Blog - Tactical & Military Surplus Gear

How to Create an Emergency Plan for Your Family: A Step-by-Step Guide

Identifying Potential Hazards Recognizing Local Risks Understanding the types of emergencies most likely to occur in your area is the first step in preparing an effective family emergency plan. Whether it’s natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes, or human-made threats such as power outages and chemical spills, recognizing these

The Psychology of Survival: Maintaining Mental Health in Extreme Conditions

Understanding the Impact of Stress in Survival Situations The Role of Stress Stress, while often perceived negatively, plays a crucial role in survival scenarios. It triggers the 'fight or flight' response, essential for quick decision-making and action. However, prolonged exposure to stress can lead to health issues, including anxiety, depression,

How to Secure Your Home Against Intruders: A Tactical Approach

Home security is most effective when treated like any other defensive operation. A strong first layer deters opportunists. A second layer delays anyone determined. A final layer alerts you or authorities before a breach becomes dangerous. This guide breaks down a tactical, step by step approach that strengthens each layer

The Essential Guide to Navigation Without GPS

Rediscovering Traditional Navigation Techniques The Magic of Maps Maps are more than just paper; they are a gateway to understanding the world around us. Topographic maps, in particular, are invaluable for navigation without GPS. They detail the contours, elevations, and landmarks of the land, offering a three-dimensional perspective on a

The Ultimate Guide to Edible Plants in the Wild

Identifying Edible Plants Visual Identification Identifying edible plants starts with understanding their visual characteristics. This includes the shape, size, color, and texture of leaves, as well as the presence of flowers or fruits. For instance, dandelions, easily recognized by their bright yellow flowers, are entirely edible, from their roots to

Cold Weather Survival: Layering and Gear Essentials for Winter Expeditions

The Art of Layering for Cold Weather Understanding the Three-Layer System Layering is the cornerstone of staying warm in cold weather. It begins with understanding the three-layer system: the base layer, the insulating layer, and the shell layer. The base layer acts as your moisture-wicking foundation, keeping sweat away from

The Ultimate Checklist for a Multi-Day Hiking Trip

Essential Gear for Multi-Day Hiking Backpack Selection Choosing the right backpack is crucial for a multi-day hiking trip. It's not just about the size but also about comfort, durability, and functionality. Look for a backpack with a capacity of 50-70 liters for trips that last several days. The fit is

Navigating Natural Disasters: A Survivalist’s Guide to Earthquake Preparedness

Understanding Earthquake Risks The Basics of Earthquake Preparedness Earthquakes, unpredictable and powerful, remind us of the volatile nature of the earth beneath our feet. Preparing for an earthquake involves understanding these risks, which vary by geographical location. Assess your immediate environment for potential hazards, such as: Loose objects that could

Best Fire Starting Techniques for Winter Camping

Choosing the Right Materials Understanding the Importance of Dry Tinder Dry tinder is the cornerstone of starting a fire, especially in winter when moisture is your biggest enemy. Materials like dry leaves, pine needles, and small twigs can serve as tinder. However, in winter, you may need to rely on

Ultimate Guide to Water Purification Techniques for Wilderness Survival

Understanding Water Sources and Risks Identifying Safe Water Sources When you're in the wilderness, finding a water source is crucial. However, not all water is safe to drink. Streams, rivers, and lakes may appear clean but can contain pathogens harmful to humans. Flowing water is generally safer than stagnant water,