Secure Comms for the Concerned Civilian

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According to laws just passed in Congress, the government has mandated that you now must carry a tracking device, so they can monitor your every movement, what you’re buying and thinking about, and everyone you associate with, nnd they want you to pay for it. Hey, if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear, right? Echoes of Orwell’s dystopian 1984, much? OK, so the government didn’t actually make this a legal requirement. But what’s worse is that we’ve all voluntarily opted in to a surveillance society, and for the most part, any notion we may have had of secure comms and privacy in our day-to-day affairs is dead.

2 men in military garb

Above: We figured if we were going to field test a communications solution, we might as well choose a challenging environment, here about 10 kilometers from the Russian border, where electronic warfare, GPS jamming, and loitering munitions are in use.

Do Smart Phones Give us Secure Comms?

That smartphone you have in your hand or pocket right now is spying on you. What’s worse is you’re the one who gave it permission to do so. Certain apps are worse than others, but most will capture at least some data regarding your usage, location, and contacts, all of which can be linked via your credit card information to the things you buy.

Your phone knows what images you look at, what you share with your friends, the articles you read, what you find funny, and what pisses you off. If you think that data is treated like the crown jewels by the companies that collect it, think again — data breaches abound, which can result in all your most sensitive information being traded on the dark web. And for the most part, there’s nothing you can do about it. Or is there?

A couple of years ago, I ran into Blackwater founder Erik Prince in a corridor at SHOT Show. “I’ve got something to show you,” he explained, while fishing in the pocket of his immaculately tailored jacket. With a flourish, he pulled out an object that was immediately recognizable as a sock.

While the thought crossed my mind that a Blackwater line of men’s hosiery products might not be a bad idea, from the sock in question, Prince slid out a cell phone. “That,” he triumphantly explained, “is a shot into the flank of big tech.” And so the Unplugged phone was announced to the world. Since then, the prototype has become reality, and the Unplugged phone joined the ranks of cellphones designed specifically to protect its users’ data and provide secure comms.

This segment of the market has been rife with scams, ever since grifters discovered people with legitimate privacy concerns would pay so that their every move wouldn’t be tracked. For example, 2021 saw the launch of the Freedom Phone, marketed to a conservative audience as a way to counter big-tech surveillance.

On closer examination, this turned out to be a rebranded, cheapo Chinese, low-end phone in a MAGA wrapper, and pushed by purveyors of synthetic outrage like Candace Owens and Ian Miles Cheong. It probably surprised no one when the company self-destructed in a flurry of lawsuits between its founders, after bilking its customers at 500 bucks a pop.

Before that was the Anom, a phone touted as being immune to surveillance and marketed to organized crime as a way of concealing shady deals from law enforcement, which turned out to be an FBI honeypot. Against that backdrop, consumers are justified in being extremely wary.

The UP phone uses its own OS, based on a fork of Google’s Android operating system, but customized to avoid the routine data collection of both Google and Apple. It features its own app store that’s selective in the products it carries, based on their data collection and security characteristics, so some familiar names are notable by their absence.

image of military gear and secure comms equipment

Above: The “communicate” part of “shoot, move communicate,” isn’t as sexy as the first bit, but it’s no less important.

What about Apps?

If you use messaging apps such as Telegram or WhatsApp, you’ll wind up with less familiar versions that don’t harvest data like their regular counterparts. There’s a definite learning curve, and in some cases, you’ll have to make the decision to trade convenience for privacy — there are no Google apps, so if you’re a die-hard fan of being tracked by Alphabet, this is not the device for you.
The company has developed its own secure messaging application, as well as a VPN and email service, which is claimed to be one of the most secure out there, and there are neat touches such as a physical switch to kill the connection between the phone and its battery, as well a quick means to wipe all data from the device. While we’re by no means experts in this field, the physical device feels and performs like a quality item, rather than something you’d get from AliExpress.

It’s a new phone, from a new company, so there are still a few bugs. At one point, we experienced some annoying latency issues that were fixed with an update. The phone itself is far from tiny — if you have small hands you may want to skip this one. We actually found the physical size of the phone an asset when using ATAK, as the screen can be cluttered when using a lot of plugins.

It remains to be seen whether the UP phone will become a serious alternative to the established players, but given Prince’s track record in creating successful businesses, we’d be surprised if it flopped.

As to whether its claims of data protection hold up, the jury is still out. The worst-case scenario is that your info winds up in hands of the same data brokers as it does right now, just via a different route. Best case, you take back control of your private affairs, and cease being a commodity to be bought and sold. We’re giving them a long-term test in both the U.S. and overseas, and so far, results are positive.

SHTF

So much for the day-to-day. What happens when the cell network goes down? Is there a way to communicate with your tribe that’s not dependent on Verizon or T-Mobile and is resistant to eavesdropping? The stock, old-school answer would be to fire up the ham radio, but there’s a significant barrier to entry to this solution — you, and your entire team, need to pass an exam before keying that mic, or else crusty old guys with nothing better to do will hunt you down with a fervor not seen since the days of Nicolae Ceaușescu.

Mesh networks provide their users with an alternative means of communication that, due to their dispersed nature, is highly resilient. Each node on the network consists of a radio broadcasting on the LoRa (long range) protocol that can send and receive, but also acts as a relay for other devices in the network.

Say your radio has an effective range of three miles, but the guy you want to send a message to is five miles away. If there’s another device somewhere between you, your message will hop from device to device in order to reach its intended recipient. Each device can be paired with a cell phone, providing a familiar and easy-to-use interface.

Set up a node on a high point within your home territory, and you’ll massively increase the area in which you have comms.
It doesn’t take much imagination to come up with solutions involving a cheap LiFePo4 battery, solar charger, and mesh network device to provide a low-cost means of blanketing an area with your very own, independent communication system, which, for the moment at least, doesn’t require the blessing of the federal government.

We tested this concept in the Donbas region of Ukraine, using some of the cheapest mesh network devices on the market, consisting of a Heltec LoRa V3 chip set in a 3D-printed case running Meshtastic firmware and powered by an internal rechargeable cell. You’d be correct in thinking that sounds like a lot of geeky nerdspeak, but once you dig into the subject, it’s actually pretty easy to get to grips with, even for the tech-challenged — the University of YouTube runs classes.

This combo connected via Bluetooth to our UP phone, stashed in a Thyrm DarkVault case, with the whole shebang riding on our plate carrier. Additional devices were placed in vehicles as mobile base nodes, and there was discussion of putting one on a drone — though this was never actualized.

The ATAK app provided team members with a means of identifying friendly force locations, and we stayed in touch via text messages bounced throughout the network, despite the electromagnetic spectrum being polluted with electronic warfare emissions.

This setup was used to provide secure comms and location info within our team, entirely independent of the local cell network. As a matter of course, whenever we’re in range of Russian ISR drones, cell phones are set to airplane mode, as Orlan-10 drones can have the ability to spoof cell towers, getting cell phones on the ground to reveal their location for targeting by indirect fire.

By using low-powered Bluetooth emissions, further attenuated by the Thyrm DarkVault case, we’re able to stay hidden in background clutter, as the mesh network device transmits only when it has data to send, and its transmission length is measured in milliseconds. The downside to the system we used is that it’s not able to send voice transmissions.

Let’s say you’re intrigued by the possibility this offers and want to investigate further or just jump right in and set up your own LoRa mesh network.

military gear with open secure comms case

 

What Secure Comms Mesh Network Options are Available?

Glad you asked. Like building your own AR allows for a deeper understanding of the mechanism and equips the user with troubleshooting tools, building your own secure comms mesh network devices provides a degree of insight not possible with off-the-shelf units. Just like rolling your own rifle, it’s also cheaper. If you don’t fancy busting out the soldering iron, there’s a whole ecosystem of mesh network fans who are only too eager to share their knowledge. Some of them have Etsy stores with completed devices, based around commonly available chip sets.

Stepping up several notches, electronics company Otto, familiar to the shooting community via their excellent hearing protection products, has a nifty mesh network device known as LynqPRO. It has the added benefit of offering frequency hopping to increase security, as well as an easy, on-device interface that integrates with phones and tablets. It’s also compatible with ATAK.

When Failure Is Not an Option

Some of us have greater security concerns and a need for secure comms than others. Due to working in conflict zones, we’re acutely aware of the threat from both state actors and local freelancers and take digital hygiene very seriously.

On one recent assignment, two days after we left, the building we were working out of was targeted by a pair of missiles. One impacted in the street outside, peppering a local maternity clinic with frag, while the other scored a direct hit, blowing out the center of the structure. We’re reasonably sure we weren’t compromised by our digital footprint — HUMINT was the likely source — but it brought home the consequences for failure.

While it’s impossible to erase all evidence of our presence, there are a number of steps we take in order to fade into the background. If you’re concerned about being targeted when heading overseas, here are a few tips.

image of a secure comms burner phone

Secure Comms on Your U.S.-Based Devices

We’re all guilty of storing way too much compromising information on our phones — anything from sensitive files from work, contacts, social media accounts, home addresses, and images of our families.

One if the best ways to establish secure comms, if possible, leave your U.S. phone at home and take a burner with you, loaded with the bare minimum of info needed for the task in hand. Toss it in the trash at the airport on the way out. If you must take your U.S. phone, never charge it in a public location, such as a hotel.

USB cables work both ways, and intelligence services have been known to harvest data and install software using this method. While you could use a charge-only cable, there’s always the possibility this could be swapped out without your knowledge, or you could slip up and use the spare you brought — you know, the one with data transfer ability intact.

It’s far safer to use a USB cable to charge a power bank then use the power bank to charge your phone.

Use a Local SIM Card

Or one from a neighboring country, but preferably a card that doesn’t require an ID for purchase. Pinging foreign cell towers with a U.S. number is like waving Old Glory as you walk down the street.

Turn Off All Location Services

These will rat on your whereabouts. If you need to navigate, download off-line versions of mapping software to your device.

Use a VPN

Using a VPN to encrypt your online activity makes it difficult for eavesdroppers to see what you’re doing, while concealing your IP address.

Preferred SOP

These days, our preferred SOP is to remove the SIM card in our U.S.-based phone and power it up to connect only via trusted Wi-Fi locations when it’s absolutely necessary to use the data stored on it. The rest of the time, we communicate via encrypted messaging apps such as Signal, loaded onto an UP phone running a local SIM card and a third nation eSIM.

Note: This article was originally featured in RECOIL Issue 75.

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SARv2 Review

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Being a search and rescue (SAR) volunteer can be as demanding (physically and mentally) as it is rewarding, but having quality equipment designed to help you out in that role can certainly make it easier. In the wilderness, it’s imperative that you have easy access to your most important tools and equipment across preparedness domains to reduce the chances that you become a casualty yourself while you’re helping others. A good chest rig excels in keeping your most critical gear in your workspace while keeping your hands free as needed. One very fine option, and my personal favorite is the Hill People Gear SARv2 Kit Bag.

image of the SARv2 search and rescue bag

Above: The Hill People Gear SARv2 gear bag is laid out with search and rescue responders in mind.

The SARv2 Bag

The SARv2 is constructed from 500d Cordura nylon, with an internal volume of 215.63 cubic inches. It is largely based off the original HPG full-size kit bag, with some touches that make it well suited to the specific needs of search and rescue.

Two key features are external PALS/Molle webbing in two places — along the bottom of the bag, as well as diagonally across the front — and hook-and-loop on the outside. The hook-and-loop allows the attachment of identifiers such as name tags or unit patches, while the PALS webbing allows for adding expansion attachments or other items. I use the diagonal PALS webbing to hold my communications equipment, while the bottom webbing is used to secure a MOLLE tourniquet holder from North American Rescue (NAR).

Internally, the bag is split into three compartments, two of which zipper from the top, and one of which zippers on the front.
The compartment closest to the body is intended to hold your personal protection, being large enough to carry a full-size handgun. It features a loop for a trigger guard tie-down and a strip of loop, which would allow you to attach a hook-and-loop holster or magazine pouch.
The main compartment does, however, include laser-cut MOLLE, as well as two internal divider sleeves.

The harness itself is comfortable and adjustable, with a well-ventilated mesh back piece. It can be removed in order to integrate with the Hill People Gear Recce Harness, which allows for direct attachment to the wearer’s back. Unfortunately, the Recce Harness is very often sold out, which is why I haven’t had the opportunity to acquire one yet.

mesh panel on the SARv2

Above: The included harness has a mesh backing panel. If extra attachments are needed, the HPG Recce Harness is compatible with all HPG chest rigs.

The SARv2 Contents

Personal Protection:

  • I will generally carry my “main squeeze” handgun here — a Glock 45 MOS with a Trijicon RMR, backup suppressor-height night sites, and a Streamlight TLR-VIR II weapon light + IR flood and designator. I use a TriggerSafe trigger guard tied down with 550 cord. A spare magazine is held in a 5.11 single magazine pouch.

Admin:

  • I primarily use the admin compartment for navigational and documentation aids and their accessories.

The permanent contents include:

  • Suunto MC-2 compass
  •  MapTools coordinate scale and protractor
  •  Rite in the Rain pencil and pen (both in Coast Guard orange)
  •  Rite in the Rain general-purpose notebook (either orange or yellow)
  •  Rite in the Rain EMS patient information notebook
  •  Streamlight PolyTac in high-vis yellow
  •  Waterproof battery case with extra lithium CR123 and AAA batteries
  •  USB battery bank

Paper maps as well as my Android phone running SARTopo/CalTopo also move in and out of this compartment. SARTopo is a common operating picture (COP) overlay service on the CalTopo GPS navigational program, which is my SAR team’s primary method of navigation. However, analog (map and compass) navigation skills and tools are always carried as well.

image of search and rescue gear load out

Above: Admin equipment I carry includes spare batteries, Rite in the Rain notepads, pen, and pencil, and a Streamlight PolyTac handheld flashlight. For land nav, I carry a Suunto MC-2 compass and a grid protractor.

Sustainment:

  • The sustainment pouch in front contains my personal first-aid items.
  • high-value sustainment items.

Contents include:

  • Windstorm safety whistle
  •  Adventure Medical Kits personal first-aid and survival kit
  •  Snake bite kit
  •  TP kit
  •  Assorted electrolyte drink mixes
  •  Jerky and nuts (rotated)

image of a TQ pouch on the SARv2

Above: The bottom of the rig has PALS webbing suitable for attaching a NAR tourniquet holder.

External Attachments:

  • I use the external MOLLE to attach my communications equipment and personal-use tourniquet.
  • The radio is a Radioddity GS-5B, in a high-vis orange. It is a software-unlockable ham radio that can also function on GMRS/FRS and MURS bands, allowing me to integrate into the team radio nets easily, as well as being useful for general communications purposes.
  • The tourniquet on board is a NAR CAT gen 7, in a NAR tourniquet holder with a matching red color.

image of maps and search and rescue gear

Above: The admin compartment features a hook-and-loop, laser-cut MOLLE panel as well as two internal dividers.

SARv2 Shortcomings

Honestly, I only have one real negative regarding the design of the SARv2, and that is the lack of laser-cut MOLLE in the handgun compartment. Personally, I could live without the MOLLE in the admin compartment. The single strip of female-side hook-and-loop, while handy for sticking a holster, doesn’t offer a good solution for securing most pistol magazine pouches.
In my area of operations in Central Texas, the natural threats from feral hogs and snakes, to say nothing of any potential human threats I might encounter when on a search, make this use case one of particular interest to me. The same layout is present in other HPG chest rigs, so it isn’t just a failing with the SARv2.

A magazine pouch could be attached inside the admin compartment, but this is suboptimal in the situation where the wearer needs to draw a gun and address a threat. If you are on a SAR team for a sheriff’s department or other LEO and are allowed to open carry, this isn’t an issue at all — you can use this compartment for something else.

image of a TQ

Above: I keep a CAT 7 tourniquet on the rig for quick access in a SAR emergency.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend the SARv2? Absolutely. I spent my own money on it and sing its praises to my SAR team all the time. I take it with me and my family on state and national park outings as well, not just when on duty with the SAR team.
For the lack of MOLLE in the handgun compartment, I can’t say that it is perfect. For search-and-rescue and other public safety workers and volunteers, however, this chest rig is definitely fit for purpose and won’t disappoint.

Sources

Hill People Gear

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Interpreting a Silent Language By Joe Navarro

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The Premise

Our body reveals thousands of unconscious actions that are windows into what’s actually going on in our mind. For instance, why do people instinctively freeze and or cup their hands over their mouth when they see something that startles them? Why do people feel threatened by someone else’s prolonged staring and stillness? Why do people who are being scolded often appear to shrink, lower their head, and minimize their presence?

Back when we were hunter-gatherers looking for food and trying to stay safe from predators, we developed instincts to protect ourselves from being heard or watched. These behaviors, and many others, are still encoded in our DNA to this day and are the basis of retired FBI Agent Joe Navarro’s book, What Every BODY is Saying.

The 411

Navarro distills decades of LEO experience and nonverbal research into a framework the average person could use to determine the underlying emotions behind various physical movements. While the person in front of you may be telling you one thing verbally, different parts of their body will move in ways that may confess something their words are not.

Want to know what the most honest part of the body is? If you guessed the face, you’re wrong. According to Navarro, it’s actually someone’s legs and feet. Think of someone who taps their feet in a giddy way after receiving good news, points their feet away from someone who makes them uncomfortable, or blades their feet out in a display of territoriality.

Navarro starts with an overview on the general rules of nonverbals and how our limbic system generates behaviors that break down into freeze, fight, and flight. This area of our brain is always on and sends signals to our body that are difficult to consciously control. He then devotes a chapter to each of the following areas of the body, what their intended survival function is, and what their movements (or absence thereof) may indicate emotionally: feet/legs, torso/hips/chest/shoulders, arms, hands/fingers, and face.

The book concludes with a chapter on detecting deception and final thoughts. From confidence to fear to anger to insecurity to self-soothing and a host of other feelings, Navarro provides a detailed baseline to help us see and comprehend what’s unspoken and involuntary.

The Verdict

Navarro’s teachings would benefit anyone looking to sharpen their understanding of human nature and the biological basis it’s rooted in. Although these tools are especially helpful in the face of deception, don’t expect to become a human polygraph in reading this. Something that may display discomfort may not necessarily be an indication of deception, which Navarro discusses in further detail toward the end.

Lie detection is a science in and of itself; however, Navarro’s work is a good start in becoming more attuned to interpret someone’s true emotional state by way of body language.

Whether you’re a parent, police officer, or business owner interested in observing the subtleties of a negotiation or job interview, the advice given in these pages is well written, simple to understand, and insightful. Photos depicting the actions described in the text are an additional benefit in interpreting the meanings of these movements.

Navarro has written numerous other works on interpreting body language as well as evaluations of conditions such as narcissism, histrionic personality disorder, and psychopathy. He’s even published guides focused on recognizing the physical tells exhibited by poker players.

Many in society can be easily swayed by clever articulations and manufactured emotions, but when you become more familiar with the details of nonverbal cues, it opens up a whole new assessment of what is said versus what is felt.

Think about how many people you know who’ve lamented about suddenly being confronted with a divorce and claiming they never knew their spouse was unhappy. Not only can Navarro’s teachings help you understand others, but also enable you to be more conscientious about your own behavior.

Image of What Every BODY is saying book by Joe Navarro

About The Book

  • Book & Author: What Every BODY is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide to Speed-Reading People By Joe Navarro with Marvin Karlins, Ph.D.
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • MSRP: $13
  • Pages: 250
  • URL: jnforensics
  • Rating: Thrive | Survive | Die

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Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie Review

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About Auxiliary Manufacturing

Mike Jarvis of Auxiliary Manufacturing has been making fixed blade knives full time since he left his career in the restaurant industry in 2016. He prides himself on unique designs and an unmistakable aesthetic. There is much more to an Auxiliary Manufacturing knife than simply good looks. The Pocket Bowie and all his other knives are designed for practical use. While most of his knives fall into the EDC fixed blade category, there is a distinct tactical knife flare to each of his designs. This unique combination allows users to have a knife that can handle all their day-to-day tasks, while also serving as a viable self defense tool in the right hands.

With stunning designs and practical applications, it comes as no surprise that Auxiliary Manufacturing won Custom Tactical Knife of the Year at 2022 Blade Show.

auxiliary manufacturing pocket bowie

Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie Design

At first look, the unique design of the Pocket Bowie stands out from just about every other small EDC fixed blade design out there. The coffin shaped handle and clip point blade is reminiscent of the classic American Bowie fighting knife. Unlike the classic American Bowie, the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie lives up to its namesake for being able to easily carry in your pocket thanks to its small profile and sleek kydex sheath.

details of the pocket bowie's handle scales

Above: Details of the Pocket Bowie handle scales.

Handle Design and Control

The coffin shaped handle, combined with the textured G10 makes for an attractive package. The handle fills the hand well allowing for a comfortable three to four finger grip. The swell on the bottom of the handle locks into the meat of your palm, allowing for excellent control during use. The control over the blade is further enhanced with a slightly upswept thumb-rest on the spine of the blade.

When held in a reverse grip, the handle shape allows for a full four finger grip and the with a wide flat surface for your thumb on the butt of the handle. This allows for a secure grip and good control when using the Pocket Bowie in tactical knife applications.

The textured finish of the G10 may appear random, but each valley is created with the purpose of providing added grip, especially when wet. This valley pattern was initially used on one of Auxiliary Manufacturing’s discontinued knives called the Poon and has been a staple of the line up for over 8 years.

The scales are available in a variety of color options like the Green and Orange pictured, but they are also offered in subdued black G10 if you want something less flashy.

Note of the Wrapped Handle Pocket Bowie

While I do not own the wrapped variety, I did have the opportunity to handle them. While the wrap is not as hand-filling as the G10 they still have an excellent grip. The Flattened paracord is wrapped around genuine ray skin. The entire handle is treated with a marine grade epoxy making it just as solid and durable as the G10 counterparts. While the differences are mainly aesthetic, the wrapped variety is slightly slimmer and a bit nimbler in hand.

details of the Auxiliary Manufacturing pocket Bowie blade

Above: The clip point tip and recurve blade work well in both practical and tactical applications.

Blade Design

Similar to the classic American Bowie, the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie features a clip point blade. The primary purpose of a clip point is to provide a fine piercing tip that is essential for tactical knife and hunting applications. The fine point of the clip point blade also is an excellent choice when doing detailed cuts making it practical on an EDC fixed blade.

The major drawback of a clip point is that the fine tip can be prone to accidental breakage. Auxiliary Manufacturing’s use of AEB-L steel reduces the risk, due to its elevated levels of toughness. Mike also incorporates a swedge that runs down the blade that not only looks good but adds a bit more material behind the tip to help protect it.

The Blade edge has a modified recurve that provides an excellent slicing belly that is ideal for any EDC fixed blade. The back of the blade has a small area that has a slight indent that can be used for wood processing similar to the rear of a tracker style blade.

image of the pocket bowie in a pants pocket

Above: The Pocket Bowie carried in a pants pocket.

Carry System

The Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie ships with a custom made Kydex sheath and removable pocket clip. The sheath is purpose designed to allow the provided clip to be mounted in different ways to accommodate various carry styles. The ability to quickly switch the clip direction makes this an ideal carry choice for the often-overlooked left-handed population.

The Sheath is also designed to accept multiple clip options, so if the provided clip isn’t your style, you can easily swap it out for something else. I personally prefer something with a bit more retention, so I swapped the original clip for an Ulti-Clip.

The Sheath fits very well in the pocket, with enough handle purchase to be able to quickly draw the blade when needed. This is important when we look at a tactical knife as the last thing any wants to do is fumble to access a knife in a high stress situation. As an EDC fixed blade, it carries comfortably without monopolizing your entire pocket.

While it does carry well in the pocket, the large amount of handle sticking out is not ideal for concealment. If concealed carry is a priority the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie sheath allows for multiple carry options. Out of the box the pocket bowie can be carried IWB. I also tested it with a soft loop for vertical belt carry and found it easy to conceal under an untucked button-down shirt and longer T-shirt.

detail of the pocket bowie's spine

Above: Attention to detail makes the Pocket Bowie stand out.

Build Quality

If one thing about the build quality stands out about the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie, it is the incredible attention to detail. While Mike no longer cuts the blanks in his shop, all the grinding work is 100% done by hand. Every detail of the blade grind is well thought out and well executed. The blade grind is even, the detailed lines of the swedge are excellent, and anywhere your fingers are supposed to rest are chamfered for comfort. The Handle texturing is also done by hand, with the same diligence.

Overall, the purpose driven design, excellent material choices, and incredible attention to detail ensure the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie comes out of the box looking as good as it functions!

Pocket Bowie Spec Sheet

  • Overall Length: 6.25 inches
  • Blade Length: 3 inches
  • Weight: G10 Model 4.66 oz
  • Blade Steel: AEB-L
  • Other Steel Options: Occasional drops in specialty steels including Damascus.
  • Blade Shape: Clip Point with a modified recurve
  • Handle Material: Textured G10 or Ray Skin/Nylon Wrap
  • Sheath: Custom made Kydex, with pocket clip
  • Price: $239-449 depending on configuration
  • Made In: Reno, Nevada

pocket bowie with edc gear

Above: The Pocket Bowie's recurve blade makes it an ideal addition to your EDC lineup. It is pictured here with a Superesse Filter Bandana, Bastion Blot Action Pen, PNWBUSHCRAFT EDC travel Tray, and Leatherman Sidekick.

Practical Applications of the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie

As an EDC Fixed Blade, the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie checks all the boxes. The blade is small enough where it does not feel overwhelming when performing daily tasks. Easily breaking down boxes, opening packages, and cutting the occasional piece of fruit or meat.

The blade is easy to manipulate and control, reducing the risk of injury and miscuts during more detailed work. The piercing clip point is great when you must puncture tougher packaging materials.

Many of my daily tasks involve some kind of work in the woods. The Pocket Bowie wouldn’t be my first choice as a dedicated bushcraft knife. This is not a knock at the knife as Mike did not design the Pocket Bowie for that application. That being said, The Pocket Bowie still performs admirably during basic plant material processing, minor carving tasks, and making kindling.

While I did not process any game with it, I did use the Pocket Bowie to take apart a whole chicken. The clip point provided easy access to areas close to the bone, and the recurve blade did a superb job slicing meat. In a pinch the Pocket Bowie would be more than capable of processing small game animals.

pocket bowie with tactical gear

Above: The Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie is a great addition to any defensive kit. It is pictured here with an ASP Spectrum UV Flash Light, and ASP Defender Sport Pepper Spray.

Tactical Applications of the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie

Disclaimer:

I recommend that if you intend on using a knife as a tactical or defensive tool to get formal training. Without the proper training there is a higher likelihood of the knife being used against you.

Any trained person will give you two important pieces of advice.

  • When using a knife in a combative situation expect to be cut by your own knife!
  • The best way to survive a knife fight is to not be in a knife fight!

While it may be too small to be a dedicated fight knife, the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie offers significant benefits as a tactical knife.  First, it is small enough to be easily and discreetly carried. Second, many municipalities have laws restricting larger knives.

Beyond it's compact size the Pocket Bowie packs some valuable features. The clip point, recurve blade, and solid grip make the Pocket Bowie a great option for a last-ditch defensive tool. In a combative situation maintaining control of your knife is vital. A solid grip reduces the chance of an attacker getting your knife. The clip points ability to pierce thicker materials provides great value. An assailant, just like any of us will likely dress for the season. In colder months attacker may have coats or sweatshirts on making slicing maneuvers less effective.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a practical knife with a side of tactical the Pocket Bowie is a great option. It’s small size, ergonomics, and practical blade shape make it a highly functional EDC fixed blade. The clip point blade, solid grip, and carry options allow the Pocket Bowie to have significant Tactical knife applications.

The Pocket Bowie is 100% made in the USA. Each knife is ground, assembled, and finished by Mike with incredible attention to detail and workmanship. The Pocket Bowie is a well designed and made small knife, but there are some larger options coming! For a larger bowie style be on the look out for the upcoming Pocket Bowie XL release. The XL will feature a 4-inch blade and an 8.5 inch overall length. The increased size greatly enhancing its outdoor, hunting, and tactical applications.

Sources

 

 

Auxiliary Manufacturing coffin handle knives. Photo by Swedge Media Above: The new line up of coffin handle knives. Photo by Swedge Media

More Coffin Handle Knives

The immense popularity of the Pocket Bowie has led Mike to expanding the line up with different blade shapes. While a bowie style blade is excellent, different users have different needs. The brand-new line up features 4 additional blade styles. These include an American Style Tanto, a Wharncliffe with a reinforced tip, a leaf shaped blade, and a spearpoint. These new blade shapes bring new levels of functionality to the lineup, while maintaining the excellent ergonomics of the original. They are currently available for purchase in black G10 or black paracord wrapped handles.

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Editor’s Letter

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There’s an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This publication has always been about more than cool gear and interesting people. It’s about building community, fostering self-reliance, and finding strength in working together. Now, as we move through some significant changes, I’m stepping into a new role, following in the footsteps of someone who truly embodied that collaborative spirit.

Patrick McCarthy, my predecessor, has moved on to pursue new opportunities, and with his departure, RECOIL OFFGRID marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Patrick’s leadership, unwavering passion, and thoughtful guidance have been foundational to shaping this publication into what it is today. Not only did he set a high bar, but he also fostered a place where creativity and innovation thrived. To Patrick, I want to say thank you for your mentorship, and for leading RECOIL OFFGRID through some challenging times with such steady hands.

Looking back on the past five years feels surreal. I started my journey with RECOIL OFFGRID as a freelancer in December of 2019. My first article, “Secrets of Traditional Knowledge,” appeared in Issue 39. From there, I took the reins of the Gear Up column for several years before becoming associate editor in 2023.

Working alongside incredibly talented editors like Tom Marshall and Patrick McCarthy has been humbling and inspiring. It’s because of teamwork with individuals like them that the brand has come as far as it has. Now, as we step into the future, that same spirit of collaboration will continue to carry us forward.

I’m also excited to introduce our new Associate Editor Nick Italiano. Nick is a loving father, a dedicated survivalist, and the founder of Black Flag Survival. He’s passionate about self-reliance and sharing those skills with others. I have no doubt he’ll bring fresh ideas and new energy to our team. Nick’s enthusiasm for learning and helping others is exactly what this publication is all about.

That sense of going far together ties right into the theme of this issue: Stay Put or Bug Out? In these uncertain times, the ability to adapt to rapid, often tumultuous change is more important than ever. Jason Salyer and Mark Linderman, two seasoned experts, dig into what they’d do if the 911 system went down for an undetermined amount of time. Trauma therapist Tom Sarge weighs in on why mental resilience is just as critical as prepping your gear.

We also take you inside the PNW Survival Games, a competition that equips the average person with life-saving skills. And for anyone debating the age-old question of whether hunkering down or getting out of Dodge is the right course of action, Jim Cobb breaks down the factors that should guide your decision.

Before I close, I want to take a moment to thank my better half. Without her constant support, encouragement, and love, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She’s my bulwark in the storm, and her belief in me keeps me moving forward. As that proverb reminds us, it’s the people we surround ourselves with who help us go far. She’s been with me every step of the way, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.

RECOIL OFFGRID has seen many changes over the years, and there are certainly more to come. But with our shared knowledge, tight-knit community, and commitment to helping each other grow, I’m confident we’ll continue to move forward — together.

Read More From Issue 65

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Editor's Note: This article has been modified from its original print version for the web.

Superesse Filter Bandana

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Handkerchiefs, commonly called hanks, have made a resurgence in the outdoor and EDC communities in recent years. These simple pieces of fabric serve a variety of practical purposes in our day to day lives. Hanks primarily act as a reusable rag, but can be used as a simple water filter or face covering in an emergency. While a simple cotton hank is better than nothing, a lot is left to be desired in functionality in an emergency. Fortunately for those of us who want to take our EDC survival kit to the next level, the innovators over at Superesse decided to take the standard hank to the next level with their line of functional Handkerchiefs, including the Filter Bandana we will be looking at today.

Superesse Filter Bandana Materials and Specs

At first glance the Superesse Filter Bandana looks like a simple 10×10 cloth hank, similar to those commonly seen if cool EDC pictures on Instagram. Color options fall into your standard typical outdoor colors including OD Green, Coyote, Woodland Camo, and the safety orange I opted to pick up.

The Superesse Filter Bandana is constructed from a food safe hybrid polyester material. This allows it to resist microbial growth and dry quickly when wet.

That is where the similarity to standard cotton hanks ends! When you pick up the Superesse Filter Bandana, you will find it to be quite a bit thicker than an average hank. This is for a particularly good reason! Between the outer fabric layers there is a porous 1-micron filter that is flexible and foldable. This filter is what makes the Superesse Filter Bandana special and a powerful addition to any EDC survival kit.

 Superesse Filter Bandana Functionality

The hybrid fabric combined with the internal 1-micron filter makes the Superesse Filter Bandana a valuable urban and wilderness survival tool that goes well beyond the functionality of a standard hank.

using the filter bandana as protective mask

Above: While the Filter Bandana will not seal like a mask, it can act as emergency protection for your airways in a pinch.

Air Filtration

In an emergency you can hold the Superesse Filter Bandana over your mouth and nose to protect your nasal pathways, lungs, and esophagus from harmful contaminants and infectious materials. The porous fabric and filter will not restrict the flow of oxygen, but will prevent dust, smoke, and chemicals in the air from entering your airway.

In addition to particulate contaminants, the Superesse Filter Bandana can filter out several biological threats. The 1-Micron filter will completely block larger environmental contaminants. These include fungal spores and pollen as well as some larger types of bacteria.

While many types of bacteria and all viral particles are smaller than 1-micron the filter can help protect from bacterial and viral particles found in droplet form from infected individuals coughing and sneezing.

using the superesse filter bandana to filter water

Above: The Superesse Filter Bandana is a quick and effect way to filter large particulates, chemicals, and some pathogens from water.

Water Pre-Filtration

The Superesse Filtration Bandana has many of the same benefits and limitations as when filtering water. The filter can remove most particulate and chemical contaminants from water. This is especially helpful when sourcing water near farmland and industrial areas.

The filter will also remove several common waterborne parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. It can also help reduce the amount pathogens like Mycobacteria and Legionella that can sometimes be larger than 1-micron. The filter will not remove smaller bacteria, viral particles, and cytotoxins that certain algae produce.

When possible, it is essential to boil or chemically disinfect water before drinking it. The pre-filtration process will remove particulate and chemical contaminants that boiling and other disinfection methods will not remove.

When on the move during a survival situation it may not always be viable to spend time disinfecting water. The Filter Bandana is a great “better than nothing option” in theses cases.

The Superesse filter bandana and other edc survival kit gear

Above: The Superesse Filter Bandana makes an excellent addition to any EDC Survival Kit.

Final Thoughts

If you plan on carrying a hank, it might as well be very functional! The functionality of the Superesse Filter Bandana makes it an excellent addition to any EDC Survival kit. Having a lightweight air and water filter that is easy to carry is a no brainer.

A protective face covering in a contaminant filled room can be the difference between safe egress and deadly results. The ability to remove chemical, particulate, and some biological threats in from water is also valuable.

While Proper water disinfection is always best, in an emergency the best gear is the gear you have on you!

Check out the Superesse Filter Bandana, along with the full line of functional hanks at superessestraps.com

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DIY Bushcraft Toothbrush

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We previously extolled the virtues of washing your clothes off the grid, since doing so will fight infection and keep you smelling fresh. For the same reasons, it's essential to take care of your teeth, no matter where you have to survive. On top of the smell and cleanliness factors, dealing with a bad cavity or dental abscess can lead to crippling pain or even septic shock.

Like your dentist says, daily brushing is necessary to keep your pearly whites clean.

Just like your dentist says, daily brushing is necessary to keep your pearly whites clean.

In a survival situation, visiting a dentist isn't going to be an option, so you'll need to maintain your teeth daily if at all possible. If you don't have your bug-out bag with a toothbrush or toothpaste, this becomes a bit more difficult—but don't worry, it's certainly possible to keep your teeth clean with limited resources.

Bushcraft toothbrush bristles

The key to any toothbrush is the fine, flexible bristles that brush away particles between teeth.

The entire point of brushing your teeth is to remove plaque and particles through the friction of the bristles. Knowing this, it's not hard to think of how to construct a toothbrush in the wild. You'll want to start with a nice twig, preferably a young, soft, and relatively flexible variety of wood. This will then be whittled and split at one end to form a bushcraft toothbrush.

Bushcraft toothbrush whittling

Apply light pressure to notch the twig in a cross-cut pattern (be extremely careful not to cut yourself).

This video from Far North Bushcraft and Survival shows the entire process:

The Cliff's notes version is as follows:

  • Find a flexible twig. The video above uses willow, but pine or spruce should also work.
  • Whittle away the bark, and square off one end.
  • Make 5-6 cuts 1/4-inch deep into the end.
  • Turn 90 degrees, and make 5-6 more cuts.
  • Hammer, crush, or chew the “bristles” to soften.
  • Brush each tooth with a downward sweeping motion.
Bushcraft toothbrush willow branch

The toothbrush bristles beginning to take shape.

The host also mentions an antiseptic toothpaste alternative: spruce pitch (crystallized sap). It's known to have antiseptic qualities that will fight bacteria growth, and it can be chewed on much like gum. Spruce pitch even has a refreshing evergreen flavor.

Even if you always carry hygiene supplies in your survival kit, it's good to know how to improvise a bushcraft toothbrush if the situation calls for it.

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Knives by Nuge Bruin

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Knives by Nuge is a fixed blade knife maker out of New Jersey known for making hard use knives. His Wicket line has been wildly popular for the better part of 2 years with hunting enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and EDC users. The Wicket was originally designed as a small neck knife but has evolved to include an XL version that is still pocket friendly and Big Boi for full sized bushcraft use.  The success of the Wicket has allowed Knives by Nuge to branch out and bring back older designs like the Chickpea and introduce new designs like the Bruin we will be looking at today.

image of all three popular Wicket fixed blade knives by knives by nuge

Above: The Knives by Nuge Wicket, Wicket XL, and Big Boi

Knives by Nuge Bruin Origins

According to Tom Nugent, owner of Knives by Nuge, the design idea for the Bruin came to him when he was processing a deer with his Wicket XL and needed a bit more reach. Taking some inspiration from two discontinued designs called the EDB and the Bushcrafter, Tom set out to create a dedicated hunting fixed blade knife with an ergonomic handle design, a good slicing belly, and enough blade length to get into the deeper cavities of a larger animal.

Like most KNB designs, Tom also wanted to ensure that the knife was easy to carry and would not get in the way when moving through the woods. Part of Tom's prototyping process involves having trusted outdoor experts test it out in real life use scenarios. Through the testing process, he received a lot of positive feedback on the Bruin’s outdoor prowess, not just as a hunting knife but also as a bushcraft style knife, and he ultimately decided to offer the knife in both a saber grind and in a traditional scandi grind.

Knives by Nuge released the Bruin this year at the Georgia Bushcraft Fall Gathering and I got the opportunity to grab one of the first scandi grind versions in CPM-3V super steel.  As I spend a good deal of time in the woods doing bushcraft related tasks its hard to resist a scandi grind especially when it’s combined with a super tough steel like 3V!

image of the knives by nuge bruin hunting knife

Above: The Knives by Nuge Bruin with G10 scales, a scandi grind and CPM-3V super steel.

Knives by Nuge Bruin Design

The Bruin’s 3.75-inch blade is more than enough for game processing tasks and a majority of your typical outdoor and bushcraft tasks. The belly allows it to effectively perform slicing tasks that you'd expect from a hunting knife such as processing game to prepping meat for a camp meal. While many would argue the saber grind is a better option for slicing, the 3/32 inch blade stock combined with KBN’s sharp scandi grind did just fine when I used to cut meat, fruit and vegetables.

The Bruin’s spine has a 90-degree angle allowing it to be used for striking a ferro rod or performing wood scraping tasks, so you won’t need to potentially dull or damage your blade to get your fire started.

The blade point does a great job piercing while still having enough material behind it to prevent accidental breakage, especially when combined with tough steel options. Speaking of tough steel choices, this makes the Bruin ideal for hard use tasks such as batoning wood even with a relatively small blade and thinner stock.

The Bruin’s handle is ergonomic with some contouring for grip making it comfortable over long term use with a hammer grip and performing push cuts. There are scalloped areas closest to the blade that allow for a pinch grip when doing detailed work. The butt of the handle has a slight flare that helps prevent slipping when the Bruin is wet or covered in blood.

Bruin Fixed Blade Knife Specs

  • Overall Length: 8.25 inches
  • Blade Length: 3.75inches
  • Handle Length: 4.50 inches
  • Blade Grind: Saber or Scandi
  • Steel Options: AEB-L, Nitro-V, CPM-3V
  • Handle Materials: G10 or Micarta

Bruin Carry Options

The Bruin I got came with a custom made Kydex pocket sheath and Tom was kind enough to also give me one of the prototype leather belt sheaths made by Badger Claw Outfitters.

image of the bruin in a kydex pocket fixed blade sheath

Above: The Custom made Kydex Pocket Sheath, makes a for a very slim package.

Kydex Pocket Sheath

The Kydex sheath is ambidextrous, allowing the knife to be inserted into the sheath in with the edge facing either direction. The knife is held in by a friction fit that is secure enough to prevent the knife from falling out, even when I tried to aggressively shake it, but still allow for easy draw. The pocket clip is made by Discreet Carry Concepts and has exceptional retention. There is a small drainage hole on the bottom of the sheath to allow water to exit the sheath should it get in.

Based on the size of the Bruin, I was a bit skeptical of the comfort of carrying it in my pocket, but I was pleasantly surprised that the full-sized knife not only fit in my pocket it did some comfortably and I was even able to put other items like my cell phone in the same pocket.

image of bruin in a traditional hunting knife fixed blade sheath by badger claw outfitters.

Above: The optional Badger Claw Outfitters leather belt sheath is a great choice for traditional carry.

Leather Belt Sheath

If you are looking for a more traditional fixed blade knife carry option, the leather belt sheath is an excellent option. The leather belt sheath made by Badger Claw Outfitters is made from Crazy Horse Leather, and in my experience only looks better with age! The Bruin sits snuggly in the sheath, with just enough handle exposed for good purchase to draw the knife. The belt loop is large enough to accommodate wide belts and can easily accept a dangler should you want it to ride a bit lower.

image of the bruin on a log

Above: The Bruin is an excellent Field knife that can serve as both a hunting knife and a bushcraft knife.

Final Thoughts

While my usage time on the Knives by Nuge Bruin is limited, I am impressed with the design. Through a weekend of use while camping as well as putting it to work as an EDC knife for a few days, and it performed admirably in all tasks. For outdoor use the Bruin seems like it fits the bill for an all-purpose field knife that can act as both a hunting knife and bushcraft knife. For EDC, it’s a great fixed blade if you are looking for an easy to carry full sized knife, that the overall size is not so apparent to others thanks to the pocket sheath.

The first batch of Bruin’s will be available on knivesbynuge.com on Friday, November 15th 2024. As the Bruin is handmade, supplies are limited!

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GARMIN inReach Messenger Plus Review

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When it comes to reliable communication in remote environments, the GARMIN inReach Messenger Plus offers a unique set of features that set it apart from other satellite communication devices. It’s not just about sending an SOS in a life-or-death situation—this device is designed to keep you connected even in the most isolated parts of the world, allowing for text, photo, and voice messaging without cell service. This comprehensive review will dig deeper into what makes the inReach Messenger Plus a standout, as well as the areas where it might fall short.

Key Features at a Glance

  • Text, Photo, and Voice Messaging Without Cell Service
  • Interactive SOS Function with 24/7 Global Response
  • TracBack Routing Feature for Easy Navigation
  • Live GPS Location Sharing via Satellite
  • Durable Design Rated IPX7 for Water Resistance
  • Up to 25 Days of Battery Life
  • Dimensions: 3.1″ x 2.5″ x 0.9″ ( 7.8 x 6.4 x 2.3 cm)
  • Weight: 4.1 oz (117.2 g)
  • MSRP: $499.99
  • URL: garmin.com

These features alone make the inReach Messenger Plus sound like a solid choice for adventurers, but there's much more to it, especially when paired with GARMIN's smartphone apps or other GARMIN devices.

Photo of the Garmin InReach and its smartphone interface.

Above: When paired with a smartphone, the free Garmin app allows you to customize messages, track your movement, access your contents, get localized weather reports and access to many other features.

First Impressions: Simple Yet Capable

At first glance, the GARMIN inReach Messenger Plus might seem a little too simplistic. It has just three navigation buttons, a small monochrome LCD display, and a dedicated SOS button. But don’t let that fool you. Once you pair it with the GARMIN Explore or GARMIN Messenger smartphone apps, it transforms into a remote communication powerhouse.

What’s in the Box:

  • inReach Messenger Plus device
  • USB-C cable for charging
  • Documentation

One noticeable omission is the lack of a lanyard. While GARMIN sells several lanyard options—like retractable, breakaway, and flotation lanyards—I found myself improvising with some tarred bank line. 550 cord is too thick to be practical here, so make sure you use some thin and tough cordage if you don't want to buy an official accessory.

Photo of the garmin inreach in wet conditions.

Above: The InReach's tough casing ensures that it can stand up to harsh conditions without compromising it's operability.

Performance and Features

Here’s where the inReach Messenger Plus shines: it's incredibly versatile when paired with your smartphone, allowing you to send texts, photos, and even 30-second voice messages, all without needing any cell service. Here’s a breakdown of its most important features:

SOS and Safety Features:

One of the most crucial aspects of this device is the ability to send an interactive SOS message. If you're in an emergency, your SOS will be routed through GARMIN’s 24/7-staffed Global Coordination Center. This isn’t just a one-way distress signal; you'll have real-time communication with rescue teams, sharing your exact GPS coordinates via the Iridium satellite network.

Messaging and Communication:

You can send texts up to 1,600 characters directly from the device, but for a more user-friendly experience, pair it with the GARMIN Messenger app on your phone. The app supports:

  • Group messaging for larger teams
  • Emojis and reactions to simplify communication
  • Text, photo, and voice messaging, allowing you to send more than just words

The ability to send a photo of your surroundings or a voice message explaining the situation can be game-changers in a survival scenario, helping search and rescue teams understand exactly what they’re dealing with before arriving on-site. This is something that traditional Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) don’t offer, even though they’re in a similar price range.

Navigation and Tracking:

The TracBack routing feature is another highlight. It lets you easily navigate back to your starting point if you need to retrace your steps, which can be essential if you’re caught in bad weather or disoriented in unfamiliar terrain. The device also allows you to share your live GPS location with others, so they can track your progress and location in real time.

  • Navigation features:
    • TracBack routing for returning to your starting point
    • GPS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou satellite systems
    • High-sensitivity receiver for precise location tracking
    • GARMIN Explore app compatibility for trip planning and tracking

Battery Life and Durability:

For a device designed to keep you safe and connected in the wilderness, the inReach Messenger Plus holds up under extreme conditions. The IPX7 water rating means it can handle being submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, and it’s impact-resistant, making it ideal for navigating rugged environments without having to worry about damaging the device.

As for battery life, it’s impressive:

  • Up to 25 days in 10-minute tracking mode
  • Up to 120 hours in low-power messaging mode
  • Can send up to 250 media messages on a single charge

Additionally, the device doubles as an emergency charger for your phone, a feature that might make all the difference if you're in a remote area and your phone dies unexpectedly.

Photo of the garmin inreach and its localized weather function.

Above: A Garmin InReach connected to your phone will give you weather forecasts for your specific location.

inReach or PLB?

Some people point out that Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), which often have higher output wattages, can send a distress signal more reliably from beneath dense canopy cover. However, I haven’t found any solid evidence that PLBs outperform the inReach Messenger Plus in those scenarios. The benefit of the inReach lies in its ability to send custom messages, including photos of the emergency situation or even voice messages. This can be invaluable when rescue teams need to plan a specific extraction or know exactly what kind of equipment to bring.

Also, while a PLB requires battery replacements, the inReach Messenger Plus does not. You’ll need to activate a GARMIN subscription whenever you want to use it, but if you're only going on occasional expeditions, this can still be less expensive than replacing a PLB battery. Plus, if you plan to use it as an everyday communication tool (as part of your EDC setup, for instance), the basic subscription tier is affordable.

Opinions

No product is perfect, and the inReach Messenger Plus does have a couple of minor downsides. First, the lack of a lanyard in the box seems like an oversight for a device that’s meant to be carried into rugged environments. Sure, you can buy one separately, but this feels like something that should come standard.

Additionally, while the device itself can send texts directly, the virtual keyboard on the monochrome display is cumbersome. If you want to message quickly, you’ll need to pre-prepare your messages or have your smartphone handy.

a Garmin Inreach sitting on a log in the forest.

Final Thoughts

The GARMIN inReach Messenger Plus is a lightweight, reliable communication device that punches above its weight. While it may seem simplistic at first glance, its true power lies in its ability to pair with a smartphone and tap into GARMIN’s extensive suite of navigation and messaging apps. The ability to send photos, voice messages, and custom texts via satellite—coupled with its rugged build and excellent battery life—makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone venturing off the grid.

In summary:

  • Pros:
    • Versatile messaging (text, voice, photo) without cell service
    • Long battery life and can serve as an emergency phone charger
    • Rugged and water-resistant
    • Interactive SOS with live communication via satellite
    • Compact and lightweight
  • Cons:
    • No included lanyard
    • Typing messages on the device itself can be slow

For peace of mind, whether you're hiking deep into the backcountry or just want a reliable communication tool for emergencies, the GARMIN inReach Messenger Plus delivers on its promises and is worth every penny.

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Suunto Sonic: Bone Conduction Headphones Review

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The Suunto Sonic bone conduction headphones are a refreshing break from traditional in-ear or over-ear options, offering a unique combination of high-quality sound and an open-ear design that allows you to stay aware of your surroundings. These headphones are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, fitness junkies, and anyone who needs to stay connected to their environment without sacrificing audio quality.

Key Features

  • Bone conduction technology for sound delivery through the jawbone, leaving the ear canal open.
  • IP55 sweatproof and water-resistant rating, suitable for various weather conditions.
  • Up to 10 hours of battery life with a quick 5-minute recharge providing 3 hours of playback.
  • Enhanced bass and rich sound quality, with minimal noise leakage.
  • Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with support for multiple audio codecs and dual device connections.
  • Lightweight, durable design with a comfortable fit for all-day wear.
  • Head movement control for hands-free navigation through music or phone calls.
  • Material: Silicone and Titanium Alloy
  • Weight: 31 g / 1.09 oz
  • MSRP: $129.00
  • URL: suunto.com

Whether you’re running, cycling, or just walking through busy streets, the open-ear design lets you listen to music while staying fully aware of your surroundings—an excellent choice for personal safety or keeping an ear out for important ambient sounds.

Suunto headphones lying on a counter.

Above: When connected via bluetooth and playing audio, these unassuming headphones make no noise by themselves.

Comfort and Design

The Suunto Sonic boasts a minimalist, lightweight design. Weighing just 31 grams, these headphones rest lightly on your jawbone, leaving your ear canal unobstructed. The silicone and titanium alloy construction ensures durability without adding bulk.

Because the sound is transmitted through vibrations along your jawbone, you won’t have to worry about common issues with traditional headphones like earwax buildup or uncomfortable earbuds that won’t stay in place. And despite the bone conduction method, the sound quality is impressive, with rich bass tones and clear audio across various music genres.

Durability and Performance

These headphones are designed to handle a wide range of environments, thanks to their IP55 rating for sweat and water resistance. Whether you’re sweating it out during a summer hike or facing down a cold, rainy day, the Suunto Sonic is built to stand up to a wide range of elements.

With an operating temperature range of -20°C to +60°C (-5°F to +140°F), you can take these headphones from the gym to the trail without missing a beat. The battery life holds up too, offering up to 10 hours of music playback, and a full recharge takes just 60 minutes. If you’re in a pinch, a quick 5-minute charge provides an additional 3 hours of listening.

Adult male wearing suunto headphones.

Connectivity and Features

The Suunto Sonic connects via Bluetooth 5.2, offering a strong connection with a range of over 10 meters. The headphones support various audio codecs, including SBC and APTX Adaptive, ensuring compatibility with most smartphones and delivering excellent sound quality even at a distance. They also feature dual device connection, so you can easily switch between your phone and another Bluetooth-enabled device.

Paired with the Suunto app, these headphones offer customization options, allowing you to adjust sound settings or manage the dual device connection directly from your smartphone. In terms of ease of use, the head movement control lets you manage music or calls with simple taps and gestures:

  • One tap to play/pause music or answer/hang up calls
  • Two taps to skip forward a track
  • Three taps to skip backward
  • Volume control via dedicated buttons

Sound Quality: Better Than Expected

For bone conduction headphones, the Suunto Sonic delivers surprisingly good sound quality. The specially designed transducer enhances bass and minimizes noise leakage, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use where maintaining awareness of your surroundings is crucial. Whether you're blasting bass-heavy tunes or listening to a podcast, the clarity remains impressive.

One of the standout benefits of bone conduction is that your ears are left open, allowing you to stay aware of nearby traffic or nature sounds. It’s an ideal setup for runners, cyclists, or hikers who need to stay safe while enjoying their favorite playlists.

  • Frequency Range: 20Hz–20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 117dB@1kHz
  • Impedance: 6Ω±15%

Suunto charging port.

Above: Although this charging port magnetically connects in a satisfying way, the lack of USB-C compatibility means you better not lose that charging cable.

Real-World Use: Pros and Cons

In practical use, the Suunto Sonic excels at keeping your ears free to monitor your surroundings while delivering high-quality sound. It's especially useful for outdoor athletes or commuters who need to stay aware of their environment.

Pros:

  • Open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings, enhancing safety.
  • No in-ear discomfort or earwax buildup like traditional earbuds.
  • Durable and sweat-resistant, perfect for all weather conditions.
  • Fast charging, with a 5-minute charge providing 3 hours of playback.
  • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions.
  • Intuitive control with simple taps and gestures for calls and music.

Cons:

  • Not suitable for noise isolation, meaning they won’t block out ambient noise in loud environments like the shooting range.
  • Specialized charging cable is required, which could be a hassle if you misplace it. No USB-C compatibility.
  • Not ideal for protection against high-decibel environments like concerts or machinery-heavy workplaces.

adult male wearing suunto's bone conduction headphones.

Final Thoughts: A Unique Listening Experience

Overall, the Suunto Sonic bone conduction headphones offer a unique listening experience that stands apart from traditional earbuds or over-ear designs. The ability to listen to music while still hearing your environment is perfect for those who prioritize safety without sacrificing audio quality. Even worn indoors, you can listen to the audio of your choice will still remaining aware and available to anyone around you. These headphones are not designed to replace traditional noise-canceling headphones but rather to complement them. If you're looking for a way to listen to music, podcasts, or take calls while still being aware of what's happening around you, the Suunto Sonic is an excellent option.

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