With everyone worrying about disruptions in the food supply chain – as well as other problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic – we’ve all been gearing up like crazy.
I’ve talked to people around the country who are focused on getting what they need to survive more than ever before.
(And no, the shortages aren’t over – I was in the grocery store just yesterday and everybody was complaining that the paper towels were gone again.)
One thing that almost every survivalist and prepper has in common is that he or she has a bug-out bag… and that means needing a stove to cook your survival rations.
There’s a good reason for that.
If you’ve ever been camping deep in the woods, or (especially) if you’ve ever been in the military, you already know how important a hot meal is.
Let me tell you… when you’re stressed out, wet, tired, cold, and miserable, a hot meal can really soothe the soul and give you the mental break you need to push on.
But, here’s the thing…
When it comes to a survival scenario – especially as the result of a nation-wide crisis like the pandemic, or even a grid-down blackout – you’ve heard me say that you need to look at your situation much like a “military mission”.
Your goal should be to lay low and stay hidden as much as possible so the “enemy” doesn’t locate you and target your supplies.
Unfortunately, starting a fire is a dead giveaway of your location.
Some people pack a “backpacker’s stove” that uses propane to heat up food and water.
As cool as these things are, they’re pretty damn expensive (as much as $30-40) and when you consider the fuel canister you need to pack, it’s pretty bulky and heavy.
As you know, I’m not a big fan of “bulky” or “heavy” when it comes to my survival gear.
That’s why I pack a tiny “survival-stove” in my bugout bag instead.
Mine is an older version of the newest pocket stove from Survival Frog.
It’s only about the size of your palm, but quickly folds open to allow you to set a pot on top of it, or cook your food directly over the long-burning “heat tabs” that fit inside.
And while it costs very little, it EASILY beats much more expensive, more elaborate “survival stoves.”
When it’s time to eat, you simply pull the stove out of your side pouch… light the candle… and in no time, you’ll have boiling water in your canteen cup.
Then all you need to do is drop in your survival food (like freeze-dried meals)… stir… and in just a few more minutes, you have a hot meal ready to give you a well-deserved break from your stress.
I can’t tell you how much of a difference this can make in your peace of mind and decision-making.
You wouldn’t think it does, but trust me… there’s a big difference.
I’ve tried several different stoves over the years and I’ve always found “simple” to work the best (and it’s also the cheapest option).
I highly recommend you pack one of these small “pocket stoves” into each bugout bag you have (yours and family members) as well as keeping one in each car with a meal packet just in case you break down in the middle of nowhere and need something to use for heat and cooking.
