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Homemade Survival Kits

1/3/2015

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By Survival Ready Blog
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If you ever find yourself in a survival or worst case scenario, do you know what you need? Imagine for a second that you are lost in a wilderness area, social unrest has erupted, you’re the victim of an accident, or caught in a natural disaster.

Given that you are reading this, chances are that you have a fairly good idea of what to do, but do you have the basic, essential tools to help you survive. 

Even if you don’t have a commercial emergency kit you may already have the essentials to put together your very own homemade survival kit. Building homemade survival kits from scratch can be very satisfying, yet also very intimidating. To see how to construct your Homemade Survival Kits click here

“A kit should contain basic elements to help you establish shelter, direction, water collection and the ability to catch or snare food. Many survival kits are available from different retailers. However, it is certainly possible to assemble your own kit in a size that is easy to transport.

Step 1
Select a small, durable and water resistant container for the kit. There are many options for storing a survival kit including metal containers with hinged lids and even sealing plastic bags. The main things to consider are the degree of water resistance and size, making sure the container is big enough to accommodate the contents. Consider placing a small container in a plastic bag for additional protection.

Step 2
Include fire-starting materials in your kit. Include more than one means of starting a fire. A small butane lighter, magnesium fire starter, waterproof matches, tinder and even a small piece of candle with wick are good choices. Never rely on only one method of fir-starting. Fire is a psychological boost. By making a fire you have the ability to somewhat control your situation and determine the outcome. Staying warm is nice too.

Step 3
Consider a means for collecting and purifying water. You can go much longer without food than you can water, especially under a stressful situation. Dehydration may quickly set in with symptoms ranging from mild disorientation to black out. Carry a few water purification tablets and a small piece of plastic sheeting or bag. If you choose a metal container for your kit, this may be used for boiling small amounts of water for drinking.


Read  more here
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Top 5 Hatchets for under $50 - Gear Review

1/1/2015

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By Survival Ready Blog Team

Hatchets give provide with significant advantages in most survival or outdoor scenarios. Different from a knife, a hatchet allows a greater ability to gather and split firewood, speed up game processing, and create bigger and better shelters. Hatchets are great tools but you don't have to break the bank to get a good one. Below you'll find our top 5 list for hatchets for under $50.

#5 - Husqvarna 576926401 13 in. Curved Handle Hatchet

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My first impression mirrored most here: This is a rather well-built tool. The forging was left clean but with imperfections. It has a very pleasing appearance, however, and was finished with an "acceptable" edge ground into the bit. I'm certain you could press this hatchet into service immediately out of the box, but you'll likely end up wishing you had put a better edge on it in the first place.

For roughly twice the price of that cheap-o hatchet with a tubular steel handle on the shelf of the nearest big-box retailer, you get a hand-forged tool that should last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. You'll need to do some work right out of the box to get a good edge on the bit and address the handle finish. When you're finished, though, you'll have a tool that is on par with some of the high-end hatchets that are twice or three times the price. And that, my friends, is a great value.



#4 - Gerber Gator Axe II

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I found the hatchet to be a good size for recreational use, wouldn't be the best for downing large trees because of its size, but one should assume that even prior to purchasing. For it's intended use, downing small trees, knocking off limbs it works great. The finish, which appears to be a gray paint does come off but that's expected. I did split some large logs with this axe and it worked OK, I had to bang it on a hard surface a few times, but as I said before, one should assume this with an axe/hatchet this size.

Overall this is a great addition to anyone's gear if they are going to be in the woods for an extended time. It is very light for what it is. It would be great in emergencies, and using the saw and hatchet in conjunction, would allow someone to down just about anything given enough time. Needless to say, I won't be camping without this tool anytime soon.


#3 - Gerber 31-002070 Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet

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Its compact and small, but not to small. It comes really sharp, and its easy to sharpen if you know what your doing. Its also really useful for cutting of chickens heads, and I've also used of for cutting of a dear leg.

 I've split small logs, and have done a lot of bushcraft with this thing. It fits perfect in the front pocket of the Condor 3-day Assault Pack. I would highly recommend you get at least 2 of these for your bugout bag or for survival purposes! 

#2 - Estwing E24A Sportsman's Hatchet

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 This hatchet is worth every penny. So solid and balanced. It just feels right. Not only is the steel outstanding quality and holds an edge very well, but the pressed leather handle is extremely comfortable and exquisite looking. I am proud to own this American Made product. Best hatchet on the market. It will last a lifetime...something you can pass down to your children. Comes with a beautifully crafted, QUALITY leather sheath as well. A definite favorite for me.
 


#1 - Fiskars X7 Hatchet

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An amazingly solid hatchet. Great for chopping, felling, 'toting' logs back to the fire, and even close work such as whittling and spear making. A perfect fit in any bug-out-bag or camp pack, the included sheath ensures the blade stays safely put thanks to a locking mechanism on the back. I was a bit skeptical at first, as I am with any axe/hatchet; there's always a worry of the head breaking during use, but I can't feel any budge at all on impact. 

The FiberComp® handle is an advanced composite of fiberglass in a thermoset polymer matrix that ensures it won't break through overstrike. The low-friction coating on the blade provides a buttery smooth slice without sacrificing sharpness. In fact, the blade arrived extremely sharp and ready for use.

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Military Survival Kits Guide

12/30/2014

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Military personnel can be sent out anywhere in there world. It may be a tropical, arctic or subarctic region. Soldiers typically carry all practical personal equipment wherever they are deployed to, and many times they may find themselves in remote areas, relying only in their gear. In these cases having the right gear can prove vital. 

“The US Armed Forces have developed a number of different survival kits over the years, as well as a lot of individual equipment designed to help our troops stay alive in hostile environments. Other countries have acquired similar kits, and some invented a few unique gadgets of their own."

Studying the kits and equipment is fun and instructive, and a source of ideas for your own kits.”

     Download the full report here


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Would you drink water from a TOILET? This straw lets you do just that (and it's also saving millions of lives)

11/19/2014

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It’s one of the worst fears of any hiker… running out of potable water. What do you do? Do you drink from a nearby stream or a pond? Is that safe? Are you thirsty enough that you would risk getting sick(and I mean really sick)?  

But now there's an answer: a straw-shaped portable water filter that enables you to drink safely from any body of water - even from a puddle. Or, in fact, from a toilet.

Now available to buy online, the 22cm-long, LifeStraw was originally developed by Danish manufacturers in 2005 as a solution to the devastating problem of unsafe drinking water in the Third World, where one child dies every 15 seconds as a result of drinking dirty water.
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According to the dailymail.co ”the straw's powerful purification pipe removes 99.9999 per cent of water-borne bacteria plus many other parasites, including E-coli, campylobacter, vibrio cholerae, pseudomonas aeruginosa, shigella and salmonella.

And it will safely filter at least 1000 litres of water.” Read More

Life Straw© is a simple but very capable answer to the critical question of how to provide safe water interventions for personal, military or preventative use.

It can guard against waterborne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, dysentery and diarrhoea, and provides for clean drinking water to be accessed anywhere there are water sources available such as rivers, lakes, ponds and even puddles.


As a mobile water purifier, LifeStraw© is designed to turn fresh water into safe drinking water. The purifier effectively removes over 99.99% of waterborne bacteria, and 99% of the waterborne viruses responsible for causing common diarrhoeal diseases. It requires no power-source or spare parts and can be easily carried for simple access to safe and clean water.

Buy Yours Online Here
As a mobile water purifier, LifeStraw© is designed to turn fresh water into safe drinking water. The purifier effectively removes over 99.99% of waterborne bacteria, and 99% of the waterborne viruses responsible for causing common diarrhoeal diseases. It requires no power-source or spare parts and can be easily carried for simple access to safe and clean water.

LifeStraw© contains a specially developed halogenated resin which kills bacteria and viruses on contact. A special chamber further increases the exposure of micro-organisms to the halogenated resin, thus enhancing the killing effect. Micro-filters are used to remove all particles down to 25 microns. Activated carbon absorbs residual iodine also improving the taste of water.

The filtration lifeline of LifeStraw© is a minimum of 1000 litres. The only maintenance required to help stop the filters becoming blocked is regular backwashing. This is achieved by simply blowing air through the device.

LifeStraw© offers reliable and easy access to safe drinking water, whatever the circumstances.
Related Posts:
Water Storing & Filtering
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Emergency Survival Kit Essentials 

11/1/2014

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Whether you're going camping, hiking, hunting, or you just want to stock your home with the essentials in the event of an emergency, survival gear is a welcome addition to any home. Here are a few things to consider when browsing for the best survival gear.

What sort of things make the ideal survival kit? Regardless of your settings, a first aid kit, a lighter, blankets, food, and water are all good things to consider when purchasing survival gear. There are even specialized bags you can keep these supplies in, making it easy to store them in the spare room in your basement or the trunk of your car.

For our recommendations of what gear should be in your survival kit see our list here

Keep in mind, however, that it's not enough simply to purchase quality survival gear. If you're stocking up in the event of an emergency, it's important to check your supplies regularly to ensure that your food and water supplies are still top notch. Pack sensibly; make sure that all water sources are in water tight containers and stored in cool, dark areas. Do the same for any food items, even if it's just canned food. While most survival gear foodstuffs will last for several years if stored properly, it's nevertheless a good idea to make sure your supplies are still good. Nothing is worse, after all, than discovering your food and water has gone stale or moldy when you need it the most.

It's also a good idea to ensure that your survival gear is in working order. For example, make sure that your lighter or fire starter kit works and is easy to operate. Ensure that any flashlights or radios have a fresh supply of batteries. (As an afterthought, pack extra batteries as well; you never know when you might need them.

These are only a few things to consider when picking out the right survival supplies. While it may seem trivial now, in the long run you'll be glad you were so insightful. If you're having trouble finding everything you need, feel free to check out the survival gear kits available online to see if there is anything that caters to your specific needs. Learn more today about how the right survival gear can benefit you!

In addition include compasses, GPS navigators, flashlights, and emergency flares. Learn more about the importance of a survival tool kit today!

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Gear Review: Garmin Foretrex 301 Portable Navigator GPS System Display

10/26/2014

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Cleverly simple, the Garmin Foretrex 301 Portable Navigator GPS System is a slim wrist-mounted GPS navigator perfect for outdoor activities that require the use of both hands. Foretrex 301 combines a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, rugged, waterproof design and USB interface into a lightweight device ideal for hikers, skiers and campers.Retrace Your StepsNo matter where your adventure takes you, you'll never worry about getting lost with the Foretrex 301.

 
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Foretrex keeps track of your path and displays it as a dotted trail on the screen. Just turn on Foretrex's TracBack feature, and you can retrace your path back to where you started. You can save locations in memory as waypoints (up to 500 of them), so you can always find your way back to any important place, like your campsite or vehicle. And with up to 18 hours of battery life and replaceable AAA batteries, you'll never worry about making it back.Track Your DataForetrex 301 lets you combine several waypoints to create and store routes to all of your favorite places. It also provides other helpful information to help with navigation, including a trip computer, sunrise/sunset times and hunting and fishing information. To keep track of your trip, connect your Foretrex to your PC or Mac with USB to store your waypoints, routes and tracks on your computer.

Get ConnectedYou've been busy exploring and now you want to store and analyze your activities. With a simple connection to your computer and the Internet, you can get a detailed analysis of your activities and send tracks to your outdoor device using Garmin Connect. This one-stop site offers an activity table and allows you to view your activities on a map using GoogleTM Earth. Explore other routes uploaded from more than 12 million customers and share your experiences on Twitter® and Facebook. Getting started is easy, so get out there, explore and share.Plan Your Next TripTake charge of your next adventure with BaseCamp, software to view and organize your maps, waypoints, routes, and tracks and send them.

Product Details

· Product Dimensions: 1.7 x 0.9 x 2.9 inches ; 3 ounces

· Shipping Weight: 1 pounds

Additional features


The GPS receiver on 
the Foretrex 301 is much, much more sensitive than earlier generations. It locks on to satellites in much less time, holds the signal better, and works through more overhead cover.  The logging and interface are a little cumbersome, but that's the tradeoff for making something this small and rugged (there are only four control buttons plus the one power button).

It allows you to go on a hike and be able to "display" the hike on a map and see the exact distances. Then you can print the map and let other friends take the hike too. The unit perfectly meets this requirement. Using the map portion is trivially easy by logging into Garmin/Connect, which is a free Internet based product. You punch a button on the web page and it downloads the contents of the unit to their database, all over a USB cable Once you do, you will see thousands of other users' hikes, bike trips, etc. in your area and all around the world.

There's a neat feature to "take you back" to the start of the hike, either by walking you back the same trail or giving you a compass heading and distance.


One negative some users have mentioned is that there you can’t load maps into this Garmin and it does not come with any maps. This is not noted in the product description. 

 
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Top survival knives: How To Choose The Best Survival Knife

10/25/2014

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If you ever find yourself in a survival situation, whether urban or in the wilderness, a knife is one of the few tools that will give you a fighting chance at making it out alive.

As with any tool, some knives will hold up much better than others, and before you make a decision on which knife to settle on it’d be good to understand the different applications

Fixed Knives vs. Folding Knives: Which is the Way to Go?

If you take a look at the survival knives in the chart, you'll notice they all have one thing in common: they're all fixed blades.

A popular type of knife is a fixed-blade knife. Fixed-blade knives have no moving parts and are usually less likely to break. These knives are very useful for applications like splitting wood, and using as levers

A folder, on the other hand, cannot withstand stronger force and will succumb to pressure by breaking. However folding knives are very useful, in fact it is recommended you have a short blade (2" to 3”) folding knife for most slicing and small game skinning applications. Many outdoorsmen will take along two knives: one fixed-blade knife and one folding knife for smaller tasks. If you're someone who's serious about being prepared for anything, two knives is the way to go.

Our top pick in the folding knife category base on durability, size, versatility and price is the Gerber EVO Jr. Serrated Edge Knife

Gerber EVO Jr. Serrated Edge Knife
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What's the Ideal Survival Knife Blade Length?


The blade length of a survival knife can range anywhere from four inches to a hefty eight inches. Although many survival experts say the ideal length is somewhere between four and six inches for the blade, it's mainly a matter of preference. A shorter blade can give you more flexibility to do smaller tasks, but a longer blade will give more power and durability for accomplishing heftier deeds.

Top 5 Survival Knives
Finding the best survival knife depends on your personal preferences, but the following are some of our favorites.

Fallkniven A1 Survival Knife
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Fallkniven knives are the best of the best. Although you may not be familiar with the small Swedish knife company, they put tender care into every knife they make and it really shines through on their A-models. The Fallkniven A1 is 11 inches of pure mastery and boasts a 6.3-inch blade made from laminated VG-10 steel. For extra strength and durability, the handle is made from Kraton and the sheath is made from Zytel.

With the Fallkniven A1, there's no doubt the knife was designed with survival situations in mind. The blade's a bit longer and thicker than some of the other options, but it will not fail you in extreme situations. The major downside of this fine blade is the price -- but it's well worth it for hard-core survivalists. A smaller and less expensive alternative with many of the same qualities is the Fallkniven F1.


Cold Steel SRK Survival Knife

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The Cold Steel SRK goes by the model that simplicity is the key to success. Whereas other knives try to lure in buyers with gimmicks and add-ons, Cold Steel puts all its focus on the knife itself. 
The SRK, which stands for Survival Rescue Knife, is a high-quality knife that's designed to withstand tons of abuse when you're out in the elements fighting for your survival. 


The blade is six inches long and features a plain edge with a clip point.
At a reasonable price, the Cold Steel, which comes with a Concealex sheath, is an all-around fantastic survival knife that won't let you down

KA-BAR Becker Companion Survival Knife
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KA-BAR is well known for its reputation and domination in the world of tactical knives, but KA-BAR Becker Companion proves that the company also knows a thing or two about survival knives. This fixed blade knife is one of the most popular survival knives on the market and for a reason. The 5.5 blade is made from 1095 Cro-Van steel and features a plain edge with a drop point. At 16 ounces, this is one of the heaviest survival knives, but its weight can be used to your advantage during more labor-intensive jobs.

In addition, Ethan Becker, the man who designed the knife, is a well-respected chef, outdoorsman and hunter who has been designing knives for decades.

Gerber LMF II Survival Knife
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Whenever you ask experts about the five best survival knives on the market, they will all have the Gerber LMF II somewhere on the list. The partially serrated blade is 4.84 inches long and is made from 420HC stainless steel, which is resistant to rust. While a lot of attention gets paid to the blade itself, the unsung hero of the knife is its Kraton handle. Although it's a bit wider than you might be used to, the handle feels extremely comfortable in your hand and even features a window breaker on the end for urban survival.

This survival knife from Gerber is quite possibly the best survival knife under $100.
ESEE-6 Survival Knife
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ESEE Knives (formerly RAT Cutlery) are quintessential outdoor adventure knives. However, for survival situations, nothing can beat the ESEE-6, which has the perfect weight, balance and purpose. The overall length is a bit long at 11.75 inches because it boasts the longest blade length of the bunch.

Even though many knives go for beauty and outward appearance, the ESEE-6, though not a bad-looking knife, puts all its effort on making it completely functional for the outdoors. This is where it succeeds mightily. The comfortable and curvaceous grip fits perfectly in any hand.

Looking for more survival knife info?
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