“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.”
― Leon C. Megginson
What is Bushcraft? Bushcraft is a skill that is used and needed by people to survive and even thrive in the wild. This skill however isn’t going to be learned by reading books or watching documentaries (although it will help) but by experience and mistakes. Learning bushcraft will require not only determination, patience, or time but also skills and quick wits. Being the strongest doesn’t always means the one who survives but being smart will increase your chance.
When you are in a situation where you cannot get help from anyone because you are stranded somewhere, you need to know how to survive. The best way to handle a survival situation is to prepare ahead of time. This means purchasing all of the necessary items that you will need in case a disaster strikes and you need to survive. This could be a hurricane, tornado, terrorist threat or any other tragedy that limits your ability to get help from the officials in your city or town.
The first item to put on your survival checklist is water. There is no way you will be able to survive anywhere without fresh water to drink. Since water doesn’t expire or spoil, you can just purchase gallon jugs of water or packages of bottled water at your local supermarket. Make sure you get the natural spring water and not the kind that has added minerals to it. The next item on your survival checklist should be food. To get more specific, you will need food that comes in cans because you’ll want to be able to store it away for awhile until disaster strikes. Next you will want to think about the tools you will need in a disaster. Some essential tools include a flashlight, solar powered smartphone charger, smartphone, poncho, knife, lighter, matches and a can opener. The smartphone and solar charger is important because it may be your only link to the outside world if you are stranded somewhere. All of the other tools will help you survive in your current environment until help arrives or until you find your way out of wherever you are.
Some additional items to put on your survival checklist are clothes and a first aid kit. If you are living in the north then you will obviously want to have jackets and sweaters stored away for emergencies. That way you will be able to bare the colder temperatures, especially if it is snowing outside. The first aid kit is also important because it has band aids and disinfectant formulas to help treat scrapes and cuts if you get hurt.
Finally, you should probably include a gun on your checklist. If you are in an isolated environment that requires you to survive on your own, then chances are there will be others in that area in the same situation. This could mean they will try to steal your supplies or possibly kill you for your supplies. By having a gun with ammo clips ready, you will be able to fight off dangerous people or animals that you may come across in a survival situation.
Very nice, inexpensive and useful tool. You should buy one for your kid and one for survival kit.
122db whistle can be heard over most natural and man made noises
Pea-less, this whistle will never rust or freeze up and it floats
Compact design fits comfortably in your pocket
Short lanyard allow you to hook it to your backpack, wrist, keychain, purse, anywhere it is easily accessible
Made in the USA
Emergency thermal (space) blanket and how/when to use it
Emergency thermal (space) blanket
The emergency thermal blanket has many names. The most popular nickname is the space blanket because it was developed by NASA to protect astronauts from rough space environments and temperatures. More importantly, these blankets are resistant to the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. They are made out of a material called silver mylar. This material is made up of a plastic called polyimide, which is heat resistant and coated with a special metallic reflecting material to drive away radiation. Since outer space gives astronauts zero protection from sunrays because there is no atmosphere, the emergency thermal blanket is their only protection. The silver mylar material is built into their space suits, and was even built into the lunar modules of the Apollo era.
One side of the military thermal blanket is green:
Emergency thermal (space) blanket
In modern times, space blankets have expanded beyond astronomical use. Now they are a popular consumer item generally found in first aid and emergency survival kits. The number one use for it is to protect yourself from the cold if you are stranded outside. Despite the thinness of the silver mylar, it can actually keep a person very warm when completely wrapped around their body. It does this by preventing your body from losing heat due to the cold. Space blankets also offer protection against water and wind as well. For example, if you were outside during a thunderstorm with heavy winds and rain, you would barely feel any impact from the wind on your skin if you were wrapped in a space blanket. As for the rain, none of your clothes underneath the blanket would get wet. This will come in very handy if you are stranded in the woods and want to prevent yourself from catching pneumonia during a heavy rainstorm. Plus if you have ever watched a marathon runner finish a race outside in cold weather, you will likely find somebody giving them a space blanket as soon as they are done. This is a safety precaution to prevent the runner from getting hypothermia.
In pop culture, space blankets and silver mylar have often been associated with aliens and extraterrestrial life. Some claim that aliens were the inventors of the material and that it was discovered by military intelligence after the UFO Roswell crash of 1947. Some may believe this while others will claim it to be science fiction. One thing is for sure, silver mylar is definitely a very unique material that is light weight and easy to use in an emergency situation outdoors.
Here is the list of the 10 Best Bug Out Bags for preppers:
1. Echo-Sigma Emergency Bug Out Bag – Complete Survival Solution With Gear & Supplies To Last Up To 10 Days
Quality gear is expensive but this bug out bag is well worth the price. You receive backpack with gear and supplies to last up to 10 days!
All items included in the bag are pre-configured and ready to use right out of the box.
Echo-Sigma Emergency Bug Out Bag
Kit contents include:
1 Three Day Pass Backpack by Sandpiper of California
SOG S44 multitool
1 Hydration System (2.5 Liter) by Condor Outdoor
1 Suisse Sport Zero Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag
1 Echo-Sigma Provision Pack (3-10 days)
3 Full Size A-Pack MRE meals complete with heater, side dishes and drink mixes
9 Food Ration Bars (400 Calories each and nutritionally fortified)
5 Liters of 5 Year Storage Pure Drinking Water
Paper Napkins
1 Echo-Sigma Compact Survival Kit
1 Compass
1 Emergency Whistle
1 Emergency Blanket by Coghlan’s
1 BIC Brand Butane Disposable Lighter
1 Magnesium Fire Starter with Flint Striker
40 Waterproof Matches by Coghlan’s
1 Tinder Kit by Coghlan’s with Flint Striker
50 Inches of Duct Tape
1 Bottle of Water Purification Tablets by Coghlan’s
2 Chemical Light Sticks by Coghlan’s
2 BIC Brand Ball Point Pens
1 Pad of Paper
1 Set of Earplugs
1 Echo-Sigma 68 Piece Compact First Aid Kit
1 Waterproof Aircraft Aluminum Tactical LED Flashlight by Fenix (190 Lumen)
1 Emergency Multiband Multi-Power Weather Radio by Eton (with USB phone charger)
50 Feet of Military Grade 550 Paracord
10 Extra Large Zip Ties
1 Camp Trowel
1 Coghlan’s Emergency Tube Tent
1 Emergency Poncho
1 Plexiglass Mirror for signaling help
1 Thermal Sleeping Bag Cocoon by Survival Industries
6 Premium AA Alkaline Batteries (guaranteed fresh for 10 years)
1 Pair Work Gloves
2 N95 Rated Respirator Masks
1 Set of Protective Goggles
2 Hand Warmers by Coghlan’s
Weight: 34 lbs. Shipped
2. Emergency Get Home Bag – Mid-Sized Disaster Preparedness Kit
Mid-sized disaster preparedness kit that is perfectly suited to keep on hand in your office, vehicle or dorm room.
Emergency Get Home Bag
Kit contents include:
1 Compact Assault Pack By Condor Outdoor
Gerber Dime Tool
1 Hydration System (2.5 Liter) by Condor Outdoor
1 Echo-Sigma 1-3 Day Provision Pack
6 Food Ration Bars (400 Calories each and nutritionally fortified)
2.5 Liters of 5 Year Storage Pure Drinking Water
Paper Napkins
All weather storage
1 Echo-Sigma Compact Survival Kit
1 Compass
1 Emergency Whistle
1 Emergency Blanket by Coghlan’s
1 BIC Brand Butane Disposable Lighter
1 Magnesium Fire Starter with Flint Striker
40 Waterproof Matches by Coghlan’s
1 Tinder Kit by Coghlan’s with Flint Striker
50 Inches of Duct Tape
1 Bottle of Water Purification Tablets by Coghlan’s
2 Chemical Light Sticks by Coghlan’s
2 BIC Brand Ball Point Pens
1 Pad of Paper
1 Set of Earplugs
1 Echo-Sigma 68 Piece Compact First Aid Kit
1 Waterproof Aircraft Aluminum LED Flashlight by Fenix (170 Lumen)
1 Coghlan’s Emergency Tube Tent
1 Emergency Poncho
1 Plexiglass Mirror for signaling help
1 Thermal Sleeping Bag Cocoon by Survival Industries
6 Premium AA Alkaline Batteries (guaranteed fresh for 10 years)
50 Feet of Military Grade 550 Paracord
10 Extra Large Zip Ties
1 Pair Work Gloves
N95 Rated Respirator Masks
1 Set of Protective Goggles
2 Hand Warmers by Coghlan’s
Weight: 17 lbs. Shipped
3. Echo-Sigma Runner System – Compact Disaster Preparedness Kit
The Echo-Sigma Runner is a compact disaster preparedness kit that is designed for individuals who either want to stay super mobile or add emergency kit features to their existing compliment of gear.
Echo-Sigma Runner System
Kit contents include:
1 HCB Pack By Condor Outdoor
1 Modular MOLLE Compatible Utility Pouch by Condor Outdoor
1 Echo-Sigma Micro Provision Pack
6 Food Ration Bars (400 Calories each and nutritionally fortified)
1 Liter of 5 Year Storage Pure Drinking Water
All weather storage
1 Echo-Sigma Compact Survival Kit
1 Compass
1 Emergency Whistle
1 Emergency Blanket by Coghlan’s
1 BIC Brand Butane Disposable Lighter
1 Magnesium Fire Starter with Flint Striker
40 Waterproof Matches by Coghlan’s
1 Tinder Kit by Coghlan’s with Flint Striker
50 Inches of Duct Tape
1 Bottle of Water Purification Tablets by Coghlan’s
2 Chemical Light Sticks by Coghlan’s
2 BIC Brand Ball Point Pens
1 Pad of Paper
1 Set of Earplugs
1 Echo-Sigma 68 Piece Compact First Aid Kit
1 Emergency Poncho
1 Pair Work Gloves
2 N95 Rated Respirator Masks
1 Set of Protective Goggles
2 Hand Warmers by Coghlan’s
Weight: 8 lbs. Shipped
4 Person Survival Kit packed in a bag which doesn’t look tactical.
All items are packed securely by Survival Kits Online in a deluxe duffel bag. The kit includes the following:
* 48 -Pouches of Datrex Water – twice the amount of water as leading suppliers and each pouch has a 5 year shelf-life
* 48 – 200 Calorie Food Bars – 5 year shelf-life
* 40 – Water Purification Tablets – each tablet purifies 1 liter of water
* 1 – Hand Crank AM/FM/ Band Radio never needs batteries.
* 2 – Hand Squeeze Rechargeable Flashlight
* 1 – 5 in 1 Survival Whistle – compass, signal mirror, flint starter, waterproof container,lanyard and shrill whistle
* 1 – Box 50 Water Proof Matches
* 1 – Fire Starter – Provides sufficient shavings to start hundreds of fires
* 4 – Mylar Sleeping Bags – Recommended over common “space blankets”
* 4 – Emergency Poncho with Hood
* 2 – 2 Person Tube Tent with Rope
* 1 – 16 Function Knife
* 1 – Pair Leather Palm Gloves
* 1 – 50 Foot Rope
* 4 – Personal Hygiene Kits includes Soap, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, 9 Handy Wipes
* 4 – N95 Masks * 8 – Tissue Packs all purpose
* 1 – Large First Aid Kit – contains the essentials needed for any type of fist aid emergency
* 1 – On Duty/Gas Shut Off Wrench Designed by a fire fighter. Use to shut off gas and water. Pry open doors and windows. Will not spark if struck against metal. Safe to use.
* 1 – Can Opener
* 2 – Waste Bags
* 1 – 2.5 Gallon Water Bag
* 4 – Body Warmers – last for 16- 20 hours
* 4 – 12 Hour Light Sticks
* 1 – Portable Stove with Fuel Tablets
* 1 – Package of Survival Candles
* 1 – Deck of Cards
5. Urban Survival Bug Out Bag
Urban Survival Bug Out Bag for two persons.
Urban Survival Bug Out Bag
Contents:
ORGANIZATION: black backpack, zip lock bags x5, waterproof document container.
WEATHER PROTECTION: Reflective sleeping bags x2, adult size poncho x2, 2 person tube tent, hand warmers x2.
FOOD AND WATER: US Coast Guard approved 5 year shelf life 3600 calorie bars x 2, : US Coast Guard approved 5 year shelf life 4.2 oz water pouches x12, 1 L water purification powder x5, folding 1 L water container for purifying water, water purification instruction sheet.
LIGHT AND COMMUNICATION: Dynamo AM/FM radio/flashlight/mobile phone charger, 10 piece mobile phone adapter set for charging mobile phone with dynamo, light sticks x2.
HYGIENE: Toothbrush x2, toothpaste, comb, razor, shaving cream, shampoo, soap, feminine pad x2, washcloth, toilet paper roll, sewing kit.
FIRST AID: 53 Pc first aid kit with band aids, dressing, butterfly closures, cotton tip applicators, sanitizer, as well as N95 masks x2, self-adhesive bandage, tweezers, trauma scissors, instant ice pack, pair of medical grade nitrile gloves.
MISC SUPPLIES: 10yd duct tape, 5 in 1 survival whistle, 50 ft rope, leather palm work gloves, multi tool knife, playing cards, GI can opener, pencil, Emergency Preparedness Guide.
6. Extreme Survival Kit Deluxe for Four People
Extreme Survival Kit Deluxe for Four People
Extreme Survival Kit Deluxe for Four People is a three day plus emergency kit with water, food, tools, first aid, and sanitary provisions to assist four people during a prolonged disaster situation.
(1) 21″ Colt Tactical Backpack
(32) Datrex Emergency Water Packs (4.2oz each)
(2) 3600 Calorie Datrex Emergency Food Packs (eighteen food bars per pack)
(6) Wise Foods Gourmet Cook in Pouch Freeze Dried Food Packets (two servings per packet)
(2) Sporks
(1) Esbit Solid Fuel Stove and Cookset
(12) Esbit Solid Fuel Tablets
(4) BRW Emergency Sleeping Bag (waterproof, windproof, and lightweight)
(4) BRW Emergency Ponchos
(1) BRW Tube Tent
(3) Cyalume Military Grade Snaplight 12 Hour Light Sticks
(1) Original Candle Lantern
(3) 9 hour replacement candles,
50 Feet of 500lb Grade Paracord
(1) Explorer Compass with Signal Mirror
(1) Explorer Ring Wire Saw
(1) Fox 40 Pearl Whistle
(1) Swedish Firesteel Knife
(1) Aquamira Emergency Water Filter Straw (filters up to 20 gallons)
(1) Potable Aqua Tabs bottle 50ct
(12) Survival Matches
(1) Bic Lighter
(1) 7 LED Mini Flashlight
(1) Deck Playing Cards
(4) Dust Masks
(2) Pair Heavy Work Gloves,
(3) 12″ X 15″ Water/Refuse Storage Bags
(1) 8X10′ Waterproof Tarp
(1) Carbon Steel Folding Shovel / Entrenching Tool. Also included is a large Zippmo First Aid Kit & Toiletry Kit.
7. Ready America Emergency Kit
Ready America Emergency Kit
Each kit contains enough emergency supplies to sustain two people for three days, as recommended by the American Red Cross. There’s food, water, and emergency blankets, plus a 33-piece First Aid kit, two 12-hour safety light sticks, dust masks, nitrile gloves, and an emergency whistle. Each kit also contains emergency ponchos and pocket tissues. The kit, in a handy backpack, can be stored at home, at school, or at the office.
You remember the days when you grabbed your sleeping bag and built a fort in the living room or stayed over at a friend’s house. The bag unrolled on the floor and the indoor adventure began, but at the time, you probably never thought of your sleeping bag as a valuable piece of survival gear.
A sleeping bag is not just a blanket to roll up in, it is a shelter from the elements and it can save your life in extreme cold weather if you have the right bag. Not all bags are created equal however, and you must match the bag with your outdoor adventure.
Getting Started
Anyone that has camped in sub zero temperatures would probably agree that a mummy type sleeping bag is better designed to keep you warm. However, some may find it a bit constricting so the open faced one or one that unzips into a large blanket, if you will, may be more desirable in milder climates. In extreme cold areas, you want as much of your body covered as possible however, and this includes the head and the sides of your face so make sure your mummy type bag has a hood that encloses your head and face and the hood should be adjustable.
For extreme cold weather adventures, you would want the bag to be able to protect you at zero degrees or lower. Bags are rated at various temperatures but it is better to have below zero protection even if you do not necessarily need it each night.
There is no standard in the Untied States for sleeping bag ratings such as is the case in Europe where they have the EN 13537 standard. What this essentially means is a bag rated for 20ᵒF from one manufacturer in the United States can differ from another manufacture making the same rating claim because there are no standards.
Make sure the bag is big enough for your body. Mummy bags should have extra material at the feet for warmth and enough room so your feet are not squeezed together. Check the shoulder space to make sure you can move around or even roll over inside the bag if needed.
Type of Fill
Goose down in and of itself is by far the better insulator but once placed in a sleeping bag it does have its drawbacks over certain synthetic materials. Goose down when wet has almost no insulating qualities. While it has “loft”, which means it expands to provide air pockets that are essential to maintaining warmth throughout the night, the down is easily compacted causing cold spots unless the bag is a high enough quality to where the down is in individual pockets inside the lining. The pockets keep the down from spreading thin as you lay on it.
Down filled bags must be dried properly and not stored rolled up to prevent compacting the down. It would be necessary to have a waterproof sleeping bag cover or Bivy, which can act as a shelter if you do not have a tent to protect you from the elements. Once the down becomes wet, it must be dried before storing. Most experts would agree sleeping with wet down in cold weather is more dangerous than sleeping without the bag at all because anyone sleeping on damp material can easily succumb to hypothermia.
A synthetic material such as PrimaLoft® is a microfiber thermal insulator that provides close to the same insulating qualities as down. PrimaLoft was developed specifically for the United States Army in the 1980s. The material is comparable to goose down but it does not lose its insulating qualities when wet and is easily dried and can be stored rolled up tight. Additionally it is considerably less expensive than goose down.
The material does not compact like goose down so it reduces cold spots and can provide more cushioning against the ground. However, with any sleeping bag it is recommended that you use a sleeping mat to providing cushioning and insulation because sleeping bags simply do not provide much protection against the ground.
The bag of course must have a zipper that allows opening from inside the bag. The zipper area should be reinforced with a draft tube along the zipper so there is not a “cold zone”.
The bag should come with a water resistant if not waterproof carry bag that can be lashed to your pack to keep the bag dry during rainy hikes. The sleeping bag must be such that it can be rolled tight when not in use.
Know the climate in the area you will be hiking or camping in so you can be prepared. A bag that protects you at below zero will protect you at below zero and above but a bag rated between 32 and 50ᵒF could create a serious problem if the temperature drops below freezing.
