Finding Fatwood & How to Use It for Fire-Starting

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We often discuss the subject of fire-starting, and there's a reason for this frequency: lighting a fire is one of the top priorities in a survival situation. It'll obviously keep you warm, which is important during the colder months, but fire-starting is equally necessary during the warm spring and summer months. Fire boils water for drinking and cooking, boosts morale, and can even deter the insect pests that seem to be everywhere this time of year.

Char cloth fire starters 16

Char cloth is a great tool for fire-starting, but it's not a naturally-occurring resource.

It's always wise to add a few fire-starting tools to your bug-out bag or backpack before you head outdoors — these may include a lighter, ferro rod, matches, petroleum-jelly-coated cotton balls, char cloth, and a variety of other items. However, if all else fails, you may need to supplement your pre-made fire kit with items you can find in nature.

Fatwood fire starter tinder wood kindling 1

Fatwood sticks can be harvested and stored for tinder. Photo: Hustvedt / Wikipedia

Fatwood is one of the most valuable natural fire-starters, and it can be found in most forests and wooded areas where pine trees are present. This dense wood is impregnated with pine resin, making it hard, fragrant, and rot-resistant. The pine resin contains terpene, which is a flammable hydrocarbon and the precursor to turpentine. This causes it to ignite and burn energetically, making fire-starting far easier than it would be with damp bark.

To harvest fatwood, look for upright stumps of fallen pine trees, as there's a higher density in this part of the tree. A knife or ax can be used to shave off the outer bark and reveal the fatwood. Keep an eye out for darker portions within the stump, and smell them to confirm the presence of fragrant resin. In the following video, Lonnie of Far North Bushcraft and Survival shows how he gathers fatwood during a short trek into the woods:

If you're feeling lazy or can't find pine trees nearby, you can purchase fatwood online, such as the Light My Fire TinderSticks. However, we'd encourage you to get out there and learn how to find your own — this skill may come in useful when your other tinder materials run out.

Infographic: What Are Coins Actually Worth?

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Have you ever held a fistful of change and wondered how much the coins are actually worth? We're not talking about the 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, or 25¢ face value of the coins, as that would be easy to add up. We're referring to a more complex metric known as intrinsic value. A coin's intrinsic value is the value of the metal that makes up the coin. Essentially, if you were to melt down that handful of change, separate and purify all the metal elements, and sell them at current market value, intrinsic value is how much monetary value you'd end up with.

Coin value money currency gold silver infographic 7

To understand what this means today, it's useful to know a little about the history of currency. Back in the days of the Roman Empire, coins were formed from pure precious metals (such as gold or silver), and functioned as commodity money. This meant that the coin's intrinsic value was the same as its face value. Eventually, carrying around chunks of gold and silver became impractical and unsustainable on a large scale, so we transitioned to representative money, which was made of materials that had less intrinsic value (e.g. copper or nickel) but directly represented a set amount of precious metal in a central reserve.

Coin value money currency gold silver infographic 8

Today, we have moved to a system of fiat money, which has a set value as decreed by the government, but is not based on gold reserves or the materials it's composed of. This is why a quarter is worth 25¢ wherever you go, even though the copper and nickel it's made from are worth far less than that. For survivalists, this poses an interesting question: if SHTF and the government's declared fiat value of our currency became irrelevant, how much money would our coins actually be worth?

Even at current precious metal valuations, the answer is not much, and that value could potentially fall further in the event of major economic collapse. If currency collapsed and everyone started melting their coins tomorrow, supply would increase, demand would decrease, and the value of the metals would likely drop dramatically.

The following infographic from 911 Metallurgist shows the official values of coins, and compares them to the intrinsic values of their metal constituents. Click here to download a full-size version of this infographic.

Coin value money currency gold silver infographic 2Coin value money currency gold silver infographic 3Coin value money currency gold silver infographic 4Coin value money currency gold silver infographic 5Coin value money currency gold silver infographic 6

(Note: Reddit users noticed there was a numerical error with the USD value of the Australian dollar, so we modified the infographic above to correct it.)

Now, this isn't to say you should go trade all your money for gold doubloons, but it's interesting to consider the huge gap between face value and intrinsic value of our currency. If the fiat currency system ever collapses, paper money might be rendered worthless, and coins wouldn't be far behind.

Video: Smudge Pot Mosquito Repellent

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Last weekend, I took a road trip to Yosemite National Park, and spent two full days hiking and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Heavy rainfall in California over the past few months has caused the the many waterfalls in Yosemite to swell to a thunderous roar, refilled the lakes and streams after several years of drought, and brought greenery back to the dry landscapes.

Yosemite waterfall lake river water mountain tree 1

However, there's one downside to all this moisture — it meant that the mosquitoes were out in droves. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to include DEET bug spray in my day pack on this trip, and despite attempts to avoid shaded stagnant water and cover my extremities, my skin is now spotted with dozens of itchy welts.

Virus disease medical first aid mosquito insect

Lesson #1 is that chemical warfare is the easiest method for repelling mosquitoes, so don't make my mistake by leaving the bug spray at home. But what can you do if you find yourself in the position I was in, and need an alternative repellent to keep the pests at bay? David's Passage on YouTube has a simple DIY solution called the smudge pot or smudge fire, which David demonstrates in the video below:

The smudge pot mosquito repellent method uses a simple metal soup can, a coat hanger or wire, and dry punkwood from decomposing logs. By slowly burning the punkwood and allowing it to smolder, a thick blanket of smoke is created that can help deter mosquitoes. Studies have shown that some types of fragrant wood, such as eucalyptus or cedar, may work better than others. So, you may want to experiment with various types of punkwood found in your local forest to find the best variety.

5 Bug-Out Lessons From the Light and Fast Ultrarunner Crowd

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Our sofas are comfy. But, let's not get attached. Getting driven from a shelter is something to plan for, and extreme circumstances could force a hasty flight by foot. Pivoting from a stand-fast-and-defend game to a mobile light-and-fast game doesn't mean scrapping your entire prep plan. If you're already in good shape for a long march, it could be as simple as paring down on some things and adding a few others to your kit. And being prepared … to suffer a little. But mostly being prepared.

Ultrarunners — those who cover more ground in a day than most do in a month — are basically preppers with a caffeine addiction who flee for fun. So we figured what better way to test some post-apocalyptic readiness techniques than pushing them to the extreme in a remote mountain trail race?

The Bigfoot 200-Mile Endurance Run in Washington's Northern Cascade Mountains is actually 205.8 miles. Its 96,000 feet of elevation change is more than three out-and-backs of Mount Everest. Runners have 105.5 hours to complete the gnarly point-to-point course, and unlike stage races, once the clock starts it doesn't stop.

It's a grueling test of grit, gear, and sanity, making it the perfect laboratory to put our pared-down survival strategies to the test. We set out last summer to conquer the Bigfoot, here's what we learned (sometimes the hard way) on the way to the finish.

ultrarunner-bug-out-lessons-bigfoot-200-endurance-run

Priority: Water

Ultrarunners set out into the woods on purpose, and like preppers, have to be mostly self-reliant and thoughtful with what they carry. This calls for a delicate balance between carrying the necessary gear and adding too much weight.

At Bigfoot, we had 14 aid stations sprinkled nine to 19 miles apart throughout the course. These aid stations were crucial resupply points for food, water, and sometimes sleep, but in between we were on our own.

It was on the first long section in the Mars-like Mount St. Helens volcanic blast zone between Miles 12 and 31 where Jared Byrd, my running partner, and I realized our first critical mistake.

“Hey, I'm out of water.” Sh*t. “Me too.” Double sh*t.

Each of us had the ability to carry up to 3 liters of water, but at the first-aid station — underestimating the next 19 miles — we opted to save weight and bring just 2 liters. Mistake level: Big.

Thirsty? You won't find a water fountain off-trail--especially not in the dark.

Thirsty? You won't find a water fountain off-trail–especially not in the dark.

Temperatures that day were in the mid to upper 90s, unusually warm for the region, and the exposed nature of the volcanic blast zone meant we were fast hiking in a lava rock-coated oven. Eight miles in, with 11 still to go, we were both dry. So, we switched to Plan B, which meant activating conservation mode and slowing our pace. (Plan B should have been called Plan See-I-told-you-we-needed-all-this-stuff.)

Surviving off the grid often requires MacGyver-like improvisation skills, but the most important step is preparation before you leave. “Do research of the area before you go there. Google Maps is a great way,” says Bob Aksamit, a 10-year veteran of the Sheridan County Wyoming volunteer search and rescue team. “Get digitally accustomed to the area that you're going to be in.”

Aksamit also recommends going retro, carrying a compass — an old-school one — and paper maps. Had we done that, we would have known there was a clear-water stream another 7 or 8 miles ahead. But did we? Nope. Luckily there were hikers heading in the other direction who told us where we could re-up on water. That mountain stream saved our race, and gave us an excuse to use a piece of gear I'd hoped we wouldn't need: water purifiers.

Aksamit likes the straw-type systems, such as LifeStraw, because they are inexpensive, small, and lightweight. One major downside to these types of filters? They're great for using while you're at a water source, but it's tough and tedious to filter larger amounts of water to bring with you. You have to pull the water through the straw, then baby bird it back into a container.

We'd opted to bring the Sawyer Mini, a tiny system that comes with a filter and detachable water pouch. Fill the pouch with dirty water then squeeze it through the filter and back into your clean storage. Easy. We death marched to the clear stream, filtered a couple gallons of ice cold deliciousness, and made our way to our next checkpoint.

Priority: Shelter

Six of the aid stations at Bigfoot were “sleep stations” with prepositioned air mattresses, cots, and blankets. We hoped to do all of our sleeping at the stations rather than on the side of the trail, but we were prepared (there it is again) to sleep in the dirt. We carried Adventure Medical's Emergency Bivvy.

“Shelter can be anything from one of those emergency blankets to whatever you can put together out in the field,” Aksamit says. “Rock ledge, tree branches … but stay off the ground because the ground will draw the heat out of you.”

You can get hypothermia in any temperature, Aksamit warned, especially if you're been pushing hard and your body is depleted.

“If there's any chance of it being cold bring a sleeping pad, you need that insulating layer,” agrees Bigfoot Race Director Candice Burt. Burt is no newbie to fast-packing, covering large distances with minimal gear. She holds the women's unsupported FKT (fastest known time) for the Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile route around the base of Washington's Mount Rainer.

Between her own running, scouting new race routes or marking trails, she will often spend back-to-back days in the backcountry with no access to aid. Burt's cold weather essentials made up the recommended gear list for Bigfoot runners; at a minimum, a rain jacket, hat, and gloves, and lightweight pants.

“I feel like the more I do this, the more I start to bring,” she said, adding that it's easy to start imagining all the worst-case scenarios. “It is absolutely worth bringing the extra weight of safety gear or warm clothing, a tent and a rain fly,” she said. “You could stay in that tent for a long time if you had to.”

Like good rule followers, we'd packed warm clothes to carry with us at all times. A packing move that seemed silly during Day 1's 100-degree highs, but essential when we bedded down to sleep during night two's 40-degree lows.

Priority: Medical

Our first goal going into Bigfoot was simple: don't die. While anything can happen over 200 miles in remote wilderness, there were certainly things we could do to (cough, nudge) prepare for most situations. The number-one issue we expected were foot problems. Over long distances, be it in an ultra marathon or if you're hoofing it to your safe zone, you're inevitably going to have issues with your feet.

“You get down to the basics, and that's what we're hitting the ground with every single time,” says Todd Nardi, an emergency medical services provider in Tucson, Arizona, and the medical director of the Bigfoot 200 and Tahoe 200. Nardi, who did four years in the Marine Corps as a light infantryman, has become Burt's specialist on treating runners' disgusting and mangled feet. He recommends preparing your feet for the long haul: Filing your nails short, buffing down callouses, and regularly massaging your feet to promote good blood flow. Good, well-fitting shoes or boots and wicking socks are also on his must list. (Nardi is a big fan of Injinji; we are too.)

Don't let a small blister turn into a big infection. Treat it ASAP with a personalized medical kit.

Don't let a small blister turn into a big infection. Treat it ASAP with a personalized medical kit.

If you have an issue, treat it immediately before it worsens. Nardi packs Leukotape, moleskin, and other foot care essentials to treat feet on the fly.

What he doesn't recommend is popping blisters. “I keep blisters intact because that's a sterile environment and that's how it's going to heal the best,” he says. “I don't want to inflict an open wound on somebody.” Open wounds could lead to another huge issue when you're on the run: infection.

We carried tape, bandages, alcohol wipes, and triple antibiotic ointment, just in case. We were lucky that we only had to patch up battered feet, but we were prepared for worse.

Priority: Food

Unless you're willing to hump a cooler with you, you're going to have to rely on shelf-stable nutrition. Ultrarunners have to go for the most bang for their calorie buck, and tend to carry nutrient-dense noms. “The body can go for a long while without food,” says Adir Doliner, a competitive cyclist and emergency medical physician near Austin, Texas, “Your body just starts processing [muscle and fat] for energy.” So, say it with us now — be prepared and pack smart.

“Berries will only get you so far,” Burt jokes. She prefers to carry real food, things such as cheese, tuna, and salmon pouches, and tortillas. Other good options: almond butter packets, Epic bars, and baby food fruit purees. “Bring food you like to eat, like real food, not just a bunch of gels or bars,” she says. “Once you're out there it's so nice to have real food.”

Bigfoot's aid stations were a well-stocked buffet of soups, sandwiches, burgers, and burritos. We carried about 800 to 1,000 calories on us for in between. In a disaster scenario, you won't have those pit stops. So pack wisely.

Priority: Self-Defense

What we weren't ready to face was wildlife. On the second or third night (neither of us is certain which one), my running partner turned back toward me and ended up staring down … something. It was big, stealthy, and pretty close.

“If you do have confrontations, just slowly back out, try not to be aggressive,” Aksamit recommends. “If it's a mountain lion, you want to face them. Get their attention just like any house cat. Be big with them.”

Our run-for-our-lives muscles were pretty tired, so instead I closed the distance with Jared and we started banging our trekking poles together.

Poles can make a lot of noise, but the lightweight carbon fiber probably wouldn't make a great weapon. But if this bear/cat/squirrel/hallucination did charge us, I was sure going to try to poke it into submission. “Just be aware,” Aksamit says. “Make noise. Typically any wildlife will get out of your way.” It did and we pressed on … loudly.

Bigfoot Scorecard

We finished Bigfoot in just under 100 hours, which included about 10 hours of sleep and another six to eight hours killed at aid stations. Covering such a large distance in a short amount of time is daunting, especially knowing when it gets tough, it could always get worse.

For us, Bigfoot was a literal 200-mile walk in the woods — for fun. But everything we learned along the way could come in handy in a survival situation.

ultrarunner-bug-out-lessons-bigfoot-endurance-run

Ability to walk away from crippling highway gridlock? Check. Having the stamina to run down food in the woods? Check. Knowing we could move for days in search of supplies or shelter? Check. Those 100 hours in the woods gave us confidence in our kit and the knowledge we were prepared for almost any situation. We tested our gear, but also our grit and stubbornness — essential traits of ultrarunners and anyone looking to jump into something wild and unfamiliar.

About the Author

ultrarunner-bug-out-lessons-sara-davidson

Sara Davidson, 34, is a Maryland-based runner with more than 40 ultra-marathon finishes, including three 100-milers and the Bigfoot 200 Mile Endurance Run. She suffers from trail amnesia and is spending the summer training for another 200—September's Tahoe 200—with her boyfriend and mileage pusher Jared Byrd.

Our Kit

ultrarunner-bug-out-lessons-gear-kit

The 105-hour cutoff time for the Bigfoot 200-Mile Endurance Run meant we'd stretch our gear to at least 72 hours and likely longer; pretty close to the amount of time you should be prepared to spend alone and unafraid should chaos kick your preps into motion. Here's some of what we carried:

PACK

Make
Ultimate Direction

Model
PB Adventure Vest 3.0

MSRP
$170

URL
www.ultimatedirection.com

Notes
The unisex PB is customizable and loaded with pockets. We carried about 15 to 20 pounds of water and gear, but it road comfortably with minimal bounce thanks to the shirt-like fit of the Mono Mesh harness. It weighs in at just under a pound but boasts 16 liters of storage.

TECH

Make
Garmin

Model
Fenix 3

MSRP
Starting at $500

URL
www.garmin.com

Notes
The Fenix 3 can charge while tracking — a feature not found on all GPS watches. But the added benefit was its navigation capability. It has GPS/GLONASS satellite reception, altimeter, barometer, compass, and all the good stuff common on a watch of this flavor.

POWER

Make
Mophie

Model
Powerstation 5x

MSRP
$130

URL
www.mophie.com

Notes
We chose this Mophie for its size-to-juice ratio: 9.9 ounces got us 10,000mAh of power (that'll charge an iPhone 6s five times). But don't neglect your non-recharge batteries either; go for quality. Bigfoot Race director Candice Burt says not to shy away from expensive batteries and buy gear that takes the same size battery (AA versus AAA) so that you only have to carry one type.

OUTERWEAR

Make
Ultimate Direction

Model
Ultra Jacket

MSRP
$180

URL
www.ultimatedirection.com

Notes
Waterproof and lightweight, the Ultra is a super packable choice to throw in your bag. Fully taped seams, armpit vents, and “FlipMitt” built-in gloves mean that this jacket will keep your warm and dry in nasty conditions. At 5.9 ounces, it crushes into a self-pocket the size of two fists.

Make
Patagonia

Model
Houdini pants

MSRP
$99

URL
www.patagonia.com

Notes
These 3-ounce pants live in our adventure packs, and can be a lifesaver when caught up high or if the wind picks up — any time when SHTF. The 100-percent nylon material has a DWR finish that'll keep you dry in light rain.

Make
Mountain Hardwear

Model
Ghost Whisperer

MSRP
$350

URL
www.mountainhardwear.com

Notes
We love the Ghost Whisperer because of its warmth-to-size ratio. For 7.7 ounces you get 800-fill insulation that'll keep your warm when the temperatures drop. Q.Shield down will stay warm even when it gets wet.

Extras

Other must haves? “Carry a whistle,” Bob Aksamit says. “You can whistle louder than you can holler.”

“I do like to have a little knife,” Burt says. “There's a lot of things you can do with that — you can cut your shoes open,” a move ultrarunners use if their feet swell too much.

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.

What If You’re on a Train With a Suspected Suicide Bomber

Written by

Illustrations by Sarah Watanabe-Rocco

It wasn't my call to make, and this wasn't some goofy action flick on TV. There were hundreds of lives at risk if the rat's nest of wires I glimpsed was actually a bomb. And if it was an explosive device, and if I sent a train attendant toward him, I knew that my sweet wife, everyone onboard, and I would likely find out if there was a God that morning.

My mind reeled with the weight of my predicament, and my stomach was close to losing its contents. I was absolutely sure I saw something to be worried about — and it was my job to say something. But if he really was a bomber and someone spooked him, we were all dead. For a second or two, I tried to figure out which end of the train would put us farthest away from the man, but I tossed aside the idea of escape. There was no escape on a high-speed train in a tight-fitting tunnel under the English Channel. So I rallied my courage, discussed the plan with my wife, and wasted no more time with indecision — since these might be the last few minutes of our lives.

In this gripping installment of What If?, we've been asked to face a disturbingly realistic scenario: What would you do if you and your spouse were on the same train as a suicide bomber?

To get different takes on this modern menace, RECOIL OFFGRID asked three survival writers to build a story from their own perspectives and experiences. For this installment, we have Erik Lund (a federal law enforcement agent with a bevy of tactical and survival experience) and Hakim Isler (a wilderness expert, martial arts instructor, and former psychological-operations sergeant with the U.S. Army). And for a third point of view, I've been a professional survival instructor for more than 20 years, and I've written multiple New York Times-bestselling survival manuals.

Scenarios like this make me wonder if there are such things as “no win” scenarios. Hope you're not reading this on a train.

The Scenario

Situation Type
Potential suicide bombing

Your Crew
You and your wife, Sara

Location
The Channel Tunnel

Season
Early summer

Weather
Partly sunny; mid-70 degrees F

The Setup: You're a fit male in your late 30s named Johnny, married to an equally fit wife named Sara. Living in North Carolina, you both own an online business selling protein bars marketed to outdoorsy types. You've run, hiked, and traversed almost every major trail in the eastern United States that doesn't require an ice ax and mountain-climbing rope. It's time to expand. You head to France, where you hope to see the sights, hit a few trails, and then take the underground Channel Tunnel (or Chunnel) to England for more adventures.

The Complication: At the Chunnel station in Calais, France, you and your wife enter the high-speed train looking for your assigned seats in standard class amongst the sea of tourists, Britons going home, and French headed for England. That's when you notice something: while everyone's wearing T-shirts and jeans or shorts, there's a man wearing a three-quarter-length brown jacket. Not exactly seasonal. Plus, he seems confused, or maybe anxious, as he looks for his seat.

Just as he finds his row, a rather large woman accidentally bumps him, briefly exposing what's underneath the jacket: a vest filled with an intricate web of wires and plastic bottles. Is this a prank? Or some kind of emergency drill, you think. No, I have to treat this like what it looks like: a suicide bomber. He quickly covers up his jacket, hoping no one noticed. No one does. Except for you.

The New Plan: As the train glides on the tracks roughly 150 feet under the seafloor, you have about 23 miles and 30 minutes to figure out a plan. Will this terrorist explode himself (and destroy this train) halfway through this engineering marvel called the Chunnel or wait until we've stopped at Folkestone on the English side? Or maybe he'll do it when we reach London to make a political statement in the heart of the United Kingdom? And how the hell did he get the vest on board? It doesn't matter. You whisper your plans to Sara and start steeling your resolve.

what-if-youre-on-a-train-with-a-suspected-suicide-bomber-commuter-train

Federal Agent: Erik Lund's Approach

I felt a small little punch on my arm and looked over at my wife, Sara. “Hellooo … come back to Earth, spaceman Spiff,” she said. I smiled back and apologized for being distracted, but my mind was still trying to make sense of what I'd just seen. It sure as hell looked like a bomb in some sort of suicide vest, but I couldn't be positive. My eyes tracked the man to his seat, while I tried not to look like I was watching him.

The man continued to stumble around, taking extra care to not let anyone incidentally touch him. The man finally found his seat, four rows up from mine on the other side of the aisle.

I whispered ever so quietly in Sara's ear: “I think the man in front of us is wearing a suicide bomber vest.” Sara pulled back with a smile on her face until our eyes locked. We had been together long enough that she recognized the look in my eyes; this was no joke. She leaned back in and started to ask a question. I stopped her and motioned to our phones.

I texted her the man's description and seat location, followed by what I had seen. She looked freaked, but took a breath. “What do you want to do?” she texted me.

Over the next few texts I laid out my plan. I wanted to get a picture of the man, and then we would move forward on the train to the lounge car. When we found train officials, we'd notify them and give them the picture. Sara acknowledged the plan and nodded she was ready. I stood up and pulled down my pack, then slumped back down into my seat.

Reaching into the pack, I pulled out a 2-foot length of looped 550 paracord. On the outside of my pack was a large heavy-duty Masterlock keyed padlock. I unlocked it, attached it to the looped paracord, and stuffed it into my pants pocket. It would make a devastating impact device that could easily shatter a human skull if swung hard enough. I looked over at Sara as she was doing the same with hers.

“Just in case,” I whispered, as a knowing smile slipped across my face. “I love you.”

I stood up and let Sara get into the aisle, following her as we moved forward slightly. When I got next to the man I called to Sara, “Hey, come take a selfie with me.” Smiling, she turned around and came back. As she did, I noticed the man shift his hand into his jacket. He clearly was on edge and possibly starting to panic at the thought he might be discovered. This wasn't going to work, and I needed to change my plan — fast — before he decided now was as good a time as any to detonate the explosive. I threw out my hand and pushed Sara back.

“Let's do it up there, the light is better,” I said, pushing Sara up a few rows. She didn't know why I changed our plan, but played along.

A few rows up, an older man stood up from his seat and held out his hand, blocking Sara in the aisle. Aww … f*ck me. This guy is on to us! I shoved my hand into my pocket, grabbing for the paracord on my improvised medieval mace.

The man blocking our path started saying something in French. I had no idea what he was saying, but the determination in his voice was clear. As I went for my improvised weapon, Sara spun around and grabbed my hand, still in the pocket. “Hey honey,” she said,” he wants to take our picture for us.” Sara's intelligence and fluency just saved my illiterate ass from striking this dude. I said, “Tell him thank you, but we'll do it ourselves.” Sara nodded and translated the message.

When we got a few more rows up, we turned around, hugged each other with big smiles. I held out my phone like I was taking a selfie of us, but intentionally didn't switch the phone camera to face us. I snapped a quick picture of all the people in his section of the train with nobody the wiser. To complete the charade, I showed the picture to Sara. She smiled and kissed me, then we turned around and moved into the next train car.

I stopped briefly to look at the picture. It was near perfect; I was able to zoom in on the man as he sat in his seat. All of his facial features were crystal clear, and the police should have no problem identifying him. I even noticed that he'd taken his hand back out of his coat.

Arriving in the bar buffet compartment, Sara and I found an empty spot and waited for a waitress. After a few moments, she came over to take our order. I pulled her close and whispered what I had seen. The waitress tensed up, then collected herself. Stepping back, she smiled and said she would check to see if the train had that wine available and quickly left the compartment. In a flash, a man who identified himself as a manager arrived, asking us if we could come with him to view the limited selection of wines the train had for special occasions. Sara and I nodded, following him out of the compartment.

The manager led us through a door marked “employees only,” and we soon found ourselves in an operations room near the power car. There I explained to the security chief what I had seen and showed them the picture. He asked a few questions about the details of the bomb and thanked us for our quick action in reporting the incident. The security chief left the room, and the manager guided us back to a premier cabin. He advised us to stay in the cabin until someone came for us and that we'd reach our first stop in about another 10 minutes.

We sat in silence in the cushy seats. Picking at a loose thread, Sara finally said, “What do you think they're going to do?” I didn't know, but figured that if the man wanted to blow up the train in the tunnel, he'd have done it already. It seemed that we'd be OK at least until the first stop.

We sat in silence for the next nine minutes until the train made its first stop. As people started to disembark, a train attendant led us off the train and guided us through the station to a security area, where we met a police officer. He asked us to provide a detailed statement and description of what happened.

After a few hours, Sara and I were allowed to leave. I asked the one of the officers what happened. He reported that several undercover agents boarded the train as passengers, taking up several seats around the man. Without warning, the agents converged on the man and were able to subdue him. The suicide vest he was wearing was a real vest, but it had no explosive compounds. Sara and I gave the officer a look that betrayed our lack of understanding. Seeing our confusion, the officer added that terrorists often like to perform test runs to see if they can get a simulated vest through security screenings.

Laughing, he said that the terrorists don't like to waste suicide bombers, so they do test runs to see if they can effectively breach security before the actual attempt. Who would have thought terrorists are concerned for the safety of their suicide bombers?

what-if-youre-on-a-train-with-a-suspected-suicide-bomber-bomb-vest

Former U.S. Army Psy-Op Sergeant: Hakim Isler's Approach

Without a doubt, I saw a bomb strapped to that man. Before I said anything to my wife, Sara, I wanted to get more details. After the train pulled away, I tapped the video camera app on my phone and hit record. I covered the screen with a hand towel while I walked to the bathroom. On my way there, I surveyed the exits and the passengers.

Once in the restroom, I checked my footage. It had a decent view of the man, but mostly from behind. I decided to record again on my way back. Once back in my seat, I reviewed the video again. It was crooked, but I got some really good frontal video of him.

As I began taking screen shots from the video, Sara asked, “What are you doing?” Even whispering felt too risky, so I opened the notepad app and wrote a message. I typed that she shouldn't get alarmed, then summarized my observations. Sara immediately went pale. I showed her the photos and the location of the man. Without hesitation she typed, “We should try to stop him!”

We had to come up with a plan. Because of our lack of professional security know-how, I felt it would be best to get a train attendant involved.

Sara and I crafted a note on my phone detailing my observations, a photo of the bomber, his seat number, and what seat we were in. We used her phone to find Eurostar's website. There was a contact form, but no direct email address, so I couldn't figure out how to attach the photo. I started to curse under my breath, but my tech-savvy wife grabbed my phone. Mumbling something about Google Photos, she managed to come up with a link for the photo and pasted everything into the contact form. At least if the bomb went off in the next second, they'd have all the details. Then I emailed it to my dad for good measure and rang the button for the attendant.

When he arrived, I said, “Someone dropped their phone, and it seems to have their name on the home screen. Do you know who this is?”

I handed him the phone with the note on the screen: “This is not a prank! Do not look suspicious. The guy four seats up with the coat on has a bomb. I saw it under his jacket when we got on. Please alert your supervisors. Walk away with my phone and please email my wife with any instructions.” The rest of my message included Sara's address and a summary of what we'd already done.

The attendant went pale, frightening me as I thought he was about to break down. Suddenly, he straightened up and smiled: “Thank you sir, I'll see if I can find the owner.” Then he walked away.

A few minutes later, Sara received an email: “Thank you for informing us about the situation. We are aware and taking measures for everyone's safety. Please do not make contact with anyone else, as we do not want to start a panic. Stay seated until otherwise notified.”

Sara and I looked at each other in terror. We held each other's hand and sat back.

For the next 10 minutes, we waited to see what would come next, but the anxiety became too much to bear. This guy could detonate his bomb at any time, and I would rather go down fighting. I wrote Sara a message — she agreed. She had a small 8-by-6-inch mirror in her bag; I wrapped it in my towel, wedging it at an angle between the seats. Carefully breaking it while I coughed to mask the sound, I was left with a sharp point. I wrapped the other end in the towel and gave it to Sara.

We formulated a plan. I would walk toward the bathroom then pretend to feel ill and dizzy, apologize to the others, and sit down in front of the bomber. Appearing motion sick would be much less threatening than behaving like a loud American, trying to spark a conversation with no good excuse to sit down near him. Sara would sit in the seat behind him with her improvised shank in her purse. I was stronger, so if either of us might be able to restrain his hands, it would be me. From our positions, we'd wait for the authorities to act. However, if the man made a move before then, we'd be close enough to do something.

This was a Hail Mary play at best, but it was a better backup plan than sitting back, waiting to die. Sara and I looked into one another's eyes. We kissed each other for what might be our last time.

I took a deep breath then I was off. I started to stumble toward the bomber's seat. “I gotta sit here,” I said, trying to sound weak. “I'm feeling dizzy.” I plopped down, apologizing to the people around me, and leaned my head back. The bomber didn't say anything. I felt a small bit of relief. I raised my head slightly to see Sara just reaching the seat behind the bomber. Instead of a subtle cough, I nervously exploded with a mucus-laden bellow. The guy glared at me. “Sorry,” I said, as Sara quietly took the seat behind him. At this point, it occurred to me that perhaps I shouldn't have given my phone away, as I could no longer communicate with her.

After a few minutes, two attendants we'd never seen before entered from the front. The bomber took notice. Then two large men dressed in regular clothes entered from the rear. This agitated the bomber, as his head swiveled back and forth. The attendants tried to play it cool, but it was clear to me the four men were headed toward us. Clear to the bomber, too.

In my periphery, I could see the bomber's hands reaching. He wasn't waiting to see what would happen next; he was going to detonate the bomb. I screamed, “Bomb!” as I sprung out of my seat and grabbed his hands. I barely got a hold of them when one of the attendants joined the fray, but fell on me and broke my grip. He also obstructed the other attendants' path.

The bomber shifted away from the aisle, toward the window. I had smashed the detonator out of his hand in the struggle, but now he was reaching for it as I grabbed his legs. Suddenly, the side of a closed fist suddenly hit him in the neck.

Blood began to squirt from between his fingers as he frantically clutched his neck.

Everything felt like it was moving in slow motion; I followed the hand back and saw it was Sara's. Without hesitation, she stabbed four more times.

“His hands!” I yelled. The attendant on top of me leaped forward and grabbed the bomber's wrists, joined by one of the plainclothes men who dove over the seats and onto the bad guy. The three of us held his limbs down until his resistance melted away. The other attendant kept watch of the passengers in case of an accomplice, while the other plainclothes man took out plastic zip ties and cuffed the bomber's feet together and his hands above his bloody head.

Hours later, in the safety of the Folkestone station, we learned from a police official that the two attendants and two plainclothes men turned out to be undercover security agents. The official admonished us for intervening, forcing the agents to act earlier than they had planned and saying we were lucky to be alive … but reluctantly thanked us for our bravery. The blank look on Sara's face told me we'd be dealing with the aftermath of her heroism for many years to come.

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Survival Expert: Tim MacWelch's Approach

“Sara? Did you see that guy?” I whispered to my wife. “What guy?” she replied. A surge of emotion welled up inside me. It felt defensive, a blend of being afraid for my wife's safety and anger over the fact that she might be at risk. Sara had always been able to read me like a kid's book. Big letters, simple words. The color drained from her face as she picked up on my fear. “What's going on?” she asked in hushed tones.

I quickly but quietly explained what I had just seen — the man with the long coat, the wires, and bottles. She rose in her seat a bit, pretending to adjust how she was sitting, to sneak a glance in the direction of the man. She whispered back to me that she just saw the back of his head, nothing more.

My wife stared at me for a few moments, while I stared at the man who might have been planning to kill us all. She broke my concentration when she quietly said, “Whatever you're planning, I'm in.”

Her words echoed in my head. I loved my wife more at that moment than ever before. Not only because I was afraid I might lose her, but also because I'd never been more proud of whom she was. My mind raced as I considered the possibilities. Finally, I concluded, “We have to immobilize him. If he has a bomb, he'll have a trigger. Keeping him from getting to it is the only way that we can all get off this train alive.” Her eyes locked with mine, and I could see her thinking it through. She nodded, signaling that she understood.

“How are we going to grab him?” she asked. “You pull him out of his seat by his left arm, and I'll come in from behind and grab his right.” Sara nodded again, and asked, “armbar?” I nodded and gave a halfhearted smile, even though this was hardly the time for smiling. Still, she was ferocious at jiu-jitsu and, for a second, I felt something close to hope.

She grabbed my hand and squeezed like she was trying to make diamonds. I pulled her hand up to my lips and kissed it softly. After a bit, we both stood up. Sara took the lead down the train aisle, stopping in front of the man. I was nearly behind him when the unimaginable happened.

A man stood up suddenly, right in my face. He spoke French, and it seemed like he was asking my pardon for something. He blocked my view of my wife, which set me on edge. And apparently she wasn't the only one who could read my emotions like a book. The man's jovial tone switched gears quickly to a tone of loud annoyance, and people were starting to stare at us. As a torrent of French words fell on my uncomprehending ears, I thought I picked out the word “American,” then some bad words, and thank God, I picked out the French word for “bathroom.” Then I understood and backed into a vacant seat, allowing him to pass.

With a snort of derision, he walked away and I finally saw Sara again. When she saw me start toward her, she knew it was showtime. I slid into the space behind the man, ignoring what the people sitting there might think. My muscles were tight, ready to tear from their tendons or spring forward. As the bomber looked up at my wife, Sara hit him with her most dazzling smile — the one she used to get my attention for the first time so many years ago.

“I love your coat!” she exclaimed, “You must tell me what brand it is and where I can get one.” I stared down at the back of the man's head, his dark hair wet with sweat. Sara grabbed the man's coat sleeve, feigning to look at the fabric. As the man rose from his seat to protest, he was halfway under Sara's control, and I grabbed his right arm to lift him out of his seat.

He cried out in surprise and anger, as I tightened my grip and tried to thread him between the seats toward the floor. Slender and sinewy, Sara had already applied an armbar to the man's left arm as soon as his back hit the floor. And I did my best to pin his right arm. During the scuffle, his coat opened up.

It wasn't long before an Irish woman saw the wires and screamed, “Bomb! He has a bomb!”

Then all hell broke loose. The roar of screams and exclamations was almost deafening in the tight quarters. One man started to kick the bomber in the head, but lost his balance and nearly fell on my wife. But most people just scrambled away from us. That's when I noticed the bomber's feet. He was kicking his left foot at the heel of his right shoe, as if trying to remove the shoe. My wife and I were locked onto his arms and torso, but neither of us could reach his feet without letting go.

As his shoe finally came off, I saw a red wire attached to the shoe and running up the man's pant leg. “The trigger is his shoe!” I yelled. There was only one person left in our vicinity, the hefty blonde woman who had bumped into the bomber earlier. She had been sitting there in her seat, right next to the empty seat of the bomber. Her mouth had been agape in surprise, until I called her attention to the shoe and the wire. She frowned and slid down from her seat, not gracefully, until her knees and calves covered the man's ankles and feet. He cried out in pain, and she looked directly at me.

In a thick British accent, she said, “Don't worry, love, I've got this. I'm from Manchester, and where I'm from, we get things handled.”

My muscles began to tire as I held the man like a tourniquet, but in a few moments, several train attendants and a uniformed police officer came to our aid. As they handcuffed the man to seat legs, keeping him in a spread-eagle position, I grabbed my wife and held her as tight as my waning strength would allow. I could tell she was spent too, and it was then that I finally noticed that the train had stopped moving.

As she and I moved away from the bomber and the growing pool of authorities and train personnel, a strange pulse rocked the train, as if some giant hammer had just struck it from above. Sara looked at me and tears began to pour from her eyes. “He wasn't the only one,” she said.
And then the lights went out.

Conclusion

In every edition of What If?, we encourage our readers to ask themselves some key questions. Did the characters do the right thing? Could this situation happen in real life? And if this happened to you, what would you have done differently?

In this tale, my character saw something and didn't say anything to the authorities. This is a piece of fiction portraying a very specific scenario. It shouldn't necessarily stand as an example of your behavior in a similar or different situation.

In this day and age, everyone should say something if they see something amiss. It's our duty to our fellow humans — to be the extended eyes and ears of the law enforcement professionals who strive to keep us all safe, every single day. And unless we have the training, resources, and backup that law enforcement would have, we typically should leave the confrontation to the professionals. That said, every life-or-death situation is unique. It's up to you to practice your situational awareness every time you're out in a public place, and to trust your instincts. You never know when these two assets will save lives. And we'll say it again — if you see something, say something!

Meet Our Panel

Tim MacWelch

Tim MacWelch has been a survival instructor for more than 20 years, training people from all walks of life, including members from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, the State Department, DOD, and DOJ personnel. He’s a frequent public speaker for preparedness groups and events. He’s also the author of three New York Times-bestselling survival books, and the new Ultimate Bushcraft Survival Manual. When he’s not teaching survival or writing about it, MacWelch lives a self-reliant lifestyle with his family in Virginia. Check out his wide range of hands-on training courses that are open to the public at www.advancedsurvivaltraining.com.

Erik Lund

Erik Lund has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience - with much of that time spent as an instructor of frearms, defensive tactics, and use of force. He served as a Virginia State Trooper before accepting a position as a federal agent. Lund is also a senior instructor at Mike Seeklander’s Shooting-Performance LLC, a tactical training company. As a champion competitive shooter, he’s earned several regional, state, and national three-gun titles and is ranked as a grandmaster by the United States Practical Shooting Association.

Hakim Isler

Hakim Isler (aka The Black MacGyver) is a man of many skills — a combat veteran, trained survivalist, fourth-degree black belt in To-Shin Do Ninjutsu, Kali and Silat martial arts instructor, certified close protection specialist, and professional self-defense and combat weapons instructor. He’s a published author, trainer, speaker, TV personality and inventor of survival weapons and products holding several patents. Hakim is the founder/co-founder of The SOIL Foundation, which is dedicated to assisting veterans and at-risk youth by providing wilderness therapy for our nation’s heroes and children. He’s most often recognized for his television appearances on Discovery Channel’s Naked & Afraid and FOX’s Kicking & Screaming. Isler is the owner of Elevo Dynamics, a 24-hour family gym and martial arts center located in downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina. www.hakim-isler.com

Dirty Bombs

Written by

We have begun seeing more terrorist attacks perpetrated across the world, many of which take the form of explosives. From 2013’s Boston Marathon tragedy to this past summer’s assault on Istanbul Atatürk Airport in Turkey, a lingering fear many have about these incidents is that they could eventually take the form of a dirty bomb.

Just the name alone makes most people think that such an attack would turn a city into Chernobyl. Is there any validity to that sort of fear or are these devices more “weapons of mass disruption?” We went to the experts to separate security fact from science fiction.

Engineering

First, it’s important to understand the mechanics of such a device and how it differs from military-grade nuclear weapons, such as an atom bomb or intercontinental ballistic missile. These require a nuclear reaction to detonate. Just having radioactive material encased in a bomb doesn’t mean the epicenter and surrounding area will be leveled by a mushroom-cloud-type explosion.

The “good news” (if you could call it that) is that a dirty bomb requires very sophisticated materials, an activation sequence, and knowledge of nuclear physics that aren’t within the realm of most terrorist groups’ capabilities. The bomb would need to be large and could not fit in something the size of a briefcase.

Plus, the fragile nature of the device and amount of radiation it would emit makes discreet transportation even more complicated and potentially lethal for its couriers.

How Are They Built?

You might be wondering if we’re about to get into Anarchist Cookbook territory, but this information is more about the what than the how.

Low-grade radioactive materials — such as cobalt used in the medical industry — could potentially be used to construct a dirty bomb. One would have to accumulate a lot of these materials for their effects to be detrimental, so most injuries and fatalities would be caused by the explosion itself and not the radioactive debris released.

“There’s not much physics associated with a dirty bomb. It’s just a radioactive source of some kind that is dispersed with conventional explosives,” says Joel Cehn, a certified health physicist with the Health Physics Society. “The source might be radioactive iridium that is used in industrial radiography; it might be radioactive cesium that is used to sterilize items (and other uses). They are generally encapsulated in stainless steel to keep them from spilling. But they can be dispersed if blown up.”

After Effects

Because these materials would not cause a nuclear reaction when detonated, the affected area is much more contained. The contamination radius would depend on the amount of radioactive material and explosives used, as well as strength and direction of prevailing winds, but would likely not go beyond several city blocks. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both assert that the likelihood of contamination that requires immediate medical treatment would be localized to those close to the blast.

This also has a few caveats, however. Radioactive particles released could not only attach themselves to nearby structures and people, but possibly be carried away by wind and contaminate nearby open water bodies, food, or potentially be inhaled. It all depends on the size of the device.

Those concerned about possible radiation poisoning would need to be cognizant of related symptoms.
OFFGRID_Dirty_Bombs02

How Should You React?

If you were in the immediate vicinity of the blast but uninjured and the site is later determined to be radioactive, seek medical evaluation. Though, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the CDC, and the HHS all say that becoming sick from radiation is unlikely.

Others concerned about blast implications essentially have two choices: find shelter or leave the area. How will you know which is the better option? Listen to emergency broadcast reports and pay attention to where you are in relation to the blast. Is the wind blowing contaminants toward or away from you? It may take several days for authorities to understand the full implication of the blast and what kind of radiation was emitted.

Hunker Down: If you’re near a dirty bomb detonation, the CDC recommends you get inside, stay inside, and stay tuned for at least 24 hours. Turn off any outside ventilation. Close any windows, doors, and fireplace flues to limit exposure to dust or smoke plumes. Listen to reliable news sources as further developments are released.

Clothing can be removed by starting at the top of your head and rolling the clothing off you down to your feet. Roll them in a way you don’t re-expose yourself and store them in a sealed plastic garbage bag or container away from everyone. They may need to be examined later to determine exposure levels. Wash yourself in a cold shower to keep your pores from opening up. Gently shaving off any hair will also reduce any risk of particles remaining adhered to your skin.

Bug Out: If you’re not in the direction of prevailing winds but are worried about secondary explosions and want to minimize your exposure, the better course of action would be to get out of the area as quickly as possible.

“Time, distance, and shielding is key with respect to radiation exposure,” says Ron Johansen, a hazmat specialist for the Alameda County Fire Department and fire science technology instructor at Las Positas College. “Get upwind, uphill, and upstream. Radiation sickness is not contagious. You can carry particles, but not spread the health effects.”

Contamination

When talking about radiation contamination, the dose is the amount absorbed by the body at any one time.

“Think of radiation as a light bulb. When you have one that’s energized, it shines all the light off the blub,” says Shawn Smith, a non-destructive inspector and inventor for Boeing. “The particle itself doesn’t do anything, but you have all that light (radiation) that comes off the particle.” Getting away from the proverbial light source will help reduce the dose and dose rate, since some forms of radiation, such as gamma rays, can penetrate walls if levels are high enough.

There is a difference between radiation exposure and contamination. You can be exposed to radiation by getting an X-ray at the doctor, but that doesn’t mean you’ll suffer from contamination, as it’s a very low dose under controlled conditions. Certain types of radiation can penetrate the body, but contamination only occurs if particles become attached to someone’s clothing or hair, are ingested, or penetrate an open wound.

Conclusion

The history on dirty bombs has yet to be written since there are no known instances of their use. However, numerous reports have emerged in recent years of radioactive materials being stolen, some with success, while others were either intercepted by authorities or had fatal consequences to their smugglers.

We can certainly expect terrorists to actively continue searching for any weapons that further their cause, demoralize the public, and interrupt economic stability.

“It’s generally believed that a dirty bomb will cause mostly panic, and few, if any, serious radiation exposures,” Cehn says. “The radioactivity would be diluted in the explosion.”

It’s sage wisdom to prepare for nuclear-related incidents, both accidental and deliberate. Dirty bombs — despite related fear mongering — should not be a cause for a national emergency though. That’s exactly the domino effect of confusion that perpetrators are looking to achieve. Remain conscientious, prepared, and vigilant, but arm yourself with the knowledge that will prevent you from falling victim to an attack that is more psychological than anything else.
—

Further Reading:

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Medication

After the plant meltdown in Fukushima, Japan, the use of chemicals such as potassium iodide (KI) began getting media buzz. KI, Neupogen, Prussian blue, Diethylenetriamine pentaacetate, and other countermeasures may be administered after a nuclear incident where contamination is a concern. You should only take these chemicals at the advice of a medical professional or emergency management personnel, as there are side effects associated with all of them. It’s always recommended to stay in good health, remain hydrated, and practice good nutrition. These things all play a factor on how radiation affects you. Learn more at http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/countermeasures.asp

Supplies

People wonder if they should stock up on gas masks and Geiger counters in preparation for a radiological event. Geiger counters typically take a working knowledge of radiation measurements to know how to use them and aren’t practical for the average person. Items such as gas masks may provide some level of protection as well, but are not foolproof.
Radiation dosimeters or radiation-detecting watches act as monitors for radiation levels, are relatively inexpensive depending on their capabilities, and geared toward those who have a limited understanding of radiation. “RADstickers” are another form of cheap radiation measurements. The CDC also recommends an emergency radio that has National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio capabilities.

More From Issue 16

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

Magnetic Flashlight Buyer’s Guide

Written by

Accomplishing tasks one-handed is often challenging — hence the phrase “with one hand tied behind my back.” Whether you're cleaning a gun, changing your truck's oil, or preparing dinner, simple undertakings can become frustrating ordeals if you can't use both hands. This reinforces the importance of hands-free lighting.

Without it, you may find yourself clenching the light in your teeth, balancing the light in a precarious position, or wishing you could grow a third hand that can hold the flashlight as you work.

In previous issues, we addressed three common forms of hands-free lights: headlamps (Issue 2), lanterns (Issue 6), and angle-head flashlights (Issue 15). In this issue, we focus on an often-overlooked fourth variety: magnetic lights. These magnetized flashlights can be indispensable in urban areas where metal surfaces abound. Snap one onto a toolbox, door frame, ceiling joist, handlebar, trunk lid, or the underside of a desk to quickly free up both of your hands. It's easy to adjust and re-aim the light as you work, and in an emergency, you can detach it in a swift motion without fiddling with clips or straps.

Due to their many uses in and around vehicles, it's common to find magnetic lights in auto parts stores. However, these lights aren't restricted to automotive use. In fact, you might be surprised how often they come in handy during your daily routine.

Magnetic Flashlights

  • Nightstick NSP-2422B Dual-Light

    Make & Model - Nightstick NSP-2422B Dual-Light
    Claimed Maximum Brightness - 130 lumen flashlight, 110 lumen floodlight
    Claimed Maximum Runtime - Flashlight: 9.5 hrs.; Floodlight: 10.5 hrs; Both: 5 hrs
    Overall Length - 7 in.
    Weight with Batteries - 6.7 oz.
    Battery Type - AA (three, included)
    Controls - Dual push-button switches
    Output Modes - Flashlight (momentary-on or constant-on), floodlight, or both
    Special Features - Polymer body with magnetic tail, built-in pocket/belt clip with magnet, crenellated bezel, wrist lanyard, IPX7 waterproof
    MSRP - $26
    URL - http://www.baycoproducts.com

    With two magnets, two LEDs, and two switches, the Dual-Light lives up to its name.

  • Olight S2 Baton

    Make & Model - Olight S2 Baton
    Claimed Maximum Brightness - 950 lumens
    Claimed Maximum Runtime - 60 days
    Overall Length - 4.06 in.
    Weight with Batteries - 3.5 oz.
    Battery Type - 18650 (one, not included) or CR123 (two, not included)
    Controls - Push-button switch, constant-on only
    Output Modes - Turbo, high, medium, low, moonlight, strobe
    Special Features - Magnetic tail cap, TIR lens, 3- or 9-minute shut-off timer, removable pocket clip, wrist lanyard, IPX8 waterproof
    MSRP - $50
    URL - http://www.olightworld.com

    At the business end of this light, there's a CREE XM-L2 / U3 LED mounted behind a polymethyl methacrylate total internal reflection lens.

  • Pelican 2365 Flex-Neck

    Make & Model - Pelican 2365 Flex-Neck
    Claimed Maximum Brightness - 65 lumens
    Claimed Maximum Runtime - 7 hrs.
    Overall Length - 21.9 in.
    Weight with Batteries - 9.2 oz.
    Battery Type - AA (two, not included)
    Controls - Push-button tail cap with momentary-on and constant-on modes
    Output Modes - N/A
    Special Features - 14-inch flexible neck, removable magnetic mount
    MSRP - $59
    URL - http://www.pelican.com

    This light's signature feature is its 2-foot-long flexible neck, which contorts like a crazy straw to provide illumination at any angle.

  • Streamlight Knucklehead 90627

    Make & Model - Streamlight Knucklehead 90627
    Claimed Maximum Brightness - 200 lumens
    Claimed Maximum Runtime - 20 days
    Overall Length - 9.2 in.
    Weight with Batteries - 23.1 oz.
    Battery Type - 4.8v 1800mAh NiCad rechargeable (one, included) or AA (four, not included)
    Controls - Push-button switch, constant-on only
    Output Modes - High, low, moonlight, flashing
    Special Features - Yellow or black polymer body, dual-LED flood beam, adjustable head with 210-degree articulation and 360-degree rotation, side-mounted magnet, retractable hang hook, optional rechargeable battery with charging cradle and wall/car adapters
    MSRP - $262 as tested with charger, $146 for AA-only model
    URL - http://www.streamlight.com

    The side-mounted magnet on this light ships with a warning label and protective cover — probably for the best given the claimed 135-pound pull strength.

  • SureFire Y300 Ultra

    Make & Model - SureFire Y300 Ultra
    Claimed Maximum Brightness - 500 lumens
    Claimed Maximum Runtime - 45 hrs.
    Overall Length - 3.6 in.
    Weight with Batteries - 4.4 oz. without clip
    Battery Type - CR123 (two, included)
    Controls - Ambidextrous toggle switch; press for momentary, twist for constant
    Output Modes - High, low
    Special Features - Magnetic base, magnetic belt clip with parallel or 90-degree mounting, removable metal two-way pocket clip, made in the USA
    MSRP - $295
    URL - http://www.surefire.com

    If you've ever used a SureFire pistol light, you may be experiencing deja vu.

Short Film: “The Birth of a Dugout Canoe” by Northmen

Written by

“The poetry of the earth is never dead.” – John Keats

As outdoor adventurers and survival-minded individuals, we often look at nature as an obstacle to overcome — after all, its merciless forces often seem intent on killing us, or at least making it tougher to survive comfortably. However, there's also a beauty and elegance to our process of overcoming nature. Even with the simplest of hand tools as our only aid, humans have become very efficient at turning natural materials into tools for survival.

Northmen dugout canoe wood boat video 2

We're really enjoying the recent uprising of short films which document traditional or so-called “primitive” craftsmanship. The Viking-era lime bast rope video we shared recently is a good example of this genre. Today, we stumbled upon a video from the Northmen Guild called The Birth of a Dugout Canoe, and it's one of the best we've seen yet.

This 18-minute documentary is free of flashy graphics and patronizing narration, and simply follows along step-by-step as Latvian master woodworker Rihards Vidzickis builds a traditional dugout canoe. Pour yourself a beverage, kick back, and watch as his weathered hands transform a log into an expertly-crafted vessel:

It may seem like an incredible amount of effort to make a boat, but the level of care and attention to detail is awe-inspiring. It's no wonder that it took decades for Rihards (Richard) to attain these woodworking skills. The video description states, “Richard’s father is also a wood worker and carpenter and has led his son into the beautiful world of working with wood. Richard has gone through all the traditional steps of becoming a master woodworker – starting from an apprentice, then journeyman and then receiving his Master degree in Latvian chamber of crafts.”

Northmen dugout canoe wood boat video 6

Even the paddle was masterfully hand-sculpted from local wood.

While lashing together a simple raft may suffice in a survival situation, we have tremendous respect for this rare breed of master craftsmen. It's also cool to see organizations like the Northmen Guild supporting their livelihoods — if you want to buy some traditional products handmade by Rihards Vidzickis or other similarly-skilled individuals, you can do so at Northmen.com. For more videos like this one, check out the Northmen Vimeo channel.

Northmen dugout canoe wood boat video 7

Effective Kicks for When SHTF

Written by

Oh, the pain! If you're a dude, you know what we're talking about. The agony buckles your knees, sucks the breath out of your lungs, and makes you go more pigeon-toed than Marilyn Monroe in her white, blown skirt. For most guys, the first introduction to the anguish of testicle crushing comes in the form of a kick — intentional or otherwise.

And when someone says “kick,” one tends to think of either soccer or the martial arts. Mainstream entertainment has certainly played up the latter, from Jean Claude Van Damme's trademark helicopter attack to any number of mixed martial arts (MMA) bouts ending with devastating head kicks.

But how effective are they in a life-and-death situation? How do you use them? And when should you use them? Read on to get a “leg up” on the topic.

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Tied Up But Not Out: The author shows the advantages of kicking. Hands bound, keeping the attacker at bay, and the low risk of injury makes using your feet a no-brainer.

Tied Up But Not Out: The author shows the advantages of kicking. Hands bound, keeping the attacker at bay, and the low...

Effective Footwork

Martial arts (especially from Asia) often utilize the feet as weapons. Not only are some of these techniques aesthetically appealing, they can be downright deadly. In a dynamic critical incident, having more options will improve your chance of surviving. In extreme close-quarters combat situations, learning to use every appendage you were born with makes sense. Let's explore why kicks are effective.

Look, Ma, No Hands: In certain situations, kicking may be your only viable weapon. Your hands might be bound. Your arms could be injured. Or maybe you're carrying your child. You just never know when your hooves will come in handy.

Leg Strength: The muscles in your lower limbs are stronger and more powerful than the ones in your arms. Daily walking, running, and stair-climbing strengthen the legs. Stronger pistons will cause more damage and can even break down doors. Try that with your knuckles.

Increased Reach: In most violent situations, distance is your friend. Compared to your arms, the extra inches with your legs improve your odds of landing an effective blow. At the same time, your leg attack will keep distance between your vital organs and the attacking scoundrel.

Deceptive: The trajectory of the legs comes from below the visual field (especially if he or she is staring you down), reducing the likelihood of your opponent blocking or evading the strike.

Look, Ma, No Hands Part 2: Injuries of any kind suck, but will suck worse during the apocalypse. Considering the bones in the hands are small and delicate, punching can produce fractures. The constant physiologic stress (from the weight of the body) during walking and running creates higher density in the bones of the feet, especially the heel (aka calcaneus). This constant pounding makes the feet more durable, resilient, and less likely to break upon contact.

Sole Armor: Compared to our naked hands, our feet are usually surrounded by extra layers of shielding called footwear. Furthermore, hiking boots or steel-toed work shoes can “weaponize” our hooves, while at the same time creating that one-of-a-kind fashion statement.

Achilles' Heel

Kicking can be a lifesaver, but it's not the holy grail of combatives techniques. Dangling one leg in the air can leave you vulnerable in a number of ways.

Balancing Act: When performed incorrectly or on slippery or uneven terrain, booting someone can land you on your bottom. If you find yourself on the ground from a kick gone wrong, your mobility and options will be limited — severely. This risk/reward must be calculated before engaging.

Lack of Mobility: Movement is hampered with one leg stuck to the ground while the other is in the air. This is dangerous because movement is your friend during a violent encounter. That split second of standing on one leg will leave you vulnerable to being swarmed by multiple attackers.

Lumbering Log: Kicks are slow when compared to punches. If the kick is too slow or telegraphed, the bad guy can avoid it or, worse yet, grab your leg. Once your leg is captured, you'll most likely find yourself landing on your butt, being hit in the gonads, or both.

Off Target: Legs are clumsier than hands and lack the fine motor skills of fingers. When kicking, missing the target is more likely compared to striking with the hands. Training to kick effectively requires time to perfect.

The best way to avoid these pitfalls is to learn from a reputable instructor then train. A lot. Proper training will improve efficiency, timing, power, and speed, as well as increasing your odds of landing any type of devastating blow.

Kick Starter

We certainly want to adhere to the KISS principle when it comes to leg attacks. There are dozens of kicks in the martial arts. All are effective at the right time in the right place. Alas, we cannot always pick the time or place, so focusing on a few effective kicks that can be used in a multitude of situations increases our odds of making the strike successful.

Here are four high-percentage kicks that can save your life:

Front Kick

This is the often the first kick you learn in many martial arts systems, and for good reason — the linear attack's intuitive motion makes this a go-to move for many street encounters.

How: From a ready stance, raise a knee forward with your toes pointing down. Flick the leg forward, striking with the instep. Immediately retract your foot back and put it down (for stability and movement or for a second kick if needed). Re-chambering your kick quickly also makes grabbing your leg more difficult.

Target: With a fast and stealthy vertical trajectory, the groin makes an ideal candidate for this weapon.

When: Any time your opponent is in front of you, yet too far for a knee to the groin. A wrist or purse grab also offers another opening for a front kick to the ‘nads.

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The big right haymaker is possibly the most common empty hand attack you will face. Conrad Bui gets his hands up and slips the punch, leaving the attacker off-balance. A quick kick to the groin is enough to stop the threat and allow Bui to make his escape.

The big right haymaker is possibly the most common empty hand attack you will face. Conrad Bui gets his hands up and...

Push Kick

Fan of the TV show Cops? You've likely seen a police officer kick a door open with the push kick. This kick makes use of the strongest muscles, namely the glutes and quadriceps. If kicking in a door or stunning an attacker in their tracks is the goal, the push kick is your move.

How: From a ready stance, bring up your knee as close to your chest as possible. Pull your toes back and extend your leg explosively while thrusting your hip forward. The heel is the striking surface for this technique. Once the kick has reached full extension, quickly retract the leg so it can't be grabbed easily, it's ready to fire again, or it can be set down to run.

Targets: For maximum devastation, aim for the solar plexus, the groin, and knees. However, the power generated from this kick can make any target a good candidate.

When: Use the push kick whenever an attacker is straight in front of you. A push kick to the above targets can create enough distance for you to access a weapon or leave the scene. Strong and explosive push kicks to the knee can dislocate the knee joint.

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A hammer attack is no joke. Conrad Bui has no time to draw his firearm, so he must

A hammer attack is no joke. Conrad Bui has no time to draw his firearm, so he must “fight to his weapon.”...

Side Kick

Bruce Lee was a big fan of this kick, along with just about every other martial artist. MMA stars like Jon “Bones” Jones, Conor McGregor, and Holly Holm are also big proponents of this weapon. The reason? Side kicks reduces the risk of counterstrike by increasing reach and reducing your vulnerability (achieved by turning the body sideways).

How: Bring your knee up, pointing your foot slightly out to your side. The side kick shoots out like an arrow with your heel as the arrowhead and your shin as the shaft. Pull your toes back toward you to expose your heel. Once full extension is achieved, immediately re-chamber your leg.

Targets: A side kick delivered to the knee at any angle can cause devastating results. The groin, thigh, and shin will likewise yield positive outcomes.

When: Side kicks are best used when the target is to your side. The bad guy could have approached you from either side or you purposely angled laterally to provide a slimmer profile. Additionally, you may unleash this beast whenever someone tries to grab your wrist.

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Sherman Chin grabs the author's wrist. Using the closest weapon to the closest target, Conrad Bui launches a side kick to Chin's knee. The damage forces him to keep his hands to himself.

Sherman Chin grabs the author's wrist. Using the closest weapon to the closest target, Conrad Bui launches a side...

Back Kick

So far, we covered your front and sides. Now it's now time to watch your six. The back kick is a destructive attack because it's powered by your glutes and legs. Think of a horse or donkey, explosively kicking backward. (Who would like to be smacked by that?) This is the type of force that can be replicated with correct technique.

How: From a comfortable stance, look behind you to identify the threat and raise your knee up toward the front of your body. Aim your heel behind you and explosively extend your leg to the rear. Imagine the kick is an arrow, with your heel as the arrowhead and your shin as the shaft. Forcefully, fire the kick straight back, keeping your toes down and pulled back to expose your heel. Lean forward slightly for balance and immediately re-chamber your leg.

Targets: Although a well-executed kick will be a danger to anything in its path, targeting will yield better results. The groin, hip, thigh, knee, and shin are all acceptable shots.

When: The back kick is the strike of choice any time an identified threat is behind you. The bad guy may have snuck up on you or you may have made the choice to turn from the danger to run. Either way, back kicks have your six.

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Sherman Chin attempts to sneak up and skewer Conrad Bui. But he hears him coming, checks his six, and quickly back kicks the goods. The proper re-chambering position leaves Bui in the perfect position for a mad dash to safety.

Sherman Chin attempts to sneak up and skewer Conrad Bui. But he hears him coming, checks his six, and quickly back...

If the Shoe Fits

Hollywood and MMA matches have made kicks mainstream. Still, some combatives instructors shy away from teaching kicks. They claim kicks are vulnerable to counterstrikes or slips and falls. However, there are times when the only answer may be to give someone the boot. Training this oft-neglected combatives tool can improve your odds of prevailing a close encounter of the worst kind.

Anyone who doesn't respect kicks has never been kicked properly. Just ask any dude about his first gut-churning crotch shot.

About the Author

Dr. Conrad Bui — a San Francisco-based doctor of chiropractic and frequent contributor to RECOIL OFFGRID — has been serving up kicks at karate tournaments since his youth. He later used them as a bar bouncer and continues to teach kicking techniques as a Muay Thai instructor at World Team USA. A self-proclaimed combatives junkie, he placed third in the featherweight brown-belt division of the 2016 World No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship. He is also a certified full instructor in Indonesian Kuntao Silat, Filipino Kali, and Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do, as well as a fifth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
www.conradbui.com

Get a Leg Up Online

Did you get a kick out of this feature? We have more exclusive web content on kicks, combatives, and self-defense. To learn how to practice your kicking techniques safely and avoid some brutal mistakes in a life-and-death situation, go to www.offgridweb.com/survival/kicking-drills-mistakes.

New: SolSource Sport Portable Solar Cooker on Kickstarter

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The idea of a solar stove has been around for a while now, but the new SolSource Sport appears to be one of the most polished examples we've seen yet (pun intended). Most other solar cooking devices use wrinkly, crinkly reflective fabric or foil, or they're too enormous and fragile to lug around the backcountry. This led One Earth Designs to create the SolSource Sport, a solar stove designed to remain mobile, lightweight, and packable.

Earlier this week, the SolSource Sport launched on Kickstarter, and it exceeded its $20,000 funding goal in only a few hours. While we haven't had a chance to get our hands on one of these stoves yet, the specs and features look pretty impressive.

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It weighs approximately 10 pounds, and packs into an included 2-foot by 1.4-foot duffel bag. Assembly (or disassembly) is said to take less than 3 minutes.

The stove reaches grilling temperatures in about 5 minutes on a clear sunny day, and will reach searing temperature in 10 minutes. It's compatible with a wide range of cookware, and is said to be effective in partial sunlight (as long as you can see your shadow), temperatures as low as 30°F, and wind up to 30mph.

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The SolSource Sport isn't One Earth Designs' first foray into solar cooking — the larger original SolSource (pictured above left) used a similar design, and has been proven effective as a cooking and water purification device in remote regions of Kenya and China. The Sport solar cooker scales the device down into a size that's designed for camping, tailgating, or off-grid use.

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A limited number of early-bird Kickstarter backers can pre-order the SolSource Sport for discounted prices as low as $99, but the retail price is expected to be $329 (including carrying case and cover). For more information and specs, visit the company's Kickstarter project.