SURVIVING IN ARGENTINA

If you STILL dont have a mask, here are a few options available in Amazon:
3M makes a solid product. These are not military grade, but its a quality full face mask and the filters are cheap and enough for coronavirus

3M Safety 142-6800 Safety Reusable Full Face Mask https://amzn.to/35B1Ezq
3M 60926 Multi Gas, Vapor Cartridge, Filter, P100 https://amzn.to/3cdEsty

If you have the pockets for it, the FM53 is the latest generation in gask maks and it uses 40mm
NATO filters.

AVON Protection FM53 Mask https://amzn.to/3dlmdTi
3M FR-M40B https://amzn.to/3cawVvJ
Filter Canister 40mm https://amzn.to/2Ww8nXw

FerFAL

Check out my new Book “Street Survival Skills” . Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

Little intro vid on the topic of radios for those that dont know the first thing about them and are interested in learning more. The Baofeng UV-5R is the classic starting point, but dont forget about CB radios, FRS/PMR radios and something not mentioned all that much, a nice short wave radio.


Links for some of this stuff . The UV-5R is dirt cheap and a great starter HAM favored by most preppers, but for a couple more bucks you have units that are a lot nicer. A digital short wave radio is a must have in my opinion.
BaoFeng UV-5R https://amzn.to/354pm7f
BaoFeng BF-F8HP (A bit better than the UV-5R) https://amzn.to/2VogXrP

Motorola T100TP FRS/PMR (no license required to talk) https://amzn.to/2RWChTd
Retekess V115 Portable AM FM Radio with Shortwave Radio https://amzn.to/2RVzucW

Midland Radio 75-822 Portable Mobile CB Radio (no license required) https://amzn.to/2VpGdOi
FerFAL
Check out my new Book “Street Survival Skills” . Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

As if it’s not obvious enough, time is running out. Get your preps while you still can.
Amazon BANS sellers shipping non-essential items to its warehouses and will prioritize food, diapers, household cleaning products, and pet and medical supplies
Just like toilet paper was taken for granted, the ability to just order anything online as you wish may be next.

Anything you believe you may be needing, if you do have the money for it and were considering buying it eventually, get it now. Get the last few things before it’s too late. I’ve been posting about respirators and masks for weeks. I cant post links to them any more becuase they are all gone now (unless you buy a two pack, 12 units left). Same for hand sanitizer and many other pandemic related preps.

You probably have guns but may be missing things such as optics and night vision goggles. Anything you were thinking about buying eventually, you may not be able to do it tomorrow, either because of Amazon or because the company building it is on lockdown.



Prepare for the quarantine as well. Get some books. Of course I recommend my own books, my last one “Street Survival Skills” and “Survivng the economic Collapse”.

Get yourself some new videogames.

Red Dead 2, Witcher III GOTY, Zelda BOTW should keep you busy for a long time. If you have small kids and want to play with them, get Terraria, you'll thank me later.
I’ve been having a bit of fun today with my Food safer.

Preparing some of the extra food I have for long term storage, vacuum sealed. While at it, I used it to seal some ammo and clothes for the kits so as to make it more compact and waterproof.
Of course, if you don’t have enough food already, order lentils, rice and pasta. Don’t forget about food for your pets.

These are just a few things that come to mind. There's hundreds of others that may apply to yourself and your situation. Check my youtube channel, TheModernSurvivalist, I'll be talking about tihs some more.

Don’t believe for a second coronavirus won’t be hitting you as hard as it did in Italy. Its just a matter of time, and by that I mean a matter of days.

FerFAL

Check out my new Book “Street Survival Skills” . Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

Bags:
Wenger backpack https://amzn.to/2S2MxKk
Saddleback Leather Briefcase https://amzn.to/2tu1HOH
Polare Leather Briefcase (similar to the Saddleback Briefcase, but cheaper) https://amzn.to/2toa8ed

Items Listed:
1)Multitool (Leatherman Wave)https://amzn.to/2tnThs0
2)Knife (Glock Survival Knife) https://amzn.to/2rYm5a9
3)Flashlight (Zebralight H53W AA) https://amzn.to/38Ot1Hx
4)Water Bottle (Klean Kanteen) https://amzn.to/35za5e2
5)Small First Aid Kit (Protect Life) https://amzn.to/2Q1t7Dk
6)Tourniquet (Recon-Milspec)https://amzn.to/2YW8rRb
7)Celox Gauze https://amzn.to/34rA5GR
8)Sabre Red Pepper Gel https://amzn.to/2LZMJq7
9)Power bank (Anker)https://amzn.to/2EowG0T
10)Notebook and Pen https://amzn.to/2Z27neC https://amzn.to/2qXXsKe
11)Spare magazine/speedloader
12)Lighter (Bic) https://amzn.to/34s6zR7
13)Kleanex
14)Hand Sanitizer (Purell) https://amzn.to/2EoBSlo
15)Paracord 550 https://amzn.to/2PUU4bz
FerFAL
Check out my new Book “Street Survival Skills” . Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

Street Survival Skills $21.95
Pretty confident about this one, my latest book “Street Survival Skills”. It explains in detail plenty of valuable, practical real-world skills. Even those that have been into preparedness for a long time will find useful information, no doubt. It also covers the basics for newbies and gets them started in the right direction. Check my video review.

LEATHERMAN - Charge Plus $139.95
The Leatherman Charge is in my opinion the best multitool money can buy and I haven’t found anything better yet even if some favor the Surge. Anyway, fantastic multitool and the Wave is basically the same thing but more budget friendly. Even more affordable and still great Leatheman multool, go with the Sidekick or the tiny PS4.

Victorinox Manager $29.16
I’ve been using this little guy for about a year now and even though I keep proper multiool and folder in my pocket this tiny tool always comes in handy. Great tool for someone that isnt much into preparedness and doesn’t see themselves carrying anything, yet its there in the keychain, always ready.

Olight S1R II 1000 Lumens $69.95
The S1R II is compact, fits in the pocket and recharges with a magnetic contact which is pretty convenient.

The SRK is as solid as knife designs go. Used by the Navy SEALS and soldiers around the world, you can’t go wrong with Cold Steel’s Survival Rescue Knife. The size hits that ideal not too big not too small. Somewhat similar to a short Kabar blade geometry but with a tougher construction.

The Taser Pulse uses the same Taser technology used for law enforcement, but in a concealed carry weapon format. Works just like the old Taser, meaning that besides shootings the darts and automatically discharging for 30 seconds, it also works as a stun gun pressing the muzzle against an attacker. The safety on the side activates a laser and LED light and it has a low battery indicator. These are now also legal in New York.

Pepper Spray is cheap, its compact and what’s most important, it WORKS. In my experience it also makes a highly appreciated gift that doesn’t break the bank and it may one day safe a friend or loved one.

Glock OEM Field Knife 6.5" $24.99
In my opinion the best survival knife for the money. 1095 steel at 55 HRC, 6.5” of combat/survival steel, Made in Austria. Get one if you don’t have one already, also a great gift for any outdoors, survivalist or firearms enthusiast.

These rations work well for BOB, 72hs Kits, Get Home Bags, etc. They last for several years, a lot less bulky and cheaper than MRE. Not much in terms of food, think of it as fuel to keep you going. No need to cook or any other type of food preparation.

Glock 19X CO2 Blowback .177 $99.99
Not the real thing but close enough. Glock licensed BB made by Umarex, 18 shot magazine. Glock just came up with the Glock 44 in 22LR, says its for fun and plinking… bet it’s a nice gun but you know what? 1)BB is MUCH cheaper than 22LR 2) You can use it for plinking and practice in your back yard 3) Still capable of killing rats and other tiny pests with a fresh CO2 cartridge.  I have a Glock 19 BB and absolutely love that thing. Would make a hell of a gift for a kid too (as long as he wears eye protection and doesnt “shoot his eye out”)
I’ll keep an eye out and post any deals worth mentioning that I come across. These are of course all from Amazon, and we earn a small percentage on some of the sales made through Amazon Affiliate links, which is much appreciated and helps with the channel.
Thake care!
FerFAL
Check out my new Book “Street Survival Skills” . Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

I was recently talking with someone living in a cold climate region and the topic of backup heating came up. I remembered about an incident a few years ago when our oil burner broke and needed to be replaced. I had a tank full of heating oil but no burner…  in Ireland in the middle of winter. The house did have two fireplaces, but we soon found out that these were more for show than actual heating. What saved the day was an electric radiator and the couple kerosene heaters I had bought a while back.
Depending on where you live, heating may be a matter of inconvenience or a matter of life or death. In such a place, I want no less than two alternative heating methods besides the primary one normally used, plan B and C, just in case. You just never know. The heater or burner can break, power may go out, you may even be injured, too weak or too sick to go collect firewood. Always have a backup plan.
Here are some of the best alternatives.


I personally love Kerosene heaters. I love how simple they are. Nothing electronic going on, just a wick a fuel. Read up  (start here!) and learn as much as you can about them. Light them outdoors and give it about 30-60 minutes or so until it heats up very well for the first time so as to avoid any smells. Once its going though, its my favorite low tech heating method. You can get these on Amazon (and the radiant model shown is excellent) but honestly its just fun to go hunting for one in garage sales as well. Prices on these things when sold used is also very low (check the wick though, it probably needs a new one). Get one, keep a few gallons of kerosene and you'll be warm during storms and blackouts.

Also very simple and handy, preppers love these Buddy heaters and the larger Big Buddy units. They are portable and simple, and for those that dont like do mess around with kerosene, they do have less of a scent which even if minimal, it bothers some people. Here you are just burning propane and you dont have to light it outdoors. Make sure you have enough fuel. Better yet, get the adapter for it so as to use larger propane bottles.

DeLonghi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater, Quiet 1500W
Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater. Your tipical electric radiator. They are simple and safe to use, not much can go wrong with these and as long as you have electricity you’ve got heat. Excellent for when something goes wrong with your main heating but you still have power.

Cheap and compact little units. Not as nice as radiators but handy as long as you have electricity.

HotHands Body & Hand Super Warmers
These are great for your kits, keeping in your car and BOB or even in your jacket, just in case.

 FerFAL

Check out my new Book “Street Survival Skills” . Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

People, I finally set up the Modern Survivalist Amazon Store. Most of the stuff shown in the video (and often mentioned in posts) is available there. Just click on the EDC menu and you'll see the gear or compatible alternatives for the stuff that has been discontinued.

-FerFAL

Check out my new Book “Street Survival Skills” . Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

For years I kept a similar safety lock bar in my car in Argentina.

It wasn’t as nice as this one though. It was a cheap ugly thing, but it worked. Shaped like a small baseball bat, made of steel and painted yellow. One night someone broke into my car (at that time it was parked in the street). There wasn’t much to steal and they took off, but thanks to that safety bar they didn’t take the car. It was also useful as a weapon. A short heavy steel bat can do a good bit of damage, and the neat thing is its perfectly legal and not considered a weapon.


This new one that I purchased is much nicer, has a better lock, better grip and feels a lot sturdier.
Besides its main anti-theft use, and having a Startrek Batleth weapon vibe to it, it also has a glass breaking tip at the other end. Being as heavy as it is, the metal tip will easily break glass with minimal effort. This can be important when escaping the vehicle after an accident, fire or trying to get someone else out from another car after a collision.

I believe its well work the 26 bucks it costs in Amazon. I’m happy with mine and it now lives tucked next to the driver’s seat in my car.

On the left hand, in the driver’s door storage compartment, I still have a large can of Sabre Red Pepper Spray.

It’s good to have options.

Stay safe people.

FerFAL

Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

Yeaahhhh.. not a good idea.

GiGi Wu was known as the “Bikini Hiker”. Famous for… well, hiking in a bikini and posting it on social media.

Which is fine. For all I care you can hike butt naked (if your local laws allow public nudity, that is).
The thing is, its just a pretty stupid idea and nature has no sense of humor.
So this last Saturday “Bikini Hiker” went solo hiking in Taiwan's Jupen Mountain, fell into a gorge 30 meters deep where she was injured but able to use her phone to call for help. A Chopper was sent but unable to land on location. A team on foot found her body the next day, cause of death seems to be hypothermia.

Don’t be fooled though, this 36 year old woman was an experienced hiker and we still don’t know the details regarding how she died. If they are speculating hypothermia though, its probably because she was visibly poorly dressed.

The lessons here is, obviously enough, when hiking outdoors, adequate clothing is essential and can in fact save your life. Hiking solo, while fun and some people prefer it, it also involves an additional risk. Don’t make it even worse by making an obvious, ridiculously poor decision such as hiking solo and doing so practically naked. Take adequate clothing (obviously) and footwear, spare food and water, a small survival kit, and these days an additional battery bank for your phone is a must have.
Also, just as important as having the right gear, let people know where you’re going and when you are expecting to be back.  Email a map with your intended route to a trusted family member or friend, detailing your schedule and when you’ll be calling in and who to contact if there’s no news of you by a given deadline.
Stay safe!

FerFAL

Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

Ha! Glock Perfection, yeah right.

Sure, nothing is perfect, but let me know of any other auto pistol that combines durability, reliability, simplicity of use, accuracy, ammo capacity, parts availability, ease of repair, availability of accessories and the list goes own. Simply no other gun scores so well in so many of them and that’s why the Glock 17 is as popular as it is.


Something similar happens with the Glock knife.
It’s a cheap, ugly, light little thing, but when you look at what its supposed to be used for and how well it scores in all categories its easy to point out the Glock knife may just be the Glock of the knife world.


1) Cutting ability. A knife that doesn’t cut isnt much of a knife, is it? Well, we all know that sometimes knives come with a poor edge, in some cases rather expensive knives are delivered with an edge so poor it will barely half cut, half tear through paper across most of the edge. I know for a fact that the Glock knife was at times delivered poorly sharpened. Current ones though they are either sharp or shaving sharp, in either case well within what you would expect in a utility/survival knife.

2)Fit and Finish. The knife is on the low budget side of things no doubt, but its well made, correct bevels, quality plastic injection, steel finish and overall a high quality product manufactured in Austria. For such a low cost knife, you get a lot of bang per buck.

3)Toughness. A knife is supposed to be a cutting tool but a survival/utility knife is meant to be more. If needed, it must also be a hammer, a pry bar, scrapper, axe, shovel or whatever else you need it to be. No, it wont do any of those things “well”, but when you have no other choice it should hold up to that kind of abuse. The Glock knife does that.

4)Blade geometry. Not much innovation here. It’s a typical fighting knife bayonet shaped blade, but the narrow blade, with the strong tip will not just stab well and perform as a fighting knife, it also performs as a general utility tool. As long as its sharp it will cut anything that needs cutting and the thick, 6,5” blade will hold its own when battoning wood.

Glock Perfection OEM Fixed Straight Blade Field Knife $32.95
 
5)Steel quality. 1095 carbon steel is good stuff. Some of the better utility knives use it and for good reason. It will rust so there’s that, but it also holds an edge well and sharpens easily.

6)Heat treatment. The Glock knife is hardened to 55HRC. While many high end knives are expected to be 60HRC or harder, the truth is that the benefits of such hardness aren’t worth the loss of toughness and these knives will break when abused. On the other hand the Glock knife can be abused, bent, used as a chisel and for smashing concrete blocks and just take the beating that would destroy supposedly better 60 HRC knives.

7)Blade Finish. The smooth electrophoretic black coating protects the blade and reduces reflection.

8)Balance. The blade has a partial, narrow tang. Usually this is a rather bad, fragile tang compared to a full tang fixed knife but not in this case, not with a good bit of Glock plastic around said tang. The attachment is in fact so strong, the blade will break way before you manage to break that polymer handle. Thanks to the short narrow tang, the knife is perfectly balanced in the cross guard. With a lower grip, it allows for acceptable chopping given the blade size and weight. The knife was also designed as a throwing knife and it does very nicely as such.

9)Handle. The Polymer handle is not only as tough as they come, its also has a classic, proven shape design. It is comfortable for most hands and allows for good retention.

10)Sheath. One of the strongest points the Glock knife had going for it. Entirely made out of polymer, fully ambidextrous, the sheath is classic Glock minimalistic design. It has a belt loop that first large belts and the sheath itself can get tucked in molle, either a vest or backpack.The retention lever keeps it in place and makes it almost impossible to get the knife out by another person by accident/surprise.

11)Weight. A bit over 7 ounces, the knife is one of the lightest knives around, especially for a tough, 6,5 inch blade. Ideal for soldiers, contractors, but also for survival and bugout kits as well as camping, backpacking or as a general use knife around the house, car or tool box.

12)Price. For an extremely well designed and manufactured knife made in Austria, the price is very low. Around 30 bucks or so, its worth getting spares.

FerFAL
Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

Hope everyone had a great New Year.

Today I took my Salomon Quest Forces on a little hike. About 20 km, 3200 feet


Not much of challenge but I wanted to soften them a bit. I have worn them several times before but not much hiking. I mostly use either my grey Salomon Quests 4D GTX or my Salomon Ultra 2. These last ones are my go to shoes most of the time given the warmer climate. My grey Quests are already nicely broken in and just feel more comfortable. The Forces one are still a tad stiff.

So how did they do? Well, as expected they did great. Didn’t get to soften them much but it’s a boot that doesn’t need it much anyway because they are very comfortable from the go.

The trail was a rocky mountain trail. Lots of loose pebbles and rocks, at times covering larger rock surfaces which felt like walking on marbles. I was careful not to fall and after kicking the rocks out of the way the boots provided sure footing on the smooth rock surface. Some people don’t believe boots provide ankle support. I don’t agree with them at all. Many times I stepped in the most messed up angle and I could feel the boot help improve the support in those instances.

What can I say that most people don’t already know about the legendary Quest boots?  They are just high quality, premium footwear. Not cheap but worth every cent. Comfortable, solid, don’t slip where other shoes do. The anti-debris mesh actually worked for me today. I like the locking eyelets a lot too. The toe cap and heel cap are an appreciated feature that keeps your boot from tearing against the rocks. The Goretex didn’t feel particularly hot, but of course you want to take breaks, take your boots and socks off and let them dry when taking a break on the trail.

Love them. If you’re looking for a great boot that is light, comfortable yet tough, and don’t look half bad with a pair of jeans,  give the Salomon Quest 4D GTX a good long look.

FerFAL

Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

So some time ago I was at the vet with my dog. Bull terriers have a high tolerance to pain and can often hurt themselves against sharp objects and barely notice. Mine will easily get cuts and scrap all over its face.

So the vet gives me this pink liquid for cleaning the wounds. I use it for a few days and yes, turns out it works very well mixed with some water into a pale pink solution.

I mention this to the vet and she says “yes, it’s very good. I get cuts and scratches on my hands all the time and this is what I use too. Its cheap, you get a lot of product for the money mixing it with water and it works very well for disinfecting wounds”. Ding! Ding! Ding! The alarm bell in my survivalist brain went off. A good, cheap disinfectant? Sounds like the kind of stuff I would want to stock up on.

So I went and got a bottle for the dog and another for myself. The products is called Chlorhexidine.
You can find it for humans, but also by the gallon for horses and dogs. Sometimes it’s sold as mouthwash for gingivitis at an even lower concentration.

Its available on Amazon, heres the link.

Antimicrobial/Antiseptic 32 Ounce Bottle $15.58

You can also buy it per gallon for "dogs and horses" although its the same thing and if you read the comments people use it on themselves. Folks use it on pets, for wounds and with shampoo, use it also on people and to disinfect things around the house.

I was told to mix it with water at about 5%, but as long as there's a visible pink (or blue)  tint it should work and that seemed to work ok with my dog.
I would advise you to read up on Chlorhexidine so as to know when to use it. This stuff is strong, so never use it on eyes, nose, inner lips (unless it’s a mouthwash solution) and genitals because it will destroy mucous membranes.
 
Take care,

FerFAL

Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

Mister Aguirre,
Where I live most of the year it is cloudy so no direct sunlight for using a solar charger.
Is it worth investing in one?
Do you have any experience with alternatives like hand crank generators?
Thanks
-J
.
Hello J,
I lived in Ireland for a few years. The place is as cloudy as anywhere I’ve ever been and even there solar panels did work. You even saw them in RV and houses pretty often.
I can say that a panel such as the one I recently reviewed, the Zanflare 28W Solar Charger, does work even in cloudy days.

Zanflare 28W Solar Charger $55.99
Granted, you wont get the same power output as in a clear sunny summer day in Spain, but it does work and does charge your devices.

Other than that, if you need a reliable supply of power just get a Honda EU2200i generator.
Hand crank devices are very limited in the amount of power they produce. I’ve used many over the years, most are fragile, inefficient gadgets.

I’ve been testing one that works ok recently, review coming up soon, but the power output is still minimal in the best of cases. Think of it as enough to run a LED battery for a while or catch a few minutes of FM radio. Others than that, say for charging a battery bank or charging batteries or a cell phone, get a solar panel like the one mentioned above. Thats the best money spent for charging devices.
FerFAL
Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

Ferfal,
Is there any circumstance where a slingshot would be useful for personal or home defense?  Is this a viable alternative in countries/states that restrict knives and guns?
Gutlo
.
Hi,
As a defensive weapon I just don’t see it. Even in the most ridiculously restrictive country you have big knives sold in stores and in every home kitchen. I’d rather pick a large kitchen chef knife to be honest. It sure is a better weapon than a slingshot.
But a slingshot can be a valuable hunting/foraging tool if you think about it. I grew up with a slingshot and was accurate enough with it, and a good one has enough power to take small animals. In some of the poorest parts of town it was common to see kids hunt doves and pigeons with them for the pot.
Come to think of it, the legendary Aitor Jungle King knife comes with a slingshot, specifically for hunting during survival situations.

Now, I believe a good solid airgun is a better tool, both for hunting small game and pest control. Something like this is affordable and will serve you well.

Cheap, light and compact ammo, more powerful and more accurate.
FerFAL
Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”