Survival Stove For Under A $1

 

   Survival stove for under a $1? Yes that's right and it will only take less than 10 minutes to make.

   Ever been it the situation where you are headed down to the river for some day fishing and you don't want to bring your bulky propane stove? Maybe you're on a morning hike and you would like to stop, take in the scenery, and heat up a quick cup of coffee. What options do you have? You could bring along your Esbit or Trangia stove, but maybe you haven't purchased one yet.

Esbit Folding Stove

Trangia Alcohol Stove

   Let me introduce you to the "Penny Stove". This handy, lightweight little stove is perfect as a back-up heating source in any survival situation. You can even use it as your primary source once you get familiar with it. Made from a discarded aluminum can, the only thing you will need to buy is the heating fuel.

   The tools you will need:
  
   1)  Two empty clean soda/beer cans. Some people prefer the larger energy drink can.
   2)  A marker
   3)  1 inch raised surface
   4)  Scissors or Utility blade
   5)  Needle nose pliers
   6)  Thumbtack or 1/16 drill bit. I prefer the drill bit and so will you.
   7)  Small piece of fiberglass insulation...optional
   8)  Penny
   9)  Bottle of "Heet" or denatured alcohol

   In the following video you will see the utility blade being used. I like use the marker to make a line and then use the scissors to cut the can. I also do not use the silicone and insulation because I worry about toxic fumes. That's just me

  I would like to thank PreppingItForward for a video well made. I encourage everyone to watch more of his videos and subscribe.

 
   With any alcohol stove used outdoors, it is best to use a wind screen for better performance. One can easily be made with a piece of aluminum foil. If you forget to bring some foil with you, use a few large stones or logs to create a windless area. Also remember when burning alcohol in a bright space, the flames are nearly invisible so use extra caution. I like to use my hand to feel the heat to make sure the flame is still burning.

   Next time you're at the gas station and see those yellow bottles of Heet, stop and pick one up, then go to the beverage cooler and grab a six pack. You'll have the perfect little project for the evening.


         It's Easier To Survive, When Your Gear Survives

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List of Prepper "High-Value" Barter Items

   When that big storm hits or even worse a complete economic collapse, your not going to worried because you have prepared yourself right? Of course you did.

   Just in case you may have missed an item or two, I have compiled a list of "High-Value" items that will not only be helpful to you but can also be traded for things you may need or want. Even if you are a single male or female, there are a few things you may consider buying. There is also a few items that you may never use (ex.tobacco) but that doesn't mean it's a bad investment.

   This list is only partial because there is too many items that could be added depending on your location and situation.

   Here We Go:

  Not in any type of order

   1)  Batteries
   2)  Disposable lighters/Matches
   3)  Feminine hygiene products
   4)  Toilet paper
   5)  Ammunition
   6)  Cigarettes/Tobacco
   7)  Alcohol...the drinking kind
   8)  OTC medications
   9)  Infant formula
 10)  Coffee
 11)  MRE's
 12)  Bottled water
 13)  Tarps
 14)  First Aid kit
 15)  Candles
 16)  All Fuels....heating, cooking, transportation
 17)  Flashlights
 18)  Condoms
 19)  Hand sanitizer / Water sanitizer
 20)  Candy/Gum
 21)  Sunscreen
 22)  Two stroke oil, Chain saw oil
 23)  Diapers
 24)  Duct tape or Rope
 25)  Reading glasses
 26)  Deck of Cards
 27)  Pots, Pans, Buckets
 28)  Seeds
 29)  Warm clothing
 30)  Gold and Silver
 31)  Hand tools and Gardening tools
 32)  Pepper spray
 33)  Fishing supplies
 34)  Latex gloves
 35)  Paper and Pencils
 36)  Sewing supplies
 37)  Bags...Garbage and smaller zip-lock type
 38)  Informative books and field guides
 39)  Vitamins
 40)  Peroxide

   The list can go on and on, but I believe all the items listed above can easily be used in a barter situation.

   Please comment below about what you think you would be a good barter item.


               It's easier to survive, if your gear survives

Prepper Mistakes...First In-First Out

    I recently had the pleasure to spend some time with a family who believes in being prepared for a SHTF scenario. 

   They were well on their way to becoming self sufficient . They had weapons, back-up water and electricity, communications, food and seeds, and even a bee hive to ensure pollination.

   As the family showed off all the great planning they have done, I noticed a big No-No.

   Next to the 5 gallon bucks of freeze dried and dehydrated foods were rows of shelving packed with everyday store items. There was plenty of toiletries and foods.

   This is when I really started to take a better look.

   The family consists of a mom,dad, and a early teenage boy and girl, so I figured the 24 large tubes of toothpaste was probably more than enough for the long haul. The 12 boxes of tampons, on the other hand, was not enough. I would hate to be around when that last box went empty. We should all know that "High-Value" items like must command special attention. 

   Next, I picked up one of the 24 big bottles of  Ranch dressing from the back of the shelf. The "use by" date expired in 18 months. Big NO-NO. Now we all love getting a great bargain, but keep it in perspective. 12 bottles of Ranch dressing would be plenty as long as you remember to constantly rotate.

   This the mistake a lot of people make. People will fill up their food storage and say to themselves, "that's done". This can not be anymore false. Once you start putting items aside, you must use those items first. When you do your weekly grocery shopping, then your restock the shelves.

    First In- First Out. Live by it.

   Here is some questions you should ask yourself:

   1)  Who am I prepping for?  Are you going help family, friends, and neighbors who failed to prepare?

   2)  How long do I think my supplies need to last? Are you planning for bad weather or economic collapse?

   3)  Can I use the items that I buy quick enough to ensure freshness?

   4)  Do I have enough "High-Value" items that can be traded if needed?

   5)  Did I check what other preppers are doing for good ideas?


   Hopefully that gets you thinking a bit. Prepping for any situation takes time and dedication to be successful. We will all make mistakes along the way. The harder you work at it and the more you learn, will make your disaster situation just that much more tolerable.

   Check back in the future for a list of  "High-Value" items and some tips about ammo No-No's


             It's easier to survive, when your gear survives


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Preppers..Did You Think About This?

    So you have all your firewood cut, buckets of dehydrated food stacked, and your barrels of Mylar sealed rice, beans, and everyday staples are prepped and ready to go. Yes!, you are ahead of the game. No disaster can stop you now. As you go over your checklist for the ump..teenth time, did you ever think about mobility?

Of course you did. You are a prepper and you are always thinking ahead.

When people talk about mobility they think about long distances. A truck, a RV, a boat, a four wheeler, or a bicycle. Did you ever think about short distances?

Just in case you overlooked this one, i would like to bring it to your attention.

Most people in the states call them a dolly but the real name is a two wheeled hand cart. They are made of  steel tubing or extruded aluminum and you can purchase a dolly with solid rubber or pneumatic wheels. Some dollies have an attachment on the backside to help in stair climbing and others have a tie-down strap to help with large objects.

 So why do i need one and which one should I buy?

Here is a partial list of uses:

Material hauler: Whether it is prepped food or firewood, the dolly will make your tasks quicker while using less energy.

Person hauler:  In an extreme emergency, carrying a 170 lb loved one is not a simple task. a good dolly can easily move a injured person to a near by medical facility.

Big Game hauler:  When SHTF and you are all alone trying to feed your family, how are you going to get that much needed fresh kill home?

Drunk Ass hauler:  We all have friends that say "watch this". Go to your local hill and dare them to take a ride. After a good laugh and a possible Youtube video, count the broken bones and ask the next guy if he can do it better.

.


Buying Guide:

Steel vs aluminum:  If you are buying a dolly to carry a lot of weight, steel is the best choice. If you have to repair your dolly, steel is the easiest. The only advantage of aluminum is it is slighty lighter and less prone to corrosion. Steel is without a doubt the best way to go.

 Hard rubber vs Pneumatic tires:  Spend a day using the small hard rubber tires and you will never want to use them again. Walk across our front yard with both tire options and you will quickly understand. Buy yourself a dolly with the biggest pneumatic tire you can find, a $5 patch kit, and a hand operated air pump. Trust me.

Handles:  Do not miss this one. Some dollies are made for 2 handed operation only. RED FLAG. SKIP IT. MOVE ON. a good dolly has a handle that can be used with one hand or two. 
 I have been in many situations that a two handed only dolly just won't work. In fact, I think they are of poor quality and the person who designed it, never used it once. NEVER. Keep your eye out for D handle dollies. Two thumbs up from me.

We are all unique individuals and have different likes. I hope this article gives you some thought and direction on your next purchase.

   I would like to recommend my Amazon store, but Harbor Freight is better on this one.


       It's Easier to Survive When Your Gear Survives