Gear
Equipment, labelled honestly
No rankings, no 'best of' lists and no claims about products I haven't used. Each entry says exactly where it stands.
Power Stations
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max
This is the 512Wh RIVER 2 Max I use to keep my networking equipment running through shorter outages. It’s part of my current backup-power setup.
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Generators
Generac GP3000i
My longer-duration backup. Operate outdoors only, per manufacturer instructions.
I own and use this generator as part of my current backup-power setup.
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STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer — 32 oz.
I use this fuel stabilizer in the gasoline stored for my backup generator and in my backup fuel cans. It’s now part of my current fuel-storage setup.
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Two 5-Gallon Gas Cans
I keep two 5-gallon fuel containers as part of my generator setup. My exact containers were purchased through Amazon Mexico and differ slightly from this comparable U.S.-available two-pack.
Gasoline must be stored and handled according to the container manufacturer's instructions and applicable local fire and safety requirements. Never operate or refuel a generator indoors.
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Power Distribution & Extension Cords
DEWENWILS 25-Foot Multi-Outlet Extension Cord
I own and use this 25-foot, 14-gauge outdoor extension cord. Its six-outlet end lets me distribute power to several devices from one cord, while the built-in switch provides a convenient way to shut everything off together. It is rated for up to 15 amps, but the combined electrical load must always remain within the cord's stated capacity.
This is the same model I own.
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Triple Grounded T-Style Outlet Adapters
I own two grounded T-style adapters that turn one grounded receptacle into three outlets facing different directions. They are useful when several plugs need to share a connection without blocking one another. The Amazon U.S. listing is a comparable two-pack; my exact Volteck adapters were purchased through Amazon Mexico.
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50-Foot Heavy-Duty Outdoor Extension Cord
I own and use a roughly 50-foot, 14-gauge heavy-duty extension cord for reaching equipment farther from my backup-power source. My exact Sanelec cord was purchased through Amazon Mexico. The linked Amazon U.S. cord is a comparable 50-foot, 14-gauge outdoor-rated option.
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25-Foot Heavy-Duty Outdoor Extension Cord
I own and use a roughly 25-foot, 14-gauge heavy-duty extension cord when I do not need the reach of the longer cord. My exact Sanelec cord was purchased through Amazon Mexico. The linked Amazon U.S. cord is a comparable 25-foot, 14-gauge outdoor-rated option.
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10-Meter Heavy-Duty Extension Cord
I own and use this approximately 33-foot Mikel's extension cord, purchased through Amazon Mexico. It gives me another practical cord length for distributing power to appropriately rated equipment without using one of my longer cords.
The exact Mikel's model is not available on Amazon U.S. The linked product is a comparable grounded 16-gauge outdoor extension cord, although it is approximately 25 feet rather than 10 meters.
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25-Foot 16-Gauge Extension Cord
I purchased this 7.6-meter—approximately 25-foot—Sanelec 16-gauge grounded extension cord locally in Cozumel. It is rated for a maximum of 13 amps and gives me another option for appropriately rated, lighter electrical loads.
My exact Sanelec cord is not available through Amazon U.S. The linked product is a comparable 25-foot, 16-gauge grounded outdoor extension cord.
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12-Gauge Multi-Outlet Extension Cord
I purchased a heavy-duty 12-gauge extension cord with multiple outlets through Amazon Mexico. The exact model is not available on Amazon U.S., so the linked product is a comparable 12-gauge, multi-outlet cord. A heavier 12-gauge cord can support higher electrical loads than the lighter cords in my setup, subject to the manufacturer's ratings and safe-use instructions.
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Extension-cord safety: Match the cord's gauge, amperage and indoor/outdoor rating to the equipment being powered. Keep outdoor connections dry and protected, fully uncoil cords when carrying substantial loads, and never exceed the manufacturer's stated capacity. Do not daisy-chain adapters or use extension cords as permanent wiring. Use the heavier 14- or 12-gauge cords for loads that exceed the manufacturer's rating of a 16-gauge cord; never assume that every cord can safely power the same equipment.
Lighting
Rechargeable Motion-Sensor LED Lights — Six-Pack
I own six rechargeable motion-sensor LED lights and plan to add another six. They provide simple, cordless pathway and room lighting during an outage without continuously drawing power from my main backup system. I am placing them throughout the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, stairs, dining room and hallway.
My exact NUOWEI lights were purchased through Amazon Mexico. The linked Amazon U.S. six-pack is a comparable rechargeable magnetic LED option with motion sensing.
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Rechargeable Retractable String Light
I purchased a rechargeable retractable LED string-light set for the upstairs overlook above my main family room. Once installed, it is intended to illuminate both the upstairs walkway and the family-room area below while using very little stored power.
My exact string-light set was purchased through Amazon Mexico. The linked Amazon U.S. product is a comparable 32.8-foot rechargeable string light with multiple lighting modes.
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Command Outdoor Light Clips
I purchased these clear adhesive clips to support the retractable string lights along the upstairs overlook. They provide a removable mounting option without drilling permanent holes, subject to Command's surface-preparation, weight and installation instructions.
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Lighting note: Rechargeable lights must be charged before an outage and periodically checked. Motion lights and decorative string lights provide supplemental visibility; they should not be treated as code-required emergency lighting. Install clips and lights according to their manufacturers' surface, weight, moisture and placement instructions, and keep stairs and exit paths clearly illuminated.
Solar
Portable / foldable solar panels
Planned addition. No brand or model selected yet.
Link comingInternet & Starlink
TELMEX Infinitum fiber — primary connection
My primary connection in Cozumel is TELMEX Infinitum fiber. I subscribe to the 1,000 Mbps download / 350 Mbps upload package with telephone service, although I do not use the telephone. My best results so far have been approximately 500 Mbps download and 370 Mbps upload—excellent real-world performance, but not the full advertised download speed.
To pursue the same setup, check whether TELMEX fiber is available at your exact address and select the 1,000 Mbps package with telephone service. Availability and actual speeds vary by location, equipment, Wi-Fi conditions and the device used for testing.
On the TELMEX page, select Telephone + Internet and use the arrow beside the plan cards to locate the 1,000 Mbps option.
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Starlink Mini
Planned as a second internet path. Not purchased, not installed, not tested.
Link comingWater Storage & Purification
5-gallon water jugs
Nine jugs, 45 gallons stored.
Link comingWater purification
No product selected. Treatment methods should follow authoritative public-health guidance.
Link comingEmergency Essentials
Anker 351 Power Strip & Surge Protector
I own and use this 12-outlet Anker power strip in my home setup. It provides 2100-joule surge protection, a 20W USB-C charging port, two USB-A ports and a five-foot cord.
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Black Gaffer Tape
I keep multiple rolls of black gaffer tape for temporary securing, bundling, labeling and emergency repairs. My Mexico purchase was a three-pack; the linked U.S. option is a comparable four-pack because the same three-pack was not available on Amazon.com.
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Food, lighting, charging, communications, first aid
Nothing selected yet. This section fills in as I actually buy and use things.
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