ISSUE 9

F R O M T H E C R E AT O R S O F

PREPARATION
SURVIVAL
MOBILITY
DEFENSE
MEDICAL
GEAR

Will You Be Prereparred

for
for
or tth
he Big One?
he ?
Practical Ground-Fighting
Bug-Out Motorcycle Riding
Improvised Fishing
For Survival
Fire Prevention &
Suppression

TWO-WHEEL
ROKON
REVIEW

OFFICE
GET-HOME
BAGS

REVIEW:
HEADLAMP
FACEOFF

BUILDING
A FOOD
CACHE
OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9
CONTENTS ISSUE
SS 9

DEPARTMENTS

6 On the Cover
All the Great Gear Found on the
Cover

8 Editors Letter
Reality Check

12 Gear Up
The Latest and Greatest
Products

16 20
16 HighLights
AA-Powered Flashlights 30

20 What If?
A Devastating Earthquake Rips
Apart Your City

102 Hands On
A Headlamp Faceoff: Coast HL27
Versus Fenix HP12

106 OFFGRID Health

Feast or Famine: The Preppers
Guide to Nutrition

114 OFFGRID 411

Silver and Gold Values During
Economic Strife of the Past 40
Years
40 52

FEATURES

30 Lets Get Ready to

Rumble
Learn the Science of
Earthquakes, How You Can
Prepare, and What to Do When
They Happen

40 Improvised Angling 60
Forget Your Rod, Reel, and
Tackle Box. In a SHTF World,
Youll Have to Fish With What
Youve Got.

48 The Sell Job

How to Get Friends and Family
to Support Your Prepper Goals
 52 Boot Party
Ground-Fighting Realities and
How Not to Get Stomped into
a Stain

60 You Are What You Eat

How to Build a Six-Month Food
Supply

64 Its All Fun and Games

How to Train and Entertain Your
Kids Before and After a Disaster

64 70 70 Office Escape
Get-Home Bags Suitable for the
80 Workplace or the End of the
World

80 Is Your Home a
Powder Keg?
When it Comes to Fire
Protection, an Ounce of
Prevention Equals a Pound of
Cure

86 Two-Wheel Torque
OFFGRID Gets Hands-on With
the Rokon, a Motorcycle That
Needs No Roads

94 (No) Easy Rider

You Cant Just Hop On a
Motorbike and Bug Out. Evading
the Apocalypse Requires
86 102
Technique and Practice

Product Disclaimer
Prices and details for products and
services featured in OFFGRID are set
by the manufacturers, retailers, and
agencies, and are subject to change
without notice.

Throughout this issue you

will see certain images
are labeled as being 100%
Actual Size. This designation is for the
94 print edition of this issue. Because of
the various screen sizes on different
tablets and computers, we cannot
always provide actual life size images
in digital versions. We apologize if this
causes any confusion and thank you
for your understanding.
006 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9

Cover Photos: Jorge Nuez; SDubi, Photo-

bvious, matsou, P_Wei, olaser, aury1979, 1 Jacket & Pants
freestylephoto, alxpin/istockphoto.com
MAKE & MODEL
INC International Concepts 4 Sunglasses
Slim Fit Royce
MSRP MAKE & MODEL
$80 (Jacket), $40 (Pants) Persol
PO2803S 95/58
URL
www.macys.com MSRP
$255
URL
www.persol.com
2 Shirt
MAKE & MODEL
Bar III 5 Back-Up Shoes
Slim-Fit Solid Dress Shirt
MAKE & MODEL
MSRP Salomon
$55 XA Pro 3D Forces
URL
www.macys.com MSRP
$170
URL
11 www.salomon.com
3 Tie
MAKE & MODEL
Kenneth Cole Reaction 4

ON THE
Solid Slim Tie
MSRP
$55

COVER
URL
www.reaction.com
w
www
w re
eac
e ctio
c on c
o com
m

2
14

13
 OFF THE 11 Socks 13 Back-Up T-Shirt

6 Knife
MAKE & MODEL
COVER MAKE & MODEL
Calvin Klein
Mens Egyptian Cotton Dress Socks
MAKE & MODEL
Under Armour
Mens UA Tech 34 Sleeve T-shirt

Cold Steel MSRP MSRP

Leatherneck Tanto 8 Belt $12 $30
URL URL
MSRP MAKE & MODEL www.calvinklein.com www.underarmour.com
$90 Perry Ellis
Late Kelly Leather Belt
URL
www.coldsteel.com MSRP
$48 12 Water Bottle 14 Protein Bar
URL MAKE & MODEL MAKE & MODEL
7 Backpack www.perryellis.com Innate PowerBar
Esse Plus Vacuum Bottle Harvest Energy
MAKE & MODEL MSRP MSRP
Hazard 4
Clerk 9 Flashlight $29 $2
URL URL
MSRP MAKE & MODEL www.innate-gear.com www.powerbar.com
$240 Fenix
TK15
URL
www.hazard4.com MSRP
$80
URL
www.fenixlight.com

10 Dress Shoes
MAKE & MODEL
Johnston & Murphy
Melton Cap Toe
MSRP
$175
URL
www.johnstonmurphy.com
12
7

10 9
EDITORSLETTER

Reality Check
By Patrick Vuong
Photo by Jorge Nuez

I
dont like the woe is me attitude. Im usually the
grit my teeth sort of character. But I have to
say that life as the editor of OFFGRID isnt easy.
Dont get me wrong, its often fun and amazingly
rewarding, though it can be tough on my social
and family life.
Thats why vacations are so important. I dont get many
of them, but when I do, I like to get away mentally and
physically. So I recently traveled to visit friends in Houston,
Texas. When I arrived, I was greeted with humidity that
would cause Satan to sweat and with flash flood warnings
texted to my phone from the National Weather Service. I
got front-row seats to Mother Natures special effects show:
rain, hail, lightning, and thunder. The nearby town of Katy
experienced power outages.
To go from the devastating drought in California to the
torrential conditions in Texas really brought me back to re-
ality who said escaping the daily grind also meant being
on vacation from potential disasters?
So in this, the ninth edition of OFFGRID, our staff and a
growing cadre of subject-matter experts present a wide
range of in-depth articles on how to deal with both natural
disasters and manmade crises that might strike whether
youre at home, at work, or on vacation.
Office Escape is our comprehensive buyers guide guru Ryne Gioviano offers tips and tricks for you and your kids for staying fit in
on get-home bags that you can hide in plain sight at your a post-apocalyptic world; and because Dwayne The Rock Johnson was busy, we
workplace. Renowned survivalist Tim MacWelch provides asked a trio of experts what theyd do if a massive earthquake devastated a city like
an insightful tutorial on how to start building a six-month Los Angeles?
food cache before its too late. Continuity consultant Jim If anyone ever looks at you funny for reading a publication like OFFGRID, tell
DeLozier turns up the heat with a how-to on fire preven- them to just take a look at current events. If its not the wars in the Middle East
tion and suppression. Kayak fishing guide and firearms spilling across borders or threats of terrorist cells around the globe, its freak occur-
instructor David H. Martin teaches us how to fish when rences like the June explosion at a water park in Taiwan that injured 500 people or
were up SHTF creek without a rod and reel, then he flexes the severe weather outbreak in mid-July that caused more than 190,000 people to
his survival versatility in Two-Wheel Torque, his hands-on lose power across the Midwest. Oh, and then theres the on-again, off-again relation-
review of the Rokon motorcycle. Meanwhile, disaster prep ship between Greece and the European Union that could spell financial ruin for that
consultant and author Jim Cobb touches on the human as- region and affect international markets if not permanently fixed. In other words, tell
pects of prepping: How do you win over friends and family them you read it because survival and situational awareness is a necessity that our
and influence them to support your prepping goals? educational system fails to teach in school. Oh yeah, and ask them why they arent
And OFFGRID wouldnt be OFFGRID without providing reading it.
a well-rounded assortment of topics: combatives expert With the world an always uncertain place, the woe is me attitude wont get you far.
Michael Janich explains the realities of ground-fighting So, Ill just keep gritting my teeth and maybe smile a little more. After all, Im grateful
and ways to survive being kicked and stomped; fitness to be the editor of OFFGRID.
 Editorial.
Editor/ Patrick Vuong
Managing Editor/ John Schwartze
Feature Editor/ Rob Curtis
Contributing Editor/ Steven Kuo
Photography Studio Manager/ Jorge Nuez
Contributors/ Martin Anders, Adam Bendig, Jim Cobb,
Jim DeLozier, Ryne Gioviano, Michael Grey, Michael
Janich, Erik Lund, Tim MacWelch, David H. Martin,
Patrick McCarthy, Joe Oesterle, Sarah Watanabe-Rocco,
John Teator
Art Direction & Design.
Creative Director/ Alan Alpanian
Group Art Director/ Ti Tong
Art Director/ Gene Coo
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Advertising.
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012
ISSUE 9
GEARUP
MAKE & MODEL
1 5.11 Tactical
Stryke Shorts
COLORWAY
Black, dark navy, khaki, TDU
green (shown), and tundra
MSRP
$75
URL
www.511tactical.com
NOTES
Weve always hated how ath-
letic shorts dont have enough
pockets to hold our everyday-
carry gear, while dress shorts
are too stiff and restrict our
agility should we need to act
fast. Enter the Stryke Shorts,
a blend of looks, comfort,
and utility. Its Flex-Tac fabric
is lightweight and stretchy,
while its design offers all the
benets of tactical shorts: full
running crotch gusset and lots
of pockets, including dual thigh
pockets for folding knives or
smartphones and low-prole
cargo pockets. The kicker? You
can wear it with a tank top at
the gym or with a polo shirt to a
company picnic, and youd still
blend in.
MAKE & MODE
2 Hawke Brand Knives
Hawkchete
OVERALL LENGTH
23.38 inches
MSRP
$36
URL
www.shop.mykelhawke.com
NOTES
If our machete buyers guide
in Issue 7 didnt get your blood
pumping, the Hawkchete
certainly should. Designed
by TV personality and former
Green Beret Mykel Hawke and
manufactured by Condor Tool &
Knife, this machete is a serious
cutting machine at an affordable
price. Its full-tang blade is made
of high-carbon steel thats razor
sharp, tough as nails, and great
at retaining its edge. Plus, its
double-edged so you can also
slash on the back swing to save
time and energy when clearing
brush. The Santoprene molded
handle is comfortable and has
a lanyard hole. Note: it doesnt
come with a sheath.
1
MAKE & MODEL
3 Lifeproof
FR Power for iPhone 6 Case
DIMENSIONS
6.1 x 3.1 x 0.66 inches
MSRP
$130
URL
www.lifeproof.com
NOTES
Lifeproof's new FR Power case
for the iPhone 6 takes all the wa-
ter-, dust-, and shockproof good-
ness of its forebears and adds a
2600-mAh battery; enough gas
for one complete charge. The
case adds some bulk, but it's still
slim enough to t in a back pocket.
The FR Power ditches Apple's
Lightning cable and allows the
use of a cheap micro USB cable
for charging and syncing. We
submerged, dropped, and abused
the case for a few weeks and can
say it's good to go. Despite minor
issues (you're at the mercy of a
screw-in headphone jack adapter
for tunes and Touch ID operation
is a bit spotty), the FR Power is
the best friend your iPhone 6 can
have.
3
2
PUBLISHER & TITLE
4 Ulysses Press
The Preppers Financial Guide
LENGTH
200 pages
MSRP
$16
URL
www.ulyssespress.com
NOTES
Whether its the Stock Market
Crash of 1929, the 1970s energy
crisis, or the Great Recession of
2008, one thing is for sure: the
economy is vulnerable to a melt-
down at any given moment. Its
important to be prepared for such
an occasion, just as you would for a
re or tornado. Written by OFFGRID
contributor Jim Cobb, this book
explains in nine informative yet
easy-to-read chapters how to do
so, from investing in disaster-proof
precious metals to slowly stockpil-
ing barter-worthy survival tools. A
must-read if you want to survive in
a post-collapse marketplace.
 MAKE & MODEL
5 Zero Tolerance Knives
0808
WEIGHT
4.3 ounces
OVERALL LENGTH
7.6 inches
MSRP
$250
URL
zt.kaiusaltd.com
NOTES
Zero Tolerance (ZT) is known for making
beefy folding knives, so fans who prefer
slimmer knives can now rejoice. The
Oregon company has collaborated with
talented custom knife-maker Todd Rex-
ford to create a low-carb model that still
packs plenty of bite. Thanks to a ipper
tab and ZTs KVT opening system, the
S35VN stainless-steel blade deploys
quickly and it cuts like a laser. Mean-
while, the handles frame-lock design
and ergonomic titanium scales provide
a secure grip. The 0808 is an outstand-
ing tool, whether carried daily in your
pocket or stowed in your go-bag for a
dire situation.
5 for the clown-footed.
MAKE & MODEL
6 Bright Products
SunTurtle Solar Lamp
DIMENSIONS
5.9 x 4 x 1 inches
MSRP
$24
URL
www.eartheasy.com
NOTES
The SunTurtle Solar Lamp is an
ingenious little device that gives
you some light even when the
grids down or youve bugged
out to BFE. With just three to
four hours of good sunlight
charging its solar panel, the
lamps single LED can emit 25
lumens of light for ve hours,
8 lumens for 15 hours, and 2
lumens for a whopping 120
hours (or ve days). Sure, those
arent tremendous amounts of
light, but in a blackout scenario
the SunTurtle could be gold.
Also, it comes with a tripod and
an integrated loop, allowing you
to prop the splash-proof device
on a at surface, hang it from a
wall, or hook it to any standard
soda bottle and turn it into a
table lamp.
MAKE & MODEL
7 BLACKHAWK!
Black Ops V2 Boots
HEIGHT
8 inches
MSRP
$225
URL
www.blackhawk.com
NOTES
If youre looking for bug-
out kicks as part of your
emergency escape plan,
the Black Ops V2 Boots
could help you through
the nastiest of conditions.
The Vibram outsole has
aggressive lugs for solid
footing on the trail or on
pavement. The Dri-Lex
moisture-wicking inner lin-
ing and washable OrthoLite
footbed ensure comfort
while keeping microbes
away. And the Cordura
and abrasion-resistant
leather upper keep your
feet protected. Plus, side
pockets can house a lighter
or compact utility tool. Du-
rable materials and quality
construction mean these
boots can help you chug
on in almost any climate
and terrain. Available in
medium and wide widths
MAKE & MODEL
8 Vanquest Tough-
Built Gear
2016 Vault 2.0
DIMENSIONS
4.25 by 2.75 inches (closed)
MSRP
$15
URL
www.vanquest.com
NOTES
Armed with high-tech scanners,
digital pickpockets can lift your
personal data off passports,
credit cards, and anything con-
taining a radio-frequency iden-
tication (RFID) chip. Thankfully,
products like the 2016 Vault 2.0
have RFID-blocking material
that can shield your info. This
super-compact wallet has three
slots that can hold 15 to 18 credit
cards (though youll have a hell
of a time closing it if you stuff
it that full), business cards, and
a few folded Benjamins or
Washingtons, depending on your
budget. Its double-stitched and
made of 1,000-denier Cordura
fabric with a water-repellent Tef-
lon
lo coat for maximum durability.
8
IS
SSUE 9
OFFGRIDWEB.COM 013
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016
ISSUE 9
HIGHLIGHTS

AA-POWERED FLASHLIGHTS By John Teator Photography by Michael Grey

W
hats the
use of a
handheld
torch
thats as
bright as the sun if you cant get
the right-sized batteries for it when
youre in a pickle? In the shooting
community, the CR123 battery is
ubiquitous, powering everything
from lasers to night-vision devices.
But when you step out of its
Picatinny-paved plains and into the
rest of the world, you come to real-
ize that CR123 batteries can be as
hard to find as an honest politician.
The last thing you need when
contending with a natural disaster
or a surprise power outage is to
have to find some uncommon
batteries in the dark or as chaos
erupts around you. Thankfully, AA
batteries have been abundant for
decades. You can even scavenge
them from a TV remote when in a
bind. In this edition of HighLights,
we focus on flashlights that feed
off these familiar cylindrical power
plants.

MAKE & MO
M MODEL
O Nitec
Nitecore
Ni
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c
co E 1
EA11 Britte-Str
Brite-Strike
B t trike
tr
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e Lightning
htttning
tnin n Strik
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ik
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k Co
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Turbo 900
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3 minin / Hi
High 45
5 min
in / Mid
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RUNTIME
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UNTIM High
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gh 3 h 45 min
g m
30 min
3 n / Low
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Lower
o r 112 h
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OVERALL
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BATTERY
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MSRP
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URL
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JETBeam
JET
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T m WL-S1
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a n
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018
ISSUE 9
HIGHLIGHTS

Nitecore EA11 Brite-Strike Lightning Strike Coast HX5 JETBeam WL-S1

As the most compact light in this
guide, the Nitecore EA11 brings
big performance. Proof that good
things can indeed come in small
packages, the EA11 is capable of
producing 900 lumens of blinding
light and also features a night-
vision-friendly red light. The
aluminum-bodied light has two
switches on the side of its bezel,
one for power and the other for the
light output mode. Various button
presses can activate the turbo and
lower modes as well as the separate
low-lumen red LED. Surprisingly, the
many button options are easy to
get used to. Its compact size feels
like it would work well with a tailcap
switch, which it lacks.
The Lightning Strike ashlight
comes as a part of Brite-Strikes
Lightning Strike Personal Pro-
tection System. The system is
designed with women in mind and is
meant to be a personal protection
kit that includes a 170-lumen tacti-
cal ashlight and a personal alarm
that emits a 120-decibel ear pierc-
ing sound when activated. It has
three modes (high, low, and strobe)
that you can cycle through by using
its rubberized, glow-in-the-dark
tailcap push button. The light has
aggressive strike bezels front and
back and is made of anodized alu-
minum. The kit comes with a neck
lanyard, a leather quick-deployment
holster, and a tough coiled polymer
light lanyard.
Coasts HX5 comes with a standard
alkaline battery that is rated for
an output of 130 lumens, but it can
also run on a rechargeable NiMH
battery outputting 145 lumens or
a rechargeable 14500 lithium bat-
tery for a maximum output of 345
lumens. Its sliding bezel allows light
to be focused to a maximum beam
distance of 259 feet or go wide with
an 8-foot-diameter ood beam at a
distance of 6 feet. The HX5 features
an aluminum body, rubberized tail-
cap, and unbreakable LED. Its carry
options include a unique two-way
clip that allows the light to be clipped
onto a pocket or the bill of a hat.
With seven output options, the
JETBeam WL-S1 might boast the
most functions in this guide. Not
only does it have ve brightness
settings, it also has strobe and SOS
modes. Most impressive of all, it can
use not only a single AA battery,
but also CR123 and more obscure
14500, 1630, and 18650 sizes. Its
overall length will vary depending on
what type of battery is installed. It
has two switches, a constant-on and
momentary tailcap push-button
and an illuminated side-mounted
mode button. We found the lights
dual button system complicated
to use. Note that the above lumen
output ratings are based on either
a CR123 or 16340 battery, and not
a AA.

Pros: Bright, small, red auxiliary Pros: Aggressive strike bezels, Pros: Adjustable beam pattern, Pros: Many battery options
light glow-in-the-dark tailcap switch price
Cons: No tailcap switch Cons: Flashlight only available in kit Cons: Only one beam option Cons: Confusing to use

Olight ST25 Baton Streamlight ProTac 2AA SureFire E2L AA Outdoorsman

Like other Olight ashlights, the ST25 Baton is
packed full of features and modes. A Cree
XM-L2 LED helps it throw out six light variations
including a maximum brightness setting of 550
lumens or an incredible 200-hour runtime at 1
lumen. In addition to Olights distinctive power
output adjusting side switch is the introduction of
their newly developed metal push-button tailcap.
The Stealth switch allows the user to click for con-
stant on and off without the audible click sound
of traditional tailcaps. The tailcap is also at so
the light can stand on its end.
One of our favorite features of the ProTac 2AA
is its programmable switch that allows the user
to select one of three different programs for its
tailcap push-button switch. Settings include high/
strobe/low, high only, or low/high. Compact and
powerful, the ashlight features LED solid-state
power regulation, which provides maximum light
output throughout battery life for efciency.
Listed runtime is for alkaline batteries; itll in-
crease with lithium batteries. The ProTac 2AA has
a glass lens and aluminum body and comes with a
removable pocket clip and nylon holster.
The improved E2L AA Outdoorsman now emits
115 lumens in high mode for eight-and-a-half
hours and 5 lumens in its low-output, 100-hour-
extended-runtime mode. Its powered by two AA
(lithium or alkaline) batteries and features a virtu-
ally indestructible power-regulated LED emitter.
The E2L AA has a rubber-like push button tailcap
switch that can be pressed for momentary-on
or clicked for constant-on. The ashlights long
anodized aluminum body provides enhanced grip.

Pros: Silent metal tailcap switch, long runtime on Pros: Dual power options, programmable switch Pros: Easy and comfortable to use, SureFire
low quality
Cons: Complicated dual switch system Cons: Smooth body can become slippery Cons: Price can you say ouch?
020 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9

WHAT IF?
A Devastating Earthquake Rips Apart Your City
A
s the fake yellow boat bobs on its underwater track,
youre surprised by the rumbling that you feel just as
you take a seat next to your daughter and son-in-law.
Must be the ride, you think, as you can barely contain
your excitement of having mechanical dinosaurs pop
out at you. But as the other passengers sit down in the rows behind you,
you have a sense that something is wrong with this Jurassic Park ride.
Very wrong. The mild trembling increases to bone-rattling vibrations.
Soon the typical screams of delight and surprise youve been hearing all
day at Universal Studios change to shrieks of genuine fear.
As the first cracks appear in the nearby concrete, your mind finally
assembles the pieces this is an earthquake! The shaking magnifies, al-
most throwing you from the boat. The roof over the waiting area begins
to come apart, raining down faux logs and thatches upon the amuse-
ment park-goers. Then the ground starts to open up...
In this edition of What If? we wonder what would happen if the Big
One finally hits a city like Los Angeles and your family is caught in a
massive earthquake. If the San Andreas fault line finally produces a series
of devastating tremors, itll affect millions of Southern California residents
in different ways across dozens, if not hundreds of miles, so no one
survival strategy would work best for everyone. So, in an OFFGRID first,
we asked a trio of writers to each take on a different scenario affected by
the same natural disaster.
First is Patrick McCarthy a freelance journalist, lifelong outdoor
enthusiast, and frequent OFFGRID contributor who has been tasked
to assume the persona of a financial hot shot working in downtown
Los Angeles when the quake hits. Next up is Erik Lund a federal law
enforcement agent with a vast array of tactical and survival expertise
who tackles what itd be like to be an off-duty police officer stuck in a sea
of cars on the Pacific Coast Highway. And myself, I have been a survival
instructor for the past 20 years, and am the author of a new book on
survival and emergency preparedness, How To Survive Anything (yes,
even earthquakes). Im handling the hypothetical scenario in the open-
ing of this article. These are our stories of rising above the rubble.
ISSUE 9
OFFGRIDWEB.COM 021
022 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9
AVERAGE JOE: Patrick McCarthys Approach
The Scenario
SURVIVAL SITUATION
An 8.9-magnitude earthquake
YOUR CREW
You, your executive assistant, and an ofce
full of coworkers
LOCATION
Downtown Los Angeles
SEASON
Late summer
WEATHER
Highs in the 90s F
The Setup: Youre a single 40-year-old financial hot shot with an even
hotter girlfriend. You work in one of the huge office towers in down-
town Los Angeles and live in Pacific Palisades. You work with Natalie,
your 55-year-old executive assistant, and about 15 other people in
your immediate department.
The Complication: Its a blisteringly hot day in late August. Youre in
the office finishing up the workday when an 8.9-magnitude earthquake
rocks not just downtown Los Angeles, but the entire Southern California
area. It rips up concrete, topples buildings, ruptures gas lines, and shuts
down electricity. Fortunately, your office tower is still standing thanks to
the seismic design in the buildings foundation, but inside it looks like a
bomb has gone off. Shattered glass. Broken ceiling and walls. Toppled
tables and shelves. People are screaming, if theyre not on the floor
covered in debris. And you wake up to find yourself lying on the ground,
blood dripping from your forehead and Natalie crouching over you,
trying to help.
M
y highly structured life was thrown into chaos.
The day started out normally. I got up at 5:30,
went for a run, made a smoothie, and got
ready for work. Id planned on going with Jess
to that Italian place tonight, so I decided to take
the Porsche. I showed up at the office around 7, and as I got off the
elevator, Natalie greeted me with the mornings agenda and iced Ameri-
cano. After checking my email and giving the portfolio a onceover, the
morning dissolved into consultation calls and spreadsheets.
Suddenly, a distant rumble forced me to pause my call mid-sentence.
Within seconds, the rumble had become a deafening roar, and the floor
started pitching and rolling like some deranged amusement park ride. I
managed to duck under my desk as light fixtures shattered to the floor
nearby. That was the last thing I remember before blacking out.
I came to with Natalie leaning over me, frantically asking, Are you
OK?! She had pulled me from underneath my collapsed desk, uncon-
scious. Apparently part of the rafters had come down right on top of
me, but the thick mahogany desk shielded my body from most of the
impact. (It better have I spent nearly 10 grand on that thing.) However,
my head was bleeding profusely, and I knew I need to put some pres-
sure on it immediately. Other than a few cuts and scratches, Natalie was
unscathed. She grabbed the first-aid kit from my closet and helped me
wrap the wound in gauze and tape. Holding my palm to my head to
slow the blood flow, I cautiously stood up to survey the damage.
My corner office was a wreck. Toppled bookshelves, smashed flat-
screen, ceiling tiles and concrete chunks littered the floor. I felt uneven
ridges beneath the carpet, indicating the buildings structure might
have been compromised we had to get out of here before the inevi-
table aftershocks. Natalie and I stumbled out of my office to find yet
more damage. The cubicles were in ruins, and the roof on the far side
of the room had partially collapsed. Fortunately, it looked like everyone
else in the office has already left how long was I knocked out?
Before heading for the emergency exit, I remembered the get-home bag
I stashed in my office. Its contents were pretty basic, but had enough sup-
plies to last the day. I also pulled out the .38 revolver I secretly kept locked in
the office. Memories of the 1992 riots never truly faded from my mind.
With the bag over my shoulder and the revolver in my pocket, Natalie
and I started making our way down the dimly lit emergency stairway.
After descending four of the 12 floors, an aftershock hit. Natalie and I
leaned into the corner as dust rained down. We could hear the build-
ings structure groaning and cracking around us, but miraculously it
held. Once the oscillations subsided, we continued down to the lobby.
Incredibly, the massive chandelier still dangled in the atriums center,
swaying lazily back and forth like a pendulum. We stuck close to the wall
and clambered over debris, finally stepping onto the street through the
gaping hole where a thick glass pane once was.
Basketball-sized chunks of rubble were strewn along the sidewalk,
and Wilshire Boulevards asphalt was rippled and cracked as far as I
could see in both directions. Hundreds of businesspeople congregated
in the streets, some slumped over on the curb staring into their useless
cell phones, others wandering aimlessly in shock. Knowing that another
aftershock might be coming, we needed to get away from the multi-sto-
ry buildings as soon as possible. I also told Natalie that I needed to find
Jess at her law office just a few miles away; Natalie agreed. Our build-
ings attached parking structure had completely collapsed I guessed
that didnt bode well for the Porsche so we proceeded on foot.
After marching about four blocks, we were hit with another after-
shock. We werent far from an aging 13-story building when I noticed
it starting to buckle it was coming down! Natalie and I ducked into
an alley on our right just as the structure crumbled, sending down an
avalanche of concrete and sending up a dust cloud. I quickly grabbed

two dust masks and two safety goggles from my get-home bag. Id seen
buildings collapse on the news, and we didnt want that choking gray
cloud of debris lining our lungs or getting in our eyes. Donning the masks,
we moved on through the haze that enveloped the street.
After it cleared, I noticed that my head wound was only oozing a bit.
The last place I wanted to go during this pandemonium was a hospital.
Five more blocks passed, and things hadnt gotten any better. I
wondered how much of the state was affected? We approached the
towering law office Jess works at to find it still standing. Sure, all the glass
was shattered, but the structure was virtually undamaged apparently
there was something to that new earthquake-resistant construction after
all. I recognized one of Jesss coworkers out front, and she pointed me in
her direction. Thank God, she was OK! After giving Jess a monstrous hug
and a kiss, I discussed with her and Natalie what to do next. We decided
to head for MacArthur Park down the street. At least it would get us away
WHAT
IF?
from these crumbling buildings and into some open space.
The park was crowded, and it appeared that LAPD had set up a
makeshift aid station on one corner. I heard one of the officers say that
the epicenter was in Pasadena, about 10 miles away. If it was this bad here,
I couldnt even imagine what it must have been like there. We headed for
the other end of the park, found some shade, and finally sat down. My
bag had enough water and protein bars to last until morning, and I still
had the .38 revolver, so at least we could stay here in relative safety until
we found a way to get back home.
Having lived in California my whole life, the idea of a Big One on
the San Andreas fault was talked about ad nauseam. TV newscasters
said it was inevitable, and Hollywood made movies about it, but it
always seemed like one big running joke ... Sure, the weather here is
great and all, but you never know when were going to break off and
fall into the Pacific! Ill tell you one thing: Im not laughing now.
OFFGRIDWEB.COM 023
024 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9

FEDERAL AGENT: Erik Lunds Approach

The Scenario either been destroyed or was totally overloaded with calls. Nothing was
getting through for a long time. Just then a text alert tone on my phone
SURVIVAL SITUATION snapped me back to reality. It was an automated text message from the
An 8.9-magnitude earthquake
Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which maintains a separate satel-
YOUR CREW lite communications system for emergency responders. It informed me
Just you that the Los Angeles Police Departments disaster response emergency
plan was now in effect and all personnel were to report to their duty
LOCATION
Seal Beach, California stations as soon as practically possible. The last part always struck me
(30 miles south of Los Angeles) as funny as soon as practically possible. How was anything possible
now? After almost 14 years as an LAPD officer, I thought Id seen most
SEASON
Late summer everything there was to see, but this was just surreal. Still, I confirmed
receipt of the message. At least someone would know Im alive since I
WEATHER responded, I hoped. Now, it was time to get out of here and find my way
Highs in the 90s F
to the EOC field station.
The Setup: Youre a 35-year-old male who works as an officer for the But I paused. I needed to be certain, my conscious spoke up. I
Los Angeles Police Department, but you live about 30 miles south in couldnt leave anyone down there. I jumped into the Ford Raptor and
Seal Beach, Orange County (partly so you dont live in the jurisdiction eased it forward as close to the edge of the crumbling pavement as I
you work in, but mostly because its beautiful and, as a surfer, you dared. Leaving the truck running, I went to the bed of the pickup and
enjoy living along the coast). pulled out a 50-foot tow strap. I looped the strap around my waist
The Complication: While driving on the Pacific Coast Highway
(PCH), the Big One rocks not just Seal Beach, but the entire Southern
California area. It rips up concrete, topples buildings, ruptures gas
lines, and shuts down electricity. People are screaming if theyre not
crushed under rubble. Traffic is ground to a halt as everyone figures
out whats happening.

I
t didnt hit me at first. Mentally, that is. Driving a vehicle on the
highway during an earthquake was definitely a strange expe-
rience and one that took a few moments to register. Driving
south on PCH and watching an entire mountainside of land
and road disintegrate and fall into the Pacific Ocean was my
first clue that things just got serious. I slammed on my brakes and
narrowly stopped in time before running off a newly formed cliff; those
in front of me werent so fortunate. Once the violent shaking stopped,
I jumped out of my truck to take a look at what I just witnessed. How
do you process an entire section of highway just disappearing into the
ocean? I wanted to go right to the edge and look over, to see whats
left and to see if I could help, but it was just too dangerous. My whole
concept of terra firma had just been radically redefined, and I wasnt
about to let the earth swallow me too if I could help it.
I scrambled back to my truck, thinking about my options. After-
shocks were to be expected with an earthquake this severe. I needed
to get off of whats left of PCH right away before more sections of road
crumbled beneath me. Then I needed to plan my next steps.
Dozens of people were wandering around, trying to make calls or
send texts, but it was pointless. The entire communications grid had

and attached it to the front strap hook on the truck. Two young guys
wandered up and asked me what was happening. I told them I was
with the LAPD and that we needed to check to see if anyone was
alive down there. Surprisingly, they offered to help.
I quickly told them the plan: Im going to crawl to the edge and
see if I can see anything down below. If the edge gives way and I fall
down, grab the strap and pull me up. If you cant, then slowly back
up the truck and it will pull me up. They nodded in agreement. I
noticed more people starting to wander up to watch the show.
Confident the strap was secured to my truck and, more impor-
tantly, to me, I crawled on my hands and knees toward the edge. As
I got within a few feet of the edge, I transitioned to a low crawl, chest
to the asphalt. Peering over the edge, I saw nothing no vehicles, no
people. Anything that was on the highway was now crushed under
a mountainside of dirt and in the ocean. I offered a silent prayer and
worked my way back from the edge. After a few feet, I stood and
went back to the truck. By now, a small crowd of about 15 people had
gathered around my truck as word has quickly spread that I was a
cop. One of the young men asked if I saw anything. I could feel the
WHAT
IF?
entire group looking at me. Subtly, I shook my head, Nothing. The
solemnness of the moment caught everyone. The look in everyones
eyes expressed the exact same thought: That could have been me.
From the back of the group, in an almost imperceptible low voice,
came the question everyone was thinking, What do we do now? I took
a breath. OK, people, I said in my most calm yet authoritative voice.
Lets get in our vehicles and slowly head back up the highway. Well try
to work our way back until you can get a clear route to your homes. As
the crowd slowly dispersed, a voice in the back shouts, We cant!
A woman cut through the group to get to me as the others stopped
to listen to her: About a half mile back, around the bend, the same
thing happened. I saw the road in my rearview mirror fall into the
ocean. A huge section is gone. Were trapped here. I asked her if she
was certain. Positive, she responded. A murmur of panic spread
through the crowd. F*ck me! How the hell am I supposed to get to
the EOC field station now? I think while trying to maintain my calm
exterior. The shaking ground quickly snapped me out of my thoughts.
Aftershock! someone shouted. The ground rolled and wobbled
violently. Another section of road, the same section I was just looking
over, disappeared down into the ocean! Everyone tried to maintain
their footing under the violent shaking. The aftershock lasted just 15
seconds, but it felt like an eternity. And the damage and the implica-
tions were crystal clear. This area was not safe and we need to move
now! The big question was how?
I yelled for everyone to listen up. The group settled down and
looked at me. We need to leave this area immediately! I said. How
many of you have four-wheel-drive rigs? Three hands go up. OK,
were going to drive right up over that small embankment and start
driving inland away from the highway, I commanded. I dont care
whose land it is or whats in front of us. Were getting out of here. Take
only what you need from your cars and get into the trucks. Children
inside the cabs, the rest of you climb into the beds if you need more
room. Were not leaving anyone so squeeze in tight.
Five minutes later, and the three other loaded trucks lined up
behind my Raptor, ready to leave. I had several small children and
a woman named Carmen inside my truck. I looked at the kids and
asked, Whos ready for an adventure! In unison, they yelled, We are!
I looked at Carmen, and she let a little smile slip out from behind her
nervous expression. Lets roll, I said with a smile. I eased the truck
up the grassy embankment and started driving inland, away from the
newly formed coastline.
Unsure of what other destruction I might encounter, I figured I was
hours away from getting to L.A. to report for duty. But at least I was
fighting my way to safety and helping some folks along the way. I
was keeping my fingers crossed that there would still be an EOC field
station when I got there.
ISSUE 9
OFFGRIDWEB.COM 025
026 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9
SURVIVAL EXPERT: Tim MacWelchs Approach
The Scenario
SURVIVAL SITUATION
An 8.9-magnitude earthquake
YOUR CREW
You, your wife, your daughter, your son-in-law,
and your granddaughter
LOCATION
Universal Studios Hollywood
(9 miles north of Los Angeles)
SEASON
Late summer
WEATHER
Highs in the 90s F
The Setup: Hailing from Ohio, youre a 55-year-old whos on vaca-
tion with his wife (Joanne), your 25-year-old daughter (Natalie), your
26-year-old son-in-law (George), and your 1-year-old granddaughter
(Dorothy).
The Complication: Youre boarding the Jurassic Park ride along with
your daughter and son-in-law. Disappointingly, your wife Joanne is too
faint-of-heart to go on this ride, so she volunteers to wait just outside
the ride entrance with your 1-year-old granddaughter. Just as youre
allowed to board one of the rides boats, the mega quake rocks not
just the theme park, but the entire Southern California area. Chaos
erupts, as people arent sure what to do or where to go next. You look
to your left and find your son-in-laws toes and left sandal crushed by
a metal pole.
W
hen the quake finally stopped, I couldnt ignore
the pain of being tossed about like a rag doll.
But looking over at my son-in-law, I know he
was in a bad place. His face was pale. He was
gritting his teeth and looking downward. I fol-
lowed his gaze and was shocked to see the small pool of blood and
piece of metal pinning his left foot to the floor panel of the ride. A
support pole holding up the roofing for the nearby waiting area had
fallen partially onto the boat and on Georges foot. I pulled up on
the pole, but it wouldnt budge. Natalie was still seated between us,
immobile and in shock. Fearful that the piping had pierced Georges
foot, I tried again. The pole moved a little. Frustrated, I looked around
for help, but the ride attendants and fellow park-goers were all in
varying states of pain and distress.
We needed to help ourselves. I looked at Natalie. I need you
to focus! I told her. You need to help me lift this up and off. I told
George to lift, too. With six hands gripping the metal pipe, we hoisted
the pole, and George slides his foot free. The wound looks awful and
is now bleeding profusely. This can be dangerous for him, but a huge
aftershock could be fatal for all of us. We have to bind Georges foot,
find the rest of the family, and get to open ground where no more
debris could fall on us.
I knew we had to get George mobile. Id never been particularly
fond of the fellow, but he had been a good husband and father so far.
Seeing him put on a brave face for my daughter gave me a newfound
respect for him. He said to go ahead and find Joanne and the baby,
but I refused we would stick together. I used one of Natalies extra
shirts as a dressing for Georges foot. Then, with George in between
us, Natalie and I lifted him. We began to hobble forward. The going
was rough for us. The smooth walkways of the park were now jagged,
broken chunks of asphalt and concrete. The path was littered with the
dead, dying, and injured, who were having the time of their lives mere
minutes ago. As our trio staggered toward the place where we last
parted with Joanne, the sight of the injured children hit me the hard-
est. The crying and screaming of the young was almost deafening.
It seemed to be taking hours to traverse the 50 yards or so to where
my wife and granddaughter had been waiting, but I was sure it was only
a few minutes. A strong wave of nausea sickened me when I saw the
bench where they had been sitting crushed beneath a fallen palm tree.
But they werent there. They were missing, but at least we still had hope.
I called my wife with my mobile phone, but the lines were
jammed, no doubt by tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thou-
sands of people desperately calling to check on friends and family.
I tried several more times, only to hear to maddening beeping that
indicated the system was swamped I remembered that data might
work more reliably than voice calls during disasters so I tried texting
her as well. Where would she go with the baby? She would have tried
to get to us, I thought. And then I heard the crying. A different cry
that sounded familiar. And as I turned toward it, I saw my scratched
and dirty wife emerging from the bushes next to the path baby
Dorothy in her arms, squalling and struggling to get free, reaching
for her mother and father. The quake had knocked my wife off her
feet several times, and the final time she ended up stumbling over a
downed trash can and landing in the bushes. The reunion of parents
and children would have been touching at any other time, but we
were all just numb from the weight of the tragedy.
With the group together again, we weighed our responsibili-
ties and our needs. Georges foot hadnt stopped bleeding, and he
needed proper dressings immediately. We stopped at every nearby
souvenir shop and information desk, hoping the park officials would
have emergency services set up. But they were all swamped with
people more severely injured than George.
Then my wife reminded me about the medical kit in the car that
 WHAT
IF?

we always traveled with. There was food and water in there as well.
The only problem was that the parking lot was clear across the other
side of the park. After a quick discussion, we decided that we couldnt
rely on the parks overwhelmed paramedics and security guards. We
had to fight our way to the car. So, we began our slow trek through
the rubble and the chaos. On her last fall, my wife hurt her hip, so her
movement was as slow as Georges. Natalie had to hold the baby in
one arm while supporting her husband on the other side.
Fortunately, we must have had a guardian angel watching over us,
because a voice called out: Hurry! Hop on. I turned to find a park atten-
dant driving up in an electric vehicle. Thanking him profusely, I helped get
George and Joanne into the back of his maintenance cart. I told him we
needed to get to the parking lot to get our medical supplies in our car.
Without saying much, he floored the pedal. Under any other circum-
stances, I would have been frustrated by the carts measly top speed
of 15 mph, but today I was more than grateful to be able to wheel
around the pandemonium. He got us as far as the park entrance
before dropping us off. Theres still a lot more people back there who
need my help, our guardian angel said before speeding off.
The multi-level parking structure had collapsed and the sight of
the adjacent parking lot was hardly a relief. It was if some giant tod-
dler had strewn his toy cars around in a frustrated fit. Some vehicles
were untouched and neatly sitting in their rows, while others slid off
upheaved sections of earth and pavement and pancaked into other
cars. Still more vehicles were nose down in deep crevasses. Thank-
fully the sign post near our parking spot was still standing, and we
quickly found our car. The right side was pinned by the neighboring
vehicle, but the left side was clear. I fished out my keys and opened
the hot car. We lowered the windows, opened the two free doors,
and blasted the A/C to cool the interior.
My wife, a retired nurse, pulled out the medical bag and went
to work on Georges foot. She cleaned the wound and dressed his
injury. As she worked, we listened to the news on the car radio: an
8.9 earthquake has leveled homes and businesses throughout the
county and nearby areas. I changed the station, hoping for news that
wasnt so obvious: Stay in your homes and be prepared for multiple
aftershocks...
When my wife finished with George, she looked at me with a pe-
culiar expression. She looked ashamed. The words survivors guilt
flickered in my mind for a moment, but I didnt have time to explore
the thought. We have to help the others, she said matter-of-factly,
the way she does when shes stating not asking. I know, I replied.
We set up George, Natalie, and the baby as comfortably as we could
at the car. And with the threat of aftershocks and God knows what
else still in my mind, my dedicated wife and her reluctant husband
hauled the medical bag and went back into the park.

OFFGRIDWEB.COM 027
028 OFFGRIDWEB.COM WHAT
IF?
ISSUE 9

Conclusion
Although this story is a work of fic-
tion, an earthquake of this magnitude
is a real possibility. An 9.0 off-shore
About Our Panel:
earthquake shook Japan on March 11, Tim MacWelch
2011, creating a 30-foot-tall tsunami Tim MacWelch has been a survival instructor for
and taking the lives of over 15,000 the past 20 years and has trained members of the
people. This natural disaster also cre- U.S. Armed Forces, the State Department, and the
ated a technological disaster, when the Department of Defense, among others. He is also a
Fukushima power plant was destroyed public speaker on preparedness and is the author
and subsequently released radiation of Prepare For Anything and the upcoming Hunting
into the air and the sea water. And Gathering Survival Manual. You can follow him on
Less severe, but closer to our story, Twitter @timmacwelch or get more information at
60 lives were lost in the Northridge, www.advancedsurvivaltraining.com.
California, earthquake of 1994, which
was a mere 6.7 on the Richter scale.
Have no doubt that an 8.9-magni- Erik Lund
tude quake in a densely populated Erik Lund has more than 20 years of law enforcement
area would be a disaster the likes experience with much of that time spent as an
of which weve not seen in modern instructor of firearms, defensive tactics, and use of
times. And while theres no way to force. He served as a Virginia State Trooper before
predict exactly what the future holds, accepting a position as a federal agent. Lund is also
its a safe bet that natural disasters a senior instructor at Mike Seeklanders Shooting-
like this will continue to happen, just Performance LLC, a tactical training company. As a
as theyve happened since the birth champion competitive shooter, hes earned several
of this planet. For those living in an regional, state, and national three-gun titles and
earthquake-prone area, take steps to is ranked as a grandmaster by the United States
ensure your familys survival. Stock Practical Shooting Association.
up on supplies that will support you
in the aftermath of the disaster. Keep
Patrick McCarthy
some supplies at home, at work, and
Patrick McCarthy is a freelance writer, editor, and
in your vehicle. Make plans for your
photographer with an avid interest in survival and
familys actions during a quake. Have
the outdoors. After receiving his bachelors degree
a rally point in case youre separated
in 2010, Patrick made his first foray into journalism
and the phones are out.
as the associate editor of Truckin magazine. He later
Above all, take this threat seriously.
moved on to become a freelance contributor and
You dont have to move or become a
photographed numerous magazine covers. Patrick
shut-in just be aware that a disaster
currently resides in Tustin, California, and works in the
like this can happen at any time. And
marketing department at a classic car parts company.
while no one can stop a tremor from
happening, anyone can take steps to
be better prepared in the event of an
earthquake.

How would you react to the same scenario as played out by our panel?
Share your plan with us on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/OFFGRIDmag
 Established 1876

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030 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9

1001nights/istockphoto.com
E
arthquakes you never know when or

LETS GET
where theyll happen, and how severe the
damage will be. Unlike other natural disas-
ters, you have little if any warning, as there

READY TO is still no accurate way to predict their exact

date, time, and location. Even if you dont live in an area
thats historically prone to this type of occurrence, can you

RUMBLE honestly say youll never be somewhere thats affected?

As recently as April of this year, a magnitude 7.8 earth-
quake struck Nepal, and to date, hundreds of aftershocks
have occurred, including one that reached 7.3 and another
at 6.3 in the surrounding area. The devastation has killed
more than 8,000 people and injured over 17,000. You
Learn the Science
e of Eartthquak
kes, may be thinking to yourself that Nepal isnt on your list of
How You Can Prepare, and What vacation destinations, but even if youre living comfortably
to Do When They Hap ppen in rural Montana, know that a magnitude 7.3 quake rocked
Hebgen Lake, Montana, in 1959. And what if youre traveling
overseas or even domestically to, say, California or Oregon?
By John
h Sch
hn chwa
wa
art
r ze
WARNING!
While structural damage is usually inevitable, many
This article is meant to people dont think about the other collateral damage that
be a quick overview and earthquakes inflict. Assume power outages, broken gas and
not a detailed guide on
precautions to take in water lines, and aftershocks that can intensify the problems
preparation for and in are par for the course. In a more populated area, initial
response to an earthquake.
To learn more on how to destruction may also be exacerbated by compromised
prepare for earthquakes, transportation, disrupted communication methods, over-
consult the U.S. Geological
Survey, an accredited whelmed medical resources, and potential looting/rioting.
healthcare agency, or an
organization such as FEMA
or the American Red Cross.
 DavidSzabo/istockphoto.com
Here well help you and your loved ones formulate a plan
to deal with these unfortunate occurrences by delving into
the science of earthquakes, preparing for the conditions
you may be up against, and outlining actions you can take
during the aftermath.
1
What Is An Earthquake?
In laymans terms, an earthquake is the result of shock-
waves being generated when portions of the earths crust
move past one another. Think of it like snapping your
fingers. Your two fingers are blocks of the earths crust,
and friction builds up as they move past each other. That
friction causes pressure to build up and then be released in
the form of energy the snap of the fingers if you will. The
9.0
sound your fingers make when you snap is a pressure wave
thats released in all directions. The energy that radiates
outward travels through the earths crust and becomes the
shaking that we feel.
How Is Earthquake Size Calculated?
Earthquakes are complex events with numerous vari-
ables, which often leads to the conjecture among scientists
about the actual size. The truth is that there are numerous
dimensions of an earthquake that can be measured and,
even though surface shaking is what we experience, the
actual seismic event typically originates at great depths
beneath the surface.
Seismic networks throughout the world use seismographs
to measure what is typically referred to as the magnitude a
measurement of the earthquakes energy, which doesnt nec-
essarily equate to the level of shaking you feel. Earthquakes
produce different types of waves, the two most widely rec-
ognized being P-waves and S-waves. P-waves are the first to
be recorded because they travel the fastest and have a push/
8.0
pull motion. Particles subjected to a P-wave move in the same
motion as the wave. The S-wave follows the P-wave, moving
particles in an up-and-down and side-to-side motion.
Much like the thunder that follows lightening, the time
between the arrival of the two waves determines the
distance the earthquake is from the nearest seismograph,
but not the direction in which it occurred. By triangulating
the duration and movement of the ground recordings from
7.0
other seismograph stations in the surrounding areas, the
size and epicenter of the earthquake can be calculated. The
Richter Scale has become an outdated method of determin-
6.0
ing earthquake size. Intensity of an earthquake is another
measurement you may have heard of, but is more of an
5.0
assessment of an earthquakes effects on people, structures,
and the natural environment.
Three basic fault
types:
1. Strike-slip
2. Reverse fault
3. Normal fault
2
3
To give you a relative idea of size and effect, an earth-
quake of magnitude 6.0 has approximately 32 times more
energy than a magnitude 5.0 earthquake and approximately
1,000 times more energy than a 4.0 earthquake. Does that
mean there will be 1,000 times more damage from a 6.0
earthquake than a 4.0 earthquake? No. A larger earthquake
lasts longer and releases more energy, but the destruction
that happens at the surface can depend on many variables,
from soil conditions to structural integrity.
The 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake, which hap-
pened in a suburb of Los Angeles, was a magnitude 6.7 that
killed 60 people, injured more than 7,000, and damaged
more than 40,000 buildings in L.A. and the surrounding
counties. The 2001 Nisqually, Washington, earthquake
registered at 6.8, but caused far less damage because it oc-
curred along a fault that was much deeper.
Where Do Earthquakes Happen?
The earth is made up of numerous tectonic plates that
somewhat resemble a jigsaw puzzle. These plates are
always moving, and their boundaries are made up of faults.
Quakes typically occur on and in close proximity to these
plate margins. How do we know where faults are? Many
earthquakes leave surface evidence of displaced rock for-
mations, and continued earthquake recordings are mapped
to indicate the location of the fault. However, blind thrust
faults do not show these obvious signs, and seismologists
will not know their location until they produce an earth-
quake. Several of Californias earthquakes have occurred
along faults that were previously unknown. In other words,
4.0
3.0 you may not even know if youre living on or near a fault.
OFFGRIDWEB.COM 031

032 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9
NORTH AMERICAN PLATE
JUAN
DE FUCA
PLATE
CARIBBEAN
PLATE
COCOS
PLATE
AFRICAN
PACIFIC PLATE
PLATE
SOUTH
NAZCA AMERICAN
PLATE PLATE
SCOTIA PLATE
While the map shown can give you an idea where these
margins are located, even though you may live a great
distance from them, areas can also be subjected to induced
seismicity man-made earthquakes. Things such as dam
construction have been known to cause earthquakes
because the weight of the water at the surface affects stress
levels of the underlying ground.
Weve heard a lot about hydraulic fracturing (commonly
referred to as fracking) as a cause of earthquakes. Fracking
has only been directly linked to smaller earthquakes because
it rarely occurs at seismogenic depths. However, wastewater
JulNichols/istockphoto.com
The Preparation
Many of the deaths that occur during an earthquake
happen because of falling objects or furniture. Start by
identifying potential hazards in your home or office. Take
the time to secure the contents of your surroundings with
some simple adjustments as well as to relocate items to
safer places. You dont need to be Bob Vila to make these
modifications. Some ideas to get you started are:
Move heavy or larger items to the floor or low shelves.
Move taller, heavier furniture away from sofas, beds, and
places that people typically spend a lot of time.
Install latches on kitchen cabinets to prevent items from
falling out.
Secure your water heater, fridge, and other major appli-
ances to the walls with additional metal straps.
pop_jop/istockphoto.com
EURASIAN PLATE
PACIFIC
ARABIAN
PLATE
PLATE
INDIAN PHILIPPINE
PLATE
PLATE
INDO-AUSTRALIA PLATE
ANTARCTIC PLATE
disposal, which is often a byproduct of fracking and other
drilling activities, has been known to set off substantial earth-
quakes. Wastewater disposal wells have existed for many
decades, and there are thousands of them across the coun-
try. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, only a few dozen
are known to have induced felt earthquakes. Will other wells
eventually cause induced earthquakes? It is impossible to
predict because many conditions must occur to trigger a seis-
mic event strong enough to be felt, but as research continues,
scientists may be able to learn more about the links between
drilling, wastewater disposal, and seismic activity.
Hang mirrors or pictures on closed hooks. Corners of
these items can also be secured using earthquake putty.
Attach flexible connectors where gas lines meet appli-
ances to reduce line breakage/fires.
Top-heavy furniture can be secured to the wall using flexible
fasteners like nylon straps. Anchoring to the stud in the wall
instead of the drywall itself will ensure a stronger hold.
Move flammable liquid to lower shelves or the floor to
prevent spillage/fires.
Electronics can be secured with flexible nylon straps and
buckles for easy removal and relocation.
Loose items on shelves such as lamps can also benefit
from hook-and-loop fasteners. Earthquake putty or micro-
crystalline wax can also be applied to the base of these
items for additional hold.
 LETS GET READY
TO RUMBLE

Now that youve made some potentially live-saving Gear Up

repairs, its time to come up with a disaster preparedness Disaster supply kits run the gamut, but youll want to prepare a personal kit for
plan. While this will vary from person to person, since an when youre on the move and a household kit in case you are stuck at home.
earthquake may occur when you and your family are
separated while at work or school, or together at home Personal Disaster Kit
during the night, there are a number of (constants) that Its advisable to have three: one for your home, another for your office,
include: and a third for your car, since you never know where youll be when disas-
Practice drop, cover, and hold on. Identify safe places ter strikes. The contents of your disaster supply kits should include at least
to remain until the earthquake is over. These can include the following items:
sturdy desks or tables.
Take a CPR course from a certified instructor. Medications, prescription list, cop- Sturdy shoes
Make sure you have a good set of walking shoes and a ies of medical cards, and doctors Cash
working flashlight by your bed. names and contact info Road maps
Invest in at least one fire extinguisher for your home. Medical consent forms for depen- A list of emergency contacts that
If a utility shutoff is necessary, know the location of the dents are out of the area
shutoffs and keep tools handy to deactivate the utilities. First-aid kit and handbook High-calorie snacks
Only shut off the gas if you hear or smell it leaking. Non-latex examination gloves Flashlight
Teach everyone emergency knocks, whistles, or other Dust mask Personal hygiene supplies
sounds to make if trapped. Spare glasses or contact lenses Toiletries
Install smoke alarms and test them monthly. and cleaning solution Copies of identification (drivers
Designate an outdoor meeting place for your and your Bottled water license, passport, etc.)
family to rendezvous after the shaking stops. A whistle to alert people to your
Identify family members with special needs such as location
mobility issues or medical conditions and how they can be
accommodated. Household Disaster Kit
Determine where you can live if your home is uninhabitable. If you are stuck at home, emergency services, water, transportation,
Video or photograph your belongings and keep a list of power, and various other resources may be unavailable indefinitely. Ideally,
this household inventory. you should assemble a household supply kit that will last anywhere from
Keep important documents (insurance records, identifica- three days to two weeks. These items should be kept together in an easily
tion, medical information, financial records) in a secure accessible location. Check expiration dates on perishable items yearly, and
waterproof container. rotate them out with fresh supplies if needed.
Got pets? Like family members with special needs, discuss
safe transportation methods and what their requirements Water (minimum 1 gallon a day per Extra flashlights or light sticks
will entail. It is unlikely youll be able to take them to a shel- person) Canned and packaged food
ter due to space unless they are service animals. Tools to turn off gas and water Charcoal or gas grill for outdoor
supply cooking, along with matches or a
You can also organize a meeting with your neighbors Dining utensils and can opener lighter
to identify who may have certain skills and possessions Work gloves and protective Pet food, and a leash or carrier
that will be useful in an emergency. You can also check goggles Warm clothing
with your city or county to see if a nearby Community Plastic bags for waste Blankets or sleeping bags, and a
Emergency Response Team (CERT) has been established. Tarps to shelter yourself from rain tent
If not, collaborate with your neighbors and other nearby or serve as ponchos Copies of identification (drivers
residents to start one. Portable radio with extra batteries license, passport, etc.)
In addition to selecting an emergency contact outside (or a hand-crank version)
of the area, make sure you and your family have a list of
phone numbers for close friends, relatives, and emergen-
cy facilities. Your childrens school or daycare may have Other methods of prep? Identify potential weaknesses in your home. Since
evacuation plans. Familiarize yourself with these so you most people wouldnt know what exactly to look for, its recommended that you
ISSUE 9

know where they may be routed. get quotes from various contractors about what can be done to strengthen any

OFFGRIDWEB.COM 033
034 OFFGRIDWEB.COM LETS GET READY
TO RUMBLE
ISSUE 9

parts of your home, especially if its an older home built prior
to more recent earthquake codes being implemented. If you
rent or live in a large building, ask the landlord if any retrofit-
ting has been done, if water heaters have been braced, and
what is permitted in your rent or lease agreement to secure
furniture to walls or do any other structural modifications.
Be aware that homes with crawl spaces, buildings with
underground parking, unreinforced masonry, and inadequate
foundations can compromise structural integrity as well. Ask
your insurance carrier what, if any, provisions are in your exist-
ing policy that cover earthquakes. Do not assume your home
and possessions will automatically be covered in an earth-
quake by standard homeowners or renters policies. If little or
no earthquake-related coverage is offered, look into getting
earthquake insurance to supplement any existing coverage.
When the Big One Happens
If the ground starts shaking, what do you do? This
depends on your location as well as the severity of dam-
age caused by the quake. Since we cannot cover every
potential outcome, here are some general guidelines to
consider.
Indoors
First, drop to your hands and knees if you remain stand-
ing, you may lose your balance and fall. Cover your head,
neck, and entire body if possible by finding shelter under
a strong desk or table. If the shaking shifts your shelter, be
prepared to move with it. In the event you are in bed, remain
there and cover your head with a pillow. You are less likely
to be injured there; many times people attempt to run from
their bed only to fall or step on broken glass. Do not attempt
to run outside or use the elevator. Remain where you are
until the shaking stops.

Plan for Resources that May Be Driving

Compromised by Earthquakes
Power
If the magnitude is large enough,
power may go out and stay shut off
indefinitely. This includes both gas
and electricity. Investing in extra gas
supplies and generators (both solar
and gas powered) may improve
your living conditions substantially.
Water
Pull over and stop if the ground is shaking. Set the parking
brake and if possible avoid overpasses, power lines, and
access may contribute to inter- bridges. If a power line falls on your car, remain there until
rupted communications as well. rescue personnel can remove it.
Satellite phones may prove to be a
worthwhile investment. Outdoors
Move to an area clear of power lines, trees, buildings, or
Transportation other structures that may fall. If youre near the shore and
Damage to roads may take the shaking lasts 20 seconds or longer, immediately move
months to repair. Find alternate as far away from the shore as possible, as a tsunami may
routes to work, medical help, or po- have been created and be inbound.
tential bug-out locations instead of
helenecanada/istockphoto.com

Water lines may be ruptured and relying on conventional highways.

stop flowing for months. In addition,
broken sewage lines could con-
taminate damaged water lines and
render tap water unsafe for up to a
year. Stocking up on extra water is
highly recommended.
Communications
Mobile phone lines may be
overwhelmed because so many are
trying to call at once; this may go on
indefinitely. Because the methods
by which cell towers are affixed to
buildings are not regulated, tow-
ers may be damaged by shaking.
Downed phone lines and Internet
Hospitals
At a time when people will need
medical attention the most, earth-
quakes may not only cause undam-
aged hospitals to reach capacity
and operate with limited resources
and staff, but damage to other hospi-
tals means that they could rendered
unsafe and closed. The ability to
be treated will be greatly reduced.
Finding other means of medical
care, taking first-aid courses, and
coordinating with nearby residents
to see if any are trained medical
professionals is advisable.
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036 OFFGRIDWEB.COM LETS GET READY
TO RUMBLE

When the Shaking Stops
Just because the initial shaking has subsided doesnt
meant youre out of the woods yet. Aftershocks may still oc-
cur. Do not panic remember your emergency plans.
What Should I Do?
gas company to check for leaks before its turned on again.
If there is damaged electrical wiring, shut the power off at
the main breaker and leave it off until repaired. Unplug any
broken lights or appliances; when power is restored they
could possibly start fires.

MaxineLawson/istockphoto.com
First attend to your own needs. Identify potential dangers
in your surroundings (leaking gas lines, building damage,
fires). If at home, try to put out small fires if possible. If you
suspect a gas leak, shut the main gas valve off. Wait for the

5 Myths About Earthquakes

Head for the Doorway for Protection
In modern houses, doorways are
no safer than any other part of your
house. Do not stand in a doorway
during an earthquake; you are safer
under a table or desk.
Is There Such a Thing as Earth-
quake Weather?
There has been no scientific proof
for earthquakes being prone to
certain kinds of weather. They can
happen at any time.
Scientists Can Predict Earthquakes
Modern earthquake detection
systems can only sense the onset
of an earthquake within seconds.
Even though research continues
and scientists learn more about
earthquakes, no early detection
system will likely be created in the
foreseeable future.
Certain Animals and Some People
Can Sense When an Earthquake is
About to Happen
There have been reports of peo-
ple or animals acting strangely im-
mediately preceding an earthquake.
To date no scientific link has been
established to substantiate that
animals or people can predict earth-
quakes. If there is some connection
between behavior and earthquakes,
it is still as of yet unexplainable.
Earthquakes Near Coastlines Auto-
matically Cause Tsunamis
Although tsunamis followed
the 2004 Sumatra and 2011 Japan
earthquakes, that does not guar-
antee that earthquakes in close
proximity to a coastline will cause
tsunamis. The aforementioned
quakes happened on subduction
zone faults, on which fault slips
caused a vertical uplift of the sea
floor. Another earthquake of the
same magnitude happened in 2012
in the same region as the previous
2004 Sumatra quake and generated
no tsunami. Both occurred in deep
water, but the first involved sudden
vertical movement, while the sec-
ond involved lateral movement.
The San Andreas fault in Cali-
fornia cannot cause a big tsunami
like the Sumatra or Japan events.
While part of the San Andreas fault
is offshore, the motion is mostly
horizontal, so it will not cause larger
vertical motions of the ocean floor
that would create a tsunami; how-
ever, earthquakes on other faults
offshore of California or underwater
landslides could cause locally dam-
aging tsunamis in California.
Things may continue to fall so get to a safe location. If you
are trapped, do what you can to protect your eyes, nose, and
mouth from dust. If you are bleeding, put pressure on the
wound and elevate the injury. Try to communicate for help by
knocking on solid pieces of the building, whistling, using your
cell phone, or shouting. Keep doing it every few minutes as
rescue personnel will be listening for distress signals.
Once you are safe, attend to others. Use any first-aid training
to assist those in need. If you are unsure of what to do, wait for
EMTs to arrive and administer medical attention. Do not move
anyone seriously injured unless they are at risk of further injury.
Get to a Safe Location
Evacuate your home or office only if the structure is dam-
aged or the surrounding area is unsafe. Use your disaster
supply kit as needed. Relocating to a friend or relatives
house thats undamaged or to a community shelter is
advisable with your personal disaster kit. If the building is
undamaged, it is OK to remain there even if utilities are out,
but if the power remains out for several days, you may want
to find another location to hold up.
Continue to follow your disaster preparation plan and
remember to get in touch with your out-of-area contact
to tell them your location and condition. Use your radio to
get information about safety advisories or shelter loca-
tions being set up. If you remain at home, food and water is
imperative. You can use up anything in your freezer within a
couple days before it spoils. Water lines may be ruptured or
contaminated. If your water is off or potentially unsafe, you
can drink bottled water, the contents of your water heater,
melted ice cubes, or liquid from canned vegetables.
038 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9

In the Aftermath
Following any aftershocks, continue to use the informa-
tion in your disaster plan and the supplies at your disposal.
If you can remain at home and utilities are shut off, until you
are sure there are no gas leaks, do not use any open flames
indoors. Wait for the gas company to turn it back on. If the
electricity was shut off and then reactivated, inspect your
electronic equipment and appliances for potential damage.
Locate or replicate any important documents that may be
lost. Check on the condition of your neighbors as well.
Take pictures of any damage to your property and contact
your insurance company immediately to begin your claims
process. FEMA may also be able to provide financial and hous-
ing assistance. You can learn more by visiting www.fema.gov.
Continue to monitor radio and TV reports about emer-
gency resources and advisories. If repairs are needed to
your home, be sure any contractors performing the work
are licensed, as fraud is common following disasters.
If you have to relocate to a shelter, take your disaster kit
with you. Its contents should only entail necessities required
for survival. Trying to bring valuables with you or large quan-
tities of unnecessary items may result in theft and taking
up needed space. You can also set up an alternate mailing
address in person or online with the USPS.
You play an important role in the rebuilding process, so
get involved and make sure you provide input in deciding
how your community rebuilds.

The 5 Biggest Earthquakes

in the Last 100 Years
Magnitude Magnitude Magnitude Magnitude Magnitude

9.2 9.5 9.1 9.0 9.0

Prince William Sound Valdivia, Northern Off the coast of Kamchatka,
Region, Alaska Chile Sumatra Honshu, Japan Russia
March 28, 1964 May 22, 1960 December 26, 2004 March 11, 2011 November 4, 1952
Approximate death toll: Approximate death toll: Approximate death toll: Approximate death toll: Approximate death toll:
131 1,655 227,898 15,703 1,500-9,000

pop_jop/istockphoto.com
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040 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9

Forget Your Rod, Reel,

and Tackle Box.
IMPROVISED In a SHTF World,
Youll Have to Fish

ANGLING With What Youve Got.

By David H. Martin

O
ur SHTF nightmare goes a little something But in reality, itll probably go a bit more like this: Out of
like this: Outnumbered and nearly overrun, supplies and no signs of rescue coming, we drop our empty WARNING!
This is not meant to be
we hit the mag release on our AR-15 and let MRE packet and bury it in the soft ground below. Pulling an exhaustive guide
the empty magazine fall to the soft ground the final protein bar from our chest pocket, we rip open its to improvised angling.
Fishing in some regions
below. Ripping our final magazine from our wrapper and scarf it down. Last one, we say with a hint of under certain conditions
chest rig, we slam her into the magwell and drop the bolt. desperation. can be extremely
dangerous. Seek a
Last one, we whisper to ourselves. The last 30 rounds to While the first scenario is what some preppers plan professional guide or a
fend off these blood-thirsty marauders, save our family, and for (and maybe even fantasize about), the second one is reputable instructor for
more information.
protect the precious few provisions we have left. much more likely. Imagine an injured hiker who didnt pack
anything but water. Or picture a suburban family stranded
in a broken-down camper with no mobile phone reception,
having already eaten through their cache of ham sandwiches.
If they think the only way to stave off starvation would be
to hunt small game, theyd be overlooking a vast source of
sustenance. If you can find a stream, lake, or river, youll find
not only potential drinking water, but quite possibly a source
of abundant food.
In past issues of OFFGRID, weve explored traditional
angling techniques and introduced the concept of a bug-out
kayak from which to catch fish. But not every outdoor adven-
turer is going to have the inclination or the knowledge to pack
a fishing rod, just as not every prepper will have the room to
jam a tackle box in their bug-out bag. So, here were going
to delve into improvised means of catching fish, covering all
sorts of methods from the unconventional to the ancient.
Fish for Knowledge
If you read Teach a Man to Fish in OFFGRID Issue 4, you
know that a mini fishing kit can fit into an Altoid box. But the
low-cost nature of fishing gear allows for greatly expanded
kits to be assembled and stored in multiple locations, from
your home and your office to your daily driver and your
kayak. This will enable you to take advantage of multiple
environments, species, seasons, and waters, from ponds and
upland freshwater to salty bays and coastal tidal creeks.
For anything longer than one night in the woods, less is
not more when packing fishing kits. Yet, judging from a quick
look at fishing gear on the market, the manufacturers main
objective seems to be to make them as small as possible
with almost no line and few hooks or lures. But why settle for
30 feet of line when, for $7, you can grab a readymade spool
of more than 3,000 yards of light monofilament? Add in a
box of hooks and youre halfway to a good meal.
The key to it all? Understanding your target species and
settling in for the long haul, to keep moving and harvesting
fish as you go.
Learn your home species, and adjust your kit according
to destinations. Ask yourself, If I crossed the state line, would
I be able to work my way home living on only fish I caught
along the way? Stepping off the grid should increase, not
decrease, your confidence. And the best way to do that is
to gain knowledge and develop skill through practice. Next
time your wife complains that you go fishing with the boys
too often, tell her youre doing vital research.
If 10 percent of the fishermen catch 90 percent of the
fish, and 20 percent of the water holds 80 percent of the
fish, the first thing you need is a decision matrix to eliminate
the less productive waters and focus on more productive
waters that you can still safely access. A decision matrix
would look like this:
FRESHWATER VS SALTWATER
SHALLOW VS
DEEP/MOVING
WATER WATER
Survival
fishing might
require some
improvised LIVE VS
ARTIFICIAL
BAIT BAIT
cooking. Soda
cans can be
splayed out and
re-purposed as
a grill. Your target species and time window dictate your choice
of tackle, and the tackle determines your movement and tim-
ing. Additionally, consider adding any of the following where
its legal and it makes sense: seines, cast nets, fish traps, bush
lines, spears, or ancient techniques still practiced from bayou
to backwater everything short of dynamite.
Trust your instincts or youll reduce your options. Stop
reading the instructions and start reading the water, looking
for those natural ambush points: bottle necks, choke points,
sandbars, structural covers, or current lines that draw and
concentrate bait flow, leading to small and large fish activity.
Forget the trophy fish and focus on that small percentage of
water that you can access safely and that holds the fish you
need to survive. The key is to assemble a kit that enables you
to work various levels of the water column, regardless of wa-
ISSUE 9
ter body, for the target species, or make the tools you need.
OFFGRIDWEB.COM 041
042 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9

Freshwater Techniques
Freshwater remains the common denominator. It can be a treatable source of hydration, a pathway to safe refuge, a barrier
against potential hostiles, and an ambush point for life-sustaining fauna. Approach a pond, lake, river, marsh, or inland swamp
almost anywhere throughout the USA, and you can count on a number of reliable pan fish species. Theres bluegill, sunfish,
bream or crappie, catfish, and regional fish from trout to small-mouth bass. Look for spawning beds in the shallows during
the spring, and keep your eye on cover vegetation holding ambush predators.

IMPROVISED FISHING POLE FLOATING BAIT

No cane poles or bamboo in your bug-out locale? No problem. Its

just a matter of observation and adaptation:

1. Check the shoreline for any floating vessel, like an old soda
bottle or bleach jug.
2. Rig your floatable device with bait on 3 to 4 feet of line.
3. Attach a length of paracord or twine to your bottle and let it float
across the lake, pond, or river, where you can pick up strikes
away from the shore.

HANGING BAIT
Freshwater species readily hit ultra-light artificial lures like
micro-jigs, spoons, and flies. So connect a synthetic lure to a
hook and paracord and voil. These species also like live bait
from worms and crickets to frogs and crayfish. Catch some little
critters and suspend them from hooks that are tied to ultra-light
monofilament or micro-braid lines. To rig these baits, just follow
these easy steps:

1. Look for a light sapling, a length of cane, some bamboo, or
a long, lean tree limb.
2. Cut and trim the selected branch, then harden it over
campfire coals.
3. Tie in your ultra-light mono or micro-braid line about half-
way up the pole, wrapping it in long spirals until you reach
the tip.
4. Tie off the line and leave as much as you can flip out,
about 12 to 20 feet. This way, if a large catfish or bass
breaks your cane pole tip, youll still be connected to your
dinner.
5. Complete this classic rig by attaching a small No. 8 hook,
split shot, and cork.
At night, standing on an overhanging river or creek bank, you
can use your heavy cane pole, tipped with a heavy length of line
to artificial surface plugs, to draw fish by the lost art of jigger-
poling. Swishing in tight figure-eight patterns and loops can
sometimes trigger an explosive bass strike. Night fishing can be
productive during the warmer months when youre on foot and
fishing the shallows near shore.
Similar rigs can be suspended from tree limbs that hang over lakes
or slow-moving rivers, especially when you have live or cut bait. Be
careful not to offer your entire line and hook set in a trotline arrange-
ment unless you can afford to lose it all at once to a gator or an alligator
snapping turtle.
NETS AND TRAPS
Rivers offer the advantage of allowing you to turn the current to your
advantage. Send out worms, live or cut bait, or almost anything with
scent to attract catfish. In moving water, creeks, and streams, dont rule
out ancient techniques. Nets and traps are great for ensnaring bait,
crayfish, or freshwater turtles. Theyre effective forms of passive fishing,
allowing you to focus on other important tasks like filtering water or
even sleeping overnight while prey get caught up in them.
For example, seine nets have been used all over the globe for mil-
lennia to capture seafood. Some resemble volleyball nets that are held
down by weights on the bottom, but buoyed by floats at the top. Also,
funnel-shaped traps can be crafted with nothing more than bait, a knife,
some twine/cord, and tree branches that can be wrapped. Bamboo is
best, but any light sticks that are flexible can be used.
 IMPROVISED
ANGLING

Saltwater Techniques
Tools, tactics, and techniques vary more widely once you reach coastal waters based on species inhabiting estuaries, brack-
ish rivers, mangrove islands, coastal beaches, shallow tidal bays, and barrier islands.

REEL IN THE BAIT

Saltwater is where live bait rules. Netted, trapped, or
hooked bait is used to attract larger predators. Common
coastal species range from schools of small snapper,
mullet, or pelagic species that cruise sandbars, oyster
bars, and beach troughs looking to munch on some-
thing smaller while avoiding something toothier. Start
by working through the shallows to procure scented
live bait, from clams and barnacles to minnows and
sand fleas (AKA mole crabs). You can catch them using
a seine, a wire screen, or a handmade bait trap. Also,
hooking even smaller baitfish on tiny hooks and mono
line can do the trick.

CUBAN YO-YO

No, this isnt the latest popular kids toys; its one of the simplest
fishing systems one can use from a shore, jetty, or pier. This time-tested
fishing device is a simple plastic spool with a concave channel capable
of holding hundreds of feet of light or heavy line in various sizes. In
coastal waters from Alaska to Florida, yo-yos are capable of taking
trout, flounder, redfish, mangrove snapper even small shark if you
include some wire leader.
To use it, first quietly wade or stand in the shade of the mangroves,
or at a low-profile spot where water movement shows signs of baitfish
and feeding fish. To cast using the yo-yo, pay out several feet of line
with the hand spool. Then swing the hook, leader, and sinker or lure
around your head like a lariat, and let her fly, allowing the spool to spin
in your opposite hand, your reeling hand. A 30-foot cast is plenty.
Terminal tackle can consist simply of a line connected by small sliding
sinker, swivel, a length of leader, possible cork bobber, and a baited hook.
To manage large and small fish, practice rolling your wrist one handed
line to cut you when using microfiber lines. When that large fish hits, a
braided line can cut you to the bone. Never wrap your bare hand with
any fishing line lest you risk a deep cut; use the spool. A glove helps pre-
vent skin loss when the fish hits. (If you receive a line cut or a hook stab,
treat it immediately by flushing, disinfecting, and bandaging, then keep-
ing as dry as possible.) Prepare to loosen your grip and allow the fish to
exhaust itself by playing it carefully. Too many fish are lost by attempting
to winch them in, tearing the hook or lure from their lips.
If youre able to procure, by hook or crook, a small seaworthy row
boat or jon boat for fishing offshore, the yo-yo will allow you to drop
weighted baits or lures into the deeper channel edges, where reef fish
or even grouper may dwell (along with passing pelagic species during
fall or spring seasons). Be prepared to play the fish and if need be, stab
it at boat side with a handmade spear. Given time, you may even rig a
small landing net by steaming and bending branches into a loop, and
cross connecting with paracord fiber strands, square knotted into a
ISSUE 9

and fishing by feel with your opposite hand. Take care not to allow the small mesh screen.

OFFGRIDWEB.COM 043
044 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9
HAWAIIAN SLING
Depending on the currents, the season, or the water tem-
peratures, you may even be able to dive for crabs or to spearfish
using a pole spear or Hawaiian sling. A what? you might be
asking. A Hawaiian sling is a poor mans spear gun and works like
a combination of a slingshot and a bow and arrow, but instead of
flexing a wooden or fiberglass bow to build up energy you pull
back on rubber tubing. While theyre commercially available, you
can fashion one yourself, MacGyver style:
1. Obtain a sturdy shaft for a pole spear and sharpen one
end (i.e. wooden dowel).
2. Tie bungee cord or surgical tubing in a 12-inch loop at the
base of your spear.
3. Slip your hand up the pole, tightening the loop across the
webbing between your thumb and trigger finger until you
can grip the pole under tension.
4. Then point and release.
Fish-Gone Conclusion
For long-term survival, the most well thought-out bug-out
bags consist of core essentials surrounded by modular
sub-component packs that may be added or deleted based
on need, travel, and season. This holds true with angling
supplies, too.
With each component, its essential to know every ele-
ment and how it works in the given environment youre in.
About the Author:
Native Texan David H. Martin is a conservation-driven kayak fishing guide
and firearms instructor based in Sarasota, Florida, where he charters coastal
waters, mangrove islands, and remote rivers. Competing with sharks and
alligators for his next meal, he hones and teaches survival skills needed for
transitioning from potential urban threats to remote backcountry camps.
IMPROVISED
ANGLING
NETS AND TRAPS
These devices work just as well in saltwater as they do in freshwater.
Premade or crafted from paracord, a simple cast net or seine can gath-
er both bait and larger keeper fish. If you have the capacity to carry
a premade bait or cast net, this can reward you with one simple toss
after mastering the ancient technique. Set nets framed by fish traps
to funnel both bait and larger fish. If youre able to rip some screen or
chicken wire from a fence or window, roll and form a cylinder to use as
a bait or crab trap, then weigh it down, and bait with fish heads to keep
the food chain going.
However, these require a large time commitment to make in the
field, so consider staging a premade net in your boat, vehicle, or bug-
out location.
The author
fashions a fish trap out
of bamboo. As a passive
form of fishing, the trap
funnels both bait fish
and larger swimmers.
Perhaps more importantly, its vital to practice with it before
its needed. Just as you wouldnt wait until youre bleeding
out from a gunshot wound before you try a tourniquet for
the first time, you shouldnt add a single lure or tool to your
kit without considering its cost, weight, safety concerns,
and usefulness in the water. Instead of going entirely with
the mini-fishing-kit-in-a-mint-box approach, consider how
your off-grid adaptability and effectiveness will be greatly
increased at very little cost by incrementally increasing the
carrying capacity of your basic setup.
There are survival schools that will teach you how to sur-
vive by eating a worm. Or, if you go off the grid with grit and
some knowledge, you can use that worm to catch an almost
limitless abundance of fish. So save the Altoids, hero. Youll
need them for kissing the girl once youve fed your clan long
after the last MRE was devoured.
046 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9
10 Worst
Angling Mistakes to Avoid
1 Dont Pack a Knife: A knifeless man is a lifeless man, goes the
Nordic saying, and this is never truer than when working the
waters edge. You dont want to connect with anything you cant
disconnect from in a hurry think getting tangled up with a fish-
ing line, weighted fish trap, or even an anchor line. A fixed blade
or a safety cutter like the Benchmade 9 CB will give you control
over thrashing fish and save a trip to the emergency room when
that unseen hook comes through the web of our hand.
2 Forget Edge Discipline: Almost any fisherman can show you
the scar he got when his hand slipped on slime while cleaning a
slick fish or when the blade ricocheted off a fish spine. Clean fish
the way youd sharpening your spear: cut away from your body.
3 Overlook Small Cuts: A knife is not the only thing that can cut
you. The new micro-braid fishing line can cut to the bone when
burning through your hand, leading to impairment and blood
loss. Small hand cuts might seem insignificant, but can result in a
red streak up the wrist, an early warning sign of an infection.
4 Go Deep: When wading, remember to keep it shin deep, not
chin deep. The idea is to be predator, not the bait. Dont go for the
trophy fish in deep waters without a boat, and just take what you
need; small fish count, too.
5 Stay Unaware: Never turn your back on the water, especially
at low light or nightfall. The water moccasin remains the most
belligerent and malingering serpent at the waters edge, and the
reason the .410 Snake Charmer shotgun was invented. And no
one need be reminded about the dangers of crocs and gators.
IMPROVISED
ANGLING
6 Just Dive In: Your hiking stick works when wet. Dont attempt
a crossing through moving water, even a seemingly smooth-
flowing creek or channel, without probing the bottom. A safety
line (i.e. a heavy rope) can provide a measure of security when
crossing waters or maneuvering, scouting, or portaging river
country. Recreational fishermen disappear every year, pulled
down in their waders when stepping into a hole or slipping on a
green mossy rock.
7 Ignore the Temperatures: Once youre wet, weather conditions
can drastically affect you for the worst. Its easy to get so caught
up in survival fishing that you forget to pay attention to your
shivering body. When youre cold, you make bad decisions. Get a
fire started at your basecamp before you realize that you have no
dry spare clothing and your tinder is wet.
8 Clean Where You Eat: Clean your fish away from camp. If you
cant use the entrails or head for cooking or baiting traps, dont
bring it back to your bug-out base. Otherwise, youll be sending
out an aromatic invitation for raiders, from nuisances like rac-
coons to serious threats like bears.
9 Eat the Weirdos: Pass on any fish that acts disoriented or
appears unnatural. Favor the firm, lively, and clear-eyed fighter.
Prepare carefully and cook thoroughly. The fish will fall apart
when done so plan on using a pan if you have one, or spreading
out the fish on skewers or a grill. Even crushed beer cans make a
good improvised oven or grill. A classic cooking technique is to
wrap the fish in foil, coat in mud, then bury in campfire coals for
about 30 minutes.
10 Pack Just One
Line and Hook:
Compared to
ammo, whiskey,
and cigars, the
cost for ample
line and hooks
are low and their
weight and bulk
are minimal. Stock up well in advance, building in a variety of
lines for any possible condition and having various kits set up for
your different emergency packs.
048 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9
A
mong the most common complaints
heard from preppers, an unsupportive
or uninterested spouse ranks just behind
not having enough money in the disaster
readiness budget and just ahead of not
being able to find like-minded folks in their local area. While
the world would be pretty boring if we all agreed on every
single thing, it can be nearly impossible to work out a com-
plete disaster readiness plan if youre the only person in the
household interested in doing it.
Even if youre unmarried and living alone, undoubtedly
there are people in your life youd like to get involved with
prepping, but theyve thus far resisted your efforts.
Heres the thing. If these are people you truly want around
you, odds are theyre fairly intelligent, rational human beings,
right? That being the case, and this can be difficult to admit,
odds are that they arent the problem. Most likely, its you,
or at least your approach when it comes to talking about
preparedness. In other words, youre not selling it very well.
One-Trick Pony
You know that guy at work whos way more interested in
football than seems sane? It seems like you cant have any
sort of conversation with him without passing plays, injury

reports, or the latest trade rumors being somehow brought
up. All you were trying to do is be polite in asking him how
his weekend was and now youve been trapped for the last
30 minutes as he goes all Monday morning quarterback on
you. Sound familiar?
Guess what? That might very well be exactly how you sound
when the subject of prepping comes up. If your spouses eyes
tend to glaze over rather quickly any time you talk about bug-
out bags, home canning, or first-aid supplies, odds are pretty
good youve overdone it a time or two in the past.
Being passionate about disaster readiness is one thing,
obsessed is quite another. Honestly, it just isnt healthy for
How to Get Friends and Family to
H
Support Your Prepper Lifestyle
By Jim Cobb
Photos by Michael Grey
and Jorge Nuez
any particular interest to have such an overriding effect on
a human being. Remember your teen years when your pri-
mary mission in life seemed to be to attract the attention of
a potential girlfriend or boyfriend? Remember all the dumb
stuff you said and did back then? That, my friend, is what
obsession can do.
If all you ever talk about is prepping, you begin to sound
like a used car salesman whos just trying to close a deal.
Expand your horizons just a tad. Let people see you as a
well-rounded person rather than a one-trick pony. Then,
when the subject does come up, theyre more likely to pay
ISSUE 9
attention and not feel as though theyve heard it all before.
OFFGRIDWEB.COM 049
050 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9

If you want Dollars and Sense

to win hearts
Money, or the lack thereof, leads to more marital strife
and minds over
to the prepper than any other cause. The reason spending habits cause
cause, and not so many arguments is because the two people involved
look like the dont agree on the relative importance of the items being
office nutcase,
dont smash purchased. If you both agreed that Jimmy Choo shoes
them over the were absolutely essential to life, there wouldnt be an argu-
head with talk of ment at all, right?
the End of Days.
Heres the thing. Some preppers do go overboard and
Start small with
common-sense put their families into serious financial trouble. Of course,
things like a so do many non-preppers. But, the fact is that prepping
first-aid kit for costs money. While there are many things you can learn
your home or an
emergency pack to do on your own, such as gardening, home canning,
for your car. and such, there are expenses involved no matter what.
Your significant other might see these purchases as
being wasteful because they dont believe a disaster will
ever strike.
Finances are one Heres the counter-argument: By maintaining a decent
of the leading
causes of marital food pantry at home, you can eat tomorrow at todays
strife. Ease your prices. Do some homework and keep track of what you
spouses money spend on food supplies and let your spouse see how
concerns by
youre actually saving money in the long run. Of course,
explaining how
maintaining you should also be using coupons and taking advantage of
Slow Your Roll a decent food sales, rather than just buying for the sake of buying.
Another very common mistake is going from 0 to 60 in cache can actu-
ally save you
0.2 seconds flat. Heres how it often plays out: Coworker money in the Insurance
comes and up and says, Hey Bob, did you see the sale this long run. Heres a secret that many non-preppers dont know.
week on canned chili? Within moments, Bob is explain-

jatrax/istockphoto.com
ing, in excruciating detail, just how many cans of chili are
necessary in a comprehensive food-storage plan, one
thats designed to last a family of four at least 10 years,
taking into account all of the caloric and nutritional needs
of each individual in the family. Ten years, of course, being
the minimum time necessary for society to rebound from
the coming zombie apocalypse, a disaster the government
has been grooming us to handle for years, as theyre the
ones behind all of the wildly popular undead TV shows
and movies.
Coworker probably lost interest about four seconds into
that conversation.

If you truly want to get more people on board with prep-

ping, you cant go from zero to end of the world as we
know it at the drop of a hat. You need to ease them into
it. Talk about far more common, though admittedly more
boring, disasters like severe weather, power outages, and
such. Leave the world-altering disaster discussions for later,
once theyve caught the prepping bug.
 THE
chuckmoser/istockphoto.com SELL JOB
S

Most of us who are actively preparing for potential disas-
ters truly and deeply pray we never need to use our plans
for real. You know what else we spend money on and hope
we never have to use? Insurance.
Think about it. Car insurance, in particular, is something
that costs us a lot of money, and yet well go out of our
way to never use it. If were in a small fender-bender, were
far more likely to try and work things out privately than
we are to call our insurance agent. If we drive for 50 years,
spend a total of $30,000 or more in insurance premiums
during that time, and never once file a claim, we call that
a win.
People often think (incorrectly) that preppers are all
about the doom and gloom, hoping and praying for a
major disaster to wipe out significant portions of the popu-
lation. Really, though, thats like saying anyone who buys
house insurance is praying for a fire to turn all their posses-
sions into ash. The reality is that we buy insurance because
its a necessary evil. If our house burns down, we need the
insurance to help us rebuild. If we get sick, we need health
insurance to help us afford the proper treatment. If a major
disaster strikes, we want our preparations to be able to
keep us safe and alive until all is right with the world again.
Regular We each have a vested interest in getting our friends
homeowners and family on board with prepping. Not only will doing so
buy fire insur-
reduce the overall stress in your life, every person who
ance just in case,
not because preps is one less person likely to be knocking on your door,
theyre hoping looking for a handout, if disaster does hit.
their houses
Something else to keep in mind you can lead a person
burn down. Like
them, preppers to knowledge, but you cant make them think. There will
prep as a form always be people who will refuse to see the light. That
of insurance doesnt make them bad people. But, if they are close to
and not because
your heart, you might consider doing a little prepping on
theyre praying
for doomsday. their behalf.
About The Author:
Jim Cobb is a recognized authority on disaster preparedness. He has stud-
ied, practiced, and taught survival strategies for about 30 years. Today, he
resides in the upper Midwest with his beautiful and patient wife and their
three adolescent weapons of mass destruction. His books include Prep-
pers Home Defense, Countdown to Preparedness, and Preppers Long-Term
Survival Guide. Jims primary home online is www.SurvivalWeekly.com.
Hes also active on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jimcobbsurvival. Jim
offers a consulting service as well as educational opportunities at www.
ISSUE 9

It truly is that simple. DisasterPrepConsultants.com.

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ISSUE 9

WA RNING!
The concepts shown
here are for illustrative
purposes only. Seek a
reputable instructor
before attempting any
techniques discussed or
shown in this story.
 BOOT
PARTY Ground-fighting Realities and How
Not to Get Stomped into a Stain
W
hen people fight, its not unusual for
at least one of them to end up on
the ground. While its probably not
the 90 percent probability touted
by the people who teach grappling
for a living, the odds are still pretty high so it makes sense
to add some ground-fighting to your combative skillset. But
before you run down to the local jiu-jitsu school and sign
up, you might want to think about what youre really trying
to achieve.
Since you happen to be reading a magazine about sur-
vival, lets take a leap of logic and assume that your major
concern is defending yourself against a real-life violent
attack. If thats the case, skip the latest UFC pay-per-view
and head to the Internet specifically YouTube, Live Leak,
and similar video sites. Type in street attack and take a
look at a few videos. Chances are good that in those videos
youll see some of the victims get knocked to the ground.
Chances are also good that instead of following their
target to the ground to finish the job, most of the attackers
will take the logical, easy, and brutal route of kicking and
stomping their victim. They sure as hell wont get him in a
cross arm-bar or triangle choke to take his wallet.
By Michael Janich
No doubt criminals enjoy watching MMA fights just as
much as the rest of us, but when theyve spotted a target,
theyll stick to what works. Kicks use the largest, strongest
limbs to generate force, and stomps use body weight to
add to that power. Since both are typically delivered with
shoes or boots to a target supported by a solid surface
(the ground), the damage they can cause is devastating.
A medical study published in 2004 focusing on the
pathological effects of kicking deaths determined that
kicks are 35 to 45 percent more powerful than hand
strikes and that powerful kicks on the ground generated
forces equivalent to a 30-mph head-on car crash. Learn-
ing how to keep that from happening to you should
therefore be a priority in your training and preparations.
Why? Its not rocket science to conclude that desper-
ate people will do desperate things during desperate
times. A group of marauders could ambush you after
law and order have ceased to exist. You could be sur-
rounded by an angry mob during some intense civil
unrest. Or, tomorrow you could simply be walking out of
a store to your car and get jumped by a thug. Therefore,
its never too late to learn how to survive an unexpected
invitation to a boot party.
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ISSUE 9
Have a Nice Trip
The best defense against getting kicked and stomped
is not ending up on the ground in the first place.
You should obviously make that a priority in all your
training, but dont pretend youre immune to getting
knocked down. Once you accept that, your next step
should be to learn how to fall without getting hurt.
This is actually one of the most useful skills you can
l
learn and a g
good reason to train in a martial art like
Falling safely is a vital skill in ground-fighting. The
slap-happy break-falls that work on a mat dont trans-
late well to concrete and asphalt, where a hands-free
rocking motion works best.
Get Up
Another key tactic that will keep you from becoming
the guest of honor at a boot party is to not stay on the
ground if you end up there. Getting up quickly gets
you back in the fight on much better terms, but, again,
you need to do it in a way that fits the reality of your
situation.
MMA rules prohibit kicking a downed opponent,
judo or jiu-jitsu that incorporates lots of throws.
Unfortunately, traditional ukemi (break-falls) that in-
volve slapping the mat to disperse the force of your fall
dont translate well to concrete and asphalt. The basic
concepts of rounding your body (like the rockers on a
rocking chair), tucking your chin to protect your head,
and using your feet and butt to absorb the shock of a
fall are more adaptable to hard surfaces than slap-style
falls. The safest method Ive found is to first learn the
traditional falls on a mat, and then deemphasize the
slappy part to focus on the other mechanics. Once you
can fall on a mat without
w slapping, gradually progress
to thinner mats and harder surfaces.
so many competition methods of getting up involve
posting with the hands to get your feet under you
more quickly. Yes, this is fast, but it leaves your head
an unguarded foot magnet. If your physical attributes
allow it, you should learn how to get up without
having to use your hands so you can use them to
guard your head throughout the process.
Basic Ground Defense
If you cant get up before your attacker closes the
e dis--
tance, you need to assume a good defensive posture.
This position must allow you to protect your vital areas
and to disable anyone who comes within range. T
The
best weapon for this is your strong-side leg, so yo
ou also
want to make sure you can pivot your body effec tively
y
to aim that leg and keep it between you and yourr at--
tacker. Assuming the worst-case scenario that your
y
attacker has friends your defensive position mu
ust
also allow you to achieve as close to a 360-degre
ee
defense as possible.
The position that best meets all these criteria iss lying
g
on your back with your chin tucked to your chestt, your
y
arms guarding your head and neck, and your legs
uld be
drawn in. The foot of your non-dominant leg shou
planted flat, close to your butt so it can turn your body
y
and direct your other leg, which is chambered to
thrust out at your attackers shins and knees.
Your basic plan goes like this: When an attacker
tries to close in, pivot to keep him at your feet.
When he gets close enough, stomp straight
into his shin or knee with your power leg.
Many martial arts advocate
Your kick should be a thrusting motion with laying on your side and side-kicking your
your heel or the bottom of your foot, and attacker. That may work well with a single at-
your toes should be turned out so your foot hits per- tacker, but if he has friends, that position leaves your
spine and head vulnerable.
pendicular to his vertical leg.
Kicking low and targeting the attackers legs keeps
The authors
him as far away as possible and makes it hard for him
preferred guard
to block. The higher you kick, the closer he can get to position protects
you and the easier it is for him to block or grab your your spine by ly-
foot. If you land a solid kick and lock out his leg, his ing flat, protects
your head with
head may pitch forward. If this happens, take the shot
both arms, and
and go for it, but otherwise keep your kicks low. protects your
This same tactic can also be used to defend againstt groin with your
raised knees.
kicks, if you can get your feet between you and the
His left leg
incoming kick in time. If hes kicking hard and fast, allows him to
kick the shin of his kicking leg as it approaches. Dont pivot while his
just block it kick it. Then immediately follow with a right leg his
primary weapon
full-power kick to his supporting leg, ideally at the knee
stays aimed
or the inside of the ankle. If hes slower or draws his leg at the attacker.
back very far before kicking, dont wait for it. Attack his This position
allows effective
a
support leg directly, aiming for the knee or ankle, which
defenses against
d
suffer more damage when theyre supporting the attacks coming
a
bodys entire weight. from almost any
fr
direction.
d
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ISSUE 9 D OM

Kicks from the Sides

If you cant pivot quickly enough or if youre facing
multiple assailants, you may find yourself getting
attacked from the side. To defend against soccer-style
kicks to the ribs or head, raise your knee on that side
of your body until it contacts your same-side elbow
while still protecting your head. As the kick approaches,
roll toward it and use the frame you created with your
arm and leg to stop it short. This will jam it before full
extension and kill its power.
Once youve stopped the kick, immediately lower
the elbow of the blocking arm to your ribs so your
hand hooks the attackers kicking foot and pins it to
the ground. As you do this, spin your legs toward your
attacker and press the shin of your blocking leg against
the shin of his kicking leg. Done properly, youll pin
his kicking foot to the ground and lock out his knee,
throwing him off balance. With him momentarily tied up
and fighting to keep his balance, take the opportunity

One widely taught ground-defense tactic is the bicycle

Geometry kick. Basically, you lie on your back and throw repeated
left and right kicks at your attackers groin or midsection.

of Kicking Done aggressively, the motion of your feet looks like

youre riding a bicycle hence the name.

High In my opinion, there are several disadvantages to this

Kicking low, specifically to the
shin and the knee, keeps your
attacker at maximum range and
is likely to break things that he
needs to hold himself up. If he
cant stand; he cant fight.
technique. Because of the motion it requires, your feet
must be vertical as you kick, giving you a fairly narrow
swath as you kick. Since both feet are kicking, you must
also rely on your hands and arms to pivot your body to
change direction. Lowering your hands to the ground to
pivot leaves your head and neck dangerously exposed,
and turning while trying to maintain a continuous bar-
rage of kicks is harder than you think.
Perhaps the greatest shortcoming of this tactic is that it as-
sumes that your attacker will willingly wade into a blender
of flailing feet. If hes smart enough to go around, turning to
keep up with him will be tough. If hes even slightly smarter,
hell swat your feet aside and walk right over you.
 When the assail-
ant attempts to
to drive the heel of your other foot into his groin. Besides with stomps of your own. kick him from
creating impact and pain, your objective is to drive his hips Practice this tactic on both sides, learning to quickly the side, the
backward and put him on the ground. If youre lucky, hell create the frame, roll into the kick, and trap the kicking foot. defender creates
a knee-to-elbow
fall flat on his tailbone and fracture it. If you have a different Also have your training partner kick with both his left and frame and rolls
kind of luck, the groin shot will bring his head forward as right legs so you learn how to adapt based on what you into the kick to
another target. get. If his choice of kicking leg makes it difficult to kick him block it before it
reaches maxi-
As soon as you have the opportunity to get up, seize it. in the groin, practice kicking his support-leg knee instead.
mum power. He
As you do, pin his feet to the ground so he doesnt try to If hes too close to achieve shin-to-shin pressure, hook your then grabs the
kick you again and keep him down by targeting his ankle thigh behind his foot to lock it down and stick with the plan. attackers heel,
pins his foot
to the ground,
and braces his
shin against the
attackers shin
to lock the leg
down. Bringing
the other leg up,
he throws a hard
heel kick into
the groin, put-
ting the attacker
down. Quickly
getting to his
feet, he follows
up with stomps
to keep the at-
tacker where he
belongs.

If you think about it, your kicking leg is what creates The higher you
kick, the closer
distance between you and your assailant. The higher
your attacker
you raise it, the closer your attacker can get to you and and his weapons
the easier it is for him to parry or grab that leg. Conversely, can get to you.
He also easily
kicking low keeps him farther away, makes your kicking
swat your feet
leg difficult to block, and allows you to attack his knees, aside.
ankles, and shins targets that can destroy his mobility
and pave the way for you to get up and get away. For these
reasons, it makes more sense to wait for your attacker to
get close and present a target before you kick. Then, pick
your shot and kick a target that has a high probability of
taking him out of the fight while keeping you as far away
from his weapons as possible.
One claim youll sometimes hear from advocates of the prove effective, but youd break a lot of role players and your
bicycle kick is that it has been proven in force-on-force training sessions would be painfully short. Similarly, punching
training. While Im sure it has fared well in that context, its with a boxing glove can be very effective and can be practiced
important to remember that scenario-based training has regularly in training, but that doesnt mean its more effective
to be limited to ensure safety. If participants could actu- than ramming your fingers into someones eyes. Some tactics
ally kick role players in the knees, that tactic would also are just difficult to practice without causing real injury.
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1 2

5 6

Not Getting Stomped

Stomps are incredibly dangerous because theyre powerful
and put you between a boot and a hard place. According
to the aforementioned 2004 study, the head and neck are
the targets of choice. Sixty-four percent of the cases studied
had skull fractures and 29 percent had fractures of the
throat skeleton. On the positive side, these statistics strongly
indicate that an attacker who tries to stomp you will seek a
target thats close to your hands. That actually helps your
defense.
As before, if you cant get up or get your feet between
you and your assailant, protect yourself by assuming the
flat-back guard described earlier. When the attacker raises
his foot to stomp, quickly reach up and grab it with both
hands. While its still at its highest point, forcefully move the
foot to one side of your body or the other. Redirecting his
foot in the middle of the stomp will throw him off balance
and may put him on the ground. If not, itll at least open up
targets for you to attack. If you moved his foot across your
 3 4

While dis-
tracted by one
assailant, our
defender gets
cold-cocked by a
second. He man-
ages his fall and
assumes a good
ground guard
just in time.
When one as-
sailant attempts
to stomp him,
the defender
reaches up and
grabs the foot at
its highest point.
He then moves it
7 8 across his body,
off-balancing the
assailant and
throwing him
to the ground.
Pinning the
assailants legs
as he gets up, the
defender bounc-
es his head off
the asphalt
with a few palm
strikes as he
turns to face the
second attacker
and prepares
to continue his
defense.

body, his groin will be staring at you waiting for a knee or a About
kick. Planting his kicking foot on the same side will probably
turn him and expose his back. Kick the back of his knees to
The Author:
drop him or literally kick his ass to drive him away and create Michael Janich is a noted personal-defense instructor, a member of the
a chance to get up. prestigious Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame, and the founder of the Martial
Kicking a man when hes down is a go-to tactic for street Blade Concepts system of knife tactics. He also worked closely with the late
criminals. If you want to be a survivor instead of a stain, Col. Rex Applegate and is one of the foremost modern experts on handgun
make preventing it and defending against it a priority in your point shooting.
training. www.martialbladeconcepts.com
ISSUE 9

OFFGRIDWEB.COM 059
 YOU ARE
WHAT
YOU EAT
How to Build a Six-Month Food Supply

Y
ou may find yourself asking, Six months of food? Do I really need that much? especially when most people seem
to be content with 72-hour go-bags and two-week disaster kits. But if youre reading a magazine like OFFGRID, you
already know why long-term food storage makes sense.
A Katrina-level natural disaster, an economic collapse, or another Sept. 11-style attack these and any number of
similar catastrophes could wipe out your normal resources for food. In these types of situations, youd have to rely on
your own reserves, or devolve into a hunter/gatherer (and there are no guarantees with that menu plan). But maybe your problems
arent so widespread. Perhaps youre just suffering a personal crisis, such as a job loss or an injury that prevents work. For any of these
situations, building a food reserve becomes a valuable insurance policy one that you can actually eat.
Pupkis/istockphoto.com
Pick Your Food Plan
Plan your work, and work your plan. A project like this can
be a daunting task, so planning is one of the most important
parts. Youll want to pay great attention to calorie content,
methods of food preparation, storage conditions, and your
own personal dietary restrictions. Its also helpful to plan out
the meals and create a meal rotation. You dont need to plan
180 days of unique meals, but a two-week menu plan will give
you some much-needed variety (unless youre buying a pallet
of MREs or mixed, freeze-dried foods).
Finally, youll need to decide which food preservation
method best matches your plan. In this article, well look at
four different approaches to building a food supply: MREs,
freeze-dried food, canned goods, and dry goods.
1 MRE: Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) are a quick solution to
build your food reserves, but theyre expensive, bulky, and
only last about five years. This approach is easy and no
cooking is involved to prepare the food its truly ready to
eat as the name declares. Each MRE contains approximately
1,400 calories, so two per day provides an average of 2,800
calories. Youll need 360 MREs (30 cases) for a six-month
supply. For your daily ration, open up two MREs, pick through
the contents to decide which items you want for breakfast,
lunch, and dinner, then eat them when youd like. Better MREs
include a water-activated chemical heater, which would give
you two hot meals a day. This is a great morale booster and
perfect for those who are cooking-impaired.
COST PER DAY:
$16
COST FOR SIX MONTHS:
$2,880, plus shipping (though discounts
may be available for large orders)
LONGEVITY:
Five-plus years
2 Freeze-Dried Food: Mountain House and many other
companies provide a wide selection of freeze-dried meals
and food items. Theyre even more expensive than MREs, but
may last up to five times longer. Freeze-dried foods generally
require hot water to prepare, and theyre as bulky as MREs
(yet without the weight). Theyre available in serving-sized
pouches, larger cans, and even buckets. Four pouches a day
will be needed to reach 2,400 calories. Oddly enough, the No.
10 entre cans only contain about 2,000 calories each, yet
cost over $30 apiece. The greatest asset to freeze-dried food
is shelf life, with 25 years or more expected. Youll need about
180 cans or 720 pouches for a six-month food stash.
COST PER DAY:
$25 to $35
COST FOR SIX MONTHS:
$4,500 to $6,300, plus shipping
(though discounts may be available for large orders)
LONGEVITY:
25-plus years
3 Canned Goods: Your average canned pasta, stew, and
chili are more cost effective than MREs or freeze-dried food.
Theyre typically ready to eat from the can without the need
for extra water, and cans are insect and rodent proof. Canned
goods do come with a few drawbacks, though. Theyre even
heavier than MREs, and their life span is only about five years
as well (maybe less for pop-top cans). Check the calorie count
when planning meals with canned goods. Youll need at least
five cans per day to reach 2,400 calories. Roughly 900 cans
will provide you with a six-month food supply, and these are
the easiest foods to work into your normal meals.
COST PER DAY:
$10 to $15
COST FOR SIX MONTHS:
$1,800 to 2,700, with no shipping costs if purchased locally
LONGEVITY:
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Five-plus years
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4 Dry Goods and Grains: Cooking these foods and prepar-

ing palatable meals from them may be a bit of a challenge, but
if youre familiar with cooking from scratch, this is the cheapest
way to go. Dry pasta, rice, flour, dried beans, sugar, and many
other staple foods can be stored for 30 years with negligible
nutrient loss when properly packaged. Theyre also relatively
easy to work into your regular meals. The drawbacks are that
youll need even more potable water than for freeze-dried
foods, and youll need to know how to cook. You can purchase
these staples already packed in cans or buckets with oxygen
absorbers and Mylar liners for maximum longevity. Or you can
save a few dollars by buying the food in bulk and repacking it
yourself. Depending on the staple food item, a 5-gallon bucket
usually holds over 30 pounds of dry goods, which can repre-
sent over 40,000 calories. This means that 10 five-gallon buck-
ets will hold enough staple foods for your six-month supply.
COST PER DAY:
$2 to $5, depending greatly on your menu plan
COST FOR SIX MONTHS:
$360 to $900, with no shipping costs if purchased locally
LONGEVITY:
30 years are great for rationing the food and for modular storage. The
large bucket liner bags and 2,000cc absorbers are perfect
Package Your Own Dry Goods if you want to dump a big bag of grain into a bucket and call
One of the easiest ways to package your food is in 5-gallon, it done. Youll need a total of 1,500cc of absorbers as a mini-
food-grade buckets. If your budget allows, buy new 5-gallon mum for one bucket of grain, flour, beans, or pasta. You wont
buckets with regular lids. Purchase a few gamma (screw-on) need oxygen absorbers in sugar, honey, or salt. They dont
lids as well, handy for accessing foods that will be used often, go bad, and sugar and salt will become a solid brick from the
like sugar. If youre doing this project on a shoestring budget, oxygen absorber (still edible, but youll need a chisel to chop
ask for buckets from bakeries and restaurants they may be them up). Once youve figured out which staple foods will
free or only cost a few dollars a piece. be in your bucket, place the Mylar liner in the bucket (even
The bucket alone is good, but to still have edible dry goods if your food is in smaller packages with their own oxygen
after 30 years, youll also need Mylar storage bags and packs), and fill it near the top. Add oxygen absorbers to total
oxygen absorbers. Smaller bags and several 100cc absorbers at least 1,500cc for the entire 5-gallon bucket.
Press the liner bag together and expel any air you can.
Lay a 2x4 board across the bucket and smooth out the bag
mouth on top of it. Run a hot clothes iron across the bag
opening to heat seal it (you could also seal the bag with a flat
iron for hair; no need for the piece of wood). Seal the bucket
lid tightly and store it in a safe storage spot.

Build a Dry-Goods Menu Plan

Staple foods are easy to plan, if you have a shopping list
and a menu. Heres a very simple menu, and the accompany-
ing shopping list, for a three-week food supply that fits in a
single 5-gallon bucket. Put together 10 of these buckets, and
your six-month food plan is covered. Although a bit bland
and monotonous, this basic menu provides 2,500 calories a
day and only requires boiling to prepare, no oven baking re-
quired (which may not be an option in a grid-down situation).
Just make sure that the shortening is stored outside of the
 YOU ARE WHA
Y AT
YOU EAT
E

buckets and rotated annually, as it will spoil. When packed both house fires and theft. Use regular bucket lids when
with oxygen absorbers in a sealed Mylar bag, all of these dry burying buckets.
goods should last for two to three decades.
Its All About the Calories
Three-Week Menu Plan Consider 432,000 calories. In a world of dieting and
42 Lunches 21 Breakfasts: Snacks calorie counting, this sounds like a huge number. But once
and Dinners: 7 Oatmeal Hard candy youve done the research and the math, youll see that this
10 Plain Rice 7 Grits Sweetened seemingly large number of calories only supports a sed-
10 Plain Beans 7 Cream of beverages (tea, entary man between the ages of 19 and 30 for a span of
10 Pesto Pasta Wheat coffee, herb tea, six months, using the USDA model of 2,400 calories a day.
12 Beans & Rice etc.) Sedentary females (and males that are younger or older)
Shopping List for Each Three-Week Bucket will require fewer calories, and of course active people
5-pound spaghetti pasta 5 packs of pesto pasta mix will need a higher caloric intake. Calories should be your
11-pound white rice 1 package of black tea, major concern when building a food storage system. Read
11-pound mixed beans coffee, or herb tea the labels and add up the calories for yourself. Ignore the
2-pound sugar 2 sticks of butter-flavored servings per package notations as theyre often based on
1-pound hard candy shortening (not stored inside ridiculously small portions. For a short-term emergency,
1-pound rolled oats bucket) any food is better than none. But over a long-term crisis, a
1-pound corn grits Assorted salt, pepper, and calorie deficit could have a major impact on your energy
1-pound cream of wheat dry seasonings as desired levels and ultimately your survival.

Store it in the Right Spot

To get the maximum life span from your stored food, its
critical to store it in a food-friendly location in your home or
bug-out site. The traits of a good food storage spot include
the following:
Dark: Light can damage some foods and shorten their
life span.
Cool: Heat is one of the most destructive forces to food. A
few months in a hot garage or vehicle will drop the shelf life
of your MREs to just a few months. Cool temperatures are
critical to storage, and its best if temps dont fluctuate.
Dry: Moisture can allow mold and bacteria to flourish in
stored food. Pick a dry spot to begin with, and package your
food to keep moisture out.
Protected From Pests: Hungry rodents can chew
through MRE bags and plastic food buckets in a matter of
minutes. Set mouse traps and rat traps around your food
storage area. For greater security, place the food in metal
containers like job site tool boxes, steel barrels, or metal
garbage cans.
A dry basement, cool closet, or secure pantry works in
most cases, though these are likely spots to be searched
if looting occurs after a crisis cuts off your shopping trips.
Consider mislabeling some bins of food or hiding food
in floors, walls, ceilings, or furniture to give you a backup
if your home is pillaged. Buckets buried in the flowerbed
are another option in food security. Although this is more
Common
Mistakes
to Avoid
Mistakes are a natural part of the learning curve, but mistakes in
food storage can be disastrous, leaving you with an empty wallet
and an empty belly. Learn from the failures of others, and avoid
these blunders yourself.
Forget the water. Store several large containers of safe drinking
water and the disinfection supplies to refill them over and over.
Store dry and wet together. Jugs of water, cans of wet food,
and any other containers of liquid should always be stored outside
of bins and buckets of food. If they leak, the food may get ruined
and you wouldnt know it until you needed the food (and opened
it). I recently learned this one the hard way a jug of water leaked
inside a bin of dry food and converted it into a bin of black mold.
Food expires? Write the expiration date on food cans and
packages with a marker for easier inspection, and check your food
seasonally for aging items.
Heap it up in a pile. Stock your pantry like a store does, placing
new items in the back and pushing older items forward. This helps
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ITS ALL

Avalon_Studio/istockphoto.com
FUN AND
GAMES

I
n an instant, you find yourself in dire straits. Its the end of the world as we
know it...yet your kids feel fine. No, its not because theyre playing Minecraft,
but theyre occupied nonetheless.
Disasters can really take a toll on the morale of a group, especially the kids.
Keeping your kids positive and active is key, especially when they could very
well have no electricity, let alone be able to bury their faces in a video game. What they
can enjoy, however, are some different types of games games that will make them fit
for a post-apocalyptic world.

WARNING!
The exercises and
content expressed
in this story are
for illustrative
purposes only.
Consult a medical
professional
before trying any
physical activity or
nutritional plan.
 Think Like a Kid
Sure, you may be able to get your 10-year-old to go out Ages 3 to 5
on a run, but thats not what were concerned with here. Kids
For kids 3 to 5 years of age, the main focus for
typically dont have the attention span or a firm grasp of the
anything exercise related should be on very basic
benefits of exercise to follow a regular exercise program.
movements such as crawling, jumping, hopping, or
Depending on their age, they may not have even developed
running. A very simple way to incorporate this is follow
enough to be put through one.
the leader. In this version, however, well be getting a
Regardless, for them, its about enjoyment. Are they having
little creative. The movements and exercises youll be
fun? Are the exercises or activities challenging, but still achiev-
having them do will be very important to their develop-
able? Theres a fine line between whats fun and whats boring.
ment and survival in unknown terrain.
Making exercise a game is a great way to keep their spirits up,
Follow the leader is a great game for younger kids
while also keeping them in shape for what the future holds.
because it allows them to have fun while building
It shouldnt come as a surprise how kids react when given
fundamental movement skills. It can be used to your
too much idle time. So, lets use that time to create some
advantage in situations where you need to evacuate an
activities they can follow that will both prepare them and
area without the kids becoming aware of the severity
entertain them for the worst of the worst.
of the situation. Itll be easier to maintain their attention
Mention exercise to kids and theyre going to scream,
on the task at hand because itll be a familiar game that
Boooorring! So, make it fun for them. All kids love to play, so
they enjoy playing.
make it a game. If you make it work, youll have to force them
Traveling longer distances through wooded areas
to do it. When you make it fun, youll have to force them to
also provides great opportunities to make a mundane
stop doing it.
task fun for kids. Incorporating specific movements
Kids can learn a lot through movement and playing.
like crawling under a tree limb, using a fallen tree as a
Especially at younger ages, theyll be able to build both fine
balance beam, or hopping over rocks provides some
and gross motor skills, critical for their development. The key
levity to a bleak atmosphere. The structure should be
here is to make the experience of exercise fun. There may be
very loose with kids this young. Its best to let the kids
times when sitting still and quiet for long periods of time is
have fun with this, and see how creative you can get
necessary, and possibly crucial, so give them a chance to let
with your surroundings. Focus on spans of 20 to 30
loose when the time is right.
minutes. Thats a great amount of time to keep their at-
tention. Some key activities to incorporate in follow the
ArtMarie/istockphoto.com

leader include: crawling, hopping, climbing, running,

and balancing.

The
Benefits
Physical Fitness Can Help Kids:
Develop social skills and teamwork
Improve focus, concentration, and productivity
Become more active when they become adults
Reduce the chance of injury
Develop fundamental movement skills that will set
the foundation for the rest of their lives
ISSUE 9

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ISSUE 9

Ages 6 to 9
Kids who are 6 to 9 years old are better able to take direction,
but well still keep it to a minimum. Were going to build on what
we would do with younger kids by focusing on more fun and
athletic movements that incorporate body awareness, coordina- HOP
tion, and playing with objects.
We can incorporate athletic movements with kids by playing
Red Light Green Light, which will be fantastic in teaching them
body awareness and coordination. This age-old game has
kids lined up at a start line facing the finish line. When you say,
Green light, everyone moves toward the finish line. When you
say, Red light, they must immediately halt. Anyone still mov-
ing is penalized. Follow the normal rules of the game, except
make them do 10 jumping jacks when they move after you say,
red light. Take the kids through the following movements on
a green light knee pull, butt kick pull, bear crawl, skipping,
lateral shuffling, jogging forward, jogging backward, hopping,
and broad jumping. Section off about 10 to 20 yards of space,
and have them complete each movement for about 10 yards,
so if you only have 10 yards of space, have them go to the end
and back. Limit overall time to about 30 minutes so they dont
get bored or lose interest.
Well-supervised sorting-and-gathering games are great to play
with kids at this age, and it can really help out with our scenario. BROAD JUMP
Pick smaller objects and make a game to collect as many of
something as they can find. Make it a timed game, so theyll
move more quickly and get the exercise benefit. Some things to
consider: sorting or collecting cans of food, gathering dry leaves
or brush for kindling, gathering pieces of fruit or berries, sorting
FORWARD JOG
articles of clothing, or anything else that would be useful to you
and your group. Again, stay within 30 minutes in length to keep
their interest.

BEAR CRAWL

LATERAL SHUFFLE
 IT'S ALL FUN
AND GAMES

BACKWARD JOG
Ages 10 to 12
Once you hit the ages of 10 to 12, you can start getting a little
more technical with what you have the kids do. They can follow
directions pretty well, so well take advantage of this. Keep the
timeframe to about 45 minutes to get a great exercise benefit, but
not tire them out too much.
Relay races are a great activity for kids this age to complete. Our
OFFGRID-style relay races will kill two birds with one stone. Well
improve the kids fitness, while also helping you or your whole
group. Take advantage of this fun game when moving smaller sup-
plies, loading or unloading vehicles, or anything that would require
multiple trips to and from something. Have each kid complete one
trip to and from the destination, retrieving an object each time.
Have them start a good distance (about 20 yards, if possible) away,
so we can get them to run most of the time. This can be played
with as little as four kids, with two teams of two. Generally, though,
FORWARD SKIP the more kids the better.
Tag incorporates many athletic abilities, and circle tag is a great
way to have fun in a more confined space. The goal here is to
have at least three kids in a huddle, holding on to each other at the
KNEE PULL
shoulders, waist, or hips. One kid is outside of the huddle trying to
tag the designated kid in the huddle. The kids in the huddle work
together to keep him or her from being tagged on the back. The
person who was tagged becomes it, and the one on the outside
now joins the circle. Play in 30-second intervals, or until the kid
gets tagged. There are so many great things being tested here,
including agility, acceleration, teamwork, coordination, and lateral
movement.

Use
Your Head
Contact Games: While full-contact games can be fun, the risk-to-
reward ratio doesnt quite add up. Avoid games that may lead to bro-
ken bones or other serious injuries. Kids are resilient, yes, but good
luck recovering from a broken bone without a doctor. Be smart!
BUTT KICK PULL Hot Weather: Keep the weather in perspective when creating
these games for your kids. In warmer weather, plan to have more
water handy and make them dress appropriately. Take more frequent
rest breaks as well, preferably in a shaded area.
Cold Weather: Consider the lengths of time the kids spend play-
ing. Set up a little warming station if you can. Otherwise, allow them
to take frequent breaks to warm up, if need be. Again, have them
ISSUE 9

dress appropriately.

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Ages 12 to 15
Adolescents are mature enough to understand the ben-
efits of exercise, and they can take instruction well enough
to incorporate some more technical concepts. In addition
to the games for 10 to 12 year olds, there are several others
that preteens and teens in this age range can benefit from.
A little more structure is possible for these kids, so taking
them through a warm-up is a good idea. Well take some
of the movements found in the 6-to-9 age group to serve DIAGONAL LEAP

as the warm-up. So, put together, the warm-up will look like
this: butt kick pulls, cradle walks, toy soldiers, forward skip,
lateral shuffle, lateral skip, carioca, forward jog, backward
jog, and diagonal leaping. Have them complete eight to 10 LATERAL WALK

repetitions of each of the movements listed.

MOVEMENT REPETITIONS SETS

Butt Kick Pull 10 each 1
Cradle Walk 10 each 1
Toy Soldier 10 each 1
Forward Skip 10 yards 1
Lateral Shufe 10 yards each 1
TOY SOLDIER
Lateral Skip 10 yards each 1
Carioca 10 yards each 1
Forward Jog 10 yards 1

Obstacle course runs are a perfect way to get kids

involved and creative in their own playing, and itll help
them with several skills, such as agility, coordination, bal-
ance, speed, and acceleration. Allowing the kids to help
construct it adds to the enjoyment because theyve had a CARIOCA
part in the creation.
Look to put together some of whats around you
to form something resembling a balance beam, small
hurdles, objects to weave in and out of, something to crawl
underneath or climb over, and a straightaway to get some
acceleration and speed work.
Tug of war is another game that can help kids work on
some strength and stability of both the upper and lower
body. The game is simple. Dont get pulled beyond the
starting halfway mark, or, if you want them to have a lot of
fun, make the center pit muddy. Its always a lot more fun
when somethings at stake. There are many things that
can be used to play, with a rope being the most obvious
and best, but a large bed sheet rolled-up would also work.
Again, be creative.
 IT'S ALL FUN
AND GAMES

BACKWARD JOG FORWARD JOG

Conclusion
In the end, any way that you can keep your kids upbeat
and entertained will significantly enhance their morale and
enjoyment. The examples provided here can certainly give
you some good information to start, but dont be afraid to
think outside the box and have a good time. Keep things
light and free flowing. Remember, the adults can have fun,
too. Just because the environment may be stressful doesnt
mean you cant take a little break now and then to have a
good time. Sometimes, its the little things like this that will
get you through the tough times.

SOURCES
Long-Term Athlete Development >
www.humankinetics.com

Critical Skills
BUTT KICK PULL Boys and girls build skills at
different stages of development

MALES
19 YEARS

SUPPLENESS
18 YEARS
LATERAL SHUFFLE
17 YEARS

SKILLS
16 YEARS

15 YEARS

MALES

MALES

FEMALES
14 YEARS
SPEED

13 YEARS

FEMALES
12 YEARS
FEMALES

STRENGTH
11 YEARS
MALES
FEMALES

10 YEARS
SPEED (2ND PERIOD)
STAMINA

9 YEARS
MALES
FEMALES

FEMALES

8 YEARS
MALES

7 YEARS

6 YEARS

5 YEARS
CRADLE WALK
4 YEARS
FORWARD SKIP
3 YEARS

2 YEARS
ISSUE 9

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ISSUE 9

OFFICE
ESCAPE
I
ts a busy day for you at the office, and the last
thing you needed was to get the Blue Screen of
Death before you could generate your daily TPS
Get-Home Bags Suitable for the reports. Frustrated, you get up to storm over to the
Workplace or the End of the World IT department to demand an explanation. Its then
that you look up and notice that not only is your computer
on the fritz, but the entire floor looks like it has gone dark. Is
By Martin Anders
Photos by Michael Grey it a blackout? Well, the backup systems didnt kick in like they
should have. Whats going on here?
 ISSUE 9

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ISSUE 9 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
The Situation
Regardless of what cut the power to your building, you
realize by looking out the window that the power is out in
every building in the surrounding area. The traffic lights
arent even flashing red. Youre still hoping a run-of-the-mill
power outage is the culprit when you see drivers exiting
their cars in the middle of the street. Thats when you get a
sinking feeling that something more serious is going down.
Perhaps its the effects of a solar flare, or maybe even a
hacker or terrorist attack? All you know is you need to get
out while you can. While your officemates are still trying
to figure out if a circuit breaker was tripped, youre already
on to the next step. You tell them about everything youve
noticed, reach for the office-based get-home bag that
youve kept under your desk, and head to the stairs to get
to the ground floor.
On the Move
From the office, its about 18 miles to home its already
late afternoon, so youd better get a move on. The supplies
you stored in your bag are sufficient to keep you provi-
sioned and geared up for the trek back home, even if it
takes a couple of days. The average person can walk about
3 miles per hour, so youre looking at a six-hour walk at best
without rest and thats not taking into account obstacles
natural or manmade (or man himself).
The Office-Based Bag
Since youre always prepared, you know the importance
of stowing what you can where you can. You can never be
too prepared, and its not possible to anticipate where youll
be when a disaster strikes. What you do know is that
you spend a good majority of your time either at
home, at work, or traveling between the two.
With that in mind, youve developed supply
caches in the form of kits for places
that you frequent the most.
Keeping the mother
lode of survival
supplies at
home is less of an issue than keeping supplies in other
places, such as at the office. At your workplace you opt for
the less conspicuous, ever adaptable backpack.
Blending in
Its not hard to see why backpacks are the go-to bug-out
supply carrier of choice. Theyre made to carry and to be
carried. Slung on your back, packs keep your hands free
and, depending on type, they can carry very large loads.
They can also blend into their surroundings, perfect for an
office environment. The less attention drawn to it, the bet-
ter. In times of non-emergency, a boring-looking bag may
be easier to hide in plain sight and less enticing to steal.
When being used, it will draw a lot less attention on the
streets than a bag finished in whatever spiffy new tactical
pattern is the flavor of the month.
Inventory
What you may choose to carry in your office get-home
bag will greatly differ based on your needs. Those who work
just a stones throw from home will require a very different
loadout than those who have a long commute. Its easy to
underestimate the difference between walking and driving,
so be realistic and plan accordingly. We suggest packing as
light as you can while carrying as much practical gear as
you think youll really need. Dont pack the kitchen sink. For
example, if you think you might need to spend a night on
the road, youre better off packing a $1 Mylar space blanket
that weighs a few ounces than a $100 one-person tent that
clocks in at 4 pounds.
Essentials such as water, a lighter, a first-aid kit, and high-
calorie ration bars are a no-brainer. If you dont carry a knife
on you every day, consider packing a quality fixed blade or
folding knife. A hand-crank radio with an integrated flash-
light could be a useful tool, too, as it can provide vital news
updates as well as a source of light. Comfort items like a roll
of toilet paper will go a long way. If you have room, an extra
set of clothes and a couple pairs of socks are good to have.
And because the apocalypse might not hit on casual Friday,
a pair of sneakers or old boots wouldnt be a bad idea either.
Nothing would suck more than having to hike back home
while dodging meteor strikes in your Kenneth Cole wingtips.
Because backpacks come in so many different shapes,
sizes, and looks, weve selected a few of our favorites in the
following guide. Most can be hidden away under your
desk and some look at home in the conference room
as well as a backwoods trail. Take a look; your next
pack might be among our survey of new and note-
worthy packs on the next six pages.
 BUYERS GUIDE OFFI
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Note: Measurements are approximate.
BACKPACKS
5.11 Tactical
Covrt Boxpack DIMENSIONS (VOLUME)
21 x 14.5 x 8 inches (30L)
WEIGHT
2 pounds, 10 ounces
COLORWAY
Black (shown), Storm, Tundra
MSRP
$110
URL
www.511tactical.com
NOTES
The Covrt Boxpack is a roll-top
bag that features a slide-adjusting
sternum strap and reinforced
padded shoulder straps for a secure
and comfortable carry while on
the go. A stiff-faced covert front
pocket hides any possible printing
of a pistol and allows fast access
when you need it. Internally, there
are organizational dividers for small
items as well as padded pockets for
a laptop and a hydration carrier. The
water-resistant nish keeps gear
dry, while its dual side zip pockets
are ideal for accessories and even
big enough to carry a hydration
bottle.
Pros: Thick ballistic nylon, high-
quality build
Cons: Roll-top opening seems
restrictive

BACKPACKS
Black Diamond
Magnum 20 Pack

DIMENSIONS (VOLUME)
20 x 11 x 9 inches (20L)
WEIGHT
1 pound, 2 ounces
COLORWAY
Black, Laurel, Sulfur (shown)
MSRP
$90
URL
www.blackdiamondequipment.com m
NOTES
With a 20-liter storage capacity,
the Black Diamond Magnum 20
features an internal stow pocket
and an accessory loop perfect for
a trekking pole or ice axe. Its side
stretch pockets and front web
compression can accommodate
items of varying sizes. The
Magnum 20 is smaller than the
other packs in this guide, but
its storage options are among
the most exible. Its contoured
shoulder straps and ventilated
back panel make it comfortable
to wear. This pack is hydration-
bladder compatible.
Pros: Lightweight, versatile,
durable
Cons: Outer pockets dont have
zippers

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ISSUE 9 OFFGRIDWEB.COM BUYERS GUIDE

BLACKHAWK!
Diversion Wax Canvas Rucksack DIMENSIONS (VOLUME)
20 x 12.2 x 5.5 inches (25L)
WEIGHT
3 pounds, 12 ounces
COLORWAY
Earth (shown), Slate
MSRP
$256
URL
www.blackhawk.com
NOTES
Probably the most undercover
and stylish bag of the bunch,
the BLACKHAWK! Diversion
Wax Canvas Rucksack is made
of quality materials, including
10.10-ounce wax canvas, water-
resistant zippers, and easy-to-use
magnetic buckles. The top-loading
ruck has a cinchable drawstring
main compartment and a lid
with a pass-through waterproof
zipper for quick access. This
well-conceived and executed bag
also has a hidden, lockable, easy-
access handgun compartment on
the lower portion of its back panel.
Inside, it has padded laptop and
hydration-carrier compartments.
Pros: Build quality, materials
Cons: Price, weight

BACKPACKS
Camelbak
Skirmish

DIMENSIONS (VOLUME)
21 x 14.5 x 8 inches (33L)
WEIGHT
4 pounds, 14 ounces
COLORWAY
Coyote (shown)
MSRP
$315 to 345
URL
www.camelbak.com
NOTES
On the face of the Skirmish is a sleeek,,
low-prole composite PALS panel
that provides secure attachment
for pouches and gear. The main
compartment is accessed via a full
clamshell opening for easy access . A
lower access zipper at the bottom of
the front of the pack provides direcct
access to the main compartment.
There are multiple drink tube exit
ports for routing the tube over the
shoulder or under the arm. The
backpack comes with a 100-ounce e
hydration bladder that is slung low in
the pack and on your hips for a low er,
more stable center of gravity with
an easy-to-ll and clean wide-mou th
opening.
Pros: Built-in hydration bladder,
versatility
Cons: Price, weight
 OFFI
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BACKPACKS
Condor
Frontier Outdoor Pack DIMENSIONS (VOLUME)
18 x 11 x 7 inches (20L)
WEIGHT
3 pounds, 4 ounces
COLORWAY
Black, Brown, Grey (shown), MultiCam
MSRP
$125
URL
www.condoroutdoor.com
NOTES
The Condor Frontier Outdoor
Pack is constructed with Mil-spec
500-denier Cordura fabric and high
tensile-strength composite nylon
thread, featuring a rugged, high
abrasion-resistant rubber bottom for
further reinforcement. This compact
bag has plenty of compartments
and even more pockets within the
compartments. The main section can
be accessed through two separate top p
zippers and contains large eece-
lined pockets that can hold a 2.5-liter
hydration bladder and a 15-inch laptop p.
Other pockets can hold tablets and
keep small items organized. The
back panel is ventilated and side
compression straps keep everything
in place.
Pros: Number of pockets, ease of use
Cons: Small main compartment

BACKPACKS
FirstSpear
Comm Pack Large

DIMENSIONS (VOLUME)
18.5 x 13 x 7 inches (30L)
WEIGHT
2 pounds, 5 ounces
COLORWAY
Black, Blue/Silver, Light Grey Ripstop,
Ranger/Coyote (shown)
MSRP
$208
URL
www.rst-spear.com
NOTES
FirstSpears Comm Pack is based
on the companys ECP military
assault pack, but has a toned-down
urban appearance that allows
you to blend into the crowd. It ts
unnoticed in almost any urban
scenario, from skateboarding to
surveillance operations. In fact, this
pack has discreetly placed access
ports to facilitate ear buds for both
entertainment and communications
devices. Its low-key looks can get
you out of the city and back home
without being noticed. Featured
here is the larger 1,800 cubic-inch
version; a smaller 980 cubic-inch
version is also available.
Pros: Well thought-out layout,
quality build
Cons: Price

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ISSUE 9 BUYERS GUIDE
BACKPACKS
Grey Ghost Gear
Griff Pack DIMENSIONS (VOLUME)
19 x 12 x 8 inches (30L)
WEIGHT
2 pounds, 10 ounces
COLORWAY
Black (shown), Grey
MSRP
$119
URL
www.greyghostgear.com
NOTES
At rst glance, this looks like a fairly
standard backpack that youd nd at
any sporting goods store. Upon closer
inspection, we noticed details such as a
soft cloth-lined zippered compartment
for safekeeping scratch-prone items
and elastic loops that are capable of
securely carrying pistol magazines.
In its interior, youll nd plenty of loop
panels to attach various hook-backed
pouches and organizers. The large
main compartment can swallow up
to a 17-inch laptop in a built-in and
well-padded sleeve. To each side of the
main compartment are zippered pass-
through doors for easy access to the
interior, while carrying it on your back.
Pros: Interior space, customizable loop
panels
Cons: Very little padding

BACKPACKS
Hazard 4
Clerk

DIMENSIONS (VOLUME)
18 x 11 x 6.2 inches (20L)
WEIGHT
3 pounds, 14 ounces
COLORWAY
Black (shown), Coyote, MultiCam (+$24)
MSRP
$240
URL
www.hazard4.com
NOTES
One look at the Hazard 4 Clerk, and we
could tell that its an extremely well-built
pack. The two main compartments can
be quickly unzipped and hinged open
as you would a book, granting you full
access to its interior without any fuss.
On its front sits two hard cases that
are good for protecting any sensitive
equipment. The hidden back pocket
can be fully unzipped across the top
and to one side uncovering a padded
and quilted compartment suitable for
a 15-inch laptop or hydration bladder.
The Clerk is nimble enough to be rotated
from back to chest, allowing you on-
the-go access to frequently used gear
perfect for tight quarters, such as in a
vehicle interior.
Pros: Well thought-out details,
craftsmanship
Cons: Price, weight
 OFFI
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BACKPACKS
Tactical Tailor
Urban Operator Pack DIMENSIONS (VOLUME)
18.5 x 12 x 6.25 inches (30L)
WEIGHT
2 pounds, 4 ounces
COLORWAY
Black (shown), Coyote Brown,
MultiCam, Ranger Green
MSRP
$135
URL
www.tacticaltailor.com
NOTES
For those of us who are looking
for a no-nonsense, no-frills
backpack, this might be the one
youre looking for. It doesnt play
games with endless pockets
and pouches and only has what
you need. On the inside, theres
a large main compartment with
a high-visibility orange lining and
a front pocket with a modest
organizational panel for keys,
pens, and cards. On one side of
the bag is a zippered fold-out
mesh pocket capable of holding a
1-liter bottle and modular webbin ng
on the other for attaching
additional pouches.
Pros: Basic layout, durability
Cons: No dedicated padded
laptop pouch

BACKPACKS
Vanquest
Trident-20 Backpack

DIMENSIONS (VOLUME)
18.5 x 11 x 6 inches (20L)
WEIGHT
2 pounds, 15 ounces
COLORWAY
Black (-$10), Coyote Tan (-$10), Mul-
tiCam Black (shown), MultiCam, Wolf
Grey (-$10)
MSRP
$165
URL
www.vanquest.com
NOTES
The Trident-20 backpack is worn
with its two padded shoulder
straps like a regular backpack,
but also allows you the option of
accessing its interior from its side
zipper compartments for access
in tight spaces. Its fully padded
interior has hook-and-loop panels
that allow its main compartment
to become a multi-function
storage system that is easily
user-congured. The high-visibility
orange 210-denier lightweight rip-
stop nylon interior helps you nd
accessories in low-light conditions.
It sports dual hydration bladder
carrying capability, maximum
5-liter capacity.
Pros: Modular and padded interior
Cons: Not much space for a laptop

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BACKPACKS
Vertx
EDC Gamut Bag DIMENSIONS (VOLUME)
22 x 14 x 7 inches (28L)
WEIGHT
4 pounds, 2 ounces
COLORWAY
Black with Red Trim (shown),
Black, Smoke Grey
MSRP
$200
URL
www.wearvertx.com
NOTES
All business all the time, this
pack was designed specically
to accommodate both a 15-inch h
laptop and a full-sized handgun
simultaneously. Thats what
we call good times. The front
of this pack opens wide for
complete accessibility of its
main compartment. In the back
is a side-accessible, loop-lined
concealment compartment
that enables quick access to
hook-attached accessories
such as an optional pistol
holster. Dual side pockets allow
for additional storage capacity.
Pros: Easy access, modular
interior
Cons: Price, weight

Proper Fitment
W strress that less is more, so pack lightly when possible. But depend-
We
ingg on
n what your requirements are, a fully loaded pack can weigh 50
pound
ds or more. A properly fitted backpack can spread the weight
evenly on your body to help avoid injury and ease fatigue.

To figure out what size backpack is right for you, youll want to tilt your
head down and feel for the bump where your shoulder meets your neck.
This bump is called the C7 vertebra. When measuring torso length, the
C7 is considered the upper most point and where you want to start your
measurement.

Next, place your hands on your hip bones with four fingers facing
forward and your thumbs toward the back. The imaginary line between
your two thumbs is the bottom of your torso. Itll be easier if you have
someone help you with this next step. Stand up straight (no slouching
now!) and measure the length between the C7 vertebra and the imagi-
nary line on your lower back. The length you come up with is your torso
length and can be used to reference different backpack sizes. Taking the
time to find a properly fitted bag is often overlooked, but is essential.
080 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9
 IS YOUR HOME A
POWDER
KEG?
When it Comes to Fire Protection, an Ounce
of Prevention Equals a Pound of Cure
By Jim DeLozier

W
hile the temperatures might be
dropping in most parts of the coun-
try (and some regions might even
be experiencing early snowfall), fire
season never truly ends. In fact,
according to the U.S. Fire Administration, Halloween brings
a spike in reported blazes thanks to decorations igniting and
arsonists starting mischief, while cooking for the Thanksgiv-
ing holiday is the leading cause of residential structure fires.
And as you might have seen in our feature No Rain Delay
in Issue 7, we showed how its possible to start a fire in
inclement weather.
So, naturally, in this article were going to teach you how
to stop a fire from starting or at least help you reduce the
probability of your house going up in flames. Some of the
logic we offered in Issue 7 for getting a fire going can be
used in reverse to keep it from starting or to extinguish it
before its out of control.
As always, your mind is the most powerful survival tool
at your disposal so teach it, train it, and most of all keep
it focused on the solution rather than the problem. When it
comes to blazes destroying your property, that problem can
often be started with a wildfire, a kitchen fire, an act of arson,
or a negligent neighbor who fell asleep while smoking. To
avert your home from being engulfed in an inferno, it starts
with what Benjamin Franklin long ago suggested: prevention.
Lisay/istockphoto.com

ISSUE 9

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082 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

Pine bark might Landscaping

not be very
When we discussed the flammability of resources in the
flammable, but
the needles, and wild, we pointed out that certain types of tree bark are easily
particularly the combustible while others are not. For example, pine bark is
crown of a pine not very flammable and, as such, is often used as ground
tree, are quite the
opposite. cover in landscaping. However, the crown of a pine tree
(the top of the tree with pine sap oozing from it) is very
flammable. You may remember in Issue 7 that we used wet
pine needles to start our fire in the rain. With that in mind, a
growing fire could have a difficult time reaching the crowns
without ladder fuels. Ladder fuels are shrubs, plants, and
debris near the ground that can catch fire and spread the
flames to the tops of the trees, igniting them like giant match
sticks. Once the tops of the trees catch fire, they easily pass
the flames laterally from crown to crown even if theres no
fire on the ground.
Dead leaves are It may seem like a no-brainer, but it needs to be made
the perfect fuel brutally clear: Its necessary to clear dead brush, branches,
for an inferno. and leaves away from areas you wish to preserve be it
Remove them
promptly to take your abode, your office, your campsite, or your bug-out
away a fires location.
ammo. Some of the worst culprits of being ladder fuels are
decorative and ornate plants that are desirable to the eye,
but are dangerous nonetheless. One of these is the coveted
manzanita bush. Manzanita bushes have deep red branches
and tiny lush red apples that, when in season, are consid-
ered beautiful by many. Alas, a 3-foot-high manzanita bush
can emit flames more than 20 feet high when fully engulfed.
Each geographic area has its own plants to be aware of,
so we dont have the space in this story to list them all. For-
tunately, most fire departments can do an analysis of your
property for such plants.

Other Fuels
There are other plenty of other things in and around your
home that can light up your property like a Christmas tree
and theres a good chance you either put it there or paid
Found throughout
western North someone to put it there. These everyday objects include
America, man- decks, balconies, wood siding, stacked lumber, and anything
zanita is used as else that can fuel combustion. Look around and try to find
an ornamental
plant because things that could spread the burning to your house. Look for
of its looks and dead branches on trees that can be cut or a buildup of dead
drought-tolerant leaves or pine needles in your rain gutters. Try to imagine
characteristics.
flying embers landing on or near your home and identify
Unfortunately, its
also a ladder fuel the things that could be ignited by them.
that can spread As mentioned before, your local fire department will most
flames. Keep them likely come and assess your property and make sugges-
away from your
house and other, tions about how to minimize the risk of fire. Its a good idea
taller trees. to do this sooner rather than later; if a home is fully engulfed,
 IS YOUR HOME A
POWDER KEG?

firefighters cannot save it and will turn their attention to Suppression

homes that can be saved. You definitely want your property
to be one they think they can save!
If there were a fire, it could easily
jump from these bushes to the
patio in a flash.
OK, so what if the fire starts inside your home? Sure, you might be the most
careful, risk-averse person on the planet, but accidents still happen. Its time to
brush up on basic fire suppression techniques.
Water
Whether its rain dampening a forest fire or
a firefighters hose making short work of an
urban fire, water is one of the most reliable
flame extinguishers available. Its worth
mentioning that when camping, we should
fully saturate a campfire with water, turning
over each piece of wood to make sure its
completely extinguished before leaving.
davelogan/istockphoto.com

Solids in the Kitchen

While water is an age-old fire killer, its com-
mon knowledge that you shouldnt use it to
put out a grease fire on your stove because
H2O will actually make the fire worse. Its better
to use a solid like salt, flour, or baking soda
to smother it. Also, you could use a lid to
cover the pan and eliminate the fires access
to oxygen.
ivosevicv/istockphoto.com

Solids Outside the Kitchen

Electrical fires can be dealt with in much
the same way, but can be smothered with a
blanket, heavy clothing, or a towel. Just be
wary of using smothering materials made of
synthetics like polyester, which could melt
under intense heat. Oh, and like a grease
fire, using water on an electrical fire will only
make things worse.
Sadeugra/istockphoto.com

Extinguisher
These devices are compact, relatively inex-
pensive, and easy to use (though be sure to
This house and read the instructions). Most people know that
its balcony are when using a fire extinguisher, its better to
surrounded direct the extinguishing agent at the base of
by bushes and
trees, all perfect the fire and not at the flames.
tinder for a
passing wildfire.
These should
be cleared
so theres a
defensible space
around the
dwelling.
084 OFFGRIDWEB.COM IS YOUR HOME A
POWDER KEG?
ISSUE 9

Conclusion
Were not suggesting that you try to fight a fire yourself
unless there is no other alternative. You should definitely
evacuate when directed to do so by the fire professionals.
Remember, the fire gel and the other aforementioned tech-
niques are designed to give you a little more time to pack up
the kids, vital items, and provisions before bugging out while
also giving you hope that your home will still be there when
the fire has passed.
Fire suppression is not too dissimilar from any other topic
we cover in the sense that much of your success can be
determined in advance by proper planning and training. If
you have already performed preventive landscaping and
acquired fire-protection materials before the SHTF, you can
focus on the timely application of said products and on get-
ting your loved ones to a safe zone both quickly and safely.
Like we said, your mind is the most powerful survival tool
at your disposal, so if you can keep your head in the game,
you have a much better chance of winning.
Gels
Most people buy fire extinguishers and place them in rooms wherre a fire is likely
to start, such as the kitchen, the garage, or near the water heater. T
That may be
enough to extinguish a small fire, but what if a massive neighborhood-consuming
blaze is approaching? The next step is to buy a fire suppression ge
el or
foam that can coat your home, campsite, or vehicle in the event of an
approaching fire. Some available brands are Barricade, Phos-Chekk, and
Thermo-Gel.
How do these gels work? Essentially, the homeowner attaches a gallon--
jug of this substance to a garden hose and sprays it on just about any
surface. A 4-gallon case will cover approximately 2,000 square fee
et, includ-
ing trees, shrubs, and plants to create a fire-break, which is a sort of
o thermal
shield against radiant heat and direct flames. The treatment can laast up to
36 hours depending on environmental conditions. High temperature, strong
winds, and low humidity will reduce the time span of the productss effective--
ness, which could be as short as six hours. The product effectiveness can be
extended by very lightly misting the product with water. It should be
b noted
d that
h
a thicker application will also improve the overall effectiveness.
pressure at
Note: Fire gel and foam systems are dependent on the water p
your facility. Water pressure is often reduced during a fire due to the extreme
oure
amount of water being sucked out of the fire hydrants. Also, if yo on a water
well system, you may not have sufficient pressure to effectively douse
d your
y
property. Fortunately, there are alternative solutions that arent dependent
on water pressure from existing utilities. These systems pump water from an
b, or jacuzzi
available water source such as a pool, pond, water tank, hot tub j
ence in price is
and combine that water with the gel or foam solution. The differe
nd the quality of
often based upon water flow, calculated in gallons per minute, an
ucts so you can
the pump itself. There are many companies offering these produ
do your own research and choose the product and/or supplier that best meets
your needs.
086 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9
TWO-WHEEL
TORQUE
OFFGRID Gets Hands-On With the Rokon,
a Motorcycle That Needs No Roads
By David H. Martin

W
ith one twist of its throttle, the stout Rokon motorcycle
can transform from a rubber-burning all-terrain vehicle
to a gravity-defying projectile that can down an incom-
ing enemy helicopter, sacrificing its own life to hero-
ically save your entire team from a deadly strafing run.
Naturally, this can only be done if youre Sylvester Stallone, your team includes
Jason Statham, and the helo is a prop in Expendables 2.
Artistic license aside, its movie-star turn serves to illustrate what its loyalists
have believed for nearly 50 years: the Rokon is not only Americas best kept secret
weapon, but also the ultimate transporter that can practically roll on, over, and
through almost everything.
The modern-day Rokon stakes its claim as the second-oldest U.S. motorcycle in
constant production. Remaining true to its heritage, todays Rokon closely resem-
bles the simple schematics that inventor Charles Henry Fehn first submitted with
his patent applications in 1958 when he called it the Trail-Breaker. The patent was
granted in 1966, and even todays models are instantly recognizable as offshoots
of the original version, what with the MIG-welded steel frames and tractor-like
8x12x25 Titan tire treads over hollow aluminum drum wheels. In fact, the sealable
drum wheels hold 2.6 gallons each of water or fuel, so you could almost triple the
amount of fuel available on board from the standard 2.69-gallon fuel tank. Its four-
stroke, fan-cooled 7hp Kohler 208cc engine is mated to a three-speed automatic
torque-converter transmission.
With a burn rate of gallon per hour, and with a running speed of, say, 30 mph,
your bug-out-route range will approach 330 miles on one 2.69-gallon tank before
you tap into the wheel reservoirs for two additional fill-ups for a total range of over
900 miles. And if things get to Mad Max: Fury Road levels of desperation, you can
always sling another tank on the back.
And, OK, the Rokon does not fly. But when each wheel drum is left empty, the
218-pound Rokon may be laid on its side and floated across open water, carbure-
tor up. What good is a floating bike? you might ask. What if your bug-out route
brings you to a deep creek or river and a roadblock is set up at the only bridge
crossing for 200 miles? Try wading chest deep with your dual-sport bike or ATV.
ISSUE 9

OFFGRIDWEB.COM 087
088 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9
Rock and Row
From his 1915 birth in San Bernardino to his passing in
1972, Fehn lived in Southern California with a penchant for
invention and seeking investors, demo-ing the Trail-Breaker
in steep sand dunes or by driving over the dropped tailgate
and into the bed of his El Camino. Through development of
an innovative clutch, front and rear chain-driven wheels, and
gearing system, Fehns ideas enabled the rider to maneuver
in tight turns without grounding a system that has since
undergone considerable refinement.
Early bikes were sold in kit form or from various distribu-
tors, the most successful being Orla Larsen. Larsen named
his distributorship company Rokon, after his Vermont ski
lodge that he called On The Rocks. While some die-hards
still pronounce the motorcycle name Rock-on, the universal
pronunciation is Row-con.
Today the company is enjoying a resurgence as Rokon In-
ternational, Inc., based in Rochester, New Hampshire, with 29
dealers in the U.S. and eight overseas. Factory-direct custom
order sales are strong with Rokons arriving at dealers and
doorsteps around the country, said President Tom Blais.
If the Internets latest ultimate bug-out jeep, truck, or
tank is beyond your financial reach or free space in your
garage, consider adding a Rokon as your bug-out vehicle.
For those who have the scratch, it could also serve as a sec-
ondary ride mounted on your truck bed or on a trailer hitch.
Its available in street legal or strictly off-road versions and is
highly customizable from dealer options. Dual-sport bikes fit
the higher speed, on-road/on-trail route scenario very well
(see RECOIL Issue 10, and OFFGRID Issue 7 or turn to (No)
Easy Rider, our feature on motorbike techniques, elsewhere
in this issue). Still, when SHTF, Rokon riders say the low and
stable two-wheel-drive difference is unbelievable if you have
to leave the urban landscape and go beyond established
trails, all the while towing a trailer or dragging big-game
behind you.
In-The-Dirt Testing
In a series of real-world tests, we were able to validate the
Rokons billy-goat-meets-Big-Foot qualities by joining a small
group of hardcore riders on a 200-mile journey deep within
the Ocala National Forest. There the U.S. Forest Service
Rangers receive training on the usage of the Rokon for tak-
ing chainsaws and other gear deep within trails that are too
narrow for ATVs. Rangers favor the low-pressure Rokon tires
(3.5 pounds psi) and spark arrestor mufflers in the deep sugar
sand, inclines, and muddy crossings. The tubeless tires are
said to leave less pressure than a human footprint, passing
A pair of Rokons easily between narrow trees on handlebar-width trails. The
relied upon bikes also can perform search-and-recovery efforts, even tow-
by the U.S. ing out other vehicles with a ball hitch if needed.
Forest Service These Rokons are not about speed, said one of the rid-
to hit the trails
ers, a retired U.S. Army brigadier general who once demod
inaccessible to
ATVs and quads. the Rokons for the Pentagon. These are about torque.
These are about getting from Point A to Point B when there
is little or no path before you and you must absolutely arrive.
They are unstoppable. They will go where a dirt bike, quad,
or ATV will not pass.
Rokons feel very different from traditional dirt and street
bikes or ATVs and require a shift in thinking. All Rokon con-
trols are accomplished by the hands. The unsprung, folding
front or rear foot pegs serve only to support the rider and
passengers sturdy boots while riding, allowing the riders to
place one or both feet on the ground to steady the bike on
slow maneuvers and obstacles.
The tractor-like tires and high (14-inch) ground clearance
 TWO-WHEEL
TORQUE

allowed seesaw, teeter-totter log crossings by shifting weight

fore and aft. Compared to high-riding dirt bikes, the Rokons
low-seat position inspired confidence while traversing slopes.
Although one novice rider laid his bike down about three
times in deep shifting sands, the rider was never thrown and
was faulted more than the bike. These were not bunny slopes,
and the fact that a beginner could negotiate these hills is a
tribute to the bikes low center of gravity and pure torque.
Orientation commences with powerful front and rear
hydraulic disc brake levers, with the left hand braking the rear
and the throttle hand controlling the front. Both brakes are
mounted high to keep them free from mud and water. The
left hand also controls a black engine emergency kill button
that shuts off the engine if the bike goes down, plus headlight
switch. Above all, we insist on opting for the Brush Buster
optional handguards to protect the grips and hands from Testing the
impacts with trees, rocks, or any other obstacles. Rokons flotation
at lakeside. With
Getting Hands On carb side up, the
Rokon creates a
On the lower right-hand side, fuel management is controlled
splash, but comes
by the fuel tank shutoff valve, for storing or transporting the up and starts.
Rokon. Close by and beneath the choke, an engine fuel valve
is opened for riding and closed for storing the motorcycle.
The fuel tank cap air valve may be closed to air intake in the Auto-Grab
event the Rokon is floated sideways during our test, this was suspension
has 8 inches of
followed by an immediate and sure start. Some early model
travel, and the
bikes attending were equipped with snorkels for exceeding the aluminum wheel
recommended maximum operating depth of 24 inches. holds 2.6 gallons
With the engine in neutral, and using the three-position of water or fuel.
(anti-theft) ignition key switched to on, the Rokon is started
either from a steady pull on the right-side starter rope or from
an optional key electrical starter.
What sets the Rokon apart from other motorcycles is the
sealed three-range transmission that appears as a straight
shaft inline horizontal plunger on the lower right side of the
bike, with a black ball end. Shifting is not done on the move, With the front
but from a dead stop and only then at idle speed or when the wheel chain
guards removed,
engine is off. Grasping the plunger ball and pulling outward all
proper chain
the way brings the bike into first gear. If needed, gently rock tensioning and
the bike until the gears synch. The shift pattern from the in- lubrication is
side to the outside is as follows: third, neutral, second, neutral, accomplished
first. Theres no reverse. To turn the bike in tight quarters, it with simple
wrenches.
may be pivoted 180 degrees on its kickstand.
The Rokon may be started in gear, with one hand lightly provides a large overlap of speed and torque between gears,
on the brake lever and without revving the engine. From any making frequent gear changes unnecessary and eliminat-
gear, the Rokon may be run from a dead standstill to the top ing the need to shift on the move. In the event a dangerous
speed range of its gear. When coupled with the automatic encounter occurs, the Rokon may be brought to an abrupt
torque converter, it has extremely broad capabilities from stop, still in gear at idle speed, and hands switched to sidearm
ISSUE 9

steep grade climbing to routine routes. The torque converter or long-gun without downshifting or going to neutral. Even in

OFFGRIDWEB.COM 089
090 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9
Front suspension soaks up the drop
OFFGRID
Tip
Company president Tom Blais pounded the Chilean Andes with his. The
U.S. Special Forces covered sands with it in Desert Storm. And U.S. Border
Patrol agents use theirs to pursue narrow foot paths. Rokon motorcycles
are relied upon by the military and law enforcement agencies all over the
world, from Fort Bragg to Brunei.
So, we were thrilled at the chance to join the ranks of those whove
tested these all-terrain vehicles. Here are some lessons learned from a
recent hardcore training session:
Starting in neutral is best.
Carry maps, a GPS unit or two, plus plenty of fuel in reserve.
Keep a few basic tools with you to tighten up any loose fittings, and
always keep your chain properly tensioned and lubricated.
Practice your bug-out skills by creeping through the woods or your
given landscape, walking the bike if necessary. Work less on speed and
more on negotiating obstacles.
If youre unable to avoid traveling on or across roads, keep your head on
a swivel, scanning and assessing 360 degrees when traveling and stop-
ping, watching first from the woods and listening before crossing.
TWO-WHEEL
TORQUE
third, one twist of the throttle later, and you are gone.
The torque converter is designed especially for Rokon
and provides smooth automatic clutching and ratio chang-
ing in response to throttle control and terrain requirements,
all without loss of engine revs or power, as the front and
rear-driven pulleys transfer power through the gears to the
front or rear chain drives.
We crawled and drove up tree trunks and ditches in first,
floated through sand in second, and hauled down logging
roads in third, although some expert riders never left third
and managed the responsive throttle beautifully.
For many years, riders had only an adjustable seat
spring for one or two riders and low-pressure tires to ab-
sorb vibrations while covering terrain. More recently Rokon
offers a new Auto-Grab front suspension, allowing for 8
inches of shock travel via a swing-arm pivoted at the bot-
tom of the front fork. In order to maintain proper chain ten-
sion as the suspension moves, a second chain was added
up front on a dual idler sprocket, adding a slight amount of
weight and improving traction. Rokons Geoff Richardson
said the front spring was developed at the insistence of
the Jordanian military for ease of negotiating asphalt thats
pockmarked with mortar rounds. Jordan now imports its
own Rokons and assembles them in a plant, where the
King of Jordan maintains a Rokon museum.
Maintenance on most items is accomplished with a simple
set of wrenches and lube, with many parts available from
local hardware stores. Checking for front and rear chain ten-
sion and lubrication is standard operating procedure.
Kit Up
A cult-like following of Rokon rebuilders is constantly
searching for Rokons to restore and to rally with in remote
locations the nation over, while squeezing out an additional
5 to 10 mph. During our ride, accessories were basic, rang-
ing from tomahawks and handheld GPS units to ammo cans
that went unopened. To equip and customize a modern
Rokon, the company makes it simple for new owners by
providing an itemized accessory menu, with a rumored
Prepper Edition in all black arriving some day.
Meanwhile, for bugging out and keeping a low profile, we
highly recommend accessories, including:
Trail Maintenance Kit, (fuel filter, air filter, spark plug and
wrench, two connecting chain links, two half links and
chain, chain breaker, low-pressure gauge, pump, tubeless
repair kit, and drive belt in leather pouch
Camouflage upgrade
Carrier ramp plus ratchet straps to secure Rokon to trailer
hitch or truck
 PROVEN
PROTECTION FOR ANY SITUATION

ENGINEERED, TESTED
4X4 VEHICLE EQUIPMENT
KEY FACTS:
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DISCOVER ALL THE GEAR TO OUTFIT YOUR RIG

TEL. 888-427-2827 | WWW.ARBUSA.COM
092 OFFGRIDWEB.COM TWO-WHEEL
TORQUE
ISSUE 9

Gun boot, saddle style; keeps the width of the bike down
and is safer than carrying a rifle across the handlebars on
narrow, wooded trails.
Tow bar kit chain, trailer hitch, and hard bar
Brush Busters (handguards)
Tachometer/hour meter
Game Carrier, which replaces the rear seat to transport
backpacks, cargo, rigging saddle bags, and large objects
Single Track Trailer, a long linear carrier that increases carry-
ing capacity
GPS/cell phone holders
Fuel siphon pump
Waterproof 12-volt plug for recharging cellular phones, lap
tops, and powering low-pressure air pump for tires
Tactical carry system (two ammo cans) on saddle bag position
Stihl chainsaw, machete, axe, rope, spare fuel, trail maps,
tent, pack
The Rokon Trail-Breaker has come a long way from its
origins in 1958, one year after some young Americans first
carried the M-14 into Vietnam. Just as a new generation of
fighters has rediscovered the worth and staying power of the
old battle rifle, so too are new generations of urban bug-out
planners realizing the potential of the Rokon ride.
Our deep wilderness ride ended with one broken mirror,
but were not courting bad luck. As this author tells his firearms
students, Leave luck to the unprepared. Rock on, Rokon.

Rokon Lineup Rokon offers three similar models with slight variations in
color, available suspension, wheel, and motor-gearing options.
Each model is available with 50 factory accessories, from a one-bolt add-on sidecar to a 2,000-watt generator.

ROKON Trail-Breaker
The agship bike is the com-
www.rokon.com
plete package with Auto-Grab
front wheel suspension, 12-inch
aluminum drums, and the high-
output 208cc 7hp Kohler engine.
Ranger
The middle-of-the-pack
model, appealing to those
wanting the 160cc 5hp Honda
engine and solid non-drum
heavy-spoke wheels.
Scout
Basically the same as the
Trail-Breaker, only without the
drum wheels and the front
suspension for a lighter or
more traditional feel.

Drive System Full-time all-wheel drive Full-time all-wheel drive Full-time all-wheel drive
7hp Kohler, 5hp Honda, 7hp Kohler,
Engine
one-cylinder, four-stroke one-cylinder, four-stroke one-cylinder, four-stroke
Piston Displacement 208cc Kohler 160cc Honda 208cc Kohler
Power Transmission Auto torque converter into a three-gear range selector
Fuel Tank 2.69 gallon 2.69 gallon 2.69 gallon
Grade Capability 60-percent 60-percent 60-percent
Wheels 12-inch aluminum sealed drum 12-inch steel spoke 12-inch steel spoke
Tires 8x12x25 tubeless 8x12x25 tubeless 8x12x25 tubeless
Wheelbase 51 inches 51 inches 51 inches
Ground Clearance 14 inches 14 inches 14 inches
Height Over Seat 32 inches 32 inches 31 inches
Height Over Handlebars 41 inches 41 inches 41 inches
Width 30 inches 30 inches 30 inches
Length 79 inches 79 inches 79 inches
Weight 218 pounds (dry weight) 218 pounds (dry weight) 218 pounds (dry weight)
Fordable Water Depth 24 inches 24 inches 24 inches
Base Price $7,350 $6,975 $6,500
094
0
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 T
he powers out, the
foods gone, and the
grocery stores are
sold out or completely

(NO) EASY
looted. You were
prepared with a generator and a de-
cent cache of supplies, but its looking
grimmer by the day. Theres no telling

RIDER
how long the city will stay dark. With no
indication that help is arriving anytime
soon, its time to hit the road to your
backup location. Unfortunately, lots of
people panicked early on and the main
highways instantly turned to gridlock,
never quite recovering. All it took was a
few ill-maintained vehicles to start over-
You Cant Just Hop On a heating for drivers to start abandoning

Motorbike and Bug Out. their cars and trying their luck on foot.
This turned the jammed freeways into
Evading the Apocalypse miles-long parking lots.
Requires Technique Youre not making it through that

and Practice. mess in your fuel-sipping commuter

sedan, let alone a full-size truck. You
need agility. You need fuel efficiency.
By Adam Bendig You need a dirt bike.
096 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9
The Kawasaki KLX 140 is a small-capacity off-road
motorcycle weighing in at only 210 pounds, ready to ride.
Its light weight makes it ideal for learning how to ride a
motorcycle in the dirt and over obstacles that you may
encounter while fleeing the city.
Long the favorite of weekend warriors looking to escape
for a day or two before returning home to grind another
week out, its time to mount your new best friend and
bypass the shells of the ill-prepared and stretch your legs
on the open road. With unmatched maneuverability and
fuel mileage, even the strictest hyper-miler will have trouble
matching a small- or medium-capacity motorcycle. As such,
a motorbike could be the ideal vehicle in a bug-out scenario.
But before you kick that engine over and crack the throttle,
youll need some seat time to make sure youre comfortable
maneuvering not just through the crowded highways, but
off the beaten path as well. Just like hunting or fire-starting,
you shouldnt train on the job, so to speak. Trust us, its not
as easy as it looks in the movies.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has been teach-
ing new and experienced riders proper riding techniques on
both asphalt and dirt for years. OFFGRID recently attended
a course backed by Kawasaki to brush up on our riding skills
and learn from the best, so we could provide you with the
know-how to get yourself out of a mess by using a two-
wheeled solution.
Cockpit Controls
Familiarity with the machine is important. Knowing exactly
where the kill switch is located on the handlebars without
looking, how to find neutral with the gear shifter, how apply-
ing pressure to both front and rear brakes feels, and how the
engine reacts when applying varying amounts of throttle are
key elements that can be practiced while standing still.
The clutch (functionally the same as a clutch in a manual-
transmission automobile) is operated by squeezing a
handlebar-mounted lever with the riders left hand. The front
brake is controlled by squeezing the handlebar-mounted le-
ver with the riders right hand. The rear brake is operated by
pressing a lever in front of the right foot peg. The gear selec-
tor is operated with the riders left foot, moving the lever up
and down with the toe of your riding boot. Finding neutral in
a maze of up and down shifts can be difficult and frustrat-
ing at first, so spend time early to become familiar with the
typical configuration: one click down for first gear and four
(or five, depending on your machine) clicks up for the higher
gears. Neutral is located between first and second gear, and
while many modern street bikes have neutral indicators,
many dirt bikes lack such amenities.
Once confident in locating these important controls,
learning to operate the clutch is the next step to freedom.
Much like driving a manual-transmission car, many new
riders are overwhelmed by the thought of having to shift
a motorcycle. Its not uncommon, however, for a dozen
brand-new riders at an MSF course to spend less than half
an hour becoming familiar with operating the clutch and
shifting gears well enough to move on to the next skill. A
little patience mastering this part of riding will make for a
more enjoyable experience later.
1 2 3 4 5
1. Clutch lever
2. On/off switch
3. Starter
4. Front brake lever
5. Throttle
6. Choke (not visible)
 (NO) EASY
RIDER

Textured seat pads provide

a grippier surface to keep Common Rookie
the rider from sliding during
acceleration and braking. Mistakes to Avoid
Overusing the Front Brake
Though street riders primarily use the front brake, grabbing a fistful of front
brake mid-turn in the dirt is a great way to lay a dirt bike down.

Neglecting Your Bike

Poor motorcycle maintenance will slow you down, possibly leaving you
stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Neglecting Your Body

Off-road riding can be very strenuous. Fuel for your body is just as important as
In the Saddle
it is for your motorcycle. Eat and hydrate so you can make the correct decisions.
The basic riding position should have you seated centered
on the motorcycle. While a dirt bike looks tall and daunting
on its own, once a rider is seated the suspension will settle.
Theres a lot of space on the long narrow seat, but the rider
should sit toward the front of the saddle, nestled into the
crook just behind the fuel tank. This centralizes the loaded
Maintenance 101
Keep the Chain Clean
weight, which can greatly affect handling, as well as prevent-
Squirt WD-40 to prevent dirt from wearing through the chains O-rings.
ing the rider from sliding during acceleration and braking.
Using your knees, gently squeeze the fuel tank to stay
Keep the Proper Chain Tension
connected with the motorcycle. Sitting upright, elbows
Tight chains can snap. Loose chains can wear, or even jump off the sprocket.
should be rotated up and pointed out. Wrists should be
straight, leaving plenty of rotational travel once the throttle Use a Fuel Filter
is ready to twist open. This is considered the attack posi- Modern motorcycles with fuel injection need clean fuel. Use a filter when
tion, ready for whatever lies ahead. pouring new gas, and become familiar with the process of cleaning and
replacing the post-tank filter.
The seated riding position maintains a straight
line from forearm through the wrist, elbows Change Your Oil Regularly
pointed out, knees hugging the tank, upright Oil-change intervals for motorcycles are shorter than for automobiles, espe-
posture, and eyes scanning the route ahead. cially when used in harsh and dirty environments.

Know How to Change an Inner-tube

Its not the easiest roadside fix, but it could be the difference between riding
to your destination and hiking to it.

Pump it Up
Tire air pressure can greatly affect handling and tire wear patterns.

Adjust the Suspension

Adjusting the suspension varies among motorcycles, but can often be per-
formed for extra load capacity.

Have Extras
Spare fuses and bulbs are small and easy to pack.

Know and Customize Your Toolkit

A small toolkit is often included from the manufacturer, but knowing
ISSUE 9

how to use it, and whats not included, is the riders responsibility.

OFFGRIDWEB.COM 097
098 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 9

Safety Gear
Field of Vision
One of the first things to sear into your memory when
riding is to always look where youre headed, not where you
are. Theres no time to react to something youre seeing for
There are enough options for every
the first time when its right in front of you. By continually
type of rider, in every type of weather,
scanning the path ahead, you can prepare for obstacles well
that comfort is no longer an excuse for
before closing the gap in front of it.
leaving safety equipment behind. In a
Turning while riding a motorcycle can be intimidating,
bug-out situation, you cant help your-
and many new riders will fall victim to target fixation. For
self or your family if you brain yourself
example, if youre fleeing an urban disaster and get fixated
on a rock or the pavement. While most
on an overturned car along the outside of a turn, the likeli-
motocross gear is brightly colored, all of
hood of veering directly toward the car is greatly increased.
these items are also available in more
When riding through a turn, your eyes should guide you all
discreet colors that are less likely to
the way through.
bring unwanted attention.
A major benefit of enrolling in an MSF course is the time
Helmets allotted to repeating drills while overemphasizing proper
Helmets top the list of suggested technique. Much like weapons training, these repetitive drills
safety equipment. Full-face variants begin forming muscle memory that will be crucial to per-
provide the most protection, as a forming properly when there is no time to think, just to act.
majority of impacts occur to the front of a riders head. Off-road helmets are
engineered to provide maximum fresh airflow, though the visor can make The importance of
the helmet less stable at high speeds. More expensive helmets arent neces- scanning the route
ahead of you
sarily safer, but are often lighter and better ventilated, along with having
cannot be overstated,
removable and washable liners. Dual-sport helmets are a recent hybrid, providing time to
featuring a flip-up viewport shield from on-road helmets, along with the prepare for obstacles
and guiding your
sun visor and an extended chin bar from off-road helmets.
way through turns.
Gloves
These can mean the difference between getting back on the bike after a
spill and not being able to grab the handlebars. Options range from thin
leather with mesh tops to armored gauntlets meant to wrap around jacket
sleeves. Insulated and even electric options are available for cold-weather
adventures.

Riding Jackets
Theres a huge range. You can find everything from lightweight armored
mesh pieces to enduro-specific options with cargo pockets, hydration blad-
der pouches, and weatherproofing.

Pants
While jeans are better than shorts, denim still shreds easily in a crash. The
ideal pants for a bug-out scenario may be high-strength nylon or Kevlar-
reinforced riding pants with internal, padded armor.

Boots
Footwear comes in street and off-road variants. Street boots typically have
more mobility built into their design, while off-road boots feature stiffer
soles for ultimate stability. The larger lugs may also make off-bike hiking
easier if you forgot to pack bug-out boots.
 (NO) EASY
RIDER

Turn It Up Riders practice

slaloming while
When performed with proper technique, turning a motorcycle
standing during
can feel much more solid and comfortable than it may first ap- a class hosted
pear. Simply leaning to the left or right initiates a turn, while small by Kawasaki
movements on the handlebars are all that are necessary. Once and the Motor-
cycle Safety
in the middle of the turn, applying pressure with your foot on the Foundation.
outside peg transfers pressure that helps keep the tires planted.
On loose surfaces this can mean the difference between slipping
into the woods safely and laying the bike down. By leaning into a
turn, youre letting the motorcycle do the work of turning itself.
It can be difficult at first to overcome the urge to keep the mo-
torcycle upright and just turn the handlebars, though perform-
ing low-speed drills while turning in both directions will quickly
Modern disc
build confidence. brakes have
made their way
Slow Your Roll to both the front
and rear of most
On pavement, braking should be performed primarily before
motorcycles,
entering a turn. In the dirt, it isnt that much different. The providing a su-
front wheel performs the majority of the braking process in a perior stopping
straight line, while a slight application of the rear brake can pro- system.

vide a balanced and settled reduction in speed. When braking

off-road, the rear brake plays a greater role. As a general rule,
the front brake should not be used in a turn on loose surfaces,
as its likely to tuck under and take the motorcycle and its rider
for a slide. Shifting weight over the rear of the motorcycle while
braking helps reduce the likelihood of locking up the rear wheel
and sliding. Sawtooth edges
(Note that advanced riders will use the rear brake to lock up on footpads
provide a sure
and swing the rear of the motorcycle around in some situations.)
grip for muddy
boots. The
Standing Tall smaller pedal in
Although dual-sport and motocross bikes have an extreme front of the peg
is the rear brake
amount of suspension travel, the riders body also acts as a lever.
suspension component. When watching video footage of
off-road desert racers, youll notice how the motorcycle moves
beneath a standing rider. To achieve this, proper posture is
vital to a stable ride. Its recommended for beginning riders
to place the foot pegs near the arch of the foot. More experi-
enced riders often opt for placement on the balls of their feet.
Its again important to remember to scan the road ahead, and
look through turns.
Avoid locking joints straight, as bent knees and elbows
provide the shock-absorber effect that makes standing riding so
useful. Higher speeds and less fatigue are possible when using
this technique.
When it comes time to turn while standing up, the riders Proper standing
position places
body position should stay neutral, with pressure on the pegs
the arch of your
again initiating and guiding the turn. This technique would come foot over the
in handy when traversing an open, rutted field at high speed. foot peg.
100 OFFGRIDWEB.COM (NO) EASY
RIDER
ISSUE 9

About
The Author:
Known to his friends
as an impulse hobbyist,
Adam has had a hand
in whatever looks to be
a good time. From fabri-
cation and metal shap-
ing for tube buggies
and hot rods to racing
mountain bikes and
throwing motorcycles
around a flat track, hes
done it all while photo-
graphing and writing
about his adventures
along the way.
www.adambendig.com
By staying upright while climbing uphill, youre keeping weight over the front tire and preventing an unintentional
backflip. When descending, shifting your weight toward the rear keeps the drive wheel planted and able to slow the
Might As Well Jump
Eventually, and especially in a bug-out scenario, youll
encounter obstacles that need to be ridden over. When
fleeing a metropolis in a crisis, its not unreasonable to
expect a detour through a park, riding up and down
stairs, or plowing through bushy planters. Jumping a
curb at the last second might prevent being taken out
by panicked motorists.
Once again, a centered, upright, balanced riding
position is the key to staying on two wheels. As the
motorcycle ascends the obstacle, the rider should lean
forward to keep the front wheel planted on the ground.
Once the obstacle is crested and the descent begins, the
rider should shift his or her weight to the rear, keeping
the back tire firmly in touch with terra firma. Quick stabs
of the brakes can spell disaster, and grabbing a fistful of
front brake on a descent will send you ass over teakettle.
motorcycle when you apply the rear brakes.
Conclusion
Becoming capable on two wheels is at once freeing,
enjoyable, and overwhelming. There can be a lot to
remember, from maintaining proper riding posture and
squeezing the tank with your knees to finding neutral
with the gear selector and shifting your body to keep
balance. Oh, and dont forget to squeeze the clutch in
when you come to a stop!
While executing your emergency plan, youll no doubt
have a lot more on your mind than riding techniques,
so regular practice ahead of the real deal is a necessity.
Whether your escape route is a short jaunt or a cross-
country ordeal, theres nothing more comforting than
having confidence in your bug-out bike skills.

Street Bike Versus Dirt Bike

There are a few key differences between a super sport street bike and a dirt bike:

A dirt bikes larger (often 21-inch) front wheel rolls over objects easier than
smaller diameters. The narrower rim is stronger when plowing into obstacles.

Dirt bikes are often lighter weight, making for easier maneuverability

The upright riding position can be more comfortable, while ergonomics allow
for a standing riding position. But at high speeds, wind blast can make dirt
bikes feel unstable.

Pure motocross machines can have higher performance engines that need
more attention and feature less longevity. Dual-sport and endurance motor-
cycles maintain off-road capability with some on-road manners.

SOURCES
Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA > www.kawasaki.com
Motorcycle Safety Foundation > www.msf-usa.org
 A New Air of Big Bore
Confidence Carnivore
In a New Era of STOPPING POWER .35 Cal.

info@HatsanUSA.com HatsanUSA.com
102
ISSUE 9
HANDSON

W
ere ashamed to admit that we used to
snicker at the sight of a headlamp. Wed
By Patrick Vuong see joggers wearing them while hitting the
Photos by Jorge Nuez pavement and say snide things under our
breath like, Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, its off to
A Headlamp Faceoff: Coast work we go. But when we got old enough to turn wrenches in the

HL27 Versus Fenix HP12
garage, we realized head-mounted lights werent just for miners.
In fact, headlamps arent just for recreational activities, but
are essential for emergencies. Picture an earthquake that
topples your apartment complex, and you have to dig through
crumbled walls to find your missing daughter. Imagine a chemi-
cal spill spews toxic fumes for miles, forcing you to bug out far
away from city lights. Or perhaps youre in the less dramatic, but
more likely, scenario of having to fix a flat tire after sundown
its pretty hard to unscrew lug nuts with a flashlight in one hand.
So, in this edition of Hands On, were pitting two moderately
priced models head to head (pun completely intended): The
Coast Products HL27 and the Fenix HP12.
COAST PRODUCTS performing car maintenance and practicing household

HL27 emergency drills; outdoors, hiking in low light and using the
lights while practicing our survival skills on a camping trip.
Like giddy Boy Scouts, we found that the Fenixs 900-lu-
men burst mode was fun to play with while outdoors, but it
wasnt really necessary. In the woods, our immediate survival
concerns at night never extended beyond 40 meters at any
given moment, and indoors the burst mode was more a
detriment than an asset, as it often caused light to bounce
off walls and nearby objects into our eyes. We suspect that,
unless youre in an outdoor search-and-rescue situation
(either signaling to be rescued or searching as a rescuer) or
your job puts you in a vast and unlit workspace, the burst
mode wont be vital to your general operations.
Rest assured the Coasts 330 lumens come close enough
to Fenixs 400-lumen output for all practical purposes. Both
provide superior illumination at night and offer different
levels of brightness. The Fenix HP12 can also emit 150
lumens on mid mode, 50 on low, and 10 on eco. Meanwhile,
the HL27 doesnt have different modes, but rather features
Coasts Light Output Control Wheel, which you twist like a
dimmer dial to get the exact brightness you want.

Functionality
While the Fenix might have the Coast beat in the maxi-
mum brightness category, the Coast is much more intuitive
MAKE & MODEL to use. Coasts Light Output Control Wheel is pure genius.
Coast Products
HL27 Just spin it counterclockwise to get a dim light then rotate
MAX. OUTPUT it clockwise for gradual brightness or all the way for full
330 lumens
blast. Located at the top of the lamp just behind the on/off
MAX. RUNTIME
8 hour, 45 minutes
switch, the wheel is easy to find by feel, responsive to the
touch, and a simple yet brilliant solution to the Goldilocks
WEIGHT
6.8 ounces (including problem of needing a brightness level thats not offered by
batteries)
the preset modes.
MSRP
$75 Meanwhile, the Fenix has a push-button switch thats easy
URL to find on the side of the lamp. To access each mode, just
www.coastportland.com
push the switch. However, because it has multiple modes,
youll have to push it four times to get to high mode. While
not a big deal if youre on a casual hike, it could be tough to
Illumination find the right mode under any sort of stress. On more than
On paper, it might seem like Fenixs LED outshines Coasts. one occasion, we found ourselves hammering on the switch,
Its max output of 400 lumens edges out the Coasts 330 running through the modes and initiating a manual strobe of
lumens. Plus, with a maximum output of 900 lumens in the sorts as we tried to find the right brightness. In a desperate
30-second burst mode, the Fenix offers a retina-searing doomsday scenario, we can foresee potential problems with
amount of light with an impressive throw of 124 meters (a this, such as accidentally signaling your location to strangers
little longer than a football field). Many light snobs will love when you were just trying to shut it off.
the ability to wield almost 1,000 lumensbut when is a lot To turn the Fenix on or off, simply hold the button down
just too much? It depends on your application. for a moment. Just dont hold it down for too long or youll
ISSUE 9

We tested both models in various situations: indoors, kick on the blinding burst mode.

OFFGRIDWEB.COM 103
104
ISSUE 9
HANDSON
FENIX Fenix HP12 can pivot downward, but has the added advantage

HP12 of also turning upward. Shining your lamp skyward wouldnt

make sense in the backcountry, but indoors this can reflect
light off ceilings and provide greater overall illumination in a
confined space.

Comfort and Durability

With its mostly plastic construction, Coasts HL27 doesnt
look particularly rugged but it held up admirably during our
testing period. Of course, we didnt go spelunking or attempt
to summit K2, but we didnt baby it, either. Backed by a lifetime
warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, the
HL27 is impact and water resistant.
On our heads, it felt comfortable thanks to adjustable elastic
straps. Plus, the two main contact points are made of flexible
synthetic rubber. Oh, and the cord that connects the battery
pack to the LED is integrated into the headband to prevent
snagging.
On the flipside, the Fenixs power cord hangs outside of
its elastic headband. While we didnt get caught up in the
cord during use, we can see how much better the Coasts
integrated cord is at avoiding snags (and any resulting
damage).
Fortunately, the Fenix is quite durable and certainly looks
like it. Made of aluminum alloy and stainless steel, the head-
lamp and its battery housing have a hard-anodized finish to
MAKE & MODEL fend off abrasions. Even the lens is made of tough glass with
Fenix
HP12 an anti-reflective coating. These features allow the HP12 to be
MAX. OUTPUT shockproof and waterproof up to 2 meters and even freeze-
900 lumens
proof from -40 degrees.
MAX. RUNTIME
145 hours
Though only long-term testing will truly determine how
long the headlamps last, its a safe bet that both should per-
WEIGHT
5.9 ounces (including form diligently for years to come.
batteries)

MSRP
$65
URL
www.fenixlight.com
The Coasts on/off switch is an ergonomic button just
above the light thats a cinch to operate. Another highlight for
the HL27 is its twist focusing ring on the lamp that lets you
adjust the beam from flood to spot, just by rotating the ring.
When turned to spot beam, the Coast lamp can shine up to
129 meters, slightly more than the Fenix. This makes the HL27
exceptionally versatile.
The HL27s lamp also has a hinge, so you can shine the
light downward in various positions rather than having to
bend your neck to illuminate whats at your feet. Likewise, the
Conclusion
If backed into a corner and forced to pick just one, we
might bypass the Fenix HP12s superior illumination capabili-
ties and give the slight edge to the Coast HL27 because of
its versatility and ease of use. Not only does its Light Output
Control Wheel provide precious brightness levels quickly and
easily, its powered by three AA batteries, which are far more
common than the two CR123 batteries that the Fenix feeds on.
However, theres no loser in this headlamp faceoff. Both
models performed admirably in the field and are solidly
constructed with quality parts. Either one would be worthy ad-
ditions to any preppers go-bag. With stellar performance and
quality construction, both of these headlamps will cut through
darkness; whether youre in the woods or on the trail ... or in a
mine filled with singing dwarves.
 Luck is for people who dont prepare. If you push your
limits, the world will eventually push back. Make sure
you see it coming with SureFires 6PX Pro and G2X
Pro ashlights. Dual-output switching lets you select a
320-lumen spotlight or a long-running 15-lumen task light.
Bomb-proof construction and advanced technology mean
youre always ready, no matter what.

www.surere.com/nextgen

WE
RELIABLE

ACCURATE

ARE
.380 ACP 9 MM .40 S&W .45 ACP

AFFORDABLE

PERFORMANCE

FREEDOM .223

FreedomMunitions.com
300 Blk .308
106
ISSUE 9 OFFGRIDWEB.COM

FEASTOR
WARNING!
FAMINE
The exercises and
content expressed
The Preppers Guide to Nutrition
in this column
are for illustrative
purposes only. By Ryne Gioviano
Consult a medical
professional

T
before trying any
physical activity or
nutritional plan.
he standard American diet is commonly
referred to as the SAD diet, and for good
reason its awful. Thanks to fast-food
joints, vending machines, and microwave
dinners, the vast majority of American
society no longer knows what real nutrition is. Rather than
thinking of food in terms of organic, free-range, or grass-fed,
people speak mostly in terms of combo No. 1, a side of
fries, and supersize me.
While Twinkies or McDonalds fries could literally
last a lifetime, theyre not the ideal source of
healthy, storable food. At this point, then, you
may be asking yourself, As a prepper, what do I
need to know to stay healthy, both now and after
a big disaster or crisis?

Proteins
Proteins are the building blocks of life. We
need them to build bodily tissues, enzymes,
and hormones, and for many other functions.
Without enough protein, were not able to func-
tion well.
The general recommendation for daily intake
of protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body
weight. Note that this is based on what your body
needs to prevent a protein deficiency, not to function

yurchyks/istockphoto.com
conejota/istockphoto.com

Nuts and time span, which is always a good option when considering
legumes are the uncertainties of bug-out scenarios.
good sources of
The minimum recommended amount of carbs per day
protein and, if
stored properly, is 130 grams for the average person. This number can
will last longer increase or decrease depending on activity and body size,
than many
with larger or more active people requiring more, and
other foods.
smaller or inactive people requiring less.
Fiber is considered a carbohydrate, but one that we cant
digest. Because it cant be broken down into sugar like other
carbs, it passes through the body (helping us stay regular).
Its much more prevalent in complex sources of carbo-
hydrates, which is another reason to prioritize complex
sources. Per day, its recommended that adults get at least
25 grams, but anywhere from 35 to 45 grams is ideal.
Good Storable Sources: From a storable food stand-
Complex carbs
point, its better to focus on more complex carbohydrates
like brown rice
provide energy (such as legumes or brown rice) rather than simple
for longer peri- carbohydrates (such as sugar). If in a bind, by all means eat
ods though what you have available. But if the option presents itself, a
due to their fat
longer-lasting fuel source will be more beneficial. Some very
content, they
optimally. Depending on activity, you may need up to 2 wont last too good options for carbs include wild/brown rice, quinoa, oats
grams per kilogram on the high end. Contrary to popular much past a (preferably steel-cut), bulgar, amaranth, spelt, and legumes.
year.
belief, this can come from a single meal or from multiple
meals eaten throughout the day. You dont need to get up
at 3 a.m. to down a protein drink. Thats just silly.
Good Storable Sources: Information about nutrition
can be meaningless for the prepper if we dont also discuss
storable food options. Meat is obviously a great source of
protein, but can be difficult to store long-term, especially if
the power grid is down indefinitely or if youve bugged out
and must stay mobile. Aside from canned meat, MREs, or
other freeze-dried options, there are actually other good
protein sources that can be stored much more easily than
meat. If we look to vegetarian options for protein, there are
many sources available, including spirulina, nuts, nut butters,
legumes, and whey (dairy), egg, pea, or hemp protein pow-
ders. Soy is best avoided based on its chemical similarity to
estrogen just 30 grams has been shown to disrupt thyroid
function.

Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide a more immediate fuel source
for the body to break down into energy. While fats and
KM6064/istockphoto.com

protein can be used for energy as well, carbs provide the

quickest breakdown and utilization. They can be separated
into two types: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates
are smaller and more easily processed molecules, while
complex carbs are larger and take more time and energy to
ISS
IS
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break down. The latter variety provides energy for a longer

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Magone/istockphoto.com
Pre-Exercise: Before activity, were looking to improve per- Nut butters
formance, sustain energy, preserve muscle mass, or maintain provide not only
protein, but also
adequate hydration. To do this, well examine the major three
healthy fats.
macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
First, protein is important since its responsible for tissue
repair. When exercising (or fleeing or fighting), there will be
some degree of tissue damage, and protein ingested before
an activity will provide more readily available protein. This
can reduce the amount of damage that muscles undergo
during exercise. Dont worry too much about the type of
protein. Any source eaten within an hour or two of the work-
out will do just fine.
Men should look to get about 30 to 40 grams at this time,
while women should consume about 20 to 30.
As we learned earlier, carbohydrates are responsible for
more immediate energy, and therefore, theyre a great ad-
dition to a pre-workout meal. Eating carbs before you work
out can spare some of the stores your body already has in
the liver and muscles, allowing you to sustain exercise for Protein powder
can be stored
longer or minimize the amount you pull from your body.
easily and last a
Fats These are both good things. while ideal for
Fats are extremely important, with the benefits including Men should consume about 40 to 50 grams of carbohy- short-term sur-
immunity, hormone production, metabolism, and nutri- drates, and women would be good with about 30 to 40 grams. vival situations
and CrossFit
ent absorption. Dietary fats come in two different types: Fats dont really appear to benefit us much from a pre- workouts alike.
saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fats are generally solid workout meal standpoint. Because theyre
at room temperature, while unsaturated fats are not. From much slower-digesting, they can help to
a health standpoint, its beneficial to get both, preferably the maintain blood and glucose levels, but this
least processed kinds from whole foods. wont make much difference unless youre
Some examples include oils, avocados, nuts, seeds, fish, completing very long duration activities.
animal meats, eggs, olives, and coconuts. Fats arent some- If youre planning on eating some-
thing to be too concerned about in terms of exact quantities thing within an hour of your exercise
worry more about the quality. session, liquids are a better option, as
Good Storable Sources: Storable options are slightly you wont have enough time to digest
more limited than the list above. The primary ones that keep solids. Opt for a protein and carbohydrate
the best are nuts, nut butters, and seeds. Some outstanding source that can be mixed well with water,
specific seeds to look for are chia, flax, or hemp. They tend such as a pre-made whey protein carbo-
to last a while, are extremely nutritious, and also contain hydrate drink. If you have a blender handy,
fiber and protein. you can mix protein powder with fruit and
some greens. Either option will work.
Primer On Sports Nutrition
Understanding sports nutrition is important for any prep-
per because itll inform what you eat before a calamity and
affect how you perform physically during said calamity. While
Lee Rogers/istockphoto.com

commonly thought to be an intricate equation of what to eat

and when, recent research proves that the timing of what you
eat doesnt really matter. For most people, eating a solid meal
one to two hours before exercise and one to two hours after
is just fine. That said, well discuss some points to consider
depending on the scenario youre faced with.
B
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Gorfer/istockphoto.com
move all day with little food. The maximum youll be able
to use is somewhere between 60 and 70 grams per hour.
Any more than that will not be beneficial, and will almost cer-
tainly cause some stomach upset. When mixed with protein,
you can take in less (around 30 to 40 grams) with similar
benefit. Some great fast-digesting carbohydrate sources are
pre-packaged gels (similar to what marathon runners use),
sugary fruits such as bananas or grapes, or sports drinks like
Gatorade. For a great storable option, look for Gatorade in
powder form.
Post-Exercise: When youre finished exercising, the main
goals of your nutrition strategy should be to refuel what
you used, improve recovery and future performance, and
rehydrate.
Exercise causes
muscle break-
down, so a logical
addition to your

loooby/istockphoto.com
post-workout meal
should include
protein for the
benefit of tissue
repair. As stated
earlier, were not
During Activity: Unless youre engaging in multiple ex- concerned with any 30-minute windows of opportunity, so
ercise sessions per day, completing activities lasting longer no need to do the mad dash to your protein powder. If your
than two hours, or have a goal of gaining muscle mass, pre-workout nutrition was adequate, there will be amino
you dont need to worry about what to eat or drink during acids in your bloodstream to help kick-start the recovery
exercise. This is very necessary, however, when traversing process. For this post-exercise meal, men should take in 40
long distances, such as when looking for shelter or moving to 50 grams, and women should get 25 to 35 grams.
between towns in life-and-death scenarios. Carbs are also important at this time, mainly to restock
About One of the main points to consider about nutrition during the fuel we used during exercise. Instead of the common
The exercise or higher levels of movement is that blood flow will misconception of eating very quick-digesting sources, your
Author: be redirected toward your working muscles. This will cause best bets are some fruit or minimally-processed sources
A regular OFFGRID digestion to slow down quite a bit. So, the nutritional sources (such as rice or oats). Men should look for 50 to 60 grams of
contributor, Ryne Gio- taken in during physical activity should be very easy to carbs, while women should eat 30 to 40 grams.
viano is the co-owner digest. For these sort of situations, lets take a look at what
of Welligee Personal you might need to pack in your bug-out bag. Conclusion
Training & Lifestyle Protein during exercise helps prevent your muscle mass These guidelines are generally geared toward exercise,
located in Naperville, from breaking down and will help you recover. The best but its easy to translate them to bug-out scenarios. The
Illinois. He holds a sources are those that mix well with water, such as the pro- main thing to keep in mind is that scenarios can pop up out
masters degree in ex- tein powders listed previously or spirulina. Shoot for about 15 of nowhere, and you should always be prepared. Having
ercise physiology and grams per hour. some fast-digesting carbohydrate sources and protein
is certified through If youre not in the drinking mood, branched-chain amino powders on hand can make all the difference when forced
the National Strength acid pills or drink mix can be a great alternative. Youll need to travel very long distances without much notice. Luckily,
and Conditioning As- about 10 to 15 grams during the activity. there are numerous sources that are generally pre-pack-
sociation. Carbs taken during exercise can be beneficial to provide aged and small enough to fit into any bag or pocket for im-
www.welligee.com immediate energy that may have been depleted. This can mediate grab-and-go situations. So, do your research, pack
be advantageous for long hikes, marathons, or while on the your gear, and most importantly, keep training.
 READY.
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114
ISSUE 9
OFFGRID411

How Do You
Measure Its Worth?
Silver and Gold Values During Economic Strife of the Past 40 Years
By John Teator

H
ello, my precioussssss. Due to their scarcity
and, for some, their beauty, precious metals
have been highly desirable and considered
quite valuable by many cultures for millen-
nia. Those of us who enjoy living a prepared lifestyle may opt to
keep precious metals because these commodities traditionally
hold their value and are trusted after financial institutions fail. After
an economic collapse, a nations currency might be worthless, but
a metal such as gold will still be sought after.
The truth is the value of precious metals isnt fixed it fluctuates
according to the mood of the economy as well as other outside fac-
tors. Everything from a weak economy, conflicts between countries,
and even natural disasters can affect their worth. Lets take a look at
the values of two prominent precious metals silver and gold dur-
ing economic crises of the past four decades. Were not economics
professors, but the correlation would be evident even to Gollum.

2000 50
1979 EARLY 1990s 9/11 THE GREAT
1800 ENERGY CRISIS RECESSION ATTACKS RECESSION 45

1600 40

U S D P E R O U N C E ( S I LV E R )
USD PER OUNCE (GOLD)

1400 35

1200 30

1000 25

800 20

600 15

400 10

200 5

0 0
2000

2005
1980

1990

2010
1985

1995

2015
1975

SOURCES
Info Mine > www.infomine.com | National Mining Association > www.nma.org | U.S. Geological Survey > www.usgs.gov
* Note: Prices not adjusted for ination.
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