Page 122 – RECOIL OFFGRID

A Prepper’s Guide to Shelf Life & Expiration Management

Posted on March 7, 2019 at 6:00 am.

In This Article

Nothing is Random
Old Guys to the Front
Write it Down
Use it or Lose it
Shelf Life: A Quick Reference Guide
Use By, Sell By, Best Before… What Do They Mean?

No one has to tell you that being able to successfully execute your SHTF plan means being organized down to the last detail. We go to great lengths to make sure we have everything we’ll need to get us through whatever crisis comes our way. We all know that the kits, bags, gadgets, and food are of no use if we can’t find them or if they’ve outlived their usefulness. So, we fold, roll, and stack our goodies and put them in an accessible place where they’ll remain good to go until SHTF.

Sometimes, though, out of sight can also mean out of mind. Some of us, out of habit, take for granted that our bug-out bag and supplies will always be at the ready. Nothing could be further from the truth. Unless your emergency supply consists entirely of nuclear war-resistant Twinkies, a large portion of it has limited shelf life. Some things last longer than others, but eventually everything comes to the end of its edible, usable, and/or effective life. Foodstuffs, batteries, medication and, yes, even water go stale (the latter mostly due to its packaging).

The question then becomes how do we manage our stash so that when there is a crisis event, we’re not getting the trots from noshing on canned veggies whose best days were when the war was cold and Carrie Fisher was hot.

We assume you have a safe, dry place to store everything, and it won’t be piled up in the corner of some junk closet. There are many different storage racks, systems, and DIY projects to store and organize everything, but that’s an entirely different discussion. We’re focusing on managing all those “best by,” “sell by,” and “use before” dates.

If you want to see some pretty efficient shelf life management systems, stroll down to your local BigBuy SuperMegaloMart. These guys live and die by making sure the older stuff goes out and that there’s fresher stuff backing it up. They’ve got it down to a science, literally! Seriously, guys have degrees in that stuff.

Degree? We don’t need no stinking degree! All we need to do is reverse engineer what we see at Wally World.

Nothing is Random

Organize your supplies according to their use and what they can be used with. It’s no use to arrange everything alphabetically if you end up having sugar right next to the spaghetti. Instead, arrange it with the flour and other baking goods — boom, aisle 15 at your fingertips. Breakfast bars and cereal pair well, all the medical supplies get grouped together, and so on. You should also maintain a category for stuff you plan on using for barter and trade. If you have a large SHTF food supply you may even want to label the locations of your categories, like the aisles at the market.

Old Guys to the Front

Within your organized groups you’ll want to put the items closest to their expiration where you can use them first. Duh, right? But here’s the tricky part — getting line of sight to pending shelf death well before it happens. How many times have you found and tossed cans that have expiration dates with a year starting with 200X?

This technique is often referred to as FIFO, or First In First Out — refer to our previous article for more info.

Rolling can racks, such as this one from Amazon.com, make FIFO organization easier.

Write it Down

A simple inventory management and expiration date spreadsheet can help you do your part to keep all those less-than-shelf-stable sundries from hitting the landfill. It doesn’t have to look like Apple’s financial prospectus. Simple is better. A column for what it is, one for how much of it you have, one for where it is, and another for the month of the oldest item’s pending demise. Order the list with the items closest to expiration on the top. Don’t forget to include all the items in your bug-out and return-to-home bags.

All that’s left is to get in the habit of regularly checking the list. You want to have plenty of time to make sure the items with one foot in the grave are taken care of. Mark your calendar, set an alarm, or pick some sort of semiannual event (daylight saving changeovers are handy) that will serve as a reminder to check the list and do it.

Use it or Lose it

A lot of us get in the mindset that our emergency food supply should never be touched except in an emergency. True, but as items reach the end of their lifespan, they should make their way into the pantry for everyday use. If you can’t use it before it expires, consider donating it to a food bank. Just make sure you replace everything with fresher items that … you guessed it … go to the back and everything else moves forward. Adjust your spreadsheet as necessary.

Managing your inventory needn’t be a complicated or herculean task, but it does take some discipline. Then again, so does making sure you’re prepared for whatever nature or man throws your way.

Shelf Life: A Quick Reference Guide

<5 Years – These are common categories of emergency supplies with a finite shelf life; about five years or less depending on the item and condition of storage:

Cheese/soy storable dairy, including powdered eggs
Canned foods (commercial or self-canned)
Baking goods (sugar, flour, grains)
Condiments, peanut butter, jams, and jellies
Pastas, grains (such as rice), and legumes (such as beans)
Pharmaceuticals/medicines
Sports drinks/soda/non-alcoholic and some alcoholic beverages

>5 Years – Items with longer-term effective dates; many are five years and beyond, depending on item and condition of storage:

Batteries
First-aid supplies
Fuel
MRE, dehydrated, and freeze-dried foods
Seeds, fertilizers, and items for self–sustainability
Some alcoholic beverages
Ammo
Candles
Water purification systems

Use By, Sell By, Best Before… What Do They Mean?

“Sell By”

This date has nothing to with the spoilage of an item, and everything to do with how long the seller wants it to stay on the shelf. It’s not mandatory to label items with a “sell by” date. That being said, if you want the best of what’s on the shelf (freshness, taste, brand-consistent quality) and to avoid the one that’s been looking for a home the longest, reach to the back.

“Best By”

This too has nothing to with the shelf stability or safety of an item. This is kind of like the manufacturer’s booty-covering move, telling you how long they feel the quality of their product is at its peak. In some cases there should be a “better if used after” date — think wine, cheese, bourbon, even sour cream can get better with time (gets a little more tangy). Isn’t sour cream, by definition, cream that’s spoiled?

“Guaranteed Fresh Date”

You’ll find this in that piece of heaven we call the bakery department. Items will be edible long after this date, but only some wild wolf-raised heathen would even consider eating a lovingly made double-stuffed chocolate chip cookie a whole 24 hours after it first slid down the wax paper in its fluorescently lit, slightly dusty, 1970-ish display case.

“Use By”

Again, this date has little to do with the safety or lifespan of the product. It’s just another way for the manufacturer to suggest when they think it’ll taste better. Seems like a marketing scam to get you to replace perfectly good stuff you forgot to use.

“Expires After” AKA “Effective Until”

This is the big one! You’ll most likely find this on pharmaceuticals. Does it mean if you eat a Flintstone chewable from the Bush administration you’ll die some horrible Ebola-like death? Probably not. In 1979, the U.S. government required drug companies to stamp an expiration date on their products. It is what the drug company has determined to be the lifespan of the drug’s full potency, not the point at which it’s no longer effective. In fact, the FDA did a study and found 90 out of 100 prescription and OTC drugs they tested were perfectly good to use even after 15 years. With the exception of nitroglycerin, insulin, and liquid antibiotics, medical authorities say most drugs maintain effectiveness for years.

Smells like another marketing ploy to get us to throw out perfectly good feel-good pills and buy the new “feel better because they’re fresher” pills. Caveat: you should store medications in a cool, dry place out of the sunlight to extend effective dates. Do not use medicine that requires refrigeration after it’s warmed to room temperature (talk to your local pharmacist).

So how do we really know when something actually has gone bad? The “Honey, smell this” test is a tried-and-true method. If it smells funky, doesn’t look right, has a furry layer of mold, or your cat just died after accidentally eating it, exercise your good judgment. When in doubt, toss it out.

Video: Russian Bushcrafter’s Log Cabin Build

Posted on March 6, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Max Egorov considers himself to be a regular guy — he’s not a professional carpenter, builder, or survival instructor. In fact, he’s actually a lawyer from St. Petersburg, Russia. Each year, he takes one month off work to trek into the remote forest and work on his hobby of bushcraft projects. He also takes the time to film these projects, and uploads them to his YouTube channel Advoko Makes. Most of Max’s content has been created in his native language, but he has been working to provide English-language voiceovers for these videos so more people can learn from them.

We’ve previously written about Max’s videos on fire-carved log furniture and vertically-grilling shish kabobs inside a Swedish torch. His latest project is a much larger undertaking — building a custom log cabin from scratch with basic tools. As with his other videos, he’s doing all the work solo, including cutting and moving massive fallen logs. That’s actually the subject of the first video in his series:

The A-frame device he creates to move these 1,000-pound logs over rough terrain is pretty clever. And although he uses a chainsaw to speed up the work, most of the rest of the cutting is done with hand tools such as an axe, chisel, and adze.

In the second part of the series, he processes these logs by cutting large copes in each end and a flat notch along the length. Moss is added to the notches for insulation, and pegs are hammered into holes at the joints to hold the logs in place.

The third part of the series shows how Max built doors in each end of the cabin, allowing for easier access and a means of escape if a bear attempts to break into his cabin during the night. Jack studs are shaped from logs and erected vertically, using a pendulum on a string to ensure they’re level. A gable at the top of the door holds the jack studs together.

In the fourth and latest part of the series, Max adds more gables to accommodate for the slope of the roof, and discusses some of the hiccups he encountered during this process.

This is an ongoing project, so we plan to keep an eye on the progress. If you’d like to see more of Max’s log cabin videos when they’re released, you can do so through this playlist.

Archery 101: An Overview of Survival Bows & Arrows

Posted on March 5, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

Archers to the Line, Nock Your Arrows
Stealth
Bow of All Trades
Types Of Bows
The Cost Factor
Types of Arrowheads

This article originally appeared in Issue 3 of our magazine.

Photography by Michael Grey and Courtesy of AMC

Long before gunpowder forever changed the way man waged war and killed food, a pointy stick propelled down range was the pinnacle of ballistic technology. For tens of thousands of years, nations were won and game taken down using a simple bow and arrow. With all the different shotguns, rifles, and pistols to choose from, does a limited range, non-concealable, and low-power weapon have a place in your TEOTWAWKI game plan? The answer is “Yes” — for many reasons.

Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

If you’re one of the many who enjoy watching Southerners being chased around Atlanta by the undead, you’ll know that a bow and arrow is a must-have badass weapon in a post SHTF world. Don’t get me wrong, guns have their rightful place in these scenarios too. But there are those rare occasions in which your favorite heater may not be the best choice of weaponry. Whether you need to be completely silent (even a gun with the best sound suppressor on it still makes a noise), have no access to ammo, or need to send a line over a high tree limb, it is nice to have a tool available to do all those things and more.

Unless you’re a bow hunter, way into The Hunger Games or a big Geena Davis fan, chances are you’ll need to brush up a little on your archery skills. For most of us, our first and maybe only exposure to archery was in summer camp, and the skills we learned then have fallen to the wayside along with playing tetherball. So where do we start our exploration into the ancient art of the curved stick and feathered twig?

Archers to the Line, Nock Your Arrows

First, let’s clear the waters. We’re in no way implying that a bow and arrow could take the place of your direct-impingement, multi-railed lead thrower. Given the choice of only carrying one weapon, a 1911 or a crossbow, we’d bet good money that all of us would choose the pistol. However, one of the first things we learn is that in order to survive and thrive, you first need a plan, then a backup plan, and finally a backup for your backup. Having access to a bow and some well-fletched arrows is a great alternative means of hunting and defense.

Secondly let’s not get bogged down in the pros and cons of archery. We’ve already established that most would readily reach for a firearm before a bow. Instead let’s explore the upside of knowing the methods and means of sending projectiles down range without a bang. And why a bow, in whatever configuration you choose, should have a place in your arsenal.

Archery is a good way to get kids involved in preparation and planning. Everyone should know how to shoot a gun, but sometimes there isn’t always an easy way to get the kids the range time they need. With bows coming in different lengths and draw weights, kids have easy, inexpensive access to learning how to contribute to the defense or the hunting needs of your family. As a bonus, it’s a great bonding experience when you can calmly converse with and teach your kids without having to yell through ear protection.

As with any weapon system, to effectively use a bow and arrow you need to commit to properly learning the techniques and equipment options. You don’t need to be William Tell or Robin Hood to consider having a bow in your arsenal. You should, however, practice until you are comfortably proficient. One of the advantages of practicing archery is that it can be done in suburban or urban surroundings without drawing attention to yourself. With a gun, it’s not so easy to run out to the backyard or garage and start practicing, especially if you’re in more dense living conditions — in fact, in many jurisdictions it would be illegal.

Stealth

The bow and arrow was the first stealth weapon system (the jawbone of an ass is hardly a weapon system). There are many potential situations in which you might need to put down a threat or your next meal without the percussive report of a firearm. This is especially true in a suburban or urban setting where you would want to maintain a low sonic profile and not draw attention to yourself, whether defending your home ground or hunting for game near your base camp.

These are real world, plausible scenarios. There are plenty of real world SHTF threats to prepare for that have nothing to do with reanimated corpses trying to devour you. For example, everything has been off grid for an extended period of time and your food supplies are depleted; you’re in the local park’s nature trail looking for food. Elsewhere there are whole groups of starving, angry, unprepared, and less self-sufficient people waiting for food to come to them. A gunshot could bring the attention of those who would be less than polite in taking what you worked so hard to stalk (think kids fighting over the last cookie and multiply that times the population of your town). A stealthy takedown would ensure your return to your base camp with dinner.

Bow of All Trades

The bow is also a versatile tool that can be used for things other than hunting and defense. Takedown recurve bows, like the industry-leading Hoyt Buffalo, break down into pieces that can be easily put in a pack and carried more easily than a cumbersome longbow or compound bow (see “Types of Bows” below).

Above: Crossbows use bolts (bottom) while bows use arrows (top). Bolts and arrows feature different flight characteristics and vary in overall size and weight. Many variations of each are available to suit a variety of uses.

A bow and flaming arrow was the first flamethrower. There may be times when you want to reach way out and set something on fire, but a flaming arrow shot high in the air can also be a great way to signal others. Of course, remember what comes up must come down, and small flames tend to create bigger flames. You can also attach a string to an arrow and shoot it over a high limb or across a gap anytime you find yourself needing to get a rope out farther than you can throw it.

Bows can be configured in many different ways and are adaptable to a wide variety of purposes. Debate always rages as to which type of bow is best suited for SHTF. It’s like debating which calibers are best; there are compelling arguments for and against each choice. Ultimately it’s a personal preference depending on what you’re comfortable with and what you intend to use it for.

Types Of Bows

Longbow

The oldest, longest used and simplest of the bow types. A long semi-flexible plank of wood is put under tension by a length of string. As the bowstring is drawn back, the bow is put under increased tension. When the string is let go the release of tension propels the arrow.

Recurve

An upgrade to the longbow, the recurve has the basic shape of the longbow, but curls (recurves) the tips in the opposite direction. As the bow is put under tension not only does the bow itself bend, but the recurved tips also straighten out. When released, the bow goes back to its original state with extra oomph imparted to the arrow as the recurved tips return to their original state.

Takedown Recurve

This bow is born for those preparing for crisis events. The best of the bunch and our recommendation is the Hoyt Buffalo. It breaks down into three parts (plus the string) that can easily be packed away and transported more discreetly than a traditional recurve or longbow. Takedown bows have the advantage of having interchangeable limbs, great for kids (or adults) progressing in skill level.

Compound

The compound bow is the high-tech Formula 1 solution to an ancient design, using cams and pulleys to increase arrow speed while making it easier to draw. There are also more customizable accessories and accouterments that make the compound bow more accurate than its forefathers. Stabilizers, fiber-optic sights, string and limb silencers all combine to increase accuracy and ease of use. The downside, like any high-performance tool, is that it needs regular tuning. But with some education and guidance you needn’t be tethered to your local pro shop for service.

Crossbow

If you’re used to rifles and don’t want to make a big departure, the crossbow may fit your needs. The crossbow, when cocked, is at much higher tension than any of the other types of bows, sending bolts down range at speeds up to 450 fps. This is easily the most lethal of the bunch. One of the coolest developments in crossbows uses the lower receiver of an AR-15 and marries it to a long, high-tension crossbow “upper.” The result is a long-distance “sniper” crossbow. We’re not sure about making a non-regulated weapon like a crossbow into a regulated one by attaching it to an actual lower receiver, but it is a pretty neat system.

Sling Bow

The new kid on the block and arguably the most fun — think of it as the love child of a sling shot and recurve bow. It’s easily the most portable of all the options, possibly even more than the takedown recurve. Better suited for CQB and taking down small game, the sling bow uses industrial elastic to send a wide variety of arrows down range. The three-piece takedown arrows are by far the most packable and practical. We like the Montie Gear Tactical / Modular Slingshot fitted with a whisker biscuit arrow rest and three-dot sight — it is the pinnacle of sling bow design and well worth the price tag.

The Cost Factor

Perhaps the most compelling reason for adding a bow to your stable of weaponry is the cost factor. Unlike a gun, you can readily find simple materials to make your own bow and some arrows (check out the video below). The homemade stuff is certainly not as good as the name-brand gear, but when constructed well, it can be an effective, make-do solution.

The point is that you needn’t run out and spend thousands of dollars on the latest over-hyped stick slinger. If you love archery and bow hunting, by all means get the latest and greatest top-of-the-line gear. But just remember that whole nations were conquered and millions of deer made into supper long before there were skeletonized risers, unobtainium limbs, and strings made from precious metals.

Surfing Craigslist turns up some great deals on models that were once the latest craze. My 15-year-old Craigslist find (seen above) doesn’t look slick, but it gets the job done, and none of the deer it’s taken down cared how old the bow is. If you’re looking to be the first one who plucks your bow’s strings, manufacturers such as Hoyt offer high-quality but inexpensive bows in every category.

There’s no need to hang up the ol’ Winchester and run out to start developing Apache-like skills. But there’s no doubt that the bow has a place in your toolbox. Think of it like this — even if you have a Phillips head screwdriver that handles most of your jobs, there are times when the situation calls for a flathead.

Types of Arrowheads

One of the most compelling reasons to include bow and arrows in your TEOTWAWKI plan is the flexibility of using interchangeable arrowheads. Below is a rundown on arrowhead types:

Bullet

The simplest and least intimidating of the group. Used for target practice and occasionally small game (very small and frail game).

Blunt

A flat or bulbous tip made of metal, rubber or plastic. Used for knocking the crap out of small game that would be torn apart by other types.

Snare

This arrowhead screams, “to hell with aerodynamics.” Loops at the edge of the arrowhead entangle a bird’s wings to bring them down.

Field

A little bit more aggressive tip used mostly for target shooting and small game.

Judo

The most, steam-punk, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot-looking of the bunch. Spring activated arms catch leaves and grass so the arrow doesn’t get lost by burying itself in the under brush or embedding itself in soft ground. Used for “stump” shooting small game.

Fish

Pretty self explanatory as to its use. Spring-loaded barbs secure the fish as the arrow is reeled in using an attached string.

Broadhead

The most aggressive and “high-tech” of the group. Razor-sharp blades tear through the hide of big game. Size and number of blades vary. A variation of this type of arrowhead employs spinning blades that act as a guillotine, painlessly taking down gobblers and other fowl. Broadheads are the tip to use for both defense and bringing dinner home.

Legal & Financial Reconstruction After a Disaster

Posted on March 4, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

Chasing Paper
Prepare Now
Conclusion
About The Author

This article originally appeared in Issue 3 of our magazine.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided is for illustration purposes only, and is not, nor is it intended to provide, legal and/or financial advice. The reader should consult with an appropriate professional regarding their individual situation. Any use of the information contained in this article shall be solely at the reader’s risk.

You’ve weathered the storm and your family is safe. But, as you emerge from the rubble of what used to be your home, the full extent of the devastation becomes painfully obvious — your house is in ruins, and your personal belongings are scattered as far as the eye can see. Planning and preparation really made a difference in the outcome of this scenario — your food, water, first-aid, and self-defense capabilities are all intact. But, as the days go by, survival efforts taper off and reconstruction begins.

Despite all your excellent preparations and planning, reconstruction will be extremely difficult and time consuming. There are insurance claims to be filed and repairs to be made, but life goes on. In the coming days you’ll need to contact your bank, your creditors, and of course, your insurance company. You start looking for your homeowner’s, auto, and flood insurance papers, your bank records, receipts, and tax returns, but, the last time you saw any of these documents, they were in a box in the second drawer of your bedroom dresser, underneath your ratty old socks. Unfortunately, that room — and its contents — are long gone. What now? Where do you begin?

Ownership documents, wills, and court papers are all important. If lost or damaged, many of these documents are...

Chasing Paper

From the moment we’re born, we begin to create a paper trail that stays with us until the day we die. That may be quite scary, but like it or not, we’re all linked to a vast collection of documents and records that chronicle our legal and financial lives. And while getting back to normal after a disaster is never easy, without the proper documentation and information, legal and financial reconstruction becomes an incredibly difficult process. Maintaining careful records and securing multiple copies of those all-important documents is an oft neglected but crucial aspect of any viable survival plan.

Prepare Now

As with so many things, the best time to protect your records and documents is before something goes wrong. Here are 10 easy and inexpensive ways to help you organize and secure your most important documents and information.

Flash drives are small, portable, and inexpensive — they can store files, images and information.

1. Identify and organize: The first step is to identify and organize all your documents. Once you gather everything in one location, the rest becomes far easier.

2. Prioritize: Not all documents are equally important. Your child’s second grade report card or sappy love letters from your college sweetheart may have sentimental value, but it’s not on the same level as a bearer bond, stock certificate, last will and testament, or a birth, death, or marriage certificate. You can still safeguard the report card, but prioritize your efforts.

3. Make a list and record important details: After you have identified, organized, and prioritized, it’s time to make a list. Your list/inventory should describe the document(s), dates, numbers, details, legal descriptions, and so forth. This list will serve as a handy reference and inventory for your hardcopies and/or digital files.

4. Maintain a hardcopy: Many of us have gone digital. From photographs to personal and business records, digital is great. But what happens when the power is out or when no computer is available? Always keep a hardcopy of the most important documents and records. While a copy will not always be accepted in place of the original, the copy will contain valuable information that will be extremely useful in many situations. And it’s ultimately better than having a digital copy that you can’t access.

Above: Maintain physical and digital copies of important documents such as your driver’s license, vehicle insurance card and registration, concealed carry permit, passport, birth certificate, social security card, and health insurance card for safe keeping.

5. Make electronic backups: Scan all important documents and records and store those files on several different devices. Always use encryption software and passwords to secure your data. Consider an online backup service — for about $5 a month many of these services offer an unlimited amount of storage space and provide you with 24/7 access to your files from anywhere in the world. But, remember you’ll still need a computer and an Internet connection to access them.

6. Fireproof storage at home: Invest in a fireproof safe or file cabinet for your home. Nothing is ever guaranteed, but it sure beats using that old shoebox sitting in the closet under grandma’s hand-knitted sweater.

7. Use a safe-deposit box: Hollywood movies aside, this is still the most secure place to secure valuables. But if a disaster takes out your local bank, you may still have a problem. One possible solution may be to store the originals at the bank and keep copies as a backup.

8. Portable grab-and-go storage: A large (e.g. 1TB) external USB portable drive has the capacity to back up all the data from a typical computer with capacity to spare. These drives are inexpensive, easy to use, and highly portable. Be sure to protect the data with a secure password. For a secure password, include a combination of no fewer than 15 upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.

A portable hard drive is a simple way to back up an entire computer. In an emergency, just grab it and go.

9. Have an alternate “safe place”: Maintain a copy of your most important documents at an alternate location with your accountant, attorney, or trusted friend or relative. Again, secure the data with a password, and if possible keep it in a lockable, portable fire-resistant case. It is highly unlikely that a crisis will affect both your primary and alternate locations at the same time.

10. The Bug-Out-Bag (BOB): In the event of a sudden and unexpected crisis, you may have to grab your BOB and go. Maintain a hardcopy of the following documents in your BOB: driver’s license, vehicle insurance card and registration, concealed carry permit, passport, birth certificate for minor children, social security card, health insurance card, banking, financial, and home insurance documents, and credit and debit card information. Secure the hardcopies in a sealed Mylar or plastic bag. There is risk associated with keeping hard copies of these important documents in a BOB, but each individual must weigh that risk against the potential rewards. Consider keeping a password-protected USB flash drive with scanned copies of all your files and records in a watertight match case.

Above: Use a plastic or aluminum watertight match case to store and protect your USB flash drive. Use 1-gallon (10×14-inch) Mylar bags to store copies of documents. Once sealed, the Mylar bags will keep the elements out and your documents safe.

Conclusion

Whether it’s a natural or man-made disaster, house fire, burglary, or maybe just an unexpected bug-out scenario, important legal and financial documents need to be protected and available to us. While we don’t have any control over these unfortunate events, we can certainly take reasonable precautions to safeguard our documents and records — the time to do so is now. Stay safe and be prepared.

About The Author

Richard Duarte is a practicing attorney and a survival and firearms enthusiast; he currently teaches and consults in the areas of urban survival planning and preparation. He is the author of Surviving Doomsday – a Guide for Surviving an Urban Disaster. For the latest news and updates, connect with Richard at www.quickstartsurvival.com.

Leupold Tracker 2 Compact Thermals

Posted on March 2, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Thermal imaging devices have come a long way in recent years, and even more so over the last few decades. The sort of technology that was once only available in heavy stationary or vehicle-mounted form is now small enough to fit into your pocket. Portable thermals have many valuable uses for a survivalist — hunting, tracking, search and rescue, home defense, and scanning for threats in a SHTF situation. Knowing exactly what just went bump in the night will give you a huge tactical advantage.

Leupold recently released the LTO Tracker 2 and Tracker 2 HD as the latest models in its handheld thermal imaging line. The company calls the new Tracker 2 “a high-performing thermal that anybody can use.” The Tracker 2 series is built into a 5.5-inch all-aluminum body, weighs only 7 ounces, and runs on standard CR123 batteries. It’s fully waterproof as well as rated to withstand extreme climates.

Standard and HD variants of the Tracker 2 series are available. The base model uses a 206×156 thermal sensor and 240×204 display, while the HD model offers a 320×240 sensor and 390×390 display for greater clarity and detail. The Tracker 2 HD also has a more durable Gorilla Glass display screen. Both devices offer 7x digital zoom and 6 color palettes.

A new feature for this generation is the ability to set temperature thresholds. This enables the user to reduce background noise from the environment and more accurately track a desired target’s heat signature. The Tracker 2 is effective up to 600 yards; the Tracker 2 HD can reach out to 750 yards.

MSRP for the LTO Tracker 2 is $1,040, while the HD will set you back $1,560. Although this is a considerable amount of money, it’s worth recalling that devices like these would’ve cost ten times as much not too long ago. And there’s no denying that being able to instantly spot warm-blooded creatures in total darkness can increase your odds of staying safe during a survival situation. For more information on the Leupold Tracker 2 series, go to Leupold.com.

Gear Up Issue 30

Posted on March 1, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Offgrid Staff

In This Article

Zenbivy Bed
Gregory Salvo 18 Backpack
Kelty Low-Love Seat
Prometheus Design Werx Beast Hoodie
LOWA San Diego GTX Surround Lo
Daisy Outdoor Products Model 599
Mammut Astro Gloves
Streamlight ProTac HL 5-X
One Eleven SWII Solar Three-Hand rPet Watch
Chris Reeve Knives Impinda
Zootility Co. ST-2 Pocket Knife
Rite in the Rain Flat Dark Earth Metal Clicker Pen
More From Issue 30

Zenbivy Bed

Temperature Rating
23 degrees F (EN Lower Limit)

MSRP
$269

URL
zenbivy.com

Notes
The makers of the Zenbivy Bed call it the “world’s first freestyle sleeping bag.” Initially it might seem like a mummy-style bag, but it’s far less restrictive and more innovative. It consists of a quilt, hood, and fitted sheet that can be zipped together in various ways, allowing you to lie on your back, sides, or stomach and with your arms or legs in or out. The convertible footbox is easy to adjust, while on the opposite end the hood’s pocket can house a phone, watch, or flashlight. It features YKK zippers, 700 fill-power duck down, and a 20-
denier nylon taffeta shell with durable water repellent. The Zenbivy Bed is compatible with the Zenbivy Pillow (sold separately for $49) and either a tapered or a rectangular mattress (not included). A long version of the Zenbivy Bed is also available for an additional $10.

Gregory Salvo 18 Backpack

Colors
Smoke Blue, Tango Red

MSRP
$100

URL
gregorypacks.com

Notes
The Salvo 18 is an ideal starting point for crafting a get-home bag. This daypack is compact and lightweight at less than 2 pounds, but rugged enough to be used on trail runs, fast hikes, or cold-weather workouts. Its biggest advantage is the low-profile VaporSpan suspension system, which provides load support while allowing maximum airflow between your back and the pack. With a capacity of 18 liters (1,098 cubic inches), the Salvo is packed (pun intended!) with features: internal mesh pocket with key clip, internal sleeve for a hydration bladder, padded and zippered section for smartphone or other electronics, three mesh pockets for water bottles or other gear, cushiony shoulder straps with EVA foam and ventilation, and much more. This is a small backpack with big benefits.

Kelty Low-Love Seat

Colors
Smoke, Tundra

MSRP
$100

URL
kelty.com

Notes
When it’s time to bug out, a folding chair is certainly not the first item you’ll grab. But the Low-Love Seat from Kelty is an awesome creature comfort if you’re camping, have cargo space in your off-road rig, or plan to spend the day at the beach this spring (you know, when it’s no longer freeze-your-eyelids-shut cold). With a solid steel frame and quilted 600-denier polyester, this portable seat has a weight capacity of 500 pounds — more than enough for you and your spouse. Plus, it has two insulated adjustable cup holders and a slightly reclined design for added comfort. Just note that there’s a price to pay for being able to snuggle comfortably by the campfire: This Kelty chair is 15 pounds and — as its awkwardly hyphenated name denotes — has a ride height of just 13.5 inches. So, tall folks might find it a tad short.

Prometheus Design Werx Beast Hoodie

Colors
Darker Earth, Wilding Gray

MSRP
$198

URL
prometheusdesignwerx.com

Notes
The Beast Hoodie is a fierce form of weather protection. This breathable full-zip hoodie is made from Polartec ThermalPro fleece, making it a warm jacket for fall and spring and a superior mid-layer for winter. But what we love the most is the high loft fleece, which is a throwback to original pile fleece jackets that first hit mountaineering circles back in the late 1970s — that, and the fact that the Darker Earth version reminds us of Chewbecca. But its distinct look isn’t just for show. The lofted properties trap warm air, especially when worn under an outer shell. This mid-layer’s other features include a mini bill on the hoodie, full-length wind-flap, zippered sleeve and hand pockets, and draft-resistant structured thumbhole cuffs, and much more.

LOWA San Diego GTX Surround Lo

Sizes
Men’s and Women’s in various sizes

MSRP
$210

URL
lowaboots.com

Notes
Obviously, these aren’t winter boots. But for those already prepping for spring or who live in warmer climes where snow rarely falls, the San Diego GTX Surround Lo are a fantastic candidate for your grayman (or graywoman) outfit. After all, not every disaster requires you to wear camo-pattern tactical boots. Sometimes, it’s more advantageous to blend in. These LOWA shoes will certainly let you do that, but also let you haul ass through mild hiking trails if you need to GTFO. The upper is made up of a comfortable mix of nubuck, fabric, and split leather, while the TPU outsole is both featherweight and quite sturdy. And as the name implies, they feature Gore-Tex Surround technology that allows for 360 degrees of waterproofing yet still allow your foot to breathe. So while you probably don’t want to use them for sledding, these kicks will certainly keep your socks dry in rain and light snow.

Daisy Outdoor Products Model 599

Weight
7.1 pounds

MSRP
$595

URL
daisy.com

Notes
If it’s a postapocalyptic scenario, you probably don’t want to be too trigger happy with your powder-burning guns. The need to conserve ammunition will be at an all-time high. Plus, you could both scare off wildlife (aka your next meal) and attract unwanted visitors (aka marauders looking for resources). That’s when airguns come into play. They’re far less noisy yet can take small game with ease. Take for instance the Model 599 from Daisy. This .177-caliber competition air rifle has a shooting distance of up to 300 yards with a maximum muzzle velocity of 520 feet per second per pellet. The beechwood stock allows for customization, thanks to adjustable comb height, butt-pad height, and length-of-pull. The single-shot rifle is rechargeable using a hand pump or air compressor.

Mammut Astro Gloves

Sizes
Men’s and Women’s in various sizes

MSRP
$55

URL
us.mammut.com

Notes
The Astro Gloves are a versatile set of paw protection. Designed for hiking, they feature Gore Windstopper material that’s both windproof and breathable. This makes them great at keeping your digits toasty but not sweaty. They’re also formfitting without binding at the joints. Mammut gets bonus points for making the thumbs and index fingers touchscreen compatible, so you can keep the gloves on and still operate your mobile device. There’s also a leather flap for easy on and off, nonslip reinforcements in the palm and the fingers, and a connection hook to keep the gloves together when not in use. They’re also compact and lightweight enough to be worn as an inner layer inside larger winter mitts.

Streamlight ProTac HL 5-X

Weight
1 pound, 3.4 ounces (with included batteries)

MSRP
$175

URL
streamlight.com

Notes
If this were a firearm, we’d call it a hand cannon. The ProTac HL 5-X is a powerful flashlight in more ways than one. Firstly, the output. It emits a whopping 3,500 lumens on high mode, 1,00 lumens on medium, and 250 lumens on low. It can light the way on a camping trip, during a sudden blackout, or on a search-and-rescue mission. Next, is its imposing stature. Clocking in at about a pound and 9.5 inches, the ProTac HL 5-X makes for a solid improvised weapon. Its anodized aluminum frame can take a beating while its rubber sleeve offers traction and thermal insulation. But perhaps what we love the most is its “multi-fuel” design: This Streamlight runs on CR123 batteries or the included rechargeable batteries, which can be replenished via its micro USB charging port.

One Eleven SWII Solar Three-Hand rPet Watch

Colors
Black, Green, Orange, Red

MSRP
$125

URL
111watches.com

Notes
Most outdoor adventurers know that a watch has several survival uses, including as an impromptu compass and a distance calculator — just to name two. So having a reliable timepiece is essential, whether you’re braving the backcountry or the concrete jungle. This One Eleven watch won’t run out of batteries any time soon, thanks in large part to its solar-powered movement. Its dial is protected by a hardened mineral crystal lens, a stainless steel case-back, and a 42mm plastic case made from recycled plastic water bottles. The 22mm nylon strap has a hook-and-loop closure, allowing for a more accurate and personalized fit around your wrist than your granddaddy’s leather band. Moreover, the SWII is also water resistant up to 10 ATM (or roughly 100 meters), so it’ll keep ticking in snow, rain, or water. (Just don’t go diving with it.)

Chris Reeve Knives Impinda

OAL
7.14 inches

MSRP
$450

URL
chrisreeve.com

Notes
The names Chris Reeves and Bill Harsey Jr. are legendary in the knife world. Both have made iconic blades proven to not only survive, but thrive in the field. So when the two team up, people pay attention. Their recent collaboration is the Impinda. This folding knife is their modern take on the slipjoint folding knife. Marrying top-notch materials like a S35-VN stainless steel blade and a sandblasted titanium handle with a vintage design, the Impinda has a “so simple it’s sophisticated” sleek look. The stonewashed drop-point blade’s shape makes it versatile for all sorts of tasks, which won’t be too difficult since it cuts and stabs like a lightsaber. At 3.38 ounces, it’s an ideal folding knife for everyday carry, but could easily serve you reliably in an unexpected survival situation.

Zootility Co. ST-2 Pocket Knife

Weight
1.4 ounces

MSRP
$44.50

URL
zootility.com

Notes
If the Chris Reeves Impinda is too pricy for your wallet and you want something cheaper and slimmer, look no further than the ST-2 Pocket Knife from Zootility. It is 0.125-inch thin and is just 3.51 inches when closed. When the 2.2-inch semi-serrated blade is extended, the folding knife stands at 5.8 inches. The ST-2 is made of 440C stainless steel, which does a fine job of fighting off corrosion and is easy to sharpen. But one of the main benefits of this tool is that it’s boltless, allowing you to quickly replace or even trash the blade — a convenient feature if you’re in the field and don’t have time to sharpen the blade or if you’re about to go through airport security screening and forgot the knife in your pocket.

Rite in the Rain Flat Dark Earth Metal Clicker Pen

OAL
5.125 inches

MSRP
$17

URL
riteintherain.com

Notes
While this isn’t a tactical pen meant for fighting off terrorists or the undead apocalypse, the Flat Dark Earth Metal Clicker Pen is a super reliable writing instrument that’ll work in pretty much any environment. It can write on wet paper, while upside down, or even in temperatures as low as -30 degrees F. Rite in the Rain says the clicker pen’s black ink will never leak, evaporate, or blow up in your pocket. This could be quite handy in a wide variety of situations, from writing down the license plate of a hit-and-run car to leaving a message for your survival group at your predetermined rendezvous point. The body of the pen is brass, colored with a matte FDE powdercoat.

More From Issue 30

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Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 31

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Editor’s Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.

Avoiding Bribes While Traveling

Posted on February 28, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

15 Tips to Avoid Bribes
A Real-Life Example
If All Else Fails

Editor’s Note: The following article was written by Cody Martin of Option Gray. Cody spent more than 11 years in law enforcement, including time as an undercover officer, executive protection agent, and instructor of firearms and survival courses. We’ve shared the post in its entirety with his permission. For more of his articles, check out OptionGray.com.

Bribery is a form of corruption that’s illegal in a lot of places and plagues societies at every level. Many people use bribery as a way to push agendas, manipulate established practices, and coerce folks into doing things they wouldn’t normally do. Money is the driving force. Factor in things such as a third-world location, impoverished living conditions, and societal breakdown, and you have a situation ripe for bribery. Let’s take a look at 15 tips you can use to avoid or get out of paying a bribe.

The first thing to remember and your best option is to avoid being in a situation where you may need to pay a bribe to someone. However, if you find yourself in one of these situations, there are many methods, techniques, tips, and tricks that can be used. We are just scratching the surface in this article. However, what I’ve listed below will have you well on your way to understanding what is going on during a bribe and how you can take steps to control the situation.

15 Tips to Avoid Bribes

1. Maintain your situational awareness

Situational awareness is paramount and transcends all aspects of life. In order to avoid falling victim to bribery, you have to be able to spot it. The common culprits while traveling abroad are the police or sometimes military who are conducting “traffic” enforcement or manning roadblocks. Be aware of the areas you are traveling and the corruption that is common. Be cognizant of all your actions and be sure to conduct yourself accordingly and well within the law.

Common techniques used in shakedowns may be:

Asking you to pay a certain fee to enter or leave the country
Asking you to pay a penalty or fine for breaking a bogus rule or for an infraction you didn’t commit
Asking you to pay a fee in order for them to return important paperwork or documents such as driver license, passport, insurance, registration, etc.

2. Be familiar with and follow local laws

Piggy-backing off of point #1, be familiar with the laws particular to the area you are traveling. Every place has that one weird law that’s hard to believe exists. Don’t fall victim to your own ignorance and avoid the stuff that’s easy to avoid. A lot of travelers bring trouble onto themselves by being in vacation mode and dropping their guard. Don’t be that person.

3. Have all your travel documents squared away

This is another easy one. Make sure all your travel documents are in line well in advance of your trip. It seems silly, but a little research can go a long way. Simple things like the expiration date on your passport, the proper types of visas, etc., can make a break a trip. They can also provide ammunition for someone looking to make a quick buck off of you.

4. Never give out original documents

If at all possible, never hand over any of your original documents. Any paperwork required for you to conduct yourself abroad should be copied for daily use. Handing over your passport and then having someone hold it ransom until a “fine” is paid could be a nightmare situation. Try to avoid this by using copies if feasible.

5. Use an International driver’s permit

If you are stopped and are asked to hand over your identification, it’s best to have an international driver’s permit to hand over as opposed to your original license from back home. In case this permit gets “held” or confiscated you are not out the hassle and inconvenience of losing your original.

6. Don’t stand out

If you are trying to avoid paying a bribe by saying you are broke while you are wearing a $10,000 Rolex, you may have a hard time getting someone to believe your story. The same thing goes for wearing fancy clothes, openly carrying expensive electronics, etc. Depending on where you are traveling, it may be a good idea to employ a gray man approach to your clothing.

When you are out and about, pay attention to those around you and what they are wearing. What stands out? Is it their shoes, shirt, handbag, hairstyle, etc.? Be cognizant of what draws your attention. Make a mental note and be sure to avoid those triggers if you are trying to avoid unnecessary attention.

7. Stay in public view

If you are being stopped or detained for any reason, try to keep your presence in a public place. If you are on foot, avoid being led into isolated or out of view areas, and if you are driving, stop where you are and keep your engine running. It’s even better if you are causing a congestion and drawing attention. Their inconvenience may be a factor in determining you are not worth the hassle.

8. Be polite

Be polite and courteous throughout the ordeal. Even if your blood pressure is through the roof because of this person’s audacity, you need to maintain your cool. They are in a position of power and you are somewhat at their mercy. You will get nowhere by getting into a heated argument while you are being detained. Remember how social engineering plays into human behavior and use it to your advantage.

9. Don’t use the word “bribe”

The term bribe may invoke negative emotion and cause the situation to become worse, so try to avoid its use. This person knows what they are doing is wrong and so do you. Calling it what it is will only backfire if you are trying to diffuse the situation. Keep in mind, you are trying to talk your way out of paying a bribe and you don’t get extra points for pointing fingers.

10. Stay calm

Stay calm, and if you can’t stay calm at least give the appearance of it. When we display fear, anxiety, or worry it only lets the person know they have the upper hand. It also contradicts tactic #11…

11. Act like you don’t understand and “play dumb”

The language barrier may be a legitimate thing depending on where you are traveling and you may not understand all of what is going on. Use this to your advantage. At some point, you will hopefully realize what is happening and that’s a good thing. The sooner the better. However, acting like you have no clue what they are asking for can work exceptionally well.

12. Don’t immediately pay

The longer it takes for them to get what they want the better. Use their impatience to your advantage. Most folks are looking for a quick buck and for targets of opportunity. The longer it takes for them to get what they want out of you the better.

13. Deflection or redirection

Redirect the conversation by asking directions, showing them maps, asking complicated questions, etc. This tactic plays off of #12. The longer you can draw out the interaction in terms of time between the “bribe” and paying the better off you will be. Again, they are looking for quick and easy money. Check out our article on Gray Man Communication: How to Talk to Anyone for information on deflection and redirection.

14. Ask for a written ticket and a receipt

If you aren’t getting anywhere in terms of getting out of paying, ask for a written ticket and for a written receipt. This can be seen as an inconvenience and they may want to avoid the hassle. It can also be a roadblock to the behavior because it documents the behavior, which may be bogus to begin with. If they are trying to make a quick buck they want to avoid all the legalities and formalities of the legitimate process.

15. Give the appearance of compliance

Even though you are trying to circumvent what is truly going on, give the appearance of compliance throughout the whole ordeal. This helps them maintain their position of authority and gives you the upper hand during negotiations. Feed off of that and use it to your advantage.

A Real-Life Example

Take a few minutes and watch the video below. It’s a good demonstration of how to deal with a shakedown or a request for a bribe. A lot of the tips listed above are effectively utilized, especially during the last interaction at the end of the video.

Editor’s Note: For another real-life example, check out the reader-submitted story Mozambique Mayhem.

If All Else Fails

There may be times you are forced into paying a bribe due to a shakedown or other activity by corrupt government officials, police, etc. Safety is your number one priority. So, if there is ever a point where things are getting questionable you need to do what you can to defuse the situation. With that in mind, you may have to pay a bribe as a last resort.

If this is the case, you need to have a way to pay. A $20 bill in U.S. currency will usually be more than enough to do the trick, but sometimes it may take more. On the other hand, a lot of times it can take way less. Be familiar with exchange rates and how far local money will go. You have to weigh the situation for yourself, but it may be worth it to be out the money and be on your merry way. Keep in mind, paying a bribe just continues the cycle of corruption.

A bribe could be your best course of action and could be something that prevents a bad situation from being worse. In a lot of places, bribes aren’t considered illegal or unethical by many and are widely accepted as part of life. That doesn’t mean we have to like it or accept it, it merely means we should understand the dynamics of the situation and how they play into our course of action.

Paying a bribe should not be your first response, but if there is no way around it you should be ready.

Parental Preps Issue 30

Posted on February 27, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Offgrid Staff

Got a tip you’d like to share? Send it to offgrid@recoilweb.com along with a well-lit, high-resolution photo of yourself. Also include your name, and your website or social media handles if applicable. Please keep your tip submissions between 250 and 350 words. By sending in submissions, you grant TEN: Publishing Media the unrestricted, transferable and sub-licensable, irrevocable, royalty-free, world-wide, and perpetual license to reproduce, distribute, publicly display, make derivative works of, and otherwise use the Submissions in any media whatsoever now known or later invented throughout the world for any purpose whatsoever, commercial or not.

Right now the biggest thing for me is situational awareness. My son is 8 and doesn’t pay attention to literally anything, ever. So when we’re walking or driving somewhere, we play a game memorizing cross streets. He’s also recently decided that he likes doing route prep. I print out a street map from Google or MapQuest and tell him to draw the route to somewhere we go regularly (his school, the grocery store, his favorite restaurants, etc). If the route he draws is different from how I normally go, we take it anyway. Then, on the way back, we’ll take my preferred route so he can see the difference. If we’re taking a route he picked, I’ll make him look at the nearest street sign and tell me what the next turn/step is from where we are right now.

Tom Marshall
Senior Editor, RECOIL

I have four boys, including a 14-year-old son who is a freshman in high school. I can’t always pick him up. He plays sports, and practice ends at different times every day, so I often arrange to have an Uber to pick him up. To prevent any kidnappings or any other wrongdoings toward him, once I book the Uber driver, I call him/her to let them know where my son is waiting and what he’s wearing. I also let the driver know that I see that they’re currently on “whatever street” and that they’re close-by. (I only say this so that the driver is aware that I’m tracking him/her.) I also let the driver know that I’ve sent my son a screen shot along with his license plate info, car info, and a picture of him so my son can keep an eye out. This is my way of letting the driver know I have all his info, and I’m not afraid to hunt his/her ass down … LOL. Once my son is in the car, I call my son and keep him on the phone for as long as he allows me to (he’s a teenager so he easily gets embarrassed), and I have him call me as soon as he gets home.

Before we go to any place that we know strangers have easy access to kids (amusement parks, malls, etc), I take a picture of my kids before we leave the house. If something were to happen, I can easily text, email, or print the picture for police or staff to take a look at. It’s faster and more accurate than trying to remember what they’re wearing, especially under these circumstances.

I’ve taught all my kids to remember their full name, date of birth, address, and phone number. Although my kids know not to talk to strangers, I know that nice shiny things like the offer of candy and pets can easily make kids forget everything. During long car drives, I like to go over different scenarios on what they should or shouldn’t do.

Claudia Richarte

More From Issue 30

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Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 31

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Editor’s Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.

Infographic: The Effects of Sleeplessness

Posted on February 26, 2019 at 9:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Most of us have pulled at least a few all-nighters, whether by choice or by necessity. Forgoing sleep and pushing your body to stay awake for days at a time leads to physical and mental strain — for example, you may have heard that driving while you’re exhausted has been found to be as dangerous as driving drunk. But in an emergency or survival situation, you may not have the luxury of regular and restful sleep. It’s useful to know the effects sleeplessness has on your body so you can understand the risks and prepare to deal with them.

The following infographic from Mattress Clarity provides a timeline of what happens when you don’t sleep. Even in the first 24 hours, the effects are substantial, especially if you’re working hard nonstop. After two days, substantial neurological issues appear, and after three days, hallucinations may begin. World-record holder Toimi Soini stayed awake for more than 11 days, but Guinness World Records subsequently stopped tracking this challenge due to the substantial risk of death it poses.

Click here to download the full-size infographic.

Last Man Projects: Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 Review

Posted on February 25, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Editor’s Note: The following article was written by contributor Brandon Barton for his Facebook page, Last Man Projects. We’ve shared the post in its entirety with permission. For more from Brandon, check out his previous articles, Lessons Learned from a 26-Mile Hike and $200 DIY Emergency Power Pack.

Hello, my name is Last Man and I… I’m a pack addict. I recently got a great deal on a closeout Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 from Backcountry.com. It’s a departure from many other packs I’ve picked up and not one I think many in the preparedness community would normally gravitate to. Why not? Well for starters it’s not some webbed up, 1000-denier nylon, Velcro paneled, multi-pocketed tac-pack (of which I have several).

In fact mine, in the only color they had left, looks kinda like a giant avocado. It’s closer to a dedicated hiker’s pack more at home in a National Park than a military-based pack on a deployment somewhere. Think more Osprey or Kelty and less London Bridge Tactical or Eberlestock. For those of you guys looking to be more “grey” this is a great pack, coming in some low-key colors but with the space and features few if the other less “tactical” options offer.

My initial impressions of this pack are very positive. At 40L it’s not made for long sustainment trips, but for something to help get me home over the course of a week or so it’s just right. Because of its size it’s really difficult to over-pack, although I bet some folks will still succeed in doing just that.

It’s exceptionally comfortable — I hardly notice I’ve got it on. The 3-zipper design, a Mystery Ranch exclusive, is the best way I’ve seen so far in accessing all gear easily. If you lay it down unzipped completely, the pack is wide open. Although I have to admit, when you sit it up and open just the top (pictured), the bag looks disconcertingly like that face-sucker egg from the movie Alien. The zippers are on par with the best I’ve seen in the industry.

Oh, and one last thing on storage. I really love the zippered pockets on the waist belt. They are very handy for all the quick access items you’d normally have to stash somewhere like the lid pockets.

I’m not going in to all the technical voodoo that makes this bag so comfortable. Mystery Ranch says it’s a result of a frame “comprised of two vertical composit rods and an upper horizontal composit bar” paired with an HPDE frame sheet and Futura Yoke. For anyone else, just take it that it’s really, really comfortable.

Now for the downsides. That cavernous interior needs a lot of organization to pack well. There are no interior pockets to organize smaller things inside the main compartment so little pouches and zip-lock bags are your friends.

Speaking of pockets, those four “stretch woven pockets” on the outside are not nearly as handy as Mystery Ranch would like to think they are. They seem too tight or awkward for anything other than a light rain shell or pair of gloves. I’d rather have a couple extra “real” pockets for my money. Lastly, the hydration reservoir pocket is smaller than most packs I have. I crammed the 3L bladder from the Camelbak BFM and its not the ideal set up, but will work.

The bottom line is if you’re looking to travel fast and comfortably with minimal to moderate loads, this is a great choice.

Here are the basic specs from Mystery Ranch’s website:

Weight – 3.8 lbs
Volume – 2441 cu-in (40 liters)
Dimensions – 28.5″ x 16″ x 12.5″
MSRP – $229