Home Blog Page 3

Troysgate: Training for Real Life Encounters

By
Patrick Diedrich
-
0
Troysgate training

There are training programs that improve skill and others that improve judgment. Then, there is Troysgate, which reaches further than both by offering something most people will never experience until the moment it matters most. It offers a taste of what a real deadly encounter feels like. The kind that is chaotic, confusing, and life altering. The kind that strips away every comforting illusion about how we think we will behave under lethal pressure.

I attended a Troysgate course expecting an advanced firearms experience. What I encountered was something far more personal. In a controlled yet startlingly realistic environment, I saw and felt what it means for the mind to wrestle with primal fear while the body is forced to act. Troysgate calls this the merging of science and deadly encounters. They are not exaggerating. It is a rare training method that uses live ammunition, real firearms and human role players while keeping every participant physically safe through patented ballistic structures. This structure allows people to engage in what feels like real gunfights without the risk of harming one another. The result is an encounter that is deeply convincing and emotionally intense.

Troysgate describes its purpose as giving participants an experience that is both meaningful and realistic. The goal is not just to run through drills or rehearse tactics. It is to trigger the emotional and psychological storm that erupts during a true fight for survival. Instructors and role players create conflict scenarios that shift rapidly and force the participant to make decisions while overwhelmed by stress. This is what makes the training so different from traditional range time. In most training environments, the shooter stands in front of paper targets, fully aware that nothing is about to explode unpredictably in front of them. The mind stays calm. The heart rate remains manageable. The shooter might even feel confident and in control.
Troysgate tears that comfort away.

Troysgate training

Sounds of guns firing inches away create a visceral reminder that danger is close and real.

The Power of Experience

One of the foundational ideas behind Troysgate is that training and skill alone cannot prepare someone for a lethal encounter. Without experience, the mind does not have the information it needs to understand what is happening. When people face a deadly threat for the first time, their reactions are often shaped by panic or uncertainty. Even well-trained individuals can freeze or falter. Experience is what bridges the gap between knowledge and survival.
This is what Troysgate tries to replicate. Not to teach participants how to shoot but to teach them what it feels like to shoot under crushing stress and confusion. When the participant faces a sudden threat and has to act in a split second, their mind begins building a blueprint for future reactions. It is never comfortable. It is often frightening. But it is unforgettable.

Troysgate also emphasizes the idea of control. The participant must learn to gain control of a situation and maintain it even when events are unpredictable. This sounds simple until the moment control slips away. In a real violent encounter, circumstances can change without warning. A person might believe they have dominance over the situation only to lose it due to a distraction or a deceptive action by an opponent. Troysgate demonstrates how fragile control truly is.
Participants learn that there are different states of engagement: a position of control, when the individual is commanding the situation; a position of commitment, when they understand that deadly engagement is likely or unavoidable; and a position of self-preservation, when control has been lost and survival becomes the only focus. Moving between these states happens fast — sometimes so fast that the mind barely recognizes the transition. The scenarios at Troysgate illustrate these shifts with startling clarity, because there is no comfortable distance between the participant and the threat. Even though ballistic barriers keep everyone safe, the sights and sounds of guns firing inches away create a visceral reminder that danger is close and real.

Troysgate training

Before being placed into a scenario, participants are told what is happening to their brains during high-stress situations.

State of Mind and the Challenge Within

Another major component of the experience is mental preparation. Troysgate aims to shape what they call the participant’s State of Mind. This refers to the mental resilience needed to face situations where fear, adrenaline, and confusion collide. It is one thing to take careful aim in a calm environment. It is another thing entirely to perform under the weight of fear while someone screams threats, charges forward, or fires a weapon. The brain fights to manage the sensory overload. The amygdala takes control and the rational mind struggles to keep up.

Troysgate does not eliminate this response because it cannot be eliminated. Instead, the program helps participants learn how to function in spite of it. Under enough stress, fine motor skills diminish. Tactical plans vanish. Tunnel vision emerges. Experienced fighters know this. Newer shooters only understand it once they have lived through a moment that overwhelms their senses. The Troysgate environment creates those moments safely and purposefully so that participants can confront the reality of their own reactions.

Troysgate training

While distracted with a person outside of the vehicle, a second gunman waits in the back. This encounter was modeled after real-world scenarios.

Scenario One: Bump in the Night

My first scenario began with a situation that could happen to anyone. I walked into a room and discovered intruders inside a home. The actors were convincing and aggressive. The instant I entered they started shouting and threatening my life. One of them raised a shotgun toward me. In the burst of chaos that followed, my mind barely had time to decide what to do. I reacted. I fired at the man with the shotgun. As he went down, the second man drew a handgun and began shooting back. I continued firing until both threats were stopped.

What struck me afterward was how little I remembered about the act of shooting itself. My amygdala had taken over. I did not recall forming sight pictures. I did not recall steadying my breath. I simply pointed the gun and fired until the threat was gone. This is something many shooters believe they are too disciplined to experience. But discipline fades when death feels close. And Troysgate is designed to make it feel close.

Even though the bullets fired by the role players could not reach me due to the patented system, the sound and concussion of their shots were real. At one point the shotgun blast was close enough that I physically felt the pressure wave. Every rational part of my mind understood I could not be harmed, yet the emotional part could not tell the difference. That emotional response was the lesson.

Troysgate training

Talented role-players elevate the training to new heights. After years, they know the mistakes participants typically make in a scenario.

Scenario Two: The Blind Spot

My next scenario involved a parked SUV. I approached to find a man rummaging through it. The scene required me to de-escalate, if possible, but the actor played the role in a way that kept raising tension. As I focused on him, someone hidden in the backseat suddenly sat up and opened fire. I had been so locked onto the first person that I failed to notice a second threat waiting to ambush me.

The value of this lesson was immediate. Under stress, people lose awareness. Vision narrows. Focus collapses onto one problem. A second problem becomes invisible. This is how real ambushes work. It is also why situational awareness must become a habit rather than a concept. In the safe but intense world of Troysgate, I received that reminder with a jolt.

Troysgate training

Inside this Troysgate building, numerous scenarios can be tested.

Why This Training Matters

These scenarios taught me more than technique. They taught me about myself. They revealed how I react when startled, frightened, overwhelmed and forced to act with no time to think. They showed me the limits of my awareness and the gaps in my decision making. More importantly, they showed me that these reactions are normal.

Every person who owns a firearm for personal defense imagines what they would do in a crisis. Many imagine they would be calm and deliberate. Troysgate demonstrates that the body has its own plan. The amygdala will take control when it senses danger. Some people freeze. Some fight. Some flee. Some discover they cannot bring themselves to shoot. It is far better to learn this in a controlled environment than in a life-threatening moment in the real world.

I believe anyone who currently owns a firearm or plans to own one for defense should experience Troysgate. It is not about becoming a better marksman. It is about learning who you are under stress and discovering how your mind reacts when survival feels uncertain. This understanding could be the factor that keeps you alive. It might also be the factor that prevents someone from entering a situation they are not mentally prepared for. Some people will leave Troysgate more confident in their ability to defend themselves. Others may decide that lethal force is not something they are ready to employ. Both outcomes are valuable.

Troysgate training

All rounds being fired are real, and the close proximity to the discharge provides haptic feedback that you can’t find on traditional ranges.

Final Thoughts

The Troysgate experience is unlike anything I have encountered in training. It captures the raw confusion and urgency of a real deadly encounter in a way that is safe yet intensely emotional. It highlights the importance of experience in shaping survival instincts and proves that even the best technical training cannot replace firsthand exposure to stress. Troysgate reminds us that control is fragile, that awareness can collapse in an instant, and that the mind itself becomes the battleground long before the first shot is fired.

By pushing participants into realistic conflict, Troysgate gives them a chance to confront their limitations and learn how to overcome them. It is an environment that reveals the truth about human reaction under threat. It is also a place where people can practice regaining control when fear threatens to take it away. In a world where violent encounters can happen with little warning, that knowledge is worth more than any textbook or range session.

Troysgate teaches that survival is not only about skill. It is about mindset, awareness, and the ability to act under pressure. When the moment comes and the amygdala takes over, experience becomes the one thing that can bridge the gap between panic and purposeful action. That is the gift Troysgate offers to anyone willing to step inside its walls.

Read More From Issue 72

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

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.

Tales from the Field

By
Matthew Williams
-
0

Outside of a truck stop on a windy autumn day in Nebraska, I mill around waiting on the rest of the group of hunters and industry representatives to arrive. The sound of the wind is broken up by idle chatter and a mass of semitrucks hauling cattle.

It was in that windy truck stop parking lot that I met a nine-fingered man who was short on height and tall on personality — Joe “Hot Chocolate” Arterburn, the proprietor of Arterburn Outdoors and our outfitter for the upcoming hunt. Joe is a short, stocky man who definitely looks like he’d be a handful. Once we got talking, I was not surprised by his sharp wit and charming dry brand of smart-ass sarcasm.

After everyone had arrived, we made our way to a fifth-generation family farm called Reynolds Inc. This 4,000-plus-acre farm grows corn, soy, and alfalfa hay in addition to raising cows and calves. Joe leads our caravan of hunters and brand experts deep into the farm property around bends and over hills larger than anything you’d expect to find in Nebraska. We settle on a flat, mercifully level piece of ground placed between that falls between picturesque terrain features — an ideal location for the Beyond Hunter’s Education Camp.

 

Nothing beats the nostalgia of a canvas wall tent. This is the commons area tent. Lots of laughs and meals were enjoyed here. 

Setting Up Camp

Being that Beyond Hunter called the event a camp, it was fitting we should all pitch in to set up our group camp and our own tents. White Duck supplied each of us with 8×9-foot Rover Scout canvas wall tents. I’ve never encountered a tent so easy to pitch — not a single curse word was uttered while setting it up (which is nearly unheard of coming from me).

Once all the tents went up, we were supplied with accoutrements suitable for tent living. Among the gear we received was the Hamelin sleeping bag by Sea To Summit, and it was the most welcoming sleeping bag I’ve ever used.

Meals were the work of a giant of a man named Brooks who was obviously a longtime friend of Joe’s. Brooks was there representing Camp Chef and Primos. Throughout the day, Brooks and Joe split kitchen duties with no shortage of jokes and sarcastic comments hurled between the two. We ate like royalty at each meal, feasting on elk, moose, salmon, halibut, venison, and other game meats.

Getting Familiar with the Tools of the Trade

Day two consisted of brand representatives talking with us about their companies and familiarizing us with gear we were using over the following days. After talking with everyone and learning about the equipment, it was time to hit the range.

Range time was very low pressure and straightforward. The participants learned the basics of rifle control and get schooled up on responsible firearm handling. Each participant got the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the 6.5 Creedmoor rifles supplied by Franchie shooting Nosler ammo, supported by Primos Trigger Sticks bipods and tripods.

 

The man, the myth, the legend Joe “Hot Chocolate” Arterburn, the nine-fingered bandit.

Range Time and Education

As an experienced hunter and firearms trainer, range and firearm safety became my unofficial responsibility on this trip. While the inexperienced hunters were there to learn, my role was more to evaluate the course and teach any skills I thought a new hunter would need.

I was pleased to find all key components of firearm safety and responsible handling to be in order. I added a few minor details here or there based on things I encountered in my nearly two decades of teaching — however, nothing glaring was amiss.

Much of my input was unrelated to the range time or firearms handling — having more to do with the visual sensory of animals with horizontally mounted eyeballs, also known as prey animals. While not officially part of the course, I may toss a few impromptu pistol lessons here and there during our down time.

 

hunter processing a deer hide

Margaux from Sea To Summit asked if she could put my doe hide to use at home. We spent a little time fleshing out the hide and talking shop. 

Into the Field

Our first outing to the field was straightforward. Everyone loaded into the trucks, and I headed off with Buck, my guide, and Hunter, my cameraman, to my pre-positioned blind. Thanks to Moultrie, game cameras had been set up weeks in advance to recon prospective hunting grounds and get a sense of deer movement. This allowed us to find the most advantageous places to hunt as well as rudimentary time frames the deer would move through specific areas.

Many experienced hunters will tell you hunting from a blind can be boring — and they are not wrong — however, it is very forgiving to new hunters who tend to move around a fair bit. Blinds not only shield your movement, but they also stifle small noises that may otherwise give away your position. The bulk of your time is typically spent seeing squirrels and birds until your target species arrives. By the time that happens, you’re ripe with anticipation or bored to tears.

 

deer hide legs and a knife

These legs got turned into dog treats.

Some Unexpected Excitement

One of the things novice hunters often forget is that human hunters are not the only things out there that can spook a deer. While in the blind, I watched a scraggly coyote nosing around in an alfalfa field 360 yards to our south. Although this is typically an exciting and welcome experience while nature watching, during a hunt there is the concern its presence would deter deer from entering into the area.

With only 30 minutes left before the end of legal shooting light, a group of coyotes started howling out. The scruffy lone coyote perked up, ran 50 yards in the direction of the call like a kid being called home for dinner. As soon as that one was out of sight, two larger, fluffier coyotes popped out of the corn field howling their heads off, but they didn’t seem to be in as much of a hurry to move from the area. With only 30 minutes left of legal light and two coyotes standing in the middle of the open field we’re hunting, I asked Buck what he thought. Buck responded, “We still have 30 minutes of light left. That’s an eternity for an opportunity to develop. Anything can happen. Let’s let the coyotes leave.” Wise words from someone with a ton of experience, as he later told me he saw two turkeys in the field north of us hanging around and figured they would have taken off had the coyotes been a problem.

 

two hunters with a downed deer

Buck Martin, the always victorious guide, proudly poses with our doe and me.

Taking the Shot

Buck was right. At 7:34 p.m., two deer stepped around the edge of the corn field as if they had materialized out of thin air. Two hundred yards for a shot on a deer may sound like a long way — and it surely can be without the right tools. Fortunately for me, Franchi has a great reputation as a trustworthy rifle, and the Mavin RS1.2 with 2.5-15 power magnification mounted had great magnification and very good light transmission. By the time these deer ghosted into our field, there was so little light we couldn’t see them without scopes or binoculars. It is important to note at this time that we were on a doe (female) hunt exclusively. Buck and I had to be positive beyond any doubt these were not small-antlered males, as they are expressly off limits for this hunt.

Had I needed even an extra minute for the deer to be in a position suitable to make an ethical shot, I was going to call it and come back the next day. The light was so low, it was getting iffy. As luck would have it, she turned almost completely broadside and gave me the opportunity I needed.

I asked Buck, “What time is it?”
Buck responded, “7:35.”
“Copy. Here we go. Three, oh sh*t she’s going to turn, two, one … BLAM!”

My ears were ringing. Muzzlebreaks do a lot to reduce recoil and keep the end of the barrel from lifting up, but they do not spare your ears. Buck and Hunter were able to plug their ears due to my countdown.

As the ringing in my ears subsided, we gave the doe a few minutes to make sure she was down and staying that way. She didn’t go far; strangely, she came straight toward us! Thanks to Buck who saw her tail flickering when she laid down, we were able to locate her without much trouble. This is when the real work starts. We loaded her into a pickup truck and took her back to camp for everyone to see.

As the legend goes, whoever gets paired with Buck as their guide will have a successful hunt. As far as I know, his streak is still going.

 

post deer processing after a hunt

This is the work new hunters learn about once the hunt is over.

Field Dressing

The field dressing process is something I’ve always rushed through, as I’m usually cold, the darkness is settling in, and I’m ready to get into the kitchen. I was not alone during this time. Prime Cuts Ryan Reynolds, not to be confused with the actor, was there, and he is something of an expert when it comes to field dressing. Ryan explained and walked me through the process like a master class on keeping meat clean. The efficiency of movement with a knife as it pertains to this has always been my weakest point when it comes to hunting — and for the first time I really enjoyed the field dressing process thanks to his expert guidance.

The biggest takeaway for me was to slow down and think logically about what is important during this step and how it affects the next step. For some reason, this is the only part of the hunting process I’d never applied this strategy to. For me, this is an odd revelation, considering the end goal of hunting is high-quality food.
Once the body cavity has been opened, you can decide whether you’re interested in keeping the liver, kidneys, or heart, depending on how adventurous you are. Once the body cavity was emptied out, I attached the carcass to a gambrel and hoisted it up on a tripod. The rest of the evening was spent discussing everyone’s hunt and some of the takeaways everyone had from their experience.

 

air drying meat after a hunt

Air-drying meat in the cool breeze helps form a thin crust on the meat to protect it.

Getting Into the Meat of It

After another exceptional breakfast, it was time to prepare our kill for processing. I started the process of removing the hide from the carcass. This may seem like a straightforward process, but over the years, I’ve developed a few rules to follow to keep hair off the meat.

  • Rule Number 1: Never cut across the grain of hair unless it is necessary. Removing the legs at the joint is the only place I break this rule.
  • Rule Number 2: Use a knife where it’s necessary. Any time you can use a bit of leverage to pull the hide down, do it.

I’ve run through this process more times than I can count, so it’s not a terribly time-consuming task. I may have spent 30 minutes from start to finish, as I was in no hurry.

After the carcass was devoid of a coat, I opted to leave it on the tripod for another day in the strong, cool Nebraska wind to age until the next day.

On day four, it was time to process the carcass. I have a family of five to feed so I don’t bother with cutting individual steaks at the processing table. Most of my processing is separating into individual large muscle groups to be divided at home. Once I had everything broken down, we vacuum sealed the meat and stored it in a cooler for transportation.

 

tagging a doe during a hunt

Once the animal is down, you notch your tag before it’s removed from the field.

Final Thoughts

Day five was my least favorite day on this trip. Not because it’s hard work to spike camp, but because it was time to depart from the great people I met. The people are the best parts of these trips, and it is always gratifying to meet people you want to keep in touch with.

Returning home from an experience like this is always bittersweet. I look forward to seeing my wife and kids and sharing the stories of the experience, but I am quickly reminded that life is simple when you’re surrounded by nature, sleeping in a tent, and providing your own food. Thinking about returning the normal fast pace of life, I was already longing for the slower pace of life I was afforded at Beyond Hunter’s Education Camp. Never would I have thought, “I want to go back to Nebraska.”

Read More From Issue 72

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

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.

Wraith Metalworks Presents CANCON East 2026

By
Offgrid Staff
-
0

CLINTON, SC – Wraith Metalworks is proud to announce their place as Presenting Sponsor of CANCON 2026, at the Clinton House in Clinton, SC on May 6th through 8th.

A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small business, Wraith Metalworks was founded in 2020 first as a self-made think tank for tackling suppressor-related innovation. In early 2025, after years of multi-faceted problem solving, they entered full-scale R&D. By August of 2025, Wraith suppressors placed 1st, 2nd, and 5th at TBAC Suppressor Summit in the “ML” (Muzzle Left) category, out of 141 different 5.56 suppressors tested. Their focus on dynamic problem solving and rapid iteration—built around additive manufacturing—allows the Wraith team to re-optimize designs or solve end-user-specific suppression problems with functional testing in a matter of days, instead of months or years.

Their system-forward approach has created an entirely new methodology to suppressor construction that offers unprecedented flexibility for consumers. The Wraith Modular Suppression SystemTM offers several distinct advantages over legacy suppressor lines:

  • Multiple formats – Different diameters and lengths so you can optimize for specific missions and hosts instead of settling for “one size fits most.”
  • Multiple baffle designs – A large library of interchangeable baffles, each tuned for specific outcomes (sound, back‑pressure, flash, recoil, etc.), and cross‑compatible across our models.
  • True user‑serviceability – The ability to re‑configure, maintain, and upgrade at the component level rather than throwing away or sidelining entire suppressors.

Wraith currently offers three core suppressor sizes: the Sentinel at 1.88″, the Ambush at 1.575″, and the Raider at 1.45″. The Sentinel and Ambush feature annular flow channels along the outside of the can body, which significantly improve airflow control and exit hygiene, reducing turbulence and helping manage gas where it matters most.

Says Bill Abrams, Chief Executive Officer: “For us at Wraith Metalworks, CANCON is more than an event—it’s the center of gravity for the suppressor community. It brings together serious shooters, top manufacturers, and a culture that actually values performance over hype. There’s no better place for us to stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the best in the industry and meet the shooters we build for. We’re excited to be part of that energy, to spend time talking shop on the line, and to let people experience the Sentinel system in a place that’s all about suppressed shooting.”

For more information about tickets for CANCON 2026, Presented by Wraith Metalworks, check our website at CANCONevent.com

 

Read More

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

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

Tactical Shotgun: Upgrading Your Remington 1100

By
Patrick Diedrich
-
0
Tactical Shotgun Remington 1100 vs original

Few projects feel more personal than working on a firearm that has been around as long as you have. My Remington 1100 came into the world in the early ’80s. It carries the wear of honest use and the quiet reliability that made the design a favorite for generations of hunters. I have always enjoyed tinkering, which means I rarely leave anything exactly as I bought it. That includes guns. When I finally committed to giving my 1100 a set of tactical upgrades, I wanted the process to feel purposeful. I wanted to enhance its utility for the woods where I hunt. I wanted a shotgun that could take on home-defense duty when needed. I did not want to erase its roots.

Working on a platform like the 1100 adds a particular kind of satisfaction. It has a history worth appreciating. It shoots smoothly because of a gas system that softens recoil. It has served clay shooters, hunters, and competitors across the country, and has been one of the best-selling autoloading shotguns in American history. Many of us grew up seeing them in fields, duck blinds, and behind closet doors. Working with one feels like a small conversation across time.

This project started as a curiosity. It ended as a reminder that old tools can adapt to the times with a little patience and the right parts.

Remington 1100 Shotgun

Classic Remington 1100 before upgrades

A Brief History of the 1100

Introduced in the early ’60s, the Remington 1100 followed a line of gas-operated designs that paved the way for smoother-shooting autoloaders. Earlier models used different systems, but the 1100 refined many of those ideas. Its gas system bleeds pressure from ports near the forend. That pressure drives a sleeve around the magazine tube. The movement cycles the action and sets the next shell in place. It fires standard 2¾-inch shells without adjustment on most versions. Magnum variants handle heavier loads as well.

These features gave everyday shooters a softer recoil impulse. That mattered for long days in the field or the range. Hunters and target shooters alike noticed the difference. By the early ’80s, the 1100 had become the dominant autoloading shotgun in the country in terms of sales. Production continued through numerous variations and special editions. Anniversary models appeared. Synthetic competition models joined the line. Millions of 1100s sit in closets and safes today — still ready to work.

My own example began life as a standard field gun. It came with a long bird barrel and simple wood furniture. It pointed easily and swung with a familiar feel that brought back memories of my early hunts. But modifying something like this carries responsibility. You want improvement while respecting it for what made the design great.

Tools for Remington 1100 tactical Shotgun Build


It doesn’t take very many tools to disassemble, add new components, and reassemble. All of these are likely to be found at your local hardware store.

Why Build a Tactical 1100

People upgrade guns for different reasons. Some want a defensive setup that fits their home. Others want a tool that adapts between multiple roles without switching platforms. I wanted a shotgun that tracked deer where I hunt, but I also wanted that same gun to handle home protection if needed. My plan required a set of tactical accessories that could shift between barrels and give me consistent ergonomics. I preferred to build the setup myself rather than buy a premade tactical 1100. For me, half the enjoyment sits in the process.

Upgrading an older shotgun changes its presence. Black synthetic furniture, a magazine extension, a rail for an optic—these things add function, yet they also alter how the gun appears. A tactical look signals purpose and may send the wrong message in the field. Deer and birds do not care, but people do. An all-black shotgun can draw attention at a rural gas station or in brush country. You might want that for a defensive role. You might not want it when you are carrying your grandfather’s old bird gun into the woods.

That tension pushed me toward a solution that gave me tactical features but softened the visual impact. I wanted the parts to blend into the woods, but I also wanted a firearm that still felt like a hunter’s tool rather than something built for breaching a door. That desire eventually steered me toward a simple camouflage paint job for the new components.

Remington 1100 Breakdown

Tearing down a the Remington 1100 semi-auto shotgun may seem a little more complex than a carbine, bolt-action rifle, or handgun, but it is fairly straightforward. Organizing the parts in a systematic way will make reassembly much easier.

Breaking it Down

Working on the 1100 begins with a basic field strip. You start by removing the forend and taking off the barrel. The gas system components slide off the magazine tube. Removing the trigger group is easy after pushing out its retaining pins. Then, you separate the stock if you plan to replace it. There is a special tool that exists for taking off the nut in the bottom of the stock. But if you don’t have that readily available, you can improvise with an impact driver and a 5/8 flat boring bit.

Once the shotgun sits in its field-stripped state, you can lay out the components you plan to add. A tactical build usually needs a shorter barrel, an extended magazine, a rail system, and a stock that brings better control under stress. My goal was a flexible system that felt the same whether I carried it for hunting or kept it staged for home protection.

Classic stock vs tactical stock

Wood components give the Remington 1100 its classic, old-timey aesthetic. While there is nothing wrong with this, modern synthetic parts will improve grip, control, and durability.

Reassembly follows the same order as removal. The new stock attaches at the rear of the receiver. The new forend slides in as the barrel seats over the magazine tube. The extension threads on after the barrel and forend lock in place. The carrier and rail mount on top of the receiver. None of these steps change the internal operation of the shotgun. They simply give the user more options for handling, sighting, and loading.

What matters most is a mindset of moderation. Since this shotgun was gifted to me by my father, I didn’t want to paint over the factory receiver, barrel, or original magazine tube. Those remained untouched, preserving the history of the gun, and protecting its value. The original wood stock and forend rest safely in storage.

Remington 1100 Tactical Shotgun Build with camo Paint


Tactical 1100 Build

For my hunting build, I wanted a durable stock with improved control. I chose the Mesa Tactical Urbino. It shortens the length of pull and brings the gun into the shoulder more naturally when wearing layers. The Choate magazine extension adds capacity without excess weight. The Khyber Optics MDO Mini Dot gives me a clear sight picture in dim woods. The Choate tactical forend gives better grip when hands grow cold.
These pieces work together to transform the feel of the 1100. You get quicker target acquisition. You get better handling in tight trees. You also get a shotgun that looks markedly different from the one that sat in your grandfather’s safe. That visual shift is why finishing touches matter.

My original 1100 carried warm wood tones that blended into the field without effort. The synthetic replacements showed up dark and bold. They cast a tactical silhouette that looked out of place in the woods or out in the fields. That difference inspired me to paint the new parts in a camo pattern modeled after the environment I’m surrounded by.

Paint and supplies for Remington 1100 Tactical shotgun build


If painting a component feels intimidating, practice on a piece of scrap paper or cardboard box. And if you paint a piece and it’s not to your liking, you can always start over. A few extra layers of paint won’t hurt it.

Blending In

Camo paint can make or break the look of a build. It can also soften the presence of a tactical shotgun when hunting. Rust-Oleum’s Camouflage line works well for this because the finish eliminates shine. I like colors that match local terrain: sand, dark earth, dark green. These create a natural palette. The paint helps the shotgun appear less aggressive and lets me blend in while sitting quietly in the brush.
When painting camo, I like to start with the colors I’d like to be the most prominent: tan for grassy brush, and dark green for leafy vegetation. Light colors on the bottom and dark colors on the top mimic the shades of creatures that roam the land. I then use dark earth and the stencil materials to make the patterns pop.

Painting a set of components requires patience and the right materials. It also requires a gentle touch. You want your pattern to feel organic. You want it to look like it belongs outdoors. I use local vegetation as stencils because they create soft edges that mimic natural shapes.
Once the pieces dry, a matte clear enamel helps protect the finish from scratches and moisture. Wear will still come over time. That is part of the charm. A shotgun should look used. It should record seasons and moments. Paint simply helps it do that for a little longer.

Remington 1100 Tactical Shotgun Build

The Remington 1100 Tactical Shotgun Upgraded for Home Defense

Final Thoughts

Building a tactical 1100 demonstrates the value of adaptation. Old guns have stories. They also have potential. With patience and a light touch, a classic field shotgun can step into new roles without losing its past. My 1100 now handles hunting season and home protection with equal confidence. It blends into the brush in a way that respects both the land and the people who move through it. All it needed was thoughtful upgrades, a little paint, and an appreciation for what it once was. Anyone can follow a similar path. That is the beauty of working with a platform that has served millions of shooters across generations.

Home Defesnse Tactical Shotgun build

Remington 1100 Tactical Shotgun Large Game/Home-Defense Build

By incorporating a shorter, threaded barrel, this setup is better suited to hunting big creatures with slugs. An extra bonus is that it has front and rear sight posts illuminated by fiber threads for a little aiming redundancy. Adding a light to the forend will light up a room if needed to find intruders in the dark.

  • Gun: Remington 1100, circa 1984
  • Barrel: 21-inch threaded barrel
  • Stock: Mesa Tactical Urbino Tactical Stock
  • Shell Carrier: Mesa Tactical SureShell Shotshell Carrier with Picatinny rail
  • Magazine: Briley +6 round mag extension
  • Forend: Choate Tactical Forend
  • Light: Streamlight ProTac 2.0 RM
  • Optic: Khyber Optics MDO Mini Dot
Bird Hunting Tactical Shotgun Build

Remington 1100 Tactical Shotgun Bird Hunting Build

Although this is a little heavier and takes up more room, the extra length keeps shot patterns tighter at further distances. This makes it more lethal when hunting game birds, and makes hitting clay pigeons a little more effective.

  • Gun: Remington: 1100, circa 1984
  • Barrel: 30-inch smooth bore
  • Stock: Mesa Tactical Urbino Tactical Stock
  • Shell Carrier: Mesa Tactical SureShell Shotshell Carrier with full-length Picatinny rail
  • Magazine: Choate 7 Shot Mag extension
  • Forend: Choate Tactical Forend
  • Optic: Khyber Optics MDO Mini Dot

Read More From Issue 72

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

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.

Top Brass Debuts at SHOT Show 2026

By
Patrick Diedrich
-
0
Award recipient shakes hands with OFFGRID Senior Editor Patrick Diedrich.

SHOT Show has never lacked new products. What it has often lacked is filtration. Thousands of booths present incremental updates, cosmetic revisions, and marketing language that sounds impressive on a placard but reveals little about performance once equipment leaves the convention hall. For 2026, Recoil Group introduced a mechanism intended to address that problem directly.

The inaugural “Top Brass” award tasked the Senior Editors of RECOIL, RECOIL OFFGRID, Concealment, and Gun Digest with identifying products that demonstrated real-world utility, novelty, innovation, and sometimes a combination of those attributes. Each editor walked the show floor independently and selected equipment based on practical relevance, durability, and problem-solving capability. OFFGRID Senior Editor, Patrick Diedrich, was assigned three awards focused specifically on preparedness and field use.

Outdoor Tech Award

Dark Energy – Poseidon XL

Key highlights:

  • 27,000 mAh lithium-ion capacity
  • 100W XT60 solar charging capability
  • Four fast-charging ports
  • Largest airplane-safe carry-on battery capacity
  • Powers Starlink Mini for roughly 2–3 hours
  • URL: Dark Energy

Portable power has quietly become critical infrastructure for modern field work. Communications, mapping, photography, navigation, and reporting now depend on electronics. A power bank is no longer a convenience item; it is an operational dependency. Most battery banks, however, remain consumer electronics wearing an outdoor aesthetic.

Dark Energy’s Poseidon XL was selected because it is engineered as field equipment first and electronics second.

The 27,000 mAh lithium-ion battery is built around environmental survivability. The housing exceeds MIL-STD-810G durability standards and carries an IP68 rating, allowing full submersion to six feet for 45 minutes while remaining dustproof and crush resistant. In practical terms, this is a battery bank that tolerates river crossings, heavy rain, snow, and pack abuse without protective handling.

Functionally, the Poseidon XL outputs and accepts 100-watt USB-C power and supports solar charging through an XT60 port. It can operate a Starlink Mini terminal for approximately two to three hours, recharge a 13-inch laptop about 1.5 times, and charge multiple devices simultaneously using four fast-charging ports. The unit includes internal voltage regulation and surge protection and is rated as the largest airplane-safe battery capacity currently allowed for carry-on travel. The device also includes timed shutoff modes to prevent overnight parasitic drain, a detail more relevant to expedition use than casual camping. The result is a power solution that bridges backcountry travel and modern connectivity rather than forcing a choice between them.

Tactical Minimalist Award

Sunshine Safety First Aid BRIK Micro

Key Highlights:

  • Berry compliant
  • 3.5 x 3 x 1.75 inches
  • Kevlar aramid stitching
  • Mil-spec elastic and hook-and-loop retention
  • 10 ounces
  • URL: Sunshine Safety First Aid

Preparedness equipment often fails for a simple reason: people leave it behind. Bulk and inconvenience are the most reliable predictors of non-carry. Sunshine Safety First Aid approached the problem by compressing a trauma stabilization capability into a footprint small enough to carry continuously.

The BRIK Micro (Bleed Resource Individual Kit) measures approximately 3.5 by 3 by 1.75 inches and weighs under one pound while maintaining a full traumatic hemorrhage response capability. Despite the compact dimensions, the kit contains a tourniquet option (Snakestaff ETQ Wide or SOF-T), QuikClot Combat Gauze, nasal airway, emergency trauma dressing, gloves, and supportive medical supplies.

The pouch itself uses Berry-compliant construction with Squadron 1000D laminate nylon, aramid Kevlar stitching, mil-spec elastic, and hook-and-loop retention. The design objective is constant carry rather than staged carry. It fits small packs, belt kits, and vehicle compartments without displacing other equipment. The significance of the BRIK Micro is behavioral. A medical kit that is present is infinitely more useful than a comprehensive kit stored at home. The product prioritizes accessibility and consistency over capacity while still addressing the most likely preventable cause of death in field trauma: uncontrolled bleeding.

Forged Innovation Award

Iron Ethos / SEAMARTEC – Orion Hatchet

Key Highlights:

  • Overall length: 16.54 inches
  • Blade length: 7.88 inches
  • Blade thickness: 5 mm
  • Blade material: D2 tool steel
  • Handle material: Micarta
  • URL(s): SEAMARTEC | Iron Ethos

SHOT Show 2026 marked the debut of Iron Ethos and Seamartec, a collaborative manufacturing effort bridging tactical and hunting/outdoor design philosophies. Their first major release, the Orion Hatchet designed by Jason Breeden, received the Forged Innovation award.

At first glance the Orion resembles a hybrid of a tracker knife, hatchet, and war pick. The unusual geometry is deliberate rather than aesthetic. The forward edge supports chopping and limbing, the reinforced point supports penetration and controlled splitting, and the handle geometry supports both hammer grip and choked-up control.

Constructed from D2 tool steel with a 5 mm blade thickness and a micarta handle, the 16.54-inch tool occupies a space between camp knife and compact axe. The design allows wood processing, shelter construction, and controlled carving tasks without requiring a full-size axe. It is part of the Mountain Peak Series and represents a new manufacturer entering the market with a defined identity rather than a derivative product.

The collaboration divides roles: Iron Ethos represents the tactical application side, while Seamartec targets hunting and general outdoor use. The Orion establishes a shared design language focused on durability and multi-role capability.

Closing Thoughts

The Top Brass award is not a popularity contest and not a marketing partnership. It is a field-relevance award. Each selection represents equipment intended to solve an actual problem encountered outside the convention center. For OFFGRID, that means survivability, reliability, and carry practicality.

Check out our in-person coverage of these companies at RecoilTV: SHOT Show 2026: The Best Survival Gear Nobody Is Talking About!

Read More

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

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

Cold Steel Recon 1

By
Nicholas Italiano
-
0
Cold Steel Recon 1 with gear

Cold Steel was founded in 1980 by Lynn Thompson with the goal of creating knives that could hold up to the rigors of hard use and tactical applications. Those familiar with the company know that most Cold Steel folding knives feature large and aggressive designs that focus on functionality over fancy aesthetics. For over four decades, Cold Steel has combined their aggressive and functional designs with durable materials and reliable locking mechanisms to create some of the toughest folding knives on the market. These qualities propelled many of Cold Steel’s designs to become popular with military, law enforcement, first responders, and tactical knife enthusiasts — but one design stands out above the rest, the Recon 1.

 

Recon 1

 

The Recon 1

The Recon 1 debuted in 2000 as a full-sized folding knife, featuring a thumb disk for deployment, a strong ultra lock, Zytel handles, and AUS-8 steel. For the knife enthusiasts reading this, those materials may not seem very impressive, but at the time these materials were widely used in tactical and duty knives across the industry. Thanks to the popularity of the Recon, Cold Steel continued to improve upon the design, as superior materials and innovative production techniques became standard.

In 2008, Cold Steel introduced the Tri-Ad locking mechanism designed in collaboration with famed knife maker Andrew Demko. This new locking mechanism looks similar to the classic back lock found on many classic folding knives but featured superior lockup and safety that allowed folding knives to perform many of the tasks once reserved for fixed blades. Ten years later, the Recon 1 was redesigned to incorporate the Tri-Ad lock and thumb stud opening method.

Today, the Recon 1 remains one of the most recognizable tactical folding knives on the market with two major variants. The standard Recon 1 features a 4-inch S35VN super steel blade that is available in clip point, American tanto, or spear point. The blade of the standard Recon 1 is offered in plain edge or half serrated and either a satin or tough black DLC coating. The blade stock is 3.5mm, allowing for excellent slicing capability while remaining durable.

The new Recon M1 features the clip-point blade with a plain edge and either a satin or DLC finished blade — but instead of S35VN steel, it comes in premium MagnaCut steel for increased edge retention and corrosion resistance.

Both variants are equipped with textured black G10 handles known for superb durability, chemical and UV resistance, and positive grip when wet. All the blade shape variants are known for their piercing qualities — with the tanto and clip-point tips having a more aggressive appearance, and a slightly more subdued spear point that provides superior tip durability.
Combining the strong Tri-Ad lock with high-end materials and just under 10 inches overall length, the Recon 1 is a full-sized workhorse of a knife that is ready to take on any tactical or practical task you can throw at it.

Cold Steel Recon 1

Recon 1 Spec Sheet

  • Make & Model : Cold Steel Recon 1
  • Overall Length: 9 3/8 inches
  • Blade Length: 4 inches
  • Blade Thickness: 3.5mm
  • Blade Shape: Clip point, tanto, or spear point; half serration available on all versions
  • Blade Steel: S35VN super steel
  • Handle Material: Black G10
  • Handle Length: 5 3/8 inches
  • Blade Finish: Satin or DLC coated
  • MSRP :$177
  • Weight: 5.2 ounces

Recon M1 Spec Sheet

  • Make & Model : Cold Steel Recon M1
  • Overall Length: 9 3/8 inches
  • Blade Length: 4 inches
  • Blade Thickness: 3.5mm
  • Blade Shape: Clip point
  • Blade Steel: Magnacut
  • Handle Material: Black G10
  • Handle Length: 5 3/8 inches
  • Blade Finish: Satin or DLC coated
  • MSRP: $260
  • Weight: 5.2 ounces

 

Cold STL Recon Magnacut Ruby RED

Cold STL Recon Magnacut Ruby RED

$309.99 $161.26
BattleHawk Armory $161.26
Prices accurate at time of publishing. Affiliate disclosure.
Recon 1 XL

 

The Recon 1 XL

If you love the design of the Recon 1 but are looking for something even bigger, the Recon 1 XL is what you need. Released in 2025, the Recon 1 XL has a massive 5.25-inch clip-point blade made from tough XHP steel. While XHP may not be considered as premium as S35VN or MagnuCut, it offers the superior durability of many high carbon tool steels, while remaining corrosion resistant. The blade stock is 3.8 mm thick, slightly thicker than the standard Recon 1’s 3.5mm stock. This adds more durability in hard-use tasks without sacrificing the excellent slicing capabilities the Recon 1 is known for.

The handle of the XL is 7 inches long with the same style G10 scales found on the standard Recon 1 model, providing all the durability and grip prowess of the original. The XL also offers an excellent pocket clip — though the XL is likely too large for most pockets but can be clipped to your belt or MOLLE webbing on a pack, plate carrier, or chest rig. The strong Tri-Ad lock is present and does an excellent job holding the massive blade in place during rigorous use.

Coming in at just over 1-foot long when opened, the Recon 1 XL is likely too large for standard EDC, but it makes an excellent hard-use outdoor or field knife. The clip-point blade offers exceptional piercing capabilities combined with tough XHP steel, and a good slicing ability, making the XL an ideal choice for a large hunting knife, camp knife, or self-defense tool.

Cold Steel Recon 1 XL

Recon 1 XL Spec Sheet

  • Make & Model: Cold Steel Recon 1 XL
  • Overall Length: 12.24 inches
  • Blade Length: 5.25 inches
  • Blade Thickness: 3.8mm
  • Blade Shape: Clip point
  • Blade Steel: XHP
  • Handle Material: Black G10
  • Handle Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Finish: Satin or PVD coated
  • MSRP: $330
  • Weight: 8 ounces
Cold-Steel Cold Recon XL Knife 5-1 Clip Point Blade

Cold-Steel Cold Recon XL Knife 5-1 Clip Point Blade

$169.49
Natchez Shooting & Outdoors $169.49 Blade HQ $279.99
Prices accurate at time of publishing. Affiliate disclosure.

 

Recon 1 Mini

 

Recon 1 Mini

If you are looking for a more EDC-friendly choice, the Recon 1 Mini is an excellent option. Don’t let the name fool you, the Recon 1 Mini falls into the size range of most EDC knives, packing a 3-inch blade and a comfortable 4-inch handle, making it discreet and pocketable for everyday carry.
The Recon 1 Mini is available in clip point, tanto, or spear point and features the venerable Tri-Ad lock system. Like the larger models, the Mini comes equipped with a highly functional clip for pocket carry or attachment to gear.

The Mini’s blade is made from AUS-10A steel, a midrange Japanese steel offering good corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening. Unlike the large Recon 1 models, the Mini is only available in a satin finish.

The handle of the Recon 1 Mini is made from a type of glass fiber-reinforced nylon commonly known as Grivory or Griv-Ex. GRN is a thermoplastic that offers high heat and impact resistance while remaining lightweight and inexpensive to produce. GRN is widely considered a lesser handle material compared to G10, as it is less durable and has a bit more flex — however, it is still very durable and widely used in automotive and machine parts as a replacement for metal.

The Recon 1 Mini lacks some of the premium options found on the larger models, but it more than makes up for it with its EDC-friendly size that retains the same functional design and blade shape options found in the standard model. The Mini weighs 3.5 ounces, making it easy to carry in just about any type of pants. Best of all, the Recon Mini won’t break the bank with an MSRP of $80.

Cold Steel Recon 1 Mini

Recon 1 Mini Spec Sheet

  • Make & Model: Cold Steel Recon 1 Mini
  • Overall Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Length: 3 inches
  • Blade Thickness: 3mm
  • Blade Shape: Clip point, tanto, or spear point
  • Blade Steel: AUS-10A
  • Handle Material: Black GRN
  • Handle Length: 4 inches
  • Blade Finish: Satin
  • MSRP: $80
  • Weight: 3.5 ounces

 

Cold Steel Mini Recon Knife

Cold Steel Mini Recon Knife

$41.19
DEGuns $41.19 Sportsman's Warehouse $79.99
Prices accurate at time of publishing. Affiliate disclosure.
Cold Steel Recon 1 Micro

 

Recon 1 Micro

The Micro is the smallest knife in the Recon 1 family, sporting a 2-inch blade and an overall length of 4 3/8 inches. Unlike the other versions of the Recon 1, the Micro does not have a pocket clip, instead offering the ability to add a keyring. The ultra compact Micro weighs in at only 1.1 ounces, making it an excellent addition to your keys or a fifth-pocket knife in jeans.
Despite the compact nature of the Recon 1 Micro, it retains the strong Tri-Ad lock found in the other versions and is offered in all three blade shapes found in the standard and mini variants. The blade is made from 4034 steel, a budget-oriented steel comparable to 420 stainless steel. While it will not hold an edge like premium steels, it will sharpen up quickly and provides reasonable toughness and corrosion resistance.

The handle of the Micro is made from the same GRN material as the Mini, providing durability while remaining lightweight. Unlike the other versions, the Recon 1 Micro does not provide a full handle grip, allowing for a comfortable two-finger grip.

Due to the compact nature of the Micro, it is best suited as a backup or small utility knife. The Micro does keep many great features of the other variants, including versatile blade shapes and strong lock, making it an excellent option for those living or working in restrictive jurisdictions.

Cold Steel Recon 1 Micro

Recon1 Micro Spec Sheet

  • Make & Model :Cold Steel Recon 1 Mini
  • Overall Length: 4 3/8 inches
  • Blade Length: 2 inches
  • Blade Thickness: 2.5mm
  • Blade Shape: Clip point, tanto, or spear point
  • Blade Steel: 4034
  • Handle Material: Black GRN
  • Handle Length: 2 3/8 inches
  • Blade Finish: Satin
  • MSRP: $33
  • Weight: 1.1 ounces
Cold Steel Recon Tanto Point Knife AUS-8A Tanto Blade Long G-10 Styled

Cold Steel Recon Tanto Point Knife AUS-8A Tanto Blade Long G-10 Styled

$22.40
Hinterland Outfitters $22.40 DEGuns $24.19 Optics Planet $37.99
Prices accurate at time of publishing. Affiliate disclosure.

Read More From Issue 72

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

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.

Conquering the Cold with the Vanquest IBEX 26

By
Nicholas Italiano
-
0
Vanquest ibex winter go bag

Venturing out at the peak of the winter season can bring many challenges that we do not encounter in warmer conditions. Freezing temperatures bring snow and ice that can make navigating a familiar landscape challenging and turn our daily commute into a dangerous situation if we are not prepared. Gearing up involves ensuring we have appropriate clothing, outerwear, and footwear. Beyond ensuring our on-body gear is keeping us safe, we also need to ensure our Get Home Bag is ready to manage the harsh winter conditions.

winter path

Your Shelter from the Storm

A get home bag is designed to provide all the tools and supplies you will need to get back to a secure location. The challenge of building one is finding the appropriate balance of gear and weight. Unlike a bug-out bag, which is designed for three or more days away from home, a get home bag should contain about 24 hours of supplies. During warming seasons, keeping your get home bag light and nimble is simple, but the harsh weather and freezing temperatures of winter leads to the need for additional items — resulting in a heavier bag.

While many will not be concerned about extra weight in their get home bag if they are not traveling on foot, wintery conditions increase the likelihood we may have to abandon our vehicle and move on foot. Snow and ice will already make traveling on foot more difficult, and adding a heavy pack to the mix can be a recipe for disaster.

Mitigating this challenge is a two-part process. Smart packing and making use of multi-purpose items can help reduce weight. Second, choose a bag that helps safely manage additional weight.


vanquest ibex 26

Vanquest IBEX-26

Vanquest is a small U.S.-based company that specializes in making top-quality soft goods including backpacks, slings bags, and organization pouches. Beyond having a passion for excellent craftsmanship, each piece of gear Vanquest designs has a goal of providing solutions for common gear hauling problems. The IBEX series is a perfect example of the Vanquest ethos.

The IBEX series is available in a 26- and 35-liter options — for the get home bag, I opted for the 26-liter option to avoid overpacking. At first glance, the IBEX looks similar to many hiking-style packs with its tall narrow design, waist belt, and numerous external gear mounting options. This design style is ideal for safely managing a heavier pack, as the weight is better distributed and the hip belt allows the weight of the pack to be taken off your shoulders and moved to stronger muscle groups in your hips and legs. The shift in weight off your shoulders improves balance, reduces fatigue, and decreases the likelihood of muscle strain injuries. Like high-quality hiking packs, the IBEX has excellent padding on the straps and a stiff but breathable back for structure and comfort.

What makes the Vanquest IBEX unique is that it successfully blends the comfort and safety of a well-designed hiking pack with the toughness and organizational benefits often found in tactical-style packs. Unlike traditional hiking packs that employ a thin, lightweight nylon, the IBEX is primarily built with ultra-durable Cordura nylon that is both wear and tear resistant. The external MOLLE panels are made from Hypalon, which is resistant to the elements, continuous UV rays, and chemicals. Vanquest uses high-quality YKK zippers paired with Spartan zipper pulls that make rapidly opening or closing the pack easy in high-stress situations.

In addition to the MOLLE panels that pouches or gear can be lashed to, the exterior offers two pockets on either side that can house quick-access items and even expand to fit larger items. The pockets contain hook-and-loop panels, where optional accessory pouches can be added. The top of the pack offers one large pocket that also can provide access to the main compartment without having to unzipper the whole pack. The exterior also offers a number of attachment points that can be used to lash on items like trekking poles and hatchets.

The main compartment offers a mesh zipper compartment, secondary access to the top outside pocket, a back pocket that can easily fit a large laptop or water bladder, and MOLLE/hook-and-loop attachment points for additional organization pouches.

Packing the IBEX-26 for Winter Weather

Many of the items stored in your winter get home bag will be valuable in any season, though some items may require special consideration during freezing winter temperatures. In addition to survival basics, additional items will need to be included to help keep you safe in the harsh winter weather. Let’s break down each of the categories to demonstrate where special considerations and additions may be required.

Fire

The ability to make fire is vital in most survival situations. Fire serves as a means of cooking food, boiling water, and producing heat. Fire can also be used to help signal for help and raise morale. In the winter months, producing heat if stuck outdoors is a top priority, and some special consideration is needed when packing fire-starting equipment for the winter. Standard lighters will not always work as well in the extreme cold. Electronic lighters can be an acceptable alternative, but batteries will also deplete faster in cold environments. We must also consider the high levels of moisture from snow, especially if it has begun melting.

Man-made tinder and chemical tinder will burn hot even when wet. Chemical tinder options can burn very hot and may aid in getting wet wood burning if no dry wood is available.
When searching for wood in snow-covered areas, it is best to try to find dead wood that is still attached to standing trees and off the ground, as they are likely to be less moist than wood found on the ground.
Another option is to soak cotton balls in WD-40, as they will be flammable and could double as lubricant for zippers and small tools. Learning to use a ferrocerium rod is especially valuable in cold and wet environments; it will still produce sparks in those conditions.


Water

Water is something we can’t go without for very long. When it comes to dehydration, many people immediately think of hot climates, but dehydration is as much of a threat in the winter as it is in the summer. The coats and heavy clothing we wear to shelter us from the harsh winter elements can also cause us to sweat once we start exerting ourselves, which can cause rapid water loss if we are not careful.
Stored water can freeze in our packs if exposed to freezing temperatures, so it is best not to leave your get home bag in your vehicle. When traveling outdoors on foot, the water should be packed closest to your body to help prevent freezing.

Wild water sources can be limited in the winter, and even if running water is found, it is not as simple as bottling it and drinking it. Even in cold temperatures, water can be home to pathogens that can make us sick. Purification or disinfection methods such as boiling, chemical treatments, or filters should be used. If you carry a portable water filter, it is important to know if it is rated for freezing temperatures.

Drinking cold water can also contribute to rapidly cooling our core, increasing the threat of hypothermia. Snow or ice should never be consumed for hydration for the same reasons cold water should not be directly consumed.

Shelter

Having shelter or carrying the items you need to make a shelter is an important addition to any survival kit. In the winter, we may be wearing heavier clothing, but sheltering ourselves from wind, snow, and freezing rain can help extend our ability to survive outdoors longer.

In the winter, we need to account for higher winds and the weight of snow and ice when building a shelter. This means heavy-duty tarps may be a better option than something thin. Ensure tarp materials that won’t absorb moisture, resulting in cold water dripping into your shelter as the interior area warms up.

Keeping your body off the cold ground is also essential, so plan on carrying or having the ability to create insulated ground cover.

Clothing

In the winter, we should be dressing appropriately even for a short excursion away from home; things happen, and you don’t want to be stuck out in the cold without proper protection from the elements. It is also vital to carry a spare set of dry clothes with you.

Wet clothing is a major contributor to hypothermia. If you fall into a body of water or your clothing becomes saturated with water or sweat, getting into fresh dry clothes can keep you alive.
Wool is an ideal material for winter use, as it can keep you warm even when wet. While it is still best to get dry clothing on, if there is no additional dry clothing, wool is a better option than cotton.
Keeping your spare clothing dry is important while your pack may be water resistant, but adding an additional layer of protection like a dry bag or even a tightly tied trash bag can help ensure clothing stays dry.

Navigation

Snow can make navigating more difficult. Even a familiar area can appear alien when it is covered in snow, especially areas that are less traveled. Paths and trails become impossible to see, and familiar landmarks can be obscured by snow cover.

Having and knowing how to use a compass can help give you a sense of direction while on the move. A stand-alone GPS unit can help guide you to snow-covered paths or trails, but like all electronics, it can suffer from faster battery depletion in the cold. If relying on electronics, always carry backup power and keep electronics and backup batteries as close to your body as possible to reduce battery drain from the cold.

Light

A method of light production is something everyone should have available in their everyday survival kit. Light is even more important for extended emergencies. One advantage to snow is that it is light reflective, allowing better visibility from both synthetic light sources and the moon at night.

When considering light sources, we must account for cold weather battery drain. Lights with alternate color modes beyond just white can help reduce glare from snow and preserve natural night vision.
Headlamps can be beneficial to produce hands-free light, allowing you to keep your hands in your pockets for warmth or utilize other tools.


Tools

Basic tools can make a big difference in survival situations and play an important role in our survival kits. Knives, multi-tools, saws, hatchets, and axes can serve just as well in the winter as they do in the warmer months.

When picking tools for winter survival, we should consider tools we can effectively use with gloves on. If we must take our gloves off to use a tool, keep in mind that metal handles can get very cold if exposed to the elements, so it’s best to pick tools with polymer or wood handles.

Food

Food provides valuable fuel to keep our bodies moving. In the cold months, we can see a significant increase in caloric burn to help keep our bodies warm, so having access to calories is important.
Wild food sources may be abundant in the warm months, but they can become scarce in the winter. Packing shelf-stable food items that are less sensitive to freezing can be beneficial. Like water, food items should be stored closest to your body to prevent freezing.

Self-Defense

Having something to defend yourself in an emergency is important. Keep in mind that some of these tools may be affected by freezing temperatures.

Pepper spray can be less effective in freezing temperatures, having diminished spray patterns, and canisters can be damaged or rupture in extreme cold temperatures. Keeping your pepper spray close to your body can keep it functional. Firearms can also be damaged or have performance issues with prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. Proper lubrication and maintenance beforehand can reduce both corrosion and performance issues.

First Aid and Medical

Basic first aid items to treat a minor injury are a must for any survival kit. Additional items to cover more severe injuries can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency, but only have value with the proper training to use them.

Many disinfectants, like alcohol pads, can double as a fire starter in an emergency. Medications, especially liquids, can be susceptible to reduced effects if exposed to the cold for extended periods of time.
Bleeding control is essential when facing extreme cold, as blood loss can rapidly speed the onset of hypothermia.

In the winter months, it may be beneficial to pack more items related to slip-and-fall injuries, including splints and fabric wraps.

Final Thoughts

With a pack like the Vanquest IBEX-26 and some careful planning, you will be ready to face the challenges that come along with traveling during the winter months. While we all hope never to face an emergency, it is a far safer bet to be prepared with the knowledge, skills, and equipment needed to keep us safe should disaster strike.

See our full review of the Vanquest IBEX 26 Here

Read More From Issue 72

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

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.

Maintaining Comms During Disaster

By
Patrick Diedrich
-
0
Emergency communication 101

The Premise

Emergency Communication 101 sets out to solve a simple problem that becomes massive in a disaster. When the grid goes down and cell towers fail, most people have no clue how to talk to anyone beyond shouting distance. Creek Stewart and Joe Bassett aim this book squarely at beginners who need a foundation in off-grid communication. They walk the reader through why emergency communication matters, how radios work at the most basic level, and what kinds of tools can keep a family connected when everything modern society depends on suddenly flickers out.

The Breakdown

The book begins by highlighting the fragility of modern communication systems. Stewart and Bassett explain what happens when cell networks fail in a disaster, why traditional internet-based messaging collapses, and how this immediate loss of information affects rescue efforts and family reunification. This section reinforces a core survival truth. You cannot rely on infrastructure that depends on countless external systems to function. From there, the authors introduce the concept of resilient communication using radios and satellite tools that operate independently of everyday networks.

A significant portion of the book focuses on types of radios and their practical uses. The authors cover ham, CB, GMRS, and simple walkie-talkies, giving readers the who, what, and when for each option. For beginners, this makes the overwhelming radio landscape feel manageable. They explain licensing requirements, effective range, portability, and the basic etiquette needed to operate responsibly. This is where the book shines for newcomers. It removes mystery and presents radio communication as an accessible skill rather than an intimidating technical hobby.

The authors also explore emergency power solutions. Solar generators, portable battery banks, small panels, and backup power stations all receive straightforward treatment. Instead of deep electrical theory, readers get scenario-driven advice that helps them match tools to their expected disaster conditions. For anyone unfamiliar with off-grid power but eager to protect their communication capability, these explanations provide a solid introduction.

Another key topic is building an emergency communication plan. Stewart and Bassett outline how to identify communication priorities, designate meeting points, assign responsibilities, and incorporate backup methods. They encourage redundancy and simple drills to ensure family members actually know how to use the equipment. Again, the level is introductory but practical, leaning more toward checklists and easy wins than advanced strategies.

The Verdict

Emergency Communication 101 is an excellent on ramp for those who have never touched a radio or considered how fragile modern communication systems truly are. Its value drops for anyone with even modest experience in ham, GMRS, or off-grid power setups because the content remains intentionally basic. This is not a deep dive into advanced radio theory or high-level preparedness communication practices. It is a guided tour for beginners who need clarity, confidence, and a starting point.
For that audience, it succeeds. For intermediate readers, there will be little new ground. Overall, the book delivers on its promise. It teaches foundational skills and encourages readers to take the first tangible steps toward reliable communication in emergencies.

Emergency communication 101

About the Book

Book & Author: Emergency Communication 101
By Creek Stewart & Joe Bassett
Publisher: Adams Media
MSRP: $19 paperback
Pages: 224
Rating: Thrive | Survive | Die

Read More From Issue 72

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

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.

From Tactical to Practical

By
Nicholas Italiano
-
0
Olympic national park

I often meet people in my day-to-day life who do not understand why I spend my time, money, and energy constantly improving upon my family’s preparedness and self-sufficiency. The question I always get asked is, “Why do you do this?” For a long time, my answers consisted of a list of technical reasons why preparedness makes sense — but I found this never really had the impact on people I thought it would. This took me down the road of looking at the reasons why I embarked upon this preparedness journey in the first place — the why.

My passion for preparedness began well before I was born, starting with my grandfather in the World War II era. My grandfather was born and raised in Italy. He was a passionate and intelligent man who actively spoke out against the rise of Mussolini’s fascist regime. His activism quickly made him a target of the oppressive regime, resulting in threats of imprisonment and death. He spent time hiding and traveling between monasteries before he was finally able to flee to America. When he arrived in the United States, he could have simply lived his life in peace, but he instead chose to join the U.S. Army and fight for what he believed in. That tenacity for standing up for his beliefs and will to survive resulted in the creation of my family, and while my father and his brothers did not grow up living as preppers, my grandfather always instilled the importance of critical thinking, utilizing outside-the-box ideas to overcome obstacles, and the importance of protecting the family.

My grandfather was a big part of my life when I was growing up, and he instilled upon me the same values he taught his children through the stories of his life experiences. My father taught me the importance of hard work and doing everything to the best of my ability. He also shared with me his love of the great outdoors, physical fitness, healthy eating, and growing our own food in the limited space we had available to us in urban New York. Our shared love of wild places allowed me to experience the wonders of the wilderness around the country.

When I was 12 years old, I embarked on an adventure with my uncle and his family to Olympic National Park in Washington. As young people often do, I had a fight with one of my cousins while on a hike and decided to head back to the cabin we were staying in to cool off. After some time, I got bored and decided to hike back out to catch up with the group. What started with a few wrong turns ended with me wandering the expansive wilderness alone and hopelessly lost for hours.

After the water I brought along with me was exhausted, I had to rely on natural water sources to stay cool and hydrated. I utilized the knowledge I had learned in Boy Scouts and from my father to source water from the fast-moving rivers to stay hydrated and continued along the trails until I heard vehicles from a road and eventually went off trail toward the road until I came across the dirt road. I followed the road for a while until a park ranger vehicle went zooming past me. About 100 feet ahead, that ranger vehicle slammed on the brakes and threw it in reverse until reaching me. He asked my name, and when I answered, he promptly responded, “We’ve been looking for you, get in!” He took me back to my family. I spent the rest of the trip sick, as despite trying to source potable water I ingested parasites that caused gastrointestinal illness.

This was a defining moment for me. I realized how fortunate I was to be alive and decided it was important for me to learn all I could about wilderness survival. Throughout the rest of my youth and early adult life, my experiences continued to shape my preparedness, mindset, and skills. As a teenager, I worked for a taxidermist, where I learned the importance of hunting in providing protein and usable resources from animals. When I got engaged to my wife, my father-in-law — a Marine and retired NYPD police officer — taught me firearms skills and tactics to defend myself and my family. I experienced living through natural disasters, grid outages, supply chain disruptions, and lived in the New York City area during 9/11.

The culmination of all these experiences and people in my life was the realization that preparedness is not just a single set of skills or an array of cool gear — it was a state of mind and the blending of practical ancestral practices, general modern know-how, tactical skills, and the appropriate equipment that I knew how to use. It was more than being prepared in an emergency — it was living a self-sufficient lifestyle and building a community around me, both to teach and to learn from.

As you read through this issue, you will see a variety of topics, ranging from practical self-sufficiency for everyday life to tactical skills and equipment that can help all of us in an emergency. Each article was selected based on the important lessons I learned throughout my life. As you read through each of article, I encourage you to look back on your own experiences and ask yourself what shaped you into the preparedness-minded person you are today — so that the next time someone asks you why you do what you do, you can explain your why.

Read More From Issue 72

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

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.

RECOIL OFFGRID UNDISCLOSED VIDEO – Part 1

By
Nicholas Italiano
-
0
undisclosed logo with atv

 

Welcome to RECOIL UNDISCLOSED

In Part 1 of this two-part series, a group of everyday civilians is dropped into a completely unknown environment with one objective… learn how to think, move, and act when systems fail and help is not coming. Hosted by RECOIL and OFFGRID, UNDISCLOSED is not a typical training weekend. There are no spectators. No phones guiding the way. No prior warning of what comes next.

Participants are pushed through compressed, high-intensity instruction designed to build real-world capability under stress. This episode sets the foundation. You will see participants arrive with zero context, form teams, and immediately begin training across critical disciplines including tactical medicine using the MARCH algorithm, close-quarters battle fundamentals with sim munitions, surveillance and intelligence gathering, shelter construction and camouflage, land navigation through terrain association, low-light decision making, and precision rifle problem solving under unknown variables.

The day culminates with the reveal of the scenario that drives the entire exercise… a simulated hostage situation that requires teams to move undetected, establish observation posts, collect intelligence, and prepare for a coordinated rescue operation at first light. This is about mindset as much as mechanics. Ordinary people learning how to respond when chaos replaces comfort. When leadership matters. When hesitation has consequences. Then prepare for what comes next.

Learn more about the Undisclosed event

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

1234...268Page 3 of 268