The use of oil to provide in-home heating used to be far more common around America than it is today, though there are still many cities and northern regions that rely on this old standby. Compared to electric heat, oil heating has advantages and disadvantages, but the obvious drawback is that the oil must be … Read more
For most of us, especially people who are planning to bug in during most survival situations, having the capability to provide reliable electricity in the absence of public utility grids is a worthwhile goal. Electricity is far more than a luxury made possible by modernity: it is overwhelmingly responsible for providing climate control, food preservation, … Read more
Propane is a versatile, efficient and all-around good choice of fuel for prepping. Propane is just as suitable for running your furnace, hot water heater and stove at home as it is firing up your grill, keeping your workshop or campsite warm with a portable heater or even operating certain kinds of heavy equipment like … Read more
If you are getting ready for the next big emergency, great or small, you will definitely want a good supply of gasoline on hand. But, compared to keeping beans, bullets and bandages stored for a long period of time, gasoline presents more challenges since it can lose its potency while in storage or even become … Read more
Today’s world offers tremendous capabilities with portable multimedia and communication devices. I hear the argument all the time that “real preppers” should stay away from modern technology. I disagree. These are tools and if available and operational use them to your benefit. Over the past couple years I have used numerous portable power banks to charge … Read more
Rourke: The following information is related to the post – Homemade Portable Solar Generator. Batteries B1 through Bn are connected in parallel. Connect charge positive lead to B1 positive terminal; connect load positive lead to Bn positive terminal. Connect charge negative lead to Bn negative terminal; connect load negative lead to B1 negative terminal. This … Read more
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
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
Everyone knows small gasoline fueled engines are noisy and loud enough that hearing protection should be used when working with or around devices thus powered. Noise pollution is serious, especially in urban areas but little thought is generally given to the racket when out in the country. In a world without rule of law (WROL), … Read more
Energy, an important part of prepping that usually is forgotten about. It’s something we take for granted right now, but in a SHTF scenario, we all will be thrust into a harsh new reality of a world without the grid. Everyone would like to think they could get by without continued power, and they very … Read more
In the event of a collapse, water, shelter, food and fuel are the most basic of necessities. As most of us who have put some thought into this have at least these bare minimums. A good water supply and a way of filtering a not so good water supply. A location that provides shelter from … Read more
I recently had a conversation with a liberal, non-prepper. We met through my job and somehow current events came up and I mentioned something to the effect that the Federal Deficit is growing out of control and government doesn’t seem to have any plans to do anything about it. Here’s how the conversation went…… … Read more
Best Rechargeable Batteries In an age where technology is more advanced, and people are more aware than ever of the impact that we are having on the environment, it is astonishing that more people are not using rechargeable batteries. Not only are they more efficient, and considerably more economical than a regular battery, but they … Read more
Several weeks ago I obtained a few samples from EndlessSunSolar.com’s product line of portable solar solutions. First up for testing is their NOMAD 5 Thin Film 5W Solar Charger. One of the first things I noticed when I received the NOMAD was how large it was – and how small. Yeah, I know – How … Read more
In the event of a collapse, water, shelter, food and fuel are the most basic of necessities. As most of us who have put some thought into this have at least these bare minimums. A good water supply and a way of filtering a not so good water supply. A location that provides shelter from … Read more
Affordable Auxiliary Solar Arrays By John from Iowa The first thing to remember is that solar is not cheap! The power is free and sustainable, but it’s costly to get there. A person can spend as much money as they want in that direction. I did not go whole hog on my system, as I … Read more
Rechargeable batteries are not only a great way to save money – but can be a valuable resource in a disaster. Rechargeable batteries, more technically known as “secondary” cells, function similarly to non-rechargeable batteries in regular gadgets but have the advantage of being able to be recharged by direct application of electricity to the battery. This … Read more
I have done it. I have stepped into the world of solar power. Not in a big way mind you – just a baby step. I just picked up a Harbor Freight 45 watt solar panel kit. After doing some research I decided to start out with this kit. It is not the cheapest dollar … Read more