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© 2013, Rourke. All rights reserved.

Practical Prepping: Utilizing Resources and Gaining Experience

One of the most important aspects of prepping is learning the skills and techniques needed to survive a SHTF situation.  What use will a stock pile of food or tools be if you don’t have the ability to properly use them, or start a fire for warmth [...]]]>  

Practical Prepping: Utilizing Resources and Gaining Experience

One of the most important aspects of prepping is learning the skills and techniques needed to survive a SHTF situation.  What use will a stock pile of food or tools be if you don’t have the ability to properly use them, or start a fire for warmth and food preparation?  With a few exceptions, survival isn’t about what you own; it’s about what you know.  Prepping your skills should be a focus of any  survivalist.

When approaching a building project, there are a few ways to go about it.  Some people will read the instruction manual, or at least use it as a guide.  Another group of people will dive right in, using trial and error to get the job finished.  And then there are those who will seek advice, a helping hand, or watch a video on how to complete the task.  Depending on the difficulty of the task, you may find yourself starting with one approach, and quickly changing to another.  When it comes to prepping, I have found that all three approaches must be utilized; you must read, watch, and perform.

In these uncertain economic times, many of us are struggling to make ends meet, and savings are down to the lowest point on record.  For the average prepper it may not be practical to run out and buy every book, video, and tool you need to help advance your skill set.  My experience has taught me that there are inexpensive ways (although sometimes overlooked) to gather the things you’ll need.  Here are some of the resources I have used to help me prepare without breaking the bank.

• The Local Library:  Many of us have forgotten about this source for endless knowledge.  While they may not always have the latest books on survival, I assure you that you will find something that will further your survival education.
• Ebooks and Apps:  If you have a smart phone or tablet, there are many different websites and applications that allow you to take advantage of free eBooks.  Some of the apps are merely a “Lite” version, and more content can be purchased at a cost, but it still is cheaper than the actual book most often. I recommend Amazon.com’s Kindle app, and browsing the Kindle Bookstore for all types of subjects. (It is important to note that you may not want to rely on these eBooks for future reference during a SHTF situation, and it may be wise to have the actual book on hand in case electronic devices no longer work.)
• Used Books in Stores and Online:  This is very much self-explanatory. Why pay full price for something when you can find it for a fraction of the cost.  Again I have found that Amazon.com has a very good selection of used books, as well as eBay.
• YouTube, Amazon Instant, and Netflix:  You would be surprised how many YouTube Channels are dedicated to survival tactics, prepping, and “off the grid” survival.  Sometimes you’ll have to sort through the rubbish to find a channel that suits your personal agenda, but once you find what you’re looking for and subscribe you can absorb a lot of knowledge.  Many times it’s easier to witness a “how to” than to just read about it.  Streaming video sites like Netflix and Amazon Instant are a valuable source of shows and documentaries that will allow you to become more familiar with all sorts of topics.  Currently Netflix has the entire “Survivorman” series with Les Stroud, and a few other survival type series such as “Man,Woman,Wild” and “Man vs Wild”.  We have to remember that these are Reality TV, and while some are more realistic than others, each one has valuable tips and tricks, but most of us will never find ourselves in these particular situations.
• Blogs, and Websites:  If you want a simple plan on how to accomplish something, try eHow.com.  If you want to research a topic, try a Blog, such as the one you’re currently on.  The Internet is a treasure trove of bloggers trying to pass along information at no cost to the reader.  The mainstream media doesn’t even truly offer this service anymore!  Take advantage of other people’s ideas and experiences as much as you can because the more you know the better off you are.
• Go Out and Do It:  While many classes on outdoor survival, first aid, and foraging for example cost money, the trial and error method is almost free (with the exception of materials used).  That is not to promote hiking up a mountain with a knife and one match, while trying to survive a snowstorm.  Rather try lighting a fire using multiple techniques, or build different types of shelters to see how long it takes, and how well they work.  Hone the skills you have read about and watched others perform.  The “hands on” approach is invaluable, and will be the greatest asset you have for survival.

Prepping is can be a way of life or a hobby.  Remember a firearm or a hatchet is just hunk of metal if no one knows how to use it.  Being intellectually prepared and experienced is crucial in every SHTF scenario.

Kris McClure

The above post was an entry into the ModernSurvivalOnline Preparedness Guest Post Writing Contest.

First Place winner will receive:

• SafeGuardArmor.com is providing body armor – a Stealth Vest (White) B2 S1  vest
  
• a Deadwood Cook Stove from Deadwood Stove Company
• A Paladin Go Bag provided by SurvivalGearBags.com
• CampingSurvival.com is providing the following:
  • Lifestraw Portable Water Filter Straw
  • Medical Corps Potassium Iodide Pills - bottle of 90 pills
  • Alone in the Wilderness DVD
  • Foliage Green Paracord - 1000 foot spool

Second Place will receive:

• Cube Stove w/ 3 Month Fuel Supply from Directive21.com
• From Prepper Press - 5 preparedness books of your choice
• Old West Lawman’s Forgotten Memoir courtesy of http://www.oldwestlawmansforgottenmemoir.com/
• A TrustFire XML C8-T6 5-Mode CREE LED 1000 Lumen Flashlight along:
  • UltraFire 18650 3000mAh 3.7V Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery (Pair) + Charger Combo and
  • Ultrafire 2pcs 3.7v 18650 3000mah Rechargeable Battery

Third Place will receive:

• One Solo Stove provided by SoloStove.com
• The excellent book….Going Home by A. American
• The digital eBook manual “Sold Out After Crisis“

© 2013, Rourke. All rights reserved.

I am sure many of you have watched Doomday Preppers – which basically showcases numerous ”preppers” who have [...]]]> Flipping through a couple of hundred channels and struggling to find anything to watch – the title “Zombie Preppers” caught my eye. I – with much apprehension – switched to that show and caught it right from the beginning.

I am sure many of you have watched Doomday Preppers – which basically showcases numerous ”preppers” who have some belief that the world is going to come to an end and they are preparing. Just like most of us, right? NO! Many of those in he show are a bit on the “nutty” side – or at least that is how they are shown. Zombie Preppers actually featured numerous people that are preparing for…..get ready….here it comes…..ZOMBIES!!!!

For the first 20 minutes or so I kept thinking to myself, “Self….this has got to be a joke.” But no, they actually featured “scientists” that made the case that a zombie apocalypse was possible.

As I watched the show I became convinced that all of the featured preppers were actors. I could be wrong but I saw so  many mistakes and indications that this was just a bunch of actors. One guys was talking about how his “zombie group” was made up of ex-military and police officers. He was bragging that they are trained in tactics and firearms. Next – they show these guys attacking some pumpkins shooting at them. One guy works to get a magazine from a magazine pouch and takes FOREVER to get it out – looking down the whole time. Next – one guy is taking slow shots at a target with a S&W 22A .22LR semi-auto pistol and after a shot the slide locks back – and he pulls the trigger again. “Come on man!”

Anyways – the show definitely had some entertainment value. Obviously the Discovery Channel is really soaking the preparedness movement for all it has.

Anyone else seen it…..or a zombie?

Rourke

© 2013, Rourke. All rights reserved.

On the with show…..

Purpose:

J.R. Bullivant offers [...]]]> I am not usually one for buying “ready made” survival kit. Far too often they are packed with inexpensive lower grade supplies in a bag that is less than ideal for long-term use. I received an offer a couple months ago to receive and review the J.R. Bullivant Solar Backpack.

On the with show…..

Purpose:

J.R. Bullivant offers several survival kits at various prices. This particular one – in their Professional-series, is considered their deluxe, top-end model. My perception on this kit is it is made for the person who has concerns, and wants something in his vehicle or vacation cabin – but does not want to go through the trouble of buying their own pack and trying to assemble it themselves. It is geared more towards surviving an Urban Disaster than a Wilderness one.

The J.R. Bullivant Solar Survival Kit and my new dog – Bella

Contents:

The kit contains many items that would be considered typical in a survival kit – and several that surprised me.

Here is the list:

• Personal Power Generator with Charging Cables – this consists of a small rechargeable battery pack, assorted cables to attach the battery pack to other devices such as phones, along with cables which the solar panel can charge the battery pack or other devices.  By the way – the battery pack can be charged via a wall outlet, USB port, or car adapter.

USB Charging Adapter

• 2-in-1 Charging Adapter – this is a great adapter and has come in handy. Basically – you can plug it in a wall, or in a car power outlet – and charger the battery power pack or your own devices.

• Ballistic Shield - Sitting along the back of the backpack this shield is mean to provide protection to the user in case of a possible shooting. The shield is a Level 1 type – meaning it can provide protection against ammunition such as .22LR and .38 caliber. Not complete protection by any means – but certainly better than the backpack I carried in school.

• Emergency Escape Hood – This is similar to a gas mask except it totally encloses your entire head. This is great for those with beards and wearing glasses. Protection against smoke, biological agents, and your Uncle Frank after he has eaten a couple bowls of chili.

• Water Purification Bottle – Pretty self explanatory. Bottle contains a filter which removes contaminants from ponds, faucets, lakes, rivers, and streams.

• Trauma Kit with Blood Stopper – Here are the ingredients to this kit:  Small Bandages (4), Conforming Gauze Bandages (2), Blood Stop™ Trauma Pad (4), Roll of Gauze Wrapping (1), Non-Woven Sponges (4), Antiseptic Cleansing Wipes (2), Anti-Mosquito Towelette (2), Triple Antibiotic Ointment (2), Sling (1), Ibuprofen Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer (9, 2 tablet packets), and Anti-Diarrheal Tablets (6, 2 tablet packets)

• Two-way Communication Radio - Basically – a nice FRS/GMRS two-way radio. 

• Personal Fire Extinguisher – This is one of those items that surprised me. I never really considered adding a fire extinguisher to a kit before – but it certainly has its uses. Besides putting out a small fire – this fire extinguisher would be excellent for crowd control. Imagine in an urban environment and a group of 3-4 guys want your box of original Twinkie’s, a blast or twelve from a fire extinguisher may get them thinking about alternative snacks.
  

• Radiation Detection Card with Iodine Pills – Nuclear accident or terrorist attack  - will be glad that these are in the kit.

• Urban Combination Tool – This is basically one of those orange whistle, compass, match holder combo thingumabob’s. 

• Cylume Lightsticks – ’nuff said

• Self Defense Fogger – If you happen to come across a bear this will come in handy. If not – can be used for self-defense against a single attack or small group.

Self Defense Fogger

• Microfiber Blanket – Another multi-use items. Drying off, soaking up blood, washing, or keeping warm – it is included.

• Chemical Resistant Gloves – Hands are extremely valuable and keeping them in working order is important. Protection from  the trauma of moving sticks, fallen tree’s, etc.  - gloves will be very welcome. Some type of chemical spill could also occur and being able to navigate your way through it without touching it would be beneficial.

• Emergency Foil Blanket – This is like your typical emergency blanket.

Emergency Foil Blanket

• Emergency Foil Sleeping Bag – Like a big emergency blanket that will cover you. Use in combination with the microfiber blanket for best warmth generation.

• Emergency Poncho – Rain protection.

• Body Warmer and Hand Warmer – Chemical warmers for those chilly nights.

• Pandemic Protection Mask – This is basically a dust mask – a N95.

• Pill Organizer – This allows you to keep up to 7 days of spare medicine…..just in case. A good idea.

• Lock – Yes, a lock for the backpack. Yeah – seems a bit overkill as someone can just pick the thing up and walk away with it.

• LED Flashlight – A small, inexpensive multi-led flashlight. Cheap – but I have many of them and they work just fine.

• Compressed Towel Tablets – Unique item here. Washing up or wiping down – add water and you have a small towel.

• Duct Tape – Of course! A mini-roll is included.

• XL Sack Pack – Basically a container to carry extra supplies. Good idea.

Ultra Sack Pack

• Instant Hand Sanitizer - Get rid of those germs!!

• Urban Signal Device – Hand crank radio receives weather bands as well as AM/FM. The hand crank allows the device to create its own power and also charge other devices via a USB port. Nice option!

• Solar Panel Backpack – Last is the backpack itself. I like it. It does not scream out “military” or “prepper”. The solar panels work though you are not going to charge a dozen devices a day. I have hauled my pack around for the past few weeks and no issues at all. The pack seems plenty rugged enough for urban carry and is comfortable. 

Summary:

The price of this kit is $495.00. Not cheap. I definitely see a market of this kit for those that just want a quality, pre-made kit. I consider most of all the components to be high quality and functional. I love the idea of the solar panels in the pack so charging can occur just while walking around. Adding a few more items such as a good knife would make the kit even better.

This kit will continue to ride in the back of my Jeep.

For full disclosure I received this kit for free in exchange for a review – positive or negative. My take – positive.

 - Rourke

———————————————————–

For more information visit http://www.jbullivant.com.

© 2013, Rourke. All rights reserved.

The Essence of Money or Tools for Trade

I know. I know. What does this have to do with prepping?

After the survival phase of any catastrophe comes the rebuilding. What I mean is in the prepping world lots of time and energy is devoted to BOB’s, food storage, defense, shelter, water [...]]]>  

The Essence of Money or Tools for Trade

I know. I know. What does this have to do with prepping?

After the survival phase of any catastrophe comes the rebuilding. What I mean is in the prepping world lots of time and energy is devoted to BOB’s, food storage, defense, shelter, water purifiers, etc. What’s not discussed is after everything comes apart, how do we put it back together, especially if the banks are closed and the dollar is worthless.

Even though we focus on getting ourselves prepared there will be many things we need or have forgotten in our quest to prepare for the worst. Our little group here in Montana has started looking ahead to how do we conduct commerce after TEOTWAWKI (to borrow a popular acronym). There are several ways in which we can obtain that badly needed roll of toilet paper after supply chains are broken and weeks have turned into months. I want to discuss a few:

Make it yourself. 

We can all make some improvements in this area. Just realize that no one person is an “Island unto Himself”. Many of the items we use and need are made with specialized skill and equipment. So until we’re back to riding horses and hunting with bows and arrows many items we need will be made by those who have developed those trades and abilities. Even then there will be limitations on raw materials. It’s not very practical to think we can do it all ourselves (especially the TP above).

That does lead me to another point. My belief is that producers (those that make important things or provide valuable service) will do best in a grid down situation. We won’t need as many attorneys, city workers, or welfare users. People will need to pull their weight to make it. That’s not to say the elderly or infirm will be abandoned. As a Christian, it is a duty to help those in need. I’m talking about able-bodied individuals who can’t or won’t produce something someone else wants or needs.

Barter. 

This works but not as well as you might think. If I have a cow, how do I get a few loaves of bread? If someone has a rifle I need, how much garden produce is that? Bartering will be severely limiting when everyone has different needs. For commerce to grow and prosper items must be bought and sold with relative ease.

Please don’t take this as discouragement against stocking up on barter items. Get as much and as wide a variety as you can.  That may be the best way to gain needed supplies in a pinch.

Metals. 

Now we could be talking about steel, brass, or lead. Or we could be talking about gold and silver. Now I would encourage all readers to get some metals after some of your basics are handled. With the prices down it’s a good time to buy.

There are some differing schools of thought on the need for metals. They meet the criteria for money in that they are durable, not consumable, transportable, etc. Metals are also a great hedge against inflation. They do rise and fall in price but they are never worth zero. 

The second issue is metals are just a place holder until you can trade for what you need. You can’t build shelter out of silver, heat with gold, or eat either one. If someone offered me 1000 oz of silver or a 20’x20’ room of food storage that would be a no brainer.  I’d take the food!

Alternative/Local Currency. 

Now I know in the ashes of Bitcoin this can be a touchy subject. I’m not talking about anything online or digital. In the event of EMP or power outage you couldn’t access it anyway.

I’m talking about creating something that works for your community. It could be bottle caps or baseball cards. We have been experimenting with trade notes that have local landmarks and denominations similar to other currencies. Around the country there are many local trade co-ops that have had varying degrees of success. The bigger ones are Berkshares, Ithaca Hours, Tucson… Just to name a few.

A few of the issues to consider are:

~Faith- the only thing that keeps the dollar going is enough people believe in it.  Same is true about local currency.

~Backing- For all pieces of paper to be worth anything they must be backed by metals, goods, or services.

~Use outside the area- How do you buy from people who don’t recognize your money.

~Counterfeiting- Easy to make trade notes, are easy to copy trade notes.

~Management- Who runs it? Compensation? Interest?

 ~Loans- It’s a way to get money into circulation as long as they’re producing something of value.

 ~Honesty of the members. What happens to the liars and cheaters?

~Historical Pricing- A $20 gold piece in 1900 could buy a good suit. 1 oz. gold or $1500 today could buy the same quality suit.

Like I said above we have had varying degrees of success in trading amongst our members. I have come to think that the development of a plan is the most valuable part. We realize that when dollars have replaced the above-mentioned toilet paper that another medium of exchange will be welcome by everyone. We’ve overcome a few basic hurdles but being prepared with special paper, color printer, some way to emboss or security measures, may be invaluable after the SHTF.

There’s a lot of left leaning info on the web (Berkshares/Ithaca Hours) and in books like Local Money. Nothing beats Mises, Hayek, or even Adam Smith for true free market solutions. If more info is needed maybe a part II could be in order. Let Rourke know.

Reuben W.

Western Montana

The above post was an entry into the ModernSurvivalOnline Preparedness Guest Post Writing Contest.

First Place winner will receive:

• SafeGuardArmor.com is providing body armor – a Stealth Vest (White) B2 S1  vest
  
• a Deadwood Cook Stove from Deadwood Stove Company
• A Paladin Go Bag provided by SurvivalGearBags.com
• CampingSurvival.com is providing the following:
  • Lifestraw Portable Water Filter Straw
  • Medical Corps Potassium Iodide Pills - bottle of 90 pills
  • Alone in the Wilderness DVD
  • Foliage Green Paracord - 1000 foot spool

Second Place will receive:

• Cube Stove w/ 3 Month Fuel Supply from Directive21.com
• From Prepper Press - 5 preparedness books of your choice
• Old West Lawman’s Forgotten Memoir courtesy of http://www.oldwestlawmansforgottenmemoir.com/
• A TrustFire XML C8-T6 5-Mode CREE LED 1000 Lumen Flashlight along:
  • UltraFire 18650 3000mAh 3.7V Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery (Pair) + Charger Combo and
  • Ultrafire 2pcs 3.7v 18650 3000mah Rechargeable Battery

Third Place will receive:

• One Solo Stove provided by SoloStove.com
• The excellent book….Going Home by A. American
• The digital eBook manual “Sold Out After Crisis“

© 2013, Rourke. All rights reserved.

James Kaleda is a Second Amendment [...]]]> New Jersey has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States. Government’s overbearing ways are certainly present in this state. At a recent hearing where the public was invited to give opinions on upcoming gun control legislation – the government panel was not too happy with speaker James Kaleda.

James Kaleda is a Second Amendment activist who fights for our rights to bear arms. Please watch both video’s below.

The first shows Mr. Kaleda making his case against the proposed legislation and when he gets a little passionate about his beliefs he is immediately ejected. At the end of the video the crowd is seen clapping – which many anti-gunners have been saying shows a lack of support for Mr. Kaleda and what he was saying. The second video shows the truth.

This second video takes up where the last one ends – and the crowd becomes very agitated with not only the governments lack of interest in their Second Amendments rights, but the taking away of the speakers First Amendments rights. Several in the crowd speak up and are also told to leave. At one point someone suggest that the Pledge of Allegiance should be performed. I am not sure why…..other than maybe it was not done at the beginning of the proceedings or they wanted the government panel to hear the words of the Pledge. Either way – all those in attendance stood and said to – while all of the panel members did not – except for one who stood at the end..

Check it out:

This is just one of many examples that shows the government failing to respect the citizens WHICH THEY WORK FOR.

For more info click HERE.

- Rourke

© 2013, Rourke. All rights reserved.

Here is some information on [...]]]> I just found out that a new edition of The Survivalist has been released – starting all new adventures for John Rourke (my childhood hero). The Survivalist #30 is now available on Amazon in paperback form. I have ordered my copy and cannot wait until it arrives.

Here is some information on it from JerryAhern.com:

 Book #30 in THE SURVIVALIST series is finally out!  THE INHERITORS OF EARTH has been a long and complicated journey for Bob Anderson and me; he as an avid reader of the series with lots of ideas concerning the continuing saga and me as the original co-creator now left in the position of deciding how Jerry would feel about the decisions made with our characters. This part of the series is based on a long term plan of action Jerry and I came up with quite some time ago so, Bob and I know where we’re going, it’s just all in the getting there. 

            This book is for those of you who have realized that perhaps some issues were not fully resolved in the series. This is also for those who read the last installment and were not satisfied that John Rourke seemed to be doomed to a new life, consumed with growing old and star gazing.  THE INHERITORS OF EARTH is especially for all the loyal fans and friends who cared for the Rourke family and for the Aherns as well.

            As Jerry would have said, “God bless you all.”

For more information – check it out HERE.

© 2013, Rourke. All rights reserved.