SCP Survival

Best Survival Gear and Supplies

Best Natural Supplements for High Blood Pressure

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With many prescriptions being filled on a just-in-time basis, and with one third of the population suffering from high blood pressure, a part of preparedness is taking responsibility for your own health.

In a grid down situation, you may have to go a couple of days or longer without access to medication.

What is High Blood Pressure?

According to the American Heart Association, nearly one in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. But nearly one-third of those people don’t know they have high blood pressure, because it’s a silent disease. People can have high blood pressure for years without experiencing symptoms or knowing they have it.

The upper or first number in a blood pressure reading is the systolic pressure and the lower or second number is called the diastolic pressure. According to National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines:

  • Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg.
  • Prehypertension is systolic pressure that’s between 120 to 139 or diastolic pressure between 80 and 89.
  • Stage 1 hypertension is systolic pressure between 140 to 159 or diastolic pressure between 90 and 99.
  • Stage 2 hypertension is systolic pressure higher than 160 or diastolic pressure of 100 or higher.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms

High blood pressure usually doesn’t cause any symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms associated with high blood pressure can include:

  • Dizziness or dizzy spells
  • Headache
  • Nosebleeds

Causes of High Blood Pressure

In most cases of high blood pressure, the American Heart Association says there is no one identifiable cause. This kind of high blood pressure is called primary hypertension or essential hypertension. It is usually a combination of factors, such as:

  • Weight. The greater your body mass, the more pressure there is on your artery walls. That’s because more blood is produced to supply oxygen and nutrients to tissues in your body.
  • Activity level. Lack of physical activity tends to increase heart rate, which forces your heart to work harder with each contraction.
  • Tobacco use. Chemicals in cigarettes and tobacco can damage artery walls.
  • Sodium intake. Excessive sodium in the diet can result in fluid retention and high blood pressure, especially in people sensitive to sodium.
  • Potassium intake. Low potassium can result in elevated sodium in cells, because the two balance one another.
  • Stress. Stress can raise blood pressure.
  • Alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol intake can, over time, increase the risk of heart disease.
  • Age. The risk of high blood pressure increases as you get older.
  • Family history. High blood pressure often runs in families.

High blood pressure can also be caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, thyroid disease, adrenal gland disease, and the use of certain drugs, such as oral contraceptives, or herbs such as licorice. This type of high blood pressure is called secondary hypertension.

Herbs and Supplements To Avoid

Herbs that have been found or suspected to cause high blood pressure include:

  • Licorice
  • Ephedra
  • Asian Ginseng
  • Rosemary essential oil

Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Lifestyle changes and natural remedies may help to control high blood pressure, but your doctor may also recommend medication to lower high blood pressure. It is important to work with your doctor, because untreated high blood pressure may damage organs in the body and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, brain hemorrhage, kidney disease, and vision loss.

1. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

There is some evidence that the supplement CoQ10 may help to reduce high blood pressure. A 12 week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 83 people with systolic hypertension examined the effect of CoQ10 supplements (60 mg twice daily). After the 12 weeks, there was a mean reduction in systolic blood pressure of 17.8 mm Hg in the Coq10-treated group.

Another study conducted at the University ofWestern Australia looked at the effect of CoQ10 on blood pressure and glycemic control in 74 people with type 2 diabetes. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 100mg CoQ10 twice daily, 200mg of the drug fen fibrate, both, or neither for 12 weeks.

CoQ10 significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mean reduction 6.1 mm Hg and 2.9 mm Hg respectively). There was also a reduction in HbA1C, a marker for long-term glycemic control.

2. Garlic

In a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials of garlic supplements, three trials showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and four in diastolic blood pressure. Researchers concluded that garlic powder supplement may be of clinical use in patients with mild high blood pressure.

Garlic supplements should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Garlic can thin the blood (reduce the ability of blood to clot) similar to aspirin. Garlic may interact with many drugs and supplements such as the prescription drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Trental (pentoxifylline), aspirin, vitamin E, gingko. It is usually recommended that people taking garlic stop in the weeks before and after any type of surgery.

3. Hawthorn

The herb hawthorn is often used by traditional herbal practitioners for high blood pressure.

In a randomized controlled trial conducted by researchers in Reading, UK, 79 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive either 1200 mg of hawthorn extract a day or placebo for 16 weeks. Medication for high blood pressure was used by 71 percent of the patients.

At the end of the 16 weeks, patients taking the hawthorn supplement had a significant reduction in mean diastolic blood pressure (2.6 mm Hg). No herb-drug interactions were reported.

4. Fish oil

Preliminary studies suggest that fish oil may have a modest effect on high blood pressure. Although fish oil supplements often contain both DHA (docohexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), there is some evidence that DHA is the ingredient that lowers high blood pressure.

5. Folic acid

Folate is a B vitamin necessary for formation of red blood cells. It may help to lower high blood pressure in some people, possibly by reducing elevated homocysteine levels.

One small study of 24 cigarette smokers found that four weeks of folic acid supplementation significantly lowered blood pressure.

6. Diet

Changing your diet is an important part of lowering high blood pressure. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is promoted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The DASH diet includes fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, beans and nuts. Sodium is limited to 2,400 mg per day.

Studies have found that the DASH diet can reduce high blood pressure within two weeks. These are the daily guidelines of the DASH diet:

  • 7 to 8 servings of grains
  • 4 to 5 servings of vegetables
  • 4 to 5 servings of fruit
  • 2 to 3 servings of low-fat or non-fat dairy
  • 2 or less servings of meat, fish, or poultry
  • 2 to 3 servings of fats and oils
  • 4 to 5 servings per week of nuts, seeds, and dry beans
  • Less than 5 servings a week of sweets

Serving Sizes

  • 1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta
  • 1 slice bread
  • 1 cup raw vegetables or fruit
  • 1/2 cup cooked vegetables or fruit
  • 8 oz. of milk
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 3 ounces cooked meat
  • 3 ounces tofu

A related diet called the DASH-Sodium reduces sodium to 1,500 mg a day, which is approximately equal to 2/3 teaspoon from all sources (processed and canned foods contain hidden salt).

Patients following the DASH-Sodium diet had a significant reduction in high blood pressure.

7. Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium

Calcium supplementation appears to have a modest but statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (mean difference of 2.5 mm Hg), however better quality studies are needed.

A meta-analysis of five trials indicated that potassium supplementation compared to a control resulted in a large but statistically non-significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (mean difference 11.2 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (5.0 mm hg).

In 12 randomized controlled trials, participants receiving magnesium supplements did not have a significantly reduction in systolic blood pressure, but they did have a statistically significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure (mean difference 2.2 mm Hg).

8. Mind-Body Interventions

Mind-body interventions, particularly autogenic training, biofeedback, and yoga, have been found to modestly reduce high blood pressure compared with placebo.

Autogenic Training

Autogenic training is a technique used for stress reduction and relaxation. It involves a series of sessions in which people learn how to control breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature.

People learn six exercises that each involve a certain posture (e.g reclining in a chair), concentration without a goal, imagination, and verbal cues. Each exercise is learned by watching a teacher demonstrate it or by reading a description. It requires regular practice.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a technique in which people learn how to gain control over internal body processes that normally occur involuntarily, such as blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and skin temperature.

Biofeedback is primarily used for high blood pressure, migraine, tension headache, chronic pain, and urinary incontinence.

Of the different types of biofeedback, thermal feedback (which measures skin temperature) and electro dermal activity feedback (which uses a probe that responds to sweat) may be more effective than direct blood pressure feedback or electromyography (EMG), which measures muscle tension.

Yoga

Preliminary studies have found that yoga may lower blood pressure.

9. Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise is an important part of the natural approach to lower high blood pressure. A meta-analysis of 105 trials involving a total of 6805 participants found that aerobic exercise was associated with a mean reduction in systolic blood pressure of 4.6 mm Hg, with corresponding reductions in diastolic blood pressure.

People with high blood pressure should speak with their doctor first before embarking on a new exercise program.

10. Ayurvedic Medicine

In Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, high blood pressure is treated according to each person’s dosha, or constitutional type.

  • The pitta type may have a flushed face, red eyes, headaches, light sensitivity, irritability, and nosebleeds.
  • The kapha type may have excess weight, water retention, high cholesterol, sluggishness.
  • The vata type may feel cold, have gas, bloating, or constipation, insomnia, or nervousness, worry, or anxiety.

11. Traditional Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine, high blood pressure is often attributed to a problem with the circulation of vital energy (qi or chi) in the body. Chinese medicine practitioners believe that depression, anger, obesity, and high intake of fatty foods are some of the causative factors.

A combination of acupuncture and herbs is often recommended. Foods thought to have medicinal properties that may help high blood pressure include water chestnut, turnip, honey, Chinese celery, hawthorn berries, and mung beans.

Hiking Navigation Tips for Your Next Trip Outdoors

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Camping can be a very fulfilling and gratifying hobby. For many people, exploring the outdoors, connecting with nature, and getting out of your comfort zone can be a very enlightening experience. There are countless places to explore, and many countries recognize this and have eagerly supported camping activities by providing trails, camping sites, and nature parks where people can go out and enjoy camping safely.

There are also groups or clubs that promote camaraderie among campers. They exchange tips about the best camping sites, recommended camping gear, such as Coleman tents, and other helpful tips.

But for the seasoned outdoorsman, there is no substitute for the thrill of going down the other path, where there are no signs and no guides. There is a sense of accomplishment in doing so, and finding your way through the unmarked path.

There are a few ways to make sure one does not get lost in the middle of a backpacking trip.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Buy a map: It may sound too simple, but having a map can always be handy. It helps a camper be aware of the area’s geography and major landmarks, providing easy reference points when trying to find your bearings.
  • Keeping calm always helps: Being confident in finding your way, and remaining calm when you feel a bit lost goes a long way. Being calm keeps your breathing in check and allows your brain to process your surroundings better. Also, one tends to notice more familiar scenery and landmarks when they are calm. Panic can cause one to make wrong decisions.
  • Recognize your trail: Be sure to stay aware of your trail. Looking back and surveying what’s behind you can offer you a picture of where you are currently and where you came from. Recognizing this can help in case you do get lost. It is also a good practice to take note of unique signs or landmarks on your trails such as an interesting big rock, twin trees, odd grasses and more.
  • Global Positioning: GPS navigation units can now be purchased for an affordable price. No compass-reading required when you have a GPS unit mapping out your trail for you. It also keeps track of where you are and how far away you are from where you started. Be sure to always bring spare batteries along.
  • It also pays to learn how to use a compass: While GPS has basically turned the compass obsolete, the compass doesn’t need batteries, and it’s an interesting skill to pick up. Use your compass in tandem with your map so you can easily determine your position and which direction you should be heading toward.

On top of this, the most important thing to remember on a camping trip is to have fun. Also remember that it is always better to trust your compass rather than your instincts. Getting lost can always be a problem, but learning to stop, gather yourself, and use your wits are always your best bet.

Survival Biscuits [these are incredible]

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Food is my major concern when looking at my preps. I feel like I could just never have enough. At this point I have a large variety of types of food including common grocery store items as well as dehydrated and freeze dried.

I stopped by a local Sunbeam Bread Outlet store and saw a display of different bread mixes. What caught my eye was these were “Just add water“.

I picked up a few for $1.29 each and just tried the biscuit mix Sunday morning. Super simple to make. Like I said – “just add water” and then cook.

For the prepper this is a simple food prep that can be put back inexpensively requiring few supplies to prepare. Like most things – the true date which the product could not be eaten is likely well beyond the given date.

Anyways – the biscuits turned out great. My wife cut the dough a little thin but they tasted great.

There are many simple and cheap food preps out there that can make a world of difference when the time comes, and should definitely be included on any survival food list.

Are Freeze Dried Foods Right For You?

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Freeze Dried Food (1)

For most of us “regular” people, food storage consists mostly of canned food along with others such as rice, beans, powdered milk and potatoes. Frozen food also is thrown in the mix along with whatever is growing in the garden.

These foods are the mainstay of my food storage program, however I have started adding freeze dried and dehydrated foods as well.

Why? Well, freeze dried foods have some definite benefits.

They store for a very long time – upwards of 25+ years. They are also lightweight as they contain no moisture. Freeze dried food can be transported easier than bulk canned goods. Preparation of this food is relatively easy as water needs to be added, heated and that is it. Water is an integral part of the preparation compared to canned food.

There are two categories of freeze dried food I am currently ordering, breakfast and meats. I have been putting back Mountain House Scrambled Eggs with Bacon along with a variety of Mountain House meats.  I found that my food storage program was lacking in breakfast foods and meat. I cannot have chickens or other farm animals on my property.

Most of those I have tasted were decent to good. Mountain House is not the only producers of freeze dried foods. There are many out there and I have tried a few and found them pretty good.

However, it’s important to remember that no matter what you choose to do about freeze-dried food, it should really only be a part of your overall food storage plan. The reality is, your survival food list should incorporate short-term, canned, freeze-dried and several other kinds of food, to ensure that you have a balanced, nutrient-dense diet.

How To Increase Your Food Storage On a Budget

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How To Increase Your Food Storage on A Budget

One of the areas which I feel a need to concentrate on is food storage. I have a lot of food stored to the point which my wife makes some snide comments. Regardless, I plan to get A LOT more.

The main foods I store are what I am sure you have in your kitchen cabinets right now – a lot of canned goods and other foods you can buy at your local grocery store. That is my message in this post is there is not a need to buy expensive freeze dried food to have a decent level of readiness.

Now – I do have freeze dried food stored and if money is available then by all means purchase some. More on freeze dried food like Mountain House meals another day.

Stocking up on food is not rocket science. Store what you eat and eat what you store.

Here are a few things to consider when stocking up:

  • Buy on Sale – We are all on budgets. I get the sale papers for three grocery stores in my area and scour through them every Tuesday. I highlight those items that are good deals. During the week I visit each store and buy multiples of each item selected. The quantity is based on how good the deal is and how much money I have.
A couple of examples:
  • Del Monte canned corn on sale BOGO (buy one get one free) – regularly $1.39 per can –  now about .69 cents
  • Store brand canned fruit on sale for .60 each – regularly $1.00 each
  • Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup on sale 2/1.00 – regular price .99 cents per can
  • Buy in Quantity – My goal is to buy as much as I can with the money I have available. One guide to follow to just save money is to purchase the amount that will last until the item goes on sale again. If you pay attention many common items go on sale every 3-4 weeks…. consistently. What I recommend is purchasing 2 months worth per month and then one month later purchase 2 months worth again when on sale. You will be surprised at how fast your stockpile will build.
  • Buy What You Like – This is common sense but needs to be said. Don’t buy stuff just because it is cheap. Buy what you like.
  • Consider Comfort Foods – Should something happen and the stress level is high have comfort foods in your stores will be, well, comforting. Some examples might hard candy, bottles of Gatorade, and chocolate. Especially if there are kids around comfort foods can assist in relieving some stress.
  • Look at Expiration Dates – Check expiration dates on the foods you are stocking up on. Some brands have longer lives for the same foods. Also – stores may not rotate there products well and typically the oldest stuff is at the front of the shelves. I often reach to the back of the shelves to get the freshest stock.

.69 cents here and .50 cents there can add up. If you can save 40% by purchasing ONLY sale items that means you can bring home $100 worth of groceries for $60 dollars. Do this week after week, month after month and the dollars really add up.

Coupons can also save you a lot of money although they can be very time consuming. I used to coupon A LOT. I did find that I was buying stuff that 6 months later I never used. Several stores in my area have put strict policies on using coupons as well.

In summary – To keep it the simplest and most effective: “store what you eat and eat what you store.”

The 7 Best Survival Vests for Preppers

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Best Survival Vests

Survival vests became popular after the military equipped fighter pilots with them. The idea is simple, to keep the absolute essentials on your body in the case of a crash. However, it’s not hard to see why the prepper community has embraced the product: bug out bags, while essential, aren’t ideal at distributing the weight of your pack. Also, if you need something like a lighter or your pocket knife quickly, it’s going to take a while to sort through your bug out bag.

However, survival vests aren’t meant to replace bug out bags. Both products work together to provide you the best chance of surviving the elements. 

Meanwhile, survival vests allow you to move freely and without an achy back. The best survival packs allow you to keep medical supplies, weapons, ammo, emergency food bars, and more. Survival vests become an advantage when you’re navigating through the woods or the rural landscape. 

Most preppers already have their favorite means of carrying supplies, whether that be a bug out bag or a survival vest. However, it can be hard to find a vest for your personal needs. In this article, we’ll break down the best survival vests on the market and guide you through everything you need to know about this lifesaving product. 

The Short Answer

1. Rothco Cross Draw MOLLE Tactical Vest: The Best Survival Vest on the Market

  • Manufactured from durable 600D Polyester
  • 45º angle quick draw holster
  • 3 ammo pouches
  • Zip-up document pouches
  • Adjustable pistol belt with removable holster.
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This tactical survival vest is our favorite due to its functionality and durability, as well as the budget-friendly price (about $85 after shipping). If you live in an open-carry state like Ohio, the pistol holster makes a great place to store your primary handgun. 

The 45º angle of the holster helps you draw your weapon urgently and safely. Meanwhile, the three ammo pouches allow you to store ample ammunition on your body to back up the magazines you carry with you. If you’re carrying a standard handgun magazine, you can also store three loaded magazines on your survival vest. 

Another great aspect of this survival vest is the material, which is somehow both durable enough for combat and breathable enough to keep you cool. You can also adjust this tactical vest to fit your frame perfectly. You can adjust the shoulder straps to keep your survival vest above your belt, making it easier to sit down and kneel in high-stress environments. 

If you don’t have any need for a pistol holster (for the AR and AK fans out there), you can unfasten the pistol belt and use the loops for additional pockets you can buy online. For example, the double-ply mesh allows for the addition of a hydration bladder when you can reach your canteen. 

More of the Best Survival Vests

2. 5.11 Tactical VTAC LBE Survival Vest

  • Heavy-duty stitching, materials, and zippers
  • Customizable configuration for pockets and accessories
  • 3 chest sizes
  • Company with proven track record
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This is a great all-around survival vest because it can suit you up for both urban and rural areas. The lightweight materials and construction allow for the ultimate breathability, while never sacrificing the quality and durability. 

When you’re out in the field, the last thing you need is for a loop to snap, and then you don’t notice that you just lost a vital resource. With the high-grade stitching and materials, you only need to focus on the task ahead: this survival vest has your back (literally). The heavy-duty zippers and chest buckles make sure your favorite survival vest is strapped firmly to your body, without any chance of slipping off in the worst of circumstances.

The side loops, and the loops across the stomach and chest, allow for pockets to store your handgun, a radio, perhaps a survival knife, and pockets for extra magazines and rounds. If you don’t like the pockets included with this vest, it’s easier than ever to switch pockets seamlessly. 

5.11 is a great brand with a strong reputation for producing industry-standard survival gear, especially with their survival vests. With three different chest sizes, you can make sure you’re ordering the perfect size to make travel by foot or vehicle easy and pain-free. 

3. MultiCam Cross Draw MOLLE Tactical Vest

  • Ultra high quality 1000 denier Cordura Nylon. 
  • Enough pockets to store magazines, ammunition boxes, and more
  • Zip-up pockets on the inside for documents
  • Proudly made in the U.S.A
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Rothco Multicam Crossdraw Pilot Survival Vest

The Multicam CrossDraw survival vest, is a great option for those with a bigger budget. After shipping, this will likely cost around $110. And with this steeper price comes more durable manufacturing: the fundamental aspect of any survival gear. 

Rothco’s Multicam survival vest, trusted by the armed services, is a great choice for anyone planning on carrying self-defense tools. This can be everything from firearms to bear spray, depending on your individual circumstances. For example, if you cannot rest and sip on your canteen, you can add a hydration bladder with purified water. 

Many chest and torso pockets allow you to carry loaded magazines and boxes of extra rounds for those planning on carrying firearms and ammunition. This survival vest comes packed with a holster spanning across your left hip––an easy place and angle to draw from in a crisis. 

Whether you predominantly spend time in urban or rural settings, Rothco has a color option for you. The official colors are “Olive Drab, ACU Digital Camouflage, Black, Coyote Brown.” Each of which gives you an advantage in the appropriate regions. 

4. 5.11 Tactical Taclite Pro Vest

  • More lightweight and breathable than traditional combat vests
  • Low left AR magazine pockets
  • Integrated D-ring secures your keys
  • Compatible with 5.11’s holster for small to medium-sized handguns
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This survival vest differs from the previous products we listed, as it’s much more civilian in appearance. The black or beige color schemes work well in forested areas with ample fallen leaves and brush. On your lower left torso, 5.11 included AR magazine pockets suited for the standard 30-round magazine. 

5.11’s tactical jacket would also work well for anyone planning on staying near their property since the durable D-ring keeps your necessary keys right on your chest. If you have more money left in your budget, 5.11 also sells a compatible holster that fits smaller to medium-sized handguns. 

It’s important to note, this is not a product law enforcement would send their officers outfitted into possible combat scenarios. Instead, this is for someone who isn’t preparing for too much close combat. While you’re waiting for the apocalypse, this is also one of the best survival vests for hunting. You can easily store extra survival supplies like a hunting knife, or various tools and products like firestarters and emergency meal supplies. 

5. BLACKHAWK Omega Elite Vest Cross Draw/Pistol Mag

  • Holds 6 magazines
  • Features a cross draw holster
  • Completely adjustable for length and girth
  • Made of heavy-duty nylon mesh for maximum breathability
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This survival vest from Blackhawk is one of the best on the market, and for a good reason. This is a great product for anyone looking to carry a load long-rifle, such as an AR, AK, or M-16/MR, as well as a handgun with several backup clips. Blackhawk’s holster is a cross-body feature, which makes for safer open carry. 

If you were carrying around your waist, some people might find it harder to maneuver than the included cross-body holster along the ribcage. When it’s just you and your resources, this survival vest won’t let you down. Blackhawk constructed the vest with high-grade nylon that won’t wear down or tire you out. 

This product is suited more toward those who already have a bug out bag since you won’t store much emergency food with this survival vest. This is definitely gear toward situations when you’re in a close combat situation, and firepower is your only way out. 

Another cool fact is the fitting system, which allows you to shape this survival vest perfectly to your body’s form. This survival vest is adjustable for length and girth; up to 6″ length, additional 32″ girth. 

6. Rothco Uncle Milty Travel Vest

  • The ideal blend of soft cotton and breathable polyester material
  • Three D-rings for easy key storage and hanging up your survival vest
  • Over a dozen pockets to suit your survival needs
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This product was designed more for the preppers operating on a limited budget. While this survival vest isn’t designed for combat, you can still get great use out of Rothco’s “Uncle Milty” survival vest. In total, there are thirteen front pockets sealed either by the zipper or the single-lock buttons. 

At $45, this survival vest can help store necessary water and food, as well as various tools you might need along the way. Rothco also kept comfort in mind designing this survival vest, since the vest is the perfect blend between cotton and polyester to keep you cool and relaxed. 

Even though this vest isn’t the best for possible combat scenarios, there are still pockets that will help you store extra rounds of ammunition, as well as two pockets for loaded magazines (which are suited more toward smaller handguns than larger, long-rifle clips. 

In case you might need to ditch both your bug out bag, as well as your survival vest, Rothco’s survival vest features a heavy-duty front zipper and a belt clip. This feature makes it easier to quickly strip off the survival vest and run for cover more quickly. 

In total, there are over a dozen pockets in one of Rothco’s best survival vests. This means you can store extra tools such as a pocket knife, first aid equipment, and more. 

And finally, the two D-rings on the vest’s chest allow you to store necessary keys, such as to a gun safe or your home. There’s also another D-ring on the back, which allows you to leave your vest on a nearby hook when you don’t need it.

7. BLACKHAWK Omega Phalanx Homeland Security Vest

  • Constructed with breathable nylon that stands the test of time
  • Adjustable length and girth
  • Quick-release zipper and side buckles for quick donning and ditching
  • Padded sniper shoulder for efficient 
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Our final addition is Blackhawk’s Omega survival vest, designed originally for hunting and security purposes. Unlike some of the products above, this security vest doesn’t feature a holster for your handgun. However, there are still pockets designed to hold extra magazines, just in case. 

The heavy-duty nylon mesh ensures you won’t lose too much hydration on those scorching summer days. Furthermore, Blackhawk wanted to make it easier than ever to put on and take off your vest in a split second. The heavy-duty zipper and side-release buckles allow you to move with urgency and help you avoid any costly hang-ups. 

The reason this survival vest didn’t rank higher on our list has to do with the quality and price of this particular vest. With a final price of around $150, this particular vest’s quality doesn’t stand out from similar priced items. However, this is still a great option compared to cheaper and less durable products. The cutout shoulders allow for maximum flexibility when aiming for a long rifle. 

What to Look for In Your Survival Vest 

If you’re new to survival vests, everything above might seem like too much information to learn in a short period of time. In this section, we’ll try to break it down even further and give you a novice buyer’s guide. 

Buy a vest With “ripstop fabric”

You need to focus on the manufacturing quality because chances are you’ll expose your survival vest to the worst of conditions. With that in mind, make sure you’re buying a survival vest with ripstop fabric. 

This will help you out if you’re maneuvering through the woods since you won’t see your survival vest degrade over time. Some other factors to keep in mind are that the company takes the extra steps with strong zippers and heavy-duty stitching. 

Plate carrier, holster, or other extras

When it comes to survival vests, there is a wide variety to suit your specific needs. For example, survival vests given to the Coast Guard and the Navy have special pockets to inflate into a life vest. 

Meanwhile, the military distributes MOLLE Vests and other combat survival vests to soldiers fighting on the ground. Law enforcement agencies equip their officers with vests specially fitted with holsters, plate carriers and bulletproof gear, extra ammo, and other gear needed to protect citizens. 

If you ever find yourself in a jam, you can even make a survival vest out of those vests used by fishermen and photographers. Both products have enough pockets, and generally enough durability, to get the job done. 

Make sure to leave room between the bottom of your vest and your waist

You don’t want to have a survival vest that drapes down to your hips. While this might not be the case for active law enforcement officers, when it comes to long-term survival, leaving room between your waist and the bottom of your vest will make it more comfortable to hunch over, sit down, and kneel. 

If you don’t want gear digging into you each time you rest, make sure to follow the manufacturers fitting instructions, and take the time to make sure your vest fits. 

FAQs 

What should I store in my survival vest?

The best survival vests are great because they make those tools you need in emergency available. Tools such as pocket knives, flashlights, batteries, water purifiers, lighters, whistles, and bear spray can all be strapped to your survival vest. 

However, many survival vests come with a back pocket so you can store your sleeping blankets, canvas, maps, and more. Ultimately, you want your survival vest to compliment your bug out bag. Survival vests are less complicated, which gives you an advantage when you need to quickly accomplish a task, such as fending off a bear with spray strapped right to your survival vest. 

What are the different types of survival vest pockets?

Over the years, law enforcement officials and outdoorsmen have created a market for survival vests. Even the Coast Guard equip their people with survival vests, in the case that someone falls from the boat and is stuck at sea.

Law enforcement vests hold bulletproof plates on the front and back while having various pockets to hold different gear like tasers, pepper spray, and breathalyzers. Meanwhile, anglers love vests because the many pockets allow you to carry bait or lures draped right over your soldiers. 

Militia members and open carry enthusiasts love the tactical MOLLE vests because they can hold magazines packed with ammo. 

Regardless, any survival vest can help you endure when SHTF. You need to consider what size fits you best, which vest holds everything you’ll need in an emergency, and if the company you’re purchasing from takes special care in manufacturing the vest for durability. 

What’s the difference between a survival vest and a bug out bag?

Basically, the difference between a survival vest and a bug out bag is what you can store. A bug out bag serves best as a place to store supplies you won’t need in an emergency, such as meals ready to eat (MRE’s) and extra boxes of ammo. 

However, when it comes to your survival vest, one of the essential advantages is the ease of access. At the same time, you still want to store the essentials on your emergency vest if you have to dump your bug out bag. And this isn’t an uncommon occurrence, since you might need to store your bug out bag in a safe place while escaping from a short-term danger. 

Bottom Line

Survival vests are a great addition to any prepper’s arsenal, and we’ve listed some affordable options that perform to product class’s peak capabilities. At the end of the day, the Rothco Cross Draw MOLLE Tactical Vest is, in our humble opinion, the best survival vests on the market. This is because of both performance and durability, but also because of budget-friendliness. 

The 45º angle of the holster helps you draw your weapon urgently and safely. Meanwhile, the three ammo pouches allow you to store ample rounds on your body to back up the magazines you carry with you. If you’re carrying a standard handgun magazine, you can also store three loaded magazines on your survival vest. 

If you don’t have any need for a pistol holster (for the AR and AK fans out there), you can unfasten the pistol belt and use the loops for additional pockets you can buy online. For example, the double-ply mesh allows for the addition of a hydration bladder when you can reach your canteen.