OFFGRID April May 2018 by Vadim Koval

PREPARATION SURVIVAL MOBILITY DEFENSE MEDICAL GEAR

Learn What EJ Snyder Knows About Persevering When the Conditions Are Dire and Merciless

WHAT IF YOUR OCEAN LINER IS HIJACKED? P. 20 LEARN CARRY AND DRAG METHODS FOR MASS-CASUALTY EVENTS P. 62 WOOL BASE LAYER BUYERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE P. 78

OFFGRIDWEB.COM ISSUE 24

IMPROVISED FIRESTARTING METHODS P. 42

THIS IS MY P320 — Mechanic MODEL

SIZE

GRIP

CALIBER

P320 Nitron

Full

Large

9mm

The P320 is fueled by innovation and driven by performance. The modularity of the Nitron Full-Size gives you the ability to individualize your handgun to your own speciﬁc needs. #myp320

sigsauer.com

CONTENTS

ISSUE 24

FEATURES 36

Better to Have it and Not Need it … 10 Must-Have Items for Survival in Hostile Regions

Ignite Your Inner MacGyver Advanced Fire-Starting Techniques for Cold Weather

Get Lost

36 42

Three Search-and-Rescue Professionals Discuss the Most Common Mistakes People Make When Lost in the Wilderness and How to Deal With Them Effectively

DIY Improvised Bucksaw All You Need is a Few Parts and Some Ingenuity to Fashion a Practical Cutting Implement

Let’s Get Carried Away Learn the Proper Techniques to Carry or Drag and Injured Person to Safety

50 56

Take a Hike We Review Six Tough Boots Fit for Day Hiking, Emergency Bug-Out, or Anything in Between

Next to Skin A Buyer’s Guide to Merino Wool Baselayers

Cover photo by Candice Horner Inset photo: Rawpixel/istockphoto.com

Product Disclaimer Prices and details for products and services featured in RECOIL OFFGRID are communicated by manufacturers, retailers, and agencies, and are subject to change without notice. Throughout this issue you will see certain images are labeled as being 100% Actual Size. This designation is for the print edition of this issue. Because of the various screen sizes on different tablets and computers, we cannot always provide actual life size images in digital versions. We apologize if this causes any confusion and thank you for your understanding.

DEPARTMENTS 06

Editor’s Letter Survival Semantics

Gear Up The Latest and Greatest Products

Pocket Preps Multi-tools

20 28

What If? Your Cruise Ship is Hijacked?

Survivalist Spotlight How EJ Snyder Paved a Road to Survivalist Success

Health The Diabetic Survivalist

Hands On How Cool is the Dometic CFX35W Portable Refrigerator/Freezer?

On the Grid Bug-Out is a Workout

Debunked The Myth of Dealing With Frostbite

The Last Page Review of Prepper Guns

Correction Due to an editing error, the name of Ecoths was incorrectly spelled in “Gear Up” of Issue 23. We apologize for any inconvenience this might have caused. For more information on Ecoths and its apparel, visit www.aventuraclothing.com/shop/mens. Recoil OFFGRID, April/May 2018; Number 24, is published bimonthly by TEN: The Enthusiast Network, LLC, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10036. Copyright 2018 by TEN: The Enthusiast Network Magazines, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Periodicals postage pending at New York, NY and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions US and US Possessions: $49.97 per year (6 issues); Canadian, $55.97, Foreign, $61.97 (including surface mail postage). Payment in advance. US. Funds only. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5): NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address changes to Recoil OFFGRID, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235.

ISSUE 24

006

EDITOR’SLETTER Devonyu/istockphoto.com

By John Schwartze, Network Manager & Acting Editor // OFFGRID

Survival Semantics e hear it all the time and felt it was about time to answer a question we get a lot, “What does off-grid mean?” Glad you asked. While many might think it’s a politically charged term, the truth is disaster can strike regardless of which ballot boxes you check off. Take a look at any number of calamities going on in the world right now, and it’s clear your life can completely change in 24 hours … for the worse. Although many bemoan the government for not being there when they need it, we survivalists have embraced the fact that you have two choices in life — complain about your problems or do something about them. In the end, you only have yourself to rely on. While that forecast may seem bleak, if you can manage your environment with a degree of self-sufficiency that most people have become dependent on others to provide, then going it alone may be more of an advantage than you think. That is, if you know the right course of action to take. As much as we hate to say it, anti-American sentiment abroad is at an all-time high. Are you prepared for traveling in austere conditions? Put yourself in the position of Captain Richard Phillips. His freighter was boarded by pirates. Imagine how helpless you’d feel if that vessel happened to be your cruise ship. You’ll need more than your Reyn Spooner shirt and sunblock to fend them off. We examine this situation-based aspect of real-life hijackings and get input from the experts on how to prepare and act if you’re boarded by terrorists more intent on murder than ransom. The CDC reports there were an average of 1,301 deaths per year from 1999 to 2011 resulting from exposure to cold temperatures. If you were broken down on a remote road in the winter, as in the case

of Richard Kim in 2006, do you know how to recognize the onset of frostbite or build a fire using improvised tools? Don’t let yourself become a statistic this winter. We delve into frostbite symptoms and fire-starting techniques in cold weather elsewhere in this issue to put you one step ahead of Mother Nature’s frosty disposition. If you’re in a situation such as the Las Vegas shooting where those around you might be injured and in need of assistance, do you know how to carry or drag them in a way that won’t cause injury to yourself? Don’t say you’ll carry them in your arms like a baby, either. Read on further in this issue and you’ll find out why that doesn’t work like in the movies and what other proven methods emergency medical professionals use that you could use. Although you may not be diabetic, you may have to render lifesaving aid to someone who is. We look into that very topic later on this book. Hundreds of people go missing every year who get lost during a hike or weekend campout. We speak with three searchand-rescue experts to determine how that happens, what the best preventive measures are, and what to do if you find yourself in the middle of nowhere. In other words, if you can think of problems, our job at RECOIL OFFGRID is to arm you and your family with the information you need to do something about them. Leave the complaining to the victims. So what does this all amount to? Being “off-grid” doesn’t mean living some hermit-like existence. All it means is knowing what it takes to live and survive independently if the situation calls for it. The more we find ourselves depending on others for help, the more vulnerable we become. Next time someone accuses you of living off-grid or being part of the “black helicopter crowd,” take it as a compliment. Truth is, they’ll probably depend on you when the sh*t goes down.

kimber tle™ ii pistols

unequalled quality. unmatched performance.

TLE II (Tactical Law Enforcement) pistols are ideal for duty carry, tactical applications and personal protection. Aggressive styling, multiple configur ations, calibers, and sizes; the TLE II family of pistols is the quality you demand. Ready for the Fight Tritium night sights, front and back strap checkering and aggressive G10 grips. Stainless ﬁnish provides added protection from moisture, wear and tear.

New for 2017 External magwell models are now offered as the Custom TLE II (EM), Custom TLE/RL II (EM), and Pro TLE II (EM).

A TLE II for Every Purpose Models with accessory rails, threaded barrels, and calibers of 9mm, 10mm, and .45 ACP make the TLE II family one of the most comprehensive offered.

MADE IN A MERIC A

WHAT ALL GUNS SHOULD BE

(888) 243-4522 kimberamerica.com

Editorial.

Advertising.

Executive Editor/ Rob Curtis

VP, Group Publisher/ Mark Han

Senior Editor/ Tom Marshall

General Manager/ Glen Castle 813.675.3495

Managing Editor/ Laura Peltakian

Ad Sales/ Shawn Sloan 813.675.3552

Contributing Editor/ Steven Kuo

Network Manager/ John Schwartze

Web Editor/ Patrick McCarthy Photography Studio Manager/ Jorge Nuñez

Advertising Operations Manager/ Monica Hernandez Advertising Coordinator/ Patricia Ludi

Senior Online Producer/ Ryan Whitehouse Online Producer/ Josh Ching Contributors/ Hana Bilodeau, Lonny Chant,

National Sales Offices.

Scott Finazzo, Candice Horner, Ryan Houtekamer, Daniel Jackson, Tim MacWelch, Dave Miller, Molotov Mitchell, Mike Searson, Patrick Vuong

Art Direction & Design. Senior Art Director/ Gene Coo Art Director/ Sarah Lampert

New York Office/ 212.915.4000 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10036 Los Angeles Office/ 310.531.9900 831 S. Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245 Irvine Office/ 949.705.3100 1821 East Dyer Road, Ste. #150, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Detroit Office/ 248.594.5999 4327 Delemere Court, Royal Oak, MI 48073 To advertise on this magazine’s website, or any of TEN: The Enthusiast Network’s other enthusiast sites, please contact us at recoiloffgrid_advertising@enthusiastnetwork.com.

Submissions. recoiloffgrid@enthusiastnetwork.com

TEN: The Enthusiast Network, LLC. Chairman/ Peter Englehart

Subscriber Customer Services. Domestic/Canadian: 888.681.7064 Foreign: 386.246.0439 recoiloffgrid@emailcustomerservice.com

Chief Executive Officer/ Scott P. Dickey Chief Financial Officer/ Bill Sutman President, Automotive/ Scott Bailey EVP/GM, Sports & Entertainment/ Norb Garrett Chief Commercial Officer/ Eric Schwab General Manager, Video Programming/ Bobby Akin Managing Director, Studio TEN/ Jerry Solomon EVP, Operations/ Kevin Mullan SVP, Editorial & Advertising Operations/ Amy Diamond SVP/GM, Performance Aftermarket/ Matt Boice VP, Financial Planning/ Mike Cummings SVP, Business Development/ Mark Poggi SVP, Business Intelligence/ Dan Bednar SVP, Automotive Digital/ Geoff DeFrance SVP, Aftermarket Automotive Content/ David Freiburger SVP, In-Market Automotive Content/ Ed Loh SVP, Digital Advertising Operations/ Elisabeth Murray

This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that the information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by TEN: The Enthusiast Network, LLC., or the publisher as to legality, completeness and accuracy.

SVP, Marketing/ Ryan Payne VP, Human Resources/ David Hope

Any submissions or contributions from readers shall be subject to and governed by TEN: The Enthusiast Network’s User Content Submission Terms and Conditions, which are posted at http://www.enthusiastnetwork.com/submissions/ BACK ISSUES To order back issues, visit TENbackissues.com. REPRINTS For high-quality custom reprints and eprints, please contact The YGS Group at 800-290-5460 or TENreprints@theygsgroup.com

Consumer Marketing, Enthusiast Media Subscription Company, INC. SVP, Circulation/ Tom Slater

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Editorial contributions are welcomed, but editors recommend that contributors query first. Contribution must be accompanied by return postage and we assume no responsibility for loss or damage thereto. Manuscripts must be typewritten on white paper, and all photographs must be accompanied by captions. Photo model releases required on all persons in photos. Recoil Offgrid reserves the right to use material at its discretion, and we reserve the right to edit material to meet our requirements. Upon publication, payment will be made at our current rate, and that said payment will cover author’s and contributor’s rights of the contribution. Contributor’s act of mailing contribution shall constitute an express warranty that the material is original and no infringement on the rights of others. Mail contributions to: Recoil Offgrid Magazine, 1821 East Dyer Road, Ste. #150, Santa Ana, CA 92705. ADVERTISING INFORMATION Please call Recoil Offgrid Advertising Department, (949) 705-3100. Related publications: 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Four Wheeler, Jp, Truckin, Diesel Power, 8-Lug HD Truck, Dirt Sports & Off-Road, Hot Rod, Car Craft, Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords, Mustang Monthly, Vette, Chevy High Performance, Lowrider, Classic Trucks, Super Street, European Car, Motor Trend, Truck Trend, Automobile, Sound & Vision, Stereophile, and other specialty magazines.

VP, Retention & Operations Fulfillment/ Donald T. Robinson III

When SHTF, will you be caught holding the bag?

Be prepared.

Mobile optimized, fully interactive, and featuring our trademark mix of witty writing and gorgeous art design, OFFGRIDweb.com is chock full of expert advice, tips, and techniques to enhance your skillset. Plus, we have honest and in-depth reviews of the latest gear, gadgets, and supplies. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where preppers, survivalists, and those who want to be in the know come to stay ready. Experience it for yourself.

OFFGRIDweb.com

Pawel_Kisiolek/istockphoto.com

ISSUE 24

010

GEARUP 1

MAKE & MODEL

GSI Outdoors Santoku Knife Set DIMENSIONS

12.2 by 6.9 by 1.6 inches MSRP

$30

URL

www.gsioutdoors.com NOTES

You wouldn’t want to bring your entire drawer of kitchen cutlery on a weekend camping trip. That’s why the Santoku Knife Set is a godsend. It has everything you might need to cook outdoors — packaged in a slim and lightweight nylon case. The set includes a paring knife with a 4-inch blade, a serrated knife with a 6-inch blade, and a santoku-style knife with a 6-inch sheepsfoot blade, each with their own safety covers. Originating in Japan, santoku means “three virtues,” referring to its versatility in slicing, dicing, and mincing. So with this set’s trio of stainless steel blades, you’ve at least ﬁve functions covered. The set also contains a two-sided cutting board, microﬁber cleaning cloth, and a soap bottle. 1

MAKE & MODEL

Bastinelli Knives Fixed R.E.D. V2 OVERALL LENGTH

8.6 inches MSRP

$150 (stonewash ﬁnish); $160 (black PVD coating) URL

www.bastinelliknives.com NOTES

If you need something sturdier and more versatile than the blades in the Santoku Knife Set, then consider the R.E.D. V2. Its blade is made of N690Co, a stainless steel that fights off corrosion, is tough as nails, and takes a fine edge and retains it well. Plus, it has a black PVD coating for added protection. The ergonomic handle features an integrated lanyard hole and is sandwiched by black G-10 scales for superior grip and durability. Manufactured in Italy by Fox Knives, this Bastinelli model weighs 4 ounces and comes with a Kydex sheath. While we’re not big fans of its deep forefinger grove (because it forces us into a pistol grip), the R.E.D. V2 is a fixed blade for many occasions — be it daily carry, an outdoor adventure, or a survival situation.

MAKE & MODEL

Wazoo Survival Gear Viking Whetstone Pendant DIMENSIONS

1.9 by 1 by 0.25 inches (pendant only) MSRP

$30

URL

www.wazoosurvivalgear.com NOTES

Whether it’s used to slice bread, debone a whitetail, or defend yourself against marauders, your knife must stay sharp. As they say, the most dangerous knife is a dull one. Enter the second generation of the Viking Whetstone Pendant. What looks like cool caveman-meets-artdeco jewelry is actually a knife sharpener in disguise. It has both a rounded edge and a beveled edge for maintaining blades as well as a groove for honing ﬁsh hooks. The concept is based on ancient Viking whetstones that had holes in them. It’s believed the holes were made so leather straps could be tethered and attached to the warriors’ belts. These Wazoo pendants are made in the USA from novaculite, a type of quartz from the mountains of Arkansas, and connected to adjustable leather cords. You can wear it around your neck or cinch up on the cord to attach it to your belt or pack.

MAKE & MODEL

Fenix T5Ti COLORS

Aurora Purple, Space Grey (shown), Storm Blue MSRP

$70

URL

www.fenixlight.com NOTES

Despite being based in China, Fenix has a reputation for making quality flashlights at affordable prices. Now it’s bringing that same approach to the tactical pen market. First up is the T5Ti. Most titanium tools are ridiculously expensive, but the T5Ti’s MSRP is cheaper than some premium tactical pens made of aluminum. It’s lightweight at 1.4 ounces yet strong enough to take an impact and dish one out. At 5.5 inches in length, it has a tungsten alloy strike bezel on one end and a twist-off cap with pocket clip on the other. Remove the cap to find the pen, which writes smoothly even when upside down or in water thanks to the Schmidt MegaLine pressurized ink refill. After all, what’s the point of carrying a pen if it can’t write?

ISSUE 24

012

GEARUP MAKE & MODEL

UCO Stormproof Sweetfire Firestarter QUANTITY

20 per pack MSRP

$10

URL

www.ucogear.com NOTES

The Sweetfire Strikeable Fire Starter was a game-changer when it came out because it was tinder that lit up like a match. Just rake the tip along the striker on its box, and you had a flame that would last for almost 10 minutes. Now UCO Gear is upping the ante again with this Stormproof version of the Sweetfire. How stormproof is it? It’ll relight after being submerged in water. This brilliant invention is made from sugarcane waste and infused with vegetable wax to allow for up to seven minutes of burn time. Each pack comes with 20 Sweetfire matches.

MAKE & MODEL

Complete Target Solutions T-Post Pro Target Hanger

MAKE & MODEL

GCI Outdoor FirePit Rocker

Target hanger, Grade 8 bolt, lock nut, spring steel

DIMENSIONS

MSRP

URL

NOTES

Whether you’re ice ﬁshing at a Wisconsin lake or bushcrafting in the Arizona backcountry, you’ll eventually need to rest your rump. The FirePit Rocker can serve this purpose and even let you sway back and forth as if you were lounging on your front porch, thanks to its patent-pending Spring-Action Rocking Technology. With a mesh backrest, padded armrests, and a powdercoated steel frame, this portable chair can fold ﬂat for convenient storage and has a carry handle for comfortable transportation. The 11.9-pound FirePit Rocker can support up to 250 pounds and has a beverage holder to boot. But taller folks beware: With a seat height of 14.8 inches, it’s a low-riding chair.

When someone’s bleeding, nothing is more vital than an individual ﬁrst-aid kit. The affordable Tac Pac holds essential items needed to stop blood loss: a CAT-style tourniquet, pressure dressing, packing gauze, and a pair of gloves. Keep in mind, it doesn’t have things like forceps or antibiotic creams — but it’s not meant to. It’s streamlined for one purpose to control bleeding quickly. Fortunately, everything’s bundled in a weather-resistant carrying case that has PALS webbing on the front and snap-button straps on the back, so you can always attach it to another med kit or three-day pack that has additional supplies.

8 by 6 by 4 inches

$60

MSRP

$30

$25

www.gcioutdoor.com

URL

www.ctstargets.com NOTES

A survivalist should have proper ﬁrearms training to be prepared for any disaster. And for many, setting up your own targets at an outdoor range is a more effective path to a state of readiness than shooting no more than a round per second in an AC-controlled indoor range. The T-Post Pro Target Hanger is a portable way to hang steel targets — just attach it to any standard T-style fence post and connect a steel plate (not included) to its springand-bolt system. This not only angles bullet splatter downward, but also absorbs some of the bullets’ energy to increase target life. Featuring a heavy-duty powdercoat ﬁnish, the hanger also has a loop on the back so, if you have two hangers, you can chain a gong between them. Made in the USA.

Premier Safety Group Tac Pac

DIMENSIONS

26.6 by 24.4 by 33.1 inches

CONTAINS

MAKE & MODEL

www.premiersafetygroup.com

FOUR TIMES THE ADVENTURE. FOUR TIMES THE fun.

The all-new Yamaha Wolverine® X4 offers four times the proven off-road capability, comfort and conﬁdence…to deliver four times the fun and excitement on your next outdoor adventure. Boasting room for four, the ultra-versatile Wolverine X4 includes adjustable rear seating to provide additional cargo capacity, a new, supremely quiet and smooth 850-class twin engine, and a compact, nimble chassis with self-leveling rear shocks for a plush ride even in tight, rugged terrain. The all-new Wolverine X4: designed and engineered in the Real World to help you REALize your Adventure.

REALize your Adventure: visit YamahaOutdoors.com Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owner’s manual and product warning labels before operation. Professional riders depicted on a closed course. Models shown with optional Genuine Yamaha Accessories. ©2017 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.

ISSUE 24

014

GEARUP 9

MAKE & MODEL

& MODEL 10 MAKE Legend

LID Helmets Plico SIZES

Medium to Large (21 5/8 to 22 7/8 inches) MSRP

Compression Wear Legend Tuff Compression Merino Wool Boot Socks Black, Charcoal Grey, Coyote Brown, Foliage Green

$99

URL

MSRP

www.lidhelmet.com

$21

NOTES

URL

Every cyclist or biker knows that carrying a helmet when not riding can be cumbersome. LID Helmets’s Plico aims to ease that burden a bit. With a unique folding design, it can collapse laterally by several inches to conserve space when not in use — yet still offers the same protection (re: CPSC safety standards) that conventional bicycle helmets do. Plus, it has a rear clip-on light that has three light modes to increase your visibility to drivers. While we’re not suggesting the Plico’s recycled EPS foam liner and polycarbonate shell are sufﬁcient for search-andrescue, we can see this compact helmet working in a pinch during natural or man-made disasters. When SHTF, it’s better to have some noggin armor than none at all. Available in ﬁve colors, including Barcelona Black (shown) and Oakland Orange.

www.legendcompression tactical.com NOTES

Loyal readers know our fetish for wool. As nature’s super fabric, it retains heat in cold weather even when wet, wicks moisture in hot climes, and is both breathable and odor resistant. The only drawbacks are that it can be expensive, and isn't as long-lasting as, say, cotton. That’s why we’re impressed with this pair of Legend Tuff socks. They’re made from 53-percent merino wool, 44-percent nylon, and 3-percent Spandex, combining durability and ﬂexibility with all the aforementioned beneﬁts of wool. To increase performance and comfort, these mid-calf tactical socks feature a seamless toe construction, terry cushion on the soles and shins, and graduated compression hosiery to promote blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue. Made in the USA. 12

MAKE & MODEL

Slumberjack Grit Jacket DST SIZES

Men’s medium through XXL MSRP

$100

MAKE & MODEL

Friction Gear Co. Torch Coat Heater MSRP

MAKE & MODEL

Hutan Supply Co. Utility Sarong SIZES

43.3 by 39.4 inches

$100

Gray, Navy, Tan

URL

MSRP

URL

www.slumberjack.com

www.torchcoat heater.com

NOTES

Slumberjack recently came out with a lineup of apparel featuring its new Perception DST (Disruptive Shadow Technology) camouflage, which aims to blur the human silhouette by blending sharp outlines with shadow-like shapes. The Grit Jacket DST features this camo pattern on its shell, made of ripstop brushed polyester that’s been coated with a durable water repellent. Inside, SlumberLoft-PRO siliconized hollow fiber synthetic insulation provides warmth while being lightweight and compressible. There’s microfiber on the collar and chin guard for added comfort. A cool bonus: The whole jacket stuffs into its left pocket for portability or for use as a pillow.

Makers of the Torch Coat Heater claim it’s the world’s ﬁrst battery-operated heater designed to attach to the inside of any coat. Its design allows it to be removable and transferable from jacket to jacket. It has a universal ﬁt regardless of the coat brand and comes with two installation kits, each one consisting of three adhesivebacked Velcro strips. It has three heat settings that range from 100 degrees F up to 135 degrees F with a running time of 4 hours on low and 2.5 on high. The Torch’s 5-volt, 6,000-mAh lithium polymer battery takes three to four hours to recharge and can last up to 500 charges.

$129 URL

www.hutan.co NOTES

At ﬁrst we scratched our heads at the idea of using the Utility Sarong from Hutan Supply Co. as a survival tool. But then we remembered how useful a handkerchief can be in the hands of a skilled survivalist. Made from 100-percent ripstop nylon, the garment can be worn around the waist or converted into a shemagh-style scarf or even a sling pack. The latter conﬁguration is possible thanks to its large storage pocket and two regular-sized pockets, which open and close thanks to YKK zippers. You can probably improvise other uses for it, too, such as a shelter or a rain catcher. And for those who practice the Indonesian bladed art of silat, you can also turn the sarong into a selfdefense weapon.

ISSUE 24

016

Pocket PREPS

Story and Photos by Daniel Jackson

very handyman or shade-tree mechanic has experienced the frustration of not having the right tool for the job. It may come at a time when you need to make some impromptu repairs to your car and you’re miles from home … after all, a knife can’t tighten bolts. Or maybe you need to saw through a small branch to build a fire. It could even be a situation where a can of food needs opening or wires need to be crimped. Ever try doing that with your bare hands? These situations are where a multi-tool truly shines. While it doesn’t replace full-sized tools, a folding tool with pliers, screwdrivers, a knife, or possibly a file and a variety of other tools tucked into one package may allow you to make these repairs. For example, a multi-tool sits in the CIA’s closed-to-the-public museum. A CIA medic briefly carried it in Afghanistan and amputated three lower legs with it. In austere conditions, a little tool like this with a lot of options can go a long way. Like most other survival tools, a multi-tool has to fit your lifestyle. It’s got to be there when you reach for it in your pocket, bug-out bag, or truck console, and carried with you on a regular basis just as you would your cell phone or car keys. Think about the tasks you’d need to perform in an emergency or struggled with in the past. Base your tool selection on these criteria. There are tons of options out there and, while you might think some of the components of a multi-tool are impractical, it’s often better to have it and not need it than … well, you get the picture. To help you find the tool that best fits your needs, here’s a closer look at seven versatile multi-tools on the market today.

Utility 1 True FIXR MATERIALS 420 stainless steel

Kilimanjaro Gear

2 Rappel II

MATERIALS stainless steel

OAL 3.27 inches

OAL 6.375 open; 4.25 closed

WEIGHT 1.23 ounces

WEIGHT 9.5 ounces

MSRP £15 (about $20)

MSRP $33

URL trueutility.com

URL kilimanjarogear.com

Havalon

3 Evolve

MATERIALS 2Cr13 cast stainless steel pliers, 60A stainless steel replacement blades, stainless steel with scratch-resistant black Titanium Nitride coating OAL 6.25 inches open; 4.5 inches closed WEIGHT 6.4 ounces MSRP $100 URL havalon.com

5 MATERIALS

6 MATERIALS

7 MATERIALS MATERIALS

OAL LENGTH

OAL OAL WEIGHT

WEIGHT WEIGHT MSRP

MSRP

WEIGHT

URL

MSRP

MSRP URL URL URL

OFFGRID

ISSUE 24

018

Pocket PREPS

True Utility FIXR

Kilimanjaro Rappel II

Havalon Evolve

Victorinox Swiss Tool Swiss Tool BS

The FIXR has a carabiner-type clasp that clips onto a set of keys, a backpack, or even a belt loop. The pivoting disk stacks another level of utility and modularity that outdoes many one-piece tools. Besides screwdrivers and hex wrenches, the gold-colored titanium disk ticks open to reveal a carbon steel cord cutter. There are 20 functions in all.

Tucked within its body sits a bottle opener, can opener, three screwdrivers, a knife, two types of pliers and a file. The pliers also feature a wire cutter, while its saw and knife are secured when open with liner locks. It all wraps up in a black and green aluminum chassis.

Havalon’s parent company makes scalpels for the medical industry and designed the Evolve for hunters seeking to carry its replacement blade technology. Thus, the Evolve features a removable blade that can be switched out with six extra blades or two Piranta saws. It also includes a gut hook, pliers with wire cutters, and a bit driver.

It’s a tool made by a company that almost needs no introduction — a multi-tool manufacturer since 1897. Victorinox bundled 29 applications into the Swiss Tool BS. The tools in the handles lock in place and are released by pulling back on the textured buttons just behind the pivots. It includes a chisel, a hard and soft wire cutter, and five different sizes and shapes of screwdrivers.

Pros: The cord cutter is sharp and removable. This tool has more functions than some multi-tools three times its size. Great, small companion to a full-sized knife

Pros: Comfortable to use The pliers are spring-loaded.. Large nail nicks make the tools easier to open.

Pros: A clip, carabiner, and case give a variety of carry options. The gut hook/seatbelt cutter cuts aggressively. Cutting tool options (i.e., scalpel or saw) increase the amount of tasks you can perform.

Pros: It’s a Swiss Army Knife on steroids — large number of tools, no gimmicks Unlike some other designs, you can access the tools even when the pliers are closed. The handle comfortably fills the hand.

Cons: Leather pouch seems a little unnecessary for a tool this small, and brings up the price Can be awkward to grip during certain applications The machining around the 3/8 to 9/16 wrenches didn’t offer best contact with a bolt head

Cons: No clip or case to carry it with Customer service couldn’t tell us what type of stainless steel it’s made of. The tool’s fit and finish is questionable. The tools, for example, wiggle side-to-side. When you grip down on the pliers, they have some give.

Cons: Lock barely engages on the knife — not good fit and finish The blade is thin and not best for heavy work. No spring on the pliers

Cons: Would have been nice to have a pocket clip No spring on the pliers Heaviest tool in this lineup

Rescue Knife Buyer’s Guide Considerations We also reviewed four multifunction rescue knives from Spyderco, Kershaw, SOG, and Benchmade. To read this web-exclusive buyer’s guide, go to OFFGRIDweb.com/ gear/rescue-knife-buyersguide.

Gerber Gear Center-Drive – Black

Kikkerland Axe Multi Tool Wood Axe Multi Tool

SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Baton Q2

Like many of Gerber’s offerings, it’s unique. Two things distinguish it from most multi-tools. First is the tool’s namesake: when the bit driver is locked open, it lines up with the center of the tool, providing better leverage. Second, the spring-loaded pliers slide out of the tool on a rail system. Made in USA.

Kikkerland Design produced this tool manufactured in China. It comes with 10 different functions sandwiched between two beech wood scales. The pliers also include a wire cutter and blades include an awl, serrated blade, and 2.5-inch knife blade. The tool also comes with a file, can opener, and three screwdrivers. But who could miss that hatchet-hammer combo?

Instead of folding up, SOG’s Baton series stands out for, well, storing all their tools in a baton. The Q2 packs a fixed-blade knife in a nonthreatening package for carry in an urban environment. It includes an LED flashlight, bottle opener, and screwdriver. This design won “Most Innovative Imported Design” at The Blade Show in 2017. Made in China.

Pros: Knife opens with one hand Includes bits for weapons maintenance The Center-Drive’s screwdriver keeps the bits in magnetically.

Pros: For the cash strapped, it’s an inexpensive option. The hammer. Few multi-tools have a way to give something a good whack. The wood handle is elegant and reduces weight.

Pros: Fact of life: Fixed-blades are stronger than folders. It has many of the tools you might look for in a basic EDC kit. The flashlight produces a respectable 75 lumens.

Cons: Pliers must be opened to access most of the tools. The tool has a place to store another bit, but the way to free that bit isn’t intuitive Tool doesn’t fit its pouch as well as we’d like

Cons: The ax: Too short to do heavy work, the unprotected edge gets in the way of using other tools and it makes carrying difficult. A few points on the serrated edge are bent, suggesting soft metal. The way it’s set up, it’ll best handle small, odd tasks although it gives the appearance of being able to do more.

Cons: The blade guard, when folded back, either makes an awkward handle or sticks out. The battery takes up most of the tang. SOG says the flashlight will run for just 30 minutes before needing more juice. Doesn’t fit into the pen holders of a messenger bag or backpack

ISSUE 24 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

019

ISSUE 24

020 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

WHAT IF? Your Cruise Ship Is Hijacked?

Story By Tim MacWelch Illustrations by Lonny Chant

SITUATION TYPE Ocean liner hijacking YOUR CREW You and your spouse, ship’s crew, and approximately 150 other passengers LOCATION Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden SEASON Summer in the southern hemisphere (during our winter season) WEATHER Clear; high 100 degrees F, low 80 degrees F

The Setup: You’ve been saving for years to take a dream cruise with your spouse that lasts 44 days. It disembarks in Barcelona and makes stops in the Mediterranean before venturing through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea. It then proceeds to several more stops along the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal before reaching its final destination in Singapore. You plan to have an unforgettable summer vacation together to celebrate your anniversary and see parts of the world you’ve never been to before. The Complication: Approximately 20 days into the cruise when you’re nearing the Horn of Africa, your vessel succumbs to a coordinated hijacking by several skiffs. You’re awakened around sunrise to an announcement. The captain comes on the loudspeaker, telling everyone that there are “unfriendly” vessels on the starboard and port sides and to stay in our rooms. The plink of bullets on the side was very noticeable. You peer out of your stateroom window, and see a skiff flying the ISIS flag and a pirate with a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher. He takes aim in your direction and fires. You see the flash and dive to the other side as the rocket detonates in a stateroom two decks above your own. The pirates, four or five in each of the 25-foot boats, continue firing and try to board the ship. The captain then orders all passengers to assemble in an interior lounge for safety, and the ship accelerates in what appears to be an attempt to ram or outrun the assailants. While getting dressed and readying to leave your stateroom for the lounge with your spouse, the ship unexpectedly slows down. You realize the ship has been boarded. Being that this is ISIS and not pirates, this is the worst possible scenario as the motivation is likely not ransom, but hostages and executions. There’s no way to tell how many total hijackers there are, or if more are coming. The New Plan: If you were home you’d call 911 and grab your gun. But you’re in an ocean liner off the coast of countries that are povertystricken, generally unfriendly toward Americans, and your mobile phone has no reception. How do you deal with the hijacking? Do you hide? Attempt to communicate an SOS somehow? Do you take on the hijackers? Try to escape in a lifeboat? OFFGRIDWEB.COM

ISSUE 24

he ISIS flags. I had seen them many times on the news and in magazines. The black-and-white flags speak of God and his messenger, but the deeds done underneath them are never holy. Countless times, I’d seen pictures of this flag from the safety of my home, but this was the first time I had seen them with my own eyes. Fluttering from poles affixed to fast-moving skiffs, the black flags signaled these men were no ordinary pirates. They weren’t just coming to rob us of our possessions or hijack the ship for ransom — they were coming to take our lives. For this stomach-churning installment of RECOIL OFFGRID’s What If?, the authors are continuing the new story style — explaining what they would do if they were personally caught up in the emergency situation. This oceanic survival story isn’t some nautical nonsense about people with no survival background, muddling through an emergency. This is how we would personally plan for an international trip, and how we would react when things go horribly wrong. From our skills and survival tactics, to our plans and reactions, we hope you learn even more from this change in the format, and we hope you never need to deal with a situation like this.

The Scenario

021

ISSUE 24

GRIDWEB.COM G D 022 OFFG

FORMER FEDERAL OFFICER:

Prep Most vacations don’t span over 44 days with multiple international destinations, but because of the uniqueness of this trip, I’d divide my pre-trip preparation into three categories: legal documents, intelligence on countries visited, and ship facts. Planning for a vacation in advance will hopefully help navigate any issues that may arise later. Legal documentation: Before departing, I’d check with the cruise company to see what legal documentation they require to embark and disembark the ship. I’d then check our passports to ensure the issue date exceeds six months prior to the ship departure date and that expiration dates remain legal throughout the entire stay abroad. This is due to the sixmonth validity passport rule. Most countries won’t permit a traveler to enter the country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final leg of travel and was issued at least six months prior to arrival. Next is compiling a list of stopover destinations the ship will make throughout the trip. Using this list I also check the U.S. State Department website to see which countries require additional Visas or documentation to enter. Once I have all the necessary government travel documentation, I make multiple paper copies of the documents in the event our passport is lost or stolen during the trip, so we will at least have some form of identification. I would be sure to carry one paper copy of my passport with me at all times and store each additional copy in different, secure locations while traveling. I would also schedule a pre-trip doctor visit to obtain any necessary vaccinations and documentation thereof based on area of travel. Due to the fact that medical facilities will be limited at best, I would also purchase short-term international travel insurance that would cover any medical expenses outside the U.S. for a minimum of two days and a maximum of three years, and up to a million dollars in coverage. I’d keep copies of this coverage, vaccination documentation, and my U.S. insurance card along with our passports and other vital information.

Hana Bilodeau’s Approach

Intelligence gathering: I’d first buy a paper map showing areas to be traveled and keep it in my luggage. I would also spend some time researching each country we’ll visit and or travel through during our 44 days at sea. This would include checking the U.S. State Department’s Consular Information Sheets for each country and current travel advisories for this part of the world, which is also on the State Department website. Next, I’d also familiarize myself with the culture, religions, and customs for each location to learn what formalities that, if not followed, could disrupt a peaceful visit. Other contacts I’d want info on are the closest American resources for each international waterway that our ship passes through. Lastly, find contact information for the FBI and the U.S. Coast Guard for any of the U.S. ports as well as the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement contacts for all international ports of call. I would make a list of each and also make paper copies of each and store them accordingly. Utilizing the cruise company’s website I would gather facts on the ship to include: Year Built: 2011 Year Refurbished: 2016 Gross Tonnage: 66,084 Length: 784.95 feet Beam: 105.646 feet Maximum Draught: 24 feet Stabilizers: Yes Cruising Speed: 20 knots Guest Decks: 11 Total Decks: 16 Electric Power or Voltage: 110, 220 AC Guest Capacity: 1,250 (Double Occupancy) Staff Size: 800 Guest to Staff Ratio: 1.567 to 1 Nationality of Officers: European Nationality of Staff: International Country of Registry: Marshall Islands I’d also research the on-ship security and procedures, specifically noting if they have a security force and onboard holding facility. I would then identify and make a copy of the ship’s evacuation plan. Next I’d check the cruise liner’s prohibited items list. Then onto gathering info on the ship’s infirmary to see what type of medical emergencies they’re equipped to

handle and their treatment protocol if a passenger needs higher medical attention. Aside from the aforementioned documents, my emergency-preparedness packing list would include the following if allowed onboard: First-aid kit Flashlight Leatherman tool Knife with blade under 4 inches Battery-operated portable radios for ship communication if there’s no cellular service Spare batteries for radios and phones Battery packs, cell phone charger (if international is not part of the cell plan, it’s an additional cost, you can either use your phone on roaming or purchase an additional international plan). Electrical conversion and outlet adapter for each country Laptop, charger, and accessories Air card for internet and phone card (an air card is a cellular modem that attaches to the USB port of a computer and serves as a gateway to the internet antennas to improve cell reception)

On Site Once onboard, first on the agenda would be checking into our stateroom, identifying where our stateroom is located in relation to the other important parts of the ship, and getting acclimated with its amenities. This includes unpacking and securing our personal documents. Next I’d develop an emergency plan for my spouse and I in case we’re separated to include multiple meeting locations and modes of communication. We’d then want to familiarize ourselves with the ship’s layout. Before doing so, stop by the information desk and grab a couple copies of the ship’s map/layout. With map in hand we’d head off to visit the most pertinent locations so we’re better acquainted with where they are in relation to our cabin and the quickest ways to access them if needed during an emergency. These locations include: Customer service or information center Ship security office Infirmary

WHAT IF?

Locations of fire extinguishers Locations of life vests and rafts Kitchen Captain’s quarters Engine/electrical room

Crisis And just like that, the captain makes an announcement that “unfriendly” vessels are on the port side of the ship and that passengers should assemble in the interior lounge for safety. Once confirmed that the ocean liner has actually been taken hostage, immediate action is imperative. Based on the history of ISIS, human life is of the utmost concern. Once the passengers have gathered in the interior lounge I’d spearhead organizing a mission plan. First on the agenda is identifying any ablebodied passengers, preferably with military, law enforcement, or leadership experience. Establishing an operable militia of ship patrons to combat the hijackers is imperative. Organization and quick decisive action on behalf of the passengers is necessary to prevent the hijackers from becoming too embedded in the ship. Keeping the hijackers at bay and out of the interior lounge is essential.

Next, I’d ask all passengers to pool anything that could be used as weapons. Things that could be useful are kitchen utensils and knives, large blunt objects, fire hoses, extinguishers, rope, etc. Next is setting up a perimeter and using the ship’s infrastructure as protection. One could do this by identifying things that could be used as cover/concealment and formulating a safe ground away form the threat. Having a leader amongst the passengers is essential to maintain order, security, and communication. It’s important that all passengers understand and agree to the plan of attack, convincing them that compromising that plan could disrupt the security of the group as a whole and cost the lives of everyone. The goal is to have all passengers in agreement. If that doesn’t work through negotiations (strength in numbers), the passengers who refuse to conform will be separated from the majority to make sure there isn’t internal hostility. Once the militia has been established, it’s all about dividing and conquering areas of con-

and protect the captain, the engine room, and radio transmitting equipment. If able to locate the captain, the goal is to immediately contact the U.S. Coast Guard, the closest embassy, and friendlies so an evacuation plan can be immediately implemented. The captain should be the person on board with the most working knowledge of the ship itself, so securing his or her safety is important. If there’s firepower locked and stored on the ship, the captain is usually the only one with access. Make sure to provide as much pertinent information to the rescue efforts as possible, such as the number of passengers and location, estimated number of hijackers, and how and where the boat was compromised. If possible, I’d send out another team out to identify the location and number of hijackers on board. Their secondary mission would be attempting to secure food and water. Being in the middle of the ocean, in the summer, and with extreme temperatures, hydration may quickly become an issue.

cern. I’d take the most experienced passengers and send them to locate the ship’s security forces to obtain any weapons kept onboard for such incidents. If possible, combine efforts with the security forces. Then it’s on to locate

Success in this situation is reliant on remaining vigilant as a group, being prepared to fight, having a plan, keeping the hijackers at bay and maintaining strength in numbers until rescue efforts arrive.

ISSUE 24 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

023

ISSUE 24

GRIDWEB.COM G D 024 OFFG

SURVIVAL EXPERT:

Prep To get ready for a trip of this duration, here are four areas where I wouldn’t skimp. Hit the Books: Research is an important aspect of preparedness, and I’d take my time studying for our trip. From the areas we’d stop to the areas we’d be traveling through, I’d learn about the people and their customs. I’d also take a hard look at the cruise company and the ship itself. Learning about restricted items would be vital, as well as my communication options and the predicted weather for the season. And of course, I’d be worried about the troubled waters we’d be sailing through. I’d read up on the Somali pirates off the coast of Africa and the pirates on the Indian Ocean. Modern piracy is still big business, and some estimates put the worldwide loss at $16 billion per year. Get a Satellite Phone: Communication can be critical in a survival situation, so buying or renting a satellite phone could be the most essential expense in the preparation for our trip. I’d do my homework on the models, features, and even the satellite networks. Just like your mobile phone, certain networks have better coverage in certain areas. A cheap sat phone may be found as low as $300, while a great one may cost $1,300. These higher-end units (like Iridium) have a greater number of satellites in the network. This offers the user global coverage, even in polar regions. In either case, it’s a small price to pay for a greater margin of safety in the remote corners of the world. Set Up a Contact: We’d definitely establish a regular contact at home. This is someone to check in with who’d have our itinerary and instructions on what to do if we became uncommunicative. Just as it wouldn’t be smart to head out into the wilderness without telling anyone where you were going or when you’d be back, it’s not too bright to travel without checking in with someone. A trusted family member or friend would be our contact. I’d also reach out to the U.S. State Department and create a contact there. Pack for the Trip: For a month-and-a-half voyage through countries great and small, I’d bring the clothing and footwear you’d expect a tourist to wear. And everything we’d be

Tim MacWelch’s Approach

legally allowed to bring. We’d also pack lighting such as headlamps and flashlights with spare batteries. A charger for the sat phone is a must as well. Cash in small bills would be a must, in U.S. dollars and other common currencies, though the foreign bills would be easier to pick up abroad than at home. Stateside currency exchanges aren’t likely to have currency from every country. Tactical pens, belts with heavy buckles, and other simple travel-friendly tools for self-defense might be the best we’d be allowed to take. In some places, even pocketknives are forbidden. Double check local regulations on items such as these as well as the ship’s list of any prohibited items.

On Site After the long flight, and once we’d finally reached Barcelona, it’d be a great relief to finally board the cruise ship and settle into our room. Before we board the ship we’d get some bottled water and nonperishable food to stock our cabin. While this may seem strange to ship staff, you never know when there can be a hiccup in your food and water supply, even on a hedonistic cruise ship. Then, after a bit of rest, we’d take a look around to get familiar with the vessel, looking for areas where we could potentially hide or fortify. Any weapons from the ship, conventional or improvised, would be on my mind as well, since we could bring very little for self-defense with us. I’d ask for a tour of the kitchen, if allowed, just to see where the big knives are kept. And once our voyage is underway, we’d see some sights with our group at each port of call, do a little shopping, and add a few more foods to our personal food pantry.

Crisis Here’s the part where we find out if there’s such a thing as a “no win” scenario. With the ISIS flags flying, I’ll expect no quarter to be given in the coming altercation. These mass murderers are typically religious zealots who cannot be swayed by logic or reason. And it would be likely that they should have no qualms about massacring every man,

woman, and child onboard. I’d expect a distress call to have gone out as soon as the unfriendly craft approached the ship, but there’s no guarantee that this occurred. This force may have an insider who could disable communications right before the attack. While it’s likely that the cruise ship company has a standard operating procedure for pirates boarding the ship to get ransom money, the company probably doesn’t have a game plan for religious nuts trying to kill every person on the ship. I’d go along with the captain’s orders to gather in a central spot as the ship tried to speed away from assailants who were firing on us from a small craft, but, with the small cruise ship lurching to a halt, I’d have to make a very dire decision. Would I join the group or avoid them? Rushing down the halls, bumping into uninformed people, I wouldn’t know if the ship had stopped because it was under new command or it stopped because the captain had been instructed to stop and negotiate if pirates boarded. Whichever is true, these hijackers flew flags that showed they weren’t the typical impoverished pirates looking for money. And the passengers gathered in one place would make a spectacularly easy shooting gallery. With the sudden stopping of the ship, I wouldn’t gather with the other passengers. I’d treat this like the active shooter scenario it is, and embrace the “run, hide, fight” mantra. If no distress call went out, it could be hours (or even days) before the maritime security forces in the area respond to the attack. And in just a few hours, dozens of motivated men could have every single one of our heads in a pile on the ship’s deck. So what’s on a cruise ship that could act as a weapon? You’re not going to go up against an AK-47-wielding attacker with a rolled-up magazine or a butter knife you stole from the captain’s table. And with fire axes in short supply on the modern cruise ship, your choices are limited. So in this grim scenario, the best weapon at hand would be the weapon sitting in a drawer in our stateroom — the satellite phone.

WHAT IF?

We would barricade ourselves in the room and start calling our contacts. After notifying the State Department contacts we’d made before the trip, and making sure that the message would get to the multinational maritime task force for the region, we’d prepare to fight back if the door was breached. Perhaps some unruly passengers would buy some time for the anti-piracy task force of the region to organize, mobilize, and arrive on site. Using speed, surprise, and intense violence — we might be able to wrestle one rifle from an unskilled attacker. Or perhaps

we could pick off a straggler who might be searching the ship alone. Then we’d finally have a proper way to fight back. Either way, I’m not dying on my knees.

ISSUE 24 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

025

WHAT IF?

ISSUE 24

GRIDWEB.COM G D 026 OFFG

Conclusion In the past, piracy on the East African coast was much worse than it is today. Thanks to years of multinational naval operations, there’s been a major reduction of piracy in the Indian Ocean. But the narrow sea passage in the Gulf of Aden has been favored by pirates for centuries, and in recent years, pirates have targeted scores of commercial vessels there (in 2008, more than 100 ships were attacked). This list of attacks includes several incidents involving cruise ships and private yachts. Having done my homework before this trip, I would’ve known that in March of 2017, two-dozen pirates in two skiffs attacked and hijacked an oil tanker just off the northernmost town in Somalia. It was the first hijacking of a large commercial vessel since 2012. After boarding, the armed men turned off the ship’s tracking system and demanded a ransom. A subsequent firefight with the local maritime police force and some tense negotiations ended the hijacking without ransom (largely because the pirates were afraid to get on the wrong side of the powerful Somali businessmen who had hired the ship). So what’s the takeaway here? Well, if you want to travel the world, you have to accept the fact that you’ll be facing some serious risks and hazards. And while most trips end happily enough, some do not. Do plenty of research before you head out into the world. The U.S. State Department website is loaded with sound travel advice, and more importantly, travel advisories and warnings about dangerous areas. Criminal activity against travelers, terrorist activity, military conflicts, and many other hazards are explained and updated on their website: http://travel. state.gov. Give it a look. And although a cruise liner that goes slowly and close to shore off the coast of Somalia has certain risks, the potential for hijacking exists everywhere.

About the Authors Tim MacWelch has been a survival instructor for more than 20 years, training people from all walks of life, including members from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, the State Department, DOD, and DOJ personnel. He’s a frequent public speaker for preparedness groups and events. He’s also the author of three New York Times-bestselling survival books, and the new Ultimate Bushcraft Survival Manual. When he’s not teaching survival or writing about it, MacWelch lives a self-reliant lifestyle with his family in Virginia. Check out more at www.advancedsurvivaltraining.com.

Hana L. Bilodeau has over 15 years of law enforcement experience, serving both locally and federally. Most recently, she spent time with the Federal Air Marshal Service covering multiple domestic and international missions. Hana has a wealth of knowledge in a number of different defensive modalities to include her present role as a fulltime firearms instructor for SIG SAUER Academy. Hana is also a per diem deputy with the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, allowing her to stay current with the law enforcement culture. Learn more at www.sigsaueracademy.com.

How E.J. Snyder Paved a Road to Survivalist Success By Candice Horner

he Survival TV trend only skims the surface of what goes into making a true survivalist. Some may view preppers as crazy people waiting for unimaginable events. But, this attitude overlooks the benefits that a survival-focused mindset can bring to one’s everyday life. E.J. Snyder is a prime example of how life rarely goes as planned. Snyder found his purpose in life through a unique combination of hardship and opportunity; each pulling him a little further down the path of the survivalist. Snyder sees his experiences as individual scenes which, joined together, form a rich tapestry he uses to motivate and educate others. From getting bullied as a kid to learning his role as a leader in the military to his naked butt gracing the TVs of millions, Snyder gleans valuable lessons from every experience. When Snyder was approached for Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid, the show’s name

was a working title. The producers whittled away elements of the show until the premise was based on surviving the toughest environments with no food or clothes for 21 days. Each episode runs a similar course; participants get eaten alive by the local bugs and nearly starve to death, and one person often quits before the last day. Snyder has been on two of the 21-day versions of Naked and Afraid, as well as the extended 40-day Naked and Afraid XL. Most people recognize Snyder as the naked guy who will go to any lengths to survive. But, behind the titles and accomplishments is a man who wants to help the masses. We caught up with Snyder in North Carolina to see what he has learned along the way and listen to some of the advice he gives his students to build their self-confidence. He shared so much that we couldn’t include it all in print, so check out OFFGRIDweb.com for more from our interview with Snyder.

ISSUE 24

GRIDWEB.COM G D 030 OFFG

Left: Pulling security in Iraq, 2004.

RECOIL OFFGRID: How do you define survival? E.J. SNYDER: If you do something and don’t die- that’s called survival. No survival technique or skill was ever in a survival book until somebody tried it. And it’s trial and error until you succeed and then it becomes a viable technique in a book. What started you on your path as a survivalist? EJS: My mom worked three jobs to take care of me and my brother, but we didn’t have the nicest things. I got bullied a lot because I didn’t have the nicest clothes. My mother’s work ethic rubbed off on me and I picked up a paper route so I could buy school clothes for me and my kid brother. She taught me hard work and discipline and to not rely

Above: Snyder (left) in Kirkuk, Iraq with Major James Hansen and Command Seargent Major Arthur Padilla in 2004, providing cross-weapons training with Iraqi Special Forces.

Right: Snyder and Jeff Zausch during a water break during filming of Dual Survival in 2016.

on others. The other side of that was my love for the outdoors began when my dad would pick us up on the weekends. He’d take us camping, fishing, canoeing, hunting, and trapping. When the weekend was over, I still wanted to be outside.

Bullying is a topic you feel strongly about, how did you handle bullies as a kid? EJS: Back then, I wasn’t the Skullcrusher, I was more of a stick snapper. I was very tall, lanky, skinny, and very emotional over my folks divorcing. And, when there’s blood in the water, animals smell it- bullies are no different. So, I got targeted by a pack of bullies. But, I never fought back because I always thought I would get in trouble and get kicked out of school. My mom told me if those kids hit me, I had the right to defend myself. By this point, my stepdad was in my life and he taught me how to box and lift weights. I was learning wrestling in school and enjoyed the thrill of competition. I picked up more fighting techniques from friends who were taking karate. Learning to protect myself helped build my confidence. Finally I had enough and after being shoved by one of the biggest bullies, I defended myself. That was in sixth grade.

AN UNPLANNED PATH How did that shape your view of the world? EJS: Bullies were one of the building blocks in my life. They helped me realize that if someone put up a challenge, or a wall so to speak, if I can’t get around, over, or under it, I’m going to go right through it with passion, vigor, and as much energy as possible. Why did you decide to go into the Army? EJS: My mom asked me what I wanted to do with my life. I told her I wanted to be a stuntman and an actor. She said, ‘That’s stupid, you’ll never make it- that’s the worst idea you could ever think of. You’ll starve.’ So, I decided to pursue my other dream, which was to join the military and live a life of adventure. You held several leadership roles while in the Army, what kind of leader were you? EJS: I was a lead-from-the-front, leadby-example kind of guy. I would get in your face when you needed it, but I’d be there to put my arm around you when you needed it most. Everyone knew I was a passionate leader, and they would to follow me through the gates of hell, even though I was hard on them. I have that philosophy that more sweat in training means less blood in battle. The train as you fight mentality is something I adapted and put realism into training so that when people needed those skills most they’d have them. And if you fast-forward slightly, I used that same analogy --and the same philosophy-- for the survival students I trained.

At what point in your life did you realize you had to be prepared for unexpected events? EJS: When everyone started talking about Y2K and what could happen, I wanted to be prepared to take care of my family. I always had outdoor skills, but with Y2K, new skills became my hobby and my passion. While people were out doing other things, I was prepping for something that could affect my family- that was a pivotal point for me. What initially motivated you to go on Naked and Afraid? EJS: After retiring, I was in a kind of

Above: With Jeff Sausch, during Dual Survival, Episode 4, Gator Bait, 2016.

Top: Paddling up the Amazon River with Laura Zerra during Naked and Afraid, Season 2.

a low point in my life… just not happy with my career and not sure what I wanted in my life. When I’m out in the wild, I hear God’s voice, loud. I thought I was going out there to do something really cool... do the survival thing, be a badass. And, I got so much more out of it. I was really humbled by that experience, in Tanzania. I was a changed man when I left. I evolved as a survivalist, became a changed man, and was closer to God after that point and really appreciated those things in my life that I was maybe taking for granted. OFFG GRIDWEB.COM G D

ISSUE 24

When did the crossover from a military mentality to a more survivalist mindset happen? EJS: After my time as a Drill Sergeant, I went on to be a Ranger instructor and while I was there, I was assigned as a primary survival and tracking

instructor. Learning and teaching survival skills in the Army advanced some of what I had learned in my youth. The Army gave me more opportunities to be in the wilderness and outdoors. But, the biggest thrill was going through SERE level-C and then revamping the survival training program. That is when survival became my passion and my whole drive.

031

ISSUE 24

GRIDWEB.COM G D 032 OFFG

Naked and Afraid seems tough to prepare for. EJS: I practice and I train that way all the time. So, when I was put into those situations, I didn’t really do much to prepare, unless I knew I was going to a certain zone. If I know where I’m going, I may brush up a little bit on that particular area and the indigenous people that lived there. But for the most part I believe I can go anywhere on this planet with just my knife.

ond time I went on the show, I tapped into my Native-American spirit and let the wild teach me some things. Getting back to my Native-American roots opened up something very primal. After being humbled by the first Naked and Afraid, I started shoring up my weaknesses. Instead of a military modern-day survivalist, I became more of a hybrid by tapping into primitive bushcraft while pairing it with my modern day survival techniques. Those experiences made me want to become more self-reliant- more off grid. I eventually want to get off the grid and have my own homestead.

Did the Naked and Afraid experience impact other parts of your life? EJS: It really refocused me on my path. It wasn’t until I almost lost my life out there that I realized what I needed to do. I was meant to be a leader, to teach survival and help those that can’t help themselves. When bad days come, I want to help people get through that. And so, I sit here before you. What did you learn from being on the show? EJS: From my first partner, I learned that it’s okay to ask for help. The sec-

Giving a war cry during Dual Survival in 2016 while in Southern Brazil.

Which situation has tested your mental fortitude the most? EJS: It was a time when I felt the most helpless I’ve ever felt. While trying to get to the extraction point in the Amazon, in the middle of the night, while paddling in the river, a biblical storm hit. I knew lightning hit the water because the static electricity was raising the hair on the back of my neck and arms. I knew that was a dan-

gerous situation; we had to get off of water or were going to be done. It was pitch black, we had no illumination, no moonlight. We pulled over to the side, with no idea of what we were walking into, knowing that black caiman [crocodiles] could be everywhere. We hunkered down against a tree, but got pummeled by the storm for five hours. I’ve never been close to hypothermia my life. We got to a point where we were both speaking in tongues, that I knew we had to get up and get moving or we weren’t going to make it. So, we got back to paddling towards the extraction point. I have never felt so helpless knowing that because of the lightning, I just had to take it. So, in regard to mental fortitude, I got pretty close to my breaking point in that situation. I don’t get there often. How do you plan to go off grid? EJS: I look at survival as a five-tier kind of thing. Those tiers include: • Bushcraft and primitive skills • Modern and military survival skills • Self-reliance skills

AN UNPLANNED PATH • Defense and security skills (i.e. combatives, weapons, and defendable structures) • Offgrid living and homesteading skills (i.e. studying alternative fuels and livestock care) What kind of feedback have you gotten from being on survival shows? EJS: People reached out to let me know how I inspired them. Some people said when they see me go through these tough challenges and get through it make it, that it causes them to make an adjustment in their lives for the better. Whether it’s getting up off the couch or finally getting to the gym, getting out of a really bad relationship, getting bullied in school, or even overcoming addictions. If me being on TV drinking elephant dung, running around bare-naked with my butt hanging out helps just one person, then, for me, it’s worth it.

Also some matches, 550 cord, small tools and a handful of cash, as well. That’s quite a bit of gear to carry every day. EJS: It goes back to that philosophy. I don’t know when that bad situation could happen, but I want to be a positive factor when it does. When I can carry more, I carry a basic survival kit, a fire starter, a water bottle with a built-in filter system, extra 550 cord, compass, a headlamp, flashlight, and SAPI [bulletproof armor] plate in case of an active shooter situation. Some people might say I’m a little off. But, I’ve walked to a different drum-beat my whole life. If you were restricted to carrying only five items, what’d they be? EJS: Number one item, my fixed-blade knife. My knife broke in Africa and because of that I created and designed my own survival fighting knife. It’s a

one-tool option, the SXB Skull Crusher Extreme Blade, by TOPS Knives. Number two, a magnesium fire starter because primitive fire making is actually very difficult, and it sucks. So why do it if you don’t have to. Number three, a pot to boil water. I personally like using a Coleman camp coffee pot because it has a lid, a percolator which helps boil water twice as fast, and it’s a huge asset that you can just pull all the guts out of it and use it as a regular cooking pot. The fourth changes from time to time based on the environment. I would say a tarp, because it’s a ready shelter and it’s good for a lot of other uses, like water collection, and you can make other items with it. The last item would be about 100 feet of 550 cord because of its many uses.

Contrary to a bug out bag, the contents of Snyder’s long-term survival nomad pack have enough supplies and gear to get him through dire situations that last more than 72 hours. Check out the full content list on OFFGRIDweb.com.

What charities are you involved in? EJS: Being a veteran, I am passionate about helping other veterans. Any project that involves veteran suicide

ISSUE 24

What’s your EDC? EJS: Well I am a firm believer that you don’t advertise what you’re bringing to the table. So, I always walk around with a small bag. It’s not a man purse or anything like that, it’s just a small bag. I have enough stuff in the bag that would at least get me back to my vehicle, or if I have to walk home, I can get home. On my body it’s a pretty extensive kind of situation. But, in terms of defense, I carry a Glock 22 with three magazines. I also carry a Spyderco Tatanka. One reason I usually wear eye pro is if I’m walking down the street nobody’s can tell what I’m observing, and that gives me the ability to look and watch others while they don’t realize I’m watching them. My belt is a Wazoo Cache Belt. On the belt is a D-ring attachment that will hold my weight if I was caught in a pinch and needed to be able to rappel down from something. It carries a couple handcuff keys, lockpicks, a wire saw, a razorblade, duct tape in there.

OFFG GRIDWEB.COM G D

033

ISSUE 24

034 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

Snyder with a ceremonial sword from his time as the First Sergeant of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, Charlie Guard, from 1999-2001.

What makes Snyder happy is being able to spend quality time with his family and dog.

awareness or that can help a vet, I want to be involved in. Outside of veteran charities, I’m part of Reality Rally. If you go to the Reality Star Line Up, you’ll see my name and an option to donate. Funds raised go to the Breast Cancer Resource Center. The Breast Cancer Resource Center is called Michelle’s Place. Michelle’s Place has done a lot of amazing and wonderful things for people. My family has been affected by breast cancer. Cancer is a bully, and I don’t like bullies. The other cause I work with is Give Kids The World Village. It’s a part of the Make A Wish Foundation in Orlando, Florida. We raised money for these little kids who are fighting life threatening challenges. From time-to-time people approach me to help them with their other causes and I don’t believe I’ve ever turned anyone away, at this point, because I have a problem with the word ‘no’.

In light of recent events, what advice would you give people worried about going to public places where mass shootings could occur? EJS: I know it’s a scary world right now, but the best way to eliminate that fear is to build your own confidence. The way you build your confidence is to first fix your mindset. The greatest tool to survival is your mindset. If your mindset’s right; having situational awareness, having goals, having focus, there’s nothing you can’t do. Always be positive about what you’re seeing in life. When you go to these places like that, have situational-awareness, watch what’s going on around you. Fear emits pheromones that will cause the other animals to pick up on it. And that type of pheromone can cause an animal to get into a frenzy. If you stay calm and positive, you will have a positive effect on other people around you.

AN UNPLANNED PATH EJ Snyder AGE: 52 OCCUPATION: Survivalist, Consultant, Retired Military HOMETOWN: Hackensack, NJ BASE OF OPERATIONS: Fayetteville, NC FAMILY: Wife: Amy Son: Tyler, 24 Daughter: Kassidy, 19 Dog’s name: Maylea FAVORITE QUOTE: “Everyone wants to be a beast until it’s time to do what beasts do.” FAVORITE TV SHOW: The Walking Dead FAVORITE FILM: 300 URL: www.ejsnyder.com

ISSUE 24

OFFG G D GRIDWEB.COM 036 OFF

peeterv/istockphoto.com

10 Must-Have Items for Survival in Hostile Regions By Molotov Mitchell

ince 2001, the world has undergone a dramatic increase in travel risk, due to the ever-increasing surge of terrorism and international drug cartels. As one might expect, personal protection training has become increasingly popular for Westerners who work or vacation abroad. As a combat instructor, I've traveled around the world providing that kind of training to people already working in hostile regions as well as preparing clients here in the U.S., with counter-abduction courses, escape-andevasion seminars, and Krav Maga classes to help people stay above ground and out of gulags. This article outlines a handy-dandy list of things you’ll need in sketchy countries — but before we get to that, just where the heck are you going? These days, nobody wants to hurt anyone’s feelings, so there’s a lot of debate on how to

define a “hostile region.” The most popular, super-sensitive way to gauge a nation’s safety and threat level is to see if it has any travel warnings posted online. The U.K. Foreign Travel Department is a great resource: www. gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. But if you just want a quick and dirty method, I call this an “ABC test” to keep it simple. When considering travel to another country, just ask the following: A) Does the nation’s government have a track record of physically oppressing people based on their beliefs or gender (executing apostates and dissidents, beating and/or stoning women, etc.)? B) Does their army double as their police force (historically common in communist regimes)? C) Does the region have a noticeable problem with vanishing visitors (cartel kidnappings, beheadings, and the like)?

ISSUE 24

GRIDWEB.COM G D 038 OFFG

If the answer was “yes” to any of those questions, then we can consider the region “hostile.” And to be clear, "hostile" can range from “Go home, Yankee!” to “Slay the infidel wherever you find them.” If that sounds like a place you’re headed, prepare accordingly. But keep in mind that preparation doesn’t equal safety; no one can guarantee your safety. Even with all the martial arts and counter-abduction training in the world, visiting a hostile region is always a roll of the dice in terms of personal security.

If Westerners would avoid some of these places, they’d really be much safer, and these oppressive regimes would have to clean up their act to preserve their tourist industry, which in many cases, is a huge part of their economy. However, the allure of ancient ruins and exotic islands draws waves of adventurers year after year, beheadings be damned! And in our global economy, many of us are required to conduct business in some dicey domains. Whatever your reason for treacherous travel, here’s a list of 10 must-haves for hostile regions.

1. Trained Companion While this isn’t a piece of gear per se, selecting an appropriate travel companion is one of the best ways to minimize your risk when going abroad. For instance, I don’t travel to hostile regions without someone who

Petrichuk/istockphoto.com

knows Krav Maga. If things get savage, I know that they’ll fight (and fight well). Real talk? If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t have your back, then you might as well be traveling alone.

BETTER TO HAVE IT AND NOT NEED IT …

2. Access to Firearms Don’t walk into any room that you don’t know how to walk out of. The same goes for countries. In hostile countries, cities can spontaneously erupt in violence. So, if you can legally obtain a gun, do that immediately. When I was working in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood was gearing up to overthrow Mohamed Morsi. Tensions ran high. As you might suspect, I couldn’t legally obtain a firearm. In hostile regions, guns are typically restricted to military/cartel/jihadi use. But hey, if bullets are coming your way, you’d really like the option to send some back. So, one of the first things I did after arriving in Egypt was develop a relationship with a waiter who could get me and my colleague AK-47s within two hours. When I taught in Moldova, I found a villager who kept a pistol and shotgun ready for me, should I need them in a hurry. But developing these contacts and agreements isn’t as easy as it may sound and requires strong social engineering skills, so neither I nor this magazine recommend that anyone do it unless their life dependeds on it. Try to buy from the wrong guy and you could wind up dead (or worse).

4. Hand-to-Hand Weapon (ex. Delta Defense Ring, Benthic Butter Knife) If you’re being attacked or kidnapped, then the enemy probably has the element of surprise. The best way to level the playing field is to surprise them back with combat training and the augmented power of a hidden weapon. At Triangle Krav Maga, we make useful tools that pass through most security checkpoints without a problem. Take the Delta Defense Ring. This attractive piece of jewelry seems harmless, but it adds serious piercing and tearing damage to any punch or slap, depending on how you wear it. Best of all, the Delta’s always on your hand, so it’s always ready. Another fan favorite, the Benthic Butter Knife, meets all the TSA travel regulations because it is, in fact, a butter knife. It’s just a heavy, powdercoated butter knife with a retention ring and bottle cap jimping for enhanced grip. Whatever item you choose to carry, make sure it doesn’t look scary; that would ruin the surprise, right? Check local laws to make sure any hand-tohand weapons you bring are legal in your area of travel.

Denisk999/istockphoto.com

3. Covert Safe

ISSUE 24

Covert safes like a fake can of Pepsi or a can of shaving cream with a hidden compartment are perfect for protecting things like money, flash drives, and medicine. Sometimes you have to carry a larger amount of cash, especially if you’re in a country where it’s difficult to access ATMs or exchange offices. In those instances, don’t carry money on your person, leave it in your bag, or hide it under a mattress. Thieves know to check those places. Keep your cash in a hollow toilet paper holder in your hotel room. Thieves will never look there, especially if you smudge some Nutella on the TP before you head out. OFFG GRIDWEB.COM G D

039

GRIDWEB.COM G D 040 OFFG

5. Fidget Toys/Puzzles/Games When I was working in Cuba this year, the communist government decided to stick it to Americans by cutting off all access to American bank accounts and blocking wire transfers from anywhere in the U.S. The timing couldn’t have been worse. My travel partner and I had almost run out of cash and had just arrived in a new city. She started to lose it, but I managed to keep calm by simply playing with my small 3D puzzle as I concentrated on finding a solution. After a few hours of creative calls and finding the right guy to bribe, we were able to get money through a back channel. But I was only able to remain calm and think clearly because of that silly little puzzle. Another great use for games and fidget toys is attracting local children. Kids fly under the radar; they can go to and fro on your behalf and no one bats an eye. And no matter where you go, kids love flashy little toys. If you ever need help but can’t freely move through an area, let a kid play with your cool gizmo and then ask them to get you information, food, water, or whatever else you might need in a desperate situation in exchange for the toy. Works like a charm and is a cheap, easily replaceable bartering chip.

6. Handcuff Key The best way to pick your way out of handcuffs is to use a key. Unlike doors, which have a different key for every lock, 90 percent of all handcuffs around the world can be opened with the exact same kind of key, and you can buy one at almost any military surplus store or law enforcement supply store. The nonmetallic variety is your best bet. Hide it in your shoe, sew it into your shirt, or stash it in your belt. Never leave home without it! Having a bobby pin or small metal hair barrette can also serve as an improvised lock pick or shim to free yourself from handcuffs.

7. Sat Phone In hostile regions, cell coverage can be spotty. That’s why it's a great idea to carry an Iridium satellite phone for emergencies. A decent model will set you back about $1,000, but if you’re headed into shady situations, it’s totally worth it. Don’t forget to buy a pre-paid SIM card before you go. These days, you can purchase 50 minutes for around $100 online. After all, your cell phone may not have service in certain areas overseas, even if you’re on an international plan.

BETTER TO HAVE IT AND NOT NEED IT …

8. Solar Panel The first thing to fail on a mission is communications. Your sat phone battery may die, but the sun won’t. No matter where you are, just set out your panel, kick back and allow nature to recharge that device. Note: I don’t recommend rigid panels; they’re too bulky and prone to damage. Bushnell's SolarWrap is a flexible panel that rolls up into a compact tube for easy travel.

10. Smartphone Camera A smartphone camera is surprisingly versatile. Aside from just taking pictures, you can covertly survey areas by pretending to shoot video or panoramic photos. You can act like you’re taking a selfie to see if anyone’s tailing you. Peek around corners without exposing yourself. And if you suspect that someone may go through your things while you’re out and about, simply take pictures of your room beforehand. When you return, check the pics to see if anything is out of place. Hiding in plain sight, the smartphone can be your electronic Swiss Army knife. ollo/istockphoto.com

9. Decoy Wallet Carry a shiny decoy wallet in your front left pant pocket with a fake ID, a couple of random business cards, and petty cash for bribes. If you’re being robbed, give them the decoy, not your real wallet (hidden elsewhere on your person). Absolutely never give up your passport. My decoy wallet has brushed nickel so it really catches the eye, a distracting feature that can set the thief up for a good sucker punch, kick, or elbow, if that’s on the menu.

About The Author Molotov Mitchell is a black belt in Krav Maga, the head of Atlas Krav Maga, and a concealed carry handgun instructor through the North Carolina Department of Justice. Trained and certified by the Wingate Institute in Israel, he’s trained groups around the world and invented weapons like the Benthic Knife and the patentpending Hex Tool. When he’s not standup paddle boarding with his daughter, Ivy, he serves on the Wake County Fitness Council in North Carolina. His favorite color is blue. ISSUE 24

www.atlaskravmaga.com www.trianglekravmaga.com

041

ISSUE 24

042 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

DISCLAIMER:

This guide is meant to be an overview, not a detailed guide, on improvised fire-starting methods. Any use of the information contained in this article is solely at the readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s risk.

Naftizin/istockphoto.com

By Scott Finazzo

Advanced Fire-Starting Techniques in Cold Weather

our fingers are numb. Your face stings from the

storm or lost in frigid temperatures. You need to start a fire, but

bitter icy wind. Everything around you is wet.

you don’t have the supplies that you so carefully purchased,

Shelter from the excruciatingly frigid environ-

tested, and packed. Do you still have the knowledge it takes to

ment is nowhere in sight. You need to start a fire

start a life-saving fire under those conditions?

— now! Can you do this with limited tools? The

answer is yes; read on a little further to see how. Whether it’s for warmth, cooking, signaling, or most likely, all

For fire to occur, four things must be in place: oxygen, fuel, heat, and a chemical chain reaction. This is known as the fire tetrahedron. To create fire, all four elements must be present,

of the above, having the knowledge and skill to generate fire can

just as to extinguish fire, you can simply remove any one of

mean the difference between life and death. Television shows

those four elements. Rarely would someone attempt to start

often feature a lone protagonist twisting a stick onto a larger

a fire in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, and, when all other

piece of wood until smoke appears, establishing a life-saving

elements are in place, the chemical chain reaction will natu-

fire. But have you ever tried to start a friction fire? It’s not as

rally occur. That leaves two parts of the equation that must

easy as the TV shows and books may lead you to believe. More

be provided: something to start the fire and something to

often than not, an inexperienced person winds up with a broken

burn. Finding dry fuel and an ignition source can be daunting,

stick, blistered hand, uncontrollable shivers, and an altogether

particularly in a cold and wet environment, one of the most

pissed off state of mind. Add in a critical factor such as your life

difficult settings to establish a fire.

depending on it, and suddenly creating fire becomes an entirely

The cold will be more of a factor on your fingers than it will

different task. Mastery of this takes practice, but there’s hope,

on the fuel that you want to burn. Science tells us that more

even for the inexperienced with a bare minimum of implements.

energy will be needed to bring the fuel to its ignition tempera-

The key thing about starting a fire is that it’s only as easy as

ture, but for our purposes, the difference is negligible. The

your ignition source and the quality of your fuel. Waterproof

damp conditions are another story. Anyone who has tried to

matches, windproof lighters, and the classic flint and steel are

start a fire when everything is seemingly wet knows what a

items no prepper or avid outdoorsman or woman should be

frustrating challenge it can be. Fortunately, challenging doesn’t

without. One can even go a step further by carrying petroleum

mean impossible. When attempting to burn wet wood, over

jelly-soaked cotton or dryer lint, solid fuel cubes, or any other

half the heat is utilized in drying the wood before it can burn.

variety of fire fuel. Since we live in a world where Murphy’s Law

Often, though, dry wood is available with a little bit of effort

is commonplace, imagine you find yourself caught in a snow-

and ingenuity.

ISSUE 24

044 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

Location Before discussing alternative methods to start a fire in cold, adverse conditions, a few considerations must be addressed.

Chaga (birch tinder fungus) that’s widely utilized for its flammability. White Pine: The pine needles make superb fire tinder, and

First, the location of the fire is of utmost importance. Ideally,

the flammable sap is invaluable when trying to keep a fire go-

your fire should be placed away from moisture, out of the

ing in rainy conditions.

wind, and near a large rock wall or another noncombustible surface or structure. Much warmth can be absorbed by the radiant heat reflected by a boulder, rocks stacked in a horseshoe shape around the fire, or even large logs stacked on top of one another (pos-

American Basswood: It’s soft enough that it makes an excellent choice for starting a friction fire, but not so soft that it crumbles when pressure is applied. Maple: Twigs are often readily available and yield effective tinder.

sibly leaned against a few small trees). If you’re able to utilize

There are other tinder options that you may need to use

a large boulder or rock wall, you can build the fire a few feet

if trees in the immediate vicinity aren’t helpful. As with most

away from the wall so you can place your body between it and

survival scenarios, a certain amount of ingenuity may be

the fire for maximum warmth.

required. Check your pockets. You may have pocket lint or

Nearby melting snow can hinder a small fire that you’re trying

rogue threads that can help you get a fire going. The lip balm

to build into a big fire. You should elevate your fire by building a

that you carry with you religiously during the winter months

base of rocks or logs. The small spaces in between them provide

can help start and maintain a small fire. As painful as it may be,

water runoff channels as well as a dry foundation for you to build

paper money can be used as tinder. The pocket itself, as long

on. Also, avoid building your fire under a tree that has accumu-

as it’s not part of the structure of your garment, can be pulled

lated snow or ice on its branches, for obvious reasons.

out and cut or ripped to create tinder. Dry bird feathers, bird nests, hair or fur, cigarette tobacco and filters, dry animal dung,

Kindling Successful creation of a fire begins with proper kindling. When you don’t have fire-starting supplies on hand, you must

all be used to get a fire going. With no ax or saw available to cut deadwood into manage-

learn how to find some in nature. Dry, finely fibered, and easily

able-sized pieces, you’ll have to locate deadfall and carry or

ignitable wood or dead grass are often the most prevalent and

drag it to the vicinity of where you’ll build your fire. You can

utilized. Start small and slowly add larger and larger tinder.

break up larger pieces by wedging them between two stand-

There are some trees that are well-known for providing valuable tinder: White Birch: Its paperlike bark provides easily accessible and ignitable tinder. White birch also, almost exclusively, grows

Alikaj2582/istockphoto.com

and any clothing not necessary for warmth or to keep dry can

ing trees and using leverage by pulling until the branches break. Green logs are OK to use, but only after your fire is large enough and generating enough heat to burn them. The general rule is to have three dry logs for every green one.

Fire-Starting Method #1

AA Battery Difficulty: SUPPLIES

AA battery and a gum or cigarette wrapper Many people don’t carry a traditional tool that’ll allow them to start a fire, but may have the means to start a fire right in their pocket and not even know it. If you have a flashlight or other electronic device that utilizes AA batteries, you’re halfway there. Next you simply need gum with an aluminum wrapper or cigarette package paper. The gum or cigarette foil wrapper is thin enough to create resistance, which will generate heat. Steel wire could also work, but only if it’s very thin (steel wool), otherwise it’ll be too thick to provide adequate resistance. This is important because even a paperclip or standard aluminum foil is too thick to offer enough resistance to generate the heat required. Even copper wiring won’t work. Copper has very low resistance that’s good for carrying current, but not for generating heat. So it won’t produce the results you need. STEPS

Remove the battery from the flashlight. Cut or tear the gum wrapper into an hourglass shape where the thin part is about as wide as the width of your knife blade. Hold the foil side of the wrapper against the positive and negative posts of the battery. Almost immediately the thin part of the wrapper will ignite. NOTES

This method is very simple, but requires a fairly exact shape of the gum wrapper, which will take practice to perfect. If the narrow part of the wrapper is too wide, it won’t ignite. If it’s too thin, it’ll burn through before it catches fire. The width of the top of a knife blade should be about right. Sometimes this method can create a lot of heat on your fingers. You should use gloves or even the gum that was removed from the wrapper to create a barrier between your fingers and the foil against the battery posts. Some cell phone batteries have exposed positive and negative terminals as well and could potentially achieve the same result. Because the terminals are typically recessed it can be more difficult to make contact with them. Steel wool can be used with greater success, but people don’t often carry steel wool with them. Another method that should only be utilized in a dire survival situation is to pierce a lithium-ion battery with a knife. When the lithium becomes exposed to oxygen, a chemical reaction occurs that produces heat and flame. This will obviously ruin your cell phone battery, and, more importantly, the reaction is unpredictable and could be potentially violent. Therefore, only attempt this when there are no other options.

ISSUE 24 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

045

ISSUE 24

046 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

Fir-Starting Method #2

Chain saw Difficulty: SUPPLIES

Chain saw It’s not uncommon to head out in the woods on a winter day to locate and cut firewood. It’s also not unheard of for the weather to quickly change or to get turned around and find yourself lost and in immediate need of warmth. You may not have matches or a lighter, but if you have a chain saw, you can create fire. STEPS

For safety reasons, remove the bar and chain from the saw. Find a depression in a log (or rock) that can confine liquid. Pour a small amount of gasoline from the chain saw into the depression. (Consider adding bar oil from the other reservoir in approximately a 50/50 mixture to lower the flash point.) Soak a small amount of quality tinder in the mixture. Remove the spark plug from the engine and place back into the plug wire. Place the attached spark plug near (but not in!) the flammable tinder. Pull the pull cord to create a spark, igniting the fire. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Consider using a stick to hold the spark plug in place so the spark doesn’t “bite” you. You could also dip a stick in the gasoline, creating a makeshift match, and ignite with a spark plug the same way.

YOU CAN TAKE IT WITH YOU The Ruger® 10/22 Takedown®: a handy trail gun for folks who travel light and move fast. Magpul’s Hunter X-22 Backpacker Stock makes your 10/22 even easier to pack, plus it gives you better ergonomics than the factory stock. At last, packing a portable .22 riﬂe doesn’t have to be a compromise. MAGPUL HUNTER X-22 BACKPACKER STOCK

Available At

ISSUE 24

048 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

Fire-Starting Method #3

Ice lens Difficulty: SUPPLIES

Ice Lens-based fire starting techniques are commonly known and practiced. Some find them easy, while others find them rather difficult to successfully create fire. Commonly used lenses come in the form of a magnifying glass, water bottle, eyeglasses, or any other actual or makeshift lenses. One option, which may be more prevalent than others in cold weather, is ice. STEPS

Locate as clear a piece of ice as possible. Cut or break off a piece about the size of your palm. With your hand, rub the ice smooth on one side and convex on the other. Prop the ice with a rock or wood to allow sunlight to pass through and focus on one specific spot. Place light kindling (the darker the better) at the focal point of the sunlight. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Only use your ungloved hand to shape the ice if there are immediate ways to rewarm your hand, otherwise you could expedite frostbite.

Conclusion For every person you ask, you’ll get a handful of differing

some outside-the-box techniques may need to be employed.

responses as to the best ways to start a fire in a survival situa-

It’s those unusual and extreme techniques that must be prac-

tion. There are tried-and-true methods that’ve been utilized for

ticed before needed. Try these out and become proficient with

as long as humans have walked the earth. You certainly have

them so when the need arises, it’s not the first time you’ve

your own opinions. One thing everyone can agree on is to

tried it. One sure way to improve your chances for success is

start with the easiest methods first. If those are not an option,

to prepare in advance!

AK63DS

If someone ever tells you that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need an AK, stop talking to them, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need that kind of negativity in your life. facebook.com/CenturyArms

Learn more at CenturyArms.com

instagram.com/CenturyArms

ISSUE 24

050 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

Three Search-and-Rescue Professionals Discuss the Most Common Mistakes People Make When Lost in the Wilderness and How to Deal With Them Effectively By Tom Marshall

n today’s world of 24-hour news cycles, constant connectivity, and digital addiction, the idea of getting lost in nature can seem comforting. But, for anybody who’s ever experienced it, the reality can be downright terrifying. None of us enjoy the feeling of being vulnerable, alone, or in physical danger. But these risks are inherent with any activity that takes us into the wilderness. If we can figure out how and why people get lost, we can plan to be ahead of the curve and simply enjoy the outdoors. To this end, we’ve assembled a guest panel of search-and-rescue (SAR) experts. All are seasoned professionals with decades of experience, and each hails from a different corner of the country with unique concerns about weather, terrain, and availability of resources. They were incredibly generous sharing both time and knowledge so that you can be better prepared for your next adventure.

AleksandarNakic/istockphoto.com

ISSUE 24 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

051

ISSUE 24

GRIDWEB.COM G D 052 OFFG

Regardless of the season, the ability to build a fire is critical for lifesaving warmth and possibly signaling rescuers. Bring more than one way to start a fire with you.

RECOIL OFFGRID: What are the two most common mistakes people make that contribute to them getting lost? Hank Janssen: There are several recurring themes we see again and again with people getting lost. The biggest one is people going off trail, either because they think they know where they are or try to take a shortcut. Following the wrong trail is also particularly common. Sometimes people go off trail to see a landmark or stream or some such thing and then get completely turned around. The second most common mistake is underestimating the environment they’re in — the impact that things like weather and terrain have on their ability to function and follow trail. In both these cases we see people make poor decisions that get them into trouble. We have seen people wander over 15-plus miles from the location where they initially realized they were lost. That makes it incredibly difficult for a SAR team to find them. Joey Nickischer: The most common mistakes made are going off trail and not being prepared for the hike. If you stay on the trail, your rescue is almost guaranteed — it’s the most obvious place SAR personnel will look. For every foot you venture off trail, the odds of you getting found in a timely manner drop precipitously. Hike preparation varies widely, but the 10

essentials [see sidebar] are a good place to start. Along with that goes the knowledge of how to use those 10 essentials! They’re useless without knowledge. I’ve always preached travel light and have equipment that can be used for more than one purpose. A compass might also come with a mirror that can be used for signaling and a magnifying lens that might help to start a fire. Bandages can be used as kindling, a magnesium fire-starter can be used as a bright flashing light, a tarp can be used to catch rainwater, etc. It’s also helpful to have an emergency plan in place with a trusted friend or relative. When I go hiking, I chat with a reliable friend to let them know that I’m going hiking and verify that they’re available to be my point of contact should something go wrong. Then I text/email them my itinerary including what trail(s) I will be on, who I’m with, what my destination is, and what time I expect to return. And most importantly, I stick to the itinerary, unless I’m able to verify my friend has gotten word of a change in plans. They’re also informed to notify the authorities if I’m more than an hour overdue. Gary Presson: 1) Not having a plan. Preplan your route before you even arrive at the trailhead. Enter your important checkpoints into your GPS if you use one or have your route marked on your map. Give a copy of your route, either map or

10 Essentials

to Hiking The 10 essentials varies a bit from person to person and locale to locale. What you would carry in the forests of Maine is somewhat different than the tundra of the arctic or the deserts of the Southwest. Here is certified SAR tech Joey Nickischer’s 10 essentials list. 1. Water: Sufficient for environment, but 2 liters is a good reference point 2. Map: Paper topographic trail map preferred but others might suffice 3. Compass: Orienteering type, with sight (such as the Silva Ranger) 4. Flashlight: Something better than a $0.99 special 5. Knife: I’m a big fan of the older USAF survival knife, but even a small Swiss Army style or multi-tool is good. 6. Fire-starter: Magnesium fire-starter has been my choice for decades. 7. First-aid kit: Basic stuff including Band-Aids, gauze roll, tape, ACE bandage, and moleskin 8. Whistle: This is for signaling if you need assistance. 9. Extra clothing: Type depends on climate and weather conditions, but a change of socks, a hat, etc. 10. Shelter: Even a simple tarp can help keep you dry and warm, plus the typical royal blue stands out better than blaze orange in most environments. kav38/istockphoto.com

a list of waypoints, to someone who can notify the authorities if you don’t return by an established time and date. 2) Taking a shortcut off the established trail. I’m just as guilty of this as anyone. However, I’ll take a few minutes to study the map and analyze the terrain before I attempt a shortcut. In the Northwest, the trails are there for a reason. Most of the time they’re the quickest and most efficient way to travel even though they can be significantly longer. Once you realize you’re lost, what’s the most advisable “movement plan?” HJ: What we recommend is for people to stay where they are, which is hard because people get very anxious and convince themselves that the trail/parking lot is “just up ahead,” frequently getting themselves into more trouble. Having said that, there are a few simple things that’ll help you and the SAR teams — if possible, stay close to water or an open clearing. Water will help you stay alive and a clearing gives us a better view from the air. But do not go out of your way to look for either. JN: While most experts say to stay put, there isn’t a straight answer for this one. In general, backtrack a little if you’re certain of your track. If that doesn’t solve your problem, stay put, stay as visible as possible, and call for help. You want to make

yourself a big, easy target for searchers. That bright blue tarp strung up at eye level can be seen from a long distance, as can a small, smoky fire. GP: If you are confident that you can backtrack your route, it is probably your best course of action. If you’re totally lost or injured, then stay put. If you had to pick a “most important” skill to get a lost person through until a SAR team can get to them, what would it be? HJ: The area we do SAR in is the Pacific Northwest; the backcountry is wild, and the weather changes on you very fast. I’ve been on searches where the helicopter dropped me and my dog on top of a mountain at 80 degrees F, and they were unable to pick me up at the end of the day because it was snowing or fogged in. That being said, for survival the most important abilities to have are to create a shelter from the weather and make a fire. But both require some practice. JN: The most important “skill” is probably patience. Patience that help is coming and to not keep moving from location to location. Patience in building that fire with limited resources. Patience to sit and think about your predicament and how to safely improve it.

ISSUE 24

GRIDWEB.COM G D 054 OFFG

Other “most important” skills are going to vary based on your terrain and climate. The rule of three states you cannot live more than three minutes without air, three days without water, and three weeks without food. Work with that knowledge to improve your situation. In a desert Would you know how to build a snow shelter if your life depended on it. See RECOIL Issue 11 for our article on how to build one.

Even a small tarp can be an improvised shelter or rainwater collector. They’re light, don’t take up much room, and can save your life.

Cylonphoto/istockphoto.com

sshepard/istockphoto.com

environment, water and shelter from the sun are going to be vital. In most other places, your biggest threat is going to be exposure. Touching anything, including the ground, that’s less than body temperature is going to start sucking heat out of you, not to mention the ambient temperature and wind. Insulate yourself against the cold. GP: In the Northwest, I’d say that shelter building is a very important skill to have. Summer snows in the high country aren’t that unusual, and exposure can set in quickly. Staying in the elements can quickly result in hypothermia, and everything will go downhill from there. You don’t have to look very far for some downed trees to quickly throw up a tarp and get out of the elements. Also, know how to build a snow cave if you decide to trek out in the winter months. If you knew before you hit the trail that you were going to get lost, what three items/pieces of gear would you make sure you packed? HJ: A survival tarp. I prefer those to the lightweight Mylar survival blankets, which are really a single-use item. A survival tarp is usually bright red on one side and has reflective material on the other side and they’re pretty heavy duty. With a survival tarp you can make a shelter, a bivvy bag, an emergency blanket, a rainwater collector, etc. I have been doing SAR for 20-plus years, and I just now replaced the one I got 20 years ago. In SAR training I use this thing all the time. They’re light, cheap, la st forever, and pack down to nothing. I recently added to my essential survival gear a Garmin InReach Explorer plus. The thing is amazing and I have found few places here where the bidirectional satellite communications didn’t work. It has a map built-in, and you can send text messages via satellite. And I found the battery to last 80 hours or so in the field. But they’re not cheap and require a subscription. I do five-plus-day off-trail backpacking trips, and the thing has changed the way I communicate in the field. But it’s a piece of electronics, so don’t solely rely on it. Our teams always have a GPS unit and paper map of the area as backup. At a minimum, try to have a map and compass and know how to use them. Fire-starting material. Do not rely on one way to light a fire. Have two or more different ways to start a fire. I carry a cheap BIC lighter, a traditional ferrocerium rod and metal striker (they take practice to use effectively), and waterproof matches in a waterproof case. Additionally, I have dry fire-starting material — usually burlap string or fire-starter blocks. I know I’m exceeding three items, but also something to filter or purify water with. JN: Water, map, and compass. Almost everything else can be improvised.

GET LOST GP: 1) A tarp. Get out of the elements as quickly as possible. 2) Fire-starting gear. Once you get out of the elements, stay warm. 3) A good multipurpose knife. There are hundreds of different models to choose from. Some even have compartments for fire-starting gear and other survival equipment. Is there any last advice or words of wisdom that you’d give to someone awaiting rescue? HJ: Getting lost is surprisingly easy. We get on average 50plus SAR requests a year, and we’re a small volunteer group. Pack a few essentials if you go out like water, food, and the items I list above, even if you only go out for an hour or so. Always let people know where you’re going, call or text a family member of friend telling them where you are and when you have gotten back. Backcountry SAR starts from the last known location, and we work out from that. It’s hard to do that if the only thing we know is that you didn’t come home, but never told anybody where you went. This one is easier said than done: Do not panic when you get lost. Take a deep breath, assess the situation and try to stay where you are. Your first priority is to keep yourself and whomever you’re with safe. It’s amazing what shelter, fire, and food/water will do to raise your spirit and significantly increase your chances of survival. You can live without food for a while, but water is essential. Do not feel discouraged if you’re not found within 24 hours, here in the PNW the cavalry is usually mobilized to come find you, and we don’t give up after 24 hours. JN: The No. 1 most important thing is to be educated. Be educated about how to use your equipment, be proficient with a map and compass, and with survival in your locale. Even Les Stroud, TV’s Survivorman, educates himself with local survival skills before each adventure. Seek out local experts or join local outdoor clubs to learn some hands-on basic skills. If you can’t do that, read as much as you can. A myriad of books and articles have been written on the subject of survival, hiking, and camping. Read them and then practice using those skills in a safe place, before you need to use them in a potentially life-threatening scenario. GP: Stay calm and prioritize which tasks need to be accomplished first. Always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. If you’re a hunter and not sure of your route, then at least let someone know which areas or creek drainages you expect to be in. A small firstaid kit with a couple of ACE wraps and SAM splints isn’t that heavy and doesn’t take up a lot of space. These items can make the difference between being able to make it back to the trail head/camp, or spending an unplanned night in the woods.

OUR PANEL Hank Janssen: Based in the Pacific Northwest, Janssen is a former Army Special Forces soldier and lifelong backpacker. He started doing SAR with his first German Shepherd, Drakuul, in 1995. For the last 15 years he’s taught survival and backcountry navigation classes and just started his current German Shepherd, Oberon, about a year-and-a-half ago. They are part of a K9 volunteer organization called German Shepherd Search Dogs of Washington State (www.gssd.org). The organization officially formed in 1969. Maintaining a K9 specialization within the SAR community is no small task.

Joey Nickisher: A nationally certified Search and Rescue Technician 1 Lead Evaluator (SARTECH1), Nickischer is also a retired New York City Police Department Detective. He currently works as a lead technical rescue instructor for RIT Safety Solutions, AAA Emergency Supply, and Newburgh Rescue Supply. On the volunteer side, Joey is the chief of New York Search & Rescue and has led his team through searches ranging from the Word Trade Center attacks to Hurricane Katrina-ravaged New Orleans to the Catskill Mountains. He serves as a team leader with the Westchester County Technical Rescue Team and the Putnam County Technical Rescue Team, as well as an Assistant Chief with the Patterson Fire Department.

Gary Presson: Gary Presson is retired from the military after more than two decades of service. He has 21 years as a military and SAR land navigation instructor, as well as seven years as a rope rescue instructor, teaching both military and civilian SAR teams. He’s been an SAR volunteer since 2008 and is the lead instructor at North 40 Rescue, an SAR training firm with a focus on technical rope rescue that works with military and government units, volunteer fire departments, and civilian SAR teams around the country.

OFFG GRIDWEB.COM G D

055

ISSUE 24

056 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

All You Need is a Few Parts and Some Ingenuity to Fashion a Practical Cutting Implement By Ryan Houtekamer

hy build it when you can buy it? It seems that we’ve become a nation of consumption, more likely to spend our money than our time or effort. We solve our problems by buying things — and when they break, we just purchase new ones instead of repairing what we have. Due to this trend of disposable products , the ability to fix, build, or create seems to be becoming a lost art. Since this publication is all about selfsufficiency and using what you have around you, we wanted to provide you with a couple of ways to think outside the box.

Knowing how to MacGyver things in a pinch can go a long way in a desperate situation. If all you have at your disposal is a long saw blade, paracord, and some nuts and bolts, you might think you’re SOL in terms of any serious cutting or sawing. Don’t lose hope though — it just takes a little ingenuity. With the items listed and some pieces of wood, we can create a frame to improvise a practical cutting instrument that’ll make it a heck of a lot easier to cut some firewood or tree trunks for an improvised shelter. First of all, what exactly is a bucksaw? For our purposes, it’s a wooden frame that has a blade held in place using

ISSUE 24 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

057

ISSUE 24

058 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

3 2

2 4 5

tension, some branches or pieces of tree trunk, and some nuts and bolts. Twine, paracord, or other heavy string provides the tension, created when the vertical arms pivot on the crossbar, and pull outward on the ends of the saw blade. Bucksaws allow for a more natural handle position compared to trying to grab the end of a flimsy saw blade to move it back and forth. This frame will give you better leverage and grip, allowing more control of the cuts you make. This is beneficial for processing a lot of wood or building your survival palace. First, examine the saw diagram above. We’ll describe its various parts and how to fashion them in further detail as you read on. The parts you’ll need to purchase, if you don’t already have them, are the saw blade, bolts, nuts, and paracord. We prefer replacement bucksaw or bowsaw blades with four to six teeth per inch. Hacksaw blades tend to be shorter than we’d like, plus the size and number of teeth are more geared toward cutting metal or plastic. They can work, but it’s really a matter of preference. The blade on our example is 21 inches. After you’ve acquired a blade, the next step is finding a couple nuts and bolts. It’s important that this hardware fit through the existing holes on the ends of the blade that are usually used to mount it to a standard plastic and metal frame. Ideally, you want the two bolts to be long enough to have around 1 inch of thread showing through the nut at the end, as this will give you some extra room when you mount the blade to your homemade frame. The longer the bolts, the bigger the branches or pieces of wood you can work with.

1. Rope retaining notch 2. Arm/handle 3. Toggle 4. Cross bar 5. Cross bar notch 6. Bolt notch

You’ll also need to find or purchase some paracord. Typically it comes in lengths of 50 feet, but if you have a survival bracelet with paracord, it should provide enough length to complete the project. The paracord, or acceptable substitute cordage, creates the pulling force on the handles or arms to keep the blade taut. Next, you need a nice straight tree or two that are close to the handle diameter you want. Look for branches that are around ¾ to 1 inch in diameter. The actual length depends on how long your blade is and how long you want your handles to be. Typically they’ll be around 12 to 15 inches long. A good rule of thumb is to select three pieces that are as long as, or slightly longer than, the blade being used. In procuring the wood needed to build the bucksaw frame, you’ll quickly see the disadvantages of working with a bare saw blade. First, insert the nuts and bolts into the ends of the blade and get ready to look like a terrible accordion player as you painstakingly cut some appropriate lengths of wood. Hold the blade in between your fingers and curl your fingers around the bolts. This will give you something to hold on to as you sway your arms back and forth to hack some lengths of tree branch or trunk. If you have gloves, wear them — they’ll help you hold the blade more securely and reduce the risk of accidental cuts if your hands slip on the blade. Good news: You’ll have a handle soon, so this should be the last time you’ll need to use the blade in this frustrating manner.

OFFGRIDWEB.COM

ISSUE 24

Now it’s time to assemble the pieces. The first is the crossbar. This piece will likely require a bit of fine-tuning to achieve the appropriate length. You should aim to cut this a bit shorter than the distance between the screw holes in the chosen blade. This is because the screws will be on the outside of the saw’s arms. Once you have the crossbar cut to size, its ends must be finished in a way to help secure them to the vertical arms. In our case we fashioned triangular ends, as they’re fairly easy to make. You can do this with your knife, or if you have to use your crude bolt-handled saw blade. Try to create two symmetrical cuts, so that each end of the crossbar resembles a wedge. You might need to adjust the angle on these for fitment and to remove any twist your blade has once it’s all assembled. The arms or handles are your next task, which you can adjust based on your preferences. The crossbar will be held in place about halfway up the arms. The distance from the teeth of the saw to this crossbar is known as the throat, determining the thickest object you can cut through without making multiple cuts. So if all the trees in your area are half a foot in diameter, it’s best to make the arms a bit longer than a foot in length. Each arm needs three cuts, the first one being a V-shaped notch for the crossbar. Start approximately halfway up from where the teeth will be, or a bit higher, and mark a line on both arms in the same spot. Make a corresponding notch that the ends of the crossbar will fit into. This will allow them to lock in and provide the pivot point. You’ll need a small amount of slop in this so that the arms can move when tightened. If necessary, you can start with a small notch and gradually widen it. Remember, you can’t remove too little from the wood, but you can remove too much. If your notch is too wide or deep, you may have to start over on that particular piece. Next you’ll need to cut a slot in one end of each arm to accommodate the saw blade. You can use the blade itself or a sharp knife to whittle these openings. The width of the slots should only be as thick as the saw blade so the ends of the arms will securely hold it in place. Make the slots just slightly deeper than the height of the blade so the ends fit snugly into the wood when you fasten them with the bolts. It’s also helpful to add small notches for the bolts on the outside of the arms. The last cuts are the rope-retaining notches at the ends of the arm opposite the blade. Similar to the bolt notches, just cut small V shapes on the outside near the top of each arm. Your paracord will attach here, and the notch will prevent it from sliding off. Now that you can see how much distance you’re playing with, cut enough paracord to wrap around each end of the arms. Tie the ends together as tightly as possible.

059

ISSUE 24

060 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

In order to make the toggle as light as possible, one could theoretically split a long branch in half lengthwise to help reduce weight.

To tighten the cord and create the leverage to hold everything else in place, you need to make a toggle that goes from the crossbrace to just above the paracord. You can see on the diagram that the toggle should be a little more than half the length of the arms. It’s held in place by the tension of the cord and will be spun around the paracord to twist it. Thread it through the paracord and twist it as if it’s the windlass in a tourniquet. One end of the toggle will eventually rest loosely on the crossbar when you’ve tightened it appropriately. Some people make a slight indentation on the crossbar for the toggle to sit in. It’s up to you how (or if) you want to add this notch to secure it. Finally, it’s time to tighten it all up and get to cutting. Once you’ve constructed this frame, you can smooth out handle surfaces or make aesthetic improvements. You now

have a functional tool that’ll help you build a solid structure or break down wood to build a fire. With this improvised bucksaw, if anything other than the blade breaks, you can simply make new parts for the frame. If you’re venturing out into the woods, you can always carry spare blades and create the other components when needed. We’d also advise you to practice building a few versions to get the hang of it. The last thing you want is to need to figure out how to build one when you’re in dire need of a saw. Eventually you’ll get the hang of it, and it’ll be that much easier to build one in a hurry so long as you have the requisite hardware. You can devise other ways to use branches to create a slightly different style of saw; the point is to get you thinking about how you can still function with only limited resources on hand.

Available For

Home Delivery Get RECOIL’s sister publication, RECOIL OFFGRID, delivered right to your door six times a year! It’s a fresh approach to urban survival and emergency preparation — with in-depth buyer’s guides, honest product reviews, and survival techniques from the industry’s top experts.

OFFGRID-mag.com ALSO AVAILABLE ON

ISSUE 24

OFFG GRID G GRIDWEB.COM DWEB.COM 062 OFF

Learn the Proper Techniques to Carry or Drag an Injured Person to Safety By Scott Finazzo

SAFETY DISCLAIMER:

This article is meant to be an overview and not a detailed guide on rescue carries and drags. Seek professional training before attempting to use any tools or techniques discussed in this story.

simonkr/istockphoto.com

LET’S GET CARRIED AWAY

One-Person Walk Assist

their body as the other part drags — often used when a carry isn’t possible or practical. Regardless of whether you carry or drag a victim to safety, you must remember to keep your own safety a high priority. It doesn’t sound heroic to say, but it does no good for anyone if you injure yourself and become part of the problem rather than the solution. Moving a victim is harder than most realize. If the victim is conscious, pain from their injuries may cause them to shift their weight around while you’re moving them, creating a scenario where your back or joints are forced into unnatural or unsafe positions — leading to a strong likelihood of rescuer injury. The victim may be vocal, crying or shouting, distracting you from your task, which also lends itself to injury. If the victim is unconscious this creates a deadweight situation. They’re unable to assist you in any way, tell you if you’re hurting them, or causing greater injury by your movements. Also, the mental demands of moving an unconscious victim already increase the rescuer’s anxiety out of concern. The techniques discussed in the article are tried-and-true first responder techniques that are applicable to any survival situation. The way you choose to relocate a victim will depend on several factors and exact steps may vary depending on victim injury: How many victims are in need of rescue? How many rescuers are available? What are the capabilities and conditions of the rescuers? What is the size and condition of the victim(s)? What is the safety and stability of the environment?

Although the one-person walk assist is one of the easiest methods of helping to carry an injured person, never attempt to move anyone you think may have neck or spinal injuries without proper training.

ISSUE 24

have been a firefighter for over 20 years and relocating people away from precarious or deadly incidents is an essential component of my job. Among the seemingly endless tactics a firefighter is taught from day one, the ability to remove someone from harm is near the top of the list. Life safety is the top priority and whether you’re moving someone from danger or delivering them to lifesaving medical aid, knowing safe and effective ways to conduct these maneuvers can make all the difference. For many people, the general inclination is to carry someone as they’ve seen on television. Despite what Hollywood would have you believe, you will rarely, if ever, see someone carrying an adult victim out in front of them “cradle in arms” style. This can be used for an infant or child, but carrying a full-sized adult victim for any distance greater than a few feet, particularly over uneven terrain, is impractical and dangerous. Therefore you’ll need to know the correct techniques to use when moving a victim and when you should employ them. Once you’ve determined there’s a need to remove someone from harm or get them to a position where they can receive help, quick but careful thought must be given to how this will be performed. There are two different categories of emergent victim removal: carries and drags. Each has their place and which one you should apply depends on several factors. Victim Carries: When one or more rescuer is able to lift the victim and carry them to a location of safety. Victim Drags: The movement of a victim by lifting part of

OFFG GRIDWEB.COM G D

063

ISSUE 24

GRIDWEB.COM G D 064 OFFG

One-Person Carries You may be the only person available to help, or perhaps your team has already split up to render aid to multiple victims. Either way, there are times when you’ll be forced to move someone by yourself. Carries conducted by a single rescuer can be extremely taxing on the rescuer. Adrenaline will work both for and against you. You may feel a sudden burst of energy and strength, but will lose it just as quickly. The body will compensate by relying on large muscle groups, such as the back, as this could result in rescuer injury. One-person carries should only be performed with the confidence that you won’t cause injury to yourself or further injury to the victim.

One-Person Walk Assist In mass-casualty training, we refer to people who can selfextricate with little or no assistance as walking wounded. If your victim is able to walk with only minor help from you, let them. The one-person walk assist offers the least chance for injury to both rescuer and victim. Steps: Place victim’s arm around your neck and hold their wrist Place your arm nearest to them around their waist and walk with them to safety Firefighter Carry Made famous by the occupation, this type of carry should

Firefighter Carry

Packstrap Carry

LET’S GET CARRIED AWAY only be conducted by a very strong rescuer and a smaller victim. It’ll require good lifting techniques as well as good core and lower body strength. Traversing uneven ground can be difficult because, with the victim in place, the rescuer becomes very top heavy. The firefighter carry can be used on either a conscious or unconscious victim. Steps: With victim lying down, hook your elbows under their armpits Raise them to a standing position Place your right leg between the victim’s legs Grab the victim’s right hand with your left Squat and wrap your right arm around the victim’s right knee Stand and raise the victim’s right thigh over your right shoulder Pack Strap Carry The pack strap carry has been utilized by the military for decades. It’s a quick, down-and-dirty way to move a victim quickly. If not done correctly, this carry can be extremely uncomfortable for the victim. This is typically used on a conscious victim. For an unconscious victim, it can be done, but you may require assistance getting them into the position for you to safely follow the steps. Steps: Facing away from the victim, place their arms over your shoulders Cross the victim’s arms grasping the opposite wrist and pull close to your chest Squat, lean slightly forward, and drive your hips into the victim as you stand

Two-Person Extremity Carry

Two-Person Carries The most safe and efficient way to carry a victim is by two rescuers. The rescuers can share the weight, help each other watch for hazards, and work together efficiently without crowding too many people around the victim. It also reduces rescuer fatigue, which allows the rescuers to cover a greater distance or to return to aid more victims. Two-Person Extremity Carry This is a common carry that’s used by first responders and the military. It’s easily performed, but best suited for moving a victim over even terrain, such as along a paved path or within a building. Both conscious and unconscious victims can be carried in this manner. Steps: Help the victim to a seated position First rescuer kneels behind the victim, reaches under their arms, and grabs their wrists Second rescuer backs between the victim’s legs, squats down, and grabs behind the knees

GRIDWEB.COM G D 066 OFFG

Two-Handed Seat Carry

Stand at the command of the rescuer at the head, focusing on using your legs rather than your back Chair Carry One universal truth when speaking with anyone who prepares for catastrophe is that you use whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available to you. Moving victims is no different. A chair, for example, makes the transport of a victim significantly easier on the rescuers. This method is easier to perform with a conscious victim, but can be done with an unconscious victim as long as due care is taken. Steps: Place victim in a sturdy chair.

Chair Carry

LET’S GET CARRIED AWAY First rescuer stands behind, grabs the back of the chair, and leans it back on its hind legs Second rescuer backs to the chair, squats down, and grabs the front legs of the chair. Stand at the command of the rescuer at the head. Two-Handed Seat Carry The two-handed seat carry should only be conducted on conscious victims. Rescuers will utilize their arms to create a seat and the victim will need to be able to hold on for balance and stability. Steps: Each rescuer should kneel on either side of the seated victim Link arms behind the victim’s back Place your free arms under the victim’s knees and link arms Place victim’s arms around the shoulders of rescuers and stand together

Shoulder Drag

Drags A victim drag is typically employed when victim removal is time-critical, or when the size of the victim prevents a safe carry. A coordinated carry is always the safer option, but under certain circumstances, a “grab ’n’ go” is necessary, particularly if the victim is unconscious. Oftentimes, though, when victims need to be relocated the terrain is uneven and treacherous, creating a dangerous scenario for both the rescuer and the victim. However, when a rapid extraction is necessary, a drag may be the only option. If at all possible, debris should be cleared from the path of the drag to reduce the chance for injury to the rescuer and further injury to the victim.

Feet Drag

GRIDWEB.COM G D 068 OFFG

Blanket Drag

Blanket Drag Along the same line of thought as the chair carry, utilize what you have available to you when performing a victim drag. The blanket drag can be performed with a blanket, or a sheet, curtains, towel, tarp, or anything else that’ll accomplish the same goal. Steps: Tuck the blanket under one side of the victim Roll the victim onto the blanket Adjust the blanket so the victim is centered Grab the blanket by the end near the victim’s head and drag to safety Shoulder Drag The shoulder drag is another emergent maneuver for when a person needs to be moved quickly. This drag is difficult to perform over long distances as it’s physically taxing on the rescuer. Steps: Place victim in a seated position Squat behind the victim and reach under their arms grasping your own wrist Stand, lean back, and walk backward dragging the victim to safety Feet Drag The feet drag is a last resort. Moving a victim in this manner will most certainly be uncomfortable for the victim and will likely cause greater injury. It’s a “life over limb” technique. This can really be accomplished only if the victim is unconscious because of the pain of dragging their torso and head along the ground. Steps: Squat at the feet of the victim and grasp their ankles Stand, lean back, and drag

About The Author Scott Finazzo has over 20 years of experience as a firefighter. He’s a member of his department’s technical rescue team and has served as an instructor since 2000. Scott has written five books, including the national bestselling The Prepper’s Workbook and The Neighborhood Emergency Response Handbook, as well as his narrative of a kayak journey through the Virgin Islands called Why Do All the Locals Think We’re Crazy? Follow Scott at www.scottfinazzo.com.

N E W

O R I G I N A L

S E R I E S

START YOUR FREE TRIAL NOW! MOTORTRENDONDEMAND.COM /B81

ISSUE 24

070 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

We Review Six Tough Boots Fit for Day Hiking, Emergency Bug-Out, or Anything in Between By Patrick McCarthy

py medium between these extremes is represented by hiking boots. A trusty pair of hiking boots can easily handle short treks, weekend camping trips, and long-term bug-out situations. This footwear will reduce the risk of injury by protecting your feet from impacts and your ankles from rolling; comfort and support over rough terrain will be far superior to that of running shoes or cross-trainers. Most importantly, your little piggies won’t feel like they’re ready for the slaughterhouse after a few hours of walking with a fully loaded pack. In order to track down some versatile hiking boots that meet these standards, we requested sample pairs from six leading manufacturers. These pairs were then evaluated by three of our staff members: this author, network manager John Schwartze, and former head editor Patrick Vuong. Our variations in height, weight, and foot size helped us gain perspective on this selection of footwear. Read on to see if these boots fit your backcountry needs.

While hiking boots are ideal for rough trails and steep inclines, they’re not the best tool for everyday wear in the city. If you stomp around the office or grocery store in a set of mudcaked heavy-duty boots, you’re likely to appear out of place and clearly broadcast your preparedness. So, in addition to the six boots we tested here, we examined six shoes that fit the “gray man” philosophy — footwear that won’t appear unusual in urban areas, yet offers more toughness and capabilities than an ordinary pair of sneakers. You can read our complete Gray Man Shoe Buyer’s Guide online at www.offgridweb.com/ gear/gray-man-shoes

ISSUE 24

hen you’ve got the right tool for the job, tasks become much easier. Hunting deer with a derringer would be a wee bit more challenging than with a scoped .308 rifle, and nobody in their right mind would rather chop firewood with a Swiss Army knife than a sturdy ax. Footwear is no different, yet it’s not uncommon to see casual hikers headed down a trail in a pair of sneakers … or even flip-flops. If you want to avoid bruised, battered, blistered, and aching feet on outdoor excursions, a supportive pair of boots is a must. But as a quick Google search or trip to any local retailer will tell you, there’s a seemingly endless array to choose from. On one end of the range, so-called “lifestyle” boots are usually intended to look fashionable and do little else. On the other end, high-tech mountaineering boots are probably far beyond what you need, unless you regularly don crampons and scale glaciers. The hap-

Gray Man Shoes

OFFGRIDWEB.COM

071

OFFGRIDWEB.COM

BUYER’S GUIDE

ISSUE 24

072

Ariat

Terrain MATERIALS

Full-grain leather upper, moisture-wicking liner, gel-cushioned footbed, ATS composite shank, EVA midsole, Duratread rubber outsole COLORS

Brown Oiled Rowdy, Distressed Brown, Cordovan, Sunshine SIZES

7 to 13 including half-sizes; D or EE. Women’s sizes also available. MSRP

$105

URL

www.amazon.com

NOTES: We purchased this boot from Amazon.com in an attempt to put a cheaper brand to the test. After ordering the medium-width D offering of this model, our feet still felt as though they were swimming in the boots until we put on winter-type wool socks. The texture of the sole isn’t as aggressive as we’d like, but held up to hiking on steep, sandy trails respectably. Padding isn’t all that thick, and with a leather exterior (plus the aforementioned heavy socks), the wearer tends to end up with sweat-saturated feet after hard use. For the price, though, one could do a heck of a lot worse on inexpensive footwear. These didn’t repel water as much as we had hoped, but you can’t have everything you want for a pair of boots in this price range. For anything beyond short hikes, we’d rather shell out a few more bucks to have more cushioning, foot contour conformity, and water resistance. PROS: Inexpensive, comparatively speaking Easy to clean Lighter than they look CONS: If you have a narrow foot, this isn’t the shoe for you. We found sizing to run wide. Poor water resistance doesn’t lend itself to rainy or snowy environments Not as breathable as we’d like

TAKE A HIKE

Asolo

Fugitive GTX MATERIALS

Suede and nylon upper, Gore-Tex liner, Lite 2 composite footbed, Duo Asoﬂex lasting board, mono-density PU midsole, Asolo Synchro rubber outsole COLORS

Black/Gunmetal, Gray/Black, Gray/Gunmetal, Wool/Black SIZES

7 to 14 including half-sizes; wide ﬁt available MSRP

$250 URL

www.asolo-usa.com

NOTES: Remember the mountaineering boots we mentioned in the introduction? Italian shoemaker Asolo was founded in 1975 to pursue that niche, and the influence is evident in its consumer-grade hiking and backpacking footwear. The company is owned and operated by the Zanatta family, whose members have been producing shoes in the town of Nervesa della Battaglia for four generations. Today, its Alpine models are still made in Italy, while all other models (including this boot) are produced in Romania. With a modern design and bright red accents, the Fugitive hiking boot bears a strong resemblance to products from Asolo’s Alpine line. We found it quite comfortable and very supportive, with virtually no break-in necessary. The three-hook lace system includes an offset hook to lock in the ankle; adjusting the fit for the first time was easy. Flexibility is good at the toe, but the rest of the slender outsole feels more rigid than we’d like. The GTX designation indicates a waterproof Gore-Tex liner that’ll keep your feet cool and dry during inclement weather. Overall, the Fugitive is an appropriately named boot that we know we could trust while getting out of Dodge. PROS: Excellent ankle and arch support without excessive weight Comfortable right out of the box These boots can be resoled by third-party cobblers CONS: Firm rubber outsole compound is slippery on wet surfaces All colorways feature bright accents — we’d prefer a more subdued option Our sample boots feel slightly narrow with anything but thin summer socks

OFFGRIDWEB.COM

BUYER’S GUIDE

ISSUE 24

074

Danner

Light II MATERIALS

Nubuck leather and 1,000-denier nylon upper, Gore-Tex liner, removable Airthotic PU instep, ﬁberglass shank, recraftable Vibram Kletterlift rubber outsole COLORS

Brown, Dark Brown, Matte Black Kevlar SIZES

7 to 14 including half-sizes; B, D, or EE. Women’s sizes also available. MSRP

$380 URL

www.danner.com

NOTES: In contrast to the $100 boot we reviewed at the start of this guide, the flagship Light II represents the top end of our guide’s budget spectrum. In fact, it’s nearly quadruple the price of an entry-level boot. Fortunately, right off the bat the Light II seems virtually indestructible, with an ultra-thick Vibram outsole supported by a tough fiberglass shank. The tall leather upper is sturdy and supportive with only a handful of stitched seams; its three pairs of lace hooks allow for precise adjustment of fit and reduction of heel lift. Nylon sections on each side of the boot provide good breathability, but also repel water thanks to a Gore-Tex liner. Comfort is good, but not great — it feels like an old-school combat design built to a higher standard. The Light II is made in Danner’s Portland, Oregon factory, and its stitchdown construction allows for re-crafting and re-soling that can extend the boot’s life for decades to come. While it’s undeniably costly, and certainly not the cushiest boot you’ll ever wear, we could see this pair lasting a lifetime with proper maintenance, and that’s a truly rare quality in products these days. PROS: Extremely sturdy and supportive Danner offers in-house recrafting and resoling services Made in the USA CONS: Heavy weight, rigidity, and flat outsoles cause the boots to feel clunky The white plastic airthotic inserts sit loose in the boots and are nearly as hard as the insole beneath. More cushioning would be a welcome addition. Slight wrinkles on the insole material near the toe can be felt through socks

TAKE A HIKE

KEEN

Targhee EXP Waterproof Mid MATERIALS

Performance mesh upper, KEEN.Dry waterproof liner, removable EVA footbed, nylon shank, dual-density EVA midsole, KEEN allterrain rubber outsole COLORS

Black/Steel Gray, Bungee Cord/Brindle, Mulch/Burnt Ochre, Magnet/Dress Blues, Olive/Black Olive SIZES

7 to 17 including half-sizes; wide ﬁt available. Women’s sizes also available. MSRP

$140

URL

www.keenfootwear.com

NOTES: We’ve had good experiences with KEEN footwear in the past, as the company clearly knows how to produce shoes that balance ruggedness and comfort at an affordable price. The Targhee EXP has the padding and support of a light hiking boot, but also approaches the cushioning and flexibility normally found in a running shoe. We found this boot to be breathable despite its sealed appearance, and during tests it repelled water quite well in rainy conditions. The sole has a grippy texture that maintains traction on wet and slick surfaces; arch support is noticeable and contoured without being cumbersome. Only time will tell if the soft eyelets for the laces hold up compared to the metal style seen on most heavier hiking boots. For the price, we’d say this boot offers a lot of bang for the buck. We were very pleased with the Targhee and would consider KEEN again when looking for affordable outdoor shoes. PROS: Reflector strips will help you stay visible to group members on nighttime treks. Nice selection of muted color choices, rather than loud “notice me” shades Good fit for those with narrower feet CONS: Heel strap seems excessively large and can snag on underbrush Loop-style eyelets are likely to wear out faster than metal, especially if you like to replace your laces with paracord.

ISSUE 24

076 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

BUYER’S GUIDE LOWA

Renegade GTX Mid MATERIALS

Nubuck leather and Cordura nylon upper, Gore-Tex liner, ATC footbed, MonoWrap support frame, hard stabilizer, double-injection DuraPU midsole, Vibram Evo rubber outsole COLORS

Black/Black, Gray/Green, Sepia/Sepia, Slate/Olive, Stone/Brown, too many others to list SIZES

7.5 to 15 including half-sizes; B, D, or E. Women’s sizes also available. MSRP

$230 URL

www.lowaboots.com

NOTES: This boot destroys the notion that supportive footwear has to be as heavy and restrictive as a pair of cement shoes. The combination of a contoured Vibram Evo outsole with LOWA’s MonoWrap polymer support frame makes the Renegade feel light and natural under foot. The wearer’s stride is smoothed even more by the angled nylon collar, which allows a wider range of heel-to-toe articulation but restricts side-to-side rolling. Four pairs of closed-loop eyelets, a pair of locking ankle hooks, and two pairs of collar hooks retain the laces and provide exact control over fit. The Renegade feels comfortable and agile enough to wear on a daily basis around town, and that’s pretty incredible for a waterproof mid-cut hiking boot. However, this emphasis on lightness and flexibility comes with a potential drawback: durability. We didn’t see any signs of undue wear after our evaluation process, but the bonded external frame and numerous stitched seams may not last as long as a more Spartan old-school boot design. That said, we’ll happily buy a replacement pair when these eventually bite the dust — they’re that good. PROS: Exceptionally comfortable Supportive, yet lightweight and nimble Huge selection of 19 colorways, ranging from subdued to vibrant CONS: While the ball of the foot feels wide and comfortable, the tapered toe box feels slightly narrow. Long-term durability and toughness may be compromised by the lightweight materials.

TAKE A HIKE

Salomon

Quest 4D 2 GTX MATERIALS

Nubuck leather and textile upper, Gore-Tex liner, EVA shaped footbed, 4D Advanced Chassis dual-density EVA midsole, High Traction Contagrip rubber outsole COLORS

Detroit/Black/Navajo, Iguana Green/Asphalt/Dark Titanium, Fossil/Rain Drum/Humus SIZES

7 to 14 including half-sizes. Women’s sizes also available. MSRP

$230 URL

www.salomon.com

NOTES: Salomon started 70 years ago as a ski manufacturer and has since built a worldwide reputation for making high-quality footwear and outdoor equipment. Whether it’s a snowboard binding, an alpine ski pole, or a trail-running daypack, if it bears an authentic Salomon logo, there’s a good chance it’ll perform even under the most extreme conditions. The Quest 4D 2 GTX is no exception. This butt-kicker combines the style of a high-top boot, the structure of backpacking footwear, and the technology of running shoes to provide a surprisingly lightweight but supportive package that lets you walk, hike, or even sprint in a wide range of unpaved terrain. To increase durability, there’s a rubber toe cap, rubber heel cap, and a mud guard on each boot. Plus, while not a winter boot per se, the Quest 4D 2 GTX is waterproof and could be paired with some heavy-duty wool socks to work in milder snowy conditions. For a survivalist who might have to haul a 50-pound bug-out bag through God-knows-where, these Salomon boots could help ease the burden for the long haul … at least for your feet. PROS: Break-in period lasted all of 15 minutes. No joke. Crazy comfortable fit thanks to lace locker, heel strap, OrthoLite insole, and EVA shaped foot-bed Salomon’s High Traction Contagrip outsole gives your feet some Spider-Man–like stickiness in slick conditions. CONS: Rounded laces last longer than flat ones and are easier to untie when wet, but we hate how easily they can loosen (or even come undone) on their own. Not offered in wide or narrow sizes

Breaking-In Your Boots

Ever wonder about the best way to break in your new pair of boots, avoid blisters, and maximize comfort? There’s more to it than you might think. Contributor Andy Schrader

addressed this topic by testing two new pairs of footwear: the Garmont T8 Bifida tactical boot, and the Le Chameau Condor LCX hunting boot. He also shared some initial wear tips from a boot designer, and used these tips to evaluate how each boot fared during the break-in process. This guide is available now exclusively at www.offgridweb.com/gear/boot-break-in

A Buyer’s Guide to Merino Wool Baselayers By Rob Curtis

or all our opposable thumbs, ability to reason, and interstellar ambition, we humans have a pretty narrow environmental survival zone. We do fine in warm, dry conditions — say, inside a temperature band that ranges from 50 degrees F to about 95 degrees F. But outside that environment, our bodies have trouble maintaining a core temperature.

The human body is a thermal engine that produces heat as it converts calories to energy. The by-product of the conversion keeps us warm when it’s cold out, but as we use more energy, the body dumps excess heat in a bid to maintain its perfect internal temperature. The body’s primary method of shedding excess heat relies on the principal of evaporative cooling; specifically, the body produces sweat on the skin’s surface to speed cooling.

This process works fine when we’re naked and sweat can evaporate. But when the skin is covered by insulation, two things can happen. First, sweat gets trapped against the skin, and, second, that moisture soaks the surrounding clothing. The result is evaporative cooling combining with conductive and convective cooling actions to produce a rapid cooling effect that, if unchecked, leads to hypothermia in cold climates.

So, the trick to staying warm has as much to do with managing sweat as it does with providing insulation. Maintaining a buffer of air next to the skin (called a microclimate in marketing circles) is the key to warmth, comfort, and, ultimately, survival.

WHAT’S A BASELAYER?

skin temperature, to keep moisture moving in the right direction.

WOOL There are a bunch of fibers out there that provide loft and more than a few that can wick moisture away from the body. But none does both as well as wool. For all its itchiness, wool is a crazy combination of features that reads like a textile engineer’s wish

OFFGRIDWEB.COM

ISSUE 24

When we think of a baselayer, we think its job is to provide insulation. But its primary

role is actually to counteract the effects of cooling by managing moisture. In a proper layering system, a sweater or other lofty midlayer provides the primary insulation, while the baselayer keeps the skin dry. It’s a team effort. Since physics tells us air pressure forces moisture in the direction of cool, dry air, we need to maintain a small buffer of air that’s warmer than the outside air, but cooler than

079

ISSUE 24

080 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

list. For example, it’s both hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Weird. Wool’s major downside as a clothing fabric is its itchiness. The itch comes from the scaly surface of coarse fibers found on most sheep. But there’s a genetic strain of sheep that produces a fine wool fiber that takes itch out of the equation. That family of sheep is known as the merino, and its bounty is nature’s itch-free, super fiber: merino wool.

FUNCTION Merino wool does well enough as a thermal insulator. Its ultrafine fibers are naturally crimped so that when they’re spun into a yarn, at a microscopic level, they interlock in a zigzag orientation that creates lots of small air pockets. Those air pockets hold air that’s warmed by heat radiating from the skin. This quality is also responsible for wool’s ability to stretch. Where merino excels is at the important task of moisture management. A wool fiber’s outer surface allows moisture vapor to pass into the fiber’s hydrophilic core where it’s trapped until it’s released into a cooler, drier environment. Each fiber can hold as much as 35 percent of its own weight in liquid in the fiber’s cortex, or innermost core. Without oxygen in the cortex, there’s no way for stinky bacteria to breed, so smells are held at bay. Now for the science fiction; wool fibers are hydrophobic, too. They repel standing water and prevent, to a certain extent, the kind of wet-out that cotton is known for. Since the wool yarns can maintain a matrix without collapsing like wet cotton, they continue to trap and warm some air … as long as you’re still putting out heat. This explains wool’s warmth-when-wet ability. Along this line, we’ve also read some science

journals that suggest whenever wool absorbs moisture into its cortex, the chemical reaction produces a tiny bit of heat. We can’t disprove this idea, but we’ve never felt a perceptible boost in warmth when jumping into a frosty lake while wearing merino, either. We already touched on odor control, but wool is also quiet and nonreflective. And, lastly, wool’s capacity to hold moisture means it’s flame resistant. It’s not flameproof, but its self-extinguishing, no-melt, and no-drip qualities make it far better than synthetics in fire-prone environments.

FABRIC The base fiber of a merino yarn is tiny sheep hairs, chemically treated, washed, and dried, then either spun into yarn alone or combined with other fibers to make an intimate blend. These merino yarns, either alone or alongside yarns of other fibers, are knit into a cloth. The thinner the fibers, the more supple and itch-free the yarn. Synthetic fibers are sometimes mixed in to add other properties to the finished product. For example, merino isn’t the most durable fiber, so it’s often blended with nylon to add strength to the fabric. Wool garments are also known to steadily shrink when washed over their lifetime, and they don’t dry quickly. Merino blends are formulated to help with these issues, too.

POWER WOOL A textile that’s managed to capture merino’s benefits while mitigating its shortcomings is Polartec Power Wool. “The idea behind power wool was to put the wool where it makes the most sense, next to skin,” says Karen Beattie, Senior Product Manager with Polartec, “and then mitigate the negatives using synthetics.”

Power Wool combines merino wool with synthetics such that only wool is in contact with skin and a smooth polyester fabric faces out, providing more surface area than wool alone for moisture to evaporate. The synthetic inclusion makes Power Wool more durable than 100-percent merino, and means it doesn’t shrink, dries faster, and layers better thanks to the smooth outer fabric. Clothing makers use fabric weight to describe the amount of warmth a garment provides. This is somewhat useful when comparing garments of similar fabric construction, such as flat knit jerseys. But in general terms, fabrics under 100 grams per square meter feel like a light T-shirt, 100200 GSM baselayers feel like heavyweight T-shirts, and 200 GSM fabrics feel like a light sweatshirt. Anything around 100 is appropriate for warm weather; 150 -180 is a midweight and ideal for mid to high output endeavors in cold climates. 200+ fabrics are best for sedentary activities in cold temps or high output activities in frigid weather.

THE WHOLE SHEEP Once past the fabric level, the most important aspects of the baselayer are a close fit (the fabric has to be in constant contact with the skin to wick moisture), seam quality and location, durability, and the ability of the garment to stay in place. Oh, and dudes might like a pee slot. But every added seam means more expense and bulk. There’s no free lunch. We pulled a bunch of merino and merino blend baselayers together to learn what we can about the way fabric choices, garment constructions, and other features combine to keep us warm and dry.

BUYER’S GUIDE

NEXT TO SKIN

Arc’teryx LEAF

Cold WX Zip Neck & Cold WX Bottom AR - Wool FABRIC

ABMT 180gsm nylon core spun merino wool 81% wool / 12% nylon / 7% elastane WEIGHT

7.4/5.7 ounces (medium) COLORS

Black, Crocodile MSRP

$139/$109 URL

leaf.arcteryx.com

NOTES: Arc’teryx’s wool baselayer blend uses a lot of wool, adds some nylon for strength, and finishes with an elastic chaser to keep things tight. Of the blends used by companies represented in our group, Arc’teryx’s higher-than-average wool content stands out. It’s very breathable, passes moisture readily and feels the least clammy of the blends. When new, the wool does feel scratchy, but it’s not noticeable when layered. Cold wash, use wool detergent, and you can tumble dry using low heat. The top has a generous 1/4-zip opening for the largest heads and adequate venting. The torso uses a split panel side that keeps the seam from landing directly in the armpit where it can ride on body armor, wear and otherwise annoy a very sensitive area. The tiny chest pocket at first seemed pointless, but we realized it’s an extremely accessible spot that’s ideal for an ID and credit card. The bottom has the same flat seams found in the top, also placed to avoid friction points. There’s a pee slot, and the waistband is 1 1⁄4 inches and stays flat without rolling or bunching. PROS: Breathes well Handy ID pocket Care is less complex than other woolens CONS: Wool starts out on the scratchy side Zipper could be longer to provide more venting

ISSUE 24

OFF

WEB.COM

081

BUYER’S GUIDE

ISSUE 24

F WEB.COM W 082 OFFGRIDW

Arc’teryx LEAF

Cold WX T-Shirt & Boxer AR - Wool FABRIC

ABMT 180gsm nylon core spun merino wool 81% wool / 12% nylon / 7% elastane WEIGHT

5.8/3.0 ounces (medium) COLORS

Black, Crocodile MSRP

$99/$64 URL

leaf.arcteryx.com

NOTES: It seems odd to wear wool in temperate weather, but merino’s moisture transport superpowers work just as well when it’s warm. The fabric wicks moisture like a champ, but it’s hard to escape the feeling of warmth in this weight of wool fabric when used in the summer. We found it works great as a cool weather base layer when full-on long undies are too much.

The side and shoulder seams are identical to the long-sleeve versions. The crew neck is stretchy enough and holds its shape through washings, and it seems to have come to terms with life in and out of the dryer. The boxer briefs are cut well and provide support in all the right places. But wool underwear in the summer is still a sweaty affair. PROS: Wicks sweat Offers a cooler alternative to full coverage thermals CONS: Too warm for temperate climate Fabric feels wooly

Beyond Clothing

A1 - Power Wool Pullover Top & Long John Bottom FABRIC

Polartec Power Wool 28% wool / 72% polyester WEIGHT

8.8/7.8 ounces (medium) COLORS

Coyote

MSRP

$135/$75 URL

beyondclothing.com

NOTES: Beyond’s A1 Power Wool thermals are the warmest, and heaviest, of the thermals we tried. Maybe we’ve bought into the Power Wool hype, but there’s no question the stuff does what it says. Even with this heavy fabric, it breathes and moves sweat whether we were running a chainsaw in the snow or sitting through a morning briefing before heading out for a day of winter land nav.

The polyester face fabric was noticeably less grabby than other base layer fabrics when worn under uniform pants. The patterning is basic, leaving seams in less-than-ideal locations. We’d like a gusseted crotch for mobility and durability in that key location, and a deeper zipper up top would increase its venting ability when really pumping. We noticed one of the downsides of the heavier Power Wool fabric is its stretch. The A1 feels tight in some areas, like the seat, but hangs loose on the ankles and cuffs. PROS: Extremely warm Moves sweat well

CONS: Could use a deeper zipper Material isn’t as stretchy as others in the group

Duckworth

Vapor Hoody & Vapor Wool Brief FABRIC

Duckworth Vapor Wool 38% Helle Rambouillet merino wool, 50% polyester, and 12% modal WEIGHT

7.0/3.1 ounces (medium) COLORS

Olive, Gray, Gray/Blue MSRP

$110/$40 URL

www.duckworthco.com

NOTES: Duckworth’s Vapor Wool fabric isn’t a full-on cold weather solution. It’s more like the best shoulder season fabric we’ve ever worn. Fall and spring sunrise breakfasts at the campsite that roll right into a misty trail ride, or hiking back with a trail crew under headlamps and packs. The Vapor Hoody is like a superhero suit that never comes off. The funk factor is very low on this stuff; it saw the washer a couple times over a few months … mostly to deal with a the aftermath of a terrible toothpaste accident. It packs down to nothing, too, if you decide to take it off. The material hugs in the right places to move sweat vapor, but is so light that if barely feels like wearing a longsleeve T-shirt, much less one made of a wool blend.

PROS: Wicks and breathes so well you can leave it on all day in the spring and fall We used the hood more than we thought we would Thin enough to wear as a second base layer on very cold days

CONS: Not suitable for deep winter wear Must be washed gentle and hung dry You’ll cry when it wears out Not toothpaste resistant

First Lite

Wilkin Half Zip Aerowool Top & Glenbrook ¾ Length Aerowool Bottoms FABRIC

First Lite Aerowool (intimate blend of merino wool and Cocona 37.5 infused polyester ﬁbers) 65% wool / 35% polyester WEIGHT

7.6/4.7 ounces (medium) COLORS

Black, Conifer, Dry Earth, First Lite Cipher, First Lite Fusion MSRP

$115/$90

NOTES: Aerowool fabric uses a merino wool base fiber with a Cocona 37.5 polyester kicker. The blend adds absorbent elements that increase the surface area of the fiber by 800 percent and improves breathability, as well. We don’t know about all that, but we can tell you the fabrics provided warmth while on a slow up and downhill moose stalk that lasted most of a long, exhausting day. Layers were donned and doffed, but the Wilkin Half Zip remained constant.

URL

The highly technical top features perforated fabric underarms and crotch for excellent breathability, seams that never chafe, a deep zippered front that dumps heat like a opening a car door at 70 mph, a low T-neck that keeps out the draft, but doesn’t get hung up on a rifle sling, and thumbholes to keep the sleeves from riding up when reaching out. The boot cut bottoms worked great with tall, waterproof Muck boots. www.ﬁrstlite.com

PROS: Perforated fabric in key areas increases comfort Deep venting zipper Ninja sleeves

CONS: Fabric pills

ISSUE 24

F WEB.COM W 084 OFFGRIDW

BUYER’S GUIDE Mammut

Klamath Half-Zip Top & Long Underwear Bottoms NOTES: Compared to the other Polartec Power Wool product in our WEIGHT roundup, Mammut’s Klamath 6.4/4.9 ounces (medium) baselayer fabric is thinner with COLORS a lot more stretch and return. Gray, Navy It fits snuggly in all areas of MSRP a healthy, one-time athletic, $99/$79 46-year-old male body without URL bunching or constricting. It’s us.mammut.com served well as a base layer for a 15 degree F range day (no prone shooting!), felling trees in 6 inches of snow, and a dozen days of ski patrol work. FABRIC

Polartec Power Wool 145 Jersey 31% wool / 69% polyester

The delta between pulling sleds loaded with 200 pounds of injured guest across a flat and riding a chairlift in barking snow is more than a fair test of breathability. Mammut’s Power Wool construction managed to keep the air moving while working, and the sweat from freezing while riding the chairlift on the lift. The deep zip collar helped dump heat when needed, and the smooth face fabric never bunched up on the softshell pants worn atop it. The seams could be positioned out of the armpit. But as we understand it, the Power Wool fabric is pricier than regular wool and wool blends, so we can live with Mammut’s decision to spend the money on the fabric instead of adding seams and sewing time. PROS: Frictionless base layer works great with over layers Warmth without clamminess Fabric panels match articulation well CONS: Thin waistband tends to roll Seams fall in high wear/high chafe areas No pee slot

Power Wool has a smooth outer face fabric and a grid interior.

Ortovox

185 Rock’N’Wool Long Sleeve & Short Pants FABRIC

100% virgin merino wool WEIGHT

6.2/5.4 ounces (medium) COLORS

Blue, Green, Gray, Red MSRP

$110/$100 URL

www.ortovox.com

NOTES: They are the European masters of merino, but you’ve never heard of Ortovox because the company only brought their clothing line to the U.S. a couple years ago. It’s one of the deepest catalogs of merino-based performance clothing out there. The 185 Rock’N’Wool is 100 percent, unadulterated, 19-micron ﬁber merino wool. There’s no nylon, no polyester, nada. Despite the lack of includes, the fabric has the hand of a buttery T-shirt. It’s also warm as heck and breathes like a champ. It’s ideal for stop-and-go pursuits. Durability is up in the air, as it doesn’t have nylon to help it out. It’s a bit fussy when it comes to care, calling for a cold wash, inside-out, using wool detergent and ﬂat, air drying.

It’s super comfy, though. Despite being pure wool, the fabric’s hand gives no hint of itch. While there’s clearly something special going on with the fabric, the seams are all pretty standard fare, running right along the shoulder — not great for packs. And they converge under the armpit where they’re gonna chafe. The short pants are great for anything involving boots and tall socks such as skiing or hunting. The knee patches improve durability of the merino in a high wear area. PROS: Good looking Soft, all natural fabric Extremely comfortable across wide range of temperatures

CONS: No pee slot Pure wool fabric construction isn’t as durable as blends

Rab

Merino+ 160 LS Crew & Pants FABRIC

160 Merino+ 65% wool / 35% polyester WEIGHT

6.4/5.9 ounces (medium) COLORS

Amazon, Ebony, Gray, Red MSRP

$85/$110

NOTES: Rab’s 160 Merino+ fabric is a blend of merino wool and Cocona 37.5 polyester. Similar to First Lite’s Aerowool mentioned above, the fabric takes advantage of wool’s strengths and adds polyester fibers infused with absorbent material that increases the surface area of the fibers by 800 percent. The result is a fabric that acts like wool, but dries faster and wears a bit harder. On the down side, it’s a bit warmer than a similar weight of 100-percent merino.

URL

The top’s seams are all located away from friction points, with none running on top of the shoulder. The crew neck has held up over two months of wear without relaxing, and the rear neck seam is thoughtfully padded for comfort. The pants have a single leg seam, a gusseted crotch, and a pee slot. The waistband is made by folding the base fabric over an elastic band. This extends the benefits of the 160+ material as far north as possible. www.rab.equipment

The fabric is very thin, breathing well, but it does feel warmer than similar weights of pure merino. Rab replaced the crew neck with a 1⁄4 -zip version of the 160 Merino+ model this season, so you might find this one at a steep discount. PROS: No funky smell after four days straight of use Intelligent seam placement Lightweight and very strong

CONS: Surface pilling occurred within a few weeks of wear Polyester increases moisture transport, but the material still feels less breathable than wool.

ISSUE 24

086

Living With Diabetes in Austere Conditions is Difficult, But These Preps Will Ease the Burden By Dr. Dave Miller

urviving an apocalyptic event will be a serious challenge for healthy people. As both a doctor and a Type 1 diabetic, I can say that the challenge is more formidable for those of us with this chronic condition. Preparation is necessary to survive for any amount of time, especially for a diabetic. Diabetes is a disease of the balance between calories consumed and insulin produced (or injected). Normally, a diabetic should aim for a blood sugar of 110 to 130; however, in a survival situation I would recommend a blood sugar near 180 to 200. Your body is much more tolerant of high blood sugars (hyperglycemia) in short-term survival situations; low blood sugars (hypoglycemia) can quickly be deadly below 20. Taking the time to prepare and acquire the diabetic supplies you need could mean the difference between life and death.

Important Supplies In the event of an emergency you may not have time to get your gear and enough medications together quickly. Most of us will have a bug-out bag and extra basic supplies to give ourselves a chance to last for a while. However, as a diabetic, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need time to acquire all the supplies youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to last days, weeks, or possibly months. Supplies to consider include medication, syringes for insulin, test strips, two glucometers, a solar charger, batteries, glucose, and water purification equipment. With different medications, there are important factors to consider. Every medication has a shelf life and expiration date. As a general rule, for prescription medications in pill form, I will keep them up to one year after I acquire them; after one year, I dispose of them. Keep them somewhere cool and away from direct sunlight. Insulin is best kept in the refrigerator, but it may be kept at room temper-

DISCLAIMER:

This article is meant to be a quick overview and not a detailed guide on how to deal with diabetes in an emergency situation. Professional medical treatment should always be sought first before attempting any of these methods.

CHUYN/istockphoto.com

ISSUE 24

088

If you’re an insulin pump user, a solar charger can also be used to charge your pump. Having enough supplies for your pump is important, but will take up a lot of room. Most pumps now have continuous glucose monitoring capabilities and are an excellent way to monitor your sugars in a survival situation. The most important thing for pump users, however, is to be comfortable going back to injections in the event your pump quits working or you run out of supplies.

Proper Preparation

MarkHatfield/istockphoto.com

Sezeryadigar/istockphoto.com

Keeping redundant supplies, such as syringes, insulin, test strips, and insulin pumps are a must for disaster situations. Check and rotate them regularly according to their expiration. Check with your doctor and insurance company to see what is available to you for emergency purposes. Stock at least three months’ worth of supplies if possible.

ature for up to a month without losing its potency. The warmer the temperature, though, the faster the insulin will become ineffective. If the insulin is past the expiration date or has been sitting at room temperature for 30 days, I wouldn’t recommend using it. Metformin is a popular pill for diabetes, but if you are dehydrated and your kidney function declines, this drug can cause lactic acid to build up in your system. Your chance of dying due to lactic acidosis is twice as high if this happens so make sure you stay hydrated! Glipizide and Glimepiride are two other medications commonly used for diabetes. These two medications are usually tolerated well even when your body is under stress. There are many types of insulin (e.g., long acting and combinations of long and short acting). They come in 10mL vials or 3mL pens. Knowing what your type of insulin will do for you is incredibly important before an emergency. If you don’t know, ask your doctor. Keep in mind that insulin can be kept at room temperature for about 30 days if needed. Make sure you have enough syringes or pen needles for four injections a day. I don’t recommend reusing these. For testing blood sugars, you should have two of the same meters and enough strips to test four times a day. Keep a few batteries as backup. Some meters now come with USB chargers and no separate batteries; thus, it is a good idea to have a solar charger.

If a disaster were to occur today, would you have all of the diabetic supplies you needed to survive for any amount of time? You should anticipate needing three months of supplies in the worst-case scenario. After those three months, you may be able to scavenge supplies from casualties. In order to save enough supplies, you may need to prepare a year in advance of a SHTF scenario. Since it is impossible to predict when that event will occur, you will need to have a plan in place to improve your odds of survival. When you think about stockpiling medication, realize that most insurance companies will allow you to pick up your prescriptions five days early. If you are taking oral medication once a day, filling it five days early will allow you to collect five extra days of medications a month. With insulin, the amount you need will depend on how much you use and whether you use long-acting or short-acting insulin. In general, the older insulins are U 100, which means that there are 100 units of insulin per 1 mL. Vials of insulin have 1,000 units (10 mL) and pens have 300 units (3mL). Newer insulins are concentrated (U 200, U 300, and U 500) and have more insulin per milliliter. As an example, if you take 30 units a day of U 100 insulin then you will use 900 units a month. That leaves 100 units extra each month. If you still pick up your prescription on time every month then in 10 months you will have stockpiled one vial of insulin. Insulin pump users should stockpile pump supplies, but also have backup syringes in the event the pump fails. For test strips, keep in mind you will probably need to be checking your blood sugar more frequently the longer the survival situation persists. Be sure you refill your tests strips monthly even if you don’t use all the allotted strips. By doing this, you may be able to procure several hundred extra strips within a year. When you find that you have to check your blood sugar four times a day in a survival situation, these surplus strips can last months. Make sure you are keeping the test strips in a dry, cool place to help them last longer. I wouldn’t recommend using test strips beyond the expiration date due to the potential for less accurate readings. Usually your meter will come with a control solution which tests your meter’s accuracy. Most meter companies will send you a control solution for free if you call the number on the back of the meter. Ask your doctor

THE DIABETIC SURVIVALIST about getting a spare meter or call the meter company: they often have extras to give to you.

What to Expect The stress of a survival situation will likely increase your blood sugars in the first few days. The stockpile of medications will help with hyperglycemia, and the food storage (e.g. canned goods and MREs) you have saved should help combat the hypoglycemic events early on. You should be checking your blood sugars one to two times a day at this point. As the event moves from days to weeks, checking your blood sugar is more important (two to three times a day). Your food sources will begin to dry up, and you’ll now need to forage for food and water. The risk of hypoglycemia increases as your energy expenditure increases and caloric intake decreases. I would recommend checking at least four times a day as the disaster stretches from weeks into months. The possibility of death due to hypoglycemia increases the longer the survival scenario persists. The ability to be productive when the blood sugar drops below 60 is difficult, and the ability to survive once it drops into the 20s isn’t guaranteed. Resources such as glucose tablets, glucose gel, and glucagon pens are an option to fight hypoglycemia, but aren’t long-term solutions. Knowing what kinds of fruits (e.g. raspberries, blackberries, oranges) grow naturally in your area will also be helpful if your sugar goes low. High-calorie emergency ration bars can contain 400 calories per bar and may be used as a bridge until food can be procured. These items should also be stockpiled.

Photo by Michael Grey

Stocking up on calorie-dense foods, such as ration bars, is a good idea in the event of food shortages. See Issue 7 for our buyer’s guide on ration bars.

About the Author David Miller, DO, FACOI, is an internist in private practice. Diagnosed with

In Summary

Type 1 diabetes in 1990, he has a unique perspective on patient care and

As a diabetic, the importance of stockpiling medication and resources for a survival scenario cannot be overemphasized. It’s important to know how your body and blood sugars respond to stress. Maintain a balance during a crisis situation, and you’ll be better prepared to succeed.

disease management. Experiences away from the office have included being a fight doctor for regional MMA bouts and a team physician for a Division I university in west central Illinois. Dr. Miller is an instructor for the Civilian Crisis Response Team (medical section) based out of Indianapolis.

AMR Image/istockphoto.com

ISSUE 24

090

HANDSON

COLD FEAT L Dometic CFX35W Fridge Freezer ike air conditioning and a lack of back hair, refrigeration is one of those things separating man from beast. Cold storage slows food spoilage — without it, we’d be in a constant state or foraging or hunting to maintain food stocks. With it, though, we can stockpile days of fresh rations, and that lets us concentrate on other survival priorities. Ice chests were, and are, a great cooling option if the means to make and store ice

are available. But, sourcing or making ice from scratch isn’t anywhere as convenient as running a highly efficient refrigerator/freezer from a solar-fed battery. Before hitting the end of days, we decided to get familiar with a portable fridge/freezer made by Dometic. Dometic is a global company that traces its roots back to a couple of young Swedish scientists who invented what would become the modern refrigerator back in the 1920s. Electrolux acquired the rights to the technology

By Rob Curtis

in the 1920s, grew its appliance business and by the ’60s, gave birth to Dometic, a division of the company focusing on portable and leisure appliances. In 2001, Electrolux spun off the Dometic division as we see it today, standing on its own as one of the largest producers of portable appliances in the world. Dometic fridges are found in RVs, semitruck cabs, and boats, among other places where milk, eggs, and medications (such as the insulin mentioned earlier in this issue) need to be refrigerated.

The CFX35W is on the smaller end of Dometic’s eight compact portable fridge/ freezers. It provides a little more than a square foot of cold storage; acting as either a refrigerator or freezer at the push of a few buttons. The box’s compressor sips power with remarkable efficiency.

Capabilities The CFX35W fridge/freezer provides 1.1 cubic feet of storage. That’s enough for more than a week of meals and condiments if you pack carefully, and the included two-compartment wire basket helps keep things organized. The unit is capable of cooling contents down to -7F. Before you can cool your bacon, you have to supply power to the box. It runs on both AC and DC power and features a priority circuit that automatically switches to AC power when connected to both. On the DC side, the unit senses the power draw and battery level and cuts off the juice at one of three user-selectable levels to prevent over-discharging. All this cooling power is good for nothing if the box falls apart or craps out, so Dometic uses stainless steel hinge hardware, reinforces the housing corners for durability, and seals the control and display, giving it the best chance for long-term survival whether the box spends its days serving

as a primary fridge in an austere kitchen, banging around in the back of a truck or chilling veterinary medication in a barn.

Purpose Portable fridges are great for RVing and overlanding, but they come into their own during extended power outages and other scenarios that go past a week. As simple and rugged as they are, ice-fed coolers have a place in short and medium-term survival situations, but at a certain point passive coolers become impractical. And that’s without considering how little fun it is to open up an ice chest full of food, finding limp cardboard packaging floating amidst soggy provisions in a mini Arctic sea. An ideal, long-term refrigeration solution is running a highly efficient, portable fridge/ freezer with a solar-rechargeable battery system. With a properly sized battery and panel, the CFX35W will run indefinitely. Near as we can tell using basic metering equipment, the unit pulls DC power in one of three modes: cooling, station-keeping, and idle. At peak draw, it pulls 60 to 70 watts when cooling. While maintaining its temperature, it pulls 40 to 50 watts for a few minutes at a time, and it pulls about 1 watt at other times, powering the brains, display, and interior LED.

ISSUE 24

092

HANDSON Performance

Controls As we’ve hinted, the CFX35W is smarter than your average fridge/freezer. Like your home fridge, it’s thermostat controlled and is user adjustable from ambient to -7 degrees F. The CFX35W has a single cooling zone that acts as either a fridge or freezer based on the selected temperature setting. While the main bin is actively cooled, the smaller insulated bin above the compressor acts as a crisper, or a fridge area when the main compartment provides a deep freeze. The front panel offers a readout displaying the unit’s internal temperature. A colored LED lets you know when the unit is powered up, when the compressor is running, and if there’s a fault. Hit the “SET” button to adjust a handful of options including the temperature setting, display brightness, Celsius or Fahrenheit display, the battery monitor level, and to turn the onboard Wi-Fi on or off. The Wi-Fi is somewhat convenient when setting up the fridge, but it’s a pain to use otherwise. The fridge won’t join an existing Wi-Fi network, so you have to manually join the fridge’s network whenever you want to adjust a setting. The Wi-Fi option makes it possible to remotely monitor and adjust all of the unit’s settings using iOS and Android devices. Viewing and changing the box’s setting with a smartphone is easier than scrolling through

the push-button menus on the CFX’s top deck, but the fridge’s Wi-Fi is a dead-end network. To take advantage of this functionality, you have to leave behind whatever data service you’re on and manually join the fridge’s network. Not a problem when you’re out in the boonies, but if you’ve got a Wi-Fi network in your bug-out base, this option isn’t ideal. A Bluetooth connection would make more sense, since it won’t kidnap your mobile device from its cellular network connection. There’s a USB port on the front of the fridge to charge a phone or USB power pack, which is useful in any location remote or austere enough to warrant the use of a little fridge like this. Next to the USB port there’s an emergency switch. When in emergency mode, the thermostat and controls are bypassed, and the compressor runs continuously. It’s a fail-safe option that’ll keep the unit going in dumb mode if the electronics suffer a malfunction; you’ll have to monitor the temp, though. Other features include sturdy folding handles (which is important since the unit weighs more than 40 pounds), an interior LED, a removable wire basket with divider, and a drain port. Dometic offers optional accessories, including an insulated cover to increase the unit’s efficiency and a slider for vehicle installs as optional accessories.

We ran the CFX35W over the summer almost exclusively from a Goal Zero Yeti 1400 battery and a Boulder 100 solar panel. We ran it in a stationary, solar configuration using DC power for weeks behind the house. We loaded it with meats, cheeses, milk, eggs, bacon, and all the other stuff you’d expect to find in a fridge. With the unit set to a lazy 36 degrees F, our logging thermometer showed us the unit fluctuated 1 degree above and below the selected temp over the course of a two-week test. We switched over to freezer mode toward the end of our test and cranked the temp down to -5 degrees F with a few pounds of ground beef in the chest. No surprises. The sleeves of cow meat came out as they went in, cryogenically preserved and suitable for use as batons. In 85-degree temperatures, the fridge/ battery/solar panel system seemed capable of running indefinitely. With the fridge and battery plugged into the solar panel, the fully charged Yeti battery fed the fridge while charging cell phones and a few LED lanterns without dropping into the red for the duration of the test. Without the solar panel, the fridge ran the battery alone down in about five days. Keep in mind, you’ll have to start with a full battery on a sunny day, otherwise, the solar panel will eventually fall behind the charge/use cycle. Also, and importantly, the CFX35W is meant for use in cars and trucks with leadacid batteries. Running it from the Yeti’s Li-ion NMC battery gave it some fits. We had to game the CFX’s protection circuit to get the initial cooling temp. We ran from the less efficient AC side of the Yeti to get the temp down without tripping the CFX’s DC current monitor’s threshold, then switched to DC for station keeping. Once it reaches its target cooling temp, the fridge runs fine from Li-ion cells. One other compatibility issue popped up between the CFX and the Yeti. The Yeti has a little ring around the center pole of its auto socket that was too narrow for the contact on the CFX to reach. We put a small magnet in there to fill the gap. Problem solved.

Cooling speed was impressive. The unit went from 70 degrees F to its target setting of 36 degrees F in 40 minutes, though it only took 19 minutes to get to 40 degrees F. It took about an hour to dive from 70 to 0 degrees F. To test its insulation, we cut the power and timed the internal temperature rise. As efficient as it is in cooling, it’d benefit from added insulation, as it warmed from 0 degrees F back to 70 degrees F ambient in 35 minutes. It’s not terribly loud when the compressor’s on. It’s about as loud as a humidifier indoors and sonically invisible outdoors. Depending on your situation, running a quiet fridge from a silent power source might be a desirable alternative to dinosaur juicepowered generator.

Value When it comes to value, if you’re pitting the fridge against something as durable, efficient, and pricey as a Yeti cooler, the CFX35W compares favorably since it holds more food (ice takes up a lot of space), runs for days on a battery, and for weeks (at least) on a solar system. When the reliance on ice is removed from the equation, the cost of the fridge versus any decent ice chest is justified in an extended-use scenario. There are times when running a whole house generator isn’t feasible or advisable, too, and a super quiet setup like

a small fridge running on a battery goes a long way in preventing visits from unwelcome guests. When the SHTF, an icebox isn’t a viable option, long-term, and compared to other portable fridges such as those from ARB, the Dometic brand offers similar features and performance at a lower price. Bottom line, if you’re in the market for a portable fridge/ freezer, the CFX35W is a good value.

Use promo code

OFFGRID1 Receive 20% Off 1/15/18 - 2/15/18

MAKE & MODEL Dometic CFX35W MAXIMUM COOLING -7 degrees F WEIGHT 42 pounds 11 ounces EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS (INCHES) 16.2 by 27.2 by 15.7 INTERNAL VOLUME 1.14 cubic feet POWER SOURCE 120V AC and 12/24 DC SAFETY SYSTEMS Battery protection and fail-safe operation MSRP $830 URL www.dometic.com/en-us/us PROS Excellent power efﬁciency; runs from a portable battery for days. Convenient; no ice management Capable of refrigeration and freezing Quickly reaches target temps and holds them accurately Quiet CONS Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth for smartphone control Picky about DC input Could use more insulation Fat DC plug needs to be customized to ﬁt some sockets

Slings, belts, K9 gear, and accessories. Designed by warriors, built for battle. Made in America. View the full line:

UnitedStatesTactical.com 1.800.342.4654

ISSUE 24

094

ONTHEGRID

No Man is

an Island By Patrick McCarthy

“N

o man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main … any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

This excerpt was written by English poet John Donne in 1624, and it coined two iconic phrases that can teach us essential lessons about the survivalist mindset. First, “no man is an island,” meaning that each one of us is part of an interconnected community — for better or for worse. History has shown that humans thrive when we work together toward a common goal, and as we’ve said many times in this magazine, the hard-core lone-wolf survival strategy is often an unrealistic approach. It’s much more likely that you’ll end up trying to survive a disaster alongside family, friends, or even strangers. You should be capable of surviving alone, but the community aspect can’t be overlooked. Second, the line “for whom the bell tolls” — which was later popularized by Ernest Hemingway’s famous novel and a kick-ass Metallica song — is related to the practice of ringing a town’s church bells to indicate a member’s death. Donne was saying that each time the bell tolls and we lose someone within our circle, it affects each and every one of us. For survivalists and prepared individuals, we should be actively looking for ways to help each other and strengthen our local and regional groups. If one person in our group fails, we all experience the effects of that failure. Now, before you think we’re telling you to join hands with people of all nations and sing a tearful rendition of Kumbaya, hear us out. We’re simply encouraging you to consider the benefits of joining a group in your area that can improve your preparedness skills. Within that organization, you can both give and receive instruction alongside your fellow members. We recently attended an event that reminded us of the value of group prepping and education. The 2017 Modern Mountain Man Rendezvous (3MR) was hosted by Triple B Adventures, a nonprofit veterans’ group, and took place in the desert of northern San Diego county. This three-day camping trip brought together survival-minded individuals of all ages and backgrounds, from active-duty military and SERE instructors to casual outdoor enthusiasts and families. Many of us

chipped in to share skills, demonstrate gear, and recount experiences to the group. At the end of the weekend, we had learned a few things, and helped others learn too. For a full breakdown of the topics covered at the 3MR event, check out our web-exclusive two-part recap via the links in the sidebar. You might learn a thing or two, and gain a greater understanding of the value of group-based survival training. Do you participate in any community survival organizations or events we should check out? If so, let me know about them by emailing me at pmccarthyoffgrid@gmail.com.

The 3MR event brought together more than 80 individuals for a weekend of survival education.

Web Debriefing We learned a variety of lessons from volunteer instructors at the Modern Mountain Man Rendezvous event. Follow the links below to read the complete articles, exclusively found on OFFGRIDweb.com.

Grab your smartphone, tablet, or laptop and head to OFFGRIDweb.com for more exclusive content.

Part One of our 3MR recap covered water purification techniques, tinder materials and fire-starting, and various ways to signal for help in an emergency: www.offgridweb. com/?p=11105

Part Two of the 3MR recap can help you recognize wild edibles in the desert, kill and process small game, and treat injuries with wilderness medicine and trauma care techniques: www.offgridweb. com/?p=11176

Let’s face it … conventional media outlets are censoring the kind of information that freedom-loving Americans have enjoyed for years. That’s why we’ve stepped up to the plate and created a resource for everything ﬁrearms — RECOILtv. Just as RECOIL magazine gives you no-holds-barred insight on ﬁrearms, we’re bringing that same trusted expertise to video. From testing the latest guns, giving in-depth product reviews and expert tutorials, showing you top-notch vehicles, sharing user-generated content, and lots more, RECOILtv is the premier source for the content you want and deserve. As the climate of political correctness slowly censors online informational choices out of existence, RECOILtv will give you the scoop.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

sigsauer.com WATCH

AT RECOILWEB.COM

PRESENTED BY:

bravocompanyusa.com

cannaeprogear.com

fnamerica.com

freedommunitions.com

kimberamerica.com

ISSUE 24

096

DEBUNKED

The Cold, Hard Truth The Myths of Dealing With Frostbite

ubfreezing temperatures and biting winds are a recipe for disaster, particularly when you find yourself ill-prepared and suffering from the onset of frostbite. When you’re stuck outdoors, there’s a lot riding on your choice of emergency treatments. But will you make the right choice? The Myth: Since friction generates heat, and it’s instinctive to rub an injury, it only seems logical that we should rub frostbitten skin to thaw it out. People also have a habit of using hot or scalding water to defrost frostbitten/frozen tissue and thawing tissues, which are still under the threat of refreezing. Unfortunately, each of these ideas can lead to painful and permanent consequences. The Reality: When the mercury drops below 32 degrees F and exposed skin starts to freeze, there are a number of mistreatments that’ll exacerbate winter injury. Here we’ll dispel some of the myths associated with proper frostbite treatment. Frostbite occurs when ice forms in your skin and the underlying tissues. Superficial frostbite frequently happens to exposed skin (typically the face), but it can also affect the ears, hands, and feet (particularly fingers and toes). This lightly frozen tissue may appear waxy and pale, feeling stiff on the surface, but the underlying tissue still feels soft. Pain or numbness will likely accompany the aforementioned symptoms. If the frostbite is severe, freezing can strike deeper tissue across a wider area. This extreme form will cause skin to appear pale and firm, and underlying tissue to feel solid. Tissues with deep frostbite will generally feel numb and joint movement will be restricted. Severe frostbite could result the loss of appendages due to infection and necrosis (tissue death). The proper treatment of frostbite is gentle, gradual rewarming of the skin and tissues. This can be done both in the field and in the hospital, but should only be attempted if there’s no danger of refreezing. For any frostbite treatment, first seek shelter from the cold. Then prepare for the intense pain by taking Ibuprofen, unless you’re allergic to this medication. For superficial frostbite, place a warm body part against the frostbitten tissue. This could mean placing your frosty foot against your friend’s warm belly or tucking your own fingers under your bare armpit. Rewarm the tissue until it is soft and the color has returned. Deep frostbite requires gradual rewarming of the tissue using warm water at stable temperatures. Use a thermometer to make sure the water isn’t over 105 degrees F. And if a thermometer isn’t available, use an uninjured body part to gauge the temp. Using a suitable container, slowly immerse the frosty extremity. Add more warm water as needed to maintain the water temperature in the container. If possible, pre-treat with pain meds before you

Rike_/istockphoto.com

By Tim MacWelch

DISCLAIMER:

begin rewarming (consult your doctor before taking higher-than-normal doses This article is meant to be a quick overview of any meds). Advil and Motrin are other and not a detailed guide alternatives that can be used to reduce on how to deal with frostbite in an emergency pain. And resist your temptation to rub or situation. Professional massage frostbitten areas — this will only medical treatment should always be sought first result in more tissue damage. before attempting any of Once thawed, do your best to protect these methods. yourself or your frostbitten patient from refreezing, and monitor for hypothermia and shock. Continue your care with Ibuprofen every eight hours until you or the person suffering frostbite can receive proper medical care. Eat foods high in calories and protein to fuel the body and restore your overall temperature. Finally, avoid smoking and alcohol after this kind of injury.

Alternative Treatment Avoidance: Prevention is the best strategy. Cover your exposed skin with garments capable of blocking wind. Temperatures that are barely below freezing can still lead to frostbite when strong winds are involved (or if you have been exposed to the cold for a long period). The threat grows as temperatures drop near 0 degrees F with any wind. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in mere minutes when the temperature is below 0 degrees F and the winds are over 20 mph. Know the Location: Frostbite typically first affects the extremities that have minimal blood flow. Just remember this rhyme, “fingers, toes, ears, and nose.” This can help you remember to check these areas frequently for blood flow and warmth during your outdoor travels. Check capillary refill by squeezing fingers and toes, then watching how quickly the blood returns after letting go. Time Will Tell: If you were stranded in a remote area and experienced severe frostbite, it only takes a few days for skin to blister and begin turning black. A week or two after the injury, frostbite shifts to necrosis, which will likely lead to massive infection. Deep frostbite is an unbelievably painful condition with a high rate of infection. Even after weeks or months of medical care, the frostbitten tissue can still be at risk. As the ice crystals form in healthy cells, the jagged points pierce and stab the cell — killing it and even neighboring cells. These areas are laden with dead tissue that often turns black and requires surgical removal. Daily care is necessary for weeks after a moderate to severe frostbite occurrence. Skin grafts and amputations can still occur even a month after the initial injury. Always seek professional medical care as soon as possible if you’ve experienced frostbite.

When SHTF, will you be caught holding the bag?

Be prepared. Mobile optimized, fully interactive, and featuring our trademark mix of witty writing and gorgeous art design, OFFGRIDweb.com is chock full of expert advice, tips, and techniques to enhance your skillset. Plus, we have honest and in-depth reviews of the latest gear, gadgets, and supplies. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where preppers, survivalists, and those who want to be in the know come to stay ready. Experience it for yourself.

OFFGRIDweb.com