5,228 articles across preparedness, survival, and self-reliance topics.
Create reliable fire starters with petroleum jelly-soaked cotton pads, prepare kindling from sticks, and carry essential tools like cable ties and copper wire. Test your materials in a safe environment before relying on them in a survival situation.
2-liter soda bottles can serve as water storage, filters, solar cookers, lanterns, fishing aids, flares, first aid kits, compost bins, seed starters, signaling devices, shelter materials, knives, sewing kits, fishing lines, flashlights, water filters, and fire starters. Clean and prepare bottles properly to avoid contamination and ensure safety.
Build a portable metal drum fire pit for $30, a minimalist paver fire pit for under $50, or a concrete block fire pit for $125. Each project offers a unique way to enhance your outdoor space with warmth and style.
A DIY waterproof self-igniting fire starter ensures reliable fire-making in emergencies. Coat cotton balls with petroleum jelly, pack them in a container with a waterproof match, and test before use. Store dry and accessible.
To report a defective product, visit SaferProducts.gov, gather all necessary information, fill out the complaint form, and submit your report. This process ensures federal regulators are alerted to safety issues.
Prepare for remote cabin trips with a 4WD SUV, high-lumen flashlight, durable sleeping bag, UV water purifier, trained companion animal, and critical survival skills.
Building a bushcraft tripod is essential for outdoor cooking in survival situations, requiring three sturdy branches and natural cordage. Follow steps carefully for stability and safety.
Build a sturdy trapper's pack basket with feet, basket, and straps using woodworking, basketry, and sewing skills. Follow the guide for detailed steps and tips.
Proper water sterilization and food safety practices are essential in survival scenarios to prevent illness and maintain health. Follow precise methods for boiling, chemical disinfection, and solar stills for water. Cook food to the correct temperature, store it safely, and practice good hygiene. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating contamination levels and improper cooking temperatures.
In emergencies, your smartphone can be a crucial tool for navigation, communication, and information gathering. Ensure your phone is charged, have necessary apps installed, and know how to use features like Emergency SOS.
In a post-collapse scenario, securing critical survival items like seeds, water purification tools, basic medical supplies, and shelter materials is essential. Avoid common mistakes and enhance survival with additional skills like DIY solar cooking and identifying wild edibles.
Overcoming normalcy bias is crucial for survival and financial preparedness. It involves objectively evaluating circumstances, considering drastic measures, and planning for extreme scenarios. Practical steps include financial evaluation, scenario planning, and crisis adaptation to ensure realistic, sustainable solutions.
Master these 22 camping hacks to ensure comfort and efficiency on your next trip, and be better prepared for any survival situation.
Historical survival skills like tool crafting, bartering, and fire-making, combined with modern adaptations such as solar-powered devices and water filtration systems, enhance preparedness. Mental resilience is key, balancing practical skills with emotional coping mechanisms.
Carry essential tools like glow sticks, disposable lighters, duct tape, and portable water filters. Master skills such as first aid, fire starting, basic repairs, emergency shelter building, and signaling for help. Prepare with non-perishable food, cash, and emergency blankets.
Use empty shotshells for small items storage, briefly boil eggs to extend freshness, avoid WD-40 on ammo, use trick candles for fire-starting, create custom maps with GPS software, build triangular fires for warmth and visibility, repurpose juice containers as fishing floats, modify fishing lures for better movement, heat water using plastic bags and a black garbage bag.
Knowing where to find affordable outdoor and travel gear is crucial for survival preparedness. Research and compare products on websites like Amazon, GearTrade, and REI Outlet to maximize your budget while ensuring you have reliable equipment. Avoid common mistakes like overbuying and ignoring quality. Consider DIY options and local sales for additional cost-saving opportunities.
Choose navy blue or black for your bug-out bag to reduce visibility and potential threats. Consider the environment and select a color that blends well. Opt for a military-style packing system with MOLLE straps for modularity and efficient organization.
Baby wipes are versatile in emergencies, serving as wound cleaners, hand sanitizers, and surface disinfectants. Use them safely and avoid common mistakes.
Storing BIC lighters in prescription bottles provides a compact, secure method for carrying multiple lighters in emergency situations. Ensure lighters are disassembled and bottles are sealed tightly to prevent accidents.