Friday, August 24, 2012

Book review: When All Hell Breaks Loose by Cody Lundin


With topics such as starting fires, purifying water, finding/catching/preparing food, first-aid, shelter, hygiene, proper burial among many other covered. It’s a very thorough book, topic-wise. It was almost too overwhelming for a noob to read. It’s my own fault for trying to read it from beginning to end as it were fiction. This is more of a reference book really and should be read as such.

I love that it’s written in a straight-forward manner that any average civilian could understand – you don’t have to be a hard-core survivalist to comprehend any of its content. His overall tone is pretty laid-back and fun which made it a quick and easy read for the most part. It’s peppered with humorous illustrations throughout as well (which was sometimes distracting). The best part about this guide is how it’s not focused on buying cool camping and survival gear. The projects he mentions are usually low-budget or no-budget at all (you may already have the materials in your home).

I came across Cody Lundin’s name after scanning for books to review for this site – he has a survival show (available on Netflix) which I’ve been meaning to watch. If I’m going to learn from someone, it might as well be from an expert who lives, breathes, and teaches this way of life.

Tons of info here for those seeking out a starting point. I actually read the e-book version of this which is perfectly fine, but I think this is one of those books that would be better off sitting in your shelf as a reference.

You’d probably get more enjoyment and use out of this if your preparedness and survivalist skillset is in the beginner or intermediate. Also good for the casual read.

Definitely a great addition to any prepper library. 4 out of 5 stars.


Thursday, August 23, 2012

10 Tips to Prepare for a Real Campout

Note: This guest post is brought to you by the fine folks at GuestPostU



A campout can be a lot of fun, but preparing for it is important, this can help make sure you have fun, and avoid being stuck with nothing. If you have a campout and are prepared, you are sure to have a good time.

Tent
Having a tent with no holes that is the right size is key to any campout. Inspect it for holes all around, and make sure everyone can fit in it. Being able to sleep comfortably and safely is the basis for any camping trip.

Food
Having a lot of healthy and nutritious food is important for camping. This can make everyone feel at ease and healthy during the campout. Not only that, but eating enough food is good for the energy levels of everyone.

Water
Going without water too long can certainly be bad for ones health. This is especially true during camping. Make sure to bring enough water for everyone. Not only that, but if the camping is going to involve intense exercise, make sure to bring more than usual.

Weather Check
Make sure to check the weather before camping. If it will be hot, obviously bring enough water, if it will be rainy, make sure to bring protective gear.

Sunblock
Many people neglect taking sunblock when they go camping. This can be a mistake as people generally spend time inside in their day to day life. Getting a sunburn can mess up a camping trip very quickly.

Bug Spray
Avoiding mosquitoes and other bugs is important for a camping trip. Not only can bites make you sick, they can certainly make any camping trip less enjoyable.

Keep Warm
It is important to have adequate sleeping bags and blankets. Many people do not realize, most months of the year it is cold to sleep outside. Even in the summer time, having an extra blanket in the tent can make it more comfortable for sleeping.

Matches or Lighter
Many people neglect to bring this on a camping trip. Anytime food is going to be prepared, or people will relax around a fire, this is important. Though it can be done, it is very difficult to start a fire without this.

Flashlight
It is important to bring a flashlight when camping. We take for granted having lights in the house, but if you wake up in the middle of the night in the tent, having some sort of light is important.

Foam Pad
A camping trip is much more enjoyable when you sleep well. Having a foam pad can help you sleep much more comfortably. It is much easier on the hips on back to sleep on something soft rather than the hard ground.

When camping, bringing the essential items for comfort and safety are important. This will make the trip much more enjoyable for everyone. But it is important not to panic if an item is forgotten. Depending on the time of year and the region, certain items may not be so important. In the end, everyone has their own idea of comfort and security, but there certainly are some basics you should bring.

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Imogen Schipley writes about the outdoors, adventure & finding affordable boat insurance quotes.

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Guest Post U
The University of Great Content

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Reasons Why Everybody Needs a First-Aid Kit

Note: This entry is a guest post by one of the cool people from GuestPostU.




First aid kits are important for everyone to have. Whether you are going camping, going on long bike rides, or just having one in your house or car. Being prepared for whatever strikes is so important, no matter your age or activities. First aid kits can help with burns, cuts, poisoning, and even broken limbs. When buying a first aid kit, it would be best to open it up, and get an idea of what it has. If there are items missing that may be handy for you, it would be best to add them. Also, if need be, put the first aid kit into a container that protects it from water.

Isolation
Having a first aid kit is important for anyone that goes on long trips far from civilization. This is because it may be difficult to find a doctor, or a store that has the items you need. Sometimes while camping it may be difficult to find aspirin or splints for an injury. Any camper or backpacker should certainly have a first aid kit.

Money
Having a first aid kit can be a large money saver, this is because a first aid kit can help avoid visits to doctors. Many small injuries and ailments can simply be fixed if you have the necessary medicine or first aid item. Emergency room visits can be expensive especially when hospitals or doctors are out of your insurance network. Having the necessary equipment will save you a lot of money.

Kids
If you have kids, or watch kids, they are going to get into trouble. Kids are always getting cut up, or getting into things they should not. Having a kit available can help fix the small problems they get into. Of course, large injuries may need a doctor to fix. But any small scrape or cut can be fixed by a first aid kit.

Liability
In this day and age, it is a good idea to of course, avoid liability. Having a first aid kid can help save lives. If people are injured at your house, having a first aid kit can fix them up. Sadly, in this day in age, many people sue homeowners when they get hurt at someones house.

Acts of Nature
Sometimes hurricanes or tornadoes or other natural disasters will hit. It is important to have some kind of kit to help in case of injury. This is because during a natural disaster, local and state government agencies may not be able to assist quickly. Not only that, but fixing small problems on your own can free them up so they can help people in life and death situations.

A first aid kit can be a life saver, the great thing is you can buy one or make your own. It is very important to make sure it has all you need for your specific needs. Many people who hike out in the wilderness may put more anti venom items in their kit. People with kids may want to look at putting more band-aids in their kit. It is important to open it up every few months to make sure nothing has expired. A first aid kid may truly be a life saver. Or at least get you out of an uncomfortable situation.



Retta Gilbert writes about safety, privacy & the importance of a criminal background check.
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Guest Post U
The University of Great Content

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Earth Abides Book Review


This  book is one of the many that I have in my to-read pile strictly for Apocalypse Hub and while I’ve finished it over a month ago, I’m just now getting around to write a quick and dirty book review on it. 

This was supposed to be one of the inspirations for Stephen King’s The Stand. How can one resist, right?

The story is told from the POV of Isherwood (Ish) Williams. It begins with him suffering the effects of a rattlesnake bite and wakes up to a world whose population has been pretty much wiped out by a plague. 

It’s a beautifully written epic tale that spans many generations after year zero. 

The thing about Ish was that he didn’t mourn humanity in general. He almost seemed to enjoy being alone in the early years after the pandemic (he does meet people during his travels). I think that the way he coped with the situation is how most people would have probably handled it.   

With no one to sustain agriculture, industries, the law, and government – it was back to square one for those who made it. I especially enjoyed the moments where he realized the importance of self-sufficiency and rebuilding. Opening tin cans of food would only last him and the others so long until it either ran out or became unsafe for consumption. With topics such as the structure of family, community, and culture covered, this book could have easily been part of a trilogy. 

Having read reviews of this book, I was aware that some readers were distracted about the antiquated references (it was written in 1949). In my case, however, I do believe that it added to its authenticity. It painted a very genuine and vivid picture of that era which enhanced the reading experience despite the racist and sexist overtones. There are parts that were dull and tedious in its description of day to day life but I had to remind myself that the story is being told from the eyes of a man who was more of an observer than a doer and one who lived through generations after the collapse of civilization as he/they knew it. It’s less of a sprint but a marathon, paced to see you through to the end. 

This is one of those books that only gets better after you’ve reread it and I’m actually surprised that it hasn’t been made into a feature film yet. I don’t think the Hollywood machine is up for such a challenge. 

Overall, a fascinating and engaging read. Highly recommended. 4 out of 5 stars.