You’ve just been briefed on the mission. Time is short, so hit your cage or wall locker and get geared up. Success begins with preparation, and preparation means making smart choices about the kit you’ll trust your life with. Plan for how long you expect to be out, then add half again to that time. Check the weather and layer up accordingly. Load mags, top off canteens, swap batteries, and inspect snaps, zippers, buckles, and swivels. If it shakes, rattles, or rolls, tape it down. Bring what you need, leave what you don’t. Link up with your battle buddy for gear checks. We step off on in 30.

5.11 Tactical TacTec On Duty Bundle

MSRP: $390
URL: 511tactical.com

NOTES 

This is a great quick mission setup. The TacTec line is lightweight, offers freedom of movement, as well as being highly modular. The one-handed quick-release cable system is highly regarded should you need to get the carrier off to conduct emergency medical procedures or drop your kit in a hurry to blend in with human terrain. Front and back bags have generously sized air flow panels with an extendable drag handle on the back panel. Flex Double AR Magazine Pouch 2.0 has its own mounting hardware and secures in place with non-metallic snaps. Flex Tourniquet Pouch has multiple mounting configurations because only you know the best way to mount lifesaving equipment to your kit. Flex Admin Pouch is a tidy package and packs in the features.

Cold Steel Spetznaz Special Forces Trench Shovel

MSRP: $40
URL: coldsteel.com

NOTES

There are few tools that are as capable as a trench shovel. Use it to dig fox holes and ranger graves, build hide sites, chop roots, or bushwhack. The Cold Steel Spetsnaz Special Forces Trench Shovel has a medium carbon steel shovel head with three sharpened sides to tackle the previously mentioned tasks or use it as the Spetsnaz did and fight with it. Topping the head is a hickory handle that is not only as tough as the shovel head, but it can also be scraped down, if need be, to get a small bundle of tinder should you find yourself in a bad way and need fire. While there are no moving parts, the Cold Steel Spetsnaz Special Forces Trench Shovel is a multi-tool that pulls its weight on the battlefield and is worthy of your consideration.

Cammenga H3

MSRP: $114
URL: cammenga.com

NOTES

Have a compass or get lost! It cannot be overstated how important it is to have the skills to navigate to and from your area of operation. As an example, just 2 degrees off target over the course of 5 kilometers brings you 174.6 meters off your intended target. It only gets worse the farther you have to travel. Starting with an aluminum body, the Commenga H3 is a 1:50,000 scale compass. Be sure you check your map scale to be as accurate and timely as possible. Low light to no light, the tritium lights up enough to read your compass without blowing out your eyeballs. No batteries. No charging. Just a little radioactive isotope in glass vials to light your way for up to 12 years.

Powertac Explorer HL-10

MSRP: $112
URL: powertac.com

NOTES 

Mounting compatibility with action cameras like DJI and GoPro makes it easy to mount to your helmet, use the head band and pull it directly over your head, or use a chest harness. Whatever your preference is, get your light mounted up and do it at double time. We’ve got to move out! The 2500 lumens of the Explorer HL-10 will light your way over 200 meters down range, dial back to 150 lumens and reduce your light’s throw to roughly 24 meters, select red light for map reading and signature reduction. There are also settings for strobe, S.O.S., and IR functions to utilize. Magnetic charging means you can easily mount a battery pack to the back of your helmet and blind the opposition for extended run time. Light equals information. Information means decision-making capability. Turn on the sun when you can and be the smartest individual on the battlefield.

Mission First Tactical EXD 30 AR/M4

MSRP: $15
URL: missionfirsttactical.com

NOTES

Grab all those boxes of ammo and dump them out. There is no better place to store your rounds than in the magazines you’re going to be using. EXD 30 AR/M4 mags are your go-to ammo storage unit when it comes to launching hot rocks down range: three times more impact resistant than typical nylons because of the next-gen long glass fiber polymer, with an oversized bolt catch to hold open your breach when you run dry, four-way anti-tilt self-lubricating follower to minimize jams and misfeeds, and four scalloped-out finger grooves front and back for a positive tactile feel even under stress. Jam your mags and get into the fight with Mission First Tactical.

Rab SILTARP 1

MSRP: $90
URL: rab.equipment

NOTES

When speed and maneuverability are a priority, the weight and dimensions of your gear have to be considered. The SILTARP 1 comes in at just 8.5 ounces and measures 8.5 by 5.5 inches stowed away. Rab SILTARP 1 offers approximately 95 by 60 inches of cover and 16 external tie-down points to give you a variety of shelter options to get out of the rain or hide from the sun. Made from one continuous piece of siliconized 30d Cordura with a PU coating goes a long way for making this tarp strong. Light and waterproof, you can count on the Rab SILTARP 1 to cover you.

ISOtunes Sport Advance BT

MSRP: $120
URL: isotunes.com

NOTES

Shoot, move, and communicate. If you can’t do all three, mission effectiveness breaks down. Protect your hearing and be able to keep comms with your team by using the ISOtunes Sport Advanced BT. Noise-reducing microphone improves communication, and the Bluetooth 5.1 supports dual pairing. Tactical Sound Control (TSC) amplifies environmental sounds and limits harmful noise like gunfire. Battery life for Bluetooth usage is 10 hours while TSC can be used for up to 20 hours of straight hearing protection. Advanced BT comes with a variety of silicone eartips to customize your fit for best results, a small, zippered case to protect your headset as well as keep the included charger handy. Rated at IP67 means this headset not only withstands a little sweat and rain, they also can be submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This is a key bit of info when going outside the wire.

Fiber Light Original Round

MSRP: $10
URL: outdoorelement.com

NOTES

Everything is soaked and you need a fire? No problem. Fiber Light Original Round is an aluminum tin equipped with a fat Ranger Band to ensure closure as well as a bit of sound deadening. All that is required is a pinch of Fiber Light and a spark. You can use a ferro rod, lighter, fresnel lens, or the side of a very recently used suppressor (we’ve lit cigars with them in the field). The larger the pinch the longer it’ll burn, but the average is 3 to 7 minutes. Make sure you have kindling processed and waiting for when your Fiber Light takes off. Made from a proprietary blend of natural fibers, it is safe to cook over. Pro tip: Drop a small ferro rod and scraper into your tin to be ready for use. This is a no-brainer for a field pack.

Mission First Tactical M67 Frag

MSRP: $45
URL: missionfirsttactical.com

NOTES 

Do yourself and your team a favor and start hydrating right now. You can lighten your load in many ways. Carrying minimal water is not one of those ways. Water is always going to be on the packing list. Put as much as you can in your body and then fill up every container you plan to take with you. The M67 Frag is a vacuum-sealed double-wall container to help keep your water cold or coffee hot as well as to reduce the chances of condensation soaking your gear. BPA and toxin free, the 32-ounce capacity is a great way to travel with your life-saving water.

Glow Rhino Ember Glow Fob

MSRP: $20
URL: glowrhino.com

NOTES

Glow Rhino Ember Glow Fob is a lightweight unobtrusive low lumen tool to add to an inside zipper pocket or in an admin pouch. Mark rally points, doors to rooms that have been cleared, attach to the zipper of an often-used item in your pack for quick recognition, or check a map while minding light discipline. Choose from green or blue light. No batteries to change or charging cord to contend with, as Glow Rhino Ember Glow Fob has a half-life of 12 years.

Prepper Disk Premium

MSRP: $185
URL: prepperdisk.com

NOTES

This innocuous-looking device is like having a mobile library that works even when you don’t have cellular or Wi-Fi signal. Augment your mobile device and up to 19 additional devices to access Wikipedia, FEMA, National Library of Medicine, iFixit, Amateur Radio repeaters, and much more. The Prepper Disk is off of a Raspberry Pi 4B with 2 GB of RAM and a 512GB premium SD card. Need a reminder on how to turn tubular nylon into a harness or emergency litter? No sweat. There are also over 60,000 eBooks from Project Gutenberg should you need to brush up on shelter building, foraging, or finding water. Toss a Prepper Disk into a dry bag and mount up.

Rab Men’s Downpour Mountain Waterproof Jacket

MSRP: $180
URL: rab.equipment

NOTES

Rain is the perfect weather when it comes to mounting an attack. The enemy tends to get complacent when they’re cold, wet, and tired. For those of us on the offensive, we can rely on the Rab Downpour Mountain Waterproof Jacket. Keeping the rain off your head and back while on foot has always helped keep morale high. Breathable and lightweight, the 2.5-layer Pertex Shield ripstop fabric is shockingly robust. This jacket has survived rough terrain and long treks through dense forest with no trails. Lots of scuffs and dirt have been left behind, but not a single rip. Toss one in your kit, rain or shine. You’ll be glad you stay dry or use it to stop the driving wind.

Mission First Tactical ACHRO Storage Case

MSRP: $30
URL: missionfirsttactical.com

NOTES

Strong enough to carry loose ammo, but we’ve jammed mags already so this storage case can be used for other needs. For the sake of knowing, the ACHRO is tough enough to lug around 500 rounds of 9mm, 350 rounds of 5.56, or 1,500 rounds for your .22LR hushpuppy. This is possible because of its 1000D Korda Carbonate construction. Need to keep extra frags together in your pack? Problem solved. Want to have a toiletry kit in the field or an expanded ouch pouch? This ACHRO Storage Case is Johnny-on-the-spot. Measuring 9 by 4.5 by 4 inches, you can jam a lot of gear into this low-profile tough-as-nails pouch.

5.11 Tactical Hard Times 2

MSRP: $65
URL: 511tactical.com

NOTES

Protect your hands with HardTimes 2 knuckle protection. A four-way stretch top with a two-piece molded knuckle offers protection from impact and abrasion. 5.11 Tactical opted for touchscreen-ready fingers and palm constructed from goatskin for comfort, dexterity, and increased feeling. Thumbs have a microfiber textured sweat wipe for use in heavy activity. Thick, tactile-reinforced cuff seam, pull tab, and Velcro closures keep dirt and debris out of the Hard Times 2 Gloves.

5.11 Tactical PT-R Arrive

MSRP: $98
URL: 511tactical.com

NOTES

To the casual observer, the Pt-R Arrive hoodie is just another article of clothing, but those in the know see it as part of a layering to keep you on mission. The quilted front panel has a PrimaLoft filler to assist in holding in heat around the core. To shed excess heat, take advantage of the full-zip front. Keeping your eyes up and situational awareness high is important when on watch. Jam your hands in the kangaroo pouch to stay warm and preserve dexterity or keep heavily used gear ready. Your right-hand pocket has a hidden pocket to secure an ID, credit card, lockpick set, or cash. Fleece back panel, sleeves and hood finish off the design and keep it looking low-profile while still being purpose built.

Dirt Time

Thirty hours of heat, rain, and brush gave every item a real shakedown. TacTec On Duty carriers came out of the wrap, took load and mags, and moved clean through thick cover. Quick-release cables were pulled for medical drills and to dump weight at checkpoints, then reset quickly. EXD 30 magazines fed without drama while HL-10 lights ran on headband and chest mounts as needed. Layering stayed simple with the PT-R Arrive for warmth on the move and the Downpour Mountain jacket when the sky opened.

H3 compasses set headings under canopy at night, while the Spetsnaz shovel handled digging, chopping roots, and scraping tinder. SILTARP 1 pitched in tight spaces for shade and rain cover and packed down fast. M67 Frag bottle carried cold water and the ACHRO case hauled extra items without sagging. Every item came straight from the box to the field and did the job, which is why we are tipping a hat to the brands that helped our VIPs level up at Undisclosed.

Read More From Issue 70

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

• Issue 70
• Challenge Facilitates Capability
• Between River and Sky: Recounting a Jungle Expedition
• Blades for any Challenge
• Garmont Tactical Boots
• Mission Ready Pack: Minimalist Survival Kit
• ATAC, OLIGHT & Sunshine

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.

Bodies moved through the Undisclosed schedule with that blend of curiosity and pressure that always settles over a good field course. ATAC rifles came out of cases in a neat line, and eyes did a quick scan of controls and optics. No one realized a personal surprise sat held in their hands. That realization landed only after the final scenario wrapped and the dust of sim rounds settled. Each rifle belonged to the person who had just spent more than a day living with it. That reveal hit hearts and sparked grins. Before that moment, those carbines simply had a job to do.

The ADER can come in several flavors of Cerakote: Black, Burnt Bronze, FDE, OD Green, and Tungsten.

Mission Ready: ATAC ADER Rifle

ADER 5.56 stands for ATAC Defense Enhanced Rifle. ADER 5.56 arrives as a complete answer for long, busy evolutions. Weight stays friendly at 5.95 pounds, so shoulders hold steady when the schedule stretches. Overall length adjusts from 33.125 to 36.25 inches and length of pull ranges from 10.75 to 14 inches, which makes fit simple whether plates are on or off. Controls fall under the hand without guesswork.

ATAC Defense built this carbine with a process that favors results. Receivers are machined in-house, which keeps the fit tight and free of rattle. Components are selected with function in mind, then assembled by hand, test-fired, and checked again before shipping. A lifetime limited warranty stands behind that promise. Real use brought the proof. Thirty hours of movement, vehicles, barricades, and sim rounds produced no major breakdowns and no malfunctions.

Balance reads right as soon as a shooter brings the gun up. Nothing feels nose heavy or drags on the back end. Movement through door frames and vehicles stays tidy. A free float handguard gives room for hands and small accessories without extra bulk. ADER treats ambidextrous as a working standard rather than a label. Safety levers mirror each other. A magazine release with an enlarged pad answers pressure from either side. The bolt release gives a broad target, which helps when gloves are on or angles get awkward. An ambidextrous charging handle with generous paddles shortens every press check and clears the way for quick action when a stoppage drill shows up. Nothing feels crowded.

Upper and lower receivers come from 7075 forgings that see their final cuts in the same shop that assembles the rifle. That choice keeps tolerances matched and eliminates the loose, hollow sound that arrives when parts do not agree with each other. Feed ramps meet the barrel extension cleanly. The magazine well is flared and broached to speed insertion when nerves are high. A captured rear detent saves time during maintenance. Cerakote covers surfaces evenly and resists the scrapes that show up around vehicles and barricades. Trigger weight lands at a clean 3.5 pounds on the single stage unit. Travel feels smooth, the wall is obvious, and the break arrives with a crisp finish. Reset returns with a confident click that steers timing on follow-up shots.

The bolt carrier group has the look and feel of a part built for miles. Edges are smooth where they meet each other. Contact points are finished so friction stays low. Nickel boron coats the assembly, which gives a slick feel that wipes clean with a single pass. Small fasteners are staked correctly. Parts are checked with the right tests before they ever see a receiver.

The carbine comes up on target with a simple, centered feel that holds through transitions and short bursts of movement. A free float handguard gives space for hands and accessories while keeping weight down. Edges feel smooth and the top rail runs clean from receiver to muzzle, which means backup sights or accessories can go exactly where they belong. Quick-detach sockets are built-in, so sling setup takes moments rather than minutes.

Furniture from Mission First Tactical rounds out the package. The Battlelink Minimalist stock trims unnecessary mass yet stays solid when shouldered. The Engage grip sits at 15 degrees, which supports a compact stance and helps the wrist stay neutral during long sessions. Nothing bites the palm. Nothing snags on kit. The parts read like choices made by people who pay attention to honest use.

ADER Specs

• Weight: 5.95 pounds
• Length: 33.125 to 36.25 inches
• Length of pull: 10.75 to 14 inches
• Barrel length: 16 inches with free float rail
• Twist rate: 1 in 8 inches
• Chamber: 5.56 with six-groove button rifling
• Extra: Ambidextrous safety, magazine release, and charging handle with oversized bolt release
  Single stage trigger at 3.5 pounds with curved or straight shoe, two-stage option available
  Nickel boron-coated carrier, Cerakote receivers
• Lifetime limited warranty
• MSRP: $1,369
• URL: atacdefense.com

he Osight X comes with a magnetic charging cover, allowing the operator to charge the battery up to three times without needing to plug it in.

An Adaptable Optic

Each platform came with an Osight X mounted to the top. The sight drops on with a standard footprint that fits common plates and mounts. A three-MOA dot sits in the middle. A 32-MOA circle can surround it, or run by itself, or disappear so the dot stands alone. Switching between these choices takes seconds. Circle with dot frames targets that hide behind cover or appear at odd angles. Dot only leaves a clean view for longer looks across open ground. Glass stays clear to the edge and coatings hold glare in check, so the picture remains honest when light shifts.

Housing uses Olight Aluminum Alloy (OAL), a proprietary aluminum material, which keeps weight close to light aluminum while staying strong. Level III anodizing brings durability against impact and weather. Field testing by the maker covered a very high round count and reported no loss of zero.

Battery questions can ruin a plan. Osight X answers that with a magnetic charging cover that clicks into place and shows live status for the cover and for the optic itself. No one needed to wonder how much time remained. Stored power inside that cover can fully recharge the sight three times, and a full cycle finishes in about two and a half hours. A small kit of screws ships with the optic, which makes fitment across different plates and mounts straightforward.

Osight X Specs

• Reticle: 3 MOA Dot, 32 MOA Circle
• Color: Red
• Footprint: RMR, 407c, 507c
• Power: Rechargeable lithium polymer battery
• Runtime: 57,000 hours on level 3
• Weight: 1.62 ounces
• MSRP: $230
• URL: olight.com

An impressive sling with an efficient form factor, the QUIK Sling holds up to punishment without getting in the way.

Sling Without the Clutter

Built in Orlando, Florida, Sunshine Safety offers a single-point sling that lives out of the way until it is needed. Rolled up, the bundle is barely larger than a quarter. Weight lands at 1.4 ounces, so it disappears until a break arrives or a long walk demands support. Webbing measures 51 inches, which covers plates, layers, and seasonal changes. Materials follow Mil-spec callouts, and stitching uses Kevlar aramid thread. Attachment can be a Berry compliant QD swivel or a snap hook.

Deployment is as simple as a thumb push through the roll. The sling opens, slides over a shoulder, and takes the weight so hands can rest, or tasks can change. When the next block begins, the strap rolls back into a neat puck that does not swing or snag. Small details like this keep attention on tactics rather than housekeeping.

QUIK-Sling Specs

• Material: Mil-spec nylon, Mil-spec elastic, Kevlar Aramid thread
• Size: 1 by 1.2 inches rolled, 51 inches long
• Compliance: Berry (on QD swivel models)
• Weight: 1.4 ounces
• MSRP: $35
• URL: sunshinesafetyfa.com

Field Performance

Dirt time forces gear to show real colors. Movement through vehicles and tight structures tests balance and control placement. Barricades scrape finishes and pull at sling points. Sim rounds add urgency that makes rough handling inevitable. ADER, Osight X, and the SPLIF Sling moved through that storm without calling attention to themselves. Reloads were easy to reach from either shoulder. Press checks took a light pull and a glance. The adjustable stock kept the dot where eyes wanted it, which made correction shots feel natural. Trigger feel stayed even across the duration of the event. The carrier slid without drama as grime collected, and a quick wipe brought the shine back when a break allowed it.

Sight work told the same story. Using the circle with dot combo landed hits around and through clutter. The dot only option gave a clean view across longer lanes and wide-open terrain. Switching modes became muscle memory after a few reps, and the wide window made it simple to recover the dot after awkward positions. Battery status sat in plain view on the cover, so nobody played the “what if” game.

The sling solved movement problems that rarely get headlines. Nothing slapped against plate carriers while climbing into or out of a vehicle. Nothing wrapped under the handguard during quick transitions. When it was time to take a break, the strap took the load and kept rifles close without having to search for a place to set them down. When work resumed, the roll tucked away, and the front of the gun stayed clean.

Despite the abuse these platforms received during the Undisclosed event, they performed admirably.

Final Thoughts

ADER paired with Osight X and the Sunshine Safety QUICK-Sling created a package that stayed calm while the tempo reached high speeds. Weight and balance made long days realistic. Controls were easy to reach and obvious under pressure. The carrier kept cycling cleanly, and cleanup asked for little more than a cloth. The rail and furniture carried accessories without fuss and kept hands comfortable. The optic adapted to distance and clutter without stealing attention, and the charging cover kept power flowing. The sling hid until called for, then took the load and vanished again.

Thirty hours revealed what mattered. Parts that were supposed to work did exactly that. No major breakdowns arrived. No malfunctions turned the day into a maintenance drill. At the end of the event, VIPs were able to leave Undisclosed with the very platform they had been working the entire time, giving the whole exercise an afterglow that felt earned.

Read More From Issue 70

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

• Issue 70
• Challenge Facilitates Capability
• Between River and Sky: Recounting a Jungle Expedition
• Blades for any Challenge
• Garmont Tactical Boots
• Mission Ready Pack: Minimalist Survival Kit

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.

On the first day of Undisclosed all the participants were issued the gear they would be using over the course of the event. Part of their setup included the Mission First Tactical ACHRO 22L EDC Backpack loaded with some minimalist survival essentials. While I received the same pack, my role as support staff and field photographer put me in the position to require a bit more gear, so I decided to modify my loadout to accommodate my duties for the event.

Like the participants, I was facing long days and nights in the intense summer heat while traversing the rough terrain of the Ben Franklin Range. Keeping my kit as minimalist as possible to keep the weight down and reduce fatigue were top of mind when building out my kit. Ultimately, I was able to put together a minimalist survival kit that covered shelter, water, fire, medical, navigation, comms, light, and backup power along with a few essential tools.

The Mission First Tactical ACHRO is discreet enough for urban carry, but tough enough for the harshest conditions.

The Bag

The ACHRO 22L is a compact 22-liter pack designed for EDC use and equipped with a good amount of organization as well as the ability to carry a handgun. The pack is purposely designed to have a low-profile appearance and would go unnoticed amongst a sea of other packs in an urban setting. Despite the low-profile look, the laser-cut panels offer plenty of attachment options should you wish to add pouches or lash gear.

The outer body is constructed with 1000D Kodra Carbonate Nylon, which offers both abrasion resistance and superb water resistance. Combined with premium YKK AquaGuard zippers, the ACHRO is ready to take on rainy days in the field or the city and keep the gear inside dry.

The ACHRO has a nicely padded adjustable harness equipped with an adjustable sternum strap that allows the user to fit the pack to their body and adjust based on carry style and load. The back panel offers significant padding with a built-in air channel to keep your back cool.

Finally, the exterior offers two stretchy mesh bottle holders that accommodate up to a 32-ounce bottle in each. When not in use, the bottle holders don’t stick out and won’t get in the way when moving.
The interior offers four compartments. The front of the pack has a nice-sized admin pocket that can fit small tools and various EDC items. Above that is a long, soft-lined pocket designed for sunglasses with a secondary zipper pocket inside. While made for glasses, the pocket can accommodate items that you want quick access to, and the soft lining can ensure your cell phone screen is safe from scratches.

The main compartment offers a generously sized zipper pouch, a back pocket that can accommodate a 16-inch laptop and a smaller pocket that can fit a tablet. Of course, these organizational features can easily work with other items like pouches.

The backside of the pack offers an ambidextrous concealed carry pocket. The loop-lined wall can accommodate hook and loop holster options and includes Mission First Tactical’s Multi Mount Platform.

The ACHRO as a Minimalist Survival Pack

Twenty-two liters is not huge, and, in my opinion, that is a good thing — the bigger the bag the more excess we tend to pack. This is a sweet spot for creating a minimalist survival system that keeps the weight down. Many people don’t consider weight when packing a survival bag, but the importance of it was evident during the Undisclosed event, as even under light load participants struggled moving up steep hills and rough terrain.

Outside of an event like Undisclosed, weight is important, particularly in EDC scenarios. If your pack is too heavy and uncomfortable to carry, the chances of you leaving it at home or in your vehicle are much higher. Your emergency kit doesn’t do any good if you don’t have access to it.

When packing out my ACHRO, my goal was to create a comprehensive minimalist survival kit along with a few EDC essentials so that I could handle any emergency situations that might come up, and I had everything I needed to get my job done throughout the event.

Storage and Organization

The ACHRO has some great organizational features, but I take the organization game a step further using pouches to organize certain types of gear. This allows me to quickly identify and access various kits in an emergency. In addition, pouches can be easily swapped out to accommodate activity-based needs.

he Mission First Tactical ACHRO Storage Case is a versatile pouch that can be used for a dopp kit, ammo haul, or for survival gear.

Mission First Tactical ACHRO Storge Case

Along with the ACHRO backpacks, participants were issued ACHRO storage cases — the participants used them to store extra magazines. The ACHRO storage case is made from the same water-resistant material as the pack and features the YKK AquaGuard zippers to ensure everything inside stays dry. At 9.5 by 4.5 by 4 inches, the versatile case can serve as much more than just magazine and ammo storage. During the Undisclosed event I didn’t need to carry magazines or ammo, so I opted to use mine for my wilderness survival kit.

The Badger Claw Outfitters Scout EDC Pouch is an ideal place to store everyday carry essentials.

Badger Claw Outfitters Scout EDC Pouch

As the name indicates, the Scout EDC Pouch is ideal for housing all your EDC items. This compact 7x5x1-inch pouch fits in any bag and even a large cargo pant or coat pocket. The Undisclosed participants received one of these in water-resistant X-Pac material, but I opted to use a custom version made from Nemesis Camouflage Cordura. I keep basics in here including a pen, notebook, lockpick kit, lighter, and a small “ouch pouch.”

Shelter

In a wilderness emergency, shelter is a top priority. We can survive without food and water for a time, but exposure to the elements can lead to death in as little as three hours. Having the ability to quickly and easily set up a makeshift shelter can be the difference of getting home alive and not getting home at all.

The Rab Siltarp 1 is ideal for setting up a one-person survival shelter.

Rab SILTARP 1

Each Undisclosed participant was issued a Rab SILTARP1 as part of their kit. I opted to keep this one in my kit as it was lighter and more compact than the large tarp I usually carry. This ultralight tarp weighs just 8.5 ounces and is made from 30D Cordura fabric, making it both waterproof and durable. When unfolded, it is 1.5 by 2.4 meters (roughly 5 by 12 feet) and is the ideal size for building a one-person shelter. There are built-in loops that can serve as attachment points, and each loop area is reinforced to reduce the likelihood of damage from the elements after being setup.

Atwood Parapocalypse Paracord

Cordage is a vital part of the shelter-building process and can serve a variety of other purposes including lashing gear to packs, hanging food to deter animals from getting into it, and more. I use Atwood Parapocalypse cord as it adds even more survival functionality. This 11-strand paracord is incredibly strong, but if you break it down you will find seven nylon strands, a waxed jute stand, 10-pound fishing line, 160-pound test line, and 110-pound test line.

Fire

Even when building a minimalist survival kit, a good fire kit should always contain redundancy and account for different environmental conditions.

Fire makes us warm, which was not something needed with the intense heat at the Ben Franklin Range during Undisclosed — but fire can do a whole lot more for us in a survival situation. With the proper vessel, fire can be used to boil water to kill pathogens found in wild water sources and cook any wild food sources you can acquire. Fire can also be used to signal rescuers for help, provide light, and boost our mood. I always carry redundancy when it comes to fire-starting tools, as weather conditions and injuries can limit the ways I can start a fire.

BIC Lighter

A classic BIC lighter is the simplest way to create fire. It can be done quickly and easily one-handed. The downside to a lighter is that they will not function well when wet, and the fuel is finite.

Outdoor Element Sparky

The Sparky is a small carabiner made from hardened aluminum. While it is not to be used for climbing, it is ideal for attaching gear, carrying keys, and using as an attachment point with paracord. What makes the Sparky standout is the attached ferrocerium rod, which can be used to create sparks to ignite tinder. While not as easy as a lighter, ferro rods function well in wet and cold environments.

Wazoo Fire Card

The Wazoo Fire Card is a simple credit card-sized piece of highly flammable material that can be used in an emergency to start a fire. Simply shave down some pieces and use a lighter of ferro rod to ignite. The material will ignite in both cold and wet conditions.

Black Beard Fire Plugs

These waxed plugs will burn even when wet for a few minutes, giving you ample time to get some tinder and kindling going.

Water

Under ideal circumstances we can survive for up to three days without water, but in the intense summer heat that number drops dramatically. Having the ability to source clean drinking water is not just vital in an emergency, it can help avoid an emergency all together. The Ben Franklin Range had several creeks and streams onsite, so sourcing water was not a problem I just needed a way to make it safe to drink.

Having the ability to access clean drinking water can be the difference between life or death in an emergency. The Epic water filter bottle serves double duty in a minimalist survival kit as both a water filter and water storage device.

Nalgene Water Bottle with Epic Filter

All Undisclosed participants were issued a 48-ounce Nalgene water bottle equipped with Epic water filters. This is ideal for this type of adventure, as it stores a large amount of water and can be used to filter wild water sources through a filter that attaches to the straw. The bottle is as wide as a 32-ounce bottle but is taller, so it fits perfectly into the ACHRO pack’s bottle holder. Each bottle kit contained two filters, one for wild water sources and a second for tap water.

LifeStraw

Like fire, having a backup way to purify water is important. I keep a LifeStraw in my wilderness kit as a backup due to its lightweight and ease of use. Simply stick it in any wild water source and use it like any other straw.

Note on Water Filters: While water filters are a great option, they have their limitations. Smaller microbes like virus particles and some environmental contaminants can get past the filter. When possible, source your water from moving water sources and avoid water that is near industrial or farm areas.

Emergency Medical

In most cases, my ouch pouch is enough to handle the small cuts, scrapes, and bumps that come along with traversing rough wilderness terrain, but it is not equipped to tackle major muscle and bone injuries or major bleeds. Undisclosed also had portions of the event that used live firearms, so while it is always good to have some advanced bleeding treatment in the wilderness, it was even more relevant for this event.

A proper trauma kit is essential when working with firearms, even in a controlled environment.

Gorilla Medical Individual Trauma Kit

Each participant received a Gorilla Medical individual Trauma kit loaded with a number of lifesaving items focused on the types of injuries most likely to occur with firearms, though many of the items apply to injury types that could potentially occur in the wilderness.

The kit included:
• C.A.T. Tourniquet
• Emergency Bandage
• Compressed Gauze
• Hemostatic Gauze
• Non-Latex Gloves
• Trauma Shears
• Surgical Tape
• Casualty Document Card
• Permanent Marker
• HyFin Vent Chest Seal
• Nasopharyngeal Tube
• Surgical Lubricant
• Needle Decompression

The trauma kit was housed in a custom nylon pouch, which could be easily mounted to our packs or belts.
Note on Emergency Medical Equipment: Medical equipment is only as good as the training you receive. Without the knowledge of how to properly use medical gear, it is just dead weight. Our participants received a crash course in emergency medical training, and I have personally taken numerous courses in the subject. These skills are perishable, and it is important to periodically train to retain and update your skillset.

Navigation

Having a reliable means of navigation in unfamiliar areas can get you out of a bind if you know how to use the tools available. Cell phone-based apps can be helpful, but in the wilderness, and many areas in the Ben Franklin Range, service is limited, and those apps may not be functional.

GPS navigation devices allow you to find your way and better understand the topography of the area you are in.

Garmin 64st

This handheld GPS unit has been with me for a while. It may not be the newest unit on the market, but it’s reliable and still receives updates from Garmin. It offers an array of features, but most importantly it provides a topographical map of the area, which is helpful when planning movements. The external antenna gives you a solid connection to GPS satellites for accurate location information even under dense tree cover and during adverse weather conditions. It is rugged and can handle drops and driving rain, ensuring it will be available when you need it.

Coms and Signaling

With limited cell phone reception or in the instance that our mesh radios fail, having a backup communications plan is important in the event of an emergency. Beyond communications, having the ability to signal others, especially in the dark, is important if facing an emergency.

When in remote locations cell phone service can be unreliable. Compact satellite communicators like the ZOLEO allow you to communicate with others when there is no cell service.

ZOLEO

As a stand-alone device, the ZOLEO satellite communicator is a great, easy-to-use option capable of sending SOS messages and contacting emergency services. What is even more useful is that it turns your cell phone into a text-based satellite communicator, allowing both emails and text messages to be sent and is capable of automatically sending your GPS location to emergency contact or search-and-rescue services. The device itself is built to withstand the elements and has great battery life. The compact size makes it easy to carry in your pocket, attached to your gear, or in a pack.

The Glow Rhino Ember is an ideal low light gear marker and signaling device that add next to no weight to your minimalist survival kit.

Glow Rhino Ember

Glow Rhino packs tritium into their fobs. Tritium is a harmless radioactive isotope that will glow brightly for well over a decade without the need for any light or electronic charging. While small, the bright green glow is picked up easily by the human eye in dark conditions, which can help you stand out to those looking for you. These also make great gear markers when working in dark conditions.

Light

Having a light source when operating at night or in dark conditions is essential. Even if you are not planning to be out in the wilderness at night, emergency situations can leave us trying to navigate back to a safe location in the dark. In the wilderness, the absence of building and infrastructure lighting can result in pitch black conditions, making movement difficult and unsafe.

Powertac HL-10 Headlamp

The Powertac Explorer head lamp was provided to all participants, and I opted to use this as my primary light source as headlamps are ideal for creating hands-free light when working or on the move. The Explorer produces up to 2500 lumens of white light and has almost three days of run time on low mode between charges. In addition to white light, the Explorer has a red light option, which is ideal for preserving your night vision and an IR mode for tactical pursuits.

Backup Power

With a heavy reliance on electronics comes the need for backup power. Power banks are a daily carry necessity, but when operating in adverse conditions, picking a ruggedized weather-resistant option is vital.

With a heavy reliance on electronic devices, backup power should be part of every survival kit.

Dark Energy Poseidon Pro

The Poseidon Pro is a great solution for wilderness backup power. The ruggedized frame is drop, water, and temperature resistant, and it provides 10,000 mAh of power, which is enough to charge all the devices I carry and my phone at least once.

On-Body Gear

The kit I put together was comprehensive, but as our participants learned during the event, your pack doesn’t do you any good if it is not on your person when an emergency happens. While the participant faced a staged mass casualty event, I have learned from firsthand experience how easy it is to become separated from your pack in high-stress situations. Developing some redundancy in your kit to store on your person should be part of every survival kit build. Even though my on-body gear is not as robust as the gear in my pack, it is important to remember the best survival gear for any situation is the gear you have on you. My on-body carry included The Reiff Vicon, Skallywag Tactical Iron Jaw, Fenix PD25R, Sunshine Safety BRIK Micro, Outdoor Element Sparky, and Glow Rhino Ember.

Closing Thoughts

My ACHRO packed out came in at just over 11 pounds, not including water weight, and left plenty of room to add some snacks and house my camera when not in use. Having a light pack was welcome when traversing the challenging terrain and intense summer heat at the Ben Franklin Range during Undisclosed. Fortunately, I did not encounter emergency situations, but being prepared brings confidence and peace of mind to charge forward during the event with less stops back to the lodge to get supplies.

Much of the gear came in handy throughout the longer days, particularly the navigation, lighting tools, backup power, and water bottle. While we may instinctually want to pack everything and the kitchen sink, finding the right balance between weight and functionality is vital to reduce fatigue. When operating in challenging terrain and high heat, over-packing survival and EDC gear will quickly do more harm to your body and performance that outweigh any benefit the gear may have.

Read More From Issue 70

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

• Issue 70
• Challenge Facilitates Capability
• Between River and Sky: Recounting a Jungle Expedition
• Blades for any Challenge
• Garmont Tactical Boots

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.

When it comes to operating in high-stress environments, navigating the wilderness, or moving quickly during an emergency, next to our minds, our feet are our most important tool. The ability to move quickly and efficiently can be seriously hampered when foot injuries or discomfort are present. Having proper footwear is essential, and with the footwear market being as large as it is, it is difficult to know exactly what the best show for the job is.

While your average sneaker, work boot, or sandal may be a comfortable choice for daily use — these types of shoes are not built to hold up to miles of on foot travel, adverse weather conditions, and rough terrain. They also aren’t designed to keep our feet happy and healthy in these activities. In the years I’ve spent as an avid hiker, taking a variety of tactical/survival courses, and making it through several emergency scenarios, I’ve seen the impact of improper footwear both personally and with others. Blisters, rolled ankles, and fractures are just a few of the injuries that can stop you in your tracks, and over time more serious chronic conditions can develop because of improper footwear.

When it comes to selecting the best footwear to manage extended wear through harsh conditions that won’t slow you down when you need to move, it is best to trust our feet to footwear that is specially designed for that scenario. Fortunately, Garmont Tactical has years of experience doing just that.

Introducing the T8 Tactical Boot

Garmont has been in the footwear game since the 1960s and is known for making highly functional hiking boots and shoes. In 2008, Garmont was contacted by U.S. Special Forces and asked to create a better military boot. Garmont went to work incorporating their extensive experience and innovation in developing hiking boots, to create a military boot that had the benefits of a hiking boot and the protective qualities that the military required. The result of this process yielded the T8 family of boots and the creation of Garmont Tactical. The T8 was designed for comfort and breathability during extended wear, while also providing top-of-the-line traction in numerous operation terrains and ensure superior ankle protection.

The innovation did not stop with the first versions of the T8. Since its inception, Garmont Tactical has continued the Garmont’s legacy of innovation by producing several versions of the T8 and have introduced several new tactical boots to their lineup to meet the evolving needs of military and law enforcement personnel.

Many Applications

Garmont Tactical’s widespread adoption throughout military and police forces clearly shows their dedication to producing a premium battle-ready boot, but these boots have a lot of practicality beyond the battlefield.

• First Responders: Both volunteer and career first responders have a need for protective footwear that won’t slow them down when split-second decisions matter.
  
• Security Professionals: Those in the security field can find themselves on their feet for long periods of time and will face situations where moving quickly, scaling obstacles, and operating on varied terrain is essential.
  
• Shooting Sports: Enthusiasts can benefit from a durable and protective boot, especially when training classes and events take them beyond the bench.
  
• Outdoors: Not all outdoors people stay on the trail. Thanks to Garmont’s roots in outdoor footwear, search-and-rescue teams, state and federal parks employees, hunters, and anyone else who ventures into the wilderness can maintain the benefits of a hiking boot with the upgraded protection of a tactical boot.
  
• Emergency Preparedness: During a natural or human-caused emergency, the ability to move quickly over varied terrain for long distances can be vital to surviving the situation. Having a solid pair of tactical boots can help accomplish that goal and protect the wearer’s feet while doing it.
  

Choosing the Right T8 Tactical Boot

We tested four different variants of Garmont Tactical’s T8 boots built for different circumstances. Each boot was tested in varied environments through multiple seasons and weather conditions. We break down the features and benefits of each. All of Garmont Tactical’s T8 boots feature 8-inch height, non-reflective hardware, and suede/leather and nylon construction.

T8 Defense: Maximum Foot Protection

The T8 Defense is the latest member of the T8 family. Based on the original T8 boot design, the Defense incorporates the addition of D30 impact-resistant material throughout the boot to protect the wearer and reduce shock impact on the feet. For those unfamiliar with D30 technology, it is widely used for motorcycle, athletic, and military protective gear due to its lightweight impact and vibration resistance —­ it has also been used in electronic equipment.

D30 is incorporated into the ankle and tongue of the T8 Defense to help protect the most sensitive areas of the foot from blunt-force impacts. Garmont has also utilized D30 in the footbed to reduce the effects of impact while on the move. The result makes the T8 Defense one of the most comfortable boots I have worn for extended periods. During my testing, I had the T8 Defense boots on for upward of 16 hours per day and covered many miles with less foot fatigue than other boots I have worn.

The Defense is a breathable boot, which was welcome during the 95-plus-degree days. I was surprised at how breathable there in the intense heat and direct sunlight despite being made primarily of black leather.

While the Defense is not rated as waterproof, it stands up fine to light rain for a few hours, but I would not be looking to stand in deep puddles or attempt to move across a shallow creek and expect to stay dry.

The Vibram outsole provides an excellent grip in wet and dry conditions in both urban and wilderness environments while providing good stability. The T8 Defense is stiff to provide support, but not so stiff that fast movement is impaired.

Finally, when it comes to weight, the T8 Defense is not what I would consider a lightweight boot, but they are not heavy either. They are lighter on the feet when compared to an average work boot and a touch heavier compared to a hiking boot.

Overall, the T8 Defense was a comfortable boot that provides excellent support for your foot and ankle during all-day wear and covering significant distances at varied paces. The T8 Defense is available in regular or wide sizes in both the black leather LEO version and the tan military version.

T8 Extreme Evo GTX: Warm and Waterproof

The T8 Extreme Evo line was developed to incorporate a cold weather boot into the Garmont Tactical lineup. Two variations were made — one with 200-gram Thinsulate and a second with Gortex waterproof material. As I frequent the wet woodlands in New England, I opted to evaluate the Gortex variant.
Gortex provides breathable waterproofing, and while it doesn’t breathe as well as a boot without a waterproof lining, it is far more breathable alternative to waterproofing like sealed boots made from some kind of rubber material. Gortex will aid in heat retention, though not as much as Thinsulate.

The Evo Extreme GTX was my go-to boot the entirety of this past winter, and I found when combined with wool socks, they did a great job of keeping my feet warm while trudging through the snow and ice — both while in a suburban environment and while navigating the frozen woodlands. The waterproofing held up very well even when moving through shallow running water or standing in slushy standing water.
The Vibram outsoles provide an excellent grip in all conditions and perform exceptionally well in wet woodland environments. The addition of Ortholite insoles aided in comfort during all-day use and collecting serious milage out in the woods.

Like the T8 Defense, I found the Extreme Evo to be very supportive during wear, with an appropriate amount of stiffness to handle uneven terrain but not hinder fast movement when needed.

Despite being a boot designed for colder weather, when combined with the appropriate sock to manage foot moisture, the EVO Extreme GTX is a good option for navigating wet environments across all seasons.
The Extreme Evo GTX is noticeably heavier when compared to the T8 Defense, but that is expected when incorporating the Gortex waterproofing. Despite that, the boots do not feel overly heavy on the feet and are comfortable for extended wear in harsh conditions.

Overall, The T8 Extreme Evo GTX is a great option for cold and wet weather, especially when operating in uneven and rocky terrain. Like the other T8 variants, the Extreme Evo is available in regular and wide sizing. As of the time of writing, the Extreme Evo line is only available in the tan military coloring.

T8 Athena: A Specialized Women’s Tactical Boot

The T8 Athena is one of the most unique boots in the Garmont Tactical lineup. While many boot manufacturers make tactical boots in women’s sizing, Garmont is currently the only tactical boot on the market that is built from the ground up for women. The T8 Athena is specifically designed for a woman’s anatomical foot structure.

Women have a slightly shorter Achilles’ tendon, a narrow more pronounced arch, less foot muscle density, and weight distribution on the front of the foot when compared to men. While women can wear a tactical boot that was designed for men, having a boot that is built with these differences in mind will increase comfort and performance and reduce fatigue and injury.

The T8 Athena features the same lightweight breathability found in the T8 Defense with a slightly less rigid outsole for increased mobility and comfort over extended wear. The Athena uses Garmont’s proprietary Diamante outsole designed for comfort when navigating uneven terrain and prioritizes traction in ascent and descent scenarios.

My wife assisted me in the testing of the T8 Athena in the same conditions as the T8 Defense. Her feedback: The Athena was the most comfortable boots she had worn and she preferred them to some of her other technical footwear for the increased mobility and support they provided. Like the Defense, the Athena held up to light rain for an extended time and remained breathable and comfortable in 95-plus-degree temperatures. She found them comfortable for all-day wear during an extended outdoor event and while attending woodland-based training classes.

Like the other T8 variants, the Athena is available in both regular and wide sizes. The Athena is available in both black LE and tan military variants. The T8 Athena has become a mainstay of her footwear lineup for outdoor and strenuous tasks.

T8 Falcon: The Official Boot of Undisclosed

The T8 Falcon is a lightweight variant of the T8 that is designed for speed and agility. While not waterproof, the Falcon provides incredible breathability in hot environments and dries quickly when wet.
Each participant of the Undisclosed event was issued a pair of T8 Falcon boots for the event, and they wore them throughout the training and scenario portion of the event. The Falcon’s grippy outsoles ensured positive traction when navigating uneven terrain and scaling up and down steep and rocky areas. The lightweight nature of the boots ensured all-day comfort and breathability in 90-plus-degree temperatures.

When faced with rain, the leather and nylon construction did a good job keeping their feet dry despite not being waterproof, and the boots quickly dried out after crossing streams. The durable leather and nylon construction held up to the rigors of the event — and, best of all, the participants noted there was no break-in period needed.

The T8 Falcon is an ideal choice for those looking for lightweight foot protection that won’t slow you down or impact the wearers agility. The Falcon is only available in the military tan colorway.

Final Thoughts

As an outdoors person, preparedness enthusiast, and someone who takes part in a wide range of tactical and survival training programs, I can give the Garmont Tactical T8 lineup my seal of approval. I place a high value on functional technical footwear. I spend a lot of time in the woods hiking, camping, and training. While hiking boots are a great option for navigating the trail, they lack the versatility, durability, and load-bearing capacity found in tactical boots. In this case, I feel like Garmont gives you the best of both worlds.

The T8 variants we evaluated all provided great traction in a variety of conditions in the wilderness but performed equally as well in urban and suburban environments. The tread on all variants have held up very well both on and off the trail, something not often found in your typical hiking boot where pavement can quickly wear down hikers.

The added support found in the T8’s was welcome when moving with heavier loads, leading to far less discomfort and swelling compared to a light hiking shoe. Outside of the woods, the support also helps when on your feet all day both just standing and when doing a good deal of walking.

When compared to a typical work boot, the difference is night and day. The T8 boots fit better, provide more support, and weigh significantly less. They also have better traction in wet and oily conditions found in some industrial circumstances.

If you are looking for a rugged, durable, highly versatile pair of boots, the Garmont Tactical T8 lineup has great options with specific models boasting specialty features that may fit your needs. If you are like me and have wide feet, you will be happy with the addition of wide sizing and the roomy toe boxes. Finally, the addition of the anatomically designed Athena is a game changer for women who want or need a tactical boot, and we hope to see this expand to other aspects of the Garmont Tactical lineup.

Read More From Issue 70

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

• Issue 70
• Challenge Facilitates Capability
• Between River and Sky: Recounting a Jungle Expedition
• Blades for any Challenge

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.