Gear Reviews

When SHTF, food is the first thing to go! So, I’m doing all I can while I still can, and you should too. My goal is to reach a 5-year supply, and I’m getting close. If you’ve read my book, then you know that I stockpile a variety of foods—everything from wheat, rice, beans, oats, and canned goods, to long-term storage foods like the kit below.

Pre-packaged survival foods offer many benefits: they’re lightweight, compact, and have an extremely long shelf life of 25 years or more, so you can ‘set it and forget it’ without the need for constant rotation. The only real downside is that you have to add water, while store-bought canned foods come with water included. However, canned foods have a much shorter shelf life, are heavier, and take up more storage space.

You can get this 4-week food supply at My Patriot Supply or at Amazon.com…

Welcome to the Shopping Guide! Here, you’ll find a curated list of companies I’ve personally ordered from and trust. Whether you’re looking for prepping gear, survival essentials, or homesteading supplies, these businesses offer top-notch products and excellent customer service. Explore with confidence, knowing that each recommendation is based on my own positive experiences. Happy shopping!

M.D. Creekmore’s Amazon Shop

Check out my Amazon Shop for a handpicked selection of the best prepping and survival gear. As an Amazon affiliate, I’ve gathered top-quality products that I personally use and recommend. From essential tools to everyday items, you’ll find everything you need to stay prepared and self-reliant. By shopping through my Amazon links, you’re also supporting my work at no extra cost to you.

• M.D. Creekmore’s Amazon Shop
• My Books in Paperback and Kindle

Farmhouse Teas

Discover the delightful blends from Farmhouse Teas, a trusted source for high-quality, organic teas and herbal blends. Whether you’re looking for a soothing cup to start your day or a calming brew to wind down, Farmhouse Teas has something for everyone. Their commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that you’re getting the best nature has to offer. Explore their selection and elevate your tea-drinking experience!

Use code MDCREEK10 for 10% off your first order!

GreenStalk

The GreenStalk Planter is a fantastic solution for growing your own food in small spaces. Designed for efficiency and ease of use, this vertical garden system allows you to cultivate a variety of plants with minimal effort. Perfect for urban gardeners and homesteaders alike, the GreenStalk Planter is made from high-quality, durable materials. With its innovative design, you can grow more in less space, making it an ideal choice for maximizing your garden’s potential. Explore the benefits of vertical gardening with GreenStalk Planter and start growing your own fresh produce today!

Use code “CREEKMORE” for a $10 discount.

VIDEO: Vertical Gardening Vegetables – The GreenStalk Vertical Gardening System

Jase Medical

Jase Medical offers essential medical supplies and emergency medications that are crucial for any preparedness plan. Specializing in providing access to life-saving antibiotics and other critical medicines, Jase Medical ensures you have the tools to handle health emergencies when professional medical help is not readily available. Their reliable service and commitment to quality make them a trusted partner in your preparedness journey. Equip yourself with Jase Medical and be ready for any medical situation that comes your way.

Use code CREEKMORE10 for $10 off of your order.

Survival Garden Seeds

Survival Garden Seeds offers a wide selection of high-quality, non-GMO seeds perfect for building a sustainable food source. With a variety of seeds tailored for long-term storage and resilience, you can grow your own nutritious vegetables, fruits, and herbs year-round. Their seed collections are designed to thrive in diverse climates, ensuring you have the best chance of a successful harvest. Trust Survival Garden Seeds to provide you with the foundation for a thriving, self-sufficient garden.

Masontops

Masontops offers innovative tools and accessories to transform your mason jars into versatile kitchen solutions. Specializing in fermentation and food preservation, Masontops provides everything you need to make healthy, homemade fermented foods like sauerkraut, pickles, and kefir. Their high-quality products are designed for ease of use and durability, making food preservation simple and enjoyable. Enhance your homesteading and self-sufficiency efforts with Masontops‘ reliable and creative solutions.

To Your Health Sprouted Flour Company

To Your Health Sprouted Flour Company specializes in producing organic, sprouted flours and grains that are nutritious and easy to digest. Their commitment to quality and health ensures that you’re getting the best ingredients for your baking and cooking needs. Whether you’re making bread, pastries, or other homemade goods, their sprouted flours provide superior taste and nutrition. Explore their offerings through their Amazon page and elevate your culinary creations with wholesome, sprouted grains from To Your Health Sprouted Flour Company.

My Patriot Supply

My Patriot Supply is your go-to source for emergency preparedness and survival supplies. Offering a wide range of products, including long-term food storage, water filtration systems, and essential survival gear, they help you stay ready for any situation. Known for their high-quality and reliable products, My Patriot Supply ensures you have the resources you need to protect and sustain your family. Trust My Patriot Supply to provide peace of mind and readiness in uncertain times.

Augason Farms

Augason Farms is a trusted name in emergency food storage and preparedness supplies. With a wide selection of high-quality, shelf-stable foods, they provide nutritious and delicious options for any emergency situation. Their products are designed for long-term storage, ensuring you have reliable food sources when you need them most. From complete meal kits to individual ingredients, Augason Farms makes it easy to build a comprehensive food storage plan. Depend on Augason Farms for peace of mind and security in your preparedness efforts.

Valley Food Storage

Valley Food Storage offers premium long-term food storage solutions designed to keep you prepared for any situation. With a focus on quality and taste, their freeze-dried meals retain their flavor and nutritional value for up to 25 years. Whether you’re stocking up for emergencies or planning outdoor adventures, Valley Food Storage provides convenient, nutritious meals that are easy to prepare. Trust Valley Food Storage to provide you with the peace of mind that comes from being prepared for the unexpected.

Online Courses and Education

The Survival Summit offers an extensive range of educational resources for anyone interested in survival, prepping, and self-reliance. Featuring expert-led courses, documentaries, and workshops, The Survival Summit provides practical knowledge and skills to help you prepare for any situation. Their high-quality content covers everything from wilderness survival to urban preparedness, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced preppers. Explore The Survival Summit to enhance your survival skills and stay ready for whatever comes your way.

Video Gear and Services

Get information and links to the equipment and services that I use to make my videos

Here, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the equipment and services I use to create my YouTube videos. From cameras and microphones to editing software and lighting, each item has been carefully selected to ensure the highest quality content for my viewers.

Big news! I recently decided to redo my Amazon prepping gear list with a new email. Surprisingly, when I set up the new account, all my purchases from the last 12 years were already in the ‘Gear I Like’ list!

This made it super easy to share everything with you.

Want to see all the stuff I’ve bought from Amazon over the years? Just click here!

Please check out my new shirt “Jesus 2014 our only hope” Click Here Now To View.

Let’s get real: no political ‘election’ will fix the U.S., as we are engaged in a spiritual war. It’s a war of good and evil. However, John 3:16 is the promise that Jesus Christ gave us, offering our true salvation! Order now!

When it comes to long-term food storage, many people immediately think of store-bought canned foods. After all, canned foods are readily available, relatively inexpensive, and last for years on the shelf. However, while they have their place, store-bought canned foods may not necessarily be the best option for long-term storage, particularly when compared to the offerings from a specialized provider like My Patriot Supply.

Firstly, let’s talk about shelf-life. While canned foods can last up 5 years or more depending on the contents and how it’s stored, My Patriot Supply offers long-term storage foods that can last 25 or more years. This extended shelf-life is an immense advantage for those preparing for emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

In terms of nutritional value, canned foods often come with high sodium content and may lack essential nutrients due to the preservation process. On the other hand, My Patriot Supply’s freeze-dried foods retain the majority of their nutrients, providing a balanced meal that ensures you’re getting the necessary vitamins and minerals for optimum health during challenging times.

Preparation is another crucial factor to consider. Canned foods, while pre-cooked, often taste better when heated, requiring a reliable heat source. However, My Patriot Supply’s foods simply require water—hot or cold. This could be a significant advantage during emergencies when fuel or power sources are limited.

Variety is also something to consider. While canned foods offer a good range of choices, they’re typically limited to singular ingredients (like beans, corn, or peaches) or basic meals (like soup or chili). My Patriot Supply offers a much wider array of options from breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and even drinks, offering not just sustenance but a measure of comfort and normalcy in difficult circumstances.

Lastly, the packaging of canned foods can be a disadvantage. Cans are bulky, heavy, and take up significant storage space…and they can rust. The packaging from My Patriot Supply is lightweight and compact, designed to be stacked and stored efficiently. This makes them much easier to manage, whether you’re storing them at home or packing them for an adventure.

Overall, while store-bought canned foods are a reasonable option for shorter-term emergencies, a dedicated long-term food supply from My Patriot Supply offers some major advantages for long-term preparedness and survival.

To learn more about how My Patriot Supply can enhance your long-term food storage plans, visit https://mypatriotsupply.com/?rfsn=6370164.9e8cb6.

Star rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Okay, let’s get into it. The Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven is honestly a game-changer for anyone who loves cooking outdoors. With over a century in the cookware game, Lodge clearly knows their stuff, and this Dutch oven is proof.

Right off the bat, you’ve got to love the solid construction. It’s made from high-quality cast iron that spreads heat evenly, meaning no more hotspots causing your food to cook unevenly. Plus, it holds heat really well, so your food stays warm long after you’ve finished cooking. The real cherry on top is that you can use it on virtually any heat source, from an open fire at your campsite to the stove in your kitchen – it’s as versatile as they come.

One of the best things about this Dutch oven is that it comes pre-seasoned. If you’ve ever had to season a cast iron pan yourself, you’ll appreciate this. Lodge uses a natural vegetable oil to season the oven, which gives it a pretty decent non-stick quality right from the get-go. The best part is that the non-stick feature only gets better the more you use it, and it really adds to the flavor of your food.

Now, let’s talk size. With a 12-inch diameter and an 8-quart capacity, this bad boy is ready to handle some big meals. Whether you’re feeding a horde of hungry campers or cooking up a storm for a backyard party, this Dutch oven has got you covered. From hearty stews to mouthwatering roasts, there’s not much it can’t handle.

One of my favorite things about this Dutch oven is the lid. Not only is it a deep design, but it also doubles as a griddle. This is an absolute godsend when you’re out camping and trying to minimize the amount of gear you’re hauling around. You can whip up a delicious one-pot meal in the Dutch oven and then flip the lid to grill some veggies or pancakes. Plus, the lid’s got these cool little spikes on the inside for self-basting, which keeps your food super juicy and packed with flavor.

Of course, as with any cast iron cookware, you do have to give it a bit of TLC. Try to avoid using soap when you clean it, and always dry it thoroughly to keep rust at bay. You’ll also want to re-season it occasionally to keep that non-stick surface in top shape.

There are a couple of downsides, though. The first is the weight – this thing is hefty. It’s not a big deal if you’re car camping or using it at home, but it might be a bit much if you’re heading out on a long hike. The other is that if you’re new to cooking with cast iron, there’s a bit of a learning curve, especially when it comes to controlling the heat on an open fire.

All in all, the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven – 12 Inch / 8 Quart is a serious winner. Sure, it’s a bit heavy, and there’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be cooking up meals to remember. And honestly, with proper care, this Dutch oven could last a lifetime. So, it’s not just a purchase, it’s an investment in some seriously good eating.

Campfire Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 3 potatoes, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Heat your Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
   2. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes and brown on all sides.
   3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onions are translucent.
   4. Add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, salt, and pepper, then stir well.
   5. Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and cook over medium heat for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.

Dutch Oven Chili

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
2. Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and stir well.
3. Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and let the chili simmer over low heat for about an hour to let the flavors meld together.

Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (21 ounces each) peach pie filling
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Dutch oven to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit (you can do this by placing it over medium heat or placing it in a preheated conventional oven).
2. Pour the peach pie filling into the Dutch oven.
3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the peach filling.
4. Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of it as possible.
5. Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Note: For outdoor cooking, you can use hot coals to bake the cobbler. Place an equal number of hot coals on top and underneath your Dutch oven to get an even heat. You might need to rotate the Dutch oven occasionally for even baking.

Remember, cooking times and heat levels can vary when cooking outdoors, so use these recipes as a guide and adjust as needed.

In this article I list some of my favorite cooking and baking solutions for prepping, survival, and off the grid living. Have you thought about and prepared for cooking and baking when the grid goes down? What solutions did you come up with?

Zoom Versa Stove

The EcoZoom rocket stove is designed to burn wood, dried biomass (Plant materials and animal waste used as fuel) or charcoal making it a truly versatile means of cooking now and after the lights go out and other more conventional sources of fuel (like propane) are no longer available or need to be conserved for other uses.

My EcoZoom rocket stove has proven to be very heat efficient – bring a pan of water to a rolling boil in less than two minutes and frying an egg like nobody’s business. Having a means of cooking, when the power goes out should be self-explanatory. Having a cooking source that uses easy to find, renewable fuel is an extra bonus. The EcoZoom is a must have in the preppers, food cooking and processing tools kit.

Off-Grid Cooking Solution – EcoZoom Versa Rocket Stove Review

Check The Current Price on Amazon.com

Camping Stove

Having a standard camping type stove on hand for emergencies is one of those common sense things to do, and most folks in the country already have one or two of these for camping purposes.

If you don’t then go out and buy one now – a top-of-the-line model will put you back around $100 at current prices. And don’t forget to pick up some extra fuel canisters – put back at least 24 one pound canisters, or better yet get a hook-up that will allow the use of the larger 20 pound tanks. You can find these at most camping supply stores or at Amazon.com.

Check The Current Price on Amazon.com

Sun Oven

If you’re in an area that receives a sufficient amount of sunlight, then a solar-oven is a must have. With a solar-oven there is no need to store or scrounge for fuel, and as long as the sun is hot in the sky, you’ll have an unlimited “fuel” source to prepare food with.

The best brand and the one that I recommend is The All American Sun Oven – it’s best to get the package with the accessories included, to avoid having to buy these later.

Check The Current Price on Amazon.com

Folding Camp Grill 

This is another item, like the camping stove above that most folks in the country already have on hand, but it’s worth mentioning here. Every prepared prepper should have one of these, so if for some strange reason you don’t then go get one as soon as possible.

I bought mine at Walmart in the sporting goods department for under twenty-five dollars – they also have them at Amazon.com.

Check The Current Price on Amazon.com

Outdoor Grill / Smoker

This is another one of those items that will make like much easier, at least when it comes to preparing food after a disaster or a long-term grid down situation. I bought mine at Wal-Mart, in the lawn and garden department for fewer than one-hundred dollars – they also have them at Amazon.com.

Check The Current Price on Amazon.com

Extra Large Stew Pot

Even if you don’t anticipate having a large group to cook for you should still have at least one large stew pot, because you never know who or how many family members or close friends will show up at your door, and most of us don’t want to shoot them, so we will have to feed them. I have a Bayou Classic 7406, 6-Qt. Cast Iron Soup Pot with Cast Iron Lid, but I’m afraid that even this won’t be sufficient for my needs – I’m getting another one…

Check The Current Price on Amazon.com

Prepper Cooking: Must-Have Tools For TEOTWAWKI

The latest book offered by M. D. Creekmore is called The Prepper’s Guide to Surviving The End of the World as We Know. This useful guide quickly and easily covers the full range of essentials in stockpiling and equipment from water, food, and tools to medicine, communications, and weapons.

It’s a 176-page book that is chock full of really good advice about the most important areas. A big benefit of such an accessible book is to get a quick overview of essential preparedness so you can see where you might have gaps in your own setup.

No single book can cover everything in complete detail so this “primer” includes recommended reference books in each topic–all of which appear to be practical, useful books for rounding out your reference library.

Within his guidelines are a few nuggets of in-depth reviews, like his personal experience with hand grain grinders and animal traps. We were glad to see he got water purification issue right: he first recommends filters and only reluctantly chemicals.

I would probably have done the medical section a bit differently, but at least, he does mention natural and alternative remedies and sources. Most people forget about preparing for dental problems and he mentions some good options there.

His comprehensive coverage of what makes a good Bug Out Bag is worth the price of the book alone, and comes complete with pictures of the type of gear he uses to prepare for a quick exit.

This is an excellent guide for everyone. He adds a lot of practical, tactical advice to his lists which is very valuable even if you are advanced in your preparations. It is nice to “compare notes” with other experts. The book is rooted in practical advice and is quite motivating because of the concise way he cuts through the clutter of unknowns.

Read Customer Reviews on Amazon.com

Highly recommended – Joel Skousen – worldaffairsbrief.com/

By BCTruck – rebuild, repair, repurpose

Strange things are occurring all over the world. One of those strange things is that​ wood has grown tougher and far less tolerant to being split, as I’ve grown older. To combat this ever-increasing hardness, I decided to use my head and not my back. I did a lot of research concerning log splitters.

Mostly I concentrated on gasoline engine powered splitters in the 20 to 30-ton range. I scoured for sale ads in the paper and on craigslist. I put my own ad offering to trade a garden tractor for a splitter.

Finally, after months of trying to barter and wheel and deal my way into something I could get cheap, even if it needed repair, I realized I was going to have to buy new. I started looking at Lowes, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, and Harbor Freight.

What I found was that the prices were so high on these gas-powered splitters that I just couldn’t justify buying one, considering I was just heating my shop, in Louisiana. The ROI on something that costly would take many years to realize.

So, I started doing some research on electric splitters which were 1/4th the price of gas-powered ones. I read a lot of reviews and while most brands seemed to have the same amount of satisfied purchasers, I settled on one that,while wasn’t made here in the states (surprise surprise) The distributor/importer,kept a substantial amount of parts on hand and had great reviews by the folks who had the need for warranty or just wear and tear replacement parts.

That brand was “Earthquake” sold on Amazon. They only offer the five-ton splitter and though there are electric splitters that offer higher ton ratings, both the cost of the machine and demand for electricity increase as well. I mentioned to the manager that harbor freight had their 5 ton marked at $279, and the manager knocked 20 bucks off the $299.00 price tag.

So, I get up in the truck without making to many unmanly grunting noises (its 100 pounds). I get it home and unbox it and within a few minutes I had the handle bolted on and the wheels and metal shroud that goes around the operating lever bolted on as well. It comes already filled with hydraulic fluid, so I am ready to split wood.

I get it in my shop, find an extension cord, put a log on the splitter. Now I have to press a button on the motor, while simultaneously throwing the lever that operates the ram, ​​that pushes the log against the splitting wedge.

Success!!! This modern wood with advanced hardening technology just pops into small pieces like… well like a sharp wedge through firewood.

The instructions, ( I swear didn’t read them) I’ve heard, say that the limit in size of log you should be able to split is nine inches. Me, not being one to conform to instructions and rules, used a 12-inch log for the first test, and a 15-inch log for the second test. I’m totally blown away with the results.

Now I’ll list the pro’s and cons as I’ve found so far;

Pro’s ?

Very quiet machine. no gas, no oil, no engine maintenance, just an occasional check of the easily accessible hydraulic fluid level. Easily capable of splitting the hardest wood known to man ( I used white oak) in sizes that far exceed their puny recommendations.

No need to trailer it to a location, just pick it up and toss it in the truck, or ask for help if you’re a girly man.

Cons ?

It says that it requires 120 volts at 20 amps, and they mean it! I had to cut the fans that circulate my wood heat into the other side of my shop, off. When I went inside to get coffee,my wife said the house lights dimmed a few times. It pulls a lot of juice and unless you can provide that, it won’t work. I have a generator that will more than suffice if power becomes problematic.

I don’t like the fact that it requires two hands to operate the splitter. You have to press a button on the motor with one hand while operating a lever with the other hand. My devious mind is already thinking of ways I can circumvent this safety feature. “life on the edge” I always say.

Weight. This thing is freegin heavy! Like wood that is much harder to split,100 pounds is far heavier than it was in the 80,s and 90,s

That’s all folks. I feel good about this purchase and I think I’m gonna get a lot of use out of this thing in the future.

Click here to see it on Amazon, check price and read customer reviews

Over the last few decades, I have been more invested in long-term supplies for survival and prepping. After all the evidence shows that it is not a matter of if an event will occur but rather when. By event I mean; flooding, wildfire, home fire, windstorms, hurricanes, earthquakes, mudslides and even the dreaded fabled collapse of our current society. ¹ Now it should be noted that I have invested many thousands of dollars over the years in long-term storage foods, specifically Mountain House. I was contacted to review Mountain House brand foods and sent two packages of food recently. So this review is a mixture of paid and not, the latter being far greater in quantity.

Facts and data, regardless of what we want to believe facts and raw data is always what it is. It is only when we interpret these things that they become “evil or good”. My goal with the reviews I have done is simply to interpret the data and facts I have regarding products I use and either like or dislike.

Mountain House brand foods are hands down the best I have personally tested.

It should be noted that I have tasted and tested several other brands as well, from Wise through Augason Farms and have always come back to Mountain House foods for my personal and family use.

So why do I choose Mountain House foods for my family and self,

• Ease of preparation (each container is effectively its own serving or dinner dish just add hot or cold water and mix)
• All of their products are peanut free in fact, entirely nut free (except for coconut which is an ingredient in some meals)
• Mountain house offers a vegetarian menu as well!
• Each meal is set up to provide a maximum amount of beneficial calories for the ACTIVE individual, if you are eating these while hiking, camping, and “surviving” they will be quite healthy for you!
• Cost per meal is actually very good considering what it is you are buying and getting as a benefit!

What are the drawbacks of Mountain House foods and other similar freeze dried meals and long-term food options?

• High in carbohydrates, unless you are active I would not suggest eating these as a regular meal!
• Cost per meal is around 50% to 100% higher than meals you could prepare yourself depending on where you shop.

Why do I prefer Mountain House foods over the others, it is simple for me personally. Some of the others do not offer REAL MEAT in their meals, Mountain House does. Taste is also an extremely large concern as well as serving size and amount per sealed container.

I have a family of four with between 2 and 4 other people always joining us. Other manufacturers make much smaller size portions, Mountain House packages full meals for 2 – 4 people per package and the overall package size is still similar to the sizes offered by their competition. Taste of these is considerably better in my opinion than Wise foods for instance. While I carry spices and at a minimum salt and pepper, I prefer to not season my pre-packaged survival/ camping foods.

As with Augason Farms, the large cans of food from Mountain House must be used within a week to 2 weeks after opening. For myself this is never an issue as again, we have 4 – 8 people at all times in and around our house and or campsite! If you are an individual or person preparing for yourself and one other the smaller meal packages will be your best approach to long-term storage and use.

They are easy to use and work well for one or two people! I find that when camping (and yes I have tested and tasted many brands while camping and while at home) Mountain House individual meal packages work great for me and my daughter. We rarely need more in a single sitting meal. As we are relatively active, for instance, we have learned gold panning, trapping, shelter building and much more on our expeditions, higher carbohydrates do not pose a great issue. Again, I would not suggest eating these if you are sedentary (not extremely mobile or active).

Would I recommend these to my friends and family?

Absolutely and without reservations, I highly recommend purchasing one of their Classic Buckets for one person which will work great for two people for 36 to 48 hours if you stretch it. The bucket runs $77 on Amazon and I personally purchase one every 3 or 4 months to continue adding to my selection and replenish used materials. Use my personal approach as someone on a fixed income for prepping your homestead!

Also, be sure to take a close look at the “Recommendations Page” for M.D. Creekmore’s most recommended items and gear…

Free the mind and the body will follow!

¹ Letzter, R. (2016, August 29). This is what it looks like when society collapses. Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/what-happens-society-collapses-2016-8

BJ Campbell. (2018, June 08). The Surprisingly Solid Mathematical Case of the Tin Foil Hat Gun Prepper. Retrieved from https://medium.com/s/story/the-surprisingly-solid-mathematical-case-of-the-tin-foil-hat-gun-prepper-15fce7d10437

by The Angry Prepper

Eberlestock’s Halftrack is a great bag (check the current price and availability at Amazon.com).  This bag is made of tough stuff  & is very dependable.  The Halftrack is a 50 Liter bag that weighs about 6lbs. & 12oz.  For starters, this bag has every feature I have ever looked for in a bag.  The first thing I noticed is the excessive amount MOLLE webbing on the outside of the bag.  There is a nice size compartment at the top of the bag.  Good for holding smaller items.  There is also MOLLE webbing on the top of that compartment.

There are compression straps on both sides of the bag.  There are two large side-mounted compartments on both sides of the bag.  They can be used to hold two 3-liter hydration systems or extra gear.  There are 2 smaller pockets called Catch-All pockets on both sides of the bag, located at the bottom with drawstring assist.  There are also 2 tunnel pockets behind the side-mounted compartment.  The tunnel pockets can be used to carry skis, long poles, Shotguns & other long equipment.

There is a flat pocket on the front of the bag.  You can put a book or two or hold paperwork.  The shoulder harness & straps are great. They are comfortable as they cinch & un-cinch with ease.  The shoulder harness is adjustable as well.  Providing you with better support to carrying your load.  Now, the waist belt is one of the many features into why I bought the bag.  It fits around my waist & it doesn’t cut into me.  The waist belt is very comfortable & stays on my hips.  There is MOLLE webbing on both sides of the waist belt as well.

The Halftrack is a front loader, which makes getting to your gear easier & avoids a lot of digging around in your bag.  There is MOLLE webbing inside the bag as well.  Another feature that I like is the fold-down shelf that separates the main chamber into an upper & lower chamber.  There is also a mesh flap in the rear of the main compartment.  It serves as a radio rack but for civilians, you can store more gear.

At the bottom of the bag, there is a lightweight pull out rain cover.  That covers the entire bag.  So, there are a total of 5 compartments with the Fold Down Shelf down, 6 compartments if you raise the Fold Down Shelf & 15 pockets throughout the bag.

This bag is tough & very comfortable.  The padding on the back of the bag is very comfortable. The design reduces sweating & allows for some air to the back. I would recommend the bag to anyone looking for a great tactical bag to use.  I do recommend tactical gear for civilian use because most tactical gears are tough as nails.

As A Bug Out Bag:

This is where this bag makes its mark.  As a Bug Out Bag, this bag holds a lot of gear. The bag’s features make storing & retrieving gear easy.  The front-loading feature is great because it reduces your having to dig through the bag to get an item out.  The 6 liters of water you can carry is another huge feature.

The two side-mounted compartments allow you to carry 1.5 gallons of water, which adds an additional 12 lbs. to the bag.  Instead of carrying water, you can also store gear in the side-mounted compartments.  If you pack the bag right, you can store 5 – 7 days worth of gear.  There are 12 smaller pockets on the inside of the bag alone, which allows you to store smaller items.  Smaller items such as extra ammo, 550 cord, emergency blankets, & paperwork.

Durability & Comfort:

To test out its durability & comfort.  I used the bag as an EDC & walked to work.   The walk is 3 miles.  I made sure I had the same amount of weight as my regular Bug Out Bag.  When walking with the bag I noticed that it stays square on the back & doesn’t shift around.

The shoulder harness plays a great role in carrying your Bug Out Gear.  With the harness being adjustable it makes carrying the load easier.  The shoulder straps don’t cut into you, no matter how much weight you put in.  I have thrown the bag around to test its durability.

It holds up well.  The strong stitching throughout the bag also holds together well.  The buckles are sturdy.  The clips are tough after repeated use.  It doesn’t keep rain out well so I suggest using the rain cover that comes with the bag.

MOLLE Webbing:

Using the MOLLE webbing on this bag, you can MOLLE all kinds of gear to it.  You can MOLLE medical pouches (which should put on the side or front of the bag), you can MOLLE water bottle pouches (which should be put on the waist belt for easy access), & you can MOLLE miscellaneous pouches for whatever you need them for.  The MOLLE webbing is stitched in strong & doesn’t tear away so easily.  You can also MOLLE  gear on the inside of the bag to make up more compartments, that will allow you to carry even more gear.

Practice:

The Halftrack is a great bag but you should always practice with whatever Bug Out Bag you own.  A Bug Out Bag is an extension of you.  This bag will save your life, it will feed you, keep you warm, & shelter you. You have to know how your bag will feel on your back after walking a certain distance.  By practicing ahead of time, you will have made all the necessary adjustments that were needed.  Get to know how it handles on your body.

Conclusion:

My opinion is that the Halftrack makes for a great Bug Out Bag.  Yes, there are others that are cheaper & can get the job the done.  But I would rather spend the money & have a dependable bag on my back then have a cheap bag that might disappoint.  The Halftrack is worth the money.  Remember, you get what you pay for & if you pay for this bag you will not be disappointed.

Note: This article was written a while ago when the Halftrack was my main Bug Out Bag.  I later made it my EDC then it became my wife’s Bug Out Bag (She now has her own fitted Bug Out Bag).  The Halftrack is now my work bag with my everyday essential items.  I now own the Eberlestock Skycrane two as my main Bug Out Bag, which I’ll have a review on soon.