Page 151 – RECOIL OFFGRID

Issue 22 Gear Up

Posted on October 2, 2017 at 7:00 am.

Make & Model
TOPS Knives Yacare 10.0

Overall Length
15.5 inches

MSRP
$250

Notes
The Yacare 10.0 is a beefy machete with an international origin of sorts. Though designed and made in the USA, it was inspired by the tools TOPS general manager Craig Powell saw while he visited Colombia and Costa Rica — with a bit of influence from the Philippine barong. The 10.25-inch, proud-bellied blade is made of tough-as-nails 1095 tool steel and features TOPS' new Acid Rain finish. The canvas Micarta handle scales are ergonomic and give the right amount of grippyness without shredding your paws. While the nylon sheath leaves something to be desired, overall the Yacare is a cut above the rest.

Make & Model
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Powergrab

Tools Included
19

MSRP
$120

URL
www.sogknives.com

Notes
SOG might be known for its tactical knives, but it has a remarkable lineup of multitools built on the company's patented Compound Leverage mechanism. The gear-driven pliers system delivers about twice the power of conventional multitools, giving you greater power with less effort. Aptly named, the Powergrab is one of the newest models in this lineup and no less impressive. In addition to needle-nose pliers, it's packed with almost 20 tools — two blades, scissors, hex bit driver, and flat screwdriver, just to name several. It also comes with a hard molded nylon sheath with belt clip. It's 4.6 inches long when closed and weighs 9.9 ounces. For an extra $14, you can get the Powergrab with a soft nylon carry case with belt loop and a hex bit kit.

Make & Model
Camillus Les Stroud Mentawai Slingshot

MSRP
$35

URL
www.camillusknives.com

Notes
The slingshot is an ancient weapon, but modern images of it would have us believe it's just a tool for anarchists, vandals, and kids without enough parental supervision. The Mentawai Slingshot — codesigned by Camillus and Les Stroud of Survivorman fame — takes this hand-powered projectile weapon back to its primal roots. It features foldable arms for easy storage, a strong tubular powerband, and an ergonomic handle that has an integrated compass, as well as a storage compartment that houses four stainless steel ammo balls and a firestarter. In a post-apocalyptic world (or on a hunting trip), the Mentawai can easily take down small game with nothing more than a bit of sweat equity and steady aim.

Make & Model
OTAC Primus Trauma Kit

Dimensions
8 by 6.5 by 3.5 inches

MSRP
$157

URL
www.otacgyr.com

Notes
A first-aid kit is essential for any preparedness-minded individual who wants to be ready for anything. Whether it's a puncture, a gunshot wound, or a laceration, the Primus Trauma Kit is packed with various life-saving items to treat serious injuries. You even get to choose the type of tourniquet: CAT, RATS, or SOFTT-W. There's also a few other items that could be handy in dire times for non-injuries, such as a Sharpie and an emergency blanket. Everything comes in a rip-away pouch that opens into three compartments for easy access. There are PALS/MOLLE straps on the exterior so you can hook this to your range bag, bug-out pack, or vehicle's emergency kit.

Make & Model
Rite in the Rain No. 435 3″ x 5″ Pocket Top-Spiral Notebook – Elements Series

Colors
Arctic, Earth, Storm

MSRP
$3.95 each

URL
www.riteintherain.com

Notes
When society collapses or the grid goes down, so too will your smartphone and tablet. Even your two-way radios will eventually run out of batteries. Posting a letter at your rendezvous point might be the only way to provide a coded message to your family explaining where to meet next — unless of course rain or snow washes out your handwriting. Fortunately, Rite in the Rain has been making all-weather paper for almost a century, serving everyone from troops and firefighters to the logging industry. The company recently released notepads as part of its new Elements color series. Each notepad we tested has 50 sheets, an impact-resistant spiral binding, and handy rulers and conversion charts on the inside covers. The notepads will endure rain, stains, snow, and everyday wear.

Make & Model
GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Camp Cup

Capacity
14 fluid ounces

MSRP
$9 each

URL
www.gsioutdoors.com

Notes
You've probably gone on more than a few camping trips with paper or plastic cups loaded with your food and beverage supplies. The problem with doing that is, if you're going with a group, you'll need to bring many cups, which take up cargo space. Then you'll have to haul them all out (because trashing a campsite is just ignorant). Paper and plastic also don't hold heat or cold for long. The Bugaboo Camp Cup can change that. These vessels are made of lightweight anodized aluminum to retain the warmth of fresh coffee or the chill of an iced beverage. Plus, the bail handles fold to save space and there are convenient measurements stamped on the side. In a pinch, they can be used to boil water.

Make & Model
Live Fire Gear Ring O Fire

MSRP
$24

URL
www.livefiregear.com

Notes
Any prepper worth their salt knows you have to have multiple means of starting a flame. The Ring O Fire kit from Live Fire Gear will certainly deliver on that concept. This kit consists of three fire-starting items. First is the FireCord, a 550 paracord with its eighth inner strand being a color-coded red tinder that's waterproof and easy to ignite. Use the FireCord as neck lanyards, zipper pulls, or boot laces and you'll always have a way to spark a flame wherever you go. Second is the Live Fire Original, essentially a firestarter made from mineral oil, polymer resin, and other material that's waterproof, cedar scented, and can be relit again and again. It comes in a tiny tin with a slide-top lid, so you can limit its burn and even use it as a candle. Third is a ferro rod with striker. Together, they'll provide you with much needed redundancy this coming winter.

Make & Model
A/S Helle Fabrikker Algonquin

Overall Length
6.34 inches

MSRP
$169

URL
www.helle.no

Notes
If the Yacare is a little too much blade for you, the Algonquin might be more to your liking. A collaboration between Helle and Laura Bombier (a globetrotting photographer and outdoor adventurer), this short but stout knife is great for survivalists, hikers, and recreational campers. The key is the Scandinavian grind. Its two wide, flat bevels run down the side of the blade until they meet to form the edge, resulting in a razor-thin cutting surface. This is ideal for precision slicing, whether skinning hides or making tinder. Capped by a brass pommel, the handle is made of darkened oak, cURLy birch, and red leather inserts. It comes with a plastic-lined leather sheath and worn around the neck or tied to your belt. While there isn't much of a finger guard — be mindful when thrusting, lest your digits slide onto the stainless steel laminate blade — the Algonquin is a combination of elegance and robustness.

Make & Model
Kicker Lifestyle Products BF100

Dimensions
9 by 3.3 by 3.3 inches

MSRP
$200

URL
www.kicker.com

Notes
Blasting Metallica from a speaker probably wouldn't be the wisest thing to do in a bug-out situation in which speed and stealth is needed, but it's certainly good times if you're having a tailgate party to kick off the NHL season or relaxing by a campfire after a long day of tracking whitetail in the snow. The BF100 will let you do either, come rain, sleet, or shine. This waterproof, Bluetooth-enabled music system has an IP67 rating, meaning it can withstand dust, dirt, and being submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. But submergence for that long is unlikely because the BF100 also floats. About the size of a large tumbler and weighing 1.8 pounds, this unit had a 12-hour battery life, a hands-free speakerphone, and a Bluetooth range of 100 feet.

Make & Model
Western Rise DryWeight Merino Henley

Colors
Clay, Coal, Moss

MSRP
$98

URL
www.westernrise.com

Notes
Loyal readers know how much we love wool. It's nature's super fabric. Among other benefits, wool is naturally moisture-wicking, so it keeps you cool in the summer and dry in the winter — the latter being key to not freezing to death. The DryWeight Merino Henley is 50-percent merino wool and 50-percent TENCEL, which is derived from Eucalyptus trees and dries three times faster than pure wool, yet is incredibly soft. This combination provides superior temperature regulation in a strong, gentle fabric that's also odor resistant. Wear it alone in mild climates or as a base layer when the mercury drops. In addition, it features durable rubber buttons and hidden thumbholes at the cuff (which helps keep your hands warm if you forgot your gloves).

Make & Model
Outside Inside Gifts Backpack Bocce

Carry Bag Dimensions
5.5 by 5.5 inches

MSRP
$17

URL
www.outsideinsidegifts.com

Notes
For those who have had to evacuate to an emergency shelter or endured the task of supervising unruly kids during a backcountry getaway, entertainment is up there on the list of things you miss the most. TV, apps, a good book, video games. In a post-crisis situation, mind-numbing boredom can zap your morale and lead to stray thoughts. On a vacation, bored kids can lead to incessant whining and much gnashing of teeth. So, it's wise to pack a few games, preferably those that get the body moving. Backpack Bocce from Outside Inside Gifts is a portable version of the ancient game most associated these days with seniors. The set comes with nine lightweight PVC balls in a mesh pouch that takes up less room than an MRE. A simple yet fun game that can be played year-round in the backcountry, backyard, or back office.

Make & Model
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion Kit

Dimensions
6.3 by 4.3 inches

MSRP
$60

URL
www.RSDLReady.com

Notes
If you read our primer on gas masks on page 70, you know they filter out toxins in the air but won't protect you against chemical warfare agents that contact your skin. If that happens, soap and water might not be enough — and in some cases will make it worse. Fortunately, the Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion Kit can remove or neutralize a variety of chemical agents, including Sarin, VX, and mustard gas. The kit is simple to use: identify contamination on your skin, open the package to access the sponge, scrub the affected areas, and leave the RSDL ingredients on your skin for at least two minutes. Then rinse with water when it's safe to do so. Procured by the U.S. military for a decade and deployed to more than 30 countries, the kits are slim, light, and have a five-year shelf life.

More From Issue 22

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

Infographic: Hydroponic Gardening with the Kratky Method

Posted on October 2, 2017 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

As the saying goes, man cannot live on bread alone — or any one food source, for that matter. You may be able to sustain yourself on stockpiled dry beans and rice for quite a while, but eventually you're likely to develop a nutrient deficiency that will affect your health. Also, it's simply demoralizing to eat an extremely restrictive diet. This is why ideal nutrition guidelines always recommend a variety of meats, eggs, dairy, grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Fresh-grown produce from the farmer's market is delicious and healthy, but it may not always be available.

In a survival situation, you may be confined to your home with limited access to outside resources, but that doesn't mean your diet has to be limited or unhealthy. We're big proponents of home gardening, either in the backyard or using an indoor hydroponic setup. Hydroponic gardening is water-based, and requires no soil or natural sunlight. So, with the right equipment, it's easy to set up a productive garden inside a garage, basement, or shed.

One especially simple type of hydroponics is known as the Kratky method. Unlike some other types of hydroponics, the Kratky method requires no pumps or electronic aids. If you grow outdoors or in a greenhouse, you won't even need grow lights, so this system can be entirely passive for grid-down situations. It's ideal for leafy greens, like lettuce, spinach, and herbs, though beans and tomatoes can be grown with some adjustments.

The following infographic from Green and Vibrant shows how to set up a Kratky method hydroponic system, how to maintain it, and which plants to start growing. Click here to download a full-size version of this infographic.

For more details on the science behind the Kratky method of hydroponics, watch the humorous and informative video from Jeb Gardener below:

Review: Hinderer Double Knuckle Shot Cup

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

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

Hinderer's “Battlefield Pickup” Copper
The Hinderer Double Knuckle Shot
The Removable Knuckles
Conclusions

Rick Hinderer has what most people would consider a dream job. In a way, this veteran bladesmith could be considered the Willy Wonka of the knife-making world. Granted, his laid-back and approachable demeanor doesn't match the wacky exuberance of the fictional chocolatier, but the products that leave his manufacturing facility often transcend the norm.

Many of the blades and pens produced by Rick Hinderer Knives are practical for every-day carry, and while priced at a premium, all that we've handled are built to a high standard of quality. The XM-18 is a mainstay of the knife collection and customization scene, and we were impressed by our recent evaluation of the MP-1. But the limited-run machined items from the company are often more unusual, excessive, and sometimes borderline absurd. Such is the case for the Double Knuckle Shot cup.

Hinderer's “Battlefield Pickup” Copper

We recently reached out to Hinderer for a sample of the Extreme Duty Pen for our Tactical Pen Buyer's Guide — coming soon in RECOIL OFFGRID Issue 22, on sale October 6th. Rick sent us a few samples of the pen, including one in a very special finish:

This Extreme Duty pen is machined from a solid piece of copper, then splashed and splattered with acid to create a one-of-a-kind etched finish. Hinderer calls this finish Battlefield Pickup because it looks like something dug out of a trench, as opposed to the glossy machined or smooth stonewashed finishes on his other products. Combined with the earth tones of the copper and the vibrant color of the burnt titanium pocket clip, it's a very striking look.

As you may know, copper also has a tendency to oxidize over time, so this patina will continue to develop as the pen is used. The material is also surprisingly heavy, making this tactical pen a formidable tool for self-defense.

The special-edition pen is finished with laser-engraved R.H.K. lettering and a cartouche symbol on the cap. These markings are intended to mimic the stamps and inspection marks found on vintage firearms, and they further the steampunk vibe this copper writing instrument gives off. For our full review of this pen, check out the Pocket Preps buyer's guide in Issue 22 of our print magazine.

As you can see in the photo above, Hinderer also included two other items which we didn't expect. These both share the same solid copper construction and Battlefield Pickup finish. The smaller Investigator tactical pen was previously reviewed here on OFFGRIDweb, but we must say that the new finish looks good on it. The metal cup beneath is something much more unusual.

The Hinderer Double Knuckle Shot

This solid copper cup is one of the most bizarre and extravagant limited-edition items we've seen from Hinderer to date. Yes, it's weirder than the Hinderer Wicked Divot golf tool and the double-edged Maximus folding dagger. We haven't been aware of anyone who has made a solid metal shot cup with a functional and detachable knuckle duster… until now.

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 14

The Double Knuckle is an evolution of the DoubleShot, which we reviewed alongside the Investigator pens.

The Hinderer Double Knuckle Shot is appropriately-named — it's ready to carry a shot of your favorite liquor, or to deliver a shot to someone else's jaw. Like the DoubleShot that preceded it, this cup is machined out of a solid piece of metal, with a raised diamond-pattern texture around the exterior and a weighted base.

While the patina inside the cup may lead you to believe the copper will imbue bitter or metallic flavor into your alcohol, we didn't notice any smell or aftertaste. However, don't fill it with any acidic or carbonated liquids, because there's a chance this could lead to food poisoning as a result of toxic levels of copper leaching into your shot. Best to stick with high-proof booze instead.

Rick Hinderer Knives double knuckle shot cup review 10

Note the standard filler tab opposite the pocket clip on this Hinderer MP-1 folding knife.

Unlike the DoubleShot, this cup has four flat sections around its circumference where Hinderer filler tabs can be installed and displayed. For those who aren't familiar with Hinderer knives, these filler tabs are oblong pieces of metal which attach to the company's folding knives in place of the reversible pocket clip. Each Hinderer XM-series knife includes one, so the user can switch its position with the pocket clip for tip-up or tip-down carry.

Special Hinderer filler tabs can be surprisingly rare, expensive, and sought-after in knife collector circles.

The customization scene has led to the release of filler tabs in special colors, materials, and intricate designs including koi fish, crusader's crosses, and skulls. If you're a Hinderer knife aficionado, the eight positions on the Double Knuckle Shot's exterior provide a place to store and show off your spare tabs.

Like the copper Battlefield Pickup pens, this special-edition cup includes an R.H.K. stamp and a cartouche symbol. Double Knuckle cups are available in other finishes, but those will not include these details. Flipping the cup upside-down, you'll see that the base has been engraved with the Rick Hinderer Knives logo.

This Double Knuckle Shot came to us as a box set, with two threaded bases. These bases are also made of solid copper; one is the same diameter as the cup, the other is taller and wider with a flared-out bottom. Each of the bases includes an O-ring-sealed cavity that Hinderer calls a stash compartment.

All we can say is that it's up to you what you keep inside — it probably wouldn't be wise to walk around with any illegal contraband stashed, considering the proximity to the aggressive-looking spiked knuckles, which are also illegal to carry in many jurisdictions (check your local laws).

The Removable Knuckles

Speaking of knuckles, we'll go into some more detail about the cup's defining feature. Like the rest of the body, the connected rings are machined out of solid copper, with a series of small holes drilled around the perimeter to reduce weight. At the front, four hardened spikes have been pressed in, and they're sharp enough that we certainly wouldn't want to take a hit from them.

The knuckles are attached to the cup by four small Torx screws, which match up to the holes in two of the eight filler tab openings. So, if you'd like to keep the knuckles at home for a less-weaponized appearance, or they're illegal to carry in your area, just remove these screws and set the knuckles aside. Extra copper filler tabs and screws were included to make the swap seamless.

Although we had no desire to get into bar-room brawls with the Double Knuckle, the spiked rings will do a reasonably good job of protecting your knuckles against impacts. More importantly, they feel comfortable to grip while drinking. They also make the cup look like a miniature beer stein, which is pretty cool for display purposes.

Conclusions

The Hinderer Double Knuckle Shot cup is ludicrous, unnecessary, and it retails for $400. Yes, that's right, $400 — assuming you can find one for sale at one of Hinderer's third-party dealers. Once those dealers run out of stock, the price might even go up, if private-party sales of special-edition Hinderer knives are any indication.

It's definitely the coolest-looking shot cup we own, and materials and craftsmanship are top-notch. But we can't see many people purchasing these unless they're hardcore Hinderer knife collectors, or they're rolling in Scrooge McDuck piles of f–k you money.

There are also the potential implications of carrying an object that combines alcohol consumption, spiked knuckle dusters, and a stash compartment that's just the right size for various uh… substances. It's the perfect accessory for a night of debauchery, but it'd take some explaining if said debauchery leads to law enforcement contact. And you definitely don't want your rare $400 shot cup confiscated.

That said, the ridiculous nature of the Double Knuckle Shot still constantly puts a goofy grin on our faces. We'd much rather spend our money on a practical folding knife or other EDC tools, but we love that this cup exists and that Rick Hinderer was crazy enough to bring it into (limited) production. It's up there with a pair of gold-plated nunchucks or a jewel-encrusted cane sword in terms of practical usability, but it's beautifully-crafted and one heck of a conversation piece.

For more information on the Hinderer Double Knuckle Shot, check RickHindererKnives.com or search the company's authorized dealers. Two of these cups are currently available through DLT Trading.

New: TOPS Missile Strike Combat Knife

Posted on September 29, 2017 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

There are a few constants that define a good knife — it must be sharp, durable, large enough to accomplish its intended tasks, and small enough to remain controllable. But beyond these points, much of knife design is up to personal preference. What works for you may not work for others, and that's why we see so much variation in the knife-making industry.

During his seven and a half years in the service, U.S. Army veteran Kelly McCulley developed his own opinion on what a good combat knife looks like. In 2010, he began putting these designs on paper, and eventually started producing them for fellow servicemen and women. Kelly's latest design has reached an even wider audience through a new partnership with TOPS Knives.

The TOPS Knives Missile Strike blends the piercing power of a combat knife and the practical slicing ability of a camp knife. Its most distinctive feature is its large forefinger guard, which allows the user to lock in a firm grip without concerns about slipping a finger forward onto the blade.

The 6-inch spear point blade is clearly designed for thrusts and piercing, but the top edge is actually a swedge. This means it lacks a sharp secondary grind by default. However, TOPS offers an optional sharpened top edge at no extra charge. The spine of the 1/4-inch-thick 1095 carbon steel blade features jimping grooves for added control, and the entire 11.3-inch full-tang knife is finished in durable coyote tan Cerakote.

The Missile Strike's handle is slender, with tan canvas micarta scales and a tapered pommel that's useful for overhand strikes and prying. The holes on the pommel and forefinger guard allow the user to weave a D-guard from paracord for an even more secure grip. This knife includes a tan Kydex sheath and molded nlyon belt clip.

The TOPS Missile Strike is listed at an MSRP of $210, though the current price is $170 through the company's web store. For more information, go to TOPSknives.com.

Prepping for and Preventing Winter Weight Gain

Posted on September 28, 2017 at 2:19 pm.

Written by Offgrid Staff

In This Article

Protein
Carbohydrates
Fats
Sample Meal
Fitness for Fat Loss
Conclusion
About the Author
More From Issue 22

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.

At this point, America is heavier than ever, and it doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon. The holidays, especially wintertime, seem to be synonymous with weight gain and poor health choices. As a prepper, this is directly at odds with your physical preparation plan. Extra weight gain will surely slow you down and make survival in a crisis even more difficult.

Shedding weight means minding your plates, both in the kitchen and in the gym. There are many different popular diet programs out there right now, but they all operate on the basic premise of a calorie deficit. Whether you're on a paleo plan, doing intermittent fasting, trying a ketogenic diet, or out in the wilderness eating anything you can scavenge, eating fewer calories than you use typically results in weight loss.

So, follow along as we review some strategies to avoid the winter bulge and keep you fit and healthy for what may lie ahead.

Protein

Protein is a critical component of anyone's diet, especially when it comes to losing weight. Higher protein diets tend to result in more weight loss. Protein contains 4 calories per gram, but more energy is required to break them down than carbohydrates or fats. This concept is called the Thermic Effect of Feeding. You actually use more calories when eating proteins. This is part of the reason why many higher-protein diets result in weight loss, assuming the rest of the diet is composed of healthy foods. Moreover, higher protein diets — when combined with a resistance training program — boost muscle mass. This can increase your resting energy expenditure, ensuring you'll burn more calories at rest.

Recommendation: Consuming up to 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight can help you feel satisfied longer after meals and improve body composition. Game animals can be a great source of protein, as can protein powders, eggs, or fish.

Carbohydrates

Carbs aren't the enemy they're made out to be. There's some truth to the idea that certain people handle carbohydrates better than others, but carbs don't necessarily make you gain weight. Much like proteins, carbohydrates contain 4 calories per gram. But it's not the number of calories that's important, it's the type of carbohydrate that really matters.

When you eat highly refined carbs or simple sugars, you may end up getting higher cholesterol, higher triglycerides, insulin resistance, and more body fat. Foods like sugar, white bread, and pasta are good examples.
On the other hand, carbohydrates from better sources can do nearly the opposite. Lower cholesterol, less body fat, lower triglycerides, and better blood sugar control are all characteristics of slower digesting, higher fiber carbohydrates. These types of carbs include quinoa, brown rice, fruits, and vegetables. If times are tough and you're out foraging for food, you should grab anything you can. When given the option, though, keep an eye out for foods with higher fiber content.

Recommendation: When focusing on weight loss, you should include roughly one to two cupped handfuls of healthy carbohydrates per meal. Because carbs are handled slightly differently depending on the person, if you notice that you've gained weight or you're not losing any weight, consider reducing the amount you're eating before changing anything else.

Fats

Just like carbohydrates, there are good and bad fats. The thing to understand is that eating fat doesn't make you fat. That's important to grasp. Unlike carbohydrates and proteins, fats are more calorie-dense with 9 calories per gram of fat. So, be careful of eating too much fat, as it's easy to consume too much when they're readily available in shelled or nut butter form. This is why eating nuts in the shell typically results in consuming fewer calories.

Good fats from sources like nuts, avocados, fish, eggs, and coconut oil are great in moderate amounts. You should avoid trans fats like the plague, which are found in margarine, baked goods, fast foods, microwave popcorn, and frozen pizza — yes, all the foods you already know aren't good for you.

Recommendation: Because fats are so highly calorie dense, shoot for one to two thumb-sized portions of healthy fat per meal.

Sample Meal

Given the recommendations so far, a sample meal for weight loss might look like this:

One to two small chicken breasts (each one roughly palm-sized)
1/4 cup of quinoa (roughly one cupped handful)
Two to three fist-sized portions of spinach salad topped with two tablespoons (about two thumbs) of olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Fitness for Fat Loss

At the heart of the matter, obesity or weight gain can be partially related to inactivity. Beginning a workout program comes with many positive effects such as increased testosterone, reduced body fat, increased bone density, increased muscle mass, among others.

Resistance training should be an element of any weight loss program because it creates a substantial metabolic demand. To reduce body fat, we should focus on lifting moderate weight, roughly in the 8- to 12-repetition range with rest periods anywhere from 15 to 45 seconds between sets. For beginners, slightly higher repetition ranges can also work well.

We'll pair exercises that don't affect each other, such as a dumbbell chest press and a cable row. This way, when you train your chest, the back is able to rest, and vice versa. This is where the large demand on your body takes place: The muscles are able to rest, but the overall systemic effect still occurs. It's not uncommon to see weight loss purely from adopting this style of training and making little to no changes with diet. The effect is more pronounced when we include combination lifts, which are usually a mixture of one upper body and a lower body lift together in the same exercise. You'll see some examples of this in the sample workout provided.

To give you an idea of what this looks like, here's a sample of a workout you might use if you're looking to shed body fat.

Squat Jump: 4 Sets of 10 Reps

1. Begin in a standing position with or without a weight.

2. Quickly sit into a squat position, imagining you're sitting between your knees.

3. Explode off the floor.

4. Land softly, and repeat for 10 total repetitions.

Dumbbell Chest Press: 3 Sets of 12 Reps

1. Lie flat on a bench with dumbbells straight above your shoulders and your shoulder blades tucked back and down under you.

2. Slowly lower the dumbbells until your elbows are roughly in-line with your body. Your upper arms should be about 45 degrees relative to your body.

3. Press the weights back up just shy of locking out your elbows.

4. Repeat for 12 repetitions.

Kettlebell Goblet Squat to Overhead Press: 3 Sets of 10 Reps

1. Start by holding a kettlebell at your chest.

2. Sit your hips back until your thighs are about parallel to the floor.

3. Drive your heels through the floor, fast, and press the kettlebell over your head once your legs straighten.

4. Slowly bring the kettlebell back to your chest.

5. Repeat for 10 repetitions.

Barbell Bent-Over Row: 3 Sets of 10 Reps

1. Hold a bar at arm's-length with your hands just outside your thighs.

2. Keeping your back flat and knees soft, sit your hips back and slide the bar down just below your knees.

3. From that bottom position, drive your elbows back and shoulder blades together. Don't let your elbows pass your body.

4. Complete 10 repetitions, and drive your feet through the floor to stand back up.

Straight-Leg Sit-Up: 3 Sets of 8 Reps

1. Lie on your back with your arms straight towards the ceiling. You can do this with bodyweight or with a medicine ball or kettlebell.

2. Keeping your arms and legs straight, sit up and reach your arms towards the ceiling.

3. Slowly return back to the starting position.

4. Repeat for 10 repetitions.

Conclusion

This physical preparation plan yields weight loss. Everyone can make changes to both their diet and exercise routine, so make sure to get at least a couple of good takeaways from this material. The best results come with consistency, so try making small changes and progressively add more as you master the previous steps. ‘We all know winter is coming, but extra holiday pounds don't have to come with it.

About the Author

Ryne Gioviano is the owner of Achieve Personal Training & Lifestyle Design in Aurora, Illinois. He holds a master's degree in exercise physiology, a NSCA Certified Personal Trainer, and Precision Nutrition Certified Nutritional Coach. Gioviano is also an avid firearms enthusiast. For more information, please visit www.Achieve-PersonalTraining.com.

More From Issue 22

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Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 23

Read articles from the previous issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 21

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.

Stealth RV: Tiny House Inside a Box Truck

Posted on September 28, 2017 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In the past, we've discussed the potential merits and drawbacks of RVs in bug-out scenarios. On one hand, they're comfortable and convenient — it's like rolling around in your own personal hotel room, with plenty of storage for all the gear, food, and water you need for a long journey. On the other hand, they're often very expensive to own and maintain. Also, traditional RVs have one especially substantial drawback: they're conspicuous.

While you might feel right at home in a cushy $250,000 RV, in an emergency situation, there will undoubtedly be those who want to take it from you. Since huge motorhomes don't exactly blend in with traffic, it wouldn't be hard for someone malicious to follow you to your destination and jack your home on wheels at gunpoint. In these situations, it's worthwhile to consider the “gray man” philosophy and choose a vehicle that's less ostentatious.

Box truck tiny house RV motorhome vehicle shelter 1

This old box truck doesn't scream “survival shelter” but offers plenty of room in a discreet package.

One enterprising DIYer from Minnesota decided to build his own stealth RV from a vehicle that's easy to overlook: a plain white box truck. The platform he used is a 1994 International 4900, with a turbo diesel motor and automatic transmission. It's reportedly small enough to be driven legally without a special commercial driver's license (CDL), and the side door and rear power liftgate make it easy to load up the interior.

The inside of the truck isn't as polished as a professionally-built RV, but it includes the comforts of home. There's a stowable bed, shower, chemical toilet, a table that converts into a couch or desk, and even a projector for watching movies. The full kitchen includes a sink, stovetop, oven, fridge/freezer, and lots of counter and storage space.

The box truck's water and air heating systems run on propane, and it also has digital air conditioning and 4-inch wall insulation to maintain a comfortable living space year-round. Its electrical system is powered by six golf cart batteries that are charged by the engine, and connected to a 1000-watt inverter. The haphazard wiring under the hood isn't the most confidence-inspiring, but it appears to get the job done.

Check out the full video below from Tiny House Listings for a walkthrough of this box truck stealth RV, or head to the owner's for-sale page for more details about this build.

We could see the merit of sticking a weathered logo on the side to make it less appealing to thieves — even the most desperate criminals will probably ignore a truck that says “waste disposal” on the side. But even in its current form, this International box truck looks nowhere near as conspicuous as a shiny and expensive motorhome.

Primitive Technology: Making Mud Bricks

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

Written by Patrick McCarthy

As children, many of us enjoyed playing in the dirt, mud, and sand. We dug holes, piled up barriers, made mud pies, and built rudimentary structures such as sandcastles, battlefields for our action figures, or racetracks for our toy trucks. Those skills may seem useless now that we've reached adulthood, but in the context of primitive survival, knowing how to work with mud can actually be a valuable skill. So, if you want to survive without modern supplies, get ready to get dirty.

Some of the earliest human civilizations used structures made of simple mud, and even today, it's a viable building material for long-term emergency shelters. Mud bricks can also be used to construct fireplaces, chimneys, or pottery kilns — as seen in the Primitive Technology video below.

These bricks are simple to create from dirt, water, and some form of reinforcing fiber such as hay or dry grass. In this video, the Primitive Technology host uses dry and shredded palm fibers to fortify his mud, and adds it to a four-piece wood mold. This provides uniform size and shape, which makes building structures much easier. Some of the mud bricks are also cut in half to form squares.

Once the mud bricks are removed from the mold and dried in the sun, they're stacked into a kiln furnace and sealed with an extra layer of mud. The host of Primitive Technology then expertly forms some curved roof tiles from clay, and inserts them into the kiln to harden. If you're interested in more of his pottery projects, check out our recap of his Pottery Kiln Improvements video.

The resulting mud bricks are turned into a kiln, which is then used to create pottery.

Even if you're not planning to make a kiln and roof tiles, these reinforced mud bricks could make a sturdy long-term shelter for almost any wilderness survival situation.

New: Glock 46 with Rotary Barrel Design

Posted on September 26, 2017 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Following the widespread coverage of the Glock Gen5 pistol reveal — click here to read a full recap on RECOILweb — there has been another noteworthy development from the Austrian firearm manufacturer. A new pistol known as the Glock 46 has been developed, and it has some features that mark a major departure from the rest of the company's products.

Glock 46 Gen5 rotary barrel pistol handgun gun defense law enforcement 2

A cutaway drawing illustrating the rotary barrel design.

The Glock 46 was reportedly designed to meet the specifications of German law enforcement. It features many of the Gen5 changes, including an ambidextrous slide stop and lack of finger grooves on the grip. However, there's also a much larger beavertail that isn't present on other Gen5 models.

Most interestingly, the Glock 46 uses a rotating barrel design that differs from the tilting barrel seen on other Glock models. This feature correlates with patent applications filed by Glock, and also means that the gun can be taken down without having to pull the trigger.

For more photos, technical drawings, and future updates on the Glock 46, check out the original article on RECOILweb.com.

Infographic: Poisonous vs. Edible Berries

Posted on September 25, 2017 at 2:28 pm.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

It should be common knowledge not to eat wild plants unless you can determine that they're safe, but starvation can lead to taking risks, especially when it comes to potentially edible berries. When your body is racked by hunger pains, you may be tempted to eat foods that might otherwise seem questionable in order to stay alive. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous proposition, since those same foods can contain toxins that will only worsen your condition through vomiting, diarrhea, or even death.

Left: edible grapes. Right: poisonous Pokeberries. (Photo via Poison.org)

Worst of all, Mother Nature seems to have a sick sense of humor — many edible plants have extremely poisonous dopplegangers which share a similar appearance. If you're unfortunate enough to misidentify these toxic plants as their edible cousins, it could end up being the last mistake you ever make. If you're feeling confident in your foraging skills, try your hand at our poisonous mushroom identification quiz, and see just how difficult it can be to correctly pick out the dangerous species.

Delicious grape tomatoes, seen here, can easily be confused with dangerous wild Horsenettle.

Berries may seem like a great source of survival food, but like mushrooms and other plants, it's essential to identify them correctly before you chow down. The following infographic from Alan's Factory Outlet shows 15 edible berries, and 15 poisonous berries which they closely resemble. Click here to download a full-size version of this infographic.

Studying this graphic can help you remember the risks, but if you're not positive a plant is safe, don't eat it! Or, at the very least, use the Universal Edibility Test to check if it will make you sick before consuming large quantities.

Titan Ready USA HERC XXL Candle-Lit Oven Review

Posted on September 25, 2017 at 9:00 am.

Written by Offgrid Staff

In This Article

The Background
The 411
The Verdict
About the Author
More From Issue 22

Food security is a big deal. If you disagree, try going for a week without eating and see what happens. After just 72 hours, you'll begin to see a dramatic decline in your ability to function physically, mentally, and emotionally. Talk with anyone who has experienced the desperation of true hunger, and you'll begin to appreciate why underestimating food will never be a good idea.

But even with top-notch planning and preparations, feeding yourself during an extended crisis can be challenging. Initially you may be able to get by with whatever is readily available — a can of tuna, peanut butter sandwiches, or maybe some freeze-dried, camping-style meals. While these foods will keep you alive, when the days start turning into weeks, you'll want more substantial meals.

However, in the aftermath of a disaster your options for cooking, or even heating up food, may be severely limited. Without electricity, for example, the majority of our modern kitchens go cold. In a crisis scenario, if you want to continue eating hot meals, you'll need other options.

The Background

Solar, propane, and wood/coal grills are some of the go-to cooking methods when the fancy push-button kitchen appliances go dark. But this is also where the difficulties often begin. If you're lucky enough to have outdoor space, you might be able to fire-up a grill, or an LP gas camping-style stove. You may even be inspired to set up an old-school fire pit. In a pinch, all of these options can crank up some serious heat, but these cooking methods can also be dangerous and will attract lots of unwanted attention. Plus there's the issue of storing hazardous fuels, and the risk of exposure to dangerous fumes and emissions, especially if you operate your makeshift kitchen too close to your dwelling. And let's not forget the weather, and potential security threats.

If you have sufficient sun exposure you might also be inclined to cook with a solar oven. This method uses the sun's energy as fuel. But, you'll need long, sunny days, and someone to stand watch over the solar oven and the food it contains. Solar cooking will not only take you and your food outside, but it'll advertise that you have food.

Finally, people who live in densely populated urban areas will have even fewer options, since discreet outdoor space may be at a premium, or completely unavailable. Considering all the challenges, is there really a safe and reliable off-grid cooking option? There is, enter the HERC XXL Oven.

The 411

Titan Ready USA is an American company that made a name for itself by creating practical water storage and cooking solutions for emergency situations. One of these innovative designs is the HERC (Home Emergency Radiant Cooking) XXL Oven. It cooks, bakes, and dehydrates by harnessing the thermal energy from affordable, and easy-to-store, tea light candles — pretty amazing stuff. It produces sufficient heat to prepare hot meals without the need for electricity, gas, or other dangerous fuels.

This is especially significant when you consider that the oven can be used safely indoors, day or night, away from prying eyes, the weather and potential threats.

It harnesses the thermal energy from tea light candles, storing it in the quarry stones that line the underside of the oven's inner surface and releasing the radiant energy back into the food. The HERC XXL uses two methods of thermal energy transfer: like a conventional oven, it uses convection and electromagnetic radiation (radiant).

In addition, exterior walls are made from 18-gauge stainless steel that reflects the thermal energy produced by the candles, and stored in the quarry stones, back onto the food being cooked. Stainless steel was specifically chosen due to its strength, durability, and because it's a poor conductor of thermal energy, thus keeping the heat inside. Twenty common tea light candles provide a run-time of approximately four to five hours. When compared to other fuel sources, tea candles are inexpensive, readily available, and easy to use and store. (Note: You should never leave an open flame unattended, indoors or out.)

The entire oven weighs only 28 pounds. Sure, it won't find its way into your bug-out bag, but it does break down for transport in your truck or RV. It packs flat when disassembled and stows neatly into the heavy-duty, reinforced carrying bag that's included.

The Verdict

The HERC XXL is awesome. Assembly took about 25 minutes; no tools needed. Figure another 30 minutes to preheat the oven to cooking temperature (about 350 degrees F), and you're ready to cook. Plus, the oven provides ample cooking space, accommodating a large 15×11-inch pan or baking dish with ease.

Two things really impressed us: the simplicity and effectiveness of the oven's design and the uncomplicated fuel source.

Beyond that, it's just incredible how many different foods you can prepare, from roasting meats and simmering stews to cooking rice and making pasta — and just about anything else you could cook up in a typical kitchen.

At $389 the HERC XXL isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. It's a well-made, quality product that'll provide years of service. More importantly, it's an essential piece of gear that'll seamlessly complement and enhance your food security plan and preparations. Thumbs up on this one.

Make & Model	Titan Ready USA HERC XXL Oven
Weight	28 pounds
Dimensions	19 by 12 by 12
Materials	18-gauge 304 stainless steel with brushed finished
MSRP	$389
URL	www.titanreadyusa.com

About the Author

Richard Duarte is a practicing attorney, urban survival consultant, writer, and firearms enthusiast. He's the author of Surviving Doomsday: A Guide for Surviving an Urban Disaster and The Quick Start Guide for Urban Preparedness.
www.quickstartsurvival.com

More From Issue 22

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

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