Learning + Tutorials

Should traditional modern communication systems be unavailable, having a backup way to communicate far distances is a smart thing to have.

It's not uncommon for large storms to take out cellphone and land line phone systems and with them likely goes the internet as well.

The easiest and most useful backup option is one that's been around a very long time - and it's long range radio communication via voice and telegraph.

You may have heard it referred to as Ham radio which is slang for Amateur Radio.

Almost all of us carry instantly updated maps and GPS systems in our pockets these days in our phones, reducing the threat of being lost to almost nil.

But what would happen if you didn't have your phone, or the battery died, or your Tom-Tom took a swim? What if you just don't get any signal where you are?

Lets look at the old fashioned, never-fail navigation tool: the humble compass.

It's probably pretty apparent that you should carry a medical kit in your Get Home Bag, and Bug Out Bag to care for the most common sorts of injuries: cuts, insect bites, sunburn, nausea, allergies, headaches, and especially blister treatment and prevention supplies.