After visiting San Diego in my youth I thought how wonderful it would be to live in a climate that had roughly one season. True San Diego does experience four seasons but not like where I live. The thought of a perpetual summer was enticing.  More time to play in the warm weather and not having to wear a lot of different clothing or layers. Alas I never moved and as I got older I am very happy that I didn’t. True four seasons keeps it interesting. There is a joy that I get in each season and watching the cycle. With the cycle of seasons though comes a very important lesson in layering. With ever fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions one cannot just count on a single piece of clothing to shrug off what mother nature throws at you. One must understand how to layer their clothing. Of course this is beneficial in our daily lives but even more so when a survival situation occurs, because your clothing is your first shelter.

By Grimm, contributing author to SHTFblog and Survival Cache

In a modern day world where houses, apartments, condos i.e. shelters are everywhere, its hard to imagine a moment when you cant access one but it happens. People get locked out or lost. Vehicles break down or crash. Which that thought brings me to a great example of poor layering. I was driving home from work and it was December. I was wearing my work shirt, pants and a leather jacket. Easily enough to keep me warm in my heated car or inside my work which is heated. Needless to say I was rear ended and I had to stand outside on the side of the road while police came and tow trucks dragged my totaled car away. I was freezing. I did not layer properly. I had two layers tops and nothing to cover my head or hands. Now I always make sure I have decent layers no matter where I go and you should as well.

These layers, which usually amounts to three, help keep the body protected from the elements. Rain, snow and wind can chill the body down together or separately causing hypothermia. Wind and sun can rob the body of moisture causing hyperthermia. These layers shrug off the wind, rain or snow or shield the body from the suns UV rays. Now you might ask why usually three. Well just like how the weather changes frequently so does your physical activity. More physical activity means more heat and possible perspiration. So layers can be taken off to keep cool and limit sweat. Remember sweat is produced to cool the body down. That’s good but just like rain it will affect the insulating properties of your clothing. Having layers gives the person the ability to adapt to the weather changes as well as their activity.

Check out: It’s Winter! Don’t Go Hiking Without Proper Clothing!

Another point to consider, though one might have good layers on do not forget about your head, neck, hands and feet. I understand that wearing two pairs of socks is not always an option in our daily routine but a hat, scarf, and gloves can go a long way to help the body stay protected. I know if I merely had a wool hat and scarf when I was in my accident I could have been a bit warmer on that day. True I wasn’t in a survival situation that day but next time I might not be as lucky. Of course this blog only touches the tip of the iceberg when it comes to layering so check out the video for more helpful information on Layers to Live by.

 

On top of everything else that has happened so far in 2020, a very mysterious “SARS-like virus” that doctors have never seen before is causing grave concern among global health officials.  It has been identified as “a coronavirus”, but that category covers a very broad range of illnesses.  If you have a common cold right now, it was caused by a coronavirus.  But SARS and MERS also came from the same virus family, and those two outbreaks made headlines all over the world.  In 2002 and 2003, SARS infected more than 8,000 people worldwide, and more than 700 of them ended up dying.  Global health officials are hoping that what we are now facing won’t be any worse than that, but at this point they just don’t know enough about this mysterious new virus to make any firm projections.

What we do know is that this outbreak just started, and China has just announced that this virus has claimed a second life.  The following comes from the BBC…

A second person has died in China from a new, pneumonia-like virus, local officials have announced.

They say the death was recorded in the eastern city of Wuhan, where the outbreak began in December.

And we also know that there have been at least two cases where people have transported the virus outside of China via airplane.

The first case happened earlier this week when a woman flew from China to Thailand…

The new virus, known for now as 2019-nCoV, was first identified on Jan. 7, about a week after officials first reported a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, WHO said.

Recently, officials reported the first “exported” case of the virus in Thailand. In that case, a resident of Wuhan got on a direct flight to Thailand along with several members of her family and a tour group, according to WHO. When the 61-year-old woman arrived at the airport, she was found to have a fever, and she was taken to the hospital where she tested positive for 2019-nCoV.

Subsequently, on Thursday we learned that a man that flew from China to Japan had also contracted the virus.  The following comes from Time Magazine…

Japan’s government said Thursday a man treated for pneumonia after returning from China has tested positive for the new coronavirus identified as a possible cause of an outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

The man developed a fever and coughs on Jan. 3 while in Wuhan, returned to Japan on Jan. 6, and was hospitalized four days later due to persistent coughs and fever, with his X-ray image showing signs of pneumonia, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said.

At first, global health officials were greatly downplaying the possibility of human-to-human transmission.

But now even the World Health Organization has been forced to admit that “limited human-to-human transmission” may be happening…

There may have been limited human-to-human transmission of a new coronavirus in China within families, and it is possible there could be a wider outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.

In other words, the evidence has forced them to change their tune, but they are still trying to not alarm the general public too much.

Unfortunately, the truth is that this outbreak is still very new, they have never seen this virus before, and they are still trying to figure out exactly how dangerous it is.

Hopefully this is not going to develop into a major pandemic.  Without a doubt, it is certainly possible that this whole thing could fizzle out even faster than the bird flu scare did.

But let us not forget that a horrific pandemic about 100 years ago killed between 50 million and 100 million people.  The following comes from Wikipedia…

The 1918 influenza pandemic (January 1918 – December 1920; colloquially known as Spanish flu) was an unusually deadly influenza pandemic, the first of the two pandemics involving H1N1 influenza virus.^[1] It infected 500 million people around the world,^[2] including people on remote Pacific islands and in the Arctic. Probably 50 million, and possibly as high as 100 million (three to five percent of Earth’s population at the time) died, making it one of the deadliest epidemics in human history.^[3][4][5]

Bill Gates has identified pandemics as one of the three greatest threats that humanity is facing, and he says that we are woefully unprepared if one were to break out today.

In fact, he says that we should be preparing for one right now as if we were preparing for war…

“In the case of biological threats, that sense of urgency is lacking,” Gates said in a 2018 presentation hosted by the New England Journal of Medicine. “The world needs to prepare for pandemics in the same serious way it prepares for war.”

Sadly, authorities will probably never make preparation a true priority until a major pandemic has already begun.

The symptoms of this new mystery virus include congestion, headache, cough and fever.

Of course those exact same symptoms are associated with the common cold.

If you have shortness of breath, chills or body aches in addition to the other symptoms, that could be an indication that you should get checked out.

But there have been no reports of this virus reaching the United States yet, and hopefully we won’t see that happen at all.

For the Chinese, this outbreak comes at a particularly bad time, because their Lunar New Year celebration is on January 25th.  Hundreds of millions of people will be traveling around China, and that could potentially accelerate the spread of the virus.

It may have been prudent for Chinese officials to completely cancel all of the festivities, but at this point there are absolutely no plans to do that.

So we will watch and see what happens.  If this particular virus doesn’t become a pandemic, scientists assure us that it is only a matter of time before some other virus does.  And considering the hour in which we live, we are certainly very vulnerable to a potential pandemic right now.

Once again, I want to stress that there is no need for people in the U.S. to start freaking out about this virus just yet.  Only two people have died, and there have been no reported cases in the U.S. so far.

But as we have seen in the past, global air travel can spread a virus around the world very quickly, and authorities are still trying to figure out how dangerous this new mystery disease really is.

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. This article may contain opinions on political matters, but it is not intended to promote the candidacy of any particular political candidate. 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.

The post The Mysterious New “SARS-Like Virus” That Is Killing People In China Has Now Spread To Japan appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

This article was originally published by Michael Snyder at The Economic Collapse Blog. 

There has never been a time in modern human history when our planet has been changing as rapidly as it is changing right now.  The sun is behaving very strangely, freakishly cold weather is breaking out all over the world, ocean temperatures continue to rise, volcanoes all over the globe are shooting ash miles into the air, Australia is experiencing the worst wildfires that they have ever seen, and the north magnetic pole has been moving at a pace that is deeply alarming scientists.  Could it be possible that all of this bizarre activity is leading up to some sort of a crescendo?

Sadly, most people don’t even realize what is happening, and that is because the mainstream media only emphasizes stories that fit with the particular narratives that they are currently pushing.

But it has gotten to the point where nobody can deny that really weird things are happening.  The following are 7 major earth changes that are happening right now that everyone needs to know about…

#1 According to NASA, solar activity has dropped to the lowest level in 200 years.  The following comes from the official NASA website…

The forecast for the next solar cycle says it will be the weakest of the last 200 years. The maximum of this next cycle – measured in terms of sunspot number, a standard measure of solar activity level – could be 30 to 50% lower than the most recent one. The results show that the next cycle will start in 2020 and reach its maximum in 2025.

Of course, NASA insists that everything will be just fine, but others are wondering if this lack of solar activity could potentially spawn another “Little Ice Age”…

When solar activity gets really low, it can have the effect of a “mini ice age.” The period between 1645 and 1715 was marked by a prolonged sunspot minimum, and this corresponded to a downturn in temperatures in Europe and North America. Named after astronomers Edward Maunder and his wife Annie Russell Maunder, this period became known as the Maunder Minimum. It is also known as “The Little Ice Age.”

#2 When solar activity gets very low, it has traditionally meant very cold and very snowy winters, and right now we are seeing snow in places that are extremely unusual…

The Egyptian capital, Cairo, was also turned white at the start of the month, despite the city not having snow in 112 years, and experiencing less than an inch of rain each year.

Many parts of Greece were covered in snow in early January, with low temperatures and strong frost.

The cold front named ‘Hephaestion’, after an Ancient Greek army general, thrashed the Greek landscape, bringing rain, sleet and ice in the east.

#3 Meanwhile, the oceans of the world just keep getting hotter and hotter.  In fact, ocean temperatures off the California coast have been setting new all-time record highs.  It is odd that this is taking place at a time of such low solar activity, but according to NBC News this is definitely happening…

The world’s oceans hit their warmest level in recorded history in 2019, according to a study published Monday that provides more evidence that Earth is warming at an accelerated pace.

The analysis, which also found that ocean temperatures in the last decade have been the warmest on record, shows the impact of human-caused warming on the planet’s oceans and suggests that sea-level rise, ocean acidification and extreme weather events could worsen as the oceans continue to absorb so much heat.

#4 There have always been wildfires, but we have never seen anything like this.  During the summer, countless catastrophic fires burned millions upon millions of acres in the Amazon rainforest, and this winter Australia’s fires have actually been a total of 46 percent larger than the fires that we witnessed in the Amazon.  Australia has never seen anything like this before, and according to NASA the smoke from these fires will completely circle the Earth…

Once was bad enough, but smoke from Australia’s devastating bushfires is set to return to the country to complete a round-the-world trip that has seen it impact on air quality as far away as South America.

By Jan. 8, the smoke had made its way halfway around the world and will make at least one full circuit, according to scientists at NASA, citing satellite tracking data. New Zealand experienced severe air quality issues, while hazy skies and colorful sunsets and sunrises were seen in parts of Chile and Argentina.

#5 During the first half of 2020, volcanoes all over the world have been roaring to life and have been shooting giant clouds of hot ash miles into the sky.  For example, in the Philippines the Taal volcano shot ash nine miles into the air on Sunday, it has also been shooting scorching hot lava half a mile into the air, and the ground around the volcano is starting to crack wide open.

But even after all the devastation that we have already seen, authorities are warning that it could “re-explode at any moment”…

The gray ash is knee-deep. It covers the homes, the bloated cadavers of cows and horses, their limbs protruding at unnatural angles in the shadow of a sulking volcano that could re-explode at any moment.

“My home is now gone,” said Melvin Mendoza, 39, a boatman who returned on Tuesday to Taal, the volcanic island in the middle of a freshwater lake just 40 miles south of Manila, which erupted on Sunday like an atomic bomb mushroom cloud.

Let us hope that this volcanic activity does not spread throughout that general area, because the largest super volcano caldera in the entire world has been discovered not too far from the Philippines…

A team including members from GNS Science have identified an ancient mega-volcano that could have the largest known caldera on Earth.

The 150km (93.2 miles) wide feature is on the crest of Benham Rise, an oceanic plateau off the Philippines coast. In comparison, the caldera at Taupō is about 35km (21.8 miles) wide, and that at Yellowstone about 60km (37.3 miles).

#6 All of this is taking place while the north magnetic pole is moving toward Russia at a very rapid pace.  The following comes from CNN…

The north magnetic pole has been slowly moving across the Canadian Arctic toward Russia since 1831, but its swift pace toward Siberia in recent years at a rate of around 34 miles per year has forced scientists to update the World Magnetic Model — used by civilian navigation systems, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and US and British militaries — a year ahead of schedule.

#7 On top of everything else, the Earth’s magnetic field has been steadily weakening over time, and this has some experts extremely concerned…

In a forum on Quora, science fiction writer and journalist C Stuart Hardwick revealed that satellite data, such as those collected by the European Space Agency’s SWARM mission, revealed that the magnetic field has been weakening for about 5 percent each century. He noted that currently, the strength of the magnetic field is at 29.5 microteslas, which is 14 percent weaker than its previous state three centuries ago. According to Hardwick, the SWARM satellites detected increased deterioration within regions of the magnetic field over North America. He said these regions weakened by about 3.5 percent over the span of just three years.

Without our magnetic field, life on Earth could not exist for long.

And it doesn’t have to disappear completely to be a massive problem.  If it simply gets weak enough, dwelling on the surface is going to become exceedingly difficult.

As I keep warning, our planet is becoming increasingly unstable, and what we have experienced so far is just the beginning.

The demands of life can often cause us to focus on things that don’t really matter.  Hopefully, we can get more people to wake up while there is still time because the clock is ticking for humanity and for our planet as a whole.

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. This article may contain opinions on political matters, but it is not intended to promote the candidacy of any particular political candidate. 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 anyway that you can share these articles with others is a great help.

Whether you choose to accept it or not, human cases of food allergies are on the rise. While the reasons why this is happening is a debate for another forum, the plain and simple fact is that you or someone within your circle of caring may very well develop a food allergy – and it won’t necessarily start at birth – it could develop at any time.

By Drew, contributing author to Survival Cache and SHTFblog

My wife developed concurrently a gluten allergy and a lactose intolerance. This occurred suddenly when she was about 30 years old, and it took a battery of tests and throwing a dart at the diet board to figure out what was going on, since the two allergies formed at the same general time. The symptoms are reportedly pretty wretched – crippling stomach pain, headaches, and severe diarrhea with accompanying dehydration, with onsets of the symptoms giving her almost no notice to get to the appropriate location to take care of the task at hand. As a consequence, her diet is severely limited, and a lot of time is spent in the grocery store aisle carefully reading labels. Dairy is not a huge issue to avoid, but gluten is sneaky and can be found even in foods labelled “gluten free”, if the product is even processed in a plant that works with gluten-based products. It’s a less-than-fun game with no winners – especially when it comes time to prep for long-term survival.

All of this means a couple things for me: one) I’ve sampled pretty much every gluten free food option there is, and two) prepping long-term storage food for unforeseen disasters is a complete pain in the posterior. Thankfully, the seriousness of gluten and other food allergies is starting to come to light with a corresponding semi-lackluster (but honest and definitely increasing) response from the market in general. However, a person or family with a need to keep an eye on the fixin’s still must struggle to find dedicated products with value. And when you whittle the available products down to a niche market such as specifically designed long-term storage food, choices are slim indeed – making me wonder if a subject with a gluten allergy would rather wish they had punched out when the bomb dropped instead of being caught in a bunker eating the same meal of bulk freeze dried beef cubes, peas, and rice for four years straight.

Enter Valley Food Storage

I was fortunate enough to be contacted by Valley Food Storage with an offer for a free sample of their freeze-dried food offerings (which you can get yourself on their website). I clicked over to Valley Food Storage’s website, and was pleasantly surprised when I saw that they have a dedicated suite of offerings that are specifically gluten free. (They also have other specific dietary-considerate options, to include lactose free, soy free, and vegetarian.) Admittedly, a large chunk of the products on the GF page are more side dishes or desserts instead of full entrees, but there are a few selections available to make a decent day’s full meal plan. This is refreshing – I have found that more often than not, a freeze dried food manufacturer’s “Gluten Free” options are pretty much a packet of dried strawberries or something similar. 

Also noticing that Valley Food Storage happily boasts that all their food products are 100% natural ingredients, with no fillers, GMOs, artificial flavors, preservatives, fillers, or MSG, I took stock of what was available and requested three packets, which Valley Food Storage was very generous to provide for this review: Freeze Dried Apple Oatmeal, Freeze Dried Blueberries, and Freeze Dried Chicken Teriyaki. Just a couple of days later, a package full of dehydrated goodness was in my mailbox.

I was hoping to scoop up my wife and son and tromp out into the woods and start a fire for the proper testing field testing ambiance, but alas, my preferred scenario was not in the cards. Therefore, the “field” consisted of my work office, and “testing” comprised of dumping water in bowls of freeze-dried food while watching the clock drain away my lunch break minute by minute. I soldiered on for science and for you, dear reader.

Apple Oatmeal For Breakfast

My first victim was the Apple Oatmeal. Opening up the bag and inspecting the contents confirmed my suspicions that the Valley Food Storage Apple Oatmeal would indeed look just like instant oatmeal offerings from other companies. A whiff told me it smelled really great, and so I poured the requisite serving size (½ cup) into a bowl I keep handy for eating occasions, and dumped in the proper amount of hot water (also ½ cup). While I absent-mindedly stirred the whole goopy mess up, I read the ingredients. Not much there – oats, sugar, apple granules, and non-fat milk powder. That’s it.

Apparently less is more, because the first spoonful was, without any hyperbole, as good or better than any other “instant oatmeal” I’ve ever tried. I wolfed down the first bowl and decided against another as I noticed the 15 grams of sugar per serving. However, I did make a bowl of the gummily delicious oatmeal up later for my wife to try, and the Valley Food Storage Apple Oatmeal received an official  thumbs-up…once she recovered from me stuffing a spoon laden with oatmeal in her mouth with little to no warning.

Lunch: Freeze Dried Chicken Teriyaki

For my lunchtime course, I opened up the mylar bag containing the Freeze Dried Chicken Teriyaki. The directions noted that I should combine the ingredients with water and then boil the whole works, but i just went with standard survivalist behavior and combined the bag contents with the called-for amount of already-hot water, and let sit. After the requisite time had passed, I tried out the Chicken Teriyaki. It was kinda more like soup than I thought it would be – probably because I didn’t boil the ingredients together. I added more Chicken Teriyaki and let it sit for a bit longer.

12 minutes later, when I finally tried the meal, I was very pleased. What I thought were chicken chunks were actually bits of very sweet pineapple, and a mild, slightly peppery wasabi-ish flavor twinge really rounded out the palette. Again, no exaggeration here – I really, really enjoyed the Valley Food Storage Freeze Dried Chicken Teriyaki. The wife did not try it, since I actually demolished the bag over a few days at work for lunch. I’m going to bet she would have liked it. We’ll go with that.

Dessert – Freeze Dried Blueberries

Up for “dessert” (more like a at-desk snack) I tried out some of the Valley Food Storage Freeze Dried Blueberries (ingredients: 100% Blueberries) First up, I prepared by soaking in water per the directions, and found that the soaking time on the package seemed to be a general guideline – some were mushy, some were still a bit crunchy. It seemed to be a bit of a crapshoot which berries absorbed the water but they were pretty good. I drank the blue-twinged water that resulted from the blueberry soak, since I imagine it had a few nutrients there for me to use, and I’d likely be following a similar routine if I was eating these berries in a survival or disaster situation. Not bad.

Also read: Freeze Dried Foods As Part Of Your Preps

I found, however, that the best way (in my opinion) to eat these freeze dried blueberries was just simply to reach in the bag and pop them directly into my mouth, no soaking involved. It was a crisp, tasty snack that lasts quite a while – there’s a lot of blueberries in that there bag! Pro tip: combine the blueberries with the Valley Food Storage Apple Oatmeal for a little slice of freeze-dried mouth heaven. (be sure to prepare the two separately , THEN combine)

Oh yeah…when my wife tried them, well, I didn’t get the bag back. The Freeze Dried Blueberries were a runaway hit. Absolutely get you some!

Wrapping Up

It’s really superb that Valley Food Storage is addressing the needs of people with specialized diets in such a great, tasty manner. The food itself once prepared is outstanding, and the ingredients are simple and delicious. I absolutely love the fact that no preservatives or multi-syllable BS ingredients make their way into the packages – these Valley Food Storage meals are just plain food – nothing artificial or nasty added in the name of preserving the food for your bunker pantry. Don’t be fooled, though – properly stored, these Valley Food Storage freeze dried meals will last for many years (25 of them, according to the packaging) in your supply cache.

I will say that the serving size on the packages did seem to be a bit subjective; you’ll need to review your dietary and caloric needs before you take the serving quantities on the package as holy writ. A 1/3 cup serving of the Apple Oatmeal only provides 140 calories, so if one serving of this specific meal is what you were planning on tiding you over through a high-activity day, you’re gonna be a hurtin’ unit. All the dietary information for every Valley Food Storage product is available on their website, so you can review and plan ahead. You can also call and chat with the VFS team over the phone, and they’ll help you work out a specific food plan for you.

Also, be sure to check out Valley Food Storage’s other offerings – to include pre-built 72-hour kits, food subscription services, heirloom seeds, 30- and 55 – gallon blue water storage drums, a few knives, paracord, water purification tablets, and even financing for large volume orders.

So I’ll wrap up this little review by saying I wholeheartedly endorse the direction Valley Food Storage is going with their products, and I truly appreciate the fact that I now have viable options to feed the people in my family with special dietary needs. The Gluten Free offerings from Valley Food Storage are absolutely delicious and made with natural ingredients- and they are the direction I’ll be heading  towards when it comes time to re-fill my long-term food storage larder. There’s not much I can say about freeze-dried foods in general that hasn’t been said before, but the Valley Food Storage offerings are a cut above the rank and file and are definitely worth your attention…especially if you have dietary restrictions.

The post Eat Gluten Free and Survive With Valley Food Storage appeared first on Survival Cache.

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

So Long, 2019. Hello 2020.

As we at The Prepper Journal look back at 2019, there are a lot of things to be thankful for:

• Not dying
• A good economy and low unemployment
• Preparedness becoming more mainstream as communities and individuals realize the government can’t be relied upon
• Good guys with guns stopped bad guys with guns
• Old friends & new friends

But as we go into the last evening of the decade, we can’t help but wonder how the upcoming year will play out, with the constant assault on our rights, the distortion of the meaning of our Constitution, and the upcoming election fiasco. We hope that 2020 winds up being a bit saner in this area, but we remain skeptical.

Stay safe tonight, as New Year’s Eve brings out the stupid in a lot of people. We’ll be staying in, celebrating with family and avoiding the crowds.

What are your plans for tonight, and any predictions about what 2020 will bring? What subjects would you like to see us cover in the upcoming year?

Happy New Year,

Pat, Wild Bill, and the rest of the TPJ gang

The post Happy New Year appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

SCOTUS: Second Amendment is a right
Virginia Legislature: Hold my beer.

Looks like the legislature is demonstrating what potential tyranny looks like.

Recent legislation in the form of House Bill 567 would probibit any indoor shooting range, by law, unless it was inside a building owned or leased by the state.

Folks, this is what we’ve feared. Virginia is becoming the California of the East Coast in terms of trying to disarm the population.

Unlike California, a number of county officials have stood up and declared they will not enforce unconstitutional laws.

Read more about the proposal here.

If you’re from Virginia, this upcoming election will be one of the most important you’ll participate in.

If you’re not in Virginia, be vigilant, because if the state legislature in the Old Dominion is successful, it will be spread across the country.

Ironic for a state whose motto is Sic Semper Tyrannis, “Thus always to Tyrants.”

Let’s hope the good people of the state live up to the motto.

The post Virginia vows to shut down all gun ranges appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

When the balloon goes up and you suddenly have to think about cooking your food either away from home or in your home without your current stove working, this will be the podcast you were glad you didn’t miss. Drew picks Doc’s brain about all things camp stoves from high tech tiny wood burners, to liquid gas, compressed gas, dual burners, and even the backyard grill. Whether bugging in or bugging out, there is a stove for your situation and Doc Montana has already thought it through.

Want to comment about this podcast? Sound off below in the comments.

A fun episode with lots of opinions, click on one of the links below to listen now or download to your phone and listen later. Also, if you love the podcast, please leave us a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or Podbeam. It really helps!!!

The post Survival Cache Podcast Episode 17: Camp Stoves For Bug Out appeared first on Survival Cache.

In the wild, you can survive by making a meal out of edible insects. You’ll be glad to know they are actually nutritious and could fill your protein needs.

RELATED: How To Identify Edible Insects And Eat Like A King After TSHTF

7 Edible Insects to Survive Starvation Outdoors

Eating Insects in the Wild

Being stuck in the wild can make you think of crazy things like having insects for lunch. Disgusting as it may sound, this could actually save your life.

If you’re in no luck finding some edible wild plants outdoors, you might as well start looking for edible insects to get through your hunger problem. You’d be surprised to know of this edible insects list is, in fact, abundant with nutrients that can provide your cellular needs.

It’s better to be prepared and know what can help you survive in the wild, so go on and read along!

1. Ants

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One great thing about ants is that you can find them in a lot of places. Dig among anthills and scoop up the ants into a container.

It is recommended for you to boil them first before eating to remove the bitter and vinegary taste it has. An ounce contains about 14 grams of proteins and 5.7ml of iron.

 

2. Termites

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Termites can be found in hordes and fill your protein needs easily. 100 grams of termites is equivalent to 14.4 grams of protein.

A termite mound can feed a couple of people in one go. These edible bugs for humans are in damp climates like coastal areas and thick forests.

 

3. Maggots

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If you ever find a corpse of an animal laying there and being fed on by maggots, never think of these maggots as a waste.

While the maggots are feeding upon the corpse of an animal, you may feed on those maggots in exchange and have the meat they’ve eaten for yourself. Maggots contain both protein and carbohydrates you would need for energy.

RELATED: 5 Beneficial Insects For The Garden: Good Bugs Vs. Bad Bugs

4. Slugs

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These slimy creatures are rich in minerals which help maintain normal blood flow. Slugs are carriers of harmful parasites that can kill you so it would be wise to cook them first before eating it.

These edible insects can be found abundantly during the rainy season.

 

5. Cockroaches

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These are the ones you can find in the wild and not those pesky little buggers that fly around your house. The ones found in the wild feed on fruits and vegetation which are rich in fibers and vitamins A and C.

Have them fried or boiled to kill any bacteria they might have.

 

6. Locusts

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Locusts can actually save your life from hunger plus it is rich in both protein and calcium. They travel in swarms and are much bigger than the grasshoppers.

Locusts go to places that have fertile soil, thus, it would be best to look for these edible insects in those places.

 

7. Grasshoppers

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Grasshoppers are very rich in protein — for every 100 grams of grasshoppers, there are around 20.6 grams of protein. They can be eaten raw or cooked. But, to add some palate of crunchiness, consider having them cooked.

You can find them on meadows and grassy fields.

 

Here’s what you need to know about eating edible insects by STORYHIVE:

When SHTF and you run out of food to eat or there are no edible plants in sight, hunt for these edible insects and you’ll get by. However, while these insects are quite nutritious, there are also some that can be poisonous.

Be aware of what you can eat or it could lead to having an upset stomach or something even worse. Make sure to know how these edible insects look like and not mistake them for a poisonous kind.

With that said, it’s also imperative to know how to identify edible insects for your safety.

Have you tried eating any of these edible insects? How was the experience? Share your survival stories in the comments section below!

UP NEXT:

• How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes | 9 Best Ways to Keep Insects Away
• Beneficial Insects for Garden Pest Control
• Survival Cooking: No Electricity Needed

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on July 17, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

If you’re on the hunt for a new tactical plate carrier vest, you’ve come to the right place.

Because we’ve scoured the internet to find the best advice, information, reviews, and videos about plate carriers.

From basic to the advanced –

I’m going to share everything I’ve learned about Tactical Plate Carriers, specifically:

• What Is A Plate Carrier?
• 5 Reasons You Should Get One
• Key Features To Look For In A Quality Plate Carrier
• Top 10 Best Plate Carrier Vests On The Market Today
• Setup & Accessories

Note: If you already know what a plate carrier is and why you should get one – feel free to click any link above to skip ahead to “features, “reviews” and “setup”…

Want a Downloadable and Printable Version Of This Prepper’s Checklist? Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

WHAT IS A PLATE CARRIER?

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A plate carrier is another name for a Tactical Vest that can carry bullet-resistant body armor plates and tactical gear.

It’s basically a “chest rig” that’s designed to add bullet-resistant body armor plates. A regular chest rig can carry all sorts of gear but doesn’t have pockets for body armor plates.

That’s why plate carriers are popular with military personnel around the world. They’re considered an important self-defense upgrade for life-threatening security situations.

And they’re worn by anyone who’s serious about home and family security.

Basically they’re for anyone who wants to be fully prepared for dangerous combat scenarios.

A tactical plate carrier gives you the ability to do three mission-critical things:

1. Stop Holes (with body armor plates)
2. Plug Holes (carrying medical gear such as individual first aid kits)
3. Make Holes (carry extra mags for your firearms)

As you can tell, all three of these functions are essential in any combat situation. It’s able to perform these functions because it consists of three main components:

1. A Tactical Vest
2. A Cummerbund
3. Body Armor Plates

Let’s take a moment to discuss each of these components in more detail…

1 – Tactical Vest

The tactical vest component of a plate carrier is fairly self-explanatory. It’s a vest that fits over your head with a front panel and back panel.

These panels have pockets and/or MOLLE webbing to provide a way to store gear for easy access.

2 – Cummerbund

A plate carrier’s cummerbund is a lot like a belt for a vest. It helps to keep the bottom of the vest tight against your belly. It’s a wide belt made out an elastic material that allows for a perfect “snug” fit of the plate carrier vest.

This helps keep the vest in place at all times – even when running or scrambling.

Some cummerbunds also have velcro or MOLLE webbing attached for even more tactical gear storage options.

3 – Body Armor Plates

Finally, there are the actual plates. For the tactical vest to work as advertised, you must insert plates into it. Hence, the name “plate carrier”.

A plate carrier tactical vest includes large, wide pockets designed to hold bullet-resistant plates covering your vital organs.

Now that we’re all on the same page on WHAT a plate carrier is – let’s talk about why you should own one…

5 REASONS TO GET ONE

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In the very broadest sense – this is an easy one to answer – SAFETY and QUICK ACCESS.

Plate carriers provide protection from small objects that fly at insane speeds. We usually call these small flying objects bullets or shrapnel.

That’s why they are popular for military personnel who expect to see combat.

1 – Military or Combat

If you’re destined to encounter a combat situation it would be silly NOT to invest in a plate carrier. You need such a device to add a layer of protection.

Plus, most plate carriers have MOLLE. This means you can hang a bunch of your tactical gear from your chest.

This is better than carrying your tactical gear in a backpack.

With a tactical backpack, you have to take it off and open it up to access your extra magazines, radio, etc.

Instead, with a plate carrier, all your critical gear is easy to access in the heat of battle. When it comes to combat situations – this setup is IDEAL!

But what about those who are not in the military and don’t expect combat tomorrow? Why would a regular joe citizen decide to invest in one?

There are several additional reasons to consider…

2 – Search and Rescue Operations

Most search and rescue teams wear chest rigs and not plate carriers. Why? Because search and rescue teams must carry a lot of tactical gear. But are less worried about getting shot.

They don’t expect a rescue to turn into a combat situation.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. And with a plate carrier, you HAVE THE OPTION to carry plates or not.

I love optionality – with a plate carrier I can take or leave the plates at home, depending on the situation. But with a chest rig – I don’t have the option of adding plates should the situation call for it.

That’s why I suggest even search and rescue team members should invest in a plate carrier vs just a chest rig.

Take the “free optionality” (i.e. flexibility) when you can get it.

3 – Preparing For A “Worst Case” Scenario

Maybe your someone who worries about the future. You understand peace and calm are the exceptions and not the rule on a long-term historical basis.

You realize in a worst-case type disaster or war – our world could be thrown into absolute chaos. A world of mass-scale looting and rioting.

What could spark such a “doomsday” scenario? Take your pick…

• Massive EMP attacks
• Epic Financial Meltdowns
• Nuclear War
• Out of Control Artificial Intelligence
• Severe Droughts – Massive Food Shortages
• Cyber Warfare to Attack Power Grids and/or Digital Data
• Etc., etc., etc…

Paranoid? Maybe. But none of these scenarios must be on a massive scale to create localized havoc and chaos.

Scared, hungry, thirsty humans can be very dangerous…

If you live in the US, you may not feel an immediate threat but that’s being complacent.

No one knows what the future brings but I do know this one fact…

As a species – we now have the technological ability to destroy ourselves. To wipe ourselves off the map. You couldn’t say that 100 years ago.

That’s why I believe preparing is not about paranoia – it’s all about being resilient to life’s uncertain future. It’s seeing the real risk of widespread war and chaos mounting.

So, that’s why I believe in stocking up on the tools, supplies, and gear necessary to protect myself and my family. Plate carriers are a wise investment and can provide protection for ALL concern citizens.

Regardless of whether you plan to bug out or stay put.

4 – Hobby – Sport (i.e. Paintball)

The other reason you may want to invest in a plate carrier is for FUN.

Paintball is becoming one of the fastest-growing sports. But getting hit in the chest with a paintball (unprotected) can do serious damage.

Sure, it won’t kill you but you could end up with tender bruising for weeks.

The average paintball marker can shoot 300 feet per second (fps), or slightly below this. Most paintball playing fields require a maximum of 280 fps for safety purposes.

With those sorts of projectile speeds – you’ll want something to protect yourself.

So, if you play paintball often – or even occasionally – you’ll want to invest in a tactical plate carrier. That way, you can add air soft foam plates to it for protection.

Foam plates are lighter than steel plates. So they’ll provide some protection against flying paintballs without weighing you down.

5 – Work Out Gear

Plate carriers are a tool you can use to make a workout more strenuous.

For example, you can wear one (with plates in it) to increase your body weight. This makes pull-ups, pushups, running, and even swimming much more challenging.

So they are a simple way to take your training to the next level.

Now, anyone who uses a plate carrier for workouts usually leaves the tactical gear off. Otherwise, the gear attached to the outside would flop around and make working out a pain in the ass.

Ok, those are the main reasons to own a plate carrier. Maybe you’re only interested in one of these “reasons”. Or maybe they all sort of apply to you.

Either way, once you’re convinced, it’s time to figure out which one is BEST FOR YOU. Because not all plate carriers are created equal.

So, let’s discuss some of the key features to look for…

Want a Downloadable and Printable Version Of This Prepper’s Checklist? Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

KEY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A QUALITY TACTICAL PLATE CARRIER

If you want to skip reading this section – you can get almost everything you need to know from this excellent video:

Size ( Small Plate Carriers vs Large Plate Carriers)

Most plate carriers fall into the category of “one size fits most”. They use adjustable straps and an elastic waistband called a cummerbund.

This allows you to customize them to fit you perfectly.

With that said, if you’re extremely petite (or you’re looking to fit a child) OR you’re extra tall/big – you may need to shop around for a unique one to cater to your unique size requirement.

Weight

Of course, with any gear or backpack, the weight comes into play.

The heavier an item is to carry, the more daunting it becomes (especially over long periods).

So, assuming a similar quality – lighter is better.

But here’s the deal – the real “weight” in a plate carrier is not in the vest itself – it’s in the plates.

Foam plates for practice or sport (paintball) are extremely lightweight. But these foam plates are NOT bullet resistant.

For that type of protection, you’ll need steel or ceramic plates which (as you can guess) are heavier.

We’ll go into more about plate options later in this article…but for now, here’s an article that goes into “Ballistic Armor Levels”.

Fabric

One of the best and most affordable fabric options is 500D Cordura Nylon. 500D is the abrasive resistance nature of the fabric. The higher the number the “stronger”.

500 is solid and usually enough for most missions. But you can find some plate carriers with fabrics abrasivenesses of 1000 or more…

But watch out for any fabrics with poly mixes – they have lower melting points vs Cordura Nylon.

Stitching

Stitching quality is critical and comes down to three main things to look out for:

1. The type of thread used
2. The threading techniques used
3. The locations of reinforcement

1 – Type Of Thread Used

Solid types of thread are a bonded 92 or better.

Ideally, your plate carrier uses a quality thread. But good lucking finding out what was used. Rarely do you see the “type of thread” advertized in marketing.

So if this is something you must know – you’ll likely need to contact the manufacturer and ask.

2 – Threading Techniques

And single sticking is fine throughout as long as it uses bar tack on high-stress points.

But at reinforcement locations there are two stitching options:

• Bar Tack Sticking
• Single Stitching Build-Up

A bar tack stitch uses a specialized machine to create a very tough and dense series of threads. Bar tack stitching is the most effective way to prevent rips and tears at high-stress points.

The alternative methods at reinforcement points are called a single stitch build up. It’s cheaper to use (because it uses the same sewing machine) but it’s not as effective.

It’s essentially running the sewing machine over the same place several times. But it cannot get nearly the same level of thread density as a bar tack stitch.

3 – Reinforce Locations

The shoulder attachment points MUST be reinforced. But in general, the more reinforcement points with bar stitching, the better.

Buckles

ITW buckles are best. However, there are a lot of knock-offs that are not as good.

Look for reinforcement pillars on inside of the buckle – this helps to keep a buckle working for years, even under abuse conditions.

Webbing

Look for mil-spec webbing and watch out for fake webbing.

You can tell fake webbing when it looks like the same fabric the vest is made out of just folded over and sewn…

Back Mesh

The best plate carriers have a mesh buffer and padding between the plate and your body.

This helps to add comfort as well as breathability. 3d spacer mesh – good thickness and good depth – provides more breathability. However, “mesh looking fabrics” provides little to no real padding or sweat relief.

Also, a pontoon system is nice. This is where the outsides of the back foam are slightly thicker, which creates an air channel in the middle of your back.

Velcro & Elastic

Gerald Schwartz (mil-spec) velcro is considered high quality. But in general, just make sure you test out the velcro and elastic as soon as you get a chance.

Make sure the velcro is extremely sticky and grippy. And the elastic is stretchy but strong.

Plate Carrier Profile Options

The traditional cut and shape of most plate carriers are fairly standard design. However, there are some unique exceptions you may want to consider:

• Concealable Plate Carrier
• Low Profile Plate Carrier
• Minimalistic Plate Carrier

There are carriers specifically designed to be highly concealable. Hence the name “concealable plate carrier”.

This is a low-profile tactical vest that is thinner than a regular one.

These minimalistic plate carriers come in handy in situations where you don’t want everyone to know your wearing one.

For example, let’s say you’re heading to a business meeting with the mafia …You might want to wear one but you don’t want them to know!

Here’s The Ferro Concepts Slickster Minimalist Plate Carrier (for those who are interested in low profile).

You can easily throw a concealable plate carrier like this under your sport coat – just in case!

What About A Plate Carrier Backpack

Most plate carrier vests have a pouch for plates in both the front and back but maybe you don’t want full coverage…

Or maybe you’re just looking to cover your backside (or give your kid something they can take to school with them for protection from an active shooter).

In these situations consider getting a plate carrier backpack.

It’s one way to add a level of protection without wearing a full-fledged plate carrier.

Honestly, any backpack with a slip pocket can add a bullet-resistant plate.

So, don’t get too hung up on the naming convention.

The bottom line is:

If you can fit a steel plate carrier into a backpack you’ve got yourself a plate carrier backpack.

MOLLE

A MOLLE plate carrier is the exact opposite of a concealable plate carrier. Why? Because a MOLLE plate carrier is designed to hang a lot of tactical gear on the outside of it.

You want to load it up with extra magazines, radios, compasses, food, water, etc.

So with MOLLE, you’re not trying to hide the fact you’re wearing a plate carrier. You’re going to use this piece of tactical gear to hold all your stuff right where you can access it FAST.

Color Options

There are four main color options with plate carriers:

• Brown
• Olive
• Black
• Camouflage

I’ve also come across a Navy-Blue plate carrier in my research. But never anything crazy like orange, pink, purple, red, etc.

Brown and Olive Plate Carriers

The most common color for a plate carrier is a simple light brown, sandy brown or olive drab color. It’s because brown is a nondescript color.

Meaning you won’t stick out like a sore thumb in a combat situation with a boring sandy brown color.

It’s all about situational awareness.

Maroon, orange, and purple plate carriers wouldn’t sell very well since they would get noticed in a bad way.

Black Plate Carrier

Classic black plate carriers are also easy to find. Black is great for concealment at night but it’s not going to keep you very hidden during the day…

Camouflage Carrier

There are also a lot of camo color options. These are ideal for staying concealed in forested terrain.

MultiCam is a specific camouflage pattern developed by Crye Precision. Lots of people like this MultiCam plate carrier pattern. It works well in all sorts of environments.

Highly Adjustable

Shoulder straps should allow for a wide range of adjustment and the cummerbund as well.

Any other adjustments should be considered extra not necessary.

Includes A Dedicated Water Bladder Pouch

Having a dedicated water bladder pouch is a nice option to have. Often these setups include hydration tube clips to bring water from the pouch to your mouth.

Allowing you to take a sip during combat without stopping or losing concentration.

Price – Cheap Plate Carrier

As with any tactical gear, price is a factor. But like most things in life – you get what you pay for.

Sure, you should always look at the cheap plate carriers. But NEVER settle for an inferior product. And don’t be afraid to return anything subpar or poorly constructed.

Are you on a bit of a budget? Then you’re looking for value – a decent quality at a decent price.

Do you have no budget restrictions? Then you’re looking for the top of the line and are willing to pay up for it.

BEST PLATE CARRIER VESTS ON THE MARKET TODAY

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1 – AR500 Plate Carrier Veritas

The Veritas Plate Carrier is a modular plate carrier fueled by years of feedback and evaluation.

Accepting 10” x 12” body armor plates, it features a minimalistic profile without sacrificing real-estate.

It uses durable 3D mesh lines both the inner plate pockets with inlaid soft loop Velcro pontoon attachment points.

It has removable mesh padded shoulder pads that are included, each featuring tri-loop guides and attachment points.

The low-profile emergency drag handle traverses through the entire back half of the plate carrier for increased strength.

Broad 2” side buckles secure the adjustable straps and are user-removable for increased comfort when running a Veritas™ cummerbund.

Each row of webbing and all high-stress points are Bar-Tack stitch reinforced for durability. 

The entire construction is a genuine 500D Cordura nylon for the perfect balance of durability and weight reduction.

It uses impact-resistant buckles to reduce failure points in these critical areas where many carriers fail.

Check Out Today’s Price

Note: AR500 also has a fully loaded package (which includes plates) – AR500 Armor® Veritas Fully Loaded Package – Carrier, Curved Plates, Pads & Pouches

2 – AR500 Armor AR Invictus Plate Carrier

The Invictus carrier by AR500 is designed to be the lowest profile and lightest carrier possible.

The ultralight construction results in a jumpable plate carrier that weighs in at 1.2lbs.

This provides extreme mobility without sacrificing comfort or the ability to be fully loaded out.

While The Invictus Carrier maintains an extremely low profile, it doesn’t skimp on features.

It can carry full 10×12 armor plates for maximum coverage. Has a reinforced drag handle and pontoon capability, plus, full MOLLE coverage.

Check Out Today’s Price



3 – MayFlower Plate Carrier

The Mayflower Assault Plate Carrier by Velocity Systems is a great all-around armor system.

The Mayflower APC can carry ESAPI/SAPI and Swimmer-cut armor plates.

The cummerbund accommodates standard 6×6 inch side plates, or pouches that attach via hook and loop.

The kangaroo pouch up front accepts 3 M4 mags, and the APC features standard PALS webbing for pouch customization.

If you’ve already got a favorite rig, any standard ITW buckles will mount to it.

Check Out Today’s Price

4 – OneTigris Griffin AFPC Modular Plate Carrier (Marketed For Airsoft)

The OneTigris Griffin AFPC Plate Carrier is a popular choice for airsoft, however, IT CAN carry standard plates.

The OneTigris Griffin uses 500D Cordura Nylon and UTX Buckles.

It has a detachable Front Design with a removable front MOLLE flap with chest rig compatibility.

It’s highly breathable with detachable mesh padding for good airflow.

Check Out Today’s Price

5 – Agilite Tactical K5 Plate Carrier

The K5 Plate Carrier is one of the most comfortable Plate Carrier on the market.

It’s lightweight, durable and combat-proven.

The K5 doesn’t skimp on the shoulder or under-plate padding like many plate carriers so it remains comfortable during prolonged use.

The K5 comes with the Agilite Stretch cummerbund as standard which keeps your vest nice and tight. That way, it won’t bounce when you run.

But when you need to drop to your knees, the carrier doesn’t squash your torso.

The K5 has a unique design in that the shoulder straps. It has a propitiatory “V” shape to center mass which spreads the weight and relieves pressure points.

It’s an overall great plate carrier at a fair price!

Check Out Today’s Price

6 – Condor Plate Carrier Review (Condor Sentry Plate Carrier)

The Condor Sentry Plate Carrier is designed to have a more comfortable performance.

It fits standard plates and has a beefy emergency drag handle.

Plus, the Condor Sentry Carrier includes a quick cinch adjustment system for the front.

It also has hook and loop adjustments on the shoulders.

This carrier also has tons of MOLLE on both the front and back.

The bottom line: the Condor Sentry is a great budget vest that’s perfect for rapid response situations.

Check Out Today’s Price

7 – 5.11 Plate Carrier Review (5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier)

5.11 Tactical brings you the TacTec™ Plate Carrier.

It’s designed to be the most lightweight and best-fitting plate carriers you can find.

The 5.11 TacTec is constructed to ensure high performance while remaining lightweight and mobile.

It can accommodate both medium or large ballistic plates.

And the back yoke shoulder pads help distribute the weight evenly.

Check Out Today’s Price

8 – Condor Plate Carrier Review (Gunner Plate Carrier)

The Condor Gunner Lightweight Plate Carrier has a minimalist design.

Smaller in size, but just as tough.

The Gunner features a more comfortable fit while still holding standard plates.

It includes MOLLE attachments on the cummerbund for even more utility.

Check Out Today’s Price

Want a Downloadable and Printable Version Of This Prepper’s Checklist? Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

PLATE CARRIER SETUP & ACCESSORIES

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Professional / Duty Plate Carrier Setup:

Watch the following video to learn how to best setup your new plate carrier:

Body Armor Plates

Most plate carriers DO NOT come with body armor plates – you typically buy those separate.

The good news is, the selection of body armor plates is vast.

• There are lightweight foam plates that are ideal for practice and can protect you against BB’s or paintballs.
• Or there are heavier bullet-resistance steel plates to slow down and hopefully stop a real bullet from penetration.
• And everything in between.

Plate choice is a massive topic, beyond the scope of this article – however, here are some suggested places to research the RIGHT ones to pair with your new tactical plate carrier vest.

First off is a this Ballistic Level Chart from AR500 (see below):



What body armor should you run? Flat, Curved, Curved Buildup and Square…

Tough Tactical Hook

If you own a plate carrier, you MUST get one of these tough tactical hooks.

Why? Because it’s a patented grip handle. Making it ideal for easy transportation of heavy gear.

It has an I-beam construction and uses an impact-resistant resin. Making this “clothes hanger” nearly indestructible.

It has an incredible 150lb load capacity!

FINAL THOUGHTS

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Of all the tactical gear you could invest in, you should get your tactical plate carrier vest first.

Why? Because you can build your gear around your vest. Instead of trying to make all your gear fit on your vest after the fact.

This helps to keep everything organized and efficient. It also helps to keep weigh down.

The bottom line is:

Tactical pate carriers are a must-own piece of gear for anyone who anticipates the possibility of combat or being shot at someday.

“Just In Case” Jack

P.s. Do you know where the closest nuclear bunker is from your home?

There are a lot of natural nuclear shelters in the US that are absolutely free. And one of them is near your home.

Click here to see the Closest Natural Nuclear Bunker to Your Home?

Click on the image above to find out where you need to take shelter.

The post 9 Best Tactical Plate Carrier Vests On The Market Today – 2019 appeared first on Skilled Survival.

The Ultimate Guide To Finding And Using A Tactical Pen

A tactical pen is a deadly survival weapon in the right set of hands.

In the wrong set of hands, it’s a harmless writing instrument.

But if you want to carry a “less-than-lethal” self-defense weapon, you can’t do much better than a Tactical Pen.

It’s hiding a weapon in plain sight.

And it’s an item that everyone should be carrying anyway, right?

I can’t count how many times I’ve had to borrow a pen to fill out a form or sign a check.

With a tactical pen, you avoid this issue and up your self-protection at the same time. 

That’s why today we’re going to cover the following topics:

• A Quick History Of The Tactical Pen (a.k.a The Kubotan)
• What Is A Tactical Pen Exactly?
• Why EVERYONE Should Carry A Tactical Pen
• Best Tactical Pen Uses In Today’s Uncertain World
• “Killer” Tactical Pen Techniques You Should Master
• The Do’s And Don’ts Of Tactical Pens
• Even More Tactical Pen Advice
• 5 Best Tactical Pens On The Market Today

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

 A QUICK HISTORY OF THE TACTICAL PEN – (a.k.a KUBOTAN)

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In the late 60s, a man named Soke Takayuki Kubota invented a simple keychain weapon called a Kubotan.

In combination with some very basic locks and pressure, point strikes a Kubotan is incredibly effective at turning someone into a whimpering heap of terrified jelly.

Most people recognize these implements as the small key-chain attachments that are usually blunt at one end and taper to a dull point on the other.

Kubotan’s are particularly useful for a few reasons: they are easy to conceal by fitting into small pockets with ease. When using a Kubotan correctly, they hurt like hell.

When used incorrectly, they still hurt like hell.

They are cheap. And the techniques are relatively easy to learn.

On top of that, practicing with a Kubotan teaches us something paramount about survival and combat: even simple, mundane objects can be surprisingly potent means of self-defense.

Being a creative survivalist is about thinking outside of the box, and breaking down preconceptions of what it means to compete and combat.

And a weapon can be anything – a keychain, a tactical pen, a pencil, a railroad spike, a drill bit, or a coffee mug.

What you use is less important than how you use it.

Anything can be a deadly weapon, but nobody can deny that some objects make better ones than others.

So what’s the best option to carry a Kubotan?

WHAT IS A TACTICAL PEN EXACTLY?

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You can think of a tactical pen (or self defense pen) as a Kubotan disguised as a pen.

Like Kubatan’s, they are forged from hardened metal. The metal is stamped with small and tight friction grooves to improve grip.

The non-writing end of the pen incorporates a hardened tip. This tip is the primary weapon of the tactical pen.

It’s designed to penetrate and injure. It’s made to puncture and incapacitate. So a tactical pen is a pen made out of metal, with stamped grip grooves and a hardened tip.

Few products can offer you as much utility as the tactical pen.

Not only is it a mean weapon that can poke, prod, twist, and stab anyone dumb enough to get on the wrong side of it, but it is also one of man’s greatest inventions: the pen.

A self defense pen is what is known as a “survivor’s multi-tool”, or a survival device that serves multiple purposes.

Other survivor multi-tools can include survival hatchets, sword canes, dogs, walking sticks, matches or lighters, anything with two or more functions.

And as we all know, the pen is mightier than the sword or so they say.

But what could be mightier than a pen in the right hands?

That is a question I cannot answer. To me, it’s a fantastic personal protection tool.

WHY EVERYONE SHOULD CARRY A TACTICAL PEN

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Being fully armed and ready to defend yourself at all times is no easy task.

In fact, in our modern world, most people are disarmed more than armed. Often because social and political regulations forbid conventional weapons from being openly carried.

The harsh reality is you can’t legally carry guns everywhere, nor swords, clubs, bows, blowguns, or knives.

But there are solutions around these restrictions. Protecting yourself with a self-defense tool does not mean you have to be armed to the teeth.

Even if you’re already a highly trained martial artist, whose hands and feet are weapons unto themselves, having a self defense pen is always a welcomed advantage.

And that’s why you should carry a tactical pen.

BEST TACTICAL PEN USES IN TODAY’S UNCERTAIN WORLD

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The primary use of a tactical pen is straightforward.

It’s a device for self-defense and writing. But there are two other lesser-known uses of tactical pens such as:

Breaking Glass

The pointed end of a tactical pen is perfect for breaking panes of glass.

Just grip the pen firmly in a gloved hand, stand back against the same wall the glass is off to one side, and swing your arm from the elbow like a pendulum.

Slamming the pointed metal tip into the corner of a pane.

The glass should shatter with ease.

DNA Collection

Yeah, believe it or not, these fancy little self-defense tools come with a built-in device for tracking an assailant with the power of science.

Some self defense pens even have a crown studded end cap that is ideal for scraping, jabbing, scratching and stabbing an attacking.

Leaving blood or flesh behind that can be analyzed by a lab.

And here are the 10 most useful features of tactical pens:

1. They are discrete; people will overlook them and let you carry them almost anywhere.
2. Tactical pens are difficult to pry from your tight grip because they fit almost entirely into the palm of your hand.
3. You can write checks and sign documents on the fly or jot down notes about your most recent survival adventures.
4. Tactical pens are a concealed weapon in your pocket and are extracted quickly without a lot of movement.
5. They are ideal for attacking someone’s pressure points, and for twisting uncomfortably against bones.
6. If someone commits a crime and steals off in a getaway vehicle, you can quickly scribble down their license plate on your hand before they getaway.
7. Self defense pens get overlooked as a weapon in pat-downs.
8. People rarely see a tactical pen attack coming – you have the element of surprise.
9. If you need to break a window (for whatever reason), tactical pens are exceptionally efficient for this purpose.
10. With some practice, they could make a decent projectile. I feel like that’s a stretch, though.

Using a Tactical pen for self-defense is easier than you might imagine.

Unlike most forms of martial arts weaponry, using this small weapon does not require you to memorize any complicated forms, hand-grabs or punching techniques (although knowing those would help you become proficient much faster).

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“KILLER” TACTICAL PEN TECHNIQUES YOU SHOULD MASTER

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The techniques are pretty simple and can be learned by anybody – but the key is practice.

Look up some internet videos and work with your friends.

As long as you are careful not to hurt each other, practicing these simple moves can be a lot of fun.

Even running through them a few times can significantly improve your ability to perform effectively when the time of need finally arrives.

Note: I’ll share a couple of short videos later in this article to help get you started.

Here are some general ways in which you can use a tactical pen:

Slashing

Pretty self-explanatory but the tactical pen can be used as a makeshift tactical knife or sword. It can be swung in a striking motion, down being the strongest move.

Although there’s no blade, the tactical pen will still do real damage when you connect with someone’s head. Especially with a solid over the shoulder swing.

Pressure Point Striking

This is a method that requires some background knowledge and practice. Pressure points can be debilitating when pinched or pressed.

If done right, it doesn’t take much force.

Knowing how to use your tactical pen to target these natural human weak spots gives you an incredible advantage against less knowledgeable attackers.

The tactical pen is a close-quarters weapon; you can’t do much damage at more than arm’s length distance.

However, close-range combat is how you get access to pressure points. If the opportunity is there, knowing the pressure points could save your life.

Check out this video on a few self-defense pressure points. The introduction is a bit long but worth the 5 minutes to watch.



Stabbing

This motion is obvious, but the best target locations might not be.

Aim for the eyes and if you connect the fight will come to an abrupt end.

Another vulnerable location is someone’s Adam apple. It’s really hard to keep fighting if you can’t see and/or breathe.

Here’s another short video showing a few self defense pen techniques to give you an idea of how powerful this weapon can be.

THE DO’S AND DON’S OF TACTICAL PENS

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Things you SHOULD DO:

Carry One Or More

This is the kind of backup defense tool that you can store in lots of sneaky places to keep yourself safe at all times. Sure, you could carry just one tactical pen with you at all times.

Or you could get one for your bug out bag, one for your bug out vehicle, one for your office, one for your home, one for your survival cache, hell you could even keep a tactical pen in your survival medical kit.

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Use Your Tactical Pen Creatively

There is no defined “right” or “wrong” way to use a self defense pen.

A “How To Use Tactical Pen For Dummies” does not exist.

So feel free to get creative and imagine unique ways you could use your tactical pen throughout your day.

Picture yourself in various self defense situations, or how you can retrieve your tactical pen covertly.

A creative survivalist is a survivalist who survives.

Thinking outside the box is incredibly important, and tactical pens can help you train your brain to think that way.

Practice With It Often

Could you pick up a guitar without ever done so and play a rock song? Your clumsy attempt at a song would probably sound similar to cats dying.

Some idea goes for all new skills, if you want to be any good at them you need to put in practice time.

Anyone can wield a self defense pen but there’s a big difference between randomly slashing and thrusting vs mastering it.

And while no one is saying you have to be a master, learning and practicing tactical pen basics will go a long way to preparing to defend yourself with it.

Things you SHOULD NOT DO:

Consider This Your Primary Weapon

No one has ever marched into battle armed with a jubilee of tactical pens.

They are never a primary weapon but they are the ideal last resort weapon.

Get Too Attached To It

Any incognito weapon is liable to get confiscated.

No matter whether it is a tactical pen, a cane sword, a sleeve pistol, anything that hides or disguises a weapon is a target for seizure.

Be careful where you bring your self defense pen, it is a weapon after all. There are places where it is downright unacceptable to carry a weapon on you.

And although it is a pen, it doesn’t exactly look like a regular pen, and if you get caught trying to sneak this weapon somewhere you’re not supposed to, there could be severe consequences for getting caught.

Expect The Pen To Write Flawlessly

In a pinch, where available weapons for self-defense are limited, using a regular pen is better than nothing.

But don’t practice tactical pen techniques and then go cheap and carry around a lame plastic ballpoint pen expecting it to function on the same level as the aircraft-grade aluminum weaponized tactical pens.

Standard pens don’t have the strength or durability to perform as those engineered by weapons manufacturers.

The bottom line is regular pens make poor self-defense tools.

EVEN MORE TACTICAL PEN ADVICE 

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They’re not illegal, but they’re still a weapon.

So don’t use them as a toy, and don’t abuse their power.

You can seriously hurt someone just “messing around”. And I’ve said it before, and I will say it again, be careful where you bring your self defense pen.

Carrying one into a place like an airport could result in arrest and get you charged with conspiracy to commit a crime (whether those were your intentions or not).

Tactical pens are weapons, treat them as such.

Tactical pens are considered a non-lethal weapon.

That does not mean they can’t kill; it just means that they are not designed to.

Murder (even in the name of self-defense) is something you should avoid if possible.

Killing someone with a tactical pen would take a lot of effort. It won’t happen by accident, and it would be both gruesome and messy.

Also, it’s not something easily defended in a court appearance.

Tactical pens suck as far as pens go.

If you want a smooth, flawless ink implement to write your memoirs with, don’t rely on a self defense pen.

Tactical pens are more Kubotans than pens. Or more accurately they are 27% pen and 73% badass tactical weapon.

So don’t be surprised if the ink is of poor quality and it’s a bit hit or miss when writing.

Realize weapon companies make these and not pen companies.

Nobody looks menacing brandishing ANY pen.

Even a tactical one. Leave your ego at the door because you won’t scare off any attackers when you whip out your tactical pen and start thrusting it around and making tough guy sounds.

In fact, expect to draw a few chuckles from your assailants.

But use this to your advantage; when they think they are about to beat the living crap out of some pen-wielding-dink, their confidence will be high but their guard will be low.

Let them underestimate you and your tactical pen-abilities. It will be their downfall.

Don’t tell others your pen is tactical.

The best part of the tactical pen is its discretion.

Why then would you show a random drunkard at the bar your weapon? It’s a good practice to keep your self-defense weapons to yourself until you’re forced to use them.

5 BEST TACTICAL PENS ON THE MARKET TODAY

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Everyone want’s to know which is best. Once someone decides carrying a self defense pen makes sense, they want the best.

The key features to look for in the best tactical pen are:

• Made Of Solid Alloy Construction
• Well Designed Grip
• The Pen Functions As A Pen
• Discrete

If the tactical pens feature has each of these qualities then it’s one of the best. You want it made from solid alloy to ensure it won’t break even under intense pressures.

The grip must be designed to prevent the pen from slipping in your hands when using it for self-defense.

The pen needs to be discrete and be an actual functioning pen. You also want the pen to have replaceable ink cartridges for long-term usage.

It’s also a nice bonus feature if it includes a carbide tip glass breaker.

After these hurdles have been met, the best tactical pen is one that is affordable and one you will carry every day.

Here are the two of the “best” tactical pens on the market today:

1 – Tactical StrikePen from Ape Survival

That’s why I recommend the Tactical StrikePen.

At the time of publishing this article, you could still get this badass tactical weapon for Free (+ shipping).

Plus, this tactical pen has a built-in flashlight, a small knife blade, a hex driver/wrench, and a bottle opener.

For the money, I think it’s one of the best tactical pens out there.



Get Your Free StikePen While Supplies Last – Note you could get this Tactical Pen FREE at the time this article was published – click here to see if this deal is STILL available today. 

2 – Smith and Wesson Tactical Pen

This Smith and Wesson Tactical Pen comes in at 5.8 inches long and weighs a mere 1.4 ounces. And it’s highly durable since it’s crafted out of  T6061 Aircraft Aluminum!

It includes a convenient pocket clip and screw-off top making it ideal for everyday carry. Making this a tool that will perform when needed and blend in when not in use.

This Tactical Pen can be refilled with Schmidt P900M Parker Style Black Ball Point Cartridges.

Check Out Today’s Price



3 – Stainless Steel Tactical Pen

This Stainless Steel Tactical Pen is different than the first two options.

Instead of having an aircraft aluminum body, it’s made out of reinforced military grade stainless steel.

It also uses ZINC batteries that will power it’s LED light for a very long time. Plus, the ballpoint tip can break any window for a fast vehicle evacuation.

Check Out Today’s Price

4 – The SWAT Pen by Atomic Bear

The SWAT Pen by the Atomic Bear exhibits a simple and solid construction It feels great in your hand. It has a remarkable grip that can deliver a devastating strike.

It comes with a heavy-duty nylon belt sheath for EDC.

A plain and simple design made of sturdy military-grade aluminum machined to perfection. You’ll love the feeling of weight and balance. 

Check Out Today’s Price

5 – Sminiker Professional Defender Tactical Pen

The Sminiker Professional Tactical Pen is made from aircraft-grade aluminum for superior strength & portability.

It’s not only can be used window breaking and escape but also safeguard against attackers in dangerous situations.

This Tactical Pen has a heavy-duty pocket clip so that you can attach it to your tactical gear – such as plate carrier vest, tactical pants, survival backpack, bug out bag, etc.

Making it perfect for daily use and traveling.



YOUR TACTICAL PEN ACTION PLAN

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If you don’t have one; get one.

And if you do, get a second one. Because nothing is worse than being caught off guard.

A tactical pen is the sort of tool that you don’t really need until you really freaking need it. Sort of like a life vest.

And when the need arises, you’ll be grateful you put a tactical pen in your pocket, vehicle, and bug out bag.

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Don’t let it collect dust: train with it.

If you buy a tactical pen, pop it in your tactical backpack and forget about it until the next time you get mugged, it is not going to do you much good.

You need to actively stay proficient with your weapon. Train with friends and practice alone.

The dual purpose of pen-and-weapon serves as the perfect disguise and allows users the element of surprise while also granting them the benefits of being armed and prepared for any situation.

Will Brendza

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Click on the image above to find out where you need to take shelter.

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