Apple Cider Vinegar

Save up any apples that are beyond their prime—not rotten ones of course, but pulpy or spongy apples that are no longer suitable for eating are great for making vinegar. Of course, you can use fresh apples that are absolutely perfect too but I find that making apple cider vinegar from older apples is a good way to use up older ones without sending them to the compost bin.

Push them through an electric juicer to make apple juice. If you don’t have a juicer, just cut the apples into quarters and puree in a food processor (you can leave the cores and skins on). Then, push the apple pulp through a muslin-lined sieve or muslin bag to remove the fiber from the juice.
Pour the juice into clean, dark, glass jugs or bottles without putting a lid on them. Cover the tops with a few layers of cheesecloth and hold in place with an elastic band. Store the bottles or jars in a cool, dark place for between 3 weeks to 6 months, depending on the level of tanginess you prefer in your apple cider vinegar.

The longer the juice sits, the more acidic the vinegar will taste, while shorter times taste more like juice and only mildly like vinegar. Keep in mind that some alcohol may develop during the process, so if you use your vinegar early on in the fermentation cycle, it may actually taste more like apple cider wine than vinegar. Simply leave the apple juice/cider to ferment for a longer amount of time until the alcohol converts into acetic acid, which means it is now ready to use as vinegar.
If you purchased apple juice or apple cider, you can simply secure the cheesecloth over the top in place of the lid and store in a cook, dark place until it becomes vinegar.

You may notice a thick substance that forms on the top of the juice/vinegar. That’s the “mother” as it is known—the collection of bacteria that form in the juice that are responsible for converting it to vinegar. You can save the mother to use as a starter culture for the next batch of apple cider or other type of vinegar if you’d like. Using an existing mother helps to slightly speed up the process of making vinegar. Once you’re happy with the level of acidity, simply cap the bottles and store until you are ready to use.

For more great common sense tips on how to use everyday household items instead of expensive chemical based products, see www.care2.com

For additional information see the following links:
Blog Table of Contents
Complete Sustainable Living Plan
Blog Table of Contents
Acorn Flour Pancakes
Pemmican Recipe
Hardtack Recipe
Corn Bread
Sour Dough Bread
Corn Fritters
Apple Cider Vinegar
More on making Vinegar
Backing Soda vs Yeast
Baking Soda uses

See similar topics by clicking on the labels below 

Baking Soda vs Yeast

Which ingredients you use and their combination will affect the taste and texture. But what is the real difference?

Yeast is a little organism called a fungus, that when activated, consumes the sugars in flour and releases carbon dioxide as waste. When making a traditional (“slow”) bread, you combine it with flour, sugar, some liquid and other ingredients. When you knead the dough, the proteins inside form a stretchy matrix called gluten. This matrix traps the little gas bubbles produced by the yeast. Without a leavening agent like yeast, you'll end up with a dense blob that works better as a building material instead of bread.

The yeast produces gas when you let the dough rest for a while after kneading, and then expands again once heated in the oven. Once your ball of gas-filled gluten gets hot enough, it sets into the spongy, fluffy structure we call bread.
You'll notice that baking bread takes a while due to all of this waiting for yeast to work. We have some faster alternatives that instead rely on a chemical reaction between an acid and base to produce carbon dioxide.

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. It will react with a liquid, acidic ingredient to produce carbon dioxide. You can see this for yourself by adding a bit of vinegar to a little baking soda in a small bowl. It will start to fizz immediately after adding the vinegar. Because the reaction is so fast, foods made with baking soda must be cooked immediately after mixing. For instance, pancakes made with baking soda will come out tall and fluffy if you can get it onto the griddle right away. However, if you let the batter sit for a while, say 30 minutes, they'll come out dense with a gummy center since the gas was lost while sitting. Baking soda also adds flavor and color to pancakes, muffins, and cookies by hastening browning.

Baking soda (aka sodium bicarbonate) is said to have an infinite shelf life, but after you've had it for a few years you should test to make sure it hasn't lost all its potency. Unlike baking powder, baking soda only reacts when you add an acid to the solution.

NOTE:  Store plenty of Baking Soda 

To test it, add half a teaspoon of vinegar to a cup of hot water, then stir in half a teaspoon of baking soda. Like the baking powder, if it produces a lot of carbon dioxide bubbles, it's still good.

Baking powder is essentially baking soda mixed with a starch and powdered acid. Activating the reaction to generate carbon dioxide requires adding a liquid, like water. Most baking powders are “double acting”, which means they produce gas when moisture is added, and again when heated. This means that goods leavened with baking powder tend to be lighter and fluffier compared to foods leavened with only baking soda. Substituting baking powder with baking soda is possible, but the final product won't have the same flavor since it won't have the extra acidic ingredient that baking powder brings.

Baking powder usually has a shelf life of about 9 to 12 months. Testing it is super easy. Just stir about half a teaspoon of baking powder into a cup of hot water. It will immediately start to fizz and release carbon dioxide gas if it's still fresh enough to use. This trick should work with both single- and double-acting powder.

For a homemade baking powder, you can substitute a teaspoon of store-bought baking powder for a ¼ teaspoon of cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar, and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. This will not be double acting, so you'll need to be very quick about getting your batter or dough onto the griddle or the oven.

When baking bread, 2 cups of sour dough starter are the equivalent of one (1) table spoon or packet of modern dry yeast which is sufficient for a loaf made from 3-4 cups of flour.  To make waffles or pancakes, just use the proofed sour dough starter after it has risen to its peak.

For additional information see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents
Acorn Flour Pancakes
Pemmican Recipe
Hardtack Recipe
Corn Bread
Sour Dough Bread
Corn Fritters
Apple Cider Vinegar
More on making Vinegar
Backing Soda vs Yeast
Baking Soda usesSee similar topics by clicking on the labels below

Uses for Baking Soda

One of our Grandparents most trusted names

Personal Care Uses for Baking Soda

1. Make Toothpaste
A paste made from baking soda and a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution can be used as an alternative to commercial non-fluoride toothpastes. (Or here’s a formula for a minty version.) You can also just dip your toothbrush with toothpaste into baking soda for an extra boost.
2. Freshen Your Mouth
Put one teaspoon in half a glass of water, swish, spit and rinse. Odors are neutralized, not just covered up.
3. Soak Oral Appliance
Soak oral appliances, like retainers, mouthpieces and dentures, in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in a glass or small bowl of warm water. The baking soda loosens food particles and neutralizes odors to keep appliances fresh. You can also brush appliances clean using baking soda.
4. Use as a Facial Scrub and Body Exfoliant
Give yourself an invigorating facial and body scrub. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean. This is gentle enough for daily use. (For a stronger exfoliant, try one of these great 5 Homemade Sugar Scrubs.)
5. Skip Harsh Deodorant
Pat baking soda onto your underarms to neutralize body odor.
6. Use as an Antacid
Baking soda is a safe and effective antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach and/or acid indigestion. Refer to baking soda package for instructions.
7. Treat Insect Bites & Itchy Skin
For insect bites, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply as a salve onto affected skin. To ease the itch, shake some baking soda into your hand and rub it into damp skin after bath or shower. For specific tips on bee stings, see Bee Stings: Prevention and Treatment.
8. Make a Hand Cleanser and Softener
Skip harsh soaps and gently scrub away ground-in dirt and neutralize odors on hands with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, or 3 parts baking soda to gentle liquid hand soap. Then rinse clean. You can try this honey and cornmeal scrub for hands too.
9. Help Your Hair
Vinegar is amazing for your hair, but baking soda has its place in the shower too. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly–baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable.
10. Clean Brushes and Combs
For lustrous hair with more shine, keep brushes and combs clean. Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.
11. Make a Bath Soak
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration, it also makes your skin feel very soft. Epsom salts are pretty miraculous for the bath too; read about the health benefits of epsom salt baths.
12. Soothe Your Feet
Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub. You can also make a spa soak for your feet.

Cleaning with Baking Soda

13. Make a Surface Soft Scrub
For safe, effective cleaning of bathroom tubs, tile and sinks–even fiberglass and glossy tiles–sprinkle baking soda lightly on a clean damp sponge and scrub as usual. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. For extra cleaning power, make a paste with baking soda, course salt and liquid dish soap—let it sit then scour off.
14. Handwash Dishes and Pots & Pans
Add 2 heaping tablespoons baking soda (along with your regular dish detergent) to the dish water to help cut grease and foods left on dishes, pots and pans. For cooked-on foods, let them soak in the baking soda and detergent with water first, then use dry baking soda on a clean damp sponge or cloth as a scratchless scouring powder. Using a dishwasher? Try these energy saving tips.
15. Freshen Sponges
Soak stale-smelling sponges in a strong baking soda solution to get rid of the mess (4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water). For more thorough disinfecting, use the microwave.
16. Clean the Microwave
Baking soda on a clean damp sponge cleans gently inside and outside the microwave and never leaves a harsh chemical smell. Rinse well with water.

17. Polish Silver Flatware
Use a baking soda paste made with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry for shining sterling and silver-plate serving pieces.
18. Clean Coffee and Tea Pots
Remove coffee and tea stains and eliminate bitter off-tastes by washing mugs and coffee makers in a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. For stubborn stains, try soaking overnight in the baking soda solution and detergent or scrubbing with baking soda on a clean damp sponge.
19. Clean the Oven
Sprinkle baking soda onto the bottom of the oven. Spray with water to dampen the baking soda. Let sit overnight. In the morning, scrub, scoop the baking soda and grime out with a sponge, or vacuum, and rinse.
20. Clean Floors
Remove dirt and grime (without unwanted scratch marks) from no wax and tile floors using 1/2 cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water–mop and rinse clean for a sparkling floor. For scuff marks, use baking soda on a clean damp sponge, then rinse. Read Natural Floor Cleaning for more tips on avoiding toxic floor cleaners.
21. Clean Furniture
You can make a homemade lemon furniture polish, or you can clean and remove marks (even crayon) from walls and painted furniture by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.
22. Clean Shower Curtains
Clean and deodorize your vinyl shower curtain by sprinkling baking soda directly on a clean damp sponge or brush. Scrub the shower curtain and rinse clean. Hang it up to dry.

23. Boost Your Liquid Laundry Detergent
Give your laundry a boost by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry to make liquid detergent work harder. A better balance of pH in the wash gets clothes cleaner, fresher and brighter.
24. Gently Clean Baby Clothes
Baby skin requires the most gentle of cleansers, which are increasingly available, but odor and stain fighters are often harsh. For tough stains add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your liquid laundry detergent, or a 1/2 cup in the rinse cycle for deodorization.
25. Clean Cloth Diapers
Dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda in 2 quarts of water and soak diapers thoroughly.
26. Clean and Freshen Sports Gear
Use a baking soda solution (4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water) to clean and deodorize smelly sports equipment. Sprinkle baking soda into golf bags and gym bags to deodorize, clean golf irons (without scratching them!) with a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda to 1 part water) and a brush. Rinse thoroughly.
27. Remove Oil and Grease Stains
Use baking soda to clean up light-duty oil and grease spills on your garage floor or in your driveway. Sprinkle baking soda on the spot and scrub with a wet brush.
28. Clean Batteries
Baking soda can be used to neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc. because its a mild alkali. Be sure to disconnect the battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and re-connecting the terminals, wipe them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion. Please be careful when working around a battery–they contain a strong acid.
29. Clean Cars
Use baking soda to clean your car lights, chrome, windows, tires, vinyl seats and floor mats without worrying about unwanted scratch marks. Use a baking soda solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road grime, tree sap, bugs and tar. For stubborn stains, use baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge or soft brush. Here’s how Sustainable Dave washes his car.

Deodorizing with Baking Soda

30. Deodorize Your Refrigerator
Place an open box in the back of the fridge to neutralize odors.
31. Deodorize the Cutting Board
Sprinkle the cutting board with baking soda, scrub, rinse. For how to more thoroughly clean your cutting board, see How To Clean Your Cutting Boards.
32. Deodorize Trashcans
Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your trashcan to keep stinky trash smells at bay.
33. Deodorize Recyclables
Sprinkle baking soda on top as you add to the container. Also, clean your recyclable container periodically by sprinkling baking soda on a damp sponge. Wipe clean and rinse. Learn about how to recycle everything.

34. Deodorize Drains
To deodorize your sink and tub drains, and keep lingering odors from resurfacing, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water–it will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain. (This a good way to dispose of baking soda that is being retired from your refrigerator.) Do you know what you’re not supposed to put down your drains?
35. Deodorize and Clean Dishwashers
Use baking soda to deodorize before you run the dishwasher and then as a gentle cleanser in the wash cycle.
36. Deodorize Garbage Disposals
To deodorize your disposal, and keep lingering odors from resurfacing, pour baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water. Baking soda will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain.
37. Deodorize Lunch Boxes
Between uses, place a spill-proof box of baking soda in everyone’s lunch box to absorb lingering odors. Read bout safe lunch boxes here.
38. Remove Odor From Carpets
Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Let set overnight, or as long as possible (the longer it sets the better it works). Sweep up the larger amounts of baking soda, and vacuum up the rest. (Note that your vacuum cleaner bag will get full and heavy.)
39. Remove Odor From Vacuum Cleaners
By using the method above for carpets, you will also deodorize your vacuum cleaner.
40. Freshen Closets
Place a box on the shelf to keep the closet smelling fresh, then follow these tips to organize your closet in an eco-friendly way.
41. Deodorizing Cars
Odors settle into car upholstery and carpet, so each time you step in and sit down, they are released into the air all over again. Eliminate these odors by sprinkling baking soda directly on fabric car seats and carpets. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) and vacuum up the baking soda.
42. Deodorize the Cat Box
Cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda, then fill as usual with litter. To freshen between changes, sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter after a thorough cleaning. You can also use green tea for this purpose!
43. Deodorize Pet Bedding
Eliminate odors from your pets bedding by sprinkling liberally with baking soda, wait 15 minutes (or longer for stronger odors), then vacuum up.
44. Deodorize Sneakers
Keep odors from spreading in smelly sneakers by shaking baking soda into them when not in use. Shake out before wearing. When they’re no longer wearable, make sure to donate your old sneakers.

45. Freshen Linens
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle for fresher sheets and towels. You can also make homemade lavender linen water with this formula.
46. Deodorize Your Wash
Gym clothes of other odoriferous clothing can be neutralized with a 1/2 cup of baking soda in the rinse cycle.
47. Freshen Stuffed Animals
Keep favorite cuddly toys fresh with a dry shower of baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on and let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing off

Miscellaneous Uses for Baking Soda

48. Camping Cure-all
Baking soda is a must-have for your next camping trip. Its a dish washer, pot scrubber, hand cleanser, deodorant, toothpaste, fire extinguisher and many other uses.
49. Extinguish Fires
Baking soda can help in the initial handling of minor grease or electrical kitchen fires, because when baking soda is heated, it gives off carbon dioxide, which helps to smother the flames. For small cooking fires (frying pans, broilers, ovens, grills), turn off the gas or electricity if you can safely do so. Stand back and throw handfuls of baking soda at the base of the flame to help put out the fire–and call the Fire Department just to be safe. (And, you should have a fire extinguisher on hand anyway, here’s why.
50. Septic Care
Regular use of baking soda in your drains can help keep your septic system flowing freely. One cup of baking soda per week will help maintain a favorable pH in your septic tank.
51. Fruit and Vegetable Scrub
Baking soda is the food safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. Just sprinkle a little on a clean damp sponge, scrub and rinse. Here’s another way to clean your vegetables as well.

For more great common sense tips on how to use everyday household items instead of expensive chemical based products, see www.care2.com

For additional information see the following links:
Blog Table of Contents
Complete Sustainable Living Plan
Blog Table of Contents
Acorn Flour Pancakes
Pemmican Recipe
Hardtack Recipe
Corn Bread
Sour Dough Bread
Corn Fritters
Apple Cider Vinegar
More on making Vinegar
Backing Soda vs Yeast
Baking Soda uses

See similar topics by clicking on the labels below 

Rechargable Batteries

NO more batteries!!! Imagine what it would be like if our supply suddenly stopped.  We use them in just about everything.  In the next few days, notice how often, then try to go 24 hours without them.
Americans are addicted to batteries.

Things like:

1. Cell Phones,
2. Flash lights
3. Radio's
4. Smoke Detectors
5. Clocks 
6. Thermometers (kids have a fever)
7. Outdoor Lawn Lights
8. Walkie Talkies for Communication
9. Motion detecting driveway alarms (Intruder Detection)
10. Motion detecting game cameras 
11. Motion detecting lights (where electricity is not available but light is needed)
12. Home Security Alarm (backup power)
13. Emergency Weather Alarm (backup power)
14. Remote controls for TV's DVR's, Fans and more
15. Toys of all kinds and more

Panasonic K-KJ17MC124A Eneloop Power Pack

Rechargeable battery technology has made great progress. Having rechargeable batteries and Solar Power could be a huge benefit in a Power Outage, or even worse, a Nuke or EMP detonation.

Above is a great starter kit with AA, AAA, C & D capability, but you can start with as few as four AA Batteries (top right) and a $5.00 Solar Battery Charger and slowly change your home over to rechargeable batteries. I would store my chargers and batteries in a metal Ammo can. After years of testing and transitioning, my home is 90% Rechargeable with mostly odd sizes still using disposables. 

I would first buy a good "Smart" charger that can charge many different kinds of batteries like the MrBatt (below) or the Eneloop Power Pack (above center). The two above are great, but only charge AA and AAA batteries.  The PowerX 8 is similar, but can charge 8 AA or AAA batteries or a combination of the two sizes as shown below; I use this one the most.  The Solar 11-1 would be my second choice charger, followed by the PowerX 8 and then an extra Mr.Batt.

I would store my solar powered charger (11-1), My extra Mr Batt and a mix of batteries in a metal MIL STD Ammo Can for weather and EMP protection.

Using rechargeable batteries cost more up front, but less in the long run, and they last much longer. 

Solar 11 in 1

PowerX 8 (above)

Mr. Batt

For additional information see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents

Starter Solar Power System 

$5 Solar Battery Charger

Solar Powered Home Design  

Sustainable Living System

Sustainable Lighting 

DIY Solar System

 

List of Top 10 Lists 

Top 10 Prepper Websites 

Top 10 Posts 

See similar topics by clicking on the labels below

Best Prepper Transportation

Bug Out Vehicle Criteria

https://motoped.com/survival/

1.  Reliable - Doesn't break down. EMP hardy with no electronics requires a pre 1970's vehicle in most cases, but that is only a factor if we are hit with a Nuke or Solar Flare.
2.  Street and Off-road capable -  Ability to drive where most other vehicles cannot go.  Under normal vehicle use, you need to be able to cruse comfortably at 70 mph and under SHTF circumstances, able to handle the worst dirt roads you might encounter.  When being pursued, or trying to stay off the beaten path, you can drive through a field, the woods, a narrow alley, foot trail or down the train tracks which is a big advantage.
3. Fast - speed to outrun most other vehicles; unfortunately this will consume a lot of fuel and is likely reduce the range and quietness, but could be a huge advantage trying to escape a large SUV full of gangsters.
4. Quite -  No loud exhausts that will attract danger, the quieter the better.  Few modes of transportation are quieter than an electric vehicle.  Another huge advantage is to drive at night with the lights out.  To do this, we can install optional fog lights using infra red (IR) lights and use rechargeable Night Vision (plugged in to the vehicle) or Thermal Vision.  If no IR, we can use Red Infrared Light bulbs used as heat lights. Having a Look Out or Scout checking ahead and surroundings with with
   Thermal Vision can be a huge advantage.  Also see Group Movement.
5. Carrying Capacity - Sufficient capacity for your needs.  More if traveling a great distance to a Bug Out Location, less if used for regional scouting. Extra fuel, ammo, water and food are heavy and can require a lot of space in addition to passengers. Ideally most of your supplies are already at your Bug Out Location (BOL) but you need to carry enough supplies to last double your expected travel time.  See Rule of 3's to prioritize the supplies you pack.
6. Long Travel Range - Ideally you can get where you are going without refueling. More range is needed if traveling a great distance to a Bug Out Location, less if used for regional scouting. Fuel efficiency and/or fuel capacity can deliver the desired results.  For example, a 50 MPG Prius (or motor cycle) with an extra 20 gallon tank (31.9 total) will travel over 1,500 miles without refueling.  Los Angeles CA to New York NY is 2,800 miles. So this would get you half way across the United States. Make this a Plugin Prius (Hybrid) and add a few 150 watt solar panels and you can extend this range 10 miles per day as well as have fuel when there is no gasoline available. Its also quite, but likely not EMP compatible. Gasoline with government mandated ethanol has a shelf life of about 6-12 months so supplies could run out fast. An RV is good for a Nomadic life style while civilization holds up.
7. Easily Maintained - Low maintenance, no maintenance, easy to work on with common tools and has spare parts available. This means no oddball or highly specialized vehicles. Low maintenance is a big plus as you won't have a lot of time to work on it.
8. Intangible - that something special or extra that makes a real functional difference.  Solar powered, eat grass, able to reproduce, sea worthy away from crowds, are all examples.

 Ranking these for some potential vehicles, we come up with a score.  Below is my scoring, what is yours?  Suggestions are appreciated! 

Aosom Bike Trailer

Fuel is usually plentiful

In the end, you must select the best transportation for your needs, but this should help you make the best decision for your needs.

For additional information see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents

List of Top 10 Lists 

Top 10 Prepper Websites 

Top 10 Posts 

Prepper Livestock - Horse

See similar topics by clicking on the labels below

Top 10 Prepper Handbook Posts of all time

1.   Red flag warnings its time to Bug Out
 2.   Truth about the AR 15
 3.   When the Ammo runs out
 4.   Riot & Looting Preparations
 5.   EMP Survival
 6.   How Native Americans lost the US`
 7.   First Aid
8.   US Tax Facts
9.   Silver vs Paper Dollars
10. Alone Season 3 Pack List


What is your favorite? 

 

For additional information see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents

List of Top 10 Lists 

Top 10 Prepper Websites 

Surviving a Partial Collapse

Lets start by Categorizing Catastrophic Events to put them in perspective:

Level 10 - the entire planet earth is destroyed
Level  9 - 90% of the humans on planet earth are killed (Asteroid Strike)
Level  8 - 50% of the humans on planet earth are killed
Level  7 - 90% of the humans on a continent are killed (Nuclear Winter)
Level  6 - 50% of the humans on a continent are killed
Level  5 - 90% of the humans in a region are killed (EMP)
Level  4 - 50% of the humans in a region are killed
Level  3 - 10% of the humans in a region are killed
Level  2 -  5% of the humans in a region are killed
Level  1 - single digit % of the humans in a region are killed

An Asteroid Strike, Nuclear Winter,  EMP or a Solar Flare would likely cause a total collapse of our country civilization.  Such an event could be classified from Level 3 to Level 9, but a more likely scenario would be a temporary Partial Collapse that would be from an event in the Level 1 to Level 3 range and which might include things like:

1. Large scale natural like a Super Volcano
2. Man-made disaster or Terrorist Attack such as a small Iranian nuke in several US cities
3. A global economic recession and Hyper Inflation
4. Civil, political and religious unrest with Riots and Looting
5. A nation wide Pandemic <- Click on Links for more info

More common events like Winter Storms, Hurricanes, Floods and Power Outages can cause regional breakdowns, but help will soon be on the way.  These are Level 1 events.  Where the really serious problem starts is when the domestic "Help" is also incapacitated and won't be able to come.  This quickly escalates an event classification by one or more Levels.

Realistically, most Preppers can only afford to prepare for things in the Level 1 to Level 4 scale.  The preparations or these events are similar except for how long you need to prepare for, how much water and food you need and how much seed & land for longer term events. 

This is where our Step by Step Prepper Plan comes in handy. The more you follow the plan and repeat the cycle, the better prepared you are for longer and more serious events.  Once you get to the point where you have a 1 - 2 year supply of food, seed, tools for a Prepper Garden, Livestock and extra supplies to Barter then you are ready to start working on an underground shelter with Solar Power. There are a number of sources on this, and some group retreats have them included.  The more catastrophic Level 5 and higher events will likely require a substantial investment to survive underground.  Nuclear preparations are well documented and information is readily available and not expensive.  www.ki4u.com has lots of good nuclear info, products and links to even more.

Below is a picture showing the before (bottom) and after (top) effects of an 18 kilo tonne (kt) nuclear bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima Japan. The nuclear bomb sizes last published were 200,000 kt, or 11,000 times more powerful.  Likely nuclear targets for the US include Washington DC, Houston, New Orleans, New York, Chicago and Los Angles plus other large population centers.

 

The devastation is major but primarily on the surface.  Radioactive fall out is likely to kill just as many as the blast. 

After having your preps in order, getting to your retreat early is a key.  Recognizing the RED FLAG warnings that it is time to bug out is important.  Short term Level 1 events can be dealt with in the city, with a good Urban Plan.  Sustainable City Survival is possible if well prepared, but chances are lower than in the country.  Knowing what to expect in urban areas will help.  Country dwellers should expect to be swarmed with city gangs desperately seeking food and water. 

Once you are well stocked, you need a security plan to protect your supplies and loved ones.  Here are some links to read about security:

Night Vision vs Thermal Vision
Investing for Preppers (Financial Security)
The Best Gun
Best Handgun Selection Criteria

Group Security Drills
Urban Survival Perspective
Urban Survival Plan
The right amount of Ammo

Passive Layered Security
Communications
Actionable Intelligence
PVC Survival Tube

Using your garden for cover
Security Patrol Pack (or Bug Out pack)
Country Home Security Plan
Home Invasion Response Plan

Guns in plain sight
Situational Awareness
Intruder Detection
Riot Preparations

Double Barreled Defense
Modern Home Security
Sustainable City Survival
BB Gun

Top 5 Combat Rifles
Best Prepper Dog

For additional information see the following links:
Blog Table of Contents

See similar topics by clicking on the labels below

Alone Season 4 Pack List

Has Modern Man, with all our ingenuity, lost our ability to survive in the wild? The most lucrative and realistic survival show on TV, Alone, suggests the answer to that question is YES, but.... we can learn valuable lessons from this show that will improve our Wilderness Survival skills and guide us on what survival gear is most effective.

It is obvious that ninety percent of the Alone survivalist drop out in less than 90 days.  This is the top 10 out of over five thousands applicants (Season 3), carrying a pack of gear. If the 10 selected are truly the best, this means that 1 out of 5,000 (0.02%) can survive more than 86 days.

IF our US population depended on Wilderness Survival, disregarding the obvious depletion of resources that would instantly occur, only 6 of our 324 million people would survive more than a few months, which is the population that existed before Europeans began to explore the Americas.  People in cities would have a very dark experience in short order.

The show Naked and Afraid, proves that only a limited number of people can last 21 days in the wild. Granted they have much less in the way of supplies and are in an extreme case scenario since few people would be caught in the woods without any clothes on. Regardless, only a few make it for the 21 or 40 day periods.

Why can we not survive longer?

All their campsites have been stationary, rather than Nomadic, like primitive Homo Sapiens lived. I believe there is a rule dictating this, which leads to their resources being depleted in a short period of time and eventual failure. A  "Wanderer - Gather" plan in small groups would be far more sustainable.  Without being Nomadic, Seeds would need to be one of the items we could carry with us to be sustainable.  Our post on Seeds for Survival and a Preppers Garden can provide more ideas on this.  Water is one of our most important requirements and our link on Emergency Water Supply will tell you most everything you need to know.

Alone Season 4 moved from a competition between single survivalist to groups of 2 family members.  This is a more realistic and sustainable scenario.  On previous seasons, with one person the gear allowed has been fairly been straight forward – 1 person gets to have 10 items on top of the “default” items. Because season four was a team effort, the lists are slightly different.

Here are the restrictions for the teams:

1. Each Team may select 10 items from the following list (5 items per person).
2. Participants may only choose up to 2 Food items each.
3. Non-Hunting Items are limited to 1 of each item listed per teammate.
4. The Hunting Items are limited to 1 of each item listed per team.

The difference for Season 4 is that it’s 5 items per person but fixed blade knives and ferrous rods are now on the standard list of gear meaning they are getting to carry 2 more items compared to previous seasons where the knife and ferrous rods had to be part of the ten chosen items.

Jim and Ted 

Lets focus on the Season 4 winning team of Jim & Ted; here is their gear list:

1. Saw – crosscut teeth
2. Bow and arrows
3. Gill net
4. Tarp – 12′ x 12′
5. Trapping wire
6. Fishing line and hooks
7. Pot – titanium
8. Multi-tool (Leatherman)
9. Rations – trail mix &/or pemmican
10. Ax (Fiskars?)

Alone: Pete and Sam's 10 Items (Season 4)

 Now lets compare this with what the other three season Winners packed. A direct comparison is difficult as fixed blade knives and ferrous rods are now on the default list of gear for Season 4 but were chosen items in Seasons 1 - 3. The ferrous rod change is fairly insignificant as all winners elected to carry this. The Season 3 winner, Zachary Fowler, passed on a knife for a Multi-tool.  The net effect is that Season 4 participants got to pick an additional two items, which should enable them to survive for a longer period of time.  Combine this with the fact they are in teams instead of alone and that loneliness is a significant factor, we saw a longer competition, but still nothing near sustainable.

All winners (*) selected:

1. Saw
2. Ax 
3. Fishing line and hooks
4. Large (no more than 2 quart) pot, includes lid

All but one winner carried:

1. Multi-season sleeping bag
2. Hunting knife
3. Gill net
4. Leatherman multi-tool
5. 3.5lb roll of snare wire

Other winner selected items include: 

1. 550 Para Cord - 20m
2. 12' x 12' ground tarp
3. Canteen or water bottle
4. Small shovel
5. Slingshot or catapult + 30 steel balls and replacement band
6. Food items

TEAM ITEMS Which 10 would you pick?

*Each team must choose TEN total items from the following list. Selections are final. Once chosen, no items may be swapped out or replaced. These will be each participant’s unique tools used to survive in the wilderness on camera.  My 10 are indicated in BOLD

 

Shelter

1.     12x12 ground cloth/tarp (grommets approved)

2.     8 mm climbing rope - 10M

3.     550 para cord - 20m

4.     1 hatchet

5.     1 saw

6.     1 ax

Bedding

7.     1 multi-seasonal sleeping bag that fits within provided backpack

8.     1 bivy bag (Gore-Tex sleeping bag cover)

9.     1 sleeping pad

10.   1 hammock

Cooking

11.   1 large (no more than 2 quart) pot, includes lid

12.   1 steel frying pan

13.   1 flint or ferro rod set (Season 4 rule change made this a standard item for all)

14.   1 enamel bowl for eating

15.   1 spoon

16.   1 canteen or water bottle

Hygiene

17.   1 bar soap

18.   1 8 oz tube of toothpaste

19.   1 face flannel

20.   1 40 m roll of dental floss

21.   1 small bottle bio shower soap

22.   1 shaving razor (and 1 blade)

23.   1 towel (30” x 60”)

24.   1 comb

Hunting

25.   1 300-yard roll of nylon single filament fishing line and 25 assorted hooks (No lures)

26.   1 primitive bow with 6 Arrows (must be predominately made of wood)

27.   1 small gauge gill net (12' x 4' with 1.5" mesh)

28.   1 slingshot/Catapult + 30 steel ball bearings + 1 replacement band

29.   1 net foraging bag

30.   1 3.5 lb roll of trapping wire

31  Food

5 lbs of beef jerky (protein)

5 lbs of dried pulses/legumes/lentils mix (starch and carbs)

5 lbs of biltong (protein)

5 lbs of hard tack military biscuits (carbs/sugars)

5 lbs of chocolate (Simple/complex sugars)

5 lbs of pemmican (traditional trail food made from fat and proteins)

5 lbs of gorp (raisins, m&m's and peanuts)

5 lbs of flour (starch/carbs)

2 lbs of rice or sugar and 1 lb of salt

32.  1 pocket knife

33.  1 hunting knife (Season 4 rule change made this a standard item for all)

34.  1 Leatherman multi-tool

35.  1 sharpening stone

36.  1 roll of duct tape or 1 roll of electrical tape

37.  1 small shovel

38.  1 small sewing kit

39.  1 carabineer

40.  1 LED flashlight

41.  1 pair of ice spikes

CLOTHING/APPAREL/PERSONAL EFFECTS (Everyone gets all of these)

*These items do not count towards the 10 special items, but may not exceed the approved quota for each.

·       2 safety tools (may consist of 1 air horn and/or 1 flare)

·       1 rules and regulations guide

·       1 backpack

·       1 camera pack

·       Camera equipment

·       1 emergency flare

·       1 satellite phone

·       1 emergency personal flotation device

·       1 first aid kit (military type – tourniquet, wadding, ace bandage, alcohol, plastic bag, etc)

·       1 small mirror

·       1 10x10ft tarp

·       1 10x10ft tarp (solely for protecting camera and equipment)

·       1 GPS tracking device

·       1 head lamp

·      1 emergency rations pack to include water and food
.      1 flint or ferro rod set - Added as standard for everyone starting in Season 4.
.      1 hunting knife - Added as standard for everyone starting in Season 4.

I'm primarily focused on what the winners carried, but for a list of the other Season 4 participants gear, scroll down, or click HERE for a pdf list and other insight on the show from the inside. Links to the contents for the other Seasons can also be found below.

Once we have our gear selected, we need a plan.  

This would be my Alone Survival Plan  (<- Click blue text).  What would yours be and why?

* Season 2 list not published, but I'm trying to get it.
For additional information, see the following links:

 

Blog Table of Contents
Best Prepper Websites (vote for this one)
Complete Sustainable Living Plan

 

Alone Season 1 Pack List 

Alone Season 2 Pack List  

Alone Season 3 Pack List  

Alone Season 4 Pack List  

Alone Season 5 Pack List 

Alone Season 6 Pack List

Alone: The Beast S1 E1

Alone: The Beast S1 E2 

Alone Season 7 Pack List

Alone Season 8 Cast 

Alone Season 8 Pack List

 

Alone Winners Pack List

Alone Survival Plan  

Naked & Afraid Survival Plan 

Survive on a deserted island  

Wilderness Survival TEST

 

Survival Pack (Security Patrol or Bug Out pack)  

Wilderness Survival Pack (Video)  

Wilderness Survival  

Edible Wild Plants  

Greenbriar (catbriar) 

Cattails 

Dandelion  

Chickweed & Hackberries 

Survive on a Deserted Island

Top 10 List of Prepper info
Top Rated Prepper Handbook Posts of all time

Top Rated Prepper Website
Top 15 Prepper Movies or Shows

Or click on a label below for similar topics.

Pete and Sam:

 

Alone: Pete and Sam's 10 Items (Season 4)

1 Tarp – 12′ x 12′
2 Fishing line and hooks – 50 yards of 40 lb. test and 250 yards of 20 lb. test
3 Gillnet – 12′ x 4′
4 Trapping wire – 3.5 lb. gauge
5 Rations – Looks like a bunch of Tanka Bars, which are pemmican.
6 Tarp – 12′ x 12′
7 Paracord – 500 lb. Rated, orange
8 Saw – folding saw, 14″ blade – Silky Big Boy
9 Ax – 26″ all-steel ax – appears to be an Estwing Long Handled Camper’s ax
10 Pot – 2 quarts, stainless steel

Brook and Dave:

Alone: Brooke and Dave's 10 Items (Season 4)

1 Bow saw

2 Pot – vintage aluminum coffee pot, 2 quarts
3 Tarp – 12′ x 12′, white
4 Bar of Soap
5 Rations – trail mix (peanuts and chocolate)
6 Ax – full-sized felling ax
7 Tarp – 12′ x 12′, white
8 Fishing line and hooks
9 Pan
10 Rations – trail mix

Chris and Brody:

Alone: Chris and Brody's 10 Items (Season 4)

1 Bivy bag – waterproof bivy for sleeping bag – Gortex

2 Ax – medium-sized- Looks like a Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe
3 Pot – 2-quart bush pot –  stainless steel Self Reliance Outfitters Bush Pot
4 Fishing line and hooks – 50 yards 30 lb. test, 100 yards 100 lb., 150 yards 40 lb. test
5 Tarp – 12′ x 12′, silver
6 Bivy bag – waterproof bivy for sleeping bag – Gortex
7 Pot – 2-quart bush pot – stainless steel Self Reliance Outfitters Bush Pot
8 Tarp – 12′ x 12′, silver
9 Saw – 18″ blade – Looks to be the Corona RS 7500D Razor Tooth Pruning Saw
10 Gill net

Shannon and Jesse:

  

Alone: Shannon and Jesse's 10 Items (Season 4)
1 Gill net
2 Tarp – 12′ x 12′, silver
3 Fishing line and hooks
4 Pot – 2 quarts, cast iron
5 Saw
6 Bow and arrows
7 Multitool – Leatherman it looks like a Wingman or a Sidekick?
8 Canteen – stainless steel
9 Rations – Lentils
10 Rations – Pemmican?

Alex and Logan:

Alone: Alex and Logan's 10 Items (Season 4)

1 Bow and arrows
2 Paracord – 500 lb. Rated
3 Gill net
4 Ax – 24″ – Looks like a Snow and Nealley Hudson Bay Axe
5 Multitool – I think it’s a Leatherman SuperTool
6 Fishing line and hooks – 6 lb. test, 30 lb. test, 60 lb. test
7 Pot – stainless steel, 2 quarts – Zebra brand
8 Tarp – 12′ x 12′
9 Saw – 24″ folding saw – Looks like a Bob Dustrude Quick Buck Saw
10 Rations – Pemmican

Brad and Josh:

Alone: Brad and Josh's 10 Items (Season 4)

1 Saw – collapsible bow saw – Possibly a Sven Bow Saw?
2 Bivy bag
3 Canteen – 64 oz.
4 Ax – mid-sized camp ax – Looks like a Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe?
5 Tarp – 12′ x 12′
6 Fishing line and hooks
7 Pot – 2 quarts, stainless steel – looks a lot like the stainless steel Self Reliance Outfitters Bush Pot
8 Saw – crosscut – reportedly a Corona RS 7160 Razor Tooth Raker Saw, 21-Inch
9 Bivy bag (second one)
10 Rations – possibly Jerky

For additional information, see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents
 

Alone Season 1 Pack List 

Alone Season 2 Pack List  

Alone Season 3 Pack List  

Alone Season 4 Pack List  

Alone Season 5 Pack List
Alone Season 6 Pack List

Alone Winners Pack List
Backpack Selection Guide

Alone Survival Plan  

Naked & Afraid Survival Plan 

Survive on a deserted island  

Wilderness Survival TEST

 

Survival Pack (Security Patrol or Bug Out pack)  

Wilderness Survival Pack (Video)  

Wilderness Survival  

Edible Wild Plants  

Greenbriar (catbriar) 

Cattails 

Dandelion  

Chickweed & Hackberries 

Survive on a Deserted Island

Top 10 List of Prepper info
Top Rated Prepper Handbook Posts of all time

Top Rated Prepper Website
Top 15 Prepper Movies or Shows

Or click on a label below for similar topics.