Build a DIY Micro Rappel Kit

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Being able to rappel is an often overlooked and underappreciated skill. In a lot of scenarios, like in the mountains, burning buildings, clandestine operations or anywhere high up where things could go wrong fast, sometimes the best direction to go is down. However, falling is not an option.

The problem with rappelling kits — or abseiling as they call it across the pond — is that they are often large, expensive, and heavy. But what if a person had something that is the opposite of all these things? A rappelling kit that is practical in size, reasonable in cost and lighter than most other backcountry gear? Well, I’ve been on a mission to accomplish just that.

The kit packs into a Condor MOLLE water bottle pouch and includes two sling harnesses, three Black Diamond carabiners, a Sterling Technora escape rope, Sterling accessory cord (tied into large and small loops), a compact figure-eight descender, and a length of 550 paracord.
The kit packs into a Condor MOLLE water bottle pouch and includes two sling harnesses, three Black Diamond carabiners, a Sterling Technora escape rope, Sterling accessory cord (tied into large and small loops), a compact figure-eight descender, and a length of 550 paracord.

This DIY kit I created weighs less than 3 pounds, contains enough rope for a single-line 45-foot rappel, and costs roughly $250. For context, the average climbing rope is around $150. That is for about 65 feet of rope the width of a thumb. The average cost of a so-called “micro rappelling kit,” prebuilt and intended for military or first responder use, is often $600 to $1,000, depending on the setup. These kits are also usually designed for a specific application. An example of this would be escape kits (we will get to these later), which are oriented toward firefighters. The cost of these kits is in the high $500 range. They are built specifically to escape from building windows and not for much else. Plus, they are not retrievable from the bottom. 

Kits like these are fine, but they tick only two of the three boxes I mentioned above: size, weight, and cost. My kit beat out all the commercial kits, not just in size, weight, and cost, but in every possible category. 

The Plan

As someone who has been climbing for many years, and an avid outdoorsman and survivalist, possessing something like Batman’s toolbelt is an appealing prospect. (Batman was always able to get himself out of any situation.) You might not be able to carry everything Batman strapped to his belt, but a kit like this — lightweight, fast to deploy, and practical — is within reach, and one I think even Batman would be proud of.

Regarding climbing and rope systems, the standard measurement is the Kilonewton (kN). This is weight measured in a quick loading session, such as a fall. However, it also applies statically (under consistent load). In rescue, the safety margin is often 10:1, meaning a system must be built to withstand over 10 times the load intended to be put into it. That really is overkill, but unlike many kits on the market, I wanted to beat that standard as well and build my system as close to that standard as possible. 

To rappel, a person needs five things: a descending device, carabiners, a harness, a rope and an anchor. First, a person needs a device to descend to the ground with, usually by creating friction. Second, a person needs devices that create attachment points, such as carabiners. Third, a person needs the ability to attach him or herself to the system. Fourth, a person needs a rope, cord or wire to travel down as the medium of travel (other than the air). Finally, a person needs the ability to attach the rope to the top. This kit contains all of these essential pieces to affect a rappel.

Kilonewtons

kN, or Kilonewtons, are the standard measurement in climbing. They symbolize 1,000 newtons of force and are used because they measure the peak load applied to equipment during a fall. A newton is equivalent to the force required to accelerate one kilogram of mass one meter per second, squared.

The Descender

The Micro-Rappel kit uses a micro rescue figure eight, certified to hold 30kN. The one shown is an Amazon special, $17, but I would recommend the Rock Exotica MiniEight. The only problem with the Rock Exotica is this would drop the final minimum breaking strength (MBS) estimate because it is “only” rated to 14kN. For those nervous, that is still plenty.

Most descending gear has trouble using smaller ropes. This is because small ropes create less friction in the device. Since these pieces of equipment are designed for standard rope widths, the utilization of a figure eight or similar tool was necessitated. These devices are often used by canyoneers and rescue teams because friction can be added on the fly, during a rappel. They also seem to work better with smaller and slicker rope, even when the rope is wet.

The Carabiners

The climbing carabiners I used in the kit come with the standard climbing carabiner rating of around 25kN. Considering that a person in a system is generalized to be 1kN, or around 224 pounds (remember that number for our 10:1 comparison later), 25kN is more than enough. I went with the tried-and-true Black Diamond HotForge Screwgate light-weight carabiners. These are CE EN 12275 certified to 24kN, horizontally when they are closed. They are UIAA confirmed to be 25kN.

Equipment ratings are important to understand when building a kit like this, or when purchasing any gear. In the world of climbers, arborists, and alpinists the standard rating system for gear is the UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation). Gear with a UIAA certification that is up to date means that the specific equipment has passed tests that meet safety standards set by UIAA. Each individual product line must pass, and ratings do expire. These ratings confirm what levels the manufacturers claim their equipment to test at. Products that are certified can be searched on the UIAA website.

The Harness

The second bulkiest part of a rope system is the harness, and I needed one that would fold up super small into the kit. To do this, I employ a nifty quick-fitting hasty-field-harness technique, utilizing about 11 feet of tubular webbing tied into a loop with a backup enforced water knot. Rock-N-Rescue certifies their tubular webbing at about 17kN. When doubled up, that is often the strongest anchor a person can create, getting up to almost 40kN. 

The water knot is the strongest and simplest way to tie webbing end to end or around an anchor. Tie a loose overhand in one end, then thread the other end back through, tracing the knot. Cinch it tight, keeping both strands flat. Finish with safety overhands on each tail for added security and a clean look.

This hasty field harness is fast to set up and comfortable to wear. Start with a sling of tubular webbing held in front. Bite one end to free your hands, then run the bottom of the sling between your legs (avoiding a painful cross-through for men). Bring each side around your waist so a single strand rests across your lower back. Join the two waist loops in front, split the bite held in your teeth, and thread each side through the waist loops. Release the bite and pull the new loops together to form the tie-in point. Clip in with a carabiner or basket hitch, and the harness is secure under tension.

Water Knot


Water knots are used specifically for flat webbing or tubular material. They can be used to create gear loops, building anchors, and other outdoor and camping tasks. When using a water knot, it is essential to leave long, 3- to 6-inch tails on both ends to prevent slipping.

Water Knot - Step 1
Water Knot – Step 1
Water Knot - Step 2
Water Knot – Step 2
Water Knot - Step 3
Water Knot – Step 3
Water Knot - Step 4
Water Knot – Step 4
Water Knot - Step 5
Water Knot – Step 5
Water Knot - Step 6
Water Knot – Step 6

The Rope

ope is not only the weakest point, but the bulkiest item in most rope systems. To reduce bulk, the kit needed a small rope, but that would inevitably make it even more vulnerable. Smaller ropes are weaker and less durable under tension. There were two options: dynamic and static. In the climbing rope world, these two varieties translate to stretchy rope and non-stretchy rope, respectively. Climbers use dynamic rope because it stretches during a fall, lessening the forces on the climber. 

Dynamic ropes are rated weaker than static ropes since they are designed to spread all the force across their length. This means the longer the fall, the less force is present in the entire system, and the rating does not need to be that high. While this is good for a high wall climber, it also makes rappelling and working statically on a rope more difficult. It can be frustrating to rappel free hanging, especially if it stretches under tension — it tends to bounce. It also means that, once at the bottom, the user has difficulty getting their equipment to disengage the rope. That rope will spring back up into the air as it tries to return to its regular length. None of these are good qualities. For the Micro-Rappel kit, static was the better option: stronger and with less stretch. 

After clipping in, toss the bag down after the main rope. The 550 cord will pay out as it falls, laying neatly in the rappel path. While descending, be prepared to clear the cord from any branches or obstacles it snagged on the way down.
After clipping in, toss the bag down after the main rope. The 550 cord will pay out as it falls, laying neatly in the rappel path. While descending, be prepared to clear the cord from any branches or obstacles it snagged on the way down.

The challenge was finding a rope small enough to fit in a sock, yet strong and durable enough to meet safety standards. Standard 6mm accessory cord, rated at only 7–8kN, was inadequate for single-line rappels — usable in a pinch, but far from reliable. Doubling it met strength requirements but cut range and bulked the kit. The breakthrough came from firefighter escape systems, which use advanced materials like Technora, a Kevlar variant that is incredibly strong, heat resistant, and abrasion resistant. Technora ropes are two to three times stronger than nylon of larger size, making them ideal for this kit. I eventually found a 6mm, 50-foot Sterling Technora rope rated at 21 kN, perfect for compact carry and far stronger than accessory cord. To round out the kit, I added an extended rappel system with a loop of standard 6mm cord, basket hitched through the harness, for comfort and stability during rappels with a heavy pack.

Solving the retrieving conundrum was easy. 550 paracord would be super slim and easily used as a pull cord. The only weight it would ever be put under was pulling down the top end of the rope. It is also cheap. 

To use the pull cord, I pull the coiled main rope out, wrap it around something as my anchor, then throw the rope down. Then, I hook the end of the 550 cord to the carabiner in the anchor and throw the bag containing the cord down. At the bottom, I just pull the line, and it will carry the carabiner and the rope down with it.

550 paracord is often advertised as (hypothetically) holding 550 pounds. In the case of climbing, there is a reason kN is used, instead of pounds. The actual weight on equipment in a system multiplies significantly when any velocity is added. 550 may hold a person’s weight statically (hanging still), but if a person hops on the cord, it can snap. As a pull cord, there is no weight, other than pulling the system from the other end. 550 pounds are usually more than enough to pull free a blocking knot at the top, from the bottom.

Harness Setup

Having a secure harness is of the utmost importance in regards to safety. If you feel uncertain about any of these steps, reach out to your local climbing community for proper hands-on instruction.

Harness Setup - Step 1
Harness Setup – Step 1
Harness Setup - Step 1
Harness Setup – Step 1
Harness Setup - Step 3
Harness Setup – Step 3
Harness Setup - Step 4
Harness Setup – Step 4
Harness Setup - Step 5
Harness Setup – Step 5

Considering the Anchor

For the anchor, the kit uses the rope itself in a “beaner-block” technique, to save space and weight, and allow retrieval of the line, at the cost of strength. This technique is where the top end of the rope is tied to a carabiner and wrapped around the object being used as an anchor, whatever it is. Then, the carabiner is clipped back to the rope, creating a tightening loop, or slipknot, around the anchor. By tying the paracord to the carabiner, I could use the line to pull the rope down from the bottom. 

One end of the paracord is tied inside the bag through the drain hole, while the other is finished with a figure eight knot.
One end of the paracord is tied inside the bag through the drain hole, while the other is finished with a figure eight knot. 

Technora is an aramid fiber, meaning it is highly heat resistant; it does not melt together with itself. Therefore, ropes made with it should never be cut to length unless the user knows how to properly seal the ends. If the rope is not properly sealed, or “whipped,” the core and the sheath of the rope can slip. This can result in reduced strength and durability of the rope, and potentially failure to function as advertised.

The cord is then “coiled” into the bag — stuffed in loosely by handfuls — until fully packed. The free end with the knot is clipped to the anchor carabiner.
The cord is then “coiled” into the bag — stuffed in loosely by handfuls — until fully packed. The free end with the knot is clipped to the anchor carabiner.

This kit also utilizes a small loop of that accessory cord as a prusik. Prusiks are loops of cord, or rope, usually thinner than the actual climbing or rappelling rope being used. These range from a foot or so in length, to several feet, and are basically climbing multi-tools. I used this for a “safety,” or a third hand, under the rappelling device. As the prusik isn’t weight bearing, it doesn’t factor into our final safety ratio calculations. 

To retrieve the rope from the bottom, the paracord is pulled, from the bag end.
To retrieve the rope from the bottom, the paracord is pulled, from the bag end. 

Bringing It Together

Considering all the ratings in the system, the last thing to do was to look at every piece, find the weakest link, then divide to find my safety ratio. For those following along at home, the accessory cord is easily the weakest. However, I said I doubled this up and utilized a basket hitch. Mathematically, this tends to almost double the strength of the cord, bringing the strength to about 16kN, the last number in my system. This means that the kit’s technical weakest point (other than the knots) is about 16kN. 16 divided by 1 is 16. I was not very good at math in school, but to me that sounds like a 16:1 safety ratio. Better than the standard 10:1. I like those odds.

There are a few important considerations to note after assembling this kit. First, many ropes lose significant strength at the knot, and Technora is especially prone to this — sometimes by as much as 40 percent. Factoring that in, the rope’s strength drops to around 10–11kN, still 10 to 11 times the expected load.

It may take some force to break the anchor loop free from being cinched onto the tree or solid point at the top.
It may take some force to break the anchor loop free from being cinched onto the tree or solid point at the top. 

Second, this is a homemade kit built from individually sourced parts. Prices, availability, and setup may vary, so anyone attempting a similar build should research their gear carefully, understand its limitations, and consider the situations in which they expect to use it. Anchor systems are another variable. In urban settings, investing in a firefighter-style anchor hook designed for doorjambs or window corners may be worthwhile. Rope length is also critical: even if the rappel itself is less than 45 feet, additional rope may be needed to secure anchors around solid structures or to reach an ideal tie-off point.

I also added a spare harness to the kit so I can belay or lower another person in an emergency. In that case, my own harness would serve as the anchor. Rescue knots such as the munter-mule-overhand are useful here, since they allow you to lock off and then lower a person from a carabiner or a descender. Using the same rappel gear, I can clip someone else into the system for lowering, or reconfigure it mid-descent into a 3:1 haul system to raise a person or heavy gear.

For carrying the kit, I found a Condor MOLLE water bottle pouch worked perfectly. It’s roomy enough to avoid cramming gear inside, includes a drain hole at the bottom, and with a length of 550 cord tied off through the hole, it doubles as a throw bag.

Lastly, I wanted extra durability for the rope. Since this is an emergency kit that won’t see frequent use, I still needed peace of mind for when it is called upon. A 6-foot length of spare tubular webbing solved that problem. By threading the rope through the webbing, I created a movable protective sheath that can be slid into place over edges or rough surfaces, adding an extra barrier where abrasion is most likely. 

The Prusik Knot

The prusik knot is an adjustable hitch that grips the rope, often used as a “third hand” for rappelling. To tie it, wrap a loop of cord around the rope two or three times, passing it through itself each time. More wraps create more friction. Cinch and dress the knot, then clip it with a carabiner. When attached below the descender, it locks the rope if the rappeler goes hands-free.

Prusik Knot - Step 1
Prusik Knot – Step 1
Prusik Knot - Step 2
Prusik Knot – Step 2
Prusik Knot - Step 3
Prusik Knot – Step 3
Prusik Knot - Step 4
Prusik Knot – Step 4

The Basket Hitch

The basket hitch is one of the simplest and strongest climbing hitches, since it uses no knots beyond the sling ends. To tie it, pass the sling through the harness tie-in point and clip both ends into a carabiner.

Basket Hitch - Step 1
Basket Hitch – Step 1
Basket Hitch - Step 2
Basket Hitch – Step 2

The Figure-Eight Knot

The figure-eight knot is the standard tie-in knot for climbing, used to secure a rope to carabiners or harness points. To tie it, form a bight, wrap it around itself, and pass the end back through the loop. Cinch and dress the knot for maximum strength. I use it to attach the rope to the anchor carabiner.

Figure Eight Knot - Step 1
Figure Eight Knot – Step 1
Figure Eight Knot - Step 2
Figure Eight Knot – Step 2
Figure Eight Knot - Step 3
Figure Eight Knot – Step 3
Figure Eight Knot - Step 4
Figure Eight Knot – Step 4
Figure Eight Knot - Step 5
Figure Eight Knot – Step 5
Figure Eight Knot - Step 6
Figure Eight Knot – Step 6

Read More From Issue 71

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

Venezuela: An Anatomy of Regime Change

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On the first sleepy Saturday of 2026, the world woke up to news that was surprising if not totally unexpected. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured in a daring overnight raid into that nation’s capital, executed by US military and law enforcement personnel following a weeks-long buildup of American power in the region.

As we write this, the Maduros are being escorted to New York per a recently unsealed indictment filed with the US Justice Department.

While the ripple effects of this maneuver are bound to be complex and polarizing, it is—from a technical and tactical standpoint—worth taking some time to examine what goes into planning and executing an operation like this, the equivalent of geopolitical open-heart surgery. 

The decision to simply “cut the head off the snake” offers some advantages over a large-scale invasion but requires precise planning and bold execution. Tying this to a criminal charge meant integrating elements of the Justice Department, in this case the DEA, with the military elements in charge of conducting the raid.

Venezuela marked in red

It also required a premium on bringing the Maduros out alive to face their charges, as opposed to a counterterrorism operation under traditional military rules of engagement which may not require capture. Having said that, there is some preliminary information circulating that indicates Trump left open the option of killing Maduro, if the situation required. 

Bringing in a fugitive, regardless of where they are, mandates that you know a few key pieces of information. Foremost among them is where your target will be when you intend to pick them up. In the case of a criminal here in the US, law enforcement establishes known associates and familiar hangouts, often utilizing a combination of surveillance techniques from tracking cell phones to old-school stakeouts to identify routines and patterns-of-life. This allows officers and agents to determine the best place to make an arrest.

Black Hawk from the 160th SOAR

But, when targeting foreign heads of state, the process is exponentially more complicated. There are well-documented cases in recent history of world leaders using body doubles, secret bunkers, and large contingents of armed guards to protect themselves. This requires an intensive intelligence effort leaning heavily on a combination of strategic intelligence assets.

Examples of this include satellite imagery, electronic surveillance of cellular and digital activity, drone flyovers for real-time photo and video collection, and we suspect heavy use of human informants from within Maduro’s inner circle.   

But mission success requires more than getting your target. It requires protecting your own forces in the process. An airborne incursion is usually the fastest way to reach your objective. Moving overland on foot or in vehicles through hostile terrain equates to an increased risk of exposure or capture for the raid team. Again, maximum information is key. In military parlance, the process is referred to as IPB – Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace.

Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace (IPB)

  1. Identify target patterns of life
  2. Validate location using multi-source intelligence
  3. Assess terrain, airspace, and weather constraints
  4. Identify enemy air defense and early warning systems
  5. Establish abort criteria and contingency plans
The multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima transported Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro back to the USA

The IPB process is a methodical analysis of myriad planning factors. Some of these might be obvious, such as the number of enemy soldiers in an area, or what kind of weapons they have. But operational planning requires knowing far more than just the enemy. Are there high mountain peaks that helicopters will have to account for in their flight plan? How much moonlight will there be – enough to illuminate ships on the water or aircraft in the night sky?

Once a rigorous intelligence process has been completed, surgical precision is paramount during the mission itself. In this case, helicopters carrying special operators were required to approach over open water to reach a coastal city equipped with anti-aircraft weapons.

This posed a significant risk to the raid force that was mitigated by a multi-phase execution prioritizing the destruction of those anti-aircraft batteries. Electronic warfare planes flying overhead could disrupt RADAR, radios, and other electronic warning equipment, allowing a package of strike aircraft to get close enough to physically destroy anti-aircraft sites. This SEAD/DEAD mission would be tasked with destroying anything that could either shoot at or ‘see’ approaching helicopters. 

Once the AA weapons themselves are neutralized, helicopters carrying the raid team, blocking force (to secure the ground around the target building), and/or quick reaction force (backup for the raid team if they encounter heavy resistance) could reach the target location, hit the ground, and apprehend the Maduros.

It is likely that the raid team was receiving real-time intelligence updates in the helicopter while en route to the target location, with parameters established to abort the operation, or use an alternate plan, if the situation changed substantially during the approach. 

There are multiple fine details of the Venezuela plan and its execution that we may never find out. But it’s clear to see that months of planning and intelligence collection, along with the work of hundreds-if-not-thousands of highly skilled Americans in the military and intelligence community, enabled an incredibly bold, seemingly smooth operation that single-handedly changed the course of a country in several hours without any loss of American life reported at time of writing.

This operation puts a fine point on exactly what’s possible when the right people and the right technology are unified by an effective plan carried out with precision and daring.    

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Ignik FireCan Deluxe Propane Fire Pit & Grill

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Old ammo cans are the Tupperware of the emergency preparedness world. Although they were originally intended to carry loose ammunition or machine gun belts, we’ve seen these inexpensive stamped steel boxes repurposed to contain everything from tools and camp cooking utensils to fishing tackle, portable radios, and medical gear. Some DIYers even outfit them with batteries and USB ports to function as a portable charging station, or with speakers to serve as a boombox. Washington-based gear company Ignik Outdoors came up with their own ammo can contraption — a portable propane fire pit called the Ignik FireCan — and has continued to develop and upgrade it with some clever features.

FireCan: Bringing the Heat

The concept of converting an ammo can into a mini propane fire pit is nothing new. If you’re handy, you can make one by drilling a hole in the side of an ammo can, inserting a capped piece of pipe with some smaller holes drilled in it, and adding a fitting on the end to attach a propane tank. You can buy these cans in the form of DIY kits or complete units from a variety of vendors. You can also make a shotgun with some pipe, a roofing nail, and a 2×4 from the hardware store… but a Beretta 1301 it ain’t.

The moral of the story is that DIY projects are fun and can save you some money, but sometimes it’s preferable to have a thoughtfully-engineered product with added features and quality-of-life improvements. Such is the case for the Ignik FireCan, especially its Deluxe package.

Ignik’s standard FireCan is a powdercoated steel can with mesh grates cut into each side to increase airflow, heat transmission, and visibility of the flames. It also has heat-resistant silicone carry handles and four folding legs that lift the can off the ground, reducing the risk of your fire scorching the ground or spreading out of control. Rather than a basic screw-on propane connector, it has a locking quick-release fitting and includes a matching 5-foot hose with adjustable regulator. After removing the can’s lid and unfolding its legs, just connect the regulator to your propane tank (or one of Ignik’s convenient Gas Growlers — more on that later), click the other end onto your FireCan, light it through the included access hole, and enjoy your portable heat source.

For more radiant heat, you can fill the can with some fire rocks to increase its thermal mass. Ignik offers tumbled lava rocks (5 pounds) as well as ultra-lightweight ceramic “Moon Rocks” (1 pound) that can be used to fill your FireCan. Each of these also varies the flame pattern to create a more natural fire pit experience, as opposed to the propane burner’s symmetrical jets.

A Note About Fire Restrictions
I live in wildfire country, and it’s normal for the local forestry service to issue bans on open campfires during the dry months. This is a major bummer for anyone who’s planning a camping trip, because sitting around an LED lantern doesn’t have the same appeal as sitting around a warm fire. Thankfully, there are usually exemptions for propane-fueled fire pits and stoves — this means that the FireCan is one of the few ways to safely and legally have a fire at the campsite during wildfire season. Check your local laws to see if this is also true in your area, but if it is, it’s a major selling point for the FireCan (and other propane fire pits).

The FireCan Deluxe

Recently, Ignik introduced the FireCan Deluxe, which improves upon the regular FireCan in several areas. The first thing you’ll notice is its brushed silver finish, which indicates stainless steel construction. This should be more corrosion-resistant than the black powdercoated carbon steel, even if it gets a little scratched and banged up over time. But its biggest difference is revealed when you open the lid.

Beneath its lid, the FireCan Deluxe features a removable grill insert that’s constructed from stamped stainless steel. Its inner surface is ramped and slotted to funnel drippings down gutters and into a removable drip tray that sits in a slot at the base of the unit. Four hooks in the corners of the grill insert hold a 5 by 10-inch rectangular wire grill — the perfect size for hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken breasts, veggies, and other small items. Granted, you won’t be making a meal for the whole family on this setup, but it’s perfect for cooking a quick meal for one or two people.

High Frequency Radio Operations

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Tony Peel doesn’t look like your typical radio operator. No uniform, no government badge, just a guy who knows his stuff. He’s the founder of Wyoming Survival, a former survival instructor, a blacksmith, and a licensed General HAM operator. That last bit matters because, in the world of radio communications, a General HAM license is your gateway to operating on high-frequency (HF) bands — a skillset that stretches far beyond the limits of the popular Baofeng handheld radios many preppers stash in their bug-out bags.

On day one of the HF Operations class, Peel wasted no time breaking down the fundamentals, starting with a question: What is HF? Short for “high frequency,” it refers to the spectrum of radio frequencies between 3 and 30 MHz. Unlike UHF and VHF radios, which require line-of-sight to communicate and often struggle through dense vegetation, HF can reach across continents. With the right setup, it’s entirely possible to connect with someone 5,000 miles away. That’s not just theoretical, it’s a reality for pilots, NGOs, military units, and even banks that use HF for secure, long-distance communication.

Most handheld radios, like the Baofeng, operate on UHF and VHF bands. If you’ve used one before, you’ve probably noticed that getting any kind of range without a clear line of sight is a struggle. Trees, hills, and buildings devour those signals, and if you’re lucky, you might hit one mile without special gear. With a jungle antenna, a specialty setup for denser environments, you can push it to two miles, but that’s still a far cry from the kind of distance HF is capable of. Peel laid it out bluntly, HF isn’t just different; it’s a whole new ballgame.

HF Radio

HF Radio setups come in many flavors — from base stations that require more permanent fixed positions, to some rigs as small as a deck of cards. Each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Understanding the Waves

When you key the mic on an HF rig, it sends out a frequency that propagates as a wave. Imagine ripples spreading out in water. The space between the peaks of those ripples is the wavelength. On higher frequencies, the peaks are closer together, and on lower frequencies, they spread out. This matters because antennas are built to match those wavelengths, specifically, half-wavelength antennas for optimal transmission.

Peel dove into how HF propagates and explained the difference between ground wave versus sky wave. While ground wave travels along the Earth’s surface, sky wave bounces off the ionosphere, an atmospheric layer charged by the sun. This is where HF shines. Its signal can reflect off the sky and hit far-flung locations, sometimes across entire continents. That’s the kind of range that makes HF indispensable when infrastructure becomes inoperable.

one time pad key

A student deciphers a transmission utilizing a one-time pad key.

Solar Maximum & the Ionosphere

The ionosphere is key to HF operations. It’s made up of four main layers: D, E, F1, and F2. During the day, all four layers are active, but at night only D and F2 remain. That shift impacts how far your signal travels and which frequencies work best. Peel also explained the role of the solar maximum, an 11-year cycle where sunspots pepper the surface of the sun, charging up the ionosphere and boosting radio propagation. During this period, HF signals reach farther and with more consistency. But it’s a double-edged sword. Solar flares, those massive bursts of energy from the sun, can disrupt communications entirely, almost like someone flipping the off switch.

damaged cable

Despite the damage of this coax cable, it is still more than capable of sending and receiving HF transmissions.

The 80- to 40-meter bands are where things get really interesting. These frequencies are the most stable and reliable, especially once the solar maximum wanes. Peel pointed out that while the 40m band typically gets you around 700 miles during the day, it can stretch to 1,500 to 2,000 miles at night. For anyone relying on HF for critical communication, understanding these cycles is important survival knowledge.

Tony Peel HF Radio Frequency demo

Tony Peel illustrates how radio frequencies can be bounced off the ionosphere to achieve incredibly far transmission distances.

Band Breakdown & NVIS

Peel also covered the different HF bands:

  • 80m Band: Ideal for nighttime communication
  • 40m Band: Great for daytime local communication and nighttime long-distance (DX) communication
  • 20m Band: The go-to for long-distance (DX) communication

He then explained Near Vertical Incident Skywave (NVIS), a method that uses steep takeoff angles to bounce signals almost straight up and back down, perfect for regional communication. NVIS works on the 40m band during the day and the 80m band at night. It requires a horizontal antenna placed low to the ground, sometimes directly on it. Inverted V antennas also work for this setup. To find the right frequency for NVIS, Peel recommended using prop.kc2g.com.

Peel also reminded the class that HF isn’t your cell phone; there’s no trillion-dollar infrastructure guaranteeing you’ll get through. It’s just you, your radio, and the atmosphere.

people with a HF radio analyzer tool

By using a device called an antenna analyzer, the antenna can be shortened or lengthened, fine tuning it for whichever band is being used for transmission.

Setting Up for Success

Before setting up our own NVIS system and testing it out, we went over the gear required to make HF work:

  • Transceiver: Japanese-made models are recommended. A 100W transceiver with MARS modification can operate during solar minimums. Built-in tuners and sound card interfaces are a must.
  • Antenna: Di-pole antennas are the standard. Multi-band options exist, but a simple dipole is often the most effective. Common configurations include inverted V, upside-down L, and NVIS.
  • Coax Cable: Less than 100 feet of 50-ohm cable is ideal.
  • Tuner: Essential for matching your antenna to the radio
  • Power Source: 12-volt systems, solar with a charge controller, or battery with an inverter
  • Grounding: Critical for stability and safety
  • Lightning Arrestor: Installs between antenna and coax to prevent damage
  • SWR Meter: Used to measure signal efficiency

Midway through day one, the class tuned into the Noontime Net, checking in with call signs and running tests. Digital versus SSB communication was also covered. Digital is more reliable, offering encrypted messaging, low power consumption, and even inbox-style messaging. Peel demonstrated WinLink for sending texts and weather reports, VARAC for mesh networking, and FLDIGI for real-time chat and Morse code translation.

insulated wire being measured

Insulated wire is being measured to the appropriate antenna length.

The day wrapped up with a hands-on exercise, setting up radios, deploying antennas, and sending digital messages across the airwaves. The class got a taste of SOTA (Summits on the Air) and POTA (Parks on the Air), two international amateur radio programs designed to push the limits of field-based HF communication.

Stealth, Security & the Dark Side of HF

The second day opened with a discussion on tactical communications planning. For the uninitiated, this means creating a step-by-step guide for how a team or group will communicate during operations, emergencies, or grid-down events. It outlines which frequencies to use, when to switch channels, call signs, fallback plans, and how to keep messages clear but secure. Without one, teams risk confusion, missed messages, and potentially dangerous delays.

HF has what Peel called a “dark side.” Anyone listening on the same band can hear your transmission. That makes security a real concern, especially if you’re passing sensitive information. Encryption might seem like the obvious answer, but it’s illegal on amateur bands in most countries, including the United States. That’s because the amateur radio service is meant to be open and non-commercial. Only licensed entities, like businesses or government agencies, can legally encrypt their transmissions.

Even if encryption were legal, there’s another hurdle: the key. Encryption only works if everyone has the same key, and if that key is compromised, your messages might as well be public.

One workaround is the one-time pad — an old-school cryptographic method invented in the early 1900s and still considered unbreakable if used correctly. It involves pairing your message with a random key that is used only once and then destroyed. Each letter or character in the message is shifted by a corresponding character in the key. Without that exact key, deciphering the message is virtually impossible. But the catch remains, both sender and receiver must have matching pads ahead of time.

Peel also mentioned PTE (Paranoid Text Encryption), a software tool that can encrypt text files on a separate device before they’re sent over radio. While still operating in the legal gray area on HAM bands, it’s a tool worth knowing for emergency use.

high frequency radio makeshift antenna

Many metallic wires can be used as an antenna, including this scrap electrical wire taped to the frayed end of a coax cable.

From a hardware perspective, antenna placement was another key topic. An HF antenna should be oriented broadside to the direction you want to transmit or receive. This positioning aligns with how radio waves radiate, strongest perpendicular to the wire, weakest off the ends. The class also covered the Wilderness Protocol, a practice where radio operators periodically monitor emergency frequencies (especially at the top of each hour) to give lost or stranded individuals a chance to reach help. It’s a grassroots system, not a formal emergency service, but can be a lifesaver when cell towers are far away.
Another critical point, without specialized gear, you can’t determine where an HF signal is coming from. That’s where direction-finding equipment comes in. Peel introduced tools like the KrakenSDR, a multi-antenna software-defined radio that triangulates signals based on time-difference of arrival. There are also simpler setups using rotating directional antennas or signal-strength meters, but these require skill, space, and patience.

Then came the build. We were shown how almost any metal wire — speaker wire, house wire, even barbed wire — can be used to make a functioning antenna. The class assembled a half-wave antenna, which is cut to half the wavelength of the frequency you’re using. This length allows the antenna to resonate efficiently, sending out a stronger, clearer signal. Power conservation was also emphasized. Transmitting at high power makes you easier to locate via direction-finding. Running at the lowest effective wattage helps you stay off the radar. And as for antenna insulators? Peel debunked the myth that you need ceramic or fancy gear. Dry paracord works just fine.

The day ended with a practical test: sending and receiving messages between two groups on opposite sides of a mountain in Wyoming. One group used a traditional HF radio and antenna. The other used what Peel called “disaster wire,” which in our case was scraps of electric fence strung up with a frayed coax cable. Using NVIS, the groups successfully transmitted voice and digital messages over a 15-mile stretch of terrain. No cell service. No towers. Just raw capability.

running antenna cable

Final Thoughts

Although the idea of operating an HF radio can seem intimidating, with a knowledgeable instructor like Peel, the process turns out to be pretty straightforward. It’s also reassuring to know that the ability to communicate is only a few steps away. This class brought together a wide range of students — from licensed radio operators looking to fine-tune their setups to complete newcomers like myself. Every one of us walked away with new skills and a better understanding of how radios can be used effectively.

Read More From Issue 69

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

Conquering the Cold with the Vanquest IBEX-26

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Venturing out at the peak of the winter season can bring many challenges that we do not encounter in warmer conditions. Freezing temperatures bring snow and ice that can make navigating a familiar landscape challenging and turn our daily commute into a dangerous situation if we are not prepared. Gearing up involves ensuring we have appropriate clothing, outerwear, and footwear – beyond ensuring our on-body gear is keeping us safe, we also need to ensure our Get Home Bag is ready to handle the harsh winter conditions.

Preparing for Winter Survival

A get home bag is designed to provide all the tools and supplies you will need to get back to a secure location. The challenge of building a Get Home Bag is finding the appropriate balance of gear and weight. Unlike a Bug Out Bag, which is designed for 3 or more days away from home, a Get Home Bag should contain about 24 hours of supplies. During warming seasons keeping your Get Home Bag light and nimble is simple, but the harsh weather and freezing temperatures of winter leads to the need for additional items – leading to a heavier bag.

While many will not be concerned about extra weight in their Get Home Bag if they are not traveling on foot – wintery conditions increase the likelihood we may have to abandon our vehicle and move on foot. Snow and ice will already make traveling on foot more difficult, adding a heavy pack to the mix can be a recipe for disaster.

Mitigating this challenge is a two-part process. Smart packing and making use of multi-purpose items can help reduce weight and choosing a bag that helps safely manage additional weight.

Vanquest IBEX-26 Features

Vanquest is a small U.S. based company that specializes in making top quality soft goods including backpacks, slings bags, and organization pouches. Beyond having a passion for excellent craftsmanship, each piece of gear Vanquest designs has a goal of providing solutions for common gear hauling problems. The IBEX series is a perfect example of the Vanquest ethos.

The IBEX series is available in a 26 and 35-liter options – for the Get Home Bag I opted for the 26-liter option to avoid over packing. At first glance the IBEX looks similar to many hiking style packs with its tall narrow design, waist belt, and numerous external gear mounting options. This design style is ideal for safely managing a heavier pack as the weight is better distributed and the hip belt allows the weight of the pack to be taken off your shoulders and moved to stronger muscles groups in your hips and legs. The shift in weight off your shoulders improves balance, reduces fatigue, and decreases the likelihood of muscle strain injuries. Like high quality hiking packs, the IBEX has excellent padding on the straps and a stiff but breathable back for structure and comfort.

What makes the Vanquest IBEX unique is that it successfully blends the comfort and safety of a well-designed hiking pack with the toughness and organizational benefits often found in tactical style packs. Unlike traditional hiking packs which employ a thin lightweight nylon, the IBEX is primarily built with ultra durable Cordura nylon that is both wear and tear resistant. The external Molle Panels are made from Hypalon which is resistant to the elements, continuous UV rays, and chemicals. Vanquest uses high quality YKK zippers paired with Spartan zipper pulls that make rapidly opening or closing the pack easy in high stress situations.

In addition to the Molle panels that pouches or gear can be lashed to, the exterior offers two pockets on either side that can house quick access items and even expand to fit larger items. The pockets contain hook and loop panels where optional accessory pouches can be added. The top of the pack offers one large pocket that also can provide access to the main compartment without having to unzipper the whole pack. The exterior also offers a number of attachment points that can be used to lash on items like trekking poles and hatchets.

The main compartment offers two opaque zipper compartments, a back pocket that can easily fit a large laptop or water bladder, and molle/hook and loop attachment points for additional organization pouches.

 

Packing Out a Winter Get Home Bag

Many of the items stored in your winter get home bag will be valuable in any season, though some items may require special consideration during freezing winter temperatures. In addition to survival basics additional items will need to be included to help keep you safe in the harsh winter weather. Let’s break down each of the categories to demonstrate where special considerations and additions may be required.

Fire

The ability to make fire is vital in most survival situations. Fire serves as a means of cooking food, boiling water, and producing heat. Fire can also be used to help signal for help and raise morale. In the winter months, producing heat if stuck outdoors is a top priority, and some special consideration is needed when packing fire starting equipment for the winter. Standard lighters will not always work as well in the extreme cold. Electronic lighters can be an acceptable alternative, but batteries will also deplete faster in cold environments. We must also consider the high levels of moisture from snow especially if it has begun melting.

Man made tinder and chemical tinder will burn hot even when wet. Chemical tinder options can burn very hot and may aid in getting wet wood burning if no dry wood is available.

When searching for wood in snow covered areas it is best to try to find dead wood that is still attached to standing trees and off the ground as they are likely to be less moist then wood found on the ground.

Another option is to soak cotton balls in WD-40 as they will be flammable and could double as lubricant for zippers and small tools. Learning to use a ferrocerium rod is especially valuable in cold and wet environments as it will still produce sparks in those conditions.

 

Water

Water is something we can’t go without for very long. When it comes to dehydration, many people immediately think of hot climates, but dehydration is as much of a threat in the winter as it is in the summer. The coats and heavy clothing we wear to shelter us from the harsh winter elements can also cause us to sweat once we start exerting ourselves, which can cause rapid water loss if we are not careful.

Stored water can freeze in our packs if exposed to freezing temperatures so it is best not to leave your Get Home Bag in your vehicle and when traveling outdoors on foot the water should be packed closest to your body to help prevent freezing.

Wild water sources can be limited in the winter and even if running water is found it is not as simple as bottling it and drinking it. Even in cold temperatures water can be home to pathogens that can make us sick, purification or disinfection methods such as boiling, chemical treatments, or filters should be used. If carry a portable water filter it is important to know if it is rated for freezing temperatures.

Drinking cold water can also contribute to rapidly cooling our core increasing the threat of hypothermia. Snow or ice should never be consumed for hydration for the same reasons cold water should not be directly consumed.

Shelter

Having shelter or carrying the items you need to make a shelter is an important addition to any survival kit. In the winter we may be wearing heavier clothing, but sheltering ourselves from wind, snow, and freezing rain can help extend our ability to survive outdoors longer.

In the winter we need to account for higher winds and the weight of snow and ice when building a shelter. This means heavy duty tarps may be a better option than something thin. Ensure tarp materials that won’t absorb moisture that can result in cold water dripping into your shelter as the interior area warms up.

Keeping your body off the cold ground is also essential so plan on carry or having the ability to create insulated ground cover.

Clothing

In the winter we should be dressing appropriately even for a short excursion away from home because things happen, and you don’t want to be stuck out in the cold without proper protection from the elements. It is also vital to carry a spare set of dry clothes with you.

Wet clothing is a major contributor to hypothermia. If you fall into a body of water or your clothing becomes saturated with water or sweat, getting into fresh dry clothes can keep you alive!

Wool is an ideal material for winter use as it can keep you warm even when wet. While it is still best to get dry clothing on, if there is no additional dry clothing wool is a better option than cotton.

Keeping your spare clothing dry is important while your pack may be water resistant but adding an additional layer of protection like a dry bag or even a tightly tied trash bad can help ensure clothing stays dry.

 

Navigation

Snow can make navigating more difficult. Even a familiar area can appear alien when it is covered in snow, especially areas that are less traveled. Paths and trails become impossible to see, and familiar landmarks can be obscured by snow cover.

Having and knowing how to use a compass can help give you a sense of direction while on the move. A standalone GPS unit can help guide you to snow covered paths or trails, but like all electronics can suffer from faster battery depletion in the cold. If relying on electronics always carry back up power and keep electronics and back up batteries as close to your body as possible to reduce battery drain from the cold.

Light

A method of light production is something that everyone should have available in their everyday survival kit. Light is even more important for extended emergencies. One advantage to snow is that it is light reflective, allowing better visibility from both synthetic light sources and the moon at night.

When considering light sources we must account for cold weather battery drain. Lights with alternate color modes beyond just white can help reduce glare from snow and preserve natural night vision

Headlamps can be beneficial to produce handsfree light allowing you to keep your hands in your pockets for warmth or utilize other tools.

Tools

Basic tools can make a big difference in survival situations and play an important role in our survival kits. Knives, multi-tools, saws, hatchets and axes can serve just as well in the winter as they do in the warmer months.

When picking tools for winter survival we should consider tools we can effectively use with gloves on. If we must take our gloves off to use a tool, keep in mind that metal handles can get very cold if exposed to the elements so it’s best to pick tools with polymer or wood handles.

Food

Food provides valuable fuel to keep our bodies moving. In the cold months we can see a significant increase in caloric burn to help keep our bodies warm so having access to calories is important.

Wild food sources may be abundant in the warm months, but they can become scarce in the winter. Packing shelf stable food items that are less sensitive to freezing can be beneficial. Like water food items should be stored closest to your body to prevent freezing.

Self Defense

Having something to defend yourself in an emergency is important. Keep in mind that some of these tools may be affected by freezing temperatures.

Pepper Spray can be less effective in freezing temperatures, have diminished spray patterns, and canisters can be damaged or rupture in extreme cold temperatures. Keeping your pepper spray close to your body can keep it functional. Firearms can also be damaged or have performance issues with prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. Proper lubrication and maintenance beforehand can reduce both corrosion and performance issues.

First Aid and Medical

Basic first aid items to treat a minor injury are a must for any survival kit. Additional items to cover more severe injuries can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency but only have value with the proper training to use them.

Many disinfectants, like alcohol pads can double as a fire starter in an emergency. Medications, especially liquids can be susceptible to reduced effects if exposed to the cold for extended periods of time.

Bleeding control is essential when facing extreme cold as blood loss can rapidly speed the onset of hypothermia.

In the winter months it may be beneficial to pack more items related to slip and fall injuries including splints and fabric wraps. 

Final Thoughts

With a pack like the Vanquest IBEX-26 and carefully planned supplies you will be ready to face the challenges that come along with traveling during the winter months. While we all hope never to face an emergency, it is a far safer bet to be prepared with the knowledge, skills, and equipment needed to keep us safe should disaster strike.

For more information on building the ideal Get Home Bag or any other type of go bag visit our Go Bag Knowledge Center at https://www.offgridweb.com/preparation/recoil-offgrid-x-arc-bug-out-bag-builder/ and be sure to check out the ARC Go Bag Builder Tool to guide you to packing out the perfect Go Bag!

How Training Recalibrates the Mind

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At first glance, the training near Vero Beach, Florida, looked like a straightforward tactical course. It was hosted by Gorilla Ammunition, a company better known for precision cartridges than emotional insight. Yet beneath the surface of its trauma drills and field exercises, something deeper took shape. The lessons were not only about how to save a life, but also how to regulate one’s own nervous system under threat. What unfolded resembled a form of therapy in motion, a physical and cognitive practice that echoed the principles of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or EMDR.

EMDR is a therapy developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. It helps people process disturbing experiences by combining focused attention with bilateral movement, such as eye motions, taps, or alternating tones. The technique activates both hemispheres of the brain, linking stored sensory fragments into coherent understanding. Over time, this process allows the body to stop reacting as if a past trauma were happening in the present. The training near Vero Beach would explore similar ground through entirely different means.

The chaos of a traumatic scene was imitated by overwhelming the senses.
The chaos of a traumatic scene was imitated by overwhelming the senses.

Day One: Stabilization in Motion

The first day began inside Gorilla Ammunition’s headquarters and was taught by Gorilla Medical instructors Kris Hasenauer, Mandy Espinal, and Scott Adams. The focus was Tactical Combat Casualty Care, or TCCC, the military’s standard for treating injuries under fire. Its civilian counterpart, TECC, adapts those methods for emergencies where evacuation is close at hand. Both systems were born from lessons learned in Mogadishu during the 1993 Black Hawk Down incident, when soldiers bled out from otherwise survivable wounds. Modern battlefield medicine has since revolved around one goal: preventing avoidable deaths.

Instructors led students through the three phases of trauma care: 

1) Direct Threat Care meant getting to safety and controlling massive hemorrhage. 

2) Indirect Threat Care involved assessing injuries using the MARCH protocol: Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, and Head injury/Hypothermia. 

3) Evacuation Care focused on continued monitoring and shock prevention. 

After hours of discussion and hands-on training, the class moved outside into the dense humidity of Florida to apply what they had learned.

Tourniquets, wound packing, and communication drills followed. The repetition built a rhythm that anchored participants in the moment. It was a rehearsal for composure, a physical act of self-regulation. Every step reinforced the same pattern: control chaos, establish safety, and then engage in treatment. The process mirrored the first phases of EMDR, which emphasize grounding and stabilization before confronting deeper distress. Whether the subject is a traumatic memory or a simulated gunfight, the nervous system cannot process what it cannot survive.

While obscured by blue smoke, participants needed to stabilize life-threatening wounds before moving their patients to a safer location.
While obscured by blue smoke, participants needed to stabilize life-threatening wounds before moving their patients to a safer location.

As the heat of the day rose, the class performed a relay under stress. Teams carried teammates with simulated injuries, treated simulated wounds, and moved together through timed objectives. The noise, motion, and pressure triggered adrenaline, but the structure of the exercise demanded calm. The brain oscillated between chaos and control, the same alternating focus that EMDR uses to integrate emotion and logic. Order, it turned out, was its own kind of medicine.

Day Two: Learning to See

The next morning, the group met at an overgrown orange grove that doubled as one of Gorilla Ammunition’s training ranges. The air smelled faintly of fresh rain and damp soil. Freddy Osuna of Greenside Training introduced the art of tracking, the ability to read subtle signs of movement in nature. Unbeknownst to the students, his approach was blending fieldcraft with cognitive science. Tracking, he said, was not about looking for footprints. It was about learning to see.

The nail-trail is a tracking drill used to imprint the shape of a track into the mind.
The nail-trail is a tracking drill used to imprint the shape of a track into the mind.

Students studied how the edges of a hoofprint could indicate motion and direction, how soil displacement revealed urgency, and how crushed vegetation betrayed presence. They practiced shifting points of view and allowing peripheral vision to widen. Tracking required the same state of awareness that EMDR encourages, not forcing an answer but observing what appears. As participants relaxed their focus, patterns emerged where none had previously seemed to exist.

In one exercise, Osuna walked a short path, leaving small nails pressed into the dirt behind each heel. Students were then asked to count how many steps there were based on their own observation skills. The first few nails were easy, the rest appeared only when the eyes softened and the mind quieted. The drill trained perception through patience and trust, a process remarkably similar to how EMDR clients notice the fragments of memory that surface once the body feels safe enough to see them.

Several important nuances of animal tracking were discussed before moving on to man tracking.
Several important nuances of animal tracking were discussed before moving on to man tracking.

This stage of the course resembled EMDR’s reprocessing phase. Participants gathered sensory data from a complex environment, linked it to context, and allowed insight to emerge.

Day Three: The Hunt and the Mind

The final day took place in a slash pine stand, its floor still saturated from days of heavy rain. This final exercise involved hunting Gorilla Medical instructor Scott Adams. Scott acted as an opposing force, moving and attempting to hide somewhere in the wet forest. The teams moved in slow coordination, scanning for broken branches, disturbed earth, or faint movement. Subtle environmental manipulations — distant sounds, shifting scents — kept everyone alert. After hours of tracking, the teams located and neutralized their target. 

Freddy Osuna demonstrates several ways to manipulate light in order to get the most vivid look at a track.
Freddy Osuna demonstrates several ways to manipulate light in order to get the most vivid look at a track.

Psychologically, the exercise completed a cycle that mirrored EMDR’s adaptive sequence. Day one established stabilization and safety. Day two expanded sensory and cognitive flexibility. Day three integrated the previous two into embodied awareness under pressure. Each layer engaged the same circuitry that therapy seeks to retrain, the shift from reactive survival to measured response.

From Chaos to Coherence

In Shapiro’s model of adaptive processing, the brain’s goal is to transform experience into learning. When trauma interrupts that process, memories remain locked in a state of alarm. Reprocessing allows those memories to econnect with healthier networks, so the body no longer treats them as threats. The Vero Beach training worked on this same principle, though in a different language. Movement, focus, and environment combined to teach the nervous system regulation through experience.

Students learned important factors to consider when deciding whether or not a canine track is wild or domestic.
Students learned important factors to consider when deciding whether or not a canine track is wild or domestic.

Tracking used bilateral engagement — left foot, right foot, left eye, right eye — to restore rhythm. Trauma care demanded structured breathing and decision-making under duress. Both reinforced balance between perception and action. The body learned that it could stay grounded even while facing uncertainty.

Learning tracking skills can be overwhelming at first. Osuna helps students navigate those frustrations with expert guidance.
Learning tracking skills can be overwhelming at first. Osuna helps students navigate those frustrations with expert guidance.

By the end, exhaustion gave way to quiet reflection. What began as tactical instruction evolved into an exercise in emotional control. True composure is not dominance but awareness. Survival, whether physical or psychological, depends as much on calm attention as on force or equipment.

Final Thoughts

The link between field training and therapy might seem coincidental, but both share a foundation in biology. The human brain seeks equilibrium through movement, rhythm, and sensory integration. When a person tracks a print in the sand or applies steady pressure to stop bleeding, the same neural systems that process trauma are engaged. Awareness, not avoidance, resolves threat.

Nature supports that healing instinct. The Florida wilderness offered constant sensory complexity. The scent of pine and soil, the shimmer of light through leaves, the hum of insects after rain. Immersed in it, the participants’ minds recalibrated without even realizing it was happening. What EMDR achieves through structured bilateral movement, the natural world offers through balance and attention. Both guide the brain from reflex to reflection, from reactivity to presence.

This overgrown orange grove is full of wildlife and human activity. Perfect for a day of honing tracking skills.
This overgrown orange grove is full of wildlife and human activity. Perfect for a day of honing tracking skills.

The Vero Beach course revealed that therapy does not always look like therapy. Sometimes it takes the shape of a tourniquet drill, a quiet walk in wet woods, or the patient search for a single track in the dirt. Beneath every tactical lesson was an unspoken one, how to steady the mind, how to stay human in the presence of fear, and how to track not only an adversary but also oneself.

Read More From Issue 71

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

Safe Travels

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Travel today, to just about anywhere in the world, is accessible to most. But the risks involved in travel, especially for the international traveler, are many. However, taking a few precautions and developing a security minded lifestyle can make your journey safe and enjoyable. When considering international travel these days, applying the lessons learned and countermeasures I used as a special agent will help keep you return with enjoyable memories. 

Prior to travel, always make sure you are fit to do so. Having a clean bill of health and more than enough prescriptions (if necessary) is a foundation level prep. Always anticipate being delayed while traveling and carry the provisions necessary to get you home without missing a beat. Never pack prescriptions in checked luggage, they need to be in a carry-on bag. Prescriptions should be in the original packaging with your name and prescriber visible. 

Having a physical and dental checkup completed before you travel is a smart idea. Do this even if you are feeling well. Ensure you are immunized for the region you plan to visit, and have those immunizations documented on an international immunization card. You may or may not have internet and or have access to your cellular phone when asked for evidence of your immunizations. A shot card gives you something to hand an official along with your passport. Travel doctors specialize in these preparations. 

Before traveling, you should inform your bank or credit card company you will be traveling abroad to avoid them delaying payment or canceling your card under the assumption it has been compromised, hacked, or stolen. Also consider raising your credit limit or look for a premium card with added benefits to have emergency funding if necessary. 

Discovering new places and learning about different cultures is one of the most important things we can do.
Discovering new places and learning about different cultures is one of the most important things we can do.

Make sure you have included a good international mobile phone plan with unlimited data to avoid roaming charges. At a minimum, your mobile phone will save you time and headaches that arise over missing gate tional plans if your phone has an eSIM. 

Contact your insurance company and make sure you are covered in the country you plan to visit. Keeping in mind countries with ongoing civil unrest or insurgencies may be a liability issue with your insurance company, and they may not cover you should you be injured. 

If you’re traveling abroad, it’s always good to find a travel doctor who specialized in infectious diseases. They will know exactly what you will need medically for the activity you intend to participate in. They can even prescribe you medications, which might not be readily available in the country you are traveling to, and even antibiotics should you find yourself far from medical attention. Many cities have travel clinics specifically for these purposes.

Do a little research into the region you'll be traveling to. It will make you more aware of potential landmarks to visit.
Do a little research into the region you’ll be traveling to. It will make you more aware of potential landmarks to visit.

Pre-Travel Steps

  • Get medical/dental checkup; stock prescriptions (carry-on only)
  • Confirm immunizations; carry shot card
  • Alert bank/credit cards; raise limit if possible
  • Verify health/travel insurance coverage
  • Secure international phone/eSIM + PLB
  • Put legal affairs in order (passport, POA, wills)
  • Designate an emergency contact with valid passport
  • Research risks, laws, and cultural norms
  • Book reputable hotels/tours; use trusted transport
  • Dress neutral, learn basic phrases, stay situationally aware

The Get Home Bag

Build a survival kit appropriate for the region, and know how to use its contents. Include a Global Positioning System (GPS) or a PLB. These are great tools to help you “stay found” or signal for help. If you are bringing along a smartphone, consider downloading mapping apps — such as Gaia — which work even without cell service and can display traffic, satellite images as well as topographic maps. You can quickly take a picture in the app, and it will provide a pin on a map, and the coordinates, which could be used to pinpoint your location to anyone you wish to notify. 

Make sure you have ways to power your devices (e.g., solar panels and or power banks, etc.). Note: Don’t leave your power banks in your luggage. Place them in your carry on or customs will seize them (a lesson learned the hard way while en-route to Colombia).

Ideally, you should also include old-school maps and compass, along with a list of important numbers back home and in country. Having a printed copy of health insurance claim forms will help if you need treatment overseas so they can pay my medical provider. A PLB is good to have in areas where kidnappings are prevalent. This should be on your body, not in a pack, so it can be activated at a moment’s notice. 

Having a plan in place for potential mishaps will give you peace of mind and make the experience more enjoyable.
Having a plan in place for potential mishaps will give you peace of mind and make the experience more enjoyable.

Preparing a region and season specific first aid kit is a good idea as well. It bears repeating: you want to include in that kit enough prescriptions/vitamins to go beyond your intended travel period, in case you are extended for any reason. Include a method of water purification if you are planning travel to remote areas. There are numerous filters on the market but keep in mind they can clog, so having water purification tablets is a smart redundancy.  

Photocopy all essential credit cards and documents you intend to travel with and leave a copy at home. Make an extra copy of your passport to bring with you. Emergency cash, prescriptions and extra glasses should also be part of your get home bag. Try reading a map, threading a needle or a fishhook without one. On your smartphone, download the U.S. State Department Smart Traveler app and request alerts for the region you will be in. Check in with the U.S. Embassy as well.

If you are traveling and don’t speak the language of the region, it’s not a bad idea to purchase a phrase book and a Pointee Talkee or Kwikpoint International Translator communication aid. They are filled with illustrations useful in communicating and can be purchased from Amazon. In addition to the use of smartphone apps that translate languages. I always like to have a backup that doesn’t need the internet or power. 

Pay attention to your surroundings. If a place feels unsafe, it probably is.
Pay attention to your surroundings. If a place feels unsafe, it probably is.

Pack water, airline tickets, meal replacement bars, and emergency contacts such as U.S. Embassy numbers and addresses. It’s also great to have a card translated in the local language with your name, address, next of kin, phone number, and any medical condition or allergies. This way you can get help from medical personnel without missing a beat.

Travel Insurance

A great way to protect yourself and your things is to purchase travel insurance that offers plans, not only for medical treatment, but also repatriation if you are bedridden. It will also give you peace of mind if, while traveling, you need to purchase additional tickets to complete your journey or you need to cancel your dream trip due to unforeseen events. 

As a business traveler, kidnap/extortion insurance might be a consideration. However, for the average tourist this might not be an option due to high premiums. If you’re planning on traveling despite warnings to places where kidnaping is an issue it might be time to reconsider your trip. Kidnappers thrive in countries where the rule of law doesn’t exist or there are not adequate laws to deal with the problem. Mexico comes to mind, especially the border area. 

Letting a trusted friend or family member know your plans could help in an emergency.
Letting a trusted friend or family member know your plans could help in an emergency.

Make certain all your legal affairs are in order, such as powers of attorney, wills, healthcare proxy. Double check the expiration dates on your passport. It’s always a good idea to designate someone at home who has a valid passport and would be willing and fit to travel to help you in an emergency. This is important in the event you get detained, sick or are seriously injured or in trouble while overseas. 

Know the risks you could potentially face, and have a plan in mind should there be an incident. See if the country you are traveling to has an English language online news site or radio stations. See what’s happening before you arrive. You should be looking for any civil unrest, protests, worker strikes, or economic upheavals such as their currency crashing. These things are good to know because they can pose significant risks to you while abroad. 

Staying Alert

As with anywhere you go, maintaining situational awareness is critical. Lots of people have heard about situational awareness but few know that true situational awareness includes the following mindset:

Past: Where was I and what happened? 

Present: Where am I now and what’s going on?

Future: Where am I going? What might happen?

This should be a lifestyle habit of thinking not just for travel. Some of the tradecraft you might employ to keep yourself and your possessions safe are:

  • Carrying a decoy wallet with a small amount of foreign currency in case you are robbed. It’s important to have foreign currency in the wallet rather than U.S. currency so as not to make yourself a target of violence or kidnap if they are unaware of your nationality. Preload your money and escape tools in various locations on your body so as not to lose them all if you are robbed and searched.
  • It’s not uncommon for criminals to kidnap and sell Americans to insurgents or terror groups operating in certain areas of the world. Stay vigilant, don’t think you are not important enough to be kidnapped. Bad guys are aware of businesses, church groups, and even GoFundMe sites that they figure people can raise money for your ransom. I once worked a kidnapping case in Haiti. The victim: a 5-year-old girl kidnapped for a $3,000 ransom. Anyone can be a victim.
  • Be sure to carry a laminated copy of your passport while on the street. Your original passport should be locked in a safe place until you are ready to return home or travel to your next destination. Keep in mind that in most countries, converting your U.S. currency into foreign currency will require a passport or copy. When exchanging currency, even in an airport always be conscious of your surroundings. On a trip to Israel once, I was pickpocketed inside Ben Gurion Airport, going from the baggage claim area to the money exchange counter. And losing a nice pair of expensive sunglasses in the process.
Spending time abroad will make you aware of new perspectives.
Spending time abroad will make you aware of new perspectives.

Bars, Nightclubs, and the Sex Trade

Regardless of whether you intend to participate in activity involving the sex trade, it’s important to remember that the areas where these activities take place — Red Light Districts — are high-risk areas for kidnap, rape (including men), robbery, and drugging. Most of the sex trade is run by organized crime, even in countries where the sex trade is sanctioned by the government. Sexually transmitted diseases are common, even when sex workers are regularly screened. 

Surveillance by criminal elements to include corrupt police is higher in these areas and can result in being pickpocketed. Or, worse yet, being drugged, taken to an ATM, and forced to withdraw as much of your money as possible before being beaten or killed. Imagine explaining this to the wife. 

The types of drugs used are typical date rape drugs to include Xanax, ketamine, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and scopolamine (aka hyoscine truth serum, which renders the victim compliant). This is commonly still used in Central and South America. A prospective date might spray this in your face or from a stranger while sharing a taxi ride, hailed on the street.  

Relative safety is something we take for granted in the West. Many places are not as reliable.
Relative safety is something we take for granted in the West. Many places are not as reliable.

Recreational Drug Use Abroad

Buying drugs for personal use in a foreign country is your quickest way to being locked up abroad, either in a prison or a psychiatric hospital. Drugs, even in countries where its legal, can often be laced with other drugs or have been “stepped on” (mixed with other substances to increase bulk) with everything from animal feces to industrial or agricultural chemicals.  

In some instances, unscrupulous authorities will use a drug-related incident to illicit a bribe, which may involve a lengthy detention with less-than-ideal accommodations.  

Also, a purchase of a drug over the legal limit in a foreign country might be viewed as a drug trafficking violation, either in the host country or upon your return to a U.S. Port of Entry. 

Having a simple understanding about local laws can go a long way. In many places, livestock animals are extremely valuable and should not be endangered or harassed.
Having a simple understanding about local laws can go a long way. In many places, livestock animals are extremely valuable and should not be endangered or harassed.

Know the Law

Beware of laws that do not exist in the U.S. that could pose a risk of institutional detention abroad. In some cases, institutional detention (being locked up abroad) can be as bad as being held against your will by a criminal or terrorist group. Think North Korea and Russia. Examples include: knife laws, laws regarding public intoxication, religious laws, or taking pictures of government buildings or troops in public. 

Remember, you are not in the U.S., and your cultural dos and don’ts do not transfer. Laws, and the corresponding punishments, can be very different. Singapore is a great example of having strict laws. A traveler could face severe punishment for something as innocuous as walking naked in your own house, which is illegal — as well as chewing gum, smoking anywhere, making noise after 10 p.m., being gay, any type of drug-related activity, and more. 

Additional Safety Tips

While abroad, book with reputable hotels and only take excursions with established tour companies. Take cabs from well-known businesses avoid hailing cabs on the street. Have your hotel concierge call the cab company for you. This is a great way to establish an official record of your travel with the cab company. Never let your cabbie take you places off the meter, which may lead to an argument about being under paid, or, worse, he might lead you to criminal groups intending to do you harm. 

Avoid taking pictures of sensitive cultural sites or government buildings. It’s a good practice to ask for permission. Keep in mind you might get some cool pictures of things you’re not supposed to, only to later have your mobile phone taken by customs officers who discover the pictures as you are leaving the country. Not good.

 Always dress appropriately for the country you are in and the climate you will encounter. Consider modesty (I always prefer neutral colors). Learn a few polite greetings and phrases. Avoid public intoxication and behavior that will attract the attention of the authorities. Avoid using military surplus gear and clothing especially in countries with insurgencies or unrest. You don’t need to become confused with being a supporter of a hostile group or being suspected a mercenary.  

In the early 1990s, the Chiapas revolt in Mexico resulted in a few unexpected and less than comfortable detentions of foreigners by the authorities. The revolt was a green light for the police and military to stop, search and question foreigners suspected of going to support the Chiapas revolutionaries. 

It’s currently in vogue to participate in lock sport in the U.S. (i.e., picking locks for fun). 

There are also well-meaning companies selling lock pick sets and escape tools for people to use during unlawful detentions, such as a kidnapping. This isn’t to suggest you don’t travel with a plan to deal with a potential kidnapping. However, carrying tools that are clearly to defeat locks and restraints can, if found, result in your being suspected of being a criminal. Or worse, possessing tools used by spies and mercenaries. It’s best to pack everyday items, which can in a pinch be converted to picks and shims. And if you plan to bring items such as bobby pins have an alibi for why you have certain items in your possession.

Intel Gathering

When traveling abroad always assume you are under observation (this might include your hotel room). Today more than ever, even in the third world, there are cameras and police everywhere. Plan on, at some point, encountering someone seeking to know more about you and your reasons for being in their country. It could just be a taxi driver, curious and looking to accommodate you, but it can also be someone intending to develop intelligence on you to commit a crime. 

Sadly, governments and criminal groups either pose as taxi drivers, or employ people in the tourist industry to identify targets or threats. It’s always good to be friendly, polite, and nonthreatening with strangers. It’s also good to have an alibi to use that can stand up to scrutiny. For example, when I was traveling back when I worked in law enforcement, when asked what I did back home, I claimed to work with a nonprofit organization whose goal was to help the people of the country I was traveling in. Of course, use an alibi you know well. For this example, I had worked previously for a nonprofit organization, so it was an easy sell. This was a much better option than explaining I was an FBI Agent on vacation. 

In many countries, law enforcement and intelligence officers are synonymous, and the belief is intelligence officers are never on vacation. So, if you have a sensitive job such as military, law enforcement, or you work for a cleared contractor that makes weapons, it might be good to have an alibi that isn’t as startling or controversial. Also, avoid using anything with company or agency logos that might betray your story.

Getting Detained or Arrested

Getting rolled up (i.e. arrested) is not hard to do in some cases. If you do get detained or arrested for whatever reason, make sure you respectfully ask to speak with a representative from the U.S. Embassy. Never sign anything that might result in charges being formalized against you that the U.S. will not be able to assist you with. If the U.S. does help, you might still be in hot water because crimes abroad might still be prosecuted in the U.S., especially if the foreign laws violated are also a violation of U.S. law. But it’s been my experience that our prison accommodations are preferred worldwide. You decide.

Post Travel Steps

  • Change passwords used abroad
  • Tell doctor about recent travel
  • Continue preventive meds (e.g., malaria pills)
  • Watch for symptoms; report with travel context
  • Share travel doctor contact info if needed

Homeward Bound

So, you have returned home without a hitch. You have great stories, pictures, and memories. Remember the situational awareness we talked about? There is still work to be done to ensure your travel, or your health, wasn’t compromised. Upon return to the U.S. consider changing passwords for accounts used during your travels as a safety precaution. 

Advise your primary care physician of your recent travel. Continue taking prescribed medicines such as malaria pills in accordance with the medical guidance your doctor gave you. 

Should you suddenly begin to show any symptoms of illness it is important for your symptoms to be viewed in context with recent travel to insure proper diagnosis. You might even share the name and number of your travel doctor you might have used during your pretravel preparations. They will be in a great position to help sort out your diagnosis with their knowledge of endemic diseases in the region you were in.

I enjoy travel. I enjoy it even more if there is some risk involved. But I like calculated risk rather than depending on sheer luck to get back. While serving in the U.S. Marines my sniper team’s motto was, “Always Make It Hard to Hurt You!” This is what I call a mindset rule. If you keep these things in mind, you eventually begin to integrate and adapt techniques, which then become your lifestyle — a lifestyle that will give you confidence and real skills to prevent you, your family, and friends from being victims of any kind. Safe travels! 

About the Author

Phillip Irizarry is a Marine Corps veteran of 10 years, having served both in the reserves and active duty from 1981 to 1990 as a Motor Transport Operator, Infantry Rifleman, and a Marine Scout Sniper. He also served 28 years as a Special Agent with the FBI. While serving with the FBI he worked a variety of assignments including drugs, violent crimes, public corruption, healthcare, fraud, counter terrorism and kidnapping investigations. His duties included SWAT operations, undercover operations, crisis/hostage negotiation, and firearms instruction. Phillip has been a volunteer and is currently Board Chair for Operation First Response since 2007, providing peer support for wounded veterans, caregivers, police officers, and first responders. In his down time, he enjoys adventure travel, primitive skills, bushcraft, and family time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and dogs.

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Inside the Mind of a Home Defense Shooting

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Imagine you wake at two in the morning to the sound of breaking glass. Your heart races. In a split second your brain goes into overdrive: you worry about your family, defending your home, and the safety of the people you love. You jump out of bed, grab your weapon, and move through a house you know like the back of your hand. In the living room you see the silhouette of a figure who is too large to be one of your loved ones. You turn on your weapon light. A pistol is raised toward you and a shot rings out — it misses to the left. You raise your weapon, present, engage, fire three shots, and the intruder drops to the ground. You move forward cautiously, weapon trained on the body, check for a pulse, confirm they are dead, take a breath, and then the adrenaline dump hits: your hands start to shake. You call 911 and let the system do its work.

That entire scenario — the way your brain and body respond — is what we will explore. Today, we look at the science behind a home-defense encounter involving the use of deadly force. We will break down how your body and mind will react and the neuroscience of extreme stress responses. This information can help civilians and first responders prepare for and recover from these intense events.

When your mind perceives a threat, it initiates a biological response meant to help keep you alive.
When your mind perceives a threat, it initiates a biological response meant to help keep you alive.

Primal Neural Mechanisms: Fight, Flight, or Freeze

A home-defense gunfight activates primal neural mechanisms in the human body. These mechanisms affect perception, decision-making, memory, and behavior and are often beyond conscious control. Most people prepare for the physical aspects of home defense: training at the range, choosing an appropriate weapon and caliber for a home environment, and understanding layout and construction hazards. Today, we want to prepare for the neurological and psychological stress responses and understand what happens beyond our technical training.

The 2 a.m. breaking glass is the stimulus that engages the brain’s emergency operating system: the fight, flight, or freeze response. The amygdala — the brain’s fear and threat center — can be “hijacked.” When it takes over, the brain favors rapid threat detection and reflexive response over slow, rational processing. The amygdala drives reactionary decision-making and triggers chemical changes by activating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. For simplification, think of the HPA axis like a thermostat: When it senses danger, the hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, which speeds up the body’s reactionary processes.

These neurochemical changes activate the sympathetic nervous system. Heart rate rises, pupils dilate, and blood vessels shift to push blood to core organs and muscles. This suite of neurological and biological events prepares your body for a fight.

Training in high-stress scenarios can help you cope when the amygdala decides to take over.
Training in high-stress scenarios can help you cope when the amygdala decides to take over.

Time Perception and Sensory Distortions

Startled awake, your fight-or-flight response begins and your brain changes how it processes sensory input. You move down the hall toward the threat, but it may feel like the longest walk of your life. Ambient sounds can seem muffled by rushing blood. Tunnel vision can narrow your visual field, and you may feel detached, as if you are watching yourself rather than acting.

During extreme stress, time perception and sensory distortions are common. A phenomenon called tachypsychia alters time perception — moments can feel stretched. Auditory exclusion (reduced ability to hear) and tunnel vision (loss of peripheral awareness) are neuroprotective physiological responses to threat. You may also experience depersonalization or dissociation because of the adrenaline surge. Understanding these neurophysiological changes can help you maintain composure and an effective protective posture. Mental rehearsal and stress-inoculation training are key to managing these responses.

Woman pointing a shotgun to thief while the thief are coming in for robbery. Concealed carry weapon for protection themselves concept.

Fine Versus Gross Motor Skills

As you approach the room, adrenaline courses through your body. Your heart pounds, your hands feel heavy or numb, and small fine-motor tasks become difficult. When you break the threshold and see a silhouette in the window light, you raise the weapon and aim.

Adrenaline impairs fine motor control (manipulating small objects or performing precise tasks) while gross motor skills (large, forceful movements) dominate. This has important training implications. Under stress people do not perform above their training level, they revert to the highest level at which they have been trained. Practice must include weapon manipulation under stress, target acquisition, and a stress-fire routine. Shooting for sport and shooting to survive are different skills. Being accurate at the range does not guarantee competence under life-and-death stress. Design your training and home-defense plans with those differences in mind.

intrusion of a burglar in a house inhabited

Threat Perception, Bias, and Decision-Making Under Stress

You have a backlit silhouette in your sights. Your heart races, your hands tremble, and thoughts — or the absence of them — move through your brain at lightning speed. You flip on the weapon light and see an unknown person holding a knife. You fire two rounds. The body hits the floor.

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for analytic thinking, impulse control, and moral reasoning. Under extreme stress, the prefrontal cortex can be bypassed by faster, threat-driven circuits. Heuristics — mental shortcuts used for pattern recognition and rapid judgments — can be influenced by prior experience, training, or trauma and may produce bias. Those rapid judgments can mean the difference between a life-saving action and a tragic mistake. Purposeful training that conditions decision-making under stress is essential to mitigate the risks of snap judgments.

The brain also uses rapid decision cycles such as the OODA loop — Observe, Orient, Decide, Act — to speed up responses. Conditioning, scenario-based planning, and realistic training are necessities for anyone who intends to use a firearm for personal defense.

Post-Incident Effects: Memory, Guilt, and PTSD

After the event your ears may ring and you may smell cordite. You turn on the lights, see the body, check for a pulse, and confront a surge of emotion and physiological reaction.

In the aftermath of a shooting, the brain often shows acute stress responses. Memories may be fragmented, distorted, or incomplete. Sometimes false or confabulated memories appear as protective mechanisms. This is one reason eyewitness testimony can be unreliable. Survivors may experience moral injury or survivor’s guilt after taking a life, even when the action was legally and ethically justified. Without appropriate therapeutic measures, acute stress reactions can evolve into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Returning to baseline takes time. Neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine) and hormones (cortisol) must rebalance. Sleep and mood are affected. Memory consolidation and emotional regulation can be impaired. It is imperative to connect with appropriate professionals, allow yourself to rest and process the event, and engage in corrective therapies as needed. Training and mental rehearsal can prepare you to act, but post-incident care is just as important for long-term recovery.

Situations like these are chaotic and overwhelm the senses. The ensuing trauma makes post- incident care a top priority.
Situations like these are chaotic and overwhelm the senses. The ensuing trauma makes post-
incident care a top priority.

Conclusion

A home-invasion gunfight is not only a physical event — it is a neurobiological upheaval. Preparation, training, and mental rehearsals will make you and your family safer. Responsible firearms ownership includes legal knowledge and range practice, but it also requires cognitive and psychological preparation both before and after an incident. Develop a plan that includes pre-incident training and post-incident care for yourself and your family. This is not just a legal issue; it is a psychological and physiological one as well. 

About the Author

Author kristopher hasenauer.

Kristopher Hasenauer is a board-certified physician assistant and graduated from the Army’s Interservice Physician Assistant Program in 2014. He is a former Special Forces A-Team Member Medical Specialist (18D) and held multiple operational and medical advisory positions within the U.S. Special Operations Command since 2005. Among his numerous endeavors, he is the CEO of Emerald Medical, coordinates training with Gorilla Ammunition, Gorilla Medical, Gorilla Tactical, and runs T1RX.

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

Surviving the Silent Season

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For some, the holidays and winter months bring more isolation than cheer. The cold months test both body and mind, and survival can depend on more than just firewood and food. Here’s how to protect your mental health when darker months close in.

The first Christmas I spent alone wasn’t in a snow- bound cabin or a remote survival shelter but rather a quiet night alone in my own home. I was on call for emergency mental health crises for my area, while my spouse visited family. I couldn’t travel with her. Outside, the streets were empty, the air dry and sharp, and the sky clouded with that dark “winter gray” that seems to hover from November to March in some states. It was sprinkling wet, fluffy snow, something I would have loved to enjoy with my wife, but, instead, it only deepened my sense of isolation. 

Inside, I fought the creeping weight of loneliness with every skill I’d taught my patients. I reminded myself why I’d volunteered for this shift: my coworkers had young children, and I wasn’t going to deprive those kids of Christmas with their parents. But the truth was, the silence pressed in like a heavy snowfall, and I desperately longed for the comfort of loved ones. That same mental battle plays out in survival situations every winter, whether you’re snowed in, cut off from loved ones, or facing the long nights alone in the backcountry.

For many, holiday cheer is hard to come by. It can take a lot of willpower and mental resilience to overcome the blues.
For many, holiday cheer is hard to come by. It can take a lot of willpower and mental resilience to overcome the blues.

The Holiday Blues

Holidays are usually thought of as times of bright cheer, sharing food and laughs with family, watching children open gifts, and celebrating one’s faith. But for some it can be the exact opposite. In the mental health field, we see a spike in depression, and sometimes, people end their own lives. There are many contributing factors. We know the darkest and longest nights are in December and January, peaking on December 21. The winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Less sunlight has a direct impact on mood. Sunlight is critical for serotonin production, regulating circadian rhythms (sleep), and stimulating the regions of the brain involved in emotion and reward. Now you know why all therapists preach “get outside and walk at least 30 minutes per day!”

With isolation comes wrestling those inner demons we often ignore during the grind of everyday life.
With isolation comes wrestling those inner demons we often ignore during the grind of everyday life.

Additionally, people who have lost loved ones often feel it more acutely during the winter holidays because of constant reminders of love, family and companionship on television, radio, and billboards. It’s a trigger for some that can’t be ignored. Speaking of companionship, have you ever noticed how many contestants on Alone end up tapping out due to the mental strain of missing loved ones? Despite the lone cowboy fantasy in survivalism, humans did not evolve to live in isolation. In my field, there have been numerous studies linking isolation to mental deterioration, depression, hallucinations, and even memory loss. Despite the fantasy, very few would last long living alone in the wilderness. We are more like pack animals than solitary creatures.

One source of the blues we tend to overlook is how the reduced sunlight affects our mood.
One source of the blues we tend to overlook is how the reduced sunlight affects our mood.

My father was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. In the early 1960s, he was assigned to a unit to be trained for Arctic survival. There are preps that must be made in advance for such an expedition, and these must be acquired in advance. There is also the need for an improvisational mindset, as things don’t always go according to plan. The same is true for all of us trying to survive the emotional toll of dark winter months, grieving during the holidays, or, simply, loneliness.

Not Just “SAD”

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is also common, and likely underdiagnosed. It is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. Symptoms usually begin late fall, and ease in the spring. (Note: there is a summer-pattern SAD as well, but it is much less common.) People who struggle with SAD will experience more days of “low mood,” less interest in things they usually enjoy, fatigue, mental fog, changes in appetite, sleep disruptions, and, in severe cases, thoughts of self-harm.

If you have thoughts about self-harm and difficulty stopping those thoughts, it is important to seek help. A therapist, a pastor, a close friend … tell someone how you are feeling. And, in most of the United States, 988 is now operational as a 24/7 Mental Health Hotline. Even during the holidays, you should be able to reach an empathetic ear from a trained mental health professional. Asking for help is not weakness; it is bravery. I have worked with some of the strongest, hardest men and women in the military and first responder worlds, and it is a courageous act to seek help. You matter. 

Staying busy is a way to focus the mind and keep it from wandering down darker paths.
Staying busy is a way to focus the mind and keep it from wandering down darker paths.

Just as mental preparation is critical, so too are the physical lessons of survival my father passed down to me. When he taught me about Arctic survival, he spoke of long nights in Alaska, and a darkness so deep that even the glow of a cigarette ember could be seen from far away. To prepare for their expedition, the men of his unit trained with local indigenous people. These men taught the soldiers about taking care of their sled dogs, and that on the coldest of nights, they slept with them for shared body warmth. The military also provided survival school instruction from Green Berets who taught the paratroopers that they needed to change their socks every two hours, as even moisture from marching could trigger frostbite. This was part of their preps. 

What preps might be needed for surviving a long, cold winter? Or a holiday alone? If you know in advance that the holidays might be challenging for you, or the winter in general, there are steps you can take to prepare.

Since diminished sunlight is a known contributor, it is even more imperative to get that exposure when we can. If possible, consider opening window shades during the day. Let in as much natural light as possible. Go outside during the middle of the day, when the sun is at its peak. If you are at risk for certain skin conditions, take whatever precautions your doctor recommends; wide-brimmed hat, UV sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. Try to get that exposure to fresh air and natural sunlight, even if it feels as cold as an Alaskan winter, for 20 to 30 minutes if possible. In the absence of that, your doctor may even recommend a special sunlamp to use for 20 minutes per day. 

While the commercial side of the holidays tends to get the most attention, it’s our interpersonal connections that should be the focus of the season.
While the commercial side of the holidays tends to get the most attention, it’s our interpersonal connections that should be the focus of the season.

Exercise becomes even more important during the winter months and holidays. Many are less active during these times, and we also tend to eat more sweets during the holidays, compounding health issues. There is a direct connection between healthy bodies and healthy minds. Good nutrition and physical activity are both needed for stimulation of the mood-balancing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. The Alaskan indigenous peoples, including the Inupiat, Yup’ik, and Athabascan, stay active during the dark winter months by developing a love for outdoor activities, such as mushing (dog sledding). 

This can be a good excuse to treat yourself to some quality winter gear that will improve your motivation to get outside and move. I’m a fan of the Baerskin Tactical Hoodie, and who doesn’t appreciate a pair of good hiking boots? Investing in gear that keeps you moving is as important as stocking up on food and firewood. Why not buy yourself a holiday gift? Wrap it up and put it under the tree if you’ll be spending the holidays alone, and open it on the holiday of your choice.

What about isolation? As mentioned above, this is one of the biggest factors affecting mental health during the holidays and winter in general. If you are prone to loneliness or maybe you have lost a loved one, consider volunteering at a local shelter or church. Connecting with others in this way can help fill your heart and curb the loneliness while also assisting others. If you have to work, such as in my example, consider video calling your family or friends and participating remotely. Even a brief online connection with someone can help during these challenging moments.

Exercise plays an enormous role in mental resilience. Even in the cold, getting out and moving will help boost your immune system, and your outlook on life.
Exercise plays an enormous role in mental resilience. Even in the cold, getting out and moving will help boost your immune system, and your outlook on life.

Having some plan to stay distracted can also be helpful. In Alaska, my father had orders to follow, tasks to complete, marches to march. A busy mind is a healthy mind. If you know that the holidays are going to be difficult for you, consider planning in advance how you would like to spend that day. Are there projects you have been procrastinating at home? Get what you need in advance and stay busy. Clean out that prepper pantry, reorganize your bug-out bag, sharpen your favorite bushcraft knife. Staying occupied can help. Simply staring out the window and missing your family can make the nights feel even longer and lonelier.

Adapting and Improvising

During his training in Alaska, many men ended up with severe medical issues from frostbite to hypothermia. Food supplies dwindled, making it even harder for the unit to stay warm and motivated. My father told me that those who made it through the entire training had to resist the urge to skip little steps that they were instructed to do, such as changing their socks every two hours. The soldiers had to sleep closer together in minus 34-degree temperatures. Mindset matters as much as gear and training when humans are pushed to the extremes. 

We can use humor, reward ourselves, practice gratitude, celebrate small accomplishments as ways to stimulate the brain and curb depressive thoughts. For many, prayer and faith can get them through dark moments when the urge to stay in bed and hibernate becomes strong. For those who live alone, a pet can help stave off the isolation and loneliness. Journaling and creating art can be helpful for stimulating the mood-regulating areas of the brain. Recently, I started experimenting with wood carving. After all, I am a knife collector and hardly need another reason to practice with my tools.

Winter is a great time to explore new activities. Snow and ice-focused sports abound, so get out there and embrace the brisk winter air.
Winter is a great time to explore new activities. Snow and ice-focused sports abound, so get out there and embrace the brisk winter air.

For my patients who are grieving during the holidays, I often encourage them to try to sit with the emotions of grief in small, controlled increments. Numbing out with alcohol will only postpone the grieving process. You can’t drown out grief; intoxication only delays the inevitable. In the field of therapy, there is one known constant for grief: “We must feel it to heal it.” It is normal to have moments of anger, sadness, guilt, and denial during grief. And it is normal to feel these emotions even more intensely during holidays. But we can control this by allowing moments for incremental grieving. 

We do this by remembering, not trying to ignore those memories. Try to focus on the happier moments shared, retell funny stories of your loved ones. Rituals such as lighting a candle or putting a loved one’s picture up on the mantel can help to honor them and give space to allow the incremental “feeling” of grief. When we lose a loved one, we never fully heal, but we can learn to move through it and find ways to continue honoring them by living our best life.

Even the Darkest Night Must Yield to Sunrise

Survival is not always about eating a squirrel over a campfire, deep in the wilderness. Survival is about mentally meeting the challenges day to day, even when getting out of bed feels impossible. It is also about recognizing that we all need connection and empathy, that reaching out for help is not weakness but strength. 

Soldiers training in arctic warfare understand that staying active plays a key role in keeping spirits raised.
Soldiers training in arctic warfare understand that staying active plays a key role in keeping spirits raised.

Remember, there are seasons in life, and even dark winters eventually end. What feels like an insurmountable march through a winter storm today will become tomorrow’s memory. One you may look back on with pride for having overcome. I hope your winter, and your holidays, are filled with warm fires, soft snow, and laughter shared with someone. Take care of your mental health — it matters.

About the Author

Photo of Tom Sarge.

Tom Sarge is a licensed trauma therapist who works with first responders and veterans. He is also a prepper, survivalist, and content creator. He has been featured on numerous podcasts and in print. You can find him on the YouTube Channels: Prepping With Sarge (@PreppingWithSarge), and The Official Mental Health Matters Channel (@OfficialMentalHealthMatters).

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

Chocolate for Survival

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Richard Bottomley, who has worked in Antarctica, says: “Your body knows what it wants! If you’re a chocolate eater, then your brain knows that chocolate is a great source of fats and sugars. When we’re cold, our body metabolizes either stored or consumed sugar. This process produces heat. Chocolate is a good source of simple sugars, which can be easily converted to heat — easier than breaking down stored glycogen from the muscles or liver and much faster than breaking down stored fats.”

There are a lot of reasons why chocolate is a good survival food. It’s energy-dense, providing high-calorie, long-lasting energy from fats and carbohydrates. It also contains protein, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial antioxidants, which support bodily functions and morale. Its high caloric content in a small, portable package makes it a practical, effective source of fuel during emergencies or extended periods without food. 

Chocolate in the Field

Ninety percent of the cocoa bean is digestible, comprising 40 percent carbohydrates, 22 percent fat, and 18 percent protein. Chocolate contains substantial amounts of vitamins A, D, B2, as well as vitamin E and K, calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, iron, phosphorus, linoleic acids, and phenylethylamine. For a food that is often regarded as a junk food or pleasure food, it’s really pretty good for you.

A study conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health indicated that people who eat from one to three chocolate bars a month live almost a year longer than those who do not eat chocolate. In fact, chocolate is a quickly assimilated, nourishing energy food. Chocolate was taken on all the American and Soviet space flights, onto all modern battlefields, and it was taken to Mount Everest on the Hillary expedition. Chocolate goes with many backpackers, hikers, and hunters on their field trips. And because chocolate is compact and long-lasting, it’s also an ideal item for your food storage and possible barter.

Which type of chocolate should one choose? For survival purposes, dark chocolate is preferable to milk or white chocolate, because it contains a higher percentage of cocoa, fewer additives and sugars, and a greater concentration of beneficial antioxidants. 

The cacao plant.
The cacao plant.

Composition of Chocolate Products

TYPECALORIES (per oz)FAT (%)PROTEIN (%)
Bitter (dark). No sweeteners added.1975510
Bittersweet. Must contain at least 35% chocolate liquor.170457
Sweet. Must contain at least 15% chocolate liquor and no more than 12% milk solids.162354
Milk. Must contain at least 10% chocolate liquor and at least 12% milk solids.150305
Cocoa (powder). All cocoa butter removed.1211518
[Source: University of Calif, Berkeley Wellness Letter]
In Yucatan, Mexico, the Maya regard the cacao pod as sacred. Here is a chocolate ceremony, conducted at the farm.
In Yucatan, Mexico, the Maya regard the cacao pod as sacred. Here is a chocolate ceremony, conducted at the farm.

Not All Chocolate Is the Same

Chocolate pods are produced on a smallish tree, grown and harvested in a region 20 degrees below and above the equator. The pods — maybe a foot long — contain white beans. Once picked, these beans are allowed to ferment for a few days or longer, whereupon they take on their characteristic chocolate aroma and brown color. Once dried, the beans are then exported and typically processed with modern machinery. However, it is certainly possible to process your own, as it’s often done today in Mexico.

During the normal manufacturing process, the beans are first “conched,” which means that heat and grinding pressure are applied to produce a thick liquid called chocolate liquor. When this chocolate liquor hardens, bitter — or baker’s — chocolate is the result. This is indeed bitter, and most people don’t care for it as is since it has no sweetness.

When this baker’s chocolate is then subjected to great pressure, both a liquid and solid result. The liquid is cocoa butter, and the solid is cocoa. Cocoa butter added back to baker’s chocolate in greater amounts results in bitter-sweet, semi-sweet, or sweet chocolate, three more grades or types of chocolate. The addition of milk creates milk chocolate. Sugar, vanilla, and various other ingredients are often also be added. Some of the “designer” chocolates can have hot chilis added, as well as a great variety of nuts, raisins, and even dried fruits.

White chocolate, however, is a misnomer. If a product contains no cocoa, it’s simply not chocolate. Cocoa is the absolute necessary ingredient of any true chocolate product. So-called “white chocolate” is made from the cocoa butter, but because it contains no cocoa, it is technically not chocolate at all. And, in some cases, if they didn’t even use cocoa butter, but just some cheaper oils, it has no business being called any kind of chocolate.

The pod that produces the chocolate seeds.
The pod that produces the chocolate seeds.

Since there are so many factors from start to finish, no two chocolate products have the exact same properties. In other words, when you try to answer the question “Is chocolate good or bad for me?” you cannot do so without precisely defining what you mean by “chocolate.” Chocolate really can be good for you, though the products which add white sugar are typically not ideal for your health. Fortunately, when you read medical studies of various “good” or “bad” effects from chocolate, they usually tell you what type of chocolate was fed to the test subjects, and, in some cases, the brand of chocolate as well.

Chocolate can be fattening if you consume a lot and are sedentary. A small 12-ounce candy bar typically contains about 220 calories. The raw bean does contain high amounts of theobromine and caffeine, but these oil-soluble stimulating alkaloids are largely lost during the processing. An average ounce of bittersweet chocolate contains from 5 to 10mg of caffeine, compared with 100 to 150mg of caffeine in an average cup of coffee. As for cavities, at least three separate research centers have revealed that the cocoa powder within chocolate contains a substance that actually inhibits cavities. 

A pile of ripe organic Cacao fruit ready to be processed into chocolate, at a farm near the City of Comalcalco, Tabasco State, Mexico.
A pile of ripe organic Cacao fruit ready to be processed into chocolate, at a farm near the City of Comalcalco, Tabasco State, Mexico.

Pharmaceutically Active Compounds In Chocolate

SerotoninA neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood. Though found in chocolate, it’s found in much higher amounts in other carbohydrates.
CaffeineThis stimulant is found in very small amounts in chocolate.
TheobromineCocoa beans are about 2% theobromine, a central nervous system stimulator, which stimulates and dilates the blood vessels of the heart and brain, and dilates the bronchi of the lungs.
PhenylethylamineAn amphetamine-like substance, also found in the brains of people “in love.” Though found in chocolate, it’s found in much higher amounts in meats, such as salami.
PolyphenolsThese antioxidants (also found in green tea and red wine) may prevent heart disease by preventing the clogging or arteries and lowering cholesterol levels.
CannabinoidsThese chemicals, which are the active ingredients in marijuana, are found in very small amounts in chocolate and may influence the brain’s own production of painkilling compounds. By “very small amounts,” you’d have to eat about 22,000 pounds of chocolate to have any drug-like response.
[Source: University of Calif, Berkeley Wellness Letter]
A woman at a Mexican chocolate farm shows how to make a fresh drink from the seeds of cacao.
A woman at a Mexican chocolate farm shows how to make a fresh drink from the seeds of cacao.

Hard Truths About Sugar

The culprit in the case of cavities is not chocolate, but sugar. Milk chocolate, for example, contains 55 percent sugar by weight. And, most often, chocolate is made with white sugar, a substance that can affect you physiologically in a way similar to cocaine. In most cases, the worst thing about chocolate is that it can contain too much white sugar, depending on the type. Most commercial chocolate products list white sugar (in any of its various guises) as the primary ingredient.

One way to sidestep the detrimental effects of so much white sugar in chocolate is to make your own chocolate products by mixing cocoa (or bitter or baker’s chocolate) with honey or other natural sweeteners. There are a few commercial chocolate bars which contain no white sugar, but these are not yet common, and cost up to three times as much as others with white sugar.

An Indonesian orchard of cocoa being harvested.
An Indonesian orchard of cocoa being harvested.

Negotiate With Nibs

Talk to anyone who’s lived through hard times, and they’ll tell you that certain basic commodities were hard to get. This usually includes such items as coffee, sugar, tobacco, alcohol, and, yes, chocolate. These might seem like vices, but chocolate is the best of the batch, and you’d be able to trade chocolate for other items you need. After all, who doesn’t like chocolate?

Unless you live in the tropics, you won’t be growing your own chocolate. Stock up and store it in a cool dry place. Don’t store it high up in an uninsulated cupboard. Once during a heat wave of over 100 degrees F, I found that all my chocolate had melted. At the time, I’d been storing chocolate nibs in glass jars, so I was left with a block of solid chocolate in each jar. If you purchase the unsweetened nibs — a good choice — store it in a solid container and keep it all wrapped. Store it in the basement if you have one, or in a low spot since heat rises.

Unsweetened baking chocolate is perhaps one of the best ways for chocolate storage. It will keep the longest, and since it is unsweetened, you can melt or shred it and use it any way you wish. The unsweetened blocks are also of a uniform size and are ideal for trading. If you don’t want to bother with the unsweetened chocolate, 85 percent cocoa would be a good next choice in the sense of versatility and trade value. Chocolate, properly stored, lasts almost indefinitely. In time, it develops a white coating and gets harder, but is still edible.

Divine Energy

I made an authentic chocolate drink by steeping the coarsely ground beans of the chocolate plant in warm water and adding a little honey. If historians are correct, this was the type of beverage called “xocoatl,” the drink that famous Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortez found the Aztec emperor Montezuma drinking. I found that once the whole beans were ground and made into a beverage, the drink had the color of weak coffee and was a bit oily. It had a pleasant bitter-chocolate flavor. My experience was that one cup seemed as stimulating as two to three cups of coffee.

Montezuma believed chocolate to be a food of the gods, which was brought to the Aztecs by a healer or prophet who traveled over the waters, possibly Quetzalcoatl. To this day, chocolate is known to botanists as Theobroma, or “food of the gods.” It was widely regarded as an aphrodisiac, a food that gave Montezuma the strength to deal with his many wives. Chocolate is a valuable energy food for active individuals. As with coffee, tea, and even tobacco, chocolate has the ability to enhance our lives when consumed moderately.

Cocoa beans (aka nibs) drying in the sun in the Philippines.

Recipes

Traditional Champurrado Beverage

  • 4 cups masa
  • 2 pieces Mexican chocolate
  • 2 tablespoons carob powder (optional)
  • Dash of sea salt
  • ½ cup Alta Dena eggnog (or other health-quality eggnog)
  • Warmed in pot, after chocolate has cooled to approximately 120 degrees F, add 1 cup milk.
  • 2 cups water

Mud Balls

  • 3 cups uncooked quick-cooking oats
  • 6 tablespoons grated dark chocolate
  • ½ cup dry milk
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (optional)
  • 1 cup currants or raisins
  • ½ cup chunky peanut butter
  • ½ cup raw honey
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla

Put the oats, cocoa, dry milk, and salt into a bowl. Mix well. Add the remaining ingredients and mix together. Mix thoroughly. Then, with a tablespoon of the mix at a time, roll into a ball with your hands. Put into a serving plate and serve. [Recipe developed by vegan chef Prudence Boczarski.]

Shavings

Purchase hard baker’s chocolate. Using a cheese grater, grate some over coffee, hot cereal, or ice cream.

Some commercial products with less white sugar.
Some commercial products with less white sugar.

About the Author

Christopher Nyerges is the author of Guide to Wild Foods and Useful Plants and about a dozen other books on ethno-botany, survival, and self-reliance. He can be reached at schoolofself-reliance.com, or Box 41834, Eagle Rock, CA 90041.

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