Equipment & Supplies
Discover essential gear, tools, and supplies for sailboat survival. Get reviews, recommendations, and insights on the equipment that can make your life at sea more secure and comfortable.
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Make Cleaning Fish Easy by Using the Right Tools and the Best Methods
Cleaning fish is probably the least enjoyable part of the catch-clean-cook-eat process, but it must be done.
If you learn the best methods and use the right tools, cleaning fish is much easier than it might otherwise be.
And it's important to get it right - after all, you’re going to eat it.
So here we'll take a look not just at the cleaning and gutting techniques, but also at the preparation for cooking.
First though, the fish must be killed quickly to avoid any unnecessary suffering.
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Medical Supplies
We are very sorry, but due to the complexity of this article, an audio version is not available.
For anyone to do their job properly, they’ll need the right equipment. Imagine a carpenter having to use a steak knife as a saw, or a hunter using a pea shooter instead of a rifle. The same goes for the medic. The successful healthcare provider has spent a lot of time and energy (and some money) on accumulating a good amount and variety of medical supplies. The more the better, since you don’t know how long you might have to function without access to modern medical care.
It’s important to note that the value of many medical supplies depends largely on the knowledge and skill that the user has obtained through study and practice.
A blood pressure cuff isn’t very useful to someone who doesn’t know how to take a blood pressure. Concentrate on first obtaining items that you can use effectively, and then purchase more advanced equipment as your skills multiply.
Don’t forget that many items can be improvised; a bandana may serve as a triangular bandage, an ironing board as a stretcher or thin fishing line and a sewing needle might be useful as suturing equipment. A careful inspection of your own home would probably turn up things that can be adapted to medical use. Look with a creative eye and you’ll be surprised at the medical issues you are already equipped to deal with.
Sterile Vs. Clean
A significant factor in the quality of medical care given in a survival situation is the level of cleanliness of the equipment used. You may have heard of the terms “sterile” and “clean”, but do you have more than a vague idea of what they mean?
When it comes to medical protection, “sterility” means the complete absence of microbes. Sterile technique involves hand washing with special solutions and the use of sterile instruments, towels, and dressings. When used on a patient, the area immediately around these items is referred to as a “sterile field”. The sterile field is isolated and closely guarded to prevent contact with anything that could allow microorganisms to invade it.
To guarantee the elimination of all organisms, a type of pressure cooker called an “autoclave” is used for instruments, towels, and other items that could come in contact with the patient. All hospitals, clinics, and medical offices clean their equipment with this device. Having a pressure cooker as part of your supplies will allow your instruments to approach the level of sterility required for, say, minor surgical procedures.
Of course, it may be very difficult to achieve a sterile field if you are in an extremely austere environment. In this case, we may only be able to keep things “clean”. Clean techniques concentrate on prevention by reducing the number of microorganisms that could be transferred from one person to another by medical instruments or other supplies. Meticulous hand washing with soap and hot water is the cornerstone of a clean field.
In most survival settings, this may be as good as it gets, but is that so bad? With regards to wound care, there is very little research that compares clean vs. sterile technique. In one study, an experiment was conducted in which one group of patients had their wounds was cleaned with sterile saline solution, the other group with tap water. Amazingly, the infection rate was 5.4% in the tap water group as opposed to 10.3% in the sterile saline group. Another study revealed no difference in infection rates in wounds treated in a sterile fashion as opposed to clean technique. Therefore, I usually recommend clean, drinkable water to treat most wounds.
To maintain a clean area, certain chemicals are used called “disinfectants”. Disinfectants are substances that are applied to non-living objects to destroy microbes. This would include surfaces where you would treat patients or prepare food. Disinfection does not necessarily kill all bugs and, as such, is not as effective as sterilization, which goes through a more extreme process to reach its goal. An example of a disinfectant would be bleach.
Disinfection removes bacteria, viruses, and other bugs and is sometimes considered the same as “decontamination”. Decontamination, however, may also include the removal of noxious toxins and could pertain to the elimination of chemicals or radiation. The removal of non-living toxins like radiation from a surface would, therefore, be decontamination but not disinfection.
It’s useful to know the difference between a disinfectant, an “antibiotic”, and an “antiseptic”. While disinfectants kill bacteria and viruses on the surface of non-living tissue, antiseptics kill microbes on living tissue surfaces. Examples of antiseptics include Betadine, Chlorhexidine (Hibiclens), Iodine, and Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK).
Antibiotics are able to destroy microorganisms that live inside the human body. These include drugs such as Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Metronidazole, and many others. We’ll discuss these in detail later in the book.
Medical Kits
Most commercial first aid kits are fine for the family picnic or a day at the beach, but we will talk about serious medical stockpiles here. There are four levels of medical kits that we will identify. The first kit is a personal carry or individual first aid kit, sometimes called an IFAK. Every member of a group can carry this lightweight kit; it allows, in most cases, treatment of some common medical problems encountered in the wilderness or when travelling.
In some military services, the IFAK or personal carry kit is useful to the medic as a source of supply. If a squad member is injured, the medic will first use items, as needed, from the wounded soldier’s kit. This is a resource multiplier and allows the corpsman to carry more advanced medical equipment in their pack.
The second kit listed below is the “nuclear family bag”: This kit is mobile, with the items fitting in a standard large backpack, and will suffice as a medical “bug-out” bag for a couple and their children. It is, in my opinion, the minimum amount of equipment that a head of household would need to handle common emergencies in a long-term survival situation.
The third kit is a “medic at camp” kit, one that the person responsible as medical resource for the group would be expected to maintain in an expedition camp.
The fourth kit is the “community clinic”, or everything that a skillful medic will have stockpiled for long term care of his/her survival family or group.
Don’t feel intimidated by the sheer volume of supplies in the clinic version; it would be enough to serve as a reasonably well-equipped field hospital. Few of us have the resources or skills to purchase and effectively use every single item. If you can put together a good nuclear family bag, you will have accomplished quite a bit.
The Community Clinic Supply List
(long-term care center)
All of the above in larger quantities, plus: Extensive medical library
- Treatment Table
- Plaster of Paris cast kits (to make casts for fractures)
- (4in/6in) Naso-oropharyngeal airway tubes (to keep airways open)
- Nasal airways (keeps airways open)
- Resuscitation facemask with one-way valve
- Resuscitation bag (Ambu-bag)
- Endotracheal tube/Laryngoscope (allows you to breathe for patient)
- Portable Defibrillator (expensive)
- Blood Pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer)
- Stethoscopes
- CPR Shield
- Otoscope and Ophthalmoscope – (instruments to look into ears and eyes)
- Urine test strips
- Pregnancy test kits
- Sterile Drapes (lots)
- Air splints (arm/long-leg/short-leg)
- SAM splints
- Scrub Suits
- IV equipment, such as:
- Normal Saline solution
- Dextrose and 50% Normal Saline IV solution
- IV tubing sets - maxi-sets + standard sets
- Blood collection bags + filter transfusion sets
- Syringes 2/5/10/20 mL
- Needles 20/22/24 gauge
- IV kits 16/20/24 gauge
- Paper tape (1/2 in/1in) for IV lines
- IV stands (to hang fluid bottles)
- Saline Solution for irrigation (can be made at home as well)
- Foldable stretchers
- Paracord (various uses)
- Triage tags (for mass casualty incidents)
Surgery Kit (extremely ambitious):
- Sterile Towels
- Sterile Gloves
- Mayo scissors
- Metzenbaum scissors
- Small and medium needle holders
- Bulb syringes (for irrigating wounds during procedures)
- Assorted clamps (curved and straight, small and large)
- Scalpel handle and blades (sizes 10, 11, 15) or disposable scalpels
- Emergency Obstetric Kit (includes cord clamps, bulb suction, etc.)
- Obstetric forceps (for difficult deliveries)
- Uterine Curettes (for miscarriages, various sizes),
- Uterine “Sound” (checks depth of uterine canal)
- Uterine Dilators (to open cervix; allows removal of dead tissue)
- Bone saw (for amputations)
- Sutures, such as:
- Vicryl; 0, 2-0, 4-0 (absorbable)
- Chromic 0, 2-0 (absorbable)
- Silk, Nylon or Prolene 0, 2-0, 4-0(non-absorbable)
- Surgical staplers and staple removers
- Chest decompression kits and drains – various sizes for collapsed lungs
- Penrose drains (to allow blood and pus to drain from wounds)
- Foley Catheters – Sizes 18, 20 for urinary blockage
- Urine Bags
- Nasogastric tubes (to pump a stomach)
- Pressure Cooker (to sterilize instruments, etc.)
- Additional Prescription Medications
- Medrol dose packs, oral steroids
- Salbutamol inhalers for asthma/severe allergic reactions
- Antibiotic/anesthetic eye and ear drops
- Oral Contraceptive Pills
- Metronidazole, oral antibiotic and anti-protozoal
- Amoxicillin, oral antibiotic
- Cephalexin, oral antibiotic
- Ciprofloxacin, oral antibiotic
- Doxycycline, oral antibiotic
- Clindamycin, oral antibiotic
- Trimethoprin/Sulfamethoxazole, oral antibiotic
- Ceftriaxone, IV antibiotic
- Diazepam IV sedative to treat seizures
- Diazepam in oral form, sedative
- Alprazolam, oral anti-anxiety agent
- Oxytocin (Pitocin) IV for post-delivery hemorrhage
- Percocet, (oxycodone with paracetamol/acetaminophen),
- strong oral pain medicine
- Morphine Sulfate or Demerol, strong injectable analgesic
I’m sure there is something that I might have missed, but the important thing is to accumulate supplies and equipment that you will feel competent using in the event of an illness or an injury. Some of the above supplies, such as stretchers and tourniquets, can be improvised using common household items.
It should be noted that many of the advanced items are probably useful only in the hands of an experienced surgeon, and could be very dangerous otherwise. Also, some of the supplies would be more successful in their purpose with an intact power grid. These items just represent a wish list of what I would want if I were taking care of an entire community.
You should not feel that the more advanced supply lists are your responsibility to accumulate alone. Your entire group should contribute to stockpiling medical stores, under the medic’s coordination. The same goes for all the medical skills that I’ve listed. To learn everything would be a lifetime of study; truthfully, more than even most formally-trained physicians can accomplish. Concentrate on the items that you are most likely to use regularly and be grateful of assistance from others in your group.
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Navigating Survival Gear: What to Buy and What to Skip
I. Introduction
Survival gear plays a crucial role in preparing for emergencies and unforeseen situations. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a prepper, or simply someone who values being prepared, having the right gear can make a significant difference in your ability to navigate challenging circumstances. However, with the multitude of survival gear options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine what to buy and what to skip.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on navigating survival gear. We will help you prioritize your purchases by highlighting the essential gear that should be at the top of your list. Additionally, we will explore some gear options that you should consider, as well as those that you can safely skip.
By understanding the fundamental survival gear requirements, considering personal preferences, and evaluating local conditions, you can make informed decisions about the gear you choose to invest in. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and guidance necessary to assemble a practical and effective survival gear kit that suits your needs.
So, let's delve into the world of survival gear and discover what items should be in your backpack, and which ones you can leave behind.
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Our Bug-Out Boat and the Choices We Made (Part 2)
Here is Part 2 of Our Bug-Out Boat and the Choices We Made
Part 1 contains:
- Motorboat or Sailboat
- Monohull or Multihull
- Hull Length
- Saildrive versus Direct Drive
- Fixed, Folding & Feathering. Choosing the Right Propeller
- Diesel Engines or Electric Motors
- Electrical Power
- Water
Part 2 contains:
- Masts & Sails
- Anchors
- Engine Location
- Galley
- Tenders (dinghies)
- AIS
- Hull material. Wood, steel, aluminum or plastic
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Power 101
A great many people want to produce their own power, but have no idea where to start.
Before you can look at the sources for your power, you need to know how much you will need. Everybody is different, and every house is different. A selection of different appliances can make a large difference in your requirements. Even having identical appliances but in a different region can make a difference.- Power Outage Emergency Kit Checklist
In a world where severe weather often takes the spotlight as the primary culprit behind power outages, it's crucial to remember that the lights can flicker, and power can vanish for various reasons, regardless of the season. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average annual duration of power interruptions for U.S. customers is a staggering six hours. While extended outages may be infrequent, preparing for the unpredictable is your key to ensuring the best possible outcome. To assist you in this endeavour, we encourage you to utilize our Power Outage Emergency Kit Checklist as your guide to building the ideal emergency kit tailored to your needs.
- Prepping on a Budget: Cost-Effective Strategies for Emergency Preparedness
I. Introduction
Emergency preparedness is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and communities in times of crisis. Whether it's a natural disaster, a public health emergency, or any unforeseen event, being prepared can make a significant difference in how people cope and recover.
However, there is a common misconception that prepping is an expensive endeavor. Many people believe that emergency preparedness requires a substantial financial investment, which can deter them from taking proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones.
In this article, we will debunk this misconception and shed light on cost-effective strategies for prepping on a budget. It's essential to recognize that emergency preparedness is not limited to those with ample financial resources. With careful planning, resourcefulness, and prioritization, anyone can take steps to prepare for emergencies without breaking the bank.
- Prepping on a Budget: Tips for Economical Disaster Preparedness
In today’s uncertain world, being prepared is crucial, especially when it comes to disasters and emergencies. Whether you're a seasoned prepper or just beginning your journey toward disaster readiness, the cost of supplies can sometimes be prohibitive. However, with careful planning and strategic budgeting, you can significantly reduce expenses while still ensuring that you have the necessary resources for survival. This article provides practical tips for prepping on a budget, helping you to create a robust emergency kit without breaking the bank.
Assess Your Needs
The first step in any preparedness plan is assessing your specific needs. What are the essentials? For most people, this includes water, food, medical supplies, and basic shelter items. Start by listing these essential items based on your family size and health requirements. This will help you focus your efforts and avoid unnecessary expenditures.
- Water: Look for large bottles or jugs that come at a reduced price per liter.
- Canned Goods: Dried beans, pasta, rice, tuna, and other non-perishable foods are great choices. Always check the expiration date to ensure you're not buying expired items.
- Dried Fruits and Nuts: These can be added to your diet as a healthy snack or used in recipes.
Buy in Bulk
One of the most effective ways to save money while prepping is by buying essential items in bulk. Many stores offer discounts when purchasing larger quantities, and over time, these savings can add up significantly. Additionally, buying in bulk allows you to reduce packaging waste, which is environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Grow Your Own Food
If you have the space and time, growing your own food is one of the best ways to reduce costs while increasing self-sufficiency. Start by selecting easy-to-grow vegetables that are nutritious and require minimal resources.
- Tomatoes: These require full sun but produce large yields.
- Carrots: They grow well in containers and provide high nutritional value.
- Leafy Greens (Spinach, Lettuce): These plants grow quickly and can be harvested multiple times per season.
Utilize Free Resources
There are numerous free resources available that can help you save money on your prepping journey:
- Community Gardens: Check if there's an existing community garden in your area. Many local governments sponsor these as a way to encourage sustainable living.
- Food Banks: Many communities have food banks where you can obtain non-perishable items for free.
- Homesteading Forums and Websites: These platforms often offer tips on how to reduce expenses while building up your survival skills.
DIY Projects
Making use of DIY projects is another great way to stretch your budget further. There are countless tutorials available online for crafting everything from water storage tanks to solar-powered lights. Not only does this help you save money, but it also gives you the satisfaction of creating something yourself.
- Water Storage Tanks: You can convert empty plastic jugs into makeshift containers by drilling holes and attaching spigots.
- Emergency Lighting: Make use of inexpensive LED bulbs that last longer than traditional incandescent ones. You can even build your own emergency flashlights out of simple components.
Practice Smart Shopping
Even when you're buying supplies, there are ways to cut costs:
- Shop Seasonally: Buy fruits and vegetables at their peak season when they’re cheaper and fresher.
- Compare Prices: Always check for deals or coupons before making a purchase.
- Use Multiple Suppliers: Sometimes local suppliers will offer better prices than large retailers.
Educate Yourself
Knowledge is one of the greatest tools you can have as a prepper. Attend workshops, read books, and participate in online forums to learn about various aspects of preparedness. Many resources are free or low-cost, so take advantage of any opportunity available. Understanding how different systems work—whether it's water filtration methods or building shelters—can also help you make informed decisions that could save money.
Build Long-Term Relationships
Building relationships within your community can be incredibly beneficial for prepping purposes. By joining groups focused on survival skills, sharing resources becomes much easier and more efficient. Whether it's trading seeds with neighbors during a gardening exchange or pooling together to buy large quantities of food at once, working together reduces overall costs.
- Sailboat Pantry: Maximizing Stored Foods for Long-Term Bug-Out Sailboat Prep
Introduction
Bug-out sailboat prep is a way to be prepared for any emergency scenarios that might arise. Every boat owner should have enough food and water stored on their vessel to sustain them if needed. But long-term boat storage presents a unique challenge — how can you maintain a good store of non-perishable food items for extended periods that won’t spoil or take up too much space? The key is to make use of the sailboat pantry.
In this article, we’ll explore the concept of a sailboat pantry and its importance in long-term bug-out boat prepping. We’ll look at the types of food to store, long-term food storage techniques, and how to maximize the amount of food stored in limited space. Read on to get the scoop on sailboat food storage and see how you can be ready to go in case of emergencies.
Importance of Storing Food on a Boat
Having enough food on board is one of the most important things to prepare for emergencies. Not only can you keep yourself and your crew nourished and fueled, but you can ensure the safety of your boat and prevent any fires or explosions. On a bug-out boat, food storage can also make it easier to get out of a dangerous situation quickly and with minimal resources.
- Solar Power on a Bug-Out Sailboat
For those who enjoy extended cruising vacations, a bug-out sailboat provides the perfect mix of a relaxing vacation with the security of being prepared for any disaster. The combination of open skies, wind, and solar power makes a bug-out sailboat an ideal vehicle for living off the grid and surviving in a disaster situation.
If you are a sailor, then you know there are many uses for a boat in a bug-out scenario. Sailboats are self-sustainable, providing navigation, shelter, and food for a family riding out a disaster. A sailboat is able to travel farther and faster than most cars, and can provide an escape and refuge if necessary.
When it comes to living off the grid on a sailboat, solar power is a major advantage. A reasonable amount of photovoltaic cells can be used to charge the battery bank on board, as well as power electric motors and lights. Solar power can also provide relief from the load of an internal combustion engine, as well as providing power for electronic navigation aids that are essential in a bug-out situation.
- The Survival Medicine Handbook: A Guide for When Help Is Not on the Way
If there is one book you are buying this year, this should be it. On land, or on the sea, this is the one book you need when it comes to medical emergencies.
- The Ultimate Off-Grid First-Aid Kit
We are very sorry, but due to the complexity of this article, an audio version is not available.
Commercial first aid kits are often sufficient for casual activities like family picnics or days at the beach, but for more serious situations, a more comprehensive medical stockpile is necessary. We’ll explore four levels of medical kits to address varying needs.
The first level is the Personal Carry or Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK). This compact, lightweight kit is designed for each person in a group and can manage a range of common medical issues encountered during outdoor activities or travel.
In military contexts, the IFAK serves as an essential resource for medics. When a squad member is injured, the medic initially uses supplies from the injured person's IFAK. This approach maximizes resources and allows the medic to carry more advanced medical equipment in their own kit.
The second level is the Family Emergency Medical Kit. This kit is designed to be portable, typically fitting into a large backpack, and is intended for use by a family or small group. It serves as a comprehensive "bug-out" bag for medical emergencies and is considered the minimum necessary equipment for a head of household to manage common crises in a long-term survival scenario.
- Top 10 Favourite Kitchen Items for Cruisers
A few things of note:
- We have a pretty large solar array with lithium batteries. This means we can run some electrical appliances that others may not be able to, depending on the setup.
- Our boat, a 15m catamaran, is roomier than some, which provides more space for storing bulkier appliances.
- We do not monetize our page and we do not earn any money from the links below. I included them merely for reference. Anything you see on our pages comes from us sharing our experiences only.
Now, without further ado...
- Ultimate Charcoal Guide: Learn How Charcoal is Made and What’s Really in Your Fuel
Charcoal is an awesome fuel to fire up your grill, with a reliable burn and a low smoke output. A popular fuel, the global BBQ charcoal market was valued at 1.72 billion US dollars in 2018 and continues to grow.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to make your own grilling charcoal, you’re in luck! In this in-depth guide, we explain all you need to know about charcoal, including how to make it at home.
- What To Scavenge During and After Collapse and TEOTWAWKI
Scavenging is something that comes up a lot in discussions about what people will need to do to survive.
I want to start off by addressing something that I know is going to come up regarding scavenging. More than one person reading this article is going to want to lecture me and everyone else on how stealing is wrong. I agree with them 100% on this. At the same time during a collapse, there is a high likelihood that you will have to do a lot of hard things if you don’t want to suffer a lot, die, or watch your loved ones suffer and succumb as well.
Ultimately it is up to you what path you let your morality lead you down during a collapse. I will say that those that are willing to accept the new reality and do some things that they normally would not, will have a much higher chance of surviving during a long event. There are some people out there that would rather die than do some things or they will give until it hurts.
To each their own.
During war and/or collapse, things get abandoned and there is also the simple fact that at some point, there is no way that you not scavenging is going to be helpful to anyone except others that are going to come along and scavenge.
Some of the items that I am going to suggest that you look for are not what the typical looter you see on TV after a natural disaster is going for but a lot of them are far different.
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- Power Outage Emergency Kit Checklist