Articles by
Patrick McCarthy
Patrick McCarthy is former editor of RECOIL OFFGRID. He currently resides in Arizona, and enjoys hiking, camping, shooting, and snapping photos along the way. You can follow his latest projects on Instagram at @pmccarthy10.
Survival
TECC Guidelines: Simple Steps to Save Lives
The Committee for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care created a set of TECC guidelines which teach civilians the basics of emergency medical trauma care.
Preparation
Ranger Bands: Tough Rubber Bands for the Outdoors
Ranger bands are like rubber bands on steroids. These simple items can be used to bind gear together, waterproof containers, and even start fires.
Survival
Preventing the Spread of Ebola with Chlorine
Chlorine is often used to kill bacteria and viruses, but supplies may run out. MSR developed a device which produces chlorine and can even stop Ebola.
Gear
SureFire Scout Weapon-Mounted Flashlights
SureFire has recently announced the expansion of the SureFire Scout Light line with 7 new configurations. Each includes a remote switch and rail mount.
Preparation
Unconventional Weapon: Powder Flamethrower
These YouTubers cobbled together a leaf blower, hand-crank powder dispenser, PVC pipe, and blowtorch to create an incredibly effective powder flamethrower.
Survival
The Survival Uses of Potassium Permanganate
Potassium permanganate, or KMnO4, is a chemical with many survival applications. It's a fire starter, water purifier, disinfectant, and anti-fungal agent.
Preparation
Video: How to Use a Lensatic Compass (U.S. Army, 1966)
The following 30-minute U.S. Army training video from 1966 shows how to find your direction, orientation, and location with a mil-spec lensatic compass.
Gear
Review: White River Firecraft FC5 Survival Knife
We reviewed the White River Firecraft FC5, an American-made survival knife with an S30V stainless blade, micarta handle, ferro rod, and leather sheath.