Off The Grid

Living Without Refrigeration: Preserving Food the Old-fashioned Way

Published

2 years ago

December 14, 2023

"Food preservation" by Oregon State University is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 .

Today, we’re stepping back in time to learn a thing or two about preserving food the old-fashioned way. In our modern world, we’ve become heavily reliant on refrigeration to keep our food fresh. But what if the power goes out, or you’re out in the wilderness with no access to a fridge? That’s when these time-tested methods come into play.

Smoking

First off, let’s talk about smoking. Smoking is a preservation method that has been used by our ancestors for thousands of years. The process involves exposing the food, usually meat or fish, to smoke from a wood fire. Not only does this method help to preserve the food, but it also adds a unique, smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. The key to successful smoking is to use hardwood, like oak or hickory, and to maintain a consistent, low temperature for several hours, or even days.

Drying or dehydrating

Next up is drying or dehydrating. This method works best for fruits, vegetables, and meats. By removing the moisture from the food, you inhibit the growth of bacteria, thus preserving the food. You can air dry food in the sun, oven dry, or use a food dehydrator. The key here is to ensure that the food is thoroughly dried and stored in a cool, dark place.

Canning

Canning is another tried-and-true method of preserving food. The process involves placing foods in jars and heating them to a temperature that destroys micro-organisms that cause food to spoil. During this heating process, air is driven out of the jar, and as it cools, a vacuum seal is formed. This seal prevents air from getting back into the product, bringing with it contaminating micro-organisms.

Salting

Salting is a method often used for meat and fish. The salt draws out moisture and creates an environment inhospitable to bacteria. It’s important to use enough salt to preserve the food but not so much that the food becomes overly salty and unpalatable.

Pickling

Pickling, similar to canning, involves preserving food in a brine or vinegar solution. The high acidity of the solution prevents the growth of bacteria, preserving the food. Pickling can be used for a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, eggs, and meats.

Root cellaring

Finally, there’s root cellaring, a method that uses the natural conditions present in the earth to store fruits, vegetables, and nuts. A root cellar is usually dug into the ground or into the side of a hill, and it uses the earth’s naturally cooler, stable temperature to preserve food.

Each of these methods has its own advantages and challenges, and the best method for you will depend on your specific circumstances and the resources you have available. But the important thing to remember is that each of these methods has stood the test of time. They’ve been used by our ancestors for generations, and they can still be used by us today.

So, whether you’re preparing for a potential disaster, planning a long camping trip, or just looking to reduce your reliance on modern conveniences, knowing how to preserve food the old-fashioned way is a skill worth having. It’s not just about survival; it’s about self-reliance and the satisfaction that comes from knowing you can provide for yourself and your loved ones, no matter what the world throws at you.

Remember, the key to successful food preservation is practice. Don’t wait until you’re in a survival situation to start learning these methods. Start now, experiment, and find the methods that work best for you. That way, when the time comes, you’ll be ready.

Off The Grid

10 Emergency Medical Supplies to Carry for Survival During an Apocalypse

Published

7 days ago

January 11, 2026

Grits and Gear

In any large-scale collapse scenario, medical help may be delayed or unavailable entirely. Hospitals may be overwhelmed, pharmacies closed, and emergency responders unable to reach you. In those moments, having the right medical supplies can mean the difference between a manageable injury and a life-threatening situation. A survival medical kit should focus on stopping bleeding, preventing infection, managing pain, and keeping you functional.

Here are ten critical medical supplies you should carry for survival during an apocalypse or any extreme emergency.

1. Tourniquet

Severe bleeding is one of the fastest ways people die from injuries. A proper tourniquet allows you to stop life-threatening blood loss from arms or legs within seconds. This is one of the most important items in any survival medical kit.

2. Compression Bandages

Compression bandages apply steady pressure to wounds and help control bleeding. They are especially useful for deep cuts, punctures, and traumatic injuries. They also help secure wound dressings in place when movement is unavoidable.

3. Sterile Gauze Pads

Gauze is essential for cleaning wounds, absorbing blood, and protecting injuries from dirt and bacteria. Carry multiple sizes so you can handle both small cuts and larger wounds. Clean wounds heal faster and are far less likely to become infected.

4. Antiseptic Wipes or Solution

Infections become deadly quickly when antibiotics are unavailable. Antiseptic wipes, iodine swabs, or antiseptic spray help kill bacteria before it enters the body. Cleaning a wound properly is just as important as stopping the bleeding.

5. Medical Tape

Medical tape secures bandages, gauze, and splints. It is lightweight, versatile, and far more reliable than improvised solutions. Tape can also be used to reinforce blisters and prevent minor injuries from getting worse during long travel.

6. Pain Relievers

Pain can limit movement, focus, and decision-making. Over-the-counter pain relievers help reduce inflammation, headaches, muscle pain, and fever. Staying mobile and alert during a survival situation is critical.

7. Antibiotic Ointment

Topical antibiotic ointment adds another layer of protection against infection. Even small cuts can turn serious when sanitation is poor. A small tube takes almost no space and can prevent days or weeks of complications.

8. Tweezers

Tweezers are vital for removing splinters, glass, thorns, ticks, and debris from wounds. Leaving foreign objects embedded in the skin increases infection risk and slows healing. Precision tools matter when conditions are rough.

9. Nitrile Gloves

Protecting yourself while treating injuries is essential. Gloves reduce the spread of bacteria and protect both the injured person and the caregiver. They are especially important when dealing with blood or open wounds.

10. Emergency Medical Guide

In a collapse scenario, you may need to treat injuries you have never dealt with before. A small first-aid or emergency medical guide gives step-by-step instructions when stress makes thinking difficult. Knowledge becomes as valuable as any tool you carry.

Final Thoughts

Medical preparedness is often overlooked in survival planning, yet injuries are more likely than dramatic threats. Cuts, falls, burns, and infections happen fast and worsen without care. Carrying these ten medical supplies gives you the ability to stabilize injuries, prevent infection, and stay functional when professional help is no longer available.

Off The Grid

5 Reasons to Store Canned Food for Survival

Published

2 weeks ago

January 6, 2026

Grits and Gear

Canned food has been a survival staple for generations, and for good reason. When emergencies disrupt normal life, access to fresh food can disappear quickly. Power outages, storms, supply chain problems, and evacuations often leave people relying on what they already have at home. Storing canned food is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to prepare for the unexpected.

Here are five clear reasons canned food deserves a permanent place in any survival plan.

1. Long Shelf Life You Can Count On

One of the biggest advantages of canned food is how long it lasts. Most canned goods stay safe and edible for years when stored in a cool, dry place. This makes them ideal for emergencies that last longer than expected. Unlike fresh or frozen foods, canned items do not spoil quickly and do not require constant attention.

2. No Refrigeration or Electricity Needed

When the power goes out, refrigerators and freezers become useless. Canned food eliminates that risk entirely. You can store it safely at room temperature and eat it without worrying about spoilage. This makes canned food especially valuable during blackouts, winter storms, and heat waves.

3. Ready to Eat With Little or No Preparation

Many canned foods can be eaten straight from the can. Beans, vegetables, soups, meats, and fruits require no cooking, which is critical when fuel is limited or unsafe to use. Even if you cannot heat food, canned items still provide calories, hydration, and nutrients when your body needs them most.

4. Balanced Nutrition During Stressful Times

Survival is not just about calories. Your body needs protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to stay strong and alert. Canned foods make it easy to store a balanced mix of nutrition. Beans provide protein and fiber. Canned meats supply protein and fats. Vegetables and fruits offer vitamins that help prevent fatigue and illness during prolonged emergencies.

5. Affordable and Easy to Rotate

Canned food is one of the most budget-friendly survival options available. You can build a stockpile slowly by adding a few extra cans during regular grocery trips. Because canned foods are part of everyday meals, rotating them is simple. Use the oldest cans first and replace them with new ones. This keeps your supply fresh without waste.

Final Thoughts

Storing canned food is not about fear or extreme prepping. It is about common sense. These foods last a long time, require no power, are easy to prepare, and provide dependable nutrition when normal systems fail. A small, well-chosen supply of canned food can carry you through storms, outages, and unexpected disruptions with far less stress.

Off The Grid

10 Things to Pack in a Get-Home Survival Bag

Published

4 weeks ago

December 22, 2025

Grits and Gear

A get-home bag is one of the most overlooked but most valuable pieces of emergency gear you can own. It is not designed to help you survive for days in the wilderness. Instead, its purpose is simple. It helps you get home safely during an unexpected crisis. Whether you are stuck at work during a blackout, stranded on the road in a storm, or forced to walk when transportation shuts down, a well-packed get-home bag can make the difference between stress and confidence.

Here are ten essential items to include so you can get home quickly and safely no matter what happens.

1. Water Bottle or Hydration Pouch

Staying hydrated is essential when you may need to walk long distances. A durable water bottle or collapsible hydration pouch works well because you can fill it anywhere before starting your journey. Dehydration slows reaction time and drains energy, so water should always be at the top of your list.

2. Energy Bars or Quick Snacks

You need steady energy to stay focused. High-calorie snacks like protein bars, trail mix, or peanut butter packets keep your body fueled without taking up space. They require no cooking and last a long time in any weather.

3. Compact Flashlight

A small LED flashlight helps you navigate safely if darkness hits. Power outages, tunnels, garages, and unlit streets can become dangerous without proper light. Pack a lightweight flashlight and keep it accessible.

4. Spare Batteries

A flashlight or portable radio is useless without backup power. Include a small set of extra batteries to keep your gear running for hours. Store them in a plastic bag so moisture cannot reach them.

5. Multi-Tool

A compact multi-tool gives you pliers, a blade, screwdrivers, scissors, and other essentials in a single device. It is one of the most versatile items you can carry and handles small repairs, cutting tasks, and emergency adjustments with ease.

6. Emergency Mylar Blanket

A mylar blanket helps you retain body heat when temperatures drop. It weighs almost nothing and folds into the size of a wallet. Whether you are dealing with cold weather or unexpected snow, this simple item prevents heat loss and keeps you more comfortable.

7. Small First-Aid Kit

Minor injuries can become major setbacks during an emergency walk home. A basic kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, adhesive tape, and pain relievers can prevent infections or make a long walk safer and less painful.

8. Map of Your Area

Do not rely only on your phone. Battery failure, poor signal, or damaged devices can leave you without navigation. A simple paper map of your local routes allows you to find alternate paths home if roads or bridges are blocked.

9. Lightweight Rain Poncho

Weather can change without warning. A poncho keeps you dry and warm, prevents hypothermia, and protects your gear. Wet clothing quickly drains your energy and slows your movement, so staying dry is a priority.

10. Cash

Digital payments fail during power outages or network problems. Small bills can help you buy water, food, or transportation when cards do not work. Even a modest amount of cash gives you options that many people forget about in emergencies.

Final Thoughts

A get-home bag is not a luxury. It is a simple, practical tool that protects you when the unexpected happens. These ten items fit easily into a small backpack and can get you home safely through power failures, storms, traffic shutdowns, or regional emergencies. The goal is not to carry everything. The goal is to carry only what matters most. Once you assemble your bag, keep it in your car or workplace so you are ready at a moment’s notice.