car-fire-extinguisher-california-wildfires

A Car Fire Extinguisher and the 2018 California Wildfires

Could having something as simple as a car fire extinguisher prevented a recent 2018 California wildfire?   It’s a tough question to ask (and I’m certainly no specialist in fire forensics), but I’m going to ask it anyway…   Here’s why: the headlines are filled with bad news of wildfires burning their way through entire communities, destroying thousands of homes, and upheaving the livelihoods of scores of residents and neighboring wildlife.   Already one of the 6 largest wildfires in... Keep reading

What is the Best Bug Out Bag Food For You?

Before we get into “What is the Best Bug Out Bag Food for You” I want to set the stage for this article with a really quick history lesson. It applies. I promise. 🙂 Napoleon Bonaparte is often credited with saying “An army marches on its stomach.” While the provenance, or origin of the saying is debatable, it’s an accurate observation. Your ability to fight and function properly in high stress situations depends a lot on what you have in... Keep reading

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Survival Kit Review: The BOSS Fire Kit

Survival fire kits are a core component of any bug out bag, but as with many aspects of a bug out bag list, many also wonder what to include on their fire kit list as well. Well, wonder no more. Stanford Outdoor Supply has just come up with the perfect grouping of 5 star ready-made survival kit supplements including the BOSS Fire Kit (“B.O.S.S.” = Bug Out Survival Supplement). As the packaging states, “BOSS Kits are standalone, function specific supplemental modules made... Keep reading

Top 10 Best Survival Gear in 2018 for Your Bug Out Bag

I hope Survival Santa is going to visit your house this year, but just in case he gets lost, here are a few of our favorite gift ideas to treat yourself or someone you know (hint: we’ve saved the best for last)! And the great thing is, regardless of your budget, there’s something here for every bug out bag! Read on to see our “Top 10 Best Survival Gear in 2018…”   1) Condor 3 Day Assault Pack The Condor... Keep reading

Go Bag: Why it’s Good to Have One In an Emergency [GateHouse Interview]

Why is it important to have a “go bag” ready in case of a natural or other disaster? A go bag, otherwise known as a bug out bag or 72 hour bag, is important to have on hand when disaster strikes. When something bad happens, time is of the essence and mere seconds can mean the difference between life and death. Take the recent wildfires for example. Having a go bag, already pre-packed with everything you need to make your... Keep reading

DIY Bug Out Bag Firestarter

DIY Fire Kit for Your Bug Out Bag

Fire is a critical survival need that we must address with our bug out bags. The importance of having the means to make fire cannot be overemphasized. You can either buy a pre-made survival fire kit like this one or you can make your own DIY Fire kit. Making your own is what we’ll be discussing today.   Practical Uses for Fire It will keep you warm, dry you out, and disinfect your water. On top of that, there is... Keep reading

Firestarter Review: Exotac nanoSPARK

Having a reliable way to make fire can be absolutely critical to survival. Fire warms our bodies and dries our clothing. It also disinfects water through boiling or distillation. At night, it can light our way, keep critters away, as well as provide a morale boost. Most experts suggest carrying multiple means of fire making, such as disposable lighters, strike anywhere matches, and ferrocerium (ferro) rods. I’d add the Exotac nanoSPARK to the list, and here’s why…   A “Next... Keep reading

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LuminAID PackLite Max Solar Lantern Review

  Luminaid Solar Lanterns (Not Your Grandpa’s Kerosene Lamp) One of the most important additions to any Bug Out Bag or camping setup is lighting. We all may find ourselves pitching a tent as the sun is going down, traipsing around the campground at night looking for a place to relieve ourselves or, God forbid, actually bugging out in the middle of the night. Flashlights are great but they are somewhat limited in their usefulness. This is why we chose... Keep reading

Bugging In: What to Do When Bugging Out Is NOT An Option

Bugging In VS. Bugging Out While our general focus here is on bugging out, true emergency preparedness requires you to be prepared for all eventualities—including the less exciting thought of bugging in.  In fact, bugging out should be your last option in most situations, not your primary plan.  Think about it like this—home is where the bulk of your supplies and gear are located, right?     On top of that, there really aren’t that many potential scenarios where bugging... Keep reading

bug out bag mistakes

5 Dangerous Bug Out Bag Mistakes [Are You Making These?]

If you’re new to this site, a bug out bag (BOB for short) is one of the most important tools in the survivalist toolbox. In its simplest form, it is an assortment of survival gear and supplies that will allow the user to mitigate whatever life tosses their way. Each BOB is different and unique and the contents are dependent upon the user’s skill sets, experience, and area of operation. While every BOB is different, there are a few bug out bag mistakes that... Keep reading