Summer Travel Tips… Just in Case You’re Out of Practice
Many of us have traveled less in the past 2½ years than we had at any previous time in our adult lives. The pandemic has not exactly been what I’d call travel-friendly.
For some of us, we’re just now getting back into the routine. Others will be traveling again this summer for the first time in quite a while.
When we were traveling at least semi-regularly, most of us established a routine of preparing for these vacations and business trips. We knew exactly what to pack and which bags to put it in. It became second nature to us.
But if we haven’t traveled for a while and are planning some time away this summer, preparing for those trips might take a little longer. And there’s a chance we might forget to pack something we always used to pack without thinking about it.
Don’t leave home without… sleep
The first item that comes to mind for me that some folks forget to pack is back-up power. Or more precisely, a way to generate free electrical power.
I’ll give you my recommendation for an easy-to-carry and affordable way to do that in a moment.
First though, I’d like to provide you with some travel tips. Just in case you’ve forgotten them since the last time you packed your bag for a trip.
Regardless of how you’re traveling – air, auto, train or boat – get plenty of sleep in advance. Going into a trip in a tired state is a bad way to start. You won’t be thinking as clearly as you should be and your enjoyment level will drop off.
Travel by car
If you’re traveling by car this summer, make sure you put together an emergency supply kit to keep in the trunk. Here are five items I’d suggest including for a three-day trip.
- Water. A no-brainer, right? Three gallons of clean drinking water should do the trick. If your water is in gallon containers, make sure you have plenty of smaller empty water bottles you can fill up and drink out of.
- Non-perishable food. You could survive for three days without food if you had to, but why do that? During a crisis, your body will need strength, so pack some items with a high calorie content. Don’t worry about fat content right now.
- First-aid kit. This kit should include bandages, anti-bacterial wipes, burn salve and wound-closure strips. Plus over-the-counter painkillers and lip balm. As well as a three-day supply of any meds you take regularly.
- Clothing. Include any items you would take on a three-day trip. Including socks and underwear, pants and shirts. Plus sweaters, a windbreaker and a heavy coat. As well as gloves and hat. Don’t forget a pair of hiking boots.
- Outdoor kit. If you have to leave your vehicle at some point during a crisis, you’ll want some objects to help you survive. Including fire-starters, paracord and a flashlight. And a hunting knife, tent, poncho, compass and duct tape.
Make sure the bag itself is sturdy because you may have to lug it around. You don’t want anything falling through a hole or getting wet from the elements. It needs to be large enough to hold all but large water containers. But light enough to carry.
Enhancing your road trip
Your longer auto trip could be enhanced by following the four tips listed below.
- Eat healthy snacks. You’ll probably stop for one or two good meals per day on your road trip. But you’ll also want to take along some in-between-meal snacks for nourishment and alertness. Make sure those snacks contain plenty of vitamins and nutrients. Nuts, fruits and vegetables will provide what you need.
- Stay hydrated. Although it will probably require an extra restroom stop or two each day, it’s important to keep yourself hydrated on the trip. Water and fruit juices are best. Caffeinated beverages should only be consumed if you need them to stay awake. They can be dehydrating.
- Plan interesting stops. There’s nothing that breaks up a long road trip like a few fascinating stops. It’s easier to stay upbeat when you have 100 miles to the next sight-seeing opportunity than 1,000 miles to your destination. Taking photos at each stop will enhance the vacation memory book you create.
- Chew and smell. By chewing gum, your blood circulation will improve despite your sitting posture. There are plenty of sugar-free gum choices out there. Also, having a peppermint scent handy is a good idea. Just take a whiff if you feel you’re becoming more tired than you want to be.
Travel by boat
Many people are taking cruises again. If you’re one of them, here are four tips to make your trip more enjoyable.
- Study the ship in advance. You might not be able to board a cruise ship in advance to check it out. But you can take virtual tours. Knowing where everything is on the ship ahead of time will save you considerable time in trying to find things. Especially if it’s a 15-deck ship.
- Know your ports. Knowing what a port offers in advance will go a long way to enjoying your eight hours or whatever it might be before you have to be back on the ship. Pick out three or four things you want to do at that port before you get there. Then make the most of your time.
- Pack intelligently. Limit yourself to what you believe you’ll need, leaving room in your suitcase for items you’ll want to purchase to bring back home. Pack clothes for the weather at various ports. Don’t forget a poncho.
- Check out alternative eating venues. Many folks on cruises – especially first-timers – automatically head to the main dining room or buffet each meal time. But many cruises have specialty restaurants you might enjoy. Especially during longer cruises when variety is more important.
Travel by train
Some folks prefer to travel by train. Here are a few suggestions if you’re going that route.
- Watch for deals. As with other transportation businesses, the train industry likes to entice travelers with deals. Start your search for a deal well before your departure date, then lock it in. Acquiring your tickets in advance should save you money and take that task off your plate.
- Choose your accommodations carefully. Depending on how long your train trip will last, this is an important consideration. The longer the ride, the more comfort you will require. Maybe you can sleep one night in a coach seat, but any more than that and you should probably book a bedroom that includes a private toilet.
- Check a large bag, hold onto a smaller one. When you’re packing, put items that you won’t need during the ride in one large bag and then check it. That way it’s secure and you don’t have to worry about lugging it around each time you venture from car to car. Keep items you’ll need during the trip in a smaller bag.
- Study your rest stops. Rest stops on train trips are great, as they give you a good chance to stretch your legs and see a few sights before re-boarding. Know where those rest stops are and what they offer in advance. That way you’ll know exactly where you want to head and what you want to see when you get off the train.
Travel by plane
As with other modes of transportation, it may have been awhile since you’ve flown. Here are a few reminder tips if you plan to get on a plane.
- Carry your vaccination card. If you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19, be ready to prove it. Rules are changing all the time, and you never know when you may be asked to show it. If you’ve decided against vaccination, call ahead to the airline and any hotels where you’re planning to stay to see what their policies are.
- Keep a hand sanitizer in your carryon. In an airport and on a plane, you’ll be in close contact with many people. And you’ll be handling a number of things you don’t normally hold. Such as tray tables, beverage cups, etc. Use hand sanitizer whenever you feel the need.
- Don’t wear open-toed shoes. Even if you’re going somewhere hot, wear solid shoes that cover your toes on a plane. You’ll do a lot of walking in an airport and there are too many things inside a plane on which you could stub your toes. You can always change into more comfortable footwear when you arrive at your destination.
- Avoid big crowds. Once you reach your destination, find things to do that don’t involve large crowds. Some of those things are the most rewarding. And if you do want to engage in a popular activity, consider going earlier or later than most folks do.
PocketSun Solar Panel
As promised, here’s information about that portable way to gain power you can share with your electric devices. Keeping electronics powered up is essential, no matter where you go or how you get there.
The PocketSun Solar Panel is a micro-sized solar panel that can actually fit in your pocket. Just unfold the panels and start charging your USB devices (two at once if you want to) for free with the power of the sun.
It’s great for travel, camping, fishing or any road trip. Not to mention emergencies including power outages.
The PocketSun never needs batteries… ever. It’s our smallest solar panel yet, but it can deliver 10 watts of power to your small USB devices.
July 1st is the anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, in 1863. — We’ve completed our camping trip, so I’ve reactivated the shopping cart system, at Elk Creek Company. Thanks for your patience. — Today’s feature is some advice that I have for folks without an FFL who might sell […]
Not Your Typical Survival Tips & Tricks
If I had a nickel for every survival tip I’ve ever heard or have communicated to others, I’d be a wealthy man. But I don’t, and I’m not.
You may have heard some of these tips yourself. Either from us or from other sources.
So rather than provide you with a laundry list of survival tips in the hopes that a few might be new to you, I’m going to do something a little different today.
I’m going to give you survival tips I’m hoping you’re not familiar with. Yes, a few of them might be a little “out there.” And most you’ll probably never have the chance to use. But who knows? One or more of them might come in handy someday.
Animal instincts
If you get bit by an animal, first clean and bandage the wound. But next – and this is crucial – go to your doctor. If you get rabies from the bite, you might feel fine for a while. But by the time you have symptoms, you could get very sick and maybe die.
Let’s say you’re suddenly confronted with a wild animal starting to come toward you. Running away will be your first instinct, but it could get you killed. The animal will probably catch you quickly. Instead, get behind or up into the nearest tree.
Now, if that animal is a bear and you have a choice of running uphill or downhill to get away, choose downhill. Because their front legs are longer than their back legs, they struggle with running downhill. They’ll catch you quickly if you run uphill.
Spider bites hurt, but their poison could hurt more once it gets fully into your bloodstream. Look to see if there is a red line running away from the bite toward your body. If so, find your way to the nearest emergency room asap.
Situational awareness
Anytime you enter a building you’re unfamiliar with, quickly familiarize yourself with as many of the exits as possible. You never know where you’ll be when an emergency might occur, but this way you’ll know where the nearest exit is.
The same is true with a hotel. Once you’ve checked into your room, find a diagram to determine several escape routes from your floor to the lobby or underground garage.
What would you do if you woke up in a coffin underground? The sides of a coffin are weaker than the top and bottom, so try to kick one of them out. Then take as deep of a breath as you can and start clawing your way up through the dirt. There will be plenty of time to hunt down your spouse later.
Always be aware of your surroundings and be ready to run if an attacker confronts you. But unless they have a weapon and you don’t, putting up a fight might buy you enough time to convince the assailant to flee.
Self-preservation
If you’ve ever been in a burning building, you know how petrifying it can be. Obviously you want to get out as quickly as possible. But if the smoke is getting thick, you’re better off crawling than running. The lower you are, the less smoke there will be.
Would you drive if you knew you were drunk? I certainly hope the answer to that question is a resounding “No!” But being overly tired is pretty much the same thing as being intoxicated. Pull over before you hurt yourself and/or someone else.
Anytime you’re going somewhere (camping, hiking, etc.) where cellphone service might be iffy, give your itinerary to family members and friends. If you get trapped somewhere, you’re going to need that person to alert someone who can find you.
You fall into a rapidly moving river. You should immediately try to swim to shore, right? Wrong. You could drown from hyperventilating. First focus on getting your breathing under control and floating. Then watch for something you can grab onto.
Miscellaneous
Here are a few more…
- Always carry a lighter. Even if you don’t smoke (good for you), you may need to start a fire.
- Always carry a water purification device. Such as a straw or tablets. You might need them for drinking or washing a wound.
- If you get a bug bite and don’t have an anti-itch ointment, use toothpaste on it.
- If you have to sleep outdoors without a sleeping bag, use leaves for insulation. Sleeping on the ground will lower your body temperature.
- If you’re caught outdoors in a lightning storm and can’t find shelter, get as low to the ground as possible and remove anything metal from your body, such as a belt buckle or jewelry.
- Never mix bleach and ammonia in the same room when cleaning. The vapors could make you sick or worse.
- If you have to break through a locked door, running into it could injure your shoulder. Instead, kick at its weakest point, which is next to the handle.
- When you call 911, first say where you are, then describe the emergency. If you get cut off, at least they’ll know how to find you.
- While camping, if you need to relieve yourself, do it at least 100 yards away and downwind from your campsite. Animals can smell that stuff.
- If you check into an Airbnb, ask if there are any hidden cameras in the room. They may not answer honestly, so shine a bright light at possible locations such as a smoke detector. A camera lens will give off a bluish reflection.
Bear-ly surviving
I saved what I think is the most interesting one for last. Can you tell the difference between a black bear and a grizzly bear? Being able to do so could save your life.
Grizzly bears have a pronounced shoulder hump and black bears don’t. Grizzlies have a concave facial profile, smaller ears and larger claws than black bears, which have a “Roman nose” profile.
Why does this matter? If you think a grizzly bear may attack you, leave your backpack on, lie flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck and play dead. If you absolutely have to fight to survive, try to hit the bear in the face with your backpack or fists.
If you think a black bear might attack you, don’t play dead. Apparently they like that. Try to escape downhill. Again, if you have to fight, aim for the bear’s face with punches and kicks. Apparently they don’t like that.
I’m willing to bet you have some weird survival tips and tricks up your sleeve. Feel free to share them in the comments section. Stay safe out there.
How to Get Your Backyard Ready for Summer
Do you have any plans for 5:14 a.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time on Tuesday, June 21?
If you’re up and about that early – highly doubtful if you live in any other time zone – you might want to celebrate the first minute of summer 2022.
If you’re still sleeping at that time, no worries. It’s also the summer solstice, which means it’s the longest day of the year.
So, you’ll have plenty of time to celebrate what for many is their favorite season of the year. And that celebration will be even better if you’ve prepared your backyard for summer.
Nurture plants, destroy bugs
What exactly does that mean? Well, it means several things. If you’re a gardener, it means your crops are probably growing.
They need tender loving care in the form of nurturing so they’ll be ready for the upcoming harvest.
If you like to spend time in the backyard during the summer – relaxing with family or friends – it means you’ve got your anti-bug devices ready. More on that in a moment.
There’s nothing annoying pests enjoy more than when you bring more folks over to feast on. But you can turn the tables on them this summer.
Remove thatch, aerate lawn
How else can you prepare your backyard for summer? One way is by removing thatch from your yard. If you haven’t already done this, there’s no time like the present.
You can do it with a rake. It will not only get rid of unsightly dead grass and decaying plant material, but also allow water to reach grass roots and healthy grass to grow through.
Speaking of healthy roots, aerating your lawn is another way to get your backyard ready for summer.
These small holes in the ground will make room for water, oxygen and nutrients to get through to the root system.
Fertilize, water, mow and re-seed
Fertilizing your grass will also help your lawn look better and feel better on your feet. But don’t go too heavy on the fertilizer if your peak summer temperatures are approaching.
Watering your lawn frequently is another big help. Obviously this is not as important if your region has been receiving a lot of rain this spring. But summer months tend to be drier, so don’t neglect it.
Just like hair grows better when it’s cut occasionally, so too does grass. Mow it regularly, as that helps strengthen roots. But try not to cut more than one-third of the height each time.
Finally, re-seed bare patches occurring here and there. After tilling the soil, spread seed evenly across the bare spot to fill in the gaps. Then make sure to water the area regularly.
BugOUT Solar Stake Light
Earlier I mentioned keeping flying bugs off your family, your guests and you in your backyard this summer.
My recommendation for easily accomplishing this task is the BugOUT Solar Stake Light from 4Patriots.
It provides you with all-day – and all-night – mosquito protection. This light soaks in free power during the day from the sun, then serves as a yard light after dark while stopping mosquitoes dead in their tracks.
The UV light attracts bugs, so they stay off you, then zaps them dead. And because it’s so portable, you can take your water-resistant Stake Light camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and tailgating.
Not to mention using it for picnics and backyard birthday parties. You can even use it during a power outage. No cords, batteries or outlets needed. No chemicals or open flames. And it’s easy to clean.
Stake it into the ground, set it on top of a deck railing or hang it with its convenient handle.
How to Survive a Monkey Attack | Primates Survival Tips
Monkeys are one of the most intelligent yet violent animals globally. When provoked, they can get aggressive and even attack you! If this happens, do you know how you can protect yourself? Read on to learn how to survive a monkey attack. RELATED: 11 Tips to Avoid Animal Attacks How to Survive a Monkey Attack […]
How To Survive A Komodo Dragon Attack
Knowing how to survive a Komodo dragon attack can help save your life in case a Komodo dragon becomes aggressive toward you. Encountering these dragons can be terrifying, as they are the world’s largest, most powerful, and most dangerous lizard. Here, we’ll teach you how to survive a Komodo dragon attack. RELATED: How To Survive […]
Camping Season Is Back!
Spring is here, which means people all over the United States are starting to spend time outdoors again.
This is especially true for those who’ve been spending more time indoors than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Folks are starting to go camping, hiking, fishing… you name it – again. It’s a great way to spend your time until the weather gets cold again.
That said, camping comes with inherent risks that you need to be aware of.
Fire
Camping and fire go hand in hand. It not only provides heat for cooking and protection from wild animals – but is the perfect place for memorable conversations. It can also create problems if not done properly.
Before you even start gathering wood, ensure the area where you are camping is not under a fire restriction ban. You don’t want to be responsible for thousands of acres of destruction due to an out-of-control forest fire.
- Ensure the area where you plan to build your fire is clear of dry brush and deadfall, both around and above.
- Dig a fire pit at least one foot deep and ideally surround the perimeter with rocks. Again, this is to mitigate/control the fire from moving away from the intended location.
- Don’t overfeed your fire. Less is more when you build a campfire. You can always add more fuel, but be conservative.
- Never leave your campfire without thoroughly extinguishing with water and smothering with dirt. If possible, wait an additional 30 minutes – called reflash watch.
Water filtration
If you plan to drink from an outdoor water source (river, stream, lake) you need to make sure you are consuming “safe” water. That means no bacteria and particulates that can ruin your week.
I have personally dealt with giardia on two occasions and it is not fun.
The first time, my doctor failed to properly diagnose (didn’t request a gram stain lab) and he was convinced I had leukemia. And to be honest, I felt like I was dying. Nope, it was giardia and after a week of the antibiotic Metronidazole (Flagyl), I felt like a million bucks.
There are several ways to make water safe to drink:
- Boil for at least 5 minutes.
- Filtration pump – make sure it removes microorganisms (giardia).
- Filtration straw – again, make sure it removes microorganisms.
- Purification tablets, which are my personal preference due to their small size and weight. Get the type that is 2-stage. First tablet kills the bacteria and the second tablet removes the taste of the first. This entire process only takes 30 minutes.
- UV water filtration (SteriPEN) only takes a few minutes. Just remember one of my favorite sayings: “If it takes a battery, it’s gonna crap out exactly when you need it.” Pack extras.
Flash flooding
With severe spring storms already in full swing, you need to consider the possibility that a nearby water source could turn into a deadly wall of water traveling at an incredible speed.
Take into consideration when you choose your campsite. Better to be on higher ground and walk to the water source than risk getting swept away. Get at least a 3-day weather forecast and always keep an eye on the sky.
In the summer of 1976, Colorado’s Big Thompson Canyon had a flash flood due to a severe thunderstorm higher up in the canyon. Twelve inches of rain fell in less than four hours. The victims, including 143 dead, had seen little or no rain when the flood rushed down the canyon in a wall 20 feet high.
Rule #1: Climb to safety whether on foot or in your car (get out), get moving and CLIMB!
If you find yourself swept up by these rushing waters, position yourself so you are on your back with your feet in front of you. If you hit rocks, they will absorb the impact much better than your head. Then swim like hell to the nearest shore.
Bug protection
The many bugs you are likely to encounter while camping are not just an annoyance. Some of them can actually make you sick. Mosquitoes in particular.
Mosquitoes can carry diseases. Here in America we’re mostly concerned about West Nile virus. The CDC tells us that it’s “the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.”
Use mosquito repellent when you go camping. Look for an over-the-counter spray or rub-on containing DEET. Or make your own concoction.
Apply it to any exposed area of skin. Especially feet, ankles, lower legs and wrists. Mosquitos like those thin-skinned areas because they can get to your blood easier.
Dark colors attract bugs, so wear light-colored clothing when camping. Thicker fabrics with a looser fit are a better choice than tight-fitting, thin fabrics. And keep in mind that mosquitoes are at their worst around dawn and dusk.
SunBuzz Solar Mosquito Lantern
My choice for keeping mosquitoes and other airborne bugs at bay while camping is the SunBuzz Solar Mosquito Lantern. It’s rainproof and water-resistant, and it charges for free in the sun.
I love how compact and portable it is. You can easily take it anywhere. It stops flying insects in their tracks without any pesticides or chemicals. And it also serves as a decorative light.
This lantern has three different brightness settings. Get several of them and you can string them up on a clothesline or on tree branches to zap bugs in different locations around your campsite. Check ‘em out here.
Enjoy the great outdoors this spring and summer. Just be prepared for the life-threatening situations that can present themselves.
Be a survivor… not a statistic.
Cade Courtley
Former Navy SEAL / 4Patriots Contributor
How Exactly Does Solar Cooking Work?
How do you heat water if you’re home and the power is off? Or if you’re in the woods camping or hiking? And what about 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.
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
Sun Kettle XL is the ideal choice
Our choice for a parabolic solar cooker at 4Patriots is the upgraded Sun Kettle XL Personal Water Heater. It boils water in just minutes without any fuel or flame. For cooking, drinking, cleaning and hygiene.
We sold more than 70,000 of our regular-sized Sun Kettles. And now we’re offering the Sun Kettle XL with twice the water capacity. This “deluxe” water heater can boil water wherever you have sun. Silently and safely.
It’s like having a microwave the size of a large thermos. Constructed from tough ABS plastic and shatter-resistant tempered glass, it’s built like a tank. And the ventilated cap means no worries about pressure levels and dangerous over-boils.
The square base and kickstand combine to give four points of contact so you don’t have to worry about tips and spills.
Many great features
The Sun Kettle XL has many great features that will make it your go-to solar cooker. It’s compact, clean, advanced and insulated. As well as convenient, safe, stealthy, lightweight and useful.
The Sun Kettle XL is very easy to use. Just fill the Sun Kettle XL with water, leaving about two inches for steam.
Then open the reflective panels and face them into the sunlight. When steam escapes from the top vent, enjoy hot water right away. Or close the doors to keep the water hot for later.
One Bug Out Bag Approach – Part 1, by J. Smith
I would like to share my thoughts on the creation of a Bug Out Bag. (Or “BOB” for short.) I have refined my BOB based on my own camping experience, and the experience of others, especially survivalists and wilderness campers on Youtube. (The real ones, not phony Bear Grills types, LOL.) I will give credit […]
When Is a Flashlight Not Just a Flashlight?
When you need light in the darkness, a flashlight is your go-to tool, right? Flashlights are one of the many things we take for granted these days.
But it wasn’t always this way. When people needed light before electricity, they used torches.
Those torches were followed eventually by candles, oil lamps, and kerosene lamps. Each involved a flame that had to be carried. So there was always the possibility of danger.
The incandescent light bulb and the dry battery were invented near the end of the 19th century.
Early flashlights needed rest
The flashlight was created in 1899. And there’s a good reason the word “flash” was used in the name. The small, incandescent electric light bulb was powered by batteries, with a contact switch turning the light on and off.
But these “flash lights” could not emit light for very long. They ran on zinc-carbon batteries that could not provide constant current for extended periods of time.
The user had to give these flashlights frequent rests.
Over time, as batteries improved and tungsten replaced carbon filaments, the flashlight became more dependable and popular.
Most of today’s flashlights run on disposable or rechargeable batteries. They use incandescent light bulbs or LEDs (light-emitting diodes). Incandescent bulbs have a tungsten filament. LEDs are semiconductors that emit light.
Standard flashlights still basically the same
Today, there are two basic types of flashlights: standard and tactical. We’ve all probably used a standard flashlight at one time or another.
Many continue to require big batteries. And they still turn on the same way as they used to and weigh about the same.
These basic everyday flashlights are handy when you’re looking for something under a couch. Or when you’re trying to find something in a dark closet. And, of course, when the power goes out in your home.
Standard flashlights are usually constructed from inexpensive aluminum or cheap plastic and low-grade steel. Many don’t last too long.
A variety of devices
Among the variety of flashlights we see today are incandescent bulb flashlights, LED flashlights and high-intensity discharge flashlights. Plus pressurized gas flashlights, solar-powered flashlights and headlamp flashlights.
As well as shake flashlights, USB-charging flashlights and utility flashlights. And heavy-duty flashlights and work flashlights.
They all have their place, and some are more effective than others. A high-intensity discharge flashlight, for example, can deliver a very bright light. That’s due to an electrical current that runs through a ball of ionized gas.
A shake flashlight turns on by shaking it. It’s powered by magnets that cause a reaction to produce light. A headlamp flashlight is ideal if you need to shine light on something you’re using both hands to work on.
Tactical flashlights are the best
Tactical flashlights are far superior to standard flashlights. So why settle for anything less?
Tactical flashlights look and feel much different. They’re more durable and weather-resistant. And they feature a variety of settings, such as strobe and SOS. Once you get used to a tactical flashlight, you’ll probably never use a standard flashlight again.
Most tactical flashlights are made with a higher grade of aluminum and are armor-coated. Normally they are lighter in weight than basic flashlights. And they can resist shocks, corrosion and whatever the weather throws at them.
The average standard flashlight gives you about 10 feet of brightness. That’s approximately 100 lumens. Tactical flashlights provide brightness to about 50 feet. And they give you visibility up to about 100 yards.
What to look for
Here’s what I look for in a tactical flashlight:
- Ultra-bright LED flashlight
- Solar panel
- Power bank
- SOS light and strobe
- Work light
- Seatbelt/rope splitter
- Glass-breaking hammer
- Compass
- Magnet
- Lightweight
- Anti-slip handle
- Adjustable wrist strap
It’s a life-saving tool
A tactical flashlight is not only superior to a regular flashlight. It could also save your life. Here are six ways that could happen.
Spotting danger in the darkness. If you find yourself walking in a dark area – due to a power outage or if you’re camping in the woods – a flashlight is a big help for finding your way and avoiding pitfalls. You might even spot a human with bad intent or an animal looking for its next meal. Seeing either of them before you get too close could save your life.
Escaping from a hazard zone. If there were a chemical spill near where you live and the power were knocked out, a flashlight might be the only tool at your disposal to help you get out of the region as quickly and safely as possible. The same thing would be true if you were dealing with a fire, flood, earthquake or other disaster that would require you to get away quickly.
Signaling for help. If you get lost in the wilderness, whether during an escape from a bad situation or just a camping trip, or are stranded somewhere, a flashlight could be used to signal for help. Especially if your flashlight has a built-in SOS component or a strobe function to it. Light carries a long distance in a short amount of time – something like 186,000 miles per second – and it will attract attention if someone is able to observe it.
Self-defense from an attacker. There are weapons that would be more useful than a flashlight if you’re attacked. A gun comes to mind first, of course. But most of us don’t have immediate access to that type of weapon when we’re out and about. And there are usually restrictions on how and when they can be carried. A flashlight can temporarily blind an attacker to allow an escape, while its barrel can be used for a counterattack.
A vehicle breakdown. If you have to get out of your vehicle after pulling off to the side of the road, your hazard lights should help other drivers see your car. But they won’t help you see what’s going on under the hood. A flashlight will come in very handy in this situation, as it would if you were changing a tire. And if you have to abandon the car and walk somewhere in the dark, it will help light your way.
Charging a cellphone for an emergency call. If your cellphone is dead and you need to make a call for help, some tactical flashlights will enable you to charge it. That phone call could allow you to escape a very dangerous situation.
Everybody needs a flashlight. And several of them are much better than having just one. But make sure you have tactical flashlights because they can do so much more.
