Is Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline) Actually Flammable?

One of the very worst things that can possibly happen to you is a house fire. Not only are they extremely deadly, but it will burn up your shelter and all of your expensive preps.

If it happens in the middle of or as a result of some other disaster situation, you’re really going to be up a creek, sans paddle.

Accordingly, it’s important to understand how the materials and supplies we keep in our homes could contribute to our overall fire risk.

There are some things that you just wouldn’t expect, too. How about petroleum jelly? Is petroleum jelly flammable?

Petroleum jelly is non-flammable, and is difficult to ignite with a flashpoint around 400 °F (204 °C). Intense open flames might cause it to burn, and a high enough temperature will cause it to melt or release flammable gases which can be a hazard.

I know it sounds almost too good to be true, but the petroleum of jelly really isn’t that much of a fire hazard unless you’re storing huge quantities of it.

Chances are the container you have in your bathroom, tucked away in a closet or a medicine cabinet is not going to contribute negatively to a fire or cause it one way or the other.

Nonetheless, there’s plenty more you’ll want to know about it, so keep reading.

Is Petroleum Jelly Combustible?

No, petroleum jelly is not combustible either. Combustible materials don’t meet the strict definition of flammability according to the NFPA or OSHA, but might still ignite at a higher temp.

Petroleum jelly isn’t even considered combustible!

But Petroleum Jelly Has Petroleum. Doesn’t it Burn?

Petroleum jelly, despite its name, is not as combustible as you might think. It’s true that it’s derived from petroleum, obviously, but the process by which it is made significantly alters its properties.

The raw petroleum is heavily refined and processed before it becomes the smooth, translucent jelly we all know and, for some of us, love.

The point is that this extensive refining process drastically reduces its flammability. So, while petroleum in its crude form is indeed highly flammable, petroleum jelly is not.

Does Petroleum Jelly Ignite at Any Temperature?

Yes. Petroleum jelly can ignite, but it typically needs a direct flame or extreme heat and does not burn easily or very well unlike some other things in our homes.

Petroleum jelly behaves a little differently from what you might expect when ignited: When exposed to a direct flame, it will eventually catch fire and burn, but the burn is typically slow and not too intense.

This is due to its high flash point, meaning it requires a much higher temperature to ignite compared to many other substances. Therefore, although it’s flammable in the strict technical sense, petroleum jelly is not considered a high fire risk.

Does Petroleum Jelly React with High Temperature?

Yes. Petroleum jelly does react to high temperatures: When exposed to elevated temperatures, it undergoes a physical transformation rather than a chemical one.

It shifts from its typical semi-solid state to a liquid one. This change in form doesn’t make it more flammable per se, but it can make it easier to ignite if it comes into direct contact with fire.

Make no mistake, very high temperatures do increase the ignition hazard, but this is true for many substances, not just petroleum jelly. We’ll delve deeper into this in the next section…

Petroleum Jelly Will Release Flammable Fumes at High Temperatures

The manufacturer of Vaseline, the most popular petroleum jelly in the US, has stated that petroleum jelly will start to emit flammable vapors around 400 °Fahrenheit or 205 °Celsius.

We can assume most other petroleum jellies are similar. While this might seem alarming, it’s important to put it into context…

The conditions under which petroleum jelly would reach this temperature are quite extreme and highly unlikely in everyday settings.

If they are encountered, there’s likely already a fire nearby! But jokes aside, under normal circumstances, like storing it in a hot garage, shed, or car, there’s no cause for concern whatsoever.

And if a situation arises where the jelly does reach its flash point, you likely have larger issues at hand!

If Petroleum Jelly is Liquified, it Will Catch Fire More Easily

Petroleum jelly’s semi-solid state is an important part of its safety profile. But when this substance shifts from its typical jellied form to a liquid one, it becomes more prone to ignition.

This poses other, subtler hazards, too: The liquefied product can seep out of containers or spread across surfaces, potentially causing unexpected and seriously hazardous fires.

Thus, it’s crucial to store petroleum jelly in cool, safe places, and be mindful of nearby heat sources that might cause it to melt and run.

Will Petroleum Jelly Make a Fire Worse?

Yes. Petroleum jelly will intensify a fire under certain conditions. But do know that a small quantity of petroleum jelly is unlikely to significantly worsen a fire as it would burn up quickly.

However, the situation changes with larger quantities. A large amount of petroleum jelly, maybe a case of jars or a barrel of the stuff, serves as a significant fuel source.

If it tends to melt and release flammable vapors it will greatly feed a fire. Therefore, it’s crucial to handle and store large quantities with due caution to prevent any fire-related accidents.

Is Petroleum Jelly Reactive with Other Substances?

While petroleum jelly is generally safe and stable, it’s not entirely non-reactive. One of its notable reactions occurs when it comes into contact with strong oxidizers, or concentrated oxygen.

Under these circumstances, petroleum jelly can spontaneously combust. This is a critical consideration in medical settings, particularly for patients undergoing oxygen therapy!

For safety reasons, any petroleum jelly product should never be applied to the lips or nose of someone receiving oxygen treatment.

How Should You Deal with Petroleum Jelly Exposed to Fire?

When faced with a fire involving petroleum jelly, the most effective response typically is using a dry chemical, chemical foam, or CO2 fire extinguisher.

These types of extinguishers work by smothering the fire, effectively cutting off the fuel ignition cycle. Water and water-based fire extinguishers can also be used, but they tend to be less effective.

This is because petroleum jelly repels water, making it harder for water-based solutions to do the job. As always, having the best extinguisher for the task at hand increases the likelihood that nothing bad will happen.

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Taser Laws in Maryland: Legal or Not?

When it comes to self-defense, the default choices for most folks are either guns or pepper spray with very little in between.

But it turns out there is a pretty good “in-between” choice in the form of a taser. It’s more decisive than pepper spray, but far less likely to result in a permanent injury or death compared to a firearm.

This makes them an attractive choice for some people who don’t want a gun for whatever reason. But despite being used with law enforcement for decades now, tasers still aren’t legal for civilians everywhere. How about in Maryland? Can you have a Taser legally in Maryland?

Yes, tasers are legal in Maryland. You can purchase and possess a taser and carry one openly without a permit as long as you’re 18. However, you’ll need to get a background check and you probably can’t carry one concealed without a permit.

Maryland is somewhat restrictive concerning lots of weapons laws, and tasers are no different, although surprisingly Maryland is far less strict than some other states as far as tasers are concerned.

There’s also a worrying lack of a precise definition concerning what category electronic control devices fall into among other weapons. There’s more you will need to know, so keep reading.

How are Tasers Classified in Maryland?

Tasers are sort of in a funny spot in Maryland because they get a precise definition in one section, but that definition doesn’t tell us precisely what sort of category of weapons they fall into.

This is critically important for interpreting the rest of the weapons-related statutes and, vitally, weapons-related crimes!

Looking below at section 4-109 we see that tasers easily fall into the definition of an “electronic control device,” which is a portable device designed as a weapon capable of injuring or immobilizing someone via electric current.

Then if we consult section 4-101 covering “dangerous weapons,” we see that electronic control devices, and similar verbiage, are not mentioned. However, that doesn’t mean that a taser might not be construed as a dangerous weapon because it is indeed possible for one to inflict great bodily harm or even death.

Section 4-109 – Electronic Control Device

…

(3)“Electronic control device” means a portable device designed as a weapon capable of injuring, immobilizing, or inflicting pain on an individual by the discharge of electrical current.

Section 4-101 – Dangerous Weapons

(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

…

(5)(i) “Weapon” includes a dirk knife, bowie knife, switchblade knife, star knife, sandclub, metal knuckles, razor, and nunchaku.

(ii) “Weapon” does not include:

1. a handgun; or

2. a penknife without a switchblade.

…

(3) a holder of a permit to carry a handgun issued under Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Public Safety Article; or

(c)(1) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon of any kind concealed on or about the person.

Are Stun Guns Legal in Maryland?

Yes, stun guns broadly fall under the category of “electronic control device” and are legal to purchase, possess and carry in Maryland.

Can You Carry a Taser Openly in Maryland?

Yes, you may openly carry a taser or a stun gun in Maryland as long as:

• ✓ you are legal to possess the device,
• ✓ the device itself is lawful,
• ✓ and you either have a permit to carry a handgun or you are carrying the device as a reasonable precaution against perceived danger and for no unlawful purpose.

Section 4-101 – Dangerous Weapons

…

(b) This section does not prohibit the following individuals from carrying a weapon:

…

(4) an individual who carries the weapon as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger, subject to the right of the court in an action arising under this section to judge the reasonableness of the carrying of the weapon, and the proper occasion for carrying it, under the evidence in the case.

(2) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon, chemical mace, pepper mace, or a tear gas device openly with the intent or purpose of injuring an individual in an unlawful manner.

…

Can You Carry a Taser Concealed in Maryland?

Yes, you can carry a taser concealed in Maryland but chances are good that you must have a concealed weapons permit in order to do so.

This is due to the ambiguity of section 4-101 concerning dangerous weapons. It appears that electronic control devices, and tasers and stun guns, don’t fall under the classification of dangerous weapons but the law is still unclear.

As such until it is clarified, or until there is a significant precedent in the legal system, it’d be best if you had a concealed weapons permit before you decided to carry it concealed in public.

Section 4-101 – Dangerous Weapons

…

(3) a holder of a permit to carry a handgun issued under Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Public Safety Article; or

(c)(1) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon of any kind concealed on or about the person.

…

Are there Age Restrictions on Taser Ownership or Possession in Maryland?

Yes. You’ll have to be 18 years old or older if you want to purchase, possess and carry a stun gun or taser in Maryland. Note that this means you’ll need to be at least 21 if you want to carry one concealed because that’s how old you have to be to get a concealed weapons permit.

Section 4-109 – Electronic Control Device

…

(b) A person may not possess or use an electronic control device unless the person:

(1) has attained the age of 18 years; and

…

What Do You Need to Do to Purchase a Taser in Maryland?

There are quite a few hoops to jump through if you want to purchase a taser or stun gun in Maryland although it isn’t that bad. As mentioned, you’ve got to be at least 18 for stars, and you also have to have a clean background.

The seller of the taser must conduct a background check and record all of your relevant information to sell you the device and they will furnish it to authorities upon request.

Generally, you cannot have any felonies or domestic violence misdemeanors on your background along with a host of other violations. Check out section 4-109 covering electronic control devices for more exclusions.

Section 4-109 – Electronic Control Device

…

(b) A person may not possess or use an electronic control device unless the person:

(1) has attained the age of 18 years; and

…

(2) has never been convicted of a crime of violence or a violation of § 5–602, § 5–603, § 5–604, § 5–605, § 5–606, § 5–613, or § 5–614 of this article.

(c) An electronic control device may not be sold and activated in the State unless:

(1) an instructional manual or audio or audiovisual instructions are provided to the purchaser;

(2) the manufacturer maintains a record of the original owner of the electronic control device; and

(3) the manufacturer or seller has obtained a State and federal criminal history records check of the original owner to ensure compliance with subsection (b)(2) of this section.

…

Is Training Mandatory for Taser Ownership in Maryland?

No, training isn’t mandatory if you want to purchase or possess a taser in Maryland, but if you want to carry one concealed you should have a concealed weapons permit and that means you’ll need to get the relevant training.

Where Can You Carry a Taser in Maryland?

You can carry a Taser anywhere that you can legally take weapons, although there are many restrictions in Maryland, and particularly many cities like Baltimore and Ocean City have their own regulations and restrictions on these devices that you’ll need to look up.

For starters, it is a safe assumption that you cannot carry your taser anywhere on private or public property that has a sign up forbidding weapons.

You can also never carry it into or on the grounds of any public school or state-owned or operated building. Includes courthouses and other government offices and installations at all levels.

Naturally, you cannot carry it into the secured area of any airport or other sensitive installation, and you can’t carry it into a police department or sheriff’s office.

When Can You Use a Taser to Defend Yourself in Maryland?

You may only use your taser to protect yourself from a legitimate, imminent threat of unlawful force being used against you they could result in great bodily injury or death.

Tasers must never be used just because you were insulted, used on someone as a joke or for any other lesser purpose. Doing so is a significant crime in Maryland.

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Are Tasers Legal in California? What You Should Know

When it comes to self defense tools, tasers are one of the most misunderstood. Tasers occupy a strange sort of niche between something less harmful like pepper spray, and something extremely harmful like a firearm.

Used correctly, a taser can give you a wonderful ranged option against attackers, and one that’s unlikely to cause serious lasting harm.

Tasers are legal in most states, but they’re not legal in every state. Let’s look at California: are tasers legal in California?

Yes, tasers are legal in California. Tasers can be purchased, possessed, and carried for self-defense in the state of California so long as you are not a felon or drug addict and 16 years old or older.

Compared to some of the truly heinous weapons laws in California, tasers are surprisingly straightforward to obtain and carry.

It’s even possible to carry a taser if you’re under the age of 18! But, as you might expect, California still has loads of laws that will apply to these devices and to you if you carry one. If you want to know what they are, keep reading.

How are Tasers Classified in California?

Tasers are broadly categorized as “less-lethal weapons” under California law, meaning any device that is designed to expel less-lethal ammunition that will incapacitate, immobilize, or stun a person through less-than-lethal means.

Tasers, being sort of dart-firing stun guns that rely on compressed gas and a powerful but non-lethal electrical charge for this function, certainly fit the bill.

Check out both definitions in the relevant section below…

---

DEFINITIONS Section 16780.

(a) “Less lethal weapon” means any device that is designed to or that has been converted to expel or propel less lethal ammunition by any action, mechanism, or process for the purpose of incapacitating, immobilizing, or stunning a human being through the infliction of any less than lethal impairment of physical condition, function, or senses, including physical pain or discomfort. It is not necessary that a weapon leave any lasting or permanent incapacitation, discomfort, pain, or other injury or disability in order to qualify as a less lethal weapon.

(b) Less lethal weapon includes the frame or receiver of any weapon described in subdivision (a), but does not include any of the following unless the part or weapon has been converted as described in subdivision (a):

---

Are Stun Guns Legal in California?

Yes, they are. Stun guns are a distinct device from tasers, and rely on close physical contact with the electrodes on the device to inflict a painful electrical charge.

The terms are often used interchangeably in normal conversation, but in California they have two different but overlapping legal definitions.

The definition for “stun gun” pops up in 244.5 under Title 8 Chapter 9 of the California penal code.

A stun gun is defined as any item, except a less lethal weapon, that’s used or intended in an offensive or defensive capacity capable of temporarily immobilizing a person by the infliction of an electrical charge.

See the relevant section below…

---

Assault and Battery Section 244.5.

244.5. (a) As used in this section, “stun gun” means any item, except a less lethal weapon, as defined in Section 16780, used or intended to be used as either an offensive or defensive weapon that is capable of temporarily immobilizing a person by the infliction of an electrical charge.

---

Can You Carry a Taser Openly?

Yes, you can. Tasers are not firearms and as such don’t fall under the many laws against open carrying firearms in California.

Can You Carry a Taser Concealed?

Yes, you can. Assuming that you’re legally allowed to be in possession of the taser you can carry a concealed on or about your person without the benefit of a concealed weapons permit.

Just remember, you cannot take it everywhere without worry! More on that in a minute…

Are there Age Restrictions on Taser Ownership or Possession in California?

Yes. Generally, one needs to be at least 18 years old to purchase and possess a taser in California.

It’s completely legal for a person that is 16 or 17 years old to be in possession of a taser, or even buy one, so long as they have written permission from their parents in their possession at all times.

What Do You Need to Do to Purchase One?

If you want to purchase a taser in California you’ll need to obtain one from an authorized dealer.

Typically, this will be a place that sells firearms; you should also note that California has several requirements for dealers that sell these devices.

To legally buy and possess a taser, you cannot be addicted to any narcotics, you cannot have a felony criminal record, or have been convicted of any crime involving assault anywhere in the United States.

Make sure you check out the relevant statute below.

---

STUN GUN Section 22610.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person may purchase, possess, or use a stun gun, subject to the following requirements:

(a) No person convicted of a felony or any crime involving an assault under the laws of the United States, the State of California, or any other state, government, or country, or convicted of misuse of a stun gun under Section 244.5, shall purchase, possess, or use any stun gun.

(b) No person addicted to any narcotic drug shall purchase, possess, or use a stun gun.

(c) (1) No person shall sell or furnish any stun gun to a minor unless the minor is at least 16 years of age and has the written consent of the minor’s parent or legal guardian.

(2) Violation of this subdivision shall be a public offense punishable by a fifty-dollar ($50) fine for the first offense. Any subsequent violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor.

(d) No minor shall possess any stun gun unless the minor is at least 16 years of age and has the written consent of the minor’s parent or legal guardian.

---

Is Training Mandatory for Taser Ownership in California?

No. Training is not mandatory to purchase, own or carry a taser in California.

Where Can You Carry a Taser in California?

You can carry a taser anywhere that you are legally, lawfully allowed to. In California, there are quite a few places where you can’t, unfortunately.

Broadly, you’ll have to avoid carrying your taser, openly or concealed, and any city, county, state, or federal government buildings or offices, or other government installations including military bases, in any school or on any school property, and that includes any conveyance like a bus that is owned and operated by the school, at any meeting where the law requires public attendance, and in any secured area of any airport.

When Can You Use a Taser to Defend Yourself?

You can only ever use your taser to protect yourself from a legitimate threat of great injury or death.

You must never use your taser as a joke, to win an argument or because someone insulted you. These things aren’t toys!

A taser is properly categorized as a less-lethal weapon, not as a less-than-lethal weapon; a categorization California law is quite correct on, even though the less-than-lethal verbiage pops up in the text of the section.

It is possible that a taser could inflict lasting harm on someone if they already have a medical condition or compromised health or if they’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

It isn’t completely out of the question that your taser could set someone on fire!

Likewise, someone who’s immobilized by a taser could fall down out of control and crack their head.

That’s too bad for them if they were legitimately attacking you, but it’s too bad for you if that happens because you are goofing off with these powerful devices!

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The 17 Survival Magazines Every Prepper Should Read

They say there’s nothing better than experience, and perhaps that’s true, but you can still learn a lot and step your “survival game” up by reading the right publications.

Whether they are old-fashioned printed paper, or digital copies that you can take with you on any of the devices you use most, a good magazine is a treasure trove of information. Information that, mind you, will add up over time.

And just like a whetstone sharpens a knife, reading continually on a chosen subject will sharpen your mind. The following magazines will help you get sharp and stay that way.

1. Hobby Farms

What is a hobby farm? Is it a form of a certain size or certain kind? Is it one you just run for fun?

The term means different things to different people, but I can tell you this: even if you are doing it for fun, it’s darn hard work and requires lots of specialist knowledge.

If you don’t know what you’re doing, Hobby Farms magazine can help impart that knowledge. This is a specialist publication concerned only with farming and nothing else, but boy, does it cover absolutely everything.

You’ll learn about all sorts of different crops and livestock, tools and machinery, growing zones, home and property maintenance, and a whole lot more.

If you aren’t dealing with any of that stuff you can skip this one, but if you are, it’s a sure subscribe.

2. Grit

Everything you need to know about this magazine is in the title. A venerable publication that focuses on homesteading, self-sufficiency, real outdoor living in the deep country, and all sorts of related skills.

There’s no telling what you’ll find when you crack the cover of Grit. If you are a prepper, camper, hiker, hunter or something of a modern-day pioneer, Grit is one magazine you’ve got to read.

I especially appreciate the super-detailed instructional articles accompanied by photos that they have in every volume.

3. Backpacker

More truth in advertising, Backpacker magazine is focused entirely on the recreational pursuit of the same name.

That being said, don’t be turned away because you don’t think this one is serious enough: Much of what you will learn in Backpacker, skills that would be applied to an enjoyable hiker camping trip, translate wonderfully to prepping, particularly packing your own rucksack for maximal efficiency.

Aside from this, there are countless little fieldcraft tips that will make you more comfortable, more efficient, and more confident wherever you’re going out in the wild.

4. Mother Earth News

Don’t let the name fool you: you won’t be learning how to align your energy with crystals or any such nonsense in this magazine.

But if you need to learn how to bring in a bumper crop, take care of common homesteading problems, and generally get more aligned with living in the way your grandparents might have- more sustainable, simpler and fulfilling- this one is for you.

As much as we don’t like the idea, a big part of being a prepper is just domestic drudgery, so if you don’t know how to preserve food much less grow it in the first place, Mother Earth News is going to cover a big hole in your skillset.

5. Backwoodsman

Another wonderful variety publication, Backwoodsman could again serve as a wonderful manual or primer of sorts for preppers.

This is another one I look forward to every time that new issue rolls around because you can never be sure exactly what you’re going to learn.

You might get traditional techniques for catching, cleaning, and cooking wild game on one page, and then another for building an improvised shelter with natural or man-made materials.

And, of course, you’ll have a few special interest gear reviews in there too. Great stuff, and a blast to read. Subscribe!

6. Boundless, by American Outdoor Guide

If there was ever a regular publication that was a legitimate prepper’s handbook, had to have been the American Outdoor Guide.

Formerly published as the American Survival Guide, and most recently as Boundless, this is another “grab bag” of publication with one overarching focus, and that’s on survival.

If you are a suburban prepper worried about terror attacks or active shooters, there will be something in here for you.

If you live in the deep country and are concerned with hostile critters and diseases, it will be here. One of the magazines I looked forward to the most, and a beautiful one to boot!

Sadly out of print, but there is a bountiful online archive and many back issues available. One worth keeping on hand in print format!

7. S.W.A.T.

Out of all of the dearly departed, retired survival publications out there, I think I miss S.W.A.T. the most. On the newsstand, you might have lost it among all the other gun rags, but S.W.A.T.

was so much more. Among their alumni of writers you’d find a who’s who of real-deal tactical professionals, along with hard-hitting coverage of up-and-coming (or classic) guns and related gear, alongside instructional and even philosophical pieces.

With guns, gear, tactics, the way of the warrior and home defense insights aplenty, SWAT really was one of a kind. The good news is you can still get back issues and the website is still online.

8. Self-Reliance

Self-reliance. It’s a concept, but also a command for most of us. This quarterly publication addresses all sorts of things that the responsible among use might not think about, or anticipate, as a homesteader.

These might be domestic problems but they are major ones when you are depending only on yourself and your family.

From the proper way to harvest, preserve, and store food yourself to dealing with uncertainty and isolation in an austere setting, there is so much to learn and master.

And not all of it is super-serious, because sometimes you just get a great recipe or a humorous anecdote about life on the homestead. Another wonderful publication!

9. Backwoods Home Magazine

Backwoods Home Magazine is a publication focused on rural and country living, kind of like a more practical, blue-collar Better Homes and Gardens.

If you didn’t have a family that taught you a lot of practical skills growing up, this is a great way to learn.

You’ll learn how to work on your own tools and vehicles, raise your own food even at a very small scale, and get more in tune with nature along with a variety of other more nuanced topics on mindset and things like that.

A great way to work on your basic skill set without living in a state of “Defcon 1” all the time like you get with some of the other tactically-oriented magazines.

10. The New Pioneer

The New Pioneer has something of a poetic title, but it is another case of truth in advertising, or rather who it is advertised to.

If you would become a new pioneer of sorts, one that is learning how to take care of animals, put in a garden, preserve your harvest, build a deck, and change your own oil, this is the magazine for you.

Sure, lots of us who have lived the life for a while or grew up doing it will think this stuff is old hat, even elementary, but everyone started somewhere and if you are that person just getting started, The New Pioneer is probably the absolute best magazine for the purpose.

11. Home Power

A legendary magazine focused on, what else, home power generation supply, Home Power morphed over time into a self-sufficiency publication that factored in all elements of creating your own off-grid infrastructure.

Sadly, this is yet another wonderful resource that has gone out of print, but there’s good news and bad news…

The bad news is that back issues still on the market in new condition are becoming basically non-existent, but the good news is that every single issue is now available electronically and for free!

Truly, there is no other magazine quite like this, and if you dreamed of setting up solar panels with a deep cycle battery bank but don’t know where to start, you need to start with Home Power.

12. Countryside and Small Stock Journal

It’s a mouthful of a name, but it matches the mountain of content you’ll get in each and every issue.

Countryside and Small Stock Journal, commonly abbreviated to CSSJ or just “Countryside,” is focused purely on living an agricultural or ranching life.

All the intricacies and eccentricities associated with livestock, growing crops and taking care of everyday practical problems related to both is covered in exacting detail by staff of writers that live it, day in and day out.

If you’ve ever wanted to make the transition to such a life and leave the concrete jungle behind, this magazine more than any other is a great way to start.

13. Ballistic

Ballistic is another newer magazine, but one that’s focused entirely on firearms, accessories and related topics.

Whether you are cruising for a new carry piece or a dedicated firearm to help you confront what goes bump in the night or get you through the collapse of society, ballistic can help you zero in on it.

I particularly like the frequent rankings of different competitors’ guns they do. It always pays to stay on top of cutting edge tech!

14. Field & Stream

One of the oldest and still one of the best magazines dedicated to hunting, fishing and everything else associated with the lifestyle, this is another publication devoted to recreational pursuits that can teach you more than a thing or two.

Field & Stream writers are often masters of their chosen vacation, and many of them have more lived field experience than 10 other mere mortals.

You’ll keep reading for the pictures and stories, but pay attention and you can learn quite a lot, and that can make the difference when it’s time for you to bring home dinner the hard way.

15. Skillset

When you visit an external link on this page and then make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Read my full advertising disclosure here.

Skillset is one of my favorite and newest magazines. Equal parts adventure mag, hard-hitting interviews and skill-building pieces, there is something for every red-blooded man (or woman) in its pages.

From down-and-dirty self-defense to navigating your way out of a wilderness survival situation or a close encounter in the urban jungle, everyone, no matter where they are in life, can learn something useful from this magazine, and have a good time doing it.

Skillset is a blast to read and educational to boot.

16. Backwoods Survival Guide

There’s living in a rural setting, living on a true homestead, living off-grid, and then there’s living way, way out there- living in the backwoods.

This is the magazine if you fit into the latter category! All of the info in the Backwoods Survival Guide mag is oriented towards hardcore self-sufficiency to the point where you are living truly off the land in these places.

That’s an important distinction because lots of us plan only to survive in such a setting in order to get back to civilization.

Backwoods Survival Guide will teach you how to actually make a life out there if that’s what you want. Another great read, and almost totally unique in its category.

17. OFFGRID

A new, cool, and highly polished publication, OFFGRID is best known as the sister publication to RECOIL.

Although, in fact, much of the magazine is a barely disguised advertisement for various products that they review, OFFGRID has made it a point to hire some of the best and brightest minds in the survival sector to write and produce the publication.

My favorite columns cover theoretical scenarios and how they might be handled, along with step-by-step insights and observations of the event from a panel of various experts.

Another one of my favorite publications, this isn’t one of the best if you’re focused on rural living in preparation; it has a decidedly urban reader base.

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