Preparedness Blog
The Preparedness Blog at Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute delivers no-nonsense guidance for those serious about getting ready before things go wrong. Covering grid-down survival strategies, emergency preparedness planning, disaster readiness, and gear evaluations, every article is built to help you take real steps toward self-reliance. Whether you’re preparing for power outages, supply chain disruptions, civil unrest, or natural disasters, this blog connects global instability to local action—offering clear, actionable insights for building resilient systems, stockpiling smart, and training for the unexpected. If you’re looking for practical preparedness content rooted in field experience, this is where it starts.
The Dilemma of the Modern Prepper: Home vs. Remote Retreat
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
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
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.
Firearms Preparedness
Firearms Preparedness In the realm of preparedness, prioritizing firearms proficiency is essential. While some individuals acquire firearms expertise through military service, law enforcement careers, or years of experience as hunters or outdoorsmen, the majority of Americans lack comprehensive, real-world firearms training and knowledge. As a dedicated gun enthusiast, I train daily with my firearms because, when adversity strikes, no one is coming to save me. In those critical moments, the only person I can depend on is myself. Even among those who claim to be proficient with firearms, I’m often surprised by the disparity in skill levels. For example, I once encountered someone at the range who identified as former Air Force Special Forces yet struggled to hit a paper plate at 100 yards with an AR-15—a task I accomplished with ease. Another acquaintance invested in a premium AR-15 from a reputable manufacturer but, five years later, has never fired it, despite insisting it is a cornerstone of his TEOTWAWKI (The End of the World as We Know It) defense strategy. To enhance your tactical firearm skills and accuracy, you need a strategic combination of education, consistent practice, and disciplined commitment. Here’s how to elevate your abilities:
- Enroll in tactical training courses and participate in programs offered by renowned institutions like Gunsite Academy, Tactical Hyve, or the Sig Sauer Academy. These courses cater to all proficiency levels, from beginners to elite professionals, and include essential techniques such as shooting while moving, utilizing cover and concealment, and transitioning efficiently between targets.
- Engage in competitive shooting and test your skills under pressure by joining events like 2- and 3-gun challenges, USPSA, IPSC, or IDPA competitions. These environments sharpen your tactical prowess while providing opportunities to learn from some of the nation’s most skilled shooters.
- Practice dry firing and incorporate dry fire drills into your routine to refine trigger control, build muscle memory, and perfect technique—all without using live ammunition. Always prioritize safety by aiming in a secure direction with a solid backstop, such as a fully stocked bookshelf. Commit to daily practice for consistent improvement.
- Master your firearm’s mechanics and familiarize yourself with your weapon’s nomenclature, operational procedures, maintenance routines, and malfunction clearance techniques. Knowledge breeds confidence and operational efficiency.
- Focus on the fundamentals! Professional shooters excel by mastering foundational elements, including stance, controlled breathing, sight alignment, and precise trigger control. Study experts like Massad Ayoob to refine these critical skills.
- Prioritize physical fitness! Physical conditioning directly impacts survivability in high-stress scenarios. Strengthen your core, improve endurance, and maintain overall fitness to enhance agility and effectiveness in a firefight.
- Adopt the right mindset. Tactical proficiency demands mental discipline as much as physical capability. Familiarize yourself with concepts like the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) and the color codes of readiness (white-your nose is in your cell phone and you are oblivious to your surroundings, making you an easy target; yellow-your alert to your surroundings but have no current threat; orange-you are specifically alert to a potential threat and/or hunting a potential adversary such as a home invader; red-you have encountered a threat and it’s all systems go! Now you wait for the mental trigger. Develop this preset mental trigger to determine when and how to engage decisively. This trigger tells you when to shoot (example, a guy runs at you with a knife). Know your state laws!
- Secure your concealed carry permit. Ensure full compliance with legal requirements and take the necessary steps to obtain your permit responsibly.
**Disclaimer**: The information provided in this article is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Firearms training and usage must always be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Readers are encouraged to consult local, state, and federal laws regarding firearm ownership, usage, and concealed carry permits to ensure compliance. Safety is paramount. Always adhere to established firearm safety protocols, including the use of proper protective gear and the implementation of secure storage practices. The recommendations in this article are aimed at improving skill and proficiency but do not guarantee success in critical situations. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the content of this article. It is the sole responsibility of readers to exercise caution, follow legal procedures, and prioritize safety when engaging in firearms training or preparation activities. Good luck, stay vigilant, and remain safe. Remember: It’s better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.
The Wilderness Delusion: When Fantasy Meets Reality in Survival
Are You Really Prepared for the Wild?
I always enjoy when people dive into conversations about their “survival plans” for when disaster strikes. It’s fascinating how many tell me they’d grab their bugout bag and head for the vast wilderness of North America. Some even imagine escaping into Canada’s untamed frontier.
But before you romanticize living off the land, consider these 10 critical survival questions:
1. What’s in your bugout bag? Are you carrying the essentials or just guesswork?
2. Have you attended any survival schools? Do you have the skills and knowledge needed to thrive?
3. How will you find safe drinking water? Without it, your plan ends quickly.
4. Do you know North American plants? Can you name five with medicinal uses or find a plant to treat a deep wound?
5. How will you start a fire without matches, lighters, or a ferrocerium rod? Fire is life in the wilderness.
6. What’s your food plan when hunting or gathering fails?
7. What kind of shelter will you build, and how? Shelter is critical to protect against the elements.
8. What happens if you’re injured or ill while alone in the wild?
9. Can you handle threats from wildlife (like bears or wolves), hostile humans, or severe weather?
10. How will you navigate without GPS or a cell phone? Do you understand land navigation and map-reading?
The reality? “Bugging out” into the wilderness is not the glamorous survival strategy many imagine.
Here’s why:
• Most people underestimate the sheer difficulty of regulating core body temperature. The majority of wilderness deaths stem from hypothermia.
• Food shortages are inevitable. The knowledge to forage or hunt enough calories is rare, and even small groups can quickly deplete local resources.
• Survival is brutal. From starvation to broken tools to severe illness or infection, the odds stack up against the unprepared. Something as simple as a cut can lead to life-threatening sepsis.
• And let’s not forget the competition. Countless others will head to the same wilderness, untrained and desperate. Overhunting and overforaging will exhaust the area’s resources rapidly.
Even with my experience, after just a week in the wild, I’m tired, hungry, and craving a hot shower and comfortable bed. The idea of vanishing into the forest to “live off the land” is more a dangerous fantasy than a viable plan.
Want to actually prepare for life’s unexpected disasters? Learn real, life-saving survival skills by visiting survivalschoolmichigan.com. Whether it’s building shelters, mastering fire-making, land navigation, water purification, or understanding foraging, we’ll equip you with practical knowledge to face the toughest challenges.
I’ll see you in the wild!
Civilization’s Fragile Mask: Examining the Balance of Order and Chaos
Have you ever seen the movie “The Purge” or its sequels? These movies explore a dystopian society where, for one night each year, all crime, including murder, is perfectly legal. They delve into how people behave when there is no rule of law for 12 hours, from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. The movies pose the question of whether violence is an intrinsic part of human nature and highlight the divisions between Americans along socioeconomic lines. The films seem to show just how fragile the veneer of civilization really is and how quickly societal norms break down when the thin layer of order is temporarily removed. Although the movies are fiction, are they wrong about human nature and our capability to commit evil in desperate situations?
I firmly believe there is just a thin veneer of civilization in U.S. society. If you disagree with this point of view, consider the riots we’ve seen in the past few years and how easily they are set off. It doesn’t take much to remove the thin veneer of civilization. Once it’s gone, you see the very ugly side of humanity. What will a person do when they are desperate and fighting for survival? What will they do for their loved ones? What will a parent do to protect their children from starvation? What happens when the grid goes down and the lights turn off?
I’ve worked in a state prison for most of my adult life. I often wonder what would happen to our state prison population if the lights went off permanently. What would the population do? Corrections officers will have their own families to protect and won’t be inside the facilities policing these felons when the grid goes down. Without corrections officers, prisoners will escape and find their way back to our communities. They will be ruthless and will organize into gang-style groups, becoming raiders looting homes and families for food and supplies. Once the food and supplies run out, they’ll start eliminating each other in competition over dwindling resources. The raider gangs that survive will be the toughest and most ruthless. This new way of life will harden them as they learn to survive in a harsh new reality. They will be a dangerous foe, and likely your problem to deal with when the grid goes down. So, what can the average family man or woman do to prepare for such a future?
Preparing for this grid-down scenario and societal collapse is a serious matter and not easy. Here are some steps to help you prepare for such a scenario:
Emergency Supplies and Food: Stock up on non-perishable food, dried food (noodles, beans, rice, etc.), dehydrated food, canned goods, bleach, water purification tablets, MREs, water, medical supplies, and essential supplies. Start with at least a three-month supply per household member, then increase from there.
Security Preparations: Harden your home with security cameras, locks, fences, hard cover to shoot from, and, if you have the money, a safe room or an underground bunker. Learn self-defense skills such as Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, and Muay Thai. More importantly, buy guns and ammunition. You will want an AR15 in .223 and a reliable handgun (I recommend Glock). Get weapon lights for your rifle and handgun, like the Streamlight TLR1 for Glocks, and a Surefire flashlight with replacement batteries.
Community Networking and Team Building: Build an inner team of trusted individuals such as family, close friends, and neighbors. Your inner team should be close enough that you could live with them if society collapses. A diversity of skills is essential. For example, if your sister is a nurse, you will likely want her in your group. Connect with neighbors and vet their skills. In a crisis, having a trusted community around you can provide security and resources.
Skills and Knowledge: Learn essential survival skills such as first aid, navigation, foraging, hunting, gathering food, making water potable, shelter building, primitive fire, and other outdoor survival skills. In Michigan, you can learn these skills at Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute (survivalschoolmichigan.com). Learn homesteading skills like growing food, repairing equipment, and raising animals.
Energy and Power: Purchase generators, solar panels, solar chargers, battery banks, and fuel reserves. Knowing how to start a fire and use manual tools is also useful.
Communications: Obtain the ability to communicate with family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Consider buying walkie-talkies, CB radios for your vehicles, and ham radios for your homes.
Bug-Out Bag: Prepare a bug-out bag with essential items in case you need to leave your home quickly. This bag should include food, water, clothing, medical supplies, a gun, ammo, and a change of boots and socks.
Mental Preparedness and Tactical Training: Prepare mentally and emotionally for high-stress situations. Get as much tactical training as you can. Learn how to clear your house alone and as a member of a tactical team. Remember, attitude is everything.
Financial Preparation: Keep some cash and American Silver Eagles on hand, as digital transactions may not be possible. Diversify your assets to protect your finances. Cash and silver can help you through the start of the emergency and preserve your wealth.
Practice Drills: Conduct regular drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. This includes evacuation plans, meeting points, and survival protocols.
First Aid Kit for Camping or Road Trip
We live in an era marked by danger and conflict. Every day brings new reports of horrific car wrecks, accidents, assaults, crime, war, and other misfortunes. In such an increasingly dangerous world, what can the common man do to protect his family’s health and wellbeing?
Building First Aid Kits of varying sizes is a practical step. Start with an IFAK or a small kit for your hiking, survival, or bugout pack. Then, create a medium-sized kit for your truck or SUV. Finally, assemble a large First Aid Kit, often referred to as a “jump bag,” which typically involves a duffel bag that can be slung over your shoulder. Below is an alphabetical list for a Camping or Road Trip (a larger kit):
Abdominal Pads
Ace Bandages
Adhesive bandages (different sizes)
Adhesive tape
Ammonia Inhalants
Antibiotic Ointment
Antibiotics (bacterial infections) and Miconazole (fungal or yeast infections)
Antihistamines (Claritin D, Benadryl)
Antiseptic wipes
Antiseptics
Blister Pads
Burn Cream or Gel
Butterfly Bandages
Cell Phone-Have it fully charged before you leave and have a charger in your vehicle
Cold packs
Contractor Garbage Bags-Place contaminated clothing inside these rugged bags or use the bags for a make-shift shelter
Cotton Balls
Cotton Bandanas
CPR Mask
Dramamine
Drawing Salve (stings, insect bites, splinters, etc)
Duct Tape
Electrolyte Tablets
Emergency blanket
Epipen
Eye Wash
Finger Splint
Fire Starter (minimum 3 ways to start a fire)
Flashlight-Have extra batteries, I swear by Surefire flashlights
Hand Sanitizer
Hemostatic Gauze and Powder
Hydrocortisone Cream
Hyfin Chest Seal or Vented Chest Seal
IFAK
Imodium
Insect Sting Relief Wipes.
Laxatives
Latex or vinyl gloves
Liquid Bandage
Moleskins
Multitool-endless uses
N95 Mask (if more dire of a situation switch to a gas mask)
Narcan
Nasopharyngeal airway – 28 FR
Needle and Thread stored in Isopropyl Alcohol
Non-stick Pads
Notebook/Pens
Pain-reliever (Aleve, Tylenol, Acetaminophen, etc)
Paracord
Poison Ivy Rinse
Portable Radio-Find out what is going on in the rest of the world
Potassium Iodate (KI) Tablets-This will protect your thyroid if there is a radiological emergency
Powdered Gatorade
Prescription Medications
Prilosec
Quikclot or Celox
Rolled Gauze
Safety Pins
Saline Eye Drops
SAM Splint
Shears (like what EMTs and Fire Fighters use to remove clothing)
Shoe covers
Silk Medical Tape Roll
Snake Bite Kit
Splints
Sterile gauze pads
Sunscreen
Superglue
Thermometer
Tick Removal Tool
Tourniquet
Triangular Bandages
Tweezers
Vaseline
Water Purification Tablets
Whistle/Signaling
Wool Blankets (minimum two)
Wound Irrigation Syringes
Is there anything you would add to this list? For more content and training that could save your life, check out survivalschoolmichigan.com
The Ultimate Nuclear and Chemical Defense Kit
We live in an era marked by wars and the constant threat of conflict. Every day brings new reports of a looming third world war, one that could turn nuclear at any moment. Most of us are not millionaires or billionaires with private bunkers. So, what can the common man do to survive such cataclysmic events? You can build a kit, and find the right shelter if there are nuke detonations.
Gas Mask-Here are 5 recommendations: 1) MIRA Safety CM-7M or CM-8M which is compatible with a 40mm NATO cartridge. 2) Avon Protection M50 3) 3M Scott Safety M120 4) Drager CDR 4500 5) SGE 400/3BB. Each of these 5 are CBRN rated (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) which is what you want.
Protective Suits-Hazmat suit.
Water-Minimum of 1 gallon per person per day. Bring a drink mix like Gatorade. Powder is easiest to transport.
Food-Preferably non-perishable such as freeze-dried food, energy bars, dehydrated fruit, hard candy, etc. Think about calories to stay warm.
Dosimeter
Rate Meter
Charger
Geiger Counter
Sand Bags-Good for creating a buffer from gamma radiation. Although if you are filling them with dirt after a nuclear event you are too late.
Decontamination Kit-A shower and place to wash off contaminants.
HEPA Filters-Use inside the structure you are sheltering in. Hopefully you found a concrete basement below ground, or are the middle floors of a high rise.
Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape-Seal all vents.
Fresh Clothes-Season dependent.
Contractor Garbage Bags-Place contaminated clothing inside these rugged bags.
Sleeping Pad-Remember, conduction sucks the heat right out of you when you are laying against a cold surface. Put a layer beneath you to prevent this issue.
Sleep System-Sleeping Bag, pillow, blankets
First Aid Kit-For minor cuts, burns and other injuries.
Potassium Iodate (KI) Tablets-This will protect your thyroid and help to prevent cancer at a later date.
Flashlight-Have extra batteries, I swear by Surefire flashlights.
Cell Phone-Have it fully charged before you leave and have a charger in your vehicle.
Mini Stove-Small propane or similar gas stove to cook or purify water. Not contaminated water.
Portable Radio-Find out what is going on in the rest of the world.
Multitool-endless uses.
*If a nuclear bomb detonated and you are still alive, prepare to hunker down in place for a minimum of 3 days. This is due to the fallout and gamma radiation.
Is there anything you would add to this list?
Hardtack: The Timeless Survival Biscuit
Hardtack
Hardtack is more than just a simple biscuit—it’s a steadfast companion that has traveled through the annals of history alongside humanity’s bravest explorers, seafarers, and soldiers. From the days of ancient Egypt, where it sustained sailors on the Nile, to the ranks of the Roman legions marching across vast empires, hardtack has been a reliable source of sustenance.
During the tumultuous Middle Ages, soldiers in battle relied on these resilient crackers, known by various names such as sea biscuit or ship’s biscuit, as their unyielding ally in the face of hunger. Hardtack’s legacy continued to expand, becoming a staple aboard naval vessels across the globe, ensuring that seafarers had a durable food supply on long voyages.
In the American Civil War, hardtack was indispensable for soldiers on both sides, often softened in coffee or soup to make it more palatable. Fast forward to the 20th and 21st centuries, this hardy bread earned the moniker “pilot bread” as it was carried by aviators, proving its worth in the skies.
In a world where modern conveniences might fail, hardtack shines as a beacon of survival. Its incredible durability allows it to last for years when kept dry, outlasting the need for electricity or refrigeration. With just a few simple ingredients—flour, water, and a pinch of salt—anyone can whip up this life-sustaining biscuit.
When you need to bug out, hardtack’s lightweight and compact nature makes it an ideal companion. You can carry enough to sustain yourself without being weighed down, and its versatility in use means you can turn it into a variety of meals.
This recipe makes approximately nine squares, each about 3″x3″. On average, one or two squares would be served per person, making this batch capable of feeding 4 to 9 people.
Recipe for nine squares:
- 2 cups of flour (use white or whole wheat)
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ to ¾ cup of water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees
- Mix the flour and the salt up in a bowl or container
- Mix water into the flour and salt until you make dough
- Roll your dough onto a hard surface that has been pre-floured
- Get the dough good and floury to where it won’t stick
- Cut this dough into squares about 3”x3”
- Use a chopstick or other similar object to poke holes in each of the nine squares
- Poke anywhere from 9-15 holes in each 3”x3” square
- Place the squares on a baking sheet, ungreased
- Bake for a half hour at 375 degrees, turn it over and bake on the other side for a half hour
- If it is not completely dry or hard, keep baking each side
Once your hardtack emerges from the oven, let it cool completely. If you store it in an airtight container, it can last for many months, even years, preserving its legacy as an enduring survival food. Transform your Hardtack into a culinary delight:
- Soak and Savor: To enjoy hardtack without risking your dental health, soak it in water, coffee, broth, or soup until it softens up. This simple trick makes it much more palatable.
- Fry for Flavor: For a delicious twist, pan fry your hardtack. Many people love frying it in bacon grease, adding a rich, savory taste.
- Perfect Pairing: Hardtack pairs wonderfully with soups and stews, complementing the hearty flavors and providing a satisfying crunch.
When times are tough or you’re in an emergency or survival situation, hardtack stands as a reliable ration. While it may not earn a Michelin star, this humble bread will keep you alive and well when you need it most. Bon appétit, adventurer!