Knowledge Weighs Nothing

Military eBay – Get Your Ex-Military Equipment & Vehicles Here

Military auction

Are you interested in some ex-government and ex-military equipment? If so, you’ve come to the right place, as below, I will tell you how you can get hold of some high quality ex-government and military equipment and vehicles. Firstly though, I should state that there are no ex-military weapons available for sale here. There is pretty much everything else though, including: trucks, jeeps, boats, parts, medical supplies, audio/visual and computer equipment, plus ALL the usual military surplus gear, so stick around…

Weapons apart, the two websites below equal a prepper’s paradise! You can literally purchase everything needed to bug-in, or bug-out. You can purchase the entire contents for a bug out bag (including the bag itself), or your mobile base camp – tents, sleeping bags, cold/warm weather clothing and boots. These websites are also a goldmine for for folks interested in hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and whole load more.

The first website is – Gov Liquidation.  Gov Liquidation is an auction website, selling ex-government and military equipment and vehicles. In addition to ex-military vehicles, they also sell a whole range of technical gear (audio/visual/computers etc) and field gear and other military equipment. As it’s an auction website, the range of items for sale varies greatly. For example, sometimes there will be a lot of military vehicles for sale, other times, not so much. Just like eBay, you really do need to check regularly, if you are on the lookout for something specific.

One of the downsides of Gov Liquidation is that some of the smaller military surplus type items are sold in bulk, in job-lots. This is where second website Uncle Sam’s Retail Outlet shines. Uncle Sam’s Retail Outlet is more of a traditional military surplus website, selling individual items. It is not an auction. What they have listed on the website, they have in stock, at a set price. Uncle Sam’s Retail Outlet has the widest range of military surplus gear and equipment you will find anywhere. In fact, Uncle Sam’s Retail Outlet is the official retail outlet for Gov Liquidation.

Sidenote: A lot of people forget to look on Amazon  for military gear and equipment. The fact is lots of army surplus retail stores now sell via Amazon at great prices. If you find something on Uncle Sam’s or another store, it’s well worth just checking if the item is available on Amazon at a better price.

I highly recommend you check out and bookmark both of the above websites. To summarise – Gov Liquidation is great for vehicles, larger items and job-lots. Uncle Sam’s Retail Outlet is the place to go for surplus kit and gear, and individual items.

Army eBay

The Ultimate Bug Out Bag List 2018

Bug out bag checklist

When disaster strikes there are two things that are immediately essential: getting out of the area, and getting out of there quickly. Also known as a BOB, The Bug out Bag is designed to help you do just that, and usually comes in the form of a heavy duty rucksack that contains everything you need in the immediate aftermath of disaster. So all you’ll need to do is grab and go!

What Should Go In A Bug Out Bag?

Bug Out Bag Contents

Typical Bug Out Bags are designed and put together with a focus upon evacuation, rather than long term survival out in the wilderness and, of course, having the right Bug Out Bag Contents is pretty essential if you’re to have all of the resources that you may otherwise be relying upon for your very survival following some form of disaster.

As there is a focus upon evacuation, many Bug out Bag guides and blog posts (and their associated Bug Out Bag Lists) tend to focus upon the equipment needed to survive over a 72 hour period.

However, quantifying any length of time when preparing for an unforeseen event is a dangerous game, after all, if it was possible to foresee a disaster, you’d be highly likely relocate to another location entirely for as long as necessary. So, with this in mind, we’ve put together an ultimate Bug Out Bag List that goes that little bit beyond most other guides, and that specifically plans for an undefined period of time out in the wilderness, factoring in the equipment you might need for self-sufficiency (particularly in terms of hunting renewable food sources).

The Bug out Bag and the end goal for the survivalist

With all of the above said, and with items within this list that consider a longer than 72 hour period, here’s one thing to bear in mind…

If the worst does happen and you find yourself in the wilderness for whatever reason, living free from developed civilization is achievable with the right preparation. However, being off the grid for an extended period of time and setting up within wild terrain is challenging and often too harsh or dangerous for many people to consider. Instead, following a disaster seeking safe shelter within civilization is usually the primary aim, and this is the goal that any Bug Out Bag List aims to facilitate.

Why no Bug Out Bag List is ever complete

Whilst we’ve endeavoured to put together a comprehensive list of all the things that would be essential within a Bug Out Bag, it’s prudent to point out that no Bug Out Bag List could really ever be complete. Each and every person is different and may require different items within their bag; to this end, this list is very much open ended and open to interpretation, serving as a starting point upon which to build, customize, chop and change.

Why Should I Have A Bug Out Bag?

A Bug Out Bag is essential in the event that you need to evacuate quickly. It ensures that, should the worst happen, you can focus on the situation in hand rather than compiling a list of items you need to take with you. And it doesn’t just serve as an essential item to have in the face of a particularly severe disaster, it can also include all the resources required when facing circumstances that are less than world ending.

And in a world of uncertainty, preparation is everything.

Bugging Out – Opting over and above Hunkering Down

This Bug out Bag List will stand you in good stead when you have nothing but your wits, knowledge and a well packed Bug out Bag upon which to rely. That said however, and whilst a seasoned survivalist will know the importance of always having a, ready to go Bug Out Bag to hand, it’s no substitute for hunkering down when appropriate. After all, Bug Out Bags are designed specifically with temporary survival in mind, whereas hunkering down can see you taking to your basement where protection is increased, with the benefits of knowing exactly where you are and with all of your home resources but a floor away.

Bug Out Bag List

The Bug Out Bag Itself!

5.11 Rush 72 Bug Out Bag5.11 3 Day Rush Backpack

No bug out bag list would be complete without the actual bag itself! The very first item to choose is the right Bug Out Bag and, whilst there are many competing opinions on what may be best, it really comes down to two points:

  1. You should choose a bag that’s most suitable to you and your specialist items.
  2. You should choose your bag only after you’ve put together all of your items.

Of course, it should go without saying that any Bug Out Bag should be robust, made from hardwearing material, and constructed with plenty of pockets and compartments for splitting up your items.

Water – Something to drink and something essential for survival

Water is essential for your very survival, without it you may perish within just 3 days (this compares to our ability to go without food for up to 3 weeks). What’s more, as we become more and more dehydrated, we become more lethargic, meaning that even seeking water after two days may be an impossible task (not to mention maintaining your alertness and survival instincts).

So, as a starting point, a water (filled) container is essential. Beyond this, you’ll also need a method of boiling water (to cook and sanitise) and items for water purification (such as treatment tablets and compact water filters) for treating questionable water after your original water runs dry.

Shelter – To provide protection from the elements

MSR E-Wing ShelterMSR E-Wing Shelter Tent

Of course, for the experienced and educated survivalist the following items may appear disproportionate, however shelter is not only essential to protect yourself physically from the elements, but moreover becomes ever more important for the rest periods that allow for mental and physical well-being (which are both equally as essential when facing unknown circumstances in the wild).

Fire – To keep you warm

Fire serves as a heat source which can warm, cook and attract attention if necessary, with the items listed here making for essential items for lighting a fire.

Most importantly, however, you should ensure that you have more than one method of ignition, with at least two and advisably even three if you have room.

Food – Something to eat

Typically, Bug Out Bag guides tend to recommend dry food stuffs, with particular favourites being relatively non-perishable, dried foods. However we’d also say that foods with water content are also important (as you never known just how scarce water sources will be).

To this end, you’re ideally aiming for foods that are lightweight and high in calories and nutrition, as well as a good base of food stuffs which come with water content, packing enough to last 3-4 days. Also include the more traditional items, such as rice, oat meal, beef jerky, tinned sardines, nuts, chocolate, and high calorie sports bars, in addition to Freeze-dried foods and MREs (meals ready-to-eat).

Sleeping – Something to sleep in and on

For the seasoned survivalist who prepares for the very worst of eventualities, super comfortable bedding consisting of a mattress, matt, foil blanket and sleeping bag may seem over the top and the very lap of luxury. However, rest very much equates to being on form to deal with any unknown and potentially dangerous challenges.

Cooking – For eating and boiling water

GSI HaluliteGSI Halulite Microdualist Cookset

Unbreakable cups, mini pots, and containers are each as essential as the last, and methods of cooking your food, whether caught or pre-packed, may also serve as a vital way of raising your body’s temperature by what can be a lifesaving degree or two.

Light – So you can see

Another case in point, where more than one source is essential in case the primary, or even the backup, fails, is lighting. So opt for a mix of natural light sources (such as a candle) along with electric items (such as LED lights or lamps) and finally also be sure to include all weather performing light (such as Light glow sticks) which can cover any and every eventuality.

Tools – To get things done

Gerber LMF II - Excellent bug out bag knifeGerber 22-01629 LMF II Black Infantry Knife with 4.8-Inch Blade

Tools: Essential within the wilderness and often the difference between life and death when charged with overcoming unknown situations. They can help you cook, hunt, prepare shelter and get you out of tight fixes. As such, there’s a plethora of must include tools for the ultimate Bug Out Bag.

However, tools are a hotly debated topic within the world of Bug Out Bags, where everyone has an opinion and no two experts seem to favour the same brand, let alone the same itinerary for the ultimate tool list.

The following list includes our favourites (based upon our own experience, as well as plenty of research from expert reviews). As a bare minimum, you’ll want a decent knife and a multi-tool. Experts argue over which you should pack. We say take both!

First Aid – To patch you up

The ability to act as your own first aider is vital when you don’t know when you’ll have access to official medical care again. Specially designed to cater for expeditions, this compact yet extensive first aid pack features 205 pieces:

15 – Antiseptic Towelettes

5 – Antibiotic Ointments Packets

5 – Sting Relief Wipes

40 – Bandages 1×3

50 – Small Bandages

24 – Spot Bandages

5 – Fingertip Bandages

5 – Knuckle Bandages

1 – 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 Yards Adhesive Tape

10 – Gauze Pads 2″x2″

30 – Butterfly Bandages

1 – Tweezer

4 – Finger Splints

5 – 1″ safety pins

1 – Razor Blade

2 – 1 pair gloves latex free (nitrile)

1 – Instant Cold Pack

1 – Semi-hard case

  • Coleman Expedition First Aid Kit

Communication – To get the news

Eton Microlink Radio - a great choice for your bug out bag!Etón FR160B Microlink Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger

Ensuring that you can stay in the loop, even when you may be decidedly away from civilization and all its creature comforts, is vital for knowing what’s happening and where potential help may be sought (as well as being aware of impending danger). Once more, this is another item where a backup comes in handy, and you should also consider a self-powered form of communication to avoid a situation where battery power runs out.

In addition to your radio, you’ll also need a method of communicating from afar and attracting the attention of others, for which a signalling mirror is essential.

Clothing – You’re most basic form of shelter

As the most basic form of shelter, your clothing serves as your first protection from the elements, with your footwear literally being the difference between travelling with a firm footing, and potentially slipping, tripping or being unable to scour certain terrains.

Clothing is, however, incredibly personalised and a Bug Out Bag itinerary for clothing items will differ drastically from person to person, taking into account varying body types, tolerances levels, fitness levels and preferences. As a generic starting consideration however, you must take into account your climate, location and surrounding terrains, being sure to evaluate your clothing contents every six months as the seasons change.

  • Spare pair of socks/underwear.
  • Waterproof jacket, trousers and gloves.
  • Also make sure you are wearing good quality appropriate boots and clothing to begin with if possible.

Hunting/Fishing – Sourcing renewable food

As mentioned at the start of this guide, whilst the focus of the average Bug Out Bag is upon survival in the immediate 72 hour window of a disaster aftermath, it’s prudent to pack for as many situations as possible.

With this in mind, including the following items within your Bug out Bag can help you to seek your own food from the wilderness (in addition to making considered choices for your weaponry, which can allow you to hunt successfully on land).

Navigation – Know where you are going

In addition to basic survival knowledge, without the aid of tools (such as naturally being able to figure north from south, telling the time and seeking out water sources) you should also pack for navigating the terrains that you find yourself in, safely and successfully. However, this really needn’t be any more extensive than a couple of well-chosen maps and a compass.

Binoculars – See them before they see you

Seeking out food, water or shelter sources, and the ability to see potential dangers, are all made easy from afar and from a safe area with the right Binoculars. Here are some suggested brands, with each providing for 8x magnification within compact and robust casing, but with the former taking up the traditional duel view and with the latter being a mono view.

Firearms – To keep you safe and to potentially hunt with

Everyone has an opinion on what is best and if, indeed a firearm is necessary. We’ll let you make your own mind up. If you do decide to pack a firearm, it is vital that you learn how to actually use your firearm of choice. Get some professional tuition, and of course, only pack include a firearm in you Bug Out Bag if is legal and you meet all the restrictions and regulations in your state.

Books – So that you know what you are doing

SAS survival guideSAS Survival Guide 2E (Collins Gem): Perfect size for a bug out bag!

A good survivalist knows that, no matter how much they know, no matter how many blogs, guides and books that they read, they can never know enough.

With this in mind, here are two books that provide a high level overview of surviving upon nothing but your own wits and a well packed Bug out Bag.

You will not regret taking one of these books with you. They provide invaluable information and advice, even for the seasoned survivalist…

The Other (but no less important stuff) – Doesn’t fit into any of the categories above

Goal Zero Guide 10 Adventure KitGoal Zero 19010 Guide 10 Plus Small Adventure Kit

To finish off our Bug out Bag List, here are the items that make for equipment that doesn’t quite fit under any of the other titles (although they’re in many cases no less important… so certainly don’t overlook them!)

  • Sewing kit, duct tape, head net, 50 feet of 550 paracord, whistle, sunglasses
  • Small bottle of hand sanitizer
  • Some zip-ties
  • Maxi Pads – they can be used for wound dressing and the inner material can be used for tinder
  • Repel 100 Insect Repellent
  • Goal Zero 19010 Guide 10 Plus Small Adventure Kit

DIY Quick Fix For Solar Lights

fix solar garden lights

Solar lights like the picture above are in 90% of American gardens, they make gardens look awesome and these little solar lights actually double up as emergency lighting if the power goes out. These solar lights are cheap, but often don’t work so well, and when they do, they normally only last a few years. A lot of people throw them away and just buy new ones… What a waste!

What many people don’t realize is that these solar lights usually come with very, very cheap/poor quality standard sized rechargeable batteries.  These batteries are not usually great, to begin with, but they deteriorate and lose their ability to hold their charge, very quickly. If you follow the simple tutorial below it will show you how to change the batteries in your solar lights.

If you actually replace the batteries with some good quality rechargeable batteries, you’ll likely be blown away at home much brighter the lights are, and how much longer they burn brightly throughout the night. They will literally be better than when they were new! The crazy this is – decent solar light rechargeable batteries don’t cost much anyway, so it’s a no-brainer. Just open up your lights, check what size batteries are inside. Then purchase and replace with some better ones. More information here: DIY Quick Fix For Solar Lights

101 Uses For A Bandana – Survival, Medical, Tactical, Humorous


Earlier in the year we featured a similar video from ‘Dan’s Depot’ 101 Uses For Paracord (Seriously, there’s 101 uses listed here)…

Well the folks from Dan’s Depot are back and today they are presenting 101 uses for a bandana. Bandanas are truly versatile and it is a great idea to include one when you go camping/hiking etc. They are also a good thing to have in a bug-out-bag or survival bag.

Another similar, but even more versatile item to carry is a shemagh. For decades shemaghs have been issued to British soldiers and they are now widely used by US troops. Pretty much everything you can do with a bandana, you can do better with a shemagh.

(Photo from: Dan’s Depot)

Trucker’s Friend All-Purpose and Survival Tool Review

DSCF0763
The Trucker’s Friend is an all purpose tool, designed for truck drivers. Basically it does hacking, prying, wrecking, pulling and pounding! It weighs around 2.5 pounds and it is just under 20 inches in length. I think it should also be called the Prepper’s Friend!  Two HUGE additional bonuses are – it is made in the USA and it is backed by a ‘no hassle’ Lifetime Replacement Guarantee, very cool!

DSCF0766
Here are some of the specifications:

  • Curved Axe (fully resharpenable)
  • Hammer and Nail Puller
  • Spanner (for hose couplings)
  • Pry Bar and Lever
  • Tire Chain Hook
  • Wire Twist (for removing lightweight security seals)
  • Ice and Debris Remover
  • Cast Alloy Tool-Steel Blade and Shank (heat treated for extra strength)
  • Rust Resistant Matte Finish
  • Fiberglass Handle (non-conducting)
  • Shock Absorbing Powergrip
  • Backed by a ‘Hassle-Free’ Lifetime Replacement Guarantee
  • Made in USA

The Prepper’s Friend, sorry, Trucker’s Friend, currently sells at $59.95, which I think is an awesome price given its versatility, quality and the no hassle replacement guarantee.

I have had my Trucker’s Friend for around a month or so now, and overall my thoughts are very positive. It is a truly versatile wrecking machine. It does everything stated, BUT, and maybe this is an obvious point, it doesn’t do these things as well as the individual specialized tools would. For example, the hammer does its job, but it is not weighted or balanced in the same way a specific hammer is, so you have to use more force to hammer nails etc.

Don’t get me wrong – as a prepper/survival tool it is highly recommended. If you want one tool with multiple uses, this is the tool for you. However, for around the home, day to day use, I would reach for a specific hammer or axe first.

A few other things to note – the Trucker’s Friend is a very nice length/weight, at 20 inches with 2.5 pounds of weight, it has a nice heft and swing, specifically for chopping/wrecking. The biggest negative is the sheath, which is terrible.  It is made from very cheap thin plastic, and mine was ripped when it arrived. Personally I think this tool should come with a small kydex sheath which covered the axe blade and fastens around the head. This is not a deal breaker it is very easy to make a DIY kydex sheath (search YouTube for tutorials), and this is exactly what I will be doing!

Conclusion

The Trucker’s Friend is a solid and dependable, multi-use tool which can also double up as a weapon in an emergency self-defense situation. Its versatility makes it an obvious choice for preppers etc, who are looking for an all-in-one hammer, axe and pry-bar. It costs $59.59, which isn’t small change, but I think it represents excellent value for money, especially when you factor it that it is made in the USA and it comes with a lifetime no quibble replacement guarantee. Break it, they’ll send you a new one! My recommendation – buy a Trucker’s Friend and spend 30 minutes to make a simple kydex sheath.

Trucker’s Friend USA Made All-Purpose and Survival Tool: Purchase from Amazon

Blisters – To Pop Or Not To Pop?

253563485_1760215ee3_z

Firstly, let me tell you, blisters are serious business! You should never ignore that hotspot you feel in your boot, take action right away and get a band-aid or some improvised cushioning on the to stop the rubbing. I did a 35 mile day hike once in some new boots (big mistake!), and I ignored the hotspots and blisters; it got to a point at around 25 miles that I knew I was in trouble, but I also knew that if I took off my boots and saw the damage, I probably wouldn’t continue. Anyway the long and short of it is – I made it home, but my feet were a mess and I couldn’t walk for two days afterwards…  They were so bad, they took weeks to heal completely.

If you are bugging-out or in a survival situation, not being able to walk for two days could kill you… Blisters caused by friction from boots and packs are entirely preventable; as soon as you feel discomfort, stop and treat.

Now with blisters themselves, everyone has an opinion on how to treat them…. But medically who is right and who is wrong? Is the best blister treatment to leave it alone, or to pop it? Does it depend on what kind of blister it is, for example a friction blister or a blister from a burn? Does it matter where the blister is located on your body? Thankfully the Survival Doctor aka James Hubbard, MD, MPH has written a post on his website on just this topic.  Check out Dr James’ thoughts below.

Blisters – To Pop Or Not To Pop?

(Photo from: Phil and Pam)

Make 12 Door Or Perimeter Alarms For Just $2.49 (80 decibels!)

pulling fireworks

I found these little Pulling Trick Fireworks on Amazon (you may be able to find similar locally) which are designed for pranking friends and family. They have a  5 inch pull string on each side of a 1.5 inch charge; You rig them on anything that opens such as doors, windows and draws to prank people when they open them… I haven’t tried these myself, but providing they work, it appears to me that they can also be used for security purposes to set door/window alarms and perimeter tripwire alarms.

You attach one string to the door/window frame and the other to the door/window itself.  When the door/window is pushed open it pulls the firework in a similar way to a Christmas cracker and it goes bang and omits a 80 decibel bang! You can buy a 12 pack of these pull string fireworks from Amazon for just $2.49 with free delivery.

These pull string fireworks could also be used with some fishing line to create a tripwire perimeter alarm when outdoors hiking, camping or if you’ve bugged-out to the wilderness. Simply tie one end of the trip wire to one of the strings, run your tripwire around the area you want to protect and simply tie the end of the wire to the other string on the firework.

Check out the Pulling Trick Fireworks on Amazon

How To Escape From Handcuffs

Firstly, this information is not for people who have done something illegal and have been justifiably and lawfully handcuffed (actually law enforcement and military often use zip ties now anyway). This information is for people who are concerned and want to be prepared in case they become the victim of illegal restraint in SHTF type scenarios. This is a very quick and easy technique to learn and implement, as long as your hands are cuffed in front of you and you have a bobby-pin or paper-clip.

(Photo from: .v1ctor Casale)

Make A Slingshot Bow in 5 minutes!

slingshot bow

Fancy turning your slingshot into a slingshot-bow? The short tutorial below shows how to do just that!

The tutorials uses a whisker biscuit for the arrow rest; these can be pretty expensive, so if you are on a tight budget, you can use a keyring and two rubber bands. Simply tie the rubber bands to the keyring and attach each band to each arm of the slingshot (so the keyring sits in the middle!) You will have to adjust the height and tension for accuracy, but it is a whole load cheaper that buying a whisker biscuit…

Make A Slingshot Bow in 5 minutes!

(Photo from: mountainmedic via Instructables)

Stanley FUBAR Demolition Bar (Another Prepper’s Friend!)

fubar

Last week I did a quick post: Trucker’s (Preppers!) Friend All-Purpose and Survival Tool. I thought the Trucker’s Friend looked like an awesome bit of kit, which would be ideal for preppers. I liked it so much, that I had one sent to me and I will write a full review of it in due course. When I posted about the Trucker’s Friend on the Facebook page, someone asked why I was featuring it if I had no personal experience of using it. Firstly, I never stated it was a review of the product and secondly, whilst I haven’t reviewed the product, 33 people on Amazon have and they gave it 5/5.

Anyway to try and right the wrong, today I am featuring the Stanley STHT55134 FUBAR Demolition Bar and this is something I do own! The Stanley FUBAR demolition bar has a ground chisel and prying end for ripping cutting and prying, with a nail puller at the other end. The tool is comfortable and a good weight in the hand; once sharpened, the blade can be used for light chopping chores, you can’t throw it, but it could otherwise replace a tomahawk.

I think this demolition bar is the perfect size and weight for a bug-out-bag; the blade is very sharp and it can do many of the tasks of a knife or tomahawk, and for its size, it is great for wrecking, demolishing and gaining entry through doors and windows. It’s also a handy weapon for self-defence. The great news is – it currently sells for just $15.99 on Amazon (I actually paid more!) and I think that represents excellent value.

Check it out on Amazon: Stanley FUBAR Demolition Bar