A Multi-Tool Worth the Weight

Written by Wild Bill on The Prepper Journal.

Okay, so I have been checking the snail mail almost every day waiting for my “Battle Axe” to arrive. Now, if you are old school, a Battle Axe was to be avoided for a multitude of reasons:

• It was a politically incorrect term applied to an older hardened woman, singular of mind and purpose, uninterested in facts, reason or input, only satisfied when the target de jour had been destroyed – (sound familiar?)
• A wicked medieval weapon meant to maim, behead, and chop off body parts of a living combatant
• An accessory for attending a Renaissance Fare in costume (or collecting treats at Halloween.)

The one I received for Off Grid Tools was none of the above, though, in a pinch, it could well achieve the second bullet above.

Much more useful that any of the older models pictured above, it actually has 31 “features” which will even prove useful around the suburban household, though at just 2.1 lbs. this is a must have on any hunt, camping trip or off the grid excursion, planned or unplanned.

See it in action!

When I picked up the box it shipped in I was thinking, “aw, they just sent me marketing collateral” because it was so light, but I was wrong.

 

The most difficult part was getting it out of its plastic container. If you have children in your lives and have bought them toys in the past few years you will understand. I have been told that a hand operated can opener is effective in opening these containers. I will have to try that one day, should the tool be within reach as the waiting child is having a meltdown.

Just a quick review of the more notable of the 31 “features” advertised will sell every prepper on adding one of these to their BOB or I’m Never Coming Home Again bag:

A hatchet, a hex nut tool, a wire twist (cut), a nail puller, a pry bar, box cutter, can opener (in the spirit of the P-38), hammer head with claw, spanner wrench, gas-valve shut off wrench (invaluable in the event of a natural disaster at home), bottle opener (of course), non-slip rubberized grip, built in seat belt cutter/wood saw blade (changeable), and a hardened steel window breaker. And again, all in 2.1 lbs.

The only downside is that it looks so pretty I don’t want to mark it up by actually using it. But in the circles we travel in, I would expect we would all get teased for bringing a piece of survival equipment along on a trek that was shiny and new, as opposed to dented, scratched and scared to prove we have already tested it.

I have already made that mistake twice in my life. First time was letting my first wife pick out the lantern and cooking stove we took on our first camping trip. She bought good stuff but opted for a liquid gas stove and butane lantern, necessitating us having to buy and store two different fuels to produce the same thing – flame. The second was NOT breaking in hiking boots before ending up 10 miles from camp in the high Sierras. My feet still hurt thinking about that and the blood soaked socks I pitched along with the hiking boots. My bad.

I did mess it up and chopped some firewood because, after all I do have a fireplace and the temps are now dropping below the 80’s (at night.) Having the fireplace ready to light when the temps drop to a bone chilling 59 degrees or lower is part of prepping in the Southwest, honest.

That should get me through the winter. My friend living in Whitehall, Michigan will not be impressed, but I am. I would recommend the Off Grid Tools Survival Axe to all preppers.

My son in law is definitely going to find one in his Christmas stocking this year.

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Accidents on the Information Superhighway

Written by Cody on The Prepper Journal.

Even if you completely discount the circus that is taking place in Washington D.C., which you should, and just open up your computer to the Internet your are suddenly in a unique swamp all to its self, one replete with low-life creatures that even the creators of fiction in Hollywood would envy.

As Preppers we, like everyone else, deal in information, we depend upon it and should always understand its sources. We are already aware of the American Media and its agenda and hopefully we have learned to apply the proper filters. On the one side we make planning and life decisions based on the information at hand and on the other we keep valuable data in these smart devices. Date that can be used to hurt us financially.

Can we be sure our laptop is secure? Any of our internet capable devices? I know I have received a half-dozen scams through email of late phishing for information. Emails that are mirror images of the actual sites we deal with on a regular basis (JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, E-bay, even Google) looking to “verify” account information and now with required fields for my social security number and drivers license number sprinkled in the mix.

I even got a phone scam last month from someone claiming to be from the IRS and leaving a voicemail that I must call back if I don’t want the matter passed off the next 24 hours to local law enforcement to process. The IRS does NOT call. These scammers are out there and they can be pretty slick.

Am I complicit in this loss of innocence since I have allowed myself to use the “free” email from Yahoo, G-Mail, Hotmail or AOL (ugh)? I am certainly guilty of taking a convenient short-cut to save some money, and can I even be sure that a paid email service is any more secure? Where do you draw the line between reasonable caution and paranoia? A simple way to make that call is where do you put your car keys after you park the vehicle somewhere? Locking it and taking the keys does not assure it won’t be stolen, but it does make it a lesser target than perhaps others. Or do you leave it unlocked, windows rolled down and the keys in the center console? I have a friend I sail with who does just that. Understand that the car is a 1990’s beat to death Ford Taurus, but still it is wheels, something to take for a joyride.

To be honest I had a good laugh this month when there was “breaking news” that Google is working with the Chinese Government to connect all data and search results with a users phone number there, making it easy for their government to know their every keystroke. My laughter was because people will read that and think it isn’t true elsewhere, including here.

So, do you think your computer is protected now? By Norton or McAfee or whatever software. Well, it is safer for sure, but no one can guarantee it 100%.

And what about your laptop (if they are not one in the same)? Smartphone? Are you 100% sure nobody is monitoring your traffic now, reading your emails, running searches for strings of numbers that could be credit card numbers? The Payment Card Industry (PCI) is one of the bright spots in this cyber jungle because they have to be; without them on-line would just be looking at pictures. They bend over backwards to insure, as best they can, the security of your credit card number. It is a race and the hackers are the mechanical rabbits and the cyber-security industry are the greyhounds.

Besides phishing for financial data other scams include:

• “Your Domain Name is Expiring+ = phishing for login credentials
• Technical Support Calling – a call claiming to be from Hp or Microsoft that they have detected a problem in your computer and need you to log into their site to address it – capturing your login/password
• FBI – contacting you over license infringements on files, usually music or videos, that you downloaded
• …and on and on

The list is endless and runs from clever to “who would fall for that” but people do, daily. I for one am still waiting for my winnings from the “fill in the blank” countries lottery winnings. And one has to be as clueless as our elected representatives to not know about the ransom ware traveling the world wide web.

I even had my Uber account hacked. I began getting confirmation numbers in text messages for scheduled pickups. I tried contacting Uber, an impossible task for anything other than a ride somewhere. Only took a few weeks, like 7 of them, to get Ubers attention.

I find that when I am driving the information superhighway I have to be just as alert and aware and on top of things as when I am driving the roads of America, a threat can come out of nowhere and your reaction time is all you have to recognize it and avoid a costly collision.

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The Essentials and the Extra Weight – The Make-and-Break Gear of the Wilderness

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s Note: An interesting take on that first wilderness trek. 

You never know what wilderness has in store for you. It’s big, mysterious and always has new things for you to discover. For that reason, many people choose to adventure themselves in nature for a certain period, to experience survival in the wild.
However, people tend to pack unnecessary things as well, leading to extra weight and ending up with a severe back pain, early fatigue and a less than full experience. Because you want to avoid that, here is what you need to survive in the wilderness without carrying all those extra pounds.

The Essentials – What Should You Pack?

Whenever you go on a trip, this question is playing with your mind – “What should I pack?”. You wish you could take any small and insignificant thing, because “you never know”. Nevertheless, you should take only what you need to survive for a certain period. In order to avoid carrying around unnecessary objects that will only hold you back, here is my list of essentials you need to survive in the wilderness.

1. Backpack

It’s obvious that you’re not going to carry everything in your arms. You’ll need something that can handle everything you need for survival. It needs to be compact, though, and it’s better to choose a waterproof one. Compartments are also a game changer – when you really need something it gets old very quickly pushing other things around to find what you need. You need to organize this intelligently. What will I need everyday in one compartment, what do I need for shelter in another, what do I need to start a fire in another and so on.

2. Clothing

It’s essential to bring weather-appropriate clothing. If you think about it, you never know how the weather is going to be. What if you go to sleep in only your boxers, and you wake up covered in snow?

Make sure you have both warm weather and cold weather clothing. Depending on the destination, do some research to make sure you’ll not make any mistakes. And never leave home without your rain gear unless it is a trek across the Sahara.

3. Tents and Sleeping Bags

Unless you want to hang some hammocks and sleep between trees, it would be a great idea to bring a tent. Although you’re going to be explore to the wilderness, that doesn’t mean you won’t have to camp somewhere and sleep. A tent is very much needed.

Additionally you should consider some sleeping bags as well. You definitely wouldn’t like waking up with icicles hanging from your nose. Even the deserts are cold at night, and sleeping on the ground will lower your body temperature, possibly with dire results. Adding a sleeping pad adds little weight to your carry.

4. A Back-up Weapon (IWB)

The wilderness can hold a lot of dangers. As a safety measure, you should consider having a spare weapon in a concealed holster – IWB. Basically, it’s a holder that allows you to have a weapon concealed and ready to fire in case you’re under attack from a wild animal.

So, if you don’t want to be eaten by a bear, check for some concealed carry holsters.

5. Purification Tablet and Water Bottles

Water is important, and you need to be hydrated at all times. Despite some areas having drinkable tap water, it’s better to bring purification tablets. You’ll be so thirsty you may not have time to find out whether the water is drinkable or not, and that is a very bad mistake to make. Also, make sure you bring reusable bottles. You want to protect the environment as well, don’t you?

6. First Aid kit

Anything is bound to happen when you’re in nature and not protected by walls anymore and far from professional medical services. Therefore, a first aid kit will come in handy at one point. Who knows when you get some cuts, splinters or burns? The kit will be your best friend in these situations. Know what is in it and how to use them safely.

7. Eye Mask and Ear Plugs

If you’ve ever had annoying roommates, you know how godly these items are. Because chances are you are not going alone on this trip, you will have to endure other people’s habits. Some may be snorers, cough very loud or just chat until very late. You need proper rest, so make sure you bring these items and you’ll sleep like a baby.

8. Toilet Paper and Wet Wipes

Oh, how you’re going to miss your bathroom. Sadly, not all public restrooms have toilet papers, so you’re going to need some, should you be lucky enough to even find one in the first place.

Moreover, wet wipes may be the only shower you could take in a while. You will feel cleaner and not smell (too hard).

9. Small Towels

Small towels are a necessity because you are going to need something to wipe your hands on or wipe your face after washing it in the morning. You shouldn’t take big towels, though. They are only going to take a lot of space, and they dry slowly as well.

The Extra Weight – What Should Stay at Home?

There are several things you shouldn’t pack. Some of them are:

1. Extra Clothes or Shoes

Although you’re tempted to take your best clothes, this is a bad idea. Not only that they will take a lot of space, but you risk ruining them as well. What if your favorite t-shirt gets stuck in something, and you end up shredding it to pieces?

You should only bring weather-appropriate and comfortable clothes. That means no jeans. You want to move freely, don’t you?

2. Laptops

A laptop is only going to require extra care and attention, because it may get damage in certain conditions. Unless you need it for work, you can leave it at home. You need to survive without TV-shows for a while.

3. Valuables and Jewelry

Not only that you avoid being a theft victim, but you’ll also be at peace of mind knowing you don’t need to take extra care of them. And seriously though – why would you need them considering you’ll be in the wild most of the time? Bears certainly won’t compliment your expensive necklace, though bees and birds may be drawn to them.

4. Things You Can Buy During the Trip

There’s no point to pack some extra things if they can be purchased at your destination. They will only take unnecessary space.

5. Books

One book may not be such an issue but abstain from bringing your whole Stephen King collection. Not only that you’ll not have time to read so much, but you will have a stuffed backpack as well.

Final Thoughts

Going on a survival trip can be a great experience if you know how to properly enjoy it. One of the things you could do to ensure success is to pack the essentials only. Getting too many items will make you focus more on the weight than the trip itself.

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Psychological Methods to Have An Ex Partner or essay topics Back – Tips To Get An Ex Back

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This will allow you to find quirks and items that do not seem sensible.

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I sensed i had wasted my money and time and used to be disappointed.

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Thanks again, the aforementioned page was slightly less-formal compared to first test..

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from Patriot Prepper
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How To Make Your Own 3D Printed Gun: Pros And Cons

Printing takes on a whole new meaning because there are affordable machines readily available to consumers that can duplicate 3D objects.

from Survivopedia
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How to Hunt With Just About Anything

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

A guest post from Scott Huntington to The Prepper Journal.

Life is unpredictable — you never know what kind of curve ball it will throw at you. But if you can’t roll with the punches, you’ll have a hard time surviving. Sure, there are “proper” tools for hunting. But sometimes you just don’t have them with you. Sometimes you have to work with the things you have on you. Here are four alternative hunting weapons that may end up being life-savers later on. We’ll start small and then work our way up.

The Spear

We’ll start off at the times where you don’t have anything but what’s around you. The spear is an age-old weapon that is easy to craft, and deadly to use. While it can require a good deal of strength to use, and may not be the most accurate — spears are great to use for their relative stealth, ease of construction and utilizing the materials most likely at hand.

You’ll need to work on your stalking and still hunting skills if you want any success. Stick close to tress, brush, and whatever can block your silhouette. Try as much as possible to find an area that blends in with what you’re wearing. Search for animal trails and consider waiting in an overhanging tree.

The spear you use makes a difference as well. For a stronger spear, put the tip near a fire and slowly roll it so it’s slightly charred. Don’t keep it too long in the fire or it will break. You just want a golden-brown color, like cooking a marshmallow. This hardens the tip. Attaching a knife to the end with paracord is also an option assuming you have paracord, ow other string material AND you are willing to lose your knife.

The Slingshot

While likely not your first choice in hunting tool, the slingshot is a portable, easy-to-make weapon that could help you take down small game.

Slingshots are made of basic materials such as wood and leather and have been used for thousands of years. While they may not be the most accurate of weapons, there is something to be said about mastering the art of stalking prey because of this shortcoming. If you’re able to get close enough to prey to effectively hit and kill it, you could use pretty much any weapon you want.

A slingshot is a reliable weapon because it’s one of the more affordable and compact options, making it easy to acquire and take with you anywhere — just in case. Sometimes it can be the only thing you have, so you better learn to use it.

What’s the best part about using a slingshot when you’re in a pinch? Ammo is everywhere. Rocks and pebbles may not fly straight, but they are easy to come by. Slingshots are really only meant for smaller critters such as squirrels, rabbits and birds, so be sure you’ll be able to get a head shot to avoid internal bleeding and spoiling the meat. Practice on small targets at home to improve your shot.

The Crossbow

An upgraded spear and slingshot combo — the crossbow packs a lot more punch than a spear and has more accuracy than the slingshot — all without sacrificing the stealth.
The portability is most of the problem with this weapon — however, if you’re lucky enough to have packed a crossbow and ammo, or bolts, you can hunt prey quietly and take down medium to large game.

One of the best crossbow perks is that you can reuse your ammo. A surplus of ammo is a perk of the slingshot, and may even be what makes survivalists use them, but reusable ammo that is accurate and reliable can help bring in more meat over time.

The AR-15

Let’s say it’s deer season, but your hunting rifle is out of commission. The AR-15 can be configured to shoot like a rifle with superb accuracy and enough punch to take down prey such as deer.

The AR-15 is almost like comfort food for military vets. It’s a weapon that’s understood, efficient and versatile, and it’s becoming much more common as a method for hunting deer. If you’re looking to take down deer quickly and without spoiling the meat, the AR-15 perfect for the occasion.

You can set it up with the ideal 6.8 Remington or 6.8 Remington SPC caliber, and it’s powerful enough to take down deer without having a recoil that leaves you rubbing your shoulder afterward. Even an AR chambered in the NATO standard 556 will do the job when you have to put meat over the campfire.

Endure and Survive

What you prep for and how you react to life’s little tests will make all the difference for survival. If you’ve trained yourself in firing non-traditional hunting weapons, you’re already ahead of the curve. If not, go out and try something different.

Take the time to learn how to craft weapons out of raw materials and see how they fire — that way, you’ll have an easier time persevering if you find yourself caught in the cross hairs.

Editors Note: Preaching again but do note that if you have to make the first three weapons you can NOT make them if you are not carrying a knife, your EDC staple.

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