Page 213 – RECOIL OFFGRID

Gear Nostalgia: Mini Flashlights

Posted on November 27, 2016 at 6:00 am.

In This Article

Bonus: LRI Photon II
Bonus: Nitecore Tube
Bonus: OLIGHT S1 Baton
Coast G5
Fenix UC01
FourSevens Atom AL
LED Lenser K2L
Nitecore TIP
OLIGHT S10R Baton II
Pelican 1810
Streamlight Key-Mate
SureFire Sidekick

In the HighLights flashlight buyer’s guide in Issue 17 of our printed magazine, we reviewed nine miniature flashlights. These lights are designed to fit in the palm of your hand, in your pocket, or on a keychain. Rather than rely on your smartphone’s built-in LED, you can have significantly brighter light on demand, plus other useful features such as waterproofing and adjustable brightness modes. To read our full thoughts on the nine mini flashlights, pick up a copy of Issue 17, on shelves starting December 2nd, 2016.

As we were finishing up the print article, we came across three additional lights that fit this theme. We didn’t have room to include them in the print article, so we’ll share our thoughts on these three mini flashlights here on the web. We also recorded short video clips of all 12 flashlights, so you can get a feel for the physical size and controls.

Bonus: LRI Photon II

We’ve had this Photon II keychain light for several years, and it has served us well despite its diminutive size. It’s extremely compact — about the size of a quarter. The thumb pressure pad is great for quick momentary activation, and there is a tiny switch for constant-on mode if you’d prefer to leave the light running. The output is focused in a soft spotlight pattern. Although it’s rated at only 4.5 lumens, the manufacturer states it hasn’t been tested to official ANSI standards, and it appears closer to 10 or 15 lumens. That’s still not a lot of power, but the Photon II is a good choice for an ultra-small keychain light.

Max Lumen Output: 4.5
Max Runtime: 18 hrs.
Overall Length: 1.6 in.
Weight with Batteries: 0.2 oz.
Battery Type: CR2016 (two, included)
Controls: Pressure pad, small constant-on switch
Output Modes: N/A
Special Features: Quick-release keyring, small split ring
MSRP: $12
URL: www.photonlight.com

Bonus: Nitecore Tube

Despite being called the Tube, this Nitecore light is not cylindrical. It’s actually thin and flat, comparable in size to a mini Bic lighter. It offers two brightness modes, selectable by the power button on top of the light — press once for 1-lumen moonlight mode, and double-tap for full 45-lumen power. The button can also be held down for momentary full-power mode. Rather than replaceable batteries, this light uses an integrated li-ion battery with micro-USB charging. The beam pattern is a wide and soft flood light, ideal for illuminating a workspace or reading a map, but not ideal for focused directional output. We like the Tube a lot, but we still prefer the new Nitecore TIP for its higher output and tough aluminum body.

Max Lumen Output: 45
Max Runtime: 48 hrs.
Overall Length: 2.2 in.
Weight with Batteries: 0.3 oz.
Battery Type: Built-in lithium-ion battery with micro-USB charging
Controls: Push-button power switch with momentary mode
Output Modes: High, low
Special Features: Stainless steel keyring connector, micro-USB port with dust cover, charging indicator LED
MSRP: $10
URL: www.nitecore.com

Bonus: OLIGHT S1 Baton

The OLIGHT S1 Baton is an updated version of the S10R Baton II we reviewed in the magazine article. It looks similar to the S10R, but there are several key differences. First, the business end of the light uses a TIR optic lens rather than the older light’s basic reflector. This makes the beam softer and more even, a significant improvement. This S1 Baton is a non-rechargeable model, so it lacks the charging dock compatibility of the R-series lights (although the tail cap is still magnetic). A rechargeable S1R model is available for $15 extra ($65 MSRP), but we haven’t tested it yet.

The S1 shares the same 500-lumen brightness as the old S10, but extends run time to a claimed 600 hours. It’s also smaller and lighter than the S10R, and it’s even IPX8 waterproof. This is a truly superb EDC flashlight, and a nice improvement on the S10 series.

Max Lumen Output: 500
Max Runtime: 600 hrs.
Overall Length: 2.4 in.
Weight with Batteries: 1.7 oz.
Battery Type: CR123 (one, included)
Controls: Push-button power switch with momentary mode
Output Modes: Turbo, high, low, moonlight, strobe
Special Features: Magnetic tail cap, pocket clip, wrist lanyard, IPX8 waterproof
MSRP: $50
URL: www.olightworld.com

Coast G5

Max Lumen Output: 18
Max Runtime: 45 min.
Overall Length: 2.5 in.
Weight with Batteries: 0.5 oz.
Battery Type: AG5 (four, included)
Controls: Push-button tail cap with on-off and momentary modes
Output Modes: N/A
Special Features: Large split ring, small split ring, swivel
MSRP: $6
URL: www.coastportland.com

Fenix UC01

Max Lumen Output: 45
Max Runtime: 50 hrs.
Overall Length: 2.5 in.
Weight with Batteries: 0.5 oz.
Battery Type: Built-in lithium-polymer with micro-USB charging
Controls: Push-button switch with 0.5-second lockout delay
Output Modes: High, medium, low
Special Features: Carabiner, small split ring, battery indicator LED, micro- USB port with dust cover
MSRP: $12
URL: www.fenixlight.com

FourSevens Atom AL

Max Lumen Output: 110
Max Runtime: 40 hrs.
Overall Length: 1.8 in.
Weight with Batteries: 1.6 oz.
Battery Type: CR123 (one, included)
Controls: Twist-on bezel
Output Modes: Low, high
Special Features: Magnetic tail cap, glow-inthe- dark LED backing, IPX8 waterproof, wrist lanyard
MSRP: $40
URL: www.foursevens.com

LED Lenser K2L

Max Lumen Output: 25
Max Runtime: 5 hrs.
Overall Length: 2.4 in.
Weight with Batteries: 0.6 oz.
Battery Type: AG13 (four, included)
Controls: Twist-on bezel
Output Modes: N/A
Special Features: Large split ring, small split ring, swivel, clear Magic Light Ring behind bezel
MSRP: $10
URL: www.ledlenserusa.com

Nitecore TIP

Max Lumen Output: 360
Max Runtime: 46 hrs.
Overall Length: 2.4 in.
Weight with Batteries: 0.8 oz.
Battery Type: Built-in lithium-ion with micro-USB charging
Controls: Push-button power switch with lockout function, push-button mode selector
Output Modes: Turbo, high, medium, low
Special Features: Large split ring, battery indicator LED, micro-USB port
MSRP: $30
URL: www.nitecore.com

OLIGHT S10R Baton II

Max Lumen Output: 500
Max Runtime: 168 hrs.
Overall Length: 2.9 in.
Weight with Batteries: 2.2 oz.
Battery Type: Rechargeable CR123 (one, included) or standard CR123 (not included)
Controls: Push-button power switch
Output Modes: High, medium, low, moonlight, strobe
Special Features: Magnetic tail cap, pocket clip, battery indicator LED, magnetic USB charging dock, wrist lanyard
MSRP: $66
URL: www.olightworld.com

Pelican 1810

Max Lumen Output: 16
Max Runtime: 8.75 hrs.
Overall Length: 1.5 in.
Weight with Batteries: 0.4 oz.
Battery Type: LR41 (four, included)
Controls: Twist-on bezel
Output Modes: N/A
Special Features: Carabiner, small split ring, metal Pelican logo tag
MSRP: $13
URL: www.pelican.com

Streamlight Key-Mate

Max Lumen Output: 10
Max Runtime: 96 hrs.
Overall Length: 2.4 in.
Weight with Batteries: 0.8 oz.
Battery Type: LR44 (four, included)
Controls: Twist-on bezel
Output Modes: N/A
Special Features: Small split ring, swivel, carabiner, pocket clip, neck lanyard
MSRP: $17
URL: www.streamlight.com

SureFire Sidekick

Max Lumen Output: 300
Max Runtime: 45 hrs.
Overall Length: 2.5 in.
Weight with Batteries: 1.4 oz.
Battery Type: Built-in lithium-ion battery with micro-USB charging
Controls: Push-button power switch
Output Modes: High, medium, low
Special Features: Large split ring, carabiner,
micro-USB port
MSRP: $80
URL: www.surefire.com

The Origin of “Thugs”

Posted on November 26, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Ever wonder where the words we use came from? The English language is an amalgamation of words from many languages and cultures, and these terms are often generated by memorable events over the course of centuries. The history behind specific words is known as etymology, and it can provide valuable insight into their true meaning. For example, the word “jumbo” came to mean “very big” because it was the name of an extra-large elephant owned by P.T. Barnum in the 1800s. We may think we know the meaning of jumbo, but not realize that it implies something as large as a 6.5-ton elephant.

The modern word “thug” originated from the Hindi language spoken in India.

As survivalists, we may use the term “thugs” to describe marauding criminals who may steal our resources during a disaster scenario. However, understanding the etymology of this word provides some much-needed context on what thugs really are — in fact, it’s even worse than our modern interpretation.

The word “thug” is derived from a word ठग्गी in the Hindi language of India. This word is pronounced as “thuggee” in English, and it is derived from another Hindi word: “thag” which means deceiver or swindler. Historically, Thugs were an organized criminal gang that thrived in India from the mid-1300s to the late 1800s. Their brutally-violent actions built a reputation over the course of these 450 years, and eventually made their name synonymous with criminality.

Three Thug gang members restrain and strangle a sleeping traveler. Source: Wikipedia / Columbia University

Membership in the Thug gang was typically passed down from father to son, creating a actual class of trained criminals. There was also a religious element to thuggery, as the Thugs considered themselves servants of Kali, a scimitar-wielding Hindu goddess associated with destruction and renewal. Movie fans may remember references to the Thuggee and goddess Kali in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, though this film’s depiction was heavily fictionalized.

A sketch of a 90-year-old Thug in jail, circa 1840. Source: Wikipedia / The British Library

Historical accounts tell us that Thug gang members would target isolated travelers, and blend in with their group to seem non-threatening. Then, when the targeted individual was asleep or alone, the Thugs would silently strangle their victim with a handkerchief or rope noose. Any valuables would be stolen, and the body would be disposed of quickly. The Guinness Book of World Records estimates that Thugs caused as many as two million deaths through these methods.

Thugs stabbing the eyes of murdered travelers before throwing their bodies into a well. Source: Wikipedia / The British...

As survivalists, we should remember the history behind the term “thug”, and realize that criminals who prey on travelers are not a new phenomenon. Although the Thuggee gang is no longer in existence, we should always be aware of our surroundings, prepare to defend ourselves, and avoid falling victim to modern-day thuggery.

Easy DIY Snowshoes from Saplings

Posted on November 25, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In the words of Ned Stark, winter is coming. Actually, depending on where you live, the cold months may have already arrived. With the cold often comes a thick blanket of snow. If you’re a dedicated survivalist, you should prepare yourself for traversing this snow safely. That means wearing warm clothing, carrying fire-starting tools, knowing how to construct a winter shelter. However, you’re not going to accomplish much if you can’t even make it 10 steps into the woods due to waist-deep snow.

Without snowshoes, you’re going to have a hard time making progress in winter environments.

Snowshoes are a key asset for winter environments, but it’s not always as simple as buying a pair at your local sporting goods store. There are many instances when off-the-shelf snowshoes can’t be used. For example, your car may break down in the middle of nowhere, or one of your snowshoes could be damaged or lost. Maybe in your rush to bug out, you simply didn’t have time to grab them. Whatever the case, it’s advantageous to know how to build a pair of DIY snowshoes from found materials.

Lonnie shows off the framework of his DIY snowshoe.

In the following video from Far North Bushcraft and Survival, host Lonnie shows how to build simple snowshoes from some alder saplings and spruce boughs. The outer section is composed of two curved saplings or branches, tied at each end with nylon rope or paracord. Lonnie recommends building the snowshoes at least chest-high for adequate surface area. Two boot supports are lashed to the center, and saplings are pulled through underneath.

We were definitely wondering how much of a difference the snowshoes were actually making, so we appreciated the humorous demonstration at the end of the video. Given this side-by-side comparison, we’d say this snowshoe design is a resounding success.

Go Bag Loadout: Alex Wander of Wander Tactical

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

Written by Patrick McCarthy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic: Pistol Shooting Fundamentals

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

Written by Patrick McCarthy

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

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

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

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

Superesse Straps EDC Handkerchiefs

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

Written by Patrick McCarthy

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

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

Superesse Straps offers seven different types of EDC handkerchiefs:

Superesse Straps survival EDC handkerchiefs 3

The Faraday Hank blocks electromagnetic radiation and RFID signals.

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

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

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

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

Superesse Straps survival EDC handkerchiefs 5

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

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

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

The Char Cloth features built-in fire tinder materials.

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

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

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

Myth: Harmless 5-Minute Knockout

Posted on November 21, 2016 at 12:50 pm.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Think back to the last few action movies you’ve seen. The odds are good that at least one of them featured a character getting knocked out, whether it was a villain, one of his henchmen, or the movie’s protagonist. The fight usually involves a quick blow to the head from behind, and the unfortunate individual on the receiving end goes limp and falls to the floor. A few minutes later, the individual wakes up dazed, disoriented, and possibly bruised, but otherwise OK. Is this harmless Hollywood knockout a real phenomenon?

Sorry James, it turns out those pistol-whip knockouts aren’t so humane after all.

Despite the popularity of this myth, the answer is clearly no. One-punch knockouts are possible, but the unrealistic part is that it’s supposedly possible to K.O. someone for several minutes without any long-lasting ill effects.

Hard impacts to the head are always bad news — even if they don’t result in a knockout, they can produce traumatic brain injury, broken bones, intracranial hematoma (brain bleed), or coma. If an individual is unconscious for a few seconds, concussion is likely, but they may be able to stand and walk within minutes, and eventually fully recover. If that individual is out cold for several minutes, they won’t just wake up, shake it off, and walk away unharmed.

This video from Dr. Sanjay Gupta provides a helpful overview on how concussions happen, and the effects they have on a victim’s physiology:

Even fiction writers know that this convenient knockout isn’t real. Renowned science fiction author Poul Anderson wrote, “Writers make man out to be more durable than he is. Their heroes get knocked out, awaken after a while as if from a nap, and plunge right back into action. The truth is, a mild concussion is disabling for periods ranging from hours to days, and as for a severe one, the consequences are not pleasant to watch.“

The takeaway from all this: if you or anyone around you is ever knocked out by a blow to the head, take this injury very seriously, and get medical attention immediately if possible. Despite what we often see on TV, 5-minute knockouts are far from harmless.

Think Before You Drink: Survival Uses for Alcohol

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

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

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

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

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

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

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

1. Bartering Tool

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

2. Medical Disinfectant

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

3. Anesthetic/Sedative

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

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

4. Household Cleaner

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

5. Solvent/Degreaser

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

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

6. Pest Control

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

7. Cooking

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

8. Fuel and Fire

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

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

9. Raw Materials

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

Mountainsmith Packs for Adventure Photography

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

Written by Patrick McCarthy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by Patrick McCarthy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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