Essential Considerations To Get Prepared in 2022
Preppers, survivalists, and bug-out folks alike know that gear is key when it comes to survival. No matter where you are or what conditions you're in, having the right gear can make all the difference. In this blog, we'll take a look at the best tactical gear brands on the market today, as well as give you tips on how to choose the right gear for your needs. We'll also cover essential survival topics such as first aid and firecraft so that you're well-prepared for any emergency. Finally, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to find or build a basic shelter in case of an emergency. Ready to gear up and keep yourself safe? Let's get started!
Buying Tips for Tactical Gear
Tactical gear is essential for preppers, but it's important to find the right gear for your needs. When shopping for tactical gear, it's important to consider price first and foremost. Not all products are created equal, and some may be more expensive than others. Second, make sure the gear you're purchasing is purpose-based and will fit your needs. Third, be sure to check the quality and make sure the gear will last. Finally, be sure to compare prices and make the best decision for you.
Some basic tips when buying tactical gear are:
- Don't buy gear strictly off Amazon - although some of these goods will work fine, often they are best when paired with products that have an established brand and manufacturer behind the good.
- Watch out for 'generic' versions of branded gear - these products may look and feel the same, but they often have lower quality materials and construction.
- Be sure to read reviews before making a purchase - some buyers will be more critical than others, but all information is useful in making an informed decision.
- Pay attention to 'feature creep': Tactical gear can get very expensive very quickly if you start adding features that are superfluous or not necessary for your needs. Ask yourself whether or not you really need those bells and whistles!
Top Tactical Gear Brands
Although the top list of reputable tactical gear brands changes each year, currently the top tactical brands are:
How to Choose the Best Tactical Gear
Tactical gear is essential for those who are prepping for any situation. But which gear is the best for you? Here are some tips to help you choose the right gear for you:
1) Consider your size, strength, and endurance. Make sure to understand your personal details like these and try out different products before making a purchase. Pro Tip: Go check out REI in person.
2) Consider what mission you'll be undertaking and what type of environment you'll be in. For example, if you're prepping for a survival situation, you'll need gear that is weatherproof and durable. If you're prepping for a tactical combat situation, you'll need gear that is versatile and suitable for close-quarters combat.
3)Think about what type of prepper you are - survivalist, homesteader, or preparedness enthusiast. Each type of prepper will require different gear. For example, a survivalist will need gear that can handle long-term camping and hiking, while a preparedness enthusiast will need gear that can help them in a short-term disaster situation.
Bug Out Bag Checklist 101
Prepping is all about being prepared for any eventuality, and that includes being ready for a bug-out situation. Make sure your BOB is fully stocked with the essentials - food, water, shelter, and tactical gear like a first-aid kit and fire starter. Familiarize yourself with the different types of weapons available to you as a prepper.
Essentials for a bug-out bag are:
- Water
- Food
- First aid kit
- Duct tape
- Clothes
- Multi-tool
- Flashlight
- Sleeping bag
- Paracord
- Knives
- Shelter Items
- Space blanket
- Gloves
- Whistle
- Compass
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- First aid
- Tent
- Headlamp
- Handkerchief
- Tarp
- Hand warmer
- Pepper spray
- Sleeping pad
- Portable water purification
- Glow stick
- Wet wipe
- Blanket
- Sunglasses
- Tourniquet
- Toiletries
- Survival knife
- Safety pin
- power bank
- Water Filter
- Insect repellent
- Antibiotics
- Bandage
- Lip balm
- Crowbar
- Match
- Petroleum jelly
- Weapon
- ChapStick
- Swiss Army knife
- Tinder
- Solar charger
- Analgesic
- Fishing items
How to Find Water in a Survival Situation
Prepping for a survival situation is essential for ensuring your well-being in times of crisis. One of the most important aspects of prepping is ensuring you have access to fresh water. Make sure you have at least one water container that is protected from the elements and that is easily accessible. Early on in the situation figure out where you'll be able to find clean water sources in case of a disaster or crisis.
Additional tools that will help with water in survival situations are:
- Lifewater straw - This is a must-have for those on the go. The Lifewater straw can be filled with fresh water, sealed shut, and carried in your pocket or survival pack.
- Portable Water filter - A good water filter can make important changes to the quality of water sources in an emergency situation. By removing contaminants like bacteria and parasites, a good water filter will help increase your chances of finding safe drinking water during a crisis or disaster.
Basic Survival Medicine
Preppers know that in order to be prepared for any situation, you need some medicine - you never know when you might get injured but it's almost certain at some point you will. Some basic medicine to keep for any serious prepper is:
- Gauze. Gauze has a variety of purposes for dressing wounds.
- Antibiotic Ointment.
- Bandages.
- Non-Prescription Painkillers.
- Antiseptic Wipes.
- Calamine Lotion Or Anti-Itch Cream.
- Antihistamine.
Basic Firecraft
Fuels, heat, and oxygen combined create fire. You need all 3 to be successful.
Start with tinder and work your way up.
Tinder is the initial stage of making a fire, which lasts roughly a minute before moving to kindling. Tinder is already built into the match via the wooden stick, which provides enough burn time to light a fire so disregard tinder if you are using a match (much easier than starting from scratch).
But if you’re building a fire, one of the core fire craft basics is to build up in stages. Even if your end goal is to make a big bonfire using mature logs, for example, you don’t just hold a lighter under the big logs and expect it to work.
That’s because the actual spark you create typically doesn’t last long, whether it’s by rubbing sticks, flicking a Ferro rod, striking a match, etc. So you need something to quickly catch that spark and ignite, then burn long enough to transfer to something bigger.
Tinder examples
Because you want tinder that will easily ignite, look for dried-out wood, leaves, moss, and other “bird’s nest” vegetation with lots of little fibers, hairs, strands, etc. More strands means more surface area, more airflow, and more nooks and crannies that can physically catch a spark (like a small metal fragment flying off your Ferro rod). Collect enough of it to create a loose bundle at least the size of a baseball or snowball.
Store-bought tinder such as TinderQuik is often designed to be frayed open before use, creating more spark-catching fibers and surface area.
How to Find or Build Basic Shelter
Preppers know that shelter is one of the most important factors for survival. No matter where you are in the world, weather conditions can change rapidly and unexpectedly. Make sure you have the information and gear necessary to build or find basic shelter, so you're always prepared. There are a variety of options available, so it's important to research which one is best for you. Remember to always be prepared and have the information necessary in case of disaster. By doing so, you'll be able to build or find basic shelter that will protect you from the elements and keep you safe.
FAQ
What are some of the best tactical gear items to include in a prepper's emergency stockpile?
Some of the best tactical gear items to include in a prepper's emergency stockpile are items such as water filters, first aid kits, and emergency food supplies. Information on these items can be found from sources like the National Geographic website, The Prepper Journal, and Preparedness.com
