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.

Should You Be Including A Body Armor In Your Survival Gear?

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!

 

5 Legal Self Defense Weapons You Should Consider Buying

Whether you are at home or traveling, safety matters the most. After all, you would not want to be attacked or threatened at any time. The best way to deal with the risks is by having a self-defense strategy in place. While you can learn some physical tactics, carrying a weapon or two can make you feel safer and more confident anywhere. But you would want to carry only the ones that are legally permissible because anything that is not can get you into trouble with the authorities. Here is a list of legal defense weapons you should consider buying for being safe everywhere and at all times.

What are the 5 Legal Self Defense Weapons You Should Consider Buying?

Pepper spray

Perhaps the best weapon that you can carry for being safe while you commute and travel is pepper spray. It is lightweight and easy to carry as you can just slip it into your bag or pocket. Moreover, pepper spray is easy to take out and use when you are in potential danger. There is a good choice available if you want to pick the level of potency, though even the lightest one can be highly effective.

Tactical knife

A tactical knife is small in size yet effective and easy to use when it comes to defending yourself from an attacker. You can choose a flip open variant or one that can be carried in a holder on your side. Flip open knives are easy to conceal while the side-holder ones are easier to access when you are in danger. Tactical knives, though, are not legal everywhere.

Stun guns

Stun guns are effective self-defense weapons that enable you to shock the attacker. Since these are non-lethal, you need not fear legal restrictions in most of the places. While even a basic one would give you good protection, look for an advanced product like TASER X2 if you want to be extra sure. These guns are widely used by law enforcement professionals through even civilians can use it.

Tactical pens

A smart self-defense weapon that you can carry everywhere is a tactical pen. It looks like a pen but is capable of doing much more. The impact edges are designed to dissuade attackers while it has LED lights as well. Moreover, the tip of a tactical pen can cut glass and help you to escape if you are abducted.

Personal alarms

Not exactly a weapon, a personal alarm is still something that can keep you safe in adverse situations. A whistle is the best example of a traditional personal alarm. However, there are high-tech ones that you can use to send across an alert to the authorities when you are attacked. Some alarms are even equipped to share your location so that you can get help on the spot. Look for a small and easily accessible one that you can reach when you need it the most.

Since these weapons are non-lethal, you will not get into legal problems by using them. Still, carrying them makes you feel confident as you can use them for being safe all the time.

 

Tips to Choosing the Ideal Tent for Survival Off Grid

You can’t go to a camp site without a tent. This is because you will not have somewhere to lay your head at night or when you just want to rest during the day. With a quality net, you can be sure that you will be protected from the bad elements of weather. Besides that, you will enjoy being able to do certain things in privacy, such as changing into fresh clothes and grooming. However, buying a new tent can be a daunting task, especially when you don’t know what to look for. As a matter of fact, tents come in various shapes and sizes. Selecting the right tent will go a long way towards improving your experience at the campsite. Here is a list of things you should consider when shopping for a tent.

1. Size Matters

Your choice of a tent should be guided by the number of people that it can accommodate. In fact, every tent describes the number of people that can comfortably stay in it. If it’s just you and your spouse, a tent with a capacity of 4 people is highly recommended. This is because you will use the space that’s left to keep your stuff. If you have a bigger family, it’s recommended you narrow down to a king size tent. This helps in ensuring that the occupants are able to move inside without being clumsy. It’s also important you consider the height of the tent, especially if you want to be able to stand inside. A tent with a cubicle design is ideal for such purposes.

2. Easy to Set Up

As an amateur camper, you might get carried away by the looks of various tents. Some tents look very appealing when they are already set up. What the sales people will not tell you is that you can’t set up such tents on your own. In fact, some tents can only be pitched by professionals. Going to a camp with such a tent is a recipe for disaster. This is because you will not be able to set it up fast when you arrive late at the camp or it starts raining. By the rule of thumb, you should select a tent that pops up instantly.

3. Proper Weather Protection

Sleeping under canvas is fun as long as the tent doesn’t allow bad weather to penetrate to the inside.  An ideal tent is one that’s designed to prevent water from penetrating through. Tents made from canvas are usually the best because they are breathable, meaning they allow fresh air to circulate inside while repelling water. Such tents help in maintaining dryness in the inside by encouraging evaporation. Since they are also breathable, they prevent heat from building up. You should also select a tent that’s insulated on the edges to keep cold weather at bay during winter.

4. Price

The price of tent is not constant across various stores. You should actually keep looking until you find a tent that you can afford to pay for. At the end of the day, you will only get what you pay for. This means that a bigger tent and more features will obviously cost more than a smaller tent. Besides that, tents made from canvas cost a premium price due to their durability. On the other hand, those that are made from nylon material tend to be cheaper. The downside is that they need to be replaced every now and then.

 

Tips on Food Storage for an Emergency

Emergency Food Storage

It is vital to store food for the emergency purpose such as earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, floods, etc.

Emergencies are expected to happen in everyone’s life at any time.

Initial perpetration is essential to face for emergency purpose.

There are many more benefits to storing food for an emergency.

Keep in mind, if something terrible happens, food stores are not going to operate as usual, and you are going to figuring out how to find your supplies.

Stock up on food for emergency

Food You Can Store

The most important thing is to know what are the types of foods that can be stored.

 Following are some kinds of food items that can be stored for emergency.

  1. Canned fruits, vegetables (peaches, pears, berries, corn, beans, carrots)
  2. Canned meat (tuna, beef, mutton)
  3. Unsalted nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
  4. Crackers (cereal bars, sweet treats)
  5. Pasta
  6. Rice
  7. Peanut butter
  8. Water bottles
  9. Juice and shelf-stable milk or nondairy alternatives
  10. Multivitamins (calcium, fish oil, vitamin C)
  11. Honey

Important Things to Consider

There are several things to consider when storing food for an emergency. Following are the significant things to concentrate,

– A well-organized pantry to store items for an emergency. The pantry should be planned to store food for long term purpose without any harm for food.

– Food security should be considered. When storing for an emergency, it should be stored very safely because at the moment of emergency; it should be safe if it is damaged can not use.

– Long term expiry dates. When purchasing the food items should consider the expiry date, and it should be a long term one to store for a long time.

– Make sure that storing fruits and meats are well dried up to the storing condition — especially when preparing food at home for storing.

– Better to avoid frozen or refrigerated food for emergency purpose. Because these kinds of food items can not keep outside for a long time.

– Store the items for an emergency that are no need of freezing or cooking as well as not taking much time for preparation. 

Plan for your emergency exit

Tips to Remember

There are various tips to store food for emergency purpose. It is essential to know the tips to save correctly, as those things to be used in an emergency.

If it is not stored correctly, no use at the time of crisis.

Following are few tips to remember:

– Food items should be well sealed and packed or canned to avoid damages for the food.

– Properly label and categorize the food items to easy access.

 – Store with proper quantities that are required for your family needs and wants.

– When storing food items do not forget to consider the nutrition values.

– At the same time, give a significant consideration for the tastes and flavors you and your family members prefer.

According to the things mentioned above, purchasing, packaging, and storing properly holds significant importance at storing food items for emergency purpose.

Proper preparation and organization helps to face the emergency with minimum losses.

Author Bio:

Wilfred Chong

Surviveafterend.com

 

Survival Skills For Kids

Survival Skills for Kids
 

5 Things You Should Know About Buying Food To Stockpile

For most preppers, safety and food security is of paramount importance. Having your own food supply during an emergency or crisis situation will keep you and your family self-sufficient even during the toughest times. How do you build your own stockpile for survival?

foods list for off grid survival

Here are 5 things you should know about buying food to stockpile.

  1. What Is Your Goal?

Before buying food to stockpile, you will need to set your goal. How much stock do you intend to buy? How long do you want the supplies to last? Ideally, your food and water supply should sustain you for at least 72 hours but for peace of mind during an emergency, go beyond the bare minimum.

Start by writing a list of foodstuff that can sustain you and your family for three days. Once you have achieved that goal, keep building until you have enough supplies to last a few months.

  1. Decide On A Stockpile Budget

When buying food to stockpile, it is important to have a budget from the beginning. Determine how much you can afford and how much money you can spare from your weekly shopping to buy food to stockpile.

Make your budget conservative and reasonable. Avoid getting into debt. Know when to stop. There are times when you will have to pass up a great deal to avoid wasting money. Remember to go over your budget before you start shopping. You can always take advantage of store sales and product rebate offers.

foods list for off grid survival, food storage
  1. Invest In Nutritionally Dense Foods

Sometimes, consuming food from a stockpile can get tiring and boring. This is why you will need to invest in a stock that includes nutritionally dense and tasty foods. Consider your family’s taste and make a list of ingredients they will enjoy. Some of the foods to buy include; multivitamins, dried fruits, cereal, canned meat and chicken, nuts and peanut butter.

Don’t buy food items that your family doesn’t eat. Don’t buy food that will go bad before you eat it. Check all the expiry dates and preservatives used to ensure that your food is safe for consumption for the entire period you will need it.

  1. Prioritize On Water

Water is life. Without it, our bodies cannot survive for more than three days. Buy enough water. You should stockpile and safely store at least two weeks supply of water for every individual in your house.

Commercially bottled water is the best choice since it is safe and does not require sanitizing or disinfecting any further. However, it is advisable to consume or replace the water every six months.

foods list for off grid survival, jars and canning your own supply
  1. Prepare Space For Your Stockpile

Stockpiling on food and water will take up a lot of space in your pantry. Before you head out shopping, ensure that you clean and prepare the space. If you intend to store the food in the basement, ensure that your basement is cool and dry.

Remember, seepage, mice or mold can make your entire stock of food unsafe. You can invest in additional storage shelving or identical boxes that take up minimum space.

Conclusion

There you have it. 5 important things you should know about buying food to stockpile. To find out more on foods list for off grid survival go to simplyoffgrid.com for more information.  

 

Survival of the Ready – Preparation is Paramount

Millions of people around the world have to face the trauma and consequences of an unforeseen disaster every year, and tens of thousands lose their lives.

You can rarely predict or avoid a disaster happening but you can often improve your odds of survival.

Ammo.com have put together a comprehensive guide for emergency preparation and looks at key reasons why you need to prepare for an emergency and what steps you can take to prepare.

The guide can show ready you are if disaster strikes.

 

5 Valuable Tips for Surviving a Natural Disaster

Have you or any of your loved ones ever been caught in a natural disaster? Natural disasters can occur in many different forms including hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, landslides, and flash floods among others. Whatever form it may take, a natural disaster has disruptive and destructive effects in any individual’s normal life. The following tips can help you and your loved ones to overcome some of the problems you may face during a natural disaster.

 

  • Make enough family preparation

Preparation is the best way to keep one at ease in the event of an emergency. Take time to discuss with your family what they wish to carry to remain calm when a natural disaster occurs. Give your children time to share what they would not like to leave behind when evacuating. Give them few ideas on how to go about in the crisis to ensure their safety. Discuss the news from the meteorological department with your family to enhance your preparedness.

 

  • Prepare a survival kit

It is difficult to tell the duration that a natural disaster may last. Some can take few hours while others may take several days to last. Equip your survival kit with enough supplies that can last you for at least three days. Include important items such as food, blankets and water. Consider the number of people who will need to use the kit to avoid depleting the supplies long before the emergency is over. Ensure that you carry a kit that can zip up when evacuating.

 

  • Give attention to medications

If you have any condition that requires medical attention, remember to take care of it. Carry your spectacles or hearing aids with you. Many people face medication problems whenever an emergency occurs. Ensure you have enough pills to last you for few days if the disaster lasts for days. Even when you think you are fine carry some painkillers and antibiotics in case need arises. The pressure and confusion that you and your loved ones may face during a natural disaster may make it necessary to take some painkillers.

 

  • Avoid using elevators

In case you get caught in a natural disaster while in the tenth floor, let the elevator be your last option. Disasters increase the chance of power failure. You can easily be trapped in an elevator once there is power failure. Staircases will take more time to reach the ground floor but they are much safer during a disaster. Don’t put yourself in more confusion by getting stuck in the elevator.

 

  • Be cautious when moving around

Natural disasters such as earthquakes bring along aftershocks. When moving to evacuation areas, be careful of any possible falling objects and debris. Watch out for unstable grounds when walking. If you have health problems such as poor vision, you are advised to stay where you are until the rescue comes. Moving around will expose you to more risks of being hit by falling objects such as broken grasses or debris from buildings. The only safe place to move to is a certified evacuation center.

 

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Leona is part of the content and community team at Specialty Fuel Services – providers of emergency fuel continuation services, in locations affected by catastrophic events.