prepperfest az expo: the full recap

Prepper Fest AZ is an expo that takes place each year promoting preparedness and sustainability.  I knew Mr. Charming would love this expo too because of all the awesome weapon and man-oriented booths that would be featured.  I wasn't wrong, I think he found more camping gear than I found food prep, haha.

And while there were some extremist booths throughout, I was on a mission to find good gluten-free food options that families could have in their preparedness kits.  I also knew I wanted to find emergency lighting, emergency water storage and whatever else caught my eye.  Mr. Charming was in the market to build up our fire starter options and of course peruse all the manly camping weaponry. (note: we do not hunt, but he does love to chop wood and shoot crossbows).  Towards the end of our day at the expo, I stumbled upon this gem... Thrive Life Foods... 

The ladies at the Thrive Life booth were so sweet and the food options were plentiful!  From fruits and veggies to gluten-free freeze dried entrees they had the most options and the purest ingredients.  Their website also features gluten-free recipes in which you can incorporate their dry mixes as well as additional tips for preparing and prepping your kit. 

Another product that caught my eye were the emergency drinking water pouches.  At the first booth we found they were $1 a piece, but we found them for $0.50 later.  Not the first choice for water consumption, but great for emergencies due to it being super light, portable, and easy to stash in any bag, pocket etc. 

I've wanted to try gardening for some time now, but with living in a desert climate and having no green thumb whatsoever, I haven't attempted to try, spending all that money in the process only to have everything die on me.  I did however speak to someone with Tower Garden and I fell in love with this concept.  Have any of you successfully grown any produce using one of these or a similar product? I'd love to have your feedback, because it seems like a nifty deal.  Outside of doing it for preparedness and living off my own land, I like the idea of truly organic herbs and produce right in my own home.  

We also got some little first aid items to add to our kit that we hadn't found elsewhere.  As for lighting, the third thing I wanted to check out, we found some awesome solar options that you can hang throughout a tent or home.  We didn't end up purchasing anything yet, but I got to see how many options there are outside of candles and flashlights. 

Prepper Fest is definitely a show to check out if you're wanting to get an idea of what to incorporate into your supply kit, I certainly learned a thing or two, and its a great place to obtain the shelf stable gluten-free food.  As for the general products, first aid kits, tools and basics, its cheaper to pick those up at your local store. 

For more information on the Fall Show coming in September 2014 visit PrepperFestAZ.com.  

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