Preparedness boom: Solar generators, ballistic gear, and machetes fly off shelves as Americans brace for crisis

By finnheartley // 2025-06-11

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Surge in Survival Gear Demand: Americans are stockpiling solar generators, ballistic backpacks, satellite devices, and machetes due to fears of civil unrest, blackouts, and infrastructure collapse. Retailers report 300% spikes in orders.
Satellite Tech as a Lifeline: Satellite phones and Starlink systems are critical during emergencies, functioning independently of failing cell towers. They’ve proven vital in wildfires, riots, and communication blackouts.
Rising Urban Preparedness: Sales of tactical gear (machetes, ballistic backpacks) are soaring, driven by urban safety concerns. Retailers market these for self-reliance amid law enforcement shortages.
Supply Chain and Price Risks: Tariffs and shortages may double costs for solar panels and generators. Retailers warn inventory is dwindling, urging immediate purchases before price hikes.
Loss of Institutional Trust: Experts link the trend to eroding confidence in institutions, with people preparing for cyberattacks, economic instability, and societal breakdowns. Self-reliance is now seen as pragmatic.

As civil unrest spreads across U.S. cities and natural disasters intensify, Americans are stockpiling survival gear at unprecedented rates. Retailers report soaring demand for solar generators, ballistic backpacks, satellite communication devices, and even machetes—a trend experts link to growing fears of infrastructure collapse, blackouts, and societal instability.

The Surge in Survival Sales

Online retailers like BeReady123.com and SAT123.com are struggling to keep inventory in stock as customers prepare for worst-case scenarios. "We’ve seen a 300% spike in orders for portable solar panels and satellite phones in the last month alone," says Tina, a preparedness expert from the Satellite Phone Store. "People aren’t just buying for hurricanes anymore—they’re preparing for urban chaos." The catalyst? Escalating riots in cities like Los Angeles and Austin, coupled with warnings of power grid vulnerabilities and communication blackouts. Tina, who works with first responders, emphasizes that satellite technology—such as Starlink internet systems and two-way satellite messengers—has become a lifeline during emergencies. "When cell towers fail, satellites don’t. We’ve seen these devices save lives during wildfires, hurricanes, and even riots," she explains.

Decentralized Tech: The New Safety Net

With reports of authorities selectively disabling cell networks to disrupt protest coordination, satellite phones and Starlink’s portable internet kits are now critical tools. Unlike traditional infrastructure, these systems operate independently of local grids. Mike Adams, a preparedness advocate, tested Starlink’s resilience during extreme winds in Texas. "I dropped the antenna in tall grass, half-blocked by a building—it still worked flawlessly," he says. Newer models track multiple satellites simultaneously, ensuring stable connectivity even in remote areas.

Tactical Gear for Urban Threats

Beyond communication, sales of ballistic backpacks, tactical knives, and machetes have skyrocketed. Retailers bundle them with survival kits, citing demand from urbanites and rural preppers alike. "Our ‘Escape from LA’ machete isn’t just for camping—it’s for self-reliance when law enforcement is overwhelmed," Adams notes. Tina adds that bulletproof backpacks are now a common sight in volatile cities. "If I lived in LA, I’d never leave home without one."

Supply Chain Crunch and Price Hikes

Retailers warn that tariffs and supply chain disruptions could soon drive prices up—possibly doubling for solar generators and panels. "Our $4 million inventory won’t last," Tina says. "Once it’s gone, replacements will cost far more."

The Bigger Picture: A Nation on Edge

Experts tie the preparedness boom to a broader loss of trust in institutions. From potential cyberattacks on the grid to foreign conflicts spilling into economic instability, Americans are hedging against uncertainty. "People are waking up," says Adams. "They see cities burning, politicians failing, and realize no one’s coming to save them."

How to Prepare

For those looking to build resilience, experts recommend:

Backup Communications: Satellite phones (e.g., SAT123.com) or Starlink for internet.
Off-Grid Power: Solar generators (400-watt panels are ideal) and portable batteries.
Security: Ballistic gear, tactical tools, and emergency food stores.
Community Networks: Share resources—one satellite phone can aid an entire neighborhood.

As tensions mount, the message is clear: Self-reliance isn’t paranoia—it’s pragmatism. Watch the full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Tina as they discuss how to prepare for the coming blackouts with backup comms and power. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

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