Horizontal Relationships: The Key to True Independence- Part 1, by J.E.

Within our relationships, as preppers, let’s look at the concept of true independence. It applies to us in our preparedness pursuits and in life in general. While we, of course, avoid many dependencies, what may surprise you is that it requires we cultivate certain dependencies. Fourth of July or Independence Day? Here’s a question: Do you wish your friends and family a “Happy 4th of July” or a “Happy Independence Day?” For me, I always make a point of calling this holiday “Independence Day”. I want to remember and remind others that all the fireworks; red, white, and blue; and …




SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

Here is the special 4th of July Edition of SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt. This column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. We also mention companies in the region of interest to preppers. Today’s focus is on Constitutional Liberty organizations and events in the American Redoubt. Idaho Some very special congratulations to Enola Gay. She is the Editrix of the outstanding Paratus Familia blog.  They found a buyer for their Shouse, and they’ve moved to their Dream Retreat/Ranch property, which is elsewhere in The American Redoubt. If you’ve never read Enola’s blog, you …




The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods – a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “HJL”. Central & South America news starts us off today. Central & South America Venezuela’s collapse continues unabated. At the beginning of the year the U.S. Dollar was worth an abysmal 3,000 Bolivars. Today, it takes nearly 8,000 Bolivars to buy one dollar. As the economy spirals out of control, the citizens are suffering through shortages of food and medicine. Now even government controlled police officers are defecting. Last week one police …










Kershaw’s Dividend, by Pat Cascio

Today, we are talking about Kershaw’s Dividend. It’s a small folder. My General View on Small Folding Knives I’m not really big on small folding knives. Bigger folders can, well, do more chores better than most smaller folders. I like a folder with a blade between 3.5 inches and four inches in length. A blade length of 3.75 inches seems about perfect for my every day carry use. But that’s just me, I guess. However, I won’t turn my nose up at a well-made, well-designed smaller folder, not in the least. I appreciate cutlery, period! All knives have a use. …




Recipe of the Week: Meaty Spanish Rice, by J.C.

Ingredients: small chopped onion 1 lb ground venison (or beef, lamb) 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice 2 cups chicken broth 2 cups salsa (my pint jars of homemade salsa are great) Directions: Brown meat in skillet on medium heat. Add onion and uncooked rice. Stirring frequently. When rice begins to brown, stir in chicken broth and salsa. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. o o o Do you have a favorite recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? Please send it via e-mail. Thanks!




Economics & Investing for Preppers

Here are the latest items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. And it bears mention that most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of JWR. (SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor.) Today’s focus is on collectible knives.  (See the Tangibles section, near the end of this column.) Precious Metals: First, there is this monthly newsletter: Sprott Precious Metals Report – June 2017 (PDF) o  o  o Next, is some commentary by Steve St. Angelo: When This Massive Bubble Pops… What Will …










Gear System: Philosophy, Set Up, Use, Fitness & Mindset- Part 2, by Max

Today, we are concluding this article, which is a follow-up to the recent “The Practical Application of Tactical Gear, Load, and Weight Considerations”. Part 1 disclosed the basics of the gear system and began detailing them. We are continuing with the details, and then covering the practical use of our gear and the importance of physical conditioning. THE DETAIL (continued) Chest Rig / Plate Carrier: You must avoid the temptation to “go large” with this item. With the available huge admin pouches and the like, this is particularly something you want to avoid below your armpits or right on the …




The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods – a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “HJL”. Careful Where You Swim Reader H.L. sent in this article on toxic algae that killed two dogs in California. Apparently, this sort of situation is not all that uncommon. If you are not aware of it and you swallow the water, you’re in trouble. It’s worth noting that most camping filters do not remove the toxins. Purification tablets as well as boiling also do not remove or neutralize the toxins. Violation …







Preparedness Notes for Saturday – July 01, 2017

July 1st, 1863 is the anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg. o o o California’s draconian gun ban was just blocked by a federal judge, days before it was to take effect! Judge Roger Benitez ruled that the law was likely unconstitutional. This is a temporary injunction to give the courts time to consider the pending lawsuits. o o o Happy 150th Canada Day to all those north of the 49th parallel!




Guest Article: Gear System- Philosophy, Set Up, Use, Fitness & Mindset- Part 1, by Max

This article is a follow-up to the recent “The Practical Application of Tactical Gear, Load, and Weight Considerations”. Questions I get many questions about gear setup. It is also a perennial topic on the MVT Forum, and of course across the Internet. It’s an important subject. Many people ask me specific questions about my gear setup and make/brand of equipment items. And so here I will attempt to give some guidance, but not in terms of specific brands of gear. This is what I am trying to do when I set up my equipment. It is also important to note that …