Fire at Will: Fire-Starter Buyer’s Guide

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Minnesota-born novelist Sinclair Lewis once wrote, “Winter is not a season, it’s an occupation.” In other words, winter is not the time for complacency, especially for survivalists. But no matter the season, hypothermia can quickly set in as a result of rain, wind chill, or dropping temperatures after nightfall. In any survival situation, we need to view staying warm as a full-time job.

Layered clothing and a proper shelter can go a long way, but the cornerstone of warmth is knowing with complete certainty that you can quickly and reliably start a fire. This means your survival kit should contain a diverse and redundant set of fire-starting tools. Why? Because if you rely on just one, you’ll eventually learn the answer the hard way when it fails.

Whether you need to add a backup firestarter to your bug-out bag or you’re looking to replace an item in your incendiary arsenal, it’s beneficial to examine all the available options. We collected a wide variety of firestarters from six different categories, then tested each tool knowing that each type would have its own pros and cons. (For the purposes of this guide, we omitted lighters and torches — for these devices, refer to our Lighter & Torch Buyer’s Guide from Issue 23.)

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And because you demanded it, we also include several budget buys to see how these affordable options compare to the brand names. That said, read on to hear our thoughts on each fire-starting tool and consider whether one or more deserves a place in your emergency kit.

EXOTAC nanoSTRIKER XL

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Type
Ferro Rod

Dimensions
3.7 inches long by 0.4-inch diameter

Weight
1 ounce

Components
Threaded aluminum body, ferro rod, tungsten carbide striker

Lifespan
3,000 strikes per replaceable rod

Special Features
Key ring, lanyard, waterproof O-rings, 4 colors available

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$29 / $7.50 ferro rod, $9 striker

URL
www.exotac.com

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The XL in this product’s name may lead you to believe it’s gigantic — that’s not the case. This is a slightly enlarged version of the original EXOTAC nanoSTRIKER, but it’s still under 4 inches long and about as thick as a ballpoint pen. The company claims the XL threaded ferro rod will last for 3,000 strikes, approximately triple the lifespan of the discontinued original version. Using this three-piece ferro rod is simple. Just unscrew the components, thread the ferro rod onto the cap facing the opposite direction, and strike it with the carbide striker.

Unfortunately, the small parts can be difficult to assemble and use reliably in the cold, in the dark, or while wearing gloves. This firestarter would be terrific for everyday carry on a keychain, but it wouldn’t be our first choice for frigid wilderness survival.

Pros:

  • Sleek, modern design that’s perfect for everyday carry (EDC)
  • Made in the USA

Cons:

  • Small striker takes finesse to spark reliably.
  • Three-piece design risks losing components

Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0 Scout

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Type
Ferro Rod

Dimensions
3 by 0.9 by 0.5 inches

Weight
1 ounce

Components
Ferro rod, stainless striker

Lifespan
3,000 strikes

Special Features
Emergency whistle, lanyard, nesting handles

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$15 / N/A

URL
www.lightmyfire.com

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Just as the Swiss are known for their army knife, the Swedes are famous for FireSteel. This ferro rod design was developed for the Swedish Ministry of Defence for use by the country’s armed forces. Light My Fire still manufactures the product in a dedicated factory in Västervik, though the rod’s design has evolved since its inception. Version 2.0 comes with ergonomically improved handles and a built-in emergency whistle.

There are two variants: Army uses a heavy-duty 12,000-strike ferro rod; Scout (seen here) uses a lighter 3,000-strike rod. This particular model has handles made of polymer-encapsulated coconut shell fiber, contoured to nest side-by-side against each other. The FireSteel 2.0 makes starting a campfire or stove easy, thanks to the large shower of white-hot sparks produced with each strike.

Pros:

  • Excellent striker produces sparks with ease
  • Lanyard keeps rod tethered securely to striker

Cons:

  • Storage options are limited due to odd shape. A sheath, pocket clip, or fitted storage pouch would be beneficial.

Ultimate Survival Technologies (UST) BlastMatch

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Type
Ferro Rod

Dimensions
4.1 by 1.4 by 1 inches

Weight
2.3 ounces

Components
Orange plastic case, spring-loaded ferro rod, fixed carbide striker

Lifespan
4,000 strikes

Special Features
Locking protective cover

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$25 / N/A

URL
www.ustbrands.com

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Heralded as a revolutionary patented improvement on the basic ferrocerium rod, the UST BlastMatch uses a stationary striker blade and spring-loaded rod in a polymer body. To operate the device, just pop off the protective cover, place the rod against your tinder material, and maintain firm pressure on the striker plate with your thumb. A quick downward push throws sparks directly at the base of the rod.

Unfortunately, we found that the BlastMatch works a lot better in theory than it does in reality. The rod needs to be in contact with the base of your tinder pile, requiring a forceful pushing motion that can scatter carefully positioned shavings or fibers. The BlastMatch can be used one-handed, a major advantage, but in most cases we’d prefer the simplicity and consistency of an ordinary rod and striker.

Pros:

  • One-handed operation
  • Large ferro rod can be struck manually with a blade.

Cons:

  • Pushing motion tends to disturb tinder pile
  • Hard plastic case with moving parts leads us to question durability

EmberLit / MerkWares Strike-a-Light Fire Starter Necklace

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Type
Flint & Steel

Dimensions
Striker: 2.5 by 0.6 by 0.1 inches / Lanyard: 16.5 inches long

Weight
1.3 ounces

Components
EmberLit pendant steel striker, ferrocerium toggle, 550 FireCord lanyard, quick-release clasp

Lifespan
N/A

Special Features
Mini 1-inch ferro rod, combustible tinder strand

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$30 / $15 replacement FireCord (25 ft.), $1 flint rocks

URL
www.emberlit.com

This may look like an ordinary necklace to the casual observer, but it’s actually an ingenious combination of modern and ancient fire-starting gear. First, there’s the pendant, which is cut from 1/8-inch-thick high-carbon steel, bearing a cutout of the “tooth and talon” MerkWares logo. Many alternative pendant shapes are available at no extra cost, ranging from animal silhouettes to a Thor’s hammer symbol. This steel provides sharp edges, which can produce sparks when struck rapidly against flint, agate, or other hard stones (sold separately). The pendant can also be used to strike the small ferro rod toggle on the necklace. Even the lanyard contributes to fire-starting — it’s actually 550 FireCord, with seven braided fibers plus a waxed tinder strand inside the nylon sheath. In an emergency, the wearer can cut off a segment of the lanyard, ignite the tinder strand, and reposition the clasp to keep the necklace intact. This necklace provides all the ingredients for a survival fire — and looks good doing it.

Pros:

  • Necklace configuration provides fast access to fire-starting tools.
  • Good value considering its many components and uses

Cons:

  • The flint/steel method requires serious patience and practice.
  • Flint rocks may be hard to find.

Zippo Emergency Fire Starter

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Dimensions
2.5 by 1.7 by 0.6 inches

Weight
1 ounce

Components
Orange plastic case, flint wheel igniter, 4 waxed tinder sticks

Lifespan
Approximately 1,500 strikes per replaceable flint

Special Features
Water-resistant seal, rotating directional flint wheel

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$15 / $0.80 replacement flints (6), $5 tinder sticks (8)

URL
www.zippo.com

Ever tried to light a fire with an empty lighter? Ever wished you could relive that same experience during a survival situation? If so, the Zippo Emergency Fire Starter is what you’re looking for. Seriously though, for better or for worse, this tool is simply the wheel igniter from a Zippo lighter turned 90 degrees and transplanted into a lightweight plastic case. The sparks it creates are minuscule.

One upside is that the water-resistant seal protects a small cavity that contains four waxed cotton tinder sticks. So, you’ll at least have some dry tinder at the ready. It appears that Zippo used to make a tougher metal-cased version of this firestarter, complete with a waterproof O-ring. But even with those features, it’s hard to overlook the realization that this tool is marginally more useful than an empty lighter and some cotton balls.

Pros:

  • One-handed operation
  • Water-resistant tinder container

Cons:

  • You might as well carry an empty Zippo lighter … or a full one.

Numyth Vulcan Fire Piston V2

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Type
Pressure / Friction

Dimensions
5 inches long by 0.7 inches diameter

Weight
1.8 ounces

Components
Anodized aluminum piston, cylinder, end cap, and tinder capsule; rubber O-ring seals

Lifespan
N/A

Special Features
Waterproof tinder container, replacement O-rings, gel lubricant

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$40 / N/A

URL
www.goinggear.com

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Sudden compression generates heat, forming an ember that can be nursed into a flame. In a nutshell, that’s how a fire piston works. The Numyth Vulcan consists of a machined aluminum piston and cylinder, sealed tightly with rubber O-rings and a light coat of lubricant. To use the firestarter, load a tiny pinch of tinder into the notch on the tip of the piston, then place it into the sealed cylinder. Slam the piston on a surface to compress it fully, and in a single swift movement, draw it out of the cylinder. If you’re fast enough, you’ll have a glowing ember to blow into a flame.
This requires practice, but most of all it requires a supply of specific tinder. Numyth recommends cotton char cloth or true tinder fungus. That’s the biggest drawback to the fire piston — you need to bring tinder, and if you run out, you’re in big trouble.

Pros:

  • Fits conveniently in pen organizers and shirt pockets
  • Waterproof tinder capsule

Cons:

  • Temperamental — only works with bone-dry highly-combustible tinder
  • Coordination and quick hands are mandatory

USAMM Scout Primitive Fire Bow Drill Kit with Upgraded Palm Rock

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Type
Pressure / Friction

Dimensions
Bow: 21.5 inches long by 0.7 inch diameter / Board: 8.8 by 2.4 by 0.6 inches

Weight
13.1 ounces

Components
Red oak bow with bowstring, spindle, palm rock, pre-notched hardwood fireboard, leather coal catcher

Lifespan
N/A

Special Features
Ceramic palm rock with glazed spindle hole, instruction sheet with color photos

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$30 / N/A

URL
www.amazon.com

Normally, a survivalist would craft a primitive bow drill from materials found in the field, plus a shoelace or some paracord as a bowstring. That’s a tough skill to learn from scratch, so bow drill kits make the process more approachable for first-timers. We found this USAMM kit on Amazon.com, and it contains everything you’ll need except tinder. To use the drill, the spindle is twisted through the bowstring and seated in a notch in the fireboard. The pointy end of the spindle is supported by the palm rock in one hand, while the other hand draws the bow back and forth. Eventually, friction from the spindle generates an ember, which falls into the leather coal catcher below the notch. The ember is tipped gently into a tinder pile, and — voilà — you have fire.

This USAMM bow drill is well-built and works flawlessly, although we had to loosen and re-tie the bowstring. We’d consider this more of an educational resource than an actual survival tool because it’s not exactly practical to shove this into your bug-out bag when there are more portable options, but it’s quite affordable and fun to use.

Pros:

  • Pre-assembled and tested
  • Made in the USA

Cons:

  • Larger and heavier than other firestarters
  • Guaranteed to give you a cardio workout

Doan Machinery & Equipment Magnesium Fire-Starting Tool

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Type
Magnesium Bar

Dimensions
3 by 1.1 by 0.3 inches

Weight
1.4 ounces

Components
Magnesium bar, ferro rod sparking insert

Lifespan
N/A

Special Features
Bead chain

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$10 / N/A

URL
www.doanfirestarter.com

The magnesium bar has been used extensively by the military and civilian survivalists due to its combination of a sparking edge and highly-combustible tinder source. Doan Machinery & Equipment has been producing these bars for decades with a simple formula: a bar of solid magnesium with a small ferro rod glued into a notch on the spine. To start a fire, use a knife to shave off a pile of magnesium about the size of a quarter. Then reverse the bar and use the knife to strike the ferro rod, generating sparks that ignite the pile. Magnesium burns with a white-hot flame, easily igniting nearby tinder.

Our main complaint with this tool is the lack of a dedicated striker. The spine on some knives works as a scraper and striker, but not all. If you can’t use your knife’s spine, you’ll be forced to dull a portion of your blade as a result of shaving and striking the bar. The shavings from this bar also seem harder to ignite than those from other bars we’ve used.

Pros:

  • Magnesium shavings burn energetically
  • Made in the USA

Cons:

  • Doesn’t include striker or scraper blade
  • Shavings seem reluctant to ignite.

My Crisis Gear Magnesium Fire Starter

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Dimensions
3 by 1.1 by 0.3 inches

Weight
1.8 ounces

Components
Magnesium bar, ferro rod sparking insert, scraper/striker

Lifespan
N/A

Special Features
Bead chain, hacksaw-style scraper/striker

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$8 / N/A

URL
www.amazon.com

Sold and packaged under the brand name My Crisis Gear, this magnesium bar has no identifiable markings. The company’s web site lists only seven products, and the magnesium bar is nowhere to be found — at the moment, it’s only available through Amazon.com.

Questionable origin aside, this firestarter is inexpensive and effective. While its dimensions are identical to the Doan bar, the material makeup is clearly different. The U.S.-made Doan bar is smooth and dense; this imported bar is rough and porous. This makes it easy to scrape off shavings, but we suspect the bar will have a shorter lifespan as a result. We greatly appreciate the inclusion of a steel scraper, flat on one side and serrated on the other. This eliminates the need to dull your knife blade and makes this an all-in-one fire-starting solution.

Pros:

  • Porous material is easy to shave and ignite
  • Magnesium shavings burn energetically

Cons:

  • Imported off-brand product with unknown quality control
  • Softer magnesium may lead to shorter lifespan

Coleman Waterproof Matches 4-Pack

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Type
Matches

Dimensions
2.3 by 1.4 by 0.6 inches per box

Weight
0.4 ounces per box

Components
Four match boxes

Lifespan
40 matches per box, 160 total

Match Burn Time
21 seconds

Special Features
Dual “waterproof” striking surfaces

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$3 / N/A

URL
www.coleman.com

We found these waterproof matches in the camping section at Walmart for a mere $3. Each of the four boxes contains 40 matches, featuring striking surfaces on both sides. The 1/16-inch-thick wood matchsticks aren’t prone to snapping, thankfully. We can confirm these matches are waterproof, as they lit easily even after soaking in water.

However, the striking surfaces are another story — despite claims that they’re waterproof, we couldn’t even light a bone-dry match on a damp box. While they may be “waterproof” in that they don’t turn to mush when wet, they certainly won’t help you light a match under those conditions. Ironically, the box even instructs users to “store in a cool dry place.” As long as you can keep the striking surfaces away from moisture, these matches are a good option.

Pros:

  • Matches light quickly, even when soaked
  • Good value for money

Cons:

  • Striking surfaces are useless when wet
  • Powerful flame burns out quickly

Diamond Greenlight Deluxe Match Books

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Type
Matches

Dimensions
1.5 by 1.8 by 0.3 inches per book

Weight
0.1 ounces per book

Components
50 match books

Lifespan
20 matches per book, 1,000 total

Match Burn Time
39 seconds

Special Features
Striking surface on each book

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$3 / N/A

URL
www.diamondbrands.com

If you want to remain eco-friendly as you survive, these Diamond Greenlight matches may seem appealing. They’re constructed from 100-percent recycled paperboard, with match heads that are literally green, so all your survival buddies can see how much you care about saving Mother Earth.

Sadly, these matches are truly awful. The paperboard bends, tears, or disintegrates if you look at it wrong. And don’t even think about getting it wet. Once you manage to ignite one of these matches, the flame is tiny and fragile, though this at least yields a long burn time. On the bright side, even if it takes you 15 matches to light a fire, you’ll have 985 to spare. These are barely passable for lighting scented candles at home, much less for creating flames in an inhospitable winter wilderness.

Pros:

  • Lots of matches for the money
  • Made in the USA

Cons:

  • Horrendous paperboard matchsticks
  • Small, weak flame

Diamond Large Kitchen Matches

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Type
Matches

Dimensions
4.8 by 2.6 by 1.5 inches

Weight
2.4 ounces

Components
N/A

Lifespan
250 matches

Match Burn Time
49 seconds

Special Features
Dual striking surfaces

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$1 / N/A

URL
www.diamondbrands.com

These are some of the most ubiquitous matches available, found for a dollar or less in retail stores throughout the country. Each box contains approximately 250 loose matches, with 2.3-inch-long wood sticks and small heads.

Despite being made in the USA, quality control appears to be an issue — our box contained several broken matchsticks, matches without heads, and heads of inconsistent sizes. Nevertheless, the matches light easily on the box and burn steadily. As you might expect, any amount of moisture will render these matches useless. They’re fine for home use, but we wouldn’t recommend them for survival situations.

Pros:

  • Long burn time
  • Made in the USA

Cons:

  • Poor quality control
  • Highly sensitive to moisture

UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit

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Type
Matches

Dimensions
4.5 inches long by 1.5 inches diameter

Weight
2.7 ounces

Components
Titan stormproof matches, 3 striker inserts

Lifespan
12 matches

Match Burn Time
32 seconds

Special Features
Waterproof case with striker slot, high-visibility lanyard, cotton tinder inside cap

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$10 / $10 Titan stormproof matches (box of 25)

URL
www.ucogear.com

We have a slight problem with the nomenclature of this product. It uses the term “match,” but that name fails to adequately prepare the user for what happens after striking. Titan stormproof matches seem to have more in common with Fourth of July sparklers than kitchen matches. These 4.3-inch-long mega-matches don’t just burst into flames, they ignite with an audible crackle and intense jet of white-hot fire.

Surprisingly, a lit match can be fully submerged in water and, upon removal, still sputter back to life like a novelty birthday candle. If you can’t light a fire with one of these, you’re doing something very wrong. We wish the cardboard-backed striker inserts were a bit tougher; a minor nitpick on an otherwise superb survival firestarter.

Pros:

  • Violently powerful flame
  • Extremely difficult to extinguish

Cons:

  • Cardboard striker inserts could be more resilient
  • Short lifespan with only 12 matches

BreaDeep 5x Pocket Magnifying Lens (Set of 2)

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Type
Solar

Dimensions
2.8 by 2.2 by 0.3 inches per lens

Weight
1 ounce per lens

Components
1.8-inch glass lens with plastic rim

Lifespan
N/A

Special Features
Polyurethane “leather” carrying case

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$10 per pair / N/A

URL
www.amazon.com

This generic magnifying glass set came to us from China, by way of Amazon.com. Strangely, the boxes are labeled “Pocket Spiegel” in a combination of English and German. We paid $10 for two lenses, though they can be bought individually for $6. Each lens consists of convex glass with a 5x magnification factor, contained in a plastic rim with a rotating cover. The cover is marketed as “leather” but is actually thin pleather with a velvety inner layer. If you’re patient enough, the sun is shining brightly, and conditions are dry, this glass can be used to start a fire by harnessing the power of the sun into a concentrated beam onto some tinder. Its low price and compact size could make this a good addition to your tinder box. However, we’d recommend this as a backup option rather than a standalone tool.

Pros:

  • Small and lightweight
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Requires bright sunlight, steady hands, and patience
  • “Leather” case feels cheap

EmberLit / MerkWares Solar Fire Lens

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Type
Solar

Dimensions
2.3 by 3.4 inches including sleeve

Weight
0.1 ounces

Components
Flexible plastic Fresnel lens

Lifespan
N/A

Special Features
Plastic storage sleeve

MSRP / Recurring Costs
Included in $30 EmberLit Fire Starting Kit; not sold separately / N/A

URL
www.emberlit.com

While a conventional lens requires large curved surfaces to bend light, a Fresnel lens accomplishes the same goal through the use of dozens of tiny ridged sections. This creates a paper-thin profile that can remain flexible. This plastic Fresnel lens from EmberLit is included as part of the company’s Fire Starting Kit, along with a steel striker, flint rock, jute twine, cotton rope, hinged metal container, and canvas storage bag.

The lens is the same size as a standard business card, fitting easily into a wallet. The magnification factor isn’t advertised by EmberLit, but we’d estimate it’s about 3x — more than enough to get a fire going or char some tinder in bright sunlight. We love that this tool weighs virtually nothing and retains the fire-starting benefits of a traditional lens. The other items in the Fire Starting Kit add even more value to this solar firestarter.

Pros:

  • Flexible and durable
  • Weighs as much as a business card

Cons:

  • Accumulates fine scratches easily
  • Only sold as part of the EmberLit fire-starting kit

UEB Outdoor Emergency Cigar Starter

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Type
Solar

Dimensions
4.5 by 3.8 by 0.5 inches folded flat

Weight
0.8 ounces

Components
“Waterproof and windproof” plastic mirror lens, aluminum tinder holder

Lifespan
N/A

Special Features
Folds flat for storage

MSRP / Recurring Costs
$8 / N/A

URL
www.amazon.com

Need to light a stogie in the backwoods, but forgot your matches? UEB Outdoors has the solution with this so-called “Emergency Cigar Starter,” which we found on Amazon. The seller also says it works “as a make-up mirror for ladies” — just don’t set fire to your face. Despite those ludicrous uses, the only thing we care about is if it can start a fire in a survival setting. Fortunately, it can.
The curved mirror focuses light at the metal tinder holder, provided you can position the mirror at the right angle in bright sunlight. When not in use, the tinder holder can be folded flat and clipped onto a tab on the mirror. Although we don’t plan to use it for lighting cigars, this tool works well for igniting tinder or as an emergency signal mirror.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Doubles as an emergency signal mirror

Cons:

  • Plastic chrome is susceptible to scratching or cracking
  • Marketed as a cigar lighter, but it’s barely big enough to hold a cigarette

More From Issue 18

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

Covering Your Assets: Legal & Financial Prepping

Written by

WARNING: This story provided is for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it intended to provide, legal and/or financial advice. The reader should consult with an appropriate professional in their particular jurisdiction regarding their individual situation. Any use of the information contained in this article shall be solely at the reader’s risk. No attorney-client relationship is created by the use of the information in this publication.

You’ve got the survival basics covered: food, water, first aid/medical, sanitation/hygiene, security and self-defense — heck, you even have a fully stocked retreat in an “undisclosed” location. This is a great start, considering that the vast majority of the population doesn’t have a clue. But, you still have a nagging feeling that something’s missing.

While some preppers place much of their focus on buying cool stuff, stocking up on long-term food rations, and getting that very latest bug-out bag, some of us realize that a viable survival plan has to be much more than just having awesome gear. A survival plan must protect you and your loved ones in a comprehensive manner, including the most likely scenarios which fall short of complete societal collapse. Specifically, it needs to address your legal and financial vulnerabilities.

Imagine that a crisis strikes, and someone in your family is seriously injured, incapacitated, or even killed. What then? None of us like to think about these things ­— they’re just too depressing, and discussing them can feel quite morbid. But, if that nightmare scenario happened, would you be prepared for what comes next?

Would you have the legal means to act on that family member’s behalf, or even to satisfy their final wishes in the event of their death? Just when you thought it couldn’t possibly get any worse, it does.

In this article we examine how everyday people can plan to protect themselves and their loved ones against the legal and financial devastation that can often accompany natural or man-made disasters. Whether you’re a prepper looking to expand your knowledge, or a concerned spouse or parent curious to learn more, we help you explore some of the most common legal and financial preps (in plain English) and how they can help you when the unthinkable occurs.

Last Will and Testament

A will, often referred to as a “last will and testament,” is simply a legal document that lets you tell the world your final wishes regarding the distribution of your assets, the care of your minor children, and who will manage your estate. The estate can consist of big, expensive things like real estate and vehicles, but also smaller items like jewelry and family heirlooms. Some assets, including bank accounts and certain insurance policies, may not be covered by the will, since they will usually have named beneficiaries.

Financial prepping legal attorney law covering assets prepper finance disaster emergency 2

A compressive estate planning package can include a will, a living will, and a power of attorney.

If you die without a will, however, the state in which you reside will usually determine the distribution of your assets, and many of these other issues, according to applicable state statutes. In the absence of a valid will, total strangers will most likely be making all these important decisions for you. Reread that last sentence and let it sink in.

The requirements for creating a will differ from state to state and can get quite complicated. Get it right and you can rest assured that you have relieved your survivors of a major burden. Getting it wrong, however, can prove to be very costly, resulting in many unintended consequences. Even though you aren’t required to have an attorney prepare your will, most people will absolutely benefit from an attorney’s experience, expertise, and estate-planning advice.

Hiring an attorney can help you avoid many potential pitfalls of the do-it-yourself will. If you have assets, minor children, or just want to make sure that your wishes are carried out, you should consider creating a will. (See the sidebar for tips on finding and hiring the right attorney for your needs.)

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint an individual or entity to act, make decisions, and handle your affairs while you’re unable to do so. With a POA you can grant legal authority to a capable adult to handle all your personal and financial matters (general) or to deal with one particular matter (specific). Normally, a POA will only be effective as long as you’re alive and competent to make decisions. Some POAs, however, are “durable” — it’ll still be effective even if you become disabled or mentally incapacitated.

Although a POA can be revoked, you’ll mostly likely be bound by any actions taken by the person you appoint, so you should only consider individuals you trust completely with this responsibility. Establishing a POA as part of your overall estate plan makes sense, and is a powerful instrument to protect yourself and your family.

The laws for creating a POA vary from state to state, so as with a last will and testament, to be effective, you need to get it right. It’s best to consult a qualified professional in your area concerning applicable laws and regulations.

Living Will/Advance Directives

A living will, also called an “advance directive,” or a “health care declaration,” is not really a will, but rather written legal instructions detailing a person’s end-of-life medical treatment preferences in the event they become unable to communicate. In many instances, a living will is used to affirmatively state what life-prolonging care the person may, or may not, want.

Imagine that a loved one is seriously injured and unable to communicate. By planning ahead and preparing a living will, that individual can get the medical treatment they want, avoiding unnecessary suffering and medical procedures they didn’t want. Advance directives also relieve family members and other caregivers of the heavy burden and difficult decisions often encountered during these moments.

A living will allows your loved ones and caregivers to be assured that your personal choices are respected, even if at that moment you’re unable to personally communicate those preferences. Living wills are typically prepared as part of a more comprehensive estate planning package including a will and a POA. The authority granted by a living will has no effect after death.

Adults of all ages should consider making a living will since life is unpredictable, and there’s no way for any of us to know when tragedy will strike.

Asset Inventory

Assembling a comprehensive inventory of all your personal assets can be tedious and time-consuming; it’ll never be as much fun as putting together that killer bug-out bag. But the effort will pay huge dividends the day someone, acting on your behalf, needs to file an insurance claim or to submit any of your information to a court of law.

Preparing an asset inventory will require time and effort, but this is certainly a project most people can accomplish on their own — and the benefits are huge.

Preparing an asset inventory will require time and effort, but this is certainly a project most people can accomplish...

The idea of having an asset inventory is to organize all of your important information in one easily accessible document. This will potentially make things far easier for those tasked with handling your affairs in your absence. Imagine someone trying to compile all the most intimate key pieces of information about your personal circumstances, without you there to guide them. Where would they start, and how long would it take them? Creating an asset inventory now will save those you love a great deal of grief later on.

Begin by gathering all your important documents and preparing a list. Whenever possible, try to attach copies of statements and other documentation providing account numbers, contact information, beneficiaries, etc. Include all information you think might be helpful, but focus special attention on the general categories listed below:

  • Life insurance policies and annuities
  • Deeds to real property
  • Partnership and business agreements
  • Retirement and pension plans/employment benefits
  • Brokerage, investment, and bank accounts
  • Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
  • Personal property and safe deposit box
  • Name(s) and contact information for all beneficiaries
  • Pre-paid funeral arrangements/contracts

Your list should also document all your personal information, including:

  • Full legal name, social security number, date of birth, and passport number
  • Contact information for your attorney, banker, accountant, and financial planner
  • Location of your will, POA, and living will

Note: Make copies of at least three years of income tax returns and attach them to the back of your asset inventory. Also include birth and marriage certificates. Keep a copy of your asset inventory in a safe place and make sure that at least two trusted people know where to find it.

How to Find (and Hire) the Right Attorney

Locating the right attorney is like finding the right dentist, mechanic, or firearms instructor. It requires some legwork, but considering what’s at stake, it’s well worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Do Your Research: Start with friends and relatives who have experienced similar circumstances. They can point you in the right direction and maybe even make a recommendation. You can also call your state’s bar association and ask for a referral.

Consider a Specialist: Consider using an attorney who specializes in estate planning and probate law. These attorneys are familiar with the process and the latest changes in the law.

Do Your Homework: Many attorneys have a strong online presence and comprehensive websites that provide lots of information and background, saving you time and effort. But also do your own research. The more informed you are, the more likely you’ll get the results you want. Google is a really good place to start your research.

The Interview: Narrow your search down to a few possible attorneys, call their office, and ask if they’ll provide a free consultation. This will give you an opportunity to meet the attorney in person, ask your questions, and get answers in plain English. (Remember to write out a list of questions before your meeting to avoid forgetting important issues.) It may seem like a lot of work, but these are essential steps to help you end up with the right person and, more importantly, with the results you want.

Fees and Costs: Always negotiate fees in advance. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others may offer you a fixed fee (also known as a flat fee), which may save you big money in the long run. For routine matters, such as a will or power of attorney, a flat fee is more common. You should also request an estimate of anticipated costs and expenses.

Closing the Deal: Before you sign any papers, carefully read the engagement letter or retainer agreement. These documents set out the terms of the attorney-client relationship, the services to be performed, the applicable deadlines, and fees/costs. All these terms and conditions should be clearly stated in plain English. If you can’t understand what you’re being asked to sign, this might be a good time to take a step back. If you have any questions or concerns, get those issues cleared up before signing anything.

Rookie Mistakes to Avoid

“I can prepare my own legal docs to save money”
That $10.99 do-it-yourself power of attorney or will may seem like a tremendous bargain … until you try to use it and find it’s legally deficient. This nightmare scenario usually unfolds at the worst possible moment.

“There’s no rush, I can do this later”
None of us knows what tomorrow will bring, and there can be serious consequences for even short delays. Failure to plan may one day result in strangers making important decisions for you. Not having your affairs in order can bring about severe financial and emotional strain for a family already suffering from a crisis or disaster.

“Only rich people need a will, power of attorney, etc.”
While creating a will is a relatively inexpensive process, more than half of Americans don’t have a will. Even people with limited assets will benefit from having their final wishes properly documented.

Conclusion

Securing the survival basics will put you light-years ahead of the unprepared masses, but that’s not enough. Forward thinking, preparing for the unexpected, and contingency planning is what prepping is all about. But a successful survival plan must address all your needs and vulnerabilities — and this includes your legal and financial matters. Fail to get this one thing right and you’ll leave yourself exposed in ways you can’t possibly imagine.

Now is the time to calmly sit down and make all the necessary preparations — before the poop starts flying in all directions.

Take the time to examine your options, make the difficult decisions, and document your wishes. But as with all your other preps, having them brings you, and those you love, peace of mind and significantly improves your chances no matter what calamity comes your way. Stay safe, and be prepared.

About the Author

Richard Duarte is a practicing attorney, an urban survival consultant, writer, and firearms enthusiast. He’s the author of Surviving Doomsday: A Guide for Surviving an Urban Disaster and The Quick Start Guide for Urban Preparedness. For the latest preparedness news and updates, connect with Richard on www.quickstartsurvival.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/survivingdoomsdaythebook.

More From Issue 18

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Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 19

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Check out our other publications on the web: Recoil | Gun Digest | Blade | RecoilTV | RECOILtv (YouTube)

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

New: TOPS Operator Seven Knife

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If you look back at the history of military weapons, you’ll notice that many early combat knives were based on the double-edged dagger design. This was effective as a close-combat tool against armored opponents, since its sharp tip could penetrate between plates and defeat chain mail. However, as equipment evolved and guns became more common than edged weapons on the battlefield, the dagger began to fall out of favor. By World War II, the Mark 1 trench knife dagger would be replaced by a sturdier single-edged knife — the Mark 2 combat knife, which you probably know as the Ka-Bar.

TOPS Operator Seven fighting combat knife fixed blade carbon steel 5

The new TOPS Operator Seven combat knife.

The transition to a heavy-duty single-edged knife was significant because it made the combat knife a much more versatile tool. It could now easily be used for cutting wire, opening cans, and other utility tasks. However, its sharp tip and protective guard still made it an effective piercing weapon. A fuller in the blade reduced weight while maintaining strength. These days, when someone mentions a combat knife or fighting knife, it’s likely to resemble this style.

TOPS Operator Seven fighting combat knife fixed blade carbon steel 1

TOPS Knives recently introduced its latest take on the classic American fighting knife, dubbed the TOPS Operator Seven. With an overall length of 12.5 inches, a 7.25-inch blade, and 0.31-inch-thick full-tang construction, it’s a hefty one to say the least. The knife is composed of 1075 high-carbon steel hardened to RC 56-58 and finished in a gunmetal-grey stonewash TOPS calls Acid Rain. This steel is differentially heat-treated for a durable hard edge and more flexible spine.

TOPS Operator Seven fighting combat knife fixed blade carbon steel 2

True to its inspiration, the Operator Seven has a sharp piercing point, fuller, and prominent double guard. There’s also a large finger choil in front of the guard, designed to allow the user to choke up on the blade for precise whittling or skinning. The 1-inch-thick handle is flanked by scales made of tan canvas micarta bonded to textured black G10. TOPS says this design will “fill out the user’s hand much like an ax or hatchet handle would”.

TOPS Operator Seven fighting combat knife fixed blade carbon steel 4

The TOPS Operator Seven includes a black kydex sheath with dangler belt loop, and is available for an MSRP of $190. For more info, go to TOPSKnives.com.

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Survival Scenarios: Gear Quality or Quantity

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During any survival situation, knowledge and practical experience are your greatest assets. If you know the terrain like the back of your hand and have practiced your core survival skills frequently, you’ll be able to stay calm and efficiently take steps to obtain shelter, fire, water, and food — even if the only tool you have is the one between your ears. However, there’s no denying the value of gear in these situations, whether you’re in an urban environment or the remote wilderness. A few simple items, such as a knife, lighter, weather-proof tarp, paracord, and cooking pot can make living through adverse conditions a substantially easier task.

In the On the Grid column in Issue 26 of RECOIL OFFGRID, we discussed some “gear philosophies” ranging from primitive survivalist (i.e. someone who carries little to no store-bought gear) to extreme geardo (i.e. one who carries everything but the kitchen sink) and asked readers to let us know where they fall on this spectrum. Some of the replies we received got us thinking — while the quantity of gear carried is an important variable, it must also be carefully balanced with quality.

Zyon Systems Professional Pack bug out bag 19

Unless you’re a lottery-winner with countless zeroes at the end of your bank account balance, we all have some form of budget for survival gear. It’s essential to use that budget wisely, rather than squandering it frivolously. This leads to an interesting consideration: do you bias your purchases towards a smaller number of top-of-the-line tools, or would you rather diversify with more gear at the expense of longevity and reliability? In other words, would you rather survive with a handful of costly high-quality items, or a wide array of low-budget gear?

Kifaru Reckoning backpack review camping hunting hiking bugout survival 27

This is the question we’ll address in today’s Survival Scenarios article. For those who have missed our previous installments of Survival Scenarios, here’s how it works. We ask you how you’d handle a difficult choice in a hypothetical survival situation. These exercises can help you mentally ready yourself for an event you might encounter in real life someday, and consider adjusting your emergency preps accordingly. In previous Survival Scenarios, we asked how you’d react to a flash flood in a narrow canyon, and which survival tool you’d rather have on a desert island. As always, the article will end with a poll where you can make your choice and see how others felt.

Background Info

Flickr.com/zenjazzygeek

In this scenario, a sudden storm hits on your long commute home from work. The powerful sheets of rain and intense gusts of wind cause your truck to hydroplane, skidding off the shoulder of a remote two-lane highway, slamming into a muddy ditch, and keeling over onto one side. Pain shoots through your ankle from the impact; you’re not sure if it’s broken or just sprained. It’s late evening and you know it’s unlikely that another vehicle will pass by at this hour, much less see your truck from the road in this downpour. You’ll need to take shelter from the storm and build a fire for warmth (and signaling).

Flickr.com/mpaulmd

Your gear consists of a single get-home backpack which was stashed in your truck’s backseat. Its contents will depend on your choice below, and they’ll be the only items you’ll have to survive and signal for rescue. Either way, the gear in your pack has a comparable total value.

Zyon Systems Professional Pack bug out bag 13

Although it’s likely you’ll be spotted by another motorist within the next 12 hours once the storm abates and the sun rises, there’s a possibility that the storm might worsen and you might need to rely on your gear for a few days.

The “Quality” Loadout

If you prioritized quality over quantity, the selection of gear in your pack is limited to only a few essentials, but those items are well-made from top-quality materials — the sort of gear you’d never worry about breaking or damaging from hard use. Here’s what you find in your pack:

Knife — A heavy-duty fixed blade constructed from thick carbon steel with a durable and sharp edge. It includes a kydex sheath and ferro rod/magnesium bar backup fire-starter.

TOPS MSF 4 and Fieldcraft bushcraft knives review 25

Fire Kit — This metal tin contains a large slab of commercially-prepared fatwood, a pack of stormproof matches, and a waterproof lighter with a sturdy metal case.

lighters-and-torches-buyers-guide-exotac-titanlight-004

Shelter — For cover from the rain, you find a tightly-folded durable tarp, lined on one side with heat-reflecting foil. It includes a bundle of mil-spec 550 paracord and triangular titanium stakes for easy set-up. You also have a top-of-the-line sleeping bag that can help you stay warm.

Food and Water — There’s a hydration bladder in your pack that contains 2 liters of clean water, and a nested set of titanium cookware (small cup, large pot, lids, spork, heat-resistant pot holders, and a mesh carrying case). There are also six calorie- and nutrient-dense vacuum-packed camping meals, which can be prepared in minutes with hot water.

how-to-build-a-six-month-food-supply-freeze-dried-food

Before you jump the gun and say that this setup sounds like everything you need, read on and consider the possible advantages of a more diverse loadout.

The “Quantity” Loadout

If you prioritized quantity over costlier high-end gear, you’ll find an extremely diverse set of tools in your pack, but all are budget-friendly picks from the local outdoor gear store. Here’s what your pack contains:

Cutting Tools — A $20 partially-serrated hunting knife made from 420 stainless steel, a small multi-tool that appears to be a knock-off design, and an surplus entrenching tool that functions as a shovel, ax, and saw.

Forcite Survival Kit review 26v2

Fire Kit — This zip-up freezer bag contains a value-pack of plastic lighters, several books of matches, a roll of burlap fabric and a tube of petroleum jelly to aid in fire-starting. There’s also a small propane stove with a canister of fuel, so you’ll be able to cook and boil water on demand in case the campfire takes some time.

Fire starter book of matches tinder lighter survival tool 1

Shelter — You find a huge but thin blue tarp which seems reasonably water-resistant, a bundle of twine, and some plastic stakes. There’s a large inexpensive sleeping bag, an old wool blanket, several tightly-folded mylar space blankets, and a bright yellow rain poncho. You also have a spare set of clothes.

Flickr.com/calliope

Food and Water — Your bag contains six 16-fluid-ounce plastic water bottles (3L in total), a value-pack of beef jerky, a jug of trail mix, bags of dry beans and rice, a large stainless cook pot, and a wooden spoon. You also have a tackle box containing line, sinkers, hooks, and lures (you’ll still need to fashion your own pole). Lastly, there’s an old bolt-action .22LR rifle you bought used at the local gun store, and a brick of the cheapest ammo the store carried.

Survival food beans

First Aid Kit — With the money left over in your budget from buying affordable gear, you purchased an off-the-shelf first aid kit. The hard plastic case contains various bandages, ointments, medications, antiseptic towelettes, a cold compress, and a moldable splint (this could be useful for your ankle injury). There’s also an orange plastic whistle with a built-in button compass.

The Decision

Each of the above loadouts has some clear advantages and disadvantages.

The “quality” gear is much more reliable, meaning you won’t need to worry much about it breaking or malfunctioning. It’s also a simpler setup, so you’ll spend less time planning out a shelter or deciding how to start a fire. However, you won’t have many backup options in the unlikely event that something breaks or is lost. And you don’t have some of the additional tools available in the other loadout, such as a first aid kit, change of clothes, or rifle.

Campfire

The “quantity” kit’s tools are less durable and reliable, but there’s also quite a bit of redundancy. In the event that your fixed-blade knife breaks or dulls, you’ll have two other options to fall back on. Your shelter materials are also less weather-resistant, but more plentiful and can be built in several configurations. You have lots of food and water plus the capacity to obtain more from your surroundings, but preparing the inexpensive dry beans and rice will take longer (and be less flavorful) than the more costly freeze-dried meals. By having enough budget left over for the first aid kit, you can also treat your ankle injury and any others you might incur.

Based on the location, circumstances, and your skill set, which option would you choose: a handful of costly high-quality items, or a wide array of low-budget gear? Enter your decision into the poll below, and feel free to justify that choice in the comments section.

Survival Scenarios is a recurring feature on OFFGRIDweb.com, and will ask you to make a difficult choice between two or more hypothetical situations.

We don’t just want you to read our posts silently—we want to hear what you have to say. Share your thoughts or suggestions in the comments below, or head over to our Facebook page.

Video: Making Survival Soap from Yucca and Creosote

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Hygiene is extremely important in everyday life — you don’t want to be that guy at the office who seems to be blissfully unaware of his own heinous body odor. But even when you’re alone in the wilderness in a survival situation, proper hygiene has substantial value. Washing your hands and body regularly will kill bacteria, reduce the risk of infection, repel insects, and improve morale by helping you feel refreshed.

Yucca soap saponin root plant hygiene cleaning desert survival 3

If you’ve ever traveled through the desert in the U.S. or Mexico, you’ll recognize the spiky yucca plant.

That said, items such as hand sanitizer, liquid soap, shampoo, and dish or clothing detergent are all consumables that will eventually run out and be difficult to replenish. It’s therefore useful to know how to improvise a cleaning agent that will produce suds and break down dirt and grease. In the desert, this can be accomplished using the root of the plentiful yucca plant.

Yucca soap saponin root plant hygiene cleaning desert survival 4

We’ve mentioned yucca soap in the past, but recently saw a video from desert survival instructor Junkyard Fox that shows a helpful step-by-step process for making and using the substance. The video discusses the active ingredient called saponin, and how Native Americans in the southwest have used it throughout history.

Yucca soap saponin root plant hygiene cleaning desert survival 2

Even without added water, the traces of moisture in yucca root will produce soapy suds.

In the second half of the video, James discusses creosote, another common plant that can be used externally on the skin for antimicrobial purposes. The rough-edged leaves and pleasant-smelling waxy coating will help you feel and smell cleaner if used as an improvised scrubbing sponge. It can even be used in tandem with yucca soap for extra cleaning properties, or burned as an insect repellent.

Yucca soap saponin root plant hygiene cleaning desert survival 5

Check out the full video below to see how yucca and creosote can be harvested and used for survival hygiene:

New: CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool

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As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you change the oil in your truck regularly, make sure there’s plenty of air in the tires, and top off the fuel tank when the opportunity arises, it’s much more likely to get you to your destination reliably than a vehicle that has been neglected. This is common sense, and the same logic applies to other important tools — routine maintenance is especially important for critical items that get used every single day.

Zero Tolerance ZT 0462 folding knife edc review titanium carbon fiber Dmitry Sinkevich 36

That said, when was the last time you maintained that folding knife in your pocket? Most of us remember to periodically sharpen the edge at home with whetstones, diamond rods, or some other tool. But unless you’re extremely diligent, months might pass between sharpenings, and the edge on that blade may become dull and ineffective. Microscopic chips and rolls on the edge can impede its performance, forcing you to work harder with each cut and open yourself to serious injuries.

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) recently introduced a new pocket tool that’s designed specifically to keep your knife performing like new. The CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool can be carried on a keychain or in a pocket, and includes six helpful functions.

CRKT knife maintenance tool edc blade pocket sharpener torx repair 2

The Knife Maintenance Tool features a tungsten-carbide sharpener to grind away chips and larger blade defects, as well as a gentler ceramic honing edge that can remove microscopic burrs and fine-tune the edge. These will work well with CRKT knives, but the company says they’re also “compatible with nearly every folding knife in existence”.

CRKT knife maintenance tool edc blade pocket sharpener torx repair 1

In addition to the sharpener and hone, the Knife Maintenance Tool has two fold-out bit drivers, which contain T6 and T8 Torx bits. These can be used to tighten the hardware on pocket clips, handle scales, thumb studs, and other folding knife parts. There’s also a flathead screwdriver on the end that can double as a mini prybar or scraper, a bottle opener, and a keyring loop. The tool is flanked on each side with tough fiberglass-reinforced nylon scales emblazoned with the CRKT logo.

The CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool is available at an MSRP of $30. For more info on this item, go to CRKT.com.

RECOILtv: Partner Content to Bypass YouTube

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YouTube can be a great resource for education on all sorts of useful topics, from navigation and shelter-building to foraging for wild edibles and purifying water. Unfortunately, if you want to learn about guns, you may need to look elsewhere. The site’s recent revisions to its content policy and demonetization of gun-related videos have caused firearm channels to express concern about their future on the platform.

YouTube gun policy RECOILtv partner content video streaming 1

Our friends at RECOIL saw the writing on the wall, and have already taken a step in the opposite direction with RECOILtv, which launched back in 2016. This streaming video platform exists free of the restrictive YouTube ecosystem, and has already served as a home for gun-, gear-, and training-related content created by our staff. More recently, RECOILtv has created a Partner Content section to host videos from other noteworthy gun channels who are looking for an alternative to YouTube.

YouTube gun policy RECOILtv partner content video streaming 2

Currently, the new RECOILtv Partner Content offers videos from the following creators:

InRangeTV – A collaboration between Ian McCollum (of Forgotten Weapons) and Karl Kasarda, with a wide range of videos about modern and historic weapons.

C&Rsenal – Learn all about guns from around the world with these videos covering in-depth firearm history.

Of course, this is just the beginning. RECOIL is working to expand the partner content lineup in the future and help more gun-related video creators find a better platform to share their work. To see the latest third-party gun videos on RECOILtv, go to videos.recoilweb.com and click the Partner Content button.

Infographic: The History of Communication

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Communication is the foundation of human society — without it, we’d never be able to collaborate and organize anything productive. Party games like telephone and charades show how impeded communication can lead to confusion, and while the results are humorous in that context, failure to communicate can be frustrating or downright catastrophic when the circumstances are dire. In any survival situation, the ability to signal for help or instruct family members where to meet can save lives.

Learn morse code telegraph

These days, we often think of communication as taking place wirelessly — cell phones, internet, and radio, for example. Then there’s the obvious face-to-face communication we use on a daily basis. However, there are plenty of options beyond these, and some of the methods we consider outdated can be valuable for survival purposes. We’ve previously discussed the potential of landline phones, Morse code, and smoke signals when other forms of comms are interrupted.

The following infographic from Mobile Text Alerts gives a recap of 10 important communication methods and their historical origins. Although reverting to dial-up modems and carrier pigeons might not be the most practical for survival situations, some of the other options can serve as a reminder that humans have found ways to communicate effectively since long before the dawn of social media. Click here to download a full-size version of this infographic.

Infographic communication smoke signal telegraph cell phone computer tech 3Infographic communication smoke signal telegraph cell phone computer tech 4Infographic communication smoke signal telegraph cell phone computer tech 5Infographic communication smoke signal telegraph cell phone computer tech 6Infographic communication smoke signal telegraph cell phone computer tech 7

For more off-the-grid communication techniques, check out some of our previous articles below:

Video: Boiling Water With Just a Knife

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In the backcountry, a pack full of tools will undeniably make your life easier. At the very least, it’s wise to bring along the “5 Cs” of survival essentials — cutting, combustion, cordage, container, and cover. However, even if you find yourself without the most basic items, you can get by with some knowledge and ingenuity.

Boiling water knife Tom Brown tracker hot rock boil tools tree bark 1

The following video shows how bushcrafter NW Primate tested his survival skills with only one of the 5 Cs: a cutting tool. He uses nothing but a Tom Brown Tracker knife to make cordage for a bow drill, gather tinder and kindling, start a fire, make a water vessel, and boil water for drinking and cooking.

Boiling water knife Tom Brown tracker hot rock boil tools tree bark 3

His water vessel is made from a large section of tree bark, carefully stripped from a maple tree, soaked, folded, and clamped together with split sticks at each end. He writes, “I have seen several demonstrations and designs for bark containers that will hold water and initially intended to make a variation of a canoe bailer that was used by the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest.” This vessel was used in conjunction with the hot rock boiling method to heat and purify water from a nearby stream. Finally, he kicked things up a notch by using some of his water to prepare a box of mac and cheese over hot coals.

Boiling water knife Tom Brown tracker hot rock boil tools tree bark 2

A quick reminder: always be very cautious with hot rock boiling, since porous rocks that contain moisture may explode and send sharp fragments flying. Protect your eyes and stand back whenever possible — few things will ruin your day faster than a face full of shrapnel from a fractured stone.

For more info on the details of this water vessel, click “Show More” under the description on the YouTube video.

Review: Bertucci A-2TR Vintage GMT Watch

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Much like the ill-fated predictions that we’d all be driving hovercars and fighting cyborgs armed with laser blasters by the early 2000s, we’ve often heard it said that modern technology is bound to make the wristwatch obsolete. Despite this claim, watches seem to be alive and well. In fact, we’d even say that there has been a resurgence in their popularity in the last decade. Some of this may be due to the convenience of knowing the time without pulling out a cell phone, and some can be attributed to appreciation for the visual style of a nice timepiece.

While we can understand the appeal of high-tech smart watches with Bluetooth and internet connectivity, we tend to lean towards simpler designs for every-day carry and use on outdoor adventures. Specifically, field watches offer some distinct advantages for use in the backcountry.

A standard-issue A-11 field watch, one of the most iconic designs of the WWII era. Source: Crown and Caliber

Field watches are simple, easy-to-read analog watches inspired by vintage military wristwatch designs. As a result of this origin, they offer slim cases, high-visibility markings, and tough fabric or leather straps designed to withstand years of hard use. If a smart watch is analogous to a 30-function multi-tool, a field watch is like your grandpa’s WWII-issue Ka-Bar — it’s built for one primary purpose, and it does it well.

For more info on the history of standard-issue field watches, check out our previous review of another Bertucci watch, the A-4T Vintage Yankee.

The Origin of the GMT Watch

Bertucci A-2TR Vintage GMT watch rotating bezel navigation compass dual time zone survival 22

Although most field watches offer nothing more than a hour, minute, and second hand with high-contrast markings, some designs have a few more advanced features. Twelve- and twenty-four-hour numbering is common, making it easier to tell time in the standard civilian and military formats. A date function is also useful for tracking the day of the month at a glance.

Bertucci A-2TR Vintage GMT watch rotating bezel navigation compass dual time zone survival 27

One of the most significant upgrades seen on field watches is referred to as GMT. You may recognize this abbreviation for Greenwich Mean Time, which is the mean solar time measured at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. Time zones around the world are often referred to as GMT +X or GMT -X, where X is a certain number of hours offset from the standard time in London. For example, the time zones in the United States are as follows (not including Daylight Savings Time adjustments):

  • Eastern Standard Time (EST) – GMT -5
  • Central Standard Time (CST) – GMT -6
  • Mountain Standard Time (MST) – GMT -7
  • Pacific Standard Time (PST) – GMT -8

GMT time zone map

When it comes to analog watches, a GMT function means that the watch has a fourth hand. When set and adjusted correctly, this enables the wearer to check the current time with the standard three hands, and simultaneously read the fourth hand to see the time in another zone.

Bertucci A-2TR Vintage GMT watch rotating bezel navigation compass dual time zone survival 01

The GMT watch feature originated in the 1950s, as a result of pilots who needed to keep track of time both at home and in the current destination. The fourth hand in these GMT watches operates on a 24-hour movement, making one 360-degree rotation each day, as opposed to the regular hour hand, which operates on a 12-hour movement and makes two full rotations each day. There are two ways to use this fourth hand, which we’ll explain below.

How to Use and Set a GMT Hand

If you’re not traveling, the GMT hand can simply be set to provide the 24-hour time in your current location. This makes it easy to instantly read the time in either 12- or 24-hour format without doing any mental math.

Bertucci A-2TR Vintage GMT watch rotating bezel navigation compass dual time zone survival 09

If you are traveling outside your home time zone, the fourth GMT hand can be set to your home time, and the primary hour hand can be set to the time in your current location. It’s also useful if you work or frequently communicate with people outside your time zone — just keep the GMT hand set to their time zone so you won’t mix up the scheduled time for an important conference call.

The video below from World of Watches shows the basics of how to set a 24-hour GMT hand:

Bertucci A-2TR Vintage GMT

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We frequently wear the Bertucci A-4T mentioned earlier in this article, so we were pleased to hear about the release of its new sibling: the Bertucci A-2TR Vintage GMT. Like the A-4T, the A-2TR features the company’s patented solid titanium case with built-in band lugs and a matte finish.

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The A-2TR has a slightly smaller case diameter (40mm) and narrower band (7/8″) than the A-4T, although this size is still substantially larger than the 30mm field watches of the 1950s — those appear tiny by today’s standards.

Top: Bertucci A-4T (44mm) / Middle: Bertucci A-2TR (40mm) / Bottom: Citizen BM8180 (37mm)

Top: Bertucci A-4T (44mm) / Middle: Bertucci A-2TR (40mm) / Bottom: Citizen BM8180-03E (37mm)

The A-2TR also features a Swiss-made quartz movement, hardened sapphire crystal, and 100-meter water-resistance as a result of its screw-down crown. These features provide the sort of durability we expect from an outdoor-oriented watch, and ensure it’ll hold up to the inevitable bumps and scrapes of daily use. The hands and face markings are treated with Swiss Super Luminous material that provides passive glow after exposure to light from the sun or indoor bulbs.

Our watch features the optional Horween Montanaro leather band, which is made in the USA , water-resistant, and fitted with a stainless steel buckle and loop. Bertucci also offers this watch with heavy-duty nylon NATO straps in black, olive green, or coyote tan. With the leather band, this watch is priced at $290. With a nylon band, it’s $270. These bands are sold separately, and their straight-through design makes them a breeze to swap out, so you can always get a few options if you’re indecisive.

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As expected from a GMT watch, the A-2TR features a fourth hand (a red arrow) that moves on a 24-hour rotation. Numbers on the inside of the face indicate 24-hour time. The GMT hand is set by loosening the screw-down crown, pulling it out to its first position, and turning counter-clockwise. Turning the crown clockwise at this position adjusts the date function, and pulling it out to its second position allows adjusting the primary hands.

Rotating Bezel Functions

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Another notable feature of the A-2TR Vintage GMT is its rotating bezel, indicated by the R in its model name. The bezel rotates counter-clockwise with 60 positions, each indicated by a positive click of the ratcheting bezel mechanism. This bezel offers two valuable functions for use in the outdoors:

Elapsed Time

The main function of the rotating bezel is to help you track elapsed minutes or seconds, similar to a stopwatch. To track elapsed time, rotate the bezel counter-clockwise until the large red triangle aligns with the minute hand.

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As the minute hand moves, the markings around the bezel will show the number of minutes that have passed. There are markings for 1-minute increments up to 15 minutes, then 5-minute increments for the rest of the hour. If you need to time more precisely, you can align the bezel with the second hand. In this case, you’ll have to mentally keep track of the elapsed minutes after the first 60 seconds.

Breaking down challenging projects into smaller increments has been shown to improve productivity, so this is one way we use the timer bezel. It’s also helpful for tracking how long you’ve spent walking a path, cooking food, brewing coffee or tea, or working on any other task.

Improvised Compass

The other advantage to a rotating bezel is the ability to use it as a navigational aid.

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During the day, you can aim any analog watch’s hour hand at the sun and split the angle between it and the 12:00 mark to find a north-south line. The end of this line furthest from the sun will be north, assuming you’re in the northern hemisphere. For a more detailed explanation, refer to our previous article on how to use a watch as a compass.

A rotating bezel will help you use this technique more precisely. Once you’ve pointed the hour hand at the sun, turn the bezel ring until the “30” mark is halfway between the hour hand and 12:00 on the watch face (i.e. south). The red arrow is now indicating north, the 15 mark will indicate east, and the 45 mark will indicate west. The other increments can be used to orient yourself more precisely to the northwest, southeast, and so on. The ring should be adjusted every hour to reflect changes in the sun’s position.

Ultralight bug out bag compass navigation

The rotating bezel on your watch is a little less precise than a compass, but it can help you stay on course.

Once you’ve established the N/E/S/W cardinal directions, bezel ring can be rotated again to shoot an azimuth, much like you’d use the bezel ring on a real USGI lensatic compass.

See the Bertucci manual excerpt at the end of this article for more details about rotating bezel compass use.

Conclusions

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The new Bertucci A-2TR Vintage GMT is a modern-day homage to the classic field watches of the 1950s. The integration of features such as a date function, a 24-hour GMT hand, and a rotating bezel add value without diminishing the watch’s reliable simplicity and old-school style. The strong titanium case, sapphire crystal, and water-resistant screw-down crown subtly modernize this design.

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As with the previous Bertucci watch we reviewed, the interchangeable bands are a nice touch, since they make the watch more versatile and very easy to clean. As much as we like the Horween leather band, we’ll probably switch it for one of Bertucci’s Tridura synthetic bands in the future, since the band on our A-4T has proven surprisingly resistant against moisture, dirt, and abrasions.

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During our time with the A-2TR, it has made a nice addition to our EDC gear rotation, and it has been hard to find fault with any aspect of its design or construction. However, the included documentation could use some improvement — despite Bertucci’s site stating details on the use of the rotating bezel as a compass can be found in the owner’s manual, we found no mention of this feature there. The manual also makes no mention of adjusting the GMT hand, but this was easy enough to figure out. Our manual is dated 1/2017, so perhaps a future revision will add more instructions.

Update: Bertucci let us know that, as we suspected, we mistakenly received an old version of the watch manual. They sent us a PDF of the correct A-2TR-specific manual, and we can confirm that it includes information on how to set the GMT hand and use the rotating bezel. We’re told all future orders will include this corrected manual. See below for a sample of the rotating bezel compass instructions:

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For more information on Bertucci field watches and the A-2TR Vintage GMT, go to BertucciWatches.com.