Every camper’s dream is to cut down on camping costs yet still have an excellent experience exploring all that the world has to offer. Wouldn’t it be fun to shove in your sleeping bag in your car, pick up your camping gear, and go? Being able to sleep in your car at a campsite is one of the critical steps to making travel cheaper without taking the fun out of it. Nevertheless, you have to be sure whether it would be acceptable to sleep in your car at a camping site.

Can I sleep in my car at a camping site? Provided you have secured a camping spot and paid the necessary fees, you can comfortably sleep in your car at a camping site without looking over your back. At least that is true for most camping sites.

Camping sports are relatively cheap; they will not set you so much back financially. Of course, some people sleep in their cars in areas that are not designated individual camping spots, but then they have to deal with many inconveniences, including rangers randomly tapping on their windows at odd hours.

The Most Suitable Cars to Sleep In While At a Campsite

The choice of a car to sleep in is important if you expect to have the utmost fun while camping. While most camping spots are accessible by two-wheel drives, there is a higher likelihood for two-wheel power to let you down on dirt roads. That said, the following cars are the most suitable for this particular purpose.

Station Wagon, SUV, Minivan, and Sedan

These cars are sure to help you get the job done. So long as you can lay down your seats, nothing can stop you from having a good sleep in your car while camping. And the bigger the car, the more space you have to sleep.

Camper Vans

Since camper vans are specifically designed for camping, they not only have more space, but also the majority of the basic items you would need. You can add a bed, lights, and storage. If getting a camper van sounds like a long shot, you may consider converting your usual van into a camper van.

A Pickup Truck That Has Truck Tops

Truck tops are also known as camper tops. They are hard shells that you easily fit above the bed of your pickup truck. The best thing about them is they are inexpensive, which is a plus if you are car camping on a budget.

These pickup truck beds have plenty of sleeping space for one or two people. Moreover, they are sure to give you ample protection for various elements as well as the necessary privacy.

With pickup trucks, you can camp anywhere you wish. Furthermore, a good number of pickup trucks boast of the capability to handle dirt roads or the prevailing adverse conditions at your campsite.

Truck tops are usually built according to the specific model of your truck. You can obtain them from various after-market retailers.

Camping Trailers

If you do not have a problem towing your camper, you certainly have access to different options: they range from durable trailers to lightweight tent campers. You will need a car that is capable of towing and a trailer hitch. Usually, most vendors of camping trailers will be more than willing to take you through the capabilities of the car and ascertain that they have installed enough hitch.

Car Campers

This concept is relatively new. It features fabricated bed frames located in the rear luggage compartment with storage space underneath. There is a double bed and lift up lids that give you access to the storage area. As if that is not enough, you have the necessary equipment for traveling and camping in a campsite or the bush.

Class A Motorhomes

They are based on a bus or truck chassis. Also, they can either derive their power from diesel or gasoline. They boast of being the largest RV available. The priciest models may go for over $1M and give brick-and-mortar homes a run for their money in terms of price and luxury. Some simpler models feature a water system, electrical system, and LPG.

Class B Motorhomes

Class B Motorhomes are also referred to as conversion vans. More often than not, they are passenger vans converted to be used for camping or other uses. Generally, you will find them from Ford and GM dealers. There is also a Volkswagen van known as T5 California. It has a gas cooker, sink, and fridge.

Vans are also available from after-market vendors who specialize in converting them. One of the main benefits of having class B RVs is they drive much like passenger cars and are simpler to steer on city streets. Some even have 4-wheel drive, which makes them more appealing to users who prefer this feature.

Class C Motorhomes

Class C Motorhomes are considered mid-sized RVs. They have an attractive cab design that features sleeping quarters or additional entertainment centers. They can take up to eight people. They have electrical systems, water systems, and LPG. You can have them outfitted beautifully like the majority of motorhomes and recreational vehicles.

Most Class C motorhomes feature slide-outs, which help to increase their living and sleeping space. Some even contain fridges, microwave ovens, and cooktops.

How to Stay Comfortable While Sleeping In Your Car at a Campsite

Sleeping in your car can be way more comfortable compared to a tent if you get it right. It offers more protection from rain and wind, you are above the ground, and it provides better soundproof.

Beds and Beddings

The best car to camp in is one with a relatively flat floor or removable backseats. Cars that have larger hatchbacks are better suited for camping compared to those with basic boots. With a good backseat bed, you are good to go.

There isn’t much need to purchase a sleeping bag. My favorite is the Revalcamp Sleeping Bag, which is available on Amazon. The right duvet will give you more warmth and better flexibility to move around.

Alternatively, you could give sleeping bag hybrids — for instance, the Vaude Navajo — a try. It is an excellent multipurpose option; though you might have to incorporate an insulated jungle blanket to give extra protection during winter camping. Pillows, self-inflating mats, mattress toppers, sleeping pods, and more are also critical essentials.

Storage

The storage box option is perfect for under mattresses since you can configure it in so many ways. It also provides plenty of space for all your belongings. Besides, it is simple to convert the car-camper to a regular car when the need to carry people rises.

Ikea boxes are also functional, though you have to ensure they are sturdy enough for your needs. Really Useful Boxes are perfect when it comes to the broadest range of sizes and ultimate strength. The best boxes to go for are the see-through ones, so there is less likely to lose your stuff.

Ventilation, Pests, and Heating

In case your camping coincides with cold weather — or you deliberately plan it out to do so — be sure to carry thermos flasks with hot water to put in hot water bottles or for quick meals. I am totally in love with the Takeya 50012. You can find it on Amazon.

Another trick to get warm is to layer clothes. Do not hesitate until you are cold before tucking yourself under your duvet or layer clothes. It is more difficult to warm up once you get cold. Set heaters such as the comfort control electric blanket will also offer some bit of pleasant heat.

Light and Privacy

One of the best lights for camping is LED. You can recharge them — or leave them running — using a USB adapter via the 12V socket. You have a wide range of options to pick from; from bright reading lights to fairy lights that will create that lovely atmosphere.

A good example is the foldable TOMOL Super Bright LED Lamp, which you can purchase from Amazon. You can use it both on the road and at home. It is touch-sensitive and comes with three brightness settings. If you do not wish to be abruptly woken up in the middle of the night, you can create some privacy (or dark).

Sunshades will work well for this purpose. Install them on the windscreens (both front and back). Some also have side blinds. That is a plus. You can create a few curtains or blackout blinds for your side windows using suction pads and fabric. If you have an unlined car or one whose doors have metal surrounds, you can also use magnets.

Another alternative is to use tailored sunshades with a Correx or Proplex cut-out sheet held behind to create total darkness. Also, pack earplugs and eye masks for extra peace and comfort throughout the night. The best thing about them is they do not take up much space.

Hygiene and Water

In most campsites, you will have access to toilets and showers, though you should still prepare on how to manage when you lack these facilities.

Water Supply

Make sure to carry along a portable water vessel and get a refill whenever possible. When you go for longer trips, take advantage of the facilities in leisure centers, pubs, and more; or intersperse your campsite stays.

There is a vast selection of water storage options. Just make sure they are BPA-free. You can also pack a few water-purifying tablets for an emergency. You may be forced to fetch water from sources that not entirely clean.

Showers

When it comes to showers, you can take the route of homemade options or consider portable showers. Nonetheless, you need to be in a warm environment to make these choices work for you.

An excellent option is to pour warm water in a bucket, then use the pump to generate some good pressure for a decent shower.

How to Stay Safe Sleeping At a Car Campsite

Try not to sleep in your car at a location where you do not feel safe. For instance, if you feel unsafe at a neighborhood or campsite, it is better not to stay there at all. Perhaps you may not be attacked at all, but you may get so worried that you do not get enough sleep the whole night.

It is normal to be afraid, but that does not mean you should risk your life. Even if it means paying for a spot at a camping site at the eleventh hour, do it. Your safety is the number one priority.

If you are camping on a budget or trying to save a buck, you may consider sharing a spot with other campers. Some campsites allow several people per site, so you may have some chance with this technique. If the campsite is predominantly filled with young people, that is even better. Chances are high they will struggle with paying the fees, hence the likelihood of welcoming a deal to split the charges. You can always say you are stationed in one of the sites — for which you have paid — when queried by the rangers patrolling the area.

Final Thoughts

Car camping is a new concept that is gaining popularity by the day. It greatly reduces the costs when out camping without killing the fun. The increased level of convenience and affordability is much welcome, especially since the economy is not getting any better.

Any campsite that allows in cars should not have a problem with you sleeping in your car, so long as you have catered for the site’s fees. But it does just stop with acquiring permission. Go ahead and determine how you can make the whole experience safe, fun, satisfying, and more. Gather all the essentials and store them nicely well before the trip.

If you make proper plans in advance, you will be in for a fantastic experience. Otherwise, you will regret every bit of the trip and get worked up for nothing. Camping is the time to let loose and have fun. You deserve it. Be deliberate with having everything in order, and you will remember the trip for years to come. Finally, have the right car — and make sure it is in excellent condition —, buy and stock all the essential items, and then drive away and have a good time.

A camping stove is a critical necessity when in the wild. For one, it is lighter compared to an open fire grill, it is highly reliable, and less tedious than opening an enormous, open fire. But what if there is an emergency? And you are off-grid. Would it be safe to use your camping stoves indoors?

Are camping stoves safe to use indoors? No, they are not, but there are a few safety precautions you could take to ensure you do it safely. The prescribed safety precautions help you to prevent any problems or health hazards.

Regardless of the potential dangers of using camping stoves indoors, in certain situations with certain stoves, you can do it without much risk. The factor that poses the most danger is the build of harmful carbon monoxide gas that comes about when the stove burns fuel. Consequently, your focus should be to set up additional airflow in your cooking area. The ventilation is critical for giving way for the toxic fumes to escape outdoors. The risk becomes higher when using camping stoves that are not specifically designed for use indoors.

Prolonged inhalation of carbon monoxide is harmful to the body. The CDC reports that it can cause nausea or even death.

The Harm of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The special design, installation, and proper ventilation of a regular kitchen stove allows for the easy escape of the toxic carbon monoxide gas. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) points out that carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. It is present in the fumes when fuel burns in stoves, fireplaces, gas ranges, and grills.

Inhaling excessive carbon monoxide causes dizziness and confusion. It may also make you pass out. In large doses, it is fatal. The situation becomes worse when you are sleeping or are intoxicated. It is often difficult to notice carbon monoxide poisoning until it becomes too late.

Due to the buildup of carbon monoxide, the CDC advises against burning charcoal stoves or grills while indoors. Moreover, it is recommended that you should desist from heating your home with your stove or gas range. It is easy for carbon monoxide to build up without your knowledge.

Ventilation Is the Answer

Before you resort to using camping stoves indoors, one of the most critical things you ought to do is to set up proper ventilation. Modern homes, more so those located in colder climates, are installed with better insulation to prevent the escape of air. Buildings should conform to insulation code requirements. Furthermore, you should have vented hoods for gas stove ranges.

Carbon monoxide has a lesser weight compared to the air molecules of the rest of the gases (such as nitrogen and oxygen) in its neighborhood. Naturally, it rises up via the hood then escapes out of the house.

Always remember to provide adequate ventilation whenever you choose to operate camping stoves indoors. Be sure to leave the windows open. If possible, keep a fan blowing, and make sure to exercise caution when you have children or pets around.

There are several risks associated with using camping stoves indoors. One of your main aims should be to get informed about those risks. If you set up the stove in an area that has proper ventilation or has a chimney or hood that leads outside, that is without-a-doubt a good, though temporary, set up.

The Best Camping Stoves to Use Indoors

When you decide to risk operating camping stoves indoors, you have to realize that only specific models will be up for the task.

The market has a variety of camping stoves. Majority of them use kerosene, propane, isobutene-propane, alcohol, wood burning, and more as fuel.

I prefer this Coleman Portable Propane Gas Classic Camp Stove I discovered on Amazon.

Kerosene

Kerosene is characterized by a strong odor and emits plenty of carbon monoxide. Most modern camping stoves do not use it anymore. A popular recommendation is not to use kerosene-fueled camping stoves indoors.

Propane

Compared to other fuels, propane is one of the most commonly used sources of fuel for camping stoves. The main reason is it is relatively inexpensive, burns cleanly, and does not have an intolerable smell. Nevertheless, propane also emits carbon monoxide; therefore, you ought to practice utmost caution, ensure proper ventilation, and strictly supervise the camping stove when in use.

Get an incredible camping stove on Amazon, like this Coleman Portable Bottletop Propane Camp Stove.

Isobutane-propane

These little fuel tanks are quite common. You can obtain them for ultralight or backpacking stoves. Although they are small in size, they can produce almost as much carbon monoxide as a large propane tank would. For this reason, be sure to only operate them in an area with proper ventilation. Butane still maintains its liquid state even when subjected to freezing temperatures.

Alcohol

Alcohol stoves bear a massive similarity to propane stoves. That is because you can also use them indoors so long as you have proper ventilation. Make sure to go for either Everclear or denatured alcohol, since other forms of alcohol are toxic.

Wood burning

The old fashioned alternative of using wood-burning as a source of fuel for camping stoves is surprisingly one of the safest options to use while indoors. There is, however, a higher chance of experiencing burns as a result of the open flame. The need to remove the generated smoke as well as carbon monoxide also calls for the proper set up of decent ventilation.

In the case of wood-burning, the fire also brings about soot and ash that needs cleaning after each use. Certain wood-burning camping stoves operate using wood chips, wood pellets, or other forms of fuel. Nonetheless, provided you have proper ventilation (for example a chimney) to eliminate the smoke, the wood-burning stove will serve you well in some indoor environments.

How to Make Safety a Priority When Using Camping Stoves Indoors

The Underwriters Laboratories certification is one of the most critical things to check for when deciding whether or not to use camping stoves indoors. This certification will not be present in a good number of propane stoves as well as other products.

It is often displayed on a sticker or the owners’ manual. Always ensure you check for this certification before you purchase a stove your plan on using indoors.

While there are plenty of reasons that make using camping stoves indoors quite dangerous, the main reason remains the Carbon Monoxide gas. It is given off as a by-product when the fuel burns. Certain products generally do not produce as much carbon monoxide as their counterparts. As such, they are considered safer.

The Camping Stoves That Come With UL Certification Are Safer To Use Indoors.

Since a significant obstacle to using camping stoves indoors is the buildup of carbon monoxide, cooking in a properly ventilated area is perhaps on the best remedies. Installing a vent hood will take you a step closer to having a well-ventilated room.

Also, ensure to leave at least one or two windows open while you cook. This solution, however, will not be realistic for the winter when you are trying to keep the cold out.

The other tip is to maintain the cleanliness of the stove. As you cook, grease and food tend to drip onto the burners. The burning of this content tends to result in smoke. This tendency makes grills dangerous for indoor use. Cleaning the stoves frequently, however, will help save you this headache.

Safety precautions also dictate that you do not cook for lengthy hours. That applies even to the camping stoves that have UL certification. To get over this challenge, you should consider cooking meals that are not associated with longer cook times.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of your reason for opting to use camping stoves indoors, you need to stay alert of the possible dangers they may pose to you and your health. Clearly, the primary sources of danger are the buildup of carbon monoxide and smoke, possible gas leaks, and more. Consequently, a smart course of action would be to ensure your cooking area is well ventilated.

For extra safety, I recommend that you purchase a good carbon monoxide detector. Because of the odorless and colorless nature of carbon monoxide, you cannot tell how much of it has built up in your room. That is why having a functional carbon monoxide detector is so crucial.

There are times when using a camping stove indoors could be your only solution for survival. Nevertheless, that does not mean you should throw safety out the window. That would be a sure recipe for disaster. The best place to start is to take into account all the safety precautions we have outlined in this article. The good thing is most of them are easy to execute, so you have no excuse.

All camping stoves are not equal, either. Some are of decent quality, while others are substandard. For that reason, we have also incorporated a few incredible options from which you can choose. Be sure to also check out one of my favorite camping stoves: The MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Camping Stove from Amazon. With the right stoves and the correct safety precautions at your disposal, you can never go wrong.

 

A survival knife is the most important tool that you must have in an SHTF situation. The main reason is the versatility of the weapon. You can use it for self-defense, hunting, as a tool, cooking, and eating. For those reasons, you should consider long and hard what kind of survival knife you’re going to choose to have in your arsenal of tools.

Imagine that you’re all alone in the woods going days without food. Right there you see a small mammal. Or imagine that you need to go through the trees to find water on the other side. In many situations, you’re going to need a tool that you’ll help you cut through things to survive.

That’s what made me think, should a survival knife be serrated? A survival knife should be serrated if you need to cut harder objects and things that would be tougher for you to cut through. Now, if you’re dealing with a softer surface, a plain edge knife may be the best option since it won’t damage the object or destroy it at once.

In most cases, a survival knife will be more versatile for you if it’s serrated. In the majority of survival situations, you’ll encounter harder materials such as ropes, tree branches, animal skin and meat, and wood. These are all objects that will be better cut with a serrated knife. For this reason, the best option for you will be to have a serrated edge knife, if you have to choose.

Now, it’s important to keep in mind that there’ll be a few occasions in which you’ll be better off with a plain edge knife. Soft materials will fall apart and not handle well the serrated edge. In this case, the plain edge knife will be able to cut through the material with precision and ease. This is why it’s a great idea to have both knives if you can.

So, your survival knife should be serrated in most cases. If you want to know all the advantages of going with the serrated edge for a survival situation and what situations would be better handled with a plain edge knife, keep reading below. You will learn everything you need to consider before choosing your survival knife. After all, once SHTF, you won’t be able to choose another knife. So, pick one carefully and do it well.

It Gives You More Control While Cutting

When you’re using a tool or a weapon, which the survival knife will be both, you must have control of it at all times. It’s important that you know what you’re doing to make sure that you don’t get yourself hurt, and that you don’t lose control over the blade and cut things the wrong way. It’s also important to maintain things under control when you’re hunting, otherwise, things won’t go as planned.

Now, this is when the serrated knife gets interesting. It gives you more control while cutting things. The serrated edge makes it easier for you to control the object that you’re cutting with the knife. It’s like it makes it easier for you to make the knife an extension of your hands. This way, you can better control whatever it is that you’re cutting. Things won’t slip as easy and will remain under your control, so you cut things safely.

When you’re cutting slippery surfaces, the serrated knife will become even more useful to you. It allows you to have a firmer grip over the material that you’re cutting. This will be extra handy when you’re trying to clean the meat that you hunted or trying to cut a hard object. As you can see, this is one of the main advantages of using a serrated knife, and you should give it special consideration for it.

So, consider the serrated edge survival knives for the control that it’ll give you over the material that you’re cutting. It will reduce your chances of getting hurt and increase your efficiency while cutting anything.

It Cuts Hard Object Easily

Another thing that you should consider about the serrated edge knife is that it cuts hard objects easily. It not only gives you more control while cutting anything, but it also makes it easier for you to cut hard objects. A plain edge knife will make it extra hard for you to cut anything that has a hard surface. It may even feel like the blade is blunt when it isn’t.

This is why you should consider having a serrated edge knife since it’s more likely for you to encounter hard objects in a survival situation.

Still, you should consider your strategy before anything else. A good idea would be to choose a knife that has both kinds of blades. It’s not that hard to find models that come with both a serrated and a plain edge. This is the perfect world if you want to make sure that you’ll have a knife that will cut through anything that you may need. You should look for blades that have a high-quality metal and not just the type of blade that will work better for you.

Now the point is that you should give preference to the serrated edge if you want to have the perfect survival knife. When you’re in an SHTF situation, you’re more likely to need something to cut hard objects than you’re to encounter soft objects. For this reason, you’ll see that the serrated edge knife is more useful to you in 99% of the time. The Pocket Knife Multi-Tool is a great knife with both edges. Get yours here.

You Can Use It To Eat

Another use for a survival knife that people fail to remember even though it’s obvious, it’s to use the knife to eat. Now, you may eat with your bare hands, but having the serrated edge knife will make things easier for you. So, using the knife to eat, the serrated knife will be better to cut the meat and other food, unlike the plain edge knife.

Now, it’s important to point out that you shouldn’t use the same knife to cut the rope, hunt the animal, prepare the food, and eat the meal. There’s a good chance that you’ll get a bacterial infection or something similar in the process. In the ideal situation, you prep so well beforehand that you have more than one option of knives to use in a survival situation. Even a multi-tool can be your best friend in this situation, so make sure to think these things through before picking your knife.

Now, it is also important to highlight that the greater risk that you take is to use the same knife to prepare the meal and to eat it. The reason is that depending on the animal that you’ve hunted, there’s a chance that it’s carrying bacteria. This will make you more likely to get something from the knife that too the skin and hair off the animal than the knife that you’ve used to cut a rope.

So, make sure to think about having more than one knife and to separate the use that you give them. It’s important to not mess this up since it can affect your health. Remember you may not find a doctor in this situation.

It’s A Good Idea To Have Both

Now, even though the serrated knife is the best for a survival knife, you could consider have both types of knife. There are two ways that you can do this. You can have a knife that has both types of blades, which is not that hard to find. Or you can have more than one knife. This is another interesting option that you should consider since it will make your prepping strategy that much better. The whole point is to be prepared for everything. Having both blades is doing exactly that.

If you decide to go to a place, or find yourself there, that gives you the possibility of fishing, you’ll see that it’s a terrible idea to cut a fish to cook or to eat with a serrated knife. The meat will fall apart and make things the worse for you. This is when having a plain edge knife will be great. To open cans is also better to use the plain edge knife. Now, for the other moments when the plain edge knife won’t do, you will need the serrated edge knife.

Those situations and many others illustrate the same point. Your strategy won’t be completed if you only have a type of knife. If you must, you should only have the serrated knife. Still, having both blades will make your whole prepping game that much better. After all, you’ll find yourself in situations where only one type of blade will do it. That’s when having two or more knives may save your life.

Serrated Edges Cut Ropes And Cloth Better

One more advantage that the serrated edge has over the plain edge is that it cuts ropes and cloth better. Not only that but all the other similar objects like wire, threads, and anything that you can imagine. If you need to cut through something to open or release something, chances are that you will have better luck with the serrated survival knife. This kind of blade can get a better grip over the objects and tear it apart while you’re moving to cut it.

Imagine that you need to create a tourniquet or that you need to cut a rope to knot something. Those are the crucial moments that you’ll see that having a serrated edge knife will save your life and increase your chances of survival. It’s important to keep this in mind, so you remember that you must have a serrated edge knife as a survival knife no matter what. You can also have a plain edge knife, but you must have a serrated one.

So, make sure to have a serrated knife to also cut through cloth and ropes. Just be careful not to make the blade blunt. Certain cloth and paper do make the blade blunt when you need to cut harder objects or things like animal meat. The reason is that you need a really sharp blade to cut meat and hard objects, so anything can make the knife blunt enough to not cut those things. Just make sure to keep the knife in a sheath, and you’ll be good to go.

Pick Stainless Steel Blades

This is a very important thing for you to keep in mind. You should get a knife with stainless steel blades. This will prevent the knife from rusting, which will make it last longer and safer for you while using it. Rust will bring bacteria, which will contaminate your food and anything that the knife cuts. Especially, your skin if you ever cut it with a rusty knife. In a survival situation, this is not a problem that you want to have.

The first thing that you should do is to check if the blade is of high-quality metal. Then, see if it is stainless steel. The goal is to make sure that the knife is durable and resistant. These are the two most important things that you should know about the knife. You won’t be able to buy a new one as you please or ask for a refund. So, you must choose your blade well. There’ll be no do-overs.

Now, stainless steel blades are usually the best because they’ll ensure that the knife lasts a long time. Also, this usually means that the manufacturer made sure to make a resistant knife. This is all that you need in your survival knife. Make sure that is serrated and stainless steel.

So, pick a model that will fit into your prepping strategy and that checks those boxes. If you’re looking for the right stainless steel, serrated knife, you should look the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife. It checks all the boxes and won’t let you down. Cut straight to this great item here.

Learn How To Make Your Knife

Learning to make your own knife is an invaluable skill to have. There might be a situation in which you lose everything you have. In this case, you will need to know how to make your own tools. Knowing how to make your knife with whatever you have available is crucial to surviving under any circumstance. You can learn how to make a knife within a few minutes. Although you will need more than that to make a perfect model of a survival knife.

Usually, rocks and metal pieces are great things to use as blades. They’re relatively easy to find no matter where you are in the world, and you can sharpen them and mold them quite easily. You will need to learn how to effectively do this first, and then, learn what tools to use to make the blade. Once you do this, you will pretty much know how to make the blade. Then, you have to learn how to make the handle.

This part is the easiest one. You will need something like a plastic or a piece of wood. To attach the blade to it, you will need a rope or a wire. Anything that helps you keep the blade in place. This way you’ll have your handmade knife in minutes. Then, all you have to do is to test and see if it’s as sharp as you need your survival knife to be.

So, just make sure that your knife works and that the blade remains in place. Otherwise, you won’t be able to cut things and use the survival knife for what it’s intended for.

Learn How To Make It Sharp

Imagine that you’re out there hunting a small mammal. You set up everything you need to capture the creature and wait your moment to attack. On you capture the animal and are ready to skin it and cut the meat, your knife does nothing. No matter how much you try to cut, it just doesn’t do anything.

Now, imagine that you need to cut a rope to create a tool to make your life easier in the wilderness. You try to cut the rope but nothing happens. It remains intact. Both scenarios are the classical blunt knife ones.

This is why you should always learn how to sharpen your knife. Not only that but you should make sure that you do sharpen your knife every once in a while. The first step to ensure that you always have a sharp knife is to keep it in a sheath. This will avoid the blade to get in contact with things that will make it blunt. Then, you must get the right tools that help keep the knife sharp. This is crucial to make sure that your knife will cut when you need it the most.

So, learn how to make the knife sharp. This, along with learning how to make the knife, are invaluable skills to have. A survival knife is one of the most important tools that you can have in your survival arsenal. It will help you get through most situations that can happen.

Don’t Use The Same Knife For Everything

You should never use the same knife for everything. As much as you may think about sterilizing the blade, it’s still not a good idea. The best that you can do is to use more than one knife. This is also a great idea to get a serrated blade and a plain one. This will ensure that you have a knife for everything. After all, in a survival situation, you’ll encounter different scenarios like cooking and cutting wood.

Now, make sure that both knives that you end up choosing are of high-quality. You need a tool that will last a long time and that can resist all the situations you might face. The knife has to be able to cut wood and meat. It has to cut your way through the woods and help you cut cloth and rope.

So, choose more than one knife. Make sure that it’s durable and resistance. Pick both types of blades to make sure that you’re ready for everything. If you already selected a serrated knife, you should take a look into plain edge knife options. The Gerber Bear Fine Edge is the best survival knife with this type of blade. Take a look here.

Learn Knife Fighting 101

A knife is more than just a tool. It’s also a weapon. Now, you can’t have a weapon that you don’t know how to use. Otherwise, you’ll have something useless that won’t be able to help you when you need it. This is why you must learn knife fighting 101. You have to learn the basics of fighting with a knife.

The first thing that you should do is to get a tactical knife. The reason is simple. This type of knife is built for this. The handle is strong and resistant. The blades are sharp and durable. It fits really well in your grip and helps you make the right movements.

So, pick a great tactical knife, and you’ll win half the battle. Then, all you’ll need is to learn how to fight with one. The Kershaw Blur Tanto Knife is the best tactical knife that you’ll see. Check it out here.

Final Thoughts

So, your survival knife should be serrated. Still, you should seriously consider having more than one, and in this case, have a plain edge knife as well. Both are going to serve really well for you and get the job done. You’ll use the serrated edge knife more but the other one will be useful as well.

Also, remember to always keep the blade sharp and make sure that you get a stainless steel one. Learn how to use the knife for all the different functions that you can apply it. Remember that it is a tool and a weapon, so use it well.

Kerosene is one of the most versatile fuels that you’ll ever come across. It has all the prerequisite to last a long time and make sure that you get where you need to. For instance, you can use kerosene in a diesel engine due to it being pure fuel. You can also use it for things like a generator. The uses of this fuel are almost limitless, which makes it an invaluable asset to have in your garage. It can quite literally save your life.

Now, as much as kerosene is an amazing fuel that you can find various uses to it, it has its limitations. This isn’t even about the fact that you lose speed and power when it comes to a diesel engine, but the storage time. It’s one of the fuels that last the longest but kerosene can get spoiled.

That was what got me thinking, how long can you store kerosene? You can store kerosene for up to 12 months. Now, you have to make sure that you do so in the right container and that you make sure that you place it in a safe location within the right temperature. This makes sure that it doesn’t freeze, spoil, or gets burned.

As you can see, kerosene can last a long time, but you still have to make sure that you store it properly, so it doesn’t get spoiled before it has to. There are a few things that you can do and a few things that you can check to make sure that the kerosene is good to be used. Below you can find out everything you must do.

Shelf Life Is 12 Months

Under normal conditions, the shelf life of a kerosene gallon is 12 months. This means that if you store it properly, you won’t have to worry about it getting spoiled before 2 months. Now, it’s important that you still check it for signs now and then.

Detecting spoiled kerosene is easy because the texture of the liquid is quite different. You can immediately notice the difference. In some cases, you can try to get rid of the spoiled portion and mix what’s left with pure, fresh kerosene. This is likely to help you save what was still useable.

So, make sure to not keep the kerosene for more than 12 months, if you want to make sure that it’ll be useable. The best way to do this is to store it properly using the right container for that. A great choice of container for kerosene is the Midwest Can 7600. Take a look here.

Do Not Store It Near Ignition Sources

Another thing to keep in mind when storing kerosene is to not do it near ignition sources. Pretty much avoid anything that can set it on fire. This is an important safety measure to follow to make sure that you won’t have any serious problems.

The best that you can do is to place the kerosene container in a place that circulates air and that isn’t surrounded by ignitions sources. Also, check the container from time to time to make sure that the content is well-stored and everything is the way it’s supposed to. This ensures longevity to the use of the fuel and also make sure that nothing catches fire when it’s not supposed to do so.

So, if you make sure that you don’t store it anywhere near ignition sources, you’re halfway with the safety measurements necessary to keep everything protected. This is even more important when you’re going to store the kerosene for a long time.

Avoid Combustible Materials

One more important thing to remember is to also avoid combustible materials. Basically, anything that would catch fire in contact with the kerosene. Since you don’t want to start an accidental fire, you should make sure that it’s always stored away from combustible materials.

You can store other fuels close to it. There’s no problem with that, but you should be careful about combustible materials. As much as you properly seal the container and believe that everything is in order, you don’t want to take your chances with this final step for better safety measures.

So, organize your garage, or whatever room you’re going to use for storage before you keep gallons of kerosene and any other fuel inside. This will ensure safety and make sure that the fuel lasts longer than it normally does. The worst thing is to need the kerosene and find out that it’s gone bad due to poor storage methods.

Check Metal Containers For Rust

Now, another invaluable tip is to always check metal containers for rust. The reason is simple. Metal containers are more likely to dioxide and develop certain types of bacteria that will cause rust to develop. In turn, this will spoil the kerosene faster, which will be a terrible thing for you.

So, ideally, you should give preference for plastic containers. They’re more reliable and unlikely to develop rust. Still, they can make the kerosene go bad. The metal containers can still be a good idea if you’re always checking them out and making sure that the kerosene is in a good state. The best that you can do in this situation is to check the fuel every 2 weeks.

If you don’t want to have the trouble of always checking the container, you should opt for a plastic one. You should look at plastic containers with an efficient seal system. The No-Spill 1456 5-Gallon is a great one for those that are looking to avoid rust. Pick yours here.

What Makes The Kerosene Go Bad

There are a few scenarios that make it more likely that the kerosene that you have will go bad. In other words, certain things spoil kerosene faster. If it doesn’t have more than 12 months since you bought it, it shouldn’t go bad. Still, it could happen if you don’t store it properly and in the right kind of container. These scenarios are the ones that you should look to minimize or do your best to avoid altogether.

So, avoid non-plastic containers. This will immediately reduce the chances of the kerosene going bad. Another thing that you should do is to make sure that the kerosene is stored in a ventilated place. Not too cold and not too hot. This will maintain it in its ideal physical state, which increases its useable life.

If you follow these two tips, your kerosene will rarely go bad. You’ll notice that you’ll be able to use it for a longer time and store it as well. So, make sure to store it in a safe place in your garage, and you won’t have problems.

Opaque Plastic Containers Are The Best

The best plastic containers are opaque plastic containers. They’re efficient and durable. They make the kerosene last a long time. Now, it’s important to point out that this does not mean that the other containers are necessarily bad. The metal and regular plastic ones have their place, but they’re not nearly as good as this type.

You want your fuel to last a long time and be good to use when you need it. This is why you should ensure that you have the best kind of container. The opaque plastic container keeps the fuel under the ideal conditions to ensure usability.

So, always give preference to opaque plastic containers. A good tip is to pick more than just a few containers, especially if you live in cold-weather places. This will help you always have fuel at your disposal. The Scepter 5 Gal EPA Certified is the best opaque plastic container. Get yours here.

Final Thoughts

So, you can store kerosene for 12 months. Still, you should make sure that you do so under the right conditions both for safety and to make sure that it’ll be useable. So, pick opaque plastic containers and store it far away from combustible and ignition materials. Do this, and your kerosene will last the 12 months easily.

Leg holsters are becoming more popular due to style and convenience to those who are carrying. It makes it easier for you to access your gun when you’re seated. You can also carry without creating strange volume in your hips. The main thing that a holster has to do for you is to make it easy to reach for the weapon. That’s the main advantage of the leg holster.

Now, since you’re carrying it around your thighs, and it’s fairly a new thing, it’s expected that there’ll be questions being raised around the subject. First of all, if you’re carrying a weapon you want to make sure that’s okay that you’re doing so. You want to minimize the chances of law enforcement agents finding problems with your open carry.

So, are leg holsters legal? Leg holsters are legal and you can wear them freely without a problem. This type of holster falls under the category of belt holsters being completely legal to wear them anywhere you wish to carry your gun. Now, make sure that you’re open carrying and that you have permission to do so. Doing this will make sure that you don’t have any problems with the law.

Now, you should consider a few things before going with a leg holster instead of a traditional belt holster or even an ankle holster. Not only that but there are precautions that you should take and things to consider that will make more sense to you to make use of a leg holster.

For instance, the main advantage is how easy it makes for you to carry your gun. Now, if you’re overweight, it might not be the best option for you. A belt holster may help keep things safe an in place. Still, the leg holster is the best option but you should look into the other ones.

The point is that you should consider other options before choosing any of the ones that you have. The leg holster will make it easier for you to reach for your weapon but it may also make it harder for you to move. This is why you should test it before making it your holster of choice.

So, make sure to consider the important pointers below before making a final decision. The leg holster is likely the best option for you, so learn how to choose the best option for you since they’re completely legal.

It’s Still Considered A Belt Holster

Reinforcing the pointer above, leg holsters are considered belt holsters to the law. This means that they’re allowed to wear since belt holsters are also legal. This is great news since this is one of the best holsters that you can find currently available. They make it easier to open carry and are great to law enforcement agents and civilians.

This is very important for you to know, in case you ever come across someone questioning whether or not you have the right to wear a leg holster. Any judge will have to see a leg holster as a belt holster, which means that they’re perfectly legal and you have the right to wear them as long as you have a carry permit.

Another reason why you should know about this is that you need to know what’s within the law when you’re open carrying. Leg holsters are practical and useful in various situations but they do get a lot of attention since they’re different and a little bit more on-the-nose than the other types of holsters. Even when you consider the shoulder holster that it’s a classic on every cop show in the 80s.

So, make sure to know the important things such as that leg holster are legal and that they’re considered belt holsters officially.

You Can Use It For Open Carry

The main reason that leg holsters are gaining popularity is that they’re great for open carry. They keep your gun safe, easy to reach, and make sure that people can see while open carrying your gun. This is important because as much as you’re going to get attention, people won’t be able to say that they didn’t see the weapon or cause you any trouble when it comes to an unidentifiable volume. This makes the leg holster perfect for this.

It will give you the confidence and the immediate respect that other holsters won’t be able to do. Being honest, a leg holster is the best holster when it comes to open carry. It will give you everything that you need in this situation. It makes the gun identifiable to law enforcement, it’s easy for you to reach for it, and it’s safe where it is. This makes this kind of holster perfect for people that open carrying and that want to be safe at all times.

Another reason to wear it when open carrying is that the leg holster keeps the gun tight to your leg. This makes you feel safe and in control of the weapon at all times. You just have to be careful to choose a leg holster that gives you mobility and that has a great built. The CONDOR Drop Leg Platform is the best choice if you want agility. Find out more about the Condor  here.

Wear It Tight

It’s important to know how to wear the leg holster above all else. The reason is simple. The leg holster or any holster for the matter will keep your gun safe and you in control of it at every second that you’re out. So, you must wear it tight to your body. This not only increases your sensation of it being under your control, but it also makes sure that the gun is safe and won’t slip out or be easy for someone to grab it.

Now, it is important that you know how to wear it. You can’t just put it as tight as you can because you will interfere with your blood circulation and you will interfere with your leg mobility. So, the secret lies in knowing how to wear it tight but not so tight that you mess up with your leg. The ideal situation is to make it tight enough to not bother your leg mobility but still make you feel that something is wrapping up around your leg.

So, make sure that you put some pressure to make the leg holster tight but not too much. You don’t want to have to run and feel like something is interfering with your leg movements.

Nylon Cloth Is A Good Option

The best leg holsters are molded after your body and your gun. Still, those are hard to find and are extremely expensive to buy. For that reason, the best leg holsters are the ones made of nylon cloth. It’s an affordable material and it’s really good. The quality here is high and you can be sure that your holster will last a long time. Obviously, you should be careful with storage and how you wear it to make sure that it lasts as long as it can.

Nylon cloth is a common material used to build bags, shoes, and many other things that we wear every single day. In this case, the nylon cloth becomes a great option for a leg holster because it’s durable, makes it easy for you to find options, and it’s great to keep your weapon while outside. For all these reasons, you should seriously consider getting a leg holster made of nylon cloth.

So, take a look at the many options that there are in the market. The most important thing that you should consider is that the holster should keep your gun in place and that it’s durable. The best nylon cloth leg holster that is durable is the Pro-Tech Outdoors Nylon Tactical Leg Holster. Get yours here.

Polymer Molded Is Perfect

Polymer molded leg holsters are considered perfect by many gun enthusiasts. They’re for the more hardcore gun users and are a great option for those that are willing to spend way more than necessary for your carrying. They have the perfect shape to fit your gun and your leg. The polymer has a high-quality and durability that makes it a great material. This makes it perfect for a gun holster. So, if you’re willing to spend a lot of money to have a personalized holster, this might be the one for you.

The main difference that gun owners feel to a polymer molded leg holster is that since they fit your gun better and well to your leg, they make the gun safe and easier to reach. They also last a long time. Still, gun experts don’t consider that this is enough to justify the cost of this holster. This is another option that you might consider, but you should look into the costs.

So, if want a personalized gun holster for a price that isn’t justified but can improve your comfortability, you can consider a polymer molded gun holster. This kind of leg holster is an interesting option that you can test and see if it works for you.

Always Make Sure To Attach The Gun Firmly

This is the most important safety tip that you must keep in mind every time that you’re looking for a leg holster, and when you’re about to wear a leg holster. Always make sure to attach the gun firmly to the holster. If the leg holster is loose the gun won’t be safely kept under your control. This is why it’s so important to make sure that the gun is attached and the leg holster is tight to your legs.

Imagine that you’re in a situation that you need to use your gun. You don’t want to be in the middle of a fight or any sort of altercation and have your gun to come out of the holster. This is why you must make sure to attach it to the holster. The best way to do this is to always check the gun before leaving the house and making it as tight as you can when you attach it.

So, if you take this one safety tip, you’ll be way ahead in making sure that your gun is safe and everyone around you as well. This may seem even silly, but it’s important to take this one step before wearing the leg holster.

Measure The Distance From Your Arms

One of the main reasons to wear a leg holster is that it’s easier to reach your gun. So, you should measure the distance from your arms before choosing your holster of choice. The reason is simple. If you can’t comfortably reach the gun in the position you’re placing the leg holster, you won’t be able to have the agility that a tough situation requires. This is why you should measure the distance and make sure that it’s the perfect one.

Now, you’re going to place the holster somewhere around your thighs. This is why you should test it before going out. It’s important to make sure that it’s tight enough and that the distance is comfortable. The main goal here is to make sure that the holster is reachable for you. You should be able to reach for the gun while standing up. When you’re sitting down, you’ll be able to reach the gun anyway.

So, make sure to measure the distance you’re placing the leg holster from your arms. This will ensure that you’ll be able to comfortably reach your gun. The faster you can do it, the better. Remember that you should measure the distance while standing up and not sitting down.

See If You Can Run While Wearing It

Another test that you do is to make sure that you can run while wearing the leg holster. The reason is obvious. You could see yourself in a situation that you need to run after someone or from someone, and you need to make sure that you’ll be able to do it. Now, you should also do the test because you have to ensure mobility for your legs. This is why you should take a few runs while wearing the holster before going out wearing it.

This is, again, that important because you must have agility and mobility while wearing a leg holster. If the holster limits your movements, the whole point of wearing it in the first place makes no sense. You wear the leg holster to make it easier for you to carry the gun that makes you safer. So, you should be able to have mobility while doing so. After all, this may save your life.

Do a few tests before going out with the holster. It doesn’t have to be every time you’re going to wear it. Just the first few times before you get used to the model that you’re wearing. This will help you get used to it and make sure that you’re able to keep your full mobility while wearing it.

Have At Least Two

You should make sure that you have, at least, two leg holsters. This will ensure that you always have one under the right conditions and that you have more options. It’s important to also have different models to test it out.

Look for leg holsters that are made of different materials or that have different designs. This will help you not get into autopilot while carrying your gun around. Different researches say that it’s good for the brain to keep things fresh, so it doesn’t get into autopilot.

So, choose among the different leg holster models that you can find in the market. Try to pick two that have distinguishable differences to make sure that you’re always testing something new. The SYIDINZN Drop Leg Bag Pouch Holster is a great option to have since it checks all the qualities boxes. Check it out here.

Avoid Ankle Holsters

One final, short tip is to avoid ankle holsters. They’re a good option as a secret weapon, but never use them as your primary source. They’re hard to reach for and may interfere with your mobility.

They can be a true nightmare when it comes to holsters. You’re better off with a shoulder holster than with an ankle one. So, make sure that you give preference to belts, shoulder, and especially, to leg holsters. They’ll make sure that you’re able to reach for your weapon when need it the most.

Just make sure that you’re used to your holster and comfortable with it. Test to see if you can reach your gun fast and that it doesn’t interfere with your mobility and agility while wearing it.

Final Thoughts

So, leg holsters are legal. Still, there are few things to consider before getting yours. You should make sure that you get a high-quality material holster. It has to be tight with the gun well-attached, and give you have mobility while wearing it. If you take care of the basics, you should be good to go out and wear it your leg holster.