When trapped behind enemy lines or lost in the wilderness, survival often comes down to resourcefulness, adaptability, and grit. Human ingenuity has always been the best tool for evading capture and staying alive. But how do elite operatives manage to escape hostile environments, traverse perilous terrain, and ultimately make it home?
Will Fowler, a military historian and writer, delves into the strategies and techniques employed by some of the world’s most elite special forces in The Special Forces Guide to Escape and Evasion. From the jungles of Vietnam to urban war zones, this guide provides a peek into the mental and physical training that enables soldiers to thrive in the face of insurmountable odds.
The 411
Fowler’s book explores the art of evading capture, a skill that begins long before pursuers are on your trail. He explains the importance of understanding how to mask your movements, blend into the environment, and anticipate the tactics of those seeking to apprehend you. Throughout a variety of environments and ecosystems, Fowler provides strategies to remain undetected, such as avoiding high-traffic areas, using natural cover effectively, and creating misleading signs of your trail. He draws from real-world military operations to showcase how these techniques have been successfully employed under dire circumstances.
The book then transitions into the core principles of survival, covering essentials like shelter building, fire-starting, sourcing water, and foraging for food. Fowler details how to construct a shelter using minimal materials and explains the science of fire-making in wet or windy conditions. The water procurement strategies go beyond basic advice, including techniques such as creating solar stills or tapping into vegetation for hydration. Foraging is explored not only as a means of sustenance but also as a way to understand the environment, with guidance on identifying edible plants and avoiding toxic ones.
Once captured, the book emphasizes conduct after capture as a critical phase of survival. Fowler outlines how to remain mentally resilient, gather information about your captors, and find ways to subtly prepare for escape. He discusses psychological strategies to withstand interrogation and manipulation while maintaining composure and focus. The goal, he explains, is to survive and create opportunities for escape without compromising one’s safety or giving in to despair.
Fowler explores hiding and evading during the journey to safety, as well as the triumphant return to friendly territory, referred to as the “home run.” Hiding and evading require not only stealth but also knowledge of the terrain and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. Fowler details how to construct temporary hiding places, use natural features for concealment, and evade pursuit dogs and tracking teams. The “home run” is the final phase, where evaders must navigate the last stretch to reach safety, often requiring communication with allies or signaling for rescue without alerting enemies. Fowler highlights historical accounts of who completed their escapes, using their stories to inspire readers and reinforce the importance of determination, skill, and perseverance in survival.
The Verdict
This book isn’t just for survival enthusiasts or history buffs — it’s a goldmine for anyone looking to better understand human resilience. Fowler presents his material in an approachable way, making it equally useful for seasoned survivalists and beginners. That said, the content does lean heavily on military contexts. If you’re looking for purely wilderness survival strategies, you might find some chapters overly tactical. But for those who appreciate the intersection of survival psychology and practical skill, this guide is hard to beat. The Special Forces Guide to Escape and Evasion is a testament to the ingenuity and endurance of those who refuse to surrender. Whether you’re prepping for the worst or just want to push the limits of your knowledge, this book deserves a spot
About the Book
Book & Author: The Special Forces Guide to Escape and Evasion By Will Fowler
Winter’s chill can hit like a punch to the chest, but the right kit turns frosty ground into just another stretch of road. We’ve pulled together gear that holds its own in teeth-chattering conditions — boots that fight off numb toes, a beanie hiding a spare key, and tools that earn their keep when the mercury dives. Ahead, you’ll find a few standout picks that kept us warm, a range of gear that really earned its keep in the freeze, and a final rundown of the top performers that rose above the rest.
At first glance you might think the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 is just another lightweight camp chair. Well, it's not. Keeping you warm and dry is an ultralight 8mm-thick closed-cell foam packable seat that can double as a short sleeping pad. The Hex 2.0 rolls up to just 4 inches in diameter and weighs in at a mere 1.45 pounds. Not only will the high-density cored closed-cell foam keep you warm, the 210d coated ripstop nylon shell will also aid in keeping you dry while you take a load off by the fire, river, or sit on a cold aluminum bench at a football game.
This chair is virtually indestructible with its carbon-fiber-reinforced fiberglass stays and rubber and nylon hinges. At 21 inches tall, the Hex 2.0 gives plenty of back support for comfort. At 16 inches deep and 17 inches wide, the user has plenty of real estate to be comfortable sitting or sleeping in the Hex 2.0 from Crazy Creek.
Helikon-Tex builds on the legacy set forth by frontiersman with the Swagman Roll. It’s a hybrid piece of gear. It's a lightweight synthetic poncho liner at its core, but is also a blanket, sleeping bag, and an under quilt for a hammock. The loft of the Climashield insulation provides enough warmth in cool weather to keep you comfortable without being bulky. In cold weather, it may not be enough to keep you comfortable, but it’ll keep you alive in a pinch. In subzero temps, it’s a welcomed addition to a sleeping bag as a liner.
The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating helps keep the user from getting soaked in a storm without compromising much needed breathability. Measuring 57 by 78 inches, the Swagman Roll is compatible with the standard USGI poncho. It has a warm hood and a zippered chest pocket that doubles as its own integrated storage pocket and fastens in front and behind the wearer to seal in the warmth. Available in 11 solid colors and seven camouflage patterns.
This Hand Warmer offers a lot of versatility and seamlessly integrates with your outdoor recreation or tactical gear. Velcro attachments allow the user to attach to a plate carrier as a dangler or wrap them directly around their belt as a stand-alone pouch. The Hand Warmer was specifically designed to keep the wearer's hands warm in cold and wet conditions.
Made from water-repellent 500D Cordura with grid fleece interior that helps to keep dexterity in the fingers. The addition of elastic cuffs at each end help to seal in the heat. Zippered pockets front and back can be fitted with chemical hand warmers to increase the heat if needed to truly guarantee the wearer keeps full mobility of their fingers. The design has a slim profile that ensures it stays out of the way when not in use. Defense Mechanisms offers the Hand Warmer in 16 colors and patterns that are made to order.
The Cache Beanie is a high-quality, warm, merino wool watchman-style cap. With a thick design and a 3-inch cuff, this beanie won't cause hot spots or itching. There’s a hidden pocket in the fleece-lined headband for your cache. The pocket is wide enough to accept a credit card and expands enough for a few small emergency items such as a spare key, mini ferro rod and striker, or hunting license. The hidden pocket is secured by a low-profile Velcro closure and camouflaged by the “Made in Colorado” tag.
This tag doubles as a pull tab to access your hidden gems. Inside the pocket is a sewn-in lanyard loop for added retention of important items. Each hat is hand-loomed, trimmed, and stitched in the United States. Offered in six colors and one size fits most.
A great feature of the A.T.A.C. 2.0 is that there’s very little break-in period required before they’re ready for a long trek. Waterproof and breathable, the A.T.A.C. 2.0 has 400 grams of insulation, making the boots warm enough for cold conditions without adding bulk or overly hot. A full-length dual durometer Ortholite footbed helps your feet stay dry and comfortable on long days in the field.
The Achilles’ heel area — where taller boots typically become uncomfortable, and requiring longer break-in periods — has ample range of motion due to a small scalloped-out flex zone. Oil- and slip-resistant sole, full-grain leather toe, 840D nylon upper, waterproof, full-lace front, medial zipper, and lateral knife pocket provide the security, stability, and durability you need while on the trail or on shift.
Table One Hard Top is a highly condensed packable backpacking camp table. Manufactured from a proprietary DAC aluminum alloy built for strength and durability, its frame and legs collapse down to a manageable 16 by 5 by 4 inches and tuck neatly into an included carry case. A top constructed of 600D polyester resists harsh conditions.
Five polycarbonate sheets sewn into a Z-fold top keep it rigid. Setting it up takes about one minute, and Table One Hard Top weighs just 2 pounds, yet still supports up to 110 pounds. Measuring 15 inches high and 23 inches long, it’s more suited to sitting beside someone rather than under them. Legs remain consolidated much like tent stakes. A shock cord runs from each attachment hub to its corresponding legs, and each leg section connects directly to the one ahead. This design ensures components stay close at hand, minimizing losses during low-light setup or takedown.
It’s no secret that water purity has taken some hits lately, with contamination lurking in sources we rely on every day. Chemicals from intensive farming, industrial runoff, and pharmaceuticals seep into supplies, posing legitimate health concerns. Epic Water Filters, in partnership with Nalgene, stepped forward to tackle this issue. Their NSF-certified filters target common threats like chlorine, lead, and PFAS.
Each kit includes two filters: Everywhere Filter, suited for any fresh water source and capable of removing over 200 contaminants — metals, bacteria, viruses, and cryptosporidium — and EveryTap Filter, built for public water and effective against 70 different pollutants. Each filter can replace more than 550 single-use bottles, easing pressure on landfills and oceans. Nalgene bottles are inherently BPA and PFAS free, offering well-known durability and a dependable, leak-free design. Installing or swapping filters is simple, and each one provides roughly 75 gallons of clean, safe drinking water.
Stormrider Underlord acts as a low-profile EDC under belt designed to pair seamlessly with a fully outfitted battle or range belt — holsters, pouches, magazines, and all. Its outside surface features loop Velcro, providing a secure bond to the belt’s hook Velcro. An internal Velcro adjustment system, combined with a loop keeper, takes the place of a bulkier Cobra buckle.
This simple omission cuts weight, cost, and visible profile. Each Underlord includes 8 inches of loop Velcro on the inside: 4 inches ensure a solid closure and another 4 inches allow for easy sizing adjustments, handy for anyone carrying an inside-the-waistband holster. Its pliable nature keeps things comfortable, yet still rigid enough to serve as an everyday utility belt. Stormrider offers seven base colors along with five loop Velcro color options to match personal preferences.
Personal information protection matters more now than ever. Criminals target all kinds of data, and details from hotel key cards, credit cards, licenses, and badges are no exception. Vulnerable info could grant access to bank accounts, offices, and even homes. Celtic Shield, proudly American made, provides a wide range of material options — brass, copper, titanium, aluminum — and various finishes like Cerakote, anodizing, patina, and laser engraving, making each piece easy to customize.
Choose a money clip or band, a plain slick cover or a challenge coin cover for cherished items or even fit in an Apple AirTag for added security and convenience.
In the spirit of leaving no surface unused, Grayfighter seizes every inch of your holster with a low-profile approach to tourniquet carry. Consider SRC-4, a uniquely designed addition crafted for outside-the-waistband pistol holsters. Choose from classic leather or laser-cut Tegris as the chassis material. Lightweight and incredibly durable, SRC-4 follows a modular layout that accommodates small accessories — marking devices, flashlights, spare magazines — on its three-panel MOLLE field, along with a tourniquet at your holster’s forward edge.
Tourniquets remain firmly secured by a 1.5-inch elastic band compatible with popular models: North American Rescue C-A-T 7, SOF T Wide, and Snakestaff Systems. This elastic feature allows quick retrieval of life-saving gear under stress. Compatible with Safariland holsters, Blackhawk T-Series, and Alien Gear Rapid Force, SRC-4 arrives in a variety of color choices from Grayfighter to suit individual preferences.
Rapid Radios Nationwide PTT Walkie-Talkie
QUANTITY: 2-Pack, 3-Pack, 4-Pack, 6-Pack, Base/Car Unit
Rapid Radios might be the solution if dealing with a HAM radio’s complexities isn’t appealing. Rapid Radios Nationwide Push-To-Talk is straightforward, taking only a brief moment to learn its menus and functions. Group chats can include up to 200 people at once, or choose a single user for private communication.
As long as everyone involved owns a Rapid Radio, you’re all set. Distance and usage face no limits if you stay within the United States. No monthly fee, no tests, and no license are required. Each unit arrives with an activated SIM card lasting a full year. Renewing service costs $50 per year. Rapid Radios have seen action during recent disasters across our country with proven success. Just push and talk.
Quick Feather was designed as a highly functional everyday carry folder that also delivers style. Sealed stainless steel ball bearings ensure smooth, reliable blade deployment. Measuring 2.85 inches, its tough, corrosion-resistant VG10 steel blade locks securely via a knurled liner lock. A partially tri-serrated blade features flat peaks for easier maintenance than traditional serrations.
To honor its fire-starting roots, a 90-degree milled segment along the spine pairs perfectly with a ferro rod. Dark gray G10 scales maintain a reliable grip in damp conditions and hold up well over time. Scales also support a reversible, tip-up pocket clip accented in bronze. Quick Feather arrives with two styles of deep-carry pocket clips, providing options to suit individual preference.
ASAP 20 is built for short-duration missions and activities, yet hardly lacks in features. The weather-resistant tri-closure front — a signature Mystery Ranch detail — opens to reveal a five-panel Velcro MOLLE field for accessories, a three-liter water bladder sleeve, and a zippered pocket. Zippered lid includes an additional zippered pocket inside, keeping small items separate and accessible.
Two internal side pockets, each equipped with a MOLLE panel, form the pack’s front when zipped, enabling extra gear attachments. Contoured padded shoulder straps promote circulation for comfort and won’t interfere with rifle slings or other equipment. A breathable airdyne mesh back maintains airflow. A 1-inch waist belt keeps loads secure during rapid or dynamic movement and can be removed if not needed.
Vigilance doesn’t fade just because we’re unwinding outdoors. Fith Ops provides numerous trip-wire-based perimeter alarms that are simple to set up, keeping campsites secure. Consider the 12 Gauge Digital Alarm, a visual and audible deterrent aimed at scaring away both human and animal threats. Its 130dB alarm continues sounding for about 60 minutes, while the strobe flashes for up to four hours.
A one-hour charge fully powers the system, and that stored energy lasts between three and six months, depending on weather conditions. Enjoy passive, non-lethal protection that’s safe around kids, pets, and livestock. Manufactured in the United States from 6061 aluminum, it’s weather-resistant and expandable, accepting flares, 12GA blanks, and — when paired with an adapter — 209 primers.
A purpose-driven multi-tool designed to handle all essential outdoors tasks, with some critical thinking covered for you, Leatherman’s Signal comes in a wide range of colors, from standard earth tones to more playful options like guava or aqua. Slim and efficient, it holds exactly what’s needed in an outdoorsman’s tool, leaving little room for extras. Aptly named “Signal,” it includes a detachable ferro rod and scraper to start a fire. Signal conceals a frame-lock wood saw and a semi-serrated knife blade on opposite sides for quick access.
Once opened, needle-nose and regular pliers with replaceable cutters become the standout features. A hammer pommel integrates a 1/4- and 3/16-inch box wrench, a 1/4-inch bit driver, and a carabiner/bottle opener. Inside, find a lockable awl with thread loop, a bit driver, and a can opener. A nylon belt holster arrives in the box, and a pocket clip adds a finishing touch that enhances both function and style.
The Spectrum UV is a full-size, duty-grade flashlight machined from 6061-T6 aerospace aluminum. Body dimensions accommodate gloved hands comfortably during extended use. Inside, dual-fuel technology provides a choice between rechargeable 18650, or single-use CR123A batteries. A multi-function tail cap cycles through momentary-on, lock, and constant-on modes with a simple rotation. A small selector button on the head allows easy navigation through multiple color settings, plus a high-lumen strobe mode.
Color modes include red for reducing visual signature and preserving night vision, blue for tracking in snow and fog while highlighting blood, and UV for detecting biometric signatures and hidden security emblems in documents. ASP includes a USB/USB-C retractable charger and a rechargeable 18650 battery to complete the package.
Simplicity meets reliability in this three-season foam mat, crafted in Finland from cross-linked closed-cell plastic. Air pockets in the base shield users from cold and moisture, and dimensions of 20.5 by 73 inches (plus a mere 0.4-inch thick) provide a comfortable surface without hogging all the pack space. Folding up to just 20.5 by 6.5 by 5.5 inches and weighing only 9.5 ounces, it’s a breeze to carry in the mountains without worrying about damage.
Simple elastic loops hold it in place, or latch onto a backpack for easy transport. Foam mats take up more room than inflatable models but are dependable and hassle-free. Inflatable pads have a smaller packed size and offer higher comfort, but they can be punctured. Anyone looking to attach a sleeping pad outside the pack — while keeping things worry-free and easy to handle — may find this foam mat a great choice.
RECOIL OFFGRID’s Top Picks
Now that temperatures have dropped across much of the United States, we’ve been preparing to stay warm in the field. Throughout our testing, everything performed well, but two pieces of gear really stood out. We don’t mind cold weather on its own, but once toes start going numb, all the fun goes out the window.
First up are the 5.11 A.T.A.C. Boots. We were surprised by how comfortable they felt right away, keeping our toes warm without any break-in period. Part of that success came from picking the right socks to help retain heat. Despite their rugged appearance, these boots have an athletic feel and handle cold ground with a thick, lightweight sole. The high-top style also provided solid ankle support when stepping over fallen branches and tackling hilly terrain.
Our second standout item is the Hand Warmer from Defense Mechanisms. It’s tough to use a knife, tie knots, or even work a zipper when fingers go numb. This warmer has front and rear zipper pockets that fit chemical hand warmers, which kept our hands functional and safe in low temperatures.
Though these two items might seem like basic choices, they were the foundation that helped us stay comfortable long enough to enjoy the rest of our gear. Each time you leave the trail for the backcountry, remember that good planning and smart decision-making are your most valuable preparations. With those in place, you’ll be ready for whatever winter throws your way.
What Gear Keeps You Warm?
Got your own proven way to fight the freeze? We’d love to hear it. Maybe there’s a trusty piece of equipment you swear by that didn’t show up here, or you’ve put this month’s gear through its paces and have stories to tell. Tag us in your winter posts or email offgrid@recoilweb.com. We’ll keep your best ideas on ice, and, who knows, you might see your contribution featured down the road.
Lock picking is a skill that elicits a lot of different feelings in people when it’s brought up. Some think of crafty criminals breaking into homes, while others think of spies employing discreet tools to ply their trade. While both these situations can be true, the reality of lock picking is that it’s a skill that prepared-minded people value for both emergency and everyday situations. It’s a common misconception that lock-pick sets and bypass tools are illegal. However, most states and municipalities have no restrictions on carrying lock picks beyond the intent to use them in a crime. In fact, most basic lock-picking sets are inexpensive and accessible to everyone.
Before we get into how to pick a lock, let’s look at some of the practical reasons why we would need to pick a lock.
In an emergency, locked gates may inhibit our ability to bypass blocked or damaged roads. This decoder bypass tool made short work of the gate’s combination lock.
Practical Everyday Lock Picking
One of the most straightforward reasons to learn lock picking is being stuck in one of the most common and frustrating situations people face: getting locked out of the house. This is exactly why I got started. After locking myself out and having to climb all over my house to try and find an open window, I was eventually able to kick in a small basement window and squeeze myself through it. I could’ve spent a few hundred dollars and had a locksmith come out, but for the price of a few scrapes and bruises, I learned some valuable lessons. First, my home security needed improvement because of those basement windows. Second, if I had lock-picking skills and a lock-pick set, I could’ve easily avoided any discomfort in this circumstance.
Since then, I’ve been in a few situations that being able to pick locks proved valuable. I’ve found myself returning later than expected during a day hike to find the parking lot gate locked. Being able to quickly bypass the pad lock and relock the gate allowed me to egress from the parking lot and saved the park ranger a trip. This is a more common occurrence than people think, as I have spoken with several avid outdoors people who have been in a similar situation.
Beyond that there have been quite a few pad locks that have had lost keys and dial locks that we have long since lost the combinations to that needed to be opened. With all these examples, it’s clear to see knowing how to pick a lock can aid us on a day-to-day basis, but what benefits does this serve in an emergency?
When SHTF, valuable resources like the propane tanks may be locked behind gates and cages. Having the ability to pick or bypass the lock can quickly and quietly give you access to what you need to survive.
Lock Picking in an Emergency
In emergencies, especially in urban environments, the ability to pick a lock can help us access supplies, obtain shelter, or egress an otherwise closed-off area. A news story that comes to mind occurred in upstate New York. There was a major winter storm that left numerous people stranded in their vehicles. The quick thinking of one man saved several lives when he opted to break into a local school and gather people from assorted vehicles to take shelter indoors.
While this action was technically breaking and entering, no charges were filed because of the nature of the emergency. In this case, a window was broken, resulting in repair expenses. If anyone in the group was proficient at lock picking and had a lock-pick set with them, the people would have been able to access lifesaving shelter without the need to destroy any property.
Locked out? Lock picking provides a quick and inexpensive way to get back in.
How to Pick a Lock
When we look at the question “how to pick a lock,” there isn’t really a single, straightforward answer. This is mainly due to the large number of different lock-pick sets and tools available and all the different types of locks that exist. You can take any lock, from the simplistic Master Lock all the way to cylinder key locks and even electronic locking systems, and there will be numerous tools out there to bypass each of them.
“Lock Sport” is a term that you may come across while researching lock picking. This refers to lock picking as a hobby and, in some cases, a competitive sport. As with many skills and tools that move into the realm of hobbyists, there will be many opinions out there as to what tools are great and what tools are not so great. For the novice or those who are just interested in learning how to pick locks for emergency preparedness, it’s best to avoid the hype of the latest and greatest and stick with some of the tried-and-true classics.
Ultimately, learning how to pick or bypass locks comes down to having the proper tools and a lot of practice. Let’s look at some of the basic tools used to bypass common locks and how they function.
Anatomy of a Lock and How Lock Picks Work
The inside of most standard locks looks remarkably similar. Inside of a rotating cylinder, there are several pins attached to springs that must be pushed up to certain levels to release the lock. The grooves in our keys are designed to precisely do this.
When we’re picking a lock, instead of using a key we’re using small tools to manually push the pins into place. There are several distinct types of picks out there; some are designed to push single pins, while others are designed to move multiple pins at once.
Beginner Lock-Pick Sets and Tools
Beginner lock-pick sets typically include three different types of picks and at least one torsion wrench. The torsion wrench is a simple tool that allows the lock to be turned into the open position once the lock picks have done their job. For most people, mastering a beginner set will give them the skills and tools they need to open most common locks that use keys including padlocks and door locks.
For beginners, the rake-style pick is one of the most commonly used tools. It features a series of small bumps that slide across the lock’s pins to push them into position. Once the pins are aligned, a torsion wrench can be used to rotate the lock and open it.
Another tool that beginners should learn to use is the single hook pick. Although this pick moves only one pin at a time and is much slower than rake picking, it helps novices develop a better understanding of a lock’s structure and mechanics. Just like the rake pick, a torsion wrench will be used to turn the lock to an open position.
The last type of lock pick that’s usually found in beginner pick sets is the comb pick. The name itself is a bit of a misnomer, as it’s not a pick at all but a bypass tool. The comb pick functions by mimicking a key, pushing all the pins up simultaneously. While it works quickly, comb picks are generally effective only on low-quality padlocks and are unlikely to open high-quality locks, such as those used on house doors.
Common Bypass Tools
We discussed the comb pick being a bypass tool, but what exactly is a bypass tool and how does it differ from a lock pick? To put it simply, a lock pick allows the user to manually engage individual pins while a bypass tool is designed to completely go around the security measures built into locks. Bypass tools aren’t as versatile as lock picks; each one is designed for certain types of locks. While they lack the versatility of traditional lock picks, with a little practice they can typically defeat their intended lock in seconds.
Combs
These are designed to defeat cylinder locks commonly found in Master brand and other similar-styled locks. There are different comb lengths that work for unique styles of locks. Combs work by inserting the comb into the lock face, which will push all the pins up to disengage the lock.
Quick Sticks
This simple bypass tool is designed to bypass low-quality padlocks by completely bypassing the pins and directly disengaging the lock. Simply insert into the lock face and push it up to disengage the lock clasp.
Jiggler
This bypass tool is designed to defeat wafer locks. Wafer locks are named after the flat wafers used internally instead of pins. These types of locks can be found on some mailboxes, filing cabinets, desk drawers, older car locks, and RVs. Wafer locks present a unique challenge, as the internal parts can be easily damaged if the wrong key is used or in aggressive picking, making it unable to disengage without physically removing the lock. To use a jiggler bypass tool, simply insert it into the lock face and gently move it around until the lock can be disengaged. It’s important to note that car locks require specific types of jigglers that are becoming increasingly ineffective due to electronic lock technology.
Decoder Shims
These bypass tools are designed to defeat locks without keys such as luggage locks and combination padlocks. Like quick sticks, the decoder shim is pushed up through the side of the number dial to quickly disengage the locking clasp. Practice Locks
While not an actual lock-picking tool, practice locks are essential to helping the novice develop their skill set. Practice locks offer a cut-away window to allow the user to see what’s going on inside the lock while they are practicing picking. These provide a deep sense of how a lock works and how each of the tools we are using impacts the internal components of the lock.
A set of lock picks and the skill to use them are a great addition to a functional EDC setup (items pictured Tuff Possum Entry, ZT0308CF, ASP Defender Sport, Fenix PD 25R).
Practice, Practice, Practice!
By reading the descriptions of how each of these tools works, it sounds easy to do. I wouldn’t classify any basic lock-picking activity as difficult, but it does require finesse and dexterity that’s only developed through practice. Starting with practice locks and moving to standard locks is a fantastic way to get a feel for both your tools and a feel for distinct types of locks and brands of locks. I emphasized finesse for a good reason — lock picks may be tools, but they are delicate precision instruments. Applying too much force even to high-end hardened steel and titanium lock picks will result in bending and snapping. In the beginning of your lock-picking journey, slow and steady wins the race.
The Tuff Possum Bogota Set fits discreetly in the Wazoo Cache Cap.
Nick’s Personal Lock-Pick Sets and Bypass Tools
The sheer number of different lock-pick sets and bypass tools on the market can be overwhelming for those new to the art of lock picking. Here are some of the tools that I use and rely on to get the job done.
This kit has all the picks and bypass tools to tackle the most common locks.
Main Kit: Tuff Possum Entry Kit
Tuff Possum’s Entry Kit is a compact kit that includes all the basics you need to get most lock-picking jobs done. The Entry Kit has three different double-sided torsion wrenches, allowing you to apply six different levels of tension. The kit also includes five different picks, three rakes, a hook, and a half diamond. All five picks are held together by a rivet so nothing gets lost, and you can easily switch tools if needed. There’s also a bypass tool set held together by a rivet that includes three combs, two jigglers, and a quick stick. There are also two stand-alone EZ Decoders. This setup gives you everything a beginner user needs to get started and effectively pick locks. For everyday carry, I keep it all in the optional Compact Lock Pick Case, which tucks discreetly into any pants pocket and some coin pockets.
The Entry Kit also includes a few more advanced tools, which includes a set of warded lock picks used specifically for warded locks and an EZ Card that can easily bypass many locked latch doors such as gates and home interior doors.
This has been my go-to set for a while due to the compact size, versatility, and quality steel construction of the tools. The compact size of these tools can make them challenging for beginners to practice with, but Tuff Possum offers an affordable beginner kit featuring full-sized tools. The pick profiles and tension wrenches are identical to those in the entry set, ensuring a smooth transition as users progress.
Lock picks are an ideal addition to your urban SERE kit (Tuff Possum Bogota Set, Superesse EDC SERE Kit, Silcock Key for accessing water in cities).
Discreet Carry Option: Bogota Set with Covert Key Slip
Although the Entry kit is very compact, I also like to account for the times where I may not have those items in my pocket, or in the event I become separated from my primary lock-picking set.
This simple set has a Bogota Quad Rake and a Single Hook Pick (again from Tuff Possum) with the backsides of each acting as a tension wrench. While not as versatile as a full set, the ability to clip it to my pants button with the Covert Key Slip or stash it in my Wazoo Cache Cap as part of my compact SERE kit ensures I always have backup lock picks on hand.
The Grim Workshop “Sparrow Bushcraft” Signature Survival Card is an ideal compact addition to your wallet of Wilderness Kit.
When out in the wilderness, there may not be a need for a full-sized lock-picking kit, but as we discussed earlier there are moments when we may need to defeat a lock. Having some tools available rounds out my wilderness survival kit.
Grim Workshop is renowned for creating ultra-compact survival tools, including dog tags, Altoid tin kits, and their widely popular survival cards. Among their offerings in the realm of lock picking and escape and evasion, one card stands out for blending high-quality lock picks with essential wilderness tools: the Sparrow Bushcraft Signature Survival Card.
Created by Bill Roque, also known as Sparrow Bushcraft, this card reflects his dual passions for lock picking and outdoor adventure. It features several effective pick styles, a four-pin comb bypass tool, multi-step tension wrenches, and two serrated saws that also function as tweezers. Measuring roughly the size of a credit card, it fits seamlessly into a wallet, sitting discreetly alongside a Wazoo Fire Card to cover key outdoor survival needs.
These tools are crafted from high-quality stainless steel, built for durability, and designed for repeated use. They can easily be reattached to their original spots on the card thanks to a tacky backing material.
Final Thoughts
This covers the fundamentals of lock picking and using bypass tools. With these tools and a bit of practice, you’ll soon be able to tackle most common locks, taking a big step toward becoming more self-reliant. Lock picking has many practical day-to-day applications and will serve you well in many scenarios.
But the basics are only the beginning. The art of lock picking offers endless opportunities to explore, from specialty tools and advanced techniques for complex locks to electronic bypass devices for more modern systems. There’s always more to learn and master.
For those seeking something beyond a typical getaway, Offgrid Adventures are handpicked wilderness escapes offer more than just scenic views — they challenge your grit, test your limits, and immerse you in landscapes where survival and adventure go hand in hand. Prepping for a backcountry trek or simply looking for a place to unplug over the weekend is not always as easy as it seems. However, these destinations offer the right blend of raw beauty and adventure that will have you feeling recharged and reconnected with nature.
Offgrid Adventure: Mount Umunhum – San Jose, CA
Adventure Appeal
Where rugged wilderness meets Cold War history. Climb to one of the highest peaks in the Bay Area, where the journey is just as thrilling as the view. Located in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, Mount Umunhum — a Native American name that describes the sound a hummingbird makes — offers adventurers a unique mix of challenging terrain, breathtaking vistas, and fascinating Cold War history.
At 3,486 feet, the summit provides sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the sprawling San Francisco Bay Area. It’s a day hike, but don’t let the proximity to civilization fool you — this trail will test your endurance, climbing 3.7 miles with over 1,100 feet of elevation gain. Along the way, you’ll trek through dense forests, cross rocky terrain, and be rewarded with a view that feels miles away from the hustle of city life.
This five-story Cold War relic can be seen from almost everywhere in the Bay Area, but few people make the ascent to get up close to it.
Survival Readiness
While Mount Umunhum is a relatively accessible day trip, it comes with its own set of challenges. The steep climb, exposure to the elements (especially the sun on cloudless days), and the lack of water sources along the trail mean hikers need to come prepared. Pack plenty of water, sun protection, and a map — cell service can be spotty, and some rocky, narrow sections require careful footing. The isolation, though brief, offers a chance to test your readiness without straying too far from safety.
A well-established network of trails provide a great opportunity to connect with nature.
Getting There
Mount Umunhum is located about 30 minutes south of San Jose, California, making it an ideal adventure for Bay Area residents. Head into the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve via Hicks Road, where you’ll find a parking area with access to the trailhead. The trail is open year-round, but it’s best tackled in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, especially in summer.
Topo map of Mt. Umunhum (Source: CalTopo)
Local Perks
After your climb, explore the area’s rich history. Mount Umunhum was once the site of a Cold War radar station, and remnants of that era still stand at the summit, including the iconic radar tower. For those interested in expanding their adventure, nearby Almaden Quicksilver County Park offers additional hiking opportunities, or head to downtown San Jose for a taste of local cuisine and craft breweries. Mount Umunhum offers a satisfying mix of isolation and accessibility.
The trail is rugged enough to feel adventurous, but with easy road access, ample parking, and historical plaques along the way, it doesn’t push the limits of true off-grid living. You won’t find any services at the summit itself, but cell reception is decent, and the trail is well-marked. If you’re looking for a quick escape without venturing into the unknown, this is the perfect spot for a moderate-level off-grid experience.
Offgrid Adventure: Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary – Oxford, CT
Adventure Appeal
Rockhouse Hill offers a range of hiking experiences, starting at a gravel parking lot with an information kiosk providing maps and details about the area’s history and wildlife. A flat, gravel path leads into the forest, but the terrain quickly shifts to rocky trails shaped by glacial deposits, with plenty of ascents and descents that keep things engaging. For an easy stroll, a path to the riverbank winds through a pine-needle-covered forest, though the return uphill can be steep.
The trails pass a lively reservoir filled with frogs and waterfowl and remnants of earlier settlements, like ornamental plants and invasive wineberry. Further along, the terrain becomes more rugged, culminating in a cliffside view of the Housatonic River Valley. Hikers can choose easier routes with moderate climbs and stream crossings or tackle the “On the Rocks” trail, a steep, boulder-strewn challenge. Excellent trail markers and loops make navigation simple, ensuring an adventurous and rewarding hike.
Numerous water sources attract a wide variety of wildlife to the area.
Survival Readiness
The Sanctuary is a self-guided experience with no amenities — no restrooms, water stations, or staff — so come prepared with water and first aid essentials. While it feels remote, the preserve is close to a main road, with restaurants and grocery stores about 15 minutes away, and it generally has good cell service unless you venture onto connecting trails. Hiking boots or trail runners are essential for navigating slippery rocks, which stay wet longer under the tree cover, and waterproof footwear can help during rainy periods when streams may overflow. Though near homes and a high school, emergency response may be delayed, so plan accordingly. The cliffside area gets full sun and wind, making weather-appropriate clothing a must. Oxford’s wooded setting is home to wildlife, including black bears, coyotes, rattlesnakes, spiders, and ticks — bear spray, tick repellent, and staying on marked trails are your best defenses.
Well-groomed trails are perfect for bikers, hikers, and cross country skiers after the snow starts to fly.
Getting There
Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary is about a 20-minute drive off Exit 16 on Interstate 64. It is about 40 minutes north from Danbury and an hour south from Hartford. The parking area of the sanctuary is off Route 188, just past the entrance for Oxford High School. The parking lot has room for about 8 to 10 cars and fills up fast on weekends and holidays, but during the week it is not uncommon to be the only person in there. Rockhouse Hill is open to the public all year long.
Adventure and History. Traces of the regions rich history can be found throughout Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary.
Local Perks
Hiking opportunities are abundant in the area with two major forests, three state parks, and several other preserves in the immediate area. If you are looking for a bite to eat after your hike Oxford has several restaurants on Route 67 including the historic Oxford House Tavern, as well as several more modern eateries in Quarry Walk Center. Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary is a hidden gem in Western Connecticut’s Naugatuck River Valley, offering a mix of gravel paths and rocky trails that showcase New England’s rugged charm.
Maintained by the town of Oxford with help from the Oxford High School Youth Conservation Corps and local Boy Scouts, the sanctuary features 15 miles of trails with options for all skill levels. Shorter, less challenging trails near the entrance still provide enough hills to get your blood pumping, while the deeper trails offer rock scrambles, varied terrain, and stunning views. Ambitious hikers can extend their adventure by connecting to adjacent state forest trails, exploring miles of woodland, rivers, and waterfalls
Topo map of Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary (Source: CalTopo)
The world keeps showing us how swiftly comfort can give way to crisis. Reports of violent criminals slipping through lax borders and settling into everyday neighborhoods are no longer distant headlines. Attacks on young women on once-secure streets and the spread of gangs — like the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua — staking out apartment complexes remind us that danger can evolve faster than we’d prefer. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet the truth is that there are ways to prepare, mentally and physically, for scenarios that once seemed exclusive to war zones or distant trouble spots. The principles of SERE — Survive, Evade, Resist, Escape — no longer belong solely to those in specialized fields. They can enrich the lives of anyone determined not to give predators the upper hand.
Within these pages, you’ll find voices that have forged their methods under exacting conditions. Air Force SERE instructors Michael Caughran and Peter Magnin bring insights to strengthen your judgment long before a crisis tests it. Their hard-earned perspectives blend seamlessly with other approaches sprinkled throughout this issue. You’ll encounter strategies that address challenges lurking behind school doors, guidance on looking after your own body if trained help isn’t coming, and ways to keep your personal security toolkit versatile, ranging from entry methods that challenge old assumptions of “locked” spaces, to awareness exercises that sharpen focus and reduce complacency.
To add some levity to these serious topics, we’re introducing Offgrid Adventures, a new column aimed at inspiring you to seek out landscapes and experiences that remind you the world holds more than gloomy headlines suggest. We’ve also refreshed our Gear Up section, not to sell you fancy trinkets, but to offer a tangible bridge from theory to practice. These additions mirror our core belief that preparation is a combination of both mindset and action. By gaining familiarity with the right skills, exploring environments that challenge your everyday assumptions, and understanding the tools that best fit your circumstances, you build something durable within yourself.
This issue encourages a different kind of vigilance — one grounded in knowledge and flexibility rather than fear. The lessons here are meant to strengthen your footing, wherever you might stand. As you turn the pages, consider how these approaches, insights, and explorations might shape your habits, refine your outlook, or give you the confidence to navigate this shifting world with steady resolve.
This article about cold weather fitness originally appeared in Issue 6 of our magazine.
Warning! The exercises and content expressed in this column are for illustrative purposes only. Consult a licensed fitness trainer or medical professional before trying any physical activity or nutritional plan.
Illustrations by Chris Bywater
Who enjoys spending time frolicking in frigid temperatures? Exactly. As a result, staying warm and cozy indoors often comes at the expense of physical activity. Humans were never meant to hibernate, contrary to what most people do after Thanksgiving dinner or what teenagers think when they’re forced out of bed on a Saturday morning. We don’t always have the luxury of a heated building with a roof over our heads, so our ability to cope with the environment is critically important to our ability to not only survive, but thrive in a cold weather scenario.
Winter can present many challenging situations and force you into an uncomfortable, possibly even dangerous environment for an indeterminate amount of time. Icy road conditions often lead to increased traffic, car accidents, and vehicle breakdowns. Getting stranded can mean being stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck or a lengthy trek through knee-high snow.
Maintaining or improving your cold weather fitness level is essential in freezing conditions, as your chances of escaping a potential hazard drops as the mercury falls. Don’t let your fitness level be the weak link in your chain of preparedness.
Cold Weather Fitness: Frosty Fashion
When it comes to cold-weather apparel, the primary goal is to keep your core (torso) warm. Core warmth must always be maintained. When core temperature drops, blood vessels constrict in the extremities to reduce blood flow and conserve heat. Reduced blood to the hands and feet leads to diminished motor control and other physiological side effects. It’s obvious, then, that your clothing will make or break your survival.
For the base layer, prioritize tighter-fitting moisture-wicking fabric, as you still might sweat regardless of the temperature. The second layer should be a thermal layer designed to trap heat well. These are made in varying thicknesses and fabrics, so look to match the fabric to the temperature. The colder it is, the thicker the fabric should be to trap more heat. Lastly, the outermost layer should be waterproof and windproof. Protection from the elements is the top priority. This layer will also act to prevent heat from escaping through the fabric. Make sure to choose colors that fit the activity, as brighter colors will allow you to be found in snow more easily.
The face and extremities are at the highest risk for developing cold injuries due to skin exposure and blood flow alterations. The less skin exposed, the better. Therefore, gloves are mandatory. They maintain manual function and movement, as well as provide a layer of paw protection — because who knows what you’ll have to do when you’re suddenly caught in an emergency. The head can be a significant source of heat loss in cold weather. It’s best to wear a facemask (similar to a balaclava) that covers everything from your neck to the top of your head. The breathing of cold and dry air is a major issue with physical activity in the cold, so the mask will allow air to be warmed and humidified before inhaling. Heat loss and, potentially, dehydration can occur if your breathing rate gets high enough.
Once you’ve selected your winter clothes, don’t be alarmed if you feel just a little chilly for the first five to 10 minutes of activity. If you’re feeling warm immediately, the heat generated through exercise will end up causing you to overheat, possibly leading to heat stress — believe it or not.
(Photo by Spc. Liliana S. Magers, U.S. Army Alaska Public Affairs.)
Cold Weather Fitness: Warming Up
A properly designed warm-up is the critical starting point to any workout or physical endeavor. While you may be able to get by without one, you’re increasing the likelihood of injury and, at the very least, reducing your output during that activity.
A warm-up should address key things like increasing bodily tissue temperature, improving joint mobility and flexibility, priming your nervous system, and improving posture and alignment. Within this warm-up, it’s best to address the more mobile joints of the body, such as the hips, ankles, and thoracic spine.
For ankles, the wall ankle mobilization with hip flexor stretch is very beneficial. The “Spiderman” works well to gain mobility in the groin and stretches the back hip as well. The thoracic spine features both extending and rotating requirements, so something like a tall kneeling thoracic spine rotation with tip works very well. You can also put them together into a Spiderman with a rotation, addressing all three areas in one movement.
Cold Weather Fitness Activity: Wall Ankle Mobilization with Hip Flexor Stretch
Targets: Ankles, hip flexors
Repetitions: 8 per side
Start with one knee down and the other foot planted in front of you. Grab the ankle of the back foot and place your other hand on the wall. Slowly rock forward, attempting to get your knee to the wall while keeping your heel down. Complete eight times per side.
Cold Weather Fitness Activity: The Spiderman
Targets: Groin, hips, hamstrings
Repetitions: 6 per side
Take an exaggerated step forward and place your hands on the floor in line with the instep of your front foot. Complete six times per side.
Cold Weather Fitness Activity: The Spiderman with Rotation
Take an exaggerated step forward with your left foot and place your hands on the floor in line with the instep of your left foot. Now turn your upper body and point your right fingers toward the ceiling. Complete six times then do the same on your left side.
Cold Weather Fitness Activity: Tall Kneeling Thoracic Spine Rotation with Tip
Targets: Back
Repetitions: 3 per side
Start in a kneeling position with both knees down. While staying tall, rotate from your upper back with your hands behind your head. Your hips should remain forward. Once you turn as far as is comfortable, tip your torso on the same side as the direction you’re turning. Repeat, turning a little further each time. Complete three times on each side.
Cold Weather Injuries
The lack of proper apparel, gear, and fitness can lead to numerous injuries in frigid weather. Here’s a brief look at some of the common ailments.
Cold and Wet Injuries
Chilblain Looks: Lesions on the top side of the hands and feet. Redness and swelling. More extreme cases can progress to blisters and ulcers. May take months or years for symptoms to subside Feels: Itching and soreness Causes: Damage to the blood vessels located near the exterior layers of the skin. Result is local fluid accumulation (edema) and inflammation.
Pernio Looks: Larger lesions on the tops of the hands and feet. Lesions and skin may begin to appear darker in color. Feels: Itching and pain Causes: Continuation of chilblain. Further ulceration and the start of tissue death.
Trenchfoot Looks: Swelling, skin discoloration, ulcers present Feels: Numbness and pain Causes: Severe damage to the nerves and local blood vessels
Cold and Dry Injuries
Frostnip Looks: Reduced skin coloration or white appearance on the affected areas Feels: Tenderness, numbness, or burning Causes: Initial freezing of the skin. Nerves and capillaries may be damaged. Increases chance of further frostnip and frostbite, due to decreased sensation of cold and decreased blood supply.
Frostbite Looks: Redness or possibly black skin on the affected areas Feels: Numbness and tenderness. With rewarming, can cause feelings of intense pain, inflammation, and possible gangrene. (Medical rewarming is highly advised rather than in the field). Causes: Continued cooling, freezing, and damaging of cells
Cold weather requires a few minor exercise modifications that should be addressed to further the effectiveness of a warm-up. Since the topic here is staying active and preparing for cold weather scenarios, it’s safe to assume the ambient temperature will be pretty frosty. In light of that, increasing tissue temperature is weighted a little more heavily.
Passive, pre-warm-up strategies can be used prior to exercise to further your preparation for cold weather exposure. The most obvious way is to spend five to 10 minutes in a warmer environment wearing warm clothes to raise your body temperature and trap heat in your clothing. You can also consume a warmer beverage, such as tea or coffee. Not only does the heat of the drink help to elevate body temperature, the caffeine can also improve performance.
Look at adding more layers or warmer fabrics during your warm-up and activity. What fabrics and how many layers will depend on how cold it is. The goal in a warm-up should be achieving a light sweat. However, in the cold, sweating isn’t ideal as it’s an awfully efficient cooling mechanism. It’s best to shoot for a general feeling of increased warmth, but do your best not to break out into an all-out sweat.
Be mindful of hydration as well. Water can still be lost through sweating and even breathing. Exercise increases breathing rate to meet the demand of the activity, and with breathing, water vapor is lost, possibly leading to dehydration over time.
Whether it’s something planned or not, physical activity in the cold can present several challenges. Your ability to adequately sense cold and respond accordingly can be affected by several factors, including exercise-induced fatigue, depleted energy stores, and sleep deprivation. So, make sure you’re adequately rested and fed, ideally, before venturing outdoors for activity. Follow these tips, and you’ll be ready for whatever Old Man Winter has in store this year.
Why We Shiver
The involuntary shaking that comes in cold weather is the contraction of skeletal muscle, which helps convert energy to heat while minimizing mechanical movement.
This is primarily driven by skin temperature
The longer you’re exposed to a cold environment, the more muscle mass will be recruited
Fueled primarily by carbohydrates
Temperature timeline:
Shivering typically begins at a core temperature of 96.8 degrees F (36 degrees C)
Reaches peak shivering at a core temperature of 95 degrees F (35 degrees C)
Stops at a core temperature of 87.8 degrees F (31 degrees C)
Source: Advanced Environmental Exercise Physiology by Stephen Cheung
About the Author
Ryne Gioviano, M.S.Ed., NSCA-CPT is the owner of Achieve Personal Training & Lifestyle Design. He holds a master’s degree in exercise physiology and is a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. For more information, visit www.achieve-personaltraining.com. You can find Ryne on Twitter and Instagram at @RGioviano.
When exploring the great outdoors or navigating an urban emergency having reliable off grid lighting options is vital to our survival. In the wilderness we lack the ambient lighting that is found in urban and suburban areas and those unfamiliar with the true darkness of the wild underestimate how dark it gets. During emergencies such as storms, grid failures, and even civil unrest power can be disrupted and leave us with little light to navigate outdoors at night or inside buildings.
The ASP Spectrum UV and Princeton Tec Helix LI as part of an outdoor gear kit including the Knives by Nuge Bruin, Tuff Possum Gear Med Pouch, Dark Energy Power Bank, and PNWBUSHCRAFT Ground Cloth
While many of us carry flashlights daily, extended wilderness adventures and urban emergencies require more powerful and robust lighting systems. These can include powerful handheld flashlights to see for longer distances, head lamps when you need to keep your hands free, and lanterns for producing long term light in an area.
Beyond considering the type of power of the light we need; we must also factor in charging methods and durability. In addition, we should consider the environmental and weather resistance that is relevant for the areas we find ourselves in.
Let’s dive into the categories and look at some of the adventure lighting options I utilize on a regular basis.
Off Grid Lighting: Handheld Flashlights
When it comes to off grid lighting systems, a handheld flashlight is the first thing that comes to mind. This tried-and-true lighting system has been around since 1899, but recent technological advances have resulted in high powered lighting options in compact form factors.
There is a near infinite amount of variety when it comes to handheld flashlights, with a different brightness, light color, battery, and form factor options available. There are handheld flashlights designed for specific uses and industries as well. With this variety it is common to confuse key features for intended tasks and environments. Wilderness use lights will not vary too much from emergency use lights. The features most important will be brightness, battery life, and resistance to the elements, however some of the flashlights listed below will have added useful features.
ASP Spectrum UV
Armament Systems and Procedures, or ASP for short, is known for producing high quality equipment for law enforcement personnel. The ASP Spectrum UV is no exception to this rule but is packed with a ton of features that make it an excellent choice for outdoor adventures and emergency situations. The feature rich The Spectrum UV offers momentary or fixed on/off switches, multiple brightness options, strobe, and 4 different color lighting modes including standard white, red, blue, and UV. While white is most used the other lighting modes should not be underestimated.
Red light is ideal for preserving your body’s natural night vision. While white light will require our eyes to readjust to the darkness red light does not affect our eyes with the same intensity allowing us to quickly readjust to the level of darkness in the area.
Blue light can cut through dense fog and be used to illuminate blood or other bodily fluids which can be helpful when tracking.
UV Mode finding animal urine traces in the snow
UV light can help us see things that are hard to see with the naked eye. In urban environments this is useful for determining the validity of currency and ID’s. In the wilderness many organisms are UV reactive which will allow us to see a multitude of plants, fugus, and even things like scorpions. UV light will also quickly chare any glow in the dark materials that are commonly used on stickers, gear markers, and patches.
The Spectrum is made from high grade aluminum and is weather resistant. It has a maximum output of 700 lumens and a beam distance of 210 meters. The max run time is 5 hours and 30 minutes, and it will run on the included rechargeable lithium-ion battery or 2 CR123 batteries. The Spectrum is equipped with a USB-C port making it easy to charge and compatible with most modern charging wires.
The Spectrum UV has an included pocket clip for easy attachment and an optional holster is offered for belt or plate carrier mounting allowing the light to be used hands free.
Pros
4 different color light modes
Multiple battery options
Optional mount for hands free use
USB-C charging
Water and weather Resistant
Includes removeable pocket clip
Cons
Multiple light modes can be more complicated to operate
On the higher end of the price range
Fenix PD45R
The PD45R is one of Fenix’s newest offerings with a maximum output of a whopping 2800 lumens and a max run time of 65 Hours on the lowest mode. This model offers a digital screen telling you the exact percentage left on your battery and the proprietary lithium-ion battery is charged via a USB-C port on the body of the flashlight.
Another notable and useful feature is the ability adjust the beam from spotlight to floodlight with an easy-to-use wheel dial that sits around the power button. This allows the user to adjust the beam for distance viewing with a maximum distance of 480 meters or produce a large amount of light in a confined area.
The LD45R produces white light only and has 5 different intensity settings as well as a strobe and SOS mode. It is important to note that the maximum setting of 2800 lumens will produce a lot of heat and should only be used in short bursts when needed. All other lighting modes can be used over the long term without worry.
The high-grade aluminum body is durable and sealed allowing it to withstand water submersion of up to 2 meters. The light itself does not have a clip making it better for storing in a bag or pack but can be placed in a deep pocket if needed.
Pros
High waterproof rating and submersible for short periods
Very bright light production in a compact package
LED screen displays exact battery percentage
Has both spotlight and floodlight modes
Long beam distance
USB-C recharging
Cons
No pocket clip
Only white light
Excessive heat production on maximum
Nite Ize Inova T8R
The Nite Ize T8R is a rugged outdoor flashlight that features both red and white light modes that is easily toggled by using a rotating cap near the lens that can be easily switched between the two while the light is in use.
The body of the T8R is made from high grade aluminum and is rated for both weather resistance and drop resistance. The light itself is powered by an included lithium-ion battery and can also be run on two CR123 batteries. The battery can be charged via a covered micro-USB port under the tail cap. The T8R body includes a pocket clip for easy attachment to your pocket or outer area of your bag.
The T8R produces a maximum of 762 lumens in high mode and has a 30-hour run time in low mode. Both the red and white options offer two brightness levels with strobe and SOS are available in white mode. The beam distance in high white mode is 267 meters and red comes in lower at 189 meters.
While the T8R lacks many of the advanced features found on the previous two lights, it makes up for it in simplicity and ease of use while providing the most used features.
Pros
White and red light modes
Simple operation
multiple battery options
water and weather resistant
Cons
Dated Micro-USB recharging
Limited brightness options
Off Grid Lighting: Head Lamps
Electric Head Lamps originated in the early 1900’s and were popular among miners who needed to keep their hands free when working. While these early headlamps were only capable of producing 2 to 5 lumens of light, they were designed to last an entire 12-hour work shift.
As technology advanced headlamps became popular with outdoor enthusiasts, especially cavers and climbers, as they needed both hands to climb. The first sport headlamps were powered by AA or AAA batteries, but many modern offerings have lithium-ion rechargeable batteries offering more light production and battery life.
Head lamps typically won’t offer the level of brightness or beam distance found in handheld flashlights, but they do allow us to operate hands free, allowing us to use both our hands when working.
A good off grid lighting head lamp will offer good battery life and multiple light level modes allowing it to fit into multiple usage scenarios. Like the handheld flashlight we should also be looking for headlamps that are durable and weather resistant.
Princeton Tec Apex LI
Princeton Tec is known for making reliable tactical, adventure, and industrial lighting. The Helix LI is at the top of their adventure-oriented head lamp line up. This impressive head lamp features a total of 5 white LED’s, 4 flood lights and a single large spotlight which emits a maximum of 550 lumens with a 90-meter beam distance.
The Apex LI has multiple lighting modes including a high and low spot, a high and low flood and a flash mode. Light modes are easily toggled using the large buttons on the headlamp body. The run time on high is an impressive 6.6 hours and over 13 hours on low thanks to the rechargeable battery back that sits separate from the main head lamp unit.
The battery pack will charge via any USB power block using the included charging cable in the package and takes around three hours to fully charge. When in use the battery pack can be clipped to the rear of the head and crown strap. The battery itself does not have a power meter, but a colored LED on the Apex body indicates current battery power.
This is a large package compared to many smaller headlamps. It is comfortable to wear but may require some adjustment if you are accustomed to a smaller head lamp setup.
The whole package is built tough for serious outdoor use, having an IPX7 waterproof rating meaning it can handle all manners of weather and can even remain submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without being damaged. The Battery and Apex head lamp unit are protected making it ideal for cold weather use without having to worry about rapid battery drain.
Pros
Has both spotlight and flood light modes
Very long battery life
Battery pack is external and can replaced or carry spare battery packs
Whole unit is water and weather resistant and can handle temporary submersion
Cons
Large overall size may take some getting used to
On the higher end of price range
Observer Tools 450 Head Lamp
Observer Tools makes a variety of lights geared toward industrial, outdoor, and everyday use. Currently the 450 is the only head lamp in their lineup and it has some impressive features. The unit features a single spotlight that can vary between 60 and 450 lumens. Light intensity is managed by a turning dial on the body that allows you to easily brighten and dim the light to your specific needs.
The 450 is powered by an internal lithium-ion battery offering 3.5 hours on high and up to 20 hours on low. The battery can be charged using a Micro-USB or USB-C cord depending on the production date.
A notable feature on the 450 is a motion sensor on off option that allows the user to turn the device on and off with a wave of your hand in front of the head lamp. If motion sensors aren’t your thing, the simple buttons on the head lamp can be used to manually turn the 450 on and off.
The 450 is rated IP67 for water and dust resistance allowing it to operate in all weather conditions and the internal battery is protected to reduced temperature related battery drain and damage.
Pros
Budget Friendly
Motion sensor for on/off
Fine control of brightness
Internal battery makes it compact
Water and Weather Resistant
Cons
Internal Battery is not replaceable
Some units use dated Micro-USB recharging
No flood light mode
Off Grid Lighting: Lanterns
Lanterns have been around for a long time; it is estimated that lanterns first originated in China in 230 BCE as part of festival celebrations and they continued to advance throughout human history to become a staple part of every outdoorsman’s gear. While early lanterns relied on combustible fuel, the first commercial lantern became available in the 1870’s. Even with the advent of electric lanterns, many outdoors people in the 20th century relied on combustible fuel lanterns and the classic green Coleman Lantern is an iconic item that brings back a feeling of nostalgia for many.
With improvements in both LED and battery technology, electric lanterns have come to the forefront of modern off grid lighting. Lanterns can create sustained light over extended periods of time. A good lantern will offer multiple brightness levels, and some have multiple lighting modes. Battery life is a top concern as is environmental resistance and durability.
Princeton Tec Helix LI
The Helix LI is Princeton Tec’s premier adventure lantern. This rechargeable lantern produces up to 300 lumens of white light or red light. Running up to 110 hours on white and 200 hours on red before needing a recharge.
The “rubbery” globe can snap down, and the legs fold up making a very compact package for transport. Weighing just under 5.5 ounces, the Helix is ideal for when you want to keep weight down in your pack. When collapsed the Helix is small enough to fit in a coat pocket or cargo pant pocket.
The top has a metal loop that can be used to hang the Helix in your tent or on a tree branch. The Helix is rated IPX6 meaning it can handle any level of falling rain but should not be submerged.
The battery is charged via micro-USB on the bottom of the base. You will also find a quick reference guide on how to use the Helix’s swipe bar to cycle through light modes.
Pros
Ultra compact
Red and white light modes
Long Run Time
Weather resistant
Cons
Swipe function takes some getting used to
Dated Micro-USB Charging
LEDLENSER ML6
LEDLENSER is known for making a variety of lighting solutions from handheld to lanterns. The ML6 is a dual light lantern that is about the same thickness as a full-sized flashlight. With a maximum output of 750 lumens of white light the ML6 can bring a large amount of light to an area and run for up to 4 hours at maximum or 240 hours on low red-light mode.
In addition to having dimmable red and white modes the ML6 also has pulse, strobe, and SOS mode. The top button and inner bottom ring both glow in the dark making it easier to find if off. The base has a collapsible hook allowing it to be hung.
The battery is charged via a covered micro-USB port and there is also a USB-A port that will allow you to charge other devices from the ML6’s internal battery. Rated at IP54, the ML6 can handle splashes but should not be submerged or left in driving rain for too long.
Pros
Very bright at maximum
White and Red light modes
Long run time in low red mode
Can be used to charge other devices
Cons
Water resistance is on the low end of acceptable
Not lightweight or particularly compact
Dated Micro-USB charging
A Final Note on Back Up Power
Off grid lighting and much more of our wilderness and emergency gear has become increasingly reliant on electric power. While we don’t have to worry about being on the move with combustible liquids or gas canisters, we should still have ways of charging our adventures lights and other electronic outdoor gear. Keeping power banks, solar chargers, or back up batteries with us is essential to keeping the lights on!
Weather and temperature resistant power banks, like the offerings from Dark Energy are ideal for emergency back up power for your off grid lighting.
Survival skills are essential in uncertain times. Prepping ensures that you and your family can handle emergencies with confidence. This guide explores the fundamentals of prepping, urban survival, wilderness survival, and emergency preparedness. You'll discover practical advice, tools, and training to build your skills and readiness.
Q: But aren't Preppers Crazy?! A: No! Why: Sadly, the media has done a great job connecting the term “prepping” with those on the fringes who go over the top and make them look insane for doing so.
Disclaimer: Ask anyone who has taken a trip down the rabbit hole of survival and emergency preparedness “what is the best way to start prepping?”, and most likely you find the answer to be, “it depends.” The truth about prepping is: there is no single best way to do it!
Since no two people are experiencing the exact same life circumstances, we can not expect how we prepare for the unknown to be the same. If that sounds potentially overwhelming, do not despair, here are very similar places to start! When you boil prepping down to things that are necessary to live, what you arrive at is a handful of basics at which most people can start.
– Water (1 gallon per person per day) – Non-perishable food for 3 days – First aid kit – Flashlights with extra batteries – Multi-tool and duct tape – Emergency blankets
NOTE: This table is only A way to build a prepping foundation, not THE way. Everyone's preparedness journey is unique, individualized and highly situationally dependent.
To those who are new to prepping and need a quick start (or maybe you want a refresher), this section provides a concise guide to help you build your foundation. Follow these steps to begin preparing for emergencies effectively and efficiently.
To build a solid prepping foundation, you must first make sure you're in a good place, physically, mentally and financially.
Take Care of Yourself First! If everything was taken away from you in an instant, you'd be left with the physical state of your body, and the mental resilience of your mind. If you do not feel comfortable with this knowledge, it may indicate that you need to prioritize self-care before thinking about bug out bags and survival rifles.
Physical Preps: Get a physical exam done by a doctor if you haven't recently had one. This is a crucial step since it will help identify if you are healthy enough for more rigorous training. It may even uncover any underlying health conditions you need to be aware of. Once you get the green light from the Doc, start training so you can physically handle adversities! Don't know where to start? Check out this intro to Fitness Basics from Mayo Clinic.
Dental Preps: We take this one for granted these days, but nothing gets in the way of daily activities like the agonizing pain of a toothache. See a dentist and get any problems taken care of so you don't have to worry about them later. Here is a helpful guide in case you might need a dental hygiene refresher.
Mental Preps: This is more important than anything else! Being able to carry a loved one to safety, or moving from point A to point B with all your gear without getting winded means nothing if you do not have the mental fortitude to do so. The will to live is a powerful thing, and has successfully guided people through the most horrific survival scenarios. If mental health is something you struggle with, work on building that resiliency, or get the help you need from a medical provider. There are a ton of resources out there on the subject, but this article from Stanford about Mental Health Hygiene might be a good place to start!
Financial Preps: Taking care of your finances is an essential aspect of survival preparation because it ensures you have the resources to handle emergencies, adapt to unforeseen circumstances, and invest in long-term resilience. Although it may seem overwhelming at first, Financial Education is easily self-taught and pays dividends (pun intended).
A solid financial foundation allows you to acquire necessary gear, build a well-stocked emergency fund, and secure insurance for potential risks. It also provides the flexibility to relocate or respond quickly to a crisis without being burdened by debt or financial instability.
By managing your money wisely, you gain peace of mind, reduce stress during emergencies, and empower yourself to focus on survival strategies rather than scrambling for resources when they’re most needed.
Create a Basic Emergency Kit Making a basic emergency kit is a cornerstone of preparedness, providing the tools and supplies needed to respond to unexpected situations effectively. A well-stocked kit ensures you have access to essential items like water, food, first aid supplies, and communication tools when normal resources are disrupted.
Whether facing natural disasters, power outages, or sudden evacuations, an emergency kit gives you the ability to maintain safety and self-sufficiency for at least 72 hours. It also reduces stress during crises, allowing you to focus on critical decisions rather than scrambling to gather supplies.
A basic kit is not just a collection of items—it’s a proactive step toward protecting yourself and your loved ones when it matters most. Try to assemble the following items:
Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three days.
Food: Non-perishable, easy to prepare meals for three days.
First Aid: A comprehensive first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and medications.
Lighting: Flashlights with extra batteries or solar-powered options.
Tools: Multi-tool, duct tape, and a whistle for signaling.
Shelter: Emergency blankets or a lightweight tarp.
Develop an Emergency Plan Developing an emergency plan is critical because it provides a clear roadmap for how to respond during a crisis, reducing panic and confusion when time is of the essence. A well-thought-out plan helps ensure that everyone in your household knows their roles, communication methods, and safe meeting points in case of separation.
It also prepares you to navigate specific challenges like evacuations, power outages, or medical emergencies. By identifying potential risks and creating actionable steps ahead of time, an emergency plan increases your ability to protect yourself and your loved ones, minimizes delays in decision-making, and boosts your overall resilience when faced with the unexpected. Some things to consider are:
Contact Information: List emergency contacts and share them with all family members.
Evacuation Routes: Identify exits from your home and alternate routes in your area.
Meeting Points: Set up two locations where everyone can regroup, one near your home and one farther away.
Communication: Use text messages or apps like Zello for communication during outages.
Learn Essential Survival Skills Developing practical survival abilities is vital because it equips you with the knowledge and confidence to adapt and thrive in challenging situations, even when resources are scarce or unavailable.
Skills like building a shelter, purifying water, starting a fire, and navigating without GPS can mean the difference between safety and danger in emergencies. Beyond physical survival, these abilities foster self-reliance and reduce dependence on external systems, empowering you to take control when systems fail.
These capabilities also enhance problem-solving and decision-making, helping you stay calm and focused in high-pressure scenarios. Investing time in gaining these skills is not just practical—it’s an investment in your ability to face the unexpected with resilience and capability. Some essential survival skills to learn are:
Fire-Starting: Practice using matches, lighters, and ferro rods.
Water Purification: Learn to use water filters, boiling, and purification tablets.
First Aid: Take a basic first aid and CPR course.
Navigation: Understand how to use a compass and read maps.
Stockpile Long-Term Supplies Building an appropriate stockpile of long-term supplies is crucial for maintaining self-sufficiency and resilience during extended emergencies or disruptions. A well-thought-out stockpile ensures access to essential items like non-perishable food, clean water, medical supplies, and hygiene products when normal supply chains are compromised.
It provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on critical decisions without worrying about immediate necessities. Tailoring your stockpile to your household’s unique needs, including dietary restrictions or medical requirements, ensures that you are adequately prepared.
A carefully managed supply also reduces dependency on external assistance, giving you the flexibility to remain secure and comfortable, no matter how long a crisis lasts. Some important items to gather and store long-term are:
Food Storage: Invest in freeze-dried foods and MREs.
Water Storage: Store larger containers of water or install a rainwater collection system.
Energy Solutions: Have solar chargers, generators, or battery backups.
Defense Tools: Consider self-defense training and tools that fit your local laws.
Not too long ago, our ancestors took steps to avoid an early demise. It wasn't called prepping back then, it was simply called living.
What Is Prepping?
Prepping involves planning and preparing for potential emergencies. This includes gathering supplies, learning survival techniques, and creating strategies to overcome challenges. Prepping helps individuals become more self-reliant in scenarios like power outages, natural disasters, or supply chain disruptions.
Books and Guides: Resources provide instructions on survival techniques and planning.
Plans: Prepping plans outline evacuation routes, communication methods, and resource management.
By addressing these elements, you can build a solid foundation for preparedness.
An emergency situation can strike at any time, with or without warning. What steps have you taken to ensure a successful outcome for you and your loved ones?
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness involves planning for large-scale disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or pandemics. It requires organization and attention to detail to reduce risks and ensure safety.
Emergency Kits
72-Hour Kits: Include food, water, clothing, and basic tools for three days.
Vehicle Kits: Store jumper cables, flashlights, blankets, and a first aid kit in your car.
Home Supplies: Stock non-perishable food, water, and backup power sources.
Go Bags: Essential tools and equipment to sustain you in short term emergencies while on the go.
Planning for Disasters
Evacuation Plans: Know escape routes and have transportation ready.
Communication Plans: Establish ways to contact loved ones during outages.
Community Involvement: Work with neighbors to coordinate resources and information.
Preparedness allows you to respond to crises with confidence and efficiency.
Disasters are not relegated to wilderness areas. In fact, places with higher population densities will experience an exponential level of problems compared to their rural counterparts .
Urban Survival
Urban survival focuses on navigating emergencies in densely populated areas. Challenges include limited resources, crowded spaces, and heightened security risks.
Urban survival requires adaptability and knowledge to protect yourself and others.
Remote locations mean that help takes a long time to arrive. Help may not be available at all. What self-reliance skills do you posses to circumvent the need for outside assistance should the need arise?
Wilderness Survival
Wilderness survival skills allow you to stay safe in natural environments. These skills are crucial for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking to be self-reliant in the wild.
Prepping is a continuous process of learning and adapting.
Every season, climatic region, and ecosystem comes with its unique set of survival challenges.
Seasonal Prepping and Survival Considerations
Most people do not live in areas where the weather and temperatures are uniform all year long. When looking at survival situations and how we can best prepare for them we must take into account seasonal temperatures and weather conditions.
Cold Weather Prepping and Survival
Winter brings frigid temperatures, snow, ice, and high winds to many areas. Cold temperatures and extreme weather makes any survival situation much more challenging. Having the right gear and skills to prepare for these conditions is vital.
Cold Weather Hazards
Hypothermia: Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures without adequate protection can cause hypothermia, a dangerous condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.
Frostnip: Early exposure to cold can cause frostnip, a mild form of frostbite that temporarily affects the skin without causing permanent damage.
Frostbite: Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can cause frostbite, a condition where skin and underlying tissues freeze, leading to potential tissue damage.
Chilblain: Repeated exposure to cold, damp conditions can cause chilblain, a condition where small blood vessels in the skin become inflamed, leading to redness, itching, and swelling.
Immersion Foot: Prolonged exposure to cold, wet environments without proper drying can cause immersion foot, a condition that results in numbness, swelling, and tissue damage in the feet.
Trench foot: Prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions can cause trench foot, a serious condition where the feet lose circulation, leading to tissue damage and potential infection.
Road Hazards: Poor or dangerous road conditions caused by snow, ice, and downed trees.
Cold Weather Survival Gear and Skills
Winter Go Bag: A easy to carry bag with all you need to survive the cold for 24 hours.
Winter Car Emergency Kit: A survival kit to keep you and your vehicle running in winter driving emergencies
Cold Weather Clothing and Outerwear: Having the proper clothing, outerwear, and footwear to protect you from the elements.
Adapting to cold weather is not impossible. Humans have learned to exist in arctic regions long before power grids, climate control, or synthetic fibers.
Hot Weather Prepping and Survival
Summer brings high heat in many areas. Some locations experience increased humidity while others may experience draught. In either case these conditions increase the strain on our bodies. Summer can also bring its fair share of extreme weather. Understanding the effect of heat on the human body and how to handle heat and weather emergencies will provide a leg up in survival situations occurring in the warmer months.
Hot Weather Hazards
Dehydration: A lack of sufficient water intake or excessive fluid loss leads to dehydration, causing the body to struggle with normal functions like regulating temperature and maintaining energy.
Hyperthermia: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause hyperthermia, a condition where the body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate, leading to dangerously elevated body temperature.
Heat Cramps: Muscle spasms caused by intense physical activity in hot conditions are known as heat cramps, often resulting from dehydration and electrolyte loss.
Heat Exhaustion: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures combined with dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion, a condition characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness.
HeatStroke: When the body's temperature regulation fails due to prolonged heat exposure, heat stroke occurs, causing a dangerously high body temperature that requires immediate medical attention.
On the other end of the temperature extreme, hot weather prevents your body from cooling. and can lead to fatal injuries. (Photo: Flickr.com/ruba)
FAQ
Q: What is the meaning of prepping?
A: Prepping is a proactive approach to ensuring personal safety, well-being, and self-reliance in the face of emergencies, disasters, or unexpected disruptions. It involves gathering essential supplies, learning survival skills, and creating plans to handle situations that could threaten basic needs like food, water, shelter, and security. Prepping isn't about panic or paranoia—it's about being ready to face life's uncertainties with confidence and resilience. From natural disasters to power outages or economic hardships, preppers focus on minimizing risk and maximizing their ability to adapt to whatever comes their way.
Q: Is it “prepping” or “preparing”?
A: Both terms refer to getting ready for future challenges, but there’s a subtle difference in how they’re used. “Preparing” is a broad term that applies to any kind of readiness—getting ready for a trip, a test, or an event. “Prepping” specifically refers to getting ready for emergencies, disasters, or survival situations. Prepping often involves long-term planning and stockpiling essential supplies like food, water, medical gear, and learning practical skills to handle worst-case scenarios. So while all prepping is a form of preparing, not all preparing is considered prepping. Think of prepping as preparing for the unexpected, with a focus on self-reliance and resilience.
Q: What does “prepping” mean in slang?
A: In slang, “prepping” usually refers to getting ready for something specific—whether it’s a big event, an exam, or even a date. For example, someone might say, “I’m prepping for the weekend party” or “I’m prepping for finals.” It’s a casual way of saying you're preparing for an upcoming situation. In a more niche context, “prepping” in slang often refers to survivalists getting ready for doomsday scenarios, natural disasters, or societal collapse. It’s shorthand for a lifestyle focused on readiness and self-sufficiency.
Q: What is prepping and survival?
A: Prepping and survival go hand in hand, but they aren’t exactly the same thing. Prepping focuses on getting ready before a disaster or emergency happens—stockpiling supplies, learning skills, and making plans to deal with anything from power outages to large-scale crises. Survival, on the other hand, is what happens during or after an emergency. It’s about using your knowledge, tools, and mindset to stay safe, secure essential resources like food and water, and make it through tough situations. Think of it this way: Prepping is what you do to get ready for the storm. Survival is what you do when you're in the thick of it. Both require self-reliance, adaptability, and a calm, practical approach to problem-solving.
Final Thoughts
Prepping is about more than collecting supplies. It’s about building the skills and confidence to handle emergencies effectively. Whether you focus on urban survival, wilderness skills, or emergency planning, the right tools and training can make all the difference. Start your journey today by creating a plan and assembling your gear. Your preparedness ensures safety and resilience for you and your loved ones.
Editor's Note: The following article is a web-exclusive supplement to author Kevin Estela's print feature, “Ruck It: Functional Fitness for the Serious Survivalist”. To read more of Kevin's thoughts on the topic of survival fitness, pick up a copy of RECOIL OFFGRID Issue 20, on sale starting June 2nd, 2017.
Ruck marching is the latest trend in the world of “survival athletics.” It's inspired by the tradition of military marches, where soldiers carry heavy packs to build endurance. When proper precautions are taken, “rucking” is a safe and highly-effective exercise for burning calories and building functional strength. More importantly to survivalists, it's a great way of testing yourself for any future bug-out scenarios.
Of course, the question always comes up, “What do you carry in your pack on a given march?” You'll need to carry a moderate amount of weight to see results, but that doesn't mean you should go stuffing your ruck with sandbags. Read on to hear our thoughts on packing your ruck, and five common mistakes to avoid as you train.
Essential Items for Your Ruck
Beyond the prescribed dead weight, it’s wise to have some basics in your ruck to ensure you make it from point A to point B. Beyond the basic everyday-carry items, the wise rucker has some special gear.
The author carries an American-made GoRuck GR1 pack with the contents below.
Water/hydration bottle: Bring what you need, and remember each gallon is slightly more than 8 pounds.
Electrolyte tablets: You’ll be sweating. Replace those salts.
Snacks: Not meals, just enough calories in easy-to-consume snacks to keep you going.
Headlamp: Just because it’s dark doesn’t mean you have to stop.
Signal panel: A signal panel like the one from The Hidden Woodsman is light and inexpensive to keep cars off you.
Cell phone: If you’re out on your own, don’t be stupid. Know when to say “when” if you can tell the difference between pain and injury.
Hat: Keep the sweat out of your eyes and rain off your face.
Foot care: Package of moleskin and some duct tape. Good to go.
Extra clothes: Not a full wardrobe. Just a dry shirt and set of socks so you don’t have to stand all day in your funk.
Selfie stick: First, punch yourself in the face then leave this at home.
5 Rucking Mistakes to Avoid
Once you have your gear in order, it’s time to hit the trail. Just make sure you that you don’t first commit any of these five common newbie mistakes:
1. Poor Diet Ask any serious athlete what the hardest aspect of training is and they will more than likely tell you it is diet. Trainer Johnny Ray Vega of New York City-based CrossFit BQE believes in using food as you need it, not as you want it. This means knowing your body, how it functions, and what is needed during a ruck.
The human body is a machine that needs fuel. For optimal performance, the correct balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats must be supplied to it. Rucking taxes the body and burns calories. Depending on the fitness goal, the appropriate diet must be consumed for fat loss or muscle growth. A good diet is a frequent diet beyond three square meals. Five to seven meals a day every two hours is not uncommon. Not eating enough or appropriately is a cardinal mistake.
2. Lacking Hydration
The body is composed of mostly water. When the body is deprived of water, the chances of injury increase with the level of dehydration experienced. Water consumption is important, and knowing how to hydrate is part of the formula to successful ruck marching. The human body can only absorb so much water at once. Water should be consumed in small quantities frequently rather than chugging a large quantity. This is why Camelbak-style bladders are popular with ruckers. Also, too much water can deprive the body of essential salts and electrolytes. Using a good electrolyte tablet like Nuun is recommended when the body sweats a lot.
3. Too Heavy / Too Far / Too Fast
When first getting started, the concept of burning significant calories or developing muscle can be attractive. This may lead the rucker to carry too heavy a weight, go too far a distance, or attempt to go too fast. Rucking need not be physically damaging to the body. When the happy medium of weight, distance, and speed are found, the body will hit its stride and the results desired will be achieved. Let this happen slowly; don’t force it or attempt to speed up the process.
4. Bad Footwear/Foot Care
“Its gotta be the shoes” — remember this marketing slogan from the late ’80s? Well, in the rucking world, appropriate footwear and foot care can make or break the workout. Some new ruckers want to wear the heaviest boots. Others want to go minimalist. What is comfortable and appropriate will vary based on pronation, volume, and conditions. Regardless what is chosen, take care of the feet that go inside them. Keep toenails short, feet dry, and hot spots covered with moleskin. Disregarding these small issues lead to big problems. Keep your feet in good shape and they’ll carry you far.
5. Too Warm
The body has a natural furnace. When you burn calories, you stoke that fire and warm the body. A common mistake of the novice rucker is starting off too warm, loading up with clothes on a cold body. Instead of wearing multiple layers of clothing then having to stop to shed various garments, consider wearing a wicking layer and a wind-resistant shell. Start off cooler than you feel comfortable and trust your athleticism to warm you as you begin to sweat. Keep your groin, chest, underarms, and head warm and you can let your arms and legs take care of themselves. Going out too warm will cause you to dehydrate quickly and overheat. Work cooler and wear layers with deep zippers to allow you to vent.
About the Author
Kevin Estela is the owner/head instructor of Estela Wilderness Education, a bushcraft and survival school in New England. He is a Sayoc Kali Associate Instructor, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, and an avid marksman. As a “survival athlete” he can be found regularly testing his physical and mental limitations in the gym, woods, and urban landscape preparing for the fight.
WARNING! The fitness exercises and content expressed in this column are for illustrative purposes only. Consult a medical professional before trying any physical activity or nutritional plan.
When it hits the fan and all hell breaks loose, your breadth of preparedness — not so much the depth — will save you. People who are experts at one thing, but beginners at everything else, might last a couple of days, but eventually their lack of range in skillsets will catch up to them. Picture a hunter deep in the woods who can't navigate without a GPS unit, or an expert but lost hiker who can't start a fire without a lighter.
Survivalists say that specialists perish while generalists persevere. The same understanding should be applied to fitness.
Why Be A Fitness Generalist?
You can't afford to be a specialist. In a situation where you can't always foresee the challenges you might face, it's advisable to hope for the best and plan for the worst. A lot of us get jazzed up about a certain type of training, whether it's running, strength training, or something entirely different. But while it's great to be active, you have to train intelligently and plan ahead.
When training for a specific event, you can identify specific types of training tailored for your needs. For example, when preparing for a powerlifting meet, you'll want your strength to be high, with less emphasis on your aerobic training or endurance, relatively speaking. Training for a marathon would require the opposite approach. Because this results in physiological adaptations in your body, training for one area often comes at a cost to another, which is why your training needs to be specific to the demands of the event.
But in everyday life, there could be any number of hazards in your future. So when there isn't a specific event for which you're training, you want to make sure all of your bases are covered — hence training to build multiple attributes at once. This is where being a fitness generalist pays off.
Maximizing many physical attributes at the same time can be a tall order, but it can be done. It just takes some intelligent training and accepting the reality that maximizing many at once will limit their improvement more than if you were to focus on just one. We'll focus on improving the four critical areas to your fitness level: power, strength, conditioning, and mobility. Let's take a closer look at each one.
Fitness: Power
Strength and power are often used synonymously, but there's a difference. This misconception tends to be perpetuated by the sport of powerlifting, which in reality should be called strength lifting, since it's judged only by how much weight you can lift. The word power implies the existence of a time component as well. In our case, we're looking to move a weight (or our bodies) as quickly as possible.
While strength is very important, you also want to train for power, especially as you age. The aging population tends to lose power at an accelerated rate. It may seem silly to talk about power training for the older population, but preventing yourself from falling requires — you guessed it — power. We can trace the benefits all the way to children. In any intelligent sports performance program for kids, there will be some sort of power training even if it's disguised as a game. If you happen to fall between these two extremes, power training will still be a game-changer for you. Improved power results in faster pushing speed, higher jumping, and quicker sprints just to name a few. Simply put, if you're going to prepare for the worst, you need to train for power.
Squat Jump
Begin by standing with your feet shoulder width apart. Hold a kettlebell at arm's length between your legs.
Drive your hips back with your weight in your mid-foot.
Aggressively push your feet into the floor as fast as you can.
Landsoftly. Complete three sets of eight repetitions.
Medicine Ball Chest Pass
Begin by standing about 8 feet in front of a wall, with the ball at your chest.
Step forward and aggressively chest pass the ball forward. Complete three sets of 10 repetitions.
Fitness: Strength
Strength is the foundation for other physical qualities. When we build strength, we also improve other areas of fitness — whether it be fat loss, endurance training, or power. It's not uncommon to see runners embark on a strength training program and improve their race times, or people struggling with weight loss to drop 5 pounds by adding more strength work. Strength should come first.
Strength is typically trained with heavier weights and less repetitions. There are many methods to do this, but we'll keep it simple with a pretty straightforward approach by using straight sets. What we'll do a little differently, though, is put a special emphasis on three areas when training: the grip, the glutes, and the core (or abs). We'll highlight these techniques further in the exercise descriptions, but rest assured, just focusing on these three areas can dramatically improve your strength instantly.
Kettlebell Deadlift
Place the kettlebell between your ankles, hip-width distance apart.
Sit your hips back and crush the handle of the kettlebell with both hands. You should only be moving through your hips. Your back should remain completely flat.
Push your heels into the floor, squeeze your butt hard, brace your abs, and drive your hips forward.
Complete three sets of five to six repetitions.
3-Point Kettlebell Row
Position yourself with one hand on a sturdy object about knee to mid-thigh height. Move your feet about 2 feet back in a symmetrical stance. Grab the kettlebell in the free hand and brace your abs.
Squeeze the handle hard as you drive your elbow and shoulder blade back. Don't let your elbow travel past your torso.
Return to the starting position. Complete three sets of six repetitions.
Fitness: Conditioning
Conditioning will go a long way in your preparation for what may lie ahead. It's common for people to neglect this area in favor of strength training, but that's a huge mistake. The uncertainty of transportation or any number of escape situations should put endurance high on your priority list. If you have to hoof it for several miles (especially with equipment), you'll thank your conditioning training. Aside from that, work in this area can help you with stress relief and improve your recovery from training.
Running
Because of its obvious practicality and lack of required equipment, we can't overlook running as being a primary method of conditioning work. There's no reason to overcomplicate things here, so we'll keep it simple.
In this case, tailor your low-intensity running to a level where you can still have a conversation with someone. For this, start at 30 minutes of continuous, low-intensity running. If 30 minutes is too much, end when you feel you aren't able to continue. Slowly build up in five-minute increments each week. The end goal is about 60 minutes of continuous running twice per week.
Kettlebell Clean
The kettlebell clean is a bit off the beaten path in terms of your typical kettlebell-based exercises. While those in the fitness industry are familiar with it, to the general population, it's not the most common of exercises. We use a kettlebell due to the need of just a single object, in addition to the fantastic benefit this exercise provides. When you're confined to a small space, or limited on equipment, a kettlebell is a clear choice for conditioning training.
Begin with a kettlebell in the rack position, held on one side at your chest.
Next, keep the kettlebell close to your body as you bring it down and swing it between your legs. As it moves down, drive your hips backward and bear your weight in your heels.
Explosively drive your hips forward, squeeze your butt, and brace your abs. At about waist height, pull the kettlebell toward you, rotate your hand outward, and punch your hand through the bell. It should fall gently into the rack position; it shouldn't slam into your forearm. This will take a little bit of practice.
Complete one to two times per week, 10 to 15 rounds of five repetitions per side, with 30 seconds of rest between rounds.
The Brettzel
Begin by lying on your right side with your right hand holding your left knee.
Next, grab your right ankle with your left hand.
Turn your head to look to the left, and slowly bring your left shoulder to the ground. This will be difficult at first, but focus on using your breathing to deepen the stretch. Inhale through your nose, and as you exhale through your mouth, move deeper into the stretch.
Complete one repetition of five breaths on each side.
Fitness: Mobility
Mobility training is important to include because it will allow you to move more easily through a greater range of motion at various joints. This is vital on many levels, most notably an increased resistance to injury. Because the body is structured as an interconnected series of joints, when one is immobile, it'll affect other areas, which is commonly when injuries occur. And no one, not even the most prepared survivalist, is as effective if injured when SHTF. Maintain the key areas of ankles, hips, and shoulders, which will go a long way to keeping you up and moving.
To safeguard you from injury and make you more resilient, include three to five days per week of mobility work. It'll fit right into the strength and conditioning work, so do stretches before and/or after your workouts. This will slowly improve mobility in its own right, as well as help prepare you for your training.
Conclusion
Rather than going an inch wide and a mile deep with our preparation, let's do the opposite. Your ability to react to new challenges and respond accordingly will be the biggest determinant of your survival. We've given you the information here to cover the bases and have some peace of mind that you've done what you can to take some risk off the table.
