tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61381986356012923262024-03-19T04:47:09.146-04:00Blue Collar Preppingblue collar, prepping, outdoor, survival, reviews, bug out, get home, disaster, budget, emergency, preparednessLokidudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621746696000747854noreply@blogger.comBlogger2280125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-11016252079951411692024-03-18T19:48:00.004-04:002024-03-18T19:49:36.066-04:00Product Review: Portable Car Jump Starter<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XASmNxSWFQc8X8qkIOTlPm-E3R9FxYw_0mvLIP0RJHhXVsjF308dZGw7ncKbjZGROh3sPVGDO8o6s-x-ASem-ABjhUp41IaLvDeUofEj_JoAKh4TIyOwYfWl-D0_dIXG-a2GZsaxALA/s1600/Huntress.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #f4f2ee; color: black;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XASmNxSWFQc8X8qkIOTlPm-E3R9FxYw_0mvLIP0RJHhXVsjF308dZGw7ncKbjZGROh3sPVGDO8o6s-x-ASem-ABjhUp41IaLvDeUofEj_JoAKh4TIyOwYfWl-D0_dIXG-a2GZsaxALA/s1600/Huntress.jpg" width="147" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span>Not actually Erin.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kjphotos.com/"><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1b1b; color: red;">Picture by KJ Photography</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>& is used with permission.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Back in 2022 I blogged about a <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2022/08/portable-car-jump-starter.html">portable car jump starter</a> which I had bought but had not tested. Well, that situation has been rectified, because as it turns out I needed to jump start my car today, and it worked exactly as advertised. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First, I checked the charge on the power bank. Despite not having been charged since I bought it back in August of 2022 and having been kept in a hot car for all that time, the power display still read 100% charge. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I then plugged the sensor module into the power bank and attached the clamps to the battery terminals. As I said in my previous post, <i>"I especially like how the clamps are manufactured with extra plastic that bulks them up such that it's impossible to short anything out by having the teeth touch each other; I would have to deliberately circumvent the safety features to short-circuit these. I also appreciate how the sensor module has lights which tell me if I have the positive clamp attached to the positive terminal or not." </i> The sensor showed steady green, so I got in the driver's seat said a quick prayer, and turned the key. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQhWdN1ICyueY0phck5rEBI-p1gDI4lxZMBuuNQ2BpCgmSLKVn26odnxLByy7TSHZstFs2HtFB7LmD4N7d23s-CL9-fXqPKvO3FOcD5XxmoptBaUUnvRS8ZpcmTnA9yVkkkogH-iYuLDQmHhqPg3kPz1JN3W0qVB4XSt1FUZvVKFBmNB05n8_c_uU2P0/s640/71bc-JMRFeL._AC_SX679_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQhWdN1ICyueY0phck5rEBI-p1gDI4lxZMBuuNQ2BpCgmSLKVn26odnxLByy7TSHZstFs2HtFB7LmD4N7d23s-CL9-fXqPKvO3FOcD5XxmoptBaUUnvRS8ZpcmTnA9yVkkkogH-iYuLDQmHhqPg3kPz1JN3W0qVB4XSt1FUZvVKFBmNB05n8_c_uU2P0/w512-h640/71bc-JMRFeL._AC_SX679_.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3VkEObd">https://amzn.to/3VkEObd</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The engine started effortlessly, and when I put the jump starter away the battery said 98% charge remaining. I am incredibly pleased with how well this product worked, and the only thing keeping me from giving it a full product recommendation is the fact that I can't find my specific model on Amazon, and Chinese clones of products can be a gamble in terms of quality. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Still, even if it doesn't jump your care, you still have a rechargeable 18,000mAh power bank with built-in flashlight and emergency strobe, which is very useful in a lot of situations. And if it does work, then you've potentially saved yourself from needing to call a very expensive roadside mechanic or having your vehicle towed. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At $60, I'll take that gamble. </div>Erin Palettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09984632637166408245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-37242923851201525622024-03-09T16:08:00.000-05:002024-03-09T16:08:06.802-05:00Bike Time Is Near!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xPbZDdUW0nz-mN-oXcmWHthiZKOMFYNE9dbvPWnuperEFW_YniLO618JDAG17YI437SZ5aZ7MpYFEVt8NujifVAvqxMKTZLH9I9RnFMOVbl2yFqzcF9JcEOaGyXZbdhPTA7zSy64ZTdtn1rIMCDhONaIaVVUevcQ0HtdKILf90-RCPBHjmtcbnXUbS63/s600/20140411-161558-CAH_9079-Edit23_dblackard_600px.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xPbZDdUW0nz-mN-oXcmWHthiZKOMFYNE9dbvPWnuperEFW_YniLO618JDAG17YI437SZ5aZ7MpYFEVt8NujifVAvqxMKTZLH9I9RnFMOVbl2yFqzcF9JcEOaGyXZbdhPTA7zSy64ZTdtn1rIMCDhONaIaVVUevcQ0HtdKILf90-RCPBHjmtcbnXUbS63/w160-h200/20140411-161558-CAH_9079-Edit23_dblackard_600px.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The dust has settled and the <a href="http://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20First%2072%20Hours">First 72 Hours</a> have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via</b></span></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b>Prudent Preppi<span style="font-family: inherit;">ng.</span></b></span></i></b></span></i></b></span></i><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Decent weather will be here very soon, but that doesn't mean you should ignore motorcycles until you put away your sweaters. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">One thing I was told before I even had a license was "Look for and count motorcycles when you're driving around. That way, you'll have a good chance of always seeing motorcycles when you start driving on your own."</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was able to talk to a California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer at my local bike shop late last year, and I asked him if he rides on his own time. He said yes, but not as much as before due to what he sees on the job. He said in accidents where the biker wasn't 100% at fault (such as single bike accident, speeding, bad lane changes, etc.) 75% of accidents between a car and a motorcycle, the car driver always says "I didn't see the bike!" </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To me that says some bad things about about the bike rider. Do we have lights on? Are we riding so as to be seen as easily as possible? Are we riding with enough space front and back to give us 'bail out' space? Can you see the driver in their mirrors? </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, I know, those seem to be as often ignored as turn signals on the Interstates. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">YouTube, Instagram and TikTok seem to be lacking videos of bikers riding the speed limit, following traffic laws and not auditioning as stunt riders for the next Mad Max movie. Now this isn't to say that I don't ride faster than the posted speed limit; I certainly do, and I drive faster that that in my car also. I also live where filtering at a stop is allowed and lane splitting is legal. What I don't do, and what I don't recommend, is splitting lanes when traffic is flowing well and at a double digit percentage of the surrounding traffic.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div></span>In short, we bikers have a responsibility to be cautious driver and to make ourselves as visible as possible (and I'm not talking enough reflective tape to look like a crime scene). This is as much for our own safety as it is to be good examples. <span><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div><br /></div></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">On To More Fun Things</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am 100% a fair weather rider, and I embrace that label, so if there's the chance of rain my bike is parked. I do carry some waterproof gear with me, because here in North California the coast can be foggy and damp even in summer, let along the random rain in the </span>Sierras. What I pack are <a href="https://amzn.to/3v2Lnog">Frogg Toggs Men's Ultra-Lite2 Waterproof Breathable Rain Suit</a>.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AW7M6as6InCWWfjEZAVbVH5598k7rIXs-ZsxCnWcWGPeH0CaoC13BK7rME9nQa2tKh-orj-ObHker_2RZdazrRK5Hcs7bVHOvziaqLyCB5EGWeOJaMp-GZ5wzPX9taOncPS2U8djSeVqnIniymSOG8bYc8yvSYwzfVrTeYxKL8BaXoW0jNdl-QbVIUqC/s679/71ZyOJmSJIL._AC_SX679_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="679" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AW7M6as6InCWWfjEZAVbVH5598k7rIXs-ZsxCnWcWGPeH0CaoC13BK7rME9nQa2tKh-orj-ObHker_2RZdazrRK5Hcs7bVHOvziaqLyCB5EGWeOJaMp-GZ5wzPX9taOncPS2U8djSeVqnIniymSOG8bYc8yvSYwzfVrTeYxKL8BaXoW0jNdl-QbVIUqC/w640-h616/71ZyOJmSJIL._AC_SX679_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3v2Lnog"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3v2Lnog</span></i></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the Amazon ad:</span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>WATERPROOF – Made with frogg toggs breathable, non-woven fabric that is waterproof, wind resistant and extremely lightweight. Perfect for light use when reliable waterproof protection is necessary. ASTM F1695 protection and blood penetration rated </i></li><li><i>RAIN SUIT – Jacket and Pant included. The unique Polypropylene material provides an excellent, affordable, and reliable rain wear option </i></li><li><i>FEATURES – Jacket features and adjustable hood with cord locks, full front zipper with storm flap and elastic cuffs. Pant features and elastic waist, straight leg design and stuff sack that fit s both pant and jacket </i></li><li><i>USES – The Ultra Lite2 Rainsuit compresses easily and is perfect for backpackers, stadium seats, sports sidelines, golf bags, emergency kits or anywhere a lightweight rain suit is needed. The Ultra Lite is not designed for rugged use, wandering through brambles or areas where sharp objects could tear. For these uses we recommend you look at other frogg toggs Rain Suits for rugged use </i></li><li><i>SINCE 1996 - frogg toggs has endeavored to provide the world’s best rainwear, waders, cooling products, footwear and accessories at the best possible prices</i></li></ul><p></p>I like this rain suit not only for how it's made, but also how it's packaged. Previously I had a generic, inexpensive rain jacket that came in a plastic envelope that I kept in my saddle bags all the time. That was a mistake, as rubbing around unsecured wore a hole in the package as well as the jacket. Frogg Toggs come in a very heavy plastic/vinyl package, and I'm not sure that I want to try them on since the set is folded up so nicely and I don't think I could get them back into the package! I do know they will fit, though, as a friend has a set and he is the same build as myself.<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Safety Equipment</span></b></div><a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2024/02/must-have-starter-pack-items.html">In my last post</a>, I mentioned the first aid gear that I carry in my car and on my bike, the <a href="https://amzn.to/498WBWS">Adventure Medical Kits Trauma Pak First Aid Kit with QuikClot Sponge</a> and the bigger <a href="https://www.narescue.com/outdoor-adventure-products/medical-kits/m-fak-mini-first-aid-kit-red.html">North American Rescue Mini First Aid Kit</a>. <span style="font-family: inherit;">To keep them together and easy to grab I've hooked them together with a small zip tie.</span><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjBQsc7L2UHBRVndPoeusEsCpHyiymn9Alvd41BjvlPJxYQIxcULZYteYjYdcYwGceQalyI7R1DrO3CnaIqinQFnpaXNo3kqEZP6_QO-24RRKoOLnDBnnCKoolFGY1jk-oFcNZAIdCQRlRqWgQdIKhqIH7qJmTjffy1169qOVcOkBggw-ed67Qz9arQpN/s4032/20240308_181133%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjBQsc7L2UHBRVndPoeusEsCpHyiymn9Alvd41BjvlPJxYQIxcULZYteYjYdcYwGceQalyI7R1DrO3CnaIqinQFnpaXNo3kqEZP6_QO-24RRKoOLnDBnnCKoolFGY1jk-oFcNZAIdCQRlRqWgQdIKhqIH7qJmTjffy1169qOVcOkBggw-ed67Qz9arQpN/w480-h640/20240308_181133%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The zip tie is barely visible.</span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm still working on how to secure everything in the saddle bags to prevent wear and tear, so as the weather gets better I'll hopefully work out a decent answer!</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Recap and Takeaway</span></b></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The only thing I haven't reviewed previously are the Frogg Toggs, and the folks who own them all swear by the quality at that price point.</span></span></span></span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Frogg Toggs were purchased from Amazon for <a href="https://amzn.to/3v2Lnog">$19.99 with Prime</a>.</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Adventure Medical Kits and N.A.R. Kits are items I can't recommend any higher. You can certainly get better, more detailed kits, but you will be spending more that what you see here.</span></span></span></span></li><ul><li>One Adventure Medical Kit was also purchased from Amazon for <a href="https://amzn.to/498WBWS">$25.97 with Prime</a>.</li><li>One North American Rescue Kit was purchased directly from N.A.R. for <a href="https://www.narescue.com/outdoor-adventure-products/medical-kits/m-fak-mini-first-aid-kit-red.html">$108.69</a>, and I believe the price has gone up from when I bought my last one.</li></ul></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stay safe on the road, everyone, and keep your heads on a swivel.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">* * *</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><b>Just a reminder: if you plan on buying anything through Amazon, please consider using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_lc?&tag=lurkinrhythm-20&camp=211493&creative=379973&linkCode=ez&adid=0AHD28MZ6PS5Z630MBX7&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fbluecollarprepping.blogspot.com%2F">our referral link</a>. When you do, a portion of the sale comes back here to help keep this site running!</b></span></span></div><div><span><span><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></span></span></div><div><div><span><span>If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, <i>Some Is Always Better Than None!</i></span></span></div><div><span><span><i><br /></i><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">NOTE:
All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in
exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will
be listed as such. Suck it Feds.</span></i></span></span></div></div></div></div>David Blackardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709211268492016596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-76597304474535217722024-03-05T19:44:00.006-05:002024-03-05T19:44:47.175-05:003D Printing Revisited<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMEyUZ4EBXdpNDvWMbZcojzw8F-_yDP9Vlz6N53unXflTzLdqmIFPQQefrJjPy9qN2nqops1zIjrPmTqxpVrZYqOZYeoKswfv_9iQgpwaGwH8qKonHJtjK018YOxTzmpfVbVA70vpNu4j4eed01SwrVva_yAYc_NId27zStrT7p_aRbDhM_GYVmSaeuM/s1024/000-Headshot.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMEyUZ4EBXdpNDvWMbZcojzw8F-_yDP9Vlz6N53unXflTzLdqmIFPQQefrJjPy9qN2nqops1zIjrPmTqxpVrZYqOZYeoKswfv_9iQgpwaGwH8qKonHJtjK018YOxTzmpfVbVA70vpNu4j4eed01SwrVva_yAYc_NId27zStrT7p_aRbDhM_GYVmSaeuM/w200-h200/000-Headshot.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>As I covered in a post in <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2022/01/3d-printing.html">January 2022</a>, I'm a fairly new member of the 3D printing community. When getting started, there are many decisions that need to be made, as well as a variety of trials and tribulations for a newbie to 3D printers and printing.<br /><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buying a Printer</span></b></div>There are many of them on the market with various features and a wide range of price tags. <a href="https://bambulab.com/en-us">Bambu</a>, <a href="https://www.creality.com/products/ender-3-3d-printer">Creality</a>, <a href="https://www.prusa3d.com/">Prussa</a>, and <a href="https://www.vorondesign.com/">Voron</a> are just a few of the companies offering benchtop 3D printers. Most people recommend starting with a Creality Ender 3; in my case, I chose the V2 model. The V3 has since been released, and by all accounts it's worth the increased price tag, as some of the upgrades I mention below are included as standard in the new model. <br /><br />Printers can also often be found on sale, either online through websites like Woot, or in stores such as Microcenter. Assembly and setup generally aren't terribly difficult, so long as you can use basic hand tools and follow printed directions. <div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Upgrades</span></b></div>One of the first upgrades most 3D printers usually get is replacing the extruder/feeder parts with metal ones, as well as replacing the springs and adjustment knobs for the print bed.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zAeSS_sJk7EiY4iTeLUf2nAIZFuq2mFBVC_OODMczO1wRnnLqI-pQNDr51UAXoZGdb24HIpNH5sMCQTBBebr_HTdpB6WCoswnNVC-VSHluS301VHcpBlnf_4OgMPIA1VUazw8sA2fGx1DZ56o6Lv5PSGXtFEPIRFsEihXqv__lf0VSmOiCtFw5yTY-E/s1000/136%20-%20Upgrade%20Kit.jpg" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1000" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zAeSS_sJk7EiY4iTeLUf2nAIZFuq2mFBVC_OODMczO1wRnnLqI-pQNDr51UAXoZGdb24HIpNH5sMCQTBBebr_HTdpB6WCoswnNVC-VSHluS301VHcpBlnf_4OgMPIA1VUazw8sA2fGx1DZ56o6Lv5PSGXtFEPIRFsEihXqv__lf0VSmOiCtFw5yTY-E/w640-h608/136%20-%20Upgrade%20Kit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/49UDRKI">Ender 3 Upgrade Kit</a></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>When the Trouble Begins</b></span></div>Bed leveling, also called <i>tramming</i>, is one of the larger bugaboos of the printer world. It takes time, patience, and close attention to fine detail. The purpose of this operation is to make sure the print nozzle -- the part where the melted plastic exits onto the print bed -- is neither too close nor too far away from that bed. Both of these extremes will cause problems, either with prints not adhering to be bed properly or adhering too well, the latter potentially causing damage to the bed when attempting to remove a print.<br /><br />From what I've read, the optimal distance is approximately 0.1 millimeters between the nozzle and the bed, or about the thickness of a piece of paper. However, a metal <a href="https://amzn.to/3wOdaJo">feeler gauge</a> of the appropriate size is more precise.<div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wlJGe1h8lE3RHG3Vgz0j0mvFqX7LRLbySk8mee6ZyXioj00uncZgkMojD7mr5kprTDU85K_gHsPSZt6VVhyphenhyphenDRFtWcpuYDPGLJdr7EbvvHf1KD2ZHxfIrYZMjt2i1AIZm1rhbyx3BILhaXEFfzee3IHcnReufI4SyT3xc4ieQoDZqhV-5zuHl_Z4J1Uk/s1500/71rl4J3q4OL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="1500" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wlJGe1h8lE3RHG3Vgz0j0mvFqX7LRLbySk8mee6ZyXioj00uncZgkMojD7mr5kprTDU85K_gHsPSZt6VVhyphenhyphenDRFtWcpuYDPGLJdr7EbvvHf1KD2ZHxfIrYZMjt2i1AIZm1rhbyx3BILhaXEFfzee3IHcnReufI4SyT3xc4ieQoDZqhV-5zuHl_Z4J1Uk/w640-h570/71rl4J3q4OL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3wOdaJo">32-piece feeler gauge set</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>The frustration from attempting and repeatedly failing in this operation caused me to walk away from my printer for a few months until a friend sent me one of the best upgrades to reduce the aggravation involved with bed leveling. Called the <a href="https://amzn.to/3V0LiMr">CR Touch</a>, it's a small mechanism attached to the side of the print head and a software package that enables the printer to check bed leveling automatically. The bed still needs to be leveled manually first, but once that's done the printer can more easily maintain proper offset.<div><br /><div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_-fenwacuETW15xcgTRVmRw5uqYDKwzYnj01G-927tzF-9R9hkYjQmSS9jpULOJ_9pEFKWljupC5JwV3fSZ93gTadoTx1UPYb65DoGmA1vD0WkfdNCEDmFbLg_vINE13diXOYZNFd4-l1sXq5RdH9zCw3alAbiycxltLsPJfjmo1jJFWRmDQnn99Cv8/s1500/136%20-%20CRTouch.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_-fenwacuETW15xcgTRVmRw5uqYDKwzYnj01G-927tzF-9R9hkYjQmSS9jpULOJ_9pEFKWljupC5JwV3fSZ93gTadoTx1UPYb65DoGmA1vD0WkfdNCEDmFbLg_vINE13diXOYZNFd4-l1sXq5RdH9zCw3alAbiycxltLsPJfjmo1jJFWRmDQnn99Cv8/w640-h640/136%20-%20CRTouch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3V0LiMr">CR Touch</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>This was a game changer for me, and I went from angrily attempting to relevel the bed repeatedly after each failed print to near-perfect prints most of the time.</div><div><br /><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Designs</span></b></div>Speaking of prints, we need design files in order to print something, and there are a number of online resources where these can be found. <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/">Thingiverse</a> and <a href="https://www.printables.com/">Printables</a> are two of the more well-known and popular ones, but there are many others, including sites hosting designs specific to the 3D printed firearms community.<br /><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>For those with graphic design skill, there are also tools available for creating our own printer files, such as <a href="https://www.tinkercad.com/">Tinkercad</a>. I've uploaded a few I created to Thingiverse and Printables myself.</div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UY9guqQHPRxPvf3Jj2FOb_5m_r3YO_xKTgZNlAP8uZDOP6Dl1p8X7u7CwHYiLM5BReI31P-SnbN4en6sEDSVGbZ7l0IKRsHtGs9v-a-VDp8vfRP_CU1I7VS2K3J3QToJdymHjklJzG4yuD0_9t674actjmT4jrpsH9itxT8C9oL_nYsbHwo3Ze0Jj2A/s1951/136%20-%20Tool%20Holder.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="1951" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UY9guqQHPRxPvf3Jj2FOb_5m_r3YO_xKTgZNlAP8uZDOP6Dl1p8X7u7CwHYiLM5BReI31P-SnbN4en6sEDSVGbZ7l0IKRsHtGs9v-a-VDp8vfRP_CU1I7VS2K3J3QToJdymHjklJzG4yuD0_9t674actjmT4jrpsH9itxT8C9oL_nYsbHwo3Ze0Jj2A/w640-h506/136%20-%20Tool%20Holder.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A needle file holder designed by the author</span></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've also downloaded, and either used as-is or modified, a variety of other designs. One I think would be of particular interest to preppers is a set of nesting dividers that fit in an Altoids tin. This was originally designed for watercolor paints, but I'm sure we could come up with a variety of other uses. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-dppfK_flgGgq9paxpDWB6xjb-JebeWTQWr37O_dR9ycK9JieiFDrFkGZ5R79x_OyfMex-TnB5YIve8mNJeRulSOZlmWy0uOUrM2V3PSN9gcRQr7_ndoRflMAdW-RjTLbQX08zmvp2mJP7vdmCc-JJWr3QM2Z_Cr7IRYR2oVPzXdEiJlBKCNrinw8Ak/s400/136%20-%20Altoids-Tin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="202" data-original-width="400" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-dppfK_flgGgq9paxpDWB6xjb-JebeWTQWr37O_dR9ycK9JieiFDrFkGZ5R79x_OyfMex-TnB5YIve8mNJeRulSOZlmWy0uOUrM2V3PSN9gcRQr7_ndoRflMAdW-RjTLbQX08zmvp2mJP7vdmCc-JJWr3QM2Z_Cr7IRYR2oVPzXdEiJlBKCNrinw8Ak/w640-h324/136%20-%20Altoids-Tin.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Altoids tin dividers</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Slicing</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once a print is acquired, generally as an STL file, it needs to be run through what's called a <i>slicer, </i>a program that uses gcode to create the tool path and extrusion details the printer needs to actually print. I use <a href="https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/">UltimakerCura</a>, but there are other slicers available as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>Within these programs, we can rotate and scale our models, as well as adjust print specifications such as temperature, speed, quality, and a million other options. I'm only reasonably familiar with a couple dozen of these settings myself.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3UxmBaJFPyJIhawlnjKs_9X1eTVleGXBbDaclbhj6IxyTZaHy5ETk8_-KGT7nn9amu19Wj8ZDQB9EognszSoChOi861sWKBUBC96TbehafNlSHoSUd7176ssiKTuPRs837E_YRLxsU8T0BT0dbAqN4c9NiYvm3MHC7RV7yAYUabpBqmMY5mn9KHBrJA/w640-h326/136%20-%20Cura%20Slicer.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/" target="_blank">Ultimaker Cura</a> screenshot</span></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Filament</span></b></div>Once the sliced file has been output and transferred to the printer, we still need filament. The most common filament on the market right now is PLA, which stands for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polylactic_acid">polylactic acid</a>. The current version, PLA+, can be found in a bewildering array of colors and, if bought in bulk, for a reasonable price. I've been happy with the filament I've ordered online from <a href="https://iiidmax.com/">IIIDMax</a>.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After everything's been set in motion, all that's left is to cross our fingers and wait. If all goes well, in a few hours, we'll have a completed print. If not, we'll have a print bed full of what's appropriately called <i>spaghetti</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcIKiufxA5OPRUsRqDAZ0BBbamdsUd0D_uAmvlEc61MvTe7BNiLnUxLno90MrEA5MOlUyOk-cRRDgm43OdeCdVSnYAOEWWUPUItgtJjRTZwr77GqiLVLNMqIbsquKX1a-MF-wIZQ9zhUbBKUcYwQeQAo5E9NYltfIDrlFd0kcEpEYqioniEszEw9grU4/s1914/136%20-%20Spaghetti.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1914" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcIKiufxA5OPRUsRqDAZ0BBbamdsUd0D_uAmvlEc61MvTe7BNiLnUxLno90MrEA5MOlUyOk-cRRDgm43OdeCdVSnYAOEWWUPUItgtJjRTZwr77GqiLVLNMqIbsquKX1a-MF-wIZQ9zhUbBKUcYwQeQAo5E9NYltfIDrlFd0kcEpEYqioniEszEw9grU4/w640-h358/136%20-%20Spaghetti.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A failed print</span></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>My very first successful print was one that came with the basic printer files, a Lucky Cat. Since then, I've downloaded and printed a variety of decorative and useful objects. But as a tradition, and possibly some superstition, I first print a lucky cat with each new filament color.</div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOtkqrreckATtwwgfhlWBGhLIvhTchjKYUOQL1lB923W0_EW0tsxTGq4AoQwONGxChlSt6YNpp1rv21xsJp-d3J1Mk374Z1s1UWcCYX8yZZunV1lvNwaOqLPmPbNvMEXZyQYYhCq8ktXL9cwQW_NL1Vi7xFPwVgrl1XJ9V9rkAwsmwLA0W4pMhtxP3zM/s3006/136%20-%20Lucky%20Cats.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="3006" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOtkqrreckATtwwgfhlWBGhLIvhTchjKYUOQL1lB923W0_EW0tsxTGq4AoQwONGxChlSt6YNpp1rv21xsJp-d3J1Mk374Z1s1UWcCYX8yZZunV1lvNwaOqLPmPbNvMEXZyQYYhCq8ktXL9cwQW_NL1Vi7xFPwVgrl1XJ9V9rkAwsmwLA0W4pMhtxP3zM/w640-h288/136%20-%20Lucky%20Cats.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A <a href="https://www.catwiki.com/faqs/what-is-a-group-of-cats-called/" target="_blank">clowder</a> of lucky cats</span></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As my skill and confidence have increased, I've begun printing
firearm parts. I started with relatively simple things such as grips, optic
mounts, and fore-ends, then moved on to more complicated designs, such as linear
compensators.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCPHb8zst1aLHxfqvEUK0KqBu2LZILrFXrE2CkR9KmbWpzIWVdqTvOkOraS0_9TyGMkd6V2QeoHAA-Svkxey76n4BK1H6maHtoPhdQydbrJAQknzAtiHIMR8DiVeptlooGG6_1OfvaU19emOuPKa7EdHhZ-vEsRP-1i5k2wLFxsbTGyAtmYW17Rk67xg/s2769/136%20-%20Pistol%20Grips.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1820" data-original-width="2769" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCPHb8zst1aLHxfqvEUK0KqBu2LZILrFXrE2CkR9KmbWpzIWVdqTvOkOraS0_9TyGMkd6V2QeoHAA-Svkxey76n4BK1H6maHtoPhdQydbrJAQknzAtiHIMR8DiVeptlooGG6_1OfvaU19emOuPKa7EdHhZ-vEsRP-1i5k2wLFxsbTGyAtmYW17Rk67xg/w640-h421/136%20-%20Pistol%20Grips.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Two AR pistol grips</span></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've printed two linear comps, the first for a 5.56 AR, and the other for one in .300 Blackout. They came out beautifully, and I've run a couple magazines through the 5.56 one with no issues.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvfGi-7Cxz4kTQ-D3OCT6zDoGqq5-INRRidqCKImcsI3gqJAVsCm9ERuV7vVy2CpamYio98lTsYnu8fHxEfJmhuJQ4oKtvVnmhRwqswwXV4ULsSZ_4flwaPmy2jpdYmNdePX4IRjTnABOauA-zVlF7vV6jYyj39P30UMI22oGrSZm_wulRga-wnjPKE0/s1398/136%20-%20Linear%20Comps.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="1124" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvfGi-7Cxz4kTQ-D3OCT6zDoGqq5-INRRidqCKImcsI3gqJAVsCm9ERuV7vVy2CpamYio98lTsYnu8fHxEfJmhuJQ4oKtvVnmhRwqswwXV4ULsSZ_4flwaPmy2jpdYmNdePX4IRjTnABOauA-zVlF7vV6jYyj39P30UMI22oGrSZm_wulRga-wnjPKE0/w514-h640/136%20-%20Linear%20Comps.jpg" width="514" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muzzle_shroud" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Linear Compensators</span></a></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My next achievement will be printing a frame or receiver. Maybe this is how I finally
get a Glock?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm
sure I've left out a number of important 3D printing details, but as I said,
I'm still a novice in this world and I know I still have much to learn. Some additional links are provided below.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">May
your bed always be level, and your spaghetti only be the kind cooked for
dinner.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Links:</b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://thegatalog.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Gatalog</span></a></li><li><a href="https://thangs.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Thangs</span></a></li><li><a href="https://teachingtechyt.github.io/"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">TeachingTech</span></a></li><li><a href="https://grabcad.com/t.rex.arms-1"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">T-Rex Arms</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@slant3d"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Slant 3D (YouTube)</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.simplify3d.com/resources/print-quality-troubleshooting/"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Print Quality
Troubleshooting Guide</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MakersMuse"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Maker's Muse (YouTube)</span></a></li><li><a href="https://3dgunbuilder.com/ivan-the-troll/"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Ivan the Troll</span></a></li><li><a href="https://hoffmantactical.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Hoffman Tactical</span></a></li><li><a href="https://cults3d.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Cults3d</span></a></li><li><a href="https://ctrlpew.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">CtrlPew</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.chepclub.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Chep</span></a></li><li><a href="https://3dgunbuilder.com/"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">3D Gun Builder</span></a></li></ul><p></p>
<p></p></div></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595922798130070613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-80048475877925590432024-03-03T23:59:00.001-05:002024-03-04T00:41:58.263-05:00Emergency Payments<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XASmNxSWFQc8X8qkIOTlPm-E3R9FxYw_0mvLIP0RJHhXVsjF308dZGw7ncKbjZGROh3sPVGDO8o6s-x-ASem-ABjhUp41IaLvDeUofEj_JoAKh4TIyOwYfWl-D0_dIXG-a2GZsaxALA/s1600/Huntress.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #f4f2ee;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XASmNxSWFQc8X8qkIOTlPm-E3R9FxYw_0mvLIP0RJHhXVsjF308dZGw7ncKbjZGROh3sPVGDO8o6s-x-ASem-ABjhUp41IaLvDeUofEj_JoAKh4TIyOwYfWl-D0_dIXG-a2GZsaxALA/s1600/Huntress.jpg" width="147" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span>Not actually Erin.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kjphotos.com/"><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1b1b;">Picture by KJ Photography</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>& is used with permission.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Back in December, my mother's dog Precious needed to be taken to a 24 veterinary hospital for emergency surgery. (Precious is fine now, so don't worry about that. She came through the surgery like a champ and has completely recovered.)<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx5jrJn5FRRPoqJMeJfXp1UD_RTjyYDMVzf0ACKmw2VMVTr4WwNP1BtEKMxyFWY15JkYx2E4TIkq4HZlXZq_S1BUIKAsJV-oskYCAWuclAZRX0z1p4cCHvb2s-orczM2U_sNpLWXhCuI-77AcrySO8xs0uF-jh4Vj4m11KZhyhvgUGkXFhyBqJSKddr4/s4096/IMG_20231225_204156668_MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx5jrJn5FRRPoqJMeJfXp1UD_RTjyYDMVzf0ACKmw2VMVTr4WwNP1BtEKMxyFWY15JkYx2E4TIkq4HZlXZq_S1BUIKAsJV-oskYCAWuclAZRX0z1p4cCHvb2s-orczM2U_sNpLWXhCuI-77AcrySO8xs0uF-jh4Vj4m11KZhyhvgUGkXFhyBqJSKddr4/w400-h300/IMG_20231225_204156668_MP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Miss Precious, Christmas 2023</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><div>Like most emergencies, this came late at night and without warning, so neither my mother nor I were at our mental best. This is one of the reasons why I prep, so instead of having to think I just got dressed, grabbed my <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-er-bag.html">ER bag</a>, and got in the car. Unfortunately, my mother <i>isn't</i> a prepper, and she tends to panic in high-stress situations, which is why I prep for her. This will become relevant in a moment. </div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Long story short, we got Precious in the car, took her to the hospital, had her seen, and were told that the surgeon needed to operate on her immediately. All well and good, but less good was the price quoted to us, which was just shy of $2000. Given that Precious could die during the operation, we were asked to pay before services were rendered. </div><div><br /></div><div>Normally this wouldn't be a problem as we have that much in our emergency funds. However, remember that panic I mentioned? Mom forgot to bring her checkbook along. She did have her wallet with her debit card (we don't use credit cards anymore, given the debt that my father got us in with them due to his dementia), but the debit card had a hard limit on it that wouldn't cover half of the procedure. </div><div><br /></div><div>If I knew then what I knew now, I'd ask mom to give me her debit card, call the 24 hour customer service number on the back, and have her talk to whomever answered about temporarily lifting that limit. If you didn't know you could do that, now you do, so keep that in mind. </div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately we didn't know that at the time, so we needed to get credit another way. The receptionist at the hospital told us about CareCredit and Scratchpay, which are both businesses which help finance medical bills. They are functionally the same, with the chief difference being that <a href="https://www.carecredit.com/">CareCredit</a> doesn't do as deep of a credit check as <a href="https://scratchpay.com/">Scratchpay</a> does, and so were told to apply to CareCredit first so that if we were rejected for it the credit check wouldn't hurt our chances for Scratchpay approval. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately for us, we were approved (likely because my mother had clawed us out of the debt my father got us into) and we were able to pay the hospital for Precious' surgery. As of now, Precious is doing fine, the debt is paid off, and we have a CareCredit account in case I (who can't afford health insurance) get hurt. </div><div><br /></div><div>So remember: if you ever need to pay a medical bill in the middle of the night on a weekend and don't have the money for it, you can apply to one of these medical financing companies. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>This knowledge weighs nothing, so always carry it with you.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div>Erin Palettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09984632637166408245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-77308441983552309502024-02-25T15:50:00.001-05:002024-02-25T16:12:36.252-05:00Guest Post: Titanium at the Mammoth Sniper Challenge<p><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">by George Groot</span></b></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNwqqsDcMCCVCPLi0NT-GNrWI1VkyR3AY_WTak5EP74OYYuSy4hku0gXyJJM7BG9mtUJHRk7eLg4cOqjPtsnBBpJc-s-Ou6Jjr5VnviNOn28uKpkwGpDaxv1QxYbKSFPTdAfv4Ud-TZM/s1600/Guest+Author.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNwqqsDcMCCVCPLi0NT-GNrWI1VkyR3AY_WTak5EP74OYYuSy4hku0gXyJJM7BG9mtUJHRk7eLg4cOqjPtsnBBpJc-s-Ou6Jjr5VnviNOn28uKpkwGpDaxv1QxYbKSFPTdAfv4Ud-TZM/s200/Guest+Author.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>George is a member of our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1438639369705777/">Facebook Group</a> and has <a href="http://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/search?q=groot" target="_blank">written for us</a> before.</i> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div>In January of 2023 I participated in the <a href="https://americangrit.com/series/mammoth-sniper-challenge">Mammoth Sniper Challenge</a>, a three day endurance event where you have to pack everything except water and live out of your pack. This year I used an<a href="https://amzn.to/49HtERS"> ALPS OutdoorZ Commander freighter frame and pack bag</a>, stowing an AR-15 in the rifle retention system on the pack and carrying 150 rounds of 5.56x45 and 100 rounds of 9x19 on the opposite side pouch to balance the load. Magazines went in the outer utility pockets. My food, clothes, cooking kit, and pistol went in the upper compartment, my sleeping system went in the bottom compartment, and my sleeping pad was rolled up and strapped to the bottom. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNaqG6unA-GQVjrsLvjC24DHum2hb5LWECfcR7C4Wf4wJuymljfKcm1Iwcaq9fEck-PEM-AqODkgihlbcHxX-FG264OFpuYfhyFAKhEg4-BHxrKl_KoFB1BpBCiJpeh-uZjjT_wMLT67TSF16gCtadjTZb5JQvbQUqfzZLGNXgwD3tuuOJ8tvrMWGhNQ/s1000/51-ZzNGeTeL._AC_SL1000_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNaqG6unA-GQVjrsLvjC24DHum2hb5LWECfcR7C4Wf4wJuymljfKcm1Iwcaq9fEck-PEM-AqODkgihlbcHxX-FG264OFpuYfhyFAKhEg4-BHxrKl_KoFB1BpBCiJpeh-uZjjT_wMLT67TSF16gCtadjTZb5JQvbQUqfzZLGNXgwD3tuuOJ8tvrMWGhNQ/w368-h640/51-ZzNGeTeL._AC_SL1000_.jpg" width="368" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/49HtERS"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/49HtERS</span></a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>All told, my pack weighed in at 59 lbs at the beginning. I had 2.2 lbs of food per day, with around 3,000-3,500 calories per day. At the end, with most ammunition expended and two days of food gone, my pack was around 45 lbs.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Cooking</span></b></div><div>I’ve served in the US Army for 25 years, and I have plenty of experience long distance rucking, but I always had the opportunity to make a small cooking fire or to re-supply with MREs at logistics points. Since fires aren't allowed during Mammoth by Fort Eisenhower Range Control, I had to purchase a packable cooking solution. I went to Walmart and picked up this <a href="https://amzn.to/3T8kFDH">Coleman Peak One butane-propane stove</a> for my cooking needs.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufcmhbViclvxLbgkDxAAcbSDfaBCIrj-d6T8t-Ux9dM7hzodYNCtnONjZ6WV2ljsfFcYwM1UtIN8L25Zqq0WVu4o4Ht4YLHRQo-FRRrvGCFUONZ0Pho9_S9Q2DKonz-fD5b0YdnRD7TK6lBW6AsrQBYeQc6XtuWtR4VOCBcclj8LGIelL1wjOX9PW4NA/s1500/81+I9QomixL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="1500" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufcmhbViclvxLbgkDxAAcbSDfaBCIrj-d6T8t-Ux9dM7hzodYNCtnONjZ6WV2ljsfFcYwM1UtIN8L25Zqq0WVu4o4Ht4YLHRQo-FRRrvGCFUONZ0Pho9_S9Q2DKonz-fD5b0YdnRD7TK6lBW6AsrQBYeQc6XtuWtR4VOCBcclj8LGIelL1wjOX9PW4NA/w640-h634/81+I9QomixL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3T8kFDH"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3T8kFDH</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b>The good:</b> It works, it’s small, and it is easy to use. It was available at my local Walmart for about $14 when I bought it in 2022.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The bad: </b>It’s 6.7 ounces, or nearly 200 grams. 6.7 ounces feels light in the hand, but I learned the hard way, again, that ounces make pounds, and pounds make pain.</div><div><br /></div><div>For Mammoth 2024, I used <a href="https://amzn.to/3uMZMEW">a titanium stove</a> that weighs only 26 grams:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnoQOQ7qdcBXWGWR50WsDpPTzgUrl6Xbl3hM0NcOYE4X7rIkIGfLAJY2rfTKf9CXtxbiDv2qyYK_FUX7CjkBf-f0t167yEZbG2UVLfLQD3GF7KthKg-Lh7MdGoY8nqLaALalQx7BYWclp8lPSXYomLfTv6Qy-WEEVFt-PI9n5tVncPArgT4ShC8BRwRA/s1462/51yBiLJOyTL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="1256" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnoQOQ7qdcBXWGWR50WsDpPTzgUrl6Xbl3hM0NcOYE4X7rIkIGfLAJY2rfTKf9CXtxbiDv2qyYK_FUX7CjkBf-f0t167yEZbG2UVLfLQD3GF7KthKg-Lh7MdGoY8nqLaALalQx7BYWclp8lPSXYomLfTv6Qy-WEEVFt-PI9n5tVncPArgT4ShC8BRwRA/w550-h640/51yBiLJOyTL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3uMZMEW"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3uMZMEW</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><b>The good: </b>It works, it’s small and it's light. At $24, its price is competitive with the Peak One whose 2024 price has risen to $22 at Amazon. </div><div><div><br /></div><div><b>The bad:</b> It’s slightly less efficient at turning fuel into heat than the Coleman, adding about 20 seconds of time to boil one liter of water. My partner for Mammoth picked up the same stove, and neither of us had any issues actually using it throughout the event.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Fuel</span></b></div><div>Another thing I learned is that I should pack the absolute smallest <a href="https://amzn.to/3wxQ2iw">isobutane canister</a> possible. Since Mammoth only lasts three days, I only really need to cook about seven meals, and even the smallest fuel container can cover boiling water to re-hydrate nine freeze dried camping meals. </div><div><br /></div><div>In 2023 I bought the “econo-size”450g canister at Walmart, and I’m still using it multiple campouts later. While it was good value for my money, it was also weight that I didn’t need to carry for three days. This time I bought the absolute smallest canister I could, and it lasted the entire event just fine, and because the location hardly ever drops below 25° F, I chose a pure isobutane fuel instead of an isobutane/propane mix. If you live in an area where it does get colder than the boiling temperature of isobutane, you’ll want an alternate cooking method.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Mess Kit</span></b></div><div>The second upgrade to my kit was going from two stainless steel cups to a titanium cup and a titanium pot. The <a href="https://amzn.to/3uNrTnn">450 ml cup</a> was 20 dollars and comes with a lid...</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEhU_L2uFesKyyOI35a9BefgAwRVIcTJzAjzZ56s_W-EPWTf7LhCIwDEU7yoY6ORHAulG-Kon0YpZgAmTUxIMq1mwlBXG9o2uko-WxXa7koYiqXoRfZ_nOUGYnPFNUxuC_d7VKVYEJCJv-3RNkE0Vp9ZUMf1tyInxVNpGhuokpulBtC11WnogfmBiVMY/s1500/617L6ema+tL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="1500" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEhU_L2uFesKyyOI35a9BefgAwRVIcTJzAjzZ56s_W-EPWTf7LhCIwDEU7yoY6ORHAulG-Kon0YpZgAmTUxIMq1mwlBXG9o2uko-WxXa7koYiqXoRfZ_nOUGYnPFNUxuC_d7VKVYEJCJv-3RNkE0Vp9ZUMf1tyInxVNpGhuokpulBtC11WnogfmBiVMY/w640-h622/617L6ema+tL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3uNrTnn"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3uNrTnn</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div>... and the <a href="https://amzn.to/3USdnoT">750 ml pot with lid</a> was 18 dollars. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLznWUzjSZ_LSJOL8CAYh2hC2eLTEhQDXsgSCB0R3VbhpFNIDmkhf2jaJSYmPz3b4zaDB8MZvdqogmCyxZqCJB5oX-HkI_OB5OSPIFgLGJ8nW9q4DECSpQhkVkZiSTvzIPakNlZ0Vc_aQA1Vaiso9MU5xa_d3ZJnuXRHWaxuj8njXM3zEaQv0veinQmww/s551/61z+eOetnOL._AC_SX425_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="425" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLznWUzjSZ_LSJOL8CAYh2hC2eLTEhQDXsgSCB0R3VbhpFNIDmkhf2jaJSYmPz3b4zaDB8MZvdqogmCyxZqCJB5oX-HkI_OB5OSPIFgLGJ8nW9q4DECSpQhkVkZiSTvzIPakNlZ0Vc_aQA1Vaiso9MU5xa_d3ZJnuXRHWaxuj8njXM3zEaQv0veinQmww/w494-h640/61z+eOetnOL._AC_SX425_.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3USdnoT"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3USdnoT</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>As you’ll see later, the real upgrade is going to vessels with lids, which makes it easier to cook over a fire without cinders or ash falling back into your food. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Weight Savings</span></b></div><div>Between the burner and the two vessels, I’m shaving six ounces off my load. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Old Stainless Kit: 14.9 ounces (no lids). This “heavy” loadout cost me about $23 because I got the burner on sale and one of the stainless cups from the Goodwill thrift shop for 99 cents. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgXM_NlehIc_Zia-tmBgQv7qTFqgJmgth8EkB23dRAy3iP0yK1yj7qiW48rk1IahdfeisdVdOzxiA7hmxW6BCYpBYavXT3enhe9bjWuCCU4eJgCsLFQAlAbVejUrAmzNBYue6tPHkU86vzrlJ3jj2OsUm1ImoCjOXxBGhEvWHEzgLbIRntbMjs9b8McM/s4032/StainlessKit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgXM_NlehIc_Zia-tmBgQv7qTFqgJmgth8EkB23dRAy3iP0yK1yj7qiW48rk1IahdfeisdVdOzxiA7hmxW6BCYpBYavXT3enhe9bjWuCCU4eJgCsLFQAlAbVejUrAmzNBYue6tPHkU86vzrlJ3jj2OsUm1ImoCjOXxBGhEvWHEzgLbIRntbMjs9b8McM/w640-h480/StainlessKit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Stainless Steel</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Pure Titanium Kit: 8.9 ounces, including lids. This new loadout cost about twice as much, for just over half the weight. My partner at Mammoth 2024 used a <a href="https://amzn.to/3uMkepq">stainless steel Stanley cup</a> with a plastic nesting cup, and he’s already decided to replicate my Titanium loadout if he competes in Mammoth 2025. </div><div><br /></div>I also have two teenagers, one of whom needs his own backpacking setup, so he can get the “heavy” option until something better comes his way. <div> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfeCXHDE0Lpqyr-gTPq34KpacjpDR8_JHbSPPYHJxaay4sB5X6K7q7s-EkQYgXXncRg5tO6ZFg-bUrgko1G3Asdj-dZW1HnM3L8MH5WdJDdD84i2-I89u5Ppowo_L_MBFRhqsZKB0aLi47fHnovIm_cXKHRQT5y7JBTNXk5ccKOQI9y980cbTz7KIezY/s4032/TitaniumKit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfeCXHDE0Lpqyr-gTPq34KpacjpDR8_JHbSPPYHJxaay4sB5X6K7q7s-EkQYgXXncRg5tO6ZFg-bUrgko1G3Asdj-dZW1HnM3L8MH5WdJDdD84i2-I89u5Ppowo_L_MBFRhqsZKB0aLi47fHnovIm_cXKHRQT5y7JBTNXk5ccKOQI9y980cbTz7KIezY/w640-h480/TitaniumKit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pure Titanium</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>If you're curious, my old stainless kit with a new titanium lightweight burner weighs in at 9.2 ounces, but don't get any lids for the cups, and I have no idea where you can get my bigger cup that I got from Goodwill. </div><div><br /></div><div>For me, the weight savings are worth the cost. For those of you who might need a “get home bag” that isn’t carrying a long gun with 150 rounds of ammunition and a pistol with 75 rounds of ammunition, your weight budget might easily handle a stainless steel cup or pot, or even a 1.7 lb <a href="https://amzn.to/3SUotY8">Kelly Kettle</a>. If you plan on “bugging in”, then having a stainless Kelly Kettle at your location is very good at rapidly boiling water.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEQ4LNNqlvky6Zh4xDroPBiMTnedcAOVo3xs9Oj2q2cI45pQeypk-xbEOaHzJ3mSdo9qgzr8UqnAZeHPKNp25rUAidJyvvg7MIiEd82c8vtvRlB11ncnCPlNVvExXF7Lu9VYOXwg4skkcfUuJV1UCR1JG5W3OE5tRjMteCE7DEs7qTTtOFMEPxsZCVDs/s442/41eUVokSzdL._AC_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="373" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEQ4LNNqlvky6Zh4xDroPBiMTnedcAOVo3xs9Oj2q2cI45pQeypk-xbEOaHzJ3mSdo9qgzr8UqnAZeHPKNp25rUAidJyvvg7MIiEd82c8vtvRlB11ncnCPlNVvExXF7Lu9VYOXwg4skkcfUuJV1UCR1JG5W3OE5tRjMteCE7DEs7qTTtOFMEPxsZCVDs/w540-h640/41eUVokSzdL._AC_.jpg" width="540" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3SUotY8"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3SUotY8</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Recommendations for Blue Collar Preppers</span></b></div><div><div>If your “get home bag” doesn’t need to include food prep items, this entire article doesn’t apply.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am a big fan of stainless steel, as it is affordable and durable, but it's also heavier than aluminum or titanium. I am against cooking in aluminum, as over the long term it can negatively impact health, but if you just need to get from Point A to Point B over a few days rather than a long term thing, I’d have no issue with boiling water in aluminum vessels (the human body routinely cleans out aluminum ions, but too much can overwhelm the system). </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you are really pinching pennies and just need it for insurance in your go bag, or are really trying to cut weight for a short term survival kit such as on an aircraft, aluminum is the best value and weight option. </li><li>If you need something to cook with long term, and are pinching pennies, stainless steel is your best choice. </li><li>The cost premium is titanium, which is a good long term cooking option that is lighter than stainless steel (but not lighter than aluminum), but the weight savings only really matter if you're going to be walking a lot.</li></ul></div><div><div>My recommendation is that you get a titanium burner since the cost difference is minimal at best, and <a href="https://amzn.to/3UNzWv9">stainless steel cups with at least one lid</a> since they cost half that of the titanium equivalent.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXsCNN_k8Kup4Md6ouem_6X-kMby48N8_VoNRM_oNj8VfwqdBbApYe-QVXO-Jzus3mnlYlBq6GPk13G7M_EZS3XEP_NcT28F0ShlHfwyK0YjocwHWjSDFJn2D9nj3lOzsDW4oUtL6PbS2O7EFCbJj1QJY-EdJUGxgfVr22keWWbHtvW1Ops4AwTn1GdA/s1364/51hRMCyrslL._AC_SL1371_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1364" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXsCNN_k8Kup4Md6ouem_6X-kMby48N8_VoNRM_oNj8VfwqdBbApYe-QVXO-Jzus3mnlYlBq6GPk13G7M_EZS3XEP_NcT28F0ShlHfwyK0YjocwHWjSDFJn2D9nj3lOzsDW4oUtL6PbS2O7EFCbJj1QJY-EdJUGxgfVr22keWWbHtvW1Ops4AwTn1GdA/w640-h398/51hRMCyrslL._AC_SL1371_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3UNzWv9"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3UNzWv9</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Whichever setup you choose, I highly recommend keeping some black teabags in your kit in a ziplock bag. They weigh just a few grams, and heating up the 750 ml cup in the morning with two Tetley brand tea bags gave me and my partner a hot, caffeinated drink that tasted pretty good. In Mammoth 2023 I used Starbucks Cafe Vita instant coffee packets, but those are expensive, and I honestly think the hot tea was easier on our bodies this year, especially on Saturday when it rained from 0100 until 0900. There's nothing like ruck marching in the rain, soaked to the bone, and when your life really sucks a hot beverage is great, and tea just brews easier than instant coffee (and cleans up easier too).</div><div><br /></div><div>Additionally, if you search Amazon for “<a href="https://amzn.to/3SPFwdN">long handled titanium camping spoon</a>” you’ll see quite a few options. I didn’t use one the last two years, but it is now on my purchase plan because when you're rehydrating freeze dried meals, the long handle allows you to stir the food without sticking your hand deep into the bag. </div><div><br /></div><div>One final thought: a three day endurance event isn’t a disaster “get home” rehearsal, but it is pretty close to the same level of physical exertion and “outdoor surviving” required to go from point A to point B. I never had to worry about getting clean water (it was provided to us, and I never needed to carry more water than I planned to drink on the ruck march), but you probably will, so bring at least a <a href="https://amzn.to/3wE32CU">Sawyer Mini filter</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/42T3gSX">iodine tablets</a>. </div><div><br /></div></div></div>Erin Palettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09984632637166408245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-1210505586395907492024-02-16T21:49:00.003-05:002024-02-16T21:49:56.054-05:00Guest Post: Car Roof Cargo Bag Review<p><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">by George Groot</span></b></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNwqqsDcMCCVCPLi0NT-GNrWI1VkyR3AY_WTak5EP74OYYuSy4hku0gXyJJM7BG9mtUJHRk7eLg4cOqjPtsnBBpJc-s-Ou6Jjr5VnviNOn28uKpkwGpDaxv1QxYbKSFPTdAfv4Ud-TZM/s1600/Guest+Author.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNwqqsDcMCCVCPLi0NT-GNrWI1VkyR3AY_WTak5EP74OYYuSy4hku0gXyJJM7BG9mtUJHRk7eLg4cOqjPtsnBBpJc-s-Ou6Jjr5VnviNOn28uKpkwGpDaxv1QxYbKSFPTdAfv4Ud-TZM/s200/Guest+Author.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>George is a member of our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1438639369705777/">Facebook Group</a> and has <a href="http://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/search?q=groot" target="_blank">written for us</a> before.</i> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div>Due to the price of gasoline (and airline tickets over the holiday season) my wife and I decided to take the extra time and drive from Georgia to Washington state. The problem was that our two vehicles aren’t great options for a family of 4 on a long road trip. My Nissan Frontier is fine, but doesn’t have a canopy over the bed and the gas mileage is not great (seriously, it’s shaped like a brick; not the most aerodynamic option). The wife’s Subaru Outback is better on gas by about 5 miles per gallon, but even with the station wagon-level storage, there wasn’t enough room for everything we’d need. We looked at hard-shell roof cargo options, but I ended up purchasing a <a href="https://amzn.to/3SImCFB">soft roof cargo bag</a>.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBU-jEAJL8gWjUQGHXXNum2TdQXfZ-xdwQ6hYMhPii1pp9DqBT_p5ltXCVTndDJ8mNWsB-gh8cAb6IERDzTlgB07wEB0BCLMatipKWpudB8qC8CSSB0aGsLMi8zHEBPjqubbTwD9hG3Z5VOXtmseSmANOgCZt9WXGyID69O0Fcsn_XBt9gv_EzB7gkxg/s1491/61OwSff-k9L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1491" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBU-jEAJL8gWjUQGHXXNum2TdQXfZ-xdwQ6hYMhPii1pp9DqBT_p5ltXCVTndDJ8mNWsB-gh8cAb6IERDzTlgB07wEB0BCLMatipKWpudB8qC8CSSB0aGsLMi8zHEBPjqubbTwD9hG3Z5VOXtmseSmANOgCZt9WXGyID69O0Fcsn_XBt9gv_EzB7gkxg/w640-h364/61OwSff-k9L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3SImCFB"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3SImCFB</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Good</span></b></div><div>These are cheap, and you get good quality for the price. They also fold up into a really small storage bag so you can throw one on the shelf in the garage, or toss it inside the car if you need to bring it with you to pick up stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Bad</span></b></div><div>These aren’t very secure at all; anyone with a knife or improvised cutting tool can get into your stuff. They also aren’t convenient to access routinely, and they can slip a bit over a 3,400 mile drive (we had about two inches of slipping, as the front straps got tighter and tighter).</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Utility</span></b></div><div>You can hold a lot of stuff in these bags. About five fully packed out green GI duffel bags fit snuggly, which represents a lot of sleeping bags, tents, and other stuff you might need to bring along, so long as you don't need it inside the car for immediate access.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mileage</span></b></div><div>Over the course of 3,400 miles the Subaru Outback averaged 23.7 miles per gallon. This didn’t concern me too much, but it does represent a drop from the 30 - 32 miles per gallon a Subaru Outback would normally get on mostly freeway driving. Even with that decrease, it was still more efficient than using my pickup. With the bag installed and filled, the Subaru's top profile only came up to match the Frontier).</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Interesting</span></b></div><div>I went with the “international safety orange” version since I plan on re-using this bag to support my local Trail Life troop in the future. Having a great big, highly visible beacon has a lot of utility for normal outdoor recreational activities. However, if you wanted to be more clandestine, there is a grey option available. If you need to camouflage an orange version, keep some olive drab spray paint on</div><div>hand, or actual fabric paint to reduce the visible signature.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Final Verdict</span></b></div><div>If you have a car with a roof rack or rail system, this is a great option. Even beyond using it to haul stuff from point to point, having a weather-resistant storage bag has plenty of utility at a campsite or location where some additional protection from the elements is needed (such as hand tools, spare batteries, extra rope, etc).</div></div>Erin Palettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09984632637166408245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-88942459503388592122024-02-13T21:33:00.000-05:002024-02-13T21:33:12.650-05:00Rotate Your Carry Ammo<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0wRI9pon2CYBHnZvnLeihCKAQ02etaWPOd1MtBafMsqCoUMmzD_BD4iE8Nx8-Ictv3g-eYHANOuuzraN4LV2xonJTliQIrATa7bIxw2GhlK0bLr8yNAMPVirjv1zeAAhtGZ2jqi4mtSxVU3uUSG8LuCjTqaOtcUcggfKI7S0VV-5JLF78LyKQW3o9EHs/s200/LokiScout.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0wRI9pon2CYBHnZvnLeihCKAQ02etaWPOd1MtBafMsqCoUMmzD_BD4iE8Nx8-Ictv3g-eYHANOuuzraN4LV2xonJTliQIrATa7bIxw2GhlK0bLr8yNAMPVirjv1zeAAhtGZ2jqi4mtSxVU3uUSG8LuCjTqaOtcUcggfKI7S0VV-5JLF78LyKQW3o9EHs/s1600/LokiScout.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>We've talked at length about rotating your preps to keep your supplies fresh and at maximum benefit to you. While most of the time this applies mainly to food and fuel, it really should apply to all consumables you stock, even ones not traditionally considered perishable.<div><br /></div><div>This point was driven home to me on a recent range trip. Having acquired some new carry ammunition for my 10mm, I decided to shoot the old ammo in my magazines, just for the heck of it. It's pretty well established that modern ammunition stored properly will last almost indefinitely, but while that is indeed true, it isn't foolproof. </div><div><br /></div><div>The rounds in my magazines were a couple years old, from a major US manufacturer. In the 15 rounds in my primary magazine (the one actually in the pistol) I had 3 failures to fire. On the range, this is an annoyance; in a hunting scenario, that 20% failure rate is bad, but recoverable. In a self-defense situation, however, a failure rate like that has an unacceptably high chance of being fatal.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I don't have any conclusive answers what caused my failures, ammunition in magazines is subject to the conditions that tend to cause failure, namely humidity and heat changes. Even here in the desert, being out and about means you'll encounter some increased humidity, and obviously temperature swings are a thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ammunition is definitely less perishable than food, and good ammo is expensive to rotate every range trip, so the schedule I'm implementing at home and proposing here is to shoot through your magazines of carry ammo on the same schedule as you change the batteries in your smoke detector, and for the same reason. Having fresh consumables in life-saving hardware can mean the difference between seeing another sunrise... or not.</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lokidude</span></i></div>Lokidudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621746696000747854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-59794923680047824782024-02-09T22:14:00.004-05:002024-03-09T15:55:48.729-05:00Some "Must Have" Pack Items<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWK7EWua0emW6DKumW4xBZkhQ_hvUgAxacAmnuXOSkp_aY4kCObffCrJX-NL7Cip_cNCye1IaKm7Z5egIoUR_kAI3BPBi1K-W6ivOWSjuEr3qPMKttxBfFg3HAagdD8iZX8hGptyaeXw3616Y9xC4WvK9IuYDdLMVP-KHwgEA2jKNI51GdzHsHAeWuEHP/s600/20140411-161558-CAH_9079-Edit23_dblackard_600px.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWK7EWua0emW6DKumW4xBZkhQ_hvUgAxacAmnuXOSkp_aY4kCObffCrJX-NL7Cip_cNCye1IaKm7Z5egIoUR_kAI3BPBi1K-W6ivOWSjuEr3qPMKttxBfFg3HAagdD8iZX8hGptyaeXw3616Y9xC4WvK9IuYDdLMVP-KHwgEA2jKNI51GdzHsHAeWuEHP/w160-h200/20140411-161558-CAH_9079-Edit23_dblackard_600px.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The dust has settled and the <a href="http://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20First%2072%20Hours">First 72 Hours</a> have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via</b></span></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b>Prudent Preppi<span style="font-family: inherit;">ng</span></b></span></i></b></span></i></b></span></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These are some of the things that are really high on my list of "Must Have" items. </span>All of these items are in my Get Home Bag and in the bag Purple Pack Lady has in her car. In no way is this the most thorough, amazing set of items; they're just what fell out of my bag as I was switching out some smashed energy bars, and inspired this article. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3OCh4v2" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">AA/AAA 4 Cell Battery Case/Holder</span></b></a><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b></span></i></b></span></i></b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have previously used a much larger battery storage box, but due to a change of circumstances I've gone back to a much smaller set of boxes for my standard batteries. These fit into any size pouch or side pocket, and I like how the latch is reasonably positive for a simple box. I also like how the colors show up well in low light, and even the clear box is easy to find!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4mgiwaIT0g6pKiu-Wj-CNErJj_p4EzIWvjrD6rwkn_pqKX4-bRVIkMiGzUK2T9AB4HiPKTKTwTAYMwcqGzP6Os_t5N6aDLrPW_J3obcMHCXRQFbYLTwZqr2n-YLdOTc8Z-ZkKqyXxvl9012FtEuA0HHBTkJiS-Y3aXKMzMgm3JJDCLCqogVGHmaompUp/s300/31auovAjQ1L._AC_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4mgiwaIT0g6pKiu-Wj-CNErJj_p4EzIWvjrD6rwkn_pqKX4-bRVIkMiGzUK2T9AB4HiPKTKTwTAYMwcqGzP6Os_t5N6aDLrPW_J3obcMHCXRQFbYLTwZqr2n-YLdOTc8Z-ZkKqyXxvl9012FtEuA0HHBTkJiS-Y3aXKMzMgm3JJDCLCqogVGHmaompUp/s16000/31auovAjQ1L._AC_.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3OCh4v2"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>https://amzn.to/3OCh4v2</i></span></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the Amazon ad:</span></span></span></span></div><ul class="a-unordered-list a-vertical a-spacing-mini"><li class="a-spacing-mini"><span class="a-list-item"> <i>Package included:4 pcs of battery cases </i></span></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item"> Convenient and intuitive to use, can combine in row </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item"> Holds either 4 AA or 4 AAA rechargeable batteries </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item"> Colors: Clear, Pink , Blue, Green </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><span class="a-list-item"><i> Batteries are not included.</i> </span></li></ul><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/498WBWS" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Adventure Medical Kits Trauma Pak with QuikClot</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the first First Aid items I bought to go into my GHB after a basic kit full of band-aids was this handy pouch right here. I've had one in my work gear for several years now, and actually used the gauze and QuikClot once, even though it probably wasn't necessary for how big the cut was. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_mhaTOPYAqz3LuLQyO-9IUvOxyOVrHTeJmsCh155GUSTx3mVNPWsLIibcyPqmNDKIhGfqCGw6DmZK1a99n9p7Qcg0mSj54Kv7QaFB6-21jUvPHt9xR4jwGX80TWKTry4EsErQvpFxMxytXj0e1LIB-J84YK35BosuarPweux3rGsK6K7A-fZFHhM5NsO/s1500/71uAba6Uo9L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_mhaTOPYAqz3LuLQyO-9IUvOxyOVrHTeJmsCh155GUSTx3mVNPWsLIibcyPqmNDKIhGfqCGw6DmZK1a99n9p7Qcg0mSj54Kv7QaFB6-21jUvPHt9xR4jwGX80TWKTry4EsErQvpFxMxytXj0e1LIB-J84YK35BosuarPweux3rGsK6K7A-fZFHhM5NsO/w640-h640/71uAba6Uo9L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/498WBWS"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/498WBWS</span></i></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the Amazon ad: </span></span></span><ul class="a-unordered-list a-vertical a-spacing-mini"><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item">Includes QuikClot gauze, trauma pad, triangular bandage, and other key supplies for your trauma kit </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item"> Nonallergenic QuikClot first aid gauze speeds up natural clotting and stops bleeding within minutes </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item"> Used by hospitals, EMS/first responders, military, law enforcement, general public & outdoorsman </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item"> Fits perfectly in any first aid kit, suture kit, medical kit, iFAK pouch, EDC pouch & survival kits </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item"> Travel safely with QuikClot in your car first aid kit, camping essentials & backpack emergency kit </span></i></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;">You can see a more detailed description of contents, and a very nice video showing what is included in the pouch, by following the link to the Amazon listing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.narescue.com/outdoor-adventure-products/medical-kits/m-fak-mini-first-aid-kit-red.html"><span class="base" data-ui-id="page-title-wrapper" itemprop="name"><span>North American Rescue</span></span> Mini First Aid Kit</a></span></b><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>While this isn't what many would call a starter Individual First Aid Kit, if I were to try buying all these bits and pieces separately they would certainly cost a lot more than the kit itself. I keep one of these and the Adventure Medical pouch above, in my work supplies and another in my motorcycle saddle bags with a mini zip-tie through the pouch top and the kit carry handle to make pulling them out fast and easy. </div><div><br /></div><div>As my fellow bloggers have mentioned over the years, North American Rescue makes very high quality equipment that isn't cheap. This leads to a problem when shopping for their gear: counterfeit goods sold with the NAR logo. I was <a href="https://highgroundshooter.com/2022/12/25/part-1-real-v-fake-identifying-the-correct-cat-tourniquet/">pointed to this website</a> for a nice writeup on how to tell the fake from real NAR tourniquets, but the short answer is "expect to pay no less than $30-$40 for a genuine NAR CAT tourniquet". </div><div><br /></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyUNMoFwBpOptgt_7FWCxQmFlcGNkJiimbRpt4yk-aCC0WhR2Fc6QpCX7zxtmFsRd0sLI9tRSdqfm3ZvYJ9NVHD-XCaTPF-QiNXuB4N11wXIAFluGlcxEGGSG63rVs5UVI31qWxFqu_k6anwaBcXe9wkoREGI6KIaiG1EGDZTAoz6wifTMp7RXoeohOib/s1400/80-0890_a_1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyUNMoFwBpOptgt_7FWCxQmFlcGNkJiimbRpt4yk-aCC0WhR2Fc6QpCX7zxtmFsRd0sLI9tRSdqfm3ZvYJ9NVHD-XCaTPF-QiNXuB4N11wXIAFluGlcxEGGSG63rVs5UVI31qWxFqu_k6anwaBcXe9wkoREGI6KIaiG1EGDZTAoz6wifTMp7RXoeohOib/w640-h640/80-0890_a_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.narescue.com/outdoor-adventure-products/medical-kits/m-fak-mini-first-aid-kit-red.html">https://www.narescue.com/outdoor-adventure-products/medical-kits/m-fak-mini-first-aid-kit-red.html</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> From the website:<br /></p><div class="product-page__tab__content">
<ul class="product-page__features"><li><i>NAR's most compact, versatile Mini First Aid Kit</i></li><li><i>Contains the First Responder's most requested critical
point-of-wounding medical equipment for treating penetrating, blast or
other traumatic injuries in the line of duty</i></li><li><i>Super compact, rugged nylon platform that allows attachment both vertically (MOLLE backing) and horizontally (3 in. belt loop)</i></li><li><i>Clam shell configuration utilizes (2) two main sleeves that open on both ends for easy access</i></li><li><i>Multiple elastic loops for secure gear organization</i></li><li><i>Vertical mount can be set to open left-to-right or right-to-left based on shooter preference</i></li><li><i>Horizontal mount on a belt allows opening directly to your C-A-T. tourniquet</i></li></ul></div><p></p><p></p><b> Kit Contents:</b><div class="product-page__tab__content">
<ul class="product-page__features"><li><i>1 x C-A-T (Combat Application Tourniquet) Orange</i></li><li><i>1 x 4 in. Flat Responder ETD</i></li><li><i>1 x NAR Wound Packing Gauze</i></li><li><i>1 x HyFin Vent Compact Chest Seal, Twin Pack</i></li><li><i>1 x Pair, Responder Nitrile Gloves, Large</i></li></ul>
</div>
<div class="product-page__tab__content"><b>Dimensions:<br /></b><ul class="product-page__features" style="text-align: left;"><li><i>L 6 in. x W 3 in. x D 3 in.</i></li><li><i>Weight: 13 oz</i></li></ul><div><i><br /></i></div></div><div class="product-page__tab__content"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Some Closing Thoughts</b></span></div><div class="product-page__tab__content"><div class="product-page__tab__content" style="text-align: left;">Even in the middle of winter it's a good time to go through your gear and see what might be out of date (first aid cream, pain relivers, etc.), what is damaged or broken (my energy bars), and what might need recharging or fresh batteries, like flashlights.</div><div class="product-page__tab__content" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="product-page__tab__content" style="text-align: left;">After being reminded by seeing the IFAK, I looked through the paperwork in my wallet and saw that it's time to go back to the Red Cross and re-up
my First Aid training. During Covid, no one was doing
classes for the general public and a blogger didn't qualify for special treatment. If my work would have certified it was necessary I could have gone, but no such luck.</div><div class="product-page__tab__content" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="product-page__tab__content" style="text-align: left;">Stay safe and expect the best, but plan for less that that!</div><div class="product-page__tab__content" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">* * *</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><b>Just a reminder: if you plan on buying anything through Amazon, please consider using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_lc?&tag=lurkinrhythm-20&camp=211493&creative=379973&linkCode=ez&adid=0AHD28MZ6PS5Z630MBX7&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fbluecollarprepping.blogspot.com%2F">our referral link</a>. When you do, a portion of the sale comes back here to help keep this site running!</b></span></span></div><div><span><span><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></span></span></div><div><div><span><span>If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, <i>Some Is Always Better Than None!</i></span></span></div><div><span><span><i><br /></i><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">NOTE:
All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in
exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will
be listed as such. Suck it Feds.</span></i></span></span></div></div></div>David Blackardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709211268492016596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-26693675833384350342024-02-06T21:14:00.003-05:002024-02-06T21:14:47.710-05:00Prepper's Pantry: Corn<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscSCtkAiQ7C812qFA-RmNGVi-hF0gd2Tn8FwEWn2TL-vFEfg2e3LthXw_GapGr0GxmU-Wzxwd28-pKKsEu5GCug9UAvtUsjTvQ5pGeTDnCubpUw4N4Sui5ClieLzTRqu1s2xVG-WfUqreOPPYNbZIwU5WSavnJPBlwFGP7Q-CF6pFBc5kyKftLSox-E0/s1024/000-Headshot.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscSCtkAiQ7C812qFA-RmNGVi-hF0gd2Tn8FwEWn2TL-vFEfg2e3LthXw_GapGr0GxmU-Wzxwd28-pKKsEu5GCug9UAvtUsjTvQ5pGeTDnCubpUw4N4Sui5ClieLzTRqu1s2xVG-WfUqreOPPYNbZIwU5WSavnJPBlwFGP7Q-CF6pFBc5kyKftLSox-E0/w200-h200/000-Headshot.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">In my earlier post about the <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2021/09/companion-gardening-three-sisters-system.html" target="_blank">Three Sisters</a> planting method,
I mentioned how corn (also called maize) was an integral part of that
cooperative gardening system.</span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maize" target="_blank">Corn</a> is an ancient cultivated new world plant, descended
from wild grasses. It was discovered by Europeans during the Age of Exploration
in the fifteenth century, and was quickly accepted in the old world. Corn
became a staple in many areas with remarkable speed, and is now the </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">most popular grain in the world by weight, with an excess of one billion tons produced each year. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Corn is consumed in many different forms, some seasonal,
such as corn on the cob, and some year round, such as dried, canned, and
frozen. Baby corn has become a staple of Asian cuisine, especially in America.
Corn meal and corn flour are commonly found in the recipes of several ethnic
groups, whether traditional Mexican tortillas, Italian polenta, or American
grits. (As I live in the south, I am required by law to speak out against
</span><a href="https://youtu.be/_T24lHnB7N8" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">instant grits</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Corn can be eaten as is or used as an ingredient in many
recipes. I always add some to my </span><a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2023/10/preppers-pantry-shepherds-pie.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Shepard's Pie</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, certain soups, my </span><a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2021/12/preppers-pantry-chili-corn-bread.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">chili</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, and of
course, my corn bread. Also, right next to the corn meal in the cupboard, I have
a bag of </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masa" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">corn masa</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for when I have an urge to make tortillas at home. </span>While we generally use fresh or frozen corn in our household, we also keep a supply of canned corn in our long term food storage.</div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Corn Tortillas</span></b><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">While somewhat labor intensive, these flatbreads are really quite
simple to prepare, with </span>a tortilla press being<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the only special item called for. I
don't own one, so I use two cutting boards and my body weight to similar
effect.</span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUoBXGdRcff-ICwzIONDGbf9koUQYuFFZbG4DBzkhTVRPgiDhedESuXPk6i4v2UfPakBECCPoFjNWpXsqhyphenhyphenmMeDYlLy79Wphn8u3oJpvEqzAwh2XJqfB4Z-428-0O6nLdofD-i5DNhbzQ2A2WFIFpQnouQgxrZZ2HzOc9NY4Ozau9HhVdUCVPMZmAkf0/s1820/135%20-%20Corn%2001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1820" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUoBXGdRcff-ICwzIONDGbf9koUQYuFFZbG4DBzkhTVRPgiDhedESuXPk6i4v2UfPakBECCPoFjNWpXsqhyphenhyphenmMeDYlLy79Wphn8u3oJpvEqzAwh2XJqfB4Z-428-0O6nLdofD-i5DNhbzQ2A2WFIFpQnouQgxrZZ2HzOc9NY4Ozau9HhVdUCVPMZmAkf0/w640-h360/135%20-%20Corn%2001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Homemade Taco Bar</span></i></div><p style="text-align: start;"></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups corn masa </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/2 to 2 cups hot water</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon fine sea salt</span></li></ul><p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Instructions</b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a large bowl, whisk together masa and salt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gradually add the hot water, and stir the mixture
with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until an evenly-mixed dough begins to
form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use your hands to knead the dough for 2-3 minutes in the
mixing bowl until it is smooth and forms a cohesive ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel (or paper towel)
and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Portion the dough into 2-tablespoon balls (about the size of
a golf ball), then use your hands to roll the ball until it is nice and round.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Place the dough ball between two pieces of plastic in a
tortilla press. Then gently press the dough ball until it forms a 4- to 5-inch
tortilla.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the pan is nice and hot, peel the
tortilla away from the plastic wrap and lay the tortilla flat in the
skillet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Cook the tortilla for about
40-60 seconds per side, flipping it once speckled brown spots begin to appear
on the bottom of the tortilla.<span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
tortillas will likely bubble up while cooking, especially on the second
side.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once it's cooked, transfer the
tortilla to a tortilla warmer or a bowl wrapped in a clean kitchen towel, so
that the tortillas do not dry out.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Keeping the cycle going
by cooking one tortilla while pressing the next dough ball at the same time.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The tortillas will continue to soften a bit more as they sit
in a stack in your tortilla warmer (or wrapped in a towel). So use the
tortillas at the bottom of the stack first, they'll be the softest.</span></li></ol><p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember, with only a little effort, any day can be Taco Tuesday.</span></div></div></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595922798130070613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-76816107688215488232024-01-23T21:24:00.001-05:002024-01-23T21:31:04.124-05:00Prepper's Armory: Muzzle Devices<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9R94XLMMNeGEbZNaHuTEt_KqoDsRhK2rc33pLaqVbg9nQqZ39enE0vbEXhVKh-CXBy9dj9S0JIw4dE5NSQ4ePkfKNQeJ9OjBxRM4cT9kDO1EtXx-fn8fT9MUj2xpFgy_IraFvzX3usOaiO2t2oGhwzB7PJPhc-DyU1FUrJYOuIbn9mpIS4kCNaENNe_8/s1024/000-Headshot.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9R94XLMMNeGEbZNaHuTEt_KqoDsRhK2rc33pLaqVbg9nQqZ39enE0vbEXhVKh-CXBy9dj9S0JIw4dE5NSQ4ePkfKNQeJ9OjBxRM4cT9kDO1EtXx-fn8fT9MUj2xpFgy_IraFvzX3usOaiO2t2oGhwzB7PJPhc-DyU1FUrJYOuIbn9mpIS4kCNaENNe_8/w200-h200/000-Headshot.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last year I wrote about the <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2023/09/preppers-armory-suppressors.html" target="_blank">history, use</a>, and <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2023/09/preppers-armory-buying-suppressor.html" target="_blank">acquisition</a>
of suppressors, which </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">are a small subset of the larger umbrella of
<i>muzzle devices</i>. There are several categories within this general classification
that serve a variety of different purposes, with some overlap, but along with the previously mentioned suppressors, t</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">he main categories are </span>flash hiders<span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span>compensators<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (also
known as muzzle brakes), thread protectors, and muzzle adapters.</span><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Flash Hiders/Suppressors</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll begin with the </span><a href="https://www.brownells.com/search/?category%5B%5D=1073743036&search=Flash+hiders" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">flash hider</a> or flash suppressor<span style="font-family: inherit;">. Contrary to popular myth,
this barrel attachment does </span><b style="font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>not</i></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b> </b></i>generally
reduce muzzle flash signature from the target side of the gun. Instead, its primary
purpose is to disrupt the globe of burning gasses that would otherwise form at
the muzzle and interfere with the shooter's ability to use the sights. This is
especially important on shorter barreled rifles; </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm sure most of our readers have heard jokes about AR
pistols or Mosin Nagant carbines stating "If you miss your target, you'll still
set it on fire," or have seen the </span><a href="https://youtu.be/oU_sOb7Fkdo" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Rico Special</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> from Forgotten Weapons.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The classic A1 or A2 M16 flash hider has regularly-spaced slots around the circumference, and the end is completely open. As the
superheated gases exit the barrel, and attempt to form a sphere, they are </span>instead <span style="font-family: inherit;">diverted into those cutouts.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN74BuAUl3mascIkC9d4NWthfWHokQIDlXA3NyPqIK2Nx9eYy27J-3-_ftTRChYAhwK8b6GtdVtF2DtewfrxMN1X76E9GBW5sbkOtjGmAiGDaYCUP9Jop8rI7m09yfouYKe5P_r6ztWjhGmkmrdxdeOPH3hFiN6dJBXl7W8YyTk55ah754WHUYq5PdLfk/s573/134%20-%20Flash%20Hider.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="573" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN74BuAUl3mascIkC9d4NWthfWHokQIDlXA3NyPqIK2Nx9eYy27J-3-_ftTRChYAhwK8b6GtdVtF2DtewfrxMN1X76E9GBW5sbkOtjGmAiGDaYCUP9Jop8rI7m09yfouYKe5P_r6ztWjhGmkmrdxdeOPH3hFiN6dJBXl7W8YyTk55ah754WHUYq5PdLfk/w640-h450/134%20-%20Flash%20Hider.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts/rifle-parts/rifle-muzzle-devices/ar-15-a2-flash-hider-22-caliber/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Brownells A2 Flash Hider</span></a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><br /></div><div>It's important to clock this type of muzzle device correctly when attaching it. This means making sure none of the slots point straight up, as this would send some of the muzzle flash directly into the shooters line of sight.</div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The big difference between the A1 and A2 flash hiders is that the latter version has a solid section without slots that's meant to point
straight down, which helps prevent a dust cloud when shooting prone.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div>There are all sorts of flash hider designs on the market. Some, like the A1 and A2, are quite simple, while others are considerably more complex.</div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboTkAX2ZBaSCH5FMoNSVA8Lsrm9Ae4ZxWeFQeh7AKT4d9HY4b3DAJFSsYop5Dpcyu6pKM9FjgIALyw-0GQN7UgoAXIj_YLWmFB6wvyciqbL9JW1kEzMkLJsGiUzVJfzHI4APr9SMnwrKRLX2Oa7S4w_LzA87hwd9S1d-vaA62uDWofPXjVtTVzZ7VZ3c/s565/134%20-%20Flash%20Hider%2002.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="565" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboTkAX2ZBaSCH5FMoNSVA8Lsrm9Ae4ZxWeFQeh7AKT4d9HY4b3DAJFSsYop5Dpcyu6pKM9FjgIALyw-0GQN7UgoAXIj_YLWmFB6wvyciqbL9JW1kEzMkLJsGiUzVJfzHI4APr9SMnwrKRLX2Oa7S4w_LzA87hwd9S1d-vaA62uDWofPXjVtTVzZ7VZ3c/w640-h382/134%20-%20Flash%20Hider%2002.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 21.4667px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i><a href="https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts/rifle-parts/rifle-muzzle-devices/ar-15-efab-hybrid-flash-hider-22-cal/" target="_blank">Precision Armament EFAB Hybrid Flash Hider</a></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Compensators/Muzzle Brakes<br /></span></b><a href="https://www.brownells.com/search/?category%5B%5D=1073743038&search=compensators" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;" target="_blank">Compensators</a><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">, also called muzzle brakes, are similar in
concept to a flash hider in that they also redirect some of the escaping combustion
gasses. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">However, instead of primarily working to break up the flash,
these devices act as a sort of maneuvering jet, pushing the firearm to help counteract recoil.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Compensators are generally identifiable by their closed
front, with a small opening just larger than bullet diameter, and frequently
with large side apertures. Some designs have additional small openings on top
as well. But for the most part, they resemble miniature cannon muzzle
attachments.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhKxWFLxOYCb_aqok7FX3AXxtkHTdKt8ymGVX3g0HAgd6ikLAIoKBdcCn3RMWx9URsJLXQM-0WJqKfQVlDKOFS1V2v8f9Gfjm2rw8vCv6G2i7nb9hGtOTrOdT9oEM8QbE2R5f0QlgZNizg2mfr_SpvwQxloM9dlt825kagc-5bfi7luiFJU1B-CrvJWw/w640-h405/134%20-%20Compensator%2002.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts/rifle-parts/rifle-muzzle-devices/ar-.308-pegasus-compensator-.308/" target="_blank">Ultradyne USA Pegasus Compensator</a></i></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As with flash hiders, the orientation of a compensator is important to proper function, perhaps even more so due to the pushing force imparted on the barrel. <br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Compensators need to be selected based on a variety of
factors, including barrel length and cartridge size, as these will affect the amount
of gas pushed out the muzzle and through the device. W</span>hile ideal compensator performance is neutral vertical movement, o<span style="font-family: inherit;">verpowered muzzle breaks
have been known to cause the muzzle to dip when firing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWm5RwdCNl0jd2H5zAZoc2wIv5HzJUoRiZNIP2d1-jl_pm0ghCzYfJh6OWRAdkErEWcpWG6EWIO2k4dKAwe5QZd6AtkqyLzijqOKNS5iHpMRuK7NIG-7fB0VpeEVAjqEXQ7M8-K9gZwjqmMbHbLFK6UXIKwhcxgeCMAlarXiQH4iEB0RNbmCSDwufPAdY/w640-h438/134%20-%20Compensator%2003.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts/rifle-parts/rifle-muzzle-devices/ar-.308-athena-linear-compensator-.308/" target="_blank">Ultradyne USA Athena Linear Compensator</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Thread Protectors and Adapters</span></b></div><a href="https://www.brownells.com/search/?page=1&search=thread+protector">Thread protectors</a> are simply threaded collars (similar to a standard nut) that attaches to the muzzle and are usually knurled on the outside to make tightening or loosening by hand easier. They cover the threads, but don't provide any additional benefit to the function of the firearm.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDYoK7UUp1W5XMbHWJ74aq-Moq1UGvvwrWUZplWVZDDLkzmAqblMr1azzT49LGAtGPPvhoxm2lex-eu8mzeuwiVmeFdgbt4HMOQLF1ScacJl_mHYys2HEjwMrGo9K5LcgJNcv2UzLD1PhxgLgNSnEpH4fPAEksQeoc1I3fSAHLzlCAfQ6DSh43dMy1D8/s700/l_296-000-105_4.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDYoK7UUp1W5XMbHWJ74aq-Moq1UGvvwrWUZplWVZDDLkzmAqblMr1azzT49LGAtGPPvhoxm2lex-eu8mzeuwiVmeFdgbt4HMOQLF1ScacJl_mHYys2HEjwMrGo9K5LcgJNcv2UzLD1PhxgLgNSnEpH4fPAEksQeoc1I3fSAHLzlCAfQ6DSh43dMy1D8/w640-h640/l_296-000-105_4.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts/rifle-parts/rifle-muzzle-devices/thread-protector-58-24/"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">EGW Thread Protector</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.brownells.com/search/?page=1&search=muzzle+adaptors" target="_blank">Adapters</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> also cover the threads, but in addition offer the
ability to attach different muzzle devices. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some adapters are thread converters, where one end has an
internal thread for attaching to the barrel and the other end has an external
thread in a more readily available pattern. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are even muzzle adapters with bayonet lugs for use on
firearms that don't come with them. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Adapters can often be found with some sort of
flash hider or compensator, but there are still plenty that don't.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS1HyHFG1BthZc_64t8zJNfxS2WQCZR2U4cXFscMXTMdIldhOvICWQbBCzuy3l76ifgNMpe6LGoOayq9v0T_yjUiGa7xFY1r7_8eleoHdS-bG3rt6iQH-khv2SW7BsQKpIWKj4ETxg3O_UN_M2foFzhWRiTVTCNriNaPLHM-LQleVn5FKweEZE_QMM6U/s500/l_100-015-977_1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS1HyHFG1BthZc_64t8zJNfxS2WQCZR2U4cXFscMXTMdIldhOvICWQbBCzuy3l76ifgNMpe6LGoOayq9v0T_yjUiGa7xFY1r7_8eleoHdS-bG3rt6iQH-khv2SW7BsQKpIWKj4ETxg3O_UN_M2foFzhWRiTVTCNriNaPLHM-LQleVn5FKweEZE_QMM6U/w640-h640/l_100-015-977_1.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts/rifle-parts/rifle-muzzle-devices/thread-adapter-916-24-to-58-24/">Precision Armament Thread Adapter</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope that this post, while not exhaustive, has helped to clear up
the often confusing and sometimes overlapping world of muzzle devices.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have fun, and safe shooting.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595922798130070613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-5975933097771751182024-01-10T15:08:00.006-05:002024-01-10T15:08:42.201-05:00Any Time Prepping Gifts<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzwzavGfusf_PCNsQwiOxbwFyJWlaCVNk6V2CwmUHlpoVrhtOir3b8lEqC_yIAi7-GRpJz6yN1b9KTTZkmkrSnE854Z0e-6zUR6ufmhMy2-b9EXS3QuXnDt0QIQ00J6h-fYT4lyZOMeaCUoByoXdI3XrzKq2za56frKWwkbby8KheQ4iroeJ3BkB-ZWBf/s600/20140411-161558-CAH_9079-Edit23_dblackard_600px.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzwzavGfusf_PCNsQwiOxbwFyJWlaCVNk6V2CwmUHlpoVrhtOir3b8lEqC_yIAi7-GRpJz6yN1b9KTTZkmkrSnE854Z0e-6zUR6ufmhMy2-b9EXS3QuXnDt0QIQ00J6h-fYT4lyZOMeaCUoByoXdI3XrzKq2za56frKWwkbby8KheQ4iroeJ3BkB-ZWBf/w160-h200/20140411-161558-CAH_9079-Edit23_dblackard_600px.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The dust has settled and the <a href="http://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20First%2072%20Hours">First 72 Hours</a> have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via</b></span></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b>Prudent Preppi<span style="font-family: inherit;">ng.</span></b></span></i></b></span></i></b></span></i><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Due to unforeseen circumstances, my second post with </span>suggestions for <span style="font-family: inherit;">Christmas presents wasn't able to be written in time. This is what I wanted to post, with several more suggestions to come for either building a bag (of any type) or adding to your gear.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3RWHKaC" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Rite In The Rain Notebook</span></a></b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is just one of the styles and colors available from Rite In The Rain that I have purchased. Since I'm redoing several bags, I'm buying 3 packs to save a little money and to have uniform colors for the same objects in each location. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't recommend these notebooks enough for everyone to place in your bags, purse, car door pocket or even pants back pocket. You can choose a top spiral, side spiral, hard cover, in 3" x 5", 5" x 7", 2" x 3 3/4", in yellow, orange, black, blue and tan. </span></div><div><br /><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMhwSk5aCemyN5uVWglT1x8qIt6GP0DIWIPIqWGVTm_kGkSXNpLbw7zmw32ZpgXj6bDdGhZ0EbATo8v53dlKLAPhzAkJMT8X2pv1DchOhKXFV-KIc8EB8ANW_xPoNGq9CE1gbnNA2j1ObuqHoft88PFY6kwWTk16_6JquAM40c6SPPVWLioale3s5yPZU/s1500/71gK0gMnk1L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1086" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMhwSk5aCemyN5uVWglT1x8qIt6GP0DIWIPIqWGVTm_kGkSXNpLbw7zmw32ZpgXj6bDdGhZ0EbATo8v53dlKLAPhzAkJMT8X2pv1DchOhKXFV-KIc8EB8ANW_xPoNGq9CE1gbnNA2j1ObuqHoft88PFY6kwWTk16_6JquAM40c6SPPVWLioale3s5yPZU/w290-h400/71gK0gMnk1L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3RWHKaC"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3RWHKaC</span></i></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the Amazon ad:</span></div><ul class="a-unordered-list a-vertical a-spacing-mini"><li class="a-spacing-mini"><span class="a-list-item"> <i>WEATHERPROOF
PAPER: 100 pages / 50 sheets per pocket notepad. All-weather paper won’t
turn to mush when wet and will repel water, sweat, grease, mud, and
even survive the accidental laundry mishap. Make sure your pocket
notebook stays RIGHT in the Rain. </i></span></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item">
WIRE-O BINDING: Tough impact-resistant Wire-O binding won't lose its
shape in your back pocket or backpack. Unlike a standard spiral
notebook, Wire-O keeps your open pages aligned and intact. </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item">
WRITE IN THE RAIN: When wet, use a standard #2 pencil or an all-weather
pen. Standard ballpoints and permanent markers will work when paper is
dry. Water-based inks will bead or wash off Rite in the Rain Paper. </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><span class="a-list-item"><i>
WATERPROOF NOTEBOOK COVER: Polydura material creates a tough but
flexible outer shell. Whether you're needing a hiking journal,
outfitting your police gear, starting a golf journal, or just keeping a
shower notebook, the Polydura Cover material will defend your field
notes from scratches and stains.</i> </span></li></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Did you know that they also make </span><a href="https://amzn.to/48NJVEl" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">tactical range cards</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">? Paired with a Rite In The Rain <a href="https://amzn.to/3vrqYc9">pen</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/3vBQ9c4">pencil</a> (with optional <a href="https://amzn.to/3vvGoMD">red lead refill</a>), you are set for taking notes and kicking something in any weather. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3RRRyCU" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Anker Portable Charger, Power Bank, 20,000mAh Battery Pack</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is another triple purchase item for me. I take one with me to work, there's one sitting beside me right now, and the Purple Pack Lady is supposed to have one either in her car or in her purse. (</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">No comment as to the actual location.)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I no longer need a backup this big for my job, but the size is handy for topping off everyone's phones or giving my laptop an almost 50% charge.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha11uJJUFt6v1AFPo_z1Qdxs9FL3fQ3LZAteLrVtJgGT6usFWP8PuxqwP1GDhohScXVzbt5c_PXXBDmcxD5ShUQzMKw3NYCsieZCDS0HbyWSvOQycPp4DWqaYc5XYJ6NbnanKoHoE784gPKrUJUdS6tP6blyQD29Hgffn1-Kk6KVV5s4pP2pWL15EQCt8M/s1191/71kwrPSxC4L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1017" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha11uJJUFt6v1AFPo_z1Qdxs9FL3fQ3LZAteLrVtJgGT6usFWP8PuxqwP1GDhohScXVzbt5c_PXXBDmcxD5ShUQzMKw3NYCsieZCDS0HbyWSvOQycPp4DWqaYc5XYJ6NbnanKoHoE784gPKrUJUdS6tP6blyQD29Hgffn1-Kk6KVV5s4pP2pWL15EQCt8M/w341-h400/71kwrPSxC4L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3RRRyCU"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3RRRyCU</span></i></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the Amazon ad:<br /></span></span></span></span><p></p><ul class="a-unordered-list a-vertical a-spacing-mini"><li class="a-spacing-mini"><span class="a-list-item"> <i>Ultra-High Cell
Capacity: The massive 20,000mAh cell capacity provides more than 5
charges for iPhone XS, almost 5 full charges for Samsung Galaxy S10,
more than 4 charges for iPhone 11, and over 2 and a half charges for
iPad mini 5. </i></span></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item">
Advanced Charging Technology: Anker's exclusive PowerIQ and
VoltageBoost technology combine to deliver an optimized charge to your
devices, while the trickle-charging mode is the best way to charge
low-power accessories. </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item">
Simultaneous Charging: Twin USB ports allow you to charge two devices
at the same time. The USB-C port cannot charge other devices. </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item">
Versatile Recharging: With both a USB-C and Micro USB input port, you
have more options over how you recharge. Recharging PowerCore with a 10W
charger will take approximately 10.5 hours, while recharging with a 5W
charger will take approximately 20 hours. </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><span class="a-list-item"><i>
What You Get: Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K), Micro USB cable (to
charge the power bank), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month
warranty, and friendly customer service. (USB-C cable, Lightning cable,
and wall charger not included) </i> </span></li></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, a note regarding the Streamlight Pocket Mate I mentioned in my </span><a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2023/12/prepper-presents-budget-list.html" style="font-family: inherit;">previous post</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I now need to order <i>another </i>light (or possibly 3-4) as my wonderful sister now has the red version on her keychain. This, after I purchased a pink model to give to the Purple Pack Lady to reclaim the red one. I'm a really easy push-over.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmkb6AlHZw7SLehiUA0HpSghz3ZuYkEsoYecOhYghU-VaIcpYHChJXywSyhoyM8CjrA2wfW1-U680jVfUqYzQN1XaB9r0-ckRiwlmaLRiJhvnRMx0VxcEIOLoYa1X_Vtb79-64R8D77DMiw9UxlXH7oz5bM2dchRAGpEguIqNY899WRH7AyAiwhhTyUs/s800/71IuHGtmbaL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="800" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmkb6AlHZw7SLehiUA0HpSghz3ZuYkEsoYecOhYghU-VaIcpYHChJXywSyhoyM8CjrA2wfW1-U680jVfUqYzQN1XaB9r0-ckRiwlmaLRiJhvnRMx0VxcEIOLoYa1X_Vtb79-64R8D77DMiw9UxlXH7oz5bM2dchRAGpEguIqNY899WRH7AyAiwhhTyUs/w640-h280/71IuHGtmbaL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46UQB26"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/46UQB26</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(<b>Editrix's note:</b> One of our readers wrote in to say the following --</i></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><blockquote>Since I couldn't quickly find an email link for David Blackard on the BCP site, please tell him that the "Streamlight Pocket Mate" has been the Christmas hit of my friend circle. I'm consistently seeing the guys fiddling with them during our gaming sessions, those whose wives haven't already stolen theirs from them. The damn things are crazy bright and pocket friendly.</blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">Furthermore, our own Lokidude has confessed that he bought his wife a different model of Streamlight (a <a href="https://amzn.to/3HenaOd">USB MicroStream</a>) to prevent her from taking his. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Moral of the story: cute Streamlights are irresistible to women.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></i></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">* * *</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><b>Just a reminder: if you plan on buying anything through Amazon, please consider using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_lc?&tag=lurkinrhythm-20&camp=211493&creative=379973&linkCode=ez&adid=0AHD28MZ6PS5Z630MBX7&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fbluecollarprepping.blogspot.com%2F">our referral link</a>. When you do, a portion of the sale comes back here to help keep this site running!</b></span></span></div><div><span><span><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></span></span></div><div><div><span><span>If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, <i>Some Is Always Better Than None!</i></span></span></div><div><span><span><i><br /></i><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">NOTE:
All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in
exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will
be listed as such. Suck it Feds.</span></i></span></span></div></div></div>David Blackardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709211268492016596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-49479152662636145412024-01-04T16:57:00.001-05:002024-01-04T16:57:30.045-05:00Prepper's Pantry: Twice-Baked Bread<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-vBBQL8wPrRSvtUtWnmQmSqRfMTHzMCHRX5vmtyAhLiVlm17iCLOChztDUOwx28VDzUNmls93JNrEO9NVxBnwIDmOjk3ZsST4Bzctiegi61VomOWM0lDAAE-Pski-KziVMEQW24lBinuB-g4Id-gOTGnXg_C-hux5AMIULCHL0KhkJMj4YP0N0LqrQQ/s1024/000-Headshot.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-vBBQL8wPrRSvtUtWnmQmSqRfMTHzMCHRX5vmtyAhLiVlm17iCLOChztDUOwx28VDzUNmls93JNrEO9NVxBnwIDmOjk3ZsST4Bzctiegi61VomOWM0lDAAE-Pski-KziVMEQW24lBinuB-g4Id-gOTGnXg_C-hux5AMIULCHL0KhkJMj4YP0N0LqrQQ/w200-h200/000-Headshot.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>In the past I've done posts on various types of baking, such as <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2021/02/the-dough-will-rise-again.html" target="_blank">yeast breads</a> and <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2021/07/quick-breads.html" target="_blank">quick breads</a>, and one thing all these recipes have in
common is a relatively short shelf life. This is due primarily to the
inclusion of fats such as butter and oil. While these serve to help retain
moisture and keep baked goods soft for longer, they (along with sugar) are also more
likely to result in mold if not eaten quickly enough, especially in a humid
environment.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Back in the age of sail, various methods were devised for
preserving food. One of the more difficult items to make last for long was
bread, which was referred to as "soft tack" to differentiate it from "hard tack", a tooth-breakingly tough addition to issued rations.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Hard Tack</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">A simple combination of flour, water, and salt, hard tack
got its long shelf life from being baked twice to drive as much of
the water as possible out of the dough.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60dXoDSVXCN0MhCQEpQousI2syHgPX52p0xTVhqo-UPXBr8geSIldFmukbb1BJeWyYf80XveuEvATnYMe5sI5IB2aInEGG_yVBhL2Ll0o7kIwFNWNIL1Ui2FaeS1HIUYCzh9YGC4Wt2c7MSppSoHEeCVDMxmxPKDRKAAWu1AHr74h9TuzIxe2aiyT7ws/s640/133%20-%20Hard%20Tack.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60dXoDSVXCN0MhCQEpQousI2syHgPX52p0xTVhqo-UPXBr8geSIldFmukbb1BJeWyYf80XveuEvATnYMe5sI5IB2aInEGG_yVBhL2Ll0o7kIwFNWNIL1Ui2FaeS1HIUYCzh9YGC4Wt2c7MSppSoHEeCVDMxmxPKDRKAAWu1AHr74h9TuzIxe2aiyT7ws/w640-h480/133%20-%20Hard%20Tack.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hard Tack</span></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></b></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2 Cups All Purpose Flour</li><li>3/4 Cup Water</li><li>1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt</li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Recipe</span></b></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Preheat oven to 375 ° F.</li><li>Combine the flour, water and salt and mix well.</li><li>After mixing, the dough should be slightly dry and not sticky.
If it is too sticky, add small amounts of flour until the dough holds together,
but is still dryer than traditional dough.</li><li>On a floured work surface, roll out the dough to a thickness
of approximately 1/2 inch.</li><li>Cut the dough into 3" squares.</li><li>Poke holes in the dough with a fork. Make sure the holes go
all the way through. This helps prevents the biscuits from puffing up while
baking.</li><li>Place the hardtack biscuits on a parchment paper lined baking
sheet.</li><li>Bake for 30 minutes.</li><li>Remove the biscuits from the oven, allow to cool for a few
minutes, then flip and bake for another 30 minutes.</li><li>When done, place the hardtack biscuits on a cooling rack.</li><li>Once they are completely cooled, store in an airtight container.</li></ol><div><br /></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Biscotti</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another twice-baked item that is much more palatable, biscotti is less likely to go bad than other baked desserts. This is partially
due to the two trips through the oven, and partially due to this delicious treat being eaten quickly.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYgO306IFonL1rMfxZkU-16sDNGnOCAxb1_gPLSS3kaZxFGA4EMJ-GggOe87yCZnMMgUgmlU_zuBk852MXPahj95c-oEhGXJTkK2bQ5CUxdRoKI3dqJHdB7F4dbNZPNtnpf-1bHiTauqVqx2Xw1XAoOEQlWUSjKSUnoeBxGRU3adTukHBapDJKhQG668/s960/133%20-%20Biscotti.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="960" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYgO306IFonL1rMfxZkU-16sDNGnOCAxb1_gPLSS3kaZxFGA4EMJ-GggOe87yCZnMMgUgmlU_zuBk852MXPahj95c-oEhGXJTkK2bQ5CUxdRoKI3dqJHdB7F4dbNZPNtnpf-1bHiTauqVqx2Xw1XAoOEQlWUSjKSUnoeBxGRU3adTukHBapDJKhQG668/w640-h424/133%20-%20Biscotti.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/cookies-bars?main_results_recipe_index%5BhierarchicalMenu%5D%5Bcategory_lvl0%5D%5B0%5D=Cookies%20%26%20Bars&main_results_recipe_index%5BhierarchicalMenu%5D%5Bcategory_lvl0%5D%5B1%5D=Biscotti" target="_blank"><i>Biscotti</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></b></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 1/3 cups sugar</li><li>2 Teaspoons baking powder</li><li>2 Tablespoons butter</li><li>2 Tablespoons Anise extract</li><li>3 Eggs</li><li>2 ¼ cups flour</li><li>1 egg plus 1 tsp water for egg wash</li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Recipe</span></h4><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Combine sugar, baking powder, butter, and eggs.</li><li>Blend in the extract.</li><li>Mix in the flour one cup at a time.</li><li>Preheat the oven to 325°F.</li><li>Form dough into two logs on a greased or parchment paper
lined cookie sheet. 1" high by 1 ½" wide. For a better finish, wet
your hands and pat the top and sides of the dough.</li><li>Brush the logs with egg wash and bake for 20-22 minutes.</li><li>Remove from the oven and let the logs cool for two minutes.</li><li>Cut the logs diagonally into slices 1" thick.</li><li>Lay the slices on their sides, and re-bake at the same
temperature for 15 minutes.</li></ol><o:p></o:p><p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;">This is a basic biscotti recipe; there are many optional
ingredients, such as dried fruits, nuts, and spices, like cinnamon or ginger. Biscotti are also frequently dipped or coated in chocolate.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Share and enjoy.</div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595922798130070613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-74517305715894453382023-12-21T11:17:00.004-05:002023-12-21T19:52:52.642-05:00Prepper's Pantry: Hanukkah Treats<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NibTogPWyiMm206X8KHfXlPCkHvi_c5Ql-0bfSZAwQFoET54dVvGcoy2Mi3yOG3c7AWqgJK70RGj8dDl6vvudgb5FgamJQ7_03qHbbb11buV8ORsiXInup_fYMQNmUntpXG71fZA8SSR0hlqQrlo0KBD2ppCYBJn1qauJIt8HmNPxw3d8bxnTuAiL-8/s1024/000-Headshot.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NibTogPWyiMm206X8KHfXlPCkHvi_c5Ql-0bfSZAwQFoET54dVvGcoy2Mi3yOG3c7AWqgJK70RGj8dDl6vvudgb5FgamJQ7_03qHbbb11buV8ORsiXInup_fYMQNmUntpXG71fZA8SSR0hlqQrlo0KBD2ppCYBJn1qauJIt8HmNPxw3d8bxnTuAiL-8/w200-h200/000-Headshot.jpg" /></a></div>I meant to get this post out last week, but life intervened. However, while it's too late for Hanukkah this year, hopefully our readers can take part in the tradition of eating fried foods at this time next year.<br /><br />One of the main elements of Hanukkah is the miracle of the oil: only one day's supply was available, yet it burned for eight days. In recognition of this, foods fried in oil are common in Jewish homes during the holiday.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Potato Latkes</span></b><br />Diverging from that tradition in the interests of health, these latkes are baked in the oven instead of fried in oil. We've found it best to use a smooth cooking sheet, not grooved, as the additional surface contact seems to help the latkes hold together.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2T77FXCawLQcfT9QZ4tHegtuQEdO_ZLD-nzvNOTf-qvI0sRpZXSoNzKpQWaIv_fTCfjkE6052366ZbBLwZbcFZv-zcB1NN6G1XQnYGhmyA8Awh-NYEcWcsXcGIrl15-2Fy8zcSOOfaMM0CcEmFHUjMlQdJw5gInzOaL3M0CkoOTKVufM0-rZn9Aj6cCY/s1820/132%20-%20Potato%20Latkes.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2T77FXCawLQcfT9QZ4tHegtuQEdO_ZLD-nzvNOTf-qvI0sRpZXSoNzKpQWaIv_fTCfjkE6052366ZbBLwZbcFZv-zcB1NN6G1XQnYGhmyA8Awh-NYEcWcsXcGIrl15-2Fy8zcSOOfaMM0CcEmFHUjMlQdJw5gInzOaL3M0CkoOTKVufM0-rZn9Aj6cCY/w640-h480/132%20-%20Potato%20Latkes.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>4 large potatoes (about 10 oz each)</li><li>1/2 small chopped onion</li><li>1 egg or 1/4 Cup egg substitute</li><li>1/4 Cup matzo meal</li><li>Minced garlic to taste (optional)</li><li>1 tsp salt</li><li>1/4 tsp black pepper</li><li>Cooking spray</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Directions</span></b><br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>In a large bowl, combine egg (or egg substitute), matzo meal, onion, garlic (optional), salt and pepper.</li><li>Grate the potatoes. Squeeze out any excess moisture. Combine with the egg mixture. (Note: Do not grate potatoes ahead of time.)</li><li>Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Place twelve 1/4 cups of latke mixture on sheet and flatten; coat with cooking spray. Bake until pancakes are crisp, 30 minutes, turning over after 15 minutes.</li><li>Serve with sour cream, apple sauce, or try some with each.</li></ol><div><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Sufganyot</span></b></div><div>These little jelly doughnuts take some effort, but they are totally worth it and make for a special treat. Don't sprinkle the powdered sugar on them until just before serving, though, or it will be absorbed by the doughnut and disappear.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbfG2tiFDwdVZVnIQAAk3FR2GrZSkqBeoV27DmisMrPzP2xqRJSTcfkpoSU0Y3zlDayS-xClGJrAaCfXQBQOCT-cvI9xgsMrglsodDrB3F70jfntZmbJNaROtm8A2yV_OpW6c6GUrdRaMMEPj7N8rz0-nJnqDmWEGr0DIRMproDWMVwObU3AbdyUDods/s1820/132%20-%20Sufganyot.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbfG2tiFDwdVZVnIQAAk3FR2GrZSkqBeoV27DmisMrPzP2xqRJSTcfkpoSU0Y3zlDayS-xClGJrAaCfXQBQOCT-cvI9xgsMrglsodDrB3F70jfntZmbJNaROtm8A2yV_OpW6c6GUrdRaMMEPj7N8rz0-nJnqDmWEGr0DIRMproDWMVwObU3AbdyUDods/w640-h480/132%20-%20Sufganyot.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the baking sheet and rolling out the dough</li><li>1/4 cup granulated sugar</li><li>1 (1/4-ounce) packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)</li><li>1/2 teaspoon fine salt</li><li>2 large egg yolks</li><li>3/4 cup warm whole milk (105°F to 115°F)</li><li>2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick), at room temperature</li><li>6 cups (1 1/2 quarts) vegetable or canola oil, for frying, plus more for coating the bowl</li><li>2/3 cup smooth jam or jelly</li><li>Powdered sugar, for dusting</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Special Equipment</span></b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2-inch round cutter</li><ul><li>If none are available, a drinking glass of the same size can be used</li></ul><li>a candy/fat thermometer</li><li>a 12- to 18-inch pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch round tip to fill the donuts.</li></ul><div><br /></div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Instructions</span></b><br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Place the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk to combine. Add the yolks and milk and mix, using the hook attachment, on low speed until a shaggy dough forms (about 1 minute). Add the butter, increase the speed to medium, and mix until the dough is smooth, shiny, and elastic, about 5 minutes.</li><li>Coat a large bowl with oil. Form the dough into a ball, place in the bowl, and turn to coat in the oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 to 1 1/2 hours).</li><li>Lightly flour a baking sheet; set aside. Punch down the dough, transfer to a lightly floured work surface, and roll until about 1/4 inch thick. Using a 2-inch round cutter, stamp out as many dough rounds as possible and place on the prepared baking sheet about 1/2 inch apart. Gather the dough scraps into a ball and roll out again, stamping rounds until you have 30 total on the baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let rise in a warm place until puffy and about 1/2 inch thick, about 30 minutes.</li><li>Place the vegetable or canola oil in a Dutch oven or a large, heavy-bottomed pot and set over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350°F on a candy/fat thermometer. Meanwhile, line a second baking sheet with paper towels and place a wire rack over the paper towels; set aside. Place the jam or jelly in a piping bag fitted with a 1/4-inch round tip; set aside.</li><li>Using a flat spatula carefully transfer the dough rounds, one at a time, into the oil. Fry about 6 at a time, leaving at least 1 inch of space in between and keeping the oil temperature at 350°F. Adjust the stove’s heat as necessary to maintain a constant temperature. Fry until the bottoms are golden brown (about 1 1/2 minutes). Carefully flip with a fork and fry until the second side is golden brown (about 1 1/2 minutes more.) If air bubbles appear in the donuts, pierce with the tip of a paring knife. Remove with a slotted spoon to the wire rack. Repeat with the remaining dough rounds.</li><li>When the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a paring knife to puncture the side of each to form a pocket in the center. Place the tip of the piping bag into the pocket and pipe about 1 teaspoon of jam or jelly inside. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.</li></ol><br />These treats aren't restricted just to Hanukkah; they can be made any time of year to add a little brightness when needed.<br /><br />Happy Holidays and bon appetit!
</div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595922798130070613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-67642113917184235222023-12-14T21:45:00.005-05:002023-12-14T21:45:49.744-05:00Prepper Christmas: the Worksharp<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPKi-uIL4HjxGbN5pfMehqn0Gn6QGBLRdW4bvFNa4LlSXzmBSsHtEai7ZCZZdwm0-3x5P5rElzCfqKZs8QjHrzqhDvmXXBba0hSu3RRq_msd9Jxl-s-dUDeHLP1Mo2v3hzwI4e9EwuyGD3ryMFJUdxjyAyKd4qlbbvgzgetbdpRmWQHunVOjXkIX2zq3n/s200/LokiScout.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPKi-uIL4HjxGbN5pfMehqn0Gn6QGBLRdW4bvFNa4LlSXzmBSsHtEai7ZCZZdwm0-3x5P5rElzCfqKZs8QjHrzqhDvmXXBba0hSu3RRq_msd9Jxl-s-dUDeHLP1Mo2v3hzwI4e9EwuyGD3ryMFJUdxjyAyKd4qlbbvgzgetbdpRmWQHunVOjXkIX2zq3n/s1600/LokiScout.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've mentioned before that in my life I've owned ton of flashlights, but I've owned even more knives than that, and along with those blades I've owned approximately 13.2 million knife sharpeners. My grandfather taught me to sharpen knifes on traditional whetstones 30 years ago, and I own a set to this day. I also love both the Smith and Lansky quick sharpeners, I've spent a huge amount of time on an old Spyderco Tri-sharp, and various others that I can't recall. To put it mildly, I've got a pretty broad experience putting edges on blades.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the way back early days of this blog, I admonished all of you <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2014/02/knife-maintenance-101.html">never to use a grinder to sharpen a knife</a>, and I hold to that admonition. Grinders remove material very rapidly, and can easily destroy an edge if you're not very careful. However, there is one tool I've found that eliminates virtually all of that risk: the <a href="https://amzn.to/3to639e">Worksharp knife and tool sharpener</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FgtK6h_oWVGKGW9STOyUnAQU2nWzrm-IKSiWfBWmmt9FYMDOxCmw-yOTtPwUyykZIq7_B3cGTgLl3WJ5L1cYW2-ZXrqeAcpnoFwn_wiFGdj7L5Iq20GzY8gSsXzEjIQw_MqYhsCFwPFygajc16uo6YIS7lh1C40t0Mr5VcQaFWI9hBf2z-qpaLm4KeA/s1500/611PtT0ZEqL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1500" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FgtK6h_oWVGKGW9STOyUnAQU2nWzrm-IKSiWfBWmmt9FYMDOxCmw-yOTtPwUyykZIq7_B3cGTgLl3WJ5L1cYW2-ZXrqeAcpnoFwn_wiFGdj7L5Iq20GzY8gSsXzEjIQw_MqYhsCFwPFygajc16uo6YIS7lh1C40t0Mr5VcQaFWI9hBf2z-qpaLm4KeA/w640-h330/611PtT0ZEqL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3to639e"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3to639e</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are a few versions available, but my personal unit is the Mk 2. It has a two-position angle guide, using 25 degree angles for pocket and working knives and 20 degree angles for kitchen knives and other blades that need a finer edge. That blade guide, as well as speed settings designed to control the amount of material removed as well as the amount of heat imparted to the blade, protect against all of the major damage risks presented by freehand use of a grinder. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The reason folks want to use grinders to sharpen knives is because they think the grinder will be fast, and they're right, in theory; the problem is that the speed of a grinder leaves zero room for error. It also imparts heat to the blade, which can destroy the temper (the heat treatment that gives a blade its hardness). The Worksharp is definitely faster than you can run a knife on a stone by hand, but moves much slower than a standard belt sander or grinding wheel. This limits the amount of heat that builds up in the blade, and gives some forgiveness if the user gets a bit off kilter on the angle pulling the blade through. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXqbwVcjmFmh-wGC_ntOS2N20TEd_ofTxt4Yuxwr5Q-E1dfll69nIr47OdhZTvC-UIVuBpqt1agLJ7N183CZQtOt-iyX0OMT2A6BT9MfYmeyr-WMKiG40QvbVkrp3DX2ZoI45cMOC_uCr2FIu-Vb5m28ko6oYlbYU26rFHDCahyphenhyphen9eZ_jgWLvbIzZwl78/s1500/81axSzCJ5tL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="1500" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXqbwVcjmFmh-wGC_ntOS2N20TEd_ofTxt4Yuxwr5Q-E1dfll69nIr47OdhZTvC-UIVuBpqt1agLJ7N183CZQtOt-iyX0OMT2A6BT9MfYmeyr-WMKiG40QvbVkrp3DX2ZoI45cMOC_uCr2FIu-Vb5m28ko6oYlbYU26rFHDCahyphenhyphen9eZ_jgWLvbIzZwl78/w640-h628/81axSzCJ5tL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3RIXW0n"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3RIXW0n</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The kit comes with 6 belts in 3 grits. These are an 80 grit for very coarse sharpening; what Worksharp says is a 220 grit, though it feels far finer to me; and a 6000 grit extra fine for finishing. These do an adequate job of putting an edge on a knife, but they really feel lacking when taking a blade from stone dull or if the edge geometry needs changed to meet the new angles. Luckily, the Worksharp takes 1/2"x 12" belts, and <a href="https://amzn.to/3RIXW0n">variety packs</a> are readily available. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xitQ1DCRrJy1LjfX41P4RGz6Qw19q-eqnjVZDde9cR7JjpQwZvNb4Oir7r1o-3Q71BjHOl26zSjX2PNkoGn_bQSMspFL1u5pBvEIZaT-ZggTDqmlNNp3mbSz0lDOJ_CrjDCYxrvVLCV40Q10AZd1l3tfusuqPOvJQDesZqgs-k2Zdo-7afznlA6t4kE/s1500/81J4-heX96L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="1500" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xitQ1DCRrJy1LjfX41P4RGz6Qw19q-eqnjVZDde9cR7JjpQwZvNb4Oir7r1o-3Q71BjHOl26zSjX2PNkoGn_bQSMspFL1u5pBvEIZaT-ZggTDqmlNNp3mbSz0lDOJ_CrjDCYxrvVLCV40Q10AZd1l3tfusuqPOvJQDesZqgs-k2Zdo-7afznlA6t4kE/w640-h618/81J4-heX96L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3RIB94S">https://amzn.to/3RIB94S</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3RIB94S">Leather strop belts</a> are also available for putting that super-clean final edge on. With a bit of practice and good belts, I can easily take a blade from stone dull to a quality level of sharpness in about 15 minutes. What's better, the way the guides are set up makes it almost impossible to screw up your blade while you're getting that practice.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's a whole lot of ways to sharpen a blade. If you have someone in your life who makes serious use of a knife, this will almost certainly become one of their favorites.</div><p></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Loki</span></i></p>Lokidudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621746696000747854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-5616406121506564622023-12-10T00:26:00.001-05:002023-12-11T13:23:05.666-05:00Prepper Presents: the Budget List<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEIRtaiCiXEF1vTMZjpUfC-9Q3aoCtXQahWNVeFOq-MQEx7oq5SQGpWvmpvw_pjAjs6fn1icGMhfOIvkmzzJwjuW_92FBny253e87nh8A4tH0TmsjGv3ZUHqModC_IGDTpSWMtYy4HWDQAI0t5OS_UKwh1SRm4X3kRHF1pijErgM60kNWOtmElIEAPlJk/s600/20140411-161558-CAH_9079-Edit23_dblackard_600px.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEIRtaiCiXEF1vTMZjpUfC-9Q3aoCtXQahWNVeFOq-MQEx7oq5SQGpWvmpvw_pjAjs6fn1icGMhfOIvkmzzJwjuW_92FBny253e87nh8A4tH0TmsjGv3ZUHqModC_IGDTpSWMtYy4HWDQAI0t5OS_UKwh1SRm4X3kRHF1pijErgM60kNWOtmElIEAPlJk/w160-h200/20140411-161558-CAH_9079-Edit23_dblackard_600px.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The dust has settled and the <a href="http://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20First%2072%20Hours">First 72 Hours</a> have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via</b></span></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b>Prudent Preppi<span style="font-family: inherit;">ng. </span></b></span></i></b></span></i></b></span></i><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
In the almost ten years(!) that I've been writing here, there have been so many items to be added to a Budget Gift List that I'm having a hard time narrowing down what to feature here. To make life easier for me I'm going to list what folks have told me are their favorites.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://amzn.to/46UQB26"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Streamlight Pocket Mate</span></b></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>I bought this as a test item, but when the box was opened the Purple Pack Lady said, "OHHH, I like that! Thank you Honey! You are so good to me, Honey!" which I have learned means "This is now mine, and don't even think of getting it back, okay?" when translated from wife-speak to man-speak.<br /><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmkb6AlHZw7SLehiUA0HpSghz3ZuYkEsoYecOhYghU-VaIcpYHChJXywSyhoyM8CjrA2wfW1-U680jVfUqYzQN1XaB9r0-ckRiwlmaLRiJhvnRMx0VxcEIOLoYa1X_Vtb79-64R8D77DMiw9UxlXH7oz5bM2dchRAGpEguIqNY899WRH7AyAiwhhTyUs/s1500/71IuHGtmbaL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1500" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmkb6AlHZw7SLehiUA0HpSghz3ZuYkEsoYecOhYghU-VaIcpYHChJXywSyhoyM8CjrA2wfW1-U680jVfUqYzQN1XaB9r0-ckRiwlmaLRiJhvnRMx0VxcEIOLoYa1X_Vtb79-64R8D77DMiw9UxlXH7oz5bM2dchRAGpEguIqNY899WRH7AyAiwhhTyUs/w640-h280/71IuHGtmbaL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46UQB26" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/46UQB26</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>From the Amazon page:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><i>No Standalone lithium batteries are sold with the product</i></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><i>Bright white LED with high and low mode: High: 325 lumens; 76m beam; runs 20 minutes Low: 45 lumens; 28m beam; runs 1 hour</i></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><i>Spring-loaded clip with carabiner shape hangs cleanly on key rings, zippers, lanyards, etc</i></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><i>Conveniently charges via USB power source, Lithium polymer battery charges in 4 hours</i></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><i>Multi-function push-button switch with charger indicator LED: Red = charging; Green = charged</i></span></span></li></ul>The light is very useful, puts out more than enough light to see where you are walking, and has what I really think is a fantastic feature: a color-change recharging and charged indicator.</span></span></div><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpceWuvcPnH0hjw2byxVX1B5jb2m-CgW1q6Y4sVupBmLUEsX3vhjc3uBAC6nJZBo78H_tBbOjzHiB7KHU7TV60z4fnQYVPSRYJzmmYaqx35Q4o1ovPiA50K6UvA1yZE_PwfKtA3HTwMKBWw-T12trko4BqGTaH5diaP7trWAmVZYyQ2VQOSXLHochY6I/s841/71JilhgjkgL._AC_SX679_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="679" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpceWuvcPnH0hjw2byxVX1B5jb2m-CgW1q6Y4sVupBmLUEsX3vhjc3uBAC6nJZBo78H_tBbOjzHiB7KHU7TV60z4fnQYVPSRYJzmmYaqx35Q4o1ovPiA50K6UvA1yZE_PwfKtA3HTwMKBWw-T12trko4BqGTaH5diaP7trWAmVZYyQ2VQOSXLHochY6I/w516-h640/71JilhgjkgL._AC_SX679_.jpg" width="516" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46UQB26" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/46UQB26</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3RgtwkH">Hatori LED Mini Flashlight</a><br /></b></span>I've mentioned these several different times as one of my favorite lights, not only for their size but also for the amount of light this tiny flashlight produces! One of these sits in each of my first aid kits, regardless if there are other lights around or not, so that I always know there will be a light handy.</span></span><div><br /><span><span><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXSp3DhJoEH15rN0RGmydC_JMCnUOacQwfDgcX8VaxlMesU-v6c03skHfu75Q8bcXI9PpF88jL9WDDes1vPjKZIM_ewFJbFVRSOBDt-y0ShE5rIHPETrWHxLIsgo6AxRlaE9jD-lwfU8fNbpGzbflmRwgh5vvpx3CpgigDy3TDSRfggOmQB0ZaZB5izc/s1500/51EbO9i9EpL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1500" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXSp3DhJoEH15rN0RGmydC_JMCnUOacQwfDgcX8VaxlMesU-v6c03skHfu75Q8bcXI9PpF88jL9WDDes1vPjKZIM_ewFJbFVRSOBDt-y0ShE5rIHPETrWHxLIsgo6AxRlaE9jD-lwfU8fNbpGzbflmRwgh5vvpx3CpgigDy3TDSRfggOmQB0ZaZB5izc/w640-h452/51EbO9i9EpL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3RgtwkH"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3RgtwkH</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table>
<br />From the Amazon page: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Ultra Bright: This mini penlight gives out max 150 lumens. Super bright in a dark or lit room and lasts quite two hours with moderate use(keep on) on just one alkaline battery(not included), sufficient to light your way and light small dark spaces.</i></li><li><i>Pocket Size: This flashlight is small and light enough to slip into a pocket, backpack or purse. Super Mini size is lightweight and small enough for EDC and fits in the palm of your hand. Only weighting about 30g.</i></li><li><i>Clip on Flashlight: With a clip, the pen light could also be used as cap light for your convenience. Easy to clip to your belt, remove it if you don't need it.</i></li><li><i>Skid-Proof Water-Resistant Design: Suitable for cycling, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. Our flashlight set is made of high quality 6061T aluminum alloy with no worried using in rain, snow or emergency situations.</i></li><li><i>Safe and Warranty Guarranteed: High-Efficiency and Great Output LED Chip with over charging protection, short circuit protection and reverse connected protection. All of Hatori Flashlights has 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE and NO HASSLE 90-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE.</i></li></ul></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Amazon link is to the four-pack of lights. If you're like me, there's always someone you know that can use a really good $5 flashlight!</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3NkUtm4">Nitecore MH11</a> <br /></span></b><span>This is definitely not what most would call a budget light, but it came so highly recommended that I need to include it. </span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLIYN4quq9-raZCMVM-f-dYKcaasP-aOd3FW0PMAogRxZgEo5suCtxX_ozDnRfoB91KSGVLVxwWYnAgqEYrsRlW7rKUKIMkzaJMuE6Ck5t9GNA-XhCK4V6lEUS1_ACgwEvvgM-0mtfbnT1ld_WYGs1NyApg4ptz-gXgNDe2wAVhKNxq8m1fMInvJLGmzS/s1500/71vE2RLLWsL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="627" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLIYN4quq9-raZCMVM-f-dYKcaasP-aOd3FW0PMAogRxZgEo5suCtxX_ozDnRfoB91KSGVLVxwWYnAgqEYrsRlW7rKUKIMkzaJMuE6Ck5t9GNA-XhCK4V6lEUS1_ACgwEvvgM-0mtfbnT1ld_WYGs1NyApg4ptz-gXgNDe2wAVhKNxq8m1fMInvJLGmzS/w640-h627/71vE2RLLWsL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3NirvmM"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3NirvmM</span></a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the Amazon page:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>COMPACT EDC FLASHLIGHT - Nitecore MH11 is capable of 1000 lumen beam that throws 207 yards in distance. Ideal for edc, at only 5 inch long and 4 oz weight including battery.</i></li><li><i>USB-C RECHARGEABLE - fast charged via the built-in USB-C port on the side of the flashlight. The power indicator tells you the battery status and reminds you to recharge.</i></li><li><i>EASY TO OPERATE - full-press the tail switch to turn the light on and off while half-pressing to cycle through 4 brightness levels. Even remembers the brightness set.</i></li><li><i>PREMIUM QUALITY - built with tough aero grade aluminum and given an HA III finish. Rated IP68 waterproof and 1m impact resistant, MH11 can take a beating in the toughest environment.</i></li><li><i>POWER BUNDLE: MH11 flashlight, NL1826 (pre-installed), NL1834 (backup), USB-C charging cable, holster, lanyard, clip, LumenTac organizer</i></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have an older, now-discontinued Nitecore flashlight and this is the closest replacement to it in size, lumens, and ease of charging. My original came with a combination AC and car charger for the included batteries, but since everything seems to have a USB-C port now I will continue to recommend this one!</span></div></span></div></span><br /><a href="https://amzn.to/3t3fb3d"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span>Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Clicker Pen</span><br /></span></b></a><span>Everyone needs to write a note sometimes, and when the times are strange, having a pen that will write through anything can be a lifesaver. Paired with Rite in the Rain Notebooks (which I will discuss in my next post), these are included in every bag I have, plus in the cars and bike saddle bag. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRi5ckP0wkaT2L7Dp3FpNZZDGaJPybTsaIuPivmFF9U9RxZJoo_1u-3TxsH52OZXF1csmnphL8USMaasiUpRhpOzr1jYq1W16upn3cCOZ7VytIQ3hpsX1tvs4rTcSajia1MEo379FmBI7UieP14nOhK_ODdB8hgS3aFqvD8AkaoTdr0qDxxG4X7qlIz4x/s1500/71AZUNjUybL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRi5ckP0wkaT2L7Dp3FpNZZDGaJPybTsaIuPivmFF9U9RxZJoo_1u-3TxsH52OZXF1csmnphL8USMaasiUpRhpOzr1jYq1W16upn3cCOZ7VytIQ3hpsX1tvs4rTcSajia1MEo379FmBI7UieP14nOhK_ODdB8hgS3aFqvD8AkaoTdr0qDxxG4X7qlIz4x/w533-h640/71AZUNjUybL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="533" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3t3fb3d"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3t3fb3d</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />From the Amazon page:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>WRITES THROUGH: The permanent ink writes through water, grease, and mud without clumping or smearing.</i></li><li><i>PRESSURIZED CARTRIDGE: All-Weather cartridge is manufactured in the USA by Fisher Pen Company. The pressurized ink writes in temperatures from -30F to 250F, under water (up to 35 ft), and any angle.</i></li><li><i>PROPRIETARY INK: The ink and delivery system used exclusively in Rite in the Rain Refills will write without skipping in extremely wet conditions far better than other comparable weatherproof pens.</i></li><li><i>INK DELIVERY: Tiny pockets in the pen's tip will deliver ink in the worst conditions without allowing water or air back into the Cartridge.</i></li><li><i>RITE IN THE RAIN NOTEBOOKS: The most ideal pen for Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Notebooks.</i></li></ul></div>I like the lighter-colored body, which (to me) makes this easier to see in low light or in the dark.<br /><br /><a href="https://amzn.to/3ReVjSD"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Sea to Summit Alpha Camping Cutlery Set<br /></span></b></a>Since I bring my own food to work many days, I carry a set of my own utensils with me because expecting the store-supplied plastic forks to actually do a good job is a bet I don't like to take.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80pzbz-YlbhZyYyqhdu7OspKmQoWgADhPFk8ilvJGUzhEjLmzpaHA2NYcgDOohl_gwTQvqS7vnjxvM1PZYCEVjQn_A6plDmFabUdnqvJB02K-zhByES7oNw4s0KJqLXfWrtBzFI_lb61uZ1nyRZY5kpRvHTiTbNrP5u4OMntpjx4UvoxzckJKvz0Rru6w/s1500/71roDNUowML._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80pzbz-YlbhZyYyqhdu7OspKmQoWgADhPFk8ilvJGUzhEjLmzpaHA2NYcgDOohl_gwTQvqS7vnjxvM1PZYCEVjQn_A6plDmFabUdnqvJB02K-zhByES7oNw4s0KJqLXfWrtBzFI_lb61uZ1nyRZY5kpRvHTiTbNrP5u4OMntpjx4UvoxzckJKvz0Rru6w/w386-h400/71roDNUowML._AC_SL1500_.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ReVjSD"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3ReVjSD</span></a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />From the Amazon page:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Durable aluminum cutlery set for camping, backpacking, boating or picnics</i></li><li><i>Set includes serrated knife, fork, spoon, and mini carabiner to keep set together</i></li><li><i>Hard-anodized aluminum with smooth matte finish is tough and lightweight for lifelong use</i></li><li><i>Each piece has a hexagonal hole (3mm, 4mm or 5mm) in the handle which can be used as a wrench for stove repair</i></li><li><i>Each utensil measures just over size inches, and set weighs 37g; hand wash (should not be washed in a dishwasher)</i></li></ul></div>The reason these shouldn't be washed in a dishwasher is because, per the manufacturer, "the cleanser used in dishwashers will damage the anodization."<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">These are just a few of the many things I could list, but for a starter set of cool additions, I'd be happy to get any of them!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">* * *</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Just a reminder: if you plan on buying anything through Amazon, please consider using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_lc?&tag=lurkinrhythm-20&camp=211493&creative=379973&linkCode=ez&adid=0AHD28MZ6PS5Z630MBX7&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fbluecollarprepping.blogspot.com%2F">our referral link</a>. When you do, a portion of the sale comes back here to help keep this site running!</b></div><div><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></div><div><div>If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, <i>Some Is Always Better Than None!</i></div><div><i><br /></i><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">NOTE: All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will be listed as such. Suck it Feds.</span></i></div></div></div></span></span></div>David Blackardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709211268492016596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-31689661620940016842023-12-06T17:49:00.001-05:002023-12-06T18:08:58.900-05:00Presents for Gun Lovers (and other strangers)<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA525LO0fjucSpFE88olg1xJSF4RbT5kwr3dQSnSr2a7jTp8zlICrN_lmPoaFgBuVszzK6o2qH48r1pCvExOUNyxmKXVVDf05a0WY53om6GIY0aV8QDgPXspJ3NO7u6ZQKJpPhkEwuu6K2njg7tgmWevZZ41_To66Qdc9g4in77HyGNwX47cv5jieqid8/s1024/000-Headshot.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA525LO0fjucSpFE88olg1xJSF4RbT5kwr3dQSnSr2a7jTp8zlICrN_lmPoaFgBuVszzK6o2qH48r1pCvExOUNyxmKXVVDf05a0WY53om6GIY0aV8QDgPXspJ3NO7u6ZQKJpPhkEwuu6K2njg7tgmWevZZ41_To66Qdc9g4in77HyGNwX47cv5jieqid8/w200-h200/000-Headshot.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">With the
winter gift giving holidays quickly approaching, I'd like to talk
to the friends, partners, and spouses of our gun-loving readers as i</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">t can
sometimes be challenging to find gifts for them if you don't speak our jargon or know firearms culture.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m not
going to discuss </span><a href="https://www.nssf.org/articles/giving-a-firearm-as-a-gift-some-reminders-from-nssf/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">gifting a firearm</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> here as that should probably be its own
post, mainly to explain some of the </span><a href="https://youtu.be/m59YNxXNgs0" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">legal issues</a>,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> both real and imagined, involved in buying a gun for someone else. Instead, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ll start
by dividing gun lover gifts into two main rough categories: firearm accessories
and firearm-adjacent items. Though these overlap somewhat, they can be generally
defined as follows:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Firearm accessories</b> are items that interact directly with a
gun, such as </span><a href="https://www.sgammo.com/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">ammunition</a>,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.midwayusa.com/magazines/br?cid=18830" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">magazines</a>,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.opticsplanet.com/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">optics</a>,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.brownells.com/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">gun parts</a>,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.brownells.com/gear/slings-sling-swivels/slings/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">slings</a>,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and holsters (both </span><a href="https://www.galcogunleather.com/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">leather</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span><a href="https://furycarrysolutions.com/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Kydex</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">).</span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4OXkh6O2Gh3qy8NWIWMgFx876G7r8Wmkth3Rj8daVRiyPk9eRsiexUuhEwC9oeGUNAKnZHaX_ZGzFBM_vN4Bfn5DD6FICqbOZ-9FoF-Bsi5ijJ5tTSkWdXxTOuo7SOiKpsnZSFEDzpEXVM1mGmtB6X-HR8I6Z7MY9yaNu5tESvRF6kGvDzkvPfNLWOk/s1758/131%20-%20Ammo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1314" data-original-width="1758" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4OXkh6O2Gh3qy8NWIWMgFx876G7r8Wmkth3Rj8daVRiyPk9eRsiexUuhEwC9oeGUNAKnZHaX_ZGzFBM_vN4Bfn5DD6FICqbOZ-9FoF-Bsi5ijJ5tTSkWdXxTOuo7SOiKpsnZSFEDzpEXVM1mGmtB6X-HR8I6Z7MY9yaNu5tESvRF6kGvDzkvPfNLWOk/w640-h478/131%20-%20Ammo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="https://www.sgammo.com/product/223-556mm-ammo/840-round-can-223-rem-55-grain-fmj-bt-ammo-pmc-ar15-stripper-clips-and-bandol">840 Round Can of .223 Rem 55 Grain FMJ-BT Ammo by PMC <br />on AR15 Stripper Clips and Bandoleers in Ammo Can at SGAmmo.com</a></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Firearm-adjacent items</b> are things that go with guns but at a different level than the accessories
previously mentioned. Examples are </span><a href="https://www.brownells.com/tools-cleaning/gun-cleaning/gun-cleaning-kits" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">cleaning kits</a>, <a href="https://www.brownells.com/tools-cleaning/general-gunsmith-tools/bench-mats" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">bench mats</a>, <a href="https://www.midwayusa.com/shooting-chronographs/br?cid=684" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">chronographs</a>, <a href="https://www.cabelas.com/l/shooting-accessories#f-thecategories=3074457345616967898%7CEye%20%26%20Ear%20Protection%7C1.0%7Ceye-ear-protection" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">eye and ear protection</a>,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span><a href="https://www.headstamppublishing.com/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">reference books</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span>This
category also includes decorative items, including but not limited to <a href="https://www.candrsenal.com/product-category/prints/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">posters</a>,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.candrsenal.com/product-category/apparel/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">clothing</a>, <span style="font-family: inherit;">and </span><a href="https://www.diecastdirect.com/category/Tin-Signs-Guns-Ammo" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">tin signs</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPoK4eLKJleyZIvW2UL1BuMwbDh2fFHcIj7fcXj9iyPxqu4OZ6AhF3VEIr3I0O8T3PjU_ZTxIrDIPGDxbLK1s3HtkS3wwn9qJMrcCku3yni1wtIlbjG5AtE0izq6ch6N_on2B92fKpVLxpouB65Pj74tnpMQI2sZU8PODDH1dMhuW_qs1AAXVmmiTaRc/s867/131%20-%20Sign.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="596" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPoK4eLKJleyZIvW2UL1BuMwbDh2fFHcIj7fcXj9iyPxqu4OZ6AhF3VEIr3I0O8T3PjU_ZTxIrDIPGDxbLK1s3HtkS3wwn9qJMrcCku3yni1wtIlbjG5AtE0izq6ch6N_on2B92fKpVLxpouB65Pj74tnpMQI2sZU8PODDH1dMhuW_qs1AAXVmmiTaRc/w440-h640/131%20-%20Sign.png" width="440" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.diecastdirect.com/product/1432/Tin-Signs-Guns-Ammo">Tin Sign - Remington - Right of Way</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Please note that not all of
these items will appeal to every gun lover. For example, the Cowboy Action
enthusiast may not appreciate a new Red Dot optic, just like the ardent two or three-gun competitor may not want a western-style leather cartridge belt.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Gift cards
</b>to a favorite website or local store, while less personal, are easily purchased and enable the gun
lover to purchase exactly what they want. </span>There's also the old trick of <b>leaving a catalog lying around</b> and noting which items your gun lover shows the most interest in. Something else to consider is that gun lovers don't only want gun-related gifts! I'm also a kitchen person, and some of my most treasured presents are for use in that room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another gun
lover gift idea is <b>a trip to a firearm museum</b>. I still remember with great
fondness the time my then-girlfriend surprised me with a trip to the
Remington Museum in Ilion NY, which sadly seems to be closed now.
Years later, My Wife(tm) and I made a visit to the </span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/spar/index.htm" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Springfield Armory National Historic Site</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> in Massachusetts. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are
many other museums around the world that either have a firearms exhibit, such as the
</span><a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Metropolitan Museum of Art</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> in New York City, or specialize in firearm history, like
the </span><a href="https://www.nramuseum.org/museums/national-firearms-museum.aspx" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">NRA Firearms Museum</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> in Fairfax VA or the </span><a href="https://centerofthewest.org/explore/firearms/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Cody Firearms Museum</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> at the
Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming.</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY_0QhmsSSTXoJWq5EEpVLJz6-h2QZVpxOOWNZ-P7_8y_NQgmvzfpNKmawH3KvnEas7qz6mEoWmbrQD6_lBvLRVOLTqFY-0uRFlWjKyLniwjR8V5rIAGW2RWy7LQFLhrX-IULcIMM9rOFUUnra0tyR36QteuC6favyCo2dthTrm-GfLkKRCbttKjm6Ak/s620/131%20-%20Cody%20Firearms%20Museum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="620" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY_0QhmsSSTXoJWq5EEpVLJz6-h2QZVpxOOWNZ-P7_8y_NQgmvzfpNKmawH3KvnEas7qz6mEoWmbrQD6_lBvLRVOLTqFY-0uRFlWjKyLniwjR8V5rIAGW2RWy7LQFLhrX-IULcIMM9rOFUUnra0tyR36QteuC6favyCo2dthTrm-GfLkKRCbttKjm6Ak/w640-h429/131%20-%20Cody%20Firearms%20Museum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://centerofthewest.org/our-museums/firearms/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Cody Firearms Museum</span></a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Since she
deals with her gun lover on a daily basis, I asked My Wife(tm) for her thoughts.
She suggested <b>a date at the range</b>, and asking the gun lover to come up with a
list of items to choose from. She went on to tell me that if they say "You
should know" or something similar, the relationship is probably doomed.
Then she laughed. I'm not sure if she was joking or not, but thankfully I've never
done this.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally,
there's <b>the gift made by hand with love</b>. Whether gun related or not, nothing
can top this category. Many years ago, My Wife(tm) made me a selection of fabric
pouches for taking my handguns to the range or classes, and I use them to this day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy
holidays, and here's to good memories.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The post was originally released as part of <a href="https://www.assortedcalibers.com/2023/11/27/assorted-calibers-podcast-ep-276-ghouls-in-legacy-media/" target="_blank">Episode 276 of the Assorted Calibers Podcast</a>. As one of the "Gun Guys" of Blue Collar Prepping, I thought it would be useful to our readers here as well.</span></i></div></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595922798130070613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-17200869511549343362023-11-30T16:35:00.002-05:002023-11-30T16:35:56.222-05:00Prepper Christmas: Stocking Stuffers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsq_x8kbPnm7i6kPkaURgovasH_f9V1y4kSTzeKR8Ga_y1VAuAsGE6Z8wkRMHkgc0szjPSQBioQ0djHqRa_FZLCUV0Mru6vMlBtdDoX3MWUTKZIcjmi5eepVce0BvYUMTsvfYDPTQ1badHrflhdiBLnHFW2bhFCrUt9zJl2vqqPbMtBJ4ZurUaQyBYWw8/s200/LokiScout.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsq_x8kbPnm7i6kPkaURgovasH_f9V1y4kSTzeKR8Ga_y1VAuAsGE6Z8wkRMHkgc0szjPSQBioQ0djHqRa_FZLCUV0Mru6vMlBtdDoX3MWUTKZIcjmi5eepVce0BvYUMTsvfYDPTQ1badHrflhdiBLnHFW2bhFCrUt9zJl2vqqPbMtBJ4ZurUaQyBYWw8/s1600/LokiScout.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p>It's coming up on Christmas at Blue Collar Prepping, and the staff got to talking about what to get that hard to shop for prepper in your life. Since I love gadgets and getting new toys, I wanted to do my gifting suggestions in two parts: stocking stuffers and larger gifts. The things I recommend are things I personally have experience with, and would happily buy for folks in my life.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Flashlight</b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxT0GORsaPPJeGe1N8Gkvcv0_rJYONmKgS07n6oOXTyY5BoRxNDCDGkf1razqrI-5ufr2ZhnK3M2-a40PFDY_dke-ROFya1td_s1BnpJ5lIS48lDawpTj2cAu_QwyWxyynbSA50cyrdiqwWKDojsi496PkqBQp6gNwBKnI4qgfYpXdA8GaxOGiuPFUJw/s1447/61oMD8XWpdL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1447" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxT0GORsaPPJeGe1N8Gkvcv0_rJYONmKgS07n6oOXTyY5BoRxNDCDGkf1razqrI-5ufr2ZhnK3M2-a40PFDY_dke-ROFya1td_s1BnpJ5lIS48lDawpTj2cAu_QwyWxyynbSA50cyrdiqwWKDojsi496PkqBQp6gNwBKnI4qgfYpXdA8GaxOGiuPFUJw/w640-h421/61oMD8XWpdL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3RmkUdv">Streamlight Microstream</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>As much as I joke about electricians being good in the dark, I don't actually have natural night vision. I've gone through countless flashlights over the years, and the little <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3RmkUdv">Streamlight Microstream</a></b> is one of my all-time favorites.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It's slightly smaller than two AA batteries end-to-end, meaning it fits wonderfully in my jeans pocket. </li><li>A single click on the tailcap switch gives a 50 lumen beam that is bright enough for about 90% of the situations I find myself in, with a runtime in excess of 3 hours. </li><li>Double-clicking the switch bumps it up to 250 lumens, which is incredibly bright for a light of this size. In high-power mode, the battery lasts about 1.5 hours. </li></ul>It's not the cheapest light out there, but it's tough and reliable. Mine gets pulled out of my pocket several times a day, and it shows minimal wear after over a year of daily carry.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Pocket Knife</span></b></div><div>I'm specifically talking about what's commonly called a Swiss Army knife, and I have a couple favorites here. </div><div><br /></div><div>Personally, I carry a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Armbar-Multi-Tool-Screwdriver-31-003566/dp/B084D4Y6GV/ref=sr_1_2?crid=USH7MKDBYKIX&keywords=gerber+armbar&qid=1700619877&sprefix=gerber+arm%2Caps%2C653&sr=8-2">Gerber Armbar Drive,</a> and have for a couple years. Depending on your tool needs, the <a href="https://amzn.to/3GusEUt">Scout</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3GoajIP">Trade</a> versions are also excellent options. It's rare for a pocket knife like this to have a locking blade, but the Armbar series use a solid liner lock with a stout sheepsfoot blade.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72CcwTcPGMQpYl32tudwfuGX3cNuOAtqfRG7PO4kx0n_i6DGHbpJdrdxu3luvzNGCSPbU0qSziGAgFbBsZFQk89Eko2QAk5svX1dUJCuUiKu15F57jGau_Ep8SfClXYcDSJI19eJWL2oV8GP0ztW0w3jnXmTLOCSgi-Ly8AcxOvOQZ8cN6n-3QvX629Q/s1304/51q84dPLWUL._AC_SL1360_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="1304" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72CcwTcPGMQpYl32tudwfuGX3cNuOAtqfRG7PO4kx0n_i6DGHbpJdrdxu3luvzNGCSPbU0qSziGAgFbBsZFQk89Eko2QAk5svX1dUJCuUiKu15F57jGau_Ep8SfClXYcDSJI19eJWL2oV8GP0ztW0w3jnXmTLOCSgi-Ly8AcxOvOQZ8cN6n-3QvX629Q/w640-h254/51q84dPLWUL._AC_SL1360_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3uFHcyh">Gerber Armbar Drive</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>However, the classic that comes to mind when folks say "Swiss Army Knife" is the <a href="https://amzn.to/3R4FxcL"><b>Victorinox Tinker</b></a>. While the traditional scale color is red, these are available in a variety of other colors as well. My personal tastes lean towards the <a href="https://amzn.to/46LXbrW"><b>Evolution</b></a>, with sculpted scales for a svelte look and a bit more comfort and control in use. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSB2sxDRqR2Uju-88740-oTI3vTe4w6dkva0Lj1YNZm9IotOsju4mrlV6vu2idRhhIqWttVzLgrFlHabHJrHqlGdlYhX2o_q0zRJG_HcJ4iydFFzgmibp5jdiFEVU4De6bRPc-EurAi_Ao_0eL1buCU3qQgDdWuZxJ3P5pZ2WY4Mt8Km8l7bW_jpFb-8/s1078/61FV9BKvF+L._AC_SL1200_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1032" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSB2sxDRqR2Uju-88740-oTI3vTe4w6dkva0Lj1YNZm9IotOsju4mrlV6vu2idRhhIqWttVzLgrFlHabHJrHqlGdlYhX2o_q0zRJG_HcJ4iydFFzgmibp5jdiFEVU4De6bRPc-EurAi_Ao_0eL1buCU3qQgDdWuZxJ3P5pZ2WY4Mt8Km8l7bW_jpFb-8/w612-h640/61FV9BKvF+L._AC_SL1200_.jpg" width="612" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/46LXbrW"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Victorinox Evolution</span></a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Either of these knives are available with an increasing number of tools. These added tools come with a sharp increase in both cost and size, making them more cumbersome to both carry and use, so I tend to lean towards the more basic models.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're having trouble deciding, Victorinox knives have a wider range of tools in roughly the same total size, but the Gerber has a far superior cutting blade. If your intended recipient does a lot of cutting, then the Gerber is a better option. I reviewed my Armbar Drive a while back, and you can read that review <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-gerber-armbar-drive.html">here</a>.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Lensatic Compass</span></b></div><div><div>While any compass can point you towards magnetic north, a lensatic compass is far more functional for actual navigation. This metal-case unit from <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-552-P-Metal-Lensatic-Compass/dp/B000MESAIS/ref=sr_1_46?keywords=lensatic+compass&qid=1700624640&sr=8-46">Stansport</a> </b>is actually an upgrade from the plastic-cased model I've been carrying for almost 20 years.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfu6syG_Wr_hniEksJrWjMo-uK1TXvzeUIuw1WAbgI472H5mIrNiA98M5DA_NbEIQhEPbjtNLqo1atQP-9iCRelSQtNGZtw8wfXJFCAVU1YeeI2MUpU7Vvm3hKM5VKpuK50YYQQzJDK67YmI3L1GDAvtLaumxUCKbE7rViJ3ODHy5ehUu2GitCXu8_sKU/s1500/71eAR9F7v4S._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="1500" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfu6syG_Wr_hniEksJrWjMo-uK1TXvzeUIuw1WAbgI472H5mIrNiA98M5DA_NbEIQhEPbjtNLqo1atQP-9iCRelSQtNGZtw8wfXJFCAVU1YeeI2MUpU7Vvm3hKM5VKpuK50YYQQzJDK67YmI3L1GDAvtLaumxUCKbE7rViJ3ODHy5ehUu2GitCXu8_sKU/w640-h552/71eAR9F7v4S._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3Go6jrP"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Stansport Lensatic Compass</span></a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Hand Warmers</span></b></div><div>I happen to live where it gets cold, and I don't always have the luxury of working in places with functioning heat. If that describes someone in your life, a set of <a href="https://amzn.to/3T69JXN">electric hand warmers</a> can be an absolute game changer. I keep mine in my hoodie pocket, and they make it so pleasant when I stick my hands inside.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZrWGr7hiCMazDcg7n2i99sNVZaHnH3XyhupE2CVxQ34mA3E8xLTXbSBUwwA7-hLza7LgHMv2FBtviFeMLE7y0iMPV4E9gO6N1_buEqZEY0pHBLRuwgyx7j8um9YIr8bTJWvSdrLKt9NAj6qkcwzyoeYlw1rgZ007bQ_rLMrQGbccuwlOACbgIiyYdUY/s1500/71QpZ74pmtL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1496" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZrWGr7hiCMazDcg7n2i99sNVZaHnH3XyhupE2CVxQ34mA3E8xLTXbSBUwwA7-hLza7LgHMv2FBtviFeMLE7y0iMPV4E9gO6N1_buEqZEY0pHBLRuwgyx7j8um9YIr8bTJWvSdrLKt9NAj6qkcwzyoeYlw1rgZ007bQ_rLMrQGbccuwlOACbgIiyYdUY/w638-h640/71QpZ74pmtL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3T69JXN"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Rechargeable Hand Warmers<br /></span></a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Hopefully I've given you some useful ideas for stocking stuffers for the prepper in your life. Next time, I'll share one of my favorite ideas for an under-the-tree (or Festivus Pole) gift.</div><div><b></b></div><div><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lokidude</span></i></p></div>Lokidudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16621746696000747854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-65504439246674509932023-11-28T22:51:00.007-05:002023-11-30T16:35:41.403-05:00A Prepper's Hanukkah<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKSAqxs1KZjz5p61aFgI7DGJJ-_gRQOonrf3K-vzmAp1qHSOKvmuojCUewpIGmAB4LImw3xWUyzeMuTxpDY5s02_otile63vkgnYT-nIdTP0jCHk55_YtnPegX9Q3GkvvSEDB47E1jlzr8lrD1UlTJE6CAFoFi4bhPLTYDrIKM4YqaFuoqTukq1_lEZU/s1024/000-Headshot.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKSAqxs1KZjz5p61aFgI7DGJJ-_gRQOonrf3K-vzmAp1qHSOKvmuojCUewpIGmAB4LImw3xWUyzeMuTxpDY5s02_otile63vkgnYT-nIdTP0jCHk55_YtnPegX9Q3GkvvSEDB47E1jlzr8lrD1UlTJE6CAFoFi4bhPLTYDrIKM4YqaFuoqTukq1_lEZU/w200-h200/000-Headshot.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, fellow Preppers. Hopefully all of you had a
pleasant and filling Thanksgiving, Ours was very nice, and our
refrigerator is full of leftovers we will consume over the next week or so,
including at least one batch of <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2021/12/preppers-pantry-soups-and-stews.html" target="_blank">Turkey Soup</a>.</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now we are about to enter the December gift giving holidays.
Since this time can cause some amount of stress, I've decided to put together
some gift lists to help make shopping easier. So for your consideration,
here's a list of eight item categories (with examples) for yourself or the
prepper in your life.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>LED Keychain Flashlight</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Being Jewish, I celebrate Hanukkah, which is also called the
Holiday of Lights. Therefore, it seemed appropriate to start my list with a flashlight.</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WzID3XHoIujVlORXBsA7eBlY4OW1rpXkfMTcY7ikAdcLBgse7Yqro94UW1n0niLBuT4zij0ekrAPehV-WxUEqZi8oFEwYwVhNIFM4D9NOb4-xKnZJFs-yaJgplVgniIezetyTJOhV8RPcoWDy6ILDqhcXAWzCMsk-iQxfrdp4b7HuSW0GXm6k7Ilt3Q/s662/130%20-%20Aurora%20A1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="522" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WzID3XHoIujVlORXBsA7eBlY4OW1rpXkfMTcY7ikAdcLBgse7Yqro94UW1n0niLBuT4zij0ekrAPehV-WxUEqZi8oFEwYwVhNIFM4D9NOb4-xKnZJFs-yaJgplVgniIezetyTJOhV8RPcoWDy6ILDqhcXAWzCMsk-iQxfrdp4b7HuSW0GXm6k7Ilt3Q/w315-h400/130%20-%20Aurora%20A1.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3RgyUFH"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Aurora A1</span></a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Only slightly larger than a AA battery, the Aurora A1 packs
a lot of light in a small, inexpensive package. It's rechargeable through a
USB-C power port (USB cable not included), and the listing claims it can reach
full charge in as little as 60 minutes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Aurora A1 has five light settings: Moonlight, Low, Medium, High, and Strobe, as well as a lockout mode to prevent unintentional activation.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't tell My Wife, but she's getting one of these for her
purse light this year.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Emergency Keychain Car Escape Tool</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This time of year is also frequently one of travelling,
whether to the mall for shopping or out of town to visit family, and a constant
risk when on the road is some form of motor vehicle accident. While the
likelihood is generally low, and the chance of getting trapped in a vehicle is
even smaller, this inexpensive tool makes for an excellent insurance policy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbObjANBF-7jtXkePVJldtGBFuwpJs2ZrT6MlUVQDC6hqbKSaxUjT4n87fONb5Op4iGvHXWiEa3uRWcfA8xVZkWs9zes9Goxp_XkuHljhN-mh18SM2Rcr5WPW9vLQwbQaUswWPNV8-XPggQnIuiqc0iDou5GJyn-hOETC0amiPmBpYLTXlc1xBeE_EPo/s679/130%20-%20Emergency%20Keychain%20Car%20Escape%20Tool.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="679" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbObjANBF-7jtXkePVJldtGBFuwpJs2ZrT6MlUVQDC6hqbKSaxUjT4n87fONb5Op4iGvHXWiEa3uRWcfA8xVZkWs9zes9Goxp_XkuHljhN-mh18SM2Rcr5WPW9vLQwbQaUswWPNV8-XPggQnIuiqc0iDou5GJyn-hOETC0amiPmBpYLTXlc1xBeE_EPo/w400-h223/130%20-%20Emergency%20Keychain%20Car%20Escape%20Tool.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47vTCag"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">ResQMe Keychain Car Escape Tool</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Combining the ability to both cut a jammed seatbelt and
break an inoperative car window in a small and convenient package, every
vehicle should have at least one of these devices accessible to the passengers
and driver.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Knives</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of cutting, a good knife is a treasure. We've all
sung the praises of Morakniv and their budget friendly offerings; I keep one in
my car kit. </span></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedlnNAkIF3zrAEC-8ZPUgkPOzkYuuYOiHuOpR4hWXgO982Orta4WAauKxBShTkxWcijGb4j8jw_CuC3H41HsPrXo4Ui_c7wpfiwsQqtdsFj5_4PqqalPUozXZUkYpp50EVKROLyeFxhXE-rFdHB6rjXkXkbuVTpNRRmmow4j2EQ4wAQ7dhYOV3YIQdgk/s1500/130%20-%20Morakniv.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1500" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedlnNAkIF3zrAEC-8ZPUgkPOzkYuuYOiHuOpR4hWXgO982Orta4WAauKxBShTkxWcijGb4j8jw_CuC3H41HsPrXo4Ui_c7wpfiwsQqtdsFj5_4PqqalPUozXZUkYpp50EVKROLyeFxhXE-rFdHB6rjXkXkbuVTpNRRmmow4j2EQ4wAQ7dhYOV3YIQdgk/w640-h334/130%20-%20Morakniv.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47W4Vsm"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Morakniv 511</span></i><br /></a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>For something a bit nicer, the Ontario Knife Company Rat-3 comes highly recommended and still doesn't break the bank.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZzcnplEj-kqnWcyRhNdKNXK23i5qOoSKIlolW2TUuxasSFiyPfjYzQzRL8-QvNPb_6IKiO-zyRFwpSmpHCrjt3RsucM1kyNIjS7NdeI7-KdFwjLhwQaWoVNEm3XGcM0fPxcDCbc9_u1TAx5fjlYtthC-dCIjotl1M1cbho2eOyYfPStmxGJdUi-_vZg/s1180/130%20-%20Ontario%20Knife%20Company%20Rat-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="1180" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZzcnplEj-kqnWcyRhNdKNXK23i5qOoSKIlolW2TUuxasSFiyPfjYzQzRL8-QvNPb_6IKiO-zyRFwpSmpHCrjt3RsucM1kyNIjS7NdeI7-KdFwjLhwQaWoVNEm3XGcM0fPxcDCbc9_u1TAx5fjlYtthC-dCIjotl1M1cbho2eOyYfPStmxGJdUi-_vZg/w640-h114/130%20-%20Ontario%20Knife%20Company%20Rat-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47Tvi1N"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ontario Knife Company Rat-3</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Self Adhesive Bandages</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyone who's dealt with long term storage has probably had
the experience of finding some item which was supposed to have a sticky side end up being not so sticky. This happened to me recently when I tried to put up a new </span><a href="https://www.command.com/3M/en_US/command/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Command Hook</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and the adhesive on the tape strips had de-volatized, but t</span>hat's a minor inconvenience compared to bandage tape that won't stick. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qUVvu5V5oSDfoM7v6Q1H68DVz3gQvoKFTUwmOAgE-th_a5ZqJ9xqQWYD-7Y_mga3PQGaz7UNKcXx_hGP40HqvYerwlJblY3LyaapbRhB1Q3d8oMTDyrmma_PafURRen4V3lIVWYj-XKlWtb2NkOjIN1taDJlOrWgkYJI76SmbM_erDdyW5Bn7UlXtd0/s1500/130%20-%20Self%20Adhesive%20Bandages.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1318" data-original-width="1500" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qUVvu5V5oSDfoM7v6Q1H68DVz3gQvoKFTUwmOAgE-th_a5ZqJ9xqQWYD-7Y_mga3PQGaz7UNKcXx_hGP40HqvYerwlJblY3LyaapbRhB1Q3d8oMTDyrmma_PafURRen4V3lIVWYj-XKlWtb2NkOjIN1taDJlOrWgkYJI76SmbM_erDdyW5Bn7UlXtd0/w640-h562/130%20-%20Self%20Adhesive%20Bandages.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3QSvho4"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Self Adhesive Bandages</span></a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">I keep a roll of these Self Adhesive Bandages in various places. As added bonuses, they neither pull hair out nor leave sticky residue when removed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Back to Basics</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No gift list would be complete without at least one book.
With over 4,000 reviews and an average 4.7 star rating, </span><i style="font-family: inherit; mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> is high on
my wish list.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSG6pkPqoaq7J20j-P5ARl7cxa8Hv-_jpzxpgJRsy3Vu9iMIDqP5LMS2oEXjibO8L5fyQGklkUn6inZzoaktmb0fxiNsmQic5eePwF-fL4RQwUDHqqvk1DgfxIors30hq0wutOOYIcLzYjKRKWhdG5PgYdD_CqvfZIt73aMImTL-LavnKA3zAq7XNhr8/s1500/130%20-%20Back%20to%20Basics.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1167" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSG6pkPqoaq7J20j-P5ARl7cxa8Hv-_jpzxpgJRsy3Vu9iMIDqP5LMS2oEXjibO8L5fyQGklkUn6inZzoaktmb0fxiNsmQic5eePwF-fL4RQwUDHqqvk1DgfxIors30hq0wutOOYIcLzYjKRKWhdG5PgYdD_CqvfZIt73aMImTL-LavnKA3zAq7XNhr8/w498-h640/130%20-%20Back%20to%20Basics.jpg" width="498" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3SXjtna"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Back to Basics</span></a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With chapters on everything from buying land, to building a house, to planting and harvesting, this book covers a lot of ground.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Ties that Bind</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">This isn't a Father's Day post, so I'm not going to recommend
any actual ties, but rather items that can be used to secure other things.
Traditional rope has its place, but tends to be bulky. These two offerings are quite
strong (1,100 and 2,200 pound test respectively), and being flat, a larger
quantity can fit in a smaller space.</span></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0C0wDBNPoDEBMZzLHpadw6MuIv4WlLQVTlF5baRiAByMJqEumdzzWFzPrJazkDpL19i2VJIzYqWFt6-08pfJraaR0a4a_-dXU7i9XN-6pb6SY07mrwstRKuSRvHS3O83ADnieUKd9fQAhLzv8aWgtDVIMkU_W472FHks9QyPpYhYgkrkxw25QEQueWiQ/s679/130%20-%20Rapid%20Rope%20Canister.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="679" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0C0wDBNPoDEBMZzLHpadw6MuIv4WlLQVTlF5baRiAByMJqEumdzzWFzPrJazkDpL19i2VJIzYqWFt6-08pfJraaR0a4a_-dXU7i9XN-6pb6SY07mrwstRKuSRvHS3O83ADnieUKd9fQAhLzv8aWgtDVIMkU_W472FHks9QyPpYhYgkrkxw25QEQueWiQ/w640-h640/130%20-%20Rapid%20Rope%20Canister.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/49YysmJ"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Rapid Rope</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiivlNGOrIf0qLJtT7J0m5LNLAwESpeLIfQdZzy6hzKRawuOre57l0cKPtZOaRo_zVDsCdxex16rimO75z0Oh4-uzQYPYRwK4AI2j9uShbBBKpwQltByt1GpJFII-PqCfJh5cj2_6DnHrx88XI7_qmGAb9KH5kpmQhCfNZUVs-1K6F49fJEn2kxAngYlI/s1285/130%20-%20Redback%20Strap.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1122" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiivlNGOrIf0qLJtT7J0m5LNLAwESpeLIfQdZzy6hzKRawuOre57l0cKPtZOaRo_zVDsCdxex16rimO75z0Oh4-uzQYPYRwK4AI2j9uShbBBKpwQltByt1GpJFII-PqCfJh5cj2_6DnHrx88XI7_qmGAb9KH5kpmQhCfNZUVs-1K6F49fJEn2kxAngYlI/w558-h640/130%20-%20Redback%20Strap.jpg" width="558" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47WbbjQ"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Redback Strap</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>I'm A Frayed Knot</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If I'm going to talk about tying things, then the next
logical gift will be knot references. While there are an almost infinite
variety of knots, most people need fewer than a dozen. These two references each
include instructions on over a score of knots.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdYDitpjQ_q_FvHM0i0aafprMqC3AfWSURNia9BAIP4RHpGCHHu9WgG7rNrGdurbVxWRojscSKQv4YeMtS5whS3gdSEe0VT1sNnEwb4Welp6PR9HwTfEcccr5ZQOkIsSwZdv4HLYGPSuYfpwlRh9Mbpf05SrtLazF0K6OhVwQmdKjR6g3bPv-9IVVa4I/s1500/130%20-%20Pro-Knot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdYDitpjQ_q_FvHM0i0aafprMqC3AfWSURNia9BAIP4RHpGCHHu9WgG7rNrGdurbVxWRojscSKQv4YeMtS5whS3gdSEe0VT1sNnEwb4Welp6PR9HwTfEcccr5ZQOkIsSwZdv4HLYGPSuYfpwlRh9Mbpf05SrtLazF0K6OhVwQmdKjR6g3bPv-9IVVa4I/w640-h640/130%20-%20Pro-Knot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47wHDt9"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Knot Tying Kit</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Knot Tying Kit includes a portable plastic card with diagrams, as well as two lengths of rope, and a couple of carabiners for both practice and to clip the cards to a piece of equipment. As mentioned in my </span><a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2021/04/pocket-survival-kit.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Pocket Survival</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> post, I keep one of these in my jacket pocket. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5k4BwOA9b4_yAlwqzabAncEnP3MP5CPM1SKPFELyN6yI-3zAlrQxrYJMQ46mcbivAqOipdZ7tLN_vH2uxGwwawg3p2gHa16Is3VDNzeweMI73KdxTtU8zTAMu5FqLu8In0BivZ76SJRTMhgi3kQzUjhRey-CG9YLP3UAKt3jRu8guiiy__kByH0NnVNI/s1500/130%20-%20Useful%20Knots.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5k4BwOA9b4_yAlwqzabAncEnP3MP5CPM1SKPFELyN6yI-3zAlrQxrYJMQ46mcbivAqOipdZ7tLN_vH2uxGwwawg3p2gHa16Is3VDNzeweMI73KdxTtU8zTAMu5FqLu8In0BivZ76SJRTMhgi3kQzUjhRey-CG9YLP3UAKt3jRu8guiiy__kByH0NnVNI/w426-h640/130%20-%20Useful%20Knots.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3TkyNdV">Useful Knots Book</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Useful Knots Book contains information of tying and using a number of knots and includes information on terminology and rope care as well.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Walk the Line</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Socks are a traditional Hanukkah present, but I couldn't
bring myself to do that to our readers. Instead, I can wholeheartedly recommend
these insoles. They were suggested to me by a podiatrist and make a world of
difference when I have to spend a day on my feet standing on concrete floors. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGW_vfzCh-ksE5TasygI-sjxTGCiROemqUvhNKLk8xJVmyjHebZW7MFIKLPTFJ2AloJ1Y90vF-UdQFhSqDa5Ax9T_5lI6TtVyO-b9wVByf-S7Z9lSuAs1_r6HDyIkusI5qNpo2he43vadlAMAMrGifySJ7wxd4Y-Zn5fYm_pAU32kLYQ9CENRcWd6m9w/s625/130%20-%20Insoles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGW_vfzCh-ksE5TasygI-sjxTGCiROemqUvhNKLk8xJVmyjHebZW7MFIKLPTFJ2AloJ1Y90vF-UdQFhSqDa5Ax9T_5lI6TtVyO-b9wVByf-S7Z9lSuAs1_r6HDyIkusI5qNpo2he43vadlAMAMrGifySJ7wxd4Y-Zn5fYm_pAU32kLYQ9CENRcWd6m9w/w546-h640/130%20-%20Insoles.jpg" width="546" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/413ARsy">PowerStep Insoles</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">One important detail to remember is that insoles should be changed out every three to six months.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So there you have it: eight gift ideas for preppers for the eight days of Hannukah. May you h</span>ave a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season, and I hope you get gifts you enjoy!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595922798130070613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-86982520671630773122023-11-21T17:00:00.002-05:002023-11-21T22:04:56.791-05:00Prepper's Pantry: Thanksgiving<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ofv0UDUwLo32el7O3z2DDybsgwr7EdElpryUdw4Fv5rA6om0vMaYiUCGGyrT2lLU2wX-E4EbqRp3okg1w7V6m1riT-qfuiIVFjSfK1TJi46CBdlN9WffRe22lXaOEYsvqNgX3IwQ30H7O-rdS8e0qqUQOqaw9kgkhJ8wIZp9yW7E_Lgg1zWcR4vLiI4/s1024/000-Headshot.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ofv0UDUwLo32el7O3z2DDybsgwr7EdElpryUdw4Fv5rA6om0vMaYiUCGGyrT2lLU2wX-E4EbqRp3okg1w7V6m1riT-qfuiIVFjSfK1TJi46CBdlN9WffRe22lXaOEYsvqNgX3IwQ30H7O-rdS8e0qqUQOqaw9kgkhJ8wIZp9yW7E_Lgg1zWcR4vLiI4/w200-h200/000-Headshot.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>For our American readers, this Thursday is Thanksgiving and I hope that we all have much for which to be thankful. At our house, among the usual blessings of
power, clean water, and plenty of food, the nearby wildfire has been
extinguished... <i>again</i>. Yes, after it was put out the first time, it reignited. With
that worry gone for now, we can focus on Thanksgiving Dinner Prep.<div><br /></div><div>A major part of the Thanksgiving tradition is lots of
food. While many families have their own favorite items, there are certain
standards that are more common. The following is a by no means exhaustive list of some of
the items that can be found on the Thanksgiving dinner table.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Main Dishes</b></span></div><div><b>Turkey </b>is the traditional cornerstone dish for Thanksgiving.
When choosing size, a good estimation is approximately half a pound per person
as a minimum, depending on how much you like leftovers. Butterball has a nifty
<a href="https://www.butterball.com/calculators-conversions" target="_blank">turkey and stuffing calculator</a> on their website.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUn179VpPAXtY2ZU1cGynXy01DITdgU2rIXqHvumPLdh43UpsHnkSoqQmwGEFUPWmxkqUxzHUsF7_vulvl9ieWGamIXAva8_K4DZ590ZRuAglzCMtFfROF62aBBaWfqOBijgONnrpL0QaMBaMXbVsNbk_UmDEQo4-CMr5wYZXwaJBWTiKx-zN-uUGMdM/s500/129%20-%20Turkey%20Thaw%2001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUn179VpPAXtY2ZU1cGynXy01DITdgU2rIXqHvumPLdh43UpsHnkSoqQmwGEFUPWmxkqUxzHUsF7_vulvl9ieWGamIXAva8_K4DZ590ZRuAglzCMtFfROF62aBBaWfqOBijgONnrpL0QaMBaMXbVsNbk_UmDEQo4-CMr5wYZXwaJBWTiKx-zN-uUGMdM/s16000/129%20-%20Turkey%20Thaw%2001.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2016/11/18/how-safely-thaw-turkey">Thawing options from the USDA</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Since turkey is generally sold frozen, it's recommended to start thawing the turkey a day or more ahead of time. While the USDA suggests <a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2016/11/18/how-safely-thaw-turkey">three ways</a> (refrigerator, cold water, and microwave), other sources only list the first two. The amount of time required for thawing will depend on the method used and the size of the turkey.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsH_r4Oh2Xp9Gfa_qT_XDhzOShm0uzUcZaW538P6wK0wEFB2MY2itX8Q7nFlm1N67tQ7B_XZN0RX3id-lPUmek0sS7X9D6rCjGoKhgEH6cA0eicKn8AThMt85BRfMOygy8nel3UiTjlYS-Katdr30JHOUOO9ic7m8lEAedLhXGuqNItQBAJXoeJ_CuJeg/w579-h386/Turkey-Thawing-Times-The-Spruce-59f8d15e6f53ba00110ab058.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="579" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-not-to-thaw-a-frozen-turkey-996023" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thawing Times</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When cooking a turkey, a good rule of thumb is <b>13 minutes per pound at 350° F for unstuffed</b> (about 3 hours for a 12 to 14 pound turkey), <b>or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey</b>. We layer bacon across the top of ours, because bacon makes everything better.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8otgF6O5bLMl8byDxBuOosHZOYBMjfXYmjI3p-Gqi_wJ_wv77HUCFRAEEQiijz2nIvDAZNdUBvtEn_QmWgLD8e6xo4neIfpxx-S0VBdBr205NZskbwDC_kbz7Bd0qPXzGID-WKezpfJGLQHERDFf4b9_UTcviQdMbLFE3wlrD7ePd0fO9mdbB_NHsmd4/s1024/129%20-%20Turkey%2001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8otgF6O5bLMl8byDxBuOosHZOYBMjfXYmjI3p-Gqi_wJ_wv77HUCFRAEEQiijz2nIvDAZNdUBvtEn_QmWgLD8e6xo4neIfpxx-S0VBdBr205NZskbwDC_kbz7Bd0qPXzGID-WKezpfJGLQHERDFf4b9_UTcviQdMbLFE3wlrD7ePd0fO9mdbB_NHsmd4/w640-h480/129%20-%20Turkey%2001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Turkey ready to go into the oven</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Ham </b>is another traditional Thanksgiving food and can be
prepared many ways. Pre-cooked spiral cut hams seem to be the most common these
days, and they need only to be heated before serving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Beef Brisket</b> is a perennial favorite at any time, and has
become more popular at Thanksgiving in recent years. There are a near infinite
number of ways to prepare this dish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sides</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As regular readers know, I like to bake. For Thanksgiving, I
usually make one of my favorites, potato rolls are one of my favorites. This is the recipe I
use.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Potato Rolls</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></i></div></div></div><div><div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 cup lukewarm potato water*</li><li>1 large egg</li><li>2 teaspoons instant yeast</li><li>3 to 3 1/4 cups all-purpose Flour</li><li>1 1/4 teaspoons salt</li><li>3 tablespoons sugar</li><li>1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, very soft</li><li>1/4 cup nonfat dry milk</li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;">*Water in which you've boiled potatoes. If you don't have
potato water, use a scant cup water plus 1/4 cup dried potato flakes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Directions</b></span></i></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Whisk together the yeast, egg and potato water.</li><li>Whisk together the remaining dry ingredients, stirring
everything together as best you can. Add the soft butter.</li><li>Mix and knead everything together until you've made a smooth
dough. If you're kneading in a stand mixer, it should take 5 to 7 minutes at
second speed, and the dough should barely clean the sides of the bowl, perhaps
sticking a bit at the bottom.</li><li>Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl,
and allow the dough to rise, at room temperature, until it's nearly doubled in
bulk. This is usually about an hour, but the rise of yeast bread is always an estimation. It may take longer, so be sure to give it enough time to become quite
puffy.</li><li>While the dough is rising, lightly grease a 9" x
13" pan.</li><li>Gently deflate the dough, and transfer it to a lightly
greased work surface. Divide it into 16 pieces.</li><li>Shape each piece into a rough ball by pulling the dough into
a very small knot at the bottom, then rolling it under the palm of your hand
into a smooth ball.</li><li>Place rolls in the 9" x 13" pan, spacing them
evenly; don't worry if they touch one another.</li><li>Cover the pan with lightly greased plastic wrap, and allow
the rolls to rise till they're very puffy, and have reached out and touched one
another, about 1 hour. While the rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 350°F.</li><li>Bake the rolls until they're a deep golden brown on top, and
lighter on the sides, 20 to 25 minutes.</li><li>Remove the rolls from the oven, and after 2 or 3 minutes,
carefully transfer them to a rack. They'll be hot and delicate, so be careful.</li></ol><o:p></o:p><p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJTPeFnjUf6OFGhSVt6k5OVLFJV3BFlbTxW449Ej3Lbi6Db5lxWUNVnDUXSUIiK0F6KRMpn9nmQPfzvF8GMXn3vi9n0URnTlOFBqAm7ECJoGYtbmVZpMndCG8OXOQrfnD6lHJVUhtylGSWF6hPsLM_xhmupgnSJ5AccFq3D7d4qtQeH7z56tMCDGMGmI/s2649/129%20-%20Potato%20Rolls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1987" data-original-width="2649" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJTPeFnjUf6OFGhSVt6k5OVLFJV3BFlbTxW449Ej3Lbi6Db5lxWUNVnDUXSUIiK0F6KRMpn9nmQPfzvF8GMXn3vi9n0URnTlOFBqAm7ECJoGYtbmVZpMndCG8OXOQrfnD6lHJVUhtylGSWF6hPsLM_xhmupgnSJ5AccFq3D7d4qtQeH7z56tMCDGMGmI/w640-h480/129%20-%20Potato%20Rolls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Potato Rolls</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Mashed Potatoes</b> are another staple. While they can be made with potato flakes or another shelf stable option, fresh is better. My Wife makes ours with sour cream instead of milk. We also occasionally add roasted garlic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Glazed Carrots</b> were a holiday tradition in my family,
and I still make them every year. Boil the carrots until they just start to get
soft, drain the water and add butter and brown sugar to the still warm pot.
Stir until the butter melts and the carrots are evenly coated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Stuffing and Dressing</b> can cause serious arguments. In
general, stuffing is cooked inside the bird, while dressing is cooked on the stovetop
or in a casserole. This is another dish with a near-infinite variety.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Dessert</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Pumpkin Cheesecake</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My Wife made this for the first time shortly after we
started dating, and it has been mandatory ever since. This needs to chill overnight, so plan accordingly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Ingredients</span></b></i></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Crust<o:p></o:p></p>
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<div class="WordSection2"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>9 whole graham crackers (about 4 ounces), broken</li><li>1/4 cup sugar</li><li>1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li><li>1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted</li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
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<div class="WordSection4"><p class="MsoNormal">Filling<o:p></o:p></p>
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<div class="WordSection5"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature</li><li>1 1/2 cups sugar</li><li>3 large eggs</li><li>1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin</li><li>1 cup whipping cream</li><li>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li><li>2 teaspoons ground cinnamon</li><li>1 teaspoon ground ginger</li><li>1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</li><li>1/2 teaspoon ground allspice</li><li>1/4 teaspoon ground cloves</li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Recipe</span></b></i></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For crust:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350° F. </li><li>Wrap a double layer of heavy-duty foil around outside of
10-inch diameter springform pan.</li><li>Combine graham crackers, sugar, and cinnamon in processor.
Blend until graham crackers are very finely ground. Drizzle butter over. Using
on/off turns, blend until crumbs begin to stick together. Press crumbs onto
bottom (not sides) of springform pan.</li><li>Bake until crust is slightly golden, about 10 minutes.</li><li>Transfer to rack and cool while preparing filling. Maintain
oven temperature.</li></ol><o:p></o:p><p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">For filling:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar in large
bowl until smooth and fluffy.</li><li>Beat in eggs 1 at a time.</li><li>Add pumpkin and remaining ingredients.</li><li>Beat just until blended.</li><li>Pour filling into prepared crust.</li><li>Place springform pan in large roasting pan.</li><li>Add enough water to come halfway up sides of springform pan.
</li><li>Bake cheesecake until slightly puffed and softly set and top
is golden, about 1.5 hours. Transfer springform pan to rack and cool. Cover
and refrigerate cake overnight. </li><li>Using knife, cut around sides of pan to loosen cake. Release
pan sides. Cut cheesecake into wedges and serve.</li></ol><o:p></o:p><p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">There are many other foods that may be found on the Thanksgiving
dinner table, such as cranberry sauce, either home-made or canned, creamed
onions, and sweet potatoes. Feel free to comment with some of your favorites.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To all our readers, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595922798130070613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-64755555040622132712023-11-18T17:17:00.000-05:002023-11-18T17:17:11.257-05:00Prepper's Hygiene: Cremo Shave Cream for your BOB<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEIRtaiCiXEF1vTMZjpUfC-9Q3aoCtXQahWNVeFOq-MQEx7oq5SQGpWvmpvw_pjAjs6fn1icGMhfOIvkmzzJwjuW_92FBny253e87nh8A4tH0TmsjGv3ZUHqModC_IGDTpSWMtYy4HWDQAI0t5OS_UKwh1SRm4X3kRHF1pijErgM60kNWOtmElIEAPlJk/s600/20140411-161558-CAH_9079-Edit23_dblackard_600px.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEIRtaiCiXEF1vTMZjpUfC-9Q3aoCtXQahWNVeFOq-MQEx7oq5SQGpWvmpvw_pjAjs6fn1icGMhfOIvkmzzJwjuW_92FBny253e87nh8A4tH0TmsjGv3ZUHqModC_IGDTpSWMtYy4HWDQAI0t5OS_UKwh1SRm4X3kRHF1pijErgM60kNWOtmElIEAPlJk/w160-h200/20140411-161558-CAH_9079-Edit23_dblackard_600px.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The dust has settled and the <a href="http://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20First%2072%20Hours">First 72 Hours</a> have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via</b></span></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b>Prudent Preppi<span style="font-family: inherit;">ng. </span></b></span></i></b></span></i></b></span></i><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>I don't do many Product Tests outside of camping or prepping related gear, but this is one of those times,</span><span> as this product is in my Get Home Bag and in the Bug Out Bag pile of stuff that will go into the trunk of the car. <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2020/04/prudent-prepping-take-out-post.html">I've written about having several personal care items</a>, like toothpaste and a very good liquid soap, in my </span><span>BOB. When I was younger and single, shaving every day wasn't so important, and when hiking or camping I didn't shave. a at all. Now that I'm older, not single anymore, and The Purple Pack lady has sensitive skin, shaving has become more important to me so I have </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3szR1wX" target="_blank"><span>Cremo Barber Grade Original Shave Cream</span></a> in my preps. </span></div><div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR88bj6Zz21bnXTH2dov6vVUPyttxpT3tImzT4AFm0GAbFRXW80MQbFPlA6P5GRw3aBSbKtFCF8dwkgBzZqN7TCGIawiWEnk-Gzu4_wznY206XeFEKXAdHQstEjpaKKFlWRKIcVfwT0lusW5emfhuWocvIhz6KEAKCnvJMEFTM8W0_E7_VU6PgLhxsgjC/s1080/51qtGP3-BJL._SL1080_.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR88bj6Zz21bnXTH2dov6vVUPyttxpT3tImzT4AFm0GAbFRXW80MQbFPlA6P5GRw3aBSbKtFCF8dwkgBzZqN7TCGIawiWEnk-Gzu4_wznY206XeFEKXAdHQstEjpaKKFlWRKIcVfwT0lusW5emfhuWocvIhz6KEAKCnvJMEFTM8W0_E7_VU6PgLhxsgjC/w320-h320/51qtGP3-BJL._SL1080_.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3szR1wX"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/3szR1wX</span></i></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the Amazon ad:</span><ul class="a-unordered-list a-vertical a-spacing-mini"><li class="a-spacing-mini"><span class="a-list-item"> <i>Impossibly slick formula fights nicks, irritation and razor burn </i></span></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item"> Gives you a close, comfortable shave </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item"> Original formula with a subtle citrus scent </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><i><span class="a-list-item"> 90-day supply, which lasts longer than average shave cream/gel </span></i></li><li class="a-spacing-mini"><span class="a-list-item"><i>
Rich and concentrated cream made with high quality ingredients
including Macadamia Seed Oil, Aloe, Calendula Extract, Lemon Extract,
Papaya Extract, and Olive Leaf Extract. Paraben Free. Not tested on
animals</i> </span></li></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was pointed to this brand several years ago by a fellow sales rep when I forgot to pack whatever can of goo I was using at the time. I was converted that week to this wonderful product. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've tried many different brands, from aerosols to other tube-type creams, and this is my favorite. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What makes this so different, and in my opinion a superior aid to shaving? Several points:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since this is a non-aerosol, you can put it in your carry-on bag.</span></li><li>A 6oz. tube can last several months.</li><li>You don't need to use very much per shave; no more than an almond-sized squeeze will work just fine for the average male face. </li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One thing I do need to mention is that your face needs to be wet for Cremo to spread evenly. I mean </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">really </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">wet, to the point of "water dripping off it" wet. </span>To use it, I put the hottest water I can stand on the area to be shaved for 30 seconds to one minute, then squeeze out the needed amount and spread evenly on my skin. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I find that <span style="font-family: inherit;">wetting my hands several times helps to get everything smoothed out well. </span>Since there isn't a 3/8" layer of foam on your skin, putting a little water on your fingers and re-activating Creamo ahead of your next area to shave helps to prevent razor burn. When I'm out of town and not directly responsible for the utility bills, I shave in the shower, which helps keep my skin wet and the Cremo smooth. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another difference from traditional canned shaving creams is that Cremo doesn't foam or fluff up when applied, but instead gets sort of slippery as more water is added. Since it isn't fluffy, you'll need to rinse your razor more than you normally think is needed. I use a Schick razor and my beard is not heavy by any measure, but the razor needs to be rinsed 5-6 times while shaving.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't recommend this shave cream any higher than to say that my wife borrows it and keeps a travel size tube in her makeup kit!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-large;">Recap and Takeaway</b></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Look at this shave cream if you aren't satisfied with your current brand and look at the whole family of products. I'm not sure a <a href="https://amzn.to/47FMNmo">Mango shave cream</a> is necessary, but it is your choice and your money!</span></span></span></span> I stick with the original version, as certain fragrances and chemicals give me a rash.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The original scent is available in <a href="https://amzn.to/3R4Hd7v">1oz</a> and 6oz sizes. Sorry, everything else is 6 oz only.</span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Purchased a 6 oz tube of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cremo-Original-Astonishingly-Superior-Shaving/dp/B009WQH8SA/ref=sr_1_3?crid=228AZNURQGE8C&keywords=cremo+shaving+cream&qid=1699494899&sprefix=creemo%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Cremo Barber Grade Original Formula</a> from Amazon, $6.99 with Prime. (Actually I buy a <a href="https://amzn.to/3szR1wX">2 pack</a>, since I know how it works!)</span></span></span></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></span></p><div><div class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title" style="text-align: left;"><div class="date-header" style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b><b>* * *</b></b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b><b><br /></b></b></b></div><div><b>Just a reminder: if you plan on buying anything through Amazon, please consider using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_lc?&tag=lurkinrhythm-20&camp=211493&creative=379973&linkCode=ez&adid=0AHD28MZ6PS5Z630MBX7&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fbluecollarprepping.blogspot.com%2F">our referral link</a>. When you do, a portion of the sale comes back here to help keep this site running!</b><br /></div><div><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></div><div><div>If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, <i>Some Is Always Better Than None!</i></div><div><i><br /></i><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">NOTE:
All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in
exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will
be listed as such. Suck it Feds.</span></i></div></div><div><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i></div></div></div></div></div>David Blackardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04709211268492016596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-73895827134937677562023-11-15T19:16:00.000-05:002023-11-15T19:16:34.086-05:00Guest Post: Sausage & Bean Soup<p> <b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">by George Groot</span></b></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNwqqsDcMCCVCPLi0NT-GNrWI1VkyR3AY_WTak5EP74OYYuSy4hku0gXyJJM7BG9mtUJHRk7eLg4cOqjPtsnBBpJc-s-Ou6Jjr5VnviNOn28uKpkwGpDaxv1QxYbKSFPTdAfv4Ud-TZM/s1600/Guest+Author.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNwqqsDcMCCVCPLi0NT-GNrWI1VkyR3AY_WTak5EP74OYYuSy4hku0gXyJJM7BG9mtUJHRk7eLg4cOqjPtsnBBpJc-s-Ou6Jjr5VnviNOn28uKpkwGpDaxv1QxYbKSFPTdAfv4Ud-TZM/s200/Guest+Author.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>George is a member of our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1438639369705777/">Facebook Group</a> and has <a href="http://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/search?q=groot" target="_blank">written for us</a> before.</i> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div>This recipe is a staple from my childhood. I generally make this soup for my family on Sunday afternoons, as it’s quick to put together and makes a filling meal. It also makes a pretty decent “refrigerator magnet” for any other leftover proteins you may have; just chop them up and add to the soup (although I’ve never tried leftover fish, the beef, pork, and chicken have all been successes).</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>One 14 oz or larger smoked sausage (Kielbasa works fine)</li><li>One can stewed tomatoes</li><li>One can each: pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, great northern beans, black-eyed peas (<a href="https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/agriculture/item/are-black-eyed-peas-really-peas/#:~:text=Blackeye%20pea.,it%20is%20actually%20a%20bean.">technically a bean</a>, despite the name), and whatever else you have on hand</li><li>One quart of savory fluid (stock, broth, etc)</li><li>Seasonings (to taste)</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Directions</span></b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Slice up the sausage into bite-size rounds and add to pot. </li><li>Dump stewed tomatoes into pot.</li><li>Rinse the beans before putting into the pot. This will remove a large amount of the specific carbohydrate that ferments in your gut to give you gas.</li><li>Cover the bean/sausage/tomato mix with the savory fluid, and heat until it boils.</li></ol><div><br /></div></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The notes are after the recipe, because <i>we have manners</i></span></b></div><div>This recipe is much like “The Pirate Code” in that it’s “more like guidelines, really.”</div><div><br /></div><div>My wife and I have made this recipe with beans we <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2023/11/guest-post-pressure-canning-green-beans.html">pressure canned</a> ourselves. Even with Aldi generic canned beans coming in at under a dollar per can, it’s hard to beat the economy of canning your own legumes. </div><div><br /></div><div>What do you do if you can’t get sausage? This is where tinned meats, or pressure canned meats, come into play. The majority of the flavor from the sausage is a “smoky” note, but that’s not important from a nutrition standpoint. You can add back in a lot of “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umami">umami</a>” flavor with soy sauce (which is shelf stable almost indefinitely) or even pressure can sausage ahead of time. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you keep Kosher or Halal, then obviously your meat options are more limited, but tinned chicken seems to work fine. If you are vegetarian, then there are all sorts of shelf stable “textured vegetable protein” soy options to mix in. </div><div><br /></div>The best part about this recipe is that it is cheap, quick, and filling, but whether or not it ends up “delicious” really depends on how you season it. I like a few slices of hot pepper (or a few dabs of pepper sauce) to liven it up, along with a few bay leaves, basil, and black pepper for more depth. Sometimes I’ll use “Italian stewed tomatoes” with the basil and oregano already mixed in. One time I used miso soup as the savory liquid, and it worked well enough that my younger son asked for that variation specifically.<div><br /></div><div>There is one trick I’ve learned for rinsing the beans, and that is to use a<a href="https://amzn.to/3MJXMmy"> cheap set of kitchen strainers</a>. I bought mine from Ikea, but any set will do. If you don’t want to waste the water rinsing beans, just<i> </i>dump the contents of each can into the pot; your gut flora will <i>eventually</i> adapt to the non-digestible carbohydrates and the flatulence will diminish quite a bit. </div><div><br /></div><div>So if you are ever in a survival situation where water is at a premium you can, as Benjamin Franklin once opined, “Fart proudly.”</div></div><div><br /></div>Erin Palettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09984632637166408245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-20101669562278375872023-11-08T16:58:00.003-05:002023-11-08T16:58:42.230-05:00Prepper's Pantry: One-Pot Meals<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDDvswYdPfyrCYo8fpZCOFNlfJoDZyAgOzBDXuP9QB2H6Bk585kZOJe-zs2BUbpvqbIYY_l6irlB2D5XfepL-4ahWyUnBdD47SYHm55Z4aoGG4j-5-zestSwcep8NY_KvNwEwVJhDeqdH5SD_GJKXWkNRbz5SLOBldW8rLwr1RVLTjlvN80MHhOMJQa8/s1024/000-Headshot.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDDvswYdPfyrCYo8fpZCOFNlfJoDZyAgOzBDXuP9QB2H6Bk585kZOJe-zs2BUbpvqbIYY_l6irlB2D5XfepL-4ahWyUnBdD47SYHm55Z4aoGG4j-5-zestSwcep8NY_KvNwEwVJhDeqdH5SD_GJKXWkNRbz5SLOBldW8rLwr1RVLTjlvN80MHhOMJQa8/w200-h200/000-Headshot.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">In previous posts I've talked about <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2021/03/what-crock.html" target="_blank">Crock Pots</a> (aka Slow
Cookers), <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2022/05/kitchen-armory-instant-pot.html" target="_blank">Instant Pots</a>, <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2021/12/preppers-pantry-soups-and-stews.html" target="_blank">soups and stews</a>, <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2021/12/preppers-pantry-chili-corn-bread.html" target="_blank">chili</a>, <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2023/10/preppers-pantry-lasagna.html" target="_blank">lasagna</a>, <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2023/10/preppers-pantry-shepherds-pie.html" target="_blank">shepherd's pie</a>, and
other dishes that can be made using a single container, maybe two at most. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">One-pot meals used to be a staple of world cuisine, and in
many places for many people they still are, even though the popularity of separate
recipe categories for main dishes and sides have taken over most cookbooks.</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many years ago, when I still went camping, the only cooking
pot I brought along was a steel wok. In that I could make nearly anything over
the campfire, from hamburgers to stew to biscuits, though generally not all
at the same time. It was extremely versatile and allowed me to travel lighter while
still eating well. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">On trail drives, the cast iron Dutch oven served (and still serves) a similar purpose, allowing simple and hearty meals to be made with
little need to carry a variety of cookware in the limited space of a chuck
wagon. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">With some thought and preparation, a frying pan or skillet can serve
the same purpose in the prepper's kitchen. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>One dish I used to make in my bachelor days was also both simple and hearty, and only required the aforementioned frying pan. I've dredged the recipe up from ancient, long-term memory, so quantities are not exact.</div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarJeIoVw_uEBg6Y0ivBY1mJPZYDZaXrtGvOMFLqSJZQ9xZfpf_mdnaAVLYYhXo4yEAKoPnVGmHNV-OdwzYjm_CJV0_EMoFx9x173CDJ2XIYr-NzxjdDcPUEepXlai40NL5lTe_BCkp2vN7LdidOinjOSuSxUA8dJ4uJMipqUvrSQMkqnJcJHUzEcB2Ac/s1365/Tortillas-02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1365" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarJeIoVw_uEBg6Y0ivBY1mJPZYDZaXrtGvOMFLqSJZQ9xZfpf_mdnaAVLYYhXo4yEAKoPnVGmHNV-OdwzYjm_CJV0_EMoFx9x173CDJ2XIYr-NzxjdDcPUEepXlai40NL5lTe_BCkp2vN7LdidOinjOSuSxUA8dJ4uJMipqUvrSQMkqnJcJHUzEcB2Ac/w623-h350/Tortillas-02.jpg" width="623" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Shredded pork and onions in a cast iron frying pan</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-large;">Bachelor Chicken</b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Two boneless skinless chicken breasts</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Half a bag (6-8oz) Stuffing mix (I prefer cornbread)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Half a bag (6-8oz) Frozen vegetables</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 can Cream of chicken soup (or 1 ¼ cup homemade <a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2023/09/preppers-pantry-stocks-and-broths.html" target="_blank">broth</a> &
¼ cup milk)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Tbsp Olive Oil</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Salt & pepper (to taste)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crushed garlic (to taste)</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Recipe</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a frying pan, over medium heat, add olive oil and brown
the chicken breasts on both sides (do not cook completely).</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reduce heat and add vegetables around the chicken breast.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add salt, pepper, and garlic on top.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use stuffing to make a layer over everything.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pour the soup over the stuffing.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cover and cook on low heat until the chicken is completely
done, about 20 minutes.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Serve hot and enjoy in front of the TV. Put the leftovers
away for the next night, or share with a friend.</span></li></ol><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For something with a more Mediterranean flavor, this dish is
one My Wife has perfected over the years.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>Chicken With Onions</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup olive oil</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2-3 medium onions (sliced)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">3-4 lbs chicken (we generally use bone in thighs)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">¼ cup white vinegar</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">10 whole peppercorns (½ tsp pepper)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">10 whole allspice (½ tsp ground allspice)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2-3 bay leaves</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ cup sliced black olives</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crushed garlic, to taste</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></li></ol><p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Recipe</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a large skillet, heat ¼ cup of olive oil over medium heat
and add the onions.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sautee until soft.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add the chicken and cook until browned.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mix the remaining olive oil and vinegar, add to the skillet
with the remaining ingredients.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add just enough water to cover, and cook until chicken is
done. Approximately 30 minutes.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Serve as is or over rice, with noodles, biscuits, etc.</span></li></ol></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For our readers who are more accomplished cooks, it doesn't
require too much creativity to come up with some interesting and tasty
combinations that can be prepared in a similar manner. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are many sources of one-pot meal recipes both </span><a href="https://www.budgetbytes.com/category/recipes/one-pot/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">online</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">
and in </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=one+pot+meals" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">print</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we dine. </span></div></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595922798130070613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-12567711173535326632023-11-06T13:05:00.001-05:002023-11-06T13:05:31.868-05:00Guest Post: Pressure Canning Green Beans <div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">by Betty Williams</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5lqQykO4mTjoLznpNfd58GpemK-IqAbmmXJck6pIAYfD9xFfcPJ2ms-eYjeJSxlzMrX-RdqJ6EJiyrvbUzidCbs80wbGYpGavwFfiN-3xv0KMZcYg5x6vitISE_MY6G4R3qBTpJo6lMuiDKeoW_JU8uIF5L_Gb86Jzviy1H6t3t1i2vNZbSdW0KJ0QM/s1220/336174800_594940922561566_5519244069783980430_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="1079" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5lqQykO4mTjoLznpNfd58GpemK-IqAbmmXJck6pIAYfD9xFfcPJ2ms-eYjeJSxlzMrX-RdqJ6EJiyrvbUzidCbs80wbGYpGavwFfiN-3xv0KMZcYg5x6vitISE_MY6G4R3qBTpJo6lMuiDKeoW_JU8uIF5L_Gb86Jzviy1H6t3t1i2vNZbSdW0KJ0QM/w283-h320/336174800_594940922561566_5519244069783980430_n.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div>Betty is a professional canner that started with her grandmother at 5 years old. She is the owner of <b>Homespun By Betty</b>, and makes jams with personality in Statesville, NC. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Visit <a href="http://www.homespunbybetty.com">www.homespunbybetty.com</a> to order jams, jellies, butters, and to check out new recipes.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Green beans are one of my favorite things to put up in the summer. They are delicious, and are a staple side dish in my house at least once a week.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div>Green beans are also a low-acid food and therefore have a higher risk of botulism, a toxin that is produced by a bacterium called <i>Clostridium botulinum</i> which is naturally occurring in soils and can be found on all vegetables. This bacteria doesn’t usually produce toxins, but when sealed in an anaerobic environment (one without oxygen), the bacteria grows and makes the botulism toxin.<b>¹</b> Unfortunately, the canning process removes all the air from the jars and creates this anaerobic environment where <i>Clostridium botulinum </i>can flourish. </div><div><br /></div>To destroy the botulism toxin, you can process the vegetables in an acidic environment, such as pickling, or pressure can them to a temperature of 240° F for an extended period of time.<b>²</b> Always use a trusted recipe, and make sure you do your research to verify all information. State universities with a strong agricultural department provide excellent resources for home canning, and another great resource is the <a href="https://nchfp.uga.edu/#gsc.tab=0">National Center For Home Food Preservation</a> website.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrwM_BqsspkuI2XAOMq9iHgg2QrjtEuX_3TPD9dwu__BLtyd10tO0mqe_TKCAMJYzEBy0NIIkM1OAtzwJxeb_SHLGL8kJuqa1M5I5AeG4xey2EvzR40sOpa1sBIyulirXI4B6a2ZKedt49-X-IKtWezFWWmDZF0VAlZDhnTd_1oQbJYkLYxL-0RXLiLo/s1000/1000_F_226135512_aaiHfih4s6ns2shk9rz5iQZ4eCNPPPAp.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrwM_BqsspkuI2XAOMq9iHgg2QrjtEuX_3TPD9dwu__BLtyd10tO0mqe_TKCAMJYzEBy0NIIkM1OAtzwJxeb_SHLGL8kJuqa1M5I5AeG4xey2EvzR40sOpa1sBIyulirXI4B6a2ZKedt49-X-IKtWezFWWmDZF0VAlZDhnTd_1oQbJYkLYxL-0RXLiLo/w640-h426/1000_F_226135512_aaiHfih4s6ns2shk9rz5iQZ4eCNPPPAp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://stock.adobe.com/images/bushel-of-green-beans-at-the-farmers-market/226135512"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://stock.adobe.com/images/bushel-of-green-beans-at-the-farmers-market/226135512</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><b style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Pressure Canning Your Beans</b><br /><br />Equipment Needed:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Pressure Canner with weighted gauge or jigglier</li><li>Mason Jars</li><li>Jar Lifter</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once you have your green beans, wash them multiple times to remove any dirt, insects, or pesticides, then snip off the ends. You can either leave the beans whole or snap them into about 1-inch pieces. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next add the beans, any seasonings you want to use, into the jar. When choosing your seasoning, you’ll want to avoid using sage because it becomes very bitter when canned. I like to add fresh garlic, onion, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RustysOriginalSouthernRub">Rusty’s Original Southern Rub</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Fill the jars with water or broth, leaving 1 inch of head space, and de-bubble the jars. To de-bubble, take a wooden or plastic stick and move it around inside the jars. This will bust any air bubbles and allow the jar to heat evenly. Wipe the rims with white vinegar and then put the lids and rings on, screwing the lids fingertip tight.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeGVqVSK6wLZGHhizIH7iQ7KE8h1BNbB5kl0yBvV3yPYokSSA_R0S38DvBIzLJMulx7GID7iQTmIOla1M0IkLf2WADuQEuB1GfbgO7RP3Gyf_JWuLC5qypB-mz1SB5hk76adFdKXMKCfg9YYm4u44GCuLvCd5k23EvizXDmz03GOn5bwQPHCRwQeHNFY/w634-h504/View_20recent_20photos_1691802130.png" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Fill your canner with the recommended amount of water (see the instruction manual for your canner), and place a rack in the bottom of the canner. Place the jars onto the rack and then close the canner according to the instruction manual.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Heat the canner on the stove over high heat and allow it to come to temperature. When the canner starts consistently pushing steam out of the vent pipe, allow the canner to vent for 10 minutes. Then place the weight or <a href="https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/uga/using_press_canners.html#gsc.tab=0">jigglier </a>onto the vent pipe and allow it to come to the correct pressure based on your elevation:<div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>For elevations of 0 to 1,000 feet, use a 10 pound weight.</li><li>For elevations above 1000 feet, use a 15-pound weight.</li><li>Process pint jars for 20 minutes and quart jars for 25 minutes.<b>³</b></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;">After the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to drop to 0 psi.<i> Do not manually vent the canner</i>. Remove the weight or jigglier and allow the canner to rest for 10 minutes before opening; this allows the temperature of the jars to come down slowly and prevents losing any ingredients caused by rapid temperature change.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Remove the jars from the canner and set them on a towel to rest for 24 hours, then check the safety button in the lid to confirm the jar is sealed. Wash and label the jars, and store them in a cool dark place with the rings off.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Footnotes</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/general.html"><b>About Botulism</b></a>, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</li><li><a href="https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/questions-and-answers-about-using-pressure-canner"><b>Questions and Answers about Using a Pressure Canner</b></a>, North Dakota State University</li><li><a href="https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_04/beans_snap_italian.html"><b>Selecting, Preparing and Canning Vegetables</b></a>, National Center for Home Preservation</li></ol></div></div>Erin Palettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09984632637166408245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-82285614677698694982023-11-05T21:47:00.001-05:002023-11-05T21:47:32.932-05:00Nordic Poles Revisited<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XASmNxSWFQc8X8qkIOTlPm-E3R9FxYw_0mvLIP0RJHhXVsjF308dZGw7ncKbjZGROh3sPVGDO8o6s-x-ASem-ABjhUp41IaLvDeUofEj_JoAKh4TIyOwYfWl-D0_dIXG-a2GZsaxALA/s1600/Huntress.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #f4f2ee;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XASmNxSWFQc8X8qkIOTlPm-E3R9FxYw_0mvLIP0RJHhXVsjF308dZGw7ncKbjZGROh3sPVGDO8o6s-x-ASem-ABjhUp41IaLvDeUofEj_JoAKh4TIyOwYfWl-D0_dIXG-a2GZsaxALA/s1600/Huntress.jpg" width="147" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span>Not actually Erin.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kjphotos.com/"><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1b1b;">Picture by KJ Photography</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>& is used with permission.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Now that it's no longer summer, the weather is cooling off in Florida -- by which I mean nighttime temperatures are in the low 70s, maybe even high 60s. This is perfect weather for nighttime walks, and therefore this is the best time for me to get back into the night walking habit I let slip during the summer. <div><br /></div><div><a href="https://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2023/06/nordic-walking-poles.html">The last time I talked about Nordic walking poles</a>, I mentioned that while I liked the Attrac poles which I had, I really wished that I had a rapid lock-unlock system for the wrist straps that I could toggle with the thumb of that same hand. As it turns out, <a href="https://amzn.to/47kWuGI">Attrac makes a pole with that feature</a>, so I went ahead and bought it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I'm going to ask you to follow that link to look at the title. Please note that it says "with Anti-Shock Cushioning" and "Telescopic Adjustment". </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNuWui9uqUyHtvjIXB3IOVdrjEptoV5at8TKHWjMzx-bzqWxkK0Qv82-pZveQtsa_6vj6x48Ie6WMIv302hCEwRI_3nA8wq2I9hUg-IaWHnwB79Rkv92edND6DNwUD2Q53l7VLaAsy0OLkTGXgw4IeMrAAlMTUQDwJr7kFzsLgzfG-C3rVUj3GthSIdc/s468/Screenshot%202023-11-05%20205439.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="468" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNuWui9uqUyHtvjIXB3IOVdrjEptoV5at8TKHWjMzx-bzqWxkK0Qv82-pZveQtsa_6vj6x48Ie6WMIv302hCEwRI_3nA8wq2I9hUg-IaWHnwB79Rkv92edND6DNwUD2Q53l7VLaAsy0OLkTGXgw4IeMrAAlMTUQDwJr7kFzsLgzfG-C3rVUj3GthSIdc/w635-h383/Screenshot%202023-11-05%20205439.png" width="635" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47kWuGI"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/47kWuGI</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><i>It has nothing of the kind.</i> It is a fixed-position one-piece pole, meaning that there is no possible way to adjust its height and there is nowhere to put an anti-shock system without making it a two-piece pole. Needless to say, I was quite disappointed. </div><div><br /></div><div>On the other hand, it did have the "Click and Go" system that I really wanted, and I had some spare rubber tips lying around, so I decided to give it a try before I returned it... and I'm so glad that I did. </div><div><br /></div><div>Despite being non-adjustable, I got lucky; these poles are almost perfectly sized for me (the ideal size for my height would be 42.25 inches, but I'm not going to complain about a 2.75 inch difference), and despite not having any kind of detectable anti-shock system I couldn't notice a difference between them and my other set of Attrac poles which has one. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also dearly love the Click & Go system. Not only does it make it easier to do things like manipulate a phone while walking, but I can also use my pistol with the hand strap still attached. Yes, the plastic anchor does get in the way more than a little bit, but despite that I am still able to quickly detach the wrap from the pole, grip my pistol, draw it and dry-fire it. I haven't taken the wraps to the actual shooting range, and I suspect that the Range Safety Officers might have a problem with me shooting a gun while wearing them, so recoil and the plastic anchors might not mix well. But the fact remains that I can comfortably grip, aim, and dry fire my regular carry pistol (a Colt Mustang Pocketlite) while wearing these and that's the important thing, because in a self-defense scenario it's better to be able to operate a gun than have comfortable recoil.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyd3PNgRxsurtlc6C65d8YyRGQSHJjgIJVw-ifByu4A4EY6etZy9PJVXU73G2_vyhDa-sXD2QXuPZe-HTQhtzOHg_pZTyP4bhU-amIHCSABFDV8-9cCrq6aVL7xFgIX_6AcRemLkMQ4QKWK-kRsZFgZG8s0NrpgbIjQqfjl2dhruN2WJOtpF7RCJl-W4/s1500/81JmP1wu6-L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1470" data-original-width="1500" height="623" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyd3PNgRxsurtlc6C65d8YyRGQSHJjgIJVw-ifByu4A4EY6etZy9PJVXU73G2_vyhDa-sXD2QXuPZe-HTQhtzOHg_pZTyP4bhU-amIHCSABFDV8-9cCrq6aVL7xFgIX_6AcRemLkMQ4QKWK-kRsZFgZG8s0NrpgbIjQqfjl2dhruN2WJOtpF7RCJl-W4/w634-h623/81JmP1wu6-L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="634" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/47kWuGI"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The wraps on the new poles. </span></a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After using these poles for a few days, I went back to my older Attrac poles to see if I could feel a difference. In terms of shock absorption, I could not; but I definitely felt a difference in comfort between the "Click & Go" system and whatever system the older poles had. The older poles also had a tendency to pinch me in the skin between thumb and forefinger, which is something that they didn't used to do. I'm not sure why this happened, unless it's because my grip angle changed. As you can see from the pictures above and below, the two pole styles have subtly different grip positions. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGvl4glMCFW7O5RHdM_L7k_LBugRpgIb4qFmQ9icu3huuC8oAcNiGgkSUPhpQ8ftzmWYtkJdFSb75Xj0hFOy7_LYnhsgXp0CiNX5xmytjrNlOrq8NIZ4Ny5suTuQxBVT0gN9LE-v9EJgM7KDz_-LEzSJAHFDCpL8T9IPXbI06gJIAsRa0Yo9M4pGuXTo/s1500/812IUDwrNBL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGvl4glMCFW7O5RHdM_L7k_LBugRpgIb4qFmQ9icu3huuC8oAcNiGgkSUPhpQ8ftzmWYtkJdFSb75Xj0hFOy7_LYnhsgXp0CiNX5xmytjrNlOrq8NIZ4Ny5suTuQxBVT0gN9LE-v9EJgM7KDz_-LEzSJAHFDCpL8T9IPXbI06gJIAsRa0Yo9M4pGuXTo/w634-h634/812IUDwrNBL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="634" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/4486bX7"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://amzn.to/4486bX7</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So if you're between 5'4" and 5'6" in height and are interested in Nordic walking, then these are the poles for you. If you're taller or shorter than that, I'm sorry; there don't appear to be any other Attrac poles in this style for you, and you'll either have to get an adjustable type of pole (which I have already reviewed) or take a chance on a different brand. </div><div><br /></div><div>Whichever you choose, I wish you the best of luck, and I hope to see you out walking!</div><div><br /></div>Erin Palettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09984632637166408245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138198635601292326.post-38161718727582361472023-11-02T22:36:00.006-04:002023-11-02T23:11:18.433-04:00Prepper's Armory: Children and Guns<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-Fd3s1gUEmnxSzFGgajxjtx-PhRGQAGWlglHrbn5fZxdtZXe2PBjuuGQLbn7eDBQvtxvKSRrVa3mNtptfYsJAx-jAYgJ8j5DuOMXqHKejGUOWyUeGdCoa0sHUY3lsygrnlxuFg_uwl_vV3I0eFX3-mkVvvgNOWve3EVB7qRE3jj2P6s7HgTkWvWi-s0/s1024/000-Headshot.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-Fd3s1gUEmnxSzFGgajxjtx-PhRGQAGWlglHrbn5fZxdtZXe2PBjuuGQLbn7eDBQvtxvKSRrVa3mNtptfYsJAx-jAYgJ8j5DuOMXqHKejGUOWyUeGdCoa0sHUY3lsygrnlxuFg_uwl_vV3I0eFX3-mkVvvgNOWve3EVB7qRE3jj2P6s7HgTkWvWi-s0/w200-h200/000-Headshot.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone
knows children and guns can be a disastrous combination. Any of our gun-owning
readers who have children, or who have children that visit their homes, need to take certain
precautions</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">: safe firearm storage, early introduction to firearms, and proper education & training.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Safe Storage</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is possibly the simplest element, so I’ll start here. Please note that while it’s the simplest doesn’t mean that it’s simple.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preventing
unauthorized access to firearms is one of the most important responsibilities
of any firearm owner. Regardless of whether that unauthorized person is a
burglar, a visitor, another resident, or a child, it’s always the gun owner’s
job to secure their firearms.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are
a number of options available for secure firearm storage:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A dedicated gun safe.</b> There are a wide variety available in different
sizes, with various features, and from a number of manufacturers. The downside
is that a quality safe is expensive, heavy, and takes up as much space
as a refrigerator, if not more. </span></li><li>Gun owners
who only have a few firearms to secure may be well served by a <b>small locking
case</b>. Many of these come with steel cables for securing to furniture or an
interior element in a car. If there are plans to fly with a firearm, some are
also TSA approved.</li><li><b>The
manufacturer’s case</b> that came with the gun may have the ability accept a lock,
but they usually aren’t sturdy enough to prevent unauthorized access.</li><li>If it's a home
defense handgun, there are <b>quick access lock boxes</b> available as well. Some have
tap code or biometric locks in addition to traditional keyed or combination
locks.</li><li>Most new
firearms come with an adjustable or flexible <b>hasp lock</b> that runs through the
open action of the firearm, rendering it inoperable. These are also available
from <a href="https://www.projectchildsafe.org/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><b>Project Child Safe</b></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, a program introduced in the 1990s by the National
Shooting Sports Foundation.</span></li><li><b>Trigger
locks</b> are an additional option often used in conjunction with some type of
storage container. Trigger locks are not viable on every firearm or firearm
type; lever action rifles are a specific example where trigger locks generally
don’t work.</li></ul></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">None of
these options are perfect, and the best option for one person may well be
different than that chosen by another. Additionally, none of these security methods work
if we don’t use them and use them consistently.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t
forget about the ammunition, either. Unless it’s a home defense gun, it’s recommended
that ammunition be secured separately from firearms. If necessary, the ammunition can be locked
up as well.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Early Introduction to Firearms</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I frequently have parents ask me “What’s a good
age to introduce my child to guns?” </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is
no one-size-fits-all answer here, as i</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">t depends
on several factors. Most important is the maturity level and mental focus of
the child. After that is the physical ability to handle the firearm safely, followed
closely by the capability of the parent (or other chosen adult) to pass information
on in a way that the child can process.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One thing
that often works is to let the child know that any time they want to look at the
guns all they have to do is ask. If this precedent is set, make sure it's
always followed. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This
recurring visit to the gun safe is also a good time to reinforce the four rules
of safe gun handling. Children follow our example more often than our verbal
instructions.</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_XsmNeqdxh7zMyha0gmp85OBjfsOZtLRS3yRsHyrF75kLU-T6MGyKRvwLsPVTtoC1h4eKvj39rnoqwhXb0sNsTS24-hTpl4ort6lAxiUsW1nmgvjtrep36PqlVm4xYDwJ55EbsW2aWwtfgki9e7Rh8Azvq3J6hAZPyer_v6BaWMvz7YJU7fDO57wTN8/s1820/125%20-%20Four-Rules.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1820" data-original-width="1820" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_XsmNeqdxh7zMyha0gmp85OBjfsOZtLRS3yRsHyrF75kLU-T6MGyKRvwLsPVTtoC1h4eKvj39rnoqwhXb0sNsTS24-hTpl4ort6lAxiUsW1nmgvjtrep36PqlVm4xYDwJ55EbsW2aWwtfgki9e7Rh8Azvq3J6hAZPyer_v6BaWMvz7YJU7fDO57wTN8/w400-h400/125%20-%20Four-Rules.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The NRAs
<a href="https://eddieeagle.nra.org/" target="_blank">Eddie Eagle</a> program has been a valuable tool in teaching gun safety to children
for over 30 years. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Its four
precepts of </span>“<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stop! Don’t Touch, Run Away, Tell a Grown-Up</span>” a<span style="font-family: inherit;">re easy for kids as
young five years old to remember and follow. If this program is not offered locally,
look into changing that.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexEje9WBUneiG_efQDJ3cgFTrPIS9QKGJ87ct7U8CmK2XLIgzOP-HdDcU0rxcVGROCNBaf_cUFVPZhMAxoEDngc3wAkuhHrx10LjKjsl9jhpQ_-I-Ek74t86nHDorBiINzgqOkWvr5quFqNIclW9CxUzj9ZF9A-3Gpe2XOi1zWwA1w857TtA-OeLCIe8/s1067/127%20-%20Eddie%20Eagle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexEje9WBUneiG_efQDJ3cgFTrPIS9QKGJ87ct7U8CmK2XLIgzOP-HdDcU0rxcVGROCNBaf_cUFVPZhMAxoEDngc3wAkuhHrx10LjKjsl9jhpQ_-I-Ek74t86nHDorBiINzgqOkWvr5quFqNIclW9CxUzj9ZF9A-3Gpe2XOi1zWwA1w857TtA-OeLCIe8/w400-h400/127%20-%20Eddie%20Eagle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://eddieeagle.nra.org/"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://eddieeagle.nra.org/</span></i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>Another useful element is to reinforce how dangerous guns can be if not handled properly. If an outdoor range is available, a gallon jug filled with water and food coloring can be a vivid example of the destructive power of a firearm. If this method is tried, make sure an appropriate cartridge is selected; the higher velocity the better.<div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once the
basics are thoroughly covered, further training can follow; it's generally a
better idea to gun-proof your children than to child-proof your guns. Make sure
to check state and local laws regarding minimum age for handling a firearm or
any other legal requirements.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Education and Training</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not everyone is capable or comfortable teaching, in which case
a source of training will be needed. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Proper
early education and training can be provided by parents, friends, or certified
instructors either individually, or as part of an organization. The most
important attributes for an instructor are patience and the ability to explain
things in a way a child is more likely to understand.</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.blazingsword.org">Operation Blazing Sword</a></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> has volunteer firearms educators all across the country. While not all of
these trainers will be comfortable instructing a child, it never hurts to ask.</span></li><li>Another
good place to start may be <b>your state's youth hunting license program</b>. These
programs require a hunter safety course that nearly always involves a firearm
safety element. </li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The </span><a href="http://w3.4-hshootingsports.org" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><b>4-H program</b></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> has provided quality youth firearms training for over one hundred
years. The National Shooting Sports Foundation now runs the firearm training
element of the 4-H program.</span></li><li>At the
national level, the NRA has their <b><a href="https://explore.nra.org/programs/national-youth-shooting-sports-cooperative-program">National Youth Shooting Sports Cooperative Program</a></b>. They offer resources, programs, and training to assist youth
organizations, such as Scout troops, JROTC units, 4-H clubs, commercial summer
camps, and more. The local <a href="https://stateassociations.nra.org/find-your-state-association/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">NRA state affiliate</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> organization is also likely to have youth shooting activities.</span></li><li>As their
skill and interest grows, another source of training and education is <a href="https://appleseedinfo.org/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><b>Project Appleseed</b></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. This program provides history and context in combination with
firearm training and shooting events to fulfill their goal of building a nation
of riflemen and, as they say on their website, “to show that many of the values
that our forefathers relied on to win our independence are still very much in
demand today.”</span></li><li>Back in
the 1950s and even later in some places, schools had riflery teams and taught
firearm safety as part of their regular curriculum. More recently, there’s been
a movement to reintroduce that type of safety training back into the school
system. Look into where that’s going locally, and if no one has started this
process, maybe step up and start it yourself.</li></ul><div><br /></div>While this
is in no way a comprehensive list, I think I've shown there are many ways to
securely store firearms and safely introduce children to the shooting sports.</div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember that children are our future, so teach them well. </span></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595922798130070613noreply@blogger.com0