Page 136 – RECOIL OFFGRID

Lost Yosemite Hiker “Did Everything Right” to Survive

Posted on March 1, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Even in popular wilderness areas such as Yosemite National Park, becoming lost while hiking can lead to an extremely dangerous situation. Ideally, preparing multiple means of navigation and emergency communication will prevent you from getting lost in the first place, but if things go wrong and you're unable to navigate safely you'll also need a backup plan. In many cases, wandering aimlessly can result in becoming even more lost, and also make it more difficult for rescuers to find you. When accurate navigation is not an option, it may be wise to stay put and make your campsite as visible as possible.

Mountainsmith Mountain Shelter LT shelter tent trekking poles 2

A high-visibility tent or tarp can provide a visual signal for rescuers.

On February 17th, Alan Chow, a 36-year-old man from Oakland, California, was backpacking alone in Yosemite near Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Although Chow is an avid hiker and planned on taking the trip solo, temperatures dropped and snowfall reportedly blanketed the trails, causing him to veer off course. Realizing the risks of attempting to return to safety when the path was uncertain, Chow made the decision to stay put.

Yosemite missing hiker lost trail camping backpacking survival 1

Chow was hiking on a trail near Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite. Photo: Flickr.com/pjs42

When he didn't return to work, coworkers reported him missing, and the search began. After six days, a National Park Service ranger in a helicopter spotted Chow's campsite on a mountainside, and he was rescued. He reportedly set up his tent for shelter, bundled up in layers to stay warm, melted snow for drinking water, and relied on his food supplies during this situation.

In a statement to local news outlet KTVU, Yosemite Park Ranger Scott Gediman said Chow had done everything right to survive. “[He] did the right thing by setting up his tent and was able to stay put. He is fine. Not even hypothermic; will not even be going to the hospital. The lesson here is for everybody, is that if you're out in the back country and you fall, you hurt yourself, you get lost, just stay put and don't try to walk around and get even more lost.”

Yosemite missing hiker lost trail camping backpacking survival 2

Photo: KTVU.com

Chow posted a statement on his personal Facebook page after the events, thanking his rescuers and updating friends and family on his condition:

“I luckily only suffered a sprained ankle and slight malnutrition, but otherwise I'm fine physically and mentally. I'm simply trying to get some rest and, for the most part, ready for life to continue as normal. For those that are curious about how I managed to survive, I simply followed the basic survival skills that I learned. Kept close to a water source, conserved my energy, rationed out food supplies, tried to keep warm, and found a suitable location to setup camp so that I would be as visible from the air as possible.”

Yosemite missing hiker lost trail camping backpacking survival 3

Photo: Reddit / angisdope

As survivalists, we value self-reliance, but there comes a time when we must swallow our pride and wait for help. If you ever find yourself lost in the backcountry, you'll need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of attempting to navigate to safety versus signaling for rescue. Stubbornly wandering in circles can be a dangerous mistake.

New: Gerber Empower Auto Knife

Posted on February 28, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

At SHOT Show in January, we spotted a new folding knife design in the Gerber booth and posted a photo of it on our Instagram page. This new knife is called the Gerber Empower Auto, and it'll soon be joining the company's expanding American-made line of knives, alongside the US-Assist, Propel, Sharkbelly, and several others.

The Gerber Empower Auto has a 3.25-inch blade with a modified spear-point design, although its upper half is a dull swedge (false edge). This provides a strong tapered point for improved piercing. The blade is made of CPM S30V steel, one of our favorite materials for all-around EDC and outdoor use.

As an automatic knife, the Empower flips open as soon as you press the plunge lock release button on the side of its handle. We were pleasantly surprised to find that this knife's automatic spring snaps open its blade substantially quicker than that of the Propel Auto series. The knife can also be locked open or closed using its sliding safety.

Armored Grip handle scales feature photo-chemical etching to create physical texture and a patterned appearance. The pocket clip is reversible for tip-up or tip-down right-handed carry. Four styles will be offered in the Gerber Empower Auto series: black with stonewashed blade, black with black oxide blade, grey with black oxide blade, or Urban Blue with black oxide blade. All knives in the series are manufactured in Gerber's Portland, Oregon facility.

The Empower Auto is not available for purchase yet, but we're told it'll be launching officially on May 1st. MSRP will be $125. For more info, go to GerberGear.com.

Infographic: Fast Facts About Power Outages

Posted on February 27, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Electricity is a modern convenience we often take for granted — it's easy to forget how valuable it is until it's gone. When a power outage occurs, whether for a few seconds, several hours, or much longer, we quickly realize how much our electronic conveniences make life easier. Even the simple ability to light up the darkness with the flip of a switch is a feat that was impossible just a few generations ago, but one we rely on every day.

Spring is just around the corner, and with it often comes rainstorms that can lead to disruptions in the local power grid. According to a study by Inside Energy, the incidence of power outages has been rising dramatically over the last two decades. In order to remain prepared for one of these events, it's wise to put together plans for backup lighting/heating, food storage, cooking, and backup power for essential appliances and personal electronic devices.

It's also helpful to understand the causes of power outages, and the financial effects they can have if you're not prepared. The following infographic from Kohler Generators lists some fast facts about power outages in the United States. Click here to download a full-size version of this graphic.

Obviously, Kohler's goal with this infographic is to show the value of a generator, but that might not be such a bad thing. It's certainly wise to have some sort of backup power solution powered by gasoline, diesel, propane, or even solar panels to keep your lights on and your communication devices charged. This way, if a power outage is a side effect of a larger disaster, you'll have one less thing to worry about.

Review: LOWA Innox Evo TF Trail Shoes

Posted on February 26, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

If you're not a fan of bright colors, reflectors, and flashy styling, shopping for athletic shoes can feel like a choice between bad and worse. Those of us who prefer the “gray man” aesthetic lean towards subdued colors and a simple exterior, but may still want the performance of a high-quality athletic shoe for walking, running, and light trail use. Some of us may even require this for work, as certain professions require a solid-color shoe as part of the dress code or uniform.

Left: the regular LOWA Innox Evo Lo. Right: the Innox Evo Lo Task Force.

Left: the regular LOWA Innox Evo. Right: the Innox Evo Task Force.

Footwear manufacturer LOWA offers a Task Force (TF) line of shoes that are based on its regular consumer footwear models, but produced exclusively in subdued colors. The LOWA TF line was originally developed for British Special Forces, but they're also used extensively by security professionals, law enforcement officers, members of other military organizations, or anyone else who simply prefers to keep a lower visual profile.

We recently picked up a pair of the Task Force variant of the LOWA Innox Evo, in order to replace our previous pair of worn-out walking/running shoes. We opted for the Lo version in Wolf gray color, although these are also offered in Mid cut and available in black or Coyote brown. Like all LOWA shoes, these are made in Europe (specifically Slovakia).

We've used the Innox Evo TF extensively around town, as well as on some casual weekend hikes where a full pair of boots would've been overkill. The shoes feel light and flexible, and the open mesh upper offers excellent breathability for warm climates. The MonoWrap frame technology we liked so much on our LOWA Renegade GTX boots is also present here, providing a strong foundation without excessive weight.

The tread pattern is grippy enough for scrambling over rocks and gravel, but not too aggressive for use on city sidewalks. This makes it a great daily-use shoe, and a good complement to the hiking boots we mentioned earlier. The Innox Evo's breathability is a downfall for wet weather, as rain will quickly soak through the mesh upper. LOWA offers a waterproof Gore-Tex version of the Innox, but it's $55 more, only available in black, and its upper design looks dated compared to the sleek Evo.

We appreciate that all shoes and boots from the Task Force line can be bought directly from LOWA's web site — this isn't the case for the competitive Salomon Forces line, which is only available through third-party dealers, leading to variations in pricing and availability. The TF version of this shoe also shares the same $145 MSRP as the ordinary models, so there's no “tactical tax” applied here.

Overall, we liked the Innox Evo TF enough to start wearing it on an everyday basis, rather than as a secondary shoe for long walks or trail-running. For those who need a well-rounded solid-color shoe and don't expect to get wet, this is a great choice. For more info on the Innox Evo TF and other LOWA Task Force footwear, go to LowaBoots.com.

6 Gardening Books for Your SHTF Library

Posted on February 25, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

All New Square Foot Gardening (2nd Edition) by Mel Bartholomew
Let it Rot! by Stu Campbell
The Urban Homestead by Coyne/Knutzen
Carrots Love Tomatoes by Louise Riotte
The Whole Seed Catalog by Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Prepper’s Garden Handbook by Beth McRoberts
About the Author

As survivalists, we all know that one of the first steps toward self-sufficiency is obtaining a sustainable food source that we can control. Growing your own food isn’t new to humans, but it does seem to be less common than it should be these days. Many of us are reliant on large-scale farms and grocery stores, but these conveniences can easily be interrupted during a disaster. If you’re not prepared, you’ll end up with an empty pantry and a growling stomach.

Getting started in gardening can appear to be a daunting task. Knowing what to grow, when to grow, and what plants will thrive in your region can be burdensome without the proper guidance. The cold winter months provide a great opportunity to dive into some books and do a bit of research before putting trowel to soil in the spring.

The first step towards a successful home garden is to do your homework and learn the basics about plants and soil health in your area. Be sure to understand what plants should look like — or shouldn’t — and get to know what bugs are helpers and which are the enemy. As the saying goes, knowledge is power.

The following six gardening books can help any gardener, advanced or new, be successful in harvesting a bountiful crop to feed their family. They’ll also give you another valuable skill set that can mean the difference between failure and success when times are tough. Whether you have several acres or a small patio, these books contain helpful knowledge of the basics and some more advanced gardening techniques.

All New Square Foot Gardening (2nd Edition) by Mel Bartholomew

Mel Bartholomew helped popularize gardening in small spaces with this book. This book is geared toward small scale gardening perfect for backyards and smaller families and maximizing growth for different food types. Bartholomew covers a very specific, yet proven method for growing fruits and vegetables for beginner gardeners. The book is easy to understand and outlines how to create and maintain small scale gardens that can, over time be applied to larger productions.

What We Liked: This book clearly outlines the basics of starting a garden and making it successful.

What We Didn’t: They left out some common vegetables we would like more information on.

Let it Rot! by Stu Campbell

Let it Rot! Is not necessarily a gardening manual as much as it is a book to assist the gardener. Gardens inevitably produce enough that some goes to waste, either by the plant simply dying or the core of a bell pepper after you have cut it up to make dinner. Let it Rot! Covers how to create an effective compost system that helps the gardener reduce waste and ultimately create some of the best growing soil possible. Everything rots but when certain items are combined and tended to they can create the black gold (dirt) every gardener pays top dollar for, and this method is generally free.

What We Liked: This book covers virtually everything you’ll want to know about composting.

What We Didn’t: The author is clearly passionate about compost to the point of over explaining some things and making them excessively complicated.

The Urban Homestead by Coyne/Knutzen

The Urban Homestead is better-rounded for a survival gardener than the previous mentioned books. The Urban Homestead covers more topics than just gardening to include chicken and livestock care, food preservation, foraging, as well as other skills valuable to your survival. The gardening approach in this book is more suited to a city dweller that may have very limited space but wants to grow as much as possible and maybe even covertly.

What We Liked: This book gives great examples of ways to maximize small spaces.

What We Didn’t: The tone feels a little too hippy for our tastes.

Carrots Love Tomatoes by Louise Riotte

Louise Riotte originally wrote this book in 1975. This book is a how to guide for the ever important aspect of companion planting. Companion planting is when you grow things together so they can benefit one another. The best example of this is the Native Americans “Three Sisters”. Squash, corn and beans would be grown in the same space. As the corn grew, it gave a place for the beans to climb, the squash provided ground cover to keep weeds down, and the beans provided much-needed nitrogen to the soil. Carrots Love Tomatoes helps the gardener in the planning stages of the garden and can help maximize harvest of all crops when grown together properly.

What We Liked: This book covers several types of plants and helps match them to companions.

What We Didn’t: The organization in this book needs improvement to make it easier to find pairs.

The Whole Seed Catalog by Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

The Whole Seed Catalog isn’t technically a book however the information presented toward the back of the book can help a gardener be successful with less common plants that may be better suited to the growing region. This catalog is annual and is updated with new information and new varieties each printing. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds have hundreds of varieties of seeds available and give information to help with growing them all.

What We Liked: This catalog covers several varieties and gives tips on how to make them thrive.

What We Didn’t: Although informative, it is a catalog, so it’s trying to sell you something.

Prepper’s Garden Handbook by Beth McRoberts

The Prepper’s Garden Handbook is a basic overview of gardening principles with the added bonus of being relatable to a survivalist. The book helps give working knowledge on growing staple fruits and vegetables without going into too much depth that may be boring or unnecessary to a beginner. It offers a synopsis on everything you need to know and gives the building blocks to go out and get more information on the topics you want.

What We Liked: This book touches on several topics and also has great prepper-focused recipes.

What We Didn’t: By covering so many topics, the author doesn’t dive into detail about what could be vital information.

These six gardening books can add value to your SHTF library, and help you nurture a thriving garden to supplement your diet. Even if your survival never ends up depending on the fruits and veggies you grow, they’ll serve as a tasty and frugal addition to your everyday meals.

About the Author

Alexander Crown served as an Infantryman with the Scout/ Sniper Platoon of the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment in Ft. Richardson, Alaska, where he specialized in radio communications and reconnaissance. Since separating, Alexander spends his time as an avid outdoorsman and hunter with an appreciation for self-sufficiency in the form of gardening. He also enjoys woodworking, firearms, and reloading. You can follow him on Instagram @acrown509.

Fierljeppen: How River-Crossing Became an Extreme Sport

Posted on February 24, 2018 at 2:14 pm.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

All throughout human history, cultures have developed clever solutions to challenges posed by their surrounding environments. Native Americans devised lightweight shelters for their journeys across expansive plains, and Egyptians figured out ways to keep their food cold in the desert heat through evaporative cooling. Even today, we have much to learn from the techniques developed by our ancestors.

The Netherlands is a country which is famous for its low-lying topography and proximity to sea level — in fact, Netherlands literally means “lower countries”. As a result, waterways are a fact of life for the Dutch. For centuries, farmers and travelers in the Netherlands have faced crossing several small canals to reach their destination, and this dilemma led to a simple solution. Instead of going around the water, they went over it.

Fierljeppen, which translates to “far leaping”, is the Dutch method of pole-vaulting across a canal or stream. As roadways and bridges in the Netherlands developed, this skill became less of a necessity and more of a fun pastime. Much like archery, that which was once only a survival skill eventually developed into a competitive sport, with its first officially-structured match in the 1950s.

Instead of simple wood poles, lightweight carbon fiber poles are now used with flat plates near the bottom to prevent the pole from sinking too deep into the soft sand or mud. Competitors also climb quickly up the pole as it reaches the peak of its arc, increasing the distance of the vault. The current world record leap is more than 70 feet.

Although fierljeppen is still a potential means of crossing rivers in the backcountry, it's a skill that takes substantial practice to master. A fall from the top of a pole could lead to serious injury, or simply a very cold and wet journey home. Keep all of this in mind next time you're faced with crossing a stream and end up like this unfortunate Dutch guy:

Video: Hatchet Techniques & Mylar Blanket Bow Drill

Posted on February 23, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Work smart, not hard — this axiom is especially relevant in survival situations, when time, energy, and physical resources are at a minimum. This is why we always enjoy seeing survivalists make the most of what they have in the field, and come up with creative solutions to problems. You won't always have every tool you need to accomplish your goals, but with a little ingenuity, you can usually find a way.

In the following video, YouTuber NW Primate tasked himself with starting a fire in a snowy forest using only two items: a hatchet and a thin mylar emergency blanket.

The hatchet's purpose is relatively straightforward, since it serves as the requisite cutting tool to break down fire wood. However, NW Primate came up with some clever ways to make the most of his small but sharp Gerber hatchet. He uses it to cut a flat spot on a log for a workbench, then embeds the blade edge perpendicular to the bench surface. This serves as an improvised woodworking tool, similar in function to a plane or draw knife. The technique makes it easy to create feather sticks and shave off imperfections.

As for the mylar blanket, our first thought was that he might try using its reflective surface to focus sunlight, but he went in a totally different direction. By cutting a strip of the mylar and tightly twisting it, he creates improvised cordage strong enough to make a bow drill. Although this consumes a piece of the blanket, the rest of it would still be usable for its original purpose.

Check out the full video below — you might learn some techniques you've never considered before.

Infographic: Nutritional Value of Insects

Posted on February 22, 2018 at 12:29 pm.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In a survival situation, you're not going to be eating bacon-wrapped filet mignon, or at least not for long. Once the food supplies in your fridge, freezer, pantry, and garden begin to dwindle, you'll need to supplement them with other food sources. This can mean foraging for wild edibles, fishing, trapping, and/or hunting, but each potential food source must be weighed and considered carefully.

When you're trying to stave off starvation, expending all your time and energy on bringing home a big game animal and failing could be disastrous. This is where more plentiful — and potentially less appetizing — food sources come in. Insects are one such food source, and have been used for millennia by cultures around the world. Many cultures still eat bugs on a regular basis today.

We've previously touched on the benefits of eating insects, but haven't really delved into the nutritional value of bugs. You can probably guess that they're high in fiber, but you might be surprised that they're also full of calcium, iron, protein, and even relatively high in fat. The following series of infographics from Insight Pest Solutions shows the nutritional value of insects, primarily crickets.

Multi-Tools Buyer’s Guide

Posted on February 21, 2018 at 2:39 pm.

Written by Offgrid Staff

In This Article

Multi-Tools
More From Issue 24

Every handyman or shade-tree mechanic has experienced the frustration of not having the right tool for the job. It may come at a time when you need to make some impromptu repairs to your car and you're miles from home … after all, a knife can't tighten bolts. Or maybe you need to saw through a small branch to build a fire. It could even be a situation where a can of food needs opening or wires need to be crimped. Ever try doing that with your bare hands?

These situations are where a multi-tool truly shines. While it doesn't replace full-sized tools, a folding tool with pliers, screwdrivers, a knife, or possibly a file and a variety of other tools tucked into one package may allow you to make these repairs. For example, a multi-tool sits in the CIA's closed-to-the-public museum. A CIA medic briefly carried it in Afghanistan and amputated three lower legs with it. In austere conditions, a little tool like this with a lot of options can go a long way.

Like most other survival tools, a multi-tool has to fit your lifestyle. It's got to be there when you reach for it in your pocket, bug-out bag, or truck console, and carried with you on a regular basis just as you would your cell phone or car keys. Think about the tasks you'd need to perform in an emergency or struggled with in the past. Base your tool selection on these criteria. There are tons of options out there and, while you might think some of the components of a multi-tool are impractical, it's often better to have it and not need it than … well, you get the picture.

To help you find the tool that best fits your needs, here's a closer look at seven versatile multi-tools on the market today.

Multi-Tools

Gerber Gear Center-Drive – Black

Make & Model - Gerber Gear Center-Drive
OAL - 6.6 inches open; 4.7 inches closed
Materials - Blade made from 420HC steel
Weight - 9.5 ounces
MSRP - $146
URL - http://www.gerbergear.com
Like many of Gerber's offerings, this is unique.
Havalon Evolve

Make & Model - Havalon Evolve
OAL - 6.25 inches open; 4.5 inches closed
Materials - 2Cr13 cast stainless steel pliers, 60A stainless steel replacement blades, stainless steel with scratch-resistant black Titanium Nitride coating.
Weight - 6.4 ounces
MSRP - $100
URL - http://www.havalon.com
Havalon's parent company makes scalpels for the medical industry and designed the Evolve for hunters seeking to carry its replacement blade technology.
Kikkerland Design Inc. Wood Axe Multi Tool

Make & Model - Kikkerland Design Inc. Wood Axe Multi Tool
OAL - 5.5 inches
Materials - Beech wood and tool steel
Weight - 9.5 ounces
MSRP - $22
URL - http://www.kikkerland.com
Kikkerland Design produced this tool manufactured in China. It comes with 10 different functions sandwiched between two beech wood scales.
Kilimanjaro Gear Rappel II

Make & Model - Kilimanjaro Gear Rappel II
OAL - 6.375 open; 4.25 closed
Materials - stainless steel
Weight - 9.5 ounces
MSRP - $33
URL - http://www.kilimanjarogear.com
Tucked within its body sits a bottle opener, can opener, three screwdrivers, a knife, two types of pliers and a file.
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Baton Q2

Make & Model - SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Baton Q2
OAL - 6 inches open; 6.3 inches closed
Materials - 5Cr15Mov blade and aluminum body
Weight - 3 ounces
MSRP - $67
URL - http://www.sogknives.com
Instead of folding up, SOG's Baton series stands out for, well, storing all their tools in a baton.
True Utility FIXR

Make & Model - True Utility FIXR
OAL - 3.27 inches
Materials - 420 stainless steel
Weight - 1.23 ounces
MSRP - £15 (about $20)
URL - http://www.trueutility.com
The FIXR has a carabiner-type clasp that clips onto a set of keys, a backpack, or even a belt loop.
Victorinox Swiss Tool

Make & Model - Victorinox Swiss Army Swiss Tool BS
OAL - 6.625 inches open; 4.5 inches closed
Materials - Black oxide steel
Weight - 10.2 ounces
MSRP - $185
URL - http://www.swissarmy.com
It's a tool made by a company that almost needs no introduction — a multi-tool manufacturer since 1897.

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

Issue 24 Gear Up

Posted on February 21, 2018 at 10:00 am.

Written by Patrick Vuong

Make & Model
GSI Outdoors Santoku Knife Set

Dimensions
12.2 by 6.9 by 1.6 inches

MSRP
$30

URL
www.gsioutdoors.com

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

Make & Model
Bastinelli Knives Fixed R.E.D. V2

Overall Length
8.6 inches

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

URL
www.bastinelliknives.com

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

Make & Model
Wazoo Survival Gear Viking Whetstone Pendant

Dimensions
1.9 by 1 by 0.25 inches (pendant only)

MSRP
$30

URL
www.wazoosurvivalgear.com

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

Make & Model
Fenix T5Ti

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

MSRP
$70

URL
www.fenixlight.com

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

Make & Model
UCO Stormproof Sweetfire Firestarter

Quantity
20 per pack

MSRP
$10

URL
www.ucogear.com

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

Make & Model
Complete Target Solutions T-Post Pro Target Hanger

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

MSRP
$30

URL
www.ctstargets.com

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

Make & Model
GCI Outdoor FirePit Rocker

Dimensions
26.6 by 24.4 by 33.1 inches

MSRP
$60

URL
www.gcioutdoor.com

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

Make & Model
Premier Safety Group Tac Pac

Dimensions
8 by 6 by 4 inches

MSRP
$25

URL
www.premiersafetygroup.com

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

Make & Model
LID Helmets Plico

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

MSRP
$99

URL
www.lidhelmet.com

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

Make & Model
Legend Compression Wear Legend Tuff Compression Merino Wool Boot Socks

Colors
Black, Charcoal Grey, Coyote Brown, Foliage Green

MSRP
$21

URL
www.legendcompressiontactical.com

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

Make & Model
Slumberjack Grit Jacket DST

Sizes
Men's medium through XXL

MSRP
$100

URL
www.slumberjack.com

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

Make & Model
Friction Gear Co. Torch Coat Heater

MSRP
$100

URL
www.torchcoatheater.com

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

Make & Model
Hutan Supply Co. Utility Sarong

Dimensions
43.3 by 39.4 inches

MSRP
$129

URL
www.hutan.co

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

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