Distress Signal Device Buyer’s Guide

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There are few situations as despair-inducing as those that leave you removed from other people and unable to help yourself. Bad weather or a blown tire sends you careening off the road, your boat motor craps out and you’re adrift without power, or you’re lost or injured in the wilderness and in need of help — these are all very realistic scenarios that occur every day. The easy, go-to distress signal method is your cell phone, and that works great right up until the moment that it doesn’t. Assuming your phone isn’t broken and the battery has some life, signal strength can be sketchy, particularly in the wilderness or offshore. If you subscribe to movie clichés, don’t forget that technology always fails at the most critical moment. It can be an incredible tool, but overreliance on technology can be fatal.

Whether you’re preparing for an excursion in the great outdoors or conducting your due diligence by stocking your boat or automobile with a small cache of safety equipment, having the ability to signal when you’re in a predicament shouldn’t be considered optional. Packing a small first-aid kit is more than most accomplish, but even that’s often the extent of an average person’s contingency planning. Somewhere between doing nothing and investing in a personal locator beacon (PLB), lie some small and lightweight distress signal options that are universally recognized for locating someone in need of help. The term “flare” often conjures an image of what looks like a stick of dynamite with a bright-red flaming end that resembles a firework. While classic flares are still widely used and generally accepted as roadside and maritime signaling/warning devices, there are alternatives that can be just as effective and may be better suited to meet your space and weight requirements as well as your overall expectations.

Above: Orange smoke is one of the most effective daytime distress signals, particularly when seen from above.

Purists will tout the capabilities and ease of carry of a good old-fashioned mirror and whistle or the effectiveness of the white smoke from a pine-needle fire. While those are certainly time-tested and situationally effective options, most would prefer a little further reach for their distress signals. There are multiple types of distress signal devices that can be used in a variety of situations. Flares and signaling devices are separated, although not exclusively, into three general categories. Individually they can be placed into one or two of the general categories, but most can be utilized in many different scenarios.

Distress Signal Applications

Roadside: Roadside distress signal devices are used to warn oncoming traffic that you’re stopped or stuck, and they need to reduce speed and check for needed assistance. The devices can also be used to alert passersby that you’ve gone off-road and need aid. Common devices: traditional road flares (also called highway flares or ground flares) and LED flares/strobes.

Marine: The United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulates the quantity, types, and disposal of required signaling devices needed for boats over 16 feet in length. Three day and night signals are required when there’s more than a 2-mile passage to the sea. Pyrotechnic flares are required by USCG to be replaced 42 months after their manufacture date. For smaller vessels, warning devices are recommended, although not required. Common devices: floating beacons, smoke, and aerial flares.

Wilderness: For those who enjoy going off-road and into the wild, whether it’s in the mountains, canyons, waterways, or trails, an emergency signaling device should always be within reach. Ask anyone with a stickered Nalgene bottle, and they can give you an earful of examples, regaling near-misses and lore of wilderness tragedies. Common devices: smoke signals and handheld flares.

Above: Flares come in a variety of sizes and uses. Packing the right one and knowing how to use it should be an essential part of your planning.

Distress Signal Comparison Test

The potential list of warning devices is vast. This article features six options that were put to the test and provide different and sometimes unique methods for alerting others of your need for assistance. Your particular comfort level, storage requirements, and environment will dictate which style you pursue. The evaluation of these flares wasn’t conducted in a controlled environment using scientific methodology. They were evaluated based on their manufacturer provided and published data and field tests on a mild Midwestern fall day.

The daytime distress signal tests were conducted at approximately 3:30 p.m. on a mostly clear day with little to no wind. The night tests were administered at 7:30 p.m. in the same conditions. Evaluators were placed at a distance of 2 miles and 5 miles with a direct line of sight to where the signals were activated.

Orion Signal Flare / Fire Starter 2-Pack

Category:
Roadside, Marine, Wilderness

Day/Night:
Both

Effective Range:
1 mile

Duration:
5 minutes

Shelf Life:
No expiration

Cost:
$5 (2 pack)

URL:
orionsignals.com

Above: Lighting the flare with the self-contained igniter.

Notes: If there’s one thing that preppers and outdoor enthusiasts love, it’s multi-use items. Orion leveraged their position as the long-standing most recognized name in flares and re-engineered their bread-and-butter road flare to also be employed for an obvious secondary use: a fire-starter. They wrap it up in a small, lightweight, and inexpensive package effectively checking the “multi-use” box as an emergency fire-starter and signaling device.

As you’d expect, this small flare isn’t a heavy hitter, but certainly has its place on the spectrum of alerting devices. Its size and dual application characteristics make it a practical tool for a backpack or bug-out bag. This flare was simple to ignite and sparked easily the first time, even for the evaluator, who had never used one before. The bright, ambient sunlight drowned out the small flame and greatly limited its ability to be seen during the daytime test. The evaluator at the 2-mile post, though, could see it when using binoculars.

At night it stood out far better and could even be seen (barely) at the 2-mile post exceeding the 1-mile range given to it by the manufacturer. It couldn’t be seen at the 5-mile post. The only drawbacks for the Camp Fire Starter / Signal Flare are the limited daytime visibility and the molten drippings that weep from the end of the flare that’s burning at over 2,000 degrees F. The flare itself isn’t too hot to hold with a bare hand, but the drippings will remind you to hold it away from your body and not above anything that might melt or burn.

Recommendation: These little flares are a great addition to your backpack as a small alerting device and/or an effective fire-starter if you have wet or precarious natural fuel.

Greatland Laser Green Rescue Laser Flare / Rescue Laser Flare Magnum

Category:
Roadside, Marine, Wilderness

Day/Night:
Both

Effective Range:
Night: 30 miles, day: 1-5 miles (green) / night: 20 miles, day: 1-3 miles (red)

Duration:
Battery life is 5 hours continuous use

Shelf Life:
No expiration

Cost:
$125 (red laser) / $225 (green laser)

URL:
greatlandlaser.com

Notes: Nearly all signaling devices are a pyrotechnic of some sort that present some obvious risks, most notably the heat they create and the inherent potential for flame-related destruction. The fix? Remove the fire from the distress signal. Greatland Laser has created a trio of “laser flares” that pack quite a punch in a small package and range in price from $100 to $225.

We evaluated the Rescue Laser Flare Magnum (red) and the Green Rescue Laser Flare. These types of signaling devices are unique in that they’re not traditionally recognized as a call for help. Most often they are viewed as antics by someone just trying to get a reaction. That perception and the requirement for a direct line of sight are certainly limiting factors, but these tools have benefits that tip the scale.

The advantages of the laser flares are that they’re compact, lightweight, and won’t fail in the rain, create secondary damage, or start a fire. A key advantage may lie when used in conjunction with another signaling device. Pyrotechnic flares are limited in their duration, therefore activating one to garner attention and then utilizing the laser to help concerned parties zero in on your location may be the perfect one-two punch to be rescued. Additionally, their prime benefit is getting the attention of aircraft. Although it’s illegal to point lasers at aircraft, federal law makes an exception when it’s used as a distress signal. The Green Rescue Laser Flare is slightly smaller and lighter than the red lasers and carries a bigger price tag but was noticed much easier at the 2- and 5-mile posts. The evaluators did note they didn’t see the lasers during the day unless they were specifically looking for them, and at night, they may not perceive the laser as a call for help. So, the person in peril may need to focus on their target and annoy them into calling law enforcement.

Recommendation: If reliability is at the top of your priority list for equipment, you can’t beat a Greatland Laser. It may be most effective when used in conjunction with another, more prominent notification device.

Orion Alerter Basic 4 Flare Gun

Category:
Marine, Wilderness

Day/Night:
Night

Effective Range:
27 miles (factoring in curvature of the earth)

Duration:
7 seconds at up to 500 feet high

Shelf Life:
No expiration (42-month Coast Guard mandate)

Cost:
$60

URL:
orionsignals.com

Notes: In another offering from the Orion family, the Alerter Basic 4 is a classic aerial signaling device. There’s a familiarity and comfort in the pistol-shaped 12-gauge launcher. From it, a red rocket fires and illuminates the sky. It can be seen for miles. Because the projectile is airborne and burns out before it hits the ground, it’s considered safer than some other pyrotechnic devices when used correctly. Usually found on watercraft, the Alerter Basic 4 has frequently been used by hikers as well, proving its versatility.

During the assessment, when the red fireball shot from the pistol, there was no question from evaluators at the 2- and 5-mile posts that a distress signal had been activated. Unless you happen to be in distress in the middle of a fireworks show, this signal is universally acknowledged as an alert to anyone in the area that someone is in need of help. The evaluator who fired the Alerter Basic 4 had never done so before, and with zero instruction, was able to load and fire the flare. He noted there was no kick and no heat, but recommended hearing protection because of the loud, gun-like bang.

Recommendation: This flare would be a great addition to any watercraft, as it’s USCG approved and could be included in backcountry vehicle kits for contingency planning.

Sirius C-1002 Two Color Distress Light Flag & Whistle

Category:
Marine

Day/Night:
Both

Effective Range:
6 miles / 20 miles from aircraft at 3,000 feet

Duration:
6-hour run time (2 hours required + bonus 4 hours)

Shelf Life:
10-year batteries

Cost:
$300

URL:
siriussignal.com

Notes: Sirius Signals has taken the classic water distress beacon and injected a healthy dose of the latest technology. While it comes at a hefty price tag, it’d be tough to argue that you could do better for a maritime distress signal device. It even comes with an accompanying app that provides the platform to enter as much of your personal and watercraft identification information as you’d like, the ability to send out a customized text, a concise first-aid tab, and a request for tow service. Also included is a “check me” button that can send your float plan and a text to up to five contacts, and a “SOS” button that can alert first responders with a customized message via text and phone call.

The beacon itself is about as basic as it gets, with a prominent and simple on/off switch. Be warned, though — when you switch it on, the beacon illuminates immediately and is extremely bright. The 2-mile post reported it to be “plain as day” and “very visible.” The 5-mile post had a little more difficulty seeing it, but once it was picked up out of the water and pointed, it became more easily recognized. This reinforced that, from an elevated vantage point such as the deck of a ship or an aircraft, this beacon can be seen from a great distance. Sirius touts that its 13 LEDs are five times brighter than any other approved device on the market.

Recommendation: Adding this beacon to your watercraft will satisfy Coast Guard requirements as well as provide the ability to issue a salvo of requests for aid.

Pocket Flare Mixed Signal Kit with Case

(Includes “Bear Bangers” plus flares)

Category:
Wilderness

Day/Night:
Night

Effective Range:
3 miles

Duration:
5 seconds

Shelf Life:
No expiration (if stored properly)

Cost:
$65 CAD (approx. $53 USD)

URL:
frankensled.com

Notes: Flares come in a variety of shapes and sizes. One of the most compact options is the “pocket” or “pen” flare. A variety of manufacturers sell versions of this tiny giant, but we evaluated the one included in the Mixed Signal Kit sold by Frankensled. The kit, which also includes bear bangers, contains three signal flares and a pen-style launcher, all contained in a waterproof case fitted with a belt clip and small carabiner. These flares are reasonably priced in comparison to their larger brethren. The shipping fees to the United States, if you buy from a Canadian manufacturer, can sting a bit, but these are in a class of their own for size, weight, and effectiveness.

The red, fiery projectile burns at more than 15,000 candlepower at a height of over 150 feet. The flare itself simply screws into the end of the pen launcher. Then, you point it up in the air at a 45- to 60-degree angle, pull back the slide trigger, and let it spring forward which fires the device. It’s possible to operate this with one hand, but it’s a smoother process with two. Hearing protection is recommended and, as with all projectile-type flares, you should utilize eye protection or turn your head and look away when firing. After a sharp “bang,” your flare is airborne and a glowing red ball burns across the sky for about 7 seconds. This flare was easily seen and recognized from both the 2- and 5-mile posts.

Recommendation: Backpackers, ATV enthusiasts, and even boaters could find these flares extremely beneficial. Moderate in price, low in weight and space, and high in effectiveness, this flare is appealing to just about all genres of the prepper and outdoor communities.

Orion Orange Smoke Handheld Signal

Category:
Marine, Wilderness

Day/Night:
Day

Effective Range:
3 miles

Duration:
1 minute

Shelf Life:
No expiration (42-month Coast Guard mandate)

Cost:
$30

URL:
orionsignals.com

Notes: Like red aerial flares at night, orange smoke is a universally recognized signal for help. It’s the standard for maritime distress during the day. Orange is used because of its high visibility, and it lies on the opposite side of the color wheel as blue, which provides the greatest contrast against water. In the open, and in an area of high contrast, it has a proven record of effectiveness. There are, though, some limitations. Ambient light, wind, and cover can render orange smoke useless. Night will eliminate the visibility of the smoke. A moderate to high wind will dissipate the smoke readily, which reduces visibility, particularly from a distance. And if you’re in a dense forest or among very high trees, the orange smoke isn’t easily identified.

Orion manufactures several versions of their orange smoke distress signals. The handheld version is lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and packs away nicely. It strikes easily on the first attempt and after a belch of white smoke, an impressive volume of orange smoke discharges that continues for a full minute. A potential rescuer should be within sight because of the brief duration of the orange smoke signal. The 2-mile post reported the smoke could be seen, but was unsure if he would acknowledge that it was a signal for help if he wasn’t pre-informed. It couldn’t be seen from the 5-mile post.

Recommendation: Within certain parameters, orange smoke is a proven distress signal. It should be used during the day, in an open area, preferably with high contrast, and a rescuer in sight.

Summary

Best practices dictate that you don’t activate a signal flare unless you’ve identified a person, people, or vehicle/aircraft/watercraft whose attention you’re attempting to grab. It’s also recommended that you locate yourself, if possible, in an open area, ideally that would provide high contrast to your signaling device. Depending on your respective scenario, there are a variety of options that can bring attention to you when you require aid. Don’t let the first time you need one be the first time you think about or use one. Consider which might be the best fit for you and learn about them, practice using them, and then take them with you. Flares can be life-saving tools when used correctly and should be given thorough consideration before venturing out on your next outing.

New: Bushnell Vault Binocular Chest Rig

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The front and center of your torso is an ideal place to store critical gear, whether that consists of spare magazines and an IFAK in a combat situation or a radio and navigational tools while adventuring in the wilderness. Positioning these items on the front of your chest ensures you'll be able to access them easily with either hand, even in alternate stances such as sitting or kneeling. Hunters need quick and quiet access to tools such as binoculars, a laser rangefinder, and game calls, because fumbling around in search of these items is likely to spook the intended target. With this in mind, the new Bushnell Vault binocular chest rig was developed with pockets for each of these items, plus silent magnetic closures that won't click or rattle.

Above: Binoculars are valuable for hunting, shooting, and all sorts of other outdoor activities. A good set doesn't come cheap, so it makes sense to protect them.

Bushnell Vault Harness & Rangefinder Pouch

The new Bushnell Vault binocular chest rig was announced earlier this month as a new product for 2022. It features a compact design with an ultralight X-harness that attaches via four built-in buckles. The binocular compartment is lined with soft, water-resistant material, and can accommodate 12×50 roof prism binoculars from most manufacturers. For binos with smaller optics, there's a removable riser pad that fills in empty space and keeps the binos from bouncing around inside.

The main compartment opens with a forward-facing flap that's attached with a quiet magnetic closure. It contains a mesh pocket for cleaning cloths and other small items. Additional mesh pockets on either side of the chest rig offer storage for game calls, weather meters, multitools, and other items. One more zippered pocket on the back of the binocular carrier serves as a good place to put hunting tags, maps, or a smartphone.

The optional rangefinder pouch (attached in the picture above) is sold separately, and features another quiet magnetic closure. There's also an integrated tether so you won't end up losing your rangefinder in the field if you drop it.

Bushnell says the Vault binocular chest rig will be available soon at an MSRP of $70. The rangefinder pouch will cost an additional $30. For more info, keep an eye on Bushnell.com.

Plate Carrier Workouts with the 5.11 Tactical TacTec Weighted Vest

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Exercising with minimal equipment has certainly become more prevalent over the last year and a half. Amidst a pandemic, more and more people have chosen to stay home and workout. This has given rise to many home-training options like video products, streaming fitness classes, home gyms, and easy-to-use equipment. Among the companies entering this arena is 5.11. While 5.11 products are becoming associated with CrossFit, they’re also a solid home gym investment for anyone looking to get in better shape, regardless of the type of training you do. Given that these products are from 5.11, a company whose products many of us have likely used in the past, there’s certainly a level of durability and functionality we can expect. So, let’s take a closer look at some plate carrier workouts with their TacTec Plate Carrier, Weight Vest Plates, and PT-R Weight Kits.

Above: The full arsenal of 5.11 fitness gear makes it easy to get a good workout in anywhere.

Plate Carrier Workouts with the 5.11 Tactical TacTec

Out of the box, this plate carrier looks cool — and who doesn’t want to look their best when working out? Originally meant to carry armor plates and tactical gear, its design is similar to that of many plate carriers used by military and law enforcement units, which is a differentiating factor among other weight vests. In the author’s humble opinion, it’s hands down the best-looking weight vest on the market. Also, if you happen to use a plate carrier for your day job or intend to use one as part of your preparedness plan, the fit, finish, and feel of the TacTec will likely be similar to whatever plate carrier you have for personal protection. Outside of that, it appears durable and well-made. Based on the initial feel, it seems like it’ll last a while. Other weight vests we’ve used have broken down over the course of one to two years of consistent use, but this vest feels different. Meant for frontline service, it’s a little overbuilt by home gym standards, which hopefully translates to an extended lifespan of hard training use and helps to justify the higher price tag at $210.

In terms of first-time wear impressions, the TacTec feels more stable and more comfortable than other commercial weight vests due to the large degree of fit adjustment that’s possible with this design, as well as the padded shoulder straps. These are similar to the straps they have on their backpacks. Using a weight vest for long periods of time certainly can be a strain on the shoulders and neck, so the extra padding is a nice touch. It’s a little larger than others on the market today, but it doesn’t feel very bulky. Overall, it fits well and doesn’t move very much during use once adjusted properly. Based on the out-of-the-box adjustments, it’ll likely fit most adult males well.

Above: Bodyweight movements can easily be made more challenging with a weight vest like the TacTec Plate Carrier.

The plate carrier has some other nice features like perforated mesh padding on the inside as well as vents to increase airflow and cushion it while resting on your chest and back. Even though this vest is a little bigger than many others on the market, it doesn’t get too hot, and range of motion is good. This makes the TacTec Plate Carrier an excellent choice for anyone looking to use a vest looking for more comfort in general, endurance training of any kind, or individuals looking to use a weight vest for a prolonged period of time. No matter how long you wear it, it doesn’t really get to a point where it’s uncomfortable or very hot, unlike other commercial weight vests.

Above: Using both the TacTec Plate Carrier and the PT-R Weight Kit gives you numerous different training options to keep training interesting.

 

One unique feature of the TacTec Plate Carrier not found in other vests is the quick-release cable escape system. This allows the user to pull on a Velcro-enclosed cable and quickly disassemble the vest. Putting it back together is a bit of a process, but it’s not difficult. This feature was originally meant for the TacTec’s primary role as an armor carrier for first responders, who may need to ditch the vest in a hurry — for example, if their vehicle rolls over, they wind up in water, or are wounded and need to quickly remove the vest for medical treatment. But as a weight training vest, the cutaway feature is a unique feature to have in the case of an injury or medical emergency while training.

Weight Vest Plates

Above: The metal plates are likely the best option for most people as they’re the easiest to use with the least amount of setup.

The 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier offers two different options to add weight for plate carrier workouts — the Metal Weight Vest Plate and the Weight Plate Sandbag. The Metal Weight Vest Plates are easier to use compared to the Weight Plate Sandbags, as they don’t require any filling of sand. They slid in easily and fastened well in the compartment. These plates come in a pair and are offered in both 5.75- and 8.75-pound options, at the additional expense of $70 or $75, respectively. If you don’t have the actual armor plates to train with, or don’t want to train with said plates for fear of damaging them during a workout, these plates are a great way to add weight that integrates seamlessly with the TacTec. The plates measure 12.5 inches high and 9.5 inches wide, which means they may also be able to integrate with other plate carriers, if you happen to have one on hand already.

Above: These durable sand-filled plates were very easy to fill and are a very suitable alternative to the metal weight plates.

As far as the Weight Plate Sandbags, they don’t require much sand to fill to the requisite weight, and they Velcro easily with both a regular closure and a rolled closure. Once filled, just slide them into the TacTec carrier. These are very well-designed with two individual compartments to fill with sand and a break in the center to better fit the contours of the body. There was no issue at all with sand leaking out during use, which is always a concern when using any sand-filled training product since some can create a real mess. Once filled, they fit snugly in the vest and attach to the inside of the weight vest via Velcro to keep them secure. These were about 8.5 pounds each when fully filled, and they run $50 for a pair.

PT-R Weight Kits

Above: Each PT-R Weight Kit is composed of two liner bags inside of the weight bag. Just unzip the weight bag and take out the liner bags for other exercise options.

Sandbag training may be new to much of the public but has been around in the fitness community for a little while now. Using sandbags as a weight training implement is a nice option; it gives people the ability to easily get a resistance training workout with numerous different exercises and very little equipment necessary. On top of that, sandbags allow the user to do work in multiple planes of motion easily, and they also allow some movements that are generally more coaching intensive, such as the hang clean, to be done without as much difficulty compared to a barbell version.

The 5.11 PT-R Weight Kit feels well-made, although some of the other similar products on the market do feel a bit more durable due to different materials. They use 1050D nylon, which will increase durability over extended-use periods. There are a few different options in terms of handle placement, giving some freedom as to what feels most comfortable and to accommodate an array of different movements.

One very useful feature of the PT-R Weight Kit that competitors don’t have is the ability to use the internal liner bags on their own. 5.11 thought to put handles on each liner bag. Individually, they function similar to a kettlebell with a handle at the top with the weight below. This is very useful to be able to do exercises like swings and Turkish Get-Ups, but you can certainly use them for much more than that.

Above: The different handle placements can change an exercise quite a bit.

The PT-R Weight Kit comes in both 50- and 100-pound sizes, which should have your bases covered for most exercises. These two sandbags will run you $140 for the 50-pound bag and $160 for the 100-pound bag.

Above: Feel free to experiment with the best way to use these liner bags in your workout. They easily slide back into the weight bag.

Conclusion

Overall, these products were durable, reliable, and reflect the high-quality standard that 5.11 has set for most of its products. The TacTec Plate Carrier fit well, didn’t move very much during our plate carrier workouts, was cool and comfortable. The larger size may be a turn-off for some, but it does add more comfort and stability not found in other vests. If you don’t mind the price tag, it’ll likely be the most comfortable weight vest you ever use.

Above: The Velcro cummerbund Velcro closure does a great job keeping the vest firmly in place.

The PT-R Weight Kits function very well and allow for a wide range of different exercises making them a very useful part of a home gym, or even as the sole piece of workout equipment. Their durability should result in a lot of use without issues. If you’re someone who wants to keep most of your training at home, or you’d like some new equipment to broaden your catalog of exercises, consider these products as they’re a great addition to your plate carrier workout arsenal, and you can take them on the road with you to exercise on the go.

About the Author

Ryne Gioviano is the owner of Achieve Sports Performance & Personal Training located in Aurora, Illinois. He earned his master’s degree in exercise physiology and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. You can find more information at www.Achieve-SportsPerformance.com or reach him on Twitter and Instagram at @rgioviano.

Reviewing the Internet’s Dumbest Survival Tips

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Bushcraft is a term that was largely popularized by legendary Canadian outdoorsman Mors Kochanski, who summed up his survival philosophy with a memorable quote: “The more you know, the less you carry.” This emphasizes the importance of developing a well-rounded set of knowledge and skills that can help you survive in the wilderness. It also encourages the use of natural resources, rather than overreliance on manmade gear and tools. Unfortunately, the term bushcraft is often misused to refer to any outdoorsy DIY “life hack,” most of which are actually the exact opposite of what bushcraft should be. The following viral video from the Facebook page 5-Minute Crafts Men claims to contain “serious bushcraft ideas” that can help you “survive in any conditions,” but it actually feels like a 15-minute compilation of some of the internet's dumbest survival tips.

Above: If you think this is what survival looks like, please save the search-and-rescue teams some trouble and don't venture off the beaten path.

The Original Survival Tips Video

You can watch the full 15-minute “serious bushcraft ideas” video in the embedded video player below, or by clicking this link.

There's a lot to take in here, so read on as we evaluate some of the most impractical survival tips seen in this video.

Survival Tip #1: “Protected from Wild Animals”

The very first segment in this compilation sets a low bar for the remainder of the survival tips. We'd love to know which wild animals this woman is seeking protection from, because a waist-high string net isn't going to be stopping any of them. Small critters like field mice and racoons will pass right under it. Larger animals like bears will be completely unfazed by it, assuming something inside the campsite caught their attention in the first place (they're smart enough to open car doors). The only thing this tip might be useful for is improvising an emergency beach volleyball net.

It's almost as bad as another piece of infamous internet survival advice, the WikiHow entry for “How to Escape Dangerous Forest Animals.”

If you want to avoid creepy-crawlies at ground level, consider building an elevated sleeping platform or set up a hammock. As for bears and larger animals, keep all food and other scented items away from your camp, ideally in an elevated bear bag. Refer to this article from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for more info.

Survival Tip #2: Pitiful Plastic Tipis

We hope you're stocked up on plastic wrap, because it seems to be the video creators' favorite material. Would it be useful if you found a roll in a dumpster or washed up on a beach? Sure. Is it an essential material you should carry in your backpack specifically for shelter-building? No way. Here's a better survival tip: bring a tarp. They're lighter, more compact, easier to work with, opaque, and they're even reusable! What a concept. Ironically, the very next clip shows a rudimentary tarp setup on a ridgeline, so we know they had access to one.

On top of that, this tipi design is barely big enough to huddle inside in the fetal position. Spend a night like that in the forest, and you certainly won't be smiling as much as this lady. Instead, use your handy-dandy tarp to make a shelter, or use real bushcraft skills to construct one from naturally-occurring materials.

Later in the video, another clip shows how to make a tipi out of rolls of clear packing tape, which manages to be even more inefficient than the plastic wrap method. As Ron Burgundy would say, we're not even mad — that's amazing.

Survival Tip #3: Did We Mention the Plastic Wrap?

This clip gave us a glimmer of hope at first — it starts with a rudimentary wood A-frame that's at least long enough to sleep inside. But then our hopes were dashed as the plastic wrap returned. Yes, applying enough of it can create a water-resistant barrier over the shelter, but so would a tarp… or a few layers of the nearby grass and evergreen boughs. We won't even bother discussing the goofy, pointless plastic wrap fence around the shelter.

Additionally, this shelter is built on a tiny sand bar that's surrounded by water, and it's raining. Does she want her shelter to get flooded? Because it sure seems like the perfect location for that.

Survival Tip #4: Bring the Entire Kitchen!

The video would lead us to believe that this woman's backpack contains:

  • A whole raw chicken
  • One eggplant
  • One bell pepper
  • A full-size cutting board
  • A wood mortar and pestle
  • Aluminum foil
  • Multiple jars of spices
  • A grocery store bottle of olive oil

At this point, she might as well just bring a portable barbecue grill and basting brush rather than making them out of twigs and dirty grass from the riverbank. The latter item is a great way to smear waterborne pathogens all over the food. She also apparently forgot to pack a fork, since she's seen stabbing her food with a camp knife to eat it. Next morning, she splashes dirty river water in her face before cutting the plastic wrap off her shelter and traipsing off through the creek.

For an overview of the numerous alternative cooking methods that could've been used here, check out our previous article Grid-Down Chef: 6 Outdoor Cooking Methods.

Survival Tip #5: Give Yourself Hypothermia

More plastic wrap. This time, it's used to enclose a DIY fire pit made from an old car wheel and some fire bricks — we assume she stopped by a junkyard and Home Depot on the way to bushcraft practice. She surrounds the fire on all sides, makes sure to seal the bottom edge with snow, and then cuts a large entry flap that's seen blowing in the breeze. After setting up a wall thermometer (also from Home Depot, no doubt) she dons a bikini and jumps into the icy water nearby, then returns to the plastic sauna to attempt to warm back up. How refreshing!

Seriously though, if you're in a cold-weather survival situation, we shouldn't have to explain why it'd be stupid to wear a bikini or jump into an icy lake. And if you have enough time to build a sauna, you should probably pick a different recreational activity that doesn't put you in immediate danger of hypothermia and frostbite (maybe even carbon monoxide poisoning). Or just build one out of wood like a normal person.

Survival Tip #6: Make a PVC Geodesic Dome

The final segment is truly incredible.

You'll need a few friends to help you create this expert-level survival shelter. Make a clearing in the woods, lay down some blankets, and remove a few dozen segments of PVC pipe from your backpack. Then take the propane torch and C-clamp you also carry in your backpack, and flatten the ends of each pipe. Next, for some reason, use a pair of scissors to bore bolt holes through each pipe (your cordless power drill must be out of batteries). Use bolts and wingnuts to assemble the PVC pipes into a geodesic dome — everybody knows that's the most efficient survival shelter shape.

Cover the shelter in transparent mesh so it won't block the breeze, and decorate it with placemats, throw pillows, scented candles, and cute dreamcatchers. It's the perfect place to relax and read Isaac Asimov novels until someone can come rescue you. Pair this with a zigzagged string animal barrier for extra safety.

Closing Thoughts

Even a broken clock is right twice a day, and this insane video still includes a few tips that might be marginally useful. The hammock clip shows how to add toggles to tie down a tarp. The igloo clip builds about 20% of a functional snow shelter, but it does contain a few smaller tips with some validity:

  • Using a pencil sharpener to quickly generate tinder shavings
  • Using crumpled paper as extra insulation between clothing layers (a practice often used by homeless people in cold climates)
  • Making pine needle tea

At the time of publication, this video has 928,000 views. We sincerely hope that, like us, most of those viewers were only watching to point and laugh.

Hands On: Micro Chest Rigs vs. Heavy Chest Rigs

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We’ve spent a lot of time recently talking about body armor and plate carriers. It’s a topic we think is especially relevant as we continue to see pockets of aggressive unrest that include property damage and crimes against persons. Your equipment should be a reflection of your environment, and you should always take steps to prepare for the worst-case scenarios. Current trends in kit configuration have led to many viewing the chest rig as an accessory or add-on to an armor carriage platform. We agree that this is definitely an excellent use for a chest rig. But the beauty of chest rigs is that they can also be used independent of armor as a stand-alone load-bearing platform. Whether you want to carry spare magazines, radios, shelter-building equipment, medical supplies, or just food and water, chest rigs offer a flexible, ergonomic option to keep your survival gear easily accessible. To illustrate this point, and to examine the primary schools of thought in chest rig design, we’re looking at two specific products to represent two major categories: micro chest rigs and heavy chest rigs.

MICRO CHEST RIGS

Redwire Gear Emergency Management Rack (EMR)

We’ve had our Redwire Gear EMR chest rig for years, and despite the absolute deluge of compact, minimalist, low-vis, and micro chest rigs to hit the market over the last couple years, we still haven’t found one we like better than the EMR. It’s a simple panel with a 6-row-by-6-column grid of laser-cut slots in lieu of traditional MOLLE-compatible webbing. It comes complete with an H-harness constructed from 1-inch nylon straps and is assembled using six Fastex-style buckles.

The back of the panel is covered in hook tape from edge to edge, with a removable loop-side panel if you don’t need the stick-on capability. The combination of hook tape and buckles makes the EMR usable as a stand-alone chest rig, clip-on front panel for QASM-equipped plate carriers, or even to attach onto some assault packs with loop tape panels (the 5.11 AMP12 pack, for example). With the H-harness, it can also be slung over a vehicle headrest, and the waist strap connected around the seat to create an ad-hoc seatback load carriage setup. When configured lean enough, this micro chest rig completely disappears underneath a windbreaker or hoodie.

We’ve reconfigured ours a number of times over the years, but believe we’ve found the goldilocks setup for it (for now):

Above: The HSGI Bleeder/Blowout Pouch holds just enough trauma gear to cover likely battlefield wounds.

The G-Code Scorpion pouches allow us to use a variety of rifle mags from AR-15 to AR-10/SR-25 to AK pattern. The High Speed Gear Bleeder/Blowout pouch has been around for years and is a prime example of the “if it ain’t broke …” axiom. It’s a compact, low-profile design that has just enough room for a basic blowout kit including chest seals, combat gauze, compact pressure dressing, and a set of nitrile gloves. The only thing that doesn’t fit inside the kit is a tourniquet, which we’re able to fix by threading a bungee-based STRAP band to the small laser-cut MOLLE panel on the side of the pouch. There’s also a slot in the back of the Bleeder/Blowout pouch for trauma shears, with positive snap-close retention.

The Demo pouch, Redwire’s answer to the growing trend in drop-down or sub-abdominal style pouches, is augmented with a Mk1 chem light panel from Explosive Ops Gear. We originally had the panel stocked with 10 4-inch miniature chem lights, but found these had a habit of falling out during rigorous movement. So, we went with the larger 12-inch “hand flare” chem lights that feed through both sets of loops. They’re a little bulky but provide more light than the minis and are held rock-solid secure on the panel.

Inside the Demo pouch, we have a small IR “firefly” beacon for marking/identification under night vision as well as a compact Sport Smoke smoke grenade and smaller elastic-loop panel for miniature IR chem lights. We also have a 50-foot length of 4-in-1 FireCord. This looks just like standard 550 parachute cord, but the outer nylon sheath can be split open to reveal a strand of Dyneema that can be used as fishing line or a friction saw, a strand of waxed linen tinder cord, and a strand of cotton sewing string that can be used to repair gear or for wound suturing in austere conditions.

The Demo pouch is highly versatile and can be loaded with anything from medical gear to snacks to survival tools or demolition equipment, if you’re cool enough to use that for your job. It attaches via a large hook-and-loop panel that just presses onto the back of the EMR. If that’s too much bulk, or you don’t need the extra load carriage, simply tear it off and run the EMR in stand-alone configuration.

Why Choose a Micro Chest Rig?

What is a micro chest rig good for? It is, admittedly, not a whole lot of load-carriage, relatively speaking. But there are some specific applications that this sort of setup is ideal for.

To those working in law enforcement or low-profile protective roles, a micro chest rig is a great way to up your ammo or gear capacity while maintaining maximum concealability. Whether you’re conducting surveillance, working an active shooter response role, or supporting a VIP escort/protection team that doesn’t require large amounts of ancillary gear, micro rigs are an excellent way to feed a carbine or rifle that may be a secondary or worst-case weapon, or to carry other equipment like a radio, large flashlight, or medical gear. Small chest rigs are lightweight, low-bulk, and keep your critical items close at hand and easily accessible with either hand from a variety of positions. If you spend most of your time behind a steering wheel, these rigs can also be more comfortable than adding equipment to a duty belt while being faster than digging through a go-bag or assault pack.

Above: The Redwire Gear Emergency Management Rack is an excellent example of a modular micro rig that can carry a no-frills fighting load for emergency response, while still being concealable under a large hoodie or windbreaker.

For prepared citizens, micro chest rigs allow you to scale your level of response. They can be thrown over a slick plate carrier and just as easily removed when not needed. They’re also a great way to supplement your EDC if/when the situation requires a more aggressive posture. Even if you appendix carry a pistol or other weapon in your daily routine, micro chest rigs will not inhibit your access to pockets or beltline, especially if you forego the Demo pouch add-on.

The author keeps his EMR packed in a go-bag with a First Spear Slick plate carrier. These two pieces of kit paired up allow a fully scalable response for an array of situations that may require just armor, just additional gear, or both. As stated, the Slick and the EMR micro chest rig, even when worn together, still allow normal draw from an AIWB holster, access to an AIWB fixed blade, and full use of all pant pockets for smaller EDC items like flashlight or folding knife.

Above: The EMR’s load carriage can be expanded with Redwire Gear’s Demo Pouch, which hangs down under the EMR.

HEAVY CHEST RIGS

Barrel & Hatchet Ghost

On the other end of the spectrum from the high-speed-low-drag micro rigs are larger, purpose-built chest rigs. Sometimes referred to as general-purpose or patrolling rigs, these offer a substantial increase in load carriage, trading off concealability. They typically have a set of pouches that are hard sewn to the harness. Not intended to be clipped onto a plate carrier, patrolling rigs date back to earlier generations of chest rigs used in places like Vietnam and Rhodesia — for a long time, these setups were referred to as “Rhodesian rigs” due to their popularity in a number of African Bush wars.

They date back to a time before body armor was prevalent on the battlefield, and were worn simply for more ergonomic load carriage. Nowadays, some military units that work in tough terrain or specialize in long-range reconnaissance patrols still use them when direct contact with the enemy isn’t in the mission profile. Some units will wear patrolling rigs while keeping slick plate carriers in their rucksacks. The patrol will stop short of their objective to don armor before striking but have all their immediate-use equipment on them in the meantime.

Our example patrolling rig comes from a new company called Barrel & Hatchet Trade Company. Their rig, which they call the Ghost, was designed by Air Force JTACs (Joint Terminal Air Controllers) who often work attached to special operations units charged with long-range patrols. The JTAC’s job is to call in airstrikes on identified enemy positions. This mission set is clearly translated into the Ghost’s design, which features pouches for up to six AR-style magazines, two radios (one to talk to their teammates, one to talk to attack aircraft), and two general-purpose pouches for medical or sustainment supplies.

Fortunately, if you’re not directing F-16s dropping bombs on ISIS fighters, the radio pouches can be repurposed to hold all kinds of things from water bottles to power bars to sunglasses. They are open-topped with bungee retention cords that can be adjusted for tightness via pinch clip. When adjusted properly, these pouches can even accommodate a full-sized service pistol with weapon light. Even the mag pouches will hold other sundries, thanks to the Ghost’s unique design that features reinforced openings.

Above: The GP pouches on the Ghost rig are great for these Nutrient Survival single-serve rations.

We’re not huge fans of the flap-top mag pouches, but since these pouches are meant to be multipurpose, we understand the benefit of additional closure/retention. Said flaps buckle closed, with no hook-and-loop to make noise or get mudded up. The general-purpose end pouches are straightforward. There are no elastic loops, pile tape, or anything inside the pouches.

Those who like to meticulously organize every item in every pouch might be triggered by the lack of sub-compartmentalization, but the unadorned GP pouches on the Ghost can be pressed into service to hold odds and ends, or even left empty to pick up scavenged items on the fly. Our sample came with an H-harness, by our request, but an X-harness is the current production standard. Generally speaking, the X-harness is more comfortable for long-term wear, but the H-harness is easier to use when throwing a chest rig on over body armor.

Speaking of armor integration, we attempted to integrate our Ghost with our Defense Mechanisms plate carrier. The top-mounted clips on the Ghost click right into the QASM-style female buckles. The Ghost also features a square of hook-side tape on the back side of the main panel, which is placed perfectly if your plate carrier features loop-side tape on the front plate bag.

The Ghost is substantially larger than a micro chest rig or load-bearing placard, with the radio and GP pouches extending well past the edges of a plate carrier. We attempted to use our AXL advanced chest rig retention kit to secure the ends of the Ghost to our cummerbund but ran into a hiccup. The side buckles on the Ghost are all male-end buckles, which defies the trend of male buckles up top, female buckles on the side. The AXL retention kit also uses all male-end buckles. So this was a no-go in terms of using the AXL kit to secure the Ghost to our plate carrier.

We loaded one GP pouch with Nutrient Survival single-serve rations and the other with a combination of 4-in-1 survival cord, an AR multi-tool, and a Sport Smoke smoke grenade. The radio pouches handily accepted an insulated water bottle and a Leupold spotting scope.

Why Choose a Heavy Chest Rig?

If concealment isn’t an issue for you, a larger patrolling-style heavy chest rig like the B&H Ghost offers advantages in both the amount and array of equipment you can carry. Likewise, if using a chest rig for general outdoor activities like hunting or hiking where armor integration isn’t a concern then a stand-alone rig is likely the way to go. While you may not need 6 … or 9 … or 12 magazines as part of your family preparedness plan, there are a multitude of general-use rigs available, and large flap-style mag pouches can be repurposed to hold all kinds of other things.

Of course, there are also all-MOLLE versions of these kinds of larger heavy chest rigs that can be customized ad infinitum to your specific needs. Especially if you’re the pack mule for young children or other family members, the extra storage capacity will be a boon. Using a heavy chest rig in conjunction with a small daypack or belt-mounted load carriage will also help distribute the weight of survival equipment over several different areas of the body, reducing fatigue on a specific point.

Conclusion

These are just two specific products showcasing two entire weight classes of chest rig. We’re not going to declare a winner or tell you that you should pick a micro chest rig over a heavy chest rig (or vice versa). On the contrary, we urge you to take a hard look at what your realistic needs are and make the best choice from there. Regardless of what size, style, type, or pattern of chest rig you think you need, there are at least two options on the market today that fit your parameters.

SOURCES:

More Articles on Chest Rigs and Plate Carriers

To learn more about tactical load-bearing equipment such as chest rigs and plate carriers, check out some of our previous articles below:

Bag Drop: Personal Security Detachment Backpack

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Personal Security Detachment (PSD) work isn’t as glamorous as it sounds. The idea that you’re always wearing a black suit with a curly earpiece hanging out of your ear like the Secret Service in the movies isn’t accurate in most cases. The point is to offer close protection of a client or high-value individual. You don’t want to look like a gang of heavily armed goons surrounding someone very important like the rings of the archery target encircling the bull’s-eye. The more attention you bring to yourself, the riskier you make your unprotected movement in public areas.

During my time doing PSD work overseas, we had to protect quite a few high-value personnel. While armor plates and a pistol aren’t necessarily hard to conceal, a carbine and a chest rig will make you stick out. In those situations where we were trying to be less conspicuous, we’d put an MP5 or similar PDW/SBR (Personal Defense Weapon/Short Barreled Rifle) in a backpack with a Rhodesian or similar LBE (Load Bearing Equipment) kit. This was an option we could deploy quickly if needed, but it let us blend in with any group of tourists simply walking around viewing the sights. These backpacks would be civilian in nature as to not draw attention with excessive MOLLE attachments and camouflage nylon.

Above: It's essential to carry a pack that looks discreet and can easily blend in with the local population and/or tourist groups.

Many of these events required us to sit and observe during a dinner or meeting that may last most of a day. If we were already carrying a backpack, why not use it to expand our ability to respond to violent threats, medical emergencies, or various daily inconveniences? While loading the backpack with required tactical gear took a lot of space, it could be loaded efficiently to minimize bulk. When I had to do this work years ago, we simply didn’t have access to the enormous number of options we do today for backpacks and low-vis equipment.

Personal Security Detachment Bag

For my more modern take on this requirement, I started with a Vertx Gamut 2.0 backpack. I’ve had this specific bag for a couple years, and I use it every day. Its contents are typically set up in this specific configuration, but the PDW and chest rig are removed when necessary. The bag itself is 20.5 H by 11.5 W by 7.5 D inches and has an internal capacity of 25 liters. This bag is designed specifically for the carrying of a PDW and accessories while maintaining a very discreet external signature. The Gamut is built with a quick-access rear weapons compartment with a large pull tab. The bag can also utilize ballistic panels and complement any body armor you may already be wearing.

Make & Model
Vertx Gamut 2.0

MSRP
$220

URL
www.vertx.com

Backpack Contents

The purpose of this bag is to bring a bigger gun than a pistol into the fight if needed. I chose to use a B&T APC9 Pro Pistol with brace, which fits perfectly with stock collapsed and a 30-round magazine inserted in the back compartment. I’d imagine similar guns like the MP5 or its clones, or a SIG Rattler or MPX, could also fit in a very similar fashion. The main compartment has a specific laptop (or armor plate) sleeve and multiple zippered pockets to keep all required equipment organized.

I loaded my internal main pocket with a beanie, light jacket, notebook, three pens, a Multitasker Twist, and a Haley Strategic DC3RM Micro with four additional 30-round magazines and assorted smaller items. The design of the bag allows rapid access to the weapons compartment, and only takes slightly more time to get the chest rig out. The idea is to deploy the bag’s contents after using your sidearm to handle any immediate threats. Going from a pistol with 15+/- round magazines to a PDW with multiple 30-round magazines increases the defense capabilities of any protection detail in a high-threat environment.

I used the external pockets to stow quick-access items, so I won’t need to open the main compartment. The Gamut features an external flap that can be opened and attached with two hooks to hold a jacket or helmet if needed, but I left it zipped up and used it for medical gear instead. I was able to insert a Dark Angel Medical kit and a SOF-T tourniquet with room to spare for easy access. In the two external side pockets, I have another SOF-T, trauma shears, a Leatherman multi-tool, knife sharpener, two cigars, a torch, and a cutter. Those last items are for my positive mental attitude more than any tactical “need,” obviously. I developed my love of cigars overseas, so it only seems fitting.

Finally, in the top smaller pocket, I keep mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a couple pens, all of my required chargers for cell phone and comms equipment, extra batteries, a small headlamp, and a handheld SureFire flashlight. Slide a Nalgene bottle on the outside and a couple Clif bars, and you’re set for a full day of sitting around and ensuring someone stays alive. When fully loaded, the bag isn’t light, but for what you’re bringing to the fight — especially without causing mass panic in a public environment — this is a very capable option.

Closing Thoughts

Looking back at what we used in the past and what we’re able to purchase, configure, and carry today is astounding. This bag and setup would’ve worked great for what I was doing in my past life, and hopefully the men and women currently serving in that capacity are able to use the best equipment for their given environment. There’s something to be said about making do with what you have to accomplish a task, but if given the opportunity, always take the time to acquire the best tools for the job.

Verification Code Scams: Circumventing 2-Factor Authentication

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How difficult is it to find your phone number online? For most of us, the answer is “not very,” despite our best efforts. There are countless places where your phone number might be shared, whether it's due to your own actions or those of a third party. Maybe you posted your number alongside a for-sale ad in an online marketplace, your spouse shared it in a community group on social media, or your boss emailed it to someone without your knowledge. Perhaps you signed up for a customer loyalty program at a store, and that store sold your name and number to make a quick buck. Maybe it was leaked in one of the countless data breaches that we hear about almost every day now. No matter the reason, phone numbers have become a key target for cybercriminals who carry out verification code scams.

What is a Verification Code Scam?

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, has become an increasingly popular method of adding security to online accounts. The most common form of two-factor authentication involves sending a text message to your phone number with a verification code that must be used to take an action (e.g. reset a password, create an account, or allow a new device to log into an existing account). Everyone knows not to give out their passwords to strangers, but not all are as conscious of how 2FA codes work. Verification code scams involve convincing users to share those codes so criminals can take malicious actions, sometimes without requiring an additional password.

Now, you might be thinking, “That's ridiculous! I would never give a verification code to a stranger.” That may be true — if you're even a little security-conscious, you'll know never to give out a verification code that you receive. Many verification code text messages also include a message that says “Don't share this code with anyone.” But all of this can be overcome by a smooth-talking criminal who understands social engineering. (If that's not a term you're familiar with, read our article Social Engineering: 5 Manipulation Techniques.)

Even if you wouldn't fall for this trap, your family members and friends might. That's why it's essential to share this knowledge with those who are less tech-savvy and more easily victimized.

How Do Verification Code Scams Work?

There are many ways cybercriminals convince victims to hand over their verification codes. For context, let's look at a real-life example that has been circulating lately: the Google Voice scam.

Imagine you've listed an old iPad for sale online. As most people do, you enter your phone number so potential buyers can contact you. You receive the following message: “Hi, I'm interested in the iPad you're selling. If it's still available, I can send you the money through PayPal, but first I want to make sure you're not a scammer. I've had too many close calls and I don't want to get ripped off.” The message continues, “I'm going to use Google verification to prove that you're a real person. You'll get a text with a six-digit code from Google, so just let me know the verification code so I can prove you're not a bot. Thanks!”

You then receive a code from Google that looks like this:

Example via support.google.com

If you're even a little skeptical, alarm bells should be going off in your head by now. Unfortunately, many people — often children or the elderly — don't know better.

If the victim hands over the code to the criminal in this example, it's used to set up a new Google Voice account with the victim's phone number. That allows the scammer, who is usually overseas, to use the new Google Voice number to scam other victims (or to sell the number to other malicious groups). If authorities investigate, they'll find the victim's number linked to the scammer's Google Voice account.

Here's a guide explaining how to reclaim your number if you fall victim to the Google Voice scam.

Above: Security consultant and former Army Cyber Warfare Officer Rich Malewicz shared this example of a verification code scam in action. Even if it seems obvious to you, many people still fall for these brazen attacks.

Other possible verification code scams might be seeking access to accounts whose username and password data have previously been leaked. When a criminal already has access to the username and password, a 2FA code is usually the final key to taking over an account.

steganography embarrassed woman

Now, maybe you're not falling for the nice guy approach — that's good. But there are other ways attackers convince victims to give up these codes. Fear is another common tool to convince victims to share a verification code. For example, a criminal might send an official-looking text that says, “ALERT: a new device has accessed your Amazon account near Shenzhen, China. A six-digit emergency verification code has been sent to this number. Reply immediately with the code to recover your account.” Uninformed users might panic and comply without realizing that this fraudulent message isn't protecting their account from an attack — it IS the attack.

Methods to Avoid Verification Code Scams

The obvious answer is to do what most verification messages say: treat every verification code like a password, and never tell them to anyone. But there's more to it than that.

Since SMS/text-message-based authentication is the most common method, it's also the most common target for criminals. It's a good idea to set up one of the other 2FA verification methods, either as a backup or your primary method. Authenticator-app-based (a.k.a. Time-Based One Time Password, or TOTP) verification tends to be more secure since its codes expire in as little as 30 seconds — probably not enough time for an attacker to use it, even if you were foolish enough to share it. Google Authenticator is a good example of this type of app.

Titan Security Keys in USB-A and USB-C format. (Photo via store.google.com)

For the extremely security-conscious, Google even offers an option to create a physical security key for 2-factor authentication. This requires you to insert a pre-programmed key, such as the Titan Security Key pictured above, into the USB port on your device to serve as your 2FA verification code. Unless someone steals the key, they won't be able to access your account.

We also highly recommend creating one-time-use backup verification codes, which can be printed out or written down and saved in a secure location (e.g. inside a safe). If your primary 2FA method becomes inaccessible — for example, you lose or break your phone — these backup codes allow you to verify your identity.

If you suddenly receive an unexpected verification code that appears legitimate, it's probably a good idea to go change your password immediately for that site, since it may be a sign that someone already has your username and password. Here are some tips on how to create a secure password.

How to Carry Your Handheld Emergency Radio

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Every successful relationship starts with communication. This mantra is important for us as prepared individuals, because no matter the circumstances, we need to communicate with our loved ones and those who rely on us. In a grid-down disaster or even just a back-country emergency, being able to talk to another human being can bring on a sense of calm and also get you out of a sticky situation. History has shown us that cell phones can be very unreliable, either as a result of overloaded cell towers or poor signal strength. Ham radio, on the other hand, doesn’t get overwhelmed and has proven extremely useful during crises. This is why it's wise to carry a handheld emergency radio, either as a primary or secondary communication tool.

Getting on the Air with a Handheld Emergency Radio

We should get this disclaimer out of the way first: it’s essential to understand your radio’s capabilities as well as local and federal laws before you begin transmitting. The ever-popular Baofeng UV-5R or BF-8 are great radios for the price, and a wonderful place to get started on your ham journey, but they can also help you inadvertently break the law if you don’t know what you’re doing. For a more in-depth article on handhelds, check out “Can Anyone Hear Me?” in Issue 38 of RECOIL OFFGRID. Patrick McCarthy gives a nice breakdown of the bands used within the VHF and UHF range, which we’ve included below.

Family Radio Service (FRS): If you’ve ever used the walkie-talkies sold in blister packs at retail stores, you’ve probably used this service. FRS radios require no license but are limited to 2 watts of output power and can’t use a detachable antenna, so you’ll rarely see range beyond a mile.

Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS): Like FRS, this service doesn’t require a license. It’s slightly better due to the ability to use external antennas, but the FCC’s guidelines for MURS prohibit the use of repeaters to extend range.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS): This service is one step better for emergency communication purposes, since it can be used with repeaters. It requires a $70 license, but there’s no test required, the license lasts for 10 years, and it automatically applies to all members of your immediate family. However, power restrictions limit its range in comparison to ham radio.

Ham/Amateur Radio: Ham radio offers the most versatile capabilities and the most robust community of operators to communicate with. However, in order to legally use a ham radio, you’ll need to pass a test and get a license. There are three license categories: Technician, General, and Extra. The first is the most practical for general emergency preparedness; the associated 35-question multiple-choice test costs about $15 and can be passed easily after studying for about a week. The other two categories offer increasing levels of access to HF for intercontinental communication.

When you take a ham radio license test, you can find out immediately if you passed or failed. If you failed the test by only a few questions, you can often retake a slightly different version of it on the same day (you’ll need to get approval from the Volunteer Examiner who is proctoring the test and pay the fee again). After passing the test and waiting a week or two for processing, you’ll be assigned a six-character call sign. At that point, you’re cleared to begin transmitting.

Bringing Your Handheld Radio with You

Once you understand the different ways to use the radio, now comes the time to make sure you have it when you need it, and keep it accessible and secure.

Above: This ITS Tactical 10-4 pouch offers access to the radio’s buttons without removing it from the pouch. It’s mounted on the shoulder strap of a Hill People Gear Kit Bag, and also has an MC Kydex knob protector.

There are numerous radio carriers on the market, and some offer more than others. The Tactical Tailor Small Radio pouch allows great adjustability for handheld (HT)radios and is MOLLE or belt compatible. Mounting on a belt with an earpiece keeps the radio out of the way; keeping the pouch on a backpack strap near the head can assist in hearing the built-in speaker and allowing the user to speak directly into the radio. Another option is the ITS Tactical 10-4 Radio Pouch. This pouch has several different mounting methods, places for a retractable tie down or spare battery, and you can “deploy” the radio forward to see the screen without having to remove it from the pouch. The downside to pouches like this is the knobs are exposed, which can lead to unwanted adjustments.

If you wish to incorporate the radio into a chest rig or plate carrier, besides the previously mentioned pouches, you can consider a wing system like the Ferro Concepts Wingman. These are large elastic pockets that hold your radio while velcroing to the back of many common chest rigs. The benefit to these is they are very tight and limit the chance of a radio falling out while also holding in any headset or PTT (push to talk) buttons. They also cover the faceplate, which can light up at night while receiving or transmitting. The downside is the lack of ability to make any changes to the radio without removing it from the pouch. Also, if other gear is mounted too close to these soft pouches, it can accidentally press buttons.

The other option covered for carrying your radio is a hard Kydex carrier. These offer a variety of mounting options as well as protection for the radio. Many incorporate knob protections also. The author’s favorite option is from MC Kydex, known as the Rapid Access Comms Carrier or RACC. This carrier is specific to the Baofeng UV-5R with extended battery and offers protection of the radio, access to the necessary attachment points, and a hinge that allows the user to access the front panel of the radio when needed, using a pull-the-dot button. The radio is secured with two elastic shock cords. However, further considerations are necessary for this type of carrier.

Above: The MC Kydex R.A.C.C. attached to a plate carrier. The CAATail antenna is routed along the cummerbund and up the back; the PTT is mounted to the chest and connected to a headset. 

One final note on pouches — knob protection is important because the knobs on top of the Baofeng (or other radios) can get bumped and turned. At best, the volume goes up; at worst, it switches the channel or turns off the radio, and now you can’t hear or talk to anybody. Baofeng knob protectors can be 3D printed or purchased. Some are large and bulky; others are small and fit very tight. Some individuals add a small rubber O-ring to the knob to make it more secure, which is a cheap option and isn’t radio dependent. If your pouch doesn’t lend to keeping the radio inside it at all times, consider a dummy cord or some kind of retractable lanyard. Dropping your radio and breaking it or losing it would be a major bummer.

Handheld Radio Antennas

Antennas are hugely important for the capability of your radio. The market has provided the consumer with an incredible number of options to tailor to specific needs. Whip- or duck-style antennas are skinny, usually flexible, and vary in length. They’re a great option when wearing the radio on a belt or on a chest rig, and they can be tailored to fit within the given spaces. The foldable whips, like those from Abbree, offer the user a chance to extend the antenna as needed — some models are as long as 48 inches. Ham Radio Crash Course on YouTube did a great break down of these types of antennas and their effectiveness.

Above: Having multiple antennas helps tailor the radio to your needs. Pictured from left to right: Nagoya NA-771, Diamond SRH77CA, Abbree Whip, CAATail Antenna Baofeng Package, Nelson Antenna J-Pole. Top row: Factory Baofeng, Factory Yaesu.

Wearable antennas are very helpful when using a radio on a plate carrier. These are flexible antennas, usually with a sheath similar to 550 cord. They can be woven into PALS webbing, keeping them very low profile and out of the way when in full kit. CAATail Antennas offers several different colors and connections to best suit your radio. They have a Baofeng-specific kit for simplicity. These types can also be used to conceal the antenna when in a stationary place like a campsite or observation post. Remember that simply attaching a long antenna won’t automatically improve performance. To maximize performance, you’ll need to run it straight up in an area with clear line of sight to the target receiver.

The J Pole antenna isn’t intended to be wearable, although you could have it attached to the radio and mounted on a kit. It’s nice to have if you’re planning to spend an extended period of time somewhere that may be obscured, since you can suspend this antenna to help with radio performance. They’re lightweight and compact and will increase capability.

Above: Example of SMA, BNC, military six-pin connections.

A final note on antennas, outfitting your antenna and radios with BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) connectors can help with using one radio in different applications. The connection becomes a simple push and twist instead of threading antenna on, saving time. Adapters are widely available.

PTTs, Mics, and Headsets

Headsets, earpieces, and push to talk (PTT) buttons are all great additions when putting a radio onto a loadout.

Above: Using your radio without taking it out of your kit is handy. Clockwise from left: Baofeng hand mic with 3.5mm output cord, cheap clear earpiece and PTT, Disco 32 U-94/A PTT connected to MSA Sordin ear protection.

The Baofeng in some cases comes with a cheap earpiece that also incorporates a PTT. These can be useful when trying to keep a lower profile than a hand mic because they can look like regular ear buds. The clear earpiece/PTTs, which you’ve probably seen in use by executive protection and security personnel, are available online as well. Many of these are low quality with poor sound, but they can be worn under ear protection as a budget-friendly option.

For using a radio while wearing hearing protection, the use of an amplified PTT is recommended. The Disco 32 U-94/A is an amplified PTT with a solid button depress that is compatible with the most common tactical communication headsets like Peltor, Ops Core, and MSA Sordin, among others. These don’t come cheap, and might be considered overkill with a $30 radio, but the sound clarity and simple plug and play makes it a worthy investment.

Other radios have Bluetooth features and can connect wirelessly, making them ideal for low-profile operations where the radio is out of sight and you’re wearing a common earpiece that brings little attention.

Above: Radios need power, extra batteries, and ways to charge that should be included in your EDC or kit.

Like all electronics, radios require power, so be sure that you have enough spare batteries or a way to charge the radio battery. Extra batteries can be inexpensive (at least for the Baofeng) and can maintain a charge for a considerable amount of time. Most radios charge from USB so an external battery pack can fit the bill with the proper wall charger. Make sure you have the correct cable, too. Some radios also offer a battery pack that can run off AA batteries. This is useful if you’re carrying other gear that uses these batteries, like flashlights or night vision devices.
Understanding radio connections will help you in the long run. Yaesu radios have a different connector than a Baofeng, which is the same as a Kenwood. This is important for things like microphones and headsets. Headsets like Sordins or Peltors may have a 6-pin connector or a TP120 (a gigantic headphone jack). The folks at SRS Tactical are knowledgeable and will be able to help you with connection questions.

Programming cables, while not usually included in your EDC or kit, are an important part of the radio. The Baofeng can be programmed using a PC and a free program known as CHIRP, but higher-end radios may require separate software. It’s usually best to buy the factory-made programming cable, since there are many unreliable bootleg cables on the market.

Copy My Last?

Communication is key, and events of the past have shown us on more than several occasions that your cell phone shouldn’t be your only tool. Factoring ham radios into your comms plan is smart, inexpensive (at first), and relatively easy (assuming you can study for a test for a few days). Be patient and take your time to learn — ham is a big subject. Much like upgrading your rifle to make it more efficient, upgrading your radios will make them better and give you capabilities you previously lacked. Ham radios come in all shapes and sizes and can be tailored to your needs. It’s easy to create a neighborhood watch and stay in touch within a 2-mile radius. Do you need to talk to your family across town? Hit a repeater, and you can make that happen with little effort. Lastly, when you go out shooting with your friends, it’s convenient to be able to stay in touch and call hits without shouting. You can also talk smack about your friends who don’t have a radio without them knowing.

For more information on ham radios and how to use them, check out these folks:
Ham Radio Crash Course on YouTube
@Aganz__ on Instagram
www.arrl.org
HAMSTUDY app

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Budget Bolt Action Rifle: Pennies and MILs

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Having a dedicated precision rifle in the safe can be an invaluable addition to a well-rounded preparedness plan. The ability to project firepower to 500 yards and beyond is a capability that can be directed to both game-getting and property protection. For those who are interested in building a skillset, the proliferation of the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) has made competing at these ranges more accessible than ever. The flipside of that coin is that the popularity of precision shooting and the purpose-built rifles that go with it has driven a market expansion that, on the surface, seems to have significantly raised the cost of entry. It’s frighteningly easy to spend five figures on a long-range rifle, quality scope, and ancillary equipment. While this may be a worthwhile investment for dedicated competition shooters (or those who are professionally sponsored), prepared citizens who are simply interested in expanding their long-range firepower capabilities with a budget bolt action rifle may be left in the dust. The temptation to dismiss a long-range rifle as simply too expensive to consider is great.

Above: Author fires his last round on a multi-range target drill. This build was able to deliver rounds on targets of varying sizes out to 880 yards. (Photos by Niccole Elizabeth and Patrick McCarthy)

So, we wanted to see exactly what kind of performance we could get for a fraction of that price. Notice we didn’t say “cheap” or even “inexpensive.” We set an all-inclusive project budget of $2,000, and came in pretty much right on the money, with some optional go-fast parts that could be sacrificed to pinch pennies if needed. That’s still a lot of money for most of us. But because we built our test rifle part by part, it’s easy to spread the cost over a period of months — or even a year or two — and make a project like this more attainable. The payoff for us was a dedicated long-gun capable of nearly 900 yards on a regular basis, and 800 yards consistently with just a little bit of training and practice.

Building Our Budget Bolt Action Rifle

ACTION: The heart of any precision bolt gun is the barrel and action. While it’s possible to purchase an action and barrel separately, we wanted to reduce time, effort, and cost by using a barreled action with a good reputation. We settled on the Howa 1500 for this purpose. While not quite as popular as Remington 700 actions, the Howa is a diamond in the rough, capable of great results for its price point. It’s manufactured in Japan, imported by Legacy Sports International, and distributed through Brownells in a number of barrel lengths and calibers. We chose a .308 action, for availability and variety of ammunition, in a 20-inch heavy-barreled configuration. This barrel length is reasonably compact without sacrificing too much velocity. The barrel is rifled to a 1-in-10 twist, which is a solid middle ground to accommodate a variety of .308 bullet weights.

The biggest shortcoming we perceived with the Howa action is that, out of the box, it’s configured with a five-round internal box magazine. That means to reload the rifle, the breech must be open, and then the five rounds fed in by hand one at a time. Legacy Sports does have versions that are fed from detachable mags, but they use a proprietary pattern. So, instead, we picked up a detachable bottom metal conversion from Pacific Tool & Gauge. This unit converts the Howa’s feeding chute to run off Accuracy International Chassis System (AICS) short-action magazines. While factory metal mags from AICS can run three-digits apiece, Magpul produces a PMAG in this form that costs less than $40, so we got a few of them, courtesy of GunMag Warehouse.

The other change we made to the action was a trigger swap. To give all parties fair credit, the OEM trigger on the Howa 1500 action we received was absolutely up to the task. But since we had some room in our assigned budget, we wanted to push this build a little further and went with a Timney Triggers replacement unit. For less than $150, the Timney unit is available in black or nickel-plated finish in a variety of pull weights ranging from 1 1/2 pounds up to 4 pounds. We selected the 3-pound option in black.

Finally, we topped the receiver with a Warne Mounts 20MOA Picatinny rail scope base. The Pic rail option gave us a much wider variety of scope rings and mounts to choose from, with more flexibility in front-to-back placement to fine-tune eye relief. The 20-MOA bias is built in to give the scope a little extra elevation for extended-range shooting. Final fitting of all action upgrades as well as overall assembly was handled by Wright Armory in Mesa, Arizona.

STOCK: Once we had all of the action parts assembled, we looked far and wide for a suitably priced stock that was sturdy and packed full of options. In fact, we looked even farther than normal and wound up finding GRS – a Norwegian company specializing in stocks for precision rifles and hunting rifles. What you see here is their Bifrost stock, which falls squarely mid-spectrum for available precision stock options. It offers far more adjustability than a traditional hunting or field stock, but falls short of the skeletonized modularity of a full-blown chassis system. The Bifrost offers a conventional forearm mated to a nearly vertical pistol grip (six-degree grip angle) that’s incredibly comfortable … if you’re right-handed. There’s no southpaw version of this that we know of, unfortunately.

Above: The GRS Bifrost stock is both lightweight and comfortable to shoot.

Behind the pistol grip, the stock itself is immensely adjustable. Cheek-piece height, length-of-pull, height of butt pad, and left/right cant of the butt pad can all be adjusted on the fly without tools using a clever push-button locking mechanism. The Bifrost also comes out of the box with a forearm stud for our Magpul bipod as well as QD sockets at both ends for a sling. The pistol grip area and forearm area are both rubber-armor-coated for extra comfort. All of this comes standard in a package that weighs less than 3 pounds and costs just over $500.

SCOPE: Keeping in mind budgetary constraints, as well as the utilitarian purpose of this rifle, we chose a Primary Arms SLx 3-18x50mm First Focal Plane scope. The SLx is Primary Arms’ flagship line. The specific 3-18x we chose came equipped with their ACSS-HUD-DMR-308 reticle. That’s a hearty bowl of alphabet soup just to describe what the crosshairs look like, so let’s break it down some:

ACSS stands for Advanced Combined Sighting System, a term that Primary Arms has come up with to describe a series of different reticle designs featured in multiple types of optics. The ACSS reticles are designed in-house by Primary Arms engineers, each one for a specific purpose or caliber, but they all share a common parameter. In Primary Arms’ own words, the ACSS system of reticles “utilizes bullet drop compensation correlated with a range estimation, wind, and leads in one simple-to-use system.”

In lay terms, an ACSS reticle allows you to determine the range of an unknown target and offers a built-in elevation holdover for that range as well as pre-calibrated windage holds based on caliber. It also has markings that offer built-in leads for hitting a moving target. The various holds on an individual ACSS reticle are caliber-specific and, if paired properly, remove 90 percent of the manual calculations required to make a hit at distance. The system isn’t as precise as using a reticle with fine mil hash marks or an intricate “Christmas tree” style layout (such as Horus reticles) but for nonprofessional long-gunners needing down-and-dirty quick hits on meaty targets, the system is easy to learn and offers some serious tangible benefits.

As for the rest of the name, HUD stands for Heads-Up Display, DMR for Designated Marksman Rifle (meaning this reticle was designed with tactical or defensive use in mind), and 308 indicates the caliber to which this particular ACSS reticle is calibrated.

Detailed Specifications

PARTMAKEMODELPRICEURL
Barreled ActionHowa1500 Barreled Action$532brownells.com
StockGRSBifrost$521brownells.com
TriggerTimneyHowa 1500 Trigger$140timneytriggers.com
Scope railWarneHowa 1500 20 MOA Rail$75warnescopemounts.com
ScopePrimary ArmsSLx 3-18×50 FFP .308 DMR HUD$480primaryarms.com
BipodMagpulQD Stud Bipod$130magpul.com
Detachable Bottom MetalPacific Tool & GaugeHowa 1500 DBM$120pacifictoolandgauge.com
MagsMagpulAICS Short Action PMAG$40magpul.com
Spotting scopeLeupoldGold Ring 10-20x$499leupold.com
TripodLeupoldCompact Aluminum Tripod Kit$199Discontinued
Rear bagArmageddon GearN/AN/Aarmageddongear.com
Soft caseSavior EquipmentUrban Warfare 42-inch$205saviorequipment.com

How It Shot

In order to put our home-brewed bolt gun to the test, we spent a couple days with Josh Reeves. Reeves is a former special operations sniper and current long-range competition shooter and firearms instructor. We were introduced to him through Independence Training in Phoenix, Arizona, and after explaining our end goal for this article, he agreed to spend a couple of days on the range putting us — and our test gun — through the proper paces.

Above: Instructor Josh Reeves spotting for the author.

We started with a 100-yard zero. There are all kinds of theories and methods for zeroing your rifle at different distances, which fall outside the scope of this article, but we chose 100 yards to make use of the bullet-drop compensator built into the ACSS reticle in our scope. We zeroed the rifle, and did most of our shooting, with Black Hills 175-grain Boat-Tail Hollow Point. Black Hills has long held a top-notch reputation for accuracy and would wring maximum performance out of our rifle. Our initial groups with this load were consistently just over 1 inch end-to-end.

We tested three other Black Hills loads, using 168-grain Boat-Tail Hollow Points, 155 grain Tipped Match King, and 155-grain ELD-M bullets respectively, as well as one Federal Gold Medal load using 175-grain Sierra Match King Bullets. Our best results were with the two 175-grain loads, with our Howa barrel preferring the Federal SMK by a couple of tenths — it was the only load that gave us a sub-1-inch group, if just barely. As stated, the Black Hills 175 was just over 1 inch. As bullet weights dropped, groups opened up with the 168-grain bullets running about an inch and a quarter, and both 155 grain loads turning in groups of an inch and a half or larger.

Above: This target shows the build’s performance with three different loads. The circled corner of each square was point of aim. We got the best performance with 168-grain SMK. The upper left square shows the error introduced by resting the barrel directly on a bag or barricade, instead of the stock.

The bottom-line data point to come out of this grouping exercise is that our combination of parts produced a 1- to 1.5-MOA rifle. This hardly qualifies as laser-beam level accuracy. But for a budget-minded, utilitarian rifle to use in a last-ditch defensive or game-getting capacity, 1.5 MOA is absolutely acceptable.

Once we established the baseline accuracy of the rifle, Reeves took us through a number of precision tradecraft exercises including target ranging, shooter-spotter communication, wind calls, and unconventional shooting positions. There were steel targets of varying shapes and sizes laid out as far as 1,100 yards. The farthest we were able to make hits with our test gun was 880 yards, but the farthest we were able to make consistent hits was 800 yards even — that’s repeated first-round hits, as well as multiple hits in a row, for multiple shooters.

Supporting Equipment

Part of what makes long-range shooting so expensive isn’t just the rifles and optics, but the ancillary equipment needed to support it. During our time training with Josh Reeves, we used a Leupold Gold Ring 10-20x spotting scope and a compact aluminum tripod. For $500, the GR 10-20x makes an earnest attempt to balance price point and optical capability. This model doesn’t have a reticle, which makes ranging and shot corrections a little more difficult. But having a reticle different than what’s in your rifle scope can also introduce confusion between spotter and shooter. The compact aluminum tripod is, sadly, discontinued but for sub-$200 offered a lightweight, packable solution for spotting.

Above: The Savior Equipment Urban Warfare Case held our rifle, spotting scope, tripod, Kestrel weather meter, rear bag and several boxes of ammo with ease. This gave us a complete grab-and-go ready bag for precision rifle work. 

Instructor Bio: Josh Reeves with Independence Training

Josh Reeves served in the 2/75 Ranger Regiment as a sniper and team leader with multiple combat deployment in support of both OIF and OEF. After his military service, he again deployed as a contractor multiple times and continued to train while attending an array of firearm courses. In 2011, he returned to the states full time and became a guest instructor for multiple training facility across the U.S. with Independence Training becoming his home institute in Arizona. He has taught courses to everyone from military special operations and conventional forces to law enforcement and the civilian hobbyists. He currently competes in multiple shooting competitions such as NRL, PRS, and USPSA 3/2 gun matches.

Lessons Learned From This Bolt Action Build

We only experienced one mechanical issue during our T&E period. Every time we’d fire the rifle, the magazine would fall out. Even though we ensured the release latch clicked into place every time (we could hear and feel it) and tugged repeatedly on the mag to ensure it was seated, it’d fall out every time we fired.

After much internet sleuthing and asking around within our circle of SMEs, we reached out to Scott Van Dorsten of Van Dorsten Custom Firearms. He specializes in custom bolt-action rifles and scout rifles in particular. He explained to us that sometimes, when using polymer PMAGs in conjunction with the Pacific Tool & Gauge detachable mag conversion, an extra power mag release spring is required to hold the magazine in under recoil. He sent us several springs cut to the task; we passed the springs on to the folks at Wright Armory, who installed them for us. Since then, we haven’t had any issues with mags dropped free — other than when we want them to.

All told, we were very happy with how this build turned out. We hit our $2,000 budget right on the nose, and that included some upgrades like a trigger and a detachable mag conversion. (Excluding just those two items shaves $300 off the build cost.) We also spent $200 on a nice soft case from Savior Equipment; if you already have a spare case, that’s another area where money can be saved. While we’ve personally shot and reviewed precision rifle setups costing north of $15,000, that kind of expenditure is not required to put long-range capability into your survival toolbox. Spending just 10 percent of that’ll give you a handy, accurate rifle that can reach ranges well beyond what most of us would ever need in a survival situation. There are a nearly infinite number of combinations of parts that can be assembled with just a little market research, but hopefully this sample build gave you some ideas on how to get started on the road to long-range.

Weaponized Drones: The Spread of Commercial-Grade Flying IEDs

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It's not uncommon for military technology to eventually make its way into civilian hands — after all, the Internet you're using right now was born from ARPANET, a U.S.-Department-of-Defense-funded research project. From GPS navigation and microwaves to hemostatic bandages and duct tape, many items we now rely on are based on tech that was developed for military applications. Aerial drones are yet another example of this trend. Remote-controlled quadcopters are becoming more popular and affordable with each passing year, and are widely used by filmmakers, hobbyists, and even children. But there's a dark side to these commercial-grade flying devices: they're being turned into inexpensive, remote-controlled weapons by a variety of malicious groups. Read on as we take a look at some recent examples of weaponized drones.

The Military Origin of Weaponized Drones

Above: When you think of weaponized drones, you might picture something like this MQ-1 Predator UAV, which can carry camera equipment as well as Hellfire missiles. (U.S. Air Force Photo by by Lt. Col. Leslie Pratt)

Flying drones have been around longer than you might think. Various designs have come and gone since World War II, including gyroscope-driven “aerial torpedoes” and jet-powered German V-1 flying bombs. Camera-equipped reconnaissance drones rose to popularity during the Vietnam War, and eventually the two drone categories were combined to create aircraft that carried observational equipment (cameras) and weapons (bombs, missiles, or onboard explosive payloads). UAVs such as the Predator have played a pivotal role in countless 21st-century conflicts.

Loitering munition is another term associated with military drones, indicating a category of drone that flies in to destroy a target on a suicidal kamikaze mission. Some are directly operated by humans, while others have a degree of built-in autonomy. This term is also relevant to many of the crude “flying IED” drones we'll discuss later in this article.

Commercial and Hobbyist Applications

Photo courtesy of Walmart Press Center

In 2013, Amazon announced plans to begin delivering packages via commercial drones. In 2015, Flirtey (now known as SkyDrop) began delivering medical devices with the approval of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The list of commercial adopters of drones has grown exponentially since then. In late 2020, Walmart announced drone-based delivery of “select grocery and household essential items” in trial markets.

As corporate adoption of drone tech grew, so did its popularity among civilians and hobbyists. As of December 2021, the FAA says there are more than 863,000 registered unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the United States. However, this number fell from 1.74 million in December 2020 — a result of a huge number of drone registrations that expired at the end of that year. This means the actual number of drones (including those that are currently unregistered) in the United States is likely to be well over 2 million.

Globally, Business Insider predicted annual sales of drones to exceed 2.4 million units in 2023. That's a 67% compound annual growth rate.

Pandora's Box is Open

Above: On December 21st, 2021, authorities in the Central African Republic seized this weaponized drone. It appears to be a DJI drone with a plastic jug that carries a Chinese Type 82-2 hand grenade with its pin tethered to the aircraft by a string. While obviously crude, its lethality shouldn't be underestimated. (Photo via @Jack_Mrgln on Twitter.)

Aerial drones moved from the military to corporations, and eventually into the hands of ordinary people around the world. What once cost billions can now be purchased off eBay for a few hundred bucks (or less). Unfortunately, this inevitably got the attention of violent individuals who saw an opportunity to build remote-controlled improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Now, rather than attempting to ambush their enemies with stationary weapons or conduct vehicle-ramming attacks, they can fly weapons through open windows or stealthily drop them from several stories overhead.

Paramilitaries and terrorist organizations can't afford Predator drones, but they can certainly afford to strap some explosives onto cheap quadcopters.

ISIS/ISIL began using this tactic as early as 2015 in Syria, and continued it in Iraq with devastating effects. War on the Rocks explains, “Terrorist groups have weaponized commercial drones for high-profile attacks around the world from Venezuela to Yemen, but ISIL’s drone program stood out for its large scale and impact on major combat operations. In its heyday in 2017, ISIL launched 60 to 100 drone attacks per month across Syria and northern Iraq.”

Videos of ISIS drone attacks have been widely distributed by the terrorist group for propaganda purposes.

Above: An image posted in December 2021 by a social media account linked to the Russian paramilitary organization Wagner Group. The group has been accused of “serious human rights abuses in Ukraine, Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, Sudan and Mozambique,” according to a recent statement by the European Union. The inset text translates to “civilian copters at war.”

Outright terrorists are not the only ones using weaponized drones; paramilitary groups are also recognizing their effectiveness. Self-described mercenaries from the Russian-backed Wagner Group frequently post images alluding to the use of commercial drones on the battlefield. On December 15th, a statement from the U.S. State Department explained, “Countries that experience Wagner group deployments within their borders soon find themselves poorer, weaker, and less secure. … Wagner forces [have] stoked conflict and increased insecurity and instability, causing the deaths of local soldiers and civilians and undermining national sovereignty.”

Above: An illustration posted by a Wagner-Group-affiliated social media account shows a commercial quadcopter flying above armed mercenaries.

Drug cartels are also using drones more than ever, and not just for drug smuggling. In June 2021, Business Insider reported, “The bee-like sound of flying drones has become a new symbol for terror in small Mexican towns like Aguililla in the southwestern Mexican state of Michoacan. Families in Aguililla have been reporting bomb-strapped drones flying over their homes since early this year, in a new tactic used by cartels to fight for their turf.”

The following Spanish-language video from Noticieros Televisa features cartel personnel showing off weaponized DJI drones. Each drone carries a plastic container filled with C4 and steel ball bearings, linked to an electronic detonator that can be remotely triggered by the drone operator.

There have also been reports of the infamous CJNG cartel incorporating chemical weapons into its weaponized drone arsenal. Demoler reported, “In early October, one soldier was injured after the CJNG reportedly used explosives laced with insecticide on its drones in Tepalcatepec, Michoacan. … [Carbofuran] pesticide is one of the most toxic pesticides still in use and exhibits toxicity similar to that of V-series nerve agents. It is classified as an extremely hazardous substance in the United States and banned in Canada and the European Union.”

Anti-Drone Countermeasures

All this begs the question: what can be done to stop weaponized drones?

Above: A Russian anti-drone weapon said to be “capable of repelling attacks not only by single drones but also their massive use from different directions and altitudes within a radius of at least 3 km.” (Photo via Rosoboronexport)

During the Syrian Civil War, ISIS drone attacks became so common that Russian and Syrian opposition forces began using electromagnetic jammers and anti-drone “guns” to interfere with them. Beyond high-tech electronic warfare systems, Mexican drug cartel members have been seen wearing portable signal jammers to defeat rival factions' drones — check out our article on signal jammers for more details.

Above: Two U.S. Army troopers operate a Drone Defender device in Iraq during an October 2018 counter-unmanned aerial system drill. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Jason Welch)

Although the FAA has placed increasingly tight regulations on drone ownership and use in the United States, we know that motivated individuals won't be deterred by these laws. Drones are still widely-available and easy for novices to operate. Since civilians don't have access to military anti-drone tech and can't legally use signal jammers, our best option may be simple situational awareness. Keep an eye on the sky, and if you see a suspicious-looking drone in the area, it might be time to investigate further or seek shelter.

Closing Thoughts

A December 2021 NBC News article stated, “Some experts believe the spread of the semi-autonomous weapons will change ground warfare as profoundly as the machine gun did.”

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ethan Sherwood

The point of this article is not to demonize drones, or to imply that they have no legitimate peaceful applications. Drones, like most forms of technology, have the potential to be used to improve our lives or to inflict harm. But as prepared civilians, we should recognize the possibility — whether slim or substantial — of weaponized drones being used to attack soft targets within our own borders.