At its most basic level, survivalism means overcoming adverse circumstances and staying alive. However, the term has come to represent different things to various people over the years.
To some, surviving entails preparing for global disasters like famine, war, drought or even a zombie apocalypse. These survivalists often create safety bunkers and stockpile weapons, food and other gear in case of disaster. Thanks to climate change, social unrest and other current events, a growing number of people now fit into this category.
The second subgroup of survivalists includes those who are either prepping to survive in the wild or already are. These hearty individuals leave city life behind to enjoy a simpler existence. Sometimes, they form small, off-grid communities, but they often live alone. Some homestead and grow their own food while others hunt and gather. They may not have a bunker, but they know how to defend themselves and persevere.
Regardless of which kind of survivalist you are, you know how essential it is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. More importantly, you must have the best gear in your arsenal so you have the upper hand in an emergency. Forget the tactical bracelets and headlamps — you need smart, cutting-edge technology like the pieces below.
Here’s how these items are transforming survivalism and how they can save your life.
1. Smart Security Systems
Today’s list of home security systems is quite extensive and includes everything from motion-based safety lights to weather-resistant night-vision cameras. Whether you want to monitor your bunker from afar or defend your home against thieves, zombies or wild animals, there’s likely a piece of smart technology for you.
If you plan to generate your own renewable energy during an emergency, install a hard-wired system that’s difficult to disable and will ensure 24/7 protection. Choose wireless versions that run on batteries or solar power if you want to prepare for a global crisis that shuts down the grid. Video doorbells, smart locks and lights that begin recording when activated can also ward off intruders.
If you’ve got some extra cash to spend, take your security to the next level and invest in a biometric access control system. This technology uses biological data to grant or deny access to offices, homes, bunkers and even your armory. Use your face, fingerprints, retina, or voice to create a unique password and sync your cameras and lights to monitor the sensor device. This way, you’ll know if anyone is trying to steal your identity or hack the system.
2. NBC Air Filtration
Air purifiers and filters can remove dust, dander and even some viruses from the air. However, a traditional model won’t offer much protection from chemical or nuclear contaminants. What will you do if an airburst’s atomic fireball touches the ground? Whether you’re in a bunker or at home, you won’t be breathing much longer if you don’t have a nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) air filtration system.
This high-tech solution implements multiple filters to scrub the air of diseases, aerosolized chemicals, nuclear pollution, particulate matter and other toxic pollutants. This level of purification earns NBC air filters the highest HEPA rating and makes them the best on the market.
Most models are user-friendly and require no special electrical or engineering knowledge to operate. You probably won’t have to change the filter, either, making NBC systems convenient and effective.
3. LifeStraw Water Filter
You can survive weeks without food but only three days without water. You’ve likely already prepared a supply for this particular reason. However, you’re bound to run out of water eventually, regardless of how much you’ve saved up. When you do, you’ll want the LifeStraw in your bug-out bag.
This life-saving piece of survival technology filters out contaminants like microscopic parasites, microplastics, viruses and lead to provide safe drinking water. All you have to do is stick it in a stream, lake or other body of water and sip away.
You might also want to take some water to go, especially if you’re on the run or living the nomad life. In this case, you’ll want a portable LifeStraw gravity bag that can filter and hold up to a gallon of water. The company also sells a high-capacity tank that holds 13 gallons of water, which is helpful if you have a large family to care for.
4. Disaster-Proof Lighters
Food, water and shelter are essential in any survival situation. However, access to fire is equally important. Building a fire can provide light, protection, warmth and a place to cook your food. You can even create a signal fire to indicate distress or throw people you don’t want following you off your trail.
Carry fire wherever you go by packing a disaster-proof lighter in your survival kit. Look for water- and wind-proof models that will survive the elements. Impact-resistant, buoyant and refillable lighters also offer superior protection.
Even these survival lighters can run out of fuel, though. In this case, you might prefer a plasma lighter, which has no fuel reservoir to speak of. Instead, it runs on batteries and can be recharged as long as you have a power source. Because plasma is inextinguishable, it’s also far less susceptible to moisture and wind, making it a great choice for any survivalist or doomsday prepper.
5. Microlattice Helmet Pads
If your personal protective equipment includes a hazmat suit or ventilator, you’re ready for some serious biological warfare. Are you also prepared for physical combat? Whether you’re fighting zombies or terrorists, you must prepare for the bullets — or bombs — to fly.
Stock up on tactical gear and add microlattice helmet pads to your list of must-have PPE. These pads are created through a resin-based 3D printing process and feature a microlattice made of air, elastic polymers and other hyper-lightweight materials.
This design dissipates far more energy from impacts than traditional pads, offering more protection against a concussion or cracked skull. In addition to deaccelerating blunt impact by 21.7%, the pads also provide up to a 66% decrease in ballistic transient deformation. Greater airflow around the head will keep your helmet 14 degrees F cooler, so you’ll be more comfortable, too.
6. Waterproof Socks
There are plenty of waterproof hiking boots out there. Hell, you could even don some waders in an emergency. However, if you’re crossing a river or are exposed to the elements long enough, you’ll likely end up with soggy socks. It might seem trivial, but wet socks can do much more than cause discomfort. They can also kill you.
In addition to blisters, tears and cracks, you may also develop ulcers, fungal outbreaks and infections on your feet. You could also end up with trench foot, which can lead to swelling and, in more serious cases, damage to your blood vessels, nerves, skin and muscle.
Protect your feet — and your mobility — by investing in a few pairs of waterproof socks. Look for ones that are made of neoprene and other moisture-wicking materials. Designs that feature wool or knit lining will also provide warmth while keeping your feet dry.
7. Tactical Flashlights
If you’ve searched for a doomsday flashlight, you’ve probably run across the word “tactical” in the descriptions. These lights come with additional features like high output brightness, strobe mode and strike bezels, all of which can come in handy in a survival situation.
Look for tactical designs that come with a magnetic remote switch for mounting on a firearm or anti-slip knurling to ensure a firm grip. Battery build-ins extend running time and are great for long-term use off the grid. Others feature a rechargeable design so you never have to worry about replacing batteries.
Choose the best tactical flashlight by comparing maximum lumen output, beam distance and run time. You should also consider potential threats and your personal survival situation before picking one model over another. This way, you have the right torch for the task and can defend yourself in an emergency.
8. Satellite Messengers
Until recently, only professional adventurers owned satellite messengers. Even these seemingly high-tech devices were rather primitive, spitting out latitude and longitude coordinates on a tiny LCD screen. Nowadays, you can get your hands on more affordable and functional gadgets that track your location off-grid and allow you to find your way without a phone signal.
Unlike GPS systems, these messengers rely on the Iridium and Globalstar low-earth-orbit satellite networks, which provide faster communication with less energy. Create waypoints and interval tracking with a Garmin inReach Mini or use an old-school Spot X to send text messages to fellow survivalists. Both these brands work independent of your phone and can save your life in a critical situation.
If you could do without the extra texting and navigation features, try using a personal locator beacon instead. This device is initially more expensive but will alert the authorities to your location if you’re in extreme danger or facing certain doom. Simply press the button to guide rescuers to within 100 meters of your position.
9. BioLite CampStove
Preppers who plan to go off-grid often know how to generate their own electricity — or survive without it. However, if you aren’t sure how to do either, you’d be wise to invest in a BioLite CampStove. This little device weighs just a few pounds and uses fire to generate electricity. This allows you to recharge your phone, tactical flashlight or security camera without conventional power.
The BioLite also uses a portion of the electricity to power a fan that helps your fire burner cleaner and hotter for longer so it can keep generating energy. The fan starts at the lowest speed and slowly ramps up as your fire grows.
To start the CampStove, simply light a small fire in the combustion sleeve. Add sticks and other small pieces of kindling to the chamber. Keep an eye on the heat intensity with the fire strength indicator to determine the best time to add more wood or roast meat and vegetables over the flames. Remember to plug your devices into the USB port when the battery is full or you want to power the stove itself.
10. StatBond Gel
This smart tech isn’t available just yet, but it deserves a spot on your radar, nonetheless. StatBond gel is a breakthrough medical technology that stops traumatic bleeding without requiring wound compression. With the help of visco-liquid hemostatic agents, the gel can prevent hemorrhaging and effectively save your life even if you have no other medical equipment on hand.
StatBond can also prevent infection and treat lung punctures, eye injuries and burn wounds. Bleeding might not be an issue in these instances. However, the gel will still prevent fluid loss and retain oxygen flow to the wound to support tissue preservation and natural healing. This makes StatBond an excellent addition to any survival bunker or bug-out bag.
The innovative minds behind StatBond plan to package the gel in syringes to penetrate deep wounds and immediately seal against fluid loss. The company is currently undergoing FDA registration and packaging development, so keep your eyes peeled and be sure to order a few syringes when they finally hit the market.
[QuickClot is a potential alternative, though it must be removed properly by a medical professional.]
Be Smart, Stay Alive
Whether you’re living the off-grid lifestyle or prepping for the apocalypse, having this smart technology on hand could save your life. As you begin stocking up on supplies, assess your situation, skills and setting. What do you need to stay alive if something catastrophic were to happen?
Take inventory of what you already have to determine which smart technologies would be most useful. Maybe you can upgrade your security system to include night vision or replace mediocre survival gear with more high-tech equipment. Any investment now will more than pay off in the future.
No matter which items you add to your arsenal, remember to stay up to date on the latest survival technologies and prospective innovations. Upgrade your gear periodically so you’re better prepared, and consider crafting an invention or two yourself. It wouldn’t hurt to have some smart, personalized equipment on hand that’s tailored to your unique needs. After all, you’re likely more aware of potential threats you face and, therefore, are in a better place to create devices that defend against them.
[Note: This was a guest post.]
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