Anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors,—for work, travel, hiking, or camping in the wilderness, around trails, campgrounds, and so on—benefits from investing in a canteen. These reusable water vessels designed to accompany you on such excursions make it easy to stay hydrated on your adventures while saving you money, diminishing waste in favor of ecological responsibility, and avoiding the cumbersome inconvenience of managing an ample supply of disposable bottles. If you’re in the market for a more efficient water container and want to know more about canteens, or maybe you’re just interested in what makes them such a reliable tool, read on for a full overview of this invaluable invention.

Style and Size Options

Among the first question many ask as they start shopping for a canteen is, “How much water does a canteen hold?” While this is entirely up to the user, the maximum volume available in most models of design typically ranges between 1 to 2 liters, weighing in at about 2.2 – 4.5lbs when full. Although other sizes may be available in the market, you may be hard-pressed to find anything larger or smaller than this most standard size.

With most canteen designs, form follows function. There are a variety of strap options and methods of carrying your canteen—such as in a pack, strapped to a belt, or over the shoulder. The various shapes are also something to consider, should you prefer a round canteen, square, bottle-shaped, or even designs hearkening back to traditional wineskin bladders.

One that I highly recommend is a 2Qrt. collapsible canteen. It comes in a carry sling. Click here to get the latest pricing from Amazon.

Caps, Covers, and Accessories

While some don’t give much thought to cap and cover stylings or even add-on accessories, it’s important to consider these details in order to properly address your specific needs and appropriately prepare you for withstanding the elements without being forced to adapt to unexpected conflicts where your hydration is concerned.

• Caps and seals must be impenetrable and secure. The risk of leaks or contaminants should be a non-issue, as a clean, ample, and reliable water supply can mean the difference between health and illness or even life and death.
• Cloth covers, be they built into the design or purchased and applied separately, are a canteen standard, as they allow for easier, more firm gripping of the container, while serving a dual purpose of temperature regulation—evaporative cooling of a wet cloth cover is great for maintaining cooler, more refreshing temperatures to combat even the hottest days.
• Accessories can add to the form and function of your canteen, such as strap variations, belt clasp attachments, cups, portable stands, and even drinking hoses for easier, hands-free access and supplementation to gas or elevation masks. Remember to factor in the overall weight of your canteen with any added features, as the heavier your load becomes, so too does the burden of your trek increase.

Safety of Constructed Materials and Use

The materials used in canteen construction vary and may be an important aspect that contributes to your choice of purchase. Plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel canteens are the most common, and each carries with them their own pros and cons.

• Plastic is durable and lightweight, without the risk of rusting or denting. A downside to this material is the possibility of the general toxicity and sourcing of the material itself. As individuals and corporations become more health conscious and environmentally friendly, there are more options of plastic canteens that are clearly noted and certified as BPA-free, so you can be sure the plastic used in the canteen’s construction is reliably sourced and free of toxic chemicals that may be absorbed into your water supply.
• Aluminum is another lightweight option and more likely to help in the regulation of maintaining cooler temperatures. While lower grades of aluminum, such as foil-based blends, can bend, crack, or flake over time and distribute tiny metallic particles into your water supply or result in undesired chemical reactions when exposed to heat for prolonged or repetitive exposure, higher grades of aluminium can be a fantastic alternative, particularly where reliability, your health, and environmental awareness are concerned. Like BPA-free plastics, cleaner blends of aluminum are usually noted and certified within the packaging or documentation of canteens.
• Stainless steel is a heavier material used in canteen construction but some would consider it to be the cleanest, durable, and reliable. Like aluminum canteens, stainless steel options are less likely than plastic to absorb heat, keeping your water cooler, longer. Most stainless steel blends are free of harmful or questionable toxins, but if this is a concern for you, it’s still a good idea to review all packaging and documentation before making your purchase. Remember also to consider the total weight expected when full and how likely it may be to get dented, depending on what your excursions may entail.

While canteens of other materials are available—such as glass, ceramic, leather, or waterproof fabric blends—they may be lined with or incorporated some way into designs using any material listed above. Always consider your own specific needs and preferences, adhere to recommended cleaning and maintenance instructions regularly, and, if needed, thoroughly research the pros and cons of each material you may be considering to make absolutely certain it will meet your expectations without disappointment.

Historical Background

Canteens have, in some form or another, been used for centuries. Wineskins, animal bladders, or treated gourds are among the oldest constructions utilized as water vessels. Wineskins, by their namesake, indicate sealed pouches commonly containing wine and made of animal skin, while animal bladders were literally the bladders of animals adapted for water containment and transport. The hollowing out and fortification of gourds was a common alternative for regions and cultures in which the use of animal material was less frequent or accessible.

As time went on and with it the progression and experimentation of human invention, various advancements made their attempts to improve the design of the canteen. For example, many antique canteen designs from the Victorian Era, all the way into the early 20th Century, contain lead, a material which we now know can cause serious illness, if not death over prolonged use and exposure. Other designs had even less practical implications, like the glass canteens and cork stoppers briefly used in the early 1900s.

Modern technology, such as the advent of plastic and the continued developmental improvement of more reliably sourced blends, has made canteen production all the more cost-effective and accessible to meet diverse demands of individual preference while becoming increasingly conscious of what material we consume and how such effects our health and overall planetary environment. While the history of the canteen may or may not be of any interest to you personally, it’s worth looking into nonetheless if you want to learn all you can about methods of portable hydration, storage, and how this invaluable tool has adapted over the centuries to better suit our times and required functions. The history of the canteen can actually be quite fascinating!

Tying it All Together

Given the absolute necessity of water to our survival, good health, and typical regulation of bodily functions and temperature, a reliable source of hydration is among the most critical, if not the most important of aspects in preparing for any excursion or journey away from home. Being properly prepared for even the most extreme scenarios can mean the difference between life and death, especially when you’re alone in the wilderness with limited access to fresh water sources. Equipping yourself with a canteen or hydration bladder to ensure you have the minimum 2-liter-a-day supply recommended for an average adult to sustain sufficient hydration levels is vitally important in preparing for your adventures. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the wilderness without water.

Should you research canteens and decide you prefer a different method of water transport, the aforementioned option of hydration bladders—such as Camelbacks—supplement even greater variety, function, and wear so you can find the perfect solution and combination of tools and resources to fit your individual needs, preferences, and any uniquely applied circumstance you can expect to find yourself in. With the proper investment and care, your reusable, portable water containers can have the much-needed dependability and longevity to see you safely through even the most extreme circumstances as you face off against the elements. Once you’ve found the hydration system that works for you, you’ll never leave home without it!

For a 2 qrt. collapsible canteen that is highly recommended and rated, click here to get the latest Amazon pricing.

Many peoples view Ham radio as an old fashion device that can only be accessed on military bases or in fantasy movies. But in reality, if you anything about this hardware, this equipment, is used by military personnel because of its usefulness. Actually, you can consider it a useless device, but believe me or not, it is the last line of communication which you can use if you are attacked by a ruthless enemy. And this is how a government will communicate with its army in case there is an attack.

It is for this reason that only authorized peoples have the full freedom to use it in transmitting a broadcast. Therefore, if you just attempt to use it without a license, you will be fined heavily by the responsible body. Then have in mind that the chances of that happening are real but not imminent as some may think. Additionally, if you use their frequency with or without reason, you risk being aligned in a court of law.

So can one use a ham radio without a license? According to various sources, it is documented that ham radio enthusiasts take their learning and obtaining a license very seriously. So it is likely that other ham radio license operators will track your radio frequency and turn over their findings to the local or federal authorities. Only in a life or death emergency or nationwide crisis, would your use of a ham radio be excused.

Therefore, if you don’t have the permission to make use of this type of radio, there is not a sure way to avoid being discovered. So if you think you can use it only after a strange thing has happened and with no license, you are very wrong. Ham radio is one of those devices which require regular maintenance to increase their efficiency. Checking it a few months before receiving and transmitting of signals will be inevitable. You can deny that you would like your radio to function properly without fail.

So in the course of your maintenance, you will have to transmit a broadcast. This will increase the chances of FCC having a clue that an unauthorized person might be using their frequencies. The main aim here is to risk rotting in jail but have your device work. So that you can avoid governmental control, you will have to take your own cost. Also, have in mind that the main reason why they may be very mad at you if you use their services without a license is that you might interfere with the operations of the licensed ones.

Now, we can conclude that you might be having a license but at the end fail to receive a transmitted signal. This means that it will be legal to listen to your radio with the equipment. With that in mind, below are some of the crucial steps you need to take if you really want to use Ham radio without the necessary permission.

1. Look for the Right Equipment.

Arguably, getting your necessary equipment is the first thing and of course the most important thing. Therefore, you need to do comprehensive research on what might suit your condition most. So you have to choose between small receivers or a mobile operator. If you are buying the receiver for the first time, you must consider these factors. Additionally, you have to make the right decision whether you want a new or used device. At such instances, you can either look for recommendations from trusted friends and family members who have purchased it in the past. They will guide you to a reputable seller.

Otherwise, if you fail to have some strong recommendations, you can search online for reliable vendors. Here you can look at different reviews in the past and be in a condition to decide on what you really want to purchase.

It could be better to have the device sold by a person who is near you. Now if you don’t have that option, you can just settle for other options. Moreover, the chances of buying a new thing are that it has greater chances of lasting longer than old devices. Now, when you are looking for a reliable Ham radio, make sure you get that which makes you happy since at times you might have a different taste with your friend.

Therefore, don’t shy off spending more hours looking for the best Ham radio. Honestly, it is the most crucial stage. One ham radio you to consider is offered on Amazon. Click here to get the latest pricing on this top rated radio.

 

2. Consider Using It When SHTF.

You should make use of the Ham radio only when the disaster strikes. Though it is not recommended for you to do that since you do not have a license, just do that, and all will be well. You may not want to imagine that your radio is not working when your life entirely depends on it. Just imagine that you want to survive in a strange catastrophe only to realize that your radio device is not working at all. The only sure way to prevent all this from happening is by having regular maintenance.

In a real sense, regular maintenance involves turning the radio on time to time. The only threat, in this case, is FCC since you can be caught and have yourself fined. And if you do the necessary maintenance, you can easily use the frequency of your choice. Also, if you don’t have any clue of using the Ham radio, you can use it without the license so that when you know how to operate it easily. After all, as you become an experienced operator, you find it necessary to learn more than the basics.

3. Always Take Into Consideration the Risks Involved.

If FCC happens to catch you operating without a license, you will have to be sued and face a hefty fine. Other than that you may interfere with other people’s broadcasts. This is the main reason why it is very important for you to know the basics before taking such risks. At times FCC is so serious on anyone who taps their frequencies. Doing that can make you be tracked down. Therefore, if you are only listening to your radio, then the possibilities of being tracked are close to impossible.

And if with the knowledge of all these risks and still thinks that it is a good idea for you, there is no valid reason for you not to use the equipment.

4. Know All the Basics.

Even if you don’t have the license, there is still a need to know how to use the Ham radio. Though it is not so difficult, it requires some dedication to get the full experience. Honestly, learning how to tap frequencies is the most crucial thing. Afterward, it can be good if you know how to transmit the message in whatever frequency you want. Otherwise, if you don’t have time to learn manually, you can access some guides online.

It will be only after you are conversant with the basics will you be ready to start operating the equipment for emergencies. Having enough experience is so helpful in that you will never tap on the wrong frequency.

With that in mind, you can easily use Ham radio without a license. Moreover, it is advisable for you to conduct research more so if it is the first time to use the equipment. A great radio to consider for a beginner is one I highly recommend. Please click here to get the latest pricing on Amazon.

Related Questions

What are the benefits of having a ham radio license?  Depending on the frequency of ones ham radio equipment, a licensed Ham radios operator has access to other ham radio operators from around the world. A ham radio does not depend on internet or hard-line phones to communicate with others. As long as there is a power source, a ham radio operator to broadcast and communicate with others if a natural or man-made disaster occurs. Thus, operators in essence become goodwill ambassadors especially in emergency situations.

What can you do with a Ham Radio?  With the right equipment, a ham radio signal can reach from all parts of the globe or even into space. Using computer software, Your ham radio has the ability to communicate digitally through your computer. And you can also set up a url and talk through the internet.

What are the different Ham radio licenses?  In the US, there are three levels. For beginners, The Technician License allows the operator access to all frequencies above 30 megahertz. It allows one to communicate within the US and limited privileges on HF (shortwave radio). The next level is called the General License. This extends the license holder the ability to talk to anyone around the world on most bands. Lastly, is the Amateur Extra License. You must pass and hold the first two licenses before you can receive this one. This license allows the holder to access all Amateur radio bands as well as modes.

 

 

Carrying a flashlight has become so commonplace that it is very likely you already carry one with you. Flashlights are now made so compact that many can be latched onto a keychain, carried in bookbag, purse or pocket.  They have been built to be very sturdy and provide an extremely bright to provide the user with a very reliable light source for a considerable amount of time before you have to change its batteries or charge directly to an outlet.

Those in the prepper community know the value of having such a useful tool. For the most, it has become a defense weapon. It can be held as a baton to strike at your opponent.  The added quality is to use the brightness of the currently best selling halogens to temporarily “blind” and confuse your attacker. It gives you that extra moment to either attack or to run away. For the vicitim of such a strong beam of light, one begins to wonder, does this weapon have the potential to do permanent damage to the eyes of the perpetrator?

Thus, can a flashlight blind you? In a word–No. A flashlight, even a state of the art, sophisticated insanely high powered and bright flashlight won’t blind you. It will dazzle you, stress your retina a bit, and temporarily wash out your usable field of view. But your eyes–since they’re so important to your survival in general, are adaptable, and reset quickly. A moment or so of blinking, and you’ll be fine.

It’s not the visible white light that blinds you, but rather ultraviolet radiation from powerful light sources like a high power laser, or the powerful infrared energy from the sun. Consider–when the sun is in total eclipse, the visible light is gone. It’s the infrared energy from the corona that blinds people watching an eclipse with unprotected eyes that burn their retinas. The sun’s visible light is hardly even there.

A bright flashlight, (even the old plastic or sheet metal ones that never worked when you pulled them out of the drawer can do it–So long as they do, in fact, have fresh batteries and uncorroded contacts) can dazzle someone briefly by overloading the phosphenes in their eyes. But this is a temporary effect at best, and it’s easily circumvented with dark glasses.

There has been a lot of interest lately in so-called “tactical flashlights” that are promoted as being bright enough to stop a bear attack. While a bear might be temporarily dazzled and surprised by a super-bright light, “temporarily” is the key word here and it’s unlikely that you can put enough distance between yourself and the bear to be safe in the time it takes for it to blink its eyes back into proper function. A flashlight should not be considered a defensive weapon for something as powerful and robust as a bear.

The proper use of a “tactical flashlight” is to illuminate an area that you’re shooting into. If you dazzle an attacker or two, consider it a happy accident. A better way to choose a flashlight with the intention of using it as a secondary weapon is to look for one that is big, tough, and heavy.

You know those long, heavy aluminum shelled flashlights, stuffed full of nice dense D sized batteries that the police carry? Ever see how the police hold them, choking up on the business end with the long, heavy, battery compartment over their shoulder? In that situation, it’s a club that’s ready to brain you if you should make an unexpected move. It’s already raised and ready for action.

There is one tactical flashlight you might want to consider. It is one which I highly recommend. Click here for more details.

Choosing a Flashlight

Flashlights have earned their place in the survival kit simply by doing what they do best–Shine a light. When it’s dark, it’s a pretty safe bet that good light is going to greatly improve your chances of survival for any of a number of reasons. Simply knowing a good place to put your foot and to make your next step can be important information. When choosing a flashlight the word “lumens” comes up a lot. It’s obvious that “the more of them the better,” but what is it?

The dictionary definition for “Lumen” follows: “The SI unit of luminous flux, equal to the amount of light emitted per second in a unit solid angle of one steradian from a uniform source of one candela.” Uh…Yeah. Right. I got lost at “SI unit.” A more practical way to think about lumens is that you get about 1600 of them from a good old fashioned energy wasting 100 watts light bulb. Remember that when you’re trying to figure out which LED bulb you’re going to replace it with. Four watts of LED goes a long way up that lumen ladder.

• 1-14 lumens. Illumination that is bright enough to read words on a piece of paper
• 15-59 lumens. Gives off light that gives one ability to see in a  room, but you can’t see anything very far outdoors.
• 60-149 lumens. Provides lighting to see outdoors at night When the brightness reaches more than 100 lumens, it will impair the vision if shone into one’s eyes.
• 150-299 lumens. Light brightness up a large room. As one gets close to 300 lumens, will temporarily affect the vision of an attacker during the daytime.
• 300-699 lumens. This power strong enough to light a football stadium. With such flashlights, you’ll be able to lighten a football field.
• 700+ lumens. This level of brightness that can illuminate 2 or 3 football fields.

These are some other qualities you may want to consider:

• The strength of the beam
• The ease of use and handling of the flashlight tube
• The strength of the flashlight construction
• Its multifunctional capabilities (ex. have a flashing feature for an emergency)
• Multiple ways to charge up the flashlight
• A strap attached at the bottom of the tube to wrap around hand or wrist

Light as a “Psychological” Weapon.

If you look across the campfire and see a red dot centered over the chest of a camp-mate; What’s going to be the first thing you think of? If you think “Oh no–They’ve targeted my buddy!” You may be watching too many action flicks. Or maybe not. As cliched as it may seem, the red dot hovering over a kill spot has become a classic warning symbol. (If you want to experience another one, grasp the left lapel of your jacket pull it forward, and reach into your inner chest pocket. Try it in a crowded international airport. Some cliches will get you killed.)

If a flashlight is your best weapon, it might be worth it to attempt a psych-out. At the very least they know that you know where they are. That being said, there IS a psychological weapon that has been getting some attention from the military and law enforcement. Ever see a guy suddenly find out he’s epileptic when he drops to the dance floor in a flashy night club?

Overloading sensory systems with unusual or overpowering stimulus can have bizarre effects on an otherwise capable body. Helicopter pilots have been known to become disoriented and even crash on account of the strobe effect of sunlight through spinning helicopter blades. Researchers in nonlethal defense technology at MIT have been experimenting with a “dazzler”–A big overdeveloped flashlight that strobes color changing LED’s at varying frequencies to induce temporary confusion and nausea as a nonlethal method of incapacitation. Still a new thing but I wonder how long a pocket-sized version start appearing in the prepper catalogs?

Final Thoughts

Humans like light. Once upon a time, there really were monsters out there in the dark forest that had the nerve to sneak into the cave and drag one of us, kicking and screaming, off into the night. Harnessing fire as torches gave us the balls to sneak into their caves and teach them that humans are not a food group. Fire and electricity have helped us to conquer the dark, extend our day, and our productive hours.

But when it comes to weapons, light isn’t really there. If I had a real, Buck Rogers-style laser and had to defend myself, there’s a pretty good chance I could do more damage by shorting out its power source and tossing into a group of enemies ala a hand grenade. Ever see a burning hoverboard?

Flashlights have a right and proper place in the survival pack, desk drawer, or pocket to be ready for all sorts of situations where our eyes might need a little help to overcome the lack of light. But if you need to defend yourself and prefer to give your attacker time to contemplate his life choices behind bars, rather than help fertilize a cemetery, there truly are better choices than a flashlight.

I highly recommend this tactical flashlight that is one of the best on the market and affordable.

A bandana is a piece of either square or triangular cloth which is generally worn around the neck or head. Although it can be styled as a fashion item, the bandana also offers several practical uses. The shemagh is similar to a bandana in many ways, but is usually much larger, offering greater coverage and protection in extreme conditions. Previously seen as a predominately eastern phenomenon, the Shemagh has, in recent years, seen a rise in popularity in the western world, particularly among survivalists, hikers, and the military.

Many users find the bandana a very useful item. However, those looking for an alternative would do well to consider the shemagh. Although both garments share several characteristics (both offer protection, coverage, and have practical purposes that extend beyond a simple item of clothing), fans of the shemagh claim the garment fulfills the promise of the bandana with added extras, offering better protection, better coverage, and advanced multi-functionality.

The bandana, too, comes with its own set of die-hard fans, who cite its versatility, availability, and practical functionality as just some of the reasons for its superiority.

Choosing between the two can be tricky, and so we are faced with the question is a shemagh better than a Bandana?

Unquestionably, both the bandana and shemagh offer numerous benefits to the wearer. Some of these benefits are common to both garments, but there are unique aspects to each. Of course, personal style will play a role to some extent, but the most important thing to remember when deciding between the two is the function you need the garment to serve.

For example, the shemagh may work best in extreme conditions where you need full protection from heat, wind or sand. The bandana, on the other hand, may be better in more temperate, public environs, where full coverage may be more of a hindrance than a help.

Read on to discover why neither the bandana or shemagh is necessarily better than the other, and why deciding between the two is simply a matter of perspective.

For one of the best rated Shemagh on Amazon, click here.  Alternatively, for those who favor the bandana, I have one here that is highly recommended. Please click here to get the latest pricing.

Environment

When deciding between a shemagh or bandana, the first thing to consider is the environment you’ll be wearing it in. The shemagh, being considerably larger than the bandana, offers greater protection and coverage. It would, therefore, be the best choice in extreme heat, wind, or desert conditions.

The bandana, on the other hand, offers less coverage, making it ideal for more temperate environments. Being a smaller piece of cloth, the bandana covers less of the face than the shemagh, making it the better choice if an unobstructed view is important (for example, if you are planning on hunting or climbing).

The bandana may also be the preferable option if you’ll be wearing the garment in public places; the shemagh has, in recent years, developed an unfortunate association with terrorism, and would, therefore, be a less than ideal choice in crowded areas.

Versatility

One of the greatest advantages of the bandana is its versatility. Not only can it be worn in a variety of different environments, but it can also be worn in a multitude of different ways. It can be folded into a thick band and worn as a sweatband; worn half turban style; tied around the neck as a scarf, worn as a hairband… the variations are endless. Aside from the many ways of styling a bandana, it can also serve several different practical functions. Rolling a bandana and tying it around the forehead will keep sweat from dripping into your eyes. It can also be used as a makeshift filter to remove impurities and dirt from drinking water.

The ways of styling a shemagh are more limited, but this doesn’t mean it doesn’t serve a variety of different purposes, making it an exceptional tool in survival conditions. The large size of the shemagh makes it an ideal bandage for wounds; wrap it around the wound enough times to ensure adequate pressure on the wound to stem bleeding. If you’re setting up camp in a wooded area, wrap your food and toiletries in the shemagh and hang it off a high branch. This will keep wild animals from stealing your provisions.

The shemagh can be fashioned into a makeshift sling if you hurt your arm. If necessary, it can also be used as a signal flag. Tie it around a stick and wave it back and forth to attract the attention of rescue workers; its large size will make it noticeable even from a distance.

When it comes to versatility in styling, the bandana is the clear winner; for versatility in functional uses, the shemagh takes first place.

Size

Depending on the situation, keeping baggage to a minimum is a vital consideration. Carrying too many items can weigh you down, making certain activities difficult, or even dangerous.

The shemagh tends to be larger and weightier than a bandana. This may not be important if you plan on wearing the scarf most of the time, but it’s certainly something to consider if you’ll be carrying it around your arm or in a bag for any extended periods.

The bandana, being lighter, smaller, and available in a wide range of lightweight cloths, would, therefore, seem the preferable option if you want to keep excess weight to a minimum.

Survival Uses

Environment, size, and versatility are all important considerations to bear in mind when it comes to choosing between a shemagh and a bandana. However, depending on the situation you’re facing, it’s also vital to consider the practical, survivalist functions of both garments.

Both bandanas and shemaghs can be used to remove dirt or impurities from water, making it safe to drink. However, the larger sized shemagh can hold considerably more water, making it the better choice for drinking or carrying water over distance.

The size of the shemagh also makes it the preferable option as an emergency bandage, providing enough material to wrap and protect wounds of most sizes.

As a rule, the shemagh is larger and stronger than the bandana, making it more useful across a wider range of situations. Bandanas tend to be made of weaker material, making it easier for them to rip apart or tear. The shemagh on the hand is incredibly tough and resilient and is undoubtedly the better of the two at holding up against heavy strains.

Why Not Both?

Although interchangeable in some situations, both the bandana and shemagh have unique properties. This makes the bandana preferable over the shemagh in some cases, and the shemagh preferable over the bandana in others. This begs the question of why even try to choose between the two? If both are useful, why not carry both?

If you can, taking both will certainly give you the best of both worlds, and will equip you to deal with almost any situation you find yourself in. However, carrying both does have its downside. Weight is, of course, an important consideration in many situations.

If you’re hiking or camping, you’ll want to minimize your carrying load as much as possible. Packing additional items, even if they might be useful, is something you’ll want to avoid. In these instances, it is vital to consider which of the two options is the best fit for your environment and the potential situations you could face. Once you’ve considered the possibilities, choose your preference accordingly.

Final Thoughts

As we’ve seen, both the bandana and shemagh offer many advantages. There is no one answer to the question of which is best; the best choice is really going to depend on your own personal preference, the environment you’re facing, and the practical uses for which you’ll be employing the garment.

If you’re traveling on a hot, sunny day in a desert environment, the shemagh may the better choice. Equally, it may be preferable of the two if you need a multi-function item in extreme conditions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lightweight option to keep the sun out of your eyes; if you’re traveling in cooler weather; or if you simply want to avoid drawing too much public attention, a bandana will be the better fit.

Before deciding between the two, give some thought to your individual situation. Is a lightweight option more important than functionality? Will the weather be extreme or mild? Will you be traveling in remote, desert environments, or will you be in public for much of the time? Once you understand your unique requirements, making the right decision will be that much easier.

Click here to get the latest pricing on a highly rated shemagh on Amazon.  And for those wanting to stick with the good old bandana that I highly recommend, click here

You might be surprised to learn that powdered whole milk is used in many common foods including baby formula, instant oatmeal, creamy soups, and even milk chocolate! It is also a convenient alternative to liquid milk because it is easier to carry, can be used anywhere on the go, and is non-perishable.

These all sound like great benefits, and you might be asking yourself, “Is dry milk healthy?” While there are many conveniences associated with having it, dry whole milk contains calcium, vitamins, and minerals that you would find in liquid milk, Powdered whole milk contains oxidized cholesterol, which is the kind that builds up on your artery walls and can cause heart disease. Using it without it dissolving properly can also cause issues as the lumps are difficult to digest. so whole dry milk is generally not healthy for you. However, there are healthier alternatives to whole milk available to you.

What is Powdered Milk?

Powdered milk is simply milk that has been evaporated and dried to a powdered form, much like you would find powdered coffee. To consume it, you add water back into the powder form, but the truth is that it does not taste the same as regular liquid milk. This is because of the chemical changes that it undergoes when it is dried.

How to Make Powdered Milk

You can make your own powdered milk from whole milk pretty easily. The first step is to pasteurize the milk of your choice (it can be from a cow or goat, for example). To pasteurize, you need to heat the milk to 145 degrees for 30 minutes while stirring occasionally. This will kill the bacteria. Then simply let it cool. Of course, it is possible to make it from raw, unpasteurized milk, but it is not recommended because of the risk of bacteria.

After this step, there are four different ways to change the milk to a powdered form. Two methods you can do at home, and two methods are done in a factory. The at-home methods are both easier and can be made healthier by using skim milk.

DIY Powdered Milk

For the first at home method, you can use a food dehydrator. You will need to fill a solid tray about half full of your milk and turn the dehydrator on to 130 or 135 degrees. Leave the milk in the dehydrator for about 12 hours, and then you can check on its consistency to see if it is flaky and dry yet. If not, you will need to clean the trays, replace the milk, and continue dehydrating until it is fully dried.

The other method is a little more difficult but still fairly easy. For this one, you need to use a double boiler and simmer the milk for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Check on the consistency as it should become more creamy as the water starts to evaporate. After 2 hours, you will put the pan in your oven at 150 degrees. Not all ovens can be set to this low of a temperature, and in this case, you should not use it. Only use your oven if you can set it at 150 degrees.

Leave the milk in the oven to cook for about 12 hours. It is important to note that you should leave the oven door open a little bit because this will allow for more evaporation. Once it is dry and flaky, you can take it out of the oven and let it cool. After it is cool, it is a good idea to use a blender or food processor to smooth it into a finer powder. It’s that simple!

Factory Made Powdered Milk

One method of making powdered milk in a factory involves evaporating the milk in a vacuum chamber. This removes about half of the water, and the milk is heated at 135 degrees. It must be exactly 135 degrees in order to prevent burning. This gives you evaporated milk, which is then sprayed through small nozzles to create a very fine mist. As it is being sprayed, it is also being heated, which dries it immediately and turns it into powder.

With the second factory made method, pasteurized milk is heated inside of large steam drums which turn and allow the water to evaporate. This quickly creates a layer of dry milk inside the drum, and then it is scraped off and turned into a powder at a hammer mill. This method was used more in the past, but it is not very common anymore.

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How to Use Powdered Milk

If you want to make powdered milk into a liquid again, you can just add water. Using a blender or food processor is recommended to avoid having any lumps which, as stated before, can cause digestive issues. You can then keep this milk for 4 to 5 days for use as long as you keep it refrigerated.

Powdered milk can also be used as a powder in recipes. We mentioned at the beginning of this article that it is often used in such things as baby formula, instant oatmeal, or milk chocolate. In these cases, it would be kept in a powdered form and added directly to the recipe, and then water can be added later on to achieve the right consistency. Some people might eat powdered milk as well instead of turning it into a liquid first, but most people consuming it by itself would choose the liquid form.

Types of Powdered Milk

Just like there are several different types of liquid milk, the same goes for powdered milk. They are all made in the same way but have very different properties and nutritional values, so it is worth looking at what these different types are.

Whole – Whole milk powder, as mentioned earlier, is not considered healthy because of the risks associated with oxidized cholesterol.

Skim/Low Fat – This is considered a much healthier alternative to whole milk powder as it contains little to no oxidized cholesterol. It is preferable for cooking and drinking.

Soy – Soy powdered milk is considered safer as well since it does not contain fat. There are no concerns for your heart health when consuming soy powdered milk. There are some concerns with soy increasing estrogen levels, however, it is generally considered safe in moderation.

Coconut – Coconut powdered milk is a great, healthy option. You don’t need to worry about oxidized cholesterol or estrogen levels here, and many people prefer the flavor of coconut!

Rice – Rice powdered milk is another healthy alternative to use as it is very easy to digest. However, it is a different consistency because it does not contain the fats and oils that regular milk does, so it will not be as creamy.

Almond – Almond powdered milk is very healthy for you! It has a lot of vitamins and minerals, and it actually helps to reduce cholesterol. This is a much better option than whole milk, and it is better for weight loss or maintenance.

Pros and Cons

The only health-related con to using powdered milk is in whole milk, so as long as you choose one of the other alternatives, powdered milk can be healthy for you. Another downside is that it should be stored in a cool place, somewhat like liquid milk would be, but it only needs to be below 75 degrees. It is also advised to keep it in an airtight container and to keep it out of the light. Exposure to light could affect the vitamins in the milk and lower its nutritional value.

As far as pros go, if stored correctly, it can last a very long time. Some people even say you can keep it for decades in the proper containers. They are also easy to carry with you on the go and more cost effective than liquid forms. When cooking with them, you won’t be able to tell the difference between using powdered or liquid form, and some powdered forms can be very healthy for you.

Powdered milk can be a very useful product to have around. Whole powdered milk is fine to use in a pinch or just once in a while, but for more frequent uses, choose one of the lower fat or plant-based alternatives like skim, almond, or coconut.

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Additional Questions

Is there a way to tell if powdered milk has gone bad? Yes, you can tell simply by looking at it or smelling it. Powdered milk that has expired will be more of a yellow color than white, and it will have a bad odor like spoiled liquid milk would. If you notice these things, it is better to be safe and throw the powdered milk away to avoid the risk of getting sick.

What other milks are shelf stable? There are several other types of milk that are shelf-stable and non-refrigerated. They are still in liquid form but are processed differently than regular milk. You can find just as many varieties of this form of milk as you would with any other. They remain stable by being heated to a very high temperature to sterilize it and then sealed in an airtight container.

Do all shelf stable foods have oxidized cholesterol in them? No, because not all foods contain cholesterol at all. If the fresh form of a type of food contains cholesterol, then the dried or dehydrated form will contain oxidized cholesterol. For example, butter powder, cheese powder, and dehydrated meats contain oxidized cholesterol because the fresh forms of these foods contain cholesterol themselves.

 

It’s practically a cliche. A mysterious stranger emerges from the shadow, applies crackling electrodes to the neck of the protagonist who drops like a stone inert and oblivious, to be carried away for plot advancement. If you’ve seen it once, you’ve seen it a thousand times. Total Hollywood nonsense. But, can a stun gun knock someone unconscious?

No. Not when it’s used as intended, and frankly; misusing one is difficult and dangerous. The short space between the probes keeps the direct electrical action of the stun gun localized to a few muscles. It’s those muscles interaction on other nearby muscles and the brief disruption of neural feedback that causes confusion and disorientation.

To understand the reason for that, it only takes a short excursion into the basic physics of electricity and it’s effects of electricity on the human body. The brain is an electrochemical switchboard that monitors the network of nerves throughout the body. It receives input from the body’s sensory network and controls the conscious and unconscious systems of the body.

What are the Effects of Using a Stun Gun on the Attacker?

For example, you reach out and touch a candle. Nerves in your hand send a “PAIN!” sensory signal to the brain, which sends “Get away from that!” response to the muscles. (Actually, response to touching a flame becomes a reflex as soon as you’ve done it once. When it happens again, you’ll snatch your hand back before you even feel the pain.)

So, while a stun gun won’t knock someone out; It’s one of a number of options that will disable an attacker long enough to effect a potential escape. There is a strange and somewhat unintuitive relationship between the high voltage and low current encountered in a typical stun gun and it’s effect on humans. The electrical impulses of the brain are affected by the electrical output of a stun gun. The higher the voltage, the higher the pain experienced, but it’s the current that makes the shock dangerous.

Voltage is analogous to pressure in a system of pipes or a stream where water flows. Current is the flow of electricity, just as current is the flow of water. Consider the weak stream of a water pistol, vs the onslaught of a firehose. Electrical current is measured in amperes, (shortened to “amps,” or “a”.) At 1ma, (that is, “milliamp” one-thousandth of an amp) you can barely feel the flow of current. Over 10 ma, current starts to have effects of paralysis over muscles.

Depending on the path of the electric current, the heart can stop, lungs stop working, or control of the muscles in your hand lost so that you can’t let go. Four ma tends to be the high value (or close to it.) of the output of a stun gun. Situations resulting in death by electrocution usually involve a grounded body, or the path of electricity crossing the heart or lungs, causing paralysis. The electrical path of a stun gun does not ground the body.

Ridiculous claims are often made about the voltage output of a stun gun–Sometimes as high as a million volts or more. It takes just about three thousand volts for electricity to arc across a millimeter of open air, and therefore about thirty thousand for a sustained spark to leap across the centimeter separation of a typical pair of stun gun probes. Manufacturers get away with these claims because most people don’t have the knowledge, equipment, or nerve, to actually test it. It’s actually fairly simple to make the test with a high voltage source and a spark gap made of a pair of screws. But please don’t try this at home kiddies. It’s better to rely on trusted manufacturers and their posted specifications.

Typically, the effect of being struck by a stun gun is confined to the small area between the electrodes. This causes the muscles in that vicinity to spasm, causing pain and loss of muscle control in the immediate area. The contraction due to the spasms of the muscles caused by the disrupting current has a cascading effect on other muscles in the area which is what causes the debilitating effects of the stun gun. Since the area directly affected by electricity is small and not through the brain, it doesn’t have any effect on consciousness.

Likewise, the short distance between the electrodes of a stun gun keeps it from shocking the wielder if they happen to contact the victim. Should the electrical impulse of a stun gun be applied across the heart, it could potentially be dangerous and cause issues such as arrhythmia (erratic heartbeat) that can be life-threatening. But due to the way the electrical probes are applied to a confined area, this is unlikely. Sustained application of the probes could cause burns in the vicinity of the probes and the loss of muscle control has been known to cause involuntary urination. But barring a fall and strike to the head, stun guns don’t knock people unconscious.

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Are Stun Guns Legal?

Stun guns are legal in Puerto Rico and most states. They are illegal in the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, New York, Massachusettes, and Rhode Island. They are illegal in the District of Columbia, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Baltimore County, Maryland. Also in Chicago Illinois, and Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Some states have ID and licensing requirements so, most certainly check your state and local laws.

 

Other Options?

There are similar electrical weapons. The cattle probe was invented in the nineteenth century. Its design is similar to the stun gun in that it has a pair of probes to apply an electrical shock to the skin of an animal–In this case a cow. Stun guns are vaguely pistol handle shaped with two short probes. They don’t actually “shoot” anything. Cattle probes are generally one to six feet long and provide a lower voltage shock that shocks animals with a lower voltage to convince the cow to move along. Stun guns, as discussed, temporarily disable an attacker from disruption of muscle control.

The term “stun gun” is something of a misnomer. Stun guns are actually up-close-and-personal weapons for hand to hand combat. They don’t actually “shoot” anything. Which brings up yet another device that shares technology with a stun gun. The taser uses springs or compressed gas, to fire a pair of tethered electrodes with barbed probes. The tethers are a pair of wires about 10 feet long. The barbs help ensure the probes catch on the skin or clothing. Electrictrical shocks of similar characteristics are sent via repeatedly pushing the trigger or a button near the trigger.

If one or both probes fail to catch on the attackers clothing or skin, the electrical circuit is not completed and the taser will not work. However, due to the possibility of the probes catching in distant locations across an assailant’s torso, it’s somewhat more likely for the probes to stick in locations that could potentially send the electrical stream across the assailant’s heart. While not an electrical weapon, pocketable pepper spray dispensers possess arguably more stopping power than a stun gun. The chemicals cause irresistible irritation and pain (that remains) to the eyes and skin that lasts until it’s been washed away.

Final Thoughts

Before deciding on a non-lethal weapon for personal defense, do your research. Prices vary widely, and consumer review sites are full of people just dying to tell you their experiences. Not to mention, laws change all the time. So, all things considered, it’s highly unlikely that a stun gun will knock someone unconscious. This is one of the reasons that stun guns are generally accepted by law enforcement as an acceptable defensive weapon. A stun gun knocking someone out would likely involve the victims head striking some hard object on his way down.

True, the same electrical stimulus applied across the brain, heart, or lungs, would likely have that effect due to the loss of muscle control because of the interruption of the brains’ instructions to keep pumping, or breathing, but stun guns are built to localize the electrical effect and keep that sort of thing from happening.

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