Where All Mac Users Can Find a Copy of the Constitution...

Here are the directions for accessing the Constitution on your Mac, via the Unofficial Apple Weblog:

To see this information from The New Oxford American Dictionary, just launch the Dictionary app from your Applications folder. Once it’s up and running, go up to the menu bar and select Go > Front/Back Matter. There you’ll not only find such exciting information as who was on the editorial staff and advisory board for the Dictionary, but also a bunch of useful references.

Is the Fed fueling a giant stock market bubble?

Take a good look at the chart below and you'd be excused for concluding that we're in the midst of the greatest stock market bubble of all time. Not only has the S&P 500 fully recovered from the financial crisis, it's a staggering 30% higher than the peaks of the Internet and housing bull markets.

But is this really the case? With unemployment still above 6%, how could we find ourselves in the throes of yet another brewing catastrophe? Didn't investors and analysts learn anything from the past decade and a half?

While it requires some explanation, the answer is that we're most likely not experiencing another irrational inflation of stock prices. The market's record level is instead a predictable response to the Federal Reserve's policy of keeping interest rates at historically low levels.

The S&P 500 Since 1996(Photo: The Motley Fool)

Does monetary policy cause bubbles?

As an initial matter, it's important to appreciate that monetary policy itself doesn't cause bubbles. This may sound strange if you've read much about the financial crisis, given that the Fed is often blamed for both inflating and popping the housing bubble. But this narrative is flawed.

The argument goes like this: Following the bursting of the Internet bubble and 9/11, the central bank dropped short-term interest rates to the lowest level since 1958. This drove borrowing costs down and made it easier and more affordable for people to get mortgages and buy homes. Too many people proceeded to do so and a housing bubble ensued.

But the problem with this chain of events is that it excludes a number of critical pieces. Most importantly, it wasn't low interest rates that caused so much havoc; it was the proliferation of subprime mortgages.

At the time, much of the financial industry was operating under two fallacies. First, lenders believed that new derivatives and asset-backed securities had eradicated the risk of default. And second, while it seems absurd in hindsight, many of the best and brightest minds on Wall Street had concluded that housing prices would never stop going up -- or, at the very least, that they wouldn't decline simultaneously across the country.

The result was that these assumptions removed much of the incentive for lenders to monitor credit standards. If there's no fear of default, why not lend to anyone and everyone regardless of their income, assets, or credit score? And it was this behavior, and notably not the Fed's manipulation of interest rates, which fueled the housing bubble and laid the groundwork for the financial crisis.

But what about the stock market's record highs?

This isn't to say that the central bank can't distort asset values by way of monetary policy. Indeed, not only can it do so, but it can do so to a considerable degree.

"Monetary policy has powerful effects on risk taking," Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellenacknowledged in a speech earlier this month. "Indeed, the accommodative policy stance of recent years has supported the recovery, in part, by providing increased incentives for households and businesses to take on the risk of potentially productive investments."

This is exactly what's happened. As Josh Brown recounted earlier this year, "flows into equity funds went megapositive in 2013 while money going into bond funds slowed to a trickle." More specifically, he noted that stock funds have had $298 billion in inflows since the beginning of last year, while bond funds have had only $75 billion.

But that's as far as it goes. In other words, the fact that the Fed's monetary policies have caused stock prices to soar, doesn't mean there's a bubble.

The reason for this is simple. In order for there to be a bubble, asset prices must be more than inflated; they must be irrationally inflated. And, like I've discussed, this isn't the case. If anything, in fact, the increase in asset prices is entirely rational.

As Bloomberg's Noah Smith recently explained (emphasis added):

"The value of a financial asset is the discounted present value of its future payoffs, and when the discount rate -- of which the Fed interest rate is a component -- goes down, the true fundamental value of risky assets goes up mechanically and automatically.That's rational price appreciation, not a bubble."

Does this mean stock prices won't at some point deflate? No. In fact, you should probably assume they will. Stock prices correct all the time. But what's important to remember is that a correction isn't a bubble.

How to Make an Emergency Preparedness Kit

Fall Gardening: A Guide To Growing Cold-Weather Vegetables

I always say that Gardening is a VITAL prepping skill. Many people think it’s as easy as dropping seeds in the ground and watch them grow, it’s not that simple, right?  In a long term situation most if not all of your initial food preps will be exhausted at some point.  In fact, I am one of those who believe that the food items that you prep in a “long term” situation, are there to get you by until your garden is fully functional and you and your family can survive eating from it. When this happens then your Garden is one of your “long term” food sources.  Remember, most people will eventually run out of their stored food, so you’ll need a solid plan for creating a sustainable food supply!

Fall Gardening is a skill that must be developed and enhanced if you are going to survive in a “long term” situation.  It goes without saying that you will still need nutrition that will get you through fall, winter and into late spring.  The Fall season is a wonderful time to further enhance your garden and Gardening survival skills.

I’m going to assume that you’ve done the initial work in terms of soil prepping for your garden area and/or raised beds.  This should have already been accomplished because you’ve most likely been gardening sometime from March to October.  Now is the time to further use those soil preps and get your fall crops into the ground.  Many of the fall veggies I’ll be discussing will even grow well into winter if you have a greenhouse or cold frame.   Once you get the experience you’ll be able to grow certain cold-hardy vegetables successfully endlessly through all seasons.

 What You Can Grow In The Fall: Cold-Weather Vegetables

This is the reason why our heirloom Seeds packages contain many cold-weather vegetables, specially  designed to assist you in having a full fledged or survival garden all year long.  You can have an abundance of leafy garden greens as well as plenty of cold-weather vegetables that will produce good wholesome food for you and your family during the cold-weather season.  Just think about it, you can grow veggies like spinach, artichokes, beet, radishes, carrots, kale, onions, garlic and more.  All of these vegetables will make delicious soups, both cold and hot.  When planted right, you might be able to even get certain plant varieties to grow from Spring to Spring.

Tip:  One thing that you will learn is that Fall temperatures are conducive to certain cold-weather vegetables, their production and often aids in sweetening many of cold-weather plant varieties such as our Kuroda carrot, spinach and others.

 Timing Is Everything: Knowing When to Plant Your Fall Garden Is Crucial

I’m writing this article in late October 2013 and for the most part of the USA it’s still a good time to start that fall garden.  When it starts to get cooler, you can easily get your some veggies like garlic, our Yellow Sweet Spanish Onions and shallots.  Your Fall Garden will benefit if you can get them into the ground BEFORE your first frost.   If you have access to a computer, try to find out when the “first frost” is due in your planting zone.

Here is what I recommend:

Trying getting an early start or a jump on your “Fall Garden” by planting your heirloom seeds such as kale, our Brunswick Cabbage, cauliflower and Calabrese Green Broccoli indoors and then later transplant them.  Make sure you acclimate them a few hours a day before actually putting them out in the garden for planting.

Companion gardening can play a supporting role in your Fall Garden productions.  It will add value to it because you can even plant some of these varieties together so that nitrogen producing plants will mix with those that had deprived your soil of nitrogen during the spring planting season.  Make sure you feed the soil of your fall plants this means adding compost and using organic materials in your soil.  You want to apply the appropriate amount of organic fertilizer a few weeks ahead of your fall planting season. Don’t let your fall garden area dry out.  A drip watering system or soaker hose will solve this problem.  Your seeds and/or transplants will need moister for both germinating and growing.  Once your transplants and/or seeding are about a few inches in height you might want to think about adding mulch.

You can increase plant production by tricking your produce into generating more produce.  This works with leafy vegetables like turnips, spinach, kale, lettuce etc.  We often feed our livestock the leafy parts of beets, radishes, and carrots.  Another trick with broccoli and cabbage is that you can actually pick the first head and then wait for the plant to generate smaller ones later.  Our heirloom favorite for broccoli is ourCalabrese Green Broccoli.  It’s an heirloom dating back to the early 1900′s.

Season-Extending Techniques

You can extend your garden season with a few techniques:

1. Cover the plants that are more sensitive to frost and cold weather at night with row covers or even old blankets.  Mulching will also help in this area .  If you don’t have old blankets or how about tarps or even plastic?  Cover growing beds or rows with burlap or a floating row cover supported by stakes or wire to keep the material from directly touching the plants. Individual plants can be protected by using milk jugs, paper caps, or water-holding walls.

1. Cold Frames & Greenhouses: It has been suggested that providing plants with just one additional layer of protection is like moving your garden more than one full zone to the south. There are many types of survival greenhouses and you’ll have to choose which one is best suited for your situation.

Most of the semi-hardy and hardy vegetables will require little or no frost protection. Semi-hardy vegetables should be harvested before a heavy freeze. Root crops such as carrots and radishes should be harvested or mulched heavily before a hard freeze. The harvest of mulched root crops can often be extended into the winter.  During mild winters, harvest may continue till spring.

Insects and Diseases

It is not uncommon for insects and diseases to be more abundant in the fall. Most problems from insects and diseases result from a buildup in their populations during the spring and summer. There is hope of keeping these pests at tolerable levels, however, if a few strategies are followed. Strive to keep fall vegetables healthy and actively growing; healthy plants are less susceptible to insects and diseases. Check the plants frequently for insect and disease damage and apply treatment for controlling or eradicating diseases.

Here are a few seed recommendations (some of which we actually carry) that don’t mind chilly temperatures.  Why don’t you get them a try and let me know how they turnout in your Fall Garden.

Various Greens Leafy Vegetables

Mustard, Turnip, Collards, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Radicchio and Lettuce.

Herbs & Vegetables

*Sugar Snap Peas, *Calabrese Green Broccoli, *White Hailstone Radishes, artichokes, *Brunswick Cabbage, Cauliflower, Garlic, *Yellow Sweet Spanish Onions, Leeks, Beets,* Kuroda Carrots, Watercress, Cilantro, Garlic, Parsnips, Potatoes, Scallions, Shallots and Turnips.

Experts warn civilian world not ready for massive EMP-caused blackout

A view of the U.S. power grid from inside of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas's command center in Taylor, Texas.REUTERS

The catastrophic effects of an electromagnetic pulse-caused blackout could be preventable, but experts warn the civilian world is still not ready.

Peter Vincent Pry, executive director of the Task Force on National and Homeland Security and director of the U.S. Nuclear Strategy Forum, both congressional advisory boards, said the technology to avoid disaster from electromagnetic pulses exists, and upgrading the nation's electrical grid is financially viable.

"The problem is not the technology," Pry said. "We know how to protect against it. It's not the money, it doesn't cost that much. The problem is the politics. It always seems to be the politics that gets in the way."

He said the more officials plan, the lower the estimated cost gets.

"If you do a smart plan - the Congressional EMP Commission estimated that you could protect the whole country for about $2 billion," Pry told Watchdog.org. "That's what we give away in foreign aid to Pakistan every year."

In the first few minutes of an EMP, nearly half a million people would die. That's the worst-case scenario that author William R. Forstchen estimated in 2011 would be the result of an EMP on the electric grid - whether by an act of God, or a nuclear missile detonating in Earth's upper atmosphere.

An electromagnetic pulse is a burst of electromagnetic energy strong enough to disable, and even destroy, nearby electronic devices.

Does Bear Spray or Wasp Spay work for Self-Defense?

There are positives and negatives to all tools of self-defense, if there was the perfect self-defense tool available where all you had to do was push a button and the attacker would vanish into thin air and materialize inside a jail cell,  it STILL would not do you any good if an attacker has snuck up on you and the button is tangled up in a mass of objects in the bottom of your purse or lost in a coat pocket.

Therefore, I submit to you that the absolute best form of self-defense is a constant awareness of one’s surroundings combined with intelligent thought and decisive action. No matter what weapon you have if it’s not readily available, and you’re not aware of your surroundings, you will have neither the time nor the ability to defend yourself effectively.

Make no mistake – pepper spray is a weapon. If you don’t believe that, you most likely have never been sprayed with it. While pepper spray is not an absolute alternative to a gun, it is another available option to carry in addition to a firearm, in cases where firearms may not be permitted, and it may be an option for those who opt not to carry firearms. It certainly is better than nothing at all. Once the subject of defense spray is brought up, there are two common questions. “Can I use wasp spray?” And “Is bear spray better?” I am going to break these two subjects down below and answer each.

Using Wasp Spray for Self Defense

I constantly receive email forwards from friends and family about using wasp spray for self-defense and have to admit for a period of time I just accepted the information at face value. I mean it made sense, it kills wasps at the drop of a hat and has a long range – who would want a face full of it? Then they’d have to see a doctor right? However as time went on and I sought out professional self-defense instruction, everyone I asked said the same thing – don’t use it. There are two very good reasons for not counting on wasp spray for self-defense.

Wasp Spray doesn’t work like pepper spray does.
Police departments worldwide use pepper spray (not wasp spray) because the inflammatory effects of ‘capsaicin’ (exact chemical that provides heat) works on those who cannot feel pain or are in state of mind that prevents them from reacting to pain (copious amounts of adrenaline and illegal drugs can prevent people from feeling pain).  The involuntarily inflammatory effects of pepper spray on the human body causes eyes to close, water profusely and produces a ‘loss of breath sensation’ which results in coughing gaging. Pepper spray has statically been proven effective on deterring and incapacitating aggressive, combative, intoxicated individuals for over 20 years. (Source)

Alternatively someone in a condition where they aren’t feeling pain may be able to fight through the effects of wasp spray which is a neurotoxin and ranges from a minor to mild annoyance. Wasp spray is indeed toxic but vision loss does not occur instantly and usually results from a long exposure without treatment. While some people have had immediate adverse reactions to accidentally being exposed to wasp spray, most ERs report that patients are willing and able to transport themselves to receive medical care and only experience mild irritation. (Source)

Photo Credit: Kiro News 7 Seattle

Click here to read a recent news story about a couple who attempted to use wasp spray in self-defense during a home invasion.

Using Wasp Spray for anything other than its intended purpose is illegal.
Wasp spray is also not recommended for self-defense because it is illegal to use it in such a manner, leaving a person open to lawsuits not only from the attacker, but also from the  law enforcement involved if they too were exposed to the spray and required medical care as a result. While I do not think that such a lawsuit would be ‘right,’ it is none the less a possibility. That being said, in cases of self-defense I tend to side with this famous quote, “It’s better to be tried by 12 than carried by six.”

ConclusionNow that we know there is no advantage in keeping wasp spray over pepper spray – if you are going to drop $5 on a can of wasp spray why not just drop $5 on a can of personal defense pepper spray? It’s far easier to conceal and if you spend just a little bit more money you can even get spray with a 25 ft range. The inexpensive canisters of pepper spray can be found at Walmart and other big box stores in most states. In some states it may have to  from a gun a dealer – but the price is still negligible. They may not have the range or the potency of one of the nicer cans linked below – but they will still work far better than wasp spray. 

To my knowledge pepper spray is legal in all 50 states (see source link), however a number of cities and states do have restrictions on sizes, strengths, where one can purchase it and where one can carry personal defense spray. If you have a question, it is wise to contact your local police department. Defense sprays should only be purchased by those 18 years of age or older. Certain other restrictions may exist in your jurisdiction. (Source)

Here is a video of a group of people being sprayed with wasp spray. Please note: while they are concerned they are not in any pain.

Here is a video of a man being sprayed with pepper spray. Please note: he is in alot of pain and is completely incapacitated as a result.

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Using Bear Spray for Self Defense 

Photo by Stephanie Dayle (c) 2013

Another frequent internet suggestion is to use Bear Spray for self-defense. Bear spray (pepper spray designed and marketed to repel bears) runs about $35-40 for a small can and more for a larger can, making it more expensive than most personal defense pepper sprays. I carry it with me when I hike in bear country along with my side arm, but there is something about bear spray you may want to know before you think it’s the answer to your personal defense needs. While it may work to repel a human, bear spray is not always more potent than the human version of pepper spray. In alot cases they are the same, in some cases bear spray is actually less potent.

Bear spray is specifically developed and designed to repel bears, not people. I own several cans of it and take it with me when I hike in bear country, and as a result I have done more than a little research on it. One cannot make the leap to assume that because it will repel a bear it will then, therefore, do an even better job on humans.

Bear Spray Label
Photo by Stephanie Dayle (c) 2013

CRC ratings of bear spray. How potent is it?
To be approved by the EPA and thereby allowed for use National Parks as a humane bear repellant, the spray has to have a  ’Capsaicin and Related Capsaicinoids’ (CRC – shown to the left)percentage between 1%-2%. This CRC rating is a measurement of the strength of the deterrent and is listed on most human pepper spray canisters as well.  A CRC rating of 1%-2% is a common rating even for pepper sprays designed for people. Since CRC ratings are governed by the EPA they tend to be accurate.

What about the OC percentage?A CRC rating is different from an ‘Oleoresin Capsaicin’ (OC – shown below in the red square) percentage. While this will often be listed on the packaging of pepper spray as a form of marketing is it not an a accurate gauge of a spray’s potency (how hot it is).  These percentages simply tell you the amount of OC proportional to the volume of the canister, and if the OC (pepper oil) is of poor quality even a high percentage of it would only have a minimal effect. (Source)

Personal Defense Spray Label
Photo by Stephanie Dayle (c) 2013

Scoville Heat Unit ratings of bear spray. How hot is it??
Another way to gauge the potency of a pepper spray is to examine the ‘Scoville Heat Units’ (SHU – shown to the right in the blue circle) rating. The SHU measures the amount of capsaicin  which is the exact chemical that provides heat. Most personal defense pepper sprays boast a SHU rating of 2-5 million. The highest SHU rating I have seen on bear spay (and there are currently only 4 approved brands of bear spray on the market) is 3 million which is higher than some of the cheapo brands of human spray but really not by much and it certainly is not the hottest spray available. (Source), (Source)

Fogger style spray pattern.
Image credit: BestPepperSpray.net

Spray patterns. Are you spraying an animal with fur, or a person?
Bear spray disperses in a ‘fogger’ pattern which works great for a big bodied bear who will catch the pepper spray in its coat, but it may not be so ideal in a human to human confrontation where aim is really important and other factors are in play. Fogger pattern sprays are also more susceptible to wind blow-back.

For bears a fogger pattern is ideal, as the bear moves more pepper spray will be released from it’s thick coat – further irritating the animal and reinforcing it’s “negative experience” with humans as it retreats, this encourages the bear to avoid people in the future. However, many defense experts recommend ‘stream’ or ‘broken stream’ sprays for personal self-defense as they give you greater distance and better aim. They are also the least affected by wind or rain.

What spray should I get then?

Plain and simple, if you are going to purchase a spray to defend yourself against humans – purchase the best pepper spray you can afford meant for HUMANS, not bugs, not bears – people. Ignore the OC percentage, read the labels carefully and purchase the pepper spray with the highest CRC rating AND thehighest SHU rating you can afford with a range that suits your situation.

Fox Labs makes one of the best selling and most well rated sprays on the market. To read the details and reviews on it click here.

Sabre makes one of the highest rated home defense foggers on the market if rain and wind is not a concern. While a little more on the spendy side. It comes with a mounting bracket that you can mount on the wall like a fire extinguisher. Click here to read the details and review on it.  

So, the next time you see the “wasp spray” email come your way, do yourself and everyone else a favor and  hit the “delete button”.

Please note: There are many articles on the internet about pepper spray any similarities are merely coincidental. Nothing stated in this is article is opinion other than the assertion that counting on wasp spray to have any effect on an attacker at all could put your life in grave danger. The sources of information for this article are cited in blue and linked to their sources. 

The Drought Goes From Bad To Catastrophic...Watch Food Prices Soar.

As we previously commented, when scientists start using phrases such as"the worst drought" and "as bad as you can imagine" to describe what is going on in the western half of the country, you know that things are bad. However, in recent weeks the dreadful situation in California has gone from bad to catastrophic as the U.S. Drought Monitor reported that more than half of the state is now in experiencing 'exceptional' drought, the most severe category available. And most of the state – 81% – currently has one of the two most intense levels of drought.

As WaPo reports,

While California’s problems are particularly severe, that state is not alone in experiencing significant drought right now. There are wide swaths of moderate to severe drought stretching from Oregon to Texas, with problems impacting numerous states west of the Mississippi River.

Some of the most severe droughts outside of California are impacting large pockets in Oklahoma, Texas and, particularly, Nevada, where more than half of the state is currently experiencing one of the two most intense drought conditions:

As we concluded previously,

Most people just assume that this drought will be temporary, but experts tell us that there have been "megadroughts" throughout history in the western half of the United States that have lasted for more than 100 years.

If we have entered one of those eras, it is going to fundamentally change life in America.

And the frightening thing is that much of the rest of the world is dealing with water scarcity issues right now as well.  In fact, North America is actually in better shape than much of Africa and Asia.  For much more on this, please see my previous article entitled "25 Shocking Facts About The Earth’s Dwindling Water Resources".

Without plenty of fresh water, modern civilization is not possible.

And right now, the western United States and much of the rest of the world is starting to come to grips with the fact that we could be facing some very serious water shortages in the years ahead.

Get Home Bag Ideas for Everyday People

Emergency in Toledo: 400,000 Impacted by Toxic Water...DO YOU HAVE WATER STORAGE?

UPDATE, 7:45 p.m.: TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Ohio Gov. John Kasich said all of the state’s agencies are working to bring water and other supplies to areas around Toledo where some 400,000 are being told not to drink from the city’s water system.

Kasich told The Associated Press it’s too early to say how long the water advisory will last and what triggered it.

Ohio officials are awaiting the results of more tests on the water that could determine how much longer residents in and around the state’s fourth-largest city are without water.

Toledo officials issued the warning early Saturday after tests revealed the presence of a toxin possibly from algae on Lake Erie.

Ohio’s EPA director said the agency is trying to figure out what caused a sudden spike in the toxins.

UPDATE, 2:47 p.m.:  The mayor of Ohio’s fourth-largest city says water will be flowing into the Toledo area from all corners of the state to help the 400,000 people who are being warned not to drink the city’s water.

Toledo’s mayor says water is coming from Akron, Cincinnati and even a prison near Columbus.

Windows at Liberty Jail - Joseph Smith

Mistakes...

If You Don’t Put Together Your 72 Hour Survival Kit Now You’ll Hate Yourself Later!

Ready to get the heck out of dodge… in a hurry!

This short modified excerpt is from my book 31 Days to Survival – this would also make a good bug out bag packing list, with a few modifications…

As with any “prepping shopping list” you’ll need to tailor the suggestions listed below to meet your specific needs, skills, location and circumstances – no such shopping list can cover the needs of everyone in every situation, everywhere.

The items listed below make up what is commonly referred to as a basic 72 survival hour kit and is where you should start your preps. In the following days, we’ll build and expand your stockpile to the point where you will be prepared for both short-term and disasters lasting six months or more.

Now let’s head to your local shopping mall or department store.

Here is your 72 hour survival kit shopping list:

1. A three-day supply of water – one gallon of water per person, per day.
2. A three-day supply of non-perishable food – foods ready to eat or requiring minimal water are preferred.
3. Small portable, battery-powered AM/FM radio extra batteries.
4. Flashlight and extra batteries (don’t skimp here get a good quality light)
5. First aid kit and manual.
6. Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap,
7. Toothbrush and toothpaste etc.
8. Matches and waterproof container.
9. Battery powered lantern and batteries
10. Whistle
11. Extra clothing according to climate and season.
12. Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, styrofoam plates and bowls and a manual can opener.
13. Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens, and hearing aid batteries etc.
14. Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
15. Sleeping bag or warm blanket (one per person) rating depending on location and climate.
16. A multi-tool. A roll of duct tape, crowbar, hammer, staple gun, adjustable wrench and Bungee cords and heavy duty work gloves are also nice to have, but add extra weight.
17. Small bottle of unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification.
18. Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows or sheltering in place.
19. Large heavy duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation or other suitable solution.
20. A small multi-fuel backpackers stove (Colman makes a quality product).
21. N95 Respirator for each person in your group (2 or more).
22. 100’ of rope (550lb paracord or similar)

It’s also a good idea to have photocopies of credit and identification cards, health insurance and other important documents in a water proof container and $100 in emergency cash in small denominations. Also don’t forget photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes if you get separated.

You’ll also need to put together a list of emergency and personal contact phone numbers as well as a complete list of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food for each person.

It’s also a good idea to have an extra set of keys to your house and vehicle.

How to pack and store your 72 hour survival kit

Remember, the 72 hour survival kit may also serve as an evacuation kit so it all needs to be stored in easy to move containers. You want to be able to “grab and go” should you be forced to evacuate your home.

I prefer to “double pack” – first neatly pack everything in duffel bags or backpacks the store these in plastic totes making it easy to quickly load everything into your car while still having the option of slitting up the gear among your group if you’re forced to evacuate on foot.

Bug Out Bag List 101: How to Determine the Essentials, Contents, and Gear that you Need

Today’s assignment is to put together your 72 hour survival kit and or bug out bag… This kit will provide what you need to survive 95% of disasters and is a great starting point to building your preps. Now get to it…

7 Bug Out Tips from Backpackers

Many skills that are taught as “emergency preparedness” or “survival” skills that were outdoor or backpacking skills long before those movements ever even had a name. I have often advised beginners who are building their Bug Out Bags and making their Bug Out Plans to take up backpacking as a hobby for practice, training and education. I know as a backpacker myself, that there are many life saving and sanity saving skills that you can learn from the hobby.  Not only that – it’s a life enriching hobby that I can place no dollar value on.

Bug Out Bags usually pertain to the theory of “Bugging Out” (leaving one’s home for hopefully a safer location in the event of an emergency). Some people say they have no intention or plans to “Bug Out”………okay………that is your choice but it’s always wise to have a plan B. I have no intention of dying in my house during a local wildfire nor a national disaster so I am prepared to get the heck out if necessary, I would hope you are too.  Using my experience backpacking as a guide I know without a doubt that even if I didn’t have a running vehicle I could get to our “plan B” alive and realistically about how much time it would take me to get there.

Here are 7 things preppers can learn from the backpacking world and apply to their bug out plans:

1) Practice Make Perfect – Physical Fitness/Training

Most active backpackers exercise several times a week even if there is no trip coming up. Exercise and practice cannot be overstated, and while nearly all survival/preparedness experts say it, and nearly everyone agrees; only a small percentage of people actually do it - let alone train to travel a long distance on foot with a pack. The excuses are endless, only a few are valid. Exercise is like anything else in life, if you make it a priority it will happen. If watching movies, playing on the internet and gaming is a priority, that is what you will do.

Action Plan:

Start an exercise program and take up day hiking if you are physically able. Start small, walking on the flat first for short distances then increase that distance and add weight and inclination (a few hills). If any problems arise – see your doctor ASAP before continuing. When you are feeling comfortable with exercise and hiking consider trying your very first overnight backpacking trip.

2) Be Realistic on “Bug Out Bag” (Pack) Size

Most backpackers are religious about their packs. A great deal of time and research is put into what size of pack is required for the length of the trip,  the equipment being brought, and how it all fits. Usually they pick the smallest size pack, considering the length of trip because a smaller pack is of course lighter and easier to travel with. They also know the bigger pack you have, the more tempting it is to fill it up even if you really don’t need those things.

By simple trail and error many backpackers learn what size is right for them. It’s not uncommon for someone to purchase and then get rid of 3 or 4 packs before find one that is just right in fit and size. Many preppers think bigger is better so they go big not knowing that if the day ever comes when they will need to grab that pack and book it – they will only get a mile or so from their house before being overwhelmed by the weight, size and/or  fit of their packs.

Image Credit: REI

 As a general rule of thumb a 50-60 liter pack is appropriate for 1-2 day trip. A 60-80 liter pack is appropriate for a 3-5 day trip and often makes an ideal bug out bag. A 80-90 liter pack is appropriate for a 5-7 day trip. Anything over 100 liters is considered an “expedition-sized pack” expedition packs are usually only used on extended trips where the large pack is only carried at a slow pace to a base camp. The large bag is then emptied and reorganized or a different smaller pack is used for trips branching out from the base camp. Often other expedition members like sherpas, or animals like llamas, pack horses, or sled dogs are used to help carry the load. Expedition sized packs are not ideal for use as “bug out bags” because they simply too heavy and too bulky.

Of course, each person will have different capabilities and comfort ranges, personally, I would never use anything bigger than an 75 liter pack because I know my physical limits, where as someone else may be able to go bigger. Would it surprise you to know that most thru-hikers (meaning hikers that choose to hike the entire distance of a trail as opposed to a section of it) of famous long distance trails like the Appalachian Trial and Pacific Crest Trail choose packs in the 65-75 liter range when they are traveling for up to a year at time with limited opportunities for resupply? There are good reasons for that, like weight and being able to hike many miles in one day. The goal here as a prepper is very similar in being able to get away from impending danger and covering ground in a timely manner – if a “Bug Out Bag” prevents you from doing this, what good is it?

Action Plan:

Carefully research the style and size of bag you need for the length of time you will be traveling. Test out several varieties and styles of backpacks, you may find civilian non-tactical style bags much lighter easier to travel with than traditional tactical style bags. If you are female go to a sporting goods store and try on packs made for ladies. Test it out on an actual trip, not just on a walk around your community. Decide what you really need in that bag and what you can do without, be honest with yourself. Subscribe to somebackpacking magazines to see what the industry is up to, explore the new products out there. Some may be of assistance to your Bug Out plans.

3) It’s All About Weight

Backpackers are extremely aware of the weight they are carrying, to the point where it is not uncommon for them to know the exact weight of every single item in their pack including food and water. This is because through experience they have learned that they can travel faster, safer and more comfortably with a lighter pack vs a heavy pack. While there are some factions in the backpacking community like the ‘ultra-light group’ which take trimming weight to an extreme, most preppers could benefit from the weight awareness that even a casual backpacker has, and if you really want some great weight saving tips – take a peek at some of those “ultra-light” backpacking websites, they have some great ideas.

In fact, even backpackers who have gone on only a couple of trips have quickly learned exactly what they need to pack to survive and what they do not need.  After you have carried a 40lb pack down 1800 ft into a valley and then put in another 5 miles you figure out real quick that some of those extras in your pack aren’t really worth it. What each person is comfortable with carrying is going to be different but as a rule of thumb for a 5-7 day pack (the typical amount of time a bug out bag is packed for) 30-40 lbs is ideal for a physically fit adult, or 1/4 – 1/5 your total body weight. If you want to travel fast, and if you aren’t used to carrying weight 20-30 lbs should be your range, remember it doesn’t matter if its comfortable when you are standing in your living room or during the stroll you took around the block, what matters is how it will feel, and how YOU will feel 10 miles down the road under a real load.

With preppers it tends to be all about the gear and weight is an after thought. “A folding saw that is a fire starter, ax, shovel and machete all in one? A folding metal stove so sturdy I could stand on it? Why not? Weight? What do you mean how much does it weigh? I NEED IT.”  Sound familiar? Backpackers demand that their gear be multipurpose, durable AND light weight. Everything from sleeping bags to tents, cooking supplies, food, first aid kits to cooking stoves are all chosen for their quality, durability and weight, so now they have an entire industry of manufactures coming up with cool new innovative light weight equipment just for them.

A backpacker may look at the the saw, shovel, ax combo and know that lighter single purpose saw will keep then alive and work just fine, that his knife will work for a majority of the reasons why he may need an ax,  and that the little trowel in his pack already covers most needs for a shovel and that all three of those items don’t add up to the weight of the fancy combo tool, besides one would still need to carry at least the knife.

Action Plan:Get a trusted book or guide on how to assemble a bug out bag (click here for one). Test out your bag on an actual trip not just on a walk around your community. Weigh everything in your bag, write all the weights down, then the bag itself empty and full. Evaluate it all objectively based on the above information. Research lighter weight items. Decide what you really need in that bag and what you can do without or store at a bug out location or in a cache along the way, avoid being too repetitive with uses and be honest with yourself.

Subscribe to some backpacking magazines to see what the industry is up to and what new products are out there that may be of assistance to your Bug Out plans, granted somethings will be of little use – others will be exceedingly handy. Take up the hobby of backpacking to gain experience with your pack and improve your fitness level.

4) Non-Digital Navigation Still Rules

If someone were to dump you off in the middle of nowhere with no trails, and only a nice compass and map (ok maybe a ruler), could you find yourself on the map, orient yourself to the map, and plot a course to safety? Most experienced backpackers prefer this method of navigation, why? GPS devices need signal, require batteries, are susceptible to weather and temperature damage, and they are heavy in comparison to a folded piece of paper and a fairly good compass. This seems like it would be no brainer for most preppers who habitually prepare for events which include the loss of global positioning satellites – and to some extent it is; a map and compass are common items on bug out bag lists. However having skills of combining and using the two items as a lifesaving tool are still lacking.

Action Plan:
Here is a good place to start to learn those skills:

5) Camp Hazard Identification

Experienced backpackers are professionals at instantly sizing up camp hazards of all kinds like campsite location safety, local wildlife, weather, fire safety, hygiene, and equipment safety. Most have learned these things through experience, meaning they’ve made all the bad mistakes at least once or watched someone else do it. While alot of camp hazards can be read about and learned prior to going camping, what cements them into your brain and makes it second habit is going and doing it yourself.

A campsite should always be evaluated for dangers, when I am approaching an area where I’d like to camp I am thinking of what ifs. What if there is a strong wind? Will that tree fall on the tent? Am I so close to the trees that there is now a significant lightning hazard? If there is a storm, will that pretty stream flood and take the tent away with it? Is there an ant hill or bees nest near by? Am I in bear country? If so a spot at least 100 yards away to hang your bags will be required. Is that nice tent spot also a great warming area for snakes?Nothing like stepping out of your tent in the morning to land on a rattle snake that was just warming itself up. Is it too dry or too windy for a safe campfire? Often in my area, the answer is yes.

Then there are other smaller things but no less significant like: learning how to read the weather, learning how to prepare your camp for the night in such a way that reduces the likelihood of accidents. Tripping over your own tents guy lines, and pegs can be incredibly annoying, cause sprains, bruises, scrapes, and possible broken bones. It’s a good reason to position them in such a way to keep them out of common traffic areas. Also learning where to locate the “potty” area in relation to camp and your fresh water source so that neither are contaminated is good to know. And lastly more campfire safety; if it is safe enough to light one, prepare an area for it that does not pose a danger.

For those who will find themselves traveling through urban areas in a bug out situation on their way to safety, the ability size up potential campsite hazards translates, especially if you have had the advantage of living in an urban area and already know the ins and outs of a city.

Action Plan:Ask yourself the above questions when you are preparing to stop for the night and make camp. Take up the hobby of backpacking and/or hiking to gain more experience. Explore some backpacking magazine subscriptions, websites and books to learn more about how to avoid camp hazards.

6) Learn to Improvise on the Go – Fire/Water

Water
Backpackers have long since learned that it is nearly impossible to carry every drop of water that you are going to possibly need for a trip longer than a weekend. So they have become adapt at two things. Planning routes with known water sources and learning how to find water along the way, even in dry settings. Water is one of the heaviest things in your pack at nearly 2 pounds per liter it can really weigh you down if you carry too much of it when you don’t need to. Bear in mind I’m not suggesting that you drink less, but that you carry less:  I still manage to use about 5 liters a day on any given trip.

They accomplish this through the intelligent use of an adequate water filter, water tablets, and even SODIS “Solar Water Disinfection” (click here to learn more about SODIS) by hanging a clear plastic bottle off the back of their as they walk.  UV light purifiers are a sure thing but they are heavy, require more batteries, and can easily be broken. While I am sure some do, most backpackers don’t use a LifeStraw, while they aren’t bad to have – while traveling, water is collected in bulk for cooking, hygiene and for more travel across areas where there may be no water (all situations one may face while bugging out) as opposed to stopping for a quick drink,a pump filter works best for collecting water in bulk. In the interest of weight they also keep their water filtration choices down to two and avoid packing unnecessary back-up items. Usually a pump filter and water tablets (click here to read a great article about water tablets) are the choice. If both of those methods fail – there is still SODIS. LifeStraw devices are still great choices for Get Home Bags and for vehicle kits.

Action Plan:Plan at least two bug out routes – make sure there is accessible year around water sources along those routes (like lakes, rivers, creeks, etc…).  Become familiar with the skill of purifying water and learn how to purify water using SODIS. When it comes to collecting water from unknown sources the rule of thumb for emergency preparedness is ALWAYS - better safe than sorry; purify your drinking water.

Fire
Learn to make do with only two light weight methods to start a fire. Many backpackers only pack one method because they have also learned at least one primitive method of starting a fire. Common choices are the lowly flint/magnesium stick and a bic lighter. Some people still carry around a waterproof container of matches but not too many. Some choose ultra light wind resistant lighters such as the Windmill Trekker that will light 1000 times in low or high elevations and in 80 mph winds.

Action Plan:
While some backpackers carry fire starting tender – most do not. Learn how to find and collect dry tender even in poor conditions. While carrying some light weight emergency tender is not a bad idea there is no need to carry around the extra weight of “instant fire starting packets” if you have good established fire making skills in all conditions and you are familiar with your equipment – this goes back to practice makes perfect. Try to learn at least one primitive fire starting method.

 7) Being Secure on Your Own

There is an element of character that can only be built by being out on your own away from an organized campsite overnight. The ability to feel secure and still get a good nights sleep even if you are by yourself, and the ability to stay focused and driven without any outside input is a learned skill for many. This is usually gained through experience and from education. I know many adults who are still secretly afraid of the dark.

Action Plan:
Practicing being outside alone out at night is the best remedy for this. Most of society is accustomed to some sort of ambient ‘city’ light (or what the rural population calls ‘light pollution’) so that even when its dark out, if live in or near a city you can still see fairly well. For some real practice take a trip to the country side hundreds of miles away from city lights and experience what real darkness is like while letting your eyes adjust (and they will if you give them time and don’t reach for the flashlight or glow stick).

Research the animals in your area, know what is really out there so you are not fearing something that would never happen anyways. Take note of your surrounding in the daylight and then practice identifying them once it gets dark. This will prevent your mind and still adapting eye sight from playing tricks on you. Know that sound travels further at night, making unknown animals sound much closer than they truly are.

Staying focused and driven is a time management skill that experienced backpackers have down to an art. There is a promptness to waking up early – eating a quick breakfast that was planned the night before, while breaking down camp methodically. While it may seem like they are needlessly rushing the whole purpose is to get on the trail again as quickly as possible, so that they may put in as many miles as possible during the day. Similar routines are followed for camp set-up and dinner. Again practice in this area is priceless when the skill is applied to bugging out.