2021-06-01 American Survival Guide

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FEATURES
12
PERSPECTIVE IS EVERYTHING
How the events of 2020 changed the way preppers are
perceived
By Michael D’Angona
72
MIKE TRAVIS’ MUST-HAVES
These 25 items keep him prepared for the day ahead.
By Mike Travis
80
COULD YOU SURVIVE? WITH CREEK
STEWART
We chat about his new TV show and the path that got
him there.
HOW-TO
32
MOVE LIKE A GHOST AND LEAVE NO
TRACE
Anti-tracking escape and evasion techniques
By Kyt Lyn Walken
42
62
AIR POWER! 72 80
Air rifles can fill the gap in your hunting and self-defense
plan.
By Jonathan Kilburn
REVIEWS
22
ADD SOME SWISS PRECISION TO YOUR
EDC
Carry the Victorinox Hunter Pro M Alox and this
multi-tool every day.
By Jim Cobb
42
ESEE’S BEST JUST GOT BETTER
New steel and scales ace grueling winter camp tests.
By Reuben Bolieu
88
NUTRIENT SURVIVAL: LONG-TERM
STORAGE FOODS
Good—and good for you—for the next 25 years
By Suzy Jeffries
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) is published 12 times a year—January, March, April, Prepper Spring/Summer, June, July, August, September, October, Prepper Fall/Winter, November and
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[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 5

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 6
EDITORIAL
Mike McCourt Brand Manager
Amy Maclean Managing Editor
WHAT DOES JUNE

DESIGN
Gabby Oh Art Director, Design Director
CONTRIBUTORS
Reuben Bolieu, Jim Cobb, Michael D’Angona, Suzy Jeffries, Jonathan Kilburn,
Christopher Nyerges, Mike Travis, Kyt Lyn Walken
MEAN TO YOU?
ADVERTISING
Gabe Frimmel Ad Sales Director
(714) 200-1930
gfrimmel@engaged.media
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Keith Neville Director of Digital Sales
(910) 880-0641
keithn@engaged.media
Sebastian Tirkey Advertising Traffic Coordinator
s I prepare to put my thoughts in order for On a lighter side, June also means the beginning
OPERATIONS
this month’s comments, I’m at somewhat of reaping the goodies from your garden. American Manish Kumar Mishra Operations Manager
Surajpal Singh Bisht Prepress Manager
of a loss to nail down what the signifi- Survival Guide has dedicated more space than usual Chandan Pandey Production, Newsstand & Circulation Analyst
Alex Mendoza Administrative Assistant
cance of this month means this year. in recent issues to provide advice and insight for
When I was a student in upstate New York, June planning your garden and improving your results. We EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE
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for much of the current school year. It also signaled a large spike in the cultivation of home gardens. AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) is published 12 times a year—
vacation time for our family. However, our options Many folks simply picked up where they left off January, March, April, Prepper Spring/Summer, June, July, August, September,
October, Prepper Fall/Winter, November and December—by Engaged Media,
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links on the rest of the page ... although a couple were rations have worked out so far in 2021. See if you can
leftovers from 2020.) identify one area in which you’d like to be in better
I’m guessing that the pandemic will significantly shape—whether it’s energy reliance, food supplies, MEDIA, LLC
affect how we prepare for, and respond to, hurricane learning a useful skill or stepping up your training at
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be ample supplies of PPE in the shelters, or will these challenges in the world around you. Erin Masercola Content Director
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“refuges” turn into super-spreader events? What will Maybe that’s the significance of June: It’s a good
hurricane preparations do to the inoculation supplies time to look back at what you've already done and This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that
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BY JIM COBB
1 2
3 4
1 2 3 4
5.11 Tactical Ridge Pant CRKT Biwa Fixed Blade 100 Deadly Skills – Streamlight Wedge
Discreetly tactical, the Ridge Pant is a great The Biwa (pronounced “bee-wah”) is a COMBAT EDITION Flashlight
option for those who want to have SERE lightweight, fixed-blade knife that’s perfect
Author Clint Emerson is a retired Navy SEAL The unique ergonomic design of the
functionality without being overt about it. for EDC. It weighs a measly 1.6 ounces and
who’s also worked with the National Security Wedge makes it perfect for EDC. With
There are eight pockets, including cargo comes with an injection-molded sheath you
Agency and other Tier 1 teams. With more a reversible pocket clip, the Wedge all
pockets with inside dividers. The angled hand can lash to a pack or carry as a neck knife.
than 20 years of experience, he knows first- but disappears in your pants pocket. It
pockets have reinforcement for knife clips. The blade has a long distal taper, making it
hand what works and what doesn’t. In this, delivers a constant 300-lumen output,
The body material is 67 percent polyester and great for food prep and more. Designer Alan
his fourth book in the 100 Deadly Skills series, with a 1,000-lumen “momentary”
33 percent cotton Flex-Tac canvas, providing Folts created the Biwa to meet the demands
he created a comprehensive, on-the-ground mode when needed. The 1,500 mAh
both comfort, as well as durability, with a bit of minimalist hunters and hikers who wanted
combatives manual. This is the first-ever lithium polymer battery charges
of stretch to accommodate a wide range of something durable that weighed next to
three-dimensional self-defense book. There via USB-C, and there are red/green
motion. There's even a flex cuff tunnel inside nothing.
are QR-coded videos attached to the skills LEDs that indicate charging status.
the waistband, as well as a hidden cuff key
and techniques described, allowing the The Wedge is made with anodized
pocket. These pants are ideal for those who
reader to fully see and understand what’s aluminum, measures 5.46 inches long
seek a “gray man” existence without sacrificing MSRP: $49.99 being taught—from body strikes to handgun by 1 inch high and weighs 3.3 ounces.
quality or utility.
use and much more. It’s available in Coyote or black.
CRKT.com
MSRP: $79.99 MSRP: $24.99 MSRP: $149.95

511Tactical.com Amazon.com Streamlight.com

A
s time goes on, our curiosity and needs expand beyond a few basic areas of interest. In this
month’s “New Products” collection, we included a pretty wide variety of newly available
gear that’ll pique the interest of the most discerning “gear hounds.” Information is key,
and there are several books to answer simple questions or help add to your self-defense
skill set. As always, we’ve included some edged tools for your perusal, and there are a
couple of other items featured to extend your range—both for your next hike and your eyes.
5 6
7 8
5 6 7 8
Survivalist Hatchet Work Sharp Sharpeners Surviving the Wild Hawke Optics LRF 400
The Survivalist Hatchet is perfectly balanced Knife and Tool Sharpener Joshua Enyart is a former U. S. Rangefinder
for a wide range of tasks—from chopping to MK2 Army Special Forces operator and
The LRF 400 is a rangefinder that’s
hammering. The 19-ounce, 4140 tool steel head instructor. Over the last several
great for bowhunting, golfing and a wide
is mounted to an 18-inch American hickory The MK2 is the new and improved version years, he’s developed a following
variety of outdoor activities. It has a range
curved handle. A custom leather sheath is also of the classic Work Sharp Knife and Tool as the “Gray-Bearded Green Beret.”
of 7 to 437 yards. The LCD display has
included. The design incorporates a nail/tent Sharpener. The redesigned sharpening In his new book, he provides all
several modes. For example, “rain” mode
stake puller, as well as a hammer end. All told, guide increases both precision and the information you’ll need if your
gives accurate readings while not being
the hatchet weighs 40 ounces. At this size, it’ll repeatability, so you get the proper angle outdoor adventure goes awry. He
hindered by rain droplets. “Hunt” mode
fit into most packs rather easily and be ready to every, single time. The edge guide supports covers everything from finding shelter
helps mitigate problems with brush or
go when you set up camp. the knife securely and makes sharpening and filling your belly to navigation
undergrowth. The LRF 400 is accurate
easier. Use this tool to sharpen everything and survival medicine. Via the book’s
down to +/- 1 yard or meter. It weighs just
from knives to gut hooks, serrated blades 224 pages, Enyart will teach the
4.6 ounces, so it won’t weigh you down
and tantos. Flexible, abrasive belts let you
MSRP: $135 sharpen like the pros, putting a razor edge
reader how to survive in the wild.
when you’re in the field.
HardcoreHammers.com on every knife you own.
MSRP: $18.95 MSRP: $139

MSRP: $99.95 Amazon.com HawkeOptics.com
WorkSharpTools.com

9 10
11 12
9 10 11 12
5.11 Tactical RUSH24 2.0 Work Sharp Sharpeners CRKT Ritual Folding Beat the Odds Survival
Backpack Precision Adjust Knife Knife Manual
The RUSH24 is one of the most popular Sharpener Looking like something out of ancient Tim MacWelch is the founder and head
choices for bug-out bags and similar kits. Persia, the Ritual is a tactical folding instructor of the Advanced Survival Training
This angle-adjustable sharpening
The 37-liter capacity is perfect for carrying knife that’ll certainly turn heads. School. He’s a true subject matter expert in the
system takes the guesswork out of
everything you need, whether you’re headed The long, curving blade snaps to area of survival, as well as a prolific author. In
putting a razor edge on your blades. The
to the office or the backcountry. This is the attention with the CRKT Assisted his latest book, Beat the Odds Survival Manual,
Tri-Abrasive rod has coarse (320 grit)
second generation of this model. Upgrades Open technology. A liner lock keeps he provides concrete, practical strategies
and fine (600 grit) diamond plates, as
include a dedicated and padded laptop it in place until you’re ready to close to improve your odds of making it through,
well as a ceramic stone, all in one, easy-
sleeve, as well as a hidden CCW pocket. The it. The Sandvik 12C27 blade steel is whether you’re lost in the woods ... or attacked
to-use setup. The angles adjust from 15
RUSH24 2.0 is available in five solid colors exceptionally tough and will keep a by zombies! It runs 208 pages and is loaded
to 30 degrees in 1-degree increments.
and MultiCam, so you’re sure to find one that great edge. The handle is a unique with facts, figures, tips and tricks galore—all
The clamp design secures the knife
suits you. combination of 2CR13 stainless steel of it written in an educational, yet thoroughly
while you sharpen, and the base gives
bolsters and ivory Micarta and adds entertaining, manner.
you a stable platform. Until you get the
great visual appeal. With an overall
hang of freehand sharpening, this is a
MSRP: Starting at $129.99 great tool for the workshop, as well as
length of slightly fewer than 10 inches,
the kitchen.
this knife is sure to handle anything you MSRP: $29
511Tactical.com put in front of it.
Amazon.com
MSRP: $59.95
MSRP: $125
WorkSharpTools.com
CRKT.com

13 14 15 16
TOPS Knives Bestia HyTrek Packable Pant TOPS Knives Filet The MeatEater Guide to
The Bestia is sort of a spin-off of the popular This is the perfect pair of pants for This is the first filet knife that TOPS Wilderness Skills and
El Chete from the TOPS Knives lineup. The hunting or working in the rain. The fabric Knives has produced ... and it’s a Survival
forward-curved blade is made for chopping, is 100 percent waterproof, and there winner! It is multipurpose, suitable
and the weight behind it means it’ll bite with are waterproof zippers throughout. The for filleting, as well as boning, Written by Steven Rinella, creator and star of
every swing. The handle is designed so that lightweight, polyester construction, cleanly trimming meat with laser-like the Netflix series, MeatEater, this book is an
you can hold it in two positions. The Bestia along with taped seams, will keep you precision. The handle is a combination indispensable guide to surviving everything
comes with an open-backed Kydex sheath comfortably dry and makes the pants easy of G10 and rubber, providing a solid from a daylong boat trip to an extended
equipped with a leather dangler attachment. to stow into a side pocket between uses. and secure grip in any conditions. wilderness exploration. It even explains how
This makes the Bestia easy to carry, despite There are extra-long zippers on the side The CPM154 steel blade is 7.5 inches to pack and prepare for a hiking expedition
its overall length of 19.25 inches. seams, so you can keep your shoes on long. The knife has an overall length with your kids. More Americans are exploring
when you put the pants on or take them of 11.5 inches. The Filet comes with a their state and national parks for hiking,
off. The elastic waistband and bungee Kydex sheath, so you can easily pack fishing and camping trips. This book has
these nature newcomers—and all who are
MSRP: $300 provide comfort and keep the pants in it for work when you’re away from the
less experienced in the great outdoors—
place. kitchen.
TOPSKnives.com covered with all kinds of advice and tips.
MSRP: $59.99 MSRP: $215

MSRP: $25
TrueTimber.com TOPSKnives.com
Amazon.com

“SURVIVALISTS
HAVE BEEN CALLED
WORRYWARTS,
OVERREACTORS AND
EVEN DOWNRIGHT
PARANOID AND A BIT
CRAZY. BUT NOW,
MANY OF THOSE
PERCEPTIONS HAVE
CHANGED.”

PERSPECTIVE
IS EVERYTHING
HOW THE EVENTS OF 2020 CHANGED THE
WAY PREPPERS ARE PERCEIVED
BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA

‹ Left: During the
pandemic, everyday
people searched
out “survival” foods
when the threat
of a food shortage
loomed. (Photo:
MountainHouse.com)
› Near and far right:

Unemployment was
at an all-time high
as businesses shut
down. This caused
stress, high tempers
and the possibility of
violence.
S
urvivalists have been called new appreciation for their readiness from a large number of people who found themselves
worrywarts, overreactors and moving toward their way of thinking.
even downright paranoid and So, how did this turnaround come to be? The path wasn’t as direct as it might seem;
a bit crazy. But now, many rather, it was a gradual process that progressed as the events of the world went from okay
of those perceptions have to bad to outright disastrous.
changed.
Last year’s pandemic, coupled with WHAT STARTED THE TREND?
social unrest, rising racial tensions and The most obvious source of “skeptic-to-believer” is, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic.
an economic downturn, have brought the A pandemic is just one survival scenario that’s on a prepper’s could-happen list. He or she
all-encompassing world of survival to (yes, there are plenty of female survival practitioners) might stock up on biohazard suits,
the forefront of thought for the average gas masks, surgical and particle-filtering masks, gloves of all styles, types and materials,
American citizen. and plastic sheeting for dealing with a wide range of serious health threats.
No longer put down for their preparedness Some of the first items that attracted others to prepping were when survivalists and
lifestyle, survival experts and those other early adopters were seen with face coverings and other virus protection gear before
who practiced prepping for emergency they were recommended to the general public. Increased visibility of these individuals and
situations such as those last year brought their precautions added energy to the lines of communication about survival concerns.
not only had the means to deal with all Most were specific to the pandemic, but growing concerns about related joblessness
the myriad troubles, they also attracted a and the eroding societal situation fanned the flames, including record firearms and

› Near right: As
businesses closed,
a ripple effect was
created. It included
high unemployment,
lack of food produc-
tion and high stress
for millions.
ammunition purchases. At that time, face coverings and other supplies were “vacuumed many products were soon in very limited ‹ Above: Many key
food and cleaning
up” by the public, as well as by hoarding opportunists—whose plans for financial windfalls supply. As a result, interest in shelf-stable, items were either
exacerbated shortages throughout the country and beyond. long-life and so-called "survival" foods totally out of stock
or could only be
exploded. “Regular people” who learned purchased in limited
NOT JUST COVID-19 about these food options rushed to online quantities.
With the pandemic running wild throughout the country, several other concerning and brick-and-mortar sellers; and their
situations arose that further increased interest in preparedness from the general public. unanticipated demand, coupled with
With the COVID-19 virus affecting the personnel of food-processing plants, farms, increased sales to preppers, decimated
factories and even local grocery stores, the food supply chain began to crumble, and inventories in short order.
“SKEPTICS CAN BECOME BELIEVERS, NO MATTER THE

CIRCUMSTANCES, ONCE THE PROBLEM HITS CLOSE TO HOME.”
‹ Reality sank in
for many people as
store shelves were
emptied from fear
of a long lockdown.

‹ Left: As the
Without a doubt, a ripple effect occurred pandemic wore
as the pandemic dug in. With many on, people became
interested in doing
professions virtually shut down due more at home, such
to lockdowns throughout the country, as canning their own
homegrown fruits
incomes dwindled for families as stress and vegetables.
levels increased exponentially. Thoughts
of a person’s home or business being
raided for food or other goods increased
as the year wore on. Likewise, gun sales
began to climb at an incredible rate—so
much so that many gun shops were sold
out of popular firearms and ammunition.
News of this was spread across all media
outlets and, as with the earlier toilet paper
scare, the fact that guns were being sold
at record rates heightened others’ desire › Right: Balcony
gardens became
to purchase a weapon and be ready for popular during
whatever might come their way. the pandemic. It
provided a hobby, as
Social unrest, rioting and domestic well as a viable food
terrorism were other survival scenarios source.
that came to fruition early in the new

year, when a group of disgruntled people
demonstrated in Washington, D.C. Some of
them forced their way past Capitol police
and into the Capitol Building itself. Political
differences culminated in events that
made many realize that what “couldn’t
happen here” was, indeed, happening here,
and a wake-up call was sounded. › Below: Adding
a chest (dump)
freezer to your home
“LIVING IT” IS BELIEVING allows you to take
advantage of volume
When the information of the pandemic purchases of meats,
in China initially hit the news outlets in fish and frozen foods.
the United States, most people didn’t give it much thought. To them, it was a problem
far across the world and wouldn’t pose a significant threat to their way of life. Only when
cases began to pop up on the U.S. west coast did people begin to take notice. Starting in
Washington (state), it spread to other states, one after another. People began wondering
when it would hit their own state. Numbers of cases rose throughout the country, and
many people still couldn’t (or wouldn’t) believe it would be a cause for concern.
Many assumed it would be handled by the government. Many said it would be “no big
deal” or no worse than the annual flu. Unfortunately, they were quite wrong.
The reality of the situation truly sank in when cases erupted in their own cities, towns
and neighborhoods. While advice and information being released by government agencies
and other organizations was inconsistent and often suspect, and mainstream media
coverage often lacked credibility and objectivity, people struggled to find information they
were able to trust. Over time, constant news stories about the virus—specifically the rate
of infection and the death count—caused most people to truly admit that the pandemic
was real and wasn't going away anytime soon.
This type of thinking is the polar opposite of the mindset of most survivalists and
preppers. These individuals prepare ahead for a variety of emergency situations,
understanding that worst-case scenarios can happen and can disrupt their lives. They
also understand that local, state and federal governments won’t always make the best
decisions or act quickly or decisively enough during a crisis, so they truly value the benefits
of their more self-sufficient lifestyle.
So, with the reality finally sinking in, those who said, “It can’t happen to me” or “It can’t
happen here,” eventually accepted that it was real, it was right in their own backyards,

‹ Left: The Aero
and there were actions they could take to Garden is an indoor
reduce their risk. automated hydro-
ponic herb gar-
With the pandemic in full swing and den—one of many
touching nearly everyone’s family or friends low-maintenance
ways to grow your
on some level, grocery shopping wasn’t like own food indoors.
it was during pre-pandemic days. Inside
were masses of people—as if Thanksgiving
or Christmas holiday shopping had been
exponentially increased. In addition, the
available stocks of food and household
goods were either decimated, subject
to limited purchase quantities or simply
absent from the shelves.
Furthermore, the lack of key supplies
to keep their families both fed and safe
was a true eye-opener for the previous
“prepper-bashers.” This, most likely, was
the first time in most people’s lives that
they weren’t able to get meats and poultry,
baby foods, medications, house-cleaning
products and a plethora of other supplies
“ ... THE PANDEMIC IS STILL,
due to the repercussions of a true survival UNFORTUNATELY, GOING STRONG.
situation. AND ALTHOUGH VACCINES ARE BEING
GETTING ON THE BANDWAGON
ADMINISTERED, IT’S GOING TO BE A LONG ‹ Below: The interest
in home canning
What was interesting during the ROAD AHEAD UNTIL OUR PRE-PANDEMIC during the pandemic
was so great that it
pandemic relating to survival was the WAY OF LIFE RETURNS.” became difficult to
find supplies.

› Right: People tend amount of positive press that survival and
to follow others
when they’re unin- prepping received. Historically, prepping
formed. Rapid word- and survivalism were seldom portrayed in
of-mouth about a
toilet paper shortage a positive light by the mainstream media
created huge supply and only promoted the idea that prepping
chain issues.
was mainly for those who were paranoid
about the world around them.
During the peak of the pandemic, interest
skyrocketed in books, magazines, YouTube
videos and other sources of survival
information. People who’d never before
stored food or water or any other supplies
for a “rainy day” were now investigating
ways to become more self-sufficient.
End-of-world, disaster and survival
programs and films were aired in greater
frequency throughout last year. People
watched with intense interest television
shows that illustrated techniques that
could be utilized to match their current
› Below: Standard situations. Survival knowledge was
camping gear many
people already ingested in great quantities, and the words,
own can easily be “paranoid,” “obsessed” and “crazy,” were
incorporated into
prepping supplies. now rarely heard in this context.

THINK
YOU CAN’T
CONVERT?
Here are six ways to go from a carefree, daily shopper
to a store-it-for-a rainy-day prepper:
1. Utilize unused space. Don’t let a small apartment or

house keep you from stockpiling necessities. You have
more space than you might realize. Utilizing the areas
under beds, stairways or those seldom-used cabinets
above the refrigerator, you can store vast amounts of
dry goods for a long time. Ditch your traditional thinking
and store food whenever possible in a cool, dry location.
2. Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk saves money and trips to
the store. Larger cuts of meat are more economical
and can be divided and frozen, while cases of canned
goods stack easily and last for years. However, some
bulk items are not bargains. Be sure to educate yourself
› Above: Buying in bulk saves money and time when you need to stockpile food and other about the pricing of food in all quantities to find the
necessities. best deals possible.
“IT’S A SHAME, BUT NOT A SURPRISE, 3. Invest in a chest (dump) freezer. Your refrigerator’s
freezer can only hold a limited amount of frozen food,
THAT THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH so it’s time to go bigger. A freezer allows you to benefit
SURVIVALISM, PREPPING AND SELF- from sales on beef, poultry and fish, and also provides
SUFFICIENT LIVING IS ERODING ONLY plenty of space when you have to stock up before a
disaster hits. Ice bags can be stored between the food
BECAUSE LIFE-AND-DEATH SITUATIONS to keep packages cold longer if the power grid fails.
HAVE AFFECTED THE LIVES OF NEARLY 4. Grow your own food. A garden can be created in your
EVERYONE ON THE GLOBE.” backyard, on a porch—or even in your living room with a
hydroponic kit. Nothing beats the taste of freshly grown
vegetables and herbs. Gardening is a great hobby that
During their time in lockdown, people created small gardens that have now blossomed into
yields great rewards and, best of all, your entire family
fresh produce and herbs for their dinner table. In addition, canning has seen a great increase
can help, making it less of a chore and more of a fun
in interest ... to the point at which these supplies can also be hard to find.
project for everyone. In fact, skills you teach your kids
Finally, stocking food is now “a thing” for many who bought supplies as the need arose.
now will benefit them the rest of their lives.
Many who shopped weekly or daily for their food and had little else in their home have
5. Buy extra when you shop. Bulking up on your food can
adapted to a “buy-in-bulk-and-store” mentality, with sales for home chest (“dump”)
be pricey. Instead of buying everything all at once, buy
freezers and portable storage cabinets ever-increasing.
a little bit more of some key items while you do your
weekly shopping, especially when items you need are on
SURVIVAL IS 'COOL'
sale. It won’t hurt your budget and, before you know it,
It’s a shame, but not a surprise, that the stigma associated with survivalism, prepping
you’ll have a significant stock of just about everything
and self-sufficient living is eroding only because life-and-death situations have affected
you love to eat.
the lives of nearly everyone on the globe. What was once viewed as "strange" behavior
6. Keep your eyes on the news. Be mindful of changes
is now "cool." What was once only practiced by “paranoid” people is now practiced by
throughout your city, state or the country. Is a food
"intelligent-thinking, responsible individuals" who strive to be prepared for emergencies.
shortage a possibility? Is another lockdown being
This change in people’s perspective is good in several ways. As a seasoned survivalist, I’ve
considered? Have weather conditions limited produce
experienced this change in thinking from people close to me since the pandemic started.
availability? These questions need to be asked and
They now ask me questions, listen with focus to my responses and don’t mock my views
answered early so you can make plans one way or the
of possible survival scenarios that might still come in the near future. This is an incredibly
other. Don’t be the last to know ... or you’ll miss out
positive change of thinking that’s somewhat validating and liberating: I didn’t need their
when you finally get to the market.
approval in the past, but their new appreciation of my knowledge might make me more
likely to offer advice now than I might have in the past.

“WHAT WAS ONCE
VIEWED AS ‘STRANGE’
BEHAVIOR IS NOW
‘COOL.’ WHAT
WAS ONCE ONLY
PRACTICED BY
‘PARANOID’ PEOPLE
IS NOW PRACTICED
BY ‘INTELLIGENT-
THINKING,
RESPONSIBLE
INDIVIDUALS’
WHO STRIVE TO › Right: Gun sales,
along with survival
BE PREPARED FOR supplies, spiked
at the onset of the
EMERGENCIES.” pandemic.
SURVIVAL IS
CONTAGIOUS
Spreading the word about survival prepared my
colleagues for the unexpected.
It’s no secret that I have a bug-out bag (or two or three)
and that I carry knives, multi-tools and other ingenious
survival and emergency tools on a regular basis so I can
be at the ready. It’s also known to colleagues with whom
I work on a regular basis at my “day job.”
They’ve asked me about survival planning during
pre-pandemic times. Initially, when I discussed it, there
was a mixture of giggles and laughter, as if what I was
saying was absurd, obsessive or both.
Well, times have changed.
Now, I’m approached by those who downplayed my
survival information in the past and am asked about
emergency preparedness. They now ask about a bug-out
bag and what should be included or omitted. They ask
how many cases of water I keep at my house and how › Above: People who had no clue what a “bug-out bag” was prior to the pandemic now have several
in case of other possible emergencies. (Photo: ReadyToGoSurvival.com)
many I think they should store. They take greater interest
in my knives, my key chain multi-tool and my tactical
A LOOK AHEAD
pen. They ask me if they should buy more food in case of
As of this writing, the pandemic is still, unfortunately, going strong. And although
another shortage or lockdown.
vaccines are being administered, it’s going to be a long road ahead until our pre-pandemic
Best of all, I now hear those previous skeptics sharing
way of life returns.
key survival tips and tricks with their friends and families.
One thing, however, is certain: Skeptics can become believers, no matter the
I've realized that all it takes is just one person to pass
circumstances ... once the problem hits close to home. They say that “seeing is believing”
the word until there’s an entire group focused on survival
and, although you can’t see the virus, you can definitely see the horrific outcomes as a
and self-sufficiency. In this day and age, that’s the only
result of its existence. It now appears that that’s enough to make even the most hardened
type of “contagious material" we need.
opponent to the survivalist’s mentality give up on their bias and actually pursue the
fundamental benefits and life-saving advantages of prepping.

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ADD SOME
SWISS
PRECISION
TO YOUR
EDC
NO SHORTCUTS WERE TAKEN ON THE

VICTORINOX HUNTER PRO M ALOX AND SWISS
TOOL SPIRIT XC PLUS RATCHET MULTI-TOOL.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JIM COBB

T
he Swiss Army Knife, often referred to as a
"SAK," is one of the most common tools on the
planet. It seems that anywhere you go, you’ll
see the familiar bright-red handle bearing the
Swiss cross. It’s probably a safe bet that most
ASG readers count at least one SAK in their possession,
whether it’s carried regularly or resides in a tackle box or on
a workbench.
It all began in 1884, when Karl Elsener opened his knife
shop in Ibach-Schwyz, Switzerland. Within just seven years,
he was supplying the Swiss Army with cutlery tools; and,
by 1897, he’d developed the Officer’s and Sports Knife—the
forerunner of the modern Swiss Army Knife.
Over the years, Victorinox has branched out well beyond
those ubiquitous folding knives. Today, it offers five distinct
product lines: Swiss Army Knives, watches, fragrances, travel
gear, and household and professional knives. Other than the
travel items, everything is still manufactured in Switzerland.
Victorinox has earned a well-deserved reputation for
exacting quality with all of its products. This company must
be doing something right: A few years ago, it produced its
500-millionth SAK!
Recently, I decided I wanted to expand my own collection
beyond the Tinker and similar SAK models. In checking
Victorinox’s website, I found a number of great tools. After
some difficulty narrowing down my choices, I finally settled
on a Hunter Pro M Alox folding knife and the Swiss Tool Spirit
XC Plus Ratchet multi-tool. Shipping was a breeze, and I had
both items in hand within a few days.
Here’s how they stacked up.
‹ You can get an awful lot

done with just these two
tools at your disposal.

‹ Far left, top: This model has a thumbhole,
although pinching the blade with your fingers
to open it is easier.
‹ Near left: The mild jimping

along the back of the blade
is exactly where your thumb
naturally falls.
‹ Far left, bottom: The texturing on the

scales is rough enough to provide a great
grip, but it’s in no way uncomfortable, even
after extended use.
HUNTER PRO M ALOX

The first thing I noticed about this knife when I opened the The “Alox” in the name refers to the handle material. The scales are punched from
box was its size—much larger than I’d anticipated. This wasn’t embossed aluminum and then treated with “anodic oxidation.” This is an electrochemical
necessarily a bad thing; it just took me by surprise. Closed, it runs treatment that produces an oxide layer over the metal. As a practical matter, this
a bit more than 5 inches, including the lanyard tab. With the blade increases the corrosion and wear resistance of the handle scales.
open, it measures 9 inches. The Hunter Pro M Alox weighs 6.6 A thumbhole at the top of the blade is used to swing out the blade. Alternatively, the
ounces. So, while it has some heft (more about that later), it isn’t blade can, of course, be grasped with your other hand and opened. There’s no need for a
going to feel as if you’re constantly being pulled to the side by the nail nick with this knife, because there’s plenty of blade exposed to grasp easily.
weight in your pocket. The blade is a drop-point design with a slight swedge. It has a matte finish, which looks
Speaking of carrying the Hunter Pro: It comes equipped with a nice against the shinier handle scales. There’s a small bit of jimping on the spine just
deep-carry pocket clip, along with a paracord lanyard. The latter behind the thumbhole. I found this was naturally where my thumb instinctively went
works great to help draw the knife out of your pocket. when holding the open knife.

“THE TEETH ON THE SAW ARE VERY AGGRESSIVE AND
TEAR THROUGH WOOD QUITE EASILY. THE SCISSORS
WORK GREAT. AS ONE WOULD EXPECT COMING FROM
VICTORINOX, EVERY ASPECT OF THE TOOL IS AS
PRECISE AS, WELL, A SWISS WATCH.”
‹ Above: The Hunter M Alox, while

large, is very “easy on the eyes.”
› Right: The drop-point blade profile

is a new twist on a classic design.
› Bottom, far right: The knife was very comfortable in the kitchen, with
no hot spots—even after cutting up a bunch of carrots.
Hunter Pro M Alox

Specifications
• Closed: 5.4 inches
• Blade: 3.88 inches
• Blade material: Stainless steel
• Handle material: Textured aluminum
• Pocket clip: Fixed; right hand; tip up
• Lanyard hole
• Weight: 6.6 ounces
MSRP: $104.99
SwissArmy.com

‹ Far left, top: The Spirit XC's pliers have three
functions—from needle nose to wire cutters.
‹ Near left: This cutting tool

is unique to Victorinox and
could be very useful in some
applications.
‹ Middle left: The ratchet accessory is a truly

useful tool, not a gimmick.
“WITH SOME DIFFICULTY IN NARROWING IT

DOWN, I FINALLY SETTLED ON A HUNTER PRO
M ALOX FOLDING KNIFE AND THE SWISS TOOL
SPIRIT XC PLUS RATCHET MULTI-TOOL.”
This is a locking knife, with the release button located at the back of the handle. Initially,
this was a pretty stiff lock, but the release loosened up a bit after some use (by this, I mean
the button became easier to depress, not that the lock, itself, became loose). Lockup on this
knife is absolutely solid, with zero wiggle.
I used the Hunter Pro M Alox for several tasks and found it to be incredibly comfortable,
despite its large size. As longtime readers know, I often bring a new knife into the kitchen
for food prep chores. I’m the cook in our family, so it’s easy for me to put it to work in that
environment. In this case, I used it to slice and chop some carrots.
The test here isn’t to find out if the knife is up to the task, because even a butter knife can
be pounded through a carrot. Rather, the idea is to see how the knife handles when put to
work.
The Hunter Pro M Alox handled like a dream. Its large handle size gave me plenty of control
over the knife. Plus, I experienced no cramping fingers or palm from trying to hold a small and
thin knife for long periods of time. It handled similarly well with cordage, a leather belt and
other materials.
Nevertheless, it isn’t without a couple of minor downsides: It’s heavy, as far as pocketknives
go. At almost 7 ounces, it weighs about the same as a roll of nickels or a couple of C batteries.
No, it isn’t a “boat anchor,” but you’ll definitely notice it in your pocket. The only other gripe I
have is that if I had the choice, I wouldn’t choose to have a thumbhole in the blade spine. The
action is still just a little too tight for it to swing the blade out that way. But, again, there’s
plenty of blade there to grasp with your fingers to open it.
SWISS TOOL SPIRIT XC PLUS RATCHET MULTI-TOOL

That name sure is a mouthful! So, for the remainder of this article, I’m going to just shorten
that to “Spirit XC.”
› Above: The Spirit XC's lock release buttons are I’ll admit that I run hot and cold with most multi-tools. I recognize they’re useful, and I do
located at the end of the handles. Just slide them
slightly to unlock an individual tool for use. carry one in most of my kits. But I also feel that there’s sometimes an over-reliance on them

“ … I’M REALLY DIGGING THE SPIRIT XC. IT'S A CLASSICALLY DESIGNED
MULTI-TOOL, WITH THE UBIQUITOUS FOLD-OUT PLIERS PROFILE. HOWEVER,
THERE’S A LOT GOING ON HERE, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ADD IN THE 'PLUS
RATCHET' PART OF THE EQUATION.”
Swiss Tool Spirit

XC Plus Ratchet
Specifications
• Overall length: 9.0 inches
• Closed length: 4.1 inches
• 38 functions
• Includes ratchet tool and 6 bits
• Leather pouch holds knife and ratchet kit
• Weight: 7.4 ounces
‹ The Swiss Tool Spirit XC Plus

MSRP: $149.99
Ratchet packs a lot of tools
into a compact item. SwissArmy.com

‹ Far left, top & near left: The Spirit XC's
extension can be used to increase your
reach with the bit … or used to give you
added leverage.
‹ Far left, bottom: The knife

blade on the Spirit XC is mostly
serrated, with a small bit of
smooth edge toward the bottom.
“I USED THE
HUNTER PRO M
ALOX FOR SEVERAL
TASKS AND FOUND
IT TO BE INCREDIBLY
COMFORTABLE,
DESPITE ITS LARGE
SIZE.”
EDC TOOL KIT

Depending on your general daily activities, adding a small tool kit to your EDC load
might be worth the time to assemble. You won’t be performing major engine repairs
with it, but it could get you out of a jam when a full-scale tool box isn’t available. Here
are some things to consider adding to it:
and that some folks plan to do way more with • Multi-tool, such as the Swiss Tool Spirit XC Plus Ratchet
a multi-tool than it’s designed to handle. • Folding knife
That said, I’m really digging the Spirit XC! It’s • Small pair of channel locks
a classically designed multi-tool, featuring • Tweezers
the ubiquitous, foldout pliers profile. However, • Duct tape rolled onto a pencil or old credit card
there’s a lot going on here, especially when you • Cordage, such as paracord or bank line
add in the “plus ratchet” part of the equation. • Penlight or other small flashlight
This is a medium-sized multi-tool, measuring • Disposable lighter
about 4 inches from end to end when closed. • Notebook and pencil
Without attachments or additions, it weighs
7.3 ounces. The handles are slightly curved, All of that—and more—will fit into any number of pocket organizers available from
which gives the tool a very comfortable feel, companies such as 5.11 Tactical, Maxpedition or Vanquest. Toss these items into your
whether open or closed. EDC bag, and you’ll be ready for the next expedient repair need.
All told, there are 24 individual functions
available on the Spirit XC. All of them, with
the exception of the pliers, are used when the lock in that position. Even so, this is great when you’re working at an angle and need
handles are closed. Most of the tools have a to reach a screw, for example. The lock release is located along the back of the handle.
nail nick for easy opening. The ones that don’t Simply slide the release down to unlock and then refold the tool.
are easy to grab (such as the Phillips head The pliers have three functions: There’s the typical needle nose, but then, the “belly” opens
screwdriver). up to tackle larger bolts and nuts. Then, at the base, there’s a wire cutter.
When they unfold, the tools lock into Other standard tools are the screwdrivers, can opener and scissors. These are all exactly what
place—a great feature. There’s also a positive you’d expect in a tool of this quality ... meaning that they’re well-made and perform well.
stop at 45 degrees, although the tool doesn’t This multi-tool also offers a few unique features: Most tools of this nature have a knife

“IT'S PROBABLY A SAFE BET THAT MOST ASG READERS ‹ Above:
Everything for
COUNT AT LEAST ONE SAK IN THEIR POSSESSION, WHETHER the Spirit XC fits
into the leather
IT'S CARRIED REGULARLY OR IT RESIDES pouch, which
features dedicated
IN A TACKLE BOX OR ON A WORKBENCH.” pockets for each
component.
blade, and the Spirit XC is no exception. "longitudinal cutter" and a "crossways cutter." The latter two are apparently intended for
However, this one incorporates both cutting the cover from cable of some sort.
serrations and a smooth edge. The serrated All the tools swing out and back smoothly without any effort. The lockup is rock-solid on
edge runs for the first two-thirds of the each of them, as well.
sheepsfoot blade—from the flat tip on As noted, this is the “Plus Ratchet” model. As such, it comes with a well-made leather
down. The knife edge then smooths out. pouch that carries the Spirit XC, as well as some additional tools. To be quite honest,
There’s also a slightly upswept curve these extras had me really excited about this tool: There’s a ratchet with several bits, a
to the blade, itself, lending additional ratchet extension and a small corkscrew nestled in dedicated pockets inside the pouch.
cutting power to each stroke. The blade is The corkscrew is actually two tools in one. Secured inside it is a small eyeglass screwdriver.
frighteningly sharp too. It screws in and out easily when needed. The corkscrew, itself, attaches to the Spirit XC via
There’s also a secondary cutting tool. It a slot that’s found on either side of the tool (as a result, no matter what happens, you’ll
has three distinct sharp edges. Victorinox always have access to wine!).
refers to these as a "chisel/scraper," a The ratchet is slightly more than 4 inches long. I counted 36 clicks as it rotated around.

› Top left: The ratchet was very useful in dismantling an old toy for troubleshooting.
› Near left: The Spirit XC comes with six

bits, with room for a few more of your own
choosing.
“AS WITH
ANYTHING
BEARING THE
VICTORINOX
BRAND, THESE
TWO TOOLS ARE
GREAT BUYS AND
WELL WORTH THE
INVESTMENT.”
It’s reversible: You put the bit in one side if you’re tightening it and the other side if you’re
loosening it. The bit can also be put into the handle end of the ratchet. In that position,
you can use the extension as a handle in the ratchet to give you more leverage. The
extension will also fit into the handle to increase your reach. It comes with six bits (two
each of Torx, Phillips and Allen heads). There’s space for four more bits in the carrier, so
› Middle
you can add others you use often.
left: There’s a
tiny eyeglass With everything loaded into the pouch, it weighs about 13 ounces. That’s a bit more than
screwdriver stored
I’d like to add to my belt, so I mostly stored it in my off-body EDC kit. I kept it handy for a
within the corkscrew.
few weeks, just waiting for something in the house to break so I could leap into action with
the Spirit XC. The first job I tackled was opening the back of an old toy to see why it wasn’t
working. This gave me the opportunity to use the ratchet and Phillips bit, as well as the
extension. Everything worked great at removing the screws, even though they’d obviously
been in place for many years.
I was really curious about the Spirit XC’s unique cutting tool, so I grabbed a shipping box
and went to work. The tip worked like a dream to slice the box into strips. (Again, I wasn’t
just testing the capability of the tool but its ergonomics.)
When the tool’s handle is closed, it’s really easy on the hands. All exposed edges on the
frame are slightly rounded, so there aren’t any hot spots. This is also evident when you’re
using the pliers. I have an old iteration of another multi-tool that’s just murder on the
fingers and palm if you need to exert any real force with the pliers; it really digs into the
hands. That’s not the case here.
The teeth on the saw are very aggressive and tear through wood quite easily. The scissors
also work great. As you’d expect from Victorinox, every aspect of this tool is as precise as,
well, a Swiss watch.
My only complaint about the Spirit XC is its weight. The high quality and robust build do
come at a cost. However, for someone (like me) who’ll toss it into a pack or bag rather
than strap it to a belt, the weight is probably negligible in the grand scheme of things.
The folding knife and the multi-tool are both exceptionally well-made. I could easily
see them being passed down to children or grandchildren after years of service. As with
anything bearing the Victorinox brand, these two tools are great buys and well worth the
› Above: The cutting tool worked great at slicing up cardboard ... investment.
without dulling the knife blade.

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“BECAUSE KNOWLEDGE WEIGHS NOTHING, ANY
NOTEWORTHY LESSON GAINED IN TRACKING AND,
CONSEQUENTLY, IN ANTI-TRACKING TECHNIQUES
HAS LOTS TO OFFER.”

MOVE LIKE
A GHOST
AND LEAVE
NO TRACE
ANTI-TRACKING ESCAPE AND
EVASION TECHNIQUES
T
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY KYT LYN WALKEN
he ability to detect, read and follow both human and animal tracks represents
a valuable means of developing a more conscious awareness of the outdoors.
In the very same manner, the capability to reduce, camouflage or even avoid
leaving visible signs acquires greater importance, especially if it comes from
necessity. Think about a possible bug-out situation or a SHTF scenario for which
this might be a valuable skill.
‹ Above: First things first: Scan the area to develop awareness of the entire scenario.
‹ Left: Take advantage of "track traps"—types of terrain that easily

retain the design of the shoe, animal or vehicle tracks.

‹ Far left: Being on
alert is mandatory
while on track.
‹ Near left: A good

footprint reveals
essential details
about the person
being tracked.
In both circumstances, tracking is far from being an easy art to master in a short period Air Service in the Malayan Emergency, the
of time. It requires lots of time, commitment and constant dedication, especially with Borneo Confrontation and by U.S. combat
bad weather and poor mental and physical performance. We learn through mistakes; and, trackers from Vietnam to Afghanistan.
for tracking, we make no exceptions: The more we fail, the more we understand how the This brief historical overview should give
logical process behind correctly minimizing tracks really works. you an idea of the longevity and the real
What makes this ancient skill still so remarkable is its potential to make the difference current viability of the subject. In fact,
between life and death if you or any of your group are caught up in an emergency effective anti-tracking techniques put into
situation; or, if your intention is to bug out to a safe place. Because knowledge weighs use in a survival situation play an essential
nothing, any noteworthy lesson gained in tracking and, consequently, in anti-tracking role when we find ourselves chased by ill-
techniques has lots to offer. intentioned people whom we want to elude.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Of all the specialist activities relevant to the prosecution of a counterinsurgency
campaign, none is more important than the provision of trackers. —Frank Kitson, British
counterinsurgency practitioner and theorist.
All the procedures and strategies engaged in order to deceive and slow down either a
tracker or a combat tracking unit are usually defined as "anti-tracking." On the other
side, the term, "counter-tracking," stands for operations that employ IEDs (“improvised
explosive devices,” such as booby traps, trip wires, land mines and so on). Their aim is to
physically injure or, in the worst case, to eliminate the trackers.
Deceptive tactics have been quite intensively developed and put into action within
the tactical field. As I explained in my recent essay, Tracking, Anti-tracking and Counter-
tracking during Colonialism, they surely obtained a notable resonance in Africa over the
last century. Apart from that period, they have been successfully employed by the Special
“ALL THE PROCEDURES AND STRATEGIES

ENGAGED IN ORDER TO DECEIVE AND SLOW
DOWN EITHER A TRACKER OR A COMBAT
TRACKING UNIT ARE USUALLY DEFINED AS
‹ Above: Selous Scouts on track in Rhodesia (Photo: selousscouts.
“‘ANTI-TRACKING.’” tripod.com/combat_tracking)

› Right: Looking for
the outline of a shoe.
Tracking on craggy
terrain is tough—but
not impossible. I am not just talking about footprints.
This also includes bent vegetation, body
fluids or any other discharged material or
item incidentally or purposely left behind.
The amount and types of signs we leave
behind are meaningful to an experienced
eye. The signs, in fact, become clues. They
can be used against us if the purpose of
other people is to pursue us. Alternatively,
we can take advantage of our tracking
knowledge to alter clues we leave behind
by minimizing them as much as we can or
via other means, according to the scenario.
EVERY CONTACT LEAVES A TRACE
The starting point, both for trackers and anti- and counter-trackers, consists of the first
principle of forensic science, as stated by Sir Edmund Locard at the beginning of the 20th › Below: In order to better spot details of
century: "Every contact leaves a trace." Simply put: Every time we move through any the track, you must obey this rule: Keep
the track between you and the sun or
outdoor or indoor scene, we leave a sign of our presence. other source of light.
“WHAT MAKES THIS ANCIENT SKILL STILL SO REMARKABLE IS ITS POTENTIAL

TO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH IF YOU OR ANY OF
YOUR GROUP ARE CAUGHT UP IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION; OR, IF YOUR
INTENTION IS TO BUG OUT TO A SAFE PLACE.”

‹ Far left: Stepping
on a well-worn
trail will make the
identification of
our pattern more
difficult.
‹ Near left: A recently

dislodged stone could
give away our passing
to expert trackers. If
we carry heavy loads,
we must pay extra
attention to how we
step on the ground.
WHY WE SHOULD LEAVE NO

SIGN BEHIND
Why should we want to leave a minimal
amount of traces? If we are preppers and
survivalists, the answers could be various
and apparent:
• To mislead our pursuers;
• To keep our trail secret;
• To avoid giving away the position of our
bug-out location;
• To not reveal resources we discover (i.e.,
food or water);
• To keep our items and gear secure and
safe; and
• To keep our stockpiled food safe from
theft. › Right: If you are the
No matter what our intentions are, we one being tracked,
avoid sandy and/
need to tune our senses and actions to the or muddy soils to
scenario we are in. reduce the sign of
your passage.
At the very core of tracking, as well as of
escape and evasion techniques, are the
terrain and ground cover. And, when it “THE STARTING POINT, BOTH FOR TRACKERS AND
comes to covering our tracks, every action
counts. Each time we make the decision
ANTI- AND COUNTER-TRACKERS, CONSISTS OF THE
to cross a specific area, it is mandatory to FIRST PRINCIPLE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE ... ‘EVERY
consider the main geographical features — CONTACT LEAVES A TRACE.’ SIMPLY PUT: EVERY TIME
variable altitude, steep slopes, terrain,
fauna and flora, natural obstacles and the
WE MOVE THROUGH ANY OUTDOOR OR INDOOR
presence or absence of established trails. SCENE, WE LEAVE A SIGN OF OUR PRESENCE.”

“ … WE CAN TAKE
ADVANTAGE OF
OUR TRACKING CONCEALING YOUR
KNOWLEDGE TO
ALTER CLUES WE TRACKS: WHAT TO
LEAVE BEHIND BY
MINIMIZING THEM AS CARRY IN YOUR BACKPACK
MUCH AS WE CAN OR A pouch or any small bag dedicated to improvised anti-tracking shoes is an option to consider. Some very
VIA OTHER MEANS, common items could come in handy when you need to conceal the sole design of your boots. Remember to
ACCORDING TO THE always consider your weight and your physical features.
SCENARIO." My personal list includes:

• Paracord of different sizes
• A knife
• A net
› Below: The fishnet bag from the author’s
• Woman‘s fishnet stockings
anti-tracking pouch is being put into use.
• Wool socks
• Bread bag
• Rags of different sizes and textures
• Resistant wrappers
That is basically all I need to cover my shoes and move quite undetected on different terrains. Before
committing myself to improvise any cover, I always consider all the options I have.
Creating a pair of anti-tracking shoes, in fact, is always a remote option. It requires time, not to mention
that you might accidentally leave behind some clues of your activity. Even a small piece of yarn or thread,
detected by expert eyes, could be evidence of your transition through the area.
Once I establish the characteristics of the soil and terrain I have to face, I figure out which of my items
could serve me best. No single item is 100 percent applicable or reliable, so I must move very cautiously.
In doing so, I also reduce or eliminate any possible sound that could give away my presence.
To achieve that, I adopt Tom Brown's stalking position: I slightly bend my knees, take shorter steps and
move more slowly. In this manner, I have full control of my footfalls, and I can constantly check if the
improvised foot coverings still work or if they are tearing apart.
› Left: These items

› Above: It is very difficult to find the effects are part of the
on the ground when the author wears author’s anti-
fishnet bags from her anti-tracking pouch. tracking pouch.

THE CORE OF EVASION › Top right: Stepping
on moss is not an
Planning the trail to your bug-out location option to consider
makes the ideal starting point. No one likes if you want to leave
minimal signs of
accidents, and being prepared means also your passing. Moss
being familiar with the place you carefully can be easily bruised
and compacted by
chose. If so, you are probably already aware shoes, as can be
of how the ground reacts to your passage seen at the tip of the
author’s finger.
on a given day during the various seasons
and with different weather conditions.
Some areas provide less evidence of
your passage; for example, the presence
of craggy or rocky ground and the lack of
foliage. Reading tracks on them, in fact,
is extremely tough and always time-
consuming.
Based on this experience, when you
find yourself in an unfamiliar place, you › Bottom right:
Studying the terrain
can actually scan the area with some before crossing an
accuracy by closely studying the ground for area represents one
of the first steps in
environments you’re familiar with: evasion.
• Scan the whole area in order to get as
much information as possible.
• Look for any evidence of recent passage
left by other people, vehicles or animals.
• “Index” (test) the terrain to figure out
how the soil reacts to you stepping on it.
Generally speaking, keep in mind the
following facts:
• Any soft soil acts like a trap for tracks
(called "track traps"), retaining the
imprint from your footwear.
• Fields of high grass will easily give away
your route, because grass blades will
› Below: Pine needle
bend toward your travel direction. beds are top options
• Walking uphill or downhill on steep to consider to reduce
evidence of your
slopes will leave very evident and movement.
specific signs of your passage as a result of the release of more kinetic force. The more
load you have on you, the deeper and more visible your footprints will be. Carry only
essential gear so you will move more lightly; this will also help you leave shallower
footprints that are less apparent.
• Running will create more evidence of your passage, not only on the ground, but also to
the vegetation you pass through.
• Exploiting existing trails will make your prints difficult to pick up with accuracy.
APPLYING BRITISH ANTI-TRACKING PRINCIPLES

The British anti-tracking principles might come in handy when it comes time to fix in
your mind the do‘s and the don'ts in any escape and/or evasion situation. Developed
especially during the previously mentioned jungle campaigns in Malaysia and Borneo,
these principles proved to be extremely effective for leaving minimal signs. No matter the
features of the situation you are in, these principles are based on common sense:
• Do not walk on anything if you can step over it.
• Do not leave the geometry of your pattern (that is, the design of the soles of your
footwear—or even a portion of it) on track traps. These consist of soft terrain and are
more likely to capture and preserve the features of your sole design as a result of the high
humidity level they have.
• Do not bend any plant or twig if you can simply dodge it.

01. When making
anti-tracking shoes, the
first step is to select the
right twigs for the size of
the boots.
02. Paracord and a

knife—the simple tools
needed to make anti-
tracking shoes 01 02
03. Wrap the branches

around the shoes and tie
them securely.
04. The final result of

the anti-tracking shoe
project. This will not
leave footprints that
look as if they were 05
made by a human. 05. The effects on the ground left by the author’s
anti-tracking shoes. It is virtually impossible to
detect that a human walked in this area.
03 04
CONCEALING YOUR TRACKS

WITH NATURAL MATERIALS
Making anti-tracking shoes with natural from the ground not only makes more sense, Later on, I came back to the starting point
materials is strictly connected to the abundance it also reduces any unnecessary noise. in order to observe my tracks by backtracking
or absence of the proper vegetation you need to I only pick the branches of the proper length them. My anti-tracking shoes seemed to just
make your sole design disappear. By scanning to cover, with a little excess, my whole foot. By move and push aside the leaves and debris—
the area, you will soon get the answers and making the covering larger, I can actually have without leaving the telltale signs that a human
materials you need. You need to rely on natural some additional room in case the branches passed by. In some spots, some micro clues were
materials that are found consistently along move a little bit when I’m attaching them. Then, present, but they were very difficult to find.
your path of travel. And, once they are firmly I start to wrap them to the sole of my boots with The general idea is that the environment
attached to your footwear, you won‘t have to some paracord. I make very sure not to leave any has been untouched. Nonetheless, covering a
worry about losing them. uncovered area of the paracord, itself, because considerable distance by wearing this sort of
The first rule is always, "Blend with the sce- the imprint left by a straight line of cord is easy "natural coverage" has a lot of cons:
nario." In the pictures above, you can see how I for a tracker to identify. This is especially true • As part of the material wears away, the
used local materials to make a very simple, but on barren terrain. By following this process, the paracord will emerge and leave distinctive signs
serviceable, pair of anti-tracking shoes. I try to whole branch will adopt the form of a natural on the terrain.
blend in with the forest or other environment I arch that disguises the soles of the boots. • This process reduces your natural walking
am in—mainly pines and yews in this case—as After taking a few steps to get familiar with speed.
well as being aware of my total body weight the new size and feel of my modified soles, I • You could leave behind some debris on your
and my way of moving. then fully tested them. way.
I grabbed some yew branches that fell The tracks I left behind became barely visible, • Each change of terrain requires a specific type
down after a recent storm. Never break or and the noise I produced was definitely more of coverage for your shoe soles.
cut branches from the tree, because these like the natural sounds in the surrounding area. However, because this process is so simple,
"aerial spoors" (signs caused by damaging The result was very satisfying. And, just by you can easily train yourself to manufacture
or removing upper parts of vegetation) will taking some steps and stopping, I additionally your own anti-tracking shoes and put them into
immediately give away your presence in the broke up the distinctive sound of a two-legged practice.
area to an expert eye. Picking up branches individual making her way through the woods.

you will create even more tracks, and
the branch you used will leave unnatural
patterns on the ground. In addition, it can
drop leaves on the ground.
Walking backward provides alterations
from the heel-to-toe impressions. They are
easily detectable, and your whole stride
will appear shorter.
Custom-manufactured shoes with faux
animal footprints still leave an impression
that can be tracked; besides, ungulates are
four-legged, not two-legged as humans
are. And, wearing socks still gives away
hints from bent, low vegetation and, on
smooth ground, the complete outlines of
your feet.
Last, but not least: Using well-used trails
in order to confuse your tracks with others
is somewhat pointless after your tread
pattern has already been identified.
THE ‘KISS’ PRINCIPLE

If your purpose is to hide or minimize
your tracks, the KISS Principle (“Keep It
› Above: Gopher Simple, Stupid”) still wins. Your actions—
• Do not break anything that you can easily avoid or flex. holes act like “track and options—depend on the features of
traps, because they
• Avoid making unnecessary noise, starting fires, using strong perfumes, toothpaste, easily retain your the whole scenario, as well as on your
chewing gum and lotions and so on. footwear’s sole physical and mental conditions and the
pattern.
• If you‘re part of a group, communicate by hand signals. material you have on hand. My suggestion
is: Do not rush; rather, apply common
OTHER METHODS TO MAKE YOUR TRACKS DISAPPEAR sense and set up a specific plan before
There is a long list of noteworthy ways to conceal your tracks or, perhaps, to make them you move out. Take an objective look at
less evident. No doubt, Western/action movies, books, manuals and various historical your situation and consider honestly how
accounts can help us with some ideas. The most well-known methods include: › Below: Medium-sized
your tracks and other signs of travel will
gravel can be your
• Brushing out or camouflaging tracks; ally when you are in look before you leave any evidence of
• Walking in a stream, creek or river; anti-tracking mode.
your passage.
• Walking backward;
• Jumping from stone to stone or just walking on very hard surfaces;
• Abruptly changing travel direction;
• Leaving a false trail;
• Using well-traveled routes in order to confuse your tracks with others;
• Wearing footwear with no pattern design;
• Wearing socks over shoes;
• Wearing footwear with the sole mounted in the opposite manner (heel, instead of toe);
• Wearing footwear that leave prints such as hooves or claws;
• Wearing a plastic bag over footwear;
• Changing shoes while on the move; and
• Mounting a motorcycle, bicycle or a horse.
The requirements, in terms of time and the availability of props, go without saying—but
the legitimate question remains: Do all these techniques really work?
Some of them can surely help, but experienced and trained trackers do overcome each of
these techniques.
For example, making your way through a stream will slow down a tracker, but they will
focus the attention on the exit point. Even in a dry river bed, a good tracker can spot the
outline of human prints, taking advantage of even a tiny portion of soft ground. The very
same will happen with some soils that feature rocks.
Brushing out tracks is one of the most time-wasting and least useful things to do, because

ESEE’S BEST
JUST GOT
BETTER
NEW STEEL AND SCALES
ACE GRUELING WINTER CAMP TESTS.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY REUBEN BOLIEU
› The new version of the classic ESEE-4

with S35VN steel and 3D G10 scales is
available in (left to right) canvas Micarta
and orange or gray/black G10.

“AT THE END OF ALL THE
SLASHING, PUNCTURING,
SLICING AND DICING, I
SHAVED HAIR OFF MY ARM
AS AN EXTRA TEST. RESULT?
THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS,
EVEN AFTER THE ARRAY OF
MATERIALS THAT HAD BEEN
CUT. THAT’S S35VN STEEL
PERFORMANCE!”

› Top, left: The author used the ESEE-4 S35VN to cross-grain baton a piece of
maple to get a clean break. This task was especially hard on the S35VN steel.
› Left: The ESEE-4 S35VN comes with

options for flat Micarta or 3D contoured
G-10 scales and a Kydex sheath.
› Left: The ESEE-3 knife with an S35VN

steel blade and contoured 3D G10
handles. The S35V model fits all the
standard ESEE-3 sheaths. The clip plate
is reversible and removable.
E
SEE Knives started 2020 out with a new steel for its offerings,
along with one new model and revamps of its classic ESEE-3 and
ESEE-4 models. This company’s been busy!
CLASSIC REVAMPS
ESEE Knives now offers its classic ESEE-3 and ESEE-4 knives in S35VN steel with regular
Micarta handle scales and contoured 3D G10 handles. Often referred to as a “super-steel,”
S35VN is a martensitic stainless steel designed to offer improved toughness over S30V.
It’s also easier to machine and polish than S30V. According to Crucible Industries LLC,
its chemistry has been rebalanced so that it forms some niobium carbides, along with
vanadium and chromium carbides. As an added benefit, the S35VN models fit all the
standard ESEE-3 and ESEE-4 sheaths. These are often regarded as the flagship knives
offered by ESEE Knives, so good just got better.
There’s a handful of survival community practitioners and experts who swear they’ve
used the original 1095 carbon steel ESEE-3 (or its RAT-3 predecessor) as their go-to knife
and cut their teeth with it coming up. I have to include myself in that list of practitioners:
It was my “class knife” after completing the Randall’s Adventure & Training Jungle Survival
› Above: The author checked the knife’s edge retention while Class in 2007. Since then, I’ve used it on countless trips and survival classes. It was never a
slicing tomatoes, carrots, celery and peppers for various dishes.
There were no issues when slicing, even after the brutal test of “safe queen,” nor will it ever be. I still take it out on trips and know it’ll last a lifetime!
stabbing into metal and the blade chipping in two small spots.

EXTREME EVALUATION I proceeded to split the chunky oak with
In the latter part of 2020, I got my mitts on both the ESEE-3 S35VN and the ESEE-4 S35VN, the ESEE-4—tip down, held in an icepick
which featured 3D G10 scales. Taking them right out of the package, I saw a noticeable grip and a stout baton in hand. I had a
difference between the standard canvas Micarta scales and the luxury 3D G10 scales. large, heavy baton in my camp that I'd
However, feeling them is believing! The blade finish is called “Stone Wash,” and it’s cut from a piece of hard maple. It was cut
appropriately named. The texture is smooth but has a grainier look than a plain satin finish. with a saw at the junction of a Y section,
I wasted no time with the selection process to choose which of these knives would be my so there was a handle of sorts, offering a
woods test subject and which would get the utility, EDC treatment. lot of leverage when splitting or pounding
I decided that the new 3D G10-handled ESEE-4 would be my choice for woods stakes into the hard ground.
work, and the ESEE-3 S35VN would be on EDC detail. The weather report However, I wanted a more traditional
called for below-freezing conditions and snow. So, I packed the baton mallet. Out came the bow
ESEE-4 S35VN with my cold weather gear, and away we went. saw, which I used to cut around the
When I arrived at my camp, I found a piece of oak from circumference of the log that would act as
a previous campfire that still had some ice on it. my stop-cut. The log was put on a stump,
Rather than dig out my tomahawk to split it, I and I used the ESEE-4 S35VN to baton
opted to use the ESEE-4 S35VN. and split sections, forming a rough handle.
Eventually, the knife was used to shave
down and fine-tune the handle (which I
plan on using for many years).
Wanting to get my fire started, I needed
kindling. I planned to use the ESEE-4
S35VN for as many tasks as possible.
Using a bow saw, I cut a few lengths of
maple about the size of my small wood
stove. Once I stood the wood on end, I put
› Left: Two ESEE

Knives classics are
now available with
3D G10 scales and
S35VN stainless
steel blades. The
rounded, exposed
pommel and
“Stone Wash” blade
finish elegantly
complement the
scales.
“ESEE KNIVES NOW OFFERS ITS

CLASSIC ESEE-3 AND ESEE-4 KNIVES
IN S35VN STEEL WITH REGULAR
MICARTA HANDLE SCALES AND
CONTOURED 3D G10 HANDLES.”

SCALES
EE has used G10 for its scale materials, it’s the more comfortable
ge scales have been offered for various models. The combination of
major additions to ESEE Knives.
p, along with the ESEE-3 and newish design: the Xancudo fixed
G10 scales. The 3D G10 contoured scales feature a curving palm swell
oove beneath the guard. Currently, the 3D G10 scales are available
ll, but only for carbon steel versions.
e what other ESEE designs get this new luxury overhaul of S35VN
he middle of the wood. I simply whacked the spine of the knife, and it
splitting the wood. This made for very dry, uniform, finger-thickness
s to not beat the knife all the way down into the support stump; rather,
a little more than halfway down the length of the wood and use a twist
t the wood apart. This works well and, unless there’s a knot, it isn’t hard
e. Well, there were knots. Avoiding these when using a knife or axe is like
and trying not to hit any rocks with your shovel!
one, I closely examined the blade while I was about to prepare the
for the next morning’s fire. The blade had a few chips in the belly area.
because I know this type of steel is not made for these tasks. Sure, it
ne ... but at a price. So, I used a Smith’s fine diamond sharpening stone
, along with a strop that had been provided by my friends at Powers
was skeptical that the fine diamond stone would actually do the trick,
to take care of the chipped area.
ater—and to my surprise—the knife chipped again in the same area
oods use. Again, it wasn’t a “deal-breaker,” because this knife version
was never intended for this type of use. In fact, ESEE
Knives wants its customers to recognize this and
puts an advisory on its website: “Our stainless
knives are warranted just like our carbon steel
knives. However, we advise that because
‹ Near left: In-hand photo of the new

ESEE-3 S35VN 3D G10 knife. This
model is hand-filling and agile at 8.19
inches overall and a 3.88-inch blade.
‹ Far left: ESEE's molded sheath with a clip

plate will fit all versions of the ESEE-4.

› Top right: The ESEE-3 S35VN 3D G10 in
EDC mode. This version got called on for
a lot of utility and kitchen work during
the testing process.
ESEE-3 S35VN
Fixed-Blade Knife
Specifications
• Overall length: 8.19 inches
• Cutting edge length: 3.38 inches
• Overall blade length: 3.88 inches
• Maximum thickness: 0.125 inch
• Steel: S35VN; 59-60 Rc
• Weight: 6 ounces (knife only)
• Weight: 9 ounces (knife and sheath)
• Sheath: Molded
• Finish: Stone Wash
• Handle: 3D G10
• Made in the U.S.A.
› Far right: The new ESEE-3 S35VN MSRP: $205
features 3D G10 scales. This is a reemer-
gence of the company’s flagship knife
with an upgraded, super stainless steel
and contoured handle that's built for
comfort and speed.
they are hardened to a higher Rockwell hardness than our carbon steel knives, they are
easier to break if you pry with them.”
After retouching the edge on the strop, I made a figure-4 deadfall trap. Using a heavy
chopping tool, I procured a broomstick-thick piece of green witch hazel for my trap parts;
its smaller branches were used for utensils and camp crafts. The trap involved cross-grain
batoning with the ESEE 4 S35VN to make two right angles on the diagonal end and
“OFTEN REFERRED TO AS A
'SUPER-STEEL,' S35VN IS A MARTENSITIC
STAINLESS STEEL DESIGNED TO OFFER
IMPROVED TOUGHNESS OVER S30V.”

‹ Far left, top: A close-up of the ESEE-4 S35VN
edge chips from the first day of woods duty.
The chips were sharpened out but strangely
reoccurred after later hard testing.
‹ Near left: The ESEE-4 S35VN

did a great job slicing hard
veggies and some herbs, even
after all the abuse and with no
touch-ups after the ammo can
test. This knife was touched up
twice during the winter testing.
‹ Middle left: The author made maple and oak

kindling and small fuel with the ESEE-4 S35VN
3D model. This was necessary for the wet
months of winter.
“THIS IS A KNIFE STEEL BROUGHT IN TO

ANSWER THE REQUESTS OF THE CUSTOMERS
WHO ASKED FOR IT.”
the blade further. I put on some leather work gloves and stabbed the ESEE-4 S35VN knife
into the canister as hard as I could and then used the mallet to pound it in some more. I
made sure to rock the blade back and forth a fair amount before pulling it out—for good
measure, of course. The blade had a couple of chips, but there was no damage to the tip or
scratches. It just chipped a little, as they all do. (Every carbon steel blade I’ve done this with
has also chipped.)
Next, I prepped veggies with the ESEE-4 S35VN without any touch-ups. It sliced—not
wedge-split—carrots and celery as thick blades often do. Stew was on the way, and the knife
also served as the stew’s stirring utensil. I finished out the food portion of the evaluation
by making a simple handle for my camp frying pan. I cross-grain batoned both ends of the
leftover witch hazel and tapered one end to get a good fit. After that, I called it a day.
CLASSIC ESEE-3
The original model is the one that started it all. It was called the RAT-3 (for RAT Cutlery)
before the company became ESEE Knives. As I’ve already mentioned, I was fortunate
enough to get one back in 2007, and it’s still going strong today.
The original 1095 carbon steel version is still available and now can be had with the new 3D
G10 scales. However, the luxury model is the ESEE-3 S35VN, released in early 2020. This version
has black G10 scales and a noticeable difference in the feel of the handle: It’s comfortable!
Besides the handle and blade finishes being obviously different in appearance from the
classic ESEE-3, the steel on the 3D model also performs differently. Is it better? No; it’s
different. But it might be better for those who know what to expect from this exotic steel.
This is a knife steel brought in to answer the requests of the customers who asked for it.
Most likely, those customers will expect the S35VN steel to hold an edge longer and keep
at bay corrosion and staining from blood, food and the elements. After all, that’s what
this steel excels at!
› Above: The figure-4 trap, carved and ready to use. The ESEE-4 I first used the ESEE-3 S35VN on some 10,000-pound tow strapping, securely holding
S35VN carved it—even after all the hard use and abuse through-
out the winter of 2020–2021. one end of the knife and slicing through a few times using different parts of the blade.

› The classic ESEE-4 look
is still offered with the
orange G10 scales and
canvas Micarta scales
that feature an upgraded
S35VN steel. The 3D gray/
black G10 scales (bottom)
are the newest scales for
the S35VN ESEE-4.
“AFTER MANY
WEEKS WITH
THE ESEE S35VN
3D-HANDLED KNIVES,
I LEARNED THAT
S35VN ISN’T HARD TO
SHARPEN; IT’S JUST
A VERY HARD,
WEAR-RESISTANT
STEEL AND WILL ESEE-4 S35VN
TAKE A LONGER
Fixed-Blade Knife
Specifications
AMOUNT OF TIME • Overall length: 9.0 inches
TO TOUCH UP.” • Cutting edge length: 4.1 inches
• Overall blade length: 4.5 inches
• Maximum thickness: 0.188 inch
• Steel: S35VN; 59-60 Rc
› Far right, top: The author used
the ESEE-4 S35VN to easily • Weight: 8.0 ounces (knife only)
split through a chunk of oak by • Removable handles: Canvas Micarta, G10, 3D G10
hammering the exposed tang with • Sheath: Molded with clip plate
a heavy baton. He repeated this • Made in the U.S.A.
test quite a few times.
MSRP: $213
› Far right, bottom: The author makes a

mallet with the ESEE-4 S35VN by batoning
through a round of maple to split it down
to the stop cut made with a saw.

› Top left: A figure-4 trap was made using the ESEE-4 S35VN. Trap-making will give you a clear
idea of the comfort level of the 3D G10 scales. They didn’t disappoint!
› Near left: After the rough handle was shaped,

the carving started. The author slowly
shaved the handle down to a comfortable,
smooth level. The knife’s handle remained
comfortable throughout.
› Far left, middle: A piece of green witch

hazel was used to make a handle for a
Takibi frying pan. All the author needed to
do was taper one end after some cross-grain
baton work to get a clean end on the handle.
G10
G10 is extremely popular in the knife and gun industries because it’s most commonly
used for knife handles and gun grips. Prior to that, it proved its toughness and durability
in challenging electrical and mechanical device applications.
Built from durable fiberglass and epoxy resin and then formed under high temperature
and pressure, G10 is unlike other polymers: It won’t melt. G10 is also resistant to the
effects of temperature and is extremely lightweight. It’s a rugged, resilient, reliable
material suitable for a variety of uses, including aesthetic effects. While G10 is similar to
other materials such as Micarta and carbon fiber, the primary difference is that G10 uses
glass fibers. Simply put: G10 offers brilliant colors, extreme toughness, durability and
chemical resistance.
There was no drag, no hesitation. Then, I placed the tow strap on a cutting board and
sliced it as I would peppers for a stir fry; this was no problem either.
From that point on, it was a “slasher fest.” Nothing was sacred! Cardboard was next,
because it’s quite abrasive on cutting edges and could hamper the results of the materials
I’d be testing later. Paracord, jute twine, bank line and zip-ties came after that—all
without a hitch. I’d recently retired an old pair of cowhide leather gloves and gave them a
single slash—cleanly through. I cut through the plastic holder of a watch and then a length
of USB cord for a phone. Then, I moved on to the “hard stuff.”
I stabbed into an Altoids Mints tin and then deeply into a tin can to simulate using the
knife as a can opener. The aftermath: two small chips— one from the Altoids tin and the
other from the tin can. This was nothing to cry about.
However, the true test was next!
After working with all the fibrous materials, it was time to see how the edge had
suffered, degraded or lost any keenness. Tomatoes, carrots, peppers and celery were about
to “spill the beans" for this test. The ESEE-3 S35VN sliced as if it were new and right out of
› Above: The two items used to resharpen the ESEE-4 S35VN the box, and the belly and thin edge only complemented the S35VN’s inherent attributes.
were a fine diamond steel from Smith’s and a strop made by
Powers Carvings & Crafts. At the end of all the slashing, puncturing, slicing and dicing, I shaved hair off my arm as an extra

G
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Proudly made in Kent,WA USA
M390
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Ta
Everyday Carry
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Elmax G-Necker
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‹ Top left and near left: The author pounded
the ESEE-4 S35VN with a baton to help pierce
through the light-gauge metal of a military
ammo can. He then rocked the blade back
and forth before removing the blade for
inspection.
› Left: Here are a couple of

places where small chips were
present after the extreme ammo
can-piercing test. This isn’t
recommended for any knife!
“AVOIDING [KNOTS] WHEN USING

A KNIFE OR AXE IS LIKE DIGGING IN
THE DIRT AND TRYING NOT TO HIT
ANY ROCKS WITH YOUR SHOVEL.”
test. The result? There were no problems, even
after the array of materials that had been cut.
That’s S35VN steel performance!
After many weeks with the ESEE S35VN
3D-handled knives, I learned that S35VN isn’t ‹ Here’s a side-by-side comparison of
hard to sharpen; it’s just a very hard, wear- the original flat Micarta scales on the
ESEE-4 S35VN model (right) and the
resistant steel and will take a longer amount new, contoured 3D G10 scales (left).
of time to touch up. I also learned that the
steel isn’t great for woods use unless it’s being
S O U R C E S
used for skinning or meal preps.
Nevertheless, where it falls short for one person’s ESEE Knives
needs, it shines for others—just as any piece of (256) 613-0372
ESEEKnives.com
gear does. I’m sure we’ll see more ESEE models
manufactured with this steel in the future. Powers Carvings & Crafts
Etsy.com/shop/PowersCarvingsCrafts
One again, it was a privilege to be part of
the ESEE-3 and ESEE-4 testing legacy—14 Smith’s Products
SmithsProducts.com
years and counting!

PROTECTION
PERFECTED.
The safety of your loved ones is top priority.
Whether concealed or open carry,
Alien Gear continues to be the first choice
for carriers who know what matters most.
SHAPE
OWB S
HOLST
L EARN MO RE
PROTECT
YOURDIGITAL
ASSETS!
DEFENSE FROM EMP, RFID,
HACKERS AND MORE
T
he reliance on electronic devices in today’s information age is
incredible, to say the least—communications, information, GPS
navigation and entertainment for when you need a break from
life.
However, having “everything” at your fingertips comes with a
price. These items’ electronic “breadcrumbs” can let others know your where-
abouts, and they’re susceptible to interference and data theft. In addition,
there’s always the risk that these “mini-miracles” can cease to function if an
EMP (electromagnetic pulse) strikes.
Nevertheless, there’s a way to fight back against these invisible threats, and
that’s to secure your electronic devices inside Faraday-influenced pouches,
boxes, safes and even handkerchiefs. They’re your last line of defense when
someone’s trying to steal your secrets or an EMP lets loose its electronics-killing
energy. Without them, your devices become a liability or risk being disconnected
from the grid.

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Faraday Defense Corp. 3-Piece Faraday
Bag Kit
Overview Specifications
Electronic devices come in all shapes • Shields small electronics from
and sizes. As a result, you need varying EMP strikes
sizes of protection—and that’s where • Durable construction
this kit comes in handy. Consisting of • Sizes: 12x18, 16x20 and 18x28
three double CYBER fabric Faraday inches
bags, the kit provides a small, medium • Double-folding, hook-and-loop
and large-sized bag; they’re perfect for bag closures
your cell phone, wallet, computer drives,
MSRP
credit cards and much more. Hook-
$119.99
and-loop closures allow all bags to be
sealed tightly and reopened with ease. URL
An EMP pulse doesn’t play favorites. FaradayDefense.com
Protect your gear now!
Faraday Defense Corp. Mini NX3

Faraday Bag
Cell phones are carried just about • Interior dimensions: 5x7 inches
everywhere, every day. With an EMP • Double-fold, hook-and-loop
blast, these devices will cease to be the seal
backbone of information and communi- • Durable outer construction
cation and will become useless chunks • Resealable and reusable
of metal and circuits. The solution? Carry • Ideal for cell phones and other
a Faraday bag with you and protect your small devices
phone when it’s not in use. In addition,
MSRP
this bag can shield credit cards and
$14.99
computer drives from becoming useless.
It’s as easy as dropping your electronics URL
inside and sealing the bag. FaradayDefense.com
Holland Shielding Systems

Prefabricated Faraday Cage
A Faraday cage will keep your precious • Freestanding construction
electronics protected against an EMP • High shielding performance
strike. Holland Shielding Systems can without deterioration
build a cage to your specifications to
• Easy to modify, enlarge or reinstall
meet your own personal needs. These
durable structures are freestanding, • Many sizes in stock; custom
offer high-performance shielding and designs are available
are easy to mount if you hire skilled • Standard, 10-year warranty
workers; or you can opt for a kit to (excluding electronics and moving
assemble yourself. Numerous upgrades parts)
and options include ventilation panels,
shielded doors, acoustic inside panels, MSRP
automatic doors and a lightweight Contact company for price quote
alternative. These cages are designed
to meet or exceed the vast majority of URL
shielding requirements requested today. HollandShielding.com

Holland Shielding Systems Faraday Tent
If you’re looking for a more economical • Easy to mount and move
way to fight the effects of an EMP strike, or • Custom-created for any size
when a solid and more permanent Faraday • Optional reinforced floor
cage just won’t suit your needs, it’s time • Available in a single or double
to turn to a Faraday Tent. This lightweight, layer
highly conductive and ultra-strong textile • Mounting ropes supplied;
can be hung easily by rope from the ceiling or use optional mounting
or assembled with an optional, self-stand- frame
ing frame for on-the-spot protection from
MSRP
EMP disruption. Additionally, EMC experi-
Contact company for price
ments, RF measurements and other foren-
quote
sic or personal protection can be performed
inside. Numerous sizes and shapes are URL
available for most shielding purposes. HollandShielding.com
Holland Shielding Systems Conductive

Aluminum Tape
A protective Faraday box, cage or pouch • Ideal for EMI/RFID shielding in
is only as good as its seams, and this aluminum housings
aluminum tape handles that with ease. • Three-layer construction
Constructed of three layers—a metal • Shiny, foil metal finish
outer foil layer, a conductive adhesive in • Custom die-cut to a customer’s
the middle and siliconized paper—this needs
tape is perfect for sealing corners, large • Available with or without
sheets of metal and cylindrical supports adhesive
or handles. The tape can be custom cut
MSRP
as strips or pieces and can be produced
Contact company for price quote
with or without adhesives. Don’t skimp
on this important aspect of Faraday URL
cage creation! HollandShielding.com
Mission Darkness Window Faraday Bag

for Phones
Along with the great convenience • Utilizes high-shielding TitanRF Faraday
of your phone come privacy issues fabric
and safety concerns relating to • Internal dimensions: 5.25x8.5 inches
hacking, tracking, spying and cus- • Completely blocks all wireless signals
tody corruption. Simply drop your • Built with durable, water-resistant
phone inside this durable, ballistic ballistic nylon
nylon bag, and have extreme • Can be used for cell phones, GPS units,
confidence that your phone will be two-way radios, key fobs and more
safe from malicious hackers. The
MSRP
transparent window allows quick
$52
visuals to the contents within,
while the hook-and-loop closure URL
keeps a tight seal. MOSEquipment.com

Mission Darkness Window Faraday Bag
for Key Fobs
Few people realize that their vehicle can • Prevents relay hacking and
be hacked by “car” criminals using signal digital car theft
amplification to mimic a key fob’s signal, • Internal dimensions: 5.5x3.5
thus gaining access to automobiles without inches
having to smash a window or pry open the • Durable, water-resistant ballistic
door. This Faraday bag fits two units easily nylon outer material
and shields “always-on” key fob signals. • EMI, EMR and EMF radiation
The pouch is constructed of high-shield- shielding
ing TitanRF Faraday fabric on all sides,
MSRP
with dual paired seam construction for
$16
long-lasting performance. Carry this bag
with the belt loop or use the key ring loop URL
for attachment of a key ring or carabiner. MOSEquipment.com
Mission Darkness Dry Shield Faraday

Tote 15L
This tote completely blocks all • Blocks all wireless signals and keeps
wireless signals and prevents hack- small electronics shielded
ing, tracking and spying. But did you • Internal dimensions: 21.5x9 inches
know that it’s also safe to take out • Outer shell constructed of durable,
during downpours and all-around waterproof 500D PVC
bad weather? It is! Now, you can • Interior comprises two layers of
take your protected electronics high-shielding TitanRF Faraday fabric
• Waterproof, unshielded zipper pocket
anywhere you go. This bag features
for small, non-electronic items
a large interior space, as well as an
unshielded zipper pocket on the MSRP
outside for keys, change and other $90
small non-electronics. A conve-
nient, adjustable shoulder strap
URL
allows hands-free carry. MOSEquipment.com
Mission Darkness Blocker Locker 7

Designed for law enforcement • Seven lockable compartments; 4.5x13
and forensic needs, this dura- inches each
ble locker unit not only protects • Power indicator light on main cabinet
crucial cell phones, it also keeps • Each cabinet has a power outlet and
them live, charged and shielded two USB power receptacles
from RF signals. Each compart- • Basic usage instructional stickers
ment can be individually locked printed on locker
and can protect up to two devices • Includes seven Mission Darkness
per drawer. Seven Faraday bags Charge and Shield Faraday bags
are included; additional bags can
MSRP
be purchased separately.
$4,999
URL
MOSEquipment.com

Earth Tech Products Faraday Duffle Bag
If you’re going to carry a bag regularly • Perfect for cell phones, GPS, laptops,
for your gear and small items, why Bluetooth devices and more
not have one that offers the most • Dimensions: 22x10x10 inches
all-around protection in case of a • Quickly shields multiple wireless
solar flare or EMP pulse? This bag devices simultaneously
presents a “normal” appearance—all • Holds ID cards in front transparent
the while keeping your cell phone, pocket
computer and tablets free from harm • Nondescript outer appearance goes
due to either man-made or natural unnoticed by prying eyes
causes. The Faraday fabric inside,
MSRP
along with the bag’s durable outer
$279
ballistic fabric, makes this bag tough
for regular daily use. And, it’s made in URL
the U.S.A. EarthTechProducts.com
EarthTech Products EMP Shield

Reacting in one-billionth of a second, this • Unit protects all electronics
device will shield all electronics connected and equipment connected to
to one electrical system if or when an EMP an electrical system
pulse is triggered. This incredibly fast shut- • Capable of withstanding more
down causes over-voltage to be drained than 228,000 amps
away before equipment can be damaged, • Designed for flush breaker
thereby protecting computers, tablets and boxes
other items vital to life in the 21st century. • Surpasses all military EMP
This amazing device protects against all testing standards
phases of an EMP (E1, E2 and E3) and
MSRP
solar flares. And, if lightning strikes, there’s
$399
a $25,000 insurance guarantee that your
gear’ll be safe and continue to operate as URL
normal! EarthTechProducts.com
Goal Zero Faraday Bag

This nondescript, handled bag offers • EMP and solar flare protection
big protection from an EMP pulse • Internal dimensions: 20x15.5x11.5
and a plethora of other shielding inches
needs. Just drop your valuable • Blocks Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cell signals,
electronics inside and roll the hook- GPS, RFID and radio signals
and-loop closure securely for instant • Two layers of high-shielding fabric
shielding from nearly anything that • Soft, comfortable carrying handles
can harm or hack your electronic
MSRP
gear. Double-layered fabric, coupled
$234.95
with a tough-as-nails ballistic nylon
exterior, makes this item a smart URL
choice in today’s digital-heavy age. GoalZero.com
A clear ID pocket rounds out this
bag.

Montie Gear EMP-Resistant
Box/Faraday Cage
This Faraday Cage means business • Constructed of 3/16-inch aluminum
and is a powerhouse to prevent plate
EMP and CME (coronal mass • Seals with 6 stainless steel clamps
ejection) damage to electronics, • MuMetal iron lining
both large and small. Triple gaskets • Three gaskets form a tight connection
and thick aluminum plating form between lid and box body
the heavy-duty construction, while • Custom sizes available upon
stainless steel clamps allow for easy request
opening and secure closure. If you
MSRP
need a larger or smaller box or one
$4,495
with specific dimensions, custom
orders are available upon request. URL
MontieGear.com
Atmosure Copper Faraday Fabric

When you can’t find the right size or type • Fabric is readily cut and sewn
of protective container for your sensitive • Blocks EMF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
electronic devices, you might need to and other radiation
create your own enclosure. Atmosure • Metallic copper-color surface
Copper Faraday fabric is sold in 36x44- • Includes free safety guide
inch panels so you can have the flexibility
MSRP
to construct a container that suits your
$19.99
specific needs. Because of the fabric’s
military-grade protection that blocks a URL
wide variety of harmful radiation, you’ll Amazon.com
rest easy with your equipment safely
stowed behind this fabric.
PHOTO: ATMOSURE
Faraday Defense Metal Faraday Cage

This Faraday cage is made with • Lid seals flush to the box opening
solid metal on all six sides and has • Dimensions: 3.25x12.5x19.5 inches
heavy-duty closure clasps to ensure • Rubber lining for added protection
security and a confident seal from • Made in U.S.A.
damaging radiation. Store small
MSRP
devices and laptops in this cage to
$379.99
protect them from EMP, as well as
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other threats. URL
FaradayDefense.com

Mission Darkness Dry Shield
Faraday Pack
You can’t count on the weather to cooperate • Blocks Wi-Fi, EMI, Bluetooth,
when you need to move your sensitive elec- cell signals, RFID and more
tronic gear to a better location. This large, duf- • Capacity: 40 liters
fel-style backpack prevents hacking, tracking • Dimensions: 20x11 inches
and spying of your personal information that’s • Weight: 5.6 pounds
stored on the devices inside. Barrel-shaped, • Adjustable waist and
it’s large enough for laptops and other digital shoulder straps
equipment, and the shell fabric is a water-
MSRP
proof 500D PVC with two layers of shielding.
$297
Five detachable, unshielded external MOLLE
pouches and a knife/flashlight holder are URL
included. MOSEquipment.com
Mission Darkness Exodus Faraday Car

Cover
Do you have a vehicle you want to pro- • Custom-built to fit your vehicle’s
tect from HEMP/EMP and other harmful dimensions
radiation? The Exodus Car Cover could • Built-in rubber floor mats
be the solution for keeping it ready to go • Can also be used to shield genera-
for after the danger’s passed. Avail- tors and survival gear caches
able in three general sizes to fit small • Repair tape and patches are
vehicles, ATVs, standard sedans, pickups included
and SUVs, the cover will be built to fit
MSRP
the dimensions you specify. Because the
Starting at $5,500 (small vehicles/
fabric is delicate, it’s designed to provide
ATVs)
longer-term protection for a vehicle you
don’t expect to use until it’s needed—not URL
your everyday driver. MOSEquipment.com
TitanRF Faraday Foam Gasket

If you’re building your own Faraday box • Effective against EMP, RF signals
and have concerns about making an and other threats
effective seal for the lid, the TitanRF • Short size: 20x0.4x.047 inches
Faraday Foam Gasket might be the • Long size: 90x.075x.025 inches
solution. Offered in two sizes, these foam • Cut to desired length with scissors
strips are covered with a high-shielding • Flexible enough for use on
fabric, along with adhesive on one side. rounded sides
Simply cut the gasket to the length you
MSRP
need, remove the adhesive backing, and
From $8 (short size)
install it in place. The smaller gasket is
intended for box lids and the like, and the URL
larger one is best-suited for door frames MOSEquipment.com
and larger applications.

AIR
POWER!
AIR RIFLES CAN FILL THE GAP IN YOUR HUNTING
AND SELF-DEFENSE PLAN.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JONATHAN KILBURN
› Wood or polymer stocks aren’t going

to make much of a difference when it
comes to overall weight.

W
ith all the concerns on many folks’ minds regarding potential gun legislation, it’s not surpris-
ing that air guns are finding their way into many households. They’re relatively inexpensive,
easy to shoot and are legal almost everywhere. With the performance available in better
models, some of the technology might seem revolutionary, but it’s been around for quite a
while.
When Lewis and Clark embarked on their expedition to the West, they brought along a Girandoni air rifle as one
of their main firearms (there are known Girandoni rifles that date back to 1580!). The technology was well-proven
by the early 1800s and had even been adopted by several militaries. The specific model Lewis and Clark took with

them was a .46-caliber rifle. In fact, many examples of Austrian models could fire up to
1,000 fps (for comparison, a .45 ACP round travels at an average of 1,300 fps).
It’s no surprise that air rifles are making a comeback in the modern age—and with many
improvements.
TYPES OF AIR RIFLES

All air rifles fall into five categories:
• Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP): Compressed air is held in a tank and used to push the
projectile through the barrel.
› Top left: Pres-
surized cylinders • Spring piston (or break barrel): The barrel is manipulated, allowing the spring to be
are the “power-
compressed and used to fire the projectile.
houses” of PCP air
rifles. Some can be • Gas piston (or pump): This type is much like the PCP and spring piston versions.
removed from the
When the pump is manipulated, it pressurizes gas into a cylinder via a ram that’s used to
rifle, while others
are firmly fixed. propel the projectile with compressed air.
Either way, it’s
• CO 2: A removable cylinder of compressed gas is used to fire the air rifle. It’s not as
essential to have a
way to measure the powerful or long-lasting as a PCP option.
pressure.
• Variable pump: Much as with a gas piston, the operator manipulates the rifle to
pressurize an integrated cylinder used to fire the pellet.
THE ADVANTAGES
A well-built and powerful air rifle has many advantages. It’s not a
as many might think.
› Middl
GES.
IT’S NOT AN
UNDERPOWERED ‘TOY,’
AS MANY MIGHT THINK.”

› Top, far right: Break actions are the
author’s preferred air gun style. Not only
are they difficult for children to use—and
are thus safer to have in the home—
they’re also completely self-contained.
› Near right: PCP rifles can be fired by

loading pellets by hand, but it’s much
easier to use a cylinder magazine.
› Bottom f
PCP AIR GUN

NSIDERATIONS
more-complex air rifles available. Where this system
that’s attached to the rifle itself. This can be a bit of a
the tank after it runs low. The lower the pressure, the
equent refills are a must.
sues when refilling at home, where an air compressor is
lable. In fact, that’s the easiest overall solution. When you’re not at home or in a
convenient location, such as at a range or when out hunting, air compressors aren’t
readily available. However, pre-filled scuba tanks can carry enough pressure to refill
N TO THE WEST, even the most stubborn PCP tanks ... but that’s a heavy solution.
Another alternative that greatly increases portability is a hand pump. It takes a lot
THEY BROUGHT ALONG A of muscle and grit to completely fill an empty or low tank to acceptable pressures
GIRANDONI AIR RIFLE AS ONE such as 200 bar (2,900 psi). Granted, the additional 3 or 4 pounds for a pump doesn’t
OF THEIR MAIN FIREARMS.” seem like a lot, but it adds up when you’re already carrying a 6.5- to 8-pound rifle.
(Hatsan offers a great hand pump and a portable tank system that can be adapted to
AC or DC power.)

› Above: The hand pump
that Hatsan offers is “ … THE REGULATION OF AIR RIFLES IS PRETTY LAX,
one of the best in the
business. It pressurizes COMPARATIVELY SPEAKING. WHILE THERE’S UNCERTAINTY
up to 200 bar (2,900 psi),
which is more than ade- ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF NEW FIREARMS REGULATION, AIR
quate for most needs.
RIFLES ARE UNREGULATED IN THE MAJORITY OF U.S. STATES.”
For example, the Hatsan MOD 125 Sniper Vortex QE—which uses a gas piston system—can
BREAK-BARREL
fire a .22 pellet at up to 1,000 fps. The Hatsan BT65SB—a PCP system—can fire a .22 pellet
at 1,180 fps. For comparison, a standard-velocity CCI .22LR averages 1,070 fps. That’s more
than enough velocity for most .22 applications. As you can imagine, .177 pellets will move
SIMPLICITY
much faster, because they’re lightweight, and anything larger than .22 will move more
slowly but with more energy.
This is an enormous benefit to overall ammunition weight for hunters or survival-
minded individuals. A container of pellets comprises significantly less weight than cased
While all the air rifle models will be adequate for survival
ammunition—a huge potential weight-saving option. A full container of 500 .22 pellets
situations, the break barrel/gas piston might be one of the
best choices for this purpose. This style of air rifle requires
absolutely no peripheral equipment in order to be used. The
rifle, pellets and optics are the only needs. Accuracy is also
pretty consistent, because the tank is filled to the same
pressures every time.
The cost for simplicity means needing the strength to exert
a significant amount of force to charge the piston. This would
be extremely problematic for children and many adults.
A little extra barrel length is usually required when manu-
facturing this type of rifle to provide added leverage when
charging the piston.
Another downside is the number of shots available. Air guns
are essentially single-shot rifles. In a hunting situation, with
such a small caliber (.22, .25 and .30), follow-up shots will be
impossible, making it more challenging to take down larger
game. It might be a good idea to stock up on hunting-specific
pellets.
› Above: These 20-inch arrows can be attached to the Hatsan air rifles and fired easily, even if at
lower-than-average velocities.

› Top right: Pellets come in all shapes, materials and sizes, even in the same caliber.
weighs just over a pound and takes up no more than 3 cubic inches. That boils down to
the ability to carry 1,200 rounds of ammunition for what two loaded standard magazines
would run in a modern sporting rifle. In a survival situation, or for a hunting cabin, that can
mean storing tins of pellets without them taking up much space.
There are plenty of options for the discerning user. From target-shooting to hunting,
companies such as Hatsan and H&N Sport offer a broad range of projectiles. There are
target pellets that can cover most uses; but there are also some specific hunting pellets
that make easy work of small game. The price isn’t bad either, compared with loaded › Right, bottom:
Pellets are the
ammunition. As with pellet options, there are also readily available caliber choices. only consumables,
However, keep in mind that calibers start at .177 and can be as large as 12-gauge! besides air, in any
air rifle. Lead and
Above all, the regulation of air rifles is pretty lax, comparatively speaking. While there’s lead-free options
uncertainty about the possibility of new firearms regulation, air rifles are unregulated in are available for all
calibers.
the majority of U.S. states. Canada does consider anything firing a projectile of more than
500 fps a firearm, while Mexico only regulates the importation and specific types of air-
compression systems associated with air guns.
Air rifles aren’t regulated or considered firearms in most states, so it’s 100 percent legal
to keep those with built-in “quiet” technology or integrated suppressor barrels. On top of
that, automatic fire is well within reach for certain manufacturers.
Once you find an air rifle that works well for your needs, you need to consider optics.
Standard rifle optics won’t work well, but other alternatives are quite affordable. Hatsan
uses its Optima line for most, if not all, its optics. This company’s Optima high-end optics
only max out around $200. And, there are some great options in the $20-to-$70 range.
Now, that’s a good deal!
At its heart, a PCP air rifle is a semi-automatic—or, more often, a bolt action. That suggests
magazine-capable air guns, meaning that good follow-up shots are easily achievable (this
is different from those air guns and Red Rider BB guns you might have used as a kid). With
a quick lever pull, most of the Hatsan models can rotate a magazine as a revolver cylinder
does and load up the next pellet. Yes, there are single-shot options, and those are also great
ballistically, but there’s something to be said for quick-change magazines.
“FROM TARGET-
SHOOTING
TO HUNTING,
THERE ARE
PLENTY OF
OPTIONS
FOR THE
DISCERNING
USER.
COMPANIES
SUCH AS
HATSAN AND
H&N SPORT
OFFER A BROAD
RANGE OF
PROJECTILES.”
› Left: Air-powered arrows are
unique. Hatsan has several arrow air
rifles, including the Hydra.

DISADVANTAGES
Weight: Oh boy! Weight is a huge
concern with air guns. While they might not
HATSAN USA
be as powerful as many standard firearms,
Hatsan is a Turkish manufacturer that’s been in business since 1976. Surpris-
they can weigh just as much—if not more.
ingly, it exports nearly all of its manufactured guns (Hatsan air rifles and Escort
Yes, there are savings in weight with
shotguns).
ammunition, but the rifle, itself, is going to
What’s most impressive is that it’s a “vertical” manufacturer: It starts with
be a burden.
the raw materials and does the complete manufacturing in house. It casts and
With PCP air rifles, there’s an air tank
mills the steel, builds the stocks from raw blocks and even manufactures all its
attached that needs to be filled. It can
own barrels. That’s practically unheard of for most manufacturers!
be filled from a compressor, but some
From a quality perspective, it’s good to know that if something goes wrong,
companies do adapt specialized hand
there’s only one manufacturer responsible.
pumps that can bring the pressure up. › Below: Hatsan
Optima optics are
They’re great for self-sufficiency, but they great options for
add even more weight. air rifles. They can
handle the vibra-
Consistency: This is also an issue, and tions that tend to
it’s one that can affect overall accuracy. destroy some high-
end rifle optics.
A spring-propelled air rifle will always
be the most consistent in both velocity
and accuracy, because it eliminates many
variables. However, as a PCP rifle loses
pressure, velocity begins dropping—and
that can make or break hunting at more
than 40 yards.
Anything containing a spring does have
a unique recoil. It’s not uncommon to
have air rifles destroy scopes designed for
extremely powerful powdered calibers.
Vibrations can wreck the inside of scopes
(but there are optics specially designed for
air rifles).
› Professional Big Bore Airguns man-

ufactures an outstanding, 20-gauge
equivalent with a .45-caliber insert for
big-game hunting. (Photo: Professional
Big Bore Airguns)
“WITHOUT AS MANY CALIBER RESTRICTIONS AS

THERE ONCE WERE, THANKS TO THE ADVANCEMENT
IN PELLET DESIGN, THERE ARE MORE CHOICES FOR
THE DISCERNING MARKSMAN.”

› Left: A former
employee of
Professional Big Bore
Airguns poses with the
hog she killed using
a Professional Big
Bore air gun. (Photo:
Professional Big Bore
Airguns)
› Below: The Hatsan

Hydra is an all-in-four
option that swaps a
barrel assembly to
change caliber or add
an arrow system.
“WHAT’S REALLY UNIQUE ABOUT THE

HYDRA IS ITS ARROW UPPER. NOT ONLY
CAN IT FIRE PELLETS, IT CAN ALSO FIRE AN
ARROW USING COMPRESSED AIR.”
Reloading: Depending on the model, reloading can be problematic. For break barrel
spring and gas piston systems, a lot of effort needs to be exerted to cock the action.
With the overall length of an air gun, it can be problematic too: Many of these rifles are
considerably longer than standard rifles of the same, or similar, calibers.
Legality: Not all states treat air guns the same way when it comes to legalities. New
Jersey and Rhode Island are the only two states that regulate them just as they do
standard firearms. New Jersey considers any item that can propel a solid projectile to be › Bottom: Attaching
a firearm. Therefore, airsoft and paintball guns, which use projectiles that aren’t solid, are the barrel system
to the Hydra is
exempt. Rhode Island considers anything that propels a metal projectile as a firearm. relatively easy
and takes
minimal tools to
CONSIDER THESE accomplish.
Hydra: Hatsan USA has released a unique PCP air rifle called the “Hydra.” It’s modular
and can accept different barrel modules in order to change the caliber. Effectively, anyone
can have on hand three different pellet barrels (.177, .22 and .25).
What’s really unique about the Hydra is its arrow upper. Not only can it fire pellets, it
can also fire an arrow using compressed air. It’s not fast, but 170 to 220 fps can still take
out some pretty significant game at close range. Add in the ability to use a high-end hand

‹ Top, far left: Different calibers would be
used for different things, and this is one time
that size does matter.
‹ Near left: Bolt-action systems are

some of the most common action
types found in PCP air rifles.
“A FULL CONTAINER OF 500 .22 PELLETS

WEIGHS JUST OVER A POUND AND TAKES UP
NO MORE THAN 3 CUBIC INCHES. THAT BOILS
DOWN TO THE ABILITY TO CARRY 1,200
ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION FOR WHAT TWO
LOADED STANDARD MAGAZINES WOULD
RUN IN A MODERN SPORTING RIFLE.”
› Above: Some
air cylinders that
are built into pump, and you can handle almost anything an air rifle would encounter in the field. The for air rifles and see what might work
the air rifle are Hydra with one barrel runs $399. Each barrel module is another $190. well for you. Without as many caliber
removable, but
it’s an uncommon MOD 125 Sniper Vortex QE: If a whole system isn’t for you, Hatsan’s MOD 125 Sniper restrictions as there once were, thanks to
feature. Vortex QE is a reliable break-action system. Unless it’s just a spring, there isn’t much that’s the advancement in pellet design, there are
simpler than this air rifle style. This rifle in .22 can still produce velocities of 1,000 fps. For more choices for the discerning marksman.
the survivalist or person withstanding an extended period of time in the bush, this can be a For instance, companies such as Hatsan
reliable game-getting option. and Professional Big Bore Airguns have
Professional Big Bore Airguns: With a dependable source of power and compression, spent decades perfecting the art of
you’re not limited to how large a projectile you can use. Professional Big Bore Airguns air-powered rifles. It’s their experience
manufactures a 20-gauge air rifle with a .45-caliber insert. It’s not incredibly fast, but it that’s driven air gun manufacturing and
has the capability of firing a 700-grain, .457-inch-diameter projectile. Because it offers the capabilities to where they are today.
versatility of a small shotgun and a large rifle, it’s the best of both worlds. It does come
with a pretty hefty price tag, but it’s one of the most realistic options for replacing or
S O U R C E S
augmenting a standard rifle setup.
An air rifle isn’t, and never will be, an end-all replacement for a standard rifle or pistol.
H&N Sport, GMBH
It can, however, be a great alternative in many situations. With its ability to compress air +49 5541/90963-0
and availability in almost every part of the United States, it’s a reasonable option for many HN-Sport.de/en
people who might be seeking something with less recoil and/or that uses inexpensive Hatsan USA
ammunition. (877) 278-4448
HatsanAirgunsUSA.com
In a survival situation, an air gun might be one of the greatest advantages someone can
have: It offers quiet firepower for hunting and doesn’t weigh much more than a standard Professional Big Bore Airguns
(903) 335-7210
rifle (much less than a standard rifle with loaded ammunition). From the political www.Facebook.com/Professional-Big-Bore-Airguns-Inc
perspective, it could be something that'll become more normal.
If you hadn’t considered air guns before, consider them now. Take a look at the options

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MIKE TRAVIS’
MUST-HAVES
THESE 25 ITEMS KEEP HIM PREPARED FOR THE DAY.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MIKE TRAVIS
(Editor’s note: This is the first in

a series that lets you see what our
experts consider most important in their
preparation gear. Components change
with the times; no two loadouts will be
the same; and all are proven products and
practices that keep their owners at a high
state of preparedness.)
› Fire is a top priority. The author carries a simple BIC lighter with
the safety removed and a few wraps of duct tape around the body.
This is supplemented with a small ferro rod. Both lanyards contain
a strand of tinder, and the tape will act as a flame extender.

W
hen I was asked to write
an article regarding the
items I consider to be
important to my personal
preparations, I was torn
on how I wanted to approach the article. I
decided that I should show you what I carry and
why. While these choices might not be appropri-
ate for everyone in all situations, they’ve served
me well for many years.
The items listed here might be changed or
adapted over time, but the needs they fulfill
remain constant. In order to make sense of my
selections, I’ve decided to break things down
into systems of on-body carry (“tier 1”) and
“close-at-hand” carry (“tier 2”).
BASIC NECESSITIES
In order to sustain life, the human organism
needs to have only a few basic needs met:
• Shelter: The human body requires that
a tropical microclimate be maintained to
regulate body temperature. Allowing core
body temperature to increase or decrease by
just a few degrees can have serious physical
repercussions.
• Water: Approximately 60 percent of the
human body is made up of water. In order for
internal systems to continue to operate, they
must be properly hydrated.
• Food: Food provides the fuel necessary to
power our body. Most of us carry enough fat
reserves to sustain life for several weeks, but
prolonged fasting can have negative effects
on motor skills, decision-making, strength and
endurance.
• Air: This one is self-explanatory and is
often left off the list of survival priorities
because it seems so obvious. That said, we can
only survive a few minutes without air; and
breathing techniques can have a big impact on
our mental state and responses to emergency
situations. The ability to control breathing
under stress can mean the difference between
being able to clearly think your way through an
emergency or succumbing to the whims of the
situation you find yourself in.
The “items” I’ve chosen are all designed to
fulfill or supplement these needs in one way or
another. Take a look at them and see how they
fit into your personal hierarchy of needs.

‹ Left: Merino
‹ Left: Your most
wool is the perfect
valuable piece
base-layer fabric. It’s
of survival gear
antibacterial, warm
comprises your
in the cold, cool
body and mind.
when it’s warm, and
Keeping fit is a highly
it wicks moisture
underrated step for
away from your skin.
anyone interested
in self-reliance. The
TRX Fitness system
is lightweight,
extremely versatile
and can be set up
almost anywhere.
› Near right: This

mid-layer jacket
from Helly Hansen is
windproof and very
warm—while being
lightweight and
packable.
› Far right: An
external shell
is supposed to
complement
your insulation.
This Helikon Tex
Woodsman Anorak
protects the author’s
insulation from
damage from foliage
and fire.
TIER 1: EVERYDAY CARRY (EDC) simple set of adjustable straps that can be used almost anywhere and use body weight
These are the items I carry every day, resistance. Exercises concentrate on functional strength to promote building a solid core,
whether I am heading into the woods, strong joints, muscular strength and flexibility. (TRXTraining.com; 888-878-5348)
going to work or just out and about. Base layers: While clothing selection is highly dependent on climate and personal
They’re continuously adjusted for climate, preference, I’ve found that wool fabrics suit me most of the time. Merino wool fabrics worn
environment and expected activities, next to the skin promote rapid cooling in the heat and help wick moisture away from the
but they remain quite consistent. A solid body when trying to stay warm. They’re also antimicrobial and promote improved hygiene.
foundation of EDC items should give you Merino wool garments tend to be more expensive than their counterparts, but their
the means to affect survival for most increased effectiveness and longevity more than make up for the added cost. Companies
situations in which you're likely to find such as Minus33 and Sårma are excellent sources for quality merino wool garments.
yourself. (Minus33.com; 855-646-8733; (Sårma) Varusteleka.com; +358-10-320-3813)
Personal fitness: While it might sound Mid-layers: In cooler temperatures, mid-layers provide the dead air space needed to
counterintuitive, I consider my body to be maintain that tropical microclimate. Heavier wool garments are an outstanding choice in
my first piece of “EDC gear.” Taking your colder climates. Wool maintains much of its insulative properties, even when wet, and has
health and fitness seriously will go a long a high insulation value. Lester River Bushcraft and Sårma have many tremendous wool
way toward enhancing your survivability. insulation options. (LRBushcraft.com)
In order to enhance my overall fitness, While wool is a tried-and-true performer, it can be slow to dry and, when wet, can add a lot
I’ve adopted the TRX Suspension Training of weight to your system. It also provides poor protection from the wind. High-quality synthetic
System. The TRX system utilizes a garments, such as those offered by Beyond and Helly Hansen, are light, windproof, extremely

warm and water resistant. (BeyondClothing.
com; HellyHansen.com; 866-435-5902)
Exterior layers: No layering system is
complete without an external garment that
blocks wind and rain. Think of your exterior
layer like your tarp or tent when out camping.
Staying protected from the wind and rain will
act as a force multiplier to your insulation
layers and help stave off the effects of
hypothermia, whether your exterior layer
comprises a surplus military poncho or a
high-tech piece of technical clothing.
Footwear: Keeping your feet dry and
comfortable while being able to cover
ground is an often-overlooked aspect
of being prepared. I rely on Altra brand
footwear for most of my needs. Altra › Above: Unless rods, as well as for countless other tasks. I require my pocketknife to have a strong lock,
it’s prohibited by
specializes in “zero drop” (your forefoot law, the author a strong pocket clip, a thin edge and easy, one-handed opening and closing. More often
and heel are at the same height) shoes doesn’t go anywhere than not, a Giant Mouse Ace Riv rides in my pocket, although that space is shared by a ZT
without a good-
with wide toe boxes that allow your feet to quality pocketknife. 0223 or a Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter (as needs dictate). (GiantMouse.com; ZT.KAIUSA.
operate as they were designed to—which, Pictured here are the com; 800-325-2891; ColdSteel.com; 877-269-8490)
Giant Mouse ACE Riv
for me, reduces fatigue and discomfort. and the Cold Steel Multi-tool: I can’t think of a day in recent history that a Victorinox Hunter Swiss Army
Even when the weather or climate has Ultimate Hunter. Knife hasn’t been in my right pants pocket. Entire books have been written regarding what
They’re both high-
me wearing lightweight footwear such as quality products can be accomplished with a simple SAK. I’ve used mine for personal hygiene (clipping
Crocs or flip-flops, there’s sure to be a pair and have served the nails, cleaning teeth), food prep, game-processing and myriad bushcraft tasks. Having a
author very well.
of Altras and merino wool socks close by. knife blade, can and bottle openers, screwdrivers, wood saw, awl, corkscrew, toothpick
(AltraRunning.com; 888-851-9411) and tweezers readily available is, indeed, a survival game-changer. (SwissArmy.com; 800-
Folding knife: I don’t go anywhere 665-4095)
without a quality pocketknife clipped to my
pocket (unless this knife type is prohibited “IN ORDER TO SUSTAIN LIFE, THE HUMAN ORGANISM
by law in a given location). I use it to cut
food, open packages, cut vegetation, make
NEEDS TO HAVE ONLY A FEW BASIC NEEDS MET:
traps and feather sticks, and to strike ferro [SHELTER, WATER, FOOD AND AIR].”
‹ Far left: The author
prefers backpacks
manufactured by
Hill People Gear.
These backpacks
are very rugged,
feature a low profile
and have the best
suspension system
he’s ever used.
‹ Near left: Footwear

needs to be chosen
to meet conditions
and environment.
Altra Lone Peak
hiking shoes (left)
are the author’s
choice 99 percent of
the time, but they’re
not suitable for every
situation.

KNOWLEDGE
IS POWER
Wilderness living skills icon Mors Kochanski famously
said, "The more you know, the less you carry." While gear
can make a big difference in your ability to deal with an
emergency, it pales in comparison to having the knowledge
needed to not only think through a crisis, but to creatively
problem-solve your way through it.
While the Internet is an invaluable resource, it relies on
the electrical grid and an infrastructure system that, to me,
might as well work via magic. In contrast, physical books
don’t need anything but a dry place to store them. They can
be referenced over and over again and are available to cover
every conceivable skill and topic.
Here are a few books I’ve found particularly useful; they’re

included in my personal “self-reliance library”: › Above: Knowledge is power. While it’s possible to know many things, having the information close at
hand to solve problems is the responsibility of anyone who wants to be prepared. Physical books don’t
rely on the Internet or electricity to convey their knowledge.
• 101 Skills You Need to Survive in the Woods by Kevin
Estela Fire starters: Fire is life! It keeps us warm, cooks our food, purifies water and keeps
This is a no-nonsense, clear presentation of survival methods, us company in the dark. In my pocket, right next to the Victorinox, is a small ferro rod. In
bushcraft skills and survival mindset presented by one of the my left pocket is a BIC lighter with the safety tab removed and a few layers of duct tape
most respected educators in the field. wound around the body. These items give me multiple ways to make a fire. The duct tape
can be used for traditional taping chores, first aid or lit on fire for fire-starting. (US.BIC.
• Bushcraft by Mors Kochanski com)
Mors Kochanski is considered by most to be the “godfather" Wristwatch: I’ve worn a wristwatch for as long as I can remember. A high-quality,
of modern bushcraft. He spent a lifetime as a wilderness no-frills watch that tracks time accurately is a must for my daily life. While I do use a
living skills educator. This book’s a must for every library. smartwatch for fitness tracking, its fragile design and low battery life mean that I'll never
rely on one in an emergency. Bertucci Watches, made in the United States, are quality
• Essential Wilderness Navigation by Craig Caudill and watches made from premium materials. They’re designed to be the ultimate in a rugged
Tracy Trimble field watch. They’ve definitely achieved that goal! (BertucciWatches.com; 866-665-7327)
This is the best book I’ve seen about the topic of using a Cell phone: While cell phones are primarily designed to be communication tools, they’ve
map and compass. It’s clearly written and methodical and evolved into much more. In addition to offering all the traditional functions, modern cell
provides the reader with a life-saving skill. phones can act as a full-featured GPS, record images and video, and have the capacity
• Deep Survival by Lawrence Gonzales

This book is a deep dive into the psychology of survival.
Gonzales examines real-life survival situations to understand
who lives, who dies and why.
• The Herb Book by John Lust

This classic is an invaluable resource in the study of wild
edible and medicinal plants. It not only details hundreds of
commonly found plants, it also instructs the reader on their
uses, preservation and preparation.
• Peterson Field Guide to Wild Edible Plants by Lee

Peterson
This packable field guide is filled with drawings, photos and
descriptions of plants from eastern and central North America
and combines them with concise, easy-to-understand usage
descriptions.
› Above: Bertucci Field Watches are purpose built to provide years of reliable service. Their unique
construction makes them the perfect choice for a prepper.

‹ Above, left: The
to carry a full library of reference material situation. Learn your local laws, take a class, read books, watch videos, practice dry-firing modern cell phone is
directly on the phone. and do whatever else it takes to achieve proficiency. a technical marvel.
The author has
I want my cell phone to be waterproof— chosen the newer
either by design or through an external TIER 2: OFF-BODY CARRY iPhone for its strong
build quality, water
case—and have as rugged a design as I can These are the items I usually have close at hand. They’re chosen to supplement my EDC resistance and
get. While there are some very compelling- items as force multipliers in an emergency situation. Some of these items might be carried reliability. Even
without cell service,
looking, rugged Android designs, I currently on the body in certain situations but are typically kept in a pack nearby should they be it acts as a full-
use an iPhone. needed. featured GPS.
Wallet: “Survival” in our modern world Belt knife: I have a lot of knives (just ask my wife!). While I’d be hard-pressed to pick
environment means being able to conduct any one knife for all purposes, my personal tastes, based on years of lessons learned, have
financial transactions. In order to carry the me carrying a Scandinavian-style puukko most of the time. Since mid-2020, the knife on ‹ Above, right: Cell
various forms of ID, credit cards, insurance my belt has been the Rokka Korpisoturi. Its handle design, blade geometry and robust phones, GPS units
and flashlights all
cards, cash, etc., I’ve chosen a wallet from construction allow me to do a wide variety of tasks with a single, lightweight knife. The require batteries to
Trayvax. This U.S. company builds tough, Rokka is not simply a restyled Mora; it brings a lot of performance to the table for a very operate. The author
relies on the Dark
modular wallets designed to protect your reasonable price. (Facebook.com/RokkaKnives) Energy Poseidon
information with RFID-blocking designs— to provide an extra
all while being as bombproof as a wallet “SOME OF THESE [OFF-BODY CARRY] boost of power when
he needs it.
can be. (Travax.com; 360-738-8210) ITEMS MIGHT BE CARRIED ON THE BODY IN
Flashlight: I use a flashlight every,
single day. Whether I’m at work or at
CERTAIN SITUATIONS BUT ARE TYPICALLY
home, a small, rugged flashlight has KEPT IN A PACK NEARBY SHOULD THEY BE
become an indispensable personal item. NEEDED.” ‹ Below, right: While a flashlight can be a great signaling tool, it’s also invaluable in everyday
life. From power outages to searching under furniture for a lost item or investigating things
I have a variety of lights to choose from,
that “go bump in the night,” a flashlight should be on everyone's required items list.
but I gravitate toward products from
Streamlight. Not only does this company
make tremendous lights for just about
every purpose, it’s also a U.S. company
with customer service that can’t be beat.
You’ll almost always find a MicroStream
USB or a ProTac 1L in my pocket.
(Streamlight.com; 800-523-7488)
Personal protection: Carrying a firearm
for protection is a very personal choice.
Local laws, personal ability and budget all
play roles in your choices. Whatever you
choose, and however you choose to carry
it, I can’t stress enough that you need to
get training! It’s not enough to put a gun
› Above, left: This Trayvax Axis bifold wallet holds all of the author’s ID, financial and insurance cards in a secure pocket, where
in your pocket and expect that you’ll be they receive RFID protection. A separate money clip section holds cash. This is not a classic “survival item,” but it’s extremely
ready to use it effectively in a high-stress important for day-to-day survival and preparedness.

‹ Left: Whenever
Saw: Here, in the east-central part of the possible, the author
United States, I’d rather have a good saw keeps a quality belt
knife either close by
and a knife than an axe. That preference or on his body. The
could shift, depending on climate and Rokka Korpisoturi
has become one of
location. That said, my preference is for the his all-time favorite
Silky brand of saws. Silky makes folding blades. It’s extremely
strong, lightweight,
saws small enough to fit in a pocket and compact and user
large enough to fell and buck large trees. friendly.
Their efficiency has been unmatched by

anything else I’ve used. A moderately sized
Silky will allow me to gather large pieces of
wood for heat or construction and is safer
than swinging an axe. (SilkySaws.com;
866-345-2468)
Tarp: If you’ve spent any time in the
woods constructing a shelter only from
natural materials, you’ll immediately “A SOLID FOUNDATION OF EDC ITEMS
recognize the benefits of carrying a quality SHOULD GIVE YOU THE MEANS TO AFFECT
tarp. Even a generic blue, plastic tarp SURVIVAL FOR MOST SITUATIONS IN WHICH
will be much easier to use and set up
YOU'RE LIKELY TO FIND YOURSELF.”
› Right: Silky saws
have proven to be
invaluable compan-
ions over the years.
These saws are
extremely efficient
cutters and can be
had in sizes ranging
from pocketable to ...
enormous!
› Left: When you

need a shelter quickly,
there’s no substitute
for a good tarp. This
3x3-meter tarp from
DD Hammocks has a
reputation for being
durable, light and
flexible.
quickly in an emergency than trying to build a waterproof debris hut. Tarps will provide
a windbreak, shelter from rain or snow, and a small amount of heat retention. Coupled
with some lightweight stakes and cordage, a tarp can mean the difference between an
uncomfortable night in the woods or a life-and-death battle with hypothermia.
Water filter: Clean drinking water is essential for survival. While it’s possible to purify
water by boiling it, that method isn't always convenient—or even possible. For the vast
majority of my water treatment needs, I rely on the Grayl GEOPRESS water purifier.
The GEOPRESS looks like a regular water bottle and fits into most environments. It not
only filters biological contaminants, it also removes many heavy metals and chemicals.
This could be a serious consideration in a disaster environment or in areas with heavy
› Left: Water is essen-
tial to life. The Grayl
agricultural activity. (Grayl.com)
GEOPRESS makes Backup battery: Cell phones and flashlights require batteries to function. Because
finding drinkable
water easy. The GEO-
these items are essential pieces of communication, signaling and navigation equipment,
PRESS filters 99.99 it makes sense to have some extra juice on hand. There’s a countless variety of backup
percent of biological
contaminants, as well
battery banks, but I trust two companies to supply my batteries: Anker has a huge choice
as chemicals and of batteries of varying capacities and outputs. Most of my kits are equipped with the Dark
heavy metals. This is
an indispensable part
Energy Poseidon. It’s water- and shockproof, includes a flashlight and supports multiple
of the author’s kit. USB options. (US.Anker.com; DarkEnergy.com)

TIME TO
GET TOUGH
When looking for a high-quality field watch, it can be easy to
get overwhelmed with options. How do you separate the junk
and the jewelry from the high-value tools?
I discovered Bertucci Field Watches earlier this year and was
impressed by its designs. Bertucci offers watches made from
fiber-reinforced polycarbonate (think Glock frame), stainless steel
and, most notably, titanium. No matter what case material you
choose, they’re all built for maximum strength and durability.
Bertucci starts with a solid, one-piece case. Unlike the flimsy
spring bars in so many other watches, the bars that retain the
› Above: There’s watchbands on Bertucci cases are integral with the case and
a 3mil, 55-gallon Pack: A pack is mission-specific and a very personal item. While won’t fail. All Bertucci watches are water resistant and can be
contractor’s trash
bag stored on this almost any pack or bag can be used to carry extra gear, I prefer had in resistance ratings from 50 to 200 meters. All watch face
low-profile chest rig. to use something with a good suspension system that’s made by crystals are recessed from the crown to provide additional pro-
This trash bag has a
multitude of uses, is a reputable company. For the majority of my needs, I use packs tection and are made from either hardened mineral or sapphire
cheap, rugged and from Hill People Gear. This company’s build quality is second to glass.
light and fits almost
anywhere. none, and its unique suspension system carries better than any Bertucci uses high-quality, all-metal quartz movements from
other pack system I’ve tried. Hill People offers packs in a wide Japan, Switzerland and the United States. Battery life ranges
› Below: The Heavy variety of styles and sizes, and they’re made in the United States. from three to 10 years, depending on the model.
Cover titanium (HillPeopleGear; 888-464-1875) While the watchbands on most watches are fashion state-
canteen kit is as
good as it gets. It’s Canteen and cup: I’ve carried a canteen kit from Heavy Cover for ments or an afterthought, the bands made by Bertucci are
extremely durable years. The kit’s titanium construction means that it’s light, durable designed to be as tough as its watches. All Bertucci watchbands
and lightweight and
has accompanied and safe to use with direct flame. I’ve used the canteen to carry comprise a rugged, one-piece design and are available in a wide
the author on water all over the United States. The cup and lid have been used to variety of high-quality materials. Bertucci is best known for its
countless trips into
the wild. This is a boil water, steam vegetables, make soup, bake bread, create char ultra-rugged Tridura Ultra-Duty polyurethane-infused, webbed
must-have item cloth and hold whiskey. While all of this can be done with metal watchbands, which come with their own, five-year warranty.
for water storage,
purification and bottles and cups or surplus military canteen kits, I trust my Heavy Bertucci is a U.S. company that designs and assembles all its
food prep. Cover kit implicitly. (HeavyCoverInc.com; 928-707-2845) watches here, in the United States. This company is committed
to providing the best, most rugged watches available and is
constantly innovating to provide its customers with high-quality
tools. Models start in price from well under $100, so there’s a
Bertucci watch to fit every outdoorsman’s budget.
Coffee and food: While it’s true that we can live for several
weeks without food, a lack of nourishment will begin to degrade
our ability to make decisions and have a negative impact on
strength and endurance. Keeping a few small food items that are
high in fat and calories and require little to no preparation can go a
long way toward making a bad situation a little better.
Contractor’s trash bag: Just like the Swiss Army Knife, a 3mil,
55-gallon contractor’s trash bag is a “jack-of-all-trades.” It’s light,
cheap, durable and folds down to a very small footprint. One of
these bags can be cut open to form a tarp, folded and worn as
a cape, pulled over the body as a rain and wind barrier, used to
gather water and materials, and stuffed with debris to form an
insulation layer against the cold ground.

COULD YOU
SURVIVE? WITH
CREEK STEWART
ASG INTERVIEWS THE SURVIVAL EXPERT ABOUT
HIS NEW TV SHOW.
T
he captivating, new television show, Could you Survive? with Creek Stewart, is 8-degree (F) temperature in the snowy
an amalgamation of engaging reenactments and ready-to-use, instructional mountains of Utah; or during torrential
survival skills and techniques demonstrated by Stewart himself. downpours in the mountains of Puerto Rico.
Each episode of this program, which airs on The Weather Channel, When it comes to our production schedule,
features two truly incredible survival stories. They’re narrated by the actual we’re entirely at the mercy of the weather.
survivor(s) of the ordeal and also feature Stewart explaining where, how and why their All our camera gear is weather-sensitive.
situations could have improved with a little bit of survival skill knowledge. I’ve seen multi-thousand-dollar cameras
The skills and techniques Stewart presents in the show are based on his decades of stop working because of the cold or getting
hands-on experience in the field, hundreds of hours of dedicated outdoor and nature- wet; and when that happens, everything
centric research and a good, old-fashioned Eagle Scout mindset. stops until it’s fixed. The weather is, and
Although Stewart’s always active in the great outdoors, I was able to catch up with him will always be, my number-one adversary ...
and get the scoop about his childhood—which brought survival skills into his life—the in the woods and on TV.
challenges of safely filming amid the threat of COVID-19 and, most importantly, how ASG: Did the COVID-19 pandemic have
his new show can help both ”regular Joes” and seasoned outdoorsmen, alike, survive any impact on filming your show?
whatever Mother Nature happens to throw their way. CS: Absolutely. First, we were lucky to
even have filmed during that time. All
American Survival Guide: This, I believe, is your third show for The Weather Channel. Is inside productions were canceled. We were
the entire “on-camera” experience much easier now for you than when you first started? only able to do this show because it was
Creek Stewart: Yes, without a doubt. Being on camera is like all skills in life: It takes trial, outside.
error and practice to get good at it. You must remember that I was a survival instructor long We started filming this series in late
before I was an on-camera host. Other than via a few YouTube videos, I had little on-camera summer, and it was the first time many
experience, and it definitely showed. The editors of my first few seasons need a special on the crew had even worked that year
trophy for helping to make me look even remotely coherent! But now, because I have almost because of how COVID-19 affected the
a decade of experience, being on camera has become second nature. television industry. We filmed this entire
ASG: Filming in the unpredictable outdoors has its challenges. Did you face any of season in the beautiful country of Canada.
Mother Nature’s wrath during your filming? If so, how did it affect the overall production As you might know, the Canadian border
schedule? was closed during COVID-19—and still is
CS: Just as for the stars of our survival stories, our biggest challenge when filming is as of this writing. My first challenge was
often the weather. We film all these stories outside, in the elements, mostly during the getting across the border. I was given
winter months. I’ll never forget filming 12-hour days for almost two weeks straight in an exception, because the show helped

“I’LL NEVER
FORGET FILMING
12-HOUR DAYS
FOR ALMOST TWO
WEEKS STRAIGHT
IN 8-DEGREE (F)
TEMPERATURE
IN THE SNOWY
MOUNTAINS OF
UTAH.”
PHOTO: THE WEATHER CHANNEL

“ONE OF THE
GREATEST
BLESSINGS IN
MY LIFE HAS
BEEN TO PURSUE
MY OUTDOOR
PASSION AS
A FULL-TIME
CAREER. TO ME,
THERE ARE FEW
THINGS MORE
REWARDING
THAN HELPING
PHOTO: THE WEATHER CHANNEL

SOMEONE ELSE
DO THE SAME.”
‹ Above: Stewart is
the Canadian economy. But even upon did.) All of this made filming more difficult. It was a season of filming I’ll never forget and at home in a variety
crossing, I had to self-quarantine inside also one I hope I never have to repeat. of outdoor environ-
ments. (Photo: The
of a house in Canada for 14 days before I ASG: The survival situations presented on the show were highly diverse. How did you go Weather Channel)
could begin filming. I couldn’t leave the about finding people who experienced such extreme, life-threatening emergencies?
house for any reason and had to give video CS: Between the production company, BGM, and The Weather Channel, there’s an
testimony upon crossing that I understood entire research team that not only looks for potential stories, but also interviews show
the consequences of doing so was up to candidates. Because this is our fourth season of doing this type of show, I also receive
three years in prison. It was stressful for many e-mails from people who’ve been through survival scenarios or know someone who
me. I also hated leaving my family during has. Each season, we wonder if there’ll be enough stories for another show, but there
the uncertainty that surrounded COVID-19. always is! It’s amazing how many people have gone through real-life survival stories in the
While filming, COVID-19 brought on an outdoors, and each one is unique and inspiring in its own way.
entirely new set of challenges. There ASG: Upon viewing, the survivors showed genuine emotion while reliving their
were extremely strict rules for handling experiences, and yet, they faced their fear to help others who might encounter similar
gear, eating, wearing masks and social situations. After hearing about their experiences, would you agree that they're incredibly
distancing. I always wore a mask, except strong mentally, physically and emotionally?
for while I was on camera. We were tested CS: Some of the people on this show are the most resilient humans I’ve ever met in my
for symptoms of COVID-19 twice a day, and life. Many have overcome nearly impossible odds to be alive to talk about it. One common
you were sent home if you had any. (I never thread I see among almost all the survivors is that they genuinely want other people to

learn from their situation and hope that, by ‹ Left: Highly accu-
sharing, they’ll make a difference and “pay rate and well-acted
reenactments com-
it forward.” These survivors are incredible plement Stewart’s
humans and inspire me each season segments illustrat-
ing survival skills.
beyond words! (Photo: The Weather
ASG: Was it in your hands as to which Channel)
survival tips and tricks you’d present on
the show, or was it a group effort with the
entire production team?
CS: I’m always presented with the story
first to see if there are skills that can be
taught. After I brainstorm a list of possible
survival skills, we work together as a team
to determine which ones make the most
sense for location, filming, time of year,
etc. After filming nearly 30 stories and
hundreds of skills, it’s amazing that I’m
able to keep coming up with skills!
“IT’S AMAZING HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE
But each story always presents a new set
of unique circumstances and resources to GONE THROUGH REAL-LIFE SURVIVAL
work with. Coming up with the skills is one STORIES IN THE OUTDOORS, AND EACH ONE
of my favorite parts of this project.
IS UNIQUE AND INSPIRING IN ITS OWN WAY.”
ASG: Do you feel that by watching this
show, viewers will become more aware and
prepared prior to venturing into the great and used knowledge they learned from the show to get through it. It’s these tales of
outdoors? survival that’ll ultimately be the legacy of this show.
CS: Yes. And that’s not just a hunch: I’ve ASG: What would you want the main takeaway to be for viewers of Could You Survive?
received countless e-mails from people CS: Two things. First, always tell at least three people where you’re going and when
who’ve watched the show and who’ve to expect you back—even if it’s for a short hike or seemingly harmless excursion. And ‹ Below: In a segment
been inspired to get outside—and feel second, always be prepared for the unexpected with a pocket or backpack survival kit that that involved a
trapped ATV rider,
more prepared to do so. But the most contains tools to help you. These should include a signal for rescue, a fire starter, shelter Stewart showed how
meaningful e-mails are from the handful of from rain or snow, and a water filter and collector. These don’t have to be expensive, fancy, to make a one-stick
fire. (Photo: The
people who’ve been in a survival scenario bulky or heavy, but any one of them can absolutely save your life. Weather Channel)

INSPIRATIONS, EARLY AND
ARE YOU
NOW
ASG: Choosing to teach survival skills
EQUIPPED
isn’t the most popular choice as a career
among young children. What led you on
that path?
FOR THE
CS: Ironically, I went to college to be a
pharmacist ... until I shadowed one! Long
OUTDOORS?
story short, I grew up in the Boy Scouts and
loved the outdoors. I’m an Eagle Scout. I
wanted to do that stuff for a living, and
the closest thing I could think of to achieve
Pack these items for a fighting chance if or when you’re that goal was to teach survival skills.
thrust into a survival scenario: I tried to make a living teaching survival
skills for 15 years before I made any money
Rain poncho. Compact, inexpensive and extremely at all. I worked at other full-time and part-
valuable during a downpour, a poncho can help prevent time jobs to pay the bills while I pursued
hypothermia by keeping you dry throughout your ordeal. my “unprofitable” hobby on the side. But
Pack several for added protection in case of days of rain. my hard work eventually paid off, and I
Lighter or matches. This one is a no-brainer. Fire finally figured out a way to turn my passion
can bring warmth, security and peace of mind to any into a real full-time career; and I thank God
situation. Forget the complicated means of making fire; every day for it.
just pocket a lighter or waterproof match (or both), and ASG: Who did you look up to in the
you’re good to go. › Above: A mini survival kit offers many useful “outdoor” world then, and who now?
tools for survival—all in one compact pouch.
Knife or multi-tool. These universal tools are a (Photo: SurviveOutdoorsLonger.com) CS: As I was growing up, my outdoor
necessity for a variety of applications. From cutting seat mentors were my grandfathers and my
belts to shaving tinder, creating a spear and for whittling “I LEARNED MY SKILL scout leaders. I wasn’t aware of any
just about anything into a useful object, a knife and/or SETS THE HARD WAY— survival personalities or instructors at the
multi-tool should never be left behind.
THROUGH GOOD, time. The survival books I read were my
Water filter. Either pack a filtering straw or a compact Scout books, old Scouting field guides and
filtering bottle for purifying water found in streams, OLD TRIAL, ERROR my dad’s old Army Survival Guide. I scoured
lakes or rivers. Remember: You have three to four days— AND THOUSANDS those books until the pages wore thin!
at best—with no water before you die, which makes this OF HOURS OF Today, I glean inspiration from many
item vitally important! different people. The more I learn, the
Reflective blanket. Keep yourself warm with this
IMMERSIVE PRACTICE more I realize there are many more people
“Space Age” item. It keeps warmth in and reflects your IN THE WOODS.” out there who know more than I do. I’ve
body heat back to you, which is essential to prevent trained with the Paipai Indians in Mexico
hypothermia when temperatures drop. Again, as with a and basket-weavers in West Virginia—and
poncho, pack two or three for added protection. everywhere in between. In recent years,
Energy bars or other snacks. Hunger can cause you I’ve been learning a ton from Primitive
to make poor decisions and put you in an overall bad Technologist Doug Meyer in North Carolina.
mood. Packing calorie-filled energy bars can help keep He studied under outdoor icon Steve Watts
you going between meals. Trail mixes and beef jerky and is a wealth of knowledge.
make great additions too. I’ve tried my best to surround myself
Signaling device. If you’re lost, you’ll need to alert with people who’re not only skilled but
others to your location. A signal whistle, reflective mirror who also have a passion for teaching
or brightly colored handkerchief can all aid you when and sharing. You can find many of these
rescuers are nearby. Best of all, they’re small enough to fit people teaching their skills online at the
into your pockets or hang from your jacket’s zipper pulls. learning platform I own at https://www.
All-in-one kit. Most people don’t carry a bug-out bag OutdoorCore.com.
everywhere they go, but there are small packs that house ASG: Is there any one survival skill
many of the abovementioned survival items. Just attach practitioner beside whom you’d jump at
one to your belt or hang it from your shoulder, and you’re the chance to work? And who would you
good to go. Remember, though, to always inspect the › Above: Creek Stewart sits in front of his
want to be by your side if a true crisis hit
kit for missing capabilities. In addition, consider adding improvised shelter, which could have come home?
in handy to a lost hiker, as seen on Could You
some of your own smaller gear. Survive? with Creek Stewart. (Photo: The Weather
CS: Yes, but I can’t: It’s my grandfather,
Channel) and he’s passed. While I learned a lot

‹ Far and near left:
One of the show's
segments involved
a woman having a
great time hiking ...
until a nasty fall put
her life in jeopardy.
(Photo: The Weather
Channel)
from him, I was too young at the time to error and thousands of hours of immersive practice in the woods. I’ve since been to many
really understand the wealth of outdoor other weekend events hosted by other companies and people, both as a student and a
knowledge he really had. If I could go back guest instructor.
in time, I would have “interned” with him When I first started, the Internet wasn’t really “a thing” yet. I didn’t even know there
during summers. was a “survival industry.” I can certainly tell you from experience that learning from other
people is a whole lot faster and easier than trying to figure it all out by yourself. The
CREEK STEWART, OFF SCREEN Internet has "cursed" the world in many ways, but helping people connect others with
ASG: Is there a Mrs. Stewart? And, if so, similar interests and passions is certainly one of the positives.
does she share your love of the outdoors? ASG: How did Could you Survive? with Creek Stewart come about? Did the Weather
CS: Yes. Her name is Sarah, and she’s far Channel approach you, or did you have this fantastic idea and pursued it with the ‹ Below: After
a decade of
more than I’ll ever deserve! Our marriage channel? “on-camera”
is a to-hell-and-back survival story and CS: While filming my first series with The Weather Channel, Fat Guys in the Woods, The experience, Stewart
fully understands
miracle for another day. She loves the Weather Channel went through a restructuring, and that show wasn’t renewed. Once the challenges of
outdoors, but not in the same way I do. But the dust settled, the channel reached back out to me to see if I was interested in doing a filming in the great
outdoors. (Photo:
I like to think my influence is slowly rubbing different series. I was, and we worked together to develop the show concept that would The Weather
off on her … . become SOS: How To Survive, which has been rebranded this year to Could You Survive? Channel)
ASG: What do you do in your free
time—when you aren’t starting fires from “ ... EACH STORY ALWAYS PRESENTS A NEW SET OF
scratch or trekking though Mother Nature’s UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES AND RESOURCES TO WORK
backyard?
CS: Ironically, even as a survival guy,
WITH. COMING UP WITH THE SKILLS IS ONE OF MY
I spend a lot of time at my computer, FAVORITE PARTS OF THIS PROJECT.”
because my business is online-driven.
But, in my free time, you’ll either find me
wrestling my little son, River, or playing
with baby dolls with my little girl, Lakelyn.
My other “hobby” is disaster preparedness,
so you’ll often find me spending time
organizing my long-term food storage or
working in the garden beds outside. Since
I’ve had my kids, “being prepared” has
taken on a whole, new meaning, and I’m
constantly trying to make sure my family
will be safe if things go south.
ASG: Just as you now teach outdoor
survival classes, had you taken some of
these useful weekend courses when you
were just starting out in the preparedness
world?
CS: If weekend classes existed when I
started my business in the early 1990s, I
wasn’t aware of them. I learned my skill
sets the hard way—through good, old trial,

› Creek Stewart › Above: The show faithfully displays how a true survivalist withstood nature’s wrath and lived
CAN’T GET
(Photo: The to tell the tale. (Photo: The Weather Channel)
Weather Channel)
teaching outdoor skills instructors how to build, launch and sell their own online outdoor
ENOUGH OF teaching courses (at www.OutdoorCore.com).

I’m also helping them build the marketing side of their business (at www.SurvivalCEO.com).
CREEK
You can be the best instructor in the world, but without a solid marketing system in place,
you’ll never reach your full potential. I figured all of that out the hard way and am also sharing
how to do it with others. However, if 2021 doesn’t shape up fast, I might be spending all my
STEWART? free time building an underground bunker!
THE SHOW
Well, you’re not alone! Follow the links below for a slew Could You Survive? with Creek Stewart entertains on two distinct levels. First, the
of Stewart-centric survival-related material, information, reenactments are engaging and keep you hooked to the very end. Every minute watching
monthly gear boxes and more: the determined victims of Mother Nature’s wrath (or just bad luck) leaves you wondering
how they’ll survive their seemingly hopeless scenario. Second, Stewart’s skills, presented
CreekStewart.com throughout each episode, are well-thought-out and offer tips and tricks for the viewer if
MyApocabox.com they ever find themselves in similar circumstances.
Survivalonthe7th.com However, the best part of the show, at least for me, was thinking what I’d do if that were
SurvivalSkilloftheMonth.com me out there, fighting for my life when things unexpectedly go bad, very bad. This type of
WillowHavenOutdoor.com thinking, if others follow suit, can only encourage people to prepare for the unexpected
and perhaps on their next outing be better equipped, mentally and physically, for the perils
that might come their way.
with Creek Stewart. My name is in the title
this season, so I guess I’ve finally made it!
ASG: Where does Creek Stewart go from
here, now that production is complete and
the show is airing? Any scoop on your next
project and whether it’s television, books or
survival skills-related?
CS: The television industry is about as
unpredictable as the weather, so who
knows what’ll happen in that department?
As for my in-house projects, I’m spending
more and more time helping other outdoor
skills instructors build their own businesses.
One of the greatest blessings in my life has
been to pursue my outdoor passion as a › Right: With eerie
full-time career. To me, there are few things accuracy, the show
portrays being
more rewarding than helping someone else alone. (Photo: The
do the same. I’m currently doing this by Weather Channel)

ONLINE
GO VISIT US
WWW.ASGMAG.COM
NUTRIENT
SURVIVAL:
LONG-TERM
STORAGE
FOODS
IT’S GOOD—AND GOOD
FOR YOU—FOR THE NEXT
25 YEARS!
O
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SUZY JEFFRIES
ne of the first items on every survival

preparedness list is food. But just having
food is not enough; having nutritious
food is key to staying healthy during a
crisis.
Nutrient Foods, a scientific nutritional food research
and manufacturing company, opened its Reno, Nevada,
facility in 2015 and sells the brand, Nutrient Survival.
The purpose of the Reno facility is to manufacture
nutrient-dense foods that’ve been scientifically
formulated to provide the daily requirement of essential
nutrients and fiber people need.
Nutrient Survival (www.nutrientsurvival.com)
produces long-term-storage food with a shelf life of up
to 25 years. It sources raw materials and then produces
everything in its GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice
system, which ensures products are being controlled
and produced to quality standards) certified plant in
Reno; additionally, its products are GRAS (Generally
Recognized As Safe) certified. Nutrient Survival is › Nutrient Survival’s meals are
nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, packed with the essential vitamins
and minerals a body needs. Even its
and its website extends an open invitation to tour coffee and snacks are good for you!
the facility (located at 1100 Woodland Ave, Reno, NV
89523; 877-633-6637).

“ONE OF THE
FIRST ITEMS ON
EVERY SURVIVAL
PREPAREDNESS
LIST IS FOOD.
BUT JUST HAVING
FOOD IS NOT
ENOUGH; HAVING
NUTRITIOUS FOOD
IS KEY TO STAYING
HEALTHY DURING
A CRISIS.”

‹ Left: Most of Nutrient Survival’s
products come in a sturdy, #10 can,
making them perfect for transporting.
(Photo: Nutrient Survival)
“[NUTRIENT
FOODS
MANUFACTURES]
NUTRIENT-
DENSE FOODS
THAT’VE BEEN
SCIENTIFICALLY
FORMULATED
TO PROVIDE
THE DAILY
REQUIREMENT
OF ESSENTIAL
NUTRIENTS AND
FIBER PEOPLE
NEED.”
› Near right: Grilled

hamburgers served
with Triple Mac
and Cheese make
for a great lunch.
The Triple Mac and
Cheese has a smooth
and creamy texture
with a bold, sharp
cheddar flavor.
For this review, Nutrient Survival sent Scramble is gluten and soy free. ‹ Above: The Maple
some products in sample packages Being a lover of omelets, I decided to start with this item. Following the instructions, Almond Grain
Crunch is perfect to
(sample packages aren’t available for I boiled water and added it to two servings of Homestyle Scramble, covered it and let snack on dry. Alter-
purchase). Most products are available for it sit for five minutes. The result was perfect—a smooth texture and no crunchy spots. I natively, add milk for
a healthy breakfast
purchase in #10 cans, making them easily sautéed some extra “good-for-you” ingredients I had in the fridge: mushrooms, tomatoes, cereal.
stackable and perfect for storage. It’s my spinach and ham (just because I like it) in olive oil in my favorite cast iron skillet and
understanding that the company hopes added everything to the already-prepared Homestyle Scramble. The result was a hearty
to begin offering smaller-sized packs for breakfast omelet.
purchase later this year. I’ve always been fond of hamburgers and mac-and-cheese for lunch. So, for Saturday’s
lunch, I started my burgers and then began prepping the mac-and-cheese. The sample
A WEEKEND WITH NUTRIENT package I received contained two servings. As soon as I opened the sample, a pleasant
SURVIVAL aroma was immediately noticeable, so naturally, I took a bite of it dry. It was pretty good.
Saturday: Breakfast is my favorite Per the instructions on the Nutrient Survival website, I added 1/3 cup of water per serving.
meal, and Nutrient Survival’s Homestyle The instructions didn’t specify whether the water should be boiling, but because I want
Scramble fits the bill. The ingredients my mac-and-cheese warm, I boiled the water, covered it and let it sit for seven minutes.
include eggs, shredded potatoes, cheese, At the first bite, I was surprised at the intensity of the sharp cheddar cheese. It had a good
onion, garlic and bell peppers. Homestyle texture—smooth and creamy.

› Top right: A healthy
omelet, with sautéed
mushrooms, toma-
toes, spinach and
MINERALS
ham that are added
to the already-pre-
pared Homestyle
Scramble, can be
ready in minutes.
Health benefits of the minerals Included in Nutrient
Survival products:
• Calcium is commonly known for its role in bone health.

Additionally, calcium helps with muscle function and
maintaining heart rhythm.
• Chloride is an important electrolyte in the blood. Along
with sodium, potassium and calcium, it helps balance
the fluid inside and outside of cells.
• Chromium helps metabolize protein, carbohydrates,
lipids (a fat or fat-like substance in the blood) and
› Bottom right:
Each serving of
improves insulin sensitivity, helping the body lower
Nutrient Survival’s blood sugar levels.
products includes
five essentials your
• Iodine regulates fetal development and is vital to
body needs to stay thyroid health. Your thyroid gland assists in regulating
healthy.
hormones that control many functions, including your
heart and metabolism.
• Iron is critical to hemoglobin, which is needed to trans-
port oxygen in the blood. It increases energy levels and
promotes a healthy pregnancy.
• Magnesium has a role in more than 300 enzyme reac-
tions in the body and serves many functions, including
nerve and muscle function and immune system support,
and it helps regulate blood pressure.
• Manganese supports bone formation, reduces inflam-
For dinner, I grilled chicken and prepared the Southwestern Medley as a side dish. mation, is essential for blood-clotting and assists in
My “better half” is a fan of burritos, so we used the Southwestern Medley as the base metabolizing cholesterol, glucose and carbohydrates.
ingredient for dinner burritos. If you’re a fan of Southwestern flavors, the Southwestern • Phosphorus keeps bones strong and assists in repairing
Medley might be for you. It contains rice, bell peppers and black, red and pinto beans, damaged tissues.
among other ingredients. The instructions for the Southwest Medley were spot on: 3/4 cup • Molybdenum helps break down toxins that enter your
of boiling water per serving, cover and let it stand for five minutes. The rice was cooked body. Your body also uses it to process genetic material
perfectly, and it had a very bold, Southwestern flavor. In addition, it’s gluten and soy free. (such as DNA) and proteins.
Sunday: The Colombian Arabica Instant Coffee gave me the jolt I needed Sunday • Potassium primarily regulates the balance of fluids and
morning as a result of its 125 mg of caffeine. It had a strong, bold flavor reminiscent of the controls the heart’s electrical activity. It also minimizes
coffee my husband and I brew over an open fire while camping. A vitamin blend is also the risk of stroke, lowers blood pressure, lowers the risk
of kidney stones and protects muscles and bones.
• Selenium has a major role in many bodily processes,
including metabolism and thyroid health. It’s a powerful
antioxidant and might protect against heart disease,
mental decline and certain types of cancer.
• Sodium helps keep minerals, such as calcium, soluble in
the blood. It stimulates muscle contraction and assists
in adrenal gland functions.
• Zinc can boost your immune system, speed the healing
of wounds, reduce inflammation and lessen your risk of
age-related diseases.
› Left: The ingredients included in Nutrient Survival’s

Homestyle Scramble—eggs, potatoes, cheese, onions,
garlic and bell peppers—reminded the author of the
scrambled eggs her mother used to make.

‹ Far left:
Southwestern Medley
is prepared with
long-grain rice, beans
(black, red and pinto),
onions, bell peppers
and just enough
jalapeño to give it the
slightest warmth.
‹ Near left: Some of the

ingredients included
in Nutrient Survival’s
Homestyle Scramble:
eggs, potatoes, cheese,
onions, garlic and bell
peppers
in this coffee. Not only does it help you › Right: Making

scrambled eggs
start your day, it’s good for you too. couldn’t be easier:
Vitamin Coffee Classic comes in a box of 30 Just measure out
the number of serv-
one-serving packets. ings and add boiling
I opted for the Maple Almond Grain water. You’ll have a
hot, healthy break-
Crunch and Powdered Vitamin Milk fast in minutes.
for breakfast. After tasting it dry, I (Photo: Nutrient
Survival)
decided it would also be great to snack
on it throughout the day. Preparing
› Below: Vitamin Coffee Classic comes in a box of 30 individually

wrapped single servings—perfect for backpacking, hiking and travel.
A cup of this coffee gives you lift. And, with 13 vitamins included in
every serving, it’s good for you too.
the Powdered Vitamin Milk for my Maple Almond Grain Crunch was easy: Combine 2
tablespoons of Nutrient Survival’s dry milk with 8 ounces of water and stir. The Powdered
Vitamin Milk is one of the better powdered milks I’ve tasted.
Mid-morning included another cup of coffee while I snacked on Chocolate Chip Cookies,
which also included a vitamin and mineral mix. I assumed the cookies would be dry but
was pleased to find them moist and a bit chewy. My coffee cup was empty before I was
finished eating cookies, so naturally, I had to try them dunked in milk. (Sunday was a good
day!)
Opening the #10 cans was simple: I used a regular can opener. Additionally, I was
delighted that none of the products I sampled tasted salty.
NUTRIENT SURVIVAL’S 40 ESSENTIALS

Package labeling shows that a mineral and vitamin mix is added to most of Nutrient
Survival’s products. According to information found on its website, most of its products
contain five nutrients the body needs (protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber and Omega-3)
and lists these as “40 essentials,” which includes nine amino acids (protein), Omega-3,
Omega-6, fiber, 14 vitamins and 14 minerals.
Amino Acids (Protein): Protein is made up of amino acids. Protein is found in our
muscles, bones, skin, hair and just about every part of our bodies. Protein is critical in the
process used to carry oxygen through the body in the blood and assists in creating new
cells, keeping existing cells healthy and making antibodies to fight off infection.
› Left: A serving of Triple Mac and Cheese can be ready to eat in fewer than 10
minutes. Add 1/3 cup of boiling water per serving, cover and let it stand. It makes
an excellent side dish for lunch or dinner, offering a bold, sharp cheddar flavor.

‹ Left: Minerals are essential to your health and are absorbed by
your body from the foods you eat. A mineral mix is included in
Nutrient Survival’s products to help ensure you get the minerals
you need. (Photo: David Malan)
VITAMINS
These vitamins are included in Nutrient Survival products:
• Biotin (B7) helps keep your liver, skin, hair and nervous system healthy and is
important during pregnancy for embryonic growth.
• Choline is essential to regulate memory, mood, muscle control and more. It’s
also necessary for the formation of the membranes that surround your body’s
cells.
› Nutrient Survival’s products include • Cobalamin (B12) helps provide nourishment to the brain and nervous system
essential vitamins in every bite.
and is an essential nutrient that helps create DNA.
• Folate (B9) is important for cell growth and function and is especially critical
during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects of the fetus’ brain and
spine.
• Niacin (B3) helps keep the skin, hair and nervous system healthy and might
help lower cholesterol, ease arthritis and boost memory function.
• Pantothenic acid (B5) is critical for many functions in the body and is espe-
cially important in making and breaking down fats.
• Pyridoxine (B6) is essential to nearly 200 chemical reactions in your body.
It assists your immune and nervous systems to work better; is necessary for
brain development; and helps lift your mood. Studies have found that it eases
nausea during pregnancy, might help reduce cancer risk and slow tumor growth,
and assist with combating dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Riboflavin (B2) is critical for cell growth and is required for many essentials,
including the lining of the digestive tract, skin, blood cells and brain function.
Riboflavin is thought by many to assist in the treatment of numerous condi-
tions, including some types of cancer, cataracts, glaucoma, acne, carpel tunnel
and memory loss.
• Thiamine (B1) plays a vital role in the development and function of cells.
• Vitamin A supports a healthy immune system, cell growth and vision.
• Vitamin B comprises eight different essential vitamins (vitamin B complex).
While they each have their own benefits, they’re dependent on one another for
the best absorption and health benefit. All B vitamins help your body convert
Omega-3 and Omega-6: Omega-3 and Omega-6 are fatty acids; protein, fats and carbohydrates into energy.
and they’re the only two fatty acids known to be essential for • Vitamin C is best-known for protecting the immune system, but it might also
humans. These fatty acids help perform many functions to keep protect against cardiovascular disease, prenatal health issues, eye disease and
our bodies healthy, including helping to keep the heart rate regular, even wrinkling skin.
fight infection, balance the immune system and fight allergies, • Vitamin D helps regulate your immune system and stimulates your pancreas to
make the lubrication that keeps the joints moving, bone formation make insulin. It’s important in bone health by assisting in the absorption of cal-
and repair, and nerve transmission, especially for memory and cium: The body can only absorb calcium when vitamin D is present. When skin
concentration. comes into direct sunlight, it converts stored Vitamin D into an active form, and
Fiber: Fiber, best-known for preventing or relieving constipation, it’s believed that activated vitamin D is a strong inhibitor of cancer cell growth.
has many health benefits: It lowers your risk of some types of • Vitamin E is key for healthy eyes, skin and a healthy immune system. It also has
cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, fiber helps you antioxidant properties that might provide protection to your cells.
maintain a healthy weight. • Vitamin K (a group of compounds that include K1 and K2) is most notably
Vitamins: There’s a multitude of vitamins our bodies absorb known for assisting the blood to clot and prevent excessive bleeding. Studies
from the food we eat; each one has specific, and often multiple, suggest it might also be beneficial for bone and heart health.
health benefits. Fourteen essential vitamins in Nutrient Survival’s
vitamin mix include: A, C, D, E, K, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), (Medical News Today has an insightful article on the benefits and usage of B
niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), complex: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324856.)
folate (B9), cobalamin (B12) and choline.

‹ Near left: Using
Southwestern
Medley as the base
ingredient, the
author added grilled
chicken, cheddar
cheese, sour cream
and a little picante
sauce for Saturday
dinner burritos.
› Above, left: Grilled

chicken with a side
Minerals: As with vitamins, minerals of Southwestern
are also absorbed by our bodies from the Medley fueled the
author’s menu idea
food we eat. Each one offers specific and of burritos for dinner.
multiple benefits to our overall health.
The 14 minerals included in Nutrient
Survival’s mix are: calcium, chloride,
chromium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium,
manganese, potassium, phosphorus,
selenium, sodium, molybdenum and zinc.
NUTRIENT SURVIVAL DRINK

MIXES
I also received the company’s Liquid
Nutrient Rehydration for Rapid Recovery
and Immune Boost drink mixes in my
package of Nutrient Survival products.
S O U R C E S › Above: A few extra

The Liquid Nutrient is a pleasant, lemon-lime
healthy ingredients
(including ham— flavor, and I definitely felt an energy lift after
Disabled World simply because drinking it. This drink includes electrolytes,
www.disabled-world.com/fitness/nutrition/fats-oils/fatty-acids-needs.php the author wanted
to add it) added to as well as a vitamin and mineral blend for
Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada Nutrient Survival’s muscle repair, focus and energy. It comes in
www.edawn.org/news/nutrient-foods-launches-advanced-nutritional-foods-research-and-manufacturing- Homestyle Scramble
facility-in-reno resulted in a hearty a box of 30 one-serving packets that you
breakfast. just mix with water.
Harvard School of Public Health
www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein The Immune Boost is a citrusy/orange
flavor and is one of the better-tasting
Healthline
www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-k1-vs-k2#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5 vitamin drinks I’ve tried. It includes both
vitamins and minerals and targets energy,
Medical News Today
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326132 cell protection and defense against
viruses. It comes in a bag of 30 one-serving
National Institute of Health—Office of Dietary Supplements
ods.od.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Dietary_Reference_Intakes.aspx packets. Add water, and it's ready to drink.
The Mayo Clinic

www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983; and VITAMINS, MINERALS AND
www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-thiamin/art-20366430 YOUR HEALTH
WebMD Health experts suggest that the
www.webmd.com/diet/eat-this-fiber-chart quantities of the nutrients you take
in are also factors in your overall

› Above: Even › Above: Liquid Nutrient Rehydration for Rapid Recovery includes the necessary
the cookies are health, citing differences in nutrients ingredients to repair muscle, improve focus and boost energy.
healthy! Individually as "micronutrients" (needed in small
wrapped inside a
#10 can, each cookie quantities), such as vitamins and minerals;
is jammed full of and "macronutrients" (needed in larger on age), side effects and interactions can be found at The National Institute of Health’s
vitamins, minerals,
Omega-3 and fiber. amounts), such as protein, carbohydrates Office of Dietary Supplements website: ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all.
(The #10 cans open and fats. Each of Nutrient Survival’s products is clearly marked with labeling that shows the
easily with just an or-
dinary can opener.) When it comes to vitamins and minerals, percent of daily value contained in the product, making it easy to calculate your daily
too much of a good thing can be bad. needs without exceeding the tolerable upper intake level.
There’s a “tolerable upper intake level,” In researching the essential nutrients a body needs, the only difference I observed
which is the maximum amount that can be between Nutrient Survival’s list and information and lists found on health websites was
taken without causing side effects—some the latter's addition of carbohydrates and water as "essential nutrients." In fact, Nutrient
of which can be serious (for instance, too Survival’s packaging lists carbohydrates in the nutrition facts and, because each serving is
› Below: Citrus much sodium [found in salt] can cause meant to be mixed with water, it seems that Nutrient Survival has it covered.
Orange Immune
Boost is one of the high blood pressure and cardiovascular
best vitamin drinks disease). The RDA (recommended dietary
the author’s ever
tried. It has vitamins
and minerals that
are designed to
allowance) is the average daily intake level
to meet the nutritional requirements of 97
to 98 percent of healthy people. Consumer
AD INDEX
defend your body
from viruses, protect fact sheets with detailed information JUNE 2021
your cells and boost
your energy levels. on vitamins and minerals, RDA (based
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BIGFOOT HOLSTERS .................................................................................................................................................................................................53
BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION .....................................................................................................................................................................................21
BRADFORD USA...........................................................................................................................................................................................................51
DAREX LLC .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
DOOM AND BLOOM, LLC.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 99
EOTECH ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................31
LEITNER DESIGNS .......................................................................................................................................................................................................41
READY MADE RESOURCES ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
READY MADE RESOURCES .........................................................................................................................................................................................7
TOPS KNIVES ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
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.

PREPPER PLANT ADVISER
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES
WHERE FOUND
Name: SOW THISTLE This European native has now naturalized throughout much of the world.
(Sonchus oleraceus and other species) It’s found mostly in urban environments—in virtually all gardens, vacant lots,
Sunflower family (Asteraceae) untended lawns, parks and even in sidewalk cracks. In wilderness areas, it’s
found mainly along streams in sandy soil and occasionally in moist fields and
DESCRIPTION meadows.
Sow thistle is commonly mistaken for dandelion, to which it is related. Sow
thistle is an annual weed with a more or less erect stem that grows from 1 to 4 USES
feet tall. Raw sow thistle leaves are only slightly bitter and have a crisp texture. They’re
The young plant forms a rosette of large, pinnately divided leaves, which are great used in salads, either alone or mixed with other greens. The cooked young
characterized by their almost-triangular terminal lobe. The young sow thistle is leaves make a mild dish similar to spinach that’s popularly enjoyed worldwide.
distinguished from dandelion by its tender, bluish-green leaves. The lower leaves Pinch off just the leaves—preferably the large lower ones—for cooking. The
on the mature plant are glaucous (dull, grayish-green or blue) and pinnately upper leaves are also acceptable but tend to have some bitterness and might
divided. The upper leaves of the mature plant are more or less entire, and they require longer boiling, depending on your taste.
clasp the stem. When a leaf is torn or the stem is cut, a white sap oozes out. The stout stems of the newly flowering plant are tasty when eaten raw. They
The yellow flower heads are clustered at the top of the plant. The flower heads first need to be peeled of their thin (and slightly bitter) outer layer, which is usually
closely resemble those of dandelion flowers, except that the base of each sow thistle tinged with red. The peeled stems are good in salads and can be steamed or
flower is somewhat swollen. Each flower head of sow thistle, like a dandelion head, is added to soups.
made up entirely of ray flowers. The tender, fresh leaves can also be used in soups, stir-fries and omelets. The
leaves are mild and very versatile. However, even “finicky” eaters will enjoy it.
The root, while still young and tender, can be boiled and eaten (somewhat
like a parsnip). The roots, like the dandelion root, can also be used for a coffee
Comparative Features of Sow Thistle substitute, although the result is inferior to dandelion root coffee.
and Dandelion Sow thistle roots need to be dug, washed, dried and then roasted until they’re
dark brown. Then, they’re ground and percolated into coffee.
SOW THISTLE DANDELION
PROCESSING
Leaves are basal and on Pick the fresh leaves, rinse, dice or mince them, and add to salads or soups. The
LEAVES All leaves are basal.
the stalk.
root requires a bit more work to scrub off the dirt; otherwise, it can simply be
FLOWERS
Multiple flowers per stalk One flower per stalk boiled or dried and made into a coffee substitute.
FLOWER
STALKS
Branched leaves on stalks Leafless flower stalk ADVICE FOR GROWING
Leaves and stalks are The leaves are best cooked Sow thistle most likely already grows in your yard or fields. However, scatter
edible raw or cooked. because of bitterness. The the seeds in late winter in disturbed garden soil that gets full or partial sun.
EDIBILITY The root is edible when root is edible when cooked.
cooked. Flower buds can
be pickled or cooked.
Flower buds can be pickled
or cooked.
WHEN TO HARVEST/AVAILABILITY
Sow thistle is an annual. The leaves and roots are best gathered in the spring
before the plant has flowered.

MEDICINE/NUTRITION ‹ Below, right: The sow thistle
According to the USDA, 100 grams of raw sow thistle leaf contains 33 calories, 2.2 grams of protein, 131 mg of flower is very similar to a
calcium, 60 mg of phosphorus, 2.85 mg of iron, 144 mg of sodium, 481 mg of potassium, 2,185 I.U. of vitamin dandelion flower.
A, 23.9 mg of vitamin C, 59.2 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids and trace amounts of beta carotene.
CAUTIONS
None.
RECIPES
‹ Below, left: A young sow thistle plant has larger leaves than
the plants around it.
SOW THISTLE DELUXE
• 2 cups diced sow thistle greens ‹ Middle right: Dude McLean examines a sow thistle plant that’s
grown to nearly 7 feet tall! Note its red stems. The sow thistle is
• 1 cup cooked rice growing with other plants, including a young oak tree seedling.
• ½ diced onion
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• Butter
Boil the sow thistle with the onion. When
done, strain the water. Blend in the cooked
rice. Top with chopped walnuts and butter.
Serves 2.
SOW THISTLE CAMPER

• 2 cups chopped sow thistle
greens and tender stems
• ½ onion
• Butter (to taste)
Sauté the onions until tender.
Add the sow thistle and cook for
two minutes. Add butter and serve.
HALCON ASPARAGUS
• 12 tender sow thistle stems with the
leaves removed
• Butter or cheese
Boil the stems for a minute and strain. Top with
butter or cheese and serve.
About ASG’s
Plant Adviser
Christopher Nyerges has been teaching
ethnobotany since 1974. He's the author of
Guide to Wild Foods and Useful Plants,
Foraging Wild Edible Plants of North
America and other books on the
uses of wild plants. He can be
reached at
SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com.
› Near right: A flowering and still-tender

sow thistle plant. The stem has some red
coloration. The entire tender stem can
be cooked and eaten.
› Bottom right: Note the way the sow thistle’s

upper leaves clasp the plant’s stem.
HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS NOW!
W
hile it’s impossible to stop or divert a hurricane, it is possible Cell Phone and Charger. Fully charge your cell phones before the hurricane
to prepare for one and minimize your risk of injury or death, strikes; keep all device chargers in your bug-out bag. Consider investing in a
especially when the storm category goes higher than 2. portable power bank to recharge these devices.
Here’s a list of helpful reminders you should think about when you review Clothing and Shelter. Opt for clothing that’s functional, durable and easy
your hurricane preparedness checklist. This way, you’ll know what to do and to care for. Ponchos or tarps are good, lightweight shelter options for this time
what you’ll need to stock up on before and during a hurricane. of year. And don’t forget paracord and pegs.
First Aid, Medication and Personal Hygiene Kits. Top off your kits, and
BEFORE THE HURRICANE STRIKES make sure medicines aren’t expired. Include plenty of PPE items.
Be Informed. Watch and listen for the latest announcements from local and Flashlight and Radio. Hand-cranked, rechargeable flashlights and weather
state governments about potential hurricanes in your area. Note the direction radios reduce reliance on costly and heavy batteries. Some can also charge
the hurricane is traveling, ground and wind speeds, flood and surge warnings, phones and small devices.
and evacuation notices and routes. Food. Stock at least a three- to five-day supply of nonperishable and easy-
Bring in Your Stuff. Anything that can become a projectile during a hurri- to-prepare food, along with a way to prepare it. Include some comfort food to
cane (for instance, lawn furniture and decorations) should be stored inside the boost morale.
house. Important Files and Documents. Store copies of medical information,
Check Your Supplies. Plan for the worst and see if you have enough. Restock birth certificates, insurance policies, mortgage, passports, etc. in a durable,
and replace supplies as necessary. waterproof container or scan them into a thumb drive to keep with you. In
Chill the Refrigerator and Freezer. Expect power outages. Turn your addition, a map of the area you’re planning to travel through and important
fridge and freezer’s thermostats to their lowest settings. Then, when contact details should be included in these files.
the power goes out, open the refrigerator door briefly and only when it’s Money and Keys. These items are easy to forget, especially in an emergency.
absolutely necessary. Include cash, bank cards and checkbooks to keep all options open. Keep duplicates
Close the Windows and Doors. If you don’t have hurricane shutters, reinforce of your house and car keys with you.
your doors and windows with plywood. Pet Supplies. Make sure your pets have enough supplies, including food, a
Discuss Your Family’s Emergency Plan. Make sure everyone knows their leash, collar, carrier, bowls and other necessities.
role. Practice your evacuation plan so everyone knows what they’re responsible Water. Store at least 1 gallon of potable water per person—and pet—per day,
for and what to have with them (such as medications) in an emergency. to last at least 10 days. Storing more allows you to maintain basic hygiene.
Fill Your Car’s Fuel Tank. Make sure you have more than enough gas to get Never skimp on potable water.
to your destination. If an evacuation is announced, proceed immediately to an For more information about hurricane preparedness, building bug-out bags,
evacuation center or a predetermined safe place. Stay there until it’s safe to weather radios and dozens of other topics, visit the American Survival Guide
go back to your home. website: asgmag.com.
Turn Off Gas Lines. Turn off your propane or natural gas connection before a To learn more about hurricane preparation, you can also visit https://
hurricane. Have a professional restore the connection to be sure the system is safe. www.Ready.gov/hurricanes.
Here’s hoping this hurricane season is quiet and dry!
THINGS YOU NEED DURING A HURRICANE
Bug-Out Bag. If you haven’t assembled a bug-out bag yet, it doesn’t need
to be complicated and expensive in order for it to serve its purpose. Here’s a All the best,
handy guide about how to make your own bug-out bag for cheap: https:// Mike McCourt
www.asgmag.com/survival-gear/brown-bag-survival-emergency-kit-cheap. mmccourt@engaged.media
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NO SHORTCUTS WERE TAKEN ON THE

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‹ Near left: The mild jimping

‹ Far left, bottom: The texturing on the

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‹ Near left: This cutting tool

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‹ Near left: A recently

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