How to Choose a Better Flashlight

Recently a friend told me she didn’t think she needed a flashlight because she has a light on her smart phone.

I would agree with her only if two conditions were true. One would be that light is the only thing you need a flashlight for. And two would be that using the light on your cellphone would not wear down its battery.

In other words, I disagree with her 100%. A flashlight should serve a variety of purposes – not just supply light – and using the light on a cellphone does indeed wear down the battery.

A phone is a survival tool, but not for the light it provides. It’s not a multi-tool. And if you drop your phone while using it as light, it could cost you much more money than if you dropped a sturdy tactical flashlight.

Standard flashlights haven’t changed much

Today I want to tell you why a tactical flashlight is far superior to both a regular flashlight and your cellphone light. And how it could help you in a variety of everyday and survival situations.

We’ve all probably used a standard flashlight. Many still require big batteries and they still turn on the same way 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.

Standard flashlights are usually constructed from inexpensive aluminum or cheap plastic and low-grade steel. Many don’t last too long.

A wide variety of devices

Among the 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 due to an electrical current running 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 for shining light on something while using both hands to work.

Tactical flashlights rule

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

Could a tactical flashlight save your life?

A tactical flashlight is not only superior to a regular flashlight. It could also save your life. Here are 6 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.

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 quickly and safely. The same with dealing with a fire, flood, earthquake, or other disaster.

Signaling for help. If you get lost in the wilderness or stranded somewhere, you could use a flashlight 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 and can attract attention.

Self-defense from an attacker. There are weapons that would be more useful than a flashlight if you’re attacked. But some of us don’t have immediate access to a weapon when we’re out and about. 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 help you change a tire or light your way if you have to abandon the car.

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.

Why settle for anything less?

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A Checklist to Help You Enjoy a “Cooler” Camping Trip

There’s just something about packing for a camping trip. Stopping by the grocery store to buy roadtrip snacks and food to cook over the fire. Packing up utensils and the cast iron skillet. Deciding which blankets would be best for a cozy night in the tent.

There’s a lot that goes into packing up for an outdoor getaway. And there’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot something.

So if you’re going camping over the next few weeks, you’ll need a well thought out packing list.

Fortunately for you, I’ve got just what you need. And to make it super convenient, you can print it out as a PDF and use it to prepare for your next camping trip.

When you’ve checked off everything you’ve packed, toss your printout in a bag. It’ll come in handy when you re-pack to head home.

How to chill in the heat

Now, you may be thinking, “Frank, I’d love to go camping, but it’s still pretty hot out there.” Well, I’m here to tell you there are ways to stay cool in the heat that you might not have considered. Including having backup power for fans and other items.

First, select a campsite that has some shade. Your tents should have mesh that allows airflow. A silk sleeping bag liner will keep you cooler than the typical sleeping bag. And use a battery-operated fan inside your tent.

Take a cool shower once a day. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Keep the sun off your head with a brim hat. Carry white washcloths in your backpack. While hiking, periodically soak one with cool water and wrap it around your neck.

Take advantage of opportunities to wade in a cool body of water. As you walk, eat juicy fruits that will taste refreshing and keep you hydrated. And drink zero-sugar sports beverages for the electrolytes.

Don’t over (or under) pack

You probably won’t need everything on the list below. Just pick what works for you and your family or companions.

To me, camping is about getting away from the rat race. I want a different kind of routine when I’m away from home. It’s a nice change of pace to see, use, wear, and eat different things than normally.

You can make do with less on a camping trip by reducing the clutter. At the same time, you can still take all the essentials.

So, here’s the promised list of camping items. Which ones you choose could depend on whether you’re roughing it or heading to a campground where some amenities are provided. It might also depend on how long you’ll be gone.

General items

Tent, with footprints, stakes and mallet/hammer
Ground cloth/tarp
Sleeping bags
Sleeping pads
Backpack
Blankets and pillows
Headlamps, flashlights and extra batteries
Camp table and chairs (if the site doesn’t have them)
Mini-grill or camping stove
Lantern
Clothesline with clips
Toiletries
First-aid kit
Prescription meds
Sunscreen and protective hats
Insect repellant
Lip balm
Rain gear
Extra clothing, including several pairs of socks and underwear
Hiking boots
Bandanas
Survival knife
Multi-tool
Duct tape
Paracord or rope
Saw or ax for cutting firewood (if needed)
Compass
Binoculars
Field guides for flowers and insects
Whistle
Walkie-talkies
NOAA emergency radio
Disinfectant wipes
Documents including vehicle registration, insurance, reservations, etc.

Food/food-related items

Perishable food packed in a cooler or ice chest
Non-perishable food for snacking and meals
Plenty of bottled water and other beverages
Personal water purifier
Fire starters
Cooking, serving, and eating utensils
Cooking pots, pans, plates, and cups
Tongs and skewers
Oven mitts
Cutting board
Tablecloth with clips or tape
Canteen/thermos
Coffee pot
Can opener
Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Dishwashing liquid and sponges
Paper towels and napkins
Tupperware
Zip-top bags
Trash and recycle bags

RV Essentials

Recreational vehicles are a great way to travel and camp. But it’s best to know what to take with you in order to handle potential problems with a new-to-you vehicle. Here are plenty of items to consider:

Your RV manual
Drinking water hose
Sewer kit including hose
Surge protector
Generator
Electrical adapters
Water pressure regulator
Tire pressure gauge
Emergency road kit
Extra motor oil and fluids (washer, transmission, brake)
Fire extinguisher
Wheel chocks
Rubber gloves
Emergency brake cable
Tire iron
Tire patch
Jack
Leveling blocks
Emergency warning light
Fuses
Well-stocked tool box
Jumper cables

Stay powered up

As mentioned earlier, backup power is important on a camping trip. There are plenty of reasons for needing backup power. They include charging up your…

Cellphones
Emergency radio
Mini-fridge
Electric blanket
Blender
Hotplate
Lights inside a tent
Outdoor security lights
Laptop or tablet
Coffee maker
Toaster oven
CPAP machine and other medical devices
Handheld electronic games
Boombox
Electric razor
Mini-TV
Blow-up mattress pump
GPS unit
Portable fans

Now you have a powerful list

Without backup power, any of the items listed above could prove useless on a camping trip. Yes, you could get by without some of them, but what if you had to make an emergency phone call?

Or what if an unexpected storm was headed your way and you needed information quickly? What if your perishable food started to go bad? Worst of all, what if you needed to power up crucial medical equipment?

Camping trips are a lot of fun and a great way to unwind with family or friends. They’re good for your body, mind, and soul. Just make sure you don’t forget to pack any of the essentials before you leave home.

What to Take on Your Next Outdoor Trip

We all have our pet peeves. One of mine is getting somewhere and realizing I forgot to bring something. Maybe that’s why I became a list maker.

Perhaps this is one of your pet peeves as well. If you’re headed to the outdoors soon – for camping, hiking, hunting, or whatever else – no worries. I’ve got you covered.

Today I’m going to provide you with a bunch of items to remember to pack BEFORE you leave home. These items that you can place in your vehicle or backpack are for both your convenience and for dealing with a possible emergency.

Not all of them will apply to your particular outdoor experience. But by running through the list, you can choose the ones that will be most helpful to you.

The absolute “musts”

A sturdy, waterproof camping tent with pegs and a hammer are musts if you’re planning to sleep outdoors. Of course, you’ll also want to include a sleeping bag and pillows, a blow-up mattress or sleeping pad, and extra clothes including socks and a poncho.

If you’re headed to a campground, find out if they supply wood for your fire or allow you to gather it in their surroundings. If not, take wood with you, assuming it’s permissible. Some places don’t allow that, due to the possibility of introducing new species of bugs to the area.

Among the tools you’ll want to pack are flashlights (and extra batteries), survival knife, compass, fire starters, extension cord, tarp, bungees, and duct tape.

You’ll need to eat, so don’t forget both non-perishable food and fresh foods in a cooler. As well as a compact cooking stove; disposable cups, plates, and utensils; and cleaning supplies like dish soap.

Toiletries go without saying. Including toilet paper, washcloths and towels, wet wipes, a fully-stocked first-aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, and trash bags. And in addition to your cellphone, don’t forget power banks.

Hunting gear

If you’re going hunting, I’m sure you already have a comprehensive list of things you want to pack for the trip.

Among them will be maps of the area in which you’ll be hunting. You might want to look into gaining permission to hunt on private land, which will be less crowded.

Pack your flashlights, headlamps, two-way radios, etc., and make sure you have plenty of batteries for each. Also include your knives, game bags, nitrile gloves, multi-tool, and paracord.

In addition to your firearms and ammunition, pack your binoculars, game calls and orange flagging ribbon. Toss in a whistle and small mirror for signaling, plus an emergency blanket and an extra pair of boots.

Water for drinking, cleaning, and bathing is also a must. But it’s equally important to include ways to purify water from other sources. Such as lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks. Here’s a quick look at a few of those ways:

Boiling and disinfecting:

Boiling water can get rid of potential bacteria, germs, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens. First filter the water through a paper towel or coffee filter. Then bring it to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute, or 3 minutes at an elevation of 6,500 feet or higher. Next, let that water cool and store it in a sanitized container with a tight cover.
If you find it’s impossible to boil water, disinfect it with an unscented household chlorine bleach. First filter the water if it’s cloudy. If the bleach has a 5-9% concentration of sodium hypochlorite, add 2 to 4 drops of bleach into a quart container. Shake the container for 1 minute, then turn it upside down and loosen the cap slightly to allow the water flow to clean the bottle threads and cap. Let the bottle sit in a shaded area for a half-hour until the water looks clear.

Iodine & chemical tablets

Iodine and tablets with iodine (also called tetraglycine hydroperiodide) can kill most germs and can be effective at making small amounts of water safe to drink. But it’s not recommended for pregnant women and those with thyroid issues or shellfish allergies. And it’s not recommended for anyone for more than a few weeks.

After you drop the iodine tablet in, shake your container for about a minute. Then hold the container upside down and unscrew the lid very slightly to allow the iodine to flow into the threads of the bottle cap. Iodine tablets usually require about 30 minutes to take effect

UV lighting and solar water disinfection

UV light has also proven effective in ridding water of small organisms. Some UV light devices are battery-free and work with a hand crank.

A simpler method is filling a plastic bottle with water and allowing it to sit out in the sun for a full day. The sun’s UV light will kill most biological hazards in the water.

This solar water disinfection method is easy but does not help with chemical contaminations. Note: They are not as reliable when the contaminants are large, floating particles. And pathogens can hide behind or inside those particles.

Solar cooker

The solar cooker you use for food can also be employed to remove pathogens and other harmful microorganisms from water. The solar ultraviolet light rays are converted into infrared light rays inside the cooker to produce cleaner water.

Depending on weather conditions, water can be heated to 212 degrees Fahrenheit in about 45 minutes.

Safety tips for drinking from outdoor water sources

In closing, here are some outdoor water safety tips I want to share with you. When acquiring water from lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, etc….

Avoid water with a strange hue or film on it, and avoid water that is not clear.
Try to find moving water as opposed to still water.
Avoid water where there is active growth in it, such as algae or scum.
Avoid water near roadways or pavement, as it likely has oil and pollutants in it.
Stay upstream of industrial facilities, mines, and construction.
Avoid water from farmland, as it might have large amounts of fertilizer and pesticides in it.

It’s possible you’ll only need one way to clean your water while outdoors. But it’s better to become well versed in a variety of methods because you never know which supplies you’ll have with you during a crisis.

Knowing you’ve packed everything you need for your next outdoor trip will make it all the more enjoyable.

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Tag: Camping