How Long Could You Really Last Without Power?

[OrbitJazz21]

Anyone ever done a real test of how long you could function without grid power? Not just a weekend, but something more like a week or two. I’m trying to figure out what gaps I’d run into—especially for stuff like refrigeration, comms, and the small things you don’t notice until the lights go out. What’s the first equipment you’d put on backup or solar, and what actually ended up mattering most for your crew? Would love to hear any hard-earned lessons or oversights folks have found when the power’s down for real.

 

[TeaTimeTalisman]

A week without power taught me real quick that refrigeration is the biggest challenge, especially in summer. My little solar setup keeps a chest freezer running, but I rely on canning and dehydrating for most food. Hand-crank radios are worth their weight for news and weather, but honestly, I missed water pressure more than anything—hauling buckets from the rain barrel gets old fast. Anyone found a good workaround for keeping veggies cool without a fridge?

 

[BlueMarigold]

Hand-crank radios are worth their weight for news and weather, but honestly, I missed water pressure more than anything—hauling buckets from the rain barrel gets old fast.

Hauling buckets gets old fast is right—I’ve resorted to that after storms, and it really hammers home how much plumbing matters. Water pressure is one of those modern conveniences you don’t fully appreciate until it’s gone. I rigged up a rain barrel system with gravity-fed lines, but even then, getting enough flow for a real shower or washing dishes takes creativity. Solar showers work for basic hygiene, but not with cloudy weather.

Hand-crank radios are a lifesaver for updates, but after a few days without power, I’d almost trade news for a working tap! Backup for refrigeration comes next for me—losing a freezer full of garden harvest is

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

Hand-crank radios are worth their weight for news and weather, but honestly, I missed water pressure more than anything—hauling buckets from the rain barrel gets old fast. Hauling buckets gets old fast is right—I’ve resorted to that after storms, and it really hammers home how much plumbing matters.

Hauling water really does make you appreciate every turn of the tap, doesn’t it? I tried rigging up a gravity-fed system from rain barrels to an old garden hose, but pressure drops off fast, especially inside. BlueMarigold, I’m curious if you ever experimented with hand pumps or portable cisterns? As for keeping veggies cool, I’ve seen folks bury insulated boxes underground—old root cellar style. Not as convenient as a fridge, but it’s something.