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What is The Best Survival Water Filter for When TSHTF?

best-Survival-Water-Filter-for-When-TSHTF

When things go bad and the SHTF, many of use will need to bug out to another pre-determined location to escape whatever event is unfolding. I’m going to assume you’re got a go-bag or bug out bag ready for action and now you are looking for the best survival water filter to provide adequate and ample drinking water during and after the event.

Today we’re going to compare top 3 best water filters for survival, they are:

  1. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
  2.  Sawyer
  3. Survivor filter

Before we do that, let’s take a look at the features you need to understand before choosing a water filter that will keep you alive.

Bacteria Filters Capabilities

Water filters are rated using microns, which is the rate at which sediment are filtered out of the water. The table below shows the various levels that microns are measures in:

Particle Size (microns)
Beach Sand 100 – 2000
Human Hair 70
Household Dust 40
Bacteria 3
90% of all contaminents 0.5 – 2
Viruses 0.0005

With a survival filter we want our filter to fall into the category of “90% of all contaminents” or 0.5 to 2 microns.

Capacity

A water filter will only be useable for a limited amounst of contaminated water. What I mean by contaminated is anything from a body of water such as a stream, or pond, river or lake or even a small puddle.

As the filter is used, the tiny holes in the filter get clogged up which makes the filter less reliable. After so many uses, they will need to be replaced.

We recommend choosing a filter capable of filtering at least 1000 litres of water as a bare minimum, anything more than that is great.

Top 3 Survival Water Filters Reviewed

1. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

First up the LifeStraw. It is capable of filtering water and bacteria to 0.2 microns and it can handle up to 1,000 liters of contaminated water.

It is claimed to remove up to 99.9999% of all waterborne bacteria, rendering even the dirtiest water, safe to drink after one pass through the filter.

Tech Specs

  • Micron Level: 0.2
  • Capacity: 1,000 litres

Our Thoughts

The Lifestraw is designed to be a ‘straight from source’ water filter meaning you drink directly from the pond or water source you have located. Some may find this off-putting having to get so close to a ‘less than desierable’ possibly stagnant water source.

If this is you, then I would consider the Sawyer which allows you to grab water in a pouch before filtering. That said, as a handy and compact survival water filter the Lifestraw is one of the best on the market.

Click here for the latest price from Amazon

2. Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System

The Sawyer Mini can handle filtration down to 0.1 microns and it comes with a flush syringe which is to be used once your water flow rate starts to slow down from your filter. This allows you to back-wash the filter and clear out any debris and free up the ceramic filter inside.

Tech Specs

  • Micron Level: 0.1
  • Capacity: unstated

Our Thoughts

This was the first survvial filter I purchased, primarily becuase I liked the idea of the backflush sytem and the design on this filter. The squeeze bags it comes supplied with (x2) are great for grabbing and carry water whilst on the go, which makes this suibtable for hiking as well as a survival situation.

What’s more is the Sawyer is so damn small and easy to slip into your pocket you barely notice it is there.

Click here for the latest price from Amazon

3. Survivor Filter – Reusable Water Filter

The Survivor Filter can filter down to 0.05 microns, so when compared to the lifestraw, which is rated to 0.2 and this is 0.05, it definitely has great filtration power.

It can also handle up to 1,000 gallons which is the same as the Lifestraw, however it is a little bit more expensive.

Tech Specs

  • Micron Level: 0.05
  • Capacity: 1,000 gallons

Our Thoughts

Of the three survival filter straws on offer, the Survivor Filter has the best filtering capacity at 0.05 microns. Which means that 99.99% of all water born pathogens and bacteria are wiped out with this filter.

What’s more, the 1,000 gallon capacity (approx 3,800 litres) far outweighs the capacity of the other two.

Click here for the latest price from Amazon

Our Comparison

When it comes to price, all three of these filters are on par with each other. It’s when we start to look at the micron levels and filtering capacity when things start to take shape.

Since Sawyer doesn’t offer a guideline as the the life span of their filter, but they do offer a back-flushing solution which does extend the lifespan, combined with the ability to carry water in the supplied pouches and not have to drink direct from the source. We give our top spot to the Sawyer Mini Filter.

2nd place goes to the Survivor Filter. If you’re looking for durability and sustainability then this is the one for you. It has both increased capacity so will likely last a little longer and also the bacteria filtering capabilities are greater.

Top 5 Best Meat Grinders for Venison

Best Venison Meat Grinder

So you’ve been hunting, you’ve got your trophy and now you’re heading home thinking of all that lovely venison you have. Once you’re butchered your kill and you’re left with all the good stuff that you need to process into some tasty meals to warm the soul.

In this article, we will review the 5 best meat grinders for deer available on the market. Before we jump into the reviews themselves, let’s take a quick look at what you need to look for before you buy.

Manual or Electric

Let’s face it, there is something romantic about sustainability and processing your own meat. So you won’t be surprised to hear that I am a fan of manual tools that require zero electricity and only man (or women) power!

Hand-cranked meat grinders are great for processing venison and you get a good arm workout too. however, I understand that they are not for everyone and convenience does come high on most people’s list of requirements, after all, you just spent the day or weekend stalking and now you want to grind that meat and get eating.

So the 2nd option is an electronic deer meat grinder, that is both faster and comes with a wide range of options for different types of meat and is, of course, capable of processing more meat. Which brings me onto my next point.

Capacity

Each grinder will have a meat tray which allows you to add your chopped up cuts of meat ready to be processed. Each device will differ in tray size and whilst it’s fairly easy to continually top up the tray it does help to have a larger capacity tray to accept a bigger portion of meat.

Again this makes the entire process a little simpler and easier and most importantly faster.

Attachments

We all like out mean ground different, some like it thick and course, others prefer a more finely grounded meat. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and also the kind of foods you will be making with your venison.

Be on the look out for several attachments and grinding blades and also a sausage stuffer is a great tool to have and further expands your culinary options.

The 5 Best Meat Grinders for Venison

1. STX Turboforce II – Electric Meat Grinder

When is comes to quality and durability, we cannot look past the STX Turboforce II. Both the price, great customer reviews and an array of features and attachments all combine to make this our number one pick for venison meat grinding.

Features & Specifications

  • Foot pedal control
  • 2″ feeding tube
  • 2.5″ output
  • 3x Cutting Discs
  • 5x Grinding Plates
  • 3x Stuffing Tubes

Our Thoughts

This is one of the more advanced models we will review here today, with its unique air cooling technology that doubles the lifespan of the device, the STX Turbo force can process a large amount of meat in a short space of time. You can make burgers and sausages galore from this machine without breaking the bank.

Click to check the current price & availability on Amazon

2. BCP Home Industrial 1200W Electric Meat Grinder

Few grinders can beat the BCP Home Industrial meat grinder on price, which is why I suppose BCP stands for Best Choice Products.

For those of you on a budget who are looking for a machine that can process your deer meat on an ad-hoc basis and don’t need something that can run for hours on end, then this is the one for you.

Features & Specifications

  • 1200w
  • Stainless Steel & Plastic Housing
  • Meat Pusher and cover included

Our Thoughts

As 1200w this venison grinder is more than powerful enough for the toughest cuts of game meat. don’t let the price of this device put you off, however. You get a 60-day warranty which should give you enough time to really put it through its paces and the money you save could be spent on additional ammo to bag your next deer.

Click to check the current price & availability on Amazon

3. STX INTERNATIONAL STX-3000

Another addition from STX International, this time we have the STX-3000 model. With a powerful 3,00 watt motor that controls the meat grinding and chopping blade, this meat processor has some serious power.

This has a size 12 grinder which makes it much more robust and capable than the small N.o 8 or N.o 5 meat grinders in the same category.

Features & Specifications

  • 3,000-watt motor
  • 1 year Fix or Replace Guarantee
  • 3x Tempered Steel Grinding Plates
  • 3x Stainless Steel Cutting Blades
  • 3x Piece Set of Sausage Tubes

Our Thoughts

Slightly more powerful than the previous STX model with a modern design whilst maintaining the qualities you’d expect from a grinder in this price range, such as the cast aluminum meat pan, grinding head and auger. With everything you need to start processing your venison right out of the box, the STX-3000 will meet all of your needs.

Click to check the current price & availability on Amazon

4. Della 1400 Watt Industrial Electric Meat Grinder

We like to meet all price ranges and budgets when you are reviewing products and the Della 1400 is one of those ‘budget’ models when it comes to price, but packs a big punch in terms of its capabilities.

With a powerful 1400w motor and various grinding options such as Coarse, Fine & Medium, not to mention the several attachments that come as standard with this compact grinder, you will struggle to find a better deal.

Features & Specifications

  • 1,400-watt motor
  • 3 grinding options
  • Compact design for easy storage

Our Thoughts

We love the size of this device, which won’t take up much space in the kitchen or pantry. Measuring just 3.5 x 6.5 x 13 inches (LxWxH) this compact meat grinder has enough power to whiz through tough game meat like the best of them.

For us, you simply cannot beat the great power to price ratio that the Della Industrial grinder offers.

Click to check the current price & availability on Amazon

5. Sunmile SM-G33 ETL Electric Stainless Steel Meat Grinder Mincer

Last but by no means least is the Sunmile SM-G33, which is a mid-range meat grinder with a combination of power, style and a fantastic price to boot.

This model has an 800w motor which is capable of grinding up to 170 lbs of meat per hour, enough for anyone’s taste buds. It also has a large over-sized tray to allow you to fit plenty of cut meat which also helps with faster grinding.

Features & Specifications

  • 800w motor
  • Large capacity meat tray
  • Single button operation
  • 3x cutting plates
  • Meat Pusher
  • 3x sausage attachments

Our Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy to use venison meat grinder that is both compact and looks great in any kitchen, whilst also saving you money, then the SM-G33 fits the bill.

At just 13.6 x 6.2 x 13.6 inches, this is both a compact and powerful grinder that will suit the novice-intermediate hobby chef and hunter looking to process meat on a semi-regular basis.

Click to check the current price & availability on Amazon

Top 5 Best Night Sights for a Glock

Best Night Sight for a Glock

You can get a number of add-ons and accessories for your Glock and one of the most popular and handy accessories to buy is a night sight. Of course, they come in a range of makes and models, with various pros and cons.

So in today’s article, we will review the 5 best Glock sights on the market to help you make an informed decision.

What to look for when buying a Glock sight scale

With so many options, it can often be a tough decision to make when it comes to buying a night sight. So, we’ve narrowed down the field to the best 5 for you.

Before you dive right in, be sure to check out what key attributes you should look for when it comes to a reliable and robust night sight.

Compatibility

As you will know, there are many different Glock models out there, all with a range of lengths and widths. So the first thing to look for is that your Glock is supported.

The Glock 19 is one of the most popular models and the majority of the night sights featured below are compatible with this model. However, not all models are covered so you need to make sure you get a sight that will fit your pistol.

Build Quality

The build quality plays a big part in the quality of a Glock night sight. After all, you bought a Glock for that very reason, it’s superior build quality and reliability. So you don’t want to just buy any old sight and hope for the best.

That’s not to say you need to empty your bank account in order to buy the best Glock sight. Our top 5 reviewed here today range from around $75 up to the $150 range, so they are very affordable.

Ultimately we prefer an all steel body which makes for a robust piece and rubber cushioned feet to absorb impact and thus providing a steadier sight.

Top 5 Glock Sight Reviews

1. The Glock Factory OEM Night Sight

Many people will not look past Glock themselves when considering a Glock night sight, and who can blame them. They are known for quality and value for money and having the same brand invokes a piece of mind and you get the assurance that your sight will be compatible with your pistol.

Features & Tech Specs

  • Rear Sight: 6.5 mm
  • Screw in front sight
  • Green Dot Night Sight
  • Daytime white dot

Our Thoughts

This is a sure fire choice when it comes to the best night sight for a Glock. It supports multiple models including the 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 33, 34 and the Glock 35.

This works well for both night and daytime use and it constructed from high-quality metal. Since almost all Glock sights are interchangeable, you can’t go far wrong with these, with the easy to fix from and rear sights.

Click to check the current price & availability on Amazon

2. Trijicon Bright & Tough Night Sight Set

This sight set from Trijicon made specifically for Glock pistols has rave reviews from its buyers. Supporting a wide range of models and it built with long lasting use in mind.

It has aluminum housing for its gas filled lamps, each lamp contains a sapphire jewel which helps to distribute the light even in all ambient light levels.

Features & Tech Specs

  • Military tested
  • All steel body
  • Silicon rubber cushions
  • 12-year lamp life

Our Thoughts

The Trijicon is a company that provides true tried and military tested products that are built to last. They have a focus on superb lamp life and guarantee that each bulb will last for at least 12-years.

There is an extra large front dot which helps with speedy target selection and two at the rear which operates well in daylight. This would be a great addition to your Glock.

Click to check the current price & availability on Amazon

3. TruGlo Bright – Site TFO Handgun Sight

The TruGlo Bright pistol sight is one of the lower priced in this list, on par with the OEM Glock sight featured earlier. So it’s value for money is right up there with the best, and it doesn’t sacrifice on quality either.

This is one of the slickest looking sights you can get with it’s machined steel construction and patented TFO technology, the TruGlo really is a class leader.

Features & Tech Specs

  • Fits most standard holsters
  • Uses TFO patented technology
  • Smooth & snag resistant design

Our Thoughts

Much like the OEM factory model the TruGlo Bright TFO fits a wide range of Glock models, such as the Glock 17/17L, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 33, 34, 35, 38 & 39.

It seems they have really gone after the market aggressively with custom technology and superior build quality and design. There is nothing I don’t like about this night sight.

Click to check the current price & availability on Amazon

4. Trijicon HD GL1010 Night Sight Set

Another addition from Trijicon which have cornered a nice section of the Glock night sight market with multiple products that deliver great value for money.

This is a step up form the previous model since the HD GL1010 is made form a mix of polymer and aluminum which makes for a lighter yet strong device.

The rear sight has a unique serrated surface area that prevents and subdues glare from the sun and other light sources, which helps with concealment.

Features & Tech Specs

  • High visibility front sight
  • Sleek “U-Notch” rear sight
  • Fits a wide range of Glocks

Our Thoughts

We love this upgraded model from Trijicon, with the additional features and attention to details that has gone into this model, we think it’s well worth the only slightly increased price tag. You sure do get a lot for your money with this glock sight.

The target acquisition and concealment capabilities this sight offers are above and beyond what we would expect from a sigh in this price range.

Click to check the current price & availability on Amazon

5. Big Dot Tritium Sight

The Big Dot Tritium Sight is so named for a very good reason. That is thanks to it’s large front sight which designed to aid in front sight acquisition.

This is an Express Sight, which are so named for their speed of sight acquisition in all light levels and conditions. The sight is fast and simple to use and instal and it improved your low-light accuracy which having a snag free design which enabled a smooth draw action.

Features & Tech Specs

  • Low-light level capability
  • Snag free design
  • Enhanced sight acquisition

Our Thoughts

Express Sights are slightly more expensive but are preferred by many Glock owners for their simplicity and their ability to help with target and sight acquisition when in low light levels.

The Big Dot Tritium supports the following Glock models:  G17/19/22/23/24/26/27/31-36

Click to check the current price & availability on Amazon

The Best Heated Socks For Cold Feet

Best Heated Socks for Outdoors Use

If you suffer from cold feet or are looking for the best-heated socks to keep your feet warm in the winter, or when out in the snow, it can be difficult to choose thanks to the somewhat unlimited brands and styles on offer.

In this article, we take a look at three of the best pairs of heated socks on the market.

Before we review the socks, let’s take a quick look at what you should look for when buying.

Types of Heat

Typically you can get two different types of heated socks. One set is manually heated, meaning that your own body heat will warm them up. This may sound strange since if you have cold feet how could you possibly warm the sock up?

However, this is how many items work, such as sleeping bags for example. It’s not the bag that warms you up but you warm the bag and that in-turn keeps you warm.

So it’s the same with these ‘manual’ socks, they retain your natural body heat and keep your feet warmer than standard socks will. The name given to this kind of sock are ‘heat holders’.

The other type is electronic heated socks. These contain a rechargeable battery and heat up electronically. You can get them wet, so they are great for sports, or you can wear them around the house or out walking the dog.

Electronic Heated

Let’s look a little deeper into the types of electronically heated socks you can get. First off there are a few different types:

  • 12v – these are connected to a 12v source and are typically used on motorcycles, ATV’s and Skidoos
  • Rechargeable – Li-Ion batteries can be recharged over and over again
  • Standard Batteries – Standard Aa or AAA batteries.

Out of the 3 options above, if I had to choose I would go with the rechargeable option for a couple of reasons.

  1. They can obviously be recharged which gives them an extended lifespan
  2. They are cheaper over the longer term since you do not need to buy new batteries for them
  3. They can be used anywhere as opposed to the 12v ones that need a vehicle of some sort

Top 3 Best Heated Sock Reviews

1. Heat Holders Thermal Socks

The Heat Holders are the ‘manual’ type of sock discussed above. The come in a wide range of colors and sizes and are suitable for both men and women.

They are somewhat cheaper than the 12v electric socks you will see below, however, this means you can get 2-3 pairs for the same price as a single pair of the 12v ones.

They claim to be over 7 times warmer than standard cotton socks, and I can attest to that. I have several pairs of these socks I use for ice fishing and even when camping and they do retain my body heat extremely well.

Tech Specs & Features

  • 2.3 Tog rating
  • 7x Warmer than cotton socks
  • Hold the heat close to the body
  • Have a grip on the sole to aid traction
  • 20+ color options
  • Machine washable

Click here to check the latest price on Amazon

2. Global Vasion Electric Warm Heated Socks

These electronically heated socks from Global Vasion have rechargeable 3.7V lithium-ion batteries which mean these socks will last a very long time and can be ‘topped up’ whenever you need them.

Despite these having an electric current running through them, you can still get these socks wet, and they offer excellent breathability and wicking capabilities.

They are reinforced in the places you need most, mainly the toe and heel sections, this makes them a tough, durable and affordable solution for chronically cold feet.

Tech Specs & Features

  • Rechargeable batteries
  • Reinforced heel and toe
  • Ideal for hunting, fishing, and hiking
  • 3 Temperature Settings

Click here to check the latest price on Amazon

What is the Best Baitcaster Rod and Reel Combo for Fishing

Best-Baitcaster-Rod-and-Reel-Combo for Fishing

All too often angling requires carrying extensive amounts of equipment around. So when I was researching easy, one piece rod and reel combos, the Abu Garcia Max Combo really stood out.

Simple to use, strong and optimized for one-handed retrieval, this rod and reel combo has all you need in one package. For anglers that prefer baitcasting and don’t want to lug too many accessories along with them, the Abu Garcia Max Combo is a fantastic buy.

Click here to check the latest price on Amazon

The Silver Max Low Profile Reel

The Silver Max Low Profile Reel means less getaway fish for you! The left-hand wind reel is composed of five stainless steel bearings, plus one roller bearing, giving you smooth retrieval, meaning a lower likelihood of losing fish. And that’s true even for bigger fighter fish, the reel being strong enough to support bass catching, for example.

The included PowerDisk drag system also helps improve retrieval rates. Plus, Duragear brass gearing means durability and long life, making this a great investment.

Graphite Rod

The graphite rod gives you the best combination of both strength and low weight. The 24-ton rod is two pieces, meaning less time is spent assembling on the river bank. And it extends to 6’6”, so you’re getting plenty of lengths there too.

You’re getting stainless steel guides, and titanium oxide inserts, so this is a perfect choice if you prefer using braided lines.

Finally, there’s the high-density EVA handles, giving you all the sensitivity you’re looking for, but still remaining durable and hard wearing.

MagTrax Brake System

The MagTrax brake system is designed to give you a smooth cast by giving steady and consistent brake pressure whilst casting. Perhaps more important to those that prefer fishing with a variety of lures, the brake system lets you quickly and easily change the control settings.

You can get the accuracy you need in moments, meaning you spend less time setting up your rod and more time to catch fish!

Features and Specifications

  • The 6’6” graphite rod has medium power and moderate fast rod action, complete with stainless steel guides and titanium oxide inserts (for braided lines).
  • There are 5 stainless steel bearings and 1 roller bearing for smooth action, as well as Duragear brass gearing for durability.
  • The PowerDisk drag system improves retrieval rates.
  • The MagTrax brake system provides for a consistent and steady cast.
  • There’s a machined aluminum spool for strength as well as low weight.
  • The Rocket Clutch means one handed use is possible, also increasing retrieval rates.
  • Lure ratings are 1/8 to 5/8, and line ratings are 8 to 15, and you get a 6.4:1 gear ratio.
  • You get a mono capacity of 145/12 and a braid capacity of 140/30.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers like how far the Abu Garcia Silver Max Combo can cast, and how smoothly it can cast as well. They also love how easy the rod and reel combo is to use and to set up correctly with different lures.

Many customers expressed pleasant surprise at the weight and size of fish this combo was capable of catching.

Though most consumer reviews were positive, a few customers did report minor breakages after first use. These usually concerned the eyelets or the very tip of the rod.

Some consumers reported that the rod was difficult to store since it is a one piece rod rather than a sliding telescopic rod.

However, it seems that all breakage problems were satisfactorily replaced by the manufacturer. And though the Abu Garcia Silver Max may be slightly more difficult to store due to its size, the fact that it’s not a telescopic rod does mean that assembly is fast.

It’s very easy for me to recommend the Abu Garcia Silver Max simply because it’s such a great product, and the vast majority of consumer reviews were excellent.

Who Should Buy This Product?

The Abu Garcia Silver Max is a great buy for beginners, and also for the more casual angler. If you like to get to the river and fish, without the hassle of too much set up, then this is the rod and reel combo for you.

It’s also the ideal product for anglers that like to vary the lures they use, since controlling line settings is simple.

Even novice sea fishers should be more than satisfied with the Abu Garcia Silver Max since it’s capable of catching relatively high weight fish.

Click here to check the latest price on Amazon

Who Shouldn’t Buy This Product?

Pro anglers probably aren’t going to be satisfied with this product. If you require more flexibility and more controllable settings on your rod, then this isn’t the choice for you (and in honesty, most pros wouldn’t opt for a rod and reel combo anyway).

Similarly, if you’re looking for a rod that’s easily portable and can be stored in a small space, this isn’t a great choice simply because it’s not fully telescopic.

Conclusion

With its low profile reel and durable graphite rod, the Abu Garcia Silver Max Combo is a fantastic buy for novice and casual anglers.

Everything you need, all in one package, and easy and simple to use as well. You’ll spend less time setting up your rod, and a lot more time catching fish!

Click here to check the latest price on Amazon

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