There is a lot of buzz on the internet about this gardening method. There are even a few debates going on over at youtube and it’s even getting hostile on the gardening forums.
So I thought it was my turn to give my opinions on it.
Reviews
Harbor Freight 10 x 12 Greenhouse Modifications
After purchasing the 10 x 12 Harbor Freight Greenhouse, It became evident there were other modifications that needed to be done.
Scouring the internet revealed a plethora of people complaining about how flimsy it was. I neglected to act right away, which became my worst nightmare.
After about 2 weeks, we had a slight wind and it knocked 2 of the panels off.
Not thinking this was a big deal, I put them back on and added a few extra clips. 1 month later, we had a fairly big wind storm.
The next morning I went out to find that half of my panels were blown off and two of them were snapped right in half.
I knew it was now time to act.
I order twice as many clips as the greenhouse came with.
I secured the panels using every clip I had thinking I was finished.
Well, I wasn’t. Just a few weeks later we had a major windstorm. I’m talking a blowout.
This time, not only did most of my panels blow off, It twisted the greenhouse sideways and collapsed it right to the ground.
I was furious.
So I set out on a mission to solve the problems.
This video will show my modifications.
Reusable Shopping Bags And My Thoughts
My thoughts on using reusable shopping bags and saving the environment.
Joos Orange Portable Solar Charger Review
Those of us that take the electrical grid for granted, should realize how important it is to have power at our disposable, no matter how small.
In my continual quest to become more self sufficient, one area I’ve focused on is solar.
The advertisements and reviews I’ve seen about the Joos Orange Portable Solar Charger, seem like a refreshing relief for people like me that have been severely frustrated by the many solar chargers on the market.
The last few years of research have left me feeling completely overwhelmed and under motivated.
The reason? It was nearly impossible to find a charger that stood up against the hype and hysteria by the people promoting them.
Most of the solar chargers I’ve tried didn’t have the capacity to blow a bug’s nose. And if they did, they weighed nearly as much as a cast iron stove.
My quest:
I wanted a solar charger that was not only portable, but capable of charging my cell phones, portable power banks, and maybe a rechargeable headlamp. That’s really not too much to ask is it?
So, I decided to test the Joos Orange Portable Solar Charger.
Cost $149.95
Included in the Joos Orange Box:
Joos Orange Solar Charger
Weighing just about 1.5 lbs, and pumping out 5v/2w of power through it’s micro USB port, the Joos is reported to be 3x faster than any other solar charger in its price range.
So, how well did this equipment hold up to our test?
The Mini Umbrella
The Forgotten Prepper Tool
One thing that seems to always be missing from everyone’s EDC kit, is the much needed umbrella. In many ways this baffles me. I suppose it might be the fact that a lot of them carry the small ponchos like the Adult Rain Poncho by totes.
I do have a few of the ponchos and they work amazingly well. However, one must remember that with the ponchos, the rain falls right off the front of your face, making it nearly impossible to use things like binoculars and cameras. And the biggest disadvantage for me, is that the hoods limit my peripheral vision. And we all know the dangers that can present, especially in a hazardous situation.
The Totes Mini Auto Open/Auto Close Umbrella
is the perfect solution.
With its auto open and auto close feature, You can hand-hold it with one hand and use your gear with the other. In many cases I prefer an umbrella over a poncho.
Of course no umbrella works very well in the wind.
I suggest you throw one in your backpack. I think you’ll agree they can be quite beneficial.
My Bugout Bag
Most people that know me, understand I never call my survival bag a “bug out bag”. But so many people have asked me to do a write up that I had to accommodate them with the title. I really don’t like the term “bug out bag”. It’s just getting old and everybody and their uncle are making videos on them.
Bug out bags are supposed to be for bugging out, but after scouring the internet, it’s almost impossible to find anyone that has actually bugged out or used their bags. Not even in mock situations. So it stands to reason that I’m incredibly exhausted and feel tired all over every time I hear or read the words “bug out bag”. I suspect that most people with bug out bag videos, wouldn’t even survive one night with their arsenal. I mean seriously, how many of them have actually USED a mini fishing kit? I tried once many years ago and tossed it in the trash. The darn thing was too flimsy to even hold my worm.
I prefer to call mine a survival bag cause really, isn’t that what it is? I know why some would only use it if they “bugged out”. So I understand the term. But the phrase has become so mundane I believe it’s lost its meaning.
So here is my SURVIVAL BAG.
Firstly, I’m about gardening. So it stands to reason I intend to stay put if disaster strikes.
However, there are definitely times where staying put would cause considerable harm. Therefore, I certainly do have what I call a “Survival Bag”
The only scenario I could conceive, considering where I live, would be some type of storm or fire.
In case of wind or fire, I am confident I would have enough time to pack a few essentials into the car before departing.
However, my bag is packed with the possibility of ditching the car and hoofing it. So, I guess I do have a bug out bag after all.
My Survival Bag Contents.
I have broken down my needs into 12 categories. They are as follows:
1. Food
2. Water
3. Hygiene Kit
4. First Aid
5. Power Kit
6. Media Kit
7. Grapple Kit
8. Shelter Kit
9. Comfort Kit
10. Communications
11. Sleep Kit
12. Tool Kit
Each kit is packed individually in its own pouch or bag and easily identifiable. They are either attached to my bag, or put in the large compartment. But still, everything goes with me. I travel prepared.
What do I carry?
My Bag
My bag of choice is the Condor Compact Assault Pack
. Now before you ask why I carry an assault pack, let me explain. The assault pack is of much thicker material and I believe a better made pack than the regular carry backpack. It just feels more comfortable. I also carry many molle attachments to it.
I also carry 3 of the Condor Pocket Pouch/US Patch
. They are small and attach very easily to the pack.
Next I have 3 of the Condor T and T Pouch (Tan)
These hold my Fire kit, Writing/Comm kit and the Hygiene kit.
I recommend that you also break down your gear into kits. That way you can find them when you need them. I’ve seen so many people just jam their gear into one big backpack. I hate to think what would happen if they ever needed even the smallest item. It would be impossible to find it.
I will be doing a video soon about all the gear I carry and which kits go into each pouch or pack. So stay tuned
But as it stands, I hope I never have to use them. But they’re there just in case. I suggest you do the same. You never know what could happen.