How to make simple, easy homemade energy bars

A good way to steer your kids toward eating right is to teach them to cook. While hunger is generally the best sauce in the outdoors, a few good recipes can make the outdoor culinary experience even more fun. by Leon Pantenburg When it comes to stocking up on survival food, the best, most inexpensive and tastiest …

Review: Take a look at the latest SPOT Gen3 wilderness personal locator beacon

Can an electronic device guarantee your safety in the wilderness? Absolutely not!!! But this SPOT Gen3 might be a big help. by Leon Pantenburg Disclaimer: SPOT provided survivalcommonsense.com with a loaner SPOT Gen 3 device and a three- month plan to test the device. It will be returned to SPOT after the trial plan expires. …

Review: Take a look at the latest SPOT Gen3 wilderness personal locator beacon

Can any electronic device guarantee your safety in the wilderness? Absolutely not!!! But this SPOT Gen3 might be a big help, and it could be a lifesaver. by Leon Pantenburg Disclaimer: SPOT provided survivalcommonsense.com with a loaner SPOT Gen 3 device and a three- month plan to test the device. It will be returned to …

Insect repellent clothing: We review the Hook and Tackle Bug-X shirt

Mosquitoes and other biting insects can make being outdoors miserable. Here’s a product that may help you deal with them. by Leon Pantenburg I was not paid to do this review. As of publication,  Hook and Tackle has no sponsorship relationship with SurvivalCommonSense.com. Hook and Tackle supplied the shirt for testing. There weren’t supposed to …

Deal with mosquitoes while camping: We review the Hook and Tackle Bug-X shirt

Mosquitoes and other biting insects can make being outdoors miserable. Here’s a product that may help you deal with them. by Leon Pantenburg I was not paid to do this review. As of publication,  Hook and Tackle has no sponsorship relationship with SurvivalCommonSense.com. Hook and Tackle supplied the shirt for testing. There weren’t supposed to …

What’s the best backpack? Take a look at the Thule Capstone 50

I was not paid to do this review, and at the time of publication, Thule had no sponsorship relationship with SurvivalCommonSense.com. Thule supplied the backpack for review. All I ever promise is a fair test and review. Your backpack can make or break your wilderness experience. Choose a good one. This Thule might be a …

What’s the best backpack? Take a look at the Thule Capstone 50

I was not paid to do this review, and at the time of publication, Thule had no sponsorship relationship with SurvivalCommonSense.com. Thule supplied the backpack for review. All I ever promise is a fair test and review. Your backpack can make or break your wilderness experience. Choose a good one. This Thule might be a …

John Wayne graffiti? We (might have) found evidence of the Duke in the wilderness

Did John Wayne leave his mark in the Central Oregon wilderness? Maybe – check out what I found! by Leon Pantenburg My hometown of Bend, Oregon is popular for virtually anything related to the outdoors, and is a popular setting for filming movies. This little valley is one of my favorite dayhike areas. Mediterranean diet …

Best survival knife? New materials, old designs combine in this classic cutlery

Looking for a traditional, classic knife design made with the best of modern materials? Check out these newcomers. by Leon Pantenburg I was not paid to do this review. KnivesShipFree,com is a SurvivalCommonSense.com sponsor and loaned me several of the knives mentioned, and they will be returned when I’m done testing them. The other knives …

Review: The Lon Humphrey Sterling may be the traditional knife for modern uses

The best survival knife is one you enjoy carrying, because you’ll have it along when it’s needed. The new Sterling from Lon Humphrey Custom Knives is affordable, good looking and really useful, and may be what you’re looking for. by Leon Pantenburg I bought this knife, and was not paid to do this review. KnivesShipFree …