Resources and Links
Here are some resources to get you pointed in the right direction. All recommendations have been used/viewed or are favorites of TCSG - this is not simply a list of sites generated by a web search. I actually respect these sites and sources and am willing to put the TCSG stamp of approval on them. But be warned, the content may be of a mature manner. Survivalism can get very real and very ugly. Please screen all material before allowing children to view.
Survival/Preparedness Blogs and Websites -
www.TheSurvivalPodcast.com - a great site with a strong forum and near daily audio podcast. The host, Jack Spirko takes a modern survivalist philosophy of "Helping you live a better life, whether times get tough, or even if they don't". Be warned, Jack can get very spirited in the podcasts!
www.zombiehunters.org - A fabulous site with a huge forum community. The twist is that the site implies it is helping you prepare for a "zombie apocalypse". Very entertaining but not safe for the little ones.
www.survivalblog.com - This is James Wesley Rawles own site. JWR is an old school legend in Survivalist circles. The site is very detailed and can become overwhelming for the novice. Don't fear the massive equipment lists - crawl before you walk.
www.survival.com/hoodswoods - A site that borders on primitive skills and has a dedicated forum community. They also have a quarterly magazine.
www.teotwawkiblog.blogspot.com - I try to visit lesser known blogs from time to time. I like this one. Not technically detailed but I get some good ideas from this site. Its usually a lighter read.
Self-Reliance and Homesteading -
www.backwoodshome.com - Actually a mixed bag site but all of it is good. A lot of primitive gardening and farming skills but also firearms blogs with Massad Ayoob! Also a magazine.
www.motherearthnews.com - Similar to backwoods home but a bit more "glossy" with a focus on hobby farming and organics. Another good magazine.
Primitive Skills and Bushcrafting -
A quick note: There are many sites, bloggers, and youtube posters who promote methods and "skills" for bushcraft which are not common practice and can be downright dangerous. Search for good, trusted info sources like those below.
www.wildernessoutfittersarchery.com - This is Dave Canterbury's storefront site. He also has a Youtube channel listed under the user wildernessoutfitters . Dave has become my most trusted source for bushcrafting info. His methods are usually simple, won't take a mass of gear you can't reasonably carry, and will revert to common sense. He has a TV show premiering on June 11th on The Discovery Channel called "Dual Survival". Cody Lundin is also part of the show - let's hope he adds to the educational aspect instead of just frustrate Dave!
www.americanbushman.blogspot.com - I found this blog while searching for Dave Canterbury interviews and will occasionally come back. A lot of knife info here (which is great, I'm a knife guy).
www.wwmag.net/core.htm - Wilderness Way Magazine's site. This magazine occasionally has good stuff. More than anything, though, I get good references for instructors and other info sources. I believe the paper magazine is quarterly but can be found at most bookstores. They are the people behind the popular Dirt Time events. Take some info articles with a grain of salt.
Christ-centered or Christian Blogs -
www.blog.ransomedheart.com/john - Currently my favorite Christian writer is John Eldredge. I believe his book Wild at Heart really provided insight into why I as a man felt cheated by the modern church and what God has designed men to be. He is a leader in the masculine reformation movement and doesn't even know it! I cannot say enough good things about him. His wife, Staci also has written a great book for women called Captivating. Together they are truly remarkable.
www.theresurgence.com/md_blog - As a pastor I really like Mark Driscoll. He is a hard-hitting preacher that does not feel bad about offending his own church by preaching truth, in fact, its probably his trademark! If you are tired of the modern church's subtle acts of demasculinizing men and only preaching feel good messages about financial prosperity and self-help rather than the truth, check out Pastor Mark Driscoll. For convenience all his sermons are available free on itunes in a podcast format.
www.summitconnect.org - This is the church my wife and I attend. The lead Pastor, Isaac Hunter is very engaging and entertaining (realizing his own comedic value), yet extremely humble. He has a blog on the site and all sermons are available via podcast. Also, the worship music is quite literally the best we have experienced anywhere including in Nashville.
www.handsonsurvival.com - A Christian look at survivalism in scripture. The ideas behind TCSG and this site are somewhat similar. However, with hands on having a lot of scriptural references that TCSG lacks, and TCSG having gear reviews and equipment lists that hands on lacks, I think we complement each other nicely.
http://jadambyrd.wordpress.com/ I just recently conversed with the author of this blog via THR. I got a chance to look through the blog and I find it very promising! We need more Christian writers in the outdoors blogosphere!
Concealed Carry/Firearms Sites and podcasts -
www.gunfacts.org - Researched and cited facts and statistics regarding firearms, gun-violence, and gun related crime. No opinions, just cold, hard numbers.
www.thehighroad.org/ - A very intensive and informative forum about literally anything firearms related.
www.usconcealedcarry.com - The United States Concealed Carry Association's website. Reviews, case studies, articles, and forums. They have it all.
www.gunrightsradio.com - A community hub for gun rights podcasters and listeners. I don't visit the site much but I listen to a lot of their podcasters, especially The Gun Dudes, they are hilarious but occasionally not kid safe.
Financial sites -
www.daveramsey.com - Debt elimination and basic financial foundation advice for those of us a little "hard of hearing". Dave Ramsey has all kinds of medias available including a daily radio show and TV show on the Fox Business Network.
www.couponmom.com - Great resource for expense reduction at the grocery store. It catalogs recent sales plus coupons.
www.clarkhoward.com - Clark has a radio show and can show you how to cut expenses and avoid scams. I have no idea how he keeps on top of every new threat. It must be exhausting.
www.royalitiesandresiduals.com - A decent blog about creating multiple income streams.
www.cashcrate.com - A highly recommended GPT site for when you're just watching TV or having a slow day at the office.
Books I recommend -
- Survival Info/Instructionals
SAS Survival Handbook, Revised Edition: For Any Climate, in Any Situation
- great to throw in your BOB
Army Field Manual 21-76-1 (SERE)
Patriots: Surviving the coming Collapse by James Wesley Rawles (also Survival Fiction)
Everybody's Knife Bible: Green Beret Methods and Knife Mannerisms
*I also promote the use of local field guides for edible plants*
- Survival Fiction
Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse
- Christian books
Wild at Heart Field Manual: A Personal Guide to Discover the Secret of Your Masculine Soul
Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul
Lead Like Jesus: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time
Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith
(my wife recommends though I have not read it)
- Debt Elimination and basic Financial Structure
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
- Magazines
Backwoods Home
Mother Earth News
Wilderness Way
Outdoor Life (1-year)
Field & Stream (1-year)
Outside
TV -
The Spirit of The Wild with Ted Nugent
Bone Collector
Survivorman (no longer in production)
Dual Survival
Top Shot
City Limits Fishing with Mike Iaconelli
SWAT TV
*I do not recommend Man vs. Wild*
Merchants and product searches -
www.lapolicegear.com - Usually the best prices on 5.11 gear and good service to boot. Huge selection but make sure items are in stock before ordering.
www.knivesshipfree.com - Great service, good prices, shipping is always free.
www.ammoseek.com - Helps you locate the best prices on ammo nearly anywhere.
www.budsgunshop.com - Friendly and knowledgeable staff, quick service, good prices. Generally I support local shops, but my local shop is horrible.
www.basspro.com - I only use Bass Pro when I have gift certificates from Christmas/B-days, and only for fishing equipment and some decent squaltex gear. We have a big store nearby in Orlando and can usually find great deals on season-old gear. If it wasn't for the local store I wouldn't use them.
www.amazon.com - The best online merchant to date. Almost always the best prices and even when using a third-party supplier they will extend their service guarantee. I'm thinking of buying stock with them.