Lou McLeod

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

How To Change Your Car Into A Survival Vehicle

The following post How To Change Your Car Into A Survival Vehicle was originally published on Total Survival

A survival vehicle can drive on all sorts of terrains. It's equipped with all the survival equipment you would need should you find yourself stranded or in an SHTF situation.

In this article:

How Does a Survival Vehicle Make a Difference

A Reliable Survivalist Vehicle

A survival vehicle is always in top running condition and you know you can rely on it when the going gets tough. Most importantly, it's driven by someone who knows how to handle such a vehicle and isn't afraid to do what needs to be done in a survival situation.

On a long and potentially dangerous trip, it's essential to correctly prepare your ride for any situation with the best bug out vehicle ideas. Whether your car is suitable for the conditions you'll face can be the difference between life and death.

What Makes a Survival Vehicle?

A vehicle with high ground clearance and 4×4 is enough to get through most terrain.
Make sure it’s fully functional and defect-free. Every component is essential.
It should be equipped with supplies. That includes basics such as communication and navigational tools, food, water, rope, and other outdoor paraphernalia.
Have traction ladders attached to avoid getting stuck in rough terrain.
Have spare tires and a changing kit.

Important Vehicle Checks

Fuel – Ensure the car has a full tank of fuel before leaving and carry spare fuel in a metal jerry can
Electricity – Make sure all electrical functions on the car are working and in good condition, especially the battery and starter motor.
Lights – Visibility is very important so make sure the car lights work and you have replacement bulbs
Tyres – Make sure the tires are in good condition with no bald spots or slow punctures.
Engine Oil – See to it your car has plenty of oil but not over-full. This is for the engine to work smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Radiator – Check the radiator has enough water so the engine won't overheat.

Survival Vehicle Essential Equipment

It's far better to invest in high-quality reliable bug out vehicle gear than cut corners and find out your gear isn't good enough when you need it badly. The following are of utmost importance:

1. Plenty of Water

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Drinkable water can get scarce when SHTF. You'll never know where and when to get more if you get lost or a breakdown occurs.

2. Maps and Compass

Navigation is key to survival so make it a point to have a reliable map and compass. Being able to find your way and inform others of your location is vital.

3. Spare Phone

Keep a fully charged phone in your car at all times. This allows you to call for help if your car breaks down and you need emergency assistance.

4. Traction Ladders

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If you're stuck in the mud, traction ladders can get you out without having to deflate your tires. It can also be used in a variety of ways.

5. Spare Tyre and Changing Kit

Always carry a spare wheel and changing kit in case you get a puncture. Have a pump as well for deflating purposes when caught in sand or bogs.

6. Matches or Lighter

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A fire-starting tool is always essential for survival. Fire helps keep you warm, allows you to cook food, and purifies water just to name a few.

7. Rope

Quality ropes are good for making shelter and finding food. They're also useful for towing your car out of soft ground.

8. Blankets and Clothing

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Staying warm is essential if you have to sleep outdoors. Blankets can also be used as a cover from the sun's heat.

If your clothes get wet, spare ones can save you from hypothermia.

9. Spade and Shovel

Apart from its obvious use for digging, a shovel can also be used to hold up a shelter. You can also use it to make an underground shelter when necessary.

Planning Your Journey

Never travel alone if possible. In the desert, the most common cause of death is vehicle breakdowns so use multiple vehicles if you can.

Inform somebody of your itinerary especially details of your departure and return. This is useful for them to alert the authorities in case you don't return.

Important Driving Advice

Stay in high gear. Pull away in second gear and keep the revs low to make sure you don't create wheel spin and bog yourself down into the terrain.
Drive in a straight line. When the road opens up it can be tempting to have a bit of fun. Stay sensible and drive in a straight line to save fuel and tires.
Keep your thumbs out of the steering wheel so if you hit a bump, the wheel can move freely.
Attach traction ladders to the vehicle. In case you're stuck in mud and you've managed to get your car out, you don't want to potentially get stuck again.

Other Top Tips:

Don't be overconfident and treat every decision as if it's a matter of life and death. Pack your equipment accordingly and be aware of the weather, the terrain, and possible animals you'll encounter.
Conserve energy and exert yourself only when you have to. Energy conservation is essential and will improve your chances of survival.
Stay with your vehicle so you have more chance of being seen and found.
Find shade quickly and avoid dehydration by exposing yourself to the sun. Dehydration is one of the most common threats in a survival situation.
Make sure you can locate back to your vehicle in case you have to leave it. Use a rope or a long string if need be.

The infographic below from makeuseof.com shows you how to turn your car into the “ultimate survival machine” by making sure it's properly equipped for whatever road you find yourself on.

Prepping your survival vehicle properly is essential before starting your journey. If the car breaks down easily, there's not much you can do about it other than using it as a shelter.

Follow these important tips and you'll most likely make it out safe in case things go out of your way.

Got any survival vehicle prepping tips to add here? Tell us about them in the comments section below!

UP NEXT:

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on December 15, 2015, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

Article Source Here: How To Change Your Car Into A Survival Vehicle

Monday, 22 July 2019

10 Best Canned Foods for Survival

The article 10 Best Canned Foods for Survival was first published to Total Survival

Being ready for disaster means that your stockpiles are filled with canned foods that are easily accessible and edible in crisis situations. When natural disasters, power outages or even the apocalypse make way, you’ll be glad that you grabbed an extra can or two of food during each trip to the grocery store to stock away for later.

Canned foods can be nutrient rich, stable and easy to store, inexpensive and versatile. When resources are at risk to be scarce, it’s important to consider foods that are high in nutrients and protein to give your body what it needs to survive during stressful times. We suggest that you store enough for 1-2 weeks in case of a major crisis. That can certainly seem like a lot of food to store away but cans can make that much more attainable. Grab a few items each time you shop and be sure to rotate food out based on expiration dates. The last thing you want is to be eating bad food during an emergency where you have no access to medical attention. We have gathered up some of our top canned items to have on hand.

1. Spam

We know, the old spam jokes. But it’s true. Spam is an affordable and decent quality canned meat. It is very nutritious and packed with fat, sodium and protein. This can be very helpful for keeping the body running well in an emergency. It can be eaten as is, right from the can or cooked up over a fire.

2. Canned Stews

These are fully cooked and prepared with ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied fairly easily. They can also be eaten cold but when warmed up can feel like a nice meal in crisis.

3. Canned Tuna

Tuna is packed with protein and essential fatty acids, making it a great survival food choice. It can be eaten right from the can or added to anything. We recommend getting the tuna in oil vs water because it keeps the nutrients longer.

4. Canned Chicken Breast Chunks

Just like tuna, this a great way to get protein. Eat it alone or mix it up to make the flavor a little more enticing.

5. Broths

A good vegetable stock or beef broth are great for providing the body with light weight nutrients while helping to keep you hydrated. You can easily mix some canned vegetables and meat to create a hearty soup as well.

6. Vegetables

Some popular canned vegetables then can be mixed with just about anything are corn, green beans and diced tomatoes. Toss them together or with any other canned items on this list to create a more nutrient dense and filling meal.

7. Beans

Different beans will be easier to tolerate cold than others but are another great source of protein and fiber. Kidney beans, chili beans, and black beans are great add-ons to any soup or broth.

8. Fruits

Some canned fruits such as mandarins and peaches are a great addition to your stockpile. They will give you nutrients and taste great when you’re craving something sweet. The juice left from the can can be mixed with water to create a thinner drinking juice.

9. Soups

There are many options for nutrient packed soups that are very affordable. Because they are pre-cooked, they can be eaten cold or warmed if possible.

10. Rice

You can find rice in pre-packed pouches- flavored, cooked and ready to eat. Add to anything in this list and you have yourself a heartier meal.

Other tips

When purchasing your cans be sure they are damage free, have a far out expiration date and are not stored in extreme heat which can cause the food to go bad.

When eating for survival, nutrient dense is important but enjoyable matters also. You don’t want to avoid eating or have your children avoid eating just because something seems too undesirable. Try to stock up on the items that sound good to you and your family, and also contain a variety of nutrition. Are you stocked up and ready for crisis?

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

Original Post Here: 10 Best Canned Foods for Survival

Weapons of Opportunity: How to Use Everyday Objects for Self Defense

Sunday, 21 July 2019

How To Fix Backpack Straps And Zippers Outdoors

How To Fix Backpack Straps And Zippers Outdoors Read more on: http://www.totalsurvival.net/

Take hold of these useful tips on how to fix backpack straps and zippers so you'll know what to do should yours get damaged, especially outdoors.

In this article:

Handy Tips to Fix Backpack Straps and Zippers

Keep a Sewing and Backpack Repair Kit Handy

While camping, hiking, or hunting, seemingly little inconveniences can turn into big problems if they're not fixed right away. A damaged backpack is a perfect example.

However, with the right supplies, tears and rips to backpack straps and zippers can be easily fixed. Heavy-duty backpacks are hard to come by and are even harder to keep in perfect condition.

This is because heavy-duty backpacks are made for the rugged outdoors. But they are still vulnerable to tears, rips, and even loosened threading over time.

To thoroughly fix an irreplaceable one-of-a-kind heavy-duty backpack, be sure to always keep a repair and sewing kit handy for outdoors. These tools and materials should consist of:

Sewing kit with needles, thread, and portable carrier (preferably waterproof).
Spare buckles, clips, and sliders
Heavyweight polypropylene webbing
Extra zippers, zipper threading, and pull tabs or 550 cord

How to Fix Backpack Straps

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When fixing backpack straps there a few factors to keep in mind. For example, backpack straps usually have various tools attached to them such as buckles, clips, and even sliders.

These tools have a tendency to fall off or become lost when backpack straps tear and become detached. In order to prevent this, be sure to keep count of all the materials attached to the backpack prior to fixing.

Generally, when backpack straps tear or detaches, you can easily sew them back on. To be sure, keep additional heavy-duty sewing supplies nearby just in case.

Tools such as buckles, clips, and sliders are also generally easy to fix or replace when repairing backpack straps as well. Be sure to have spare materials in case some become broken or lost.

Backpack buckles and clips are usually sewn onto the backpack straps in a loop-like fashion. Sliders, on the other hand, are slid into place through the webbing or strap.

While quality backpacks have reinforced stitching to the straps, ripped straps still occur, especially if your backpack is too heavy. A ripped backpack strap is a bummer, indeed.

Unfortunately, only sewing will do the trick and you need to have a needle and strong thread with you on your backpack. If you want to know how to fix a ripped backpack strap, learn some basic stitches.

How to Repair Zippers in Backpacks

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Some of the most common problems in backpacks for outdoor use include loose, stuck, or broken zippers. However, there is a great way around this dilemma.

For instance, with a sewing kit handy, you can reattach the threading on the zipper teeth. Your sewing kit will also help in freeing jammed zippers.

By carrying an additional 550 cord, you can retie pull tabs onto zipper loops if they become loose and/or lost.

One of the first most common zipper dilemmas is the tear between the backpack cloth and the zipper itself. This tear usually calls for either a new backpack or a new zipper.

Fortunately, if extra zipper teeth threading is present, this dilemma is good as taken care of. All you need is a sewing kit and a little know-how regarding sewing techniques.

For jammed zippers or zippers stuck in the nook or cranny of a backpack opening a sewing kit will also prove handy. Sewing needles, or items of the sort, are great for releasing the grip if you insert them inside the zipper itself.

Too often pull tabs become loosened from usage and ultimately lost while outdoors making it a bit harder to properly open and close zippers. However, spare 550 cords can be measured accordingly, cut, and tied through zipper loops in order to keep up with ease of access.

For outdoorsmen and backpackers, this video from BOgear on how to fix backpack shoulder strap slip is a must-watch:

Ripped backpack straps and a busted zipper is the last thing you want happening when you're outdoors hiking or camping. With these tips and tricks and a backpack repair kit, you can rest easy with your backpack full even when far from civilization.

Would you manage to fix backpack straps and zippers outdoors now? Tell us your thoughts about these tips in the comments section below!

Up Next:

Go to our Survival Life Store to shop some of our favorites self-defense tools and gear!

***Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.***

How To Fix Backpack Straps And Zippers Outdoors | https://survivallife.com/fix-backpack-straps-zippers/

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on May 15, 2015, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

check out the full article Here: How To Fix Backpack Straps And Zippers Outdoors

Saturday, 20 July 2019

8 Outdoor Survival Hacks Using Everyday Items

The following post 8 Outdoor Survival Hacks Using Everyday Items Find more on: http://totalsurvival.net

Know and keep these outdoor survival hacks and take the upper hand in any survival situation!

In this article:

Outdoor Survival Hacks and Tips You Need to Know

1. Convert a Can of Tuna into a Lamp

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Jab a hole on top of the can, then measure two-by-five inches on a piece of paper. Next, roll the paper into a wick and insert it into the hole you made.

Allow the wick to absorb the oil before lighting it up. This improvised tuna can lamp will provide two hours of illumination.

2. From Crayons to Candles

Just light up a crayon and you have an instant candle to last you for 30 minutes. Marvel at this featured video on how you can make an improvised candle from a crayon—one of the crazy survival hacks which actually works.

3. Turn a Can into a Lamp

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Draw a big letter “I” on the side of the can before cutting it up with a razor. Open up the flaps of the can then set a lighted tea candle or a shorter candle inside the bottom of the can.

The light emitted by the candle reflects on the insides of the can, plus you can use the tab as a hanger. These are only a few of the survival and smart uses for soda cans.

4. Use a Durable Stick to Carry More Water Gallons in One Trip

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Place each water gallon alternately opposite each other before inserting the stick. This will save you more trips from Point A to Point B.

5. Make Fish Hooks Out of Can Tabs

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Using a pair of scissors or a blade cut a small portion on the outside bottom part of the tab. When done it will look like a small letter “e”.

6. Use a Piece of Cloth as a Simple Water Filter

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With a piece of cloth and two containers, you can rid dirty water of dirt and debris. Fill one container with the dirty water and place it just a little bit higher than the empty container.

Twist the piece of cloth lick a wick then place one end in the container with the dirty water and the other end in the empty container. Overtime the now filtered water will pass through the cloth and fill the empty container while the debris and dirt will be left in the other.

Boiling the filtered water is still necessary to free it from contaminants and only then would it be safe to drink.

7. Make a Mini Stove Out of Soda Cans

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You’ll need two bottom parts of soda or beer cans, denatured alcohol, a penny, a puncher or any solid pointed object. You will also need a blade or scissors and a piece of cloth or fiberglass as a filler.

Last but not least is a heat resistant sealant then you’re good to go. Check out this article for the details and step-by-step guide.

8. Use Plants to Repel Mosquitoes and Other Pests

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Just sprinkle some basil herbs or drop some rosemary leaves on the camp or cooking fire. The bugs/mosquitoes can't stand the smell creating an invisible net around you for a good night's sleep.

This is one of the clever survival hacks you can use for life.

This video from MAD Science Hacks will show you this match life hack you can use for survival or camping:

Preparing for the worst lets you have an advantage in survival. Remember these outdoor survival hacks, and make sure you have a backup plan when technology fails you.

These are just a few of the outdoor survival life hacks which might just increase your chances in surviving the outdoors. Learn these survival tips and hacks because you'll never know when you might need them.

Which of these outdoor survival hacks have you tried before? Share your experience with us in the comments section below!

Up Next:

For more awesome SHTF survival items you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

***Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.***

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on May 31, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

Learn More Here: 8 Outdoor Survival Hacks Using Everyday Items

9 Ways To Repel Rats For A Rodent-Free Home

The following article 9 Ways To Repel Rats For A Rodent-Free Home is republished from http://totalsurvival.net

Check out the post below to learn tips and tricks to repel rats and enjoy a happy and healthy home.

In this article:

Repel Rats | 9 Remedies for a Rodent-Free Home

Rat Repellent Home Remedy

RATS! A very common pest for both urban and rural areas. In the fall, they start looking for shelter due to the much cooler temperatures.

Repelling these nasty rodents is imperative and here’s why: Rats carry more than 20 diseases, and this poses a potentially very dangerous threat. They can also bring fleas and ticks into your home which can be hazardous to your pets.

So, learn these tips and tricks on how to keep rats away naturally.

Here are the most common places where they find shelter in the fall and winter months:

Attics
Basements
Porches
Under concrete
Behind Walls
Pipelines
Kitchen cabinets
Grounds near trees
Shrubs
Sheds

Here’s another unsettling fact—a pair of brown rats can produce as many as 2,000 descendants in a year if left to breed unchecked.

Let’s talk rat repellent! These are the natural repellents we will cover in this article:

Mothballs
Ammonia
Peppermint oil
Owl feathers
Black pepper
Bay leaves
Onions
Cow dung
Get a cat

We will also cover other tips on how to keep these nasty pests at bay. Let’s get started!

Remedy #1: Mothballs

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Mothballs are known to successfully repel rats. These are readily available in your supermarket and are easy to use.

Place a few in your attic, basement, under your porch, or any of their entry points to keep the rats at bay.

Note: Avoid placing mothballs inside the main part of your home as they are harmful to humans and pets. Take proper care and you do not handle them with bare hands.

Remedy #2: Ammonia

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Mix 2 tbsp of liquid dish detergent (Dawn soap works best), a ½ cup of water, and 2 cups of regular ammonia in a bowl. Place it where rats appear frequently.

Since rats can’t stand the smell of ammonia, this remedy will do the trick.

Remedy #3: Peppermint Oil

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Peppermint oil can be used to repel rats as they can’t stand its pungent smell. All you have to do is dip a few cotton balls in the peppermint oil and place them in the rat-prone areas and entry points.

A rat repellent peppermint oil is great because it is totally natural and doesn't harm humans.

Alternatively, citronella and castor oil can also be used. Also, you can place mint plants around the boundaries of your home to keep them from entering.

Remedy #4: Owl Feathers

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Let nature and the natural order play in your favor here. Owls are a common predator to rats so an owl's feathers will scare the rats and force them to run away.

Place owl feathers inside the known entry points and rat-prone areas in and around your home. This is another face and natural option.

Remedy #5: Black Pepper

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The pungent smell of black pepper makes it hard for the rats to breathe and they will avoid it. Simply sprinkle some crushed black pepper around the rat-prone areas and entry points.

You will notice positive results. Repeat this process when necessary.

Remedy #6: Bay Leaves

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Rats will see the bay leaves as a food source and will eat them. However, bay leaves act as a natural poison to rats, and it actually kills them.

Place some bay leaves in the rat-prone areas and entry points. Repeat this process when necessary.

Note: Keep out of reach from your pets.

Remedy #7: Onions

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This is a very effective remedy to get rid of rats naturally. They hate the smell of onions.

Place onion slices in all rat-prone areas and entry points.

Remedy #8: Cow Dung

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It is a stinky process but one of the best ways to repel these rodents. Spread the cow dung in your attic and the entry points on the outside of your home.

When rats eat the cow dung, it will inflame their stomach and cause them to die.

Remedy #9: Traps and Cats

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Place a rat trap in the rat-prone areas and entry points. Placing peanut butter and soft cheese on these traps are the most successful lures.

Rat traps can be found at your local hardware store and some grocery stores.

Important note: Keep all rat traps out of reach from children and pets.

Cats are great hunters and natural rat predators. A good cat will clean up your rat infestation in just a few weeks.

Just remember, a cat will not be able to catch a rat in the attic or behind a wall so other methods should be used for those areas of your home.

Other Tips to Repel Rats

Always keep your home and attic clean.
Seal all the possible entries of the rats using caulk.
Keep your garbage cans neat and cover them with a lid.
Remove all the food leftovers and grease from BBQ grills.
When you experience the presence of these rodents, clean the floor with a solution of bleach and water (equal proportion) to safeguard your family from any disease.
Make sure there is no standing water in your flower pots. Pick up your pet’s water bowl at night.
Cut down tall shrubs and weeds from your garden beds.

Check out this video by Natural Cures about hacks that keep rats away:

The potential dangers rats bring to a healthy home make them one of the most unwanted pests in every household. They're very stealthy which is why it's quite troublesome to think of ways to get rid of them — unless of course, you have the useful tips we have above.

Have you tried any of these ways to repel rats at home? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!

UP NEXT:

Check out my favorite knife the Reaper, grab it while we have some in stock.

Ways To Repel Rats For A Rodent-Free Home | https://survivallife.com/repel-rats/

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on November 7, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

Read Full Article Here: 9 Ways To Repel Rats For A Rodent-Free Home

Friday, 19 July 2019

Summer Gardens – Dealing with High Temps in the Garden

Summer Gardens – Dealing with High Temps in the Garden was first seen on http://totalsurvival.net

Most summer gardens are in full swing by early July; the plants are growing like crazy and the harvest is finally coming in. The days are wonderful…. and hot. While summer vegetable crops do love heat, there is only so much they can take. Understanding how heat affects you and your crops will make gardening […]

The post Summer Gardens – Dealing with High Temps in the Garden appeared first on Common Sense Home.

This Article Was Originally Posted at commonsensehome.com Read The Original Article Here

Learn More Here: Summer Gardens – Dealing with High Temps in the Garden