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Survival Tips: The Importance of Having Multiple Options
In any emergency situation, it’s crucial to have alternative routes and options for transportation. While land-based options like cars and roads are often the go-to, don’t forget about the potential of water-based options in a crisis. Creeks, rivers, and other bodies of water can serve as valuable routes for travel, especially if roads are blocked or impassable.
One way to utilize water-based transportation is by using a canoe, kayak, or inflatable raft. These options allow for travel over long distances with minimal equipment and resources. In fact, in a worst-case scenario, a canoe or kayak could even serve as a temporary shelter if needed.
When it comes to survival, it’s always important to have multiple options and strategies in place. Don’t rely solely on one mode of transportation – consider the potential of using water-based options as well.
Here are a few top picks from our Year Zero Survival staff:
Inflatable kayaks are perfect for bugging out, camping, vacationing, exploring remote areas, and cruising yachts. They’re also great for paddling enthusiasts that don’t want to drive around with a kayak on their rooftop! Travel Kayaks fit easily into the trunk of your car, duffel bag or suitcase. When you feel the itch to paddle, your boat is with you!
This one-person kayak inflates in minutes and features a water resistant dry bag and water bottle holder, with adjustable backrest. Includes a paddle, hand pump, carrying bag.
The big daddy of them all, The `Wave by Zodiac’ is an easy-to-use inflatable designed for a quick set-up and easy storage. The lightweight, durable design allows for rugged use in extreme conditions.
How To Survive A Night In Your Car
It’s a harrowing statistic, but according to the National Weather Service, about 70 percent of winter weather-related fatalities occur in an automobile. You can bet many of those vehicle-related deaths began with someone simply leaving the house to run an errand, make a short trip to visit family or friends or take care of routine business. The weather turns unexpectedly bad, road conditions rapidly deteriorate and, suddenly, what was an ordinary drive becomes an overnight ordeal.
Don’t think just because you don’t live in New England, the upper Midwest or the western mountains that something like this can’t happen to you. Even in areas where snow is a rare event, cars can slide off icy roads and become stranded in freezing weather, leaving passengers stuck right there with them. Here’s how to make it through a freezing night in your car and ride out events until help can arrive.
Be Prepared
The first thing to do as winter approaches is be sure you have stored a few key items in your car. If you wait until you need them to try to round them up, it will be too late. Essential items to include in a winter survival kit, according to a combination of recommendations by Wisconsin Emergency Management’s Ready Wisconsin initiative and survival expert Peter Kummerfeldt’s OutdoorSafe website, include:
Other essential winter tools in severe weather country include jumper cables, the best small shovel, tire chains and rock salt, sand or kitty litter to provide added traction when stuck on a slick surface.
Before You Go
If you’re leaving for an extended trip, always check weather and road conditions before departing. If poor conditions are forecast, you may consider postponing your trip. Also, let others know when you are leaving, which way you will be traveling and when you should arrive at your destination so they can alert authorities and provide them with solid information to help in finding you should the need arise. Fill your car with fuel and make frequent stops to stretch, relax and refill your tank, never allowing it to get much below a half tank. Should you become stuck and need to spend the night in your car, the ample gas will allow you to start your car throughout the night and run the heat for short intervals.
If You Are Stranded
First call for help if you can’t get your car unstuck. Don’t overexert yourself and don’t leave your car and begin walking for help. You stand a much better chance of being found if you remain with your car, which can also provide the best shelter from the elements. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety warns against running your car constantly. Instead, be sure the exhaust pipe is free from snow and roll down a window enough to vent the car and prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Run the car for short 15-20 minute intervals to warm up and then turn it back off, using blankets, a sleeping bag, hand warmers and the body heat of others in your car to stay warm. Eat snacks to keep nourished and read a book (another item Kummerfeldt recommends) until help arrives.
12 Best Vehicles For Surviving The Zombie Apocalypse
Since the episode last night of Doomsday Preppers had a guy modifying an old school bus to be his battle wagon after the destruction caused by of an F5 tornado, I thought I would share this article showing other options you might consider. While I will admit, part of me wants to build my own gassifier engine and go to town on an old bus with a cutting torch, these options below come with considerably less work, risk of fire and could run much better than that old yellow tank. If nothing else, you won’t need to make your own employees work on this for you. For the rest of us that don’t have our own companies that might be a non-starter.
If you are going to purchase a vehicle that you can use to bug out, one of these beauties below might be the ticket. The good folks at the HiConsumption site pulled this great list together.
With The Walking Dead season premiere set to kick off in just over a week, we once again got to thinking about the zombie apocalypse. We got you covered last year with a list of zombie proof gear to help fend off the undead, but the reality is you aren’t going to be able to take on those flesh eating zombies on foot. You need wheels, and your current vehicle just isn’t going to cut it. Now imagine for a second that you had perfect circumstances – imagine you can get your hands on nearly anything you could think of (within reason of course). That’s the approach we took when creating this list of the best vehicles for the zombie apocalypse. You need something reliable, capable, and let’s be honest, you need something badass. You’ve been prepping for this zombie outbreak for years now, and you want to let everyone know that you are the baddest S.O.B. on the planet. Check out some of our favorite options for the end of the world in the 12 best vehicles for surviving the zombie apocalypse below.
1. Chevrolet Silverado Black Ops
Let’s start things off with a practical choice. Chevy makes a solid truck, there’s no doubt about it, and this one was built specifically for unforeseen emergencies. Although we can’t say that the zombie outbreak was “unforeseen,” we can certainly classify it as an emergency. The fully capable 4×4 features a 5.3 liter EcoTec3 V8 engine with plenty of power (355 ponies to be exact) along with lower body armor, raised suspension, solar power pack, generator, military First Aid Kit, gas masks, a crate of food with Top Ramen and Twinkies (your new favorite food groups in this post apocalyptic world), and a whole lot more. [Details]
2. Motoped Motorized Bicycle
You’re going to need something that is nimble and quick. Sure the big bulky trucks have their place, but a solid 2 wheeled companion is an essential. Motoped created a simple conversion kit that lets you outfit your mountain bike with Honda 50-190cc motor for about $1,000. [Details]
3. Hyundai Zombie Survival Car
If Hyundai is good enough for Rick and his crew on The Walking Dead, we’d suffice to say that it’s good enough for us. Thankfully the folks at Hyundai take their zombie response research very seriously, and have outfitted one of their Elantra coupes with a ton of security features from a zombie plow with massive spikes to armored windows and spiked all terrain tires for going where no other vehicle can go. [Details]
4. Knight XV Fully Armored SUV
Who says you can’t stay drenched in luxury in this new post-apocalyptic world? The Knight XV is luxury and ruggedness, fused into one completely bad-ass SUV. The vehicle is packed with a 6.8 liter V10 engine, seating for 6, night vision cameras and bulletproof armor. [Details]
5. Gibbs Quadski Amphibious 4 Wheel Drive Quad
It’s been debated for years whether or not zombies will be able to swim. From our extensive research (hundreds of hours watching zombie movies and shows), we’re going to go with no, they can’t swim. The 4WD Gibbs Quadski is perfect for tackling tough terrain, and within 5 seconds, the vehicle can tuck its tires to hit the water. Thanks to the 175 horsepower engine, you can hit speeds of up 45 miles per hour on land, which is plenty fast to leave those undead bastards in the rear view. [Details]
6. Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6
Not only will MB’s 6 wheeled off road monster provide you with a fully capable means of transportation, but it will also bring about some nice entertainment. For such a massive vehicle (8,400 pound curb weight), the 5.5 liter AMG V8 powered 6×6 is actually quite agile. Although it’s based on the military version, this thing handles more like a truck than a tank. [Details]
7. Sportsmobile Ultimate Adventure Vehicle
The folks at Sportsmobile design rugged Mercedes-Benz and Ford E-350 vans that are capable of tackling any off road terrain, while also providing a mobile home living experience. The cargo van has been equipped with everything one needs to survive in the wild, with plenty of room for bikes and water vessels. [Details]
8. KTM 990 Adventure Baja Edition
Again, enclosed cars and trucks are great, but 2 wheelers serve a vital role in your survival. There are few motorcycles that perform quite like this bad boy from KTM. Crowned the most off road capable travel enduro in the world, the 990 Adventure Baja has been outfitted with everything you need from suspension to power plant to ensure that you can transition from the asphalt to the dirt roads. There’s a slim chance anyone will be keeping up with road maintenance after the virus spreads, and this V-Twin powered machine will be able to tackle any beaten road you can throw at it. [Details]
9. WaterCar Panther Amphibious Jeep
It goes without saying that a Jeep Wrangler will always be a solid choice when it comes to the inevitable apocalypse. You can’t go wrong when it comes to Jeep, but a Jeep that can quickly convert to a boat? Now that’s a real winner. Assuming that zombies can’t swim, this thing is great for escaping those sticky situations. Packed with a 3.7 liter V6 motor built by the Japanese auto makers at Honda, this Jeep is capable of speeds exceeding 40 miles per hour on water, and 80 mph on land. The best part is the transition from land vehicle to boat takes only 15 seconds. [Details]
10. Pal V One Personal Air and Land Vehicle
Technically the results are still inconclusive when it comes to zombie’s ability to swim (although we think not), but there is one thing we’d put money on – zombies will not be able to fly. With that being said taking to the air can be risky business during this zombie infested time era (imagine crashing into a horde of zombies), but bear with us on this vehicle. The Pal V One acts like a sports car on the ground, accelerating from zero to sixty miles per hour in just 8 seconds, while reaching a top speed of 112 mph. In just minutes, the vehicle can be transformed into a Gyro-Copter, flying at altitudes of about 4,000 feet (well below commercial flight routes, although we can’t imagine there will be many commercial flights during the zombie apocalypse). The vehicle’s fuel tank can store enough fuel for over 300 miles of flight time. Now this vehicle is currently still in the “development” process, but the concept, if executed well, could make a nice addition to your stable of vehicles rather than your sole choice of transportation. [Details]
11. Mercedes-Benz Unimog
The folks at Benz said it best when they said the monster of a vehicle known as the Unimog offers “absolute off-road supremacy.” You can take Mercedes’ word for it, or you can research the 10 different models that were designed for disaster emergencies in the harshest conditions. This could be a bit impractical as your only means of transportation, but it could be a huge asset in your stash of vehicles. [Details]
12. Paramount Group Marauder
Hands down the baddest vehicle on the planet, the Marauder will withstand any test you throw at it. The armored vehicle destroys everything in its path. Features include long range fuel tanks, the ability to survive TNT explosions, ultra modern climate control system, run flat tire that can be pierced by 12.7mm bullets, anti blast seats, and so much more. The vehicle has a fording depth of half the vehicle, meaning it can swim too. Reaching speeds of 120 kilometers per hour, this thing is far from a slouch. If you can get your hands on one of these, do it. [Details]
Camping is a fun, relaxing and memorable outdoor adventure. Connecting with Mother Nature, hiking and watching the stars at night while sitting by the campfire, is simply therapeutic. For inexperienced campers, however, leaving the comfort of your house to sleep outside in a sleeping bag can seem scary and intimidating. With adequate preparation and a few expert tips, you can achieve the perfect camping experience and enjoy your outdoor break to the fullest.
If you are new to camping, it is important to choose your campsite wisely. Your campsite will greatly determine how much you will enjoy your camping experience. Identify a location that is safe, warm and dry. Nothing feels worse than discovering that the campsite you chose flooded due to heavy rain and the facilities available are wanting. Ask for recommendations from family and friends on sites that are novice friendly.
Make A Checklist
Before you set off on your camping expedition, it is important to make a camping essentials checklist to help you gather everything and stay organized. Use your checklist to pack and tick off everything that gets into your bag. A checklist will ensure that nothing gets left behind. Start packing early in advance and update your checklist if needed to ensure you carry everything.
Pack The Right Gear
The right camping gear is of utmost importance to a new camper. Pack light but ensure you bring along the most important pieces needed for your camping trip. Carry warm clothing for the night. The weather could change drastically for the worst. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the gear before you go camping. Practice how to set up your camping tent in your backyard. Check if your sleeping bag fits just right. These important steps will help you survive and enjoy your first camping trip.
Buy A Big Enough Tent
If you want to be comfortable during your camping adventure then buy a bigger tent than what you actually need. Sleeping in a crowded tent with limited space will leave you cranky and drain your enthusiasm. Ideally, you should carry a head height tent that allows you to comfortably stand up inside it. Most tents are foldable and can easily fit in the trunk of your car.
Carry Your Own Portable Toilet
As a camping novice, having to run to the nearby woods every time the need to use a toilet arises can be stressful. That is why it is important to purchase your own portable toilet before leaving for the camp. Portable toilets are relatively inexpensive and hygienic. The new models are exceptionally light yet they are as good as your home toilet. Having a portable toilet will also prevent hygiene and sanitation problems that could arise from contamination from human waste.
Conclusion
I do hope that these 5 survival tips for camping novices will help you make your first camping trip enjoyable and memorable. Need to purchase a camping toilet? Home Worthy List has reviewed the best portable and camping toilets for 2018 on this page . Check out this comprehensive review and find the camping toilet you are looking for.
Make Your Own Simple Faraday Box
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.
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.
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.