Year: 2022

One Bug Out Bag Approach – Part 2, by J. Smith

(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.) For a 3-season blanket, I have a Snugpak Jungle Blanket. It is a modern version of the “woobie” poncho liner that is loved by American soldiers. It is anti-bacterial, windproof, and water-resistant. If you prefer the good-old woobie, then go for it. For an emergency blanket, don’t bother with the cheapo ones. Get an SOL (Survive Outdoors Longer) emergency blanket. Its construction using metalized polyethylene instead of mylar makes it much stronger, quieter, and will not shred apart. For a poncho, I suggest the US Style Helikon-Tex poncho. It is waterproof and …


SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly column is a collection of short snippets: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. We may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters. — First up: With some web-wandering, I found this video, by Jon Gadget: ALL Victorinox Swiss Cards compared – wallet EDC perfection? o  o  o Seeing the mass media and the Democrats rallying for Ukraine is quite amazing.  Nancy Pelosi is now chanting “СЛАВА УКРАЙНА” (“Slava Ukrania“), along with all of ABC/CBS/NBC crowd.  Something tells me …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — March 22, 2022

Today is the birthday of Benjamin Tyler Henry. (March 22, 1821–December 29, 1898) He was an American gunsmith and manufacturer. On October 16, 1860, he received a patent on the Henry .44 caliber repeating rifle. The first Henry rifles were not produced for U.S. Army use until mid-1862. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 99 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than …


One Bug Out Bag Approach – Part 1, by J. Smith

I would like to share my thoughts on the creation of a Bug Out Bag. (Or “BOB” for short.) I have refined my BOB based on my own camping experience, and the experience of others, especially survivalists and wilderness campers on Youtube. (The real ones, not phony Bear Grills types, LOL.) I will give credit for their ideas where it is due. A BOB is a personal thing, it should fulfill your short-term needs and, if you can spare the weight, a couple luxury wants. Additionally, you also have to consider the people you are bugging out with, such as …


SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies of interest to preppers and survivalists that are located in the American Redoubt region. Today, we focus on a new Wyoming app that lets residents claim roadkill.   (See the Wyoming section.) Idaho ‘Surprised and disappointed’ Sandpoint mayor running for governor will not appear on primary ballot. o  o  o Video from state representative candidate Chad Catron: Kicked out of my …



Preparedness Notes for Monday — March 21, 2022

March 21st, 1778: Just three days after Hessian mercenary forces assaulted the local New Jersey militia at Quinton’s Bridge, the same contingent surprised the colonial militia at Hancock’s Bridge five miles from Salem. In what became known as the Massacre at Hancock’s Bridge, at least 20 members of the militia lost their lives, some after attempting to surrender. The Loyalists reputedly exclaimed “Spare no one! Give no quarter!” as they stormed the occupied house. Judge Hancock and his brother (both Loyalists) were bayoneted in the melee by the attackers even though they were both staunch supporters of the crown and …


Springfield Armory XDs Mod. 2 .45 ACP OSP, by Pat Cascio

Just over a year ago, I did a review on the Springfield Armory XDs Mod. 2 chambered in 9mm Parabellum with the red dot sight on it. I carried that for quite a while, until the red dot version of the Springfield Hellcat came along, and that became my current everyday carry piece. To be sure, there is nothing “wrong” with the XDs Mod. 2 9mm OSP. It is just that the Hellcat is a smaller handgun, and it carries a lot more rounds – hard to argue this point. More ammo on-tap is always better. I’ve never read of …


Recipe of the Week: African Peanut Stew

The following recipe African Peanut Stew comes from frequent SurvivalBlog recipe contributor “Mrs. Alaska.” Note: This recipe is modified from the one at Sylvia’s Feasting at Home web site. (A recommended site!) The title may sound unusual to some, but it is delicious, nutritious, and filling.  It utilizes shelf-stable and long storage items and is well suited to substitutions and freezing/reheating.  So, what’s not to like? Ingredients And Directions In 1- 2 TBS of coconut, peanut, or other oil, SAUTEE until soft: 1 chopped onion, 3-5 garlic chopped cloves, 1 TBS ginger, spicy fresh or dry peppers to taste, 1 …


Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at Goldback currency. (See the Precious Metals section.) Precious Metals: Global Precious Metals Market Value Projected To Reach USD 365.52 Billion Registering A CAGR Of 9.1 % by Forecast 2027 Says Maximize Market Research. o  o  o A reader kindly sent me a sample Goldback. This is a new private …



Preparedness Notes for Sunday — March 20, 2022

This is the birthday of novelist and screenwriter Richard Matheson (1926–2013). He wrote many sci-fi television scripts. His novella I Am Legend later was adapted into three different movies over the course of five decades. And his story Bid Time Return became the movie Somewhere In Time. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 99 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000. …


The Stagflation Trap Will Lead To Universal Basic Income And Food Rationing, by Brandon Smith

This past week during a conference discussing Biden’s “Build Back Better” scheme House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was confronted with questions on skyrocketing inflation. After referring to higher gas prices as the “Putin Tax”, she went on to offer perhaps the dumbest (or most insidious) denial on the causes of inflation that I have ever heard. She stated: “When we’re having this discussion, it’s important to dispel some of those who say, well it’s the government spending. No, it isn’t. The government spending is doing the exact reverse, reducing the national debt. It is not inflationary.” Anyone with a basic understanding …