We like tactical gear as much as the next guy, and there are many valid situations that call for it. However, in an urban survival setting, if your bag is covered in camouflage pattern, PALS webbing, and velcro morale patches, everyone is going to be able to spot your preparedness from a mile away. That's why it's important to remain discreet and fly under the radar with gear that doesn't look overtly tactical or militaristic.
Triple Aught Design understands this point, and they've proven it with the release of an all-new EDC/get-home bag system called the Meridian Transport Case. This 21″ x 13″ x 8.5″ over-the-shoulder bag is just the right size for an airplane carry-on bag, and will can even fit under the seats for frequent travelers.
The Meridian case is constructed with strong VX-21 ripstop material, high-quality YKK water-resistant zippers, and tough ITW Ladderloc buckles. It also has a non-slip durable, semi-elastic nylon strap for carrying across your back or at your side comfortably. TAD also says they plan to offer backpack straps and other accessories.
At this point, you might be thinking this is just another ordinary bag, but it's what's inside that counts. The Meridian Transport Case is designed with three clamshell-style primary compartments, to lay flat for quick loading of gear. Triple Aught Design's Helix attachment system also makes the case fully modular, so you can swap in a variety of transport cubes and control panels.
We've always been proponents of this style of packing gear, whether it's for daily travel or bugging out. The zippered transport cubes come in various sizes, and allow organized storage of key items. For example, you could have one cube with a medical kit, one with your food, one with spare clothing, and one with water purification gear. If you decide you need something like an NBC kit for a possible chemical weapons scenario, you can swap it into your bag at a moment's notice.
This system also makes for easy packing and unpacking in hotel rooms, since you don't have to dig through all your gear to find what you need. Everything in its place, and a place for everything.
Control panels can also be added in place of cubes, and they offer zippered mesh pockets for loose items. Also, elastic loops provide storage for pens, flashlights, and other tools.
The case retails for a premium price of $425, and the modular cubes and panels are $24 to $56 depending on size and type. For more information about the TAD Meridian Transport Case, check out TripleAughtDesign.com.
The field of medicine is always changing and evolving, thanks to new discoveries and improved research methods. As a result, medical techniques that were once thought to be beneficial have now been revealed to often do more harm than good. For example, it was once thought that applying hydrogen peroxide to wounds would kill bacteria and therefore promote healing. Although this belief persists somewhat today, it's only half true.
It's accurate to say that pouring hydrogen peroxide (H202) on wounds kills bacteria. However—and this is a major drawback—it also kills your own cells, including the cells that are already present in the wound fighting off bacteria and forming a scab. Here's a video from SciShow on YouTube that explains what we mean:
In layman's terms, dumping hydrogen peroxide on an open wound is the medical equivalent of dropping a nuclear bomb on the front lines of a battlefield. Sure, you may be wiping out the enemy, but you're also wiping out most of your own troops at the same time.
Hydrogen peroxide is absorbed by skin cells on contact, resulting in a temporary whitening effect. Source: Wikipedia
On top of this, most of us know that hydrogen peroxide burns like crazy on a cut or scrape, and now you know why—it's literally ripping your cells open on a microscopic level. Unless you enjoy experiencing searing pain, slowing down your body's natural healing process, and increasing the likelihood of a gnarly scar, avoid applying H202 to wounds. It might even kill you as a result of an arterial oxygen embolism (introducing air bubbles into your blood stream).
Don't just take our word for it—check out this Oxford study that states, “We emphasize that hydrogen peroxide is a dangerous and unsuitable agent for routine wound irrigation and debridement.”
Despite all this, H202 does have certain valid uses as a disinfectant. Although its powerful reaction with organic cells makes it harmful to your flesh, it's excellent for sterilizing surfaces and surgical tools. Also, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for use as an antimicrobial agent, and as an environmentally safe alternative to chlorine-based bleaches.
In a life-or-death survival scenario, if there's absolutely no other disinfectant available, H202 might be worth a shot as a last-ditch effort to stop a deadly infection. However, in any other circumstances, you'd be much better off using regular old H20 and soap.
Style over substance, form over function, products that look “tacticool” but aren't made for real work—we've heard these arguments used around the Internet in reference to various high-end survival gear manufacturers. Specifically, we've seen a few critical statements made about TOPS Knives on knife forums and Facebook pages, claiming that the blades look heavy-duty but are just for show. On the flipside, we all know that some people on the Internet often love to spread hate and misinformation. So, what's the reality of the situation?
Most of us can agree that the Hazen Legion 6.0 looks cool. But, can you trust your life to this knife?
Are TOPS Knives average products propped up by clever marketing, or does the company make legitimate survival tools you can depend on? We decided to answer these questions by testing their latest knife design, the Hazen Legion 6.0. We hope this will shed some light on the truth, and will cut through the Internet back-and-forth on the subject once and for all.
“Spec Ops Trust TOPS”
Before we get into our review of this new knife, we'll share a little background on the company. TOPS Knives was founded in 1998 by several Vietnam veterans, all of whom were dissatisfied with the quality of the knives they were issued during the war. Since then, the company has collaborated with numerous designers to produce hundreds of different knife models. The company states that many of their knives have seen real use by Field Operators in “hot spot” locales around the globe, hence their slogan “Spec Ops Trust TOPS”.
Over the years, TOPS Knives have also been featured in several high-profile movies. The company's Tom Brown Tracker was used by Benicio del Toro in The Hunted, and Adrien Brody fought off intergalactic monsters with a Steel Eagle in Predators. Some claim this as evidence that the company has jumped the shark and gone all Hollywood on us, but we'd attribute it more to the fact that their knives simply look imposing, and therefore were chosen as movie props for the silver screen.
Despite this, it's clear from their manufacturing process that TOPS Knives are much more than movie props. Every one of their blades is manufactured in the USA and hand-finished at their facility in Idaho. This video from InnerBark Outdoors gives a factory tour, and introduces a few of the American employees:
The New Hazen Legion 6.0
You may recognize this blade from a press release announcement we published a few weeks ago, shortly after the Hazen Legion 6.0 was released to the public on February 2nd, 2016. At that time, we hadn't gotten our hands on it yet, but now that we have, we can share our complete review.
The TOPS Hazen Legion 6.0 is a straightforward fixed-blade with a slim design. This model was envisioned by Mark Hazen, a man with 40 years of experience in the field of knife design. In order to bring his design to a wider audience, Hazen partnered with TOPS to produce the knife for the general public, and make use of TOPS manufacturing experience and resources.
Technical Specs
As with most TOPS Knives, the Hazen Legion 6.0 is formed from full-tang 1095 high-carbon steel with a 25-degree grind on each edge. The blade is also differential-heat-treated, meaning that the edge is hardened to 56-58 Rockwell while the spine is left softer to prevent breakage. This makes for an extremely tough and dependable survival blade, and also one that can be sharpened easily in the field. TOPS refers to their knives as tools, and 1095 steel is superb for this purpose—it's not space-age tech, but it doesn't need to be.
The Legion's steel is finished in a subtle sandblasted matte grey. This knife isn't overly flashy or aggressive-looking, but it certainly has a tasteful appeal that we can appreciate.
The thick full-tang steel features machined jimping along the top edge.
Despite its sleek design, the knife is a substantial 0.19 inches (4.8mm) thick. Paired with its 9.1oz weight, this reassures our impression that it's made to take a beating.
TOPS states that the Legion is designed for combat, and the beveled Hunter's Point shows this influence. There's also ridged jimping on the top edge and a prominent bolster on the grip, ensuring this fixed blade stays controllable while piercing or slicing.
Similar to the TOPS Anaconda 7B we tested in the past, the handles on the TOPS Hazen Legion 6.0 are made of a material called black linen micarta. This composite material uses laminated sheets of linen in a thermosetting polymer, meaning it has the durability of hard plastic with the textured grip and moisture-absorbing properties of fabric. It's hand-sanded to show off the layers, and has a subtle faded greenish-grey coloration.
Other TOPS Knives we've used include nylon fabric sheaths (which, honestly, we're not big fans of), but the Hazen Legion comes with a black Kydex sheath. We found that it provides a very secure fit, likely due to the fact that TOPS hand-molds the Kydex around each knife at their Idaho facility.
The sheath has a molded nylon belt clip, which rotates a full 360 degrees and will fit belts up to approximately 2.25″ wide. It also includes grommeted holes for adding a paracord wrap or strapping the sheath to your pack.
Finally, there's a small TOPS-branded rescue whistle included, in case you need to signal for help at some point. It's a nice freebie, but we promptly removed it from our sheath to eliminate rattling as we walked.
Our Impressions
From a visual standpoint, there's no denying that this knife looks great. It's a subtly modern twist on a classic combat knife design, without any fancy serrations, saw teeth, or other added features we wouldn't use. The only purely stylistic flair added is some jimping along the spine's midsection, which doesn't really hurt anything if you ask us.
The Legion 6.0 is quite comfortable in hand, and is supremely balanced. This makes the knife effortless to manipulate, like an extension of your own arm. We will say that based on the overall proportions of the handle, we think it wouldn't have hurt to make the blade about 1″ shorter—it's just a hair more than we found ourselves needing. However, the added length could be handy for batoning firewood and other tasks.
We loved how the micarta scales absorb sweat without getting slippery—you can actually see the material darken as it absorbs moisture, and lighten as it dries out. Jimping on the thumb rest also gives a bit more leverage and grip for precise cuts.
The thick 1095 steel and moderately-obtuse 25-degree grind spell excellent durability for repeated use (although it makes ultra-precise cuts a little more difficult). Also, the Hunter's Point shape lets it pierce even the hardest materials with ease.
Conclusions
To summarize, here's a quick list of pros and cons we found after using the TOPS Hazen Legion 6.0:
Blade is slightly (0.5″ to 1″) longer than we felt necessary, and seems a little out of proportion with the handle size
1095 carbon steel may eventually develop cosmetic surface rust/oxidation under heavy use. We did not experience this, and TOPS says occasional oiling of the cutting edge can prevent it.
So, what's the answer to the question posed earlier: does TOPS Knives make legitimate survival tools you can depend on?
Based on our experience with the Hazen Legion 6.0, the answer is an unequivocal yes. Some models in the TOPS lineup are certainly flashier, but this particular knife is a purpose-built blade that can stand up to the rigors of hard daily use—it's the real deal, and certainly not just a show piece. We'd wager that anyone who says otherwise hasn't actually used it.
Sure, it's on the expensive side of the spectrum, but it's a hand-finished, American-made, lifetime-warrantied blade. If you can afford a survival knife in this price range, we'd have no hesitation recommending the Hazen Legion 6.0.
For more information on TOPS Knives, visit TopsKnives.com.
We're often told by purported survival experts on TV and on the internet that the most reliable and dependable method for starting a fire in the wilderness is a ferro rod (also called a fire steel). On the surface, this claim makes sense—the ferrocerium rod and steel striker are compact, have no complex mechanical components to break, and can throw a nice big shower of sparks with ease. You can even strike a ferro rod against the back of some knives.
We have nothing against ferro rods, and know that they can serve as effective fire-starters. However, many people claim that there's a superior survival fire-starting technology available: the lighter. You may think a lighter is unreliable or overly complicated compared to a ferro rod, but we'd encourage you not to jump to that conclusion just yet.
This 22-minute video from Weekend Wanderer on YouTube makes a pretty compelling case for using a lighter as your primary survival fire source:
If you don't have time to watch the whole video, here are some key points:
Historically, we have progressed from striking rocks together, to striking flint against steel, to striking matches, to simply flicking on a lighter for an instant flame.
The invention of ferrocerium in 1903 made modern lighters possible. However, rather than using these modern lighters, many survivalists continue to stick with the older ferro rod tool.
The video host claims that “this seems like it's going backwards technologically.”
The host also makes several comparisons of the effectiveness of lighters and ferro rods:
Tinder is generally more difficult to ignite with a shower of sparks than with an open flame. This means you'll usually have to strike the ferro rod multiple times to get a fire going.
Ferro rods are typically heavier than plastic lighters.
Ferro rods require a sharp metal striker of some kind, and must be operated with two hands. Lighters are self-contained and can be ignited with one hand.
Lighters may be slightly more susceptible to moisture, but will usually work within seconds if shaken or blown dry.
Both ferro rods and lighters are marginally affected by cold weather.
Ferro rods are more expensive than plastic lighters, and can't be purchased at any gas station or convenience store like lighters can.
Lighters can be purchased in any color you want, so you won't lose them as easily.
While we don't necessarily agree with everything the Weekend Warrior host says, we'd agree with his point that lighters can have considerable advantages over ferro rods in many cases. No matter what, your survival kit should include multiple fire-starters—regardless of which device is your first choice.
We want to know: what's in your fire-starting kit, and which method is your favorite? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
This article was originally published in Issue 2 of our magazine.
We all know that having instant access to a bright stream of light anytime you need it can not only be incredibly useful, but also in some situations, it can even be a potential lifesaver. Many of us may rely on a trusty flashlight that we've had for years to light up dark areas and some of us even lean on a flashlight app on our smart phones when in a pinch. While the reasons you'd want light in low- or no-light spaces are obvious, it isn't always obvious that your all-important choice of light implement can end up tying up another crucial tool of yours, such as your hands.
If you've ever explored the crevices of your truck's undercarriage or the dark corners of your basement, you've probably run into a situation where you find yourself biting down on a flashlight, precariously aiming its beam with your teeth while working with your two hands. You don't need us to tell you that isn't an ideal situation to be in. In a disaster scenario where you need both of your hands to get someone or even yourself out of danger, the need to have your hands freed up is multiplied exponentially.
In addition to handheld lights, hands-free lights should be a part of everyone's disaster preparedness kit. The most common hands-free-style lights are ones that are worn on the head. Out of your hands and constantly pointed in the direction that you are looking, headband-mounted lights are great when you need to see what you are doing or where you are going while keeping your hands available for any job. Those aren't the only options, however. Other lights that do not tie up your hands include glove- and baseball cap-mounted, as well as clip-on and magnetic lights.
Hands-free lights vary not only in method of attachment, but intended purpose, as well. Some are made with high-powered lamps that can penetrate deep into the darkness, while others are made to flood a large workspace. Since you may not always need the surface of the sun at the push of a button, some lights are made to dimly light up one's personal space for reading or map navigation without the blinding effect. With so many options, we recommend not having only one type of hands-free light available to you. Let's take a closer look at some of the different offerings that are currently out in the marketplace.
Make & Model - Coleman Mini LED EPOD Lights Weight - 1.1 oz for one Battery Type - CR2032 (2) Lumen Rating - 16 Average Runtime - 10 hr Range - 16 ft MSRP - $15 (pack of 2) URL - http://www.coleman.comv Notes - The Mini LED EPODs typically come two in a pack (we've seen more) and are a great low-cost way to get a little bit of light wherever you need it. With their three attachment points, you can hang, clip, or stick them via a magnet all over the house to have them handy at a moment's notice. Safer than candles, the LEDs provide sufficient light to get what you need done. Features - Can be hung with attached band Belt clip Magnet-backed
The Mini LED EPODs typically come two in a pack (we've seen more) and are a great low-cost way to get a little bit of light wherever you need it.
Make & Model - Dorcy 41-2097 134 Lumen Headlight Spot Beam Weight - 2.9 oz Battery Type - AAA (3) Lumen Rating - high 134 Average Runtime - low Range - 387 ft MSRP - $24.99 URL - http://www.dorcy.com Notes - The 41-2097 incorporates a lightweight plastic housing with a single activation pushbutton switch. Push the button three times to rotate through high, low, and strobe modes. The spot light beam is adjustable down almost 90 degrees and lights up areas well past 300 feet. Features - High, low, and strobe light modes Spot beam lens Light head rotates down 80 degrees
The Dorcy 41-2097 incorporates a lightweight plastic housing with a single activation pushbutton switch. Push the button three times to rotate through high, low, and strobe modes.
Make & Model - Energizer Micro Sport Weight - 1.7 oz Battery Type - AAA (2), CR2032 (1) Lumen Rating - low 18 / high 37 Average Runtime - low 9 hr / high 3.5 hr Range - not listed MSRP - $23.99 URL - http://www.energizer.com Notes - If you need to be visible, the Micro Sport's Safety Flasher is right up your alley. The Safety Flasher can be mounted anywhere across the headband and is activated by a button at the top of the housing. The main light is powered by two AAA batteries, which make it pretty bright. Disadvantages are that the headlamp is not independently adjustable for elevation, meaning that you need to adjust the placement of the headband to point the beam where you want it. Also, a CR2032 battery powers the Safety Flasher, which is not as common as the ubiquitous AAA. Features - Three lighting modes Safety Flasher blinks red and mounts at the back of the head Safety Flasher has a 95hr runtime
If you need to be visible, the Micro Sport's Safety Flasher is right up your alley. The Safety Flasher can be mounted anywhere across the headband and is activated by a button at the top of the housing.
Make & Model - ExtremeBeam OSR-800 Headlamp Weight - 3.9 oz Battery Type - AAA (3) Lumen Rating - 180 Average Runtime - 24 hr Range - 550 ft MSRP - $29.95 URL - http://www.extremebeam.com Notes - The OSR-800 looks big, because frankly, it is big. The housing is enormous when compared to some of the other models featured in this guide. That being said, we found the OSR-800 to be fairly balanced, and the included three-strap headband kept it in place well. Unique to this model is a telescoping lens housing that allows you to focus the light beam from flood to spotlight. We tried the spotlight at night outdoors and can tell you that the spotlight goes quite some distance; we estimate the usable beam of light is around 500 feet out—not too shabby for a hands-free light. Features - Four modes, including SOS flashing Beam is adjustable for focused or wide-spread light Lamp head swivels downward as much as 90 degrees
The ExtremeBeam OSR-800 headlamp is fairly balanced, and the included three-strap headband kept it in place well. And the housing is enormous when compared to some of the other models
Make & Model - Gerber Myth Hands Free Light Weight - 1.4 oz Battery Type - AAA (1) Lumen Rating - 25 Average Runtime - 5 hr Range - 82 ft MSRP - $27 URL - http://www.gerbergear.com Notes - With two brightness settings controlled by a single button, the Myth Hands Free Light is easy to use and built so that it feels like it can take some abuse. The rotating light head is easy to point up and down to adjust just where you want the light to aim. The light is bright and makes working and cooking in darkness a breeze. It is also suitable for lighting up a small area in front of you if you're on the move. A single, commonly found AAA battery powers it, which is a plus. Features - High and low light output modes Headlamp width 2.13 in White LED light
With two brightness settings controlled by a single button, the Myth Hands Free Light is easy to use and built so that it feels like it can take some abuse.
Make & Model - Mammut T-Trail + Ambient Light Dry Bag Weight - 2.5 oz Battery Type - AAA (3) Lumen Rating - 60 Average Runtime - low 80 hr / high 20 hr Range - 98 ft MSRP - $49.95 URL - http://www.mammut.ch Notes - The T-Trail features a long runtime and a rotating light head that can move down 45 degrees for ease of adjustment. A standout feature of this light is the accessory it comes with. The Ambient Light Dry Bag is used in conjunction with the head-mounted lamp to diffuse light to create a soft wide area light. When deployed, the bag and light combo can be used to cook or read with. When not in use, the dry bag can be stowed away or even used as a waterproof storage bag. Features - Four LED lamp Flood light pattern Ambient light dry bag
The T-Trail features a long runtime and a rotating light head that can move down 45 degrees for ease of adjustment. A standout feature of this light is the accessory it comes with...
Make & Model - Mechanix Wear The Original Glove Light Weight - 4.5 oz Sizes - Small to XX-Large Battery Type - AAAA (2) MCD Rating - 25,000 Average Runtime - 14 hr Range - not listed MSRP - $39.99 URL - http://www.mechanix.com Notes - Mechanix is already known the world over for its industry-leading work gloves. It was only a matter of time when it paired them up with a light to help get things done in the dark. The Original Glove Light comes with a rubberized single, 8mm LED light unit that can be transferred from either glove. Mounted via hook-and-loop fasteners, the light unit is easily activated with gloved hands by pressing on its top-positioned power button. When trying the gloves out, we found that the light being on the back of the hand to be useful, while having its drawback, as well. While tinkering with a small repair job, we found that the light cannot directly cover the space where your fingers work. The ambient light it gave off helped, but not as much as direct lighting would have. The light is a good secondary hands-free light; the fact that it is attached to protective gloves is a huge bonus. Features - 8mm white LED Detachable light is repositionable to either glove Machine-washable glove is made of spandex, synthetic leather, and thermal plastic rubber
The Original Glove Light comes with a rubberized single, 8mm LED light unit that can be transferred from either glove. Mounted via hook-and-loop fasteners, the light unit is easily activated with gloved hands by pressing on its top-positioned power button.
Make & Model - Olight H15 Wave LED Headlamp Weight - 3.31 oz Battery Type - AAA (4) Lumen Rating - low 4.2 / high 150 Average Runtime - low 72 hr / high 3 hr Range - 213 ft MSRP - $39.95 URL - http://www.olightusa.com Notes - The H15 Wave gets major points for ingenuity and keeping within the hands-free theme. It is equipped with an IR sensor that senses the wave of your hand in front of the unit, which activates and even adjusts the light. One quick wave at about 3 to 4 inches in front of the unit will turn the light on. Another quick wave will dim the light. Any motion beyond that range doesn't affect the light's function. That's great for when you really need to activate and adjust light with a quick wave, but we discovered that when we did use that feature, the light splash back from our hand routinely blinded us. We also found the different light controls to be confusing to operate, and sometimes our hands would inadvertently activate or change the light function, which was an annoyance. The overall size of the unit, including the rear-mounted battery pack (which features a dim red light for safety), is pretty hefty, but the three-strap headband made it comfortable to wear. The unit's light quality was excellent, however. Features - Two light sources, one CREE XM-L white LED and two red LEDs Light can be activated at the wave of your hand Swivel light diffuser lens Lamp head swivels downward as much as 75 degrees
The H15 Wave gets major points for ingenuity and keeping within the hands-free theme. It is equipped with an IR sensor that senses the wave of your hand in front of the unit, which activates and even adjusts the light.
Make & Model - Petzl Strix VL Weight - 4.4 oz Battery Type - AA (1) Lumen Rating - 40 Average Runtime - low 65 hr / high 4.5 hr Range - 131 ft MSRP - $89.95 URL - http://www.petzl-tactical.com Notes - Specifically made for military operations, the Strix VL would fit right in with the rest of your doomsday gear. It's built to last and features a body that rotates 180 degrees horizontally and a light head that rotates 120 degrees vertically, giving you unprecedented viewing adjustments and mounting options. The light can attach to the included headband or even directly to a rail on a military-style helmet if you've got one. Features - Dual rotating adjustments White, red, green, and blue lights Highly impact-, crush-, water-, dust-resistant
Specifically made for military operations, the Strix VL would fit right in with the rest of your doomsday gear. It's built to last and features a body that rotates 180 degrees horizontally and a light head that rotates 120 degrees vertically.
Make & Model - Spark SD-52NW Weight - 4.23 oz Battery Type - AA (2) Lumen Rating - low 0.5 / high 280 Average Runtime - low 50 days / high 1.5 hr Range - not listed MSRP - $89 URL - http://www.spark-light.com Notes - The SD-52NW features a neutral white light that is easy on the eyes, even in its brightest mode. The maximum lumen rating is listed at 280, although it doesn't seem nearly that bright. It could be because the light is made to cover a wide area in front of the user and not a focused sharp beam. The aluminum body is heavy, but the three-strap headband keeps it in place. A feature we really like is the reverse polarity protected circuit. That means that no matter how you install the AA batteries, the light will not short. For proper operation, you only need to install the two batteries in opposite directions in either terminal, one with the positive terminal in first and the other with the negative terminal first. This way, you can replace batteries in complete darkness going by feel only without worrying about shorting the unit. That's a definite plus. Features - Reverse polarity protected circuit Hard anodized aluminum body Single-button operation Optional pocket clip and magnet mounts included
The SD-52NW features a neutral white light that is easy on the eyes, even in its brightest mode. The maximum lumen rating is listed at 280, although it doesn't seem nearly that bright.
Make & Model - Specialized Tactical Systems NavLight (Magnet/Hook Mount model shown, various models available) Weight - 0.42 oz Battery Type - 2016 (2) or 2032 (1) depending on light color Lumen Rating - 0-5 variable Average Runtime - 12-120 hr, depending on light color Range - not listed MSRP - $44.99 ($46.74 for the IR model) URL - http://www.specializedtactical.com Notes - Very small and weighing less than ½ ounce, the motto "Just Enough Light" used by the manufacturer describes this light perfectly. The NavLight is adjustable from 0 to 5 lumens and is backed with a hook-and-loop fastener, as well as a magnet. Available in blue, white, red, green, and even infrared for those with night vision devices, the NavLight gives you just enough light to do what you need to do. The red and IR versions give you an outstanding 120 hours of runtime. Features - Five light colors available, including blue, white, red, green, and infrared Dims and brightens between 0 and 5 lumens Constant on and multiple blinking beacon modes Hook-and-loop back will interface with Velcro-style loop surfaces Magnet-backed
Very small and weighing less than ½ ounce, the motto "Just Enough Light" used by the manufacturer describes this light perfectly. The NavLight is adjustable from 0 to 5 lumens and is backed with a hook-and-loop fastener, as well as a magnet.
Make & Model - Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II Weight - 2.4 oz Battery Type - CR123A (1) or AA (1) Lumen Rating - 55 (CR123A) / 47 (AA) Average Runtime - low 70 hr / high 6 hr (CR123A); low 40 hr / high 2 hr (AA) Range - 226 ft MSRP - $131.84 URL - http://www.streamlight.com Notes - Chunky and ultra rugged, you can tell that the Sidewinder Compact II was made with the military in mind. It comes with a headband, as well as a helmet mount and belt clip, and features not only a white main lamp, but also red, blue, and infrared (IR) reading navigation lights. This unit runs best on a CR123A-type battery, which isn't as common as other batteries, but something we really like is that it can also run on a common AA battery. When mounted to the headband, the unit clips in and isn't mounted solidly, which makes it slightly shift laterally within its mount. Surprisingly, however, the shifting isn't very noticeable when the light is being worn. The light can be switched from white to red to blue to IR with the twist of a knob, while the activation of the light is made with a pushbutton switch. Features - Five light sources, including one main white C4 LED lamp and red, white, blue, and infrared LED task lights Headstrap, helmet, and belt clip mounting Lamp head swivels 185 degrees On/Off/Dimming/Strobe and LED selection functions
Chunky and ultra rugged, you can tell that the Sidewinder Compact II was made with the military in mind. It comes with a headband, as well as a helmet mount and belt clip.
Make & Model - SureFire 2211 Weight - 3.7 oz Battery Type - Li-ion (Rechargable) Lumen Rating - low 15 / high 200 Average Runtime - low 13 hr / high 1.25 hr Range - not listed MSRP - $495 URL - http://www.surefire.com Notes - At 500 bones, this wrist-worn light is clearly not for everyone. Developed for law enforcement, the 2211 is made for officers that need to deal with people and equipment that demand both hands to be free and to move. The maximum 200-lumen light is absolutely blinding and great for highlighting large, dark areas. Since the light sits on top of the wrist like a watch does, it cannot light up areas that your hands may be working in, however. We did find flipping it around and wearing it on the inside your wrist works pretty well. We like the rechargeable battery since it will save you money on batteries, but in a power outage, you'll be hard-pressed to find a working outlet to charge it with. Aside from the cost and those shortcomings, the 2211 is a solid piece of kit. Features - Ambidextrous pushbutton switches USB rechargeable lithium-ion battery Aluminum housing and nylon wristband
Developed for law enforcement, the 2211 is made for officers that need to deal with people and equipment that demand both hands to be free and to move. The maximum 200-lumen light is absolutely blinding and great for highlighting large, dark areas.
Make & Model - SureFire HL1-C-TN Helmet Light (older version pictured, multiple models available) Weight - 3.1 oz Battery Type - CR123A (1) Lumen Rating - 19.2 Average Runtime - white low 48 hr / white high 6 hr; color low 96 hr; color high 20 hr Range - not listed MSRP - $190 URL - http://www.surefire.com Notes - The HL-1 comes in four different models, the colored LED lights being the only difference between them. The unit is currently in use with military units worldwide, so you know that it can withstand the abuses of a disaster scenario. The light isn't made to light up a large area; rather, it is made for the immediate workspace in front of you. There are two toggle switches that allow you to set the lights to your preferred settings and a single pushbutton switch to activate the lights. The HL-1 comes with a helmet mount, but we find it most useful when incorporated with the TangoDown Ball Cap Mount. Features - Three light sources, three main white LEDs, two colored secondary LEDs, and one blinking infrared LED that serves as a personal Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) beacon Colored LEDs available in red (shown), blue, yellow-green, and infrared Two toggle and one pressure switch for customizable light output Quick-detach helmet mount included
The HL-1 comes in four different models, the colored LED lights being the only difference between them. The unit is currently in use with military units worldwide, so you know that it can withstand the abuses of a disaster scenario.
Make & Model - SureFire Minimus (shown, multiple models available) Weight - 3.3 oz Battery Type - CR123A (1) Lumen Rating - 1 to 100, variable Average Runtime - low 50 hr / high 1.5 hr Range - 137 ft MSRP - $149 URL - http://www.surefire.com Notes - The Minimus features a Mil-spec hard-anodized aluminum body, which feels solid and ready for extreme duty. The light features a proprietary refractive optic that produces a smooth, wide beam optimized for your field of vision. At its brightest setting, it is more than capable of lighting up a large swath of area. To adjust lighting direction, the light can be vertically adjusted by the simple twist of the tubular body. Turning the light on, however, is a two-handed affair because turning the knob to power the light on inadvertently turns the entire body of the light, as well. You must hold the body in place, while turning the knob to keep the light's body from shifting position. Features - Variable light-output dial controls light levels from 1 to 100 lumens Light housing rotates horizontally 360 degrees Comes with snap-on red filter to preserve night vision Built-in SOS beacon
The Minimus features a Mil-spec hard-anodized aluminum body, which feels solid and ready for extreme duty. The light features a proprietary refractive optic that produces a smooth, wide beam optimized for your field of vision.
Make & Model - TangoDown Ball Cap Mount for SureFire Helmet Light SFHL-001 Colorway - Flat Dark Earth (shown), Black, Foliage Green MSRP - $15.86 URL - http://www.tangodown.com Notes - The TangoDown Ball Cap Mount is made specifically to interface with the SureFire HL-1 series of lights. The mount can be mounted to any thing you can get a screw through, so the uses are only limited to your imagination. We've seen them on backpack straps and even car sunvisors. Best of all, if your cap is done, just move the mount to a new cap and keep on keeping on. Features - Attachable to any surface you can drive screws through, in this case, baseball cap visors Compatible with all SureFire Helmet Lights models HL1-A through D-TN
The TangoDown Ball Cap Mount is made specifically to interface with the SureFire HL-1 series of lights. The mount can be mounted to any thing you can get a screw through, so the uses are only limited to your imagination.
The more we think about it, the more we've realized hammocks are an excellent resource for survivalists. Hammocks are generally less expensive, lighter, faster to set up and tear down, and more concealable than tents. However, you'll need the right knowledge to set up a hammock correctly. Unlike tents, that generally means tying knots.
Luckily for us, the knots you need for a hammock aren't that complicated, and you don't need a Boy Scouts knot-tying merit badge to figure them out. In fact, Hobo Hammocks claims that there's only one knot you'll ever need to rig a hammock. They call it “the hammock knot”, but it's basically a modified quick-release clove hitch.
Simple enough, right? As the infographic above states, all you need to do to tear down the hammock in the morning is pull the “tail”, and the knot instantly unties. Here's a video that shows it in action:
In the video, they use the flat nylon strap supplied with most hammocks, but we tested it out with 550 paracord, and found that the technique works equally well.
Hobo Hammocks claims this “hammock knot” is the only one you need, but there's one case when that's not true. If you're using regular rope or paracord instead of a pre-sewn nylon tree strap (like the ones included with many hammocks), you'll need to know a fixed loop knot to secure your hammock line to a tree. We strongly suggest learning the bowline knot, since it's easy to remember and extremely secure.
On a side note, we recently received a new Serac hammock to review for OFFGRIDweb. So, if you're into hammock camping, keep an eye out for the results of our review in the future.
This article was originally published in Issue 2 of our magazine.
In a recent survey conducted by American Pet Products Association, studies have revealed that roughly 83 million dogs are owned in the United States. With numbers like that, it's no surprise that pets have become an increasingly important extension of our families — and for some, their only family. The smiles they bring and the personalities they share have made them an integral and intimate part of the new family household and further studies reveal just how important they have become.
Further investigation by Kelton Research also reveals that there are blurred lines when it comes to dogs and children. Although humorous (and disconcerting at the same time) the studies show that many consider their dogs as equally important as their children. Needless to say, we can all understand the love of a pet, but even more powerful is the passing of one. While pets are often at the forefront of our minds during our daily routines, in many cases, they are an afterthought when it comes to emergency preparation.
Having a contingency plan that includes your pets is crucial to any pet owner, and it would be most beneficial to include them in any plan ahead of time. That said, be prepared to handle any canine emergencies by studying this buyer's guide which was designed with your pets in mind.
From basic necessities like food and water, understanding the pedigree of your dog is crucial to determining the “hardiness zone” of your geographic area in order to truly understand what you'll need. Take for instance, dogs with thicker coats (think Pomeranians and Chow Chows); even in the coldest of winters in a location such as Southern California, they do NOT need jackets. Whereas you may be cold, the thicker fur coats on dogs within these breeds acts like insulation to keep them warm. As a matter of fact, you can actually “overheat” the dog and potentially cause death or seizures, so again, understanding the conditions you might be facing because of different pedigrees will require different attention.
Another thing to keep in mind is that these products will help increase the chances of your pets surviving and sustaining, but you will also need to plan strategically if you need to leave your home in a crisis. In the event of major catastrophes, many will be forced to flee in search of shelter, but you have to keep in mind (and understand) that some shelters may not allow your pets inside. So plan in advance, stock up on the supplies you feel necessary for your pets, and have a game plan. You don't want to have to plan that during the crisis itself, or even worse, after the crisis, when there will simply be no time or resources to be able to help your four-legged friend survive.
In addition to some of the topics we have discussed, as well as the many online resources you can peruse, you should also consider talking to your local veterinarian about pet needs in the event of an emergency. They can offer crucial advice on what supplies you should stock up on, as well as what unconventional methods you might be wise to use in treating a sick pet. The wealth of knowledge veterinarians have can truly be your best benefit when it comes to ascertaining the exact needs you'll need to meet for your pet in the event of an emergency. In fact, you'd be surprised to find out what you can find in you cupboards to help treat a dog and in the end, the most powerful resource is knowledge, so by all means ask questions and do your research.
U.S. Dog Ownership Estimates
83.3 M- Number of owned dogs 47%- Percentage of households that own at least one dog 70%- Percentage of owners with one dog 20%- Percentage of owners with two dogs 10%- Percentage of owners with three or more dogs 1.47- Average number of owned dogs per household 20%- Percentage of owned dogs who were adopted from animal shelters $231- Average annual amount spent by dog owners on routine veterinary visits 83%- Percentage of owned dogs who are spayed or neutered Even- Proportion of male to female owned dogs
Source: 2013-2014 statistics, contact the American Pet Products Association Pet Owners Survey
Dog Survival Gear
There is plenty of gear on the market that can help you prepare and protect your dog from tough elements and unexpected events. Don't let your canine buddy get left out of your preparation plans. A few standouts of some dog-specific kit are presented in this guide.
You've Got Your Plans & Survival Essentials. What About Your Best Friend?
Make & Model - 21st Century Pet Health Anti Diarrhea Liquid with Kaolin & Pectin MSRP - $13.99 URL - http://www.21stcenturypet.com Notes - This item is self-explanatory. Pack one in your dog's kit and you'll be thankful that you have it.
The 21st Century Pet Health Anti Diarrhea Liquid with Kaolin & Pectin is self-explanatory. Pack one in your dog's kit and you'll be thankful that you have it.
Make & Model - 21st Century Pet Health Flexible Bandage – Bandage Self-Adhering SIZE - 2-inch, 4-inch (Pictured) COLORWAY - 2-inch Blue, Pink, Purple MSRP - $0.97 to $1.97 URL - http://www.21stcenturypet.com Notes - Like their human counterparts, pets may require bandages to help treatment from cuts or even sprained or broken limbs. This self-adhering bandage is specifically made for pets.
Like their human counterparts, pets may require bandages to help treatment from cuts or even sprained or broken limbs. So the 21st Century Pet Health Flexible Bandage is a self-adhering bandage is specifically made for pets.
Make & Model - 21st Century Pet Health Paw Pad Protector SIZE - N/A COLORWAY - N/A MSRP - $7.99 URL - http://www.21stcenturypet.com Notes - For dogs that don't like the feeling of boots on their feet, there is this alternative. It is a wax that can be applied to your dog's paw pads that creates a protective barrier between the skin and the ground.
For dogs that don't like the feeling of boots on their feet, the Health Paw Pad Protector is a wax that can be applied to your dog's paw pads that creates a protective barrier between the skin and the ground.
Make & Model - ActiveDogs.com Paw Mitts SIZE - XS, Small (Pictured), Medium, Large, XL COLORWAY - Navy Blue, Black, Camo, Green, Orange, Purple, Red, Royal Blue, Wine, Yellow (Pictured) MSRP - $32.99 URL - http://www.activedogs.com Notes - Protect your dog's paws from broken glass and other dangerous debris. Paw Mitts have a water-resistant, 1000 denier nylon and urethane coated fabric outer layer. Its inner layer is a soft fleece and outside footpad is non-slip suede leather.
Protect your dog's paws from broken glass and other dangerous debris with the ActiveDogs Paw Mitts that have a water-resistant, 1000 denier nylon and urethane coated fabric outer layer.
Make & Model - 21st Century Pet Health Oral Syringe SIZE - 15cc (Pictured), 30cc MSRP - $3.99 URL - http://www.21stcenturypet.com Notes - Any easy way to administer medicine for pets, this oral syringe is reusable and can hold up to 15cc's of liquid. In a disaster kit, it can be used for other pet and human purposes such as flushing out eyes with water.
Any easy way to administer medicine for pets, this oral syringe is reusable and can hold up to 15cc's of liquid. In a disaster kit, it can be used for other pet and human purposes such as flushing out eyes with water.
Make & Model - CQB K-9 Patrol/Tactical Harness SIZE - Large, up to 30-inch girth COLORWAY - Tan MSRP - $60 URL - http://www.cqbk9.com Notes - The Patrol/Tactical Harness is a lightweight option over heavier dog packs. It features adjustable sizing straps, hook and loop surfaces along with a durable nylon leash attachment and zippered carry pouches.
The Patrol/Tactical Harness is a lightweight option over heavier dog packs, and it even features adjustable sizing straps, hook and loop surfaces along with a durable nylon leash attachment and zippered carry pouches.
Make & Model - Creative Pet Products Bow Ow First Aid Kit MSRP - $39 URL - http://www.petfirstaidkits.com Notes - First-aid kit for your pets. This handy kit comes with a few essentials in a carry case, but will still probably need to be supplemented with other tools and medicines to suit your dog.
Creative Pet Products Bow Ow is a first-aid kit for your pets. This handy kit comes with a few essentials in a carry case, but will still probably need to be supplemented with other tools and medicines to suit your dog.
Make & Model - Creative Pet Products Practical Pet First Aid For Dogs & Cats MSRP - $14 URL - http://www.petfirstaidkits.com Notes - Because we can't all be veterinarians, having this guide with you can you help treat everything from fevers, bug bites, cuts, broken bones, and more.
Because we can't all be veterinarians, having the Creative Pet Products Practical Pet First Aid For Dogs & Cats guide with you can you help treat everything from fevers, bug bites, cuts, broken bones, and more.
Make & Model - GNC Dog Aspirin DOSES - All Small Dogs 120 mg (Pictured), All Large Dogs 300 mg MSRP - $7.99 to $13.99 URL - http://www.gnc.com Notes - This is beef-flavored aspirin, what's not to love? Your buddy will not have a problem taking this tablet. The chewable tablets help with pain relief and inflammation.
This is beef-flavored aspirin, what's not to love? Your buddy will not have a problem taking this tablet. The chewable tablets help with pain relief and inflammation.
Make & Model - Mayday Industries The 38 Piece "DogGoneIt PEMA" Kit For Dogs MSRP - $87 URL - http://www.maydayindustries.com Notes - This "all-in-one" type kit covers many items of what you'll need to manage your dog. Everything from food, water, water bowl, first-aid kit, a leash, and more are included. We suggest supplementing this kit with more items to build a customized kit for your dog.
This "all-in-one" type kit covers many items of what you'll need to manage your dog. Everything from food, water, water bowl, first-aid kit, a leash, and more are included.
Make & Model - Remedy+Recovery Liquid Bandage MSRP - $7.99 URL - http://www.cardinalpet.com Notes - This is a handy liquid bandage that dries quickly and keeps your pet's wound clean and dry so that it can heal quickly without complications from possible infection when applied correctly.
The Remedy+Recovery Liquid Bandage is a handy liquid bandage that dries quickly and keeps your pet's wound clean and dry so that it can heal quickly without complications from possible infection when applied correctly.
Make & Model - Remedy+Recovery Medicated Antiseptic MSRP - $7.99 URL - http://www.cardinalpet.com Notes - Much like antiseptic sprays you might have in your own first-aid kit, this spray kills germs, eases bug bites and scratches, and is formulated for your dog's skin and fur coats.
Much like antiseptic sprays you might have in your own first-aid kit, the Remedy+Recovery Medicated Antiseptic kills germs, eases bug bites and scratches, and is formulated for your dog's skin and fur coats.
Make & Model - Remedy+Recovery Styptic Powder MSRP - $10.99 URL - http://www.cardinalpet.com Notes - A blood-clotting agent for your dog, this powder can come in handy to stop the flow of small cuts and scrapes.
The Remedy+Recovery Styptic Powder is a blood-clotting agent for your dog, this powder can come in handy to stop the flow of small cuts and scrapes.
Make & Model - Survival Straps Wide Dog Collar SIZE - 16 to 26 inches COLORS - INSIDE: Various, Black (Pictured) Edge: Various, Blue, Royal (Pictured) DOG TAG OPTIONS: Center (Pictured), Left MSRP - $45.95 URL - http://www.survivalstraps.com Notes - The Survival Straps Wide Dog Collar is made of 550 military-spec paracord and stainless-steel shackles. It's the ultimate survivalist dog collar.
The Survival Straps Wide Dog Collar is made of 550 military-spec paracord and stainless-steel shackles. It's the ultimate survivalist dog collar.
Make & Model - ThunderWorks ThunderShirt SIZE - XXS, XS (Pictured), S, M, L, XL, XXL COLORS - Blue Polo, Green Polo, Heather Grey (Pictured), Holiday Red Limited Edition, Pink Polo MSRP - $39.95 to $44.95 URL - http://www.thundershirt.com Notes - Used to ease anxiety, the ThunderShirt provides your dog with a sense of security that could be important during stressful times.
Used to ease anxiety, the ThunderShirt provides your dog with a sense of security that could be important during stressful times.
Make & Model - Top Paw Backpack SIZE - Medium, Large, XL (Pictured) COLORWAY - N/A MSRP - $34.99 to $44.99 URL - http://www.petsmart.com Notes - Have your dog pull his or her own weight by putting survival supplies on their backs. This sturdy backpack is adjustable for a correct fit.
Have your dog pull his or her own weight by putting survival supplies on their backs in the Top Paw Backpack.
Make & Model - Top Paw Dog Boots SIZE - XS, Small, Medium, Large, XL (Pictured) COLORWAY - Pink, Blue (Pictured) MSRP - $14.99 URL - http://www.petsmart.com Notes - These rubber soled Dog Boots are water resistant and non-slip. We wouldn't run around a disaster zone barefoot, why should your dog?
The Top Paw Dog Boots are rubber soled and are water resistant and non-slip. We wouldn't run around a disaster zone barefoot, why should your dog?
Make & Model - Top Paw K9 Goggles SIZE - XS, Small, Medium, Large (Pictured) COLORWAY - N/A MSRP - $24.99 URL - http://www.petsmart.com Notes - Sheild your dog's eyes from burning embers, heavy dust, and other air contaminants. Featuring 100-percent UV block lenses, these goggles for your dog are shatterproof, anti-fog, and come in multiple adjustable sizes.
Sheild your dog's eyes from burning embers, heavy dust, and other air contaminants with the Top Paw K9 Goggles that feature 100-percent UV block lenses.
We're always intrigued by the creative campfire techniques people come up with, especially those that create efficient flames and minimize wasted fuel. There are actually several methods for creating a fire from a single log—we already discussed the Swedish torch in a previous post. Today, we're sharing a similar technique, known as a rocket stove.
A log that's about 6 inches wide and 1 foot long will work well for this stove.
No, we're not suggesting you try to cook with a model rocket engine. A so-called rocket stove uses a small-diameter combustion chamber with an insulated vertical chimney. This creates a narrow jet of flame, much like the one found at the business end of a rocket, hence the name.
When creating a rocket stove from a log, this means drilling into the center of the wood, both from the top and from one side. The L-shaped ventilation design feeds the fire with oxygen, and the log itself acts as fuel. This video from IntenseAngler shows how it's done:
Of course, if you don't have power tools, you may want to choose the Swedish torch. That design only requires an ax or knife to split the log into quarters. Nevertheless, this rocket stove design seems promising, and could be fun to try in your backyard or while car camping.
We especially like the point about throwing the rocket stove onto your campfire when you're finished with it. Waste not, want not.
Warning! This article is meant to be an overview and not a detailed guide on identifying and consuming edible plants. Seek guidance from a trained botanist before attempting to eat any plants. Any attempt to consume plants shall solely be at the reader’s risk.
Hunting is an important survival skill, whether that is for live animals or wild edible plants. You could kill deer or wild boar with a rifle or bow, snag small game in snares, take down birds with a slingshot, or spear fish in streams. However, it's equally important to incorporate edible plants, fruits, and vegetables into your survival diet—especially because you may not always be able to hunt successfully when your life depends on it.
Foraging for Wild Edible Plants
Few things are as rewarding as being able to identify a wild edible plant and harvesting it for consumption, but this skill is not without a level of risk. There are plants out there which look very similar to the edible versions, but can be fatally toxic. So, how can you start foraging for wild edible plants? Obviously, you don't want to ingest anything poisonous, so you'll need to know what to look for first. The infographic below from Ava's Flowers provides some great information and illustrations to get you started.
If you're interested in reading more on the subject, check out the other infographic we featured from Ava's Flowers, called “The Devil's Greenhouse“. It goes into more detail on toxic plants that you should avoid at all costs.
This article was originally published in Issue 2 of our magazine.
It is conceivable that after the onset of a large-scale disaster, our current-day communications equipment of choice, smart phones, which depend on a complex infrastructure to operate, would quickly become little more than paperweights in our pockets. With traditional means of communications out of action, what would be other go-to options we could lean on?
When the subject of communications in disaster scenarios comes up, immediate thoughts go to high-powered radio systems, including CB and Ham radio. While those systems are excellent tools that can put you in touch with those who are many miles away, they do require training, specialized equipment, and power sources that might be hard to come by in order to operate. For their ease of use, relatively low power usage, and low cost, FRS and GMRS two-way radios, or walkie-talkies, should not be overlooked.
Radio communications are important in disaster situations and can be used to help coordinate information between individuals or groups such as family members. Not all radios need to be of the long-range variety. Short-range radios, such as those that operate on FRS and GMRS bands, work well in areas covering a couple of miles. Your health status, position, and security situation can easily be relayed between basecamp and someone who is out foraging for supplies. Likewise, coordinating the search for fellow survivors in the collapsed rubble of a metropolitan wasteland is difficult at best without wireless communications. A rescuer could likely become a victim without the ability to coordinate assistance when trying to pull out another victim. Coordinating your neighborhood after a disaster and checking up on neighbors is a process that can be sped up with the use of short-range radios. Radios are a critical communication tool that can greatly improve the efficiency of almost any operation.
FRS and GMRS
Handheld two-way radios are the most cost-effective method of talking at ranges where yelling becomes impractical. Walkie-talkies operate on FRS and GMRS bands. FRS stands for Family Radio Service and encompasses low-power transmissions at as much as 0.5 watt. FRS bands are free of charge to operate on and require no license. GMRS is short for General Mobile Radio Service and does require licensing with the FCC. The license requires an $85 fee for a five-year term, even though a license is not required to buy a GMRS radio. GMRS radios require more power over FRS units, and in the radio world, more power means longer range. GMRS radios commonly have 1- to 2-watt transmissions, but can get as much as 50 watts, which gives it some pretty decent reach. Most radios on the market today are hybrid GMRS/FRS radios, possessing the capability of using both bands.
Features
Radios available on the consumer market greatly range in both price and quality. As with most things in this world, the cost reflects increases in durability, reliability, clarity, and range. Most units feature distance ratings that are very optimistic. We find that in real-world scenarios that structures, obstructions, elevations, weather patterns, and electrical signals, among other things, cut those distances down significantly. As a rule of thumb, cut those ratings in half, if not more. Test your chosen radio for use in your intended area of use to make sure that unit works for you.
Many walkie-talkies include rechargeable batteries that can be replaced with disposable batteries. Radios that have mini-USB-charging capability can be charged with a solar charger, as well, so keep that in mind, too. Water- and dust-resistance is rated by Ingress Protection (IP) rating. IP ratings have two digits; the first digit measures Intrusion Protection and the second is for Moisture Protection. See the chart for detailed rating information.
Channels
FRS radios have seven channels that are shared with GMRS radios and an additional seven channels that are for FRS use only, giving it 14 total channels. Higher-powered GMRS radios have 22 channels, including the shared FRS channels, which give GMRS users more flexibility to find a clear line to talk on.
Privacy Codes
Aside from the main channels, radios also have privacy codes. Privacy codes subdivide channels into more channels so that the user can find a clear channel to use when others are taken. In a busy radio environment, you and your party might get traffic on Channel 1/Code 0, but when you switch to Channel 1/Code 5, you find it clear to use. Most radios have 22 privacy codes and some have more, helping make plenty of channel/code combinations to choose from. Be aware, however, that privacy codes don't work the way you probably think they do. They don't encode your transmission; instead, they encode your receiver to only pick up transmissions on the same privacy code. For example, if you are on Channel 3/Code 4, you could only hear transmissions on the same code, but if someone else were on Channel 3/Code 0 (0 being no privacy code), they would be able to hear all transmissions on Channel 3, regardless of code, including yours.
Transmission Range
Now that we've broken all that down, what does all that mumbo jumbo mean in the real world? Well, for starters, even in ideal conditions, if you're operating a radio in FRS mode, meaning 0.5-watt transmission power, your range will be limited to (generously speaking) 6 miles. In any sort of urban area with obstructed lines of sight or in a dense forest, that range is going to drop to 2 miles or less even on GMRS. Your range will be affected by myriad factors, including terrain (hills and trees), weather, electromagnetic noise (solar flares, power lines, and so on), and steel and concrete structures.
Up to 6 Miles (Urban) Up to 8 Miles (Lake) Up to 18 Miles (Mountain to Valley)
Remember, line of sight is the name of the game. If you want to transmit long distances, you will need to be able to see your other party. If you can't see them, chances are, your range is going to drop significantly. Our tested effective range on the Motorola MT350R in a suburban residential area on GMRS from inside a moving vehicle was at about 2 miles. Your mileage may vary, so this is not gospel, but be aware that range is limited. Most of the time, none of this will matter because you will be speaking to someone only a few buildings over, at most, a few blocks away, and range limitations should not be a major issue. Frequent radio check-ins will prevent this range limitation from sneaking up on you and will mitigate communications losses and blackouts from terrain and structures.
No matter which unit you choose, keep in mind its limitations, and be sure to test out how it'll work out in your environment before committing it to your disaster preparedness plan. Remember that short-range communications you get from handheld FRS and GRMS radios can be as important as the long-range comms you get from Ham or CB radio. Stay safe out there, and stay prepared. You never know when the next disaster will strike.
Ingress Protection Rating
First Digit (Intrusion Protection)
0 >> No special protection
1 >> Protected against solid objects from 50 mm or more 2 >> Protected against solid objects from 12.5 mm or more 3 >> Protected against solid objects from 2.5 mm or more 4 >> Protected against solid objects from 1 mm or more 5 >> Protected against dust that may harm equipment 6 >> Totally dust tight
Second Digit (Moisture Protection)
0 >> No protection 1 >> Protection against condensation 2 >> Protection against water droplets deflected as much as 15 degrees from vertical 3 >> Protected against spray as much as 60 degrees from vertical 4 >> Protected against splashes of water from all directions 5 >> Protection against low-pressure water jets from all directions 6 >> Protection against powerful water jets from all directions 7 >> Protected against temporary immersion 8 >> Protected against prolonged immersion
Make & Model - Cobra CXT235 Band Type - GMRS/FRS Channels - 22 Privacy Codes - 121 Claimed Range - 20 mi Weight - 3.7 oz (with battery) Battery Type - rechargeable (included), 4 AAA (not included) MSRP - $59.99 URL - http://www.cobra.com Notes - Featuring a compact size and uncluttered buttons, the CXT235 is a full-featured walkie-talkie with 22 channels and 121 privacy codes in a robust package. It doesn't have the bells and whistles as higher-priced models, but it gets the job done just as well. In urban settings, the best we could squeeze out of it was a bit less than 2 miles of range. Comes with 2 radios per package. Features - VOX capability for hands-free usage NOAA weather emergency radio and alert Scan to see what channels are in use Low-battery alert Keypad lock Belt clips (2) Wall charger with Y plug
Featuring a compact size and uncluttered buttons, the CXT235 is a full-featured walkie-talkie with 22 channels and 121 privacy codes in a robust package.
Make & Model - Midland GXT1000VP4 Band Type - GMRS/FRS Channels - 50 Privacy Codes - 285 Claimed Range - 36 mi Weight - 7.4 oz (with battery) Battery Type - rechargeable (included), 4 AA (not included) MSRP - $89.99 URL - http://www.midlandusa.com Notes - While it has good overall quality, its controls are complex and are not laid out ergonomically. The use of additional channels seemed to cause difficulties, as it was unable to cross-talk to Motorola units operating on the same channel. We experienced a useful range of about 2 miles in urban environments, though transmission quality could be spotty at times. Comes with 2 radios per package. Features - 285 privacy codes, 6,270 channel options Audible SOS siren Silent vibrate alert mode NOAA weather alert radio Belt clips (2) Desktop charger AC and DC adapters Boom mic headsets (2)
The Midland GX1000VP4 has good overall quality but can be hard to use with the number of complex controls. Still it has a useful range of 2 miles in urban environments.
Make & Model - Motorola Talkabout MD200R Band Type - GMRS/FRS Channels - 22 Privacy Codes - 0 Claimed Range - 20 mi Weight - 5.2 oz (with battery) Battery Type - rechargeable (included), 3 AA (not included) MSRP - $49.99 URL - http://www.motorolasolutions.com Notes - The construction of the capable MD200R feels solid for an inexpensive unit. The recessed power button is good for preventing accidental activation, and the lanyard loop is convenient. Its range for us was just more than a mile in urban environments. Comes with 2 radios per package. Features - Hands-free speaker iVOX mode Built-in flashlight NOAA weather alert radio Belt clips (2) Y cable wall adapter with two mini-USB connectors
The construction of the capable MD200R feels solid for an inexpensive unit, and the recessed power button is good for preventing accidental activation!
Make & Model - Motorola Talkabout MG160A Band Type - GMRS/FRS Channels - 22 Privacy Codes - 0 Claimed Range - 16 mi Weight - 3.7 oz (with battery) Battery Type - 3 AAA (not included) MSRP - $29.99 URL - http://www.motorolasolutions.com Notes - Positives of the MG160A are the ease of use and low price. You can buy a number of these to leave in bug-out bags and designated places. It is easy enough for everyone in your household to use, including children. That being said, it has very limited capabilities, as we tested its range to go out only about half a mile in dense urban terrain. Comes with 2 radios per package. Features - Scan to see what channels are in use Low-battery alert Keypad lock Belt clips (2)
Great because of it's ease of use and low price, the MG160A is cheap enough to buy a number of and leave in bug-out bags, and is easy enough for everyone in your household to use, including children.
Make & Model - Motorola Talkabout MT350R Band Type - GMRS/FRS Channels - 22 Privacy Codes - 121 Claimed Range - 35 mi Weight - 7.4 oz (with battery) Battery Type - rechargeable (included), 3 AA (not included) MSRP - $89.99 URL - http://www.motorolasolutions.com Notes - We found the MT350R easy to read and use, and we noticed an excellent overall build quality. The built-in LED flashlight proved unexpectedly useful. Its tested range was 2 miles in boosted-power mode in the city. Transmission from the top of a local dam proved strong enough to communicate to an unobstructed area more than 3 miles away. Comes with 2 radios per package. Features - 285 privacy codes, 6,270 channel options Hands-free speaker iVOX mode Silent vibrating ringer Built-in flashlight IP-54 rated NOAA weather alert radio Belt clips (2) Y cable wall adapter with two mini-USB connectors
The MT350R is easy to read and use, and we noticed an excellent overall build quality. Not to mention, the built-in LED flashlight proved unexpectedly useful.
