Concealed carry can be a challenge, especially in the summer months when heat is a factor and jackets or coats are not worn. I would love to carry a large .50 caliber handgun, though I have no way to effectively conceal it when wearing board shorts and a t-shirt.

Enter the Sticky Holster.

The Sticky is an Inside-the-Waistband holster that safely secures a handgun while adhering to the inner fabric of pants or shorts.  When necessary, the gun can be drawn while the holster “sticks” in place. Earlier I joked about carrying a .50 cal in board shorts, but can say in all seriousness that more than one of my friends carries a weapon when wearing swimming-trunk style attire and running up and down the highways along the beach. The Sticky Holster makes it work.

Sticky Holsters offer flexibility in that they can be used ambidextrously. They can be worn in the front, side, or back of the waistband, and transition easily. They offer protection when the gun is a glovebox or under a car seat.  Most people start out with a Sticky Holster for one of their smaller handguns, then end up buying one for each gun in their collection.

Stickys cost less than $30, and though they will show signs of wear, over time, they hold up pretty well.  Mine has been in use for more than a year and still looks good. The company website, www.stickyholsters.com, offers a Find-Your-Gun application that will help with sizing.

For the money and ease-of-use, I strongly recommend the purchase of a Sticky Holster.  The holsters make concealed carry much more practical, which in turn makes law-abiding gun owners safer.  These holsters have definitely increased my options and my confidence.

Perhaps I need to use the Sticky Find-Your-Gun app. to see if they offer a holster that fits a .50 …?

About the author:

“Heatherly makes you feel like you could survive on your own (for at least a little while) after reading this book (The Cave and The Sea)—not that I’m going to give it a try any time soon.” –Forever Young Adult

“The Hunger Games smash hit book and movie got my daughter and one of her friends interested in archery. Maybe John A. Heatherly’s novel The Cave and The Sea will do the same for teenagers regarding learning primitive survival skills…” –SurvivalCommonsense.com

“I don’t throw the term ‘life changing’ around lightly but this book (The Survival Template) has very likely altered the way I think, the way I plan and the way I see my future as I’ve laid it out.” –SurvivalMonkey.com.

Hosts Aaron and Jason wrap up Season II with special guest Darrell of FloridaHillBilly.com.

Darrell has been a long time listener and friend to the show. And he’s got way more farming experience than we do. So tune in and enjoy the great tips, fun poked at us, and how a well endowed duck killed Darrell’s hens.

But wait, someone said Season Finale!

Yes, that’s correct. We’re taking the bulk of the summer off to recharge our prepper batteries. And work on some projects to make Season III even better than I and II. (Crazy, we know.)

ITRH will be airing best of reruns till we return. And when August 26th 2013 rolls around (when Season III starts) we’ll have all kinds of cool interviews, stories, and, of course, urban farming updates.

But in the mean time, don’t forget to listen to this episode now.

Topics:

All over the map. But fun and educational as always.

Episode Resources:

• Darrell’s great blog: FloridayHillbilly.com
• How to raise Quail
• Quail Egg Scissors
• Red Claw Crawfish
• Green Earth Survival School
• Metal Rainwater Harvesting Tanks in Houston

The Sawyer Point Zero Two Viral Water Purifier comes with a one million gallon guarantee and can be purchased for around $100.  The price-per-gallon offered by this device is far better than anything else I have encountered so far!  Given my desire to have redundant systems (primary and backup firestarters, primary and backup firearms, etc…,) this reasonably priced water purifier was destined for a place in my collection.

This is a gravity operated purifier, much like the popular Berkey filter.  Unlike the Berkey, the Sawyer Point Zero Two attaches to the OUTSIDE of a 5-Gallon bucket.  This excellent video from Shelf Reliance demonstrates this device’s ease of use.

Some reviews indicate that the Point Zero Two is difficult to prime, though I have not found this to be the case.  So far, the only negative I can see (and it is a low-threat negative) is the possible damage that could result from dropping this device.  The filter is not flimsy or poorly made, but it is not made of cast-iron or high-strength steel, either.  Given proper care, I am confident that this filter will live up to its million gallon promise.  For the price, I would have accepted much less!

The following is taken from the Sawyer site:

Assembly Kit Includes:
1 – Sawyer 0.02 Absolute Micron Inline Water Purifier
1 – Adapter
1 – Hose
1 – Hole Cutter
1 – Faucet Adapter (optional)
1 – Filter Hanger
1 – Filter Cleaner
Detailed Instruction Sheet

Easy Set-up & Use
The ease of operating the PointTWO filter makes it self-sustainable and dependable. It can be installed in minutes, and the only external force required for the system to function is gravity.

The kit provided includes everything needed to attach the filter to any plastic bucket or container and begin filtering water. To install the system, users:

1) Obtain a clean bucket or plastic container.
2) Use the hole cutter to drill a hole 1.5 inches from the bottom of the bucket (you can do this by hand).
3) Screw the connector, hose and filter onto the bucket.
4) Fill the bucket with water from any source, lower the filter head below the water line, and let gravity do the rest.

About the author:

“Heatherly makes you feel like you could survive on your own (for at least a little while) after reading this book (The Cave and The Sea)—not that I’m going to give it a try any time soon.” –Forever Young Adult

“The Hunger Games smash hit book and movie got my daughter and one of her friends interested in archery. Maybe John A. Heatherly’s novel The Cave and The Sea will do the same for teenagers regarding learning primitive survival skills…” –SurvivalCommonsense.com

“I don’t throw the term ‘life changing’ around lightly but this book (The Survival Template) has very likely altered the way I think, the way I plan and the way I see my future as I’ve laid it out.” –SurvivalMonkey.com.

By John A. Heatherly, author of The Survival Template and The Cave and The Sea

This week’s Gear Report is likely to inspire endless jokes, but we are unafraid, so you may fire when ready!

Pictured above are: one 25-ounce can of Hormel Chili, one 32-ounce bag of white rice, one 15-ounce can of Dinty Moore Beef Stew, and a 1-quart, legendary, Lodge Logic Dutch Oven.  The food items combined contain 4,380 calories, 120+ grams of protein, and 850+ grams of carbohydrates.

For those who may not appreciate the ingenious culinary potential of the items above, here are a few more facts:  According to the FAQ’s at the Hormel Foods site, the Chili and Beef Stew are “always safe to consume as long as the seal has remained intact, unbroken and securely attached. However, the flavor and freshness of the product gradually begin to decline after three years from the manufacturing date.”  Hormel’s canning process provides an indefinite shelf life.  White rice, if stored in a mylar bag (or purchased in a #10 can) has a shelf-life of 30+ years.  For less than $10, a person can pack away a sustenance combination such as this one for consumption in just about any kind of emergency.

I recommend the addition of a $35 Lodge Logic 1-quart dutch oven, as it is mobile (about 7 pounds) and can easily cook white rice with a small amount of fuel.

Here is how I do it:

• Add “1 knuckle deep” rice to the Dutch Oven
• Add “2 knuckles deep” water
• Cover the rice and water with the Dutch Oven Lid and bring to a boil (see pictures below)
• Remove the Oven from the heat and let it sit covered until the rice is soft
• Add the Chili or Beef Stew, stir, wait a few minutes for the concoction to heat up, then consume it.

Charcoal above and below the Dutch Oven works great. The picture above shows a 1-quart Dutch Oven being heated in a hibachi grill – 12 charcoals on top and 6 underneath.  Of course, coals from a fire are equally effective.  After all, Lewis and Clark stated that their Dutch Oven was the most valuable piece of gear utilized during their travels.

Another configuration applies stacked Dutch Ovens to conserve heat.  The legs on the bottom of the Oven keep it stable when placed over a heat source.

So, to employ this inexpensive, brilliant food storage strategy, purchase a small Dutch Oven as well as white rice and canned Hormel products.  Each week add a can or two to the pantry.  If you have charcoal or firewood, you are prepared to eat well if the power is out or you are on the move.

Let the Dutch Oven jokes continue!

About the author:

“Heatherly makes you feel like you could survive on your own (for at least a little while) after reading this book (The Cave and The Sea)—not that I’m going to give it a try any time soon.” –Forever Young Adult

“The Hunger Games smash hit book and movie got my daughter and one of her friends interested in archery. Maybe John A. Heatherly’s novel The Cave and The Sea will do the same for teenagers regarding learning primitive survival skills…” –SurvivalCommonsense.com

“I don’t throw the term ‘life changing’ around lightly but this book (The Survival Template) has very likely altered the way I think, the way I plan and the way I see my future as I’ve laid it out.” –SurvivalMonkey.com.

In this episode hosts Aaron and Jonathan explain and discuss the latest alternative currency. And watching its future is going to be one heck of a roller coster ride.

Bitcoins, you may have heard about them in the news recently. It’s a new form of currency that’s been making some big headlines (some positive, some negative, and some off in space). But the topic has many people asking all kinds of questions:

What are Bitcoins really? How do you get them? What impact will they have on the global economy? And will it replace Gold and Silver as the currency and value store of preppers?

Join us as we mine the topic for answers too…

• Digital crypto-currency… What’s that?
• Bitcoins
• Bitcoin mining
• Where they came from.
• Why they are of interest to preppers.
• Online privacy using Bitcoins.
• Bitcoins as an investment.
• And much much more…

Please note: This is a very technical and complicated topic to tackle. We’ve done our best to break this down in an easy to understand interesting way–that also applies to survival in a modern age. However, we DO NOT recommend that this be your only source of information on the topic.

Some of the statements made are meant for general practical purposes of explanation. Given the complicated nature of the topic, consider that there are caveats to everything we cover.

There is a tremendous amount to know about Bitcoins. And anyone putting any money into them for any reason should investigate the topic thoroughly. We make no claims, future predictions, or assurances about the future of them. (Use at your own risk.)

Resources:

• Bitcoin Main Website and Where to get a wallet
• How they work in detail.
• Bitcoin mining pool mentioned in this episode
• Bitcoin Exchange and latests rates

Quick vides that explain Bitcoins simply. (And possibly better than we do.)

By John A. Heatherly, Author of The Survival Template and The Cave and The Sea

Photo by Stoeger Air Rifles

Many survival-types attest that .22 Long Rifle ammunition will provide more success in sport shooting and small game hunting than any other cartridge, and for good reason.  .22 LR is easy to shoot and will minimize the destruction of meat when small creatures are being taken as “survival snacks” or meals.  Larger animals, to include sick cattle or even African wild game, are chronicled to have been taken with the prolific .22, hunting laws notwithstanding.  The round is easily suppressed if noise is a concern (for example, if you don’t want to disturb the hens in the henhouse, shoot the intruding fox with a suppressed .22!)

Perhaps the most significant historical advantage of the .22 LR has been the availability and low cost of ammunition.  For many years it was easily stockpiled.  Unfortunately, this advantage no longer exists – I have not found .22 LR ammo on a store shelf for several months.

Recently I came acquired a new piece of gear that will improve my small-game strategy – the Stoeger X20S .22 Pellet Rifle.

The X20 Suppression System – Photo by Stoeger USA

The X20 can be purchased online for around $140, with pellet prices ranging in the neighborhood of 500 rounds for $9.99.  Someone commented to me that a pellet gun purchase is a “useless waste,” and I vehemently disagree. For much less than $200, a person can be set up with a .22 pellet rifle and 1,000 pellets!  Far from a “waste,” this piece of gear could be used to hunt squirrels and the like for pennies per shot.  The X20 projects pellets at around 800 feet-per-second, with more than enough accurate power to put meat on the grill.  Perhaps my favorite X20 trait is its near-silent operability.  I have shot mine in more than one suburban neighborhood backyard without alarming anyone.  I recommend this rifle as a reasonably priced, practical addition to any survival kit, and offer a few suggestions:

-Buy an X20 with front and rear sites rather than just a scope.  This is a 50-60 yard gun, and I believe the sites are a better choice for the long haul.

-Upgrade the trigger.  The factory, 2-stage trigger is fine, and the gun is accurate, but I have read that the GRT-III trigger upgrade, for $35, makes a huge difference.  This will be my next purchase.

-Also buy a pellet trap.  They cost around $20 or so, and allow for inexpensive shooting practice in the yard.  This is the least expensive way to practice shooting fundamentals that I have found.

-Lastly, I recommend that a potential buyer call either Airgun Deport or Pyramyd Air (I am in no way affiliated with either) to seek counsel before buying. I have purchased products from both companies – their customer service is fabulous.

A friend asked if I would shoot a zombie with a pellet rifle like the X20 – of course I would!  This gun is accurate enough to hit a zombie in the eyeball (if the shooter is good enough) so why not?

About the Author –  John also blogs at www.JohnAHeatherly.com.

“Heatherly makes you feel like you could survive on your own (for at least a little while) after reading this book (The Cave and The Sea) — not that I’m going to give it a try any time soon.” -Forever Young Adult

“’The Hunger Games’ smash-hit book and movie got my daughter and one of her friends interested in archery. Maybe John A. Heatherly’s novel ‘The Cave and the Sea’ will do the same for teenagers regarding learning primitive survival skills…” -SurvivalCommonsense.com

“I don’t throw the term ‘life changing’ around lightly but this book (The Survival Template) has very likely altered the way I think, the way I plan and the way I see my future as I’ve laid it out.” -SurvivalMonkey.com.

In this episode hosts Aaron and Jason share a simple system for owning your own survival…

It’s been a while since there’s been a Survival CHI episode. And while 99 isn’t a full episode on the topic, it does harken back to the CHI roots. In this episode Aaron and Jason share a simple system for mastering any situation, problem, or concern.

But this simple technique doesn’t just get you through tough survival situations. It also can be used to get you through everyday issues.

Join us as we discuss…

Show Topics

• What it means to own a problem or concern.
• The 9 steps for problem solving.
• Examples of how propper planning and execution can save you time–and maybe your life.

Resources from this episode:

• 1 Month of Frieze Dried Food
• The Survival Template

By John A. Heatherly, Author of The Survival Template and The Cave and The Sea

 Photo from www.uvpaqlite.com

UVPaqlites are described as “Reusable – Reliable – No Batteries – No Bulbs – Non-toxic – Glows All Night Long – Keep It Forever.”

Years ago we trained with those old-school, J-shaped military flashlights (the bulky green ones.)  While those relics kept us from floundering in total darkness, their limitations fostered an appreciation for quality light sources.  For $20 plus shipping, the “Scout Pack Combo” pictured above provides additional options for light to complement our various flashlights, candles, lanterns, etc…

For me, the main appeal of UVPaqlites was their advertised ability to recharge.  Secondly, I wondered just how much light they would provide.  Given my concerns, the Scout Pack was a good starting choice as it allowed me to test one UVGloStik, one UVO Necklace, one Tooblite, and one Small UVPaqlite.

Each item did in fact, “glow all night” after charging during the day.  The amount of light, of course, is relative to each product’s size.  The UVO Necklace, Tooblite, and UVGloStik all work well for marking pieces of gear or objects in a room or camp.  The Small UVPaqlite is my favorite of the bunch, as it would easily illuminate a small tent if necessary.  In hindsight, the Larger UVPaqlite or the UVMatlite would have been a better choice for me, as I believe they will easily illuminate a dark room during a power outage.  Of course, the combination of my Scout Pack with any of the larger UVPaqlites will vastly improve my abilities to function in the dark, and I plan to place another order soon.

Before ordering, I recommend that a consumer read the FAQ page (http://www.uvpaqlite.com/faqs.html.)  Here are a few highlights:

Q: How do they work?
A: They are glow-in-the-dark lights. Our products utilize a specialty formulated non-toxic- glow-in-the-dark crystal called Strontium Aluminate. Their unique jagged shape allows them to absorb light from nearly all angles which maximizes that light absorption.  The absorbed light is then stored inside the crystals and when taken into a dark environment, they glow! 

Q: What are they crystals made from?
A: The crystals are made from Strontium Aluminate and combined with a rare earth called europium. They are all non-toxic & environmentally friendly. Strotium is actually found in some toothpastes. They do not produce heat, radiation, or any harmful side effects. They are basically made from dirt/earth.

Q: How bright are the UVPaqlites?
A: The large UVPaqlite provides enough light to act as a night light in a 6 person tent or small bedroom. The medium UVPaqlite, in my opinion, is the perfect 3-4 person tent light. It provides just enough light to see your surroundings, find your socks, etc. but not enough to keep you awake. A lot of our customers use the small or medium UVPaqlites on their night stands. The mini UVPaqlite is more like a marker used to identify trails, locations, items, exits, etc. 

*BONUS MATERIAL – SURVIVAL FICTION!

So modern gear, such as UVPaqlites, makes survival much easier.  The following sample chapter from THE CAVE AND THE SEA, A NOVEL, discusses the use of fire and a unique improvised light source to illuminate a cave.  Enjoy!

10 PINE RESIN AND CEDAR BARK

The journey back up the hill to the Cave was not a long one though it took its toll on Coe.  The Cave had safely sheltered him so far, but more work would be required for it to be considered an ongoing solution. He could feel his energy waning. Upon exiting the rocky clearing near the spring, Coe gathered a few necessities: the sharpest small rock he could find, as his obsidian razor was delicate and he could not risk breaking it on more rugged work; several globules of pine resin that had seeped from the larger pine trees near the clearing; and four flat, stackable rocks that were easy to carry. If the gods continued to smile on him, he would sleep warm, happy and hidden that night.

By his judgment he would have almost four hours of daylight left to accomplish his tasks, though he worried that his body’s energy stores would fall before the sun did. He placed his sharp and flat rocks just outside the Cave entrance along with the pine resin and noticed that a ray of afternoon sunlight had fallen through an opening in the thicket near his working area.

Quickly he peeled multiple handfuls of cedar bark from the surrounding trees and placed it on a rock in the sunlight. The bark felt dry when he gathered it, but he wanted to take advantage of the afternoon sun to ensure that his fire-making materials would contain no moisture whatsoever.

Under normal circumstances, Coe would use a hand-drill to start a fire; but with an injured left arm and a lack of energy, a bow drill solution was more viable. The cedar slash provided a straight stick that would serve as his spindle and a wide, flat stick that could be split into a fireboard. As he started to carve a handle, he realized that one of his flat rocks was round enough, like a hollow bowl, to provide an effective handle that would not require carving. He found a long, curved branch to serve as his bow and planned to use a piece of cordage from his bandages to complete the bow-drill set. He wanted to inspect the cut on his arm anyway; and if he had enough firewood, he could easy reapply the cordage and bandage before sleeping. He gathered dry firewood for more than an hour.

After placing his sizable stash of firewood just inside the Cave entrance, Coe took his newly acquired, rugged-sharp rock and began carving his spindle and fireboard. The stone instrument was crude but adequate in creating a fine point on one end of the spindle and in halving the fireboard. He used his obsidian razor from his hidden waistband pocket once but did not want to risk breaking it as he would need it later for more delicate tasks.

Before attempting to turn the spindle with his bow, Coe took several small bundles of cedar bark, mixed them with balls of pine resin, and placed them individually on the small flat rocks, which served as baseplates. If he could get a fire going, his day would be near complete.

Being naturally left-handed, he had grown up using his right hand to steady the spindle handle and his left hand and arm to work the bow. In this case his injury would require that he work the bow right-handed, and he wished that he had taken his grandfather’s advice more seriously when Grandfather had warned him to learn to use both hands for basic tasks. He removed the leather cordage from the bandage on his injured left side and got to work.

At first the bow did not turn easily, and Coe began to feel scared; but his awkward right-handed cadence improved, eventually burning a starter hole in his fireboard. He had to use his obsidian once more to create the notch in the board and stopped to rest after organizing his materials around him.

He used a small portion of firewood to construct a tipi fire-lay just outside the cave entrance. This small fire would be for temporary use until he could move into the Cave and build a larger fire. To his relief, the cedar bark was bone dry, and though he nearly exhausted himself turning the bow, he watched the marriage of the spindle and fireboard produce dark, fine dust and eventually a small spark. With care he cradled the spark in a bundle of bark and coaxed it into a flame with gentle breaths.

His tipi fire took immediately, warming his body and his spirit, inducing yet another sense of natural, primal gratitude. This time he offered his prayer of thanks without stopping his work.

Coe allowed the fire to burn for a few minutes to produce a small coal bed. He carefully dragged a portion of the coals away from the fire with a stick and then placed the glowing coals on two of his baseplate stones. Almost immediately, the cedar bark/pine resin mixtures ignited, providing Coe with lamps that he could easily carry by gripping the baseplates. He was proud of his work and knew that each of the four lamps would burn for just under an hour. He planned to be asleep before the lamps burned out.

Like most of us, I prefer survival gear that will reliably perform for the long haul.  When the time came to purchase a new grill, I could not resist the allure of the seemingly indestructible Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill.  At costs ranging from about $95 to $105 (from Ace Hardware to Bass Pro Shop,) this hibachi is a survival investment that can provide a number of solutions for years to come.  Among its uses are:

1.  The obvious – a standard charcoal grill.  The cast iron is preseasoned and I often spray it with olive oil before and after using it to maintain the season.

2. The Griddle – for an additional $29, a Lodge griddle can be added to create new cooking options.

3. I have also used skillets or even inverted dutch oven lids to fry on this bad boy.

4.  The grill grate can be used over a fire or coals from the fire if necessary.  Make sure to use hardwood if at all possible – pine, though it serves the purpose, can negatively affect the taste of food.

5. A smokepot.  The cast iron base, with the grill grate removed, easily holds coals and chips for making jerky and other dried meats.

6. Transport – The wire handle allows for the transport of coals or hot rocks for a number of survival applications.  Note that in the photo leather gloves were not necessary, although they are a good idea in an instance like this.

7. Dutch Oven Container – The grill base does a fabulous job of containing coals for dutch oven cooking.  Check out this peach cobbler!

8. Lastly, the grill base serves as an outstanding firepit (if near a deck or a house, make sure to monitor the fire as it shifts!)  As they say, “it just don’t get much better…”

In this episode hosts Aaron and Jonathan answer common and pressing listener questions.

Over the last few weeks we’ve had a lot of email come. And to the truth is, we’ve been extremely busy.

So we had a thought: Rather than just answer the emails individually, let’s share the answers with all the listeners. And in this episode we do just that…

But one in particular is something we ourselves have really wrestled with since the very beginning of the show. And today’s answer might clear it up for you. It definitely made the answer clear to us.

Just some of this episodes questions:

• What is the intersection between Libertarianism and survival (in Aaron and Jonathan’s opinion.)
• What’s the state of the TWAS?
• What’s really causing the ammo shortage?
• How long the ammo shortage will last?
• What do you think about the Homeland Security Tanks?
• What is the best .22 ammo and  what’s the best .22 rifle?

Show Resources:

• The truth about DHS’s MARPs
• Snoops Fact Check Report on DHS Bullets and Tanks / MARPs (And a few tid bits on civil unrest preparations to wind you back up

In today’s episode hosts Aaron and Jason share their single biggest mistake on the farm.

And what it’s cost them.

But they also share the new found joy over when a farm finally becomes productive. It’s the joyous moment when you realize your production levels are are a point of surplus.

The hosts also do a follow up to Jonathan and Aaron’s previous discussion on ammo shortages. What may be really causing it. And how you can avoid being sucked into it.

Join us as we discuss:

• What to consider first when planning an urban farm.
• An update on the shipping pallet planters.
• What rabbit over production looks like.
• What egg over production looks like.
• What’s causing the ammo shortage

Resources:

• Florida Hilly Billy

Hosts Aaron and Jonathan take a fresh look at rifle calibers in the wake of gun hysteria and play with their tin foil hats.

Ammo is in short supply (no duh, right). But if you know where to look and how, it’s actually not as bad as you think. In this episode we share tips, tricks, and resources for navigating the shortages.

But the search for bulk ammo has also given us a unique opportunity to observe something: What ammo sells out first. For years survivalists have assumed that NATO calibers were the way to go. The assumption was that these calibers would be in plentiful supply. However, current ammo shortages give us a glimpse into what happens when the majority of people are using a particular caliber. And it shows us what quality calibers are actually in relatively plentiful supply.

Plus, a special discussion on tin foil hats. The preppers who love them. And how to take them off to get a clear look at what may really be going on–or not.

Topics:

• Brief update of proposed new federal gun laws.
• Finding bulk handgun ammo
• Finding bulk rifle ammo
• New thoughts on calibers to store and why
• This seasons latest fashions in tin foil hats.
• …And how to take your tin foil hat off.

Resources:

• “I’m Just a Bill” Video
• The Truth About Guns
• SGAmmo.com
• AmmunitionToGo.com
• AmmoSeek.com
• PrimaryArms.com
• ITRH Weekly Fire Side Chats

Hosts Aaron and Jason give an update to the urban farm project and discuss the debut of a huge new project.

After two years of gaffs, mistakes, and lots of folly, Aaron and Jason have suddenly reached the completion of the livestock portion of their urban farm. Now they look to the future for perfecting their rabbit stock. And they look forward to the start of the Aquaponics project.

And the wacky urban farmers start planning for a five year project close to every preppers desire…

Join us as we discuss…

Topics:

• Raising meat pen rabbits in the city.
• What’s a bunny Bar Mitzvah? (Note: Rabbits are not kosher… as it turns out)
• How tasty are Ameraucana Chickens?
• Dealing with large scale water storage on an urban farm.
• Planning for the prepper’s dream in a way that benefits you today. OR if things go wrong.

Resources:

• Bento (User friendly iOS Database and Desktop Mac OSX app).
• Bryant’s Woodforest Pet Supply

Hosts Aaron and Jonathan do a survival year end review–ringing out 2012 and ringing their hands of 2013.

The raise is on. Will 2013 be worse for liberty, financial health, and over all well being?

As we close out 2012 and head into 2013 the outlook isn’t bright for the new year.

Tune is as we cover…

Topics:

• The bleak outlook for liberty in 2013.
• The expansion of the Patriot Act.
• Gun control: It’s not just AR-15s.
• How violence is actually on the decline.
• The one trick ponies in Washington.
• Financial cliff
• Estate Tax
• Capital Gains Tax
• What to expect: Our outlook for 2013.

Resources:

• 1984 by George Orwell
• On Combat by Lt Col Dave Grossman (Ret.)
• Episode 8: NFA Weapons
• Harvard Law Study on crime rates and guns
• Mass killings on the decline
• Steven Pinker: The surprising decline in violence

Hosts Aaron, Jonathan, and Jason discuss preparing in an apartment and a new home.

It’s a long over due highly requested episode. And it sets the record for our longest episode ever. Because it’s such a large topic.

Survival in an apartment is fraught with difficulties, limitations, and needed reality checks. But it’s not impossible. And there are measures that can be taken to ensure you’re able to survive.

Moving into a new home offers a fresh pallet for a prepper to work with. But it brings up all kinds of new things to consider. Because your are starting all over.

Join us as we cover apparent prepping and prepping in a new home…

Topics:

• Setting realistic expectations while preparing in an urban setting.
• Apparent security concerns and methods.
• Thoughts on picking a location both for homes and apartments.
• Conventional and unconventional means of egress from an apparent.
• Food and water storage in small spaces.
• Cooking after a disaster or collapse.
• Zombie dear…

Resources:

• Door Barricades
  • The door bar bracket thing we couldn’t name of
  • Doorricade Door Bar
  • See-Safe Door Bar
  • BuddyBar Door Jammer
• Emergency Ladders
• Wise Food
• Mountain House Freeze Dried Food
• WaterBOB Emergency Water Storage
• Simpli Safe: Alarm System

Ti2 Sentinel puts a new design spin on an old caching idea. And to be frank, it seems pretty darn awesome.

Kicking around Kick Starter has become a bit of a distraction for me. I love seeing creative entrepreneurs/inventors/self starters bring their ideas to life. And then become successful with them, of course.

So digging through the listings, watching the videos, and buying/supporting projects gets addictive. And thinking about what I would put up quickly sends me into a day dreaming frenzy. (If only I had a few more hours in every day).

If you’ve never checked out Kick Starter you should. Not saying they are the only game in town. But it seems to have the most interesting things that pop up on it.

And it’s always fun to see people submit their great inventions that then blow up, get a whole lot more funding than they even asked for, and show a promising future.

This brings us back to the Ti2 Sentinel. They’re billing it as “…a titanium cache system to insure safe storage for essential items.”

Key Features include:

• Made from grade 2 titanium, strong as steel at half the weight.
• Water tight o-ring seal design.
• Three piece design allows access from either end. Lodged items can be easily “pushed” through.
• Fluted ergonomic grip areas.
• Large ring slot can host a wide range of rings, clips, and lanyards.
• Corrosion resistant.

…And it comes in a variety of sizes. Instead of just the typical small EDC keychain size.

• S4S Outside 0.5″ x 2.75″, Internal 0.37″ x 1″
• S4L Outside 0.5″ x 4.75″, Internal 0.37″ x 3″
• S6S Outside 0.75″ x 3.63″, Internal 0.62″ x 1″
• S6M Outside 0.75″ x 5.63″, Internal 0.62″ x 3″
• S6L Outside 0.75″ x 8.63″, Internal 0.62″ x 6″
• S8S Outside 1.0″ x 4.75″, Internal 0.87″ x 1.38″
• S8M Outside 1.0″ x 6.38″, Internal 0.87″ x 3″
• S8L Outside 1.0″ x 10.63″, Internal 0.87″ x 7.25″

Here’s a few more works from the Ti2…

NOTE: As always, for those that confuse easily, Friday Gear Reports are not endorsements or reviews. They’re about what’s new and “looks” and or “sounds” interesting.

In this episode Aaron shares a special announcement about the future of ITRH and discusses the basics of prepping for winter.

This is by no means an exhaustive check list. But it is our bi-annual run through of what you should be doing to preppare for the season. And it’s a great way to get your mind focused on what you need to be doing to ensure that your shelter and gear are in working order.

Often as preppers we check something off our list to then stuff it away in a closet, think it’s done, and forget it. If you’re new to prep it’s a great place to start. And if you’ve been around for a while it’ll serve as a good reminder.

Join us as we discuss…

Show Topics:

• Listener contributions.
• A special don’t miss announcement.
• Prepping your house for winter.
• Prepping your car for winter.
• Prepping your bags for winter.

Show Resources:

• 7 Things for your Survival Car Bag
• LogicBob’s post: CA Gun Laws
• Episode 64: Prepper Spring Cleaning

Special Project Appleseed Message from Scout:

Hey Guys, I want to invite you out to Davilla Texas, December 22/23 for the last Appleseed of 2012 in Texas. It will be a great time to get out of the house, and onto the line, and get some trigger time in.

While everyone else is slurping those stinky hot wine drinks and listening to Christmas carols….uhh, you can be running half a thousand rounds through your favorite rifle and making sure your ability to make the shot when it counts, is honed and ready.

Maybe you are getting a rifle under the tree on that special day, and maybe you can talk your own special Santa into letting you open it early and take it out on the line for a spin.

Regardless, we will be here, and I hope you will show up too. Davilla is in Central Texas near Temple, Cameron, Waco. Only an hour from Austin, two hours from Houston, two from San Antonio and two from the DFW area.

We will shoot all day Saturday at 25 meters, learning the skills and techniques needed to get your groups down to four minutes of arc using the short distance to allow rapid feedback on shots. That means working on your rifle skills until you can put ten rounds into a postage stamp at 82 feet in thirty seconds. Easy right?

On Sunday, if you bring your center fire, and are shooting down to 6-8 minutes of arc, we will go to the actual distance range and get everyone data for their rifles at 100, 200, 300 and 400 meters, then get you shooting an actual distance AQT.

An AQT, at 25 meters or 400, is four stages, three positions, with magazine changes and multiple targets under time constraints. It doesn’t get much more “practical rifle” than that, right?

Hope to see you guys there!
Scout

Info-
http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=28832
To register-
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3347062153

Often the most over looked survival bag is the one that lives in your vehicle. That’s mainly because we put so much time and energy into a BOB that tends to live at home.

But (assuming you survived Thanks Giving) it’s that time of year when a lot of people are traveling by car. And it’s that time of year when we tend to be hauling our most precious cargo: family.

So here’s seven items to get you over the hill and through the woods. Then back home safe again.

…And these are also great stocking stuffers/gifts for the survivalist on your list.

#1: Canteen

Water takes is place in the top three survival needs. And when traveling it’s no less important. But some people have concerns about leaving water in a vehicle in a plastic container. Enter the 64oz Klean Canteen.

#2: Emergency Rations

Food also tops the list of survival needs. Yet it also has it’s own set of problems when it comes to storing in a vehicle. For that we turn to products specifically designed for such conditions: Datrex  Emergency Food Bars.

They won’t be great for your Palio Diet. But they will last for an extended period in the ever changing conditions a vehicle presents.

#3: Emergency Sleeping Bag

Cars and trucks these days have really great climate control systems. But if our vehicle is inoperable chances are good so is the heater. So rather than being uncomfortalbe or worse–suffering from hyperthermia–add something to keep your warm.

I’m not trading in my highend down sleeping bag anytime soon when camping. But the SOL Emergency Bivvy is perfect for a car emergency bag. It’s lightweight, compact, and I’ve yet to read/watch any reviews that find issue with the SOL bag.

#4: Multitool

Over the years I’ve tried out many mutitools. But the Leatherman Wave still comes in first place. It’s just the right amount and types of tools and it’s comfortable in the hand.

#5: The Road Side Kit

I know, I’m kind of cheating with this one. But a roadside kit that includes such things as signals, jumper cables, gloves, and a flashlight really is a must. And while piecing together a best of the best kit is the way to go for motor heads, the rest of us can go with the AAA 73 Piece Excursion Road Kit.

#6: Light

Seems things always go wrong in the dark. And holding a flashlight takes up one of your two hands when you always seem to need both. So rather than chipping a tooth on and drooling all over your tactical flashlight, get a headlamp.

I’ve long been a proponent of headlamps over flashlights. And the Energizer 7 LED Headlight is a good price meets quality mark.

#7: Backup Phone Charger

The best way to get out of a bad situation is often to call for help. But that’s hard to do if you’ve let your cell phone die. And if the issue leaving you stranded is the car battery, you’re SOL (aka Shit Out of Luck).

Recently on a trip I opted to leave my Joos Orange at home. And I then, on my return flight, promptly forgot my charger at the place I was visiting. Thankfully the clever folks at Best Buy have installed electronics vending machines in air ports. This is where I was introduced to the Mophie Powerstation (It’s also about $10 cheaper through Best Buy–the link–than Amazon).

It’s not cheap. But it does exactly what it says it will, charges quickly, is lightweight, and compact. So I’ve been very happy with mine that now lives in my EDC bag.

Stay safe…

For the James Bond in you, Sparrows’ Uncuff Link gives class to your escape.

Lock Picks are not something we’ve covered in a while. That would be because nothing interesting has come out in some time.

And it’s been a couple of weeks since we’ve released a Friday Gear Report. That would be because, well, there’s been nothing to report on, in the world of interesting survival toys.

But… seems the dry spell of fun/cool/interesting lock picking gear has been broken.

Recently Sparrows debuted a pair of cuff links with a hidden handcuff key. And while we can’t comment on the quality, we can say they look very cool. And it’s definitely one of those why-didn’t-I-think-of-that trinkets of escape and evasion.

And who isn’t intrigued by a product that comes with the warning:
*WARNING: The use of this product under some circumstances may result in you being shot.*

Sparrows’ website states pre-orders get $10 off and they Uncuff Link will begin shipping the first week of December.

Due to the popularity of the ITRH Roving Horde Sticker, and by overwhelling request, the ITRH Roving Horde 3″ round patch is now available. Perfect for showing your support of the show on any clothing or bags that accept velcro.

It features:

• Velcro backing
• Black and grey/silver stitched color scheme.
• ITRH Bunny
• Roving Horde
• …and iron sight graphics on either side.

Get yours today for just $6.55