Page 22 – RECOIL OFFGRID

Gear Up: New Survival Gear for December 2023

Posted on January 2, 2024 at 8:07 am.

In This Article

Forloh Women’s ThermoNeutral Down Jacket
MPowered Rechargeable Batteries
Outdoor Element Fire Flute
Garmont T8 Athena
Burris Signature LRF 10×42
Dometic PLB40 Portable Lithium Battery
Bear & Son Cutlery Sideliner w/Reverse Tanto Blade & Glass Breaker
NEXTORCH TA30C One-step Strobe Tactical Flashlight
Jase Medical Jase Case
VSSL Insulated Flask + Speaker
Guzzle H2O Stream
Body Guard Armored Backpacks First Responder Bulletproof Backpack Level 3A Kit
Read More

Welcome back to our dive into the world of gear! In this edition of Gear Up, we explore the latest innovations and reliable classics that are key to staying prepared for any challenge. From cutting-edge technology to time-tested tools, our focus is on equipping you with insights and information that keep you one step ahead wherever the journey of life may take you. Whether you're bracing for the unknown or fine-tuning your preparedness kit, join us as we unpack the must-haves for this month.

Forloh Women’s ThermoNeutral Down Jacket

NOTES

The Women’s ThermoNeutral Down Jacket by Forloh sets a high bar when it comes to staying warm and agile in unpredictable conditions. This jacket is designed for those who don’t want to compromise on comfort or functionality. Its ThermoNeutral technology means this isn’t your average down jacket; it’s engineered to adapt to your body’s heat, providing optimal insulation whether you’re on the move or sitting still. The jacket comes in various sizes and several eye-catching colors. But it’s not just about aesthetics; the Deep Cover variant offers a camo pattern that can help you blend into natural surroundings, while the solid black is a versatile choice for any setting. Weighing between 13 to 21 ounces depending on the size, this jacket won’t weigh you down and makes it a good choice for those who need to pack light but still want a reliable layer of warmth.

COLORS

Black, Deep Cover, Exposed, Forloh Green, Magnet, Snowfall

MSRP

$399

URL

forloh.com

MPowered Rechargeable Batteries

NOTES

Say hello to MPowerd’s AA USB Rechargeable Batteries, the eco-conscious power source you didn’t know you needed. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill batteries; they’re integrated, reusable, and cable-free. When they run out of juice, just pop them into a USB charging port, and they’re good to go in 1 to 2 hours. No more hunting for a store to buy conventional batteries, and no more waste piling up in landfills. With a 1200mAh capacity and 1.5V output, these batteries are versatile, powering everything from remote controls and video game controllers to baby monitors and headlamps. They’re a perfect fit for both tech-savvy city dwellers and off-the-grid adventurers. Rather than worrying about your flashlight dying on you during a blackout or your GPS running out of power while exploring the great outdoors, give more thought to the batteries you choose. What sets these apart is their longevity — they can be recharged over 1,000 times. That’s not just cost-effective; it’s a nod to sustainability.

SIZE

MSRP

Starting at $15

URL

mpowerd.com

Outdoor Element Fire Flute

NOTES

Meet the Fire Flute, a versatile tool when it comes to outdoor readiness. This gadget is about the size of a standard Sharpie marker, making it a convenient addition to your pocket or backpack. Crafted from sturdy aluminum, it weighs a mere 1.7 ounces but offers a trio of essential features. First up is a powerful 120dB whistle, loud enough to alert anyone within earshot. Whether you’re lost in the woods or need to signal for help, this whistle ensures you’ll be heard. Next, the Fire Flute houses a water-tight compartment designed to store combustible fire tabs. These slow-burning tabs are included in the packaging and can be a game-changer when you need to get a fire going quickly. The other end of the Fire Flute features a replaceable ferrocerium rod. Paired with an integrated hardened striker plate, it throws large sparks to ignite your campfire or stove effortlessly. The device even comes with an attached pocket clip and a lanyard hole for multiple carrying options.

WEIGHT

1.7 ounces

MSRP

$24

URL

outdoorelement.com

Garmont T8 Athena

NOTES

Step into the T8 Athena boots by Garmont and you’re stepping into a world of tactical innovation designed specifically for women. Crafted with a suede leather upper and polyester fabric, these boots offer increased arch support and a slightly raised heel, catering to women’s shorter Achilles tendon, ensuring you’re comfortable and stable whether you’re navigating rocky terrain or city streets. The dual-density EVA midsole is all about comfort and shock absorption. The Garmont Traction Formula Diamante outsole is engineered with specialized climbing and braking zones, providing stability on various surfaces. Weighing in at just 13.7 ounces per boot in size 7 US, these boots are AR 670-1 compliant, making them a reliable choice for those in the Armed Forces.

SIZE

Women’s 5 to 10.5

MSRP

$155

URL

garmonttactical.com

Burris Signature LRF 10×42

NOTES

Introducing the Signature LRF 10×42 binoculars by Burris Optics, a serious upgrade for serious observers. With ultra-sharp HD glass, you get a crystal-clear view of your surroundings, making it easier to spot game, potential hazards, or resources. The device offers fast and precise ranging from 5 to 2,600 yards, ensuring you can measure distances with pinpoint accuracy. What sets this apart from other range finding binos is that it comes with three versatile ranging modes: Auto, Sport, and Hunt, allowing you to adapt to different scenarios. You can choose to see distances as line-of-sight or horizontal, complete with angles of degree, giving you a comprehensive understanding of your environment. The outer surfaces are rubber-armored, providing both protection and a secure grip. It’s also tripod adaptable, freeing your hands for other tasks. The adjustable eyepiece ensures you won’t miss a thing, and it operates in temperatures ranging from 5 to 131 degrees F. Powered by a single CR2 lithium battery, it boasts a battery life of over 2,000 measurements.

MODES

Auto, Sport, Hunt

MSRP

$1,200

URL

burrisoptics.com

Dometic PLB40 Portable Lithium Battery

NOTES

Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or spending a day at the beach, a portable fridge packed with cold food and drinks makes any outing more enjoyable — no ice required. However, any time your vehicle’s engine isn’t running, you’ll need an auxiliary power source. Dometic makes some of the best portable fridges on the market, so it was natural for the company to create a matching portable power solution. The PLB40 is a compact Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery with a 40 Amp-hour/512 Watt-hour capacity — enough to keep a CFX 40W fridge powered for about 40 hours. Many portable power stations could double as boat anchors, but not this one; its square footprint, ergonomic carry handle, and 16-pound weight make it easy to transport. Output ports include standard 12V DC, locking two-pin 12V DC (for securely connecting Dometic fridges), and two USB ports. The PLB40 can be recharged via 12V DC from your vehicle, an AC wall charger, or a solar panel. A large LCD screen makes it easy to see the battery’s charge percentage and status.

DIMENSIONS

8 by 8 by 10 inches

MSRP

$850

URL

dometic.com

Bear & Son Cutlery Sideliner w/Reverse Tanto Blade & Glass Breaker

NOTES

Bear & Son Cutlery’s 4.5-inch Black Aluminum Sideliner (BE127) is a versatile tool that’s more than just a knife. With an 8-inch open length and a 3.5-inch blade made from 440 stainless steel, this knife is built for everyday use. The black aluminum handle offers a sleek design that fits comfortably in your hand, ensuring a firm grip. One of its standout features is the ball bearing washers, which allow for rapid blade deployment at the push of a trigger, an action that can be crucial when you need to react fast. The knife also comes with a stainless steel sideliner lock, ensuring the blade stays in place when in use and is easy to close when you’re done. It also features a glass breaker, making it a multifunctional tool that can help you get out of tight spots. Additionally, the knife has a metal pocket clip and a lanyard spacer for secure fastening and storage, offering quick access and multiple carrying options.

STEEL

440 stainless steel

MSRP

$57

URL

bearandsoncutlery.com

NEXTORCH TA30C One-step Strobe Tactical Flashlight

NOTES

When it comes to being prepared for the unexpected, the TA30C Tactical Flashlight offers more than illumination. Not just a flashlight; it’s a multifunctional tool designed to keep you one step ahead. With one-step-strobe technology, a simple tap gives you momentary light, while a heavy press activates a tactical strobe. This feature can disorient potential threats or can be used for quickly drawing the attention of passersby during an emergency. The lens is coated, tempered glass that ensures maximum light transmission and durability. The edges of the flashlight are embedded with super-hard ceramic strike tips that can be used to break glass or as a self-defense mechanism. Though not included, there’s a specially designed accessory called the FR-1 tactical flashlight ring. This add-on provides more versatile usage, whether you’re navigating through a power outage at home or finding your way in the great outdoors.

LUMENS

1,600

MSRP

$98

URL

nextorch.com

Jase Medical Jase Case

NOTES

Jase Case could be a must-have for those who want to be prepared for the unexpected. This all-in-one kit comes packed with five essential antibiotics that can treat a wide range of infections, from pneumonia and bladder infections to wound complications. The medications included are Amoxicillin-Clavulanate, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline, and Metronidazole, each carefully selected for their efficacy and safety. But it’s not just about the meds; the Jase Case offers a holistic approach to self-care. It starts with an online evaluation by a board-certified physician, ensuring that the antibiotics are appropriate for you. Once approved, the kit is delivered straight to your doorstep, eliminating the need for multiple pharmacy trips. The package also includes an Antibiotic Guide written by medical experts, giving you the confidence to use the medications effectively. Whether you’re an adventurer far from civilization or someone who wants peace of mind during supply chain disruptions, this kit empowers you to take control of your health.

APPLICATIONS

Diarrhea, Infections, Pneumonia, Bioterror

MSRP

$269

URL

jasemedical.com

VSSL Insulated Flask + Speaker

NOTES

Ready to elevate your outdoor experience? Meet the VSSL Insulated Flask + Speaker, a unique item for those who love to venture into the wild or simply chill in their backyard. Crafted from durable 18/8 stainless steel, this flask offers double-walled insulation to keep your drinks at the perfect temperature — cold for 10 hours and hot for 5. It also comes with a fully integrated, weatherproof Bluetooth speaker to add a soundtrack to your adventures. The flask features a patented pop-up drinking cap that doubles as a carabiner, making it super easy to clip onto your gear. Plus, the cap is leak-proof, ensuring you won’t lose a drop of your precious beverage. The locking carabiner top adds an extra layer of security, so you can focus on the journey ahead. What sets this flask apart is its multi-functionality. Not only does it keep your drink just the way you like it, but it also provides up to 5 hours of music playtime.

CAPACITY

8 fluid ounces

MSRP

$150

URL

vsslgear.com

Guzzle H2O Stream

NOTES

Guzzle H2O’s Stream is like the Swiss Army knife of water purification systems. Imagine you’re out camping near a creek or maybe you’re at a campground that has questionable water quality. This gadget is your go-to for clean, great-tasting water. With just a push of a button, it pumps, filters, and purifies water from any fresh water source at a rate of about 0.75 gallon per minute, processing up to 35 gallons on a single charge. It uses LED UV-C purification, which is third-party tested to inactivate 99.99 percent of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Plus, it has a 0.5-micron activated carbon block filtration system that’s effective at reducing sediment, unpleasant taste, and odor. The unit is also rechargeable and has a high-capacity LiFePO4 battery. It’s even waterproof with an IP67 rating, so no worries if it takes a little dip. Whether you’re an overlander who loves remote settings, or a family camper tired of your kids complaining about “icky” water, this system has got you covered. It’s versatile, portable, and perfect for those who want to be ready for whatever life throws at them.

FLOWRATE

1.1 gallons (4 liters)/minute

MSRP

$1,195

URL

guzzleh20.com

Body Guard Armored Backpacks First Responder Bulletproof Backpack Level 3A Kit

NOTES

The First Responder Bulletproof Backpack is a discreet way to carry personal protection on the go. Designed to be both tactical and practical, this backpack has multiple compartments with a 40-liter capacity and webbing for MOLLE-compatible accessories. But what sets it apart is its patented deployment system that offers instant front and back armor protection without the need to fumble for a handle. Just pull up on the Velcro shoulder straps, and your vitals will be covered with this kit’s included 11×14-inch front and 16×12-inch rear Level 3A soft armor inserts. With soft armor, it weighs just 7 pounds. The pack’s Concealment Chamber keeps its protective nature discreet until the armor is deployed, and the Stay-Put armor system secures the front protection in place with ease. Body Guard also offers the pack with Level 3+ hard armor plates for rifle-caliber protection ($1,047) or as a stand-alone backpack ($499), which you can use with your armor of choice. This backpack is a robust, adaptable, and discreet way to stay ready for anything.

CAPACITY

40 liters

MSRP

$639

URL

bulletproofbodyguard.com

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Chiappa Little Badger: Building a Survival Hunting Rifle

Posted on December 28, 2023 at 6:00 am.

Written by Dave Merrill

In This Article

Stocking Up
Making it Smaller
Shooting Fast
Quiet Time
On the Range
Loose Rounds
Specifications
More From Issue 27

Ever since the aptly named Little Badger was released by Chiappa, it’s been highly regarded as a field, youth, and survival rifle. And it isn’t hard to see why. Regarding the end of the world as we know it — no, you won’t beat back totalitarian governments, nor hoards of zombies, with a wee single-shot .22LR. But when it comes to the backwoods it’s right at home.

At under 3 pounds with a street price south of $200, the Chiappa Little Badger is an appealing choice. It comes equipped with military-style peep sights that any serviceman will be intimately familiar with, and a rather decent (but not great) trigger. While we found the factory sights to be more than adequate for our purposes, many have taken it upon themselves to file the front sight thinner to obtain a more refined aiming point.

There are four removable Picatinny rails that serve as a handguard and a place to mount a small optic, if one so desires. Note that the panels themselves are polymer and therefore unlikely to hold any sort of hard zero with an optic.

The skeletonized buttstock features an integral round holder for those who wish to utilize it (we didn’t). And there are a number of factory accessories available, such as hammer extenders, buttstock pouches, pistol grips, and carrying cases.

But we did things a little differently.

As opposed to trying to cobble together an all-around survival rifle as so many have done, outfitting their Little Badgers with all manner of fishing gear, paracord, fire supplies, and compasses, we took a specific approach. Our Chiappa Little Badger would be a dedicated small game getter. A dinner maker or grocery shopper, if you will.

Stocking Up

Because we set up our Little Badger as a dedicated small game getter, we wanted everything to be in a single package. The integral shell holder not only exposes ammunition to the elements, it’s not very efficient. A pouch would be a better choice for us.

Chiappa has its own buttstock pouch, but we found it clunky. Many people mount pouches on the stock (surplus pistol magazine pouches are popular), and we did the same. An M16 cleaning kit bag we scored for $3 at a local surplus store would be the base.

As it is, the cleaning kit pouch was longer than we liked, so we broke out the needle and thread, along with an eyelet punch.

After we shortened the pouch and pounded the eyelets in place, we mounted our new stock pouch with zip ties. That provided a dedicated place to hold a considerable amount of ammunition.

A Wilmont Knives K23 small fixed blade was also attached to the stock in the same manner, allowing us to gut and skin game immediately if need be.

Making it Smaller

Though the Little Badger already has a small footprint when folded, making roughly a 17×8-inch base triangle, we wanted to reduce it even further. The first thing we did was remove the lower Picatinny rail from the barrel. Not only were we not using it, but the removal allows the Little Badger to fold slightly smaller.

But we weren’t totally satisfied by this and wanted to go smaller still.

To accomplish this, we broke the Badger down into two separate pieces rather than simply folding it. The factory screw itself is easy to remove, but we wanted something even easier. Initially we installed a thumbscrew in place of the factory bolt, but not only was it a bit cumbersome, it also added an additional part to possibly lose.

A 1-inch, 5⁄16 diameter hitch pin is a perfect fit. Not only can the rifle be broken down or assembled very quickly, the split ring on the end can be dummy corded to the rifle. While ours is still in the white, a spray or two of Krylon would quickly change that.

Of course, now that the Little Badger was in two pieces, we needed an efficient way to package the barrel and action together. We removed one screw from the rear right of the receiver to install our custom barrel bracket.

Staying true to our cheap and readily available theme, a ½-inch cable runner from the hardware store worked very well for this purpose. We took the additional steps of hitting it with heat gun to make it pliable to allow the barrel to fit a scootch more snugly. A wrap of electrical tape around the barrel of the Badger helped to increase the friction fit, but wasn't strictly necessary.

The combination of the barrel holder and a thick rubber band — one of those cause bracelets — makes for a small package indeed (that’s what she said?). How small? Damn small. Just around 17 inches long and a mere 4.5 inches in width at the widest point.

Having the Little Badger in two pieces does make it slower to employ, but this isn’t a defensive rifle — it’s an augment.

Shooting Fast

Since the Badger is a single-shot break action, you won't set any record split times, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be as efficient as possible. The sheer nature of a single-shot rifle means that you need to be as accurate as possible, but we’re all human. While the Little Badger has a round carrier on the buttstock, it isn’t super fast to reload from, nor does it do anything to protect your ammo from the elements.

Stealing a concept from precision rifle competitions, we made our own quick-load point. Using elastic, a small piece of webbing, Velcro, and a needle and thread, we made a removable three-round holder. We placed it directly next to the action for the fastest-loading possible (left side for right-handers, and the reverse for the statistically insignificant left-handed crowd). It was important to place it on the trigger portion of the Little Badger rather than on the swinging-barrel portion to ensure reloads would be as fast as possible.

Ideally, the first shot would be loaded from ammunition storage, giving you four rounds on tap as you track down dinner.

Quiet Time

Full power .22LR isn’t terribly loud, and subsonic is quieter. To be very quiet, CB Caps can be used. These only use the power of the primer to propel the round. And of course, there are always silencers.

The Chiappa Little Badger comes threaded in ½x28mm, though you have to remove the glued-on plastic muzzle protector to get to it. A multitool made quick work of it, and a quick brush with some acetone removed the adhesive.

For a tiny silencer, we turned to Bowers and their new Bitty. The Bitty is only 2.8 inches long, weighing a paltry 2.6 ounces. Normally we’d just set it and forget it, but even though it’s small, we wanted to keep the pack size of our Badger to a minimum. To that end, a Gemtech 22QDA was installed, allowing the Bitty to be attached or removed in mere seconds.

The combination of the closed action of the Badger, Gemtech subsonic ammunition, and the Bowers Bitty resulted in a rifle so quiet it caused giggles the entire first day we used it. The round hitting the brush behind our targets 100 yards away was significantly louder than the report of the rifle itself.

On the Range

Recoil is nothing to speak of, nor is the report of the rifle (especially suppressed). While groupings at 100 yards were more of the “pie plate” variety, within 25 or 30 yards this is a damn near “can’t miss” rifle for small game. Squirrels, rats, and other critters a bit larger will quickly all lay dead at your feet, provided you’ve even a modicum of experience shooting a rifle.

Loose Rounds

It’s incumbent upon us to say that you should absolutely not dry-fire the Little Badger. While that’s good advice for damn near any .22LR weapon, dry-firing this rifle makes rounds very hard or impossible to extract due to chamber deformation. Thankfully, this is an easy fix if you have access to a round file, but is best avoided entirely.

As previously mentioned, we feel the Chiappa Little Badger should be an augment to your main fighting guns rather than a replacement. Keep your AR or AK defending against human threats, but that Little Badger will excel at keeping your stomach full.

Specifications

Chiappa Firearms Little Badger

Caliber
.22LR

Overall Length
31 inches

Magazine Capacity
1

Weight
2.9 pounds

MSRP
$265-$310

Accessories

Price (Depending on Little Badger Model)
$1012-$1057

URL
ChiappaFirearms.com

More From Issue 27

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

Review: Crawford Survival Staff

Posted on December 26, 2023 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

Survival Staff Basics
The Dave Canterbury Package
Other Accessories
Genius or Gimmick?
Crawford Knives Survival Staff Specifications
More From Issue 29

Survivalists have a definite “thing” for big sticks. Caught in an unexpected situation, one of their first orders of business is to find or cut a large stick that can serve as a hiking staff, club, fishing pole, or even a spear. Beyond those specific functions, a big chunk of wood is also just a comforting thing to have when you’re facing the unknown.

No matter how creative you are, though, a stick plucked from nature is still only a stick. While it can certainly help you keep your balance on uneven terrain and give you a fighting chance against both two- and four-legged predators, its résumé pretty much ends there. To wring more function out of it, you need a better, “purpose-designed” stick like the Crawford Survival Staff.

As the brainchild of legendary custom knifemakers Pat Crawford and his son Wes, at first glance, the Survival Staff appears to be nothing more than a high-quality hiking staff made from aluminum instead of wood. In reality, it’s an incredibly versatile, completely modular survival system that offers functionality far beyond a humble stick.

Survival Staff Basics

Pat Crawford developed the original Survival Staff nearly 30 years ago and its brilliantly simple design is still unrivaled in today’s market. Hand-crafted one at a time from hardened, black-anodized aluminum, it consists of a two-piece body, a steel point, an aluminum handle and cap, a 440C stainless steel blade, a rubber crutch tip, and a soft rubber grip. When all these parts are assembled together, they yield a 57-inch hiking staff that conceals the 440C stainless steel blade within the upper section like a sword cane. The bottom section, provides on-board storage space for survival supplies and accessories — as well as other unique functions (more on that shortly). The real genius of the design, however, comes through when you start mixing and matching all those parts.

Meticulously machined threads at the ends of the various components of the staff allow them to be rearranged and screwed together in different configurations. Unscrew the handle, remove the blade, and replace the handle cap with it and the staff becomes an instant spear. Remove the top section of the staff and screw the handle into the lower tube to create a 38-inch walking cane for urban environments. Detach the handle and upper tube from the lower tube and you’ve got a skull-busting 24-inch baton/swagger stick and a fully functional 33 3/8-inch blowgun.

This group was shot from 7 yards. Small game beware.

All the screw-together joints of the Survival Staff feature O-ring seals that keep the parts from working loose and ensure that everything remains watertight. The screw engagement of all the parts is also extremely robust and ensures impressive strength in every joint. Strategically placed knurling provides non-slip surfaces on all key areas and makes assembly and disassembly of the parts a breeze without the need for tools.

In its basic configuration, the Survival Staff is a seriously stout hiking staff that also makes a kick-ass impact weapon. Although its on-board blade’s narrow profile and thick grind don’t make it a full-service survival knife, it still provides impressive cutting capability for most chores. When mounted as a spear blade, it’s also far more robust than the typical “lash-a-knife-to-a-stick” survival spear and can be assembled that way in under a minute. Although it’s not recommended as a throwing weapon, as a stabber, it’s very formidable.

Because the tube sections are joined by a solid threaded coupling, they cannot be used together as a blowgun; the longer lower section works best. Its .61-caliber bore is polished smooth to reduce friction and sized to accommodate modified .625-caliber commercial darts now manufactured by Cold Steel. Made from heavy steel nails with injection-molded plastic cones, these darts, in conjunction with the staff’s large bore size, are the most efficient way of maximizing ballistic performance in a short-barreled blowgun.

Within reason, a larger bore allows you to get more breath into the blowgun’s tube faster, generating more power and velocity. Smaller tubes (.38 and .40-caliber) compress your breath, but often fail to harness all of it. Blowgun bores of .50 to .625 are the real sweet spot, especially with heavier darts that hit with greater authority. If your stalking skills are good enough to get you close to small, tasty animals, the Survival Staff’s blowgun can help you stay well fed. You can also store up to eight 4 3/8-inch darts in the staff’s lower tube.

Testing the performance of the Survival Staff’s spear on a foam mannequin dummy. The blade penetrated completely with very little effort.

We tested the Survival Staff’s spear on a foam mannequin. The blade penetrated completely with very little effort.

The Dave Canterbury Package

The Survival Staff’s LEGO-like modular design has made it a favorite of serious survivalists for decades. It has also sparked countless ideas for other components and bolt-on parts that make it even more versatile. When noted survivalist Dave Canterbury got his hands on one a few years ago, he not only loved it, but began designing additional components for it.

Canterbury felt that the standard blade on the staff was too narrow and preferred something with a wider profile and better edge geometry. Although it wouldn’t store within the staff, it could be a more versatile cutting tool and, in its role as a spear blade, would create a large enough wound channel to tackle larger game, including wild boar and deer.

Wes Crawford responded by creating the Missile Spear Point/Neck Knife, an all-steel knife that works in concert with the staff. By itself, the Missile is a compact, double-edged neck knife that rides in a Kydex sheath with a small fire starter. Its blade is beveled on only one side and its twin cutting edges are both about 70-percent serrated.

Above: One optional accessory Crawford Knives offers is the Missile Neck Knife, which can also be used as a potent spear tip for the staff. It comes in a Kydex neck sheath with a fire starter.

Only 5.5 inches overall, the Missile knife provides instant access to a cutting tool without having to disassemble the staff. Holes in its skeletonized handle allow it to be attached to a stout stainless steel adapter using two slotted machine screws. Screwing the adapter into the end of the staff converts it into a serious double-edged spear.

Optional 3-pronged spear head

By eliminating the standard blade, Canterbury also freed up space inside the staff for storing other accessories, including a Firesteel fire starter and a three-pronged spearhead for taking fish in shallow waters. Because the staff’s steel tip, threaded coupling, and head all have matching internal threads, these accessories can be attached to any one of them for secure, rattle-free storage that leaves the rest of the staff’s internal real estate available for other items.

Missile knife mounted to the Survival Staff as a spear

Other Accessories

Every serious survivalist fine-tunes his gear to meet his individual needs and skills. That kind of personalization fits perfectly with the Crawford Survival Staff’s modular design concept. As more and more of their staffs got into the field, Pat and Wes began receiving requests for other components that either store within the staff or, like the Missile Neck Knife, can be carried as a complement to it.

Like a giant hollow-handled Rambo survival knife, the Survival Staff’s roughly 15 cubic inches of internal storage space can house a surprising amount of gear if it’s properly organized. Pat and Wes offer that organization in the form of a set of watertight plastic test tubes that can be filled with matches and tinder, water purification tablets, powdered drink mixes, medication, fishing tackle, hand sanitizer, and anything else small enough to fit into them. They also offer accessory kits with micro-sized flashlights, miniature lighters, fire starters, and whistles, all sized to ride inside the staff.

Optional storage test tubes

The stock handle section, which rides at the top of the staff and typically serves as the grip for the blade, is made of knurled aluminum. If you prefer something heavier that hits harder, Crawford sells an optional stainless steel version. Want a T-handled grip for the shorter “urban” configuration? No sweat; they offer that too. If your survival food plans include picking not-so-low-hanging fruits and nuts, they even make a “gaff” hook that attaches to the top end of the staff.

Many preppers consider a slingshot to be a very viable survival weapon. If you fall into that camp, Pat and Wes also have you covered. Their handcrafted slingshot design is made from hardened 440C stainless steel and surgical rubber tubing. Although it can be shot very effectively “as is,” its handle is also skeletonized to fit the same adapter as the Missile Neck Knife/Spear Point. The adapter provides an improved grip and allows the entire assembly to be attached to the top of the staff, where its leather-wrapped fork can also be used as a shooting rest. And if you’re into slingshots, don’t forget that you can also store your ball bearing ammo in the storage tubes inside the staff’s shaft.

Genius or Gimmick?

Optional T-Grip attachment

Like any tool, the real utility of the Crawford Survival Staff lies in your ability to make it and its components perform the tasks you need when you need them. Because it’s a modular system that you can configure, its ability to meet those needs is quite impressive. As a hiking staff or walking stick, it helps you keep your balance on any kind of terrain, makes a potent impact weapon, and provides on-board storage for a comprehensive survival kit.

Its standard blade, while not a full-service survival knife, is sharp, strong, and amazingly useful. It also transforms the staff into a real-deal spear in a matter of seconds. Similarly, the staff’s blowgun function is legit and shoots with serious authority and accuracy. In fact, in chronograph and penetration tests, it easily rivaled purpose-designed blowguns, including some with longer tubes. Depending upon your personal needs, skill set, and budget, you can selectively add options to your staff with Crawford’s wide range of bolt-on accessories, or put your own ingenuity to work and go the DIY route.

My first exposure to the Survival Staff was way back in 1991 when an Army buddy of mine bought one. As an avid knife collector, I was very familiar with Pat Crawford’s work and was blown away by the staff’s handmade quality, but I still wasn’t sure it was worth the price. Almost 30 years later, my buddy is long retired from active duty and has logged literally thousands of miles hiking with that staff. It’s still going strong and he wouldn’t part with it for anything. ’Nuff said.

Crawford Knives Survival Staff Specifications

For hunting fish in shallow water, Crawford offers an optional three-pronged spear head. It can also be stored within the staff when not in use. The interior of the staff offers quite a bit of on-board storage space. The optional test tubes help keep survival items separated, dry, and organized. The T-Grip attachment is paired with the heavy steel replacement handle for a hard-hitting combination. When the standard blade is attached to the top end of the handle, the Survival Staff instantly becomes a formidable spear.

Overall Length
57 inches

Weight
29 ounces (standard model with blade and six blowgun darts)

MSRP
$349

URL
www.crawfordknives.com

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Knife Anatomy 101: Infographic & Terms

Posted on December 24, 2023 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

If you enjoy collecting and using knives like we do, it's important to know the terminology associated with blade designs. You can probably get away with referring to “the stabby part”, “the sharpened bit”, and “the thing you hold onto”, but you're not exactly going to sound educated on the subject. Using the correct knife anatomy terms eliminates confusion and shows you know what you're talking about.

Every knife has its own unique characteristics and variations—like snowflakes, but deadly.

We'll admit that knife terms can be confusing and hard to remember at first. So, we've created the infographic below to illustrate 20 different parts of a fixed blade knife. Specifically, we used the TOPS Knives Hazen Legion 6.0 for this illustration—you can read our complete review of this fixed blade here.

Here's some more detail on each term, since we couldn't fit it all in the diagram above:

Grind Line – The meeting point of a grind with a flat surface or opposing grind. In the illustration above, the line shown is where the swedge meets the flat and the primary bevel.
Swedge (also spelled swage) – A tapered or beveled false edge (usually not fully sharpened) along the spine of the knife. It reduces the point thickness for improved piercing ability.
Jimping – Repeating ridges or cuts. These may be decorative (such as those on the spine), or used for additional grip on the knife (such as those on the thumb rise).
This knife features jimping on the thumb rise and further forward on the spine.
Spine – The top edge of the knife, opposite the blade edge. The spine runs all the way from the tip to the butt.
Thumb Rise (also called thumb ramp) – A slight incline in the spine, meant to provide a place for the user's thumb while cutting.
Tang – A continuation of a fixed-blade knife's metal into the handle. The TOPS knife above is “full tang”, meaning the metal continues through the entire handle, all the way to the butt.
Pin/Rivet – Hardware that holds the scales onto the handle.
An Emerson logo and model information are etched onto the flat of the CQC blade.
Flat – The unground face of the knife. You'll often find etching or emblems applied to this flat surface.
Handle – The part you hold. This one's easy to remember.
Tip (also called point) – Exactly what it sounds like. Technically, the tip is the very end of the point, and the point includes the first few inches of the knife.
Belly (also called sweep) – The upwards-curved section of the blade edge. Some knives, such as the Wharncliffe design, lack a curved belly.
The ZT 0630 features a prominent swedge and compound grind.
Primary Bevel or Primary Grind – The first grind applied to the knife edge. Many knives only have a single bevel that forms the blade edge.
Secondary Bevel or Secondary Grind – The second grind applied to the knife, which alters the primary bevel to a new angle. Knives with two bevels (like this TOPS knife) are considered “compound” or “double” beveled.
Plunge Line – The abrupt ending of the bevel, where it meets the flat near the handle.
Choil – A curved indentation or notch at the end of the blade edge. Sometimes this can be large enough to fit a finger into, but on the knife above, it's quite small.
Ricasso – A thick, flat, unground portion between the end of the bevel(s) and the beginning of the handle.
The Gerber Strongarm has serrations, a prominent plunge line, and a short ricasso.
Front Quillion or Front Guard – Part of the knife handle that prevents your fingers from slipping onto the blade while pushing the knife forward.
Rear Quillion or Rear Guard – Part of the handle that prevents your fingers from slipping while drawing the knife backward.
Scales – Pieces of handle material (such as wood, bone, or polymer) that are attached to the knife's tang via rivets, pins, or other hardware.
Butt – The rear end of the knife, which may contain a lanyard hole or glass breaker. Some knives may have separate metal pommels attached here.

The TOPS Anaconda has decorative elements cut into its wide spine.

Our infographic on knife anatomy should give you a good head start on the key elements of a blade, but there are a few other terms that we didn't show there. Here are a handful of additional terms you might hear:

Bolster – A thick junction between the handle and the flat of the blade. Bolsters can be found at the front and the rear of some knives, and they strengthen the knife and add balance.
Guard – Part of the handle that prevents the user's hand from slipping. A curved quillion on the handle may form the guard, or a knife may have a separate guard plate installed between the handle and blade.
Fuller (also called cannelure or blood groove) – A groove cut into the blade, often at the center of double-edged knives and swords. These have been called “blood grooves” due to the myth that they release suction or vacuum created by stabbing a living thing, thus allow blood to run out more easily. However, there is little to no evidence that this actually happens. In reality, a fuller lightens the blade by removing steel, and may also stiffen some blade designs (such as a broadsword).
Serration – Repeated jagged cuts into the blade edge, providing the ability to saw and tear through tough materials.
This CRKT Liong Mah 6 has three distinct serrations on its edge.
Pivot – Only found on folding knives, this is where the blade attaches to the handle. Some knives feature caged ball bearing pivots for smoother opening.
Liner – Flat metal plates inside the handle of a folding knife. These provide structure for the pivot and handle scales, and may also serve as part of the locking mechanism (called a “liner lock”).
Line Cutter or Seatbelt Cutter – A sharpened notch in the blade, which is designed to slice through cordage or seatbelts. Some knives use a slotted opening in the handle or sheath, rather than a notch in the blade edge itself.
The SOG Seal Strike features a line cutter built into its sheath.
Glass Breaker – A sharpened point on the butt of the knife, designed to crack and shatter glass. Some knives may feature a dedicated carbide point, while others may use a pointed extension of the tang for this purpose.
Finger Groove – Distinct grooves or notches on the handle, designed to fit between the user's fingers and provide extra grip.
Clip – A portion of the spine near the tip that is angled down (or “clipped off”) for improved piercing ability. Knives with this feature are often called “clip point” knives.

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Buyer’s Guide: Three 10/22 Takedown Stocks

Posted on December 22, 2023 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

The Starting Point
Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope
Adaptive Tactical TK-22 Stock
Hogue Rubber OverMolded Stock
Magpul X-22 Backpacker
Conclusion
Read More

The Ruger 10/22 is an extremely popular platform in the survivalist community, especially in its bug-out-friendly Takedown form. It's easy to shoot, affordable to reload, compact and light enough to stash in a backpack, and supported by a massive variety of aftermarket parts and accessories. That last point brings us to the topic of today's article.

Ruger's standard 10/22 Takedown stock is functional, but nothing to write home about. It's composed of hard black polymer with a few textured sections and a metal barrel band on the forend. Ruger also offers models with an upgraded Modular stock, which features replaceable high and low cheek rest combs, sling mounts, and more extensive texturing. However, this still leaves something to be desired for many owners. Aftermarket 10/22 stocks offer improved comfort and control, more color choices, modularity, and other helpful features such as hidden storage compartments.

The Starting Point

Ruger 1022 takedown rifle stock buyers guide 22lr survival prepper shtf gun 01

10/22 Takedown Lite pictured with Harris bipod and Vortex Diamondback Rimfire scope.

We began this review with a Ruger 10/22 Takedown Lite, one of the company's factory-upgraded Takedown models with an MSRP of $659. It includes the aforementioned Modular stock, as well as a cold hammer forged 16.1-inch barrel tensioned in a lightweight, .920-inch diameter aluminum sleeve. This barrel also features 1/2-28 threads to accept a suppressor (such as Ruger's own Silent-SR) and includes a knurled thread protector. Ruger provides a zippered nylon carry case with each rifle.

The original Lite stock served us well for a few years, but we were ready for a change, so we began looking at replacement stocks. This search yielded three substantially different choices: the Adaptive Tactical TK-22, the Hogue Rubber OverMolded Stock, and the Magpul X-22 Backpacker. Before we get to these stocks, we'll discuss one other upgrade we added to the rifle at the same time.

Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope

Prior to testing any of the new stocks, we picked up a Vortex Diamondback Rimfire scope for our 10/22. It features 2-7x magnification, a 35mm objective lens, and a simple V-Plex reticle with parallax set to 50 yards (as opposed to 100 yards for the non-rimfire models). At 11.6 inches long and 14.2 ounces, it doesn't sacrifice much of the Takedown's portability — if that's your top priority, you'll probably be using a micro red dot sight, but we prefer the versatility of a variable-magnification optic in this case.

Vortex says the Diamondback is “virtually indestructible and highly resistant to magnum recoil,” so we're certainly not worried about it putting up with .22LR. The variable magnification and clear multi-coated glass makes it great for short-range varmint hunting, even in low-light conditions. Overall, it's an excellent choice for this platform.

We mounted the scope on a pair of Vortex Hunter 1-inch Low scope rings ($25 MSRP). This combo fits nicely on the standard Ruger scope rail and clears the Lite barrel without sitting excessively high. Factoring in the scope's $260 MSRP, this setup certainly won't break your bank account.

Adaptive Tactical TK-22 Stock

The first of the three stocks we evaluated is the biggest departure from the rifle's original form. The TK-22 has a pistol grip as well as what Adaptive Tactical calls an “adjustable M4 type butt-stock.” This stock is compatible with standard 10/22 barrels as well as .920 bull barrels, such as those on the Lite and Fluted 10/22 Takedown models. Since we fell into the latter category, we removed the included forend insert (pictured below at bottom right).

Out of the box, we noticed some unappealing blemishes on this stock. The finish is visibly uneven in some areas, as seen above, and rough edges left behind by the mold weren't cleaned up, as seen below. These flaws didn't inspire confidence in the build quality. The TK-22 fit our 10/22 easily, but the gap between the forend and receiver housing was wider than the other stocks we tested (including the original Ruger stock).

The so-called “M4 type butt-stock” is simply Adaptive Tactical's EX Performance AR-15 stock, so it's 4-way adjustable and will fit any mil-spec buffer tube. This explains the presence of the huge cushioned rubber recoil pad, which would be more at home on a 12-gauge than it is here.

Thankfully for those of us who aren't concerned about getting pummeled by the immense recoil of .22LR rounds, it's removable via two Phillips screws. The stock also features an attachment point for a standard sling swivel, as well as a QD sling swivel socket.

A rubber stopper in the base of the pistol grip fills a cavity that's designed to accept Adaptive Tactical's TacTred Monopod. It can also be used to stash various small items, although heavier objects may dislodge the friction-fit stopper and fall out. The grip itself is relatively comfortable. We appreciated the cutaways on each side of the magazine well, since these make reloads easier — prying some 10-round magazines out of the original Ruger stock can be tricky.

The stock we received was bundled with a Takedown Firearm Backpack from Copper Basin. This pack looks reasonably unassuming and has pockets for each half of the 10/22 Takedown plus various accessories. It serves its purpose and protects the gun, but isn't as sleek as the original Ruger carrying case. The backpack is priced at $100 on its own or $190 bundled with the TK-22 stock.

If you're hoping to take your 10/22 in a more modern and “tactical” direction, the TK-22 may appeal to you. We're not big fans of the look — one onlooker compared it to a Hi-Point Carbine — and were disappointed by the build quality issues we noticed, especially given the stock's $130 MSRP (the highest of the group).

Hogue Rubber OverMolded Stock

Hogue's 10/22 Takedown stocks are coated in the company's signature OverMold, a soft and grippy rubber material. These stocks are available in either standard or thumbhole configuration, and are offered in various colors ranging from plain black to bright purple or Red Lava swirl. Hogue sells versions for standard barrels, as well as .920-inch barrels.

We chose a standard stock with Ghillie Green rubber OverMold and .920-inch barrel compatibility. The stock is slim, but feels sturdy and well-made. The design is relatively minimalistic, with subtle chevron cuts on either end of the receiver, stippled texture in key areas, and a Hogue logo stamped on the underside.

The butt pad is held in place with two Torx/flat-head screws; removing these reveals a cavity that can be used to store emergency gear. Traditional sling swivel attachments are present on each end of the stock.

Installing the Hogue stock for the first time was somewhat tricky — the screw hole in the stock was slightly off-center from the hole in the front of our 10/22's receiver, and the stock's tight tolerances didn't give it much wiggle room. After pushing firmly against the receiver and being careful not to strip the screw, we were able to install the stock.

With this initial hiccup out of the way, we liked this stock a lot. The two halves fit well with no unsightly gap, and the rubberized coating made the gun easy to hold and carry. If you're looking for a 10/22 stock that maintains a traditional appearance, the Hogue OverMold series is a solid choice. MSRP is $120 for colorful finishes or $110 for plain black.

Magpul X-22 Backpacker

Magpul offers two stocks for the 10/22 Takedown, the X-22 Hunter and X-22 Backpacker. The Hunter stock is designed for customization, with interchangeable cheek risers, removable butt pad spacers, and M-LOK slots on the forend. The Backpacker is designed as a packable survival rifle platform, with multiple storage compartments and an ingenious mechanism that locks the barrel assembly onto the stock body for easy transport.

We selected an X-22 Backpacker stock in desert-friendly FDE finish ($110 MSRP). We also picked up an X-22 Optic Mount ($60 MSRP) that attaches to the barrel, replacing the factory barrel block and adding a Picatinny rail. We test-fitted the optic mount and found that it works well for small red dot sights. It also has a channel to preserve the functionality of iron sights, if your 10/22 has them. But since we're currently using the Vortex scope and its objective bell doesn't clear the Magpul mount, we left it off the gun for now. Regardless, it's a good accessory to have on hand.

Ruger 1022 takedown rifle stock buyers guide 22lr survival prepper shtf gun 17

The X-22 Optic Mount offers a way to mount a small sight directly to the barrel.

The X-22 Backpacker has a wealth of storage compartments, allowing this rifle to serve as a full-fledged survival kit. Pressing the button at the back of the cheek piece reveals the largest of these compartments, which can house up to three 10-round magazines. Installing the optic-height cheek piece adds more room, and we were able to squeeze in a 10-round mag, a 50-round box of ammo, fire tinder, water purification tablets, a mini folding knife, and numerous other small items. Whatever you choose, pack it tightly, otherwise the contents will shift and rattle as you carry the gun.

Check out Alexander Crown's video for some great ideas on how to use and modify this compartment.

There's a second sealed compartment inside the grip. We filled this with a Bic lighter wrapped in duct tape, ensuring we'll have a quick (and dry) way to start a fire. Removing the butt pad reveals another small cavity where a strand of kevlar cordage or a fishing kit can be concealed.

Installing the stock was easy, and we had no fitment issues. Build quality is exactly what you'd expect from Magpul, and all the mold seams are smooth. A pair of holes in the stock can accept Magpul sling mounts ($15) but after watching the video above we learned that paracord loops can serve as an improvised solution.

Shooting our 10/22 with the X-22 Backpacker stock was comfortable, and the taller cheek piece worked well with our scope setup. We also liked the steeper grip angle on this design, although traditionalists may not be as fond of it. If you're planning to store your 10/22 in your bug-out bag and use it for hunting small game in a survival setting, the Backpacker is ideal for this role. And even if you're not living off the land after SHTF, it's extremely convenient to have storage for spare mags and ammo built into the rifle.

Conclusion

These three 10/22 Takedown stocks represent drastically different approaches to modifying your rifle, and show the versatility of the platform. Whether you want a modernized plinker, a traditional small-game hunter, or a bug-out gun for the apocalypse, the 10/22 can be taken in any of these directions. A stock upgrade is a simple way to make this iconic .22 even better.

Sources:

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Carrying & Dragging Techniques – Let’s Get Carried Away

Posted on December 18, 2023 at 6:00 am.

Written by Offgrid Staff

In This Article

One-Person Carries
One-Person Walk Assist
Firefighter Carry
Pack Strap Carry
Two-Person Carries
Two-Person Extremity Carry
Chair Carry
Two-Handed Seat Carry
Drags
Blanket Drag
Shoulder Drag
Feet Drag
About the Author
Read More

SAFETY DISCLAIMER: This article is meant to be an overview and not a detailed guide on rescue carrying and dragging techniques. Seek professional training before attempting to use any tools or techniques discussed in this story.

I have been a firefighter for over 20 years and relocating people away from precarious or deadly incidents is an essential component of my job. Among the seemingly endless tactics a firefighter is taught from day one, the ability to remove someone from harm is near the top of the list. Life safety is the top priority and whether you're moving someone from danger or delivering them to lifesaving medical aid, knowing safe and effective ways to conduct these maneuvers can make all the difference.

For many people, the general inclination is to carry someone as they've seen on television. Despite what Hollywood would have you believe, you will rarely, if ever, see someone carrying an adult victim out in front of them “cradle in arms” style. This can be used for an infant or child, but carrying a full-sized adult victim for any distance greater than a few feet, particularly over uneven terrain, is impractical and dangerous. Therefore you'll need to know the correct techniques to use when moving a victim and when you should employ them.

Once you've determined there's a need to remove someone from harm or get them to a position where they can receive help, quick but careful thought must be given to how this will be performed. There are two different categories of emergent victim removal: carries and drags. Each has their place and which one you should apply depends on several factors.

Victim Carries: When one or more rescuer is able to lift the victim and carry them to a location of safety.

Victim Drags: The movement of a victim by lifting part of their body as the other part drags — often used when a carry isn't possible or practical.

Regardless of whether you carry or drag a victim to safety, you must remember to keep your own safety a high priority. It doesn't sound heroic to say, but it does no good for anyone if you injure yourself and become part of the problem rather than the solution.

Moving a victim is harder than most realize. If the victim is conscious, pain from their injuries may cause them to shift their weight around while you're moving them, creating a scenario where your back or joints are forced into unnatural or unsafe positions — leading to a strong likelihood of rescuer injury. The victim may be vocal, crying or shouting, distracting you from your task, which also lends itself to injury.

If the victim is unconscious this creates a deadweight situation. They're unable to assist you in any way, tell you if you're hurting them, or causing greater injury by your movements. Also, the mental demands of moving an unconscious victim already increase the rescuer's anxiety out of concern.

The techniques discussed in the article are tried-and-true first responder techniques that are applicable to any survival situation. The way you choose to relocate a victim will depend on several factors and exact steps may vary depending on victim injury:

How many victims are in need of rescue?
How many rescuers are available?
What are the capabilities and conditions of the rescuers?
What is the size and condition of the victim(s)?
What is the safety and stability of the environment?

One-Person Carries

You may be the only person available to help, or perhaps your team has already split up to render aid to multiple victims. Either way, there are times when you'll be forced to move someone by yourself. Carries conducted by a single rescuer can be extremely taxing on the rescuer. Adrenaline will work both for and against you. You may feel a sudden burst of energy and strength, but will lose it just as quickly. The body will compensate by relying on large muscle groups, such as the back, as this could result in rescuer injury. One-person carries should only be performed with the confidence that you won't cause injury to yourself or further injury to the victim.

One-Person Walk Assist

In mass-casualty training, we refer to people who can self- extricate with little or no assistance as walking wounded. If your victim is able to walk with only minor help from you, let them. The one-person walk assist offers the least chance for injury to both rescuer and victim.

Steps:

1. Place victim's arm around your neck and hold their wrist:

2. Place your arm nearest to them around their waist and walk with them to safety:

Above: Although the one-person walk assist is one of the easiest carrying and dragging techniques, never attempt to move anyone you think may have neck or spinal injuries without proper training.

Firefighter Carry

Made famous by the occupation, this type of carry should only be conducted by a very strong rescuer and a smaller victim. It'll require good lifting techniques as well as good core and lower body strength. Traversing uneven ground can be difficult because, with the victim in place, the rescuer becomes very top heavy. The firefighter carry can be used on either a conscious or unconscious victim.

1. With victim lying down, hook your elbows under their armpits:

2. Raise them to a standing position:

3. Place your right leg between the victim's legs:

4. Grab the victim's right hand with your left:

5. Squat and wrap your right arm around the victim's right knee:

6. Stand and raise the victim's right thigh over your right shoulder

Pack Strap Carry

The pack strap carry has been utilized by the military for decades. It's a quick, down-and-dirty way to move a victim quickly. If not done correctly, this carry can be extremely uncomfortable for the victim. This is typically used on a conscious victim. For an unconscious victim, it can be done, but you may require assistance getting them into the position for you to safely follow the steps.

1. Facing away from the victim, place their arms over your shoulders:

2. Cross the victim's arms grasping the opposite wrist and pull close to your chest:

3. Squat, lean slightly forward, and drive your hips into the victim as you stand:

Two-Person Carries

The most safe and efficient way to carry a victim is by two rescuers. The rescuers can share the weight, help each other watch for hazards, and work together efficiently without crowding too many people around the victim. It also reduces rescuer fatigue, which allows the rescuers to cover a greater distance or to return to aid more victims.

Two-Person Extremity Carry

This is a common carry that's used by first responders and the military. It's easily performed, but best suited for moving a victim over even terrain, such as along a paved path or within a building. Both conscious and unconscious victims can be carried in this manner.

Steps:

Help the victim to a seated position:

2. First rescuer kneels behind the victim, reaches under their arms, and grabs their wrists

3. Second rescuer backs between the victim's legs, squats down, and grabs behind the knees:

4. Stand at the command of the rescuer at the head, focusing on using your legs rather than your back:

Chair Carry

One universal truth when speaking with anyone who prepares for catastrophe is that you use what's available to you. Moving victims is no different. A chair, for example, makes the transport of a victim significantly easier on the rescuers. This method is easier to perform with a conscious victim, but can be done with an unconscious victim as long as due care is taken.

Steps:

Place victim in a sturdy chair:

2. First rescuer stands behind, grabs the back of the chair, and leans it back on its hind legs:

3. Second rescuer backs to the chair, squats down, and grabs the front legs of the chair:

4. Stand at the command of the rescuer at the head:

Two-Handed Seat Carry

The two-handed seat carry should only be conducted on conscious victims. Rescuers will utilize their arms to create a seat and the victim will need to be able to hold on for balance and stability.

1. Each rescuer should kneel on either side of the seated victim:

2. Link arms behind the victim's back:

3. Place your free arms under the victim's knees and link arms:

4. Place victim's arms around the shoulders of rescuers and stand together:

Drags

A victim drag is typically employed when victim removal is time-critical, or when the size of the victim prevents a safe carry. A coordinated carry is always the safer option, but under certain circumstances, a “grab ‘n' go” is necessary, particularly if the victim is unconscious. Oftentimes, though, when victims need to be relocated the terrain is uneven and treacherous, creating a dangerous scenario for both the rescuer and the victim. However, when a rapid extraction is necessary, a drag may be the only option. If at all possible, debris should be cleared from the path of the drag to reduce the chance for injury to the rescuer and further injury to the victim.

Blanket Drag

Along the same line of thought as the chair carry, utilize what you have available to you when performing a victim drag. The blanket drag can be performed with a blanket, or a sheet, curtains, towel, tarp, or anything else that'll accomplish the same goal.

Steps:

Tuck the blanket under one side of the victim:

2. Roll the victim onto the blanket:

3. Adjust the blanket so the victim is centered:

4. Grab the blanket by the end near the victim's head and drag to safety:

Shoulder Drag

The shoulder drag is another emergent maneuver for when a person needs to be moved quickly. This drag is difficult to perform over long distances as it's physically taxing on the rescuer.

Steps:

Place victim in a seated position:

2. Squat behind the victim and reach under their arms grasping your own wrist:

3. Stand, lean back, and walk backward dragging the victim to safety:

Feet Drag

The feet drag is a last resort. Moving a victim in this manner will most certainly be uncomfortable for the victim and will likely cause greater injury. It's a “life over limb” technique. This can really be accomplished only if the victim is unconscious because of the pain of dragging their torso and head along the ground.

Steps:

Squat at the feet of the victim and grasp their ankles:

2. Stand, lean back, and drag:

About the Author

Scott Finazzo has over 20 years of experience as a firefighter. He's a member of his department's technical rescue team and has served as an instructor since 2000. Scott has written five books, including the national bestselling The Prepper's Workbook and The Neighborhood Emergency Response Handbook, as well as his narrative of a kayak journey through the Virgin Islands called Why Do All the Locals Think We're Crazy? Follow Scott at www.scottfinazzo.com.

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Readers’ Survival Tips: Grim Workshop

Posted on December 17, 2023 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick Diedrich

In This Article

Readers' Bio
Grim Workshops' Survival Tip
Submit Your Own Tip
Read More

In the ever-evolving world of survival and preparedness, the wisdom of experience often provides the most valuable insights. For this reason, we've tapped into our community of avid readers as a resource for survival knowledge, and are sharing tips that stand out for their simplicity and effectiveness. This Readers' Survival Tip is yet another tip from the great state of Texas and will help you level up your wild food game.

Readers' Bio

Name/Alias: Grim Workshop

Location: Texas

Age: 37

Grim Workshops' Survival Tip

Using an old two liter bottle you can easily and quickly make an improvised trap for insects, or bait fish. Cutting the top off just as it starts to straighten out and inverting it so it points in towards the bottle. You can poke a few holes in it to wire, or zip tie the top on and poke some holes along the sides to help it sink easier. You can also throw some rocks into it so it sinks faster in the water (just don't forget to tie a line to it so you can check it regularly and not have it drift off!)

Learn more survival tips, and check out the products from Grim Workshop at: grimworkshop.com

Submit Your Own Tip

Want to see your own survival tip featured in our publications? Simply fill out the form here: Share Your Survival Tips

We are looking for your best tips, tactics and techniques to share with our audience!

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Pocket Preps: Nonmetallic Weapons

Posted on December 16, 2023 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

Bastion Carbon Fiber EDC Knife
Kopis Designs El Valiente Nonmetallic Minipick
GLG Knifeworks Lumber Crayon
JB Knife & Tool G10 Ice Pik
Greg Moffatt Knives MG1 Solid G10
Boker Plus Anti-Grav
VZ Grips Don Dagger
Read More

Warning! If you’re caught with a metallic, or nonmetallic weapon in a non-permissive environment, the consequences may be severe. RECOIL OFFGRID assumes no responsibility for these consequences. Observe all local laws and only carry these weapons at your own risk.

Non-permissive environments (NPEs) are a common roadblock for those of us who carry weapons for self-defense. This category includes any environment which attempts to restrict or prohibit you from carrying traditional weapons — for example, guns, knives, or even pepper spray. Of course, the actual enforcement of these restrictions varies wildly. Some may simply post a worthless “gun free zone” sign, others will threaten legal action against anyone seen with a weapon, and a few actively search every individual with pat downs and/or metal detectors. The final category is the most difficult to deal with and leads us to the subject of this article.

Keep in mind that carrying a weapon in any NPE is risky at best and a federal felony at worst. Either way, willful disregard of posted regulations isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. However, there are also countless examples that prove NPEs aren’t violence-free zones. Schools, movie theaters, public festivals, and political events are all examples of legally declared NPEs where active-killer events have occurred. We say all that to say this: break the rules at your own peril, but the consequences of being unable to defend yourself may be far more serious than getting caught with a prohibited item and asked to leave. Even if you’re already training in hand-to-hand skills, a concealed weapon can serve as a force multiplier to give you the advantage you need to survive.

Nonmetallic blades and spikes are harder to detect than their steel counterparts, whether you’re being searched by a security guard who’s just doing his job or a criminal who’s attempting to ensure you’re disarmed and vulnerable. Not every tool in this article is fully nonmetallic, and you should never assume they’re undetectable. We attempted to locate each using a cheap $30 metal detector wand from Amazon — those that failed this test are guaranteed to be noticeable to professional-grade equipment. Beyond this, many will show up on a full-body scan, and all can be found during a thorough pat down or strip search.

That said, these weapons offer a lightweight and highly concealable means of self-defense — either as a backup to your primary tools under normal circumstances, or as a stand-alone tool for non-permissive environments.

Bastion Carbon Fiber EDC Knife

OAL: 5.3 inches
Weight: 0.3 ounce / 1.2 ounces with sheath and chain
Metal Detector Test: Fail
MSRP: $30
URL: bastiongear.com

Although carbon fiber is often used for decoration, this lightweight material originated as a structural composite for the aerospace industry. It has plenty of strength and flexibility to cut and pierce and holds an edge surprisingly well. This simple knife is constructed from solid 1/8-inch-thick carbon fiber with a drop point and straight handle. A similar model is available with a curved handle and finger grooves. A Kydex sheath and beaded chain are included, making this featherweight blade comfortable to wear around the neck, even while running.

Pros:

Impressive materials and finish for the money
The shiny weave and marbled grind look good, and also result in impressive strength.

Cons:

Won’t pass metal detectors — despite common misconceptions, carbon fiber is identifiable by common eddy-current metal detectors because it disturbs an electromagnetic field.

Kopis Designs El Valiente Nonmetallic Minipick

OAL: 6.2 inches
Weight: 1.1 ounces / 1.4 ounces with sheath and cord
Metal Detector Test: Pass
MSRP: $125
URL: kopisdesigns.com

El Valiente — Spanish for “the brave man” — is a reference to a card used in Lotería, a centuries-old game of chance. The image engraved into the handle of each spike is a spin on this classic illustration of a hatless man holding a blade, and it’s one you’ll find on Kopis Designs’ collaborations with Ed Calderon. Various El Valiente picks are available, including solid steel, hollow “ventilators,” and nonmetallic polymer. They can be ordered in several sizes and colors — we tested the nonmetallic Minipick with canvas Micarta handle.

Pros:

Despite its smooth finish, the oblong handle offers a surprisingly secure grip.
Low-profile sheath includes retention cord and a hook to catch on pocket hems
Available in numerous sizes, styles, and materials

Cons:

Made in small batches, so if you want one, you’ll need to be patient and keep an eye out for availability.

GLG Knifeworks Lumber Crayon

OAL: 6.8 inches
Weight: 0.8 ounce
Metal Detector Test: Pass
MSRP: $25
URL: glgknifeworks.com

Concealment doesn’t necessarily mean hiding your weapon from view. In some cases, you can hide it in plain sight. A sharp writing instrument makes a decent improvised weapon, but wood and graphite lack the strength to withstand multiple hard impacts. The fiber-reinforced polymer known as G10, however, is exceedingly durable. The GLG Lumber Crayon resembles a pencil, but it’s actually solid G10 with a stained “lead” in the middle. Jon Gray, the maker, suggests slipping it behind your ear or under a ball cap — a clever way to keep this tool accessible at a moment’s notice. Pros:

Completely nonmetallic construction and slim shape make it exceptionally easy to conceal
Even when it’s carried openly, its innocuous appearance won’t draw attention in many environments.

Cons:

While it’ll easily pass visual inspection, anyone who tests its writing ability will instantly realize it’s not what it seems.

JB Knife & Tool G10 Ice Pik

OAL: 6.9 inches
Weight: 0.7 ounce / 1.2 ounces with sheath and cord
Metal Detector Test: Pass
MSRP: $40
URL: jbknifeandtool.com Contributing writer and weaponologist Ed Calderon introduced us to several makers featured in this article, including JB Knife & Tool. John and Brian make a wide range of defense-oriented blades — the Ice Pik is one of the simplest, but not at the expense of effectiveness. It’s available in steel with a variety of options, as well as this solid G10 configuration. The flared handle features a notch that indexes with the forefinger for a secure grip. The tool gradually tapers to a sharp point and includes a Kydex sheath. Pros:

Long spike pierces deeply and effortlessly.
Kydex sheath has nice retention and doesn’t occupy much space.
Also available in O1 tool steel with various options

Cons:

The handle shape works well considering how thin it is, but would be more comfortable and secure with a little added thickness or texture.

Greg Moffatt Knives MG1 Solid G10

OAL: 7 inches
Weight: 1.8 ounces with sheath and cord
Metal Detector Test: Pass
MSRP: $60
URL: gregmoffattknives.com

Greg Moffatt is a classically trained furniture maker who first got into knife making to create his own woodworking tools. Today, he makes quite a few defense-oriented blades, and this one is particularly concealable thanks to its G10 construction. It features a classic drop-point shape with a slender hollow grind. The handle is comfortable and offers full four-finger grip as well as thumb jimping for additional control. Wrapping the handle in thin cord would improve it even further, especially in wet conditions — fortunately, it’s pre-drilled to make this an easy mod. Pros:

Nice craftsmanship, from the clean hollow grind to the secure sheath
Timeless drop-point shape makes it effective for slicing as well as piercing.

Cons:

With polymer blades, there’s always a compromise between sharpness and durability. The ultra-thin grind means this will most likely be a one-time-use item, rather than one you can re-sharpen.

Boker Plus Anti-Grav

OAL: 7.6 inches
Weight: 2 ounces
Metal Detector Test: Fail
MSRP: $114
URL: bokerusa.com Boker describes this ceramic blade as “100% non-magnetic” — an accurate but misleading statement. While the blade itself isn’t magnetic, the liner lock, pocket clip, pivot, thumb studs, and screws certainly are. Between this and the aforementioned issue with carbon fiber, the Anti-Grav lights up a metal detector like a Christmas tree. As the name indicates, these materials are used to minimize weight rather than increase concealability. The result is an elegant and impressive knife, but one we didn’t find particularly practical. Pros:

The mirror-finished ceramic blade is beautiful and razor-sharp.
Extremely slim and lightweight

Cons:

Definitely won’t pass a metal detector as a result of its many steel parts
Ceramic is notoriously prone to chipping and difficult to sharpen.
Fixed pocket clip is only suitable for tip-down right-handed carry.

VZ Grips Don Dagger

OAL: 8.1 inches
Weight: 1.4 ounces / 3.2 ounces with leather sheath
Metal Detector Test: Pass
MSRP: $70 (+$10 for the sheath)
URL: vzgrips.com It’s not surprising that a company known for its G10 gun grips would try its hand at making knives from the same material. VZ Grips offers several polymer dagger designs; the Don Dagger is a midsized option between the large Diamante and small Discrete. Its hourglass-shaped handle features deep textured cuts that ensure it won’t slip in your hand, plus a flat spot at the end for your thumb. The leather sheath design seen here has been discontinued and replaced with an updated design, which attaches to a belt vertically or horizontally ($10 with purchase of a knife).

Pros:

Rugged handle texture eliminates any doubts about grip slipping.
The diamond-shaped arrowhead point is very tough.

Cons:

Large size makes it difficult to conceal — G10 might make it past a metal detector, but not if the handle is obviously printing through your clothes.

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Plate Carrier Loadout

Posted on December 14, 2023 at 6:00 am.

Written by Forrest Cooper

In This Article

Know the Plate Carrier Rules
Propper Plate Carrier Loadout
Ammunition
Medical
Admin
Mission Specific Gear
Final Thoughts
Read More

A plate carrier, a modular handgun, and an AR-15 go hand in hand for more than one reason. First of all, they belong in the hands of military, law enforcement, and civilians. Second, each carries a sense of urgency and personal responsibility. Finally, each takes a shape of its own depending on how the owner chooses to set it up. While a plate carrier setup will inherently bear some subjectivity to the wearer, some rules should be followed as well. Here's how to set up a plate carrier.

Know the Plate Carrier Rules

The fit of the body armor comes first, before pouches are incorporated. The process of continual refinement reflects both on individual users, and those developing new gear. In the past, plate carriers have gone through something of a pattern resembling orthodoxy-reform-new orthodoxy, where a certain setup was considered absolute and gospel, only to be eventually challenged replaced with a new trend. Many of these were highly directed by various military and police standard operating procedures, or SOP's.

But in the last years, a much broader approach has become mainstream, with more focus on the end user's performance and a little more room for experimentation. As a result, a short list of rules cannot be broken, but outside that small circle, guidelines, suggestions, and trends shift depending on use. Above all other rules, propper plate carrier fit reigns supreme.

A Level III, Level VI, or Special Threat Plate is designed to stop a specific set of projectiles. By protecting the heart and lungs, it gives the wearer a distinct, but limited advantage in a violent encounter. The body is made up of timers and switches, and the heart and lungs have the shortest timers if damaged, short of the brain and spine. The front plate, then, needs to ride roughly from the center notch of the collar bone and cover down to about the base of rib cage. The rear plate mirrors this, though typically rests a little higher, with the top edge sitting about even with the tops of the shoulder blades.

Above: First Spear Plate Bags with a Crye AVS Harness. Custom assembly. HSGI Tacos, and KAGWERKS Kit, Disco 32 Tactical PTT, to Kenwood Connector on a Baofeng UV5R.

A properly fit plate carrier keeps the plates secure when running, climbing, moving through buildings, and diving for cover, all while not inhibiting one's range of motion too much. The shoulder straps should adjust to set height, and the cumberbund to prevent the plates from bouncing when running. Mags, pouches, and plates jostling and bouncing around rapidly wear out the bearer, and pose a risk of injury when climbing. While most of the weight will rest on the shoulders, a slightly tighter cummerbund reduces this pressure.

Propper Plate Carrier Loadout

As a principle, loaded pouches should ride as close to the body as possible. This may sound like a pithy maxim, but it goes unheeded far too often, at the wearer's expense. The emphasis on minimalism has gone a long way since earlier days, but can be mistaken for trimming the wrong gear. Those buying their own kit have the opportunity afforded by years of development to choose between a variety of equipment manufacturers, mixing and matching where they see fit.

The four categories of gear worn divide into ammunition, medical supplies, admin, and the ever ambiguous mission-specific equipment. Though lighter gear of the same capability will almost always be preferred, so long as it performs the same or better, this imperative often pits the good against the great.

Ammunition

The 3-wide, single layer mag “shingle” reigns as as the clear de rigueur of our time, with a mag sometimes referred to as the “speed mag” mounted to the cumberbund on the non-dominant arm side. In the last ten years, the trend has pushed some magazines typically carried on the Plate Carrier to the Belt, with many opting to reload off the belt first as habit. As magazines are expended, fresh mags are shifted first to the speed pouch, so that in the event of an emergency reload, the shooter can go straight to their fastest mag.

Above: Belt: Ronin Tactics Senshi Belt, with G-Code Scorpion Caddies, Blue Force Gear Micro Trauma Kit, Unknown Drop Pouch.

Magazines worn on the front of the carrier should only “double-up” in very rare, specific circumstances. It's nearly impossible to translate how badly more gear directly turns into an inability to effectively lay prone behind low cover.

Medical

Often personal medical gear gets stowed on the belt, or according to unit SOP's. If able to choose for yourself where a personal first aid kit will integrate, pick a location accessible by both hands in the event one receives disabling injuries. Outside of the kit, tourniquets should be distributed across the body where they can again be accessed by both hands.

Individual application will vary, but generally speaking at least one tourniquet should be attached to the plate carrier, even when worn in conjunction with a duty belt. This serves as insurance in the event the belt is lost, or one does not have time to put it on. Recently various forms of “danglers” have sought ot accomplish this, while others opt to use a breakable rubber band or shock chord.

Admin

Before chest-mounted cellphones were a thing, the top section of a plate carrier was typically kept slick or an admin pouch with maps, pens, and spare batteries and other miscellaneous items were often placed just above the magazines for easy access. Lately, gear like KAGWERKS or Juggernaut cases have dominated this space, offering users a video-game-like access to information with programs like ATAK.

Above: Toor Knives Vandal, fits on Kit and as a Belt Knife.

Even when using a chest-mounted computer, it is recommended to have a dedicated admin pouch if one is not designated on a uniform. The U.S. Army's attempt at putting pen holders on their sleeves might have looked like a good choice, but more often than not, “in the field” those pens were broken before use. Dedicating a specific admin pouch on a plate carrier takes one step out of putting on one's gear, saving time and making it easier to keep stocked up.

Radios have always presented a difficult decision to the bearer. If carried on the front, they could be accessed easier, at the cost of real estate. If carried on the back, a radio would be out of the way but often forcing the wearer to depend on a teammate to access it if a battery needed to be changed out or a frequency was lost. The black magic element of radios is their propensity to attract Murphy's Law.

Either way, the most common location to integrate a push-to-talk or PTT, which connects a radio to a communications capable headset, has long been the front non-dominant side of a plate carrier, to allow access while keeping a finger on the trigger of a firearm. Attempts have been made to drop it onto to cumberbund, but this has mixed opinions. If carrying two radios, one does not want to have to think about which PTT they are activating while in the middle of a tense situation.

The back of the plate carrier draws the ire of many a zealous minimalist, as it follows the same rule of motorcycle saddlebags and backpacks: if there is free space, something will end up filling it, quickly adding both weight and bulk. A survivalist plate carrier setup, those preparing for a longer operation, or when carrying larger gear, it is possible to opt for a full backpack instead, worn over the plate carrier. If this is the case, once again, less is more. If not carried in the pack, a water bladder can be attached to the back, so long as it is protected by some sort of sleeve or pouch.

Mission Specific Gear

Those in the military or law enforcement should be able to look to their leadership for guidance with mission-specific gear. Allowing for ingenuity should be encouraged, but limited to training scenarios and vetted for some time before potentially seeing combat.

With a plate carrier load-out, the little things have a big impact, such as finding out where gear pinches, or moves. As each piece is added, the bearer should test it for movement and jostle by donning the plate carrier. Like a backpack, heavy equipment stored further from the body only exhausts precious energy, and potentially gives away one's position by banging against walls, cars, and other objects.

Keeping a small amount of shock or bungee chord on hand can take the extra play out some things that move, and if a thing can fall out on it's own, expect it to when needed most. Dampen the noise of metal buckles with electrical tape, Ranger Bands, and elastic sleeves. Trim loose ends, and make sure nothing dangles off the belt or back of a carrier. It will inevitably snag, risking injury, exposure, or destroying equipment in the middle of a high-speed airsoft match.

Final Thoughts

Building a plate carrier is a highly personal process, and requires a fair bit of humility to acknowledge just one is doing so. The difficulty with this kind of equipment is much like a permit to carry: we should truly hope that we never have to use it, and a responsible owner will be honest about their capabilities. A weighted vest helps greatly for improving fitness, and things like the Tactical Games have brought a new opportunity landscape to popular firearm competitions. Accessible by all, and physically demanding, Tactical Games Skirmishes make excellent gut checks to ego, and help trim the dead weight off a plate carrier.

Two extremes stand out in regards to plate carrier setup: the hyper orthodox who demands compliance to a rigid SOP without explaining it to his men, and the rogue experimenter who sticks out by challenging the norm, often with no specific problem to solve. Millions of hours of experience from the last near 20 years of war slowly trickle into gear companies, and the change is often slow, tempered by the reality that we're dealing with serious life-saving equipment.

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Plate Carrier Types: To Each Their Own.
- Front Toward Enemy: Plate Carriers and Chest Rigs.
- Upgrading the Tyr Tactical Pico-DS.
- Arbor Arms Minuteman: A Plate Carrier for Athletes.
A Chest Rig for Every Occasion.
- The Fenris Chest Rig takes cues from Heat.
- Dank Robber Chest Rig, by Unobtanium Gear.
Bulletproof Vest versus Plate Carrier.
EDC, Range, and Battle Belts: Defining the Difference.
Comparing AR-15 Magazines: Best of the Best.
AR-15 Magazine Pouch Faceoff: Caddies, Pouches, and More.
S&S Precision: PlateFrames, Chest Rigs, and Illumination: More than Maritime Excellence.

Infographic: Inflation Adjusted Gas prices

Posted on December 12, 2023 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

More Gas Data
Final Thoughts
Read More

Ninety years ago, gas was only $0.18 per gallon. Although this statement is accurate, it's also a little confusing, because $1 in 1932 is equivalent to more than $21 today. This is also why the prices for many consumer goods — from a $3,500 Corvette to a $200 Thompson submachine gun to a $0.05 bottle of Coca-Cola — sound staggeringly low these days. If we want a more accurate perspective on how gas prices have changed over time relative to the rest of the economy, we should adjust prices in previous years to 2022 dollars. The following infographic from TitleMax did exactly that, showing average gas prices from 1929 through the present.

Update: The average price of gasoline dropped 5.3% in the 12 months ending October as compared to the annual increase of 3.0 % in September, according to the most recent inflation data published Nov. 14, 2023, by the U.S. Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

More Gas Data

In addition to the raw prices and 2022-adjusted gas prices, this infographic includes some markers for major historical events that influenced these numbers, such as wars, recessions, and the OPEC crisis. Following the bar graph, there's a line graph that shows gas price compared to electricity and common household staples (milk, bread, and bananas). While the prices for these other items have risen over time, they're clearly less volatile than gas prices, and have not matched the skyrocketing price per gallon over the last two years.

Final Thoughts

So, as preparedness-minded individuals, what can we learn from this? Gas prices are inherently volatile due to factors outside our direct control (unless you happen to be an oil sheik or high-ranking politician) and they have become much more volatile in the last 20 years. Gasoline expiration makes it almost impossible to stockpile fuel safely for more than a few years, so we should do our best to avoid being overly dependent on it as a fuel source — obviously, that's easier said than done. It may be worthwhile to consider acquiring a fuel-efficient motorcycle, e-bike, or vehicle converted to run on biodiesel to weather the storm in times such as these.

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Forloh Women’s ThermoNeutral Down Jacket

MPowered Rechargeable Batteries

Outdoor Element Fire Flute

Garmont T8 Athena

Burris Signature LRF 10×42

Dometic PLB40 Portable Lithium Battery

Bear & Son Cutlery Sideliner w/Reverse Tanto Blade & Glass Breaker

NEXTORCH TA30C One-step Strobe Tactical Flashlight

Jase Medical Jase Case

VSSL Insulated Flask + Speaker

Guzzle H2O Stream

Body Guard Armored Backpacks First Responder Bulletproof Backpack Level 3A Kit

Read More

Stocking Up

Making it Smaller

Shooting Fast

Quiet Time

On the Range

Loose Rounds

Specifications

More From Issue 27

Survival Staff Basics

The Dave Canterbury Package

Other Accessories

Genius or Gimmick?

Crawford Knives Survival Staff Specifications

More From Issue 29

Read More

The Starting Point

Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope

Adaptive Tactical TK-22 Stock

Hogue Rubber OverMolded Stock

Magpul X-22 Backpacker

Conclusion

Read More

One-Person Carries

One-Person Walk Assist

Firefighter Carry

Pack Strap Carry

Two-Person Carries

Two-Person Extremity Carry

Chair Carry

Two-Handed Seat Carry

Drags

Blanket Drag

Shoulder Drag

Feet Drag

About the Author

Read More

Readers' Bio

Grim Workshops' Survival Tip

Submit Your Own Tip

Read More

Bastion Carbon Fiber EDC Knife

Kopis Designs El Valiente Nonmetallic Minipick

GLG Knifeworks Lumber Crayon

JB Knife & Tool G10 Ice Pik

Greg Moffatt Knives MG1 Solid G10

Boker Plus Anti-Grav

VZ Grips Don Dagger

Read More

Know the Plate Carrier Rules

Propper Plate Carrier Loadout

Ammunition

Medical

Admin

Mission Specific Gear

Final Thoughts

Read More

More Gas Data

Final Thoughts

Read More