Making a Minimalist Survival Bow & Sinew Bowstring

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When you're preparing for any outdoor excursion or survival scenario, it's wise to bring a generous supply of food with you. This ensures that under normal circumstances, you'll have enough to eat until you can make it to safety and resupply. However, there are some cases when resupplying or scavenging is not an option. If you become stranded, or the food distribution network is interrupted, you'll need to go hunt for food — and make it quick, because your food reserves will dwindle with every passing hour.

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Obviously, having a hunting rifle and plenty of ammo is the best-case scenario. When you don't have those items, you'll need to improvise. One tool that can provide an effective means of hunting is a bow, and it's possible to craft your own bow with some sturdy yet flexible wood and a sharp knife. Primitive cultures have been making simple wood hunting bows for centuries.

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In the following 10-minute video, YouTube historic hunter Shawn Woods makes a minimalist survival bow out of ocean spray wood. The only tool he uses is a sharp knife, namely a square-tipped stainless fixed blade called a takenata hatchet. In an ideal world, you'd want to season and treat the bow wood for maximum longevity, but this simple bow works surprisingly well, even using living green wood.

Shawn selects a thick and pliable piece of ocean spray bush, also called creambush or ironwood, and cuts it into the bow stave. He intentionally leaves the bark intact on the back (outermost portion) of the bow, and shaves down the belly carefully to allow the thinner wood to bend. At first he works with a chopping motion, and then uses his blade as a draw knife to smooth out the limbs. After forming a tapered handle and adding notches, he can string the bow.

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Paracord or any manmade cordage could work as a bow string, but if that's not available, you'll need to make your own. One traditional method uses animal sinew — in other words, dried tendons which can be broken down into individual fibers. These fibers are then moistened, and twisted together in a two-ply braid, with new fiber fed in gradually until the desired length is achieved. The video below shows the complete method:

Of course, you'll also need arrows and arrowheads, but that's yet another project. Shawn Woods covers numerous arrow designs on his channel, including Cherokee two-fletch arrows, Norwegian slate arrows, and ancient mesolithic microblade arrows. Check out his channel if you're interested in learning more about survival bows and primitive archery.

New: Garmin inReach GPS with Satellite Text Messaging

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Navigation and communication are two essential survival skills — the first is necessary to travel safely from A to B without becoming hopelessly lost, the second is critical for any group or collaborative survival effort.

With sufficient training and knowledge, it's possible to rely on primitive methods of orienteering and communication, such as celestial navigation and smoke signals. But we've come a long way since the days when those were the only options. Technology has made our lives much easier, so we might as well make use of it while it's available. Obviously, if the grid goes down and electronics become useless, we can fall back on primitive methods — until then, it's wise to use the best tech available.

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Left: the Garmin inReach SE+. Right: the inReach Explorer+ with TOPO maps and added sensors.

Early this year, Garmin announced the release of a new inReach line of devices which combine GPS navigation and two-way satellite communication. The Garmin inReach SE+ and inReach Explorer+ are the first Garmin devices with these capabilities, some of which were acquired through the company's purchase of DeLorme in 2016. Both devices have Pole-to-Pole global Iridium satellite coverage for two-way text messaging and SOS alerting anywhere in the world.

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Much like a smartphone, the Garmin inReach devices can send text messages to and receive replies from any cell phone number or email address. But, thanks to the network of 66 Iridium satellites, these devices can do so from anywhere in the world with 100 percent seamless coverage. Accessing this satellite network requires a monthly subscription, which ranges from $12 to $100 per month depending on usage level.

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If something goes wrong, there's also an interactive SOS feature — here's how it works:

  1. You press the SOS button to send an emergency alert.
  2. The GEOS 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center responds quickly, confirming that help has been called.
  3. You describe your emergency so responders know whom and what to send.
  4. Responders advise you when to expect assistance — and suggest potentially life-saving actions to take in the meantime.
  5. You communicate with friends and family, letting them know the situation and where to contact the rescue team.
  6. Help arrives. You’re able to coordinate any logistics or medical care that may be needed upon your return.

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Both the inReach models also include a built-in GPS for location tracking and basic navigation. For $50 more, the Explorer+ adds pre-loaded topographic maps, as well as a compass, barometric altimeter, and accelerometer for more sophisticated navigation capabilities. Both models offer location sharing, so your friends and family can follow your progress from a computer or smartphone if you enable the feature. You can even embed the GPS progress tracker on your Facebook page or blog.

The Garmin inReach SE+ is available at an MSRP of $400, and the inReach Explorer+ is $450. For more information, go to Explore.Garmin.com.

Vehicular Terrorist Attacks: Strategies for Safety and Survival

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You can feel the energy and excitement in a crowd of revelers at festivals, parades and other large outdoor public gatherings. Whether it’s a day of sightseeing around popular landmarks or an evening of shared pride and patriotism at a fireworks display, being caught up in a crowd can be part of the fun. But in a flash, that energy and excitement can turn to horror punctuated by the sounds of screams, screeching tires, and the roaring engine of a car or truck used as a powerful weapon by a fanatic in a vehicular terrorist attack.

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It is critical to your safety and survival to understand this emerging threat and have an action plan in mind. You can deprive the attacker of the element of surprise by keeping a high level of situational awareness and knowing what you will do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Read on for a roadmap to help you survive a vehicular terrorist attack.

The Poor Man’s Weapon of Mass Destruction

At holiday celebrations in France and Germany, on an ordinary day at Ohio State University, and most recently in London, violent extremists have used cars and trucks to plow into unsuspecting crowds in this low-tech form of terrorism. In some instances, the attackers have followed the ramming attack with knives or firearms to inflict more carnage. These individuals see crowds as target rich environments and an opportunity to conduct a terror attack on the cheap. While this tactic dates back to the early 1970s, vehicular terrorist attacks are now viewed by some as the poor man’s weapon of mass destruction, and they are on the rise.

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The Terrorist’s Playbook

Propaganda and training materials from violent extremist groups such as ISIS and Al Qaeda provide inspiration and instructions for violent extremists to target public gatherings for vehicular assaults. One such publication featured a glossy, full-page photograph of a Ford F-350 pickup under a banner headline calling the truck “the ultimate mowing machine.”

Above: An article in a 2010 issue of a prominent terrorist propaganda publication encouraged the use of vehicles to attack crowds.

This sort of attack is very difficult to detect or deter. The skill level necessary to execute a successful vehicle attack is extremely low compared to operations using firearms and/or explosives. Accessing a vehicle does not raise the same red flags as attempting to acquire illegal firearms or bomb-building materials.

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People are now more aware of the risks and the basic action steps to survive an active shooter incident, but far fewer know what they would do to protect themselves and their loved ones during a vehicular terrorist attack. Like active shooter incidents, most vehicular attacks are over in minutes. Your survival will depend on how quickly you can move from shock, denial and indecision to effective life-saving actions.

Four Pillars of Survival

Going to a large gathering alone or with a group, your best defense rests on four pillars of survival:

  1. Planning
  2. Pre-event reconnaissance
  3. On-site situational awareness
  4. Communications

Attackers start their planning long before the attack; your survival plan must also begin well before the day of the event.

Pre-Event Planning

Bad guys do their homework, and you must, too. Prior to the event, try to identify:

  • Peak times when the greatest numbers of people will be gathered.
  • Likely security or law enforcement posts or checkpoints.
  • Sections of roadway where the driver can build up speed before veering into a crowd.

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  • The locations of barriers and bollards.
  • Areas that afford victims few routes of escape.
  • Choke points that can cause dangerous escape stampedes.

Good situational awareness involves identifying both risks and resources. Risks are those things that may hurt us; resources are the people, places and things that might help us if the going gets tough. We don’t do our best thinking during moments of terror, so having a plan and engaging in mental rehearsal of your response can make a big difference if things go wrong.

Before attending large public gatherings, consider:

  • Reviewing event maps or routes.
  • Visiting the location to get the lay of the land.
  • Bringing with you only what you really need for safety and comfort so that you have less gear to manage if you must move quickly.
  • Carrying a pocket-sized Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) for self-care and care of others.
  • Having a discussion with your group of friends and family to develop contingency plans for communications and reunification if things go sideways.

Communication with your loved ones may be difficult in the immediate wake of an attack. It helps to have critical contact numbers in writing and tucked away in a wallet or pocket. You may not be able to recall these numbers under extreme stress, or if your phone is lost or damaged in the melee. Separation from loved ones is the greatest source of anxiety during a crisis, so develop a backup communications plan.

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Pre-determine reunification spots by envisioning the direction you think most people will run to flee an attack, then establish your primary and secondary reunification points slightly outside of those high-volume routes. In the chaos, it may be impossible to hear each other calling out loud or by phone, so consider alternative means of signaling your location. A small, powerful flashlight can be seen in broad daylight. These lights, especially those with a strobe feature, are excellent tools for visually communicating your location if you are unable to do so by other means.

During the Event

  • Don’t worry about getting a front row spot at a special event. In vehicular terrorist attacks, those at curb side are the most vulnerable. Select your location based on safety, not simply on having a great view.
  • Avoid the center or densest parts of the crowd; try to stay on the fringe to allow yourself options for movement.
  • Stay near street corners rather than the middle of the block; this will allow for more avenues of retreat.
  • Don’t stand against walls, doors or other immovable objects where you could be pinned.
  • Avoid standing on, under, or around temporary structures like stages or viewing platforms. If struck by a hostile vehicle, the collapse of those structures and the people falling from them represent another source of danger.
  • Stay behind heavy security barriers or bollards, they can provide good cover and concealment from the vehicle attack, as well as shots fired by the attacker and/or the responding police.
  • Scout out places for cover and concealment, such as concrete walls or large trees.
  • Look for places of refuge, such as open stores or alleys that you can duck into if a hostile vehicle or frantic crowd passes by.
  • Pay attention to the roads for any vehicle which moves erratically or diverges from the normal traffic pattern.
  • If an erratically-moving vehicle veers toward you or the crowd, don’t just run from danger; run towards safety.

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Act in Time

Bystander intervention can make a critical difference, but before providing care for others, make sure that it is safe to do so. In the initial post-attack environment, it is likely that:

  • There will be a great deal of chaos, confusion and panic, as well as stampede of people running for their lives.
  • There are likely to be multiple, if not overwhelming numbers of casualties.
  • Injuries will range from mild to catastrophic. Some may be extremely graphic or gruesome adding to the terrorizing effect of the attack.
  • Some injuries may involve the loss of limbs; many will result in severe bleeding.
  • Individuals with severe blood loss can die within minutes without intervention. Bleeding control (B-CON) will be a high-priority.

While the action steps recommended during the event are intended to stop the killing, the steps recommended in the immediate aftermath of a vehicular attack are meant to stop the dying.

  • Once the vehicle comes to a halt, don’t be a hero and approach it or try to engage the attacker. If you are near where the attack vehicle has come to rest, move away. It is quite possible that the perpetrator can exit the vehicle and continue the attack with firearms and/or edged weapons.
  • Be aware of the risk of multiple attackers or explosives, as well as other harmful materials which may be onboard.
  • Prioritize your safety and survival, and that of your family or friends. You must use your judgement in these stressful moments to determine if it is safe enough initiate care for the injured or to put distance between you and the impact zone.

No matter how quickly professional emergency responders arrive, bystanders will always be first on the scene. The uninjured can initiate critical bleeding control and save lives by acting quickly and decisively. Check out the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “Stop the Bleed” campaign to learn more about this topic.

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Kumbaya or Chaos

The same dynamics that make large public events fun and exciting also make them attractive targets for terrorists. Being aware of the risks, engaging in pre-event planning and preparedness, and knowing how to respond during and immediately following a vehicular terrorist attack can make participating in large public gatherings safer for you and your loved ones. Stay sharp, have fun, and let's not let the bad guys drive a wedge of fear any further into our lives than necessary.

About the Author

Steve Crimando, MA, BCETS, CHS-V, is the founder and principal of Behavioral Science Applications, and an internationally-known expert in human factors in homeland security, violence prevention, and urban survival. He specializes in unconventional threats such as crowd violence, biological and radiological terrorism. With nearly 30 years of front-line experience, he was a responder to both the 1993 and 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. He coordinated on-site psychological operations at New Jersey’s Anthrax Screening Center, and has worked alongside authorities during many international kidnapping cases and other acts of terrorism.

Primitive Technology: Making Termite Mound Clay & Pottery

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If you're interested in bushcraft and primitive survival skills, Primitive Technology never fails to entertain. This Aussie YouTuber continually produces videos that are as informative as they are impressive. In the past, we've followed along as he built a grass hut, trapped wild shrimp, and tilled a sustainable garden. As his miniature settlement evolves, he remains silent, and dutifully documents each step on camera.

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A termite mound provides the raw material necessary for clay production.

This week's Primitive Technology video shows how to gather natural clay from termite mounds, dig out a kiln, and process the clay into several types of simple pottery.

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This hole in the ground was gradually built upward into a kiln.

The process starts with breaking off pieces of termite mound, crushing them into smaller chunks, adding water, and working the mixture into a paste by stepping on it with bare feet. This new termite clay and some existing river clay were stacked around a fire pit in the ground, and sculpted into a kiln — that is, an insulated high-temperature oven used for hardening pottery, tiles, or bricks.

A clay base grate was installed atop the fire pit, and circular walls were built around it. Fire was used to periodically harden the structure. With the kiln complete, it was then time to gather more clay for pottery production. The host chose a red clay termite mound, crushing it and adding water once more.

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The red clay was formed into several items: a large urn, a small pot, a forge blower (no doubt for a future video), and some roof tiles. After heating the pottery to a dull glow in the kiln for a few hours and allowing it to cool, it was ready to remove and use. The urn was used to water the cassava and yam garden he built in his last video.

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Watch the full 11-minute video below. Remember to turn on subtitles for added info as the video progresses, and check the video description for a highly-detailed analysis of each step.

At this rate, it seems like the host will be entering the Bronze Age within a few dozen more videos. We can't wait to see him smelting ore and forging blades.

New: KnifeRobot 5-Minute Auto Blade Sharpener

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The day is finally upon us. A powerful robot is out there. It can't be bargained with, can't be reasoned with, it doesn't feel pity or remorse or fear. It absolutely will not stop, ever… until your knives are sharp. Dull edges will be terminated. We can only hope it has the capacity to learn the value of human life.

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Like the Cyberdyne Systems Model 101, the technology behind the KnifeRobot was born in the heart of Silicon Valley, California. Fortunately, unlike the Terminator, this machine is not designed to kill — it's a helpful little robot. In fact, it's claimed to be the world's first patented automatic knife sharpening technology.

The KnifeRobot uses a complex array of sensors, motors, and abrasive belts to produce a razor-sharp edge in about 5 minutes (severely worn edges may take longer). It is said to work on fixed blades, folding knives, and even straight razors. Here's a breakdown of how it works, based on info from the company's IndieGoGo page:

  1. Insert a knife into the machine. Blade length must be between 2 and 10 inches, width must be no more than 4 inches, and thickness must be no more than 3/8-inch. Inclusive grind angle must be less than 40 degrees. Aside from these limits, the KnifeRobot is said to handle “any shape up to +/- 30 degrees from horizontal position” including tanto grinds, and will even sharpen serrations on blades.
  2. Press the start button. You can also customize grind angle, speed, and pressure if desired. Then walk away — the machine will handle the rest.
  3. A shape sensor will run along the blade, detecting its size, shape, and profile.
  4. The coarse belt will grind one side of the blade edge, then the other.
  5. A microscopic camera will analyze the burr on the edge.
  6. A fine grinding belt will remove the burr from each side of the knife.
  7. Built-in auto storage can retain multiple knives until you return and remove them from the KnifeRobot.

See below for a scaled-up functional prototype of the machine in action.

The belts inside the KnifeRobot are said to last for about 100 sharpenings, and replacements can be purchased on Amazon for about $10. There are two versions of this machine: a portable consumer version (pictured here) suitable for the home or workshop, and a professional-grade version that can be built into a kitchen countertop. The professional built-in knife sharpener is designed for chefs, and will automatically sharpen knives based on how frequently they're used.

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KnifeRobot hasn't hit full production yet, but the company has developed working prototypes, as well as the portable model design seen here. It is crowdfunding through IndieGoGo to head into production during mid-2017. For more info on this interesting new tech, check out KnifeRobot.com (this currently redirects to the IndieGoGo campaign). Backers of the campaign can pre-order a portable KnifeRobot for $299 with expected delivery in October 2017; the retail MSRP is expected to be $700. The built-in professional model will set you back $5000.

MCQBushcraft: Essential Knots for Survival Shelters

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If you've been following our site or magazine for a while now, you've probably heard us discuss the importance of cordage in survival situations. Paracord or other strong and lightweight cordage is especially useful for creating survival shelters. You just need a tarp or rain fly, a few lengths of cord, and some sturdy trees or other objects to serve as anchor points.

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With a large tarp, some paracord, and a little knowledge, you can have a survival shelter up in no time.

Well… actually, there's one more element you need: knot-tying knowledge. Without this, you won't be able to apply tension to your ridgeline or secure your anchor hitches, and you'll probably end up with a droopy shelter that blows away with the first gust of wind.

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The key to learning knots is clear instruction and frequent practice, so the following video from MCQBushcraft is a great resource. In this 17-minute video, host Michael McQuilton demonstrates eight essential knots, as well as some variations and additional tips. Whether you're a knot-tying expert or just starting to learn, you'll be able to learn something from his video.

Here's a recap of some of the essential knots in this video, along with their uses:

  • Overhand knot – Forming basic loops of cord, often used with a bead for lanyards
  • Clove hitch (two ways) – Tying a cord to a post or tree for short-term use (quick release)

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  • Reef or square knot – Connecting two strands of cordage
  • Half hitch – Tying a cord to a post for secure long-term use. Can be doubled for extra security, modified for quick-release, or strengthened with a toggle.
  • “Ratchet knot” – Improvised toggle-based knot for anchoring a ridgeline
  • Quick release knot – Another way to anchor and tension a ridgeline, with or without a toggle

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  • Prusik knot or friction hitch – Tying a small cord to a larger ridgeline at a 90-degree angle
  • Tensioning hitch – Applying tension to take slack out of a ridgeline or tarp tie-out
  • Extra Tip: “Hanking” a bundle of spare paracord for easy storage and fast deployment

For more knot-tying tips, check out our previous articles on the bowline knot and six paracord bad practices to avoid.

Dehydrated Food Taste Tests – Dehydrated Delights

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It's often said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Botched surgical procedures aside, there's truth to this adage. In a SHTF scenario, few things can lift the spirits and restore energy faster than a perfectly seasoned hot meal. A hearty serving of good grub can have you back in action and ready to tackle the many challenges of staying alive in a hostile environment.

The catch-22 associated with our inherent desire for hot, flavorful, and nutritious food is that it becomes harder to obtain when times are tough. You can't scavenge for cheeseburgers, and tacos don't grow on trees (if only). This is why preparation is key. Stockpiling food in your pantry, vehicle, and bug-out bag can keep you running on all cylinders when the rest of society is stalled in panic mode. Unfortunately, emergency food storage has its own dilemmas — weight, bulk, and limited shelf life.

Dehydrated or freeze-dried food avoids many of these flaws by removing a single component: water. Due to its heavy weight, incompressibility, and tendency to promote growth of food-spoiling microbes, water content in food is detrimental to long-term storage. By subtracting this moisture, dehydrated food becomes significantly lighter and more compact, making it ideal for use in a camping pack or bug-out bag. It also offers a tremendous extension of shelf life; freeze-dried food can last 30 years or more in cool and dry conditions.

Fortunately for us, freeze-dried food isn't just for astronauts these days. There are a variety of commercially available dehydrated survival food choices, ranging from grab-and-go snack pouches to huge buckets for long-term disaster prep. Flavors are equally varied, with a smorgasbord for every palate. We selected six of the leading dehydrated food producers on the market, and requested two entree flavors from each. After adding boiling water to rehydrate the meals, we dug in. Read on to hear the culinary impressions of our three-man taste-testing team (which consists of the head editor of RECOIL OFFGRID, Patrick Vuong; our network manager, John Schwartze; and this author, web editor Patrick McCarthy).

Dehydration vs. Freeze-Drying

The terms “dehydrated” and “freeze-dried” are often used interchangeably, leading to some confusion about their true meanings.

Dehydration is a blanket term for any process that removes some (but not necessarily all) moisture. All of the food in this guide is dehydrated; items like beef jerky and raisins also fall under this category. Food can be dehydrated by subjecting it to heat and air circulation under controlled humidity, but these processes only remove a fraction of the food's moisture content.

Freeze-dried food is a subset of dehydrated food. However, its production is more complex, so it's typically only produced on a commercial scale. In order to be freeze-dried, food must be flash-frozen, then placed in a vacuum chamber at about -50 degrees F. This combination of low pressure and temperature causes moisture to sublimate from ice directly into water vapor, escaping from the food. Freeze-drying removes virtually all water content, resulting in an extremely long shelf life. It also maintains microscopic pores throughout the food, reducing the chewiness and shriveling effects sometimes created by heated dehydration.

Whether dehydrated or freeze-dried, these survival meals can be reconstituted through the addition of hot water.

Sweet Snacks

Got a sweet tooth? In addition to the items reviewed here, we also collected six dehydrated sweet snack items to complement our survival meals — one item from each company in this guide. To read our thoughts on these dehydrated sweet snacks, go to www.offgridweb.com/survival/dehydrated-food.

Dehydrated Food

  • AlpineAire Cheese Enchilada Ranchero

    Make & Model - AlpineAire Cheese Enchilada Ranchero
    Package Size - 6.25 ounces
    Servings Per Package - 2
    Calories Per Serving - 380
    Approximate Shelf Life - 5 years
    Prep Method / Prep Time - Add boiling water to package / 10-12 minutes
    MSRP / Cost Per Ounce - $6.25 / $1
    URL - http://www.alpineaire.com

    Corn tortilla chips, white rice, and shredded cheddar and Romano cheeses in a mild red sauce.

  • AlpineAire Kung Pao Chicken

    Make & Model - AlpineAire Kung Pao Chicken
    Package Size - 5.25 ounces
    Servings Per Package - 2
    Calories Per Serving - 270
    Approximate Shelf Life - 5 years
    Prep Method / Prep Time - Add boiling water to package / 10-12 minutes
    MSRP / Cost Per Ounce - $6.75 / $1.29
    URL - http://www.alpineaire.com

    Noodles with diced chicken, roasted peanuts, peas, tomato flakes, garlic, green onion, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

  • Backpacker's Pantry Cincinnati Style Chili

    Make & Model - Backpacker's Pantry Cincinnati Style Chili
    Package Size - 7.6 ounces
    Servings Per Package - 2
    Calories Per Serving - 370
    Approximate Shelf Life - 7 years
    Prep Method / Prep Time - Add boiling water to package / 15-20 minutes
    MSRP / Cost Per Ounce - $9.50 / $1.25 per ounce
    URL - http://www.backpackerspantry.com

    Make no mistake, this isn't traditional chili.

  • Backpacker's Pantry Three Cheese Mac & Cheese

    Make & Model - Backpacker's Pantry Three Cheese Mac & Cheese
    Package Size - 7.1 ounces
    Servings Per Package - 2 Calories Per Serving
    Approximate Shelf Life - 7 years
    Prep Method / Prep Time - Add boiling water to package / 15-20 minutes
    MSRP / Cost Per Ounce - $9.50 / $1.34 per ounce
    URL - http://www.backpackerspantry.com

    Elbow macaroni noodles with cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses, whole milk, and a butter sauce. Also includes onion and bacon flavoring.

  • Emergency Essentials Cheesy Lasagna

    Make & Model - Emergency Essentials Cheesy Lasagna
    Package Size - 41 ounces
    Servings Per Package - 17
    Calories Per Serving - 260
    Approximate Shelf Life - 25 years
    Prep Method / Prep Time - Add to boiling water, then cover and simmer / 7-9 minutes
    MSRP / Cost Per Ounce - $35 / $0.85 per ounce
    URL - http://www.beprepared.com

    This large sealed can contains freeze-dried spiral noodles mixed with tomato powder, creamer, and Parmesan cheese.

  • Emergency Essentials Teriyaki Noodles with Freeze-Dried Beef

    Make & Model - Emergency Essentials Teriyaki Noodles with Freeze-Dried Beef
    Package Size - 38 ounces
    Servings Per Package - 12
    Calories Per Serving - 350
    Approximate Shelf Life - 25 years
    Prep Method / Prep Time - Add to boiling water in separate container / 7-10 minutes
    MSRP / Cost Per Ounce - $40.75 / $1.07 per ounce
    URL - http://www.beprepared.com

    Large sealed can of freeze-dried egg noodle pieces with teriyaki sauce powder, beef, red bell pepper, pineapple, and mushrooms.

  • Good To-Go Classic Marinara with Penne

    Make & Model - Good To-Go Classic Marinara with Penne
    Package Size - 3.5 ounces
    Servings Per Package - 1
    Calories Per Serving - 430
    Approximate Shelf Life - 2 years
    Prep Method / Prep Time - Add boiling water to package / 20 minutes
    MSRP / Cost Per Ounce - $6.75 / $1.93 per ounce
    URL - http://www.goodto-go.com

    This vegan and gluten-free pasta consists of brown rice penne noodles, tomatoes, onion, olive oil, garlic, and spices.

  • Good To-Go Thai Curry

    Make & Model - Good To-Go Thai Curry
    Package Size - 3.4 ounces
    Servings Per Package - 1
    Calories Per Serving - 380
    Approximate Shelf Life - 2 years
    Prep Method / Prep Time - Add boiling water to package / 20 minutes
    MSRP / Cost Per Ounce - $6.75 / $1.99 per ounce
    URL - http://www.goodto-go.com

    Thai curry with jasmine rice, green beans, onion, broccoli, cauliflower, and peas.

  • Mountain House Chicken & Dumplings

    Make & Model - Mountain House Chicken & Dumplings
    Package Size - 4.66 ounces
    Servings Per Package - 2
    Calories Per Serving - 310
    Approximate Shelf Life - 30 years
    Prep Method / Prep Time - Add boiling water to package / 8-9 minutes
    MSRP / Cost Per Ounce - $7.99 / $1.71 per ounce
    URL - http://www.mountainhouse.com

    Mountain House's take on a classic Southern recipe.

  • Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef (Pro Pak)

    Make & Model - Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef (Pro Pak)
    Package Size - 4.06 ounces
    Servings Per Package - 2
    Calories Per Serving - 230
    Approximate Shelf Life - 25 years
    Prep Method / Prep Time - Add boiling water to package / 8-9 minutes
    MSRP / Cost Per Ounce - $7.99 / $1.97 per ounce
    URL - http://www.mountainhouse.com

    This Pro-Pak is half a serving smaller than the standard Mountain House Chili Mac, but has been fully vacuum-sealed to occupy less space.

  • Wise Company Simple Kitchen Broccoli Rotini

    Make & Model - Wise Company Simple Kitchen Broccoli Rotini
    Package Size - 11.43 ounces
    Servings Per Package - 4 Calories Per Serving
    Approximate Shelf Life - 1 year
    Prep Method / Prep Time - Add water and bring to boil, then cover and simmer / 15-20 minutes
    MSRP / Cost Per Ounce - $35.99 (6-pack) / $0.52 per ounce
    URL - http://www.wisefoodstorage.com

    The Simple Kitchen line by Wise Company is designed as an all-in-one meal for use in short-term emergency scenarios.

  • Wise Company Teriyaki Rice

    Make & Model - Wise Company Teriyaki Rice
    Package Size - 10.6 ounces
    Servings Per Package - 4
    Calories Per Serving - 270
    Approximate Shelf Life - 25 years
    Prep Method / Prep Time - Add to pot of boiling water, remove from heat and cover / 12-15 minutes
    MSRP / Cost Per Ounce - $10.50 / $0.99 per ounce
    URL - http://www.wisefoodstorage.com

    Wise Company takes a different approach to survival food, offering large comprehensive packs for home storage rather than individual backpacking meals.

More From Issue 19

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Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 20

Read articles from the previous issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 18

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.

3 Easy Handgun Dry Fire Drills from Springfield Armory

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If you already follow our friends at RECOIL magazine and RECOILweb.com, you're probably already familiar with the concept of dry fire drills. Either way, it's important to know that dry firing can be a beneficial technique for shooters of all skill levels.

Springfield Armory dry fire drills gun holster sights 1

Manipulating a firearm is heavily dependent on practice and muscle memory, and dry fire drills can help you overcome some technical hurdles without spending lots of time and money firing live rounds at a range. This way, if you ever need to use your gun in a self-defense scenario, the motion of drawing, aiming, and firing will become smoother and faster.

Springfield Armory dry fire drills gun holster sights 2

Springfield Armory has created a series of videos to demonstrate various dry fire drills in a step-by-step process. The series is called Dry Fire Friday, and features teaching from prominent instructors including Jason Burton and Rob Leatham. Check out the videos below, and consider trying these techniques at home — but first, be absolutely certain your handgun is cleared and unloaded. Dummy rounds or snap caps may be used if you choose. Be smart, and practice safely.

The first drill emphasizes smoothly pulling the trigger without moving the gun. Placing an empty brass casing on the slide is a classic way to visualize movement.

The second drill involves drawing from concealment, for those who carry concealed. If that's not applicable to you, Springfield Armory offers many other dry fire drills in their playlist. If you do carry concealed, drawing smoothly is obviously something you should learn inside and out.

Finally, it's also wise to practice reloading from concealment. The following drill simulates reloading an empty gun from the slide lock position, and firing the first dummy round of the new magazine.

Obviously, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dry fire drills and technique, but it's a good start. Springfield's hashtag is appropriate — take these tips into consideration and get clickin'.

Big-Battery Flashlights – Highlights

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Time passes and electronic devices are shrinking. This seems to be the natural progression. Gone are the days of brick-sized cellphones, 20-pound laptops, and TVs that are thicker than they are wide. Despite the smaller sizes, today's gadgets have more capabilities than ever before. The same holds true for flashlights — with modern battery technology and high-output LEDs, you can get an astonishing amount of power from a tiny light.

However, small flashlights have some substantial downsides. They're easy to drop or misplace, they have limited battery life, and they're often fragile. Also, in a self-defense scenario, these miniature lights have limited use in fending off an attacker. Conversely, large flashlights excel in all these areas, making them a top choice for law enforcement, military, and security professionals.

Traditionally, large flashlights used three or more C- or D-cell alkaline batteries. Some lights are still available in that configuration today, but there's also a growing variety of models with rechargeable lithium-ion and nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) cells. Whatever the power source, these big-battery flashlights offer long run time, potent light output, and sturdy construction — a combination you can rely on whether you're at home, at work, or in a survival setting.

We took a look at six big-battery flashlights from leading manufacturers, so read on to see which one fits your needs.

Big-Battery Flashlights

  • Coast HP17

    Make & Model - Coast HP17
    Max Lumen Output - 970
    Max Runtime - 200 hrs.
    Overall Length - 13.1 in.
    Weight with Batteries - 2 lbs.
    Battery Type - D (three, included)
    Controls - Push-button switch with constant-on and momentary modes
    Output Modes - High, medium, low
    Special Features - Slide focus with twist-lock, anti-roll tail cap, lifetime warranty
    MSRP - $110
    URL - http://www.coastportland.com

    Coast's Long Range Focusing System allows adjustment of the beam pattern from flood to spot by sliding the light's head forward or backward.

  • Fenix RC40 2016 Edition

    Make & Model - Fenix RC40 2016 Edition
    Max Lumen Output - 6,000
    Max Runtime - 125 hrs.
    Overall Length - 10.7 in.
    Weight with Batteries - 2.7 lbs.
    Battery Type - 7.4V 7800mAh lithium-ion (one, included)
    Controls - Dual push-button switches with 0.5-second delay. Left controls strobe/SOS, right controls power and output level. Hold both buttons to toggle lockout.
    Output Modes - Turbo, high, medium, low, eco, strobe, SOS
    Special Features - Rechargeable via wall outlet or cigarette lighter adapter, USB output port, 4-LED power gauge, IPX8 waterproof to 2 meters, shoulder strap, spare O-ring and dust covers
    MSRP - $221
    URL - http://www.fenixlight.com

    This light is a monster, with extra-large dimensions and staggering light output.

  • LED Lenser P17.2

    Make & Model - LED Lenser P17.2
    Max Lumen Output - 450
    Max Runtime - 300 hrs.
    Overall Length - 12.1 in.
    Weight with Batteries - 1.7 lbs.
    Battery Type - D (three, included)
    Controls - Push-button switch with constant-on and momentary modes
    Output Modes - High, low
    Special Features - Slide focus, belt holster, IPX4 water-resistant
    MSRP - $110
    URL - http://www.ledlenserusa.com

    With its patented Advanced Focus System that combines a reflector and a sliding lens, the P17.2 produces a beam pattern that's crystal-clear and smooth.

  • Maglite ML300LX 3-Cell

    Make & Model - Maglite ML300LX 3-Cell
    Max Lumen Output - 625
    Max Runtime - 117 hrs.
    Overall Length - 11.7 in.
    Weight with Batteries - 1.6 lbs.
    Battery Type - D (three, not included)
    Controls - Low-profile push-button switch with constant-on and momentary modes
    Output Modes - High, low, eco, strobe; four selectable activity-based function sets
    Special Features - Twist focus, three available matte finishes (black, urban gray, foliage green), IPX4 water-resistant
    MSRP - $76
    URL - http://www.maglite.com

    Maglite is one of the pioneers of this category; the company produced its first D-cell flashlight in 1979. The ML300LX still resembles that original design, but with a modern LED and digital internals.

  • Pelican 8060 LED

    Make & Model - Pelican 8060 LED
    Max Lumen Output - 803
    Max Runtime - 69 hrs.
    Overall Length - 12.6 in.
    Weight with Batteries - 1.5 lbs. Battery Type
    Controls - Push-button switch with constant-on and momentary modes
    Output Modes - High, medium, low, strobe, flashing; four selectable mode sets
    Special Features - Rechargeable via cradle and wall outlet, optional 12V cigarette lighter adapter and hardwire kit available; polymer body with aluminum head, low-battery indicator LED, IPX4 water-resistant
    MSRP - $241
    URL - http://www.pelican.com

    This light features a tough Xenoy polymer body attached to an aluminum head; the combination of materials keeps weight at a minimum.

  • Streamlight UltraStinger LED

    Make & Model - Streamlight UltraStinger LED
    Max Lumen Output - 1,100
    Max Runtime - 16 hrs.
    Overall Length - 11.8 in.
    Weight with Batteries - 1.3 lbs.
    Battery Type - 6V 2200mAh NiMH (one, included)
    Controls - Push-button switch with constant-on and momentary modes
    Output Modes - High, medium, low, strobe; three selectable mode sets
    Special Features - Rechargeable via two included cradles and wall outlet or cigarette lighter adapter, optional 2.5-hour 120V fast-charger available; IPX4 water-resistant, 3-meter impact resistant
    MSRP - $261
    URL - http://www.streamlight.com

    As the saying goes, ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain; this is an attractive choice for those who are looking to reduce the load of a daily carry pack or duty belt.

More From Issue 19

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 20

Read articles from the previous issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 18

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

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

New: SureFire Aviator Dual-Color Flashlight

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Preserving your night vision is essential to performing mission-critical tasks in low-light settings. This is why it's so annoying to be blinded by an oncoming car's high beams, or accidentally get flashed by the beam of a friend's flashlight on a nighttime hike. Suddenly your coordination is reduced to nil and you're stumbling around seeing stars — not exactly optimal when you need to move quickly and precisely.

SureFire Aviator flashlight LED light 4

Many flashlights offer low or “moonlight” brightness modes for close-proximity nighttime use, such as map-reading or taking inventory of gear in a backpack. Some even adjust light output intelligently based on surroundings. However, white light tends to be more detrimental to night vision than other colors. This is why SureFire developed the new Aviator compact flashlight with dual-color output — a 250-lumen white light, combined with either red, blue, amber, or yellow-green alternate mode.

SureFire Aviator flashlight LED light 2

During normal use, the new SureFire Aviator acts like an ordinary light. Press or click the tail cap to produce 5 lumens of white light in low mode, and immediately repeat for 250-lumen high mode. A Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens creates a soft and even beam pattern. To change to the alternate color, twist the self-locking selector ring, and use the controls normally. No filter or cap necessary.

SureFire Aviator flashlight LED light 1

If you're wondering which color is most useful for your needs, SureFire explains the color choices accordingly:

  • Amber – 20 lumen high / 5 lumen low – Improves contrast and does not degrade scotopic or night adapted vision.
  • Blue – 4 lumen high / 0.4 lumen low – More clearly defines shapes in the outdoors and helps identify blood and hydraulic fluid.
  • Red – 39 lumens high – Improves contrast and aids in reading red-light-readable topographic maps.
  • Yellow-Green – 39 lumens high / 0.3 lumens low – Complementary to the color spectrum used in most cockpits.

SureFire Aviator flashlight LED light 3

The Aviator is housed in an anodized aluminum body with stainless pocket clip and weatherproof O-ring seals. It runs on one included CR123A battery, measures 4.18 inches long by 1.06 inches diameter, and weighs 3.1 ounces. The SureFire Aviator is available at an MSRP of $299. For more information, visit SureFire.com.