Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute

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DIY IFAK

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Build Your Own Budget IFAK—Save Cash, Stay Ready

If you’re serious about preparedness but tired of overpriced gear, this guide is for you. We’re breaking down how to build your own Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) without draining your wallet. I’ve already shared a list tailored for gunshot wound treatment, but this time we’re going full DIY—budget-conscious, battle-ready.

And yes, I’ll be selling these IFAKs at my store. You’ll find my prices beat the competition, hands down.

Step 1: Choose Your Container

Start with a pouch or case. I found MOLLE-compatible tactical pouches on AliExpress for $1.99. Temu wanted $6.99 for the same thing. Want to go ultra-cheap? Use a gallon-sized Ziplock bag. It’s not fancy, but it works.

Step 2: Add a Light Source

A Surefire flashlight is top-tier, but if you’re cutting costs, grab a budget flashlight or toss in a glow stick. Visibility matters—don’t skip this.

Step 3: Stock the Essentials

Here’s what you need to pack. No fluff. No filler. Just gear that works:

  • Combat Gauze (Quick-Clot preferred; S-rolled gauze is the budget alternative)

  • Hyfin Chest Seal

  • Israeli Emergency Bandage or Olaes Bandage (cheaper: 4″ Emergency Trauma Dressing)

  • Mylar Blanket

  • Nitrile Gloves

  • Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) – carry multiple sizes for different individuals

  • Tourniquet – go with a genuine CAT, not the knockoffs

  • Trauma Shears

  • 4″x4″ Gauze Pads

This setup covers the basics for trauma response in the field. Whether you’re building for personal use, or training, this guide keeps your costs low and your readiness high.

When Primitive Skills Meet the Digital Era-Using Apps and Modern Technology in the Wilderness

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One of the principles I teach my students at Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute is this: I am, and always will be, a student.
 
Take edible and medicinal plants, for example. While I’ve accumulated a substantial amount of knowledge, the learning never ends. There is no way I’ll ever master every single plant’s use on this planet—and that’s the beauty of it. I carry that same mindset into every aspect of survival and bushcraft. Whether it’s new techniques or better tools, I’m always refining, always evolving. What I haven’t learned at formal survival schools, I hunt down on my own.
 
One of the most effective ways I continue to grow is by leveraging modern apps and digital tools—many of which are available on both iOS and Android. These resources are invaluable to survivalists, bushcrafters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Below are some of the most highly rated and useful tools I use and recommend:
 
PictureThis
A powerful plant identification app that can recognize over 400,000 plant species with more than 98% accuracy. Simply snap a photo of a plant and the app will instantly return its name, species, toxicity warnings, and detailed information. I often use this as a springboard before researching a plant’s edibility and medicinal properties online.
 
Knots 3D
If you want to master knot-tying, this is your go-to app. It teaches over 200 knots with 3D, 360° interactive views—immensely helpful when trying to understand complex configurations. For a real challenge, try wrapping your brain (and fingers) around the Evenk Hitch.
 
MyRadar
Skip the clutter of traditional weather apps. MyRadar offers clean, fast, and accurate radar maps with real-time weather alerts—essential before heading into a course with students. It outpaces traditional sources like The Weather Channel or AccuWeather by avoiding distracting pop-ups and advertisements.
 
Spyglass
A navigation powerhouse that turns your phone into a survival toolkit. With features including offline maps, augmented reality navigation, a digital compass, GPS, waypoint tracking, and even star catalogs, Spyglass is indispensable. When you’ve forgotten your compass or paper map but have your phone (and a reliable power source), this app can guide you through.
 
Gaia GPS
Perfect for those who prefer a streamlined GPS app. Gaia offers detailed maps and route planning and is known for being more reliable on the trail than its popular competitor, AllTrails. AllTrails excels in route planning, but Gaia shines in execution. I personally prefer Gaia but encourage others to try both and decide which suits them best. Advanced features require a subscription.
 
First Aid by the American Red Cross
This app could literally save a life. It provides offline access to step-by-step emergency instructions for burns, cuts, CPR, choking, and more. It includes a hospital locator, 911 integration, educational videos, interactive quizzes, and receives regular updates. Best of all—no ads.
 
Zello Walkie Talkie
Transforms your phone into a real-time push-to-talk radio. With both public and private channels, voice playback, and compatibility across platforms, Zello is bandwidth-efficient and reliable in emergencies. It also supports Bluetooth headsets, offers text and image sharing, and encrypts your messages.
 
Signal
For secure communication, Signal is unmatched. It uses end-to-end encryption that even the developers can’t access. It’s free, ad-free, and open source. Messages auto-delete based on user settings and are never stored on external servers. It even supports groups of up to 1,000 participants.
 
SAS Survival Guide
Based on the bestselling book by former SAS soldier John “Lofty” Wiseman, this app offers offline access to practical survival knowledge. It covers essential topics like fire starting, shelter building, Morse code, and sun compass use—ideal for remote adventures.
 
Pro Tips
• Combine a first aid app with a survival manual app to create a well-rounded emergency preparedness toolkit on your device.
• Organize all your survival apps onto a dedicated home screen. In a high-stress situation, you don’t want to waste time scrolling through icons.
If you’re serious about your self-reliance journey, equipping your phone with these tools can be just as crucial as what you carry in your pack. Let the learning—and the adventure—continue. 

Escape the Chaos: Build Your Bugout Sanctuary Before Time Runs Out

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Forget the fantasy of a cozy cabin. When the world unravels, you need more than comfort—you need control. A bugout retreat is your shielded stronghold, built not just for survival, but for endurance. Here’s the no-nonsense blueprint to create a fortress that’s rugged, realistic, and relentlessly prepared.
 
Food & Water Essentials
• Long-term food storage: Freeze-dried meals, canned goods, canned tuna, canned chicken, rice, beans, pasta, vegetable oil
• Water supply: Durable containers, rain catchment systems
• Purification methods: LifeStraw filters, purification tablets, boiling equipment, bleach, iodine tablets
 
Medical & Hygiene
• First aid arsenal: Bandages, antiseptics, trauma gear, prescription medications, personal medications you need (ex. Claritin D, Prilosec, etc)
• Hygiene stock: Soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene, toilet paper, wet wipes, baking soda, kettle to boil water, rags
• Sanitation: Portable toilet, bleach, waste disposal bags
Shelter & Warmth
• Sleeping equipment: Thermal sleeping bags, wool blankets, insulated pads
• Structural supplies: Tents, tarps, surplus lumber, nails
• Heating solutions: Wood-burning stove, propane heater, seasoned firewood, kindling, tinder
 
Tools & Equipment
• Essential tools: Axes, hatchets, saws, shovels, knives, multi-tools
• Repair items: Duct tape, zip ties, paracord, adhesives, string, paracord, bankline, needles
• Lighting: Battery-powered flashlights, solar lanterns, backups
 
Communication & Navigation
• Emergency radio: Battery or hand-cranked models
• Maps and compass: Laminated regional maps, reliable compass
• Signaling gear: Mirror, whistle, flares
Security & Defense
• Personal defense: Pepper spray, legal firearms (with training), ammunition
• Perimeter safety: Motion-sensor lights, fencing, solar-powered cameras
• Concealment: Camouflage netting, low-profile architecture, natural terrain cover
 
Sustainability & Off-Grid Living
• Gardening essentials: Heirloom seeds, soil tools, compost enhancers
• Livestock support: Feed storage, fencing materials, basic vet kits
• Power systems: Solar panels, generators, fuel reserves
Personal & Miscellaneous
• Critical documents: ID, insurance, medical records in waterproof containers
• Emergency cash: Small denominations for barter or quick purchases
• Survival knowledge: Manuals on first aid, wilderness survival, and edible plants
 
Tactical Planning and Logistics
A true bugout retreat isn’t a weekend escape—it’s a modern-day castle. Design it for defense. When things turn violent, a well-prepared retreat becomes untouchable. You don’t have to fight every battle—sometimes being visibly fortified is deterrent enough.
 
The Ideal Region: What to Look For
• Long growing season
• Fertile soil and agricultural diversity
• Freedom to keep livestock
• Self-sufficient local lifestyle
• Reliable water supply
• Abundant firewood and fuel sources
• No significant tornadoes, hurricane, earthquake, forest fire risks
• Area with non-invasive local government (no trouble with zoning laws, gun laws, rain catchment laws, reasonable taxes, etc.)
• Far from people and urban areas
• Naturally defendable terrain
• Not downwind of nuclear power plants or potential nuclear targets
 
This checklist filters fantasy from reality. Take it seriously. Use it as a lens to scan potential retreat locations.
 
When everything else collapses, your bugout sanctuary will be more than safe—it’ll be sovereign. Learn more at my website, survivalschoolmichigan.com

Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion: Can You Spot the Signs Before It’s Too Late? (Video)

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Description: When temperatures soar, your body’s ability to regulate heat can be pushed to the limit. In this essential guide, we break down the key differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke—two heat-related illnesses that can escalate quickly if not recognized and treated. Learn how to spot early warning signs like dizziness, heavy sweating, and nausea, and understand when symptoms like confusion or loss of consciousness signal a medical emergency. This video is a must-watch for: parents, athletes, outdoor workers, campers, bushcrafters, foragers, outdoor enthusiasts, beach goers, and anyone preparing for extreme heat. Stay informed, stay safe.

Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion: Can You Spot the Signs Before It’s Too Late?

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It’s July 1, 2025, and summer is officially here. In West Michigan, we’ve already endured two major heat waves, with temperatures soaring into the low to mid-90s.
 
During my June 20–22 Basic 101 course, I stressed an important core principle: hydrate, stay shaded, and cool down often. I even hung a tarp over our meeting area to protect students from the intense sun. Why? Because I was actively working to prevent Heat Exhaustion—and more critically, Heat Stroke.
 
But do you know the difference between the two? And more importantly, can you recognize the signs before it’s too late?
 
Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: What You Need to Know
Both conditions are dangerous responses to extreme heat, but they differ significantly in severity and treatment. Heat Exhaustion is the body’s warning sign that it’s overheating. It typically begins with dehydration from heavy sweating, salt loss, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
 
If not treated, it can quickly progress to Heat Stroke—a medical emergency in which the body’s internal temperature control fails, potentially leading to brain damage, organ failure, or even death.
 
At Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute, we teach our students how to monitor and regulate core body temperature, because failing to do so in extreme conditions can have serious consequences.
 
Key Differences Between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke:
Category: Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke
Severity: Moderate; can be treated on-site vs Critical; requires emergency medical attention
Sweating: Heavy, continuous vs None; skin becomes hot and dry
Body Temp: Below 104°F vs Above 104°F
Mental State Fatigued but conscious vs Confused, disoriented, may lose consciousness
Pulse Rapid and weak vs Rapid and strong
 
Symptoms to Watch For:
Heat Exhaustion
• Excessive sweating
• Thirst and dehydration
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea and possible vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Cool, clammy, pale skin
• Weakness and fatigue
• Headache
• Body temperature at or below 103°F
• Rapid, weak pulse
Heat Stroke
• Severe or pounding headache
• Confusion or altered mental status
• Absence of sweating
• Red, hot, dry skin
• Body temperature above 104°F
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Short, shallow breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Possible seizures in extreme cases
 
Treatment Protocols:
Treating Heat Exhaustion
• Move to a shaded or air-conditioned area
• Remove excess clothing
• Rehydrate with water or electrolyte-rich fluids like Gatorade
• Apply cool, damp cloths to the neck, head, and underarms
• Take a cool shower if possible
Treating Heat Stroke
• Call 911 immediately
• Relocate the person to a cooler area
• Remove clothing to aid cooling
• Apply cold compresses or ice packs to the neck, groin, and armpits
• Lay the person down and monitor closely for changes in consciousness
 
Summer in Michigan is no joke. Stay prepared, stay hydrated, and don’t ignore the signs of heat-related illness. When things cool off, come visit me in the wild. 

The Dilemma of the Modern Prepper: Home vs. Remote Retreat

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One major challenge many in the preparedness community face is the harsh reality that owning a separate, remote retreat often isn’t financially feasible. Realistically, who can afford two mortgages? Most people need to live within commuting distance of their jobs, which are frequently based in major cities. For example, I commute daily to my job in Muskegon, Michigan. Others are anchored to urban or suburban areas by family obligations, perhaps they care for aging parents or grandparents.
 
This raises a critical question: Is it better to live in your retreat year-round, or maintain one far away from home?
 
If you’re forced to bug out at a moment’s notice, will you even be able to reach your retreat? What if the highways are shut down? What happens if you’re heading to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the Mackinac Bridge is closed? The answer could mean everything.
 
Why Living at Your Retreat Might Be Best
I believe the ideal scenario is to live at your retreat full-time. Here’s why:
• Better Preparedness: You’ll have time to stock supplies, gain gardening experience, and master homesteading before any crisis hits.
• Learning Curve: Mistakes in gardening, animal husbandry, or farming are better made now—not after TEOTWAWKI (The End of the World as We Know It).
• Security: You’ll be there to protect your garden, livestock, food stores, and property.
• Community Integration: Living there year-round transforms you from a suspicious outsider to a trusted local. In times of unrest, refugees and strangers often face exploitation—or worse.
Knowing your neighbors can be crucial. In my own neighborhood, I live near an Army officer, a doctor, and a state trooper. In a post-collapse society, these individuals would be invaluable members of a neighborhood defense and support team.
 
If You Must Bug Out: Timing Is Everything
For those who do maintain a remote retreat, the most pressing issue is when to leave. The risks are twofold:
• Bugging out too early might make you seem paranoid or waste resources.
• Bugging out too late could leave you trapped—turning you into a refugee instead of a survivor.
 
Strategizing Your Remote Retreat
If your retreat is over an hour away, you must prepare meticulously:
• Pre-stock your refuge with food, gear, and survival tools.
• Check on supplies monthly to deter theft and ensure nothing’s compromised.
• Conduct annual bug-out drills, hauling as much gear as you can to test your capacity.
Map out multiple routes—preferably those that bypass interstates and known choke points. Keep a reliable GPS and a backup compass, and prepare printed maps in case electronics fail.
 
Blending In Could Be Life-Saving
Whether bugging out or already living remotely, blending in matters:
• Adopt local culture—if you’re heading to Wisconsin, become a Green Bay Packers fan.
• Switch your license plates and driver’s license to match your retreat state.
• Outsiders, especially those with unfamiliar plates (e.g., North Carolina tags in Michigan), could be denied entry at law enforcement or local defense checkpoints.
Present yourself as a returning local. These checkpoints are designed to filter out non-natives and refugees. Fitting in could determine your survival.
 
Final Thoughts: The Clock Is Ticking
If you’re studying Bible prophecy—or just reading the signs—it’s clear something is coming. The question isn’t if, but when.
So plan wisely. Prepare thoroughly. And above all, make sure you’re ready to act when the time comes. Stay safe out there in the wild times to come!

Sleep Like Royalty on a Peasant’s Budget-This CPAP Battery Is a Game-Changer

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Back in my younger years, I had no idea I had sleep apnea. I just knew I was always exhausted, no matter how much I slept—especially when I worked third shift at a state prison. It wasn’t until my wife pointed out how badly I snored and suggested I get a sleep study done that I began to connect the dots. Turns out, she was absolutely right. The results came back: severe sleep apnea. That’s when I picked up a ResMed AirSense 10 CPAP machine, and my sleep—finally—started to improve. Fast-forward to summer 2025. Over the past few years, whenever I did a survival weekend trip, I’d tough it out and sleep without my CPAP. It wasn’t ideal, but I managed. However, just a week before my upcoming Basic Survival 101 Course scheduled for June 20–22, I decided to do a reality check. I was camping at White River RV Park and, without my CPAP, I found myself waking up every 20 minutes. That’s when it hit me: I can’t do these weekends without my CPAP anymore. The problem? My camp has no electricity. Last summer, I watched one of my students and his two teens effortlessly charge their phones and devices all weekend using an Anker Solix portable power station—pretty sure it was the C1000X model. I was impressed, but $500 for a power solution felt steep, especially when I just needed it for my CPAP. So, I shifted my search toward standalone CPAP batteries. I explored a few: the Easylonger CPAP Battery ES400 Air at $169 (tempting, but reviews made me pause), the Night Owl (decent, but $300 felt like too much), and the Bluetti X30 (also $200, but the reviews didn’t inspire confidence). I also looked at the Portable Outlet PO-160UPSv2 and the Pilot-24 Lite from Choice One Medical, but again, the price-to-performance ratio didn’t sit right with me. If I’m dropping serious cash, I want five-star peace of mind. And then I found it—the Renogy 72000mAh 266Wh 12V Power Bank and CPAP battery. Nearly five stars, with reviews from people who used the same CPAP machine I do and claimed it powered their sleep for multiple nights without a recharge. Sold. I ordered it on Amazon for $159 with overnight shipping. When it arrived, the battery was about 75% charged. I topped it off in preparation for the weekend. The battery came with two USB-C PD ports and a DC 12V/5A cigarette lighter port—perfect for my AirSense 10. I did have to purchase a separate ResMed DC adapter for around $29, but once that arrived, I was ready. Friday, June 20, was long—setting up camp, greeting and assisting students, then jumping into training. By the time I finally crawled into bed, I was wiped. I plugged my CPAP into the Renogy and hoped for the best. It delivered. The battery powered my CPAP the entire weekend without needing a recharge. By Sunday, I still had over 50% battery life. I even used the USB ports to charge my phone. The only minor issue I ran into was that if I bumped the cords too hard while sleeping, the CPAP would shut off—but aside from that, I was seriously impressed. Let me be clear: I’m not sponsored by Renogy, and I don’t get anything out of recommending them. This CPAP battery is still new to me, and I’ll see how it holds up six months from now—but based on this experience, I can say with confidence that the Renogy battery is the best bang for the buck I’ve come across.

Preparing for Reliable Heating in Uncertain Times

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In my old home, I initially heated with propane. However, I quickly realized how expensive it was to maintain, prompting me to switch to a pellet stove—a more cost-effective alternative. At the time, pellets were approximately $200 per ton, and during an average Michigan winter, I burned 3–4 tons, meaning my annual heating cost was around $600–800.
 
While the pellet stove was more affordable, it relied on an electric auger and ignition system to feed the flame and light the fire. One particularly harsh winter night, the power went out—and with it, my pellet stove. I was left scrambling for alternative ways to heat my home.
This experience raised an important question: What will happen to those relying on pellet stoves, propane, or natural gas in a true TEOTWAWKI (The End of the World as We Know It) scenario where the power grid fails for an extended period?
 
The Solution: Invest in a Wood Stove Now
If you want a reliable, grid-independent heating source, purchasing a wood stove before hard times arrive is your best option. Brands like Drolet and Jotul offer solid choices. Even if you currently heat with natural gas, having an airtight wood stove or fireplace insert as a backup is essential.
 
Key Features to Look For in a Wood Stove:
• A large firebox – Small fireboxes require constant refueling, which can be exhausting, especially overnight. I learned this lesson firsthand while hot tenting.
• No reliance on electric add-ons – Skip optional extras like electric blowers—they become useless in a grid-down situation. Once you purchase and set up your wood stove, learn how to use it efficiently and even cook on it.
 
Stock Up on Firewood
Calculate your winter firewood needs – Determine how many cords of wood your home typically burns in cold months. Choose the right wood type – Hardwoods such as oak, hickory, maple, ash, birch, beech, and black locust burn hot and long. Start fires with softwoods like pine, which work well for tinder and kindling. Prepare firewood properly – Chop logs into manageable pieces, around 3–6 inches in diameter, ensuring they fit in your firebox. Season your wood – Let firewood dry for 6–12 months to reduce moisture, ensuring hotter flames, less creosote buildup, and minimal smoke. Store wood correctly – Keep firewood covered and well-ventilated. Ideally, stack it inside a shed. If a shed isn’t available, use tarps—though not ideal, they are better than exposing wood to the elements. Avoid wood rot – Never stack firewood directly on the ground, as it will eventually rot. Signs of rot include discoloration, softness, moisture retention, crumbling texture, and a musty smell. Lay down two parallel boards or use old pallets to elevate your wood stack for better airflow.
 
Prepare Before the Grid Fails
Stock up on wood now, before a crisis forces you to rely on manual labor under tough circumstances. If you wait until the grid goes down, cutting wood will become a draining, calorie-intensive task—and you may run into serious issues:
• Chainsaw maintenance – What happens when you need a new part or repairs?
• Chainsaw injuries – In TEOTWAWKI, dealing with wounds from a chainsaw could be life-threatening.
 
The solution? Cut and prepare your wood now while resources are still available.
If you’re serious about survival, take action today. A properly stored and managed wood supply will ensure warmth, cooking ability, and security when modern heating sources fail.
Contact us if you have additional questions about a class! [email protected]
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