Guides & Resources

With all of the advancements in LED lighting over the years, glow sticks—aka chemical lights—have become an overlooked prep item. While they won’t replace a good headlamp or lantern, glow sticks have many survival uses that make them worth packing.1. Tactical MarkingBecause they are cheap, glow sticks are great for tactical marketing. Put them along trails or tie them to trees to help you find your way back in the dark. Or use them to mark hazards, such as cliff edges or holes around camp. Durin …

When it comes to sleep systems for outdoor use, you’ve got three main options for staying warm: sleeping bags, wool blankets, and poncho liners (aka woobie). The choice is partly a matter of personal preference. However, when it comes to certain important traits—such as warmth per weight, fire resistance, and durability—there are clear winners.Let’s break it down to see when a sleeping bag vs. wool blanket vs. woobie is best. WarmthWinner: Sleeping bagWhen it comes to warmth per weight, you can’ …

For decades, Cyalume brand glow sticks, also known as ChemLights, have been used in the military, emergency and camping around the world as a critical piece of gear. These unassuming, single-use light sources provide illumination, signaling and marking along with providing Inferred lighting for military night vision. All glow sticks however are not created equal. This article explores the differences and uses of Cyalume glow sticks in military applications, civilian emergencies and general out …

Healthy adults can survive three days without food. But, let’s be honest: most of us would turn into a whiny jerk after just 12 hours without food. Not only is hunger bad for morale during a SHTF situation, but it can lead to poor decision-making.You’ll want to have enough food packed in your bug-out bag to keep you fueled. But food is heavy, so you don’t want to overpack either. To get the exact right amount, you’ll want to calculate how many calories you need per day. Here’s how to do it.BOB C …

You already know that you shouldn’t make a survival shelter under widow-maker trees, in a flood zone, below cliffs where falling rocks can hit you, or along wildlife trails. However, there are several more mistakes that can impact your comfort and safety when setting up a shelter. Here are the most common survival shelter location mistakes that even the experts make.1. Not Testing the GroundHave you ever set up your shelter, only to realize that there is a massive root jutting out of the ground …

When it comes to combat uniforms, the U.S. Military has strict protocols to follow that are based on functionality, research, and a long history of colors! The traditional camo we think of when studying military uniforms comes in many variations and has shifted over the years.The military is known for its rich history, especially when it comes to uniforms and attire. The classic camo pattern we all recognize has varied from branch to branch for decades. In this article, we will explore the histo …

Some of the most devastating emergencies that can strike you and your family come from nature itself. From hurricanes, floods, fire, ice storms, or mudslides — the elements can truly ravage your home and leave you in the midst of an unexpected medical emergency.That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a medical kit for disaster emergencies. With the right medical kit, you and your family can weather the storm and take care of any immediate injuries while waiting for the roads to clear so you c …

You should always be prepared for the worst so you’re never left scrambling during an unexpected emergency. There is a real difference between a good medical pack and one you simply buy off this shelf in a general store. Contrary to popular belief, the number of items in a kit is meaningless if they are all band-aids and household items. You want to focus on quality over quantity when selecting your medical kit. A good medical pack can help you treat and stabilize a real injury in the moment bef …

Furniture Store Vs. Commercial Metal Bunk Bed Sets: How They're Made & the Difference in QualitySo you’re interested in purchasing bunk beds and trying to make sense of the price variations, styles and stated weight limits? Bunk beds, like all furniture, can be manufactured using a variety of methods and materials. Commercial beds are much different from residential and have different variations from manufacturers. Metal bunk bed sets come in two variations. The first variation is as a bunk …