Sleeping Pads...Not Just a Luxury...

I've heard many stories of Prisoners Of War that are made to sleep on a stone floor for years...and upon release they come home...and prefer the hard floor by their bed rather than sleeping on a cushy mattress!

Few people in the US can really identify with this preference for the hard ground.  We love our high tech cushy mattresses!  A night on a hard and unforgiving floor would leave most of us sore and unrested.  Perhaps you have been there before...tossing and turning...lying on the cold earth...with a rock jutting up into your side!  With no amount of repositioning that could ever find that level of comfort that you are familiar with!

If you have experienced what I just described...it was probably on a camping trip.  It is experiences such as those that have put sleeping on "Hard Ground" at the top of many people's complaints about going camping.  It is because of this that the market for camping sleeping pads has been so successful.  People don't want to feel like they are roughing it when they don't have to be.

But you know...sleeping pads are not just a luxury.  A sleeping pad could save your life!  That is because they help prevent the loss of warmth through conduction with the earth.  Temperature is transfered when there is a difference in temperature between the two objects...based upon the total surface area of the two objects in contact...and on the efficiency of the insulation that is between the two objects.

If you were to lie down on a nice cool rock...like the man in the photo...your warm body would transfer it's heat into the rock.  You would become colder...as the rock became warmer.  If you are ever in a survival situation trying to stay warm through the night...contact with the cold earth could sap all of your warmth away...even if you do have on nice warm clothing.  And it doesn't need to be a blizzard outside to make you cold enough to die!  Hypothermia can strike at moderate temperatures around 60 degrees, if inadequate clothing, dampness, high winds or prolonged exposure overcomes the body's ability to conserve heat.  A sleeping pad can effectively separate you from the earth...helping to keep your warmth where you need it...with you!

Sleeping pads have come a long way over the years.  It's not just that blue foam thing that everyone used to have.  Nowadays there are a myriad of options to choose from.

As you are looking at the options...here are some questions you ought to ask yourself...

"Is this pad going to be used for car camping...or backpacking?"

With "car camping" pads only having to be carried from your car to your campsite...it is no big deal if they are heavy and bulky.  A good ole' fashioned big blow up mattress like a coleman weighs somewhere around 10lbs...but who cares!...you will be sleeping on something in the ballpark to what you have at home.  Make sure if you go with one of those big inflatable mattresses...that you arrange to have a pump of some kind!  Blowing up an entire mattress with just your lungs is exhausting.

If you are backpacking...and need to watch every ounce that you carry...and need to conserve room...then you can go for the other extreme like this one from Thermarest that is the latest in light comfort.  The regular size only weighs 14 ounces!!!!...and it rolls down to the size of a water bottle.  The downsides are that it is expensive...and thin enough that you would need to watch what you rested it on to avoid puncturing it.

"Is this pad going to be used in rugged conditions where it needs to be built tough?"

Is it your intent to lie this pad directly on rock?  In the quest to make lighter and lighter weighted pads...many sacrifice durability.  Does the pad have a patch kit if it has a hole?

"How cold of conditions do I want it to be good for?"

Sleeping pads have different ratings for how well they insulate you against the ground.  Some will use the terminology "Summer" or "Winter" pads...while others give a temperature rating for how cold you can use the pad and expect to stay warm...or they use something called an "R-value".  Here...Big Agnes offers their summer version of a pad...and an insulated model for colder weather.

Mummy...or square...long...or regular...automatic blow up?...   

Make sure that the pad you purchase is big enough for your body and fits the shape of your sleeping bag!  Do you want to blow it up...or have that done automatically?  There are other bells and whistles that you may have to weigh the value of.

"What is my budget for a pad?"

If your budget is limited...like many of ours are nowadays...you could look on craigslist and find pads from time to time that might suit your purposes.  Or you could do like my family did...and instead of spending a wad of money on one or two pads...we spent the same amount getting pads for the whole family by purchasing these Alps Mountaineering pads from Sierra Trading Post.  They are heavier than some of the other backpacking pads...but hey...at least we ALL have pads!  They have great reviews...are durable...are self-inflating...and a great value.  These pads are our emergency evacuation pads...that will also be taken out for Boyscout campouts and the like.  Other than that...our family will continue to enjoy our $30-ish Coleman mattress!!

I just threw out some common names in the world of sleeping pads and mattresses...there are plenty of others out there that could do well for you.  I recommend going to a site like Amazon...and reading others reviews of the products to learn of their strengths and weaknesses before purchasing.  There are also all kinds of backpacking sites that review gear and can give you their two cents.

So...get together pads for your family...for both recreation...and emergencies!

Sawyer Water Filter Group Order...

OK...now I am really ready to start the ball rolling with the group order for Sawyer Water filters!!!

If you don't know what I am talking about...read this article here.

Thanks to a reader named O'Hara for sharing his ideas that shaped how this is moving forward.

So here is the bottom line...

IF YOU WANT THE WATER BOTTLE - (I recommend this one for emergency packs...as you just scoop water and drink.)

Buy the (SP135) 34oz sport bottle filter with the .02 micron filter…from Wal-mart online.  I'm sure it is the best price you will find at around $64 after taxes.  Other places are selling it for $110!!  That price is even lower than the dealer price.  Have it shipped for free to your nearest Wal-mart.  (The SP135 is ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE.  On the shelves at Wal-mart they sell the bottle with the .1 filter.)

IF YOU WANT A BUCKET FILTER - (I recommend this one if you plan on filtering gallons of water...not just 34oz at a time.  For use at your home...or "base camp".)

1.     Purchase the .02 bucket filter (sp190) through me for $100…which is $40 less than what you would buy it from REI (after taxes).

CLEVER OPTIONS THAT COULD SAVE MONEY OR JUST REALLY CONFUSE YOU

Option A – This will give you the bucket hook-up kit from the lower priced .1 bucket kit (sp180/sp181 doesn’t take out viruses) so that you can use it with your .02 filter out of the water bottle from Wal-mart…or just use it as a .1 filter.  The filters work interchangeably.

1.     Buy the SP135 .02 water bottle from Wal-mart.

2.      Purchase the .1 bucket filter kit through me for $50.

3.      The total would be around $114.  So for $14 more than option A…you can have ONE MORE FILTER WITH A WATER BOTTLE!!

Option B – For do-it-yourselfers.  Save money by making your own bucket attachment kit to be used with your sport bottle from Walmart.  (The filter in the bottle is the same a the one for the bucket kit)

1.     Buy the SP135 .02 water bottle from Wal-mart.

2.     Described in the comments is some info on the parts available at most hardware stores…that you would need to construct the bucket attachment kit yourself.  I have not done it myself yet…but don’t see why it wouldn’t work.  You will also need to track down a syringe of some sort to back flush the filter.  You might be able to find one for a buck at the dollar store.   If you need a 13/18th's spade bit...it will probably cost and additional $4.00 or less.  The total should be around $70-$75.  

ORDERING

My arrangement with Sawyer is that shipping is free...as long as we order in groups of at least 13 orders.  People are paying me...and then I am paying Sawyer at one time through a credit account they set up for my orders.  Ideally, I would like for people to pay in cash...money order...or cashiers check.  Personal checks are OK.  If you would like for me to write a receipt that I collected money from you...I'd be happy to do that.  Send the funds...a description of what you are ordering...and your contact info...to Stephen Nix 110 Foxridge Drive Folsom CA 95630.

If you are local...when they arrive...I will contact you for you to pickup...or for us to make arrangements of how it can get to you.

If you live in another state or far away enough that you wouldn't want to drive to my home...if you can get together an order of 13 orders...shipping will be free.  If not...you will get the same item prices...you will just have to pay an additional shipping fee.  It would come to one location...then you would divvy it up to those whom purchased through you.

If you have any questions...please consider asking them in the comments section...so that other people who have the same questions can profit from the info.  Let me know that you are purchasing...or what you intend to get together...so I know what to expect...by emailing me at wfgsnix@yahoo.com.  We can also discuss special circumstances if there are any.

Also...if there is anything else on the Sawyer site that you want to purchase...let me know...and we can get a deal on other stuff too.  Sawyer was eager to let us know that they offer other great products too!  They provide REI with mosquito repellent...first aid kits...etc...that sometimes bear the REI brand...though they are made by Sawyer.

I'd encourage you to let people know about this.  I might even make up a flyer to distribute if there is a need.

Thanks!

2 is 1...1 is none...

"Why do you need another gun...we already have so many?!"

"Why are you buying firesteels...when we already have matches in storage?"

"Why do we need another water filter...when we already have one?"

"Do you really need to go to a class on winter survival?!...I thought you knew that!"

"Don't you already have a bunch of knives??!!"

...said the spouse to his/her intensely preparedness minded spouse who always seems to be buying preparedness gear and investing time into learning!

Why does it seem that an insatiable desire to collect preparedness gear and gadgets could never be assuaged?!  Why do you need doubles of certain items?!!  Why can't you just read "Twilight" like regular people instead of reading "Survival Skills of Native America"!??

To the person who believes as I do...that the US is soon likely to be thrust into a primitive and dangerous way of life overnight...it is hard to say if we ever have enough knowledge and "stuff" to be prepared.  To those that don't believe that the danger is real...I understand how it could come off a bit nutty.

In the world of preparedness...the saying goes..."2 is 1...and 1 is none". Meaning that if you are placing your preparedness planning eggs all in one basket...you may reap severe disappointment if something goes awry.  This means that one needs to have at least a plan "B"...or even a "C"..."D" and so on.

A person who is working to be completely prepared will ask..."Well...what if..."

What if...I plan on using a bic lighter to start my fires...and it get's cracked or runs out of fuel?  Then I will use some matches in an airtight container.  What if the matches run out or get wet...then I will use a firesteel.  What if that get's lost or stolen...then I could try my hand at making a bow drill.

If you jumped from a plane...and your life depended on your parachute opening.  Would you feel a bit better if you had a back-up parachute in case the one you wore failed?

Having extras of certain preparedness items is a good idea...

1.  For bartering with people who may need that item.
2.  To have ready for ill prepared family or friends.
3.  In case your item wears out...get's broken...stolen etc...
4.  To have the needed item in different places.  Like one at work...one at home...one hidden in a bucket out in the mountains!!  etc...
5.  To have various tools that work better for different applications.  Long knives for splitting wood...small knives for whittling...etc.

Stuff is important...and knowledge is even more so.  So get both together...before you REALLY need them.

The Search for Sock...

Not all socks are created equally.  Some are like the yugo of the sock world...while others are like the cadillac.  The problem is...that often times you don't know which you have purchased until you get them home and try them out for a while!  They can all look so much alike!

It doesn't generally take long to find out the quality of the socks you have purchased...as some quickly get holy...or lose their elasticity...or  have a toe seam that rubs your feet the wrong way.  Perhaps you did well and got some that will last for years...and keep your feet nice and warm (if that is what you want) or they are nice and cushy.  Heavenly socks.

I think about the Pioneer children who sang as they walked...and walked...and walked...aaaand waaaaalked and how true that song is! Their little feet traveled some 1,300 miles...and many of them did it with no shoes on!! Their feet...as well as their adult companions...became blistered...bloody...sore...and frozen along the way. Can you imagine how things would have been different for the pioneers if they had access to our modern socks and shoes?!! What would they have been willing to give for such a luxury!

If you someday have to walk as they did...perhaps evacuating...or fleeing from city to city on foot...what do you want to have on your feet? The thin church socks you bought from the bargain bin...or some high tech thick hiking socks?

With as wimpy as most people's feet are in developed countries...chances are you would be better off getting the high tech hiking socks.  We have become like the princess and the pea when it comes to our feet.  The tiniest piece of anything in our shoes will irritate us to tears.  

Anyone who has hiked...or played a sport until their feet were raw...and then kept on going can empathize in some small way with what the pioneers went through. It is amazing how torturous walking with blistered and aching feet can be! Any podiatrist or chiropractor can also attest to how your entire well-being can be adversely affected by poor foot care.

It is because of this...that I think that of the places where one could stand to spend a bit more money when it comes to gear...is with foot gear.

In the past...I have been a real cheap-o when it comes to socks. All my socks came as a big bag that broke down to somewhere around a dollar a pair! A while back...I went ahead and bit the bullet and purchased some more expensive socks. Cabela's brand socks like these. For the price of what used to be a whole bag of socks...I got just one pair. Let me tell you...it is worth it. As I sit here typing...my feet are cozy warm. If I was wearing my cheap socks...my feet would be cold. These socks...and others like them will change how you view socks...if you have never tried them. They hug in all the right places...they are well made...and should last a long...long time. They also are made with merino wool...which isn't in the slightest big itchy. Awesome.

I am also a big fan of the Smartwool sock brand...which are quality...quality socks.

One of the best places to buy socks like these is at the Sierra Trading Post. You can get the socks as factory seconds...overstocks...and so on...for a fraction of their price elsewhere. The challenge is getting what you want in the size you want.

I recommend keeping extra socks in an emergency pack...at least two pair or more.  If a pair get dirty or wet...you can clean and dry them while you wear the clean pair.  They don't weigh a lot or take up a lot of room...and can really boost your morale if things get grim.  I have ours in a ziploc bag to keep them dry and to compact the air out to take up less space.  So put some good to great quality socks in your pack...you won't regret it!

Tentipi...

Ray Mears is a hero of mine. His genuine love of nature is infectious...his lifelong determination to master the skills of bushcraft are inspiring...and his gentle quality have endeared him to me. He has done a variety of videos that are available on DVD...where he travels the world practicing various bushcraft skills with indigenous peoples. I trust him. If he says something is good...then it is.

On one of his videos he had a camp set up with a "Tentipi" tent. A wood burning stove that was

set up inside the tent had a flu that went out the top...and was keeping the inside toasty warm. It looked dreamy. It peaked my interest...so I researched...and found Ray on some of Tentipis marketing materials as a supporter of their products...and I was won over as to why Tentipis are a superior tent.

Here are the features of the Tentipi that I feel make it a tent to consider...

1. If you are tall like me...you can actually stand up inside! Always crouching over in a tent can be a drag.

2. They are vented at the top...so you can actually have a fire inside the tent...or have a stove that sticks out the top that can also be a cooktop. No more warm front...and freezing cold back!

3. They don't require a whole bunch of poles that can be broken. Just one main pole up the middle. That could mean a reduction in weight...and less equipment to break.

4. The shape lends itself to shedding moisture...and cuts through the wind.

5. It is super easy to set up!

6. They are well known for how well made they are...and how they will last.

7. They come in a variety of sizes and materials to fit your needs.

Tentipi is based in Northern Sweden near the Arctic Circle. Those people know what inclement weather is...and have built these to withstand the worst. Arctic expeditions down to Summer camping can be accomplished with the tent.

Americans should recognize this tent design...as it was used by our indigenous people!!! There is a reason why this shape was...and will be used for generations...because it works!

Tentipi's are not sold in the US. Nordic Outdoor is the only supplier I know of that will ship to the US. They have information on their site to help you choose the right Tentipi tent. Here is the beautiful Tentipi catalog. And here is some info that compares Tentipi to other tent shapes to contrast strengths and weaknesses.

To find out what the price is of the tent you are looking at...you divide the price by 1.15. So this one would be $849.13. That may sound like a lot...but man...you will get what you paid for! A high...high quality tent...that should last a very long time.

Mosquito Netting...

I've noticed that the mosquitos are already out! Man...I hate...hate...hate mosquitos. I know hate is a strong word...but that feeling of remorse at having to kill most any of God's creatures is basically non-existent when it comes to them.

It's amazing how some mosquitos buzzing around your head and neck...can just absolutely ruin the fun of being outdoors. Picnics...campouts...gardening...turn into a slap-fest as the victim frantically tries to kill the virtually unseen enemy...before they are attacked. Any success is futile...as they...like a many headed hydra...keep reproducing and relentlessly returning.

The ultimate torture when it comes to mosquitos...is when you are trying to sleep outdoors and you have them buzzing into your ears!!! Good luck sleeping as an army of them suck your blood! I speak from experience. I once slept (apparently) in a mosquito breeding ground with only the clothes on my back and a sheet of plastic. I was eaten alive.

For some people...mosquitos don't seem to bother them much...while others are like a homing beacon of tastiness. Some attribute this to diet...others blood type...whatever the reason...it is wise to be prepared to defend yourself against their onslaughts.

So...they have chemical means of dissuading mosquitos from biting. A really popular ingredient is what is known as DEET. While DEET may be effective...there is a lot of evidence that it may be poor for the users health.

There are store bought natural alternatives...but I don't think any of them are as effective as I'd like for them to be. This also goes for the various plants that can be found in the wild that have repellent qualities.

An inexpensive...and reusable tool to have that could greatly increase the quality of your outdoor life is a simple head mosquito net. They weigh virtually nothing...can be squished down to an insignificant size...and taken care of should last a long time.

Some are made to be worn over your own hat...and some have a built in hat. Some also have rings that are designed to keep it off of your face. I kind of like the idea of having my own hat that I can just throw one over...instead of having the extra weight and bulk of a built in hat...in addition to my regular wearing hat.

These nets are also effective against other insects...like gnats and flies.

You could also consider getting a larger net to protect an area...as opposed to just your face and neck.

Let's not forget the Lord's warning found in the Doctrine and Covenants 29:18 regarding a sobering future event...

"Wherefore, I the Lord God will send forth ^aflies upon the face of the earth, which shall take hold of the inhabitants thereof, and shall eat their flesh, and shall cause maggots to come in upon them;"

And as we know that the Lord "sendeth the rain on the just and unjust."...we would do well to have a way to keep them off of our flesh...whether wicked or righteous!

Headlamps...

I went up into the attic today to check to see if our old shake roof was holding up to the heavy rains we have been receiving. This chore requires my getting onto a ladder and taking along a flashlight to look around. This time...instead of taking a handheld flashlight...I put on one of our headlamps.

While this may seem self evident to you...I was really struck by how much easier the task was when my hands were free to pull myself up without fumbling with a cumbersome flashlight. I also enjoyed just looking at what I wanted illuminated...and viola!...it was illuminated!

A short while back I experienced the same joyful epiphany while setting up a tent in the dark and having both hands free...as well as when I was playing doctor...taking out slivers. They are super handy doing car work and a host of other applications.

I have purchased a variety of the Energizer brand handlamps. Here are my thoughts on the pro's and con's of the brand...

Pro...

1. They are inexpensive. You can pick them up at Lowes...Home Depot...Target...Walmart...for somewhere around $15.

2. Battery Life - Depending on which one you get...they can run for up to 150 hours on one set of 3 AAA's in night vision mode.

3. They are comfortable. They have a nice soft pad on the back that won't annoy.

4. They have LED's that can take a ton of abuse without breaking.

5. Red LED's to preserve night vision.

Con's...

1. The plastic casing needs to be treated with care. What do you expect for $15!

2. They are not waterproof. While I haven't yet had a problem with one failing...they are not made to get really wet.

3. If it has a button on the top...you have to go through each lighting feature before it will turn off again.

4. The alternate version with a switch on the top can become loose over time...and is prone to get bumped and inadvertently turn on.

Another thing I will say is that bigger is not always better...especially with headlamps. I'd recommend getting the smallest one that will do the job. This one is 3.2 ounces and has 3 LED's...and here is one that is 6.4 ounces and has 7 LED's. That is DOUBLE the weight! While and additional 3.2 ounces may not seem like much weight...once you get it strapped to your head and wear it for any length of time...you will be glad that you got the smaller one. I use the bigger one that I have for around the house activities.

There are other headlamps out on the market that are well liked. Petzl get's great reviews. I just don't have a lot of motivation to pay the $43 to try one out when I have been pleased with the $15 Energizers. I could purchase almost 3 Energizers headlamps for the price of one Petzl!

There are also fancy pants headlamps that run on large battery packs and cost a lot of money.

I should mention too that I have purchased them when I have seen them on sale at Lowes...AND also used coupons that Lowes sends in the mail for double savings. We have purchased them and given them out to Scout aged boys for birthdays...and they were well received.

I store a few in my emergency evacuation bags. I put them in ziploc bags with 3 full sets of batteries...not installed. If you leave them in...you may come back to find that they energy has drained out of the batteries...or that corrosion has made your light inoperable.

Bandanas...

While you may not currently be accustomed to using a bandana in your day to day life...here are some reasons why you might consider having a supply of them...to put into your emergency packs or to take with you if you are headed outdoors...

1. It isnt bulky like a hat yet can still keep sun off your head. It can be tied directly onto your head...or stuck into the back of a hat for added neck protection.

2. It can be used to filter air in dusty trail conditions.

3. It can be used to prefilter any dirty water.

4. As a splint or wrap for an injured body part.

5. It is super lightweight, compact able, and affordable.

6. They can be bright colors if it is important to be seen...like for example if you are trying to keep track of family in a crowded place or riding a bike near car traffic. They can also be in muted colors...like if you are in a situation where you are trying to avoid detection.

7. A handkerchief

8. A towel

9. For cleaning wounds (if it's clean!)

10. As a blindfold

11. A headband
12. A rag for cleaning anything

13. To collect morning dew off of plants for drinking.

14. If it is wet down and wrapped around one's neck...it will lower body temperature by cooling the neck and arterial blood flow. This could make you much more comfortable on a really hot day!

15. To tie up long hair to keep it out of the way.

16. To conceal your identity.

17. The possibilities go on and on!

There seem to be two main types of bandanas available on the market. Made in China types of questionable quality...and Made in the USA that more than likely will be of a better quality. They are generally sold made of 100% cotton or as a cotton/poly blend. Personally I would steer towards the all cotton ones...as they should possess greater absorption capabilities. They also vary in size...usually no bigger than 22x22.

Here is a place that sells made in the USA bandanas. This place has made in the USA and imports...a broad variety of styles...and can even custom print logos.

I have read where people have called a bandana "The outdoorsmans best friend"...and one can clearly see why someone might say that given their many uses. Perhaps now a bandana won't just be for the movie cowboys, pirates, and Bruce Springsteen's back pocket...but for you too!!

The Seychelle...

High on any emergency evacuation bags' list of contents should be water. The challenge that arises is that water is heavy and takes up space. If you wind up on foot...there is a limit on the amount you can physically carry...or will want to risk carrying in your efforts to not become physically exhausted. Another thing to consider...is that once you have expended that water as you sit in a shelter...or consume it on your journey...you will need to look for water again.

When you find that water...it may be from a questionable source. Does it have fecal matter in it? Even if it does look clean...what bacteria or other spook may be in it?

A level of piece of mind can be attained by having a portable water filter of some sort in your pack. This is a big topic. I could get into boiling water. Iodide. Microns. The difference between purifiers and filters etc... You can learn some about that here.

I just wanted to point out something interesting to be found at church distribution. They now offer the Seychelle water filter bottle. This is interesting because...I don't recollect the church ever having any preparedness items for sale...other than food storage. This is not the cadillac of water filters...but it is a "good" filter. While it is currently sold out...it will be available for $16.50...with free shipping!!! The manufacturer is offering it for $29.99...plus you have to pay for shipping. Literally half the price if purchased from Church Distribution.

For that price...this would be a good one to have in a car emergency pack...a work emergency pack...or your regular home emergency evac bags. You could probably afford for everyone in your family to have their own!

If you have the money to purchase something that takes out more of the bad stuff...I'd recommend the first need.

Pack an Instrument...

Not a lot of piano's came across the US with the pioneers!  Nor were there a lot of full sized harps...tubas...or other large instruments being played around the campfires.  Most of the instruments that were brought across the US...out of necessity had to be small enough to carry wherever they needed to go.

While many of us have put together an emergency evacuation bag of some sort to last for the short term...had you considered that in a severe disaster...your family could have to be relocated long term...or even indefinitely?  If such became the case for your family...there is a good chance that you could find yourself looking for ways to increase your morale...and the morale of those around you.  Music is one of the best ways to help people to forget their troubles and to find a common bond.

Years ago on New Years Eve...my family was on a train heading back from Montana to California.  While we traveled back...the tracks were so covered with snow...that the train had to stop overnight and wait for the tracks to be cleared.  When everyone found out that we would be stuck on the train for New Years...there were some pretty darned disappointed people.  One woman exclaimed "I'm a professional jazz singer!  I've got a concert tonight that thousands of people will be at!!"  There was  bit of a commotion as people related where they were supposed to be that night...and what a hardship it would be to stay overnight. Someone had a guitar and said..."Hey...let's make the best of this...let's go up to the dining car and play some music and have fun!  Anyone have some instruments?!"  One person said..."I have a flute!"...another said "I've got a clarinet!" and a few others had various instruments.  

In the dining car people gathered from all walks of life.  Initially it was kind of awkward as we tried to become comfortable with strangers.  We tried to figure out some songs that we all might know.  After a bit of warming up to each other...we sang everything from Simon and Garfunkel...to Christmas songs...to Led Zeppelin...to showtoons.  Classical violins played along with rock guitars.  Name a genre...and we played it.  This may sound funny but...it was one of the most meaningful and memorable nights of my life.  By far the best New Years I've ever had!  

If you want to have music be a part of your emergency pack...here are a few things to consider...

It could/should be...

1. Small enough to pack.  

2. Durable.  

3. Complicated enough to give one pleasure in learning...but not so complicated that one can't master it.  

4. Can be played loudly for others to enjoy or softly to practice or not bother others or attract attention.  

 A few instruments to consider are...

1.  A flute.  I like one made by a company called Choroi.  The pentatonic one is simple and a good choice for someone with no experience.

2.  Harmonica

3.  Jews harp/Jaw Harp

4.  Pennywhistle

I'm sure there are plenty of others that would work great. One could even consider having slightly larger instruments like a Ukulele.  Just understand that they aren't as easy to transport. Lark in the Morning carries wonderful instruments from all over the world that could really expand your musical horizons.

Don't forget too...the value of your singing voice!  You carry it wherever you go and it doesn't weigh anything!  A great addition to your longer term emergency bag is a mini hymnal (if you can still read that small)...or other books of songs to sing.

Dollar Store Emergency Supplies...

I heard over the loudspeaker..."Let the 99c Only store be your headquarters for emergency preparedness.  Make an emergency bag and fill it with..."  It went on to list some ideas of things that are available at the dollar store that could be put into an emergency bag...or put into storage.  While not everything found at a dollar store is the finest of quality (of which surely you are aware!!)...there are many things that will work just fine.  Here is a list of some things to consider that I have seen at our dollar store...

Plastic Ponchos

Vitamin A&D Ointment - This is a product I highly recommend for it's multiple uses.

Sunblock

Sunglasses

Medicine - A broad assortment of medicines for all maladies.  Headaches...allergies...muscle aches...etc.

Various Clothing - Shirts... socks...even underwear!

Hats - Brimmed for the sun and Beanies for warmth.

Firestarting tools

Knives -  A lot of these are really lame...but hey...they are better than nothing!

ziploc bags

Compass

Various Foods - Mostly short term storage...some long term...lot's of comfort food (junk food)

Work gloves

Sewing kit

Super glue

Bandaids

Toiletries - Toothbrushes...paste...deodorant...talc...baby wipes...cotton swabs...etc...

Flashlight

Batteries

Tools - For example to make a kit to do car repairs.

Trash bags - Have a variety of uses.  Keep yourself and supplies dry...warm...hold things...etc...

Radios

Cleaning supplies

Toys and games - To keep people entertained during disasters.

Another resource to check out is Harbor Freight.  They sell inexpensive tools and a variety of other items that are great for preparedness.  It is not a place to go if you want to buy only "Made in the USA".  I have picked up tarps...heavier duty gloves...latex gloves...dust masks...etc.  Perhaps there is a retail location near you.  

That is just off the top of my head.  If you looked through the stores...I'm sure you could find many more items to get prepared.  In a time when a lot of people are really watching how they spend every cent...it is great to have these resources available to inexpensively accumulate the items that will make our lives considerably more comfortable during a disaster!!

A Bath in a Box...

Years ago now I was at a multi-stake Boy Scout event called the "Son's of Liberty Encampment". Day after day the air was thick with dust that was being kicked up by 1000's of active Boy Scout feet as we baked in the hot summer sun. Although we were having fun on many levels...physically...we were miserable. The sun was draining us of energy...and we were filthy. We were all trying to become accustomed to or avoid each others stink and looked like Pig-pen from Peanuts.

The only water we had...we had brought in...and had stored it in a couple of 55 gallon drums. It was only to be used for drinking and to cook with. Not a drop was to be wasted. A bunch of boys loosely bathing themselves...dripping our life giving water....our precious beyond all worldly riches water...onto the ground was not an option.

We lay as a troop under a tarp tent in the hot shade festering in our grime when one Scout who had the foresight to bring a package of disposable baby wipes....brought them out. At first some of the boys scoffed at him...that he had a baby product in his supplies. But when they saw him wipe off the first layer of dirt from his face...with one wipe...and then actually get clean with a second wipe...they were all lining up wanting wipes. I too got in that line. Everyone frantically wiped down hands and feet...legs...everywhere. There was an audible sigh of relief from everyone as they became clean.

How long have you ever gone without a shower or bath? If you are accustomed to regularly bathing...just going for a few days can make you feel really gross.

Now what if you are unable to bathe for lack of a source of water...AND are in a dirty...sweaty environment like we were? Then how will you get clean?

When a disaster happens...and you are under great stress...being physically dirty can make an otherwise manageable challenge into a physical and mental hell. There is something that is so psychologically distressing about feeling grimy...and psychologically relieving about becoming clean.

A simple washcloth on which to put a little water on and wipe yourself down is a great thing to have. It can be reused many many times. Of course...after it get's too dirty...you will need to rinse it out...which will take more water.

In a preparedness video by Jim Phillips he talks about how he went for a month just wiping himself with baby wipes in lieu of taking a shower. He said that he felt fresh and clean. While that may sound extreme...in a severe drought situation (for example)...where you are relying on a meager portion of water to live on...you may wish you had baby wipes to bathe with! Hopefully you had the foresight to store them.

Now...just a bit on kinds of baby wipes. Understand that there are baby wipes that have really long ingredient lists. All kinds of chemicals that are aimed at making them smell fancy and keep really long. While the longer shelf life may be nice...just understand that you are rubbing a chemical on your skin that could be unhealthy for you.

I have never seen baby wipes go rancid...but I have seen them go dry. In that instance they need a little water to rejuvenate them.

While I do know that you can make your own baby wipes...and that may be a desirable skill to have in your efforts to be self reliant...but that takes time...and the product you make may not store as well as the store-bought. The cost is so reasonable that it shouldn't be a big investment to get a large box of baby wipes. We picked up a box of 704 Kirkland brand wipes from Costco for $16. That is a whole lot of bathing for the money.

If you are concerned about the rotation of the baby wipes...you shouldn't be. My guess is that you are invited to a baby shower several times a year. Ta-da! You already have a present!!! Then you just replenish your supply the next time you shop. And trust me...as the father of 4...baby wipes WILL be used...and appreciated.

Some Cash in Your Pocket...

My sister was telling me of how she recently was at Costco getting some groceries. When she was ready to check out...she found that the lines were really...really long (I'm sure that is hard to imagine!:)) What was happening is that there was some problem where the credit card terminal system was down and they couldn't accept credit cards of any sort. The only way to pay for groceries was going to be cash or check. My sister had neither. She said how people were distressed wondering how they were going to pay for their groceries. Luckily for my sister and many other people who were there...one register became able to somehow take card transactions...and so by standing in a really long line...they could all get their groceries.

Many preparedness circles would say to have some cash on hand in case of emergency. I would agree that this is a good plan. We cannot expect that the electronic machines will always be up and running to take our cards and to dispense the cash we need. Having some change for phone calls and small bills for making purchases is usually their advice. The rationale for having small bills is generally that larger bills may not be able to be broken and you could pay more for something than you need to.

The church has also recommended "cash savings"....

"We encourage families to have on hand this year's supply and we say it over and over and over, and repeat over and over the scripture of the Lord where He says, `Why call ye me, Lord, and do not as I say?'... We also hope that you are maintaining your year's supply of food, clothing, and where possible, some fuel and cash savings." President Spencer W. Kimball: GC April 1976.

I was recently stopped at church and asked for advice on how much cash someone should have on hand. It is not a question really for me to answer. It must be decided by the individual based on their situation and beliefs. The questions I have back are these...

1. In an emergency...what could you want to buy...in what quantity...and how much would it cost?

2. What do you think the value of the dollar will be during the emergency? Will the price of the supply you need remain the same that you are accustomed to...or could it go up in price?

3. What is the severity of the emergency you are preparing for? Will it be like my sisters experience at Costco...or will it be a full blown loss of all infrastructure?

4. Would that money be put to better use paying off a bill or other worthwhile place...or to be put in storage for that rainy day?

5. How much money do you want to have in what place? How much for your wallet or purse? How much for your safe? Your office? Your bug out bags? Other?

The answers to these questions should help you to decide the size of the denominations...and quantity. It is not as easy as saying "Yeah...have only small bills...and this amount"...because it should vary based upon a persons situation. You may need to have on hand large or small bills based upon your needs...so the blanket advice to have only small bills is in my opinion not always applicable.

If you feel like you have all of the items of "intrinsic value" that you need and that you don't plan on needing anything else...then I would think that you shouldn't need a lot of cash....the value of which may be destroyed through inflation.

As President J. Reuben Clark said...

“… when we really get into hard times, where food is scarce or there is none at all, and so with clothing and shelter, money may be no good for there may be nothing to buy, and you cannot eat money, you cannot get enough of it together to burn to keep warm, and you cannot wear it.” (Church News, November 21, 1953, p. 4.)

It should be understood when storing cash that if the disaster is severe enough...money may only be good until people realise that it no longer has any value...and discontinue trading goods and services for it. Then people will only want the things that money can buy when it has worth...the actual clothing...food...and fuel. The effects of hyperinflation can quickly turn the cash "rich" people into paupers...and those that have items of intrinsic value into the "rich" people.

I wish you the best in your decision!

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent...

I love my wife...and I appreciate the fact that she has almost single-handed handled our families laundry needs over the past decade of our marriage. The only role that I play is that I am the guy who helps to transport the clothing to where it will be folded...and then to take the folded clothing to the drawers. She does all of the actual laundering of the clothing and the folding.

At least part of the reason that she does the folding is because she couldn't abide the pain of watching me try to fold. If I try as hard as I can....and really take my time...I will still mash something the wrong way....and the result will be a unseemly pile of wrinkly clothes. Her arms work like a well-oiled machine. In one fluid movement, every shirt...every pair of pants...whatever garment that makes it's way into her beautiful and yet robot-like hands...lies flat and crisp. You would be amazed to see her in action! I know I am. (For some reason the only place I have her beat would be on folding camping gear...funny how that works).

She has gotten that efficient from TONS and TONS of repetition. A family of 6 can go through a lot of laundry. How many loads a week does your family do? Have you ever calculated how much you spend on laundry detergent each year?

Let's say just for an example that a family of 6 does 5 loads a week. If they purchased Tide for $14.00 and that bottle did 32 loads...then each load would cost .44 cents. (This of course excludes the cost of electricity, gas, etc.) So 5 loads a week x 52 weeks in a year x .44 cents = $114.40 a year on detergent. The numbers would vary based upon the cost of the laundry detergent used...the efficiency of your washer...etc. While $114.40 may or may not sound like a lot of money to you...there is wisdom in the age old adage that "A penny saved is a penny earned." Finding ways to live frugally is wise in lean years...as well as years of plenty.

Here is a demonstration of a method to make your own laundry detergent that you can control what goes into it...for .08 cents a load. That is just $20.80 a year for that same family!!! In our example it could save around $100 a year on laundry! That savings would put around 166 cans of corn or beans up from Winco (on sale right now)! That savings could put a ONE YEARS SUPPLY of wheat for one adult away from the cannery!! Without a cent more out of your pocket...and all it would take is a little bit of time.

Her recipe written out...

1. Grate 1 bar of soap (she uses Ivory)

2. In a pan add grated soap and 6 cups water and heat over med/low to melt ALL of soap. (This is the longest...30-40 minutes.)

3. Once all the soap is melted add 3/4 cup EACH of Super washing soda and Borax and dissolve. If you want to add a scent this would be the time (lavendar EO or Tea Tree etc)

4. Add 4 cups HOT water in bucket once the soap mixture is all dissolved pour into bucket.

5. Stir in 1 1/2 gallons cool water.

It is done and can be used 1/2 cup per load. It will gel up and over time it will separate, that is normal. She said that the one batch will last her family of 3 three months (2 adults and 1 baby)

Here is how much laundry detergent you can expect out of each box...

1 - 76 oz box Borax = 19 batches of soap

1 - 55 ox box Washing Soda = 9 batches of soap

1 - bar Fels Naptha (or other soap) = 1 batch of soap (1/2 soap & 1/2 spotting)

So you should need for family 5 for one year:

1 box Borax - ($3.49 at Winco)

2 boxes Washing Soda ($2.70 at Winco)...x2 = $5.40

9 bars Fels Naptha (or Zote or Ivory) - (Fels is $1.05 at Winco x9 = $10.82) (Fels Naptha is a laundry soap that would be found on the laundry isle)

So the grand total for laundry detergent one year is basically $20!!

If your local store doesn't carry the ingredients...you may be able to request that they order them. If not...here is a place to buy the ingredients online. They even sell it as a kit.

Here is another blog that tells of an experience with making laundry detergent.

Here is a video on youtube about making your own laundry detergent.

Apart from the cost savings...there are other reasons you may consider making your own laundry detergent. Many people claim that they are really sensitive to various detergents...and will break out in a rash from contact. (Others say their rashes are attributable to other factors.) Regardless of who is right and who is wrong...it is nice to be able to make your own detergent with the "basics" that doesn't contain all of the extra junk that is in a lot of laundry detergents. We often say that "You are what you eat"...and there is truth to the statement that "You are what is on your skin"...as the things that we put on our skin can be absorbed...and enter our bloodstream.

Another reason to consider making it yourself is that you can control how much you put in of the various ingredients. You can become like a detergent chef...getting it just how you like it.

There may also be an advantage for some in that just a few small boxes makes a LOT of detergent...so perhaps they can save space in their storage of the ingredients.

One last one...these ingredients have purposes outside of their mixed purpose. With the ingredients apart...you can have more options with what you use them for...not just for laundry. Here are some uses of Borax. Here are some more. Here are other uses for Super Washing Soda. You already know other uses for soap! (Fels Naptha can be used for a spot remover)

If you really want to know the more primitive ways of making soap from scratch if the modern resources to mix together were not available...here is how to make soap the old fashioned way.

One other thing that I find intriguing that I found while researching is what is called a "soap nut". It is an actual nut from a "Sapindus" tree that can clean your clothing. It has been used for centuries in other cultures and is gaining popularity in the US as a natural way to clean clothing.

I wish you years of the joy of the look...scent...and feel of clean clothing!

Fire without matches...

I'm sure that you have heard the expression..."Prepare for the worse". I am trying to do that. Given the various prophecies regarding last day's events...I anticipate that things could get very primitive for a lot of us. It may be our lot to be thrust back into a pioneer-like lifestyle. Many LDS say when the topic of the pioneer way of life comes up that..."I could never be a pioneer...because I could have never survived how hard it was!". What they may not understand is that they may get their chance to find out! The challenge is to get people to understand that the conveniences that they now enjoy could disappear in a heartbeat...and that primitive living skills...or "bushcraft" could be all they have to rely upon to provide for their basic needs.

A few months ago I was having a conversation with a man and it came up that I had been practicing different methods of starting fire without using matches. His response to me was "It's good that people still know how to do garbage like that"...only he didn't say garbage. I just stood there in disbelief at how we could be on such totally different plains. It seems that in his mind...such skills are historical reenactments of a time that has been left in the dust because of the "modern" world's advances. Skills that are for dopes that have nothing but time on their hands...while they could be talking about the resolution on a plasma screen!

Having fire is right up there with air and water. The heat that comes from fire is at the most basic of human needs. It may not seem to be so with our heaters heating our homes...but understand...that such heat is an artificial security. We go outside...get chilled...and then run to the warmth of our cars or the next heated shelter. What if the gas that brings that heat to your home is interupted? What if you have no electricity! What if you get thrust from your home and have to sleep outside? You can die in hours because of exposure. Many have died recently in the east...because they got too cold when the electricity went out!

You might say..."But I'll just store a ton of matches!" That is a great idea! Please do. Anyone who has tried to make a fire without matches...especially some of the more primitive ways will tell you "I will never forget my matches again!" But...what if you get separated from your matches? What if your matches get ruined by getting wet? What if you light all of your 250 matches in your box...and then have no more?

Perhaps you say..."Then I will use a lighter". Lighters are great...it would be good to have some on hand. But...how long will your lighter last? What if your lighter leaks it's fuel? (after you use a lighter...it slowly leaks) What if your lighter breaks? What if this primitive living lifestyle lasts longer than your supply of lighters? What if you are separated from your lighter?

In a worse case scenario...it would be good to have other options.

Wildwood survival has what I believe is the best site on the internet for learning primitive firemaking skills. It offers great step by step instructions and videos. It has the old classics like bow drill...and fire plow...and other interesting methods like water from ice...and fire from a battery! It is a lot of fun...and work...and deeply satisfying to know that you could provide fire even if you were "naked in the wilderness".

There are other devices that you can purchase that aren't completely primitive that will start fire.

I bought a fire piston...but don't recommend them because my experience with them is that they have to be lubed up just right...and it can be really difficult to get an ember.

What I would recommend for everyone to have in their bug out bags is something that is small and lightweight...it doesn't require a bunch of skill to start a fire...it can get totally wet and frozen and still work...a tiny piece of it can make thousands of fires...it is swedish firesteel. I have these things tucked all over the place. I have one in each of our family bags...I have one in my leatherman case...etc...etc... I'd much rather have a firesteel than matches in a long-term survival situation. This winter my two older children...age 9 and 7 both could start a fire with a firesteel...so I am sure you could too!!

Happy firemaking!

Got Diapers?

Anyone who has had children knows what a crisis it is to run out of disposable diapers. It usually happens at the most inconvenient time. Everything else...no matter how important...is set aside until diapers can be found. For now...it just takes a quick trip to the store to pick up some more...but what about when (as has been prophesied) "There is no store" and "production ceases"?

Let's say that you wanted to store enough disposable diapers to get through your newborn babies diaper career. How many disposable diapers would you have to store? Some estimates put it somewhere between 5,000-11,000 diapers!!! That is a LOT of diapers to store! How about if not having a store goes on for years and you plan to have more children? Are you going to store 22,000 diapers just in case!!!? What if you have twins!! Unless you have a warehouse to store the diapers and a lot of money to buy those expensive diapers...you may want to ask yourself....

How did people get along before there were disposable diapers?

The answer is that people through time have either wrapped something around the baby...or gone with nothing at all!

More than likely most of the parents of the people reading this...had cloth diapers as babies. A piece of cloth held on by safety pins. I can almost hear you saying "Yuck! Those leak...and you have to clean them!" The answer is "Yes they did leak...and yes you do have to clean them".

Now times are different. Though you will not get around having to clean the diapers...the ease of use and functionality of modern cloth diapers are far superior to the old days. Think model T compared to Ferrari.

There has been growing interest in cloth diapers in the US. Check out this site to see 7 reasons why many are switching over.

There are also a variety of manufacturers to choose from. Personally I like a brand called "Fuzzi Bunz" because I know it is a quality product that works. I don't have any hands-on experience with the other brands.

In my estimation...modern cloth diapers....given in a variety of sizes...is one of the best preparedness gifts that a person could give to a baby and the parents of that baby. The recipients of the gift may look at you with a strange look...but may thank you later! (You may want to put a note with the gift as to why it is important!)

Another alternative is "elimination communication"...or "infant potty training"...or whatever you want to call it. There are a variety of groups training on how to do this...and offering their videos and books. A friend of ours did this and said that it worked for her. It seems to me that it takes a parent with a lot of time and patience...but man...if you could get it to work...it would be a huge savings in money...and even time in the long run.

My personal plan at this point is to have a big pile of disposable diapers on hand...a pack to grab with our 72 hour kits...and miscellaneous sized Fuzzi Bunz to use along with the disposable. Perhaps one day we will try to do the infant potty training! We'll see.

Start now by stocking up on diapering needs...not just for your own baby if you have one...but for grandchildren or others that may come to you for help. Don't forget the wipes too! Have an abundance of those in storage. A baby wipe is also a shower in a box. If you don't have access to water to bathe it's amazing how much more fresh you can feel just with one baby wipe!