Committed to providing you and your family with the best survival knowledge, skills and equipment.
How to Prep for Your Survival
Surviving in this harsh world takes courage, resilience and shrewdness. As Nikita Khrushchev once said, “If you live among wolves you have to act like a wolf.” If you’re keen to thrive in this modern era, it’s important to equip yourself with vital survival skills that can stand the test of time.
Here are 4 ways you can prep for your survival:
Learn some new skills
It’s important to practice some essential life skills if you truly desire prepping for survival. Sadly, most people desire to learn new skills but they procrastinate. We are all guilty of taking a raincheck on important things, rather opting to engage in entertaining activities such as watching films. However, learning is a continuous process that shouldn’t end after completing formal education. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “learn as if you were to live forever.” If you’re interested in learning a skill, simply start practicing it. Some crucial skills that might help include:
Starting a fire
Shooting game
Performing basic first aid
Playing your favorite instrument
2. Have sufficient food and water supply
Food and water are essential elements of human survival. When you’re prepping for survival, ensure that you have plenty of food and water in stock. Your supply should last you for at least one month. Try to get a balanced diet consisting of the three macros (proteins, fats and carbohydrates). Also learn how to prepare and store food properly. To ensure that your water is free of impurities, study how to decant and purify water. If push comes to shove, practice the art of rationing your meagre food supply to prevent it from running out too quickly.
3. Equip yourself with defensive gear
Society today has evolved from a supportive social pillar into an egocentric community. Urban living is often governed by the rule of the jungle: every man for himself and God for us all. Surviving in this harsh environment will require you to hone some defensive skills. Learn how to defend yourself from dangerous people who might try to harm you deliberately. For instance, you can learn karate or join a boxing class. In addition, it might help to purchase a few survival gear to keep yourself safe in ugly situations. Invest in a good survival kit that will come in handy when an unexpected natural calamity, war or doomsday event happens.
4. Have a medicine reserve
If you take medication on a regular basis, then you definitely need to have a medicine reserve. Diabetics, epileptics and patients with heart conditions must take medicine every day. However, if pharmaceutical firm workers or drug distributors decide to strike, there would be a severe shortage of essential medicines across the country. Such an unfortunate scenario would create a temporary drug deficiency – and patients who lack a medicine reserve would be hit first. Therefore, ensure you have a small reserve of medication you take frequently. It should be enough to last two weeks or more.
Precaution is better than cure. These insightful tips will help you to prepare sufficiently for survival.
Smart Lighting in Home Security – All You Need to Know
If there’s one often neglected aspect of home security, it’s smart lighting. It’s an area that certainly belongs in the home security industry, but many people deem it unimportant. Well, it’s a mistake to do so, and if you’ve been wanting to get into smart lighting, join us as we take a look at what is it, what you need for it, and how it impacts home security.
What is Smart
Lighting?
In its most basic form, smart lighting is lighting that you can control from one centralized device. It’s usually a hub that you connect to from your smartphone, whether it’s an Android or iOS phone, and you have an app that controls everything.
Copyright: Pixabay | CC0 Public Domain
That app will enable you to
change the brightness of the bulbs, and if you have colored LEDs, it will also
enable to you change the colors, too. All of this, when you have multiple
lights around your home, will enable you to create scenarios or recipes. For
example, you could have dimmed warm white lights when you’re watching a movie,
to make a warmer, more relaxed atmosphere. And the best thing is, you can
switch from one scene to another with a few taps on your smartphone, or a few
words with your voice assistant.
What Do You
Need?
Smart lights generally rely
on mesh networking. This means that each bulb wirelessly connects to the
nearest neighbor and they create an entire network of devices. The network is
controlled by a hub that acts as a central and is connected to your router. In
turn, this allows you to connect a device to your home wireless network and use
it to control the smart lights. Note, however, that some systems, such as the
LIFX platform, connect directly to your Wi-Fi, and don’t require a hub.
One feature that is crucial if you want your smart lighting to have an impact on your home security is the “away from home” mode. This basically opens up the network for access when you’re away from home, which will come in handy in a few situations, but more on that in a minute.
Copyright: Pixabay | CC0 Public Domain
Now, even though for the most
basic experience, all you need is the bulbs and maybe a hub, there’s one more
thing that’s worth getting – a voice assistant. Which one you go for might
depend on the smart lighting system you’ve decided to go for. For example, the
Philips Hue system works with Amazon’s Echo, Google Home, and Apple’s HomeKit,
but others might require a specific speaker. Whichever one you choose, it’s
going to give you the option to control the smart lighting with your voice,
something that makes things extremely simple and convenient.
One last thing we’d like to
mention is the pricing. Make no mistake, the investment is worth it because
you’ll be saving a bit in terms of electricity, and as you’ll see below, you’ll
be gaining quite a bit in terms of security. However, if you were hoping that
the switch to smart lighting will pay itself off in a few months thanks to the
lower electricity bills, you’ll be disappointed. You might want to consider a
price range of a few hundred dollars if you’re going to go all out and deck out
your home in smart lighting from top to bottom.
The Impact on
Security
Many homeowners think that
smart lighting is nothing more than just a convenience, and a way to make
things a bit easier for yourself. However, there’s one major thing that you get
– the ability to control the lights when you aren’t at home. This is invaluable
and is what makes all the difference.
A major indicator of a vacant
home for burglars is the lights being off for a day or two, continuously.
Chances are the owner of that home is on vacation, or away for business, and
their home is empty. This makes it a prime target, and you don’t want that
happening to your home.
With smart lighting, however,
the first thing you can do is set up a schedule. You could have your lights
turn on at a predefined time, and turn off again after a while, such as at
night. This is done with no user input at all and could be a deterrent. But if
you’re gone for a while, a thief might catch up to that schedule and see that
the home is vacant. This is where the “away from home” mode comes in. If you’re
on vacation, you can connect to your home remotely, and shuffle things up every
once in a while. And if a thief sees this, they’ll stay away from your home –
it may not be vacant after all.
Is the End Closer than We Thought? The Latest Apocalyptic Predictions
Scientists calculate that the Earth is a whopping 4.54 billion years old, causing many to wonder when it will come to an end. And, while you might recall the infamous 2012 end of the world prediction by the Mayans, there are some newer theories and predictions out there regarding the future that are worth knowing about. From a psychic’s controversial predictions to a higher-tech apocalyptic future, here are some of the latest end of the world theories and how to survive them.
A computer program predicts the end
Developed in 1973 by MIT researchers, the computer program World One was originally created to simulate global sustainability, though has offered much more when it comes to apocalyptic predictions of the future. In fact, it predicts that the world will collapse in the year 2040, with 2020 being the “first disaster milestone” due to environmental conditions. Because of the environmental conditions, experts of the Club of Rome say that such a future may be preventable if resource consumption is dramatically decreased by high consuming nations like China and the United States.
When it comes to surviving, however, there are many ways that humans can individually attempt to lessen environmental damage. For example, leading more sustainable lives through reducing plastic, going zero-waste, and cleaning the planet can all help to preserve the environment and prevent further damage.
A psychic’s wisdom
Perhaps one of the most well-known psychics in history, Baba Vanga of Bulgaria has made several predictions throughout the years and is said to have successfully predicted monumental events such as the 9/11 attacks, the 2004 Thailand tsunami, and Brexit. In the near future, she has also predicted that President Trump will fall ill with a disease, and that Vladamir Putin will survive an assassination attempt.
However, the notable blind psychic has also predicted the end of the world to take place in the year 5079 in the 51st century – though without any context at all as to how or why making it near impossible to know if there is a way to survive. While Baba Vanga’s predictions are said to be correct 85% of the time, many may remain skeptical about her visions – especially when it comes to the end.
Baba Vanga passed away in August of 1996 and predicted events well beyond her time. While impressive by any psychics standards, getting a second opinion from another psychic can bring a more modern and greater insight on an apocalyptic prediction, thus allowing you to prepare accordingly for survival. As a doomsday prepper or just a survival enthusiast, a quick search for psychic readers near me can easily help you to find someone who can help in giving those much needed answers, personal insight, advice and peace of mind on the controversial subject of the end of the world.
An AI apocalypse
While robots taking over the world has been a popular theory in regards to the apocalypse for years, the latest in technological innovation has kept the specific predictions of the theory new each year. With that said, recent predictions seem to lean heavily towards an artificial intelligence takeover. Often used to help humanity in forms of Siri, Alexa, cybersecurity, and even self-driving cars, a potential artificial intelligence apocalyptic event remains an ever-present threat to humans.
Whether it comes in the form of bots generating impactful fake news, or something bigger – like a robot takeover, a report done by 26 experts concluded that an AI takeover is something to fear due to its possibility of becoming a reality. In fact, AI is already outsmarting humans, such as when it won against pro video game players of the popular game DOTA 2. While many try to avoid AI in their day to day lives by disabling smart assistants like Alexa or turning off their microphones out of fear of misuse, others may try to keep an AI apocalypse at bay by taking a break from electronics completely or by learning to hack. And, in the event that an AI apocalypse does happen, creating a new language and ditching electronics altogether may become prime survival techniques.
While nobody knows the true date or form that an apocalypse will present itself, many are sure that it’s bound to happen someday. With many predictions over time, the latest ones present ideas such as a technology takeover, environmental destruction, or just a simple date with no context at all.
Survival Quote Series
Throughout the year we will be posting some of our favorite Survival Quotes, we hope you enjoy and SHARE them.
One of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need for survival is a reliable and heavy-duty tent. When it comes to survival, the best shelter will not only keep you protected from the elements, but it will also give you a comfortable place to take cover for the night.
Every keen
survivalist needs a well-designed tent. However, tents come in all shapes and
sizes, so you’ll need to do your research before you pick one up.
There is such a
wide variety of tents on the market, making it difficult to know exactly what
to look for when choosing a tent for survival purposes. A tent to last in any
survival situation needs to do more than stay put against the wind.
Take a look at our tips to find out how you can choose the best survival tent for you!
Strong and
Sturdy Materials
Some might argue
that durability is the most crucial feature of a good survival tent, and we
can’t really disagree too much. However, how much a tent can withstand all
comes down to the materials used for its construction.
There
are several materials survival tents will be made from, but you can typically
expect to find either canvas, nylon, or polyester designs.
Nylon and
polyester are more commonly found, and they’re ideal for survival and
wilderness environments due to their lightweight feel. These materials might
not be heavy, but that doesn’t stop them from delivering a heavy-duty
performance. They are generally highly resistant against tears and rips, and
usually have a water-resistant layering to add to their toughness.
Polyester is also
an excellent choice if you’re looking for something with UV resistance, as this
material often has a UV-resistant coating already built-in, preventing your
tent from suffering sunray damage.
Canvas, however,
is often considered to be stronger and sturdier than plastic materials.
However, it is worth considering the difference in weight compared to other
tents. Canvas tents will be heavier, and are likely to take up more space in
your bug-out bag. When it comes to survival, you’ll need to consider whether
this would be an issue for you.
As well as being
durable and long-lasting, the best survival tent will be breathable and
well-ventilated. Ideally, your tent should have windows and more than one door
if it is built for over two people. This will help to allow the air to flow
properly inside, and allows the temperature to be better regulated.
Lightweight
and Compact
As we’ve discussed
with regards to the material of the tent, the weight should be a factor to look
for when choosing a tent for survival.
You should
consider how long you’re likely to be in the wilderness for as a way of
determining how heavy your tent can be. Generally, the longer you’re going to
be traveling, the lighter your tent will need to be, as you’ll have to carry it
around with you for longer. You won’t want to exert too much energy by carrying
around an unnecessarily heavy tent for days on end.
Many modern tents are built with this in mind, and will be made as lightweight and compact as possible. Some tents will be specifically designed to fit inside a survival kit, and can roll up easily for a comfortable carry. However, I’d advise being slightly wary of these tents, as their focus on being lightweight can sometimes mean a lapse in quality, and they can instead feel flimsy and useless.
The overall size and
shape of the tent also shouldn’t be overlooked. Not only should it not weigh
your bag down, but it should also be able to actually fit inside. You might be
thinking that a tent will be the heaviest and largest piece of survival gear
you’ll have to carry around, but with the compact tents available on the market
right now, that isn’t necessarily true.
This will also
depend on the amount of people you’re planning on having in your tent, as a
larger group will inevitably require a larger tent.
Resistant to
Water and Wind
A tent that isn’t
able to handle heavy rainfall might as well not be worth having. There are many
ways a tent’s waterproof capabilities are enhanced, and one way is through the
seams. Look out for taped seams, which ensure that no water can seep through
and you can remain dry inside the tent.
Many tents’
waterproof level is indicated by a ‘Hydrostatic Head’ rating, which can usually
be found in the tent’s specifications. A higher Hydrostatic Head rating
highlights a stronger tent that can handle greater amounts of water.
In addition to
being waterproof, a sturdy tent will of course be able to resist blowing away
in the wind as well. Try to find tents that use sturdy poles for their
construction, preferably made from metal such as aluminium. This will prevent
the tent from collapsing at the slightest breeze.
Number of People in Your Group
You’ll need to
consider how many people are going to have to sleep in the tent, as this will
be a determining factor in deciding which tent is right for you.
However, whether
it’s a single-person tent you’re looking for, a family-sized one, the tent will
need to be comfortable and spacious to allow for a rejuvenating sleep in the
wilderness. It’s important to consider the height of the tent, as while a
taller tent provides more room to move around freely, it can be more noticeable
in the outdoors, which isn’t great if you’re trying to keep a low profile.
If you’re anticipating being in a survival scenario with a large group or with several family members, then there’s no escaping the fact that you’ll need a big tent. However, you may find it’s more efficient to go with two 2-Person tents, as opposed to carrying one family-sized shelter instead.
Although 2-Person
or single person tents are a convenient choice, you’ll need to consider how
breathable and comfortable they are. Look out for smaller tents made from
materials that promote ventilation, such as nylon or polyester, for a less
restrictive feel.
Useful
Extras for Survival
Many of the best,
high-quality survival tents will come equipped with extra features to make your
life easier in the outdoors.
Ideally, your
chosen tent should have additional storage space included, often in the form of
mesh pockets. These can be used to store smaller items that you’ll need easy
access to, such as a flashlight or a folding knife. This helps to keep items
within easy reach, but also saves you from unnecessarily using floor space for
gear storage.
Another
common feature found with survival tents is the addition of one or more
vestibules, depending on its capacity. While vestibules may seem like a weighty
extra to fit into your survival backpack, they will be incredibly useful in the
wilderness. You can’t always anticipate the weather conditions, and this
feature helps to shelter your survival gear from the elements.
For survival
purposes, you should also consider a tent with a reversible fly. This is a
useful feature to have, particularly in the wilderness, as the option of a
darker or lighter color means you can change the color of your tent’s exterior
to camouflage with the environment. This can also help to protect you from
potential threats, as well as giving you privacy when you need it the most.
Conclusion:
A survival tent is
one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll purchase in your
preparation for survival, so it is essential that you know exactly what to look
for. If you’re serious about survival, it is undoubtedly worth investing in a
high-quality and well-constructed tent, that you can be sure won’t fall apart
during tough times.
We hope this guide has helped you in making your decision, and now you know just what to look for in a survival tent! If you’re interested in reading more of our articles, check us out at Survival Front for more survival-related tips and product reviews.
Thanks for
reading!
Key Ways To Prep and Save Money On Your Survival Gear
Camping,
hiking, and hunting can test your survival aptitude. But, of course, before
heading to these activities, it’s important to equip yourself with the right
knowledge and skills in order to become a true survivalist. Also, it’s crucial
to prepare your gear to ensure safety and a more enjoyable overall experience.
However,
premium quality survival kits and gear don’t come cheap. So check out some ways
you can save money on survival equipment by reading below.
Take Advantage of
Online Promos and Discounts
When
going on a survival journey, make sure that you have all the right equipment to
help you get through emergency and life-threatening situations. Remember that
essential survival gear can make a big difference in terms of your personal
safety and of the people around you. That being said, make certain that you
purchase only high-quality survival equipment that can withstand harsh elements
and great impacts.
One of the best ways to save money when buying essential survival gear is by using discounts or promo codes such as Palmetto State Armory discounts. But, where can you find such? Good thing there are promo sites that are readily accessible to make your search a lot easier.
Here
are the benefits of using online discount codes or coupons when purchasing your
survival gear:
Stack Coupons and Discounts: You can use multiple discount codes on some of your purchases. For instance, you can get a 5 percent discount on the item price of a portable water filter to ensure safe drinking water in the wild, plus a promo code for free shipping.
High-quality Survival Gear at a Lower Price: The best thing about using promo codes is that you don’t have to pay for the full price of premium-quality survival gear, such as survival boots, knife, and rifle. You can use your special discount codes to get them at more reasonable prices that fit your budget.
Save Time and Effort: Bring with you the best survival gear you purchased at a discounted price online. You don’t have to search every manufacturer’s website to get some special deals because online coupon sites serve as a one-stop shop for all your promo needs.
Peace of Mind: Because your survival equipment can be pricey, you are assured that you can rely on them whenever you need them, most especially during emergency situations.
Invest in High-quality
Survival Gear
By
spending money on quality survival gear, you can save more money in the long
run. Whether you need new hunting shoes, cutting gear, binoculars, tarp, or
sleeping bag, make sure to consider quality over the price. While you can save
with cheap survival gear for the upfront cost, you wouldn’t want to risk your
health and safety with poorly made products that easily get damaged after one
or two days of use.
Here
are some tips and tricks when assessing the quality of survival gear:
Check the Stitches: Stitching should be
consistent and tough for survival gear made of fabrics, such as survival shoes,
pants, jacket, and even tarp and tents.
Know the Make: For metal survival
gear, such as a knife, rifle, and other hunting tools and supplies, make sure
that they don’t rust right away, and maintenance should be minimal.
Know the Functions: For devices, such as
cooking tools, ensure that you purchase one with multiple functions allowing
you to save resources, like cookware that allows frying, boiling, baking, and
steaming food at the same time.
Testing and Proper Use
of Survival Gear
You
don’t have to purchase new survival gear every time. By investing in
high-quality items and taking care of them through testing and proper use will
surely save you a lot of money over a long period of time.
When choosing the best survival gear, you need to prioritize food, fire, shelter, and water. Make sure that your survival kit carry items that meet your basic needs. Also, you need tools that aid in security, self-defense, stealth, and shelter building. However, make sure that you also know how to use these equipment to avoid self-injury or causing harm to other people as well as to wildlife
Here
are some tips when testing and using survival gear:
Read the manufacturer’s instructions regarding proper use and maintenance tips.
Check the duration of battery-operated devices to ensure they will last for a couple of days before they need recharging. Solar chargers are very helpful in the wild.
Watch video tutorials or join survival courses to learn how to use survival tools and equipment properly and efficiently, and to develop and enhance your survival skills.
Conclusion
There’s no secret in
survival–you just ought to survive no matter what. But, you need to be
prepared with the right tools and survival gear, along with the right survival
knowledge and skills. Of course, the prices of survival tools and equipment can
be tough on your budget, but using promo codes can help. Also, investing in
high-quality survival gear and using them properly can save you money in the
long run.
17 Life Hacks Camping Tips that Will Save You Time and Money
Camping trips take a lot of organizing.
Storage space, unpredictable weather, and food supplies are
just some of the things you have to consider when preparing a trip to the great
outdoors.
This list of 17 life hack camping tips from GuideCool will tell you exactly what materials you need and how to put them together for the best trip possible.
Camping Hack #1 – Keep Your Keys Safe with Cork
If you plan on being near the water on your camping trip
then get on board with this simple but effective trick.
Gone are the days of watching your keys fall to the bottom
of the lake.
Plus, attaching an old wine bottle cork to your key ring
takes less than a minute.
What Do You need?
A screw eye
A cork
How Do You Do It?
Simply twist the screw eye into the cork. Then attach your key-ring and you’ve got a buoyant set of keys.
Camping Hack #2 – Light up Your Tent with a Water Bottle Lantern
A water bottle lantern will easily light up your camping tent or camping area with minimal fuss.
What Do You Need?
A head torch
A water bottle
Clear tape
How Do You Do It?
Firstly make sure the water bottle is full of water. Then
point the torch into the bottle.
Once you have the best angle that gives you the lightest, attach the torch to the bottle with clear tape.
Camping Hack #3 – Use a Bowl Speaker to Increase the Volume of Your Music
Most camping fans listen to music or podcasts through our
phones from time to time, but the sound is never loud enough for a group.
Luckily, this simple hack changes that.
What Do You Need?
Smartphone
Camping Bowl
How Do You Do It?
Place your phone with the music or podcast playing into the
bowl.
The key here is to point the phone’s
speaker towards the bottom of the bowl.
The sound waves then reverberate around the bowl as it acts as a speaker, filling the air with sound.
Camping Hack #4 – Use a Watering Can Shower to Wash off the Day’s Activities
Smelling fresh and staying clean on a camping trip can be
tricky, especially if you spend a few nights in the wild.
However, this homemade shower means the beauty of adventure
doesn’t have to mean sacrificing hygiene.
Watering cans can take up valuable packing space, so it’s
a good idea to use them for storage while they aren’t being
used.
Packing them up with your bathroom products or
plastic-wrapped foods like pasta works perfectly.
What Do You Need?
A good-sized watering can
Bungee Cord
How Do You Do It?
Fill the watering can full of water and put it out in the
sun.
You can even leave it by your camp in the morning before you
head out for the day.
When you get back your warm shower will be ready.
Your challenge is to find a place to hang the watering can
at an angle so it pours the water evenly.
Loop the bungee cord through the handle. Then find a tree
branch above head height to attach it to.
As the water slows down, simply move the bungee further along the handle to create an angle so the water keeps on flowing.
Camping Hack #5 – Keep Your Clothes Fresh with a DIY Washing Machine
Camping trips are almost always full of activities. And, while long hikes and kayak trips down river create amazing memories, they also create dirty clothes.
Luckily, this simple washing machine will have your t-shirts
and shorts feeling home washed in no time.
What Do You Need?
A standard bathroom plunger
Water Container (Size varies on storage space)
Knife
How Do You Do It?
The water container can be of any size.
Big18 liter water buckets are perfect because the water
really gets to move around.
However, standard plastic washing up basins also works well.
It all depends on how much space you have for storage.
Once you have the container, fill it up halfway with water
and some laundry detergent. (Baking Soda is a great camping substitute for
detergent).
Let your clothes soak for 10 minutes while you prepare the
plunger.
Using the knife, cut six evenly spaced holes in the plunger.
They should be the size of the top of your thumb. About half
an inch around.
Then start sloshing around the water with your plunger washing machine! The average item of clothing takes about 10 minutes to clean.
Camping Hack #6 – Eat Like a King (Even if it’s wet) on this Swedish Fire Stove
The Scandinavians know their fair share about surviving outdoors. This Swedish Fire Stove can be premade and then used if the weather takes a turn for the worst.
What Do You Need?
Six logs of wood
Strong Wire
Wood Shavings
Fire Lighters
How Do You Do It?
You can either buy the wood before you go or go out looking
for it once you’re at your campsite.
Either way, you will need six logs of a similar height.
Place the logs together so they make a circle and bound them
with wire.
The key here is to leave enough space in the center of the
logs to place your firelighters and wood shavings.
Mix the firelighters and wood shavings together before you
push them into the center of the six logs. This way, when you come to light
them you won’t have any trouble starting a flame.
You can also store the fire starter mix away from the logs
until you use them together.
Once the flame is lit you can expect your stove to be ready
in around 30 minutes. During this time you may need to gently blow into the
logs to stoke the fire.
The logs will start burning within the center and create an enclosed heat perfect for cooking on. So just place your pot or pan on top of your stove and enjoy your meal!
Camping Hack #7 – Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with this Banana + Mars Bar Dessert
After a long day in the woods, there’s
nothing better than a sweet bite of this campsite dessert. Plus, the banana
offers a great source of magnesium to help with muscle recovery.
What Do You Need?
Bananas
Tin Foil
Mars Bars
How Do You Do It?
Make a cut in the banana from the top to the bottom. Do not
cut all the way through.
Slice the Mars Bar into slivers. Then push the slivers
inside the banana.
Wrap the Mars Bar filled banana in tin foil and then place into the fire. Try not to eat in 2 seconds!
Camping Hack #8 – Save time and Boost Energy with Pre-made Oats
Oats are an amazing carbohydrate packed full of B-vitamins
that help to metabolize your energy so you can keep going way past lunchtime.
It can be tiresome preparing them every day, however, so
follow this guide for a tasty and convenient breakfast.
What Do You Need?
A Ziplock Bag or Jar
Rolled oats
Your favorite dried berries and fruit
Your favorite nuts and/or seeds
A dollop of honey
How Do You Do It?
There are two options. You can either make a large batch and
store it all in one container, or make separate daily rations.
In both cases, you mix at a ratio of:
1 cup of rolled oats
Half a handful of berries/Fruit
Half a handful of Nuts/Seeds
A teaspoon of Honey In the morning, add two cups of water for every cup of mix. Heat gently and stir until your desired consistency is reached.
Camping Hack #9 – Take Corn Chips for Food and Fire
Corn chips are cheap and, like all good camping hacks, are
useful in more than one way.
We all know they are great for a trail snack on a long hike,
but actually they make a decent backup for firelighters as well.
What Do You Need?
Corn Chips of any variety
How do You Do It?
The eating part is pretty straightforward, obviously. And
actually so is the fire part.
Corn chips will burn a little slower than matches if you put a flame to them. Perfect for using inside your Swedish Wood Stove or tucked under some kindling in a traditional fire.
Camping Hack #10 – Throw Your Beans in the Fire, Get in the Cowboy Spirit
This little camping hack dates way back to the American
frontier, because cowboys didn’t much like washing plates
either.
A tin of beans will go straight in the fire and start
bubbling when they’re ready.
What Do You Need?
An open fire
How Do You Do It?
Peirce the top of the can with a knife. This gives the heat
inside the can somewhere to go and stops the contents inside from burning.
It also acts as a whistle to let you know when they’re
boiling.
Place your can of beans on the edge of the fire and wait.
Also, remember to use a wet cloth or a pair of tongs when you take the can back out of the fire.
Camping Hack #11 – Pack Vinegar for the Ultimate Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Vinegar is one of those special substances that can do
everything.
First and foremost it’s a great cleaner because of
its acidity.
It’s perfect for camping because it’s
non-toxic, so you can freely clean with it without having to worry about your
effect on the surrounding environment.
The same cannot be said about most generic cleaning agents.
What do You Need?
White vinegar is best for cleaning because it doesn’t
have much of a smell.
Darker vinegars still work great but if you don’t
like the smell of vinegar you may want to avoid them.
How Do You Do It?
If your cool box or any cooking equipment starts to smell,
empty it out and soak it in undiluted vinegar.
After an hour or so wash it out with water and the bad smell
will be gone.
If you have a propane lantern you can soak the wicks in vinegar for half a day and expect your lantern to burn brighter and longer that evening.
Camping Hack #12 – Use Candle Wax to Un-Jam Zips
There are few more irritating things than a jammed up
sleeping bag zip.
Apart from maybe a jammed up tent zip.
The process of delicately trying to move the zip without
breaking either your sleeping bag or tent door can be a painful one.
Luckily, that spare candle you packed can get rid of this
problem forever.
What Do You Need?
Any candle, preferably unscented. You want the wax to be as
pure as possible.
How Do You Do It?
Gently rub the wax onto the jammed area.
Then gently move the zip up and down. The wax will act as a lubricant and help you to slide the zip to safety. Do not use too much wax initially. This can lead to the wax itself jamming the zip.
Camping Hack #13 – Stop Stifling Hot Mornings with an Emergency Blanket
Waking up in a hot, sticky tent can take the fun right out
of camping.
There is a really simple way of making life a lot more
bearable when the sun beats down through the trees, or if you’re
staying in an open campsite.
What Do You Need?
An emergency blanket (Foil Wrapped)
Reflective blanket
How Do You Do It?
Place the blanket over the tent where you expect the sun to
hit in the morning.
You can use more than one although consider the weight and
how it may affect your tent’s structure.
Well placed, the reflective blanket will keep the sun at bay until you’re good and ready to start your day.
Camping Hack #14 – Keep the Mosquitoes Away by Burning Sage
Burning sage is an effective and natural alternative to
keeping mosquitoes away from your campsite.
The plant has also been found to clear almost all bacteria
from the air, creating a much cleaner and hygienic living area.
What Do You Need?
Sage leaves. Bundles of sage are available to buy online for
less than $4.
How Do You Do It?
Light the sage and blow gently so it begins to smoke.
Then place your bundle near to where you are sitting so the smoke wards off any mosquitoes.
Camping Hack #15 – Stop the itching from bug bites with household items
It’s never fun getting bitten by a
mosquito, especially when you forgot to pack a soothing gel and the itchy pain
won’t go away.
Interestingly, there are loads of household items that will
help to soothe the irritation. Below is a list of the most effective ones.
What Do You Need?
Vapour Rub – The Eucalyptus extract helps
to soothe.
Aspirin – Salicylic Acid is an
anti-inflammatory
Thousand Island Dressing – This really works! How? It’s
just one of life’s big mysteries.
How Do You Do It?
Crush the aspirin down with water to make a paste and then
cover the bite.
The vapor rub and dressing can be gently applied to the area.
Camping Hack #16 – Store Your Seasoning in Tic Tac Boxes and Make Your Campfire Food Taste Great
Slow cooking on a campfire is one of the best ways to eat
food.
So it makes a lot of sense to bring your favorite spices and
seasoning with you.
The problem is that they often come in odd-shaped bottles
and are prone to spill.
That’s why those refreshing little mints
provide excellent storage cases for travel-size seasoning supplies.
What Do You Need?
Empty tic tac boxes
A marker pen for labels
Elastic band
How Do You Do It?
Fill the little boxes with your chosen delights and label
them.
Store them by tying them together with an elastic band.
Camping Hack #17 – Use an Old Tool Belt to Keep your Camping Essentials Organized
It’s so easy to forget where you put the
torch when you need to leave the tent at midnight.
An old tool belt is a brilliant camping hack when it comes
to storing your essential items.
Plus, it’s a reusable item that’s
just been sitting in the garage collecting dust in its many useful pockets.
What Do You Need?
A multi-pocketed tool belt.
How Do You Do It?
Make a list of the items you think you will need the most
during your trip.
That will depend on the type of trip, but in most
environments, you’re going to want a torch, a knife and
some rope tucked into the conveniently place pockets of your new storage
system.
Conclusion
Little improvements to your camping experience can make a
huge difference to your enjoyment and safety in the great outdoors.
Preparation is everything.
We hope these 17 Lifehack camping tips will set you up for a
great trip and remember to share them with other people on the trail.
Bio
I am Jacob, the man behind GuideCool. I’m an incredibly enthusiastic (my friends would say nigh-on fanatical!) outdoors person and spend a lot of my time either in the mountains or planning my next trip. And my wife? She is passionate about seeing new places, meeting the people who live there, and immersing herself in another culture. We create GuideCool to share our travel life with others. I hope you enjoy our 17 life hacks camping tips.
Should You Be Including A Body Armor In Your Survival Gear?
Being prepared for a disaster is
something that everyone should do. And this is not a rule that only military
and law enforcement professionals should observe. Even civilians need to have
the right kind of tactical gear to cope with the adverse situations they may
come across at any point in time. Speaking about tactical equipment, one piece
that you may overlook is body armor. However, this is one of the most important
pieces for civilians and law enforcement professionals alike. At the same time,
it is also legal in most of the states. So even if you aren’t a security
personnel, you can still buy one. Before you decide whether you should include
body armor in your arsenal, here are some facts that you should know.
What is body armor?
Even before you contemplate buying body armor, you need to understand what it exactly is. Essentially, body armor is a piece of gear (usually a vest) that covers your body to protect it. This means that you may even consider a helmet as body armor because it protects your head. Often, body armor is used interchangeably with bulletproof vests but may not necessarily be resistant bulletproof. At the same time, it may be strong enough to slow down a bullet if not completely stop it.
The popular base material for
modern armors is Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). It
comprises plastics that are tightly woven for giving them added strength and
making them capable of dispersing a bullet’s energy as it makes way through
different layers of the protective gear. Besides the ones made out of UHMWPE,
you can also find armors that are crafted with Aramid steel. This variant is
heavier in weight but offers protection comparable to the UHMWPE counterpart.
What are the types of body armor
you can explore?
It has already been explained that body armors are usually made of UHMWPE and Aramid UHMWPE and steel. Besides these, there are different variants available in the market. If you want to explore the options, you can choose to buy body armor from engardebodyarmor because there is plenty of choices here. The best part is that you can shop online discreetly in just a few clicks, without even having to step out.
Here are variants that you can
explore:
Soft body armor: These soft armor packages consist of a certain amount
of flexible layers of PE and/or Aramid.
This type of armor is
capable of stopping a round from handguns penetrating through it by
decelerating it rapidly. This usually results in the bullet deforming or
“mushrooming” (and ultimately stopping) the bullet falling after it hits the
armor (unless you are unlucky). The successive layers of the material of the
vest absorb the bullet’s energy and gradually stop it before it is able to
penetrate.
Hard Body Armor: This category is segregated into
three types on the basis of plates being used in them.
Ceramic plates: The armors made with ceramic plates
are stronger than soft ones when it comes to resisting rifle rounds. Ceramic
plates use a combination of layers of PE/Aramid with Ceramic. The Ceramic part
is placed a strike face side of the panel. The ceramic breaks the incoming
round and the PE/Aramid package part of the plate absorbs any fragments left. Essentially, ceramic has the potential to slow
down the bullet in addition to fracturing its impact. On the downside, ceramic
cannot take multiple rounds because the plates become weaker with each round
just as it happens with soft armor. Further, these are heavy in weight and you
cannot wear them without an additional carrier.
Polyethylene plates: A variant in body armors that has
become popular in recent times is that made in polyethylene plates. These
polyethylene plates (PE) are made from layers of PE (UHMWPE) that are pressed
together under very high pressure and temperature. These plates can weigh
around 1-1.5 kg in comparison with their ceramic plate counter part weighing
3-3.5 kg. However these polyethylene plates do not stop armor piercing
rounds. They can slow down the bullet by
“mushrooming” effect and the bullet is actually caught in the plate. Weight
reduction is the main benefit of these plates.
Steel plates: Steel
is another variant you can find in hard body armor. Compared to the other
variants, it is quite a poor performing product as rounds tend to ricochet.
These plates are cheap but very heavy. So you will seldom find professional
operators using this type of armor these days. Still, steel emerges as the best
choice if you are on a budget because it provides ample protection and does not
cost a fortune.
You can explore these options and find the one that
matches your requirements and budget.
How can you fit the body
armor?
The fitting of body armor matters
the most, irrespective of the variant you opt for. Ideally, it should provide
coverage for the main areas of the torso, including your front, back, and
sides. The purpose is to protect your ribs and vital organs from potential
bullet attacks. Also, you need a good fit to get the right level of protection.
This is done by proper positioning and correct adjustment of the armor.
Do you really need body
armor?
Now is the most important question,
whether you really need body armor. The answer is that it is completely up to
you. For example, if you are in the law enforcement department, this is one
piece of tactical gear that you cannot just manage without. On the other hand,
it can act as a lifesaver in a defensive scenario even for a civilian. Whether
it is a disaster or an attack, body armor can be a great thing to keep you
safe. You may feel protected just because are armed. But remember that your
attackers will be armed too and wearing protection can actually save your life in
the worst situations. Even if you are a civilian, wearing armor gives you the
confidence that you may need when facing survival issues.
Can body armor actually save your
life?
Body armor can absolutely play the role of a lifesaving gear but wearing it does not guarantee complete protection. The truth of the matter is that you need to choose one that is strong enough to maximize your chances of survival even from bullet attacks. If you have the right one on, the probability of survival increases to a significant extent. When you buy body armor, its NIJ rating is a factor that you should consider. NIJ refers to the National Institute of Justice while NIJ rating is a global rating system that is used as the ballistic standard of resistance. A reputed manufacturer always mentions the NIJ rating for the armors he sells. The rating is classified from Level IIA to Level IV.Level I to Level IV and the higher is obviously better. Level IIA, II and IIIA are ratings for handgun protection (soft armor). Level III and Level IV are ratings for rifle protection (hard armor).
What factors should you consider
while choosing a carrier?
Besides choosing the right body armor, you also require
a carrier irrespective of the fact whether you are picking soft or hard armor. A carrier is basically a textile piece that has
pockets in which soft armor panels and/or hard armor panels can be placed.
The best carriers are made out of
cotton or polyester and have Velcro straps. There are adjustable variants that
allow you to attach other gear such as extra pouches to them. When you choose a
carrier, steer clear of elastic because it weakens with time and eventually the
vest may sag. It is not advisable to wear one that does not give you a snug fit
because the vulnerable areas of your body will get exposed.
Considering these key facts about
body armor, you will realize how important it can be in combat situations.
Though nothing can guarantee survival at such adverse times, this protective
gear increases your odds to a significant extent. Make sure that you pick one
from a good brand and also a piece that offers a snug fit for great protection.
Still, you should not get overconfident because this attitude can make you
slack about your safety!
