Author Archives: staff-writer

Essential Gear List for Kayaking Safety

Posted on by

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.

Photo Credit

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!

 

66% Don’t Have Enough Supplies to Last Three Days in Quarantine

Posted on by

An alarming new study has found that despite the wave of panic buying taking place across the country, two in three Americans say they don’t have enough supplies to last three days in quarantine. 

The study analyzed data from over 3,000 respondents and used the Department of Homeland Security’s recommendation to have at least three days of food and emergency supplies on hand at all times. According to the study, 72 percent of Americans didn’t have this supply before COVID-19 became prevalent. During the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, 66 percent still did not have this supply. 

Because these Americans don’t have enough for three days, we must assume they’re grocery shopping more often. This presents a serious risk, especially considering that visiting public places puts shoppers at higher risk of exposure to the virus. 

All this being said, it’s possible that a severe lack of preparation before and during the outbreak is resulting in the continuation of the virus over time. 

Here is the three-day list of essential supplies the Department of Homeland Security suggests having on hand during an emergency: 

  • Water (one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation)
  • Food (non-perishable)
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Manual can opener (for food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Here are the recommended additions to your three-day emergency kit: 

  • Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
  • Prescription medications
  • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
  • Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Cash or traveler’s checks
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

For more information on disaster preparedness, use these resources.  

Free Report: ‘How to Build the Ultimate Disaster Survival Kit’

Posted on by

Click Survival has released a free report titled: “How to Build the Ultimate Disaster Survival Kit”. This report aims to ensure people are prepared for any kind of disaster, (including the coronavirus/ covid19 outbreak) and to create a survival kit that is ready to go in any emergency situation. It also aims to ensure that you do not make the most common survival situation mistakes that can cost you your life.

The report has been made openly available and at no cost by ClickSurvival.com. It’s available to the general public, thought leaders within the survival and ‘prepper’ market and anyone with an interest in building a disaster survival kit.

Free Report https://clicksurvival.com/free-report-x04

The free report includes:

  • Discover exactly how to prepare yourself and your family when the SHTF!
  • What you MUST do when the lights go out
  • 13 CRUCIAL things to stock at home
  • 6 things EVERY survival kit must have
  • Preparing food for long-term storage
  • …& TONS more!

Interested parties can find the report ready to download, for free, at https://clicksurvival.com/free-report-x04

Link to the website: https://clicksurvival.com/

About Click Survival

Click Survival was founded in 2020 and is a no-fluff, straight to the point, down to earth website, bringing the wealth of experience from Jim’s 20+ years teaching survival skills. within the ‘Survivalist and Prepper’ industry. It is best known for Jim himself. Jim is the single biggest asset to the venture who brings with him a no-messing approach to surviving the worst that life can throw at you.

Its unique position within its industry gives it the authority to produce such a report on building a disaster survival kit because it is a culmination of a wealth of experience from teaching survival skills to people of all walks of life. The survival kit is the basic necessity for every household and here Jim brings his insights to help you create the ultimate disaster survival kit.

Benefit of the free survival report

For example, as the report aims to solve the problem of being prepared for any kind of disaster, (including the coronavirus/ covid19 outbreak) and to create a survival kit that is ready to go in any emergency situation., it gives valuable information to the reader that will ultimately benefit them by helping people from all walks of life to be ready for when (not if) the disaster will strike their home. This could be the latest pandemic, earthquake, power outage or any number of disasters that are just around the corner.

Why Prepping Is So Important Right Now

Posted on by
image source

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the world is in chaos. People are rushing to the nearest bank so they can withdraw their stimulus checks and buy necessary supplies. Others are sheltering away in their homes hoping things will pass. However, there is a risk that things are going to get much worse before they improve. This is why many people have been preparing for such events for a long time. They knew something like this would come along and they wanted to be ready. Prepping can help you prepare for these troubling times.

Within this guide, you’re going to learn more prepping and why it is so important right now.

Troubling Times

The world is going through turmoil. You can see it all around you. When you go to the store, you see people wearing masks and trying other tactics to protect themselves. Simultaneously, oil prices have dropped significantly low so times are critical. Anything can happen in the next few days so it is pertinent to be prepared during these troubling times. Consumers should do what they can to protect themselves. They should stockpile food and find shelter.

Otherwise, it might be too late.

Being Ready

A lot of people were ready for the Coronavirus and it is likely a sign of things to come. The world is spiraling out of control and the next major event may be far worse. It could come in the middle of the night and people may be caught off guard. If this happens, people won’t be able to rush to the grocery store and buy every day. This could create a significant problem for people who haven’t prepared. With that being said, it is pertinent to be ready. You should make sure that you have a stockpile of goods so you can be ready for anything that comes your way.

Puts Your Mind At Ease

You can find an abundance of prepping tips by visiting Preparing with Dave. So, why should you get involved in this practice? What benefits will it provide? Well, there is a good chance that you stay away at night worrying about life and the pandemic. You may worry that things are going to worsen. If you’ve found yourself in this type of situation, there is a good chance that you have trouble sleeping and you want to look for a solution to this problem. If this is the case, you should start preparing as soon as possible.

Once you’ve done so, you’ll know that you’re ready for everything.

How To Get Started

Getting started prepping isn’t too difficult. However, you’ll need to develop a prepper mentality. Once you’ve developed a prepper mentality, you’ll be ready to conquer the world. You’ll know what you need to do. You’ll also find items that you need to collect. This includes water and food. You’ll also need to find shelter. Remember that it is pertinent to prepare over a period. Do that and you won’t have to splurge on everything at once. Prepare over a period so you can balance your budget easier.

Hunting With a Crossbow for Beginners

Posted on by

For the people who are interested in hunting, a crossbow can be a good weapon for beginners. A crossbow is a kind of ranged weapon that uses elastic to launch a missile, in this case, a projectile that can hit your target and kill it. Just like all the other kinds of hunting weapons, a crossbow can be accurate and suitable for hunting. It can be fun using this hunting weapon for people who are just beginning to engage in this activity. You can learn more here by reading along. In this article, we shall discuss some things beginners need to know about the use of crossbows and how to choose the accompanying projectiles for a better hunting experience.

Crossbow for beginners - Year Zero Survival Blog

Here are some of the hunting tips you need to know when using a crossbow as a beginner:

Crossbow Configurations

The fact that many companies manufacture crossbows means that you may be confused about what to choose. However, with some basic knowledge of some features of crossbows, you would be better off. Crossbows come with a stock and a bow. These fit together to form the whole weapon, the crossbow. The difference in many types of crossbows is in the style of a bow that will be attached to the stock. In this regard, there are three designs, which are the Reverse Draw, the Compound, and the Recurve.

Consider crossbow draw weights

This is a very important factor that one should consider when buying a crossbow as a beginner. This refers to the number of pounds it will take you to draw back the string into the cocked position. This ranges from 90 to 260 lbs and should play a very important role in the speed of the arrow after it has been released from the crossbow. With this feature, one needs to consider their strength and know the amount of poundage they can comfortably draw back on the crossbow.

The limb configuration and the length of the power stroke are other factors that can determine the speed of the arrow. If your draw weight is great, your bow becomes more unforgiving. As such, your shooting errors will be many. You will also increase the wear and tear of the components of the bow.

Know the crossbow arrow speeds

The crossbow arrow speed is a very important aspect that can help beginners become better hunters. Modern crossbows come with arrow speeds that range from 265 to 400 fps. You see, the faster the arrow speed, the further and the flatter you can shoot it. With this in mind, you should be able to take the big game with ease. However, it is good to note that bowhunting requires one to be as close to their target animal as possible. Regardless of the arrow speeds of your crossbow, you may not always achieve your goal. Archery is not a long-range sport and one needs to know this while they buy a suitable crossbow. This way, you will not be disappointed. And in any case, as a beginner, you should develop your skills by using the basic crossbow before you can buy the more powerful weapons.

What are the benefits of crossbow hunting?

This is one thing you need to know as a beginner so that as you engage in this activity, you can be encouraged at the same time. There is a wide range of benefits that come with crossbow hunting. These are:Crossbow hunting is good for wildlife management. One good thing with crossbow hunting is that it encourages wildlife population control and management. For the areas that are overpopulated with animals, such as game parks, game reserves, and even forests, crossbow hunting will help in controlling the population of the animals. Consequently, there will be a healthy growth of the wildlife population.

Good for recreation purposes. This is a good recreational activity that beginners in hunting can engage in. You can utilize your free time in this adventure and help relax your mind as you try to look for targets and hit them. It is also a good chance for you to socialize with other people who engage in the same activity. You will get to learn from each other. This is a good way to grow your hunting skills and hunting engagements.

In conclusion, one must be aware of the rules and regulations of hunting in their countries, States or Counties. Regardless of the fun and the adventure that comes with crossbow hunting, you could easily get yourself into jail if you do not follow the regulations laid down in your country. You need to know all there is to know about hunting certain animals in a particular jurisdiction. This way, you should enjoy your crossbow-hunting expeditions as a beginner.

Top Five Survival Knots That Everyone Should Know

Posted on by
Bundle of brown rope

The most essential survival tool available to you today is knowledge. Expensive, all-weather sleeping bags, weather-proof rucksacks and boots that cost more than your TV are all well and good, but when it comes down to it, survival is about ‘knowing’ how to survive. As the famed survival instructor Mors Kochanski said: “the more you know, the less you have to carry”.

Granted, heading out into the wilderness in just your underpants is not something we’d recommend. But, having the fundamental knowledge of being able to build shelter, find food, start a fire and have access to clean drinking water are all essentials to have stored away in your memory. Part of this fundamental learning process should be for you to understand key knots and how to tie them.

Here, we take a look at five knots that are vital for survivalists to have under their belt!

Bowline

Bowline knot laying on a table
Image Source: NightHawkInLight

One of the sturdiest and strongest knots in the arsenal of a survivalist, the bowline knot is one that everyone should know. Its design means it can hold a lot of weight without the threat of untying, with the knot increasing in tightness the more pressure that is added.

Uses

A bowline can be used for a myriad of things, such as hanging objects and food from trees, or hanging things from your pack if you don’t have space inside, such as spare boots or cooking pots. If you’ve been hunting with your air rifle or a survival knife, you could also hang your catch from a tree to drain the blood and prepare it for cooking.

Additionally, the knot can be tied around oneself, even one-handed, which makes this one a useful style to have nailed down.

Disadvantages

When gravity is the sole force on the knot, such as things hanging straight down, then this is a great knot. However, when the bowline is pulled in a side-angled direction, it can loosen and potentially come undone.

Clove Hitch

Man tying clove hitch knot on wood
Image source: Jason Eke

Have you ever wondered how to make an effective fishing rod in the wild? Well, the clove hitch is what you’ll need. This particular knot is used to attach your rope or cord to another object, such as a long fishing pole. This is an effective knot and is super easy to tie.

Uses

Because the clove hitch can be adjusted without untying the knot, this makes it especially useful for raising or lowering heavy items. It could also be used for anchoring or creating a shelter.

Disadvantages

Much like you would check a tent when you’re camping, we’d suggest inspecting the knots regularly if you’re using them for a shelter for an extended period. Wind and rain may eventually loosen the tightness of the knots, so this is something to bear in mind. It’s also worth noting that the knot works best when there is constant pressure being applied, as this will keep it tight.

Half Hitch With/Without Bight

Man tying half hitch knot around a tree
Image Source: Nature Reliance

Have you ever wondered how to make an effective fishing rod in the wild? Well, the clove hitch is what you’ll need. This particular knot is used to attach your rope or cord to another object, such as a long fishing pole. This is an effective knot and is super easy to tie.

Uses

Because the clove hitch can be adjusted without untying the knot, this makes it especially useful for raising or lowering heavy items. It could also be used for anchoring or creating a shelter.

Disadvantages

Much like you would check a tent when you’re camping, we’d suggest inspecting the knots regularly if you’re using them for a shelter for an extended period. Wind and rain may eventually loosen the tightness of the knots, so this is something to bear in mind. It’s also worth noting that the knot works best when there is constant pressure being applied, as this will keep it tight.

Half Hitch With/Without Bight

Fishermans knot made from blue and red cord
Image Source: Nature Reliance

The fisherman’s knot is very good for a specific purpose: combining two separate pieces of cord or rope together without the risk of them untying. That being said, it serves this purpose extremely well and may help you out in a pinch!

Uses

The knot gets its name from the fact that this would often be the first one that anglers and fishermen would learn, as they would tie any loose pieces of line together and could also use it for attaching hooks to their line.

The knot doesn’t slip under strain either, making it good for climbing and the working ends can be cut close to the knot without the risk of failure, once the cord has been pulled tight.

Disadvantages

This knot is particularly difficult to untie, especially if you have cold or wet hands. In theory, this would be used as a permanent fixture rather than being something you may want to untie in the future.

Chain Sinnet

Chain sinnet knot made with yellow cord
Image Source: Richard Mcleod

The chain sinnet is not necessarily a knot, rather a way to store rope when not in use. But, it does involve arranging the cord in such a way that it becomes easily accessible and doesn’t tangle, so for that reason, we’ve included it.

Uses

As mentioned, the chain sinnet is perfect for storing rope or cord when not in use and allows you to easily access it whenever you need it, without having to unravel or untangle anything. You can also access as much as you like without having to unfurl all of the cord, meaning that any you don’t need will remain in the chain formation.

Disadvantages

Outside of being useful for storing string, cord and rope, the chain sinnet doesn’t really serve too much of a purpose in the wider survival community. That being said, it will make your life easier, so it’s not one to completely ignore!

For more tips on survival and wilderness skills, including how to fish with basic equipment, check out our survival blog here!

Important Skills Survivalist and Preppers Need

Posted on by

Finding Food

Finding food in the wilderness is just a small piece of the challenge. Some people think that you can find food on bushes or animals roaming around and go back to eat. It’s a lot more difficult than you think it is to hunt down animals or even fishing. You will need to understand and learn the techniques so that you may practice.

You must understand what type of wild animals are actually worth eating in terms of how much energy you are putting in. Then you need to research what is the best way to bait them in and hunt them down.

The truth is that for survival, eating raw vegetables and fruits are better than anything else, but why stop there? You need to know where to find food and how to prepare it in the wilderness, before you will be ready to survive there. It’s no good going back to eat when you are dehydrated or starving because your family will be too hungry and too cold to eat. So what should you eat? Here are some suggestions for food in the wilderness: https://matteroftrust.org/62-edible-wild-plants-that-you-didnt-know-you-can-eat/

Shelter in the Wild

Finding shelter in the wilderness is a challenge that most people do not face every day. Most of the people who leave their homes and try to cross the wilderness are just a little crazy about adventure and have no idea what the right way to handle the situation. If you are in the same boat as these people, then your first step should be to get your mind off the wilderness and focus on yourself and your situation. Here are some tips and suggestions at Survivaltechie.com you can take to help you find a good place to stay in the wilderness.

Learning to identify which areas for building shelter is an essential part of planning. Depending on terrains and weather, it would be smart to know all the options. For example if you know it is going to be in a wet or rainy area; you would want to look for high ground areas with rocks. That way you can keep yourself and your equipment dry.

Finding shelter in the wilderness is a challenge

Are You Ready For Cooking in the Wild?

It is very important that any person considering a move to a remote area seeks out cooking in the wilderness insurance before making this decision. You want to be sure that you have an insurance policy that covers your needs if you become stranded and unable to get home by your own means. This is especially important if you are going to be cooking with your new family and trying to cook with the in-season ingredients that will be available in your new location.

cooking in the wilderness

Hunting Skills

Hunting in the woods is an adventure. It doesn’t have to be. It’s when we can be “wild” and a little off the grid. A hunter has the advantage in that he or she is not just in the woods, but with the weather as well. Some areas are quite hospitable to the hunter who knows how to handle the woods. Hunters are different from fishers, for example, because they don’t usually have a full time job; they get to spend their time hunting year round, and catching fish on the days they go fishing.

Hunting in the woods gives you an advantage over other hunters, and the entire game itself. Deer, rabbits, and even moose can be found in the woods. The best way to begin is to scout out a location. There are many places you can start. They range from horse camps to log homes, off of a creek, and even a hunting lodge.

When you get to the spot, you need to make sure it is safe for hunting. Not all areas are safe. One place you can go and ask is if the area will allow you to use a tractor in hunting in the woods. You’ll probably be told yes, but before you do, make sure you find out what the laws are, and make sure that the area you are hunting is hunting only. If there are animals and they are eating what you are taking, you could possibly be sued for a violation of the hunting laws. So always check to see if you can hunt in the woods. Whether it’s deer, moose, elk, bear, or even bear cubs, you never know what you might encounter.

Stay Prepared, Stay Resourceful

Being resourceful in the woods is hard work. You need to have the right knowledge of how to handle different kinds of situations that come your way.Resourceful in the woods starts with being aware of the weather. Know what it is going to be like before you head out. Being resourceful in the woods, also requires that you have a complete list of medicines, supplies, and equipment that you need to take with you when you go out to hunt. You may need to find emergency cell phone numbers or, even, an area where you can rest while you are out. It is important to know what to do if you get lost. Being resourceful does not just apply to the woods. If you ever find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere without food, water, or even shelter, being resourceful will allow you to survive. Knowing what to do when you are in the woods will also help you if you ever encounter an emergency situation.

Make Your Own Simple Faraday Box

Posted on by

A Faraday box is the easiest way of protecting most small electrical equipment that can be unplugged from the power source.

A Faraday box is a metal box designed to divert and soak up the EMP. If the object placed in the box is insulated from the inside surface of the box, it will not be affected by the EMP travelling around the outside metal surface of the box. The Faraday box simple and cheap and often provides more protection to electrical components than “hardening” through circuit designs which can’t be (or haven’t been) adequately tested.

Many containers are suitable for make-shift Faraday boxes: cake boxes, ammunition containers, metal filing cabinets and so on. Despite what you may have read or heard, these boxes do NOT have to be airtight due to the long wave length of EMP; boxes can be made of wire screen or other porous metal and be equally effective.

The Faraday box is a great solution assuming that you aren’t using the equipment when the event occurs.  (not likely)  It is highly advised that you prepare a “back-up plan” Faraday box filled and ready for such an occasion.  Shortwave radio, weather radio, small television, spare telephone and anything else you may need after.

Do remember that the power grid will likely be wiped out so anything you keep will have to run off of a fuel powered generator.  You should be focused on staying informed but not needlessly entertained.

Simple-Faraday-Box

The only two requirements for protection with a Faraday box are:

(1) The electrical equipment inside the box can’t touch the metal container. Insulating with cardboard, rubber, plastic or even wads of paper are acceptable methods.

(2) The metal shielding must be continuous. There can be no large holes or gaps in the shielding.

[source]