Are you an adventure seeker, nature lover, or camping enthusiast? Whether you're planning a weekend camping trip or an extended backpacking adventure, having the right gear can make all the difference. In this listicle, we’ll explore the top 10 must-haves for any outdoor enthusiast to ensure you’re prepared for whatever nature throws your way.
1. Cutting Tools
One of the first tools developed by humans, cutting implements are essential for any outdoor adventure. Here’s what you need:
- Knives: A 2-3 blade folder (jack knife), a 5” bladed belt knife, and a skinning or filet knife are must-haves.
- Axes and Hatchets: A hatchet or camp axe is crucial for processing heavier wood. Consider a tomahawk for its versatility.
- Folding or Collapsible Saws: These make short work of wood processing and are easier to carry than larger saws.
Having a variety of cutting tools ensures you're prepared for any situation, from food preparation to shelter building.
2. Combustion Devices
Creating and managing fire is an early human achievement that remains crucial for outdoor survival. Always carry at least three methods of fire-starting:
- Matches and Lighters: Easy and quick to use.
- Ferro Rods and Flint & Steel: Reliable even in damp conditions.
- Fire Extenders: Products like Wet Fire, petroleum-saturated cotton balls, or fire discs can help you get a blaze going quickly.
Fire provides warmth, light, cooking capabilities, and even a morale boost, making it an indispensable part of your kit.
3. Cover Elements
Staying warm and dry is paramount for comfort and safety. Your cover starts with what you wear:
- Clothing: Sturdy boots, pants, long-sleeve shirts, hats, and leather gloves are essential.
- Shelter: A small backpacking tent, tube bivvy, heavy-duty tarp, and wool blanket can keep you protected from the elements.
Remember, a good night's sleep is crucial for maintaining your energy and morale during your adventure.
4. Containers
Having the right containers can make life much easier in the great outdoors:
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle: Ideal for collecting and sterilizing water.
- Cook Pot: A 1-1.5 qt pot can be used for cooking, boiling water, and collecting tinder or vegetation.
- Game Bag or Dump Pouch: Useful for carrying supplies and collected items.
The right containers ensure you can safely store and prepare food and water.
5. Cordage
Different lengths and styles of cordage are indispensable in the wild:
- Heavier Rope: Use for setting up ridgelines for your shelter.
- Tarred Bank Line: Excellent for lashing and fishing purposes.
- 550 Paracord: This versatile cord can be separated into smaller strands for various uses.
Cordage is essential for building shelters, securing gear, and even emergency situations.
6. Cotton Material
Cotton materials serve multiple purposes:
- Bandanas: Can be used for filtering water, as a tourniquet, or for basic hygiene.
- Cloth Tote Bags: Handy for carrying extra supplies or used as makeshift containers.
Cotton is a versatile material that can be a lifesaver in various situations.
7. Cargo Tape
Commonly known as duct tape or electrical tape, cargo tape is invaluable:
- Repairs: Fix tents, tarps, and gear on the go.
- First Aid: Can be used to secure bandages.
Cargo tape is lightweight and can handle a multitude of tasks, making it a must-have.
8. Candling Devices
Light sources are crucial for nighttime activities and emergencies:
- Flashlights: LED flashlights are bright and energy-efficient.
- Lanterns: Provide area lighting for campsites.
- Candles: Simple and reliable, great for backup lighting.
Ensure you have multiple sources of light to illuminate your path and campsite.
9. Compass
A reliable compass is essential for navigation:
- Orienteering Compasses: Use with maps to find your way.
- GPS Devices: Modern GPS units provide additional functionality but always have a traditional compass as a backup.
Knowing your location and how to get back to safety is crucial in unfamiliar territory.
10. Canvas Repair Needle
A canvas repair needle is an invaluable tool:
- Gear Repairs: Mending tents, tarps, and backpacks.
- Fishing and Trapping: Can be used for creating or repairing nets and traps.
This simple tool can make a big difference in maintaining your gear and ensuring your trip continues smoothly.
Conclusion
Equipped with these top 10 must-haves, you're ready to tackle any outdoor adventure with confidence. From cutting tools to cordage, each item on this list plays a crucial role in ensuring your safety, comfort, and overall enjoyment of the great outdoors. Happy exploring!
Essentials for a Bug Out Bag (BOB)
Preparing for emergencies means making sure you have the right gear at the ready when disaster strikes. This week, we’re looking at the essentials for a Bug Out Bag, or BOB for short.
What is a BOB and When Would You Need One?
A Bug Out Bag (BOB) is a versatile and adaptive bag loaded with essentials that help you survive during emergencies when you need to relocate quickly. Think of it as a middle ground between a Get Home Bag, which is for shorter, less severe emergencies, and an INCH (I’m Never Coming Home) bag, which prepares you for long-term survival scenarios.
In simpler terms, when the “soft brown squishy stuff has struck the oscillating air mover” (SHTF), you need a BOB to get you safely from point A to your designated safe location.
The Bag Itself
Your BOB should have a capacity between 40-50 liters. While you might be tempted to fill every inch of the bag, resist the urge. A sturdy bag from brands like Maxpedition, 5.11, or SOG is essential to ensure it can carry your gear without falling apart.
The 5 Cs
Cutting Tools
Cutting tools are some of the most critical items in your BOB. These should include:
- Belt Knife
- Folding/Pocket Knife
- Axe/Hatchet
- Saw
A good knife is indispensable. It allows you to make other tools, start fires, and cut materials.
Combustion Methods
Having multiple fire-starting methods is crucial. We recommend:
- Flint & Steel
- Butane Lighters
- Storm Matches
- Ferro Rod and Magnifying Glass
Fire is vital not only for warmth but also for cooking food, sterilizing water, and boosting morale.
Cover Elements
Cover starts with what you wear:
- Good Boots
- Heavy Duty Pants
- Long-Sleeved Shirt
- Hat
For protection against the elements, pack:
- Heavy Duty Tarp/Bivvy
- Wool Blanket
- Light Sleeping Bag or Thermal Blankets (Mylar)
Containers
Containers are primarily for water:
- Stainless Steel Water Container (Single Wall) – For boiling and carrying water.
- Water Filtration System or Water Sterilization Tabs
Cordage
Cordage is versatile and indispensable. Include:
- 550 Cord
- Hemp Rope
- Bank Line
- Fishing Line
- Wire
These can be used for shelter, repairs, and even catching food.
The 10 Cs
Besides the 5 Cs, consider adding these additional items:
- Cotton Material
- Cargo Tape
- Candling (Light Sources)
- Compass
- Canvas Repair Needle
Essentially, this is a repair kit with added navigation and lighting tools.
Defense
In an emergency, defense might be necessary. Be prepared to protect yourself from both wild animals and potential human threats, and consider including weapons you're comfortable using.
Food & toiletries
You should have some basic toiletries (toothbrush, towel, soap, comb) and 48-72hrs of food. You can pack dried food, canned goods, or MREs.
Additional Notes
- Pack for the environment and season you will be in.
Consider the climate and terrain of your destination when choosing gear to bring.
- Familiarize yourself with your equipment before leaving.
Make sure you know how to use all of your gear properly before heading out on your trip.
- Keep a checklist of essential items
Having a list of crucial items like fire starters, shelter materials, and navigational tools can help ensure that you don't forget anything important.
- Be mindful of weight restrictions
When packing for an emergency situation, it's important to keep
weight in mind. Carrying a heavy pack can slow you down and make it more difficult to move quickly if needed.
- Include items to signal for help
In case of emergency, having items like a whistle, mirror, or flares can help attract attention and signal for help.
- Practice basic survival skills
Even with all the necessary gear, knowing basic survival skills such as starting a fire, building a shelter, and finding clean water is crucial in an emergency situation.
Remember that emergencies can happen unexpectedly and being prepared can greatly increase your chances of survival. Keep your emergency kit well-stocked and up-to-date, and always be mindful of safety precautions during any outdoor adventure.
Conclusion
Building a BOB is about being prepared for the unexpected. By packing these essentials, you can ensure you’re ready for any situation where you need to relocate quickly and safely.
Ready to refine your emergency preparedness plan? Join our community of preppers, outdoor enthusiasts, and emergency planners to get more tips and insights.
Stay safe and be prepared!
Discover Three Essential Ways to Safely Quench Your Thirst: The Water Purification Guide
Water, the elixir of life – so says the maxim. And yet, the liquid that's seemingly synonymous with vitality can often be teeming with invisible dangers that can put our health at risk. However, in our technological age, where every necessity and convenience has been optimized, something essential about water still eludes many—safety. In this guide, tailored for the health-conscious, the outdoor enthusiast, and the sustainability champion in you, we will deep-dive into three elemental methods that ensure that your gulp is as pure as it can be.
Boiling: The Old Master's Test
Among the most ancient of purification methods, boiling is akin to the trial by fire for impure water. The process is straightforward enough – heat water to the point where it bubbles and holds at that state for 10 minutes. This time-honored technique guarantees a kill-off of nearly all microbial foes, be they bacteria, viruses, or even parasites.
The Science Behind It
The logic behind boiling water is beautifully simple. The energy in the heat causes the water to evaporate, and in the process, it leaves behind the bulk of the impurities. Once the water achieves a full, rolling boil, the minute organisms within are subjected to temperatures that no microbe can withstand, resulting in a clear, safe drink.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Inexpensive: You only need a heat source, a pot, and patience.
- Effective: It's a virtually foolproof way to purify water.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Requires waiting for water to boil then cooling down to drinkable temperatures.
- Resource-Intensive: It demands a constant heat source that may not always be available.
Filtration: Nature's Best Engineer
Nature filters water through soil and rock over time, giving many the purest water known. You can mimic this process with modern water filtration systems, which work by passing water through a porous material, trapping undesirable elements.
The Science Behind It
Today's water filters use a range of components, from ceramic to activated charcoal. These materials consist of microscopic pores that stop larger contaminants, while others, like activated carbon, bind chemical components through a process known as adsorption.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Convenient: Portable filters can be used on-the-go.
- Reliable: Many filters meet rigorous NSF International standards for water safety.
Cons:
- Maintenance: Filters require regular cleaning and replacement to remain effective.
- Selective: Some filters, like UV filters, may not remove certain types of contaminants.
Chemical Treatment: The Portable Purifier
For water purification on the move, nothing beats the portability and simplicity of chemical treatments. Tablets or drops that contain chlorine, iodine, or other substances can effectively neutralize harmful pathogens from your water source.
The Science Behind It
Chemical treatments are game-changers because they can disinfect water without heat, which makes them ideal for situations where boiling is impractical. The active chemicals work by impairing the organisms' ability to function – a bit like when you put a plastic bag over a fly to catch it.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact: Treatments come in small, lightweight packaging.
- Rapid: Purification can sometimes be achieved in 30 minutes.
Cons:
- Taste: Iodine treatments, in particular, can leave an undesirable flavor.
- Resistance: Over time, some pathogens can develop a tolerance to certain chemicals.
The Best Method? It Depends
Water, as a living, adaptive force, often resists simple categorizations. Similarly, the most effective purification method is one that takes into account the source's peculiarities and the context in which we find ourselves.
While boiling is the veritable standby, the inconvenience of waiting and the need for a heat source make it less than ideal for every situation. Filtration is a balanced approach, but one that demands consistent maintenance. Chemical treatments, though capable and portable, may leave a taste to be desired and cannot be used regularly due to the risk of microorganism resistance and long-term health effects of certain chemicals.
Conclusion: A Tale of Adaptation and Preparation
In the end, as with all things in life, adaptability is key. A traveler will cherish the convenience of chemical treatments, a homebody the steadfastness of boiling, and a naturalist the elegance of filtration. Remember, these methods are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they can complement each other beautifully, ensuring that no matter the circumstances, your cup runneth over with a drink that is both safe and satisfying. Choose wisely, and savor not just the water, but the wisdom in how you've chosen to purify it.
Until next time.
Brandon & Angela
I believe in owning up to mistakes.
Having said that, I made a big whoopsie in regards to prepping. A few days back, there was a pretty good windstorm that was kicking up. Forecast looked nasty, lo and behold the warning sirens and announcements went off. Distance from the speakers and weather being what they were, we did not hear the actual verbal announcement, only the blaring siren.
Okay boys, this is what we wait for as preppers!
I went down to the vault and started getting Angie’s gear first. SxS 12ga, .357 revolver, bugout bag. Awesome.
Went back downstairs to get my gear. Single shot break-open 12 ga, gun belt/kit, shooting bag, bug out bag.
And now we start down the rabbit hole.
My first brain fart began with loading up the gun belt. I brought out the Super Blackhawk (.44) and the belt rounds. Wait, should I bring the .45lc? I have that adapter in the shooting bag for the 12ga. Never mind, keep going Brandon.
Picked up a ’94 in .44 to go with the revolver (ammo compatibility). Hmmm, maybe the .45-70 would be a better choice for game/defense if needed. Yeah, do that!
Piddle fart with all this stuff, which goes completely against the grain of the concept of a “minute man” mentality. We ended up never having to leave the house, which gave me plenty of time to ponder how I had just gotten so far in my head, playing so many “what if’s” that I basically just went in circles.
So, here’s the moral of my little story….
If you have multiple plans/load-outs for different situations, grab that particular kit and stick with that plan. If this had been a completely different scenario (more combat-esque) it would’ve been Tavor or AR/web gear/72hr pack. No sweat.
This particular event should have been bushcraft shotgun/long term bag, .45lc & belt, DONE!
I spent way too much un-necessary time and energy trying to cover all my bases, when the plan for that scenario had already been set.
Make a plan, keep up with your preps (stay familiar with your gear), and STICK TO YOUR PLAN!
Rant over, lesson learned and focusing in practicing what I preach.
As I wrap up this blog on the importance of being prepared and sticking to a plan, I want to leave you with a valuable resource to help you on your path to preparedness. If you've been inspired by my story and are now considering the importance of having a well-equipped emergency bag (also known as a 'go bag' or 'bug-out bag'), I encourage you to explore my course on this very topic.
One of the running themes in our blogs is preparedness. Today I want to share a real life event with you and talk about the importance of a prepared mindset.
I’m not putting anyone on blast, not my point.
Deer season. A perfect time to get out into the woods and fields, reconnect with nature and maybe find yourself again in the process. Even people who have recently moved from more urban areas partake in a time honored tradition.
A call goes out to area entities that there is a lost/stranded hunter. It’s not any kind of desolate area, but rugged terrain. Did I mention that this call for help came in at about 8:30pm? And it’s snowing. Not heavily at first, but anybody around here that has been around awhile knows that early snow storms can get nasty, quickly.
Phone contact is made with the individual. He is able to provide a general area he was hunting in when he became “lost”. Party states he has 2% battery left on his smart phone. Ugggh.
Party is able to tell exactly where he departed from, direction he travelled, even has a very good idea of where he is in the land unit.
Party states he is cold & wet, has no way to get out of the now heavy snow or get warm. Part conveys that he has no food or water supplies.
Long story short, after an approximate 5hr effort, our lost individual is located on a little used access road that is deeply covered in thick, wet snow. Exhausted & near hypothermic, he is brought down off the mountain and is more than a little agitated that it took so long to be “rescued”.
Let’s break this down, you decide where the mistakes were made.
- Individual moved to the very rural area from a dense urban environment, hunting with a group of work buddies.
- Individual broke off from the group, went hunting alone, separate from the others.
- Even though it was Fall in the Rocky Mountains, individual was not dressed/equipped for inclement weather.
- Individual did not have any snacks or water supply.
- Individual did not have map of the area, no compass.
- Individual did have a smart phone (GPS, compass equipped) but the device was low on power.
- Individual did not have any method for making fire, no tools for making a quick shelter.
- Individual did hear the shots of other hunters/searchers looking for him, but had fired off ALL of his ammunition in initial attempts to respond.
My solution synopsis:
If you are going out into the woods with friends, STAY TOGETHER! If, for whatever reason, you are alone, make sure that someone back in civilization knows your itinerary (stick to it).
EDC. Every Day Carry. I’m not necessarily talking about your sidearm and knife. If you are out & about, and there is a possibility you may get stranded or separated from your vehicle/equipment, there are a few basic things you should ALWAYS have with you (knife, ferro rod/lighter, water).
- Knife – a quality knife is a must. However, better something than nothing.
- Ferro rod/lighter/stick matches – a ferro rod is a valuable commodity, but one you need to learn to use. Anyone can learn to use a Bic lighter.
- Water – you can only live 3 days without water.
- Shelter/survival blanket/reflector
Technology is a great thing, but is designed to fail. Most smart phones have functions for GPS/compass, or you can download an app. LEARN HOW TO USE THEM! If you are going to rely on this type of tech, make sure you have the device charged or the means to charge it in the field. (solar chargers are great) A basic nav compass (like $8) never needs charging, and are simple to use.
Follow your animal instincts. Get out of the weather, however you can. This individual actually fell asleep (early stage hypothermia) out in the storm, furthering his heat loss. Learn some basic survival skills (STOP= Stay put, Think, Organize, Plan).
Never use all of your ammunition in attempting to signal others. You might very well need to use it in obtaining food in the event it takes a while to get to you.
Hit me with your thoughts……..
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