AND TREATMENT
needs are different, so we’ve developed this expanded checklist to help
simplify and organize your efforts, inventory and to-do lists.
◻ Chemical disinfectant supplies
No matter where you live or what you’re planning for, this checklist
◻ Heat source and fuel for boiling water
will help ensure you have what you need to survive. It’s organized in the same order
◻ Ultraviolet water sterilizer
as the sections in this Prepper Manual edition. We encourage you to add your specific
◻ Water filter/purifier (at least one device per person)
needs to it so it’ll meet your requirements better. Whatever gear you’re able to gather,
◻ Water flavoring (to improve the taste of treated water)
be sure you know how to use it before you need it.
◻ Water preservative
We suggest you make copies of this checklist that you can keep in your storage areas
◻
as inventory sheets. In addition, file a copy with your other important documents, and
◻
use a copy as a shopping list for items you need to acquire or replace.
2. FIRE
Fire is an essential element of successful survival situations. There are many ways
to start fires, and you should have a selection of tools that includes multiple
methods, especially those that work in inclement weather. You can’t have too many
fire starters, and each responsible person in your group should have at least one fire
starter and tinder on their person.
2.1 FIRE STARTERS

◻ Disposable or refillable lighters (various sizes and types), replacement fuel
◻ Ferrocerium rods and strikers (various sizes and carry methods)
◻ Flint and striker
◻ Magnesium fire starters and scrapers
◻ Magnifying glass with cover
◻ Waterproof matches/weatherproof container/striker
◻
◻
2.2 TINDER
◻ Commercially made tinder
◻ Homemade tinder
◻ Weatherproof tinder container
◻
◻
NOTES 3. FOOD
American Survival Guide recommends keeping on hand at least a 30-day supply of
food for each person. Remember that on average, men need about 2,500 calories a
day, and women need around 2,000. This can vary, depending on age, condition,
stress and activity levels, and other factors.
3.1 FOODSTUFFS
◻ Cooking oils
◻ Cooking powders (baking soda, flour, etc.)
◻ Dairy products, dry
◻ Eggs, dry
◻ Freeze-dried entrées and meals
◻ Fruit (canned, dried, preserved) 5. SHELTER
◻ Grains and cereals In an emergency, you’re usually better off hunkering down in your home. However, a time
◻ MREs and other packaged, ready-to-eat foods might come when you need to seek shelter elsewhere. In addition to knowing where
◻ Pasta local emergency shelters are, you need to have a bug-out plan for moving to a safe
◻ Protein, animal (fish, meat, poultry) location where you can take shelter.
◻ Protein, plant (beans, lentils, nuts, powdered mixes) 5.1 HUNKERING DOWN AT HOME
◻ Rice ◻ Fire extinguishers
◻ Salt, iodized ◻ Fuel and kindling for fireplace/woodstove
◻ Seeds for planting and consumption ◻ Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and batteries
◻ Soups and stews ◻
◻ Sweeteners (agave, honey, sugar, etc.) ◻
◻ Vegetables (canned, dried, preserved)
◻ 5.2 FABRICATED SHELTER
◻ Bivy/sleeping bags and ground mats
◻ ◻ Tarps, 550 cord, bungee cords
◻ Tent(s), repair and replacement parts
3.2 FOOD PROCUREMENT ◻
3.2.1 HUNTING AND TRAPPING ◻
◻ .22 air pellet gun, pellets and accessories 5.3 LOCAL EMERGENCY SHELTER
◻ Bow, arrows and accessories ◻ Know the locations and contact information of nearby emergency shelters
◻ Maintenance materials for items in this group ◻
◻ Rifle, ammo and accessories ◻
◻ Shotgun, ammo and accessories
◻ Traps and snares 5.4 CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
◻ Base layer, mid layer and street clothes suited to the weather and situation
◻ ◻ Hunting/camouflage clothing and accessories
◻ ◻ Insect- and snake-protective clothing
3.2.2 FISHING ◻ Weather-protective outerwear, footwear and accessories
◻ Fishing rod, tackle and accessories ◻
◻ Packable fishing kit ◻
◻
◻ 6. TRANSPORTATION
3.3 PREPARATION AND EATING The mode of transportation you use requires significant additional resources. Your best
◻ Cooker, stove and fuel (if gas-powered) bet is to have one or more vehicles that can dependably handle multiple, if not all,
◻ Cooking utensils (knives, tongs, spatulas and other tools for food preparation) mobility roles. If you have more than one vehicle, select those that use common fuel,
◻ Eating utensils, dishes, mess kits lubricants, tools and other support materials to reduce the variety and volume required.
◻ Pans, pots, grills and other implements used for cooking 6.1 ALL VEHICLES
◻ Seasonings and spices ◻ Cargo containers and tie-downs, 550 cord, duct tape
◻ ◻ First aid kit
◻ ◻ Fuels, fuel additives, lubricants, motor oil (on-site and portable)
◻ Light sources, replacement batteries
4. NAVIGATION ◻ Navigation aids (maps, compass, GPS)
You don’t have to go very far into unfamiliar areas before you run the risk of getting ◻ Replacements for parts most likely to wear out or break
lost, especially if you’re dealing with an emergency situation that could provide ◻ Rescue aids (flares, high-visibility panels, air horn, whistles, mirrors)
unexpected distractions and stress. Everyone in your group should know basic ◻ Secure storage for weapons and ammunition
navigational skills. ◻ Shelter-in-place kit with food, water, shelter, fire starters, etc.
4.1 NAVIGATION TOOLS ◻ Tools, wire, zip-ties and other items useful for field repairs and extrication
◻ Addresses/coordinates of important places ◻
◻ Binoculars/monocular ◻
◻ Compass 6.2 LAND VEHICLES
◻ GPS unit, batteries and accessories ◻ Extrication and road-/path-clearing equipment
◻ Map cases and markers ◻ Spare keys
◻ Pace-counter beads ◻ Spare tires, air pump, patch kits
◻ Road and topographic maps ◻
◻ Smartphone navigation apps ◻
◻
◻
6.3 WATERCRAFT ◻ Amateur/ham radio, CB radio, multiband scanner and accessories
◻ Ditch bag with rescue/survival gear, first aid kit ◻ Cell phone and accessories
◻ EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) and/or PLB (personal ◻ Computer/laptop/tablet and accessories
locator beacon) ◻ Faraday cage or other EMP-protective containers
◻ Paddles, oars ◻ FM/AM/SW/weather radio and accessories
◻ Personal flotation devices for everyone aboard ◻ List of group members’ addresses and contact information
◻ Repair kits ◻ Satellite phone and accessories
◻ ◻ Television, reception gear and accessories
◻ ◻ Two-way radios (FRS/GMRS), batteries and accessories
◻
7. SECURITY ◻
Security includes safety issues, along with self-defense, wherever you are. If you have
additional security and safety preparations than what’s listed here, you should add 10. HEALTH
them to this list. Maintaining good physical and mental health will become more difficult and important
7.1 HOME SECURITY/EARLY-WARNING SYSTEM during an emergency. Managing existing conditions and avoiding or dealing with illness
◻ Emergency/portable lighting and replacement batteries/chargers and injury should be placed high in your prepping priorities. Be sure your group knows
◻ Home alarm how to use the materials and equipment before you need it.
◻ Motion-sensing cameras and automatic lighting ◻ 90- to 180-day supply of all vital medications
◻ Remote-adjustable video/audio systems ◻ Backboard or other type of litter
◻ ◻ Blankets (compact/packable and traditional)
◻ ◻ Emergency dental kit—one per person
7.2 LETHAL WEAPON SYSTEMS
◻ Epinephrine pen kits
◻ Cleaning and maintenance equipment for all firearms ◻ Home first aid kit, upgraded for your specific needs
◻ Handgun with spare mags or speed loaders, ammunition, accessories ◻ Hygiene and sanitation supplies for individuals and group
◻ Holsters and other means for safe/concealed-carry/transportation of firearms ◻ Individual first aid kit—one per person
◻ Rifle with spare mags, ammunition, accessories ◻ Neck brace and assorted-sized splints
◻ Shotgun with spare mags, ammunition, accessories ◻ Slings and triangle bandages
◻ ◻ Snake bite kit—one per person
◻ ◻ Specialized equipment (defibrillator, CPAP, oxygen supply and accessories)
◻ Suture and trauma kit—one per person
7.3 LESS-THAN-LETHAL WEAPON SYSTEMS ◻
◻ Less-than-lethal shotgun rounds ◻
◻ Personal-defense spray/tear gas dispenser and replacement cartridges
◻ Restraint systems 11. ADDITIONAL ITEMS
◻ Stun gun and replacement batteries or Taser and projectiles and accessories ◻ Assorted hand tools for building, repairs, gardening, etc.
◻ ◻ Bug-out bag—one per person
◻ ◻ Bushcraft knife (we suggest that each person has more than one knife), sharpeners
◻ Candles
8. ENERGY ◻ Copies of all important documents on thumb drive or other media
Many of our devices require electricity, making a backup energy source plan very ◻ Optics for use during the day or night
important. Short-term power outages can generally be handled with generators—as ◻ Pet supplies, medications, toys and accessories
long as there’s access to fuel. Adding solar, wind or other generation options to your ◻
plan will help, as will reducing your dependence on electricity for essentials and ◻
conveniences.
◻ Batteries/chargers for all associated devices 12. EMERGENCY PLANS
◻ Generator, accessories, fuel and maintenance tools and materials ◻ Bug-out plan and leave-behind note
◻ Power inverter ◻ Group emergency preparedness plan with contingencies
◻ Solar power-generation equipment (panels, cables, batteries and accessories) ◻ Local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) contact information
◻ Tools and replacement parts to support all energy sources ◻ Local FEMA/Homeland Security contact information
◻ Wind power-generation equipment (turbines, cables, batteries and accessories) ◻ Local hospital addresses and contact information
◻ ◻ Local National Guard Armory address and contact information
◻ ◻ Police, Fire, EMS addresses and contact information
◻
9. COMMUNICATIONS ◻
During any emergency, it’s imperative to maintain contact with others in your group,
as well as with external information sources. Connectivity can take many forms. Take
into account distance, energy and equipment requirements when you put your plan
together.

RE YOU REALLY PREPARED?
FIRST AID KITS and EDUCATION
by DOOM AND BLOOM MEDICAL
will keep you and your family safer
in ANY disaster (including pandemics)!
kit is custom designed and hand packed
meet the highest degree of quality
anywhere on the market.
Family First Aid Kit

USB 4 DVD
Emergency Dental Kit Super Pack
*ALL OUR KITS ARE

HSA & FSA
Gunshot & Knife Wound Kit ELIGIBLE FIRST AID KITS Medium Trauma Kit
Doom and Bloom Medical and Alton First Aid are

owned and operated by Amy Alton, a Nurse Practitioner Designed and
and Joe Alton, a Medical Doctor. Hand Packed
in the USA
Email questions to: AltonFirstAid@yahoo.com
www.Store.DoomandBloom.net

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 F O O D  WAT E R  S H E LT E R  S E C U R I T Y  C O M M S  H E A LT H  F I R E  N AV I G AT I O N  E N E R GY  T R

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