Page 181 – RECOIL OFFGRID

Go Bag Loadout: Alex Wander of Wander Tactical

Posted on November 24, 2016 at 6:00 am.

We first met Alex Wander at Blade Show earlier this year, and he immediately got our attention with some very cool knife designs from his company, Wander Tactical. After talking with him some more, we realized that he's not only a bladesmith, he's also an avid outdoorsman and a survivalist — our kind of guy. When he's not working on knives with his brother Greymoose Dino, Alex is practicing his bushcraft skills in the backwoods of his home country, Italy.

Alex Wander of @wandertactical showing off the special features on his Hurricane fixed blade. #wandertactical #bladeshow2016 #blade #knifeporn #bladeporn #knifelife #knifenuts #knifeaddicts #edc #recoiloffgrid #recoiloffgridmagazine #offgridweb
A video posted by RECOIL OFFGRID (Official) (@recoiloffgridmagazine) on Jun 4, 2016 at 2:06pm PDT

Alex recently shared a photo of his personal go bag with us, and his loadout provides some insight into the no-frills survival philosophy he emphasizes.

Here's a list of the items in Alex's go bag loadout:

Vacuum-packed meals and energy bars, approx. 3,000 calories total
Typhoo tea bags
2 Lansky diamond sharpening stones (medium and fine grit)
Fenix E35 flashlight with paracord lanyard
5 Lithium 18650 flashlight batteries
Large ferrocerium rod fire-starter
Waterproof match container with stormproof matches
Mint tin with fatwood tinder shavings
Recta DP 6G compass with luminous markings
550 paracord
Helikon-Tex poncho/tarp with stuff sack

Here's a photo of a Wander Tactical Smilodon next to Alex's pre-production Wander Tactical Freedom knife (bottom).

A Wander Tactical Smilodon (top) next to Alex's new Freedom knife (bottom). Photo: Alex Wander/Facebook

Wander Tactical Freedom knife (pre-production prototype)
Rite in the Rain waterproof notebook
Brass snare wire
Fishing kit with hooks, sinkers, and reel of line
First-aid kit with 2 Israeli bandages, Celox hemostatic granules, tourniquet, bandages, and iodine disinfectant (also used as a water purifier)
Locking carabiner
Not pictured: Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottle, GSI Outdoors stainless steel cup, shemagh scarf

These items are contained in an old Flyye Industries handheld pack, with a shoulder strap, PALS webbing, and carabiner. In a SHTF situation, Alex would be able to grab the bag and be out the door and into the woods in no time. This lightweight wilderness survival kit gives Alex quick mobility, without the weight and bulk of a full-size 30-pound bug-out bag.

The tarp makes for an excellent improvised lean-to shelter.

The tarp and paracord allow construction of an improvised lean-to shelter. Photo: Alex Wander/Facebook

Unsurprisingly, of all his tools, this knife-maker values his knife the most. He wrote, “In 25 years I’ve tried tons of knives and now I have my own idea about how a knife should be. I always spend my weekends in the wilderness, and sometimes more than a weekend, learning primitive survival skills and so on. I’ve been also in a lot of places around the world even for months, and your loyal companion will always be your tool: a knife.”

Alex learned his knife-making skills from his brother and business partner at Wander Tactical, Greymoose Dino. He taught Alex how to grind his first blade, and they have now built a successful company together. To see more of Alex and Greymoose's latest blade designs, follow @wandertactical_cutting_tools on Instagram or visit WanderTactical.com.

Infographic: Pistol Shooting Fundamentals

Posted on November 23, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Every survivalist should know how to shoot, and hit targets consistently with a variety of weapons. This skill set is invaluable for both hunting and self-defense, but it takes serious practice. Whether you're an expert shooter or a complete newbie, understanding and maintaining your technique is the key to shooting accurately.

In survival or emergency situations, you may need to train a new or inexperienced shooter on the absolute basics. During those circumstances, an illustrated guide can help the individual visualize some parts of the technique before they ever handle a gun. The following infographic was created by the NRA to show pistol shooting fundamentals — you may find it useful for friends or family members who are learning how to shoot for the first time.

Of course, like most infographics, this graphic leaves out certain important elements for the sake of brevity. There's no primer on the essential safety rules to know before ever handling a gun, nor is there any reference to grip technique or body stance. Despite the obvious need for additional information, the infographic does provide a good head start on aiming and shooting a pistol accurately.

So, consider showing this Pistol Shooting Fundamentals graphic to a new shooter you know. Though much of this information may seem obvious to those of us who've been shooting for years, you might be surprised to hear how much new shooters can benefit from it.

Superesse Straps EDC Handkerchiefs

Posted on November 22, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

The concept of carrying a handkerchief every day may seem a bit old-fashioned. After all, if you need to sneeze or dab away a stain these days, most homes and businesses have disposable tissues. However, a handkerchief can be much more than a simple square of fabric. In fact, Superesse Straps, a company famous for its paracord survival bracelets, has developed a new line of “survival and tactical” handkerchiefs.

Before you go scoffing at the idea of a high-tech handkerchief, keep reading. These “hanks” offer various added features that can be helpful for everyday carry purposes, or even in survival scenarios. Of course, they can always be used for the traditional purposes: wiping spills, drying sweat on your brow, or covering your face while you sneeze. However, you may be surprised by the additional capabilities.

Superesse Straps offers seven different types of EDC handkerchiefs:

Superesse Straps survival EDC handkerchiefs 3

The Faraday Hank blocks electromagnetic radiation and RFID signals.

Faraday Hank – Sewn-in nickel and copper EMF shield material to block RFID chip readers and electromagnetic pulses. Ideal for wrapping your credit cards, cell phone, and other electronics. MSRP: $40

Camp Rag – Two-layer Kevlar cloth with aramid thread and brass grommet. Burnproof and flame resistant up to 8,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal for grabbing hot equipment or shielding items from flames. MSRP: $40

Saw Shemagh – Soft woven handkerchief with hidden kevlar aramid saw thread. Saw is secured by a flap, resistant to heat, and offers 200-pound breaking strength. MSRP: $40

Tactical Tissue – Ripstop material with morale patch mounting point and hideaway storage compartment. Optional Urban Kit version includes a hidden non-metallic handcuff key and kevlar thread saw for escaping illegal restraints. MSRP: $40 for standard version, $50 with Urban Kit option

Superesse Straps survival EDC handkerchiefs 5

The Superesse Straps Filter Bandana incorporates a carbon fiber water filter.

Filter Bandana – Three-layer handkerchief with porous 4″x4″ carbon fiber filter sewn into the center. Superesse Straps says the filter can be activated by flame to remove particulate and contaminants from water, or it can be used as an improvised face shield/gas mask. MSRP: $40

Char Cloth – Features two forms of built-in fire tinder. Wax-coated tinder wick is stored in a hidden pocket, and a square of burnable char cloth is also included. MSRP: $40

The Char Cloth features built-in fire tinder materials.

The Camp Rag features flame-resistant fabric for gripping hot items.

EDC Hank – Standard double-layer heavy-duty handkerchief. Optional Survival Kit version adds supplies hidden in a waterproof corner pocket: fish hook, fire tinder, two matches, paracord, water purification tablet, and safety pin. MSRP: $25 for standard version, $40 with Survival Kit option

These handkerchiefs are currently available for pre-orders through Superesse Straps. For more info on other Superesse Straps products, check out SuperesseStraps.com.

Think Before You Drink: Survival Uses for Alcohol

Posted on November 20, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

1. Bartering Tool
2. Medical Disinfectant
3. Anesthetic/Sedative
4. Household Cleaner
5. Solvent/Degreaser
6. Pest Control
7. Cooking
8. Fuel and Fire
9. Raw Materials

Red wine and a perfectly-seasoned steak, scotch and a cigar, a few close friends and a round of cold beers. Alcohol pairs well with many things in life, but does it really pair well with survival scenarios? Unless you plan to get liquored-up and forget your troubles as society crumbles around you, drinking it during an emergency shouldn't be your first thought.

In the 411 column titled “Drinking Contest” in Issue 17 of our printed magazine, John Schwartze addresses the realities of alcohol consumption in a survival situation. While alcohol can cause you to feel less thirsty, warmer, and more relaxed, it also masks your perception of the real effects it's having on your body: dehydration, decreased core temperature, and loss of coordination. These effects may not be dangerous if you're sitting on the couch at home, but they're catastrophic in a survival situation when wise choices and quick reflexes are essential.

Here's a preview of our “Drinking Contest” infographic from Issue 17, on shelves on December 2nd,...

Now hold on — don't go pouring all the booze down the drain when disaster strikes. There are many alternative survival uses for alcohol that make this substance an extremely valuable commodity. Even if you're not ingesting it, booze can aid your survival efforts in a variety of ways. In order to help you consider these alternate uses, we've compiled a list of a few of our favorites.

1. Bartering Tool

While you may understand that drinking your sorrows away during an emergency is a bad idea, there are many others who will certainly not hesitate to do so. Also, good alcohol is time- and labor-intensive to produce, and breweries, distilleries, and wineries will almost assuredly cease production after a disaster. This means that even if paper money becomes useless as a commodity, alcohol is going to become rarer and more valuable as time passes. If you've got a stockpile of top-shelf booze, you can trade some for other items you may need.

2. Medical Disinfectant

If you've ever felt the sting of rubbing alcohol on a cut or scrape, you'll know that highly-concentrated alcohol kills germs. However, don't go thinking that you can simply pour some light beer on your wound — you'll want the strongest stuff you can find. Isopropyl “rubbing alcohol” is typically at least 70% alcohol by volume (ABV), so look for something approaching that figure. For reference, “100 proof” alcohol contains 50% ABV, so you'd ideally want to find 140 proof (70% ABV) or higher for disinfection purposes. Cheap grain alcohol like Everclear (190-proof or 95% ABV), whiskey, or moonshine can be very effective as a disinfectant.

3. Anesthetic/Sedative

In the days before aspirin and other pain pills were commonplace, alcohol was often used as a rudimentary painkiller and/or sedative. However, it shouldn't be used in large quantities or for serious medical issues — “the large doses of alcohol needed to produce stupefaction are likely to cause nausea, vomiting and death instead of sleep.” A glass of alcohol can keep your mind off minor muscle aches and pains, or it can be used as a numbing mouthwash to temporarily dull a toothache. (If tooth pain persists, see a dentist. If no dentist is available, you may need to deal with the problem yourself.)

Alcohol also works well as a flexible ice pack. Just pour some vodka in a sealable plastic bag, and place it in the freezer — the alcohol will prevent the bag from freezing solid.

4. Household Cleaner

Alcohol makes for a good cleaner and degreaser around the home. Cheap vodka can be used to clean glass, polish chrome, kill mold, and deodorize clothing or shoes. As we mentioned above, high-proof alcohol also kills bacteria, so it can be used to wipe down surfaces if no other cleaners are available.

5. Solvent/Degreaser

Oily and sticky substances can be naturally dissolved by alcohol. This is why denatured alcohol and rubbing alcohol are often used to remove paint, adhesive residue, and grease from surfaces. Drinkable ethanol alcohol can be used for similar purposes, though it may not be as effective due to its higher water content. If you use your booze to clean a metal object, like a firearm, bicycle, or tool, be sure to dry and oil it thoroughly afterward to displace residual water that might otherwise lead to rust.

Also, since poison ivy and poison oak cause rashes by leaving an invisible oil on your skin, scrubbing your skin with alcohol can prevent these rashes.

6. Pest Control

All sorts of annoying pests are attracted to the scent of beer, so it works well as bait in traps. If you have a cockroach problem, a piece of bread soaked in beer can be placed into a Vaseline-lined container. Roaches will go to the beer, but won't be able to climb back out. Snails and slugs in your garden will also be attracted to beer.

7. Cooking

Booze has many uses in the kitchen. If you're feeling fancy, you can use it in a sauce or marinade for meat, add flavor to a dessert recipe, or even flambé your dish (carefully). Alcohol is also great for making natural flavor extracts, which you can add to other recipes in the future. Vanilla, lemon, orange, mint, and other flavors can be captured by soaking in alcohol for 5-6 weeks.

8. Fuel and Fire

Aside from being used in food, alcohol serves as a heat source for cooking and boiling water. Check out our previous article about how to make an ultralight alcohol stove. Alternatively, an alcohol lamp can be used for lighting or sterilizing tools. A quick spritz of high-proof alcohol can help you get your campfire going, too.

In a worst-case home-defense scenario, you can even add a rag to a bottle and make a Molotov cocktail. Just don't burn your house down in the process.

9. Raw Materials

Even when all the booze is dried up and you run out of survival uses for alcohol, the containers can be re-purposed. Glass bottles can be cut into cups or glasses, and plastic bottles can be turned into cordage. Wine corks can be sliced up and formed into a cork board, or can be ground up finely and used as moisture-retaining mulch for your garden's soil.

Mountainsmith Packs for Adventure Photography

Posted on November 19, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Whether you're a casual hiker or an expert survival instructor, it can be a lot of fun to bring a camera on your outdoor treks. A good camera enables you to track your progress, document survival techniques, and capture the serene beauty of nature around you. If it really comes down to it, you can even use your camera's lens to start a fire.

Unfortunately, camera gear is also somewhat fragile, and it's unwise to leave it exposed to the elements or let it bounce around loosely inside your survival gear bag. One bump, drop, or spill could ruin thousands of dollars of gear. So, an outdoor-rated camera bag is a must for wilderness photographers.

Mountainsmith has partnered with legendary photographer Chris Burkard to create a new line of outdoor-oriented camera bags. These bags are nicknamed T.A.N. for “tough as nails”, and they're designed to be weather-resistant and highly durable.

The Mountainsmith Tanuck 40, seen above, forms the core of this system. The 40-liter backpack has water-resistant 610-denier CORDURA fabric, PALS webbing, D-ring attachment points, and a high-visibility yellow interior. It also accommodates the other Mountainsmith Kit Cubes, which provide modular organization of camera components and smaller items. MSRP for the Tanuck 40 is $230.

The Mountainsmith Kit Cube Large fits seamlessly into the lower portion of the Tanuck pack, or into any other backpack or suitcase. It's also water-resistant, with color-coded zippered pockets and a yellow interior. Internal dividers can be re-organized to support a variety of camera bodies, lenses, batteries, flashes, and other equipment. MSRP for the Kit Cube Large is $70.

The Kit Cube Small (above, $50 MSRP) and Kit Cube Medium ($60 MSRP) offer many of the same features in a smaller format. These cubes can sit atop the large kit cube inside the main compartment of the Tanuck backpack, or can be used on their own. A Tanack 10 Lumbar Pack ($100 MSRP) is also available as part of the Mountainsmith Chris Burkard line.

For more information on these Mountainsmith adventure photography packs, go to Mountainsmith.com.

All-Wheel-Drive vs 4×4: What’s the Difference?

Posted on November 18, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

If you've ever had a conversation with a mechanic or gearhead friend, you'll surely know that speaking in automotive terms can be like speaking another language. To the average person on the street, terms like torque vectoring, locking differentials, pinion gears, and half-shafts are meaningless. However, there's one pair of terms that's more confusing than it needs to be: all-wheel-drive vs 4×4.

This illustration of a differential shows how power is transmitted from the engine (7) to the axles (1) and the wheels.

Many off-road-capable vehicles these days are marketed as having one of these two systems, and the differences between the two are often confusing to consumers. These systems both send power to all four of the car or truck's wheels, but the way in which they do so is different. A true 4×4 system is also significantly more capable for extreme off-road use than an all-wheel-drive system, making the distinction even more important to understand.

4WD is usually offered on pickup trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps.

4×4, also known as part-time four-wheel-drive or 4WD, is a system that can be set to transfer power to either two or four wheels. Generally this is accomplished through the use of a transfer case, which the driver of the vehicle can engage or disengage with a lever, knob, or button inside the vehicle. Many 4×4 vehicles have a 2-wheel-drive setting for everyday use, as well as high-range and low-range settings, labeled as 4-Hi and 4-Lo. These options effectively give the driver more power and control at low speeds — for example, selecting 4-Lo would help crawl up a muddy slope at 5mph.

Vehicles with true 4×4 systems are ideal for heavy off-road use, such as climbing steep hills, crawling over boulders, and tackling rutted muddy trails.

AWD is usually offered on passenger cars, and some small or mid-size SUVs.

AWD is usually offered on passenger cars, like this Subaru, and some small or mid-size SUVs.

All-wheel-drive, also called full-time four-wheel-drive or AWD, typically powers all four wheels at all times. Many modern AWD vehicles have anti-slip systems to distribute power from front-to-back or side-to-side. So, if one wheel begins to spin, power will be sent by a computerized or mechanical device to the other three in order to help the vehicle keep moving. Most AWD vehicles don't have user-controlled settings to force the vehicle into two-wheel-drive mode, or high or low reduction gear transfer case settings.

Many small SUVs like this Honda CR-V offer optional AWD.

AWD excels on loose surfaces, such as gravel, sand, or snow, and is often used in off-road rally cars for this reason. However, it isn't ideal for low-speed crawling over extremely tough terrain.

To see a better demonstration of all-wheel-drive vs 4×4, check out the video below from The Fast Lane. It compares an AWD Mitsubishi SUV to a 4×4 Nissan pickup truck.

Infographic: Understanding the Power Grid

Posted on November 17, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Have you ever considered how electricity gets to your wall socket? Many people take this modern convenience for granted, or simply never even consider the complexity of the power grid. In ordinary circumstances, it my seem unnecessary to comprehend the transmission of electricity — when it works, it works. However, if (or when) something goes wrong with the grid, the situation will go from bad to worse in mere hours.

Think about it: electricity doesn't just keep our lights on and our smartphones charged. It maintains a network of vital and time-sensitive systems including traffic control, food storage, water processing, and medical devices. It's terrifying to consider a long-term failure of the power grid, and the devastating consequences it would have.

To better understand the functionality and potential fragility of our power grid, check out the following infographic from the U.S. Department of Energy. It outlines the four phases of electricity: generation, transmission, distribution, and use. We often think of power outages as a result of the middle two phases, but in reality, a grid-down situation could be due to a failure anywhere along the line. As the graphic points out, there are only two major and three minor grids controlling the entirety of North America. Fortunately, the grid is gradually being updated to be more efficient and self-sustaining. From a containment standpoint alone, we really like the sound of micro-grids.

RECOILtv: Gerber US-Assist Folding Knife Review

Posted on November 16, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Gerber recently released a new folding knife called the Gerber US-Assist, and RECOILtv contributor Billy Birdzell managed to get his hands on one. In the latest RECOILtv Mail Call video segment, Billy shows off the ins and outs of this blade. Check it out:

In case you can't watch the video, we'll outline the details of this Gerber blade here as well. This is an assisted-opening folding knife, offered in three variations:

S30V holds an edge extremely well due to its Vanadium content, so it's ideal for an EDC blade. 420HC is better-suited for outdoor use, since it doesn't hold an edge as well as S30V but is much easier to sharpen in the field. Aside from blade steel and edge type, these knives are otherwise identical in design.

All US-Assist blades feature ambidextrous thumb studs, a push-button plunge lock, and a cross-bolt safety lock. Gerber's BOSS system (Balls Of Stainless Steel) keeps the action buttery-smooth and fast. These knives include a invert-able pocket clip for tip-up or tip-down carry, but sadly it's not reversible for left-handed carry. As long as that doesn't deter you, this seems like a very cool blade — it's even made in the USA.

The Gerber US-Assist S30V is available for $119, while the 420HC varieties will set you back only $99. For more info on these new knives, check out GerberGear.com.

T-Slot Anchor: A Tie-Down Technique for Snow or Sand

Posted on November 15, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Have you ever tried to anchor a tent peg, fence post, or other stationary object in the ground, only to have that ground give way? It's frustrating to say the least, especially when you're dealing with extremely soft surfaces like fresh snow or fine sand. It doesn't matter whether you're trying to stop an EZ-Up tent from blowing over at the beach or rappel down an alpine cliff — strong in-ground anchor points are essential.

Need to anchor a tent on windswept sand dunes? Regular stakes aren't going to cut it.

Obviously, pounding an ordinary straight stake into the soft sand or snow isn't going to work, since it'll pull straight out again. There are specialty stakes made for use in sand, but if you don't own any, you'll need to improvise anchor points. Fortunately, this isn't a new problem, so solutions already exist.

The initial trench should be dug into a section of undisturbed terrain.

One time-tested method for anchoring a line to soft soil is called the T-slot anchor. As you might guess from the name, this method involves digging a T-shaped trench into the ground, and tying your line to a straight object placed in that trench. The straight object can be a pair of skis, an ax, a walking stick, or even a rifle. This distributes the line's tension across a wider area, so your anchor won't pull out or slip.

T-slot anchor snow sand climbing rappelling 1

Two types of T-slot anchors using ice axes to distribute the load.

The second part of the “T” formation is a thin slot dug perpendicular to the trench. This is where your line will sit. The goal is to avoid any upward pressure on the line, so the slot should start as deep as the trench and gradually get shallower as it moves away from the trench.

Here's a great video from teamBMC that shows how to build a T-slot anchor using skiing gear. The same technique could easily be applied to sand or loose dirt, using a log or other long object as the anchor device.

Video: How to Carry a Morakniv Blade as a Neck Knife

Posted on November 12, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Swedish knife manufacturer Morakniv is known in bushcraft circles as one of the best sources for survival fixed blades. Mora adheres to a formula that seems quintessentially Swedish — light, simple, and durable. These are not the tacticool or “mall ninja” blades you may see from other manufacturers of so-called survival knives. They don't have thick spines, spiked pommels, unconventional grinds, exotic materials, or flashy coatings.

So, if you're looking for an eminently practical knife for survival scenarios, it's hard to go wrong with a Mora. We tested a Mora Basic 511 as part of our Forcite Ammo Can Survival Kit Review, and we found it to be a great choice. The tough polymer handle conceals a stick tang, keeping the knife incredibly lightweight. The business end is made of Morakniv's signature “secret recipe” carbon steel, and its slim double-beveled edge batons through firewood like butter.

YouTube host MD Outdoor Reviews demonstrates a key feature of the Morakniv sheath.

A Mora's included sheath has very good retention, and a nice belt loop for traditional carry on the hip. However, there are some cases where this carry style is not ideal. Carrying the knife on one side makes it inaccessible to your non-dominant hand, so it's tough to draw if your dominant hand is occupied or pinned down. It can also be uncomfortable and get in the way if you tend to sit down and stand up frequently.

YouTube channel host MD Outdoor Reviews found a pretty cool trick that can turn the Morakniv sheath into an improvised neck knife holder. It doesn't even require a lanyard, only a button-down shirt or jacket. Check it out:

Whether you already own a Mora or are considering adding one to your bug-out bag, this “hack” can be very useful. It definitely made us wonder, “why didn't we think of that?!”