On the first day of Undisclosed all the participants were issued the gear they would be using over the course of the event. Part of their setup included the Mission First Tactical ACHRO 22L EDC Backpack loaded with some minimalist survival essentials. While I received the same pack, my role as support staff and field photographer put me in the position to require a bit more gear, so I decided to modify my loadout to accommodate my duties for the event.

Like the participants, I was facing long days and nights in the intense summer heat while traversing the rough terrain of the Ben Franklin Range. Keeping my kit as minimalist as possible to keep the weight down and reduce fatigue were top of mind when building out my kit. Ultimately, I was able to put together a minimalist survival kit that covered shelter, water, fire, medical, navigation, comms, light, and backup power along with a few essential tools.

The Mission First Tactical ACHRO is discreet enough for urban carry, but tough enough for the harshest conditions.

The Bag

The ACHRO 22L is a compact 22-liter pack designed for EDC use and equipped with a good amount of organization as well as the ability to carry a handgun. The pack is purposely designed to have a low-profile appearance and would go unnoticed amongst a sea of other packs in an urban setting. Despite the low-profile look, the laser-cut panels offer plenty of attachment options should you wish to add pouches or lash gear.

The outer body is constructed with 1000D Kodra Carbonate Nylon, which offers both abrasion resistance and superb water resistance. Combined with premium YKK AquaGuard zippers, the ACHRO is ready to take on rainy days in the field or the city and keep the gear inside dry.

The ACHRO has a nicely padded adjustable harness equipped with an adjustable sternum strap that allows the user to fit the pack to their body and adjust based on carry style and load. The back panel offers significant padding with a built-in air channel to keep your back cool.

Finally, the exterior offers two stretchy mesh bottle holders that accommodate up to a 32-ounce bottle in each. When not in use, the bottle holders don’t stick out and won’t get in the way when moving.
The interior offers four compartments. The front of the pack has a nice-sized admin pocket that can fit small tools and various EDC items. Above that is a long, soft-lined pocket designed for sunglasses with a secondary zipper pocket inside. While made for glasses, the pocket can accommodate items that you want quick access to, and the soft lining can ensure your cell phone screen is safe from scratches.

The main compartment offers a generously sized zipper pouch, a back pocket that can accommodate a 16-inch laptop and a smaller pocket that can fit a tablet. Of course, these organizational features can easily work with other items like pouches.

The backside of the pack offers an ambidextrous concealed carry pocket. The loop-lined wall can accommodate hook and loop holster options and includes Mission First Tactical’s Multi Mount Platform.

The ACHRO as a Minimalist Survival Pack

Twenty-two liters is not huge, and, in my opinion, that is a good thing — the bigger the bag the more excess we tend to pack. This is a sweet spot for creating a minimalist survival system that keeps the weight down. Many people don’t consider weight when packing a survival bag, but the importance of it was evident during the Undisclosed event, as even under light load participants struggled moving up steep hills and rough terrain.

Outside of an event like Undisclosed, weight is important, particularly in EDC scenarios. If your pack is too heavy and uncomfortable to carry, the chances of you leaving it at home or in your vehicle are much higher. Your emergency kit doesn’t do any good if you don’t have access to it.

When packing out my ACHRO, my goal was to create a comprehensive minimalist survival kit along with a few EDC essentials so that I could handle any emergency situations that might come up, and I had everything I needed to get my job done throughout the event.

Storage and Organization

The ACHRO has some great organizational features, but I take the organization game a step further using pouches to organize certain types of gear. This allows me to quickly identify and access various kits in an emergency. In addition, pouches can be easily swapped out to accommodate activity-based needs.

he Mission First Tactical ACHRO Storage Case is a versatile pouch that can be used for a dopp kit, ammo haul, or for survival gear.

Mission First Tactical ACHRO Storge Case

Along with the ACHRO backpacks, participants were issued ACHRO storage cases — the participants used them to store extra magazines. The ACHRO storage case is made from the same water-resistant material as the pack and features the YKK AquaGuard zippers to ensure everything inside stays dry. At 9.5 by 4.5 by 4 inches, the versatile case can serve as much more than just magazine and ammo storage. During the Undisclosed event I didn’t need to carry magazines or ammo, so I opted to use mine for my wilderness survival kit.

The Badger Claw Outfitters Scout EDC Pouch is an ideal place to store everyday carry essentials.

Badger Claw Outfitters Scout EDC Pouch

As the name indicates, the Scout EDC Pouch is ideal for housing all your EDC items. This compact 7x5x1-inch pouch fits in any bag and even a large cargo pant or coat pocket. The Undisclosed participants received one of these in water-resistant X-Pac material, but I opted to use a custom version made from Nemesis Camouflage Cordura. I keep basics in here including a pen, notebook, lockpick kit, lighter, and a small “ouch pouch.”

Shelter

In a wilderness emergency, shelter is a top priority. We can survive without food and water for a time, but exposure to the elements can lead to death in as little as three hours. Having the ability to quickly and easily set up a makeshift shelter can be the difference of getting home alive and not getting home at all.

The Rab Siltarp 1 is ideal for setting up a one-person survival shelter.

Rab SILTARP 1

Each Undisclosed participant was issued a Rab SILTARP1 as part of their kit. I opted to keep this one in my kit as it was lighter and more compact than the large tarp I usually carry. This ultralight tarp weighs just 8.5 ounces and is made from 30D Cordura fabric, making it both waterproof and durable. When unfolded, it is 1.5 by 2.4 meters (roughly 5 by 12 feet) and is the ideal size for building a one-person shelter. There are built-in loops that can serve as attachment points, and each loop area is reinforced to reduce the likelihood of damage from the elements after being setup.

Atwood Parapocalypse Paracord

Cordage is a vital part of the shelter-building process and can serve a variety of other purposes including lashing gear to packs, hanging food to deter animals from getting into it, and more. I use Atwood Parapocalypse cord as it adds even more survival functionality. This 11-strand paracord is incredibly strong, but if you break it down you will find seven nylon strands, a waxed jute stand, 10-pound fishing line, 160-pound test line, and 110-pound test line.

Fire

Even when building a minimalist survival kit, a good fire kit should always contain redundancy and account for different environmental conditions.

Fire makes us warm, which was not something needed with the intense heat at the Ben Franklin Range during Undisclosed — but fire can do a whole lot more for us in a survival situation. With the proper vessel, fire can be used to boil water to kill pathogens found in wild water sources and cook any wild food sources you can acquire. Fire can also be used to signal rescuers for help, provide light, and boost our mood. I always carry redundancy when it comes to fire-starting tools, as weather conditions and injuries can limit the ways I can start a fire.

BIC Lighter

A classic BIC lighter is the simplest way to create fire. It can be done quickly and easily one-handed. The downside to a lighter is that they will not function well when wet, and the fuel is finite.

Outdoor Element Sparky

The Sparky is a small carabiner made from hardened aluminum. While it is not to be used for climbing, it is ideal for attaching gear, carrying keys, and using as an attachment point with paracord. What makes the Sparky standout is the attached ferrocerium rod, which can be used to create sparks to ignite tinder. While not as easy as a lighter, ferro rods function well in wet and cold environments.

Wazoo Fire Card

The Wazoo Fire Card is a simple credit card-sized piece of highly flammable material that can be used in an emergency to start a fire. Simply shave down some pieces and use a lighter of ferro rod to ignite. The material will ignite in both cold and wet conditions.

Black Beard Fire Plugs

These waxed plugs will burn even when wet for a few minutes, giving you ample time to get some tinder and kindling going.

Water

Under ideal circumstances we can survive for up to three days without water, but in the intense summer heat that number drops dramatically. Having the ability to source clean drinking water is not just vital in an emergency, it can help avoid an emergency all together. The Ben Franklin Range had several creeks and streams onsite, so sourcing water was not a problem I just needed a way to make it safe to drink.

Having the ability to access clean drinking water can be the difference between life or death in an emergency. The Epic water filter bottle serves double duty in a minimalist survival kit as both a water filter and water storage device.

Nalgene Water Bottle with Epic Filter

All Undisclosed participants were issued a 48-ounce Nalgene water bottle equipped with Epic water filters. This is ideal for this type of adventure, as it stores a large amount of water and can be used to filter wild water sources through a filter that attaches to the straw. The bottle is as wide as a 32-ounce bottle but is taller, so it fits perfectly into the ACHRO pack’s bottle holder. Each bottle kit contained two filters, one for wild water sources and a second for tap water.

LifeStraw

Like fire, having a backup way to purify water is important. I keep a LifeStraw in my wilderness kit as a backup due to its lightweight and ease of use. Simply stick it in any wild water source and use it like any other straw.

Note on Water Filters: While water filters are a great option, they have their limitations. Smaller microbes like virus particles and some environmental contaminants can get past the filter. When possible, source your water from moving water sources and avoid water that is near industrial or farm areas.

Emergency Medical

In most cases, my ouch pouch is enough to handle the small cuts, scrapes, and bumps that come along with traversing rough wilderness terrain, but it is not equipped to tackle major muscle and bone injuries or major bleeds. Undisclosed also had portions of the event that used live firearms, so while it is always good to have some advanced bleeding treatment in the wilderness, it was even more relevant for this event.

A proper trauma kit is essential when working with firearms, even in a controlled environment.

Gorilla Medical Individual Trauma Kit

Each participant received a Gorilla Medical individual Trauma kit loaded with a number of lifesaving items focused on the types of injuries most likely to occur with firearms, though many of the items apply to injury types that could potentially occur in the wilderness.

The kit included:
• C.A.T. Tourniquet
• Emergency Bandage
• Compressed Gauze
• Hemostatic Gauze
• Non-Latex Gloves
• Trauma Shears
• Surgical Tape
• Casualty Document Card
• Permanent Marker
• HyFin Vent Chest Seal
• Nasopharyngeal Tube
• Surgical Lubricant
• Needle Decompression

The trauma kit was housed in a custom nylon pouch, which could be easily mounted to our packs or belts.
Note on Emergency Medical Equipment: Medical equipment is only as good as the training you receive. Without the knowledge of how to properly use medical gear, it is just dead weight. Our participants received a crash course in emergency medical training, and I have personally taken numerous courses in the subject. These skills are perishable, and it is important to periodically train to retain and update your skillset.

Navigation

Having a reliable means of navigation in unfamiliar areas can get you out of a bind if you know how to use the tools available. Cell phone-based apps can be helpful, but in the wilderness, and many areas in the Ben Franklin Range, service is limited, and those apps may not be functional.

GPS navigation devices allow you to find your way and better understand the topography of the area you are in.

Garmin 64st

This handheld GPS unit has been with me for a while. It may not be the newest unit on the market, but it’s reliable and still receives updates from Garmin. It offers an array of features, but most importantly it provides a topographical map of the area, which is helpful when planning movements. The external antenna gives you a solid connection to GPS satellites for accurate location information even under dense tree cover and during adverse weather conditions. It is rugged and can handle drops and driving rain, ensuring it will be available when you need it.

Coms and Signaling

With limited cell phone reception or in the instance that our mesh radios fail, having a backup communications plan is important in the event of an emergency. Beyond communications, having the ability to signal others, especially in the dark, is important if facing an emergency.

When in remote locations cell phone service can be unreliable. Compact satellite communicators like the ZOLEO allow you to communicate with others when there is no cell service.

ZOLEO

As a stand-alone device, the ZOLEO satellite communicator is a great, easy-to-use option capable of sending SOS messages and contacting emergency services. What is even more useful is that it turns your cell phone into a text-based satellite communicator, allowing both emails and text messages to be sent and is capable of automatically sending your GPS location to emergency contact or search-and-rescue services. The device itself is built to withstand the elements and has great battery life. The compact size makes it easy to carry in your pocket, attached to your gear, or in a pack.

The Glow Rhino Ember is an ideal low light gear marker and signaling device that add next to no weight to your minimalist survival kit.

Glow Rhino Ember

Glow Rhino packs tritium into their fobs. Tritium is a harmless radioactive isotope that will glow brightly for well over a decade without the need for any light or electronic charging. While small, the bright green glow is picked up easily by the human eye in dark conditions, which can help you stand out to those looking for you. These also make great gear markers when working in dark conditions.

Light

Having a light source when operating at night or in dark conditions is essential. Even if you are not planning to be out in the wilderness at night, emergency situations can leave us trying to navigate back to a safe location in the dark. In the wilderness, the absence of building and infrastructure lighting can result in pitch black conditions, making movement difficult and unsafe.

Powertac HL-10 Headlamp

The Powertac Explorer head lamp was provided to all participants, and I opted to use this as my primary light source as headlamps are ideal for creating hands-free light when working or on the move. The Explorer produces up to 2500 lumens of white light and has almost three days of run time on low mode between charges. In addition to white light, the Explorer has a red light option, which is ideal for preserving your night vision and an IR mode for tactical pursuits.

Backup Power

With a heavy reliance on electronics comes the need for backup power. Power banks are a daily carry necessity, but when operating in adverse conditions, picking a ruggedized weather-resistant option is vital.

With a heavy reliance on electronic devices, backup power should be part of every survival kit.

Dark Energy Poseidon Pro

The Poseidon Pro is a great solution for wilderness backup power. The ruggedized frame is drop, water, and temperature resistant, and it provides 10,000 mAh of power, which is enough to charge all the devices I carry and my phone at least once.

On-Body Gear

The kit I put together was comprehensive, but as our participants learned during the event, your pack doesn’t do you any good if it is not on your person when an emergency happens. While the participant faced a staged mass casualty event, I have learned from firsthand experience how easy it is to become separated from your pack in high-stress situations. Developing some redundancy in your kit to store on your person should be part of every survival kit build. Even though my on-body gear is not as robust as the gear in my pack, it is important to remember the best survival gear for any situation is the gear you have on you. My on-body carry included The Reiff Vicon, Skallywag Tactical Iron Jaw, Fenix PD25R, Sunshine Safety BRIK Micro, Outdoor Element Sparky, and Glow Rhino Ember.

Closing Thoughts

My ACHRO packed out came in at just over 11 pounds, not including water weight, and left plenty of room to add some snacks and house my camera when not in use. Having a light pack was welcome when traversing the challenging terrain and intense summer heat at the Ben Franklin Range during Undisclosed. Fortunately, I did not encounter emergency situations, but being prepared brings confidence and peace of mind to charge forward during the event with less stops back to the lodge to get supplies.

Much of the gear came in handy throughout the longer days, particularly the navigation, lighting tools, backup power, and water bottle. While we may instinctually want to pack everything and the kitchen sink, finding the right balance between weight and functionality is vital to reduce fatigue. When operating in challenging terrain and high heat, over-packing survival and EDC gear will quickly do more harm to your body and performance that outweigh any benefit the gear may have.

Read More From Issue 70

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• Issue 70
• Challenge Facilitates Capability
• Between River and Sky: Recounting a Jungle Expedition
• Blades for any Challenge
• Garmont Tactical Boots

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

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

When it comes to operating in high-stress environments, navigating the wilderness, or moving quickly during an emergency, next to our minds, our feet are our most important tool. The ability to move quickly and efficiently can be seriously hampered when foot injuries or discomfort are present. Having proper footwear is essential, and with the footwear market being as large as it is, it is difficult to know exactly what the best show for the job is.

While your average sneaker, work boot, or sandal may be a comfortable choice for daily use — these types of shoes are not built to hold up to miles of on foot travel, adverse weather conditions, and rough terrain. They also aren’t designed to keep our feet happy and healthy in these activities. In the years I’ve spent as an avid hiker, taking a variety of tactical/survival courses, and making it through several emergency scenarios, I’ve seen the impact of improper footwear both personally and with others. Blisters, rolled ankles, and fractures are just a few of the injuries that can stop you in your tracks, and over time more serious chronic conditions can develop because of improper footwear.

When it comes to selecting the best footwear to manage extended wear through harsh conditions that won’t slow you down when you need to move, it is best to trust our feet to footwear that is specially designed for that scenario. Fortunately, Garmont Tactical has years of experience doing just that.

Introducing the T8 Tactical Boot

Garmont has been in the footwear game since the 1960s and is known for making highly functional hiking boots and shoes. In 2008, Garmont was contacted by U.S. Special Forces and asked to create a better military boot. Garmont went to work incorporating their extensive experience and innovation in developing hiking boots, to create a military boot that had the benefits of a hiking boot and the protective qualities that the military required. The result of this process yielded the T8 family of boots and the creation of Garmont Tactical. The T8 was designed for comfort and breathability during extended wear, while also providing top-of-the-line traction in numerous operation terrains and ensure superior ankle protection.

The innovation did not stop with the first versions of the T8. Since its inception, Garmont Tactical has continued the Garmont’s legacy of innovation by producing several versions of the T8 and have introduced several new tactical boots to their lineup to meet the evolving needs of military and law enforcement personnel.

Many Applications

Garmont Tactical’s widespread adoption throughout military and police forces clearly shows their dedication to producing a premium battle-ready boot, but these boots have a lot of practicality beyond the battlefield.

• First Responders: Both volunteer and career first responders have a need for protective footwear that won’t slow them down when split-second decisions matter.
  
• Security Professionals: Those in the security field can find themselves on their feet for long periods of time and will face situations where moving quickly, scaling obstacles, and operating on varied terrain is essential.
  
• Shooting Sports: Enthusiasts can benefit from a durable and protective boot, especially when training classes and events take them beyond the bench.
  
• Outdoors: Not all outdoors people stay on the trail. Thanks to Garmont’s roots in outdoor footwear, search-and-rescue teams, state and federal parks employees, hunters, and anyone else who ventures into the wilderness can maintain the benefits of a hiking boot with the upgraded protection of a tactical boot.
  
• Emergency Preparedness: During a natural or human-caused emergency, the ability to move quickly over varied terrain for long distances can be vital to surviving the situation. Having a solid pair of tactical boots can help accomplish that goal and protect the wearer’s feet while doing it.
  

Choosing the Right T8 Tactical Boot

We tested four different variants of Garmont Tactical’s T8 boots built for different circumstances. Each boot was tested in varied environments through multiple seasons and weather conditions. We break down the features and benefits of each. All of Garmont Tactical’s T8 boots feature 8-inch height, non-reflective hardware, and suede/leather and nylon construction.

T8 Defense: Maximum Foot Protection

The T8 Defense is the latest member of the T8 family. Based on the original T8 boot design, the Defense incorporates the addition of D30 impact-resistant material throughout the boot to protect the wearer and reduce shock impact on the feet. For those unfamiliar with D30 technology, it is widely used for motorcycle, athletic, and military protective gear due to its lightweight impact and vibration resistance —­ it has also been used in electronic equipment.

D30 is incorporated into the ankle and tongue of the T8 Defense to help protect the most sensitive areas of the foot from blunt-force impacts. Garmont has also utilized D30 in the footbed to reduce the effects of impact while on the move. The result makes the T8 Defense one of the most comfortable boots I have worn for extended periods. During my testing, I had the T8 Defense boots on for upward of 16 hours per day and covered many miles with less foot fatigue than other boots I have worn.

The Defense is a breathable boot, which was welcome during the 95-plus-degree days. I was surprised at how breathable there in the intense heat and direct sunlight despite being made primarily of black leather.

While the Defense is not rated as waterproof, it stands up fine to light rain for a few hours, but I would not be looking to stand in deep puddles or attempt to move across a shallow creek and expect to stay dry.

The Vibram outsole provides an excellent grip in wet and dry conditions in both urban and wilderness environments while providing good stability. The T8 Defense is stiff to provide support, but not so stiff that fast movement is impaired.

Finally, when it comes to weight, the T8 Defense is not what I would consider a lightweight boot, but they are not heavy either. They are lighter on the feet when compared to an average work boot and a touch heavier compared to a hiking boot.

Overall, the T8 Defense was a comfortable boot that provides excellent support for your foot and ankle during all-day wear and covering significant distances at varied paces. The T8 Defense is available in regular or wide sizes in both the black leather LEO version and the tan military version.

T8 Extreme Evo GTX: Warm and Waterproof

The T8 Extreme Evo line was developed to incorporate a cold weather boot into the Garmont Tactical lineup. Two variations were made — one with 200-gram Thinsulate and a second with Gortex waterproof material. As I frequent the wet woodlands in New England, I opted to evaluate the Gortex variant.
Gortex provides breathable waterproofing, and while it doesn’t breathe as well as a boot without a waterproof lining, it is far more breathable alternative to waterproofing like sealed boots made from some kind of rubber material. Gortex will aid in heat retention, though not as much as Thinsulate.

The Evo Extreme GTX was my go-to boot the entirety of this past winter, and I found when combined with wool socks, they did a great job of keeping my feet warm while trudging through the snow and ice — both while in a suburban environment and while navigating the frozen woodlands. The waterproofing held up very well even when moving through shallow running water or standing in slushy standing water.
The Vibram outsoles provide an excellent grip in all conditions and perform exceptionally well in wet woodland environments. The addition of Ortholite insoles aided in comfort during all-day use and collecting serious milage out in the woods.

Like the T8 Defense, I found the Extreme Evo to be very supportive during wear, with an appropriate amount of stiffness to handle uneven terrain but not hinder fast movement when needed.

Despite being a boot designed for colder weather, when combined with the appropriate sock to manage foot moisture, the EVO Extreme GTX is a good option for navigating wet environments across all seasons.
The Extreme Evo GTX is noticeably heavier when compared to the T8 Defense, but that is expected when incorporating the Gortex waterproofing. Despite that, the boots do not feel overly heavy on the feet and are comfortable for extended wear in harsh conditions.

Overall, The T8 Extreme Evo GTX is a great option for cold and wet weather, especially when operating in uneven and rocky terrain. Like the other T8 variants, the Extreme Evo is available in regular and wide sizing. As of the time of writing, the Extreme Evo line is only available in the tan military coloring.

T8 Athena: A Specialized Women’s Tactical Boot

The T8 Athena is one of the most unique boots in the Garmont Tactical lineup. While many boot manufacturers make tactical boots in women’s sizing, Garmont is currently the only tactical boot on the market that is built from the ground up for women. The T8 Athena is specifically designed for a woman’s anatomical foot structure.

Women have a slightly shorter Achilles’ tendon, a narrow more pronounced arch, less foot muscle density, and weight distribution on the front of the foot when compared to men. While women can wear a tactical boot that was designed for men, having a boot that is built with these differences in mind will increase comfort and performance and reduce fatigue and injury.

The T8 Athena features the same lightweight breathability found in the T8 Defense with a slightly less rigid outsole for increased mobility and comfort over extended wear. The Athena uses Garmont’s proprietary Diamante outsole designed for comfort when navigating uneven terrain and prioritizes traction in ascent and descent scenarios.

My wife assisted me in the testing of the T8 Athena in the same conditions as the T8 Defense. Her feedback: The Athena was the most comfortable boots she had worn and she preferred them to some of her other technical footwear for the increased mobility and support they provided. Like the Defense, the Athena held up to light rain for an extended time and remained breathable and comfortable in 95-plus-degree temperatures. She found them comfortable for all-day wear during an extended outdoor event and while attending woodland-based training classes.

Like the other T8 variants, the Athena is available in both regular and wide sizes. The Athena is available in both black LE and tan military variants. The T8 Athena has become a mainstay of her footwear lineup for outdoor and strenuous tasks.

T8 Falcon: The Official Boot of Undisclosed

The T8 Falcon is a lightweight variant of the T8 that is designed for speed and agility. While not waterproof, the Falcon provides incredible breathability in hot environments and dries quickly when wet.
Each participant of the Undisclosed event was issued a pair of T8 Falcon boots for the event, and they wore them throughout the training and scenario portion of the event. The Falcon’s grippy outsoles ensured positive traction when navigating uneven terrain and scaling up and down steep and rocky areas. The lightweight nature of the boots ensured all-day comfort and breathability in 90-plus-degree temperatures.

When faced with rain, the leather and nylon construction did a good job keeping their feet dry despite not being waterproof, and the boots quickly dried out after crossing streams. The durable leather and nylon construction held up to the rigors of the event — and, best of all, the participants noted there was no break-in period needed.

The T8 Falcon is an ideal choice for those looking for lightweight foot protection that won’t slow you down or impact the wearers agility. The Falcon is only available in the military tan colorway.

Final Thoughts

As an outdoors person, preparedness enthusiast, and someone who takes part in a wide range of tactical and survival training programs, I can give the Garmont Tactical T8 lineup my seal of approval. I place a high value on functional technical footwear. I spend a lot of time in the woods hiking, camping, and training. While hiking boots are a great option for navigating the trail, they lack the versatility, durability, and load-bearing capacity found in tactical boots. In this case, I feel like Garmont gives you the best of both worlds.

The T8 variants we evaluated all provided great traction in a variety of conditions in the wilderness but performed equally as well in urban and suburban environments. The tread on all variants have held up very well both on and off the trail, something not often found in your typical hiking boot where pavement can quickly wear down hikers.

The added support found in the T8’s was welcome when moving with heavier loads, leading to far less discomfort and swelling compared to a light hiking shoe. Outside of the woods, the support also helps when on your feet all day both just standing and when doing a good deal of walking.

When compared to a typical work boot, the difference is night and day. The T8 boots fit better, provide more support, and weigh significantly less. They also have better traction in wet and oily conditions found in some industrial circumstances.

If you are looking for a rugged, durable, highly versatile pair of boots, the Garmont Tactical T8 lineup has great options with specific models boasting specialty features that may fit your needs. If you are like me and have wide feet, you will be happy with the addition of wide sizing and the roomy toe boxes. Finally, the addition of the anatomically designed Athena is a game changer for women who want or need a tactical boot, and we hope to see this expand to other aspects of the Garmont Tactical lineup.

Read More From Issue 70

Don’t miss essential survival insights—sign up for Recoil Offgrid’s free newsletter today!

• Issue 70
• Challenge Facilitates Capability
• Between River and Sky: Recounting a Jungle Expedition
• Blades for any Challenge

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

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

Grinding through a full week at the office or jobsite can wear anyone down, especially when you’re trying to stay motivated for long weekends in the wild. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the A/C, kicking back by the pool, or cracking open a cold one when the workweek ends — you’ve earned it. But don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Those 40-plus hours pay for something more: the freedom to pack up and get out there. We’ve put together a collection of gear to make the daily grind a little easier and help stoke your excitement for that next escape the moment you break away from the blacktop and return to real ground.

Ramsingh Watch Company Jakkal

• MOVEMENT: Quartz
• MSRP: $395
• URL: rwatchco.com

NOTES 

When you think of a hard-use or tactical watch, the first thing your mind’s eye conjures is probably something big and clunky. In reality, when you look at the men and women out in the field getting after it, you’ll often spot something much lower profile and more streamlined. The Jakkal takes inspiration from classic field watches of the 1950s through the 1970s, more specifically, those worn during the Rhodesian Bush Wars. Its tenacious 38mm PVD-coated case is made from 316L stainless steel for corrosion resistance and all-around resilience.

A screw-down crown ensures the entire package stays watertight. With a smaller case size, legibility becomes even more important, and the domed sapphire crystal delivers; it’s incredibly clear and nearly impossible to scratch. If you’re putting your gear through daily punishment on the job, you need a watch that stands up to recoil, impact, altitude, and submersion. That’s where quartz shines. When missing your mark isn’t an option, reliability matters. For that reason, the Swiss Ronda 713 quartz movement was chosen. Built for high-stress environments and trusted for its durability, the 713 feels right at home inside the Jakkal.

County Comm BIG – Industrial Strength Survival Food Grade Tin and Kydex Belt Holster

• WEIGHT: 5.23 ounces
• MSRP: $7 (tin), $15 (holster)
• URL: countycomm.com

NOTES

You can’t go wrong by starting with a topo design on the cover of your survival gear. Great for minimalist hiking or as an urban survival tin, the BIG Industrial Strength Survival Food Grade Tin is perfectly sized to keep your packing focused on what you need, not what you want. Use it as an escape and evasion kit, a fire-starting kit, a small ouch pouch, or just a Skittles stash. The crush-proof construction offers peace of mind, knowing your gear stays safe during rough travel or over rugged terrain.

Because it’s made with food-grade materials, you can store a compact cache of calorie-dense food or, in a pinch, boil small amounts of water for survival. One of our favorite field hacks is to drop in a couple of tea candles and use it to create a bit of warmth under a poncho while leaning against a tree on cold, rainy nights. The 4x4x2-inch tin fits securely in a handmade Kydex Belt Holster, which comes with a 1.5-inch removable belt clip. It’s simple, sturdy, and built with just the right amount of space to do the job without overcomplicating it.

AeroPress Go

• BREW TIME: 1 to 2 minutes
• MSRP: $50
• URL: aeropress.com

NOTES

We know. The coffee at work tastes like burnt garbage. But short of hauling in your own coffee pot from home, what are you supposed to do about it? You’re going to take our advice and get yourself an AeroPress Go. The AeroPress Go is about the size of a standard 12- to 15-ounce coffee mug and is completely self-contained inside its own cup, capped with a lid. Under that lid, you’ll find a scoop, a folding stir stick, paper filters in a clamshell case, the chamber, plunger, and cup.

All you need to provide is your favorite coffee and some hot water. This compact setup is perfect for brewing American or espresso-style coffee, and it can even handle cold brew. No more bitter, burnt-tasting sludge. You can now make great coffee one cup at a time, wherever you are. After a stretch of rigorous (and highly caffeinated) testing, we found that the quality of the brew led to a 30-percent reduction in our usual coffee intake, while keeping focus, energy, and morale high. Turns out, better coffee really does mean better performance.

Benchmade Mini Bugout 533SL-10

• WEIGHT: 2 ounces
• MSRP : $310
• URL: benchmade.com

NOTES 

Anthony Bourdain once said something along the lines of, “You don’t need a big knife, just a sharp one.” That’s exactly what you’re getting with the Mini Bugout 533SL-10. A sleek Woodland Green anodized aluminum handle is paired with a tight-fitting black oxide deep-carry ambi-pocket clip to always keep this trusty sidekick close. With an overall length of 6.49 inches and a blade length of 2.82 inches, you’ve got just enough real estate to stay in control during detailed tasks.

The Mini Bugout shines indoors for daily cutting jobs and holds its own outdoors making kindling, field dressing small game or fish, and handling carving work. Weighing just 2 ounces, it earns its name as a true lightweight companion. The CPM S90V clip-point blade offers plenty of utility across a range of tasks, though you won’t be striking a ferro rod with it — the Crushed Silver Cerakote coating prevents that. Benchmade offers the Mini Bugout in a variety of colors and handle materials, with prices ranging from $180 for the Grivory composite models to $320 for the premium carbon-fiber version.

Halfbreed Blades Large Bush Knife (LBK) Gen-2

• STEEL: CPM 3V
• MSRP: $380
• URL: halfbreedblades.com

NOTES

This Australian import is packed with features you’d expect from a proper “do-it-all” bush knife. With an overall length of 11.22 inches, this thing is an absolute beast. Once your fingers wrap around the G10 grip scales, you’ll feel like you could kill a tank with it. The CPM 3V blade includes a generous amount of jimping, smartly placed at the thumb ramp and at both the top and bottom of the heel for added friction in a reverse grip. Halfbreed added a sizable fuller to help reduce blade friction and lighten the overall weight — a smart move, considering the LBK Gen-2 comes in at 17.46 ounces.

It rides in a Kydex sheath that can be worn either in a scout (parallel) or traditional (perpendicular) carry. It ships with two MOLLE clips to accommodate various mounting setups. The included ferro rod is noticeably small for a blade this size but stays tucked out of the way when you’re deep in the bush. After extended use in the field, we haven’t found the LBK Gen-2 to be lacking in any department. Cheers, mate!

Crazy Creek The Pack Table

• Steel : 19 ounces
• MSRP: $60
• URL: crazycreek.com

NOTES

Designed and manufactured from recycled materials in Montana, the Pack Table is a versatile addition to round out your pack loadout. We’ve found it does its best work fireside, keeping card games and meals out of the dirt and mud. Made from rugged polypropylene, the tabletop features a textured cement gray finish and is held together with a shock cord system like how tent poles are strung. Independently adjustable blaze orange legs move in 1-inch increments from 5 to 8 inches.

With stability in mind, Crazy Creek added a spring-assisted opening system to keep the legs locked open when under load. That means you’ll always have a stable surface for your late-night drinks or early morning coffee. To save space and weight, the table packs down to just 6 by 6 by 2 inches and tips the scale at only 19 ounces. For something so small, it pulls a lot of weight. You’ll have no trouble justifying its place in your kit.

Grayl 24-ounce GeoPress

• FILTRATION RATE: 24 ounces per minute
• MSRP: $100
• URL: grayl.com

NOTES

Staying hydrated during strenuous activity is crucial, but so is ensuring your water is safe. The Grayl system makes this easy with a smart, streamlined design. Scoop water with the outer cup, keeping the lid and mouthpiece clean. The 24-ounce inner cup, fitted with a base filter, slides in. Just loosen the cap, press down, and clean water is ready in seconds.

It’s effective for everything from rivers to sketchy tap water, making it great for travel, backcountry trips, or emergency kits. Each filter lasts about 350 uses or 65 gallons.

LuminAID PackLite Titan 2-in-1

• RUN TIME: 100 hours
• MSRP: $85
• URL: luminaid.com

NOTES 

LuminAID delivered big with their incredibly well-designed collapsible LED lantern. You can charge it via solar or plug it into the wall to make sure it’s ready when needed. The Titan uses air pressure to keep the package both collapsed and upright — a surprisingly clever design. The body of the lantern twists 90 degrees to either expand or collapse. To start the process, just pull the airtight, tethered plug on the bottom. This allows air to quickly fill the lens. Once inflated, replace the plug to keep the light standing.

To collapse it, simply reverse the process. Did we mention this device will also charge your phone? The Titan houses an extra-large 4000mAh battery capable of charging most phones two to three times. If your priority is seeing in the dark, you’re covered. The Titan runs up to 100 hours and pushes out as much as 300 lumens. It also features both red and white light modes, depending on your needs. Best of all, it holds a charge on the shelf for over two years, making it a solid option for everything from backpacking trips to blackout kits.

18 Series Bags The Charlie Load-Out Bag

• STYLE; Modular
• MSRP: $350
• URL: 18seriesbags.com

NOTES

Built to meet the demands of the 18 Charlie — U.S. Special Forces Engineer Sergeants — this bag is ready for changing missions and tough conditions. The Charlie Load-Out Bag lays flat when opened, with loop Velcro throughout the interior to secure the included four 9×10-inch and two 15×7-inch hook-backed, windowed pouches.

It works well as checked luggage, for a shoot house class, or anything in between. At roughly 30 inches tall, 18 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, it holds a serious load, made manageable by integrated rollers. A removable admin pouch tops it off, ideal for small essentials. Available in Black, Coyote, and Multicam.

MAD Gear Contingency Planner

• SIZE: 32 pages
• MSRP: $30
• URL: madgear.shop

NOTES

In the heat of a tragic event, you don’t want to be scrambling to come up with a potentially life-saving course of action. When the game is for all the marbles, you want a solid plan already in place and rehearsed. M.A.D. Gear has designed a well-thought-out Contingency Planner to help you think through multiple scenarios before they unfold. The planner walks you through building an exfil (escape) plan, using an authentication table, card of the day, cipher table, and other helpful references and checklists.

The pages are made from a proprietary synthetic material that’s extremely durable, waterproof, and easy to write, draw, or glue on. Not using a traditional three-ring binder — or worse, a spiral binding — is a smart move on M.A.D. Gear’s part. Three-ring binders tend to break, and spirals get crushed or make turning pages a pain. Instead, the pages are loose and held together with dual ring clips, making it easy to reorganize or remove what you need. These aren’t fragile sheets; they’re not even paper. They’re built to withstand use in the field when failure isn’t an option.

StopBox Pro

• LOCK TYPE: Mechanical
• MSRP: $209
• URL: stopboxusa.com

NOTES

To keep your pistol out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have access, you could go with a giant safe if you wanted. But, in my opinion, the best place to store your handgun is in its holster and on your person. When that’s not ideal, especially when hanging around the house, I favor the StopBox. No batteries to die, no beeping to give you away, and no fumbling with keys or spinning dials while under stress. The StopBox uses a mechanical locking system operated by a combination of five ergonomically placed buttons, keeping curious fingers out while still giving you fast access.

The criteria for a good safe are simple: it needs to offer quick, repeatable access while keeping the contents secure. The StopBox checks both boxes. It’s built from a high-impact resistant, glass-reinforced polycarbonate-ABS blend and reinforced with steel where it counts. Lightweight, portable, and completely mechanical, the StopBox is a smart option when you want fast access without relying on electronics. Perfect for home, travel, or anywhere you might temporarily stage your handgun when it’s not riding on your belt.

Riton 5 Primal

• MAGNIFICATION: 15-45×60
• MSRP: $999
• URL: ritonoptics.com

NOTES

It’s getting to be that time of year again. Time to hit the hillsides and open spaces to do a little scouting for your fall game of choice. Sure, you can glass with a solid pair of binoculars — and I often do — but for my money, nothing beats a quality angled spotting scope. Riton delivers the performance of larger, heavier scopes in a package that’s much lighter than you’d expect. Measuring approximately 12.7 inches in length and weighing just 2.75 pounds, this is an optic you won’t leave behind.

The adjustable zoom eyepiece provides solid eye relief, even at extended distances, and the focus stays steady as you increase magnification. The tripod mount uses a standard threaded base, the same commonly found on optics and cameras. That opens the door to a wide variety of mounting options, especially when paired with a conversion base. And when the sun threatens to cook you out of your perfect glassing spot, you won’t be out of luck. The 5 Primal comes with a built-in, twist-out sunshade that extends or retracts with ease. This is a well-balanced scope that’s ready to work when you are.

Tuff Possum Gear Multipurpose Sit Pad

• MATERIAL: Waterproof
• MSRP: $39
• URL: tuffpossumgear.com

NOTES

No matter how long you’ve been spending time in the field, you’re never going to enjoy sitting on cold, wet, or scorching ground. Taking a knee to start a fire or knock out a camp task is always better when you’ve got a little extra comfort. Tuff Possum delivered just that in a lightweight, waterproof, and rugged package. The Multipurpose Sit Pad (MSP) weighs only 4 ounces, including the closed-cell foam insert. With a surface area of 17.5 by 11 inches, and a half inch of thickness, the MSP offers just enough cushion to get the job done.

It doesn’t just keep you dry while sitting or kneeling, it also insulates against hot or cold surfaces. In a pinch, you could lay on it and keep your core off the ground, minimizing thermal loss. A Velcro closure seals the pad inside, but you can pull it out and use the cover as a stash bag, or stuff it with local vegetation to create a makeshift pillow. Every version includes a blaze orange panel on one side for signaling. Available in solid colors and patterns like Multicam, Nemesis Woodland Wolf, Ranger Green, and more.

Rab Equipment Incline Pants

• POCKETS: 4, zippered
• MSRP: $115
• URL: rab.equipment

NOTES

Lightweight, flexible, breathable, wind-resistant, and quick to dry, the Incline Pants by Rab check all the right boxes. Built from midweight Matrix softshell fabric, they’re deceptively tough. We’ve put in long days wearing these in the field, doing hard work, and, so far, not a single rip or tear. All pockets are zippered with internal mesh to speed up drying. A long-gusseted crotch runs from knee to knee, helping you stay mobile, and drawstring cuffs let you cinch things down when the wind kicks up or when ticks are an issue.

Six belt loops spaced around the waistband accept belts up to 1.5 inches wide, just in case you forgot you’re not lounging in pajamas. The Inclines come in five solid colors: Army, Beluga, Deep Ink, Olive, and Tempest Blue. And thanks to a generous amount of built-in stretch, you don’t need to stress about a perfect fit. Available in sizes from small to XXL and three inseam options: short, regular, and long. They’re built to work, but comfortable enough to live in.

WETWRX Combat Hoodie

• FIT: Loose
• MSRP: $135
• URL: wet-wrx.com

NOTES

Over the course of the cold months, you got used to the comfort and utility of a hoodie. Just because the mercury is on the rise doesn’t mean that cozy feeling must come to an end. WETWRX has just released their Summer Combat Hoodie (SCH). It’s made from 250D polyester mesh, meaning the SCH holds in zero body heat, absorbs no water, and helps wick away moisture. In fact, the SCH is meant to be added over the top of a wicking system to keep you cool, while also keeping your skin covered, camouflaged, protected from biting insects, and shielded from UV exposure.

While the mesh grid is wide enough to provide plenty of air circulation, we also found it shines as the base for an impromptu ghillie suit by weaving in local vegetation or some jute if you’ve got it on hand. Since 250D poly mesh is tough enough to belly crawl across the forest floor, there is no stretch to this material. Make sure you order your sizing appropriately. At launch, WETWRX is offering the SCH in Coyote, Multicam, and Ranger Green. It’s a hoodie built for summer, not sweating.

OPE Gear Pack Husk

• CAPACITY: 10 to 30 liters
• MSRP: $65
• URL: opegear.com

NOTES

But I don’t have any reason to camouflage my pack, you might be thinking. Well, think again. More people are carrying backpacks in public places. We’ve found scrims come in especially handy when needing to enter small, locally owned stores that don’t allow backpacks due to theft concerns. It’s easy to duck off somewhere, pull the scrim from your pack, cover it, and stash it in nearby vegetation, keeping it out of sight from passersby. In more rural settings, the Pack Husk does more than mute colors.

It breaks up the outline and shape of your pack and conceals those uniquely human forms that catch the eye, reducing your visual signature. OPE Gear laser-cuts 500D Cordura for their scrim products, making them tear-proof, uniform, lightweight, and tough. OPE Gear’s material is also NIR compliant, anti-glare and shine, UV resistant, and resistant to mold and water. The Pack Husk fits pack sizes from 10 to 30 liters, with a shock cord drawstring to keep things snug. Available in a dozen different camouflage patterns and three solid colors. Simple concept, clever execution.

Combat Flip Flops Shadow Ban High Top

• UPPER MATERIAL: Canvas
• MSRP: $80
• URL: combatflipflops.com

NOTES

“Bad for running. Worse for fighting.” That’s been the motto of Combat Flip Flops since day one, until now. The Shadow Ban breaks that mold. Don’t let the low-profile design fool you. These aren’t just lifestyle sneakers. They’re front-line capable footwear disguised as everyday lace-ups. What looks like an ordinary pair of casual high-tops is actually duty-grade workwear with attitude. It all starts with the proprietary “Sticky AF” outsole, delivering serious traction. That’s backed by a custom EVA midsole offering real arch support and lasting comfort. A reinforced leather toe cap and tongue give you the protection you need on the job or in the field. And the rugged canvas upper pulls it all together.

This is a door-kicker that doesn’t back down and doesn’t quit. Eight eyelets stretch from the forefoot to above the malleolus, creating a snug, even fit from top to bottom. It’s only available in whole sizes, but the updated design gives you extra room where it counts, especially in the toe box. If you’re between sizes, go up. You won’t regret it. A lifetime warranty backs the quality you’d expect from CFF. Right now, they’re only offered in black — just the way we like it.

Top Picks

As summer starts to wind down across much of the U.S., we can expect large swings in daily temperatures. With that in mind, we chose the Rab Incline Pants and WETWRX Summer Combat Hoodie as our two standout products. When it comes to spending long days outside, it’s critical to shield yourself from the elements and stay comfortable while doing it.

Rab’s Incline Pants are lightweight and highly functional. Just as comfortable navigating a crowded airport as they are moving along a ridgeline, they’re a versatile addition to any wardrobe or kit.
The WETWRX Summer Combat Hoodie is equally impressive. Built from durable 250D mesh, it allows airflow to keep you cool while keeping the sun and biting insects off your skin. It doesn’t hold moisture, making it ideal for high-output activity. Its utility goes beyond personal wear — it can double as camouflage or be used to conceal gear from view. We’ve even tested it as the base for an improvised ghillie suit.

At the time the photos were taken for our “Top Two,” temps hit 93 degrees F with 67-percent humidity. The gear kept us comfortable and dry and, notably, bite-free. These two earn their place in the field.

Read More From Issue 69

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• Issue 69
• Editor’s Letter Issue 69
• Knives By Nuge
• All-Purpose Road Trip Pack
• Review of The Guerilla’s Guide to Signals Intelligence
• ZOLEO Review
• Signal to Noise: Crisis Communication

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

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