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 quick-drying, made of rip-stop polyester. Additionally, it has taped seams and grommets at the perimeter.

Clothing

A great alternative to the standard poncho for warmer temps is the Mountain Hardwear Exposure Paclite with Gore-Tex. This jacket is an expensive piece of clothing. However, a breathable, waterproof, and windproof jacket is invaluable. It seems that Mountain Hardwear changes the style of these slightly from year to year. I caught mine 50% off when they switched to the updated version. The breathability of Gore-Tex cannot be ignored when doing strenuous tasks in wet weather.

Clothing choices are very important. I think that the clothing you are wearing while bugging out is just as important as your BOB. If you have the option of changing into optimal clothes before you bug out then take this info to heart. Rule number one is to only wear wool or synthetics. Cotton is comfortable, but is terrible at getting rid of sweat or moisture. Wool coats, trousers, and socks were the top choice to keep warm in the old days. They were standard issue for winter clothing for soldiers. Today, wool is still king for certain articles of clothing especially since Merino wool is itch-free. Keep in mind, wool comes in many thicknesses and is not only for cold weather.

The advantage of wool is that it helps wick moisture away from the body and helps maintain your body temperature. Additionally, wool retains its insulating properties even when wet or moist. Merino wool socks are a must. They wick moisture away from your feet and still keep them warm, without being itchy. Choose a sock weight that is appropriate for the temperature outside and your level of activity. Make sure that your shoes fit correctly while wearing your socks. Always have extra pairs of socks in your bag.Continue reading“One Bug Out Bag Approach – Part 2, by J. Smith”

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.

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First up: With some web-wandering, I found this video, by Jon Gadget: ALL Victorinox Swiss Cards compared – wallet EDC perfection?

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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 that if the Russian invasion had begun during Trump’s term in office, their reaction would have been substantially different. We need to recognize that most of what we are seeing is propaganda. Granted, what the Russians are doing in Ukraine is horrible. But please don’t fall for the left-wing cheerleading that could escalate us into a Third World War — a potentially nuclear Third World War.

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There are some great observations and commentary on macro-level trends, from S2 Underground: Foreseen Consequences: Lessons Learned.

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From Mrs. Alaska:

“If you have never bought seeds and potting supplies, here is an easy way to start growing food.  Many types of store-bought produce can be used to grow your own.  If a potato sprouting?  Cut the spud into several pieces, each with one of the sprouting eyes.  Bury them a few inches deep in soil.

Cut the root end of an onion or celery or the top inch off a carrot.  Put the root side down in a shallow bowl of water.  Soon, it will grow fresh roots into the water and then start to grow green shoots upward.  If you buy fresh herbs that have roots, they, too, will grow more roots if you store them in room temperature water. Even the seeds of some vegetables (I have tried squash and peppers) will germinate.”

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Reader H.L. spotted this: San Andreas Fault’s creeping section could unleash large earthquakes.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

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.

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  4. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  5. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  6. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  7. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A Front Sight Lifetime Diamond Membership, providing lifetime free training at any Front Sight Nevada course, with no limit on repeating classes. This prize is courtesy of a SurvivalBlog reader who prefers to be anonymous.
  2. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. A transferable $100 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

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More than $725,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 99 ends on March 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

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 your family, and potentially share items across your bags. However, the essentials should be present in each person’s bag. My BOB is most likely too heavy for my current physical conditioning if I have to bug out on foot. However, I know in my head which items I are more of a luxury than a need and would ditch items accordingly. If I had to go on foot, then I would also carry more food than what is in my pack right now.

Keep in mind, if you attempt to build the BOB that I’m describing in this article it will be very expensive. Do not get discouraged. Start with simpler items and upgrade to better/higher quality items as you can. Your best bet is to make a monthly budget for all prepping and then prioritize what you will buy.

One of the first things that most people do when creating a BOB is to buy the bag. Instead, I would recommend you buy the bag towards the end. You should see how many things you need to put into the bag first. To start off, you can put items in something as simple as a school book bag. I think that picking the bag is a very personal choice. “Gray Man” blending in doesn’t really apply to a BOB in my opinion due to the size of bag needed to carry your gear. The main thing you have to decide is whether you want to get a bag with every possible “tacticool” pocket and zipper or go with a bag that has less compartments and organize with smaller pouches like the Rothco tactical breakaway pouch. Personally, I don’t like digging in zippered compartments so I like bag option number 2. There are many ways to expand a simpler bag.Continue reading“One Bug Out Bag Approach – Part 1, by J. Smith”

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.

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Video from state representative candidate Chad Catron: Kicked out of my election| this is what they said…

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I just stumbled into this video clip: Meteor Fireball over Eagle, Idaho – 7/3/21

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Military aircraft training exercises being conducted at Coeur d’Alene Airport.

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Rathdrum man sentenced to 30 years in prison for lewd conduct with a minor.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”

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 were themselves non-violent Quakers.

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Today another product review, penned by our Field Gear Editor Emeritus, Pat Cascio.

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 anyone who claimed they had too much ammo when a gunfight broke out.

Today we’re looking at the XDs Mod. 2 .45 ACP OSP from Springfield – and I’ve anxiously awaited this one, since I love the .45 ACP round! As you can see in the photo to the left, I have the 9mm version above the .45 ACP version, and the difference is hard to see – even when you handle both guns, its hard to tell them apart.
Continue reading“Springfield Armory XDs Mod. 2 .45 ACP OSP, by Pat Cascio”

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 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp pepper, 2 tsp coriander, 1 tsp cumin.
ADD: 2 cups chopped yams, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash, 1 can or 1/5 cups of garbanzo beans (chickpeas) or other beans (cooked or canned), 1 small can of tomato paste, 4 cups of broth (vegetable or chicken), 1/2 – 1 cup peanut butter, 1 tsp salt, and red pepper or cayenne, to taste.
SIMMER for 20 – 30 minutes until yams (or other ingredients) are soft.
TASTE TEST it.
As needed, ADD one TBS apple cider vinegar, and more water, salt, and cayenne.
Optional: ADD fresh or canned greens or meat.
Optional: GARNISH with peanuts and cilantro or chives.
SERVING

Can be served in bowls, or over rice or pasta.

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Do you have a favorite recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? In this weekly recipe column, we place emphasis on recipes that use long term storage foods, recipes for wild game, dutch oven and slow cooker recipes, and any that use home garden produce. If you have any favorite recipes, then please send them via e-mail. Thanks!

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.

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A reader kindly sent me a sample Goldback. This is a new private currency that is literally infused with fractional amounts of gold. The basic premise is sound, but for the Goldback to work, it needs several things:

  • Great promotion.
  • A budget to provide staying power, during a long ramp-up.
  • Consistency of the gold content of the currency, for each denomination.
  • A government that doesn’t see the Goldback as competition.
  • Eventual widespread acceptance and use.
  • Anti-counterfeiting protection features that the Chinese fakers cannot beat.
Any of the aforementioned could conceivably derail this project. Thusfar, aside from some delamination problems, the company seems to be doing a great job. My estimate on their chances of success?  Probably only around 25%. Time will tell. But I wish them the best. – JWR

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Video from a young silver stacker: I have changed my mind about silver.

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Mike Maloney reviews some charts: Will $10,000 Gold Matter? Why YOU NEED Wealth Insurance NOW.

Economy & Finance:

Chinese Stock Crash: U.S. Losses Top $1.1 Trillion As Beijing’s Russia Ties Spark Investor Concerns.

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Our own Mike Williamson flagged this article on “shrinkflation”: Huge Chip Company Reacts to Biden’s Inflation, Takes Major Measure to Keep Bags the Same Price.

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Western companies are exiting Russia en masse after the invasion of Ukraine, and China is eyeing a way in.

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

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.

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  4. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  5. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  6. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  7. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A Front Sight Lifetime Diamond Membership, providing lifetime free training at any Front Sight Nevada course, with no limit on repeating classes. This prize is courtesy of a SurvivalBlog reader who prefers to be anonymous.
  2. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. A transferable $100 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $725,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 99 ends on March 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

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 of economics and how central banks operate must have felt their brains explode when they heard this, I know I did. But before I get into the numerous reasons why this claim is completely false in every way, I want to give a warning – It’s very easy in this situation to assume that Pelosi and even Biden are making these arguments because they are too stupid to grasp the fundamentals of debt creation, money velocity and fiat. That said, never mistake evil for mere ignorance.

All higher level representatives of the White House are briefed by economic experts (spin doctors) well before they answer any questions on inflation, and the things they say have been carefully scripted. It’s possible Pelosi mixed her lies up a little bit, but the narrative the establishment is trying to promote is well planned. Asserting that money creation is a counterbalance to inflation instead of the cause is not brilliant, but it’s not designed to convince many people, only create confusion.

Let’s not forget that only last year these same people were telling the public that inflation was purely “transitory” and that there was nothing to worry about. Now they are trying to cover their tracks and the culpability of the Federal Reserve. I believe the goal here is to simply stall for time until the stagflationary collapse unfolds. They have the perfect scapegoat as they launch an economic war with Russia (and likely China in the near term), and the effects of this war will hurt the US and Europe far more than many realize.Continue reading“The Stagflation Trap Will Lead To Universal Basic Income And Food Rationing, by Brandon Smith”