Page 131 – RECOIL OFFGRID

How E.J. Snyder Paved a Road to Survivalist Success

Posted on January 29, 2018 at 10:23 am.

The Survival TV trend only skims the surface of what goes into making a true survivalist. Some may view preppers as crazy people waiting for unimaginable events. But, this attitude overlooks the benefits that a survival-focused mindset can bring to one's everyday life.

E.J. Snyder is a prime example of how life rarely goes as planned. Snyder found his purpose in life through a unique combination of hardship and opportunity; each pulling him a little further down the path of the survivalist. Snyder sees his experiences as individual scenes which, joined together, form a rich tapestry he uses to motivate and educate others. From getting bullied as a kid to learning his role as a leader in the military to his naked butt gracing the TVs of millions, Snyder gleans valuable lessons from every experience.

When Snyder was approached for Discovery Channel's Naked and Afraid, the show's name was a working title. The producers whittled away elements of the show until the premise was based on surviving the toughest environments with no food or clothes for 21 days. Each episode runs a similar course; participants get eaten alive by the local bugs and nearly starve to death, and one person often quits before the last day. Snyder has been on two of the 21-day versions of Naked and Afraid, as well as the extended 40-day Naked and Afraid XL. Most people recognize Snyder as the naked guy who will go to any lengths to survive. But, behind the titles and accomplishments is a man who wants to help the masses.

We caught up with Snyder in North Carolina to see what he has learned along the way and listen to some of the advice he gives his students to build their self-confidence.

RECOIL OFFGRID: How do you define survival?

E.J. SNYDER: If you do something and don't die- that's called survival. No survival technique or skill was ever in a survival book until somebody tried it. And it's trial and error until you succeed and then it becomes a viable technique in a book.

What started you on your path as a survivalist?

EJS: My mom worked three jobs to take care of me and my brother, but we didn't have the nicest things. I got bullied a lot because I didn't have the nicest clothes. My mother's work ethic rubbed off on me and I picked up a paper route so I could buy school clothes for me and my kid brother. She taught me hard work and discipline and to not rely on others. The other side of that was my love for the outdoors began when my dad would pick us up on the weekends. He'd take us camping, fishing, canoeing, hunting, and trapping. When the weekend was over, I still wanted to be outside.

Bullying is a topic you feel strongly about, how did you handle bullies as a kid?

EJS: Back then, I wasn't the Skullcrusher, I was more of a stick snapper. I was very tall, lanky, skinny, and very emotional over my folks divorcing. And, when there's blood in the water, animals smell it- bullies are no different. So, I got targeted by a pack of bullies. But, I never fought back because I always thought I would get in trouble and get kicked out of school. My mom told me if those kids hit me, I had the right to defend myself. By this point, my stepdad was in my life and he taught me how to box and lift weights. I was learning wrestling in school and enjoyed the thrill of competition. I picked up more fighting techniques from friends who were taking karate. Learning to protect myself helped build my confidence. Finally I had enough and after being shoved by one of the biggest bullies, I defended myself. That was in sixth grade.

How did that shape your view of the world?

EJS: Bullies were one of the building blocks in my life. They helped me realize that if someone put up a challenge, or a wall so to speak, if I can't get around, over, or under it, I'm going to go right through it with passion, vigor, and as much energy as possible.

Pulling security in Iraq, 2004.

Why did you decide to go into the Army?

EJS: My mom asked me what I wanted to do with my life. I told her I wanted to be a stuntman and an actor. She said, ‘That's stupid, you'll never make it- that's the worst idea you could ever think of. You'll starve.' So, I decided to pursue my other dream, which was to join the military and live a life of adventure.

You held several leadership roles while in the Army, what kind of leader were you?

EJS: I was a lead-from-the-front, lead-by-example kind of guy. I would get in your face when you needed it, but I'd be there to put my arm around you when you needed it most. Everyone knew I was a passionate leader, and they would to follow me through the gates of hell, even though I was hard on them. I have that philosophy that more sweat in training means less blood in battle. The train as you fight mentality is something I adapted and put realism into training so that when people needed those skills most they'd have them. And if you fast-forward slightly, I used that same analogy —and the same philosophy— for the survival students I trained.

Snyder (left) in Kirkuk, Iraq with Major James Hansen and Command Seargent Major Arthur Padilla in 2004, providing...

When did the crossover from a military mentality to a more survivalist mindset happen?

EJS: After my time as a Drill Sergeant, I went on to be a Ranger instructor and while I was there, I was assigned as a primary survival and tracking instructor. Learning and teaching survival skills in the Army advanced some of what I had learned in my youth. The Army gave me more opportunities to be in the wilderness and outdoors. But, the biggest thrill was going through SERE level-C and then revamping the survival training program. That is when survival became my passion and my whole drive.

At what point in your life did you realize you had to be prepared for unexpected events?

EJS: When everyone started talking about Y2K and what could happen, I wanted to be prepared to take care of my family. I always had outdoor skills, but with Y2K, new skills became my hobby and my passion. While people were out doing other things, I was prepping for something that could affect my family- that was a pivotal point for me.

Paddling up the Amazon River with Laura Zerra during Naked and Afraid, Season 2.

What initially motivated you to go on Naked and Afraid?

EJS: After retiring, I was in a kind of a low point in my life… just not happy with my career and not sure what I wanted in my life. When I'm out in the wild, I hear God's voice, loud. I thought I was going out there to do something really cool… do the survival thing, be a badass. And, I got so much more out of it. I was really humbled by that experience, in Tanzania. I was a changed man when I left. I evolved as a survivalist, became a changed man, and was closer to God after that point and really appreciated those things in my life that I was maybe taking for granted.

Naked and Afraid seems tough to prepare for.

EJS: I practice and I train that way all the time. So, when I was put into those situations, I didn't really do much to prepare, unless I knew I was going to a certain zone. If I know where I'm going, I may brush up a little bit on that particular area and the indigenous people that lived there. But for the most part I believe I can go anywhere on this planet with just my knife.

Snyder and Jeff Zausch during a water break during filming of Dual Survival in 2016.

Did the Naked and Afraid experience impact other parts of your life?

EJS: It really refocused me on my path. It wasn't until I almost lost my life out there that I realized what I needed to do. I was meant to be a leader, to teach survival and help those that can't help themselves. When bad days come, I want to help people get through that. And so, I sit here before you.

What did you learn from being on the show?

EJS: From my first partner, I learned that it's okay to ask for help. The second time I went on the show, I tapped into my Native-American spirit and let the wild teach me some things. Getting back to my Native-American roots opened up something very primal. After being humbled by the first Naked and Afraid, I started shoring up my weaknesses. Instead of a military modern-day survivalist, I became more of a hybrid by tapping into primitive bushcraft while pairing it with my modern day survival techniques. Those experiences made me want to become more self-reliant- more off grid. I eventually want to get off the grid and have my own homestead.

With Jeff Sausch, during Dual Survival, Episode 4, Gator Bait, 2016.

Which situation has tested your mental fortitude the most?

EJS: It was a time when I felt the most helpless I've ever felt. While trying to get to the extraction point in the Amazon, in the middle of the night, while paddling in the river, a biblical storm hit. I knew lightning hit the water because the static electricity was raising the hair on the back of my neck and arms. I knew that was a dangerous situation; we had to get off of water or were going to be done. It was pitch black, we had no illumination, no moonlight. We pulled over to the side, with no idea of what we were walking into, knowing that black caiman [crocodiles] could be everywhere. We hunkered down against a tree, but got pummeled by the storm for five hours. I've never been close to hypothermia my life. We got to a point where we were both speaking in tongues, that I knew we had to get up and get moving or we weren't going to make it. So, we got back to paddling towards the extraction point. I have never felt so helpless knowing that because of the lightning, I just had to take it. So, in regard to mental fortitude, I got pretty close to my breaking point in that situation. I don't get there often.

How do you plan to go off grid?

EJS: I look at survival as a five-tier kind of thing. Those tiers include:

Bushcraft and primitive skills
Modern and military survival skills
Self-reliance skills
Defense and security skills (i.e. combatives, weapons, and defendable structures)
Offgrid living and homesteading skills (i.e. studying alternative fuels and livestock care)

What kind of feedback have you gotten from being on survival shows?

EJS: People reached out to let me know how I inspired them. Some people said when they see me go through these tough challenges and get through it make it, that it causes them to make an adjustment in their lives for the better. Whether it's getting up off the couch or finally getting to the gym, getting out of a really bad relationship, getting bullied in school, or even overcoming addictions. If me being on TV drinking elephant dung, running around bare-naked with my butt hanging out helps just one person, then, for me, it's worth it.

Contrary to a bug out bag, the contents of Snyder's long-term survival nomad pack have enough supplies and gear...

What's your EDC?

EJS: Well I am a firm believer that you don't advertise what you're bringing to the table. So, I always walk around with a small bag. It's not a man purse or anything like that, it's just a small bag. I have enough stuff in the bag that would at least get me back to my vehicle, or if I have to walk home, I can get home. On my body it's a pretty extensive kind of situation. But, in terms of defense, I carry a Glock 22 with three magazines. I also carry a Spyderco Tatanka. One reason I usually wear eye pro is if I'm walking down the street nobody's can tell what I'm observing, and that gives me the ability to look and watch others while they don't realize I'm watching them. My belt is a Wazoo Cache Belt. On the belt is a D-ring attachment that will hold my weight if I was caught in a pinch and needed to be able to rappel down from something. It carries a couple handcuff keys, lockpicks, a wire saw, a razorblade, duct tape in there. Also some matches, 550 cord, small tools and a handful of cash, as well.

That's quite a bit of gear to carry every day.

EJS: It goes back to that philosophy. I don't know when that bad situation could happen, but I want to be a positive factor when it does. When I can carry more, I carry a basic survival kit, a fire starter, a water bottle with a built-in filter system, extra 550 cord, compass, a headlamp, flashlight, and SAPI [bulletproof armor] plate in case of an active shooter situation. Some people might say I'm a little off. But, I've walked to a different drum-beat my whole life.

Giving a war cry during Dual Survival in 2016 while in Southern Brazil.

If you were restricted to carrying only five items, what'd they be?

EJS: Number one item, my fixed-blade knife. My knife broke in Africa and because of that I created and designed my own survival fighting knife. It's a one-tool option, the SXB Skull Crusher Extreme Blade, by TOPS Knives. Number two, a magnesium fire starter because primitive fire making is actually very difficult, and it sucks. So why do it if you don't have to. Number three, a pot to boil water. I personally like using a Coleman camp coffee pot because it has a lid, a percolator which helps boil water twice as fast, and it's a huge asset that you can just pull all the guts out of it and use it as a regular cooking pot. The fourth changes from time to time based on the environment. I would say a tarp, because it's a ready shelter and it's good for a lot of other uses, like water collection, and you can make other items with it. The last item would be about 100 feet of 550 cord because of its many uses.

What charities are you involved in?

EJS: Being a veteran, I am passionate about helping other veterans. Any project that involves veteran suicide awareness or that can help a vet, I want to be involved in. Outside of veteran charities, I'm part of Reality Rally. If you go to the Reality Star Line Up, you'll see my name and an option to donate. Funds raised go to the Breast Cancer Resource Center. The Breast Cancer Resource Center is called Michelle's Place. Michelle's Place has done a lot of amazing and wonderful things for people. My family has been affected by breast cancer. Cancer is a bully, and I don't like bullies.

Snyder with a ceremonial sword from his time as the First Sergeant of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, Charlie Guard, from...

The other cause I work with is Give Kids The World Village. It's a part of the Make A Wish Foundation in Orlando, Florida. We raised money for these little kids who are fighting life threatening challenges. From time-to-time people approach me to help them with their other causes and I don't believe I've ever turned anyone away, at this point, because I have a problem with the word ‘no'.

In light of recent events, what advice would you give people worried about going to public places where mass shootings could occur?

EJS: I know it's a scary world right now, but the best way to eliminate that fear is to build your own confidence. The way you build your confidence is to first fix your mindset. The greatest tool to survival is your mindset. If your mindset's right; having situational awareness, having goals, having focus, there's nothing you can't do. Always be positive about what you're seeing in life. When you go to these places like that, have situational-awareness, watch what's going on around you.

Fear emits pheromones that will cause the other animals to pick up on it. And that type of pheromone can cause an animal to get into a frenzy. If you stay calm and positive, you will have a positive effect on other people around you.

What makes Snyder happy is being able to spend quality time with his family and dog.

EJ Snyder
Age:	52
Occupation:	Survivalist, Consultant, Retired Military
Hometown:	Hackensack, NJ
Base of Operations:	Fayetteville, NC
Family:	Wife: Amy Son: Tyler, 24 Daughter: Kassidy, 19 Dog's name: Maylea
Favorite Quote:	“Everyone wants to be a beast until it's time to do what beasts do.”
Favorite TV Show:	The Walking Dead
Favorite Film:	300
URL:	www.ejsnyder.com

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Editor's Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.

Beyond Lone-Wolf: Strategies for Family Survival

Posted on January 28, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

Active Shooter
Terrorist Bombing
Grid Down
Natural Disaster
Civil Unrest
Conclusions
About the Author

You find yourself stuck in a high-rise elevator, all alone. The power cut out suddenly and faint emergency lights are the only thing separating you from complete darkness. What do you do now?

It’s been nearly an hour and you haven’t heard a peep from the outside. The emergency phone is of no use to you — no one has responded to numerous calls for help. You begin to consider what may have caused the elevator to get jammed up, and why no one has come to aid you. Did the grid go down? Was it a routine power outage? An act of terror? No matter what the circumstance, you know that you must get in contact with emergency services, or find a way out. All by yourself.

In scenarios like the one above, escaping danger alone may seem like a daunting task, but a majority of adults have spouses and/or children. If you're a part of this populace, you won’t have the luxury of dealing with an emergency without first considering your family. Keeping yourself and your family members safe brings a substantially higher level of complexity to the table — just imagine how being trapped in that elevator with a concerned spouse, panicked teenage daughter, and crying toddler would amp up the stress level. Or maybe they're trapped in the building's lobby without you. Either way, your own well-being is no longer the only concern.

During short-term situations like active-shooter scenarios or riots at crowded venues, rapid thinking and quick reactions will be necessary to reach safety unscathed along with your loved ones. However, that doesn't mean avoiding the fray in these scenarios is easy. Compare this with a long-term situation resulting from a large-scale terror attack or natural disaster, and you've got yourself a scenario packed with difficulties.

Below, we've proposed a few hypothetical cases that may help you reconsider the viability of your family’s emergency plans. Read on for some family survival tips to consider for a handful of disaster scenarios.

Active Shooter

Keys to Survival

Since active shooter situations typically have little or no warning, and occur in a variety of locations, it's hard to craft and plan the perfect response. Every incident is different, but there are a few common factors to consider.

Upon hearing the first shots, distance yourself from the active scene as quickly as possible while staying low and maintaining quiet communication with your family to avoid any unwanted attention. Stay together if at all possible, and avoid the path of panicked crowds. If you can escape chaos and any confrontation with the shooter within seconds of the first gunshot, that is the goal.

Ideally, you’ll already have discussed an escape plan, established an emergency meeting location where you’ll reunite with family members, and scoped out nearby barriers where you can take cover in an emergency. Refer to our previous article on vehicular terrorist attacks for more tips. If nothing else, just remember “run, hide, fight” — in that order.

Challenges

Safety in numbers isn't always an applicable statement. In the line of fire, a target-rich environment ramps up the number of hits an active shooter can achieve on innocent bystanders. Make sure one of your very first decisions is identifying proper cover for your family members to duck behind, or under, while moving out of harm’s way. Freezing up in the middle of an active scene is one of the worst things you can do, as it makes you a vulnerable static target — avoid that at all costs. Even if bulletproof cover isn't available, conceal yourself from the shooter's line of sight.

If you are in the shooter's immediate vicinity, attempt to get your party to scatter and run for safety at the first possible opening (e.g. when the shooter's back is turned). If you have nowhere to go, fight back as a last resort. Whenever possible, try to carry a concealed weapon where the law permits, and encourage capable family members to do the same. Bringing a gun to a gun fight gives you a lot better odds than bringing a knife or bare hands.

Terrorist Bombing

Keys to Survival

Identifying the precursors of an attack is the first step in keeping your family safe from danger. Keep your eyes peeled when traveling in unfamiliar areas, or when you’re near large groups of people at venues such as sporting events and concerts. Animals use a pack mentality to alert each other of predators outside the group — you can do the same with your family members to remain aware of danger and identify potential threats.

Keep your family in sight to get a feel for their body language. They may feel that something is out of place, but fail to alert you if you’re too far away. Aside from being proactive and teaching your family a mindset of constant situational awareness, having basic knowledge of medical trauma treatment is never wasted brain space. Knowing how to treat a traumatic injury or shrapnel wound is very valuable knowledge nowadays. Consider taking a day to receive professional first aid training with your family, through a program such as National Stop the Bleed Day.

Challenges

If you have the rare misfortune to be caught in the midst of a bombing, the most critical piece of initial information is to identify where your family members are immediately after the blast. Staying close together as the crowd frantically mills around is important, and could mean the difference between life and death — assuming the blast wasn't right on top of you.

Nevertheless, identifying and treating major injuries in your party using a tourniquet and hemostatic clotting agent is priority number one. Secondly, take stock of the situation and scope out any chance of a secondary blast or follow-up attack after the initial bomb. Assessing and addressing injury, and knowing when to get out are two key items that will help you in this type of emergency.

Grid Down

Keys to Survival

Whether it's the result of an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) or some form of massive technological failure, a grid-down situation could last hours, days, weeks, or even longer. Regardless of duration, it's important to know how to work as a family unit to survive. If you have a simple stockpile of food and basic supplies, you can make it work with careful portion control and rationing. Options such as starting a garden or rainwater harvesting can also be a lot easier with your family, as opposed to attempting these tasks on your own.

Homestead maintenance, cooking, and auto repair can also be delegated and executed at the same time to use time more efficiently. Practice working together before disaster strikes, and optimize tasks to make the most of the natural strengths of each family member.

Challenges

Having no electricity can really wear on people who are used to being connected to technology every day. This is true for a lot of Americans, but especially the younger generations. Preparing a generator with plenty of gas can be a great solution to have some power for lighting, attempts at communication, and charging devices (assuming there's still a network for your devices).

You alone may not care about a long-term power outage, but as far as morale goes for your family, access to a few electronic conveniences will make a huge difference. A small generator can also power handy devices such as water pumps, appliances, or heaters. These solutions are great to keep around just in case the lights go out!

Natural Disaster

Keys to Survival

Natural disasters can range from severe wildfires all the way to major flooding and blizzards, depending on your geographical location. Regardless of the situation, general preparedness and keeping a stockpile of food and medicine can determine you and your family's fate. Before disaster hits, work together during shopping trips to gradually build up supplies based on what your entire family needs. Depending on the type of disaster, shelter, food preparation, and general hygiene will become keys to keeping the family morale high.

Work together to make your shelter situation the best it can be, even if that means replacing your torn apart roof with a robust tarp, boarding up windows, or creating a makeshift fireplace to stay warm when all means of heat have been knocked out in a chilling blizzard. Utilize your strength in numbers to troubleshoot hangups that would otherwise be arduous to take on alone. Try making tasks fun for kids by turning them into competitions, and offering morale-boosting prizes for completing these tasks.

Challenges

Just recently during Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, the world sat and watched as major flooding and storm damage destroyed shopping centers, homes, and entire cities. With this came a sudden depletion of food for those bracing for the storms. As a family, beef up your food storage and protect it to best suit the type of disaster most likely to strike your area.

Stockpiling enough shelf-stable food and water for your family creates an essential safety net.

The largest challenges during a natural disaster are access to food, clean water, and first aid, so hitting the clearance medicine section at the store and bolstering your pantry will save you much heartache during an emergency situation. Be sure you have enough of these resources to sustain every one of your family members, plus an extra safety margin. Consider keeping logs of normal resource usage on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis to better estimate how much you’ll need to stockpile.

Civil Unrest

Keys to Survival

Unless you live under a rock, you would have noticed that there's been a sharp increase in riots and protests in the United States recently due to a myriad of social and political issues. Unfortunately, during these events there are often innocent civilians caught in the middle, and these bystanders may be affected in some unfortunate ways.

An attempted military coup in Turkey quickly led to mass violence in the streets.

Looting and destruction of property is common during these types of events, and keeping your property locked down tight is important. Having more people to assist in fortifying your dwelling is a huge benefit, and can lead to a much easier time during a crisis event. Also, taking watch shifts as a family to prevent any intrusion is a benefit that a lone survivor may not have. Keeping alert and working together to stay safe until authorities regain control can be the difference between peace and pure chaos.

Challenges

Depending on your location, arming yourself with weapons may be difficult. Even if you already have access to a wide range of firearms, not all members of your family may be fully comfortable using them, which can pose quite the risk if you need to hand them a firearm for protection. Take some time as a family and hit the range to practice your shooting skills and safety discipline. It's a fun and educational way to better prepare for the worst, and also gives a great opportunity to teach your loved ones something new.

Tactical flashlight self defense martial arts EDC tool RECOILtv 3

With proper training, even a simple flashlight can double as a helpful impact weapon.

Aside from firearms, it's also important that your family has an idea of what weapons can be improvised during any type of neighborhood invasion. Baseball bats, chairs, and garden equipment make effective improvised weapons in a pinch. Also, small pepper spray canisters nearing their expiration can usually be found in clearance aisles of big box stores. Don't be fooled, most of the time the expiration dates are more of a guide than gospel.

Conclusions

No matter what the situation, the safety of your loved ones always comes first. It's definitely true during a catastrophe that a more people equals more exposure to risk. But a larger group also yields more resources, manpower, and intelligence on the situation. Managed correctly, this can lead to a better chance of survival.

However, knowing what to do is only half the battle. Training and hands-on preparation are essential to making any plan work in the real world. Employing tactics or plans can be much harder in the heat of the moment, so don't forget that NOW is the time to get your family involved.

Taking your loved ones along with you to shop for your stockpile, or even going over simple drills at home could save you in a life or death scenario. In an emergency, you’ll need your family to work together like a well-oiled machine, rather than panic and squabble due to inadequate preparation.

About the Author

Jim Henry is a physical security and surveillance expert who has spent all of his adult life working to keep people out of places they shouldn’t be, and locating individuals who need to be found. Prior to his current employment in the private sector, where he works as a government contractor, Henry was a Surveillance Investigator for The Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, PA. He also worked in Erie, PA in a similar role. Before that, Henry was busy building a diverse portfolio of education, studying countersurveillance, critical infrastructure protection, and threat detection. Even though most of his current work remains secret, Henry is very vocal about his love for firearms, writing, EDC gear, hiking with his dog, and spending time with his family.

Prickly Pear Cactus as a Survival Food

Posted on January 27, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

There's an old desert survival myth that you may have seen perpetuated by classic western movies — supposedly it's possible to cut open a barrel cactus and find a convenient reservoir of clear drinkable water inside. Unfortunately this isn't true, and even if you're able to painstakingly squeeze liquid out of a cactus, gulping down large quantities of cactus water is likely to make you sick. However, cacti can provide another important survival resource: food.

The prickly pear cactus is found throughout the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and even the Mediterranean. Most varieties of prickly pear cactus have flat, branching pads and oblong red fruits which appear during warmer parts of the season. As we mentioned in our 3MR wild edibles class recap, the fruits are easy to eat and quite delicious — just carefully cut them off the cactus, scrape off all the spines and hairlike fibers with a knife, roast them over an open flame if desired, and eat the sweet red flesh inside the fruit (also called a tuna).

We mentioned in that wild edibles article that the green cactus pads are edible, but didn't have the opportunity to go into more detail. If you're curious how to eat this part of the cactus, the following video from Junkyard Fox provides a thorough explanation on how to harvest, clean, cook, and eat prickly pear pads (also called nopales).

The key is to carefully scrape all large spines and tiny hairlike glochids off the surface of the cactus before handling or eating it. Otherwise you're going to have a VERY unpleasant dining experience.

While nopales still contains traces of the cactus juice we mentioned at the beginning of this article, the smaller and younger outer parts of the cactus contain less of the stomach-upsetting oxalic acid. Cooking the cactus pads also helps to break down the acid, further reducing the risk of indigestion. This plentiful plant may not be a cure for thirst in the desert, but it can certainly help cure your hunger.

For more on foraging for wild edibles in the desert, read our 3MR survival class recap.

New: TOPS Hammer Hawk & Backup Blade Combo

Posted on January 26, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Just about every hiker, camper, outdoorsman, or bushcrafter will have a different opinion on the ideal blade setup. Some will rely on one jack-of-all-trades knife; others will carry a small folding knife and a larger fixed blade. But one of the most common and versatile backcountry loadouts is the combination of a fixed-blade knife and an ax, hatchet, or tomahawk. This pair provides efficient chopping force for heavier tasks, and delicate precision for lighter ones.

Recognizing the value of a paired blade system, TOPS Knives has developed one of its own. The TOPS Hammer Hawk and Backup fixed blade were designed to be carried and used together as a complete cutting tool solution for the outdoors. They can be ordered separately, or purchased together at a substantial discount (more on that below).

The TOPS Hammer Hawk is a full-tang 3/8-inch-thick piece of tough 1075 carbon steel, ground to a 4.5-inch cutting edge. Opposite the tomahawk blade, a differentially-heat-treated hammer head is designed for blunt-force impact tasks — pounding in tent pegs, cracking skulls, that sort of thing. The Hammer Hawk's handle is contoured for multiple grip positions, and fitted with handle scales sculpted from thick green canvas micarta.

The hawk includes a two-piece leather sheath. One part snaps over the head as a blade cover, and the second “belt frog” (highlighted below) remains on the user's waist, allowing the hawk to be drawn easily. The belt frog also features a pocket to hold the Backup blade or other small fixed blade. MSRP for the TOPS Hammer Hawk is $280, including the sheath.

To complement the Hammer Hawk, TOPS has also released the Backup knife. This 5-inch skeletonized knife is made from 1095 carbon steel, with a 2.4-inch upswept blade. This design looks like it'd be a good choice for skinning game, whittling trap triggers, or shaving tinder material.

The TOPS Backup comes with a kydex sheath and beaded chain, so it can be carried as a neck knife, or placed in the Hammer Hawk's leather sheath as mentioned above.

When purchased with the Hammer Hawk, the Backup is a $20 add-on, bringing the total price for the pair of blades to $300. The Backup can also be purchased on its own for $60.

For more info on these two blades, go to TOPSknives.com.

Infographic: Home Gardening Conditions

Posted on January 25, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

As we often say, the time to prepare for the future is now. You should be planning ahead for at least the next few months — February is just a week away, and spring will be here before you know it. So, it's a great time to consider starting a home garden during the warmer months.

Home gardening provides a valuable and tasty source of fresh vegetables and fruits, allowing you to save on groceries and supplement your diet during emergencies. When was the last time you could literally enjoy the fruits (or veggies) of your labor? With a small planter or a few pots in your backyard, you can.

The following infographic from Gardening Services London shows 12 common vegetables and the optimal sowing season, harvesting season, sunlight and water conditions, and potential pests to watch out for with each. Click here to download a full-size version of this graphic. A few notes before you read on:

Yes, tomatoes are technically a fruit. Don't be that guy.
Also, while this guide was made for residents of the UK, its information holds true for most of the northern hemisphere with slight variations in season. For more specific info on growing each vegetable, check Almanac.com/gardening.
Given the above, aubergine may sound strange — that's what the Brits call eggplant.

Video: The Basics of Solar & Lunar Navigation

Posted on January 24, 2018 at 11:30 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In any sort of mobile survival or bug-out situation, it's essential to know where you've been and where you're headed. It can be extremely easy to get turned around and end up wandering in circles if you don't continually check your direction of travel. The easy way to do this is to carry a compass — we strongly recommend adding at least one to your survival kit. There's no faster and easier way to navigate in the backcountry than with a dedicated compass (or a device that includes one, such as a GPS unit).

That said, you should never be wholly reliant on this tool to navigate. You should know several other methods of finding north, south, east, and west reliably. We've previously discussed the shadow stick method, the wristwatch method, and even how to make your own DIY compass using a magnetized needle and a cup of water. Celestial navigation is another time-tested way to navigate, but it doesn't entirely rely on finding the North Star as most people assume — you can also use the two most visible celestial bodies: the sun and the moon.

Solar lunar navigation celestial compass map navigate orient direction 3

If you know the time and the season, you can determine your direction with lunar navigation.

You've probably heard the adage that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, at least in the northern hemisphere. There's some truth to that, but there's a whole lot more to it. The rising sun (or moon) is only due east on the spring and fall equinoxes; the setting sun (or moon) is only due west on those same days. In other words, the adage is only fully accurate twice per year. The rest of the year, the earth's eccentric orbit causes those positions to shift towards the north (summer) or south (winter). For accurate solar and lunar navigation, you must understand these shifts.

This chart from the AlfieAesthetics video below sums up the logic involved.

This chart from the AlfieAesthetics video below sums up the key points to remember.

This probably sounds complicated, and it can be, depending on how precise you want to be. However, the following pair of videos from British YouTuber AlfieAesthetics does a great job explaining the principles of basic solar and lunar navigation. Once you get the hang of it, and remember how to compensate for the seasonal changes, you can navigate quickly on the move without overreliance on a compass. The videos will take less than 20 minutes to watch in total, so that should be an easy investment to make.

SHOT Show 2018: Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool

Posted on January 23, 2018 at 9:08 pm.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

The name Leatherman has become synonymous with versatile multi-tools, and the product that started it all was the original Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool (PST). This innovative design was first released by company founder Tim Leatherman in 1983, and its 14-in-1 functionality quickly caught on. Thirty-five years later, Leatherman is re-releasing a Limited Edition of the Pocket Survival Tool as part of its new Heritage line.

We met up with Leatherman at SHOT Show, and examined the new-for-2018 PST. The design remains the same as it was in 1983, with the same 14 tools: needlenose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutter, hard-wire cutter, knife, file, Philips screwdriver, large/medium/small flathead screwdrivers, awl, 8-inch ruler, can opener, and bottle opener. It’s made in the USA from 100% stainless steel, and includes a leather sheath.

Two versions of the PST will be available. The standard Limited Edition is stamped with Tim Leatherman’s signature and “Est. 1983” on the handle. An extra special Collector’s Edition is also available, and limited to 500 units, each with a serial number. The Collector’s Edition PST will include a wood display box, Leatherman coin, and signed certificate of authenticity.

The new Limited Edition Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool will be available on the company’s web site soon. The Collector’s Edition is already available for purchase at an MSRP of $275. For more information, go to Leatherman.com.

Must-Have Items for Survival in Hostile Regions

Posted on January 21, 2018 at 12:35 pm.

Written by Offgrid Staff

In This Article

1. Trained Companion
2. Access to Firearms
3. Covert Safe
4. Hand-to-Hand Weapon (ex. Delta Defense Ring, Benthic Butter Knife)
5. Fidget Toys/Puzzles/Games
6. Handcuff Key
7. Sat Phone
8. Solar Panel
9. Decoy Wallet
10. Smartphone Camera
About the Author
More From Issue 24

Since 2001, the world has undergone a dramatic increase in travel risk, due to the ever-increasing surge of terrorism and international drug cartels. As one might expect, personal protection training has become increasingly popular for Westerners who work or vacation abroad.

As a combat instructor, I've traveled around the world providing that kind of training to people already working in hostile regions as well as preparing clients here in the U.S., with counter-abduction courses, escape-and-evasion seminars, and Krav Maga classes to help people stay above ground and out of gulags. This article outlines a handy-dandy list of things you'll need in sketchy countries — but before we get to that, just where the heck are you going?

These days, nobody wants to hurt anyone's feelings, so there's a lot of debate on how to define a “hostile region.” The most popular, super-sensitive way to gauge a nation's safety and threat level is to see if it has any travel warnings posted online. The U.K. Foreign Travel Department is a great resource: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. But if you just want a quick and dirty method, I call this an “ABC test” to keep it simple. When considering travel to another country, just ask the following:

A) Does the nation's government have a track record of physically oppressing people based on their beliefs or gender (executing apostates and dissidents, beating and/or stoning women, etc.)?

B) Does their army double as their police force (historically common in communist regimes)?

C) Does the region have a noticeable problem with vanishing visitors (cartel kidnappings, beheadings, and the like)?

If the answer was “yes” to any of those questions, then we can consider the region “hostile.” And to be clear, “hostile” can range from “Go home, Yankee!” to “Slay the infidel wherever you find them.” If that sounds like a place you're headed, prepare accordingly. But keep in mind that preparation doesn't equal safety; no one can guarantee your safety. Even with all the martial arts and counter-abduction training in the world, visiting a hostile region is always a roll of the dice in terms of personal security.

If Westerners would avoid some of these places, they'd really be much safer, and these oppressive regimes would have to clean up their act to preserve their tourist industry, which in many cases, is a huge part of their economy. However, the allure of ancient ruins and exotic islands draws waves of adventurers year after year, beheadings be damned! And in our global economy, many of us are required to conduct business in some dicey domains. Whatever your reason for treacherous travel, here's a list of 10 must-haves for hostile regions.

1. Trained Companion

While this isn't a piece of gear per se, selecting an appropriate travel companion is one of the best ways to minimize your risk when going abroad. For instance, I don't travel to hostile regions without someone who knows Krav Maga. If things get savage, I know that they'll fight (and fight well). Real talk? If you're traveling with someone who doesn't have your back, then you might as well be traveling alone.

2. Access to Firearms

Don't walk into any room that you don't know how to walk out of. The same goes for countries. In hostile countries, cities can spontaneously erupt in violence. So, if you can legally obtain a gun, do that immediately. When I was working in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood was gearing up to overthrow Mohamed Morsi. Tensions ran high. As you might suspect, I couldn't legally obtain a firearm. In hostile regions, guns are typically restricted to military/cartel/jihadi use. But hey, if bullets are coming your way, you'd really like the option to send some back.

So, one of the first things I did after arriving in Egypt was develop a relationship with a waiter who could get me and my colleague AK-47s within two hours. When I taught in Moldova, I found a villager who kept a pistol and shotgun ready for me, should I need them in a hurry. But developing these contacts and agreements isn't as easy as it may sound and requires strong social engineering skills, so neither I nor this magazine recommend that anyone do it unless their life depended on it. Try to buy from the wrong guy and you could wind up dead (or worse).

3. Covert Safe

Covert safes like a fake can of Pepsi or a can of shaving cream with a hidden compartment are perfect for protecting things like money, flash drives, and medicine. Sometimes you have to carry a larger amount of cash, especially if you're in a country where it's difficult to access ATMs or exchange offices. In those instances, don't carry money on your person, leave it in your bag, or hide it under a mattress. Thieves know to check those places. Keep your cash in a hollow toilet paper holder in your hotel room. Thieves will never look there, especially if you smudge some Nutella on the TP before you head out.

4. Hand-to-Hand Weapon (ex. Delta Defense Ring, Benthic Butter Knife)

If you're being attacked or kidnapped, then the enemy probably has the element of surprise. The best way to level the playing field is to surprise them back with combat training and the augmented power of a hidden weapon. At Triangle Krav Maga, we make useful tools that pass through most security checkpoints without a problem. Take the Delta Defense Ring. This attractive piece of jewelry seems harmless, but it adds serious piercing and tearing damage to any punch or slap, depending on how you wear it.

Best of all, the Delta's always on your hand, so it's always ready. Another fan favorite, the Benthic Butter Knife, meets all the TSA travel regulations because it is, in fact, a butter knife. It's just a heavy, powdercoated butter knife with a retention ring and bottle cap jimping for enhanced grip. Whatever item you choose to carry, make sure it doesn't look scary; that would ruin the surprise, right? Check local laws to make sure any hand-to-hand weapons you bring are legal in your area of travel.

5. Fidget Toys/Puzzles/Games

When I was working in Cuba this year, the communist government decided to stick it to Americans by cutting off all access to American bank accounts and blocking wire transfers from anywhere in the U.S. The timing couldn't have been worse. My travel partner and I had almost run out of cash and had just arrived in a new city. She started to lose it, but I managed to keep calm by simply playing with my small 3D puzzle as I concentrated on finding a solution.

After a few hours of creative calls and finding the right guy to bribe, we were able to get money through a back channel. But I was only able to remain calm and think clearly because of that silly little puzzle. Another great use for games and fidget toys is attracting local children. Kids fly under the radar; they can go to and fro on your behalf and no one bats an eye. And no matter where you go, kids love flashy little toys. If you ever need help but can't freely move through an area, let a kid play with your cool gizmo and then ask them to get you information, food, water, or whatever else you might need in a desperate situation in exchange for the toy. Works like a charm and is a cheap, easily replaceable bartering chip.

6. Handcuff Key

The best way to pick your way out of handcuffs is to use a key. Unlike doors, which have a different key for every lock, 90 percent of all handcuffs around the world can be opened with the exact same kind of key, and you can buy one at almost any military surplus store or law enforcement supply store. The nonmetallic variety is your best bet. Hide it in your shoe, sew it into your shirt, or stash it in your belt. Never leave home without it! Having a bobby pin or small metal hair barrette can also serve as an improvised lock pick or shim to free yourself from handcuffs.

7. Sat Phone

In hostile regions, cell coverage can be spotty. That's why it's a great idea to carry an Iridium satellite phone for emergencies. A decent model will set you back about $1,000, but if you're headed into shady situations, it's totally worth it. Don't forget to buy a pre-paid SIM card before you go. These days, you can purchase 50 minutes for around $100 online. After all, your cell phone may not have service in certain areas overseas, even if you're on an international plan.

8. Solar Panel

The first thing to fail on a mission is communications. Your sat phone battery may die, but the sun won't. No matter where you are, just set out your panel, kick back and allow nature to recharge that device. Note: I don't recommend rigid panels; they're too bulky and prone to damage. Bushnell's SolarWrap is a flexible panel that rolls up into a compact tube for easy travel.

9. Decoy Wallet

Carry a shiny decoy wallet in your front left pant pocket with a fake ID, a couple of random business cards, and petty cash for bribes. If you're being robbed, give them the decoy, not your real wallet (hidden elsewhere on your person). Absolutely never give up your passport. My decoy wallet has brushed nickel so it really catches the eye, a distracting feature that can set the thief up for a good sucker punch, kick, or elbow, if that's on the menu.

10. Smartphone Camera

A smartphone camera is surprisingly versatile. Aside from just taking pictures, you can covertly survey areas by pretending to shoot video or panoramic photos. You can act like you're taking a selfie to see if anyone's tailing you. Peek around corners without exposing yourself. And if you suspect that someone may go through your things while you're out and about, simply take pictures of your room beforehand. When you return, check the pics to see if anything is out of place. Hiding in plain sight, the smartphone can be your electronic Swiss Army knife.

About the Author

Molotov Mitchell is a black belt in Krav Maga, the head of Atlas Krav Maga, and a concealed carry handgun instructor through the North Carolina Department of Justice. Trained and certified by the Wingate Institute in Israel, he's trained groups around the world and invented weapons like the Benthic Knife and the patent-pending Hex Tool. When he's not standup paddle boarding with his daughter, Ivy, he serves on the Wake County Fitness Council in North Carolina. His favorite color is blue.
www.atlaskravmaga.com
www.trianglekravmaga.com

More From Issue 24

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Editor's Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.

Buyer’s Guide: Mini Wood Stoves

Posted on January 21, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Ryan Houtekamer

In This Article

BioLite CampStove 2
Bushcraft Essentials Bushbox XL
Firebox Folding Nano
Kelly Kettle Ultimate Scout Kit
Solo Stove Lite
UCO Flatpack Folding Grill
Vargo Hexagon Wood Stove

Although making a campfire is easy, there's some fine-tuning that can be done to improve its performance. Surrounding your fire area with rocks is a good way to control embers, direct heat, and provide a decent field-expedient cooktop for a small mug or pot. However, as a long-term cooking solution, hot rocks are unstable and inefficient.

In search of a better way to cook and boil water in the backwoods, we got seven mini wood-burning stoves from the big names in the outdoor industry. Each stove has something a bit unique to its design. We were also sure to pick wood stoves from a varying price range that are original designs, not the flimsy knock-off ones on eBay. Check them out below, and consider if one of these would make a helpful addition to your camping pack or survival kit.

BioLite CampStove 2

Price: $129.95
Weight: 2.2 pounds
URL: www.bioliteenergy.com

We are no stranger to BioLite's offerings. They were one of the first to include a thermoelectric generator in their wood burning stoves. For those who don't know, it's a device designed to turn heat into electricity. This electricity is then used in two ways: powering the fan that makes for a more efficient burn, and allowing you to charge electronic devices like a smartphone or headlamp. The updated CampStove 2 has a few noteworthy upgrades, including 50% faster electricity generation, better and more stable leg design, and an LED display panel.

Pros:

Produces electricity and stores it in a 2600mAh battery
Fan with 4 speeds provides a light smokeless burn to a towering inferno
Removable battery pack so you don't need to drag the stove with you to charge
Compatible with existing BioLite accessories
Increased air flow really helps knock down the smoke produced

Cons:

Fairly heavy at 2.2lbs for just the stove
In order to pack both the stove, kettle and grill your looking at two people unless car camping
Have to remove pots/pans in order to add more wood and check on fire

How does it burn?

After catching some birch bark, the fiery vortex we were greeted with as the flames had oxygen forced into them was something to behold. The fan settings made it easy to adjust the temperature output. The kettle accessory made boiling up to 1.5L of water a cinch, however, the top is a bit of a pain to attach. The stove can be nested into the kettle to save on some space in your pack. The coffee press (an optional accessory) works fantastically, so if you happen to have some coarse-ground coffee on you, go for it — it works with your kettle. The press can also be used with spruce bow to make a spruce tea without any bits in it.

The last large accessory that comes in the kit is the grill. The grill has a plastic cover that keeps your pack clean. Once you remove it, you fold down the two legs and place the hole on top of the stove. The heat from the fire will flow into the grill, and when you need to add more wood, lift the little cover and drop some in. Just make sure to check on the fire from time to time, as you cant really see whats going on in the stove.

Bushcraft Essentials Bushbox XL

Price: $93.04
Weight: 1.76 pounds
URL: www.bushcraft-essentials.com/english

Hailing from Germany, the Bushbox XL is a folding stove that can burn wood or hold a Trangia stove. This mini wood stove holds a ton of wood for its relatively small packed size. The unique hinge design works really well and setup is a breeze. The included trivets store on the sides of the unit — like most German designs, every square inch is appropriately utilized and overbuilt.

Pros:

Easy to set up and very adjustable
Holds a fair amount of wood for a roaring fire
Can use Trangias also
Several accessories available to add further functionality

Cons:

A bit on the heavy side, but if you have some more money, you can get a titanium version
Will burn the ground

How does it burn?

The Bushbox XL has a large internal area to fill with wood and tinder. Some of the other stoves in the review require you to be careful when starting a fire — getting sparks into the tinder isn't easy with the smaller models, and adding too much wood to them can choke the fire. So, we appreciated the large amount of cutouts on the Bushbox. They allowed ample airflow to get to the fire.

The trivets could be placed on top as a pot stand, or inserted inside if a Trangia is more your speed. The large rectangular opening on the side made tending to the fire a cinch. We got the grill plate to use with the stove allowing for smaller items to be roasted on top. The steak we cooked slowly over some coals turned out great. This stove is built like a tank, and has sturdy German engineering to last you a lifetime.

Firebox Folding Nano

Price: $69.99
Weight: 0.25 pounds
URL: www.fireboxstove.com

This stove made our list because like the Bushbox above, it can pair with a Trangia stove. The big difference is listed in the name — this thing is quite small, and can disappear in your pocket for a long hike. The ability to burn alcohol is very useful in dry seasons when burning may be restricted, or if you want to simmer your food.

Pros:

Smallest of the stoves
Able to burn wood and use a Trangia
Extremely light weight
Pot supports can be rotated to support large pots or small cups
Several compact attachments available for it

Cons:

Will burn the ground
May be too small for some users

How does it burn?

The Nano burns just as well as any of the other folding stoves on the guide. The relatively small size does mean you will be adding fuel to it fairly regularly. If you happen to watch any of the YouTube videos Firebox puts out, you will see different methods for burning in it. It comes in both stainless and titanium, depending on what you are looking for.

We found it a bit small too small to make effective use of the grill plate, but the flame guard worked really well at keeping the heat off your pot handles. We liked that the pot supports can be rotated to stabilize larger pots or pans.

Kelly Kettle Ultimate Scout Kit

Price: $84.99
Weight: 4.65 pounds
URL: www.kellykettleusa.com

When it comes to having the full kitchen in your pack, the Ultimate Scout Kit might actually have you covered. With it, you can grill meat, boil water, fry stuff, cook soups, and likely a bunch of other things. The stove allows you to boil water in the kettle, while the pot support can sit on the top so you can use the included pot or pan. When we say boil, we mean bloody fast. The Ultimate Scout Kit allows you to choose exactly what you need to carry when out in the woods.

Pros:

Capable of a wide range camp cooking chores
Majority of the parts fit together in Russian doll sort of way making it compact for its options
Able to boil water and cook at the same time
One of the fastest non-gas stoves at boiling water

Cons:

4.65lbs for the entire kit, and it does take up a bit of pack space
Pot lifter feels a bit cheap compared to the rest of the kit
Cleaning the kettle is difficult
Will burn the ground

How does it burn?

The Kelly Kettle burns a lot like a rocket stove. Once you get a fire going in the base, toss the kettle on top. The heat from the fire travels up the center of the kettle, pulling air through the hole in the side of the base. This thing burns hot and is a water-boiling monster. If you need to boil a lot of water to treat it this stove is your best pick.

You can stick long sticks down the chimney on it, aiding in the burn time. Just don't add too many close to when its going to boil, otherwise they will fall onto the ground when you lift the kettle. It is a bit tough to remove the kettle from the fire, and do not fill it too full, or it will boil out the top. We used a stick on the handle to lift it off. Once off, we held the handle and used the plug and chain to tip it and pour it.

The base (pictured above) can work like a hobo stove if you don't want to use the kettle, however the kettle is the star of the show. We liked the added attachments so that you can boil water and cook other things.

Solo Stove Lite

Price: $69.99
Weight: 0.56 pounds
URL: www.solostove.com

The Solo Stove Lite and Pot 900 comes nestled into a drawstring bag. Once you open it, take the top off the pot to find another drawstring bag with the stove in it. The bag helps keep the stove from making noise inside the pot. You can store tinder or other things inside of the Solo Stove to make sure you fully use up all the space. The stove takes a single step to set up — just pull the pot ring out and sit it on top. Now you just need to toss in some combustible material.

Pros:

Compact method to carry both a pot and stove
Very well built
When used with dry material, very little smoke is produced
Burns extremely efficiently leaving just soot and a few small pieces in the bottom

Cons:

Relatively shallow burn chamber

How does it burn?

The Solo Stove was one of the most efficient burners of the stoves we tested. Once the tinder caught, it burnt hot and smokeless as long as dry material was used. The air being sucked in through the base and forced out the top for a secondary burn both looks cool and adds to the efficiency.

The pot's pour spout and upright-locking handle were welcome features. If the Solo Stove was the same size but a bit deeper, this would be a really solid compact cook kit.

UCO Flatpack Folding Grill

Price: $39.99
Weight: 2 pounds
URL: www.ucogear.com

Continuing the trend of flat-folding mini wood stoves, UCO has released two sizes of the Flatpack Folding Grill to suit your needs. The design of the Flatpack certainly gives you a lot of grill space and keeps the fire a good distance from the ground cover. This one is more of a BBQ then the other stoves in this review.

Pros:

Large cooking area
Holds a lot of wood
Can grill well and allow water to be boiled at the same time
Ground safe

Cons:

Adding the grill requires poking and prodding of the ends of the stove with a stick
Adding firewood requires the entire grill to be lifted. A hinged section of the grill might have made this easier.
Larger sized grill doesn't come with a storage bag

How does it burn?
The UCO Flatpack feels a lot like working with a charcoal BBQ. You unfold it, dump your combustibles in, and get a good base of coals going. Then toss a few more pieces of wood on top and put the grill on.

As we said above, lifting the grill and putting it back on can be a bit of a pain. We would have liked to see a large opening at one of the ends so we could toss wood in more easily. The large grill surface makes cooking meat simple; it also provides a big area to boil water. The bag the smaller version comes in both looks great and is functional.

Vargo Hexagon Wood Stove

Price: $59.95
Weight: 0.25 pounds
URL: www.vargooutdoors.com

This is certainly one of the first, if not the first, of the folding titanium mini wood stoves out there. The Vargo folds down into a nice little hexagon and slides into a similarly-shaped well-constructed pouch. We like the Vargo's full side that hinges open to allow the addition of more wood if need be. A lot of stoves require you to take what you're cooking off to add wood through the top. Just make sure the ground is clear around the stove, as embers may fall out when the door opens.

Pros:

Compact and folds flat, it will fit in a cargo pocket if need be
Large hinged door to add fuel to the fire
Burns well, and its door can be opened a bit to allow even more oxygen to get to the fire

Cons:

No lip at the bottom of the burn chamber to keep embers in when the door is opened

How does it burn?

The large door on the Hexagon makes starting the fire easy, as a traditional tipi-style fire can be set inside with the tinder having sufficient access to it. The tapered shape forces all of the heat into a singular area, making smaller pots boiling champs. Titanium is awesome as a stove material. It looks really cool as the heat changes its color, and it's light to boot. It's also used in jet engines and racecar exhaust systems to deal with heat stress. The Vargo folds down into a cargo-pocket-sized package and the case for it works well.

Video: Building a Wikiup Winter Shelter

Posted on January 20, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

When it comes to building a shelter in the backwoods, there's no need to reinvent the wheel. You're not the subject of one of those obnoxious home renovation TV shows, and your shelter doesn't need fancy marble countertops, double-pane windows, or a walk-in closet with track lighting — a simple structure will keep you alive. There are a wide variety of tried and true shelter designs that have been used by members of native cultures for centuries, and studying these shelters can help you survive.

The wikiup — also called a wickiup, wigwam, or wetu by certain Native American groups — is one traditional type of shelter that every survivalist and bushcrafter should know. It's typically a dome-shaped shelter constructed from curved branches which meet at a central peak, though some wikiups are more conical with relatively flat sides. Gaps in the structural beams are filled in with roofing material, usually grass or green boughs that are interwoven to form a protective shell. A hole in the top allows smoke from a central fire to escape.

This isn't to be confused with a tipi (or teepee), which is usually wrapped in animal skins and features two smoke vent flaps on top. Tipis were intended to be mobile, unlike the more permanent and sturdy wikiup/wigwam.

In the video below, outdoorsman Mitch Mitchell of NativeSurvival (who you may recognize from Season 1 of History Channel's ALONE series) shows how he and his friend Malcolm constructed a two-man wikiup from felled trees, flexible branches, and loose debris from the forest floor. The shelter is soon blanketed with snow, but once a fire is lit inside, it forms a protective cocoon to keep the men warm and dry.

For more from Mitch, check out NativeSurvival.com.

More From Issue 24

Active Shooter

Terrorist Bombing

Grid Down

Natural Disaster

Civil Unrest

Conclusions

About the Author

More on Survival Food and Preparation

1. Trained Companion

2. Access to Firearms

3. Covert Safe

4. Hand-to-Hand Weapon (ex. Delta Defense Ring, Benthic Butter Knife)

5. Fidget Toys/Puzzles/Games

6. Handcuff Key

7. Sat Phone

8. Solar Panel

9. Decoy Wallet

10. Smartphone Camera

About the Author

More From Issue 24

BioLite CampStove 2

Bushcraft Essentials Bushbox XL

Firebox Folding Nano

Kelly Kettle Ultimate Scout Kit

Solo Stove Lite

UCO Flatpack Folding Grill

Vargo Hexagon Wood Stove