Love and kindness are the very basis of society. If we lose these feelings, society will face tremendous difficulties; the survival of humanity will be endangered. - Dalai Lama
I get a kick out of being an outsider constantly. It allows me to be creative. - Bill Hicks
The status quo sucks. - George Carlin
“If the fool would persist in his folly, he would become wise.” – William Blake
Survival Bros pulls over to look at an Outdoor Community Food Panty! Have you seen one of these pantries in your neighborhood? If not, maybe you should make one for less fortunate people. It is the season for giving. So be creative, and generous during the Holidays. Like our video on YouTube for us, comment, and share this blog post with your friends. Thanks for being here.
Man, I have some cool goodies to share with you Survival Bros. Check out the custom leather wallet, and #EDC “Pocket Armor” organizer I had made. Popov Leather did an amazing job creating these exquisite pieces by hand. They are located in British Columbia, Canada and have been excellent at communicating with me for this collaboration. Check out their YouTube Channel and website. Popov is offering a discount right now. If you have something made by them, send me a photo at thesurvivalbros@gmail.com and I will share it. I want to see more gear from these Artists. I plan on ordering more items, and producing videos soon for the SB YT Chan.
Bug Out Bag and Bicycle – Winter Camping Gear Setup
Dear Survival Journal,
I got a way late start. Was also considering busing to the warming center in Astoria, OR. That’s smart.
Hiking 7 miles ain’t. But I was determined to bog through the uphill swamp: half in the dark. I got turned around at one point where trees fell over the path. I also slipped once, but rehearsed in my head what to do. I threw my 1 gallon water jug, and braced myself. Yup, I carried a heavy water container from Ave. U to The Hiker Cabins on Tillamook Head. My shoulders and arms are torn up. My 110 liter Kelty backpack had to be 70 pounds.
Plus, I was running on a bum sprained ankle…wore a too tight brace…My left shoulder hurt the most. It was so tight. But I had an indica BHO cartridge in my vape pen to finish off. It was charging in my bag on the hike with a portable power bank charger. I brought too much stuff. Like 6 pairs of socks, an umbrella, a dud smoke grenade, and a giant tarp. It’s 11am – dark at 4:25pm. So cold. My hands are numb.
Email Cam The Cuddler and Survival Bros Founder: thesurvivalbros@gmail.com
Thanks for visiting my emergency preparedness blog. We are pumping out a bunch of new videos this month, so I hope you like watching them. Please share this quick informational production with friends. Here’s the short link to click: https://bit.ly/3UtkDaj This is important and fun stuff for preppers of all skill levels.
I threw this kit together with gear items on hand that were laying around unused and therefore extra. We have the basic survival necessities covered for the most part, but improvements can always be made. I did notice there wasn’t an emergency blanket in this canister, and they can be purchased for $2. However, if there’s a tsunami wave on the Oregon Coast, I like my odds of living. I have kits like this one gallon cache, plus backpacks loaded with necessities, and bikes with racks placed strategically all over the Pacific Northwest.
What’s your plan for safe escape from danger? Stay healthy out there. And keep your head on a swivel. Few things are more valuable that situational awareness. Cheers.
I spent the weekend on the Oregon Coast in Seaside, and had spare time to experiment with a new Art project. First, I dug through a recycling bin for cardboard to create a small handmade sign with a permanent pen. Then I rounded up some fun objects I didn’t need anymore, like a Smokey The Bear keychain whistle. These goods would be available to begin the open bartering. I spread out a towel, and placed the trinkets on The Prom’s concrete path.
With little effort, and few resources, a self-serve system was born. A take one, leave one blanket is a place where an item of any kind can freely be exchanged as you see fit. Share this concept with people in your town. You wouldn’t believe the response. Nearly every biker, and pedestrian stopped their forward progress to figure out what was going on. This open trading system seemed to inspire, confuse, and even make some people greedy.
I may have seen people taking without giving, thinking nobody was looking, but I’m not sure. Others had no issue taking nice items, like a Tree of Life necklace pendant, and replacing it with trash. I found the blanket riddled with wrappers, cardboard scraps, and even half of a marijuana cigarette. Take a close look at the pictures, and you’ll see other small stuff, like a paperclip, pocket change, flower, price tag sticker, and a pile of sand from the beach.
I discretely checked back every few hours for a day, and saw some of the action in person. People generously placed beautiful possessions with little hesitation. There were cool things left behind that I didn’t get a picture of, because I didn’t want to interrupt the process. My favorite moment was when a 12-year old girl named Krystin Crawford set down her hand painted sand dollars. She took a braided piece of grasses someone constructed. The girl enjoyed sharing the Art she made, and getting involved. See her craftsmanship below. The found, and re-purposed shells were adorable. Krystin and her mom came back to the free exchange place the following morning with a positive attitude. Everything had changed. This artist endeavour has restored my faith in humanity once and for all, despite some shady, but acceptable transactions by others.
In conclusion, I will try this social experiment again. I was thrilled to see this interactive art piece evolve rapidly. I saw joy on many of the participants faces. This free trading system can be implemented anywhere, at anytime. Let’s spread the concept, and see the random generousity of others displayed in public. And remember, you’ll usually get more than you give. Leave a comment, or question if you like. Thanks for visiting Survival Bros.
My #EDC or #EveryDayCarry – Mini Bic Lighter, small Swiss Army knife, P-38 Can Opener and an LED Flashlight. What’s in your pocket? You could throw together a simple survival kit like this one for around $10. So take the time, and get prepared for the future now.
Send Survival Bros a picture of your #EDC tools, and we’ll share it on the blog site here! thesurvivalbros@gmail.com
I’ve been on the hunt at local thrift shops for a bargain. After scouring the Eugene/Springfield, Oregon area I hauled in fresh gear, and saved a wad of money buying items second hand. However, most of the swag is new. I’ve been popping tags. I hope to use these pieces backpacking, vandwelling, and as essential Every Day Carry items.
I found a new pair of Nike Special Field Boots or SFB at St. Vinnie’s. They retail online for $140 or more, if you can locate your size. I had hoped they were size 12’s when I spotted them on display. It was my lucky day, because they were a match for me. The desert tan kicks had been marked $29.99, but were half off that day. I got the shoes for $14.99! I’ve been wanting this exact pair of 8 inch high military style boots. Here’s the male equivalent of girls wearing Uggs in public. I get lots of compliments on them. No I haven’t served, but I train with soldiers.
I lost one of my all black Mechanix M-PACT Covert gloves bouncing around town celebrating New Years. So, now I’m breaking in another pair of work gloves that I had for backup. I like wearing them while biking, or even driving my Volkswagen Vanagon. This brightly colored safety wear is men’s size Large. Newer versions fit even better. I also like that they dry out quickly in the sun.
I’ve found some treasures, and I look forward to going back into the city to discover what else I can’t live without. Thanks for supporting the blog. Visit again shortly. I have lots of wacky videos in the works. Have a great Spring Break, and Summer!
The BAN 420 car license plate is still available – $50,000 Or Best Offer
Email me about anything at thesurvivalbros@gmail.com
Learn which individual servings or samples of condiments, and sauce you can find for free. Do some urban scavenging like me. Stockpile packets of ketchup, salsa, candy, and more items for storage. My favorite package seen in the video is the lemon juice. I forgot to mention it. You can find just about any free food packet out there. I have a secret sauce floating around my van somewhere from Burger King. I think I eat out more for condiments than the fast food itself.
Having these sauces, and sugars, etc. on hand saves money. Take food packets like the ones shown on your next camping trip for extra spice, or flavor in your meal. Get free condiments as seen on Survival Bros at restaurants, and convenience stores. If something isn’t priced, it must be available to take.
Do you stockpile packets like I do? I feel like such a rebel when my pockets are full, and I’ve made a clean getaway with the loot.
I’m all about my freebies. Maybe you remember all of the product samples I’ve scored, and blogged about in the past. You can get free stuff easily by requesting trials online, and they will be delivered to you by mail. When I’m not filling out forms like that, I’m in shops trying to get hook ups. In Starbucks this week they were sampling out pasteries. They weren’t on display yet. The stash was sitting off into the corner on the counter, with a Manager’s note saying “Sample these.” I politely asked an employee if I could have one of the items. There was all sorts of muffins, bars, and scones to pick from. On day one I took the pink cake filled lolly pops with sprinkles. I didn’t eat them in public.
I went back to the coffee shop for more samples the next day, just in case they were still available. Really, I just needed the WiFi to upload my previous video. I scored the squishy coffee cake that day, but didn’t stop there. I requested 3 honey packets too, since they don’t put those out at all Starbucks locations. I swiped a few raw sugar packets as well. Plus, I saw another sign saying I can request a free sample beverage using their coffee pods if I asked. When I mentioned it, the worker said they haven’t used that set up to brew complimentary cups of fresh java lately, even though the machine, and sample pods where still on the front counter. I didn’t have time for them to pretend to look for an extension cord, so I took samples for later consumption.
I like to visit the health food store weekly, and my last trip was really worth it. They always have free tablets of Vitamin C to help yourself to, but there was more. I found packets of food-grade Diatomaceous Earth, Natural Calm magnesium mixes in three flavors, Barlean’s Greens, one DHA pill, and a bag of tea. These individually wrapped servings are perfect for my backpacking trips, and the small emergency caches I like to build to prepare for tsunamis. If I can swoop up all of these freebies, than so can you. Ask for a nibble when you’re in the food court, or browsing the deli counter at the grocery store. It’s fun to see what you can get for asking. Happy hunting Survival Bros.
These cake pops were amazing!
Free coffee cake went well with peanut butter and strawberry jelly
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 