When it comes to survival food, preppers know that bland meals can be a real morale killer. In a prolonged crisis flavor, and variety matter almost as much as calories. That’s where Jar o’ Texas Thunder fits perfectly into a prepper pantry plan. It’s a fiery, protein-packed meat mix spiked with jalapeños that’s designed to […]
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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Having a natural, shelf-stable extract on hand means you don’t have to scramble when someone comes down with an infection or you just want extra immune support. These extracts are simple to make, use herbs with well-known antimicrobial properties, and can be adapted for adults, kids, or anyone avoiding alcohol.
I came across this tutorial on the YouTube channel Rain Country where Heidi shows exactly how she makes hers. You can find the video and written instructions below.
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Disclaimer: None of this is medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications and some aren’t safe in pregnancy. When in doubt, talk to your doctor.
Chop your fresh or dried nasturtium leaves and fill a clean glass jar ½ to ¾ full.
Pour 80-proof (or higher) vodka or wine over the herb until it’s fully covered. Use a chopstick to release trapped air bubbles, then top off so the herbs stay submerged.
Mark the jar with the herb name, solvent, and date. Seal tightly.
Store in a cool, dark place and shake the jar once per day. Top off if needed.
Pour through cheesecloth or fine mesh, squeezing out all liquid. Store in amber dropper bottles or glass jars in a cool, dark cabinet.
Dosage (adult): Start with about 1 teaspoon.
Mix 1 part water to 3 parts raw honey. Stir well.
Add nasturtium leaves until the jar is ½ to ¾ full.
Pour the honey-water mix over the herbs until covered. Stir with a chopstick to remove bubbles and top off if needed.
Cap tightly, label, and keep in a cool, dark place. Shake daily.
Strain and bottle just like the alcohol tincture.
Dosage (adult): About 2 tablespoons or more if needed.
This version combines alcohol (for strong extraction and preservation) with glycerin (for sweetness and reduced alcohol content).
Dosage (adult): At least 1 tablespoon.
Dosage (adult): 2 tablespoons or more as needed.
This way, you can tailor your homemade antibiotic extract to your needs: alcohol for strength and shelf life, honey for kid-friendliness, vinegar for simplicity, or a vodka-glycerin mix for balance.
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While we should be prepared for when a disaster hits, we rarely are. I wrote this a few years ago when Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas (2019) as a Category 5 storm before making landfall on the Florida coast and causing quite a mess there.
Then we had Hurricane Helene (September 2024), a Category 4 hurricane, and Hurricane Milton (October 2024), a Category 5 hurricane.
Many people are not prepared for a hurricane, let alone a Category 5 hurricane. When it comes to a hurricane, you need to ensure you are stocked to either bunker down or evacuate the area.
You never know when a Category 1 hurricane could turn into a life-threatening Category 5 hurricane. Below, you will find items to stock up on before a storm that will help you get through both mild and severe conditions.
Hurricanes and tropical storms pose three different hazards: wind, rain, and storm surge. Depending on the category of the hurricane, you could have minimal damage or less common catastrophic damage.
When you live in an area that often has the threat of a hurricane, you should have enough of everything listed to last you for 7-10 days at least. Here is why you should be prepared for a hurricane based on each hurricane category:
A Category one hurricane is minimal; however, it can affect you for several days. It can cause damage to houses, especially mobile homes; tree branches can be thrown or topple onto your property, and power lines can be damaged. Although these damages are minimal, here’s what could happen:
During a Category 2 hurricane, you’ll have stronger winds, which can cause more damage than a Category 1 hurricane. Here are some things that could happen:
Once a hurricane gets to a Category 3, you are looking at substantial damage to trees and houses. Here are some reasons why you would want to be prepared for a Category 3 hurricane:
A Category four hurricane is catastrophic to those who are in its path. You will likely see more damage than with any of the other hurricanes. Here is why anyone should be prepared for this type of hurricane:
A Category 5 hurricane will require a whole new level of preparation. Most people can not hunker down during a Category 5 hurricane. In fact, you’ll want to be prepared to get out of Dodge. Recovery from this can take months.
Because hurricanes can be so destructive, it is essential to be prepared. Below, you will find things you need to stock up on before a hurricane strikes.
Because hurricanes can go from Category 1 to higher categories, it is essential to be prepared. You can be prepared by stocking up on the right things in your home. Here are some things to stock up on in case of a hurricane:
Even in a Category 1 hurricane, machines at local grocery stores may be down. Buying food may be a challenge for a few days, and the stores themselves may struggle to replenish their inventory. I would recommend having at least two weeks’ worth of food, but at the very least, you need three days’ worth per person. If you aren’t sure what food to stock up on, here are some good options that include many non-perishable foods:
Even though a hurricane is sure to dump a bunch of water everywhere, it is not drinkable. Water pipes and lines may be broken. This means you may need to look for an alternative water source in place of running water. The CDC recommends storing 1 gallon of water per day per person for a 3-day supply.
However, I would recommend storing 4 gallons per person per day instead to cover hydration, cooking, some personal hygiene, and limited laundry. Don’t forget to include water for your pets. You will want to store enough water for at least 3 to 7 days.
Related: How to Store Water for Drinking and Cooking
Whether there is a Category 1 or a Category 3 hurricane, you will always want to have your First Aid kit stocked. This could quite literally save your life in any situation, not just a hurricane. If you don’t have a First Aid kit, you can learn how to fully stock one in my First Aid Kit for Survival post. There is more to a quality first aid kit than just bandages.
Usually, you know a hurricane is coming at least a week before it gets here. So, it may be easier to get your medications filled before it hits. However, there are other health supplies you will want to make sure you have, such as:
Most people think about stocking up on essentials like toilet paper, paper towels, and baby wipes, but there are a few other items you really need to keep stocked as well. These include:
When a disaster strikes, it’s essential to store your crucial documents in a location where you can easily access them. You’ll need copies of the following essential documents:
Create an Important Documents Emergency Binder to ensure you have everything you need in one convenient location.
Additionally, you will want to ensure you are stocked up on essential life-saving supplies. Here are some other items you should have stocked in your home:
Just as Hurricane Dorian started at category one and reached category five by the time it hit the Bahamas, you never know what could happen. Just in case, you should also have your car stocked for a hurricane. This will help you if you need to evacuate as directed. Here is a list of items you will want to have in your car:
When it comes to a natural disaster, a hurricane generally gives you quite a bit of time to prepare. However, when it comes to getting things stocked, hurricane-proofing your home, or needing to evacuate, you’ll want to be ready before you even know a hurricane is coming. Not only are these items essential to stock up on before a storm, but they can also be helpful anytime you’re faced with an emergency. Thanks again for being prepared for the unexpected. May God bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Hurricane with Man And Umbrella Depositphotos_11142502_S By Lucidwaters, Hurricane Irma Depositphotos_166696460_S By Felixtm
The post Things to Stock Up On Before a Hurricane appeared first on Food Storage Moms.
There’s hardly anything on Earth that is more delicious, delectable, satisfying, and indulgent than smoked meat. It takes what would otherwise be an ordinary, or even extraordinary, cut and elevates it to something that is truly transcendent. It’s always worth it, but if there is one downside it is that smoking tends to be the ... Read more
So, How Long Does It Take to Smoke Meat? can be read in full at New Life On A Homestead- Be sure to check it out!
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Cars are everywhere. If you're anywhere near a city when the SHTF, you'll come across thousands of them. And if the disaster is severe enough, many of these vehicles will be abandoned. Why does this matter? Because there are many survival items you can scavenge from abandoned vehicles.
Some people will object to this article, saying it's wrong to take what isn't yours. Normally I'd agree, but I believe morality varies depending on the circumstances. If you're in a situation where an apparently abandoned vehicle has items in it that you need to survive, then I would argue that you're morally obligated to take them. If not for yourself, then for your family.
Besides, you could find yourself in a scenario where your own car breaks down or is totaled, in which case you might want to make use of its parts. In case either of these things ever happens to you, here are 19 things you can scavenge from vehicles.
The first thing you should check is the trunk. Many people keep tools, flashlights, jumper cables, blankets, and even extra clothing in the trunk. Most people who abandon their vehicles would probably try to take some of those things with them, but not necessarily. If you check a hundred vehicles, you're bound to come across some goodies.
Here you might find food, lighters, first aid supplies, papers you can use to help start fires, etc. Again, you never know, so if you're walking down a highway full of abandoned cars, check as many glove boxes and center consoles as you can.
Now that the obvious stuff is out of the way, the first thing you should consider taking is the rearview mirror. If it's stuck on the glass with adhesive, you might be able to remove it with a razor blade. Otherwise, you could just break it off. To get the side mirrors out, you'll need a knife or similar object. Mirrors can be used for many things including signaling for help and starting fires.
The fabric in seats can make excellent insulation material in cold environments, and the seat covers can be used as ground covers. If the seats are leather, you can even turn them into useful items such as shoes, leggings, or a carrying pack.
If you don't have any cordage, use the seat belts. Just extend them as far as they will go and cut them out. If you need a cord that's not as thick, just cut up the seat belt into smaller strands. If you unravel them enough, you could even use them as fishing line.
I grouped these together because they can all be used for the same thing: building a shelter. These things will be difficult to remove without the proper tools, but they can be very useful. For example, it's very easy to set up a lean-to with the hood of a car. And in the winter, the doors could be used as sleds.
The top part of the glass on car doors can be used to sharpen knives. Break off this part and wrap duct tape around the jagged edges and you'll have a portable knife sharpener. You could also try using some of the broken glass as a cutting tool, but this might be difficult since car glass tends to fall apart into little pieces when broken.
You can use a car battery to keep your devices charged during an emergency. But to do this, you'll also need some 12v receptacles and a power inverter. Watch this video to learn how.
The wires in the engine could be used as cordage for any number of things such as constructing shelters, making snares, bundling things together so they're easier to carry, etc.
The glass from a headlight can be used as a cutting tool if the piece is long and sharp enough and the rest is wrapped in duct tape to make a handle. And the lamp and case from a headlight can be used to make a fire if the lens reflector has been well polished.
To do so, put some tinder in the reflector that holds the bulb and put it under the sun. Both sides, being highly reflective, will magnify the sunlight and direct heat to the tinder. Hopefully, an ember will be created in the tinder that you can blow on to start a fire.
Modern tires, unfortunately, don't have as many uses as older tires due to the steel cable running through them. Nonetheless, you can still burn tires for signaling purposes since the black smoke can be seen for miles on a clear day. But be warned: tire burning is illegal in most areas, so proceed with caution. Tire smoke is also toxic so keep your distance.
The inner tubes can be cut up into rubber bands which have all sorts of uses: tourniquets, shelter making, strapping items to your clothes or pack, and so forth.
Rubber hoses and tubing from the engine compartment can be invaluable. They can be used as makeshift siphons for transferring gasoline or water. Additionally, these hoses can be cut and used as waterproof sealing for makeshift shelters or to repair other equipment. In a pinch, they can also be utilized as tourniquets or to tie down or secure gear.
The foam found in car seats and cushions is a useful resource. It can be cut into shapes for insulation, padding, or even as a makeshift sleeping pad. This foam can also be used for soundproofing in situations where discretion is vital. Be cautious when repurposing foam, as it can be flammable and give off toxic fumes if burned.
Car air filters can be surprisingly versatile. If they're relatively clean, you can use them as a pre-filter for water purification. They won't make the water drinkable by themselves, but they can remove large particles before you boil or chemically treat the water.
Additionally, air filters can be unraveled for their fibrous material, which can be used for insulation or as tinder for starting fires.
Don't overlook the various fluids in a vehicle. Motor oil, for example, can be used to lubricate tools, preserve wood, or even as a makeshift lamp fuel when combined with a wick. Transmission fluid and brake fluid are flammable and can be used to start or accelerate fires in emergency situations.
Always handle these fluids with care, and remember that prolonged exposure or improper handling can be hazardous to your health.
Most vehicles have rubber or carpeted floor mats that can come in surprisingly handy. Rubber mats can be used as kneeling pads when working on rough or wet ground, insulation between you and cold surfaces, or even makeshift snowshoes in deep snow.
Carpeted mats can double as fire-starting material, extra padding for bedding, or insulation inside a makeshift shelter. They're lightweight, easy to remove, and generally overlooked.
While not immediately useful in a primitive survival scenario, fuses and bulbs from the fuse box and light fixtures could be invaluable if you're trying to maintain any kind of improvised electrical system.
Spare bulbs could be swapped into another vehicle or even repurposed for light if you’ve got a power setup. Fuses are especially useful if you’re restoring or cannibalizing vehicles for long-term survival. They weigh almost nothing, so it’s worth grabbing a few.
As long as you have a siphon of some kind, you could use leftover gasoline for your own vehicle. Gas could also be used to get a fire going, as long as you're very careful. Don't puncture a fuel tank for gas as even a small spark is enough to make a gas tank explode, even if very little fuel is present.
When scavenging, time and discretion are critical. Only take what you need, and stay alert because you never know who else might be scavenging the same area.
Keep a multi-tool or basic wrench set on hand for disassembly, wear gloves to avoid cuts or burns, and always check for signs that a vehicle might not be truly abandoned. The best items are often the ones most people overlook, so think creatively and move quickly.
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The post 19 Items to Scavenge from Abandoned Cars appeared first on Urban Survival Site.
I love baked cake donuts, and I’ve been wanting to share this recipe with you for some time. Sometimes you feel like a donut. Homemade donuts are so easy to make. In case you missed my post, How to Make Vintage Glazed Doughnuts
My glazed doughnuts are incredibly delicious, but I also love cake donuts. These baked cake donuts are moist in the center and have just the right texture on the outside. They are easy to mix, bake, and frost.
Gather all of the ingredients so you’re ready to make the recipe. Preheat your oven to (350°F) = (176°C). Lightly brush the donut pans with canola oil.
Donuts: combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the sour cream, oil, and egg, and then mix thoroughly.
It’s a medium-thick batter.
Fill the pastry bag with the batter.
Use the pastry bag to “spread” the donut batter around each well in your donut pan. Fill them about 3/4 full.
Filling the donut cups with the donut batter using a pastry bag is a snap; no tip is needed. These are so fun, my friends, you need to make them!
Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until the donut springs back when lightly touched. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Please note that the side of the donut shown below is the bottom. You will flip the donuts over so the round side is on top when you frost them.
Place the cooked donuts on a cooling rack.
Glaze: Combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk until smooth. Place the donuts on the cooling rack on top of a cookie sheet to spread the glaze on the donuts. Use a small spreader to apply the glaze evenly to the donuts. You can also dip the donuts on the round side down and “twirl” the donuts until covered. Top off the donuts with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut while the glaze is wet.
I store them in an airtight container. If frosted with cream cheese frosting, I place them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes, you can. Place the donuts individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for 2-3 months.
They may be a bit overbaked. Use a toothpick to test the donuts; if a little batter remains on the toothpick, stop baking them.
Keep them stored in an airtight container.
All-purpose flour is best for making donuts. I only stock bread flour, so I use it anyway. We eat them so fast that it doesn’t matter to my family.
The reason we make donuts without the center is so the donuts will cook more evenly and not burn before they are totally cooked through. We want the donuts to cook or bake evenly inside and outside.
The term doughnut is the original preferred spelling. However, the Americanized term “donut” is simply a shortened version of the word. Donut isn’t incorrect, just less common.
Please let me know if you make my baked cake donuts. I love to hear your thoughts. What do you put on top of yours? Do you make plain donuts? Chocolate donuts? It’s all about teaching our kids and grandkids how to cook from scratch. May God bless this world, Linda
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They tell you Tylenol (acetaminophen) is “safe enough” — even for pregnant women. But recent headlines, studies, and lawsuits suggest that it may not be as harmless as we’ve been led to believe. And now, more than ever, you need backup options that don’t require a pharmacy or doctor’s permission. Why People Are Doubting Tylenol […]
The post Safe Natural Alternatives to Tylenol appeared first on Ask a Prepper.
In the year 2025 I experienced two massive water outages in Richmond Virginia, watched multiple parts of the nation suffer under flood waters, and conducted a 12-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail, in the dark of night, while rationing water. Water has worked its way further up my list of needs in a survival situation. […]
The post DIY Gravity-Powered Clay Pot Water Filter that Costs Under $30 (With Pictures) appeared first on Ask a Prepper.
It’s officially flu season again, just like every fall and winter. We all know how horrible it can be to get the flu, particularly if we have underlying chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, which put extra stress on our bodies and immune systems.
One of the drawbacks of the flu is that different types of influenza viruses change annually, making prevention a dynamic national challenge. Even if we receive one influenza vaccination for the most prevalent strain, we could still contract the flu. I understand if you are against vaccines. I’m not here to agree or disagree with you. I love to look up stats.
Mark and I have just returned from a family reunion in California with my sisters, which lasted ten days. We were able to see our oldest daughter, a grandson, his sweet wife, and our new great-grandchild, who is now one year old.
We returned home after flying and going through airports. The next day, I could tell I was coming down with something. Did I go to the doctor? No, I know what they are going to do: take my temperature and check my vitals. I’m 99.99% sure I have the flu, not a cold. I am not a doctor or nurse, and it’s basically a guess. I’ve been sick for seven days now, and Mark has now caught it.
Influenza statistics by the numbers will tell you everything you need to know, including the flu shot, flu virus, and how to stay healthy during flu season. Please refer to the CDC for the most up-to-date and accurate information on current variants, the most often prescribed antiviral medication, and steps you should take to avoid flu-related severe complications.
Please remember that I am not a nurse, doctor, or medical professional. I like to know my options when it comes to dealing with sickness. Please consult with your healthcare professional to determine what works best for you. Every home should have an Oximeter to check oxygen levels. They are reasonable in price. Finger Oximeter
The influenza virus consists of various viruses that cause the flu. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, often causing difficulty breathing, a flu cough, chest pain, and other symptoms, as listed below.
One of the drawbacks of the flu is that it can be difficult to distinguish from the common cold, as their symptoms are similar. Some symptoms that show you may have an influenza virus include:
Complications of the flu can lead to severe illness, including hospitalization and life-threatening complications. You have to take your sickness seriously if you have a history of health issues that could be compromised and put you at higher risk. Everyday routines and natural life events, such as those experienced by pregnant women, can be affected if you contract the flu.
Flu viruses are unique and tricky. Since the flu is a virus, specific antiviral medicines can be prescribed, depending on the type of influenza, to fight your contagious viral infection. The emergence of new subtypes of influenza each year complicates treatment and prevention.
A sickness like pneumonia is treated similarly each year, as it is one of many bacterial infections, hence the name bacterial pneumonia. These are treated with antibiotics, and although new antibiotics are continually developed, specific ones are used repeatedly because bacterial strains tend not to change or mutate as rapidly as viruses do.
Catching the flu is pretty easy to do. Those with the flu can spread it to others standing 6 feet away through tiny droplets that become airborne from our mouths. Airborne droplets fly into the air when someone coughs, sneezes, has a runny nose, or talks. Here are some statistics on the process of infection:
You should see a doctor if you contract the flu. Many doctors will prescribe Tamiflu for those with the flu. If you aren’t ready to visit the doctor or take prescription medication, you can try Natural Remedies that Work! If your symptoms don’t improve or worsen, seek medical treatment!
The influenza virus is so common that not everyone infected each season can be identified with certainty; it can only be estimated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the annual percentage of the U.S. population infected with the flu is approximately 8%. Here are some influenza statistics reported by the CDC from October 2019 to February 2020:
You often hear about the flu or influenza because it is a widespread illness. As you can see, approximately 5% to 20% of the population contracts the flu each year. Studies have shown that adults typically get the flu twice per decade. However, children can catch the flu every other year, on average.
These are estimated ranges because not all flu cases are caught or reported. Nevertheless, even reported cases are significant in number.
You may want to invest in some N95 masks, as they can help prevent the spread of illness in your home, at work, at church, or at other gatherings that take you outside your home. N95 Masks (Please note that I saw several people at the airport in September 2025 wearing N95 masks.)
How To Stock Your Home Pharmacy
It is now late November, and it seems like everyone around me is sick! That’s because the flu becomes the most prevalent in December and February. Although the flu can be detected throughout the year, historically, it begins to increase in October, peaks in December, and then increases further in February.
Should you get the flu shot? Many experts agree that the most effective way to prevent the flu is to receive the flu shot annually. This is because it prevents the virus from being contracted. Additionally, if you do catch the flu, it lessens the symptoms. I’m not advocating for or against flu shots, but if you are more susceptible to sickness or disease, you should strongly consider getting the shot.
Just because you got the flu shot last year doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods, and you consider yourself one of the healthy people. The types of flu change and need to be addressed each year through the most current flu shot. I got the flu shot in 2023 and got Influenza A, which was rough, my friends.
The flu vaccine works by giving your body a deactivated form of the flu virus. This allows your body’s immune system to fight the virus before you come into contact with the live virus. It may not prevent all variations of the flu, but it will help lessen symptoms since your body already “knows” how to fight it.
Here are just a few statistics and facts you should know about the flu shot:
What is important to note is that in the last ten years, the number of people who get the flu has not decreased. It remains relatively the same, and in some years, it increases. Deaths have also gone up and down depending on the year. Here are a few statistics:
Regardless of the vaccine, there are still many cases of the flu, mainly because people choose not to get the shot. Yes, there may be possible side effects, such as loss of appetite, but they are generally minor. The primary thing we can do is work on ways to stay healthy and avoid the flu.
Related: How to Clean Your House and Stay Healthy
When it comes to staying healthy, there are a few things you can do to help prevent you and your household from contracting an influenza virus or another sickness.
Influenza is fast and abrupt when it hits you.
Gradual onset, you start to feel like you are coming down with something.
Flu season is upon us, but so are some other infectious diseases, such as the coronavirus. Whether you are young, old, or perfectly healthy, washing your hands, drinking plenty of water, and stocking up on pandemic supplies is essential.
This post covers a lot of useful information. We hope it proves helpful as you strive to protect your family from the flu and its effects.
Some of the questions people ask about the flu, which we tried to answer, are:
What causes influenza? Can influenza be cured? How long are you usually sick with the flu? How severe is influenza? Can influenza heal itself? What kills a flu virus?
Check the Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report to stay updated on influenza stats. Stay healthy, and God Bless! Have you had the flu? Share your stories in the comments below! Stay well, my friends! May God bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Influenza AdobeStock_245369435 Terovesalainen
The post Influenza Statistics: What to Know About the Flu appeared first on Food Storage Moms.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
All these years as a prepper it has become clear that if you are bugging out for survival, things have gotten worse than they ever have before. To execute a bug out plan is no easy feat. I think that is the primary reason why so many of us prefer the strategy of bugging in.
However, we are entering a time in our history where things might get so bad that leaving our homes could become a matter of life and death.
If you are forced to pack your future into a bug out bag or a bug out vehicle, the food options you can choose from to fuel yourself and your family start to dwindle dramatically. At least until you arrive at your bugout location.
We have chosen 10 incredible options for adding flavor and nutrition to what will likely be the worst day of your entire life.
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Instant mashed potatoes are the dirt-cheap food storage and camping food that every prepper should be storing. These potatoes are a just add water solution and the Idahoan brand brings all kinds of variety.
Everything from the original which are powdered mashed potatoes to creamy butter and herb flavor, and even loaded baked potato. All they take is some hot water to rehydrate. There are few bug out foods that can compare with the price, flavor, size, and weight of these potatoes.
Not many people think about tossing a jar of peanut butter into the bug out bag. However, peanut butter is a high calorie, high fat, nutritious food that is perfect for bugging out. The average 16-ounce jar of peanut butter is going to contain around 2000 calories. That’s a full days’ worth of calories!
Toss a box of Ritz into the bag and now you have a bug out meal fit for a post-apocalyptic marauder. Maybe the best thing about peanut butter is that it comes ready to eat. There is no need to make fire, warm anything up, this stuff is just waiting behind a foil lid with all its creamy, or crunchy, goodness.
If you are strictly going for packing in the most calories, then something like a Mayday bar is going to be a great option. They come in 1200 calories and 3600 calorie options. These dense food rations go a long way, and each block runs400 calories. The 3600-calorie pack is designed to sustain a person for 3 days!
They claim to be high in 13 vitamins and minerals, but I think these cinnamon flavored survival bars are best for packing on calories. They are not a long-term food option but certainly afford you the calories and energy necessary to execute your bug out plan.
This is a new product I have only recently added to my food storage. Say Grace makes a delicious dried TVP that can be eaten right out of the bag or rehydrated and used in meals. I love their Bits of Grace product as it is bite sized, crispy, and great at taking on flavors.
One ounce of Bits serves up 19 grams of protein and a healthy dose of dietary fiber, iron, and potassium. Bits of Grace can be eaten straight out of the bag but for a bug out mission I would mix up my own high protein trail mix as the Bits will take on whatever kind of flavor you prefer.
If you shudder at the idea of TVP and soy protein, Say Grace washes their concentrated protein with water to remove the water soluble isoflavones which mimic phytoestrogen.
This next bug out food option might not sit well with everyone but for those of us who love fish and understand the benefits of things like Omega 3s, canned fish can be incredible in the bugout bag. This is another food that is ready to eat right out of the can, but canned fish provides DEEP nutrition compared to something like a Mayday bar.
Look for canned fish like Mackerel that is packed in olive oil or wild salmon. These can be surprisingly delicious right out of the can or pouch. Canned fish is light in calories so you may want to include a higher calorie food along with your canned fish. A flatbread, cracker, or something along those lines.
Not to be outdone, canned meats have been touted as a survival food for a century. In fact, SPAM was the primary source of meat protein in Hawaii during World War II and the recipes survive to this day. Other canned meats stock the shelves of many a survival pantry from Vienna sausages to canned ground beef and chicken.
A staple of any on foot operation through woods or highlands is trail mix. It’s often a high calorie, high protein mixture that most people buy premixed off a store shelf. This has always been funny to me because inadvertently you are going to wind up with things in that mix that you are not particularly fond of.
Create your own by mixing your favorite dried fruits and nuts, maybe some shaved coconut. This mix should be whatever you like!
There is certainly something to be said about a warm meal. Meals that can be cooked within a pouch require only that you stop and boil water for a moment. If you have a jet boil stove, then you can achieve this in a matter of minutes.
Add your boiling water to the pouch, MIX WELL, and you are on your way to a delicious time and a nice warm meal on top of it.
The best bug out food is the one that you don’t even have to carry! Foraged foods are those that you have learned to eat in the wild. They grow in the woods based on the seasons and some can be an absolute treat.
Of course, this requires a better understanding of wild foods and how to prepare them. That said, things like raspberries, blackberries, and mulberries can be eaten right off thebush.
You can’t talk about bugout foods without mentioning jerky. This is a lightweight delicious snack and when it’s done right there are few shelf stable foods that can stand up to it. A nice chewy jerky can provide you with both sustenance and a job to do along the way!
If there is one thing, we underestimate most in the prepping community it is the full extent of conducting a bugout plan. It is the Rubix cube of the preparedness game. The real struggles of the bugout will occur at the intersection of minimal planning and maximum variables. The very creation of a plan to run from the unknown is always going to be a challenge.
You don’t know what the threat is. You don’t know what direction it’s coming. You don’t know to what direction travel is even going to be available.
One of the things you can control with 100% assurance is the types of foods you pack and eat along the way. Even if it all goes wrong, you can at least rest your head on the fact that your family will eat well on their way to safety.
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