Survival Gear Review: Hybridlight PUC Solar LED Lantern

The list of survival gear that achieves the hallowed description “Damn Near Perfect” is short. An item that attains this sacred survival title needs to possess several attributes (or one damned good one) that play in harmonious concert with each other to create a product that will enhance your life with minimal hassle while you are ensconced in stress-inducing environments.  To that end, I hereby submit the addition of the Hybridlight PUC Solar LED Lantern to the annals of survival gear damn-near-perfection….and here’s why.

Making Light Of Darkness

Hybridlight has been making a name for itself producing rugged, high-quality outdoorsman/survival-oriented illuminating devices. The beauty of the products Hybridlight offers lies in their self-sustainability. You see, not only are Hybridlight flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns rechargeable via Micro USB port, but they also incorporate integrated solar panels that can top off the integral lithium-ion batteries. The icing on the cake is that most Hybridlight products also boast a standard USB port that you can use to charge other devices (even another Hybridlight product). While Hybridlight may not be the only company offering variations of such equipment, they are the company that produces the cleanest, most streamlined and well-thought-out products for their outdoors-oriented target audience. A quick perusal of their website will illuminate you as to the full breadth of Hybridlight’s product line – and it’s full of good stuff.

Related: Personal Solar Light

Getting to brass tacks, The Hybridlight PUC is a compact lantern system that offers warm, diffused area lighting when opened and expanded, as well as focused, beam-type lighting when the PUC is collapsed and screwed shut. The design of the PUC utilizes an integral, non-removable lithium-ion 4,000 mAh battery (think over twice the battery capacity of an iPhone 7) to power its LED bulb. The battery will, according to Hybridlight, hold a charge for seven years (!) continuously. The older model that I have boasts 75 lumens of illumination at its highest power setting; however I have noticed on Amazon that there looks to be a newer 150-lumen offering that uses the same power sources, but a smaller 2,000 mAh battery.

The “hybrid” portion of the moniker refers to its dual methods of charging its battery – the integrated solar panel, or the faster-charging, and water-resistant micro-USB port for direct charging from a wall-mounted or similar charger. Hybridlight thoughtfully includes a charging cord, but no wall charger – that end is on you. The two USB ports are protected from dust and water by a form-fitting rubber cover that stays put nicely and doesn’t pop off after repeated use. Three small indicator lights on the side of the PUC – between the USB ports and the simple rubber power button – show the level of charge in the battery, as well as the status of the current charging operation. A red light means the unit has access to light and is charging its battery. Green is full. Hybridlight claims that a full charge will allow 8 hours of continuous light at its highest, 75 lumen setting; up to 40 hours of illumination can be had if you can live with the lower output setting. A strobe function is also built into the Hybridlight for emergency signalling.

Also Read: Hybridlight Journey 160 Flashlight

When collapsed shut, the 7-ounce Hybridlight PUC isn’t much larger than a hockey puck, being but two inches thick. However, a simple  ¼” twist-and-pull motion will open the PUC up like an accordion bellows, bringing it to its full, still-compact height of just under 5 ½”. The walls of the lantern are made of a tough white plastic that protect the LED bulb, yet diffuse the emanating bright light to cut down glare and eliminate hotspots. If you’ve ever spent any time around a Coleman lantern running at full tilt, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when I say that the glare reduction is a most welcome feature. A plastic lens sits on the opposite side of the solar panel to offer that 75 lumens as a projected flashlight-type beam when the whole works is collapsed down and locked shut.

A ridiculously tough, slightly grippy nuclear-yellow plastic exterior, a metal folding-away hanging hook and rubber “feet’ round out the list of standard options on the PUC. The unit is simple and clean, without a lot of silly options or unneeded accessories to detract from the PUC’s true purpose: to be an outstanding light source.

Borrowing Some Sunshine For Later Use

The addition of a solar panel to a lantern is a modern, brilliant solution that has come into play since the coming of age of miniaturized, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and efficient photovoltaic cells. The theory is simple and sound, and Hybridlight’s execution is splendid.  A simple hexagon-shaped solar panel is inset into one flat of the PUC, with four small rubber feet accompanying, to keep the light up off the solar panel when being used as a stand-up lantern. The panel surface is very rugged, with the panel on my example only exhibiting minor scratches after a year of very frequent use. Drops and slight impacts have had no negative effects on the panel or its charging abilities.

Those abilities are activated automatically (no switch required) when the PUC is placed in sunlight. Obviously, the brighter the ambient sunlight, the faster the PUC recharges.  While I don’t believe I’ve ever attained a full charge on sunlight (it takes several hours), I have yet to have the Hybridlight PUC run out of illumination juice – even when left on overnight for a nightlight or camp lamp. Plunking the PUC in the sunlight for most of the day seems to build up ample charge to power the light all night.

Also Read: Sig Sauer MPX-C Review

Of course, with the utilization of the Micro USB port, you can top off the batteries to ensure you’re leaving the house with a full charge for that extra warm ‘n’ fuzzy.  On a recent wind-caused multi-day power outage here in Southern Maine, the Hybridlight PUC performed admirably, providing light for the whole family’s bathroom trips, living room reading, and outdoors excursions, while also performing double duty as a cellphone charger – and the PUC always had enough left over for all our light needs. Seriously impressive.

Charge of the Light Brigade

Using the USB charging feature is as simple as plugging in your USB cable to the two devices. During the aforementioned windstorm outage, the PUC happily supplied my family’s Android and Apple devices with enough juice to keep up to date on the weather or text friends. The PUC seemed to dole out the power at about 1% per minute or so (or 30% per half hour) on my wife’s iPhone 6S. Without daylight to top off the PUC’s batteries, the PUC will cut off the power to the charging function once it reaches 20% battery charge level. The remaining 20% is held in reserve so that the PUC will be able to provide illumination for some time before it can be charged again.

Trending: Bug Out Flash Light Wisdom

A teenager with their face constantly buried in a phone will be unhappy about the rate of charging and power supply of the PUC, but really, I was just fine with that. Maybe they’ll read a book and learn something once they get tired of whining. In reality, the PUC isn’t meant to be a high-volume charging station to keep a gamer happy; it’s at its best topping off a charge while on a hunting lunch break in the woods or when the power goes out.

Revolutionary Evolution

Without a shred of hyperbole, I can look you straight in the eye and say that the Hybridlight PUC has revolutionized my portable light usage. No longer do I need to pack out a delicate and bulky Coleman lantern, with its frail mantles and extremely flammable fuel sources. Fifteen pounds of light and fuel has been replaced by a little 7-ounce collapsible yellow lantern. Camping with my young son? No worries on leaving him with a flashlight that burns up expensive batteries. Power outages? The Hybridlight PUC provides light at night for the whole family room for reading or board games – open flame candles not required. When performing nighttime or dark-area repairs on my vehicles, I don’t need to haul around a drop light that gets hot and lives off of extension cords; the PUC can hang off anything a drop light would. If it falls onto asphalt or concrete, it bounces instead of shatters. When I’m done with the PUC, I close it and place it solar panel up on a windowsill or dashboard for easy, no-brainer charging as the day goes on.

Also Read: 13 Survival Tips In A Big City

With the PUC, Hybridlight has eliminated the need for many different light sources around camp and around the house. While white gas or propane lanterns are still viable (and necessary!) illumination sources for the survivalist (I’m not sure how EMP-proof the PUC is…), the PUC requires no resources except sunlight, and it can provide power to charge cellphones, tablets, walkie-talkies, or other items you might deem essential in your life. Buy a $35 PUC for each member of the family, and save the fuels to power heaters and stoves.

Again, without exaggeration or paid-off confidence, I can tell you that the Hybridlight PUC is a game-changer if you ever plan on experiencing darkness – and from what I hear, most of us probably will. The PUC is, as I said, damn near perfect – and everyone ought to have one or ten. I dare you to make the minor investment on one and NOT sing its praises to your fellow man – especially when the power is nowhere to be found and you’re reading Survival Cache articles on your iPhone while basking in the glow of your solar-powered lantern.

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from SurvivalCache http://survivalcache.com/survival-gear-review-hybridlight-puc-solar-led-lantern/

Travel Safety Tips You Shouldn’t Ignore

Never leave home without these travel safety tips, so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. Read on to know how you can come back home from your trip with nothing but fun memories!

Travel Safety Tips for a More Pleasurable Trip

Travel safety tips are my bread and butter, 'cause “when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” Before we head to our favored destination, we need to be prepared. I've come up with some travel safety tips, so you can enjoy your trip in a secured manner. Check it out and learn each one of them for it's always better to be safe than sorry.

 

1. Get Travel Insurance

Getting a travel insurance covers your medical expenses, lost luggage, cancellation of your trip, flight accident, and reduces the risk of unfortunate and unexpected events you may incur while you're traveling. Travel insurance can give you peace of mind and save you big bucks in the long run. Remember to add this to your safe vacation tips and to-do list.

2. Don't Flaunt Your Cash and Valuables

Separate your cash meant for spending and put it where you can get it easily. Keep the rest is hidden, so you're not flaunting a big bundle of money every time you have to pay for something. We all know that, sometimes, we cannot help but take pictures of our trip. But we need to be always aware of our surroundings for these thieves can strike as fast as lightning when they recognize an opportunity.

3. Secure Your Luggage

It is of paramount importance to keep the things you carry safe and sound. Even if it isn't worth much, you still have to take care of it because what seems of little value to you might be exceptionally tempting and valuable to others. Always acquire a reliable lock for your luggage. If your luggage is well-secured, it will deter anyone from tampering or stealing your stuff.

4. Dress Inconspicuously

When you're in an unfamiliar place, you have to try not to stand out. Do some research as to what locals usually wear and dress accordingly. What might seem to be a standard clothing to you might be inappropriate to the locals. You will be less likely to be targeted by thieves if you dress inconspicuously.

5. Scan All Important Travel Documents

Before you embark on your much-awaited journey, you have to secure a copy of all your important travel documents. Scan, photocopy, or take a photo of your travel documents and make sure to send the copy to your own email. That way, in the event you need to use it, but you forgot it in your hotel room, you still have the access to all your details. And if it got stolen, getting a replacement would be much easier. That's one of the safe traveling tips you can take to the bank!

 

No. 8 will keep you appraised of the developing emergency in your area. 12 Survival Smartphone Apps | Preparedness https://t.co/ob9T292wF6

— Survival Life (@SurvivalLF) November 21, 2017

 

6. Keep an Emergency Car Kit

If you're traveling by car, it is always smart to carry an emergency car kit in your car's trunk. This kit should include a first aid kit, backup phone batteries, non-perishable food, water, flashlights, a shovel, reflective warning signs, and whatnot. Some people might think carrying these things is a waste, but when you're on a road trip, anything can happen. And when an emergency situation befalls, you will be glad you have this kit in your car's trunk.

7. Check Escape Routes in Your Hotel

Let's face it –hotel travel safety tips are one of the things we often overlook. This is because whenever you're in a hotel, you are more focused on the amenities the hotel offers rather than studying the hotel map at the back of your door or in the hallway. Take a quick look at the emergency escape routes, so you would know where to go in an emergency situation.

8. Stay Alert

You have to be alert at all times and if you're unfamiliar with the city, you have to be observant of your surroundings. Whenever you unwittingly wandered into a different area, or when you notice there are no other tourists around, walk back to the direction you came from without getting your map, and head back to a more populated area. Don't let other people distract you and always keep your valuables secure.

9. Download Safety Apps

In this age of technological advancements, there are downloadable apps you can get so, your family and friends can be informed of your whereabouts and alert them if something went wrong, especially if you're wandering alone. Applications such as Uber, bSafe, and Drunk Mode are some of the must-have apps.

10. Know Your Country's Embassy Information

Before you travel to other countries, you need to know your country's embassy or consulate contact information. They provide safety info and trustworthy details about the country you're visiting and if an emergency arises, they can help you. If you're living in the U.S. you can register your travel plans in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service administered by the government to keep you updated on safety and security information.

 

Check out this video from Wolters World for more travel safety tips that will surely guide you on your next trip!

We all need to feel free one way or another and to achieve that, we need a good break. What we should never take a break from is safety, especially when you're in unfamiliar territories. Remember these travel safety tips by heart and plan accordingly. Travel safely! Bon Voyage!

Do you know other travel safety tips in mind? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! 

UP NEXT: SHTF and You’re in Another Country: What Do You Do?

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**Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer here**

from SurvivalLife https://survivallife.com/travel-safety-tips/

3 Easy Ways To Make Homemade Waterproof Matches

Survival Gear Review: Raven Concealment Moduloader Pocket Shield

Hello, my name is Drew, and I’m a concealed carrier. I want to stand up and admit to everyone that I perform a cardinal sin in the tacti-cool carry world – but I know a lot of you (probably) do it too. I find strength in numbers – solidarity! – so here goes: *deep breath* I carried a spare magazine for my EDC gun by throwing it in my weak-side front pants pocket. There, I said it.

By Drew, a contributing author of Survival Cache & SHTFBlog

Yes, I can feel the great disturbance in the force caused by millions of tattooed, appendix-carrying, Glock-19-with-RMR wielding pistol hipsters rolling their eyes at once. (Maybe I can alienate some more readers later.) Not only is it not terribly trendy to pocket carry a spare magazine loose, it’s admittedly not a great idea for a few reasons: Dirt, lint, and other items that are in your pocket can enter the magazine through the cartridge count holes or magazine feed opening and gum up the function of the magazine. The distinctive pistol magazine shape prints through the fabric of your pantaloons. The magazine re-orients itself constantly, since there is nothing in your bare pocket to keep it in place: one minute it can be sitting proper and vertical; a couple steps later, and the magazine has dropped down to lie horizontally with unknown cartridge orientation.

Related: 8 Tips for Flying with a Firearm (Legally)

Once that happens, trying to extract the magazine (especially during a high-stress period of your life, for instance: someone shooting at you) is damned difficult at best, and requires concentration, patience and dexterity – three qualities that you may not be blessed with if you REALLY need that spare magazine. If you carry a flashlight clipped to the inside of your weak-side pocket, add scraped knuckles and swearing to the magazine retrieval process. It’s not a great system, but like I said, I’m sure many of you also pocket carry your spare magazine – at least you have the forethought to have the extra insurance with you.

But what if I told you that there is an easier, more reliable, and straight-up better way to pocket carry your spare magazines – and other items?

Salvation By Raven Concealment Systems

Raven Concealment Systems, a company hailing from Ridgeville, Ohio, has the perfect solution to this particular concealed carry malady: the Moduloader Pocket Shield. An odd-looking, shield-shaped polymer affair with a multitude of slots incorporated into the flat, you would never guess its purpose in life just by looking at it. However, the proudly USA-Made Pocket Shield is the perfect solution to low-profile pocket carrying and organizing EDC gear – knives, spare magazines, flashlights, even small pistols. It’s so simple you’ll feel stupid you didn’t think of it a long time ago.

The Moduloader Pocket Shield was designed by Chris Fry of MDTS Training, in conjunction with Raven Concealment Systems, to be able to retain a number of items in a fixed location while installed in your forward pants (or, upon further reflection, I suppose rear too) pocket. The slots allow the securing of any number of accessories to be mounted – MOLLE gear, Kydex holsters, clip-on accoutrements, screw-on accessories. Hell, you can even tie things to it – Raven Concealment provides line and a few Chicago screws for you to attach items to the Pocket Shield with. Your imagination, and the Moduloader Pocket Shield’s pocket-sized dimensions, are the only limitation you have for attachment possibilities.

Related: Ronin Concealed Carry Holster

The Pocket Shield is a flexible polymer that can be warped, bent, and moved around to conform to your pocket. It doesn’t have a memory per se to keep whatever shape you leave it in, but Raven Concealment Systems recommends wrapping a heavy rubber band around it (think breaking in a baseball glove) to help it keep a more curved, contoured shape.

Two hooked outer edges ensure the Pocket Shield grabs fabric and stays inside your pocket, even if you are performing a hasty emergency deployment of your pocket contents. If the provided shape doesn’t suit your needs, the unit can be cut and trimmed to your heart’s desire. Aesthetically speaking, the Pocket Shield follows the Henry Ford mentality – it comes in any color you want, as long as it’s black. (edit: it appears that Raven Concealment actually now offers Gray and Coyote Brown options as well.)

Setting up the Moduloader Pocket Shield

As stated before, the Pocket Shield is designed to be extremely adaptable, and can be fitted with any number of accessories. I personally wanted to be able to carry a spare magazine and a larger flashlight than my usual EDC Streamlight Microstream AAA flashlight. I set out researching accessory options that would best fit my needs.

I read about the Blue Force Gear Ten Speed mag pouch someplace – I don’t recall where – and the Ten Speed mag pouch was specifically listed as a great fit for the Moduloader Pocket Shield. The Ten Speed pouch is made from an elastic material that holds magazines and other are extracted. The Ten Speed mag pouch has a simple strap that can attach similarly to a MOLLE setup, and is retained by a hook and loop patch at its tag end. It sounded right up my alley, so I ordered one off Amazon -it set me back all of twenty dollars.

The Blue Force Gear Ten Speed pouch was indeed perfect for what I needed. The fastening strap weaved its way between the Pocket Shield’s slots, and fit perfectly, snugly. The spare 17-round magazine for my EDC Sig Sauer P320 Compact fit superbly in the pouch with perfect retention (single stack mags work too) – and there was room to spare for other goodies on the Pocket Shield.

Related: Survival Debate – Pocket Carry vs. Concealed Carry

In retrospect, I wish I’d ordered a double Ten Speed mag pouch so I could have some carry options – two spare mags, a magazine and a flashlight or larger folding knife, or flashlight and knife – or anything else I could stick in the little elastic pouch. I’ll have to remedy that someday.

As it is, the Blue Force Gear Ten Speed pouch and Raven Concealment Moduloader Pocket Shield are a dynamite EDC one-two punch. Having a spare magazine for my carry pistol and a Fenix TK20R 1000-lumen light make me feel better about life in general when the chips might be down.

Moduloading the Moduloader

So how well does this odd contraption work at its intended purpose? I have found, over the course of the past few months of using the Pocket Shield, that it works very well indeed. I keep the Moduloader Pocket Shield in my Grab ‘n’ Go pistol bag where my EDC Sig P320 and other always-with-me gear resides if it’s not on my body. When it’s time to load up, I know right where all my gear is, and I extricate it for body deployment…and the Pocket Shield is the easiest piece of kit to deploy. My spare magazine is already in the Ten Speed pouch, the Fenix flashlight is clipped on, ready to go. All that’s left is to grab the assembled unit, pinch it slightly to fit in the pocket opening, and push it right into your front pants pocket – good to go. Done.

Pulling the Pocket Shield out of one’s pocket isn’t quite so easy – those small retention spurs do a pretty danged good job at their intended purpose – namely, keeping the unit from popping out of the pocket. While that’s a desirable asset when quickly ripping out a needed reload, getting everything out at the end of the day is a wrestling match whose difficulty is directly proportional to the size of your pocket. If you wear cargo pants or BDUs, you’ll find that removing everything comes relatively easily. If you wear skinny jeans (and why would you?), you’ll need a prybar and probably a couple friends or a team of draft horses to extricate the Pocket Shield – that is, assuming you could even get it in your front pocket at all in the first place.

Is that a Moduloader in your pocket, or are you happy to see me?

I’ve been using the Moduloader Pocket Shield for several months now and have found that it fulfills its intended role admirably; here’s my take on utilizing it in daily use.  It was weird at first. As someone who really hates carrying extra stuff in his pockets (including the loose spare magazine), it was mildly annoying carrying the extra bulk in that front pocket. As an added bonus, the bulk of the extra gear (spare P320 magazine and the aforementioned Fenix flashlight) in my pocket definitely made a pronounced bulge in my front pocket. It was awkward and foreign, but I stuck it out even though I was sure the gear in my pockets for stuck out….like a sore thumb.

Also Read: Rothco Concealed Carry Jacket

I found with use that this resulting payload bulge needs to be put out of mind; 99% of the people you interact with or pass by won’t be looking at that one pocket. Besides, people carry license-plate sized cellphones, wallets, car keys,and other sundry items in their pockets; bulges or printing is present on almost everyone. The bulge in one’s front pocket resulting from a loaded Pocket Shield is much less expected than a spare magazine carrier on one’s belt – that sort of printing is harder to ignore and dismiss away.

Once I got over the fresh experience of a new, foreign method of carrying gear on my person, I began to really enjoy the Moduloader Pocket Shield and all it offered. I have one set up for pistol carry, and one set up with non-lethal options for areas when I can’t carry a pistol – the Fenix TK20R is still present, but a ASP Keychain Defender OC spray/kubaton takes the magazine’s place. There’s room for a multitool too, if I feel so inclined.

Wrapping it up… and stuffing it in your pocket

The Raven Concealment Moduloader Pocket Shield is a brutally simple and brutally effective way of adding extra gear to your EDC while keeping it accessible, organized, and well hidden. A couple extra accessories (such as a magazine pouch or flashlight holder) will make the usefulness of the Moduloader Pocket Shield’s utility skyrocket. The Moduloader Pocket Shield will set you back $24.99 through Raven Concealment’s website. A 3-pack is a deal at $59.99 (when they have them in stock!).

Also Read: 10 Tips For Concealed Carry

My favorite result of carrying a Raven Concealment Moduloader Pocket Shield is the sheer convenience of having a basic EDC kit ready to go at any given time. My carry pistol’s reload and a powerful flashlight can live in my nightstand drawer, ready to plop into my pants pocket without having to thread a still pistol belt through mag carriers and other Batman gear. When the day is over and I’m home, I simply extricate the Pocket Loader and payload out of my pocket, and place it in the drawer or in my go-bag, ready for the next day.

I’ve often found that simple items work best – and the Moduloader Pocket Shield is the essence of simplicity, ease of use, and sheer effectiveness at its intended job. Get you one and discover the new best way you never knew about to carry extra gear concealed.

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from SurvivalCache http://survivalcache.com/survival-gear-review-raven-concealment-moduloader-pocket-shield/

Holiday Survival Tips: How to Survive Christmas Eve with Excited Kids

Children can make Christmas Eve stressful for us, but we've come up with a few ways to deal with overly excited kids and make the holidays bearable and relaxing. Check out our tips on the list below to make sure your family will welcome Christmas with big smiles and cheers!

How to Have a Stress-Free Christmas Eve

Ask any parent: Christmas Eve with kids is as fun as it is challenging. Parents have to juggle buying and wrapping gifts, preparing for Christmas dinner, entertaining guests, and cooking and cleaning on top of their normal parenting tasks. Throw in all the excitement (and all the sugar) that comes with Christmas Eve with small children, and it's enough to make even the most level-headed parents anxious and stressed out. We decided to share a few survival tips to help you not only get through Christmas Eve, but make it a fun one for you and your kids. Check out the list below to see our own tips and tricks.

 

1. Set an Example

Kids feed off the emotional state of their parents. If you're stressed out, they will sense that and become anxious themselves. On the other hand, if you are calm and cool and having a good time, the kids will pick up on that and mirror your positive attitude.

2. Go Easy on the Sugar

It can be easy to overload kids with sugar during the holidays, especially if Grandma and Grandpa are around. Monitor your kids' sugar intake and make sure they aren't getting too much. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 4 teaspoons of sugar a day for kids. This will keep them healthy and keep their energy levels down.

 

Knowing how to prep your meat is essential to preserving it correctly. How To Smoke Meat https://t.co/uCz5gGtThh

— Survival Life (@SurvivalLF) November 29, 2017

 

3. Get Help

The holidays can be very overwhelming, especially when you're the host. Don't feel like you have to do it all by yourself. Ask Grandma to read to the kids while you cook or an older cousin to play a game with them, so the adults can get some peace and quiet.

4. If Traveling, Keep the Kids Entertained

For many of us, Christmas often means a long road trip to visit family. Kids are impatient this time of year. Ease the stress and restlessness by providing them with plenty of in-car entertainment such as games, Mad Libs, and portable DVD players.

5. Capture the Memories

Despite all the stress, spending Christmas Eve with the kids is a special and magical time. Take a moment here and there to stop and appreciate this time with your family and to capture some of it in pictures or video. These will be memories you'll cherish for years to come.

 

Looking for more holiday survival tips? Watch this video from Supernanny and find out more ways to survive Christmas with kids!

Christmas Eve is one of the most special time of the year. Not just because of the mouth-watering recipes or the wonderful gifts we give each other, but it's a moment where we can ponder on the most significant things in our life. It's always best to celebrate with our families, although it can be challenging when our kids start to show tantrums or suddenly transforms into an uncontainable whirlwind. However, we can always calm them down. Just follow the tips above and you're on the right track to make the evening burden-free and enjoyable. Happy Holidays!

Do you know other ways to stay stress-free this Christmas Eve? Share it with us in the comments below! 

UP NEXT: Yuletide Survival | Survive Christmas Dinner With Your In-Laws

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from SurvivalLife https://survivallife.com/survive-christmas-eve/

Angler’s Christmas Gift Guide: Our Favorite Fishing Gifts for 2017

Looking for a gift for your favorite angler? Check out some of our favorite fishing gear from this year. [...]

The post Angler’s Christmas Gift Guide: Our Favorite Fishing Gifts for 2017 appeared first on Off Grid Survival - Wilderness & Urban Survival Skills.

from Off Grid Survival – Wilderness & Urban Survival Skills https://offgridsurvival.com/fishinggifts/

What is Urban Survival Syndrome?

DIY Holiday Gift: How To Make A Paracord Dog Leash

If you're looking for a great holiday gift you can make yourself, you have to check out this DIY paracord dog leash. In this tutorial, I'll show you how to make a sturdy leash using a series of wall knots.

DIY Paracord Dog Leash: Easy Steps to Make One

This paracord dog leash is a great way to put your paracord-weaving skills to use. In the tutorial below, I'll show you how to weave a series of wall knots to make a leash that is strong and secure. As a proud survivalist, I'm a huge fan of making my own gifts, and paracord is a great material to work with. This dog leash beats anything you'll find in the store, and it's much more affordable. Check out the steps below to see how it's done:

What You'll Need:

• 10 feet of paracord
• Keychain hook
• Paracord Jig
• Scissors

 

Step 1: Gather your materials

To start making your own DIY paracord dog leash, you have to mount your keychain hook and grab a decent amount of paracord. We recommend using at least 10 feet to make sure you have the length you need. The last thing you'd want is to run back to the store and buy paracord again, just when you're in DIY mood!

Step 2: Loop your paracord through the hook

Fold your cord in half, then make a loop with the right strand. Insert the loop into the keychain hook, then pull the cord strings through. This loop should be sturdy enough to attach the paracord to the keychain.

Step 3: Begin tying double wall knots

Pass the left cord over the right cord, then behind the top loop and through the left loop. Pull tight. Basically, a double wall knot is like a single crown knot but instead of tucking or cutting off the ends, they are carried around following the direction of the first.

 

Is there anything paracord can't do? 36 Awesome Paracord Projects For Preppers https://t.co/amjGfX460k

— Survival Life (@SurvivalLF) November 19, 2017

 

Step 4: Repeat the sequence

Simply continue the sequences in the previous steps until you reach the end. Your leash can be anywhere from 3 feet to 6 feet – just make sure you leave enough to make the handle. Don't rush the knotting; make sure all knots are tight and tucked.

Step 5: Make a strong handle

Wrap the leash into a loop. Wind the excess paracord tightly around the leash until it's secure. It will resemble a strider knot. Strider is typically used to wrap knife handles.

 

Watch this video from Survival Life's Youtube channel for the full tutorial:

A paracord dog leash is a perfect gift you can give to someone who loves dogs. It is quite easy to do and you can finish in just a few minutes. This leash can withstand the toughest terrain and weather, making it a great accessory for any devoted outdoorsman who wants to bring their pooch wherever they want to go. Knowing you made it yourself makes it extra special and of course, saves you money too!

Do you know other ways to make a paracord dog leash? Share it with us in the comments below!

UP NEXT: VIDEO: How to Make a Paracord Belt To Stay Prepared

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from SurvivalLife https://survivallife.com/diy-holiday-gift-paracord-dog-leash/

8 Basic Survival Skills Everyone Needs to Know When Things Go Bad

Those who have not lived through a survival scenario, such as a natural disaster or economic collapse, cannot comprehend how previously learned trades and skills for survival increase your resourcefulness during such events.

Trades and Skills for Survival

Land navigation will prove useful when having to relocate during a natural disaster or if under imminent threat. While other skills such as farming and filtrating water will ensure long-term survival.  It is imperative that while society still abides by law and order that you learn as many trades and skills as possible to prepare for any survival scenario.

#1 Gun Smith and Automotive

Your knowledge of repairing vehicles, weapons and various tools is priceless, especially when the time matters most.  Weapons malfunctions will virtually put you in the stone age when defending against attackers and hunting for food.  If traveling to safe locations vehicle repair knowledge will increase your ability to travel further distances.  The individuals who take it upon themselves now to learn how to repair their weaponry and vehicles are already taking a step in the right direction regarding survival skills.  Basic knowledge will still prove to be beneficial as opposed to not having the knowledge at all.

# 2 Construction and Building Fortifications

Very few of us get the opportunity to build a house with our own hands.  Having basic knowledge in building primitive forms of shelter will ensure survival through rough weather conditions and cold nights.  It is wise to learn how to construct fortifications using just the elements around you.  Whether it is a clay shelter or a log cabin take the time to learn the important steps for building shelters and constructing fortifications.

# 3 Irrigation, Farming and Water Filtration

If you live in a major metropolitan area than it is crucial to learn basic irrigation, farming, and water filtration techniques.  Many of those who live in suburban areas have the benefit of local farms or even backyard livestock and naturally, have a bit more experience regarding basic farming and care for livestock.  Purchase books in advance on these subjects as the topics are vast and vary from plant to plant and animal to animal.  Water filtration techniques can be applied to both natural elements and materials that can be stored beforehand.  Research maintenance tips for livestock such as chickens slowly moving onto larger animals as well as vegetables such as potatoes, corn, beans, and squash.

# 4 Medicine and Nutrition

Basic medicine and nutrition are of one of the utmost important skills for long-term survival.  Whether it is immediate care for a wound or basic nutrition for proper health, this knowledge needs to be known.  Basic medicine and nutrition also apply to livestock and vegetation that is being cared for as well.  Every survivor of the group, including livestock, will need a well-balanced diet to maintain proper nutrition.  In case sickness does occur, knowledge regarding how to treat illness with basic remedies will be just as important.  These include remedies for sore throats, fever, achy muscles and of course proper bowel movements.

#5 Land Navigation, Astronomy, and Cartography

It is likely in a survival situation that relocation on foot will be necessary.  To achieve this; land navigation skills will need to be learned and applied.  This includes compensating for magnetic inclination or declination depending on which region you will be traveling to and from.  If maps are not available than knowledge regarding astronomy will need to be known in order to travel distances using the north star by night.  As well as skills in cartography will be necessary in order to create temporary maps for members of the group to navigate with.

#6 Trapping and Tracking

If a firearm is not available than tracking and trapping will need to be learned.  Tracking footprints will help to locate an animal or a common trail used by animals in order to set up a trap.  Traps will vary depending on the size of the animal.  For example, smaller animals can be trapped using simple snares; larger animals, such as deer and bear, will require more sophisticated traps. Study the different traps needed for all sizes of animals and be sure to have in your survival storage traps needed to capture these animals without the use of a firearm.

#7 Reconnaissance and Observation

Reconnaissance could make the difference between life and death.  Being able to observe from a distance the actions of a potential threat could help determine if that group is, in fact, a threat or not.  Different techniques can be used to apply a reconnaissance mission whether it is techniques adopted from a sniper/stalker background or utilizing surveillance technology.  Observing a group will give you a better idea of what the group you may encounter may be after or may be in need of.

# 8 Bartering

When reconnaissance and observation turn positive it could lead to discovering multiple groups to network and barter with.  Material goods and services will be of most value.  What was once taken for granted will be considered a commodity such as having additional coffee to trade.  Network for information regarding safe zones and aid for the entire group.  Barter commodities that are in plenty and that will not be needed for future use such as ammunition.  Do not reveal items that you have that you do not want to barter as to avoid being attacked.

Up Next: 5 Emergency Water Storage Tips For Preppers Like You

from SurvivalLife https://survivallife.com/what-survival-skills-are-important/

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips: How To Prevent Purse Snatching

If you're ready to battle your way through stores during the Christmas rush, then these holiday shopping safety tips will help you prevent purse snatching and other forms of theft. Read on and follow these tips carefully to deter any thieves from stealing your valuables!

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips to Keep Valuables Safe

Nowadays, we cannot be too complacent and relaxed when we're out shopping. Pickpockets and purse snatchers are always on the lookout for their next target, so we can never let our guard down. They move fast without making you realize your purse or bag is already gone. However, these holiday shopping safety tips should arm you with the know-how to discourage thieves from accomplishing their wicked plans.

 

1. If possible, leave your purse at home

Bring only items that you really need, such as ID and a bit of cash in your wallet. Place them safely in your pocket. You can also use a purse or a bag if you want to bring additional items like keys, phone or makeup, but do keep them hidden in plain sight.

2. Don't carry any more cash or credit cards than needed

More often than not, bringing one credit card is enough. Make sure you have written the customer service number on a piece of paper or somewhere, so you can report it in the event your purse is stolen. I personally would add the customer service number into my cell. That said, it is better to keep your cellphone in your pocket and not in your purse while shopping.

3. Walk in busy, well-lit areas

Muggers and thieves are more likely to strike in dark and secluded areas. It would be better if you walk briskly and confidently in busier and well-lit areas. You might also want to consider bringing a friend with you when you go shopping this holiday season.

 

No. 8 will keep you appraised of the developing emergency in your area. 12 Survival Smartphone Apps | Preparedness https://t.co/ob9T292wF6

— Survival Life (@SurvivalLF) November 21, 2017

 

4. Be aware of the area around you

Awareness of your surroundings is one of the most important factors you need to consider when you're out shopping. Take a good look at the faces and hands of people who might approach or pass through you. Most of these snatchers like to strike swiftly without being recognized. Do not appear to be vulnerable or exposed and make sure you can describe them if such incident occurs.

5. Hold your purse close to your body

Whether you’re on a bus, a train, or just walking/shopping – hold your bag securely and close to your body. You can also wear it under your jacket or coat and keep it unexposed. Be careful if you want to wear it diagonally on your body or wind the strap around the wrist because a solid pull on the strap can hurt you really bad.

6. Other safety tips when shopping this holiday season

Here are more tips to guarantee your safety during the holiday season. Being aware of your surroundings is indeed a great advantage to keep you far from harm's way.

• Do not leave your purse in your shopping cart or on a counter – not even for a moment. Also, do not hang your purse in a stroller.
• Do not leave your belongings unattended on a table or chair beside you in a restaurant.
• Be fully aware of your surroundings all the time for most of these snatchers like to strike from behind.
• Consider making photocopies of the important things in your purse like a driver's license and credit cards, and leave the copies in a secured place at home. So if your wallet or purse gets snatched or stolen, you'll have records of important information.
• If you plan on carrying just a wallet, consider carrying a small wallet that fits easily in a pocket.

7. Record credit card assistance numbers

Record these numbers in your cell and in a safe place at home. Never record account numbers or other personal information in your cell in the event of your cell phone being stolen.

• • MasterCard: 1-800-MC-ASSIST (622-7747)
  • Visa: 1-800-VISA-911 (847-2911)
  • American Express: 1-800-528-4800
  • Discover: 1-800-DISCOVER (347-2683)
  • PayPal: 1-888-221-1161

 

Watch this video from VIPFinancialEd for more holiday shopping safety tips!

During the holiday season, thieves, con artists, and people with sinister intentions are roaming around the busy shopping malls and avenues looking for their next victims. We have to be more conscious of our surroundings and be more mindful of our belongings. Your carelessness and vulnerability are flashing go-signals for burglars, muggers, and pickpockets. So if you're going shopping make sure to heed the tips above to be safe all the time. Shop safely!

Do you know other holiday safety tips in mind? We would definitely want to hear it from you. Share it with us in the comments below!  

UP NEXT: Safe Driving Tips For Winter Travel

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**Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer here**

from SurvivalLife https://survivallife.com/holiday-shopping-safety-tips/

Survival Gear Review: Fiskars X7 Hatchet

Fiskars is a village in Finland that gave it’s name to a company back in 1649 owned by Dutch guy named Peter Thorwöste. Mr. Thorwöste started a blast furnace and forging operation that went from ironwork to copperwork and ultimately in 1832 cutlery in 1832.  Cut to today. Fiskars is a household name for inexpensive and innovative cutting and chopping tools that often contain plastic components and bright orange colored accents. Oddly, or perhaps more a contradiction, the plastic-handled Fiskars hatchets and axes have a near rabid following on the scale of the all-steel Estwing choppers. I guess that’s proof that function trumps form.

By Doc Montana, a Contributing Author to SHTFBlog and SurvivalCache.com 

At $25 plus or minus, the Fiskars X7 Hatchet is surprisingly effective. In fact, the hollow-handled X7 does something that almost no other hatchet can do: place a vast majority of the weight of the tool on the cutting head, yet be strong enough for real chopping.  Hatchets are designed for one-handed operation, and as a chopping tool, there are two simple machines at work, but only one that requires mass. The handle is a lever that moves the rotational energy into a larger diameter circle of motion. That leverage is consolidated onto a weighted head in the shape of a wedge (two inclined planes base to base). The weighted momentum of the hatchet head is where the action is. When the blade (known as a bit) hits wood, the sharp end of the triangular head burrows into cellulous spreading apart the grain. If the wood wins, the bit stops. If the bit wins, the wood splits apart forever.

Related: Stihl Pro Splitting Hatchet

The shape of a hatchet head has a couple traits that tell the story of how well the tool will do particular jobs. Splitting hatchets like the Stihl go from narrow to wide very quickly to rapidly translate the vertical chopping motion into horizontal splitting motion. Compare that to modern tomahawks like the Estwing and the CRKT that remain quite thin. Although a deep wedge will split rapidly, it loses speed into the workpiece almost immediately somewhat like a blunt instrument. The narrower the wedge, the deeper it cuts, so if your workpieces include things like animal carcass and human skulls, you might want some deeper penetration such as with the tomahawk. In the middle are the camp-style hatchet and axe heads that run general duty but are limited in their splitting and battle qualities.

The Fiskars X7 Hatchet is a solid performer for basic camp woodworking tasks especially when weight is at a premium. Its weight-forward design chops above its pay grade, and that with a total weight of only 22.75 ounces. The balance point on the Fiskars X7 Hatchet’s handle is about one inch south of the head. For reference, the balance point on a classic Estwing solid steel hatchet is about two inches south. The Estwing, by the way, has a handle about an inch shorter than the Fiskars X7 Hatchet, and weighs about seven ounces more.

One of the most unique features of the Fiskars X7 Hatchet is that its hollow plastic handle can be used for a mild survival kit. Just north of the excessive swelling at the base of the handle is a lanyard hole. The palm-side of the handle base is called a heel, with the finger side named the toe. The X7 has a very pronounced toe. So pronounced that I can hang the hatchet by the toe on the web of my hand (between thumb and index finger).

Also Read: Gränsfors Bruk Small Forest Axe

Back to the lanyard holes. There are actually a pair of them, one on each side of the emptiness. With 11 inches of emptiness filled with survive (I’ve taken to use the word “survive” as a noun lately), a bolt with wingnut or some other fastener can secure the tools within the grip. I’ve played around with different kit stuffed into the Fiskars X7 Hatchet handle including a half-dozen feet of paracord, a CRKT Pazoda folding knife, and a Swedish Fire Steel minus the cord and striker.

The Fire Steel fits rather snugly so I first inserted most of the paracord, then the knife, and then tied a loop of paracord on the Fire Steel with a small section of paracord sticking out the bottom of the handle. A bolt and wingnut secure the kit. When extracting the kit, once the bolt is removed, the paracord is pulled popping out the Fire Steel and the rest comes tumbling out. The paracord is also an effective noise dampener for rattling objects since the hollow plastic tube of a handle resonates sound quite well.

Another option for fun is to drop a trio of orange Bic lighters into the handle followed by a little tinder to snug things up. Add the bolt, and you’ve got a fire kit. Of course this route is more orange than function.  While I’ve not had personal experience with a Fiskars handle shattering in the cold, I have heard such tales. I’ve also see pictures of broken Fiskars hatchets and axes. Fiskars is known for great warranty service, but ideally you shouldn’t have to use it. Another concern is that if the handle does become useless, the design of the Fiskars X7 Hatchet head is more like the primitive stone axe heads that contained no eye (hole through which a handle is inserted). Instead, to reclaim the cutting prowess of the hatchet, any handle remnants still attached to the head would need to be removed, and the head could then be lashed onto a branch or wedged into a split stick and tied in place.

Also Read: Understanding Survival Axe Types

The chance of handle breakage increases as the temperature drops and the handle length increases. The “FiberComp®” plastic material is surprisingly durable and the tube design is probably stronger than a solid plastic or fiberglass handle. Further, solid handles of steel and fiberglass are known for effectively transmitting the shock of a wood strike directly to the nerves in your hands and arms.

The bit is coated with a non-stick film somewhat like a frying pan. This allows the hatchet head to penetrate further into the workpiece, and slide out backwards with less effort. The factory edge is plenty sharp to use right out of the box, but I did manage to chip it with less effort than usual. The Fiskars X7 Hatchet has a traditional compound bevel edge meaning the approach to the edge is smooth but just before reaching the edge, there is a sharper drop angle  to the edge proper. This double bevel is fairly easy to sharpen second only to the flat bevel where there is only one angle.

I also felt the edge dulled faster than some of the convex and traditional bit grinds, but that could also be the steel. However, when I used an axe sharpening puck to clean up the damage, it took much longer than my carbon steel axes and hatchets. But the Fiskars X7 Hatchet was back in service in no time since we are only talking a few minutes.

The widest metal on the head of the Fiskars X7 Hatchet is only five-eighths of an inch. While the narrowness reduces this tool’s splitting capabilities, it does boost its knife-like fine motor skill duties. With a hand wrapped around the head, it’s easy to feather sticks for fire starting, and process fish and game.  Although the Fiskars X7 Hatchet is not anywhere near what I would consider an heirloom hatchet, it is a workhorse, and an inexpensive one at that.

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