Many people believe that lockpicking is a cryptic skill only prodigies can master. Every heist movie seems to have a nerdy lockpicking specialist who’s brought in to open the vault, and he usually requires specific conditions to work his wizardry — he might even close his eyes or listen to Mozart. “This concept of opening locks through magic feel is bullsh*t. It’s not that esoteric,” said the instructor of a recent private lockpicking workshop I attended. This instructor, who I’ll call John, didn’t want any time in the spotlight, but he was happy to pass along the knowledge he has accumulated while studying under well-known mentors such as Deviant Ollam. Rather than a mystical art, John showed us that lockpicking is a repeatable science that can be learned by anyone with enough practice.
Lockpicking Lessons
Above: Some of the locks and tools John brought for us to practice with. Don’t get stuck in the comfort zone of easy locks and basic tools — keep trying new challenges.
The lockpicking workshop consisted of two full days of hands-on drills. Each student had the opportunity to start with basic locks and techniques and work up to more challenging obstacles. After studying the components of a pin tumbler lock, we learned how to disassemble and reassemble practice locks, examining the guts firsthand. Next, we discussed tools. John recommends starting with a set of six 0.025-inch-thick picks: short hook, medium hook, half diamond, spoon curve, and quad and quint wave rakes. These should be paired with six turners/tension wrenches: three sizes designed for use at the top of the keyway, and three for the bottom of the keyway. That’s all you need to get started. Buy a quality set and skip the 99-piece kits that have a bunch of items you’ll never need.
Lockpicking requires patience and finesse. Tools should be held delicately like a pencil or chopstick, not in a clenched fist. It may be useful to hold one finger of your picking hand against the face of the lock; this provides more precise control over depth as you move from one pin to the next. Begin picking while applying heavy tension, and slowly back off. This will help you find the binding order of the pins. The first pin that feels “sticky” under tension is the first you need to set. If you’re struggling, a Lishi tool (look it up) is an extremely useful device that can help you check binding order in a methodical manner.
Beyond Single-Pin Picking
Once we got comfortable with single-pin skills, we explored some faster but potentially less reliable methods. These included raking (repeated in/out motions with wave rakes), zipping (a quick back-to-front pulling motion with a half diamond), and bumping (repeatedly tapping in a jagged bump key while applying tension). I had never tried bump keys before, so I was surprised how quickly I got the hang of them.
We tested ourselves on progressive practice locks, starting with 3-pin setups that practically opened themselves and moving up to 5- and 6-pin setups. We also practiced with real padlocks, such as cheap MasterLocks (ridiculously easy) and Brinks 4-pin locks. The latter was our first introduction to security pins, since it included one spool pin that made setting a little more difficult by inducing a false set. Schlage and Kwikset door locks and deadbolts were also provided on wood stands, forcing us to work our picking techniques from new angles.
DIY Tools
Above: The DIY short hook and tension wrench I made from scrap metal. Making your own tools teaches you what qualities to look for (or avoid) in off-the-shelf tools.
By the end of the two-day workshop, I walked away feeling much more confident in my single-pin skills as well as my ability to deal with multiple security pins and odd picking positions. For our overnight homework assignment, I even made my own pick and tension tool from hardware store items (a stainless steel slide rule and a hacksaw blade). They worked well enough to become permanent additions to my covert entry kit, along with some new “super bump keys” from RedTeamTools.com.
I’m thankful to John for sharing his time and knowledge with us, and even though I can’t refer you to him directly, I’d encourage you to go watch some Deviant Ollam videos and push the limits of your lockpicking comfort zone. Whether you’re helping a locked-out neighbor get back into their house or opening a padlock after its keys were misplaced, you don’t have to be a magician to benefit from this useful skill.
Whether you're hunting small game, shooting in competitions, or simply looking for a way to make the most of the pistol ammo you've accumulated, the concept of a 9mm pistol caliber carbine (PCC) is nothing new. Beyond that, “packable” PCCs are also a popular market segment, with the takedown Ruger PC Carbine and folding Kel-Tec SUB2000 being popular choices for shooters who want to stash their long guns in a backpack or vehicle. This week, Smith & Wesson released its own entry into the 9mm folding carbine segment, known as the Smith & Wesson FPC. It's based on the M&P pistol architecture, and it's compatible with full-size and compact double-stack M&P 9 pistol mags.
The New Smith & Wesson FPC
The FPC is a direct blowback carbine with 16.25-inch threaded barrel and integrated folding mechanism. Unlike the undeniably similar Kel-Tec SUB2000, the FPC folds in half laterally rather than vertically; this allows it to fold with optics mounted on the top rail. In addition to that Picatinny top rail, the handguard features 7-sided M-LOK slots for accessories.
Part M&P Pistol, Part Carbine
The lower half of the Smith & Wesson FPC is essentially just a compact M&P 9 M2.0 frame, complete with interchangeable backstraps, reversible mag release, ambidextrous bolt catch, and M2.0 flat face trigger. The frame also contains a button-release folding mechanism at the front, and a buffer tube at the rear.
The buffer tube has an ambidextrous “charging slide/handle” on the underside, and this part doubles as a retainer when this PCC is folded. The stock is also a unique design, with integrated storage for two 23-round magazines (included). These mags lock in place via a quick-release tab.
Each Smith & Wesson FPC comes with a 17-round magazine, two 23-round magazines, and a carrying bag that features storage pockets and Velcro retention straps. MSRP is $659. For more information on the new S&W FPC, go to Smith-Wesson.com.
The Premise: For Dr. David Perrodin, chaos events, and the human reaction to them has been a focus of his throughout his career. The worldwide chaos created by the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to examine individual and population level behaviors more closely. Perrodin states that if we study the reaction to different stages of chaos, others will be able to anticipate and position themselves out of harm’s way and ahead of pack. Perrodin explores the effect of time perception during traumatic events and the ability to discern factual information through observation of seemingly mundane details. Unfortunately, by tapping into external sources, such as 24-hour news, people dismiss what should be corroborated by what’s happening directly in front of them.
Our Review of “The Velocity of Information: Human Thinking During Chaotic Times”
The 411: Chaos strikes daily around the world. Whether it’s war, political turmoil, violent protests, the weather, or some other event. Perrodin uses real-life examples to give the reader a wide array of tools to use as a counter strategy to this chaos. Starting with Evaluating Chaos Events, Perrodin guides you through the beginning of these events and helps the reader determine what action they should take for protection. When chaos erupts, information will be flooding in, people will be overwhelmed, and the speed of these details are what he calls the Velocity of Information (VOI).
One area that people experience during a chaos event is a period of intense disbelief, followed by normalcy bias. Normalcy bias refers to an attitude that’s entered when facing a disaster. People with normalcy bias have difficulties reacting to something they have not experienced before. They also tend to interpret warnings in the most optimistic way possible, seizing on any ambiguities to infer a less serious situation.
Each chapter focuses on a different tool to use for sifting through the barrage of information people are bombarded with during chaos. Situational awareness being one of the tools. Most people use it to some degree, but don’t realize its full potential. Many people rarely use it as they’re busy looking at their phone or just looking down at the pavement avoiding eye contact. A simple tool that has been overlooked in this day and age is member checks. Member checks or connecting with a network of confidantes, whether in your neighborhood, in your state, or in another country, can help you establish if the information you’re hearing and seeing from the government or media is factual.
I found the section on situational awareness with Joe Dolio was of terrific value. Dolio is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Forensic Examiner with over 20 years in the corporate security investigations business. In late 2020, Dolio observed signs in local grocery stores limiting the quantity of chicken purchases. As this indicates a potential shortage, Dolio purchased extra chicken and then set out to verify if the information was accurate or not. Using his member check network, Dolio was able to find out that a local cold storage facility was shorthanded due to a COVID-19 outbreak, and that other areas in his state weren’t experiencing shortages. Since the shortages were localized, it was most likely temporary until the grocery chain could set up alternate supplies of chicken. While this is a simple tactic, most people wouldn’t even think of it, let alone have a member check network setup.
Other areas covered include a section on the types of biases people have, as perception of information is influenced by past experiences. Perrodin states that, “The unconscious desire to remain in our comfortable torus (torus theory is the ingrained human behavior pursuing a similar condition of being) is powerful and contributes greatly to cognitive bias in any given situation. Finite Voltage or a person’s breaking point from the stress of a chaos event. Crowd-In Behavior (Cocooning), which is, “The need to protect oneself from the harsh unpredictable realities of the outside world,” The Continuum of Chaos, and The Failure to Regress to the Mean.
The Verdict
The Velocity of Information is a must read for anyone looking to improve their decision-making game. Perrodin breaks a large amount of data down into seven chapters of valuable information using examples from actual chaos events as well as case studies of the people involved to help you with your decision-making process. The principles apply whether it’s for a true chaos event, hurricane, protests, industrial accident, or just plain living. The Velocity of Information will empower its readers with its teachable moments and actionable items. In the words of Perrodin, “Stop outsourcing your thinking. The more you steer your own wheel, the harder it becomes for others to steer you.”
About the Book
Book & Author The Velocity of Information: Human Thinking During Chaotic Times By David P. Perrodin
We love a good action flick as much as anyone, but they're rarely a good representation of reality. Hollywood loves to exaggerate details for dramatic effect, and often spreads outright falsehoods such as the myth that barrel cacti are a great source of water for survival situations. Their representation of weapons is often especially silly, with guns that blast bad guys across the room and never need to be reloaded. However, there are still a few movies that put in the effort to get details right. In a recent video on the Zac in the Wild YouTube channel, edged weapon combatives instructor Adam Boyce of Spartan Mode reacts to a few famous (and infamous) movie knife fights.
About the Expert
Adam Boyce spent 7 years as an assaulter and sniper on a Special Response Team (SRT), and he currently works in the training department for a government agency. He also travels throughout the United States to teach defensive tactics classes to the general public, specializing in edged-weapon combatives. Adam is a certified instructor for Martial Blade Concepts, the training organization founded by Offgrid contributor Michael Janich. On top of all this, he's also a knife designer.
Action Movie Knife Fights
Above: “I can beat you! I don't need no gun!” cries Bennett before challenging Arnold Schwarzenegger's character to a knife duel in Commando. You can probably guess the outcome.
Adam and Zac sat down to watch clips from eight movies, including over-the-top '80s action flicks like Commando, modern movies like John Wick 2, and timeless classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Between the predictable critiques of inaccuracies, Adam pointed out a few realistic elements that showed the production teams did some homework.
Above: This fight from The Long Riders includes a knife fighting technique that appears to be historically accurate — wielding a Bowie knife in a reverse grip for defense. This allowed the defender to parry incoming strikes with his Bowie's spine (often protected by a brass strip) and guard, without damaging the cutting edge of the knife. The partial secondary edge could still be used for counterattacks.
Check out the video below from Zac in the Wild:
For more information on Adam Boyce's training courses, go to SpartanMode.com.
Editor's Note: With impeccable timing, a new version of the Cloud Defensive MCH was announced this week. It appears to address my critiques later in this article, and I'm currently working on getting a sample of the updated MCH Dual Fuel to compare. When that happens, I'll post a follow-up. Until then, read on for my review of the original MCH, which is still available for purchase on Cloud's website at a reduced price of $165.
Modularity is a convenience we often take for granted. Many of the important items we purchase use modular designs to allow customization and upgrades, either at the time of purchase or later down the line. For example, look back at the early days of the automobile. In 1909, Henry Ford famously said each Model T buyer could “have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it’s black.” Fast-forward to today — when you buy a new truck, you’re presented with an almost-overwhelming list of submodels, trim levels, factory options, and dealer-installed equipment. Would you like two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive? Gas or diesel? How many doors? Which bed length? And we won’t even get started discussing all the paint colors, upholstery styles, and other cosmetics you can pick. Since our vehicles are expensive items we rely on every day, it makes sense to consider the options carefully before buying.
Above: The Cloud Defensive MCH pictured alongside some of my other EDC gear — modified Glock 45 in LAS Concealment Ronin L holster, Skeleton Optics glasses, Spyderco Para 3 knife, Bertucci A-4T watch, and Zippo lighter.
Flashlights are another important tool many of us rely on daily, and we’d argue that the configuration of your flashlight can be just as important as the configuration of your vehicle. Much like settling for a two-wheel drive truck might cause you to get stuck in the middle of nowhere, settling for a flashlight with low output or short battery life can leave you stumbling around in the dark. You should always do your homework before buying any flashlight — especially one you carry every day.
WMLs vs. Handhelds
Above: This 11.5-inch SBR features a Cloud Defensive REIN weapon-mounted light, which shares some design features and components with the MCH handheld flashlights.
Anyone who has set up a weapon-mounted light (WML) on a rifle knows that modularity is the name of the game. WMLs such as the SureFire Scout and Streamlight ProTac can be configured with various body lengths, heads, tailcaps, and remote pressure switches. They can also be installed in various Picatinny, KeyMod, and M-LOK mounts from their respective manufacturers or a multitude of aftermarket companies. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for most handheld flashlights, which are often sold in a “one size fits most” configuration. If you’re lucky, you can choose from a few sub-models or swap some parts, but the modularity is generally much more limited.
The Cloud Defensive MCH Formula
The Mission Configurable Handheld (MCH) from Cloud Defensive was created from day one as a fully modular flashlight platform. All four of its main components can be mixed and matched:
Head
Body
Tailcap
Pocket clip
Read on as we examine the options that the MCH offers in each of these categories.
Head Arguably the most important parts of any flashlight are its emitter and reflector, since these two components determine the brightness, efficiency, color, and beam pattern. Collectively, they’re called the head, which is appropriate since they also contain the electronic brain that manages the light’s functions (brightness modes, thermal regulation, voltage regulation, etc.). Four heads are available for the MCH:
HC Single Output
HC Dual Output
EDC Single Output
EDC Dual Output
Above: To the naked eye, the HC and EDC heads look similar, but the sudden flash of our studio lights revealed Cloud’s proprietary lens coating on the HC. It shifts light output from a warm hue to a more neutral white.
The High Candela (HC) head is exactly what its name implies. For those unfamiliar with the term, candela is basically a measurement of the intensity of a beam of light. It’s important to distinguish this from lumens, which measure the total quantity of emitted light. Lumens tell you how much light is produced; candela tells you how that light is focused. So, the HC offers a tightly focused beam pattern that’s ideal for throwing light long distances and pushing through barriers such as tinted windows. This head produces a maximum of 71,000 candela and 1,100 lumens. It also features a proprietary glass coating that generates neutral white light (5,200K).
The Every-Day Carry (EDC) head is less specialized than the HC head, with a balance between strong candela and wide spill. It’s preferable for short- to medium-range general use. Maximum output is 40,000 candela and 1,400 lumens; color temperature (4,500K) is warmer than the HC and similar to an incandescent light bulb.
Single or Dual Output Each of the heads is available in either a Single Output or Dual Output version. Single output is self-explanatory — full power all the time. Dual output toggles between 100-percent power and a 10-percent-power low setting (e.g. 4,000 candela/140 lumens with EDC head) each time the button is pressed. This is useful for close-up tasks, such as reading a map.
Above: This Cloud-Defensive-branded Nitecore charger is included with every MCH. It offers an extra slot for a spare battery, so you can always have one topped off.
Body Two body sizes are available for the MCH: Full Size and Micro.
The Full Size body uses a larger 18650 rechargeable battery and measures 5.2 inches long including head and tail cap. Maximum run time at full output is 120 minutes with the EDC head or 150 minutes with the HC head.
The Micro body uses an 18350 rechargeable battery and measures 4 inches long with head and tail cap. As you’d expect, maximum run time will be shorter with a smaller battery, specifically 35 minutes with the EDC head or 50 with the HC.
Above: An orange flat-top 18650 battery comes with the MCH. It can also accept most button-top cells, such as the blue one pictured here. However, it should not be used with CR123 batteries — doing so will void the lifetime warranty. (Note: This is not the case for the new “dual fuel” MCH.)
Tailcap There’s only one tailcap included with each MCH, but it’s still modular thanks to Cloud’s patented Adjustable Negligent Discharge Protection system. This involves a set of three included, interchangeable polymer rings that thread into the tail cap around the rubber activation button. With the thinnest ND Protector ring installed, the MCH’s button is extremely easy to activate, but it’s also easy to press inadvertently while it’s in a pocket or pouch. The polymer rings get progressively thicker, with the thickest requiring a very deliberate press to the center of the button to activate the light.
Above: Three ND Protector rings are included with the MCH: large, medium, and small.
Above: The ND Protectors thread into the tailcap around the rubber activation button.
Pocket Clip Finally, we have the clip that retains the light in a pocket. Each MCH ships with a Thyrm Lo-Pro pocket clip, which (contrary to its name) is made from a relatively thick but very sturdy polymer material. There’s also an optional Thyrm Switchback clip, which includes a pocket clip plus an integrated finger ring. The ring provides increased retention of the light for high-intensity activities like shooting or grappling, and it can also be used alongside a pistol in a two-handed grip (the Switchback Technique).
Cloud Defensive also states that a steel, deep-carry pocket clip will be offered for the MCH. However, the product page mentions that this metal clip is “currently seeing manufacturing delays” and does not provide an ETA for its availability. At time of writing, the MCH has been available for almost 10 months, but the clip hasn’t become available yet.
Colors In case all these options weren’t enough for you, Cloud Defensive also offers four colors to choose from. There’s black, flat dark earth, olive drab, and clear anodized; the latter simply reveals the natural gray color of the 6061-T6 aluminum the MCH is made from. The company has even offered limited runs of “Moonshine” MCHs, which use random combinations of mismatched colors (e.g. FDE head with black body and OD green tailcap).
My Impressions
I received a pair of MCHs to test and have carried at least one of them every day for nearly a year. I’ve used them in a wide variety of environments, from the shooting range to the garage to remote hiking trails and have developed some opinions on aspects of the MCH I love and aspects I’m not so fond of.
MCH Configurations Thanks to the modular design, I was able to order and set up these MCHs exactly how I want them. Run time is a much bigger priority for me than saving a small amount of pocket space, and I prefer a light that’s long enough for a full-fist grip, so the Full Size was an obvious choice for both lights. I also went with the sleeker Lo-Pro pocket clip without the Switchback ring for both lights.
Above: This photo shows the difference between the large and small ND Protectors. Each gives the light a slightly different activation feel.
One MCH is set up with a HC Single Output head and the thinnest ND Protector ring. This is what some people would call a “tactical” flashlight due to its specialized nature, and it’s the light I reach for if I need long-distance or highly focused visibility. It spends most of its time in the center console of my truck and gets used for tasks such as scanning dark parking lots.
The other MCH is set up with an EDC Dual Output head with the medium ND Protector. This light can be found in my pocket most of the time; I think the versatility of two brightness modes and a balanced beam pattern is ideal for every-day carry. I also like a little extra protection on the activation button to prevent the light from turning on and burning a hole in my jeans (or just draining the battery).
The Pros
There’s a lot to like about the Cloud Defensive MCH. Although it’s not perfect (more on that shortly) the MCH EDC Dual has become my favorite daily carry light for the time being. The MCH HC Single is also an outstanding tool, but one I find myself needing less frequently.
Power: Both versions of the MCH are surprisingly effective at slicing through the darkness, and that’s something you can’t know from numbers alone. The specific combination of lumens, candela, and color temperature cause these lights to feel potent, even when used side-by-side with comparable lights from SureFire and Streamlight. I was also pleasantly surprised to see how much long-range throw the EDC head has — it’s not as effective as the HC, but it’s no slouch.
Rechargeability: Frankly, I’m tired of constantly replacing the disposable CR123 batteries in my other flashlights. It’s tedious, expensive, and probably polluting the habitat of some endangered frog species. Recharging the 18650 battery is convenient, and the included dual-slot charger allows me to keep a spare ready to swap in at any time.
Reliability: I don’t use my flashlights as hammers, but they do get dropped occasionally and exposed to moisture, dust, and dirt. I haven’t encountered any malfunctions with either of my MCHs, which is more than I can say for some of the other flashlights I’ve owned. The ND protector also counts toward this point, since it helps prevent the light from shining into my pocket until the battery dies.
Modularity: It’s great that the MCH ecosystem has so many options to choose from. I also appreciate that the components are interchangeable with Cloud Defensive’s REIN series of weapon lights; the MCH HC is essentially a REIN 2.0 you can carry in your pocket.
The Cons
No Mode Memory (Dual Models Only): If there’s one thing that has made me consider switching to a different flashlight, it’s this. I love the convenience of having two output modes, and more importantly, two useful output modes (not 1,200 lumens or 5 lumens — I’m looking at you, SureFire EDCL2-T). But I hate that I’m always wondering which output mode I’m going to get when I turn on the light. That’s because, unlike most other dual-mode lights on the market, Cloud’s dual-mode head has no mode memory. It simply alternates through a high-low-high sequence with each button press.
SureFire dealt with this issue by always defaulting to high mode, while a quick double-tap gives you low mode. Streamlight has a more complex programmable Ten-Tap system that lets users choose between high-strobe-low, high only, or low-high sequences (each toggled by double- or triple-taps of the switch). Either way, with those manufacturers I always know which mode I’m getting the first time I activate the light — not so for the MCH.
If you can remember to stage the light in your preferred mode by cycling to the previous mode every time you turn it off, there’s no problem. In reality, you’ll probably end up tapping the button a few times to end up at the right mode each time you use a dual-mode MCH. That may not sound like a big deal, but if your eyes have acclimated to darkness, you may temporarily blind yourself by unintentionally activating all 1,400 lumens.
Imperfect Pocket Clip: This is a relatively minor gripe, but I’m not sold on the Thyrm Lo-Pro clip that’s currently included with the MCH. It works, and I have no doubts about its durability, but it’s much bulkier than a typical metal pocket clip. Cloud originally promised a metal clip for the MCH, but it’s still nowhere to be seen. I understand that manufacturing delays happen, but I’m a little disappointed that the clip is still unavailable after 10 months.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, I’m happy with the MCH, especially considering this is Cloud Defensive’s first handheld flashlight design. With the recent release of the REIN 3.0 weapon light — which offers 100,000 candela and dual-fuel 18650/2xCR123 compatibility — it seems likely that there will be an updated version of the MCH that uses the new REIN head. If this also includes dual-mode memory and a metal pocket clip, it’ll be tough to beat. (Editor's Note: It appears these updated MCH predictions were correct, but instead of the dual mode memory I hoped for, Cloud Defensive created a programmable 5-mode system! I'm looking forward to testing the new MCH Dual Fuel soon.)
Overland travel, or overlanding, is a topic that has seen a surge in interest lately. It relates to many of the preparedness skills we're passionate about — land navigation, communications, vehicle recovery, water purification, and so on — while also being a fun activity for the whole family. You can pack up your vehicle and head out to explore the wilderness for a weekend, developing preparedness experience and getting to know your surrounding environment better. Like hunting and camping, overlanding is both a hobby and a means of developing skills that could apply to real emergencies. This realization motivated us to start our 4Runner project and learn more about overlanding.
While reading about the topic, we came across XOverland (a.k.a. Expedition Overland or XO), a team that has built nearly two dozen vehicles and tested them on a variety of challenging adventures around the world. We spoke with the founders, Clay and Rachelle Croft, about lessons learned on their travels from the desert roads of Baja California to the icy trails of Scandinavia. Read on for some of their insights on trucks, gear, and valuable skills.
Our Interview with the XOverland Founders
Above: Clay and Rachelle with one of their three sons. The whole family usually goes on these expeditions, including their canine mascot Piper.
Tell us about how you first got into overlanding. Was there one specific moment that sparked your interest, or was it more of a gradual process?
Clay: When I was younger, I fostered the love of the backcountry through years spent mountaineering. When I got married and had children, I started to take small adventures from my truck. After that, two things happened. I found the series Long Way Round and thought to myself, “How cool would it be to travel around the world doing that?” At the same time, I came across Overland Journal and realized there was a whole lifestyle of traveling by vehicle throughout the world. I was hooked.
Rachelle: I learned about overlanding from Clay and Long Way Round, which we watched together. We’d go out on day drives in the truck and started making memories.
Overlanding is a complex term that shares elements with off-roading, camping, RVing, and various survival skill sets. How would you define overlanding?
We spent a lot of time talking about this recently and wrote a blog post on our site about it. Here’s XOverland’s definition of overlanding:
“Overlanding describes self-reliant adventure travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal. Typically, but not exclusively, accommodated by mechanized off-highway capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping; often lasting for extended lengths of time (months to years) and often spanning international boundaries.”
How did your family hobby evolve into a full-time job with a larger cast and crew?
Cinematography was my job, Overlanding was my passion, and I somehow found a way to incorporate the two. We saw an opportunity where the two overlapped, so we went for it and never looked back.
We enjoy the way your cinematography helps us feel like we’re with you on your journeys, but we know it must take a lot of work behind the scenes. What are some of the challenges of filming your own adventures?
The challenge is being present in the moment while having the presence of mind to recognize where you are in the story of the journey.
You’ve called your vehicles other members of the cast. How many have you built, and how has each build influenced the next?
As Expedition Overland, we have built twenty-three trucks of various degrees of complexity. We use each one as a forging process to improve the next. Earlier trucks did the job, but were often inefficient or had too much redundancy within the fleet, or lacked proper organization.
In your opinion, what makes a great platform for an overland vehicle? What characteristics do you look for when purchasing a new rig?
A great platform includes the following: 4WD, high reliability, and the ability to maximize livability for your offroad desires.
Is it still possible to get into overlanding with a vehicle that’s not a purpose-built off-roader — for example, a two-wheel-drive truck or an all-wheel-drive crossover SUV? What are the pros and cons of starting with such a vehicle?
Absolutely. People have traveled around the world in a British taxicab and had an amazing experience while doing it. It all depends on the type of travel you’re interested in and the destinations that are on your list. If a Crossover SUV will take you to the places you want to go to in the world, then you should go on the adventure.
If you could only choose five modifications to get started on a new overland vehicle, what would they be?
Clay: Tires, Suspension, Refrigerator, Live-In Camper, and a Long Range Fuel Tank.
Rachelle: Tires, Suspension, Refrigerator, Rooftop Tent, and a Bumper.
What are a few items you’d recommend everyone carry in their vehicle, whether they’re hitting the trails or just commuting to work?
Med kit suitable for the family, a “get home” bag, and a self defense item. I personally like my Sig P365 Spectre for my everyday carry. I also really love my Shield Arms SA-15 300 BLK pistol with integrated folding brace and SureFire Suppressor, Surefire Mini Scout Weapon Light, and Vortex Red Dot.
We all know that quality gear can make adventures easier, but experience and skills are what matter most in the end. What skill sets — such as vehicle recovery or repair, land navigation, route planning, medical, and so on — have you found most useful while overlanding, and why?
Medical training, first and foremost, is the most important skill we utilize. More often, you will have the opportunity to help other people instead of yourself.
The next skill we at XOverland use the most is recovery. Driving is the most dangerous thing we do on a daily basis and having recovery skills at the ever-ready has proven essential many times.
Third, overland travel logistics are extremely useful when overlanding. Overland travel logistics include things like (but not limited to): when to get food, when to get fuel, how far to go, should you drive at night, what do the borders look like, etc.
Another essential skill is self-defense. Take a self-defense class; you’ll be better prepared in everything you do.
What’s one especially challenging situation you’ve encountered on your journeys, and what lesson did it teach you for the future?
The most challenging thing we’ve done thus far was attempting to fly across the USA in powered paragliders. It taught me to really evaluate my physical capabilities and my actual skill set in a real way. I got my butt kicked due to overestimation of my physical and mental capabilities, which forced me to audit myself. It revealed an overconfidence in my skill sets in which I've had to re-calibrate to a more realistic adventurer.
Our magazine focuses on general emergency preparedness, whether it relates to everyday carry items, your vehicle, your home, or even travel abroad. Has experience with overlanding translated to improved preparedness in other aspects of your life? How so?
Being in a state of self reliance for an extended period of time will forge anyone to be better — which translates to all other aspects of life. These areas can only be truly measured in experience, not just training alone. You just have to go out and do it.
What’s one piece of overlanding advice you’d give to anyone who’s just getting started?
Rachelle: Take what you have in your driveway. Start by doing smaller trips. You don’t have to have “all the things” before you go. Embrace the problem solving opportunities along the way.
Clay: Begin your travels today, but be smart about it. Make the travel the priority, then the equipment – because the travel will eventually dictate the equipment. Enjoy the process! It’s fun the whole way, from beginner to advanced.
Watch XOverland's Nordic Series Expedition
XOverland's latest adventure video series is now available for streaming through Overlander Network. The team traveled through mountainous terrain in Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland in their custom Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra. Check out the trailer below:
For more information about the Croft family's latest overland adventures and vehicle builds, go to xoverland.com.
Note: This editor's letter is from our latest publication, Recoil Offgrid Issue 54. If you'd like to purchase a copy of our magazine or subscribe, go to offgridweb.com/subscription.
The title of this editor’s letter is actually a quote from our good friend and contributor, Ed Calderon. The full version goes something like this: “All restraints are temporary. You either get released from them, escape from them, or the coroner removes them from your lifeless corpse.” It’s a rather grim outlook, but one we feel adequately captures the grave perils of being taken or held against your will. While kidnapping per se is not an immediate threat to most people, there are a number of situations that could lead to you being trapped or taken hostage, on a short- or long-term basis. These include abductions related to sex trafficking and restraints applied by an abusive spouse or angry ex. Even though it’s a statistically unlikely scenario, it’s probably one of the scariest and most severe survival situations you could wind up in. This is why many military units go through rigorous multi-week survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training programs.
So, we’ve decided to take this issue to examine how to evade danger — whether it’s before or after you’ve been actively held hostage. Our What If? column examines an escape-from-captivity scenario in extra depth, with security specialist Mel Ward providing a veritable treatise on how to prepare for, and deal with, such a situation. Patrick McCarthy’s training column, The Final Weapon, covers lockpicking skills and tools. Dean Freeman has contributed an article on facial recognition technology, and how to preserve your privacy in an age of constant surveillance. In a similar vein, our longtime friend and contributor Freddy Osuna of Greenside Training has recently begun teaching an entire class on camouflage and concealment techniques. Patrick Diedrich brings us the scoop on that. We also have a surprisingly thorough, if not a little stomach-turning, article on the viability of eating canned dog food to survive, in the event nothing else is available.
Elsewhere in the issue, Mr. McCarthy brings us a very thorough introduction to selecting, mounting, and employing a Low-Power Variable Optic (LPVO) on a general-purpose carbine. If you’ve been thinking about upping your optic game from a red dot to a 1-4, -6, or -8x scope, read this first! Joe Alton also gives us some information about common cold weather injuries, since many of you will still have snow in your yards when you read this.
We hope you find this look into escape and evasion informative and thought-provoking. We also hope you never need to use anything you read here. Stay safe and stay ready.
Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction. Until today, if you had told us that famed tactical and outdoor gear manufacturer Mystery Ranch would be announcing a collaboration with fashion brand Dior, we would have told you that April Fool's Day is still more than a month away. But, much to our surprise, that's exactly what's happening. “This is not a drill,” says a post published on the official Mystery Ranch Facebook and Instagram accounts. “What many would think of as an unlikely collab, we see it differently.” Without further ado, let's take a look at the “unlikely” items included in the Mystery Ranch x Dior collab gear line.
Mystery Ranch x Dior
Mystery Ranch owner Dana Gleason explains, “This collaboration is a testament to two companies that care deeply about their crafts and the communities they serve. Working with companies like Dior is the ultimate recognition that we are doing what we set out to do: To design and build great packs and bags specific to the mission. The Dior collection is a thing of beauty. Mission accomplished.” The press release continues:
Combining the formal with the informal, the practical with the purely aesthetic, and the outdoor culture with the demands of luxury, the creative exchange born of this unique collaboration gives life to the bags inspired by Monsieur Dior's love of nature.
The Dior by Mystery Ranch product line includes five items. Each is available in two colorways — beige or black Cordura nylon — and embroidered with “a leather crest including the seal of the two Houses.”
Dior by Mystery Ranch Gallagator Backpack – $4,000
Dior by Mystery Ranch Saddle Bag – $3,400
Dior by Mystery Ranch Belt Bag – $2,350
Dior by Mystery Ranch Zipped Wallet – $600
The backpack and belt pouch feature Mystery Ranch's signature Y-shaped 3-zip design, which Dior notes “ is the hallmark of Mystery Ranch, Ltd. and is licensed to Christian Dior Couture.”
As baffled as we are by this announcement, it's not the first time we've seen “tactical” gear cross over into the fashion world. Prada makes an Arctic Camo chest rig, and there are countless other big brands catering to the cyberpunk-style tactical fashion movement with vests and faux plate carriers. For more photos and information on the Mystery Ranch x Dior collab, go to Dior.com.
While there’s something to be said about the ability to survive a crisis without any assistance from electronic devices, the reality is that most people will not immediately default to bushcraft or primitive survival methods when disaster strikes. Thankfully, whether it’s supply shortages, rolling blackouts, riots, or natural disasters, very few modern disasters include an absolute shutdown of cellular, Wi-Fi, or power grid infrastructure. In past articles, we’ve highlighted apps and techniques that allow you to use a smartphone for everything from secure communication to navigation to a beacon for help. But, just like shooting, emergency smartphone use requires two-prong planning that covers both software and hardware solutions. One of the most comprehensive hardware solutions we’ve come across for this purpose is Juggernaut Case.
Juggernaut has a long history of providing case and mounting solutions to military and first responders. Organizations ranging from Tier 1 Special Operations units to Federal law enforcement and municipal first responders rely on Juggernaut to not only protect the phones themselves — sometimes referred to as EUDs or end-user devices in military parlance — but also to integrate that immense processing power into other systems, from vehicles to body armor. This allows everyone from EMTs to Navy SEALs to stay connected even under the most demanding, most austere conditions.
Above: The Juggernaut Case IMPCT (left) is designed to be more sleek and EDC-friendly than the rugged military-spec SLEEV (right). Both are made in the USA.
Fortunately, their products are also available to civilians who can leverage Juggernaut’s technology, which is literally battlefield-tested, to maximize our phones’ utility into a wide array of preparedness applications. We were able to test and experiment with a variety of cases and mounts for this article, and what we found was a cohesive, near-seamless ecosystem of phone-mounting hardware.
Juggernaut Cases and Capabilities
Above: Juggernaut offers multiple case options that can integrate with their line of cable adapters and mounts.
We tested two of Juggernaut’s cases: the SLEEV and the IMPCT. The form factor and design principles were similar for both cases, but the SLEEV is the beefier of the two, with hinged ports on either end. The top port, used to load and unload the phone from the case, snaps closed with a molded-in clamp. The bottom port, used to access your charging/data port, actually screws closed to completely seal the bottom of the phone. The IMPCT has two small bumpers that can be fully removed. The IMPCT is also top-loading, and the bottom rubber bumper can be completely removed. For daily carry, we left this piece off for easy access to our charging/data port throughout the day, but some users may prefer to keep it in place for extra protection from dust and debris.
It should be noted that all Juggernaut cases are open-faced. There’s no glass or polymer screen protector built into the case. The open-face design also ensures maximum use of touchscreen functions. But the cases are designed to fit very snugly, so if you use a peel-and-stick screen protector, you may have to remove it just to slide your phone into the case. Both case models are fully compatible with the entire spectrum of mounting options, which we’ll cover below.
Juggernaut offers cases for a wide range of phone makes/models; they offer several sizes of case. Their webstore offers an easy-to-follow sizing chart on almost every individual product page, as well as a shop-by-model filter function. We used a Samsung S21 for the entirety of this article, which uses a medium-sized case and medium sized mounts. All of the in-mount photos seen here were taken with the IMPCT case, since it’s the smaller of the two cases and the most likely to be chosen for daily use and pocket carry.
We also had the opportunity to test Juggernaut’s IMPCT Cable, which is a replacement bottom bumper than includes a hard-wired USB cable and gasketed USB-C port for connection to the phone. Simply remove the soft rubber bumper that comes with the IMPCT case and replace it with the IMPCT Cable. Since the cable is fixed to the bumper, this piece isn’t something you’d leave on your phone all the time. But if you plan to attach the phone to a vehicle mount for long trips, a battery pack for extended charging, or a USB solar charging panel, it’s a nice-to-have addition. The SLEEV also has a line of screw-in cables that can be ordered for that case, should you be using it. Both versions can be ordered with USB or 6-pin “Mighty Mouse” adapters on the long end, or “unterminated” to hard-wire the cable into a vehicle or other platform for permanent attachment.
Belt Clip
Available in both vertical and horizontal carry configurations, the belt Clip Mount is exactly what you’d expect — a molded-plastic clip, with built-in bracket, that can be hooked onto your belt, seatbelt, or other straps for true EDC. This makes your Juggernaut case just as convenient for daily use as it is for disaster use. While it may look like the dozens of other belt-clip cell phone holsters you can buy off Amazon, this is only the casual-carry component of an entire hard-use mount ecosystem.
Tek-Lok Belt Mount
This is the next step up from the belt clip, consisting of a dedicated phone bracket attached to a Tek-Lok mount. While this Belt Mount is absolutely viable in an everyday use role, we find it a little overbuilt for that task. So, we added it to our Arbor Arms SALT battle belt. Whether you use a battle belt for range training, classes, or a waist-mounted bugout rig, the Juggernaut Tek-Lok, with it’s included spacers, can be fit to almost any larger belt system like 1.75- or 2-inch rigger’s belts. Since many battle belts now include cutout channels to weave the inner belt through a padded MOLLE sleeve, you don’t have to worry about hard-attaching this mount to MOLLE channels. If you’re OK with the extra bulk, this makes the Tek-Lok Belt Mount ideal for bouncing between a daily wear belt and a battle belt as circumstances require.
Above: The Tek- Lok Belt Mount works great for larger, thicker battle belts like this Arbor Arms SALT belt system.
Forearm Mount
The Forearm Mount allows you to use your smartphone like a digital “leader’s board.” First made popular by professional football players, who used them to keep a cheat sheet of plays right on their arm, these elastic sleeves were soon “weaponized” by military and law enforcement tactical teams who used them to keep everything from radio frequencies to maps of the battlefield within literal arms’ reach. Juggernaut’s solution is a little more elegant, featuring an armband made of Cordura, nylon webbing, and performance fabric that cinches down by use of the Boa “click” system, which sizes to fit and then locks down at the desired snugness. The sleeve is equipped with the now-familiar phone bracket to keep your phone visible and accessible all times. If you don’t have a PALS-equipped plate carrier or chest rig to mount your phone to, this is a good fallback solution that also works when you don’t need or want other tactical gear on your person. If you don’t mind carrying the extra bulk on your arm, this mount can stand in for the PALS mount, Pack Adapter, or belt mounts discussed elsewhere in this article. Combined with your favorite ballistic calculator app, this setup works well as a digital, adaptable version of the traditional sniper’s armband.
PALS Mount
Above: PALS mount on an Arbor Arms CAS Plate Carrier.
The PALS Mount was specifically designed for military use on MOLLE or PALS plate carriers. This allows Special Operations Forces to keep their phone accessible for hands-free use of navigation or situational awareness software like ATAK. It also allows your smartphone to be integrated into a “dual-comms” radio system, like those offered by Silynx or Safariland. We attached it to an Arbor Arms CAS, or Communicator Armor System. This is a full-blown “assaulter’s” plate carrier with specific features built-in to accommodate the extensive integration of the aforementioned military-style communications equipment.
There’s also a version of the PALS mount (not shown here) that includes inductive-charging capability. If you wear an armor system as part of your job and need auxiliary power to keep your phone running, you can wear a battery pack mounted on your plate carrier and hook the included cable directly into your powered PALS mount for extended mission use.
PALS Pack Platform
This is actually a two-part system that requires the PALS mount discussed above as well as the Pack Platform adapter. For this setup, Juggernaut teamed up with Mystery Ranch to create a nylon panel-and-strap system that lets you use a PALS mount with a hiking pack for hiking and backpacking use where armor isn’t required. We attached it to a Stone Glacier Avail pack, the author’s go-to weekend hiking pack. The Pack Adapter uses split-buckle sliders to attach to a pack’s shoulder straps and functions much like a sternum strap commonly found on many modern hiking packs. Just like with a PALS mount attached to a plate carrier, the Pack Adapter keeps your phone mounted high on the chest for using navigation programs like OnX or CivTAK. In a less-urgent use case, we use the Pack Platform to be able to scroll through our Amazon Music or Spotify playlists on long road marches for physical conditioning.
Vehicle Mount
Web Editor Patrick McCarthy covered the Vehicle Mount in-depth as part of his DIY overlanding truck build series in Issue 52. In case you missed that, the Vehicle Mount works in conjunction with a RAM ball mount, so you can swivel and adjust your screen position. Whether you’re navigating with OnX Off Road, Google Maps, or just making hands-free phone calls, the vehicle mount is a convenient way to use your Juggernaut ecosystem on the road. Just unclip your phone from your belt, pack, or plate carrier, and snap it into the vehicle mount before you get behind the wheel.
Like the PALS mount, there’s a powered version of the Vehicle Mount (pictured here) with a built-in USB cable that allows induction charging when plugged into your vehicle’s on-board USB port.
Multi-Mount
Above: The Multi Mount is a versatile mounting solution limited only by your imagination.
As the name implies, the Multi-Mount is a general-purpose mount whose use case is limited only by your imagination. Consisting of a molded plastic phone bracket with a long Velcro strap, the Multi-Mount can be wrapped around anything that’ll hold the weight of your phone. Branches, roll cages, PVC pipe, and anything of similar size is all fair game. The reverse side of the Velcro strap is coated with a grippy, semi-sticky coating that’ll adhere to itself as well as whatever you’re attaching to. Need to use your phone’s flashlight while fixing a pipe under the sink? Want to attach your phone to a tent pole for hands-free use at a campsite or hasty rally point? What about just wrapping it around a tree branch to film a quick bushcraft video for social media? These kinds of miscellaneous uses are where the Multi-Mount thrives and, if you’re going to invest in Juggernaut’s mount system, we recommend picking one of these up and keeping it handy for situations not covered by the more purpose-driven mounts we’ve already covered.
Above: The Multi Mount is capable of all kinds of unconventional use cases, such as setting up an impromptu trail cam.
Conclusion
While we’ve covered most of the available mount options, this list isn’t comprehensive. There are other niche mounts for everything from mountain bike handlebars to skydiving and Military Free Fall parachute rigs. By the time you read this, Juggernaut will already be shipping their next generation line of phone cases, which includes three models — the ENDVR, ADVNTR, and OPRTR — scaled for how severe your living/working conditions will be. We’ve been assured by Juggernaut that the new line of cases will not only include a wider array of phone models but also be backward-compatible with the existing mounting footprint. So, if you already have one or more of the mounts listed here, they’ll still be usable with the new cases, sizing notwithstanding if you change devices. They also have a line of tablet cases, with some corresponding mount options. If you’re looking for case and mounting solutions for your portable electronic device that will stand up to daily wear-and-tear as well as in extremis survival situations, we’d be hard-pressed to recommend a better starting point than Juggernaut Cases.
Like us, many of you have watched and enjoyed the popular survival TV series Alone. However, as the name implies, Alone is about isolated contestants overcoming their environment and their own inner demons — loneliness, self-doubt, and fear. It's an interesting premise, but unless you're unlucky enough to end up stranded on a deserted island, most real-life survival scenarios are likely to involve other people. Forming a cohesive group and working together to survive is difficult under ideal circumstances, to say nothing of doing it in one of the most inhospitable places in the United States — the cold Alaskan wilderness. This complex challenge serves as the foundation for a new Netflix TV series called Outlast, which splits 16 contestants into teams to see who can claim a million-dollar cash prize.
The Premise & Rules of Outlast
Netflix says Outlast is “a new competition series in which 16 lone-wolves try to outlast the Alaskan wilderness with only one rule: They have to be part of a team to win.” All 16 of the contestants will apparently be dropped off on Chicagof Island, a 2,000-square-mile land mass with more than 740 miles of rugged coastline. Fun fact: Chicagof Island has the highest population of bears per square mile of any place on Earth. The competition starts during the fall, so freezing rain and snow are all but inevitable.
The 16 contestants are split up into four different teams, and each team is instructed to set up camp a short distance from one another. From that point on, the contestants must work together to be the last team standing. However, players can change teams at any time, a factor that is likely to cause shaky alliances and bitter rivalries to naturally form — hence the comparison to Lord of the Flies. Thankfully, Netflix notes that there will be no Survivor-style voting off the island — the only way for a contestant to leave is to give up or be medically evacuated.
Outlast Premiere Date
Season 1 of Outlast will consist of eight 45-minute episodes. It premieres on the streaming service on March 10th, 2023. For more information, go to Netflix.com.
Watch the Trailer
While you're waiting for the premiere, you can check out the trailer for Outlast below:
