Page 148 – RECOIL OFFGRID

1975 Pinzgauer – Work Horse

Posted on November 16, 2017 at 6:00 am.

In This Article

Go Hard or Go Soft
No Smashing Pumpkins
Worldwide Application
Upgrades:
More From Issue 13

Sturdy and agile as the Alpine mountain horse she was named after (and not the cattle breed that shares its name), the Pinzgauer was born and bred in the European Alps during the early 1970s, then proved worldwide militarily from desert to jungle rivers for decades. These early generation Pinzgauers — now old enough to be exempt from certain U.S. non-EPA import equipment requirements — were gradually decommissioned and released from service by Swiss and Austrian military forces, driving demand throughout the United States and the world.

Today, a vast yet scattered network exists among thousands of knowledgeable off-road Pinz enthusiasts, gathering everywhere from the Colorado Rockies to the Hawaiian Islands. Though on rare occasions you might find a street-legal Pinz tucked nicely into an average parking space, Pinz owners universally own a second vehicle for daily or long-distance driving and preserve the Pinz for hunting, special touring, or work as ranch vehicles. Increasingly, the demand is ratcheting up among savvy preppers looking for a relatively affordable world-class vehicle designed to remain decidedly low-tech, field-maintainable, and (perhaps most important to survivalists) resilient. On that fateful day when all other land transportation grinds to a panicked halt, Pinz drivers claim they'll keep on rolling — along with 11 of their closest amigos.

So when a well-used, low-profile 1975 model was discovered recently, we here at OG jumped at the chance to introduce this high-mobility all-terrain vehicle to our readers. During the process, we discovered some tips that will help our readers select and plan their own bug-out vehicle layout.

Go Hard or Go Soft

We located this Pinz parked on a southwest Florida ranch, the site of a private shooting resort. A breeze blew openly through the rolled-up canvas canopy roof and sides that marked the Pinz as a 710M model. This model was the four-wheel-drive version, but there are many six-wheel-drive 712 models available, which can sometimes be found with snowcat-style tracks. Pinz owners told us the six-wheel version provides a nicer road ride, but the four-wheelers are more nimble in tight quarters. The Pinz is available in the rare 710K van model with a sheetmetal roof and hard-panel sides, which is more ideal as a bug-out vehicle considering a soft top is a security risk and vulnerable to cold weather.

Optional trailers feature locking hubs to prevent roll away on slopes. They can hold a week's worth of supplies,...

Depending on condition, a Pinz 710M four-wheel soft top might range from $8,000 to $14,000. The 712 six-wheeler could cost anywhere from $12,000 to $20,000, says Dan Fanning of the 35-member Rocky Mountain Pinzgauers, one of the largest Pinz clubs in the United States. Other vehicles currently located online can command higher prices with add-ons and customizations.

No Smashing Pumpkins

The torque-friendly Pinz was known for its ability to keep going in high water experienced during summer monsoons, owing in part to the momentum maintained by shift-on-the-fly capabilities. This kept a ranch owner's family high and dry with 360-degree visibility for wildlife and livestock viewing. The Pinz punched through creeks, easily plunging down steep embankments and up far sides.

This could be in part because of its complete absence of front and rear center axle “pumpkins” common on 4×4 trucks. On other vehicles, these can leave you high-centered, meaning one or some of your tires aren't touching terra firma because the underbelly is caught up on steep trails or boulders. Without pumpkins, a Pinz is far less likely to get high-centered. One look fore and aft reveals amazing 45-degree approach and departure angles, with almost 15-inch ground clearance in a narrow and nimble radius that appears no larger than a Jeep.

To create the amazing clearance and space, Austrian Steyer-Daimley-Puch engineers placed the forward-mounted motor in a slightly offset angle, situated beneath a removable cowling between driver and shotgun seat. The 2.5L aluminum four-cylinder inline block is air cooled by an enormous fan, making 92 horses at 133 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm, drawing upon dual, two-barrel Solex36 NDIX carbs, similar to the Volkswagen engines of the early 1970s. (This engine was consistently produced from 1971 through 1987, while later and even current models went to a turbodiesel VW engine.)

Advanced for its time and still solid by today's standards. the hydraulic shift-on-the-fly levers allow for...

The Pinz features a five-speed manual transmission with a short driveshaft fitted into a two-speed transfer case just forward of the rear axle, effectively providing the driver with 10 forward speeds and two speeds in reverse. They're all closely meshed and geared low, starting with a 5.33:1 first gear ratio and no overdrive. This allows the Pinz to cruise at 60 mph, making about 15 to 16 mpg on a 20-gallon fuel tank for a max range of about 300 miles, although off-road usage in low range will seriously reduce that. A floor shift lever took us through the five speeds, while a shorter high and low-range control lever was close at hand.

Owners speak of the famous Pinz “backbone” as a massively overbuilt housing containing the drivetrain and forming a support system for the chassis. The suspension is a swing-axle type, with portal units taking power directly from the differentials to the wheels. The differentials may be locked. Dual rear coil-springs provide a secure and sure-footed connection on uneven or rain-rutted inclines. Power steering isn't included, preventing over-steerage and eliminating one more thing to go wrong. Six-wheel-drive models make use of leaf springs.

With Roots in the Austrian Military, the Pinzgauer is a Proven Off-Road Beast

This Austrian workhouse can climb mountains, brave high water, and endure blizzard conditions. Photos courtesy of Rocky...

The hydraulic transmission was “revolutionary for its time” because it allowed the driver to shift into four-wheel drive without exiting the vehicle to lock out external hubs, Pinz enthusiasts say. Pointing out the three levers located centrally on the dash at the driver's right hand, one owner said the first lever enables the driver to engage the forward two wheels on the fly without losing momentum on steep grades. The second and third levers enable the driver to lock out the front and rear locking differentials for the ultimate in troop or utility transport, respectively.

An external dual-battery compartment provides easy maintenance access via a 24-volt system. The access is consistent with the design philosophy, complemented by a series of circuit breakers and no electrical fuses, including an ignition system sealed against water. Electronics consist largely of the coil, a generator, and spark plugs.

The driver and passenger compartments are separated by a removable series of heavy-gauge wire fence-like panels that don't impede visibility or airflow. Cabin circulation is improved thanks to multiple fans. The rear compartment bench seats are accessible through a rear swing-out half-door. The rear backs of the bench seats may be folded down to provide a flatbed for transporting pallet-sized equipment. In keeping with its military heritage, the spartan interior is devoid of any nonfunctional frills.

Worldwide Application

The Rocky Mountain Pinzgauers have assisted authorities during snowstorms by serving as medical transports and emergency search vehicles, Fanning says. But for fun, the group stages “treffens” or gatherings throughout Colorado and even in out-of-state detours like Moab, where owners navigate rocky passes, climb slabs of granite, and punch through snow.

Having acquired his first Pinz 20 years ago, Robert Rainek of the Milwaukee-based North American Pinzgauers said he originally had no idea how dependable and bombproof the Pinz were until he attended some off-road demos in Leadville, Colorado, where the Pinz ran side by side with Jeeps, Hummers, and Land Rovers. He now has 50 and is constantly impressed with the level of maintenance the surplus Pinzs arrive with when they are located, traded, or resold.

The Pinz's open-door policy makes entering, exciting, and protecting your ride pretty easy – even with a...

“Now the preppers aren't looking for something too fancy,” Rainek said. “Just something sort of low key. Many people are amazed that the vehicles were so advanced, even by today's standards. These saw extensive use from North Africa to the Middle East, Australia, and throughout Europe.”

Rainek said potential buyers were concerned about the engines overheating in the desert. Fanbelts were undone on test models and the engine still did not overheat, he said. And these have higher ground clearance than military Humvees, he said, due to the portal axles, even with the standard military tires, while many opt for Super Swampers and other upgrades. We have long looked to the Swiss and to Austria for excellent weapons system engineering and innovation, and like a true world-class weapon, the Pinz has proven itself around the world — from tropical terrain to snow-capped mountains.

If you're looking for a conversation starter, the Pinz draws a crowd. If you're looking to get away from the crowd, you might not find anything more sure-footed except the Alpine horse. But then you won't be able to bring a dozen of your closest friends, shouting in your best Austrian accent, “Get to da Pinzgauer!”

MAKE & MODEL	1975 Pinzgauer 710M (soft top)
ENGINE	2.5L four-cylinder, air-cooled aluminum block
HORSEPOWER	92 at 4,000 rpm, with 132 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm.
TRANSMISSION	Five-speed transfer case, with two-speed high and low range for 10 forward speeds and two reverse speeds
WHEEL BASE	86.6 inches
FUEL CAPACITY	20 gallons
APPROACH ANGLE	45 degrees
DEPARTURE ANGLE	45 degrees
RAMP BREAKOVER	152 degrees
SEATS	(driver, front passenger, 10 in rear)

Upgrades:

Can you acquire something old, indestructible, and somewhat unique without the risk of being labeled a member of “a cultlike following?” Pinzgauer owners don't seem to mind, and increasingly these drivers are launching vehicle clubs, social media pages, and regional rallies, driving the desire for more modifications. The most popular upgrades for a Pinzgauer are:

Ignition system: An improved aftermarket distributor cap and fully water-shielded wiring consistent with mil-spec protection can ensure starting capabilities in the harshest conditions. It's all compatible with the stock 24-volt dual battery system.

Winch: Capable of being placed fore and/or aft on the Pinz, a winch can be used to assist with ascents, descents, or recovering stuck vehicles.

Step assists: This improves one's safety while entering and exiting the high-riding vehicle. The looped steps are aftermarket single steps to be placed forward of the cab. The center-step assists fit centrally near the hub of the stock wheels and are said to not interfere with mobility or traction.

Weapon storage: No bug-out vehicle is complete without weapon retention systems.

Other considerations: The no-brainer is a tire upgrade, but there are other options, including but not limited to a toolkit (including winch gloves, tall jack, and tow strap), tire pump and repair kit, and extra fluids.

More From Issue 13

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Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 14

Read articles from the previous issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 12

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

Gallery: Bug-Out Trucks of SEMA 2017

Posted on November 16, 2017 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

If you're interested in cars, trucks, SUVs, Jeeps, ATVs, motorcycles, or any other sort of vehicle on wheels, the SEMA Show is the place to be. This massive automotive trade show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center each November, and is jam-packed with thousands of custom vehicles of every size and shape.

Certain SEMA builds exhibit more, uh... restraint... than others.

Many SEMA builds aren't exactly what we'd call subtle or practical.

The SEMA Show is not open to the general public, so you'll need to be part of the automotive industry or a member of the media to get in the doors. Fortunately, we fall into the second category, so we're able to snap some photos of what we saw there. There were plenty of hot rods, classic cars, tuned imports, and other vehicles, but considering the theme of this publication, we obviously gravitated towards bug-out trucks and SUVs.

We're always pleased to spot truck builds that clearly see real-world use.

We returned from the show with more than 200 photos, so we'll share the first batch of bug-out-worthy truck builds (and some that aren't) in the gallery below. You may notice there aren't any Jeeps in this gallery — there were so many custom Jeeps at the show, we're going to publish them separately in another post tomorrow.

Now, we'll let the photos do the talking. Enjoy! (If you're on a slow connection or a cellular device, you may want to come back to this later — it's very image-heavy.)

Curated Offers: These Damascus Knives Are A Sharp Choice For Your Collection

Posted on November 15, 2017 at 3:00 pm.

Written by Offgrid Staff

Historically, Damascus blades have been integral to the stories of many legends, and it's easy to see why. The legendary steel forms a unique pattern that is easily visible to the eye. Additionally, Damascus is said to be strong enough to cut through a rifle barrel. Whether or not you believe the legend is up to you, but one thing is for sure: a Damascus blade knife is a worthwhile investment. Check out these Damask Co. Fixed Blade Knives that beautifully blend appearance and strength.

Available in a variety of styles, from a curved edge to a double-sided blade, each blade is a work of art. Clocking in at 10 inches in length and just under a pound, these fixed-blade knives feel great in the hand and will hold their edge through whatever test you put them. Each blade features a unique composite handle made from a variety of materials, and comes complete with a sheath for safe storage and carry. And because each blade is hand-made, you can be sure they will be forged properly. They're perfect for your next hunting trip, or just to carry with you as a safety measure.

These practical Damask Co. Fixed Blade Knives are available now for just $97.99, which is a savings of 30% from their original price. A knife like one of these is sure to impress your friends, whether on display or in action.

Op-Ed: Teach Your Daughters To Fight Back

Posted on November 13, 2017 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Self-defense is one of the core tenets of survival. In some cases, that may mean protecting yourself against the natural dangers of your environment, and in others it means defending against individuals who actively try to harm you — or harm a loved one. This is why it's wise to study self-defense, and as explained by Breach-Bang-Clear's David Reeder in the following article, to proactively teach self-defense to those who you care about.

A basic knowledge of weak points (eyes, ears, groin, etc.) can aid in real-world self-defense. Photo: Michael Janich

In this article, Reeder specifically focuses on teaching the young women in your life to fight back against physical/sexual harassment or unwanted touch. A sudden and violent response sends a clear message that inappropriate touch will not be tolerated. So, if you have daughters or other young women in your life, we'd encourage you to read the following op-ed before having a conversation with them about this important subject. Then we'd encourage you to help them train and prepare to defend themselves by any means necessary.

Editor's Note: The following article was originally published by our friends at Breach Bang Clear. It appears here in its entirety with their permission. For more from the Mad Duo and crew, go to BreachBangClear.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram. FYI, this article also contains some not-safe-for-work language.

Teach your daughters, goddaughters, and nieces to fight. If you can’t, then pay someone to, and teach them that violence is acceptable. Teach them to hit people who touch them. Not tell the teacher, not complain to the Human Resources department, to hit them, as viciously as possible, immediately and publicly.

Testicles, throats, eyes — they’re all vulnerable.

Violence may not always be the answer, but when it is the answer, it’s usually the only answer. Including when, perhaps especially when, someone touches them without permission.

Speaking strictly to my nieces and goddaughters, I say: you bring me the scrotum of some dude who grabbed your boob or your butt, girls. I’ll reward you and turn it into a tobacco pouch.

I’d hold forth and talk more about this, but Jeff Rouner of the Houston Press already has, and he did a great job of it.

“I’ve started telling my daughter that if someone touches her chest, her ass or between her legs without her permission, to punch them in the goddamn face. Aim for the nose, Sweetheart. You don’t want to catch their teeth and get a cut. That’s a good way to get an infection. You want nose or eyes, and maybe use that front choke Daddy taught you. Turn your forearms so the bone goes against their carotid and jugular. That’s what makes them pass out.

Can she get in trouble for violence at school? Yes, she can, and should. Violence is illegal. Note: I didn’t say wrong. I said illegal. The two are not synonyms.”

Fuckin’ A.

Read the op-ed in its entirety here at the Houston Press. Then make the girls read it.

Hat tip to our own Tamara Keel, of View From the Porch.

“Is violence the ideal answer to sexual harassment? Of course it isn’t. The ideal answer is living in a world where this sort of thing is swiftly dealt with at all levels of authority with a zero-tolerance policy. Anytime y’all want to make that happen, you let me know. Until then, I’m teaching my daughter the proper way to throw a punch, and if you don’t like it, teach your kids the proper way to act.

Answering physical assault with physical assault is perfectly appropriate, and I have long since stopped caring about the concept of polite when it comes to those who feel boundaries are optional.”

Reader’s Survival Story: Learning from Two Hurricanes

Posted on November 12, 2017 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

Lesson #1 – Monitor & Adjust
Lesson #2 – Insure Your Valuables
Lesson #3 – Evacuate Early
Lesson #4 – Train to Overcome
Lesson #5 – Don’t Waste Your Survival Gear
Additional Thoughts

Editor's Note: We're glad to share this insightful article, which was submitted by a reader who wishes to help others learn from the flaws in his past emergency plans. If you live in a region that may be affected by any type of catastrophic and widespread natural disaster, read Bill's account and consider how these lessons can help you become better prepared. If you have a similar survival story you'd like to tell, we'd love to hear it — you can click here to send us an email.

My name is Bill Napier, and today I’d like to share some lessons I’ve learned after surviving two Category 5 hurricanes. These storms have caused me to become better prepared for future natural disasters, and I hope my insights can help you and your family do the same. The following is a brief attempt to help you consider and plan your responses to life’s challenging events.

After Katrina, the back of our Mandeville house had been sheared off by a fallen tree.

After Katrina, the back of Bill's house had been sheared off by a fallen tree.

My family and I went through Hurricane Katrina in Mandeville, LA (a suburb of New Orleans) in 2005 as well as Hurricane Harvey in Kingwood, TX (a suburb of Houston) in 2017. I have experienced numerous hurricanes in my lifetime, but nothing like those two. During Katrina, our property suffered from extensive wind damage, caused mainly by large pine trees falling on our homes and cars. During Harvey, our house and cars flooded with four feet of water, which turned out to be much more difficult to deal with than Katrina’s wind damage.

Bill Napier hurricane prep survival story storm flood weather 15

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Bill's home in Texas needed extensive repairs due to flood damage.

Lesson #1 – Monitor & Adjust

Before Katrina we were not at all prepared. In general, no one I knew talked about the need to be prepared in 2005 like we are in 2017. For us that changed dramatically after Katrina. We own an engineering and construction management company, and at the time of Katrina, we were focused on the offshore oil and gas industry. We started meeting with customers within 48 hours of the eye of Katrina passing the office.

Bill Napier hurricane prep survival story storm flood weather 1

The eye wall of Hurricane Katrina left several boats in the street and park near Bill's home.

Our company uses “PEMA” as an acronym for project management, and it’s equally relevant to emergency preparedness:

Plan
Execute
Monitor
Adjust

Since Katrina, I have been reading anything I can get my hands on concerning preparing for events beyond our control. I have a small group of like-minded friends who I talk with regularly. Looking back, a lot of the material available is too formulaic. There is not enough emphasis on monitoring and adjusting, as we learned in Harvey.

Bill Napier hurricane prep survival story storm flood weather 19

Community members from Bill's church assisted in the repairs after Hurricane Harvey.

Life’s events do not follow the formulas. Be ready to adapt quickly.

Lesson #2 – Insure Your Valuables

We bought our house in Kingwood, TX four years ago. It had never flooded and supposedly would never flood. We were not required to have flood insurance. Fortunately, as a result of our experience in Katrina, we did. I am told in our neighborhood one out of six homes had flood insurance.

If there is even the faintest chance of flooding in your area, invest in flood insurance. The same can be said for earthquake insurance, if you live in an area that’s prone to earthquakes, landslides, or mudslides. Many standard policies don't cover these disasters.

Lesson #3 – Evacuate Early

I am an Eagle Scout. My wife and I lived overseas for extended periods, including more than two years in Nigeria. We had four children. One was special needs and passed away a few months before Katrina. As a result of these experiences, we thought before both storms we could handle whatever came our way. We were wrong both times.

Bill Napier hurricane prep survival story storm flood weather 8

High winds from Katrina buried Bill's pickup truck under fallen vegetation.

Our house in Texas sits much higher than the street and golf course behind the house. Nevertheless, the water from Hurricane Harvey came into the house within a few hours. We waited too long to leave by car, and had to be evacuated by boat.

Bill Napier hurricane prep survival story storm flood weather 9

More fallen trees blocked residential roadways after Katrina.

Once the warning signs of a disaster are present, evacuate as soon as possible while you can still drive out. Stage your vehicles on higher ground, and be ready to hit the road before the rest of the panicked masses.

Lesson #4 – Train to Overcome

Bill Napier hurricane prep survival story storm flood weather 14

Harvey's flood waters left mud, debris, and dead fish inside Bill's home in Texas.

As our house began to flood, my wife was scared since she does not swim. She felt her life was threatened. I would have stayed upstairs in the house but she could not do that. In retrospect, it was wise to leave for her sake, and as a result of the sewage backup in the neighborhood homes.

Consider areas of personal growth, and train to eliminate those weaknesses. I plan to practice swimming with my wife in the future, and help her to feel more confident in this area.

Lesson #5 – Don’t Waste Your Survival Gear

After Katrina, we were without power for 13 days, and the local stores were not being resupplied quickly. We had significant damage to two houses we owned. As a result of the difficulties of Katrina, we installed whole-building natural gas generators at our Kingwood house and our Covington office building. We also stocked both locations to support a 10-man team for at least 14 days. Blow up mattresses, food, water, communications, flashlights, and so on. You know the lists.

So, I thought we were ready for Harvey. We had food, water, guns, and all the survival equipment that’s recommended by the popular disaster prep lists. However, we were not prepared for flooding.

We had bug-out bags, but they were packed for survival in the woods, not the flood. Many items in the bags were helpful, but we ended up tossing aside the camping gear. It was useless in that environment. Also, we should have brought more clothes. We had only what we wore plus one change of clothing — it wasn’t enough for long-term survival. Fortunately, we did pack everything in water proof bags, including the clothes.

After Hurricane Harvey had passed, I saw many of our supplies in the garage floating in containers, or submerged under the water. It hurts me to realize how much money was spent on supplies that were useless after the flooding.

If flooding is a possibility, store everything as high off the ground as possible.

Above all, be flexible with your gear, and pack to meet the need. This may mean staging one core bug-out bag that covers the basics, and several other supplementary bags for specific situations — for example, a cold-weather survival pack, or a long-term survival duffel bag with extra clothes, food, water and money.

Additional Thoughts

Above: A mailer from Bill's church showed the destruction of his family home in an effort to unite the community after Katrina. Below: Heavy equipment was required to remove fallen trees and debris from the home.

Here are some more lessons my family learned from both storms:

1) The mental side of responding to life’s challenges is as important as the physical responses. Never lose hope. I believe that prayer works – use it.

2) Endurance, both physically and mentally, is required. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.

3) People need each other. After Harvey, our church congregation, friends, family, and neighbors were a huge help. We could not have made it without them. Do not be too proud to accept help from your community. I am now 65. I do not have the endurance or back I once did. Assistance from younger bodies is really useful.

4) Be nice to local business owners and staff in the good times. After a storm, the demand for their services goes up dramatically. Good and established relationships with vendors can put you at the front of the line.

5) We are all human and have our moments when we are not nice people. Be patient and forgiving when those around you are struggling. Be willing to overlook a wrong. Even pastors and priests have their limits of endurance. The demands on them are incredible after storms as they deal with people who have lost family members and houses. People keep asking them the “WHY” question, which no one can answer. Always show grace when you can.

6) Cash is king. You need it on the way out of town when the stores do not have power. Vendors love it after a storm (see item #4 above). Sometimes you’ll even get a discount.

For more tips on surviving the aftermath of a hurricane, check out our previous article on Post-Storm Survivor Strategy.

Veterans Day Short Film: “Place of Peace”

Posted on November 11, 2017 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Learning to survive means more than protecting yourself from physical harm. It often requires learning to cope with difficult experiences, some of which might deeply affect you and have lasting repercussions for your relationships and emotional state. Many of the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces experience these lasting effects in the form of PTSD, and struggle to overcome past trauma to find peace.

For Veterans Day 2017, SITKA Gear created the following short film about the experiences of Ret. Master Sergeant Bobby Farmer. After graduating high school, Farmer enlisted in the Army as a Combat Engineer. In 2002, he successfully completed the Special Forces Qualification training and was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group.

Farmer served for 10 rotations in Afghanistan and Iraq, enduring multiple gunshot and shrapnel wounds, as well as a traumatic brain injury. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star for Valor, the Army Commendation medal for Valor, and a Purple Heart. He was medically retired from the Army after 22 years of service, and has struggled with the effects of PTSD.

Fortunately, he found a path towards healing through a new hobby: bowhunting. Watch the video below to hear the powerful story firsthand.

Today, we'd encourage you to take a moment to be thankful for veterans and all those who have served. For more information about this film and ways you can help active-duty military, veterans, and first responders, go to SitkaGear.com/placeofpeace.

Jacques Cartier, Conifer Tea, & Vitamin C

Posted on November 10, 2017 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Today, modern medicine and nutrition have drastically improved our health compared to that of previous generations. For example, consider scurvy. This degenerative disease was a major problem for sailors and pioneers whose occupations restricted their diets. We now know scurvy is caused by a vitamin C deficiency, and can be cured by consuming citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges. But back in the 1500s, the disease was a mysterious and terrifying killer.

In the frigid winter of 1536, the crew of French explorer Jacques Cartier began to suffer from an unknown sickness. An account of the voyage tells the grisly tale: “some did lose all their strength, and could not stand on their feet, then did their legs swell, their sinews shrink as black as any coal. Others also had all their skins spotted with spots of blood of a purple colour: then did it ascend up to their ankles, knees, thighs, shoulders, arms and neck: their mouth became stinking, their gums so rotten that all the flesh did fall off, even to the roots of teeth, which did also almost fall out.”

Scurvy causes weakness, gum disease, and bleeding from the skin. Photo: Wikipedia

Luckily for Cartier and his crew, their ship reached the Iriquois village of Stadacona — a region we know today as Quebec City, Canada. One native man, Domagaia, introduced them to a medicinal beverage made from a tree they would come to call arborvitae, or the Tree of Life.

The men drank the decoction, and were almost immediately cured. The account states, “as soon as they had drunk it they felt better, which must clearly be ascribed to miraculous causes; for after drinking it two or three times they recovered health and strength and were cured of all the diseases they had ever had … When this became known, there was such a press for the medicine that they almost killed each other to have it first.”

Scurvy vitamin C diet citrus pine needle conifer tea health 2

The white cedar or eastern arborvitae is rich in vitamin C and known for its medicinal properties.

Today, the exact species of tree Cartier's crew called the arborvitae is not known, but it was almost certainly some form of evergreen conifer — likely either the white pine or the eastern white cedar. However, we now understand why this beverage cured the men of scurvy. Conifer tea, made by mixing needles and bark into hot water, is extremely rich in vitamin C and other dietary nutrients. A study from the Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine concluded:

Scurvy vitamin C diet citrus pine needle conifer tea health 3

Researchers suspect the white pine may have been the conifer known as arborvitae.

“When food was short and the winter most severe, the candidate trees of life in eastern Canada provided a source of vitamins, arginine, proline, other conditionally and essential amino acids, antioxidants, and other biofactors, which aided in the recovery from of scurvy.”

Vitamin C is also a necessary part of your immune system, and consuming it may reduce the duration of illnesses like the common cold. So, next time you're out in the woods this winter, keep conifer tea in mind so you don't end up like Cartier's weak and toothless crew. (Note: Study the health effects of any wild plant before consuming it. Some types of evergreen conifers can be toxic, and others can harm pregnant women.)

New: SureFire EDCL2-T 1,200-Lumen Flashlight

Posted on November 9, 2017 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

How much is too much? It's a question that should be considered in all aspects of emergency prep, from the amount of weight in your backpack to the number of extra magazines you carry for your weapons. In the realm of flashlights, lumen output is the key variable to consider, since it affects both nighttime visibility and battery life. As you'd expect, more of one means less of the other, so picking a light with the ideal lumen output for your needs is essential.

SureFire offers lights with a wide range of output levels for different applications. (Pictured: SureFire Scout light)

SureFire has announced a new every-day carry (EDC) flashlight that pushes the boundaries of lumen output for a compact pocket-sized flashlight. The SureFire EDCL2-T, also known as the Every Day Carry Light 2, is an upgraded version of the company's well-known EB2 Backup light. While the EB2 produces 600 lumens from two CR123A batteries, the new EDCL2-T pumps out an incredible 1,200 lumens from the same power source.

Some may claim that 1,200 lumens is too much for a light this size, but that all depends on your needs. If you're outdoors in a pitch-black wide-open space, this output will help you clearly illuminate faraway objects. It's also useful in self-defense situations for blinding attackers — we can attest that getting flashed head-on by a light this bright is sure to be disorienting. However, this power comes at a price, as the maximum claimed run time at full output is 1 hour.

The SureFire EDCL2-T uses the company's Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens design, which is said to focus the light for a versatile blend of long throw distance and broad situational awareness. This light also offers a low-output mode of 5 lumens for map-reading and other close-up work. Run time in low mode is 60 hours.

The EDCL2-T is constructed from hard-anodized aluminum with a grippy knurled texture, and offers a two-way clip that allows the user to carry the light bezel-up or -down. The last notable feature on this light is its tail cap switch. Unlike the EB2, it doesn't click in for constant-on — instead, it works as follows:

Slight press – momentary 5-lumen low output
Full press – momentary 1,200-lumen high output
Twist – constant on

The new SureFire EDCL2-T is currently available at an MSRP of $179. For more information on this high-output EDC flashlight, go to SureFire.com.

Curated Offers: 4 EDC Knives To Cover Your Butt In Any Situation

Posted on November 8, 2017 at 3:00 pm.

Written by Offgrid Staff

Knives are incredibly handy instruments, ones that we use for a huge number of tasks. And while there are plenty of knives created for specific purposes, the everyday carry knife is a must-have—a necessity. Enter Tekto. Their EDC knives are made from stainless steel, and are light and easy to carry, yet strong enough for most tasks. Take a look here some of Tekto's top EDC knives.

The Cutter

A short but sharp knife, the Cutter clocks in at just .22 lbs (100 g), and can easily be wielded via its spring-loaded release. This 1.9 in blade is small enough to fit easily inside a coat or pants pocket. It even has a hole cut out for carry on a key-chain, giving it increased portability.

Buy Now: An amazing deal for just $59.99. That's a savings of 40%. Recoil readers can save an additional 15% with coupon code SAVE15.

The Rapid

The Rapid is always ready to go, just one easy slide away from danger. This 0.7 lb blade features a serrated edge, perfect for quick cuts, not to mention retaining its cutting edge much longer than a smooth blade. The rapid also boasts a hip clip and non-slip handle, decreasing the amount of time needed to spend fidgeting around for your blade.

Buy Now: A quick deal for only $84.99, a savings of 43%. Recoil readers can save an additional 15% with coupon code SAVE15.

The Takt

Looking for a knife that can be both strong and durable, not to mention, fast? Then the Takt is the knife you should be swinging for. Measuring in at just under a pound in weight and a 3.93″ blade length, the Takt is a knife-owner's dream. It comes well designed with a serrated edge, hip clip, and window breaker on the bottom end for any emergency situations. The Takt is a versatile combo of strength and reliability, making it a strong choice for everyday carry.

Buy Now: A solid deal that saves you 43%. Available now for $89.99. Recoil readers can save an additional 15% with coupon code SAVE15.

The Spry

How do you make a knife twice as cool? You put two cutting edges on it. The Spry is a visual pleasure, but a situational treasure. Along with its double-edge, this knife features a hip clip, window breaker, and supportive grip handle, allowing you to maneuver seamlessly through any treachery. Keep the Spry with you at all times and you'll have nothing to worry about.

Buy Now: Pick up this versatile knife for just $89.99 (43% off). Recoil readers can save an additional 15% with coupon code SAVE15.

Video: Overnight Camping with a Mystery Get Home Bag

Posted on November 8, 2017 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

We've often said that survival is primarily about what you know, not what you have. Knowledge weighs nothing, and it's the key factor that will allow you to think your way through challenges and overcome them. Quality gear can obviously give you an advantage and make the work easier, but with the right knowledge you should be able to improvise or scavenge most items.

We recently came across a YouTube video by an outdoorsman named Trip Smith (formerly SailingandSuch), and this video posed a thought-provoking survival challenge. You've probably got a carefully-prepared bug-out bag or get home bag in your closet at home, one stowed in your vehicle, or one at your workplace. You might even have all three. But how would your odds of survival change if you needed to head off the grid with a mystery backpack full of unknown gear?

Check out Trip Smith's 39-minute video below, and see how he fares with his friend's pack.

This is an interesting challenge that can prepare you for a number of potential scenarios:

Dealing with lost or inaccessible gear — how would your survival plan change if you didn't have access to your own backpack?
Utilizing scavenged items — how prepared are you to work with gear you found abandoned by someone else, especially items you haven't trained with?
Surviving with friends — how ready would you be to integrate your existing gear with unfamiliar equipment carried by group members?

Bug out get home bag backpack survival gear camping 4

Borrowing a friend's meal kit can expose you to new packable foods you might enjoy.

Note: Any time you attempt a survival challenge, make sure you have safeguards and an escape plan in place. If you find the challenge too difficult to overcome, you should have several contingency plans to make it back to safety or call for help. You don't want this fun learning experience to turn into a real life-and-death situation.

In this case, Trip had to improvise due to the lack of an insulated under-quilt.

In this case, Trip had to improvise hammock insulation due to the lack of an under-quilt.

Surviving “blind” with a mystery get home bag will also help you streamline your own survival kit. You might find a superior alternative to the gear you carry, or you may find a type of gear that's totally absent from your own pack. By swapping packs with a friend, you can also test the viability of their gear, and give them an outside perspective on items you'd suggest.

So, next time you go out into the woods for a camping trip, it may be helpful if you agree to switch packs with a trusted buddy. You'll certainly learn some things — hopefully not that one of you is woefully underprepared. But even if that's the case, you'll improve your improvisational skills.

For more videos, check out Trip Smith's YouTube channel.