Survival Skills: Homemade Toothpaste

    This may seem a bit off topic, but I assure you it's not as learning certain skills allow you and your family to be just a bit more self-reliant.  Learning how to create your own soap, candles, and toothpaste amongst other things, can save you money in the long-term and help you to refine a very useful skill.  Not to mention that learning how to make your own supplies, and having a stock pile of the ingredients to make them, give you something to barter or an item to sell if a disaster lasted more then a few weeks.

     One of the simplest, and cost effective skills to learn is how to make homemade toothpaste.  The initial cost of making toothpaste can be a tad expensive at first as you should buy bulk.  But it can easily save your family hundreds of dollars a year as the original supplies can last a long time, much longer then a tube of store bought toothpaste.  The savings can then be applied to back-up your supplies for long-term use or to use, once again, as barter if necessary.

      The best thing, in my opinion, of making your own stuff is the fact that you can control what goes into these products.  Since I am not a fan of anything containing fluoride, and try to limit my families intake of it, I can choose to make a toothpaste completely fluoride free.  I can also choose different natural oils to enhance the taste, and get the added benefits from them.  Things like peppermint oil, or parsley neutralize bad breath.  Chamomile reduces swelling if your gum's are sensitive.  The possible combination's can be truly endless if you further your knowledge of natural herbs and oils.

     Since I am into simple solutions and have been blessed with strong healthy teeth, I choose to use a basic tooth cleaning system.  It consists of a wet toothbrush, baking soda, and grapefruit seed extract.  I keep a covered jar of baking soda and a bottle of grapefruit seed extract near my covered toothbrush on my bathroom sink.  To use these items, you simply wet the toothbrush head, stick it in the baking soda, put a drop of grapefruit seed extract on top of it all, and brush.  Simple as that.  The taste is not ideal, but it has never really been an issue.  You need to make sure to use a little amount of the grapefruit seed extract, as too much can burn your gum's.  If you have sensitive gum's you might need a different solution.  Below is a video from YouTube showing you the proper way of using this method, and I have linked baking soda, and grapefruit seed extract from Amazon below.  The big bottle of grapefruit seed extract linked below is a bit expensive, but from my research a very good deal in the 32 oz. bottle, especially because of the free shipping Amazon offers.

Weekend Watching

     If, like me, you are not very interested in watching an overblown football game, and seeing what witty ways our advertising community can make us buy more useless stuff, I offer you a worth while alternative on this Super Bowl Sunday.  Being very interested in outdoor survival and practicing bushcraft skills since I was a boy, one of my guilty pleasures is searching for new, and useful outdoor survival related videos on YouTube.  Since the internet is full of bushcraft information, it really does not take long to find good lessons from many of the more famous bushcraft survival instructors if you know where, and who, to look for.  Even though we live in an urban environment and have taken the word "convenience" to a whole new level, bushcraft survival can be extremely important to anyone, and everyone on this planet.  In fact, many of my concepts for urban survival are adapted from outdoor survival, as the rules don't change.

     One of the people I have recently became an admirer of is Ray Mears.  I have heard his name thrown around a few times by other survival teachers, but had not known much about him.  Finding a playlist featuring him on a channel I often visit on YouTube; Prepare2Survive I became instantly impressed with his skills and knowledge on bushcraft survival.  He has traveled the world many times over, and has a bunch of BBC programs, and specials concentrated on finding quickly vanishing bushcraft skills and techniques of the remaining indigenous people of the world.  Watching him, you realize his influence over other bushcraft survival teachers such as Bear Grylls, and Dual Survivals Dave Canterbury. 

     So do yourself a favor and watch his playlist when you have some time.  It is a worth while watch.  If you enjoy his methods, you can visit his website here, which has useful info on what gear he uses and suggests.  You can also look for his DVD series, and books on Amazon.

     I will be doing a few posts when we get closer to the spring on camping, and backpacking trips that you can go on to practice your bushcraft skills.  These trips are relatively close to NYC, and can be traveled by car or mass transit.  *Here is that post.*  

"But baby it's cold outside..."

Ron Bird-freedigitalphotos.net

     As New York deals with some of the coldest temperatures it’s had in two years, I figured I would give you a quick tip to help keep you a bit warmer while out and about.  Hopefully by now you already discovered the wonderful three-layer system I suggest, and learned how to use proper fabrics and layers to keep you much warmer during the cold season.  If not I suggest you do it now because winter is a long way from over, and companies such as Patagonia are offering some of their best sales of the year, making it a great time to upgrade your winter wardrobe.

     The tip I’m going to explain goes beyond proper layers, and head protection.  It is more about conserving the body’s own heat.  We lose the heat our body’s work diligently to make four different ways; conduction, convection, radiation, respiration.  The key to this tip is the often overlooked latter of the group; respiration.  We lose boat loads of our natural heat through our breath by breathing in the exterior cold air, and then breathing out our internal ‘warmed’ air.  We can be instantly chilled to the core if we do not make an effort to warm the air before it enters the body.  Fortunately, warming the air you breathe can be done fairly easily by having a neck gaiter or scarf cover your mouth and nose allowing the air to be warmed before it gets to the lungs.  

     I wear a neck gaiter pretty much year long.  During the summer, I wear one as head protection and to sop up sweat around my neck.  In the winter time, I either wear the same polyester one linked above , or a thicker fleece or wool one for the extremely cold days such as today.  Conserving heat through protecting your respiration is very effective.  So much so, that I often wear the light polyester Recon Wrap, because anything heavier quickly heats me up.  (Remember; starting to sweat, or getting wet in any way during freezing conditions can make you much colder and lead to hyperthermia.)  I tend to start the day with the gaiter around my neck pulled up just below my eyes, covering the ears, nose, and mouth.  Then I place a good wool hat over my ears and head leaving just my eyes exposed.  Since this configuration is so efficient, I often lower the gaitor below my chin allowing me to cool off, raising it back over my face when I get cold.  This style often gets “looks” in Manhattan, but once again I prefer function over fashion.  Let the “sheeple” stay ignorant and cold.  Here is a good video explaining the three-layer system, and the proper use of a neck gaiter.  Here are some options that Amazon offers.

Quick Pick: Wool Blanket

     A good quality wool blanket can have a ton of useful applications in the home and bush.  Wool blankets have earned a place in history for keeping troops and pioneers warm for generations.  It was, and still is, a staple for cowboys and ranchers the world over as well.  Its main purpose was as a lightweight, compact sleeping system, but it could also have many other functions if you check out some the videos from YouTube I link below. 

     

     Wool itself has amazing properties that I explain in a past post linked here.  If you read this blog often, it is apparent that I am a big fan of wool as it is a “wonder fabric”.  I use, and suggest it for most of my cold weather gear, and especially for things like socks, hats, and as the fabric of your mid-layer in the three-layer system.

     If you’re a minimalist, camping with a wool blanket as your sleep system is the way to go.  Though not comfortable, it is warm and has been proven reliable time and time again.  You can also use it as an alternative sleeping system in your B.O.B.  It would lessen the overall weight and size of the bag considerably as you could ditch your sleeping bag, tent, or both.

     At home, having an extra warm blanket will really come in handy, especially during a winter like the current one we are having in New York.  I suggest leaving one folded up on your couch to be pulled over yourself to keep you warm and cozy while watching TV.

     New York apartments, especially the older pre-war buildings, don't have thermostats in the apartment.  So we are reliant upon our landlords to keep our humble abodes a reasonable temperature.  Most apartments in the city that I have lived in or visited are either way to hot during the winter, or way to drafty and cold.  Having a way keep warm can be extremely important for those of us that have the latter problem.   

     The following is a few videos that explain even more uses for wool blankets.  As well as a few blankets that Amazon offers;

Wool Tarp Video

Wool Blanket Shirt 

Wool Shirt

Wool Blanket Cape 

Wool Blanket Winter Camp 

I grew up with a similar blanket to the "Army issue" olive drab wool blanket above as my father served in the Marines in Vietnam.  As uncomfortable the blanket is, it is very warm and holds a special place in my heart.

Boot "Camp" Part 2: Backpacking Boot

     This is part 2 of my boot series, you can find part 1: "Hiking Boot" here.  After you read this post, do yourself a favor and read over my post on socks linked here, if you haven’t done so already.  It will complete the three-layer system I suggest for your feet.  

Backpacking Boot

     Backpacking boots, or sometimes called mountaineering boots are the real deal.  They can be extremely durable, and have the best ankle support of all the boot options.  They are ideal for multi-day excursions, in rough or rocky terrain with medium to heavy pack loads.  There are a few different options in what material you would like your boot to be (i.e. leather, synthetic), and if you prefer mid- or high-cut.  You also need to decide before choosing the ‘proper pair’ if you want them to be Gore-Tex lined, making the boot waterproof and a bit more pricey, or if you want them to be unlined allowing better breathability.  These types of boots take the most amount of time to break-in, so make it a point to wear them around for a few weeks before going into the bush.  These are also going to be the most expensive boot option, but tend to be worth the expense because they are built to last for years.

     Backpacking boots are my preferred choice of footwear for most of the year while in the bush, because I often backpack in rough terrain with a heavy pack.  My ankles are a bit week as well, so I wear a high-cut to reduce injury.  I am used to wearing a heavy boot, and the added weight has never been an issue in my experience.  When it comes to materials, I am a fan of a full-grain one piece leather boot, and I prefer a Gore-Tex liner.  Full-grain leather is the most durable option you have, though it is not as lightweight and breathable as some of the other materials.  I like a boot that is a tank and can take a beating, which full-grain can fully deliver.  Full-grain leather is a tried and true material that has been used on backpacking boots for years.  When it comes to my choice of Gore-Tex, again it’s personal preference.  I find I prefer a boot to be waterproof over better breathability.  When wearing proper socks, the lack of air is negated for the most part.

     Is there really a need for a backpacking boot for our city adventures?  My answer to that is; of course!  I choose to wear my backpacking boots from about October to April here in the apple.  Big, chunky boots are actually in style right now, which can be a benefit to those of us who value function over fashion.  I personally pay a bit of attention to current styles, because it allows me to blend into our urban environment without drawing attention.  Looking like your everyday, average commuter while being prepared, is ideal.  I wear my backpacking boots daily for a few reasons;  

• First and foremost, they keep my feet warm during the cold months.  
• Second, because of all the snow we've been receiving lately, waterproof boots allow me to get around town and trudge through street corners without getting my socks and feet all wet.  
• Third reason is that I always have a pair of ‘broken in’ boots.  
• And last but not least, by wearing them often I condition my legs, getting them used to walking and wearing a slightly heavier shoe.

     My 'broken in' backpacking boots are always placed next to my bug-out-bag.  They are the type of boot you should wear in the event that you need to 'bug-out'.  Every person in the family should have a good quality broken in pair stored next to their bags as well.  Ideally, they should be untied and ready to go at a moments notice.

Part 3: Winter Boots are next.  Look for that to be published over the next few days.

Boot "Camp" Part 1: Hiking Boot

      With more snow on the ground here in the city and winter’s end nowhere in sight, I’m going to explain my recommended boot system.  I’m also going to clear up much of the confusion about the different styles and materials available to you when you do decide to do your boot shopping.  After you read this post, do yourself a favor and read over my post on socks linked here if you haven’t done so already.  It will complete the three-layer system I suggest for your feet.

     I would like to give a bit of a disclaimer here before we go on.  There are many different shapes, sizes, materials and everything else you can think of when it comes to boots these days.  I am suggesting what I like and prefer.  Many people will disagree with me because there are so many variables such as, if you have a preference for mesh, cloth, leather, high-cut, low, knee height… you get the picture.  I recommend using this post as a guideline, and then testing different styles and materials to fit your personal tastes.  This guide is meant to give you direction and an explanation of where different styles could be applicable.

Hiking Boot

     This will probably be the first, most generic boot style you will look at when you’re buying a new pair of ‘outdoor’ boots.  The purpose of the hiking boot is to give you a lightweight option with decent support for flat to somewhat rocky terrain.  If you opt for a mid- to high-cut, which I suggest, you can get good ankle support as well.  Typical hiking boots will be fine if you are carrying about a 20lbs pack or less.  Anything heavier, you will need a more specific “backpacking boot” explained here.  Hiking boots are meant to be light so you don’t tire too quickly while on the trail.  They can also be waterproof and insulating, but these additions will add to the weight of the boot which really defeats the purpose of a hiking boot.  They are really just the “jack of all trades” of the different styles.  Good in most conditions, ideal at none.

     I personally find that there really is no purpose for hiking boots in the bush and let me explain why.  If I am hiking in warm/hot conditions with a light daypack on, I would choose to wear mesh low-cut running or trail-running sneakers instead.  No bells, whistles, or Gore-Tex, just normal light running shoes.  I do that because wearing a low-cut hiking boot lined with Gore-Tex to make them waterproof is mostly pointless, as your feet will still get wet as soon as you step in ankle deep water.  Also, Gore-Tex is an amazing product and I am a fan of it, but in a lightweight shoe or boot it will just add to the weight of the item and not allow them to dry as quickly.  Not to mention that your feet will sweat a bit more with Gore-Tex lining the shoe.  If you wear a lightweight mesh running shoe your feet and socks will get wet, but the shoe will also allow them to dry much faster.  Make sure to have a good sock system and an extra back-up pair of socks if you decide to wear mesh sneakers.  The general rule of thumb with footwear made for hiking is that every pound you lighten on your feet is equivalent to lessening your pack by five pounds.  If you have weak or bad ankles, then you can stick with a high-cut lightweight, cloth or synthetic hiking boot.  Though, I would suggest wearing a good backpacking boot for the best ankle and back support, lowering your risk of injury.

     For our concrete jungle in the city, hiking boots can actually come in handy.  Wearing a Gore-Tex lined low- or high-cut boot can make getting caught in the rain or light snow much more manageable.  Since New Yorker’s are a part of the elements 365 days of the year, having a good pair of hiking boots can keep your feet much warmer and dry when necessary.  I find I wear low-cut hiking boots often during the warmer months.  They are also becoming much more fashionable, allowing you to blend into your surroundings and be just another face in the crowd (which is a good thing.)  

     Here are some mesh and trail running sneakers I suggest from Amazon;

     Here are some low and mid-cut hiking boots I suggest for city trekking from Amazon;

Here is the link to Part 2 of Boot Camp: "Backpacking Boot.