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International Ground-to-Air Signaling Code

Posted on December 1, 2017 at 6:00 am.

For those of us who head out into remote locations to hike, camp, hunt, fish, or practice survival skills, the possibility of becoming stranded is always a consideration. This nightmarish situation is more likely than we might want to admit — a study in the Journal of Wilderness and Environmental Medicine showed an average of 11.2 search-and-rescue (SAR) incidents each day between 1992 and 2007 in the U.S. National Park system alone. The study also found that without aid from SAR teams, “1 in 5 (20%) of those requesting SAR assistance would be a fatality,” and that's just among those who were able to call for help.

Desert island survival scenario shipwreck beach tool 1

In a truly remote location, a passing aircraft may be your best hope of rescue.

Whether it's due to a broken bone, sudden illness, severe weather, animal attack, or some other dire emergency, there are many instances where self-rescue may not be possible. We often over-confidently assume we'll be able to make it to safety under our own power, but if something catastrophic happens, you'd better know how to call for help. We've previously discussed signal mirrors, smoke canisters, and electronic beacons, but there's an even more basic system you should know: the international ground-to-air signaling code.

This standard system is designed to send a clear visual message to any aircraft that might pass your location. Here's a quick reference guide from FarAim.org on the five signals you should know:

X can also be interpreted as “unable to proceed” — in other words, V can be used when you need help but are still mobile, while X indicates that you're severely injured and cannot move. Y and N may be used to respond if the aircraft uses a loudspeaker to provide instructions.

These letters should be constructed on a clear patch of ground, with as much contrast between the symbols and backdrop as possible. Bright strips of parachute or pieces of dark wood on a light sand beach are good examples of this principle. In snow, this can be accomplished by walking or dragging an object to create a depression in the shape of the symbol. Also, remember to make the symbol as large as you can — at least 10 feet wide is recommended.

If a pilot spots your distress signal, the internationally-accepted acknowledgment is to rock the plane's wings from side to side. In low-light conditions, the aircraft may flash green exterior lights, or turn its landing lights on and off two times. Refer to the following figure from the U.S. Army Field Survival Guide for a visual depiction.

Physical Preparation with Limited Space

Posted on November 30, 2017 at 4:34 pm.

Written by Offgrid Staff

In This Article

What is a Complex?
How Do You Structure a Complex?
Sample Complex for the Prepper
One-Arm Dumbbell Push Press
Dumbbell Split Squat
Three-Point Dumbbell Row
Dumbbell Lateral Lunge
Plank
Conclusion
About the author
More From Issue 23

Warning!
The exercises and content expressed in this column are for illustrative purposes only. Consult a medical professional before trying any physical activity or nutritional plan.

You're holed up waiting for help to arrive, and it's taking much longer than expected. You can't just wait idly by, though. You need to maintain your physical abilities because you have no idea what's in store for you ahead. Don't worry. While your space and resources may be limited, we can still keep you physically prepared for the steep road ahead. Here's what you need to know.

What is a Complex?

A complex is a series of exercises with the same implement (dumbbell, barbell, kettlebell, bodyweight, etc.) with little to no rest in between exercises. You'll only rest at the end. That's right, you don't even get to set the weight down. Traditionally, complexes have been used for athletes who are in-season, where time is limited, as a great way to maintain strength without fatiguing athletes to the level a typical training session might. Of course, there are many other times you might want to use complexes in training.

That being said, there's one significant reason a prepper might be interested in using this type of training — it's a great choice for limited space or equipment. Outside of that, the structure also provides a significant challenge to your conditioning. So, it's perfect for anyone looking to improve in this area or to lose weight. They can even be modified to improve strength simply by increasing the weight and lowering the repetitions, which we'll discuss later in the article.

How Do You Structure a Complex?

There are many different ways to structure a complex; it really just depends on what you are looking to get out of it. For our purposes, we'll focus solely on physical preparation for the unknown.

First, you should ideally hit all major muscles or movement patterns in the complex. This means getting lower body and upper body throughout the exercises. Generally speaking, it's best to alternate between upper and lower body, or at least separate competing exercises like two consecutive pressing movements (i.e. overhead press and a horizontal press). It's also a good idea for at least one of those lower body exercises to be single-leg, such as a lunge.

Next, you should prioritize power first in the complex just as you would typically put a power exercise before a strength exercise in a program. Power is a quality that isn't as fatiguing on your muscles, but is dependent more on your nervous system. It's best to do these exercises first when the muscles and nervous system are fresh, as power production will be much more limited when you're tired. Some examples of a power exercise would be a kettlebell swing or any kind of explosive movement.

Choose the most challenging movements earlier in the complex. After fatigue sets in, these movements tend to break down. So, it's best to do these near the start of the complex to make sure you're fresher.

Repetitions will vary based on what you're looking to accomplish with the complex. The same rules that apply to traditional strength training are used for this style of training as well. If your goal is to improve strength, we'll use heavier weight for five to six repetitions per exercise. On the other hand, if you need to shed some excess body fat or work on general conditioning, bump the repetitions up to 8 to 12 per exercise and lower the weight a little bit.

Lastly, choose your weight based on the most limiting exercise in the series. So, if an overhead press is the weakest movement you'll complete, you're going to choose a weight that's appropriate for that exercise, and you'll use that for the rest of the exercises as well.

Sample Complex for the Prepper

While this should probably go without saying, make sure the exercises you use with a complex are ones that you're competent in completing. If not, doing multiple exercises with bad form and combining them with little to no rest is a recipe for disaster. The below exercises are suggested to provide an idea of how the flow of a complex would go. Feel free to substitute your own exercises for the ones listed.

One-Arm Dumbbell Push Press

Six repetitions on each side

Begin with the dumbbell in one hand and resting on your shoulder.
Quickly bend your hips and knees slightly and explode up as you press the weight overhead.
Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position, using your other hand to assist if need be.
Repeat for six repetitions on each side.

Dumbbell Split Squat

Six repetitions per side

Begin in a lunge position with one leg forward and the other back.
Hold the dumbbell with one hand in front of your back leg.
Slowly descend straight down keeping the weight in your front foot. Make sure to feel the whole front foot in contact with the ground.
After gently tapping your back knee to the floor, press your front foot through the floor, and return to the starting position.
Complete six repetitions per side.

Three-Point Dumbbell Row

Six repetitions on each side

Begin with one arm supporting you on a bench or other sturdy surface roughly knee height.
Sit your hips back with your back flat, and grab a dumbbell in the free hand.
Drive your shoulder blade and elbow back, stopping just before your elbow is about to pass your torso.
Slowly return to the starting position.
Complete for six repetitions per side.

Dumbbell Lateral Lunge

Six repetitions on each side

Begin by standing with a dumbbell in front of your left thigh.
Take a large step out to the right. Make sure your toes are facing straight ahead.
Sit your hips back as you squat down on your right side. Your left knee should be straight, and you should feel a stretch in your left inner thigh.
Explosively push your right foot into the floor and return to the starting position.
Complete six repetitions on each side.

Plank

Hold this position for 30 to 40 seconds

Set the dumbbell down and get on the floor on your toes and elbows.
Reach your elbows through the floor, lock your knees, squeeze your butt, and look at your hands.
Hold this position for 30 to 40 seconds.

Conclusion

While you're using a structure called a complex, it's anything but that. Keeping the movements simple, focusing on good technique, and progressing slowly are surefire ways to see some great gains. After all, if you're holed up for a while, this is a great way to both pass the time and keep yourself healthy and prepared.

About the author

Ryne Gioviano is the owner of Achieve Personal Training & Lifestyle Design located in Aurora, Illinois. He earned his master's degree in exercise physiology and is a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. You can find more information at www.Achieve-PersonalTraining.com or reach him on Facebook or on Twitter and Instagram at @rgioviano.

More From Issue 23

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

Issue 23 Gear Up

Posted on November 30, 2017 at 3:33 pm.

Written by Patrick Vuong

Make & Model
LifeStraw Universal

Filter Life
Up to 264 gallons (1,000 liters)

MSRP
$35

URL
lifestraw.eartheasy.com

Notes
Outdoor enthusiasts rejoiced a few years ago when LifeStraw released the LifeStraw Go, a water bottle with a two-stage filter integrated in its mouthpiece. It lets you use the bottle to scoop up pond or river water and filter the H20 as you suck it up through the mouthpiece. The company breaks ground again with its LifeStraw Universal, the first bottle adaptor kit with a two-stage filter. It transforms your favorite bottle – be it a Klean Kanteen, Hydro Flask, or Nalgene – into a convenient water filter, which removes 99.9999 percent of bacteria and 99.9 percent of protozoan parasites. The kit comes with a standard cap, wide-mouth cap, standard mouthpiece, sport mouthpiece, two-stage filter, and a carry bag.

Make & Model
Crescent Moon EVA All-Foam

Weight per Pair
3.5 pounds

Size Range
Womens 7 to Mens 14

MSRP
$159

URL
www.crescentmoonsnowshoes.com

Notes
You don't usually think of the snowshoe industry as a hotbed of high-tech development. But, this season brings the next generation of deep snow mobility. Crescent Moon's EVA All-Foam is a massively simplified, lighter and faster snowshoe ideal for grab-and-go use. There's no hinge or lifter to adjust (or break), they're light, and offer more traction than most framed snowshoes because of the continuous, treaded sole that's similar to a football cleat. When it gets deep and cold, the foam not only offers a cushioned stride, but it also provides a bit of insulation from the snow. Although these are a lot lighter and easier to use than traditional snowshoes, the EVA All-Foams won't stand up to the abuse an aluminum-framed shoe can take. They're best suited for use by people under 200 pounds.

Make & Model
Kelty Trail Ridge 8 with Footprint

Dimensions
150 by 115 by 77 inches

MSRP
$490

URL
www.kelty.com

Notes
Shelter is essential to survival. It can be as simple as the clothes on your back or as sophisticated as the 70-acre bug-out property. But for most of us, a tent was our first example of a backcountry shelter. And for those who now have young children of their own and want to share both survival skills and the majesty of Mother Nature, tent camping is often the way to go. As the name implies, the Trail Ridge 8 can house eight people in a spacious freestanding design that's easily accessed from two D-style doors. There's also small but smart features, such as a gear loft and a lantern/flashlight pocket. Setup is easy thanks to a color-coded clip-and-sleeve construction, but the Trail Ridge truly shines after dusk when you can undo the Stargazing Fly to enjoy the night sky with your loved ones.

Make & Model
Cabela's Covenant Tactical FFP Riflescope

Tube Diameter
30mm

MSRP
$250

URL
www.cabelas.com

Notes
Whether you're looking for varmints wreaking havoc on your property or hunting for dinner in a post-SHTF world, a firearm with an optic can make all the difference. But not everyone can shell out two grand for a high-end scope. After all, we all need to pay the rent, let alone save up for a food cache and supplies. Enter budget scopes such as Cabela's 4-16×44 Covenant Tactical FFP Riflescope. The FFP in its name refers to first focal plane – meaning its reticle size changes as you zoom in. This allows ranging a target with the scope set at any magnification. It has a wide magnification range, turrets with 1/4-MOA adjustments, and a nitrogen-filled tube for waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance.

Make & Model
DPx Gear HEST/F Urban Ti

OAL
6.7 inches

MSRP
$469

URL
www.dpxgear.com

Notes
It's always a bonus when your everyday carry (EDC) knife can do more than cut an apple and open up the occasional Amazon package. The HEST/F Urban Ti is a versatile utilitarian tool disguised as a slick daily carry folder. The S35V stainless steel drop-point blade can slice and pierce like a lightsaber, while offering outstanding corrosion resistance and toughness. On its spine is a tri-gauge wire stripper disguised as jimping for added grip. It also has a bottle opener that (with some practice) you can snag on your pant's pocket to open the blade as you draw the knife. The titanium handle is ergonomic in its simplicity and has an integrated 1/4-inch hex driver and glass-breaker for those “oh sh#t” moments. The deep-carry pocket clip is reversible and sturdy. Made in the USA.

Make & Model
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Field Knife

OAL
8.5 inches

MSRP
$40

URL
www.sogknives.com

Notes
If the DPx HEST Urban is too small or expensive for your tastes, consider the Field Knife. It's a minor investment at just 40 bucks, but has all the features most outdoor adventurers look for. The 4-inch-long, clip-point blade has a sizable belly for slicing but a tip that aligns more closely with the spine for greater piercing power. The included sheath comes with a belt clip but has numerous secondary attachment points so you can latch it to a pack or wherever you see fit. It even has a notch that exposes a small portion of the blade for cutting paracord or a fishing line without having to unsheathe the entire knife. Of course, the lower price tag means lower-quality materials – Chinese 7Cr17MoV stainless steel instead of U.S.-made 154CM and a soft thermoplastic rubber handle instead of G-10 scales. But for $40, you're getting plenty of bang for your buck.

Make & Model
Outdoor Edge Para-Claw

Sizes
Small, medium, large

MSRP
$30

URL
www.outdooredge.com

Notes
When paracord bracelets became all the rage in the tactical/survival world a few years ago, it seemed like everyone and their mother was coming out with the “latest and greatest” model even though it truly wasn't that much different from the last. Well, Outdoor Edge is looking to slice through the status quo with the new Para-Claw, a paracord bracelet that features a 1.5-inch hawkbill blade that nestles into a patent-pending glass/nylon sheath that's integrated with the cordage. The knife is easy to deploy, with the paracord doubling as the knife handle and jimping on the blade's thumb ramp providing positive traction. While a 1.5-inch knife won't seem like much at first blush, the Para-Claw packs plenty of punch as a last resort when you've lost or can't access your primary blade. Available in black or camo colors.

Make & Model
GATCO Shapeners 10005 Edgemate Professional Knife Sharpening System

Dimensions
9.5 by 6.5 by 1.63 inches

MSRP
$60

URL
www.bearandsoncutlery.com

Notes
Having a dull blade is like have a firearm with an empty magazine. That's why it's important to keep your knives sharp, especially those that you'll use in emergency or post-emergency situations. GATCO's 10005 Edgemate kit lets anyone sharpen like a pro, whether their knife is for sport, utility, or the kitchen. It features five sharpening hones with aluminum oxide abrasives: fine, medium, coarse, extra coarse, and one for serrated blades. The easy-to-use system also comes with a GATCO-exclusive clamp/angle guide, honing oil, and a custom case for convenient storage and portability. Made in the USA.

Make & Model
Nite Ize Radiant 3-in-1 LED Flashlight

Dimensions
9.1 inches by 1.6-inch diameter

MSRP
$18

URL
www.niteize.com

Notes
Nite Ize has built a reputation for bringing subtle yet innovative updates to tried-and-true designs. Take for example the Radiant. As its full name implies, it has three types of illumination with seven modes. The most obvious is the 250-lumen flashlight, which might not seem like much in a world where 1,000-lumen torches are quickly becoming the norm. But pull up on the head, and it's instantly transformed into a lantern, providing a much-needed diffused glow inside a tent, backyard, or garage. On the other end, there's a red safety light that has glow, flash, or SOS modes, all of which retain our natural night vision. It can stand up on either end, is housed in a durable aluminum body, and works off of three common AA batteries.

Make & Model
Zippo Mag Strike

Dimensions
2 inches by 0.31-inch diameter

MSRP
$15

URL
www.zippo.com

Notes
Few brands make you think of lighters like Zippo. Thanks to portrayals in books, movies, and TV shows, the company's products are practically synonymous with sparking a flame. But these days Zippo is more than just metal lighters. It makes all kinds of tools, including the Mag Strike. This firestarter unleashes a shower of sparks when you scrape the 420C stainless steel striker along the magnesium ferrocerium rod, allowing you to ignite your tinder with ease. Both the striker and the ferro rod have triangular-shaped ABS plastic bodies, maximizing traction and leverage with less force. Plus, the rod fits inside the striker's handle with a snap-lock closure, shielding them from the elements and increasing portability. Attachment points on each lets you connect them to your belt, keychain, or go-bag.

Make & Model
Ecōths Trace Pant

Colors
Black, Castlerock, Chocolate Chip

MSRP
$79
URL
www.aventuraclothing.com/shop/mens

Notes
We're not gonna lie. When women started wearing jeggings, we got jealous. Why can't men's jeans be flexible and comfortable, too, instead of just heavy and rigid? Fortunately for guys who like to stay on the move (either on the trail, the range, or just about town), Ecōths's Trace Pant is a blend of 98-precent organic cotton and 2-percent Lycra. This means it's rugged yet soft, with just enough stretch so that it doesn't pinch at the crotch, knees, or waist like traditional denim would. It has two deep front pockets, two rear pockets, a coin pocket, and a slit pocket behind the right leg for your smartphone, pocketknife, or multi-tool. On a side note, for every Ecōths garment purchased, a minimum of three meals is provided to regional food banks across the USA.

Make & Model
Wiley X Nash

Head Size
Medium to large

MSRP
$80
URL
www.wileyx.com

Notes
Whether you're enjoying a sunny 65-degree F winter day in Arizona or fighting snow blindness in Minnesota, you'll need to protect your peepers. After all, unless you've practiced bug-out runs while blindfolded, you'll need to see where you're going if you're fleeing a disaster. The Wiley X Nash shields your eyes in a variety of situations. Its Shatterproof Selenite polycarbonate lenses provide 100-percent UVA/UVB protection while also meeting ANSI Z87.1-2010 and U.S. Federal OSHA 1910.133(b)(1)(1) standards. Its T-Shell lens coating resists scratches and reduces glare without color distortion. The Nash comes with a zippered case, leash cord with rubber temple grips, and a microfiber cleaning cloth.

Make & Model
Thyrm CLENS Protector

MSRP
$9

URL
www.thyrm.com

Notes
CLENS (pronounced “cleanse”) is a set of heat-resistant, clear polymer circles that adhere to the lenses of popular flashlights and weapon-mounted lights. The idea is to protect the lens from carbon, and other occlusive or abrasive debris that can build up during firearms training or extended trips in the backcountry. When the accumulated carbon (or scratching) is enough to reduce the light's performance, CLENS is removed and replaced with fresh clear sticker. Codesigned by Aaron Cowan of Sage Dynamics, the CLENS has a mild adhesive backing that tends to stick better to polymer than glass, making it easy to position without leaving adhesive on the glass lens. Each set comes in three common sizes (four cutouts per size). For example, the large will fit a SureFire Fury or Streamlight Protac HL, the medium will fit a SureFire G2x or Streamlight TLR, and the small will fit a SureFire x300U.

More From Issue 23

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Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 24

Read articles from the previous issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 22

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.

The Foraging Myth of Subsisting on Nothing More than Wild Plants

Posted on November 30, 2017 at 1:03 pm.

Written by Offgrid Staff

In This Article

The Foraging Myth
Reality
Alternatives
More From Issue 23

Although it was never confirmed, if you've ever seen the movie Into the Wild, it's speculated that Christopher McCandless' journey into Alaskan Wilderness ended with possibly ingesting toxic plants in his location that he was trying to survive on in the absence of other, succumbing to the foraging myth. While it may seem that plants offer enough nutrients to exist on during the harsher months of a survival situation, you may ultimately meet your demise by slow starvation or inadvertently poison yourself.

The Foraging Myth

There's a belief among certain preppers and survivalists that an experienced forager can survive indefinitely by eating nothing more than wild edible plants. These starry-eyed weed-eaters seem to believe that you can always receive enough nutrition and calories from the plant kingdom, anytime and anyplace. But is the grass always greener (pun intended), or will this strategy leave you malnourished or dead?

Reality

You and I are living proof that nature provided the necessary food for our ancestors to live long enough to procreate; but you have to understand that beggars can't be choosers.

Our remote forebears harvested both plant and animal foods to sustain themselves. That's why they're labeled “hunter/gatherers” in the history books. Today, overeager botanists and vegans might think that they can subsist on wild edibles in any long-term survival situation, but they're forgetting one critical detail — intermittent availability. You see, there are certain times and places that you could live off wild plant foods for months at a time (like an autumn forest with a bountiful nut harvest or fruiting season on a lush tropical isle). However, these “feast” times are always separated by generous stretches of “famine,” when only low-calorie plant foods are available.

Winter is the most brutal example of this cycle of natural deficit, and the time of year when the foraging myth shows its true colors. When snow blankets the land, hiding or killing most wild edibles, your caloric needs skyrocket as your resources plummet. Even if you could find enough plants to fill your belly, it's unlikely that they would offer enough calories for survival. As a second example, let's look at springtime.

When I teach foraging classes in April, I have the greatest annual diversity of plants to show my classes. And I always tell them how our ancestors thought of spring as the “starving season.” Despite all the new green growth, the young plants are mostly water and they lack sufficient calories for subsistence. Eating only spring greens is like starving to death slowly in a field of iceberg lettuce — all water, no calories. Many cultures made it through winter by storing food, and they made it through spring by taking advantage of wild animal foods (like wild bird eggs and migratory spring fish runs).

As a final example to scare you straight, you simply may not have the necessary understanding to use the resources around you. Case in point, you may find yourself in unfamiliar territory and you won't know which local plants are safe to eat. Plant identification can be difficult enough in your normal stomping grounds. Add in the stress of a survival event, a strange environment and a splash of desperation, and you have a recipe for disaster. This idea of a wilderness that's always filled with high-calorie plant food is nothing more than wishful thinking.

Alternatives

If you find yourself in a survival situation with only wild food as a source of sustenance, don't give up! And don't fall prey to a foraging myth! This scenario is survivable, if you're not too squeamish. Here's what you can do to survive on wild foods.

Focus On Calories: Whether you're trying to live on plants, animals, or a blend of both, focus on collecting safe high-calorie foods. Make a positive identification of edible tree nuts, starchy roots, and nutritious berries, then collect as many of those calorie dense foods as possible. And maybe don't worry so much about collecting wild edible plants for teas and salads. These may taste delicious and provide vitamins and minerals, but they are never going to provide high calories.

Eat It All: There were plenty of ways to die on the early American frontier — but one of the weirdest was called “rabbit starvation.” Novice trappers, hunters and wanna-be mountain men would occasionally die from eating only lean meat (no fat or carbs) for weeks on end. For a more contemporary example of this, author Jon Krakauer speculated in his popular book Into the Wild that Chris McCandless might have died from this odd form of acute malnutrition. The take away here is very simple. When hunting, fishing, or trapping strive to collect animals with higher amounts of body fat, then eat ample amounts of fat and organs along with the meat. An animal-based menu of meat, organs, and fat sustains our cousins in the arctic who are eating a traditional diet, and it can keep us alive too.

Don't Be Picky: In a grid-down situation, you may have to get creative. Bugs are surprisingly nutritious and safe to eat — if you choose edible species and cook them thoroughly. Termites are my top recommendation, as they have the highest calorie count of commonly available insects and arthropods (up to 6 calories per gram). Do your research, determine edible species, and cook them to destroy pathogens and parasites. By doing your due diligence, you can avoid those pesky foraging myths that can get you or your loved ones killed.

More From Issue 23

Don’t miss essential survival insights—sign up for Recoil Offgrid's free newsletter today!

Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 24

Read articles from the previous issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 22

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.

RECOILtv: Self-Defense with Flashlights

Posted on November 30, 2017 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In a self-defense situation, it's imperative to use the appropriate amount of force to stop the threat. As the saying goes, it's less than ideal to bring a knife to a gun fight. Using too little force to defend yourself means you're likely to lose the fight and end up shot, stabbed, or curb-stomped. On the other hand, if someone throws a punch at you, escalating the fight by drawing a knife or gun without legal justification might land you in prison.

The point is that you need to have several self-defense options at your disposal. These should range from no force (running away) to lethal force (knife or gun).

Impact weapons are a helpful intermediate tool — they'll give you a force-multiplier that allows you to stop the threat safely and in a controlled manner. Many impact weapons can also be carried in non-permissive environments where you wouldn't be able to carry a knife or gun.

We've shared several videos from instructor Michael Janich about self-defense tools and techniques, including how to use tactical pens and how to fight back if you're knocked to the ground. The latest RECOILtv SHTF/OFFGRID video covers self-defense with flashlights. In the video below, Janich discusses why a flashlight can be a useful part of your every-day carry gear, and how you can use it in hammer-fist strikes to disable an attacker.

Curated Offers: These Rugged Pens Need To Be Part Of Your EDC Kit

Posted on November 29, 2017 at 3:00 pm.

Written by Offgrid Staff

For most people, a pen is just a writing tool that we think about only when we need it. In other words, a pen is just a pen. But sometimes a pen is a badass writing tool that can also be used for personal safety, like in the instance of these Collective Carry EDC Pens. You're likely already carrying a pen around with you most places you go, so why not have a cool, useful one?

Forged from 6061-T6 aerospace aluminum, and available in all-black, gold, and gunmetal, these tactical pens are an extremely sturdy companion. The short, round head, along with its beveled edge, make it easy to grip when writing. And if you flip it over, there's an additional pointed edge which provides an effective means to break glass in an emergency situation. Each purchase even comes with an extra ink refill, so you don't have to worry about buying a new one every six months. And weighing in at just 42g, they're the perfect EDC pen. They're the kind of pen that brings new meaning to the phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword.”

If you're looking for a pen that is worth holding onto, these Collective Carry EDC Pens are a good choice. What's more, you can pick one up for just $32.99, a savings of 43%.

New: Zombie Tools “Lil’ F.U.K.” Field Utility Knife

Posted on November 28, 2017 at 12:00 pm.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Love them or hate them, Montana-based knifemaker Zombie Tools is anything but boring. This 10-employee small business produces some outlandish edged weapons, each with a grimy post-apocalyptic appearance befitting the company's name. But the blades made by ZT aren't just for show — they're well-built and incredibly tough, as we found when we reviewed the Vakra in our kukri buyer's guide in Issue 14.

Most of Zombie Tools' blades are of the large hack-and-slash variety, but the company has offered a few smaller blades over the years. In fact, it has become a holiday tradition for ZT to release a new limited-edition blade just before Christmas. Last year's offering was the Bushlicker, a small bushcraft-oriented knife with an upswept skinner-style blade. This year, Zombie Tools has released the Field Utility Knife, or Lil' F.U.K. for short.

The company calls the new Lil' F.U.K. its first every-day carry blade, as a result of its versatile clip-point shape and 4-inch blade length. Unlike ZT's larger carbon-steel blades, this knife is constructed from the same “tough as f**k” German 80CRV2 steel used on last year's Bushlicker. The blotchy finish is the byproduct of ZT's signature acid etching process.

The spine of this knife has been ground to a sharp 90-degree edge, allowing it to be used for striking a ferro rod. That's a feature we're always pleased to see on an outdoor-oriented fixed blade.

A combination of textured black G10 and red Kydex liners were pinned in place to form the handle, and a large forefinger groove provides a controllable grip. Each F.U.K. ships with a black leather drop-leg sheath embossed with the ZT crest.

MSRP for this knife is $250, and true to the limited-edition designation, the company says “less than 100” of these knives will ever be made. If you want one, you'll need to order before supplies run out. For more info on the new Field Utility Knife, go to ZombieTools.net.

Mt. Agung Volcanic Eruption in Bali

Posted on November 27, 2017 at 3:52 pm.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

If you were to ask an average tourist to rank the threats to their safety while on vacation, volcanic eruption probably wouldn't even be on the list. However, if you travel to locations where active volcanoes exist, there's always the risk of an eruption — and the results can be catastrophic.

This graphic shows the eruption zone of the Bali supervolcano. Source: telegraph.co.uk

This week, the island of Bali was disrupted by clouds of ash and smoke billowing from Mount Agung, and experts have warned that “the potential for a larger eruption is imminent”. As a result, the national alert was raised to its highest level, and all flights at the international airport were grounded. This reportedly left nearly 60,000 tourists stranded on the island, and evacuation orders have been issued for approximately 100,000 people across 22 villages.

Constant tremors can reportedly be felt on the island, and explosions can be heard echoing miles from the summit. Mount Agung previously erupted in 1963, killing about 1,600 people.

For more updates on the situation in Bali as it unfolds, check out the BBC Asia news feed or monitor #Agung on Twitter. A live interactive diagram of all volcanoes in Indonesia can also be found on the Magma Indonesia web site.

Some might assume the risk of eruption is isolated to tropical islands, but that's not the case. Earlier this year, the Campi Flegrei supervolcano in Italy reached what experts called a “critical state”. An eruption of this volcano would almost certainly affect Naples, Italy, one of the top ten most densely-populated cities in Europe. Here in North America, there is continued concern over the status of the Yellowstone supervolcano.

The infographic below from Kristen Long serves as a primer on the history of major volcanic eruptions, and the relevant elements of a large volcano. Click here to download a full-size version of this graphic.

The Backyard Homestead – Review

Posted on November 27, 2017 at 3:49 pm.

Written by Offgrid Staff

The Premise: Since its publication in 2009, Madigan's The Backyard Homestead has been a staple in the library of anyone with a desire to live life unhindered by GMOs, pesticides, chemicals, and unnatural fertilizers lacing their store-bought food. Long before she collected the materials for this book, Madigan had been the managing editor of Horticulture magazine and has lived, worked, and learned on an organic farm in Massachusetts.

Overall, The Backyard Homestead is an excellent resource for homesteaders and preppers interested in sustainability, from the beginner to the advanced reader. Because it tries to cram lots of info into one resource, it hardly has room to delve into scholarly depths. If you're a beginner, you won't feel overwhelmed about getting started.

The 411: The Backyard Homestead is nicely divided into seven sections, from vegetables, fruits and nuts, herbs, and grains to poultry, meat and dairy, and wild food. The information is presented in a straightforward and well-organized manner, showing readers just how easy it is to grow their own food and raise their only limited livestock.

Illustrations are used liberally throughout the pages, but a touch of color would've been nice if only to tell the difference between a few of the species whose leaf patters are similar (lemon balm and parsley, for example). The beginning, however, includes some handy illustrations showing you how much food you can produce on 1/10th of an acre, on 1/4 acre, and 1/2 acre. Each map is detailed with where everything should be placed and planted.

Throughout the book you'll learn how to store your harvest, how to thresh wheat, information on wheat grinders, how to butcher a chicken, what to do with the feathers, how to make maple syrup, how to brew beer, and even how to milk a goat.

The Verdict: As a whole, if you're beginning to transform your backyard or a portion of a larger estate into a garden, this book is for you. Each section isn't overly detailed, but there's enough information to point you in the right direction. In the section, “The Home Vegetable Garden,” for example, illustrations and graphs abound, such as visuals on various garden layouts, each designed for a different-sized yard.

There's info on planting dates for each part of the U.S. as well as how much to plant, what grows best where, how to extend the season, how to help your seeds germinate, and directions for making your own trellises for plants like tomatoes. This book has it all, but this is where it has trouble keeping up with itself.

Madigan tried to write a book that's an everything-for-everybody and underdelivered. A book of that caliber would easily be 3,600 pages. The topics that are covered (and there are many) are dealt with superficially, with very little meat left over once the basics are explained. Also, the subjects chosen were given uneven consideration. For example, container gardening only spans one-and-a-half pages, whereas choosing the right breeds of chickens takes up five pages. And there's only three or four egg-laying breeds to choose from.

That said, there are some stellar sections worthy of high praise. “Vegetables A to Z” discusses many types of popular vegetables in great detail, from planting to care to harvest (and more). The same can be said about the section on milking goats.

At the end of each chapter, it would've been helpful to include a section for troubleshooting, especially in the animal husbandry sections. Instead of a few dozen detailed illustrations of various livestock, it would've been nice to see a section of basic animal first-aid, medical treatments for injuries or disease, or at least a list of general shots and vaccines livestock need.

Madigan assumes that 1) a beginner is capable of doing anything in her book—such as making vinegar, canning fruit, or slaughtering a heifer (which is covered in only about 200 words); and 2) that a beginner has all the necessary equipment to perform the outlined tasks.

Although a great starter, instead of being outlined like a car-repair manual that walks you through every procedure, think of it more as a book to make you aware of basic ideas and issues you'll be faced with when beginning a self-sufficient homestead. Then, from there, you can decide if you want to read more by seeking out other resources (there are a host of them at the back).

Book	The Backyard Homestead
Author	Carleen Madigan
Publisher	Storey Publishing, North Adams, Mass.
URL	Storey.com
MSRP	$19
Pages	368 pages
Rating:	Thrive

Video: How to Trap, De-Gland, & Cook a Raccoon

Posted on November 27, 2017 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Hunting in a survival situation is rarely easy, and may leave you empty-handed (and empty-stomached) more often than it produces a hearty meal. So, when food sources are limited, you'll need to take the path of least resistance to find more of it. That means you probably won't be taking down deer and elk on a regular basis — you'll have to rely on less desirable but more plentiful game.

The raccoon is one common pest animal that can be found frequently in both urban and rural areas. These so-called “trash pandas” are clever scavengers, and can often be found rummaging through garbage bins and gardens late at night. Fortunately, if caught and cleaned correctly, raccoons can be a good source of meat when larger game is unavailable.

Raccoon stew catch cook trapping fire food vegetables meat 5

The Wooded Beardsman used a modern trap to catch raccoons that have been raiding his garden.

We've previously featured videos from YouTube survivalist The Wooded Beardsman, such as his episodes on harvesting black walnuts and facing the grim realities of eating roadkill. In his latest video, he covers how to catch and cook a raccoon that was roaming the woods near his property.

The raccoon's scent glands would make the meat unpalatable, so they must be removed.

After catching and skinning the animal, there are some special steps involved to remove the scent glands found on the legs of the animal. This process is called de-glanding, and is necessary to prevent the meat from taking on an unpleasant smell and flavor.

The Beardsman then preps the meat by soaking it overnight in a brine of water, vinegar, and spices. Once the meat is brined, it goes into a stew with carrots, bell peppers, onions, and potatoes. The result is a dark meat that the hosts say is surprisingly tasty. Check out the video below for the full process: