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Ten Must-Have Items to Pack in Your Survival Kit

A survival kit is an essential part of any prepper’s inventory. In a nutshell, this is a portable pack that you can take with you in the event of an emergency. It’s stocked with the basic necessities you’ll require to stay alive and keep your family safe while you await or prepare a more permanent living situation. While each person’s idea of “necessities” might vary, these tools are universal in nature and can prove immeasurably useful in an extreme situation where your survival depends on your preparedness and resourcefulness.

Before we get into what should go inside your pack, let’s review the pack itself first. This isn’t the place for a super heavy container that you have to lug around everywhere you go. If an emergency strikes, you’ll need to be able to move quickly and get out fast. To that end, pack a bag that’s easy to carry, preferably a backpack. Fill it with what you need, but keep in mind that you may be walking a while over various terrain, so make sure it’s light enough that you can wear it for a few hours without needing to take a break. 

Here are a few items that will fit in your pack, and won’t weigh it down:

1. A fire starter kit. This one tops our list because of its practicality. If you find yourself stranded in the wilderness, you don’t want to rely on the old Boy Scout trick of rubbing two sticks together to get a fire started for your family. While that’s certainly a viable technique, it takes a while, and depending on your location and climate, you might not have the luxury of time on your hands. A fire starter kit gets the job done quickly and efficiently. Pack at least three means of starting a fire so you’re not dependent on only one. Solid choices include a lighter, matches, and a striker, as well as some additional tinder to stroke a small flame. Store them in water-tight containers and keep them in a special place in your pack. A fire isn’t just a means to stay warm. It can also be a beacon to call for help, as well as a way to cook your meals. So get that fire started soon, and you’ll be glad you were prepared.

2. A sturdy, sharp knife. From warding off predators to aiding in hunting, a sharp and solid knife is an essential part of your survival kit. Your best bet is to choose a survival knife that’s designed specifically to be used in wilderness situations, though a multi-purpose tool with a top-notch one fine in a pinch. From skinning wildlife to cutting strings and sharpening wood, your knife should be able to do a variety of tasks. Make sure it’s as sharp as possible and pack an equally reliable backup just in case you need it.

3. An emergency radio. If you’re in the wilderness, but still need to communicate with the outside world or to stay abreast on what’s going on, you’ll need an emergency radio. Designed to work and remain functional even in the absence of power, it’s a critical communication tool that some preppers tend to overlook when packing their survival kits. To maintain power as long as possible without going out, many are designed to include a hand-cranked generator in addition to a rechargeable battery. The generator will pump power to the battery to keep the radio working and finding a signal. Expect to receive the general AM and FM bands, and some will even pick up weather radio data. News sources could deliver important messages via this medium in the event of a national or local emergency, and you won’t want to be cut off from receiving those critical updates.

4. A map and compass. Even if you’re looking to get as far away as possible, you likely don’t want to be stranded with no means to determine where you are. That’s where a map and compass come in. While your GPS is certainly a helpful tool, it could go out at any moment and you’ll be happy you packed a backup. These tools are lightweight and fit easily into a backpack, adding to their convenience. In addition to a traditional road map, a topographic map can prove incredibly useful in wilderness and off-road environments. If you’re unfamiliar with how to read a map and compass, consider brushing up on a little training so you’re ready to move when and if the time comes.

5. A first-aid kit. This is a no-brainer, and an absolutely critical component of your survival kit. While you likely don’t have the space to pack an extensive one, your first-aid kid should be equipped with enough tools to help tend to a variety of minor wounds, from cuts and scrapes to bruises and sprains. Core components include antiseptic, gauze, bandages, pain reliever, tweezers, and scissors. Here’s a handy list of other can’t-miss items to ensure you’re covered. Especially in the wilderness, falls, tumbles and other accidents can happen at a moment’s notice, and you’ll need to be prepared to treat such issues when they arise so you can keep moving.

6. A water filtration system. If you’re traveling in the wilderness for an extensive period of time, you don’t want to load down your pack with heavy bottled water. Instead, pack a simple water filtration system to help turn stream and creek water into drinkable fluid for your family. You can’t survive longer than about 72 hours without drinking water, and if you foresee being away for longer than that, this system is absolutely essential. One easy tool to pack that takes up virtually no space is a LifeStraw. This system lets you turn 4,000 liters of contaminated water into drinkable water with ease. You’ll simply put it into the water source and drink, making it easy to keep everyone in your group hydrated throughout the journey. 

7. A light source. This one doesn’t say “flashlight” because unless you’re packing an arsenal of backup batteries, you shouldn’t rely on a flashlight alone to light your way. Plan to pack one, of course, but also keep a survival torch on hand as a backup in case of a power outage or other emergency. These are lightweight and will fit inside your pack, and will provide you with the ease of mind that no matter how dark it gets, you’re stocked with a way to light the path. 

8. A heliograph. When the threat of danger has passed and you need to be found by emergency personnel, you may be sought after by helicopters circling above. In this situation, you need to be able to quickly signal to them where you are. A heliograph or signal mirror will be your ticket to safety in this case. Designed to reflect light from the sun, it reflects the light in flashes and alerts first responders to your location. As it’s fragile and breakable, store it somewhere padded and safe in your pack.

9. Thick cord. From climbing over mountains to dragging freshly killed game, strong cordage is a necessity when you’re in a survival situation. Don’t scrimp in this category, but invest in sturdy rope that will do the trick no matter the task. High-quality cords can also be used to fish with, to bundle firewood, to dry clothes, and a variety of other helpful functions. Don’t weigh your pack down with tons of mediocre rope, but purchase enough top-notch material to handle all the tasks you foresee requiring.

10. Layers. Pack enough clothes for everyone in your family to ensure that even if temperatures dip below freezing, you’ve got layers to put on. Be sure to keep the weather in mind when gathering these items, and pack plenty of rainproof gear as well. To keep these clothes from taking up too much space in your pack, roll them as tightly as possible, and pack them toward the bottom. Worried you’ve packed too many warm clothes? Don’t be. Research reveals that cold kills 20 times more people than heat, and you can never be too prepared or too protected against the threat of hypothermia.

5 Odd Things You Can Do With Razors: You Never Know When You’ll Need It

Today disposable safety razors are a $34 billion dollar industry. The funny thing is, rocket scientists even work in the safety razor industry. It seems shaving hair effectively is a serious business.

 While big razor businesses are constantly looking for the next cutting-edge technology in tiny blades, the rest of us look at these sharp packages and wonder “there’s gotta be more we can do with these.” When a safety razor is the of the only sharp objects you’re allowed to bring onto an airplane, you might too be wondering what else it’s capable of. 

 In the next few paragraphs, I’ll give you exactly that.

1. A Surgical Tool for Snake Bites

Most snake bite kits will include a razor. But if your kit doesn’t have one or you accidentally grabbed your shaving kit instead, a safety razor should be your go-to surgical tool.

Of course, there is no real alternative to professional medical care when it comes to rattlesnake bites. Get to a medical professional as soon as you can and get a dose of antivenom and steroids/antibiotics.

But when you’re miles into your hike or run, it’s imperative you do something. A snake bite kit should include suction cups, a razor, disinfectant, antibiotic cream, and gauze. It should also include instructions on how to cut around the bite and suck the coagulated and poisonous blood out. 

2. A Safety Razor as a Spoon

Ok, women’s safety razors are going to be more useful for this than men’s. But the wide end near the head or the thick and comfy end (women’s razor handle) can be scrapped and molded into a spoon. 

If you lose your knife, you can try (wouldn’t recommend it) using the blades to scrape out a spoon. But this will be easiest if you have a sharp knife on hand. And what prepper goes without an essential such as a knife?

3. Three Razors as a Camera Tripod

You’re on an epic adventure and you want to capture yourself doing something epic. Then you realize you left your GoPro tripod at home. No worries! You did bring a pack of safety razors, some super glue and your old broken tripod for some reason. 

You’ve got this! Simply glue the razor heads to the old tripod head, and then fill in the joints with glue. You will need to keep the razors stationary while the glue sets, but once they do, you’ve got a small portable tripod for any adventure.

4. Preparing a Surgical Site

If you don’t have access to medical care, whether that be due to inclement weather or the collapse of society as we know it, you might have to perform basic surgery yourself. While you should report to a medical professional when possible, sometimes you have no choice.

When preparing a site for surgery, it’s important you disinfect the site to reduce the chance of postoperative infection. If hair interferes with the surgery site, you will need to clip and shave the site. 

If no scissors are available, you can use disposable razors to both cut and shave hair. When cutting hair with a safety razor, create tension in the hair and scrape at the hair until it breaks.

Be sure to not use the same razor for cutting as you do for shaving. 

5. Seed and Plant Marker for Your Survival Garden

You’ve used all your popsicle sticks as kindling to build fires. It’s time to plant and you need a way to mark your plants in your garden. You’ve got a sharpie and safety razors. 

Break that safety razor into pieces. Each blade could be a useful marker. Simply write the name of the plant on the razor and stick it in the ground. You can even use the handle if you have disposable safety razors. 

Bonus: A Tracheotomy

I mentioned how safety razors are one of the only sharp objects you’re allowed on an airplane. If you have a peanut allergy, you’ll know that anaphylaxis is a scary thing. And one way to save a person who’s airway has closed up is to perform a tracheotomy.

Shaking Things Up Utah! March 27th!

http://bountifulprep.org

PREPAREDNESS TIP: PLAN YOUR GARDEN by Andrew Skousen

February is a great time to garden—in your mind and on paper. When most parts of the US are just beginning to thaw out from winter, gardeners are already envisioning plants growing and producing in the warmth of late spring and summer. Some gardeners succumb to the lure of temporary warm spell and start their plants early only to have Jack Frost nip them back. Don’t gamble—use this time instead for planning out the next garden. There is a lot to do before spring when you will be busy preparing the ground, setting up the watering systems and sowing seeds. February and March are perfect for reading up about plants, evaluating last year’s garden, and learning how to combat pests and diseases. It is also time to take stock of the seeds you saved from last year and order or buy new ones.

Be careful when perusing seed and plant catalogs; glossy pictures of beautiful mature plants and ripe produce are so tempting you can easily end up buying more seeds than you have space or energy for. From a preparedness perspective, you should start out learning to cultivate plants that are easy to grow and produce high-volumes of food, such as: zucchini, potatoes, beets, carrots, squash, and beans. Most gardeners also want to grow a few garden favorites like tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, peppers and pumpkins. After you have a little gardening experience you should also grow early-to-table crops like peas, lettuce, radishes, chard and kale. 

A good garden plan should be written down each year in a notebook. These garden journals document how the garden was prepared (raised beds, furrows, square plots, etc), where plants grew, and a host of other information. You can document soil pH from tests, watering methods, fertilizers, mulching strategies, pests, diseases and remedies. The more information you keep track of, the easier it will be in a few years to know what went wrong and what worked well. Experience is very important in gardening, but there are so many factors it can be hard to remember where a plant grew well and where it fared poorly. By tracking the plant’s location, the general weather that year and other inputs, you can learn why some plants failed and hopefully how to remedy the problem to get a good crop when it really matters.

Crop rotation is an important part of your garden plan. The idea is that since plants use and give back different nutrients to the ground, it best to move them around each year to keep the soil healthy. However, crop rotation is a very inexact science, depending greatly on your gardening style and plants. In the first place, perennials like asparagus, rhubarb, and most herbs regrow in the same place year after year. Some plants that reseed themselves easily like turnips, lettuce and some onions are also best left to thrive in their own spot.

Crop rotation is most important for crops that are grown in large isolated groups—crops like corn and potatoes. Corn uses large amounts of nitrogen so it should follow peas, beans or other legumes that put nitrogen back in the soil. Chicken manure is also high in nitrogen, as is hay or shavings from animal stalls.

Potatoes are said to produce better if planted after corn. This important crop also has to be rotated to a new place each year to reduce the chances of disease building up in the soil. Try to give the soil three or four years between potato plantings to discourage any diseases. Tomatoes are in the same family as potatoes and may attract potato blight so don’t plant them in succession. Some gardeners keep tomatoes in the same spot year after year without problems and others claim they do even better if tomatoes are grown in the asparagus plot. 

Farmers group their plants into similar families and keep members of the same family together in the rotation or separated by a few years. Here are the biggest groups: Nightshades: tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant; Brassicas: cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collards and turnips; Legumes: peas, beans, lentils, and clover; Squash: squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, melons, and gourds; Carrots: carrots, turnips, fennel, celeriac. Goosefoot: beets, swiss chard, and spinach. Some plants, like onions and carrots, can be planted anywhere and are generally beneficial.

Here are a few more tips: The cabbage family does well following beans. Squash spreads out and smothers weeds. Beets and carrots pull a lot from the soil and are best following squash. Eliot Coleman, an organic farmer recommends rotating in this order: (1) Tomatoes, (2) peas, (3) cabbage, (4) sweet corn, (5) potatoes, (6) squash, (7) root crops, (8) beans. 

The benefits of rotating crops has long been established, but the exact method varies. You may not want a plot of peas as big as your sweet corn was. Or your garden may be so small moving the corn around would shade other plants. You will have to find ways to work around the problems. Perhaps you may have to rotate by growing some crops one year and not another.Shade tolerant crops include beets, spinach, carrots, and summer lettuce. Some gardeners have success without rotating by growing many diverse plants together with companion plantsthat help revitalize the soil at the same time. You may also be able to revitalize most nutrients with good compost and digested manure or other natural fertilizers, but you have to watch out for diseases and pests.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to grow crops, but to keep your soil and garden healthy year after year you should make a plan that will work for the next several years. Your garden journal is an important tool in this planning, and can really help you maximize your space to grow more abundantly. A good plan will save you time knowing where (and when) to plant things during the hectic spring. Your plan is also a valuable reference for identifying that new squash or tomato variety in the dense overgrown jungle at the end of the summer. Don’t forget to add notes at the end of the year about which varieties grew well for you, which preserved well, and, above all, which tasted good.

Mark & Laurel Taylor

Bountiful Heights Stake 

Provident Living Specialists

Be Heard in Any Disaster with Unstoppable Communications

The Importance of Incoming and Outgoing Communications

Communications are a vital part of any operation. Whether we are talking about military operations, business or even in a family; communication is everything. For preppers the idea of having plenty of water and food is part of the plan. Security, hygiene and first aid are all parts of the average preppers plan. If there is any area that suffers in the average disaster response its communications. To me this is very troubling.

Not only should you have a method for incoming transmissions but also a method for outgoing comms in case you need help when the phone lines and wifi are down. Aside from the immediate concerns incoming and outgoing communications are the best way for a prepper to decide the next course of action. In a disaster the scenarios will change rapidly. If we are talking about a complete collapse of society large scale events will happen even faster. All the intel you can get from your local area will be necessary.

Incoming

There are many ways for you to receive incoming communications. As a prepper I think your best bet is to consider power source and scope. What information can you pick up with a particular device and how will you be able to power that device over the long haul.

Survival Radios
Any radio that is powered by battery and some other off grid means is a survival radio. Whether you are talking about a hand crank radio or a solar powered radio these are great survival options. With these devices you will be able to tap into some local and national level intelligence. Both could be incredibly important following a serious disaster. Its important that you know what is happening and how things are changing? You wont get all of the info but something is better than nothing.

Police Scanners
If you want to move into a deeper layer of communications consider investing in police scanners. For those of you who are uninitiated, you can use these devices to hear the police and EMT channels. On any given day you will hear some simple chatter from these brave men and women. When you are faced with a true disaster these channels will be alive with information that will keep you safe. Vital information coming from police communications at the ground level, as a situation unfolds, could really help your decision to bugout.  Read more about buying your own digital police scanner.

Outgoing

Incoming communications are great until you need something. Once you have an issue, whether health or safety related, the need for outgoing communications becomes very apparent. Unfortunately, there aren’t as many avenues for outgoing comms at the local and national level. Still, if you prepare you will have options.

HAM or Amateur Radio
This method of incoming and outgoing communications is easily the most well known in the prepper circles. This method requires a license and some equipment to work but it is widely accepted as the best possible method for comms when the SHTF. This is because the radio frequency will travel even when phone lines and cell towers are down. There is tons of great in depth information about handheld ham radio  in this article.

Handheld Radios
These are really only good for short range communications but they could still serve a purpose in a disaster. While you may find yourself buying a set that promises 25 miles of range it will only really function at about 3-4 at best depending on interference. That said, they can still be effective if you have no other way of communicating.

Neighborhood Meetings
Often overlooked, because of our isolated way of life, the neighborhood meeting could be a great way to remedy issues. A cohesive neighborhood will care about their neighbors and check ins will be done even in the worst conditions. This may seem like an antiquated thing to count on in 2017 but I challenge you to look at this as the future of disaster response. The strong community is always what makes the news in times of disaster. I think now is the time to rehearse and get people on board in your own community.

Prepper Investment

Another tool in survival communications is the satellite phone. Now, these things don’t come cheap and are quite an investment. In a vast societal collapse you will have something that could get you in touch with outsiders or you could just have a lot of dead air. I think the satellite phone has a lot of benefits but for most preppers its a serious investment that should be well researched.

Measuring your Current Status

If you want to be good at anything you have to start measuring it. Knowing what you now know about communications, how do your current preps stack up? Its probably time to consider setting new goals. If you want to find true success in prepping you must measure or assess yourself and then set goals. For most of us we are falling short when it comes to disaster communications.

Which Foods Have the Longest Shelf Life? Pantry Stockpiling Tips You Need

One of the basic prepping tenants is stockpiling easy-to-store foods that are readily accessible in case of an emergency or crisis. Yet, it goes without saying that while a fresh deli sandwich might sound great, some foods store easier and for longer than others. Today, let’s take a look at some foods that make excellent hoarding basics and can fill you up in a hurry.

1. Honey

There have been accounts of archeologists discovering pots of honey in ancient tombs while excavating the pyramids of Egypt. The oldest sample they found was reported to be around 3,000 years old! The best part? It was still totally edible. Not only is honey excellent to have on hand as a meal supplement, it also acts as a great natural sweetener for oatmeal, teas, and other semi-bland foods in your prepping pantry. Moreover, honey is also touted for its medicinal properties and makes an ideal throat soother or even a topical antibiotic in a pinch.

2. Dehydrated Milk, Whey and Eggs

Acting as a basis for other dairy products such as yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese and more, dehydrated milk can be reconstituted quickly to serve as an excellent source of protein, potassium, vitamin D and calcium – all critical elements your body needs. The same goes for eggs, which can be purchased in powdered form and stored without harmful additives or preservatives. It’s helpful to store dried milk and eggs alongside moisture absorber packets to ensure they stay dry. If your milk is packaged in #10 cans, this may be unnecessary.

In addition, it’s also helpful to stockpile another nutrient-rich ingredient: whey. One of the most complete proteins available, whey is chocked full of essential, branched-chain amino acids. Unlike casein, which constitutes the thick part of milk after it sours and separates, whey is the yellowy, liquid portion. In powdered form, both casein and whey offer a protein power boost, but a scoop or two of whey powder added to a quick smoothie catalyzesprotein synthesis quickest.

3. Dried Beans

Some studies have shown that dried beans can last up to 30 years and still retain their taste and health properties. Packing around 1,250 calories per pound, beans make an excellent, fiber-rich and carbohydrate-heavy meal. Store your beans in a dry, enclosed container, inside of mylar bags if possible. While they can last decades, it’s best to consume dried beans within 7 to 10 years if possible. To increase softness when you cook them, add ¼ of a teaspoon of baking soda for every pound of beans into the pot while cooking.

4. Salt

This one won’t act as a meal replacement, but it’s an essential part of any stockpiled pantry. Stored in the absence of any moisture, salt can last indefinitely. It’s a critical part of many other food preservation methods such as canning or picking. In addition to those salts, also stock up on simple iodized salt. In addition to flavoring food and restoring electrolyte balance, it can also help kill bacteria from wounds. Like honey, it can also be mixed with water for a quick sore throat remedy. Iodized salt is also used to cure meat.

5. Rolled Oats

If you’re used to starting each morning with a bowl of oatmeal, you’re in luck. Rolled oats have a shelf life of around 30 years and are great sources of fiber, while also being low in saturated fat. If you plan to cook the oats, be sure to have plenty of distilled water on hand to do so. To cut down on cooking time the next morning, you can soak the oats overnight. One cup of oats to about four cups of water is a good ratio to use. Then, the cooking time should only be around 10 minutes instead of the standard 30.

6. Pasta and Rice

There’s a reason marathon runners “carb up” on a big bowl of pasta the night before the big event. Arguably no other food packs as powerful of punch when it comes to carb-fueled energy. Dried pasta can last up to 30 years, while white rice can last around 20 years. The best part about stockpiling pasta is that it’s typically found already dried, with little to no moisture content or fat. Feel free to get creative with this one and mix it up a little, as eating bowl after bowl of spaghetti can bore even the most ambitious prepper. Stockpile a few boxes of rotini, macaroni, penne, or linguini. You can even add gnocchi pasta (made with potatoes), couscous, or even Asian-inspired pastas such as ramen, soba, rice noodles, or chow mein.

7. Potato Flakes

Nothing says comfort food like a warm bowl of mashed potatoes, and with dehydrated potato flakes on hand, you can have just that in a matter of minutes. Lasting around 30 years if stored properly in a #10 can, these handy flakes have an incredible shelf life. In mylar bags, they can last around 15 years. In addition to simply mixing them with hot water for a quick side, you can add potato flakes to other recipes, such as onion rings or even breads, for a satisfying crunch.

8. Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Fruits

Dehydrated and dried fruits make great snacks for a quick jolt of energy. In particular, raisins are jam-packed with fiber, iron, protein, and vitamin C. Keep in mind that dehydrated and freeze-dried are two different terms, and depending on the preparation method of your fruit, you’ll need to store them differently. Dehydration removes around 80% of the moisture from the fruit, while freeze drying removes up to 99%. In general, dehydrated fruits will last around 15 to 20 years. On the other hand, freeze-dried fruits can last a little longer, around 25 to 30 years.

9. Dehydrated Carrots

One of nature’s most delicious and nutritious vegetables, carrots are loaded with vitamins and minerals and are rich in beta-carotene. When dehydrated, they can last up to 20 years! Excellent as a meal or snack on their own, they can also be powdered and added to other vegetable powders such as onion, beans, and potatoes for a great seasoning.

10. Canned Meat

Lasting only around three years, canned meat doesn’t have quite as long of a shelf life as other items on this list, yet it’s an essential in any prepper’s stockpile. One surprisingly nutritious and convenient option? Spam. Reasonably priced and high-quality, the meat consists of pork shoulder and ham, unlike other processed meats that are otherwise mechanically recovered remnants. While it might not win you any health awards, it does provide a quick dose of protein, sodium and fat – all items that your body craves when it’s working hard. It’s also versatile, and works just as well straight from the can as it does fried on a sandwich or chopped and added to a stew. Also look for canned, chunk chicken breasts, canned beef stew, chili, and canned tuna. When it comes to the latter, look for options canned in oil, as they’ll last longer than water-canned alternatives.

Stockpiling Your Prepper’s Pantry

While the above list isn’t exhaustive, it serves as a basis for your stockpiled pantry. The key to achieving the maximum shelf life for all of these items is to store them in an area that has very little to no moisture present. If kept cool and dry, these will last you for years to come, ensuring that no matter what happens, you and your family won’t go hungry.