This weeks preps check-in

[Brent S]

I pulled out my Berkey water filter today. I decided it was time to actually start using it vs letting it sit in a box. Anyways, a few minutes of assembly and I have a 4 ceramic ‘candle’ filter sitting on the counter top. I figured I’d make a pot of coffee with the filtered water, so I filled the upper chamber and waited, and waited, and waited. Well, it may be really good at filtering water, but it sure isn’t in a hurry to do it! Being just gravity fed it is really slow. So I re-evaluated my use of it from now on. I will keep it full from now on and use it as I need, refilling each time as I draw from it. I guess the main reason I posted this is to remind everyone to test out their prep items so they are thouroughly familiar with them before having to rely on them in an emergency.

 

[WGregMiller]

I pulled out my Berkey water filter today. I decided it was time to actually start using it vs letting it sit in a box. Anyways, a few minutes of assembly and I have a 4 ceramic ‘candle’ filter sitting on the counter top. I figured I’d make a pot of coffee with the filtered water, so I filled the upper chamber and waited, and waited, and waited. Well, it may be really good at filtering water, but it sure isn’t in a hurry to do it! Being just gravity fed it is really slow. So I re-evaluated my use of it from now on. I will keep it full from now on and use it as I need, refilling each time as I draw from it. I guess the main reason I posted this is to remind everyone to test out their prep items so they are thouroughly familiar with them before having to rely on them in an emergency.

Did you prime the filter before putting it in?

They make a gizmo to prime them, but I used a plastic coke bottle and did it. And made a mess as well.

We fill ours weekly. It’s slow, but it’s good. Maybe it’s in my head, but the lack of chlorine in my coffee really is better.

Oh yeah, and ours sprung a leak around the tap. We replaced it with a metal one and it’s a lot better than the plastic one.

Matter of fact, my wife likes it so much she bought a small one for work.

 

[Brent S]

Did you prime the filter before putting it in?

They make a gizmo to prime them, but I used a plastic coke bottle and did it. And made a mess as well.

We fill ours weekly. It’s slow, but it’s good. Maybe it’s in my head, but the lack of chlorine in my coffee really is better.

Oh yeah, and ours sprung a leak around the tap. We replaced it with a metal one and it’s a lot better than the plastic one.

Matter of fact, my wife likes it so much she bought a small one for work.

I rinsed the filters, but didn’t see anything about priming. There is no doubt that filtered water makes better tasting coffee. After all, it’s 99% water! I use the fridge filter for most things, but have used the tap for the coffee pot for a while now and just kind of got used to it. I’m drinking the first cup of filtered now and it is a noticeable improvement.
I noticed a wet spot from the tap as well. I tightened the nut and still see a droplet welling up so will replace it today. I bought a stainless spigot when I got 4 extra ceramic filters a while back luckily. Have you used the black filters? I need to read the usable life of those before trying them.
My son and I have talked it over and decided it’s time to have a well drilled on the property here. The county water is ok but has a strong chlorine smell and taste. The average well here is 400’ and drilled thru granite, running 8 to 10k. Considering the county water bill is about 40.00 a month it would be cheaper to stay on their system, but this is just another step in our preps.

 

[WGregMiller]

I rinsed the filters, but didn’t see anything about priming. There is no doubt that filtered water makes better tasting coffee. After all, it’s 99% water! I use the fridge filter for most things, but have used the tap for the coffee pot for a while now and just kind of got used to it. I’m drinking the first cup of filtered now and it is a noticeable improvement.
I noticed a wet spot from the tap as well. I tightened the nut and still see a droplet welling up so will replace it today. I bought a stainless spigot when I got 4 extra ceramic filters a while back luckily. Have you used the black filters? I need to read the usable life of those before trying them.
My son and I have talked it over and decided it’s time to have a well drilled on the property here. The county water is ok but has a strong chlorine smell and taste. The average well here is 400’ and drilled thru granite, running 8 to 10k. Considering the county water bill is about 40.00 a month it would be cheaper to stay on their system, but this is just another step in our preps.

Here is a link to a priming video - https://www.berkeyfilters.com/berkey-answers/how-to/black-berkey/prime/

We have 4 ceramic filters but have 2 black ones in it now (and others for backup). The more filters you put in the thing, the faster it will filter, of course.

 

[Brent S]

Here is a link to a priming video - https://www.berkeyfilters.com/berkey-answers/how-to/black-berkey/prime/

We have 4 ceramic filters but have 2 black ones in it now (and others for backup). The more filters you put in the thing, the faster it will filter, of course.

I’m using 4 ceramics in it now. I was wondering about a plug for some of the holes if I ever had to use just two filters. I have a bunch of rubber stoppers for the wine stuff and bet one would fit. Even with four filters the thing is in no hurry though, so yeah, the more the better! Either way, the water definitely tastes better.

 

[WGregMiller]

I’m using 4 ceramics in it now. I was wondering about a plug for some of the holes if I ever had to use just two filters. I have a bunch of rubber stoppers for the wine stuff and bet one would fit. Even with four filters the thing is in no hurry though, so yeah, the more the better! Either way, the water definitely tastes better.

Seems like (been more than a week) that ours came with a couple or 3 threaded plugs with washers. I’ll look and see.

Ours isn’t a speed demon by any means, but works well. It does seem like it worked better after priming the filters though.

 

[Brent S]

Here is a link to a priming video - https://www.berkeyfilters.com/berkey-answers/how-to/black-berkey/prime/

We have 4 ceramic filters but have 2 black ones in it now (and others for backup). The more filters you put in the thing, the faster it will filter, of course.

Oh, I got the original spigot tomquit leaking so will keep the stainless one for a spare still!

 

[Proud Prepper]

Today was a beautiful day. While I was cooking chicken on my charcoal grill. I put a little gas in my 2 generators to test them and ran them, untill the gas was all used up. I filled up all my 5 gallon gas cans and tested all my backup solor panels and battery chargers. Getting everything ready for hurricane season.

 

[Silent Earth]

I pulled out my Berkey water filter today. I decided it was time to actually start using it vs letting it sit in a box. Anyways, a few minutes of assembly and I have a 4 ceramic ‘candle’ filter sitting on the counter top. I figured I’d make a pot of coffee with the filtered water, so I filled the upper chamber and waited, and waited, and waited. Well, it may be really good at filtering water, but it sure isn’t in a hurry to do it! Being just gravity fed it is really slow. So I re-evaluated my use of it from now on. I will keep it full from now on and use it as I need, refilling each time as I draw from it. I guess the main reason I posted this is to remind everyone to test out their prep items so they are thouroughly familiar with them before having to rely on them in an emergency.

We simply keep ours topped up and in use all the time, We could not imagine not having one. We have the stainless Berkfield in the kitchen and the plastic one on the camper van.

 

[Silent Earth]

Here is a link to a priming video - https://www.berkeyfilters.com/berkey-answers/how-to/black-berkey/prime/

We have 4 ceramic filters but have 2 black ones in it now (and others for backup). The more filters you put in the thing, the faster it will filter, of course.

I remember reading a very long thread on Survivalist Boards about a major quality control issue with the black carbon candles on US made Berky Candles, something to do with the candles separating from the the mounting plates.

 

[Brent S]

I remember reading a very long thread on Survivalist Boards about a major quality control issue with the black carbon candles on US made Berky Candles, something to do with the candles separating from the the mounting plates.

I haven’t got any charcoal ones yet, but probably will sooner or later. I have 8 of the ceramic ones due to the extended lifespan of them. I have been using it for a couple weeks now and am really pleased. I wasn’t impressed with the speed it filters at first, but just had to adjust my expectations. Now whenever I drain off filtered water I just add an equal amount to replace it, keeping it topped off at all times. I know one thing for sure, my coffee tastes way better!

 

[SheilaT.]

Today was a beautiful day. While I was cooking chicken on my charcoal grill. I put a little gas in my 2 generators to test them and ran them, untill the gas was all used up. I filled up all my 5 gallon gas cans and tested all my backup solor panels and battery chargers. Getting everything ready for hurricane season.

When I read the matter of factness like this, it makes me very glad my country has such a temperate climate. We have our moments, but nothing like you.

 

[Maverick]

I have two SS Berky’s I think people that buy them at first they think in minutes of filtration instead of hours and get disappointed . That how I got one of the SS berky’s at a yard sale, it took to long to filter water. People’s expectations are too high concerning the filter’s flow.

If One gets a berky spare parts are a must, even though I have the berky’s I also made a couple out of 5-gal food grade buckets that I prefer in the back country, more robust and diffidently not as fragile as the berky.

 

[Silent Earth]

I haven’t got any charcoal ones yet, but probably will sooner or later. I have 8 of the ceramic ones due to the extended lifespan of them. I have been using it for a couple weeks now and am really pleased. I wasn’t impressed with the speed it filters at first, but just had to adjust my expectations. Now whenever I drain off filtered water I just add an equal amount to replace it, keeping it topped off at all times. I know one thing for sure, my coffee tastes way better!

which is EXACTLY what we have done since 1992, you soon get used to it and enjoy the benefits, and enjoy the fact you are getting water as good as it gets without using electricity or pumps or pressure. just add water to the top and get safe water out the bottom. I used the super Ser types from Berkfield they are ceramic and silver impregnated.

 

[Silent Earth]

When I read the matter of factness like this, it makes me very glad my country has such a temperate climate. We have our moments, but nothing like you.

My thoughts exactly, our climate like our flora and fauna is very boringly safe compared to what our cousins contend with. When we lived in KS a while John our friend invited us for a walk with the dog, just like back home........................ should have known better, we were issued with a Ruger revolver each loaded with shotshell cartridges to keep Rattle snakes at bay that liked to sunbath on paths and to ambush small dogs. John carried another side arm to keep coyotes at bay who also are partial to small dogs.

One day the local weather service radio made a noise so john shot outside to bring his two vehicles under the galvanised tinned roof car port just before hailstones the sized of golfballs came hammering down, two cars out on the road had their windscreens shattered.

And when his wife was given a medical appointment with a cardiac specialist they had to " Drive to town" in Wichita 4 1/12 hours away . The US is indeed very different to the UK in many ways.

BUT for warmth, loyalty, generosity, kindness, hospitality and friendship You simply cannot get better than Okies, Kansans Nebraskans, salt of the earth types.

 

[Mountain trapper]

My thoughts exactly, our climate like our flora and fauna is very boringly safe compared to what our cousins contend with. When we lived in KS a while John our friend invited us for a walk with the dog, just like back home........................ should have known better, we were issued with a Ruger revolver each loaded with shotshell cartridges to keep Rattle snakes at bay that liked to sunbath on paths and to ambush small dogs. John carried another side arm to keep coyotes at bay who also are partial to small dogs.

One day the local weather service radio made a noise so john shot outside to bring his two vehicles under the galvanised tinned roof car port just before hailstones the sized of golfballs came hammering down, two cars out on the road had their windscreens shattered.

And when his wife was given a medical appointment with a cardiac specialist they had to " Drive to town" in Wichita 4 1/12 hours away . The US is indeed very different to the UK in many ways.

BUT for warmth, loyalty, generosity, kindness, hospitality and friendship You simply cannot get better than Okies, Kansans Nebraskans, salt of the earth types.

Speaking of rattlers and bears, saw my first bear of spring a couple days ago and first rattlesnake yesterday warming up on a rock.

 

[MaterielGeneral]

Speaking of rattlers and bears, saw my first bear of spring a couple days ago and first rattlesnake yesterday warming up on a rock.

Speaking of bears.
One of those bastards just walked behind my house the other night you can see his tracks in the snow (yeah we still have snow).

And with that how's everybody doing? I have been off playing militia which bided my time and it turned out to be a waste of time. I am not messing around with that anymore I'm just going to work on building a prepper group.

It is a newer about a year old Statewide group but from my experience with the military I don't really want to mess with them.

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[Dani]

Just got back from berry picking. 5 gallons Mayhaws & only about 4 cups of blackberries. None of the mulberries were ripe yet but plenty red ones. If I didn't need to go to bed for work soon I'd make a BlackBerry cheese pie. . . After work project .

 

[MaterielGeneral]

Just got back from berry picking. 5 gallons Mayhaws & only about 4 cups of blackberries. None of the mulberries were ripe yet but plenty red ones. If I didn't need to go to bed for work soon I'd make a BlackBerry cheese pie. . . After work project .

Must be nice, we are just entering spring.

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[DrPrepper1]

My husband went to a gun show and bought me a military style backpack. I just transferred everything I had in my regular backpack into it. Lots more space in this new bag... more room for more prepping

 

[Brent S]

My husband went to a gun show and bought me a military style backpack. I just transferred everything I had in my regular backpack into it. Lots more space in this new bag... more room for more prepping

Hmmm, sounds like more weight to have to carry!

 

[MaterielGeneral]

My husband went to a gun show and bought me a military style backpack. I just transferred everything I had in my regular backpack into it. Lots more space in this new bag... more room for more prepping

If your initial plan is to use a vehicle for a bug out then why not load the pack up. If later you have to go on foot you can always pick and choose and remove items from the pack.

That's the way I'm planning it we're bugging in so if we have to bug out it's going to be a long-term bug out so our bags are military they're big and they're heavy. A true INCH.

Do you know what kind of bag it was? We have cfp-90s, MOLLE II, and large ALICE rucks. The beauty is with packing heavy you can cover more broad spectrum and then like I said before you could always pick and choose and remove items to save weight.

Just a tip about the CFP-90s is that you have a main ruck and then you have a patrol ruck that attaches to the back of it.

I keep Essentials in the patrol ruck that way if I'm being chased and have to drop the main ruck I will still have gear.

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[MaterielGeneral]

Hmmm, sounds like more weight to have to carry!

Brent are you one of those ultralight hikers?
LoL

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[Proud Prepper]

Brent doesnt hike with anymore than a 6 pack, of ultra lite beer...

 

[DrPrepper1]

If your initial plan is to use a vehicle for a bug out then why not load the pack up. If later you have to go on foot you can always pick and choose and remove items from the pack.

That's the way I'm planning it we're bugging in so if we have to bug out it's going to be a long-term bug out so our bags are military they're big and they're heavy. A true INCH.

Do you know what kind of bag it was? We have cfp-90s, MOLLE II, and large ALICE rucks. The beauty is with packing heavy you can cover more broad spectrum and then like I said before you could always pick and choose and remove items to save weight.

Just a tip about the CFP-90s is that you have a main ruck and then you have a patrol ruck that attaches to the back of it.

I keep Essentials in the patrol ruck that way if I'm being chased and have to drop the main ruck I will still have gear.

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The tag just says Explorer Tatical style B-15. It’s definitely better than my old one.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Been working on the new fence that I started on last year. I need to have it finished in the next two weeks. Got most of it done last Fall, but still have about 200 posts to put in and a couple more gates to build.
Picked up the new rototiller today. I made a couple passes around the garden before it got dark. I think it will work fine.

 

[Silent Earth]

If your initial plan is to use a vehicle for a bug out then why not load the pack up. If later you have to go on foot you can always pick and choose and remove items from the pack.

That's the way I'm planning it we're bugging in so if we have to bug out it's going to be a long-term bug out so our bags are military they're big and they're heavy. A true INCH.

Do you know what kind of bag it was? We have cfp-90s, MOLLE II, and large ALICE rucks. The beauty is with packing heavy you can cover more broad spectrum and then like I said before you could always pick and choose and remove items to save weight.

Just a tip about the CFP-90s is that you have a main ruck and then you have a patrol ruck that attaches to the back of it.

I keep Essentials in the patrol ruck that way if I'm being chased and have to drop the main ruck I will still have gear.

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I pack mine MODULAR, everything is grouped and packed separately sometimes in attachable pouches like the extended med kit, others simply packed in sealed Ziploc bags so I can select the load out I need for that days travel. Often if their is uncertainty on how the day will play I will also put the unselected items into the van along side my pack just in case. Being ex Infantry I don't like to carry what I don't need.

 

[Silent Earth]

My husband went to a gun show and bought me a military style backpack. I just transferred everything I had in my regular backpack into it. Lots more space in this new bag... more room for more prepping

Don't carry more than you need Doc think in 12, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hour chunks and load up accordingly ( EDC excepted which you should always have on your PERSON anyway and NEVER in a bag.)

 

[Silent Earth]

Bought myself a brand new shiny Air Carbine that I can ....erm....."improve" quickly if TSHTF but keep it UK legal by default . Its a BSA Ultra SE in 22 with beech stock, ten round magazines bolt action. I will be slimming the stock down a bit to save as much weight as possible. I will use either a 6 x fixed power shorty scope or a red dot reflex sight.. They are only 32 inches long and under 6 pounds in weight. With the Logun Moderator attached they are almost silent.

 

[SheilaT.]

Son had an offer accepted on his first property! I am so proud of him, he's saved his deposit and done this on his own.
So he will soon be the owner of a mortgage on a little terrace in the historic part of the city. Not exactly where we thought he would end up, it's a nice solid little house in a good area and the value will only go up. We've been accused by a couple of folks on here of not being 'proper preppers' (whatever that is) because we live in a city, well, pfft who cares. He's as happy as a pig in poo and hasn't stopped smiling since the offer was accepted, that to me is more valuable than any prep.