ASG_1310_COVER1 9/25/13 1:43 AM Page US_C1

FROM THE EDITORS OF WORLD OF FIREPOWER

HOW TO AVOID WINTER’S 2 DEADLY CONDITIONS

(7 essentials When the Power fails)

BEST DEVICES AFTER THE

FOR BACKCOUNTRY DISASTER
COMMUNICATIONS CHECKLIST

5 MAPS
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE ISSUE 7

THAT COULD
THE SAVE YOUR LIFE

BOW

THRIVE
AN IDEAL
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Survivorman Les Stroud’s Tactics FROM THE EDITORS OF WORLD OF FIREPOWER

ISSUE 7 / WINTER 2013
U.S. $8.99
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WINTER 2013

’s guides
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ASG_1310_TOC 9/20/13 4:58 AM Page 4

28
COVER
LES STROUD
Take a peek behind the
scenes of Survivorman.
By Barri Segal

22 56 78

4
aSG_1310_TOC 9/20/13 4:58 am Page 5

ISSUE 7 | WINTER 2013

FEATURES
GENERAL URBAN
PREPAREDNESS PREPAREDNESS

14 INTRODUCTION 84 INTRODUCTION
112
16 CHILL AND GRILL 86 MAP QUEST
Turn to the grill if the grid goes down! Four maps that can help you navigate in an
By Torrey Kim emergency. By Ted Florence

18 REAL WORLD SOLUTIONS 90 EARTH SAVERS

Seven key items you’ll need for the next big Start your own urban composting project.
power failure. By Steve Maxwell By Kristin Webb-Hollering

30 ROAM FREELY 94 THE LONG WAY HOME

The EarthRoamer Xpedition paves the way into A get-home plan is an essential aspect
the backcountry. By Torrey Kim of survival. By Abe Elias

WINTER HOMESTEADING
PREPAREDNESS PREPAREDNESS

32 INTRODUCTION 110 INTRODUCTION

34 FREEZING FORESIGHT 112 GOT YOUR GOAT?

Use these tips to survive bitter temperatures. Raising goats can help you go the distance for
By Tony Nester long-term survival. By Kristin Webb-Hollering

42 CABIN FEVER 116 GET TO THE ROOT OF IT

Been inside too long? Here are some quick A root cellar is a great way to extend the life of
remedies. By Amber Erickson Gabbey your produce. By Torrey Kim 18
50 RUNNING HOT AND COLD
Learn how to withstand dehydration and
hypothermia. By Garrett Kim
COLUMNS
WILDERNESS 6 FIRST WORDS
PREPAREDNESS 8 NEWS, NOTES
12 NEW PRODUCTS
127 PREPPING WITH RALSTON
61 INTRODUCTION 130 CLOSING WORDS
64 SPECIAL REPORT: BACKCOUNTRY
COMMUNICATIONS
A Call For Help: What to do in dire situations.
By Larry Schwartz
BUYER’S GUIDES
70 EAT TO LIVE
THE COVER
Finding food when bugging out. By Larry Photographer: Laura Bombier 22 FOOD AND WATER
PHOTO BY Laura BOmBier

Schwartz Model: Les Stroud

Designer: Jesse Cao 56 WINTER JACKETS
74 SAVED BY THE BOW 78 BOWS AND GEAR
Snowshoe hares: a valuable resource for winter
survival. By Peter Schoonmaker
102 BUG-OUT BAGS
120 GUNS

102 120

5
ASG_1310_EDIT.CX 9/26/13 1:24 AM Page 6

FIRST WORDS
BY BARRI SEGAL

ISSUE 7 / WINTER 2013

EDITORIAL
Group Editor: Doug Jeffrey
Editor: Barri Segal
Managing Editor: Jolene Nolte
Art Director: Jesse Cao

CONTRIBUTORS
Abe Elias, Amber Erickson Gabbey, Erin Hatfield, Garrett
Kim, Torrey Kim, Steve Maxwell, Thomas J. Nardi, Tony
Nester, Peter Schoonmaker, Larry Schwartz, Kristin
Webb-Hollering

“I don’t care if ADVERTISING

Gabe Frimmel - Ad Sales Director
you’re a global (714) 200-1930 - GFrimmel@Beckett.com
warming realist David Beckler - Outdoor Group Director
(972) 448-9173
or a climate Casey Clifford - Senior Account Executive
(717) 896-8956
alarmist, but a Mark Pack - Senior Account Executive
survivalist (714) 200-1939
Gennifer Merriday - Ad Traffic Coordinator
doesn’t count on DIRECT MARKETING GROUP
the weather.” John Bartulin
Paul Caca
(866) 866-5146 ext. 2746
(866) 866-5146 ext. 4961
Ryan Lauro (866) 866-5146 ext. 2756
Mary Ann Jaca (866) 866-5146 ext 2716

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MY WINTER ATTITUDE
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE © 2013 by Beckett Media,
LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from
this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

THIS JUST IN: THE WEATHER’S SCREWY. It was hotter and colder this summer
CUSTOMER SERVICE

in Southern California than most on record. My daughter joked about taking

BECKETT MEDIA, LLC
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ter’s cold cleared the slate so that by spring we could rise again like zombies and
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vivalist doesn’t count on the weather.

A STORY OR PHOTO

Hot or cold, the American winter experience is a time to review, remember

djeffrey@beckett.com

and evaluate, alone and with others. Look at your accomplishments and concerns.
Consider your future. Appreciate all you have, all you do to protect that and how
worthwhile it is to be prepared. From simple first aid to earthquake evacuation,
emergency supplies for the home and vehicles, generators, extra blankets, water
and food stockpiles, evacuation kits… look at what you do and why.
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in your mind. This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the

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responsibility by Beckett Media, LLC as to the legality,
completeness or technical accuracy.
6
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ASG_1310_NEWS 9/20/13 5:09 AM Page 8

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALPHA PUBLISHING

REAL LIFE
How a Stranded Teen Survived
WE ALL THINK WE HAVE the survival spirit and would immediately know how to handle
READING LIST
A Must-Have Book to Add
being stranded in the wilderness—but in reality, many people tend to panic.

to Your Collection
That wasn’t the case for a teen whose dinghy capsized in bad weather in August. After
finding himself washed up on an abandoned island in New Zealand, the teen realized that
his lighter and phone—both of which could have been life-saving—had washed away when
his boat capsized.
WHEN YOU THINK about dehydrated foods,
To stay alive in the absence of his emergency tools, Tainui Hale curled up in a ball under
you’re probably picturing beef jerky or sun-dried
an old tree and made small cups out of kawakawa leaves. He sat them
tomatoes—which are both delicious and well-
in the open so they could collect rain, and he lived off the
preserved. But the world of dehydrated foods
rainwater for nearly three days until a group of fisher-
expands far beyond those treats to include
men flew overhead on a helicopter and happened to
STORING everything from desserts to pet snacks. You’ll
see him. The subsequent helicopter rescue was
RAINWATER discover this widespread world, along with tips
just in time, as the teen was showing the first
In a non-emergency situation, a on how to achieve dehydration bliss, with The
signs of hypothermia.
popular way to store rainwater is in Complete Idiot’s Guide to Dehydrating Foods by
“What would Bear Grylls do?” Hale said to
barrels. A good choice is food-grade, Jeannette Hurt.
Aukland’s 3News after the rescue, when asked
55-gallon models, which typically costs
about making cups out of leaves.
less than $10. You can find these
“Maybe he could take a leaf out of my book
online in any garden store as well as
“Sun-drying, room-drying,
for a change!”
at home improvement stores and microwave-drying
everywhere. are all feasible methods
that can help you
achieve your goals.”
The book came out earlier this year and is
therefore fully up-to-date on the latest technolo-
gies for food dehydration success. For survival-
ists, a few of the main benefits outlined in the
book include the fact that you can stock your
pantry with foods that don’t spoil quickly, and
you can use every last cherry or celery stalk that
you painstakingly grew in your garden when you
preserve them before they spoil. This leads to
zero waste as well as a bounty of delicious and
healthy meals for you all winter long when your
garden is out of commission.
The book goes into great detail about the dif-
ferent methods of dehydration, reminding you
that you don’t necessarily need a fancy com-
mercial dehydrator.
Sun-drying, room-drying, and microwave-
drying are all feasible methods that can help you
achieve your goals.
After you perfect your dehydrating technique,
the book offers myriad tips on how to store your
freshly-dried foods so they will remain safe to
eat and delicious for the long haul. And with
recipes for everything from Dehydrated Cottage
Cheese to Madagascar Vanilla Brownies, your
dehydrating hobby will make everyone in the
house happy.
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Dehydrating
Foods is published by ALPHA Press and is avail-
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK able at booksellers nationwide as well as on
Amazon.com.

8
ASG_1310_NEWS 9/20/13 5:09 AM Page 9

“If you live in an area prone to

flash floods, create a plan
ahead of time to ensure you’ll be
able to evacuate to higher
ground quickly and safely.”
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

WATER WRECKAGE HOT OFF THE PRESS

Stay Safe During a Flood A New Book that Covers It All!
YOU MAY THINK of flooding as an inconvenient byproduct of “bigger” weather- DUE OUT in November,
related calamities, including tornadoes and hurricanes—but the reality is that flood- 2013: The Prepper’s Work-
ing causes more damage in the U.S. than any other severe weather-related event. book: Checklists, Work-
In fact, that total rings up to an average of $5 billion per year, the National sheets, and Home Projects
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says. to Protect Your Family
If you hear a flood warning on your radio or television, you can break down the from Any Disaster.
potential severity by following these three levels that the NOAA created: This is a comprehen-
Minor flooding: Minimal or no property damage expected, but some public threat sive, step-by-step work-
or inconvenience could take place. book of checklists and
Moderate flooding: Some structures and roads near streams will be inundated, DIY projects that prepare
and some people will be evacuated to higher elevations. home and family for any life-threatening catastrophe,
Major flooding: Extensive inundation of structures and roads is expected, with by Scott B. Williams and Scott Finazzo.
significant evacuations of people and/or property transfer to higher elevations. Williams and Finazzo cover it all: hurricane, earth-
Floods typically occur when prolonged rainfall or an ice or debris jam causes a quake, pandemic, terror attack, solar flare, riot or civil
river or stream to overflow and flood the surrounding area, the NOAA explains. Flash unrest. They tell how to plan, prepare and survive any
floods, on the other hand, occur within six hours of a rain event or a dam/levee fail- disaster in a format that allows readers to breakdown
ure, and they can catch people off-guard and unprepared. If you live in an area each aspect of prepping into simple, manageable steps
prone to flash floods, create a plan ahead of time to ensure you’ll be able to evacu- that won’t consume excessive free time or money.
ate to higher ground quickly and safely. Topics include evaluating and building food stores,
personal and home security, preparing vehicles for an
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/floodsafety/floodsafe.shtml
evacuation and acquiring medical supplies to treat
injuries and illness in the absence of outside help.

9
ASG_1310_10 9/20/13 3:54 AM Page 10
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NEW PRODUCTS
C U T T I N G - E D G E I N N OVAT I O N

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PRODUCT: WOODMAN’S PAL CLASSIC - MODEL 481 PRODUCT: ADVENTURE BRACELET

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MSRP: $65

INNOVATION Specifications:
• Overall Length: 16.5 inches
• Blade Length: 10.5 inches
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• Paracord: Seven feet + kernmantle cordage
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that solutions relieve stress. For

sickle hook is meant for slicing through underbrush and • Retro Reflector
vines, and it can be used for prying sprouts as well. • Surgical Tubing
example, the understandable fear of
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Particular components of the Adventure Bracelet are
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website for wrist measurement instructions.

Seriously consider them as possible

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ASG_1310_PRODUCTS 9/20/13 5:13 AM Page 13
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MSRP: $24
Specifications:
• Weight Empty: 5.8 pounds
• Tub Liner: USDA and FDA approved 4 mil food
grade linear low density polyethylene
• Dimensions: 40 x 80 inches
• Capacity: 65–100 gallons of water, depending on
bathtub size
• Storage Lifespan: Eight weeks (single use only)
Defining Features:
The AquaPod Kit is a convenient, safe way to store a
lot of water for an emergency. The plastic bladder fits
inside your bathtub or jacuzzi. It also includes three
disposable liners, a siphon pump and lock. Filter not
included. The kit permits storing 14 days’ worth of
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years depending upon storage. Made in America.
Manufacturer’s comment: “This is what you use
when a flood or hurricane is anticipated. Depending
on humidity and temperature, this kit will keep an
individual with fresh water for up to eight weeks.”
—Aaron Curley, IT Manager
4 CAN'T GET ENOUGH ASG? WHEN YOU'RE NOT OFF
3
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PRODUCT: WYVERN AXE
WEBSITE: www.survivalbagsinc.com
MSRP: $225
Specifications:
• Overall length: 18.9 inches
• Blade Material: 5160 Steel
• Handle: Micarta
• Blade Finish: Black Texture Epoxy Powder Coat
• Sheath: Spec Plus Leather Cordura
Defining Features:
The Wyvern Axe was developed in conjunction with
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and civilians. Because of the shape of the breaching
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Manufacturer’s Comment: “If you are ever in a jam,
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• Five Bandage Strips, 3 x 3/4 inches
• One Triangular Bandage
• Five Butterfly Closure Strips
• Five Burn Cream/First Aid Packages
• One Abdominal Pad, 5 x 9 inches
• Five Alcohol Prep Pads
• One Stainless Steel Tweezers
• One EMT Shears, 5 1/2 inches
• Two Pair Nitrile Gloves
• Five Non-Aspirin Pain Relievers
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ASG_1310_GENERAL 9/20/13 5:16 AM Page 14

ALL PREPPERS KNOW that being prepared

is a key to survival. So, what happens if the
grid goes down and you need to use a
power tool or cook a meal? What if you’re
lost and need to be rescued? These ques-
tions—and more—are answered right here,
so pay attention and make sure that you’re
onboard with the latest and greatest tips

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
and tricks to keep you safe and alive if you
need to bug out!

14
ASG_1310_15 9/20/13 3:58 AM Page 15

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ASG_1310_GRILL 9/20/13 5:18 AM Page 16

Don’t Panic when the

power goes out:
Chill you can make just about
anything on your grill

AND
Grill
By Torrey Kim | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THINKSTOCK
When making bread on
the grill, be sure not to
have the temperature
too high or the outside
will burn while the
HETHER YOU’VE BEEN HIT BY A
inside remains doughy.

W STORM, SUFFERED A RANDOM POWER

OUTAGE, OR YOU’VE RECENTLY
DECIDED TO LIVE COMPLETELY OFF
THE GRID, ONE OF YOUR MAIN CON-
CERNS IS HOW YOU’LL COOK YOUR MEALS UNTIL
YOU’VE GOT POWER ONCE MORE.
But even if you don’t have any burgers or dogs in the refrig-
SAFETY FIRST
Just because you’re cooking your meal outside doesn’t mean you
should abandon your food safety routines. Follow these tips from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure that you stay safe while eat-

erator, you can still make a square meal on your outdoor grill.
ing from the grill:
• Keep hands, utensils and surfaces clean.

ALL INGREDIENTS ARE FAIR GAME

• Bring separate plates and cutting boards for raw and cooked foods so

Many of us feel adventurous when we toss some corn or a

that juices from raw meat don’t contaminate meat that you plan to eat.

slice of eggplant on the grill, but the reality is that the world is
• Use a food thermometer to make sure foods are cooked to a safe inter-

your oyster—or your brownies or rice—when you’ve got a grill.

nal temperature.

“If you’re inventive, you can cook anything you want as long
• Don’t let food sit out for more than an hour in hot weather.

as it will fit inside the grill,” says Derrick Riches, About.com’s

• Never use an outdoor grill inside your house or garage, because the

guide to Barbecue and Grilling.

carbon monoxide it produces could kill you.

16
ASG_1310_GRILL.CX 9/24/13 10:57 PM Page 17

Therefore, if you have no power, you

can select any ingredients you want to
GRILLED cook and prep them for grilling. First,
SOUP? however, you must choose the best
cookware that will most effectively
prepare your meal for grilling.
Soup is another

“Any type of pot that’s oven-safe will

meal that cooks well

work on the grill,” Riches tells American

on the grill, but how

Survival Guide. “With most of your stove-

you prepare it will

top cookware, the plastic handles won’t

depend on whether

take the heat and you can just melt the

you’re making soup

rivets right out of them. Therefore, oven-

from scratch or from

safe is key.”
a can.

If you have camping pots and pans,

“For soup inside

you should dig those out of the garage

Tortillas are one of the a grill, I’d recom-
easiest things to make
and bring them grillside. If not, get your
mend a Dutch oven,
on an outdoor grill.
cookie sheets, stoneware, cast iron pans,
cast iron pot, or

Dutch ovens, and other oven-safe pots

something along

and pans to make your meal.

those lines,” Riches
People have been advises. “If you’re

FOLLOW YOUR RECIPES

preparing soup over an
open fire for hundreds
making soup from

You can typically make your meal

of years. scratch, I grill the

according to your standard recipe when

ingredients I’m

grilling, but the one thing that requires

putting in my soup

your close attention is the grill tempera-

first, and then put

ture. Unlike when you’re barbecuing ribs,

those into the soup

a grill will need to remain a very constant

pot to give my soup

temperature if you’re cooking items like

the smoky flavor.

cupcakes or a roast beef on the grill.

But if you’re just

“This is where it gets tricky, because

opening a can of

many grills have a thermometer on the

soup and putting it

hood, but that doesn’t tend to be terribly

on the grill, it will

accurate,” Riches says. “I’d recommend

come out pretty

that you pick up an oven thermometer.

much just like if you

They are relatively cheap, and you can

cooked it in a pot.”

put yours right on the cooking grate and

“If you’re inventive, you can cook anything you
want as long as it will fit inside the grill.”
–Derrick Riches, About.com’s guide to Barbecue and Grilling.
Preparing pizza on the grill
is easier than you think.
use that to gauge your temperature.”
What’s key when you’re reading your
temperature gauge is to put the food
where the gauge is.
“Your indoor oven works by convec-
tion and maintains a standard tempera-
ture from top to bottom,” Riches says.
“But a grill could be 50 degrees different
in the spot where the gauge is versus the
other side of the grill, and that may be

where you want to put your food. So put

The key is to keep a close

the gauge very close to where you’ll be

eye on the meal because it
cooks very quickly.
cooking, particularly if you plan to do
KEY some baking.”

IN CONCLUSION
ESSENTIALS
Although this may not be everyone’s
• Oven-safe pots and

go-to during an emergency, you should

pans (no plastic

definitely keep it in mind. When the

handles!)

power goes down, just chill—and use the

• Cookie sheets

grill!
• Stoneware
• Oven thermometer

FOR MORE INFO

To get more great grilling tips, recipes, and gear recommendations, visit bbq.about.com,
where Derrick Riches doles out new expert advice each week.

17
ASG_1310_TOOLS 9/20/13 5:23 AM Page 18

“Even a little
bit of power is
a wonderful
thing when the
grid goes down.”
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
ASG_1310_TOOLS 9/20/13 5:23 AM Page 19

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY STEVE MAXWELL

REAL WORLD
SOLUTIONS
seven essential ITEMS for surviving the next big power failure

“Without a
HINK ABOUT IT: IF THE GRID GOES DOWN, ALL generator,

T THOSE GREAT POWER TOOLS YOU OWN WILL

BE WORTH NOTHING. HOW DO YOU FIX SOME-
THING? HOW DO YOU BUILD SOMETHING?
The power goes down all the time on the rural island
where I’ve lived for the last 25 years—sometimes for days at a time.
This reality has forced me to come up with real-world solutions for
self-reliance that include these top picks for power failure gear.
no power
can mean
no drinking
water, no
flush toilets
and no
cooking.”
1. CLEAN POWER GENERATOR
Even a little bit of power is a wonderful thing
when the grid goes down.
This is especially true for the millions of
us who rely on wells for water.
Without a generator, no power can
mean no drinking water, no flush
toilets and no cooking.
THE
The hidden danger is that most
ESSENTIALS
generators can cause damage to
• Clean power generator
the kind of sensitive electronics that
• Chainsaw
are part of a lot of items these days.
• Headlamp
Regular generators are fine for
• 18-volt impact driver
fridges and freezers and water pumps,
• Cordless drill
but they’ll fry computers, cell phone
• Hand-held circular saw
chargers, the electronic controls on
• Utility knife and blades
appliances and even some cordless tool
battery chargers. That’s why not just
any generator will do if you really want
to prepare yourself for long-term self-
reliance when the grid goes down. The
most versatile portable generators
offer tri-fuel capabilities, able to run on
gasoline, natural gas or propane—
whichever is available.

19
ASG_1310_TOOLS 9/20/13 5:23 AM Page 20

SOLUTIONS

2. CHAINSAW
GENERATOR BASICS Grid failure often happens when bad
weather wrecks your neighborhood, and
if trees grow where you live, they’ll be
Tri-fuel capabilities are key for a

down and blocking road travel. Without

generator; it should be able to run on

a chainsaw at times like these, you’ll be

gasoline, natural gas or propane.

completely immobile after a big storm,

unable to travel,
unable to help oth-
ers and unable to
be helped by emer-
gency crews.
A chainsaw with
a sharp chain and a
supply of fresh, while you could keep a bunch of alkalines
mixed gas and chain in stock, there’s one particular type of
oil is nothing short rechargeable that’s better. Most recharge-
of freedom at times able AAA and AA batteries rely on ordi-
like these. Start up nary nickel metal hydride chemistry, and
your saw and run it these lose significant charge in storage
for a few minutes between uses. It’s quite likely they’ll be
every month or so, dead when you need them. Sanyo’s
to make sure it eneloop rechargeables are nickel metal
runs when you hydride, too, but they hold a charge in
need it. And don’t storage as long as alkalines, and they also
buy some cheap last a long time between charges.
consumer-grade After testing every major type of
saw, either. Name rechargeable battery on the market,
brand, pro-grade these are my favorite by a long shot.
models do cost a With good rechargeables at your place
little more, but they pay back many times and a generator, you’ll have virtually
over in reliability and performance. I paid unlimited power for lighting and small
“A good headlamp is top dollar for my first professional saw in electronics.
1989, and it still starts and runs as well as
4, 5, 6. CORDLESS
incredibly useful
the day it was new, even after cutting
more than 300 cords of firewood. TOOL TRIO
because it lets you
work with your hands An 18-volt impact driver, a cordless
in the dark. No survival- 3. HEADLAMP drill and a handheld circular saw are all
ready home should be A good headlamp is incredibly useful essential building tools for general use,
without one.” because it lets you work with your hands but they’re also unbeatable for making
in the dark. No survival-ready home emergency repairs when floods or wind
should be without one. damage happen along with grid
I use my headlamp all the time for failure. Today’s best cordless tools use
working outside at night, even when the lithium-ion batteries, which are far better
power doesn’t go out. It delivers the best than older tools that take nickel cadmium
source of light for the least amount of battery packs. Besides delivering more
energy input, but there’s a big difference work per charge, lithium-ion batteries
in headlamp design. The best are built hold a charge for months in storage,
around an LED bulb. These use far less unlike nickel cadmium, which are often
energy than standard incandescent head- nearly dead when you first grab them off
lamp bulbs, multiplying battery life by five the shelf.
to 10 times. We have four headlamps at
my place, but the best include dimma- 7. UTILITY KNIFE AND
ble light output. Dial down the illu- BLADES
KNIFE mination when you don’t need as This sounds simple, but don’t be
KNOW HOW much light to save on battery life. fooled. A good utility knife is an incredi-
Choose a flip-style And speaking of batteries, bly useful thing when life is reduced to
utility knife that folds up you’ve got two options to basic realities. The best utility knives
to fit in your pocket and consider. Most headlamps these days have flip-style blades that fold
opens in one smooth take three AAA batteries, and up small and are locked so the knife can
motion.

20
ASG_1310_TOOLS 9/20/13 5:23 AM Page 21

BATTERY SENSE
Rechargeable batteries are
great, but they are not all cre-
ated equal. Make sure you get
ones that are reliable, like
Sanyo’s eneloop models.
Make sure you opt for
lithium-ion batteries instead of
nickel cadmium battery packs
for cordless tools.

safely sit in your pocket. Whip it out, THE TAKEAWAY

press the lock release, flip the handle,
and the blade folds out and locks open in
one smooth motion.
My current favorite is Milwaukee’s
Fastback flip knife, but don’t just take my
word for it. There’s a reason you’ll find
glowing online reviews for this tool
everywhere. The latest version of this
knife offers on-board blade storage,
which fixes the only weakness of the ini-
tial version.
There’s a lot more to preparing for
grid failure than just these five pieces of
gear, but after dealing regularly with
power failures over the last 25 years of
rural, self-reliant living, I know these top
Sources:
Sanyo’s eneloop batteries:
picks will serve you well. www.us.sanyo.com
Milwaukee’s Fastback flip knife:
Steve Maxwell is survival-minded, self-reliant Canadian www.milwaukeetool.com
who lives with his wife and family in a stone house they
built themselves on an island. They never have to worry
about the frequent blackouts that happen in their quiet
corner of the world.

21
ASG_1310_BG_FOOD 9/20/13 5:29 AM Page 22

FOOD&WATER Food and water

on the go
Starting at $12.95, Portable rations and
products for emergency situations
BY ERIN HATFIELD

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES—whether natural or manmade—

securing safe shelter should be the top priority. For many
people, the next focus is securing food and water. A good
rule of thumb is to keep 72 hours’ worth of supplies on hand,
as it often takes that long before utilities and emergency
crews can restore services.
Maintaining a stockpile of these goods can be a daunting
undertaking, especially when considering the shelf life of food
and water and the cooking conditions you can face during an
emergency situation.
There are a number of options for long shelf life food and THE SAUSAGE MAKER, INC.
water, many of which don’t require any prep time. Added
2
$17.99
bonus: the following products are also suitable to include in
your survival kit or bug-out bag.

MOUNTAIN HOUSE
1
$59.99

22
ASG_1310_BG_FOOD 9/20/13 5:29 AM Page 23
1 MOUNTAIN HOUSE
Model: Just in Case… 72-Hour Kit
www.mountainhouse.com
MSRP: $59.99
Key Features: One-person kit; three meals per day
Description: The Just in Case 72-hour Kit contains a
three-day supply of three complete meals per day for a
single person. It features Mountain House’s own freeze-
dried foods consisting of a variety of breakfast, lunch
and dinner entrees such as scrambled eggs with bacon,
beef stroganoff with noodles and pasta primavera. Care-
fully stored, Mountain House pouches taste best if they
are consumed within 10 years of manufacture.
Manufacturer’s Comment: “What sets our kit apart from
others is truly the shelf life of our food. They will not only
be safe to eat, but tasty for years—if not decades—after
the official ‘shelf life,’ although you may notice a slight
change in flavor or texture. We’ve personally sampled 30-
year old pouches and 40-year old cans and found them to
be quite good.”
—MOLLY ISHKANIAN, PR SPOKESPERSON WITH MOUNTAIN HOUSE
“They will not only
be safe to eat, but
tasty for years—if
not decades—
after the official
‘shelf life’…”
buyer’s
FOOD WATER Guide
2 THE SAUSAGE MAKER, INC.
Model: Jerky Assortment Kit
www.sausagemaker.com
MSRP: $17.99
Key Features: Two-person kit, two-serving meals to share
Description: The perfect choice for anyone making jerky for
the first time or for an experienced jerky-maker who likes
variety, this seasoning assortment kit gives you enough
seasoning to make five pounds of each of our five favorite jerky
flavors. Also includes enough Insta Cure No. 1 to prepare 25
pounds of jerky.
Kit contains: Uncle Abe’s Jerky Seasoning, Cajun Jerky
Seasoning, Barbeque Jerky Seasoning, Mesquite Jerky Sea-
soning, Teriyaki Jerky Seasoning and Insta Cure No. 1.
Manufacturer’s Comment: “From one kit, you can make 25
pounds of jerky. That’s a lot of value for the money.”
3 MAJOR SURPLUS & SURVIVAL
Model: Retort Emergency Water
www.majorsurplus.com
MSRP: $12.95
Key Features: Long-lasting, easy-to-carry, five-year shelf life
Description: Major Surplus & Survival’s Retort Emergency
Water kit features 100 pouches of drinkable water, making it
ideal for any emergency situation. The long-lasting, easy-to-
carry water supply is even U.S. Coast Guard approved, as it
meets the Guard’s exacting packaging requirements necessary
for survival and lifeboat use. Each tough triple layered retort
pouch holds 4.227 fluid ounces (125 mil.) of water and will
store for a minimum of five years.
Manufacturer’s Comment: “While our Retort Emergency Water
pouches will reportedly store for a minimum of five years, we
think they’ll actually store for 15-20 years.”
MAJOR SURPLUS & SURVIVAL
3
$12.95
23
ASG_1310_BG_FOOD 9/20/13 5:30 AM Page 24

buyer’s
Guide FOOD WATER

4LONG LIFE FOOD DEPOT

Model: 72 Hour MRE Emergency Supply for 1
www.longlifefood.com
MSRP: $65

Key Features: Meets Red Cross and FEMA prepared-

ness recommendations, heater pouches

Description: Long Life Food Depot’s 72-Hour MRE

Emergency Supply Kits contains at least a three-day
supply of familiar, non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods
for one person. The kit comes with a mix of nine
entrees, available with or without meat, as well as
sides, baked goods, condiments, desserts and drink
mixes. New to the kit are heater pouches to warm the
food items.

Manufacturer’s Comment: “Real food for real emer-

gencies. Contains 33 food items that are ready to eat GSI OUTDOORS
(entrees, sides, spreads, bakery items, desserts and 5
beverages), along with accessory packets full of comfort $69.95
items and flameless heater pouches for safe heating. A
great value with free and fast shipping.”
—THE FRIENDLY STAFF AT LONG LIFE FOOD DEPOT

5 GSI OUTDOORS
Model: Outdoors Bugaboo Backpacker Cookset
www.gsioutdoors.com
“make sure
MSRP: $69.95 you have
a food
Key Features: Small size, contains just what you need
to feed two supply at
the ready
Description: You may be eating dinner in the wild, but
you can still keep some of your kitchen items on hand. with these
This set includes two bowls, two insulated mugs, two vegetarian
Sip-It lids, a two-liter pot with lid, a frypan, a pot grip-
per, a welded sink basin that doubles as a carry bag dry mix
and a stuff sack. It weighs in at just one pound 12.8 meals.”
ounces and measures 8.2x5.4 inches.

Manufacturer’s Comment: “GSI Outdoors prides itself

on manufacturing top-quality products at affordable
prices. The Backpacker Cookset is just one example.”
—DON SCOTT, CO-OWNER OF GSI OUTDOORS

6 FOOD FOR HEALTH

Model: FSD QVC 72-Hour Food Supply Kit
www.foodforhealthinternational.com
MSRP: $99.95

Key Features: Vegetarian, requires water, up to 20-

year shelf life, two-person kit

Description: The 72-Hour Food Supply Kit is designed

to feed two adults for 72 hours. These 17 meal
pouches produce 80 servings and provide 2,350
calories per day. They are similar to military-issued
MREs, cook in eight to ten minutes with just water, FOOD FOR HEALTH
have a shelf life up to 20 years and are easily trans-
6
ported. Entrees include Southwest white bean chili,
$99.95
Texan sunrise skillet and Nantucket potato soup, as
well as a number of side dishes and 16 milk servings.

Manufacturer’s Comment: “Emergencies happen

when you least expect them, so make sure you have a
food supply at the ready with these vegetarian dry mix
meals.”

24
ASG_1310_BG_FOOD-CX-p25only 10/2/13 8:58 AM Page 25

FOOD WATER Guide buyer’s

“Real food for real emergencies. A TIP

Be sure to sample your
Contains 33 food items that are ready to eat…” emergency food options prior
to stocking up. You wouldn’t
want to be stuck with a
month’s worth of food that
you don’t like!

LONG LIFE FOOD DEPOT

4
$65

25
ASG_1310_BG_FOOD 9/20/13 5:30 AM Page 26

buyer’s
Guide FOOD WATER

7 HI MOUNTAIN SEASONINGS
Model: Home Sausage Making Kit
www.himtnjerky.com
MSRP: $20.99

Key Features: Supply your own meat, includes everything else

Description: Whether you’ve snared a deer or you’ve simply

bought meat from the local store, you can make your own
summer sausage to round out your survival pantry, thanks to
this kit that includes everything you need. Bring it along on
your travels, and you won’t have to mess with recipe cards and
jars of seasonings because everything is packaged for you.
Add your desired cut of meat to the kit’s ingredients, and you
could be churning out up to 30 pounds of summer sausage—
surely enough to keep your family energized on the trail.

Manufacturer’s Comment: “This is the perfect way to spice

up any game you catch or meat you have onhand!”

8 STERIPEN
Model: Freedom
www.steripen.com
Key Features: USB-rechargeable, quickly sterilizes water
MSRP: $149.95

Key Features: USB-rechargeable, quickly sterilizes water

Description: Making your water safe to drink is one of the pri-
mary requirements of being out on the trail, since we can’t live
without H2O. The SteriPEN Freedom is a handy way to treat
HI MOUNTAIN SEASONINGS
your water and make it safe to drink, and it takes up very little
7
$20.99 “The space in your pack. Weighing just 2.6 ounces, the Freedom can
SteriPEN sterilize 8,000 water treatments of 16 ounces each, and its UV
light destroys germs in 48 seconds. What we loved about it
provides during our test was that it includes rechargeable batteries that
sterilized you can juice using either AC power or USB charger—which is
helpful since many solar chargers accept USB cords.
water when
you’re off Manufacturer’s Comment: “The SteriPEN provides sterilized
water when you’re off the grid so you don’t have to worry
the grid” about this essential survival item.”

STERIPEN
8
$149.95
26
ASG_1310_27 9/20/13 3:59 AM Page 27
ASG_1310_COVERSTORY 9/20/13 5:34 AM Page 28

COVER STORY

LES IS MORE
AN INSIDE LOOK AT LES STROUD’S
BY BARRI SEGAL | PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAURA BOMBIER

VER BEEN DROPPED IN THE

E WILDERNESS WITH NOTHING BUT

YOUR CLOTHES, A CAMERA AND
SOME EVERYDAY ITEMS?
Les Stroud certainly has, and he has not
only survived, he’s thrived.
Perhaps best known for his hit TV series
Survivorman, Stroud created, wrote, produced,
directed, served as cameraman and hosted what has
become one of the highest-rated shows in the
history of OLN Canada, the Science Channel US and
Discovery Channel US. In addition, he has written
numerous books on the subject of survival and
serves as an advanced survival trainer for the
Canadian Elite Military.
We talked to Stroud to find out more about his
background, and let’s just say we weren’t exactly
surprised. He’s done it all survivor-wise, and he’s
still here to tell about it.
START A FIRE
IN A FLASH
Stroud cautions that this can
be dangerous, so you should do
this only in an extreme emer-
gency and be very careful.
• Take your flashlight (Mag lite
or any other type of tube
flashlight) and gently remove
the bulb and lightly tap the
glass until it breaks. Be care-
ful not to break the filament
inside.
• Now you have a bulb with an
exposed filament.

THE SHOW
• Put the flashlight back
together, broken bulb and all.
In the show, Stroud was placed in a number of • Put a little cotton ball on and STROUD KIT
different survival situations, equipped with only his around the filament.
ESSENTIALS
clothes, camera equipment, his harmonica, a multi- • Turn the flashlight on, and
tool and some “everyday items” relevant to the
We asked Stroud what his
you will have one shot at the
episode’s particular survival situation or locale. He
top essentials for surviving are,
cotton igniting.
carried an emergency satellite phone for safety pur-
and he didn’t hesitate. He
• Transfer to your ready-to-go
poses and had radio contact with his support crew.
named water, food, shelter and
tinder bundle on fine, dead
“Often, my emergency phone didn’t work, which
communication without batting
and dry material.
left me alone. At times I was worried that my rescue
an eye. He stressed that once

crew could become stranded with me, but things

you have these in place, you

always worked out for the best,” Stroud told us.

can deal with other emergency

“The main challenges in each episode were find-

situations much more easily.

ing food, water and things to make fire and shelter,”

He recommends keeping an

said Stroud.
emergency kit both in your

Stroud talked more about life on the show:

house and your car containing

“It’s the craziest thing. Every year hunters and

the following must-haves: a

anglers head out into the great outdoors without

week’s worth of water, a flash-

carrying so much as a pack of matches on them. Yet

light, a radio for contact,

I have always stressed that, depending on the cir-

matches, rope, a cutting tool

cumstances, above all, give me a no-fail way to get a

and a first aid kit.

fire going, and I can make it through most survival

Stroud encourages everyone

ordeals unscathed. Being caught without matches or

to customize their own kit to fit

a lighter in the wilderness is a serious mistake. Try-

their individual needs.

ing to make fire without them is nearly impossible,

no matter how cool I make it look on Survivorman.”

28
ASG_1310_COVERSTORY 9/20/13 5:34 AM Page 29

FUN FACT
Stroud is also a celebrated musician
and songwriter, and has shared the stage
with big names including Robbie Krieger,
Blues Traveler, Tesla, Alice Cooper, Steven
Stills, Tommy Shaw, Jacob Dylan, Randy
Bachman, Chicago and The Roots. He wrote
all the theme songs for his TV shows and
has recorded a number of CDs. His har-
monica-playing style ranges from
art-folk-roots rock to contem-
porary art rock.

“To me, fire is one of the most pro-

found advantages you can have in a sur-
vival situation. You can get warm. You
can cook your food. You can boil your
water. And most important; it keeps
away the boogieman. But how do you
make it without a lighter, matches or any
other kind of fire starter? Well, there’s
rubbing two sticks together. A perennial
favorite of the Boy Scouts everywhere,
the fire bow, hand drill and fire plow
remain some of the most difficult meth-
ods to learn. But hunters carry a few
items with them that can be manipulated
to make a life-saving fire.”

TRAINING
Stroud trained with David Arama,
nicknamed “The Survivorguy” and John
“Prairie Wolf” McPherson, an expert on
primitive living and author of three books
on the subject. Once he got the hang of
things, Stroud continued to grow and
develop his survival skills, becoming one
of the best-known figures in the field.
“These guys really jumpstarted my
lifelong interest in the field, and I learned
a lot from them,” reports Stroud.
In 2006, Stroud and his family built an
off-the-grid house, about which he pro-
duced a 90-minute documentary called
Off the Grid with Les Stroud. It chronicled
his journey as he bought property, refit-
“To me, fire ted a farm house with solar and wind
is one of power and made other adaptations for
the most this style of living.
profound “I figured if I was going to write about
it and make TV shows about it, I should
live the lifestyle,” Stroud told us.
advantages
you can
have in a JUST THE BEGINNING
survival Stroud is dedicated to the movement
situation.” and revered by his peers. Expect to see a
lot more from him while he continues to
survive and thrive in whatever situation
he’s thrown into, because he plans to
keep on goin’ for years to come.

29
ASG_1310_EARTHROAMER 9/20/13 5:36 AM Page 30

“Every EarthRoamer is
built for the user.”
— EarthRoamer president and CEO,
Bill Swails

ROAM FREELY
This self-sustaining off-roader can allow you to make
your way into the backcountry indefinitely
BY TORREY KIM | PHOTOS COURTESY OF EARTHROAMER

OW FAR CAN YOU TRAVEL ON 90 GALLONS OF GAS?

H THAT’S A KEY QUESTION IF YOU’RE BUGGING OUT OR

TRYING TO SURVIVE IN THE WILDERNESS!
In the EarthRoamer Xpedition vehicle, you could get more than
1,000 miles from home before you have to fill up your tank.
With another 90 gallons of water and solar panels on board, you’ll be self-
sufficient in all of your travels, whether you stay on the road or you decide to
pave your own trail.
Two main features separate the EarthRoamer from the other RVs you’ve
seen traveling the roads, says EarthRoamer’s president and CEO, Bill Swails.
“When I originally designed it, I wanted a vehicle that had the off-road
capability to get to very remote places such as four-wheel drive trails and
places that typical RVs just aren’t designed to go,” he says. “Secondly, once you
get to those remote locations, I wanted it to be a totally standalone vehicle—
shelter, cooking and bathroom would all be built-in without the need for
hookups.”
Whereas a traditional RV needs power, water and sewer hookups, the
EarthRoamer is designed to visit remote locations using its standalone solar
power and high capacity water and fuel tanks.

30
ASG_1310_EARTHROAMER 9/20/13 5:37 AM Page 31

THE XV-LT
MODEL
SPECIFICS
EarthRoamer’s XV-LT model
is based on a Ford F-550
commercial duty truck chas-
sis and has seven model con-
figurations that include the
following customizable fea-

“The biggest factor of how long since it’s parked and doesn’t
tures:

you can be out in the EarthRoamer require more gas.”

• Three Ford cabs available:
DIESEL FUEL
is how long you can make that 90 If you’re interested in finding
The Regular Cab, Super

gallons of water last,” Swails says. your way off-road in an Earth-

EarthRoamer vehicles Cab, and Crew Cab

“If someone takes a long shower, Roamer, you won’t just pluck
run on turbocharged • Lengths ranging from 22.6

they could pump out 90 gallons all at one off the shelf.
diesel engines, and feet to 27.5 feet

once, but most survivalists are able “Every EarthRoamer is built

diesel fuel is also used • Three EarthRoamer camper

to go a week or two—or longer for the user,” Swails says. “We

for the stove’s cooking sizes: LT, LT Stretch, and

with the 90-gallon tank.” have several base layouts and

requirements. Owners of LT Super Stretch

“We have one customer who basic interior configurations, and

2011 and newer Earth- • With the Regular Cab, this

likes to go to Baja and camp on the then we tailor the vehicle to meet
Roamer vehicles have vehicle has a turning radius

beach,” Swails says. “He gets plenty the needs of the individual.”
reported that they’ve of only 21.2 feet

to eat from fishing, so we created a

achieved mileage in the • The Crew Cab has sleeping

vehicle that pumps water in from

11 to 12 miles-per-gal-
Torrey Kim is a freelance writer living in North
quarters for up to four

the ocean, has a special unit that’s Carolina.

lon range while on the adults

powered by the solar panels that

highway, which is typi-

takes salt out of the water and

cally better than most

makes fresh water for him, so he

competing RVs.
THE THE XV-HD
can stay in the vehicle indefinitely NUMBERS MODEL
SPECIFICS
[$260,000] The bigger XV-HD model of
The base price for an entry-level the EarthRoamer is based on
EarthRoamer. a Ford F-650 commercial
duty truck chassis, with
[$500,000] sleeping quarters for up to
The price an EarthRoamer can eight people and lengths
cost after customization. ranging from 19.7 feet to
more than 38.8 feet. This
model has the following pos-
sible configurations:
• A four-wheel drive Xpedi-
tion vehicle
• A fifth-wheel motor home
that can tow a heavy horse
trailer, a racecar trailer, a
boat, or other items.
• A toy hauler model that can
carry vehicles like quads,
dirt bikes, or golf carts.
• A one-piece molded com-
posite body requiring no
internal metal structure for
support, allowing it to be
highly durable and equal in
quality to a luxury aircraft.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To get more information and to find out how you can build your own EarthRoamer, visit www.earthroamer.com.

31
ASG_1310_WINTERINTRO.CX 9/24/13 11:30 PM Page 32

WINTER IS UNFORGIVING, harsh and

downright tough to survive in for most. We
realize that it’s no cakewalk to bug out during
this time of year, so we devoted a section in
this issue to help you prepare for the bitter
months should you find yourself outdoors.
Survival expert Tony Nester provides tip
and tricks to weather winter, and we present
a nice array of jackets to protect you from
the elements. In addition, you can learn to
prevent hypothermia and dehydration, two
enemies of survivalists out in the cold. And
should you find yourself going stir-crazy
because you’re stuck inside, just read about
how to deal with cabin fever and keep your-
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

self occupied and mentally alert during what

can be a very stressful experience!

32
ASG_1310_33 9/20/13 3:59 AM Page 33

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ASG_1310_WINTER 9/20/13 5:46 AM Page 34

FREEZING
ASG_1310_WINTER 9/20/13 5:47 AM Page 35

TIPS AND TRICKS TO HELP YOU

SURVIVE HARSH WINTER WEATHER
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY TONY NESTER

F YOU’RE NOT PREPARED, WINTER CAN KILL YOU.

I
Make a mistake in the wilds in June and you may have a long
night ahead with a great story to tell your friends, but make the
same mistake in January, and you may lose some fingers or toes
and possibly your life.
The first rule of winter travel is to respect the season.
Read along to find out how to battle freezing temperatures

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
and win.

FORESIGHT
ASG_1310_WINTER 9/20/13 5:47 AM Page 36

FREEZING

CLOTHING
When selecting clothing, avoid
100 percent cotton at all costs due
to its poor insulating value when wet
and its inability to wick moisture
away from the body. Many hikers
who “die of exposure” in the wilds
are often wearing cotton (“cotton
kills” was coined for a reason).
Instead, select items made of
poly/cotton, nylon/cotton, fleece,
wool, or silk. Most of my clothing is
wool and was found for pennies (and
practically brand new) at second-
hand or army-surplus stores.

UPPER BODY LAYERS

For the first layer, I wear a long-
sleeved shirt of silk, merino wool or
polypropylene. For the second layer,
I don a turtleneck followed by a
wool button-up style shirt. Depend-
ing on my activity level and the out-
side temps, the remaining layers are
a heavyweight wool or fleece
sweater, followed by a parka or
down jacket. Strive for two to five
layers here. One thing I do, regardless of the season,
SOCKS
My preferred
is to stow a spark rod firestarter in each of my jack- accouterments for
ets along with a vial of cottonballs smeared with Make sure you have one or two pairs of heavy
winter travel when

Vaseline. Fire is life in the wilds, especially during the socks from fabrics such as Smartwool or Ragwool.
the temps hover in

brutal months of winter. Avoid cotton or athletic “tube” socks as they don’t
the 20+ Fahrenheit
range and little or
wick moisture away from the skin and can cause
LOWER BODY LAYERS
no snow is present:
severe blisters.
insulated anorak,

Choose Army surplus or Filson wool pants for

mittens, Thinsulate

one layer. For another, bring lightweight polypropy- FOOTWEAR

lene or silk long-underwear. Nylon windbreaker
pants are also helpful, but the weave of my
Army surplus wool pants is so tight
they are windproof.
boots, sunglasses
and wool hat.
Take one pair of insulated boots with removable
wool liners. The most common winter pac boots
available for wet, slushy conditions are Sorel Pac-
boots. These are clunky and cumbersome but per-

“A sleeping bag should be an

essential component of your
survival gear during the winter,
and it can prevent you from
burning up precious calories
constructing a large shelter.”

Lighters and spark rods should be secured to your wrist when used in the cold.
Numb fingers and a loss of dexterity in the cold could cause you to drop one of
these critical tools in the deep snow.

36
ASG_1310_WINTER 9/20/13 5:47 AM Page 37

fect for those times when you are not moving around much. On
occasion when hunting, I will wear Thinsulate boots if the temps
are above freezing and the ground conditions are not wet. For
the finest cold-weather footwear available, when the tempera- THE RULES
ture drops below 20 degrees, Steger Mukluks are my first
choice. These are based upon the traditional footwear of the
Remember these four rules of winter safety and sur-

Polar regions and their ultralight design makes them ideal for
vival, and you will be on your way to enjoying nature’s

trekking and snowshoeing.

most challenging season.
• Respect the season and dress for the worst possible

HEADWEAR
weather.

For serious winter, you’ll need a heavy wool or mad bomber-

• Leave a travel plan.

style hat. For milder weather, a wool hat will suffice, but when
• Always carry three firestarters in your pockets.

temps dip below zero, an insulated mad bomber hat will keep
• Bring a quality survival kit and calorie-laden foods.

that survival tool between your ears operational.

HANDWEAR
Heavy wool or surplus mittens are a must-have item to pro-
tect your hands while on the trail, and I rarely wear gloves
Fire-making under adverse conditions is a hallmark outdoor skill. Here,

except for driving. Look online for Air Force surplus mittens
instructor Mike Masek demonstrates how to make a platform fire in the
snow. The bundles of green pine needles were used later to demonstrate
how to create a signal fire.

37
ASG_1310_WINTER 9/20/13 5:47 AM Page 38

FREEZING
A two-person lean-to
with a central firepit. This
method is often employed
by the author during
cold-weather survival
courses. After one night,
the debris bed needs to
get replenished.

“The first rule of winter travel is to respect the season.”

with removable liners as these are the best. I coat Food intake needs to be drastically increased the
mine with Scotchguard or silicon spray several times colder it gets. This is your excuse to chow down on
during the winter. high-fat/high-calorie foods, which, in turn, will help
keep your internal woodstove roaring.
EYEWEAR I have had students on winter survival courses
To help prevent sunglare and snowblindness, I complain of being chilled in the middle of the night
MELT IT! prefer the type that wrap around the contours of while they slept in the 20 degrees Farenheit setting
the face. of a Quinzee in their below zero sleeping bag. This
was due to their internal woodstove running out of
For a passive

SLEEPING BAG WEAR fuel and their body failing to produce adequate
snow-melting

What? A sleeping bag is part of your clothing set metabolic heat. To help prevent this, I recommend
device, wrap a

up? You bet. On longer dayhikes, and especially having some trail mix, raisins or other bite-sized
Nalgene bottle in

roadtrips, I always bring a down sleeping bag. A snacks next to your bedroll that you can down in
black duct tape

sleeping bag should be an essential component of the middle of the night to stoke your body’s stove.
and place it in the

your survival gear during the winter, and it can pre- I remember a winter survival course in the sub-
sun during breaks

vent you from burning up precious calories con- arctic where we were sleeping in lean-tos around a
on the trail.

structing a large shelter. central fire at night or in para-tipis. Temps were

YOUR INNER WOODSTOVE
So far, we’ve looked at how to take care of the
body from the outside. Now let’s take a look at how
to keep the human engine revved.
around -40 Fahrenheit at night while “warming up” to
-10 Fahrenheit during the day. Some nights we had
sleeping bags while others we were “fire hungry.”
Meals were provided and we kept track of our food
intake, which averaged around 9000 calories a day

38
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ASG_1310_WINTER 9/20/13 5:47 AM Page 40
FREEZING
“Food intake needs to be
drastically increased the
colder it gets. This is your
excuse to chow down on
high-fat/high-calorie foods
which, in turn, will help
keep your internal wood-
stove roaring.”
40
1. When there is only a scant layer of
snow on the ground but enough tim-
ber for a lean-to, you can make a
hybrid shelter with snow boulders in
a U-formation.
2. The structure is then covered with
a Heatsheet or tarp held in place
with stakes driven through the mate-
rial and anchored in the boulders.
These will freeze in place eventually.
3. Lastly, prop up the interior using a
branch, ski pole or shovel but make
sure to place some bark, bandanna
or spare gloves between the support
and tarp to prevent a puncture.
3
1
per person! Breakfast and lunch consisted of a bagel with cream
cheese, a slice of ham and a slab of butter. For dinner we had a
large one-pot dish with a block of cheese, five-pound bag of pasta,
block of butter and several rabbits, squirrels or slabs of venison.
Additionally, during breaks, we often downed the classic
hypothermia-prevention elixir, which was a cup of hot chocolate
with a teaspoon of butter. Now, all of this would seem like the
ultimate nightmare-diet to a cardiologist, but it provided the nec-
essary fuel to keep our internal woodstoves roaring given the
outside temps and our demanding daily workload.
Some other foods to consider are cheese and salami. These
should be pre-cut and sorted in Ziplocs prior to your trip as
they will be a challenge to cut in the field.
ASG_1310_WINTER 9/20/13 5:47 AM Page 41

For trips where you can heat up a pot RESEARCH

of water over the campfire, packets of
instant soup or bouillon cubes are a great
For more information on winter skills, check out A Snow

addition. These will help you rehydrate,

Walker’s Companion by Garrett Conover and Alexandra Conover

replenish salts lost to sweating and warm

Bennett or Snow Caves for Fun and Survival by Ernest Wilkinson.

you up at the same time.

Last, if you want a long-lasting and
easy-to-consume food to stow in your
vehicle for the winter, buy a package of
shortbread cookies. The above are all will jar you awake in two to three hours and remind you to toss
high-calorie, high-fat foods that will pro- more wood on the fire. Then you will sleep again for a few
vide much needed nutrients in between hours before starting another cycle of feeding the fire and
meals. snoozing. One winter survival course I taught where the night-
time temps dipped below zero saw us go through a cord of
SHELTER wood per two-person shelter. After such a night, you may never
Let’s say you weren’t prepared or be caught without a sleeping bag as part of your winter kit!
ran into Murphy’s Law and are now
faced with enduring a night in the back-
country without a sleeping bag. Don’t Tony Nester is the author of six books and several DVDs on survival. His school, Ancient
think igloo, think field-expedient shelter. Pathways is the primary provider of survival training for the Military Special Operations com-
munity, and he has served as a consultant for the NTSB, FAA, and the film Into the Wild.
Again, life in the wilds is about conserv-
ing your precious sweat and calories, not
reality show theatrics.
What you construct will be based, in MORE INFORMATION
part, on whether there is snow on the
ground. If the snow is knee-deep or
For more information on Tony’s books or survival courses, visit apathways.com

higher than a snow-trench, a Quinzee, or

snow cave, may be in order. If very little
or no snow is present, then my first
choice will always be a lean-to and fire
combination. Once more, being prepared
with a sleeping bag and the proper cloth-
ing means you may not have to build
something labor-intensive.
Lean-to construction is simple. Select
a rock-solid ridgepole as thick as your leg
and two feet longer than your height.
Lash one end to a tree at chest height.
Cover the backside with branches and
debris at a roughly 60 degree angle. This
angle prevents your shelter interior from
being too cavernous (important for heat
retention) and sheds rain well. You can’t
cover this type of shelter with enough
insulation, so pile on a two to three foot
layer of debris, and then fill the interior
with a foot of pine boughs or more
debris. The trench fire should be about
two feet away from the shelter.
I like to finish my lean-to with a fire
reflector using rocks, logs or heaps of
dirt. This will make a huge difference as it
reduces fuel consumption by 50 percent
and radiates the heat into your shelter.
A night in a survival shelter during the
winter is not like sleeping in a cozy ski
lodge. Survival and comfort don’t go
together. You will sleep for a few hours
by the warming blaze and then your body

41
ASG_1310_FEVER 9/20/13 6:00 AM Page 42

42
ASG_1310_FEVER 9/20/13 6:01 AM Page 43

20 TIPS FOR SURVIVING

THE FEELING OF ISOLATION
BY AMBER ERICKSON GABBEY

AVE YOU EVER BEEN COOPED UP FOR SO

H LONG YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE ABSOLUTELY

LOSING YOUR MIND?
Cabin fever is a very real concern for survivalists
(or anyone else!) who for whatever reason become
isolated for an extended period of time.
Restlessness, lack of enthusiasm and abnormal sleeping
behaviors are all common responses to cabin fever, and they’re
all detrimental to survival.
Simple preparation can help relieve cabin fever, but that isn’t
always possible. For storms or natural disasters with advanced
warning, prepare as much as you can. To find out more about
the subject, we consulted Chelsey Byers, a family life educator at

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
the University of Illinois.

CABIN
FEVER
43
ASG_1310_FEVER 9/20/13 6:01 AM Page 44
CARBIN
“Have you ever been cooped up for so long you
feel like you’re absolutely losing your mind?”
INDOOR FUN
“Go shopping for family activities,
make sure kids bring work home with
them from school, stock up on food and
supplies and stockpile any necessities to
sustain your family for weeks or even
months,” suggests Byers.
If you have the space, consider doing
the shopping and stockpiling prior to
needing them. When disaster hits, every-
one will be attempting to stock up,
severely limiting available supplies. Being
prepared can help save your lives and
your sanity.
“The goal is to keep your mind active,
your body engaged and your emotions in
check,” says Byers.
Here are some indoor suggestions for
surviving cabin fever.
Play board games or card
games—Make sure you have a variety of
games, with varying length, complexity
and age level. Consider researching new
card games to learn.
Play computer/Ipad/handheld
device games—Either alone or multi-
player, utilize technology to play games.
Systems like Wii have family-friendly
games with learning or exercise compo-
nents to them.
Watch movies—Stock up on DVDs
or use an online streaming service like
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
Netflix to keep a fresh stream of movies,
from entertaining to educational.
Read or catch up on magazines
or newspaper collections—Find
books for all levels of readers and con-
sider getting some books to read as a
family.
Do arts and crafts—Create a spe-
cial arts and crafts bin with markers,
paints, glitter, crayons, stickers, stamps,
ink, various paper supplies, beads, string
and other supplies. If you need help CABIN FEVER:
thinking of ideas, find a family-friendly THE SIGNS
craft book with fun or practical creations. • Restlessness
Start or practice a hobby—Utilize • Lack of enthusiasm
your time to work on crafts, knitting, • Abnormal sleeping behaviors
sewing, woodcarving or other hobby. • Anxiety
Consider learning to play an instrument • Depression
or starting a new hobby. • Irritability
Stay active by doing aerobics,
exercising or rough-housing—Every-
one, especially kids, will have excess
energy to burn. Channel that energy into
physical activity or structured rough play
in the house. Consider exercise videos to
help stay motivated.
OUTDOOR FUN
Many activities can be done indoors,
but sometimes there is nothing better
than getting outside, moving your body,
removing the physical barriers of walls
and getting fresh air. Beware of outdoor
44
ASG_1310_FEVER 9/20/13 6:01 AM Page 45

STOP COMPLAINING!
Cognitive behavior therapists often
cite the 11th Commandment as “Thou
Shall Not Whine.” Complaining about a
situation does not make the situation
better. It only serves to make you feel
worse. So, stopping complaining! Focus
on keeping busy rather than devoting
energy to whining. Don’t stew, do.

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

45
ASG_1310_FEVER-CX-p46,48 9/24/13 11:00 PM Page 46

CARBIN

FEVER, SUMMER STYLE

Although most often associated with
the cold, dark months of winter, fever
can also occur in the summer. When
soaring temperatures and high humidity
levels prevent outdoor activity, fever
can set it. During extreme heat waves,
people are cautioned to stay inside.
They are told not to go out unless they
must. The feeling of being trapped are
the same, whether due to snow or to
sun. Both can stress you out. And, the
urge to strangle the next person who
asks, “Is it hot enough for you?” is a
good index of reaching your own emo-
tional boiling point.

“Restlessness, lack of
enthusiasm and abnormal
sleeping behaviors are
all common responses
to cabin fever, and
they’re all detrimental
to survival.”

play time when the temperatures are

cold. In the summer, you can do most
things outdoors to alleviate cabin fever,
including eating meals, playing, even
sleeping.
“The winter is more challenging and
outdoor time is much more limited,”
warns Byers.
Just getting outside can help alleviate
cabin fever, and the following activities
will give you something to do.
Play in the snow—Build snowmen
or snow forts, have snowball fights or
just spend time outside.
Take a hike—Often we stay indoors
and limit our exposure to the elements.
Being out in a snowstorm can be a great
way to connect with nature and take in
the beauty of the season. Taking a hike is
a great way to burn excess energy, get
exercise and pass the time. Make sure
you choose an easy route, as it might be
very difficult to walk through the snow.
Bring any necessary emergency supplies
“Being prepared is half the
with you in case of danger. battle and applying what you
Shovel your driveway or walk- know is the other half.”
ways—Just spending fifteen minutes
outside shoveling can help relieve the
stress of cabin fever. Take turns shovel-

46
ASG_1310_FEVER 9/20/13 6:01 AM Page 47
WHEN THE
WEATHER OUTSIDE
IS FRIGHTFUL AND
BEING INSIDE IS
NOT DELIGHTFUL
YOU FEEL TRAPPED. The
walls seem to be closing in.
Is this what claustrophobia
feels like, you wonder?
“Let it snow, let it snow,
let it snow” sing happy car-
olers on the radio. You are
anything but happy that the
“weather outside is fright-
ful.” You want to scream as
you quickly change the
channel. It has been snow-
ing heavily, on and off, for
too many days for you to
feel like advocating for
more snow.
You punch in the old
classic rock station. Meat-
loaf’s “Two out of three
ain’t bad” is playing. You
hear him sing “the snow is
really piling up outside.”
Oh, no! Now you do
scream. You don’t need
another reminder. The
snow had been piling up
and you have been trapped
at home for days. The roads
are not plowed and won’t
be until the snow stops.
You wonder what will hap-
pen first: the plowing of the
neighborhood streets or
your nervous breakdown.
“Patience” is only a
word in a dictionary for you
as you even scare yourself
with your short and explo-
sive temper. You are defi-
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
nitely not yourself as every-
one and everything seems
to be getting on your
already frayed nerves.
Visions of Jack Nicholson in
The Shining flash through
your mind and you start to
wonder if all work and no
play does, indeed, make
Jack a dull boy. Are you
losing your mind?
Not necessarily. You
may be experiencing fever.
Although not an “official”
psychiatric disorder, it is a
very real phenomenon.
First described in 1918,
fever connotes being stuck
in a cabin, isolated from
the outside world, for a
prolonged period of time.
Some of the more common
symptoms of fever include
anxiety, a sense of dread
and foreboding, depression,
restlessness, crankiness
and irritability. Oftentimes
people report feeling like
they “want to jump out of
their skin.” They are quick
to snap at those around
them, who quite often, are
feeling just as volatile.
MORE THAN
BOREDOM
Those with fever are
affected by a lack of stimu-
lation. That is, they feel like
they have nothing to do.
Nothing seems to interest
them. And, what does inter-
est them soon loses its
appeal. Fever, however, is
much more than simple
boredom. Fever is much
more pervasive and drain-
47
by Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D.
ing. Fever can deplete the
person’s energy and moti-
vation in a way that simple
boredom could never do.
With low energy and little
motivation, the person
becomes even less active.
The lack of activity then
increases the fever, thus
creating a negative feed-
back loop, or vicious cycle.
It is not uncommon for
those with fever to have
sleeping problems. They
may tend to sleep too
much, almost as if trying to
hibernate. Or, they may not
be able to sleep at all. Their
lower than usual expendi-
ture of energy may mean
that they are not tired
enough to sleep soundly.
PLAN AHEAD
It is easier to prevent
fever than to cure it. By
planning ahead, you can
reduce your risk of feeling
trapped and overly stressed
even when you are house-
bound.
If you know bad weather
is on the way with the risk
of you being unable to
leave your house, prepare
yourself. Stock up on provi-
sions to feed your body and
your mind. Too often fever
is fed by junk food. Eating
junk food may be fast and
easy, but it, too, will con-
tribute to a vicious cycle.
The junk food may tem-
porarily satisfy, but will
lead to more lethargy, trou-
ble sleeping, and a down
mood. The simplest solu-
tion? Have a good supply of
healthy food available and
feed your mind by keeping
things available that will
stimulate your thinking.
GET OUT!
Studies show that even
mild exercise can be help-
ful in lifting one’s spirits.
And, even if the weather is
bad, sometimes just getting
outside for a quick break
can be quite therapeutic.
Stepping out into the cold,
or even the freezing, air
can help energize and revi-
talize you. Just don’t stay
out too long.
Remember, although
you cannot prevent being
snowbound, you can pre-
vent fever.
Being prepared is half
the battle and applying
what you know is the other
half. With some preplan-
ning and a little effort you
may find that being inside
can, indeed, be tolerable if
not downright delightful.
Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D. is the
Director of the Counseling pro-
grams at Long Island University
Hudson Graduate Centers in
Orangeburg, NY and West
Point. He is the creator of Eclec-
tic Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
ASG_1310_FEVER-CX-p46,48 9/24/13 11:00 PM Page 48

CARBIN

AIN’T IT AWFUL
One remedy for fever comes
ing so everyone can have a few minutes of
alone time. Be careful to not overdo the
shoveling, especially with wet or heavy
snow conditions.
Go sledding, cross-country skiing
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
whole family and turn them into a game to
pass the time and avoid stress and fighting.
Homeschool activities—Take time
every day to work on homework, reading,
math problems or other educational activi-

or snow-shoeing—If you have the gear, ties. Just because school is cancelled or you
from Cognitive Behavior Therapy

utilize a warmer day by going out for some can’t get there doesn’t mean it’s vacation.
(CBT). People who have fever

wintertime fun. Be sure to choose safe, Take time to challenge your mind, whether
have convinced themselves that

familiar routes and bring ample supplies a kid or adult. Work on learning a new lan-
it is awful and catastrophic to be

with you including food, water, first-aid kits guage, brush up on skills or take turns
cooped up in the house. These

and extra layers for warmth. teaching each other something new.
thoughts only increase their

Work on career projects, business

anger and frustration. A therapist

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES planning or extracurricular activi-

using CBT would help challenge

OR CHORES ties—There are always new things we want

the “awfulness” of the situation.

“While having fun is preferred, if you’re to do or work on, but time just doesn’t
Yes, you may not like it, but you

stuck at home for long periods of time, you allow. Use this time to commit to these
can stand it. Remind yourself it is

will need to ensure you are keeping up with other projects. Apply for school, research
only as awful or tolerable as you

household chores and educational opportu- new opportunities, update your resume,
convince yourself that it is. What

nities, especially for kids,” cautions Byers. take an online class, plan a new business,
message will serve you better:

Perhaps the first couple days feel like a create marketing materials, build a website,
“It is awful,” or, “It is bad, but I

vacation, but at some point, you will have to brainstorm ways to create new revenue
will get through it”?

do some of these more menial tasks. streams or whatever it is you’ve been

Attempt to make them fun, include the meaning to do for your career or yourself.

48
ASG_1310_FEVER 9/20/13 6:01 AM Page 49

Cooking and/or baking—Being home can be challenging.
Hopefully you have ample supplies to continue cooking and eat-
ing the foods you’re used to. The tendency will be to eat more
junk or pleasure foods, but maintaining your eating habits will
keep you happier, physically and mentally. Take time to try new
recipes or cook complex meals or desserts.
Clean and/or organize your home—Sometimes being
holed-up can help you get to projects you normally don’t have
time for. Use the extra time to go through closets, deep clean
your house or find new uses for old clutter. Catch up on laun-
dry, give walls a fresh coat of paint or do a thorough cleaning.
Do household projects—Find the projects you never
started, or never got around to finishing, and do them. Cross
the old to-do items off the list, create a new wish list and
fix the things you’ve been meaning to fix.
OTHER TIPS
The hardest part about cabin fever is long
periods of time together with little escape,
boredom, frustration and not knowing how
much longer it’s going to last.
Buyers suggests, “To help maintain a stable
outlook, plan ahead as much as you can, keep yourself busy and
attempt to maintain some sort of routine. “
Here are a few other tips to survive cabin fever.
Sleep at regular times—Beware of the desire to sleep
more out of boredom. Go to bed at normal times and attempt
to wake at normal times. Set an alarm if necessary to get up and
start your day. Holding onto some routine will help many people
get through cabin fever.
Eat normally—Try to eat foods you are familiar with and
resist the urge to splurge on junk food. To stay mentally sharp
and physically strong, maintain good eating habits and attempt to
eat meals at normal times.
Strive to have some alone time—Whether you do an
activity by yourself or go outside for a bit to have a moment,
having some time to yourself will be important to surviving cabin
fever. Too much together time can lead to arguments, especially
if everyone is a bit irritable anyway. Consider
scheduling quiet time where all family members
do their own activities, preferably in separate
areas of the house.
Communicate—If you’re holed-up because of
weather or some other emergency, keep the lines of com-
munication open. Discuss your feelings, share your concerns
and work to obtain as much information as will calm your fears.
Most likely, everyone in the house will be feeling similarly and
sharing these feelings can create solidarity and comfort.

A with her husband, Erik, and hound puppy, Dude.

Amber Erickson Gabbey, MA, is a Boulder-based freelance writer, holistic health expert and yoga teacher. She enjoys hiking, mountain biking, identifying wildflowers and exploring new lands

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Former U.S. Marine, Police Officer, Volunteer Firefighter & Paramedic
ASG_1310_HYPO 9/23/13 12:02 AM Page 50

THIS WINTER, MAKE SURE YOU AVOID

DEHYDRATION AND HYPOTHERMIA

RUNNING
HOT AND
COLD OU DO THE WORK. YOU PREPARE FOR THE
By GARRETT Kim

Y WORST. IT COMES. YOU BUG OUT. YOU DIE

FROM DEHYDRATION OR HYPOTHERMIA.
Rewind: You keep in mind these two dangerous
conditions and make adjustments accordingly to sur-
vive any conditions you face.
If famous hikers and mountaineers, who have the best
equipment money can buy, are sometimes victims of hypother-
mia or dehydration, what makes us think that we are immune
to these deadly conditions?
Although the risk of these issues will always exist, we can
minimize our chances of suffering from them with a few
essential precautions.

“The human body loses heat 25

times faster in water than it does in air,
making staying dry imperative to survival.”
—Josh Martin, DNP, FAWM, CEN, Owner of Northern Cairn

50
ASG_1310_HYPO 9/23/13 12:02 AM Page 51

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

51
ASG_1310_HYPO 9/23/13 12:02 AM Page 52

HYPOTHERMIA

HYPOTHERMIA:
THE SIGNS
• Uncontrollable shivering
• Change in mental state

HYPOTHERMIA:
THE FIXES
• Rapid, aggressive core
rewarming
• Food and fluid
• Simple carbohydrates
• Avoid exercise

“Keep in mind, however, that severe dehydration might

require IV fluid replacement, in which case the patient
should be evacuated to a hospital immediately.”
— Paul Nicolazzo, director of the Wilderness Medicine Training Center, Inc.

DON’T ASSUME YOU’RE

Snow sports increase IMMUNE TO HYPOTHERMIA
your potential of getting One common way that hikers become hypothermic
wet while already cold. is because the weather is nice when they set out for a
Make sure you wear
trek. Then they either climb to higher elevations or
waterproof, insulated
clothing so your skin the sun sets, and they can fall victim to low tempera-
doesn’t get wet. tures. To stave off this potential issue, always travel
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

with the appropriate equipment that will keep you

well insulated if the weather changes quickly or the
temperature drops.

52
ASG_1310_HYPO 9/23/13 12:02 AM Page 53

THE FOUR MECHANISMS OF HEAT LOSS

HYPOTHERMIA CAN
Martin says that as long as patients are dry and insulated from the four mechanisms of heat loss,

STRIKE FAST
they should be safe from hypothermia. Likewise, if the patient begins showing symptoms of
hypothermia, you must insulate them from these four essential mechanisms, which are as follows:
Hypothermia strikes when your core • Convection: When air is able to flow past your skin and carry away the heat as it flows past you.
body temperature dips below 95 degrees. • Conduction: Your body heat is transferred to something cold that you’re touching, sitting on, or
Although it can take hours, or even days, lying on, such as a cold rock.
before your temperature gets that low, • Radiation: The heat from your body is given off to the atmosphere.
once it does, you are at high risk of get- • Evaporation: When you sweat, your body perspiration cools your skin.
ting sick very quickly.
Hypothermia is likely to take over 12
hours to solidify in a person’s body “even
at temperatures below zero,” says Josh
Martin, DNP, FAWM, CEN, owner of
Northern Cairn LLC, which offers
wilderness, remote, and travel medicine
training.
Avoiding moisture against your skin is
very important in avoiding hypothermia.
The human body loses heat 25 times
faster in water than it does in air, making
staying dry imperative to survival, Martin
tells American Survival Guide.
Sometimes preventing hypothermia
can be as simple as picking the best
clothes to wear.
“Clothing systems that are useful in
the prevention of cold injury include syn-
thetic fabrics that inhibit the body’s ability
to shed heat through the four mecha-
nisms of heat loss, also fabrics that do
not retain moisture,” Martin adds.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

A great way to prevent hypothermia
is by stopping it when you see the first
K
symptoms of it.
“The best warning signs for impending
hypothermia are inability to control shiv-
ering and mental status changes to
include lethargy and inappropriate deci-
sion-making,” Martin says. +ÛÔÚÏÔÍ
“This would herald mild hypothermia,
which means a core body temperature 6ÇÉÚÏÉÇÒ
below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the
patient declines in mental status, he/she
moves into ‘unresponsive.’ The patient
5ÛØÜÏÜÇÒ
will cease to shiver and continue to cool.
This occurs when body core tempera- /ÏÒÏÚÇØß
ture drops below 90 degrees Fahren-
heit,” he adds. /ÇÉÎËÚËÙ
In situations where someone in your
party does start to show signs of &ÛÚÒËØß
hypothermia, there are ways to help.
“In the event that someone is exhibit-
ing signs and symptoms consistent with $ÍØÏÉÛÒÚÛØÇÒ
hypothermic core temperatures, the
patient should receive rapid aggressive (ÓÖÏØË5ÚØËËÚ21%ÕÞ
core rewarming to include heat concen- )ØÇÔÑÒÏÔÜÏÒÒË0u
trated around the head, neck, thorax and
back, insulated from the four mechanisms
2+

of heat loss,” Martin says. ÌÇÞ

ÝÝÝÕÔÚÇØÏÕÑÔÏÌËÉÕÓ
-ÔÏÌËÙÇÒËÙ#ÕÔÚÇØÏÕÑÔÏÌËÉÕÓ

53
ASG_1310_HYPO 9/23/13 12:02 AM Page 54

HYPOTHERMIA

In addition, he recommends providing

IMPROVISED HOW MUCH them with food and fluid.
HYDRATION RECIPE WATER? “Simple carbohydrates are best,” he
says. “One of my favorites is hot cocoa
with butter melted in it.”
If you don’t have access to a commercial elec- While there is a lot of

And contrary to what many people

trolyte replacement beverage, you can create an emphasis on the importance

think, you shouldn’t try and get a

improvised Oral Rehydration Solution using the of drinking plenty of water

hypothermic person to do jumping jacks

following recipe from Nicolazzo’s book, The Art every day, when it comes to

to warm them up.

and Technique of Wilderness Medicine: knowing how much to drink,

“If you suspect that the patient may

½ teaspoon salt (sodium chloride) there isn’t a simple rule that

be approaching mild hypothermia, exer-

¼ teaspoon salt substitute (potassium chloride) works for everyone. Water

cise should be avoided,” Martin says.

½ teaspoon baking soda intake depends on many fac-
2 to 3 tablespoons of table sugar, honey, or tors, including your health,

DEHYDRATION
Karo syrup how active you are, the cli-

IN WINTER?
1 liter of water mate and where you live.

In addition to facing potential

Mix all ingredients together. The ratio of salts

hypothermia issues in the winter, you

to sugar should be at least one part salt to two

should also be on the alert for dehydra-

parts sugar for proper absorption.

tion. Although many people think this is

Source: The Art and Technique of Wilderness Medicine by Paul Nicolazzo,
available at http://www.wildmedcenter.com/the-art—technique-of-wilder-

just a summertime problem, that’s not

ness-medicine.html.

the case. The reality is that dehydration

can occur any time of year.
Dehydration simply means “water
loss is greater than intake,” advises Paul
Nicolazzo, director of the Wilderness
Medicine Training Center, Inc. When
dehydration occurs, the patient will have
a progressively increasing pulse and respi-
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

ratory rates followed by decreased blood

pressure. You’ll also know a patient is
suffering from dehydration if you monitor
their urine output and concentration,
Nicolazzo says.
“If urine output decreases and is dark
To prevent dehydration,

yellow or orange-brown in color, that

you need to drink more water

means the patient hasn’t had enough flu-

than you lose in a day—but

ids,” he adds.
how much is that? The aver-

When a patient is dehydrated, the

age urine output for adults is

goal is to replace fluids and electrolytes

about 1.5 liters, or six cups, a

with water and either a commercial or

day, and you could lose close

improvised solution. Administer the

to an additional liter of water

drink to the patient slowly (at one liter

through breathing, sweating

per hour) to prevent vomiting, Nicolazzo

and bowel movements.

says. In addition, you can replace elec-

Drinking eight cups of
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

trolytes with foods high in simple sugars,

water every day—about two

potassium, and sodium such as bananas

liters—is commonly recom-

or raisins.
mended and is a good start to

“Keep in mind, however, that severe

staying well hydrated.

dehydration might require IV fluid

The Institute of Medicine rec-

replacement, in which case the patient

ABOVE: Remember to stay hydrated even when it’s cold ommends a bit more: 13 cups

should be evacuated to a hospital imme-

outside. Dehydration can occur in any temperature. daily for men, and nine for
INSET: Even if it’s not that cold out when you embark on a
diately,” Nicolazzo says.
women.
hike, bring heavy, waterproof gear as a precaution, since it
could get cold and wet quickly when the sun sets or a storm Source: http://www.dukehealth.org

AVOIDANCE TACTICS
breaks out, and then hypothermia could set in.

If you’re aware of the signs and

dangers of dehydration, it’s pretty simple
to avoid it. Take care to stay hydrated
FOR MORE INFORMATION
and warm, and you’ll be on your way
To learn more about Josh Martin and Northern Cairn, LLC, visit www.northerncairn.com.
to surviving the elements even in the
For more from Paul Nicolazzo, including a link to his online textbook, where he discusses
most challenging of situations.
cures for many survival-oriented medical conditions, visit www.wildmedcenter.com.

54
ASG_1310_55 9/20/13 4:01 AM Page 55
ASG_1310_BG_JACKETS 9/23/13 12:12 AM Page 56

JACKETS
CARHARTT
1
$299

1 CARHARTT
Model: Insulated Bad Axe
Jacket (# 100728)
www.carhartt.com
MSRP: $299
Key Features: Waterproof,
breathable, zippered underarm
and side vents

Description: Carhartt’s Insulated

Bad Axe Jacket is constructed of
a rugged nylon shell with a Storm
Defender waterproof breathable
membrane. The jacket is lined for
comfort with a polyester tricot
bonded interior. Zippered under-
arm and side vents add
ventilation, and hook-and-loop
adjustable cuffs help seal out the
wind and rain. The attached hood
with draw-cord adjuster adds
protection, and the draw-cord
adjustable hem provides a great
fit. The left-chest map pocket
features a media port to inner
garment for cell phones and other
portable electronics, and two
lower-front slash pockets provide
storage. The jacket is constructed
with triple-stitched main seams
along with stretchable heavy-duty
nylon overlays on elbows and
shoulders, plus heavy-duty nylon
reinforcements.

Manufacturer’s Comment:
“When you have to punch the
weather in the mouth to get the job
done, only the best of the best will
help you deliver the blow: our Insu-
lated Bad Axe Jacket.”
ASG_1310_BG_JACKETS 9/23/13 12:12 AM Page 57

buyer’s
WINTER JACKETS Guide
Dress for
Survival Success
Proper outerwear can dramatically
increase cold weather survival odds
BY ERIN HATFIELD

FREEZING COLD TEMPS can kill you if you’re not prepared,

so choosing the proper outerwear is extremely important for
cold-weather situations.
The right jacket can dramatically increase your odds of
survival, enabling you to stay warm and dry in snow and
freezing temperatures.
Following are our top choices for jackets to help brave
winter’s cooler temps, as well as snow and ice.

MUSTANG SURVIVAL
2
$351
2 MUSTANG SURVIVAL
Model: Ice Rider™ Endurance Jacket (#MJ6275)
www.columbussupply.com
MSRP: $351

Key Features: Safety flotation, Quick Venting System, reflective piping

Description: Ice Rider Endurance jackets incorporate safety flotation

to keep you afloat and reduce the risks of hypothermia in the event of
an ice-breakthrough or cold water immersion. The Ice Rider Endurance
features a Triple Layer System including a DWR-coated (Durable Water
Repellent) outer shell to ensure durability. The inner core
contains Mustang Survival’s patented AirSoft foam to help minimize
the effects of hypothermia in case of ice water submersion by
providing flotation and thermal insulation. The interior mesh lining
provides air circulation and superior drainage in the event of water
immersion. Ice Rider Endurance jackets also feature the QVS (Quick
Venting System) vents for improved breathability and 3M Scotchlite
Reflective Piping and Film for extreme visibility.

Manufacturer’s Comment: “Built for total mobility and designed with

rugged and durable materials, the Ice Rider Endurance will keep you
comfortable and protected throughout the most demanding rides.”
DRI-DUCK
3
$120
3 DRI-DUCK
Model: Eclipse (#5321)
www.driduck.com
MSRP: $120

Key Features: 3M Thinsulate insulation, water-resistant shell,

zippered pockets

Description: The Dri-Duck Eclipse jacket provides warmth and protec-

tion in a low-profile jacket. The shell is constructed of 100 percent
mini-ripstop polyester, providing water-resistant protection. The 3M
Thinsulate Insulation provides exceptional warmth, high durability and
effectiveness when wet. Zippered chest and hand pockets, as well as
inside pockets, provide on-the-go storage. The Eclipse features a drop
tail design for extra coverage and protection from the elements.

Manufacturer’s Comment: “The Eclipse is tough without the puff. The

combination of our water-resistant mini-ripstop shell and the exception-
ally warm 3M Thinsulate Insulation is what sets the Eclipse apart from the
competition.”

57
ASG_1310_BG_JACKETS 9/23/13 12:12 AM Page 58

buyer’s
Guide WINTER JACKETS

4COLUMBIA
Model: Trophy Shot Jacket
www.columbia.com
MSRP: $200 “This reversible jacket features
Key Features: Omni-Heat Reflective lining,
a waterproof nylon outer shell
waterproof, breathable with a fleece lining…”
Description: Columbia’s Trophy Shot is a perfor-
mance jacket that combines a silent, supremely
waterproof-breathable fabric with Omni-Heat
thermal reflectivity and insulation for the highest
level of lightweight, long-lasting warmth. The
Omni-Heat Reflective lining reflects and retains the
body heat generated even during chilly treks. It is
fully waterproof but breathable, with convenient COLUMBIA
features such as a unique hood cinching system 4
with a brim that forms to a hat nicely and utility
pockets inside and out. The hand pockets also fea-
$200
ture the Omni-Heat Reflective material to keep your
fingers nice and toasty while not in use.

Manufacturer’s Comment: “What folks notice right

away about the Trophy Shot jacket is how comfort-
able it is. “

5 ROTHCO
Model: Reversible Lined Jacket with Hood
www.rothco.com
MSRP: $56.49

Key Features: Waterproof shell, fleece lining,

drawstring hood

Description: Rothco’s Reversible Lined Jacket with

Hood is designed to keep wearers warm and dry.
The jacket features a waterproof nylon outer shell,
which protects users from outside elements, such
as rain and snow. The jacket also features a 100
percent polyester fleece lining, which will keep you
warm by locking in body heat. As 90 percent of the
body’s heat is released through the head, the jacket
also features a drawstring hood to help retain that
heat, as well as side pockets.

Manufacturer’s Comment: “This reversible jacket

features a waterproof nylon outer shell with a fleece
lining, keeping wearers warm and dry!”

6 REFRIGIWEAR
Model: Insulated Soft Shell Jacket (#0490)
www.refrigiwear.com
MSRP: $100

Key Features: Water-repellent, simulated down

insulation, wind-tight exterior

Description: The RefrigiWear Insulated Soft Shell

jacket provides seriously comfortable warmth with
six-ounce synthetic down insulation and a super-
soft sateen reflective lining in sleeves and torso.
The outer shell is durable, windproof, stretchy and
water-repellent, with charcoal insets for added
style. A tunnel collar prevents zipper chafing, and
soft velcro wrist tabs and a draw-cord hem seal out
the cold. Zippered hand-warmer pockets and a
chest pocket provide extra storage.

Manufacturer’s Comment: “At work, at home, or at

play, RefrigiWear’s Soft Shell Series will keep you
warm and comfortable.”

58
ASG_1310_BG_JACKETS 9/23/13 12:12 AM Page 59

buyer’s
WINTER JACKETS Guide

REFRIGIWEAR
6
$100

ROTHCO
5
$56.49

BUYING TIPS
When looking for a cold-temperature jacket, pay
attention to materials. Cotton is a poor insulator, so seek
out synthetic materials, which are known for their insu-
lative properties. Fabrics such as polypropylene, nylon
and rayon have hollow fiber, which traps air that is “RefrigiWear’s Soft Shell
warmed by body heat or the environment, and these Series will keep you
materials retain heat even when they are wet. Look for
outer layers that are both breathable and waterproof.
warm and comfortable.”

59
ASG_1310_BG_JACKETS.CX 9/24/13 11:01 PM Page 60

buyer’s
Guide WINTER JACKETS

UNDER ARMOUR
7
$199
7 UNDER ARMOUR
Model: ColdGear® Infrared Alpinlite Max
Jacket (Men’s & Women’s)
www.underarmour.com
MSRP: $199

Key Features: Lightweight Primaloft insulation,

water and snow repellant, media pocket

Description: Under Armour’s ColdGear Infrared

Alpinlite Max Men’s Jacket features a full, loose fit
for enhanced range of motion and breathable,
water-repellent comfort. The women’s jacket has all
of the same benefits in a semi-fitted profile. Both
styles contain a Primaloft layer that provides light-
weight, water-resistant, breathable insulation and
can be compressed without losing warmth.
ColdGear Infrared uses a soft, thermo-conductive
inner coating to absorb and retain your own body
heat, as well as cuffs that add stretch and warmth
while shutting out the chill. The men’s model
includes a chest media pocket with interior escape;
the women’s jacket contains a fixed three-piece
hood and stand collar for extra protection.

Manufacturer’s Comment: “Primaloft gives you

unrivaled lightweight insulation, and the ColdGear
Infrared interior pattern delivers a patented print tech-
nology that actually traps warmth, meaning the jacket
heats up faster and stays that way longer. This jacket
“This is just absurdly warm.”

jacket is
just
absurdly 8 BLIZZARD SURVIVAL
Model: Blizzard Survival Jacket
www.blizzardsurvival.com
warm.” MSRP: $32.79

Key Features: Compact packed profile, reusable,

Reflexcell thermal material

Description: The Blizzard Survival Jacket is a

BLIZZARD SURVIVAL unique garment with a tiny, packed size. The thigh-
8 length jacket is a hooded body warmer covering the
$32.79 entire torso and made from exclusive Reflexcell
material. Reflexcell has unique thermal qualities
and is an effective tool for the prevention and treat-
ment of hypothermia. Clear plastic sleeves provide
protection from the wind and rain. This resuable,
durable jacket enables the wearer to be protected
and rewarmed while remaining completely mobile,
making it an ideal survival solution for mountain
walkers and climbers and aiding the walking
wounded from emergency situations.

Manufacturer’s Comment: “The Blizzard Survival

brand and its exclusive Reflexcell Technology have
become the new standard in thermal protection for
military, emergency preparedness, law enforcement,
outdoor sports, disaster relief, and more.”

“its exclusive Reflexcell

Technology HAS become
the new standard in
thermal protection.”

60
ASG_1310_WILDERNESS 9/23/13 12:17 AM Page 61

DOES THE GREAT OUTDOORS APPEAL TO YOU?

Do you see yourself being self-sufficient in a wilderness
situation? If the answer is yes, this section is for you. We
offer tips and tricks on how to survive in the wild. We
present valuable information on finding your way, using a
bow and arrow for food and learning how to communi-
cate from your bug-out position. With winter approach-
ing, it’s particularly important to be well prepared for a
journey into the unknown. Make sure you pay close
attention and arm yourself with all the information you
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

can so that you can survive when the going gets tough.

61
ASG_1310_62 9/26/13 8:58 AM Page 62

CONVENIENT FOR STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION

RELIABLE PERFORMANCE FOR WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST

20'' 18.5''

The Ruger ® 10/22 Takedown® combines all of the features and functionality of the 10/22® rifle, America’s
favorite rimfire rifle, with the ability to easily separate the barrel/forend and action/buttstock for convenient
storage and transportation. The simple reassembly of the barrel and action is secure, ensuring an accurate
return to zero for consistent, reliable performance when you need it most. Packed in a rugged, ballistic nylon case
(included with rifle), the Ruger® 10/22 Takedown® makes it easy to keep America’s favorite rimfire by your side.

WWW.RUGER.COM/1022TAKEDOWN
ASG_1310_63 9/26/13 8:59 AM Page 63

©2013 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 021113

ASG_1310_COMM 9/23/13 12:19 AM Page 64

SPECIAL REPORT: BACKCOUNTRY COMMUNICATIONS

A CALL FOR
GET THE 411 ON DEVICES YOU NEED FOR 911 SITUATIONS BY LARRY SCHWARTZ

64
ASG_1310_COMM 9/23/13 12:19 AM Page 65

HY WOULD YOU WANT TO

W COMMUNICATE WITH SOMEONE

BACK IN THE CIVILIZED WORLD IF YOU
ARE OUT ENJOYING GOD’S COUNTRY IN
ALL ITS NATURAL BEAUTY?
Well, sometimes Mother Nature can wreak her havoc and you
wind up in a situation where you need to call—or yell—for help.
There are plenty of reasons to stay connected with the folks back

HELP home should you choose to bug out or in the event of an emergency,
and they all play into your choice of backcountry communication
device or devices. To get the 411 on these devices, we talked to
Mikele D’Arcangelo, Marketing Director at ACR Electronics.
Make sure you know which kind of communication you’ll be using,
because it very well could save your life.

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

“Mother Nature can

wreak her havoc
and you wind up
in a situation where
you need to call—
or yell—for help.”

65
ASG_1310_COMM.CX 9/24/13 11:03 PM Page 66

PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY LABOUCAN

CALL

The inReach
SE device
acts like a
satellite
hotspot you
can pair
with your
smartphone
to provide
access to
the text
messaging
and naviga-
tion func-
tions found
in the
Delorme
Earthmate
GPS smart-
phone app.

“I always encourage people to update the ‘Additional Information’ field of the

PLB registration...” —Mikele D’Arcangelo, Marketing Director at ACR Electronics

THE BIG THREE
D’Arcangelo explained that there are three
main categories of emergency communication
devices, ranging from simple to complicated:
Personal Locator Beacons (PLB): Simple radios
The first is the 406 MHz signal that goes to the
LEOSAR and GEOSAR satellite constellations of
THE the international COSPAR/SARSAT rescue organi-
ULTIMATE zation to tell emergency personnel that you are in
trouble and where you are located. This is one of
the features of PLBs that make it the most robust
You can get the best

that send an emergency message with your loca- of the three categories. Since the signal goes to
of all worlds by going

tion to a satellite that relays it to emergency per- two different satellite constellations, they have two
with a low-cost PLB,

sonnel. ways of determining where you are; if your PLB

like the SARLinkView

Satellite Emergency Notification Devices doesn’t have a built-in GPS or if it can’t get a lock
from ACR Electronics.

(SEND): More sophisticated devices can send your on the GPS satellites, the two constellations can
With its strong battery

emergency message and location information to still determine your location using the Doppler
life and signal strength,

emergency personnel but can also send text mes- shift. This is a capability that the SEND device and
you can couple it with

sages to contacts you have set up in advance. the satellite phone technologies cannot do.
the inReach SE from

Satellite Phones: The most sophisticated tech- The second signal is a 121.5 MHz homing bea-
Delorme, which gives

nology as it includes the voice communication con that emergency personnel can use to pinpoint
you full texting and

capability you expect with a phone but also allows your location. This is also a feature that the SEND
route tracking capabili-

you to send text or email messages in some cases. and sat phone technology does not offer.
ties. You can also con-

Since a PLB is designed to use as a last resort,

nect your smartphone to

PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACONS it utilizes a stronger signal than the other two cat-
the satellite phone net-

(PLB) egories. As a result, it can punch through obsta-

work and the GPS func-

The simplest of the three categories, D’Arcan- cles like heavy cloud cover and trees that might
tionality Delorme offers

gelo reports, is PLBs: manually activated radio block the signal from SEND devices or satellite
through its Earthmate

transmitters that send out two different signals phones, although like the other two categories, all
smartphone app.

that serve two different purposes. PLBs do need an unobstructed view of the sky to

66
ASG_1310_COMM 9/23/13 12:19 AM Page 67

PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY LABOUCAN

registration gives you a Unique Identi-
The inReach

fier Number (UIN), which is transmit-

product line
HOW FAR CAN
ted when you trigger the PLB, along
gives you the
most function- YOU GO WITH
ality of any of with your GPS location if your PLB
has a built-in GPS.
the SEND TECHNOLOGY?
As part of the registration, you
devices, in All technologies have

enter your name as a minimum, but

particular the limits, and satellite-based

D’Arcangelo advises you to do more.

ability to text
back and forth communication devices

“I always encourage people to

with friends are no exception. When

update the ‘Additional Information’

and family. using any of these

field of the PLB registration, how long

devices, keep in mind:

they will be there, who is also going,

• The device must have a

and any medical information about the

clear view of the sky to

attendees to make it easier for SAR.

allow it to have a good

You can take hours out of the search

line of sight to the satel-

and rescue process by giving them

lites, both the communi-

that kind of information. You can also

cation satellites and the

update the information in your regis-

GPS satellites.

tration each time you go out so that

• You should avoid any

SAR can ensure they are equipped for

area that limits your

the emergency when they get to you.”

view of the sky, such as
dense forests, deep

SATELLITE EMERGENCY
canyons or ravines, and

NOTIFICATION DEVICES
GRAPHIC COURTESY OF ARC ELECTRONICS RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS

areas with tall buildings,

(S.E.N.D.)
which would only allow

Not designed solely for use in an

for a narrow view of the

emergency situation like the PLBs,

sky.

SEND devices blend emergency notifi-

• Satellites may move out

cation features with text messaging

of view while you are

and GPS positioning capabilities that

making a call or sending

allow the backcountry traveler to keep

an emergency signal; if

the folks at home up to date on what

that happens, you can

is going on or to let them know you

resume the call in a few

need help but it’s not an emergency.

minutes when the next

With some devices, you can also

satellite passes over-

show a track of your travels on

head, or your device will

Google Maps so friends (and more

continue sending your

importantly, SAR) can see where you

emergency signal until it

have been and where you were the

sends.

last time you were not in an emer-

• All of these devices run

gency situation.
An emergency message from any of the devices covered here fol- on battery power, so

D’Arcangelo advises, “Like the

lows the same path whether it is sent to the government-run SARSAT keep an eye on your

PLBs, your SEND device won’t be of

system from a PLB or to the commercially run GEOS system from a power levels and

much use to you or SAR if you don’t

SEND device or a satellite phone. Every message goes from: replace or recharge the

register it with GEOS using the

• Your signaling device (with or without your GPS location), to a batteries when needed.

instructions that come with your

• SAR satellite system that relays your personal ID to a A solar power recharger,

device. Make sure to fill in your per-

• Local User Terminal (LUT), which pulls up your personal information like the Goal Zero Guide

sonal information as well as any other

and any information about your party and trip plans and sends it to a 10 Plus Solar kit, is a

useful information about the people in

• Mission Control Center (MCC), which then forwards it to the good thing to have

your party and where you are going.”

• Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) who will locate the nearest emer- along. The Guide 10 Plus

Although there are new companies

gency or SAR resources, which then come to your location. includes a solar panel

coming out with SEND devices of late,

and a battery pack that

be most effective. In addition, since the battery is the main players in the market are the SPOT fam-
the panel charges so

normally rated for five years and there isn’t any ily of devices from SPOT LLC and the inReach
that you can still

annual or seasonal subscription fee to pay for products from Delorme. Both companies provide
recharge your electron-

using the device, the PLB is also your cheapest devices that either work in a standalone capacity
ics even if the sky is

solution, although it doesn’t have a dedicated text or as a satellite communications hot-spot, allowing
overcast or at night.

or voice capability. your smartphone to connect to the satellite phone

Your PLB will not be of any use to you if you network when you can’t get a signal from your cel-
do not register it before you go on your trip. The lular phone network.

67
ASG_1310_COMM.CX 9/24/13 11:03 PM Page 68

CALL

PHOTO COURTESY OF KIRK EDGERTON

Although only some
satellite phones have
texting capabilities,
the ability to actually
talk to someone
about your situation,
emergency or not, is
a great benefit when
in the backcountry.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KIRK EDGERTON

“Inexperience is the number one factor in backcountry rescues.”

—Matt Cashell, a Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office

PROS/CONS

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
PROS
• Strongest signal strength
• Cheapest solution with no
subscription/usage fees
• Two signals, one emergency and one
homing beacon
• Can determine location when GPS
information is not available
• Sends emergency message to the
government-run COSPAS/SARSAT
emergency notification center
CONS
• No text messaging capabilities
• No voice communication capability
• Needs a clear view of the sky
Satellite Emergency Notification Device (SEND)
PROS
• Sends one-way or two-way text messages,
either pre-defined or free-form
• Can send GPS location if available from
satellites
• Sends emergency message to commercially
run GEOS emergency notification center
CONS
• No voice communication capability
• Cannot send location without getting it from
GPS satellites first
• Needs a clear view of the sky
• No homing beacon
• Requires an annual or seasonal subscription
fee to use it
Satellite Phone
PROS
• Can use voice communications
• Sends one-way or two-way text messages,
either pre-defined or free-form
• Can send GPS location if available from
satellites
• Sends emergency message to commercially
run GEOS emergency notification center
CONS
• Cannot send location without getting it
from GPS satellites first
• Needs a clear view of the sky
• No homing beacon
• Requires an annual or seasonal
subscription fee to use it

68
ASG_1310_COMM 9/23/13 12:20 AM Page 69

PHOTO COURTESY OF KIRK EDGERTON

Stand-alone SEND
devices like this SPOT 3,
and the Delorme inReach
SE, give you the ability to QUICK
send out an emergency
call to the GEOS Interna-
tional Emergency
TIPS
Matt Cashell, a mem-
Response Center, as well
ber of the Sheriff’s Office
as sending and receiving
texts to keep the folks at who works with local SAR
home up to date. team members in Ravalli
County, Montana,
summed up emergency
communications in the
backcountry.
“Inexperience is the
number one factor in
backcountry rescues. The
most experienced back-
country travelers tend to
be more prepared and
have the best equipment,
including backcountry
communication devices.
However, most rescues
are of inexperienced
backcountry travelers,

While the SPOT product line was the first in SEND devices do. Just keep in mind that this fea-
and they tend to be ill

this market niche, the inReach products provide a ture will use more battery power and may affect
prepared, including fail-

wider range of capabilities with two-way messag- your minutes with your service provider,”
ing to carry a communi-

ing, a more robust satellite constellation, and inte- reported D’Arcangelo.

cation device. So the peo-

gration with the GPS products and smartphone

ple that need that secu-

apps from their parent company, Delorme. IN SUMMARY

rity the most don’t have

As you can see, there are a number of devices

it.”

SATELLITE AND CELLULAR out there to help you keep in touch with friends
If you are going to go

PHONES and family back home and to contact emergency

out into the backcountry,

Satellite phones are the most sophisticated and services if you need to. When deciding which
or anywhere that you

at the same time the simplest in some ways, device makes the most sense for you and your
would need to be able to

D’Arcangelo says. needs, keep these three things in mind:

reach emergency ser-

Most satellite phones have GPS capabilities and If you just want something to send out an
vices quickly, you owe it

some allow you to send and/or receive text emergency call, then a PLB is your best choice as
to yourself and those with

messages of various lengths. And, of course, that is what it is designed to do and it has
you to have the basic

they all have a voice capability as well. the strongest signal of the three cate-
skills to operate in that

To send an emergency message gories of devices.

environment, either to

using a satellite phone, you either If you, or your

keep yourself from get-

dial 9-1-1, just like you would do at family and friends,

ting into an emergency

home or on your cell phone, or want to know that

situation or to act when

press an emergency button on your you are ok while

The SAR- you are in one. We should
LinkView is one
phone, which will dial it for you. you are in the
of the most each know how to:

This 9-1-1 call will be sent to either backcountry, then

powerful of the • Use a map and com-

the GEOS center that the SEND a SEND device is

PLBs on the pass rather than

probably your best

market today.
devices use or to a national 9-1-1
depending on a GPS,
Like other PLBs,
routing system that will take your choice.
it has an emer- which can only show

information and then route it to the If you want or

gency signal to you where you are, not

nearest emergency response teams need a full function

notify SAR per-
PHOTO COURTESY OF ACR ELECTRONICS

pick the safest route

sonnel that you
in your area. You don’t need to device with voice,
from point A to point B.
have an emer-
know the phone number of the local text and GPS, then
gency, and a • Build a shelter and

fire and rescue. a full featured

homing beacon make a fire, even in wet

“Some of the sat phones on the satellite phone like

to help emer- or cold weather.

the Iridium 9575 is

gency personnel
market also allow you to track where
• Evaluate injuries and
pinpoint your
you are and display it on Google Maps going to be your
location. provide basic first

or some other website just like the best choice.

aid/first responder
assistance.

69
ASG_1310_EAT.CX 9/24/13 11:41 PM Page 70

EAT
TO
LIVE
EMERGENCY
FOOD PLANNING
FOR SURVIVAL

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ASG_1310_EAT.CX 9/24/13 11:38 PM Page 71

text and photos BY LARRY SCHWARTZ

BERRY SENSE
When trying to decide if those
berries are good to use keep these
OOD: WITHOUT IT, YOU RUN LOW ON
three verses in mind:

F ENERGY, YOUR THINKING SUFFERS, AND

White and yellow, kill a fellow.
YOUR BODY DOESN’T DO WHAT YOU WANT
Purple and blue, good for you.
AND NEED IT TO DO.
Red…could be good, could be dead.
You can definitely survive for a number of days with-
out food, but you won’t be functioning very well after just a day
or two.
So, how should you handle this important survival need? Do
you carry food with you wherever you go? How many days
should you plan for? Should you just plan on finding food where
you are by foraging? How do you cook things?
The simple answer: It all depends on the situation, and care-
ful planning is the way to go.

1. CALORIE REQUIREMENTS
With moderate activity, and depending on age and weight,
the average adult needs between 1,500-2,500 calories per day.
Since most adults also have some fat reserves, your emergency
rations really only need to maintain your
metabolism running to keep you warm
and mentally aware. Therefore, my emer-
“I always
gency rations normally range between bring
1,000 to 2,000 calories per day. If you emergency
choose foods that provide at least 100 rations since
calories per ounce, this doesn’t need to I plan for the
be a lot of food or weight. Meal replace-
ment bars, energy bars and even select
worst case
candy bars like Snickers provide between situation
250 and 400 calories per bar, so keeping where I might
a few in your pack or pocket can fill the be injured
need for your emergency rations. You and can’t
can always forage to help augment what
you brought with you, but to be on the
move or do
safe side, I always plan for the situation any foraging
where I am injured and can’t move or do or build a
any foraging or build a shelter. shelter.”
2. CARRY IT OR FIND IT?
Although a person can find enough food in their environment
to keep them alive, it takes time, skill, preparation and experi-
ence to be able to do that. When I hit the woods or backcoun-
You shouldn’t use

try, I always carry some high-energy foods with me to cover an

wild plants as part of

overnight emergency/survival situation. The road network here

your diet in the back-
country unless you
absolutely know what
it is and if it is good
for you. For example,
to the untrained eye,
A GOOD GUIDE these two plants look
Although anyone who ventures out into the backcountry should have the same; the Queen
Anne’s Lace (top) has
studied guides for plant and animal identification, a good beginner’s an edible flower and
PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK

guide for learning what you can and can’t eat in the wild is a book by root while the hem-
Euell Gibbons titled, Stalking the Wild Asparagus. lock (seen here) is
what killed Socrates!

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ASG_1310_EAT.CX 9/24/13 11:38 PM Page 72

EAT

COOKING
ESSENTIALS
• Small, lightweight stove
• Pot or pan
• Skewers made from
branches
FOODS
TO CARRY
• Meal replacement bars
• Energy bars
• Some candy bars

“You can definitely survive for a number of days without food,

but you won’t be functioning very well after just a day or two.”

on the East Coast is so well developed
that if I have to spend the night outdoors,
I can always walk in a straight line in the
morning for a few hours, and I will hit a
road that will lead me back to civilization.
If I get injured, the people I left my emer-
gency information with will know where I
was going to be and they should be able
to find me within a day or two. For those
reasons, I don’t carry more than a day or
two of extra rations with me.
It’s important to carry some food, but
you can also find it.
3. FORAGING 101
Some plants are ok to eat, others
have some parts that are edible, some
are poisonous and some are just deadly.
Easily recognized, safe plants to eat
include:
Dandelion: All parts of this ubiqui-
tous plant are edible. You can eat the
leaves raw or cooked and boil the root.
It can be the basis for a nice salad.
Cattail: Often called the supermar-
brown furry part on the top of the stalk
like flour. You can eat the white core of
the stalk raw or cooked like a leak.
Acorns: All acorns are edible,
although some may be more bitter than
others. Take off the shell and then soak
the acorn meat in water for a day or
two, changing the water twice a day. This
will remove much of the tannic acid that
makes them bitter. You can eat the meat
after boiling it or pound it and dry it for
use as flour for baking.
Pine: The nuts or seeds in the
pinecone are good to eat; you just need
to dig them out. Seep the leaves or nee-
dles in water to make a
refreshing drink.
4. WHAT NOT
NUMBERS
TO EAT
It’s easier to tell you
Calories needed:
what not to eat instead of 1,500-2,500
what you can. While
these may rule out some
edible plants, these ten
Days one can exist and function
• Avoid anything that smells like almonds.
• Berries white (or orange) is a poisnous
sight.
• Do not eat plants with thorns.
• Don’t use plants containing beans or
plants with seeds inside a pod.
• Get rid of it if the sap is milky or discol-
ored.
• If it has shiny leaves, avoid it.
• Leaflets three, like poison ivy, let it be.
• Mushrooms are a bad choice. Even if it
looks like something you found in the
grocery store, it can still be a deadly
look-a-like.
• Stay away from these plants with
umbrella-shaped flowers.
• Finally, if it tastes bitter
or soapy, spit it out.
5. KITCHEN ON
THE GO
If you are going to eat,
be prepared to cook. Due
to the explosion of inter-
est in backpacking and

ket of the outdoors, you can eat many characteristics will help backcountry hunting over
normally without food:

parts of the cattail. You can bake, roast you rule out plants that 1 or 2 the past decade, there are
or boil the root, and you can use the are most likely poisonous: some excellent small,

72
ASG_1310_EAT.CX 9/24/13 11:39 PM Page 73

Although it’s harder

to secure game to
eat than plants, tak-
ing along a bow and
arrow, rifle and/or
shotgun will go a
long way in helping
you get meat in a
survival situation.

LEFT TO RIGHT: A few meal replacement bars, energy bars, or some candy bars like Snickers stuck in the bot-
tom of your pack will give you plenty of calories to hold you over during an unexpected night in the woods.
• Small backpacking stoves like the Esbit (solid fuel tabs) on the left or the Jetboil (isobutane fuel mixture) on the

Dillon Leather
right should be part of your base survival equipment. They will fit nicely in your pack and don’t weigh very much.
• Keeping a small pot and stove stashed in my pack with high energy foods in it ensures I can keep myself warm
and helps make that unexpected night in the woods a lot nicer.

lightweight backpacking stoves available

that fit nicely into a day pack or even a
fanny pack to carry your ten essentials.
These either incorporate a pot of their

by Mitch Rosen!
own for boiling water or doing simple
cooking, or they can fit inside a small pot
that you can get on you own.
If you need a way to cook or roast
some wild game or fish you took, you
can use a green branch as a skewer and
cook it over an open fire or coals. For
something (like a fish) that might not

5JR-DL $75
work well on a skewer, you can bend a
thin branch around to form an oval, lay
the fish inside of the oval, and then inter- A full-length belt slide that offers all-day

lace shorter thin branches over the fish

comfort and superior concealment for an

and the oval branch to hold the fish in

outside-the-pants belt holster.

place for cooking.

Beretta 92 K01-18817
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You should practice your new skills

Glock 19, 23, 32 K01-18814

before you need to use them. Don’t wait

Glock 26, 27, 33 K01-18815
Glock 20, 21 K01-18816

for an emergency to find out how you’ll

Makarov K01-18819

survive in the wilderness. Get a good

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field guide, find a mentor and start learn-

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www.dillonprecision.com
FREE Catalog K01-14690, Call 800-762-3845
ASG_1310_BUNNIES 9/23/13 1:36 AM Page 74

“Even in the dead of winter …

you can find food, especially in
the form of the snowshoe hare.”

74
ASG_1310_BUNNIES 9/23/13 1:37 AM Page 75

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY PETER SCHOONMAKER

SAVED BY
THE BOW
SNAG A SNOWSHOE HARE FOR FOOD IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION
f you find yourself in the wilderness with no food, you will need to

I
act. It’s just that simple.
A bow is a great survival tool that can help keep you alive if
things get tough.
Even in the dead of winter, with help from your trusty bow,
you can find food, especially in the form of the snowshoe hare. I
speak from experience….

PHENOMENAL CHALLENGE
The varying hare, true to its name, is camouflaged for all seasons
as it changes from a summer coat of brown to a winter coat of white.
The snowshoe rabbit, as they are referred to in my neck of the
woods, provides a great winter alternative. Like the whitetail,
the snowshoe rabbit relies on its acute hearing, sight
and smell to warn it of danger. The white rabbit’s
habitat and territorial range is a scaled down ver-
sion of the whitetail’s. Both the hare and the deer ALL ABOUT
eat the same types of food. Alder thickets and TIMING
conifer-clad swamps, with their dense under-
growth, provide both food and protection from
The best time to hunt rabbits

the elements and predators.

is early in the morning and

The average white rabbit is around 20 inches

just before sunset when

in length, is eight to nine inches tall at the shoulder

they are most active.

and weighs an average of two to four pounds. The

tracks of the varying hare stand out from all other
tracks because of the wide snowshoe form of the hind foot.
The five-and-a-half-inch snowshoe on this rabbit looks out of propor-
Check out the giant

tion but serves its purpose well by carrying the winter hare over the
snowshoe hare tracks!

snow its predators can’t travel, at speeds up to 30 miles per hour or

about 44 feet per second.
Snowshoe rabbit habitat has a trail system just like whitetail deer
have their common trails through preferred feeding and bedding
areas. Hare trails in winter can become ruts in the mounting snow
that can hide all but its eyes and ears. If you happen into the same
IMPORTANT HARE’S DEFENSE
cover in the absence of snow, you will find the same trail ruts in the TOOLS • Keen sight and smell.
ground. Whitetail tracks reveal a creature of habit that travels • Good bow and arrow. • Good camouflage.
between food, water and bedding. These worn trails indicate repeated • Modern snowshoes. • Hind foot with snowshoe design.
activities. So do the network of trails of the snowshoe rabbit. The
• Runs at speeds of 30 mph!
varying hare feed mainly at night, but they are also very active on
dark, overcast days. These are the best days to track and hunt as the

75
ASG_1310_BUNNIES 9/23/13 1:41 AM Page 76

SAVED
diffused light of the overcast sky gives
much better definition of the shadow and
shape of tracks, as well as the white rab-
bit’s outline against the snow.

SNOWSHOES
Tracking this white rabbit with its
five-toed front feet and four-toed
hind feet enlightens you to the
design of the ultimate snow-
shoe. Long guard hairs over
When hunting on
PRESERVE
dense-haired feet serve a
snowshoes, be

variety of purposes in both

sure to go with a
IT modern design and
design and function, includ-
> Smoke it < harnesses with
ing prevention of heat loss,
> Dry it for jerky < cleats that allow

support in deep snow, good

> Cure it with salt < easy travel over a

grip on ice and reducing body

> Make confit < variety of terrain.

scent in the tracks by not

> Pickle it <

allowing snow to stick or build up
on their feet.
Manmade snowshoes have evolved
from early northern woodland Native
American designs like the Ojibway, which
are constructed of flexible wood frames
webbed with twisted bands of basswood
or the slippery-elm inner bark. I have
always been a stickler for tradition when
it comes to snowshoes. I
have worn the oval semi-bear
paw design for hunting brushy cover and
the long narrow pike design with its long
tail for covering ground in open timber.
Unlike the ski, the snowshoe is not
made for speed. But designs in recent
years with durable metal frames and flex-
ible webbing, featuring a swiveling har-
ness with cleat tracks, allow the winter
woods wanderer to cover a wide variety
of terrain as well as climb steep inclines
with ease.
SUCCESS AT LAST
It was partly cloudy that February day
when I suited up in my father’s World
War II snow parka and my 21st-century

When you buy the new American-made

THE NEW SCCY CPX-2, you’ll immediately enjoy

its amazingly affordable price. And from
then on, you’ll enjoy the security of a
lifetime warranty that stays with the gun.

SCCY CPX-2 9MM

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Ê UÊ /ܜʣä‡ÀœÕ˜`ʓ>}>∘iÃ
Our “no-questions-asked” warranty just
SCCY CPX-2: might be the most impressive of all the
MSRP SCCY’s many features and accessories.

$299 Because it’s your assurance that your

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76
ASG_1310_BUNNIES 9/25/13 12:24 AM Page 77

WHERE TO BUY
that the white lump of rabbit didn’t SNOWSHOES
SHOOT IT resemble the 35-yard bull’s-eye I can hit Atlas Snow-Shoe Company
in my yard. To clear some limbs, I knelt www.atlassnowshoe.com
down, drew the bow, and launched. The
• Focus on back tension and bow arm Havlick Snowshoe Co.
485-grain arrow arched toward the rab-
angle. www.havlicksnowshoe.com
bit. I have to admit I was more than sur-
• Use a thin or relaxed bow grip. Crescent Moon
prised when the arrow hit the hare. My
• Come down on target when you aim. www.crescentmoonsnowshoes.com
first snowshoe rabbit with a bow and
• Practice long-range shots. Northern Lites
arrow!
• Hook the trigger with finger. www.northernlites.com

CLEAN IT
• Cut off the head and the lower half of
each leg.
• Peel back the skin at the neck and Enable Your Ideas with a PCNC Mill
grasp one of the front legs by the mus-
Discerning gun and knife enthusiasts know there’s only one choice in CNC for affordable precision: the
cle, peeling off the skin.
Tormach PCNC 1100. Take aim at your most demanding machining needs - engraving, milling, threading,
• Starting at the neck or just below the
reaming, and boring. Big or small, Tormach hits the bullseye to
rib cage, cut through the belly as far as
deliver for you.
you can, then cut between the hind legs
Tormach PCNC 1100 Series 3
to expose the end of the small intestine. starting at
• Remove the guts and the greenish
Shown here with
optional stand, LCD
$8480
(plus shipping)
gland embedded in the liver, making monitor, machine
arms, and accessories.
sure not to puncture it, so the bile
doesn’t taint the meat. Cantilever GoPro camera Picatinny
• Chop the rabbit into pieces for easier Mount made by Strikemark,
cooking. manufactured on a PCNC 1100.

COOK IT
The easiest way to cook your hare is to
panfry; you can bread it first or just fry it
up plain. Adding vegetables and liquid to
it can make for a nice stew if you cook it
for a couple of hours.
Follow knifemaker John Grimsmo as
he makes his own knives with a PCNC
1100 on his web series, Knifemaking
Tuesdays, at www.tormach.com/kmt.

snowshoes and headed into the ever- www.tormach.com/asg

green swamp with bow and arrow. As
soon as I entered the cover, fresh rabbit
tracks in the newly fallen snow indicated
a busy night of feeding. It was quite time-
consuming, following the hare trails and
thrashing covers with my snowshoes. I
was afraid my opportunity had come and
gone when I missed the rabbit. But I truly
enjoy following fresh tracks, any tracks.
My afternoon was winding down, and I
wasn’t gaining on the rabbit that I had
shot low on. As several tracks intermin-
gled, I paused.
My eyes followed a lone set of tracks
that left the dense surroundings of the
swamp. In long strides, the prints headed
toward a tall blue spruce 35 yards away.
At the outer limits of a low-hanging
bough, my eyes locked on a snowshoe
rabbit sitting in the classic crouched
pose, convinced of its security. The vary-
ing hare was slightly quartering away
from me. It was a shot waiting to happen.
But this time I made a quick check with
the rangefinder. The snowshoe rabbit
was just within my bow range. It was just

77
ASG_1310_BG_BOWS 9/23/13 1:45 AM Page 78

BOWS Follow Your Arrow

Often overlooked, bows can be
effective survival weapons
BY ERIN HATFIELD

WHEN EVALUATING SURVIVAL WEAPONS, bows are often over-

looked in favor of firearms.
But bows can be effective weapons for both hunting and protec-
tion. Unlike firearms, bows don’t require heavy ammunition, nor do
they generate attention-grabbing noise when deployed.
An added bonus: one arrow can be reused several different times.
New technology is making bows faster, quieter and more accurate
weapons for just about any situation.
Following is a collection of bows and accessories that would be a
great addition to any survival tool kit and help put food on the table or
keep you and your family safe.

MATHEWS
1
$999

“Mathews has
introduced new
bow models
designed with the
discriminating
archer in mind!”

78
ASG_1310_BG_BOWS 9/23/13 1:45 AM Page 79
BOWS Guide
1 MATHEWS
Model: Creed Bow
www.mathewsinc.com
MSRP: $999
Key Features: Balanced system,
lightweight, compact
Description: New from Mathews is
the Creed bow, featuring the all-new
SimPlex Cam. This technology makes
the Creed one of the smoothest-draw-
ing, high-energy single cam bow ever
created. The Creed is designed
around a balanced synergistic sys-
tem, giving it an amazing blend of
speed, quietness and accuracy all in a
lightweight, compact bow. Axle to
axle, the Creed measures 30 inches
with a seven-inch brace height, and it
features IBO speeds of up to 328 feet
per second. Reported draw weights
are 50-70 pounds; draw lengths are
26-30 inches.
Manufacturer’s Comments: “Math-
ews has introduced new bow models
designed with the discriminating archer
in mind! Creed is the signature bow
“The IQ Micro offered and is fueled by an all-new
Bowsight will high-performance SimPlexCam. The
Creed truly is Advanced Simplicity.”
increase your —ALICIA CAPTILLO, MATHEWS SPOKESPERSON
effective
shooting range
by 20 yards or
more and increase
your confidence.”
IQ BOWSIGHTS
2
$149.99-$169.99
79
buyer’s
2 IQ BOWSIGHTS
Model: IQ MICRO BOWSIGHT
www.iqbowsights.com
MSRP: $149.99-$169.99
Key Features: Three-, five- or seven-
pin configuration, tool-free locking
knobs
Description: The IQ Micro Bowsight
with Retina Lock Technology enables
archers to shoot longer distances and
tighter groups than ever before. The
bowsight features micro adjustment
control and .019 fiber optic pins for
even greater accuracy and precision.
Retina Lock instant feedback technol-
ogy controls muscle memory, form
and consistency, allowing you to
shoot longer distances with tighter
groups. Available in both right- and
left-hand configurations, the bowsight
also contains micro-adjust windage
and elevation knobs, tool-free locking
knobs, built-in sight level, and an
adjustable second axis.
Manufacturer’s Comments: “If
shooters torque their bows, or their
anchor point is off, even a 1/4-inch, the
shot can be off more than 10 inches at
40 yards. The IQ Micro Bowsight will
increase your effective shooting range
by 20 yards or more and increase your
confidence. IQ stands behind this state-
ment with a bold, money-back guaran-
tee!”—KIM CALAHAN, IQ BOWSIGHT SPOKESPERSON
ASG_1310_BG_BOWS 9/23/13 1:45 AM Page 80

buyer’s
Guide BOWS BEAR ARCHERY
3
$849.99
3 BEAR ARCHERY
Model: Empire Compound Bow
www.beararcheryproducts.com
MSRP: $849.99
“Our goal at Mission
Key Features: New grip design, smooth draw, high efficiency
is to build bows
Description: Bear Archery’s Empire bow’s speeds are fueled by a combina- that outperform
tion of the all-new S13 Cams and the Max Pre-Load Quad Limbs. The fastest,
smoothest and most versatile cam on the market, the S13 incorporates their price…”
every critical aspect: speed, smooth draw cycle, maximum efficiency and
ease-of-adjustment. Empire’s new advanced grip is designed to eliminate
hand torque and deliver unmatched accuracy—regardless of your desired
grip setup. Axle to axle, the Empire measures 32 inches with a seven-inch
brace height, and it features IBO speeds of up to 330 feet per second.
Reported draw weights are 50-70 pounds; draw lengths are 24-31 inches.

Manufacturer’s Comments: “We don’t think about a bow as being ‘just any
bow.’ To us, they’re highly efficient, precise tools of the trade—exactly why
each bow in our lineup must be light, fast, smooth, shock-free, and absolutely
silent. The all-new Empire is every bit of those characteristics and more.”—
JASON PICKERILL, MEDIA SPOKESPERSON

4 MISSION ARCHERY
Model: Ballistic bow
www.missionarchery.com
MSRP: $499

Key Features: Smooth draw, incredible speed, quiet release

Description: The Mission Archery Ballistic bow features the Advance Vec-
toring Cam System, proven technology known for its smooth draw and
incredible speed. Its highly efficient modular AVS cam system offers the per-
fect combination of adjustability and performance on just one set of limbs,
so you can go from 26-30 inches in draw length and 50-70 pounds in draw
weight without using a bow press. It also comes with a Dead End string stop
and String Grubbs to dampen residual noise and vibration. The Ballistic mea-
sures 30.5-inch axle-to-axle, with a seven-inch brace height and IBO rating
of 330 feet per second.

Manufacturer’s Comments: “Our goal at Mission is to build bows that out-

perform their price,” says Jon DuMars, Director of Mission Archery. “The Ballis-
tic not only looks like a high-end bow, it performs like one too. It’s comfortable
in hand, quiet, fast and deadly accurate.”

5 PSE ARCHERY
Model: X-FORCE Dream Season DNA
www.pse-archery.com
MSRP: $899.99

Key Features: Ultra-light, smooth performance, high tuneability

Description: The Dream Season DNA by PSE was created by using a riser
forged out of state-of-the-art, ultra-light and ultra-strong aluminum alloy,
the new DNA weighs in at only 3.7 pounds. It features PSE’s new Center Pull
technology that places the arrow in the exact center of the bow for unparal-
leled tuneability and exceptional performance. The new Core cam produces
speeds of up to 352 feet per second, has five inches of draw length adjust-
ment on the inner-cam and is incredibly smooth. The DNA measures 31
inches axle-to-axle with a brace height of six inches.

Manufacturer’s Comments: “When the Drurys challenged the engineers at

PSE to design a lightweight, high performance hunting bow, it seemed impossi-
ble. Stripping down a current model or creating a bow that was too expensive
for most hunters was not an option. Instead, PSE’s engineers set out to design
a bow that was entirely different, all the way down to its DNA.”

80
ASG_1310_BG_BOWS 9/23/13 1:45 AM Page 81

buyer’s
BOWS Guide

“each bow
in our
lineup
must be
light, fast,
smooth,
shock-free,
and
absolutely
silent.”

MISSION ARCHERY
4
$499

PSE ARCHERY
5
$899.99

“PSE’s engineers set out to design

a bow that was entirely different,
all the way down to its DNA.”

81
ASG_1310_BG_BOWS.CX 9/24/13 11:09 PM Page 82

buyer’s
Guide BOWS PARKER
6
$549.95

“the BlackHawk
6 PARKER
Model: BlackHawk Crossbow
www.parkerbows.com is the fastest,
MSRP: $549.95 lightest and
Key Features: Ultra-compact, light- most compact
weight, optimally balanced crossbow on
Description: The BlackHawk crossbow the market.”
features Parker’s proprietary Advanced
Split Limb Technology with integrated
Fulcrum Pocket System, making it
ultra-compact while delivering IBO
speeds of more than 320 feet per sec-
ond. With the Bull-Pup trigger and
QUEST BOWHUNTING
7
ergonomic textured pistol grip, the
BlackHawk is easy to maneuver in a
$699.99-$799.99
treestand or ground blind. At a mere
6.5 pounds, the BlackHawk is also
lightweight and optimally balanced for
a steadier aim on the target. The Black-
Hawk features Parker’s EZ pull system
that reduces cocking effort, making
Parker crossbows the easiest to cock in
the industry.

Manufacturer’s Comments: “Perfect

for ground blinds with its spider web
black finish, the BlackHawk is the
fastest, lightest and most compact
crossbow on the market.”
7 QUEST BOWHUNTING
Model: Drive
www.questbowhunting.com
MSRP: $699.99-$799.99

Key Features: Smooth draw, low noise and vibration

Description: Quest Bowhunting’s Drive bow features

the new Flux Cam, which provides an extremely
smooth draw, allowing any hunter to make a quiet
and steady draw in the woods. Drive also provides a
stable platform with its newly designed machined
riser to create one of the most forgiving and accurate
bows Quest has developed. Drive also features the
patent-pending I-Glide Flex, which reduces cam lean
by 25 percent by minimizing side load from the
cables, while creating an incredibly smooth draw. The
Drive delivers IBO speeds of up to 330 feet per sec-
ond, measuring 33.25 inches axle-to-axle with a
seven-inch brace height.

Manufacturer’s Comments: “Quest has spent count-

less hours behind the CNC machines and out in the field
to develop a bow that is geared towards forgiveness,
smoothness, and accuracy. The all-new Drive by Quest
is a bow that every hunter will trust to take down the
next mountain or up the next treestand.”
—DAVID HAWKEY, MARKETING DIRECTOR

82
ASG_1310_BG_BOWS 9/23/13 1:46 AM Page 83

buyer’s
BOWS Guide

“The technologies
implemented in the
Experience are so
advanced that they add
proficiency to every
aspect of the shot.”

8 BOW TECH ARCHERY

Model: Experience
www.bowtecharchery.com
8
BOW TECH ARCHERY
$999
MSRP: $999

Key Features: Ultra-low vibration,

Extinguish Dampening System

Description: BowTech Archery’s Experi-

ence is an incredible compound bow built
to deliver a smooth draw and silent shot
with ultra-low vibration and pinpoint accu-
racy every time. The new features added to
BowTech’s technology platform include
CarbonCore Limbs that deliver intense effi-
ciency, stability and consistency with every
draw and the Extinguish Dampening Sys-
tem that reduces noise and vibration, both
in the shot and after release. Experience is
also built on a specially designed riser that
repositions the CarbonCore limbs for a
smoother draw cycle and rock solid stabil-
ity at full draw. Delivering IBO speeds up to
335 feet per second, the Experience mea-
sures 32 inches axle-to-axle with a seven-
inch brace height.

Manufacturer’s Comments: “BowTech

has built a bow that no other manufacturer
can match,” said Samuel Coalson, Director of
Marketing for BowTech. “The technologies
implemented in the Experience are so
advanced that they add proficiency to every
aspect of the shot. Every draw is smooth and
every shot is quiet, vibration-free and deadly
accurate without compromising speed.”

“The all-new Drive

by Quest is a bow
that every hunter
will trust to take
down the next
mountain or up the
next treestand.”

83
ASG_1310_URBAN 9/23/13 1:50 AM Page 84

SURVIVAL IN THE CITY might even be tougher than in

the wilderness! Urban environments provide lots of lux-
uries, but in an emergency scenario, it pays to know
what to do to get out fast. We show you what maps
you’ll need and give you a get-home plan to boot. And
don’t forget: Just because you live in the big city doesn’t
mean you can’t do a little urban “homesteading;” check
out how to compost and do yourself and the environ-
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

ment a favor!

84
ASG_1310_85 9/20/13 4:04 AM Page 85
ASG_1310_MAP 9/23/13 1:56 AM Page 86

MAP
By Ted Florence

“What happens when you’re

in unfamiliar territory
and a disaster hits?”

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

86
ASG_1310_MAP 9/23/13 1:56 AM Page 87

QUEST FOUR TYPES OF MAPS THAT CAN

HELP YOU GET YOUR BEARINGS IN
AN EMERGENCY SITUATION

ISASTER HITS. YOU’RE IN UNFAMILIAR

D TERRITORY. NOW WHAT?

A disaster can be as simple as a flat tire on a
remote road or a major weather event, but in any
case, proper preparation is always the best route
toward survival.
Being somewhat familiar with a new area is the first step
to surviving there, and a good way to familiarize yourself is
to consult a map. Keeping a variety of maps as part of your
essentials is key in times of disaster.

87
ASG_1310_MAP 9/23/13 1:56 AM Page 88
MAP
An example of an orthoimagery map.
“Being somewhat familiar with a new area will go a long way, and keeping
a map as part of your essentials is key in times of disaster.”
Visiting new locations can
be an adventure, but in any
unexpected emergency, safety
should be a priority. Having a
map with you can at least
ensure you’ll be able to find
your way around, which can
go a long way in staying safe.
Take a look at the follow-
ing different aspects and
types of maps to give you
some direction!
IMPORTANCE OF
SCALE
Today, there is a variety
of maps to suit every activity
under the sun—from a simple
recreational map to a detailed
topographical one featuring
trails, landforms and physical
landmarks. Having multiple
maps is recommended, but
not always possible. How-
ever, in an emergency, having
a couple of maps of various
scales is beneficial as a large
scale map of your immediate
location shows more detail
PHOTO COURTESY OF AVENZA SYSTEMS, INC.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AVENZA SYSTEMS, INC.
Here is a Yokohama Transit map in a different language
TYPES OF MAPS
Topographic Nautical Park/Transit Orthoimagery
while a small scale map can landscape as it relates to a
show the surrounding area TOPOGRAPHIC, current location.
with features such as high- NAUTICAL AND Nautical maps provide a
ways, nearby towns and cities ORTHOIMAGERY glimpse of the soundings of a
where shelter and help may MAPS body of water and are helpful
be found. As mentioned, topo- if you’re near the ocean or a
Keep in mind that publish- graphic maps are useful when lake. However, they often
ers continually update paper traveling over land. They lack detail of the surrounding
maps to include the latest offer detailed elevation val- land, and unless it’s a highly
road and landmark changes. ues, which provide an impres- accurate nautical map, many
However, it’s possible to run sion of the landscape and spe- aren’t deemed suitable for
into a topographic map of a cific features such as roads, navigational purposes as
large landmass, such as a railways and sometimes, even depths and hazards can easily
mountain range, that may not building footprints. Using a fluctuate.
have been updated since the topographic map in a flood Orthoimagery maps are
last land survey, which in disaster, for example, could typically high-resolution aerial
many cases can be decades. In provide a quick view of low- images that combine visual
these cases, some maps may lying areas where water levels attributes with spatial infor-
not address current elevation are elevated, as well as high- mation on a map and can
changes or demarcations that ground areas to take shelter. serve as a function base map
have been affected by flood, For years, people have to start. The difference
earthquake or fire. With used topographic maps in the between topographic and
many running at a scale of wilderness. Depending on its orthoimagery maps is that
1:10,000 to 1:500,000, some scale, these maps often topographic maps tend to
may not offer the helpful demarcate landmarks such as generalize certain features of
details that other maps may ranger stations and watch a landscape due to scale
include. Having the most cur- towers. Elevation markings whereas an orthoimagery
rent maps will be essential in also aid as an invaluable tool map will show as much detail
seeking safety in any disaster. to understanding the changing as a photo can show, includ-
88
ASG_1310_MAP 9/23/13 1:56 AM Page 89
“The most easily accessible maps
are park and transit maps, which
are updated on a regular basis.”
ing man-made landmarks.
Both are informational but
orthoimagery maps may be
harder to come by.
“URBAN” MAPS:
PARK AND TRAN-
SIT MAPS
The most easily accessible
maps are park and transit
maps, which are updated on a
regular basis.
Many of these maps are
large scale, so they display
details of roads, buildings
and many other visual land-
marks. Trails and dirt roads
may not show up on mass-
produced topographic maps,
but park maps are created to
provide the most detailed
snapshot of the area, making
these the easiest to navigate
for map readers.
WHAT URBAN
MAPS DISPLAY
• Details of roads, buildings
and many other visual
landmarks.
• Detailed snapshots of
trails and dirt roads.
LOCAL
LANGUAGE
If you travel out of the
country often, storing a map
written in the local language
can also make communication
easier in an emergency. Some
consider maps a “universal”
tool, as they works off of
images and drawings that
most can understand.
However, in an urban
environment with street
names and landmarks to
contend with, reading maps
in another language is stress-
a hold of a paper or digi-
tal map that covers your
PAPER OR DIGITAL? route to and from your
• Paper: Always able to use it.
destination is always a
• Digital: When the grid goes down,
good rule of thumb as it
can be referenced at any
you’re out of luck.
• Solution: Use both!
point. Even the most
basic map is better than
ful. As an example, a map in none at all as it ensures
English may suit an American quicker. Similarly, in an emer- you have alternatives when a
tourist in Japan, but in a time gency, carrying a variety of disaster may cut off your
of distress or dire need, maps digitally on a mobile original plans.
more than likely you’ll have phone can be a valuable sub-
to resort to asking a local stitute when paper maps Ted Florence is the president of Avenza
for extra direction. Using a aren’t available. Systems Inc., a private Canadian company
that develops, markets and supports com-
map with Japanese text can
THE WRAPUP
puter software products and royalty-free
make finding a destination an map data for the mapping geographic
easier process if locals Whether it be a topo- information (GIS) industries including the
understand where you want graphic, nautical, orthoim- popular PDF Maps mobile app for iOS and
Android.
to go or need to show you agery or urban map, keeping
where you are.
PAPER VERSUS
DIGITAL
MORE INFORMATION
Technology has changed
Want to find out more about iOS and Android maps?
how maps are used today, but
Check out www.avenza.com or call 416-487-5115.
will the paper map ever be
completely replaced? More
than likely, no. Often times,
we’ll take for granted that a
Google-type app with turn- Get Your official world of firepower
by-turn directions will get us
anywhere, but the fact is, in T-Shirt Today!
times of disaster when band-
width goes out or electricity
may not be available for long
periods of time to recharge a
battery or when traveling
internationally where cell ser-
vice isn’t accessible, you might
be left to your own devices—
literally; or in need of a map
and supporting app that can
work offline.
Although paper maps and
digital maps both have strong
points and drawbacks, they
are both useful and generally
not really mutually exclusive. Front
Digital maps, when paired
with a GPS device, can serve
as the most practical tool for
any lost traveler. Today,
only
emergency providers who $19.95
once carried a briefcase of
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large cumbersome maps to
back
track and service a disaster
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ground and aircraft personnel BUY THEM ONLINE AT ENGAGEDMEDIAMAGS.COM
OR CALL US AT 800-764-6278
100% Pre-Shrunk Cotton * Black Shirt with Red and Grey Screen Print
ASG_1310_COMPOST.CX 9/24/13 11:06 PM Page 90
EARTH I
SAVERS
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY IDEAS TO
START AN URBAN COMPOST PROJECT
BY KRISTIN WEBB-HOLLERING
90
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
F YOU FIND SELF-
SUFFICIENCY ATTRAC-
TIVE AND YOU LIVE IN AN
URBAN ENVIRONMENT,
YOU FACE A BIT OF A
PARADOX. CITIES ARE
SYSTEMIZED GRIDS—
FROM THE SIGNAL LIGHTS
ON THE ROADS TO THE
ELECTRICITY IN YOUR HOUSE.
WHILE YOU MAY NOT THINK
OF IT AFTER WALKING OUT
YOUR TRASH, YOUR GARBAGE
IS NO EXCEPTION. SO WHAT
HAPPENS WHEN THE GRID
GOES DOWN?
If you want to start building
habits now that will prevent a heap-
ing pile of stench in the event of a
disaster—while also helping reduce
the load on our landfills now—read
on about urban composting.
ASG_1310_COMPOST.CX 9/24/13 11:07 PM Page 91

HOW TO VERMICOMPOST
> 1. Build or buy a home for your worms from wood or plastic. Remember to drill holes to
allow for air at the top and drainage at the bottom.

GETTING STARTED
Before you start throwing your food
scraps in a pail, check with your landlord
or community organizer to ensure you are
in keeping with environmental guidelines.
The United State Department of Agri-
culture Natural Resources Conservation
Service (www.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs)
reminds us to “check on any local or
> 2. Don’t let your worms get too hot or too cold. 60- to 75-degrees Fahrenheit is the perfect
temperature for them to do their dirty work.
> 3. Make their quarters nice and cozy with a mixture of moistened old papers, cardboard,
and soil.
> 4. Digging up worms from your compound won’t work. To ensure healthy composting, go
with red wigglers (eisenia fetida).
> 5. Feed them yummy scraps, but avoid meat, fish, dairy and citrus.
> 6. In three to six months, your wiggly helpers can be moved to one side of the bin and what
is left on the other is gooey, great compost!
Source: worms.ncsu.edu

state regulations for composting in urban

areas—some communities may require
rodent-proof bins.”
There are two popular methods of
indoor composting that are easy to start
and do not require a lot of upkeep. One
is called “compost in a bag” and the

“Success with
composting, whether
indoor or outdoor,
requires making a com-
mitment to the process
and finding a method
that fits the needs of
the household…”
—Cindy Salter, expert and coordinator, “Red wigglers”
https://ask.extension.org/ making in-roads
in some rich soil.

other is vermicomposting, which utilizes

worms in mixing up your scraps. Both
are relatively easy and portable ways to
cut down on your waste production and
help the environment.
We went to Cindy Salter, coordina-
tor of Ask an Expert for eOrganic and edi-
tor of eOrganic articles and short
courses, to talk about composting.
She emphasized that “success with
composting, whether indoor or outdoor,
requires making a commitment to the
process and finding a method that fits the
needs of the household. While not partic-
ularly difficult, indoor composting requires
thoughtful planning to be successful.”

BAG IT
Bag composting is as simple as finding
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

a plastic trash bag! Because composts

need circulating air to help break down
the plant material, you will need to cut a
few holes in the trash bag. Over time
Vermicomposting at its best.

91
ASG_1310_COMPOST 9/23/13 2:15 AM Page 92

EARTH
materials, such as newspaper strips
mixed with water with soil on top.”
A portable bin to house your worms
in is ideal, especially for the disaster-con-
scious composter. Having a home for
your urban resource and being able to
move it in an emergency can be beneficial.
Take into consideration this location
advice from Salter: “Find the right spot
for the container—utility room, laundry
room, or garage are good choices, but
not too far from the kitchen where the
food scraps are generated.”
Last, when you put your vermicom-
post together, make sure you mix up a
thoughtful combination of bedding,
worms, and food. Worms.ncsu.edu rec-
ommends a mixture of moistened leaves
and discarded paper products with a little
dirt. When it comes to feeding your
worms with waste, Salter reminds new

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
composters, “Most worm composting
From the cutting

experts advise against dairy, meat, fish,

board to the

bones, and large amounts of citrus waste

compost bin.

in a warm bin.”

these holes can tear, causing the debris MIXING IT UP

to fall out when you are adding to the Another popular way to compost in
trash bag or moving it about. To prevent the city is bag composting. While vermi-
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

this, tape the areas of the trash bag composting utilizes worms to do the
where you will be cutting the holes to work of mixing the scraps up and break-
reinforce them and pre- ing down the waste
vent tearing. A good, materials, bag compost-
industrial-strength tape WORM COMPOSTING ing relies on manpower
about three inches to mix up the scraps.
wide will work well. A watertight bag is
• Find a good container of the right

Start filling your best to start with rec-

size for your household.

compost bag by layering ommends the Home

• Get worms to start the process.

in brown debris such as and Environment sup-

• Find bedding materials.

dead leaves and straw. plement from

• Determine location: utility room,

Next, add green mater- www.extension.pur-

laundry room, garage.

ial such as grass, and due.edu.

• Provide food for worms (fruit and

kitchen refuse such as After adding green

veggie scraps, peels or rinds,

banana peels, eggshells, materials like paper,

brown and green leaves).

and coffee grounds. Fin- soil, and water, the Pur-

ish by adding a little blood meal, lime, a
few shovels of dirt, and about one-half gal-
lon of water from a garden hose. Securely
tie the bag shut. Once a week, shake the
We need to change our habits before it’s too late.
due pamphlet continues, “The bag should
be strong enough to hold all the ingredi-
ents without breaking. Squeeze the bag
daily to mix the compost and open the

bag to mix the contents.
“Composting should be WORM’S THE WORD
managed in a way that “Worm composting is more practical
for indoor composting, and definitely
more common,” Salter maintains.
does not attract pests,
whether it is indoors, “Vermicomposting is relatively easy
on a porch, or in the and requires little to get started. For
back yard…” worm composting, you’ll need to find a
good container of the right size for your
household, enough worms to get the
-—Cindy Salter, expert and coordinator,
bag every other day to check the mois-
ture. If it is too wet, leave the bag open
until it dries to the right level. If it is too
dry, add water.”
KEEPING IT CLEAN
Rodents and pets will be attracted to
the scent of your composting, so keep it
safe and sanitary.
Salter reminds the urban composter,
“the presence of rodents and other pests

process started, and a source of bedding in living quarters can be the result of
https://ask.extension.org/

92
ASG_1310_COMPOST 9/23/13 2:15 AM Page 93

This means selecting the right system to FOR MORE INFO

minimize odors and access.”
If you are worried about the load of
If you want to know more, contact

garbage you are dragging to the curb or

Ask An Expert at ask.extension.org.

dumpster, you should be. The earth is

eXtension is an interactive learning

overburdened with waste, and disaster is

environment.

around the bend. Now is the time to

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

reduce your dependence on our cities’ Kristin Webb-Hollering is a freelance writer

waste management systems and learn to working out of North Carolina. This busy mother
of four and former teacher enjoys gardening, writ-
start managing your own. 10:55 ing,
AMreading and walking
Page 1 for fun.

From the kitchen to the landfill. We consume, but

we also throw away, and a crisis is ensuing.

many factors. If they are present in your

building or neighborhood, it is reasonable
to be wary. Pests are attracted to food
sources, so the best way to prevent them
from becoming a problem is good house-
keeping.”
The survival expert will recognize the
need to keep your compost safe from
creatures to avoid contamination from
disease and dander.
Salter explains why this is essential,
“composting should be managed in a way
that does not attract pests, whether it is
indoors, on a porch, or in the backyard.

SET UP A
WORM BED
Start the worm-bed by shredding one-
inch strips of newspaper, enough to fill
the container.
Soak the shredded strips of newspa-
pers with water. Squeeze out the excess
water and fluff-up the wet newspaper.
Place the fluffed-up wet newspaper into
the container. The container should be
one-half to three-fourths full.
In a well-lit area or outside on a sunny
day, empty the worms on top of the
shredded newspaper (making sure the
light or sun is shining down on the box).
The worms will quickly go down into the
bedding material because they don’t like
the light. (If the area isn’t well-lit, the
worms won’t go down into the bedding
and they might crawl out.) Once they go
into the bedding, they will start making
their new home in the bedding. Keep the
bedding moist but not wet.
Then, add a little soil over the bedding
material. Worms need soil or sand to
digest their food. Wait for about seven
days before adding other food to the
worm bed. The worms need to become
acclimated to their new environment for
the first week.

93
ASG_1310_GETHOME 9/23/13 2:24 AM Page 94

THE
LONG
94
ASG_1310_GETHOME 9/23/13 2:24 AM Page 95

make sure you have a get-home plan

—and a plan for once you get there
By Abe Elias

LL OF YOUR PREPPING HAS FINALLY PAID OFF.

A Disaster hit and you bugged out successfully and managed to survive.
Now the big question is, how do you get home? And what do you need to
know once you get there? You’d be surprised.
It’s imperative to not only plan for the disaster but for the aftermath as well.
And part of the aftermath is returning home, whether it’s to gather more things to take
with you or to settle back into your residence post-disaster. If disaster strikes and you’re
away from home, you need to know how to return.
Once you get home, there are safety precautions you should take to ensure no one
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

gets hurt, especially if the disaster affected your area.

It’s never to early to start shaping your get-home strategy, so read on and find out
good ways to do just that as well as how to deal with the actual homecoming.

WAY
HOME
95
ASG_1310_GETHOME 9/23/13 2:25 AM Page 96

HOME

A PLAN
The very first part of forming a get-home plan is to be edu- “It’s imperative to not only
cated enough to decide if you should stay or go. plan for the disaster but
Sometimes it’s more dangerous to move in an emergency for the aftermath as well.”
than to stay put. Let’s say, for example, you’re at work and com-
plete chaos ensues. It’s likely better for you to just stay there
and hunker down until the worst of the situation is over. In the
event of a power outage or something
along those lines, you’ll probably want to
get home. In that event, make sure you are
familiar with all the safe exits at your
OVERVIEW
workplace so you can get out quickly and
Part I

efficiently. In addition, you might want to

• Determine if you

contact someone near your place of work

should stay or go.

and arrange to seek safety there until you

Part II

can get home. Whatever you choose, you

• Designate a safe

should always keep your family and loved

house.

ones apprised of the plan so their worry is

Part III

kept to a minimum.
• Make sure you have

If the chaos is happening en route to

the right tools.

your home, it’s always better to take an

Part IV

indirect route, so make sure you familiarize

• Carefully check to

yourself with back roads and off-the-

make sure it’s all

beaten path ways to get there. Sometimes

right to stay home.

you actually need to head in the other

direction away from home until you have cleared the area of
chaos. Once you’ve gotten past the gridlocked area, it will be
easier to find transportation. Study local maps and make sure
you come up with more than one route you can take.

THE SAFE HOUSE

Each member of the family should have a designated place
they can “escape” to in the event that they can’t return to the
house. Think about a scenario in which there’s a fire in your area
and you can’t get in any way. You’re stuck with nothing: no food,
no clothes, no place to stay. If you arrange with friends or family

MAP SAVVY
Read local maps and make sure you have a few different get-home
routes you can use should an emergency arise while you’re at work.

96
ASG_1310_GETHOME 9/23/13 2:25 AM Page 97

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
GET-HOME
BAG CONTENTS
It’s important to have
the following items avail-
able at work, just like you
do in your car or at your
home:
• Comfortable walking
shoes
• Blanket
• Flashlight or head lamp
• Rain coat
• Something to read (to
pass the time)
• Money (in an emergency,
cash is king)
• 1 Gerber multi-tool
• 8 extra batteries
• 1 fixed blade knife
• 2 boxes waterproof
matches
• 1 fire steel & striker
• 2 sticks Coleman fire
starter tinder
• 2 mini Bic lighters
• 2 emergency candles
• 4 light sticks
• Nalgene water bottle
with built-in filter (imme-
diate water needs—fill
bottle and drink through
the straw filter built-in
while continuing to
move)
• Water purification tablets
(enough to make three
days’ water)
• MREs (stripped of exter-
nal packaging to fit bet-
ter in pack)
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

• 1 battery booster for cell

phone
• 2 pairs of socks
• 1 first aid kit

97
ASG_1310_GETHOME 9/23/13 2:25 AM Page 98

HOME

COMMUNICATE
It’s key that each member of your family knows what the
emergency plan is. That includes a plan involving where each
person will go in the case of disaster, where the family will
meet up again, and making sure everyone knows alternate
routes back to your house.

to evacuate to their house, you’ll at least have shelter until you

can get back into your house.
It’s key that each family member knows where he or she
would go in the case of an emergency, and of course make sure
everyone is aware of each others’ plans. Have a plan A and at
least a good idea of what plan B and C are. Because in an emer-
gency, nothing will ever go as planned.

NUTS AND BOLTS

Part of any strategy is making sure you have the right tools
and know how to utilize them. You should always keep a get-
home bag in your car. Make sure you keep the kit up-to-date,
too. Keep your car in tiptop shape with a full tank of gas. Should
disaster strike and you’re able to bug out quickly enough by car,
you certainly don’t want it breaking down or running out of gas.

ONCE YOU GET THERE

Once you get home, make sure you check out things prop-
erly to see if everything is ok to stay put.
Check the outside of your home before you enter. Look for
loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundation
cracks, missing support beams or other damage. Damage on the
outside can indicate a serious problem inside. Ask a building
inspector or contractor to check the structure before you enter.
If the door is jammed, don’t force it open—it may be pro-
viding support to the rest of your home. Find another way to
get inside.
Sniff for gas. If you detect natural or propane gas, or hear a
hissing noise, leave the property immediately and get far away
from it. Call the fire department after you reach safety. If you
have a propane tank system, turn off all valves and contact a
propane supplier to check the system out before you use it again.
Beware of animals, such as rodents, snakes, spiders and
insects that may have entered your home. As you inspect your
home, tap loudly and often on the floor with a stick to give
notice that you are there.
Damaged objects, such as furniture or stairs, may be unsta-
ble. Be very cautious when moving near them. Avoid holding,
pushing or leaning against damaged building parts.
Is your ceiling sagging? That means it got wet, which makes it
heavy and dangerous. It will have to be replaced, so you can try
to knock it down. Be careful: wear eye protection and a hard
hat, use a long stick, and stand away from the damaged area.
Poke holes in the ceiling starting from the outside of the bulge to
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

let any water drain out slowly. Striking the center of the dam-
aged area may cause the whole ceiling to collapse.

98
ASG_1310_99 9/20/13 4:06 AM Page 99

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savagearms.com
ASG_1310_GETHOME 9/23/13 2:25 AM Page 100

HOME

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

“The very first part of forming a get-

home plan is to be educated enough to
decide if you should stay or go.”
YOU’VE ARRIVED
Once you actually get home, make sure it’s safe to
Is the floor sagging? It could collapse under your weight, so
don’t walk there! Small sections that are sagging can be bridged
by thick plywood panels or thick, strong boards that extend at
least 8–12 inches on each side of the sagging area.
If the weather is dry, open windows and doors to ventilate
and/or dry your home.
If the power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open
flame, including candles, to inspect for damage or serve as alter-
nate lighting.

Make temporary repairs such as covering holes, bracing walls,

be in there.

and removing debris.

• If you smell gas, don’t go in; call the fire department.
• Turn off all vales for propane gas systems.

THE TAKEAWAY
• Beware of animals that may have entered.

Emergencies come in a number of different shapes and forms.

• Don’t lean on damaged building parts.

Since you never know quite what to expect, taking the time to
• Don’t force the door open if it’s jammed.

prepare for just about anything increases your odds of survival.

• If the ceiling is sagging, carefully poke holes in it.

Stop. Look around you. Examine the potential threats and make
• Don’t walk on sagging floors.

a plan about how to deal with them. Take the time, be prepared
• If it’s dry weather, open windows for ventilation.

and be a survivor.
• Do not use any open flame to check for damage;
choose a flashlight.

100
ASG_1310_BG_BAGS.CX 9/24/13 11:08 PM Page 102

BAGS Survival on the Go

Bug-out bags and get-home kits enable you to
make a quick getaway in an emergency situation
BY ERIN HATFIELD

MOST SURVIVAL ENTHUSIASTS are no stranger to bug-out bags, a supply kit

containing goods that can help you survive for about 72 hours in situations where
there is no guarantee of food or shelter.
The bags contain needed supplies if you are forced to evacuate either home
or work due to a natural or manmade disaster such as a hurricane or wildfire.
Many people keep fully stocked bug-out bags by their front doors, in their
vehicles or even in their offices, because you never know when or where disaster
may strike.
Read on to learn more about some great available bags.

“This stealthy,
covert kit was
designed to make
the difference
between life and
death when all
NITRO-PAK heck breaks loose.”
1
$279

102
ASG_1310_BG_BAGS 9/23/13 2:44 AM Page 103
1 NITRO-PAK
Model: Urban Survival-Pak
www.nitro-pak.com
MSRP: $279
Key Features: Lightweight, concealed
weapon compartment, Coby AM/FM Radio
Description: The Urban Survival Pak com-
bines tactical survival, evasion and escape
gear in one compact and lightweight unit.
Designed to get you safely home to your
loved ones, the kit contains items selected
to give you the tools you’ll need to stay safe
and survive any emergency situation. Devel-
oped by survival experts with military and
security hands-on experience, the kit’s com-
pact size and light weight easily accommo-
date the possibility of traveling many miles
by foot to reach a safe spot. In addition to 72
essential survival items, the Urban Survival
Pak contains a Gerber suspension multi-tool,
Aquamira water filter bottle and a Coby
AM/FM radio. The kit comes in a cover tacti-
cal messenger bag with built-in hidden
weapon zippered compartment.
Manufacturer’s Comment: “With more than
12 months of R&D and testing that went into
this kit, don’t confuse this for a standard ‘72
hour or Bug-out Kit.’ Far from it! This stealthy,
covert kit was designed to make the differ-
ence between life and death when all heck
breaks loose, Zombie Apocalypse or not!”
buyer’s
BUG-OUT BAGS Guide
2 SURVIVAL BAGS, INC.
Model: Elite Emergency Building
Escape Survival Bag
www.survivalbagsinc.com
MSRP: $375
Key Features: FOX Tactical Duty Pack;
Leatherman multi-tool; Headlamp
Description: The Elite Building Escape Sur-
vival Bag provides emergency tools, gear
and first aid to assist in escaping a building,
apartment, or other area in which you may
have to escape in an emergency. Two differ-
ent bags are available, the FOX Tactical Duty
Pack (in high-visibility safety orange) or FOX
Tactical Cobra Gold Reconnaissance Pack (in
black). The survival bag contains a two-day
food and water supply, a firefighter rescue
survival axe from Ontario Knife, a Leather-
man multi-tool, a Pico LED mini lantern and
an eGear headlamp. Also included are an
Ultimate Survival Technologies BASE Kit, an
emergency blanket and poncho, and other
shelter, safety and hygiene items. SURVIVAL BAGS, INC.
2
Manufacturer’s Comment: “This is a great $375
bag to have at the ready in case you need to
escape in an emergency.”
103
ASG_1310_BG_BAGS 9/23/13 2:44 AM Page 104
buyer’s
Guide BUG-OUT BAGS
3 REDEPACK
Model: 1-Person Emergency Pack
www.redepack.com
MSRP: $169.95
Key Features: Three-day pack; LED crank
light; food and water; work gloves
Description: The RedePack 1-Person Emer-
gency Pack contains enough supplies to
sustain one person for three full days,
including food and water. The safety and
hygiene items in the pack include a folding
multi-tool, an LED crank light, a first-aid kit,
emergency shelter, duct tape, a compass,
lightsticks and candles. All items are packed
within a high-quality large, multi-compart-
ment backpack. Backpack features angled,
adjustable compression straps, padded
shoulder straps, zippered accessory pock-
ets, padded back panel and hook for attach-
ing extra gear. Loaded with survival gear
and supplies for any emergency situation,
the bug-out bag adheres to Ready.gov
emergency prepared guidelines and stan-
dards. The compact size makes it ideal for
easy storage in a vehicle, home or office.
Manufacturer’s Comment: “The RedePack
1-Person Emergency Pack is filled with
expert-recommended products for virtually
any emergency or survival situation.”—NICOLE
OLSON, REDEPAK MARKETING
REDEPACK
3
$169.95
104
4 ECHO-SIGMA
Model: Get-Home Bag
www.echo-sigma.com
MSRP: $249
Key Features: Condor hydration system,
compact size, thermal sleeping bag
Description: The Echo-Sigma Emergency
Get-Home Bag is designed to provide provi-
sions and tools appropriate to help you get
home (or other suitable shelter) should an
emergency emerge while you are going
about everyday life. The Echo-Sigma Get-
Home Bag is a mid-sized disaster prepared-
ness kit that is perfectly suited to keep on-
hand in the office, vehicle or dorm room. In
addition to food and water rations, the kit
also contains a Condor Outdoor Compact
Assault Pack, a disposable lighter, tinder kit,
emergency whistle, thermal sleeping bag
and an emergency tube tent.
Manufacturer’s Comment: “Disaster sel-
dom strikes at the time and place of your
choosing. Echo-Sigma designed the Emer-
gency Get-Home Bag to help you get home or
to your safe place, wherever disaster may
strike. All items included in this bag are pre-
configured and ready to use right out of the
box.”—BILL KIRK, ECHO-SIGMA MARKETING
“Echo-Sigma
designed the
Emergency
Get-Home Bag
to help you
get home or
to your safe
place, wher-
ever disaster
may strike.”
ASG_1310_BG_BAGS 9/23/13 2:44 AM Page 105

buyer’s
BUG-OUT BAGS Guide
ECHO-SIGMA
4
$249
ASG_1310_BG_BAGS 9/23/13 2:44 AM Page 106

buyer’s
Guide BUG-OUT BAGS

DAN’S DEPOT
5
$104.32

“We highly recommend that you add

climate-dependent clothing (like gloves
and hat in a cold climate) and a local map
of your city/region to your survival kit.”

SURVIVAL KIT
6
$109.95

106
ASG_1310_BG_BAGS.CX 9/24/13 11:05 PM Page 107

buyer’s
BUG-OUT BAGS Guide
5 DAN’S DEPOT
Model: The Ozark EDC Survival Kit
(DD-OZA-KIT)
www.dansdpot.com
MSRP: $104.32 “The Ultimate Bug-Out Kit was designed for
individuals who are not sure what they
Key Features: Mora Allround knife, high-quality
compass, survival blanket need to start their own survival kit.”
Description: Dan Bacon, cofounder of Dan’s Depot,
conducted years of research to assemble the Ozark
Every Day Carry (EDC) Survival Kit. The kit contains
a number of emergency and survival items, includ-
ing a Mora Allround knife, a Firesteel fire starter, a
Silva Polaris Baseplate compass, an Aquamira
water filtration system, a survival blanket, para-
cord, a stainless steel water bottle, duct tape, and a
lighter. In addition to survival items, the kit also
features food rations in case of emergency, power
outage, flooding, or other natural disaster. The
Ozark Kit is ideal for the workplace and/or in vehi-
cle to help you survive an emergency situation and
get home or to your safe place.

Manufacturer’s Comment: “We highly recommend

that you add climate-dependent clothing (like gloves
and hat in a cold climate) and a local map of your
city/region to your survival kit. You can usually pick
up maps at your local Chamber of Commerce.”
–DAN BACON, CO-FOUNDER OF DAN’S DEPOT

6 SURVIVALKIT.COM
Model: Ultimate Bug-Out Kit (#SK-G-SKHK)
www.survivalkit.com
MSRP: $109.95

Key Features: Food and water, 4-in-1 flashlight,

20-hour body warmer

Description: The Ultimate Bug-Out Kit is loaded

with all the best urban survival tools and essentials
to give you the peace of mind knowing that if a dis-
aster were to happen, you would be prepared. The
kit comes in a secure camouflage bug-out back-
pack that also has enough extra space for your per-
sonal items. It contains a bright orange pull-out flag
that can be used as an alert when necessary, as
well as gun straps to free your hands when you are
on the move. The Ultimate Bug-Out Kit also con-
tains an emergency survival sleeping bag; a
Dynamo 4-in-1 flashlight with a flashlight, radio,
siren and charger; water purification tablets; and a
multi-function shovel.

Manufacturer’s Comment: “The Ultimate Bug-Out

Kit was designed for individuals who are not sure
what they need to start their own survival kit.
While this is not a replacement for a good home
survival kit, it comes in very handy when you find
yourself outdoors in the wild and realize that you have
one in the car.” Les Stroud knows a good knife can save
your life. Rugged, versatile and ergonomic
– these signature knives are true survival
DON’T tools, approved by the master. Go with
FORGET Les Stroud and survive.
In addition to the basic survival
gear included in these bug-out
bags, be sure to add irreplaceable
items such as digital backups of
important documents, cash and
any prescription medication. www.camillusknives.com Camillus Brand
shop.lesstroud.ca

107
ASG_1310_BG_BAGS 9/23/13 2:45 AM Page 108

buyer’s
Guide BUG-OUT BAGS

QUAKEKARE INC.
7
$189

8 NITRO-PAK
Model: 72 Hour Tote-N’-Go Kit (#5113)
www.nitro-pak.com
MSRP: $45

Key Features: 72-hour kit, compact, five-year

food and water shelf life

Description: The Tote-N’-Go Kit is perfect for

those who are looking for excellent protection
in a single-person, 72-hour compact kit. The kit
contains an emergency blanket, a poncho, LED
flashlight with batteries, emergency food and
water rations, a survival whistle and multi-
function knife. The bag easily fits into any vehi-
cle, providing easy access to practical and use-
ful survival products that will come in handy
when a crisis strikes. The Tote-N-Go Kit comes
assembled in a heavy-duty cordura nylon bag
that’s made to survive years of abuse.

Manufacturer’s Comment:“72-hour kits can

make a difference in being able to survive an
emergency situation. With the Tote-N’-Go Kit, you
will be able to meet all of your essential needs in
an emergency.”
ASG_1310_BG_BAGS 9/23/13 2:45 AM Page 109

buyer’s
BUG-OUT BAGS Guide
7 QUAKEKARE INC.
Model: 4-Person Ultimate Deluxe Backpack Survival Kit
www.quakekare.com “Prepare now
MSRP: $189 to be able to
Key Features: Battery-free USB charger, weather band radio, solar/hand-crank flashlight survive for a
minimum of
Description: This four-person, 72-hour survival kit comes in a durable nylon backpack
and contains most effective and reliable emergency preparedness supplies to prepare for three days
any disaster. The kit includes food, water purification tablets, light sticks, blankets, pon- following an
chos, a tent, a first-aid kit, a multi-function knife, a survival guide and more. A USB device
charger never needs batteries and charges smartphones and other devices so you can emergency
stay in touch with family. situation.”
Manufacturer’s Comment: “Prepare now to be able to survive for a minimum of three days
following an emergency situation. Protect your family! Give yourself peace of mind! By having
this recommended survival kit, you will be able to meet all of your essential needs in an
emergency.”—SHERRY HEITZ, CEO/PRESIDENT

“With the
Tote-N’-Go Kit,
you will be
able to meet
all of your
NITRO-PAK essential
8
$45 needs in an
emergency.”

109
ASG_1310_HOMESTEAD 9/23/13 2:51 AM Page 110

ACCORDING TO THE DICTIONARY, one meaning of

homesteading is simply “any dwelling with its land and build-
ings where a family makes its home.” More and more families
are heading out to parts unknown these days to stake their
claims and get away from it all. In this issue, we bring you a
slew of interesting articles on homesteading, from raising
goats to maintaining a root cellar. It’s time to make your own
homesteading definition and decide if this lifestyle could be

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
for you.

110
ASG_1310_111 9/20/13 4:49 AM Page 111

Now  

American Survival Guide

           

Free American Survival Guide app

ASG_1310_GOATS 9/23/13 2:59 AM Page 112

GOT THESE ANIMALS ARE A GREAT FOOD

SOURCE FOR LONG-TERM SURVIVAL
BY KRISTIN WEBB-HOLLERING

YOUR
GOAT?

112
ASG_1310_GOATS 9/23/13 2:59 AM Page 113

O YOU’VE DECIDED TO TAKE MATTERS INTO

BENEFITS OF GOATS

S YOUR OWN HANDS AND BECOME AS SELF-

SUFFICIENT AS YOU CAN BE.
You’re ready for any kind of disaster the world can
throw at you and you’ve prepped for the worst. And
now…you’re even starting to grow your own food!
Growing a garden is a necessity, of course, but what about a
good protein source? Don’t forget that’s necessary for your
long-term survival. Think goat!
The benefits of goat rearing are profound, which is why they
are perennially the most popular animals to farm worldwide.
Like all major enterprises, goat farming should not be
entered into lightly. Goats are amazing creatures who need top-
quality care and time, but they are a great food source for those
willing to invest in their long-term sustainability.
OVER LARGER ANIMALS
Goats are easier to raise than other livestock, and what they
offer is exceptional compared to other animals. They grow to
maturity more quickly, are lighter to handle in size and girth, and
their meat is healthier. Milk, cheese, and cream can also be pro-
duced from their milk, which is an added bonus in raising them.
“Goats have grown in popularity, showing up in commercials,
movies, and many have made them pets,” says Derek Beane,
owner and operator of D and J Goat Farms, “they are easier to
handle versus larger livestock like cattle and swine.”
They mate more quickly than larger animals, and because
they are smaller in size and strength, they are easier to slaughter
when fully grown.

“Goat meat is the most consumed meat worldwide,

and with our nation’s growing ethnic population,
goats have increased in demand,” Derek Beane, owner
and operator D and J Goat Farms LLC.

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

113
ASG_1310_GOATS 9/23/13 2:59 AM Page 114

GOATS
on the individual. By far, they have a lov-
Here’s a goat ing, easy, almost affectionate attitude with
donating milk the exception of the bucks or males,”
states Beane.
to make
cheese…

LAND, SHELTER, CLIMATE

and to drink.

The size of your property and where

you plan to raise goats will determine how
many you raise and mate. In addition, dif-
ferent breeds of goat prosper in different
climates, and what you plan to use your
goat for, be it food or fiber, will also fac-
tor into the survival equation.
“Folks normally overcrowd their herd,
increasing parasite issues, which are the
biggest problem with goats,” says Beane.
For example, he has 50 acres of land and
raises approximately 175 head. He recom-
mends a lot of land due to issues with
overcrowding and disease. This way, the
pastures can be rotated to allow the
WHAT DO grazing fields to be treated.
GOATS EAT? According to the University of
Illinois, “Poor ground may support
two to four goats per acre, while
Almost anything! They mostly graze

better pasture may be able to sup-

on plants, vines, weeds, and the tips of

port six to eight goats per acre.”

wood shrubs and trees. Don’t have that

Beane also warns would-be farm-

type of environment for them? Don’t worry,

“They have shorter gestation time than cattle, ers that they multiply quickly, so it
you can sub in hay and alfalfa and grain

which would yield more offspring more quickly than a is advisable to start small.
in the form of whole, pelleted, rolled

cow and would be important in a survival-ready environ- “A small, rustic environment herd
or texturized, all available at feed

ment,” maintains Beane. can be fairly easy to raise.” A small herd

stores.

“It would be easier to butcher, process, and package the
meat versus a cow or swine which is the difference between
working with a 40- to 80-pound animal at wean-
ing and a 300-pound cow.”
GOAT Not only are cows and pigs harder to main-
GOODS tain due to their size and needs, many studies
show them to be unhealthy for long-term
human consumption. Since you may be investing
• Goat meat is deli-
of goats would range from five to ten and
would be manageable, he maintains, as long as
“the browsing and grazing were of good quality to maintain
proper health.”
North Carolina State University’s Department of Agriculture
and Life Science recommends a “combination of treatment and
management,” which includes both veterinary intervention with
antibiotics and diet as well as pasture management.

in goat raising as a future food source and may Pasture management might include moving your goats from a
cious and healthier

be dependent on their yields for your survival, parasite-infected pasture to an uninfected area and keeping your
than both beef and

that is something to consider. herd off that patch for an entire grazing season. In addition, vac-
pork.

“Goat meat is the most popular consumed cinating your goats like any other animal helps to curb the
• Goat’s milk can be

meat worldwide, and with our nation’s growing spread of disease.

used to make

ethnic population, goats have increased in Keeping goats healthy also includes sheltering them from the
many different

demand. It is a very healthy meat, lean and low elements and making sure their bedding is dry. Beane suggests
foods including

in cholesterol and pretty tasty,” says Beane. shavings over straw, due to the kids’ attraction to “nibbling” on
yogurt, cream, but-

things, and straying away from inexpensive building materials that

ter, ice cream, and

TEMPERAMENT they will just chew and break apart.  

of course milk to

Be it fiction, film or fodder, goats have got- “A fully enclosed shelter is preferred to keep out blowing
drink.

ten a bad rap as being gruff and immovable. snow and rain,” says Beane.
• Goat fur can be

Sometimes the personality is dependent on the Climate is another factor that enters into raising goats.
used for fiber and

breed, but usually the sex of the beast deter- “Goats are raised over all climates, but drier climates are
made into goat’s

mines their individuality. As a primary food probably better. The Southeastern part of the United States is
wool for clothing,

source, learning the differences between male harder to raise goats in due to the parasite problem being
blankets, and other

and female temperament will be an important harder to control.”

fiber products.

factor in successful goat rearing to ensure your These are important things to consider with the rise in
preparedness food plan prospers. extreme temperatures and disasters.
“Goats can be ill-mannered at feeding time keeping the peck- Beane recommends that the breed should fit the climate and
ing order in line. They have different temperaments depending the need as well.         

114
ASG_1310_GOATS 9/23/13 2:59 AM Page 115

BREEDS BY REGION
Boer is the most popular type of
meat goat and does best in a hot, dry
climate like the Southeastern parts of
the United States. The Spanish and
Kiko, which are also meat breeds, are
hardy and durable and do well in warmer
states as well. The Myotonic (fainting
goat) is found most often in Texas and
Tennessee. Dairy goats such as the
Nubian and Alpine are found in every
Goat meat is
state in the United States. While the lean and tasty,
Angora goat, a woolen bred type, prefer a and so easy to
cooler climate and would be happier in cook outdoors.
northern parts of the U.S.

Goat cheese is nutritious and delicious!

“Angora goats are woolen bred and
fair better in cooler areas while some
breeds are more durable, such as the
Spanish Kiko.”
On his farm, in the Southeast, Beane
raises Boer goats, which are the most
popular meat-bred goat type.
“Thinking from a survival angle, it would be easier to
butcher, process, and package goat meat versus cow or
swine meat, which is the difference between working
with a 40- to 80-pound animal versus a 300-pound cow.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about sustainability with goat farming, visit Derek Beane’s website, www.dandjgoatfarms.com.

READY-TO-GO GOAT
Raising any kind of animal is a big
commitment and can be expensive with
veterinary costs, feeding, breeding, and
housing. Order Subscribe to
If your plan is to prepare for the
future and raise a viable and fruitful food your copy
source, goat rearing might be right for GUN WORLD
you. In these troubled times, investigating
options for the future is important. Today!
Going goat might be the thing you’ve
been looking for!
Today!
Kristin Webb-Hollering is a freelance writer based in
North Carolina.  

CLIMATE, LAND AND

NEEDS DETERMINE
BREEDS
• There are over 300 breeds of goats
that prosper or decline depending on
climate and pasture size and quality.
• Some breeds are best for food con-
sumption while others are better for
fiber production. Investigate the differ-
ences before you start raising goats.
• Make your land goat ready with appro-
priate enhancements like enclosures,
shelters and proper grazing areas. Call us at Call us at
1-800-764-6278 1-800-764-6278
www.engagedmediamags.com www.engagedmediamags.com
ASG_1310_ROOT 9/23/13 3:05 AM Page 116

“There are many little tricks to

making the most of whatever root
cellar situation a person has.”
—Steve Maxwell,
co-author of The Complete Root Cellar Book

116
ASG_1310_ROOT 9/23/13 3:05 AM Page 117

Get
to the
Root
of It!
enhance your homegrown
produce storage with a
root cellar
By Torrey Kim

OBWEBS. DARKNESS. RICKETY, SQUEAKY

C STAIRS …. IF YOUR VISION OF A ROOT CELLAR

INVOLVES YOUR GRANDMOTHER’S SPOOKY
OLD BASEMENT, THEN THINK AGAIN.
A root cellar is a useful way to ensure that your
produce stays fresh and survives throughout the season to keep
your family full and your pantry diverse. Creating a root cellar
may not be as difficult as you expect, if you know where to start
and how to store your vegetables.

URBAN SETTING? NO WORRIES

Even if you don’t have a proper basement, you can still create
your own version of a root cellar, says Steve Maxwell, co-author
of The Complete Root Cellar Book.
“Urban or rural, root cellars make sense,” Maxwell says. “As
long as a person has access to some kind of soil, you can create
a root cellar from nothing more than a hole in the ground.”
In fact, Maxwell says, some people even create above-ground
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

root cellars.

117
ASG_1310_ROOT 9/23/13 3:05 AM Page 118

ROOT

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
GREAT
ROOT
CELLAR
VEGGIES
AND
FRUITS
You’ll want to
classify your root
cellar storage
spaces based on
moisture and
temperature, so
you’ll need a way
to determine
which types of
produce require
each setting. Cor-
nell University’s
“Storage Guide-
lines for Fruits
and Vegetables”
offers the follow- All root vegetables will thrive in a root
cellar, but you should separate each type
ing tips, among
before storing because not all vegetables
others. succeed when stacked together.

Ideal storage is

“A little bit of insulation and a little

cold and moist:

bit of electricity allows anyone to have a

• Asparagus

root cellar, even if they don’t have access

• Apples
AVOID
to a basement or backyard,” he advises.
• Broccoli
FREEZING
“I’ve designed and created plans for root
• Cabbage
TEMPS
cellars for all applications, including con-
• Carrots

ventional basements, urban backyards,

• Celery Ideal tempera-

stand-alone root cellars, and even a root

• Sweet corn tures for a root cellar

cellar for a condo.”

• Kale can vary based on
• Lettuce location and season, After you gather

HIGH MOISTURE IS
• Pears Maxwell says. your potatoes, store

ESSENTIAL
• Potatoes He also told us them in a dark
place so they’ll
Some people believe that their base-
• Rhubarb that, generally speak-
keep longer.

ments aren’t amenable to root cellars

ing, a temperature

because they struggle with dampness— more moist (like potatoes), and then I put
Ideal storage is just above freezing is

but that’s exactly the environment your items like hot peppers on the high shelves
cool and dry: ideal; you can go

root cellar will need to thrive. because it’s warmer and more dry there,”
• Garlic warmer than that,

“A high moisture content is actually says Andrea Bergen, who created a root
• Onions and it only shortens

required for effective root cellaring in cellar in her North Carolina home.
keeping times. What

most cases,” Maxwell says. In addition to ensuring that the tem-

Ideal storage is you should avoid,

“Many root crops, for instance, keep perature and moisture content is accept-
warm and dry: however, is a temper-

best at a temperature just above freezing, able in your root cellar, you’ll also want
• Hot peppers ature below freezing.

and with a relative humidity of 90 to 95 to make sure it’s well ventilated.

• Pumpkins If any kind of produce

percent. Different types of produce

• Winter squash freezes, it will rot in a

require different conditions, and there DON’T DUMP VEGGIES

• Sweet potatoes short time. The ideal

are ways to achieve this all in the same TOGETHER

way to avoid freezing
Source: Cornell Univer-

cellar.” Once you’ve carved out some space

sity’s “Storage Guidelines is a cellar below

for a root cellar and you’ve controlled

for Fruits and Vegetables,”

For example, you can place shelving in

available at www.garden-
ground level, or one

your root cellar to separate your produce. the temperature and moisture content,
ing.cornell.edu/fact- in an insulated area
sheets/vegetables/stor-

“I have a shelf very low to the ground don’t simply pile your vegetables
age.pdf above ground.

for my vegetables that like it cooler and together and expect them to stay fresh.

118
ASG_1310_ROOT 9/23/13 3:05 AM Page 119
“Urban or rural, root cellars make sense.”
—Steve Maxwell, co-author of The Complete Root Cellar Book.
Instead, you must find out what helps
each type of produce thrive and store it
accordingly.
“There are many little tricks to mak-
ing the most of whatever root cellar situ-
ation a person has,” Maxwell says.
“Apples, for instance, give off ethylene
gas, and this promotes the premature
ripening of other produce. That’s why it’s
always good to keep apples separated
from the rest of the produce.”
Likewise, Maxwell advises, potatoes
require dark conditions or they will turn
green. “Rhubarb roots can be dug up in
fall, brought into the cellar, then allowed
to sprout when winter is still around,” he
adds.
“You get fresh rhubarb long before it
would ordinarily be ready.”
When it comes to cabbages, instead
of cutting them off at ground level, har-
vest them roots and all, then plant them
in tubs of soil in the cellar, Maxwell
advises.
“They’ll keep much longer because
they’re actually growing a little.”
NO BASEMENT?
No worries! You can even create
a root “cellar” in a condo. If you
have a cool, dark spot (even an
unused closet in a guest room), you
can create a makeshift root cellar.
Key things to consider:
• Cool, even temperature
• A dark area
• Space to store things with room
for air circulation
You can even adapt a space
below a stairwell or use a small,
secondary fridge, because root veg-
gies can be refrigerated. Note: Pur-
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
chasing fresh, good quality produce
is important for long-term storage.
Although you might gather apples with
the rest of your fruits and vegetables,
they can promote premature ripening
of other produce. Therefore, you
should separate apples from your
other foods during storage.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
As long as you
have access to
soil, then you
can create a root
cellar.
GIVE IT A TRY!
Urban dwellers take note: if you think you don’t have
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT ROSE PUBLISHING
room to have a root cellar, get creative! You can use
anything from a closet to a space under a stairwell to
start your cellar. It’s an easy way to ensure your veggies
stay fresh and is the perfect solution to keeping your
meals healthy and interesting!
THREE ESSENTIAL TIPS
You can be on your way to root cellar success if you avoid
these three mistakes that Andrea Bergen made when she built
her first North Carolina root cellar:
Don’t build near trees. Bergen dug her root cellar and then FOR MORE
planted several trees around it, which was great for the first few
INFORMATION
years, and then the tree roots made their way into the cellar and
To find more ideas
damaged the walls, so avoid building near trees.
for proper root cellar
Use non-metal storage materials. Bergen had wooden
management, along
shelves but a metal bin for potatoes. In the summer, the metal
with many unique
conducted heat, and the potatoes went bad very quickly.
recipes for your home-
Place a screen in your ventilation area. “Bergen installed a
grown produce, check
ventilation hose from our root cellar to the outdoors but didn’t
out Maxwell’s book,
put a screen in it. Bugs ended up coming into the root cellar
The Complete Root
through the ventilation tube and damaging some of our food.”
Cellar Book.
119
ASG_1310_BG_GUNS 9/23/13 3:17 AM Page 120

GUNS Gunning for Survival

From handguns to shotguns, firearms are
essential tools IN THE WILDERNESS
BY ERIN HATFIELD

WHEN CREATING A SURVIVAL TOOLKIT, many don’t look past food,

water and medical supplies. A trustworthy weapon, however, can also be a
key component of your survival arsenal.
Firearms can provide both personal protection and hunting functions,
ensuring that you’re well prepared for any situation.
Various firearms fill different roles. Handguns can be used for hunting
small game. Shotguns are a great match for flying prey such as ducks or
geese. And a rifle is ideal for hunting large game at long distances.
Whether you are adding to an established firearms collection or seeking
out your first weapon, here are a few of the latest guns to consider.

STURM, RUGER & CO.

1
$329
ASG_1310_BG_GUNS 9/23/13 3:17 AM Page 121

buyer’s
GUNS Guide

“The new American Rimfire

series really ups the ante for
performance in rimfire rifles…”

REMINGTON
2
$349-$383

1 STURM, RUGER & CO.

Model: American Rimfire Bolt-action Rifle
www.ruger.com
2 REMINGTON
Model: 870 EXPRESS COMPACT JR.
www.remington.com
MSRP: $329 MSRP: $349-$383 (online sellers)

Key Features: Bolt-action, interchangeable stock mod- Key Features: Adjustable length of pull, light weight
ules, durable composite stock
Description: The Remington Model 870 Express Com-
Description: The Ruger American Rimfire bolt-action pact Jr. is the slightly smaller version of the standard
rifle contains many of the standard Ruger American Rifle for pump shotguns around the world. It also features
features, and this new line also combines several design the Adjustable Length of Pull System and Rem Choke
innovations from the popular 10/22 rimfire rifle. This barrels. This 20-gauge gun features an 18.75-inch bar-
combination, along with the rifle’s adaptability, appeals rel and weighs 5.75 pounds with a six-round capacity.
to all bolt-action enthusiasts. The new line consists of
“A trustworthy four models—full-sized (22-inch barrel/13.75-inch Manufacturer’s Comment: “The perfect gun for
weapon can be a length of pull) and compact (18-inch/12.5-inch length of
pull), both of which are available in either .22 LR or .22
youngsters to learn on and for adults who need a shorter
length of pull.”
key component of Magnum. Each model in the line includes two inter-
your survival changeable stock modules that provide comb height
options for scope or iron sight use. Ruger American Rim-
arsenal.” fire rifles feature a durable composite stock with front
and rear swivel studs.

Manufacturer’s Comments: “The new American Rimfire

series really ups the ante for performance in rimfire rifles,”
remarked Mike Fifer, President and CEO. “With proven
technologies and features from the centerfire Ruger Ameri-
can Rifle, the bolt-action rimfire models are sure to deliver
accuracy, durability and value to consumers.”

121
ASG_1310_BG_GUNS 9/23/13 3:18 AM Page 122
buyer’s
Guide GUNS
“The Benelli Vinci is like nothing
you’ve ever seen before…”
3 BENELLI
Model: Vinci Shotgun
www.benelliusa.com
MSRP: $1359
Key Features: Semi-automatic, three-piece
modular design
Description: The three-inch, 12-gauge Vinci
shotgun is a reliable, fast-performing, semi-
“Firearms can automatic shotgun. Its innovative design
provide both features the In-Line Inertia Driven operating
system, which delivers reduced recoil and
personal shotgun modularity. The ComforTech Plus
protection recoil reduction system delivers better
results than any other recoil reduction prod-
and hunting uct available, without adding weight. The
functions…” unique modular design makes Vinci the eas-
iest shotgun to assemble and disassemble
for cleaning, maintenance, storage and
transportation. The Vinci reliably shoots car-
tridges up to three-inch magnum loads.
Manufacturer’s Comments: “The Benelli
Vinci is like nothing you’ve ever seen before,”
said Stephen McKelvain, Benelli’s VP of Mar-
keting & Communications.
122
4 SAVAGE ARMS
Model: Savage B.MAG rifle
www.savagearms.com
MSRP: $349
Key Features: Rimfire action, center-feed
rotary magazine
Description: The new Savage B.MAG con-
tains a completely new compact rimfire
action with rear locking lugs and cock-on-
close bolt. It features a center-feed rotary
magazine, as well as a soft rubber buttpad
and hidden action-screws. Savage designed
the B.MAG rimfire rifle specifically to handle
the high velocities of the 17 Winchester
Super Magnum with design features typi-
cally reserved for its centerfire rifles. In
order to maximize accuracy in this long-
range shooter, the B.MAG utilizes Savage’s
thread-in barrel headspacing system, rear-
locking lugs and a cock-on-close bolt
capped off with the light, crisp AccuTrigger
that is user-adjustable without special tools.
Manufacturer’s Comments: “If you are a
new gun owner and you bought a pistol or an
AR first, this would be your ideal second gun
that you will never outgrow and that you will
still enjoy shooting in 30 years with your
grandchildren.”
ASG_1310_BG_GUNS 9/23/13 3:18 AM Page 123

buyer’s
GUNS Guide

BENELLI
3
$1359

“this would be your ideal second gun

that you will never outgrow…”

SAVAGE ARMS
4
$349

Get Your official gun world

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ASG_1310_BG_GUNS 9/23/13 3:18 AM Page 124

buyer’s
Guide GUNS
“Simply put, you can’t
get a better-quality gun
for the price.”

HI-POINT FIREARMS
5
$179

5 HI-POINT FIREARMS
Model: 916
www.hi-pointfirearms.com
MSRP: $179

Key Features: Affordable, semi-automatic

Description: The Hi-Point 916 is an affordable, American-

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY made semiautomatic pistol. The polymer frame and han-
6 dles have matching black powder-coated slides, which
$500 and up lock open after the last shot. The three-dot sight systems
feature fully-adjustable rear sights. It has 8+1 capacity
and includes a holster. It’s available in 9mm, .380 ACP, .40
S&W and .45 ACP calibers and weighs only 29 ounces.

Manufacturer’s Comments: “Simply put, you can’t get a

better-quality gun for the price.”

6 SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
Model: XDS 3.3-inch Single Stack 9mm handgun
www.springfield-armory.com
MSRP: Starting at $500, price varies by dealer

Key Features: Ultra-slim profile, fiber-optic front sight,

“The comfortable USA Action Trigger System
design of the all
Description: The XD-S offers a unique combination of an
new XD-S feels ultra-slim profile paired with enhanced performance point-
so natural…” and-shoot features, allowing you to shoot accurately with-
out having to adjust your wrist. The pistol boasts a number
of safety features, including the Ultra Safety Assurance
(USA) Action Trigger System, loaded chamber indicator
and grip safety. In addition, the XD-S offers a top-of-the-
line, enhanced secure grip texture for greater control and
usability. The XD-S also features a fail-safe disassembly to
protect users from disassembling the pistol while a maga-
zine is in place, or from inserting a magazine when the
gun is being disassembled.

Manufacturer’s Comments: “The comfortable design of

the all new XD-S feels so natural, it’s like an extension of
your own body” —DEB WILLIAMS, ADVERTISING ASSISTANT WITH SPRING-
FIELD ARMORY

124
ASG_1310_125 9/22/13 11:38 PM Page 125

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S U RVIVE
THE UNDEAD APOCALYPSE

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ASG_1310_BG_GUNS 9/23/13 3:18 AM Page 126

buyer’s
Guide GUNS
BROWNING
7
$599.99

KEL-TEC
8
$1197

“With the AB3 you can have the

7 BROWNING
Model: A-Bolt III AB3 Bolt Action Rifle
www.browning.com
accuracy and performance you MSRP: $599.99

demand in a hunting rifle with more Key Features: Matte blued barrel and action,
money leftover for ammunition.” detachable double-stack magazine

Description: Browning introduced the AB3 bolt-

action rifle in 2013. Built to be an accurate and
value-priced rifle, the AB3 features a bolt lock
override button that allows shooters to unload the
firearm while leaving the top-tang safety in the on
safe position. A premium Inflex Technology recoil
pad reduces felt recoil by absorbing recoil and
using directional deflection to pull the comb down
and away from your face when shooting. The steel
receiver has a matte blue finish and is drilled and

Get Your official american tapped for scope mounts. The AB3 also has a
removable box magazine. The AB3 Composite

survival guide T-Shirt Today! Stalker model is chambered in .30-06 Springfield,

270 Win, 300 Win Mag, and 7mm Rem Mag.

Manufacturer’s Comments: “The firearms market

has many different offerings in bolt action rifles, and
making a decision can be daunting. But it need not
be. With the AB3 you can have the accuracy and per-
formance you demand in a hunting rifle with more
money leftover for ammunition.” —PAUL THOMPSON, MEDIA
RELATIONS MANAGER WITH BROWNING/WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS

8 KEL-TEC CNC
Model: KSG Shotgun
www.keltecweapons.com
MSRP: $1197

Key Features: Pump-action, compact size

Description: The KSG is Kel-Tec CNC’s first entry

Front into the shotgun market. The size, shape, and
design are similar to those currently available Kel-
Tec RFB rifle, but the KSG ejects downward,
instead of forward. The pump-action KSG is as
only compact as legally possible, with a 26.1-inch over-
$19.95 plus s&H
all length and an 18.5-inch cylinder bore barrel.
Even with this compact size, the internal dual tube
magazines hold an impressive 12 rounds of 12-
gauge, three-inch rounds in total (six per tube). It
back
can also reliably shoot shells as short as 1 3/4-inch
up to three-inch. The pump includes an under
Picatinny rail for the mounting of a forward grip, a
light, or a laser. The included top Picatinny sight
rail will accept many types of optics or iron sights.

BUY THEM ONLINE AT ENGAGEDMEDIAMAGS.COM Manufacturer’s Comments: “The KSG is Kel-

OR CALL US AT 800-764-6278 Tec’s first pump shotgun and large amounts of
100% Pre-Shrunk Cotton with Gold, Black and White Screen Print resources were put towards its development and
production.”
ASG_1310_RALSTON 9/23/13 3:08 AM Page 127

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM RALSTON

PREPPINGWITHRALSTON
BY TIM RALSTON

Timothy Bryan Ralston is an American inventor, veteran, adventurer, author and movie consultant for his expertise in the field of survival and preparedness
education. He is best known for his appearance in the powerful motivational film, The Compass, and for being the international spokesperson in the launch
of NatGeo’s #1-rated program, Doomsday Preppers. 

“Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.”

—Tim Ralston, Founder, Gear Up Center

ULTIMATE KIT
What You Need To Survive Winter THE
NUMBERS
About

75%
AS ANYoNe WHo iS TRAiNed To
KIT BASICS of winter deaths
survive in a harsh winter environment
• Topography map of area occur in automobiles,
will tell you, the cold can be a killer if you
• Shovel (Recommend Crovel Extreme or Shovel Multi-tool) while the other
are not prepared.
• Windshield scraper and small broom

While the days of having to trek

• Flashlight with extra batteries 25%
through snow dunes on foot are long
• Battery powered radio is made up of people
gone (unless you are going on a trekking
• Water caught during the
expedition), having a vehicle doesn’t
• Snack food, including energy bars storm.
mean you will be immune to the dangers
• Matches and small candles, magnesium fire rods and lighter

of extreme weather conditions.

• Extra hats, socks and mittens (recommend wool)

Winter storms are considered decep-

• First aid kit

tive killers … as most of the deaths

• Pocket knife (Multi-tool or Mora knife recommended)

caused by them are indirect. everyone is

• Necessary medications

potentially at risk during winter storms,

• Blankets or sleeping bag (wool blanket, Mylar survival sleeping

yet the actual threat to you depends on

bag recommended)

your specific situation. in recent years,

• Tow chain or rope

winter deaths or injuries were found to

• Road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction

be related to ice and snow, with about

• Booster cables

75 percent occurring in automobiles,

• Emergency flares and reflectors

while the other 25 percent were those

• Fluorescent distress flag and whistle to attract attention

of people actually being caught outside

• Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter

during the storm. With such a high per-

• Tin cup/metal pot (vessel you can heat to melt snow)

centage occurring in automobiles, every-

• Goggles

one should carry a winter survival kit in

• Small notebook and pen

his/her car.
• Snow boots

Although some of the gear you need

• Neon florescent marker tape

may be common sense, being as prepared

• 1 small pup tent (Adventure Pod recommended)

as you can for any eventuality or emer-

• Jump cables, snow/tire chains (these may or may not

gency could mean the difference between

need to be attached prior to departing)

life and death.

• Additional medication if anyone in group requires it

PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK

127
ASG_1310_RALSTON 9/23/13 3:08 AM Page 128

AD INDEX
PREPPINGWITHRALSTON

WINTER 2013
Know Your Environment
Before you put your survival kit
together, it is important to do some pre- CAUGHT IN A
liminary research regarding the climate WINTER STORM?
and major dangers of the area you are Try to find shelter and
located in, or traveling to. If traveling, stay dry. Cover all exposed
make sure you are aware of possible parts of the body. If you can-
weather fronts that could hit and how not find shelter:
these conditions will affect the conditions • Prepare a lean-to, wind-
of the road, as well as how you will navi- break, or snow cave for
gate through it. Generally, avoid driving protection from the wind.
through snow or ice unless absolutely • Build a fire for heat and to
necessary, as your chances of breakdown attract attention.
and getting stranded increase when you • Place rocks around the fire
do. Making sure you are as aware as pos- to absorb and reflect heat.
sible about weather conditions, general • Do not eat snow: It will
areas of danger when traveling, and who lower your body tempera-
to call in an emergency, are all very cru- ture. Melt it first.
cial no matter where you are going.

ADVERTISER PAGE

5.11 Tactical Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

KIT TIPS
American Gunsmithing Institute . . . . . . . . 15, 33
• Reverse batteries in flash- VEHICLE SENSE
American Tactical Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 light to avoid accidental Stay in your car or truck.

CampingSurvival.com(JHL Supply) . . . . . . . . . 27
switching and burnout. Disorientation occurs quickly in
• Store items in the passenger wind-driven snow and cold. Run
Dillon Precision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 compartment in case the the motor about ten minutes each
trunk is jammed or
DSG Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
hour for heat. Open the window a
frozen shut. little for fresh air to avoid carbon
Knife and Gun Finishing Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 monoxide poisoning and make sure the
exhaust pipe is not blocked.
Knife Center Of The Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Long Life Food Depot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

TIPS – If possible, make yourself visible to rescuers:
• Tie a colored cloth (preferably red) to your
Major Surplus & Survival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 antenna or door.
Midwest Native Skills Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
• Turn on the dome light at night when running your
engine.
MIL-TAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 • Raise the hood indicating trouble after the snow

Nitro-Pak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 39
stops falling.
• Exercise by moving your extremities from time to
Ontario Knife Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 time to keep your blood circulating and to keep
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

Paracord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
warm. Don’t forget your toes!
• Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy
Savage Arms, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 for producing its own heat. Keep the body replen-
ished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
SCCY Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . 62-63

Survival Bags Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Tormach LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 ENJOY WINTER!

W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Once you have these basics in your kit, you can add more supplies as needed should you be
planning longer or more extended trips. Having such a kit on hand, whether you are skiing at a
WILSON COMBAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 resort or trekking in the woods, is always a good idea. Accidents can happen anytime, from

Zombie Survival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
avalanches, snow storms and other forms of extreme weather that can quickly leave you
stranded. Without a winter survival kit, you could be in real trouble. That said, while winter
can be dangerous, by respecting it, having a little knowledge of your environment and being
prepared, you can really enjoy the winter season.
The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to American Survival
Guide readers. American Survival Guide is not responsible for
omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.

128
ASG_1310_129 9/22/13 11:33 PM Page 129

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PM 3:38:47
ASG_1310_CLOSING 9/20/13 6:20 AM Page 130

CLOSING WORDS

“We could do it, you know.”

“What?”
“Leave the district. Run off.
Live in the woods. You and I,
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

we could make it.”

—Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games

130
ASG_1310_C3 9/20/13 4:13 AM Page C3

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ASG_1310_C4 9/20/13 4:15 AM Page C4

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