When we talk about bushcraft, bugging out, or SHTF (S**t Hits The Fan) scenarios, one core principle stands out—survival. Mastering basic survival skills ups your odds of success in any challenging situation, whether you're exploring the wilderness or preparing for emergencies.
Basic Gear for Survival
To survive, you need the right gear. Here are the essentials:
Knife
A good quality knife is indispensable. Look for a sturdy, full-tang knife made from high carbon steel with a blade length between 4.5” and 6” and a 90-degree spine. This tool can perform multiple tasks, from fashioning other tools to cutting rope and preparing food.
Water
You can survive only about three days without water. Even mild dehydration can cause issues like headaches, lethargy, and mental confusion. Prioritize your ability to carry, locate, and purify water. Know the potential water sources in your area, and always have a purification method ready. Boiling water for 10 minutes is the safest bet, but modern filters, purification tablets, and even chlorine bleach or iodine work well. Ensure you have a storage method like a water bottle or hydration pack.
Fire
Fire is essential for sterilizing water, cooking food, staying warm, signaling for help, and boosting morale. Practice multiple fire-making techniques and keep at least three different methods in your gear. This can include a butane lighter, storm matches, ferro rods, flint & steel, magnifying lenses, and chemical fire starters. Always carry dry tinder and some form of fire extender.
Shelter/Cover
Your first line of shelter is the clothing you wear. Every survival kit should include some form of tarping material, like a mylar space blanket, and cordage. Familiarize yourself with the terrain and flora in your area, and practice building shelters using those materials. From simple lean-tos and tree pits to more involved snow caves or debris huts, getting out of the elements is crucial for both physical security and comfort.
Mastering the 5 Cs of Survival
To ensure you're well-prepared, always remember the 5 Cs of survival:
- Cutting Tools - Essential for a wide variety of tasks.
- Combustion Devices - For creating fire.
- Cover - To protect you from the elements.
- Container - To carry and store water.
- Cordage - Useful for building shelters and securing loads.
Call to Action
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In future articles, we'll break down each of these topics in more detail, providing you with in-depth discussions and practical tips. Stay tuned and stay prepared!
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.
Being a former Boy Scout, and working in a very rural environment, I’ve learned to keep a basic “survival fishing kit” in my vehicle all the time. This kit doesn’t have to be large and cumbersome. In fact, the kit I keep in our truck is contained in a small fanny pack. We've all heard of EDC, here we're going to discuss the EDD (Every Day Drive) kit.
Below I’ve listed all my must-haves. Keep reading to find out!
What’s in the kit
One of the first things I put in the kit was a method of making fire. Following the “Be Prepared” mantra, I have multiple methods for starting a fire. A ferrocerium (“ferro”) rod tops the list in this area, as even wet material will succumb to the extremely hot sparks put off by this material. Amazon has an excellent assortment of ferro rods in different dimensions. I’ve found that the ¼ inch or larger rods work best, but any port in a storm as they say!
The tried and true Bic style lighter obviously has a place in the fire kit. Because let’s face it, those things last forever.
I’m a huge fan of Dave Canterbury, but on this next point he & I diverge just a bit. Old fashioned strike anywhere matches (when you can find them!) are a great method for fire starting (another Boy Scout hold over lol). Make sure that you waterproof the heads to avoid wet weather complications.
Believe it or not, there is a flint and steel kit in the fire bag as well, along with char cloth and jute.
Water and water purification methods are up next.
Stainless steel water bottles are my go-to. But if you’re just starting out or just want to keep it simple, store bought bottled water, plastic sports bottles, or a bota bag (personal fav) work fine. I keep water purification tablets in the kit in case I have to replenish with water I can’t boil first.
The food component is made up of trail mix, granola bars, pre-packaged “snack packs” (tuna, chicken, etc). Add a few tea bags & coffee pouches and you’re set.
Don’t forget the fishing gear
A small collapsible fishing rod & reel are obviously a main component, along with a good assortment of lures/bait/flies. There’s nothing wrong with a small Plano or similar compartment box to be able to expand the lures and goodies. In my kit I included a couple of the yo-yo style automatic reels. These things are great! not only will they double or triple your effort to reward (they set the hook) but you can also use them for triggers in light snares.
For a shelter component, I threw a couple of emergency space blankets (mylar) in, along with some 550 cord.
A small folding knife and a small flashlight round out the basic kit.
Ready for anything
I’m sure you’ve noticed it ain't all strictly fishing. The point is to not completely limit yourself, be ready for a multitude of potentials. Different situations, different kits!
Hope you find this useful! Feel free to comment with any questions and I’ll get back to you ASAP!
