We’ll admit it: we can’t resist drooling over high-end gear. We think about which knives to carry like some people’s wives think about what shoes to wear. We tailor our every-day carry loadouts to our activities each day, and they’re always changing and evolving as we add, subtract, or swap out items. Some people may find this obsession with gear strange, but it’s just a part of our DNA.
Our friends over at RECOILweb.com share this obsession, and they recently posted three different EDC loadouts for their fans’ viewing pleasure. Each one has its own unique advantages, so they asked their fans which of the three loadouts they prefer via a poll. Here are the three loadouts:
Since I wanted to join the fun, I’ve included a photo of my own minimalist working-from-home EDC below. It consists of a 5.11 Tactical Apex T-Rail belt, Fossil leather wallet, and keys with a Photon LED Micro-Light. There’s also a Gerber Shard keychain tool, which has been wrapped in gutted OD green paracord for added grip (here’s a how-to video). The watch is a Citizen BM8180-03E with Eco-Drive solar-powered operation.
The knife is always a hard choice, but today I’m carrying a Kershaw Link Blackwash. It’s a really well-built folding knife that’s made in the USA—and it’ll only set you back $70.
What’s in your EDC today? Let us know in the comments, or show us a photo on Instagram: @recoiloffgridmagazine.
Here on OFFGRIDweb, we’ve already described several methods of constructing a focused, intense fire—namely, the rocket stove and the Swedish torch. These concentrated jets of flame are ideal for cooking food, boiling water, and other small tasks. However, what do you do if your objective is to create a large area of warmth to blanket your campsite? For that purpose, you’ll need a different type of fire altogether.
The traditional cone-shaped teepee campfire is a good all-around choice, but it still doesn’t radiate as much heat as you may need in frigid conditions. Fortunately, there’s a technique called the long fire that fits the bill perfectly.
The long fire technique utilizes two long logs stacked on two short spacers, like stumps, rocks, or other logs. The raised platform allows air to enter at the base of the fire, sustaining the flames. Between your two long logs, you can add kindling and tinder to get the fire going—the burning will eventually ignite the logs themselves.
This video from AlfieAesthetics shows how it’s done:
This article was originally published in Issue 1 of our magazine.
Whether you are bugging out of the city or bugging back home, when crap goes down in your town, you’re going to need a sturdy and comfortable backpack to haul your gear with. All the survival equipment in the world won’t do you any good if you can’t carry it with you. But, with thousands of backpacks on the market, how do you go about choosing the right one? We point out a few factors for consideration to help you make the right decision.
When choosing any type of equipment, its use dictates which features work for the job at hand. In this case, we will base our needs off a general disaster scenario. FEMA recommends that basic emergency supplies allow for one person to survive for three days. The idea is that after a large-scale emergency, additional help may not be on hand for a few days. You need to be prepared for that possibility.
Fitment
The most important factor in choosing a backpack is its proper fitment to your body. We want to focus on your torso length, not your overall height. To measure your torso, place your hands on your hips and have a friend use a tape measure to determine the length between your hips to your seventh cervical vertebra.
Now that you have your torso measurement, you have an idea of what size bag best suits your frame. Because every manufacturer uses different size naming conventions, the following chart can be used to find the general size you need. It’s always best to try on the backpack in person if possible. Specialized backpacks are also made for women and children that feature more customized fits.
With your hands on your hips, with thumbs pointed inward toward your spine, imagine a line connecting your thumbs. Start at that line and measure up the center of the back toward the seventh cervical vertebra. The vertebra we’re looking for is the pointed bone on the back of the base of your neck when you are looking down.
You want the large majority of the backpack’s weight to sit on your hips, not your shoulders. If you are carrying a heavy load, which will probably be the case in this scenario, hip belts can really save your back and shoulders. Some backpacks come with dedicated, non-detachable hip belts that will fit a very wide range of hip sizes. If you need custom sizing, choose a backpack with a detachable one, so you can swap it out for one that properly fits you.
Adult Torso Size (in inches)
15.5 or shorter
16 to 17
18 to 19
20 or longer
Pack Size
XS
S
M
L
Capacity
Backpacks that can fit three days’ worth of food, water, and other essentials that range in the 30- to 50-liter (approximately 1,830-3,050 cubic inches) size category. Of course, the size of your pack will be dependent on your body size, as well as how much weight you can carry. When choosing what to pack in your backpack, remember that the more you carry, the heavier your load will be.
Features
An important part of selecting a backpack is also figuring out which features you need. Some feature built-in compression straps that help you compress your load to make for a less bulky pack. Others include internal hydration bladders. Some have padded compartments for electronic equipment like GPS and radio units. Various others are even equipped with military-style MOLLE webbing systems that allow the backpack to be customized with modular pouches. Do you need lockable zippers or a wet compartment to keep wet clothes or shoes separate from your dry items? These are all things to think about and should be chosen based on your individual needs.
Regional Considerations
When choosing a backpack, consider the region you live in, as well. Is your area more prone to hurricanes, tornados, or earthquakes? Does it snow in your area? Maybe you need something waterproof. If you live in an area like the desert, maybe you don’t need the waterproofing and opt for a lighter-weight, ventilated bag instead. These are things to keep in mind.
Quality
Just as anything else in life, there is cheaply made stuff and there is the good stuff. By far, the most common material used for the heavier-duty backpacks that we are looking at is some type of nylon. Nylon comes in many forms and fits many applications.
There is Pack Cloth Nylon, Cordura Nylon, Rip-Stop Nylon, Ballistic Nylon, and more, and each come in a variety of thicknesses, or denier. Denier is the measurement unit of the thickness and weight of thin fibers most associated with nylon. The higher the number is, the thicker the nylon, and that means it is heavier, as well.
Material
Pack Cloth Nylon
Cordura Nylon
Rip-Stop Nylon
Ballistic Nylon
Abrasion Resistant
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Water Resistant
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Weight
Medium
Light
Light
Heavy
Also Used In
Gym Bags, Tote Bags
Motorcycle Jackets, Boots
Parachutes, Flags
Luggage, Laptop Bags
Notes
Puncture-resistant, but once punctured, this material rips very easily
Cordura comes in many variations and is the most popular fabric in use for backpacks today
Features a grid of heavy threads sewn into the fabric to stop rips from getting bigger
Made to protect from shrapnel during WW2. This material is puncture- and tear-resistant, but extremely heavy
Other important details to look at in your pack are the zippers and plastic buckles that are found on most all backpacks made today. Make sure that the zippers perform smoothly and reliably when pulled at different speeds and angles. Plastic buckles should feel sturdy and have positive feedback when they are locked in place. We find packs that feature name-brand fasteners, such as YKK zippers and ITW buckles to be excellent choices.
Although we can’t be certain of a particular emergency or disaster that we might face, it doesn’t mean we can’t anticipate and prepare for one. Along with proper planning, preparation, equipment, and supplies, a sturdy, useful, and comfortable backpack can form the backbone of your survival gear. There are a lot of choices available to you, but don’t be overwhelmed. With a little patience, you will most likely find a backpack that will fit your needs.
Buyer’s Guide
We have assembled a few great backpacks that caught our eye. These bags each have some great features that we have highlighted. Some of these bags are made for the role of survival backpack, while others are simply adapted for the role. Remember, it’s best to choose a bag that best fits your body, as well as your needs.
[buyersguide title=”Selecting the Right Survival Backpack” ids=”3141, 3142, 3143, 3144, 3145, 3146, 3147, 3148″]
When someone mentions fishing we often automatically think of casting a line and hook from a fishing rod. However, there are lots of other methods to catch fish, many of which have been used effectively for centuries. The fish basket is one of those methods.
Tom Mcelroy of Wild Survival Skills shows off the finished fish basket trap.
A fish basket is a two-piece contraption, composed of a cylindrical basket with an opening on one end, and a conical lid with a small hole in the center. The basket is loaded with bait, the lid is installed pointing inwards, and the device is set into a shallow pond or stream on its side. Over time, fish smell the bait and swim into the trap, but can’t escape through the small, spiky, cone-shaped opening.
The fish basket is constructed of young willow shoots, which bend easily.
Survival expert and trainer Tom Mcelroy, of WildSurvivalSkills.com, shows how it’s done from start to finish in the video below.
All it requires is some flexible willow shoots (or other bendy vines/roots/twigs) and a lot of patience. Fortunately, as Tom mentions in the video clip, once you take the time to build a fish basket, you can use it over and over to provide a steady supply of food.
Submerged in a creek, the basket does all the work so you don’t have to.
Be sure to watch to the end of the video, since it proves the device’s effectiveness by filming fish actually swimming into the trap. All in all, the fish basket trap isn’t too hard to make, and it could be an extremely valuable asset for wilderness survival.
A camera inside the trap shows how Tom caught fish in a few short hours.
If you’ve been following our magazine or web site, you’ve likely heard of 5.11 Tactical. They make some awesome tactical and survival gear, including apparel, shoes, watches, holsters, and knives—but the product they might be most famous for is their line of bags and backpacks. 5.11 Tactical packs range from compact satchels and totes, all the way to multi-day duffels and bug-out bags.
We recently met with the team at 5.11 Tactical, and they made us a very generous offer. In order to show their support to our magazine and give back to their dedicated fans, they’re willing to give away a free RUSH72 backpack to one lucky OFFGRIDweb reader.
There are no strings attached, and it doesn’t cost any money to enter—just scroll to the bottom of this page, follow the instructions in the giveaway module, and submit your entry for a chance to win.
The 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Backpack
Before you enter the contest, we’ll start by telling you about what you could win.
The 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 is a 72-hour bag that could serve as an excellent platform for a bug-out bag. It features a massive 3324 cubic inch (55 liter) total capacity, with tons of zippered compartments where you can store clothes, food, tools, medical gear, and other supplies.
Mesh compartments and pockets abound inside the RUSH72.
Integrated organization pockets keep your small items (such as maps, pens, and documents) safe and under control. The backpack also features a purpose-built internal hydration compartment, and a special fleece-lined sunglass pocket to protect your shades from scratches and dust.
The fleece-lined sunglass pocket is on top of the pack for easy access.
The RUSH72 is constructed of 1000-denier nylon, which is tough and water-repellent. In case water does get inside your bag, drainage grommets make sure it dries out quickly. The bag’s exterior is covered in modular MOLLE / TacTec System-compatible webbing. This means you can easily expand your pack with other pouches offered by 5.11, or you can strap on magazine pouches, medical kits, knife sheaths, flashlight holders, and other gear with ease.
The backpack is offered in seven different color schemes, and the winner of this giveaway will be able to receive the RUSH72 in any one of these colors:
Black
Double Tap (black/grey)
Flat Dark Earth
MultiCam
Sandstone
Storm (grey)
TAC OD
5.11’s MSRP for the RUSH72 is $169.99—but like we said, one lucky reader will be getting one for a whopping $0.
Bonus Items
The elusive OG morale patch. They’re not for sale, but you can win one here.
We often receive comments on our Instagram page asking about how to get our OFFGRID morale patches. There are currently only two ways to get these patches: meet one of us in person at a show or event, or be the lucky winner of one of our giveaways. So, if you want a morale patch, now’s your chance to get one—and possibly stick it on a brand-new backpack.
5.11 Tactical will also include a USA flag morale patch with the contest winner’s backpack.
5.11 will include a second morale patch, with the U.S. flag and the company’s motto, “always be ready.” We’ll even throw in a copy of the latest issue of our printed magazine, and a copy of our sister magazine RECOIL for the contest winner.
Enter the Giveaway
So, to recap, here’s what one random fan will win:
5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Backpack (your choice of color)
The giveaway is open to people ages 21 and over and who reside in the USA only. Winner will be contacted after announcement with any questions needed to fulfill giveaway. Once winner is contacted and requirements verified, 5.11 Tactical will ship the backpack and USA patch to the winner. The OFFGRID patch and magazine issues will be shipped separately from OFFGRIDweb HQ.
If you want a chance at winning the 5.11 Tactical items and bonus items listed above, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter giveaway module below. One (1) RANDOM entrant will be chosen as the winner.
A few months ago, we posted an article called “Hammocks 101”, and it caught the attention of the team at Serac hammocks. Wilson Lin, one of the company’s co-founders, actually sent us an email telling us that he liked the story, and we soon started chatting with him about the viability of hammocks in survival situations. Obviously, hammocks are good for camping—but should survival-minded individuals consider including hammocks in their bug-out bags or emergency kits?
Hammocking in Winter?
Our discussion with Serac led to two things. First, the company kindly offered to send us one of their hammocks to test, so we could see its viability as a survival tool first-hand. That review is still in the works, but we’ll be posting it here on OFFGRIDweb soon, along with our full impressions on the company’s one and only product.
Swinging in the breeze during the summer is great, but what about the colder months?
Secondly, on a more theoretical note, we got to talking about how hammocks fare in cold conditions. As a manufacturer, Serac knows a thing or two about preparing its products for the cold and dealing with the elements. So, we asked if their staff could share some tips on how to deal with snow, moisture, wind chill, and other seasonal factors during winter in a hammock.
Jeff Zhang, Wilson’s business partner and the other co-founder of Serac, gave us permission to share his exclusive advice about hammock camping in the dead of winter. These tips are based on Jeff’s years of experience, both as a manufacturer of hammocks, and as an avid outdoorsman and camper. We’ve dubbed them the Three Ws of Winter Hammocking.
A lot of people think of hammocking as a summer activity. Sunshine, warm breezes, and a chilled beer at your side. There’s no doubt that that’s one way to enjoy your hammock. But for some of us, hammocking is an all-season activity—including the winter. There are plenty you can do to make a trip in the snow just as comfortable as any other season. When planning a camping trip out in the cold, there are three things you should plan for.
Warmth
When hammocking in the winter, the most important thing to plan for is insulation. Staying warm should be your number one priority. You will need both top and bottom insulation, much like camping in a tent. For top insulation, a sleeping bag rated for winter temperatures will work well. Some of us might want to shave some extra weight and go with a similarly rated top quilt instead. Either option will work well to keep you nice and toasty in a hammock.
Don’t forget your bottom insulation. You’ll want to weigh your options. For some, a sleeping pad works well enough to insulate their backside. A sleeping pad is effective, lightweight and doesn’t break the bank.
However, watch out! Sleeping pads are also vapor barriers and this could be disastrous—especially in the dead of winter. You release a lot of moisture when you sleep. With a vapor barrier on your backside plus extra layers in the cold, moisture can’t easily escape. This can leave you waking up wet and sweaty in your sleeping bag. The light, down sleeping bag that we love so much during warmer seasons begins to lose its insulating abilities as the condensation builds up.
Various third-party manufacturers produce under quilts that can insulate your hammock effectively.
A better (but costlier) option is an under quilt rated for subzero temperatures. Under quilts hang on the outside of your hammock and contain down or synthetic filling. An under quilt allows you much more freedom of movement inside your hammock. Even without a top quilt, you can leave your sleeping bag unzipped and be free to toss and turn as you please.
Under quilts come in both full-length and ¾-length sizes. Full length under quilts cover the entire length of your hammock and insulate you from head to toe. The idea behind ¾-length under quilts is to keep your upper body well insulated and keep your feet propped up on some clothes or backpack. As long as your under quilt is rated for temperatures below freezing, you will stay nice and warm.
Weather
If there’s a chance of snow, make sure you pick a rainfly with sufficient coverage. In heavy storms, a smaller diamond rainfly won’t provide enough wind cover on your sides. For winter hammocking, consider getting a large rainfly with many anchor points. A hexagonal or catenary rainfly would work well. Having the extra anchor points allows you to stake your tarp closer to your hammock. This makes a more effective wind barrier.
If you’re caught in a blizzard, there are rainflys that completely envelop your hammock. This effectively turns your hammock into a floating tent, complete with doors and walls on all sides. With this floating fortress, you won’t need to worry about snowfall burying you. You’ll be happily suspended above the snowfall, and won’t have to think about digging your way out later.
Widowmakers
Extra-long straps or rope extensions can protect you from falling branches.
In the winter, be extra vigilant of potential widowmakers [Ed. Note: dead branches caught precariously high in trees, with the potential to fall and cause injury or even death]. The snow and ice that can accumulate overnight can add enough weight to send a branch tumbling down. This is true for all winter campers, but doubly so for hammockers who rely on trees for anchor points. Bring extra-long straps on your trip, as well as rope to act as extenders. Set up your hammock so that it is a healthy distance away from any tree branches. Make sure that the trees you pick do not have any dead or sickly-looking branches—these are the most likely to snap from the weight of any snowfall.
Don’t be afraid to venture out into the wilderness because it’s winter. Your favorite getaways can look like a whole new world under a sprinkle of snow.
We always enjoy talking to subject matter experts from various fields about their experiences, since there’s a lot we can learn from their knowledge. Jeff’s tips above tell us that using a hammock in a winter survival setting is definitely possible—you just need to take the right precautions.
Don’t venture into the outdoors in winter without being prepared, regardless of which type of shelter you’ll use.
As we’ve said before, hammocks can be a viable alternative to tents and other types of shelters, especially since they’re often light, compact, and easy to fit into a bug-out bag. However, don’t head out into the wilderness with a hammock during the cold months without first preparing for the potential dangers: loss of warmth, inclement weather, and widowmaker tree branches.
This article was originally published in Issue 1 of our magazine.
If you’ve spent any amount of time looking into and buying emergency supplies, you’ll eventually run into this amazing stuff called paracord. Sold in many strengths, lengths, and colors, paracord is often fashioned into items such as bracelets and key chains or wrapped around the handles of knives and even sold as-is in bundle form. It’s even become a basis for arts and crafts items for some. From the outside, paracord looks like the kind of shoelace you’d find on a hiking boot, but make no mistake, paracord is much more than that.
What is Paracord?
Paracord, also known as parachute cord or accessory cord, started out as a lightweight nylon kernmantle rope used in the suspension lines of U.S. parachutes during World War II. It was found quite useful in the field for many applications such as securing equipment, making pace counters to estimate ground covered during land navigation, and even temporary makeshift rifle slings.
Paracord is constructed out of layers of braided nylon fibers contained in a woven sheath. It comes in many rated strengths, called types, and its uses are only limited by your imagination. The most popular version is Type III, which is rated at a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds and is commonly called 550 cord. When the outer sheath of the cord is removed, the fine yarns of the core, also known as guts, can be used to sew things together or as fishing line in survival situations. Paracord’s uses are so widespread that it was even used by Space Shuttle astronauts to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.
Mil-spec vs. Commercial Grade
Paracord is available in two grades, either Mil-spec or commercial. Mil-spec paracord is made to meet or surpass U.S. military specifications. Given that U.S. military ratings lean toward the conservative side of the scale, each type of paracord will probably exceed its Mil-spec-rated breaking strength. This gives the user greater peace of mind in the tensile strength of the cord. Mil-spec MIL-C-5040 Type III is the U.S. military designation for Type III, the most popular type of cord, and is the most commonly used paracord on the market. Commercial-grade paracord that is listed as Type III is generally made with the same materials and specifications as the Mil-spec version. Other commercial grades are also available outside of the official Mil-spec types.
Mil-spec Types
U.S. military specifications rate paracord breaking strength to six types ranging from Type I at 95 pounds all the way to Type IV at 750 pounds. Interestingly, there are no overall diameter requirements for the cord itself, although Type III usually measures 5⁄32-inch in diameter.
1. Commercial 350lb-rated paracord 2. Commercial 550lb-rated paracord 3. Mil-spec Type III paracord
Imitation Mil-spec Cord
Be aware that there is paracord on the market that is marked as Type III or 550 cord, but are not actually made to Mil-spec. This non-Mil-spec Type III cord is often very strong, but it may not have seven to nine strands in the core as is mandated by military specification and might be made with less and smaller strands, which means decreased strength and reliability. Strands from imitation 550 cord may also be constructed with materials other than nylon. Other than cutting cord open to count the core strands, it is near impossible to figure out if a particular cord is true Type III or not by only looking at it. For this reason, we recommend purchasing paracord from trusted companies and retailers.
TYPE
MINIMUM BREAKING STRENGTH
MINIMUM LENGTH PER POUND
MINIMUM LENGTH PER OUNCE
CORE YARNS
SHEATH STRUCTURE
I
95 lbs
950 ft
59.375 ft
4 to 7
32/1 or 16/2
IA
100 lbs
1,050 ft
65.625 ft
No Core
16/1
II
400 lbs
265 ft
16.563 ft
4 to 7
32/1 or 36/1
IIA
225 lbs
495 ft
30.938 ft
No Core
32/1 or 36/1
III
550 lbs
225 ft
14.063 ft
7 to 9
32/1 or 36/1
IV
750 lbs
165 ft
12.692 ft
11
32/1, 36/1, or 44/1
10 Impromptu Uses for Paracord
The uses for 550 cord are endless and only stop at the imagination. Although it may be strong, it should not be used support someone’s bodyweight, unless it is a life or death situation and no other options are available. In this case, multiple cords should be used to help distribute the person’s weight.
1. Tent and pole support, building shelters
2. Clothesline
3. Wrap around grips and handles for better control
4. Tarp tie-down
5. Strap, bundle, fasten, lash, and secure gear to backpack
6. Makeshift tourniquet
7. Hang food bags away from animals
8. Inner strands for sewing, fishing line, trapping and snares, dental floss, emergency stitches (boil first)
Even if you’re not a firearms expert, it’s easy to recognize that a quality gun is nothing without quality ammunition. Just like you wouldn’t try to run a Formula 1 race car on crude oil, you shouldn’t cheap out when it comes to loading your firearm—especially when those very bullets are putting food on your table, or are the only thing between you and an armed criminal.
With this in mind, Daniel Defense has released new line of ammunition known as First Choice. This First Choice ammo is designed under the same rigorous standards of quality Daniel Defense applies to their weapons, so you know it can depend on it. The first caliber to launch under this new line is 300BLK, also known as 300 AAC Blackout or 7.62x35mm.
For those not familiar, 300BLK is a cartridge designed for use with AR-15 platform rifles, and it achieves similar ballistics to the Soviet 7.62x39mm commonly used in the iconic AK-47. However, the advantage of 300BLK is that it can easily fit into standard AR-15 magazines while retaining their normal capacity.
Daniel Defense’s new 300BLK ammo is also subsonic, which has the added benefit of eliminating the loud crack exhibited by a supersonic bullet traveling downrange. This yields excellent noise reduction for personal- and home-defense scenarios, as well as hunting applications, making it an ideal choice for survivalists.
As we mentioned earlier, this new ammunition is manufactured using the highest-quality components available, with durable brass cases and precision 220-grain Lapua-Scenar-L OTM bullets. Finally, every round is stamped with a “DD” emblem and undergoes a critical inspection before leaving the factory. The Daniels’ long standing philosophy applies: “If it’s not perfect, it doesn’t go to market.”
The new Daniel Defense 300BLK ammo retails for $50 for a 30-round box, and can be purchased directly at DanielDefense.com. Free shipping is included with any purchase of four boxes (one case) or more.
Back in 2013, CRKT staff had a conversation with tomahawk designer Ryan Johnson, of RMJ Tactical. During this conversation, Ryan brought up the fact that he had been working alongside combat veterans, many of whom were struggling with the difficult effects of PTSD. To overcome this condition, Ryan was helping these veterans learn to design and forge custom tools and bladed weapons.
Elmer Roush, a Vietnam vet, designed the new CRKT Birler tactical axe.
After hearing about this worthy endeavor, CRKT decided to take it one step further, and launch a program called Forged By War. Under this program, CRKT is encouraging combat veterans from various backgrounds to create tools they wish were available on the battlefield. The first three tool designs are now being mass-produced by CRKT for the public—and better yet, 10% of the net profits will be donated to charities of the veterans’ choice.
Darrin Sirois with his creation, the dual-edged Sangrador dagger.
The first tool in the Forged By War collection is called the Clever Girl, and was designed by Austin McGlaun, a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Iraq war. The Clever Girl is a fixed-blade tactical knife with a Persian-style upswept blade, G10 handle scales, and MOLLE-compatible sheath. It is sold at an MSRP of $125, with 10% of the profits going to the Green Beret Foundation.
Austin McGlaun shows off his new Clever Girl blade, available now through CRKT.
The second tool CRKT is now producing is called the Sangrador, which means “bleeder” in Latin. It was designed by Darrin Sirois, a U.S. Army Special Operations veteran who served numerous tours in Panama, Desert Storm, the Balkans, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The Sangrador is a 5.5-inch dual-edge dagger with Veff serrations and a G10 handle. This knife is available for an MSRP of $150, with 10% of profits donated to Purple Heart Homes.
CRKT Clever Girl
CRKT Sangrador
CRKT Birler
Finally, blacksmith and U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran Elmer Roush designed a tactical pack axe known as the Birler. This compact axe features a stout hickory handle and a head forged from tough 1055 carbon steel. Elmer’s axe design will be available soon for an MSRP of $90, and 10% of its profits will go to the Green Beret Foundation.
We wholeheartedly support what CRKT is doing with the Forged By War program—not only because it supports veterans and charities, but also because it launches practical and effective new blade designs inspired by actual combat. How’s that for a win-win scenario?
For more information on the CRKT Forged By War program and these three blades, visit CRKT.com/forged-by-war.
If you’re looking to bug out as far from human civilization as possible, heading out onto the water is a good way to do so. Our planet’s surface is 71% water, meaning that virtually all human population is confined to the remaining 29% land mass. So, finding creative new ways to live on the surface of a large body of water definitely makes sense.
The “Exbury Egg” is made entirely of molded plywood and timber.
Recently, several architects have developed concepts for buildings that not only float, but can also produce their own electricity through solar power. These structures can be towed behind boats, anchored at sea, or tethered to the shoreline of a lake or river.
The Exbury Egg’s interior is spartan but comfortable.
The Exbury Egg seen above was lived in by British artist and co-designer Stephen Turner for a full year. It features a small solar charger for Turner’s laptop and camera, as well as a hammock, cooking area, desk, and bathroom with shower.
This floating island resort was designed by Michele Puzzolante.
Other designs include the 6-person floating resort concept seen above. It could accommodate up to 6 guests, and would also include an underwater observation room and on-deck Jacuzzi.
The EcoFloLife Waternest below was designed by Giancarlo Zema, and offers a 1,000 square-foot interior with a solar panel roof.
The EcoFloLife Waternest, designed by Giancarlo Zema.
So, do you think floating buildings are a viable option for survival? Would you ever consider living in one of these futuristic structures? Let us know in the comments below.
