There’s always room for another flashlight. –

Flashlights are an essential that every home and vehicle should have stored in them. Emergencies seem to always happen at night, and the first thing to go out, is the power. I’ve seen the toughest men, become useless in the dark, lol. I believe that every home should have 1 flashlight, 1 headlamp, and 1 lantern, per person, in your household, and then an extra set for a guest, or backup for a family member. This set from Diatelity is a well thought out kit. It has everything for you to set your flashlight up, and even to store it in. The case isn’t the strongest case, but it snaps shut around the three open sides, and makes it great to store. In this flashlight kit you will get 1 flashlight, 1 AAA battery adapter, 1 mini solar flashlight LED keychain, 1 battery sleeve, 2 rechargeable 18650 (2200mAH)batteries, 1 2-battery charger, 1 flashlight holster, and 1 storage case. This flashlight only requires 1 18650 battery, so, you can always have a backup battery available. That’s always handy. Let’s say you forgot to charge your batteries, but you need the flashlight. Well, it comes with a AAA adapter, so just insert 3 AAA batteries into the adapter, and drop it into the flashlight. It’s great to have that option. In case you have never used a battery sleeve, just insert the 18650 into the sleeve, and drop it into the flashlight. It ensures a great fit, and a silent light. When I shake this flashlight, I don’t hear any noise at all. It arrives with the wrist strap already attached. It is Zoomable by pulling out on the bezel, or top end of the flashlight. This is a 5 mode light. I have issues with fully turning the light off and back on again. Frequently, if I full turn it off, it may take me 3 tries to actually get it to turn back on, which is annoying. Once on, I can soft press it through its modes easily. It has high, medium, low, strobe, and SOS mode. So, mode wise, it has everything you need. It’s pretty bright. I do not have a way to measure lumens. They state that it is 900 lumens, which if it were true, would really light your way at night. They do state that it has a XML T6 Cree LED bulb in it. I love Cree bulbs. They always offer bright, clear light. This bulb is rated for the amount they say. I found this website that rates the Cree bulbs with the mAh battery power used. It actually helps to determine the output.: http://flashlightwiki.com/Cree. I can honestly say I have name brand lights, that are brighter and sate a lower lumen count. It is bright though, and you can’t beat the price for everything you get. It is also rated for 100,000 hours of life. I love that about LEDS. LEDs are so durable as well. You can drop this light over and over, and it won’t break the bulb. It is water resistant. You can get caught in the rain, and you will be ok. It is not waterproof or submersible though. I ran my 18650 fully charged in the flashlight. It lasted approx.. 6 hours before it started to get dim and become finicky to operate. But, like I stated earlier since I had another fully charged battery, I was good to go. Overall, it’s a bright flashlight that comes in a well rounded kit. It’s not the best flashlight out there, obviously, but it does a solid job at a great price.

I received this for free, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. – Diateklity Bright LED Flashlight Kit with 5 Modes – Includes Wireless Charger, 2 Rechargeable Batteries, Storage Box & Mini Key Chain.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FVUDIJI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This makes it easy to be prepared. – Western Frontiers’ Ultimate MRE, Case of 12.

I cannot count how many MREs that have come through my home, lol. Between having Military and outdoor enthusiasts in the home, we have had our share. I personally think every home should have some in case of emergency. Ignore the sign of not for resale. That is because the military cannot resale them. MREs are released after a year in surplus, and then companies are allowed to sell them. These have a varied life span from 2017 and up to 4 years. They are clearly labeled with an expiration date. The expiration dates will vary. You receive 12 MRE’s in this case. There is a mixed variety of meals as well. Each package is clearly labeled and tightly sealed. It’s really easy to pack out with these, and very easy to store for preparedness too. You want to store them in a clean, cool, dry place. Each meal contains a water activated flameless ration heater in it. This way you can eat in the field if you need to. It’s also a great way to get hot food when there is no power or readily available fire. The meals received in my box are as follows:

1. Pork Sausage Patty, Maple Flavored

2. Chicken Breast Fillet, Seasoned Garlic and Herb

3. Beef Ravioli in Meat Sauce

4. Chicken Pesto Pasta

5. Beef Patty, Jalapeno Pepper Jack

6. Southwest Beef & Black Beans

7. Cheese Tortellini in Tomato Sauce (vegetarian)

8. Pork Sausage in Cream Gravy

9. Ratatouille – Mixed Vegetable and Pasta (vegetarian)

10. Rib Shaped Barbecue Flavor Pork Patty

11. Mexican Style Chicken Stew

12. Asian Style Beef Strips with Vegetables

Now, do not expect gourmet taste in an MRE, lol. That’s never going to happen. This is food that can keep you alive in dire situations. Some of them can be tasty. My son and husband really like some, and hate others. That really is a personal decision. These are easy to store, and take along with you. They are great to take with you on a trip in case your car breaks down, and you’re stranded. These are definitely the choice to make for a camping trip, especially when you pack out. Every home should be stocked with meals like this in case of an emergency, so your family can still eat. I love that MREs are available to the public. It’s definitely something every home should take advantage of. You need to still provide your own fluids, and water to activate the heater bags. My husband states that some MRE’s will include the water. He says it’s always hit or miss in this department. I love how you get such a mixture of foods in an MRE, including chicklets. I think that is hilarious for some reason. These really make being prepared easy.

I received this at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. – Western Frontiers” ULTIMATE MRE, July 2017 and up Inspection Date Meals Ready-to-Eat, Case of 12 Genuine US Military Surplus with Western Frontier’s Inspection and Guarantee.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EDB3H2Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So, so comfortable. – Klue Knights’ Stoga Outdoor Inflatable Couch Camping Furniture Sleeping Compression Air Bag Lounger.

If you like to go camping, go to the beach, or just lounge, this is for you. The concept is pretty cool, and it really works. All you need is some wind, and you have a couch to sit or lie on. If you have ever used a dry bag, you can operate this with ease. It literally functions as a dry bag does. This particular couch from Stoga, has a maximum weight limit of 330 – 440lbs. That is a lot of weight. One person can comfortably lie down on it, and three smaller people can sit on it comfortably. You may have to roll yourself over to get up though, lol. The couch is just full of air, and getting out of it is not the most graceful action. To fill it up you need to open the bag, and hold it up with the compartment open, facing the wind. If there is no wind, create your own by running. It doesn’t take much to fill it. Now, after you fill it with air, you roll the end over like 3 times, and then clip it shut. Voila, you have a couch to get cozy on. The material for the outside of the couch is a Nylon. The interior of the couch is PVC. It’s pretty durable, and puts up with the weight of me and my husband, together, lol. It’s very easy to keep clean, and dries quickly in case you get it wet poolside, or beachside. You can even use it indoors, for that impromptu sleepover. I love how lightweight this is. It arrives with its own shoulder bag to store and carry it in. It weighs only 3lbs, which is really light. You need wind to fll it up, but if it gets too windy, it can blow away if no one is on it. You can get a sand stake, or yard stake, and some paracord. Then just loop the paracord through the strap you buckled. Then it can’t blow away when you get up; problem solved. Also, remember to take your keys out of your pocket, or anything sharp you may have. The material can actually put up with a lot, but you can put a hole in it, if not careful. Overall, I am really impressed with this couch. The storage bag was not made with the best craftsmanship, but it works, and well too. It is easy to roll up the couch, and put it back in it, when you’re done with it too. I am comfortable recommending this product.

I was afforded the opportunity to review this product, for free, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.: Klue Knights’ Stoga Outdoor Inflatable Couch Camping Furniture Sleeping Compression Air Bag Lounger.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Stoga-Inflatable-Furniture-Sleeping-Compression/dp/B01EUFR22O?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

These will brighten your way. – South Platte Supply’s LED Safety Lights with Clip & Velcro Strap- (2 Pack).

Whether you have a runner in the family, or just a child that’s not too fond of the dark, these lights can be very helpful. My husband is our runner, and my youngest hates, hates, hates, the dark. Both can fully utilize these. I was intrigued by them, but now that I have them, I really, really like them. These lights are only 2 inches long and 1 inch wide, and they only weigh 2.2oz. You can either clip them on to your laces, belt, pack and more. Or, you can use the included stretchy Velcro straps, and wrap them around your arms, ankle, handlebars. Whatever works best for you. These lights each have a push on/off button on the top side of the light. So, they are easy to operate, and don’t have to be removed to turn them on or off. These are two mode lights. The first press turns them on to solid on, and the second press turns them onto their flashing mode. The third press turns them off. If you are cycling, the flashing mode really helps to get the attention of the cars on the road. You could put one on your outer arm, and one on the back of the bike, like a tail light. It’s weather resistant too, so you don’t have to worry about being caught out in the rain. This is a great set to put in your pack when you head out on a hike. If it starts to get dark, you can pull them out in a flash. It’s a very useful set. It really can be used from anything from fear of the dark to running, and safety.

I was afforded the opportunity to review South Platte Supply’s LED Safety Lights with Clip & Velcro Strap- (2 Pack), for free, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Safety-Lights-Visibility-Outdoor-Activities/dp/B01A3DF9DG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00

A summer of fun with Rose Kuli’s 12+1 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings Fishing Spinning Reel.

It’s almost warm enough for us to start back pier fishing. We really want to teach our 8 year old this year. He has been, but it’s time to really do. This reel is being set up for him. It is a very smooth reel to operate, which is key. We are very happy with this Rose Kuli reel. It is a 12 +1 ball bearing reel. You can use it for both freshwater, and saltwater fishing. Some of the features on this real are: Instant Anti-Reverse, 5.2:3 Gear Ratio, Power Drive Gear equipped, and an S Curved Oscillation System. All types of technical jargon there, lol. The handle has a button on the underside, just push it in, and the handle collapses flat. A great feature for storage and traveling. It can also be changed easily from the left to the right side. We mainly use braided line, which works great on this real. You can fit approx. 100-150 feet of line on here depending on the weight of the line. The body of the reel was made out of graphite. It has a machine cut brass pinion gear. I like the weight of the reel, as well as the “thumb/finger” grip. It is wide, and easy to use. My son is doing well with it. He has been walking around playing with it, getting used to it. It’s a great way for a child to become really comfortable and familiar with a new hobby and the equipment. The motor is computer balanced, and you can tell. It really is a well weighted, and smooth operating reel. The only part of the reel that was a little tight at first was the bale. But with a little use, it loosened up. We are really looking forward to a season of use with it. It has already put up with my son’s wear and tear, and it’s still running smoothly.

For a limited time, you can get 60% off this reel with this code, to be used at checkout: WD23LMYU

I was afforded the opportunity to review Rose Kuli’s 12+1 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings Fishing Spinning Reel Freshwater Saltwater With 5.2:1 Gear Ratio, at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If you would like to purchase this reel, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Bearings-Spinning-Freshwater-Saltwater/dp/B01D9IIFQK?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

A great knife for your car. – Outdoor Games’ WHX Outdoor Camping Survival Folding Knife.

I live in a house with a lot of guys, and guys like knives. Well, mine do anyhow. I have been converted, and get just as excited about them. Not only are they great tools to have, but the can help you save your life in an emergency. This knife from Outdoor Games can do just that too. It is a great tool to keep in your vehicle. This folding knife has a built in seatbelt cutter as well as a glass breaker on it. It does not come with a sheath, but it does have a metal pocket clip on it. It’s a long metal pocket clip, and sturdy. The blade is a Tanto blade and was made out of 440C Stainless Steel. Overall this knife measures out at 8 ¼” long when opened. The blade measures out at 3.5” to the tip. They state 2.9”, so I would check my state laws before ordering it. We can have up to a 4” blade on us, here in NC. This is a heaver blade with the built in car safety features. It weighs out at 7.3oz with my scale. My knife arrived in perfect condition. It arrived with the usual factory edge, and in my opinion needs to be sharpened. If I want my knife to be able to be fully utilized, it needs to have a sharp edge on it, capable of shaving those hairs, lol. The blade test we always do. Even though it’s a larger knife for me, I can still do the one handed open and close. I’m not great at flicking it open yet, since it’s larger. It is also a little tight when it first arrives, which is normal. There is no play in the blade. When it is opened, it is well locked in. To close it, you just need to press your thumb against the liner lock and push the blade shut with your other fingers. The blade has a camo like finish done on it. It’s pretty sharp looking. The handle is metal with a black, plastic insert which has ridges on it. It helps with the grip, and the aesthetics. There is a lanyard whole already there for you as well. This is a great tool to keep in a vehicle. It would be great camping or hiking as well. In a pinch you can cut your Paracord, or anything else you need. It’s thick and solid, and a great price for such a useful tool.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Outdoor Games’ WHX Outdoor Camping Survival Folding Knife Hunting Tactical Pocket Knife, at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If you would like to purchase this knife, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/WHX-Quality-2-9-inch-8-5-inch-Camouflage/dp/B015ZBIS02?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

60% Money Off Discount

Claim Code?3A5ZV4XJ, use at checkout on Amazon, for the time being.

Always be prepared with Wotech’s 8000mAh 2-Output Fast Charging Power Bank.

I believe that you should have at least one power bank per person in your home for an emergency. In most homes nowadays, for example, the home telephone is a cell phone. If your power is out for the day, and your phone goes dead, that could be serious in an emergency. Almost everyone has flashlights, phones, tablets, and more that have internal batteries that need to be charged. This way, you will always have back up power in an emergency. Power banks, like this 8000mAh power bank from Wotech, can be used when you are out and about, or on the road for work, and more. My husband uses a power bank daily. They really come in handy. This particular one is well made, and highly portable. It measures out at only 5” long x 2 ¾” wide, and ½” thick. It does come with a micro USB cord to charge it with. It does not get hot to the touch while charging. I love the denim look, as they call it. It’s a very sleek and sporty power bank. When fully charged it will display 4 little blue LEDs. Each LED represents 25% of its power level, so it’s easy to see when your power level is down, and you need to recharge it. There is a power button on this unit. It’s located on the face plate where the ports are. If this gets pressed by accident, it will shut off after being on for a minute without anything plugged into the USB port. The two ports are different. The one closest to the power button is the 2.4A max output port. The other port is the 1A max output port. It has over-charge protection, over-discharged protection, over-voltage protection, over-current protection, and short circuit protection. This power bank even charges my son’s highly finicky Samsung 3 tablet. It is really picky on what it will charge with. I have never had an electronic device like that one before, lol. I can easily charge his pad from empty, as well as my Galaxy Note 5 from empty on this power bank. I even have some left over. Overall, I am very happy with this power bank. It works very well and is highly portable.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Wotech’s 8000mAh 2-Output Fast Charging Power Bank, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Wotech-2-Output-Charging-Portable-External/dp/B01CG4X7YI?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Power on the go.-Wotech’s 10000mAh Two-Output Fast Charging Power Bank.

We are big power bank users in our home. My husband especially uses them all of the time. Even when he goes to bed, and uses his phone as his alarm clock. He doesn’t have an open outlet by his side of the bed, so a power bank is his only option. We have our cable phone and router system tied into that outlet. This power bank by Wotech is a fantastic size at 10,000mAh. That is a great and very convenient size battery. This power bank is white in color. It is lightweight, and a great size at 5 ½” long by 2 ¾” wide and approx. ½” thick. It charges via the included micro USB cord. There are 2 USB out ports on it, so you can charge two items at the same time. It even has auto shut off. So, if you accidently press the power button, and turn it on, it will shut off after about a minute without anything plugged into it. This power bank also has over charge protection, over current and short circuit protection, over voltage protection, over discharged protection. In other words, you can feel good about using this power bank with your expensive tablets, phones, and more. You can charge anything that charges via a USB cord. There are dedicated USB ports on this unit. They are only labeled out though. The one closest to the power button is the 2A out port, and the one furthest from the power button is the 1A out port. IPhones charge well on the 1A. My larger Note 5 Android phone, needs the 2A port to charge. It does charge well on this unit. I topped off the charge on my phone, and this power bank still had 4 blue LEDs lit up on it. I like power banks with these lights. It’s easier to see when your power bank needs to be recharged. Each bar represents 25% of its power level. I can charge my phone twice and my tablet once on this power bank, easily. It has not become hot to the touch while charging either. It’s definitely a keeper. We rely on them daily. They are great when you are out and about with work, and travel. They are also imperative to have in the home, in case of a power outage.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Wotech’s 10000mAh Two-Output Fast Charging Power Bank, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Wotech-10000mAh-Two-Output-Charging-Lightweight/dp/B01D4TBSQ8?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

One yummy MRE. – Western Frontier’s ULTIMATE MRE.

My family is used to MRE meals. Between military, and camping, my guys have been exposed to a lot. One of my sons used to love eating them. He was my Guinea Pig for this MRE from Western Frontier. The packaging on this MRE cracked me up. It states not for resale, property of the US Government. This is a complete meal. It harbors more food than you can eat at one sitting. If you were carrying a 75lb pack and on your feet all day, you would need to eat all of the calories this provides in one meal. Since everything is individually wrapped, just save wheat you can’t eat for a later time. Everything you can think of is included in this set, except for water to activate the heater. You need to provide your own water. They have a 5 and ½ year shelf life, and the date is clearly labeled on the packaging. The shelf life requires that they are stored at 71 degrees Fahrenheit or under. You will receive a random meal in your order. We received Chicken with Tomato and Feta. My son said the chicken was really good, and he wasn’t expecting it to be as tasty as it was. He was very happy with this meal. In your meal you will get the heater bag with clearly labeled instructions, your main meal, matches, a napkin, sugar, vegetable crackers, peanut M&M’s, raisons, an energy bar, 2 chicklet pieces of gum, a fruit punch beverage, cheese spread with jalapenos, instant coffee, coffee powdered creamer, salt, a plastic spoon, and a moist towelette. My son said the cheese spread was quite yummy, and he loved the fruit punch powder. You need to provide your own water for all of the beverages as well, as well as a cup. Having bottles water on you or a canteen full of water would be highly beneficial. You will need to keep a knife on you, or scissors to open the packages. You can eat directly out of the packaging, but it might be awkward and a little difficult. The heater bag gets very hot when activated with water, so if you are in the field, use your gloves to handle the packaging when heated. Each meal may contain different items in it. You are guaranteed a beverage, treat, main course, etc.. totaling 1250 calories. Overall, compared to others my family has eaten, this one stands up well. The flavor was very good, and the chicken itself was actually moist and flavorful. There is a lot of food in one MRE. I am comfortable recommending this product.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Western Frontier’s ULTIMATE MRE, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If you would like to review this product, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/ULTIMATE-Pack-Printed-Every-Meal-Ready-To-Eat/dp/B01D5MHA20?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

The perfect fishing net. – Quick Fox Unlimited’s Bundle, Catch and Release Fly Fishing Net.

My family likes to fish. It’s an activity that all ages can do together, and is quite enjoyable. This fishing net from Quick Fox Unlimited is gorgeous. It comes with a really strong, magnetic release cord too. My husband was actually surprised at how strong the magnet is. The basket of this fishing net is made out of a rubber mesh. It is gentle on the fish if you are doing catch and release, and if you are fly fishing, will help enable an easy Fly removal as well. You can use this for any type of fishing. It does not have to be fly fishing. The craftsmanship of this net is top notch. I love the wood handle and frame. It has a beautiful two toned design, and is highly varnished to ensure the life of the wood. The basket was sewn on, so it is changeable if you damage it. There are little holes through the wood frame where the basket was attached with string. The hoop, area, or basket measures out at: “25 inches (hoop is 10.75″ x 16.75″ and 8″ deep).” The magnetic clasp clips on easily with a metal clip. It measures at 9″ coiled and 72″ stretched out. We do a lot of pier fishing, and this net will definitely come in handy. Besides the magnetic clip, this net also comes with a clip on stretchable neck lanyard. Both of these are perfect for when you are fishing in the water, and leaning over a pier railing. You can even take this net out when you fish from your kayak. Besides having a great reach, you are ensured not losing it, as long as you take advantage of its features. You don’t have to worry about the net dry rotting either because it’s rubber. This really is a fabulous fishing net. It’s a win, win. We are really happy about it, and are looking forward to a lot of fishing with it.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Quick Fox Unlimited’s Bundle, Catch and Release Fly Fishing Net with Rubber Basket and Magnetic Release Cord, at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bundle-Release-Fishing-Rubber-Magnetic/dp/B0168XWF3M?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

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Outdoor Gear and Prepping