Field Notes
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Field Notes
Field Notes is a carefully curated collection of insights, strategies, and practical knowledge for those who prioritize readiness in every aspect of life. Focused on real-world preparedness, resilience, and protection, each entry is crafted to inform, equip, and inspire action. Whether facing everyday disruptions or extraordinary events, this resource empowers you to navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence. In a world where the unexpected is inevitable, knowledge remains your greatest and most reliable asset.
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When Chaos Erupts: Urban Survival Tactics for Civil Unrest
Civil unrest can erupt with little warning—turning a calm urban outing into a maze of barricades, crowds, and tension. At Gray Sentinel, we emphasize preparedness: from spotting early signs like shifting crowd energy and heavy police presence, to carrying essentials (ID, contacts, power bank), and knowing how to move calmly to safety. Whether sheltering during escalation, interacting with law enforcement, or navigating the aftermath, this comprehensive guide equips you with proactive steps and recovery strategies. Cultivate the clarity and readiness that turn panic into purpose—because in uncertain times, situational awareness is your greatest ally.
Top Home Defense Tactics: What to Do When Someone’s at Your Door at Night
Stay safe with essential home defense tactics for unexpected nighttime visitors. This guide provides practical steps, from understanding threats and fortifying entry points to calmly responding and preparing your family. Learn how to protect your home and loved ones with a layered security approach and a prepared mindset, backed by key facts and data on home security.
How to Prepare and Pack a Bug-Out Bag: A Guide to Emergency Readiness
When disaster strikes—whether it’s a wildfire, flood, or power grid failure—having a bug-out bag ready can mean the difference between panic and preparedness. A bug-out bag is a portable kit designed to sustain you for a few days as you evacuate to safety. It’s not about luxury; it’s about survival. Preparing and packing one doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you focus on the essentials and tailor it to your needs. Here’s how to get started.
Colorado’s New Gun Tax: A Fair Funding Tool or an Unjust Penalty?
As of April 1, 2025, Colorado’s House Bill 24-1349 has rolled out a 6.5% excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and related components like barrels and triggers. The state pitches it as a revenue generator for noble causes: crime victim services, mental health programs, and school safety upgrades. On the surface, it’s hard to argue against helping victims or bolstering schools. Yet for many gun owners, retailers, and Second Amendment advocates, this tax feels less like a public good and more like a targeted jab at their constitutional rights.
Hot Water, Cold Water, Living. A Step By Step On Water Storage And Purification
Water is one of the most critical resources for survival, yet it is seen as a challenge to store for those new to prepping. Whether you are preparing for a natural disaster, an extended emergency, or just want peace of mind, having a reliable water supply is essential. This guide will help you understand how to store drinking water effectively and how to purify water if your stored supply runs out.
Vehicle SOS Essentials
A vehicle breakdown can happen at any time, and being prepared can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious problem. Whether it’s your daily commute or a cross-country road trip, keeping essential emergency items in your car can ensure a safe, comfortable, and fast resolution to unplanned issues.
Illinois Public Transportation Carry Ban
There’s some exciting news from my home state of Illinois regarding self-defense. The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) is making progress in its legal battle against the state's ban on carrying firearms on public transportation and related facilities.
Low Light, No Light, Some Light, Moonlight
Light is something we take for granted. A few generations ago, the setting sun meant the end of the day, and fire was our only way to reclaim the night. Now, with a flick of a switch, we summon it instantly—so effortlessly that we rarely stop to appreciate it.
Social and Emotional Intelligence
Pulling into a gas station at 3:00 am in a neighborhood you'd never visit by choice—the cool dampness in the air clings to everything. You're driving someone home from a job they hate to a home they dread. Working in the city is something else. What began as a way to earn some extra cash has unexpectedly become an exercise in intimate human connection.
My Everyday Carry (EDC)
What exactly is "everyday carry"? Originally, it was a simple term describing the essential items you carry with you daily. Think of the adage: spectacles, testicles, wallet, and watch. However, over time, EDC has evolved into something much more. These days, phone, wallet, keys might just be the start. Add a pocket knife, flashlight, pepper spray, paracord wristband, fire starter, portable charger, water bottle—the list goes on.
Food Deserts
There’s a good chance you or someone you know is living in a food desert. But looking out your window, you may not see any sand or snow. So, what exactly does this mean? A food desert refers to areas where people lack access to fresh, affordable food, whether it’s grown nearby or sold locally. Without modern transportation and logistics, these regions would face severe hunger or malnutrition.
Revolvers *Don’t* Jam
This is a sentiment often echoed by the uninitiated—or by those who’ve never had a revolver malfunction. It’s something I once believed myself. To understand why people hold this belief, we first need to step back and examine the broader context.
Less Lethal And Other Such Tools
When it comes to self-defense, many people want to be proactive but aren't ready to take a deep dive into firearm ownership. Whether due to personal comfort, legal restrictions, or philosophical beliefs, carrying a deadly weapon isn't for everyone. So, what other options are available to equip ourselves for self-defense?
Stopping Power: Or Is It Knockback?
When it comes to self-defense, people want the best of the best—within their budget. Thankfully, we live in an era where the likelihood of facing imminent threats isn't a daily concern for most. However, recent years have seen a surge in the prioritization of personal protection. With many not knowing where to begin, they often turn to so-called authorities, receiving advice that ranges from sound and practical to outdated and overly dramatized.
The Ammo Ecosystem: Or, How I Learned to Stop Diversifying and Buy 9mm
Buying a firearm today is a bit like buying an iPhone—it’s more complicated than it was over 15 years ago. Just as the iPhone has an ecosystem of products and apps to buy into, firearms come with their own interconnected universe: ammunition.
