You love camping in your popup camper in springtime, but cold weather is more complicated. Naturally, a small heater is a right solution, but which one? You don’t want too much heat in such a small space. Not only will it make you sweat, but it also wastes energy and risks causing a burn. Safe indoor camp heating is very similar to a tent on the ground. Luckily with a popup camper, you don’t need to lay on the cold earth. Resultantly your camper is likely more comfortable than traditional camping. Moreover, you can insulate a popup more efficiently than any tent. I’ll walk you through the best solutions for popup camping so you can stay warm no matter when or where you camp.

Staying Warm in a Popup Camper Matters

Something as simple as adding a small heater to your popup camper can help solve unexpected problems. No one wants frostbitten toes or a runny nose. Particularly when distractions can affect your survival odds, staying warm enough to avoid inconvenient side effects matters more than you expect.

Although avoiding chilly mornings isn’t always a priority on the preppers list, sleeping in comfort makes a huge difference. Stiff muscles from shivering is a waste of energy. Moreover, aches and pains make it harder to get moving. Sadly, in an emergency, anything that slows you down or wastes your reserves is a problem, but addressing this one is simple.

Space Heaters in Popup Campers

Popup campers aren’t huge, and the wrong space heater can become uncomfortable or even dangerous quickly. Before you run out and grab the first small heater you see, there are some essential considerations. For example, you should consider where you plan to put the heater since placement is vital.

Indoor heaters need open space around them. Resultantly, a crowded popup camper needs a place where your heat isn’t blowing onto anything flammable. You may need to reorganize before you can safely warm your space.

Additionally, all heaters require a power source. Propane and electricity are both smart options since battery-powered heaters are rare and often inefficient. However, burning propane in a small space isn’t an ideal solution.

I recommend electric heaters for popup campers. Depending on your circumstances, you will need a generator or a cord adapter to run your electric heater. Furthermore, in choosing the right model for your space, consider things like roof vents and windows.

You may want to make sure there’s an opening somewhere to vent excess heat in the morning. A little sunshine can make your space heat up very fast. Alternately, you probably don’t want to leave a cold air source right beside your head or toes, so using a non-propane option means you won’t need those vents at night.

Although it takes some forethought, heating your popup camper is a great way to stay warm in winter, assuming you can do it safely. An electric space heater will help. Plus, there’s less risk than keeping a propane tank in an enclosed space, which is never recommended.

Top Five Best Heaters for a Popup Camper

Investing in a popup camper for fun or survival is a wise choice, and choosing the right heater to go with it will get you where you need to go in comfort. Don’t skimp on the comfort where it matters. Heat is not one of those unnecessary luxuries; in fact, it’s vital to survival like food, water, and light.

All the options on this top five list will heat a small space like your popup camper quickly. After looking at all the safety features, and other qualities on hundreds of heaters, this curated collection will keep you from getting frostbite when you need it most.

1. Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater

Lasko is a well-known and trusted brand in space heaters. The small, but mighty Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater is outstanding for use in smaller spaces. Hence, this little heater will warm up to three hundred square feet, making it an ideal warmer for a popup camper. 

Laskos is superb for many indoor uses, so it will keep you toasty inside a camper easily. Plus, this model is easily portable. At just zero-point-nine-six ounces, the handle allows for easy carrying, and it doesn’t take up too much space.

A simple plug on a generator or adapter for a car battery will keep you warm inside your popup. Once on, the Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater will provide odor-free heat for as long as it has power. If you’re camping in winter, when the nights are long, you may want to opt for the higher settings to be sure you stay warm all night.

Safety Features

With a built-in fan to move the heat, you’ll stay warm anywhere inside your popup camper. Because the Lasko has an automatic tip-proof shutoff feature, you may not stay warm if you set it on a sloped surface. The switch has to be depressed on the bottom, or the heater won’t engage.  Fortunately, the red power light on the front will let you know your Lasko is working.

Fortunately, the ETL certification means this model is safety certified and approved. Make sure you place your Lasko on a level surface, so your heater doesn’t tip or fall over. Although there’s a very sensitive automatic shutoff if the Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater tips, you still don’t want a hot device landing on top of anything meltable or breakable.

It’s essential to read the manual on any space heater. Moreover, you’ll void the warranty if you don’t use your heater correctly.

Get a Lasko Ceramic Space Heater from Amazon by clicking here.

2. PELONIS Table Circulation Fan

Three things stand out about Pelonis Table Circulation Fans for popup camping right away. First, they guarantee fast shipping within three days. Quick delivery times have become something most people expect. Luckily, getting your heater before you need it is essential for emergency preparedness. Hence the quick-shipping is a nice bonus.

Secondly, Pelonis is confident in its quality. The company offers a one-year warranty on all its heating fans. You probably won’t have any issues with this superb yet small heater. However, if you do, you can get it replaced.

Last but far from least, this is a heater which helps in summer or winter. The heating function is optional. So, once things warm back up, you can still use your conveniently portable Pelonis to help move air and cool you off. Double duty makes any survival supply more desirable and useful.

Bonus Features

Your Pelonis Table Circulation Fan will fit easily in a small space. However, there are other good reasons to choose this model. For one thing, it’s quiet. Noisy fans can become irritatingly loud, especially in a small space.

Moreover, Pelonis has several safety features. Not only is this fan and heater ETL certified, but it also has a tip-over switch in case of accidents. Plus, this heater has two settings, nine-hundred and fifteen-hundred watts, with an overheat sensor that shuts down the device before it becomes dangerously warm.

Pick your Pelonis by clicking here.

3. Isiler Space Heater

Like the Lasko, an Isiler Space Heater is a small, yet powerful ceramic heater made for indoor spaces. Especially if you’re using a generator for your popup camper, this is a convenient way to stay warm in cold temperatures. 

With a three-month money-back warranty from Amazon, you can rest easy knowing the Isiler is manufacturer guaranteed to work correctly. Hence, you get peace of mind and warmth. Additionally, this model is ETL certified for indoor use, but please don’t set your Isiler Space Heater outdoors.

Unlike some generic small ceramic heaters, the Isiler Space Heater uses PTC ceramic heating elements that do not consume oxygen. Ceramic is ideal for popup camping enthusiasts who are concerned about propane heaters that can use up oxygen while you sleep and require chilly vent holes.

Make sure you place the Isiler Space Heater on an appropriate, level surface. Heaters should never sit on top of papers or fabrics. Furthermore, like most electric heaters, there’s a no-tip shutoff to keep you safe. 

Powerful Options

With a temperature range from forty-one degrees to ninety-five, you’ll be able to adapt your heating solution to your specific needs. That means you don’t need to overheat on chilly nights or freeze in icy circumstances. Better still, you’ll love the instant warming that you can use right out of the package.

At just two-point-four-three pounds, this ultra-portable heater won’t weigh you down. Hence, it’s ideal for any bug-out gear cache. The widest side only measures seven inches, which means you’ll be able to fit the Isiler Space Heater inside your popup camper with no trouble.

The biggest problem with such a superb small heater is that you might want to buy more than one. You can use these in the house when you’re not camping to keep hard to heat spaces warm or take it out to the garage when you’re working on your popup camper in colder seasons.

Check the Amazon reviews here.

4. OPOLAR Ceramic Space Heater

Unlike many options, ceramic space heaters produce plenty of heat without the hot coils you’ll find on other models. The OPOLAR Ceramic Space Heater has an adjustable thermostat so you can choose how warm you prefer your popup camper. Moreover, there are three modes; high heat (fifteen hundred watts), low heat (nine hundred watts), and a fan-only function. 

The ability to heat in winter and cool in summer with a simple fan makes this sturdy space heater extra useful. Moreover, the broad base means you’re less likely to tip it over by accident. However, ceramic heaters can be safer than hot-coil counterparts, and this model has a tip-over switch that will turn it off if something does happen.

You probably won’t need the extra protection, but it’s nice to know you have it anyhow. The tip over and overheating functions have a five-year warranty. Plus, the whole OPOLAR Ceramic Space Heater comes with a one-year warranty that covers any defects. 

When your OPOLAR Ceramic Space Heater is on, the red power indicator light will warn you. Additionally, this heater is quiet, allowing you to get to sleep without issues on the coldest nights. With it’s ETL approval and easy portability, this little yellow electric heater is all you need to stay toasty in a cold popup camper. 

Learn more about OPOLAR Ceramic Space Heaters by clicking here.

5. Comfort Zone Personal Heater

You’ll appreciate the stay-cool metal housing on a Comfort Zone Personal Heater. No one likes to worry about accidentally knocking an ankle or elbow into a burning heater when they wake up. Luckily CZ thought about that when they designed this compact portable heater.

The handle on top makes this model easy to move around if you want to adjust the direction your heat is flowing. Furthermore, the cube shape is easy to pack into any space and fits well into your bug-out plans.

Like all the models in this list, the CZ has a tip-over switch. Additionally, there’s an overheat sensor to help keep you safe. Plus, there are power and caution lights, so you’ll always know where your heater is in the dark.

Adjustable heat settings and a fan-only option make the Comfort Zone Personal Heater an excellent choice for popup campers in any weather. Moreover, using an energy-efficient heater can do more than warm a camper. You can use it at home to help keep your electricity bills down as well.

Check out Comfort Zone on Amazon right here.

Final Thoughts

Help your heater along by insulating your popup camper properly in the cold season. Putting in the extra time and effort will help you stay warmer and use less fuel or power. Combining methods like this does more to keep out the chill.

You should also consider getting a good cold weather sleeping bag to help you sleep well if temps are going to get below freezing. Adding insulation and heaters aren’t the only things you can do to sleep well in any weather. Choose the right clothing as well. There’s no reason to have body aches and chilly toes when a little forethought can prevent it.

For genuine survival situations, it takes a bit more effort to keep your popup camper warm. Fortunately, a few trials runs before SHTF will show you where to make improvements.

You’re getting ready for a big camping trip, and you need a pressure cooker. Meal planning is a big part of how you survive in the wilderness, and campsite cooking is a vital skill. Regardless of why you’re camping, fun, training, or survival, what you eat is essential. Moreover, how you cook food matters. Fortunately, the faster you can heat your food, the fewer vitamins and nutrients it will lose. Hence, pressure cookers are ideal for making quick, easy meals outdoors. Luckily, you can eat well in any situation with the right equipment. I’ll walk you through what you need from a camping pressure cooker. Don’t burn your food or your fingers. Tasty tips and tricks will keep your energy and spirits high even in an emergency. Plus, pressure cookers make outstanding food. So you can eat like you do at home and save time while you’re at it.

Pressure Cooker Vs. Dutch Oven for Camp

It is an easy mistake to make, but a dutch oven isn’t the same as a pressure cooker. Although they share some similarities, like using lids to help keep the heat in and cook food quickly and evenly, the difference is vital. Most notably, the weight discrepancy is often massive.

Typically a dutch oven is made from cast iron. That means it stays hot for a long time, though it takes slightly longer to heat up initially. Additionally, cast iron is heavy. Although dutch ovens make delightful meals, they’re not the best for camping and emergency survival.

Waiting to cool off the metal for hours, and carrying extra weight isn’t a wise choice. Instead, a pressure cooker can give you a similar effect. Moreover, you can often cool down the metal faster, and they tend to weigh substantially less than cast iron of equivalent size.

Additionally, your pressure cooker has a lid that seals completely. Often there are clamps to hold it in place, so no heat disburses while the top is on. Resultantly, you get exceptionally fast and even cooking. Meanwhile, a dutch oven relies on the weight of the lid to hold it in place. To avoid spills and food loss, choose a high-quality pressure cooker.

Pressure Cooker Uses for Camping

Camping pressure cookers are fantastic for quick, nutritious meals. Because camping and survival are typically rigorous physical activities, your body needs vitamins, protein, and minerals more than usual. Faster cooking means preserving more of the inherent food value.

If that wasn’t enough reason to choose an anodized aluminum pressure cooker over more massive, slower options, consider this. In an actual SHTF scenario, you may not have as much time to stop. When you’re being pursued, or there’s a risk of trouble, the faster you can eat, the better. You might be a fantastic hunter, but eating raw squirrel or deer isn’t a good idea if you can avoid it.

Top Five Best Camping Pressure Cookers

Pressure cookers for camping should be standard supplies on any checklist. However, not all makes and models are the same. Not only do you need high-quality materials, but a home range-top pressure cooker isn’t quite the same.

Watch out for pressure cookers with a plastic handle on both sides. Holding a plastic handle at the edge of a campfire is alright, but you don’t want one in flames. Melted plastic can ruin your meal, your cooker, and your day. I’ve narrowed down a list of the top five outstanding camp-friendly pressure cookers to make it easier for you.

1. Hawkins B60 Pressure Cooker

When you’re cooking for a big appetite or a small family, the Hawkins B60 Pressure Cooker from Amazon is a solid choice. The single handle won’t leave you toasting plastic over a fire. Plus you can cook a meal for two to four people.

Eighteen-eight food-grade stainless steel holds up well under intense heat. More importantly, it’s sturdier than the cheap knockoffs that will leave you hungry, with burnt meals. Additionally, the even surface won’t leave you with hot spots, allowing for evenly heated dishes and no wasted time or fuel.

The Hawkins B60 Pressure Cooker comes from a known and trusted name that’s been around for over half a century. Hence, you can rely on making quick, nutritious meals for a long time. Plus, the included cookbook will help give you ideas for more diverse options.

Learn all about Hawkins here.

2. Prestige Deluxe Pressure Cooker

Like steel, hard-anodized aluminum makes an impressive cooker. The Prestige Deluxe Pressure Cooker from Amazon is lighter than its steel counterparts and far less weighty than a dutch oven. Resultantly, this cooker won’t weigh you down the way heavy pots can.

The Pi Pressure Indicator on Prestige Cookers helps keep you safe by indicating how much pressure is built up inside. You don’t want an exploding mess. Even if you don’t get burnt, too much pressure will cause spillage and wasted food. In survival situations, that’s a terrible thing.

Better yet, the Prestige Deluxe Pressure Cooker is ISI certified to meet international standards for pressure cooking. The GSR will release excess pressure even if the safety release valve gets blocked. Safer, healthier food on the go is the smartest choice, and Prestige can help you with that.

To get a Prestige Cooker delivered, order here.

3. Presto Aluminum Pressure Cooker

When you need a robust, durable, no-nonsense way to make meals quickly, the Presto Aluminum Pressure Cooker delivers. When SHTF, you won’t have to worry about extra weight or fancy features to confuse you. Hence, Presto is one of the most straightforward, high-quality options around.

You’ll be happy with how easy it is to make a hearty meal in this model. The Presto doesn’t require much monitoring to turn out a tasty dish in no time. Moreover, this cooker is better over a fire than on a coil stove, making it ideal for campfire cooking or gas stoves.

One of the things Presto Aluminum Pressure Cookers are most known for is their durability. A genuinely excellent pressure cooker like this should last for years if it ever wears out at all. You’ll be eating hot food even when the SHTF and society crumbles, but you don’t have to wait that long to try it out.

To check Prestos’ Amazon reviews, click here.

4. Hawkins Contura 

Like the larger Hawkins that made the number one spot on our list, the Hawkins Contura is made from outstanding materials. Coming from a company known for its excellent products, this smaller, darker cooker will feed one or two people fast.

The curved body makes it easier to stir your food. Furthermore, this model makes an ideal substitute for a standard pot as well. You can leave the lid off for more versatile cooking options.

Annodized, rather than stained, the black body of the Hawkins Contura Pressure Cooker absorbs heat. Cooking three to ten times faster than a standard pot, when the lid is down, means you can get back on the trail more quickly. Additionally, this model is exceptionally corrosion-resistant, so it will last longer than the cheap kit cookers some campers buy and destroy.

Choose a Contura from Amazon by clicking here.

5. Prestige Alpha Deluxe 

The unique alpha base makes the Prestige Alpha Deluxe stand out. Especially for those who use camp stoves instead of fires, you can make perfect, evenly heated meals quickly. The base distributes heat exceptionally well for better results.

Like it’s larger causing, this two-liter cooker is worth adding to any bug-out bag or camping trip. When you prefer to travel alone or with just one other person, the Alpha Deluxe is an excellent choice to cook for two. Once you’ve mastered the art of pressure cooking, you’ll wonder why you ever wasted time on other methods.

Retaining vital nutrients through faster cooking isn’t a secret, but it’s all too often overlooked in survival situations where every calorie, vitamin, and mineral matters. Luckily, you don’t need to worry about that with a superb pressure cooker like the Prestige Alpha Deluxe.

Use the pressure indicator screw to judge when the food is done efficiently. Once you can see the bottom of that screw, your meal should be cooked if you portioned it correctly. More importantly, you can boil with less water in a Prestige Alpha Deluxe, so you’ll have more left to drink in an emergency.

The pressure and heat retention boil water faster, which helps with more than merely food. You can sterilize bandages quickly if a member of your party is injured, saving vital moments while they could get infected or bleed out more than necessary.

To pick your prestige, click here.

Final Thoughts

It’s so easy to mistake a cast iron dutch oven for a camping pressure cooker. Both can perform similar functions. However, since the pressure cooker comes in aluminum and other options, it’s usually much lighter weight and more comfortable to carry.

Food and water will add substantial mass to a container. When in doubt, always opt for a durable and lightweight cooker. Whether you plan to cook for a family or prefer going solo, an excellent pressure cooker will feed you fast.

Learning to cook outdoors is one of the great delights of campers and backpackers. There’s nothing quite like sitting around a fire with hot food after a long day, and your pressure cooker will get you there faster so you can relax longer.

When you’re out kayaking, the world seems to drop away. The only thing you need to worry about is keeping an eye on the weather and your surroundings. Luckily there’s a simple solution. Get a high-quality set of waterproof binoculars to see your way clear. Unfortunately, with so many choices, it’s hard to tell which sets are worth your time. I’ll help you find the best kayaking binoculars so you can look at the water ahead.

Moreover, this essential survival item will help you even when you’re out of the water. Realistically, the ability to see what’s ahead is vital no matter where you are. You’ll be able to avoid problems more easily if you know they’re coming.

Binoculars for Kayaking Safety

If you have some experience at kayaking, then you know there are plenty of things that can go wrong, but an excellent pair of binoculars helps minimize the risks. There’s a big difference between ocean kayak trips and heading down a river or across a lake. However, spotting danger is the same.

It’s all too easy to get distracted as you paddle. The flow of the water and fresh air are intoxicating, plus your body may release endorphins to help you keep going longer. Unfortunately, all those things can conspire to create a dangerous situation, especially when you’re kayaking during a major SHTF level problem.

Merely having a good set of binoculars bouncing against your chest will help you remember to scope out the path ahead. Making sure you’re not about to run into trouble on the water is vital. Furthermore, you can check out your intended campsite for any potential problems.

From bears to people, there are plenty of troubles on land. Meanwhile, in the water, you can peer ahead to make sure no trees, boats, or other obstacles block your path. Avoiding problems is an essential survival skill.

What Kayaking Binoculars Need Most

There are a few basic features to look out for when choosing your kayaking binoculars. Among the most important are weight, how far you can see, and whether they’re wearable. However, none of that matters if your kayak binoculars aren’t water and fog-proof.

To see the path ahead, you need viewers that are right for the environment. The best, furthest seeing, desert binoculars in the world might not make it fifty feet downstream on a damp morning. Always look for water resistance first.

Unless you plan to set them in your lap, binoculars that have a place to add a lanyard or other wearable features are essential. You don’t want to lose your ability to see ahead. Moreover, it’s vital to reach them quickly in an emergency.

The exception is when you choose a minimal, portable pair that fits in a pocket. Tactical vests and pants often have a place you can easily pack small binoculars. Once you resolve where to put your equipment, check the weight and how far they’ll see to make sure your set is well suited to your needs.

Top Five Best Binoculars for Kayaking

Like most valuable equipment, binoculars for kayaking are easy to find. A little too easy. It seems there are a million pairs of waterproof distance viewers out there. However, not all the options live up to their own hype.

I’ve curated this list to help you avoid the knockoffs and easily broken junk. These top five kayaking binoculars are durable. More importantly, they can actually handle water. No one wants their essential gear to fail at the wrong moment. Hence, the high-quality binoculars on this list are a cut above the rest.

1. Celestron Outland X

Waterproof and fog proof, the Celestron Outland X Binoculars are made for wet adventures. You’ll appreciate the Bak-4 prisms and multicoated optics, whether your life depends on it for survival or not. High-quality viewing with enhanced color fidelity is vital when you’re in a moving kayak.

The protective rubber armoring that coats these binoculars helps keep out moisture and resist any damage from dropping or accidental hits they might take along the way. Plus, the rubber enables you to keep a firm grip even when the water is choppy. Moreover, the inside is filled and sealed with dry nitrogen gas to help prevent internal fogging even in harsh conditions.

Celestron Outland X Binoculars are meant to go out in any weather and give you a clear picture of whatever lies ahead. As the number one telescope brand Celestron takes pride in its products and offers a lifetime limited warranty along with US-based expert support for any issues or questions you might have. When you need exceptional equipment, trust a company that’s been around for more than half a century.

Check out Celestron on Amazon here.

2. Bushnell H2O Waterproof

Bushnell compact binoculars are a superb choice for small, portable viewing on the go. As the name indicates, these are waterproof and fog-proof, nitrogen-purged viewers. Plus, the O-ring seals help keep them performing on the move.

The eyecups twist on this model for easy viewing. Moreover, there’s a simple, twisting center focus knob to bring the water ahead into sight. With a fifteen-foot close focus distance, you can see near and far with Bushnell H2O Waterproof Binoculars.

Non-slip, shock-absorbing rubber on the outside helps you keep a grip and prevents damage in case of minor accidents. Furthermore, there’s a limited lifetime warranty on these small, twelve-ounce binoculars to make sure you get the most out of them.

Check Bushnells’ Amazon reviews right here.

3. SkyGenius

SkyGenius Full Size Binoculars live up to their name in the field. Although these incredible viewers were made to watch fast-moving birds in flight, you can use the same technology when your surroundings are flashing past on the river. Even eyeglasses wearers will love these easy-to-adjust binoculars.

The aspherical lenses and independently adjustable eyepieces give every viewer the best look at whatever the water or trail ahead might hold. Better still, there’s a tripod interface on the SkyGenius Full-Size Binoculars for when you stop. Stable viewing allows you to see more, and plan for what’s coming better.

Perhaps most notable of all is the customer service on these superb binoculars. SkyGenius cares enough to reach out to customers, and their hassle-free service makes it easy to ask questions and learn more about your binocular’s capabilities.

Select your SkyGenius Binoculars here.

4. Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars

The large eyepieces on these compact binoculars are designed to give you the best view. If you have large hands, Occer compact will fit in your grasp easily, and that means they’ll also slip into cargo pockets, backpacks, and tactical pouches with ease. Traveling on water or land is much simpler when you don’t need to worry about where to stash your most important gear.

You’ll love the FMC broadband coating technology and Bak-4 prisms. The green and blue FMC tints help reflect unwanted light. Hence you get a more unobstructed view even when the sun is shining off the water. That’s certainly useful when you’re kayaking.

Made from lightweight ABS plastic, Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars weigh in at a minuscule zero-point-six-five pounds. You can use the convenient, durable ‘cruise binocular strap,’ around your neck, or simply stick these lifetime waterproof portable viewers in a pouch or pocket for easy access all the time. 

Learn all about Occer Compact Binoculars right here.

5. SGODDE Compact Binoculars

Even in dim light, SGODDE Compact Binoculars will help you see anything coming. Although you won’t have full-dark night vision, you’ll have up to three-hundred-sixty-two foot wide-angle view at a thousand feet away. 

Like all the options on this list, SGODDE Binoculars are waterproof. However, they’re also skid-proof and dustproof, which helps prevent scratches and damage. Whether you need these for daily life, to watch football, or for life and death situations on the water, you’ll be happy to have these compact viewers.

Although it may surprise you, the quality of these binoculars is equal to full-size high-end choices without the wasted space and weight in your gear. The crystal clear view will show you everything ahead. Moreover, the compact size is suitable for adults or children. Plus, SGODDE Compact Binoculars are easy to handle and adjust. 

Have a pair of SGODDE Binoculars delivered to your door when you order here.

Final Thoughts

Getting lost in nature is delightful, but when you’re kayaking, you need good binoculars, so you don’t genuinely end up lost. Taking the wrong fork in a river, or merely landing in the wrong place to camp can change your survival odds. Especially when you have a specific destination, scouting ahead is vital.

From fallen trees to drunken tourists out joyriding, you’ll never know what’s ahead unless you’re looking out for it. Although your binoculars won’t prevent every possible problem, using them liberally can save your life. Preventing injury, damage to your craft and other issues can be as simple as keeping an eye out.

Whether you’re out having fun and watching the birds and stars, or trying to assess life and death situations, seeing further helps. Always carry waterproof binoculars when kayaking.

Your credit card won’t help when society crumbles, and banks go under, so what can you do? Real valuables like gold are the way to go, but how do you keep them secure? A safe doesn’t have to be the size of a bank vault to keep your precious metals away from thieves. Keeping your gold coins or bars inside is simple, and hiding a safe might take some forethought, but it’s achievable at home. You’ll rest more comfortably once your valuables are locked uptight. I’ll walk you through some of the best safes to stash your treasures away for a rainy day or an emergency.

Where to Hide Your Safe at Home

We’ve all seen a movie where some rich guy pulls a picture frame aside to reveal a safe in the wall. Hence, that’s a terrible place to hide your gold. Because everyone knows about the safe in the wall trick, you need to get creative.

Instead of becoming a cliche, make a more creative choice. Build your safe into a kitchen cabinet, or under your bathroom sink. If you can build it down into your floor, that’s an easy-to-cover location. Simply place a rug over the access panel.

If you can’t set the safe into a solid cabinet or floor, then hide it well. A box in the attic labeled “X-mas Lights” is a bright spot; few thieves will care to check. Skip the bedroom closets and underwater drawers. Instead, place it under a kids’ bed, or under a false front on a bookshelf.

You could build a false laundry basket. Attach it to the floor with epoxy, and place old clothing around your safe in an out-of-the-way location like a laundry room. Anywhere that robbers are less likely to swipe things is a good location.

Your best choice is always to make a safe invisible. Hence the wall and floor hiding spaces are so popular. When you can’t make a safe disappear, the trick is making the hiding spot look undesirable.

Gold Isn’t the Only Thing to Keep in a Safe

When you choose a safe for your gold, keep in mind what else you plan to protect. There’s no reason your safe should be a one-trick pony. Like all vital survival equipment, your safe should do double duty.

Secure your private documents like spare copies of birth certificates and social security cards inside. You should also put your lease and any insurance information in with your gold. Assuming your emergency isn’t TEOTWAWKI, then you’ll probably need those things as well.

Because safes are essentially fancy, secure, metal boxes, you can often use them to protect other valuables from EMPs. Stick a spare cell phone, or thumb drives with essential data and a slender laptop that can read them in with your bullion.

Don’t store anything perishable inside a safe. Old baseball cards are fine. However, that box of chocolates you plan to give your wife next week could melt or attract insects. Nothing ruins a surprise faster than lousy storage.

Top Five Best Safes for Gold

There are plenty of safe-makers out there, and that means more options than you can count easily. However, you don’t need every safe. Unless you’re Fort Knox, one high-quality choice should be enough. I combed through every safe I could find to curate this list of the top five best safes for your gold.

Now you can secure your serious valuables at home. That means no worries about bank hours, or thieves when an emergency hits. You’ll have what you need within reach with any one of these superb safes.

1. Lovndi Security Safe Box

Biometric safes are incredibly hard to defeat. The Lovndi Security Safe Box from Amazon is a superb way to keep anyone out of your gold. The pry-proof door is just the first of many features that prevent theft. Robbers won’t be able to slip a crowbar into the crack to pop the two-inch electromagnetic door panel.

Unlike classic safes that a smart criminal can dial until they open, there’s no way to guess and check your way inside a Lovndi. A hand tremor or three wrong entries cause this safe to scream out an alarm warning. To make it stop, you have to input the right answer making this safe virtually impossible to get away with for any crook.

The four expansion bolts that come with this model will help you mount it solidly to the floor, wall, or any surface you prefer. Moreover, the backup opening system provides you with a key to use along with the dial for emergency access.

Learn everything about Lovndi here.

2. Barska Biometric Safe

The DOJ-approved Barska Biometric Safe will keep your gold secure. Additionally, you can use this secure safe to keep guns and other essential items. As the number one choice on our list, there’s a simple backup key to help you access your valuables in an emergency.

This safe passes four tests to get its DOJ rating. The drop, pick, pry, and saw tests prove that each Barska can prevent theft. Moreover, you can mount your safe securely so it won’t move if robbers try to take it with them.

You’ll have two solid steel bolts between your treasure and any thieves. Better yet, Barska will hold up to thirty fingerprints. That means you can record all your fingers and still have spares to give several family members or trusted friends emergency access as well.

See the Amazon reviews for Barska here.

3. Tigerking Digital Security

Internal upgrades make the Tigerking Digital Security Safe noteworthy. Many stand-alone safes are superb on their own, but this model allows you to do a little more. Whether you choose to use the removable shelf for a more accessible organization or upgrade to a larger version, it’s the little things that make Tigerking stand out.

Likewise, many digital safes are only semi-secure. Flaws in the system let people watch you input the code, but not with this Tigerking safe. Moreover, it records every opening, so you know if someone got inside. Plus, there’s an alarm that goes off after three wrong guesses or any violent vibration.

The Tigerking Digital Security Safe is designed to prevent damage and scratching to your treasures. Given how soft gold is, that’s a significant bonus. Knowing your coins or stamped bars won’t change in your absence, or lose value if appropriately stored is a relief.

Have a Tigerking delivered to your door when you click here.

4. Slypnos Digital Security Safe

The hidden keyhole makes your backup access safer with this Slypnos Digital Security Safe. Even if an intruder managed to get your keys, they’d still have to waste time fumbling around to find somewhere to use them. More importantly, there’s an external battery backup option. Keeping others out and letting you in is the priority for Slypnos.

If that wasn’t enough safety, you could also set two codes. One is personal. However, the other is a master override code. You also get two backup keys. Never worrying about how to get to your gold is an important feature.

The pre-drilled holes in both the back and bottom give you more options for mounting the safe. Plus, you’ll be pleased with the three security bolts. Thieves will have a tough time getting your treasure unless you leave your Slypnos Safe open, or codes laying around.

Select your Slypnos Safe size on Amazon by clicking here.

5. Stalwart Digital Safe

The Stalwart Digital Safe is made to be portable. You can pick the whole thing up and take it with you if you need to bug out in a rush. Never leave your gold behind since you won’t know if you can get it back later.

Like several safes on this list, three entries will cause an alarm. However, three more tries will result in a much longer signal that lasts five minutes. Use your keys, or program a master and guest code for easy access. Additionally, the LED-lit keypad makes it easy to input your code even in the dark.

Skip over the old-fashioned key-only or combination dial locks that are easier to break into. A superb, high-quality electronic option like the Stalwart Digital Safe will bring your hard assets into the modern era. Stalwart guarantees all their safes are genuine, but you should always watch out for imposters when you’re considering a well-known and trusted brand.

Click here to get your Stalwart from an authorized Amazon supplier.

Final Thoughts

The glimmer of gold has attracted humans since we first saw it thousands of years ago. Its weight and softness make this metal so valuable. Not only is it easy to decorate and mold, but it never tarnishes. From coins to rings, nothing has the same shine and malleability.

These days gold is needed for computers, microchips, and more. Your cell phone likely has a minute amount of precious material inside. The same qualities that make beautiful jewelry also help keep our electronics from getting rust inside.

Regardless of why you collect gold, or how much you have, securing it should be priority one. Using a safe is traditional for one excellent reason. It works.

Camping is all about cutting out what you don’t need and getting back to basics, just like a good ultralight saw. Time out in nature is good for us, plus it helps train people for survival even when they don’t realize it. Sadly, a huge, unwieldy pack will bog you down and get hung up on trees. Ultralight backpacking isn’t for everyone. Regardless, there’s always an excellent way to minimize the weight. Carrying an ultralight saw is ideal for getting firewood, and plenty of other survival uses. Hopefully, you’ll only ever need yours for enjoyment, but learning how to use an ultralight saw before you need it is essential. I’ll explain why you need to ditch your heavy saws and how to get the most out of your ultralight.

Go Ultralight, More Than Saws

Since saws are made from mostly metal, they’re one of the heavier items you might need, but ultralight saws help reduce the drag on your back muscles when you’re backpacking. Naturally, when you start by swapping out that saw, trading an extra pound of heavy metal for a ten to sixteen-ounce blade cuts half the weight. While you’re at it, reduce the excess pounds anywhere else that you can.

Simply trade your heavy frame for a smaller pack and a lighter sleeping bag. Then, consider swapping your classic tent for a light hammock or a tarp and some paracord. If it’s not winter, you can trade pounds and blisters for a lightfooted stride and more chances to enjoy the scenery.

Overpacking might not seem like such a big deal when you first get into emergency preparedness. Sadly, feeling like you don’t have enough is folly. Meanwhile, learning to work with what you’ve got and be happy with less is a great bonus skill.

Styles of Ultralight Saw

There are three main types of ultralight saw for backpacking, and they all have their advantages. First, the pocket-knife folding style is a more heavy-duty version of the ultralight. Secondly, you can choose a minimal frame and a skinny blade that typically folds out to form a triangle. Finally, there’s the blade and sheath option.

Folding-knife style ultralight saws are a more accessible style. The blades range in size, but seven to ten inches is relatively standard. Resultantly, a longer blade is going to be more substantial. However, the foldable style shields the blade edges just like your folding pocket knife, but larger.

For less weight, you can opt for the genuinely minimal frame style. A series of interlocking bars and a blade about as thick as your thumb will also saw through a branch. When you trade the weight of a thicker blade, you get a much thinner blade. Hence you should cut carefully, so you don’t break the saw blade.

The option of carrying a fixed blade in a sheath can also help you cut the excess weight. A light sheath won’t add as much to your load as more metal. Moreover, cutouts along the blade mean less metal to lug around. Any one of the three styles can be incredibly useful so long as you choose high-quality materials.

Top Five Best Ultralight Backpacking Saws

Choosing your ultralight saw style for backpacking should depend on two things. First, how thick do you want the blade? If you’re prone to going hard on your equipment and breaking parts, a more substantial, wide saw is best for you. However, the thin-bladed triangle frame style is better if you have a more gentle touch.

The second consideration is comfort. Some people do well with the thin triangle framed blades. Otherwise, a firmer, thicker handle suits those with larger hands. Always choose survival gear that you will feel right using.

1. Silky Professional Series PocketBoy

What makes the Silky Professional Series PocketBoy stand out above similar options is the locking positions. Most similar folding pocket-knife style saws open and lock. That’s fine, but also incredibly basic. However, the PocketBoy has two secure open locked positions.

Versatility is as important as weight and portability in an ultralight saw. With a six and three-quarter-inch blade, the PocketBoy is the most compact and most comfortable to carry ultralight saw on our list. Additionally, the taper-ground, hard chrome-plated, taper-ground impulse-hardened blade will saw through obstacles in a way that gives up to the Silky name.

The saw teeth are unique and highly functional. A non-set tooth design helps get through the most robust wood. Moreover, the seven-per-inch large teeth make this saw small but mighty. Better yet, the Silky Professional Series PocketBoy comes with a clear carrying case that has a belt clip. So you don’t need to waste any space in your pockets or pack to carry this incredible ultralight backpacking saw.

Check the Amazon reviews for the PocketBoy here.

2. Sven Folding Saw

The first triangle style ultralight folding saw on our list is the Sven Folding Saw. At less than fourteen ounces, this saw adds less than a pound to your overall pack. More importantly, it’s slender, which might mean easy to lose, but the Sven is safety red. You won’t leave this slim saw behind when you can find it so quickly.

With the unique design of this saw, you can adjust and lock down the blade at almost any angle. However, once folded, you can hang this sleek saw off a belt or pack easily with its convenient carrying loop.

Don’t let the name fool you. The Sven Folding Saw from Amazon has been made in the USA for over sixty years now. So you get a superb, adjustable, easy to locate and carry saw, plus you can feel good about helping keep local people employed.

Select your Sven right here.

3. Samurai 13” Heavy Duty Saw

The Samurai 13″ Heavy Duty Saw is the only non-folding saw to make our list. Surprisingly, the Samurai weighs in at a mere thirteen point eight ounces. Hence it’s easily as light as many saws that are called ultralight. However, this durable saw is designed for arborists.

Instead of a more breakable thin saw blade or a short knife-folding style, you can carry a full-sized professional tree cutter’s blade. The Samurai brings the best of lightweight, wickedly sharp teeth, and standard blade size together in a surprisingly light package.

You’ll love the ergonomic handle. A pistol grip style means less pain in your hands if you need to do a lot of cutting to clear your campsite. Additionally, the curved blade and four-millimeter tooth pitch make easy work out of branches.

Although the Samurai 13″ Heavy Duty Saw isn’t the smallest ultralight saw, you’ll find that it makes up for size with a superb carrying case. You can keep the rigid case on your belt or easily attach it to the outside of your pack. However, at just over nineteen inches long, including handle, you can also slip the Samurai inside most bags with no trouble.

Learn more about the superb Samurai here.

4. Coghlans Folding Saw

For a sixteen-ounce saw, the Coghlans Folding Saw from Amazon is surprisingly large. A twenty-one-inch long blade will take on larger branches than most ultralight options. A longer blade means more uses, which is a vital bonus in some circumstances.

If you need to get past a fallen tree, this long-bladed ultralight saw is more useful than most. Better yet, it can hold extra blades. Although that will add a few ounces, backup saws could make all the difference in a survival situation.

Hopefully, you’ll never be trapped under a tree. However, if you’re alone in the woods, and help isn’t coming, a long, light saw like the Coghlans Folding Saw might be the piece of gear that saves your life.

To choose Coghlans, click here.

5. Kershaw Taskmaster Folding Saw (2555X)

Sturdy and durable, yet light is precisely what you need in an ultralight backpacking saw. At a mere three-point-five-two ounce, the Kershaw Taskmaster Folding Saw will surprise you. Its high carbon steel blade is seven inches long, which is more than enough to get through most obstacles.

Clear out a campsite, or cut wood for a fire faster. The glass-filled nylon handle is textured for a better grip. Plus, it’s reinforced for strength where you need it most. Kershaw is known for its durable products, and this is no exception.

Whether you’re fighting for your life and you grabbed your pack to bug-out, or merely pruning some hedges, the Kershaw Taskmaster Folding Saw is a solid choice. You’ll get plenty of everyday use out of this ingenious small saw. However, it also makes an outstanding option for crucial SHTF situations.

Have your Kershaw shipped from Amazon by clicking here.

Final Thoughts

A high-quality ultralight saw is more than merely a blade for hacking at trees. You can use it to split wood, and slice through paracord or belts in an emergency. You don’t need weight and bulk as much as you need a keen, flexible blade.

Sturdiness, durability is also essential. You need a solid, reliable handle for a good grip. Additionally, you should be able to unfold your tool easily, but once it’s open, you want to make sure it locks firmly in place. Pinching your fingers or fighting your blade isn’t useful.

Choose the saw that fits your hand best. Working with tools you’re comfortable handling will help you, whether it’s an ultralight saw, or anything else.