Your Camping Survival Guide Checklist
May is considered one of the most pleasant months of the year in terms of weather. It’s no longer cold and the heat of summer has not yet arrived. And generally, there is not as much rain as we had during April.
All this adds up to May being a great time to go camping. June may be National Camping Month, but why not get a head start by camping during a very pleasant time of year?
For many of us, this will probably be a weekend venture with only one or two overnights. For others, we may want to spend five to seven days experiencing the great outdoors.
Today I want to provide you with some reminders about what to make sure to take with you on your next camping trip, regardless of its length.
If you are one of the 40 million Americans who goes camping annually, it may have been a while since you’ve done it, so I don’t want you to forget anything important.
21 camping ‘musts’
Everyone’s list of camping essentials will be different, but here are some basics I think everyone would benefit from having on-hand:
- A sturdy, waterproof camping tent
- Sleeping bag, pillows; blow-up mattress or sleeping pad
- Extra clothes including socks, swimsuit, etc.
- Toiletries and toilet paper
- Cellphone
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Power banks for your phone and other electronic devices
- Survival knife
- Compass
- Compact cooking stove
- Fire-starters
- Non-perishable food, including granola bars and healthy snacks
- Water and water bottles
- Cooler for perishable food and drinks
- Disposable cups, plates, utensils
- Cleaning supplies, dish soap
- Towels and washcloths
- Extension cord, tarp, bungees
- Paper clips
- Fully-stocked first-aid kit
- Sunscreen, bug spray (or dryer sheets for insect repellent!)
Some folks may want to include a weapon in their camping gear, assuming they have a concealed carry license.
Making memories in the outdoors
People who have never gone camping may not understand its value. Why sleep on the ground outdoors when you could be in a nice comfortable bed?
But what they learn after they try it is how therapeutic it can be to leave the stress of their lifestyle behind for a few days and get back to nature. The change in environment can be a significant mood booster. And basking in nature’s beauty relieves anxiety.
Camping trips are about making memories with family and friends. You’ll enjoy new experiences that would be impossible to duplicate back at home. And you just may learn a few survival skills that will come in handy down the road. Including fire-starting and cooking over a campfire.
Many people come back home from camping trips being bonded to others better than ever before. Your shared experiences, late-night chats, and early-morning walks all combine to bring you together as a cohesive unit.
A bug-out scenario rehearsal
A couple more things about camping. While it’s important to take everything you need on a camping trip – especially one lasting longer than a couple of days – you don’t want to overdo it.
If you end up taking a bunch of “just in case” stuff that you don’t end up requiring, it could bog you down and tire you out.
Even more important, try to look at your camping experience as a dry run for a potential bug-out scenario. Surviving in the wild with a limited amount of food, water, and other items will be much easier to deal with if you’ve already practiced this type of thing while camping.
Oops, looks like I failed to mention the most important thing of all – s’mores. Yeah, you can make and eat them at home too, but it’s just not the same.
Happy camping!
Women Preppers: Learn To Hunt – Part 2, by D.K.R.
(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.) Cabin Camping Because our basecamp was a cabin, albeit primitive, we could bring more of the comforts of home, including a cooler with fresh foods. The cabin is also stocked with oil lanterns, a kerosene heater and fuel, a wood burning stove, firewood, and camp-kitchen supplies. If camping […]
7 Foods to Keep in Your Car… and 1 Major “Safety Net”
Keeping an emergency food supply in your home is something we’ve preached over and over again through the years.
But you probably don’t spend every moment of your life inside your home. Chances are you spend some of your time driving or riding in your vehicle.
Have you given much thought to what would happen if your car broke down and you were unable to get roadside assistance in a timely fashion?
A storm or other extreme weather event could significantly delay friends, family members, or first responders trying to help you. Some folks have been stranded in their vehicles for more than 24 hours due to violent weather. You may get very hungry before help arrives.
Today I want to suggest seven different foods and beverages you should keep in your car at all times. Obviously, they are all shelf-stable items. But I’m also going to tell you about something you can place in your car that will keep perishable foods safe. And maybe even save a life.
Water
Let’s start with the most obvious one that none of us can live without. And that’s water.
For home storage, there are better – and much less expensive – options than bottled water. But water bottles are fine for your car.
You will probably find yourself needing between 5 and 8 bottles of water per day, so decide how many bottles you want to keep in your car at all times.
The stress of being stranded while waiting for help will be bad enough. The last thing you want to do is add dehydration to the mix.
Food bars & trail mix
The beauty of food bars and trail mix is that they are very compact and yet can give you the protein and energy you need to deal with a challenging situation. They are ideal survival foods.
Food bars, including granola bars, come in a variety of flavors and are usually packed with protein. Some contain too much sugar, so watch out for that.
But many are very healthy and filling, and will provide you with the sustenance you need to deal with the problem at hand.
Trail mix will supply you with good carbohydrates and fats, as well as raisins or craisins for healthy antioxidants. Some trail mixes contain chocolate for a sweet pick-me-up.
Dried fruits and meats
There’s nothing like taking a bite out of a freshly picked fruit, but freeze-dried fruits are a close second. Another food that takes up little space, they are great for an in-between-meal snack.
They come in a wide variety of fruits, including apricots and figs, and contain fiber and essential vitamins.
Dried meats such as beef jerky also hit the spot when you’re hungry, and are ideal for emergency situations. They have a long shelf life, as do other dried meats like turkey, venison, and chicken jerky.
Delicious and packed with protein, dried meats take up little space in your vehicle. When single-serving portions are individually vacuum-sealed, the ones you’re not yet ready to eat won’t harden due to exposure to air.
Assorted nuts and nut butter pouches
When you’re looking for a great source of protein, fiber, and fat, it doesn’t get much better than nuts. And if you acquire a variety of nuts and mix them together, you’ll never get tired of the taste.
Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios, Brazil nuts, pine nuts… there are many choices and they all taste great.
Another way to obtain some quick protein and fats from the nut family is with nut butters. They’re also nice and filling.
Single-serve pouches of peanut butter and almond butter take up very little space and are much more convenient than nut butter in a jar.
Freedom Fridge
Now for that “safety net” I mentioned. Another survival gear item you can take with you when you venture out in your car is the Freedom Fridge from 4Patriots.
It weighs only 17 pounds and it can either cool or heat your food – your choice. Which means the food it contains does not have to be shelf stable. You can run this food locker for up to 30,000 hours over its lifetime.
While it’s perfect for an emergency situation, you can also take it with you for RV trips, camping, or even the grandkids’ soccer games.
Nobody wants to be stranded in their car when they need their daily medicine. And that’s another reason to take Freedom Fridge with you on the road. It will keep that medicine cold and safe.
If all that weren’t enough, Freedom Fridge also features a USB outlet so you can use it to power up your phone, tablet, GPS unit, flashlight, or radio.
No Electricity? No Problem! How to Cook Food Without Power
Even the best emergency food stockpile won’t do you any good if you don’t have a way to cook it. If the power goes out or you need to be on the move, will you be able to make meals? Learn how to cook your survival food without power so you’ll be ready for any emergency.
Build a Fire
Bonfires aren’t just for camping. If you have kindling and wood, build a fire. Outdoor fires are safest, but you can use your indoor wood-burning fireplace if you must. Make sure your fireplace is clean first to prevent a house fire or other disaster. An open flame is a very efficient cooking method, especially when you use a Dutch oven or other cast iron pot. You can also put meat and vegetables inside aluminum foil and cook it over your fire.
Use Your Wood-Burning Stove
During emergencies in cold weather, you need heat for both safety and cooking. A wood-burning stove gives you both. If your home has a wood-burning stove, now is the time to use it. Boil water with a Dutch oven on top, and keep your family safe with efficient radiant heat.
Be Prepared With Non-Electric Cooking Appliances.
A power outage shouldn’t stop you from eating cooked foods. There are several options for non-electric cooking appliances. Learn the pros and cons of each one to find the right appliance for your emergency stockpile kit.
Alcohol Stove
Did you know? Some small camp stoves use alcohol as fuel. Alcohol burns cleanly, but heat from an alcohol flame can be unpredictable. You can use denatured alcohol, pure ethanol, and pure methanol alcohol. Rubbing alcohol does not burn as cleanly as other types and is only safe if you’re burning outside. An alcohol stove is a good option for an immediate emergency cooking stove. You’ll want to buy a larger camp stove for longer-term emergency preparedness.
Portable Camp Stove
When you can’t ride out a crisis at home, you need a portable cooking method. A small stove like the StarFire Camp Stove is easy to carry, and you don’t need gas to have a fire. This size can cook enough food to feed two people. Use it when you need to evacuate your home for weather emergencies. Or, store it in your RV as a backup cooking method while camping. If you need a bigger heat source, add a larger or folding portable gas stove and fuel can to your emergency kit.
Solar Cooker
Turn to solar power when you need to boil water without electricity or a fuel source. A Sun Kettle® Solar Cooker has many uses. Boil water to purify it or use it to cook a meal without electricity.
Solar Oven
A solar oven is one of the quickest ways to rehydrate freeze-dried survival food. It’s a great option when building a fire or using a gas cooking method isn’t safe (like when you need to stay indoors).
Emergency Cooking Stove and Food Supply: Get Yours Today
Emergencies don’t give you an advance warning. Prepare your emergency kit today with survival food and gear. From meal kits and solar cookers to survival food storage containers, we have everything you need to take care of your family during a crisis.
4 Survival Communication Devices to Help You Stay Connected in a Crisis
In our digital world, it’s easy to stay up to date with text messages, phone calls, emails, and social media. But you can’t rely on all those communication methods in an emergency. Check out these four survival devices that can help you stay connected and find the right solution for your family.
You Can’t Always Rely on the Grid
A natural disaster or other crisis can have wide-reaching effects, including downed cell towers and power outages. Without Wi-Fi or cell service, the communication devices we’ve come to depend on become obsolete. Having an alternative communication system during a disaster is almost as important as stocking up on enough food.
There are two types of communication you need to keep in mind when looking for devices:
- One-Way Communication allows you to receive important information and updates from local authorities. You will be unable to communicate back, though.
- Two-Way Communication is for both sending and receiving information. This will allow you to talk with friends, family, and other community members. You can share information with each other and ask for help.
1. Walkie-Talkies
Walkie-talkies are one of the most basic bug-out bag communication devices. They are compact, perfect for stashing into a go-bag, and easy to use. While walkie-talkies have a limited range compared to other two-way communication devices, a lot of people tend to own them. You may be able to contact others outside your immediate circle if needed.
Quality matters when it comes to walkie-talkies. You don’t want to go with a cheap set that resembles a children’s toy. Talk-N-Go Rechargeable Walkie-Talkies are great to have in your emergency kit or even while camping. They have a range of up to three miles and feature a “secure mode” for when you don’t want others to come across your conversation. Plus, they’re easy and quick to recharge with a solar power bank, so you don’t have to worry about your walkie-talkie dying on you.
2. CB Radio
You’ve probably seen truckers in real life or on television use citizens band (CB) radios to communicate with each other. CB radios offer more range than walkie-talkies, but you’ll still be limited in distance. If your friends and family live within a close range, you could each set up a radio in your home so you have a quick and reliable way to communicate. It’s unlikely your neighbors will also have CB radios, so they can offer more privacy. However, you will have difficulty reaching out for help with one.
While walkie-talkies run on batteries, CB radios require a power source. If you choose to go the CB radio route, make sure you’re equipped with a solar generator for electricity.
3. HAM Radio
Amateur (HAM) radios will give you a larger range than CB radios and walkie-talkies. A HAM radio will be the better option if you’re hoping to stay in contact with those living farther from you or if you want to increase your chances of reaching people outside your social circle.
Unfortunately, HAM radios require a license to transmit. In a crisis, you might not be too worried about following regulations, but HAM radios have a bit of a learning curve. You’re going to want plenty of practice before the real deal happens. Practicing with your HAM radio will also give you a chance to get to know other HAM radio owners who may be able to help when disaster strikes.
Like with CB radios, you’ll need an alternative electricity source like solar power if the grid goes down. Luckily, many HAM owners are dedicated and will also have invested in alternative power, so you’ll be in good company if a crisis happens.
4. Solar Radio
Walkie-talkies, CB radios, and HAM radios are all great for interacting with other people, but they don’t lend themselves much toward receiving essential news and updates. When it comes to one-way communication devices, you can’t go wrong with a simple solar-powered radio.
The Liberty Band® Emergency Solar Radio is a best seller, and for a good reason. This radio relies on the sun for power, so you don’t have to worry about switching out batteries or finding a power source. You can even use it to charge other devices via USB, and it features a convenient flashlight. The Liberty Band® includes five different modes so you can listen to weather forecasts, stay up to date on national news, and even jam out to your favorite FM station. Its lightweight, compact design makes it perfect for taking on camping trips or stashing in your bug-out bag.
Stay Prepared for Any Crisis With 4Patriots
4Patriots is here to help you and your family prepare for unexpected disasters. From emergency walkie-talkies to survival food kits, you’ll find exactly what you need to complete your emergency kit. Don’t find yourself unprepared. Order the emergency supplies you need today.
Don’t Desert Desserts When It Comes to Your Survival Stash
When we think of survival food, it’s usually staples such as rice, grains, soups, oatmeal, flour and such.
Those are all fine, but if a survival situation lasts more than a few days, you’re going to need more variety. You’re also going to want some comfort foods.
Yes, you could live without them, but they will do wonders for your psyche during what will certainly be a very trying time. Including some desserts and other sweets in your stash might be just what is needed to boost your morale.
Comfort food benefits
In addition to morale boosts, additional benefits of stockpiling desserts and other sweet treats are…
- Combatting menu fatigue
- Increasing blood sugar during a crisis
- Adding to your daily calorie count
- Offering a sense of normalcy
- Adding delicious meal replacements (in some cases)
- Engaging in mood-boosting celebrations
Here are a few comfort foods you may want to add to your survival stockpile:
Granola. During a disaster, granola may just become your best friend. Not only is it storable and rich in fiber, but you can also make some yummy snacks with it. From banana granola to homemade energy bars, this dessert option is sure to add extra variety and nutrition to your food supply.
Powdered Milk. Powdered milk might not sound like dessert, but it can sure help you make some. Use this handy ingredient to create everything from chocolate milk and ice cream sandwiches to tasty blueberry pancakes. Powdered instant milk can last up to 20 years, and this kitchen staple is sure to offer something your entire family can enjoy.
Freeze-Dried Fruit. Fruit is healthy. It’s as simple as that. But during hard times, it may not always be available. Stow everything from freeze-dried blueberries and strawberries to delicious bananas. You and your family can make smoothies, ice cream, jam, and muffins for a little extra variety.
Protein Shakes. Want a dessert that doubles as a meal? Not only can a survival shake add a hint of sweetness to your long-term food storge, but it can also serve as a meal replacement. Plus, it’ll never slow you down since you can drink it on the go. Great for busy days full of hunting, hiking, and camping, protein shakes are as convenient as they are sweet.
Peanut Butter. During a disaster, peanut butter can feel like the ultimate dessert. It’s jam-packed with protein, calories, healthy fats, and tons of nutrients. Slather peanut butter on top of your favorite snack bar for an added boost of protein. Or, spread a thin layer onto a slice of bread for an added hint of sweetness.
Hard Candy. Hard candy is almost all sugar. And as long as it stays dry, it can last for years. Great for on-the-go snacking and increasing your blood sugar levels at a moment’s notice, you can never go wrong when stowing away a few of your favorite hard candies.
Snack Bars. Snack bars are another diverse food option you’ll want to add to your supply. They not only taste great, but also double as an energy booster. Plus, you won’t need to cook, add water, or heat them up.
Ready-to-eat Food Bars
Speaking of snack bars, have you tried the 4Patriots Food Bars yet? They certainly qualify as both a tasty treat and a meal replacement in an emergency.
These delicious, ready-to-eat “survival cookies” have a lemon-shortbread flavor our customers can’t get enough of.
Designed to last five years under proper storage conditions, they can withstand extreme temperatures and are non-thirst provoking.
Sealed in Mylar pouches, you can keep them anywhere you might get stranded. Such as your car, boat, RV, or cabin.
Can Old Sol Help You Cook in a Blackout? Yes!
We know it’s coming. It’s just a matter of when. We know blackouts will occur this winter due to storms. And it doesn’t look like physical attacks on the grid are going to end anytime soon.
That’s why it’s so important to know how to cook food when the power is out. You need to be able to heat water if you’re home in a blackout. And the same is true if you’re in the woods camping or hiking. Or if you have to evacuate due to a crisis.
If you’re prepared, it won’t be a problem. On most days there’s a round, yellow thing in the sky. It’s also large. About 1.3 million Earths could fit inside it. But it’s also some 93 million miles away. Still, it will help you accomplish the task at hand.
Not all by itself, though. The sun is 27 million degrees Fahrenheit at its core. But its rays cool considerably during their eight-minute, 20-second journey to Earth. They might feel warm on your skin. But they’re not hot enough to cook food or boil water.
Fortunately, those electromagnetic rays contain a great deal of energy. They cause the molecules in whatever they strike to vibrate. That’s what generates heat. And solar cookers are capable of harnessing that heat.
Sun-powered ovens
There are a number of different types of solar cookers. They include solar ovens/box cookers and panel cookers. Plus evacuated tubes and parabolic solar cookers.
The solar oven or box cooker is usually about three to five feet across. It’s basically a sun-powered oven. It heats up and seals in the heat. The open-topped box is black on the inside with glass or transparent plastic on the top.
It usually has several reflectors featuring flat, metallic or mirrored surfaces outside the box. They collect and direct sunlight onto the glass.
A pot of food sits on the black bottom of the box. Sunlight enters the box through the glass top. When light waves strike the bottom, the box heats up and the food cooks.
Variety of choices
Panel cookers incorporate different elements of box cookers and parabolic solar cookers. They use parabolic reflectors above a box-type oven.
Evacuated tube solar cookers use a double-wall glass tube for the cooking chamber. The space between the glass is created as a vacuum.
Many people prefer parabolic solar cookers due to their ability to achieve higher temperatures and their portability.
A parabolic solar cooker uses curved, reflective surfaces to focus sunlight into a small area. The evacuated tempered glass tube traps every bit of heat-producing light that hits it. In a moment I’ll tell you about a great one.
No noise or smoke
Temperatures inside a parabolic solar cooker can get very hot. But it’s cool to the touch on the outside. So, you can safely handle it with your bare hands when it’s at full temperature.
The sides fold out to reveal two parabolic mirrors. These “wings” grab every bit of sun and focus it on the glass tube.
A parabolic solar cooker does not need batteries or electricity. Because it boils water, it protects you from parasites such as giardia.
It doesn’t need any flames or fuel. You don’t have to be concerned with gathering wood or sticks. And it doesn’t produce smoke or make noise. So it allows you to keep your location covert.
What to cook with it
What can you cook with a parabolic solar cooker? Hard-boiled eggs and hot dogs come to mind immediately.
But you could also cook an omelet or vegetarian couscous. Or oatmeal and a wide variety of soups.
As well as mashed potato flakes and instant rice. Plus stovetop stuffing, ramen noodles and bulgar wheat.
Not to mention pastas that cook in less than four minutes. Such as artisan pastas and instant grits.
When to use it
When are the best times to use a parabolic solar cooker? They’re great for camping, boating and hiking.
As well as picnics, your job site or tailgating. Or just sitting on the sidelines while your kids or grandchildren play.
Cooking food such as hotdogs, eggs and freeze-dried meals is one way to use a parabolic solar cooker. But there are many others. Including…
- Heating water for hygiene needs
- Keeping liquid hot for hours for coffee, tea, cocoa, gelatin or baby formula
- Melting snow for drinking or other usages
- Pasteurizing water
- Killing giardia, cryptosporidium and other waterborne bacteria
4Patriots Sun Kettle
If your water supply is affected by an outage, your city might declare a boil advisory. That’s due to contaminants that could be in the system.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to boil water when you lack electricity is with a solar cooker. And as I promised, I’ve got the perfect one for you.
It’s the Sun Kettle from 4Patriots. It works quickly and quietly and needs no cords, batteries or flames.
Its parabolic mirrors trap the rays of the sun, which are then focused on the tempered-glass tube. It will get your water boiling in just minutes.
And that will provide you with water for drinking or warm food to eat. You can prepare coffee, prep a warm washcloth and administer first-aid. And it will keep liquid hot for hours. All with the free power of the sun.
You Can Have Light Even in a Blackout
“Shake, shiver and shovel.” That’s what The Farmers’ Almanac is predicting for the 2022-23 winter in the U.S.
They say there will be plenty of snow, rain and mush, as well as record-breaking cold temperatures in some areas. I guess we don’t need to tell the folks in and around Buffalo, New York about this. A couple of weeks ago they got nearly five feet of snow.
Winter will not take long to get started elsewhere, according to the folks at this 200-year-old publication. They say, “December 2022 looks stormy and cold nationwide with an active storm pattern developing and hanging around for most of the season” in parts of the country.
Now, we know extreme weather usually results in power outages. And that means a dark home. Your first thought may be to grab the nearest flashlight or light some candles. The same is true when you’re camping or walking outdoors. Lighting your path is essential for safety.
Today I want to discuss a variety of ways you can create light to break through the darkness. Some of these you’ve used for that purpose. But I’m guessing you haven’t used some of the more unusual ones.
And when I finish with my list, I’m going to introduce you to a product that works great at lighting your surroundings. Whether you’re inside or out.
Flashlights, candles, etc.
Let’s get the obvious ones out of the way first. The quickest and easiest way to produce light is with a flashlight. Keep several around the house and take a couple with you when you go out.
Another is lighting candles. While this is also a quick way to produce light, candles can be a fire hazard. They shouldn’t be left burning when you leave a room or walk away from a campsite.
Oil lamps are another option. Using oil as the fuel source, these lamps have been employed for thousands of years. A textile wick drops down into the oil and is lit at the end. The oil burns as it is drawn up the wick.
Of course, your smartphone can also serve as a flashlight. And you can always provide some light while camping (or in your fireplace) with a fire. Headlamps and glowsticks also illuminate your surroundings. As do battery-powered and solar-powered lanterns.
Lighting with some color
OK, now for some lesser-known ways to break through the darkness. Remember those Crayola crayons you used as a kid? And maybe you still join in some coloring fun with your kids or grandkids.
Because crayons are basically wax, you can light them like a candle and they’ll produce light for about 30 minutes.
Break the point off a crayon and light the paper label at the end. The paper will serve as a wick as the wax melts.
If you tie several crayons together, you can get a larger flame going, thereby producing more light.
Glowing water
I mentioned headlamps a moment ago. As the name implies, it’s a light that ties around your head with a strap so you can see in front of you in the dark.
But a headlamp can also be used to produce a glowing light to set the mood at home or in the woods.
Fill a clear plastic gallon jug with water. Then wrap a headlamp “belt” around the container with the light shining inward, toward the center of the jug.
When the water diffuses and diverts the light, you’ve got a glowing lamp to provide some ambiance.
Crisco, sardines & bacon
Would you like to be able to produce a candle-type light that will stay lit for a long time? Maybe a month?
Just get a large can of Crisco. Using a forked stick, shove a natural fiber wick (such as a mop strand or a cotton t-shirt shred) down to the bottom of the thick grease.
Here’s another idea. Once you’ve eaten sardines out of a can containing olive oil, place a natural fiber wick (like that mop strand I mentioned) into the oil that’s left over so it’s completely immersed.
Then bend the strand up at the edge of the can and light it. It should stay lit for several hours. The downside? It will smell like fish. Bacon grease can serve the same purpose – and will smell better.
So… how about this SoLantern?
There are a number of good ways to create light at home during a blackout or while you’re camping, and I want to share one with you. It’s the 4Patriots SoLantern. It has a long-lasting battery and recharges with the sun.
This powerful light produces 800 lumens. Which is the equivalent to the light produced by 800 candles. It’s lightweight so you can take it anywhere. The SoLantern has five different light settings and can power up your phone and other electronic devices.
Use it at campgrounds, on RV trips, and in your front and back yards. All at the simple push of a button. Carry it with you to light your path or set it down and read by it.
And this is a great time to acquire the SoLantern because we’re offering one free whenever you purchase four.
20+ Practical (& Unusual) Holiday Gift Ideas
Maybe it’s all the stuff going on in the world these days that’s making people nervous about a very uncertain future. Perhaps that’s why folks are so focused on practical gifts this holiday season.
Today I want to tell you about a number of great practical gift ideas. But I also want to throw in some fun gifts. After all, the holiday season is a time for joy, and I don’t want to make this all about serious stuff.
One thing to remember before I get into these ideas is to order your gifts soon. Like now. Supply chain issues are still with us, and if there’s a rail strike, they’re going to get worse in a hurry.
Today is the first day of our 12 Days of Christmas event, so let’s start off with the practical gifts for folks who love to prepare. The gifts you know loved ones and friends will appreciate and use.
7 items everyone could use
Power – I’m talking about our solar-powered Patriot Power Generator 1800 and Patriot Power Sidekick. They can keep your appliances and devices running when the power is out.
Survival Food – Designed to last 25 years under proper storage conditions, 4Patriots Survival Food comes in a wide variety of sizes.
Communication – Our solar-powered Liberty Band Radio can alert you to dangerous weather before you receive any other warnings. It can save lives.
Water Purification – Our Patriot Pure Ultimate Water Filtration System and Patriot Pure Personal Water Filter will protect you from numerous impurities.
Safety – The HaloXT Tactical Flashlight features nine different functions, including a variety of light settings, seatbelt cutter and glass-breaking hammer.
RV and Camping – Our StarFire Camp Stove and Sun Kettle Solar Cooker can help you cook food when there is no electricity available.
Home & Garden – Our Gardening Tool and Storage set will help you plant and take care of crops that grow from the Victory Garden Seed Vault.
No ‘normal” gift ideas here
As promised, here are some gift ideas that are not necessarily considered “normal.”
Maybe one or more of them will resonate with you as something that would be appropriate for a loved one, friend, co-worker or neighbor.
Granted, one person’s idea of “unusual” might be someone else’s “normal.” It’s subjective. And not every gift will be ideal for everyone on your list.
But I can assure you that you won’t find any of the more typical holiday gift ideas here, such as ties, sweaters, pajamas, toasters, makeup products and gift cards. So, here we go…
Wireless earbuds
One gift that just about anyone would appreciate is wireless earbuds. The sound is of high quality and they are super convenient for anyone relaxing, working out, walking, running or traveling.
Most people listen to their favorite music on their earbuds. But the recipient does not need to be a music lover.
Plenty of people enjoy listening to podcasts. Others spend all day on their phones.
Earbuds are not cheap and they do have to be charged regularly. But they pack a lot of value in a small, lightweight gift.
Cellphone stand
If you’re like most Americans, you probably use your cellphone often. Maybe not as much as a teenager, but making and receiving phone calls is only one component of the uses we’ve found for them.
I’d say the only annoying thing about a cellphone is having to hold it while using it. But with a cellphone stand, that’s not necessary.
These adjustable and collapsible stands make it easy to set up your phone on a desk and use it to make calls, read e-books, watch videos, etc.
They’re usually made of sturdy aluminum. Here’s the best part… they’re very affordable.
Electronic reader
When it comes to books, are you old school or do you prefer the more modern way of reading? Personally, I like the feel of a physical book in my hands. But I also own a Kindle because it’s very convenient to carry around and travel with.
There are plenty of folks who prefer electronic readers even at home, and for about $75 to $140 you can provide them with a new Kindle Paperwhite.
With a good-sized screen that’s glare-free and a battery that lasts a long time, it’s tough to beat an easily handled item that can store thousands of books.
Easy on the eyes and waterproof, it can even be taken to the beach. For another $25 you can add an attractive fabric cover.
MasterClass
Can you teach an old dog new tricks? I believe you can. More to the point, no matter what your age, it’s not too late to learn something new.
There are many ways to do this, of course, but MasterClass may be one of the best. And it could make a great gift for that tough-to-buy-for person who’s always looking for a new challenge.
It’s not cheap – an annual subscription comes to $15 per month. But the huge variety of online classes taught by the world’s best artists, leaders and icons makes it worth it.
There are more than 100 instructors including chef Gordon Ramsey and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. They teach classes in food, music, writing, business and science & tech. As well as sports & gaming, home & lifestyle, arts & entertainment, and more.
10 more for fun
Here are 10 more holiday gift ideas to consider:
- Laptop lap desk. I’m sure you know folks who work predominantly from home these days. A small, lightweight and very portable lap desk can be used even while horizontal on a couch. The underneath cushion conforms to your lap.
- Pasta and noodle maker. For the chef or chef wannabe on your list, this gift is designed to make pasta in a variety of shapes including spaghetti, fettuccini, penne and even a dumpling shape.
- Cuffed beanie. January and February – and March in some areas – promise to be cold. Great for men and women, they’re very comfortable and will keep your head warm when outdoors.
- Hand lotion. I don’t know about you, but the months of the year when the furnace is on means dry, cracked skin, especially on the hands. Hand lotion helps, but read the ingredients carefully to get a natural moisturizer.
- Hand warmer. Speaking of hands, some of us experience cold hands and feet as we age, especially in the winter. A rechargeable hand warmer can stay warm for three to four hours on a full charge.
- Science fun. Perfect for young kids on your list, Amazing Science from Good Housekeeping is an activity they can do alone or with adults. They’ll learn how things work while conducting 80-plus experiments.
- Personalized family mugs. Don’t you hate it when you find your favorite mug in the sink because someone has used it? With personalized coffee mugs, you don’t have to worry about that.
- Murder Mystery Puzzle Game. This game allows users to solve murder mysteries while they’re putting the pieces together. It’s something the whole family can have fun doing together.
- Slippers. Some of your loved ones probably won’t be going outside much this winter, so why not make them as comfortable as possible in their homes? Make sure the slippers you purchase have good traction.
- Socks. Wait, how can socks be an unusual holiday gift? The answer is when they are multi-colored with a wide variety of shapes and designs. Ideal for young people and the young at heart.
Patriot Power Cell
I’m going to close this communication by returning briefly to practicality. And it doesn’t get much more practical than a power bank for your electronic devices.
Backup power was already understood to be important before we began selling the Patriot Power Cell. With frequent power outages, it’s even more crucial to have convenient backup power at the ready.
The Patriot Power Cell is really a pocket-sized power plant. And since it’s often needed when other power sources are unavailable, it’s great to know it can be charged with just the power of the sun.
It’s rugged to withstand the elements, and it has a built-in flashlight. Knowing you can stay connected to loved ones in an emergency with this reliable power source provides plenty of peace of mind.
The Patriot Power Cell has become so popular that most people buy them in 4-packs. And right now until 12/12, you get access to a Buy 4 Get 1 FREE deal.
Stock Up on Inexpensive Survival Gear
Perhaps the most common reason people give for not preparing is money.
They say that because they live paycheck to paycheck, there’s never anything left at the end of the month for stockpiling supplies.
It’s not that they don’t believe in the concept of preparing for an uncertain future. They’re fully convinced they’d be better off with survival food, water and a bunch of other items that will be essential for dealing with a crisis.
It’s just that when they finish paying for all the stuff they absolutely have to have, everything else is a luxury.
Thrift store prepping
I completely get that. And I sympathize with the plight of those who are barely scraping by.
But I also know that occasionally some unexpected money comes in. It might not be often and it might not be a lot, but it could sometimes be enough to get a survival stockpile going.
How? By purchasing items at the lowest possible price. And by doing it over time, rather than trying to gather everything at once.
So, whether you want to get started stockpiling necessary items for an emergency or you just want to economically add to your existing stash, here are some ideas for grabbing items from a Goodwill store or other low-cost venue. They might include Dollar Stores, Navy recycle stores and garage sales.
An economical goldmine
Winter clothes. Coats, gloves, hats and boots can usually be found at bargain prices at Goodwill or another thrift store.
First-aid kit. This is a kit you can form by purchasing bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, etc. You might even see a pair of crutches, a brace and a sling for sale.
Backpack. Yeah, it will be used, but so what? It will be far less expensive than a new one in a retail store. Make sure it has wide shoulder straps and a reinforced bottom.
Ponchos and other rain gear. Most of your winter clothes won’t be waterproof, so you need stuff that is. Grab an umbrella while you’re at it.
Sewing kit. Fabric, needles and thread will come in very handy when stores are not open and you have to mend clothes or a tent.
Gas can. If the grid goes down and gas stations close, a gas can filled with gasoline will be a precious commodity.
Tools. No one is going to care how shiny their tools are in a crisis. Pick up some used hammers, screwdrivers, shovels and rakes.
Blankets. Even if the inevitable disaster occurs during the warmer half of the year, nights will get cold. Wool blankets will feel like lifesavers.
Camping equipment. Look for used tents and camp stoves, which will be much cheaper at thrift stores than elsewhere.
Pots, pans and other kitchen gear. Very expensive when they’re new, these items can be found at great prices in thrift stores.
Survival items. Multi-tools, Mylar blankets and other survival gear can often be found at these types of stores. Not all of ‘em, but some.
Books/games/crayons. If you have to bug out and TV is a thing of the past, these items will provide boredom relief for you and the kids or grandkids.
Hunting gear. Even if you’ve never hunted before, grab some camouflage clothes, game bags and boots. Someday you may have to hunt for your meals.
Buy 1 Get 2 FREE Survival Food Kits? YES!
By saving significant amounts of money on items listed above, you could have funds remaining for life-saving survival food with a long shelf life.
And this is the perfect time to both stock up on survival food and save money. Why? Because for a limited time, we’re offering a Buy 1 Get 2 Free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit deal.
This delicious food for breakfast, lunch and dinner comes in disaster-resistant packaging and is designed to last 25 years. So you can lock in savings & peace of mind for the long haul.
With this Buy 1 Get 2 free deal, you’ll also get a free $25 gift certificate and a free Ultimate Survival Handbook. Not to mention we offer a military and senior discount.
