With NOAA meteorologists predicting heavy rain in the southern U.S. this winter due to El Niño, now is the time to start thinking hard about weatherproofing your gear. You could go out and drop big bucks on high-tech synthetic fabrics, or you could consider a time-tested (and much cheaper) alternative method: fabric wax. Fabric wax has been used by sailors and outdoorsmen for centuries, allowing ordinary garments to keep you dry in harsh conditions.
Historically, grease, animal fat, and fish oil have all been used for waterproofing, but unless you want to smell like you’ve been rolling in a dumpster, wax is the best option. Fabric wax can be purchased from a number of online retailers, and is simple to apply to cotton, canvas, wool, and other materials. Just heat the fabric, apply the wax, rub with your fingers to spread evenly, reheat once more, and allow to cure for 24 hours.
In this modern age of high-tech food preservation, GMOs, and refrigerated transport infrastructure, we’ve distanced ourselves from food growth and decay. When you can go to any grocery store and browse through fresh, ripe produce all year long, it’s easy to think that this system will last forever. However, in the event of a major disaster, the food shipments will inevitably grind to a halt and the produce on shelves will spoil within days.
That said, there is a solution to preserving produce that has been practiced for centuries—canning. There are two types of canning every survivalist should know: water bath canning and pressure canning.
Water bath canning is used for acidic foods with a pH less than or equal to 4.6. This acidic pH helps to naturally prevent the growth of deadly botulism spores over time. Examples of foods that could be canned with the water bath method include pickles, peaches, melons, figs, tomatoes, and much more. If, upon using pH test strips, the food’s pH is found to be greater than 4.6, acid such as citrus juice or vinegar may be added to reach an acceptable level. Here’s a helpful video on the basics of water bath canning:
The second method of canning, pressure canning, is used to preserve foods with a less acidic pH of 4.7 or greater. This includes soups, stocks, stews, meat, poultry and seafood. Foods that mix high-acid items with low-acid items (like stews) should also be canned with this method. If there’s any question about the food’s pH level, test it with a strip before canning, or you could unknowingly be preserving live bacteria. Here’s how to can four different kinds of meats:
Using these two canning methods and some simple equipment, it’s easy to stock up on healthy food now, and have it ready to eat for years to come. Just don’t rely on picking up what you need at the grocery store, because in a disaster, it could all be gone before you know it.
Whether you’ve got a truck, Jeep, ATV, motorcycle, or even a boat, visibility is essential to navigating at night. And when it comes to illumination, LEDs are king—they’re compact, efficient, durable, and produce immense amounts of crystal clear light. It’s no wonder we’re seeing more and more old halogen bulbs going the way of the dodo, and being replaced by LEDs.
KC Hilites just released a new light system that takes vehicle LED lighting to the next level: FLEX LED. The FLEX LED system is designed to be modular, allowing the individual light pods to be linked and stacked in numerous combinations. So, rather than buying fixed LED light bars in every size or shape you need, you can simply buy a set of FLEX LED pods and link them into arrays. If you decide to change your setup later, they’re simple to disconnect and rearrange. These lights are also designed to handle harsh endurance racing environments and backed by a 23-year warranty, so they’re built to last.
At face value, running seems deceptively simple. Just put one foot in front of the other—anyone can do it, right? Well, yes and no. In a survival scenario, you may have to run long distances without becoming exhausted, or sprint short distances without injuring yourself. Therefore, knowing and practicing proper running form is a wise choice.
In this video, we hear five running tips from Daniel Lieberman, a Harvard biology professor whose studies formed the foundation for best-selling book Born to Run. Even if you have no prior running experience, these tips are easy to understand and implement. If you ever need to literally run for your life, you’d better hope you have good form.
Professor Lieberman makes a good point: running properly is not an overnight process. It takes practice, so get out there and give it a shot!
In modern televised media, animal attacks are often exaggerated to the point of appearing ridiculous. You’ve probably seen one of the many TV shows we’re referring to. The deep-voiced narrator ominously recounts the gory details of an animal attack as slow-motion video of teeth, fangs, and claws flash on the screen. It seems outlandish, to say the least. In this day and age, with all our modern weapons, technology, and medical advancements, are animal attacks really still a threat? Statistically speaking, yes they are—especially if you’re an outdoorsman, hiker, or survivalist.
A 2012 study in the Wilderness & Environmental Medicine Journal analyzed mortality data from the CDC, and found that 1,802 people were fatally injured by animals between 1999 and 2007 in the United States. At first glance, this may seem like a relatively small number, but keep in mind that it only refers to reported fatalities—thousands more were seriously injured, and may have died if it weren’t for immediate medical treatment. In a true survival scenario, you may not have access to medical care, so it’s crucial to know what you’re up against before heading out into the wild.
So, what should you do in case of an animal attack? We’ve answered this question for three of America’s most common and dangerous mammals, and also provided evasion strategies that may help you avoid being attacked in the first place.
Note: The information presented in this article is general in nature. Always consult with experts and take every precaution before interacting with or approaching any potentially dangerous animal.
Bears
Appearance: Black bears and grizzly or Alaskan brown bears are the most common types in the United States. Black bears are smaller, averaging around 300-400 pounds, and have fur ranging from jet black to blond as well as a lighter-colored muzzle. Grizzly or Alaskan brown bears average at 800-1500 pounds, and have longer brown fur with pronounced shoulder humps.
Geographic Location: Black bears can be found throughout the U.S., but are most common in the northeast and northwest, as well as the Rocky Mountains and Alaska. Brown and grizzly bears are found primarily in the northwest and Alaska.
Behavioral Patterns: In most instances, a bear will act defensively around humans. It may open and shut its jaws, snort, swat the ground, or charge short distances to scare you away. If you surprise a bear at close range, or it approaches within 20 to 30 feet of you, an attack is much more likely.
Here’s an example of a “bluff charge” used by a grizzly bear on a group of fishermen. When the charge fails to scare them away, the bear becomes less aggressive.
Avoidance Strategy: If you encounter a any bear at a distance, speak in a calm monotone voice, and attempt to maintain visual contact while backing away slowly. Black bears (and ONLY black bears) may be discouraged by standing tall and yelling or making loud noises—but never try this with a brown bear or grizzly! With brown or grizzly bears, back away slowly and leave the area, but do not turn your back, run, or make sudden movements.
Defense Strategy: If a bear gets within 20-30 feet or makes physical contact, how you should react depends on the type of bear. Bear spray or mace is always the best option, and has been proven to be almost twice as effective at deterring a charging bear than even a large-caliber firearm. If the attack involves a surprised grizzly bear or a mother grizzly with cubs, roll onto your stomach and play dead while covering your head and neck with your hands. Then remain stationary until the bear leaves the area. In any other case, or in a prolonged attack, kick, punch, or stab the bear’s face, eyes, and nose.
Below, a hunter perched in a tree encounters a curious black bear, which climbed up to reach him:
Mountain Lions / Cougars / Panthers
Appearance: Healthy adult male mountain lions tend to be about 140 pounds, 2 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder, and tan in color with a lighter underbody. Mountain lions are also known as cougars or panthers, and share similar biology (but different coloration) to the leopards and jaguars found outside the United States.
Geographic Location: The Mountain Lion Foundation claims there are approximately 20,000-40,000 mountain lions in the United States, virtually all of which reside in the western half of the country. Most mountain lions are found west of the Rocky Mountains, although there is a small population of about 100 in Florida.
Behavioral Patterns: Mountain lions are camouflage experts, and rarely make themselves seen to humans, preferring to hide in dense undergrowth. They hunt primarily at night, dusk, and dawn, and typically kill a single deer (their primary prey) every 10 to 14 days. When hunting or preparing to attack, mountain lions crouch low to the ground, maintain direct eye contact, and creep slowly towards their prey, almost always attacking from the side or rear.
A group of Coyotes in Yosemite National Park fend off a Mountain Lion. Fortunately for the coyotes, the mountain lion wasn’t looking for a fight:
Avoidance Strategy: Be alert, as most attacks are sneak attacks. When encountering a mountain lion at a distance of more than 50 yards, stand tall, remain calm, and slowly back away while maintaining visual contact. Do not turn your back or run, act imposing, and appear as large as possible. If the animal approaches closer or shows interest, make loud noises and throw rocks or sticks in its direction. If the mountain lion gets within 25 yards, prepare for an attack.
Defense Strategy: Similar to bears, pepper spray or mace is a very effective deterrent. Firearms may also be effective, but mountain lions can run 40-50 miles per hour and will be difficult to hit at close range. Try to remain standing, since mountain lions target the head and neck. If you’re knocked down, strike or stab at the head and eyes.
Canines (Wolves and Wild Dogs)
Appearance: The average North American grey wolf or timber wolf is approximately 110 pounds, stands 2.5-3 feet at the shoulder, and has fur that is mottled gray and brown. For comparison, an average domesticated German Shepherd is 2 feet at the shoulder and 75-95 pounds. Although domesticated dogs have substantially different physiology from their wolf ancestors, defense strategies against wolves should generally work against wild dogs as well. If observing animal tracks in the wild, wolves tend to produce “single tracks” by placing their rear foot onto the mark made by their front foot, while domestic dog tracks have staggered dual front and rear foot track patterns.
Geographic Location: Wolves tend to occupy the midwest and northwest United States, with a smaller population present in the southwest. There is also a substantial wolf presence throughout Alaska and Canada. Wolf population density is generally low, with each 5-7 member wolf pack covering a territory of approximately 70 square miles. After falling drastically in the past, wolf population is once again on the rise in the United States, and the western gray wolf was removed from the endangered species list in 2008.
Behavioral Patterns: Wolf attacks on healthy adults are rare, but wolves are opportunists, so they may target the weak, the injured, or young children. Wolves hunt by working in packs and forcing their prey animals to run, often to the point of exhaustion. Wolves also use their presence to intimidate prey, and use environmental obstacles such as deep snow or bodies of water to their advantage. They then surround the prey and attack in groups. Rabies-induced aggression has also proven to be a factor in many wolf attacks on humans, though it is less prevalent in wolves within the U.S. than Europe or Asia.
Avoidance Strategy: If you see a wolf at a distance, do not make direct eye contact, and do not run. Take a non-aggressive stance and back away slowly, but maintain visual. If the wolf continues to pursue you, or displays aggressive behavior such as baring its teeth, try the opposite tactic—make loud noises and appear as large as possible. This may discourage the animal long enough for you to escape or climb a tree.
Sometimes, the most useful survival tools are the most often overlooked. Few of us would see an ordinary pencil sharpener and think it could be used for anything but sharpening pencils—after all, its purpose is right there in the name. However, after seeing this video from SensiblePrepper, we’ll think twice before discarding one of these tiny tools.
Inserting a pencil into a sharpener and twisting produces perfect spirals of tinder material, and it sure beats whittling away wood shavings with a knife. Using the graphite as a lubricant is an added bonus, and when you’re done, you’ve got a fresh writing instrument. Nothing goes to waste—we like that. Maybe the humble pencil sharpener is worth including in a bug-out bag after all.
If you’re planning to bug out when SHTF, you’re going to need reliable transportation, and for many of us that means a car or truck. However, in the chaos that ensues during a major disaster, car theft is a major threat.
This infographic from Autoblog provides some basic statistics on auto theft in the United States, and can help you gauge your risk ahead of time. Some of this may seem like common sense—of course you should keep your car locked and hide your valuables—but the fact that theft is statistically more likely in a garage than a back alley is surprising.
Check out the graphic below, and remember to consider the likelihood of auto theft while forming a bug-out plan.
At face value, starting a fire is about as simple as it gets. Throw some wood, a little tinder, and a few sparks together in dry conditions, and you’re all set. No need to over-complicate it, right? Well, not necessarily. This age-old process has plenty of room for improvement, and the Dakota Fire Pit is one of the most effective upgrades to a traditional campfire.
As taught in the USMC Survival, Evasion, and Recovery manual, the Dakota Fire Pit uses an underground cavity to create an efficient and concealable fire source. It draws in air through an inlet, and focuses the heat upward so minimal energy (and firewood) is wasted. Constructing this type of fire pit is certainly more difficult than an above-ground campfire, but may be worth the effort if you’re planning to remain at your camp for several days.
The contents of an ideal bug-out bag are often hotly debated, and rarely agreed upon. Although there’s no set formula for a successful B.O.B, it’s always good to observe other survivalists’ setups in order to come up with ideas and compare your kits.
The guys over at The Bullet Points on YouTube have a helpful video series that walks through several different approaches to building a bug-out bag. Each of the three hosts breaks down his bag and its contents in the first two videos, and then they do some real-world testing of the bags in the third video. Check out the videos below, and consider possible modifications to your B.O.B.—it should always be evolving and improving, after all.
In an emergency, it’s always a good idea to have backup plans for your backup plans. Sure, you may have a handful of flashlights, lighters, matches, or even fancy scented candles around the house, but what happens if the power is out for weeks and you run out of dependable light sources?
In the video below, YouTube user DaveHax demonstrates five ingenious improvised light sources that can be made with household items. We’re especially fond of the tuna can method—a candle AND a healthy snack. The other methods vary between somewhat useful and totally out there, but it's worth checking out.
Do you have any methods for improvised light sources using household items? If so, tell us in the comments below.
