The Doors frontman Jim Morrison said it best. “No one here gets out alive.” At some point every single one of us is going to shuffle off this mortal coil and move on to whatever lies beyond. Few of us get to choose the time, place, and manner of our demise.

Make no mistake, financial preparedness should absolutely be part of your prepping plan, and that includes planning for how your family should handle things when you pass. This is especially important if you’re the bookkeeper for the household.

My dad died in July of 2019. It was a longtime coming, as he’d been in poor health for a few years prior to his death. Suffice it to say, it wasn’t exactly a surprise. After my mother had died about a decade earlier, I started asking him about his own last wishes and such. All he would say is that everything I would need was in a file in his desk. He’d then change the subject and refuse to discuss it further.

When he died, I located the folder. Inside was a very bare-bones will that was two pages long, and that’s it. Nothing about last wishes, no estate information at all. Ownership of his home, along with the mortgage and other attached debts, transferred automatically to me (see Transfer on Death Deed sidebar). We also had information about some of his utility accounts, as we’d been paying a few of them by then.
But that’s about all we knew at that point, and it got ugly quickly after that.

The level of disarray found in many basements, attics, and garages can be remarkable, and that’s just the beginning when it comes to closing an estate.

It seemed like every day we were finding out about money he owed to this or that company. He’d not kept up on the maintenance of the house, and numerous repairs were needed before we could put it up for sale. All the while, my wife and I were paying the mortgage on it, as well as paying for the repair work that we couldn’t handle ourselves.

Through this entire process, which took months, there was so much to do that there was no time to just grieve for our loss. So much of it could’ve been avoided had he just taken the time to plan ahead.

Don’t do that to your family. Take responsibility and put together your Death File.

Few of us have unlimited budgets but seriously consider retaining an attorney to help you set up the legal components of the Death File.

The Death File

Sure, that name is a little morbid. Change it to whatever you’d like. Some folks label it In Case of Death or It’s Your Problem Now. The idea here is to collect, collate, and curate as much information that your family will need upon your passing and put it all in one place.
It might be referred to as a “file,” but more likely it’ll be a collection of files, or perhaps a binder with divided sections within. Use whatever organizational scheme works best for you. Don’t rely on digital media for this, either. The Death File should consist of hard copies of everything. If you want to supplement it with digital copies as well, more power to you.

The reason for actual paper copies is that digital files could be lost in a computer crash or just flat out be inaccessible if someone doesn’t know the password to log into the system. Plus, in many cases, you’ll need to have hard copies of certain documents in hand to present to someone, such as when dealing with healthcare directives at the hospital.

So, what should be in your Death File?

Estate planning should involve far more than just deciding who gets saddled with your grandmother’s collection of tiny spoons. 

Funeral Arrangements & Last Wishes

If you’ve already made funeral arrangements, that information should be detailed. If you haven’t done so, then you should include any specifics you desire, such as if you want to be cremated, and, if so, do you want your ashes scattered somewhere? Are there certain flowers you would like present at your service? Any special music played? Is there anything specific you want included in your obituary? Anyone in particular you want appointed to be pallbearers?

This is also where you could include instructions to your next of kin regarding any pets you have. Are certain family members supposed to take possession of them? Are there provisions for their care?

It’s important to note that a last wishes document isn’t legally binding. It isn’t your will. It’s simply information that your family will hopefully consider as they move forward.

Safes are great for protecting valuables, but make sure your next of kin know how to get into them.

Legal Documents

There are several legal documents that should be present in your Death File. The Last Will and Testament appoints the executor of your estate and specifies what you want done with your assets.

The Living Will states your medical treatment preferences if you’re unable to communicate them yourself. This includes things like life support and resuscitation. This is sometimes augmented by an Advance Directive. Among other things, that will appoint a proxy to make healthcare decisions for you if you’re unable to do it yourself.

Power of Attorney (POA) is what allows someone to make legal decisions for you. This includes buying or selling property on your behalf and often includes healthcare decisions. The scope of the POA can be detailed so as to be limited to certain capacities or functions.

Financial Accounts

This should include a list of every single account you have, such as checking, savings, money market, IRA, 401(k), and such. Provide the account number and any necessary contact information related to the account. A copy of a recent statement can be beneficial as well. It’s a good idea to include log in information for all of the accounts that are accessed online. Remember to update this information in the Death File any time you change the passwords on those accounts.

Vital Records

Include copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, and DD214 and other military records. Most of this might not turn out to be absolutely necessary, but it’s better to have it all in one place, just in case.

Insurance Policies

Here you should include information related to life, home, auto, and property insurance policies. You don’t necessarily need to include the entire policy for everything. But you should make sure to jot down the contact information for the insurance agents, along with any necessary account numbers and similar information. You might include a note as to where your family can find the full policies if they aren’t included here.

About four months after my dad passed, I received a call from an insurance company. It turned out that dad had one life insurance policy he’d never mentioned. They had discovered his death information when they were doing a routine file audit. The policy netted us a whopping $400.

Bills

Many of us have most of our routine bills set up on autopay. That’s not a bad thing. But you probably won’t need your gym membership renewed after you’ve died, right? Put together a list of every single bill that gets paid routinely, whether it’s on autopay or not. This would be things like credit cards, utilities, memberships, and loans. Include the company name, their contact information, and your account number. Make it as easy as possible for your family to know where to call to cancel the account and settle up the tab. Continuing to accrue charges doesn’t help anyone but the billing company.

It sounds counterintuitive, but your Death File should have information that’ll allow your family to open your email so they can send and receive messages.

E-mail

Have a section in your Death File that spells out how to access all of your e-mail accounts, both work and personal. This is something that’s often overlooked but can be very important, especially when time is of the essence. While your employer should be able to access any work accounts, your family may need to get into your personal e-mail to check for messages there and respond as necessary. If family members need to access online accounts, the password reminders or generators for those sites will send messages to the e-mail accounts tied to them.

Social Media

Along with e-mail, you should list the log in information for any social media accounts you maintain. You might also include a list of specific people your family should reach out to and notify of your passing. Many of us have developed several contacts online through social media that our families might not know. That’s not because you’re hiding something, of course. It’s just the nature of social media. We have work colleagues, we have real-life friends, and then we have our imaginary friends we only interact with on Facebook and Instagram. Those online contacts can then help spread the word through the various groups and such to which you might belong.

Home Information

You should list the locations for all spare keys, as well as codes for gates, combination locks, and the like. Don’t forget about any keys you’ve hidden outside so you wouldn’t accidentally get locked out of the house.

If you maintain a safe or other secure location where you store cash, precious metals, important documents, and similar items, be sure to leave instructions on where to find those things and how to access them. My father had a small safe that stayed in his bedroom, but he never wrote down the combination. I ended up having to reach out to the manufacturer and jump through a few hoops to get them to send me the combination. I’m glad I went to the effort to do so, as that’s where we found a stash of antique money he’d received in a trade with someone many years prior.

Some people like to hide money or other valuables, rather than use a safe. If you’re one of those folks, now’s the time to reveal those hiding places. Think about it like this. In many cases, family is going to sell your home. Do you want those valuables going to the buyers? If not, make sure your survivors know where to look and what they should find there.

Last Words

One more thing to consider adding to your Death File are notes or letters to your loved ones. This is an opportunity to share with them what they’ve meant to you. This can be particularly important for those who have difficulty expressing their emotions to their loved ones. These sorts of letters can help bring closure to your grieving family. Write as much or as little as you’d like. You might go so far as to provide explanations for any bequeathments that might cause friction among family members. Doing so may help ease tensions, particularly if things are already contentious among certain people in the family.

The Death File should have copies of all of your important documents, including marriage certificates and divorce decrees if applicable.

Death File Location

Once you start putting the Death File together, the question becomes where will you keep it? As with everything else, there’s no one size fits all answer. But consider that your family will need to know where to find it, and they should be able to access it easily. This isn’t the time to leave a trail of clues for them to try to follow one after another. As much fun as that might sound, be practical.

A fire-resistant lock box would be a great way to store the Death File. Going through all this work only to have the file be destroyed in a house fire would be truly unfortunate. Just make sure your family knows where to find the key to open the box.

Wherever you decide to keep it, make sure you update it regularly, such as when you change passwords to any accounts. This isn’t a one and done sort of project. It’s much more of an ongoing sort of thing, or at least it should be. Make a point of revisiting it at least twice a year to bring all the information current.

Final Thoughts

Losing a loved one, especially a parent, can be traumatic. It takes a while for grief to pass, even under the best of conditions. Add in the stress of closing out an estate, especially one that’s monumentally disorganized, and it can take months or even years to get through it. Give your family the gift of time to grieve by making things as easy as possible for them. The Death File will go a long way in that regard.

Transfer on Death Deed

In many states, establishing a Transfer on Death Deed (TOD) allows you to transfer ownership of real estate to a beneficiary without going through probate. This can potentially save serious amounts of money. The TOD might be called a revocable transfer on death deed, a “Lady Bird” deed, or beneficiary deed in some areas.

Without getting into all of the legalese, the high points to remember are that the TOD only takes effect when the owner dies. Until that happens, the beneficiary has zero rights to the property and the owner retains full control of it. The TOD can be revoked or modified at any time by the owner.

This isn’t something the average layperson should set up on their own. Consult an attorney who is experienced in estate planning and have them draw up the paperwork. They can also explain how a TOD will work in your specific situation.

The Nokbox

In 2021, Marla’s father died. Just like what happened in my situation, as well as what happens to thousands of other people every year, she quickly realized there was so much more to closing an estate than simply locating and reading the will, if the decedent had even gone that far with their planning. Marla and her family spent countless hours trying to track down bank accounts, investment accounts, and so much more — all while grieving the loss of their patriarch.

This experience eventually led to the creation of the Nokbox. It’s sort of a one-stop shop for estate organization to make things easier for your next of kin. The core system consists of 15 colored and labeled hanging file folders. These are for the organizational categories, such as legal, medical, income, assets, primary residence, and bank accounts.

Within each of these folders are several subfolders to further organize the information. For example, in the primary residence folder, you’ll find subfolders for mortgage or lease, utilities & HOA, maintenance & repairs, people, and home inventory & other information. From there, it drills down further through the use of worksheets that are filled out with important information, such as listing all of the utility companies and how to contact them. On the reverse of the worksheet is a detailed list of instructions for the next of kin.

There are also two zippered bags. One is for critical documents, such as passports, property deeds, and birth certificates. The other is for keys for home, vehicles, and such. Both of these bags are intended to be kept in a locked safe or other secure location.

It all comes packaged in a watertight plastic file box. This is a great system, particularly for those who aren’t prone to keeping things organized.

Find it at thenokbox.com

About the Author

Jim Cobb is a nationally recognized authority on disaster readiness. He has been involved with preparedness for nearly 40 years and has developed a reputation for his common-sense approach to the subject. In addition to his numerous books and several hundred magazine articles, Cobb is one of the co-hosts of the How to Survive 2025 podcast. He offers a free weekly newsletter called The Survival Weekly Dispatch jimcobb.substack.com

Read More From Issue 67

Don’t miss essential survival insights—sign up for Recoil Offgrid's free newsletter today!

• Editor's Letter Issue 67
• Review of the Tiny Survival Guide 2.0
• Offgrid Adventures: South Africa to Hawaii
• Reiff Knives F4 Field Test: A Comparison of the Three F4 Variants
• Urban EDC
• Interview with Reuben Bolieu
• Choosing an EDC Knife
• Urban Emergency Vehicle Kit
• Gear Up: Spring Into Action

Check out our other publications on the web: Recoil | Gun Digest | Blade | RecoilTV | RECOILtv (YouTube)

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

Every year, spring brings with it a picturesque landscape. Just as snow melts from the hills and trees, it also generates dangerous road conditions. Depending on where you live, lagging winter remnants can be met with spring storms, sometimes with little warning, creating hazards that can leave you precariously alone. The circumstances that lead to cars being stuck, damaged, or altogether disabled are also the circumstances that hamper first responders, delay roadside assistance, or make immediate aid an impossibility. It’s in those situations, where a little preparation and a vehicle emergency kit could go a long way. It could even save your life.

For those who live in areas prone to harsh winters, nasty storms, or evacuation gridlock, stocking and storing an emergency vehicle kit isn’t a novel idea — it’s simply part of the culture. For everyone else, it’s just a smart move. What to place in that kit, though, is as individual as the person putting it together. There isn’t one catchall that’s right for all emergency kits, although there are certain commonalities that’d be beneficial regardless of region.

Like most, there are some basic tools I’ve always kept in my vehicle. Articles found in most pre-made vehicle kits that you would see in any big-box store or with a quick Internet search: a small toolbox, flares, and a tow strap, among other basics. I do, however, add an additional cache of gear, which are compact, but pack a punch in their respective categories. For those who live in urban areas, where they are never very far away from homes or commercial buildings, a far less robust kit could suffice. But if there’s even a remote chance that my vehicle can be incapacitated away from help or stuck either in traffic or bad weather, I have my gear with me.

Lastly, I try to be efficient with my selections. When putting together my emergency vehicle kit, I don’t fill it with items that are exclusive to that kit. I pull pieces from my gear stash that wouldn’t only be useful in an emergent situation but also provide comfort or assistance in a variety of perilous situations, threatening weather scenarios, or even adventure outings.

The Bag

In most vehicles, space is a premium. It’d be easy to load up all available areas with preparation things. I employ a more realistic approach. I also drive a truck, so trunk space isn’t an option. The bag I use is the Gregory Alpaca Gear Tote 30. It’s sturdy and durable, and the tote style allows me to easily access items in it. It’s designed to fit nicely on the floorboard behind one of the front seats. There’s a faction of people who would prefer to use an enclosed bag to avoid advertising its contents, but, in my experience, people with nefarious intentions are often drawn to closed bags and backpacks with the hope of high payout treasure. So, I place the more enticing or identifiable options at the bottom and top it with the less attractive components.

Be ready for the unexpected. A well-stocked vehicle emergency kit can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major crisis.

Vehicle Care

There are a few vital pieces of equipment that are a must for any emergency vehicle kit: a battery jumper, a power bank/charger, and an air compressor. A dead battery, a phone with little power remaining, or a flat tire can all be disastrous. To meet all those challenges, based on recommendations and ratings, I chose Uncharted’s Zeus Air. Because my truck has a 5.7-liter engine, I needed to ensure I bought a charger/jumper strong enough to get my engine going. The Zeus Air can jump up to 6-liter diesel engines.

It can also charge cell phones, tablets, etc., and includes a built-in flashlight. The air compressor has to be strong enough to inflate a flat truck tire in a timely manner and, just as importantly, be able to reach the tires from the 12-volt plug that’s often near the dash. The Zeus Air takes cord reach out of the equation with its battery-powered 150-psi air inflator. Finally, after the previous mistake of including a low-cost/low-quality snow shovel that quickly broke, I upgraded to the MSR Operator for its low weight, high strength, and durability as well as added a folding utility shovel. Neither take up much space and meet most digging-out needs.

Thermal Protection

Even in warmer months, cold temperatures lurk when the sun goes down. Survival is the priority, but comfort is also a factor. Outdoor Research makes quality warm and durable gloves with good dexterity that I add along with a lined beanie and extra-thick socks. Hand warmers are always a bonus addition that aren’t going to make or break a survival situation but can add a little comfort that could go a long way if I’m stuck and cold. My big-ticket addition is the Therm-A-Rest Honcho Poncho. It’s a 650-fill down poncho that’s functional, warm, and packs nicely into the bag without taking up too much space. It has so many uses beyond a cold-weather crisis and is handy to have available.

For sun protection, I pack a bottle of high SPF sunblock. Be it a calamitous situation or any random outdoor event, a sunburn will quickly ruin your week. For when the clouds roll in, quality rain gear is a big benefit, but for an emergency vehicle kit, a few cheap rain ponchos will suffice. As a matter of fact, they’re likely to be used more than most elements of your kit for all those various caught-in-the-rain situations.

Survival

To some, it may seem like overkill to include food, hydration, and fire-starting pieces, but in my mind, they’re essential additions and take up very little space, providing a lot of bang for your spatial buck. From my hiking supplies, I add my small and reliable MSR Windburner Personal Stove, a few Backpacker’s Pantry meals, a long spoon, and Tailwind electrolyte powder to add hydration and flavor to water. For simplicity, low cost, and low bag space reasons, I threw in a LifeStraw for water filtration. Combined, these provide food and drink that could realistically sustain one person for several days.

Two Nalgene bottles are included. One is 80-percent filled with water to allow expansion if it freezes. The other one is for an often-overlooked aspect of preparation: restroom needs. Heavily stickered to differentiate, my other Nalgene bottle, along with a ziplock bag full of dog potty bags and wipes, is for those emergent needs.

Lighters and long-burn matches are incorporated because every kit for any purpose should have fire-starting capabilities. As a fan of high-quality and multi-use items, I also include the SOL fuel-free rechargeable plasma lighter that also comes with a built-in flashlight. And because you can never have enough light, a rechargeable headlamp is great to free up your hands while providing illumination (and I can rely on my battery charger for a boost if power gets low).

Extras

There’s additional equipment no pack would be complete without. I include a pre-built first aid kit that I customized with additional items. My choice is the First Aid Plus. The compact, water-resistant case holds an impressive cache of medical supplies and features extra gear beyond first aid, such as a multi-tool, matches, Mylar blanket, zip ties, and chem lights.

A full-sized roll of Gorilla or duct tape offers countless options, most notably for clothing or gear repair. And, although it provides zero thermal protection, duct tape can also block ambient wind if glass becomes broken or there’s a puncture into the passenger compartment. Finally, leather work gloves and a folding saw complete the kit. The saw, even though it is a limited-use tool, becomes invaluable when needed. Tree limbs can be caught up under or into a vehicle that need to be cut, and, of course, it gives the ability to cut firewood in a survival situation.

Closing Thoughts

Every year, I raid my outdoor supplies, re-evaluate my needs, and combine them into what you see here. A lot is packed into one small tote. This kit provides peace of mind if I get into a pinch with my truck. It also offers an organized stash of often-utilized items that, honestly, are used far more often for day-to-day adventures than survival, but I have the peace of mind knowing that, if things turn dire, I’m ready.

Read More From Issue 67

Don’t miss essential survival insights—sign up for Recoil Offgrid's free newsletter today!

• Editor's Letter Issue 67
• Review of the Tiny Survival Guide 2.0
• Offgrid Adventures: South Africa to Hawaii
• Reiff Knives F4 Field Test: A Comparison of the Three F4 Variants
• Urban EDC
• Interview with Reuben Bolieu
• Choosing an EDC Knife

Check out our other publications on the web: Recoil | Gun Digest | Blade | RecoilTV | RECOILtv (YouTube)

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

Reuben Bolieu is a man who trades tents for tarps, drumsticks for jungle knives, and panic for a steady pulse. A California native turned global adventurer, he’s whittled his adventure life down to a 4.5-pound pack and a philosophy forged in frostbite, bear chases, and seismic shakes. From Big Bear’s campsites to Peru’s rain-soaked jungles, Reuben’s path — part ultralight backpacker, part survivalist scribe — spans decades of mistakes and triumphs. With a camera in hand and a story to tell, he’s less about mastering the wild and more about learning from it, one steady, deliberate step at a time.

Interview with Reuben Bolieu

You’ve been on some wild adventures. What sparked that interest?

Reuben Bolieu: I’ve been hooked on camping since I was a kid. My grandfather would haul me, my cousin, my brother, and a gaggle of friends up to Big Bear, California. We’d wrestle with this massive canvas tent — poles, mud, the works. I loved those trips, but, man, I hated the setup and teardown — wet, heavy chaos. Even so, I couldn’t quit camping.

As I got older, I decided to rethink the whole game. I wanted to go lighter, faster, simpler. That’s when I dove into ultralight backpacking — super ultralight, like 20 pounds base weight. I was training for big hikes: Grand Canyon, Mount Whitney, stuff like that.

When did you make that shift from clunky kid camping to ultralight?

High school was the turning point. I’d had enough. I’d never been so cold or scared as I was in those big tents. You’ve got all this airspace you can’t heat, and every squirrel rustling outside sounds like a bear — or a serial killer. I’d lie awake, freaking out over chipmunks. It wasn’t fun anymore. I wanted to love the process, not just the scenery. So, I started trimming weight — down to 10 pounds of base gear, four-season ready. High altitude, snow, whatever. Eventually, I crunched it to four and a half pounds. That’s my sweet spot now. I’m always comfortable, always dry — something to sleep on, in, and under. Best sleep in camp, guaranteed.

Four and a half pounds? No tent? How does that work?

Tents are history for me — I haven’t owned one in years. I’m a tarp guy now. Lean-to or A-frame setup, depending. Why? When you hear a noise, you flick on your light and see it’s just a squirrel or an owl. No more lying there, imagination running wild, picturing a grizzly. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard something creeping close, flipped the light, and laughed — it’s a raccoon, not a monster. That visibility matters to me.

What about snakes, mosquitoes, creepy crawlies?

Mosquitoes? Worst bites of my life were in tents — they get trapped inside. Under a tarp, they just buzz through. In the tropics or summer swamps, I’ll use a hammock with a net, or one of those box nets you tuck around you. Bugs don’t faze me much. I’ve never met anyone killed by one. Snakes? Growing up in the Southwest, I’ve slept on the ground forever — desert camping, rattlesnake country. Never woke up with one curled on me. I was a hammock hanger for 12 years, but I ditched it to go lighter. Now I’m ground-only, unless I’m teaching in Alabama or Georgia in August — jungle vibes — or somewhere like Peru or the Philippines. Otherwise, no issues. Animals don’t care about us half as much as we think.

That urban myth about snakes snuggling up for warmth? Busted?

Totally. People swear it happens, but in decades of sleeping on the ground in rattlesnake territory, it’s never once been true for me. I’m not naive. I know they’re out there, but I don’t sweat it. Tents aren’t the answer anyway. They trap bugs, get grimy, and if a bear wants in, that zipper’s not stopping it. It’s a false security blanket. I say take what makes you happy outdoors, but I’ll be over here with my 5-minute setup, no wet tent to pack, just a tarp and a mesh-sided pack. Works for me.

How did you go from ultralight camping in high school to freelance writing and jungle trips?

It started with backpacking — those grueling Whitney hikes in the late ’90s, early 2000s. I’d be out with fit, gear-heavy friends, training at all altitudes for six months. One day, I tossed out a question: “What if our packs slid down this hill?” Nobody had an answer. That bugged me. I hated feeling dependent on stuff. What if my tent rips? Where’s the duct tape? So, I decided to ditch the gear crutches and learn real skills.
Back then, pre-YouTube, I ordered VHS tapes, Ron Hood’s The Woodsmaster series, mid-’90s stuff. You’d see an ad in a magazine, send a check, and wait. I devoured those, plus old-school books like the SAS survival manuals. John “Lofty” Wiseman was my hero — jungle badass. The tropics became my holy grail. I thought, I can’t go there clueless, so I built skills, took photos — crappy ones, just to remember — and kept at it.

Meanwhile, I was a pro drummer, gigging worldwide for Disneyland. That let me sample wildernesses — Spain, New Zealand, Egypt — and return to dig deeper. I’d fumble skills, make mistakes, learn. Grand Canyon, SoCal peaks, Whitney again. Then, in September 2007, my cousin asked, “What’s next?” I said, “The jungle.” Ten minutes later, I’m on the phone with Mike Perrin from Randall’s Adventure & Training. He goes, “We’ve got a November trip, one slot left.” Most people overthink and talk themselves out of it. Not me. I had a weird two-week break from drumming, so I said yes. Picked up from Disneyland, gear packed, next stop: Lima, Peru. Life-changing doesn’t cover it.

What was that first jungle trip like?

A riot. Five of us: an Alaskan survival instructor, a Maryland bartender hooked by Survivorman, a Google coder who’d never camped but matched my gear from forum posts, me, and Jeff Randall, co-founder of the school. Newbies thrived, no bad habits. Skills carry over, sure, but the jungle’s a reset. We made mistakes — tons — and learned fast. Jeff, a magazine writer I’d read for years, sat across from me for hours and said, “You should do this — write.” I laughed. “I don’t know about cameras or writing.” Two days after we got back, I’m drumming again, but his words stuck.

How’d you leap from drumming to writing and photography?

Jeff hounded me, gave me editors’ contacts, said my forum posts about gear and trips were gold. I’d documented everything — Whitney prep, desert hikes, skill flops — with photos. He told me, “Shoot everything. You never know who’ll need it.” Also: “Don’t ask permission — just shoot. Apologize later if you have to.” That clicked. No posed smiles, just raw shots. I got into manual photography, metering from the hip, built a wild library — grizzly scat, shipping docks, you name it. An editor once asked, “Got animal feces pics?” I did. Shoot everything paid off.
I resisted writing at first. Fear of rejection, the unknown. But Jeff pushed: “Tell your story, rough as it is. Editors’ll fix it.” So, I pitched. Gear reviews, trip tales. They said yes. Drumming faded; this grew. Mistakes fueled it. Every screwup taught me more than success ever did.

Why are mistakes so key for you?

You learn more from your mistakes than your successes, you know. When we teach classes, one of the things I like to say at the beginning is, “The only difference between you guys and us is you’ve probably made a hundred mistakes in the woods. We’ve made thousands and thousands of mistakes.” So that’s why we’re able to do this and release information in this way. So, this weekend, let’s make all the mistakes we can together. We’ll get it right. A friend, Amanda Kay from TV, put it better: “Practice till you can’t get it wrong.” That’s it. No triumph without the flops. It’s life, not just the woods.

Back to the jungle — any close calls?

That 2008 Amazon trip for Dutch TV, Try Before You Die. I’m training a director, star, and cameraman. We finish by 5 p.m. — jungle’s dark at 6, raining till dawn. I set up my hammock a quarter mile off, cozy under the rain’s white noise. Then, CRASH, like a car wreck. An hour of that, getting closer. Live trees dropping, roots too shallow in Peru’s soil, wind and rain toppling giants. Widow makers, random and ruthless. No safe spot to move — just crossed fingers. Morning showed the carnage, fallen titans everywhere. I’d made it, but it was pure luck. Wind’s no joke.

What is the most challenging aspect of survival in the jungle?

Simple: trying to sleep in 90-percent humidity, spending about 10 hours in a hammock or swamp bed.

How do you source food during jungle expeditions?

Nothing is sacred! It’s impossible to starve in the jungle if you’re willing to eat what presents itself. Most things universally taste like chicken, pork, or fish. The gag factor gets most people. Initially, guides are the best food source, as they see and smell things we don’t. They are keen at gathering wild edibles, snakes, sloths, fish, and bats. Eventually, these skills will transfer over to your mental hard drive. Sometimes, a simple ride in a dugout canoe or tuk-tuk boat will literally cause fish to jump into the boat. I call that good living.

What is the one tool you rely on most in the jungle?

I’m inclined to say your brain. This works in all places, including any jungle. However, the more tangible choice is a machete in Latin American jungles/rainforests. In Southeast Asian jungles, a bolo, parang, or golok would be the best tool for that terrain — shorter and thicker.

As someone who regularly travels to different parts of the globe, what advice can you give to someone who is traveling to another country for the first time?

Obey the laws and never lie to officials abroad. Understand that you are out of your country, and your nationality will rarely get you out of the bad situations you got yourself in. Saying, “But I’m Canadian/American,” won’t get you anywhere. However, it will make you and your nationality look foolish. Most importantly, remember that the art of travel is being flexible.

Any standout skill-building trips?

Jungle survival classes at J.E.S.T. Camp in the Philippines (Jungle Environment Survival Training). They trained U.S. and European soldiers for Vietnam: bamboo fire-making, plant knowledge, jungle warfare. No hypothermia risk there, just humidity and awareness. They’ll even teach you to cook rice in a bamboo chamber. Been back multiple times. It’s less about gear, more about doing. Skills trump stuff every time.

Speaking of doing, you have a brutal frostbite story. What happened?

First time was a wake-up call. December, teaching man-tracking and survival for U.S. Marshals in Alexandria, Louisiana — humid, 50 degrees, no big deal in trail runners and deerskin moccasins. Then, I took a flight to visit my brother in New Jersey. A buddy says, “Snowstorm’s coming, let’s camp.” Snow up to my thighs, 35 hours in thin polyester dress socks, an ultralight trick, less moisture, quick-dry. Feet went numb. Built a fire, massaged my toes, warmed them — big mistake. Rubbing smashes ice crystals into nerves, and fire burns numb skin. Felt pins and needles, slept it off in my bivy. Morning: frozen shoes, hiked out. Shower later, still numb. Two days on, another storm, same deal. Got worse.

Flew to Hawaii next — trail running Waimea Canyon with superficial frostbite. Skyped a friend with a medical background in Ohio. He says, “Three to four months for the sensation to fade, but nerve damage stays. Cold feet? It’ll flare again.” Same with my ears, nose, fingertips — Grand Canyon, Big Bear, no gloves or beanie in my youth. Dumb then, smarter now.

Your minimalist style may be intimidating for some. How do you make it approachable?

It can scare people — deep wilderness, tiny pack. I get why. But I pack like a backpacker and lean on skills, not stuff. It’s comfy for me, and I want others to try it. Great books and guides exist now; nobody’s reinventing fire here. I tell folks, “I did it, and you can too.”

Any moment in the wild where you thought, “This might be it”?

Never. Close calls, sure, but I don’t think I’m done. Closest was with my cousin, the first time I took him backpacking — Lytle Creek, California, November, 4,000 feet. Snow line’s usually 6,500. We’re in hammocks, loving it, sunglasses weather. Then, a freak storm hits — snow at levels unheard of in 20 years. Midnight, it drops to 20 degrees. I’m geared up; he’s got steel-toe boots — terrible for cold. By 1 a.m., I’m sloshing through snow to pee, realizing we’re stuck. Trail’s gone.

By morning, a blizzard lashed us like angry bees, with no rescue in sight, so we slashed our hammocks free using a Swiss Army Trekker, the frozen ropes snapping as we salvaged what we could, abandoning the rest in the snow. I opted to hike out rather than hunker down, but we overshot the trail, climbing above tree line where disorienting white peaks surrounded us. He started shutting down — shivering at first, then claiming he wasn’t cold, just tired, the telltale signs of hypothermia. I slapped him awake, forced melted lemonade down his throat, and fibbed, “Found the trail!” Bear tracks led the way, and after 12 grueling hours, townsfolk stared in disbelief. Superficial frostbite, no hospital. Never panicked — just kept moving.

How’d you stay calm through that?

Mental toughness builds over years — long hikes, bad days. Each tough slog makes the next easier. After, I felt fine — not cold, not tired, just numb. Better than freaking out. Coast Guard stat from my cruise-line days: only 7 percent of people panic in emergencies. Most freeze or follow; few act.

Any animal encounters rival that chaos?

Bears! It started at Mammoth Lakes, California, after setting up for a drumming gig. Dusk settled in, 20 degrees, snow blanketing the ground as I roamed near the cabins, phone in hand. I hung up and caught sight of fresh tracks, their edges crisp, laid down mere minutes ago. My gaze traced them to a hulking brown “couch” lumbering my way, a massive black bear, curiosity glinting in its stare. I froze. Running’s a fool’s game. Instead, I eased back slowly, slipped below a bluff, then picked up pace. Compass out, south to the cabin, straight into bear territory. I crept along, veering onto a snow-draped golf course. Then, 100 yards off, three bears burst into view — two giants and a cub — galloping right at me. Laughing through the adrenaline, I fast-walked toward distant brake lights.

Then, there was Mount Whitney’s base camp, 8,890 feet, my second bear tango. A packed backpacker grid, food stashed in lockers below, no scraps allowed up top. Mid-chat with a stranger, I spotted a black bear nosing around campers sleeping exposed — no tents, just pads beneath a starry sky. We hollered, campers flung gravel, and it bolted like a scolded mutt. No spray needed — numbers scare them off.

Weather or wildlife, what’s your real foe?

Weather, hands down. Falling trees in Peru’s jungle — wind and rain toppling giants — scare me more than claws. Bear encounters need a cool head, but the weather’s untamed. Big Bear’s got bears in name only — never seen one. Mammoth’s 8,000 feet tempt fate, but a tree limb’s my nightmare, not a growl. Robert Pelton nailed it: People are the worst disaster. Weather’s close second — rain, snow, wind. Stuff you can’t outsmart.

One survival nugget from all this?

Slow down — simple, but gold. Rushing screws me every time — spilled gear, botched fires, blurry shots. Slow it, think it through. Music, shelters, photos — mastery starts slow. A YouTuber’s instant fire took 50 fails off-screen. Stop, sit, rethink. I tell students striking ferro rods too fast: “Back up, breathe, you’ve got this.” Works. Applies anywhere — hikes, gigs, life.

Reuben's EDC

• Armatus Carry EDC Wallet
• Wazoo Gear FireCard
• Griffin Pocket Tool
• Mechanics keychain
• Thrunite Ti2 flashlight
• TOPS Knives whistle
• Pocket knife

About Reuben Bolieu

• Hometown: South Orange, New Jersey
• Education: MIT Music School, School of the Wilderness
• Recommended Reading: The SAS Survival Handbook by John “Lofty” Wiseman, Camping and Woodcraft by Horace Kephart
• Favorite Food: Shrimp fried rice
• Favorite Movie: Princess Bride
• Favorite Quote: “The little things. There’s nothing bigger, is there?” -Vanilla Sky (2001 movie)
• Social Media Handle(s): @reubenbolieu

Read More From Issue 67

Don’t miss essential survival insights—sign up for Recoil Offgrid's free newsletter today!

• Editor's Letter Issue 67
• Review of the Tiny Survival Guide 2.0
• Offgrid Adventures: South Africa to Hawaii
• Reiff Knives F4 Field Test: A Comparison of the Three F4 Variants
• Urban EDC

Check out our other publications on the web: Recoil | Gun Digest | Blade | RecoilTV | RECOILtv (YouTube)

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

Surviving the wilderness requires skill and reliable gear. The same can be said when facing emergency situations in an urban environment, but there’s one variable that we won't often find in the wilderness — people, and a lot of them. Emergencies in the urban jungle can be caused by weather events, infrastructure failure, and civil unrest. In all these situations, having skills and survival gear can help keep us safe, but carrying a larger wilderness survival kit in an urban environment would draw some unwanted attention that could lead to trouble. That’s why adopting the gray man aesthetic and applying that to our everyday carry (EDC) is the key to success.

The goal of adopting gray man principles is to be completely forgettable, just another guy on a cell phone.

What is a Gray Man?

“Gray man” is a term that means blending in with your environment, not standing out, and being forgettable to people passing by. While this term has been sensationalized by film and pop culture, the root of it is essential in urban survival. For example, walking through a busy city in camouflage, technical outdoor gear, and a MOLLE-covered pack loaded with pouches will make you stand out. Standing out must be avoided, but the key to adopting a gray man aesthetic and mentality is understanding that there’s no single, defined appearance for a gray man.
In a city or suburb, having a gray man aesthetic could be dressing in simple jeans and a T-shirt, sweatshirt, or jacket. A small pack, sling bag, or messenger bag would fit better with the large commuter communities often found in cities. The idea is to not draw attention or be memorable in any way, so clothing and packs should be free of logos and colors. Footwear should be plain as possible, as it is one of the most noticed and remembered clothing items on our bodies.

While that clothing might blend into a busy city, it would stand out on a beach where shorts, sandals, and Hawaiian shirts are the norm. The same applies to events where business attire is expected. The goal is to blend in and appear as just another face in the crowd.

While these Garmont boots and the camo pattern hat may be functional, the obvious military styling is very noticeable and memorable to the average person.

The Space Problem

Without a large pack or the numerous pockets found in technical outdoor and tactical clothing, carrying a comprehensive survival kit daily can be challenging — but not impossible. With the right clothing, outerwear, and bag choices, along with compact gear, assembling a highly functional, EDC-sized urban survival kit becomes much more manageable. While we may be tempted to select to most “tactical” styles for ease of movement and lots of storage space, colors like Multi-Cam, OD Green, Coyote Tan, and Wolf Gray will bring a quick end to your attempts to follow gray man principles.

Simple color choices are best when attempting to blend into an urban or suburban environment. Blue jeans or khaki-style pants tend to be typical of many people and a plain T-shirt won't draw any attention. For outerwear, make sure you choose seasonably appropriate items, as nothing draws more attention than someone wearing a big heavy coat when it's warm out. For the cooler months, a plain black shell-style jacket or a properly fit sweatshirt are a dime a dozen among crowded city streets. Fortunately, many tactical clothing brands offer a variety of discreet, practical options that make it easier to carry essential gear. However, when it comes to blending in, practical always outweighs tactical.

These Garmont boots deliver the same level of performance, while the plain Wazoo Cache cap adds even more functionality than the previous option. For those looking to blend in, this combination is a far superior choice.

Challenges Women Face

The space problem can be even more of a challenge for women. Typically, women's clothing has little-to-no practical pocket space. While technical outdoor and tactical clothing affords women more pocket space, they will also stand out from the crowd. As a result, women often rely on a purse, bag, or pack as their primary means of carrying EDC gear, making it crucial to choose one that allows quick and easy access to essential items. Beyond the bag, compact items can be discreetly carried on the body, but due to the form-fitting nature of women's clothing, extra care is needed to prevent gear from printing through the fabric.

Ideally, clothing should be both functional and free of noticeable logos, patterns, and color. 

Choosing Urban Survival Clothing

Remember these guidelines when picking discreet clothing:

• Situationally Appropriate: Outerwear should match an urban environment. Camo and other military-styled clothing and colorways will make you stand out. Keep your clothing style simple and avoid flashy colors.
• Keep Accessories Minimal: Survival gear isn’t the only thing that stands out. Flashy jewelry and watches draw people’s eyes and can even make you a target for criminals. Large logos on hats and brightly colored footwear are also things that can stand out and draw unwanted attention.
• The Fit Matters: Clothing should fit appropriately. Overly baggy clothing can draw as much attention as form fitting or revealing clothing.
• Bags and Packs: While we all love our technical and tactical bags, these are not the best choice when blending in. However, keeping a simple backpack, sling, messenger bag or purse won't draw much attention.

Urban EDC Survival Gear

Though the environments differ greatly, the core principles of urban and wilderness survival remain largely the same. We must secure access to food and water, find shelter from the elements, and have a way to navigate. Equally important are the ability to defend ourselves, communicate with others, and provide medical care when needed. When choosing gear, keep in mind that, unlike wilderness emergencies where you may be stranded for an extended period, urban EDC survival kits should prioritize getting you back home or to a secure location where a more comprehensive survival kit awaits.

Choosing Survival Gear

When selecting gear for discreet carry, there are a few guidelines to follow:

• Compact: When applying gray man principles, large, conspicuous tools can quickly give you away. Compact-yet-reliable tools provide an advantage in emergencies or survival situations. While they may not be as robust as the gear you keep at home or take into the wilderness, they should be capable of bridging the gap to your larger, more functional equipment.
• Concealable: Having clearly visible gear will quickly make us noticeable and notable to a passerby. Your gear should be out of sight and should not “print” through your clothing.
• Multi-Purpose: Each piece of equipment should fulfill multiple roles or functions. This cuts down on both bulk and weight, making it easier to move quickly in high-stress situations.
• Applicable to the Location/Environment: While we all love gear, some wilderness survival tools are irrelevant to urban environments. Stick to the things you are most likely to use.

This EDC kit is designed to be both practical for everyday use and invaluable in emergencies. With thoughtful planning, all of this gear can be carried comfortably and discreetly.

On-Body Urban EDC Gear Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the individual components of my urban survival EDC kit. While everyone’s needs will vary based on personal circumstances, skill set, and environment, this can serve as a solid starting point for building your own kit. Since on-body gear must be more compact than what fits in a bag, careful selection is important. However, there are many situations where you could become separated from your bag. Keeping essential survival tools on your person ensures you’ll still have access to critical, potentially life-saving equipment when it matters most.

Carrying self-defense tools like the TOPS Poker or El Pionero, ASP OC Spray, and the Skallywag Tactical MDV Folder require training and practice to be used effectively.

Self-Defense 

The need for self-defense is a reality we must acknowledge in uncertain times. Effectively protecting yourself depends on several factors.
Physical Fitness: Maintaining a basic level of fitness enables quicker reactions and greater endurance. The best defense is avoiding danger altogether, and the ability to run, climb obstacles, and keep moving over long distances can be crucial for survival in a bad situation.

Training: Training in martial arts and self-defense tools is essential when facing a potential confrontation. Martial skills improve situational awareness and can potentially diffuse a threatening situation before it arises.

Equipment: No matter what self-defense tools you choose to carry, regular practice is essential. Your equipment should be reliable, well-maintained, and ready for immediate use.

Urban environments often come with stricter regulations on self-defense gear. Given these limitations, I carry a selection of items tailored to the situation.

ASP Defender: The Defender series of pepper spray is available in two sizes and comes in either polymer or aerospace aluminum. Its unique design allows it to be gripped and deployed similarly to a flashlight, making it easy to use from a defensive stance. The canisters contain 1.4-percent major capsaicinoids — one of the highest concentrations on the market — causing intense eye and skin irritation. Additionally, a UV dye helps law enforcement identify attackers later. The full-sized D1 Defender can also double as a striking tool, making it a versatile option for non-lethal self-defense.

TOPS Poker or TOPS El Pionero: These compact fixed blades offer discreet carry while remaining highly functional for cutting or last-ditch defense. The Poker features a 2.5-inch straight blade with a reinforced tip for puncturing and a finger ring for enhanced grip. Ideal for those trained in Martial Blade Concepts, its short length makes it legal in most areas. The El Pionero, at 3.13 inches, resembles a paring knife and was designed with Ed Calderon to provide superior control in high-stress situations. Both knives are solid choices for trained users, with blade length being the key deciding factor.

Skallywag Tactical MDV Folder: Unlike most folding knives designed for utility, the MDV is built for self-defense. A compact version of the MDV fixed blade, it retains combat-ready functionality in a pocket-friendly design. Made from D2 tool steel, it’s built to withstand high-stress situations. The reversed frame lock suits left-handed users but was designed as an off-hand tool for weapon retention. A bird’s beak handle frame ensures a secure grip, while an integrated impact bearing allows for glass breaking. For quick deployment, the MDV features both a flipper tab and a pocket-catch mechanism for rapid access on the draw.

The Badger Claw Sidekick has plenty of storage for your typical daily necessities and some slim survival tools.

Utility Tools

Adding the right tools to your urban survival EDC not only simplifies daily tasks but becomes invaluable in emergencies. The tools below can help secure shelter, collect water, start a fire, and more — but like any tool, they’re only effective if you know how to use them. Without practice and training, they’re just extra weight.

Tuff Possum Entry Kit: This compact kit includes a range of lock-picking and bypass tools designed to grant access to essential resources or shelter in an emergency. It can also be invaluable for gaining egress through locked doors or gates when the situation demands it.

Grim Workshop Survival Cards: Thin and easy to carry, these valuable cards provide an easy and discreet way to carry survival tools and backups to essentials tools that can be lost or damaged during high stress scenarios.

Creating fire and having clean water is just as important in urban settings as it is in the wilderness.

BIC Lighter, Wazoo Spark, and Wazoo Fire Card: Fire isn’t just for the woods — it’s essential in urban survival too, providing warmth, cooking, and signaling. A lighter is the easiest fire-starting tool, but backups matter. The Wazoo Spark necklace features a ferrocerium rod and ceramic striker, paired with a fire card for quick ignition. The striker also doubles as a glass breaker and light prying tool in emergencies.
Leatherman Sidekick: When you can't carry an entire toolbox, a high-quality multi-tool can cover a lot of bases in both everyday life and during an emergency.

Silcock Key: Many people overlook this essential tool in urban environments. Designed to operate various-sized water valves, it can provide access to water when faucets or spigots aren't available. In cities and suburban areas, many buildings have external water connections, and a silcock key allows you to tap into them for clean drinking water when needed.

Skillcraft Aviator Pen: A good pen/pencil has so many uses. In our everyday life a pen is something we often find ourselves looking for. In an emergency, a writing tool allows us to take notes and leave messages for others. The Skillcraft Aviator has both pen and pencil insert and a sleek thin body for easy carry.

With our heavy reliance on electronic devices, backup power like this Dark Energy Poseidon Pro will keep your devices charged up for an extra day.

 Electronics

Electronics are an integral part of daily life and can be invaluable in emergencies. While power is a concern, strategic planning ensures your devices stay operational until you reach a safe place to recharge. Regular maintenance, including battery checks and functionality tests, is essential to keep them ready when needed.

ASP Scribe Flashlight: A reliable flashlight is essential for both daily tasks and emergencies, from retrieving a dropped item at night to navigating a blackout. It can also serve as a signaling tool or momentarily disorient an attacker. The ASP Scribe is a compact, rechargeable pen-style light delivering 400 lumens with multiple modes and 1.5 hours of runtime. Its durable, weather-resistant body ensures reliability when it matters most.

Garmin Instinct 2 Watch: The Garmin Instinct 2 is built for adventure, featuring a lightweight, durable polymer case, onboard navigation, and body monitoring tools. With up to 30 days of battery life (or virtually unlimited with solar charging), it’s a reliable timepiece. Its compass and navigation tools help you navigate obstacles in urban environments with ease.

Dark Energy Poseidon Pro Power Bank: All these electronics will need a charge if we're away from a power source for some time. The Dark Energy Poseidon Pro provides enough power to fully charge all these devices while remaining compact and weather resistant.

Cell Phone: While there are many downsides to relying on our cell phones. Having access to navigation tools, communication, and virtually the entirety of human knowledge at our fingertips does have its benefits in an emergency.

Even if you can’t carry a full-sized trauma kit, basic first aid and bleeding control can make or break us in an emergency.

Medical

Discreetly carrying a full trauma kit on your body is challenging, but it’s crucial to be prepared for both minor injuries that can slow you down and major bleeding that could be life-threatening. Beyond having the right gear, even basic first aid training provides a significant advantage in an emergency.

Compact Med Kit: Adding a A simple first aid kit to your urban EDC kit to handle cuts, scrapes, burns, skin irritations, dehydration, aches, and allergies can keep us moving and prevent minor injuries and ailments from slowing us down.

Bleeding Control: Bleeding injuries that cannot be controlled is one of the fastest ways to leave this world. Having some bleeding control options like hemostatic agents and a pressure bandage won't add much weight or bulk and could save your life.

PNWBushcraft’s EDC Travel Tray is ideal for organizing essential tools.

Storage and Outerwear

If you’ve gone through this list and thought, that’s a lot of gear! — you’re not wrong. Since each item is designed to be compact and lightweight, staying organized is crucial, especially in high-stress situations. Knowing exactly where your gear is and accessing it quickly can save valuable time and prevent confusion when it matters most.

221B Tactical Tradecraft Jacket: The Tradecraft is a sleek, black shell jacket with a subtle, low-profile logo designed to blend in effortlessly. Its versatile design allows it to be worn over layers in cold weather or as a stand-alone in cooler temperatures or rain. With 10 pockets for gear storage and compartments for soft bullet-resistant armor, it offers both functionality and added protection for vital areas.

PNWBushcraft EDC Organizer Tray: Keeping tools organized is essential, and the organizer tray offers dedicated pockets to prevent gear from shifting or rattling in your pockets. As a bonus, it converts into a small tray, providing a versatile surface for both everyday use and emergency situations.

Badger Claw Outfitters Sidekick Wallet: This simple nylon wallet features two internal pockets and hook-and-loop closure. The inside is large enough to store your ID and cards as well as small tools if needed.

Wazoo Cache Cap: The cache cap offers ample storage for small tools, cash, and anything you might not want in your pockets. The inside features a bright orange liner with reflective strips that can be used as a signaling device.

Garmont Tactical 9.81 Alert Boots: These mid-height boots have the sleek look of a sneaker while packing serious performance. Their all-black, low-profile design keeps them discreet, yet they’re loaded with essential features. Lightweight construction allows for quick, quiet movement, while reinforced high-impact areas provide added foot protection. The Vibram outsoles and aggressive lug pattern deliver exceptional grip on wet and slippery surfaces, making them ideal for scaling fences and navigating obstacles.

What's in the Urban EDC Bag?

With all this gear stored on our body, what do we need a bag for? While my on-body kit is designed to stand alone, there are still many benefits to having a small bag or pack:

• A pack can be used to carry any found, foraged, or salvaged items in an emergency.
• Allows for the inclusion of larger tools and redundancy items from the on-body urban survival kit
• Allows for the addition of food and water resources
• A small pack can be used to store items or resources, and hidden at a specific location for later retrieval.
• In a case where you can't wear a jacket or are in low storage clothing, a bag can carry the bulk of your urban survival gear.

Final Thoughts

The gray man concept has been dramatized by movies and popular media, but its core principles remain invaluable for urban preparedness. While those with a preparedness mindset understand the importance of carrying essential gear for safety, others may perceive it as a threat — or even a target for theft. Adapting your EDC into a discreet-yet-functional survival kit can be challenging, but with careful planning, it can be both practical and lifesaving.

Read More From Issue 67

Don’t miss essential survival insights—sign up for Recoil Offgrid's free newsletter today!

• Editor's Letter Issue 67
• Review of the Tiny Survival Guide 2.0
• Offgrid Adventures: South Africa to Hawaii

Check out our other publications on the web: Recoil | Gun Digest | Blade | RecoilTV | RECOILtv (YouTube)

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

Check Out The Gear Used in the Article

• 221B Tactical
• Skallywag Tactical
• Garmont Tactical
• TOPS Knives
• ASP
• PNWBUSHCRAFT
• Tuff Possum Gear
• Wazoo Gear
• Badger Claw Outfitters
• Grim Workshop
• Dark Energy
• Leatherman
• Garmin
• Outdoor Element
• Dominion Preparedness
• GORUCK