Nuclear Knowledge: A-Bombs and H-Bombs

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Nuclear weapons are immensely powerful, but also often misunderstood. Most people can tell you that there are two types of nuclear weapons—A-bombs and H-bombs—but many of those individuals don’t understand what the differences are, or how each works on a molecular level. Understanding these key differences helps us understand how nukes are constructed, and why this knowledge is still relevant in today’s world of nuclear disarmament.

nuclear near misses

A 23-kiloton atomic shell detonation from April, 1953. Source: National Nuclear Security Administration / Nevada Site...

First of all, A-bomb stands for atomic bomb, which relies on nuclear fission. This means that the nucleus of a volatile atom is split, creating a chain reaction and releasing huge amounts of energy very quickly. On the other hand, H-bomb stands for hydrogen bomb, which relies on nuclear fusion. This weapon causes two types of atoms to collide, forming a new material and releasing truly massive amounts of energy as a byproduct.

Why does this matter? Well, it’s important to know the weapons that exist, so you can differentiate between the two throughout history. A-bombs were infamously used against the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in WWII, while H-bomb development became more prevalent during the extreme tensions of the Cold War.

Here’s an excellent infographic from Futurism that explains some more nuclear facts:

A bomb vs h bomb infographic 1 A bomb vs h bomb infographic 2

Today, the biggest nuclear threats come from North Korea, India, and Pakistan, three countries which are known to possess nuclear weapons but have refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. North Korea actually was part of the treaty, but withdrew from it in 2003, and has since tested nuclear weapons at least three times.

North Korea claims to have tested an H-bomb on January 5th, 2016, but most sources believe it was a smaller-yield A-bomb, as the country may not yet have the supercomputers and other technology required to produce more sophisticated Hydrogen weapons.

A bomb vs h nuclear countries

Map of recently nuclear-armed states of the world. Source: Wikipedia

Knowing the difference between these two types of bombs can help us understand the threat that nuclear warfare may pose today, as well as key players that may be willing to use these nuclear weapons. See the map above for countries that currently or recently possessed nuclear weapons. Here’s the color legend:

  • Light blue: Countries that possess nukes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. These are the only countries known to have H-bomb technology. (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States)
  • Red: Countries that possess nukes, but are not part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. These countries are known to have A-bombs, and suspected to have H-bombs. (India, Pakistan, North Korea)
  • Yellow: Other countries that likely have nuclear weapons, but have not openly admitted it. (Israel)
  • Dark blue: NATO nuclear weapons sharing states. (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey)
  • Green: States which formerly had nukes, but are currently believed to be disarmed. (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, South Africa)

Skysaver Emergency Rescue Backpack

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Even if you’re not a mountain climber, you’ve probably heard of rappelling (a.k.a. abseiling) before. This technique allows you to descend from high places in a controlled manner, using a rope or cable with a friction device that slows your descent. Outside of the climbing world, you’ll often see military and rescue personnel rappelling from ledges or helicopters. James Bond also does it on the silver screen.

Emergency rescue backpack rappelling

Rappelling is a common climbing technique, but it usually requires quite a bit of safety gear and training.

Of course, it’s easy to see how rappelling could be a valuable skill for survival, especially if you need to escape a structure fire in a high-rise, or a partial building collapse caused by an earthquake.

However, rappelling is a relatively complex skill, and requires a fair amount of gear and knowledge to use safely. Imagine handing your office’s receptionist some cordage, a harness, and a carabiner—she’s probably not going to be able to descend from the roof of a building safely.

Emergency rescue backpack rappelling

Fortunately, a new device called the SkySaver emergency rescue backpack has made escaping a high-rise building easier than ever. This self-contained pack was designed by experts from the Israeli Army and rescue and emergency services, and it allows users to descend from a building in three simple steps:

  1. Pull the red tab to reveal the harness, then put on the backpack and tighten the straps.
  2. Clip the included carabiner to a pre-installed anchor point near a window or other opening. (SkySaver can recommend a certified professional to install the anchors for you.)
  3. Descend out of the building facing the wall. The Controlled Descent Device (CDD) will lower you at a safe rate of 3 to 6 feet per second.

Here’s a video from SkySaver that shows how it works:

Obviously, this system does require some preparation, since it must be purchased and anchors must be installed before a disaster occurs. It’s also rather expensive at an MSRP between $899 and $999 (depending on the cable length you need).

However, it’s easy to use, supports children or adults between 66lbs and 300lbs, and can help you rappel up to 260 feet (over 22 stories). It’s also invaluable insurance that could help you escape a building fire in minutes, rather than waiting for emergency services and hoping you make it out alive.

For more info on the SkySaver emergency rescue backpack, visit SkySaver.com.

The History of Bioterrorism

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In Issue 12 of our printed magazine, titled “Outbreak”, we discussed the potential danger of biological weapons, as well as emergency response plans, and even a “What If?” scenario that deals with the release of pneumonic plague. However, there’s something more: we want to give the concept of bioterrorism an added dose of reality.

So, we’re expanding on the “Outbreak” theme by delving into the real-world impact of three historical bioterrorist attacks. All of these events actually happened, and actually caused serious illnesses and/or deaths. Studying and understanding the perpetrators, motivations, and effects of these events can help us be more prepared for them in the future. As the saying goes, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

first-aid-kit-and-gas-mask-in-fire

The History of Bioterrorism vs Biological Warfare

Before we begin, we’d like to make a distinction: this article will only cover the history of bioterrorism carried out by civilians, cults, and rogue groups. Military actions which involve biological weapons would fall into the separate category of Biological Warfare, and could easily be expanded into another article (or even a book). Although the majority of nations worldwide have agreed to cease production of biological weapons, many nations continue to study biological weapons for defensive purposes.

By focusing exclusively on terrorist groups, we’re proving that a massive team of researchers and a billion-dollar budget are not required for the development of a biological weapon. These horrific events have been carried out by ordinary individuals, yet remain highly effective. The reality of the situation is that bioterrorism is not just a Hollywood scare tactic—it remains a deadly threat, even today.

Rajneeshee Bioterror Attack

The Dalles, Oregon – August-October 1984

The Perpetrators:
Followers of Indian mystic, guru, and cult leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. Thousands of cult members had moved to a commune based on a remote ranch in Wasco County, Oregon. The cult then incorporated into a city known as Rajneeshpuram, and began expanding rapidly to take political control of the surrounding towns. Local citizens in Wasco County disagreed with this expansion, so they were targeted by Rajneesh’s followers.

The Weapon:
Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, a strain of Salmonella bacteria that can lead to food poisoning and acute gastroenteritis. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headaches, abdominal pain, and bloody stools.

History of Bioterrorism Salmonella

A colorized electron micrograph showing Salmonella invading human cells. Source: National Institutes of Health

You may think Salmonella is too common to be considered a weapon, or not damaging enough. However, the CDC classifies it as a Category B biological agent—moderately easy to disseminate with low mortality rates. Despite the “low mortality” rating, Salmonella can be extremely dangerous due to its tendency to rapidly dehydrate and weaken victims through intense vomiting and diarrhea.

(This author has experienced Salmonella-related food poisoning firsthand, and ended up in the emergency room on an I.V. drip, after days of being unable to retain any form of food or drink. With proper medical treatment, it may not kill you, but it can certainly make you wish you were dead.)

The Attack:
Rajneesh’s followers planned to take legal control of the county during the 1984 election, by voting cult members into office. In order to make this happen, they formed a plan to incapacitate as many voting citizens as possible immediately before the election.

History of Bioterrorism Rajneesh

Rajneesh driving by his followers in a Rolls-Royce, 1982. Source: Samvado Gunnar Kossatz / Wikipedia

The cult purchased Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria from a medical supply company in Washington, and cultured it at a lab in the Rajneeshpuram commune to grow more. The Salmonella was then spread on produce at grocery stores, and on the salad bars at 10 local restaurants. Rajneesh’s followers also hoped to introduce pathogens into the water supply, but were unsuccessful.

751 people were infected by this bioterror attack, and 45 were hospitalized, but all the victims survived. The plan ultimately backfired, as angry local residents turned up in droves on election day, and none of the cult’s candidates were elected.

Rajneesh claimed no knowledge of his followers’ terrorist plot, and fled to India, where he died of heart failure 6 years later.

What Can We Learn?

  • Food and drink is a common delivery method for biological weapons. Be extremely cautious when accepting food from unknown individuals, or when eating at restaurants in areas experiencing political unrest.
  • Do not assume food-borne illness is “just food poisoning”—seek medical attention ASAP if your symptoms worsen.

Aum Shinrikyo Biological & Chemical Attacks

Tokyo, Japan – 1993-1995

The Perpetrators:
Aum Shinrikyo, a Japanese doomsday cult founded by Shoko Asahara in 1984. Asahara declared himself “Christ” and said he could cleanse his followers of their sins. He also claimed that a nuclear Armageddon was coming in 1997, and that all of humanity would be wiped out—except for his followers, of course, who would receive salvation.

An anti-Aum Shinrikyo protest in Japan. Source: Wikipedia

An anti-Aum Shinrikyo protest in Japan. Source: Wikipedia

Aum followers claimed that by bringing about the end of the world, they would restore balance and become enlightened. After extortion and assassinations failed to bring about Armageddon, they turned to large-scale bioterrorism.

The Weapons:
An initial attack by Aum Shinrikyo used Anthrax. The cult later moved on to producing weapons with VX, Sarin, and Hydrogen Cyanide.

The Attacks:
In July 1993, Aum Shinrikyo released a liquid suspension of Anthrax from the roof of a building in Tokyo. Fortunately, the members had used a strain of Bacillus anthracis that was designed for animal vaccinations, and no injuries were reported. The CDC states, “low spore concentrations, ineffective dispersal, a clogged spray device, and inactivation of the spores by sunlight are all likely contributing factors to the lack of human cases.”

Starting in 1994, the group began using chemical weapons such as Sarin and VX for assassinations. Sarin gas was also released from a truck driven through Nagano, Japan, killing 8 and injuring 200. However, local police failed to implicate Aum Shinrikyo in the attack.

History of Bioterrorism Aum Shinrikyo subway

The Tokyo subway was used by Aum Shinrikyo as a bioweapon distribution system.

On March 20th, 1995, Sarin gas was released yet again, this time on 5 trains in the Tokyo subway system. The devastating attack killed 12, seriously injured 50, and caused temporary symptoms in over 1,000 others.

On May 5th, 1995, several plastic bags were discovered by cleaning staff in a subway station. The bags contained undetonated Hydrogen Cyanide weapons, and despite one bag catching fire when it was moved, the Cyanide gas was not released. Estimates state that the chemical weapons could have killed 10,000 people, had they not been found and defused.

Asahara and other Aum Shinrikyo members were arrested soon after the subway incidents, and Asahara was eventually sentenced to death in 2004.

What Can We Learn?

  • One attack can quickly turn into several, especially when the perpetrators are motivated to wipe out all of humanity. If one attack occurs, expect more.
  • If bioweapons fail, terrorist groups may turn to chemical weapons such as nerve agents. Development and delivery of these chemical weapons is often similar to bioweapons, so the two often go hand-in-hand.
  • If there is any threat of biological or chemical weapon attack, avoid densely-populated areas. Public transportation may serve as a method of spreading these agents, and amplifying their effects.

Anthrax Mail Attacks

Washington, DC, Florida, and New York – September-October 2001

The Perpetrator:
Bruce Edwards Ivins, age 62, was found to have committed suicide via an acetominophen (paracetamol) overdose on August 1st, 2008. Ivins had worked for the last 18 years as a scientist in the U.S. Government’s bio defense labs at Fort Detrick. Shortly after his death, FBI prosecutors announced Ivins had been under surveillance since 2007, and that he was the sole culprit of the Anthrax attacks in 2001.

A photomicrograph of Bacillus anthracis. Source: CDC / Wikipedia

A photomicrograph of Bacillus anthracis. Source: CDC / Wikipedia

Ivins had previously showed signs of mental illness, mentioned homicidal thoughts, and told a therapist he “planned to go out in a blaze of glory”. However, after a 2011 report from the National Academy of Sciences, there remain some doubts about the FBI’s conclusion that Ivins acted alone.

The Weapon:
Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax spores), both in a brown granular form that caused skin infections, and a fine white powder that caused inhalation-related infections. The Anthrax was delivered via letters mailed through the US Postal Service.

The Attacks:
Only a week after the September 11th terrorist attacks, several letters were mailed to news outlets in New York City and Boca Raton, Florida. These letters contained coarse brown Anthrax material, and infected several individuals who came into contact with the letters, mostly causing skin infections.

History of Bioterrorism anthrax letters

An FBI reward poster asking for leads on the perpetrator of the Anthrax attacks.

Three weeks later, two more letters were delivered to two U.S. Senators, this time containing a highly refined white powder form of Anthrax spores. This material was easily spread, and caused severe inhalational Anthrax infections in several individuals.

All told, the attacks caused 5 deaths and 17 injuries. Several victims may have never even seen the letters, and were infected after touching mailboxes or other surfaces the letters had contacted. The complete motive of the attacks remains unknown, but the letters state “09-11-01” and “DEATH TO AMERICA”, indicating possible ties to the September 11th terrorist attacks (or an attempt to misdirect investigators).

What Can We Learn?

  • Be cautious of suspicious letters and packages, especially if you have received any form of threats in the past, or if other bioterrorist attacks have taken place recently.
  • The CDC calls Anthrax “one of the biological agents most likely to be used” in a bioterrorist attack.
  • Unlike some other bioweapons, Anthrax is not contagious, and will not spread person-to-person like the flu. However, in weaponized spore form, it can be dispersed quickly in the air.
  • Even if you take every precaution against a bioterrorist attack, it’s possible to be infected by chance contact with bioweapon residue. In that case, all you can do is treat the symptoms and hope for the best.

More Yucca Uses: Food, Soap, Fire Starters, and Fishing

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In our first post about Yucca plants, we showed how to turn the fibrous leaves into improvised cordage, which is an invaluable skill if you’re going to be trying to survive in a desert environment. However, there are many other Yucca uses, from food to fire-starting. This plant is jam-packed with useful materials and resources.

Improvised cordage yucca plant 4v2

First of all, Yucca can be made into primitive soap or shampoo. There’s even a variety of Yucca called “soaptree” due to its high saponin content. Just grind and squeeze Yucca roots, as seen in the video below:

Secondly, Yucca plants feature some edible components. Specifically, the white Yucca flowers can be boiled, roasted, or eaten raw (although raw flowers may taste bitter and cause a stomach ache for some). Here’s a recipe for sauteed Yucca flowers with chipotle and garlic, if you want to get all epicurean. The Yucca fruits can also be cooked or eaten raw, and seeds can be roasted, ground, and boiled. Even the young flower stalks are edible.

Improvised cordage yucca plant 6

The white Yucca flower blossoms can be bitter if eaten raw, so boil them to mellow the flavor.

The dry brown leaves, fibers, and stalks of Yucca plants make for excellent tinder material for starting fires. In fact, the wood in a dry Yucca stalk has one of the lowest kindling points of any type of wood, so it ignites very easily. Just grab some dry Yucca leaves or wood and hit them with your favorite fire-starter—you’ll have a crackling fire going in no time.

Improvised cordage yucca plant 5

Can you spot the Yucca plant? Yeah, it’s kind of hard to miss, actually.

Yucca juice can even be used to stun or kill fish, and has been used for this purpose by many Native American tribes. If you extract the liquid from crushing Yucca leaves or roots (as seen in the soap video above), and then pour it into streams or ponds with a high density of fish, those fish will be temporarily paralyzed and can be collected easily. It’s theorized that this was one of the earliest methods of fish farming in the Americas.

Note: poisoning fish is illegal, so only use this method as a last resort if you need food to survive.

Yucca plant stun fish

If you can’t craft a fishing line and hook in a survival scenario, Yucca juice can stun fish temporarily.

Finally, here’s some icing on the cake: the Yucca plant (not to be confused with Yuca, a different species also known as Cassava) is a close relative to the Agave, which is the key to creating Tequila. Now, we wouldn’t recommend trying to brew up some Yucca moonshine, but in theory it could be done. Just sayin’.

Improvised Cordage from Yucca Plants

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Aside from a fire starter and a knife, cordage is one of the most important tools you can have in a survival scenario. Of course, we recommend carrying some 550 paracord as part of your survival kit, but what if your cordage gets lost or stolen? You’re going to have to improvise, adapt, and overcome.

Improvised cordage yucca plant

The Yucca plant is plentiful in the southwestern U.S., and its green leaves are easy to identify.

The Yucca plant can be found throughout most of the western United States, as well as Central America and South America. Its distinctive pointy, green, sword-shaped leaves are instantly recognizable—and that’s a good thing, because you’re going to want to find some Yucca to make cordage.

Improvised cordage yucca plant 3

A map showing the distribution of Yucca plant species in the United States. Source: Wikipedia

In fact, one of the most common varieties of the plant is Yucca filamentosa, which hints at the fact that its leaves are full of many strong filaments or fibers. Historically, Yucca plants were even referred to as “meat hangers” in some Appalachian regions, since the leaf fibers and sharp tips were used to puncture meat and hang it in the air for salt curing.

Improvised cordage yucca plant 2

Now we know Yucca plants are full of strong fibers, but how do you get them out? This video from Bob Hansler on YouTube shows each of the steps:

In case you can’t watch the video right now, here’s a rundown of the basic steps:

  1. Harvest several green leaves from a Yucca plant.
  2. Set a leaf on a hard, relatively flat surface, like a log or boulder.
  3. Obtain a hammering tool (such as a stone or hard stick) and a scraping tool (such as a knife or sharp stone).
  4. Hammer the Yucca leaf repeatedly to thoroughly crush it.
  5. Scrape away any remaining plant flesh with your scraper tool.
  6. Pull apart the fibers, and twist or braid them together as needed.
  7. Knot the ends to keep the braid intact. You’re done!

As with many useful plants, the Yucca can serve more than just this one purpose. Bob Hansler actually compares the plant to a natural Swiss Army Knife. We’ll be discussing more uses for this helpful plant species in a second post tomorrow, so stay tuned on OFFGRIDweb.com.

Infographic: Scams to Avoid Around the World

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Ask someone if they’re gullible, and they’ll almost always reply with an emphatic “no”. Nobody likes to think they’ll fall for a scam while traveling, but tourists around the world are getting robbed, extorted, and ripped off in creative new ways every single day. Even if you’re skeptical and self-aware, you can be caught off guard by scam artists if you’re unprepared.

Scams to avoid 2

Walk the streets of any urban area for long enough, and someone will try to separate you from your money.

Most of us know to avoid the classic “shell game” scam, where you’re supposed to point out a marble under one of three moving shells or cups. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of other methods that criminals will use to take your valuables—from begging and guilt-trips to pickpocketing and armed robbery.

This in-depth infographic from Just the Flight shows 40 different scams to avoid while traveling. How many of these have you experienced first-hand?

Scams to avoid 1a

Scams to avoid 1b

Scams to avoid 1c

By learning about as many of these tricks as possible, you can stay ahead of the game and avoid getting conned out of your cash. Even if you really aren’t the gullible type, there are plenty of con men out there who will be more than willing to test your resolve.

Looking Back: Gear Counterfeiter Arrested in Sting Operation

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You’ve probably noticed that we love high-quality survival gear, given all the time we spend studying, testing, reviewing, and photographing it. As a result, we have been exposed to some of the behind-the-scenes development of this gear, much of which is never seen by the general public.

Hundreds or thousands of man-hours often go into the planning, R&D, design revisions, testing, and certification of a single product—especially when that product is designed for military or government use. It’s a laborious process, but it’s worth it for companies to create gear they can stand behind and stake their reputation on.

The Revision Military Desert Locust™ goggle, which was recently a victim of overseas counterfeiters.

Revision Military’s Desert Locust goggles recently fell victim to overseas counterfeiters.

That said, you can probably imagine the damaging effect counterfeiters have on this process. A company here in the USA may spend years creating a product, only to have the design stolen and shoddily reproduced overseas for pennies on the dollar. It not only reflects poorly on the American company, but also hurts and confuses their customers.

This scenario occurred just last week to Revision Military, an American manufacturer of ballistic eyewear. The company is an industry leader in eyewear manufacturing, with a multi-million-dollar 11,000 square foot clean room, ISO 9001-2008 manufacturing certification, and stringent in-house quality control and testing facility.

Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision Military, said “Our customers expect only the best quality and performance from our products. We take pride in exceeding the highest specifications for optics and ballistic impact protection and have invested huge amounts of money to create the best possible protective products.”

The Desert Locust goggles meet high ballistic standards, and are thoroughly tested in-house.

The Desert Locust goggles meet high ballistic impact standards, and are thoroughly tested in-house.

Recently, Revision Military was alarmed to find out that their Desert Locust goggle system had fallen victim to Chinese gear counterfeiters. Guangzhou Botai Optical Visor Co., Ltd., (also known as “Guangzhou Botai”) was producing unauthorized counterfeit versions of the goggles. Worse still, Revision Military tested the eyewear and found that they met “none of the established industry standards for optical or ballistic quality”—the knock-offs were extremely unsafe.

Fortunately, this story has a happy ending. Revision worked in conjunction with the Dearborn and Ohio County Prosecutor’s Office in Indiana to track Guangzhou Botai down. The company’s U.S. representative and co-owner was arrested on January 28th at the SnowSports Industries America (SIA) Snow Show in Denver, Colorado.

Chinese eyewear counterfeiters arrested 1

The Guangzhou Botai co-owner was taken into custody on the showroom floor at the SIA Snow Show.

Arrest warrants have also been issued for three other Guangzhou Botai executives. The four are facing six felony charges: counterfeiting, theft, corrupt business practices, conspiracy to commit counterfeiting, conspiracy to commit theft, and conspiracy to commit corrupt business practices. These charges are being brought in Indiana.

Revision has a zero tolerance approach when it comes to customers being victimized by inferior forgeries. Mr. Blanshay stated, “the Revision brand signifies integrity and elite performance. Fraudulent products undermine our core mission to protect the troops who protect all of us. We are taking this matter very seriously.”

We’re always happy to see companies standing up for their products, and fighting the unsafe gear counterfeiter operations that could put lives at risk.

Two-Wheel Road Warrior

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Retaining mobility when a disaster on a grand scale strikes your town can be as, or even more important, than plans to stock up supplies and bunker down at home. When things are good, getting in, out, and around town is as easy as jumping in your transportation mode of choice — be it a car, truck, motorcycle, or even subway or bus — and simply going from point A to point B. But when roads are clogged, fuel is scarce, and the city’s infrastructure is in disarray, moving about could get mighty tricky.

The most reliable mode of transportation is your feet. You can use them to traverse a multitude of terrain, and they require no additional forms of fuel other than what you already need to sustain your life. If your vehicle is rendered useless or the streets around you become impassable for some disastrous reason, you can probably still hike yourself out if need be. But relying on your feet to get you and your gear across long distances is a surefire way to turn them into hamburger meat. Because we like our feet the way there are, let’s explore another human-powered alternative.

The bicycle runs on the same power as your feet, meaning that you don’t need additional fuel to power it. Bicycles allow you to travel great distances more efficiently and allow you to be on the move quicker with heavier loads, while using less energy and having less impact on your body than if you were to go on foot. If there is a need to keep a low profile, which might often be the case, bicycles are a lot quieter than most motorized vehicles.

When properly equipped, the right bicycle can take you and your heavy survival gear, or possibly another passenger, over a number of types of terrain. If shit hits the fan while you are at work, a prepositioned bike could get you home faster than waiting for the roads to clear up. On the other hand, if you’re bugging in and waiting it out in your prepared fortress, bicycles are a great way to scout the area rapidly and quietly while having a viable way to bring supplies back to home base. With basic tools and a couple of spares, your bike can always bring you and your gear to safety.

Although there are some really nice bicycles out there, you don’t need to break the bank in order to get a two-wheeled escape plan going. There are plenty of used bikes you can pick up on the cheap from Goodwill, yard sales, Craigslist, pawn shops, and the like on which to base your silent escape rig. One of our staff members actually picked up a bike for $50 at a yard sale. He rigged his own carriers out of milk crates, scrap metal, and used backpacks to complete his get-out-of-town bike for less than $100. If you do pick up a used bike, make sure that it is inspected and serviced for safety at your local bike shop.

Like everything in life, what bike you get and how you set it up is all about what your individual needs are. Let’s take a look at a couple of differently outfitted bikes and their accessories to get an idea of how you can configure a bike to best suit your needs.

The All-Terrain Scout

This setup is based on the Cogburn CB4 bike. With its oversized 3.8-inch-wide tires, the CB4 is an all-terrain fat bike capable of taking on some seriously rough roads and torn-up asphalt. Built to fulfill an all-terrain scout role, we wanted a bike that could zip around city-center all the way to the outskirts of town regardless of road conditions. It is capable of carrying back foraged food and supplies with its bags and single pannier as well as providing the rider with some defense and hunting capabilities with its mounted rifle.

It’s equipped with disc brakes, wide track handle bars for confident control even with heavier loads, and pre-threaded attachment points all over the place for racks and carriers. We took advantage of those attachment points and added a few carriers and accessories that would help this bike fill a scout role.

The All-Terrain Scout

  • Blackburn Barrier Universal Pannier

    Make & Model - Blackburn Barrier Universal Pannier
    Capacity - 17 L
    MSRP - $100
    URL - http://www.blackburndesign.com
    Notes - Blackburn's Barrier Universal Pannier features a waterproof roll-top design that makes it ideal to secure items that you need to bring back to basecamp. It features clear visibility panels on its sides, waterproof zipped exterior pocket, vertical compression straps, and lashing points. Its mounting fixtures can be custom fitted, making this pannier compatible with all standard racks. Its thick, tough skin and welded-seam construction are sure to give it a long, useful life on the road. When taken off the bike, the ends of the top clip together and form a convenient carry handle.

    Blackburn's Barrier Universal Pannier features a waterproof roll-top design that makes it ideal to secure items that you need to bring back to basecamp.

  • Blackburn Mountain Bottle Cage

    Make & Model - Blackburn Mountain Bottle Cage
    Weight - 2.4 oz
    Colorway - Black (shown), silver, red, green, blue
    MSRP - $5
    URL - http://www.blackburndesign.com
    Notes - These bottle cages mount easily on any bike frame that has predrilled holes to accept them and securely hold most standard sport bottles.

    The Blackburn Mountain Bottle Cage mounts easily on any bike frame that has predrilled holes to accept them and securely hold most standard sport bottles.

  • Cogburn CB4

    Make & Model - Cogburn CB4
    Front and Rear Shifters - Shimano Deore 2 x 10 Speed
    Front Derailleur - Shimano Deore 2 x 10 Speed
    Rear Derailleur - Shimano Deore Shadow Plus 10 Speed
    Crankset and Bottom Bracket - SRAM X5 GXP100, 175mm crank with sealed bearings, 22/36t gearing
    Chain - KMC 10-speed
    Derailleur Cable and Housing - Jagwire stainless shift cables and full-length housing
    Cassette - Shimano Deore – 10-speed, 11/36t gearing
    Wheels - Formula sealed-bearing hubs front and rear, S
    URL - http://y 82mm-wide Rolling Darryl rims, DT Swiss stainless steel spokes, built and finished by hand in the USA
    Tires and Tubes - S
    URL - http://y Nate 26x3.8-inch tires, S
    URL - http://y Light Fat inner tubes
    Front and Rear Brake set - Avid BB7 cable actuated disc brakes, 160mm stainless rotors, Avid FR5 levers
    Overall Length (Large frame, as featured) - 74 inches
    Weight - (Large frame, unloaded) - 36 lb, 5 oz
    MSRP - $2,200
    URL - http://www.cogburnoutdoors.com
    Notes - To sum it up, the CB4 is a man-powered all-terrain vehicle. Its high-riding fat tire and wheel combination coupled with its wide frame give the rider a very capable and sturdy platform to traverse all types of terrain. It comes covered in RealTree Xtra camouflage and is bead-blasted so that the bike maintains a non-glare, low-profile look. The two-wheel disc brakes stop the bike quickly and confidently, while the 2 x 10-speed shifters change gears up and down smoothly. Accessory mounting points are found all over its frame, which is a huge bonus when we built up this example. It even has mounting holes for three water bottle holders — not found on most bikes. The bike is lighter than it looks due to its frame being made of high-quality heat-treated, double-butted A6N-6000AL tubing.

    The CB4 is a man-powered all-terrain vehicle, its high-riding fat tire and wheel combination coupled with its wide frame give the rider a very capable and sturdy platform to traverse all types of terrain.

  • Cogburn Gear Carrier

    Make & Model - Cogburn Gear Carrier
    Weight - 1 lb, 15 oz.
    MSRP - $130
    URL - http://www.cogburnoutdoors.com
    Notes - Although the Gear Carrier is designed to hold a rifle, bow, or fishing rod, it is capable of carrying a wide range of gear, thanks to its included positionable Quick Fist clamps. Along with the two 2-inch and one 1-inch Quick Fist clamps it comes with, the rider can easily employ rope, paracord, or bungee cables to secure other items such as firewood or other foraged materials. We found that the 2-inch Quick Fist clamps were too narrow to help attach long guns such as a shotgun or AR-15. Adding your own larger-diameter Quick Fist clamps would remedy that. The carrier itself is sturdy and covered in a matte-black powdercoat as well as mounting holes that allow for a myriad of mounting possibilities.

    Although the Gear Carrier is designed to hold a rifle, bow, or fishing rod, it is capable of carrying a wide range of gear, thanks to its included positionable Quick Fist clamps.

  • NiteRider Mako Light System

    Make & Model - NiteRider Mako Light System
    Headlight Brightness - 150 lumens
    Headlight Modes - High, low, flashing
    Headlight Runtime - High - 20 hrs, low - 60 hrs, flashing - 120 hrs
    TailLight Runtime - 100+ hours
    Battery Type - Headlight 2 x AA
    MSRP - $60
    URL - http://www.safarilandpatrolbikes.com
    Notes - The Mako Light System is perfect for those times when you need to be seen. It comes with a bright 150-lumen headlight that can keep you from riding at night into one of those pesky sinkholes and an LED taillight that can be seen up to 1 mile away. The headlight features side "gills" that light up red to make the rider more visible. The taillight emits light to its sides as well as to the rear for greater visibility as well. Multiple mounting options including a belt clip are included.

    The Mako Light System is perfect for those times on your bike when you need to be seen.

  • Novara Novara Rack Trunk

    Make & Model - Novara Novara Rack Trunk
    Capacity - 6.6 L
    Dimensions - 12.5 in L x 6.5 in W x 5 in H
    Weight - 12 oz
    MSRP - $43
    URL - http://www.rei.com/novara
    Notes - The Rack Trunk is a fairly standard, well-made bag that mounts on rear bike racks with four stout hook and loop straps. It is made of weather-resistant coated nylon, is padded, and the insulated main compartment protects contents and maintains shape. Its internal mesh pockets help keep everything in its place.

    The Novara Rack Trunk is a fairly standard, well-made bag that mounts on rear bike racks with four stout hook and loop straps and is made with weather-resistant nylon.

  • Salsa Cycles Alternator Rack Wide

    Make & Model - Salsa Cycles Alternator Rack Wide
    Maximum Load - 33 lbs
    Weight - 1 lb, 11 oz
    MSRP - $120
    URL - http://www.salsacycles.com
    Notes - The Alternator Rack Wide is made for fat bikes such as the CB4. Its oversized tubular 6061-T6 aluminum construction fits over the extra-wide frame of fat bikes and includes longer struts for improved range of fit.

    The Alternator Rack Wide is made for fat bikes such as the CB4. Its oversized tubular 6061-T6 aluminum construction fits over the extra-wide frame of fat bikes and includes longer struts for improved range of fit.

  • Topeak Compact Handlebar Bag

    Make & Model - Topeak Compact Handlebar Bag
    Capacity - 2 L
    Maximum Load - 11 lbs
    Dimensions - 8.7 in L x 5.1 in W x 7.1 in H
    Weight - 1 lb
    MSRP - $60
    URL - http://www.topeak.com
    Notes - This handlebar bag converts to a fanny pack and is attached to the bike's handlebars with a quick-release mount. It keeps your essentials close at hand and is detachable so you can take them with you, right on your hip. The wings of the bag fold out in fanny pack form and feature hidden zippered compartments. It also includes a rain cover for those wet days on the road. Be careful not to overload handlebar bags as excessive weight on the handlebars can affect the bike's handling.

    The Topeak Compact Handlebar Bag converts to a fanny pack and is attached to the bike's handlebars with a quick-release mount. It keeps your essentials close at hand and is detachable so you can take them with you.

The Pack-Mule

This alternative setup is focused on the transportation of gear and supplies. Think of it as a pickup truck or cargo van version of a bicycle, if you will. This bike is set up with multiple racks, bags, panniers, and even a trailer that allows it to carry large loads in the event you need to get out of your place. If you do find yourself in a position where you need to move someplace else — and depending on the overall situation, you will probably want to take as many supplies and equipment as you can with you.

We based this example on a non-current model TREK FX, which is considered a hybrid bike. Hybrids are great for long rides due to their more upright seating position. Like we mentioned earlier, many used road-worthy bikes can be outfitted in much the same way at a fraction of the cost of a brand-new bicycle.

The Pack-Mule

  • B.O.B. Ibex Plus

    Make & Model - B.O.B. Ibex Plus
    Maximum Load - 70 lbs
    Cargo Area (approx.) - 25 in L x 16 in W x 18 in H
    Weight - 17 lbs
    MSRP - $439
    URL - http://www.bobgear.com
    Notes - As you can see, the Ibex Plus adds a whole lot more hauling capabilities to your bike. The trailer easily attaches to the bicycle's rear wheel using a quick-release system. B.O.B. offers multiple trailer options, but the Ibex stands out because it is equipped with a coilover shock that allows for 3 inches of adjustable suspension, greatly improving on- and off-road handling. We spoke to some bicyclists who have taken the Ibex over dirt roads and moderately rough terrain without trouble. It is constructed of 4130 chromoly steel tubing which makes it sturdy and is designed with a low center of gravity that keeps the weight off the bicycle frame for improved handling. The 70-pound hauling capacity will undoubtedly come in handy if you need to clear out of your bug out locale. The Ibex Plus model, as seen here, comes with a BOB DrySak, with PVC-coated nylon fabric that is tear-resistant and completely waterproof.

    The Ibex Plus adds a whole lot more hauling capabilities to your bike. The trailer easily attaches to the bicycle's rear wheel using a quick-release system and there are multiple trailer options.

  • CatEye HL-EL135 Front / Omni 3 Rear Bike Light Set

    Make & Model - CatEye HL-EL135 Front / Omni 3 Rear Bike Light Set
    Headlight Brightness - 150 lumens
    Headlight Modes - High, flashing
    Headlight Runtime - High - 80 hrs, flashing - 320 hrs
    Tail Light Modes - Constant, flashing, rapid
    Tail Light Runtime - Constant - 100 hrs, flashing - 150 hrs, rapid - 200 hrs
    Battery Type - Headlight 2 x AA, Taillight 2 x AAA
    MSRP - $30
    URL - http://www.cateye.com
    Notes - We're going to bet that not all riding in a disaster-stricken situation will be of the stealthy assortment, so a set of lights on your bike will come in handy. Riding in the dark is a risky proposition, especially if other vehicles might be on the road. This CatEye light set runs on common batteries and is plenty bright enough to see where you are going — and allows you to be seen so you aren't flattened like a pancake on the highway.

    Riding in the dark is a risky proposition, especially if other vehicles might be on the road. This CatEye light set runs on common batteries and is plenty bright enough to see where you are going, and allows you to be seen.

  • Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic

    Make & Model - Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic
    Colorway - Black (shown), red, gray, orange, blue, white
    Capacity - 40 L
    Cargo Area (approx.) - 16.5 in H x 12.6 in W x 6.7 in D
    Weight - 4 lbs, 3 oz
    MSRP - $180
    URL - http://www.ortliebusa.com
    Notes - Ortlieb's pair of rear panniers are made of PVC-coated polyester fabric and close with a fold-over configuration, making them completely dustproof and protected from water splash coming from all directions. These panniers are incredibly rugged, to say the least. We like how they feature a quick-release handle at the top that allows them to be easily removed from the bike's rack. They include a shoulder strap that turn these panniers into shoulder carry bags when you need to load or unload them away from the bike. Inner pockets and large reflectors round out this great pannier option.

    Ortlieb's pair of rear panniers are made of PVC-coated polyester fabric and close with a fold-over configuration, making them completely dustproof and protected from water splash coming from all directions.

  • Ortlieb Front-Roller Classic

    Make & Model - Ortlieb Front-Roller Classic
    Colorway - Yellow (shown), black, red, gray, orange, blue, white
    Capacity - 25 L
    Cargo Area (approx.) - 11.8 in H x 9.8 in W x 5.5 in D
    Weight - 3lb, 8 oz
    MSRP - $160
    URL - http://www.ortliebusa.com
    Notes - Almost identical to Ortlieb's rear panniers, also featured here, the fronts are just smaller and capable of carrying 25 liters of gear. Adding gear on the front of your bike allows you to carry more supplies, but be careful to keep the loads on either side relatively equal in weight to maintain balanced handing characteristics.

    Almost identical to Ortlieb's rear panniers, the fronts are just smaller and capable of carrying 25 liters of gear. Adding gear on the front of your bike allows you to carry more supplies, but be careful to keep the loads on either balanced.

  • Planet Bike PB Cage

    Make & Model - Planet Bike PB Cage
    Colorway - Silver (shown), various
    Weight - 2.3 oz
    MSRP - $5
    URL - http://www.planetbike.com
    Notes - This aluminum bottle cage is available in 10 different colors and holds any standard sport bottle in place during your long trip to safety.

    This aluminum bottle cage is available in 10 different colors and holds any standard sport bottle in place during your long trip to safety.

  • Racktime Top-It

    Make & Model - Racktime Top-It
    Maximum Load - 22 lbs
    Weight - 1 lb, 3.2 oz
    MSRP - $55
    URL - http://www.ortliebusa.com
    Notes - A front rack is a must if you want to increase the load capabilities of your bike. On it, you can install front panniers as we did here. It also provides you extra space to mount yet another a bag — or, as in our case, we left it open to add whatever item we scavenge when on the road. This rack, like the others, does require threaded holes in your frame for proper installation, so do consult the manufacturer's website for installation information.

    Check out the Racktime Top-It: a front rack is a must if you want to increase the load capabilities of your bike.

  • Safariland Bike Gear Bag

    Make & Model - Safariland Bike Gear Bag
    Capacity - 6.9 L
    Cargo Area (approx.) - 10 in L x 6 in W x 7 in D
    Weight - 1 lb, 10 oz
    MSRP - $65
    URL - http://www.safarilandpatrolbikes.com
    Notes - This bag was designed with input from both bicycle-mounted police officers and bike enthusiasts. It has a deceivingly spacious interior that encompasses a durable pocket for small items and a collapsible "false floor" for items you'd like to keep out of immediate sight. It is constructed from sturdy, water-resistant nylon materials, which are specifically blended to resist environmental changes. The top cover is equipped with exterior bungee drawstrings to quickly secure loose items. The top and sides each have zippered pockets for extra storage options.

    The Safariland Bike Gear Bag has a deceivingly spacious interior that encompasses a durable pocket for small items and a collapsible "false floor" for items you'd like to keep out of immediate sight.

  • Timbuk2 Goody Bento Box Top Tube Pack

    Make & Model - Timbuk2 Goody Bento Box Top Tube Pack
    Capacity - 1 L
    Dimensions - 6.7 in L x 3.9 in W x 2.8 in H
    Weight - 5 oz
    MSRP - $35
    URL - http://www.timbuk2.com
    Notes - This bag attaches to your bike's top tube with hook and loop straps. The top external smartphone pocket is clear and retains touchscreen functionality. If not using a phone, paper maps can be tucked in it for weather-resistant reference. The generous interior can hold up a liter worth of items that you need to have access to during your ride. Sunscreen, lip balm, bike repair gear, or a knife — you won't have to choose since it will fit them all.

    The Timbuk2 Goody Bento Box Top Tube Pack has a top external smartphone pocket that is clear and retains touchscreen functionality or can be used to view paper maps too.

  • Topeak Explorer MTX Rack

    Make & Model - Topeak Explorer MTX Rack
    Maximum Load - 55 lbs
    Weight - 1 lb, 6 oz
    MSRP - $45
    URL - http://www.topeak.com
    Notes - This rear rack is sturdy, easy to install, and a basic piece of kit for your bike if you intend on making it a mule. On it, you can mount a trunk type bag as well as panniers. To keep this piece light weight Topeak elected to make it out of 6061 T-6 hollow aluminum.

    This rear rack is sturdy, easy to install, and a basic piece of kit for your bike if you intend on making it a mule.

Must-Have Accessories

Along with safety equipment such as gloves and a helmet for your noggin, we recommend taking a look at aftermarket seats if you don’t find yours comfortable to sit on for hours on end. Also, to keep your bicycle on the road, and you on the move, we highly recommend a few tools and accessories to keep packed on the bike.

Must-Have Accessories

  • Avenir Big Mouth Bike Bag – medium

    Make & Model - Avenir Big Mouth Bike Bag - medium
    MSRP - $15
    URL - http://www.avenirusa.com

    Keep all your little tools, gadgets, and maybe even a power bar or two handy in this tiny little saddle pack from Avenir.

  • Camelbak Podium Chill 21 oz

    Make & Model - Camelbak Podium Chill 21 oz
    MSRP - $12
    URL - http://shop.camelbak.com

    The Camelback Podium Chill is the perfect water bottle for you when you're on the go and holds 21 oz for when you don't want to strap on your Camelback pack for a short ride.

  • crankbrothers Multi-17 Tool

    Make & Model - crankbrothers Multi-17 Tool
    MSRP - $27
    URL - http://www.crankbrothers.com

    Once you carry around the crankbrothers multi-17 tool you'll wonder why you didn't before, it's perfect to have with you on your bike ride for when the unexpected happens.

  • Lezyne Road Drive

    Make & Model - Lezyne Road Drive
    MSRP - $45
    URL - http://www.lezyne.com
    Notes - The Road Drive is a light weight hand pump that pumps up to 160 psi of pressure. Note that it is for use on Presta valves only. It comes with a mount that attaches to the same points as bottle cages.

    The Lezyne Road Drive is a light weight hand pump - so you can carry it around with you - that pumps up to 160 psi of pressure.

  • Novara Patch Kit

    Make & Model - Novara Patch Kit
    MSRP - $3
    URL - http://www.rei.com/novara

    Keep the Novara Patch Kit on you in case you pop a tire but still need to ride home!

  • Sigma Sport BC 5.12

    Make & Model - Sigma Sport BC 5.12
    MSRP - $25
    URL - http://www.sigmasport.com/us

    Not for everyone, but if you want to know exactly how far you've traveled, or you need help with navigation, the Sigma Sport BC 5.12 is for you.

  • Specialized Standard Tube

    Make & Model - Specialized Standard Tube
    MSRP - $13
    URL - http://www.specialized.com

    The Specialized Standard Tube is what you need to have on hand in the event that the damage to your tire cannot be repaired and you need to replace it instead.

Choosing a Bicycle

Bicycles come in all different flavors, as do their riders, intended terrain, carrying load, and distance to be ridden. Picking the right bicycle can be tricky — and writing about how to pick the right bicycle can be even trickier. This topic can quickly become a 100-page dissertation, but we only have the space inside this little box, so we’ll make it brief.

We are speaking in generalities here so you have a cursory idea of what to look for in a bike, but the experts at your local bicycle shop will be able to nail down the specifics of what bike will best fit your needs. Remember that fit is of upmost importance, so getting a bike that is the correct size for you along with being fitted to the proper seat height and handle bar adjustments is critical for riding comfort and efficiency.

Road Bikes

road-bike

Good on pavement, road bikes are the sports cars of bicycles. They feature nimble handling, are built lighter, and are capable of greater speeds than other bikes when ridden on relatively smooth roads.

Hybrid Bikes

hybrid-bike

Hybrid bikes work well on everything from smooth pavement to gravel roads. They are generally built for comfort, ease of use, and sturdiness. Hybrids are heavier than typical road bikes, but feature heavier-duty wheels, wider tires, and a more comfortable upright-style seating position. Like mountain bikes, many hybrids offer front suspension options. We prefer this type of bike in urban settings to base a build around.

Mountain Bikes

mountain-bike

Good on dirt and rocky roads, as well as rough roads with uneven pavement. Mountain bikes can be looked at as the Jeeps of the bike world. Many of them feature suspensions, some on the front only, and some with shocks front and back. If you are planning to ride on both soft surfaces such as dirt as well as pavement, a front suspension-only, or “hardtail” bike, is what you’ll want. The idea of having a suspension in front and back might sound appealing, but the shocks on a bike make pedaling inefficient on hard surfaces — reducing speed, making the bike heavier, and sometimes even compromising the number of gear attachment points. They are great for complete off-road riding, however, providing more rear-wheel traction.

Fat Bikes

fat-bike

Fat bikes hail from the snow banks of Alaska and the deserts of New Mexico. They are essentially mountain bikes built with wider frames so they can accommodate extremely wide rims and tires. These “fat” wheels allow fat bikes to traverse a large range of terrain effortlessly and feel very stable to ride.

The Destructive Power of Lightning Strikes

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What superheats air to 50,000° Fahrenheit, travels at 90,000 miles per second, and occurs tens of millions of times each year throughout the United States? If you read the title of this article, you probably know the answer: lightning strikes.

Lightning strikes video 2

You may think it could never happen to you, but it’s wise to take all possible precautions against lightning...

Although we often use the phrase “about as likely as getting struck by lightning” as a comparative tool for unlikely events, it’s actually much more common than you might think. The U.S. National Weather Service states that there has been an average of 49 deaths per year over the last 30 years.

That may not sound like much compared to other weather-related fatalities, but for those of us who spend substantial time outside (especially in inclement weather), it’s definitely significant enough to be aware of.

Lightning strikes video 3v2

To put things into perspective, here’s an impressive video from a few weeks ago of lightning obliterating a tree in Tyler, Texas.

Without context, it almost looks like the tree was hit with an explosive charge. However, the violent blast is caused by the lightning superheating and vaporizing the water in the tree trunk. Here’s a compilation of more footage of lightning strikes:

So, we’ve seen what lightning can do, but if you’re in the middle of a major storm, how can you minimize your risk? the National Weather Service cuts straight to the point on their web site: “There is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area. If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm. Just remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.”

The NWS also dispels several myths on their site. Here’s a reality check:

  • Crouching does not make you any safer from lightning strikes. Lying down may even increase your risk of injury from ground current.
  • Lightning can strike 10-15 miles from the thunderstorm, even if clouds aren’t overhead.
  • Height, pointy shape, and isolation are the dominant factors controlling where a lightning bolt will strike.
  • Taking shelter under a tree is the second leading cause of lightning casualties. Avoid anything tall, pointy, and isolated!
  • Being inside a car reduces your risk of injury, due to the metal body channeling electricity away from you. Avoid touching the doors or body.
  • Being inside a building is the best way to stay safe, but avoid anything that conducts electricity.

You may think lightning will never strike you, but if you keep the tips above in mind, you can reduce your risk of becoming another statistic.

Fontus Self-Filling Water Bottle

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Obtaining clean drinking water is one of the fundamental challenges of survival, and it’s a problem faced by millions of people in third-world countries each day. Many people don’t have access to clean running water, and as a result they suffer and die from bacteria, parasites, and other waterborne pathogens.

Scientists have been working hard to develop water purification technology to solve this problem, but it remains a widespread issue. However, one recent invention appears to use an ingenious way to extract and capture water from the air we breathe. It’s called the Fontus self-filling water bottle, and it was invented by Kristof Retezár, an Industrial Designer from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna.

Fontus self filling water bottle 3

An initial prototype of Fontus Ryde, designed to be mounted on a bicycle.

While contemplating potential clean water sources, Retezár realized we are literally surrounded by invisible water vapor in the form of humidity. This led him to design a device called the Fontus Ryde that mounts to a bicycle and condenses humidity from the air using energy from integrated solar panels.

This invention was launched in 2014, and went on to win Retezár a James Dyson Foundation award and generate significant media attention.

Fontus self filling water bottle 2

An illustration that shows how the Fontus system works.

More recently, the Ryde design has been revised and improved, and Retezár has also begun working on a stand-alone bottle known as the Airo. The Fontus Airo includes a larger, removable solar panel sleeve that claims to allow it to generate enough energy to condense water while stationary.

Fontus self filling water bottle

The revised Fontus Ryde design, now with a sleek black exterior and larger solar panels.

Fontus’s web site claims the water bottles “literally never run dry” and can harvest “up to 0.8L of water in an hour’s time under the right climatic conditions”.

Speaking of climatic conditions, the system would work best in warm, humid conditions, specifically “between 86 degrees and 104 degrees Fahrenheit and between 80 and 90% humidity”. See the map below for the regions where the device is claimed to be most effective.

Fontus self filling water bottle 4

The company plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign soon, and release the product to the public later this fall. Retezár hopes to make the Fontus available for a retail price of under $100.

The Fontus self-filling water bottle certainly seems like an interesting and valuable technology if it works as expected. However, some sources have criticized the design for being “vaporware in just about every sense of the phrase”.

It remains to be seen how the Fontus will fare in the real world—hopefully we can get our hands on one, and let you know.