What do humans absolutely need to survive?
In this order, humans need the mindset to survive, skills, shelter, fire, water, food, tools, and clothing. Some people need friends or family for social and moral support.
October 2023
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How do I get a license to use a HAM radio?
This is definitely the most asked when I tell people that I have a HAM radio for adventuring and survival. It is a 5-step process in getting a FCC Amateur Radio Technician license.
Never be lost using orienteering and navigation
I have seen so many people get turned around and they spend hours finding where they are, how off course they have become, and have to setup a make shift camp before they get to their destination. Most people think that their cell phone or GPS units will get them to their destination, until there is a failure of those items in one way or another, and they go off course, and now they are lost.
REVIEW: LifeStraw – A life saving portable water filter
LifeStraw ($19.95 MSRP) is a water filtering straw that allows you to drink water from a questionable source while camping or adventuring. It’s portable, and you can put it in a case (either by LifeStraw or third party) after use to keep the inside of your pack dry, and it lasts a long time (1000 gallons of water). I like this because it is compact (9 x 1.2in – 22.9 x 2.6cm, 1.6oz – 46g), it lasts almost 3 years of daily use at 1 gallon per day, and the maintenance when you get back to civilization is easy.
Can you wRite in the Rain in a notebook?
Ever had the need to take notes in the rain? I have when I was hiking in Oregon and Washington through the Pacific Crest Trail, and without one of these notebooks, I would have no way of taking notes (this was well before iPhones were invented).
Fisher Space Pen Pressurized Cartridge
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: The links listed below with (AFFILIATE LINKS) will take you to a site that sells these items. They are affiliate links, where if you click on the link, and buy the item within a certain period of time, I will be paid a small commission for the sale, at no cost to you….
SitRep – Situation Report
A SitRep or situational or situation report was derived from the military during the Vietnam war era, and it is a good way to assess and understand the situation, understand any actions taken and still needs action, and anything else that may pertain to the situation so anyone and everyone can be updated. It is a good way to communicate in minimal time what the situation is, how to prioritize action items, and get things accomplished.
Building a Meshtastic transceiver for text messages
Building a Meshtastic transceiver for sending text messages without cell service and/or internet access is a good way to provide communication for your group in camp or survival situation to check in or communicate with your team. The range between two people is somewhat limited, but in an open area, it can go quite far (records are greater than 150 miles). I have tested them for over 1 mile where one device is in a home surrounded by antennas, metal, etc., and the other device outdoors with buildings and walls that limit the distance you can communicate. In the open, I easily got 10 miles.
REVIEW: Yaesu VX-8DR – My favorite survival amateur HT
Yaesu VX-8DR is an HT (handheld transceiver) amateur radio. The VX-8DR is the American version and the VX-8DE is the European version (if you are in the U.S., make sure to get the VX-8DR). This radio is discontinued but can be found on the secondary market though it is rare. Why is it rare and why I am reviewing a discontinued item? This is one of the best amateur handheld transceiver radios for survival out there. I have yet to see a replacement, though many have tried.
What do you do after the earthquake?
Remember there may be aftershocks that may not be as strong as the initial major quake, or it can be stronger. But after the aftershocks are significantly smaller in magnitude than the major quake, then you need to assess the situation. At home Not at home Is it safe to stay there? Is anyone injured? Is it…