Guides & Resources

When disaster strikes, you’ll have to make a lot of decisions that affect your safety and well-being. The first and arguably most important is whether to stay put or evacuate. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each situation is different, and a lot depends on the nature of the threat, your location, and your ability to move safely. Let’s break it down. Assessing Your Threat and Environment The first step in deciding between sheltering-in-place or bugging out is to evaluate …

During major disasters, a city is one of the most dangerous places to be. Even safe neighborhoods can turn into hazard zones within a matter of hours. That’s why it’s so critical to be able to evacuate quickly and efficiently. The key to a successful evacuation is having a Bug Out Bag (BOB) packed and ready to go.  Bugging Out in the City: Navigating Urban Challenges Evacuating from a city presents challenges that differ significantly from rural areas. You’re more likely …

There are approximately 300 significant power outages in the United States each year. Most of these power outages last a day or less. Yet, even these short power outages can wreak havoc. That leaves us to wonder: what would happen during a long-term power outage—and how can we prepare? Extreme Weather Is the Main Cause of Power Outages  Most major power outages are caused by severe natural disasters. For example, Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused 3.5 million people to lose power, and the …

Survival Items Every Driver Should Have in Their Vehicle for Winter You hopefully already have emergency essentials in your vehicle, such as jumper cables, a first aid kit, roadside reflectors, and basic repair items. But, when winter comes around, you’ll need to update your vehicle emergency kit to include these items for cold weather survival. 1. Winter-Proof Water Water is one of the most important survival items to have, but it can easily freeze in your vehicle in winter conditions. To …

How to Stay Truly Warm in Your Sleeping Bag You went out and bought the warmest sleeping bag you could find, expecting it would keep you warm in cold temperatures. Yet, you still ended up freezing through the night. It might not be the sleeping bag which is at fault but rather how you used it. Here’s what you need to know to truly stay warm in a sleeping bag. First, Check the Comfort Rating Most good sleeping bags will list their temperature rating. However, the rating you see is usually …

Improved Modular Sleeping System (IMSS) Review In 1998, the US Military introduced their Modular Sleeping System (MSS). The system consisted of three key parts that could be used separately or together depending on the temperature conditions. Even though it was bulky, the MSS was (and still is) really popular with civilians. The MSS remained unchanged until 2007, when the Military updated it to the Improved Modular Sleeping Bag System (IMSS). Components of the IMSS Just like the MSS, the IMSS c …

Ways To Use a Military Dry Bags AS A PACK LINER A dry bag is a must-have for any outdoor adventurer. A pack liner is a specialized type of dry bag that attaches to the outside of a backpack or gym bag, allowing you to easily transport gear that needs to stay dry. Packlines are perfect for hiking, kayaking, rafting, and other water sports, but can also be used for carrying extra gear on any type of hike or backpacking trip. When choosing a dry sack to be used as a pack liner, look for one that is …

Are MREs Healthy? Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) have become a popular choice for disaster preparedness due to their convenience, long shelf life, and comprehensive meal packaging. Originally designed to sustain soldiers in the field, MREs are also great for taking on camping, bushcraft, and outdoor trips. But when it comes to health, how do MREs measure up? Let’s explore their nutritional profile to determine if MREs are healthy and whether they provide nutrition. Macronutrients: Where Do the …

Military ECWCS Thermals vs. Smartwool Thermals In a cold-weather layering system, thermal base layers play a crucial role by wicking moisture away from the body. This keeps you dry and prevents heat loss due to evaporation. Since base layers are worn directly against the skin, their material and construction significantly impact your comfort. To illustrate this, we’ll compare two distinct base layers: the Military’s ECWCS thermals and Smartwool thermals. Military ECWCS Thermals Befor …