Survival Gear Review

Of all the everyday carry (EDC) gear and survival kit, the compass seems to be something relegated to just a generic noun as if all compasses were the same. The problem is that compasses vary wildly in quality, size, features, and durability. However, the most important feature of a compass is convenience because if you… Read More

Hammocks are no longer just for the warmer months. Not if you have the North American from Clark Jungle Hammocks. The North American is a 4 season hammock and it is the survival/bug out shelter I use when I go out into the wild. I didn’t start hanging in the trees. I like most children… Read More

On my second Bug Out trip “Winter Warning” I made a mistake. Being new to the survival world I had not done enough research before tackling below freezing temperatures. The mistake was not having a pad to sleep on. I can still remember the endless night and the frightening chills that ran down my spine… Read More

Benchmade knives are often the gateway drug to the upper end of folding knives, and the Benchmade Griptilian is the gateway drug to Benchmade knives. For many, their first handling of the Griptilian is met with disappointment. The Griptilian, although a solid knife, does not have the heft and density often expected as the retail… Read More

I’ve been on a quest for the perfect headlamp pretty much forever. And I’m as close as I’ve ever been to headlamp happiness. The Fenix HM50R Headlamp has almost all the features I want in a useful and highly productive form factor. Where the Fenix HM50R Headlamp really shines in the small details that refine… Read More

Everyone needs clean water and most people hope that the water coming from their tap is clean and safe.  But year after year, the world’s water supply is getting worse and worse, not better. It seems like every time we turn around there is another “boil water advisory” or “water contaminant advisory” being sent out… Read More

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… Read More

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*… Read More

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… Read More

There is a reason that knives are lumped into named categories, and that is because the knife profile of that particular category has been honed (pardon the pun) over decades or even hundreds of years. Whether cutlass or cleaver, Bowie or barlow, choice of shape, thickness, blade steel, edge, and hardness have all been chosen… Read More

In today’s prepping survival marketplace there are many choices of fire starting tools.  Fires can be ignited by using a variety of these available tools by using many different techniques.  The bottom line though is to have a reliable fire starting implement that you can count on to get you a blaze started under all… Read More

Trigger Alert: This article is about a very big knife. If that scares you, then click here.  March 6, 1836 was a bad day for Jim Bowie. In fact the two weeks prior weren’t much better since the small mission building in which Jim and a hundred others took a stand was under attack.  Remember the Alamo? But long… Read More

There is a reason that the term “Going Dark” contains ominous overtones no matter how it’s applied. But the worst is when it is literal. A majority of the human brain is dedicated to the eyes and the hands with the remaining tiny portion covering all the rest of the senses and those functions necessary… Read More

Growing up we had a what we called a “kitchen axe” that was bigger than a hatchet, but smaller than a felling axe. It was used for everything from making shavings and small kindling for fire starting, to larger kindling, to splitting small rounds and quarters for fire. The kitchen axe lived just outside the… Read More

In the opening events of one the many apocalyptic fiction books I’ve read there was a scene where a woman’s Rolex stopped due to the EMP. My first thought was she must have had a counterfeit watch with a quartz movement. All real Rolex watches have a mechanical movement. Not an electrical circuit, battery or… Read More

Created in 1951, the Milwaukee Sawzall has been destroying wood, metal, nails, bolts, pipe and stone ever since. With it’s few moving parts, fast blade changes, variable speed, and a near unlimited number of blade options, the Sawzall is first and often only choice when speed and results are more important than precision and stealth… Read More

I peered through the ocular lens of the scope, reached up with my trigger hand, and cranked the magnification dial up to 9x. I needed precision for this shot; my quarry wasn’t going to let me get a second chance if I missed. Fifty yards away, the beady-eyed, fanged animal peered back through the cross-hairs… Read More

Shotgun manufacturers have been long overdue for a handy smoothbore gun for a Bug Out defense from a vehicle or other modes.  Remington has really stepped up to the plate with this one.  The new Tac-14 is a prepper dream based on the time honored reliable model 870 pump action 12-gauge shotgun.  First out of… Read More

The AquaPodKit Emergency Bath Tub Water Storage Kit starts off with the words that I like to hear most… Made in the USA.  And if you are a regular reader of either of our survival blogs (SHTFBlog or Survival Cache) then you know that storing water for an emergency is a basic principal of modern… Read More

The .450 what?  Yeah, dude, the .450 Bushmaster or maybe what should have been named the .450 Bush Wacker.  Originally, the .450 Bushmaster was designed to be used in M-16/AR-15 platforms using 5-round magazines.  Now Ruger puts in it the ultimate prepper bolt action rifle, the Gunsite Scout model.  This model utilizes the forward mounted… Read More

The quest for a Goldilocks Knife, or one that’s just right, is less a journey and more of a marriage. To trust one’s fate to one single blade especially for survival situations, there must be a commitment to making the best of the situation regardless of the challenges. Thick and thin, sickness and health, and… Read More

In Part 1 of this Project Squirrel Pistol using a Smith and Wesson SW22 Victory .22 long rifle semi auto pistol, my focus was on the gun and its parts. For part 2, let’s take the Victory out for a spin. The Victory is not a light pistol. Not even of average light. The Victory is… Read More

This past weekend, I had a bit of cabin fever – I needed to get out of the house, tromp around in the woods, start a fire in the snow. So I bundled up my 3-year-old boy, filled a backpack with a thermos of hot chocolate, a small container of olive oil, a Lodge 12”… Read More

Cutting to the chase, the Sig Kilo2400 ABS Laser Rangefinder works as advertised. So now that’s of the way, let’s consider the philosophy behind owning and using such an advanced handheld ballistics computer. And just to get it out of the way, the Sig Kilo2400 ABS Laser Rangefinder retails for $1700 and has a street… Read More

Make no mistake about it: flashlight technology has improved leaps and bounds in these past few years, with the availability of powerful lithium-ion batteries, small circuits, and LED bulbs that last tens of thousands of hours and produce ridiculous amounts of bright white light, all while sipping juice from the power supply.  Halogen and krypton… Read More

SOG knives in general need no introduction, but there are three new players in the SOG folder lineup that do deserve some special attention. All three are solid black. All three lean heavily towards the tactical side. All three use springs to deploy the blade. And all three are made in America. There is a… Read More

Alternate universes live just outside the wavelengths of light we can see with our eyes. Doctors use X-rays, astronomers use radio waves, and the more prepared folks can use infrared. IR, or infrared, comes in two flavors, reflected and emitted. Gen 1 night vision uses reflected infrared light to supplement any ambient light. By using… Read More

The Remington Arms Company began making firearms in 1816.  Specifically, the founder Eliphalet Remington made his first handgun in that year.  Later, in 1830, the original factory armory building was constructed in Ilion, New York.  Other buildings were added in 1854 and again in 1875. As you can well imagine with an arms company that grew… Read More

Hill People Gear is a unique company nestled in Grand Junction, Colorado. It is not just the exceptional quality of their bags, but Hill People puts a modern and even tactical twist on ancient solutions for humping gear in real-world situations. So practical and effective are their solutions, that Most Mall Ninjas would shy away… Read More

First of all, regardless of the name, this Council Tool ApocalAxe has uses well before the apocalypse arrives. And while it would certainly make a formidable and handy zombie stopping weapon (seems killing a zombie is redundant), the ApocalAxe will work fine on those that haven’t had the privilege of dying the first time. By… Read More

The company Estwing makes some of the most ubiquitous and diversified hammers, camp axes and hatchets ever to roll around the bed of a pickup. Ernest Estwing’s steel tools are the industry standard from framing hammers to camp axes, and the ones we grew up with and loved for their simplicity and durability since 1923… Read More

The number designation 10-22 has universally become synonymous with America’s most popular rimfire rifle.  It is perhaps the most prolific semi-auto rifle firing the venerable .22 long rifle rimmed cartridge ever to be manufactured in this country.  There is little doubt this very capable .22 rifle is a perennial favorite among shooters.  This admiration, too… Read More

Since smartphones are often considered almost as important as knives, guns, and flashlights as part of a personal EDC, it’s time to consider other technologies beyond the usual stuff. Surefire is always full of bright surprises just as they are loaded with cutting edge technology to serve our lighting needs whether reading a map or clearing… Read More

The Tree Trunk of a rifle is the “stoc” or as we say today, stock. In a nutshell the stock holds the important gun parts and is placed against one’s shoulder when shooting. I think tree trunk is an apt description since until recently, gun stocks have evolved about as fast as trees. But today… Read More

Just the idea of having a custom rifle built to your own specifications is enticing.  In fact, having anything created on our own behalf for personal use is rather satisfying.  For the prepper looking for something a little more special than a stock weapon, a firearm from a custom machine and gun manufacturing build shop… Read More

SOG Knives in general need no introduction, but a few SOG blades in particular do require a few minutes of your attention. And one such knife is The SOG Pillar.  The SOG Knives company takes its name from a Vietnam-era covert US Special Ops unit known as Military Assistance Command, Vietnam-Studies and Observations Group or… Read More

We all know that knowledge is power; but when it really comes down to an emergency, the right kind of knowledge could be the difference between life and death. We take a look at some of the best survival books for your library or Kindle. The books in this collection were chosen because they truly… Read More

It better be an emergency if you use this thing, because this is not your Daddy’s tackle box.  All 3 versions of the Best Glide Survival Fishing Kits (Standard, Basic, Compact) are pretty sparse but that is why they are called emergency fishing kits.  If you are building your own Bug Out Bag, I think… Read More

Survival Guides are a dime-a-dozen, but good ones, the real save-your-life guides are as rare as hens teeth. Luckily the two new plastic-covered foldouts from Jason Schwartz over at Rocky Mountain Bushcraft are an outstanding and necessary contribution to your survival kit that literally could save your life. For less than the cost of a… Read More

While we are surely in the age of the striker-fired pistol ascendancy, the single-action (SA) pistol still has a strong, iron-headed, devoted following.  The siren song of crisp, short trigger pulls and positive external safeties, coupled with (usually) stellar accuracy and rugged dependability is a sweet song indeed – and when one throws in the… Read More

When I run out the door at night, I alway grab a light. Whether to a store, a walk around the block, or out for the evening, an electric torch rides in my left pocket, a knife always in my right. And both are always of the highest quality.  Two torches that have the most… Read More

It’s extra sweet when you open a shiny wrapped present from under the Christmas tree and it is a super gear gadget any prepper could use.  It is even more special when that gift comes to you from your own daughter.  My daughter Allison got it right. The Smart Bungee System is a storable sack… Read More

Wood and zombies have a lot in common besides their acting abilities; an axe easily splits them in two. And surprisingly, both zombies and iron battle axes share a similar timeline more than a dozen centuries long. Sure, stone axes were chopping coconuts and skulls as far back as 6000 BCE, but metal ones took… Read More

I’ve been a long-time user of pitcher-type water filters; my old Brita filter has had probably hundreds of gallons put through it. The filtered water it produces tastes better, and I like the fact that it pulls a few nasty items out of the water my family and I drink every day.  Without a doubt… Read More

There are pieces of emergency gear that preppers and survivalists simply have to have.  A multi-functional, multi-powered weather radio is one of them.  One of these radios should be extremely high on your “to buy” list if you do not have one now.  It needs to be kept easy to access and ready to go… Read More

As you build out your optics kit, the spotting scope is a necessary component for longer-term, higher-magnification observing. Unfortunately most quality spotting scopes are larger, heavier, and more expensive. Luckily there is a new spotting scope space that rivals binoculars in size, but offers the performance and magnification of of a quality spotting scope. A… Read More

A handful of edge is a beautiful thing. The convergence of steel is one of the most useful things in a survivalist’s kit. It is the tool that builds all other tools. It is the tool that makes shelter, prepares food, and provides defense. So it’s no surprise that a variety of steel edges are… Read More

A few years back, Springfield Armory came out with a single stack 9mm to much fanfare and then as quickly as the pistol launched, they promptly recalled the pistol due to a possible unsafe condition. The recall read as follows (from manufacturer): “Springfield Armory is initiating this voluntary safety recall to upgrade 3.3 XD-S 9mm… Read More

The 10mm auto is a fine cartridge that was created as a very real solution to a very real problem. Unfortunately the 10mm performed exactly as designed while predictable humans went and messed it all up. But before we start, if you are quite familiar with the 10mm auto and perhaps even happily own one, you… Read More

I was listening to The Survivalist Podcast a couple weeks ago while driving to work, and the featured guest was a well-spoken survivalist gentleman by the name of Tim Ralston (inventor of the “Timahawk” survival tool), and he was discussing bug-out gear. When the conversation turned to flashlights and illumination, Mr. Ralston verbally swooned over… Read More

The Magpul Tejas “El Original” Gun Belt is what happens when tradition falls into bed with technology. By combining the best leather with the best polymer for the purpose,  Magpul invented a whole new genera of gun belts. The top grain bullhide is taken only from the shoulders of the finest English speaking bulls, while the… Read More

Dear survivalists and preppers, have we gone AR and AK nuts? Hey, you know what, there are viable alternatives to the multi-round, mag latch, muzzle flash black guns so often associated with the bug out movement. For one, this author contends a good ole reliable, lever action 30-30 has a role to play in our… Read More

The Presidential Election, mass shootings and terror attacks on our soil have touched off a “mini-panic”, not quite the size or scale we saw in 2013 after Sandy Hook.  This mini-panic has again focused the attention of would-be gun owners, and current owners of two type of firearms: handguns and semi-auto rifles.  The two most… Read More

One recent fall weekend my wife and I went to hike Maine’s Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park. It was a gorgeous hike, as you can see in the image. The hike wasn’t for sissies, however; that or we’re just old, but we hiked for about 8 miles and 8 hours before we were back… Read More

As knife designs evolve they have to overcome the traditions and stereotypes of the past. In an effort to drive knife sales, manufacturers have produced more versatile, creatively inspired blades. While this has yielded a multitude of blades, some manufacturers have missed the mark entirely with poorly designed, gimmicky knives. Others, like Fällkniven, produce modern… Read More

While everybody else is storing gold and silver, I am finding the best ways to invest in what I believe is going to be the currency of the future: clean water.  I highly recommend assessing your own situation and finding ways to store and purify as much water as you can. For home situations, purifying… Read More

The Kelly Kettle was developed by the Kelly family in Ireland and has been in use for over one hundred years. The kettle has a simple yet very effective design for boiling water.  The body of the kettle is a doubled wall construction with a hollow core.  When the kettle is placed over the hobo… Read More

Mora knives are the paracord of survival blades. Their utility is unquestioned, but not so much is their reliability as a true survival instrument. Having a partial tang, thin blade, plastic sheath, and average steel, the Mora Knife is more of an inexpensive convenience, but by no means the last word in survival blades.  However… Read More

I’ll say from the outset that I’m less familiar with air guns than “traditional” guns. Air rifles, to me, have always fallen into the category of a BB gun, the “Red Rider” type that Ralphie wished for in the classic movie, A Christmas Story. A “rifle” that kids use as a precursor to getting a… Read More

I recently got a few samples of Backpacker’s Pantry freeze-dried meals to review, and I was very excited to try them out, because Backpacker’s Pantry is one of the few large-scale freeze-dried meal producers to not just feature, but promote and develop a large variety of gluten-free and/or organic ingredient options.  Backpacker’s Pantry, based out… Read More

The prepper survivalist can never really have too many knives. And of course, there are more knives to be had than the Clinton Foundation has mysterious dollars in their bank account. By the way, just curious, but where exactly is that bank account? But, then again, your everyday bug in or out blades do not… Read More

Let me start by saying that my primary objective in buying a new belt was not to get a belt for carrying a gun. No, I needed a new belt because the leather belt I’ve been wearing the past few years gets that inevitable sag where it doesn’t look right any more. I mean look… Read More

Most quality bug out kits give a hefty nod to a petroleum powered stove. Whether white gas, compressed gas or fuel tablets, the common thread is the need for man-made fuel. Even the multi-fuel stoves are at risk when there is nothing to eat. Enter the mini-wood stove.  Vargo makes an impressive line of titanium products… Read More

I was fortunate enough to be able to have some trigger time recently with a Sig Sauer MPX-C 9mm carbine.  It wasn’t nearly enough time – probably 200 rounds over a couple of days – but it was enough to form an opinion on Sig Sauer’s next-generation pistol caliber carbine.  It was also enough to… Read More

Few things turn on a survivalist like a new piece of kit that has tremendous potential. And two of them just landed in my bug out loadout. Cutting to the chase, they are Timahawks. ‘Timahawk’, you ask? Yes Tim-a-Hawk. The designer Tim Ralston got to choose the name so it only makes sense. Had I… Read More

The blockbuster movie Terminator 2: Judgement Day was released in 1991. That was 25 years ago.   Why that’s important is that even though T2 is like ancient history to many folks these days, there was a scene in the movie (at 1:25:20 to be exact) where the young John Connor and the T2 (Arnold… Read More

In addition to building some of the world’s best chainsaws, the Stihl company also makes…or at least brands some wonderful axes and in particular a tremendous splitting hatchet. At less than 20” long but with a 2.75 pound head, the Stihl Pro Splitting Hatchet and it’s monstrous Ash handle with thick neck make short work… Read More

A person is only as good as the tools they use and the tools they use are only good if you take care of them.  My dad said this a lot to me when I was growing, especially if he caught me not properly taking care of a tool. The circle has come around as… Read More

Most who consider themselves prepared would rank the humble pocket knife as a survival essential of the highest degree.  In fact, the sharp blade often exceeds even fire and water in immediate importance.  So having a sharp edge ready to go no matter the situation means carrying a quality blade with you 24/7 or at… Read More

Looked at the news lately?  Hot, dry and windy.  Fire season is upon us again.  It is starting to really dry out up here in the high country of Rocky Mountains where wildfires are our biggest nemesis.  My paranoia level is around a 5 on a scale of 10.  Statistically the chances of your house… Read More

Being a restless survivalist, I find the endless pursuit of the best single knife to be both a noble one and and endless one.  Or so I thought.  The Fällkniven A1 Pro may have brought an end to my quest for the perfect survival knife, and become the life-long quest of other like minds.  Could… Read More

One of the biggest obstacles we have to conquer as preppers is that of long term food storage and preservation.  While MREs and other long term food options that are purchased can be great, they can be expensive per serving and limiting in the options available.  A few years back I decided to research my… Read More

Does your carry pistol limit what you do? Do you worry about exposing your gun to the elements? Is your carry preference too much of a burden for many activities? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you should consider the Glock 42.  For me, I wanted a familiar handgun but in… Read More

There are, according to a completely-made-up-by-me-but-probably-not-too-far-off-number, approximately six billion custom kydex holster makers in the world.  Don’t believe me?  If you belong to Facebook, find a large Facebook group (or internet forum) for a handgun you have, join it, and then post the following query to the board: “I just got [insert make/model of handgun… Read More

Everyone has their thing that they geek out about, firearms, accessories, knives, etc. I geek out when it comes to flashlights.  I can never have enough flashlights and find it very hard not to buy one when I come across a “new” one at the store.  Due to my job, I carry a flashlight on… Read More

Since the Bronze Age belts have been worn by all ages and all genders.  A belt round the waist is a fashion statement (1), holds utility essentials (2), and is safety equipment in all manner of work-related and recreational applications (3). And it is those very same three aspects of a special purpose belt that… Read More

So I’d just like to come right out at the outset of this review and state that Talon Grips have probably provided the most satisfaction-per-dollar of any of the firearms modifications I’ve tried in recent memory. They are quite inexpensive, easy to install, non-permanent, and 100% effective at the specific improvement they offer. They’re just… Read More

Some serious firearms are merely taken as fun guns.  Why not allow them to play the role of both?  Lucky for me, at a recent NRA Friends banquet, a friend bought be a raffle ticket to which it produced a winning selection of a firearm.  My choice?  It was a no-brainer for me when I… Read More

So I got a Sig Sauer P320.  I saw it in a local pawn shop, sitting there in the glass case, perched on green velvet, looking all blocky and businesslike and badass.  I handled it, fondled it, wiped the drool away, and made a trade for it. It went home with me where I glared… Read More

I have never owned an assisted opening pocket knife before but have always wanted one. From the outside they seemed like they would be flimsy and their action was all for show.  Most of the people I had met that brandished an assisted opening blade, were of the “mall ninja” type. I had no real… Read More

This is sewing for the caveman in you, or cavewoman.  If you have a well thought out Bug Out Bag, then repair gear is included in it.  A small sewing kit, duct tape, multi-tool, IFAK, and maybe some cable ties.  I have been putting a heavy sail needle and thick thread in my kits forever. … Read More

The definition of a neck knife pretty much begins and ends with it being a blade worn on a lanyard around one’s neck.  Rather than in a belt sheath, pocket, pack clipped anywhere else, the neck knife offers a deployment option and carry strategy that opens some doors especially during specific activities and positions.  Neck… Read More

Everybody loves lots of windows in their house.  Windows provide you with a view to the world.  They provide natural light, warmth when the sun is shining, fresh air when the weather permits and the ability to cool your home on those hot summer nights.  Everyone loves lots of windows except for a survivalist or… Read More

I’m willing to bet that at least 90% of the people reading this article have to function under a budget of sorts.  Bills need to be paid, houses need to be heated, cars need to be maintained, stomachs need to be fed.  It’s a fact of life and how we have to operate on a… Read More

Well, I guess Facebook is good for something.  I was having one of those mindless moments where scrolling through the feed seemed like a better thing to do than, you know, reading a book, or working out, or bettering myself in some way.  It was the same stuff over and over, but then a promotion… Read More

Peter, the head of Fällkniven knives told me that a big blade can do everything a small blade can do, but a small blade cannot do everything a big blade can do.  Or thereabouts.  In theory, I agree with him. But in practice…well, that would take field testing.  Big is not a measurement, it is… Read More

Once Upon A Time….You know, I’ll be honest here.  If you have never used an armorer’s tool to work on an AR variant rifle, I almost hate to endorse the Magpul Armorer’s Wrench as your first tool because you will never know just how bad most other armorer’s tools really are.  You won’t know what… Read More

A growing space in the world of personal lighting (flashlights) is the USB rechargable key fob light. These are not your grandma’s key ring lights of yesteryear, but powerful photon blasters that in some cases outreach even your dual-celled flashlights.  Like any new tangent in lighting, there are tradeoffs. Being rechargeable, you cannot simply replace… Read More

ESSE knives are the real deal.  In fact, they are so darn good and in such high demand by users on the front lines that people have started trying to counterfeit them.  Let’s say up front, if you intend to shop for an ESEE knife on line in particular, buy it from a reputable dealer… Read More

I find interesting that knife reviews often and immediately take on cutting chores at the upper limit of a blade’s pay grade.  Many of the tasks assigned to the knives are really better served by another survival tool; the Hand Hatchet.  And in particular, the Gränsfors Bruks Hand Hatchet.  Of the rides in my growing… Read More

Let’s cut to the chase. The point of an everyday carry (EDC) knife is to always have a sharp blade just a pocket away (sorry for the triple pun).  And with apologies to restrictive jurisdictions, the choice of an EDC knife is wide open and up the the carrier.  For me, I am an unabashed… Read More

Those in survival circles tend to hang out around the smaller end of the water purification spectrum.  Tools like the Lifestraw and Sawyer filter are must-haves in your kit whether to get home or bug out. But what is on the other end of the drinkable water rainbow?  Turns out there is a 10-liter water… Read More

With the onset of fall up here in northern climes, my fellow concealed firearms carriers and I perform a collective sigh of relief. With colder weather comes warmer, bulkier clothing that allows more comfortable methods of carry, with larger, more effective sidearms.  Gone, for a while anyway, is the season of constantly wondering if my… Read More

The CRKT Redemption knife designed by Ken Onion is one, big, knife!  The Redemption is not for carving little wooden characters out of balsa wood, or cutting up hot dogs for the kiddie table at the neighborhood barbeque.  It has one clear mission, to clear trees from the Redwood and Sequoia National Forrest and to… Read More

It wasn’t until I wore the Fallkniven Jarl on my belt for a while that I realized that the majority of the art we will have with us during a bug out will be the art of our equipment.  Now while I find the Glock as sexy as any other gun, I do have a… Read More

Having a remote SHTF Bug-Out camp equipped without an axe would be about as silly as trying to drive a car with only three wheels mounted on it.  Something in the accomplishment of the tasks at hand would come up short.  Now of course there are endless types, styles, weights, and models of axes.  In… Read More

One of the amazing things about the world these days is that small artisan companies like Gransfors Bruks will put considerable effort into a unique handmade axe with an excruciatingly limited user base and an extraordinary high price.  But in the big picture the Gransfors Bruks Outdoor Axe is an excellent compliment to the traditional… Read More

The cliché saying is “hiding in plain sight.”  Preppers need to be sensitive to being able to hide critical gear, supplies, and SHTF stuffs away from prying eyes, thieves, or anybody else that might be snooping around your house or storage areas.  This is why we advise keeping quiet and discreet about your prepping efforts… Read More

If you want fast access to your handguns in your home or automobile but also need to keep them secured from prying eyes or hands, then you should consider owning an individual gun vault.  Securing your guns is obviously important for safety reasons, but have you considered securing your firearms might protect you from criminal… Read More

It’s no secret to anyone who’s read any of my articles on Survival Cache or SHTFblog that I’m a SIG Sauer fanboy.  I’ve owned several – all of them in .45 ACP: a standard P220, a P245 compact, and my favorite, a P220ST stainless. Every single one has been just hideously accurate, and extremely reliable. … Read More

It’s not that I’m unhappy with my current crop of daypacks, but rather I’m restless. The more I study pack designs and the more I carry them fully loaded across various adventures, the more I refine my taste for certain features as well as open my mind further to innovation. Just The Right Amount Of… Read More

Up until recently, the quiet corner of outdoor activity known as bushcraft was a niche market for those who make knives and other wilderness survival equipment targeting extreme survivalists.  But when Benchmade and Spyderco launched their own bushcraft knife contributions into the very small circle of blade makers who target a specific product to those… Read More

In any survival situation, from urban to wilderness, there are few resources as valuable as potable water.  As a survivalist, I put big emphasis on the value of knowing every possible method of obtaining and purifying water should one be caught without equipment.  All the same, a good filter is an essential addition to any… Read More

While I’m not much of a fan of do-everything survival tools, I thought I’d take a stab at this one since it was a requested review by a reader.  I’ve used plenty of Smith’s blade sharpening products in the past with no notable problems, but adding a handful of survival footnotes to a sharpening device… Read More

It’s quite likely that everyone reading this has firsthand experience with the old-school military-issue entrenching tools.  In fact military digging tools have been with us since the Romans were in diapers.  The dedicated trenching tool formally entered the soldier’s loadout in WW1 as trench warfare ran the battlefield.  And that is where the entrenching tool… Read More

Although the folding knife has been with us since pre-Roman times, and popular since the late 1600s, it has always been a compromise of size and strength. Anything that moves is a potential weakness. In the modern world, most cutting tasks don’t require more than a basic blade of even mild sharpness and strength. It’s… Read More

The official news finally broke at the National Rifle Association’s Annual Meeting in Nashville in April.  The rumors have been flying for several years that Glock was working on a single stack, 9mm handgun for the concealed carry market.  Well, I can let you know that the wait is over.  I finally got my hands… Read More

Before we dive in, let’s take some reality pills.  First, this tourniquet is for you, not for your good samaritan fantasy where you save the beautiful princess/prince with the severed artery (although I’m not saying it wouldn’t work for that as well).  Second, the mere fact of not carrying a tourniquet does not decrease your… Read More

As our bug out and EDC kits gain electronics including GPS receivers, cell phones, and radios, there is an ever growing need for better protective cases that will give our battery-powered friends the best chance of survival when things get rough.  And GizzMoVest is here to help.  GizzMoVest is an American company that specializes in… Read More

Ok, ok, I hear the chuckles now from across the room at the Bug Out Bag (BOB) planning meetings, but this is a serious product for survivalists and preppers and generally all outdoors people whether actually outdoors or in the cabin, RV, or home, doing a Bug In or a Bug Out.  Although there are… Read More

Between three and four thousand years ago, somebody somewhere thought up the idea of having two opposing bronze knife blades slice towards each other and thus the spring shears were born.  But it wasn’t until about AD 100 that the recognizable X-shaped pivot shears were invented by the Romans.  By placing the pivot point in… Read More

In the big business of survival and firearms, our time is a great time. Product demand is up; political pressure and societal issues are making people more aware of their surroundings and possible predicaments.  Never before has the survival and firearms industries been so driven to meet increased demands and increased call for sturdy, no-nonsense… Read More

The  Gerber eFECT Military Maintenance Tool is a 6+ tool pocket machine designed to service the AR15/M16/M4 rifle. Unlike other multitools, the Gerber eFECT is missing the usual suspects of 1) knife blade, 2) pliers, 3) saw, 4) file…bottle opener, Phillips screwdriver, scissors, bit kit, pocket clip, wire cutter, etc.  In a nutshell, the Gerber… Read More

I think that it is safe to assume that a lot people reading this have that one item that not only becomes another item among your supplies, but an obsession to collect. For me, that item is flashlights. I love flashlights. I have had an assortment of flashlights over the years, ranging from cheap to… Read More

If you are like me, the biggest luxury you will miss when the SHTF is a nice hot shower, that and a toilet that flushes.  I do a fair amount of backwoods camping and fishing in the Rocky Mountains, so going without a shower is something that I do often without complaint.  But when I… Read More

It is a long held belief that a folding knife can never possess the strength to solo as a survival knife. The fears of a folding blade includes that they are too short, have a weak pivot point, and any locking mechanism simply cannot be strong enough. A significant challenge to the sub-standard folder belief… Read More

My first thought was does this stuff stop a bear, of course. Then questions start to flow, like legality and effectiveness. Is it legal to blast someone with a spray designed for animals?  Can you carry it open or concealed?  Does it really stop a bear or 2 legged predator from doing you harm?  Personally… Read More

Not every firearm we review on Survival Cache is the ultimate survival gun.  Sometimes we see something and say “That is badass, I gotta get my hands on one of those.”  Which is the case with the T-Model Lever Action Shotgun.  Last year at Shot Show, we were bleeding out of our eyes from seeing… Read More

I’ve only met one survivalist who said he didn’t like paracord gear and I’m pretty sure he was lying.  Paracord is one of the staple items that have come to be accepted as a “must have” in your kit, and you’ll have to travel far and wide to find a Get-Home bag or Bug Out… Read More

The ability to start a fire is arguably the most important skill to have when camping, hiking or in a survival situation. Fire gives you the ability to boil water, cook food, provide warmth, signal for rescue, make tools, keep insects and predators at bay, and it also gives you a psychological boost. The cheapest… Read More

The day after Independence Day in 1983, Tim Leatherman and his buddy Steve Berliner formally launched the Leatherman Tool Group Inc. and started selling its first product, the Leatherman PST or Pocket Survival Tool.  From that point on, Tim and Steve’s creation and its offspring can be found in almost every survival kit, bugout bag… Read More

There is a positive glut of aftermarket supplies for the AR-15/AR-10 platform.  I feel like perhaps there may even be too many, especially if you’re just getting introduced to the AR system. Uppers, lowers, rails, grips, lights, sights, flash suppressors, aftermarket triggers, stocks…it goes on and on.  While this situation is a positive boon for… Read More

For decades I used a candle lantern for evening camp light and to hang in the tent before quitting for the night.  But doing the numbers, a candle lantern is only about 20 lumens, lasts a maximum of nine hours (a few more with more expensive beeswax candles), and weighs about three-fourths of a pound. … Read More

Owning a Yeti cooler is a rite of passage in the South.  Am I kidding or what?  Nope.  Kids down here ask for Yeti coolers for Christmas for heaven’s sake.  The Robinson power family of Duck Commander fame is the poster children of this campaign.  Countless celebrities have jumped on the bandwagon, too, so how… Read More

Tenacious would be a good word to describe the Fallkniven F1.  In fact, it would be the perfect word.  When survival is on the line, you want a blade that has tenacity in its job description.  And the folks at Fallkniven know how to build tenacity into a knife.  Since its introduction in 1995, the… Read More

Never heard of Sphinx Arms?  You are not the only one.  Despite the fact that they can trace their engineering roots back to 1876, they are relatively unknown in the firearms world to most. Located in Interlaken, Switzerland, they came out with a pistol in the early 2000’s called the Sphinx 3000 which was based… Read More

I have a treat for y’all today.  I was given a SunJack last month to test out and review.  If you’ve been looking to add one of these to your preps, read on.  This solar charger rocks!   Now, first, some caveats.  My family is NOT heavy on battery powered devices.  Hubby and I share a… Read More

One particular blade that has been flying under the radar for several years now is the Falcon from Ontario Knife Company (OKC), and its full of many welcome contradictions.  In lots of ways the Falcon, introduced in 2011, is a whole collection of opposing features in knife terms which might be responsible for the Falcon’s… Read More

When I was a kid my dad bought me a youth compound bow.  I loved shooting it but I never shot at anything other than the practice target in our yard. I spent all my hunting years using firearms even though the desire to bow hunt was always just below the surface.  I didn’t have a… Read More

Wow, what a fun rifle.  Although its design is strictly business, the Kel-Tec RFB is just plain cool.  Kel-Tec is a company that thinks outside the box and is not afraid to be different, which is evident from their KSG Shotgun design.  When you first put the Kel-Tec RFB up to your shoulder it just… Read More

If you own a gun, you should own a safe.  There, I said it.  These days, you don’t exactly have to strain the ol’ gray matter to come up with a good reason to keep your firearms secure.  Your domicile or automobile could be broken into and your valuables and firearms could be stolen and… Read More

As I sit here typing this out, I have a neat little self-defense package nestled on my hip, residing there quite comfortably:  A Smith & Wesson M&P Compact in .40S&W, with a Streamlight TLR-3 light clamped happily on the accessory rail. The light looks like it grew there, the balance is great, the weight light… Read More

I apologize now for the madness you are about to enter into if you read this review.  My madness started about 30 years ago when I first received a fishtail parka from a fellow Army Reservist in trade for some boots.  The parka looked like a warm coat and I had some extra boots, why… Read More

I have always admired money clips for their sleek simplicity. However, time and time again I end up going back to a wallet as I stock my pockets with more junk.  I have a small collection of money clips and recently wanted to go back to using one.  The old ones in the top dresser… Read More

Frankly to me just the idea of a having a “backup gun” smells of trouble.  But then on the positive side of things a backup gun can be a comforting thing.  The concept of a backup gun of course naturally implies that you have a primus firearm at the ready, and that the secondary gun… Read More

The MSR Whisperlite stove is one of my favorite stoves – especially in cold weather.  It’s light weight and uses white gas stove fuel which you can get at any outdoor store or from Amazon.  The best part is that it is made in America.  The bottle you store the fuel in is pressurized by… Read More

A few years ago for work, I switched from the over the shoulder computer bag to a backpack.  The old style computer bag just wasn’t cutting it for both work and the urban bug out situation.  After I saw the Timbuk2 Aviator Backpack, I upgraded from there. By Mark P, a contributing author to SurvivalCache.com… Read More

Iron sights have been with us ever since muskets were rifled.  Sharpshooters demanded more and thus began the revolution and evolution of iron sights.  Backup iron sights, on the other hand, grew from the need for redundancy as optics sprouted up on the barrels and rails of military and hunting rifles. by Doc Montana, a… Read More

In 2002, in response to a question about the Iraq war, the US Secretary of Defense replied, and I paraphrase, “There are known knowns; there are known unknowns, but there are also unknown unknowns.” Those words are the best way to describe the the expectations of a survival knife.  Especially the part about unknown unknowns. … Read More

It’s curious a specialty tool like this would be called the Trucker’s Friend.   For certain it is a tool a trucker would want to have in their tool box, but its usefulness goes way beyond that limited functional area.  I would say this tool is by all regards a prepper’s friend as well. By Dr… Read More

If you grew up shooting rifles, then you might have an itch that a carbine just can’t scratch.  Like many, I have always been a fan of the M-14 rifle, also known as the M1A, but I am a little too young to appreciate its predecessor, the M1 Garand. By Mark P, a contributing author… Read More

A dog is a man’s best friend, and his knife is a close second.  With that said, I am often surprised when price is used as the limiting criteria of a new blade. What would you think if someone called a breeder and said what’s the best dog I can get for under $30? by… Read More

The Ruger 10/22 is the Piper Cub of the .22 rifle world.  It is a standard of expectation and operation upon which all others, good or bad, are measured.  In a world filled with evolving products, the 10/22 is easily recognizable whether the gun is an infant, a teenager, or in its 50s. By Doc… Read More

Don’t you think it’s about time you get organized?  As survivalists we pride ourselves in having our “You Know What” together, but most of us lag way behind in having certain elements of our prep ducks lined up in a row.   By Dr. John J. Woods, a contributing author to SurvivalCache.com Get Organized Some… Read More

All commercially available fire starters designed for survival will start fires provided that you have enough time and the conditions are right.  So with that premise in mind, we wanted to take a look at which one performed the best and would be the easiest to use in a pinch with different fuels. By Murphy… Read More

When it comes to customization of an AR platform, it is fair to say that the options are now limitless.  Without all of the hype of being an “Mall Ninja” with every accessory you can think of added to your weapon, the essential components of tactical shooting can all be found from one company, Magpul… Read More

Over the years the “Frankenstein” AR-15 has gotten out of control.  A few years back, I was accessorizing my stock “Bushmaster AR” with all of the latest gadgets and widgets.  In my mind I came up with all sorts of wild apocalyptic scenarios where I would need such things for my rifle. By Mark P… Read More

Staying off the ground is not just an important part of back country camping, it can also be a matter of life or death if you are outside the sphere of assistance or in a survival situation.  The ground can literally suck the heat from your body.  Enter, the hammock. By Murphy, a contributing author of SurvivalCache.com… Read More

Time and time again the Glock pistol has been used by military personnel, law enforcement, survivalists, hunters, and the Average Joe for home and personal defense.  They provide value relative to their cost, they are reliable, accurate and consistently perform when put to the test.  When you factor all of the major considerations for an… Read More

Kodabow says that their name comes from the Native American word Koda or “friend” but I have to tell you that if you see this thing in my hands, I am anything but your friend.  When the SHTF, you don’t want to be on the receiving end of this hammer.  By Jimmy C, a contributing… Read More

The folks at Survival Cache recently asked my opinion and a review of headlight gear they carry online at the Forge Survival Supply store.   I was honored to give my humble opinion on a product that I personally use and would freely endorse. By Bama Bull, a reader of SurvivalCache.com During my time in the… Read More

A get home bag (GHB) should be reliable, useful and comfortable.  You should be able to carry enough critical items to enable you to make it back home, where you can get to your longer term survival cache.  If it blends into the environment you operate in, even better. By Jim S, a reader of… Read More

Survival caching supplies is not a new concept in the survivalist and prepper’s world, but people have long wondered about the durability of their containers and the safety of its contents.  Potential caching containers come in all shapes and sizes but they are not created equal.   By Jimmy C & Murphy from the SurvivalCache.com… Read More

Zombies are everywhere.  It seems like they are at every turn these days.  I saw one in Wal-Mart just this morning.  They can often be seen in the fresh meat section for the obvious reasons of attraction.  If you look close enough as you go about your business, you will see them too. By Dr… Read More

In the never ending argument among internet experts on pro’s and con’s of the AK-47 vs the AR-15, we give you an alternative to that argument.  The Battle Rifle, when you care enough to send the very best down range. By Scott, a contributing author of SurvivalCache.com The Battle Rifle The MK214 Battle Rifle was… Read More

In the event that you and your family have to leave your primary domicile on short notice, we continue to look for the ideal bug out shelter.  The issue that we keep finding is that there are a limited amount of high quality/light weight large tents.  We recently found one that by Mountain Safety Research… Read More

With known electrical grid issues and the possibility of being in a remote area without electricity, the sun seems to be logical solution when the outlet is no longer available.  Although we never like to rely on survival gear that requires electricity, it often times can prove to be very useful. By Josh, a contributing… Read More

I do a lot of hiking in the back-country of Colorado and come across a lot of small streams and lakes.  I always thought it would be great to have a small, lightweight rod and reel to fish for trout while I’m exploring.  My wait is over. By Murphy, a contributing author of SurvivalCache.com Forge Survival… Read More

Eye protection. It‘s essential. There is no getting around it, if you find yourself working with firearms, power tools, heavy machinery, ATVs, etc. You know how important it is to have good eye pro.   By Josh, a contributing author of SurvivalCache.com Today, we take a good hard look at the grandfather of ballistic eye… Read More

Every once in a while I come across a product that down right surprises me.  It has been a while since that has happened but the wait is over.  I was recently introduced to a Lula Magazine Loader much to my delight.    By Mark & Jimmy C from the SurvivalCache.com Team A few months… Read More

There is nothing else like it on the market today.  The look, design, feel, and features make the Kel-Tec KSG one unique firearm.  One can maybe debate its principal utility, but not the functional alternatives it offers.   By Dr. John J. Woods, a contributing author to SurvivalCache.com The KSG’s Specifications Profile The KSG is… Read More

Admittedly I watch a lot of outdoor television programming.  For Christmas this past year my wife got me the upgraded programming on cable so I could receive outdoors television basically 24/7/365.   By Dr. John J. Woods, a contributing author to SurvivalCache.com I enjoy watching the different location venues, and the behaviors of the big… Read More

During my time in the Army, I served in both the infantry and Special Forces and had to hump (carry) all of my gear over some hellacious long distances and across various rugged environments with extremes in temperatures.    By Bama Bull, a reader of SurvivalCache.com One of the things I learned is that your… Read More

Admittedly seeing thermal images in the stark of night is cool.  Even in a limited product test mode, my mind was going wild conjuring up the multiple uses for such a tool.  I was given the opportunity for a month to check out the FLIR Scout PS series handheld thermal imaging unit.  By Dr. John… Read More

In the world of survival prepping there is no substitute for having quality optics on hand.  I have found that out the hard way a number of times, but never again.  So many quality optics are on the shelves these days that no self-respecting prepper should be without a good set.  By Dr. John J… Read More

I am not by nature a “knife” guy.  I often have several on me but they are tools that I use as needed.  My likes and dislikes are simple and rarely do I go outside of my comfort zone.   By Captain Bart, contributing author SurvivalCache.com My survival knife fixed blade of choice is my… Read More

By definition the parang knife or more aptly described machete is by origin of Malay design.  Malaysia of course is dense with thick jungle terrain which by necessity demanded the creation of a handheld cutting implement for indigents to literally slice their way through the maze of tropical growth. By Dr. John J. Woods, a… Read More

On a cold spring day in Zion National Park, we woke during our practice bug out exercise with the need for some ‘hot’ food.  As the water was being boiled over the open fire and the hot chocolate found; Richmoor’s Hash Brown O’Brien was also grabbed. By the SurvivalCache.com team Instructions were easy, boil water. … Read More

How long have you been looking for a portable water filtration system, but have not been able to justify the expense and weight of a full size filter for your Go-Bag?   We found a solution, the Aquamira Frontier Pro Water Filter.   By Josh (The Survival Kid), a contributing author of SurvivalCache.com Specs Compact Size… Read More

For as long as I can remember reading survivalist dogma well over fifty years for this author, one the central themes has always been how best to arm the fort for the onslaught of bad guys and the unprepared looking to steal your food and loot.  Today they are called Zombies. Whatever! By Dr. John… Read More

As a daily knife user and avid shooter, I’ve been looking for a product that would clean, lubricate, and protect my tools, with a special interest in my EDC knives.  My EDC knife faces a lot of dirt, grime, dust, and lint. By Mr. Smashy, a contributing author of SurvivalCache.com Both my wife’s and my… Read More

Many preppers will be seriously considering an evacuation to a secondary home, Bug Out Location, or other hideout in the event of a SHTF scenario.  One assumes then some kind of transportation vehicle along with weapons has to be in the mix. By Dr. John J. Woods, a contributing author to SurvivalCache.com WITHIN REACH HANDGUN… Read More

The Spyderco Sage 2 is the second knife in Spyderco’s Sage series of knives, which pay tribute to different knife makers who have brought a revolutionary features to knife locking design.  The design of each Sage knife centers around a knife maker and the design feature they are known for. By Mr. Smashy, a SurvivalCache.com… Read More

When we started researching emergency food more than two years ago we found that most foods out there fit into 4 categories.  Freeze Dried, MREs, Long Term Staples (rice, beans, flour, etc) and Food Bars.  In the Food Bar category we found one that stood out. By the SurvivalCache.com Team The Mainstay line of emergency… Read More

How long have you been trying to find that “perfect” catch all EDC (Everyday Carry) bag?  Your search is over.  We take an in depth look at what may be the ultimate Tier Two bag from Maxpedition, the Fatboy Versipak. By Josh, a contributing author of SurvivalCache.com Specs From the Manufacturer: The Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack… Read More

One of the purpose built survival weapons that I always found interesting was the M6 Scout made by Springfield Armory.  Based on the design for the pilots of the USAF, the Springfield Armory M6 Scout has only a few changes from the original M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon. By the SurvivalCache.com Team The commercially available model… Read More

I think I like flashlights almost as much as knives (almost is the key word).  I am very particular about flashlights that I purchase and have always wanted a very bright light, like a Surefire or any other tactical light.    By B. Lynch, a reader of SurvivalCache.com However, I have never purchased any of… Read More

The Original SOL Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy from Adventure Medical Kits was something we had to try for ourselves.  We liked the weight and the cost but could it replace the emergency space blanket that people keep in their cars?  The answer, Yes. By the SurvivalCache.com Team SOL from Adventure Medical Kits stands for “Survive Outdoors… Read More

The Surefire G2X Pro is a polymer-bodied (Nitrolon) version of the 6PX Pro.  It is the replacement for the G2 LED, now discontinued, and heir apparent to the standard G2.  We put it through the paces at SurvivalCache to see if it lived up to the SureFire name. By Mr. Smashy, a contributing author to… Read More

When I first saw this water filter by MSR it really caught my eye.  At just 7.4 oz and a filtration rate of 3 liters per minute, this filter was perfect for ultra-lite backpacking or an emergency bug out situation.  Made in the USA and coming from a reputable company like Mountain Safety Research, this… Read More

Whether you bug in or bug out, lighting resources are an essential gear item.  If I ever go to the poor house it will be because I have spent too much on knives, guns, and lights.  I have a bunch of these items, some good, some bad, and some outright worthless. By Dr. John J… Read More

In any type of disaster situation, there is a chance that you will be forced to bug out.  If you end up bugging out, you will want to take as much food and supplies as your car or truck will carry.  An option for improving your carrying capacity is the Rooftop Cargo Box.  Overview: These… Read More

In this review I compared two knives made by the same company.  I recently bought the new Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife which is made by Gerber and compared it to the Gerber ASEK LMF II Survival Knife, which I have had for a couple of years now. By B. Lynch, a reader of SurvivalCache.com For… Read More

From time to time we get an update to an original article here at SurvivalCache that we want to share with our readers.  “30 Uses for a Bandanna” has been a very popular post and one of our readers has written a great update. The Shemagh When I deployed to the Middle East, I found… Read More

Very few things get me as excited when it comes to survival gear, as a piece of good quality kit that allows me to easily use something for multiple applications.  I’ve been looking for a good modular holster system for quite awhile, now my search is over. By Scott of SurvivalCache.com When I work, I… Read More

In the Mid 1990’s, Mel Parry, a Warrant Officer QGM, and a veteran of the well known 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (British SAS) saw the requirement for a new generation of of professional blades that could replace the legacy of survival tools that had been standard equipment for decades. (From the Manufacturer) Mel Parry… Read More

The survivalists’ old standby for hunting small game has always been a small .22 rifle or pistol. While definitely no replacement for a good rifle, the pellet gun offers several advantages in a survival situation, here are a few to think about. Why a Pellet Gun? By Josh (The Survival Kid) and Captain Bart 1… Read More

At SurvivalCache we are always looking for the latest Survival Gear to review and possibly add to our Bug Out Bag, EDC, Emergency Home Kit, or Emergency Car Kit.  We recently came across the SureFire LX2 Flashlight and let’s just say that we were impressed.   Article by SurvivalCache contributing author:  Josh Specs From the… Read More