When it comes to planning for the uncertain future—whether it’s an economic collapse, civil unrest, or a long-term grid-down scenario—having a bug-out bag isn’t enough. You need a place to go, and more importantly, a plan to stay there. Prepper’s Survival Retreats by Charley Hogwood isn’t just another book on bug-out shelters or temporary hideaways. It’s a comprehensive guide to building a real, sustainable retreat—a place you can thrive, not just survive.

A Book Written for Serious Preppers

As a long-time prepper and homesteader, I found Hogwood’s approach both realistic and deeply practical. This isn’t a fantasy-laden survivalist guide filled with Mad Max scenarios or unrealistic bunker blueprints. Instead, it’s grounded in real-world logistics, community planning, and long-term survivability. If you’re someone who has considered going off-grid, relocating to a rural homestead, or preparing for a WROL (Without Rule of Law) scenario, this book will speak your language.

What Makes It Stand Out

One of the strongest parts of the book is site selection. Hogwood walks you through what to look for in a retreat property—from water access and defensibility to soil fertility and even community values. Too many prepping books gloss over these hard truths, but not this one.

He also emphasizes networking, security planning, and redundancy—pillars of long-term survival that too many people ignore. The chapter on how to vet people for your retreat group was especially valuable. In an SHTF situation, your survival may depend on who you let in the gate.

Off-Grid Living and Homesteading Relevance

If you’re a homesteader or aspiring off-gridder, this book still delivers. Hogwood dives into systems for renewable energy, food preservation, animal husbandry, water filtration, and gardening. Even if the world doesn’t fall apart, these chapters are pure gold for anyone trying to gain independence from modern infrastructure.

It’s also a reminder that resilience isn’t just about stockpiles—it’s about skills, systems, and strategy. Whether you’re building your own retreat now, or just in the planning phase, Hogwood gives you a framework to do it right.

What Could Be Better

If there’s a critique, it’s that the book leans a bit toward the community/group retreat model. While this is absolutely valid—and arguably more sustainable long-term—solo or family-based preppers may need to adapt some of the advice to fit a smaller-scale plan. Still, the core principles apply.

A few diagrams or property layout examples would’ve been helpful, especially for visual learners. But what the book lacks in graphics, it makes up for in hard-earned experience and thoughtful detail.

Final Thoughts

Prepper’s Survival Retreats is more than a how-to—it’s a blueprint for self-reliance in a collapsing world. Whether you’re looking to bug out from a city or you’re already halfway to building your own retreat, this book offers the strategic mindset and practical guidance to help you get there.

Highly recommended for:

• Preppers serious about long-term survival
• Homesteaders planning for collapse or self-sufficiency
• Off-gridders building resilient, independent systems
• Anyone questioning how they’ll survive if the grid goes down for good
  

Summary 

If you are thinking of going off-grid or building a survival retreat? Prepper’s Survival Retreats by Charley Hogwood is a must-read for anyone serious about long-term preparedness. From site selection and security to food, water, and power systems, this guide helps preppers, homesteaders, and off-grid dreamers design and build a sustainable, defensible retreat that can outlast any disaster.

A must-read if you’re preparing not just to escape disaster—but to live free from it.

Affiliate Product Link (Amazon):

Get the book here: Prepper’s Survival Retreats by Charley Hogwood on Amazon
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The Kearny Fallout Meter or KFM is an expedient radiation meter Part1
In part2 I will show you how to charge and use it.

So I kept forgetting to bring my glasses to the studio.  I still have lots of things to do. Well putting a hole in a cheap measurement is the way to go for quick measurements.

This is casein glue like the white glue we all use in school ( kind of)

1. Add vinegar to lukewarm skimmed milk so it curdles.
2. Drain the liquid component off from the solids.
3. Put solids onto a strainer to drain off excess liquid
4. In a bowl, add a base (such as sodium bicarbonate, ammonia or washing soda) to the curds, bit by bit, until they change into a creamy mixture. You now have casein glue.
Note that what you have at step 2 is low fat cottage cheese, so this can be used instead, skipping step 1.

This preparation lacks the antimicrobial present in commercial glue, so will spoil in storage. It may be frozen in ice cube trays for later use, or made when wanted.

5 to 30 Dollar Security DVR

If you use a raspberry pi Zero they are running 5 bucks + old web cam. Not a bad deal for a DVR. At this time all the software is free.
Links below:
ccrisan/motioneyeos http://github.com/ccrisan/motioneyeos
Wiki http://github.com/ccrisan/motioneyeos/wiki
Down load http://github.com/ccrisan/motioneyeos/wiki/Supported-Devices
Installation http://github.com/ccrisan/motioneyeos/wiki/Installation

Amazon for the hardware : http://amzn.to/1W0uBt7
Just get any Raspberry pi .. Pi zero is 5 bucks when in stock.

Raspberry Pi 2 Model B (1GB)–NEWEST VERSION– With Clear Compact Case http://amzn.to/1JrzfON
Samsung 32GB EVO Class 10 Micro SDHC up to 48MB/s with Adapter (MB-MP32DA/AM) http://amzn.to/1PdxGAI
Edimax EW-7811Un 150Mbps 11n Wi-Fi USB Adapter, Nano Size Lets You Plug it and Forget it, Ideal for Raspberry Pi / Pi2, Supports Windows, Mac OS, Linux (Black/Gold) http://amzn.to/1JrzzNx
Opitional
Rii Mini Wireless 2.4GHz Keyboard with Mouse Touchpad Remote Control, Black (mini X1) for Raspberry pi/HTPC/XBMC/Google and Android TV KP-810-10LL http://amzn.to/1JrzCsB
HQST 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Bendable Solar Panel http://amzn.to/1Pdxd1v
PiTFT 2.8″ Touchscreen for the Raspberry Pi http://amzn.to/1JryYvb
Uniker Raspberry Pi 2 Model B Quad Core for Raspberry Pi Model (B+) 5- Inch 800×480 Pixel Hdmi input Touch Screen & Stand Case http://amzn.to/1Jrz6uI

This is news to me, I did not know you could still buy it over the counter.
I will be carrying some when every i’m out doors in my First Aid kit.

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Disclamer:
I am not healthcare practitioner or provider. To the extent that any information is provided through this video, it is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute or substitute for medical advice or counseling, the practice of medicine including but not limited to psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy or the provision of health care diagnosis or treatment, the creation of a physician-patient or clinical relationship, or an endorsement, a recommendation or a sponsorship of any third party product or service, agents, employees, consultants or service providers. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements available on this video have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Making power lugs is easy and cheap.

Tarp-Tying Tips

If you have a tarp or space blanket, using rocks in the corners to tie into knots will make a much more stable shelter than will just weighing down the corners.