Preserving meat without refrigeration can be challenging, but it is possible. Here are some of the best ways to preserve meat without refrigeration.

1. Curing: Curing is a traditional method of preserving meat that involves rubbing salt and other seasonings onto the meat and allowing it to dry. This process removes moisture from the meat, making it less susceptible to spoilage. Sugar, nitrates, and nitrites may also be used in the curing process to preserve the meat and add flavor.
2. Smoking: Smoking is another traditional method of preserving meat that involves hanging the meat in a smokehouse and exposing it to smoke from burning wood or other materials. The smoke helps to flavor the meat and preserve it by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
3. Drying: Drying is a method of preserving meat that involves hanging the meat in a dry, cool place and allowing it to air dry. The drying process removes moisture from the meat, making it less susceptible to spoilage. Jerky is a popular type of dried meat that is often made from beef, but can also be made from other types of meat.
4. Salting: Salting is a method of preserving meat that involves rubbing salt onto the meat and allowing it to dry. The salt helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause the meat to spoil.
5. Fermenting: Fermenting is a method of preserving meat that involves allowing the meat to sit in a brine solution for several days. The brine solution contains salt, water, and other seasonings, as well as lactic acid bacteria, which help to preserve the meat by producing lactic acid, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.
6. Caning: Canning is a modern method of preserving meat that involves cooking the meat and then sealing it in a jar or can. The heat from the cooking process kills any bacteria in the meat, and the sealed jar prevents new bacteria from getting in, allowing the meat to be stored for long periods without refrigeration.

In conclusion, preserving meat without refrigeration can be challenging, but there are several traditional and modern methods that can be used. By using one or more of these methods, you can enjoy meat that is safe to eat and delicious, even when refrigeration is not available

A solar oven is a device that harnesses the power of the sun to cook food. It is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to prepare food, especially in areas where there is no access to electricity or gas. Making a DIY solar oven is a simple project that can be completed in just a few hours. Here’s how to make a DIY solar oven.

Materials Required:

• A cardboard box
• Aluminum foil
• Black paint or marker
• Glue
• Clear plastic sheet
• Styrofoam sheet
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pencil

Step 1: Choose the Right Box The first step in making a solar oven is to choose the right box. The box should be large enough to hold a cooking pot or dish. It should also be sturdy enough to withstand the heat of the sun. A pizza box is an excellent choice for a small solar oven, while a larger box such as a shipping box is ideal for a larger oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Box Using a ruler and pencil, draw a square on the top of the box, leaving at least an inch of space on all sides. Cut along the lines with scissors to create a square opening. This will be the lid of the solar oven.

Step 3: Insulate the Box To insulate the box, line the inside with a sheet of Styrofoam. This will help to keep the heat inside the oven. Use glue to attach the Styrofoam to the inside of the box.

Step 4: Line the Box with Foil Using aluminum foil, line the bottom and sides of the box. The shiny side should face inward to reflect the heat. Use glue to attach the foil to the box.

Step 5: Paint or Marker the Inner Lid To absorb heat, paint or color the inside of the lid with black paint or marker. This will help to absorb the heat and transfer it to the food. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Step 6: Add Clear Plastic Sheet Cut a sheet of clear plastic slightly larger than the lid opening. Use glue to attach it to the underside of the lid, so it covers the opening. This will allow sunlight to enter the oven.

Step 7: Test the Oven To test the oven, place a pot of food inside and place the lid on top. Place the oven in direct sunlight, making sure the plastic sheet faces the sun. Check the food after an hour or so, and if it’s not cooked, leave it in for a little longer.

In conclusion, making a DIY solar oven is an easy and cost-effective way to cook food. By following these steps, you can make a solar oven that is perfect for camping, picnics, or even cooking at home. A solar oven can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint, all while enjoying a delicious meal prepared with the power of the sun.

here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you get the best results. Here’s how to use a solar oven.

1. Choose the Right Day Solar ovens work best on clear, sunny days. Choose a day with plenty of sunshine and minimal cloud cover.
2. Position the Oven Place the solar oven in a location that gets full sun exposure. Make sure it is positioned so that the reflectors and lid are facing the sun.
3. Preheat the Oven It’s important to preheat your solar oven before adding food. This helps to ensure that the oven is at the right temperature to cook the food. Preheat the oven for 15-20 minutes before adding food.
4. Prepare the Food Food should be prepared and placed in a dark, shallow pot or dish. Dark colors absorb more heat and transfer it to the food. Cover the pot with a lid or foil to help retain heat.
5. Place the Food in the Oven Carefully place the pot or dish in the center of the solar oven. Make sure it is balanced and won’t tip over.
6. Monitor the Temperature Solar ovens can reach temperatures of up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to monitor the temperature of the oven to ensure that it is cooking the food properly. A cooking thermometer can be used to check the temperature of the food.
7. Adjust the Oven If the temperature of the oven is too low, adjust the position of the oven to get more direct sunlight. If the temperature is too high, adjust the position of the oven or open the lid slightly to release some of the heat.
8. Cook the Food Cooking times will vary depending on the type of food and the temperature of the oven. It may take longer to cook food in a solar oven than in a conventional oven, so be patient and allow extra time.
9. Remove the Food Carefully remove the pot or dish from the oven using oven mitts or pot holders. Be careful not to spill the hot food.

In conclusion, using a solar oven is a simple process that requires a bit of patience and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal prepared with the power of the sun. Solar ovens are a great way to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the benefits of cooking with renewable energy

Homesteading can be a fulfilling and self-sufficient lifestyle, but it also requires a certain level of security. When living off the grid, it’s important to be prepared for potential threats, including bandits or intruders. In this three-part article series, we will explore some practical steps you can take to make your homestead more secure from bandits when there is no electricity. Let us discuss the importance of developing a security plan.

Part 1: Develop a Security Plan

Developing a security plan is essential for ensuring the safety of your family and your homestead. Here are some steps you can take to create a security plan that works for your homestead:

1. Assess Potential Threats: The first step in creating a security plan is to assess potential threats. This could include wildlife, natural disasters, and human threats such as bandits or intruders. Consider the likelihood of each threat and the potential impact it could have on your homestead.
2. Identify Vulnerabilities: Once you have assessed potential threats, identify any vulnerabilities on your homestead that could make it easier for bandits to gain access. This could include weak points in your perimeter fence, unsecured windows or doors, or valuable items that are easily visible.
3. Develop Security Measures: Based on your assessment of potential threats and vulnerabilities, develop a plan to increase security on your homestead. This could include installing a perimeter fence, reinforcing doors and windows, installing security cameras or motion sensors, and developing a plan for responding to emergencies.
4. Implement the Plan: Once you have developed a security plan, it’s important to implement it. This could involve making physical improvements to your homestead, such as installing security measures or reinforcing doors and windows. It could also involve developing procedures for responding to emergencies, such as creating a safe room or establishing a communication plan.
5. Train Your Family: Finally, it’s important to train your family on the security plan and make sure they understand their roles in keeping the homestead secure. This could involve practicing emergency drills, discussing safety procedures, and establishing a system for communication and alerting authorities if necessary.

By developing a security plan and implementing it, you can help to ensure the safety of your family and your homestead..

Here are some practical steps you can take to improve the physical security of your homestead.

1. Install Perimeter Fencing: Installing perimeter fencing is a crucial step in securing your homestead from bandits. The fence should be at least six feet high and made of sturdy materials such as wood or metal. You can also install motion sensors or alarms along the perimeter fence to alert you to any intruders.
2. Reinforce Doors and Windows: Reinforcing doors and windows is another important step in improving the physical security of your homestead. Install deadbolts on all exterior doors and use reinforced glass on windows. You can also install security bars or grills on windows to prevent intruders from gaining access.
3. Install Security Cameras: Installing security cameras can help you monitor your homestead and deter potential intruders. Place cameras at strategic locations such as the perimeter fence, entrances, and around valuable items. Make sure to choose cameras with night vision capabilities and a backup power source in case of electricity outages.
4. Use Landscaping to Your Advantage: Landscaping can also play a role in improving the physical security of your homestead. Plant thorny bushes or cacti around the perimeter fence to make it more difficult for intruders to gain access. You can also use landscaping to create natural barriers that make it more difficult for intruders to approach your homestead.
5. Store Valuable Items Securely: Finally, make sure to store valuable items such as firearms, tools, and equipment securely. Use locked storage cabinets or safes to prevent unauthorized access. You can also use decoy storage containers to mislead intruders into thinking they have found valuable items.

By taking these steps to improve the physical security of your homestead, you can make it more difficult for bandits to gain access and increase the safety of your family and property. In part three of this series, we will discuss some additional measures you can take to improve your homestead’s security without relying on electricity.

1. Establish a Neighborhood Watch: Establishing a neighborhood watch can be a powerful way to increase security on your homestead. Work with your neighbors to establish a system for monitoring and reporting suspicious activity. You can also work together to patrol the area and keep an eye out for any potential threats.
2. Use Guard Dogs: Guard dogs can be an effective way to deter intruders and provide an early warning system. Choose breeds that are known for their protective instincts, such as German Shepherds or Rottweilers. Train the dogs to respond to potential threats and to alert you if they detect any intruders.
3. Create a Safe Room: Creating a safe room can provide a secure location for you and your family in case of an emergency. Choose a room with no windows and reinforce the walls, door, and ceiling with sturdy materials. Stock the room with emergency supplies such as food, water, and first aid supplies.
4. Use Non-Electric Alarms: Non-electric alarms such as air horns or whistles can provide an effective way to alert you to potential threats. Keep these alarms in strategic locations such as near entrances or in your safe room. Make sure to practice using the alarms with your family so that everyone knows how to use them.
5. Develop an Emergency Plan: Finally, it’s important to develop an emergency plan in case of a security threat. This should include procedures for contacting authorities, evacuating the area, and communicating with family members. Make sure everyone in your family knows the plan and practices it regularly.

By taking these additional security measures that do not rely on electricity, you can increase the safety and security of your homestead. Remember that security is an ongoing process, and it’s important to stay vigilant and adapt to changing circumstances. By developing a security plan, improving physical security, and taking additional security measures, you can help ensure the safety of your family and your homestead.

When venturing into the wilderness, having the knowledge and skills to hunt and trap for food can mean the difference between surviving and struggling. Learning how to trap and hunt for food in the wilderness is an essential skill for any prepper, survivalist, or outdoor enthusiast. In this article, we will explore different types of traps and hunting methods that can be used in the wilderness to acquire food.

Trapping

Trapping is a common and effective method of acquiring food in the wilderness. There are many different types of traps, but they all work on the same principle: to catch animals by luring them into a trap where they become stuck or caught. Here are some common types of traps:

1. Deadfall trap: This is a simple trap that uses a heavy rock or log to kill the animal. A trigger stick is placed under the rock or log, which is held up by a prop stick. When the animal disturbs the trigger stick, the prop stick is dislodged, causing the rock or log to fall on the animal.
2. Snare trap: This is a trap that uses a wire or cord to catch an animal. The snare is set up in a location where the animal is likely to pass by, such as a game trail. The wire or cord is looped around the animal’s neck or leg, and as the animal moves, the snare tightens, holding the animal in place.
3. Conibear trap: This trap is a type of body-gripping trap that uses a powerful spring to kill the animal quickly. The animal is lured into the trap by bait, and when it touches the trigger, the trap springs shut, killing the animal instantly.
4. Box trap: This is a humane trap that uses a box or cage to capture the animal alive. The animal is lured into the trap by bait, and once inside, the door is triggered shut, trapping the animal inside.

Hunting

Hunting is another effective way to acquire food in the wilderness. However, hunting requires more skill and experience than trapping. Here are some common hunting methods:

1. Bow hunting: This is a traditional hunting method that uses a bow and arrow to kill the animal. Bow hunting requires a lot of practice and skill to master, as the hunter needs to be able to accurately shoot the arrow at the animal.
2. Rifle hunting: This is a more modern hunting method that uses a rifle to kill the animal. Rifle hunting requires less skill than bow hunting, but it still requires practice and knowledge of the animal’s behavior.
3. Spear hunting: This is a primitive hunting method that uses a spear to kill the animal. Spear hunting requires a lot of skill and experience, as the hunter needs to be able to get close enough to the animal to make a successful kill.
4. Trapping and snaring: As mentioned earlier, trapping and snaring can also be considered a type of hunting, as the hunter is still actively pursuing the animal. Trapping and snaring can be a more passive hunting method, as the traps are set up and the hunter waits for the animal to become caught.

Safety Considerations

When hunting and trapping for food in the wilderness, safety should always be a top priority. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind:

1. Always follow local hunting and trapping regulations and laws.
2. Be sure to properly identify the animal before shooting or trapping it. Mistakenly killing or trapping the wrong animal can have serious consequences.
3. Wear appropriate safety gear, such as a hunting vest, gloves, and eye and ear protection.
4. Know your limits and don’t take risks. Hunting and trapping in the wilderness can be dangerous, so it’s important to know your limitations and not take unnecessary risks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing how to trap and hunt for food in the wilderness is an essential skill for anyone who spends time in the great outdoors. Trapping and hunting provide a reliable source of food in emergency situations, but it requires knowledge, experience, and skill. It’s important to remember that safety should always be a top priority when hunting and trapping, so make sure to follow local regulations and laws, properly identify the animals, and wear appropriate safety gear. With practice and patience, anyone can learn how to successfully trap and hunt for food in the wilderness.

When i was in the army, I got a chance to train with the Recce troops.one of the more unusual items they carried was a small glow-in-the-dark tablet i don’t mean an electronic tablet, I mean a piece of plastic covered in a compound that glows in the dark . usually around 8cm X 10 cm they are held behind a map so that the map can be read in almost complete darkness or put under a page in a note book so that you can write in the dark  all the while maintaining near perfect light discipline.making quick maps, noting force numbers . referencing maps  or signal schedules, frequencies and codesI made one of these the other day … with some glow in the dark tape and a piece of left over steel sheet. for about 1$ a simple piece of gear that anyone can use for discrete note making. especially in a world of electronic tracking and coms devices. manual is king 

Hwacha, also known as “fire cart,” is a Korean weapon that dates back to the 16th century. It is a type of rocket artillery that was used during the Imjin War between Korea and Japan. The weapon was capable of firing a barrage of arrows and rockets simultaneously, making it a deadly force on the battlefield.

The hwacha consists of a two-wheeled cart that holds a series of vertical wooden frames. Each frame can hold up to 100 arrows or rockets. The frames are set in a way that they can rotate to aim at the target. The arrows or rockets are launched through a series of gunpowder charges that ignite in sequence, creating a shower of projectiles.

The hwacha was a formidable weapon, but its design was not without flaws. The wooden frames were prone to catching fire, and the accuracy of the weapon was limited due to the inability to adjust the angle of the frames quickly. Nevertheless, it was a powerful weapon that could devastate an enemy’s ranks with ease.

In recent years, the hwacha has gained popularity as a historical curiosity, and its effectiveness has been tested by various groups, including the MythBusters TV series. In one episode, the team set up a hwacha with modern materials and tested its accuracy and power.

The MythBusters team built the hwacha using steel tubing instead of wood, and they used modern rocket motors instead of gunpowder charges. They also replaced the traditional wooden arrows with foam darts. The team set up a series of targets and fired the hwacha at them to test its accuracy and power.

The results of the test were impressive. The hwacha was able to fire a barrage of darts at the targets, hitting them with incredible force. The team noted that the accuracy of the hwacha was not perfect, but it was good enough to cause significant damage to an enemy’s ranks.

The MythBusters team concluded that the hwacha was a formidable weapon that was ahead of its time. Despite its flaws, it was a deadly weapon that could cause significant damage on the battlefield. The team noted that the hwacha’s design was ingenious, and it was a testament to the ingenuity of the Korean people.

In conclusion, the hwacha was a remarkable weapon that was used during the Imjin War between Korea and Japan. It was a rocket artillery that could launch a barrage of arrows and rockets simultaneously, making it a deadly force on the battlefield. Although its accuracy was limited, it was a powerful weapon that could devastate an enemy’s ranks with ease. The MythBusters TV series tested the hwacha’s effectiveness, and the results were impressive. The team concluded that the hwacha was a formidable weapon that was ahead of its time and a testament to the ingenuity of the Korean people.

So why not add a long term shelter to you plans? I picked one up for $350 on a fluke 50% off special at the local camping store, they usually go for $700.

I bought myself a 1995 Jeep XJ

gonna be building my off-roader on that platform.

details and photo’s to follow !!!

here is my new toy, out on the beach for her maiden voyage ; )

I have long contemplated using a boat as a bug out transport vehicle , as i now live near the ocean, this is a real option.

this should really read, “using a boat as a bug out location for the short term”

Boats have some obvious advantages:

• They can generally hold quite a bit of gear, large boats can carry very heavy loads
• They may move slowly but they have no need to go off road,
• water covers a large amount of the earth and often contains a large amount of wild life that can be harvested,
• They can be powered by the wind
• They don’t require much technology, but can be enhanced with it
• Repairs to small craft are not difficult,
• They can be very quiet,
• They have good ranges,
• can use steam engines, Stirling engines, and low grade fuels.
• navigation by sun and stars is well established and can be revived.

and some disadvantages:

• Affected by weather,
• Slow, when wind powered,
• Obvious at a range,
• Can be expensive to buy and maintain,
• Relatively easy targets for Pirates
• Limited to coastal areas,
• a home port, with resupply is still required,
• not all vessels are created equal – size and crew have a big baring on range,

UPDATE : Please note this only works on a 2G network – which means it wont be able to work for long anymore

the Dual Flashlight, FM, Dual Sim, Power Bank, TV, Mobile Phone everyone should have in there bug out Gear,

I don’t really often do gear reviews but this one stands out for me as an epic buy for your bug out bag, get home bag, or earth quake pack ,

Firstly it replaces 5 main items in your bag.

Its a torch — with a pretty long battery life,

an FM radio, we should always have one of those in a disaster ,, and having this in one package makes it lighter and takes up less space. i dont think you should completely remove a spare from the pack but its way better then using a cell phone and has a separate button for turning it on and off,, way awesome

its water resistant and impact resistant, and that equals heavy.. not a bad thing.

,It has a removable  battery , so a spare can be carried, epic…
Continue reading DBEIF D2016 Survival Mobile Phone →

Do you have 5 bug out bags and keeps of bug out vehicles?

Ever wonder why you felt the need to do this?

I found one reason the other day …
the training manual for Nuclear survival from FEMA suggests that you should have them.

The main reason would be that, in case of nuclear war, you would need to move out of the cities to build a fall out shelter to survive, as Rural areas were less lightly to be bombed.

This seams to drive a lot of the arm chair warriors theory behind bug out.

Continue reading Are You Obsessed with Bug Out? →