Carl Sagan, the famous astrophysicist and astronomer, once said, “Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” As survivalists, we all know that extinction is inevitable. We can’t know when and we can’t know where, but we do know that eventually, we will have to rely on our knowledge and training in order to keep ourselves alive.

Ultimately, it’s up to us to decide if we are to be part of the rule or part of the exception to which Mr. Sagan so wisely alluded. If you’re reading this, you’re probably part of the growing number of Americans who will take it upon themselves to ensure their survival when a disaster or imminent threat of some kind puts us and our society at risk of collapse.

Prepping for this type of event takes significant time, energy, and training. If you plan on being the exception to the rule, if you plan on making it out alive, there are some questions that you should ask yourself.

Are you ready for armed or unarmed combat?
There are a few theories out there about the effectiveness of firearms in the wake of a disaster. Some argue that relying on guns for survival is the best way to protect themselves. There is no match against their power in self-defense, that’s for sure. Choosing to carry a firearm, knife, pepper spray, or other weapon is a personal decision (in most places in America at least), and opinions vary as to if it’s really necessary.

No matter what side you’re on, you’ll still need to ask yourself if you are ready to protect yourself, with a weapon or without. Self-defense may not be at the forefront of your mind right now, but when the law enforcement agencies you depend on for safety have been rendered helpless an attack or other event, the ability to protect yourself becomes paramount.

Take the time to sign up for and complete a basic self-defense class. Even if you don’t want to own one, at least learn how to respect and use a firearm if your life depended on it. These skills could one day make extinction not so inevitable after all.

How sustainable are your resources?
We all know that we won’t survive for long without clean water and food. Without hydration and adequate nutrition, we’re useless. Extinction is inevitable. But notice that this question isn’t about whether you have stockpiles of food and water. The question is if your resources are sustainable over time.

Those cans of Beefaroni and giant glass jugs of water are going to run out, and will probably do so much faster that you think. Sustainable resources for yourself mean the same thing as for our planet. Sustainability is the ability to continue to feed ourselves long after the supplies are gone. You can’t go to the store and buy resource sustainability like you would a stove or tent. It’s a skill that must be mastered.

Sustainable resources for human survival center around a source of clean, dependable water and the ability to grow and hunt food. Practice gathering rainwater at home and discover the many ways it can be used. Even if you choose to grow just some small herbs in your kitchen, you’re learning about how to plant and cultivate a sustainable resource. Self-reliance means that you are the one in control of feeding yourself, and that takes practice and knowledge.

Are you prepared for physical and emotional stress?
If there’s a theme here, it’s that if you want to be the exception rather than the rule, you’re going to have to work at it. Survival can’t be purchased at Cabella’s or entrusted to a shotgun. Let’s tackle the issue of physical stress first. The amount of work your body will need to accomplish in order to stay alive is probably unfathomable right now. For example, if it’s a natural disaster, you’ll need to move yourself and your gear over a number of miles to get to a safe place, all under dangerous weather conditions.

Consider what your mind and brain will go through when you come to the realization that every part of society that was put in place for your protection is now worthless. Could that be a little tough to handle? If loved ones are killed or injured in an attack or disaster your entire emotional foundation could be rocked. It’s essential to have a leadership and problem-solving skills that will keep you focused.

Fortunately, it’s doesn’t have to be doom and gloom. There are tons of opportunities out there for building these skills while still having fun with your family. Hiking and backpacking trips are great ways to practice teamwork and communication skills. If you have trouble getting motivated to exercise, consider how crucial physical strength is to your survival. Lifting some weights might not seem important, but if that strength might one day be used to carry a child away from a fire it suddenly takes on a whole new meaning.

Anyone who isn’t able to confidently answer any of these questions will hopefully start training and learning with more focus. There is no doubt that some kind of traumatic event can ruin all of what we’ve come to depend on, so any extra preparations can do nothing but help. Keep stopping by ShadowFoxHQ and we’ll share our knowledge and tips for making the most of your training.

The use of drones to carry out strategic military strikes at various locations overseas has been well documented. The recent proliferation and innovation of drones here on American soil has yet to receive the coverage that it really deserves. It’s essential for people to know about the increase of civilian drone use and law enforcement use of drones for surveillance. The video below reveals an incredible new taser ability that some drones now have.

Civilian Drone Use Draws Attention from Technology Companies, the White House and the…NFL
Sometimes referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), drones have become so popular that they’ve been featured on several recent news reports. A small drone recently crashed upon the lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. The man operating it apparently worked for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, but was operating the drone in his off time for recreation. After seeing that the incident made national news, the man reported himself to the Secret Service.

In preparation for the Super Bowl, the NFL recently released a short video to remind fans that the use of drones near the stadium strictly prohibited. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently prohibits flying drones over NFL, MLB, and NASCAR events. Drones equipped with high performance cameras are now frequently used for cinematography and can provide dramatic views of events and environments.

Many drones used by civilians for recreation fall into the FAA’s Model Aircraft category and are supposed to stay under a height of 400 feet. Despite this, there has been an increasing number of incidents of drones being spotted by planes at heights much higher than that. A civilian-piloted drone conflicting with an airplane carrying passengers is becoming more and more of a concern.

One of the most talked-about new features of drone technology is what’s called the “Follow Me” feature. Drones equipped with GPS technology link up with your phone’s signal and follow you, recording all of your outdoor adventures. While the technology is certainly fun and exciting, abilities like the Follow Me feature promise that the future of drones will not always be just for fun.

How are Drones being used by Law Enforcement?
Cash-strapped law enforcement agencies across the country are showing a growing interest in the use of drones for activities like surveillance and pursuit. These unmanned aerial vehicles are much cheaper than helicopters and planes, not to mention much more versatile. Let’s take a look at how some law enforcement agencies are using drones.

While many people think of drones as strictly elements of warfare, these vehicles are actually more used for surveillance here on American soil. Many have the ability to hover over one particular location at a height of over 700 feet for time periods around 3 hours. Our nation’s borders and areas of suspected criminal activities are frequently covered by unarmed drones.

Unseen and unheard by anyone on the ground, the drones used by some law enforcement agencies are able to use their equipped cameras to take images and video of whatever is below. Some are equipped with infrared and thermal cameras that enable them to record in low light as well as take in images with a heat signature like firearms and footprints.

It’s easy to see why law enforcement agencies that use drones prefer them to using helicopter pilots or police and SWAT officers engaging or observing suspected criminal activity. Most drone models are small enough to be packed in a police cruiser and can be launched, guided by GPS, and landed all from one laptop computer.

No drone model currently used by law enforcement is armed (that we could find) but the ability of some to use grenade launchers and 12-gauge shotgun rounds in defense is not altogether implausible. These models can however, be armed with gas canisters and tasters and armored protective materials.

A concerned citizen would do well to research their home state’s regulations on the use of drones, when a warrant is required, and how any images are stored.

How to Protect Yourself From Drone Surveillance
There are plenty of reasons why we should investigate ways to protect ourselves from drones. We may not currently need to be dodging drone strikes by armed robotic aerial vehicles, but the recent increase in drone use by civilians and law enforcement should encourage us all to be better prepared.

Stay under cover with camouflaging techniques. When being pursued or observed from the air it is crucial to stay in areas with cover provided by trees and shelters as much as possible. To facilitate movement, tunnels and underground shelters are an ideal strategy.

Some of the drones models used by law enforcement are small enough and maneuverable enough to navigate hallways and doorways, eliminating the need for K-9 dogs and officers to be in danger. Using shelters either underground or with a variety of entrances and exits can be useful to protect against surveillance of this type.

Materials like aluminum, mirrors, glass and other reflective surfaces can help to disrupt the recording capabilities of surveillance drones. Using camouflaging techniques like smoke from fires can help to disrupt drones and cover movement. Burn materials like tires or large piles of green branches to create as much smoke as possible.

It is certainly clear that unmanned aerial vehicles, whether just for fun or for law enforcement surveillance, are not going to be flying away anytime soon. They’re here and there are just too many upsides for their use by police and government officials. Drones are cheaper and more maneuverable than traditional aircraft and they don’t require sacrifice the lives of officers and soldiers on the ground.

Being aware of how these drones can be used and just what their capabilities are is a good step forward in preventing drone surveillance of civilian activities.

 

Skiers love taking on whatever the mountain can dish out. There is nothing better than hitting fresh powder in the backcountry with friends. Canada’s CBC news reported that sales of backcountry ski equipment were up 40 percent at the start of the 2012-13 season and backcountry is no longer a fringe sector.  Ski big, ski fearless, but keep your head on straight. Don’t be the one that needs to be rescued in the backcountry.

Skiing Apparel Crucial to Safety
You have to wear the right gear if you’re spending all day outside in the winter wilderness. The right clothing and equipment will make sure you come home with some legendary tales of skiing the backcountry .

Dress in three layers when carving up the backcountry. A base layer closest to your skin should be form fitting and comfortable. Cotton materials get too wet when you sweat, so choose a wicking and fast drying set of long underwear. The second layer should be clothing items that trap warm air and keep it close to you. Fleece vests or jackets are great options for a second layer. The third layer for skiing is a pair of ski pants and a sturdy ski jacket. They should be waterproof to prevent melting snow from weighing you down. Since skiing requires lots of movement, a ski jacket should fit closely but not restrict movement.

You’ll be much better off using skiing equipment that fits you correctly. Buy backcountry gear at a store that has staff that will help you find the right equipment in the right size. Ask them about freeride gear that can adapt to any type of skiing. Sometimes you really have to spend the extra money to rent any gear that you need instead of borrowing someone else’s equipment.

The Best Way to Stay Safe While Skiing in the Backcountry
There is no way around it; Skiing alone can be very dangerous. Snow, cold wind, and injury are all things that can ruin a day on the mountain. Take a friend out into the backcountry and you’ll both enjoy the fresh powder even more.

Someone else should know where you’ll be skiing and what runs you’re taking. If something happens, they will know where to find you and bring help. Stay in touch with a set of outdoor walkie-talkies while you’re in the backcountry with a group. Getting separated in the wilderness can mean serious problems and you don’t want your friends risking their necks to search for you.

New skiers always want to go big. Be smart. Definitely know what types of slopes and runs you belong on. A backcountry run that scares you probably isn’t a good choice. Live to challenge another day. A green circle, blue square, black diamond will indicate the skill levels required to safely enjoy the slope. Test yourself, but do it with a skilled partner who knows what they’re doing.

Take breaks to catch your breath and get some food. Because of the colder winter temperatures, many skiers can’t tell they are sweating and tired. Take time between each run to stay hydrated with water or sports drink and fueled up with food that serves up big calories.

Cold Weather Survival
If you want to check out the wilderness and push the limits of the mountain, there is no better way than backcountry skiing. The runs are fast and the skies are clear but even then skiers can overlook crucial danger signs.

Know the signs of a possible avalanche. IF you’re buried in an avalanche, you have no more than 5 minutes before serious danger sets in. Recent avalanches in the area, recent heavy snow or rain, and windblown snow drifts could mean that an avalanche may happen in the area. Avoid trails or runs that seem like they have unsteady snow.

Slow speech, slurred words, sleepiness, and unstable emotions could be signs of Hypothermia. This can happen because of extended exposure to the cold. If this happens, get the person indoors if possible.  Restore warmth slowly. Remove any wet clothing and replace it with blankets and dry clothes. Give the person warm liquids to increase their body temperature.

Skiing is the best way to soak up all that fresh snowfall. Keep pushing limits and crushing snow. The mountain awaits.

A lost hiker should be found as soon as possible. You must know these tips for tracking a person in the wilderness. If not, the lost person faces an increased risk of harm. Local and national authorities search for thousands of missing people every year. There are many dangers around and finding them as quickly as possible is the first priority.

When a person you know goes missing in the wilderness, there are strategies to follow to make sure you stay on their trail and locate them quickly.

What to Look for When Tracking a Lost Hiker 
There are a few things to keep watch for when tracking a human in the wilderness. Signs are everywhere if you can train your eye to look for them. There are a number of ways to tell if a person was recently in the area.

  • Torn clothing can be a giveaway. If a person is struggling or hiking quickly, they might leave clothing behind or get it snagged on tree branches.
  • Small pieces of trash and food wrappers are signs that a person recently rested or made camp in the area. Most people just out exploring don’t leave garbage, but a person who is desperate won’t worry about littering.

How to Find A Hiker’s Footprints and Tracks
Footprints aren’t always easy to see due to the variety of surfaces in the wilderness. A hiker’s footprints will also change depending on the surface and weather.

  • Look for small impressions on beds of small plants or moss.
  • When going uphill, toes dig into the soil for traction. On a downhill, people’s heels tend to land first and make impressions.
  • Is the lost hiker a tall person or short? This changes the distance in stride and where the next print is likely to be found.
  • Watch for changes in surfaces. For example, sand and snow will stick to boots and will transfer onto pavement.

When You Look for a Lost Hiker, Form a Team for the Best Results
The best way to track down a person is by forming a search team. More eyes are always better than just two.

  • One person should work as the point person and two others should stay behind as the search takes place. Those in the back should not be directly behind, but should be at the right or left rear of the point searcher.
  • A search team can also have roles so that each person is dedicated to a certain aspect. One can keep eyes trained on the ground while the other scans low-lying trees and shrubs for signs.

Every year, thousands of hikers go missing in the wilderness. It doesn’t take much to get turned around among the trees and trails. If panic and danger is added in the results can be disastrous. Timing is the key to finding a lost person. Follow these steps and work quickly for the best results.

Can you defend yourself and your family from an attacker who wants your last cans of food? Can you carry an injured child two miles back to camp? Can you make the hike to the nearest water? Answering these questions could mean the difference between life or death.

You don’t need a gym membership or a fitness video to start building your survival strength. You can add some fun and variety into your workouts to increase family time and build survival skills. There are a few easy moves that you and your family can do while enjoying time outdoors.

Move # 1- The Rock Pass Builds Teamwork and Balance
You can build survivor strength and increases balance in one move with the Rock Pass. Find a few friends or family to take a hike with you. Before you start, find a rock that each person can carry comfortably for a few steps. No one should be struggling too much to heft the weight. If the rock has some uneven sides that is even better. Practice standing in a circle passing the rock from person to person. Now head out on your hike just as you normally would but continue to pass the rock as you walk.

Set the goal of getting the rock for just a mile or for the entire hike. You’ll find that the task of passing the rock starts to be a real labor on your arms. Everyone will have to work together to accomplish the task. The Rock Pass builds teamwork, strength, and balance as your body works to complete a variety of tasks all at once.

Move #2- Tree Limb Pull-ups for a Survivor’s Upper Body
A quick hike in the woods reveals many ways to build your survival strength. Pull-ups and chin-ups are a great way to build upper body strength. All you need for this exercise is a tree limb that can support your weight. Do a few pull-ups with good form and then keep hiking until you find another good limb. Repeat the pull-ups and walking rest. These tree limb pull-ups will quickly build your upper body strength for any number of survival tasks like carrying heavy loads of firewood or building a shelter.

Move #3- Backpack Squats for Tree Trunk Legs
Pair your upper body workouts with lower body work. Take a minute to pack up your hiking pack with weight. Just use heavy clothing or blankets for a balanced load. With the full backpack on your back do several squats to test the weight. You should be able to do 5-10 without discomfort. Adjust your pack so it rests evenly. Do these around the house as you do vacuuming or dishes. Take your bag out for your hikes and stop every once so often to add in these squats to accelerate your cardio workouts. Backpack squats will increase your ability to walk long distances. Strong legs allow better climbing and carrying, both essential survival tasks.

These moves help you build the survivor strength required to live through emergency situations. They can also be done for free around the house or when you’re out for a hike, no gym membership required. Get the family out and practice them together for exercise with a fun twist.

Throwing knives are often overlooked as a tool for survival. Just like any other weapon, it takes time and practice to perfect. Using throwing knives successfully requires concentration and excellent technique. There are a few blade types to test out and a few throwing styles that can fit various levels of skills. If you’re looking to buy a set of knives, there are several types to consider. For the price, a good set of throwing knives can end up being an indispensable asset to have.

Reasons to Carry Throwing Knives
Few weapons can boast as much history as throwing knives. Our ancestors relied on thrown blades for personal protection as well as hunting. They are simple, quiet, and never need to be reloaded. When planning for survival situations, weapons that are reliable and quiet are great options. If the situation continues to get worse, throwing knives will only need to be sharpened and you’ll never need to buy ammunition.

Throwing knives are also very light and small. If you’ll need to travel a good distance on foot, this will be essential. For the most part, you’ll find knives no more than around 12-13 inches in length and 13 ounces or so. Survival situations will require you to move quickly and maybe over long distances. In these cases, weight is incredibly important. You don’t want to rely on something that requires constant maintenance or many parts that you might have to replace. Throwing knives can be essential items to keep on hand.

Knives are quiet and do not draw any attention to themselves. If there are multiple threats or prey, you’ll be able to handle each one without alerting the others. They are the best weapon for stealth. Believe it or not, throwing knives aren’t just for ninjas and martial arts types. Small game and personal threats can be stopped in their tracks with an accurately handled knife.

Look for These Features When You’re Buying Throwing Knives
You can throw any knife and hope that it hits the target, but throwing knives are usually built just for one purpose. Would you try to strike out a batter with a basketball? If you want to achieve excellent results, you need to use well-designed throwing knives. There are tactical throwing knives that can be used for general purposes as well as throwing.

These types of knives are streamlined in design and very light to carry. Basically, you’ll find throwing knives built blade-heavy, handle-heavy, or balanced. The heaviest part of a knife should be thrown first, so if the knife is blade-heavy it will be held in your hand. This technique is best for beginners. A balanced throwing knife is thrown either blade or handle first, so it is more versatile depending on what your needs will be.

Handles of throwing knives can vary in style. Some cord wrapped options provide a good solid grip. Handles of the slim knives are often bare to streamline the throw and maintain a good balance as the knife makes its rotation through the air.

How to Practice with your New Throwing Knives
The best method for starting your knife throwing practice is the Hammer Throw. Grip the handle of the knife as you would a hammer, but with your thumb kept along the edge instead of wrapped around the handle. Bring your hand up to about ear level with your elbow level to your knife grip. Be sure to throw the knife straight ahead and keep your follow-through a clean line and not across your body.

Set up a sturdy target that can handle plenty of knife strikes. Make sure that it’s out of the way since your throws might take some time to perfect. Start by standing  8-10 feet away and throw at a 4 inch bullseye. To perfect your technique, vary your distances and pay attention to the number of rotations it takes the blade to make contact.

Throwing knives are the perfect addition to any survivalist’s arsenal. It takes time a practice to master the technique, but the benefits are many. They don’t take up much room and are light to carry. Knife care and maintenance doesn’t require much time or money. Keep a set of throwing knives available and practice your grip and throw. You never know when they just might save your life.

“It was like a slap from a giant.”
This is how a survivor of the 2004 tsunami that struck 12 countries bordering the Indian Ocean described the first wave. An otherwise peaceful morning with crisp blue skies turned to a muddy brown nightmare in the blink of an eye. In an area of the world dominated by pristine beaches and putting scooters skimming along small streets, towering ocean waves brought destruction and snatched the lives of around 300,000 people in a single morning.

On December 26, the day after Christmas, locals and tourists in Khao Lak Thailand were forever changed by a few swift strokes from the mighty Indian Ocean. This area was one of the hardest hit, with a tourist mortality rate of 50% and local residents of around 70%. Because of the poor housing conditions in some areas, the statistics concerning those missing and injured will be forever unknown.

What to Expect in a Tsunami
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a tsunami is a series of waves, or a “wave train”, resulting from shifts in the sea floor that happen after an earthquake, volcano, or other types of natural events that alter the sea’s geography. Tsunami waves can regularly reach heights of 50 feet and can repeat themselves for several hours.

There are many stories to come out of this horrific event, but that of American John Thompson stands to teach us much about survival in such lightening fast scenarios. John arrived in Khao Lak a one day earlier and had spent the time exploring the area around his hotel and enjoying a Christmas dinner and dessert at some local spots. The next morning, while lying in bed, he felt some vibrations in the building that lasted maybe two minutes. Not thinking too much of it, he continued enjoying his day by riding a rented scooter around the area.

After heading down to the beach to snap some photos of a small boat and a bay that he thought seemed a bit strange, he realized just what was happening around him. John and others down on the beach began sprinting away from the oncoming wave. He ran beside other locals and beachgoers, desperately taking shots with his camera over his shoulder of what he considered to just be a “big wave” that was obviously not stopping at the sand like any other. The wave that ultimately tackled the peaceful coast that morning averaged a towering height of 24 feet.

Be Prepared to Make Split-Second Choices
During his life-saving sprint away from the rushing water, John was confronted with a choice that would eventually save his life. To continue running up the street meant putting distance between himself and the wave, but diving into a nearby hotel could offer crucial protection. John chose the sturdy building and sprinted to its highest point. This split-second decision was what most likely left him alive to tell the tale. It only demonstrates that survival situations demand quick thinking and reward wise decisions.

Perhaps the best way to honor the causalities and displaced survivors of the 2004 tsunami is to learn from what happened and carry those lessons with us in future excursions. Overall, the catastrophe teaches us that we could be separated from our friends, loved ones, and belongings in an instant. It may seem strange, but when you arrive in an area where tsunami’s might occur, become familiar with the local buildings and streets as they relate to the beachfront.

The Correct Way to Prepare for a Tsunami
Your familiarity with these routes and buildings could be what save you should disaster strike. As you do this, make a plan with loved ones so that if you are separated you will all know where to find each other. Pick a local landmark that everyone can find and designate a meeting spot or two so that no matter what happens a central location is set. Disaster does not wait for you to pack up your suitcase.  Be sure to have a small backpack with some necessities should you only have precious seconds to grab and go.

Understanding how rushing waves and water work can work in your favor. Water moves along the path of least resistance. This usually means waves hit hardest the streets and alleyways that offer little in the way of buildings or boundaries. A sturdy building that offers high stories or a path that heads uphill could be your best bet when given just quick moments to decide which way to go for safety. Since tsunamis often follow earthquakes, heed nature’s warning by moving to higher ground should you feel an earthquake. Concerning the water, a last chance effort can be made to grab onto some item that floats and is big enough to support your weight.

John Thompson’s story of survival shows us that disaster doesn’t wait or discriminate. What matters in situations like these is preparation and quick decisions that ensure survival. A tsunami is a devastating threat from the natural world, but you can still enjoy the beauty of nature while being prepared to survive.

Prepping your Bug Out Bag means you’ll need to think about fire-starting options that are available. Your best bet is to try out as many as possible before choosing what will work best for you. A wide range of options will greet you, from the expensive packaged camp store versions to a few you can create yourself at little to no cost. Take these things into account:

  • When it comes to fire-starters, more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean more effective. A lot depends on the conditions and the weather.
  • If a bad situation turns even worse, you should probably also figure out how to make fire-starters without the benefit of money or nearby stores.

How You Can Make a Fire-Starter With Items at Home
One option that can be quickly made at home with very little cost is a fire-starter made from the lint found in your clothes dryer. You probably have more dryer lint than you need, so you can’t beat the availability of this ingredient. Consider a few things to consider before you go lighting the gray stuff on fire out in the backyard.

  • The fabric of the clothes that were just in the dryer actually play a pretty important role. You’ll probably find the best results come from cotton clothes like shirts and denim jeans. A dryer with a load of clothes made up of microfibers or other synthetic materials might not be as effective. Test out the lint from a few different laundry loads to find what works best and let us know in the comments.
  • After you’ve found the materials that are the most combustible, try out two different fuel extenders to make the lint even more effective. Basically, a “fuel extender” coats the lint and makes it burn for a longer time and, in turn, catches your smaller pieces and kindling to smoldering and smoking. Try out petroleum jelly for an extender that you can find around the house. Mix it with the lint to make some tidy little fire-starters. Try out paraffin wax or melt down some leftover holiday candles and add that to your lint.

Ways to Carry Your Dryer Lint Fire-Starters
The beauty of using dryer lint as a base ingredient of your survival fire starters is that most of the ingredients can be found around the house and cost pretty much nothing. You will need something to hold your newly found lint fuel.

  • You can use a cardboard egg carton by putting a bit of the mixture of lint and fuel extender in each small section or use a discarded toilet paper roll to stuff the mixture in. Either way, consider how you’ll keep your starter dry.
  • When using the egg carton container you could also consider the extra step of dipping them in melted fax for a waterproof and fuel based option. Re-using small plastic bags of packaging or the Ziploc bags that only held a lunch sandwich are good ways to recycle household items that would normally get trashed.

A fire-starter holds the potential to save the lives of you and your loved ones, so take the time necessary to make sure you make them correctly by trying out difference ingredients and safely starting fires of your own before a time of crisis arrives. The weather, the types of wood available, and the lighting device are all factors to consider.

 

 

The right survival tool can be the difference between life and death. Crisis situations demand a tool that is both versatile and reliable. You might have to be on the move for miles or to be hunkered down in a shelter for several days. Hatchets and tomahawks are survival tools that should be on your packing list.

What is the Difference Between a Hatchet and a Tomahawk?
A casual observer may see hatchets and tomahawks as being the same tool. A more intensive search reveals that this is not the case. Both tools are unique in their own ways, and each are worth investigating. Both hatchets and tomahawks can serve very useful roles in your survival arsenal.

  • Hatchets serve as dependable and sturdy camp tools. They should be on hand at any campsite and backpacking journey. Building a suitable fire for warmth and protection is made much easier with a hatchet. Larger pieces of firewood can be made much more manageable with a hatchet, not to mention the creation of effective kindling.
  • Those larger logs and branches can also be wrangled more easily for constructing a shelter in an emergency situation. Many hatchets come equipped with a flat poll (back) that serves as a hammer head opposite of the cutting edge.
  • In hunting situations, the short blade is maneuverable for dressing  game, as well as sturdy for breaking apart bones.
  • Look for a hatchet with full tang construction, or with the steel head and handle made as one continuous piece. Full tang construction increases the strength and durability of this useful tool. Ranging from around 1 or 2 pounds and 16 to 24 inches, a hatchet can fit in easily with gear and be very light to carry over distances.

The Aggressive and Dynamic Tomahawk
The image of a Native American wielding a tomahawk for hand-to-hand combat or throwing is part of many popular films and stories. The tomahawk has been used in many combat situations since, but the role hasn’t changed much over time.

  • The tactical tomahawk gained popularity as a combat tool in various military campaigns, the Vietnam War most notably. The small size and lightweight construction makes it effective for personal protection. The aggressive design of a tomahawk clearly conveys its ultimate purpose.
  • A tomahawk also meets additional needs like breaching doors and windows for dynamic entry and for opening crates. A smaller cutting edge is available, and a spike end is often the option opposite of the edge. This spike can host a few options like a serrated edge or a crowbar end, depending on the intended use of the tool.
  • The more streamlined handle and grip may decrease construction utility but in turn makes for a much lighter tool that is packable and, lest we forget, throwable. Yes, while not the best combat technique, throwing a tomahawk can be an option in crisis scenarios.

A well-constructed and reliable hatchet or tomahawk should be part of your emergency preparedness items. Its size and versatility are undeniable, and the usefulness of each tool will reveal itself in a survival situations. Use hatchets for keeping a safe and warm camp. Use the tactical tomahawk for personal safety and a situation that demands strength and aggression.

The winter season brings challenges for travel as well as weather that can wreak havoc. There are survival strategies that are unique to the ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. Ice storms can cause power outages that can last for days, traveling on roadways is a hazardous gamble, and unpredictable weather patterns require quick responses.

With all of the chaos that winter can bring, you can’t be over-prepared for emergency survival. Holidays mean that many people do lots of traveling in their cars and trucks. The nasty weather also means that many people choose to drive to places in their communities where they would normally walk or bike in more pleasant weather. Your car is the first place to equip when it comes to preparing for winter survival.

Items You Can’t Live Without
First things first, you’ll need to have a shovel in your car. Removing snow and ice from under wheels can be a crucial first step in removing your car from a precarious situation. Models of foldable shovels are out there to save space in your car, so there’s no excuse. After you’ve done your best to dig out of the snow, you’ll need a few blankets or sleeping bags on hand to stay warm. Running your vehicle too much not only uses up valuable gas, but can be hazardous if your exhaust is trapped in the snow as well. Be sure you can stay warm and still only run your car’s heat for maybe ten minutes per hour.

Staying warm requires body energy and heat, and that doesn’t happen without water and food. Good snacks to consider are items that aren’t perishable and will stay in your car for the winter without spoiling. Candy bars and protein energy bars are compact sources of quick energy that will be useful. Having clean water on hand is an undeniable need for winter survival.

Stay Alive with These Strategies
As you drive, keep your approximate location in mind. Note road signs you pass and know what direction you’re headed. If a call to 911 or to family needs to be made, it will help a lot to be able to give them your location. Don’t drive blind, know where you are at all times or at least how you there.

Along the same lines, if you’re headed out on the road in the winter be sure to let someone know where you’re going and about what route you’ll be taking. If someone hasn’t heard from you in a while or has been expecting you and you haven’t shown up, they’ll know when you left and may be able to find you on your route.

When you’re stranded in the car and waiting for help to arrive, keep in mind your warmth and safety. Avoid exerting yourself too much if you’re trying to dig your car out or walking for help. Winter weather is unpredictable and you don’t want to get caught too far from your vehicle. Take frequent breaks if you are trying to dig out or repair your car to prevent too much sweat or dehydration.

Keep these strategies in mind when you travel this winter and increase your odds of arriving at those holiday parties safe and warm. Preparing doesn’t require too much effort and can have big payoffs in case of a winter emergency.