Build Your Own Faraday Box

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Electricity is the cornerstone of modern civilization — most everything in our lives revolves around it. It's the lifeblood that keeps the world turning, and without it our civilization would hit a serious bump in the road. We need it to illuminate the night, refrigerate our food, pump our gas, run lifesaving medical devices and, needless to say, it's essential to our vast communications networks.

In the United States, blackouts like the 2003 New York event, and the more recent power loss event in 2011 on the West Coast, cost us millions of dollars in lost revenue. While none of these incidents were believed to be intentionally caused, it does show how reliant we are on our nation's power grid. It's this very grid that can be an enticing target for terrorists or rogue states to target. One potential attack on our electricity could come in the form of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), which can be created by a nuclear blast.

An EMP is a wave of electromagnetic radiation that is generated by natural phenomenon like lightning and static electricity. It is also the byproduct of manmade events such nuclear detonation. In our scenario, we face the repercussions of a high-altitude nuclear attack. While the physical damage from a nuclear explosion would be devastating at ground level, it's a high-altitude nuclear blast that would allow the resulting EMP to cause the most damage. EMP requires line of sight to be fully effective, so assuming the initial blast is strong enough, the higher it is implemented, the more surface area the EMP will affect.

EMP produces surges that damage or destroy modern electronic devices. According to the 2008 Critical National Infrastructure Commission (CNIC) study on the effects of an EMP, a nuclear explosion at an altitude of 100 kilometers (62.1 miles) would expose 4-million square kilometers or 1.5-million square miles of the Earth's surface. That covers roughly half the surface area of the contiguous United States with just a single detonation.

Rocking Technology from the 1800s

One way to protect valuable or essential electronics is with what is called a Faraday cage or box. They can be as simple as a cardboard box wrapped tightly in tinfoil, or as complex as specially built “screen rooms” used in major laboratories and universities.

The concept of a Faraday box is fairly basic. It is a container with a conductive layer or skin that reflects and absorbs incoming electromagnetic fields. In doing so it creates opposing fields that help dissipate the incoming fields and protect your electronics inside.

Containers do not have to be airtight, but the holes do need to be smaller than the wavelengths they are trying to defend against. All this is based on English scientist Michael Faraday's research from the 1800s. Yes, we kid you not, technology from the 1800s can help protect your equipment from a nuclear blast.

The container itself needs to have some kind of nonconductive liner to prevent the items inside from touching the conductive skin. You can utilize rubber, foam, or any other nonconductive material. Some everyday items can be used as Faraday box on a limited basis. A microwave is itself a shielded box, or you could insulate an ammo can to make a quick and simple box.

Remember, once an EMP event happens, it is too late to shield your electronics after the fact. That means that you would have to leave your Faraday box sealed until after the event passes. As much as you might wish to put all your expensive electronics in there to protect them, it just would not be practical since you'd never be able to use them. So for our box, we selected items that were relatively inexpensive, but would really be convenient to have in an emergency. Size is also a consideration. We wanted the box to be small enough to fit in a closet and not take up too much space.materials-for-diy-faraday-box

Our Faraday box contains:

  • An inexpensive set of two-way radios and the AAA batteries to power them
  • A pay-as-you-go cell phone in case our primary phone was ruined
  • A hand-crank combination radio flashlight and USB charger

This will provide for basic news and information and also allow us to communicate with family in case we need to travel.

Building a Faraday Box

Since the type of energy waves one might encounter can vary, we opted for a sealed box solution. Our sample Faraday box is constructed out of a 6-gallon galvanized steel can. We utilized a rubber anti-fatigue mat that you might put in front of your workbench to stand on. The mat is used to line the inside of the can and provide insulation for the items stored within.

Make sure you continually test fit the liner. Use as few pieces as possible to protect your contents from leaks in the seams. With the items to be protected placed safely inside, we then sealed the can with HVAC foil tape. We were able to find all the necessary supplies at the local hardware store. The mat was the most expensive item, but the total cost to complete the Faraday box was about $80.

Step-by-Step Instructions:tracing-bottom-of-pail-onto-nonconductive-material

1 Your items need to be protected all around. We used the bottom of the pail as a template for the nonconductive material.bottom-of-pail-lines-with-nonconductive-material

2 We started by lining the bottom with the material. We left it a little long so it would curl up on the outside edges. We secured it to the bottom using an epoxy-style glue.lining-the-sides-of-the-pail-with-nonconductive-material

3 Next up is to line the sides with material. The angle of the side proved to be a little tricky. We rolled the material up into a cylinder making sure to leave enough room for the equipment to be stored. We then glued the pieces to the bottom.lining-the-lid-with-the-floor-mat

4 Using the lid as a template we lined the top of the lid with the floor mat.adding-extra-floor-mat-material-around-items

5 Once we placed all the items in the container, we used the extra floor mat material to build support around the inner cylinder.pail-and-aluminium-heating-duct-tape

6 For added protection, we used aluminum-heating duct tape. This will help seal the gap between the lid and the body of the container.wrapping-aluminium-tape-around-pale

7 The aluminum tape was surprisingly thin. We had to carefully wrap it a couple of times to get a good seal.finished-diy-faraday-box

8 The finished product. We were pretty pleased with how it turned out. It's even small enough that your girlfriend or wife shouldn't mind losing a little closet space.

Closing Thoughts

Despite the general belief, an EMP event wouldn't necessarily wipe out all electronics in the affected area. A lot of modern electronics have been so well shielded to prevent interference from other devices that they are fairly well protected. The CNIC study analyzed the effects of an EMP attack on most areas of daily life. The report suggests that about only 10 percent of automobiles would stop working, but traffic would be disrupted due to signals going out and traffic jams due to the other disabled cars. The electrical infrastructure would remain mostly intact with damage primarily to transformers. The commission concluded that the impact to the electrical infrastructure would be severe, but not catastrophic.

One thing you might notice that is missing from this article is any reference to solar flares. Throughout our reading of research papers for this article the general consensus was that most modern electronics are shielded well enough to protect against solar flares. Most experts recommend that the best defense against a solar flare is to unplug your electronics or use a quality surge protector. Solar flares are also fairly predictable as they take time to travel between the sun and Earth, allowing a person time to secure their electronic devices.

Will we ever see an EMP event? Who knows, but aren't you reading this magazine because you're the type of person who'd rather be prepared? Better safe than sorry. So, head on over to your local hardware store and build yourself a Faraday box. Marvel at how cool it is to be using technology from almost 200 years ago!

Sources

If you would like to learn more about how an EMP event could affect your way of life, we encourage you to read the Critical National Infrastructures Report found here > http://tinyurl.com/5v8vt2

Zombie Tools: Destroying the Deuce

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Ever see someone with a cool job, and think, “Man, I can't believe someone gets paid to do that!” That's pretty much what we said when we watched the “Destroying the Deuce” video below from the guys at Zombie Tools.

Zombie Tools destroying the deuce 1

Don't worry, no beer went to waste. They filled these PBR cans with water before slicing them in half.

According to their web site, Zombie Tools is “a band of brothers formed under the auspices of the trickster god Loki, bound together by a common passion for blades, science and art. And beer. And metal music. And beer.” In simpler terms, they're a Missoula, Montana-based manufacturer of bladed weapons—pretty much everything from battleaxes to broadswords.

Before you watch, a word of warning: basically everything in this video is extremely dangerous, unhealthy, and not OSHA-approved. Do not try this at home. There's also plenty of alcohol, smoking, swearing, and death metal. Sounds like a good time? Then check it out:

We told you these guys have an awesome job (although it seems somewhat miraculous no one got hurt during the filming). Also, the Deuce seems to take a serious beating, bending a full 90 degrees without snapping.

Zombie Tools destroying the deuce 3

Bending the Deuce a full 90 degrees in a vise. Pretty impressive.

We're going to try to get our hands on a Zombie Tools blade in the near future, and test it out our own way. We definitely won't be chopping truck hoods in half, or slicing through a (water-filled) 24-pack of beer cans like they did, but we will do our best to let you know if these blades are as badass in person as they seem to be on film. Stay tuned.

Improving a Hand Drill Fire Starter

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If you've ever tried to start a fire without modern tools, you'll certainly know one thing: it's hard work. The widely-known traditional hand drill fire starter uses a notched horizontal board, a vertical shaft or spindle, and friction from rubbing your hands together in the “praying” position. With enough patience, luck, and the right conditions, you can get an ember burning with this basic method.

However, the hand drill method is time-consuming, often frustrating, and it's basically guaranteed to give you painful blisters on your palms. Fortunately, there are better ways of primitive fire starting, many of which expand upon the hand drill method.

Hand drill cord drill pump drill fire starter 3

First of all, there's the bow drill, which uses a curved bow and string to spin the spindle (saving your hands from blisters). This method is pretty well-known, but today we'll be sharing two others that might not be as common: the cord drill and the pump drill.

Hand drill cord drill pump drill fire starter 1

A rock with a hole through the center will act as a flywheel for cord drills and pump drills.

Both the cord drill and pump drill are based on the hand drill spindle and board, but add what is known as a flywheel. The flywheel is a disc-shaped stone or piece of pottery that retains rotational inertia, and makes the spindle want to keep spinning. Then, a wound cord is added to the top of the drill spindle, and pulled apart repeatedly to spin the shaft and flywheel.

Here's a video from Primitive Technology that does a great job of illustrating the hand drill fire starter, as well as the cord drill and pump drill:

As you can see from the video, the pump drill adds one last element, a board with a hole that attaches to the spindle and cord. This makes the cord drill even easier to use.

Obviously, making a flywheel from pottery and firing it in a primitive oven is beyond most people's abilities, but Primitive Technology shows how that's done as well. The host even uses flint knapping to craft a drill bit that resembles an arrowhead, so drilling out notches in the fire board is easier. These are all useful techniques that go beyond simple fire-starting and could be valuable to any survivalist.

Hydrate Faster with Oral Rehydration Therapy

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Today's world of social media clickbait has made vaguely medical-sounding buzzwords more popular than ever. “Solve your dry skin with a juice cleanse,” the articles say. “This one crazy trick will cure all your illnesses! Those greedy doctors will hate you for outsmarting them!” It has become ridiculous almost to the point of self-parody.

So, understandably, the phrase “Oral Rehydration Therapy” sounds like one of these goofy buzzwords. However, we assure you, this technique is a very real and valid medical technique to avoid dehydration in emergencies. It has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for treating mild to moderate dehydration, and has been used effectively to save millions of lives from illnesses that cause diarrhea.

Oral Rehydration Therapy nurses

Oral Rehydration Solution being administered to a Cholera patient. Source: Wikipedia / Centers for Disease Control

In simple terms, Oral Rehydration Therapy involves gradually drinking water with several key substances added, most importantly sugar and salt. The WHO and UNICEF have developed a very specific formula for Oral Rehydration Salts, which are distributed in packets in developing nations and mixed with clean water. Here's the official formula:

  • 2.6 grams of salt
  • 2.9 grams of trisodium citrate dihydrate
  • 1.5 grams potassium chloride
  • 13.5 grams anhydrous glucose (a sugar)
  • 1 liter of clean water

Commercial versions of this formula are available, but if you don't have access to them, you can make your own simplified Oral Rehydration Therapy solution. Here's an example of how to do so, courtesy of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Disaster Preparedness Guide:

Oral Rehydration Therapy infographic

On a side note, this guide for Disaster Preparedness (called “Bousai” in Japanese) is packed with other useful illustrations and information, so we'd suggest reading the whole thing if you have time. It's available as a free PDF here.

Oral Rehydration Therapy tokyo guide

The Japanese have a word for the concept of disaster preparedness: bousai. They also have a helpful preparedness manual.

Back on the topic of Oral Rehydration Therapy, the solution can also be prepared manually if you don't have teaspoons to measure with:

  • 1 liter of clean water, boiled and cooled
  • 2 three-finger pinches of table salt
  • 2 handfuls of granulated sugar
  • If possible, add 1/2 cup orange juice or a mashed banana (this provides added potassium, like the WHO official formula)

Before adding the sugar, taste the salt water—it should not be saltier than your tears.

You should drink or administer Oral Rehydration Solution after every instance diarrhea occurs. If vomiting occurs, wait ten minutes and continue drinking ORS slowly. According to Rehydrate.org, adults and large children should drink at least 3 quarts or liters of ORS a day until they are hydrated and well.

Nuclear Knowledge: A-Bombs and H-Bombs

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Nuclear weapons are immensely powerful, but also often misunderstood. Most people can tell you that there are two types of nuclear weapons—A-bombs and H-bombs—but many of those individuals don't understand what the differences are, or how each works on a molecular level. Understanding these key differences helps us understand how nukes are constructed, and why this knowledge is still relevant in today's world of nuclear disarmament.

nuclear near misses

A 23-kiloton atomic shell detonation from April, 1953. Source: National Nuclear Security Administration / Nevada Site...

First of all, A-bomb stands for atomic bomb, which relies on nuclear fission. This means that the nucleus of a volatile atom is split, creating a chain reaction and releasing huge amounts of energy very quickly. On the other hand, H-bomb stands for hydrogen bomb, which relies on nuclear fusion. This weapon causes two types of atoms to collide, forming a new material and releasing truly massive amounts of energy as a byproduct.

Why does this matter? Well, it's important to know the weapons that exist, so you can differentiate between the two throughout history. A-bombs were infamously used against the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in WWII, while H-bomb development became more prevalent during the extreme tensions of the Cold War.

Here's an excellent infographic from Futurism that explains some more nuclear facts:

A bomb vs h bomb infographic 1 A bomb vs h bomb infographic 2

Today, the biggest nuclear threats come from North Korea, India, and Pakistan, three countries which are known to possess nuclear weapons but have refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. North Korea actually was part of the treaty, but withdrew from it in 2003, and has since tested nuclear weapons at least three times.

North Korea claims to have tested an H-bomb on January 5th, 2016, but most sources believe it was a smaller-yield A-bomb, as the country may not yet have the supercomputers and other technology required to produce more sophisticated Hydrogen weapons.

A bomb vs h nuclear countries

Map of recently nuclear-armed states of the world. Source: Wikipedia

Knowing the difference between these two types of bombs can help us understand the threat that nuclear warfare may pose today, as well as key players that may be willing to use these nuclear weapons. See the map above for countries that currently or recently possessed nuclear weapons. Here's the color legend:

  • Light blue: Countries that possess nukes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. These are the only countries known to have H-bomb technology. (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States)
  • Red: Countries that possess nukes, but are not part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. These countries are known to have A-bombs, and suspected to have H-bombs. (India, Pakistan, North Korea)
  • Yellow: Other countries that likely have nuclear weapons, but have not openly admitted it. (Israel)
  • Dark blue: NATO nuclear weapons sharing states. (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey)
  • Green: States which formerly had nukes, but are currently believed to be disarmed. (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, South Africa)

Skysaver Emergency Rescue Backpack

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Even if you're not a mountain climber, you've probably heard of rappelling (a.k.a. abseiling) before. This technique allows you to descend from high places in a controlled manner, using a rope or cable with a friction device that slows your descent. Outside of the climbing world, you'll often see military and rescue personnel rappelling from ledges or helicopters. James Bond also does it on the silver screen.

Emergency rescue backpack rappelling

Rappelling is a common climbing technique, but it usually requires quite a bit of safety gear and training.

Of course, it's easy to see how rappelling could be a valuable skill for survival, especially if you need to escape a structure fire in a high-rise, or a partial building collapse caused by an earthquake.

However, rappelling is a relatively complex skill, and requires a fair amount of gear and knowledge to use safely. Imagine handing your office's receptionist some cordage, a harness, and a carabiner—she's probably not going to be able to descend from the roof of a building safely.

Emergency rescue backpack rappelling

Fortunately, a new device called the SkySaver emergency rescue backpack has made escaping a high-rise building easier than ever. This self-contained pack was designed by experts from the Israeli Army and rescue and emergency services, and it allows users to descend from a building in three simple steps:

  1. Pull the red tab to reveal the harness, then put on the backpack and tighten the straps.
  2. Clip the included carabiner to a pre-installed anchor point near a window or other opening. (SkySaver can recommend a certified professional to install the anchors for you.)
  3. Descend out of the building facing the wall. The Controlled Descent Device (CDD) will lower you at a safe rate of 3 to 6 feet per second.

Here's a video from SkySaver that shows how it works:

Obviously, this system does require some preparation, since it must be purchased and anchors must be installed before a disaster occurs. It's also rather expensive at an MSRP between $899 and $999 (depending on the cable length you need).

However, it's easy to use, supports children or adults between 66lbs and 300lbs, and can help you rappel up to 260 feet (over 22 stories). It's also invaluable insurance that could help you escape a building fire in minutes, rather than waiting for emergency services and hoping you make it out alive.

For more info on the SkySaver emergency rescue backpack, visit SkySaver.com.

More Yucca Uses: Food, Soap, Fire Starters, and Fishing

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In our first post about Yucca plants, we showed how to turn the fibrous leaves into improvised cordage, which is an invaluable skill if you're going to be trying to survive in a desert environment. However, there are many other Yucca uses, from food to fire-starting. This plant is jam-packed with useful materials and resources.

Improvised cordage yucca plant 4v2

First of all, Yucca can be made into primitive soap or shampoo. There's even a variety of Yucca called “soaptree” due to its high saponin content. Just grind and squeeze Yucca roots, as seen in the video below:

Secondly, Yucca plants feature some edible components. Specifically, the white Yucca flowers can be boiled, roasted, or eaten raw (although raw flowers may taste bitter and cause a stomach ache for some). Here's a recipe for sauteed Yucca flowers with chipotle and garlic, if you want to get all epicurean. The Yucca fruits can also be cooked or eaten raw, and seeds can be roasted, ground, and boiled. Even the young flower stalks are edible.

Improvised cordage yucca plant 6

The white Yucca flower blossoms can be bitter if eaten raw, so boil them to mellow the flavor.

The dry brown leaves, fibers, and stalks of Yucca plants make for excellent tinder material for starting fires. In fact, the wood in a dry Yucca stalk has one of the lowest kindling points of any type of wood, so it ignites very easily. Just grab some dry Yucca leaves or wood and hit them with your favorite fire-starter—you'll have a crackling fire going in no time.

Improvised cordage yucca plant 5

Can you spot the Yucca plant? Yeah, it's kind of hard to miss, actually.

Yucca juice can even be used to stun or kill fish, and has been used for this purpose by many Native American tribes. If you extract the liquid from crushing Yucca leaves or roots (as seen in the soap video above), and then pour it into streams or ponds with a high density of fish, those fish will be temporarily paralyzed and can be collected easily. It's theorized that this was one of the earliest methods of fish farming in the Americas.

Note: poisoning fish is illegal, so only use this method as a last resort if you need food to survive.

Yucca plant stun fish

If you can't craft a fishing line and hook in a survival scenario, Yucca juice can stun fish temporarily.

Finally, here's some icing on the cake: the Yucca plant (not to be confused with Yuca, a different species also known as Cassava) is a close relative to the Agave, which is the key to creating Tequila. Now, we wouldn't recommend trying to brew up some Yucca moonshine, but in theory it could be done. Just sayin'.

Improvised Cordage from Yucca Plants

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Aside from a fire starter and a knife, cordage is one of the most important tools you can have in a survival scenario. Of course, we recommend carrying some 550 paracord as part of your survival kit, but what if your cordage gets lost or stolen? You're going to have to improvise, adapt, and overcome.

Improvised cordage yucca plant

The Yucca plant is plentiful in the southwestern U.S., and its green leaves are easy to identify.

The Yucca plant can be found throughout most of the western United States, as well as Central America and South America. Its distinctive pointy, green, sword-shaped leaves are instantly recognizable—and that's a good thing, because you're going to want to find some Yucca to make cordage.

Improvised cordage yucca plant 3

A map showing the distribution of Yucca plant species in the United States. Source: Wikipedia

In fact, one of the most common varieties of the plant is Yucca filamentosa, which hints at the fact that its leaves are full of many strong filaments or fibers. Historically, Yucca plants were even referred to as “meat hangers” in some Appalachian regions, since the leaf fibers and sharp tips were used to puncture meat and hang it in the air for salt curing.

Improvised cordage yucca plant 2

Now we know Yucca plants are full of strong fibers, but how do you get them out? This video from Bob Hansler on YouTube shows each of the steps:

In case you can't watch the video right now, here's a rundown of the basic steps:

  1. Harvest several green leaves from a Yucca plant.
  2. Set a leaf on a hard, relatively flat surface, like a log or boulder.
  3. Obtain a hammering tool (such as a stone or hard stick) and a scraping tool (such as a knife or sharp stone).
  4. Hammer the Yucca leaf repeatedly to thoroughly crush it.
  5. Scrape away any remaining plant flesh with your scraper tool.
  6. Pull apart the fibers, and twist or braid them together as needed.
  7. Knot the ends to keep the braid intact. You're done!

As with many useful plants, the Yucca can serve more than just this one purpose. Bob Hansler actually compares the plant to a natural Swiss Army Knife. We'll be discussing more uses for this helpful plant species in a second post tomorrow, so stay tuned on OFFGRIDweb.com.

Infographic: Scams to Avoid Around the World

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Ask someone if they're gullible, and they'll almost always reply with an emphatic “no”. Nobody likes to think they'll fall for a scam while traveling, but tourists around the world are getting robbed, extorted, and ripped off in creative new ways every single day. Even if you're skeptical and self-aware, you can be caught off guard by scam artists if you're unprepared.

Scams to avoid 2

Walk the streets of any urban area for long enough, and someone will try to separate you from your money.

Most of us know to avoid the classic “shell game” scam, where you're supposed to point out a marble under one of three moving shells or cups. However, that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of other methods that criminals will use to take your valuables—from begging and guilt-trips to pickpocketing and armed robbery.

This in-depth infographic from Just the Flight shows 40 different scams to avoid while traveling. How many of these have you experienced first-hand?

Scams to avoid 1a

Scams to avoid 1b

Scams to avoid 1c

By learning about as many of these tricks as possible, you can stay ahead of the game and avoid getting conned out of your cash. Even if you really aren't the gullible type, there are plenty of con men out there who will be more than willing to test your resolve.

Two-Wheel Road Warrior

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Retaining mobility when a disaster on a grand scale strikes your town can be as, or even more important, than plans to stock up supplies and bunker down at home. When things are good, getting in, out, and around town is as easy as jumping in your transportation mode of choice — be it a car, truck, motorcycle, or even subway or bus — and simply going from point A to point B. But when roads are clogged, fuel is scarce, and the city's infrastructure is in disarray, moving about could get mighty tricky.

The most reliable mode of transportation is your feet. You can use them to traverse a multitude of terrain, and they require no additional forms of fuel other than what you already need to sustain your life. If your vehicle is rendered useless or the streets around you become impassable for some disastrous reason, you can probably still hike yourself out if need be. But relying on your feet to get you and your gear across long distances is a surefire way to turn them into hamburger meat. Because we like our feet the way there are, let's explore another human-powered alternative.

The bicycle runs on the same power as your feet, meaning that you don't need additional fuel to power it. Bicycles allow you to travel great distances more efficiently and allow you to be on the move quicker with heavier loads, while using less energy and having less impact on your body than if you were to go on foot. If there is a need to keep a low profile, which might often be the case, bicycles are a lot quieter than most motorized vehicles.

When properly equipped, the right bicycle can take you and your heavy survival gear, or possibly another passenger, over a number of types of terrain. If shit hits the fan while you are at work, a prepositioned bike could get you home faster than waiting for the roads to clear up. On the other hand, if you're bugging in and waiting it out in your prepared fortress, bicycles are a great way to scout the area rapidly and quietly while having a viable way to bring supplies back to home base. With basic tools and a couple of spares, your bike can always bring you and your gear to safety.

Although there are some really nice bicycles out there, you don't need to break the bank in order to get a two-wheeled escape plan going. There are plenty of used bikes you can pick up on the cheap from Goodwill, yard sales, Craigslist, pawn shops, and the like on which to base your silent escape rig. One of our staff members actually picked up a bike for $50 at a yard sale. He rigged his own carriers out of milk crates, scrap metal, and used backpacks to complete his get-out-of-town bike for less than $100. If you do pick up a used bike, make sure that it is inspected and serviced for safety at your local bike shop.

Like everything in life, what bike you get and how you set it up is all about what your individual needs are. Let's take a look at a couple of differently outfitted bikes and their accessories to get an idea of how you can configure a bike to best suit your needs.

The All-Terrain Scout

This setup is based on the Cogburn CB4 bike. With its oversized 3.8-inch-wide tires, the CB4 is an all-terrain fat bike capable of taking on some seriously rough roads and torn-up asphalt. Built to fulfill an all-terrain scout role, we wanted a bike that could zip around city-center all the way to the outskirts of town regardless of road conditions. It is capable of carrying back foraged food and supplies with its bags and single pannier as well as providing the rider with some defense and hunting capabilities with its mounted rifle.

It's equipped with disc brakes, wide track handle bars for confident control even with heavier loads, and pre-threaded attachment points all over the place for racks and carriers. We took advantage of those attachment points and added a few carriers and accessories that would help this bike fill a scout role.

The All-Terrain Scout

  • Blackburn Barrier Universal Pannier

    Make & Model - Blackburn Barrier Universal Pannier
    Capacity - 17 L
    MSRP - $100
    URL - http://www.blackburndesign.com
    Notes - Blackburn's Barrier Universal Pannier features a waterproof roll-top design that makes it ideal to secure items that you need to bring back to basecamp. It features clear visibility panels on its sides, waterproof zipped exterior pocket, vertical compression straps, and lashing points. Its mounting fixtures can be custom fitted, making this pannier compatible with all standard racks. Its thick, tough skin and welded-seam construction are sure to give it a long, useful life on the road. When taken off the bike, the ends of the top clip together and form a convenient carry handle.

    Blackburn's Barrier Universal Pannier features a waterproof roll-top design that makes it ideal to secure items that you need to bring back to basecamp.

  • Blackburn Mountain Bottle Cage

    Make & Model - Blackburn Mountain Bottle Cage
    Weight - 2.4 oz
    Colorway - Black (shown), silver, red, green, blue
    MSRP - $5
    URL - http://www.blackburndesign.com
    Notes - These bottle cages mount easily on any bike frame that has predrilled holes to accept them and securely hold most standard sport bottles.

    The Blackburn Mountain Bottle Cage mounts easily on any bike frame that has predrilled holes to accept them and securely hold most standard sport bottles.

  • Cogburn CB4

    Make & Model - Cogburn CB4
    Front and Rear Shifters - Shimano Deore 2 x 10 Speed
    Front Derailleur - Shimano Deore 2 x 10 Speed
    Rear Derailleur - Shimano Deore Shadow Plus 10 Speed
    Crankset and Bottom Bracket - SRAM X5 GXP100, 175mm crank with sealed bearings, 22/36t gearing
    Chain - KMC 10-speed
    Derailleur Cable and Housing - Jagwire stainless shift cables and full-length housing
    Cassette - Shimano Deore – 10-speed, 11/36t gearing
    Wheels - Formula sealed-bearing hubs front and rear, S
    URL - http://y 82mm-wide Rolling Darryl rims, DT Swiss stainless steel spokes, built and finished by hand in the USA
    Tires and Tubes - S
    URL - http://y Nate 26x3.8-inch tires, S
    URL - http://y Light Fat inner tubes
    Front and Rear Brake set - Avid BB7 cable actuated disc brakes, 160mm stainless rotors, Avid FR5 levers
    Overall Length (Large frame, as featured) - 74 inches
    Weight - (Large frame, unloaded) - 36 lb, 5 oz
    MSRP - $2,200
    URL - http://www.cogburnoutdoors.com
    Notes - To sum it up, the CB4 is a man-powered all-terrain vehicle. Its high-riding fat tire and wheel combination coupled with its wide frame give the rider a very capable and sturdy platform to traverse all types of terrain. It comes covered in RealTree Xtra camouflage and is bead-blasted so that the bike maintains a non-glare, low-profile look. The two-wheel disc brakes stop the bike quickly and confidently, while the 2 x 10-speed shifters change gears up and down smoothly. Accessory mounting points are found all over its frame, which is a huge bonus when we built up this example. It even has mounting holes for three water bottle holders — not found on most bikes. The bike is lighter than it looks due to its frame being made of high-quality heat-treated, double-butted A6N-6000AL tubing.

    The CB4 is a man-powered all-terrain vehicle, its high-riding fat tire and wheel combination coupled with its wide frame give the rider a very capable and sturdy platform to traverse all types of terrain.

  • Cogburn Gear Carrier

    Make & Model - Cogburn Gear Carrier
    Weight - 1 lb, 15 oz.
    MSRP - $130
    URL - http://www.cogburnoutdoors.com
    Notes - Although the Gear Carrier is designed to hold a rifle, bow, or fishing rod, it is capable of carrying a wide range of gear, thanks to its included positionable Quick Fist clamps. Along with the two 2-inch and one 1-inch Quick Fist clamps it comes with, the rider can easily employ rope, paracord, or bungee cables to secure other items such as firewood or other foraged materials. We found that the 2-inch Quick Fist clamps were too narrow to help attach long guns such as a shotgun or AR-15. Adding your own larger-diameter Quick Fist clamps would remedy that. The carrier itself is sturdy and covered in a matte-black powdercoat as well as mounting holes that allow for a myriad of mounting possibilities.

    Although the Gear Carrier is designed to hold a rifle, bow, or fishing rod, it is capable of carrying a wide range of gear, thanks to its included positionable Quick Fist clamps.

  • NiteRider Mako Light System

    Make & Model - NiteRider Mako Light System
    Headlight Brightness - 150 lumens
    Headlight Modes - High, low, flashing
    Headlight Runtime - High - 20 hrs, low - 60 hrs, flashing - 120 hrs
    TailLight Runtime - 100+ hours
    Battery Type - Headlight 2 x AA
    MSRP - $60
    URL - http://www.safarilandpatrolbikes.com
    Notes - The Mako Light System is perfect for those times when you need to be seen. It comes with a bright 150-lumen headlight that can keep you from riding at night into one of those pesky sinkholes and an LED taillight that can be seen up to 1 mile away. The headlight features side "gills" that light up red to make the rider more visible. The taillight emits light to its sides as well as to the rear for greater visibility as well. Multiple mounting options including a belt clip are included.

    The Mako Light System is perfect for those times on your bike when you need to be seen.

  • Novara Novara Rack Trunk

    Make & Model - Novara Novara Rack Trunk
    Capacity - 6.6 L
    Dimensions - 12.5 in L x 6.5 in W x 5 in H
    Weight - 12 oz
    MSRP - $43
    URL - http://www.rei.com/novara
    Notes - The Rack Trunk is a fairly standard, well-made bag that mounts on rear bike racks with four stout hook and loop straps. It is made of weather-resistant coated nylon, is padded, and the insulated main compartment protects contents and maintains shape. Its internal mesh pockets help keep everything in its place.

    The Novara Rack Trunk is a fairly standard, well-made bag that mounts on rear bike racks with four stout hook and loop straps and is made with weather-resistant nylon.

  • Salsa Cycles Alternator Rack Wide

    Make & Model - Salsa Cycles Alternator Rack Wide
    Maximum Load - 33 lbs
    Weight - 1 lb, 11 oz
    MSRP - $120
    URL - http://www.salsacycles.com
    Notes - The Alternator Rack Wide is made for fat bikes such as the CB4. Its oversized tubular 6061-T6 aluminum construction fits over the extra-wide frame of fat bikes and includes longer struts for improved range of fit.

    The Alternator Rack Wide is made for fat bikes such as the CB4. Its oversized tubular 6061-T6 aluminum construction fits over the extra-wide frame of fat bikes and includes longer struts for improved range of fit.

  • Topeak Compact Handlebar Bag

    Make & Model - Topeak Compact Handlebar Bag
    Capacity - 2 L
    Maximum Load - 11 lbs
    Dimensions - 8.7 in L x 5.1 in W x 7.1 in H
    Weight - 1 lb
    MSRP - $60
    URL - http://www.topeak.com
    Notes - This handlebar bag converts to a fanny pack and is attached to the bike's handlebars with a quick-release mount. It keeps your essentials close at hand and is detachable so you can take them with you, right on your hip. The wings of the bag fold out in fanny pack form and feature hidden zippered compartments. It also includes a rain cover for those wet days on the road. Be careful not to overload handlebar bags as excessive weight on the handlebars can affect the bike's handling.

    The Topeak Compact Handlebar Bag converts to a fanny pack and is attached to the bike's handlebars with a quick-release mount. It keeps your essentials close at hand and is detachable so you can take them with you.

The Pack-Mule

This alternative setup is focused on the transportation of gear and supplies. Think of it as a pickup truck or cargo van version of a bicycle, if you will. This bike is set up with multiple racks, bags, panniers, and even a trailer that allows it to carry large loads in the event you need to get out of your place. If you do find yourself in a position where you need to move someplace else — and depending on the overall situation, you will probably want to take as many supplies and equipment as you can with you.

We based this example on a non-current model TREK FX, which is considered a hybrid bike. Hybrids are great for long rides due to their more upright seating position. Like we mentioned earlier, many used road-worthy bikes can be outfitted in much the same way at a fraction of the cost of a brand-new bicycle.

The Pack-Mule

  • B.O.B. Ibex Plus

    Make & Model - B.O.B. Ibex Plus
    Maximum Load - 70 lbs
    Cargo Area (approx.) - 25 in L x 16 in W x 18 in H
    Weight - 17 lbs
    MSRP - $439
    URL - http://www.bobgear.com
    Notes - As you can see, the Ibex Plus adds a whole lot more hauling capabilities to your bike. The trailer easily attaches to the bicycle's rear wheel using a quick-release system. B.O.B. offers multiple trailer options, but the Ibex stands out because it is equipped with a coilover shock that allows for 3 inches of adjustable suspension, greatly improving on- and off-road handling. We spoke to some bicyclists who have taken the Ibex over dirt roads and moderately rough terrain without trouble. It is constructed of 4130 chromoly steel tubing which makes it sturdy and is designed with a low center of gravity that keeps the weight off the bicycle frame for improved handling. The 70-pound hauling capacity will undoubtedly come in handy if you need to clear out of your bug out locale. The Ibex Plus model, as seen here, comes with a BOB DrySak, with PVC-coated nylon fabric that is tear-resistant and completely waterproof.

    The Ibex Plus adds a whole lot more hauling capabilities to your bike. The trailer easily attaches to the bicycle's rear wheel using a quick-release system and there are multiple trailer options.

  • CatEye HL-EL135 Front / Omni 3 Rear Bike Light Set

    Make & Model - CatEye HL-EL135 Front / Omni 3 Rear Bike Light Set
    Headlight Brightness - 150 lumens
    Headlight Modes - High, flashing
    Headlight Runtime - High - 80 hrs, flashing - 320 hrs
    Tail Light Modes - Constant, flashing, rapid
    Tail Light Runtime - Constant - 100 hrs, flashing - 150 hrs, rapid - 200 hrs
    Battery Type - Headlight 2 x AA, Taillight 2 x AAA
    MSRP - $30
    URL - http://www.cateye.com
    Notes - We're going to bet that not all riding in a disaster-stricken situation will be of the stealthy assortment, so a set of lights on your bike will come in handy. Riding in the dark is a risky proposition, especially if other vehicles might be on the road. This CatEye light set runs on common batteries and is plenty bright enough to see where you are going — and allows you to be seen so you aren't flattened like a pancake on the highway.

    Riding in the dark is a risky proposition, especially if other vehicles might be on the road. This CatEye light set runs on common batteries and is plenty bright enough to see where you are going, and allows you to be seen.

  • Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic

    Make & Model - Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic
    Colorway - Black (shown), red, gray, orange, blue, white
    Capacity - 40 L
    Cargo Area (approx.) - 16.5 in H x 12.6 in W x 6.7 in D
    Weight - 4 lbs, 3 oz
    MSRP - $180
    URL - http://www.ortliebusa.com
    Notes - Ortlieb's pair of rear panniers are made of PVC-coated polyester fabric and close with a fold-over configuration, making them completely dustproof and protected from water splash coming from all directions. These panniers are incredibly rugged, to say the least. We like how they feature a quick-release handle at the top that allows them to be easily removed from the bike's rack. They include a shoulder strap that turn these panniers into shoulder carry bags when you need to load or unload them away from the bike. Inner pockets and large reflectors round out this great pannier option.

    Ortlieb's pair of rear panniers are made of PVC-coated polyester fabric and close with a fold-over configuration, making them completely dustproof and protected from water splash coming from all directions.

  • Ortlieb Front-Roller Classic

    Make & Model - Ortlieb Front-Roller Classic
    Colorway - Yellow (shown), black, red, gray, orange, blue, white
    Capacity - 25 L
    Cargo Area (approx.) - 11.8 in H x 9.8 in W x 5.5 in D
    Weight - 3lb, 8 oz
    MSRP - $160
    URL - http://www.ortliebusa.com
    Notes - Almost identical to Ortlieb's rear panniers, also featured here, the fronts are just smaller and capable of carrying 25 liters of gear. Adding gear on the front of your bike allows you to carry more supplies, but be careful to keep the loads on either side relatively equal in weight to maintain balanced handing characteristics.

    Almost identical to Ortlieb's rear panniers, the fronts are just smaller and capable of carrying 25 liters of gear. Adding gear on the front of your bike allows you to carry more supplies, but be careful to keep the loads on either balanced.

  • Planet Bike PB Cage

    Make & Model - Planet Bike PB Cage
    Colorway - Silver (shown), various
    Weight - 2.3 oz
    MSRP - $5
    URL - http://www.planetbike.com
    Notes - This aluminum bottle cage is available in 10 different colors and holds any standard sport bottle in place during your long trip to safety.

    This aluminum bottle cage is available in 10 different colors and holds any standard sport bottle in place during your long trip to safety.

  • Racktime Top-It

    Make & Model - Racktime Top-It
    Maximum Load - 22 lbs
    Weight - 1 lb, 3.2 oz
    MSRP - $55
    URL - http://www.ortliebusa.com
    Notes - A front rack is a must if you want to increase the load capabilities of your bike. On it, you can install front panniers as we did here. It also provides you extra space to mount yet another a bag — or, as in our case, we left it open to add whatever item we scavenge when on the road. This rack, like the others, does require threaded holes in your frame for proper installation, so do consult the manufacturer's website for installation information.

    Check out the Racktime Top-It: a front rack is a must if you want to increase the load capabilities of your bike.

  • Safariland Bike Gear Bag

    Make & Model - Safariland Bike Gear Bag
    Capacity - 6.9 L
    Cargo Area (approx.) - 10 in L x 6 in W x 7 in D
    Weight - 1 lb, 10 oz
    MSRP - $65
    URL - http://www.safarilandpatrolbikes.com
    Notes - This bag was designed with input from both bicycle-mounted police officers and bike enthusiasts. It has a deceivingly spacious interior that encompasses a durable pocket for small items and a collapsible "false floor" for items you'd like to keep out of immediate sight. It is constructed from sturdy, water-resistant nylon materials, which are specifically blended to resist environmental changes. The top cover is equipped with exterior bungee drawstrings to quickly secure loose items. The top and sides each have zippered pockets for extra storage options.

    The Safariland Bike Gear Bag has a deceivingly spacious interior that encompasses a durable pocket for small items and a collapsible "false floor" for items you'd like to keep out of immediate sight.

  • Timbuk2 Goody Bento Box Top Tube Pack

    Make & Model - Timbuk2 Goody Bento Box Top Tube Pack
    Capacity - 1 L
    Dimensions - 6.7 in L x 3.9 in W x 2.8 in H
    Weight - 5 oz
    MSRP - $35
    URL - http://www.timbuk2.com
    Notes - This bag attaches to your bike's top tube with hook and loop straps. The top external smartphone pocket is clear and retains touchscreen functionality. If not using a phone, paper maps can be tucked in it for weather-resistant reference. The generous interior can hold up a liter worth of items that you need to have access to during your ride. Sunscreen, lip balm, bike repair gear, or a knife — you won't have to choose since it will fit them all.

    The Timbuk2 Goody Bento Box Top Tube Pack has a top external smartphone pocket that is clear and retains touchscreen functionality or can be used to view paper maps too.

  • Topeak Explorer MTX Rack

    Make & Model - Topeak Explorer MTX Rack
    Maximum Load - 55 lbs
    Weight - 1 lb, 6 oz
    MSRP - $45
    URL - http://www.topeak.com
    Notes - This rear rack is sturdy, easy to install, and a basic piece of kit for your bike if you intend on making it a mule. On it, you can mount a trunk type bag as well as panniers. To keep this piece light weight Topeak elected to make it out of 6061 T-6 hollow aluminum.

    This rear rack is sturdy, easy to install, and a basic piece of kit for your bike if you intend on making it a mule.

Must-Have Accessories

Along with safety equipment such as gloves and a helmet for your noggin, we recommend taking a look at aftermarket seats if you don't find yours comfortable to sit on for hours on end. Also, to keep your bicycle on the road, and you on the move, we highly recommend a few tools and accessories to keep packed on the bike.

Must-Have Accessories

  • Avenir Big Mouth Bike Bag – medium

    Make & Model - Avenir Big Mouth Bike Bag - medium
    MSRP - $15
    URL - http://www.avenirusa.com

    Keep all your little tools, gadgets, and maybe even a power bar or two handy in this tiny little saddle pack from Avenir.

  • Camelbak Podium Chill 21 oz

    Make & Model - Camelbak Podium Chill 21 oz
    MSRP - $12
    URL - http://shop.camelbak.com

    The Camelback Podium Chill is the perfect water bottle for you when you're on the go and holds 21 oz for when you don't want to strap on your Camelback pack for a short ride.

  • crankbrothers Multi-17 Tool

    Make & Model - crankbrothers Multi-17 Tool
    MSRP - $27
    URL - http://www.crankbrothers.com

    Once you carry around the crankbrothers multi-17 tool you'll wonder why you didn't before, it's perfect to have with you on your bike ride for when the unexpected happens.

  • Lezyne Road Drive

    Make & Model - Lezyne Road Drive
    MSRP - $45
    URL - http://www.lezyne.com
    Notes - The Road Drive is a light weight hand pump that pumps up to 160 psi of pressure. Note that it is for use on Presta valves only. It comes with a mount that attaches to the same points as bottle cages.

    The Lezyne Road Drive is a light weight hand pump - so you can carry it around with you - that pumps up to 160 psi of pressure.

  • Novara Patch Kit

    Make & Model - Novara Patch Kit
    MSRP - $3
    URL - http://www.rei.com/novara

    Keep the Novara Patch Kit on you in case you pop a tire but still need to ride home!

  • Sigma Sport BC 5.12

    Make & Model - Sigma Sport BC 5.12
    MSRP - $25
    URL - http://www.sigmasport.com/us

    Not for everyone, but if you want to know exactly how far you've traveled, or you need help with navigation, the Sigma Sport BC 5.12 is for you.

  • Specialized Standard Tube

    Make & Model - Specialized Standard Tube
    MSRP - $13
    URL - http://www.specialized.com

    The Specialized Standard Tube is what you need to have on hand in the event that the damage to your tire cannot be repaired and you need to replace it instead.

Choosing a Bicycle

Bicycles come in all different flavors, as do their riders, intended terrain, carrying load, and distance to be ridden. Picking the right bicycle can be tricky — and writing about how to pick the right bicycle can be even trickier. This topic can quickly become a 100-page dissertation, but we only have the space inside this little box, so we'll make it brief.

We are speaking in generalities here so you have a cursory idea of what to look for in a bike, but the experts at your local bicycle shop will be able to nail down the specifics of what bike will best fit your needs. Remember that fit is of upmost importance, so getting a bike that is the correct size for you along with being fitted to the proper seat height and handle bar adjustments is critical for riding comfort and efficiency.

Road Bikes

road-bike

Good on pavement, road bikes are the sports cars of bicycles. They feature nimble handling, are built lighter, and are capable of greater speeds than other bikes when ridden on relatively smooth roads.

Hybrid Bikes

hybrid-bike

Hybrid bikes work well on everything from smooth pavement to gravel roads. They are generally built for comfort, ease of use, and sturdiness. Hybrids are heavier than typical road bikes, but feature heavier-duty wheels, wider tires, and a more comfortable upright-style seating position. Like mountain bikes, many hybrids offer front suspension options. We prefer this type of bike in urban settings to base a build around.

Mountain Bikes

mountain-bike

Good on dirt and rocky roads, as well as rough roads with uneven pavement. Mountain bikes can be looked at as the Jeeps of the bike world. Many of them feature suspensions, some on the front only, and some with shocks front and back. If you are planning to ride on both soft surfaces such as dirt as well as pavement, a front suspension-only, or “hardtail” bike, is what you'll want. The idea of having a suspension in front and back might sound appealing, but the shocks on a bike make pedaling inefficient on hard surfaces — reducing speed, making the bike heavier, and sometimes even compromising the number of gear attachment points. They are great for complete off-road riding, however, providing more rear-wheel traction.

Fat Bikes

fat-bike

Fat bikes hail from the snow banks of Alaska and the deserts of New Mexico. They are essentially mountain bikes built with wider frames so they can accommodate extremely wide rims and tires. These “fat” wheels allow fat bikes to traverse a large range of terrain effortlessly and feel very stable to ride.