Don’t Camp Without These Cookware Essentials
While summer is a nice time to go camping, it can get pretty hot. And the bugs can be pretty annoying. And it can get pretty crowded. Suffice it to say it’s not always pretty.
That’s why many people prefer camping in the fall. Depending on the part of the country you’re in, the temperatures are pleasantly cool, the bugs are fewer and there’s more room to roam. And the beautiful fall colors don’t hurt.
Non-perishable food – hopefully with a long shelf life – is one of the most important items you can take on a camping trip.
But if you fail to include a variety of camping cookware, you may have a difficult time eating that food. Here are some items you’ll want to include on your fall camping excursions.
Pots, pans & plates
First and foremost when it comes to cookware for your trip are the three P’s – pots, pans and plates. A store-bought mess kit will do just fine. They are usually designed for one, two or four people.
You can find them in a big box store’s sporting goods department for a low price. They usually consist of a small frying pan and a plate on the outer shell. Plus a drinking cup or bowl and a boiling pot and lid.
Assuming they inter-stack and lock together into a compact unit, these mess kits are easy to carry, use and clean. And pack up again.
If you consider yourself more of an “upscale” camper, or just want more durability in your mess kit, you can go the stainless steel route. If you don’t want to pay for a mountaineering mess kit, you can assemble one yourself.
Silverware & aluminum foil
Enough silverware for each person in your party is also an essential. Again, the big box store sporting goods area should contain interlocking knife/fork/spoon sets.
To keep the weight of your supplies down, there might be a temptation to pack plastic or extremely lightweight utensils. Don’t. Pack ones that will stand up to some rough circumstances.
When we’re sitting around the dining room table, we rarely say, “Please pass the aluminum foil.” But when you’re camping, this is an item that will come in handy.
You can use aluminum foil to wrap vegetables, meat or fish when they are cooking over a campfire. As well as to carry cooked food when you go exploring.
Coffee & cooking pots
Not everyone will want to include a small coffee pot among their camping supplies. But I can’t imagine camping without one.
To really be efficient, you can keep small, clean clothing items inside it when you’re on the move.
A cooking pot with a lid is another necessity. You’ll be able to heat up larger quantities of food that way, including stew.
And you can keep other items inside it when it’s in your bag. You might want to add a soft, lightweight, folding bucket for carrying water.
Canteen & water purifiers
Make sure you have at least one military grade canteen in your camping supplies. Some of the better ones also include a matching cup (which can double as a boiling pot). Plus an insulated carrier and a utility belt for transporting them.
The canteen should be able to hold at least one quart of water. Don’t skimp on this purchase. The better canteens will be able to keep beverages hot or cold for longer periods of time.
While you’re at it, make sure you include at least one personal water filter. And a small bottle of water purification tablets.
There’s nothing that spells disaster for a camping experience faster than drinking contaminated water.
Fire starters & dishwashing liquid
A fire starter does not qualify as cookware, but can you imagine trying to go camping without one? Or several? There are a number of different ways to start a fire for cooking food.
Bic lighters have served campers well for years. You’ll also want to carry waterproof matches. If you really want to rough it, you can rub two sticks together or use flint and steel. Or use batteries and steel wool or a magnifying lens over tinder.
In order to keep all your cookware clean, include a non-breakable, non-spill bottle of dishwashing liquid. Keeping cookware clean and germ-free is important.
Another usage for dishwashing liquid is coating the bottom and sides of your cooking pots and pans with a heavy film of dishwashing soap, prior to cooking over an open flame. It will make removing the black soot buildup a much easier task.
Serving utensils and stoves
Knives, forks and spoons are great for transporting food from your plate to your mouth. But when it comes to getting food from the pot or pan to your plate, items such as spatulas, ladles and meat forks are much more preferable.
Single or two-burner camp stoves can make your camping experience easier. And can replace a fire if it’s not convenient to safely build one.
Sometimes called “survival stoves” or “mini-folding pocket stoves,” they can really help warm you up in the cold when needed. And can boil water.
They can also serve to dry wet clothing. There are definitely downsides to these portable stoves, however. In addition to their size and weight, they require fuel, which can be bulky and hazardous. And which doesn’t last too long.
A much simpler and safer way to boil water and heat up food is a solar cooker. You won’t be surprised to learn I have just the one for you – the Sun Kettle from 4Patriots.
Once you’ve determined which cookware items you’ll need for your fall camping trip, pack them first. Your optional items can always fit in and around these “musts.”
Cade’s Corner: Basic Survival Go Bag
Today I want to take a few minutes to go over some important preparedness basics.
Most people understand that being prepared can make all the difference in the event of a crisis or emergency situation.
And by now, with all the crazy things happening in this world, nearly everyone understands it CAN happen to you – and at some point it likely will.
But here’s the simple fact. Most people also haven’t started.
So whether that’s you, or you’ve already taken some steps to be ready in an emergency, this will be a good overview.
Let me quickly show you how to put together a survival kit, or “go bag.” The basics.
This isn’t intended to be comprehensive. And your own personal situation may require items specific to you or your family, like medications. But the point here is to take the first step, get the basic materials together…
And then make it better.
So I’m going to show you a bare bones version. Which – let’s face it – is better than nothing, and something you can put together TODAY.
Plus, I’ll share some simple ways to make it even better – without spending a fortune to do it.
Ok, let’s get started.
For your basic survival kit, hurricane box or go bag, you’re going to need something to hold your gear. A backpack is ideal, because you can pick it up and go and keep your hands free if you’re on the move.
But in a pinch, any duffel, cinch sack or even a trash bag will do the job if it’s all you’ve got. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good enough, at least for now.
That means get it together now, and make it better as soon as you can.
Now, let’s talk about food.
In an emergency, no matter what it is, you’re going to need something to eat. You can start with non-perishable, portable foods like granola bars, beef jerky or packs of crackers.
For a quick & dirty version of a kit, having something – anything to eat – beats the alternative.
But this is something you’ll want to upgrade soon. Because when it comes to food, you can’t be complacent.
These quick things you can pull together here don’t last forever, and they aren’t meals. So upgrading to shelf-stable meals like a 4Patriots 72-hour Survival Food kit makes total sense. You get significantly more calories and you will be a lot more satisfied. And you don’t have to worry about rotating your food every few months.
A pack of 4Patriots Emergency Food bars is another great option, because these bars last 5 years, and can withstand extreme temperatures. So stashing them in your car or garage isn’t going to be a problem.
Next comes water. At the very least, I’d suggest some bottled water and a canteen or refillable bottle. Again, this is the bare minimum.
To make your kit better, you have a few options. A Patriot Pure Personal Water Filter makes virtually any freshwater safe to drink. It’s portable, lightweight and very functional. Or you can even get a collapsible water bottle that will not only treat waterborne contaminants, but also functions as a rechargeable lantern.
It’s upgrades like this – things that serve multiple functions – that’ll take your kit to the next level.
I’d also suggest you assemble options for light. Seeing your way in the dark, during a storm or power outage, or making sure others can see and find you, is a must.
So a well built flashlight should definitely be in your bag.
But if you’re going to pack a regular flashlight, you’re going to need to include batteries too. That’s why a HaloXT is a great upgrade choice. It’s rechargeable via solar, can offload power to juice up your phone in a pinch, and has other life saving tools that make it perfect for stashing in your car.
You’re going to need fire too, for cooking and warmth, so some lighters or waterproof matches are a must.
To upgrade here, a rechargeable, flameless lighter like a Firebolt is smart. Because it can help you start a fire even when it’s windy, and it has a built-in flashlight function. Plus it never needs fuel.
Again, multi-functional wins the day.
Once you’ve covered the basics with your kit – food, water, light, and fire – you can customize it with all kinds of items. Spare clothes, items for shelter, first aid and more.
Just be careful not to pack too much. I’ve seen some folks pack 50-60 pounds of stuff together and they can hardly lug it out the door. This is a go bag, not a “drag bag.”
Remember, it doesn’t need to be perfect out of the gate. But you do need to start to get prepared, and the time to start is now.
Even a very basic kit puts you ahead of most of your friends and neighbors, believe me.
You definitely don’t want to wait until a storm is bearing down on you, or you have to leave the safety of your home quickly, to start thinking about these things.
I want you to be a survivor, not a statistic. So do yourself a favor, and commit to getting a kit together as soon as possible.
Stockpiling Food on a Tight Budget
Have you ever seen a photo of a family sitting comfortably in their underground bunker with big smiles on their faces?
Their living space might be a tad cramped, but it looks like they have several years’ worth of non-perishable food and other items at their fingertips. Including every form of entertainment imaginable.
I’m guessing these families did not do their prepping on a tight budget. But some of us have to. I’ve heard plenty of people say, “I wish I could prepare for an emergency. Unfortunately, I can’t afford it. I live paycheck to paycheck.”
But proper budgeting would enable many of us to have at least a small amount of income available to prepare for an uncertain future. And it’s not like it all has to be done at once. It’s an ongoing process. Slow but steady progress will get the job done.
Look for long shelf lives
Today I want to talk about the importance of stockpiling healthy, nutritious food for an emergency. It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to do this. There are some simple and inexpensive things we can do to get ready for a crisis.
Following an emergency, it’s likely the electrical grid will not be functioning properly. If at all. So you want to make sure a vast majority of your food items are non-perishable.
In addition, we don’t know how long an emergency will last. So it’s best to have as much food stockpiled as possible. And make sure most of it has a long shelf life. For items that don’t, rotate them out periodically so they don’t go bad.
If you’re not already in budget mode, try to get there. That means always thinking about how you can spend less and save more. Among the philosophies that must become part of your daily life regarding food are the following:
- Never pay full price for anything. Always look for bargains. You’re better off spending time than money.
- Buy items in bulk at places such as Sam’s Club or Costco. Or when they’re on sale in regular stores.
- Cut and use coupons.
- Find and use in-store-only offers.
- Grow your own food and preserve it. There is tremendous savings in growing fruits and vegetables. And storing some of them for the colder months of the year.
- Watch for the best deals on websites such as Amazon. They could have exactly what you’re looking for, at a price much less than what you’d spend at a local store.
Tips and tricks
One of the first places you want to look at to save money is your weekly grocery bill. If you’re not paying attention, it can really add up. The average couple spends up to $500 or more a month on groceries. Let’s look at a few simple ways to save.
Make a list. Grocers know how to position products so shoppers will purchase them. If you have a list, you know just what you need (and what you don’t).
And of course, if you avoid shopping when you’re hungry, it’s that much easier to resist tempting displays.
Also, choose foods that your family will eat. Variety is important, both physically and psychologically. But you could buy some of the healthiest food in the store, and if your family won’t eat it, you’ve thrown your money away.
Shop at Aldi. This no-frills chain offers a smaller variety of products. Usually one store brand of each item. If there is an Aldi in your area, you can easily save money on your grocery bill. Prices are often even better than at Walmart.
Aldi stores now offer imported foods, fancy cheeses and lots of fresh (even organic) produce. Take a quarter to rent a cart, and you’ll also save a few pennies by taking your own grocery bags.
Buy store brands. Buying store brands alone can take a huge chunk out of your grocery costs. Sometimes there will be a brand name item or two that you can’t do without. But more often than not you won’t notice the difference. Except when it’s time to check out.
Buy in bulk. I’m not talking here about warehouse stores, which have membership fees. And usually a minimum price tag of $10 per item. Even in a regular grocery store, you don’t want to buy large amounts of just anything on sale.
It’s about buying more of things you already use often when there’s a significant sale. If it means you shop less often, this can add up to even more savings.
Another item to purchase in bulk is produce. Onions, potatoes, apples and lemons are almost always cheaper when you buy the bag. Just make sure you actually use them so they don’t go to waste.
Buying beans and grains in bulk can also stretch your dollars while providing hearty, healthy meals.
Use digital coupons. Many stores offer digital coupons not available in the weekly newspaper. To acquire these savings, you’ll likely need to set up an account and check off the coupons you wish to use each time you shop.
Doing this ahead of time as you scan the weekly circular can help you write your shopping list around items with the biggest savings.
Stick to the store perimeter. Center aisles have many expensive, processed foods full of salt, sugar and other additives. The outside ring of the store is where you’ll find more foods such as produce, meat and dairy.
You’ll still need to visit the center aisles for a few things. But focusing on the perimeter will give you more bang for your buck. Try leaving your cart at the end of the aisle, and just dash in for the item you need.
Freeze meals. If you’re buying in bulk, you’ll want to make sure things don’t go to waste. You can freeze many items including bread, milk and chopped vegetables, as well as whole meals. Just remember your power could go out in a crisis.
There are cookbooks with recipes for freezing meals in bulk. When you make a meal, cook enough for two meals so you can serve one and freeze the other. It requires almost no extra work, but will save you time and money.
Use fewer ingredients. Sometimes the simplest food tastes best. But you wouldn’t always know it looking at some of the complicated recipes out there.
Sites such as Allrecipes (AllRecipes.com) are great for finding different options for your favorite recipes. And usually the top reviews will include tips on how to make them even easier.
I’ve saved one of the best tactics for last. Look for Buy One Get One Free deals. They’re also called BOGO deals. They might not show up often, but when they do, take advantage of them.
We’ve all learned that preparedness is crucial. Regardless of how tight our budgets are. By following some of the suggestions above, we can all afford to be prepared for whatever life throws at us.
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You Know You Need an Emergency Radio… But Which One?
You’ve received a few emails from me in the past about emergency weather radios. The purpose was to tell you how important it is to have one handy. That’s why these radios are included in just about every bug-out bag list you’ve ever seen.
Based on how many of you have purchased the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio, I assume you don’t need any more convincing.
You realize that extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more violent. And you know weather forecasters are predicting more hurricanes and more tornados this year than usual.
So, I’m not going to waste your time trying to convince you to add one to your survival stockpile. But if you haven’t done so yet, I do want to provide some tips on what to look for in an emergency radio. Because there are many choices out there.
Say yes to NOAA
The first thing you should do when it comes time to selecting an emergency radio is make sure it’s a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio.
Having access to critical information is key to surviving in any emergency. With a NOAA weather radio, you’re certain to receive timely information about weather threats in your area. Including evacuation routes and other breaking news.
These radios broadcast official National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24/7. If you program your county’s six-digit code into it, a loud alarm will sound when dangerous weather approaches.
Some of these weather radios allow you to choose which particular alerts you want to receive. And which you don’t.
Plenty of charging options
OK, now you’re set with weather alerts. Is there anything else you need in an emergency radio? Yes, plenty.
Let’s start with how to keep it charged. A dead emergency radio is useless, so don’t choose one that gives you only one or two options.
You want a radio with a powerful battery inside. But you also want other ways to charge it.
Including plugging it into an outlet, exposing the radio’s solar panel to the sun and cranking it up by hand.
Power bank with a flashlight
Any of those options will keep your emergency radio charged. But you also want to have a radio that can “share the wealth.”
You may find yourself in a position where you need to charge your cellphone. Or a tablet, e-reader, camera, flashlight, cooling fan or another item. Select an emergency radio that can do all that.
There’s no guarantee you’ll have daylight when a weather emergency interrupts your life.
You may need to light your path. So, make sure your radio includes a bright flashlight.
Light, compact and durable… with extras
Other features you want in an emergency radio are just as practical. For example, you don’t want one that’s heavy. It would be a burden to carry in your hand or in a bag.
You also want a radio that’s compact yet durable. One that can take a few dings without getting damaged. And what about some extras the average person might not think about?
Choose an emergency radio that includes a sturdy metal clip so you can attach it to a backpack or belt loop. Select one that has a charging indicator so you always know how much juice it has. Pick one with an earphone jack so you can listen discreetly.
Finally, you want an emergency radio that’s priced right. If for no other reason than so you can buy several of them. For your home and vehicle, and even as gifts for loved ones.
My recommendation is…
The emergency radio I’m recommending will not be a surprise. I let the cat out of the bag back in the second paragraph.
And it might be difficult to believe, but every feature I mentioned as being important in an emergency radio is included in one radio – the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio.
Of course, this is not a coincidence. We started with the end in mind with this product. We made sure this tactical information hub features NOAA weather alerts, with seven 24/7 weather channels and AM/FM and shortwave radio.
We insisted it include an LCD display clock with alarm and an ultra-bright flashlight.
We made it lightweight with the ability to recharge with the power of the sun.
We added a hand crank for emergency starting. We even made sure that it could power up other devices when you need them most. Including your cellphone.
I feel like we’ve made the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio as desirable as we possibly can. But if you need any extra incentive, how’s this?
If you purchase three of them, I’ll knock a small amount off the price of each unit, provide you with free shipping, and toss in a few bonuses. Including a free Patriot Power Cell, a free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit and a free $25 gift certificate.
Household hacks you should know
When it comes to life-saving gear, you are limited only by your imagination — and your commitment to use it. Luckily, there are plenty of versatile items you already own that can double as survival gear. The following items, combined with some knowledge of basic survival skills, may one day give you the advantage in a survival situation.
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ALUMINUM FOIL – Great for signaling, it can create a bowl for cooking, or when connected to each side of a battery is great to start a fire.
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BAG OF CHIPS – Because of their oily nature, it can make a great signal fire.
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BANDANA – Fanning smoke signals, bandages, signaling.
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BATTERIES – Can never have enough of these and other than the obvious are great for starting fires.
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BED SHEETS – Shelter, clothing, signaling.
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BLEACH – Great for disinfecting and can be used to make unsafe water potable.
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BRA – The cup of a bra makes a great facemask when in a toxic or dusty/smoke-filled environment.
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CANS (food/coffee) – Makes a great makeshift stove or fireplace.
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CHAPSTICK – A great little candle when a cotton wick is inserted into the middle. Also ideal for making things waterproof.
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COFFEE FILTERS – Filter dirty water, toilet paper, bandage.
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COTTON BALLS – First-aid or tinder for fire.
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DENTAL FLOSS – Can be used as fishing line or to make a snare.
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DUCT TAPE – You name it – pound for pound the best!
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FROZEN BAG OF VEGGIES – Ideal for use as an ice pack to reduce heat/swelling.
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HAND SANITIZER – Other than the obvious, great on cuts and to start a fire.
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PANTYHOSE – Can be used as a fish net and to help filter water.
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PLASTIC BOTTLE – Storage, and you can make a solar still by cutting the bottom off, folding that inward, placing upside down and being patient.
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POP CAN – Can make a fishing rod by wrapping with dental floss and the tab can be made into a fishing hook.
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SALT – Can preserve food and as an antiseptic (sore throat).
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SOCKS – The thin liner socks are great to prevent blisters and also ideal for water filtration.
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TRASH BAGS – Outstanding raincoat, water collection, shelter.
