Survival Scenarios: Airport Unrest

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Civil unrest is a topic that has been front and center lately as a result of the attempted coup d'état in Venezuela, and the unnerving footage that has spread across the internet. Although the incident in Venezuela could be viewed as an inevitable byproduct of a situation that has been worsening for years, it's certainly not an isolated case. Dozens of other countries have experienced violent rebellions and uprisings in the last decade. Some would even argue that increasing polarization within the United States is a sign that conflict may be in our not-so-distant future.

This photo from 2007 shows Venezuelan demonstrators marching in the streets.

Regardless of the current stability of your home country, civil turmoil is an important variable to consider for those of us who travel internationally. During our own recent travels, we've spent a substantial amount of time in airports. While sitting in various waiting areas, coffee shops, and restaurants, we pondered the unique challenges that would be posed by attempting to ride out a disaster in these crowded and confined spaces.

More specifically, what would you do if civil unrest broke out while you were stuck in a foreign airport?

There are many variables to consider under these circumstances — if flights are grounded and there's chaos in the streets, you'll have to choose between staying put inside the terminal and immediately leaving to find a safer location. Both choices offer potential advantages and risks.

This hypothetical scenario will serve as the subject of today's entry in our ongoing Survival Scenarios series. As usual, we'll explain background information on the circumstances of the event, offer some of the factors to consider for each choice, and end with a poll where you can vote for your choice and see how other readers responded.

Background Info

Photo: Flickr.com/14652587@N05

Six months ago, your boss called you into his office for an announcement — you've been promoted. This promotion came with a healthy bump in pay, but also meant you'd be taking on more responsibility to travel. Your company recently acquired a facility in the Philippines, and visiting it is part of your new job duties. You're not much of a globetrotter, but you figure this will be a fun experience — and you really couldn't say no to that salary increase.

Your stay in the Philippines will be only four days, but the flight is a long one. Over the course of a day and a half, you fly from your home in Texas to Los Angeles, then Los Angeles to Hong Kong, and finally Hong Kong to your destination in Cebu City. You don't speak any Tagalog, but you know that English is an official language in the Philippines and most Filipinos speak it.

Photo: Flickr.com/dbgg1979

Although your boss assured you the area is perfectly safe, you've also heard rumors to the contrary. In one article you read, Cebu's own mayor called the city “not so safe” due to ongoing conflicts between police and armed criminals. The U.S. State Department's web site advises travelers to “exercise increased caution in the Philippines” due to risks of crime, terrorism, and civil unrest, but most of these concerns seem to relate to the southern island of Mindanao (especially the infamous city of Marawi).  Regardless, you're committed at this point, so you try not to dwell on these nagging concerns.

Photo: Magalhães / Wikimedia Commons

Fortunately, your four-day trip goes by without a hitch. Before you know it you're ready to head home to give the good news to your boss. However, during your cab ride to Mactan-Cebu International Airport — about 40 minutes from your company's facility — you notice heightened police activity in the city. Security personnel at the airport also seem to be on edge, but you make it through to your gate on schedule. Then you look up at one of the TV monitors.

News footage shows protesters burning cars and clashing with riot police in the streets. The broadcast is narrated in a mixture of Tagalog and English, so you're not entirely sure what's happening, but the body language of bystanders in the terminal tells you something is very wrong. Some are anxiously making phone calls; others are standing in front of monitors looking worried. Suddenly, you hear the thud of an explosion — it couldn't have been far away.

Photo: Flickr.com/gleam_df

An automated message echoes through the intercom, repeating in various languages on a continuous loop. It states that all flights have been temporarily grounded, and instructs everyone to stay calm and remain inside the terminal. Unsurprisingly, most people do the opposite, rushing through the airport towards exits.

Your Gear

As usual, you prepared thoroughly for this trip. Your suitcase contains the usual spare clothes and toiletries, but nothing that would be irreplaceable if it were left behind. The backpack you're wearing contains your essential items:

  • Paper maps of the Cebu City area
  • Your cell phone, which you already know is functional in-country
  • An EDC electronics kit with wall chargers, cables, and a backup USB power bank
  • Granola bars and a water bottle from an airport store
  • An individual first-aid kit
  • A soft-shell jacket and ball cap
  • Your wallet with some cash, and your passport
  • An 18650 flashlight and an aluminum tactical pen

Obviously, carrying weapons here was never an option, but you could try to defend yourself with the latter two items in a pinch. A better plan is to do everything you can to avoid conflict.

You look around for someone who might know what's going on, but everyone seems just as confused as you are. A Google search on your phone reveals news articles about widespread civil unrest in the city, but nothing mentions the explosion near the airport — it's too soon to gather exactly what happened. You need to decide whether you're going to heed the intercom message and stay put, or try to get out of the airport and reach a safer location.

Staying at the Airport

Photo: Flickr.com/ichstyle

Remaining at Mactan-Cebu International Airport has some clear advantages. It's naturally a high-security position, assuming that airport personnel can keep the entry and exit points under control. You know there are some armed law enforcement officers on-site. Flights have been grounded, but there's no way to know how long that will last.

There's also no shortage of supplies at the various shops and restaurants in the airport, as long as they don't go into lockdown. You can continue watching the news broadcasts to gather more information; your cell phone has signal, and the free WiFi is still working as well.

Photo: Guan Yihe

By staying put, you won't have to get caught up in the crowd that's rushing towards the exits. If necessary, you can move to an out-of-the-way location and wait for news.

However, the downsides to staying put are twofold. First is the internal chaos — you may be stuck in this airport with hundreds of panicked and angry strangers for hours or even days. If violence spreads or supplies run low, you could be trapped here. Second is the external threat — whoever caused that explosion could be targeting the airport, and the handful of police officers may not be equipped to stop them from gaining entry.

Photo: Flickr.com/traveloriented

Thoughts of terrorism and hostage scenarios run through your head. You don't speak the language, and despite your efforts to dress discreetly, you don't look like a local. The last thing you want is to be cornered here, identified as an American, and taken captive by either side of a conflict you know nothing about.

Leaving the Airport

Photo: CW Tan

If you choose to disregard the intercom message and head for the exit, you'll need to move quickly to beat the crowd that's intent on doing the same. You may face resistance from security personnel at the exits if the airport is already locked down, or you may be able to walk right out. Once you're outside, finding a taxi or rideshare will probably be a challenge given current events and the sudden surge in demand for transportation.

Photo: Flickr.com/ronaldocomaling

Assuming you do manage to get outside and catch a ride to your company's facility, you're fairly certain it will be a safe location. You may be able to call ahead to confirm this. However, road conditions are an unknown variable. There might be increased traffic, or the civil unrest may cause total gridlock due to roadblocks. You'll need to trust the driver and keep your fingers crossed that you don't end up in the middle of a riot.

In the event that you can't get a taxi or rideshare, you may be in trouble. Re-entering the airport probably won't be an option due to the heightened security, and walking through the city alone with your luggage is a recipe for getting robbed (or worse). Attempting to use public transportation during this chaos would be your last resort.

As with most survival situations, leaving your position comes with higher risk and a greater reward. Avoiding a terrorist attack, hostage scenario, or miserable multi-day lockdown comes at the price of traveling through a tumultuous city that may pose even greater dangers.

Photo: Flickr.com/brownpau

The Decision

Based on the information above and the pros/cons of each choice, it’s time to decide which course of action you’d take. Would you stay in the airport and hope you can get on a flight home before things get worse? Or would you try to quickly make it back to your company's office where you can ride out the chaos in relative safety?

Enter your decision into the poll below, and feel free to justify that choice in the comments section.

Infographic: Dehydration Facts & Symptoms

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This article originally appeared in Issue 5 of our magazine.

Warning! This information is for reference only. For more detailed information regarding symptoms and prevention, seek professional medical advice.

There’s a saying flowing around that states, “If you’re not peeing a lot, you’re not drinking enough water.” While this statement might not be completely accurate, it does act as a good reminder to drink more water.

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than is replenished. This can happen in many ways, such as sweating during exercise or simply being in hot climates. Other causes include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and urination.

To prevent dehydration, monitor your fluid intake. Avoid alcohol or drinks with caffeine, like colas, tea, and coffee. Drink clear liquids (water, broth, or sports drinks). A prevailing tip is to drink eight cups of H20 daily, but that amount varies depending on your body type, where you live, and how active you are. The rule of thumb is that you should drink enough fluid so that you seldom feel thirsty and produce at least 1.5 liters of colorless or light yellow urine a day.

Sources

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention > www.cdc.gov
  • State of Idaho Panhandle Health District > www.phd1.idaho.gov
  • Mayo Clinic > www.mayoclinic.org

New: Vertx Contingency Duffel Bag

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We're always on the lookout for new products at the NRA Annual Meeting — unsurprisingly, many are guns or gun parts. However, we also spotted a few new accessories at the show that piqued our interest. Specifically, Vertx revealed a new duffel bag that looks like a great asset for range days, travel, and emergency preparedness. In fact, our sister magazine RECOIL gave this bag its “Best Accessory of NRAAM 2019” award.

The Vertx Contingency duffel is available in two sizes: 45 liters and 85 liters. Both are composed primarily of Heather Navy or Galaxy Black 600D polyester; 1,200D polyester with a “wipe-clean finish” is used on the bottom and sides. The interior is lined with 420D nylon and Velcro panels for attaching Vertx Tactigami pouches, holsters, and other modular accessories.

Left: the Contingency 45L. Right: the Contingency 85L. (Scale is not exact.)

The main compartment opens via a large U-shaped flap, which can also be used as a mat for organizing or cleaning gear. This compartment is lined with the aforementioned Velcro, as well as three large zippered mesh pouches. A Rapid Access Pull handle on the end pocket allows quick access to the padded weapon sleeve where you can stash a SBR, PDW, or handgun. An organization pocket on the side of the Contingency duffel has pockets for magazines, medical gear, pens, and other small items.

A pair of padded straps function as a single carry strap or an over-the-shoulder sling, and also allow the duffel to be worn as a backpack. There are two more padded handles at each end of the bag.

The Vertx Contingency duffel is expected to be available this summer, although the company is currently taking pre-orders at $160 for the 45L and $206 for the 85L. Visit Vertx.com or check out the RECOILtv video below for more details.

Shut-In Strength Solution: Workouts You Can Do at Home

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This article originally appeared in Issue 5 of our magazine.

A large-scale disaster has struck nearby. While it hasn’t devastated your community directly, it has forced your entire neighborhood into a long-term survival situation. You followed the best course of action in your case: to “bug in.” This can mean days or even weeks of staying put in your home or bunkering down until the aftermath subsides. Kudos to you on staying safe (hopefully) and having the wherewithal to store food, water, and supplies. But what’s your next course of action?

You’ll have plenty of time on your hands, and depending on your environment, the objects around you can go a long way to keep you physically prepared for whatever may come your way — whether that means a brawl, a firefight, or an all-out sprint. Being in a culture of obvious physical decline (two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese), few will argue what prolonged inactivity can do one’s body.

Don’t have a $10,000 home gym? Don’t worry. Read on to find out how you can stay fit while bugging in.

So, how do you stay fit when it’s just too risky to venture to your gym? (If there’s still a gym at all.) To keep in shape, make your home your fitness center.

The Body As One Piece

Strength training in a bug-in scenario should be handled differently than training at your local meat market. Exhaustive sets to failure or 10-minute rest periods to check Facebook aren’t an option. In this situation, building beach muscles would do nothing for your preparedness. We’re looking for a minimal effective dose of exercise that’s going to both improve your chances of long-term survival and leave some gas in your tank for when you need to save your ass (should a fight-or-flight condition arise). So, to that end, save the “no pain, no gain” attitude for a different time. Preferably never.

As legendary strength coach Dan John put it, “Groundwork and loaded carries are the things that are going to save your life.” That being said, we’re going to hone in on three core exercises while incorporating those concepts. Each of the exercises in this program will teach you that the body works as one piece, not as individual muscles or isolated movements. Together, they will build a solid foundation of optimal movement and total body strength, which is exactly what you need in a well-rounded strength program. You’ll be surprised how well an abbreviated strength program can work given the right structure.

The Program

Don’t own a set of kettlebells? No Bowflex home gym collecting dust in the corner? No worries. Your abode is probably filled with various objects that can double as weights. Those 5-gallon water bottles you’ve been storing even come with handles. If you don’t have any or if they’re a bit too heavy, consider using a 1-gallon paint can or water jug.

If you don’t have any paint cans lying around or your water containers don’t have suitable handles, consider grabbing a backpack or duffle bag. You can fill them with almost anything until they weigh as much as you need them to be, and they all come with straps that can work like improvised dumbbell handles.

Some common weighted objects you may have at your disposal include:

  • 1-gallon jug of water — 8 pounds
  • Paint can full of paint — 10 to 12 pounds
  • Sandbag full of sand — 20 to 50 pounds
  • 5-gallon jug of water — 40 pounds
  • Backpack — Various

The following exercises have a set of recommended implements based on the above list. Start out with the lighter objects until you feel confident that you can complete the movement as described.
Complete this program three times per week and in the order listed in the chart below. Do all four sets of the half Turkish get-up before moving on. You will then complete one set of bear-hug squats followed by one set of the farmer’s carry (or suitcase carry), alternating until three sets of each have been completed.

ExerciseSetsRepetitions / DurationRest Period Between SetsSuggested Improvised Dumbbell
Half Turkish Get-Up41 per armFull restPaint can, gallon jug, large jug, backpack
Bear-Hug Squat11060 secondsLarge jug, sandbag, backpack
Farmer's Carry
(or Suitcase Carry)		130 seconds60 secondsLarge jug, backpack
Bear-Hug Squat11060 secondsLarge jug, sandbag, backpack
Farmer's Carry
(or Suitcase Carry)		130 seconds60 secondsLarge jug, backpack
Bear-Hug Squat11060 secondsLarge jug, sandbag, backpack
Farmer's Carry
(or Suitcase Carry)		130 seconds60 secondsLarge jug, backpack

Half Turkish Get-Up

Suggested Improvised Weights: Paint can, 1-gallon jug, large jug, backpack

Repetitions: 1 per arm

Sets: 4 consecutive

While this may be an old-fashioned strongman exercise, it can work wonders for your core, shoulders, and, well, everything else. In simplified terms, the get-up involves moving from a lying position to a standing position with a weight over your head the entire time. It is quite technical, though, so we’re going to limit this to half of the exercise, only going to what’s called the high bridge.

1) Lie on your back with your arms and legs 45 degrees out in relation to your body.

2) Hold your improvised weight in one hand and straight above your shoulder. On the same side, bend your knee and bring your heel toward your butt with your foot facing out at roughly 45 degrees. From this point forward, keep both of your shoulder blades pulled back and down, termed “shoulder packing.”

3) Push off your planted foot, driving your chest toward the opposite side, while simultaneously pulling your elbow into the ground to prop yourself up. Keep the other arm vertical the entire time with a straight elbow.

4) As you move from your elbow to your hand, screw your palm into the ground away from your body. Lastly, push your knee outward as you drive your planted foot into the floor and push your hips to the sky.

5) Slowly bring your hips back to the ground and reverse this process until you are lying flat on the ground. Repeat on the other side.

Bear-Hug Squat

Suggested Improvised Weights: Large jug, sandbag, backpack

Repetitions: 10

Sets: 3

The squat is a fantastic exercise for your entire body, especially the bear-hug variation. Most people squat incorrectly — this is a great exercise for teaching people how to squat properly, with the added benefit of incorporating core and upper-body stability as well.

1) Bear-hug something you can get your arms around, such as a large water jug or sand bag.

2) Keeping your weight on your heels, sit your butt back and down while remaining tall in the torso. We’re looking for maximum depth of your thighs being parallel to the ground. If you can’t go that far, adjust the depth to your ability.

3) Drive your heels into the floor on the way up to the starting position.

Farmer’s Carry and Suitcase Carry

Suggested Improvised Weights: large jug, backpack

Duration: 30 seconds

Sets: 3

Also called the suitcase carry, this is probably the most basic exercise you could do. It’s also one of the most beneficial. It’s great for your shoulders, hips, core, and posture. Just make sure the weight is heavy. Really heavy.

For the farmer’s carry, grab two heavy objects and go for a walk. The suitcase carry is exactly the same, but with only one heavy object.

Benefits of a Bug-In Workout

Why strength train in a long-term survival scenario? Considering you’re not sure how long you might be holed up in your house or bunker, staying fit is obvious. Aside from maintaining your health, an exercise regime can increase your strength and speed — vital if your long-term survival situation suddenly turns into a fight-or-flight scenario. Plus, strength training will also give you something to do when you’re bored out of your mind, especially if utilities and electronics have been knocked offline.

Here’s a brief list of some other benefits of a shut-in workout routine:

  • Improves and maintains joint mobility and stability
  • Decreases risk of injuries
  • Increases work capacity
  • Increases energy levels
  • Heightens perception
  • Improves sleep
  • Relieves stress
  • Sharpens the mind

About the Author

Ryne Gioviano, M.S.Ed., NSCA-CPT is the owner of Achieve Personal Training & Lifestyle Design. He holds a master’s degree in exercise physiology and is a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. For more information, visit www.achieve-personaltraining.com. You can find Ryne on Twitter and Instagram at @RGioviano.

New: Midwest Industries Ruger PC Carbine Upgrades

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If you're not already familiar with the Ruger Pistol Caliber Carbine, you should be — go read our review from Issue 25 to see why. In short, it's a versatile and highly-portable takedown carbine that's chambered in 9mm and accepts a variety of pistol magazines (including the ubiquitous Glock mags). Its little brother, the 10/22 Takedown, is a gun that's already wildly popular in the survivalist community and backed by a huge array of aftermarket parts. So, it's no surprise that parts availability for the PC Carbine is growing fast.

The standard Ruger PC Carbine, as reviewed in RECOIL OFFGRID Issue 25

At the NRA Annual Meeting last week, we spotted something that caught our interest: the Midwest Industries PC Carbine upgrade package. This three-piece kit includes an aluminum handguard with M-LOK slots, an extended charging handle, and an aluminum buttpad spacer with QD sockets. These items are now available for pre-order at an MSRP of $199 and are expected to start shipping on April 25th. They're also available individually — see below.

The Midwest Industries handguard (MI-CRPC9, $159 MSRP) is 12 inches long, constructed from 6061 hard-anodized aluminum, and weighs 10.9 ounces. It features an 8-sided design with 5 M-LOK slots on each side, and includes a 5-slot polymer M-LOK rail for your small optic of choice. There are also three built-in anti-rotation quick-disconnect (QD) sockets for attaching a sling to the bottom or sides of the handguard.

The charging handle (MI-PC9BH, $17.50 MSRP) is constructed from mag-phosphate-coated 4140 steel. It's longer than the factory handle, knurled for improved grip, and installs onto the factory bolt. Finally, the buttpad spacer (MI-PC9QDSP, $32.50 MSRP) is a 3.2-ounce machined aluminum piece that replaces the factory plastic buttpad spacer. It includes another trio of QD sling swivel sockets. With the handguard and spacer, you'll be able to easily install a QD sling along the bottom of the rifle or on either side.

Check out the video below, taken by RECOILtv at the NRA Annual Meeting:

Interestingly, Ruger also recently began offering several PC Carbine models with their own free-float handguard ($729 MSRP):

Ruger's PC Carbine with Ruger free-float handguard

However, it's worth noting that the Ruger handguard lacks the 45-degree M-LOK slots (useful for flashlight mounting) and QD sockets found on the Midwest Industries handguard. It's always good to have options, so we're looking forward to seeing how Midwest Industries and other companies continue to expand the PC Carbine aftermarket.

Early Warning System: Campsite Perimeter Security

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Chuck Norris doesn’t sleep. He waits. But for the regular Joe, being awakened from a deep sleep by a bump in the night can be a brown-pants-inducing experience. At least if you’re in your home, you’re familiar with your surroundings and should be able to navigate through it in complete darkness. You know the floor plan. You know all the avenues of approach. And, with a little prior planning and practice, you have an advantageous position where you can defend yourself and your loved ones from any attempted assault.

It’s one thing to be safe and secure in our homes. It’s quite another to maintain that same level of protection when we’re sleeping under the stars, far from civilization. Whether we’re enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer on a relaxing camping trip or searching for sanctuary in the midst of a crisis evacuation, dusk brings on a whole new set of challenges when there are no walls and roof around you. How do we guard against those ominous sounds of creatures roaming the wilderness, looking for easy prey? How can we know the difference between man and animal?

Several factors should be considered when selecting an appropriate location to set up an overnight campsite, but that’s the topic for another article. For our purposes, we will assume we’ve selected a good location to make camp and have now progressed to the point of trying to establish some level of security.

One of the most challenging aspects of setting up perimeter defenses is restricting access to your base camp. The feeling of freedom and open air that campers love also works against us when it comes to protecting our campsite from unwanted wanderers or outright intruders. While selecting a good location for the campsite is a critical first step, it’s only one step in the larger defense-in-depth strategy.

The next step is to create an early warning system for when someone or something approaches our location. For those who don’t have a lot of wilderness time under their belt, you’ll be shocked to find how noisy it is at night, as all manner of creatures venture out under the cover of darkness for their evening meal. Depending on the location and time of year, the noise can really be quite loud. Anything moving around at night can potentially have plenty of background noise to mask its movement. Additionally, if one is bedded down in a wooded area, one will notice that noise tends to ricochet off the trees, making it difficult to localize and pinpoint the source. Do not fall into the false mindset that any intruder wandering into the campsite will make enough noise to wake you and give you time to determine their intentions. Creating an early warning system will ensure you have some measure of advanced notice to an intruder, be they two- or four-legged.

Early warning systems can be quite simple or very complex, but since most outdoorsmen take a minimalistic approach to travelling in nature, a simple security solution seems the best choice. Let’s look at three simple options for securing your campsite location.

The Old Tin-Can Trick

If you’re a fan of AMC’s The Walking Dead TV show, then you’ve seen this zombie security system quite often. It doesn’t get any simpler than a length of string, a few empty soup cans, and some small rocks.

Cut an entrance and an exit hole in the can just small enough to lace through the string. Partially cut the lid just wide enough to add a few rocks inside the can, then press the lid shut. Lace the string through several cans, leaving enough string on either end to tie off the ends to make a string barrier. Make the barrier long enough to cover the width of the access path you want to secure. Tie off the ends of the barrier with enough tension to pull the system relatively tight and level across the ground.

A height of two to three feet off the ground is a good all-around height to protect against moderately sized animals and low enough that under the cover of darkness a person wandering around may not notice the alarm and set it off.

Tip: If this type of setup appeals to you, consider getting a bag of marbles to use in the cans. They roll around much easier and seem to make a more audible alarm when banging around inside the cans. Additionally, a good length of strong fishing line will work better as a string than 550 paracord, and it weighs next to nothing.

The Modified Window/Door Alarm

While the marble-in-a-can method might work for you minimalists, the MacGyver fans are going to want something a little more “techie” for their campsite. Fortunately, your favorite local hardware store or online shop should have just the thing: small window/door security alarms. Modifying their use for campsite security is only limited by your imagination.

One simple option is to purchase a doorstop alarm. These alarms function by placing them directly behind a door. They are shaped similar to a doorstop with a ramped area that allows the door to slide over the ramp, effectively pressing the ramp down into the unit. When the ramp is depressed enough, a loud audible alarm is triggered.

A simple method for employing their use is to create a tripwire across an access path. Tie off one end of the fishing line to a tree or other secure object. String the wire across the path and tie the other end of the string off to a short length of stick. Find any object with some mass such as a small log or rock. Prop the object up with the stick, ensuring the line is taut across the path. Place the doorstop alarm under the object positioned in such a way that when the trip line is pulled, the stick is pulled out from under the object, allowing the object to fall on the doorstop, setting off the audible alarm.

Tip: Having four or five units in your pack gives you another simple but effective way to secure multiple access paths to your campsite. Piercing alarms going off simultaneously will be loud enough to scare away all but the most determined predators.

The CAPSS3 Option

For those who take their campsite security a little more seriously, look no further than Brite-Strike Technologies, which offers a host of handheld and weapon-mounted lights for combative applications. Brite-Strike has also introduced several products for the perimeter alarm market.

The All Purpose Adhesive Light Strips (APALS) are basically solar-powered light sticks that provide about 40 lumens of green or red light for more than 12 hours on a single charge. Smaller than your standard smartphone, these units are lightweight alternatives to chemical light sticks and last twice as long. To provide the same amount of illumination as the APALS for one year, a user would need to purchase 730 chem light sticks at an average cost of $1,200. One APALS retails for about $20. This is quite a no-brainer for those looking for some late-night campsite illumination options that don’t include packing around 15 or 20 chem lights or battery-powered lanterns.

Another innovative Brite-Strike product is the Camp Alert Perimeter Security System and Survival Signaling System (CAPSS3). The CAPSS3 is a lightweight and compact multifunction unit that offers both security and signaling capabilities for the outdoor enthusiast. The CAPSS3 unit comprises of a 135-decibel audible alarm unit that is triggered by a built-in metallic trip rod. Pulling the rod out of the recess in the unit triggers the alarm.

A small LED red dot is built into the side of the unit that acts as both a visual alarm and provides enough red light at night to read maps or other documents. A larger blue LED light is built into the unit along the length of the CAPSS3. It has the dual function of acting as a visual alarm and offering enough blue light to signal rescuers or to help mark one’s location for airborne search-and-rescue operations. A slide button is located on the face of the unit to allow the lights to be used for reading or signaling. Plus there’s a strobe function that can go off in conjunction with the audible alarm.

A small key ring is attached to the triggering rod to provide several tripwire attachment options, and each CAPSS3 unit includes two 10-meter-long clear monofilament lines for use as a nearly invisible tripwire. Additionally, the unit comes with a small section of heavy-duty 3M double-sided adhesive tape for attaching the CAPSS3 unit to any surface, such as a tree or a rock. A few small nylon zip ties can also be used to stick the unit onto odd-shaped surfaces. The CAPSS3 survival signaling system has an MSRP of $40 — but wait, there’s more! Each CAPSS3 system also includes two blue APALS at no extra cost.

Tip: The unit is slightly smaller than a deck of cards and weighs only a few ounces, so pack several units in your day pack or bug-out bag. They certainly won’t hurt your back after a long day of hiking yet provide multiple points of security.

Layered Defense

As you can see, each type of early warning system has pros and cons, but there are certainly more benefits than negatives. Plus, they’re all relatively affordable and easy to set up. If you’re a minimalistic prepper who needs to stay light and mobile, picking any one of these options can give you peace of mind if you’re forced away from your neighborhood and into unknown territory. For those who like to spend a lot of time with Mother Nature but take their personal security seriously (or perhaps their zombie defenses a little too seriously), you can always opt to layer your defenses by using a combination of these systems.

Because not all of us have Chuck Norris-like instincts, having some sort of reliable perimeter security system is the secret to getting a good night’s rest when sleeping under the stars. With the knowledge that you’ll be alerted if a predator — man or beast — enters your campsite, you’ll be ready for anything that goes bump in the night.

Review: Kershaw Bareknuckle Folding Knife

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We've been pleased to see a resurgence in American manufacturing over the last few years, with more outdoor gear companies offering products that are made in the USA. More importantly, these companies have shown that you don't have to break the bank to afford these products. Kershaw Knives has been expanding its American-made line of folding knives with models such as the Link, Dividend, and most recently, the Bareknuckle.

Design Origin

The Kershaw Bareknuckle is one of several knife designs inspired by the Zero Tolerance 0777, an ultra-high-end production folder that was first unveiled eight years ago. Even the Bareknuckle's model number, 7777, is a nod to this origin. The ZT 0777 featured a Bohler N360 blade with herringbone-pattern Damascus steel on the spine, as well as a sculpted carbon fiber handle, KVT ball bearing pivot, and a titanium Sub-Frame Lock (more on this feature later). The 0777 generated a lot of buzz at the time, and won Blade Magazine's Overall Knife of the Year award for 2011, but its high price point made it primarily a collector's item. It was officially retired in 2013.

From top: ZT 0777, ZT 0770CF, Kershaw Natrix, and Kershaw Bareknuckle.

As a result of its design inspiration, the Bareknuckle shares lineage with the current-production Zero Tolerance 0770 and Kershaw Natrix. Both of these knives were also directly inspired by the 0777. However, before you question the need for three knives with such similar designs, consider the differences between them.

As anyone who knows the Zero Tolerance brand can guess, the 0770 is made in America and occupies the premium price point at $240. Its blade is S35VN steel, and it features a liner lock (unlike most other frame-lock ZTs). The Kershaw Natrix, on the other hand, is positioned as an affordable every-day carry tool. It's manufactured overseas with an 8Cr13MoV blade, and sold at an MSRP of $63.

The Kershaw Bareknuckle

The Bareknuckle essentially splits the difference between its two siblings. It's priced at $120, but also made in America.

Its blade is constructed from Sandvik 14C28N, a stainless steel that was created through a partnership between Kershaw and Swedish steel-maker Sandvik. The material offers excellent corrosion resistance and a good balance between edge retention and ease of sharpening. This steel is also fine-blankable, meaning that Kershaw can mass-produce partially-finished fine blanks of blades and quickly finish them by hand. The fine blanking process keeps manufacturing cost relatively low, so it's an important factor in producing a quality knife in the USA at this price point.

The Bareknuckle's handle consists of two pieces of lightweight aluminum, sculpted with the same smooth lines and large forefinger notch seen on the 0777. The pivot is a much simpler design than the decorative machined pivots of its predecessors, and the flipper seems to be rounded slightly in comparison. The deep-carry pocket clip is very similar to that of the Natrix, but now features a recessed Kershaw logo instead of the black logo used on the Natrix's clip.

Sub-Frame Lock

Like the Natrix and the original ZT 0777, the Kershaw Bareknuckle uses a Sub-Frame Lock mechanism. This patented lock looks similar to a traditional frame lock, but instead of being integrated directly into the frame, it uses a lock bar attached to a steel plate inside the frame.

Steel is heavy, so if you want a lightweight handle, you'll be better off with aluminum. However, aluminum isn't well-suited to use on frame locks because it wears quickly compared to steel. The Sub-Frame Lock combines the strength of a steel lock bar with the lightness of an aluminum handle, all while offering a sturdier feel than a liner lock.

Our Impressions

We spent a few weeks carrying the Kershaw Bareknuckle, and recorded our impressions. On the whole, the knife feels great in hand, with the curved handle and forefinger notch making it easy to control. We liked the blade shape as well — it blends elements of a drop point and sheepsfoot, and the sharp tip makes quick work of cutting through boxes and packaging. The reversible deep-carry pocket clip is a plus, and a feature we've paid extra to add to a few of our other knives by way of aftermarket replacement clips.

Flipping the blade open presents some issues. The flipper is rounded at the tip, and the situation is exacerbated by a strong lock bar detent that applies pressure to the blade as it pivots. Sometimes the blade flicked open smoothly. Sometimes it swung open halfway before stopping. Sometimes our fingers slipped off the flipper and the blade didn't budge. This problem diminished as we broke in the knife, and diminished more after generously oiling the pivot and detent, but it never went away entirely.

Fortunately, once the knife is opened, the Sub-Frame Lock keeps it in place securely and is simple to disengage. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, we aren't fans of the “Pat 9,120,234” prominently laser-etched on the lock. We assume it has to be there for legal reasons — then again, none of the other knives in the family have patent number etchings.

In terms of materials, the Sandvik 14C28N steel is a good choice for EDC. While it's not as durable as premium steels like S35VN, it's a big step up from the 8Cr13MoV used on the imported Natrix. We've also tested the aforementioned Kershaw Link and Dividend from the company's Made in USA series, and the Link would be our first choice of the three designs. That said, the Link uses 420HC blade steel, so we'd consider the Bareknuckle's Sandvik steel to be superior.

The Bareknuckle is an appealing mid-range EDC knife, especially for fans of the 0777 design. The materials are solid, and we appreciate that it's made in the USA. Our opinion of it is somewhat mixed, however, due to the unavoidable issues we experienced with flipping it open.

For more information on the Kershaw Bareknuckle, go to KershawKnives.com.

Pros:

  • Handle design provides a comfortable and secure grip
  • Tip shape makes this knife excellent for everyday slicing and piercing tasks
  • Deep-carry pocket clip tucks the knife neatly into pockets
  • Made in the USA

Cons:

  • Flipper's shape and placement make opening the knife tricky
  • The grind on our test sample's blade was slightly uneven at the tip
  • Prominent patent label on the Sub-Frame Lock detracts from the knife's appearance

New at NRA 2019: Marlin Dark Series Lever-Action Rifles

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Many of us grew up watching old western movies with cowboys riding around on horseback with lever-action rifles at the ready. While we'll always appreciate these classic weapons, we also recognize that times have changed. That old-school lever gun is still an effective tool, but its popularity has waned in comparison to newer black rifles and their myriad of accessories. Marlin has also recognized this trend, and unveiled a new series of rifles at the 2019 NRA Annual Meeting that blend the timeless lever gun with modern elements.

Grandpa might not like it very much, but we do.

The new Marlin Dark series includes Model 336 in .30-30 Winchester, and Model 1895 in the formidable .45-70 Government. These rifles feature black hardwood furniture and a black parkerized finish on the receiver, 16.25-inch barrel, and 5-round magazine tube. The barrel is threaded to accept a suppressor or a muzzle brake — we strongly recommend the latter if you choose the shoulder-pummeling .45-70.

Several upgrades have already been installed on these Marlin Dark series guns at the factory. Each comes with an XS lever rail and ghost ring sight, so you'll easily be able to install a red dot right or magnified optic of your choosing. A paracord sling is included, and you'll find more paracord wrapped around the big-loop lever. MSRP is $949 for either Model 336 or Model 1895.

We're hoping to get our hands on one of these Dark lever guns in the near future for a write-up, so stay tuned for more details.

Disaster, Survival Situation, or Bug-Out Scenario – What’s the Difference?

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This article originally appeared in Issue 4 of our magazine.

In our modern world, we’re constantly presented with new concepts and theories for survival, gear, and gadgets, as well as new terminology that seems to pair nicely with all your cool new stuff. From “rolling gear” and “BOBs” (bug-out bags) to “caching” at rendezvous points, all this survival lingo can get a bit convoluted. As you have undoubtedly heard and read from likeminded people, both online and even in this very magazine, there are many labels for particular situations as well.

But what are the differences among a “survival situation,” a “disaster situation,” and a “bug-out situation?” Potentially horrific events flood the airwaves, the Web, newspapers, and lunchtime conversations. But what does it all mean? Are all these situations the same?

It all sounds a bit confusing. So to help decipher these now commonly used terms, we’ll boil them down to a few major categories. Let’s take a look at the major topics in this world of survival and all things disastrous/apocalyptic/zombie/end-of-the-world.

First, there is the known. What has happened on our planet thus far in history? Of what we know that has occurred, what incidents would be considered a threat? Big storms, earthquakes, acts of war, pandemics, forest fires, droughts, famine … sadly, the list can go on and on. Not to mention all the potential unknowns.

In the modern practice of prepping — we like to say, “being prepared is being responsible” — we have to define some basic scenarios and clarify the differences between them. There are three key scenarios that we need to understand and prepare for:

  1. Disaster Situation
  2. Survival Situation
  3. Bug-Out/In Situation

We must understand that these three can overlap one another — or one can turn into another at a moment’s notice. Depending on the particular scenario, and whether or not you have been a proactive planner, your position in a disaster situation may quickly turn into a bug-out situation. Then depending on your survival skills and available resources, it might remain at a manageable level or devolve into a survival situation.

Disaster Situation

“Disaster” or “natural disaster” are two of the most commonly used terms. But what should really be classified as a disaster? To generalize a bit, most of the time it is related to a localized disruption due to any number of reasons. Let’s examine natural disasters first.

Natural disasters occur regularly all over the planet, and have besieged the human race throughout the ages — hurricanes, tornadoes, typhoons, and now super storms, blizzards, ice storms, heat waves, and droughts. These types of disasters can happen swiftly with very little warning, like a tornado. Earthquakes are a prime example of a natural disaster that can completely disrupt, destroy, and kill in an instant and without any warning at all. On the other hand, your local weather anchor might be warning you all week that a pending storm is on the way and that you should expect serious amounts of damage.

It is in this type of pending potential disaster that we can actually choose to “bug in” or “bug out.” The reality is that if you have an opportunity to leave in advance, choose not to, and then suddenly it turns out worse than anyone had expected, are you really equipped to deal with it? Or are you just placing yourself in harm’s way no matter how proactively you’ve prepared? Are you risking your life or other lives by choosing to stay? Before something like an approaching storm, you have the ability to leave the area. After the fact, it may be impossible to go anywhere due to massive damage and losses to the infrastructure in your area. This in turn affects the ability of emergency agencies to help you.

All this can happen if you choose to stay when you should have simply left — Super Storm Sandy, for example. We had plenty of warning, yet folks ended up dying in that storm. There was no reason for that to happen. So when it comes to storms and other forms of localized disasters, please use your best judgment — be rational and pragmatic.

Another type of disaster is, sadly, the man-made kind. These really piss me off. Think of all the oil spills, chemical leaks, preventable forest fires, nuclear catastrophes — the list seems endless. Though they may not always put your life in immediate danger, they are disastrous to all the animals in the region, to the waters we depend on, and to the world in general.

Survival Situation

In certain cases, a disaster situation can develop into a full-fledged survival situation. Think loss of the power grid due to a solar flare (see “Blackout Preparations” in the Summer 2013 issue of our magazine). How about the sinking of a cruise ship? A crashed plane?

Or picture this: A huge storm hits your area, and you become trapped by raging flood waters. You are cut off from any outside help. What are your resources? What do you have with you? Who is with you? Do they have skills? What time of year is it? Is it safe to stay where you are or do you have to move? Many more questions should be asked. Survival situations can develop instantly or over a period of time.

In a major storm, for example, you may prep your home with extra food, water, pharmaceuticals, and any other personal provisions that your family may need. You’ve done your due diligence and have everything organized. You’re ready. Then the storm hits, and it’s a big one. Nervous, you sit and wait it out. It can go several ways — if you’re just dealing with the inconvenience of temporary power loss, hopefully you have what you need to last you until it returns.

But it might become so bad that your area is declared a disaster area. You might become completely stranded from any outside help whatsoever. Your house and all your carefully prepared supplies are now floating away in the huge flood that followed the storm. You now have to rely on your wits, skills, and available material resources.

Now, you need to follow the order of survival:

Step 1: Secure shelter
Step 2: Find water (or utilize appropriate filtration/purification)
Step 3: Build a fire
Step 4: Procure food

All the while, you need to keep in mind your safety and security. Perhaps you’re on a road trip in the middle of nowhere. Your car suddenly breaks down. Perhaps you simply forgot to stash supplies and gear in your own car, or you’re on a business trip in a rental car. You have just entered a potentially dangerous situation. The difference is whether or not you have skills that will mitigate your lack of gear.

Survival situations can also be so raw that you may only have what’s literally on your person at the time of the event or what you can find in the environment around you. This might not fit into your overall master plan of preparedness. But guess what? Tough! You have to make do with the situation and adapt.

Bug-Out Situation

What if the situation dictates that you must leave the area immediately? Bugging out is a method of action that can potentially save yourself and others. Understand that most Americans live in and around major cities — according to the last census, more than 70 percent of the U.S. population lives in areas with 50,000 people or more.

For example, you may need to bug out if your area has become too dangerous to be in or has been simply cut off from any and all support. Making a decision on whether or not you should leave is something that you alone will need to determine. Sometimes you may have to make that determination within moments of a particular event.

When it comes to actually bugging out, your preplanning comes into play. How far and how fast do you need to travel? How well are you practiced? How heavy is your BOB? What is inside your bag? Have you ever tried to walk for more than 5 miles with it fully loaded on your back? Did you even have the time to grab it? If not, we hope that you and your loved ones, friends, and coworkers know how to survive without your go-bags. Remember, a BOB is something that essentially represents what we know and what we don’t know. In other words, are you so dependent on the bag and its contents to save yourself? If you can’t survive without it, then what are you missing?

When discussing bugging out, many folks often focus on their bags. But there are so many factors that can influence your response and that you should consider in advance.

A bug-out response should be part of your overall emergency action plan. (See “Bug Out 101” in the Summer 2013 issue of our magazine.) It should be preplanned with rendezvous points, communication options, and predetermined paths of travel, as well as safety and security. There is much to consider in creating a bug-out plan. And all of these skills can be learned.

The More You Know

We have heard many folks in our programs talk about these various factors and how they impact their survival plans. When addressing these three different types of situations, it becomes clear how easily one can overlap or transition into another.

The first step is to build your foundation. So, start with the basic explanations in this article and understand the fundamental differences between these types of situations. As we have mentioned in past articles, honestly assess your own skills and abilities and start applying those skill sets to your overall plan. We can plan until the cows come home, but none of it matters unless you practice.

Then take it upon yourself to learn more and further your knowledge and experience base. Take notes from world disasters throughout history, from local disasters, and from individuals recounting their own personal survival stories.

As we have learned in the past, no matter the scenario — whether a disaster, survival, or bug-out situation — it’s a matter of clearly recognizing what truly lies before you and acting accordingly. The more skills you possess, the more risk factors that you can mitigate. Think about the skill sets that require no gear and make sure you have them covered. For instance, learn basic first-aid and CPR — these skills are invaluable and give you the ability to help not just yourself, but others as well. Find a school near you that offers primitive and urban survival skills. Skills always remain with you, even if all you have is the shirt on your back.

As you move forward in becoming more self-sufficient, you will develop a greater appreciation of your own potential. And you will begin to realize that you are more and more equipped to handle any of these types of scenarios.

Stay in the now, be present. This will help you recognize the subtle changes that occur during times like these. Train hard and share with others.

About the Author

Shane Hobel, also known as “White Feather,” is the founder and head instructor of Mountain Scout Survival School, based in New York. He’s been featured on numerous TV networks, including FOX News, History, National Geographic, and NBC. Specializing in wilderness primitive skills and urban emergency preparedness (among other programs), his company is the only one allowed to teach in the middle of Manhattan’s Central Park and was named one of the top 12 survival schools in the country by USA Today. Also, Hobel is one of five elite members of the Tracker Search and Forensic Investigation Team, which is called upon to track and find fugitives, lost children, hunters, and hikers. www.mtnscoutsurvival.com

New: TOPS Dicer Kitchen Knives

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It's always a good idea to have a general-purpose camp knife handy, but these tools often fall into the Jack of all trades, master of none category. They're equally effective for shaving feather sticks, skinning game, and batoning firewood, but not overly specialized for any single task. However, there are times where a specialized knife can make work much easier — preparing food is one such instance. A good set of kitchen knives will help you slice, dice, and chop with increased speed and precision.

TOPS Knives recently released its new Dicer series of kitchen knives, including the Dicer 8 Chef's Knife and Dicer 3 Paring Knife. These blades are intended to be sturdy and capable of outdoor use, so they'd be well-suited to camp cooking or grilling in addition to typical use at home. They're constructed from premium CPM S35VN stainless steel with contoured handle scales made from durable blue-and-black layered G10. Each knife comes with a black Kydex sheath.

The Dicer 8 features a flat belly that curves upward into the tip, allowing for both chopping and slicing. The heel of the 7.75-inch blade features a subtle cutaway in the forefinger area for a secure grip. MSRP is $250.

The Dicer 3 is intended as a paring knife, although it looks like it could serve as an EDC knife as well. It features a 3.5-inch blade with a smoothly-curved belly and sharp tip. A prominent forefinger guard protects the user's index finger from slipping onto the edge. MSRP is $200.

TOPS Knives is also currently offering the Dicer knives as a pair for $320, so you can save some money by purchasing them simultaneously. For more information on the TOPS Dicer series, go to TOPSknives.com.

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