If you’re about to place your home on the market and wondering just what you can do to maximize your asking price, pay attention. There are a number of home improvements you can make that pay significant dividends. Some require a small investment, others a little more. But all are sure to increase the overall value of your home and help you get the most bang for your buck. Take a look at the info-graphic below for some ideas on what you can do to ensure you laugh all the way to the bank on auction day.

Adding Value to Your Home - Infographic by Renovation Kingdom

Clean up
Getting rid of everything you don’t need or use anymore, and freeing up the space in your home in the process, can increase the value of your home by as much as 7 percent. Nothing pushes potential buyers away from your home more than clutter – your clutter. It makes it hard for them to imagine being in the house themselves, and makes your home look smaller.

Clearing the clutter creates a more open space, and allows you and potential home buyers to make better use of it. How about installing a small at-home gym in that garage of yours, now that you actually have the space for it? Or how about making better use of that loft space of yours? Experts suggest that converting a loft into an extra room can add up to 20 percent of value onto your home. Clearing up the clutter isn’t just confined to indoors. How about clearing the junk in your backyard and creating a nice patio space for entertaining your friends and family on those sultry summer evenings? If there’s one investment you can make to your home that’s sure to add tons of value to your home, it’s transforming your yard into a landscaped paradise. You’d be hard pressed to find a single investor who doubts this, although they may disagree on exactly how much extra value it can bring (estimates range from between 5 to 20 percent).

Kitchen and Bathroom
Your home’s kitchen and bathroom(s) are two of the most used rooms in your home, and so giving them a new lease on life – either by changing your appliances/fittings, remodeling them, or changing the flooring – can increase the value of your home from between 3 and 7 percent. In fact, real estate experts agree that it’s the kitchen that ultimately sells the home. So make sure it’s in good shape before selling if you want to see your home go for as much as possible.

There are also a number of things you can do to the outside of your home to increase it’s curb appeal and ultimately it’s value. Take your entry doors. Your front door is one of the most important components of your home, and often the first thing potential buyers notice. Replacing your front door with a modestly priced steel door, for example, can add around 5 percent to your asking price. The same goes for your garage door. Automatic wooden or aluminum garage doors can increase the value of your home by as much as 5 percent and help it sell faster.

Roofing
Lastly, although perhaps only visible through Google Maps, replacing the roofing of your home and perhaps even adding some solar panels is sure to pay considerable dividends – often by as much as 1 to 6 percent, according to the experts.

Investing wisely in your home prior to putting it up on the market will generate the extra income you need to take that next important step in life. So take the time and spend the effort in putting some of these recommendations into practice, and charge the asking price you deserve.

*This post was contributed by Bob Gorman at Renovation Kingdom Read Article »

As you probably know I am a huge Mississippi State Fan. And as such, I celebrate the week before the Egg Bowl with Ole Miss, known as Ole Miss Hate Week. This is our week to spread as much hate as we can for that school up north. I am posting a meme each day (most I've made myself) ragging on TSUN. Enjoy.

Read Article »

This year I am doing it big for Halloween. And when I say doing it big, I mean spending everything I had set aside for decorations on this...

Ever since I saw this a few years ago I've wanted to give it a try. I began by downloading a video from YouTube with just the singing heads. After that, I opened it up in After Effects and played around with the head positions, color, contrast, sharpness and length.

Next I began building the heads.

I purchased four of these foam heads from Hobby Lobby. I then built mounts for each head.

Once the heads were on, I fashioned the bust out of cardboard and hot glued it to the head and base.

I then used plaster cloth to add form and strength to the chest and shoulders.

As they were drying, the projector arrived in the mail via FedEx. I purchased mine off of eBay. I hooked it up to the computer and set up the heads for a quick run at the effect.

And here is the video of my first attempt.

I think it looks pretty good so far. It's turning out well. Next up, I'll be building the stands for the heads and projector. Stay Tuned! Read Article »

Ray pretty much sums it up in this video, come on over! We're taking everyone. That government utopia you're running from is whats going to be here waiting on you!

Read Article »

Back by popular demand, it's the shirt that shows you ain't got time for that! Get one while they're still available. Only $12! http://teespring.com/no_time

Read Article »

This is a funny little meme I threw together on the thought process of Obama asking Jim Carrey his opinion on the latest prisoner swap he just did.

Read Article »

A combat tracker squad needs to travel as light as possible, but still carry the right equipment to survive on the battlefield. In order for the tracker and his squad to successfully perform their combat tracking mission, mobility will be key. The trackers ability to react to the enemy is reduced when overburdened with a heavy load, which will cause physical/mental fatigue and place the trackers in danger when needing to rapidly react to enemy contact.

The trackers combat load is the mission-essential equipment required to fight and survive in the environment he’s operating in. He can’t be expected to carry gear for every possible contingency or combat situation, rather his load-out must be based on his particular mission and the ability to remain mobile but combat effective. When deciding on equipment, choose items that are light and multipurpose. Fighting loads must be light so that the tracker may remain alert, agile and stealthy.

Mission essential equipment is broken down into three categories:

• Level 1: Describes the uniform and equipment that is worn by the individual tracker. These items are the uniform, boots, belt, dog tags, compass, tourniquet and any other survival items carried on his person.
• Level 2: Describes the fighting load carried by the tracker which should not exceed 48 pounds. These items are typically the trackers individual weapon, basic load of ammunition and load bearing equipment.
• Level 3: Describes the approach-march load carried for extended operations, which should not exceed 72 pounds (including your fighting load.)

Level 1

1. Camouflage Jacket. With 1″ square piece of infrared identification, friend or foe (IFF) tape attached.
2. Camouflage Headgear. With a 1″ square piece of Infrared IFF tape placed on the top of the headgear for identification by friendly air.
3. Signal Device. Phoenix IR-15 programmable transmitter with a 9V battery for marking one’s own position at night and a 10″x10″ orange signal square cut from a VS-17 Panel. This panel is used as a recognition signal device for linking up with other ground elements.
4. Identification Tags.
5. SAR Eclipse Signal Device. The SAR Eclipse device is very compact and has been tested and observed out to 10 miles during daylight conditions.
6. INOVA Microlight. This small flash light comes in white, green, blue and red colors and is perfect for signaling or conducting map checks at night.
7. Signal Mirror. Besides using a signal mirror for signaling, applying camouflage or shaving, it’s also a good piece of equipment to deflect and manipulate light in order to view details of an impression.
8. Whistle. A whistle comes in handy when having to signal commands to other friendly elements over gunfire.

9. Magnetic Compass. Although a GPS is a good piece of equipment, it will never take the place of good compass.

10. Camouflage Trousers.
11. Trouser Rigger’s Belt.
12. Lighter.
13. Notebook. This notebook is used to record information gained during the mission, along with footprint data cards.
14. Map, Protractor and Lead Pencil.
15. Field Expedient Patch Kit. To quickly repair minor rips or tears to the uniform during a mission.
16. Rations. Should be high energy food items.
17. Boots.

Level 2

1. Load Bearing Equipment (LBE). In this case a Tactical Tailor MAV, Split Front rig.
2. Radio.
3. Magazines. No more than a basic combat load of ammunition for the weapon system should be carried on the LBE.
4. Electrical Tape. To secure items together while in the field.
5. Colored Surveyors Tape. For marking the last known sign.
6. GPS. The GPS is a good piece of equipment that can track the route of the squad and give the squad’s precise location. However, don’t become over reliant on technology that’s battery operated. When not pinpointing your location, keep the GPS turned off to conserve the battery life.
7. Strobe Light with IR Cover. For signaling friendly forces.
8. Multi-Tool. These are great for making small repairs and typically have a knife, file, flat tip and philips head screw driver, can opener and pliers.
9. Spare Batteries. Enough for all your equipment during the operation. When acquiring equipment, choose items that require the same type of batteries. AA batteries are compact and common enough that they can be found just about anywhere in the world.
10. Weapons Oil and Brush. A bottle of oil to protect and lubricate your equipment is essential in any environment. A shaving brush is also useful for brushing dust and debris from equipment.
11. Measuring Device. For taking measurements of impressions or showing scale when taking pictures.
12. Headlamp. A headlamp is a good item to have when it’s important to have both hands free such as conducting a prisoner search or some other type of exploitation.
13. 550 Cord. 25-30 feet of cordage should be carried for repairing, tying or lashing items.
14. Knife Sharpener. Carrying a sharpener is essential, as your knife won’t do you any good if it’s not sharp.
15. Camouflage Face Cream.
16. Water Bottles.
17. Knife. A multipurpose knife that has at least a six inch blade should be carried. The knife should be heavy, sharp and versatile enough to use for building shelter, various survival tasks or in use as a fighting knife. The knife pictured above was a collaborative design between the author and custom knife make Jeff Crowner.
18. Smoke Grenade. For screening or signaling.
19. Fragmentation Grenades. At least two fragmentation grenades should be carried when on patrol.
20. Individual First Aid Kit. This kit provides the necessary equipment to perform Self-Aid/Buddy-Aid and addresses the two leading causes of death on the battlefield, extremity hemorrhage and airway obstruction. Kit in photo includes: Tourniquet, (2) Elastic Bandages, Gauze Bandage 4-1/2″, Adhesive Surgical Tape , Airway Nasopharyngeal Airway, (4) Exam Gloves, (2) Pri-Med Gauze Bandages, EMS Shears, Triangular Bandage and Water Purification Tablets.
21. Gloves. Used to camouflage and protect the hands from sharp objects.
22. Mag-Lite Flashlight/Blast Match. The Mag-Lite is for tracking during night time conditions. A Blast Match is another great fire producing survival tool designed for all-weather use and can be operated with one hand in case of injury.

23. Rifle. The rifle that is issued. Contrary to popular belief, soldiers and Law Enforcement alike don’t get to pick and choose their weapon system or the caliber it shoots. No matter what type of weapon is issued, the operator needs to be an expert with it.
24. Weapon Accessories. Optical scopes or red dot sights may be required for the mission depending on METT-T. Also, a Target Pointer/Illuminator/Aiming Light is good to have for operations at night.

Level 3

1. Ruck Sack. This piece of equipment holds all mission essential equipment that’s to be carried by the tracker for extended operations. The size of this pack is dictated by the amount of equipment the tracker will need to sustain himself until a resupply can be requested. The estimated time on operation, terrain operating in and weather conditions the trackers will have to endure are all be factors to be considered.
2. Rations. Enough rations for 48-72 hours should be carried.
3. 3-Liter Hydration System. The tracker needs to carry enough water to last for the duration of the operation, or until a suitable water source is found, or resupply occurs. Water is always consumed from the pack first. Should the pack be dropped for any reason during the operation the tracker should have full canteens on his LBE.
4. Carlton’s CAT PAWS (Super Sneakers). CAT PAWS are a great item to place over the soles of the boot so the tracker can conceal his own tracks.
5. VIPER Hood. The Viper hood breaks up the recognizable and familiar outline and shape of the human head and shoulders. The best aspect of the Viper is that it is designed to be worn in conjunction with the trackers combat equipment without interfering with the trackers ability to get to the pouches on his LBE.
6. Large Trash Bag. For waterproofing or to store trash while on an operation.
7. Weapons Cleaning Kit. This kit should be capable of maintaining your weapon in a field environment. At a minimum, the kit should contain a bore brush, chamber brush, cleaning rod, slotted tip for patches, patches, CLP, lens brush for optics and an all-purpose utility brush.
8. Night Vision Device. Night vision is required when conducting operations at night.
9. Spare Magazines. Three extra loaded magazines.
10. Binoculars. Should be used whenever possible to detect the enemy from a distance. They also provide a larger field of view than a monocular or scope.
11. VS-17 Panel. The VS17 Signal Panel can be laid out on the ground to identify troop positions to friendly aircraft or to identify where help is needed.
12. E-Tool. The E-Tool is a lightweight collapsible spade shovel that can dig or chop.
13. Hammock. Depending on the operational environment, a hammock may be essential for staying dry when bedding down for the night.
14. Sewing and Equipment Repair Kit. This should include sewing thread, needles and safety pins.
15. Hygiene Kit. Minimal hygiene items such as nail clippers, tooth brush, tooth paste and small wash rag.
16. Compression Sack or Waterproof Bag.
17. Basha/Tarp. This needs to be large enough to provide protection from the elements as a shelter, or used as a makeshift litter to transport a casualty.
18. Sleeping Gear. Depending on the environment, this could range from a sleeping system with a ground mat for extreme temperatures, to a poncho liner for more tropical climates.
19. Gore-Tex Bivy. The bivy provides a waterproof, breathable cover that keeps out wind, snow and rain.
20. Bungee Cords. For quick lashing of items such as the tarp.
21. 550 Cord. 25-30 feet of cordage should be carried for repairing, tying or lashing items.
22. Spare Socks. Foot maintenance is imperative! Dry clean socks will help prevent blisters, hotspots and athlete’s foot.

Again, when deciding on equipment, choose items that are light and multipurpose. Fighting loads must be light so that the tracker may remain alert, agile and stealthy.

This original article was published by http://www.itstactical.com/ and written by John Hurth Read Article »

If you want to glue the edges of boards together to make larger panels, you need the edges to be square. This is easy if you have a jointer, but you can get the same results with a woodworking router. Steve Ramsey shows you how.

Read Article »

There has been a lot of demonstrations lately by individuals who say they have the right to carry weapons, which is covered by the Second Amendment, and that they should be allowed to carry openly where ever they choose. There is argument on both sides as to whether this is smart or not, and I wanted to throw my hat into the ring on this subject.

I am a firm believer in the Second Amendment and that we have the right to own firearms and to use them in self defense when needed. I also strongly agree with the states that allow for concealed carry. Because what's the point in exercising this right if you don't have the weapon on you? I also don't have a problem with people open carrying their weapons when allowed by law.  I personally wouldn't open carry because you are advertising to would be criminals that you are the only one they need to avoid and that they just need to wait until your're gone or that you're the one they need to neutralize. When carrying concealed, they don't have the luxury of knowing.

However, I have to disagree with those that push the issue in front of business and around others that don't necessarily share these beliefs. If you study these incidents, it quickly becomes apparent that these individuals are only hurting their cause, and a lot of the time, even hurting the ability of those that conceal carry as well. If you feel that you should be allowed to open carry, push the case through your elected officials or in rallies at places that already allow it. I know this may seam counter productive but just look at what has happened so far when you try to push the case for open carry:

October 2013 - A group of people openly carrying marched to a Starbucks in Arlington, TX causing the company to ask that no guns be brought into any of their stores.

May 2014 - Members from a branch of Open Carry Texas entered a Jack in the Box restaurant where they had been staging a demonstration, reportedly scaring the employees. The company has since asked that no guns be brought into their locations.

May 2014 - A couple of individuals open carry rifles into a Chipotles in Dallas, TX. The company responds by barring guns in all of it's locations.

May 2014 - A demonstration by open carry activist outside of a Sonic and Chili's has caused the companies to enforce no gun policies inside all of their stores.

These are just a few examples so far. There are a lot of restaurants that say they follow their local state and city laws as far as guns are concerned, but when you open carry at these and other locations you are just forcing their hand. You see, groups such as 'Moms Against Guns' are a lot more persuasive than several guys carrying Automatic Rifles. And so, when pressured, the companies are just going to side with the group that could cause them the most damage politically.

I understand what you're trying to do, but be careful that you don't do it at the expense of those that want to quietly carry concealed in these locations.






Read Article »

Gun control proponents will always bring up the need for gun registration. But why? Has it, or does it, prevent any gun crime? Watch the video and judge for yourself.

Read Article »

If you own, or carry a gun regularly, it’s important that you know your gun laws and your rights. 44 states have constitutional provision protecting the right to keep and bear arm. However many state laws are different by state and you also need to consider federal gun laws as well. This infographic below reviews those laws. We hope you enjoy it.

Brought to you by: LowVARates.com

Read Article »

I have watched the reports on the latest mass murder conducted by Elliot Rodger in California. Right after a tragedy like this emotions run thick and common sense is usually thrown out of the window. For example, one of the victims father is blaming the NRA. It is easy to point to one thing and blame it for the problem. However, we must face reality in a rational manor. There was a horrible crime committed, lives lost and families will never be the same. Let's address this as adults, leave politics and emotion out of it:

1. There has always been guns, and there always will be. 

There are always going to be guns. Trying to control who has them and what kind they have only means controlling the guns of  law-abiding citizens. California has the strictest gun laws in America. Yet, even with these strict laws, this crime was still committed. Does that mean we need MORE?

Consider this: Elliot purchased his firearms legally. They were hand guns, not those horrible "military assault rifles". California says that you can only have 10 round magazines to limit the damage done by one shooter. Great, however he had multiple 10 round magazines, so that law didn't exactly work. What if they were 5 round magazines? What about 1 round? He still would have collected enough magazines to fulfill his mission.

2. Guns, for some reason, are the only inanimate object that commit these crimes.

This is something I will never understand. Take any murder in the United States. Every single time it is the fault of the individual perpetrating the crime and not the tool used to commit the crime except when a gun is used, then it's the guns fault.

Elliot Rodger killed 6 people. 3 of those was by knife and 3 was by gun. Let this sink in.... 50% of those murdered was by knife and 50% was by gun. However, there is no outcry for knife control. It all comes down to the gun. Why is that?

Also keep in mind that he ran an additional 4 people over with his car. Thankfully non of those died, but if they had would it be the cars fault?

3. Who saves the day?

This tragedy was finally brought to an end by police officers who ultimately shot and killed Elliot. Great, that's why they exist. Police save us from criminals. But how long did that take? Well, he was able to stab and kill three people at his house, run four people over with his car and then kill three more with his gun. Six people killed and four wounded before police finally stopped him. Do you think that time span is acceptable? I'm not blaming the police, there's only so many of them and they're spread out on other cases. There will always be a delay from when a crime is committed and a response is achieved.

I offer this one simple thought, what if one of the individuals in the house had been legally carrying when the knife attack happened? Maybe nothing, but maybe he shoots and kills Elliot before he's able to cause more harm.

The simple fact is this. Guns will always exist and criminals will always gain access to them. The only people who follow the law are law abiding citizens. Even if you wiped every gun from the face of the earth someone who wants to kill someone else will find a way to do it. If Elliot didn't have his guns he still would have stabbed the 3 individuals and ran the others over with his car.

 A murderer is a murderer no matter the weapon used. The problem is with the individual, not the tool. Don't control my ability to defend myself and my family from these people.

Read Article »

Hello everyone. So, we have finished our Kitchen remodel and I wanted to share the transformation with you. We've actually been finished for a few weeks now (sans the cabinet and drawer pulls) but I have finally gotten around to posting these pictures.

This post isn't really a how-to, but more of a progress collage of pictures. Hopefully it will give you some inspiration. If you have any questions of what we did or how we did it please ask.

We purchased our house a little under a year ago and knew that remodeling this kitchen was going to be the first big project we would tackle. Here she is in all her pre-remodel glory...

Read Article »

Tell them fools they better Squatch themselves with this great looking T-Shirt! Customize the color of the shirt and choose from many other options as well at spreadshirt.com

Read Article »

Hurry and get your very own Guns and Jesus T-Shirt now! Show off your real American Pride - God, Guns and Country!

Follow this link to purchase

Read Article »

by Kristian Hansen, Garden Expert at the Urban Garden Workshop
Starting your very first garden can be a daunting task. This is a guide to help make your entry into gardening fun and easy, and to give you some guidelines to help foster your relationship with your backyard. By the end of this article, you should be able to answer the following questions:

• Where do I begin?
• What kind of plants should I grow?
• How should I build, construct, and prepare my garden?

Now, let’s get started!

Planning Your Garden: Site Selection & Size

The first step to a successful garden is figuring out where you are going to place it. The space that you choose will help determine the types of plants that will grow best. Spend a day figuring out where in your backyard you get maximum sunlight. Your vegetables require 6-8 hours of natural sun per day to mature quickly.

You will might also want to determine the pH level of your soil. What kind of dirt do you have available? You might have to add nutrients to the soil, compost, etc. to make it great for growing your plants.

If you’re just starting out with gardening it might be easiest to build a raised bed. These come in a variety of sizes to fit inside of your backyard. Best of all, you can always add more later or take them apart and relocate them somewhere else later on. I also like first-time gardeners to try out raised beds because you can control most of the variables, like the soil content and watering schedule best. Since California is in a draught, we need to be mindful for water and how we can use it best.


Raised Beds: Save Water & Easy to Build

A raised bed is a great way to get started once you’ve decided on the location of your garden.

Redwood or Cedar makes for great wood. Make sure it is not treated lumber (I do not recommend pressure-treated wood due to the chemicals that can leach into your food). I recommend using 2" x 6" lumber. You can cut it down to the appropriate heights and use 4" x 4" wood in the corners and secure it with carriage bolts.

Furthermore, you can make the raised bed multi-tiered to raise the overall height of your garden (12" or two tiers is great for carrots).

If you have issues with rodents (like gophers), you may want to use hardware cloth underneath your raised bed.

Irrigation & Water

If you’re growing vegetables, you’ll want to provide about an inch of water per week. I tend to water my plants in the morning or at night.

Depending on how warm your area is you may only need to water your plants once a day or every other day. You can purchase a water timer from most nurseries for $20-50 and a simple irrigation kit of drips and tubing for another $30-50.

Vegetables & Fruits

The types of vegetables and fruits that you grow depends on the amount of sunlight and temperature you can provide for your plants. You can buy seeds online or find them at your local nursery. When I shop for seeds, I try and buy heirloom non-GMO varieties.

If you’re a little late in planning your garden, it might be time to buy starter plants. You can buy plants that are a few inches tall already and will jump-start your garden by about a month.

Depending on how big you decided to make your garden, you should set aside some space for the following:

Herbs & Spices: Thyme, Rosemary, Dill, Lavender, Basil, Mint;
Vegetables: Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Kale, Lettuce, Spinach, Potatoes; and
Fruits: Strawberries, Grapes, Blueberries.

Summary

Starting your garden should be fun for your whole family. With a few hours of work you can start to see results. Within a week of planting your seeds, you’ll see sprouts and your garden becoming a reality.

As you take care and nurture your plants, you’ll see your plants grow, leaves spread and fruit and vegetables bloom, and you’ll be happy growing your own food and making your backyard a more beautiful, living and useful space.

• By Urbangardenworkshop, www.instructables.com
• View Original

Read Article »

Samsung Galaxy Express

With the advent of Smartphones, communication and its ways have changed. The market is getting filled up with high-tech phone devices each passing day and there’s more curiousness amongst consumers to get the best model. While selecting a Smartphone, customers look for everything – great features, large touch-pads, high-performance OS and of course value for money!

Contrary to traditional mobile phones, Smartphones offer great conveniences. Apart from voice calling, you get the benefit of video calls, 3G Internet, multimedia messages and emails, HD images etc. 

Samsung’s been a top runner in the Smartphone market. Let’s talk about one of its last year’s launches – Samsung Galaxy Express – its features and how to get it unlocked.

Galaxy Express is a phone meant for both work and play. With a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor that has a speed of AT&T’s 4G LTE network, its advanced enterprise features keep data safe and secure. It enables gaming, as well as lets you catch up on movies. The phone’s Wi-Fi Direct™ feature lets users wirelessly share information with other Wi-Fi devices.

How to get the Samsung Galaxy Express unlocked?

Getting the Samsung Galaxy Express unlocked is pretty simple but utterly important – especially if you want to use it with a network service of your choice. Being compelled to stay with one network connection for a lifetime is easy to hear but genuinely tough to handle. Its gets tougher when you’re flying abroad and are forced to pay hefty roaming charges. 

Look below to know why you should get your phone unlocked:

• Be free forever to use any network service
• Unlocking is a onetime process – simple and quick
• Unlocking increases the phone’s resale value
• Save huge roaming charges

Unlocking method!

Unlocking is as quick as you could think! To start with, you need to obtain your phone’s IMEI number – that you get by dialing *#06# from your keypad. 

Now look online for a reputed cell phone unlocking agency that offers unlock codes. Get on to their website and:

• Provide your phone’s IMEI number
• Mention the current network connection
• Submit your email ID
• Confirm your order
• Make payment

Once the order is confirmed and payment is successfully, you’d receive a 16-digit unlock code on your email ID.

What next?

Nothing much! Replace your SIM with the one you intend to use. When you switch on your phone, it will ask for an unlock code – enter the one you got on your email and your phone will be ready to use!

Keep in mind!

Always recheck the IMEI number carefully before submitting the order

In case number of attempts left to enter unlock code is ‘zero’, do not place the order

Always mention the current network – not the one that you want to use after unlocking

This is a guest post submitted by Alice Aires

Read Article »

Hey guys. I've been slowly putting together a Bug Out Bag for a while now, and I pretty much have it the way I want so I thought I'd share it with you. Hopefully you will gain some ideas for your own personal one and share ideas with me as well.

The total weight of this pack is 20 lbs. It is an easy carry with the shoulder straps. It is in no way all encompassing, but I feel it contains enough to support me for a few days in case of emergency.  This pack covers several needs for me. First, I keep it in my vehicle at all times, it serves as a "get home" bag and road survival kit for me to get home to my wife and kid. Second, it serves as a "bug out" bag for when we do leave. We also have a separate pack with tent, sleeping bags and food for long term survival.

I try to cover all the survival / rescue needs I could thing of. Fire, food, water, shelter, communication, navigation, rescue, first aid.

So, follow along as I lay it all out. I'll include links to certain items for you to check out on your own or add to your kit.

The Bag:

• First Responders Utility Bag
• MOLLE Compatible EMT/First Aid Pouch
• Small Radio Pouch
• Molle ID Panel
• Granade Pouch

Outside of Bag:

• 1. Lightweight Nylon Ripstop Tarp 8' x 7' (Homemade) *
• 2. Emergency Gas/Water Shutoff
• 3. Nalgene 96oz Wide Mouth Canteen
• 4. Hard Knuckle Gloves
• 5. Survival / Rescue Strobe Light
• 6. Hand Held Radio (1 of 2)
• 7. Garmin Handheld GPS Unit
• 8. Fold Out Knife
• 9. CPR Mask
• 10. Key Ring with Handcuff Key / Fingernail Clippers / Strike Anywhere Lighter / LED Flashlight
• 11. Electrical Tape
•  Between each side pouch and main bag are extra Zip Ties

* Here is the tarp unrolled:

Top Pocket:

(All contained in Zip Lock bag)

• 1. Knife Sharpener
• 2. Rescue Whistle / Mirror
• 3. Fingernail Clippers
• 4. Lighter
• 5. Handcuff Key
• 6. Tweezers

Back Pocket:

100' Para-cord

Back Zipper Pocket:

Fold-able Saw Blade

Inside Zipper Pocket:

• 1. 9" Para-cord Bracelet (9' Line)
• 2. Butane Lighter
• 3. USB Cable
• 4. Cell Phone Wall Charger

Inside Bag:

• 1. Emergency Radio Charger / Manual
• 2. Emergency Radio / Solar Charger
• 3. Pepper Spray
• 4. Cotton Balls soaked in Ointment (Fire Tinder)
• 5. Butane for Lighters
• 6. LED Head Lamp
• 7. Hand Held Radio (2 of 2)
• 8. Pocket Reference
• 9. Permanent Marker / Pen
• 10. Survival Manual
• 11. Black Trash Bags
• 12. Compass
• 13. Rite in Rain Notepad / Pens
• 14. 2 Solar Blankets
• 15. Peanuts / Energy Bars

Middle Front Pocket:

• 1. Flashlight Wrapped in Para-Cord
• 2. Gerber Tool
• 3. Water Proof Bag
• 4. Allen Key Set
• 5. CHEM Lights (Glow Sticks)

Front Pocket:

• 1. Pocket Knife
• 2. Handcuffs

Front Medical Pouch (Quick Emergency):

• 1. Assorted Band-aids / Medical Tape
• 2. Rolled Gauze
• 3. Quick Clot
• 4. Compress Bandage
• 5. Latex Gloves

Medical Pouch:

• 1. Spare Latex Gloves
• 2. Dental Floss
• 3. Medical Scissors
• 4. Goodies Headache Powder
• 5. Insect Repellent
• 6. Benadryl Pen
• 7. Hand Sanitize
• 8. Eye Drops
• 9. Liquid Band-aide
• 10. Iodine
• 11. Antibiotic Ointment
• 12. Oral Gel
• 13. Lip Balm
• 14. Forehead Thermometer
• 15. Assorted Band-aides / Alcohol Wipes
• 16. Wet Wipes
• 17. Rolled Gauze
• 18. Assorted Medicine 

Survival Pouch:

• 1. Lighters / Zippo
• 2. Cork / Can Opener
• 3. Water Purification Tablets / Straw
• 4. Sewing Kit
• 5. Lighters / Matches / Magnesium Fire Starter Stick
• 6. Fire Starter Sticks
• 7. Small Game Snare
• 8. Saw Wire
• 9. Extra Fishing Line / Zip Ties / Rubber Bands
• 10. Lubricant Pen
• 11. Adhesive Liquid
• 12. Compact Fishing Kit
• 13. Duck Tape

And there you have it. I tried focusing on all the major survival / rescue items I could think of and incorporating redundancies where I could. Trying to fit all of that into a small compact pack that could be carried for distance took some working. There was things I left out to save space and weight, but there are other things I am looking to add (such as extra zippo fluid).

I hope this has given you a list of items to add to your kit. If you have any questions feel free to ask. If you have recommendations tell me those as well.

Thank you, and happy prepping!   

Read Article »