Review: Midland ER102 Multi-band radio

I recently posted about 5 radios for emergency preparedness. I own several of those radio’s including the Midland ER102. The Midland ER102 Emergency Radio has a lot of bang for the buck and Midland has long been a big name in communications for years. On with the review – First – a quick summary of the … Read more

5 radios for emergency preparedness

The morning after Hurricane Hugo devastated my community there was one thing in common most everyone was searching for – information. Many were without power thus they could not turn on the TV. I jumped in my 1983 Ford Escort POS and turned on the radio. Reports were flowing in on wide spread power outages, destruction, … Read more

REVIEW: Kelly Kettle Trekker

Most every prepper in existence has at least one – if not a dozen –  ways to cook in the absence of electricity.  Whether on the go or sheltering in place, cooking and boiling water are right up there on the “list of important things” that must be done. There have been a multitude of … Read more

Firestarters by Crayola

Amazing the things that we all have laying around that have some really great uses and do not even know it. Take crayons for instance. I had read somewhere that they were good for starting fires. I was at Wally World picking up a few things and I told my wife I needed to go … Read more

3 Easy Tips to Improve Your Handgun Accuracy

The ability to fire a handgun accurately is crucial to survival, not only yours, but that of innocent bystanders. Since many individuals opt to carry handguns for the purposes of self-defense, accuracy is also important in achieving that end. You may want to use lethal force in certain circumstances, but it isn’t always called for. … Read more

Are you saving seeds?

We spend tons of money on guns, ammunition, knives, backpacks and all kinds of things labeled “tactical” – but what about seeds? Many of us that prepare for “bad times” ahead consider gardening an integral part of our systems. Seeds are ultra-inexpensive and readily available most anywhere. I am not going to get into the … Read more

Homemade Portable Solar Generator

By Dyers Eve I had been thinking of constructing a portable solar generator for some time. I remember seeing a news story on a local company that was marketing a “new” product. It was an 1800 watt portable solar generator with a 100 watt solar panel. I will not link their product here, I do … Read more

A Brief Introduction to Blowguns

By Dark Skorpion Recently, while perusing the older entries hidden in MSO, I stumbled across Rourke’s post regarding his recent acquisition of a Predator blowgun. He mentioned perhaps even taking a shot at squirrel hunting with it. Bad idea. Rourke may know many things, but blowguns aren’t one of them. I own seven blowguns in three … Read more

The importance of CASH

We are on the verge of a cashless society and there are so many benefits to it – and some drawbacks. Just think about it: Finding $7.50 worth of change in the cushions of the couch is close to being a thing of the past. I hardly ever carry cash anymore. In today’s world where I … Read more

Review: Solar AIR Lantern

There have recently been a multitude of innovative preparedness products hitting the market and the Solar AIR Lantern is one of them. Most any emergency generally ends up with the lights out. Ever get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and stub your toe navigating the darkness? Yeah – … Read more

OPSEC Before and After a Major Emergency

Sure, you’re ready for the “big day” when everything goes to hell, and you have to fight to survive.  You’ve stocked up on food, water, weapons and ammo…and you’ve got one or more places to go to if you have to bug out. But are you sure no one else is planning on using YOUR … Read more

Answer from Coleman regarding expiration dates

Heard from several people regarding Coach’s Question on how long canned Coleman fuel will last. Well, The COach had requested info direct from Coleman and finally heard back from them. Here is their response: Question: How long can I store Coleman Fuel in the one (1) gallon cans if the seal is NOT broken and still … Read more

Review: Waka Waka Power – light and solar charger

Right off I have to mention that this post has nothing to do with Fozzie from The Muppets. Those old enough to remember might recollect the fuzzy bear saying “Waka Waka” whenever he really liked something. No – the Waka Waka Power is a really unique product that combines the following – a solar charger, … Read more

Infographic: 13 Skills You Need for SHTF Preparation

Life is about choices. The decisions we make impact our quality of life and the legacy we leave. For the prepared, the choice to always be ready for survival is clear. This includes food, water and supply storage but also being prepared to survive in the elements. Collecting water, cooking wild game and shelter construction … Read more

Awesome homemade fire starter….

I recently discovered an inexpensive and highly effective homemade fire starting creation: wax impregnated cotton disks. I am not overly familiar with women’s make up nor what is used to apply/remove it however these small cotton disks apparently are involved somehow.  I picked some up at a local grocery store for $1.69 for 80 individual … Read more

Fire Starters

By The Coach, Contributing Editor This article is written for the person that is new to the outdoors. It is a beginner article. I know the seasoned outdoorsman will probably know these skills but it is a good refresher. There are few skills that I consider more important as knowing how to build and successfully light … Read more

Review: Gunshack G2 flashlight

I recently had an opportunity to purchase two(2)  Helotex G2 flashlights through Amazon.com at a really good price. I love flashlights in my preparedness system I can’t have too many (along with batteries of course). Over the last decade technology has lead to flashlights getting brighter, smaller, and less expensive.  Most of my lights run off of either AA alkaline or CR123 batteries. … Read more