Month: March 2023

24
Mar
2023

Is Moss Edible? 5 Types of Moss you can eat

forest, moss, nature, moss edible

One of the keys to being prepared for a potential survival or SHTF situation is knowing what resources are available in your environment. A food source that can be foraged is particularly valuable. One such resource is moss.

Moss is abundant in many parts of the world. Some moss is edible if prepared properly. Moss can be easily gathered and prepared making it a survival resource you shouldn’t ignore. Keep reading to learn which moss is edible and how to prepare it.

Eating Moss Safely

Some moss is edible but certain varieties of moss are mildly toxic or even poisonous.It can be difficult to identify edible moss. Take great caution if you’re going to forage and eat moss. Do so at your own risk.

Even edible moss can cause illness if eaten raw or in large quantities. Be sure you know what type of moss you’re dealing with and prepare it correctly to avoid sickness. Because many mosses are found on or near the ground it can become contaminated from animal dropping or other things. For this reason cooking the moss is recommended.

Types of Edible Moss

Reindeer Moss (AKA Caribou Moss)

moss, moss edible, eat moss
Reindeer moss – Judy Gallagher – CC BY 2.0

This moss is commonly found in the colder climates in the northern hemisphere. It is a short moss that grows on the ground up to an inch tall.

As the name suggests, Reindeer moss is the favorite food source for Reindeer and Caribou.

If you eat raw Reindeer moss it can cause an upset stomach. Natives in Canada and Alaska would boil Reindeer moss. They would then combine the moss with things like lard, berries, and fish eggs.

In the past natives used the moss to relieve kidney stones and digestive problems

Spanish Moss

spanish moss, oak trees, fresh moss
Spanish moss – James Sconfitto – CC BY 2.0

This moss is commonly found in the southeast United States, Central, and South America. It thrives in humid subtropical and tropical climates.

Spanish moss will be seen hanging from trees like oaks and cypress trees. The moss can grow seven inches to twenty feet long and has small flowers.

The moss while edible, is only really suited for making tea as the edible portion is so tiny. To prepare Spanish moss steep it in boiling water to make a tea. Some say the flavor is improved by adding sugar.

Native Americans have used Spanish moss to treat pain and fevers. It can also help reduce blood sugar and the moss has antibacterial and medicinal properties.

Oak Moss

eating moss raw, survival food, dying trees
Oak moss – CC BY 2.0

Like the name suggests, Oak moss likes to grow on oak trees. It is found in colder and mountainous regions of the northern hemisphere. The moss can resemble deer antlers and grow up to three inches long.

Oak moss should not be eaten raw. The acids in the moss can cause severe stomach pains when raw.

To properly prepare you should boil the moss, dumping the water and reboiling with fresh water at least twice. It is said the moss has a good flavor when prepared in this way.

Iceland Moss

iceland, eat reindeer moss raw
Iceland moss – Bri – CC BY 2.0

This moss is found in Iceland and other cold parts of Europe and North America. The moss grows up to four inches long and is brown in color. You can safely eat iceland moss raw but like most moss, cooking is recommended.

Historically the moss was ground and used in breads or porridge . The moss is high in starch and can also be boiled to include in soups.

Besides eating, Iceland moss can be used to help constipation.

Wila

wila, earthy flavor, dark brown, eating sphagnum moss
Wila – CC BY 2.0

This moss is commonly found hanging from tree branches in the northwest United States and British Columbia in Canada. Native Americans in this region frequently harvested and ate Wila. The moss is brown in color and resembles tufts of hair hanging from the branches of conifer trees like pine and fir trees.

There are two main types of Wila. One of which is toxic and contains vulpinic acid. The other Wila variety is non-toxic and fully edible. Both types of Wila are found in the same areas so it and it can be difficult to tell the two apart.

The moss can be harvested any time of year. It can be difficult to reach due to it being high in trees. Traditionally a long stick with a hook was used to harvest the moss by tangling it with the stick then pulling it off the trees.

Preparing Wila requires boiling and thoroughly washing in running water. If boiling you should dump the water and reboil with fresh water multiple times to ensure all vulpinic acid is removed.

The moss can then be eaten plain, dried, or mixed with other ingredients for better flavor.

wila, moss loaf, cooking pit
Wil loam – CC BY 2.0

FAQ

Are some mosses edible?

Yes, the moss in this article are edible.

Is eating wild moss safe?

If you cannot confidently identify the moss it is not safe to eat moss.

Is moss poisonous to dogs?

Some moss may be poisonous to dogs.

Posted by Mike in Food, 0 comments
22
Mar
2023

How to Make a Get Home Bag

backpack, boots, ziploc bag

In the survival and disaster preparedness community there is a lot of talk of the Bug Out Bag. Having your Bug Out Bag is important should you need to evacuate an area with your family members.

Equally important is the Get Home Bag. The purpose of a Get Home Bag is to ensure you have the resources necessary to get home in the case of a natural or man-made disaster.

For example, an earthquake damaging the roads making you unable to drive home from work. That is when you will want your Get Home Bag in a moment’s notice.

Lets dig in and talk about what you should have in your Get Home Bag.

Get Home Bags vs Bug Out Bags

The similarities between a Get Home Bag and Bug Out Bag are many. The biggest difference is a Get Home Bag is meant to help you survive long enough to get home. Ideally you should not need to survive out of your Get Home Bag for more than 24 hours.

A Bug Out Bag is meant to help you evacuate and survive for at least 72 hours. The bug out bag is going to be a larger bag and heavier.

The Get Home Bag should be made using a typical backpack or shoulder bag. You don’t want to be conspicuous with a huge suspension pack. A light weight pack will also be less fatiguing to carry and won’t slow you down.

When Could you Need a Get Home Bag?

To understand what to keep in a Get Home Bag we need to talk about the types of events where you may need it.

Everyone’s lifestyle and geography are different. This will impact what items are necessary and appropriate for your individual needs. The primary goal of your Get Home Bag will be to help you get home safely.

Natural Disasters

earthquake, rubble, collapse

Depending on where you live, natural disasters may be the more likely issue you may face. I live in an area with many active volcanoes and earthquake risk so these are a major factor for me.

Many natural disasters will make driving difficult or impossible if roads are damaged or traffic is obstructing roads. You may need to walk home so consider what this would look like for you. Make sure you have shoes appropriate for the task. If you wear dress shoes make sure you include sturdy shoes so you can walk long distances comfortably.

Man-made Disasters

energy, nuclear power plant, grohnde

This are going to be disasters caused by humans. The recent chemical spill in Ohio is a good example of this. If you live near nuclear power plants you must consider the possibility of a reactor malfunction or melt down.

Assess your area for other potential threats. Are there large chemical plants in your area? What would an EMP or large scale power grid outage look like?

Terrorist Attacks

Terrorist attacks are a real possibility in some parts of the world. City dwellers need to be more concerned about this than people living in rural areas. In the event of a terrorist attack transportation like subways or roads may be shut down or destroyed.

Have several routes planned to get home should your primary route be compromised.

Get Home Bag Essentials

  1. Water and Water purification tablets: Water is going to be critical in any disaster scenario. Particularly if you have to walk miles home. Water purification tablets will let you purify any water you find.

  2. Water Filter: Small filters like the Sawyer Mini are versatile and light weight. Filters like the Sawyer do not filter viruses. Know when to use a filter versus water purification tablets.

  3. Stainless steel water bottle: Useful to carry water. The benefit of a stainless steel water bottle is you can also boil water with it. Make sure you get an uninsulated bottle.

  4. Hiking Boots: Having sturdy and comfortable shoes will making walking through debris or over long distances much easier. You do not want to be walking for miles in dress shoes.

  5. Respirator Mask: Many disasters can involve toxic debris or chemicals in the air. N95 very small and cheap while being very effective at filtering out harmful particulates. Go with an N100 if you want even better filtration.

  6. Fire making implements: Pack at least two means to make fire. Ferro rods are an excellent choice and last a long time. A Bic lighter or waterproof matches are also good options.

  7. Work Gloves: Heavy duty gloves will be useful if you need to climb through debris, over fences, or walls.

  8. First Aid Supplies: A first aid kit is critical for any emergency situation. Include things like a tourniquet and QuikClot gauze. Most importantly, get trained in first aid!

  9. Multi-tool: Small, light, and incredibly useful in many situations. There are many great ones. Swiss Army Knives and Leatherman are my favorites depending on what features I need.

  10. Knife: Many multi tools include a knife blade but I like having a dedicated knife. Not only because they are usually bigger and more versatile but a good knife can also be used in self defense should you need it. I prefer a fixed blade knife when legal.

  11. Flashlight/Headlamp: I recommend having at least two light sources. Headlamps are convenient and lets you keep your hands free. A handheld light as a secondary is a good idea. Include spare batteries and be sure to rotate them so they work when you need them most.

  12. Poncho: Staying warm and dry will make a huge difference. Plastic ponchos are light and easy to carry. They can also be used to make a temporary shelter if you need it.

  13. Emergency Blanket/Sleeping Bag: They can keep you warm in the worst conditions. Emergency blankets work by reflecting body heat and can also be used for improvised shelter.

  14. Wool Socks: They keep your feet warm even when wet. Wool socks help prevent blisters on your feet much better than cotton socks. They can be used as mittens if needed. I keep two pair in my Get Home Bag.

  15. Emergency Whistle: Helpful to signal for help if you’re trapped or injured. Very small and light too.

  16. Food: High calorie and high protein bars will help keep you going. Dehydrated food or MREs are good options. Make sure to rotate your supply so they are good to eat if you need them.

  17. Money: Having some cash on hand could be very helpful should you need to hire a taxi or pay for anything else.

  18. Emergency Radio: In many disasters cell phone service is heavily degraded and unusable. An emergency radio will help you stay informed during a disaster.

  19. Self Defense: Pepper spray can be an effective self defense tool. A firearm is also a great option for personal protection if you have the skill to use it.

  20. Wet Wipes: Useful for general hygiene and as a replacement for toilet paper. You may not be able to wash your hands or other body parts for a while. They also pack very light and small.

  21. Duct Tape/gorilla tape: We’re prioritizing many supplies that can fulfill multiple roles. Duct tape is one of those things. It can be useful for numerous things. From splinting an injured limb to shelter building duct tape can get the job done.

The Best bags for a Get Home Bag

backpack, book, travel bag

There are many good options when it comes to choosing a pack or bag for your Get Home Bag. These are the main things I prioritize:

  • Can it hold everything you need?

  • Is the pack robust and have a strong shoulder strap?

  • It is comfortable to wear/carry for a long time?

  • Waterproof or water resistant

  • Does it look “normal”? I generally try to blend in and avoid bags that look like “tactical backpacks”.

I generally avoid things like a gym bag or messenger bags because they can be very uncomfortable in a relatively short time. They also don’t spread the load evenly while being worn. Your milage may vary.

Adjust Your Survival Kit Appropriately

man, adventure, backpack

The gear list in this article is mainly a list of essentials. Everyone has different needs based on their climate and geography when it comes to their Get Home Bag.

For example, I live in a cold, wet climate so my kit has a lot more warm and water resistant clothes. If you’re in a hot and dry climate make sure you have more water with you. If you live in a big city your personal needs will be different than someone who is in a rural area.

FAQ

What is a 72 hour get home bag?

This is a get home bag designed to have enough supplies to help you survive for 72 hours.

What is the difference between a go bag and a get home bag?

A Go Bag has the same things as a Get Home Bag.

What size pack for a get home bag?

It depends on your needs but I generally recommend something the size of a typical day pack around 25 liters.

Posted by Mike in Gear and Supplies, 0 comments
17
Mar
2023

Can you Refill a Bic lighter: Yes, You Can Refill a BIC Lighter

bic lighter, fire, flame

The Bic lighter has been around for a long time. They’re cheap, reliable, and last a long time. I keep one in my Bug Out Bag and Get Home Bag and camping gear as an easy fire-making tool.

Despite how long Bic lighters last, they will eventually run out of fuel. Can you refill a Bic lighter? The manufacturer says Big lighters are not refilable. However, it is possible to refill bic lighters if you use the correct safety precautions. Refill Bic Lighters at your own risk.

Are BIC Lighters Refillable?

According to the Bic website, the lighters are not refillable. They do not recommend modifying or tampering with Bic lighters. Despite this precaution, there are safe ways to refill butane lighters like the Bic. Keep reading for details on how to refill Bic Lighters.

The techniques can be adapted to some other disposable lighters but not all.

Why Refill a Big Lighter?

There are many reasons why you may want to refill a Bic lighter. It’s a lot cheaper than buying a new lighter. Refillable lighters like a Zippo lighter are typically more expensive than most disposable lighters.

The flint and spark wheel of a Bic will last much longer than the butane will. When I was in Jordan there were people in one of the local markets who refilled lighters. I don’t know how much money he made but I watched him fill multiple lighters in the short time I watched.

Being able to refill a disposable Bic lighter is a useful skill to have if you’re in a SHTF situation. It may not be easy to get new lighters but butane or other gas may be available.

pocket lighter, lighter, zippo

What do I Need to Refill Bic Lighter?

Depending on how you intent to refill the lighter you will need the following tools.

  • An empty Bic lighter

  • Fresh butane (NOT lighter fluid)

  • A flathead push pin, safety pin or paper clip to reseal the lighter

  • Pliers, screw driver, and wire cutters

  • Sandpaper

  • Small gas refill valve (Not necessary but makes future refilling easier)

  • Drill and drill bits (required to install a refill valve)

How To Refill a BIC Butane Lighter

There are several common methods to refill a Bic disposable lighter. Below we will cover the most effective techniques.

Method 1: Refilling a Bic Lighter From the Bottom

This is the easiest and most reliable method to refill a Bic lighter.

  1. Make sure the lighter is empty by trying to light it.

  2. Turn the lighter upside down and find the ball bearing

  3. Take a pin, needle, or paper clip and push the ball bearing out of the Bic lighter. This will open the fuel chamber.

  4. Push the nozzle of your butane canister and fill the lighter. Be sure you are doing this with the can of butane upside down.

  5. Be sure to press down firmly to ensure no butane leaks out.

  6. When full, push a safety bin or push pin into the hole in the lighter to seal the chamber.

  7. Cut or sand the pin down so it is flush with the bottom of the lighter.

Method 2: Refilling A Bic Lighter From The Top

It is possible to refill a Bic lighter from a small hole on the top but it requires disassembling the lighter.

  1. Take a screw driver or other tool and pry off the metal hood.

  2. Remove the striker, flint and flint spring.

  3. Remove the one-way valve which dispenses the butane during typical use.

  4. Push the butane canister valve into the hole where you removed the one-way valve.

  5. Hold firmly for at least 30 seconds to fill the lighter.

  6. When full, press the one-way valve back into the lighter.

  7. Reassemble the flint, striker, and lighter hood in the reverse order you originally disassembled.

Method 3: Install a Refill Valve

This method is nearly identical to the first method except you’re installing a small gas refill valve instead of using a pin to seal the lighter.

Special tools needed:

  • Drill

  • Drill bits

  • Gas refill valve

  • Silicone sealant (not always required but this helps create a good seal on the valve)

How To:

  1. Make sure the lighter is empty by trying to light it.

  2. Turn the lighter upside down and find the ball bearing

  3. Take a pin, needle, or paper clip and push the ball bearing out of the Bic lighter. This will open the fuel chamber.

  4. Take a drill bit and widen the hole so it will fit the refill valve.

  5. Shake out any debris and the bearing.

  6. Break the divider inside the lighter. This is required to fit the valve.

  7. Insert the refill valve. Seal using silicone sealant.

  8. Fill your lighter through the valve.

Is refilling Bic lighters safe?

The manufacturer does not recommend it. Many people refill Bic lighters safely.

Is there a way to refill a non refillable lighter?

Yes, the techniques in this article can be used to refill many non-refillable butane lighters.

What fluid do Bic lighters use?

Bic lighters use butane. Do not use lighter fluid like you would use in a Zippo lighter.

Can you refill a Bic lighter with Zippo fluid?

No, do no try to refill a Bic lighter with Zippo lighter fluid.

What can I do with empty Bic lighters?

You can refill it!

Posted by James Johnson in Gear and Supplies, 0 comments
08
Mar
2023

The 20 Gallon Plastic Tank for Emergency Water Storage

poly tank, water tank, containers, ground gallon indicators
20 gal tank from national tank outlet

Only some have the space for 500-gallon water storage tanks or even 55-gallon water barrels. Not only are these large containers bulky, but they are cumbersome and can be too heavy for some places.

Even if you can use massive storage tanks for most emergency water storage, you may want to have at least a few gallons in smaller jugs on hand because they can be mobile. The low weight is a significant advantage should you need to bug out.

Fortunately, there are many excellent alternatives for emergency water storage. Check out the 20-gallon plastic water storage tank.

Potable Water Storage using 20 Gallon Tanks

potable water, drop, impact

Consider storing emergency water in 20-gallon containers for many reasons. The most significant advantage of 20-gallon containers is their mobility and weight.

  • 20-gallon containers are cheaper than larger containers.

  • Smaller 20-gallon containers weigh about 160 pounds when full. 55-gallon barrels weigh nearly 500 pounds!

  • Transporting full 20-gallon containers is easier if you need to bug out.

How to Choose the Best 20-Gallon Water Storage Containers for Emergencies

potable water storage, storage tank, water jug

The most important thing to consider when choosing a water container is the materials and construction methods used. The best water storage containers will incorporate the following features:

  • Food-grade HDPE and BPA-free material

  • FDA approved resin

  • Dark green, black, or blue plastic with UV inhibitors designed to block direct sunlight

  • Rotationally molded polyethylene resin resulting in seamless construction

  • The specific gravity rating should be a minimum of 1. Higher ratings mean a container is more robust

  • Threaded vented lid makes getting water from the container easier by relieving pressure

Containers with these characteristics will be the best for storing long-term drinking water. The right materials will allow water storage tanks to last for decades without leaching harmful chemicals into the water.

Seamless construction makes containers more durable and resistant to cracking. A higher tank-specific gravity rating than a 1 means a container is more robust. Still, a minimum of 1 is required for a container to be strong enough for water storage.

FAQ

How heavy is a 20 gallon water jug?

About 160 pounds when full of water.

Are poly tanks cheaper than steel?

Yes, poly tanks are usually about 50% cheaper than steel containers.

What sizes do poly tanks come in?

Poly tanks come in all manner of sizes. Some are only 20 gallons while others can hold over 10,000 gallons of water.

How tall is a 20 gallon water tank?

It depends on the brand and design but usually about two feet tall.

Posted by Mike in Water, 0 comments
07
Mar
2023

The 500 Gallon Plastic Water Storage Tank For Emergency Water

poly tank 500 gallon, plastic water storage tank

Water should be near the top of your list when making emergency preps. You should plan to have at least two gallons per person per day to have a comfortable amount of water to survive major disasters.

You must check out bulk water delivery tanks to upgrade your emergency water storage.

500 Gallon Bulk Water Delivery Storage Tanks

There are a lot of options when it comes to bulk emergency water storage. Not all are suited to potable water storage. Consider the following characteristics to ensure you get the best water storage tank.

What Material is the water storage tank made from?

Potable water storage tanks must have food-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE). BPA-free HDPE will not leach chemicals into your water, and it is highly durable.

Is the Water Storage Tank Impervious to Light?

The best water storage tanks also use dark green or blue HDPE resin, impervious to light penetration. Many tanks will incorporate UV inhibitors to further protect the water tank from degradation caused by sunlight.

Preventing water from being exposed to light will help avoid algae growth and keep your water fresh longer.

Many transparent or opaque storage tanks are on the market, but I’d avoid them for a reason above.

How is the Water Storage Tank Constructed?

Check with the tank manufacturer to understand how the water storage tank is constructed. The most durable tanks will be made using rotationally molded polyethylene resin.

This production method results in seamless vertical tanks. The seamless construction makes the water storage tank more durable and resistant to cracks.

Uses for 500 Gallon Water Storage Tanks

water storage tank, seamless construction, 500 gal poly tank
1500 gallon rainwater catchment system

Rainwater Collection Systems

These 500-gallon HDPE water tanks can be used for more than simple water storage. They make excellent tanks for rainwater collection. This allows you to harvest a massive amount of water from the roof of a building or house.

Incorporating a rainwater catchment system into your preps creates a renewable source of emergency water for drinking, hygiene, and garden water.

Fire Suppression

500-gallon water storage tanks make excellent fire suppression reservoirs. If your property or building is not attached to a primary water source, storing water for fire suppression is your direct option.

Polymer tanks make a durable and economical method to ensure you always have water to respond to fire emergencies.

FAQ

How much does a 500 gallon poly tank weigh?

Most polymer 500 gallon water tanks weight between 90 and 125lbs.

What is the largest poly tank?

The largest commercially available poly tanks hold up to 15,000 gallons of water.

How long will a 500 gallon water tank last?

The average life expenctancy of a polyethylene water tank is 15-20 years. Some tanks can last over 30 in the right conditions.

Are poly tanks cheaper than steel?

Yes, most poly tanks cost about 50% less than a similar size steel tank.

How big is a 500 gallon storage tank?

It depends on the brand but many cylindrical tanks have a diameter of 48 inches and height of 73 inches.

How much does a 500 gallon water tank weigh full?

About 4,270lbs.

Posted by Mike, 0 comments