However, there’s one vehicle of transportation that seems to have been built for a bug out situation – the bicycle. That’s right, no fuel? No problem. No car Jack? Who needs it. No need to bother about engine failure, transmission problems, oil changes, dead batteries, brake trouble or flat tires. Did we mention no need to constantly stop at the gas station to fill the tank? Since May is National Bike Month, it’s only fitting that we finally recognize the humble bicycle (or bike).

As preppers, we are always looking for better solutions to cope with a bug out situation. If you haven’t already guessed it, this is going to be a guide on using a bug out bike. These are bikes are well-built and equipped with the right gear and supplies to get you to where you need to go in a bug out situation.

Bike vs Car for Bugging Out? (Pro’s/Con’s)

So, the question is, “can a bug out bike be useful in a SHTF situation?” When it comes to prepping for a disaster, it is important to look closely at most disaster situations and consider what impact they are going to have on your mobility. Needless to say, while the bug out vehicle you choose needs to suit your personal worst-case scenario, you have to consider the worst-case scenario that can occur with the bug out vehicle you choose.

A Bug out Car

There are several advantages and disadvantages of choosing a bike or a car as a bug out vehicle of choice, for instance:

Pros:

• You might already own a car.
• Cars can double as shelter.
• Cars can carry a lot of gear and food.

Cons:

• While you might own a car, it could be easily affected by an EMP.
• Cars also require fuel to work (duh!)
• Cars can get easily damaged.
• Cars can’t be driven on backroads and rough terrain.
• You need to know how to repair a car.

A Bug Out Bike

If you plan on reaching for your car keys, consider the many things that can break down during your getaway. Once you’ve considered the obvious, going with a bug out bike is a no-brainer. But, not all bikes have been created equal. This is why you need to make the right choice when choosing a bug out bike, but more of that later. To be fair, here are the pros and cons of using a bug out bike:

Pros:

• Needs no fuel.
• Not affected by an EMP.
• Easy to hide.
• Can be used to pass through rough terrain.
• Gets you in shape.
• Burns calories.
• Can be easily repaired.
• Efficient on small trails that are inaccessible to large vehicles.
• Can basically go where cars can’t.
• It’s quiet which is useful if you’re in a zombie-apocalypse type situation.
• Can be easily navigated around roadblocks.
• Affordable.

Cons:

• Requires manual labor.
• No protection from rough weather or projectiles.
• Suitable for a single person.
• Cannot double as a shelter.

While it’s easy to see that the advantages of having a bug out bike far outweighs bugging out in a car, it is also important to note that disaster situations will vary. This means you should always have a Plan B, and a Plan C, and so on in order to survive a bug out situation. At the end of the day, your own two feet are going to be the ultimate bug out vehicle for you for multiple worst-case scenarios.

Bike vs Rucking for Bugging Out? (Pro’s/Con’s)

For those who have heard the term for the first time, rucking does not mean stomping on people (that’s only in rugby). Rucking is jogging or walking with a backpack (usually stuffed with weights). The military has been practicing rucking for decades as a way to increase their stamina and endurance. Rucking has been proven to have several benefits such as improving cardio and endurance levels.

It is also used by athletes and bug out preppers as a way to toughen up. With the keyword here being “Transportation” rucking certainly does not qualify as an option for a bug out situation. That said, rucking is a great workout for those who want to prepare for an end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it type situation.

One of the main reasons for taking up rucking is because it helps build muscles and improves functionality. In short, rucking tests the limits of your physical capabilities while exposing your weaknesses, which can transform you from a fanny-pack wearing simpleton to a heavy cargo carrying beast.

That being said, in a SHTF situation, you’ll be better off with a bug out bike rather than having to carry your load across cities, fields, forests or rough mountainous terrain. This is where the functionality of the trusty bug out bike is going to shine. Long story short, if you do find yourself in a bug out situation, don’t run with a ruck unless you absolutely have to.

Can I Carry All of My Gear with a Bike?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a land cruiser to haul the stuff you need when disaster strikes. In fact, it is possible for you to haul anything trusted steel-frame steed, from bug out supplies to people, lumber and even grandma’s grand piano (while it might take some muscle and logistics to haul that last one).

Since many bikes do not come with a cargo-carrying basket or rack, it pays to include one in your bug out bike to make carrying easier. The following are some tips that will help you carry your food supplies and other essentials in a bug out situation.

Add a Basket

The first option is putting a basket at the front of your bike. These baskets can cost as low as $15 and can carry a lot of essentials you might need to survive while on the road. Since bikes that have a curly handlebar will make it difficult to include a basket, this is the reason why it’s so important to choose the right type of bike for the job.

When choosing a basket for your bug out bike, make sure it is big enough to carry at least two grocery bags. You can stretch a bungee net on top of the basket to keep the contents from flying off as you ride the bike over potholes and other obstacles.

Add a Rear Rack

Having a rear rack is another important accessory for your bug out bike, and should not be ignored. A rear rack for a bicycle should cost you around $25 and there’s no need to invest in a very expensive one. The beauty of attaching a rear rack on your bicycle is that you can directly strap anything to it, such as folding metal baskets, to carry your backpack or other essentials.

Many preppers prefer to also invest in panniers, as in saddlebags that can be attached to the bike rack and allows you to carry more supplies. The good news is that panniers come in various shapes and sizes so it should be difficult for you to find one that fits your needs perfectly. Just make sure that the panniers you choose are capacious and waterproof.

Don’t Forget Tie-Downs or Bungees

Apart from including a basket and rear rack to the bug out bike, you would also want to add in bungees or a tie-down. This is mainly because you never know when you will need a few bungee cords or tie-downs on hand.

If you do not want to make an investment in bungee cords and tie-downs, then you can easily make tie-downs with your old bike tubes. All you have to do is cut the bike tubes in half and remove the valve. A pro tip is to make sure the bungee cord or tie-downs are as tight as possible when in use, so they don’t dangle too close to the wheels.

Even during a bug out situation, your creativity could end up saving your life, which is why it is always going to be the key ingredient to your survival. In short, you will come across many challenges and difficult situations while surviving the aftermath of a disaster, which means you will need to use that creativity to think out of the box and MacGyver your way out of a sticky situation.

Do I Need a Bike Built for Speed?

When it comes to choosing the speed of a bug out bike, the only thing that you need to be concerned about is whether or not it is fast enough to get you out of a dangerous situation ASAP. While speed matters, what’s even more important is going to be your agility. This is where being in shape pays off, which is why most preppers prefer rucking as a good exercise to prepare their body and mind so that they can take on the challenge.

However, if you didn’t log in the hours at the gym or didn’t bother with ruck marching your way to fitness, there might be another option to get your bike the speed it needs to outrun scavengers, wild animals or zombies in the aftermath of a disaster. It’s called an electric motor conversion kit and can be used to convert your pedal bike into a motorized one.

The electric powered motor kit can be attached to the back of the bug out bike and fits most 26” tire sizes. This will give you a decent speed of 28 mph on your bike. These kits come with a 48v motor, brakes and maneuvering controls and a new back wheel.

Converting your pedal bike into a motorized one is relatively easy and can be undertaken as a DIY project, but again, the electric motor will need recharging some time, which doesn’t make it suitable for survival in an off-grid world. That said, the powerful motor should help you get a good head start, and you can always detach the motor and give those quadriceps a workout.

What’s the Right Bike Fit for Me?

It goes without saying that you need to make sure that the bike you choose fits you. This is crucial since getting the right bike size will not only make sure that you are comfortable, but will keep you from looking ridiculous when the search party finds you. The good news is that there is no dearth of bike sizes, types, and shapes available in the market, which means it should be easy for you to find the perfect one to turn into your personal bug out bike.

You will need to factor in your height and inseam (which is the measurement from your crotch to the floor) to get one that’s the perfect size. You can also find online frame sizing charts and calculators to make sure you get the right size bike.

Measuring Your Height

• First, remove your shoes and stand straight against a wall.
• With your feet shoulder width apart, have someone measure from the top of your head to the ground.
• You can jot down your measurements in inches or centimeters for finding the right size bike.

Measuring Your Inseam

• First, remove your shoes and stand straight with your back against the wall.
• Place a large book between your legs, with the spine of the book resting against your crotch.
• Now, have someone measure the distance between the spine of the book to the floor.
• That is going to be your inseam which will make it easier to choose the right size bike.

For those who are not sure how to use these measurements, you need to make sure that the size of the bike frame is .65 times your inseam. Most bike stores know the frame size of the bikes they have on sale and can give you that information at the time of purchase. Two other factors to consider when choosing the ideal bike size are:

• Saddle Height — This is an important measurement to consider when buying a bug out bike. As a rule of thumb, it is important for you to choose a bike that has a seat high enough so that your heels barely reach the pedal at its lowest state.
• Handlebar Reach – This is the distance you are going to reach out to hold the handlebars and is another important factor that will determine how easy it is for you to maneuver the bike. A bike with a handle reach that’s too long or short will hinder your ability to maneuver the bike and can have a negative impact on the weight distribution between the front and back wheels of the bike. Ideally, always choose a bike with a handle reach that only bends the elbows slightly when you are holding on to the hoods.

Main Components of Your Bug Out Bike:

A bike has many components that are all essential to its function and efficiency. The following are some of the main components that are found in most bikes:

Handlebar Shape

The shape and position of the handlebar mainly depend on the type of bike you choose, but the following are a few handlebar shapes that you should be aware of when choosing a bug out bike.

• Drop Bar — This handlebar style is found on most road bikes available in the market today. The drop bar is lightweight and features an aerodynamic design, which makes it the ideal choice for fast riding. With the drop bar, the rider is at a lower, hunched over position, which could lead to neck and back discomfort after a while.
• Flat Bar —This type of handlebar is commonly used on hybrid bikes and are also sometimes found on mountain or road bikes. The flat bar design allows the rider to sit upright while riding which can be more comfortable as compared to the drop bar design. The flat bar handle design reduces discomfort on your wrists and shoulders while riding.
• Mustache Bar — Used mostly for hybrid and road bikes, the mustache bar gets its name from its shape which is similar to a man’s mustache. The bar is somewhat similar to the drop bars, without the same drop height, and is considered to be more comfortable than the drop bar bikes.
• Riser Bar – This bar design is mainly used on mountain bikes. The riser handlebar rises upwards and back, allowing the rider to sit farther back while riding the bike.

Frame Size

The good news for those who are looking to buy a bike is that nowadays, bikes are available in different frame sizes. This makes it easier for you to find a bike that suits your needs perfectly. Needless to say, the size of the frame is going to vary depending on the type of bike you choose.

Frame Materials

The most important part of a bike is its frame. It’s going to be a real drag if the frame of the bike you choose is heavy. Bike frames vary according to the type and the manufacturer. While some bike frames are made from traditional heavy steel, there are also lighter bike frames that are made from titanium, carbon fiber and aluminum.

Brake Type

There are quite a few types of brakes that are found on bikes. Each one of them come with their respective pros and cons. The kind of brakes a bike has will mainly depend on the type of bike. The following are some of the most common types of brakes found on bikes:

• Rim Brakes — These brakes have been traditionally used in bike making and are found in many older bikes. Rim brakes use pads that grip the rims of the wheels to slow the bike down. The rim brakes are simple to use and maintain but are often less effective when using on wet surfaces.
• Disk Brakes — These brakes are attached to the wheel hub and are found in most modern bikes. They are found in bikes that have multiple speeds and are effective when used in all environments.
• Drum Brakes –These brakes are integrated into the hub of the bike’s wheel. This makes them more efficient, durable and weather resistant.
• Coaster Brakes — These brakes engage with the rider starts to pedal backward. They do not require much maintenance and are not the best choice for riding a bike down slopes.

Bike Suspension

The suspension of a bike is important since it is meant to keep you suspended, especially while riding through rough terrain. The following are some of the suspension types that are found in bikes.

• Full Suspension – Full suspension is mainly found in mountain bikes. This suspension offers better traction and stability while riding on rough terrain.
• Front Suspension — Front suspension bikes absorb impacts on the front wheel. They are more common in mountain and hybrid bikes.
• No Suspension — Many road bikes and hybrid bikes do not have any suspension. It is important to note that the suspension fork and rear shocks can increase the weight of the bike, consequently leading to less efficient pedaling.

Gears

Bike gears range from the 10-speed to 27-speed gears. Needless to say, the higher the gears, the more complex it is going to be to ride. That being said, if you are looking for speed then bikes with the most gears are certainly the way to go. Bikes with several gears are only recommended for strong cyclists who have good balance and control while riding.

Tire Size

The size of the tire varies according to the type of bike you choose. The following are some of the tire sizes used in bikes:

• 650c — This size is only used on some bikes that are designed for those who have a small stature (people who are shorter than 5ft. 4 in.).
• 700c — This is the standard wheel size for most bikes.
• 20 in. — This wheel size is mostly found on BMX bikes or folding bikes.
• 27.5 in. (650b) — This offers a middle ground for those who are looking for tires that provide better maneuverability.
• 29 in. — These wheels are a bit slower to accelerate with, but once moving allows you to cover more ground as compared to small wheel sizes. The 29ers are more efficient for long rides.

Best Bug Out Bikes

The type of bike you choose is going to mainly depend on the kind of riding you plan to do. Since there are many different types of bikes that are available in the market today, here are a few types that make for great bug out bikes:

• Adventure Touring Bikes – Touring bikes are a tweaked up version of the traditional road bikes, which means they are sturdier and provide better balance. They also come with racks to carry heavy loads. The stronger wheelbase and lower center of gravity of the adventure touring bikes make them a great option for a bug out bike.
• Cyclocross Bikes —These bikes are lightweight and tough which makes them another great choice for a bug out bike.
• Dual Sport Bikes –These bikes have been designed for leisurely rides around the park, but when SHTF you can crank up the speed and do some bike-packing.
• Hybrid Bikes —These bikes are a mix of road, mountain, and tour bikes, putting together the best parts of each of those bikes to create a speedy, chic alternative that also sounds like it’s good for the environment.
• Adult Tricycles —Since being prepared for a bug out situation applies to all people regardless of age, an adult tricycle is a great option for those who are looking for a bike with more storage capacity or who were just too lazy to learn how to balance a bike.

Worst Bug Out Bikes

• Mountain Bike — While these bikes can be outfitted with additional storage capacity with a basket or a rear rack, mountain bikes have been built for extreme terrain which means they are of little use if you’re in the city.
• BMX Bike —BMX is a cool sounding bike, but that won’t matter when you’re being chased by angry mobs or flesh-eating zombie people. These bikes are prone to skidding and tend to be heavier than most other bikes, two features you do not want your bug out bike to have.
• Road Bikes —These bikes come with a drop bar that results in the rider having to slouch or ride in a hunched position, which puts a strain on your neck and back, and is not ideal for long rides.
• Track/Fixed-Gear Bikes —The fixed gear bikes also known as “the fixie” are cheap and simple to ride, but they are an absolute nightmare trying to ride uphill. They are also heavy and typically don’t have brakes. Also, you can’t attach a basket or rear rack on a fixie. But most importantly, the reason why the track/fixed-wheel bike gets a bad rap is that you can’t freewheel and need to pedal constantly (even downhill), what’s that about!

So, there you have it. This was everything you need to know about using a bug out bike for your survival. For all those preppers out there who have ever considered just how useful a bike could be as a mode of transportation when SHTF, then to quote Freddy Mercury, “Just Get on Your Bikes and Ride.”

The Knife & The Man

When it comes to utensils, most men use it wherever necessary. But no man covets it or as a deep abiding passion to own it – the knife is an exception though.

To a man, the knife is considered to be equally part useful as a kitchen tool and an extension of one’s dominant arm, which are two of the reasons why we covet a masterfully crafted blade.

For some men, a knife is as indispensable as their mobile phone or wallet. The humble knife is useful to cut through packages we order from Amazon or making an extra hole in a belt. It is also undeniably usefulness when it comes to self-defense and emergencies.

Knife Laws Per State in America

But, apart from being practical and useful, knives are also pointy and dangerous when put in the wrong hands, which is why there are laws which govern the use of knives in public spaces. Since knife laws in the U.S., isn’t just unclearly written, the laws vary tremendously from state to state. Here, we are going to take a look at the state laws and what they say about packing a knife in public.

Alabama

Alabama, where the legendary Bowie knives enjoyed widespread freedom is one of the states in the United States where knife owners enjoy the freedom of owning and carrying a knife. According to Alabama’s State Constitution, every citizen has the fundamental right to bear arms in defense of themselves.

That said, local and municipal ordinances can include their own laws regarding knives. A good example of this can be given of the city of Montgomery where there’s a three-inch blade limitation. Bowies and knives similar to Bowies (eg; a machete and butcher knife) are illegal if concealed.

However, if you are carrying a Bowie knife, you won’t be charged unless the police officer has a suspicion that you are going to commit a crime. The sale of Bowie knives to people under the age of 18 is also considered to be illegal in Alabama.

Alaska

Alaskan knife laws can get confusing at times. While there are no clearly defined illegal knives, there are a number of conditions in which the possession of a knife could be considered illegal. It is not prohibited to manufacture gravity or switchblade knives, and minors can only possess these two types of knives with parental consent.

Concealing the knife or pointed weapon can be used as a factor when contacted by the police. This means if you have a knife other than a pocketknife concealed you should inform a police officer if contacted.

Furthermore, a person who is carrying a concealed knife should ask for the express permission of the person living in a home before entering.

Arizona

Within the Grand Canyon State’s boundaries, Section 13-3102 of Arizona state law provides broad possession and concealment rights for knives. Under the “Misconduct Involving Weapons” law, anyone who is 21 years of age or older has the right to purchase and carry any knife, either openly or concealed. Since there are no laws pertaining to the length of the blade, one can carry just about any type of knife.

That said, it is illegal to not inform a police officer that you are carrying a knife on your person. This means, while you can carry a knife, you will have to inform a police officer even if you have a concealed-carry permit.

Arkansas

While the state of Arkansas has previously been limiting in its laws regarding knives, it went through a legislative U-turn during the period between 2007 and 2013. Today, Arkansas is considered to be among the knife-friendly states of the US.

This is a welcome change, especially for those who like to take advantage of all the rugged charm that the state has to offer its 1 million strong outdoorsmen, hunters, and fishermen, whether it’s the Ozarks or the extensive park areas that are spread throughout Arkansas.

That said, local and municipal governments still have a say in the legal knife length in their respective constituencies, which is mainly due to the failure to pass House Bill HB 1668 in 2013, which would have given the state knife laws preemption over local municipal laws.

California

California knife laws are considered to be the strictest when compared to all other US states. Those who wish to carry any sort of knife in California will face a whole laundry list of restrictions. This is because there are no preemption laws in place, which basically gives local municipal administrators free rein over knife laws in the state. California’s complicated knife laws are made more complicated with its complex knife length limits.

That said, Bowie knives are considered to be legal in California while carrying knives that are concealed or undetectable by a metal detector is considered illegal. Finding out which knives are considered illegal is made even more difficult with the fact that many localities have their own definition of concealed carry and knife length limitations. For example, carrying a concealed knife with a 3-inches or longer blade is illegal. Switchblades are banned from public buildings and public areas.

Colorado

The state of Colorado falls in the middle ground of US states that are neither knife friendly, nor are restrictive with their knife laws. Knives that are legal in Colorado are daggers, dirks, push knives, bowie knives, stilettos, fishing, and hunting knives. Even knives that are hard to identify such as pen knives, cane knives, belt knives, butterfly knives, and lipstick knives are also legal.

The knives that are considered to be illegal in Colorado include ballistic knives and concealed knives (over 3.5 inches). While the maximum length of a knife’s blade should be 3.5 inches, since there is no preemption clause in the legal codes, local counties and municipalities are free to create their own laws regarding the maximum length of the knife’s blade.

Connecticut

The types of knives that are legal are automatic knives, Balisongs, dirks, gravity knives, daggers, switchblades, push knives, cane knives, boot knives, and lipstick knives. Bowie knives are also legal to own in Connecticut. That said, stilettos, switchblades and automatic knives that have blades longer than 1.5 inches long are considered to be illegal. The legal knives are legal as long as the owner keeps them at home. Those who have hunting, trapping or fishing licenses are eligible to carry sports-related knives. Buying and selling of all types of knives are also considered to be perfectly legal in Connecticut.

Delaware

Delaware knife law is straightforward and doesn’t beat about the bush. The knives that are legal in Delaware include Bowie knives, Balisong knives, throwing knives, and even knives that are disguised such as, lipstick knives, cane knives, belt knives and the like. Other kinds of knives such as dirks, daggers, stilettos are also legal.

In Delaware, it is legal to carry a pocket knife with a 3-inch blade or a folding knife even if its concealed. However, those knives that are not detectable by a metal detector are considered to be illegal, along with knives that have brass knuckles. Switchblade knives and gravity knives and throwing stars are all illegal. The state has broad open knife laws but does not allow most concealed carry.

Florida

Much of the knife laws in Florida is considered to be knife-friendly, but much of the concealed carry is largely left to court interpretation. The knives that are legal to own in Florida include Balisong knives, cane, knives, belt knives, and other disguised knives. The Bowie knife and even knives that are undetectable are considered to be legal.

However, ballistic knives are illegal to own, sell or buy in Florida. The lax knife law means Floridians can openly carry just about any knife. And box cutters or work knives are considered legal even if concealed. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Florida has one of the most knife-friendly laws in the US.

Georgia

The bladed weapon legislation in Georgia is also straightforward and easy to understand. The new knife laws is a stark difference from the previous restrictive laws governing knife use.

Knives such as the Bowie knife, Balisong knife, throwing knife, and all disguised knives, dirks, daggers, push knives, and also switchblades are considered legal, along with spring assisted ballistic knives and knives which cannot be detected by a metal detector.

However, it is illegal to carry any knife that’s larger than 5 inches without a permit.

Hawaii

Pacific paradise has moderate knife laws. The knives that are considered legal in Hawaii include Bowie knives, dirks, daggers, stilettos, disguised knives such as, lipstick knives, push and belt knives, and throwing knives are all legal. Switchblades and Balisong knives, on the other hand, are illegal.

It is legal to openly carry any type of knife in Hawaii, and the state has pretty lax concealed carry laws as well. However, you are not allowed to conceal carry knives that have knuckles such as the WWI trench knife. For those who are wondering, the double-edged diver’s knives exist in a legal gray area.

Idaho

Idaho has an unlimited knife law which means you can buy, sell or possess any type of knife, along with ballistic knives and throwing stars. The state makes it legal to carry just about any type of knife you want. Even minors under the age of 18 can carry knives with their parent’s consent.

Conceal carrying a bowie knife or dirk is illegal and it is also illegal to carry a knife if intoxicated. The maximum blade length for conceal carry is 4 inches and 2.5 inches for school grounds. Since the state of Idaho does not have a state-wide preemption statute, counties, towns, and cities are free to pass their own ordinances as they deem fit.

Illinois

The state of Illinois permits the ownership of a wide range of knives. The knives that are considered to be legal in Illinois include the Balisong knife, Bowie knife, disguised knives, throwing knives, and automatic knives and switchblades.

The only two knives that are not allowed are ballistic knives and throwing stars. You can carry any of the knives as long as they are not one of the banned knives. Knives that have blades as long as 3 inches are legal and knives with blades longer than 3 inches are also legal as long as they are carried without the intent of causing harm to anyone.

The knife laws in Illinois does not make a distinction between open carry or concealed carry, but carrying a knife is not allowed in public places such as courthouses, parks, schools, and public transport.

Indiana

The knife laws in Indiana are flexible enough to allow knife owners to enjoy a lot of liberties when it comes to the possession and carrying of knives. In Indiana, all types of knives, except for ballistic knives are considered to be legal. There are also no limitations when it comes to open or concealed carry of knives.

That said, you’re not allowed to take a knife to school whether it’s open or concealed.

Iowa

The knife laws in Iowa is considered to be complex but fairly reasonable according to knife owners. Much of the law regarding knives have to do with conceal carry scenarios. The knives that are legal in Iowa include the Balisong knife, switchblade, Bowie knife, daggers, dirks, and stilettos, along with lipstick, belt, and cane knives, with the only illegal knife being the ballistic knives. In fact, you wouldn’t want to be caught with a ballistic knife anywhere in Iowa.

While it is legal to carry any knife in Iowa, it is not permitted to conceal carry a switchblade knife, Balisong, dagger or stiletto. While length restrictions of 5 inches are imposed on all conceal carry, knives there are no blanket blade length restrictions, which means even machetes, swords, and extremely long knives, and bayonets are all legal to possess.

Kansas

The state of Kansas, also known as “The Sunflower State” has also made major changes to its knife laws. Not only do the new laws make it lawful to carry a knife, but even convicted felons are also allowed to carry knives of any size. That being said, there are some limitations which have been imposed on carrying knives. For instance, Bowie knives, daggers, dirks, and stilettos are legal, along with switchblades, gravity knives, and disguised knives such as lipstick and belt knives, undetectable knives and cane swords are legal.

However, following in Iowa’s footsteps, Kansas law makes it illegal to own a ballistic knife. There are also currently no restrictions on the length of knives in Kansas, which means even a sword such as a claymore could be identified as a knife. Any knife that’s considered to be legal is Kansas can also be carried concealed, except in schools or government buildings.

Kentucky

The state of Kentucky is not only famous because of its bourbon and its picture-perfect landscapes, but also has famous knife laws that don’t ban any type of knife. This means you can carry just about any type of knife while in Kentucky.

It is also legal to conceal carry a pocket knife, however, a hunting knife or any other knife is banned from concealed carry in Kentucky.

While the state is considered to be knife-friendly, there are also various county and municipal knife rules that one needs to consider when in Kentucky.

Louisiana

According to Louisiana knife laws, owners can own a wide range of knife types. The knives that are considered to be legal in the state of Louisiana includes the Balisong knife, daggers and dirks, disguised knives, throwing knives, Bowie knives, stilettos, and any other large knife.

However, it is illegal to own a switchblade or an automatic knife. Owners can carry any knife either openly or concealed as long as its not a switchblade knife.

Maine

Similar to many other states, Maine also permits knife owners to carry a broad array of knives openly. But, concealed carry is still tightly controlled by the state.

Some of the knives that are legal in Maine include the Bowie knife, daggers and dirks, stilettos, slim knives, throwing knives, and knives that are disguised.

However, it is illegal to own Balisong and switchblade knives along with any other automatic knife. The knives that have been mainly banned in Maine are those that feature quick deployment, which could also include gravity knives.

Maryland

The knife laws in the state of Maryland is a mixture of knife type and user intent. Knives that are considered to be legal in Maryland include, Bowie and Balisong knives, daggers, dirks, switchblades, ballistic knives, throwing knives, and even undetectable knives.

While there are no limitations to the type of knives you can carry, conceal carry of a switchblade knife, bowie knife or dirk is not permitted. Knife owners are also not allowed to carry these knives openly as well, while both open or conceal carry of any type of pocket knife is permitted.

Massachusetts

Practically any type of knife can be owned in the ‘Old Colony State’ but there are strict and lengthy restrictions when it comes to carrying the knives. There are many types of knives that are considered legal to own in Massachusetts such as, the ballistic knife, Balisong knife, switchblade, Bowie knife, throwing knife, dirks, daggers and even automatic knives and disguised knives.

While there are no restrictions to own these knives, it is illegal to carry, either open or concealed, dirks, switchblades, ballistic knives, knuckle knives, daggers, and stilettos. It is also considered illegal to carry any weapon that’s perceived to be dangerous.

That said, kitchen knives and folding knives are legal to carry as long as one does not behave inappropriately.

Michigan

Michigan or the “Wolverine State” has a complex knife law that’s not quite restrictive, neither is it knife-friendly. The knives that are legal here include, the butterfly knife, dirks and daggers, the Bowie knife, hidden knives, and undetectable knives are also considered to be legal to own and carry.

Automatic, gravity and switchblade knives, along with dirks, daggers, stilettos, and non-folding knives are all illegal to carry in Michigan. Open carry is allowed as long as the knife is legal. Fixed-blade knives are illegal to carry concealed, except for hunting knives that are used for hunting purposes. Knives that are more than 3 inches are not allowed to be carried in Michigan.

Minnesota

The state of Minnesota is the go-to destination for hunters and fishermen, who also mostly use knives. This is why recreational knives such as hunting knives, buck knives, and fishing knives are treated with leniency when it comes to knife laws in Minnesota. In fact, all types of knives except for switchblades are legal to own in the state.

Knives that have utility purposes are also permitted to carry either open or concealed. The only reason why carrying a knife can be considered illegal in Minnesota is if the person carrying the knife has the intent to harming others.

However, since there’s no preemption rule, local governments pass their own knife ordinances and can also impose stricter laws regarding knives in towns. The state of Minnesota does not regard blade length when it comes to determining the legality of a knife.

Mississippi

While there are some conceal carry laws in Mississippi, the general rules and regulations regarding knives are relatively lax. The knives which are considered to be legal are Balisong, dirks, Bowie knives, throwing knives, disguised knives, stilettos, and even switchblades.

However, it is illegal to carry a concealed dirk, butchers or Bowie knife. It is also illegal to carry a switchblade knife.

You can carry any knife if it is in your vehicle and not on your person. You can also carry any type of knife if you happen to be participating in a sporting event where you will need to use a knife. It is illegal for convicted felons or minors to own a switchblade, dirk, Bowie or butcher knife in Mississippi.

Missouri

The State of Missouri, also known as the “Show-Me State” has clear and easy to understand knife laws that are considered to be fully knife friendly by knife owners. Knives such as, a Bowie knife, Balisong knife, boot knife, dirks, daggers, stilettos, throwing knives and knives that are undetectable on a metal detector are all legal to own in Missouri.

That said, you will face a Class C Felony if you’re caught with a switchblade knife. Knife laws can get confusing in Missouri since blade length limitations vary across towns and cities within the state. That said, concealed carry imposes a 4-inch legal blade length limit. Also, Missouri law places gravity knives under the umbrella of switchblades, but not Balisong knives.

Montana

In Montana, most types of knives, including bladed implements are legal to use. This means, apart from pocket knives, machetes, Bowie knives, Balisong knives, hunting knives, swords, throwing knives, stilettos, lipstick and belt buckle knives, and even disguised knives can be legally owned, bought and sold. Open carry is also legal for all knives.

That being said, you are not permitted to carry a knife that has a blade longer than 4 inches in a school ground. While obtaining a CWP (Concealed Weapons Permit) is mostly related to handguns and firearms, in Montana, it also provides the right to carry knives of any length concealed. Though, switchblades are still illegal. Also, it’s illegal to conceal carry a dagger dirk, or switchblade. Conceal carry of any weapon is not permitted on school grounds.

Nebraska

Nebraska or the “Cornhusker State” does not permit convicted felons or fugitives to own a knife. Open carry is allowed everywhere except for schools, courthouses, and government buildings. The knives that are legal to own in Nebraska include the Bowie knife, ballistic knives, daggers and dirks, Balisong knives, disguised knives such as, lipstick, cane and belt knives, and switchblades.

This means those who own a knife can also open carry it without any imposed blade limitations to follow. The good news for hunters and outdoorsmen is, as of September 2017, the legislation Nebraska L 558 redefined the term “knife” for provisions of the criminal code allowing hunters and anglers to carry that have blades longer than 3½ inches.

Nevada

The state of Nevada expanded its knife laws back in 2015 to be more inclusive, by allowing users to own, purchase and sell knives that were previously banned. However, there are still some limitations regarding the ownership and carrying of knives. The knives which are legal to own include, dagger and dirk knives, Bowie knives, throwing knives, and Balisong knives. The knives that are illegal to own are switchblades and any knife that’s part of a belt buckle.

There are also quite a few restrictions when it comes to carrying knives. For instance, it is illegal to carry a switchblade, dirk or dagger on school grounds. It is also illegal to conceal carry a dirk, dagger, machete and any knife that’s part of a belt buckle or can be used as a deadly weapon. That said, it is legal to carry a pocketknife and any knife that is legal to own.

It is also important to mention that the two-inch blade size limitation for switchblades was lifted so there is no law specifying the length of a concealed carry.

New Hampshire

Following in the footsteps of Nebraska, New Hampshire also does not permit convicted felons of owning or carrying a dagger, switchblade, dirk or stiletto. That said, the “Live Free or Die” state is considered to be one of the most tolerant states in the country when it comes to knife laws. Knife enthusiasts can own just about any knife and conceal carry is not considered an issue.

New Hampshire also does not have any laws regarding the sale of knives to minors. This has been possible because of the abolishment of previous differing local ordinances that complicated knife ownership in the Granite State.

New Jersey

The Garden State is one of the states where knife carrying should be treated conservatively. Mainly because the knife law here makes carrying any type of knife illegal and also places the burden of proving the legality of intent on the carrier. Unlike the US states that we’ve discussed so far, carrying any kind of knife in New Jersey is considered illegal if the police officer and court decide it to be.

While you cannot carry a knife, some knives are legal to own such as a Bowie knife, Balisong knife, throwing knife, or disguised knife. It is also illegal for a convicted felon or mentally ill people to own certain knives such as a stiletto, dagger, dirk, gravity knife, switchblade or any knife that’s considered to be dangerous.

New Mexico

New Mexico also has some of the strictest laws governing knife ownership. Chapter 30 of the New Mexico Code that regulates weaponry and knives as deadly weapons are very broad and cover multiple knife types. That said, you can legally own knives such as a Bowie knife, dagger, stiletto, dirk, or throwing knives. However, is it illegal to own a switchblade or Balisong knife.

Furthermore, its also restricted to manufacture, display, sell or give away a switchblade knife along with butterfly-type knives. While open carry of large knives is permitted, conceal carry is prohibited in New Mexico. Since there are no preemption laws, local counties and municipalities are free to add to the knife ordinances. Since all types are considered as “deadly weapons” in New Mexico there are no blade limitations.

New York

While there are numerous limitations on the ownership of knives in New York City, it is possible to own a knife. The knives that are legal to own in New York include a dagger, dirk, stiletto and hunting knife. Knives that are considered to be illegal include, switchblade knives, ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, cane swords, and throwing stars. It is also illegal to own a knife in New York if you are not a US citizen.

It is also important to note that owning a gravity knife could be illegal if you do not have a hunting or fishing license. Minors under the age of 16 are not allowed to own or have any type of knife. While there is no preemption law, local governments frequently impose their own limitations on the length of a knife’s blade.

North Carolina

North Carolina is another one of the larger states in the US, stretching all the way from the Atlantic to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The state permits the ownership and carrying rights of a wide range of knives.

That said, there are some limitations on the types of knives that one can carry in North Carolina. For instance, knives that are legal in the state include the bowie knife, switchblade knives, gravity knives, daggers and dirks, and disguised knives.

While the knives that are considered to be illegal are the ballistic knife, and any knife that’s spring assisted.

The Tar Heel State enforces no limitations to the length of the blade of knives for ownership or open carry. However, pocket knives need to have a small blade in order to qualify for concealed carry. That said, how small has not been classified leaving the measurement open to interpretation.

North Dakota

Knife ownership is not regulated by the northern Great Plains state laws. Most of the knife laws in North Dakota has to do with concealed carry. This means it is legal to own just about any type of knife since owning one is not considered to be a crime. That said, there are a few limitations when it comes to conceal carry. For instance, owners are not allowed to conceal carry daggers, dirks, machetes, gravity knives, switchblades, backswords, stilettos, and just about any knife that has a blade longer than 5 inches. That said, the state does allow to open carry any type of knife.

Ohio

The Buckeye State has one of the most comprehensive laws regulating knife ownership and carry. In Ohio, knives are treated in the same way as any other piece of personal property. This makes residents of Ohio entitled to own any type of blade. While you can own any type of knife in Ohio, ballistic knives have been characterized as “dangerous ordnance” and are considered illegal to own or carry.

There’re no limitations to the length of the blade of the knife, but concealed carry has been outlawed. It is important to note that many localities in Ohio maintain their own rules and regulations governing knife legalities and related restrictions.

Oklahoma

A preemption law was signed back in 2015, which allowed Oklahoma to make certain gains concerning its knife laws. Because of these regulations, knives that were previously considered to be illegal were brought into the fold of legal knives. That said, while the new changes made it easier for knife enthusiasts to own a wide variety of knives, it brought about some restrictions pertaining to conceal carry. The knives that can be acquired legally in Oklahoma include daggers, dirks, Balisong, stiletto, and the Bowie knife.

Apart from these, it is not illegal to own any type of knife in Oklahoma. However, there are some knives that are considered to open or conceal carry, such as, daggers, dirks, spring-assisted knives, Bowie knife, dagger, sword cane and any knife with a blade that is able to automatically open have been prohibited from open or conceal carry in Oklahoma. There are no limits to the length of the blade since both open and conceal carry is considered illegal in Oklahoma. Unlike, some other states, Oklahoma’s no carry law extends to the owner’s vehicle and not just their person.

Oregon

In Oregon, knife laws are defined by case law instead of statutory law. While this leaves some matters concerning knife laws vague, such as blade length limits for a pocket knife, it does offer knife owners quite a few liberties.

For instance, those who are not convicted felons are free to own a variety of knives.

The relatively lax laws regulating knives, thanks to Oregon courts following the 2^nd Amendment to the Constitution, also makes it legal to own, purchase, sell and manufacture knives. Regarding blade size, previous cases have shown that pocketknives with blades that are as long as 4.75 inches are legal to carry under Oregon law. Blades that are longer than 6 inches are not.

According to the Oregon Revised Statutes, section 166-240, it is a misdemeanor to carry daggers, dirks, and spring-powered knives concealed.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s knife laws have been designed to discourage the ownership of knives, even if it’s for self-defense. What makes Pennsylvania one of the worst US states for knife ownership is that the local municipalities sometimes outdo the state laws when it comes to strictness in their knife laws. According to a “Cutting Weapons in Public Places” ordinance, the use of just about any type of knife has been forbidden in Pennsylvania.

Furthermore, Pennsylvania’s definition of “Offensive weapons” lumps together knives with machine guns, grenades, and bombs. And the bad news for knife enthusiasts doesn’t end there.

Pennsylvania’s blanket ban comes with a 90-day jail sentence and a $300 fine. While open or conceal carry is forbidden, you can own a Bowie knife, penknife, or a Balisong knife along with any type of hunting knife.

The knives that are illegal to own include, daggers, sword canes, automatic knives and any knife that can cause bodily injury.

Rhode Island

The main concern of Rhode Island’s knife laws is to prevent concealed carry. This means that knife owners should assume that the concealed carry of any type of knife is illegal in Rhode Island. While the conceal carry laws may be strict at Rhode Island, knife owners can own a number of different types of knives such as a stiletto, dagger, dirk, sword cane, switchblade, Balisong, and Bowie knives.

It’s also not illegal to own any type of knife as long as it is not intended for unlawful use. While it is legal to open carry any type of knife, conceal carry laws restrict Bowie knives, stiletto, daggers and dirks along with any knife that has a blade length more than 3 inches from being concealed carried. Since Rhode Island has not made any efforts to sign a preemptive bill, local towns and municipalities are free to add their own restrictions to knife use and carry as they deem fit.

South Carolina

South Carolina gave its knife laws a much-needed makeover back in 2008. The changes made to the concealed carry laws and other related laws made it a more knife-friendly state. This means, under South Carolina law, there have been no limitations imposed on the ownership of any type of knife. It is legal to own a number of knives, including the Bowie knife, daggers, dirks, Balisong, stiletto and switchblade knives, along with disguised knives such as the belt buckle and lipstick knife.

However, it is considered illegal to conceal carry certain knives such as the dirk, stiletto, Balisong, Bowie knife and switchblade knives. Knives that are carried on school grounds should have a blade of no more than 2 inches. Apart from this, there are no limitations to the blade size of knives in South Carolina.

Without a knife preemption law in South Carolina, many municipalities and counties regularly enforce their own ordinances which are sometimes even more restricting than the knife laws prior to the changes made in 2008.

South Dakota

The state of South Dakota imposes no Draconian laws against knife ownership. That said, the absence of a knife preemption law means that many of the restrictions come from the local municipalities and counties who impose their own knife laws.

That said, the windswept state does, however, allow savvy knife owners to legally own a variety of knives, such as the much-loved Bowie knife, the Balisong, stiletto, and switchblade, along with belt buckle and lipstick knives. It is even legal to own a ballistic knife in South Dakota, which is one of the knives that other states feel strongly about when it comes to ownership. South Dakota permits the open or conceal carry of knives of all types, with no limitations on blade length.

Tennessee

The state of Tennessee also made some amendments to its knife laws, which has put it in the list of the more knife-friendly states in the US. In Tennessee, it is legal to own any type of knife. The knives that are legal to own and carry in Tennessee include the dagger, Bowie knife, dirk, Balisong knives, gravity knives, hunting knives, pocket knives, switchblade, machete, and other single or double-edged knives that either has a fixed or a folding blade. Even the 4-inch limitation on the blade length was removed, which means there’s currently no limitation on the maximum size of the blade of a knife you can own or carry within Tennessee.

Texas

The Lone Star State has a somewhat restricting knife carrying law, while knife ownership, restricts the use of just the gravity knives and knives that have a blade longer than 5½ inches. Knives that are legal to own in Texas include:

• the Balisong knife
• the Bowie knife
• stiletto
• daggers
• and dirks

As well as disguised knives such as:

• the belt buckle knife and the lipstick knife

along with many other knife types.

Texas knife laws do not make any distinction between open or conceal carry since both are considered to be illegal.

Utah

The state of Utah is leading the fight for knife laws in the United States. The knife laws in Utah are pretty lax, which means knife owners have the liberty of both open and conceal carry. This law has been put in place for all types of knives.

Utah was one of the first states to push for preemption law, which helped law the foundation for other states to follow with their own preemption laws.

Currently, it is legal to own:

• a Bowie knife
• Balisong
• stiletto
• gravity knife
• dirks
• daggers

And even disguised knives such as:

• a belt buckle or lipstick knife.

However, a convicted felon is not allowed to own a knife or any “dangerous weapon” or if the person is illegally in the state of Utah. According to Utah law, a “dangerous weapon” is classified as any weapon that is carried with the intent of causing harm to others.

The state does not have any limitations on the length of the blade of knives.

Vermont

Following the footsteps of Utah, Vermont has also got extremely permissive knife laws. The law in Vermont allows knife owners to own and carry just about any knife either open or concealed.

While you can own daggers, knives, stiletto, a Bowie knife or disguised knife, it is illegal to own a switchblade knife that has a blade that’s longer than 3 inches.

Also, similar to Utah, Vermont makes it illegal to carry a concealed dangerous weapon with the intent to harm another person. Conceal carry is also illegal in schools, courthouses, and prisons.

The Green Mountain State does not have any other laws governing the ownership of knives. Switchblades with a blade length less than 3 inches are the only legal automatic knives allowed in the state of Vermont.

Virginia

In the state of Virginia, the knife laws allow a few liberties in some cases and a few restrictions in others. While the law is friendly it’s not unlimited, which means there are some restrictions that knife owners and enthusiasts need to be aware of.

For instance, in Virginia, it is legal to own a Bowie knife, ballistic knife, stiletto, Balisong, dirk and dagger, and a throwing knife…

But it’s illegal to conceal carry a Bowie knife even if it’s on the legal ownership list.

The blade length limit according to the law in Virginia makes it illegal to own or conceal carry any knife with a blade length more than 3 inches.

Since a knife preemption law does not exist in Virginia, counties and municipalities are free to make and enforce knife regulations as they deem fit.

Washington

Due to its restrictive knife laws, carrying a knife in Washington can be risky. According to the current law, it is legal to own a Bowie knife, stiletto, dagger, dirk and disguised knives such as a belt buckle of lipstick knife.

However, it’s illegal to own a switchblade knife or any other spring-powered knife.

It is also considered illegal to conceal carry a dagger or dirk or any other dangerous weapon. It’s also illegal to carry a knife in a courtroom either openly or concealed.

While there’s a blade length limit, since there’s no preemption law, counties and municipalities often do not allow knives with blades that are over a certain length.

The display of a knife in public can lead to trouble with the law since a person is considered guilty of a crime even when carrying a knife without the intent of causing harm.

West Virginia

In West Virginia, the knife restrictions are mostly limited to conceal carry. There are no limitations on the type of knife one can own. However, any knife with a blade longer than 3.5 inches is illegal to conceal without having a concealed weapons permit.

You can legally own a number of different types of knives such as a Bowie knife, a ballistic, Balisong, Stiletto, dirk, dagger, and even a switchblade knife.

There are literally no limitations to the type of knife one can own in West Virginia. There are a few laws governing the conceal carry of knives, such as any knife that has a blade length longer than 3 ½ inches. It is also illegal to carry a gravity knife, switchblade, dagger, Balisong, and any stabbing knife.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin is well-known for its abundance of farmland and hunting and fishing grounds. The state also has some pretty lax knife laws, which makes it legal to own any kind of knife. The Badger state also does not impose any limitations on the length of the knife’s blade.

However, concealed carry is considered illegal. Permits for concealed weapons are available for residents who are over 21 years of age.

Wyoming

Wyoming law does not prohibit the ownership of any type of knife, which means enthusiasts can own a number of knives without getting into trouble with the law. Even visitors to the Equality State are allowed to own and open carry any knife.

However, it is considered illegal to conceal carry a “deadly weapon” on school grounds and public property. Non-residents who wish to carry a knife need to get a concealed weapons to permit first.

Now, I’m going to share with you everything I’ve been learning about regarding Bushcraft.

What Is Bushcraft?

Bushcraft or bushcrafting is a skill set and a knowledge base. At the heart of bushcraft is the knowledge of nature – the various resources that one can use to look for, read, and recognize the indicators in one’s surroundings. Out of this not only comes a deeper appreciation for nature but the ability to be comfortable while one is out in the wilderness.

Defining Bushcraft

Bushcraft describes the activities involved with making use of the natural materials that are found in the wilderness. It also includes many of the skills that have been used by primitive men. Bushcrafting skills allow an individual to have the remarkable ability to adapt and improvise quickly to the changing environment while out in the wilderness.

Unlike being in a survivalist mindset, bushcraft skills allow one to learn the ways of making their stay in the wilderness as comfortable as possible without the use of technology or outside aid.

Bushcraft is all about acquiring skills and knowledge such as firecraft, building shelter, water sourcing, hunting, navigation, and more that can help a person survive in the wilderness.

In other words, bushcraft is the art of not just surviving but thriving in the wilderness.

Bushcraft Popularity

Bushcraft is a term that’s used to describe wilderness survival skills. The term “bushcraft” was popularized by Major Leslie James ‘Les’ Hiddins an Australian army war veteran and Mors Kochanski a Polish Canadian bushcraft and wilderness survival instructor. Both Hiddins and Kochanski gained a considerable amount of popularity in the UK thanks to Ray Mears’ bushcraft survival television show.

Bushcraft Origins

The use of the word “bushcraft” dates back to the 1800s when it was used by Australians and South Africans to describe those who would live in the bush. The first recorded use of the term bushcraft was in the book, ‘The History of Australian Exploration from 1788 to 1888’ by Ernest Favenc, which was published in 1888.

The word bushcraft comes from the Dutch word “bosch” which was used in Dutch colonies to describe woodland and parts of the country covered with natural wood or forests. This was later used by extension for a country which is why “bushman” was a term given by Dutch colonists to the natives living in the bushes in Southern Africa.

In North America, where there had also been a considerable amount of colonization by the Dutch, the term “bushwacker” meant ‘forest keeper’ or ‘forest ranger.’

The Difference Between Bushcraft/Survival/Camping/Hiking

As humans, we have a close connection to nature. Being out in a natural environment allows us to explore and discover the abundance of nature around us, which is one of the reasons why we go hiking and camping. Learning bushcraft allows us to take these experiences further and enable us to find self-confidence as we move out of our comfort zone and into the wilderness and face new challenges.

Bushcraft vs. Survival Skills

If you’re lost in the woods or have been injured while out in the wilderness, or some other life or death situation, survival skills mean one’s ability to survive in the wilderness and get out of danger ASAP.

Bushcraft, on the other hand, is practiced by those who wish to sharpen their skills to survive in the wilderness without a bug-out-bag.

While there are similarities between the two, bushcraft is the study of survival scenarios done voluntarily. In other words, it isn’t literally about survival, as in, being in a life or death situation. But it does have to do with the practice and sharpening of one’s survival skills in case the need does arise to put those skills to the test.

In short, knowing bushcraft can keep you from being in a life or death situation. Bushcraft or bushcrafting is so much more than just surviving. It’s all about being in the woods and enjoying the experience of being with nature as one practices their skills.

Difference Between Bushcraft and Camping

As far as camping goes, all backpackers carry everything they are going to need in the forest or park while camping, whereas the bushcrafter makes use of their surroundings to supplement their equipment.

The comfort that comes with knowing bushcraft cannot be denied. This comfort has to do with both physical and psychological. For example, camping or hiking through the woods is an enjoyable experience. Being in the wilderness and surrounded by nature can be a great experience, but those who know bushcraft acquire the skills to use the resources in the surroundings.

Bushcraft teaches you:

• Which plants are edible and which should be stayed away from
• How to find water sources
• Build shelter
• Find out which direction you’re going (without a compass)
• Forage for food
• Build a fire
• Make small weapons

Spending a night out in the woods while knowing bushcraft gives a person the confidence they need to deal with what others would find very unsettling and uncomfortable.

Difference between Bushcraft and Hiking / Backpacking

Hiking is about traveling a distance and measuring distance. Bushcraft is more about calculating the number of days one can stay out in the woods. As compared to hikers, a bushcrafter normally carries heavier gear, or more living-style equipment, such as spoon knives, hook knives, axes, tarps and repair kits etc. That’s because, unlike hiking where one will walk for a long distance across terrain and needs to carry a lighter load, bushcrafting is about setting camp in the wilderness and exploring the area around that campsite.

While hiking conditions your body to go through long distances of rugged terrain, bushcraft can save your life in a hiking trip gone wrong. Also, each can be beneficial to the other since they both include certain skills such as land navigation.

This means you can incorporate your bushcraft skills during your next hiking trip.

That said, it should be noted that hiking trails are very different from bushcraft/camping grounds. For instance, up east, you will find the best hiking trails in protected high peak areas such as the Whites, Greens, and the Adirondacks, where cutting trees, camping or starting fires is illegal. So, it’s important to keep in mind that both these activities are usually done in different places.

Bushcraft Skills

Learning bushcraft skills allows a person to adapt and improvise to overcome difficulties in the wilderness, which in turn leads to an increased level of self-confidence. The following are some of the essential bushcraft skills to learn:

Fire Making

The ability to start a fire under any situation is an essential skill of a bushcrafter. It is also important that you learn how to make a fire that’s smokeless or gives little or no flame. Learning how to use fire for signaling is also another crucial skill in bushcraft. Besides these, fire is used to warm you, cook food and can even be used as protection in the wilderness.

Food

Bushcraft takes a lot of energy which means you are going to need adequate amounts of food and water. The following are the basic bushcrafting skills that will ensure you don’t have to go without food in the wilderness.

• Foraging — This basically means feeding yourself off the land. This requires a lot of knowledge about local plants and vegetation. Which plants can be eaten, and which plants are poisonous.
• Hunting –A nice sharp blade is always appreciated by a bushcrafter. If you’ve lost or don’t have access to a knife than learning which stones can be shaped into a blade can also help you hunt for food. That said, you will also need to develop your skills of tracking animals and knowing to distinguish the footprints of different animals in the forest.
• Trapping —One of the initial bushcraft skills that one learns is how to make a simple snare trap to catch small animals. There are many different snare traps you can learn to save yourself from hunger in the wilderness.
• Fishing –Fishing is regarded as another useful skill in bushcraft. The good news is that there are many ways to catch fish without having to use an expensive fishing rod.

Cooking Methods

While you will either catch fish or trap game in the wilderness, each is cooked very differently before you can eat them.

• Cooking Fish — The easiest way to cook fish in the wild is to cut the fins and tail, and cut down the spine, being careful not to sever the spine while you’re at it. The cut should be extended right down to the side of the fish just behind the gills. The fish can then be opened and separated from the skeleton before frying on the fire. But first, you will need to gut the fish. You can do this by sticking the knife in the belly of the fish right below the gills and cut downwards towards the tail. Now, insert your finger and scoop out the guts.
• Cooking Game – Cooking meat is going to be a bit easier as compared to cooking fish. After the meat has been washed thoroughly, simply place it in the pan and leave it there until cooked.

Water Disinfection

Being sure that the water you find is clean enough to drink is going to be extremely important in the wilderness. You wouldn’t want to deal with a bad stomach while out in the bush. Luckily, there are a few ways in which you can clean water in the wild.

Some of the most common ways of disinfecting water are by boiling it on the fire or using a chemical treatment. You can also use miniature filters and soil/sand filters to rid water of any contaminants.

Shelter Building

Building shelter is the first thing you will need to do once you have found a safe and convenient site to set up camp for the night. The following are some common shelter options:

Tarp Setups

Carrying a tarp is one of the essentials while practicing bushcraft. Having a good quality tarp can provide a decent shelter in the wild during the night and can keep you safe from the elements just in case it rains.

But, how does one setup a tarp?

You will need to use a 550 paracord to tie a ridgeline around a tree. There are a few tarp setups that you need to get familiar with just in case you don’t find two trees that are close enough for setting up a traditional tarp and paracord shelter.

Quick Emergency Shelter

So, you’re in the wilderness and you spent too much time hunting or foraging for food and now the sun’s about to go down.

What are you going to do for shelter? There are quite a few ways in which you can create a makeshift emergency shelter that takes just a few minutes to prepare without tools or a tarp.

1. Start by finding a log or a downed tree that’s not all the way reaching the ground.
2. Then find smaller tree branches and place them on the sides of the tree log,
3. Next, cover with dead leaves, twigs and other branches.

Even without no tools at all, this is an easy way to set up an emergency shelter to keep you safe during the night.

Bushcraft Camp Building

If this isn’t your first rodeo, then you might want to try out something that’s a bit more elaborate. Many people who practice bushcraft look to up the ante every time they are out in the wilderness. One way to show off your bushcraft skills is to build a basecamp bushcraft log cabin. Before starting to build your very own log cabin in the woods, make sure you are not trespassing on someone else’s land.

Knot Skills

Being able to tie a strong knot can come in handy in many situations. Whether you are a beginner or an avid bushcrafter, knowing how to tie different types of knots is going to be an essential skill to have. Some of the most commonly used knots in bushcraft include Figure Eight Knot, Bowline Knot, Clove Hitch, Sheet Bend, and the Taut-Line Hitch.

How to Learn Bushcraft?

So, how does one get started with bushcraft? For those who are wondering about the same question, here are a few things you can do to get started:

Pick a Skill to Learn

Learning bushcraft is going to take time. This means you need to start with a single skill set that you will need to polish before moving on to the next.

First, pick a skill that you would like to learn such as…

• Learning about different plant species that will help you in foraging for food
• How to setup up a fire
• Navigation by studying the stars and/or sun
• Growing foliage,
• Learn how to build a shelter
• Setup a snare trap.

Whatever it is, pick a skillset and practice, practice, practice.

Watch Videos

Whether it’s setting up a snare trap or starting a fire you will need to study the skill set. If books aren’t your thing watch a few videos instead about the skill you’ve selected to learn what you need to do. Watching videos will give you a more practical how-to guide that you can imitate in order to improve.

Practice that Skill Until Perfected

Sure, it’s going to take time for you to learn a bushcraft skill and perfect it. But it’s important to hone a skill before you can move on to the next bushcraft skillset. This is mainly because you wouldn’t want to take any chances once you are in the wilderness, where you could put yourself and others lives in danger by not taking the details of your bushcraft skills seriously.

Revisit the Skill

To make sure you don’t forget it’s important to revisit the bushcraft skill from time to time. You don’t always have to go into the wild to practice the bushcraft skill you have learned.

Revisiting your bushcraft skills will enable you to remember them for when it is really needed. Like playing an instrument or learning a language, you need to keep practicing and revisiting what you’ve learned or else there’s a good chance you’ll forget.

Learn from Others

The wise person learns from other’s mistakes. This means you should ask other bushcrafters about their experiences in the bush. Learning about their experiences can give you new insight that you never knew about. While you can learn a lot by reading articles and books and watching videos online, there’s nothing like having a conversation with somebody who actually practices bushcraft.

Bushcraft Tools

The tools you carry can make all the difference in a trip out in the wilderness. Here, it’s important that you remember the ‘5 Tool Rule’ by David Cantebury.

As a survival expert, David Cantebury is an author and has hosted the TV show Dual Survival. Over years of being a survivalist, David has identified a few tools that are essential for bushcraft.

This could go against the instincts of some bushcrafters who prefer to make their stay in the wilderness as comfortable as possible. But David’s 5 Tool Rule is a smart way to do bushcraft.

The 5 Essential Bushcraft Tools

The following are the five tools that have been named in David Cantebury’s 5 Tool Rule.

Bushcraft Knife

Your knife is going to be your most important asset. Having a good belt knife is going to be critical to your survival in the woods and should always be strapped on your side. There are a variety of bushcraft knives that are available.

The ideal choice is one that’s been well built, has a solid grip and a sharp high-carbon steel blade with a 90-degree spine that won’t break easily. You should also be able to strike sparks off the bushcraft knife if you need to. In short, it should be versatile and strong enough to carry out several tasks.

Bushcraft Axe

The axe is the next tool of choice for the bushcrafter for obvious reasons.

Not only can it be used to drop large trees, but it can also be used to build a makeshift shelter or a log cabin if you want to. While there are different types of axes that are available, the ideal axe is one that’s not too heavy but has just enough weight to chop wood easily.

An axe that’s too light or small will just bounce off the wood and will require more power and energy to fell trees and chop logs.

Bushcraft Bone Saw

A bushcraft saw is another essential tool for bushcraft, especially if you are planning on building a permanent shelter in the woods. Whether you go for a steel or wood frame saw, it should be compact and lightweight. With bushcraft saw you are able to process large wood, making it much easier to cut and build your cabin or for firewood. The bone saw is a great tool to have especially if you need dimensional lumber or need to cut wood logs of the same size.

Bushcraft Hook Knife

One of the tools that have gained popularity in bushcraft lately is the hook knife. One of the reasons for this is because the hook knife is extremely versatile and allows you to do many things. From using it to carve spoons or bowls to shaving, the hook knife has become essential for a bushcrafter, which is one of the reasons why it’s been included in the 5 Tool Rule.

Crooked Awl

Having a crooked awl is a great tool to have while in the wilderness for repairing tools or carrying out other tasks. An awl comes in several sizes and shapes depending on what you are going to be using it for.

A crooked awl is a great way to punch holes in wood or animal hide. The awl is lightweight and does not take much space in your bug-out-bag, but its an essential tool for those practicing bushcraft.

The easy way to get an awl is either buy one online or go to a yard sale or flea market and get an ice pick. Cut the ice pick short and sharpen the edge and its’ good to go.

Bushcraft Projects

The following are some great bushcraft projects that you can start with.

Bushcraft Sawhorse

If you plan on building a permanent basecamp where you will go to practice bushcraft then you probably will be better off storing firewood for winter. Since chopping and processing firewood takes up a good amount of time while in the wild, storing the firewood beforehand will allow you to free time which you can then use to work on other bushcraft projects.

A sawhorse is just the thing you need to process large quantities of wood. You can also customize the design of the sawhorse to use the whole length of the sawbuck to make multiple cuts across a longer log. Go good sawhorse is just the thing you need to cut large amounts of firewood, and the best part is, it can be folded and stored away until the next time you need it.

Build a Fire

Building a fire is an essential skill in bushcraft. But, you shouldn’t only know how to build a fire when the weather is hot and dry. You can challenge yourself by trying to build a fire in wet snow, or while its raining or in windy conditions. There are plenty of bushcraft videos online that you can watch to learn how to build a fire in various scenarios.

Water Gathering

When it comes to bushcraft, one of the basic skills is knowing how to get water from natural sources in the wild. Knowing where to find water and how to collect it is not the only skill a person practicing bushcraft needs to know. Natural water sources, even the water found in rivers and streams, usually contain germs and other harmful bacteria and parasites that need to be eliminated before you can drink. That said, just because the water isn’t clear does not mean that it contains germs and parasites.

While practicing bushcraft you will often find yourself in situations where you’ll need to gather muddy water. While there’s no way of purifying water you can decontaminate the water before drinking. According to the CDC, the best way to decontaminate water from water-borne contaminations is to first filter and then boil the water.

Food Foraging

The four Fs of foraging for food in the wilderness is

1. Foliage
2. Flowers
3. Fungi
4. Fruit.

Before you can just pluck and eat something that you think looks like food, you need to become familiar with various ecosystems and habitats. Knowing which fruit, flowers, foliage, and fungi is edible is a live saver.

But, it’s extremely important to first get familiar with the plants and vegetation for foraging since a large number of the plants found in natural parks and forests are poisonous or will make you seriously ill.

Simple Shelter

When it comes to making shelter, always choose an area that’s abundant in wood. This will save you time from having to carry the logs and branches you need from other areas to make a shelter. The A-frame shelter is commonly used in bushcraft, mainly because it is effective in keeping its occupants warm and dry in any climate.

Additional Reading Material

If you want to dive deeper into bushcraft here are some great books to get you started in addition to this article…

• • Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival
    • https://www.amazon.com/Bushcraft-101-Field-Wilderness-Survival/dp/1440579776
  • Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival
  • https://www.amazon.com/Bushcraft-Outdoor-Skills-Wilderness-Survival/dp/1772130079/
  • Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties: The Classic Guide to Building Wilderness Shelters
    • https://www.amazon.com/Shelters-Shacks-Shanties-Wilderness-Architecture/dp/0486437477

Tornado 101

Tornadoes are known for destroying buildings, flipping cars, wreaking havoc, and leaving a trail of destruction in their path. Unfortunately, the highest number of tornadoes occurs in the United States. The worst part about a tornado is that there’s no way of protecting oneself other than seeking shelter as quickly as possible. Here, we are going to look at a few tornado safety tips you can use to protect yourself and your family.

What Is a Tornado?

Tornadoes are columns of rotating air that extend from a thunderstorm in the sky to the ground below. A tornado can occur anytime and anywhere and can cause intense winds of up to 200MPH. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA), there’s no guaranteed safety from a tornado, which is why a tornado warning should always be taken very seriously. However, you can survive a tornado if you take the proper safety precautions.

Most Tornado Occurrences in the US

While tornadoes occur in all 50 states in the U.S., most of them occur in areas of Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Texas, North and South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Ohio, and these areas are also known as “Tornado Alley.” People living in Oklahoma City tend to experience more tornados as compared to the rest, which is partly because of the cold polar winds that move down from Canada, the warm tropical winds moving in from Mexico, and the dry air of the Southwest all clashing in the middle.

What to Do: Tornado Safety Tips

Once you see a tornado chasing you in the rearview mirror, it’s going to be too late to Google Tornado safety tips, which is why you need to learn beforehand about what you can do during a tornado to protect yourself and your family. Since a tornado can occur spontaneously, without any prior notice, it is crucial to have a game plan ready to deal with a tornado in multiple situations.

At Home

If you’re at home when the tornado strikes:

• Avoid all windows
• Get to the basement as soon as you can
  • Options if you do not have a basement
    • Going under a stairwell
    • Getting in a bathtub,
      • although it provides only partial protection and you will need to cover yourself with a mattress of a few blankets
• Once you’re at a safe place in your home, facing down, crouch as low as you can and cover your head with your hands.

Now, all you must do is wait until the storm passes. The good news is that a tornado moves quickly so you won’t be trapped for days.

Mobile Home Tornado Safety

If you live in a mobile home, then it’s not going to be as safe as a permanent building or an underground shelter. Even if your mobile home is securely tied down, you and your family are going to need to safely move to a sturdy building or an underground shelter nearby to get away from the tornado.

At Office

The worst thing that could happen is getting caught in a tornado after you’ve had a few beers or while you’re at work.

Here’s what to do if you are in an office building when a tornado strikes:

• Get to a windowless area, preferably in the center of the building.
  • Avoid being next to any glass which can break easily because of the strong winds causing injury
• An interior stairwell is also a good place to get protection from a tornado.
• It’s crucial to stay off the elevators, which can easily turn into death traps if the power goes out.
  • Instead, take the staircase if you want to go down to a lower floor.

In a Car

If you find yourself in a vehicle during a tornado, there will be no way to keep yourself and the passengers in the vehicle safe outside.

• The best thing you can do in that situation is to find shelter in a sturdy building or an underground shelter.
• If you are caught in extreme winds where there’s flying debris, you must park your car quickly and move to a safe place.
• If you are in the tornado’s path, trying to outrun the tornado could be risky and could cause the car to flip over, injuring you and the passengers in the process.

That said, there are certain instances where you can distance yourself from a tornado while in a vehicle. For instance, if you spot the tornado while it’s still far away, you can drive safely out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado.

But, you will still need to seek shelter by moving to a secure building.

It’s also important never to seek shelter under bridges, which is not safe from the strong winds of a tornado. Instead, it can lead to oftentimes fatal traffic hazards.

Seek Shelter

As a rule of thumb, during a tornado, you should stay clear of any trees and cars which can act as projectiles and injure you because of the strong winds. Move as quickly as you can to an interior of a building and stay clear of the windows, and most importantly, do not panic.

Building Your Own Shelter

Government organization such as FEMA and the NOAA provide tornado safety tips and measures that can be taken to stay safe from a tornado. This often includes seeking shelter in a safe room that’s been constructed using FEMA’s guidelines or a storm shelter that’s been constructed following ICC 500 standards. If you do not have any form of FEMA or ICC 500 approved shelter, then you can also consider constructing your own safe room that meets both FEMA and ICC 500 standards. You can go on FEMA’s website to get more information on Tornado safety tips and how you can construct your own safe room at home or at the office.

It is important to keep listening to government organizations such as the EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities to get updated information on the tornado and further instructions.

Dams in the United States

There are an estimated 84,000 dams in the United States. Now you can understand why dam safety has been a major goal since the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began building them in the 1840s. It is important that you know if you or your property may be affected by the presence of a dam and what measures to take if you are.

Understanding Dams

Many times, people make the mistake of focusing on larger dams when it comes to safety concerns. Reality though is the most dangerous dams aren’t those massive concrete structures often imagined when picturing a dam.  It’s another kind of dam…

Low-Head Dams

Most of the emergency situations are caused by low-head dams, better known as run-of-the-river dams. Low-head dams are characterized by their rather low height as compared to traditional large and deep dams. Low-head dams usually have a drop off between 1 to 15 feet. This allows the water to flow over the dam during a flood.

Dangers of a Low-Head Dam

Did you know when the water flows over the top of the dam, it creates strong, circulating currents below the surface of the water? It’s called a “hydraulic roller”. Often, people and objects such as boats get trapped underwater against the face of the dam.

The main concern here is that the extremely strong currents make it an inescapable trap. The sturdiest lifejacket clad person and even boats cannot escape from the effects.

Don’t Be Fooled

One of the reasons why low-head dams are dangerous is the water around them usually appears to be misleadingly calm and tranquil. Drowning victims often make the mistake of jumping in the water from a boat without knowing the risks. Others are caught unaware of the low-head dams that are difficult to spot from upstream.

It comes as no surprise that many of the victims of drowning around dams happen to first responders and would-be rescuers. They lose their life trying to save another’s by getting caught in this deadly and unseen hydraulic current under the surface of the water.

Sadly, many of the incidents which occur around dams are between the months of April and August. This is when families and friends head to low-head dams to take advantage of the high waters upstream. Others use the rich habitat around dams to fish.

Safety Precautions Around Dams

It is not only important to be aware of the scope of the dangers of low-head dams and dams in general, but also on ways in which you can keep yourself and family members safe to avoid tragedy. Contrary to popular belief, there are many things that can go wrong around a dam. Therefore, it is so important for people to remember to keep their distance both upstream and downstream. If you do have to go out on a waterway then it is important to remember the following:

Get Familiar with the Area of a Dam

Before heading out to the waterway try these two tips to find out the most common hazards on the waterway of a low-head dam:

• Speak with the locals
• Check out maps of the area 

Some dams and spillways do not have visible piers or crests above the water level. Upstream boaters have a difficult time identifying the dam. This condition is known as an “infinity pool.”

Infinity Pool Characteristics

This occurs when the edge of the crest blends into the downstream area when viewed from upstream, not making the drop visible until it’s too late. If you are swimming or fishing on the waterway be sure to remain a safe distance away from the structure. If kayaking or canoeing is your thing, then remember to portage around the structure or turn around before you reach the dame to avoid being pulled over by the current.

Pay Attention to the DAM Signs

US Flood Control and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), have put signs around dam structures for a reason. It is crucial to read and obey all signage that has been placed around the dam. You should also avoid crossing any barriers that have been placed in the area. Oftentimes, dams and spillways are not marked by signage. This is where talking to locals and using maps to learn more about the care can keep you safe from potential dangers.

Wear a Personal Flotation Device

When it comes to dam safety a good dam safety rule of thumb is

Do not get into the water near a dam or anywhere for that matter without a personal floatation device or a lifejacket.

Whether you are boating, fishing or swimming around a waterway, wearing a lifejacket can save your life. Wearing a life jacket can be especially useful if you are caught in a hydraulic roller, where the water churns and aerates. A hydraulic roller creates air bubbles that can decrease the buoyancy of water by a third. In this area, swimmers struggle to stay afloat without a lifejacket.

Also, never moor, tie or anchor a boat below a dam since it won’t take long for the area to get inundated.

Don’t Be a DAM Hero

This is going to be hard to hear for some folks, but if you see someone in trouble, do not jump in the waterway.

Especially if you are a mediocre swimmer.

Dial 911, or use a remote assistive device, such as rope, stick or a throw bag to try and pull them to safety. It’s better to use a remote assistive device than ending up being the second person the rescue team must get out the water.

Dam Safety Ending Note

Dam safety was not recognized until 1889. The incident was the failure of South Fork Dam in Pennsylvania. It took the lives of over 2,200 residents. Always be aware of the many dangers that being or living around dams can lead to. It’s important for you to learn about the risks of dams and the various ways in which you can stay safe when faced with an emergency situation on a waterway.

Rucking History

Rucking has its roots in the military, where soldiers would wear a 100lbs rucksacks filled with food and provisions and march for hours through cities, forests, mountainous regions, and hilly terrains. Read our Rucking guide if you would like to become more about this activity.

Ruck March Benefits

The idea behind rucking is that, unlike walking or jogging, walking while carrying weights improves endurance while at the same time helps build muscle.

Benefits of Adding Weight

You can add as much weight as you and your ruck backpack can handle. This helps improve posture and burns more calories. When you start you might only want to add 10 or 15lbs and only walk for a half mile. Of course, this depends on your fitness level. If you’re a relatively fit individual with a strong posterior chain, then load up your sack and get after it.

Practical Benefits of Carrying a Ruck Backpack

Practically speaking, including ruck marching makes sense. Everyone wants to build a bug out bag. And these bags tend to weight around 40 to 50 lbs. Yet, who puts the bag on and walks a couple of miles?

But wait, I can already hear you saying, ‘you’re gonna drive to whatever location.’

Maybe. I truly hope it works that way for you.

But, we’re talking about an event happening that’s caused you the need to bug out. What if you must abandon your car for whatever reason? Looks like you might be needing to carry the heavy ass bag for miles now.

Start including Ruck Marching!

My Saturday Morning Rucks

I personally like to make my Saturday morning workouts a nice 2 to 3-hour march with about 50lbs in my ruck backpack. It’s an issued workout from the routine I follow, Tactical Barbell. You’ll find the workout in the Endurance Sessions of the Tactical Barbell Conditioning book. It’s called Ruck Up.

Rucking becoming Popular Amongst Civilians

Because of its many health benefits, rucking has is becoming a popular fitness activity, with a growing number of ruck marching events being organized to help push people to their limits both physically and mentally.

So, YOU Want to Start Ruck Marching

If you want to take part in the next ruck marching event or want to go solo rucking, then you will want to get yourself the perfect rucksack for the job. The good news is that there are plenty of options available when it comes to rucksacks, which could sometimes make it difficult to find the right rucksack for you. Here, we are going to look at the features that every rucking backpack should have.

Choose the Perfect Size

Both rucksacks and backpacks are rated according to their capacity. If you’ve purchased a backpack or rucksack before, then you will know that this is done is liters. For instance, rucksacks and backpacks come in sizes that range from 21L to 60L and bigger. The higher the “L,” the more you will be able to fit in the rucksack. However, it’s important not to get yourself a large rucksack since you won’t be hiking or camping. Since you are only going to use the backpack to carry weighted plates, it’s okay if you go with a medium sized backpack that fits you well.

Ruck Plate (Weight Plate) Compartment

See if you can get a ruck backpack that has a ruck plate compartment. This is where the weighted plate is kept so that it doesn’t encounter the other provisions you’ve packed for your trip. These specialized compartments for the ruck plates are also to ensure that the load stays stable and comfortable to carry throughout your hike. This is a crucial factor for any rucking enthusiast since it keeps them safe from back injury. So, the first thing that a rucking backpack will need is a ruck plate compartment.

Sturdy Zippers

Nothing can be more annoying (and inconvenient) as the zipper of your backpack breaking while you are out in the open. Therefore, you should always look for backpacks that feature high-quality zippers. Also, when choosing a rucking backpack, make sure that the zipper pull is silent and doesn’t rattle or jangle while you are moving it about. This is the mark of a well-made zipper.

Toughness

If you are looking to go extreme with your rucking workout, then you will want to get one that offers a sturdy design as well. This is especially the case if you plan on taking part in a challenging rucking competition where there won’t just be hiking with a heavy backpack on, but also doing squats and other exercises. A poorly designed rucksack is likely to get easily damaged. Since rucking is a tough sport, you will need to find a backpack that’s up for the challenge.

Velcro Patch Area

Those who are rucking enthusiasts usually go with rucking backpacks that have a Velcro patch area. That’s because if you want to take part in a ruck march, you will also probably want to put on some patches to show off your personal style or to just be identified as part of a group. Patches have always had a major role in rucking events, so don’t miss out on getting a backpack that doesn’t have any patches.

Rain Proof

Since you’re going to be out in the open, you are also probably going to experience unexpected rain. When that happens, you will need a rucking backpack that is also rainproof to a certain degree. To keep your backpack safe from the rain, choose one that’s not only waterproof but also has a handy cover for the rain that you can slip on once it starts to pour.

Wide Padded Shoulder Straps

This might be the most important feature to consider while choosing a rucking backpack simply because it is going to determine whether you will be comfortable or not during your ruck march. The straps of backpacks are made differently. For rucking purposes, you should always choose a backpack that has wide and padded shoulder straps that will make the backpack comfortable to carry and won’t take its toll on your shoulders once the ruck march is over. Also, opting for wide and padded shoulder straps is always best since skinny shoulder straps will dig into your shoulders and can be painful due to the weight you are going to be carrying in the backpack. You will also want to choose a rucking backpack that is able to distribute the weight of the rucking plates equally throughout the bag so that you’re not uncomfortable.

Chest and Sternum Straps

For extra safety, rucking backpacks also come with chest straps and sternum straps. Getting a backpack that has both is recommended mainly because it will make sure that the bag does not shift around while you walk because of the weight. Chest and sternum straps not only help secure the backpack to your body, but they can also help you vary the load on your musculature.

Waist Strap and Hip Belt

Choosing a rucking backpack that has a waist strap and hip belt will allow some of the load to be distributed to the large muscles of the hips, which will help you as you carry the rucksack. Since the weight is going to be distributed, it won’t cause fatigue or pain on your lower back. This is also recommended for those who go on a ruck march using heavy loads or for long ruck marches. Just understand that smaller ruck backpacks might not have this feature. 40L is the smallest I’ve seen that has a waist strap and Hip Belt.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Ruck Backpack might seem daunting at first. But hopefully, after reading this article you have learned something and can buy with confidence. I cannot stress enough how important I personally feel about including ruck marches if you have a bug out bag. If you’re not preparing to carry that thing from point A to point B, which could be miles apart, you might be in for a big surprise when your neck, lower back, or some other spot on your body starts aching badly. Good luck and be prepared!

Urban EDC Essentials: Reasons to Carry

Packing urban EDC gear means you are preparing for urban survival situations, which is something that we should never take lightly. Keeping that in mind, the following are some of the urban EDC essentials that you are going to need to create the ultimate urban everyday carry kit.

EDC Self Defense

This should be your first priority, even within city limits. Unlike in the wilderness where there’s going to be wild animals, in the city, your primary concern is going to be other people. This is reason enough to never leave your home without carrying some sort of protection. While the market is full of both legal and illegal self-defense weapons that you can carry in your urban EDC kit, you might want to play it safe by not getting in trouble with the law.

A Box Cutter as Your EDC Knife

Rather than reaching for a heeter, a saver (and lighter) option will be the box cutter. The best part about having a box cutter with you is that any box cutter will do as long as its sharp to do some damage to your attacker or attackers. Unlike a dad’s old switchblade, a box cutter is also legal. You never know when you’ll need to open that package you receive from Amazon, right. Besides, box cutters come in handy in a number of outdoor situations, it’s also lightweight and compact, which is why it should definitely be one of the essentials of your urban EDC.

But, there might be some folks who are just not comfortable with carrying around a box cutter as part of their urban EDC. After all, a box cutter does cut like a knife. If you are not keen on having a “weapon” per se with you, then you can always go with a solid tactical pen.

Incognito EDC Weapon

Since most of us carry a pen and a notebook, why not swap the fancy Parker with a pen that can shatter glass in an instant or keep an attacker at bay.

Once you whip out the pen at times of potential danger, you will need to depend on your close quarter combat skills to protect you. But, the pen does give you an edge by making it possible to deliver a non-lethal blow to the guy in front of you.

Illuminate Your Surroundings

We don’t usually think about illumination in an urban environment mainly because there are plenty of streetlights and light coming from homes and vehicle headlights. But there are times where you’ll find yourself in situations where there’s no access to proper lighting. This is why you need to carry a powerful and portable flashlight with you always because you never know when you are going to need it. More often than not, instances of muggings and attacks happen after dark, where a person is vulnerable in a low-light environment.

The flashlight you carry in your urban EDC should be small enough to be easily concealed and bright enough to illuminate your surroundings, especially if you find yourself walking through dark alleys or through other low-light environments. Apart from that, it can also be used to blind someone or can double as a blunt weapon if needed. But, you’ll need to get one that’s sturdy and well-built. Remember, being prepared always, is the mantra of the urban EDC enthusiast.

Staying Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential even if you are in an urban environment. An adult can survive for days without food (Gandhi fasted for 21 days), but only a few days without water. That’s because at nearly 60% of the human body is made up of water and needs it to keep functioning. The longest time a man has survived without water was recorded by Andreas Mihavecz, an 18-year-old Austrian, who was left locked up in a holding cell for 18 days by the police (accidentally, of course!). This story is obviously one of the exceptions and should not be taken as a watermark of how many days you can stay dehydrated.

To stay safe, carry a water bottle with you, especially if you’re putting together an urban EDC kit during summer. When choosing a water bottle, make sure it is constructed well, preferably with double-layered stainless steel that will keep the water insulated. Also, make sure the bottle comes with a sturdy loop cap that you can clip to your backpack. When it comes to the ideal size, a normal 32 oz. water bottle should do the trick. Just be sure to refill it whenever you get the chance.

An All-in-One Tool

Choosing to get an M48 Kommando pocket rescue tool or a Swiss Army knife are both lightweight and compact, which makes them easy to store in your urban EDC. They also come with a standard set of tools ranging from screwdrivers, knife blades, and wrenches that can come in very useful while you are outdoors. Some compact rescue tool kits also come with Morse Code and paracord. A multi-tool is a go-to option for an urban EDC enthusiast since it can be used in many different situations.

Final Thoughts on Urban EDC Gear

It’s important to remember that you’re not putting together an urban EDC kit for fun and games, because when SHTF, the practical items you choose as part of your urban EDC could save your life.

Your 9 Best Canned Food Choices

Right now, you might be thinking about some weird canned food you were forced to eat as a kid.

Stop right there.

In this article, we’re not comparing specific canned foods or brands for that matter. Nor will we answer what kind of value canned green beans nutrition has. Instead, we’re discussing the best canned food choices from a staple stocking standpoint. To kick this list off, we’ll start with the most iconic canned food item, canned beans…

Canned Beans

Few people know this, but canned beans are among the world’s first convenience foods, sold by Heinz in London in 1901. Canned beans were also the go-to choice for the US armed forces during World War II. They were known as C-rations. During that time, the UK food Ministry named it essential for food rationing during the war. That’s because of the long shelf life of canned beans, which allows it to retain its freshness for a considerably long time. Canned beans are a great side dish or can be the main course if you are out camping in the wilderness or hiding out in a bunker.

Canned Fruit

Another military favorite canned food offering is canned fruit (specifically canned peaches). Apparently, the sweet, fruity taste contrasted well to the high-sodium canned foods also served, with a flexibility bonus as the troops could eat them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and/or dessert.

Having canned fruit in stock can also be beneficial from a fermenting standpoint. Have you ever heard of Friendship Fruit or Brandied Fruit? It’s a fermenting method that originated from preserving fruits that would otherwise be lost for the winter. Canned fruit works perfectly for this creation. Here’s a Friendship Fruit recipe from Allrecipes.com. And if you want to learn more about fermenting click here.

Canned Vegetables

‘You’ve gotta eat your veggies.’ I’m not sure how much you heard this growing up. But for me, it was every night. Now, as an adult, I understand… and agree that vegetables should be the biggest portion of my plate.

This is where canned vegetables are going to be your best option in a grid down situation. While growing fresh vegetables in a victory garden are ideal, you will need to also get yourself canned vegetables for back up reasons. Think of the canned vegetables as a way of supplementing your garden produce. You know, just in case you run out of vegetables, or your garden gets destroyed.

Corn

Corn has got to be one of the best foods that you can stockpile. It can be used in a variety of recipes:

• Drain off excess liquid after cooking and get some additional fat in by adding butter
• Dress up your corn, cream styled, using the powdered milk you should already be storing
• Combine corn with other veggies to make a nice medley

Corn is very versatile and therefore should be on your shortlist of canned foods to buy.

Tuna

Tuna is widely accepted as an excellent source of protein and fatty acids. It is also especially high in nutrients that the body needs.

Canned tuna can also be used in a variety of ways:

• Salads
• Sandwiches
• It can also be eaten straight out of the can.

One pro tip to keep in mind when buying canned tuna is to always go with tuna that’s been canned in oil and not water since oil is able to preserve the tuna for a longer period. Also, the Keto Diet fad is proving fat is good for you.

Chicken

Regardless of whether you can raise your own chickens in your backyard, you should consider storing whole canned chicken, breast, and diced chicken. The chicken is pre-cooked and packed in water.

This means your chicken is going to be easy to eat right out the box in times of emergencies.

Did you know that according to Mealtime.org canned chicken is comparable to its fresh-cooked counterparts in nutritional value?

Beef

Since we’re talking about meats, it’s hard to leave out canned beef stew. Stocking up on beef stew is a great option since it not only has a decent taste, but it has a 3 to 5-year shelf life. Also, there are many canned beef options available in the market. Therefore, you get to choose your favorite or try different flavors instead of eating the same canned beef every day.

Vienna Sausage

I wasn’t quite sure if Vienna sausages belonged in the meat section, or not…

Or even on this list for that matter. Yet, here we are.

Overall, the Vienna sausage still deserves a place here. Even if at the very bottom. You have some people, like Jeremy, who have proclaimed their love for this mystery meat. And you can find others, like John Thorne, who try to rationalize eating Vienna sausage as a life philosophy known as “Eating Bitter.” Regardless, I had to allow them on the list, if for no other reason then Armours Disaster Preparedness PDF available for download on their site.

Soups

Soups have always been the favorite go-to canned food for picnics and other outings. That’s because these soups are convenient while tasting good at the same time. Besides, soup is a hearty and warming meal that’s filled with easy to digest calories. Soups are a great option to stockpile if the power goes out in the winter months.

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it. Our list of the 9 Best Canned Food Choices to keep in the pantry. I hope this list provided some value on which canned foods to buy. If you’d like a more detailed list, shoot us an email and let us know what you’re looking for specifically.

In fact, the trend of having a survival garden in your backyard is growing because it allows you to have food to eat in times of calamity.

Survival Garden – Start to Finish

If you are wondering about a survival garden layout plan to follow, then you’ve come to the right place. First, we’re going to discuss where to position your new garden.

Pick a Spot for Survival Garden

Before you can grow those delicious tomatoes, cabbage, and sweet bell peppers, you will have to choose an area of your backyard for the survival garden. Focusing on your survival garden layout should be your first priority.

Observe the Sun

Since vegetables need a good eight hours of sunlight to grow, its best to choose a spot in your backyard that receives early and midday sun while being shaded for the most part during the peak hours of the heat during the day, which ranges from 12 pm to 3 pm.

Choose an Area with Minimal Weed Cover

Find an area of your garden or backyard that has the minimum amount of weeds. This will make it easier to prepare the soil by clearing the area with a few basic hand tools.

Next, we will look at preparing the garden bed for optimal food production. You will need to choose a location that’s not going to waste your seeds and set back your plans of having a survival garden.

Prepping your Garden for Success

You will also need to prep the garden well in advance so that it’s able to grow crops when the time comes.

Protect your Survival Garden from the Afternoon Sun

With some observation of how our star moves, compared to your garden location, you will want to set up some form of protection to block out the worst of sun during late afternoon hours. Here’s a great article, and a picture from their website on how to make a shade cloth for your garden.

Preparing the Soil

While you can strip some weeds from an area and till it a couple of times before stuffing in the vegetable seeds, there’s a lot more that goes into a survival garden. But we’ll break it down into 3 steps:

1. Remove the next few inches of the soil which will contain other rhizomes and roots that are going to wait to pop up to compete for resources with your plants.
2. To fortify the area, dig out another few inches of this soil just in case.
3. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to combine compost or pre-mixed garden soil and clean topsoil using a ratio of 1:1.
   1. Mixing small amounts of sand and clay will make your garden bed even more fertile.

The key to having a flourishing survival garden is water. By including a bit of clay and sand to the compost and other organic material to the garden bed, you will be preparing it for a drought by making it water smart.

Watering Your Plants

Something as simple as watering the plants can be tricky, which is why you should be extra careful when watering your survival garden.

Clean Water

While you are going to need lots of water to feed your plants, the water needs to be clean. Preferably, the water you use should come from a well or rain barrels, or some other clean source.

Don’t Overwater

Normally, vegetables tend to prefer being slightly dry than dripping wet so keep that in mind when watering your survival garden. Also, you don’t want to fill the garden bed with too much water since that turns it into a breeding ground for all sorts of insects and bacteria, a problem that’s been aptly named “wet feet.”

Water + Rays of Sun = Magnifying Glasses

Apart from “wet feet”, the water droplets on the leaves of plants can turn into magnifying glasses for the rays of the sun.

Research How Much Water

To make sure your plants don’t grow limp and yellow due to too much watering, do some research on the amount of water your vegetables need, then water accordingly. Other methods to make sure that your plants are not overwatered involve using the method of drip irrigation or making irrigation lines that will ensure the soil and roots are adequately watered.

Mulch Your Survival Garden

Insulating the roots of plants will keep them from getting damaged due to changes in the environment.

Mulching Material

Adding a mixture of:

• chipped wood
• straw
• pine needles

Besides adding protection to the soil, these materials will break down and provide healthy organic matter to the soil over time.

How Often & How Much Should You Mulch?

As a rule of thumb, mulch should be added to a survival garden twice a year, preferably during the spring and fall season. When it comes to how much of mulch your garden is going to need, a two-inch deep layer of mulch should do the trick.

Feed Your Vegetables

While we can get loads of healthy nutrients from vegetables, they need some of those nutrients too to grow bountiful produce.

Minerals Plants Need

Out of all the minerals that plants need for growing, potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen are the top three nutrients that you should concentrate on, largely because these three nutrients play a big role in the health of plants and growing worthwhile produce. To make sure your plants get all three, you can choose a fertilizer that has large amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Below is a photo of my preferred fertilizer made by Foxfarm. It’s organically made from worm castings and bat guano

Additional Steps

Also, rotating the use of cover crops along with recharging the soil with a dose of compost and manure occasionally, will allow the soil to replenish naturally.

Ideas of Vegetables to Grow

Now that you’ve got the survival garden layout down, it’s time to plant those seeds.

Some good options for a survival garden include:

• potatoes
• onions
• sweet potatoes
• beans
• parsnips
• squash
• beets
• carrots
• pumpkins
• cabbage
• kale.

Since vegetables are seasonal, you can go online to find a list of the vegetables and fruits that you can grow in your area.

Final Thoughts

Being prepared isn’t just about prepping for a disaster. Other ways to become prepared is by learning new skill sets, such as the ability to grow your own food. We hope you got something out of this survival garden layout article and can start implementing some of the strategies presented here. Of course, if you have any questions or comments let us know.

Your Guide to a Battery Operated Heater

A battery powered heater can be used to heat a room or a bunker with ease during an emergency situation where the electricity is cut off for a few days. While there are quite a few options in battery operated heaters available in the market today, you don’t want to get one that runs out of juice after a few minutes. To make sure that doesn’t happen, here you are going to find all the information you need on getting a Battery operated heater.

How Does a Battery Operated Heater Work?

A Battery operated heater uses electric resistance heating as in, electricity to create heat. The current from the battery goes through a high resistance coil otherwise called a heating element, and it resists the electrical charge, which makes it heat up. While this process tends to use up a lot of electrical power it does help as a short-term emergency solution.

Portable Battery Operated Heaters

The following are some of the choices you have when it comes to choosing a battery operated heater.

Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy

Mr. Heater is a well-known name when it comes to battery operated heaters. The Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy portable heater is the go-to choice for those who are looking to keep warm in small rooms, garages, tents, cabins, bunkers and so on. This has left its predecessors in the dust in terms of quality and heating capacity and can heat up a 95 sq. ft room. The best part about this portable heater is that is has passed multiple quality tests to ensure its safety. The heater features a low-oxygen shut-off mechanism that kicks in if the sensors detect a low level of oxygen where it’s operating. There’s also an accidental tip-over shutoff feature that’s another nifty addition to the portable heater.

Lasko CD09250 Ceramic Portable Space Heater

The Lasko brings 1500 watts of comforting warmth to a small room or tent. The heater features 11 temperature settings that allow you to get the best in comfort. There’s also an adjustable thermostat and a built-in safety feature that automatically switches off the heater to avoid over-heating and battery drain.

Letouch Rechargeable Hand Warmer 5200mAh /7800mAh Power Bank

If you’re looking for a heater that’s slightly smaller and for single-person use, then the Letouch rechargeable hand warmer is just the thing you’re looking for. This heater comes in two types – the 5200mAh and the larger 7800mAh handwarmer offers three temperature levels. The quick heating technology makes it heat up in less than three seconds and shut off automatically after an hour to save battery life. Its small size means it can fit easily in your pocket and keep you warm for hours.

Outdoors Way Portable Hand Warmer

The portable hand warmer has been designed specifically for hiking and camping enthusiasts. With two heat settings – 105-degrees and 115-degrees, this portable hand warmer from Outdoors Way will keep you from freezing in the cold while outdoors. The portable heater is easy to use and includes a flashlight, along with an SOS strobe that can come in handy during an emergency.

Things to Consider with a Battery Operated Heater

While using a portable battery operated heater is relatively safe, there are some things to consider before you purchase the heater.

Chance of a Fire

No, a battery operated heater is not going to burst into flames whenever it gets too hot, but like an electric powered heater, there’s always a risk of it catching fire. It’s important to not place any flammable objects close to the heat source. You should also invest in a fire extinguisher for added safety.

Water

Few people know this but using a heater indoors can also lead to a buildup of water vapor in the air. That’s why it’s common for those who use propane heaters to have issues with a buildup of moisture that’s visible on windows. This can also result in the buildup of slippery floors if they are colder than the air.

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Buildup

One of the downsides of using a battery operated heater or any heater for that matter is that it impacts the amount of oxygen in a closed space. This means that the heater ends up burning oxygen and creating carbon dioxide, which can be dangerous if you are in a sealed environment such as a bunker. But, there are certain heaters such as those mentioned above that have specially build sensors which detect the buildup of carbon dioxide in the air and shuts down the heater, allowing carbon dioxide to escape and oxygen to enter. It is important to remember that the buildup of carbon dioxide can be fatal in tight spaces that are less than 20 x 20 feet wide.

Stay Safe

To stay safe from the dangers of a battery operated heater it’s smart to get a carbon monoxide detector along with it. While this may be expensive, but it will be useful in detecting both carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) levels in a living space.

Final Thoughts

Getting a battery operated heater is going to be essential to make sure your family stays safe and warm once the temperature drops outside. That said, being wary of safety hazards with improper use of the battery powered heater will ensure that you are able to get the most out of your heater. To keep you and your family safe it is important to always go with portable heaters that have been tested, certified and meet certain quality standards.