Survival Gear is the most unused product until a natural disaster happens, then it’s the most desired products, but usually too late to help those that really need the help.
We sell around the World, and pride ourselves on offering a level of customer service that we would want to see ourselves if we were shopping online. Our product ranges change regularly, so we hope that you come back to our sites to see some of the fantastic offers that we regularly have.
Although a lake or pond may appear crystal clear, fresh or as clean as you have ever seen, it may indeed be a haven for countless waterborne parasites waiting to invade your body and do you harm. Some of the more well-known parasites include Cryptosporidium and Giardia. These parasites are present in freshwater lakes throughout the United States. Schistosomes, is rarer than the aforementioned two, but has been reported in the upper Midwest and parts of the South and Southwest.
RELATED STORY
Are Salmonella and E. Coli in Your Water Killing You?
Even rarer, though occasionally found in the United States, often brought in by foreigners or those traveling abroad, is the Guinea worm. However, as bad as these parasites could be, a more disturbing one is also lurking in the seemingly calm waters of your local freshwater hangout spot; this being the Naegleria fowleri parasite, more commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba. All the parasites that you may face when exposed to lake water have their own distinctive symptoms and characteristics, and knowing these can increase your chances of avoiding severe medical illnesses and possibly death.
Five Common-Sense Precautions for Waterborne Parasites
Although the ways of acquiring fresh water parasites differ from one another. The following general list can provide some basic precautions that can be taken when you are exposed to water possibly containing these harmful or even lethal microscopic creatures.
This should be no surprise. Purify ALL water before drinking it. No matter how clean or fresh a water source may appear, you always need to purify it first. You can’t see bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Don’t assume water that looks safe to drink, is. Bringing your water to a rolling boil for five minutes works well, as does ultraviolet purification, and chemical purification methods
Crowded pools can also spread parasites, such as Giardia, to those frolicking and having fun in the water. These parasites have hard outer shells that allow them to survive in pools for up to forty-five minutes. An infected individual can spread the germs through fecal matter and if ingested by a swimmer nearby, can cause illness. If the pool’s chemicals are not maintained or you suspect possible contaminated water, stay out and avoid the risk.
Be alert if you live in a flood-prone region. A flooded area can cause normally safe drinking water to mix with human and animal feces, resulting in people unknowingly ingesting dangerous microorganisms into their bodies. These can then wreak havoc on their gastro-intestinal system so fiercely that it can cause dehydration and sometimes death.
Not all parasites enter the body through a person’s mouth. In some instances, open wounds, such as cuts or deep scrapes, can be the entrance way for many microorganisms. Be alert and avoid questionable swimming areas if you have such injuries.
Head all warnings when an area is marked off as “closed for swimming.” You really don’t know the reason why, but why chance it? Any number of reasons could make your favorite swimming hole unsafe. Risking your health or even your life is never worth a refreshing dip during a hot summer day.
This article is from the spring 2018 issue of Survivor’s Edge Magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the wearing of masks as an effective method of combating not only diseases such as COVID-19, but also many …
If you are anything like me, you spend a good amount of your free time hunting and fishing. It is an excellent way to enjoy nature, develop a skill, and put meat in the freezer. But how do you make sure you’re safe? Here are some tips!
Having a Safe Hunting and Fishing Trip
I love taking my son out to catch some bass or hunt squirrels. Opening day of deer season is an annual holiday for us. However, there are many dangers to both activities.
People get hurt or killed every year because they are either careless or don’t know enough about safety strategies. In this article, we will cover how to be safe any time you head out to bag some game or hook that big one.
1. Go in Groups if Possible
One of the biggest mistakes people make is heading into the wilderness by themselves. If you get hurt or lost by yourself, there’s a chance you might not make it home alive. Even having one additional person with you significantly increases your odds of survival.
That being said, be selective about who you take. Taking a small child with you does not count. Also, everyone knows that one person that seems reckless all the time. It’s probably not a great choice to bring along someone like that. Instead, take someone that you would trust with your life.
2. Know Where Everyone Is Located
One risk when hunting or fishing is accidentally hurting your buddy. This risk is higher for hunting but applies to both activities.
If you are hunting with a bow or firearm, it would be easy to accidentally shoot someone else in your party. If you are going to split up, have a plan for where each of you will be. Never fire in that direction.
If you are hunting, it is always best to wear hunter orange so you can see each other at a distance. This is required during certain seasons in certain states.
If you are fishing in close proximity to other anglers, it could be easy to accidentally hook someone behind or beside you.
Also, if you know where everyone is you can keep an eye on each other. If someone in your party gets hurt or injured and you know where they are, you will be more likely to notice.
3. Know Your Area
One of the biggest risks with any activity in the wilderness is getting lost. Many people are fine with hunting or fishing in areas with which they are not familiar.
Keep in mind that many of these locations do not have cell phone reception. I suggest that you always scout your area in advance so you can identify landmarks. In addition, always have a map and compass with you and know how to use them.
I have personally gotten lost in an area I have hunted since I was a teenager. The brush had all grown up since the previous year, and nothing was recognizable. Luckily, I was able to get my bearings and still enjoy the hunt.
Not everyone is so lucky. You should also make sure at least one other person knows exactly where you will be and when you should be home.
4. Dress Appropriately
This may sound like common sense, but you would be surprised what I have seen. When you go hunting or fishing, be ready for the weather. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changes in temperature.
Always check the forecast before you go. If there is any chance of rain, be sure to have rain gear. The primary risk is hypothermia. More people die in the wilderness from hypothermia than any other cause.
This is when your internal body temperature drops below 95F. I have been hypothermic several times, and it is not fun. Cold weather is a risk but getting wet is a killer. Your body temperature drops 20 times faster when wet than when dry.
In addition, make sure you have appropriate footwear. Any time I am in the wild I wear a boot with good ankle support that will grip the terrain.
5. Watch Your Footing and Balance
Tripping or slipping and falling is the biggest cause of injuries in the wild. It is so easy to twist an ankle or slip on wet leaves. You can easily break your ankle, injure your knee, or hit your head. Even on flat terrain, this type of injury is very common.
Always pay attention to where you are placing your feet. Take the safest path, even if it is not the quickest or easiest. Avoid loose debris like leaves and rocks if possible. Try to keep multiple points of contact with a walking stick or by grabbing sturdy trees.
If you are wading, pay special attention to the current, depth of water, and footing. Several years ago, I was trout fishing in a swift river with waders. I was walking downstream towards a new spot and started to step into a deeper hole.
The water was already pretty high, but when I turned to face the current it hit my chest and went up over my waders. They were instantly filled, and I had to swim to shore with my waders full. I could have easily drowned if I was not a stronger swimmer.
6. Weapon Safety
Most of these rules you probably learned in your hunter’s safety course, but let’s review.
Always treat your weapon as if it is loaded even if you know it is not.
Never point a weapon at anything you do not intend to kill.
Always know what or who is behind your target.
Always point your weapon up or down until you are ready to aim.
Keep your safety on until you are ready to fire.
Clearly identify your target before you take aim.
Inspect and maintain your weapon before and after each use. This means checking the barrel for debris on a firearm and checking the bowstring for frays on a bow.
If you notice anything about the general function of the weapon that seems off during use, immediately stop and inspect the issue or take it to a professional.
7. Boating Safety
Using a canoe, kayak, or motorboat for hunting or fishing is very common. However, it does provide its own set of risks.
First and foremost, always wear your lifejacket. Keep an eye out for obstructions or other people in the water. Never overload your boat and be sure to balance the weight. This makes a huge difference in your ability to control the boat.
Stay seated if at all possibly. Standing up drastically increases the odds of tipping the boat.
Know the water level of rivers and do not go if the water is too high or too low. I have been running a canoe down our local river since I was six years old. I have never had an issue and certainly never flipped a canoe.
A few years back I decided to risk it when the water level was especially high. I ended up flipping the canoe three times that day. I could have easily been pinned against a root wad if I had not been luckier, and I have not made that mistake again.
8. Knife Safety
Hunting and fishing typically require the use of a knife. Always cut away from yourself when cleaning an animal. Keep your knife razor sharp so you do not have to struggle to get through your cut.
If it would be helpful to use another person to clean your animal, do it. Often, a second set of hands can make a big difference.
Always take a first aid kit with you and adjust the contents for whatever needs you may have.
When using a tree stand, never climb with your weapon. Instead, tie on a pull cord, climb the tree, and pull it up when seated. Also, use a harness when you get seated so you cannot fall out of the tree. A family friend fell from a 30-foot tall stand a few years ago and almost did not survive.
Be mindful of the sun. Fishing and hunting can expose you to sun and heat all day in some cases. This can lead to heatstroke or dehydration. Take plenty of drinking water and sunscreen.
When hunting or fishing in cold conditions, bring supplies. I like to have a change of clothes, an emergency blanket, and a way to start a fire.
If you get wet, make sure you have supplies to avoid hypothermia.
If you hunt or fish before sunrise or coming in after sunrise, always take a flashlight or headlamp. Many people get lost in the woods because they assume that they can find their way in the dark without a light.
When fishing with barbed hooks, someone might get a hook embedded in their skin or flesh. Never try to pull out a hook. Always cut the line and leave the hook in place while you seek medical help.
Most of what we included in this article is common sense. However, it is very common for hunters and angler to get complacent. The last thing you want is to ruin your experience because someone was not safe.
Take a minute to review these tips before you head out. You will enjoy your trip much more knowing you are being as safe as possible.
Do you have other hunting and fishing tips to add on our list? Let us know in the comments section!
Dr. Nadar Pourhassan recently sat down with Crush the Street’s Kenneth Ameduri to discuss the medical developments put forward that could be effective in treating Covid-19. A “miracle” drug when it comes to the treatment of COVID-19 could soon become widely available.
Dr. Pourhassan said treatments are for respiratory distress syndrome because that’s what people actually die of it they get COVID-19. The doctor discussed the use of leronlimab by one who doctor who administered the drug to two patients who would have otherwise died, as there was nothing left to do to help them. One immediately came off the ventilator.
Discussion of efficacy tested on patients in critical conditions. The FDA is showing favor about the efficacy of a drug that has been described as a “miracle” when it comes to COVID-19 treatments. It’s called Leronlimab.
Watch the entire discussion in the video below:
Unfortunately, the trust in big pharma is waning, and it’s going to take a lot to regain the trust of the public. Especially after the COVID-19 outbreak, which a majority of Americans believe the government overhyped in order to push a mandatory vaccine on them. Dr. Pourhassan says his company is up to the challenge.
CytoDyn believes in the future of precision medicine… more specificity, less side effects. Our target, the CCR5 receptor, has been implicated in multiple disease processes from HIV, GVHD, NASH, stroke recovery, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, to metastatic cancer. Leronlimab, our CCR5 antagonist, is a once a week, subcutaneous injection. One molecule with multiple opportunities. With precision comes the opportunity for improved safety, convenience, and enhanced efficacy for the patient. -CytoDyn.com
The trials of leronlimab as a treatment for the respiratory distress that is the cause of death in those who do happen to die of COVID-19 (and not some other underlying health condition) are ongoing, says Dr. Pouhassan. At least, if there’s some kind of medicine that can help, such as hydroxychloroquine and likely leronlimab, people may be able to calm down and release some of their fears about being around others.
It could be a good step towards helping people realize a vaccine isn’t necessary, because other effective treatments are available, and they have the choice of how to treat COVID-19 if they do happen to contract it. Choices are what the public has been craving, so this is a step in that direction.
It has truly been disheartening to watch how rapidly our major cities have descended into complete and utter chaos. At a moment when our nation should be coming together like never before, we have open warfare in the streets. The violence has shocked the entire world, and even more violence is expected this weekend. But anyone that is causing violence is actually dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I wish that many of the “leaders” that are encouraging these protests would make that point a lot more loudly. The truth is that the vast majority of Americans are sick and tired of police brutality. Personally, I have written countless articles about police brutality over the years, and I never want to see another police officer kneel on someone’s neck ever again. But I also never want to see these sorts of riots ever again either. Unfortunately, many people believe that this is just the beginning of the civil unrest in this country.
When I use the term “war zone” to describe what the streets of some of our major cities now look like, I am not exaggerating one bit. The following is how one Minneapolis resident described the current condition of his city…
I do not live near downtown Minneapolis, but in a residential neighborhood. Many stores and facilities blocks away from me were either physically destroyed or burnt to the ground. I have heard multiple stories from neighbors about rioters coming on my street to cause trouble and being chased away with guns. Bomb threats to hospitals and nursing homes with suspicious items found on the property were rampant. If you drive around the city all you see is buildings burnt down to the ground and mass destruction everywhere.
Every single person I’ve spoken with that lives in Minneapolis has a story.
A member of the Minneapolis City Council revealed this week that he and several other council members are working on finding out what it would take to disband the Minneapolis Police Department.
The announcement from Councilmember Steve Fletcher comes a week after George Floyd died while in police custody in Minneapolis. During an appearance on CNN on Wednesday, he called the city’s police department “ungovernable.”
Seriously?
If they actually do this, please remind me to never visit Minneapolis ever again.
Without any police, who is going to stop the rioters?
In California, private citizens attempted to defend the Santa Monica Music Center, but they were overpowered by looters. The following comes from Fox News…
For almost five decades, Santa Monica Music Center was an oasis of arts and education that gave all walks of life the opportunity to bond over melodies.
But in the riots that reached Santa Monica on Sunday, almost everything inside was damaged or pilfered as the distraught owners looked on, and those who tried to defend the building had guns and other weapons pulled on them with no law enforcement to be found.
When asked about this incident, one of the owners described it as “a horror movie”…
“It was just a horror movie,” Lana Negrete, 40, who now co-owns the center with her father Chico and runs the business with her husband. “They took everything from us, and no one stopped them. It was so violating.”
Is that really the type of world that we want to live in?
The truth is that we need the police. We just don’t want them to act like monsters.
Unfortunately, new examples of police brutality continue to emerge day after day. For example, check out what just happened in Indianapolis…
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the actions of several officers captured on video using batons and pepper balls to subdue a woman on a downtown sidewalk Sunday night, a spokeswoman said.
The video, shared widely on Twitter and Facebook, recorded what happened to two women arrested by officers at the corner of North Pennsylvania and East Washington streets around 9 p.m.
And in New York state, an elderly man had his skull cracked open after being pushed to the concrete by police.
Nobody wants that.
Without a doubt, being a police officer is one of the toughest jobs in America right now. Dealing with the angry mobs that we are witnessing in the streets is incredibly stressful, and they put their lives on the line every single day.
But the proper balance between force and restraint must be found, because we desperately need the police to regain the faith of the American people.
The truth is that we need the police, because otherwise our cities will descend into a constant state of utter chaos.
There are a lot of people out there that do not believe in the rule of law, and if given the opportunity they would use force to make their own law. The following is what one man experienced when he was recently caught in the middle of a group of Antifa rioters…
Suddenly they turned and, with military precision, all began walking, and I was in the middle of them. I quickly moved to the left of the street to get out of their way, but the massive army began to move faster and faster. Suddenly, I was in the middle with no way to get out. Like a steamroller on hot asphalt, they just mowed me over.
As I turned, three white girls, with the nastiest expressions in their eyes, punched me and shoved me to the ground and moved on, with person after person just stepping over me.
Ultimately, somebody is going to rule the streets of America, and we want it to be the police.
We just want the police to act in a civilized manner.
Is that too much to ask?
Sadly, I believe that there is going to be more violence, more riots and more police brutality in the days ahead.
The streets of America have become a war zone, and life in this country will never be the same again.
About the Author: I am a voice crying out for change in a society that generally seems content to stay asleep. My name is Michael Snyder and I am the publisher of The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe. I have written four books that are available on Amazon.com including The Beginning Of The End, Get Prepared Now, and Living A Life That Really Matters. (#CommissionsEarned) By purchasing those books you help to support my work. I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but due to government regulations I need those that republish my articles to include this “About the Author” section with each article. In order to comply with those government regulations, I need to tell you that the controversial opinions in this article are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the websites where my work is republished. The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions. Those responding to this article by making comments are solely responsible for their viewpoints, and those viewpoints do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of Michael Snyder or the operators of the websites where my work is republished. I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help. During these very challenging times, people will need hope more than ever before, and it is our goal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all many people as we possibly can.
2020 has given Americans a myriad of reasons to stock up on weaponry. Election years always lead to an influx in gun sales amid fears of increased restrictions if a new President has a strong gun control agenda.
The COVID-19 pandemic lead to a further surge in sales as families worried how they would protect themselves as millions of Americans found themselves out of work and desperate for food and money.
Now, race wars are breaking out around the country leading to riots, looting, arson, and destruction of property.
Preppers have long considered firearms to be an essential tool in the home. Self-defense is a priority for those that are prepared for anything. Being able to hunt large game if needed is another benefit.
But what if you are prohibited from owning a gun? Illegally obtaining a firearm can lead to prison time and fines, as well as motivate legislators to increase gun control laws.
But despite past arrests, there is a need to protect yourself and your family, especially in times of unrest.
Do Your Research
If you have a history that includes felony arrests, domestic abuse, and/or certain mental illnesses, you will be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm.
Be absolutely certain that you fall into one of those categories in the state that you currently reside in.
Different states have different requirements for gun ownership. It is your responsibility to know your local laws.
Get Creative
Just because you cannot own a gun does not mean that weapons are not available to you. A trip to your local hardware store will supply you with any number of effective weapons, from hammers to chainsaws to axes to wasp spray.
Baseball bats and paint ball guns can be purchased at any sporting goods store.
Chemicals like bleach can be used in self-defense and can be found at grocery stores.
Bricks in a pillowcase are not prohibited even if you live in a state where using a baseball bat is.
Prepare Your Home
Weapons are used when you come face-to-face with a criminal intending you bodily harm. Before you ever reach that point, outfit your home to prevent someone from gaining entry.
Purchase alarm systems, security cameras, floodlights, and secure locks for the exterior; make your home undesirable as a target.
Consider buying or adopting a dog with a loud bark; dogs do not have to be trained to attack or protect the premises to deter thieves. The threat of an animal attack is enough for many perpetrators to pass on your property.
If you live in an area that is being directly affected by violence, barricade your doors and board up your windows. Eliminate entry points to avoid contact.
Be Resilient
You may have lost your rights to own a firearm, but you have not lost your right to protect yourself and your family.
With police occupied elsewhere, calls to 911 may have longer response times than are acceptable. Use what you have available to you.
A sleep system has always been a mainstay in my bug out bag. If you need to overnight somewhere, you will be a lot happier (and a lot more effective the next day) if you can sleep well, especially since we are all used to sleeping on a mattress.
by J. Bridger, contributing writer
A sleep system doesn’t have to weigh 15 pounds and take up your entire bag. I like to use a blanket or sleeping bag, ground pad, and ground sheet. The pad keeps the ground from sucking heat out of you, and the sheet protects your equipment from the dirt. I tried hammocks but found them to be just as heavy a tents and a little inconvenient. You still need something on your backside, and if you can’t find two trees, you’re SOL. Here I talk about a couple lightweight options that work well for me.
Double Black Diamond Throw – The Perfect Bugout Blanket?
In pursuit of warmer, lighter gear, I have found it gets expensive quickly. I see $300 down quilts all the time on the internet. For outdoor sleeping, I was using a heavy wool blanket. It was warm and tough as can be, but bulky and very heavy. It ate up way too much room in my pack.
Soon after, I graduated to a down sleeping bag made by Wenger. Good to 20 degrees, it weighs in at 2lbs 8oz. It was space age compared to my old wool blanket. It’s a great bag, but I needed something I could use in the spring and summer months. Occasionally, I find something that is an absolute gem. That one item that is good quality, fills a need perfectly, and doesn’t break the bank. Browsing Amazon one day, I came across the Double Black Diamond Down Throw. I couldn’t get it to the checkout line fast enough, and it’s been in my pack ever since.
My first impression was that this blanket is warm and light. The shell is made of 20D polyester and nylon and contains 700 fill power down. The website states its size as 60 inches x 70 inches, but mine measured 54 in. x 67in. I bet if I pulled it taut, it would be 60”x70”, but I didn’t measure it that way. It packs down small, about 6”x11”. It doesn’t include a compression sack, which would’ve made this deal even sweeter.
You can buy a cheap compression sack, but the sack it came in works fine. I use it at night as a pillow, stuffed full of clothes or other items. It also packs down and fits perfectly in a 2L dry bag. I leave mine in its own 8L dry bag because I keep it ready to go all the time.
Double Black Diamond Throw Field Test
The first night I used the down throw, I was comfortably warm. It was chilly (in the mid-50s) at about 7,300’ above sea level. One of only two problems I had was this blanket was so light, about any breeze that came through would blow it off my shoulders. Not a huge deal, but it really pissed me off at the time.
stitched toe box
To remedy this, I stitched a toe box into it, resembling a sleeping bag halfway unzipped. The next time I used it (for my Buckskin Gulch trip) it was perfect. I had no problems with it coming off during the night.
For the final test, I did an overnight hike up a rocky valley to some dried-up falls. It was about 8,800’ above sea level, and that night it got down to 45. It was pretty chilly in the wind. I slept in a base layer, socks, and a beanie.
The forecast gave a 50% chance of rain, so I pitched a tarp shelter. The tarp kept the wind off, and it never rained (I’ll bet if I hadn’t pitched a tarp, it would have poured). I never got cold, but I don’t think I would want to test it down any farther. If it’s less than 45, I’ll just bring my sleeping bag.
The only other problem I had, and it’s not a huge issue, but this blanket is slightly short. I’m 5’-9”, and it’s perfect for me. If it was any shorter, it’d be too short. If you’re any taller, it may be too short for you. Many people online have combined two blankets for a loftier, larger quilt. If I had the sewing prowess and the patience, I would do that, but… I don’t. I suspect this would also make a great DIY under quilt for hammock camping.
I really like this blanket for backpacking, especially when I know what the conditions are going to be. This would be a great blanket for children, or to keep in your bugout bag during the summer. In the winter months, I would swap it out for something warmer. It’s cheap enough you could get a couple to keep in your truck.
The only issues keeping this from being the perfect bugout blanket are few. It’s made in China, and it would not offer any warmth if it were wet. The shell seems durable enough, but I would be wary of burning Osage orange near it, it may pop and send a hot ember through the shell. I have washed it in the machine a couple times, but I let it air dry. It hasn’t seemed to hurt it any. The price is right, it’s lightweight, and warm down to the mid-40s for me. They hit a home run with this one.
Double Black Diamond Throw Summary
Materials: Shell: 20D polyester and nylon. Fill: 700 fill power silver duck down.
Weight: Mine is 16.64 oz (472 grams) (with stuff sack).
Packed Size: Approximately 6”x11”
Actual Size: 54”x67”
Cost: Around $40
Pros: Cheap. Warm. Light.
Cons: May be a bit short for some. Made in China. No compression sack. So light it may blow off at night.
Bug Out Sleeping Pads
Sleeping pads may not be as sexy as ARs or picking handcuffs, but trust me, they are a must-have item for any backpack or bug out bag. If you spend a night on the trail or in a bug out scenario, you will be glad you had the forethought to pack a solid pad. They prevent heat loss from the ground and will give you a better night’s rest. This equates to a better attitude and performance. This goes without saying, but if you carry an inflatable pad, make sure you carry a patch kit.
From L to R: AXL, Prolite, NEO Air, and Z-Lite
If I had to choose one pad, I’d say it depends on the mission. What’s the weather like? Am I going to use it in my bugout bag? Is it going to live in my truck’s ‘get home bag’ and probably never be used, except on car-camping trips? If you can live with the bulk, the Z-Lite is cheap, warm, and won’t deflate on you. If you can’t, and need a little more comfort, the NEOAir XLite is a proven pad. Sometimes simple is best!
From L to R size comparison: Nalgene bottle for reference, Prolite, Z-Lite, NEOAir, and AXL.
Following is a closer look at the four I have experience with.
Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite
The Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite was my first pad, and I love how simple it is. You don’t have to blow it up, so there’s no chance of a leak. I’ll never have to haul this thing to the nearest river or bathtub to try to find the tiny hole ruining my life. It’s lightning fast to set out and pack up. It doesn’t offer much comfort on hard ground, but it will keep you warm.
My biggest complaint is it’s bulky, so I usually strap it to the outside of my pack. This makes it more susceptible to wear and tear, but it’s handy to whip out to lay down for a quick rest on the trail. I don’t have an under quilt, so if I’m hanging in my hammock, I just use this. It’s soft and pliable enough that it isn’t uncomfortable, and it keeps my back side warm. I got a short one to keep things light, and I don’t regret it. I use my empty pack for my feet to keep my ankles off the ground and my feet warm. Perfect!
Weight: 9.78 oz (277 grams)
Packed Dimensions: 5.25”x3.75×20”.
Dimensions in Use: 20”x51.5” (Approximately 4 ft 3.5 in)
Breaths to Inflate: Zero
Pros: Lightweight. Doesn’t require inflating and can’t pop. Quick set up and take down.
Cons: Bulky, not much comfort on hard ground.
Cost: Around $25.
Big Agnes AXL Air Mummy
one-way valve
The Big Agnes AXL is super light and easily the most comfortable pad I’ve used. I even like the color. The one-way valve doesn’t let air out between breathes, which is great. If you’re high in elevation, you may have to stop and catch your breath to inflate this pad. It’s as wide as my Z-lite, but for some reason it feels narrower. The material is so light and thin, it can be challenging to fold and roll up in the wind.
Big Agnes (BA) doesn’t report an R-value for this pad, but I have used it on a windy 30 night at 11,000’ above sea level. That was a cold night, and I may have been warmer with an insulated pad, but I still slept well. Since that night was so cold, I stuffed whatever I could between the ground tarp and my pad. My scarf, dirty socks, dry bags, etc. If BA made a 26” wide three-quarter length pad, it would be perfect. BA makes a dry bag that you can use to push air into this pad, which is a clever idea. That may be something you want to consider if you’re looking at this pad.
Weight: 10.26 oz (292 grams)
Packed Dimensions: Approximately 3.25”x8”. Slightly smaller than a Nalgene.
Dimensions in Use: 20”x72”
Breaths to Inflate: 19 (Your mileage may vary)
Pros: Lightweight. Thick. Comes with a patch kit.
Cons: No R value reported. Almost too narrow for me. (For comparison sake, I am 5’-9” tall, and weigh 160). 19 breaths are enough to make me lightheaded.
Cost: Around $125
Therm-A-Rest NEOAir XLite
This is a very popular choice for people that like the best money can buy. The NeoAir Xlite is a ¾ length pad, so you may want to put your pack under your feet to make up that length. It’s a little loud initially, but this improves with use. It’s very light and packs up small. It has better insulation than the Big Agnex AXL. It’s a little small for me. It’s probably best for petite people or sleepers who aren’t picky.
Weight: 8.12 oz (230 g)
Packed Dimensions: Approx. 3”x8.5”
Dimensions in Use: 45” Long. Widest point is 19”, tapers to 9” at foot end.
Breaths to Inflate: 12 (Your mileage may vary).
Pros: Super light-weight. Packs easily. Comfortable. Comes with a patch kit. No holes after about 80 nights of use. R value is 3.8.
Cons: Crinkly and loud initially. This improves after some use. Valve will let air out between breaths.
Cost: Around $175
Therm-A-Rest Prolite
For regular use, the Therm-A-Rest Prolite works great. Its weight & stowed size are the main drawbacks. It will keep you warm on a cold night but lacks the comfort of a thicker pad. This is a good pad for car camping. If you’re trying to keep your pack light, this won’t be your first choice.
Weight: 16.64 oz (472 g)
Packed Dimensions: Approximately 5”x11”. Slightly larger than a Nalgene.
Dimensions in Use: 20”x66”
Breaths to Inflate: 7
Pros: Full length. Has padding inside. R Value of 3.
Cons: Weight. Length is unnecessary for the summer. Did not come with a patch kit. Valve will let air out between breaths.
Cost: Around $90
A comparison of sleeping pad depths.
Ground Sheets
Here in the desert, I can get by without a shelter if it doesn’t rain. There aren’t any mosquitoes, and there is no dew. Thank goodness. I never realized how nice it was not to deal with those things. For simplicity’s sake I just use a pad, blanket, and ground sheet. The ground sheet keeps my pad and blanket clean, which will hopefully make them last longer. It’s also more hygienic in a long-term scenario.
Gossamer Gear makes a Polycryo Tent Footprint in medium (40”x96”) and large (72”x96”). These come in a 2 pack for $10. These are super light (Med is 1.6oz, Large is 3.6oz) and surprisingly durable. For the weight and the price, you can’t beat these. If weight isn’t on your mind, it should be. If you disagree, you should throw on your ruck and bust out a 10-mile hike. I didn’t think I would like the fact that they are clear, but I do. I can see if there is a rock or something sharp I’m going to be laying on.
Another option is the blue backpacker’s tarp at WalMart. It’s $10, and I trimmed the grommets and excess size off with scissors. It can fit 2 comfortably and weighs about 6oz. It’s a little more durable. These sheets take up almost no room in my pack, and they don’t break the bank. I wish everything was that simple.
For less than two pounds of weight, I can be comfortable down to 45 degrees. That keeps me safe and gives me the ability to cover a lot of ground without being exhausted. I’ve done 20 miles in a day with this in my pack, all over 8,000’. It sucks, but I can do it.
Lightweight Sleeping Bug Out Summary
If your pack is too heavy you risk exhaustion, injury, and being slow and ineffective. Slow and ineffective is just that – slow and ineffective.
What sleep system do you keep in your bug out bag?
