I thought I'd open up the table to discussing cool, new gadgets and gear that would be of use to preppers. In light of the upcoming season I've been searching for some cool things to get some prepper friends. I'm also always on the lookout for new gear to improve upon with respect to by bugout bag.
So, for me this month, I've come across two really cool gadgets that I've added to my own personal gear list. These two items are on my own personal 'hot' list and would make awesome stocking stuffers for preppers. I have no affiliation with these products in any capacity and it's my hope that others that decide to post other products follow my lead in this respect.
Please post your own gadgets and gear relating to prepping that you think are amazing.
Both these items fit my own personal criteria of being light-weight, portable and water-resistant/proof. Both of them happen to be light devices - a beneficial component to bugging out when you have your core necessitates already established.
Luminaid
http://www.luminaid.com/
This device uses a small solar panel that charges and internal battery. At night, you can inflate the device which greatly increase the amount of light from a small led. Having used this device personally I can say it is very effective. It has two settings and lasts for a long time. A couple of criticisms I would have is that it can be difficult to deflate back to it's practically credit card (original size) and it does require a healthy amount of sunlight to reflect it's full capacity. The amount of light or brightness is spectacular. I personally use this as a base camp light at either the kitchen area or entrance way to the shelter. Love it. It was originally designed for 3rd-world relief, however, is quickly becoming recognized as invaluable preparedness tool to add to your kit.
Note: The above image shows the device completely inflated. It actually deflates and folds right down to the size of a credit card a fill mm thick.
UVPaqlite
https://www.uvpaqlite.com/
This device is essentially a reusable glow stick. Their technology's core are 'glow crystals' formulated in such a way that they can be recharged and used forever. They don't have a shelf life and they don't expire. They can be recharged through any light source. I've just ordered a whole whack of these so as yet to have any personal, field experience with them. However, I can envision seeing these handy for night time navigation using a map while retaining the integrity of my night vision. Secondly, their 'Holiday Lights' (pack of 12 for only $12) would make an excellent set of markers to the base camp latrine.
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Biolite stoves, kettles and other gear are always top of my list.
However, they're too pricey for my family (who doesn't always appreciate my prepping ways) to splurge on.
It's coming... and it's going to hurt!
Here's a quick reminder to NEVER do your shopping on amazon (or even ebay now) if you can help it. Especially leading up to the holiday season.
I've really been hunting for great camping/prepping gravity coffee pot/perc systems. I was asked by a family member if i wanted this one.
Looks like a great deal at first glance. Good reviews and HOLY COW 70% OFF!!!
Except, not. It's selling for $16.99 at walmart.ca and $17.99 at sears.ca, regular price.
It's coming... and it's going to hurt!
ETA: I bought a flip card knot tying guide and key chain multi tool as stocking stuffers for my daughter this year. Last year I got all my kids (they're adults) paperback sized emergency preparedness handbooks, key chains with emergency blinkers
As far as amazon.ca is concerned...If it's only a couple of bucks difference and I get the free shipping (amazon.ca fills the order)...I have amazon.ca deliver it to my door. I also have a wishlist of add on items I want that I use to pad an order to get the free shipping.
I do a lot of prep oriented shopping on amazon.ca but you have to be a smart consumer ...compare prices from online/bricks and mortar stores and consider your time and what it's worth, the aggravation of shopping etc.
If it's going to come to my door at a reasonable price and frees up a few hours of my time to do other things...I'll buy it on amazon.ca
I'm the lady you're stuck behind in the grocery store with the over loaded cart filled with cases of tuna, peanut butter, huge bags of rice and the weary looking husband
Biolite stoves.
Yes, the original one is great. I wouldn't bother with their new 'base camp' model. Considering the price and how bulky it is there any many better options out there to get your 5 volts...
ETA: I bought a flip card knot tying guide...for my daughter this year.
Funny. I did the same thing.
As far as amazon.ca is concerned...I'll buy it on amazon.ca
I have to agree. Amazon isn't that bad. While you might be able to save a few bucks here or there through other sites you can't beat how fast some of this stuff ships out to you (not to mention, most of the time it's free shipping anyways).
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Funny, my Christmas was very prepper based. Even from family that doesn't really get it. Got a biolite... excited to try it out. And funny how much family didn't want to get the wrong thing that they did some research, one of my friends ended up buying two of some things because she realized she was so unprepared even for just a car accident in the winter. 🙂
Hey Che... i got TWO of the LuminAID water lamps for xmas.
They work very well, even when only charged on overcast winter days.
It's coming... and it's going to hurt!
Hey Che... i got TWO of the LuminAID water lamps for xmas.
They work very well, even when only charged on overcast winter days.
Awesome, yes, thinking about getting a few more myself because I like them so much. Glad you were able to get some...
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I picked up an inflatable solar light for my wife, it's not a luminaid it's called a "luci". So far so good, ten leds gives off great light and lasts for 12 hours. Three settings low, high, and flashing. It's round and about the size of a small pot. The only thing I would change is the roundness it packs down pretty small but doesn't fit into a pocket as easily as the luminaid would.
ETA: I bought a flip card knot tying guide for my daughter
That's a great idea. It made me think of a gift that costs very little. I'm thinking I could even print an advertisement label stating
over 50 Easy to Build Projects you can Build
Requirements: just a good imagination required
....then the open the box and inside is ...........
.....
..........
a piece of rope! 😯
A perfect gift to get those creative thoughts flowing ( on how to kill you at least) 😕
But maybe it's just my daughter who would be thinking that 😆 Now I gotta do it just to annoy her! 😎
I ordered a LuminAid being somewhat skeptical of how good it could be. I'm happily surprise and will probably order a few more. Can't really be a standalone lighting solution in case you get a few days of stormy or overcast weather, but I'm happy with that owing to having a toddler at home : LuminAid are a safer approach to kerosene lamps and candles while putting out about the same light output.
Perfect... now you can test it and tell us if it lasts the 16 hours and charges in 6 -7 hours. I'm always skeptical as sellers seem to add to the times. And is it as bright as they show? Where is the battery as it looks like it has to be part of that little flat piece only?
Now if it'd smoke and scare away all the mosquito's, it'd beat the Coleman lantern on every aspect for me cause I hate donating to their blood bank.
The battery/solar panel/LED is about the size of the original iPods, but about half as thick and is attached to a silicon/rubber inflatable beach ball. I'll do some tests and tell you what it's like, but so far, it seems quite good.
First test : Inflated and ran on "low" power. I was surprised to see that there was seemingly little difference between the high and low output; noticeable but not much difference. With the out-of-the-box charge, the light remained on for 14.5 hours (midnight to 2:30 pm) and remained inflated without problem (I had read online critiques that the lights deflated rapidly). The blue-white light provided enough light to lit up the entire oversized double garage which was otherwise pitch dark. The light sat on my truck's hood and I could have read a book in close proximity while it got darker on the perimeter of the garage. It was nonetheless bright enough that I could have picked tools in the tool chest without moving the light or otherwise require additional lighting. Had I attached the light and let it dangle from the ceiling, it would have pleasantly lit the entire area.
It's very sunny out and I'm letting the light charge through the afternoon (will get maybe 4 hours of bright sun) and I will see how long it lasts. Of note, I found it quite difficult to push the button on/off once inflated; not impossible, but difficult.
On one of those extra sunny days after xmas mine fully charged in 5 hrs. Charged it twice since then on really dark winter days and after a full 10 hours in a south facing window, it didn't reach full charge.
The light is brighter, whiter than the yellowish glow you get from bulbed flashlights or older fuel lanterns. This is good in some aspects and bad in others. As a simple source of light in a campsite, it can't be beat. Trying to walk a patch, search for something on the ground in the dark etc... it's a little hard to hold the lantern and direct its light where you need it and it can cast some really deep dark shadows, because its light is so bright.
It's coming... and it's going to hurt!
Well, I forgot about my luminaid until a few days ago during a tornado warning. We pulled out our crash box into our strong room (fancy word for laundry room...) and I remembered I had placed the light in there back in January without touching it since. I thought this may have affected the battery since these devices like a good discharge/recharge cycle every now and then. I've turned it on to the hi setting and it gave me a solid 7 hours of light before quitting. Not too bad for 11 months in storage in a Rubbermaid bin!