American Survival Guide - June 2020 USA PDF
American Survival Guide - June 2020 USA PDF
American Survival Guide - June 2020 USA PDF
Vol. 9 Issue 6
FOOD
WATER
SHELTER
SECURITY
COMMS
HEALTH
BRAIN
STRAIN
Dealing With
Traumatic Head Injuries
BUG-OUT
BASICS
Options and Details to Resolve
BEFORE It’s Time to Hit the Road
ARE YOU
CERT-IFIABLE?
Help Others And Yourself
PREPPER RIFLES,
PAST AND PRESENT
Evolution Of The Survival Rifle
DIGITAL ISSUES AVAILABLE ON WWW.ENGAGEDMEDIAMAGS.COM
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ENGAGED MEDIA, LLC
FEATURES
12
DISEASES ARE GREATER THREATS
THAN A NUCLEAR CATASTROPHE
What You Need to Know
By Al J. Venter
32
DEALING WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES
An Ounce of Prevention is
Worth a Pound of Cure
By Peter Suciu
72
PUT A RING ON IT!
Pros and Cons of
Ring-Handled Knives
By Jim Cobb
HOW-TO
22
BUG-OUT BASICS
Options and Details to Resolve
Before It’s Time to Hit the Road
By Jonathan Kilburn
66
ARE YOU CERT-IFIABLE?
Gain Training and Support Others
Through Your Local CERT Team
By Larry Schwartz 12
80 40 50
PASS IT ON!
Share Your Survival Skills
With the Next Generation
By Dana Benner
REVIEWS
40
PREPPER RIFLES, PAST AND PRESENT
The Evolution of the 'Prepper' Rifle
By Jonathan Kilburn
50
DRESS FOR SUCCESS!
A History and Advisory
About Tactical Clothing
By Peter Suciu
88
ESCAPE, EVADE AND SURVIVE
Get Home Safe With Shomer-Tec’s
Covert Travel Assistants
By Reuben Bolieu
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) is published 12 times a year—January, March, April, Prepper Spring/Summer, June, July, August, September, October, Prepper Fall/Winter, November and
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GUIDE
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WHAT’S COOKING?
ENJOYING HOT MEALS IN
NATURE’S GREAT OUTDOORS
By Michael D’Angona
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DEPARTMENTS
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FIRST WORDS
8
NEW PRODUCTS
80 86
86
PREPPER PLANT ADVISOR
98
LAST WORDS
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Today, the word “pandemic” is being flung about by So, while many people want to classify the situation
people who think they know what it means and that as a pandemic, they may have to wait at least a couple
the current situation justifies its use. Fortunately, at more weeks for the numbers to validate that status.
the moment, this is just a significant outbreak of a new Chalk their eagerness up to their dependence on social
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gain a place in the history books as a true pandemic. (Continued on page 98)
1 2
3 4
1 2 3 4
CRKT Sketch Folder TOPS Knives XXX Dicer TOPS Knives Street Spike Spyderco Astute Folder
The Sketch is a great example of what Combine a wide spatula with a chef’s knife The Street Spike is simplicity itself. Start The Astute is a folder that punches way
makes an excellent EDC knife. Simple, and you’re on the right track for the XXX with a slab of quarter-inch 1095 steel and above its weight class. It has a four-position
understated, and it just plain works. It has Dicer. Part of the growing kitchen collection skeletonize the handle to reduce the weight. pocket clip as well as a lanyard hole,
a blade length barely under 3 inches and from TOPS Knives, it measures 8.88 inches Radius the handle edges for comfort so you allowing a wide range of carry options. The
stretches to a little over 6.5 inches when from tip to butt, with the blade stretching don’t need to add scales and you’re good blade is 8Cr13MoV steel, and it has a gently
open. A frame lock keeps the blade secure 7 inches of that length. The handle is red to go. It's easy to carry, easy to conceal and curving flat grind edge. A liner lock keeps you
while you work, and the 8Cr14MoV steel and black G-10, providing a positive grip no easy to use for a wide range of tasks. Even safe while you work and the textured G-10
will keep a sharp edge. A thumb hole at matter what you’re slicing. The 440C steel with the Kydex sheath, it is small enough to scales keep the knife in your hand, even in
the spine provides one-handed opening blade will stand up to years of use, whether fit into a pocket or on a neck chain. The plan cold or wet conditions. All in all, the Astute
capability. The K-tip blade profile is very you’re in the kitchen or the backcountry. was to create a no-frills tool that is easy to provides all the quality Spyderco is known
handy, especially when fine detail work is keep on your body and TOPS succeeded on for and at a value price point.
needed. MSRP: $230 both counts.
MSRP: $65
MSRP: $54.99 TOPSKnives.com MSRP: $100
Spyderco.com
CRKT.com TOPSKnives.com
5 6
7 8
5 6 7 8
Spyderco/Vanquest MSR Habitude 4 Tent Klymit Cross Canyon 2 Tent Klymit Drift Pillow
Envoy-13 Messenger Bag Mountain Safety Research (MSR) has been This is a freestanding, two-person tent (they The Drift Pillow compresses small for travel
designing and producing tents since 1973. make larger models for three or four people). and is the perfect accompaniment to your
This special edition EDC-friendly messenger
Their new Habitude series of standing- Easy to set up and take down, freeing next overnight trip in the field. Once you
bag is the result of a collaboration between
height shelters was made specifically with your time for outdoor pursuits instead of arrive, the shredded memory foam inside
Spyderco and Vanquest. It has a high-
families in mind. Several gear pockets wrestling with poles and instructions. It has puffs up quickly and is ready for bed when
visibility interior to help you find what you
and hanging hooks allow for excellent a pack weight of 6 pounds and a pack size of you are. It weighs 28 ounces. During travel,
need when you need it. There are 22 pockets
organization of small items, keeping 20.5 by 6.5 inches. Dual overhead ventilation it measures 13.5 by 5 inches, increasing to
and slots scattered throughout the bag,
everything in easy reach. The integrated keeps the interior cool and condensation- 23 by 16 inches when unpacked. It has an
providing excellent organizational capability.
porch light is a welcome beacon on a dark free. Fully assembled, it provides over 30 easy-to-clean and water-resistant outer
The padded main compartment will handle
night. The zippers are particularly burly and square feet of floor space and a peak height shell that is covered by a jersey cotton fabric
a laptop or tablet up to 13 inches in size.
over-built, keeping them working for years of 41 inches. case for comfort.
There is a concealed carry pocket as well as
to come. This four-person model weighs
two bottle holders, each capable of holding MSRP: $199.95 MSRP: $39.95
just 12 pounds and is easily set up by just
one 32-ounce bottle.
one person.
Klymit.com Klymit.com
MSRP: $160
MSRP: $499.95
Spyderco.com
MSRGear.com
9 10 11 12
Princeton Tec SNAP RGB 5.11 Tactical Response Streamlight Sidewinder Paria Outdoor Products
Perhaps one of the most versatile lights on HL XR1 Headlamp Boot Flashlight Titanium Cook Pot
the market today, the SNAP can be used
A headlamp keeps your hands free while This light is the new standard-issue Titanium is the ideal material for camping
as a headlamp, flashlight, bicycle light or you work. This model from 5.11 Tactical is flashlight for boot camp and other military cookware. It is lightweight, yet incredibly
signal light. It even has a hidden magnetic
lightweight, just 6.3 ounces with the battery, training scenarios. The Sidewinder Boot has strong. It doesn’t corrode and it doesn’t
base so you can use it in the shop or around and comfortable even after lengthy use. It a head that tilts 185 degrees, letting you absorb food odors. Holding 750 ml
the house. At the high white LED setting,
has a red filter that can be used to preserve shine light exactly where you need it. It has (25.4 ounces), this pot is a great way to
it blasts out 300 lumens. For those who your night vision or limit your exposure. At a belt/web clip, so you can go hands-free introduce titanium to your repertoire. With
like a little variety, it can adjust from white
the peak spot setting, it blasts out 1,000 as the situation dictates. A sliding red filter the pot, lid and storage sack, it adds a
light to red, blue or green. It uses three AAA lumens for up to two hours. Dial it back to can be used to preserve your night vision mere 4.8 ounces to your pack. The pot is
batteries and will last up to 162 hours on the
flood and you’ll get upward of six hours of in the field. The Sidewinder Boot uses two 4.3 inches high and has a diameter of 3.7
low white LED setting. use. The light tilts vertically 180 degrees and AA batteries, either alkaline (included) or inches, making it large enough to nest a
MSRP: $44.99 can be removed from the harness completely lithium. On high, it has a 55 lumen rating small fuel canister and camp stove. It will
to serve as a handheld or pocket-mounted and will last eight hours. Dial it back to low boil about 2.5 cups of water, perfect for
PrincetonTec.com flashlight. Two lighting sources give you and you’ll get 90 hours of use. your dehydrated meals.
plenty of illumination options.
MSRP: $45 MSRP: $34.99
MSRP: $79.99
Streamlight.com PariaOutdoorProducts.com
511Tactical.com
13 14 15 16
Lever Gear BitVault Lifeline Utility Shovel Kit Hiperfire Phantom AR CRKT Techliner Pen
The BitVault is a handy way to carry small Toss this into your trunk and you’re Triggers With magnets at both ends, the Techliner
items in a watertight case. It clips to your ready for just about anything. The shovel will stay put so you can find it again. Stick
The new PHANTOM family of drop-in AR
belt loop or keychain, or you can just slip disassembles into sections for easy storage it to clipboards, desk legs or even lamps.
triggers overcomes concerns of light primer
it into a pocket or pack. It has a quarter- in even the smallest vehicle. This is a true The body is aircraft aluminum, solidly
strikes (LPS) while providing pull weights
inch hex bit socket at the top and on the multi-tool as it has an ice pick, screwdriver, built and made to last. Just over 5 inches,
around 2 pounds. Hammer strikes surpass
side and comes with both Phillips and flat wire cutter, fire starter, spear point, and it is super lightweight, and the ergonomic
the SAAMI copper crusher specification
head bits that can be stored inside. There others for a total of 14 functions. It can design is easy on the fingers as well as the
and exceed the MIL-Spec for M-4/M-16
are removable plastic dividers that can be be used to process firewood as an axe or eyes. The included Fisher Space Pen black
hammers. The PHANTOM also features
used to organize the interior of the case, saw or the shovel can be used to dig your ink cartridge is perfectly suited for use just
a hammer collision bumper to protect
too. A rubber O ring keeps the interior dry. way out from a bad spot. The canvas carry about anywhere on the globe, from the
crucial parts from blowback violence. The
bag is sturdy and well made, as well as arctic to the tropics.
MSRP: $49.95 HIPERSHOE allows you to customize trigger
handsome.
feel to further enhance and improve your MSRP: $59.99
LeverGear.com MSRP: $144.99 shooting experience.
CRKT.com
LifelineFirstAid.com MSRP: $180
hiperfire.com
© GETTY IMAGES
More recently, there have been numerous cases of yellow fever, Lassa fever, acute the past few years, meant that infections
meningitis in parts of Nigeria, followed by cases of yellow fever in Brazil and France. By could not be treated by antibiotics of last
all accounts, some of these plagues are creeping closer to some First World countries, the resort, such as carbapenems and colistin.
United States included. The report continued: “The bacteria, which
With Brazil, the disease was transmitted by a West African traveler who touched down in include new forms of the MRSA, gonorrhoea
Rio. In France it was traced to a passenger who came into the country from French Guyana. and enterococcus bugs cause urinary tract
In between, Africa has been consistently battling Ebola, an even deadlier hemorrhagic infections, sexually-transmitted diseases,
fever than either Marburg or Lassa, and WHO reports that it continues to spread. As with kidney problems and bowel disease. In each ‹ Below: Ebola
aid workers in
other infections, it needs only one infected person to unknowingly board a plane in Africa to case, doctors were able to use experimental protective gear
spread the disease in whatever city that aircraft is destined for, be it in Europe or America. unlicensed drugs, a combination of old move a body from
a building in Africa
More about Ebola and this correspondent’s personal experience of the threat during his medicines or high doses to save lives." while neighbors
recent visit to Central Africa in September 2019 later. (See Ebola sidebar) But infectious-diseases expert Dr. Susan watch.
Hopkins, of Imperial College London, of current health threats in many Western nations, including the United States and
warned: “One doomsday scenario is that it Britain, that 12 new diseases were detected for the first time in the past decade. These in-
gets so bad that we cannot treat patients." clude pandemic swine flu, Middle East respiratory syndrome, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic
She added that in some southern Euro- fever as well as monkeypox.
pean countries, such as Italy and Greece, More recently we have Eastern equine encephalitis, confirmed in several states as the
where antibiotic resistance is a bigger prob- virus continues to spread across North America. The rare virus can cause inflammation in
lem, doctors can no longer carry out bone the brain and is potentially deadly, killing about a third of patients who develop it. Many
marrow transplants in cases where patients of those infected who survive have mild to severe brain damage, according to the CDC.
get untreatable infections. Some of these infections have dramatic outcomes. In a random case of Eastern equine
encephalitis, Gregg McChesney, 64, of Michigan died nine days after contracting the
NEW DISEASES DISCOVERED disease in August 2019. His brother said that within a matter of nine days he went from
Also revealed, was the frightening reality perfectly healthy to brain dead from the rare mosquito-borne virus: "All of a sudden he
› Right: Red
Cross workers in
the Congo brief
volunteer villagers
about the threat of
Ebola in their area.
Source: WHO.
‹ Far left: A
mosquito in
action on human
flesh. Mosquitoes
are the most
dangerous animal
to humans, causing
approximately
1,000,000 deaths
each year, according
to the WHO.
WHAT THEN, Both major international health bodies also maintain that there
is a constant need to keep pace with the spread of some of the
ONE NEEDS TO ASK, hemorrhagic diseases that have emerged recently in Africa.
Of major concern is the unexplained cluster of deaths in West
spread by human activity, is that the international community has a problem › Above and top: Health workers must be careful when assisting
people who have or may have a deadly infectious disease.
on its hands with which it seems to have learned to cope, for now, anyway.
While disease has always been part of the human experience, a combination
of global trends, including insecurity and extreme weather, has heightened
the risk.
More important still, diseases like Ebola and other hemorrhagic diseases
thrive in disorder and there is no question that outbreaks have been on the
rise for the past several decades. Health officials who treated me in Africa in-
timated that while Bangui (capital of the Central African Republic) was in the
“Ebola vortex,” it had not yet appeared on their screen, which was why every
passenger arriving at the city’s M’Poko International Airport had his or her
temperature taken by a device inserted in the ear. It was all very professionally
done, a fresh swab for every passenger.
Also, had I not been inoculated against yellow fever, I would have been sent
back from where I came, on the same aircraft on which I had arrived.
› Above: The body of a disease victim is removed, along with her
belongings so all can be incinerated.
© GETTY IMAGES
were vague because of the lack of proper More worrying are reports of Ebola infections in Dar es Salaam, capital city of Tanzania. ‹ Above: Teaching
communications. The CDC initially stated During my visit to the Central African Republic in September 2019, I spent time with a senior good hygiene
habits to children
that about 12,000 people died but the total staff member of the International Committee of the Red Cross who had herself been on an helps keep their
has since been revised to roughly double inspection tour in the area. It was she who told me about the Tanzanian Ebola infection. still-forming
immune system
that. I asked her what the Red Cross was doing about them and she said, “Nothing!” She from having to
Something similar has taken place in the explained that while their own sources had verified earlier reports about Ebola cases (and battle some of the
world's toughest
Eastern Congo in the past two or three some deaths from the disease) in Dar es Salaam, the government there flatly denied the infectious diseases.
years and again, accurate numbers are reports. It also threatened to deport anybody who persisted with what it termed “such
unavailable because most effects were felt nonsense.”
deep in jungle country and, with a civil war The woman concerned said she could understand the reaction, because if word got out
ongoing, nobody is willing to investigate the that there had been an outbreak of Ebola in Tanzania, the country’s tourist industry would
extent of its spread. collapse. In fact, it could affect all of East Africa, including Kenya.
What we do know is that as a result, Ebola Curiously, since then there have been more reports of Ebola infections, this time in Octo-
cases have been identified in some neigh- ber 2019 from Malawi. However, sadly, Malawi's government has denied all reports, and the
boring regions, including the area around Red Cross is powerless to take effective action.
Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Indeed, the specter of a global health emergency looms large.
BE RESTED,
BE READY
When planning for a bug-out, there are often overlooked © GETTY IMAGES
PACKING
Packing is challenging because you need
to make sure all necessary equipment is
inside the vehicle and secondary equip-
ment is outside on the roof rack. This
means not weighing down suspension so it someone looks inside the main cabin of your vehicle, they will see only what is common-
looks like you possess valuable and heavy place. Weapons, fuel, valuables and food should stay out of sight. While most people
items (e.g., ammunition, water or fuel) in wouldn’t bat an eye at a sleeping system, they will notice boxes of ammunition within
the rear of your vehicle. Keep heavy items arm’s reach. If “interesting” items are visible, they may be more inclined to investigate and
centered in the trunk and as far forward ‹ Below: Necessary
try to take items to augment their own kit.
as possible and over or forward of the rear items that take up Frequently used items that need to remain out of sight may include sleeping bags, tents,
valuable space
axle. If you pack the sides with lighter but can easily fit
rifle bags, stoves and medical kits. All of these are lightweight enough to fit overhead in
equally essential items, you’ll be more able in an overhead a roof rack system out of the weather. Other items need to remain close at hand. Food,
system and remain
to balance the weight and avoid detection. accessible during
drinking water, fuel and defensive weapons may not be used as much but need to be
The goal should be that any moment camp setup. closer at hand. Vehicles with back seat pass-throughs offer unique advantages for keeping
› Above: While these items hidden and accessible even have some critical flaws in terms of capacity. Sure, they can accommodate a trailer, but there
motorcycles have
serious advantages
when on the move. is no way to carry additional fuel, water, firearms or other necessary gear out of view, other
to cars, they also lack than with packs or standard motorcycle cargo rigs. While the two-wheeler’s size will give one
space and require
unique tools when
MOTORCYCLES the ability to move through congestion, range, seating and capacity will be severely limited.
they break down. Motorcycles are a different story. They It’s also important to note a person's physical appearance will attract attention. Obviously,
› Near right: A
small bag can hide
a lot of necessary
equipment in
an innocuous
container.
FOOT TRAFFIC
When it’s time to abandon your vehicle or if all the roads are shut down, it’s time to gather
your gear and walk. Now you have a choice to make: Do you blend in and potentially sacrifice
some safety equipment or gear up like you’re heading to war? Neither is bad or wrong, but
each comes with inherent risks.
GRAY MAN
Personally, my favorite. A Gray Man kit-up is just hiding in plain sight. Books upon books
have been written about how to successfully employ this. The reality is that it all depends
on your circumstances. If everyone is geared up for war and you have a neon shirt that
promotes some construction company, it’s not working.
Blending in does not mean unprepared nor under-prepared. However, the skills may be
different if the focus is on staying under the radar. Tactical self-defense skills, conceal-
ment and foraging will be a better focus than assault. Don’t get me wrong, defending
one’s self is equally important, but avoiding potential altercations remains the primary
focus. In this type of bug-out, the goal is to remain inconspicuous. Keep all items hidden
as well as possible, and don’t do anything against the status quo that will cause people to
notice and remember you.
Firearms and armor are still an essential element. Loose-fitting shirts or sweatshirts
may allow for soft armor and pistols to be easily concealed, while a backpack can house a
more formidable firearm. In reality, when it comes to an emergency situation lasting a long
period of time, baggy clothes might be what everyone is wearing, especially if there is a
‹ Above: Sleep
systems such as the
Zenbivy are often
overlooked when
preparing for a long
bug-out plan.
food shortage.
If defense is not the primary goal but
a secondary concern, smaller-caliber
firearms can be hidden in a backpack lined
› Above right:
with soft armor. One of my favorites is
Tactical options
the Henry AR-7 survival rifle or Browning are easy to find and
SA-22. The .22LR will still put food on the readily available.
Choose your
table, weighs only a few pounds and frees weapon carefully.
up enough space for hundreds of rounds
of ammunition. This caliber and rifle aren’t
battle-ready, but they still offer some level
of defensive capability when needed.
TACTICAL
› Right: The author
This is a main focus in many prepping demonstrates an
plans. Many people talk about focusing on offensive/defensive
tactical kit after
firearms, armor and accessories geared for transitioning from
battle. There is a time and place for such a simple gray man
setup when a
items, but it shouldn't be the default. The significant threat is
deployment of tactical items is where my recognized.
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AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS
WORTH A POUND OF CURE
BY PETER SUCIU
TBI BASICS
Brain injuries can be very problematic
not just because of the dangers the
initial wound presents but because of the
long-term and lasting effects. Depending
on the severity of the TBI, a person may
experience a change in consciousness,
and that can range from simply becoming
dazed and/or confused to a complete loss
of consciousness. It isn't uncommon for a
person to lose memory of what happened
immediately before or after the event that
caused the injury, and this can linger for
‹ Above: TBI was largely undiagnosed in past wars, but the military has made strides in
TBI can affect things such as: addressing head wounds in the field in recent years. U.S. Army photo
• THINKING
• MEMORY
control blood pressure. Failure to address these issues immediately after an injury can
• LEARNING
have lasting effects.
• COORDINATION AND BALANCE
This is why it is necessary to take concussions very seriously.
• SPEECH, HEARING OR VISION
"Concussions include a transient or more prolonged brain activity dysfunction, including
• EMOTIONS
memory dysfunction or dizziness or vomiting or blurred vision or several other symp-
toms," said Dr. Rubiano. "The extent of a bump is not always related to the amount of
internal damage."
be taken very seriously and could be a sign
of a TBI. THE NEXT 24 HOURS
More important, even a mild hit on the As modern medical facilities may be unavailable, addressing a wound in the hours after
head can be a serious reason for concern an injury is also crucial. In the immediate 24 hours after a victim suffers a head injury,
because it isn't known what impact that they should be checked repeatedly for blurred vision, dizziness, headache, nausea and
blow had on the brain. Anyone who shows memory issues.
› Below: Defense
and Veterans Brain
signs of moderate or severe TBI should One thing not to do is to let the victim of a head wound get uninterrupted rest and sleep
Injusry Center receive medical attention as soon as it off. While the body does heal during sleep cycles, victims should be woken up regularly.
(DVBIC), shown
here, studies brain
possible. However, little can be done to "If the injured is sleepy, you need to wake up him/her frequently in order to evaluate
injuries and is the reverse the initial brain damage caused by these symptoms," said Dr. Rubiano. "After 24 hours without symptoms, there is a low
principal integrator
and authority on
trauma, so it is necessary to stabilize an probability of brain injuries that need urgent management, except in elderly patients
psychological individual with TBI and focus instead on that require periodic evaluation during the first month due to the risk of chronic bleeding
health and
traumatic brain
preventing further injury. The primary con- development. This specific type of injury is called chronic subdural hematoma (SDH).
injury for the cern is that the brain continues to receive If this specific injury is present, it regularly requires surgical management after 15 to 30
U.S. Defense
Department. U.S. Air
the proper oxygen supply, so it is necessary days of the injury."
Force photo to maintain adequate blood flow and to A mild concussion also needs to be taken seriously, in part because it can be difficult to
BE ALERT much while recovering and doing too little. However, a general rule is that when recovering
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF from any head wound, cut back on not only physical activities but those that require a lot of
A MILD HEAD INJURY: concentration. Physical and mental activity can be a problem during recovery.
• Minor scalp swelling Those recovering from a wound should relax and avoid looking at screens or reading as either
• Cut on the scalp can exacerbate the injury. Caffeine should be avoided, especially if it creates anxiety or head-
• Mild headache aches. After a few days or a week of rest, light activity can begin, such as walks and light work.
• Vomiting once or twice
MORE SERIOUS INJURIES
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF One major concern in a world without readily available medical facilities that can treat TBI is
A POSSIBLY SERIOUS HEAD INJURY: that approximately half of those suffering serious TBI may require surgery to remove or repair
• Loss of consciousness (passing out) hematomas (ruptured blood vessels) or contusions (bruised brain tissue). Unlike treating a
• Problems with speech burn or cut, or even setting a broken bone, brain surgery is simply not something that can be
• Obvious serious head wound done without years of training and even then it generally needs proper medical facilities that
• Blood or clear fluid from the nose or ear are equipped for such operations.
• Changes in behavior: agitation, confusion, sleepiness Since such treatment may not be possible, it is necessary to address the common disabilities
• Trouble remembering what happened that can come from a TBI, including those related to cognition – thinking, memory and rea-
• Dizziness or stumbling soning. Other lasting issues from TBI can include sensory processing, including sight, anxiety,
• Seizure personality changes, aggression, acting out and even social inappropriateness. TBI can result in
• Vomiting more than twice or vomiting hours after the stupor, an unresponsive state, coma or a complete vegetative state.
injury For these reasons it is best to protect the head in the times to come. Protecting the brain may
• Severe or worsening headache be the best way to prep for tomorrow when medical care may not be so readily available.
LONG-TERM PROBLEMS
ASSOCIATED WITH TBI:
• Trouble focusing
• Trouble learning or memory problems
• Headaches that gets worse
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes, including feeling sad, easily upset or
angered or nervous
‹ Above: TBI in children can be especially troubling and often hard to diagnose. .
OLDER
Many memories of a first hunting rifle are
of the old .30-30 lever-action rifles. These
guns have a long lineage that eventually
leads up to the .30-30 cartridge, which is
TOOL TIME still a commonly used hunting round. Lever-action designs are lightweight, easy to carry and
house all necessities in one package. There is no need for additional magazines, ramrods,
The old black powder calibers possess the capability
specialty triggers or various other add-ons. While these rifles can be upgraded, they are per-
of being paired with reloading equipment. The old
fectly fine the way they were originally designed. With modern firearm materials these guns
Lyman 310 Tool – currently produced by Rick Morrill of
can easily accept the pressures produced by black powder-filled cartridges and smokeless
The 310 Shop – uses reloading dies proprietary to the
powder with no negative effects.
Lyman 310 handles. This allows a user to take their
It’s hard to overlook the fact that these rifles need little care and maintenance to remain
spent cases and re-prime/reload them multiple times
useful tools. There are old Winchester, Henry, and Marlin rifles that have gone through
or until the brass is no longer viable. While it’s not as
several generations of shooters and still shoot true. While reloading speed may be an
capable as standalone bench presses, it performs an
adequate job.
Lyman produced the 310 Tool after its purchase of the
Ideal Tool from Winchester, which began production in
1884-85. Following the introduction of smokeless pow-
der, the Ideal Tool found relative success and reliable
use when utilizing the same cartridges paired with the
same rifle. In the '30s, partly due to the economic crisis
during the Great Depression, Lyman Gun Sight Corpora-
tion took over Ideal. They utilized some of the success
of the tool as the grounds for their bullet mold casting
process.
Even today, the 310 Tools are a successful companion
to a rifle and caliber of choice for survival. Each tool is
lightweight and, with Rick Morrill’s involvement, the
caliber options have increased extensively. It’s not hard
to justify the capabilities and value of a 310 Tool for
many calibers.
‹ Above: The Lyman 310 Tool is a welcome addition to any prepper rifle bag.
obstacle, it’s one that can be adapted to revolvers. While not always as powerful as other caliber choices, the .45 Colt can be loaded
and still offer the necessary firepower. as +P ammunition for rifles and fill the needs for hunting. Alternatively, the .44 magnum
One inherent benefit of many pistol caliber needs little modification and can be adapted to the same uses as a .45 Colt.
rifles is the ability to pair it with a revolver ‹ Below: Over 100
years ago the first
in the same caliber, often seen after the OLD smokeless cartridge
American Civil War. Many conversions are During the 1950s and '60s the firearm industry jumped into a new range of development, introduced was
the .30-30, and it
available for black powder revolvers. The .45 both good and bad. Firearms began to be manufactured in unprecedented numbers and remains a common
Colt is a popular cartridge in both rifles and became more affordable. China even began producing many of their own firearms and hunting round.
“NO SINGLE RIFLE WILL FIT ALL THE NEEDS OF EVERY USER, BUT THERE ARE
MANY THAT CAN FILL MOST PREPPERS’ NEEDS. VERSATILITY IS KEY AND WITH
THAT, PERSONAL PLANNING COMES INTO PLAY.”
CPM-3V Guardian4
*featured Black DLC blade with OD Green Micarta*
› Above: Clockwise from top, within the Cold Steel
Tactical Survivor Sling, FAB Defense M-4 Survival
Buttstock, Lyman 310 Tool, Maven B.3 Binoculars,
and Bushnell AR Optic 1-8x24
AFTERTHOUGHTS
The goal of these rifles is to offer protection in all environments. One thing often overlooked
is how effective the rifle or firearm will be in all situations and all areas. Keeping that in mind,
S O U R C E S
modern NATO forces tend to stick to the .308 NATO caliber instead of the 5.56. The 5.56 is
considered a less-lethal lighter-weight alternative and can be effective in its own right. How-
ACME Machine Henry Repeating Arms ever, if encountering a grizzly bear, a 5.56 would be grossly underpowered.
AR-15 10.5-in. Upper Receiver Big Boy Brass in .45 Colt
800-471-6298 866-200-2354
I subscribe to the idea of the .308 being one of the most efficient, all-around caliber choices
ACMEMachine.com HenryUSA.com for all environments. The 7.62x39 is a close personal second, and the .45-70 comes in third.
Aero Precision Kirst Konverter Each of these calibers will be effective in urban areas for defense and hunting while offering
M5E1 – AR-10 1858 Remington .45 Colt Cylinder adequate range. While the 7.62x39 would not be a recommended caliber defending against a
253-272-8188 860-435-8068
AeroPrecisionUSA.com KirstKonverter.com grizzly, it's adequate for most other game animals.
Brownell’s The 310 Shop One caveat about these common caliber types: They will quickly disappear in the event of a
BRN180 10.5-in. Upper Receiver Lyman 310 Tool SHTF scenario. With so many rifles utilizing the same ammunition, there will easily be a run on
800-741-0015 940-271-1222
Brownells.com The310Shop.net available ammunition and components. In many ways, less common or wildcat cartridges may
Bushnell Maven offer an unintentional benefit. Regardless, it's likely a good idea to stick with a specific family
AR Optics B.3 Binoculars of cartridges – those designed from a common caliber type – and stock up now.
800-423-3537 800-307-1109
Bushnell.com MavenBuilt.com
Cold Steel Tactical Windham Weaponry
CONCLUSION
Survivor Sling MCS Multi Caliber System The role of a modern prepper rifle is to fulfil the roles of both a defensive and hunting
269-512-7300 855-808-1888
ColdSteelTactical.us WindhamWeaponry.com
weapon. No matter what an individual prefers, their rifle should be endowed with the
advantages enjoyed by the Minutemen, hunters, cattlemen, homesteaders and trappers who
FAB Defense Wolf A1
M4 Survival Buttstock 14.5-in. Upper Receiver came before. No single rifle will fit all the needs of every user, but there are many that can fill
386-263-3054 888-757-9653 most preppers’ needs. Versatility is key and with that, personal planning comes into play. Set
Fab-DefenseUS.com WolfAmmo.com
a plan of action in place for when the necessity arises, but allow yourself and your equipment
the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and environments.
› Below: This
FROM BATTLE DRESS frontier westward, the need for more comfortable uniforms was finally understood. 1970s-era photo of
TO CARGO PANTS But even in the First World War (1914-1918) the U.S. military still headed to France with the Houston Police
Department SWAT
The concept of tactical clothing is a thick wool uniform. In many cases this remained the same uniform that soldiers wore Team shows early
actually fairly new. For centuries, militaries on parade and on the battlefield. It was a generation later that the British Army, which paramilitary tactical
clothing. Houston
would often march into battle with the had been among the first military powers to outfit its soldiers in uniforms in khaki in PD photo/public
same uniforms that were worn on the the colonies while maintaining scarlet uniforms at home for parade (see sidebar), also domain
parade ground. It was only in the latter
half of the 19th century that military
planners even saw the need for summer
uniforms – those that were lighter than the
heavy wool coats that armies had worn for
generations.
Comfort was generally not on the minds
of military leaders, but it should be remem-
bered that until the end of the Little Ice
Age in the 19th century, the cold was
probably more of an issue than being too
hot. As European armies headed to distant
shores to build colonial empires, and the
U.S. military helped open the nation's
adopted battle dress. That was to be the first true tactical attire.
The British battle dress or Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) was introduced in 1937 and
remained in use until the 1960s. It was worn mostly, but not exclusively, in temperate
climates. It was said by observers over the years that if the German Army looked ready for
parade, the British Army looked ready for sport! The wool battle dress did not have the
look of past pomp-and-circumstance uniforms and resembled work clothing. The trousers
notably featured a large map pocket on the front near the left knee, while there was a
pocket for a field dressing near the right front pocket. The post-war Pattern 1949 trousers
moved the map pocket to the side, and this pattern of BDUs was soon used by various
NATO powers in the early years of the Cold War.
During the Second World War, the U. S. military also adopted similar trousers and jackets
– originally for paratroopers as part of the M-1942 uniforms – that provided space for
extra ammunition, radios and other gear. With the adoption of the M-1943 uniform, pock-
ets were added to the jacket. In subsequent conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, U.S. soldiers
› Right: Military
uniforms have
changed over
the centuries.
Durability,
camouflage and
ease of movement
have replaced
overly elaborate
dress on the parade
ground and on the
battlefield.
suddenly had pockets all over the uniform. This eventually led to the ubiquitous fashion of cal than elegant. But with all respect to ‹ Above: Fashion-
focused cargo pants
cargo pants, shorts and shirts – something fashionistas have lauded and loathed for the someone more likely to wear a tuxedo than have large outside
past several decades. Cargo pants have remained part of the U.S. military uniform, which tactical clothing, that is exactly the point! pockets but lack the
durability of military-
inspired the birth of tactical clothing. grade clothing.
The clothing is popular because the pants are ruggedly stitched and generally made from REAL TACTICAL VERSUS
hard-wear fabric – however, the more fashionable cargo pants only look rugged. For years, FASHION TACTICAL
the only way to get pants with the cargo pockets was to buy military surplus. Following There are certainly differences between
the end of the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, there was a glut of surplus military the cargo pants with a designer's name on
clothing, but similar clothing was imported from Germany and the Netherlands, and these the ass and those that are truly deemed
became popular for wear by sport shooters and outdoorsmen, including fishermen and tactical. The most notable is that one type
hunters. The large pocket flaps ensured the contents would be secure and unlikely to fall might be good for a BBQ or a day at the
out. beach, while another is the sort worn by
In the 1990s cargo pants and shorts evolved from something one would buy at a surplus EMTs, law enforcement and sportsmen.
store to actual mainstream men's (and women's) fashion. However, the fashion-centric Here is an important distinction that
– notably Tim Gunn of Project Runway fame – suggested the clothing was more practi- preppers need to consider. What looks like
‹ Left: The Desert Battle Dress Uniform was used by the U.S. Army from the
early 1980s to the mid-1990s and saw use during the 1990-91 Persian Gulf War.
The six-color camouflage desert pattern was developed based on conditions in
the deserts of the southwestern United States but proved inadequate for use in
Iraq and Kuwait. It was colloquially known as the chocolate chip pattern due to
its clusters of black and white spots that were meant to mimic the appearance
of pebbles and shadows. This type of uniform can be readily found for sale
online and at surplus stores, ideal for a pepper in the American Southwest.
Photo: Illinois Military Museum, Peter Suciu
KHAKI.
THE ORIGINAL
CAMOUFLAGE
While camouflage patterns have evolved over many
decades, the earliest form of camouflage clothing actu-
ally came from India. The word "khaki" comes from the
Persian word for "dust," and it was the Corps of Guides,
which was formed in British-controlled India in 1846 for
service in the North West frontier (modern day Pakistan),
who first wore uniforms that could better blend into the
surroundings.
‹ Above: This Rothco Special Ops Tactical Soft Shell Jacket has both "Special Ops" and
It was adopted by other British-Indian regiments during "Tactical" in its name, and it is available in multiple colors and camo patterns – but is it really
the Indian Mutiny of 1857, and by the latter years of the tactical-tough? It also costs over $100! Rothco photo
When rough times come, you'll be far better off with actual MIL-
SPEC attire than something that looks good during a night on the
town. For these reasons, it pays to check if the clothing is made to
military or similar standards, and noting where and by whom it was
made can also be important. The internet can help you identify
approved government contractors, for example. Clothing made in
streetwear factories or in third-world sweatshops probably won't
be up to the standards of even EMT and local SWAT teams, let
alone the military.
For the same reasons, it is best to avoid mass market clothing
marketed to enthusiasts such as rock climbers and hikers. This
stuff may look good when worn by attractive models or retail store
Follow us on
mannequins, but it is really part of today's fast fashion trends. De-
spite the retail hype, this clothing is about being fashionable rather
than rugged. And while it's better than going naked, clothing for
enthusiasts is barely a step up from high fashion cargo shorts.
While possibly being useful in Gray Man situations, another
consideration is that a lot of commercial tactical clothing isn't
really all that good at providing concealment. Most militaries don't
utilize solid colors for good reason – it makes terrible camouflage
in natural environments.
The good news is that thanks to fast fashion’s fixation on tactical
clothing, it won't remain in vogue for long. And as the U.S. military www.facebook.com/
recently adopted a new Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) to
replace the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP), it means there
americansurvivalguidemagazine
could be a lot of UCP on the market cheap. It might not be best for
actually camouflaging the prepper in times to come (see sidebar),
instagram: ASGMAGAZINE
but it will provide comfortable and durable clothing that actually
lives up to the tactical moniker.
ot foods equal safety and fuel that would best suit your situation.
URL
Primus.us
GET TRAINED
When you find the CERT you want to join, they will tell you everything you need to know ‹ Top: A final exam and practical exercise, like this wide area search
planning exercise will be the final part of your CERT Basic Training.
about how to get the training you need. It will start out with taking some online courses to Image from AAACERT.Org
give you the background you need on the CERT program and the purpose of the CERT.
Taking in-person training sessions that may cover a long weekend or be given over the
course of a number of weekends will be your next step, depending on how your local team is
organized. The training is a combination of classroom lectures and demonstrations and out-
door field exercises where you put to use what you learned in the classroom. The emphasis is
not on just giving you the knowledge, but on also giving you the opportunity to use what you
learned in a real life situation. This way, you will know you can do each task before you have
to do it in real life.
Periodic training sessions, often provided on a monthly or quarterly basis, will expose you to
new information and skills, as well as give you an opportunity to keep your existing skills fresh
and ready to use. In addition to training offered by the team for its members, you will also
have the opportunity to take part in local and regional disaster drills run by local jurisdictions
and by your regional and state level emergency management agencies. These will give you
a chance to use your skills in simulated situations, and if you are role playing as someone
‹ Above: Community
outreach, like this
home visit, is a
big part of CERT
activities as team
members canvas
neighborhoods to
provide information
on disaster readiness
and to determine
what information
or support people
need. Image from
WikiMedia.Org
‹ Left: Training
on how to handle
biological hazards
is part of your basic
and ongoing training
in CERT. Image from
WikiMedia.Org
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
CERT training includes: • Basic first aid care
Community preparedness • Mass casualty incidents
• Roles and responsibilities • Conducting head-to-toe assessments
• Hazards and their potential impact Disaster psychology:
• Preparedness at home and the workplace. • Self-care and team well-being
CERT Mobilization • Working with survivors’ emotional responses
• Disaster medical operations Fire safety and utility controls:
• Life-threating conditions • Firefighting Resources
• Fire Suppression Safety
• Hazardous Materials
Light search-and-rescue operations
A after they discovered fire that they found slicing their mastodon meat
was better than just gnawing chunks of it off the bone. The tool was
also handy for removing animal skins and fashioning them into primitive
clothing as well as cutting open foraged wild edibles.
Over the millennia that followed, that simple piece of chipped obsidian or bit of broken
shell evolved quite a bit. The first enhancement was probably a handle of some sort.
Later, bronze and then steel was used in place of stone. The design of the cutting tool
was refined and became more nimble, more precise. Various blade shapes and profiles
were developed to meet a multitude of diverse and specific needs.
As was often the case throughout history, farming implements were adapted and
modified into weapons as needed, necessity being the mother of invention and all that.
The karambit, for example, is one of the most well known ring-handle knife styles. It was
originally a tool used for planting rice or raking roots in Southeast Asia, particularly the
region we call Indonesia today.
‹ Above: In close quarters, a knife can encourage a would-be assailant to keep his distance. That
can be all that's needed to end a quarrel without anyone getting hurt.
TAKE A POUNDING
Some knives incorporate what has been often referred to as a skull crusher-style pom-
mel, a crenelated butt cap of some sort that is designed to inflict a serious amount of
injury when it is forcefully introduced to an assailant’s face or other bony area of the head
or body. Provided the knife is well made, the ring can be used in a similar fashion. This
brings a little bonus to the festivities, as it were.
However, it is imperative that the knife be sturdy enough to handle that sort of use and
‹ Above: Holding a
knife in a reverse
grip allows you to
slash or stab with
the blade as well
as thrust the ring
into a vulnerable
target such as the
face.
‹ Left: Most
ring-handle
knives can be
deployed in either
a forward grip or
reverse grip, as
shown here.
“LARGE KNIFE OR
SMALL, THOUGH, THE
RING REQUIRES A
FINGER MOST OF THE
TIME FOR THE KNIFE
TO BE DEPLOYED
PROPERLY, AND
IF YOUR HAND IS
TOO WIDE OR TOO
NARROW, IT WON’T BE
COMFORTABLE.”
abuse. If the material or the design aren’t
strong enough, slamming that ring into a
hard surface like a skull could result in you
suffering just as much injury, up to and
including earning a new nickname of Niner.
too heavy, it’ll be tiring to use for extended periods. Too light and it might not be capable have that sort of staying power, there’s a
of doing the work required of it. reason they’ve persisted. It is a design that
When you add a ring to the mix, you’re kind of locked in as to where your hand is able has distinct advantages over many other
to be positioned on the handle. It is difficult to choke up on the blade to do precision models and blade profiles. However, those
work, for example, as the handle can make that sort of thing awkward. With larger knives, advantages don’t come without cost. The
that’s less of an issue than with the more concealable models. user needs to be aware of the risks involved
Large knife or small, though, the ring requires a finger most of the time for the knife to with using such knives and be prepared to
be deployed properly, and if your hand is too wide or too narrow, it won’t be comfortable. mitigate them through knowledge, skill,
The size of the ring itself is important as well. If it is too narrow, you could easily develop practice and experience.
hot spots on that finger while you’re cutting, chopping or carving. Also consider whether
the interior edge of the ring is radiused or not. If it has a sharp edge, it won’t be fun to
use for any reasonable length of time. If needed, this can be remedied with the use of a
Dremel-type tool or a half-round file for a few minutes to round off that inner edge.
EDGED
FINAL THOUGHTS
Ring-handle knives have proven popular throughout history. As with most things that DEFENSE
Using a knife for defense isn’t often the best approach.
Every weapon has a certain range of efficacy, and a
knife’s range ends at your hand. Sure, you could throw
the knife, but odds are all you’ll accomplish is losing a
weapon and possibly arming your attacker.
What this means is that in order to use the knife
against someone, you’ll need to be up close and person-
al. Which, to be quite honest, is the last place you really
want to be, all things considered. If you’re close enough
to use a knife, that means they are close enough to grab
you, use a similar weapon against you or take yours
away. That’s just one of the reasons a firearm is a much
better defensive weapon. A handgun allows you to put
holes in your attacker from a safe distance away.
That said, a well-rounded defense plan is always best,
so it wouldn’t hurt to explore training in the use of edged
weapons. One of the best martial arts for studying and
learning this area of defense is Sayoc Kali.
Specifications Specifications
• Overall length: 6.625 inches • Overall length: 5 inches
• Blade length: 2.375 inches • Blade length: 1.63 inches
• Weight: 3 ounces • Weight: 1.2 ounces
• Steel: 1095 • Steel: 1095
• Handle: Skeletonized and recessed • Handle: Skeletonized
MSRP: $139.99 MSRP: $90
FlagrantBeard.com TOPSKnives.com
› Above: Guide your kids but don't be afraid to let them fail, within reason. Make learning fun, and
be there to dust them off, tend to the scrapes and let them try again.
PRINTED them to the shooting range when you go to hone their shooting skills. Let them tie their
own knots in the fishing line and learn how to untangle a snag (because it will happen).
RESOURCES Let them be in charge of starting and extinguishing the campfire or building the shelter.
They will only really learn and perfect these skills if they do them with their own hands.
Resist the urge to do it for them. Believe me, this can be hard to do. I’ve been there and
There are some very good books available that deal with done that. Remember that you learn by failing. Nobody gets it right all the time.
teaching people of all ages about outdoor survival skills.
Check them out and find one that works best for you. “MY FATHER TAUGHT ME THE VALUE OF
HARD WORK. HE TAUGHT ME HOW TO WORK
Foraging Wild Edible Plants of North America
Get your kids involved by taking them foraging for wild
ON CARS AND OTHER MACHINERY. HE ALSO
edible plants and make them feel part of the big picture. STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING
This book by Christopher Nyerges gives them, and you, GOOD TOOLS.”
all you need to not only identify but prepare the plants
you collect. It has color photos for easy identification.
You can obtain a copy by visiting Nyerges’ website or on
Amazon.
ChristopherNyerges.com
MSRP: $22.95
Name: Curly Dock Curly dock leaves go well with onions and tomatoes, in raw or
(Rumex crispus) cooked dishes.
Curly dock is a member of the buckwheat family, which has 48 genera and The seeds can be used to make flour. They should be collected and winnowed
about 1,200 species worldwide. One such genus is Rumex, which has approx- and then ground. The flour can be used alone, but it is better mixed with another
imately 200 species worldwide, with about 63 species available in North flour such as wheat.
America. The seeds and cooked leaves of most species of Rumex can be eaten, PROCESSING
but they are not all readily palatable. No special processing is required for the leaves. Think of them as lettuce or
spinach.
Description Even the seeds can be hand-winnowed and used in various batters. However, a
Curly dock is most easily recognized by the conspicuous chocolate or finer flour is produced by running the seed through a home flour mill.
coffee-brown seed stalk of autumn, which can grow to about 4 feet tall. The MEDICINE/NUTRITION
seeds are clustered in threes and are attached to papery wings. 100 grams of curly dock leaves, cooked, contains 66 mg of calcium, 41 mg of
The dark green leaves are lanceolate-shaped with a wavy or curly margin, phosphorus, 338 mg of potassium, 119 mg of vitamin C and 12,900 IU of vitamin
which gives it the “curly” part of its name. The leaves can measure up to a A – that’s a lot!
foot long. Fresh leaves of curly dock can be crushed and rubbed on areas of the skin that
The root looks similar to an orange carrot, though it is knottier and darker have been stung by nettles, to relieve the stinging.
in color. In Western herbalism, the root is often used for treating anemia, due to its high
level of iron.
Where Found Herbalists the world over use the root for many physical ailments. I suggest
Though a European native, this plant is now common and widespread in reading Michael Moore’s “Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West” for more
the United States. It is found in agricultural lands, swamps, fields, gardens, details.
ditches and vacant lots. Though it prefers wet soils, it can be found in most OTHER USES
environments. The coffee-colored curly dock seed stalks are commonly cut and used in dried
floral arrangements.
When to Harvest/Availability
The leaves are best gathered in the spring, when they have not yet become Advice for Growing
bitter and astringent. The seeds are collected by late August, when they mature If you wish to have curly dock growing in your yard, simply scatter some of the
and turn chocolate brown. mature seeds during the winter, or dig up a wild root and plant it in your yard.
These are very easy to grow.
Uses
Curly dock leaves are a bit sour when raw, and they turn bitter as they Cautions
mature. The young leaves are good chopped and added to salads. The sour Though curly dock has many good uses, it is often despised and poisoned in ag-
stems provide a tasty trail nibble. ricultural areas because it not only survives well but often takes over entire areas.
The leaves can also be steamed like spinach, and served lightly seasoned, It is often advised to eat only curly dock leaves that have been double-boiled.
ideally mixed with other greens or vegetables. When cooking, the leaves This is partly because of the presence of oxalic acid and partly to reduce the
turn from green to almost brown. The texture of the cooked leaves is slightly bitterness of the more-mature leaves.
mucilaginous.
FAST FOOD
The Shomer-Tec Food Procurement Survival Kit includes
survival fish hooks and a two-piece trigger system, along
“THE ESCAPE & SURVIVAL MODULE WAS
with Kevlar cordage. This kit can provide the user with a DEVELOPED FOR AN ELITE U.S. MILITARY
good head start in securing much needed calories. UNIT, BUT IT ALSO CAN BE A LIFESAVING
FOOD PROCUREMENT SURVIVAL KIT
DEVICE FOR THOSE WHO TRAVEL IN
The kit revolves around two unique, dual-action fish HARM’S WAY OR IN DANGEROUS REGIONS.”
hooks that are designed to catch prey and lock them in,
thus preventing them from escaping. Although they are
obviously fish hooks, they are not limited to water. They
can also be used on land for smaller game. Included in
the kit is a two-piece trigger system for twitch-up traps.
Made of titanium, these two small pieces are not only
super-lightweight but can be used in water without the
worry of corrosion. Additionally, the kit includes 25 feet
of 200-pound breaking strength Kevlar survival cord
(blue), which can be untwisted and tied into 75 feet of
67 pound-breaking strength (great for traps and utility).
For fishing, Shomer-Tec includes 75 feet of 80-pound
breaking strength Kevlar Trip Line (green). The kit comes
packaged in a small clear polypropylene container that
measures 2.75 x 3.75 x 0.75 inches and weighs just 1.5
ounces. Instructions are included. MSRP is $29.
› Above: When the small size, it includes the following com- it in the right place, fast.
jute from the Spool
of Fuel is properly
ponents: four lock picks, bend-to-fit tension The Kevlar saw is an interesting, multi-function piece of gear. Besides the obvious use
frayed, it will take wrench, handcuff key, two styles of lock shims, for extra-strong cordage, it actually can be used in the same fashion a wire saw is used.
a spark instantly.
Once burning,
Kevlar escape saw, diamond rod saw, ferroce- While this would be slow and tedious, it will work. Just make sure to tie the ends around
additional pieces rium fire rod, three waxed jute firestarters and some sturdy chunks of wood or it will be your fingers that get cut.
can be added
without needing to
a ceramic razor blade. Also included is a small Their included ferrocerium rod is about as thin and short as you would want it to be
fluff them. This will packet of petrolatum that does not fit inside and still be able to hold. The included ceramic striker is the perfect size and material for
prolong the flame.
the module, for uses that include first aid, fire biting into the ferrocerium material.
accelerant, and to help with the act of getting A small ceramic razor blade is also included in the kit and is just that, a razor-sharp
› Left: Shomer-Tec
products are sure to
meet wary travelers’
needs. The Coffee Stash,
Escape Stick, Covert
Coin and Ceramic knife
are as useful as they are
discreet.
SPOOL OF FUEL
Making a fire right the first time isn’t always as easy as it sounds. The process is es-
pecially hard in wet or windy situations. Fire made with a ferrocerium rod needs proper
preparation. It requires fuel, kindling and tinder (where the spark is caught). This is
where the Spool of Fuel comes in.
It’s made from a 3-foot length of 3-ply natural jute, coated with a wax blend formu-
ESCAPE STICK
The new Escape Stick by Shomer-Tec is
the most versatile and effective miniature
escape tool ever offered. It enables escape › Top right: Its
from most any type of restraint: handcuffs buoyancy-defeating
design prevents the
(including double-locking), zip ties, duct Coffee Stash from
tape, rope, packing tape, cords and more. moving inside the
cup or floating up
Components include a rod saw – which to the surface. The
can cut metal, plastic, wood and fibrous water-tight device
is made with food-
materials – a handcuff key integrated grade plastic.
onto the rod saw and utilizes the saw as
its handle and a toothed saw, which also
functions as a shim pick for releasing zip
ties. All the components are contained
inside a special rubber sheathing that
conceals all the components from view
yet allows easy access in just seconds. The
innovative low-profile design of the Escape
Stick enables it to be small and covert. Its
› Bottom right: The
tiny size (just 3 x 0.37 inches and 0.15 ounc- author tried many
es in weight) allows for many concealment tasks he watched
on the Shomer-Tec
options, including inside the company’s video for the Escape
Escape Travel Belt. It's a lifesaving tool for Stick, including
escaping from zip
undercover operatives, civilians traveling in ties and duct tape.
hostile regions and anyone whose survival The ceramic blade
cut through duct
may depend on quickly escaping unlawful tape, 550 cord and
captivity. Made in the USA. MSRP is $25. zip ties.
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TAKEAWAYS FROM THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
(Continued from page 6)
What’s the point of all this? I think it relates to the most basic facets of Being prepared for all sorts of emergencies is nothing short of common
being a prepper. Know what you need to be prepared for, get your plan, sense and has consistently proven to be the best approach for protecting
gear and supplies in place, be able to recognize the type and scope of the lives and interests of your family and members of your group. In actual
the threats that come, or may come, your way and act according to an fact, it doesn’t need to be validated by the approval of others because it is
informed analysis of the situation. self-validating. To observe the panic that has struck so many people in the
Being educated with facts and proven solutions is critical for you to be last several weeks, especially considering that the S has not even HTF yet,
the most effective and efficient with your efforts and these things will should reinforce your resolve and dedication to your efforts.
also mitigate your stress levels while the tsunami of public opinion rises As I sit at my desk, typing away, I find myself checking some of my sources
and ebbs around you. This is why people devote time, energy and money for updates on the growth of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. I hope
to understanding how and when to react to a challenge to their safety and and pray that it won’t reach true pandemic proportions. Ultimately, as
security. If there’s been a break-in down the street, you react accordingly with any other disaster or emergency we try to be prepared for, only time
to ensure you have removed as many vulnerabilities from your situation will tell. I hope it turns out to be nothing more serious than an exercise for
as possible. You don’t head for the hills because you assume it’s inevitable preppers as well as the government and private sector organizations who
that you will be next and the intruders will be packing RPGs. are entrusted with the job of keeping the greater public safe.
For experienced preppers, this has been an interesting opportunity to re- Perhaps, by the time this issue hits newsstands and mailboxes, the situa-
flect on their preps and identify gaps in their plans. It’s also been a gratify- tion will have peaked and things will be returning to normal. My suspicion,
ing time for those who may have felt the sting of mockery from the media however, is that it will be worse, but hopefully only incrementally. If more
and perhaps friends and family who thought their prudence was imprac- people remember how to wash their hands and respect the health of others
tical at best and lunacy at worst. I daresay very few folks in the aisles at by getting checked out and/or staying home when they feel something
Costco and all the grocery stores around the country were preppers before coming on, there could be a good chance that we’ll avoid unnecessary
they hopped in the car with their new lists of survival supplies. infections and deaths, not to mention major inconveniences. (Please don’t
While waiting in a medical office recently, I overheard some of the staff cancel the Blade Show in Atlanta!) But, if people insist on going to work
talking about how they guess they must be preppers now. There was sick and sending their sick kids to school, for example, the situation could
chuckling and nodding of heads but there was also a tone of realization go south quickly and it will take a while to recover.
that this is not a bad team to join. As they shared stories about how Keep fighting the good fight and take every opportunity to improve your
family members had been in touch with them to acquire face masks, they situation. Remember, this is not the only potential risk we will face this
changed from reluctantly sharing their stories to appreciating the value year. Don’t lose sight of the bigger picture because you’re focused on this
that having even one critical tool in a preparedness kit can have. I couldn’t topic. Give COVID-19 its due but keep your head on a swivel.
help but crack a smile.
All the Best!
Mike McCourt
© GETTY IMAGES
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