By Cameron McKirdy

Let me start by saying Happy Holidays!  I wish you the best, and hope you give more than you get.  Having said that, my fam was in town for Thanksgiving, and Black Friday shopping/trampling.  Before my Dad and I set out to hike near Mount St. Helens, they invited me into their hotel for a free deluxe continental breakfast.  The feast was on.

The hotel had waffles to make, yogurt, fruit, hash browns, juice, coffee, cereal, eggs, sausage, everything!  I can’t say I’ve ever sneaked into a hotel for a free breakfast (before this), but I would if I was hungry.  However, when I am a legit guest I do take goodies for the road.  Trust me, my pockets get filled with honey packets, peanut butter, whatever.  My brother use to creep into fine hotels in Eugene about twice a month to get his fill before class.  Andrew blogged about it here on Survival Bros.  It’s funny.  But I’m not advising you to steal, just sharing a survival tactic for if you’re about to die and need food energy.

You can see in the HD video above I loaded up on the complementary grub, and took it back to their room.  I scarfed it, and sipped dank coffee.  Then I scoured for other freebies like shampoo, soap, packaged coffee, plus sugars, creamers, straws, napkins, and a new roll of toilet paper.  It’s not much, but it will help me get through another day.  Being a scavenger is key to survival.  Work on that skill just in case.  Please visit here regularly.  I will be blogging about my 10 mile Mt. St. Helens hike soon.  Take care of yourself, and each other.  And question authority!

hotel waffle

Produced By Cameron McKirdy

Last week I requested a free product sample from Wise Company of their emergency storable food.  I only expected one packet with four servings, but I got two entrees on the house.  So I scored six servings in all.  I will try at least one meal out, and let you know how it tastes.  Get your own sample, good for up to 25 years, by visiting this webpage:  http://wisefoodstorage.com/request-a-sample/

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Update:  The Savory Stroganoff was scrumptious.  It was 100% vegetarian, but I added Parmesan cheese and black pepper.  My sample was made on 10/30/2013, so it was super fresh.

Produced By Cameron McKirdy with Tactical Gypsy

Homeless.  That’s what we were.  My bro and I stayed on this boat for weeks last summer to avoid paying rent, and getting a regular job.  We were free, and so was our lodging.  But with that comes less.  We had to deal with a lot of crap.  It’s noisy in the Skipanon and Warrenton Oregon Marina.  Sleeping is challenging.  People work on boats at all hours, so there’s usually people clamoring, and trucks hauling.

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Skipanon Warrenton Oregon Marina at Night

Once we had to stay on the boat right after our host varnished the interior.  We opened the craft up, but the stench was still awful.  I got a headache, and while grateful for the place to lay down, I was ready to split and catch the bus into town.  In the HD video above we got a solid fire going, but I didn’t film the smoke that filled the cabin, and it was horrible.  I got a headache from that too.  Again, we lifted the lid on the boat, and opened up the ceiling, but sacrificed warmth.  The Survival Bros slept on a wet mattress because the boat had recently sank.

We had a key to the shower and restroom, but that was a hike from the boat.  Plus, we didn’t want to get hassled by security, so we kept our creeping to a minimum, and laid low.  The smart move was to pee in plastic bottles to avoid detection.  However, the other fisherman on the marina were typically very helpful.  We had their assistance many times when we had to do work on the boat, or move it to another slip.  Speaking of, the rent for a spot there is only $70 per month, and our buddy paid that.  You have to pay a little more for electricity, but it’s still the cheapest place to crash in town.  In exchange for a bed, Tactical Gypsy worked on the boat, making sure the bilge was pumping out water, or whatever.  I kept him company, and learned what I could from the Maritime Scientist.  It was an adventure for sure, and I’m happy to share it with you.  More homelessness tales soon.  Thanks for supporting Survival Bros.  Peace and love.

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Selling waterlogged boat motors for cash

Produced By Cameron McKirdy

Watch Survival Bros repair Oregon Ducks Nike shoes with an officially licensed Survival Straps bracelet.  My shoelace broke, and I needed a solution ASAP so I could get back on the road.  It worked out great, because the green color matched my player edition, team issued kicks.

It was easy to unravel the tightly bound milspec 550 paracord strap, taking only a few minutes to get the cordage I needed.  As I mention in the HD video, I did have to cut off the ends so they could pass through the adjustable plastic clasp.  However, it was no problem reheating the tips so they wouldn’t come undone later.  I had plenty of cord to work with, and I cut it to length.  Luckily my new laces were able to pass through the holes as I relaced my Nikes.  Now my shoelaces are stronger than ever, and handy if I need them for another purpose.  Plus, because this was an emergency I will get a new band when I share my story with Survival Straps.  I was worried I was going to be barefoot this afternoon, but I was prepared with my paracord bracelet nearby.  The last thing I want is my shoe to come off when I bike through a busy intersection.  I’m good to go.

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They have so many cool designs, you really have to look at them for yourself.  I also like the wide double fish tail designs.  At $29.99 the Oregon Ducks Survival Straps is a deal.  You’ll get up to 15 feet of military spec super strong paracord from one bracelet.  Having a little extra cordage in an emergency situation could be the difference between life in death.  Thankfully, I wasn’t in true danger this time.

Here’s a link to my other blog post about Survival Straps.  Please visit Survival Bros again soon.  Best wishes.

Oregon Ducks Nikes RepairedMy fixed kicks with green 550 paracord laces

Produced By Cameron McKirdy

In this HD video Survival Bros tests the SteriPEN Sidewinder UV Water Purification System.  It’s hand powered, meaning it’s battery-free.  I think it’s light-weight at 16.6 ounces, and compact enough to fit in a backpack with a height of 8.6 inches.  The Sidewinder is perfect for camping, and emergency preparedness.  Their moto is “safe drinking water anywhere.”  That’s a noble mission, and one we can all appreciate.

Imagine knowing a hurricane is about to devastate your area, and seeing this on your shelf.  I can’t picture a prep that would bring more peace of mind than the SteriPEN Sidewinder.  This tool disinfects 8,000 liters of water that could be contaminated with bacteria, protozoa, and viruses.  Those potentially harmful risks are getting eliminated thanks to the powerful UV lamp.  Even a kid could operate this purifier.  All you have to do is fill it, flip it, crank it, and drink it.  In 90 seconds you have water you don’t have to worry about.  Survival Bros is also grateful that the bottle is BPA-free, so you won’t be drinking chemicals that way.  In the box you get the 1L container, water-tight bottle lid, and Pre-Filter for particulate removal.

The SterPEN Sidewinder is one of those products a prepper really needs.  It’s a good backup to have, in case your regular water source is compromised, or you’re just off the grid.  I have no complaints with this system.  It feels well made, it works, and will continue to keep me safe for many years.  They even offer a 3 year warranty.  Plus, they are an American company.  Check out their full line of gear at http://www.steripen.com  There’s an ultraviolet light solution right for you.  I’m sure you’ll see us testing more SteriPEN products in the future.  We approve 100%!

SteriPEN Sidewinder UVSteriPEN Sidewinder UV Water Purification System for Emergency Preparedness

Produced By Cameron McKirdy

Survival Bros Founder Cameron McKirdy digs up an emergency preparedness kit, and shows the contents.

Here’s when Survival Bros buried supplies in various waterproof containers all over town at high elevations.

Building small caches in case of a tsunami, or another disaster situation.

Survival Bros Logo Cool GreyThank you for visiting and supporting Survival Bros

Produced By Cameron McKirdy

You gotta see Thompson Falls in Seaside, Oregon.  This waterfall is gorgeous, but also extremely dangerous to get to.  It’s located in the hills North of town.  Please be careful if you do hike out there.  Survival Bros will continue to bring you epic HD videos, but only if you continue to like, comment, and share these blogs.  It’s all for you.  Enjoy!

Thompson Falls Heights EstatesThe start of the 60 foot drop

Produced By Cameron McKirdy

Check out the kitty bum camp on The Columbia River in Astoria, Oregon.  Somebody is taking good care of these homeless animals, but I doubt it’s the city.  Survival Bros hasn’t seen anything like this before.  We just said hi, and didn’t disturb them.  What a view the cats have.  Lucky.

astoria oregon signThe Astoria Oregon Welcome Sign

 

Survival Bros Founder Cameron McKirdy suggests you take advantage of free trial memberships at local gyms.  Some fitness centers will give you a week, or up to a month of access at no cost to you.  If you’re homeless, at least you can workout, stay warm, get water, socialize, and take a hot shower.  Now you don’t have an excuse to train, even if you are broke.

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Cam jumping rope for free

Produced By Cameron McKirdywonder balsam

If you have leather, try Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam on it.  I had to do a product review on this treatment.  I’ve been using it for years, and restored four pairs of footwear today.  It brought my boots, dress shoes, and UGG slippers back to life.  I will try it on an old leather coat next.  It’s so much fun to apply, I wish I had a crappy leather couch to fix up.  You don’t have to rub much on with the sponge for it to condition, and protect.  It’s a good prep to get out of the way.

Here’s the product description: A unique blend of coconut oil, lanolin and beeswax. These all-natural ingredients clean and protect leather to keep it soft and supple. For use on all leather, except suede types. Use it on all things leather … shoes, handbags, jackets, even furniture. • All-Natural Ingredients of Coconut Oil, Lanoline and Beeswax • Protects Against Water, Liquid and Salt Marks • No Polishing Necessary

Now look at my kicks before and after!

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old dr martens

Dress Boots Waxed

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Survival Bros tested and approved!