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Gain insight into the essential commodities that would enable individuals to negotiate and trade for their basic needs in a challenging environment. Bartering items, a practice that involves trading goods or services without the use of money, has been a fundamental method of exchange for countless generations. Its effectiveness in fostering thriving communities has been proven over thousands of years, and its significance becomes even more apparent during times of crisis. In our modern society, which heavily relies on currency, we may have inadvertently overlooked the immense value that bartering brings to the table. In a world where the comforts of everyday life are stripped away, and the familiar items we rely on are nowhere to be found, a new system of survival emerges. Bartering becomes the norm, as people trade goods and services to meet their basic needs. In this post-apocalyptic landscape, the art of negotiation and exchange becomes a vital skill for survival. Bartering, an age-old tradition, involves the exchange of goods, services, or skills to fulfil one's needs without the use of traditional currency. While the modern world heavily relies on the mighty dollar or other forms of currency for transactions, bartering offers a unique and alternative way of conducting business. It allows individuals to trade what they have for what they need, fostering a sense of community and cooperation. In a bartering system, individuals can leverage their skills, resources, or possessions to obtain something they require, creating a mutually beneficial exchange. This practice not only promotes self-sufficiency and resourcefulness but also encourages creativity and innovation in problem-solving. Bartering can also help build relationships and networks within a community, as individuals come together to support each other through the exchange of goods and services. Overall, bartering serves as a reminder that there are various ways to conduct business beyond the conventional use of currency, highlighting the importance of collaboration and reciprocity in meeting the diverse needs of individuals and communities. As the scarcity of resources becomes the new reality, the value of items takes on a whole new meaning. In this survival system, the concept of money loses its significance, and instead, the worth of an item is determined by its usefulness and demand. A simple bottle of clean water becomes a precious commodity, capable of securing a variety of goods or services in return. Take a look at some videos that we have prepared. You can also view them on TikTok.

A essential guide, accompanied by visual aids, is available to assist you in efficiently packing your backpack. It is crucial to avoid overfilling or tightly packing it, as this will lead to discomfort later. It is advisable not to pack unnecessary items, as they will only contribute to the overall weight. Trust me, I learned this lesson the hard way and ended up with a painful back as a result. When it comes to packing and organizing your rucksack, it is crucial to plan. Instead of simply throwing everything into your pack, take the time to spread out all your gear on a bed or floor. Group similar items together, such as clothes, toiletries, sleeping equipment, and cooking gear. This will help you visualize how everything will fit in your bag and ensure that it is all nice and neat. By planning ahead, you can avoid the chaos of an unorganized mess and make sure that you have everything you need for your outdoor adventure. Another important aspect of packing a rucksack is determining how much to take with you. It is essential to strike a balance between packing only the essentials and being prepared for any situation. Start by making a list of the essential items you need to bring, such as a first aid kit, navigation tools, and appropriate clothing. Once you have packed these essentials, assess if there is any additional equipment or gear that you might need. If there is space in your rucksack, consider bringing these extra items for added convenience and preparedness. However, be mindful not to overpack and weigh yourself down unnecessarily. The placement of heavy items in your rucksack is crucial for both comfort and safety. It is recommended to pack heavy and dense items as close to your back as possible. This positioning allows you to distribute the weight evenly and maintain better balance while carrying the rucksack. Placing heavy items near your back also helps to prevent strain on your shoulders and back, reducing the risk of injury. By leaning forward slightly, you can position the weight just above your hips, making it easier to carry the load. Remember to pack lighter items towards the top and front of your rucksack to maintain stability and prevent the bag from becoming top-heavy. Another important consideration is the placement of items within the backpack. If you pack them to one side, it can disrupt your centre of gravity, causing you to lean to one side. This imbalance can make it more challenging to hike for extended periods. To avoid this, it is advisable to distribute the weight evenly and keep your centre of gravity as central as possible. This will contribute to a more comfortable and balanced hiking experience. In addition to the proper arrangement of heavier items, it is essential to utilize every available space in your backpack efficiently. By filling in any gaps, including the corners, you can maximize the capacity of your bag. Items such as socks and t-shirts can be used to fill these gaps, not only optimizing space but also preventing heavier items from shifting around during your journey. Furthermore, if your sleeping bag is taking up too much room, consider using a compression bag or stuff sack to reduce its size when packed away. This will free up valuable space for other essential items and ensure a more organized and compact backpack. When it comes to packing your bag, it is advisable to leave a little space at the top. While you may want to fill in all the gaps and utilize every inch of space, having some extra room at the top can come in handy. This allows you to add a few items later on if needed. Additionally, if you find it difficult to fit everything back into your bag for the return journey, having that extra bit of space can be a lifesaver. If you plan on carrying any liquids with you, it is important to pack them in sealed bags. This precaution ensures that in case of any leakage, the rest of the items in your bag won't get wet. It is also wise to avoid storing liquids or any food items that can get squashed or torn open under heavy objects. By taking these measures, you can prevent any potential mess or damage to your belongings. Another aspect to consider is waterproofing your bag. While you may take precautions to protect yourself from the rain, it is equally important to safeguard your bag and its contents. One option is to purchase an external rain cover that can be easily strapped over your bag. However, a more effective solution is to invest in a dry bag that can be placed inside your backpack. This will provide an extra layer of protection and keep everything inside dry, even in heavy downpours. Being prepared for inclement weather is always a good idea, and waterproofing your bag is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of your belongings. When it comes to using an external rain cover for your bag, it is important to note that it should only be used when it is actually raining. This is because these rain covers can catch the wind and turn your bag into a makeshift kite, which can be quite inconvenient. Instead, it is recommended to use dry bags as they provide a more secure and reliable option for keeping your belongings dry. Waterproofing your bag is not limited to just the outside. It is also important to consider the possibility of spillages and accidents inside your rucksack. To protect your belongings from internal leaks and prevent rain from penetrating your pack, using an inner waterproof liner can be highly beneficial. This liner acts as an additional layer of protection, ensuring that everything inside your bag remains dry and unaffected by any moisture. In addition to utilizing the inside of your bag, you can also make use of the outside to carry a few items. Some rucksacks come with straps that allow you to easily carry camping rolls, tents, or sleeping bags. Furthermore, pockets and other straps can be used to securely hold walking poles. Another useful tip is to remove the poles from your tent and strap them to the outside of your bag. This not only saves space inside your rucksack but also ensures that your tent remains easily accessible. However, it is important to exercise caution when strapping too many items to the outside of your bag. Doing so can make you unsteady on your feet and increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, the equipment you attach to the outside of your bag may get caught on fences, trees, or other obstacles, causing damage or inconvenience. Therefore, it is advisable to strike a balance and only attach items to the outside of your bag that are necessary and won't compromise your safety or the integrity of your bag. With the multitude of options in shapes and sizes, it is vital to make the right choice when selecting a backpack that suits you.

We are all aware of the consequences of climate change. Every action we take has a significant impact on our future and the future of our children and their children. By taking action now, we can all contribute to a better future. Even the smallest changes can make a difference. That's why we have partnered with Switch 2 Zero to help combat the environmental changes we are experiencing. For every purchase made, we will plant a tree on your behalf. Please click this link to read more.

Let's talk about food storage. You may well think that you will pop into the shops and get a few extra items. That is all good as I have mentioned before, but you need to plan it. Most stores will have only three to six days worth of food in them, it sounds hard to believe, with the supermarkets filled to the brim. They do have to replenish those items, and they do this on a daily basis. When and if a new scenario raises its ugly head, we probably will not allowed to do the things we love. The food stores are going to be hit first, we have all seen this happen the last time. The shops were emptied in a few days, and people were fighting over the last scraps. I think you will not want to go through this again. You do not need to spend hundreds of pounds to try and do it all in one go, most people just don't have that kind of disposable income, just an extra £20 or so per shop would do the job. If you do this, in a few months you will find that you have a nice bit of emergency food stored. Make a list of the basic things you need, if you will not be able to get out for at least a week, or maybe longer. Always keep your supplies equal, so if you have one month of food supplies, make sure you have a month's supply of water as well. Most of the time there will be running water, but please don't rely on it. I have in the downloads section, printouts to help you. But even better now, there is a Food Storage calculator, this is to help you plan ahead. This is how it works for you: On the top, you will see 'number of weeks or months' Please fill this in. Do the same for the other sections, which have separate entries. Fill in the items you and your family like, basic ones first, then maybe some others. Add the pack size and the amount for adults and children. You will see the columns self-populate. (Do not enter in the blue columns). If you have items stored already, enter this in the stored column. It will be deducted from what you need to get. Use this form for all that you need. A running total will be shown in the top right of the sheet. You can print this out as well. I hope you find this really helpful. Please leave a comment if you wish. Below you can find the link to go straight to it.

Why you should start to get into prepping and some of the reasons why. As we all know, we are living in uncertain times. Mother nature can cause devastating effects on us, our homes, and the way we live. Then we have other possibilities, like Pandemics, economic instability, food shortages, job loss and financial hardship. This is just to name a few. You may have been in this situation before, or you were fortunate enough to get through it. We never know what the future may hold for us, best to be ready for it. Here in the UK, we have had our share of hardship, and extreme weather events and there will be more to come, Please don’t kid yourself, what with post-COVID and the cost of living crisis still looming, the outlook look may look bleak. But in areas across the globe, much worse conditions have befallen them. My heart goes out to those that need help the most. On occasion, events can unfold so quickly, that even if you are prepared, you can’t act on it quickly enough. Most of the time those that prepare for the worst, do stand a better chance than those that don’t. Every person should be reasonably prepared for emergencies, regardless of your age, politics, income, or location. Some sort of preparedness should be in place. Preppers come from all walks of life, whether you are a doctor, a banker, a security guard, or a shop worker. It does not matter, anyone can prepare. We are all guilty of relying on the stores to have everything we need at short notice. But in these unpredictable times, nothing is certain anymore. Our economy is in breaking apart, the government that is supposed to help us is not. Things are getting worse, hopefully, it will get better. I could go on about the doom and gloom, but that doesn’t help. So, getting back to being prepared. Preparing for the future can be rewarding and fun. Having the sense and fulfilment, knowing that you have done as much as you can for the unpredictable times. It does not take much to start, you do not need to go full hog and spend your life savings in one go. Little by little, build your resources, like food and water, an extra bit here and there. Other household items as well. You will be surprised how quickly your supplies will mount up. Be sensible in the items you buy though; my guide will help you. Below are the links. Remember the information I give is free. Please have a look if you haven’t already done so. Please be safe.

You can download this information here

Winter is here, and for some parts of the UK, and the rest of the world, snow is already falling. So traveling can be quite a challenge, whether you are in your car or on foot. I would say it is better to be prepared than not, but your health or your life is at stake here. So it is crucial that you are prepared and ready, this is not a choice. This is a short guide for being prepared. Cold weather tips Prepare! This is the basis of all things. Failing to prepare can have severe consequences. Especially in cold temperatures. This could be traveling, at home or even just walking to work. Body heat! Keep warm, protect your body, and wrap up warm. This includes all areas, feet, hands, and your head. Keep yourself covered! It's not just the cold temperature, it's also the wind and exposure to the elements. The wind can strip away the warmth on any exposed areas of the body. Keep it covered as much as you can. Layers! Ok, you are going for a walk, maybe taking the pet out, or just a stroll. Having just a fluffy top on, won't cut it. Layer up, you may not have all the thermal gear, but here is the best way to keep your body heat. Base layer: A long sleeve top, close to your skin. Midlayer: For insulation, wool or polyester, or a mix. Outer layer: A hooded top or fleece, and a warm jacket. If your jacket is not windproof, use an outer shell that is. You will be trapping air in all these layers, this will keep the heat in. High-intensity activities will generate body heat and sweat, so it's necessary to wear clothing that is breathable, moisture-wicking, and has good temperature regulation properties. Hydrate! Avoid ice-cold drinks whilst you are out. This will lower your core temperature. Also severe cold is the same effect as severe heat. Hydrate yourself. Travel! If you don't have to, stay at home. Only travel if you need to. Alcohol! The popular belief is that it warms you up, but alcohol does not warm you. Traveling in vehicles Before setting out on any journey, most people would check their car. Coolant, oils, tyres, etc: But do you have some sort of supplies in the boot? For example, a car emergency kit, food, and water? These are just the basics, but very important. For a full guide visit here This will give you a good understanding of what to take. Once you have the gear, just leave it in your vehicle, replace what you use though. You'll be grateful that when you need it, you'll have the necessary gear to help you. If you have a get-home bag, put it in your car, no point leaving it at home. You should do this at any time of the year. You may need to shovel the snow, having a good compact shovel is a good idea, and it doesn't take much space. Also, have some grit or salt in the boot, you can get these from the pound store. Breaking down in your car, or just being unable to move your car due to severe weather is no fun, if it is bad weather and safe to do so, stay in your car. Move what supplies you have into the seating area of the car, so it is accessible. The less you open the door, the better. If you are snowed in and stuck, run your engine for warmth for a few minutes an hour, This will keep you warm and makes sure your car will start when needed. NEVER leave the engine running and go asleep. You'll be in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Saying that, crank the window down every so often just to vent the car, when you have the engine running. Try to keep your feet out of the footwells, these are the coldest part of the car. If you need to leave the car because it is unsafe to stay, take what you need, and put it in a bag, a rucksack would be great, or keep a small bag in the boot, like a pull-cord gym bag. If you can get to a safe place, do so. Here is a short clip using a torch I have, the left clip is attached to my car via the built-in magnet and the right clip is showing you an example. This is a very good torch. LED lighting, so it lasts. The main torch, which is very powerful, and a side LED strobe light. It runs on a 18650 battery (lasts longer) or 3 AAA batteries. I have 2 of these, so I can attach them to my car so it can be seen in both directions. Better to be seen, hazard lights are great, but these are better. Have some spare batteries with you as well. I don't have these in the store yet, so you can get them on Amazon. They are not very expensive either. Traveling on foot There will be a lot of times when you will just walk, maybe to work, for a stroll, or under certain circumstances, you have to leave your car. Make sure that you have layered up and have the essentials with you. An EDC pouch or bag would be ideal, but at least a survival blanket, water, energy bars, some type of communication, phone or radio, etc. You may think, I'll be ok, but those are the famous last words. Plan ahead, even for short journeys. Check the weather before you venture out. A cold front could appear quickly. The right footwear would be a sensible idea, and also some good socks. Don't forget a warm hat and gloves too. Be careful where you walk, if you can't see it, you don't know it's there. Foot injuries happen very quickly, or could be worse. Use a walking pole if you have one with you or just a long stick to prod in front of you. Please don't rush, just take your time, you'll be safer. If the area in front of you does not look safe, it probably isn't. Don't take chances. Take your torch with you as well. Conclusion I hope this small guide has given you some awareness for braving the elements whilst traveling. It is better to be prepared than not at all. It does not take much to adjust, you will be glad that you did. Hopefully, you may not need to put into action any of the advice given, but if anything happens whilst you are traveling, at least you would have the tools and some knowledge to help you. Stay safe, and be prepared.

There are many ways you can store your foods for long-term use, mylar bags is a good way, but I prefer to vacuum seal my dried items. From pasta, sugar, rice, dried beans, herbs, and spices. The list is quite extensive. You would need a good quality food vacuum sealer, try not to purchase a cheap one. I made that mistake and it caught fire. Check them out and read the reviews on them, it will be worth your while doing this and save you the disappointment. They are not expensive, I got this one from Fresko for £40, and it is really good, no clips to push down, just lay it in the sealing gap and press the button. It has 3 settings, moist, dry and seal. With an external hose for canning. Always read the manual though. Then you need some decent Vacuum bags, they come in all sizes, just check what the maximum width would be on your sealer. I use embossed or grain side vacuum seal bags, this makes it easier for the machine to seal. Make sure it is not some of the thin ones out there, they will just split. Most of the time you will be able to pour your contents in and seal them. But when you try and seal pasta or any hard-edged dried foods, you would run the risk of the vacuum bag being pierced. The solution would be to get some food-grade paper bags, fill them with your hard-dried foods, and then put them in the vacuum bag to be sealed. As you see from the photo, these were sealed in March 2021, and are still perfect. Once you have sealed them, it would be a good idea to pop them in the freezer for a couple of days, just in case there are any unwanted bugs (ones you cannot see) you can also use diatomaceous earth as well. Below is a video of some dried milk powder being sealed. As you can see, it's quite easy. Also, don't forget to use oxygen absorbers on certain foods. Oxygen absorbers are little packets that contain iron. Using a Mylar bag, vacuum bag, or an airtight container, pop the required amount in, then the oxygen molecules will bond to the iron. The purpose is to reduce the amount of oxygen in the storage container. Here is a guide to the number of oxygen absorbers needed for certain foods. As you see, the right column needs more due to the high moisture content present in the food, compared to the left column with low moisture content. Different countries have varying amounts of units of measure. A quick note, I would not use an oxygen absorber for sugar, unless you want to have a sugar brick when you open it. I hope this guide for vacuum sealing your dried foods is helpful. Keep watching the posts for more content.

Welcome to our blog. Where do you look for ways to learn how to prepare and survive? There are many blogs and posts, most are pretty good, and some are just random articles on news stories that are irrelevant. I've been prepping for a few years now, and I am still learning and will continue learning. Sharing my knowledge with all those that visit my site. There are many different topics, in fact, too many to count. So this blog will concentrate on some of the information on the site and whole new exciting posts. There will be how-to guides on many topics. Some good reading on current affairs which would be relevant to our way of life, you can also comment on the topics. Even inviting guest bloggers on certain subjects. Please enjoy this blog, and don't forget there is plenty of information on the main site.