Nutrition for Survival in the Wild

You may find yourself in the wild for several reasons. You may be out exploring, get lost, or off on a job mission. Survival skills are essential since they will help you come out strong.

Nutrition for Survival in the Wild

You need food to survive, but the wild does not serve you a buffet to choose from when those hunger pangs start biting. Here is a guide that will help you know the nutrition you need for survival in the wild.

1)            Take The Right Calories

For your body to be on the right track, it needs a calorie intake to burn in the right proportion. If you burn high calories to get fewer ones, you are not doing justice to your body. People who live active lives do not have the same nutritional needs as the less active ones.

For soldier nutrition needs, a training recruit can consume more than 3,000 calories but still have a healthy body weight as they burn extra calories with vigorous exercises. While in the wild, you need food that will be appropriate for your current state. You can look for animal or plant fat, a source for starch and sugar, and proteins.

2)            Do Not Eat Everything

Hunger can make you welcome anything that looks edible into your mouth to calm it’s pangs. Be on the lookout, though, as not everything in the wild is edible. For instance, mushrooms almost look the same, and to a normal eye, there is not much difference between the poisonous and non-poisonous ones.

If you cannot tell between edible and non-edible plants or animals, it is better not to consume it. If you are going out camping, you can take a survival course to know the kind of food appropriate in the area you are to visit. A guidebook can also come in handy since it will help you identify edible plants and animals.

3)            Vitamins Are Essential Too

You may have found proteins, carbohydrates, and fats while foraging for food, but your body needs vitamins too. You can source for vitamin C from plants such as lichen, spruce needles, and licorice roots. For vitamin B, white fish can come in handy, while crabs and insects will be rich in calcium.

4)            Fire Is Essential

A fire will help keep you warm on those rainy days and chilly nights. It would help if you also had it to prepare a meal. There are foods you can eat raw in the wild, but it is advisable to cook if you can for several reasons.

The last thing you need while fighting for survival is to worry about a sick body. Meat contains parasites that can be harmful to you if eaten raw, and as such, you need to boil, fry, or roast it. You will need more energy to digest raw food, which you can solve by cooking it and making it more digestible.

If you can hunt a big game, you may have some leftovers, and you do not need it to go to waste, and fire can help preserve it by smoking. Preserved meat can last for weeks, helping you focus on your mission apart from foraging for food.

5 Must-Have Hunting Tools You Need To Prepare Before The Next Hunt

You have an upcoming hunt and it’s time to prepare. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned hunter, a male hunting enthusiast or a woman hunter, it’s important to bring the right hunting tools and gears. Wrong choices can spell the difference between a successful and a failed hunting adventure. Researching ahead of time is, therefore, crucial.

5 Must-Have Hunting Tools You Need To Prepare Before The Next Hunt
Hunter and hunting dogs chasing in the wilderness

There are certain tools and gears that should really make the cut in your list of must-haves. Take a look at them below.

  1. Hunting Backpack

A hunting backpack is just what you need if you want to take that next big step into hunting. First of all, hunting backpacks are designed for one purpose only, and it’s for hunters to have the best quality equipment on them for whatever they’re doing, and hunting in a backpack lets them do just that. They’re also designed to be lightweight and easy to pack away in your vehicle.

A hunting backpack is perfect for someone who doesn’t want to feel like a wimp while hunting. It’s also perfect for those that don’t have the physical strength to carry around all of their equipment. There’s no need to spend hours and days carrying around the same gun, gear, and clothing every time you go out and go hunting. Hunting backpacks are designed to take everything you need for the entire hunting session in a compact manner. The backpack will be big enough to hold everything necessary for you to successfully hunt, but small enough to fit you comfortably and give you the mobility you need.

2. Electronic Hunting Call

If you want to attract an animal when hunting, there’s no better way to do it than to trick the creature into thinking it’s approaching one of its own prey or species in distress. You can lower the guard of an animal on top of attracting the creature to you when you use an effective hunting call. If you’re a photographer, getting a photo becomes easier. If you’re purely a hunter, it becomes possible to get a good shot.

Note that hunting calls actually come in several variations. Some are operated using breath, creating an elk’s bleat or duck’s quack. Others are using specialty rattles to create noise similar to what antlers make when they’re clattering as their bucks tussle. If you’re looking at snow geese for your next hunt, check out Decoy Pro and its guide on how to make a snow goose electronic caller.

Remember that using electronic hunting calls effectively takes practice and patience. If you improperly use these devices, it can scare an animal away instead of attract it.

3. Hunting Binoculars

What’s the significance of a hunting binocular?  This item is used by hunters in order to see their target and track it down. Without a hunting binocular, hunters will have a very hard time locating their target. Most hunters don’t really understand the significance of this device. They’ll only realize its importance when they’re already out hunting for their next kill. With a hunting binocular, hunters can have a clear view of their target and are able to make better shots than they could without it.

The importance of a hunting binocular when hunting should never be underestimated. If you want to get the most out of your hunting trip, you’ll want to invest in a great hunting product like this one.

4. Rifle Scope

There are many rifle scopes available for hunters today. You just need to know what to look for and where to start looking. If you’re going hunting in the woods, you should definitely have a rifle scope with an adjustable reticule. The great thing about this scope is that you can adjust it at any time during the day or night so that you can find the perfect spot to shoot in. If you’re hunting in a small area, then, you should also have a scope that’s made for the purpose. You don’t want to go hunting in a big field only to find out that the scopes in there don’t do what you want them to.

Having the proper scopes for your hunting needs will pay off for you in the long run.

5. Hunting Knife

A hunting knife has many functions other than the simple cutting and skinning of the prey. There are many types of hunting knives: the Bowie knife, the buck knife, the folding hunter knife, and the hunter butterfly knife, among many others.

Hunting knives are very important, whether you’re using a rifle or crossbow for hunting. They’re used to ensure that there’s no confusion during the entire hunting process, and that the hunting and skinning go smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Most people who go hunting have no idea what tools they must bring with them. Hunting is such a specialized activity that it’s important to make sure you have everything in your toolbox that you can use to make sure you don’t mess up your hunt. You wouldn’t want to waste all your time and ammunition and end up not getting a successful kill because you don’t have the right tools with you. This could end up costing you more money than intended.

How Long Does Fishing Line Last?

If you are a new fisherman, a question may come to your mind: how long does fishing line last? If you ask this question to a seasoned angler, he too will be unable to give a clear answer to this question. It is because there is no set of rules or criteria that help someone to figure out the lifespan of a fishing line. The longevity of a fishing line depends on several factors like the type of fishing line one is using, the materials from which the line is manufactured, and the proper maintenance of the line. Let’s discuss these factors in detail.

How Long Does Fishing Line Last? Fishing carp reel close-up on the background of water and fishing rods in a bright Sunny day. Background.

Factors That Determine the Longevity of a Fishing Line

The Type of Fishing Line 

The type of fishing line you are using will give you a good idea regarding the durability of the fishing line. There are different types of fishing lines out there. These include braid, monofilament, and fluorocarbon.

Braid

Among all types of fishing lines out there, braid fishing lines come with the highest durability. If something did not happen unexpectedly, a braid fishing line could last up to a decade.  Happening something unexpectedly means since fishing itself is quite unpredictable, so is happening of incidents like tangling of fishing line with a submerged object that may require you severing the line. So no matter whether you are using a tough fishing line like a braid, a sudden incident can drastically reduce the lifespan of a fishing line.

One common mistake of many people regarding braid is when they see their braid is losing color, they think that the line is worn out and needs to be replaced. But, it’s a wrong idea because a particular color does not stick well to a braid that quickens the fading of it. So discoloring the braid does not tell anything about the endurance of the line.

Braid receives harsh treatment from rods guides if they are sharp and chipped. They eat away your braid unnoticed. The bale of your reel may also limit the lifespan of your braid. If the bale has sharp chipped edges, your braid may be snapped anytime. One effective technique you can apply to increase the lifespan of your braid is flipping the line on the fishing reel. If a flipping task is difficult for you, go to a tackle shop. It will do the task for you. Or you can do it yourself. Transfer the line to a spare reel or object. Then transfer the line to another spare reel or object. When you spool the line back to the reel again, the line will be ready to use.

Monofilament

This is the most popular type of fishing line. Fishermen simply call this fishing line mono. The monofilament line is like a long continuous cord that is made of nylon or synthetic fiber. Since monofilament is one single strand. The line comes with a nice stretchable property when subject to pull. How much stretch the monofilament can withstand is indicated by a parameter which is called test. The text refers to the amount of poundage that the line can sustain before the breakage.

Though monofilament is the most popular type of fishing line among other types of lines, it takes the least amount of time to turn into a bad line. It does not resist the wear and tear resulting from exposure to elements and UV rays for a long time. One important tip for fishermen who use monofilament is to change the line once in a year to ensure getting trouble-free fishing experience. The durability of a monofilament line also depends on the proper use of the line and the extent of abuse you exert on it.

Fluorocarbon

This line is 3 to 4 times stronger than monofilament. In other words, it’s strength is similar to monofilament. So, you can apply the similar care and maintenance procedure as you do for monofilament. The longevity of a fluorocarbon line is not a big issue since the line is mostly used as a leader which often undergoes frequent changes. Fluorocarbon has a structural similarity with monofilament. Like monofilament, it’s one continuous strand of the line but since the line is made of polyvinylidene fluoride, it is much stronger than monofilament.

Though fluorocarbon is much stiffer than that of monofilament, one limitation of this line is it does not wrap well around a reel. But this is a minor limitation of this fishing line while fluorocarbon is a number one choice of many fishermen due to the fact that the line supports all fishing conditions-whether it is saltwater fishing or freshwater. Its Near invisibility coupled with the rigid stiffness of the line makes it a highly efficient line to catch different types of fish species like walleye and bass. If you want to use a fluorocarbon line, choose your fluorocarbon line after reading reviews of products of several brands.

Another plus point of Fluorocarbon is that UV rays can’t damage the line. So this line does not lose its shape over time allowing anglers to catch fish for a long time. Unlike monofilament, fluorocarbon lines are a bit heavier but they are easy to spool, and using them is hassle-free.

When to Replace Fishing Lines

It depends on your fishing habits. Based on the type of fishing line you are using, follow below replacement recommendations

Braid
  • Don’t use braid if it has been sitting idle for 10 years
  • If you only enjoy weekend fishing, replacing it 3 to 4 years is fine
  • For moderate fishing- replace the line twice a year
  • If you involve in heavy fishing, the line needs to replace every year
Monofilament
  • Don’t spool monofilament if it is not in use for 2 to 3 years
  • For weekend fishing, replace it once a year
  • For moderate fishing, replace it 2 or 3 times each year
  • For a heavy fishing change, it more frequently likes 3 or 4 times in every year
Fluorocarbon
  • Discard the line if it has not been used for the last 7 years
  • For weekend fishing, it is fine to replace in 2 or 3 years
  • For moderate fishing, the frequency of replacement need to exceed a couple of times in each year
  • For a heavy fishing change, it quite often likes 2 or 3 times each year.

How You Can Go Off The Grid

Many people worried about climate change and the ways in which energy consumption are affecting the planet are considering the best ways to reduce their own carbon footprint by taking their home off the traditional power grid and using renewable energy for their power needs. If you’ve been thinking about choosing a less traditional route for your home’s power needs, then going off the grid might be the right choice for you.

going off the grid

Here’s what you need to know about how you can take your home off the grid.

Research

Like most home improvement projects, deciding to take your home off the grid should start with research. Spend time considering all of the options for bringing alternate power to your home. These days, the most common source of renewable energy for residential homes is solar, but wind and geothermal power could also be options, depending on where you live and what your power needs are. If you live in town, you also need to consider if there are limits placed on what type of power you can use. There might also be restrictions in the covenants of your HOA if you are a member of a homeowners association. Be sure to take into account all local restrictions before starting any project. You don’t want to invest in an expensive energy project and then be forced to remove it all because it doesn’t comply with local codes.

Planning

Once you have an understanding of the energy source you are going to use, it’s time to map out the specifics of your home’s energy needs. For example, older appliances that are less energy efficient will require much more energy than newer models. You’ll need to consider how much space you have available for solar panels and other equipment, as well as how much energy you use in your home for all of your power needs.

If you want to go completely off grid, you’ll need to have a way to store excess power for nights and days that aren’t sunny. Depending on your climate, you may need additional solar panels to account for shorter days in the winter. You’ll also want to consider an electrical generator or another form of backup power in case of problems with your solar system. Consult with experienced solar providers to understand what type of equipment will best fit your home’s power needs.

Alternatives

If you don’t feel the need to completely detach from the grid, you might be able to opt for a compromise. You can utilize renewable energy without completely detaching from the standard power grid. With solar panels installed, many homes generate more solar energy than they need during the day. If your power company allows it, you may be able to sell the excess energy back to the company. This results in lower bills for you and more renewable energy available for use.

To do this, you must remain connected to the standard power grid, but it gives you the opportunity to use renewable energy and still have the reliable backup of the standard power grid if anything goes wrong. The process and payment for selling excess energy back to an energy company varies greatly, so be sure to research the complete process and understand exactly how it works before making your decision.

Installation

Switching your home from standard electrical power to renewable energy will likely require some amount of overhaul to your current electrical system, in addition to the installation of the equipment required to harvest the energy. It is very important to work with an electrician who is experienced with solar connectivity when completing this portion of the project. Incorrect setup of a renewable energy system can be dangerous and create serious safety hazards in your home.

Finding Your Place Off the Grid

Whatever your reasons for going off the grid and however the process unfolds for you, it is sure to be its own reward. Once you can disconnect and discover this new way of life, you may just find its the best decision of your life. Don’t look back on the days when you were a part of the electrical grid, but look forward to the adventure that is finding your place off the grid.

First Time Preppers – Checklist You Must Follow To Survive A Disaster

People who have always dismissed the idea of a big disaster will now probably understand the value of being prepared. The COVID outbreak has suddenly changed lives and preppers definitely have a head start. The pandemic indicates that you cannot consider yourself to be safe because anything can happen anytime. You may have to be cooped up in your home for weeks, without supplies or help from outside. So if you have not been gearing up for a sudden invasion or natural disaster, it is time to get ready sooner rather than later. If you wait until something actually happens, you will be too late. Here is a checklist for first-time preppers who want to get ready for surviving a disaster.

preppers check list

Food and water

Obviously, the first thing you would need to survive is food and water. Stockpiling emergency food kits makes a good idea because these have a long shelf life and can keep you and your family well-fed even when you cannot go out. Since it is not possible to store fresh produce, you may consider buying seeds that you can sow in an emergency situation to create a small indoor kitchen garden at home. Similarly, you need to stock plenty of water- whether you would want bottles or gallons depends on your needs and preferences. 

Medicines and first-aid

Another thing that you cannot manage without is medicines and first-aid. If you are on medication for a long-term chronic condition, it always makes sense to have at least a few months’ supplies in stock. Additionally, you will also need over-the-counter medicines for common conditions like fever, coughs and colds, diarrhea, etc. Don’t forget to have a proper first aid kit in your prepper gear because you could need it more often than you may think.

Safety gear

For a pandemic-like emergency, safety gear is all about personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and goggles. But the requirements will be quite different if there is war or civil unrest. Consider investing in weapons like a gun and knife to keep your family safe. Knives can serve as tools too. You will also need ballistic protection; buying a Backpack armor is a good idea as it offers you safety from bullets and sharp weapons. And it doubles up as storage gear if you need to pack some emergency stuff and travel to a safer place in an emergency.

If you are on the move, take your trusted lockpicks to gain access to any abandoned property for food and shelter. Opt for a kit or set of lockpicking tools you can fit into your pocket, and use them as the situation demands.  

safety gear - preppers know what they need

 Batteries

A good prepper will always have some extra batteries on hand. You will need it for running flashlights and radios, which can be vital in the time of power outages and loss of other means of communication. Even if the situation is not that bad, batteries are essential for keeping things like remote controls and kids’ toys running. Surely, you cannot manage without entertainment during a lockdown. Do pick plenty of them and stock them because they seldom get expired.

This basic checklist for first-time preppers has you almost covered and ready for the worst. Apart from the right gear, you also need a resilient attitude to survive with the minimal and keep going in tough situations.

Tips for Proper Nutrition for Glorious Long Bike Rides

If you are an avid cyclist, we bet you are dreaming of some big bike riding challenge. Maybe it’s Tour de France, mountain biking, or something else. Whatever it is, good to know everything about preparing for an endurance bike ride.

Everyone knows that biking comes with a list of social and health benefits. It improves cardiovascular health, contributes to weight loss, and so on. Plus it’s a high activity that you can do with your friends and family. Whether they are riding a bicycle just as a hobby or you are preparing to go pro, most people feel drawn to the idea of going on some biking adventure. 

In this case, it is crucial to be well prepared. One thing is making sure that your bike is in tip-top condition and ready for the challenge, and that you have everything you need for the endeavor. Another is to prepare and plan what you will eat during the bike tour.

 Staying fueled with proper nutrition is, in fact, the most critical for any successful sports activity.   There is much information online about what to eat before a ride that figuring out what the best options are can be a challenge on its own.

 As always, gym-expert.com thinks about your needs in advance, so we prepared this article to read before your first biking escapade.

Something to Remember – Eat Carbs

To be able to endure long bike rides your, body needs a lot of energy, and there is no better way to provide it than by eating enough carbohydrates. Many people will say that your body fat is transformed into energy when you are cycling. This is entirely true but for moderate exercises. When you start to work harder, ride faster, or up the mountain, the fat is not enough – your body needs glucose, and for this, you need to eat carbs.  Around 60% of your calorie intake should come from carbohydrates. You might feel perplexed because there is plenty of information out there explaining why carbs are harmful to us. Keep in mind that they are talking about unhealthy sources like pizza, white bread, sugar, and so on. There are a lot of perfectly healthy carbohydrate sources like dairy, nuts, legumes, fruit, vegetables, etc.  Nuts and dry fruit can be excellent snacks for long bike rides that you can munch at any point.

Before the Ride

Remember that it is crucial to have an excellent nutritious meal  2-3 hours before the ride.  You should intake between 500 – 1000 calories of primarily complex carbohydrates combined with a bit of fat and protein. If this meal is in the morning, then one option can be cereal with skim milk and fruit or whole-grain bagel with fat-free yogurt and fruit.  For lunch, you can eat salmon and brown rice with some salad.  Also, it is necessary to drink enough fluid. Drink fruit juice like orange or grapefruit and a cup or two of coffee. This amount of coffee will not make you want to go to the toilet every 15 minutes, and caffeine is a known CNS stimulant that will give you a fantastic energy boost.

During the Ride

If you burn 400 calories in one hour, you should eat 200. The general idea when you go on long and demanding bike tours is to eat 50% of the calories you spent each hour. This can seem like too much, so you can divide it in a way that you eat 50 calories every 15 minutes. It is important to remember: food that contains carbohydrates should be your first choice. If you can’t keep track of the time, you can set the alarm on your phone to ring every 15 minutes to remind you that it’s time for a snack break.

Essential Gear List for Kayaking Safety

Kayaking is one of the many adventures in life that you can have without having to spend a lot of money. If you have your kayak and the paddles ready, you can just go out in the lake, river or the ocean and start kayaking, right? – Wrong!

Safety comes first, and there are certain items that you need to have with you before you even think of going into waters that, in case of a capsize, can become a real threat to your safety, regardless of how good a swimmer you are.

Essential Gear List for Kayaking Safety

In this guide, we are going to tell you about the essential gear list for kayaking safety that you need to carry along with you in that boat.

Things You Should Have for Kayaking

Let us now have an overview of all the basic safety equipment for kayaking.

Communication Radio Set – walkie talkie

If you are planning to go on a kayaking adventure with another person, it is advised to carry a walkie talkie 2-way radio set along with you. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, you will be able to maintain communication with the other person.

These days you can find some decent walkie talkie radio sets that are waterproof and have sufficient range, battery time and portability. Here are some of the top-rated waterproof walkie talkies radio sets that you can choose from before going kayaking with your partner.

Life Jacket

Be it kayaking, boating or any other activity that requires you to go into open waters, life jacket is one of the most important safety equipment that you need to wear regardless of every other factor.

As a regular paddler, you might at times think that it is just a lake or shallow waters and you probably don’t need to wear one. Well, accidents or mishaps can happen to anyone at any time. Whether you are going kayaking alone or with a partner, never go out into those waters without a life vest on. It can very well be the difference between life and death.

Flashlight or a Flare

Although it is not recommended to go kayaking during night, there are people who still like to add a bit more adventure by going out paddling when it’s dark. Or even if you leave during daytime, there is a possibility that due to a capsizing or some other incident, your return gets delayed.

During such mishaps, a flashlight or those old-school flares can come in quite handy to make signals to nearby rescue boats or coastal service personnel.

Whistle

This might sound odd, keeping in mind the modern-day technology that we have available at our disposal these days. However, a whistle can play a big part in making yourself recognizable amidst dark skies if your kayak is capsized.

Regular whistles might not be too effective in such cases, but there are certain emergency whistles that are made for this purpose and can be heard from great distances.

Spray Skirts

Spray skirt can be an effective item to have before going on kayaking. These are neoprene or nylon waterproof skirts that are specifically designed to keep the water out of your kayak, particularly in rough waters.

If you are not using one, your kayak might get filled up with water if there is a capsizing accident or if the currents are too strong. On flat waters, you probably might not need one.

First Aid Kit

Just like for any other adventure trip, a basic first aid kit is something that you should not overlook, regardless of you being a pro kayaker or not.

A basic first aid kit for kayaking may include bandages, disinfectants, anti-septic liquids, rubber gloves, etc.

Float Bags

Float bags can be a good addition to your kayaking safety equipment, considering that you don’t have one of those sit-on-top kayaks. For other kayak types, these triangular inflatable bags are inserted in the empty space behind your back.

The open space is filled with air and in case of any capsizing incident, these bags ensure that you stay afloat.

Bilge Pump

This is a small, portable pump that allows you to pump water out of your kayak in case you are paddling in rough waters and strong currents.

If the water manages to find its way into your boat, it can be really difficult to still keep paddling even after having tried to get water out using other ways. In such situations, a bilge pump can do the job for you within a few minutes.

GPS Device

Gone are the days when sailors would use compasses for navigation purposes. Today, those compasses have been replaced with GPS devices. These small, waterproof and portable devices are considered to be one of the most important kayaking equipment, especially if you are planning for a long route.

Remember, after a few hours on water, the position and surroundings start to look similar and you might feel that you are not moving at all. But if you bring a reliable GPS device with you, it will save you from getting lost.

Food Supplies

If you are planning to go on a rather longer kayaking trip, it would be a good idea to keep some food supplies instead of going with nothing at all. A couple of water bottles will also help in order to keep you hydrated, should your kayak capsize and you have to spend some time in open waters before being rescued.

Final Thoughts on Our Kayaking Safety Gear Guide

Kayaking can be super fun, no doubts about that. However, the fun can get ruined in a blink of an eye, and might even threaten your safety if you are not well-equipped with your kayaking gear and safety items.

You can always add or subtract a few items from the aforementioned list depending on your requirements, however, it is always advised to carefully plan your kayaking tour and take all the necessary supplies and equipment for safety purposes.

Enjoy your Kayaking!

What to Include in Your Emergency 48 Hour Kit

What to Include in Your Emergency 48 Hour Kit

For every family and individual, it’s essential to be ready for the unexpected with an emergency preparedness kit. Situations like natural disasters, utility failures, or political unrest can and do happen. These events will leave you without access to your normal resources and supply chain for often a few days. While long term emergencies are a possibility, the most common length of time that you may be without water and power is 48 hours. That is why you should always have an emergency 48-hour survival kit on hand. This kit should include (at the least) food and water, light sources, sanitation items, first aid, and essential tools. 

The Basics for Your 48 Hour Kit

While packing an emergency kit can seem like a large task, it is important to only pack things you need. Even though you are most likely to use it at home, keeping your kit compact and portable is also important so that you could grab it and go if need be. Store your kit somewhere dry and easily accessible.

Water & Non-Perishable Food 

Arguably the most important thing you should include in your bug out kit is water. Ensuring you have drinkable water is extremely important, especially if your emergency occurs during hot weather. The average amount of water a person is supposed to drink a day is 13.5 cups a day, so you want to make sure you have enough for you and the people you are with. Understandably, packing a lot of water in your 48 hour kit can become heavy so consider purchasing a filtration straw that allows you to drink unfiltered water if it comes to that.

Additionally, you should make sure you have food in your kit. Pack healthy, easy to store, non-perishable food that you can eat at any time. You want your food to have nutritional value so food like canned meats or fish, granola bars, dry cereal, etc. are all good things to have in your kit. Several MREs (meals ready to eat) are a good idea to include as well.

Light Sources

The next most important items you should store in your 48 hour survival kit are light sources. Nothing is worse than not knowing what your surroundings are in an emergency situation. Many emergency situations can lead to power outages so being prepared with alternative lighting sources is essential.

For a portable light source, include one or two bright and long lasting flashlights in your 48 hour survival kit. If you have access to power in the form of a generator or solar powered outlets a rechargeable flashlight should be fine, but an AA battery light can be better for a long term emergency event. It is also a good idea to include a lantern in your emergency kit to illuminate larger spaces for more comfortable use in living spaces at night.

Additional Supplies

Having a few or all of these items in your 48 hour kit will definitely come in handy in an emergency situation. Keep these additional supplies in your short term survival kit:

  • Toilet paper 
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Antibiotics 
  • Bandages
  • Can opener
  • Mask
  • Flashlight batteries
  • USB charging cord

Whether these items help prevent infections or are simply sanitation items, you’ll definitely want to pack at least a few additional items to basic food, water, and lighting. Also, consider what types of events might be the most likely to happen in your area; if you live somewhere where dust storms happen often, a mask will be great to include. If you live in a very cold area, store extra blankets.

Your 48 Hour Survival Kit

Be prepared for the unexpected with everything outlined for your 48 hour survival kit. The most important items are water, non-perishable food, and adequate lighting gear. Don’t forget to pack additional supplies you might need to survive. While you will hopefully only need this kit for 48 hours, you could wind up relying on it for much longer.

Author: Danielle Duran, Morrison, Colorado

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