Posts Tagged ‘survival’

Scavenging Batteries Found in a Parking Lot

Posted: November 21, 2014 in Adventures, Frugality, Fun!, Gear, Scavenging
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By Cameron McKirdy in Seaside, OR

Are you a natural scavenger like me?  I often dream about prepping for disasters by roaming the streets, searching for anything I can use; pens, paperclips, tape, food, water, First Aid supplies.   It’s crazy how much people in America through away.  Lots of items in the trash are still good, another man’s treasure.

I made a pit stop at Goodwin Park at 1172 Necanicum, on the corner of 12th in Seaside, Oregon.  When I got out of my Volkswagen Vanagon, I noticed I had rolled over eight AAA, and AA batteries.  So I did the natural thing, and busted out my HD camera for a vlog rant.  Turns out these energy sources were still full of life.  They must have fallen out of someone’s vehicle or bag.  I swooped them up, and put them in my EDC backpack for storage.  I have many flashlights, and headlamps that could use these batteries later.

What have you scavenged around town or in the woods?  It’s always fun to find stuff you can use, especially money.  But don’t get too attached to anything, because you could lose it also.  Like the time when I recently found $20 on the ground, put it in my pocket, only to realized it fell out of my jacket before I could blow it!  

salmon seaside

Seaside Oregon Mosaic Mural Photo of Goodwin Park

Car Camping Food Items Listed with Photo

Posted: October 23, 2014 in Automobiles, Backpacking, Everyday Carry (EDC), Gear, Health & Nutrition
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By Cameron McKirdy

car camping food listCar camping is one of my favorite blog topics.  I hope you find it interesting too.  Here’s a checklist of my top foods to store in your vehicle.  Many items instantly turn into grub by adding hot water.  I got ideas for the perfect van dwelling foods by watching YouTube videos of Thru Hikers packing for their long distance trips.  Search for Pacific Crest Trail aka PCT, or Appalachian Trail Backpackers online.

Ziplock bags are a trusted way to keep organized.  You can even write on the outside with a permanent pen to label things.  Plus, plastic sacks maintain some protection from water, rats, an other elements.  Let me know if you have any questions about my setup.  Add several gallons of distilled and spring water (not pictured), and I’m ready to go off the grid for weeks.  I’m stocked up on:

  • Honey with ginseng, bee pollen, and royal jelly
  • Drinks: water, aloe water, coconut beverages, teas, fruit juices
  • Soups in cans to heat and serve, and powdered packets
  • Protein Powder, plus various green powders (wheat grass)
  • Pasta Sides, and Dishes like Top Ramen
  • Dehydrated Food such as Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals (Apple Crisp is my favorite)
  • Fruit: Fresh Produce like apples and bananas, also fruit strips, bottles, and cans
  • Nuts and Seeds like Almond and Hemp
  • Granola Bars, and Oatmeal 
  • Instant Coffee, instant milk
  • Condiments: Packets of butter, salsa, pepper, salt, raw sugar, mayonnaise, ketchup, and everything else Free and Holy
  • Canned meats: Flavored tuna, Spam, Chicken Salad with crackers

 

Zombie Apocalypse Edition 4×4 Bug Out Vehicle for Survival

Posted: September 26, 2014 in Automobiles, Gear, HD Videos, RV, Shelter, Zombies
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By Cameron McKirdy

 Mitsubishi Fuso FG 140 4×4 truck spotted in Seaside, Oregon!  This emergency preparedness rig has an ideal setup for extreme mobile living, and protection from undead zombies among us.  Would you car camp in this monster?  It looks comfortable, and well designed.  It may be bigger than I’d want for bugging out, and I don’t know about the color, but it’s an excellent truck platform to work from.  The Fuso just needs a snorkel if it’s going to spend the winter on the Oregon Coast.  I didn’t see a camera system installed either for extra security.

This beast looks like a completely custom job, made to be multi-purpose.  There’s few places it couldn’t go on Earth.  I’d love to hear what you have to say about this setup in the comment section, or on our YouTube channel.  I’m sure this vehicle will be on the road for a long time, baring an unforeseen marauders, or natural disasters, etc.  Please SUBSCRIBE to Survival Bros by entering your email on the top left side of the screen!  Stay tuned for more emergency preparedness news, because you can’t know what’s around the corner.

Additional HD videos and blog posts can be found on http://www.cameronmckirdy.com  Thanks for your support.

Mitsubishi Zombie TruckA Zombie Aapocalypse Edition 4×4 truck parked in Seaside, Oregon

 

Rest Area Car Camping at Dismal Nitch in Washington State

Posted: September 11, 2014 in Automobiles, Frugality, Fun!, HD Videos, VW Vanagon
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By Cameron McKirdy

Survival Bros followers know I’ve been on the road all summer in my 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL.  It’s ran strong for months straight.  I will do a big summer review blog soon, but here’s a van update shot recently on my travels around the Pacific Northwest.  Scope out the rest area known as Dismal Nitch.  This Washington State Park is a historic location, because The Lewis and Clark Expedition ran into trouble here, and were pinned against the rocks for six grueling days.  Harsh winds, and brutal rain pounded The Corps. of Discovery along the mighty Columbia River over 200 years ago.  

My overnight stay was much more pleasurable.  I was sheltered in my VW bus, protected from the elements.  I took advantage of the facilities by dumping my trash, washing my hands and teeth, and cooking on a covered picnic table in grass.  Dismal Nitch in WA also features a trail, informative maps, plus plaques about Lewis and Clark.  As mentioned in my HD video, you can stay parked for up to 8 hours, but overnight camping, and tenting are not allowed.  So keep a low profile, and pick up after yourself.  This is an excellent destination for car campers, and travelers on a budget, or just wanting to get away from the static of the city.  

I’ve spent the night in my vehicle here maybe six times this summer, and each trip has been a positive experience, and memorable.  So it’s Survival Bros tested, and approved.  Visit, because it’s probably the only rest area you’ll ever want to take a picture at.  Snap a selfie, and post it on Facebook, because I also got great cell phone reception out there.  The view of Astoria, and the bountiful river is astonishing, and extremely relaxing.  The only cons are lots of lighting in the parking lot, possibly affecting sleepers negatively.  The road noise is also noticeable, but luckily the highway is not heavily used.  Thanks for supporting my blog!  Feel free to comment, like, and share on social networks.  Peace and love from the road less traveled.

Lewis and Clark Bronze

Lewis and Clark Bronze Sculpture at Dismal Nitch Park in Washington State

Visit the official website for more info, and history by clicking here!

Walmart Parking Lot Car Camping Experience in Eugene Oregon

Posted: August 5, 2014 in Adventures, Automobiles, Comedy and Art, Frugality, Fun!, VW Vanagon
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Recently I camped in a Walmart parking lot on West 11th in Eugene, Oregon.  In this HD video you’ll get the scoop on what it’s like to do some urban stealth camping in my 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL.  It was noisy, and the space is well lit, but in general, I got great rest.  It feels good to be somewhere, and not have to pay for the experience.  This was a fun experiment, and I’d recommend it to any Survival Bros. out there.  Staying at Walmart for free beats dropping hundreds for a night in a hotel.  Would you try this?  Live simple my friends.  More videos about my summer road trip coming soon.  Thanks for visiting my blog!  Peace and love.

funny-walmart-meme-freaks

It’s a joke people!

Have you visited People Of WalMart yet?  Click this.

The Ultimate Survival Shelter in The Woods

Posted: June 6, 2014 in Adventures, Backpacking, Shelter
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By Cameron McKirdy

This week Survival Bros went hiking in the woods near Cannon Beach, Oregon to kill and eat a bunny.  We saw, but didn’t catch the animal, so we explored the forest near logging roads.  To my shock we stumbled upon a massive survival shelter made from tarps, logs, cordage, and more.  There was even a 4-person tent inside, and the shack had a clean tarp floor.  The place was loaded with camping gear, and everything you’d need to be self-sufficient in the outdoors for a long time.  Watch the HD video to see how it was built, and what’s stored on the site.  Join the Survival Bros community on YouTube, and SUBSCRIBE TODAY!  It’s free of charge.  

 

Best Tarp Shelter in Woods

The best tarp shelter we’ve ever seen in the woods

A Great Goodwill Find Plus Thift Store Shopping Tips

Posted: May 8, 2014 in Adventures, Frugality, Fun!, Gear, Giving Back, HD Videos
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By Cameron McKirdy

1.  Check which color tag is 50% off that week when you walk in the door.

2.  See if the item works.  Plug it in.  Check for missing parts, or if it’s damaged.

3.  If you find something unique – RESEARCH IT on the spot with your smartphone.

  • Search Amazon and eBay
  • Scan the barcode with your phone’s camera

4.  Pull the trigger.  If you haven’t seen it before, BUY IT.  Your item may be a good investment because it’s rare.

Finally, keep the treasure for yourself, give it away to someone deserving, or sell it for a profit online or in person.

Here’s another sweet Goodwill find I scored this week, and show you on video.  It’s a rare Valterra skateboard from 1986!  It shreds.  

I found this road bike at Goodwill too, and now it’s a Bug Out Bike ready in case of emergencies.  I got new tires for it, and purchased a BOB Yak trailer to haul gear down the road with ease.  

Don’t forget to donate stuff you don’t need to charity.  I’ve seen Goodwill do good things in the community, and employee people that need assistance.  You’ll get a tax credit too just for being so kind.  Thanks for reading, and doing your part.  Peace from Survival Bros.

goodwill-logoGood luck treasure hunting at Goodwill and beyond!  Expect epic finds.

EDC Backpack Items List and Pocket Dump

Posted: April 25, 2014 in Backpacking, Everyday Carry (EDC), Gear, Guns, HD Videos
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Produced By Cameron McKirdy 

Tactical Gypsy, a Marine currently in the National Guard gives you a rundown on his everyday carry gear.  These are items he brings with him wherever he goes in general.  His tactical backpack is packed with things that could help him overcome adversity, and adapt to his environment.  Below is the full load-out list to help you plan out your own emergency bag.  With over 26,000 views on YouTube, this HD video will soon be our most popular production.  Please subscribe to us on YouTube to watch all of our epic videos, and to join in the discussion there.  Thanks for all of your support.  We have big plans for  for Survival Bros.  We’ve launched a secure store to provide you with gear, and nutritional supplements to make you more prepared for life.  We’ll be adding tons of new products shortly, so check out the shop often.  By supporting the blog, it gives us more free time to put out additional information to better serve you.   We wish you the best.  Now go get a prep out of the way today, to make tomorrow brighter.  Peace and love.

Tactical Gypsy’s EDC List:

– Notepad aka Black Book with Pen(s)

– Casio G’zOne Smart Phone

– Surefire LED Flashlight with extra batteries

– Bic Lighter

– Flavored Chapstick with SPF 15

– Wallet with cash, IDs, concealed hand gun permit, plus Passport

– Coast DX356 Knife

– Survival Straps Paracord Bracelet

– Suunto Black Core Watch

– Clothes Vary – Leather Belt

– Merrell Moab Boots (waterproof) with paracord shoe laces

– Glock 23 .40 Smith and Wesson with inside the waistband kydex holdster by Blade Tech

– Black Tactical Backpack (Adidas)

– Maxpedition Medical Pack with extra magazine, includes gauze, QuickClot, sterile pads, lots of tape

– Laptop (password protected) with charger

– Multi-tool and small serrated knife in case

– Large Plastic Bag

– Level 2 Body Armor

– Fixed blade throwing knife with paracord wrapped handle

– Boo Boo kit with Neosporin, duct tape, band-aids

– Toothpast (fluoride free) and toothpicks with floss

– Combat Application Tourniquet

– Weapon Light

– Electrical Tape

– Extra Cordage (shoe laces)

– Pouch of crystals and rocks

– Keys

– Odor Spray for Bullet-Proof vest, ect.

– Military Lensatic Compass

– Headphones and Earplugs

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Driving in Snow and Freezing Rain 2014 HD

Posted: February 18, 2014 in Automobiles, Cold Weather, Comedy and Art
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Shot by Cameron McKirdy

Survival Bros drives in dangerous road conditions through Champaign, Illinois.  It was 29 degrees.  First came an inch of snow, then freezing rain, followed by a hail storm.  The worthless rental car, a Kia Soul, was covered in an inch of ice, and struggled to stay on the slippery road!  There were accidents all over the place, but it looks like the worst winter weather is behind us now.  Stay tuned for additional HD videos.  Please enter your email on the top left side of the blog to follow all of our posts.  More intense stuff soon.  Thanks for visiting!  Get prepared.

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Elk Jerky Recipe with Pictures

Posted: January 24, 2014 in Adventures, Cooking, Grub, Photos
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By Cameron McKirdy

Former Marine Tactical Gypsy has an exclusive Survival Bros blog and new elk jerky recipe for you.  He hunts in Oregon with seven other buddies, and no matter how much they kill, they split the meat evenly so nobody is left out.  This season his hunting party terminated five bulls, producing around 225 pounds of meat each.  He has used the animal for sausage, country fried steaks, and thick jerky strips.  His favorite cut is the back strap, which runs on each side of the spine.  It’s the most tender part, and is amazing in a stew of vegetables and spices.  Simmer that on a low boil for awhile, and you have a man meal sure to satisfy.  Tactical Gypsy also told me he likes to pan sear the meat first, to lock in the juice.

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To produce scrumptious elk jerky he cut slabs 1/4th of an inch thick, because they shrink.  His recipe calls for six or seven pounds of flesh, so he ends up with big nuggets to feast on.  Each hunk is approximately 4″ x 1″ wide.  The marinade calls for 4 1/2 cups of soy sauce, with plenty of Worcestershire depending on personal preference.  Mix in 1 pound of brown sugar, then a 8 oz. bottle of hickory liquid smoke flavoring.  Soak the elk in a bowl, or deep pan, and refrigerate for 12 hours..  After that, use a colander to run off the marinade.  Next, lay out the strips on the dehydrator trays evenly, with bigger pieces going on the bottom.  Sprinkle on coarse black pepper, turn the machine on high, and let her rip.  Check back every few hours, and rotate the racks as needed.  In 12 additional hours you’ll have a stash of jerky to devour, and give out to your friends.  Tactical Gypsy, if you are reading this, please save me a nug or two.  Survival Bros will have more blogs soon.  Check back often.  Likes, shares, and comments are appreciated.

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