Thursday, July 19, 2018

Why You Should Buy A Gas Mask And How To Pick One

Despite what anyone tells you, mankind sucks at predicting the future. If you live in a country with thousands of nuclear weapons pointed at it, owning a gas mask makes sense, but only after you have taken care of more basic needs.

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Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Stocking Up on an Afternoon at Wal-Mart or at Amazon.com

Living in the Internet Age of Information Bombardment, it’s easy to get entranced by the idea that you’ll need the one, perfect specialty item or piece of equipment to tick off that box on your prepper checklist. True, there is a wide world of specialty gear out there, and some of it is nothing short of amazing, and well worth the time to track it down or order it. But what about your staples and...

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How to Choose the Best Instant Tent for Your Next Trip

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Editors Note: An article from Tiffany Bolgert to The Prepper Journal. We are comfortable with instant coffee (yech!), instant oatmeal (where have all the nutrients gone?) and we can even buy instant underpants! So when the idea of an “instant tent” popped into someones head, well, The Prepper Journal had to find out!

As enjoying as a camping trip with the family might be, the main drawback of this activity is the sheer frustration that arises from setting your shelter up. Regardless of your camping experience and how well the instructions were followed, things will never go according to plan.

The problems can range from minor inconveniences, such as discovering that there is a missing piece or that you have placed the pole in the wrong spot, to major, like having the tent fall over you in the middle of the night from the slightest gust of wind. The solution to these problems? An instant tent. If you do not want to bother with traditional tents, here is a small guide that will help you choose the best instant tent for your next trip.

What is an Instant Tent?

For generations, humanity has struggled with the process of setting up and taking down tents. Even the most ardent campers will relate to the frustration of seeing your tent falling over all your possessions after spending two hours installing it.

The easiest way to solve this problem (other than ditching the tent altogether and digging a hole in the ground, of course) is getting an instant tent. Alternatively called a ‘’pop up tent’’, it is an innovative camping item that does not need a degree in civil engineering to set up. All you have to do is pull it out of the bag, throw it on the ground and, in just a matter of minutes, you will have something to shelter you from the freezing rain.

Usually, the best instant tents come in two categories. The first category work exactly how the name suggests, while the second category includes hybrid instant tents with integrated lightweight poles. The latter’s extra component does not matter – they are both just as easy to install and disassemble.

However, the main downfall of instant tents is the fact that, due to a lack of heavy poles, they are more vulnerable to the whims of the wind. Therefore, all campers should make sure to stake them. On the other hand, all instant tents will protect your belongings from the elements of nature.

Durability

Now that we have established what exactly is an instant tent, it is time to highlight several factors on which you should base your purchase decision. When it comes to instant tents (or all tents, as a matter of fact), the quality and the strength of the item are of the utmost importance. Ideally, you want to pick a tent that will stand tall in all weather conditions, whether we are talking about rain, heat, or cold. Even though instant tents are admittedly susceptible to the wind, they are perfectly capable of handling the rest.

Materials and Useful Features

The next important factor is related to the materials. While instant tents come in a wide variety of shapes and structures, the high-quality ones share certain similarities. When it comes to the sides of the tent, the best ones are made out of nylon. This material allows the moisture created by the people exhaling inside the tent to dissipate in a timely fashion. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the tent’s durability and longevity depend on the weight of the nylon – the heavier it is, the more it will last.

Another thing to consider is the rain fly. A rain fly is a separate piece of plastic that covers the tent, which protects it against the effects of rain. For an extra degree of comfort and safety, it is a good idea to choose tents with nylon floors, as they will keep you and your possessions dry for as long as it takes.

Furthermore, you should also think about the number of doors you need, as well as the shape and the orientation of the tent. If you are camping with your whole family, a tent with a higher number of doors is obviously ideal if you do not want to disturb them in the middle of the night. If you are camping with a smaller group, a mid-sized tent with one door and a couple of windows should cover your needs.

Price

As with all products, price reflects the quality of the item. There are instant tents that are cheap, durable but the material can leak, as well as expensive tents that can last a lifetime, but don’t come with the perks suited for your particular needs. To prevent the latter scenario from occurring, you should ask yourself the following questions:

How often do you embark on camping trips?
What is the average size of the party (in numbers)?
Duration of the trip – are you planning to spend several days out camping, or just a weekend?
How much stuff do you need to carry after you in order to feel comfortable – clothes, food, first aid kits, etc?
Can the tent fit in your car?

By checking these boxes, you can find out if it is worth dropping a few hundred dollars on a tent, or if you could just make do with a cheaper one. As a general rule of thumb, it is better to invest in an expensive tent because there is a high chance you will not need another one anytime soon.

Conclusion

Choosing the right instant-tent for you and your loved ones can be as hard as deciding on a location or what supplies you should bring along. However, it is not that hard as long as you know what to look for. Make sure to read through our small guide and you will surely make the right decision.

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The post How to Choose the Best Instant Tent for Your Next Trip appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

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Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Keep Your Home Safe: Smart Security Home Gadgets

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Editors Note: An article from Berta Melder to The Prepper Journal. As always, if you have information for Preppers that you would like to share and be entered into the Prepper Writing Contest with a chance to win one of three Amazon Gift Cards with the top prize being a $300 card to purchase your own prepping supplies!

Our homes are usually our first, best option in a SHTF, TEOTWAWKI or natural disaster scenario. Not only does it most likely have the majority of our prepping supplies, but its has “the family” and is often the primary “meet here” place in disaster planning when family is spread across work locations, schools, friends homes, etc.

So it goes without saying that home security is of monumental importance and that the world is a place full of people who will take what is yours given the opportunity. Professional thieves seldom miss an easy target and the opportunity to get into your house and take what’s yours, and even bored youths may find the idea of an easy target a thrill, not to mention free stuff!

This is after all our homes, our castles, the place where our children and family feel the most secure. As such we are all dealing with a group of people who steal for a living, and practice makes better (perfection is not achievable.) Alas, as preppers and homeowners or tenants, we do all bare the responsibility of protecting ourselves and we have to admit that some of us do not cross all the “t’s” and dot all the “i’s”.

Many of our neighbors are just not as concerned about the security and safety of their homes, or they are but have made little no effort to discourage intruders.

Fortunately I could find no real pictures of people running from bears.

While you cannot free this world from burglars, you can protect your house and make their job much more difficult. It is the application of the bear escape principal. If you are not alone and chased by a charging bear you do NOT have to outrun the bear, just someone else running with you. So making your home a harder target than your neighbors is the goal here.

30 years ago, you could protect your home from intruders by buying a dog, installing more door locks, and asking neighbors to keep an eye on your house while you’re on vacation. Fortunately, now we have many more tools and gadgets that can protect your property and create problems for those who want to steal from you.

What Are The Burglars Friends?

Time
First of all, burglars are looking for an opportunity. They are searching for homes they can easily access and leave quietly, hopefully unnoticed. They want to do it quickly because the more time they spend on getting in, the higher chances that someone will see them and call the police.

Why do people lock their doors? The truth is, there is no lock that can make your home 100% safe. The only function of locks is to buy you more time. If a burglar realizes that he must spend an hour picking your locks, he will likely go away looking for an easier job.

Sound
Burglars don’t want to attract attention. Any loud sound can make your neighbors look out their windows and see that something is wrong. If there is a barking dog or a loud alarm, a burglar will likely move on to the next house. Breaking windows makes sound and taking out enough to release the simple lock or to get in makes a lot of sound.

Visibility
Why do we say “like a thief in the night?” Because criminals like dark areas. If you have many trees and your garden is dark, it is likely to be the first home that burglars check. They choose such homes because there they can easily hide. If your bushes are trimmed and your home is well-lit 24 hours a day, you stand a better chance that they won’t try to break in.

These three items, time, sound and visibility are still concerns today even with the advent of so many smart gadgets and security services.

Motion sensors comes to mind as a near perfect solution for those who don’t want to waste electricity, but do want to not only know when someone is out there but, more importantly, want the intruder to know that he has been discovered.

Smart gadgets allow you to see what happens in your home while you’re away and to be aware of burglars when they just start thinking about getting in.

While we hope the following gadgets/services will help you in preventing crime, and are provided as an explanation of the service they provide. YOU can better protect your home, family, and yourself by ensuring that the three buglers friends, time, visibility and sound are denied by controlling the access.

Why Do I Need Smart Home Gadgets?

Because they are a deterrence, Period. Can smart-devices be hacked? Yes, anything using wifi can be hacked by someone determined, and skilled in the dark-web arts. But the key here is again, out running your neighbors as opposed to the bear.

Advanced technology does provides you with a vast range of opportunities to make your home more secure. Remote cameras allow you to keep an eye on your house while you’re at work or on vacation by just opening an app on your smartphone. No matter how far away you are, you can see what happens in real time. There are security systems that can be armed or unarmed remotely, even if you forget to do it in the morning when going to work. You can also install smart locks that will lock your doors automatically any time you go out. Various motion-detecting devices can notify you at the very moment when someone is trying to get into your house.

Gadgets & Services that Can Protect Your Home

So a quick review of some of the more prominent players in home security systems.

FrontPoint is a simple solution. This company offers a range of security devices that you can easily install yourself. Frontpoint also includes a traditional monitoring option which will cost you around $35 a month. You can customize and adjust this system using live video and automation functions.

Vivint offers many smart devices for your home security system. This kit includes cameras, smart locks, thermostats, doorbells, and sensors, so you can create your own system that meets your needs. This system requires professional installation, which implies additional fees, but people who don’t like DIY solutions will appreciate it.

Simplisafe – this is a kit that includes sirens, alarms, monitoring system, and a number of sensors that detect movement, fires, and even natural disasters. Why is it called Simplisafe? Because you can control the whole system using one device and a security code keypad. If you want to save money, you’ll appreciate this system for simple installation. There are many all-in-one solutions, but not many of them include an alarming monitoring system. It’s a perfect solution for small homes and apartments.

Link Interactive – If you’re looking for a traditional security system, Link Interactive is a good choice for you. It takes care of your house while you can do whatever you want, with no need to control the system. It includes sensors, locks, and a professional monitoring system. You can also install an app and control it remotely. Link also includes advanced protection of your electricity, in case a burglar tries to turn it off.

Scout – This system is much more flexible than its competitors. The system consists of only four sensors and is controlled using one hub. All devices can be installed anywhere in your house, allowing you to create your own security system. It comes with an easy-to-use app that will notify you if your alarms suddenly go off. Prices for monitoring start from $10 a month, which makes this system rather inexpensive. However, this system also has a considerable disadvantage: It does not support security cameras.

Brinks – Brinks is a great solution, especially if you already have some smart security devices. It’s a set of smart wireless gadgets that can be customized as you like. Remote monitoring involves a monthly fee that starts from $20, which is not too bad but get this set in stone. A good feature is you can always cancel it for free.

Protect America – Choosing Protect America, you can select one of many customizable plans. This system allows you to add as many smart gadgets as you want, from simple sensors to Amazon’s Echo. It comes as an all-in-one solution, and the system is installed by professionals. Prices are rather high and you won’t be able to change the chosen plan. However, if you’re not satisfied with other traditional systems, Protect America may be the right choice.

ADT – This is, probably, the most conservative security system. However, recently, ADT released their updated Pulse line, which is a fruit of its collaboration with such partners as Samsung SmartThings and Nest. Some packages include free installation, and the system itself also includes some free options, such as a Nest Thermostat. On the other hand, we suggest reading your contract carefully because it can’t be called flexible.

Nest Secure – If you’re a fan of DIY solutions and don’t want to pay monthly fees for monitoring services, Nest is your best choice. This system was made for people who love managing their smart homes. It consists of a motion sensor, hub, and a satellite sensor. The latter is called Detect and helps in guarding windows and doors. A Tag system makes it possible for certain people and animals to pass through sensors without triggering the alarm. You can add as many sensors and cameras as you need, which is also a great thing, however, Nest devices are not cheap.

Abode – It’s one of the simplest starter kits on the market, and it is also beautiful. It includes a motion sensor, hub, door sensor, and a key fob. This system allows you to install your devices wherever you need. You can also buy additional cameras and sensors and control your security system using a simple app. There are also many plans available, including weekly and 3-day options.

Conclusion

There are many ways to make your home a safe place. Some smart systems are simple and allow you to create your own scheme, adjusting every device to your needs. Others will be good for users who want to forget about all troubles, buying an optimal monitoring plan. Smart home gadgets come in all shapes and sizes, so everyone can choose a solution that will be best for a particular house.

There is a whole world of dummy cameras, easily installed, even some that move and blink. Great to make anyone think twice. There are even systems that can trigger a broadcast of a large dog bark when a doorbell is rang or any other noise is detected, like breaking glass.

It’s important to understand that, even though you cannot stop criminal activity, you are still able to make your home a challenge even for the most experienced burglars. New security technologies will help you protect yourself and your family, so you have more peace of mind when it comes to your homes security, no matter where you are.

BIO
Berta Melder is a brand manager and co-founder of Masterra.com. Being passionate about her job, she cooperates with different universities as a guest lecturer on examples of leading brands, cases of successful personal branding. In her spare time she enjoys creative writing and blogging. Follow @BertaMelder on Twitter.

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Tara’s Great Grandmother’s Piccadilly Relish Recipe

Since canning season will soon be under way and all of your dedicated Pack members have been asking about recipes (Dan is working on a recipes section) I am going to share my great grandmother’s piccadilly recipe. It is a great way to use up what is left over in the garden and to make great use of your typical bumper crops. Ingredients • 1 cup of finely chopped red bell peppers – about 1...

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Russia’s Cyber Warfare Tactics: Countries Are Panicking

One of the main focus points in the prepping community has been the risk of an EMP, specifically from North Korea. While we have had our eyes on their missile program, we have missed what could be an even greater threat to our grid.

from Survivopedia
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Monday, July 16, 2018

A Small Issue…

Hey everyone, I’m writing a quick post about the “conflict” between the Pack and the previous owner. The ex-owner reached out to Tara, after one (or some) of you said you want to re-post your old comments that were deleted along with the previous TSB content could be copyright infringements. Though I wished he had contacted me directly (Tara doesn’t have moderation rights)...

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