Tiny Survival Guide 2.0: A Life Insurance Policy in Your Pocket is a practical and informative resource that helps individuals navigate the complexities of survival awareness. It’s s a compact and comprehensive emergency preparedness guide that fits comfortably in your wallet or pocket, making it convenient to carry around.
Despite its power-packed compact format, it contains a wealth of survival information across a broad range of topics, including natural disasters, urban crises, and wilderness survival. It provides practical tips and actionable advice on essential skills such as first aid, shelter building, water purification, and signaling for help. The guide includes illustrations and diagrams that help clarify the content to enhance understanding. Its primary purpose is to equip individuals with the knowledge and basic skills necessary to improve their chances of survival during unexpected emergencies, making it an invaluable resource for those looking to prepare for unforeseen events.
The 411
The package is a sealed, waterproof, reusable plastic zip that contains the contents. Inside, you’ll find the credit card-sized folding guide that’s also waterproof. Surprise — there’s a Fresnel lens included that isn’t mentioned in any resources I looked up. They added a genius idea without adding significant weight or bulk — bravo, Tiny Survival Guide! The guide includes 67 life-saving skills, 110 illustrations, 27 gear checklists, and 175 expert survival tips. Here’s a pro tip of my own: add some flattened dry cotton balls to the package — they fit. Additionally, the 33 QR codes meant to scan and unlock tips and training are new. The QR code takes you to how-to videos, survival training courses, essential gear, survival quick tips, and apps.
The pullout folding pamphlet comprises classic diagrams we may have seen before in survival books and military manuals, revitalized in this all-in-one guide. It starts with sections like “How to Use This Guide” and “Before You Go.” Lessons begin with the letter A and go through T. This is the best way to start for beginners and people who can follow a plan. Or you can be like me and skip around aimlessly, looking for tips and advice that suit my interests. The latter is due to my scatterbrained mentality, but it keeps me entertained.
The Verdict
Drawing on my experience teaching wilderness awareness skills, Tiny Survival Guide hits all the points — straight and to the point. While there isn’t enough space to go over all the lessons here, the stand-out basics, in my opinion, were concise and edgy. The knots section nailed the bowline, square, arbor, trucker’s hitch, and whipping knots. These knots are reappearing in all things recreational, outdoor, and survival related. A brief section on self-defense is included, which is rare in a survival manual. However, it fit right in. The Tiny Survival Guide shares tips on repelling an attacker and how to fight for your life. Also, lethal and less lethal self-defense tools are mentioned.
The Tiny Survival Guide is an outstanding gift for young campers and future adventurers. Best of all, think of it as a refresher for those who have done it before back in the day. However, as these are all perishable skills, reviewing them and putting them back in the mental toolbox is an excellent idea. Your life just may depend on it.
About the Tiny Survival Guide
Book & Author: Tiny Survival Guide 2.0: A Life Insurance Policy in Your Pocket By Craig Caudill & David Robert
Prepping. Just hearing the word might conjure images of bearded hermits in underground bunkers, surrounded by canned food and ammunition, waiting for an apocalyptic event that never comes. That caricature has been repeated so often in movies, TV shows, and news segments that it’s practically become the mainstream definition of what it means to be prepared. It’s an unfortunate reality, because the truth is that any step we take to become more self-reliant is a step in the right direction. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that depending entirely on governments, institutions, or organizations to secure a stable future tends to end in disappointment at best and atrocity at worst.
Even though the word has been stigmatized over the years, in its simplest, most condensed form, prepping is nothing more than anticipating the most common setbacks in life and taking steps to mitigate them. It’s not about hoarding vast supplies for a doomsday that may or may not happen. Instead, it’s about having a plan when life throws inevitable obstacles in your path. It’s about minimizing risk, increasing options, and ensuring that when bad times eventually come, they aren’t quite as bad as they could be.
Think about it this way, if you set aside a little money for an emergency fund, you’re prepping. If you keep a spare tire and jack in your car, you’re prepping. If you stock up on groceries before a snowstorm, you’re prepping. If you learn basic first aid, pick up a new skill, or even just take a daily walk to improve your health, you’re engaging in a form of preparedness that makes life easier and less stressful. Prepping isn’t a radical lifestyle, it’s a proactive — rather than reactive — mindset.
This issue is all about building that solid foundation of self-reliance, covering a range of topics that make preparedness feel less like a fringe movement and more like common sense. We start with Jim Cobb tackling a subject most people would rather ignore: preparing for what happens after we’re gone. Reuben Bolieu explores alternative cooking methods for when modern conveniences aren’t available. Meanwhile, Nicholas Italiano walks us through some simple-but-effective tweaks to everyday carry that can make all the difference in a crisis.
Tom Sarge tackles the often-debated topic of bartering precious metals in lieu of traditional currency. Scott Finazzo rounds things out with a guide to essential items you should always keep in your vehicle, because getting stranded unprepared can turn an inconvenience into an emergency fast. We’re also taking a look at some of the best gear to carry you into spring and exploring some incredible off-grid adventures — because preparedness is also about living well and making the most of life.
At the end of the day, prepping shouldn’t activate anyone’s cringe reflex. Instead of paranoia or hunkering down in fear, we should be thinking ahead, making smart decisions, and avoiding unnecessary hardship. Actively shaping our future is a better strategy than knee-jerk reacting to the curve balls life may throw us. So, as you read through this issue, remember preparedness
Welcome to Knife of the Week! Each week the Offgrid Editorial Team will highlight one of their favorite knives. These will range from time tested classics to the newest cutting edge designs. You won’t find any glorified box openers here, each featured knife will be a purpose driven outdoor, bushcraft, survival, or tactical tool that is ready to work when you need it the most! This week’s feature is the Scallywag Tactical Scorpion Pro.
Skallywag Tactical Scorpion Pro Specs
Type: Multi-Purpose
Configuration: Compact Fixed Blade
Blade Length: 2.75-inches
Blade Grind: Flat Grind
Blade Steel: 440C
Blade Coating: Ceramic Gunkote
Handle Length: 4.5-Inches
Handle Material: Textured G1o with orange and green liners.
Sheath: Kydex
MSRP: $75
Top: Original Scorpion. Bottom: Scorpion Pro
Evolution of the Skallywag Tactical Scorpion to the Scorpion Pro
Skallywag Tactical is a company that was founded by “doers,” people who have military and law enforcement background, seasoned outdoor adventures, and craftsmen with a with a discerning eye for quality. This experience has led to a line-up of utility oriented designs for both tactical and outdoor use.
The Scorpion Pro takes an existing design from Skallywag Tactical’s budget oriented Buccaneer line, and levels it up with improved materials, and premium touches all without breaking the bank!
The Scorpion was designed as a do all camp chore and EDC knife. The flat grind, fine point and compact size make it ideal as a camp cooking as well as, skinning and game prep. The flat grind also provides excellent all around slicing capability for your EDC tasks and the fine piercing point combined with a nice size handle makes it a good option for self-defense in trained hands.
The original model features a glass filled nylon handle, 420 stainless steel, and PVD coating in the hammered portion of the blade. The Scorpion retails at a budget friendly price of $45.
Scorpion Pro Upgrades
The Scorpion Pro retains the utilitarian design, but ups the ante with stronger steel, a superior blade coating, and some aesthetic changes that really make you feel like your holding a knife that costs twice as much as it does!
For starters the blade steel has been upgraded to 440C. while this is an older steel, it is proven time and time again to be an excellent choice for hard use knives and doesn’t come with the higher costs and difficulty machining of modern super steels.
The Scorpion Pro retains the aesthetically pleasing hammer tone finish of the original, but exchanges the partial PVD coating for a durable matte ceramic Gunkote that covers the entire blade. Not only does the coating look great, but it also helps to prevent rust damage to the steel when exposed to liquids and other corrosive elements.
The handle of the Scorpion Pro also receives significant upgrades. The nylon handles are replaced with G10 that is nicely machine textured and a orange or neon green liner was added. Just as with the blade coating these additions do much more make it look great, it also adds more durable handle material and greatly enhances grip retention when working wet.
Finally the sheath has also received an upgrade. The Scorpion uses a soft ballistic nylon sheath, but the pro now comes standard with a dual layer kydex sheath, with the interior color matching the handle liner color, which is a premium feeling touch.
Kydex is a far superior option to the original nylon from both a durability standpoint and a functional standpoint. The kydex sheath allows for multiple mounting options including belt and pocket carry to a more discreet IWB carry and the ability to mount it to other gear.
Overall Impressions
Overall, the Skallywag Tactical Scorpion Pro is an impressive compact knife both in form and function. The utilitarian design makes it ideal for a wide range of tasks and the upgrades from the original model takes something that was already good and made it great! For $30 dollars more than the original model, there is no doubt that the Scorpion Pro is the best of the two.
Don’t let the $75 price point fool you, this is a high quality tool that performs on par with many knives that are double the price! If you are looking for a solid all arounder the Scorpion Pro will not disappoint and if you are new to Skallywag Tactical it makes a great entry point into their line-up.
To be completely honest, it is hard to come up with anything negative to say about my experience with the Scorpion Pro. While many knife enthusiasts may snub the steel choice, 440C is a solid budget steel that offers good edge performance and blade durability. It will easy sharpen up easy both at home and in the field and the coating provides excellent corrosion resistance.
Sure the edge won’t hold up as well as a premium CPM-3V, but it is all but impossible to find premium steel options in this price point. The blade shape and grind makes it a great slicer and the 1/8th inch steel stock makes it plenty durable.
The tip is on the fine side so I would not expect the same durability as you’d find in drop point style blade, but provides far better piercing capability. At the end of the day no knife is the right tool for all jobs, as long as the Scorpion Pro is used to do what it does best, which is piercing and slicing, I would not concerned with durability.
Beyond the materials themselves the build quality of the Scorpion Pro far exceeded my expectations for the price. The sheath fit is excellent, the handle scales and hardware sit flush, and the blade grind is even and plenty sharp out of the box. The design ergonomics are excellent, it is very comfortable in my medium/large sized glove hands, and remains comfortable in use.
While I would not rely on the Scorpion Pro to be my dedicated bushcraft/woods knife, it makes a good companion to larger outdoor knives and truly shines as a dedicated EDC knife – and at just $75 it is well worth adding to your line-up!
Gear 101 is part of our Prepping 101 series of articles designed to provide our readers a strong foundation on their journey to being prepared for emergency situations. Gear 101 will focus on the tools, supplies, and equipment that should be part of everyone’s “survival toolbox.” These articles will provide insight into basic and essential survival items and some insight into how and when they should be used. Those with less experience will benefit by learning what gear is truly needed and people with more experience can identify valuable tools that may be missing from their kit! This week we will be taking a look at essential urban survival tool, the 4 Way Silcock Key!
Key Features
Gear Type: Compact Tool
Gear Purpose: Clean Drinking Water Acquisition
Where It Helps: Urban and Suburban Environments
Kit It Should Be In: Urban Survival Kit, Travel Kit, Urban EDC Kit
Cost and Accessibility: Inexpensive and Easily Obtained
What is a Silcock Key
This is a simple “plus sign” shaped tool has for sockets which are designed to access various sized water valves, that allows water to be flow in the absence of a nob, handle, or wheel.
Where can a Silcock Key Be Used?
Silcock keys can be used to access water both inside and outside of buildings. Interior faucets can be used in absence of a knob or damaged water knobs can be removed and water can be turned on using the silcock key. Silcock keys can also be used to turn on external hose valves if the wheel has been removed or water valves on the side of large urban buildings.
How Do Silcock Keys Help In Urban Survival Situations
Having access to clean drinking water may be an afterthought in urban settings, however in an emergency where there is no other safe way to obtain drinking water the Silcock key can be used to quickly and easily access potable water. While it may seem unlikely, events like weather emergencies, civil unrest, or blocked routes of egress can result in us being stuck in an urban location. If the event leads to people being stuck for a few days with no ability to get supplies to the area, local stores may quickly run through supplies of bottled drinking water. Having a this simple 10 dollar tool in your urban survival kit can ensure you have access to clean water when it matters most!
Read More
For more on the foundations of survival and preparedness be sure to check out our Prepping 101 Guide
Welcome to Knife of the Week! Each week the Offgrid Editorial Team will highlight one of their favorite knives. These will range from time tested classics to the newest cutting edge designs. You won’t find any glorified box openers here, each featured knife will be a purpose driven outdoor, bushcraft, survival, or tactical tool that is ready to work when you need it the most! This week’s feature is the Knives by Nuge Wicket XL.
The Knives by Nuge Primitive Wicket XL with G10 Handles and heat treat finish 80CRV2 High Carbon Steel
Knives By Nuge Wicket XL Specs
Type: Outdoor/EDC
Configuration: Compact Fixed Blade
Blade Length: 3-inches
Blade Grind: Scandi, Saber, or Full Flat Grind
Blade Steel: Nitro-V, AEB-L, 80CRV2, and more.
Handle Length: 3.5-Inches
Handle Material: G10, Micarta, and Epoxy Jute Wrap
Sheath: Kydex, Leather Pocket Sheath, and Leather Belt Sheath
MSRP: $265-$345
Manufactured in: USA
Full Flat Grind Custom Signature Series Wicket XL
Knives By Nuge Wicket XL Description
Knives by Nuge is owned by Tom Nugent and is run out of a small shop in the mountains of New Jersey. Tom specializes in making outdoor and self-defense fixed blades that are rooted in his experiences as a police officer and life-long hunter, fisherman, and lover of wild places. Every knife that comes from Knives by Nuge is either handmade by Tom himself or produced in the USA to his exacting standards.
The Wicket XL is an evolution of his breakout model the Wicket, which is a small neck knife. Tom’s customers loved the design and wanted a larger variant and so the Wicket XL was born! While still compact, the Wicket XL offers a full handle grip and a 3-inch blade making it ideal as a EDC fixed blade for daily tasks and an easy to carry outdoor knife.
Primitive Wicket XL with Jute Wrap
The Wicket XL has been made in a few different steel options with a common theme, they are all made from tough steel designed to take on hard use tasks while also being easy to sharpen in the field. Knives by Nuge offers the XL in either a scandi grind or a saber grind. In theory the scandi is ideal for bushcraft and other wood processing tasks while the saber makes a better hunting and game processing knife. In reality, either will work well for all these tasks thanks to Tom’s meticulous hand sharpened edges. There is also an increasingly uncommon flat grind variant for those looking to maximize slicing ability.
The handle scales on the Wicket XL have good variety including standard G10 and Micarta options, hand-textured G10 and Micarta, and even an epoxy soaked jute wrap for those who want to keep it slim as possible.
The available sheaths also have a lot of variety. A few options include a standard kydex sheath for scout carry and a kydex ambidextrous pocket sheath. For those looking for a more traditional sheath option there are also leather belt and pocket sheath available made by Badger Claw Outfitters.
From top to bottom: Wicket, Wicket XL, Big Boi
Overall, the Knives by Nuge is a great all around fixed blade. It feels great in the hand, built like a tank, and both the hand made and semi-production variants have high quality and fit and finish standards. From tackling every day cutting tasks around the yard or at work to being a reliable hunting, fishing, and bushcraft companion it is easy to see why the Wicket XL is such an in-demand knife! As mentioned earlier there is an ultra compact Wicket for those who love the design but need to be for discreet. There is also a full sized Big Boi if you are looking to do some serious outdoor work!
When it comes to tracking, survival, and fieldcraft, gear selection is more than just about convenience—it’s about efficiency and adaptability. A chest rig that allows you to move freely, access essential tools instantly, and eliminate unnecessary weight is worth its weight in gold.
During my courses, many of my students noticed one particular piece of equipment I always carry: the Recon Kit Bag by Hill People Gear. After repeated questions about its functionality, practicality, and advantages, I decided to break down my experience with it.
This is a review based on real-world use, hundreds of hours in the field, and a genuine appreciation for the versatility of this outstanding pouch.
Image from hillpeoplegear.com
Recon Kit Bag Chest Rig by Hill People Gear
The Recon Kit Bag is a thin, yet rugged chest rig, making it an ideal choice for a quick access tracking pouch. This pouch is was based on Hill People Gear’s original Runners Kit Bag, and is an evolution of the original concept bring more versatility and functionality.
Some of the Key Features
PALS Grid for Modular Expansion – The front MOLLE system allows for additional pouches or attachments.
Concealed Carry Compartment – The main compartment is designed to discreetly store a firearm or other essential items.
Tough Build – Constructed from 500D Cordura, making it lightweight yet highly durable.
Comfortable Wear – The mesh-backed H-harness makes it easy to wear alone or under a pack or jacket.
Secure Storage – Features loop and dummy cord loop for additional retention options.
The two zippers ensure quick access, while the design allows users to carry essential gear without relying on belt-mounted pouches, which can restrict movement.
Spending long hours tracking and moving quickly across varied terrain, I’ve found this chest rig to be a game-changer. While a bulky pack would get in the way while navigating terrain where bending, crouching, or moving through tight spaces is required, the Recon Kit Bag allows for quick and easy movement without sacrificing access to essential gear.
Chest Rigs: How and Why They Work
My introduction to the Recon Kit Bag came from two of the most respected figures in the field of tracking—Kenneth Galbraith and my mentor, David Michael Hull. I first spotted the Recon Kit Bag in 2015, in their photos, and immediately recognized its potential.
At that time chest rigs where not as common as they are today, I had never seen anything like it—a compact, high-mounted pouch that looked lightweight yet capable of holding essential gear. I quickly realized the value of this set up versus other bag options.
Usability – Everything is easily accessible on the chest.
Comfort – Doesn’t strain the neck, chest, or shoulders, even after long hours of wear.
Resistance – Built for harsh environments, from hot summers to freezing winters.
Practicality – No need for bulky belts or hip pouches that get in the way.
Versatility – Works year-round, both over a shirt or under a jacket.
Once I got my hands on it, I spent time testing different load-outs. The goal was to ensure I only carried the essentials while maintaining speed and mobility over challenging terrain.
Recon Kit Bag Chest Rig In Action
My initial observations when using the Recon Kit Bag in the Field:
The Recon Kit Bag allowed me to lighten my backpack, keeping the most important items easily accessible.
It eliminated the need for a heavy-duty belt with pouches, which often restricted movement and caused discomfort.
I soon began pairing it with my Tarahumara Backpack, an ultralight day pack that complemented the Recon Kit Bag’s functionality perfectly.
My Load-Out: What I Carry in the Recon Kit Bag
For me, the Recon Kit Bag became my dedicated Tracking Kit, meaning everything inside was selected to aid my tracking work.
Essential Items Inside My Chest Rig
Mobile Phone & Charging Station – Critical for navigation, communication, and documentation.
Notebook & Writing Tools – A pen, pencil, and waterproof notepad for recording tracks.
Light & Colored Sticks – Used for marking tracklines.
Four-Color Flashlight – Red, green, blue, and white for tracking in various light conditions.
Measuring Devices – Plastic ruler for analyzing tracks.
Compass – Essential for navigation and orientation.
Signal Mirror – Used for emergency signaling and field observations.
Gloves – Protection against sharp terrain, cold, or injury hazards.
The organization inside the Recon Kit Bag allows me to reach any item instantly without disrupting my workflow.
What NOT to Pack in the Recon Kit Bag
When set up as a tracking pouch, the Recon Kit chest rig provides the most value by being light weight and easy to carry. As with all things, experience is the greatest teacher, through trial and error I’ve learned that bulky, heavy, or rigid items reduce the functionality the Recon Kit Bag.
Items do NOT recommend carrying:
Food Rations – Take up too much space and don’t fit efficiently.
Canteens or Water Bottles – Too heavy; best stored in a backpack.
Large Survival Knives – Not ideal for chest carry; better suited to a belt or pack.
Binoculars – Too bulky; better stored in a side pouch or daypack.
Cameras – Unless they are compact, they take up too much space.
Always keep in mind, the Recon Kit Bag is not designed to be a full survival pack. While large packs have their place, a tracking pouch is designed to give you access to essentials at a moment’s notice.
Customizing Your Load-Out
The Recon Kit Bag is versatile enough to adapt to different needs and skill sets. Here are some alternative setups depending on your specific use case:
The key is to adapt your Recon Kit Bag based on your personal priorities, activities, and mission requirements.
Real-World Use: When and Where I Use It
The Recon Kit Bag has proven itself time and time again in assorted real world scenarios. I first integrated it into my tracking training, but it soon became a staple for multiple situations:
Man & Animal Tracking – The hands-free design makes it perfect for tracking work.
Survival & Remote Life Classes – Keeps critical tools accessible without adding bulk.
Everyday Carry (EDC) Bag – Ideal for urban exploration, hiking, and quick excursions.
Even after years of use, the Recon Kit Bag remains an essential part of my gear.
Final Thoughts: A Trustworthy Companion
Some gear comes and goes. Others become permanent companions. The Recon Kit Bag by Hill People Gear is definitely a permeant companion! It has everything you can look for in a chest rig, it is durable, functional, comfortable, and adapts to any number of scenarios. It has eliminated the need for heavy belt-mounted pouches, streamlined my gear, and kept everything I need within immediate reach. If you’re looking for a compact, practical, and well-designed chest rig, I highly recommend the Recon Kit Bag.
Kyt Lyn Walken is an official representative and instructor for Hull’s Tracking School in Virginia. She is recognized as one of the leading experts on mantracking skills. Kyt trains law enforcement, military, and search and rescue personnel across Europe and South America. Learn more at thewayoftracking.com
Welcome to Knife of the Week! Each week the Offgrid Editorial Team will highlight one of their favorite knives. These will range from time tested classics to the newest cutting edge designs. You won’t find any glorified box openers here, each featured knife will be a purpose driven outdoor, bushcraft, survival, or tactical tool that is ready to work when you need it the most! This week’s feature is the Toor Knives Jank Shank W.
Jank Shank W Specs
Type: EDC/Tactical
Configuration: Compact Fixed Blade
Blade Length: 3-inches
Blade Shape: Wharncliffe
Blade Steel: M4 Tool Steel
Handle Length: 4-Inches
Handle Material: Textured G10
Weight: 3.6 oz
Sheath: Kydex with multiple mounting options
Special Features: Handle Ring
MSRP: $250
Manufactured in: USA
Jank Shank W Description
The recently updated Toor Knives Jank Shank W is a compact, yet aggressive EDC fixed blade. The no-nonsense 3-inch wharncliffe blade has a point that is designed for piercing tasks pairs well with the straight razor-style edge. While fine point knives can be prone to damage the choice of tough M4 tool steel ensures durability and provides good edge retention.
The handle is designed for maximum retention during use thanks to the grippy G10 handle scales and the ring at the end of the handle. This design makes the Jank Shank ideal as an offhand knife, especially in trained hands for primary weapon retention.
The Kydex sheath does not come with any mounting clips, however Toor offers 5 different add-on mounting options. These allow the end user to decide if they want to mount the Jank Shank to a plate carrier or Belt, carry it in their pocket, or carry it discretely IWB.
While the Jank Shank’s design if clearly tactical, it can serve admirably in everyday cutting tasks. This combined with a variety of carry and mounting options makes the Jank Shank a versatile, compact, and discrete option for everyday utility and self-defense or a great last ditch knife for first responders.
Oleoresin capsicum spray, commonly called OC spray or pepper spray, is an inflammatory agent that was originally designed to ward off wild animal threats including bears, wolves, and mountain lions. It was later adopted by military and police forces as an alternative to chemical based sprays for riot control and defense. After some time, pepper spray became available to the public and remains a popular self-defense tool throughout the United States due to it’s ease of use and low cost.
How Pepper Spray Works
Capsicum is a naturally occurring compound found in some varieties of hot peppers that can cause irritation to eyes, throat, membrane, and skin. In high concentrations Capsicum causes a burning sensation and swelling in the eyes, throat, and mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. Capsicum will also cause coughing, choking, and breathing difficulties.
To create pepper spray, the Capsicum compound is extracted and combined with carrier liquids and put into a pressurized canister that can be deployed in a stream, cloud like mist, or spray gel.
In many cases pepper spray has been shown to be far more effective than chemical-based sprays that do not produce the same inflammatory effect, this is particularly evident when being used against individuals who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
On the left: Defender D2 Metro. On the Right: Defender D1 Sport.
The ASP Defender Series Pepper Spray
Armaments Systems and Procedures, ASP for short, has been producing reliable law enforcement equipment for decades. ASP has been a leader in the creation of innovative and intuitive law enforcement solutions and the Defender Series of OC Sprays is no exception.
Most pepper spray products are made in the form of a canister with either a button or trigger like method of deployment. While this form factor is effective, they can be large and somewhat challenging to use in high pressure situations.
The Defender series of OC sprays have an entirely different form factor and method of deployment that is far more intuitive than traditional canister style sprays.
The safety is easy to quickly disengage or reengage one handed
Operating ASP Defender OC Spray
At first glance the Defender has a similar form factor to an EDC sized flashlight, complete with a pocket clip for ease of carry. Much like a flashlight the method of deploying the spray involves pressing a button on the top of the Defender’s body with the spray coming out the bottom.
This horizontal deployment is a major departure from traditional canister styles allowing for a much more natural grip and use while in a defensive stance and easy single hand use. The safety latch sits just below the deployment button, and it disengages easily with a quick thumb flick, but is secure enough not to be accidentally flipped when carrying it.
The milled aluminum of the Metro provides exceptional grip.
ASP OC Spray Formulation and Deployment
Inside the Defender body is a small replaceable canister that has a formulation that contains 1.4% Capsaicinoids as well as an invisible UV dye. Most pepper spray products have anywhere from 0.18 to 1.33 % Capsaicinoids, making the ASP formulation more potent than a majority of civilian and law enforcement OC Sprays. The UV dye allows for easy identification of an assailant by law enforcement using an ultraviolet light.
When deployed the Defender Spray produces a small mist like cloud with roughly a five-foot range. Depending on the size of the canister (more on that in the next section) you can expect 10 to 12 half second bursts before being depleted.
The diamond pattern on the polymer sport series also provides good grip retention, and is easier on your clothing.
Material and Size Options
The Defender is available in 2 sizes and 2 different materials. The Metro Defender is made from milled aerospace grade aluminum which come in a variety of hard anodized colorways.
The Sport is made from durable high impact polymer. Both models are available in the 4.5-inch long D1 size and the 5.75-inch D2 size.
The Defender is an ideal tool for law enforcement and first responder professionals, it is pictured here with the Spectrum UV Flashlight and and PDK Knife also from ASP along with a Active Carry Technologies Trauma Kit, GORUCK Pack, and Garmont Boots.
Is the Defender Right for You?
The Defender series was designed for use by police, but the intuitive design and ease of use make it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to carry a reliable non-lethal self-defense tool. Like all pepper spray products there are some drawbacks to be aware of, and a few special considerations specific to the Defender line. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons.
Pros
Both size and material variations are easy to use.
Both sizes and materials are lightweight, the Sport variants are incredibly light.
Both the Metro and Sport models have excellent grip retention with the Metro being superior due to the milled pattern.
The Pocket Clip on all models allow for comfortable and discreet carry in a variety of carry styles.
While not advertised the solid construction of the aluminum Metro models make it an ideal blunt striking tool for a secondary form of defense.
Fog Deployment of spray does not require pinpoint accuracy.
High strength formulation for maximum impact of assailants.
Canisters are replaceable, making the Defender a long-term use tool.
Cons
All OC Sprays are subject to blowback, especially in windy outdoor conditions. Fog style deployment pepper sprays like the defender are particularly susceptible to this.
High strength formulation makes the Defender illegal for civilians to carry in some jurisdictions.
The milling pattern on Metro models can be a little rough on casual and lighter technical clothing pockets.
The Defender also makes an excellent delf defense addition to any EDC Kit, it is pictured here with a Badger Claw Outfitter Scout EDC pouch, Tuff Possum Entry Kit, Leatherman Wave, and Skallywag Tactical MDV folder.
Overall Impression of the ASP Defender OC Spray
ASP’s Defender line is a well thought out and executed OC Spray option for both law enforcement and civilians. The form factor, ease of carry, and simple operation has made the Defender a staple in my daily carry. This speaks volumes considering pepper spray was never a part of my regular carry.
As a civilian I find myself gravitating towards the Sport variants for my regular daily carry, but the Metro D2 definitely has a place in my pocket when traveling to areas that present a more significant threat level.
The optional inert canisters are a great addition to help the new user get a feel for the Defender and allow for continued training so if you need to use it in a true self defense scenario you can rely on muscle memory to operate quickly and efficiently.
While this is not a concern for law enforcement personnel, it is important for civilians to be aware of local laws to ensure you are not potentially setting yourself up for legal trouble for carrying or using the Defender.
For more information or to pick up your own Defender at ASP’s official website, asp-usa.com
Imagine walking into an unfamiliar environment and being able to immediately assess its safety, potential threats, and opportunities for escape or advantage. This skill is not just reserved for trained professionals like military personnel or law enforcement. Civilians can develop the same ability to read places and situations by understanding how our sensory systems, cognitive processes, and situational awareness work. Armed with these understandings, we can make better decisions and stay one step ahead of potential dangers.
You could be navigating a crowded city street, exploring a remote hiking trail, or simply assessing the atmosphere at a social gathering. Having the ability to “read the room” can provide a significant advantage. Developing this skill enhances personal safety and builds confidence in handling unpredictable situations. By becoming more attuned to environmental cues and patterns, you can transform ordinary observations into actionable insights, empowering you to act decisively and effectively in any setting.
Maintain space between your vehicle and others at stoplights, ensuring an escape route. Position yourself in outer lanes whenever possible for easier exits.
Foundations of Situational Awareness
Situational awareness is the cornerstone of effectively reading places. It involves observing and understanding your environment to anticipate what might happen next. This proactive ability can help you make informed decisions and respond appropriately to dynamic circumstances, increasing your safety and confidence. This skill can be broken down into three levels:
Level 1 – Perception: Observing and recognizing situational elements, such as people, objects, and environmental factors. By paying close attention to these elements, you can build an accurate picture of your surroundings and their current state. The perception level is the foundation of developing situational awareness.
Level 2 – Comprehension: Interpreting and evaluating what these observations mean. Understanding the significance of what you perceive allows you to identify potential patterns and anomalies that could indicate safety or danger. This level connects what you see to actionable meaning, allowing you to chart a decisive course of action.
Level 3 – Projection: Anticipating future events based on your understanding of the current situation. Projecting outcomes lets you plan actions that mitigate risks or capitalize on opportunities. This forward-thinking approach helps avoid reactive choices and fosters proactive behavior.
Achieving situational awareness begins with a firm grasp of how our sensory systems gather information and how our brain processes it. Regular practice and conscious observation can refine these skills, allowing you to respond effectively in both routine and high-pressure situations.
Parking garages often contain contrasting light and dark areas. The amount of light present determines how much you can see and what may remain hidden.
How Our Brain and Eyes Work Together
The brain and eyes work in concert to observe and interpret our surroundings. Here’s a simplified model:
Sensory Input: Your eyes detect stimuli like movement, colors, and shapes. This raw data enters sensory memory, where it’s held briefly before moving to working memory if deemed necessary. Paying attention to subtle changes in these stimuli can significantly enhance your ability to notice critical details.
Working Memory: This limited-capacity system processes information in real time. To avoid overloading it, focus on the most relevant stimuli in your environment. Techniques like “chunking” information or associating it with familiar patterns can improve working memory efficiency.
Long-Term Memory: When working memory successfully integrates new data with preexisting knowledge, it’s stored in long-term memory for future reference. Regularly revisiting and rehearsing this stored information strengthens retrieval and aids quicker decision-making in similar situations.
The more familiar you are with a place or situation, the more your brain relies on top-down processing — drawing on past experiences to quickly assess the scene. Novices, however, rely more on bottom-up processing, analyzing features like motion or color without prior context.
Take note when an area that’s usually bustling with activity suddenly becomes empty and inactive — it could indicate a potential shift in circumstances.
Geographics, Atmospherics, and Space Awareness
To effectively read places, understanding the concepts of geographics, atmospherics, and space awareness is crucial. These principles form the backbone of situational awareness, enabling you to make informed decisions and stay ahead of potential dangers.
Geographics
This pertains to the way people interact with their environment. Observing habitual areas (public spaces) and anchor points (restricted or private areas, such as your home), you can deduce behavior patterns and potential risks. For instance, a bustling coffee shop is a habitual area, while a locked room in the back of a store might be an anchor point. Understanding these interactions helps you identify areas of safety and vulnerability in any setting.
Natural Lines of Drift
These are paths of least resistance that people and animals naturally follow. In rural wildlife hunting and tracking, these are often called wildlife corridors. Recognizing these lines can help you predict where people will move and identify potential chokepoints or funnels — areas that could become dangerous in an emergency. Awareness of these paths can guide you to safer alternatives in times of crisis. Many in the tactical area refer to a subset of this as the “fatal funnel.” This is often a doorway, or similar entrance where many people will travel through. These are areas to avoid when one needs to escape a situation. Always know alternative exits.
Atmospherics
Rapid environmental changes, such as a sudden crowd gathering or an abrupt absence of people, can signal potential threats. Other clues include graffiti, unusual objects, or specific hand signals. These observations provide context to decide whether to stay, leave, or take action. Staying attuned to these subtle shifts can significantly enhance your preparedness and ability to react effectively.
Positive and Negative Space
Positive space includes solid objects like buildings, trees, or vehicles that naturally attract the eye. Negative space, the areas between these objects, often goes unnoticed but is equally important to observe. Mind clutter is another excellent way to understand this concept. Negative areas are where there’s so much information to process, or the complete absence of it, that the mind cannot or does not process it. Good camouflage typically mimics negative space, so consciously scanning these areas can reveal hidden threats or opportunities. Training your eye to assess both spaces ensures a complete understanding of your surroundings.
Light and Shadow
Shifting light and shadow can conceal or reveal details in your environment. A previously unseen individual or object might appear as lighting conditions change. Observing how light interacts with your surroundings helps maintain awareness of potential risks. Understanding the dynamics of light and shadow can provide a critical edge in recognizing hidden dangers or opportunities.
Glass provides a sense of social distance but doesn’t prevent others from observing your actions and behavior.
Attention and Cognitive Load
Attention is the process of directing focus toward relevant stimuli while filtering out distractions, a crucial component of effective situational awareness. Managing cognitive load — the mental effort required to process information — is key to staying alert and responsive in dynamic situations.
Selective attention plays a vital role in this process. By concentrating on critical elements such as exits, escape routes, or environmental anomalies, you can prioritize what truly matters. Multitasking in high-stakes scenarios, however, can dilute awareness and should be avoided.
To handle cognitive load efficiently, experts employ techniques like “chunking” information and using mnemonics to retain key details. For instance, in a crowded mall, you might mentally associate exits with landmarks like a bookstore or a food court, making them easier to recall in an emergency.
Observation techniques are equally important. Alternating your observation methods helps combat fatigue and prevent change blindness — the inability to notice subtle but significant changes in your surroundings. By periodically rotating your field of vision and using a combination of the naked eye and optical devices, such as binoculars during a wilderness hunt, you can gain fresh perspectives and avoid becoming complacent.
Another advanced skill involves mastering the transition between focused and soft vision. Focused vision allows for intense concentration on specific details, such as spotting a concealed firearm or identifying the exact location of an anomaly. This precision is vital in high-stakes scenarios. In contrast, soft vision expands your awareness, enabling you to scan larger areas without fixating on minute details. This relaxed-but-alert state is especially useful for observing crowds or vast landscapes, such as a hillside in the wilderness, where detecting movement is often more critical than identifying fine details.
Practicing the seamless shift between focused and soft vision enhances your ability to assess and respond to diverse environments effectively. This skill, often emphasized in wilderness survival and awareness training, sharpens your overall situational awareness and prepares you for challenges that demand both precision and adaptability.
An abundance of trash in an area can be a sign of vagrant activity. Stay alert when navigating such spaces.
Creating an Operational Narrative
One of the most effective methods for understanding and navigating an environment is to craft a mental story of the space. By framing observations within a structured narrative, you can gain deeper insights into the dynamics at play and anticipate potential changes. This approach blends careful observation with imagination, enabling you to mentally rehearse scenarios and enhance your preparedness. Begin by identifying the “characters” in your environment. Who are the individuals present, and what roles might they play? Observing details such as body language, attire, and interpersonal interactions can reveal valuable clues about their intentions and relationships. This awareness can help you better assess the social or situational context and identify potential risks or allies.
Next, take time to consider different perspectives. What might others be thinking or feeling? How could your own biases color your interpretation? By attempting to see the situation through their eyes, you can develop a more nuanced understanding of their motivations and emotional states. This exercise not only sharpens your observational skills but also helps reduce blind spots caused by personal assumptions.
Recognizing precipitating events is another critical element of situational storytelling. These are the actions or patterns that might lead to significant outcomes. For example, noticing someone lingering near an exit or displaying heightened anxiety could indicate a developing issue. These “trigger events” often serve as early warning signs, providing you with an opportunity to act proactively.
Finally, anticipate potential courses of action by visualizing scenarios step by step. What if a fire alarm suddenly goes off? How would you respond if someone became aggressive? Mentally rehearsing these situations allows you to map out possible actions, reactions, and counteractions. This preparation reduces hesitation during critical moments, enabling you to respond decisively and effectively when faced with unexpected challenges.
Anchor points, such as “Employees Only” areas, might serve as a refuge or escape route during critical situations like an active shooter event.
Practical Applications
Integrating situational awareness into everyday life transforms abstract concepts into practical skills, enhancing both personal safety and confidence in navigating various environments. By applying these principles, you can proactively address potential risks and maintain control in diverse situations.
Start by understanding the distinction between habitual areas and anchor points. Public spaces are generally open and accessible, while anchor points — such as restricted areas or employee-only zones — are typically off-limits. If you inadvertently enter an anchor point, exit quickly and without confrontation. Recognizing these boundaries not only prevents unnecessary conflicts but also helps you maintain situational control. Consider the possibility that someone might be monitoring your movements. Reflect on where and how you or your family could be easily accessed and adjust your behavior accordingly.
Be mindful of chokepoints and fatal funnels — places where movement is naturally funneled, like narrow hallways or doorways. These areas increase vulnerability by limiting escape routes. Identifying alternate exits in advance can help you avoid these high-risk zones and reduce potential dangers during emergencies.
Reading behavior is another critical skill. Observing subtle cues in body language, such as nervous movements, closed-off postures, or micro-expressions, can provide early warnings about potential aggression or unease in others. This awareness allows you to assess threats and respond proactively before situations escalate.
Environmental clues also play a significant role in situational awareness. Signs of gang activity, like specific graffiti or colors, can indicate areas to avoid. Similarly, take note of the overall condition of your surroundings. Is it orderly and maintained or chaotic and neglected? These details can help you make informed decisions about where to go and what actions to take.
Vehicle awareness is equally important. When driving, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles at stoplights to ensure you have room to maneuver if necessary. Avoid displaying logos or items in your car that could attract thieves. Additionally, familiarize yourself with exits in parking garages or other confined spaces to ensure you have a quick escape route if needed.
Pay attention to light and shadow dynamics as well. Changes in lighting can significantly impact visibility, either revealing or concealing potential threats. For example, shifting light can expose individuals or hazards that might otherwise remain hidden. Always carry a flashlight to illuminate areas that might otherwise be overlooked.
Situational mapping enhances your readiness to respond to dynamic environments. Create a mental map of your surroundings, noting exits, escape routes, and potential hazards. Regularly update this map as you move through spaces, allowing you to adapt quickly to changes. Auditory awareness complements your visual observations. Sudden shifts in sound levels, like unexpected silence or new noises, can signal environmental changes or hidden activities. Listening carefully enables you to detect potential threats that might not yet be visible.
Crowd dynamics offer another layer of insight. Observing the flow and behavior of crowds can reveal emerging threats or opportunities. A sudden surge or dispersion of people, for example, might indicate a volatile situation requiring immediate attention. Understanding these patterns helps you navigate safely and effectively through public spaces.
Avoid providing strangers with conversation starters. Vehicle stickers can reveal personal information that bad actors could use to appear familiar.
Building Situational Awareness Skills
Developing the ability to read places effectively requires consistent practice and an active engagement with your surroundings. By incorporating a variety of techniques, you can refine this critical skill and make situational awareness an integral part of your daily life. One effective method is practicing observation drills. Spend time in public spaces observing people’s behavior, interactions, and movements. Look for patterns and anomalies, such as someone standing still in a busy area or appearing overly nervous or disengaged. Regular practice hones your ability to spot subtle cues and interpret their significance, making it easier to identify potential risks or outliers.
Familiarizing yourself with the layout of frequently visited locations is another valuable step. Study the design of your workplace, local stores, or favorite parks. Take note of exits, chokepoints, and natural lines of drift where people tend to congregate or move. Practice navigating these spaces under different scenarios, imagining how you might leave quickly during an emergency or where you could seek shelter if needed. This preparation helps build muscle memory and confidence in your ability to respond effectively.
Simulation training further enhances situational readiness. Mentally rehearse scenarios you might encounter, such as dealing with an aggressive stranger in a parking lot or responding to a fire alarm in a crowded building. Visualizing these situations conditions your mind and body for quick, decisive action, reducing hesitation during real-life incidents.
Role-playing exercises provide an additional layer of preparation. Engage with friends or family in simulated scenarios, practicing skills like identifying suspicious behavior or planning escape routes. These hands-on experiences reinforce your training and boost confidence in your ability to act under pressure.
Regular environmental scanning is another habit worth cultivating. Train yourself to notice changes in your surroundings, such as shifting light, new objects, or unusual sounds. Incorporating this habit into your daily routine keeps your awareness sharp, even in familiar environments.
Finally, mindfulness practices can significantly enhance your situational awareness. Techniques that focus on staying present in the moment improve your ability to process sensory information, minimize distractions, and make more accurate observations. Being fully engaged with your surroundings ensures you can adapt quickly to changes.
Conclusion
The ability to read places and assess environments is not just a skill for professionals — it’s an essential tool for everyone. You can navigate the world more safely and confidently by enhancing your situational awareness, understanding geographics and atmospherics, and creating operational narratives. Remember, proactively recognizing and avoiding potential dangers is far better than reacting to them after they occur. Practice these techniques regularly, and you’ll find yourself moving through life with heightened awareness and control.
About The Author
Craig Caudill is the director of Nature Reliance School, where he teaches outdoor safety, survival, and tracking skills to individuals and organizations. An accomplished author of several books on backcountry skills, Caudill is also a sought-after consultant for national television and media, including shows like Naked and Afraid and America’s Most Wanted. With decades of experience in wilderness education and situational awareness, Caudill combines practical expertise with a passion for helping others develop resilience and self-reliance. Learn more at www.naturereliance.org.
Let’s start off by looking at the abbreviation SERE: Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape. Now, picture what SERE training looks like in your mind. There is a high chance that you’re picturing military personnel in some type of austere and remote environment, faces painted with camouflage, hiding from hostiles just across the river or mountain range.
Now, what I want to do is dispel the myth that SERE is only for the military and teach you that with awareness, an appropriate survival kit, and properly dressing for each situation, you can confidently navigate and mitigate life-threatening situations.
SERE skills apply to any situation that requires getting off the “X” to somewhere safe.
SERE Principle: Survival
Separating the concept of survival from the broader framework of SERE is a logical starting point. Survival, at its core, encompasses enduring and overcoming challenges in situations such as a plane crash in the jungle, weathering a hurricane along the coast, or navigating the chaos of riots and looting in an urban setting. It’s a universal skill set, reflected in the variety of survival kits tailored for specific needs — your backpack, your car, or even doomsday scenarios. While these practices are often associated with military training, survival itself transcends those boundaries, serving as a critical foundation for resilience in any environment.
SERE Principle: Evasion
Building on the example of navigating riots or looting in your city, we can begin to understand how SERE principles apply outside of a military setting. Evasion involves steering clear of volatile protests, avoiding high-risk neighborhoods, or blending into your surroundings while traveling abroad to avoid petty thieves or more dangerous traffickers. In some cases, the dangers are obvious. In others, they’re subtler and harder to identify. Successfully avoiding these risks hinges on situational awareness, a critical skill we’ll explore in greater detail later.
SERE Principle: Resistance
Resistance might take a bit more convincing when it comes to its relevance in everyday life. In a military SERE context, Resistance focuses on enduring interrogation and resisting the manipulative tactics captors use. But consider this: By the time you finish reading this article, there’s a good chance you’ll have received a scam text, email or phone call. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), thousands of exploitation scam complaints are filed daily in the United States. Statistically, you’re far more likely to face this kind of threat than to be held hostage by hostile forces. This is where the principle of resistance comes into play — staying calm, maintaining a clear head, and falling back on your training when a scammer attempts to manipulate you by holding sensitive information hostage or exploiting you for money.
SERE Principle: Escape
This is a concept that’s easier to connect to everyday life than it might seem at first. By now, your mind is likely reframing SERE principles through your own experiences. Escaping might look like evacuating after a hurricane, leaving a city engulfed in riots and protests, or finding a safe way home after your car breaks down in a risky part of town. These are real scenarios people face daily around the world.
Unfortunately, even more extreme cases exist — like the story of rock climbers Tommy Caldwell and Beth Rodden, who were taken hostage in 2000 by the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan during what should have been a simple climbing trip. The need to escape can take many forms, and recognizing the right time and method requires careful development of this essential skill.
The core principles of SERE have the potential to save your life or the lives of your loved ones. While there’s only so much that can be covered here, I’ve chosen to highlight a few key skills you can start focusing on and implementing today. To truly master these concepts, I encourage you to expand your knowledge by taking classes, practicing regularly, diving into informative books, and staying ready for whatever challenges may arise.
Depending on your location, how you dress will allow you to blend in seamlessly with the crowd, or make you stand out like sore thumb.
Cultivating Awareness
My first real introduction to the skill of awareness came at the Jack Mountain Bushcraft School with Tim Smith, where I spent three months immersed in the wilderness of northern Maine. One of the daily exercises Smith had us practice was called the “Sit Spot.” Every day, for months, we would return to the exact same location at the same time, sit quietly and still for at least 30 minutes, and observe the world around us. Afterward, we’d record everything we saw, heard, smelled, or noticed.
That first day was tough — boredom set in quickly, especially coming from a world flooded with constant, high-intensity content on our phones and TVs. But as the exercise progressed, I began to notice things I had missed before. One day, it was a plant or tree that had somehow escaped my attention earlier. Another day, it was the same squirrel, going about its routine, revealing patterns I hadn’t recognized. Over time, I began to see the subtle shifts in the environment — how the seasons and weather slowly transformed the landscape.
Interestingly, Smith isn’t the only one to teach this kind of awareness practice. Recently, I spent a couple of weeks at the renowned Tracker School with the legendary Tom Brown, Jr., and they used the exact same training technique.
While watching squirrels in trees or leaves falling may not feel immediately relevant, practicing awareness in real-world situations — like traveling on public transport — is absolutely essential. It’s shockingly easy to miss critical warning signs when you’re distracted. Imagine sitting on a bus with headphones in, engrossed in a YouTube video on your phone. Meanwhile, you could be oblivious to a robbery unfolding nearby, an argument escalating into a fight, or even a shooting or a human trafficker scanning for potential victims.
Awareness is a skill that requires consistent practice, but it’s arguably the most important one you can develop. Unlike physical gear, it adds no extra weight to carry, passes through airline security with ease, and can remain active in every moment of your life.
Here are some practical tips I’ve picked up for incorporating awareness into everyday life:
Headphones are fine to use when traveling or stuck on a plane, but I prefer bone conduction headphones. These allow me to stay aware of my surroundings while still enjoying audio. They’ve helped me notice a black bear just 20 feet away while trail running and hear a plane’s intercom call for medical personnel, allowing me to step in and help a fellow passenger.
In restaurants, I always choose tables against a wall and position myself to have the widest view of entrances and exits.
When traveling, I make it a point to gather local information. For example, on a bus in an unfamiliar area, I’ll often strike up conversations with older passengers, who tend to stay off their phones, and they’ll share insights about places to visit — or avoid.
I also pay attention to behavior, keeping an eye out for people who seem “out of place” or whose actions don’t quite fit the environment.
These moments often serve as early warning signs. This list could go on, but my best advice is to read books on awareness, take classes, and practice using it as a daily tool. The more you hone it, the more natural it becomes.
Traveling abroad presents unique challenges and may require important personal documents to overcome.
Survival Kits Are a Must
Survival kits vary depending on the situation, but I’ve noticed there are certain items I reach for repeatedly in my daily life or while traveling. These essentials have prepared me for a wide range of scenarios without weighing me down — because let’s face it, carrying a 72-hour bug-out bag everywhere isn’t practical. My approach is all about balance: selecting items that improve my quality of life no matter the circumstances, whether things go sideways, or everything stays perfectly routine.
The Traveling Loadout
When traveling abroad, the most important thing you can carry is extra identification and essential paperwork. When I travel solo, I always bring photocopies of my driver’s license, military ID, passport, and an emergency contact list. The contact list is especially crucial — it ensures that if I’m involved in a serious accident and unable to communicate, medical staff can quickly identify me and contact my loved ones.
Next on the list is cash. I always keep $100 USD stashed outside my wallet, hidden on my person, along with $50to $100 USD in local currency in my wallet. The exact amount of local currency depends on the exchange rate and the cost of living in the area I’m visiting. In most situations, $100 USD can go a long way — whether it’s securing emergency transportation or seeking assistance from locals.
Finally, my go-to piece of gear is the Wazoo Cache Belt with the Adventure Kit. It’s a discreet, TSA-compliant solution that gives me access to a variety of survival tools, including fire-starting materials, a ceramic utility knife, signaling devices, and water purification gear — all without drawing attention. It’s also the perfect place to stash that emergency $100 bill as part of my everyday carry.
Where concealed carry is allowed, a firearm and knife become a part of the home range loadout.
The Home Range Loadout
The foundation of this loadout is the same Wazoo Cache Belt I use for travel, equipped with the same versatile gear inside. From there, I add a few key items tailored to my daily environment. A folding pocket-knife or fixed blade is always part of my setup, paired with a reliable flashlight. Living in a state where I can legally conceal carry, I also never leave home without a firearm for self-protection.
This kit provides a broad range of options to handle survival situations, protect yourself and your family, and even avoid danger altogether by evacuating preemptively. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed more EDC setups evolving into what looks like gear for a week-long camping trip, even for something as simple as a grocery run. As Kochanski wisely said, “The more you know, the less you have to carry,” and I aim to strike that balance with every loadout.
A WAZOO Cache Belt can store an entire WAZOO Adventure Kit, which has everything someone would need to take care of most vital necessities in an emergency.
The Vehicle Loadout
This kit is a reflection of your self-reliance and preparedness. Jumper cables are a must-have for any vehicle, but adding a jumper battery box elevates your readiness to the next level. Equip your car with essential tools, spare parts, and the knowledge to handle basic repairs on the road. With the added capacity for extra weight, keeping a 72-hour bag in your trunk is a practical investment.
A well-stocked medical first aid kit is another essential item in my vehicle, supplemented with tourniquets stashed in various compartments for quick access. To add a layer of modern camouflage, I include items like a yellow construction vest and work gloves. Pairing these with a magnetic yellow flasher that attaches to the roof of your vehicle can give the impression of purpose and authority, whether you’re parking in an unusual spot or dealing with a roadside breakdown.
Having an emergency kit in your vehicle will make handling common break down issues a breeze and provide much needed peace of mind.
Dress Strategically
In my experience, this is one of the most overlooked skills in the survival community. If you’re heading to the woods for a deer hunt, you likely know exactly how to dress for the occasion. The same goes for a trip to the gun range or attending a survival class. Even a run to the grocery store or the shopping center? You’re probably dressing comfortably and appropriately without much thought. So, what makes this skill so overlooked? Let me explain.
Let’s imagine you’re packing up for a European vacation. It’s rainy this time of year, so you grab your bright red Patagonia rain jacket. You want to keep your passport and important papers handy, so you go with those 5.11 cargo pants for the extra pockets. And, of course, you toss in one of your trusty ball caps — maybe the Magpul hat that came with your last online order or your well-loved camo hunting cap. Now, step back for a second. It’s becoming pretty obvious that you’re going to stand out in Europe. This is the gray man paradox in action. Learning to dress appropriately for your surroundings without drawing attention is a skill that takes time to develop.
Just as you’d consider the natural environment when choosing camouflage for the woods, you need to apply the same logic to urban or international settings. Failing to do so makes you an obvious target. For instance, Europeans typically don’t wear tactical gear or bright colors, so it’s essential to consider the local culture and adapt accordingly. What would blending in look like in India? South America? Mexico? Camouflage isn’t just for the wilderness — it’s about matching your environment wherever you are. The best way to avoid a dangerous situation is to avoid looking like a target in the first place.
The idea that SERE skills are only for downed pilots and military operators is a myth. Everyone can benefit from these important capabilities.
Here’s another piece of advice: I always opt for closed-toed shoes with laces whenever possible. I’m not suggesting you wear hiking boots to the beach on your Cabo vacation, but being able to run properly in a pinch is your first line of defense in evasion and escape.
Face coverings are another great tool and an easy way to disguise yourself. In the post-COVID world, medical masks are much more common, and wearing one on public transport makes you harder to read as a target. Similarly, a buff or scarf can be incredibly useful when moving through crowded cities. Covering your face makes it more challenging for an attacker to pick up on subtle details.
Your face often reveals more than you realize — whether it’s a moment of looking lost, scanning your surroundings for landmarks, or simply enjoying the sights in a new area. Locals and opportunistic predators alike can pick up on these cues. A face covering helps minimize that signature, keeping you safer and less noticeable.
Blending in with your surroundings is a core SERE principle
Practice Makes Perfect
I want to emphasize this: Taking classes and practicing skills is essential. But even simply adopting the mindset described in this article can save your life by applying the SERE principles to everyday situations. This information serves as a preventive skill, which is even more important. While it’s excellent to know how to escape captivity, you’re more likely to encounter someone scouting for targets and need to avoid becoming one, rather than being the target who then needs to escape. Practice your awareness, carry a suitable survival kit, and dress the part.
About The Author
Peter Magnin is a retired Air Force veteran who trained with SERE instructors while stationed at the 352nd Special Operations Group at RAF Mildenhall. He’s currently a NR-Wilderness EMT. After retiring, he continued survival training by studying under Mors Kochanski in Canada, spent 30 days in the desert at Boulder Outdoor Survival School, three months in northern Maine with Tim Smith at Jack Mountain Bushcraft, trained advanced tracking with Tom Brown Jr., and spent a lot of time with his first mentor, retired SERE instructor Terry Barney. He has been leading Amazon jungle expeditions with Joe Flowers since 2018. He was an instructor at both 2018 and 2022 Global Bushcraft Symposiums. He was asked to speak as a subject matter expert on jungle survival at the 7th SFG Jungle Warfare Symposium in 2022.
