Never go thirsty in the wild again

Want to know your biggest problem when you’re lost in the wild? It’s not the animals, or the lack of food. Exposure is a killer, especially if you’re in a particularly bad bit of weather, but once you’ve got shelter comes an all-important concern. Water. Without water, you’ve got about three days to live....

Post-SHTF remedies for cleaner teeth

It was only recently I had my wisdom teeth removed. It was something I was putting off for the longest time, and a procedure that surprisingly knocked me off my feet for a day or two while I recovered. And it really got me thinking, what if this had happened when things had well...

Get deadly accurate with a crossbow

If there’s one weapon that every survivalist needs in their arsenal, it’s the crossbow. Capable of packing an impressive punch for what’s essentially just a hi-tech bow, wars have been won and lost thanks to the deadly precision and incredible power a crossbow offers. Of course, it doesn’t compare to a rifle, and in...

How to make tasty mead at home

When it comes to brewing up a batch of alcohol, there’s nothing better to make than mead, which many historians believe was the first ever fermented drink. Big in both Europe and parts of Asia, mead is a simple drink to make, with the primary components being honey, water and yeast. Long before there...

Beware of these poisonous plants

If you’re living off the land, you need to be very careful what you put into your mouth. Perhaps you’ve got held up with your bug out and your food supplies are running low, or you’re just trying to exist a little closer to nature. Because while foraging for food is a viable option...

Why you need a vacuum sealer

Now it’s all well and good to invest in the big-ticket prepping items like a generator, bug out vehicles and the rest, but there’s one neat little tool that will save you real money in your kitchen. And that’s a vacuum sealer. I got one from the wife last Christmas, and over the last...

Don’t get caught out by fake cops

When most people see a police uniform, they immediately turn compliant. It’s almost ingrained in us to respect their authority and obey their commands, ever since we were a kid. And with the rise in police brutality in recent years, let’s face it - you’d be silly to do anything but follow precisely what...

Learn these critical winter survival skills today

Winter is my favorite season. I can wear jeans and a hoodie as much as I like, the crisp morning air is incredibly refreshing, and I can finally not feel too bad passing over the endless list of things to do around our homestead, but it’s a dangerous period too. Because the cold is...

Will you be trampled escaping a crisis?

If you’ve ever felt the crush from a large crowd of people you know exactly what I’m talking about. Concerts, demonstrations, and even large-scale protests have the potential to go terribly wrong simply because of the number of people there. It’s all well and good for the most part, but when there’s a trigger...

Tips for starting your garden during winter

Despite the winter cold really drawing out, spring will be here before we know it and there’s many things you can start doing now for your garden. I always thought that I could only work on my garden in the spring, but as we spend more and more winters on our homestead the list...

Use these scenarios to test your preparedness level

When the SHTF even the best-made plans will go out the window. It doesn’t matter how much you’ve theorized, how much you’ve imagined what you’d do next, until you’ve put your plans to the test they aren’t worth much more than the paper they’re written out on. And that is, if you’ve even written...

Do this now to survive the year ahead

You and I both know that the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel is still a way off, and despite the fact the markets are soaring on the backs of the news for a vaccine, in my opinion it’ll be months (if not longer) before we can even think about returning to...

Tips to teach your dog to hunt

When you’re about to start training your new puppy for their first hunt, it’s an exciting time. I’ve had so many adventures with my furry companions I couldn’t imagine going on a hike or hunt without them, and with a little guidance they can be a critical asset on a hunt. Retrieving birds you’ve...

Creating sustainability in the suburbs

It wasn’t always that we had a nice bit of land out in the sticks to call our own, for years we were cooped up in the city. As a teen, I had a tiny studio apartment that you could barely turn around in, and once I got married we moved into a house...

Lessons in prepping from a tough 2020

When we look back on the year that was, there’s no doubt in my mind 2020 will go down as one of the toughest years in history. From toilet paper shortages to ongoing lockdowns that forced us to work from home, keep our kids out of school, and sent unemployment rates through the roof,...

Have you stockpiled these protein sources?

On a bet last year with an old army buddy, we had a standoff to see who could hold out and “go vegan” the longest. I dove right into the challenge, but what I didn’t think about was how a lack of protein would affect me if I didn’t find an alternative. Without my...

Why you need to write a survival diary

To this day I still call it a diary after my daughter teased me about it, but to me, keeping a log – or a journal if you prefer that term – is a critical element to being prepared. Because it’s a record, it’s information, and inside it’s the guidebook you need to successfully...

Do-it-yourself guide to making soap

If there’s anything we’ve learnt this year when it comes to surviving a pandemic, it’s that sanitation needs to be top of the list. But you can only stock up on so much soap. Eventually, knowing how to make your own soap is a smart move, and once I started making our own I...

Tips for hunting game with a slingshot

If you’re looking for a quiet weapon that allows you to reliably bring in small game, opting to add a slingshot to your bug out kit is a smart choice. They’re compact and lightweight, and are much more convenient to have on you than carrying a rifle. In your jacket pocket a slingshot might...

The right way to create fire in winter

With winter approaching fast, one particular element of survival that’s critical to master is building a fire. A campfire will keep you warm on any nights you need to rough it in the wild, the light provides a welcome sense of security, and if you’re wanting to cook up a feed, you definitely need...

How to make homemade disinfectant

When the stores were stripped bare and it was impossible to buy disinfectant at the height of the pandemic, many people weren’t aware there was a plan B. In our home, we’ve been making our own cleaning products for years, because it’s far cheaper than what comes pre-mixed in the stores, and I know...

Getting yourself “off-grid” in 30 days

When we first moved to our homestead it took the better part of a year to get ourselves completely off the grid. There was so much to learn, so much I didn’t know, and quite a few mistakes I made as we transitioned from what we now look back on as “normal” life, and...

The right way to escape a riot in your car

There’s no question an out of control riot is a scary thing, the destruction and “mob mentality” of the participants means they’re likely to do anything. Where an individual might hesitate before beating a man to death, in the fury of a riot these sensibilities can be thrown out the window. And if you’re...

Survival tips when you’re lost in the woods

As much as I hate to admit it to all of you, I have to be honest - I’ve been lost in the woods on a number of different occasions. I like to think of myself a capable woodsman, but when I’m on a hunt or I get too focused on what I’m doing...

The art of making your own liquor

I know alcohol features heavily in my survival stockpile, and I’m hoping you’ve already come to a similar conclusion for yours. It’s a well-sought-after consumable that many people will happily trade for, even now, and I’ll admit, I may drink a little more than I should on some occasions. But that’s neither here nor...

Do you really need a faraday cage?

From lightning strikes to a nuke being set off in the atmosphere, we’ve become so reliant on technology that it’s frightening to think what would happen once things no longer “turn on.” But that’s a reality we need to be prepared for, because while an EMP strike at this magnitude has not happened yet,...

Ways to communicate after the SHTF

I watched a zombie movie over the weekend, and as their world plunged into chaos there was one element that I thought they did well. That once the grid goes down, and everyone is trying to use their phones, the mobile carriers would be overwhelmed. There’s just not enough bandwidth for everyone to make...

How to build a safe room in your home

With riots all over the country and tensions that have never been higher, one particular project I had been neglecting in our new home was the construction of a safe room. We’d set this up ourselves in our last place in the city, and thankfully never had to use it. But on the homestead,...

Tips for de-stressing in uncertain times

If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a similar tendency to overthink pretty much everything. Especially when you start doing any sort of research into the things that “could” happen, and you learn just how close we dance with disaster every day, I’ll forgive you for having stress and anxiety levels that are a...

Learn these skills for urban survival

There’s more to survival than starting a fire or being able to put together a makeshift shelter, and for the millions of patriots living in the city there are a handful of skills I believe imperative you learn to ensure your survival. Because when a crisis does strike, many people are going to be...

Don’t make these mistakes with stored food

I see my food supply as an investment, one that will ensure my family is fed, full and happy no matter what else is going on in the outside world. It’s like a rainy-day fund, one I hope I’ll never need to tap into, but I sleep a little more soundly knowing I’ve got...

How to keep buried money safe

If you believe the banks have your best interests at heart, I’ve got an investment proposal I’d like you to hear. Oh come on, of course I’m kidding because you know as well as I do that when your money is in the bank, it’s not really your money. Whenever there is a crisis,...

Should you be stocking up on MREs?

When you start learning about long-term food storage, you’ll inevitable hear about MRE’s.  They’re a staple in the survival community, and for good reason. MRE’s are one of the easiest ways to get a decent meal when chaos has descended to all around you. Part of most military kits, the “Meal, Ready-to-Eat” is synonymous with...

How to be a survivor like John Wick

If you’ve not seen the John Wick movies, all three are worth a binge. I’m a big fan of Keanu Reeves, from his earliest flicks he’s always a dominating presence on screen, and as a survivalist there’s a lot you can take away from a character like he portrays in these films. Things you...

Tips to help you survive a sudden riot

If you’re trying to stay under the radar or avoid trouble, keeping away from the rioting and protests going on in cities all over the country should be easy. When you’re approaching an area that’s not safe, simply turn on your heel and get the hell out of there. If you see a crowd,...

What I learned about survival from the scouts

Over the weekend I watched the Scout’s Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, and while it was a bit of a tongue-in-cheek horror film, it got me thinking. You see, when I was younger I spent quite a bit of time in the scouts myself. My parents signed me up as a “Cub” when I...

Simple tricks so you never get lost

When you start hiking deeper and deeper into the backcountry, your chances of getting lost increase dramatically. But getting lost doesn’t mean it’s time to panic, because there are a few simple tricks you can use to find your way back. And if you’re conscious of these in the first place, you may find...

Are thieves targeting your family home?

With the looming recession and record numbers of Americans filing for unemployment it’s inevitable there will be a rise in petty crimes. People who are out of work, lacking money or the means to put food on the table for their family will get desperate quick, and I’m expecting that in the months to...

Homesteading projects to tackle on lockdown

I count my blessings every day for the sheer amount of space we have on our homestead, after living in the city and battling traffic and tiny apartments, it’s nice to be able to do what I want, in and around my home. And part of this is all of my “survival” projects that...

The importance of growing what you eat

When I first started gardening I didn’t really put a lot of thought into it. I’d get out when the mood hit me over a weekend and get everything planted, and ultimately while things grew, it was quite clear I didn’t have one of those sought-after green-thumbs. In fact, it was only when I...

Stockpiling objectives for the rest of 2020

It was only a matter of time. As the lockdowns lift, the tensions that have been building for generations, simmering just below the surface are unleashed in cities across our beautiful country. I know how easy it is to get caught up in the outrage, the news cycle, and everything you see in the...

Stop diarrhea when you’ve got the runs

In a survival situation, a case of the runs can be disastrous. Not only is it uncomfortable with the pains and cramps in your stomach, you’re confined to spending the next 48 to 72 hours on the toilet. This can hinder your ability to evacuate an area and safely get out of dodge, stay...

Survive the recession by eliminating these costs

If you’ve not yet seen the writing on the walls you may be in for a shock. No matter how much money the Fed prints, there’s a recession coming. We may keep it at bay another 6 or 12 months, but before you know it our economy is going to sink into depression. There’s...

Answering a potential attacker at your door

Knock, knock, knock. It’s a sound we’ve all heard, but when there’s someone at your door you need to be sure of who it is before you decide to unlock it and let them in. Because there’s a rising number of bad people out there, and you need to take care of your own. Opening...

The right way to fill your survival library

I’m a big fan of old books, and as anyone who has ever been to my house will happily attest to, there are volumes and volumes stacked wherever there is an inch or two of space. But there’s very few romance novels or fantasy books in here. Most are the result of a lifetimes...

How to bake bread while we’re on lockdown

As I look back on the last couple of months spent in lockdown, I’m surprised at just how much we were able to achieve, even while the world seemed to stop around us. But one setback we had was our waning supply bread. You see, I’m a big fan of fresh bread, and we ran...

Why you must keep your prepping quiet

When people ask me about the biggest threat we face, they’re always expecting me to go on about the latest pandemic, a catastrophic event, or some specific kind of disaster they need to prepare for. But the reality is much more mundane, and is far more frightening. No matter what happens, the biggest threat...

Guidelines for girls learning to fight

As a father with two daughters, I’ve been pretty relaxed about all but one aspect in their life. The need to learn self-defense. It’s non-negotiable for me, and while they’d both rather be in dance class or hanging out in the mall, they’ve also committed to spending time learning their choice of martial arts....

Converting your car to apocalypse ready

In a crisis when you need to evacuate fast, your car is going to be your best means of transportation. But ensuring it’s up to the task is no easy feat, especially if you’ve not had the foresight to plan ahead and make a few key preparations. In the article today, I’ll be sharing...

Staying sane through mandatory quarantine

As more and more people are infected, mandatory quarantine has quickly become the new normal to combat the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. But it does represent a challenging period, especially if you’ve got multiple family members under one roof (or find yourself completely isolated for the 14-day recommended quarantine period). Staying sane can...

Bringing your dog into your SHTF plans

When I was living in the city it was impossible to have a dog. We always had pets at home growing up, but the cramped quarters and the long hours I worked just wouldn’t have been fair on a little furry companion. So, when we left the city for our homestead, one of the...

Natural foods to give your immune system a boost

I’m a big fan of healthy living, and while I’ll happily go see the doctor when me or my family is sick, I’d much rather boost my immune system naturally so it never gets to a stage where we need to be hospitalized to recover. And with the coronavirus the hot new topic, I...

The effectiveness of pepper spray in a fight

For anyone wanting to gain the upper hand in a fight, pepper spray is an ideal solution. In one tiny spray canister is enough power to knock a fully-grown man to his knees, which is definitely reassuring if you’re ever in a situation where you’re outmatched. Concealed in the canister you can carry in...

Don’t put your doorbell footage at risk

I’m all for using technology to be better prepared, but the current situation that’s hitting customers of the Amazon Ring is rather disturbing. There’s no question internet-enabled doorbells are a fantastic upgrade, giving homeowners live-streaming visibility of anyone who ventures into their yards or approaches the door. Motion-triggered sensors make this a completely hands-off...

Living life in the fallout of nuclear war

It’s been years since we were really ever worried about bombs falling from the sky, but that doesn’t mean the threat has gone. There’re nations out there with more than enough capabilities to launch an attack on U.S. soil, and in my opinion, one topic that never really gets enough play is what life...