KA-BAR 5704 ZK (Zombie Killer) Chop Stick Machete

I will need a machete for the emergency kit/camping equipment soon and found this review over at Willow Haven Outdoor:

Product Review: KA-BAR 5704 ZK (Zombie Killer) Chop Stick Machete

/http://willowhavenoutdoor.com/uncategorized/product-review-ka-bar-5704-zk-zombie-killer-chop-stick-machete/

It's higher priced than I can afford and it sounds like there may be more choices out there.  Will need to keep looking!

Off-Grid Clothes Washing

I am pretty reliant on the washing machine and dryer right now.  If there were no electricity I would not have a problem hanging a clothesline.  I would use some paracord and just string it across two solid objects. 

Washing by hand would be a lot harder.  You'd need a bucket, detergent and water.  But your hands sure will get tired and pruney.

I ran across this post about the Hillbilly Washing Machine and I thought it was neat.  I already have a bucket but I'd have to get a new plunger from Walmart.

If you have a secure lid for the bucket another thing you can do is just soak the dirty clothes in the bucket (like colors only), then snap on the lid.  First check if it leaks.  If the lid is snug, roll the bucket around and most of the clothes should come out clean after a few minutes - low tech agitating action!   Wring all the water out and hang to dry. 

Bar-ricade Home Defense Door Security Bar Contest at reThinkSurvival.com

Door security is so important as you never know if someone may try to kick down your door.

I've installed chain door locks but they still look flimsy to me.  I just came across the Bar-ricade Home Defense Door Security Bar and it looks pretty sturdy.  And you might just have a chance to win.  ReThinkSurvival.com is holding a contest this final week of National Preparedness Month.

http://rethinksurvival.com/posts/win-a-free-bar-ricade-home-defense-door-security-bar/

Contest ends this Friday, 9/28/2012 so don't wait to enter.  You might just get lucky!

Still Looking at Emergency Lighting

Last post, I checked out a flashlight review.  This time, I am looking at a head lamp.  They look a little odd, but they are convenient, as your hands remain free to do chores in the dark.  I saw this review over at Modern Survival Online:

Equipment Review: Zebralight H502 AA Flood Headlamp

It's $69 at Amazon.  It's lightweight and convenient, both good qualities for lighting.

Looking for a Good Flashlight

I discovered one of our Eveready flashlights was ruined when the batteries leaked.   When I opened it to change the batteries, I discovered the chamber was covered with battery acid so I promptly tossed everything in a plastic bag and into the trash.  I thought I'd start looking for a replacement and found this article in SHTF Blog:

Coast HP 14 LED High Performance Flashlight Review – Suh-weet!

I hadn't heard about this company before but their products sound well made.  $52 for a flashlight may sound expensive, but if it has high quality and will last long then it might be worth it.  I will keep looking at a few more before I decide but this one is in the running.  I found it on Amazon.

 

I Started Carrying Pepper Spray

I hear so many stories in the news about unsuspecting shoppers being stalked and followed home by criminals.  They get accosted as soon as they get out of their car in their own driveway, or in their garage.   Some even have had kids in the car.

I always look around before I even click open the garage door.   I keep an eye out and get out of the car quickly.

Now I have taken one more step.  I am ordering pepper spray online just to have with me in my purse, the car and some next to the front door.  You just never know if someone is out to victimize you.  Not having a permit to carry a concealed handgun, I still want to have some kind of protection.

Here is a good article from the Active Response Training website about choosing pepper spray.  I has everything you need to know:

Pepper Spray- How to Choose it and How to Use it

Each state may have different restrictions regarding pepper spray.  Check the laws in your state before purchasing one for yourself.

Smith’s Diamond Precision Knife Sharpening Kit

I once cut right threw my thumb while slicing some watermelon.  I ended up getting 6 stitches at the emergency room.  It is said that dull knives are more dangerous than sharp ones, because they are more likely to slip.  In a disaster, you will want sharp knives to be able to do tasks properly.

I need to add a knife sharpener to my emergency tool chest, and maybe even the bug out bag.  Suburban Survival Blog tested Smith's Diamond Precision Knife Sharpening Kit and posted it here:

Review of Smith’s Diamond Precision Knife Sharpening Kit

It's a well-written and positive review.  I am adding it to my Amazon wish list

If You are Thinking about Getting a Generator

I've been wondering whether we should get a generator in case we have another power outage.  But we've been concerned about what else is entailed when getting one, plus safety issues.  Found this article over at Prepper Ideas:

Emergency Power Options

It has everything you need to know about generators.  Read it before you get one.

Not a Bad Pair of Hiking Shoes for the Price

We originally purchased the Hi Tec Bandera Men's Waterproof Mid Hiking boots for one of our kids.  We did not want to spend a bundle because kids tend to outgrow their shoes very quickly.  Sure enough, he did. 

I tried it and it fit me so I kept it for myself.  I have been taking hikes with them and they are very comfortable.  They are waterproof saw walking through puddles has not been a problem at all.  The shoes are lightweight enough that I don't feel I am being dragged down by shoes.  I have not had a blister yet, after walking with them for several months.

At $44.99, there are many more shoes available with lots of features.  We bought it at that price a year ago, but it looks like the price has gone up to $49.99.  They have lasted well and have a good construction.  I don't know if they will last several years or not, but I have already gotten at least a year's worth of comfortable wear.  All in all, the Hi Tec Bandera Men's Waterproof Mid Hiking boots is a good buy.

A Lightbulb that Doubles as a Flashlight

Photo of ASCELLA Emergency Light Bulb from Suburban Survival Blog

I like items that can be used for multiple purposes, especially for prepping.  If you are short on space, you will want to have dual or multipurpose items.

Here's a lightbulb that turns into a flashlight or vice versa.

Check out:

The ASCELLA Emergency Light Bulb / Flashlight

over at Suburban Survival Blog 

It's priced at $39.99 at 1800prepare.com

You can use it as a lightbulb for a handy, easy to reach lamp.  In case of a power outage you can unscrew it and use as a flashlight.  Neat!

Bet You Hadn't Thought of This: Education After the Collapse

Most preppers concentrate on the basics:  water, food, First Aid, lighting, shelter, safety:  aka beans, bullets and band-aids.  Todd, who runs Prepper Website, wisely thought of one aspect many of us have not considered:  Education after the Collapse.

He wrote an e-book that has made available at his other website, Ed that Matters.

I was full of curiosity as I downloaded the e-book.  We have a couple of school aged kids, and certainly would want them to continue to learn even after a long term disaster.   The book starts out with a fictitious scenario of an ever escalating downward spiral that establishes the setting.  He then discusses kids' differing learning styles and maturity rates before proceeding to the basics:  reading, math, science. 

You can read this very quickly but it certainly gives you a lot to think about.  Education after the Collapse actually gives practical, teachable ideas that you would want to remember.  I am glad I found this e-book.  Part of having a preparedness mindset is being aware of various risk and needs.  Education should be given high priority as the book clearly illustrates.

Education after the Collapse is available free of charge.  It is a worthwhile addition to your preparedness library.

Berkey vs Propur

 

There are so many choices in water filter systems it is hard to make a choice.  If you are still shopping around, take your time.  There are a lot of features to decide on:  size, cost, type of filter, flow rates, contaminants filtered and many more.  It gets even more confusing when products try to compete with the top sellers. 

Propur has positioned itself as an alternative to the Berkey.  Is it comparable?  Check out this post from Apartment Prepper:

Just Go with the Flow

Modern Survival Blog also has a posting about choosing water filters:

Which Water Filter to Buy

Choose wisely!

Paracord Belts - for Everyday and Emergency Use

Paracord is a very strong nylon material that can be used whenever you need rope.  It has so many uses:  shoelaces, fishing line, securing a shelter, tying items to your roof rack, and much more.  Paracord can even be used to repair things around the house.  See Paracord to the Rescue

You can keep paracord handy for emergencies by wearing it as a bracelet or belt.  Check out this review of Ridgerunner Belts by the Prepping Guys.