Page 137 – RECOIL OFFGRID

Advanced Fire-Starting Techniques in Cold Weather

Posted on February 6, 2018 at 9:00 am.

In This Article

Location
Kindling
Fire Starting Methods 1. AA Battery
Fire Starting Methods 2. Chain saw
Fire Starting Methods 3. Ice lens
Conclusion
More From Issue 24

Disclaimer
This guide is meant to be a quick overview, and not a detailed guide, on improvised fire-starting methods. Any use of the information contained in this article is solely at the reader's risk.

Your fingers are numb. Your face stings from the bitter icy wind. Everything around you is wet. Shelter from the excruciatingly frigid environment is nowhere in sight. You need to start a fire — now! Can you do this with limited tools? The answer is yes; read on a little further to see how.

Whether it's for warmth, cooking, signaling, or most likely, all of the above, having the knowledge and skill to generate fire can mean the difference between life and death. Television shows often feature a lone protagonist twisting a stick onto a larger piece of wood until smoke appears, establishing a life-saving fire. But have you ever tried to start a friction fire? It's not as easy as the TV shows and books may lead you to believe. More often than not, an inexperienced person winds up with a broken stick, blistered hand, uncontrollable shivers, and an altogether pissed off state of mind. Add in a critical factor such as your life depending on it, and suddenly creating fire becomes an entirely different task. Mastery of this takes practice, but there's hope, even for the inexperienced with a bare minimum of implements.

The key thing about starting a fire is that it's only as easy as your ignition source and the quality of your fuel. Waterproof matches, windproof lighters, and the classic flint and steel are items no prepper or avid outdoorsman or woman should be without. One can even go a step further by carrying petroleum jelly-soaked cotton or dryer lint, solid fuel cubes, or any other variety of fire fuel. Since we live in a world where Murphy's Law is commonplace, imagine you find yourself caught in a snowstorm or lost in frigid temperatures. You need to start a fire, but you don't have the Supplies: that you so carefully purchased, tested, and packed. Do you still have the knowledge it takes to start a life-saving fire under those conditions?

For fire to occur, four things must be in place: oxygen, fuel, heat, and a chemical chain reaction. This is known as the fire tetrahedron. To create fire, all four elements must be present, just as to extinguish fire, you can simply remove any one of those four elements. Rarely would someone attempt to start a fire in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, and, when all other elements are in place, the chemical chain reaction will naturally occur. That leaves two parts of the equation that must be provided: something to start the fire and something to burn. Finding dry fuel and an ignition source can be daunting, particularly in a cold and wet environment, one of the most difficult settings to establish a fire.

The cold will be more of a factor on your fingers than it will on the fuel that you want to burn. Science tells us that more energy will be needed to bring the fuel to its ignition temperature, but for our purposes, the difference is negligible. The damp conditions are another story. Anyone who has tried to start a fire when everything is seemingly wet knows what a frustrating challenge it can be. Fortunately, challenging doesn't mean impossible. When attempting to burn wet wood, over half the heat is utilized in drying the wood before it can burn. Often, though, dry wood is available with a little bit of effort and ingenuity.

Location

Before discussing alternative methods to start a fire in cold, adverse conditions, a few considerations must be addressed. First, the location of the fire is of utmost importance. Ideally, your fire should be placed away from moisture, out of the wind, and near a large rock wall or another noncombustible surface or structure.
Much warmth can be absorbed by the radiant heat reflected by a boulder, rocks stacked in a horseshoe shape around the fire, or even large logs stacked on top of one another (possibly leaned against a few small trees). If you're able to utilize a large boulder or rock wall, you can build the fire a few feet away from the wall so you can place your body between it and the fire for maximum warmth.

Nearby melting snow can hinder a small fire that you're trying to build into a big fire. You should elevate your fire by building a base of rocks or logs. The small spaces in between them provide water runoff channels as well as a dry foundation for you to build on. Also, avoid building your fire under a tree that has accumulated snow or ice on its branches, for obvious reasons.

Kindling

Successful creation of a fire begins with proper kindling. When you don't have fire-starting supplies on hand, you must learn how to find some in nature. Dry, finely fibered, and easily ignitable wood or dead grass are often the most prevalent and utilized. Start small and slowly add larger and larger tinder.
There are some trees that are well-known for providing valuable tinder:

White Birch: Its paperlike bark provides easily accessible and ignitable tinder. White birch also, almost exclusively, grows Chaga (birch tinder fungus) that's widely utilized for its flammability.

White Pine: The pine needles make superb fire tinder, and the flammable sap is invaluable when trying to keep a fire going in rainy conditions.

American Basswood: It's soft enough that it makes an excellent choice for starting a friction fire, but not so soft that it crumbles when pressure is applied.

Maple: Twigs are often readily available and yield effective tinder.

There are other tinder options that you may need to use if trees in the immediate vicinity aren't helpful. As with most survival scenarios, a certain amount of ingenuity may be required. Check your pockets. You may have pocket lint or rogue threads that can help you get a fire going. The lip balm that you carry with you religiously during the winter months can help start and maintain a small fire. As painful as it may be, paper money can be used as tinder. The pocket itself, as long as it's not part of the structure of your garment, can be pulled out and cut or ripped to create tinder. Dry bird feathers, bird nests, hair or fur, cigarette tobacco and filters, dry animal dung, and any clothing not necessary for warmth or to keep dry can all be used to get a fire going.

With no ax or saw available to cut deadwood into manageable-sized pieces, you'll have to locate deadfall and carry or drag it to the vicinity of where you'll build your fire. You can break up larger pieces by wedging them between two standing trees and using leverage by pulling until the branches break. Green logs are OK to use, but only after your fire is large enough and generating enough heat to burn them. The general rule is to have three dry logs for every green one.

Fire Starting Methods 1. AA Battery

Difficulty: 2

Supplies: AA battery and a gum or cigarette wrapper

Many people don't carry a traditional tool that'll allow them to start a fire, but may have the means to start a fire right in their pocket and not even know it. If you have a flashlight or other electronic device that utilizes AA batteries, you're halfway there. Next you simply need gum with an aluminum wrapper or cigarette package paper. The gum or cigarette foil wrapper is thin enough to create resistance, which will generate heat. Steel wire could also work, but only if it's very thin (steel wool), otherwise it'll be too thick to provide adequate resistance. This is important because even a paperclip or standard aluminum foil is too thick to offer enough resistance to generate the heat required. Even copper wiring won't work. Copper has very low resistance that's good for carrying current, but not for generating heat. So it won't produce the results you need.

Steps:

Remove the battery from the flashlight.
Cut or tear the gum wrapper into an hourglass shape where the thin part is about as wide as the width of your knife blade.
Hold the foil side of the wrapper against the positive and negative posts of the battery. Almost immediately the thin part of the wrapper will ignite.

Notes:

This method is very simple, but requires a fairly exact shape of the gum wrapper, which will take practice to perfect. If the narrow part of the wrapper is too wide, it won't ignite. If it's too thin, it'll burn through before it catches fire. The width of the top of a knife blade should be about right. Sometimes this method can create a lot of heat on your fingers. You should use gloves or even the gum that was removed from the wrapper to create a barrier between your fingers and the foil against the battery posts.

Some cell phone batteries have exposed positive and negative terminals as well and could potentially achieve the same result. Because the terminals are typically recessed it can be more difficult to make contact with them. Steel wool can be used with greater success, but people don't often carry steel wool with them.

Another method that should only be utilized in a dire survival situation is to pierce a lithium-ion battery with a knife. When the lithium becomes exposed to oxygen, a chemical reaction occurs that produces heat and flame. This will obviously ruin your cell phone battery, and, more importantly, the reaction is unpredictable and could be potentially violent. Therefore, only attempt this when there are no other options.

Fire Starting Methods 2. Chain saw

Difficulty: 3

Supplies: Chain saw

It's not uncommon to head out in the woods on a winter day to locate and cut firewood. It's also not unheard of for the weather to quickly change or to get turned around and find yourself lost and in immediate need of warmth. You may not have matches or a lighter, but if you have a chain saw, you can create fire.

Steps:

For safety reasons, remove the bar and chain from the saw.
Find a depression in a log (or rock) that can confine liquid.
Pour a small amount of gasoline from the chain saw into the depression. (Consider adding bar oil from the other reservoir in approximately a 50/50 mixture to lower the flash point.)
Soak a small amount of quality tinder in the mixture.
Remove the spark plug from the engine and pull from the plug wire.
Place the chainsaw tool (a piece of wire would also work) into the boot of the plug wire.
Place the other end of the attached tool near (but not IN!) the fuel. The tool must be close enough to create a ground, but not so close it is in the liquid. Roughly 1/8 of an inch is about right.
Pull the pull cord to create a spark, igniting the fire.

Other Considerations:

Consider using a stick to hold the spark plug in place so the spark doesn't “bite” you.
You could also dip a stick in the gasoline, creating a makeshift match, and ignite with a spark plug the same way.

Fire Starting Methods 3. Ice lens

Difficulty: 5

Supplies: Ice

Lens-based fire starting techniques are commonly known and practiced. Some find them easy, while others find them rather difficult to successfully create fire. Commonly used lenses come in the form of a magnifying glass, water bottle, eyeglasses, or any other actual or makeshift lenses. One option, which may be more prevalent than others in cold weather, is ice.

Steps:

Locate as clear a piece of ice as possible.
Cut or break off a piece about the size of your palm.
With your hand, rub the ice smooth on one side and convex on the other.
Prop the ice with a rock or wood to allow sunlight to pass through and focus on one specific spot.
Place light kindling (the darker the better) at the focal point of the sunlight.

Other Considerations

Only use your ungloved hand to shape the ice if there are immediate ways to rewarm your hand, otherwise you could expedite frostbite.

Conclusion

For every person you ask, you'll get a handful of differing responses as to the best ways to start a fire in a survival situation. There are tried-and-true methods that've been utilized for as long as humans have walked the earth. You certainly have your own opinions. One thing everyone can agree on is to start with the easiest methods first. If those are not an option, some outside-the-box techniques may need to be employed. It's those unusual and extreme techniques that must be practiced before needed. Try these out and become proficient with them so when the need arises, it's not the first time you've tried it. One sure way to improve your chances for success is to prepare in advance!

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

Video: Making a Traditional Finnish Puukko Knife

Posted on February 6, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

A dependable knife is an essential tool, no matter what environment you may find yourself in. Many cultures have developed traditional knife designs that have stood the test of time — for example, the Nepalese kukri, the Japanese kiridashi, the Southeast Asian karambit, and the Germanic seax. Among these centuries-old designs is the Finnish puukko, a small belt knife designed for everyday utility use.

Compared to some of the other dramatic blade styles we just mentioned, the puukko may seem rather plain. It generally features a slender blade with a flat spine, and sometimes a subtle drop point.

Unsurprisingly, the puukko is often made with a broad “scandi” grind, which produces a razor-sharp edge without a secondary bevel. The handle is equally simple, without a prominent forefinger choil or guard. These knives excel at delicately carving and shaving wood, and can be an excellent complement to a woodsman's ax.

Despite the overall simplicity, a high-quality Finnish puukko may be heavily-decorated with precious metals, bone, Damascus steel, and engraved scrollwork. The leather sheath can be equally intricate. In the following video from the Northmen YouTube channel, the traditional process of manufacturing a puukko is shown from start to finish. The result is impressive, but despite its decorations, this knife could still remain a functional tool for the outdoors.

What If Your Cruise Ship Is Hijacked?

Posted on February 5, 2018 at 5:22 pm.

Written by Offgrid Staff

In This Article

The Scenario
Former Federal Officer: Hana Bilodeau's Approach
Survival Expert: Tim MacWelch's Approach
Conclusion
More From Issue 24

Illustrations by Lonny Chant

The ISIS flags. I had seen them many times on the news and in magazines. The black-and-white flags speak of God and his messenger, but the deeds done underneath them are never holy. Countless times, I'd seen pictures of this flag from the safety of my home, but this was the first time I had seen them with my own eyes. Fluttering from poles affixed to fast-moving skiffs, the black flags signaled these men were no ordinary pirates. They weren't just coming to rob us of our possessions or hijack the ship for ransom — they were coming to take our lives.

For this stomach-churning installment of RECOIL OFFGRID's What If?, the authors are continuing the new story style — explaining what they would do if they were personally caught up in the emergency situation. This oceanic survival story isn't some nautical nonsense about people with no survival background, muddling through an emergency. This is how we would personally plan for an international trip, and how we would react when things go horribly wrong. From our skills and survival tactics, to our plans and reactions, we hope you learn even more from this change in the format, and we hope you never need to deal with a situation like this.

The Scenario

Situation Type: Ocean liner hijacking
Your Crew: You and your spouse, ship's crew, and approximately 150 other passengers
Location: Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden
Season: Summer in the southern hemisphere (during our winter season)
Weather: Clear; high 100 degrees F, low 80 degrees F

The Setup: You've been saving for years to take a dream cruise with your spouse that lasts 44 days. It disembarks in Barcelona and makes stops in the Mediterranean before venturing through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea. It then proceeds to several more stops along the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal before reaching its final destination in Singapore. You plan to have an unforgettable summer vacation together to celebrate your anniversary and see parts of the world you've never been to before.

The Complication: Approximately 20 days into the cruise when you're nearing the Horn of Africa, your vessel succumbs to a coordinated hijacking by several skiffs. You're awakened around sunrise to an announcement. The captain comes on the loudspeaker, telling everyone that there are “unfriendly” vessels on the starboard and port sides and to stay in our rooms. The plink of bullets on the side was very noticeable.

You peer out of your stateroom window, and see a skiff flying the ISIS flag and a pirate with a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher. He takes aim in your direction and fires. You see the flash and dive to the other side as the rocket detonates in a stateroom two decks above your own. The pirates, four or five in each of the 25-foot boats, continue firing and try to board the ship. The captain then orders all passengers to assemble in an interior lounge for safety, and the ship accelerates in what appears to be an attempt to ram or outrun the assailants. While getting dressed and readying to leave your stateroom for the lounge with your spouse, the ship unexpectedly slows down.

You realize the ship has been boarded. Being that this is ISIS and not pirates, this is the worst possible scenario as the motivation is likely not ransom, but hostages and executions. There's no way to tell how many total hijackers there are, or if more are coming.

The New Plan: If you were home you'd call 911 and grab your gun. But you're in an ocean liner off the coast of countries that are poverty-stricken, generally unfriendly toward Americans, and your mobile phone has no reception. How do you deal with the hijacking? Do you hide? Attempt to communicate an SOS somehow? Do you take on the hijackers? Try to escape in a lifeboat?

Former Federal Officer: Hana Bilodeau's Approach

Prep

Most vacations don't span over 44 days with multiple international destinations, but because of the uniqueness of this trip, I'd divide my pre-trip preparation into three categories: legal documents, intelligence on countries visited, and ship facts. Planning for a vacation in advance will hopefully help navigate any issues that may arise later.

Legal documentation: Before departing, I'd check with the cruise company to see what legal documentation they require to embark and disembark the ship. I'd then check our passports to ensure the issue date exceeds six months prior to the ship departure date and that expiration dates remain legal throughout the entire stay abroad. This is due to the six-month validity passport rule. Most countries won't permit a traveler to enter the country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final leg of travel and was issued at least six months prior to arrival. Next is compiling a list of stopover destinations the ship will make throughout the trip. Using this list I also check the U.S. State Department website to see which countries require additional Visas or documentation to enter.

Once I have all the necessary government travel documentation, I make multiple paper copies of the documents in the event our passport is lost or stolen during the trip, so we will at least have some form of identification. I would be sure to carry one paper copy of my passport with me at all times and store each additional copy in different, secure locations while traveling.

I would also schedule a pre-trip doctor visit to obtain any necessary vaccinations and documentation thereof based on area of travel. Due to the fact that medical facilities will be limited at best, I would also purchase short-term international travel insurance that would cover any medical expenses outside the U.S. for a minimum of two days and a maximum of three years, and up to a million dollars in coverage. I'd keep copies of this coverage, vaccination documentation, and my U.S. insurance card along with our passports and other vital information.

Intelligence gathering: I'd first buy a paper map showing areas to be traveled and keep it in my luggage. I would also spend some time researching each country we'll visit and or travel through during our 44 days at sea. This would include checking the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheets for each country and current travel advisories for this part of the world, which is also on the State Department website. Next, I'd also familiarize myself with the culture, religions, and customs for each location to learn what formalities that, if not followed, could disrupt a peaceful visit.

Other contacts I'd want info on are the closest American resources for each international waterway that our ship passes through. Lastly, find contact information for the FBI and the U.S. Coast Guard for any of the U.S. ports as well as the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement contacts for all international ports of call. I would make a list of each and also make paper copies of each and store them accordingly.

Utilizing the cruise company's website I would gather facts on the ship to include:

Year Built: 2011
Year Refurbished: 2016
Gross Tonnage: 66,084
Length: 784.95 feet
Beam: 105.646 feet
Maximum Draught: 24 feet
Stabilizers: Yes
Cruising Speed: 20 knots
Guest Decks: 11
Total Decks: 16
Electric Power or Voltage: 110, 220 AC
Guest Capacity: 1,250 (Double Occupancy)
Staff Size: 800
Guest to Staff Ratio: 1.567 to 1
Nationality of Officers: European
Nationality of Staff: International
Country of Registry: Marshall Islands

I'd also research the on-ship security and procedures, specifically noting if they have a security force and onboard holding facility. I would then identify and make a copy of the ship's evacuation plan. Next I'd check the cruise liner's prohibited items list. Then onto gathering info on the ship's infirmary to see what type of medical emergencies they're equipped to handle and their treatment protocol if a passenger needs higher medical attention.

Aside from the aforementioned documents, my emergency-preparedness packing list would include the following if allowed onboard:

First-aid kit
Flashlight
Leatherman tool
Knife with blade under 4 inches
Battery-operated portable radios for ship communication if there's no cellular service
Spare batteries for radios and phones
Battery packs, cell phone charger (if international is not part of the cell plan, it's an additional cost, you can either use your phone on roaming or purchase an additional international plan).
Electrical conversion and outlet adapter for each country
Laptop, charger, and accessories
Air card for internet and phone card (an air card is a cellular modem that attaches to the USB port of a computer and serves as a gateway to the internet antennas to improve cell reception)

On Site

Once onboard, first on the agenda would be checking into our stateroom, identifying where our stateroom is located in relation to the other important parts of the ship, and getting acclimated with its amenities. This includes unpacking and securing our personal documents. Next I'd develop an emergency plan for my spouse and I in case we're separated to include multiple meeting locations and modes of communication. We'd then want to familiarize ourselves with the ship's layout. Before doing so, stop by the information desk and grab a couple copies of the ship's map/layout.

With map in hand we'd head off to visit the most pertinent locations so we're better acquainted with where they are in relation to our cabin and the quickest ways to access them if needed during an emergency. These locations include:

Customer service or information center
Ship security office
Infirmary
Locations of fire extinguishers
Locations of life vests and rafts
Kitchen
Captain's quarters
Engine/electrical room

Crisis

And just like that, the captain makes an announcement that “unfriendly” vessels are on the port side of the ship and that passengers should assemble in the interior lounge for safety. Once confirmed that the ocean liner has actually been taken hostage, immediate action is imperative. Based on the history of ISIS, human life is of the utmost concern. Once the passengers have gathered in the interior lounge I'd spearhead organizing a mission plan.

First on the agenda is identifying any able-bodied passengers, preferably with military, law enforcement, or leadership experience. Establishing an operable militia of ship patrons to combat the hijackers is imperative. Organization and quick decisive action on behalf of the passengers is necessary to prevent the hijackers from becoming too embedded in the ship. Keeping the hijackers at bay and out of the interior lounge is essential.

Next, I'd ask all passengers to pool anything that could be used as weapons. Things that could be useful are kitchen utensils and knives, large blunt objects, fire hoses, extinguishers, rope, etc. Next is setting up a perimeter and using the ship's infrastructure as protection. One could do this by identifying things that could be used as cover/concealment and formulating a safe ground away form the threat.

Having a leader amongst the passengers is essential to maintain order, security, and communication. It's important that all passengers understand and agree to the plan of attack, convincing them that compromising that plan could disrupt the security of the group as a whole and cost the lives of everyone. The goal is to have all passengers in agreement. If that doesn't work through negotiations (strength in numbers), the passengers who refuse to conform will be separated from the majority to make sure there isn't internal hostility.

Once the militia has been established, it's all about dividing and conquering areas of concern. I'd take the most experienced passengers and send them to locate the ship's security forces to obtain any weapons kept onboard for such incidents. If possible, combine efforts with the security forces. Then it's on to locate and protect the captain, the engine room, and radio transmitting equipment.

If able to locate the captain, the goal is to immediately contact the U.S. Coast Guard, the closest embassy, and friendlies so an evacuation plan can be immediately implemented. The captain should be the person on board with the most working knowledge of the ship itself, so securing his or her safety is important. If there's firepower locked and stored on the ship, the captain is usually the only one with access. Make sure to provide as much pertinent information to the rescue efforts as possible, such as the number of passengers and location, estimated number of hijackers, and how and where the boat was compromised.

If possible, I'd send out another team out to identify the location and number of hijackers on board. Their secondary mission would be attempting to secure food and water. Being in the middle of the ocean, in the summer, and with extreme temperatures, hydration may quickly become an issue.

Success in this situation is reliant on remaining vigilant as a group, being prepared to fight, having a plan, keeping the hijackers at bay and maintaining strength in numbers until rescue efforts arrive.

Survival Expert: Tim MacWelch's Approach

Prep

To get ready for a trip of this duration, here are four areas where I wouldn't skimp.

Hit the Books: Research is an important aspect of preparedness, and I'd take my time studying for our trip. From the areas we'd stop to the areas we'd be traveling through, I'd learn about the people and their customs. I'd also take a hard look at the cruise company and the ship itself. Learning about restricted items would be vital, as well as my communication options and the predicted weather for the season. And of course, I'd be worried about the troubled waters we'd be sailing through. I'd read up on the Somali pirates off the coast of Africa and the pirates on the Indian Ocean. Modern piracy is still big business, and some estimates put the worldwide loss at $16 billion per year.

Get a Satellite Phone: Communication can be critical in a survival situation, so buying or renting a satellite phone could be the most essential expense in the preparation for our trip. I'd do my homework on the models, features, and even the satellite networks. Just like your mobile phone, certain networks have better coverage in certain areas. A cheap sat phone may be found as low as $300, while a great one may cost $1,300. These higher-end units (like Iridium) have a greater number of satellites in the network. This offers the user global coverage, even in polar regions. In either case, it's a small price to pay for a greater margin of safety in the remote corners of the world.

Set Up a Contact: We'd definitely establish a regular contact at home. This is someone to check in with who'd have our itinerary and instructions on what to do if we became uncommunicative. Just as it wouldn't be smart to head out into the wilderness without telling anyone where you were going or when you'd be back, it's not too bright to travel without checking in with someone. A trusted family member or friend would be our contact. I'd also reach out to the U.S. State Department and create a contact there.

Pack for the Trip: For a month-and-a-half voyage through countries great and small, I'd bring the clothing and footwear you'd expect a tourist to wear. And everything we'd be legally allowed to bring. We'd also pack lighting such as headlamps and flashlights with spare batteries. A charger for the sat phone is a must as well. Cash in small bills would be a must, in U.S. dollars and other common currencies, though the foreign bills would be easier to pick up abroad than at home. Stateside currency exchanges aren't likely to have currency from every country. Tactical pens, belts with heavy buckles, and other simple travel-friendly tools for self-defense might be the best we'd be allowed to take. In some places, even pocketknives are forbidden. Double check local regulations on items such as these as well as the ship's list of any prohibited items.

On Site

After the long flight, and once we'd finally reached Barcelona, it'd be a great relief to finally board the cruise ship and settle into our room. Before we board the ship we'd get some bottled water and nonperishable food to stock our cabin. While this may seem strange to ship staff, you never know when there can be a hiccup in your food and water supply, even on a hedonistic cruise ship.

Then, after a bit of rest, we'd take a look around to get familiar with the vessel, looking for areas where we could potentially hide or fortify. Any weapons from the ship, conventional or improvised, would be on my mind as well, since we could bring very little for self-defense with us. I'd ask for a tour of the kitchen, if allowed, just to see where the big knives are kept. And once our voyage is underway, we'd see some sights with our group at each port of call, do a little shopping, and add a few more foods to our personal food pantry.

Crisis

Here's the part where we find out if there's such a thing as a “no win” scenario. With the ISIS flags flying, I'll expect no quarter to be given in the coming altercation. These mass murderers are typically religious zealots who cannot be swayed by logic or reason. And it would be likely that they should have no qualms about massacring every man, woman, and child onboard. I'd expect a distress call to have gone out as soon as the unfriendly craft approached the ship, but there's no guarantee that this occurred. This force may have an insider who could disable communications right before the attack. While it's likely that the cruise ship company has a standard operating procedure for pirates boarding the ship to get ransom money, the company probably doesn't have a game plan for religious nuts trying to kill every person on the ship.

I'd go along with the captain's orders to gather in a central spot as the ship tried to speed away from assailants who were firing on us from a small craft, but, with the small cruise ship lurching to a halt, I'd have to make a very dire decision. Would I join the group or avoid them? Rushing down the halls, bumping into uninformed people, I wouldn't know if the ship had stopped because it was under new command or it stopped because the captain had been instructed to stop and negotiate if pirates boarded. Whichever is true, these hijackers flew flags that showed they weren't the typical impoverished pirates looking for money. And the passengers gathered in one place would make a spectacularly easy shooting gallery.

With the sudden stopping of the ship, I wouldn't gather with the other passengers. I'd treat this like the active shooter scenario it is, and embrace the “run, hide, fight” mantra. If no distress call went out, it could be hours (or even days) before the maritime security forces in the area respond to the attack. And in just a few hours, dozens of motivated men could have every single one of our heads in a pile on the ship's deck.

So what's on a cruise ship that could act as a weapon? You're not going to go up against an AK-47-wielding attacker with a rolled-up magazine or a butter knife you stole from the captain's table. And with fire axes in short supply on the modern cruise ship, your choices are limited. So in this grim scenario, the best weapon at hand would be the weapon sitting in a drawer in our stateroom — the satellite phone.

We would barricade ourselves in the room and start calling our contacts. After notifying the State Department contacts we'd made before the trip, and making sure that the message would get to the multinational maritime task force for the region, we'd prepare to fight back if the door was breached. Perhaps some unruly passengers would buy some time for the anti-piracy task force of the region to organize, mobilize, and arrive on site. Using speed, surprise, and intense violence — we might be able to wrestle one rifle from an unskilled attacker. Or perhaps we could pick off a straggler who might be searching the ship alone. Then we'd finally have a proper way to fight back. Either way, I'm not dying on my knees.

Conclusion

In the past, piracy on the East African coast was much worse than it is today. Thanks to years of multinational naval operations, there's been a major reduction of piracy in the Indian Ocean. But the narrow sea passage in the Gulf of Aden has been favored by pirates for centuries, and in recent years, pirates have targeted scores of commercial vessels there (in 2008, more than 100 ships were attacked). This list of attacks includes several incidents involving cruise ships and private yachts.

Having done my homework before this trip, I would've known that in March of 2017, two-dozen pirates in two skiffs attacked and hijacked an oil tanker just off the northernmost town in Somalia. It was the first hijacking of a large commercial vessel since 2012. After boarding, the armed men turned off the ship's tracking system and demanded a ransom. A subsequent firefight with the local maritime police force and some tense negotiations ended the hijacking without ransom (largely because the pirates were afraid to get on the wrong side of the powerful Somali businessmen who had hired the ship).

So what's the takeaway here? Well, if you want to travel the world, you have to accept the fact that you'll be facing some serious risks and hazards. And while most trips end happily enough, some do not. Do plenty of research before you head out into the world. The U.S. State Department website is loaded with sound travel advice, and more importantly, travel advisories and warnings about dangerous areas. Criminal activity against travelers, terrorist activity, military conflicts, and many other hazards are explained and updated on their website: http://travel.state.gov. Give it a look. And although a cruise liner that goes slowly and close to shore off the coast of Somalia has certain risks, the potential for hijacking exists everywhere.

More From Issue 24

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Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 25

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

Hiking Boot Buyer’s Guide – Take a Hike

Posted on February 5, 2018 at 8:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

Gray Man Shoes
Breaking-In Your Boots
Hiking Boots
More From Issue 24

When you've got the right tool for the job, tasks become much easier. Hunting deer with a derringer would be a wee bit more challenging than with a scoped .308 rifle, and nobody in their right mind would rather chop firewood with a Swiss Army knife than a sturdy ax. Footwear is no different, yet it's not uncommon to see casual hikers headed down a trail in a pair of sneakers … or even flip-flops.

If you want to avoid bruised, battered, blistered, and aching feet on outdoor excursions, a supportive pair of boots is a must. But as a quick Google search or trip to any local retailer will tell you, there's a seemingly endless array to choose from. On one end of the range, so-called “lifestyle” boots are usually intended to look fashionable and do little else. On the other end, high-tech mountaineering boots are probably far beyond what you need, unless you regularly don crampons and scale glaciers. The happy medium between these extremes is represented by hiking boots.

A trusty pair of hiking boots can easily handle short treks, weekend camping trips, and long-term bug-out situations. This footwear will reduce the risk of injury by protecting your feet from impacts and your ankles from rolling; comfort and support over rough terrain will be far superior to that of running shoes or cross-trainers. Most importantly, your little piggies won't feel like they're ready for the slaughterhouse after a few hours of walking with a fully loaded pack.

In order to track down some versatile hiking boots that meet these standards, we requested sample pairs from six leading manufacturers. These pairs were then evaluated by three of our staff members: this author, network manager John Schwartze, and former head editor Patrick Vuong. Our variations in height, weight, and foot size helped us gain perspective on this selection of footwear. Read on to see if these boots fit your backcountry needs.

Gray Man Shoes

While hiking boots are ideal for rough trails and steep inclines, they're not the best tool for everyday wear in the city. If you stomp around the office or grocery store in a set of mud-caked heavy-duty boots, you're likely to appear out of place and clearly broadcast your preparedness. So, in addition to the six boots we tested here, we examined six shoes that fit the “gray man” philosophy — footwear that won't appear unusual in urban areas, yet offers more toughness and capabilities than an ordinary pair of sneakers.

You can read our complete Gray Man Shoe Buyer's Guide online here

Breaking-In Your Boots

Ever wonder about the best way to break in your new pair of boots, avoid blisters, and maximize comfort? There's more to it than you might think. Contributor Andy Schrader addressed this topic by testing two new pairs of footwear: the Garmont T8 Bifida tactical boot, and the Le Chameau Condor LCX hunting boot. He also shared some initial wear tips from a boot designer, and used these tips to evaluate how each boot fared during the break-in process.

This guide is available now exclusively here.

Hiking Boots

Ariat Terrain

Make & Model - Ariat Terrain
Materials - Full-grain leather upper, moisture-wicking liner, gel-cushioned footbed, ATS composite shank, EVA midsole, Duratread rubber outsole
Colors - Brown Oiled Rowdy, Distressed Brown, Cordovan, Sunshine
Sizes - 7 to 13 including half-sizes; D or EE. Women's sizes also available.
MSRP - $105
URL - http://www.amazon.com
The texture of the sole isn't as aggressive as we'd like, but held up to hiking on steep, sandy trails respectably.
Asolo Fugitive GTX

Make & Model - Asolo Fugitive GTX
Materials - Suede and nylon upper, Gore-Tex liner, Lite 2 composite footbed, Duo Asoflex lasting board, mono-density PU midsole, Asolo Synchro rubber outsole
Colors - Black/Gunmetal, Gray/Black, Gray/Gunmetal, Wool/Black
Sizes - 7 to 14 including half-sizes; wide fit available
MSRP - $250
URL - http://www.asolo-usa.com
This company is owned and operated by the Zanatta family, whose members have been producing shoes in the town of Nervesa della Battaglia for four generations.
Danner Light II

Make & Model - Danner Light II
Materials - Nubuck leather and 1,000-denier nylon upper, Gore-Tex liner, removable Airthotic PU instep, fiberglass shank, recraftable Vibram Kletterlift rubber outsole
Colors - Brown, Dark Brown, Matte Black Kevlar
Sizes - 7 to 14 including half-sizes; B, D, or EE. Women's sizes also available.
MSRP - $380
URL - http://www.danner.com
In contrast to the $100 boot we reviewed at the start of this guide, the flagship Light II represents the top end of our guide's budget spectrum.
KEEN Targhee EXP Waterproof Mid

Make & Model - KEEN Targhee EXP Waterproof Mid
Materials - Performance mesh upper, KEEN.Dry waterproof liner, removable EVA footbed, nylon shank, dual-density EVA midsole, KEEN all-terrain rubber outsole
Colors - Black/Steel Gray, Bungee Cord/Brindle, Mulch/Burnt Ochre, Magnet/Dress Blues, Olive/Black Olive
Sizes - 7 to 17 including half-sizes; wide fit available. Women's sizes also available.
MSRP - $140
URL - http://www.keenfootwear.com
We've had good experiences with KEEN footwear in the past, as the company clearly knows how to produce shoes that balance ruggedness and comfort at an affordable price.
LOWA Renegade GTX Mid

Make & Model - LOWA Renegade GTX Mid
Materials - Nubuck leather and Cordura nylon upper, Gore-Tex liner, ATC footbed, MonoWrap support frame, hard stabilizer, double-injection DuraPU midsole, Vibram Evo rubber outsole
Colors - Black/Black, Gray/Green, Sepia/Sepia, Slate/Olive, Stone/Brown, too many others to list
Sizes - 7.5 to 15 including half-sizes; B, D, or E. Women's sizes also available.
MSRP - $230
URL - http://www.lowaboots.com
This boot destroys the notion that supportive footwear has to be as heavy and restrictive as a pair of cement shoes.
Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX

Make & Model - Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX
Materials - Nubuck leather and textile upper, Gore-Tex liner, EVA shaped footbed, 4D Advanced Chassis dual-density EVA midsole, High Traction Contagrip rubber outsole
Colors - Detroit/Black/Navajo, Iguana Green/Asphalt/Dark Titanium, Fossil/Rain Drum/Humus
Sizes - 7 to 14 including half-sizes. Women's sizes also available.
MSRP - $230
URL - http://www.salomon.com
Salomon started 70 years ago as a ski manufacturer and has since built a worldwide reputation for making high-quality footwear and outdoor equipment.

More From Issue 24

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Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 25

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Check out our other publications on the web: Recoil | Gun Digest | Blade | RecoilTV | RECOILtv (YouTube)

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

Infographic: Knowing When to Give Up

Posted on February 5, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Never give up! This axiom can push us to forge ahead and accomplish great things, even when we begin to doubt our capabilities. On a macro scale, it's good advice, since you should never give up on life itself. However, if you grit your teeth and refuse to give up on any challenge, you'll soon find yourself up against the classic paradox of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. If the task you're working towards is impossible — at least for the moment — your efforts could be better utilized elsewhere.

Here's an example that's relevant to survival: say you're trying to stay alive in the wilderness, and each day you attempt to catch fish on the shoreline. But, after several days of casting your line, you catch nothing. In this situation, it may be a wiser choice to divert your effort towards foraging for wild edibles, or setting traps for small rodents. Maintaining tunnel vision on catching fish could lead to starvation. Giving up may be the best choice in this case.

While motivational posters may tell us to hang in there, it's advisable to be realistic about challenges. Some can be overcome, and you'll need to give them 100% of your focus and determination. In other cases, it may be wiser to stop trying — scientific research shows that giving up can be good for your physical health, your mental health, and your overall productivity. The following infographic from NetCredit lists nine scientifically-supported benefits of giving up. Click here to download a full-size version of this infographic.

Review: ColonelBlades FullBird+ Knife Combo Kit

Posted on February 4, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

What's in a Name?
All Point, All the Time
The Gunfighter Connection
Colonel LowVz
Colonel LowVz Specs
NCO FullBird
NCO FullBird Specs
The Trainers
Final Thoughts
About the Author

“The blade made for shooters” — that's the ColonelBlades tagline, but it’s not just some gimmicky phrase used to market a funky-looking knife to the firearm community. The Colonel is a specialized EDC knife designed specifically for personal defense in lethal close-quarters encounters. A blade not just made for shooters, but by shooters.

It doesn’t take much to notice The Colonel’s obvious pistol-shaped design. At first glance, one might dismiss it for one of those novelty pistol knives you find at souvenir shops or the cheap cutlery table at a gun show. Further study inevitably reveals that this knife is no cheap trinket. Some serious thought went into this piece of steel.

The Colonel was designed by combatives instructors Al Salvitti and his son Nico, with direct input from former Special Forces operators J.D. Potynsky and Tom Spooner, the owners of Northern Red Training. The edged weapons and close combatives expertise of the Salvittis coupled with Potynsky’s and Spooner’s vast amount of combat experience resulted in a fixed-blade knife that capitalizes on a trained shooter’s ingrained physical responses.

What's in a Name?

If you listen to Al Salvitti talk about his view on edged weapons and combatives, you will discover that he is all about taking a simple and direct approach. With an extensive martial arts background that includes training in Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Boxing, Kung-Fu, and Arnis, and an Instructor certification in Sayoc Kali, Al Salvitti is well versed in complex combative systems that require years of training to master. As an independent contractor by trade, he also knows the importance of getting a job done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Furthermore, the simple and direct approach of the late Colonel Rex Applegate had a profound impact on Salvitti’s methodology and the thought process behind the Colonel’s design. In honor of him, Al and Nico Salvitti named their revolutionary new blade The Colonel.

All Point, All the Time

Unlike a traditional knife which places the blade perpendicular to the forearm, the Colonel’s grip angle aligns the wrist and forearm behind the blade like a pistol with a low bore axis. This means the user can lead with the point through the entire strike, increasing the probability of landing strikes.

The mechanics of using The Colonel are the same as throwing a punch. Straight, hook, or uppercut, the point always leads. This is not to say that The Colonel can’t be used for cutting and slashing. It is actually quite suitable for these types of techniques as well. Also, since the point is always driving forward, the risk of potentially stabbing yourself during engagement is drastically reduced.

The Gunfighter Connection

The Colonel isn’t the first knife to capitalize on the muscle memory of trained shooters, but it may be the first to make a perfect parallel between the knife and gun. When a well-trained shooter handles anything that is firearm-shaped, their finger automatically looks for the trigger guard. If you have ever walked around with a cordless drill in your hand and experienced the frustration of not having anywhere to index your trigger finger while not actively drilling, then you know exactly what we’re talking about.

The inclusion of a trigger-guard-style finger hole with the pistol-grip shape of The Colonel makes the transition from pistol to knife seamless. Just like when drawing a firearm, the thumb drives downward on the inside of the grip and the fingers point downward until the web of the hand hits the tang (backstrap), at which point the last three fingers complete the grip, while the first finger indexes outside the sheath (holster) in line with the blade (muzzle). The only difference in draw-stroke mechanics is that, because of the difference in grip thickness, the thumb goes inside the finger hole when establishing the grip during the draw. Once the blade clears the sheath, the index finger goes inside the finger hole and replaces the thumb.

Colonel LowVz

The Colonel LowVz is from the ColonelBlades premium line of blades that are indicated by the “Colonel” prefix. These blades are all handmade in Italy by Fox Knives and finished here in the United States. It’s made from Bohler N690Co, a Cobalt-Vanadium stainless steel that has performance properties similar to 154CM.

The steel is finished using an Isonite QPQ Nitrocarburizing process. This thermochemical diffusion process uses nitrogen-bearing salts to generate a controlled release of nitrogen on the surface of ferrous metal. In simpler terms, this increases corrosion-resistance and abrasion-resistance while providing a uniform black appearance.

All premium Colonel knives include G10 grip panels and come with a custom-made G-Code Kydex sheath. The sheath comes equipped with a negative-angle, multi-positional belt clip for IWB carry. The neck angle and tension of the clip pushes the sheath against the body for better concealment. A single attachment point allows the sheath to be angled inside the waistband for an appropriate cant.

The LowVz is the more concealable of the two variants as a result of its shorter handle. It's definitely our favorite of the two for EDC.

Colonel LowVz Specs

Country of Manufacture: Italy & USA
Blade Steel: N690CO
Blade Length: 2.75”
Handle Length: 3.5”
Finish: Isonite QPQ
Grips: G10
Sheath: G-Code Kydex
MSRP: $150

NCO FullBird

The NCO FullBird is part of the ColonelBlades economy NCO line. This more-affordable line of ColonelBlades is made in Taiwan using AUS 8 steel. AUS 8 is a cutlery-grade steel used in many quality defensive fixed-blade and folding knives. It is a Japanese steel with properties comparable to the 440 series. It is tough steel and holds an edge well.

The Titanium Nitride (TiN) coating is an extremely hard ceramic material coating that improves the surface properties of the steel and protects the blade from wear and corrosion. It is considered to be one of the toughest coatings that can be applied to blade steel.

The NCO FullBird also comes with G10 handle scales, though rounded and slightly thinner than the ones on the Colonel LowVz. It also comes with the same high-quality G-Code Kydex sheath. When it comes to this knife, “economical” does not mean low-quality.

ColonelBlades FullBird knife combo kit combat edged weapon self defense review 05

Top: the NCO FullBird. Bottom: the Colonel LowVz.

The main difference with the FullBird design versus the LowVz is handle length. The FullBird handle is an inch longer than that of the LowVz. Though not as concealable as the LowVz, the FullBird really packs a punch and offers the user a good chunk of exposed pommel for some devastating hammer strikes.

NCO FullBird Specs

Country of Manufacture: Taiwan
Blade Steel: AUS8
Blade Length: 2.75”
Handle Length: 4.5”
Finish: Titanium Nitride
Grips: G10
Sheath: G-Code Kydex
MSRP: $100

The Trainers

If you're carrying a weapon for self-defense purposes, you'd better be well-trained in its use. When it comes to knives, that typically means practicing strikes and defensive drills with a dull “trainer” that mimics the size and shape of the live blade, minus the sharp edge.

A Colonel Trainer comes with each live blade purchase — this kit includes two of them. The unique Trainer design may be the most brilliant aspect of the entire Colonel lineup. At first glance, it tends to leave the unsuspecting observer in bewilderment. Where’s the rest of it? is typically the first question that comes to mind. It was for this author.

Rather than go with a typical trainer style that mimics the full shape of its live-blade counterpart, The Colonel takes a different approach. The Colonel Trainer is completely missing the blade portion of the knife. All that protrudes is a small nub just past the finger hole.

The explanation for this seemingly strange design is simple. Although they highly advocate training with the live blade (ie. stabbing buckets of water, slicing heavy burlap sacks, etc.), the Salvittis wanted users to experience the simulated effect of driving the blade into a target when using the trainer. Shortening the blade portion to a blunt nub just past the finger hole lets the user punch with full force against a heavy bag, B.O.B. dummy, or other inert object without the risk of torquing the wrist.

The injection-molded trainer can also be used as a less-lethal impact device. The short, rounded striking end will increase impact kinetic energy when used as a striking tool, or it can be used to trigger pressure points. The pointed pommel can be used with hammer strikes to deliver even more focused energy. The trainer also fits in the Colonel’s sheath, so the user is able to practice the draw stroke and train with their regular carry setup.

Final Thoughts

The Colonel is certainly worth considering when choosing your EDC arsenal. If you've already trained with a concealed handgun, this knife system's intuitive design can reduce the need for specialized edged weapons training. It makes use of already developed skills in the shooter’s repertoire. Whether you choose the LowVz or the FullBird, the ColonelBlades system can provide a powerful self-defense tool for close-quarters encounters.

About the Author

Chad McBroom is the owner of Comprehensive Fighting Systems, a company that offers practical training in armed and unarmed combatives. He has over 30 years of martial arts experience and specializes in edged weapons. He also does a bit of knifemaking himself, a hobby he took up to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of blade craft. Follow him on Instagram @cfs_combat.

New: Wiley X Impact-Rated Aviator Sunglasses

Posted on February 3, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

At SHOT Show 2018, we were pleased to see a variety of new “grayman” gear in development and on display. As opposed to the traditional MOLLE-webbing-covered tactical equipment that has become commonplace these days, gray man apparel is designed to blend into urban and suburban environments while retaining capabilities that exceed its subtle appearance. It enables the wearer to be prepared for adverse conditions without screaming “I just spent my whole paycheck at the military surplus store”.

Wiley X has become well-known for its polymer-frame glasses, many of which are popular among military and law enforcement personnel. At SHOT Show, the company unveiled a line of new-for-2018 aviator sunglasses in two styles: Hayden and Klein.

The new aviators feature slender metal frames in a variety of finishes, and polarized and non-polarized lenses in several colors. More importantly, these shades aren't just for show. Their polycarbonate lenses meet ANSI-Z87.1 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety standards, as well as OSHA 1910.133(b)(1)(1) standards. This means that they'll be capable of protecting your eyes from serious damage, whether you're hiking, biking, shooting, or watching splinters fly through the air as you chop firewood.

The Wiley X Klein (above) is a more-traditional aviator design, with rounded corners and a smooth oval shape. It's available in three styles: silver frame with grey lenses (pictured), gunmetal frame with polarized mirrored gold lenses, and gold frame with polarized smoke green lenses.

The Wiley X Hayden is a modernized take on the aviator, with a slightly squared-off lens shape. It's also available in three styles: matte black frame with grey lenses (pictured above, not yet listed online), satin gold frame with polarized green lenses, and matte dark gunmetal frame with polarized silver lenses.

MSRP is $150 for non-polarized models and $190 for polarized. For more information on the Wiley X Hayden and Klein aviator glasses, go to WileyX.com.

Lost In The Wild Survival Tips – Get Lost

Posted on February 1, 2018 at 12:06 pm.

Written by Offgrid Staff

In This Article

10 Essentials to Hiking
Meet Our Panel
More From Issue 24

In today's world of 24-hour news cycles, constant connectivity, and digital addiction, the idea of getting lost in nature can seem comforting. But, for anybody who's ever experienced it, the reality can be downright terrifying. None of us enjoy the feeling of being vulnerable, alone, or in physical danger. But these risks are inherent with any activity that takes us into the wilderness.

If we can figure out how and why people get lost, we can plan to be ahead of the curve and simply enjoy the outdoors. To this end, we've assembled a guest panel of search-and-rescue (SAR) experts. All are seasoned professionals with decades of experience, and each hails from a different corner of the country with unique concerns about weather, terrain, and availability of resources.

They were incredibly generous sharing both time and knowledge so that you can be better prepared for your next adventure.

RECOIL OFFGRID: What are the two most common mistakes people make that contribute to them getting lost?

Hank Janssen: There are several recurring themes we see again and again with people getting lost. The biggest one is people going off trail, either because they think they know where they are or try to take a shortcut. Following the wrong trail is also particularly common. Sometimes people go off trail to see a landmark or stream or some such thing and then get completely turned around. The second most common mistake is underestimating the environment they're in — the impact that things like weather and terrain have on their ability to function and follow trail.

In both these cases we see people make poor decisions that get them into trouble. We have seen people wander over 15-plus miles from the location where they initially realized they were lost. That makes it incredibly difficult for a SAR team to find them.

Joey Nickischer: The most common mistakes made are going off trail and not being prepared for the hike. If you stay on the trail, your rescue is almost guaranteed — it's the most obvious place SAR personnel will look. For every foot you venture off trail, the odds of you getting found in a timely manner drop precipitously. Hike preparation varies widely, but the 10 essentials [see sidebar] are a good place to start. Along with that goes the knowledge of how to use those 10 essentials! They're useless without knowledge.

I've always preached travel light and have equipment that can be used for more than one purpose. A compass might also come with a mirror that can be used for signaling and a magnifying lens that might help to start a fire. Bandages can be used as kindling, a magnesium fire-starter can be used as a bright flashing light, a tarp can be used to catch rainwater, etc.

It's also helpful to have an emergency plan in place with a trusted friend or relative. When I go hiking, I chat with a reliable friend to let them know that I'm going hiking and verify that they're available to be my point of contact should something go wrong. Then I text/email them my itinerary including what trail(s) I will be on, who I'm with, what my destination is, and what time I expect to return. And most importantly, I stick to the itinerary, unless I'm able to verify my friend has gotten word of a change in plans. They're also informed to notify the authorities if I'm more than an hour overdue.

Gary Presson: 1) Not having a plan. Preplan your route before you even arrive at the trailhead. Enter your important checkpoints into your GPS if you use one or have your route marked on your map. Give a copy of your route, either map or a list of waypoints, to someone who can notify the authorities if you don't return by an established time and date.

2) Taking a shortcut off the established trail. I'm just as guilty of this as anyone. However, I'll take a few minutes to study the map and analyze the terrain before I attempt a shortcut. In the Northwest, the trails are there for a reason. Most of the time they're the quickest and most efficient way to travel even though they can be significantly longer.

Once you realize you're lost, what's the most advisable “movement plan?”

HJ: What we recommend is for people to stay where they are, which is hard because people get very anxious and convince themselves that the trail/parking lot is “just up ahead,” frequently getting themselves into more trouble. Having said that, there are a few simple things that'll help you and the SAR teams — if possible, stay close to water or an open clearing. Water will help you stay alive and a clearing gives us a better view from the air. But do not go out of your way to look for either.

JN: While most experts say to stay put, there isn't a straight answer for this one. In general, backtrack a little if you're certain of your track. If that doesn't solve your problem, stay put, stay as visible as possible, and call for help. You want to make yourself a big, easy target for searchers. That bright blue tarp strung up at eye level can be seen from a long distance, as can a small, smoky fire.

GP: If you are confident that you can backtrack your route, it is probably your best course of action. If you're totally lost or injured, then stay put.

Regardless of the season, the ability to build a fire is critical for lifesaving warmth and possibly signaling...

If you had to pick a “most important” skill to get a lost person through until a SAR team can get to them, what would it be?

HJ: The area we do SAR in is the Pacific Northwest; the backcountry is wild, and the weather changes on you very fast. I've been on searches where the helicopter dropped me and my dog on top of a mountain at 80 degrees F, and they were unable to pick me up at the end of the day because it was snowing or fogged in. That being said, for survival the most important abilities to have are to create a shelter from the weather and make a fire. But both require some practice.

JN: The most important “skill” is probably patience. Patience that help is coming and to not keep moving from location to location. Patience in building that fire with limited resources. Patience to sit and think about your predicament and how to safely improve it.

Other “most important” skills are going to vary based on your terrain and climate. The rule of three states you cannot live more than three minutes without air, three days without water, and three weeks without food. Work with that knowledge to improve your situation. In a desert environment, water and shelter from the sun are going to be vital. In most other places, your biggest threat is going to be exposure. Touching anything, including the ground, that's less than body temperature is going to start sucking heat out of you, not to mention the ambient temperature and wind. Insulate yourself against the cold.

GP: In the Northwest, I'd say that shelter building is a very important skill to have. Summer snows in the high country aren't that unusual, and exposure can set in quickly. Staying in the elements can quickly result in hypothermia, and everything will go downhill from there. You don't have to look very far for some downed trees to quickly throw up a tarp and get out of the elements. Also, know how to build a snow cave if you decide to trek out in the winter months.

Would you know how to build a snow shelter if your life depended on it. See RECOIL Issue 11 for our article on how to...

If you knew before you hit the trail that you were going to get lost, what three items/pieces of gear would you make sure you packed?

HJ: A survival tarp. I prefer those to the lightweight Mylar survival blankets, which are really a single-use item. A survival tarp is usually bright red on one side and has reflective material on the other side and they're pretty heavy duty. With a survival tarp you can make a shelter, a bivvy bag, an emergency blanket, a rainwater collector, etc. I have been doing SAR for 20-plus years, and I just now replaced the one I got 20 years ago. In SAR training I use this thing all the time. They're light, cheap, la st forever, and pack down to nothing.

I recently added to my essential survival gear a Garmin InReach Explorer plus. The thing is amazing and I have found few places here where the bidirectional satellite communications didn't work. It has a map built-in, and you can send text messages via satellite. And I found the battery to last 80 hours or so in the field. But they're not cheap and require a subscription. I do five-plus-day off-trail backpacking trips, and the thing has changed the way I communicate in the field. But it's a piece of electronics, so don't solely rely on it. Our teams always have a GPS unit and paper map of the area as backup. At a minimum, try to have a map and compass and know how to use them.

Fire-starting material. Do not rely on one way to light a fire. Have two or more different ways to start a fire. I carry a cheap BIC lighter, a traditional ferrocerium rod and metal striker (they take practice to use effectively), and waterproof matches in a waterproof case. Additionally, I have dry fire-starting material — usually burlap string or fire-starter blocks.

I know I'm exceeding three items, but also something to filter or purify water with.

JN: Water, map, and compass. Almost everything else can be improvised.

GP: 1) A tarp. Get out of the elements as quickly as possible. 2) Fire-starting gear. Once you get out of the elements, stay warm. 3) A good multipurpose knife. There are hundreds of different models to choose from. Some even have compartments for fire-starting gear and other survival equipment.
Is there any last advice or words of wisdom that you'd give to someone awaiting rescue?

HJ: Getting lost is surprisingly easy. We get on average 50-plus SAR requests a year, and we're a small volunteer group. Pack a few essentials if you go out like water, food, and the items I list above, even if you only go out for an hour or so. Always let people know where you're going, call or text a family member of friend telling them where you are and when you have gotten back. Backcountry SAR starts from the last known location, and we work out from that. It's hard to do that if the only thing we know is that you didn't come home, but never told anybody where you went.

This one is easier said than done: Do not panic when you get lost. Take a deep breath, assess the situation and try to stay where you are. Your first priority is to keep yourself and whomever you're with safe.

It's amazing what shelter, fire, and food/water will do to raise your spirit and significantly increase your chances of survival. You can live without food for a while, but water is essential.

Do not feel discouraged if you're not found within 24 hours, here in the PNW the cavalry is usually mobilized to come find you, and we don't give up after 24 hours.

Even a small tarp can be an improvised shelter or rainwater collector. They're light, don't take up much...

JN: The No. 1 most important thing is to be educated. Be educated about how to use your equipment, be proficient with a map and compass, and with survival in your locale. Even Les Stroud, TV's Survivorman, educates himself with local survival skills before each adventure. Seek out local experts or join local outdoor clubs to learn some hands-on basic skills. If you can't do that, read as much as you can. A myriad of books and articles have been written on the subject of survival, hiking, and camping. Read them and then practice using those skills in a safe place, before you need to use them in a potentially life-threatening scenario.

GP: Stay calm and prioritize which tasks need to be accomplished first. Always let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return. If you're a hunter and not sure of your route, then at least let someone know which areas or creek drainages you expect to be in. A small first-aid kit with a couple of ACE wraps and SAM splints isn't that heavy and doesn't take up a lot of space. These items can make the difference between being able to make it back to the trail head/camp, or spending an unplanned night in the woods.

10 Essentials to Hiking

The 10 essentials varies a bit from person to person and locale to locale. What you would carry in the forests of Maine is somewhat different than the tundra of the arctic or the deserts of the Southwest. Here is certified SAR tech Joey Nickischer's 10 essentials list.

1. Water: Sufficient for environment, but 2 liters is a good reference point
2. Map: Paper topographic trail map preferred but others might suffice
3. Compass: Orienteering type, with sight (such as the Silva Ranger)
4. Flashlight: Something better than a $0.99 special
5. Knife: I'm a big fan of the older USAF survival knife, but even a small Swiss Army style or multitool is good.
6. Fire-starter: Magnesium fire-starter has been my choice for decades.
7. First-aid kit: Basic stuff including Band-Aids, gauze roll, tape, ACE bandage, and moleskin
8. Whistle: This is for signaling if you need assistance.
9. Extra clothing: Type depends on climate and weather conditions, but a change of socks, a hat, etc.
10. Shelter: Even a simple tarp can help keep you dry and warm, plus the typical royal blue stands out better than blaze orange in most environments.

Meet Our Panel

Hank Janssen

Based in the Pacific Northwest, Janssen is a former Army Special Forces soldier and lifelong backpacker. He started doing SAR with his first German Shepherd, Drakuul, in 1995. For the last 15 years he's taught survival and backcountry navigation classes and just started his current German Shepherd, Oberon, about a year-and-a-half ago. They are part of a K9 volunteer organization called German Shepherd Search Dogs of Washington State (www.gssd.org). The organization officially formed in 1969. Maintaining a K9 specialization within the SAR community is no small task.

Joey Nickisher

A nationally certified Search and Rescue Technician 1 Lead Evaluator (SARTECH1), Nickischer is also a retired New York City Police Department Detective. He currently works as a lead technical rescue instructor for RIT Safety Solutions, AAA Emergency Supply, and Newburgh Rescue Supply. On the volunteer side, Joey is the chief of New York Search & Rescue and has led his team through searches ranging from the Word Trade Center attacks to Hurricane Katrina-ravaged New Orleans to the Catskill Mountains. He serves as a team leader with the Westchester County Technical Rescue Team and the Putnam County Technical Rescue Team, as well as an Assistant Chief with the Patterson Fire Department.

Gary Presson

Gary Presson is retired from the military after more than two decades of service. He has 21 years as a military and SAR land navigation instructor, as well as seven years as a rope rescue instructor, teaching both military and civilian SAR teams. He's been an SAR volunteer since 2008 and is the lead instructor at North 40 Rescue, an SAR training firm with a focus on technical rope rescue that works with military and government units, volunteer fire departments, and civilian SAR teams around the country.

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

Infographic: Physical Fitness Rates in the USA

Posted on February 1, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

As we often reiterate, preparedness involves more than just gear, skills, and knowledge. There's a physical element to preparedness that must not be overlooked. In an emergency situation, you may need to hike miles uphill with a fully-loaded pack, sprint several city blocks at a moment's notice, swim ashore from a boat, or lift a heavy log off an injured friend. All of these require a certain level of strength and endurance.

Now, we're not saying you need to be a greased-up bodybuilder with a hyper-specific diet and workout routine, but you should at least have a reasonable level of physical fitness. Statistics tell us that some parts of the United States tend to have a higher distribution of physically-fit individuals than others, and this data has been compiled into an infographic by AAA State of Play. This information provides an indication of how likely it is for people in your state to be in shape — that could mean you, your friends and family, or the criminal who's trying to run after you.

The graphic shows the percentage of adults in each state who participate in aerobic activity (i.e. cardio) each week, and the percentage of adults who participate in “muscle-strengthening” activities at least twice per week. Click here to download a full-size version of this graphic.

Poll: 4 New Handguns from SHOT Show 2018

Posted on January 31, 2018 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

Archon Type B
Hudson H9A
SIG Sauer P365
Walther PPQ SC

Last week at SHOT Show 2018 in Las Vegas, we had the opportunity to get our hands on four new 9mm handguns and put some rounds down range with each. These included the Archon Type B, the Hudson H9A, the SIG Sauer P365, and the Walther PPQ SC. Below, we'll share a quick recap of each pistol:

Archon Type B

The Archon Firearms Type B, formerly known as the Arsenal Stryk B, is a new polymer handgun with a 15+1 capacity. Its low bore axis and square-edged “grip mapping” texture made it easy to control. We did experience a stovepipe failure to eject near the end of our first magazine, but the guns had been run continuously for several hours by that point of the Industry Day at the Range, so it may have simply been in need of cleaning.

Hudson H9A

This is the new aluminum version of the “Best of SHOT Show 2017”-award-winning Hudson H9. The new model is roughly half a pound lighter than its predecessor, but shares 85% of its components. Shooting the H9 and H9A side-by-side, the aluminum gun has a little more perceived recoil, but that's a small price to pay for a gun that should be easier to carry and manipulate. We still enjoyed shooting the H9A just as much as the original model.

To read more about the Hudson H9A, check out this article on RECOILweb.

SIG Sauer P365

SIG showed us its new “high-capacity micro-compact” P365 handgun, which measures just 1 inch wide and 4.3 inches tall. The standard magazine fits flush with the short grip, but holds 10 rounds of 9mm, and the longer extended mag holds 12 rounds. That's an impressive capacity for a gun this size.

Walther PPQ SC

Walther brought its new sub-compact 9mm handgun to SHOT Show 2018. The PPQ SC is comparable in size to the P365, measuring 1.3 inches wide and 4.4 inches tall. Capacity is 10 rounds with the standard magazine, or 15 with the extended mag shown above. The smooth trigger and ergonomics will be familiar to anyone who has used a full-size Walther PPQ M2, but the PPQ Sub-Compact offers a much smaller carry-friendly size.

So, which of these four new handguns from SHOT Show 2018 seems most appealing to you? Let us know in the poll below.