Fuel Expiration: How to Keep Your Bug-Out Vehicle Running

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We love a good post-apocalyptic movie or TV show, but the vast majority of these Hollywood creations prioritize flashy visuals and entertainment factor over realism. That's somewhat understandable, since watching the protagonist roar through the deserted streets on a chopper draws in a bigger audience, and money is the name of the game. However, one of our pet peeves with this genre is the way they overlook a virtually-unavoidable problem in a long-term survival situation: fuel expiration.

While this makes for great entertainment, it's not exactly realistic.

Mad Max: Fury Road makes for great entertainment… but it's *a wee bit* unrealistic. (Photo: Warner Bros.)

Problem number one: in a major nationwide or worldwide crisis, fuel production and distribution will cease. If the proverbial fire and brimstone is raining down from the sky, Steve the local tanker truck driver is going to stop making his rounds to the gas stations and go find his family. (It's OK Steve, we'd do the same.) If the disaster is big enough, ports, shipping lines, and refineries will also grind to a halt. That means no new fuel will be produced or distributed.

Sorry “The Walking Dead” fans, this Hyundai would likely sputter to a stop less than a year after SHTF....

If the only fuel that's available is sitting idly in the tanks of vehicles, gas stations, and regional storage facilities, we'll run into problem number two pretty quickly. Most vehicle fuels have a limited shelf life, and when there's a finite supply of new fuel, it's a matter of time until the volatile fuel expires. Generally, modern ethanol-blended E10 gasoline will last 3 to 6 months, depending on how it's stored and the tolerances of the equipment it's being used in. Diesel (or biodiesel made from cooking oil) is a little better, with a 6 to 12 month shelf life.

After this time, fuels will form gum, varnish, and oxidized deposits, which may clog filters, injectors, and lines. Condensation may also cause water buildup in the fuel, reducing its potency and causing misfires or knocking. It may even cause rust in the system, which can break off particles and be a real nightmare to clean. You can check for fuel expiration in a number of ways:

  • Look at the color. Old fuel turns dark brown as impurities form.
  • Waft a little of the fumes toward your nose and smell them. If it smells sour, it may be expired.
  • Use a test swab from an auto parts or hardware store. These strips can detect the presence of water and contaminants.

The last thing you want is to try to fire up your engine and bug out, only to find it won't start.

Oil Pumps

So, now that we know fuel will eventually expire, what can you do to stop it? Unfortunately, it's impossible to permanently prevent fuel expiration, but you can slow down the degradation process with the following steps.

  • Obtain ethanol-free gasoline, which has a shelf life of many years, since it has less tendency to attract water. Small cans of stabilized ethanol-free fuel are also available for 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines — while these won't be practical for keeping a car running, they would be a good option for small generators, chainsaws, or even motorcycles.
    Ethanol free fuel gasoline bugout shtf survival preparedness
  • Store your fuel in a purpose-built air-tight container. Contact with oxygen, moisture, or certain metals can cause it to degrade faster.
  • Keep your fuel in a cool and dark environment. Heat accelerates degradation.
  • Fill tanks to the top to keep excess air pockets away from the fuel. A half-full tank will form condensation quickly.
  • Top off with a little fresh fuel when possible, if you manage to find some that has been properly stored and stabilized.
    broken-down-car
  • Mix in a anti-oxidant fuel stabilizer before storing your fuel. This reduces the rate of oxidation and can double or triple shelf life (12 to 15 months for regular gas).
  • Use an older vehicle that's less sensitive to poor-quality fuel. Modern fuel injection systems can become clogged easily by particulate.
  • Convert your vehicle to run on used vegetable oil. This fuel source is plentiful, and you can gather it easily while other survivors fight over the remaining gasoline.

Pemmican: The Original Protein Bar

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Walk into any grocery store or outdoor gear shop, and you'll see a smorgasbord of granola bars, protein bars, seasoned beef jerky, energy gels, and other calorie-dense travel-ready snacks. But that wasn't always the case. Hundreds of years before the dawn of the supermarket, compact calorie-dense survival food was hard to come by. There were no Power Bars or Clif Bars — if you wanted portable food, you probably had to make your own, or buy it from a trader who knew how to do so.

Pemmican meat survival food berries fat protein 2

Pemmican, as shown in the video below, is an extremely dense calorie-rich food source.

Pemmican could be called the original protein bar. It originated from Native American tradition, and was widely used by early American trappers, fur traders, and explorers. It was usually composed of two or three simple ingredients: dried powdered meat, animal fat, and (sometimes) dried berries.

Pemmican meat survival food berries fat protein 3

Pemmican typically started out with a bison, deer, or elk, but beef, fish, and other meats can also be used. The meat was cut into thin strips against the grain, dried out over a fire, and pounded into a fine powder. An equal quantity of fat was melted and added to the powdered meat, creating a thick mixture. Dried berries could also be added for additional nutrients, though this wasn't always done. Once the mixture dried, it could be stored for 10 years or more, as long as it remained in a sealed container in cool and dry conditions.

Pemmican meat survival food berries fat protein 1

Pemmican equates to about 2,000 calories per pound, and it's unsurprisingly high in fat and protein. It can be eaten cold (though some may consider it gritty and unpleasant), heated in a frying pan, or boiled into a stew along with wild vegetables and biscuits or flour — this was called a rubaboo (roob-uh-boo).

In the video below, 18th-century historical YouTube channel Jas. Townsend and Son, Inc. discusses the origins and core components of pemmican. Don't be put off by the period-correct colonial apparel, the information in this video series is extremely informative, even in today's modern context.

Subsequent videos in this series show how to produce pemmican, how to cook it into rubaboo stew, and how to make rousseau (pemmican hash) in a frying pan. The channel also features videos on pemmican storage and potential additions to spice up your pemmican. If you're interested in these topics, check out Jas. Townsend and Son's other videos. There's lots of good primitive and semi-primitive survival info to be found on this historically-oriented channel.

A Survivalist’s Guide to Rucking

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Running isn't a bad workout; it just isn't the only workout, as some would lead you to believe. Cardiovascular exercise and preparing for the fight go hand in hand.

But running on its own doesn't build muscle or develop functional strength. Running in nothing more than skimpy shorts with a fanny pack of electrolyte goo won't prepare you for SHTF. You need an exercise that'll test your power, endurance, and cargo-carrying capacity.

This workout, of course, is ruck marching. Whether you prefer to go at it alone or wish to seek out a training group to motivate you, ruck marching (or “rucking”) is a growing trend you should be consider joining.

Long before health-minded folks used weighted packs for exercise, soldiers carried rucksacks into the field and backpackers carried frame packs up mountains. In recent years, rucking has grown exponentially as a health trend. You'll find individuals and groups around the country storming down trails, urban landscapes, and sidewalks under heavy pack in the name of fitness. Leading the charge is a company called GoRuck. It's spearheaded the movement with its own line of packs, dedicated group equipment, and organized events nationwide.

Today, the numbers continue to grow and are led by fitness fanatics who've abandoned traditional running for a workout with a much greater health-benefit yield.

Science

Walking burns more calories than sitting. Running burns more calories than walking. And rucking burns the most calories of the trio at an approximate rate of three times that of walking.

How? Add weight to your back and you build strength in your shoulders and core. Add weight to your legs and you increase the work necessary to move you, improving your cardiovascular output.

Opinions vary as to the magic number of workout minutes needed to burn fat. Assuming it's around 30, give or take, rucking with a weighted pack will help keep the heart rate up with far less impact on the bones and joints than running.

Also, since rucking taps into different muscles, folks who can't run 30-plus minutes on end may find rucking easier while accomplishing similar goals. Even accomplished runners will find they're sore the next morning (and especially two days later) after a good rucking session. It simply works the body in a way running can't. The weight of the ruck requires the wearer to tap into stabilizing muscle groups in the torso and legs.

It's a true full-body workout.

Rucking Types

The Basics: While any weight will work, most supplemental pack weights are dedicated plates meant for competition and training and makeshift weights made from bags of sand and duct-taped bricks. Bricks can be abrasive on packs and need to be wrapped in duct tape. Those who don't will get nicknamed “raw dog.” We'll pass.

Tape your bricks before loading them in your ruck, lest you want a shredded pack.

Tape your bricks before loading them in your ruck, lest you want a shredded pack.

For official events, participants under 150 pounds generally carry four bricks and those over 150 pounds haul six. For the individual not bound by competition rules, a good rule of thumb is to begin with approximately 10 to 20 percent of your bodyweight. To more closely mimic reality, carrying true hard armor plates and ammo cans will let the “survival athlete” know how they'll perform in a real-life situation.

Group/Team Rucking: The group dynamic of a ruck cannot be denied. Peer pressure, as well as the pressure from elite Special Forces cadre who lead the GoRuck events, help runners push through pain. A group usually travels only as fast as the slowest rucker, and generally there's a team burden to bear. Depending on the fitness level of the participant, group ruck marches can last hours or even days.

If this level of organization is too much commitment for you, informal partnerships between two or more ruckers will ensure someone is watching your back and vice versa.

Beyond Rucking: Most any bodyweight workout can be enhanced with the use of a ruck. These workouts don't require much space and allow the athlete to train in place. Pull-ups, dips, and pushups take on a new dimension when the added resistance of a weighted pack is incorporated. Squats, lunges, and calf raises will work the lower body relative to the amount of weight stuffed in the rucksack.

Weighted ruck dips

Weighted ruck dips

Weighted ruck push-ups

Weighted ruck push-ups

Even crunches with the pack clutched to the chest, leg raises with the ruck squeezed at the calves, and planks can be used to work the core and stabilizing muscles. For those who have never tried resistance training with anything other than a barbell, using a weighted bag requires more frequent stabilizing. This added resistance burns more calories.

Deep lunges with weighted ruck

Deep lunges with weighted ruck

Farmer carry with 5-gallon buckets for cross-training

Farmer carry with 5-gallon buckets for cross-training

How to Prep

Note Your Baseline: Before you strike off on a ruck march, you should consult a physician if you're unsure about your health. Also, it's advisable to determine your baseline resting heart rate as well as your maximum heart rate. Rucking can be a tough workout, and you should know how to monitor your pulse to achieve the fat loss or muscle building beats per minute needed formula to achieve your goal.

Stay Visible: Rucking is done at all hours of the day. Plan on finding trails and pathways where you won't be struck by a car. For this reason, carrying a headlamp and signal panel will help drivers see you.

Pick It: While any pack can be worn during a ruck march, a durable well-fitting pack is best. Hip belts are non-existent on many rucks, as they interfere with what's worn on the belt. Looking to the experience of the military, this means waist belts are cut off to avoid obstructing holsters and blades. A ruck shouldn't shift unnecessarily when worn. A sternum strap will add support, but it must be worn just above the nipple line or the wearer risks being choked out by his ruck.

Test It: A good ruck must be comfortable to wear with significant weight inside. The ruck chosen should be tough as nails, as it may house objects that will abrade and damage lesser-quality designs. Padded and curved shoulder straps will help cushion the load and a good padded back panel will mitigate the sharp corners of taped bricks, armor plates, and dedicated weight panels.

Fit It: One other consideration in picking your pack is knowing how it fits your torso. The torso of a 6-foot man isn't the same size as a 5-foot female. Make sure your ruck fits before you exit the store, let alone strike off on the trail.

Benefits

Even those with a good running technique (landing mid-foot to forward instead of heel striking) will eventually feel the effects of running. It's jarring on the knees and the pounding takes its toll. Rucking works the body three times as hard as walking — even if you take the same exact trail — but has less impact on the human body. With rucking, since one foot remains on the ground when the stepping foot makes contact, less impact is felt than running where the athlete “catches” his weight with each stride.

The benefits of rucking extend far beyond the physical for the survivor. Anyone who has completed a set distance run (from 5K to full marathon) always remarks on their feeling of accomplishment. They were tested and finished the race. The same is true for rucking. If you never thought you could walk to safety or have what it takes to push on, rucking will give you the answer. Rucking is a safe dry run, giving you the mental strength and confidence if you really have to bug out.

“The mind is toughened through the body,” says Johnny Ray Vega, a rucker, Crossfitter, and fitness trainer. “Rucking allows you to tribally connect to likeminded individuals.”

Why Ruck?

Beach muscles aren't the same as functional muscles. The average fighter (soldier, police officer, martial artist) isn't built like the professional bodybuilders seen on stage. Rucking will give you muscle for function first, form second. It challenges the mind and the body, building abilities the survivor may need to tap into if the SHTF.

survivalist-guide-to-rucking-ruck-contents

Most runners run with nothing more than a house key, an identification card, and an MP3 player or smartphone. In a bug-out scenario, anyone caught with this minimalist load out won't last long. A more practical prepper on the run will have a pack with them. What they carry and how far they can carry it shouldn't be unknown factors. Ruck marching exposes the answers and prepares the survival athlete for hard times.

Source

GoRuck
www.goruck.com

Ruck Off Online

If you're looking for more information on ruck marches, we have exclusive content online. To learn what you should pack in your ruck and five common newbie mistakes to avoid, go to www.offgridweb.com/preparation/ruck-gear.

About the Author

Kevin Estela is the owner/head instructor of Estela Wilderness Education, a bushcraft and survival school in New England. He is a Sayoc Kali Associate Instructor, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, and an avid marksman. As a “survival athlete” he can be found regularly testing his physical and mental limitations in the gym, woods, and urban landscape preparing for the fight.
www.kevinestela.com

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Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 21

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

Infographic: The NASA Guide to Air-Filtering Plants

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Home gardening is a useful skill for survivalists, since it can provide a renewable food source and improve nutrition during emergencies. If the shelves at the grocery store are suddenly picked bare, it's nice to have a long-lasting supply of fresh fruit and veggies. But plants shouldn't be seen only as a source of food — they have many other benefits. Some have medicinal properties, some provide valuable cordage, and many plants can improve morale and create a peaceful environment if you're stuck indoors for an extended period.

Air purifier plants NASA chemical infographic 6

Certain indoor plants, such as this peace lily, can naturally remove volatile organic compounds from the air.

On top of all this, there are a select few plants that have been proven to be effective at removing toxic agents from the air. Now, we know what some of you are thinking — this sounds like it could easily be a pseudo-scientific home remedy that's only creates a placebo effect. We certainly don't blame you, since there's a lot of nonsense on the internet about how cleansing crystals can magically heal your various ailments. However, in this case, there's actual scientific research to back up the claim of air-filtering plants.

In 1989, NASA published a study titled “Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement”. The study analyzed 12 plants and measured their ability to remove harmful chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethane from the air. The study found that “low-light-requiring houseplants, along with activated carbon plant filters, have demonstrated the potential for improving indoor air quality by removing trace organic pollutants from the air.”

This research was later continued by B.C. Wolverton, one of the scientists who conducted the original NASA study. The results listed a total of more than 30 plants which were effective at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air.

The following infographic from LovetheGarden.com shows some of the most common and most effective indoor air-filtering plants, based on the research conducted in the studies above. Click here to download a full-size version.

Air purifier plants NASA chemical infographic 2Air purifier plants NASA chemical infographic 3Air purifier plants NASA chemical infographic 4

Video: Black Walnuts as a Survival Food

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When it comes to survival food, many of us gravitate to the idea of hunting or fishing. While a big slab of meat sizzling over the fire is certainly an appealing prospect, actively catching food often requires significant preparation and substantial effort — that means carrying added gear, and burning calories to obtain more calories. In some cases, there are sources of food in your surrounding environment that won't put up a fight or escape your grasp. In these cases, you should consider foraging.

Black walnut trees can be found throughout most of the eastern United States. (Map via Wikipedia)

Sometimes, sources of food will be clear as day — a ripe ready-to-eat fruit dangling from a tree along your path, for example. In other cases, you'll want to be extremely cautious when foraging for wild edibles. Certain types of mushrooms can be deadly, and may closely resemble edible varieties. This is why it's wise to study and prepare yourself before you venture into the wilderness.

The brown walnut shells we're familiar with must be removed from the green fleshy husk.

In the following video, YouTube survivalist The Wooded Beardsman shows how to process wild black walnuts from tree to table. These walnuts are an incredibly calorie-dense food source, with 100 grams (about 3/4 cup) providing approximately 618 calories. They're also high in fat and protein, both important resources for energy-intensive survival situations. In his own words: “When [walnuts] are available, the survivalist — like a busy squirrel preparing for winter — should focus their efforts on collecting as many as possible before it's too late.”

As the Wooded Beardsman aptly notes, “making a living from wild food is a very time-consuming and labor-intensive endeavor.” But if you know where to look and learn how to process them, these black walnuts can be an incredibly valuable resource for survival.

Seth McGinn’s CanCooker

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Anybody who stayed up too late in the mid-1980s remembers the cringe-worthy infomercial for the Showtime Rotisserie. This appliance cooked Flintstone-sized hunks of meat. Studio audience members bellowed like parrots, “Set it and forget it!” Seth McGinn's CanCooker makes the same type of claims, suited for cooks on the go.

Inspired by the meals cooked in a 10-gallon cream can and served to ranch hands on his grandparents' cattle farm in Nebraska, Seth McGinn wanted to replicate his childhood experience but had trouble finding a modern can that could handle the task. In 2009, he brought his own to market, allowing people to cook a lot of food with little effort.

Made from FDA-approved 1060 anodized aluminum, the CanCooker comes in three varieties: the 4-gallon Original, the 2-gallon CanCooker Jr., and the 4-gallon Bone Collector (which appears to offer nothing different than a dire name and a deer skull logo for a penny less than the Original). They're 10 inches in diameter, but the Jr. is 3 inches shorter than the 10-inch stature of the other two.

All three, however, offer the same benefits. CanCooker makes a complete meal in about 40 minutes and can work on any heat source: stovetops, grills, fryers, camp stoves, campfires, and the Multi-Fuel Portable Cooktop offered from the company. The CanCooker's insides are coated with a nonstick surface.

Food and Function

We reviewed the CanCooker Jr. Adventure Special kit, consisting of the CanCooker Jr. and a Multi-Fuel Portal Cooktop. Our sample kit also contained a small plank cutting board (normally sold separately for $18) and a couple examples of the seasonings. However, it didn't include the optional two-piece rack, so we felt obliged to purchase one for $14 since every recipe in the manual suggested it.

The Multi-Fuel Portable Cooktop is a single burner unit capable of 10,000-btu output and can be fueled by butane or propane. It's compact for a single-burner stove, but not entirely practical for bugging out. This is a basecamp stove, packaged with a hard-shell plastic case.

The concept of the CanCooker is simple. Put in the rack, dump in the food in a particular order (usually a bed of vegetables then meat on top), and add 12 ounces of a liquid (in our case, a Belgian ale). Clamp down the lid (which has a silicone gasket), and fire up the stove. Then walk away.

The CanCooker converts whatever liquids you put in there into steam, which thoroughly cooks the food. The concept of steam cooking started in the American Southwest about 7,000 years ago, and it's considered a healthy alternative to frying or other stove-top cooking methods that involve oils.

We were apprehensive to walk away from the stove while it was spouting steam like an old-timey locomotive, but as a watched pot never boils, 3 pounds of sausage, peppers, and onions never cooks. So that's what we did.

After 30 minutes of steaming and a 10-minute rest, everything was cooked to perfection. The sausage was moist and tender, and the seasonings had melted into the meat. The vegetables retained their full flavor and didn't absorb any from the sausage, while the Belgian ale provided a subtle crispness to the whole dish.

Overall

The CanCooker — especially the Jr. — would be perfect for an RV or a remote cabin where the fuel may not be reliable and you would have to use different sources. The CanCooker can be placed directly on burning coals if need be (though you'll stain the aluminum with soot). It's a convenient and versatile tool — not to mention that our 2-gallon version prepared enough food to feed more than a few people.

This, however, is by no means a cooking vessel one could take in a bug-out situation … or on a hiking trip … or anywhere where space is an issue. It's light, at 2.1 pounds, but cumbersome because of its girth (though it has a cinch sack). And forget its cooktop — we're sure you can find a much smaller portable stove that could fit inside the CanCooker, should you choose to pack it with your survival cache.

Still, it's a solidly constructed and well-designed piece of cookware, and it functions exactly as promised. We're still baffled by the Bone Collector version (and the penny savings) though. Maybe people steam bones they've collected. Frankly, we don't want to know. We'll stick with the sausage, thanks.

seth-mcginns-cancooker

Make & Model
Seth McGinn's CanCooker
CanCooker Jr. Adventure Special

Dimensions
7 by 10 inches

Weight
2.1 pounds

MSRP
$100

URL
www.cancooker.com

More From Issue 20

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Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 21

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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.

How to Turn Your Spouse Into a Survivalist

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We all have that special person in our life who just doesn't get it, right? They don't understand EDC, survival, or anything even remotely related to our lifestyle. It seems like they have no interest in learning, either. It's baffling at times to have a loved one repeatedly brush you off when you're trying to arm them with information that could potentially save their lives in a worst-case scenario. One would think that just watching the news would light a fire under their butts.

As a wife and mother, I can attest that nearly all women already think about worst-case scenarios. They're habitually the storyline of our nightmares and always lurking in the recesses of our minds when we're awake. So even with that innate sense of concern, why then aren't more women into survivalism?

Women are often afraid of confronting the issue because then they'll have to deal with it —hence, why some women don't want to talk about it at all. Ignorance is bliss? Fortunately, knowledge can combat fear.

how-to-turn-your-spouse-into-a-survivalist-bug-out-bags

From Adversary to Advocate

I'm not law enforcement or military, just a wife and a mother who happens to really enjoy learning and teaching survivalism and firearms. Having grown up in Alaska, I'm always mindful of personal protection. Whether you're camping, hunting, or just being vigilant of the state's drug and alcohol problems, you need to be aware or you could very well get killed.

Still, when I first got married, my husband was light-years ahead of me in this survival mindset. It seemed like the only things he wanted to talk about were everyday carry (EDC), firearms, and impending doom. This was a sore spot in our marriage until I bluntly told him that it scared me, and he needed to back off. Those conversations made me nauseous and left me wide awake at night.

Fortunately, my husband listened. He drastically reduced the amount of discussions about this topic, but did it in a way in which I could still ask questions. It took more than a year of processing this information before I was ready to dive in.

I liken it to learning how to drive a car. Sure, the excitement is there, but deep inside there's that inner voice that's terrified of getting in a wreck. Eventually everyone overcomes that hurdle and gains enough experience to make driving practically second nature. So, what changed? Knowledge. You learned how to operate that tool and became comfortable with it. Survivalism is the same way. The more knowledge one has on survival, the less daunting it becomes.

Converting Others

I've spent the last several years trying to get my close female friends and relatives interested in prepping and survivalism. It's been challenging to say the least. There's a certain fear or anxiety that women have when entering a role that's traditionally seen as a man's responsibility —providing the last line of defense for the family.

Here are five of the most common excuses I hear from women for not wanting to prep and train —and how to deal with them:

1. “Bad things will never happen to me.” I wish I could go back to this kind of naivete. Bad things can happen to anyone at any time. If you don't believe me, find a first-responder —they'd surely have many stories to change your mind. More than likely, this is something that ladies will have to come to grips with on their own terms.

2. “I already carry so many things, why add more?” What some women don't realize is that adding a few extra items to their purse, pockets, or diaper bag increases their survivability exponentially. A greater level of preparedness is worth a slightly larger or slightly heavier handbag. Fellas, you might need to go on a purse shopping trip —a win-win for both of you.

3. “I will never use those items.” That's great! Hopefully no one will need them, but it's better to have and not need, than to need and not have. EDC tools are much like a fire extinguisher or a firearm. There's no substitute for some of these tools in an emergency.

4. “It's the husband's job to protect the family.” Many women think this way, but what they fail to understand is that husbands can't protect them if they're not there. Of course, husbands want their wives to be safe and sometimes that comes in the form of harping about bug-out bags, concealed guns, and the right mindset. Instead, be patient. Rather than lecture her, offer her a chance to ask questions or send her to the appropriate courses.

5. “I'm too busy being a mom to think about survival.” Being a mom and/or a wife is tough sometimes. There's laundry, driving the kids, setting up play-dates, shopping, and the list goes on —not to mention our own careers. When a mother says, “Being a mom is my first priority,” she may not make the connection that the safety of the children also rests on her having the proper mindset, equipment, and training. Find a time where she isn't distracted to approach her with this information.

Mothers make natural preppers, as they have to ensure not only their own safety but also that of their children. Some extra gear and training, and the right mindset, can keep everyone safe.

Mothers make natural preppers, as they have to ensure not only their own safety but also that of their children. Some...

Training the Converts

If you've taken your time and eased up on the “sky is falling” tactics, there's a strong possibility you'll eventually seduce your significant other to the survivalism side. If she's ready to prep and start learning, here are some ways to keep her interested:

Keep the Criticism Constructive: If you want the lady in your life to dive into this world, don't make fun of her. There's no better way to turn her off than to ridicule her questions or concerns. We didn't grow up playing with G.I. Joe action figures or pretending to be cowboys and Indians. Most of us were given Barbies and baby dolls and groomed to be nurturers and caregivers. Keep the feedback positive and focused on improvement.

Don't Do it Yourself: Most women don't have that primal survivalist mentality, especially in the presence of their husbands or boyfriends. But if you split up the couple and the woman is put into the position of being the primary protector, her inner mama bear will come out. Oftentimes, she'll be just as fierce, if not more so, than her male counterpart. So, if you're a guy trying to teach your wife, it's often more effective to ask a trusted friend to do so instead. It's hard to go from equals as husband and wife to the power disparity of teacher and student. Better yet, sign her up with a reputable instructor or two who can teach her self-defense and survivalism.

Be an EDC Enabler: How do you get women to carry more survival tools with their EDC gear? Make it easy. My husband put together my first EDC kit. I can't say that I knew how to use everything at first, but over time I asked questions and started doing research. When my husband was deployed with the U.S. Army and I became the sole protector of our children, I used this time to practice. I was given the space to process all the information and soon saw how much it benefited me.

Don't Pink it and Shrink it: There isn't a lot of tactical or survival equipment made specifically for females, relatively speaking. So, we have to tweak some things and make do with others. Many companies think that by making their products pink and small that they become female friendly. That's just condescending. Don't automatically assume women want the fuchsia-colored go-bag. Instead, give her the opportunity to try out as many different models of gear as possible until she finds one to her liking.

Don't Convert the Diaper Bag: I've never been the kind of mom who just throws her wallet, phone, and keys into a diaper bag. I want a separate pack so I don't confuse a diaper bag with my EDC kit. In a dire situation, if I need to leave an area quickly with my kids, I can drop the diaper bag and replace its contents later.

The author and her husband, a U.S. Army paratrooper, practice some fire-starting techniques.

The author and her husband, a U.S. Army paratrooper, practice some fire-starting techniques.

The Sell Job

Getting the lady in your life into prepping isn't rocket science. It just has to make sense to her. Start slowly and present it in a way that shows your concern for her safety. She'll pick up on that. Perhaps start with a flashlight and a multitool. However, don't be that guy. You may be thinking it, but save your hard-core prepper what-if sessions for your guy friends (for now).

Also, don't be offended if she doesn't want to learn from you. After all, it's not easy to take someone seriously as an educator if you've already seen them in their birthday suit. Give your lady space to learn, ask questions, and process their journey to becoming a survivalist. Dont' scare her to death, she needs time to associate the correct response with each potential situation, which is proper EDC and mindset. Remember, knowledge always trumps fear.

About the Author

how-to-turn-your-spouse-into-a-survivalist-nila-rhoades

Nila Rhoades is originally from Alaska, but currently resides in Northern Colorado. She is the wife of a U.S. Army paratrooper and has two handsome boys. She has spent the last several years researching firearms, prepping, and survivalism, and now teaches other women how they can help their family survive a worst-case scenario. She also loves peanut butter ice cream.
www.milspecmom.com

Female EDC

how-to-turn-your-spouse-into-a-survivalist-female-edc-kit

Whether you're a woman looking to supplement your purse with more preparedness-minded accessories, or you're a man trying to figure out ways to entice your lady to get into the survival scene, looking at everyday carry (EDC) gear is one of the most concrete ways to show the value of readiness.

My EDC Kit

Here's a look at what I put in my Maxpedition Fatty Pouch, broken down by basic survival categories:

Water

  • Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System

Fire

  • Lighter
  • UST Little Sparkie Fire Starter
  • UST Wetfire Tinder

Shelter

  • Space blanket

Medical

  • QuikClot Combat
  • CAT tourniquet
  • Band-Aids

Food

  • Tuna pouch

Signaling Device

  • Signal mirror

Navigation

  • Compass

Hygiene

  • Hand sanitizer

Others

  • Duct tape
  • 225/550 paracord
  • Superglue
  • Chem light

My Purse

Aside from my EDC kit, I also carry a purse. (Hey, I'm a woman after all.) I keep a few items in the main compartments because of the frequency of use:

  • Leatherman Wave: a multitool for, well, multiple purposes
  • TerraLUX TT5: a tactical flashlight with a strike bezel and strobe option
  • Goal Zero solar panel: While I carry a wall charger and a portable charger, this is a redundant method of charging electronics —and redundancy is good in survival situations.

These products don't take up a lot of space. Sure, I wouldn't be able to stuff this gear in a clutch, but not many women I know do carry a clutch on a regular basis anyway.

Any purse can be a concealed carry purse (even one from Target, like mine), but there's one thing that it must have —a dedicated zipper pocket for those off chances that you might be carrying your firearm in your purse. It needs to have a pocket that nothing else goes in. Nearly all clothing and accessories can easily be tweaked to accommodate concealed firearm carry and EDC.

My CCW

My concealed carry weapon is a Glock 26. I love the simplicity of the Glock platform and because my husband's carry firearm is a Glock 17 we can interchange spare magazines. I carry my Glock 26 in an Antero Pistol Holster from Long's Shadow Holster. I've tried dozens of holsters, and this one is more comfortable and concealable for me than anything else I've found. It's slightly curved, so it hugs the curves of a woman's body. It won't fall off your pants and skid across the bathroom floor when you use the restroom either.

My Phone

I always have my phone in a pocket. It's easier to access if I need it. With it in my pocket I'm not rifling through my purse while walking to the grocery store. My eyes are up and on any potential threats, allies, cover, and concealment. Walking confidently and with full situational awareness makes me look like a harder target, too. After all, the best way to get out of a scary situation is to avoid it in the first place.

More From Issue 20

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Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 21

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

Infographic: Martial Law Guidelines in the Philippines

Written by

As survivalists, it's important to consider the possibility of a martial law situation, and what you might do if direct military control was imposed in your country. It may seem like an unlikely scenario, but observing unfolding crises in other nations can help us better prepare ourselves at home or abroad — take the Philippines for example.

If you've been keeping an eye on world news lately, you've likely heard about the battle that's currently raging there. The city of Marawi, located on the large southern island of Mindanao, has been under siege by militants known as the Maute group, a radical Islamist terrorist organization with apparent ties to Abu Sayyaf and ISIS. The Philippine military has clashed with the Maute group repeatedly since May 25th, reportedly killing as many as 89 of its members, but the remaining militants have reportedly taken civilian hostages, and the occupation of the city is ongoing.

Left: the island of Mindanao. Right: the city of Marawi, currently occupied by Islamist forces.

Left: the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Right: the city of Marawi, currently occupied by Islamist forces.

In response to this terrorist group and the potential growth of the Islamic State in the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte recently declared martial law on the entire island of Mindanao. Reuters reported that Duterte may keep the region under military control for a year if necessary, and “wouldn't rule out placing the entire country under martial law if the threat of Islamic State spreads.”

So, what will the implementation of martial law look like in the Philippines? The leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued a set of guidelines with the do's and don'ts of martial law. These official guidelines are summarized in the infographic below, which was created by Philippine news outlet ABS-CBN. Click here to download a full-size version of this infographic.

Martial law infographic military police philippines 1

VoltBike Yukon 750 – Bug-Out eBike

Written by

If you were to ask us about electric bikes 10 years ago, we likely would've just laughed. They looked downright silly, had pitiful range, and cost more than a motorcycle. Fast-forward a decade and technological advances have now made these oddities a viable mode of transportation — possibly even a bug-out vehicle.

As with any mode of transport, ebikes have their pros and cons. At this moment you're likely asking, “What about EMPs?” Unlike with a gas-fueled motorcycle, a bicycle-style electric bike can still be human powered, whether it has any juice in its battery or has been hit by an electromagnetic pulse. [See Issue 19 for our debut Debunked column, which tackles this very topic.] War, fire, flooding, and economic collapse are far more likely to shut down your wheels than an EMP. After all, these other things are happening daily around the world already. For the ebike haters out there, consider this: If you rig up some solar panels or your bug-out hideaway is set up for solar power, you'll have an almost unlimited fuel source for your ride.

Having said that, we reviewed a VoltBike to see if it can simultaneously be a cost-effective means of locomotion and a practical platform for bugging out.

Unlike conversions or purpose-built gasoline motorcycles, electric bikes make little sound. This means you can spirit yourself away and not draw the attention of the have-nots who want your supplies.

The Bike

Range: The VoltBike Yukon 750 uses a 750-watt Bafang motor to propel you up to 20 mph for about 25 miles on throttle-only mode. Under pedal assist you'll get closer to 50 miles. (Mileage will vary based on a rider's weight, cargo, and terrain.) These aren't stellar numbers if you're trying to flee a massive tropical storm. But they're more than adequate if you need to evacuate a city center to get to your hidden survival cache in the outskirts of suburbia.

The 750 watt Bafang hub motor.

The 750 watt Bafang hub motor.

Controls: Throttle mode controls the bike much like a motorcycle, while the nine levels of pedal assist adjusts to how fast you're peddling and uses the motor to give you that extra push. This allows you to go much further than you could on your own. It also means climbing hills or negotiating rocky terrain requires comparatively less effort. You most likely won't rocket up a steep incline on throttle only; some peddling will still be required. The bike comes set with levels 1 to 9, meaning that you'll always have some assist with the bike powered on. The manufacturer can help configure a level 0, providing you with speedometer and odometer readouts sans electric boost. (No word yet on whether the motor goes up to 11, though.)

Acceleration on a conventional bike can be slow because it depends on human leg power. However, on the Yukon, if you forget that you're on level 9 and begin pedaling, you could be caught off-guard and thrown off your electric steed. Make sure to heed manufacturer's instructions.

LCD control panel lets you pick one of nine levels of pedal assist, among other features.

LCD control panel lets you pick one of nine levels of pedal assist, among other features.

When navigating downhill, the Tektro Novela brakes cut power to the motor to assist in deceleration. These aren't hydraulic disc brakes, so applying them won't send you flying over the handlebars, but they still provide sufficient stopping power when you need them most.

Holding the “minus” key down on the pedal-assist controller gives you push assist — a great feature when walking the bike up a steep hill. At nighttime, holding the “plus” key down activates the screen's backlight and the bike's front light.

Power Plant: We were impressed with the battery (Sanyo UR18650ZY cells), which performed as advertised. Also, it has a USB charging port to boost small devices like a phone or GPS unit. However, the cover for the battery-charging port failed to stay closed. A screw-on cap would've been a better idea than the finicky small rubber plug. The battery can be removed with a key, letting you place it closer to a charging setup or swap it out with a fresh battery if you've purchased an extra.

While it's possible to rig up a DC charging system that'll draw from solar or other renewable sources, a factory charger that offers input regulation would be a boon for preppers.

Wouldn't it be nice to just plug this right into the solar panels for more juice on the run?

Suspension and Tires: Electric bikes don't always include shocks. VoltBike listened to customer input and outfitted every Yukon with a TGS T10 alloy suspension fork, which has 90 mm (3.54 inches) of vertical travel. Having front shocks, combined with the Kenda Juggernaut Pro fat tires, gives a comfortable ride while still providing excellent control. The advantage of fat tires is increased traction over terrain like snow and sand, which can be daunting for conventional vehicles let alone regular street bicycles.

Bug-Out Accessories

Seating Arrangement: A stock bicycle seat is analogous to the factory insole in most boots — it gets the job done, but there are far better options out there. The Yukon comes with a half-decent seat, but we opted to try out something considerably more ergonomic for long-term riding comfort. The Spiderflex seat we added has two individual butt cushions and leaves out the long nose in the center, which can cause a numb crotch after a long ride … and possibly erectile dysfunction after years of use.

The tradeoff with this type of nose-less saddle is the slight loss of steering precision when you might have to use one or no hands. But, hey, we're happy to give up that up as long as we don't have a numb nether region.

The author swapped out the stock seat for this ergonomic Spiderflex saddle.

The author swapped out the stock seat for this ergonomic Spiderflex saddle.

Cargo Storage: We sewed up a frame bag to hold our tools, Lezyne Micro Floor Drive pump, patch kit, and tire levers. The frame bag is dedicated entirely to what's needed to keep the bike running. We also added some Arkel Dry-Lites saddlebags on the rear rack, although we had to make two small tabs to attach the bags on the bike so they had something to hook into at the bottom. The VoltBike rack didn't include these, but a few minutes with a drill, grinder, and some files resulted in our own handmade adapters. There are commercial versions available, as well.

A bicycle isn't as roomy as an SUV, so any gear attached to the frame that isn't intended for bike maintenance is extraneous. And any gear you can't live without should be carried on your back. This may seem odd, until you have to ditch the bike and any gear attached.

On top of the rear rack sat a Grey Ghost Stealth Operator Pack. We tucked the straps into the hydration area, and then used the mouse trap-like hinge on the top of the rack to hold it in place. The bag runs into the seat post and requires grabbing the bag from the side to remove it. The top bag had a bigger tarp and some extra tools.

Staying Dry: The last things attached to the bike were some Beaver Guard mud guards. These were inexpensive, attached with zip ties, and very lightweight.

The only two concerns for this bug-out ebike when it comes to inclement weather are the sensors on the Wellgo pedals and the battery. On traditional bicycles, you wouldn't even bother glancing at the pedals after use. But on these, you might need to wipe them down occasionally to keep the sensors clear and in top survival shape. And, it goes without saying that you should avoid getting water on the battery. Some duct tape and a garbage bag can provide rain protection, although we plan to make a silnylon cover in the future.

The Verdict

Electric bikes aren't ideal for every prepper, particularly those with a family. It's kind of difficult to pedal while balancing a spouse, two kids, a dog, and three days of supplies on your back.

They're also heavy. Weighing two to three times that of your average mountain bike, you'll need to be able to hoist 60 to 70 pounds if your ebike can't clear larger obstacles like telephone poles downed by a storm.

And compared to a $100 Huffy, an electric bike's price tag will seem excessive. However, it's all about perspective and your personal needs. At almost $1,500 with flat-rate $70 shipping, the Yukon will seem like a great deal compared to other ebikes that easily cost twice as much. With models available in Canada and the United States, VoltBike has a direct-to-consumer approach that cuts out the middle man and the various profit margins associated with conventional sales methods.

Ebikes have come a long way since the turn of the millennium, and you'll surely see more in the near future. Depending on your bug-out strategy, these can be viable options to get you and your kit to safety on the road less traveled. Unlike rumbling Ford Raptors or noisy dual-sport bikes, the electric bicycle allows for a quiet escape strategy and a range limited only by the user's leg power. It's one of those things that you might laugh at … until you try it.

voltbike-yukon-750-ebike

Make
VoltBike

Model
Yukon 750

Motor
750-watt Bafang

Battery
Sanyo UR18650ZY cells

Weight
61 pounds

MSRP
$1,429

URL
www.voltbike.ca

About the Author

Ryan Houtekamer might be a close relative to yetis and sasquatches because he actually enjoyed winter exercises while in the Canadian Army. He works on the “why use an axe when you can push the tree over” philosophy. Born and raised in Canada, he lives in a small town that has more trails near it than people living in it.

Protect Your Noggin

Riding any kind of bike may seem mundane, but falling off could end your bug-out plans and quite possibly your life. The same thing goes for cruising through a path in the woods and taking a tree branch to the eye. A helmet and some eye protection are just as important as tires and handlebars, so speak to a reputable bike shop about options, test out some models, and find the ones that are right for you.

Essential Gear

An ebike's lack of cargo capacity can be boosted with panniers. The author rigged up some waterproof Arkel Dry-Lites saddlebags to hold his vital gear.

An ebike's lack of cargo capacity can be boosted with panniers. The author rigged up some waterproof Arkel...

An electric bicycle can be a great vehicle during a crisis, but it can't hold a large load. Pack supplies to cover your basic survival needs. You never know when you might need to make a detour or set up an impromptu camp. Consider carrying the following:

  • Lighter or fire-starter
  • Water or water purification/filtration
  • Food, e.g. protein bars, nuts, etc.
  • Shelter, like a space blanket
  • Self-defense tools, such as a knife or firearm

More on Bug Out Vehicles and Ebikes

More From Issue 20

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Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 21

Read articles from the previous issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 19

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.

8 Wheeled Coolers to Keep Your Meals on the Move

Written by

You'd be right to think an ice chest has no place next to your bug-out bag. You'd be right to say that dragging a cooler over the scattered rubble of your last-known address would end in frustration and futility. You'd also be correct that there's nothing in your emergency plans requiring you to schlep 40 pounds of ice in a plastic box just to keep something cold for a few extra days. Or would you?

One Cooler From Death

Perhaps the news comes from the ham radio, the weather band, or the internet, but the time to pack up and leave was 40 minutes ago. Your destination? Anywhere outside the city — but where you're going there's no amenities, no power, no utilities, no nothing but uncertain safety. Besides stuffing your truck with as much gear as you can, you break out a cooler or two and gut the fridge of whatever you think you'll need in the next two or three days … maybe more.

Frozen ground beef, sausage links, bags of veggies, and ice. How about drinks? How about medicine that needs to remain cool, like some types of insulin and antibiotics?

Imagine you don't make it to your fully stocked cabin tucked away amongst the trees. Imagine there's too much traffic, or there are road closures, blockades, marauders, or any number of obstacles. What then? Who knows how long you'll be delayed. Are you prepared for it? Perhaps, but wouldn't it be nice to have a mobile cooler full of food and drink at your disposal? It might just save your life.

What to Buy?

Depending on the size of your cooler, it'll weigh upward of 60 or 70 pounds when loaded. Do you really want to lug that, even if it's a short distance from your house to the truck or from the truck up a trail to your cabin? Of course not. There's no reason your coolers shouldn't have wheels; even though navigating them over rough terrain can be cumbersome, it still beats breaking your back.

There are three different grades of coolers on the market today:

Traditional Coolers: These are for the masses, the day at the beach, and the tailgating party. They're designed to contain ice, keeping it cold for a couple of days at most. They won't win any design awards, aren't terrifically durable, but are affordable.

High-End Coolers: These hit the market 11 years ago thanks to brothers Roy and Ryan Seiders, creators of the Yeti Tundra, the first money's-no-object cooler. Since then, many other companies have entered the market, offering increased insulation, external latches, pinned hinges, rubber gaskets, and a variety of accessories that increase the cooler's function. An integrated bottle opener? Brilliant.

Powered Coolers: These are basically portable refrigerators tethered to a wall or car socket. They can be pricey because of the electrical components involved, but most are inexpensively produced and lack much insulation because they're constantly cooled.

Which you should get depends solely on your activities. If you're hitting the beach and only want to keep a few drinks and sandwiches cold, an economical cooler is perfect. Or if you don't plan to be far from electricity, such as near your RV, a powered cooler will keep your victuals refreshingly cold in perpetuity. However, if there's a chance your cooler will tumble off of the cargo rack of an ATV while you're tracking a herd of elk deep in the untamed Unita Mountains of Utah, you might be interested in purchasing a high-end cooler offering a greater degree of ruggedness and durability.

The Test

Let's get this out of the way right off the bat: Such a diverse range of coolers can't be fairly tested against each other on an apples-to-apples basis, considering that size, insulation thickness, features, capacity, and even color all have some bearing on whether they'll keep their contents cool. Larger coolers take more ice to keep cold, while smaller coolers need less insulation.

Because of these fundamental differences, our test was simple: After acclimating each cooler to the ambient temperature of a warm spring day of 86 degrees F, we filled each one exactly halfway with ice. For example, into the 62-quart Coleman went 31 quarts of ice (by volume) and 25 quarts of ice were dumped into the 50-quart Rubbermaid. Nestled snuggly in the very center of each cooler was a 12-ounce glass bottle of beer with the hopes of chilled reward at the conclusion of our test.

Then we waited 48 hours. The high temperature over the course of the test steadily climbed to 92 degrees when we reopened the coolers.

First, the important part: Much to our delight, all of the beers were a crisp 35 to 38 degrees F. Once the single beer reached the approximate temperature of the ice surrounding it over the course of the test, all that affected the ice then was the temperature of the insulated walls. When we opened the coolers, there was a moat of water around the perimeter of the cooler, surrounding an ice island in which perched the beer. Removing the ice, we measured the water and calculated a percentage of how much ice had been lost from the original amount (list in order of largest loss to least):

Percentage of Ice Lost By Volume

Rubbermaid Extreme (25 quarts of ice): 32
Koolatron Kargo (16 quarts of ice): 30.3
Igloo Max (26 quarts of ice): 28.84
Knox Electric (24 quarts of ice): 28.12
Canyon Cooler Mule (16 quarts of ice): 25.78
Pelican (22 quarts of ice): 23.33
RovR RollR 80 (40 quarts of ice): 21.25
Coleman (31 quarts of ice): 20.16

The results were surprising and perhaps a little upsetting to a couple of the more popular brands on the market, Rubbermaid and Igloo. Both suffered as much ice loss as did the two electric-powered coolers (neither of which are really designed to hold ice, so we never expected them to perform very well in this test). Over the course of 48 hours, sitting in 90-degree temperature, the worst of the lot, the 50-quart Rubbermaid cooler, lost 32 percent of its ice, while the best performer, the larger 62-quart Coleman, only lost 20.16 percent of its ice.

However, look at this in relation to how much food a particular cooler can hold, how much ice can be placed in it, how expensive that ice is, and how much ice melted. You may be comfortable accepting a larger percentage of ice loss to water if the cooler fits your needs well. And the enormous 80-quart RovR lost just 21.25 percent of its ice, while still holding the contents of the Mule and Koolatron combined.

Of course, the real test is how each one measures up against reality — full of food, being jostled around in a truck, boat, or RV, sitting in the blazing sun, being opened and closed (or left open), and being pulled along a rocky trail. Cooler performance cannot be accurately tested under specific conditions, as there are too many variables. A cooler advertised to keep ice frozen for five days (e.g. Rubbermaid and Coleman) likely won't under real-world situations.

Final Thoughts

Though it's difficult to justify a rolling cooler for every conceivable situation, and it's questionable whether a cooler of any kind has an esteemed place in your top-tier bug-out gear, it's impossible to argue the finer points of fresh food, potent medicine, and better tasting drinks.

Though the Canyon Cooler Mule is too small to be used for anything more than fulfilling the needs of a single person, we're naming it the Best Bug-Out Pick for just that reason: it's compact, takes up less space, and performed well in our challenge.

Not only does Igloo's MaxCold Quantum sound like a sci-fi movie, but its package size, wheel clearance, tie-down points, and robust telescoping handle means it's a quality cooler that'll serve well without breaking the bank. So, it wins our Best Value award.

Our overall Top Pick prize goes to the Pelican for its over-the-top ruggedness, well-integrated amenities, capacity, and engineering. The handle design is superior to all the others, tilting with little effort and placing the weight of the cooler as far back as possible while offering a stout thick grip that won't tire your hand. Most importantly, this is one cooler that can take a beating and keep its cool.

Your mileage may vary, but at the end of the day, you want a cooler that'll function properly for your personal needs and fit within your budget; as when buying a Cadillac, you still want funds leftover to fill the tank. The only thing more depressing than an empty cooler is a hot one.

Wheeled Coolers

  • Canyon Cooler Mule

    Make & Model - Canyon Cooler Mule
    Capacity - 32 quarts
    External Dimensions - 18 by 18 by 17 inches Internal Dimensions
    Weight - 19 pounds
    MSRP - $330
    URL - http://www.canyoncoolers.com

    The smallest of the coolers that were evaluated, the Mule is by far the toughest.

  • Coleman Xtreme 5

    Make & Model - Coleman Xtreme 5
    Capacity - 62 quarts
    Exterior Dimensions - 31.5 by 17 by 15.5 inches
    Interior Dimensions - 25 by 13 by 12 inches
    Weight - 16.2 pounds
    MSRP - $70
    URL - http://www.coleman.com

    Although the company claims the "fun will last longer" with the Xtreme 5, the pessimist in us suggests the wheels will crumble long before that happens.

  • Igloo MaxCold Quantum

    Make - Igloo
    Model - MaxCold Quantum
    Capacity - 52 quarts
    Exterior Dimensions - 20.39 by 18.12 by 19.06 inches
    Interior Dimensions - 16.25 by 13.5 by 15.5 inches
    Weight - 13.01 pounds
    MSRP - $60
    URL - http://www.igloocoolers.com

    Along with Coleman and Rubbermaid, Igloo rules the inexpensive cooler market, as they've churned out millions of molded plastic coolers.

  • Knox Electric Cooler/Warmer

    Make & Model - Knox Electric Cooler/Warmer
    Capacity - 48 quarts
    Exterior Dimensions - 18 by 23 by 16 inches
    Interior Dimensions - 17.5 by 12 by 11.75 inches
    Weight - 13 pounds
    MSRP - $135
    URL - http://www.walmart.com

    The company is so proud of it, this model doesn't even show up on its own website (but it's sold at Walmart).

  • Koolatron Kargo

    Make & Model - Koolatron Kargo
    Capacity - 33 quarts
    Exterior Dimensions - 16.25 by 13.5 by 19 inches
    Interior Dimensions - 15.5 by 10.5 by 13.5 inches
    Weight - 15 pounds
    MSRP - $160
    URL - http://www.koolatron.com

    The unique trait of the Koolatron is that it needs no ice.

  • Pelican Elite Wheeled Cooler

    Make & Model - Pelican Elite Wheeled Cooler
    Capacity - 45 quarts
    Exterior Dimensions - 29.66 by 20 by 19.25 inches
    Interior Dimensions - 19 by 12 by 12 inches
    Weight - 37.25 pounds
    MSRP - $380
    URL - http://www.pelican.com

    Pelican is well known for making formidable containers, and it makes sense for them to get into the high-end rolling cooler market.

  • RovR RollR 80

    Make & Model - RovR RollR 80
    Capacity - 80 quarts
    Exterior Dimensions - 22.9 by 23.6 by 26.5
    Interior Dimensions - 17.5 by 19.3 by 16.1 inches
    Weight - 40 pounds
    MSRP - $449
    URL - http://www.rovrproducts.com

    If there were a Humvee among coolers, this would undoubtedly be it.

  • Rubbermaid DuraChill 5-Day Wheeled Cooler

    Make & Model - Rubbermaid DuraChill 5-Day Wheeled Cooler
    Capacity - 50 quarts
    Exterior Dimensions - 15.25 by 23.38 by 19 inches
    Interior Dimensions - 22 by 10.25 by 13 inches
    Weight - 17 pounds
    MSRP - $40
    URL - http://www.rubbermaid.com

    The split lid of this traditional cooler helps keep in the cold, and the side handles on this cooler seem well made and strong.

More From Issue 20

Don’t miss essential survival insights—sign up for Recoil Offgrid's free newsletter today!

Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 21

Read articles from the previous issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 19

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.