Beyond Bic: Lighter Choices For Survival and SHTF
We have done posts on the past about firestarters, but lighters have been overlooked. The type of lighter that is best for you depends on various factors. Here are some … Read More
Interested in Survival Gear?
Start Here
Welcome to our guide to the best survival gear planning and reviews. With so much to choose from out there it can be hard to decide just what you need to make it through those hard times. From finding the best multi tool to putting together your bug out bag, you will find what you need to get started and expand your preps right here!
Don’t forget to read up what clothing and footwear you need to consider to get through in your unique climate and be sure to brush up on the current offerings of personal water filters out there that can provide thousands of gallons of lifesaving water for you and your family.
Tools & Weapons
Having the right tools and also being prepared to defend yourself and your family are important. From the best multi tool to picking out a non lethal weapon, you will find something to suit your situation in these posts.
Best Non Lethal Weapons for the Prepared Individual
The Best Pepper Spray to Keep With You
Best EDC Knives – Top Prepping and Survival Knives for 2018
Best Multi Tools for the Equipped Prepper
Best Emergency Window Breakers for the Unexpected
FiveJoy J2 Entrenching Survival Shovel Review – Hands On Testing
Review: Learn About Wiebe Specialty Skinning Knives
Fire & Cooking
Not everyone is used to cooking very often or even having to get a fire going. Our guide to rocket stoves and our post on firestarters is a good way to get started.
The Ultimate Guide to Cast Iron Skillets & Cookware
Best Easy To Use Fire Starters
How to Use the Amazing Solo Stove
Best Rocket Stoves To Make Yourself Or Purchase
Clothing & Footwear
Just because clothing and footwear is plentiful now doesn’t mean it will be in a long emergency. Having the right clothing for your climate and for different seasons is crucial regardless if you are planning on staying in place or bugging out.
Best Clothing To Have On Hand For SHTF
General & Misc
Survival Gear Checklist – 27+ Items to Get You Started
VSSL Supplies Review & First Aid Canister Kits Review: Cleverly Designed for Peace of Mind
LuminAID Packlite Max Review – Hands-on with this Solar Lantern Charger
Water Filtration
A lightweight and portable filter is something everyone should have. Our guides can help you find the right ones.
The Ultimate Guide To The Best Survival Water Filters
Sawyer Mini Alternatives – Why Does Everyone Love the Sawyer Mini?
Bug Out & EDC Bags
Creating a bug out bag is one of the first things a lot of preppers do. There are a lot of pre put together options you can buy to get started and then add on to or you can budget a little at a time and build your own custom bag.
We can also show you how to put together an every day carry bag that can help out if you find yourself in a situation on your commute, at work, or running errands.
Best Pre Made Bug Out Bags & DIY Options
How To Build Your Own Perfect Bug Out Bag
How to Test Your Ability to Carry a Bug Out Bag
Best Practices: The Every Day Carry Bag aka EDC
Gas Masks & Biological Defense
Do you have a gas mask? If not you should consider having at least a breathing mask for protection against airborne pathogens and biological weapons. Our guide to the best gas masks offers a lot of approachable options.
The Best Gas Masks for Preppers and What to Look For
Product Review: EnviroKlenz® Breathing Mask for Pollution and VOC’s
Other Resources
Backdoor Survival Interviews Emergency Essentials
Thank you for stopping by!
Be sure to check back with us for more informative posts on survival gear!
Security Cameras: What You Need To Consider Before Purchasing and Installing
When it comes to security there are a lot of things to think about. The truth is that no matter how careful you are, there are times when you cannot … Read More
Best Wool Blankets For Survival and Emergencies
Editor’s Note: This is an updated and revised edition for 2018 A good wool blanket is hard to beat in an emergency situation. They are also very nice to have … Read More
How To Prepare For An Earthquake
Earthquakes are more likely in some areas than others however it may surprise you that a lot of areas that people often don’t associate with seismic activity at least pose … Read More
A Review Of The Go Ruck GR1 Rucksack
The Go Ruck GR1 is a high-quality pack made in the USA by hand. This type of craftsmanship is a rarity in today’s world. I was given a Go Ruck … Read More
Best Emergency Radios For Prepping & Survival
A good emergency radio that can be run on a variety of power sources is something you should consider adding to your preps, so you can stay informed and entertained. … Read More
How To Purify Salt Water for Survival
Desalination can be done on a small scale with basic items. Pot distillers can make the process faster but you can also achieve desalination with salvaged items in a survival … Read More
Exploring The Best Survival Watches
While a survival watch may seem like a quaint idea, you need to think about how tough it actually might be out in the bush or during a SHTF situation. … Read More
A Review Of The Camp Chef Oven Outdoor Gas Range
The is a remarkable and economically priced oven and range for anyone that wants all the convenience of a quality gas range in the great outdoors. At around 32 lbs, … Read More
Best Boot Knives For SHTF
Boot knives are a formidable addition to your self-defense stockpile. That’s why we’re highlighting the best boot knives in this article. There are a lot of reasons you should consider … Read More
Choosing The Right Saw: From Gas To Battery and Beyond
Different saws are good for various tasks and living situations. While there are dangers to using a saw, if you gain experience and use some safety equipment, these dangers … Read More
The Ultimate Guide to Cast Iron Skillets & Cookware
I love my cast iron skillet. Even though I have had it for less than a year, it is the most used piece of cookware in my home. Perhaps it is nostalgia for what I perceive to be the good old days – think Pa and the boys cooking up some chow on Bonanza – or simply a longing to, in some small way, shun our spit-shined, high tech society.
Whatever the case, I am now really “in” to cast iron.
If you were lucky enough to get some cast iron cookware from Santa, you probably have some anxiety about using it. And even if your are a cast iron diva – well experienced in its glories – you may have some questions about it’s use and care for the long term. Today I offer some suggestions that will guarantee your cooking adventures with cast iron succeed.
1. Seasoning is your friend.
Cast iron needs to be seasoned in order to acquire non-stick capabilities. An unseasoned piece is a disaster waiting to happen. You food will taste like, well, rusty iron. Food will stick like crazy. And clean-up? Forget it.
These days, if you are starting new, you can purchase a pre-seasoned pan. That is what I did. Lodge as well as other manufacturers sell pre-seasoned pans for just a few dollars more than the unseasoned kind. But not to worry if you acquired an old rusted out or unseasoned pan from a friend, relative or thrift store, You can find my instructions for seasoning a cast iron pan from scratch in the tip area below.