Tactical Shotgun: Upgrading Your Remington 1100

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Few projects feel more personal than working on a firearm that has been around as long as you have. My Remington 1100 came into the world in the early ’80s. It carries the wear of honest use and the quiet reliability that made the design a favorite for generations of hunters. I have always enjoyed tinkering, which means I rarely leave anything exactly as I bought it. That includes guns. When I finally committed to giving my 1100 a set of tactical upgrades, I wanted the process to feel purposeful. I wanted to enhance its utility for the woods where I hunt. I wanted a shotgun that could take on home-defense duty when needed. I did not want to erase its roots.

Working on a platform like the 1100 adds a particular kind of satisfaction. It has a history worth appreciating. It shoots smoothly because of a gas system that softens recoil. It has served clay shooters, hunters, and competitors across the country, and has been one of the best-selling autoloading shotguns in American history. Many of us grew up seeing them in fields, duck blinds, and behind closet doors. Working with one feels like a small conversation across time.

This project started as a curiosity. It ended as a reminder that old tools can adapt to the times with a little patience and the right parts.

Remington 1100 Shotgun

Classic Remington 1100 before upgrades

A Brief History of the 1100

Introduced in the early ’60s, the Remington 1100 followed a line of gas-operated designs that paved the way for smoother-shooting autoloaders. Earlier models used different systems, but the 1100 refined many of those ideas. Its gas system bleeds pressure from ports near the forend. That pressure drives a sleeve around the magazine tube. The movement cycles the action and sets the next shell in place. It fires standard 2¾-inch shells without adjustment on most versions. Magnum variants handle heavier loads as well.

These features gave everyday shooters a softer recoil impulse. That mattered for long days in the field or the range. Hunters and target shooters alike noticed the difference. By the early ’80s, the 1100 had become the dominant autoloading shotgun in the country in terms of sales. Production continued through numerous variations and special editions. Anniversary models appeared. Synthetic competition models joined the line. Millions of 1100s sit in closets and safes today — still ready to work.

My own example began life as a standard field gun. It came with a long bird barrel and simple wood furniture. It pointed easily and swung with a familiar feel that brought back memories of my early hunts. But modifying something like this carries responsibility. You want improvement while respecting it for what made the design great.

Tools for Remington 1100 tactical Shotgun Build


It doesn’t take very many tools to disassemble, add new components, and reassemble. All of these are likely to be found at your local hardware store.

Why Build a Tactical 1100

People upgrade guns for different reasons. Some want a defensive setup that fits their home. Others want a tool that adapts between multiple roles without switching platforms. I wanted a shotgun that tracked deer where I hunt, but I also wanted that same gun to handle home protection if needed. My plan required a set of tactical accessories that could shift between barrels and give me consistent ergonomics. I preferred to build the setup myself rather than buy a premade tactical 1100. For me, half the enjoyment sits in the process.

Upgrading an older shotgun changes its presence. Black synthetic furniture, a magazine extension, a rail for an optic—these things add function, yet they also alter how the gun appears. A tactical look signals purpose and may send the wrong message in the field. Deer and birds do not care, but people do. An all-black shotgun can draw attention at a rural gas station or in brush country. You might want that for a defensive role. You might not want it when you are carrying your grandfather’s old bird gun into the woods.

That tension pushed me toward a solution that gave me tactical features but softened the visual impact. I wanted the parts to blend into the woods, but I also wanted a firearm that still felt like a hunter’s tool rather than something built for breaching a door. That desire eventually steered me toward a simple camouflage paint job for the new components.

Remington 1100 Breakdown

Tearing down a the Remington 1100 semi-auto shotgun may seem a little more complex than a carbine, bolt-action rifle, or handgun, but it is fairly straightforward. Organizing the parts in a systematic way will make reassembly much easier.

Breaking it Down

Working on the 1100 begins with a basic field strip. You start by removing the forend and taking off the barrel. The gas system components slide off the magazine tube. Removing the trigger group is easy after pushing out its retaining pins. Then, you separate the stock if you plan to replace it. There is a special tool that exists for taking off the nut in the bottom of the stock. But if you don’t have that readily available, you can improvise with an impact driver and a 5/8 flat boring bit.

Once the shotgun sits in its field-stripped state, you can lay out the components you plan to add. A tactical build usually needs a shorter barrel, an extended magazine, a rail system, and a stock that brings better control under stress. My goal was a flexible system that felt the same whether I carried it for hunting or kept it staged for home protection.

Classic stock vs tactical stock

Wood components give the Remington 1100 its classic, old-timey aesthetic. While there is nothing wrong with this, modern synthetic parts will improve grip, control, and durability.

Reassembly follows the same order as removal. The new stock attaches at the rear of the receiver. The new forend slides in as the barrel seats over the magazine tube. The extension threads on after the barrel and forend lock in place. The carrier and rail mount on top of the receiver. None of these steps change the internal operation of the shotgun. They simply give the user more options for handling, sighting, and loading.

What matters most is a mindset of moderation. Since this shotgun was gifted to me by my father, I didn’t want to paint over the factory receiver, barrel, or original magazine tube. Those remained untouched, preserving the history of the gun, and protecting its value. The original wood stock and forend rest safely in storage.

Remington 1100 Tactical Shotgun Build with camo Paint


Tactical 1100 Build

For my hunting build, I wanted a durable stock with improved control. I chose the Mesa Tactical Urbino. It shortens the length of pull and brings the gun into the shoulder more naturally when wearing layers. The Choate magazine extension adds capacity without excess weight. The Khyber Optics MDO Mini Dot gives me a clear sight picture in dim woods. The Choate tactical forend gives better grip when hands grow cold.
These pieces work together to transform the feel of the 1100. You get quicker target acquisition. You get better handling in tight trees. You also get a shotgun that looks markedly different from the one that sat in your grandfather’s safe. That visual shift is why finishing touches matter.

My original 1100 carried warm wood tones that blended into the field without effort. The synthetic replacements showed up dark and bold. They cast a tactical silhouette that looked out of place in the woods or out in the fields. That difference inspired me to paint the new parts in a camo pattern modeled after the environment I’m surrounded by.

Paint and supplies for Remington 1100 Tactical shotgun build


If painting a component feels intimidating, practice on a piece of scrap paper or cardboard box. And if you paint a piece and it’s not to your liking, you can always start over. A few extra layers of paint won’t hurt it.

Blending In

Camo paint can make or break the look of a build. It can also soften the presence of a tactical shotgun when hunting. Rust-Oleum’s Camouflage line works well for this because the finish eliminates shine. I like colors that match local terrain: sand, dark earth, dark green. These create a natural palette. The paint helps the shotgun appear less aggressive and lets me blend in while sitting quietly in the brush.
When painting camo, I like to start with the colors I’d like to be the most prominent: tan for grassy brush, and dark green for leafy vegetation. Light colors on the bottom and dark colors on the top mimic the shades of creatures that roam the land. I then use dark earth and the stencil materials to make the patterns pop.

Painting a set of components requires patience and the right materials. It also requires a gentle touch. You want your pattern to feel organic. You want it to look like it belongs outdoors. I use local vegetation as stencils because they create soft edges that mimic natural shapes.
Once the pieces dry, a matte clear enamel helps protect the finish from scratches and moisture. Wear will still come over time. That is part of the charm. A shotgun should look used. It should record seasons and moments. Paint simply helps it do that for a little longer.

Remington 1100 Tactical Shotgun Build

The Remington 1100 Tactical Shotgun Upgraded for Home Defense

Final Thoughts

Building a tactical 1100 demonstrates the value of adaptation. Old guns have stories. They also have potential. With patience and a light touch, a classic field shotgun can step into new roles without losing its past. My 1100 now handles hunting season and home protection with equal confidence. It blends into the brush in a way that respects both the land and the people who move through it. All it needed was thoughtful upgrades, a little paint, and an appreciation for what it once was. Anyone can follow a similar path. That is the beauty of working with a platform that has served millions of shooters across generations.

Home Defesnse Tactical Shotgun build

Remington 1100 Tactical Shotgun Large Game/Home-Defense Build

By incorporating a shorter, threaded barrel, this setup is better suited to hunting big creatures with slugs. An extra bonus is that it has front and rear sight posts illuminated by fiber threads for a little aiming redundancy. Adding a light to the forend will light up a room if needed to find intruders in the dark.

  • Gun: Remington 1100, circa 1984
  • Barrel: 21-inch threaded barrel
  • Stock: Mesa Tactical Urbino Tactical Stock
  • Shell Carrier: Mesa Tactical SureShell Shotshell Carrier with Picatinny rail
  • Magazine: Briley +6 round mag extension
  • Forend: Choate Tactical Forend
  • Light: Streamlight ProTac 2.0 RM
  • Optic: Khyber Optics MDO Mini Dot
Bird Hunting Tactical Shotgun Build

Remington 1100 Tactical Shotgun Bird Hunting Build

Although this is a little heavier and takes up more room, the extra length keeps shot patterns tighter at further distances. This makes it more lethal when hunting game birds, and makes hitting clay pigeons a little more effective.

  • Gun: Remington: 1100, circa 1984
  • Barrel: 30-inch smooth bore
  • Stock: Mesa Tactical Urbino Tactical Stock
  • Shell Carrier: Mesa Tactical SureShell Shotshell Carrier with full-length Picatinny rail
  • Magazine: Choate 7 Shot Mag extension
  • Forend: Choate Tactical Forend
  • Optic: Khyber Optics MDO Mini Dot

Read More From Issue 72

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

Top Brass Debuts at SHOT Show 2026

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SHOT Show has never lacked new products. What it has often lacked is filtration. Thousands of booths present incremental updates, cosmetic revisions, and marketing language that sounds impressive on a placard but reveals little about performance once equipment leaves the convention hall. For 2026, Recoil Group introduced a mechanism intended to address that problem directly.

The inaugural “Top Brass” award tasked the Senior Editors of RECOIL, RECOIL OFFGRID, Concealment, and Gun Digest with identifying products that demonstrated real-world utility, novelty, innovation, and sometimes a combination of those attributes. Each editor walked the show floor independently and selected equipment based on practical relevance, durability, and problem-solving capability. OFFGRID Senior Editor, Patrick Diedrich, was assigned three awards focused specifically on preparedness and field use.

Outdoor Tech Award

Dark Energy – Poseidon XL

Key highlights:

  • 27,000 mAh lithium-ion capacity
  • 100W XT60 solar charging capability
  • Four fast-charging ports
  • Largest airplane-safe carry-on battery capacity
  • Powers Starlink Mini for roughly 2–3 hours
  • URL: Dark Energy

Portable power has quietly become critical infrastructure for modern field work. Communications, mapping, photography, navigation, and reporting now depend on electronics. A power bank is no longer a convenience item; it is an operational dependency. Most battery banks, however, remain consumer electronics wearing an outdoor aesthetic.

Dark Energy’s Poseidon XL was selected because it is engineered as field equipment first and electronics second.

The 27,000 mAh lithium-ion battery is built around environmental survivability. The housing exceeds MIL-STD-810G durability standards and carries an IP68 rating, allowing full submersion to six feet for 45 minutes while remaining dustproof and crush resistant. In practical terms, this is a battery bank that tolerates river crossings, heavy rain, snow, and pack abuse without protective handling.

Functionally, the Poseidon XL outputs and accepts 100-watt USB-C power and supports solar charging through an XT60 port. It can operate a Starlink Mini terminal for approximately two to three hours, recharge a 13-inch laptop about 1.5 times, and charge multiple devices simultaneously using four fast-charging ports. The unit includes internal voltage regulation and surge protection and is rated as the largest airplane-safe battery capacity currently allowed for carry-on travel. The device also includes timed shutoff modes to prevent overnight parasitic drain, a detail more relevant to expedition use than casual camping. The result is a power solution that bridges backcountry travel and modern connectivity rather than forcing a choice between them.

Tactical Minimalist Award

Sunshine Safety First Aid BRIK Micro

Key Highlights:

  • Berry compliant
  • 3.5 x 3 x 1.75 inches
  • Kevlar aramid stitching
  • Mil-spec elastic and hook-and-loop retention
  • 10 ounces
  • URL: Sunshine Safety First Aid

Preparedness equipment often fails for a simple reason: people leave it behind. Bulk and inconvenience are the most reliable predictors of non-carry. Sunshine Safety First Aid approached the problem by compressing a trauma stabilization capability into a footprint small enough to carry continuously.

The BRIK Micro (Bleed Resource Individual Kit) measures approximately 3.5 by 3 by 1.75 inches and weighs under one pound while maintaining a full traumatic hemorrhage response capability. Despite the compact dimensions, the kit contains a tourniquet option (Snakestaff ETQ Wide or SOF-T), QuikClot Combat Gauze, nasal airway, emergency trauma dressing, gloves, and supportive medical supplies.

The pouch itself uses Berry-compliant construction with Squadron 1000D laminate nylon, aramid Kevlar stitching, mil-spec elastic, and hook-and-loop retention. The design objective is constant carry rather than staged carry. It fits small packs, belt kits, and vehicle compartments without displacing other equipment. The significance of the BRIK Micro is behavioral. A medical kit that is present is infinitely more useful than a comprehensive kit stored at home. The product prioritizes accessibility and consistency over capacity while still addressing the most likely preventable cause of death in field trauma: uncontrolled bleeding.

Forged Innovation Award

Iron Ethos / SEAMARTEC – Orion Hatchet

Key Highlights:

  • Overall length: 16.54 inches
  • Blade length: 7.88 inches
  • Blade thickness: 5 mm
  • Blade material: D2 tool steel
  • Handle material: Micarta
  • URL(s): SEAMARTEC | Iron Ethos

SHOT Show 2026 marked the debut of Iron Ethos and Seamartec, a collaborative manufacturing effort bridging tactical and hunting/outdoor design philosophies. Their first major release, the Orion Hatchet designed by Jason Breeden, received the Forged Innovation award.

At first glance the Orion resembles a hybrid of a tracker knife, hatchet, and war pick. The unusual geometry is deliberate rather than aesthetic. The forward edge supports chopping and limbing, the reinforced point supports penetration and controlled splitting, and the handle geometry supports both hammer grip and choked-up control.

Constructed from D2 tool steel with a 5 mm blade thickness and a micarta handle, the 16.54-inch tool occupies a space between camp knife and compact axe. The design allows wood processing, shelter construction, and controlled carving tasks without requiring a full-size axe. It is part of the Mountain Peak Series and represents a new manufacturer entering the market with a defined identity rather than a derivative product.

The collaboration divides roles: Iron Ethos represents the tactical application side, while Seamartec targets hunting and general outdoor use. The Orion establishes a shared design language focused on durability and multi-role capability.

Closing Thoughts

The Top Brass award is not a popularity contest and not a marketing partnership. It is a field-relevance award. Each selection represents equipment intended to solve an actual problem encountered outside the convention center. For OFFGRID, that means survivability, reliability, and carry practicality.

Check out our in-person coverage of these companies at RecoilTV: SHOT Show 2026: The Best Survival Gear Nobody Is Talking About!

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Cold Steel Recon 1

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Cold Steel was founded in 1980 by Lynn Thompson with the goal of creating knives that could hold up to the rigors of hard use and tactical applications. Those familiar with the company know that most Cold Steel folding knives feature large and aggressive designs that focus on functionality over fancy aesthetics. For over four decades, Cold Steel has combined their aggressive and functional designs with durable materials and reliable locking mechanisms to create some of the toughest folding knives on the market. These qualities propelled many of Cold Steel’s designs to become popular with military, law enforcement, first responders, and tactical knife enthusiasts — but one design stands out above the rest, the Recon 1.

 

Recon 1

 

The Recon 1

The Recon 1 debuted in 2000 as a full-sized folding knife, featuring a thumb disk for deployment, a strong ultra lock, Zytel handles, and AUS-8 steel. For the knife enthusiasts reading this, those materials may not seem very impressive, but at the time these materials were widely used in tactical and duty knives across the industry. Thanks to the popularity of the Recon, Cold Steel continued to improve upon the design, as superior materials and innovative production techniques became standard.

In 2008, Cold Steel introduced the Tri-Ad locking mechanism designed in collaboration with famed knife maker Andrew Demko. This new locking mechanism looks similar to the classic back lock found on many classic folding knives but featured superior lockup and safety that allowed folding knives to perform many of the tasks once reserved for fixed blades. Ten years later, the Recon 1 was redesigned to incorporate the Tri-Ad lock and thumb stud opening method.

Today, the Recon 1 remains one of the most recognizable tactical folding knives on the market with two major variants. The standard Recon 1 features a 4-inch S35VN super steel blade that is available in clip point, American tanto, or spear point. The blade of the standard Recon 1 is offered in plain edge or half serrated and either a satin or tough black DLC coating. The blade stock is 3.5mm, allowing for excellent slicing capability while remaining durable.

The new Recon M1 features the clip-point blade with a plain edge and either a satin or DLC finished blade — but instead of S35VN steel, it comes in premium MagnaCut steel for increased edge retention and corrosion resistance.

Both variants are equipped with textured black G10 handles known for superb durability, chemical and UV resistance, and positive grip when wet. All the blade shape variants are known for their piercing qualities — with the tanto and clip-point tips having a more aggressive appearance, and a slightly more subdued spear point that provides superior tip durability.
Combining the strong Tri-Ad lock with high-end materials and just under 10 inches overall length, the Recon 1 is a full-sized workhorse of a knife that is ready to take on any tactical or practical task you can throw at it.

Cold Steel Recon 1

Recon 1 Spec Sheet

  • Make & Model : Cold Steel Recon 1
  • Overall Length: 9 3/8 inches
  • Blade Length: 4 inches
  • Blade Thickness: 3.5mm
  • Blade Shape: Clip point, tanto, or spear point; half serration available on all versions
  • Blade Steel: S35VN super steel
  • Handle Material: Black G10
  • Handle Length: 5 3/8 inches
  • Blade Finish: Satin or DLC coated
  • MSRP :$177
  • Weight: 5.2 ounces

Recon M1 Spec Sheet

  • Make & Model : Cold Steel Recon M1
  • Overall Length: 9 3/8 inches
  • Blade Length: 4 inches
  • Blade Thickness: 3.5mm
  • Blade Shape: Clip point
  • Blade Steel: Magnacut
  • Handle Material: Black G10
  • Handle Length: 5 3/8 inches
  • Blade Finish: Satin or DLC coated
  • MSRP: $260
  • Weight: 5.2 ounces

 

Recon 1 XL

 

The Recon 1 XL

If you love the design of the Recon 1 but are looking for something even bigger, the Recon 1 XL is what you need. Released in 2025, the Recon 1 XL has a massive 5.25-inch clip-point blade made from tough XHP steel. While XHP may not be considered as premium as S35VN or MagnuCut, it offers the superior durability of many high carbon tool steels, while remaining corrosion resistant. The blade stock is 3.8 mm thick, slightly thicker than the standard Recon 1’s 3.5mm stock. This adds more durability in hard-use tasks without sacrificing the excellent slicing capabilities the Recon 1 is known for.

The handle of the XL is 7 inches long with the same style G10 scales found on the standard Recon 1 model, providing all the durability and grip prowess of the original. The XL also offers an excellent pocket clip — though the XL is likely too large for most pockets but can be clipped to your belt or MOLLE webbing on a pack, plate carrier, or chest rig. The strong Tri-Ad lock is present and does an excellent job holding the massive blade in place during rigorous use.

Coming in at just over 1-foot long when opened, the Recon 1 XL is likely too large for standard EDC, but it makes an excellent hard-use outdoor or field knife. The clip-point blade offers exceptional piercing capabilities combined with tough XHP steel, and a good slicing ability, making the XL an ideal choice for a large hunting knife, camp knife, or self-defense tool.

Cold Steel Recon 1 XL

Recon 1 XL Spec Sheet

  • Make & Model: Cold Steel Recon 1 XL
  • Overall Length: 12.24 inches
  • Blade Length: 5.25 inches
  • Blade Thickness: 3.8mm
  • Blade Shape: Clip point
  • Blade Steel: XHP
  • Handle Material: Black G10
  • Handle Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Finish: Satin or PVD coated
  • MSRP: $330
  • Weight: 8 ounces

 

Recon 1 Mini

 

Recon 1 Mini

If you are looking for a more EDC-friendly choice, the Recon 1 Mini is an excellent option. Don’t let the name fool you, the Recon 1 Mini falls into the size range of most EDC knives, packing a 3-inch blade and a comfortable 4-inch handle, making it discreet and pocketable for everyday carry.
The Recon 1 Mini is available in clip point, tanto, or spear point and features the venerable Tri-Ad lock system. Like the larger models, the Mini comes equipped with a highly functional clip for pocket carry or attachment to gear.

The Mini’s blade is made from AUS-10A steel, a midrange Japanese steel offering good corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening. Unlike the large Recon 1 models, the Mini is only available in a satin finish.

The handle of the Recon 1 Mini is made from a type of glass fiber-reinforced nylon commonly known as Grivory or Griv-Ex. GRN is a thermoplastic that offers high heat and impact resistance while remaining lightweight and inexpensive to produce. GRN is widely considered a lesser handle material compared to G10, as it is less durable and has a bit more flex — however, it is still very durable and widely used in automotive and machine parts as a replacement for metal.

The Recon 1 Mini lacks some of the premium options found on the larger models, but it more than makes up for it with its EDC-friendly size that retains the same functional design and blade shape options found in the standard model. The Mini weighs 3.5 ounces, making it easy to carry in just about any type of pants. Best of all, the Recon Mini won’t break the bank with an MSRP of $80.

Cold Steel Recon 1 Mini

Recon 1 Mini Spec Sheet

  • Make & Model: Cold Steel Recon 1 Mini
  • Overall Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Length: 3 inches
  • Blade Thickness: 3mm
  • Blade Shape: Clip point, tanto, or spear point
  • Blade Steel: AUS-10A
  • Handle Material: Black GRN
  • Handle Length: 4 inches
  • Blade Finish: Satin
  • MSRP: $80
  • Weight: 3.5 ounces

 

Cold Steel Recon 1 Micro

 

Recon 1 Micro

The Micro is the smallest knife in the Recon 1 family, sporting a 2-inch blade and an overall length of 4 3/8 inches. Unlike the other versions of the Recon 1, the Micro does not have a pocket clip, instead offering the ability to add a keyring. The ultra compact Micro weighs in at only 1.1 ounces, making it an excellent addition to your keys or a fifth-pocket knife in jeans.
Despite the compact nature of the Recon 1 Micro, it retains the strong Tri-Ad lock found in the other versions and is offered in all three blade shapes found in the standard and mini variants. The blade is made from 4034 steel, a budget-oriented steel comparable to 420 stainless steel. While it will not hold an edge like premium steels, it will sharpen up quickly and provides reasonable toughness and corrosion resistance.

The handle of the Micro is made from the same GRN material as the Mini, providing durability while remaining lightweight. Unlike the other versions, the Recon 1 Micro does not provide a full handle grip, allowing for a comfortable two-finger grip.

Due to the compact nature of the Micro, it is best suited as a backup or small utility knife. The Micro does keep many great features of the other variants, including versatile blade shapes and strong lock, making it an excellent option for those living or working in restrictive jurisdictions.

Cold Steel Recon 1 Micro

Recon1 Micro Spec Sheet

  • Make & Model :Cold Steel Recon 1 Mini
  • Overall Length: 4 3/8 inches
  • Blade Length: 2 inches
  • Blade Thickness: 2.5mm
  • Blade Shape: Clip point, tanto, or spear point
  • Blade Steel: 4034
  • Handle Material: Black GRN
  • Handle Length: 2 3/8 inches
  • Blade Finish: Satin
  • MSRP: $33
  • Weight: 1.1 ounces

Read More From Issue 72

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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 manage the harsh winter conditions.

winter path

Your Shelter from the Storm

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 one is finding the appropriate balance of gear and weight. Unlike a bug-out bag, which is designed for three 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 — resulting in 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, and 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. Second, choose a bag that helps safely manage additional weight.


vanquest ibex 26

Vanquest IBEX-26

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 overpacking. 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 muscle 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 that 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 a mesh zipper compartment, secondary access to the top outside pocket, 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 the IBEX-26 for Winter Weather

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 than 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; 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. 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 you 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, resulting 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 carrying 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; 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 bag 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 stand-alone GPS unit can help guide you to snow-covered paths or trails, but like all electronics, it can suffer from faster battery depletion in the cold. If relying on electronics, always carry backup power and keep electronics and backup batteries as close to your body as possible to reduce battery drain from the cold.

Light

A method of light production is something 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 hands-free 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, having 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 some careful planning, 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.

See our full review of the Vanquest IBEX 26 Here

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Maintaining Comms During Disaster

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The Premise

Emergency Communication 101 sets out to solve a simple problem that becomes massive in a disaster. When the grid goes down and cell towers fail, most people have no clue how to talk to anyone beyond shouting distance. Creek Stewart and Joe Bassett aim this book squarely at beginners who need a foundation in off-grid communication. They walk the reader through why emergency communication matters, how radios work at the most basic level, and what kinds of tools can keep a family connected when everything modern society depends on suddenly flickers out.

The Breakdown

The book begins by highlighting the fragility of modern communication systems. Stewart and Bassett explain what happens when cell networks fail in a disaster, why traditional internet-based messaging collapses, and how this immediate loss of information affects rescue efforts and family reunification. This section reinforces a core survival truth. You cannot rely on infrastructure that depends on countless external systems to function. From there, the authors introduce the concept of resilient communication using radios and satellite tools that operate independently of everyday networks.

A significant portion of the book focuses on types of radios and their practical uses. The authors cover ham, CB, GMRS, and simple walkie-talkies, giving readers the who, what, and when for each option. For beginners, this makes the overwhelming radio landscape feel manageable. They explain licensing requirements, effective range, portability, and the basic etiquette needed to operate responsibly. This is where the book shines for newcomers. It removes mystery and presents radio communication as an accessible skill rather than an intimidating technical hobby.

The authors also explore emergency power solutions. Solar generators, portable battery banks, small panels, and backup power stations all receive straightforward treatment. Instead of deep electrical theory, readers get scenario-driven advice that helps them match tools to their expected disaster conditions. For anyone unfamiliar with off-grid power but eager to protect their communication capability, these explanations provide a solid introduction.

Another key topic is building an emergency communication plan. Stewart and Bassett outline how to identify communication priorities, designate meeting points, assign responsibilities, and incorporate backup methods. They encourage redundancy and simple drills to ensure family members actually know how to use the equipment. Again, the level is introductory but practical, leaning more toward checklists and easy wins than advanced strategies.

The Verdict

Emergency Communication 101 is an excellent on ramp for those who have never touched a radio or considered how fragile modern communication systems truly are. Its value drops for anyone with even modest experience in ham, GMRS, or off-grid power setups because the content remains intentionally basic. This is not a deep dive into advanced radio theory or high-level preparedness communication practices. It is a guided tour for beginners who need clarity, confidence, and a starting point.
For that audience, it succeeds. For intermediate readers, there will be little new ground. Overall, the book delivers on its promise. It teaches foundational skills and encourages readers to take the first tangible steps toward reliable communication in emergencies.

Emergency communication 101

About the Book

Book & Author: Emergency Communication 101
By Creek Stewart & Joe Bassett
Publisher: Adams Media
MSRP: $19 paperback
Pages: 224
Rating: Thrive | Survive | Die

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From Tactical to Practical

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I often meet people in my day-to-day life who do not understand why I spend my time, money, and energy constantly improving upon my family’s preparedness and self-sufficiency. The question I always get asked is, “Why do you do this?” For a long time, my answers consisted of a list of technical reasons why preparedness makes sense — but I found this never really had the impact on people I thought it would. This took me down the road of looking at the reasons why I embarked upon this preparedness journey in the first place — the why.

My passion for preparedness began well before I was born, starting with my grandfather in the World War II era. My grandfather was born and raised in Italy. He was a passionate and intelligent man who actively spoke out against the rise of Mussolini’s fascist regime. His activism quickly made him a target of the oppressive regime, resulting in threats of imprisonment and death. He spent time hiding and traveling between monasteries before he was finally able to flee to America. When he arrived in the United States, he could have simply lived his life in peace, but he instead chose to join the U.S. Army and fight for what he believed in. That tenacity for standing up for his beliefs and will to survive resulted in the creation of my family, and while my father and his brothers did not grow up living as preppers, my grandfather always instilled the importance of critical thinking, utilizing outside-the-box ideas to overcome obstacles, and the importance of protecting the family.

My grandfather was a big part of my life when I was growing up, and he instilled upon me the same values he taught his children through the stories of his life experiences. My father taught me the importance of hard work and doing everything to the best of my ability. He also shared with me his love of the great outdoors, physical fitness, healthy eating, and growing our own food in the limited space we had available to us in urban New York. Our shared love of wild places allowed me to experience the wonders of the wilderness around the country.

When I was 12 years old, I embarked on an adventure with my uncle and his family to Olympic National Park in Washington. As young people often do, I had a fight with one of my cousins while on a hike and decided to head back to the cabin we were staying in to cool off. After some time, I got bored and decided to hike back out to catch up with the group. What started with a few wrong turns ended with me wandering the expansive wilderness alone and hopelessly lost for hours.

After the water I brought along with me was exhausted, I had to rely on natural water sources to stay cool and hydrated. I utilized the knowledge I had learned in Boy Scouts and from my father to source water from the fast-moving rivers to stay hydrated and continued along the trails until I heard vehicles from a road and eventually went off trail toward the road until I came across the dirt road. I followed the road for a while until a park ranger vehicle went zooming past me. About 100 feet ahead, that ranger vehicle slammed on the brakes and threw it in reverse until reaching me. He asked my name, and when I answered, he promptly responded, “We’ve been looking for you, get in!” He took me back to my family. I spent the rest of the trip sick, as despite trying to source potable water I ingested parasites that caused gastrointestinal illness.

This was a defining moment for me. I realized how fortunate I was to be alive and decided it was important for me to learn all I could about wilderness survival. Throughout the rest of my youth and early adult life, my experiences continued to shape my preparedness, mindset, and skills. As a teenager, I worked for a taxidermist, where I learned the importance of hunting in providing protein and usable resources from animals. When I got engaged to my wife, my father-in-law — a Marine and retired NYPD police officer — taught me firearms skills and tactics to defend myself and my family. I experienced living through natural disasters, grid outages, supply chain disruptions, and lived in the New York City area during 9/11.

The culmination of all these experiences and people in my life was the realization that preparedness is not just a single set of skills or an array of cool gear — it was a state of mind and the blending of practical ancestral practices, general modern know-how, tactical skills, and the appropriate equipment that I knew how to use. It was more than being prepared in an emergency — it was living a self-sufficient lifestyle and building a community around me, both to teach and to learn from.

As you read through this issue, you will see a variety of topics, ranging from practical self-sufficiency for everyday life to tactical skills and equipment that can help all of us in an emergency. Each article was selected based on the important lessons I learned throughout my life. As you read through each of article, I encourage you to look back on your own experiences and ask yourself what shaped you into the preparedness-minded person you are today — so that the next time someone asks you why you do what you do, you can explain your why.

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

RECOIL OFFGRID UNDISCLOSED VIDEO – Part 1

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Welcome to RECOIL UNDISCLOSED

In Part 1 of this two-part series, a group of everyday civilians is dropped into a completely unknown environment with one objective… learn how to think, move, and act when systems fail and help is not coming. Hosted by RECOIL and OFFGRID, UNDISCLOSED is not a typical training weekend. There are no spectators. No phones guiding the way. No prior warning of what comes next.

Participants are pushed through compressed, high-intensity instruction designed to build real-world capability under stress. This episode sets the foundation. You will see participants arrive with zero context, form teams, and immediately begin training across critical disciplines including tactical medicine using the MARCH algorithm, close-quarters battle fundamentals with sim munitions, surveillance and intelligence gathering, shelter construction and camouflage, land navigation through terrain association, low-light decision making, and precision rifle problem solving under unknown variables.

The day culminates with the reveal of the scenario that drives the entire exercise… a simulated hostage situation that requires teams to move undetected, establish observation posts, collect intelligence, and prepare for a coordinated rescue operation at first light. This is about mindset as much as mechanics. Ordinary people learning how to respond when chaos replaces comfort. When leadership matters. When hesitation has consequences. Then prepare for what comes next.

Learn more about the Undisclosed event

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Cold Weather Survival: Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Hypothermia

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Winter months bring serious threats for anyone spending time outdoors. Snow, wind, and freezing temperatures cause a host of complications, including an increased risk of hypothermia. This threat is generally understood by those with an adventurous spirit venturing in the frozen outdoors. However, even a small lack of understanding can cause an inconvenient situation to quickly turn into an emergency. 

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if you are an intrepid adventurer or a preparedness-minded individual just going about your daily life. Understanding how hypothermia can occur, what can be done to prevent it, and how to treat someone in a hypothermic state can go a long way to helping us stay healthy and prepared through the winter months.

Thermoregulation

To understand how hypothermia occurs and the impact it has on our body, we must first look at how the human body maintains an ideal temperature. The human body employs a process called thermoregulation to ensure our core body temperature is maintained at roughly 98.8 degrees F, a level that will keep our organ systems functioning at peak capacity. We experience some of these natural processes on a regular basis. When we become too warm our body will produce sweat to cool us down, and when we are cold we will shiver to produce more heat. These two examples are just a small part of the complex processes the human body employs to maintain our ideal body temperature. While efficient, extreme environmental conditions can overwhelm the body’s thermoregulation process. 

Falling into cold water in the winter months can rapidly cause life-threatening hypothermia.
Falling into cold water in the winter months can rapidly cause life-threatening hypothermia.

Hypothermia

Simply defined, Hypothermia is caused by a drop in core body temperature below 95 degrees F. This loss of core body temperature negatively impacts several essential systems in our bodies, including our cardiovascular, nervous, and respiratory systems. If left untreated, hypothermia can lead to a total failure of one or all these systems resulting in death. In most cases, if treated properly, hypothermia does not cause long-term damage; however, severe cases can cause long-term damage to body systems due to the reduction of blood flow. Long-term damage is most common in the extremities including arms, legs, hands, and feet.

Familiar trails and walking paths can easily become alien when snow is covering the ground, signs, and markers. Icy walkways can also result in slip and fall injuries. Both these situations can result in being stuck outside in the elements longer than expected. 
Familiar trails and walking paths can easily become alien when snow is covering the ground, signs, and markers. Icy walkways can also result in slip and fall injuries. Both these situations can result in being stuck outside in the elements longer than expected. 

How Hypothermia Occurs

Hypothermia can occur when the human body loses heat faster than it can produce heat. People can succumb to hypothermia in rural, urban, and wilderness environments — even while in a vehicle or building in certain conditions. Hypothermia most commonly occurs in freezing temperatures, but there are several other factors that can lead to hypothermia in temperatures of up to 50 degrees F.

  • Water: The body will rapidly lose heat when exposed to cold water, making falling into icy waters a common cause for hypothermia. Submersion in water that is 32.5 degrees can lead severe hypothermia and death in under 15 minutes, but water temperatures up to 70 degrees can cause hypothermia in as little as 2 hours. Wet snowfall, and rain can also lead to hypothermia when the temperatures are above freezing.
  • Wind: Our body is constantly surrounded by a thin layer of warm air that is generated by our body heat. This is an important part of our natural thermoregulation, and our skin is even adapted to trap more warm air when exposed to the cold by producing goose bumps. The reason the wind feels colder than the air around us is because it is blowing our protective layer of warm air away from us, leading to rapid heat loss.
  • Skin Exposure: Ninety percent of our body heat is lost through our skin, and much of the rest is lost through respiration. Exposed skin in cold temperatures will result in rapid cooling of our body. Exposed extremities can not only cause heat loss but also cool the blood in those areas that will circulate back to our major organs, reducing core body temperature. 
  • Sweat: Even in the colder months, physical exertion and clothing will produce more body heat and cause us to sweat. In the moment, that sweat is doing an important job of preventing us from overheating. But it can quickly become a problem if our clothing absorbs that moisture, producing effects similar to being submerged in cold water.
  • Alcohol and Caffeine: Part of the human body’s response to rapid heat loss is vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels to slow blood flow to slow heat loss and reduce cooler blood returning to key organs. Alcohol, caffeine, and similar compounds cause vasodilation, which opens blood vessels increasing loss of core body heat. 
The weight of snow and ice can bring down large tree branches, taking down power lines or blocking roadways, causing detours that can keep you out in the cold longer.
The weight of snow and ice can bring down large tree branches, taking down power lines or blocking roadways, causing detours that can keep you out in the cold longer.

Sensitive Groups

Young children and older adults are more susceptible to hypothermia than other groups. Individuals with medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and circulation disorders are also more prone to developing hypothermia. These groups can enter hypothermic states faster than others and even develop hypothermia in temperatures of 50 degrees when combined with some of the other factors mentioned above.

Children are one of the sensitive groups that can succumb to hypothermia faster than a healthy adult. Ensuring sensitive individuals have the appropriate winter gear is vital to preventing hypothermia.
Children are one of the sensitive groups that can succumb to hypothermia faster than a healthy adult. Ensuring sensitive individuals have the appropriate winter gear is vital to preventing hypothermia.

Signs and Symptoms

Hypothermia occurs over multiple stages, each with unique signs and symptoms. 

  • Mild Hypothermia: Intense uncontrollable shivering
  • Moderate Hypothermia: Shivering diminishes. Loss of coordination, fine motor control, and confusion. Bluing of lips possible.
  • Severe Hypothermia: No shivering, Unconsciousness, rigid muscles, heart arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest.  
Keeping a winter survival kit with extra dry clothing, blankets, and a fire kit can help keep you warm in the event of a vehicle breakdown. A reliable get-home bag like this Vanquest Ibex will allow you to transport all your warming essentials on foot should you need to abandon your vehicle.
Keeping a winter survival kit with extra dry clothing, blankets, and a fire kit can help keep you warm in the event of a vehicle breakdown. A reliable get-home bag like this Vanquest Ibex will allow you to transport all your warming essentials on foot should you need to abandon your vehicle.

Prevention

In most cases, hypothermia is a treatable condition, but prevention is the best method to keep ourselves safe in the colder months

Avoiding extreme cold is the best prevention method. While this is not always possible, there are often reasons why schools and businesses close during extreme winter weather. The best way to avoid a cold weather emergency is to stay indoors during active storms. This reduces the likelihood of being stranded in a vehicle or receiving an injury that can slow or stop our ability to get to shelter.

If you can’t avoid the cold, making sure you have the appropriate clothing and outerwear is very important. Creating layers that will help insulate our body is vital for any long-term cold exposure. Even if you aren’t planning on being outdoors for long, winter conditions can quickly shift, impacting roadways and vehicles that can lead to extended exposure to the elements.

  • Base Layer: Base layers typically go beneath your other clothing, wool or synthetic base layers can reduce heat loss from sweat. Wool is a natural material that animals use to help regulate their body temperature. Unlike cotton, wool retains the ability to keep you warm when wet. Wool socks are especially important, as they will keep your feet warm and reduce the absorption of sweat and help prevent damage to your foot tissue. While not as efficient as wool, synthetic materials can help wick sweat and dry quickly.
  • Mid Layer: This layer consists of your regular clothes, pants, shirt, etc. Again, avoiding standard cotton is a good idea, especially if you may get wet or plan on being very active and generating sweat. Materials that can absorb water from rain of melting snow will diminish our ability to stay warm, especially if facing declining temperatures throughout the day. Water resistant or waterproof pants can help prevent the loss of body heat. Keeping your core warm is vital. Your heart will be pumping blood from your core through your body, and cooler blood will be returning from your extremities. In extreme temperatures, including a fleece or insulated vest will go a long way to keeping your core warm.
  • Outer Layer: This consists of your coat, hat, gloves, and shoes or boots. It is important that you get the appropriate outer layers, as most “fashion” hats, gloves, and coats will do very little to protect you from the elements. An insulated water-resistant coat or parka is a great option for dealing with cold wet environments. Wool beanies and gloves can serve as a good outer layer for your head and hands or be placed under a thicker hat and glove. Insulated waterproof footwear can help keep your feet warm and dry.

Winter Ready Vehicle

People often mistakenly view their vehicles as a potential shelter from the extreme cold. While a vehicle can provide shelter from wind and snow, it will not retain heat for very long if not running. While sheltering in a vehicle may not be an ideal long-term solution, keeping some basic supplies can help reduce the risk of hypothermia.

  • Blankets: Keeping blankets in your vehicle, especially wool blankets, can provide a much-needed form of insulation in a cold weather emergency.
  • Spare Clothing: Travel with a spare set of appropriate winter clothing. That spare set of warm and dry clothing can potentially save your life.
  • Survival Kit: Having a survival kit, especially one that provides a means of making fire and the tools you may need to build a makeshift shelter is very valuable in an extreme cold survival situation.
  • Fuel: It is important to ensure your vehicle has as close to a full tank of gas as possible during the cold months as the ability to keep your heat running as long as possible is vital in an emergency.
  • Maintenance: Just as the winter is hard on our bodies, it is also hard on our vehicles. Making sure maintenance is up to date will help prevent unexpected vehicle breakdowns in extreme cold conditions.
Fire is a great way to produce warmth and light that can be used to signal for help. A basic fire kit with multiple fire-starting tools and some man-made tinder can help you get a fire started even in wet conditions. This kit is stored in a Tuff Possum Personal Survival Kit pouch that is made from waterproof XPac material to ensure the contents stay dry.
Fire is a great way to produce warmth and light that can be used to signal for help. A basic fire kit with multiple fire-starting tools and some man-made tinder can help you get a fire started even in wet conditions. This kit is stored in a Tuff Possum Personal Survival Kit pouch that is made from waterproof XPac material to ensure the contents stay dry.

Treating Hypothermia

While prevention is the best option, there are things you can do to treat individuals with moderate and severe cases of hypothermia until help arrives, or you can transport the individual to the care of a medical professional.

  • If possible, bring the person indoors; if not, do your best to insulate them from the cold ground.
  • Remove any wet clothing and replace it with warm, dry clothing if possible.
  • Warm the person, focusing on their core using extra clothing and blankets.
  • Do not warm extremities first (arms and legs), as this can cause arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
  • Do not put in a warm bath, as this can cause arrhythmia.
  • If conscious, offer warm fluids without caffeine or alcohol as they can speed heat loss.
  • If the person is unconscious, begin CPR and contact emergency medical personnel immediately.
Having an insulated water-resistant coat or parka, a wool hat, and insulated water-resistant gloves will help retain more body heat for longer periods of time and help prevent hypothermia.
Having an insulated water-resistant coat or parka, a wool hat, and insulated water-resistant gloves will help retain more body heat for longer periods of time and help prevent hypothermia.

Final Thoughts

Hypothermia is a very serious threat during colder months, but it is something that can easily be prevented with some common sense and planning. The rapid pace of modern life often leads to people putting themselves in dangerous situations when traveling to work or running errands during extreme winter weather despite the warning systems we have in place to reduce the risk. 

A synthetic mid-layer can help keep you warm and reduce moisture that may permeate your outer layers from getting to your base layers.
A synthetic mid-layer can help keep you warm and reduce moisture that may permeate your outer layers from getting to your base layers.

There are other steps we can take to stay safe beyond just paying attention to extreme weather warnings and staying indoors during severe winter weather. Ensuring your home is supplied with essentials can reduce the need for travel during winter storms. Keeping your vehicle maintained and fueled up will reduce the likelihood of breakdown when traveling in the winter. Building and keeping a winter survival kit in your vehicle can ensure you have what you need if stranded to stay warm.  

Insulated waterproof boots like the Garmont Extreme Evo T8 can help keep feet warm when out in wet, snowy, and icy conditions.
Insulated waterproof boots like the Garmont Extreme Evo T8 can help keep feet warm when out in wet, snowy, and icy conditions.

The best option for preventing hypothermia is avoiding conditions that cause hypothermia. But if you can’t avoid being outdoors it extreme winter weather, then you must be prepared with the appropriate cold weather gear and armed with the knowledge and skills to keep yourself and those around you safe.

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

FN Firearms: 2026 New Product Release

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When FN America extends an invitation, you don’t decline. We were brought to the Sawmill Training Complex in South Carolina for a full day of field testing the company’s newest offerings. These products are set to be revealed at SHOT Show 2026, and FN let us get hands-on time ahead of the public release. What we found was a trio of platforms that speak directly to customer demand, whether you’re a new buyer or a seasoned professional.

With the release of their product line at SHOT Show 2026, we are now able to release details to the public! Enjoy!

FN 309 MRD: A Pistol for Everyone

The first firearm on the line was the FN 309 MRD, built from the ground up with the first-time owner in mind. It’s approachable, affordable, and surprisingly refined.

The 309 MRD features a ~5-pound trigger, a 15-degree grip angle, and polymer magazines available in 16, 20, or 10 rounds. It’s optics-ready, has a light rail for accessories, and includes a holster designed in-house by FN, removing the guesswork for buyers.

Where it really shines is in the mechanics. Racking force is reduced by 25 percent compared to most tactical pistols, and the loading process is forgiving even if a round is inserted in the wrong direction. The result is a pistol that is easy to run, maintain, and trust.

On the range, the 309 MRD felt like it came pre-broken-in. Cycling was smooth, disassembly was simple, and magazine servicing was straightforward. The slide release was a bit stiff, but it’s nothing training won’t address. Best of all, the pistol is expected to retail for under $500, an impressive value for its feature set.

The Next SCAR Evolution

FN’s SCAR rifle family has long been the crown jewel of its lineup. The new SCAR models add meaningful improvements without losing what made the platform iconic.

The bolt carrier is now a two-piece unit with a built-in hydraulic buffer. In the 7.62 variant, that translated to softer recoil and more consistent shot placement. We were pushing hits at 1,385 meters with confidence. The 5.56 version was arguably the star of the day, the hydraulic system virtually eliminated muzzle climb, so maintaining sight picture between shots was effortless.

Other updates include an extended forearm that covers the gas block, a longer integrated M-LOK rail, ambidextrous controls, QD sling mounts, and compatibility with mil-spec AR-15 stocks. The safety selector can be configured 24 different ways, letting shooters fine-tune the controls to their preference. Even better, these upgrades are backwards-compatible with earlier SCARs. FN estimates they represent about $900 in added value, without increasing the rifle’s price.

QD 556 and QD 762 Suppressors

FN also introduced two suppressors, the QD 556 and QD 762, both 3D-printed from Inconel and built to exceed SURG-cycle durability standards. They feature forward-venting (flowthrough) designs, are magnum-rated, and ship with HUB-compatible QD mounts and muzzle brakes.

The mounting system includes a tactile ratchet that confirms proper lockup. FN added wrench flats and spanner cutouts so you can attach or remove them with whatever tools are on hand, a thoughtful touch that shows the design team has spent time in the field. During testing on the SCAR rifles, performance was excellent, with no blowback issues and reliable consistency.

Final Thoughts

After a day at the Sawmill, one takeaway was clear: FN is paying attention to its audience. The 309 MRD lowers the barrier for first-time pistol buyers. The next-generation SCAR brings refinements that serious users will notice immediately. And the QD suppressors offer practical design choices that shooters will appreciate in real conditions.

FN is definitely listening to their customers, whether it’s your everyday Joe buying his first pistol or a Tier 1 operator taking care of business abroad.

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Offgrid Adventures: Montana to California

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For this edition of Offgrid Adventures, we’re setting our sights on two landscapes that tell very different stories of wild America. First is Jack Creek Preserve, an expansive stretch of Montana wilderness tucked between Ennis and Big Sky, where mountain trails lead deep into country still shaped by the hands of its original stewards. Then, we’ll move west to California’s Pinnacles National Park, a place born of fire and fracture, where ancient volcanic rock towers above caves and canyons. Together, these two destinations offer a study in contrast, one rooted in alpine forests and conservation, the other in shifting geology and survival of the land itself.

Jack Creek Preserve, Montana

Adventure Appeal: Jack Creek Preserve offers a rare wilderness experience in Montana’s Madison Mountains, where 4,500 acres of protected land serve as both a recreational destination and a vital wildlife corridor. Nestled between Ennis and Big Sky, the preserve connects two sections of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, allowing elk, bear, and other wildlife to thrive in their natural habitat. Visitors can hike along the Jack Creek Trail, which provides year-round access to Forest Service land and deeper wilderness terrain. For those seeking adventure, the preserve offers opportunities to learn traditional outdoor skills, from bowhunting to wilderness tracking. Its rugged terrain, alpine lakes, and sweeping mountain views create an immersive setting for explorers who want more than just a scenic stop, but instead a living classroom in conservation and ecology.

Few places afford such an abundance of panoramic views.
Few places afford such an abundance of panoramic views.

Survival Readiness: Travelers to Jack Creek Preserve should be prepared for a semi-remote experience, where natural beauty comes with inherent challenges. Weather in the Madison Mountains can change rapidly, with sudden snow or storms even in summer months, so proper layering and navigation tools are essential. Wildlife encounters are likely, as grizzly bears, moose, and mountain lions inhabit the area, making bear spray and situational awareness critical. Since access is controlled by a private road requiring a permit, visitors must plan ahead to avoid being turned away. Trail users should expect rugged conditions with limited cell service, carrying sufficient food, water, and first aid. Hunters and camp participants are provided structured resources, but independent visitors need to approach the preserve as an off-grid zone where self-reliance and outdoor competency are key to both safety and enjoyment.

Montana is known for its great hunting opportunities, but it is also a dream come true for winter sports enthusiasts.
Montana is known for its great hunting opportunities, but it is also a dream come true for winter sports enthusiasts.

Getting There: Access to Jack Creek Preserve is unique, as it requires navigating the gated Jack Creek Road, owned and managed by Moonlight Basin. Visitors need a road pass to use this route, so planning with the preserve or affiliated organizations is essential. Those without permits can still reach the area by hiking along Jack Creek Trail (6317), which has a Forest Service easement ensuring public access throughout the year. The preserve lies between the communities of Ennis and Big Sky, making Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport the most convenient air gateway, followed by a scenic drive through the Madison Valley. Travelers should be prepared for limited signage and mountain driving conditions, especially in winter. For those attending educational programs, transportation details are often coordinated in advance, but independent explorers will need reliable vehicles and maps.

Local Perks: Beyond its rugged wilderness appeal, Jack Creek Preserve offers cultural and community connections that enrich the visit. The preserve lies within the ancestral homelands of the Salish, Shoshone-Bannock, Apsáalooke, Tséstho’e, Niitsitapi, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla peoples, whose stewardship of the land is honored through ongoing conservation efforts. Modern visitors can engage in camps, workshops, and field schools designed to foster outdoor skills and environmental education. Hunting opportunities, offered in partnership with organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, emphasize the role of hunters in conservation. For those staying overnight, log cabins and structured camps provide a blend of comfort and rustic immersion. The nearby towns of Ennis and Big Sky add to the experience with small-town hospitality, western culture, and access to local Montana cuisine, making the preserve both an outdoor adventure and a cultural journey.

Pinnacles National Park, California

Tucked beneath ancient rock formations, a network of caves offers cool relief from the heat of the day.
Tucked beneath ancient rock formations, a network of caves offers cool relief from the heat of the day.

Adventure Appeal: Pinnacles delivers a rare mix of serrated spires, condor country, and flashlight-in-hand cave crawling. Lace up for the High Peaks, where steps and handrails thread narrow ridgelines with thousand-foot perspectives over oak woodlands and chaparral. Duck into talus caves at Bear Gulch or Balconies where house-sized boulders roof cool passages and water voices echo after storms. Seasoned climbers find volcanic breccia with pockets and knobs, while wildlife watchers scan thermals for the unmistakable silhouette of California condors managed here with neighboring partners. Spring paints the slopes with wildflowers and raptor displays, winter brings clear air and quiet trails, and long golden evenings land softly on the spires.

Paths wind through narrow craigs, opening again to stunning views.
Paths wind through narrow craigs, opening again to stunning views.

Survival Readiness: Heat is the big hazard. Summer and early fall often exceed 100 degrees with no water on trails, so plan at least one liter per person per hiking hour and favor dawn starts. Shoes with real tread matter because volcanic rubble rolls underfoot and cave floors can be slick. Carry a light for any cave route and check seasonal closures for bats and flood risk. Watch for poison oak on nearly every trail edge and rattlesnakes sunning on warm rock. Winter storms can swell creeks and trigger rockfall that lingers after rain. Cell coverage is spotty, so leave an itinerary and bring a paper map. Developed water is limited to visitor areas and the campground.

There are routes for all levels of difficulty, from well-marked trails to near-vertical technical climbs.
There are routes for all levels of difficulty, from well-marked trails to near-vertical technical climbs.

Getting There: There is no road through the park. Choose your side before you drive. From the Bay Area, the East Entrance comes via US 101 to CA 25 then CA 146 to the campground and visitor center. The West Entrance reaches trailheads above Chaparral from Soledad via CA 146, which narrows to one lane in places. East side trails are open 24 hours for day use, while the west gate operates daytime hours only. Expect heavy spring visitation with parking filling by mid-morning. A seasonal shuttle runs on the east side from the campground area during busy periods which helps bypass full lots near Bear Gulch. Use the official entrance coordinates when navigating.

Wildlife abounds in the park; the observant will have the opportunity to spot many species, like this Steller’s jay.
Wildlife abounds in the park; the observant will have the opportunity to spot many species, like this Steller’s jay.

Local Perks: Base on the east for camping near the park store and showers or day trip from Salinas Valley towns with farm stands and simple taquerias. West side access pairs nicely with Soledad tasting rooms and Mission-era history along the valley. Birders can combine condor watching with wintering raptors over fields, while families enjoy short scenic loops like Moses Spring to the Bear Gulch Reservoir when caves are open. Spring wildflowers and fall grape harvest shape the vibe, yet even busy days quiet down by late afternoon as shadows climb the pinnacles. Clear nights favor stargazing once heat fades, and cool mornings carry woodpecker calls across chaparral and oak woodland. Bring patience during peak seasons and you will be rewarded.

Your Next Adventure Awaits


Have you been to Ennis, Montana, the caves at Pinnacles, or found another off-the-grid gem? We want to hear about it! Tag @RECOILOFFGRID on social media or send an email to offgrid@recoilweb.com with your stories and recommendations. Your adventure could be featured in our next issue! 

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