The Best Survival Flashlights That Money Can Buy

A very important piece in the serious prepper’s survival kit is the flashlight. No one should go without one. If SHTF at some point or another, any old flashlight will do if a survival flashlight is not in reach… but nothing can compete with a professional, state of the art lighting gadget that’s been designed specifically for such occasions.

These survival flashlights, also known as tactical flashlights are superior to a normal flashlight in both battery life and durability. Most of them come with new and improved LED lighting systems and extremely powerful batteries (rechargeable batteries) that will outlast regular flashlights; there’s is hardly any competition there.

Because they’re meant for usage in extreme situations, they are built to be extremely tough and robust: they’ll withstand shocks, they’re waterproof (most of them are) and will deteriorate slowly (if at all) even in extreme climates.

And the term “survival” applies in more ways than you can imagine; because they’re so sturdy and tough, made up from strong alloys, they can be used as a self defense clubs in case you’ll be forced to protect yourself.

One hit over the head and, ironically, it’s lights out! There’s great variety on the market in the survival flashlight department; products vary in shape, sizes, type of battery (primary or rechargeable), lightning filters and sequences etc. I’m about to show you some of those that I actually got to use and could be an asset to anybody in distress.

Olight M22 Warrior

This particular flashlight is still, in my opinion, the best option out there for those who are on a tight budget. It’s the best if you consider the price/quality ratio, considering you can buy it for about $50. It’s 5.7 inches long (1.6 in diameter) and it weighs 5.15oz. The M22 Warrior‘s body is made up of a very durable aluminum which is also used in aircraft manufacture. It used the latest and greatest in LED technology (Cree XM-L2 LED), which can put out about 950 lumens; this is more than enough to give you visibility coverage of about 1000 feet. It has an adjustable brightness level that works on 3 settings and a strobe mode for signaling your position or disorienting attackers. The mode selection and strobe can be turned on / off through a selector unit built into the head of the flashlight. There’s another switch located at the opposite side which controls brightness, but also the auto strobe mode, for quick access. The power source is optional: you can use 2x CR123A batteries units or 1x 18650 battery. At the lowest setting (20 lumens) you get 30 hours of battery time and 1 hour at its highest setting (950 lumens).

SureFire E2D Defender

The SureFire E2D Defender is probably the best self-defense oriented flashlight that I got my hands on. If it’s a white weapon you want that can also light the way from time to time, look no further. It has a crenelated front bezel and tail, all to make it more menacing at to give more angles and edges that can be used in a combat situation. It’s probably the toughest survival flashlight on the market and will take quite a bit of striking force to actually break it; you most probably won’t. If you hit hard and precisely enough, it will stop any attacker in its tracks, be it man or animal. We got the self-defense part covered and we can all agree the SureFire E2D Defender is the force to be reckoned with. If you expect it to be less efficient as a flashlight than it is as a weapon, you’d be wrong because it’s actually pretty good. It has a 2 settings mode: the full power mode will have it working at 200 lumens and will deplete the battery in about 2 hours. The ultra power-saving mode will get it down to 5 lumens, but it will keep battery life for up to 76 hours. It measures 5.4 inches in length and it weighs about 3.7oz.

Fenix HL22

This is a very good choice for those who are looking for a large yet lightweight flashlight, that’s easy to use and carry around. It’s 2.5 inches long, 1.6 inches in diameter and despite its size, it weighs about 1.6oz without battery. It has 3 adjustable brightness settings and it also has an SOS lightning mode, which is perfect for signaling for help. At its highest setting of 120 lumens, it will deplete the battery in about an hour and a half. But if you let it run on power saving mode, its setting of 3 lumens will keep the battery lasting for about 55 hours. And all this can be achieved with a simple AA battery. The power saving mode of 3 lumens is not bright enough for visibility over long distances; you’ll only be able to walk without tripping over anything in the dark.

Klarus XT12 Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight

I love this one. This thing is built like a tank, super bright (up to 930 lumens), waterproof to 2 meters, has a strobe mode to disorient an enemy in darkness, and comes with a magnetic connector that enables it to be charged via USB – using the cable supplied. Note that this is a non-standard cable so don’t lose it (or get a spare) otherwise you won’t be able to charge the flashlight.

Summary: Choosing your personal flashlight is no easy thing and you should do it by the book. Consider the possibilities, scout the market thoroughly and make the right decision. Of course, you can have more than one, just to play it safe. When comes to survival flashlights, the prices may vary from $15 to even $400.

12 Home Essentials You Need For Survival

12 Home Essentials You Need For Survival. Graphic © myfamilysurvivalplan.com. Background image – Unsplash

With so many daily works, family, and personal distractions, it’s no wonder so many of us remain unconcerned and unprepared for a potential disaster to strike. But they do strike often, all around the world, and assuming you and your family will be exempt could endanger your lives.

Even though it takes thought and investment, preparing your home and your family for unexpectedly harsh conditions is well worth the sacrifice. In fact, the peace of mind alone might be worth it. If you don’t know where to get started, Modernize offers up a list of home essentials to build off of as you collect survival supplies.

Flashlights, Lanterns, and Backup Batteries

When anticipating a disaster, the last thing you should rely on is electricity. And there’s nothing more frightening than thinking of trying to keep your family safe in total darkness. Make sure flashlights and lanterns are handy in several rooms of the house, and always keep a good stock of backup batteries and bulbs. Solar flashlights are also a great addition, especially if you’re going to need to be on the move.

Hand Crank Radio

Staying tuned in to what’s going on could mean the difference between life and death. Procure a solar hand crank radio that will keep you updated on the news and weather while you keep your family locked up safe.

Solar Oven and Freezer

Nobody hopes that the aftermath of a disaster will be long-term. But it’s best to prepare for a longer time without electricity than you would like to imagine. Solar ovens are simple, effective, and can cook food in a variety of ways. Ready-to-go, just-add-water meals are very handy for a short-term emergency. But a solar oven and a solar freezer to store your food stock could work in tandem to keep your family eating well in spite of the circumstances.

Coats and Boots

Being prepared for inclement weather is essential. Heavy-duty raincoats, winter coats, hiking boots, and rain boots will help keep them warm in dry in case of flooding or freezing weather. It will also help them travel more easily if traveling becomes necessary.

Water Purifier

Aside from shelter, water is the most immediate and vital need in many emergency situations. If you are not prepared to convert unsafe water into potable water, you’re not truly prepared at all. You need to both have ways to filter and purify it. While you’re thinking of your water needs, it never hurts to set up a rain catchment system that will allow you access to running water—though you will still need to treat rainwater to make it potable.

First Aid Supplies

A well-stocked survival first aid kit will include gloves, surgical shears, antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain relieving medication, antibiotic ointment, cotton-tipped applicators, sterile gauze pads, a thermometer, tweezers, and several other items.

Make sure to thoroughly research and go beyond the basics for your first aid kit.

Pet Supplies

No one overlooks their kids when they plan for a disaster, but a pet isn’t always foremost on everyone’s mind. Pets need their own survival supplies including food, blankets, bowls, a leash, their own first aid supplies, and anything else you determine your individual pets’ need.

Sanitary Supplies

While weather disasters are more common in America these days, epidemics also pose a danger—as do unclean condition potentially caused by natural disasters. Supplies that would come in handy during a dangerous outbreak include adhesive sealing masks with eye shields, anti-bacterial and anti-virus lotion, anti-bacterial wipes, biohazard bags, biohazard suits and gloves, and a supply of antibacterial soap.

Hygiene Essentials

Comfort and cleanliness isn’t usually the first thing on your mind in a survival situation. But if you prepare ahead, you can be more thorough about what your family needs and wants. Items like soap, toilet tissue, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine products, deodorant, and razors will come in handy even after just a day of relying on your survival supplies.

Sleeping Bags

Reflective sleeping bags that are cushy and can withstand harsh weather could mean the difference between a safe and good night’s rest and many sleepless, anxious nights. To protect your family from hypothermia, select sleeping bags that offer heavy insulation, fully waterproof materials, and low-temperature ratings.

Emergency Preparedness Guide

No matter how much you prepare yourself and your family, any type of emergency or disaster is bound to come with surprises. Instead of relying completely on your supplies and knowledge, make sure you have the educational resources anyone in your family would need to know how to deal with in difficult disaster-related circumstances.

Multi-Tool Knife

Weapons are certainly an important aspect of a home survival kit, as are tools. Combine them into one item for optimum efficiency and ease of use. You never know when a screwdriver, pliers, or a mini saw could come in handy.

These are simply the foundational items for a home survival kit. Build off of your family’s anticipated needs and show them how to use the supplies in case of an emergency.

By Mary Saurer

Mary Sauer is a writer who has been published by Babble, Mom.me, and What to Expect. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and two young daughters.

The EMP Weapon: Bringer Of Darkness And Chaos Could Soon To Be Unleashed Against US!

What is the EMP effect?

The electromagnetic pulse (aka EMP) is a short burst of electromagnetic energy (as short as hundreds of nanoseconds), taking the form of a pulse of radiated electromagnetic field or of a conducted electrical current (depending on the source of origin). It’s always disruptive on electronic equipment. They happen commonly in nature (lightning, electromagnetic discharge or even meteor EMP) or they can be man-made (electric motors, gasoline engine ignition systems, power lines surges). The military EMP devices (although are also man-made), are built to serve a whole different purpose.

They are highly advanced tactical weapons meant for combat. They are non-lethal, but they debilitate the enemy’s combat capacity by rendering useless everything that uses or runs on electrical currents. The EMP weapons can be nuclear (HEMP – capable of producing a pulse of immense magnitude) and non-nuclear EMP weapons (NNEMP).

How much harm can a non-lethal weapon cause?

Loads and loads of it! Civilian and commercial computer systems are most vulnerable to EMP attacks. They are basically built of high-density Metal Oxide Semiconductors (MOS), extremely exposed to high voltage transients. These types of devices don’t require high amounts of energy to be completely annihilated. In fact, it takes only a variation of tens of Volts to produce the gate oxide breakdown effect that eventually destroys the targeted apparatus. Some devices may resist such an attack and may still run even while “wounded”, but their reliability comes hard into question. Protection cases exist and might have been efficient, except for one Achilles’ heel: the casing will not protect the cables, which acting like antennas, will direct the pulse straight into the circuitry. The computers used in data processing systems, communications, industrial control applications (ex. Road and rail signaling), electronic flight control, digital engine controls and common mobile phones are VULNERABLE to EMP attacks! But processing units are not the only targets. Even simpler electronics, based on copper wiring, transistors and diodes are just as vulnerable. After an EMP attack, don’t count on your generators too much. The victims of an EMP affected area won’t even have the convenience of electrical light, yet alone TV, internet or radio. Such a massive electronic takedown would immediately result into a social and economic disaster.

EMP detonation point and area of effect

How can we defend ourselves?

The best way of avoiding the effects of a fully unleashed electro-magnetic pulse would be to destroy the platform carrying the bomb (be it jet or vehicle). But this would be a long shot, so the next best thing would be to fully in case every single piece of equipment that is susceptible to EMP radiation in protective casings, capable of withstanding (some, if not all) the impact. These types of casing are called Faraday cages and they keep the electromagnetic field away from the circuit boards. The power cables are still a possible backdoor for the destructive pulse, so special electromagnetic arresting devices can be fitted in order to help dampen the effect. The fiber optic cables used for data transfer, however, are completely safe.

Production costs are important! As an electronic or electrical system is composed of numerous elements, precautions must be taken for each one of them, individually. The breakdown of a single component could cease the activity of the entire system. In most cases is cheaper to design new EMP resistant equipment then it would be to upgrade an old one. Maintenance costs could sky-rocket if, for example, you tied to fix complex circuitry that has been slightly affected, but not destroyed. The inconsistency of the malfunctioning gadget could be caused by a minor component, but the time and effort put into detecting and fixing the problem might not be worth it.

Another means of defense against the EMP attack, tactical facilities especially should not radiate detectable emissions. Where radio frequency communications must be used, low probability of intercept techniques should be employed exclusively to preclude the use of site emissions for electromagnetic targeting purposes

Is this doomsday scenario possible?

Yes, it is! According to Dr. Peter Vincent Pry (Executive Director of the Task Force on National and Homeland Security and Director of the U.S. Nuclear Strategy Forum), Russia has realised the potential of full-out EMP attacks and has been developing the technology ever since. The US has been doing just about the same. But meanwhile, more and more states interested in this subject. Experts declare that North Korea have been developing their own nuclear and EMP programs, with the help of the Russian Federation. In May 2009, the North Koreans detonated an EMP warhead that produced high-gamma output combined on a relatively small blast output of three kilotons.

Dr. Pry claims that the Iranian military forces are also in the in possession of EMP tactical warheads based on military training programs, which would suggest high altitude practice strikes. Needless to say that these three regimes consider the US as their enemy and primary target. But things might have just gotten worse, as data suggests even terrorist groups (such as ISIS) have been getting in possession of EMP weapons.

As time passes by, our enemies are getting stronger. And so must we. Be alert, keep calm and stay informed! We might just make it.