Improvised Weapon: The Millwall Brick

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When studying improvised weapons, it's often useful to look outside the realm of pure self-defense, and study groups who actively incite violence. For example, incarcerated criminals in super-max prisons have come up with some extremely creative and brutal weapons using limited resources. Although we certainly can't condone the way a criminal might use a toothbrush shiv or handmade blade, we can learn from their twisted ingenuity to better prepare ourselves for self-defense without pre-made weapons.

Improvised weapons may not look like much, but they can be just as effective as a purpose-built implement.

Improvised weapons may not look like much, but they can be extremely effective in the right hands.

Like prison inmates, another subculture known for its “unruly, violent and destructive behavior” is that of British football hooligans (extreme soccer fans). These hooligan gangs, colloquially known as firms, became known for all-out brawls with other rival firms before, during, or after football matches. Fighting reached such levels of violence in the 1960s and 1970s that many sports venues were forced to ban anything that could remotely be seen as a weapon, including boots, metal combs, and even pens. This, of course, wasn't going to stop the hooligans—they just got more creative.

Millwall brick football stadium

Intense rivalries between hooligan firms can easily turn a football match into a fist fight.

That brings us to a surprisingly simple improvised weapon: the Millwall Brick. Named after Millwall F.C. of southeast London, this weapon was allegedly invented by hooligans to circumvent weapon confiscation by police at football matches. The construction is simple: fold a newspaper into a long thin strip, then fold the strip in half, forming a solid “brick”.

Millwall brick 02

Here's a video that demonstrates how it's made:

The tight layering of newspaper creates a club-like “brick” that can be incredibly devastating when swung full-force. There are several other variations on the Millwall Brick, including:

  • Wrapped tightly with cordage, such as shoe laces
  • Attached to a length of cordage, then swung from it
  • Soaked in liquid to add weight
  • Filled with coins to add more weight
  • Spiked with a nail, pencil, or sharp object on the outer layer

As you can imagine, this simple improvised weapon is far more damaging than a fist. Its simple construction and innocuous materials also made it almost impossible to confiscate—stadium security guards couldn't exactly confiscate newspapers or pocket change.

Millwall brick 01

An ordinary newspaper is about as unassuming as it gets, but given a few seconds, it can be a powerful weapon.

If you someday need to defend yourself and have no weapons on hand, keep the Millwall Brick in mind. Newspapers are always available in urban settings, and one just might save you from a beating someday.

 

Oru Kayak Folds Like Origami

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You may have already read our article on Bug-Out Kayaks—if you haven't, we'd encourage you to check it out. Kayaks are an excellent bug-out vehicle for anyone who lives near a lake, river, or the even the ocean. They're fast, silent, and can carry hundreds of pounds in gear with you to your destination. Best of all, they're easy to use and totally reliable, with no moving parts or expensive fuel to worry about.

Oru Kayak folding boat 02

There is, however, one issue with the traditional kayak: its size. Although they're light, kayaks are bulky and unwieldy to carry, and they can't be stowed in a small closet or the trunk of your car. After experiencing this issue firsthand while living in a small San Francisco apartment, architect Anton Willis came up with an idea for a kayak that folded up like paper origami. Soon, he had a working prototype, and in 2012, the Oru Kayak was unveiled to the public.

From a survival standpoint, the Oru Kayak has some huge advantages. It's light (as little as 26 lbs), compact, and fast to set up. In fact, it can be done in 5 minutes or less, which is perfect if you need to bug out in a hurry. Here's a video of how the Oru Kayak is unfolded and assembled:

Obviously, with all these advantages, there is a small catch in the form of the price. The basic Oru Kayak Bay model starts at $1,275, and some of the more advanced models go for nearly $2,500. To put that into perspective, an ordinary entry-level kayak might only cost you $200-400. Fortunately, the company does accept monthly payments to ease the strain on your wallet.

Oru Kayak folding boat 03

Regardless, we'd say this compact folding kayak would make a great bug-out vehicle, or even a backup option to stow in your bug-out car or truck. Its compact size and light weight could make a significant improvement to your bug-out plans. To learn more about the Oru Kayak, visit orukayak.com.

XStat Seals Gunshot Wounds in Seconds

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There's no denying that getting shot is a terrifying situation, especially during a survival scenario when there's a huge risk of bleeding out before finding medical attention. However, there's a piece of military technology that has proven effective at quickly and effectively sealing gunshot and shrapnel wounds: the XStat. Fortunately for us, the XStat has just been approved by the FDA for purchase and use by civilian doctors.

The XStat is a unique syringe-like contraption that injects a group of small, rapidly expanding sponges into a wound cavity. These sponges are super-absorbent, and soak up as much as a pint of blood to create pressure on the wound. In addition, a chitosan (aka quick clot) coating on the sponges promotes blood clotting and helps the wound resist bacteria. The combination of expansive pressure and quick-clotting agent can stop a life-threatening hemorrhage in 20 seconds or less.

Xstat gunshot wound sealant 01

XStat was originally developed by Oregon-based company RevMedX, and has been used by the United States military since April 2014. On December 7th, 2015, the FDA officially cleared it for civilian use on “patients at high risk for immediate, life-threatening, and severe hemorrhagic shock and non-compressible junctional wounds”. The device is especially useful for wounds that can't be easily wrapped in a tourniquet, such as those in the groin or armpit. The XStat sponges can remain in place for up to four hours, providing time for the patient to receive medical care. In order to make sure all the sponges can be easily removed by doctors, each is pre-loaded with a marker that will show up clearly on an X-ray.

Xstat gunshot wound sealant 04

William Maisel, Director of the FDA's Office of Device Evaluation said in a press release, “When a product is developed for use in the battlefield, it is generally intended to work in a worst-case scenario where advanced care might not be immediately available. It is exciting to see this technology transition to help civilian first responders control some severe, life-threatening bleeding while on the trauma scene.”

Xstat gunshot wound sealant 03

For now, the XStat is federally restricted to “sale by or on the order of a physician”. So, unless you're a doctor or have close connections with one, you'll have a hard time getting one for your first-aid kit. However, this compact high-tech wound dressing is an impressive life-saving tool, and we'd love to have one or two on hand someday if SHTF. We hope it continues to see wider availability in the future.

Poll: Which Natural Disaster are You Most Prepared For?

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We've mentioned previously that it's essential to be prepared for natural disasters before they happen. Of course, depending on where you live and what the geographic conditions are, you may be prepared more for one type of disaster than another. Californians living near the San Andreas fault would be wise to prep for earthquakes, while those on the Gulf Coast should be ready for tropical storms and floods.

That said, we want to hear something from you, our readers—what type of natural disaster are you most prepared for? This information will help us know what topics to cover in the future, and what topics you're most interested in learning more about. So, please help us out by completing the poll below. (Submitting your location, age, and gender is optional.)

If the natural disaster you're most prepared for isn't listed here, post it in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Survival Slingshot Review

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Remember the story of David and Goliath? Even if you didn't learn it in Sunday school as a kid, you've likely heard it referenced many times as the ultimate underdog tale. Using nothing more than a leather sling and a few stones, the story tells how the ordinary shepherd boy David toppled the terrifying giant Goliath. A sling uses rotational inertia to launch a projectile, instead of a slingshot‘s elastic bands, but the point of the story remains relevant: even a stone-throwing “primitive” weapon has the potential to topple fearsome foes.

Survival Slingshot

The Survival Slingshot fires 1/4-inch steel ball bearings with considerable power and accuracy.

When we first heard about the Survival Slingshot, it immediately caught our attention. It's a tool that takes the simple concept of a slingshot, and brings it into the 21st century with modern materials and technology. This fusion of old and new yields what the manufacturer claims to be “a key part of any survival kit or bug out bag”. We wanted to test this claim, so we decided to get our hands on one for a Survival Slingshot review.

The Survival Slingshot is available in several models, ranging from the affordable Standard slingshot for a mere $49.95, all the way to the top-of-the-line Ultimate with Laser Sight for $199.95. The idea of a laser sight on a slingshot sounded interesting, so we opted for the Ultimate edition, which also includes a “whisker biscuit” and special band for shooting arrows (more on that later).

Initial Impressions

Here's everything we received with our Survival Slingshot Ultimate.

Here's everything we received with our Survival Slingshot Ultimate. The extra ammunition is sold separately.

Upon unboxing the Survival Slingshot Ultimate, we were surprised by the sheer quantity of accessories it comes with. Rather than list them all out, we'll explore them one at a time, just like we did when we opened the packaging.

Survival Slingshot 02

Here's what you get with the Standard slingshot (empty spare ammo container not included).

The basic Survival Slingshot consists of a matte black, hollow aircraft aluminum handle with an attached folding wrist support. The spring steel wrist support snaps in place on the handle, and includes a padded section that rests on top of your forearm. The removable yoke slides upwards to secure itself on the handle via friction, and comes with 25lb-draw elastic bands and a leather shot pouch.

Also included are two clear plastic ammo tubes, approximately 24 1/4-inch steel shots, two heavy-duty black rubber bands, three pages of full-color instructions, and a key ring (we're not sure what that's for, to be honest).

Survival Slingshot 03

The hollow, water-tight handle is excellent for storing survival supplies, such as ammo or a lighter.

Did you notice that we mentioned that the aluminum handle is hollow? Unscrewing the base reveals a wealth of survival gear. Every Survival Slingshot model includes the following items:

  • Fishing kit with line, 2 weights, 3 barbed fish hooks, and a swivel
  • Sewing kit with white thread, 2 needles, and 2 safety pins
  • Plastic bag with approximately 12 extra steel shots
  • Mini compass built into the aluminum handle cap

The 6″ x 0.875″ handle cavity can also store 2 of the clear plastic ammo containers (48 steel shots total) or other essential items such as matches, a mini Bic lighter, or a small pen or pocket knife. It's even water-tight thanks to a rubber O-ring in the cap.

The archery

The adjustable archery “whisker biscuit” is used for accurately firing arrows.

Also included in the Ultimate model are 4 other items which we'll discuss as we install them: the Trophy Ridge archery “whisker biscuit”, the 45lb-draw quick-change archery yoke, the tactical LED light, and the laser sight.

Assembly & Setup

Four small screws attach the whisker biscuit to the slingshot.

Four small Phillips screws attach the 1.25″ split ring whisker biscuit to the slingshot.

The archery whisker biscuit bracket attaches to the front of the handle with four small screws, and can be adjusted for elevation and windage, or simply pivoted out of the way when you're not firing arrows. Two wing nuts and a small hex bolt on the bracket permit the user to make these adjustments quickly. The large hole at the base of the bracket serves as a reel mounting point for bow fishing—yes, you can even bow fish with this slingshot.

There's also the quick-change archery yoke, which has a stronger 45lb draw and nylon bow string section instead of the leather pouch. It's held in place by friction, and can be swapped with the regular yoke in seconds without tools.

The

The laser can be attached to the archery bracket in “center line” position, as seen here.

Next, we tried mounting the laser in both possible configurations: “center line” style attached to the archery bracket (pictured above), and side-mount style attached to the slingshot handle itself (pictured below). The laser has two small hex screws for precise sight adjustment.

We preferred attaching the laser in side-mount position, rather than using the archery bracket.

We preferred attaching the weaver rail and laser in side-mount position, rather than using the archery bracket.

We weren't impressed with the <1MW red laser pointer's daytime visibility, but it can be swapped easily for a more powerful weaver-rail-mounted unit (such as a green laser). Just be sure it's low-profile enough that it won't get hit by projectiles in the center line position (side-mounting avoids this caveat).

Survival Slingshot 15

The LED flashlight attaches to the handle with a second bolt-on weaver rail.

Finally, there's the LED flashlight attachment. We found the 3x AAA-powered Harbor Freight brand flashlight to be similar in quality to the laser—far from impressive. Fortunately, like the laser, the light can easily be swapped for any model of your choosing, as long as it's approximately 1 inch in diameter. We'll probably end up using a more powerful AA-powered flashlight.

Three AAA batteries provide power for the LED flashlight.

Three AAA batteries provide power for the LED flashlight.

Target Shooting

The manufacturer recommends holding the slingshot at a near-horizontal angle, and drawing back to your cheek.

It's recommended to hold the slingshot at 45 to 90 degrees from upright, and drawing back to your cheek.

So, the Survival Slingshot Ultimate has a lot of features, but how does it perform in the real world?  We tested it out to find the answer.

With the provided 1/4″ steel shot and standard 25lb yoke, the slingshot is easy to draw and fire. Unlike some bows and other projectile weapons, it doesn't require much physical strength to fire shot after shot consistently. Survival Slingshot also sells stronger 45-55lb draw bands, which are standard for archery kits and optional for pellets/shot. As you'd expect, these provide much more power, but are also more difficult to fire repeatedly without muscle fatigue.

Survival Slingshot 04

You can use steel shot, marbles, or simply collect pebbles as needed. It's almost impossible to run out of ammo.

As far as accuracy, we're far from experienced with slingshot marksmanship. However, we had no trouble hitting 8- to 10-inch targets from 10 yards every time, especially with the aid of the laser sight. When using the recommended technique of drawing to your cheekbone, it's fairly intuitive to aim.

Pebbles were a little less accurate than the perfectly round steel shots, but we could still put them where we wanted them with ease at this range. The manufacturer claims “250+ yard range” in the safety warnings, but we imagine you'd be lobbing shots to reach that kind of distance. Always wear eye protection when using a slingshot, since the steel shots can ricochet easily off hard surfaces. Remember: it's not a toy.

With the wrist support folded,

With the wrist support folded, the slingshot becomes quite compact. Included rubber bands can be used to hold it in...

It's safe to say this is a very approachable weapon for novices, given the use of the standard 25lb yoke. If you're using the 45-55lb yoke, you'll have a lot more power, but dialing in the accuracy will require more patience and stamina. With practice, we'd consider this a very effective weapon for hunting small game.

Conclusions

Survival Slingshot 00

We'll close with a few overall pros and cons for the Survival Slingshot:

Pros

  • Strong and lightweight aluminum construction
  • Brilliant waterproof storage tube with useful survival supplies included
  • Lots of possible configurations with weaver rails
  • Easy to use without fatigue when using standard 25lb yoke
  • Accurate and intuitive to fire, even for novices
  • Standard version is very affordable at $50

Cons

  • Optional extras increase price substantially (over $200 as tested)
  • Friction-fit yoke tends to come loose over time, and could really use a retention clip or strap of some kind
  • Laser and flashlight are mediocre quality and not very bright, but can be replaced easily
  • Finish on the metal wrist support was imperfect out of the box, with noticeable chips and scratches

Survival Slingshot 11

The standard Survival Slingshot is an excellent tool for any survivalist, and at the entry-level price of under $50, it's hard to find fault with the basic design. The other models' accessories increase the price substantially, and we felt bang-for-the-buck wasn't quite as high at the Ultimate's $200 MSRP. However, if you're looking for a compact, silent, and reliable small game hunting weapon that virtually never runs out of ammo, the Survival Slingshot is a great choice.

To learn more or purchase a Survival Slingshot, visit SurvivalSlingshot.com.

CRKT Christmas Giveaway

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In the spirit of the holidays, CRKT just announced they're giving away over $400 in gear to one lucky Facebook fan. It's totally free to enter—all you need is to be over 18, a US resident, and have a Facebook account. CRKT wants to hit 100,000 likes on Facebook, and once they get there, they'll give away the gear.

The Ruger Knives Go'N Heavy, one of the items you could win from CRKT.

The Ruger Knives Go-N-Heavy, one of the items you could win from CRKT.

So, first of all, what is this “over $400” in gear they mentioned? Here's the list from their blog:

CRKT Christmas Giveaway

Entering the contest is simple. Just click here to visit CRKT's Facebook page, and hit the “Like Page” button in the top right. Then, like the photo and submit a comment to enter your name.

For full details and rules for the CRKT Christmas Giveaway contest, check out CRKT's blog post.

Tasting Canned Protein – Vegetarians Need Not Apply

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It's been a month since the nation's power grids went down and with them almost all modern conveniences. Grocery stores are either sold out or were gutted by looters weeks ago. Fast-food joints are all shut down. Hoping to nuke your favorite Hungry-Man meal? Forget about it. Freezers and microwaves have stopped working. Most urban-dwellers are living off of prepackaged foods or what they can scrounge from their backyard gardens.

Naturally, you're better prepared and equipped than most. Though your fresh provisions have been exhausted, your inventory of nonperishable food is well stocked. (After all, it's been suggested that one needs to store two years' worth of food.) As grateful as you are to not be starving, you don't want to be eating crackers and pinto beans for God knows how long.

Luckily, you had the foresight to invest in the wonderful commodity of tasty, tasty meat. And all sorts of it. Whether the animal once roamed the earth by land, sea, or air, there's a good chance you'll find it turned into portable cuisine-in-a-can to be enjoyed for years to come. In a long-term survival situation, canned meat can not only provide much needed calories and protein, but also offer a huge boost in morale when times look desperate. But have you actually tasted the canned food you're storing?

Your intrepid editors at OFFGRID are putting our palates — and our digestive tracts — on the line to bring you a blow-by-blow report of which meats are treats and which ones are gastro horrors. To present the most objective review possible — or just to share in this author's misery of having to eat canned meats every night for a week straight — he enlisted OFFGRID's editor, Patrick Vuong, and managing editor, John Schwartze, to help judge in the taste tests. Read on to find out which can contained the most amount of whoop-ass once opened and which one sent us reaching for the garbage bin.

Boiled Oysterspampa-boiled-oysters

Make & Model
Pampa Boiled Oysters
Notable ingredients:
Whole oysters, water, salt
Size
8 oz.

Tester #1:
Patrick Vuong

At First Bite: Chewing one right out of the can was like taking a bite out of the ocean. Mark this one under “poor life choices.”

Overall: Don't get me wrong, I love oysters. When shucked and served with lemon, vinegar, a dash of cocktail sauce, horseradish, and some Tapatio, fresh oysters are one of the most delectable foods on the planet — this briny, boiled version was not. In fact, it was a complete and utter mistake. Even after I breaded and deep-fried it, the canned oysters still tasted like the Pacific Ocean took a dump in my mouth. If I ever were holed up in my compound with the world crumbling around me, I would never eat this again. Instead, I'd try to use it as bait…though I'm not sure I'd catch anything but cockroaches with it.

Tester #2:
John Schwartze

At First Bite: Ewww, nasty!

Overall: I haven't felt this grossed out since I watched Hostel. Oysters are something I've always hated. Freshly shucked with all the fixings is still something I avoid. This was a gagger alright. Could barely get the first one down and couldn't bring myself to finish the rest for fear of a “reversal.” About the only way I could down these is either with a strong chaser, dipped in batter and deep fried, or used in some kind of stew to mask the flavor. I'm sure others would happily and easily down a can of these with no problem, but I'm not one of those people with the necessary acquired taste. Perhaps they'd be better used as bait, chum, or punishment for a misbehaving child since castor oil is out of vogue now.pampa-boiled-oysters

Tester #3:
Martin Anders

At First Bite: Cracking the can open was a pretty horrifying experience. Why does this even exist?

Overall: If you enjoy eating what looks like the spawn of the Alien queen, then this is the canned meat for you. Add to that the sensation of an ocean-soaked sponge unleashing its salty brine in your mouth and you get an inkling of what it's like to have this slide down your throat. That's all I have to say about that.

Chickenhormel-premium-chicken-breast

Make & Model
Hormel Premium Chicken Breast
Notable ingredients:
(Not a complete list) Chicken breast meat with rib meat, water, sea salt, sodium phosphates
Size
5 oz.

Tester #1:
Patrick Vuong

At First Bite: Tasted like chicken — if by chicken I meant dried meat packed into small chunks and rehydrated by bathing it in salt water. But, yeah, it tastes like the real deal.

Overall: I'm a huge fan of fried chicken, chicken wings, breaded chicken, chicken breast, popcorn chicken, and pretty much anything derivative of this type of poultry, so my opinion was a little skewed — I was really hoping it would be better. I know, I know, it's from a can. Don't get me wrong, it tastes fine. And, you can eat this cold from the can, heated up, with a sandwich, or mixed in with other dishes, so it's quite versatile. In a disaster scenario, I'd be a happy little survivalist if this were the only ration left in the pantry.hormel-premium-chicken-breast

Tester #2:
John Schwartze

At First Bite: It reminded me of eating Thanksgiving leftovers. Tasty!

Overall: This is my pick of the litter. The meat was moist and flavorful. There are a million different things you can do to jazz it up, but eating this by itself out of the can was definitely good. There are plenty of nutrients, but my only complaint is that there's really only about one serving worth of meat inside. It's chunky and not shredded, so it doesn't really fill up the can. You'd have to get a lot of these if you wanted something good that would last for a while. I may start buying this as a viable alternative to cold cuts for sandwiches.

Tester #3:
Martin Anders

At First Bite: Let's just call this Tuna of the Land.

Overall: At first bite, I thought for a split second that this chicken was tuna. Maybe it's because it comes in a can, swimming in salted water. That said, I have to say that it's exactly as advertised. Unlike most of the other meats in this taste test (and the nuggets I ate for lunch today), the meat here is clearly made of real chunks of chicken breast. It's a bit dry, but still makes for some good eats.

Nitrates vs. Nitrites

While good nutrition is certainly important to one's survival, the choice between starving and not starving is clear. Eating a preservative and sodium packed can of meat might not be your first choice when you've just enrolled yourself in a Pilates class, but when times get tough, the choice to eat potted meat is a clear one to make.

The arguments for and against nitrites and other additives are a bit controversial. Some say they're terrible for your health and some say those claims are greatly exaggerated. Many canned meats are preserved with additives such as nitrates and nitrites that keep them from spoiling.

For those against them, they point out that although nitrates are a normal part of our diets, excessive levels have been linked to diseases like leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and many cancers. Sodium nitrate and potassium nitrite, which appear in our tested meats, are added to cured meat to preserve color, prevent fats from going rancid, and inhibit bacteria from growing. But it is said that if nitrites are exposed to high heat, such as during cooking, they will have the potential of becoming carcinogenic. To eat or not to eat, the choice is yours.

Crab Meatcrown-prince-crab-meat

Make & Model
Crown Prince Crab Meat
Notable ingredients:
(Not a complete list) Crab meat, water, salt, sodium acid pyrophosphate, calcium disodium EDTA, sodium metabisulphite
Size
12 oz.

Tester #1:
Patrick Vuong

At First Bite: Would you like some cold crab with your salt? All sodium jokes aside, this canned shellfish wasn't that radically different from the ridiculously expensive stuff you buy at a swanky restaurant.

Overall: I didn't think it was possible, but you actually can (pun intended) satiate your appetite for exquisite seafood dining in a SHTF scenario. The meat was shredded to tiny bits and salty, but otherwise authentic — especially when heated up to supplement other foods. I tried it with good ol' mac and cheese, but eating it with crackers would also be flavorful and more plausible in a survival situation.crown-prince-crab-meat

Tester #2:
John Schwartze

At First Bite: Was pleasantly surprised. The meat was tender and not too salty. There were tiny bits of shell, but that's to be expected.

Overall: People pay beaucoup bucks to crack through shells to get to this stuff. Heated up it was pretty tasty. With some drawn butter it really wouldn't have been too far off from what you get in a restaurant, and you're paying a lot less. If I had to eat this to survive it'd certainly be far from agonizing. I think eating it day after day would get a bit old in a hurry, but I certainly wouldn't pass it up if I were desperate for food. If I were to also end up with some nice crackers to put this on, who knows, I may be holding TEOTWAWKI social mixers with these as hors d'oeuvres.

Tester #3:
Martin Anders

At First Bite: Direct from the can, the crab meat is soaked in a salty brine and is flaky in texture.

Overall: The crab is clearly canned from the leftover parts from bigger, more desirable pieces. The flavor has a slight chemical taste that is reminiscent of the smell of a brand new pair of Nikes, oddly enough. If you think that sounds strange, try a taste of this crab! Overlooking the chemical taste, I'd say that it's something that I could live off of. Given repeated servings, I could get used to it.

Corned Beef Hashhormel-mary-kitchen-corned-beef-hash

Make & Model
Hormel Mary Kitchen Corned Beef Hash
Notable ingredients:
(Not a complete list) Beef, rehydrated potatoes, water, salt, sugar, sodium nitrite
Size
25 oz.

Tester #1:
Patrick Vuong

At First Bite: Straight from the can, it surprisingly tasted like decent pâté with some potatoes.

Overall: I can certainly eat this cold straight out of the container, but it tasted even better after I fired it up on the skillet and ate it with scrambled eggs. Considering this is old potatoes mixed with low-grade cow parts preserved with sodium nitrite, the corned beef hash was rather pleasant and almost tasted like it didn't come from a can at all. It gets a thumbs-up.

Tester #2:
John Schwartze

At First Bite: Good. A little greasy and salty, but the potatoes were nice and firm.

Overall: I guess the true question you should be asking is, “Would I eat any of these by choice.” For this, a big yes. I don't think I've ever had canned corned beef hash so was anxious to try this. Served cold it was quite good, and warmed up, even better. You could mix this with all kinds of things to improve it as well: cheese, eggs, sauce, sandwich filling, etc. This would be a great food source during tough times that's appetizing and nutritious. I'd imagine kids would become receptive to this one as well. Next to the chicken I'd have to say this was my second favorite and would eat it on a regular basis.hormel-mary-kitchen-corned-beef-hash

Tester #3:
Martin Anders

At First Bite: Everything you need in one can.

Overall: Clearly better if it were heated up on a skillet, the corned beef hash is a bit of a cheat in this test since it contains both beef and potatoes. It's got everything a hungry survivalist needs to be satisfied. Eaten cold, it is chunky, but still very palatable. Some Tabasco would put this selection over the top.

Deviled Hamunderwood-deviled-ham-spread

Make & Model
Underwood Deviled Ham Spread
Notable ingredients:
(Not a complete list) Ham (cured with water, salt, brown sugar, sodium nitrite)
Size
4.25 oz.

Tester #1:
Patrick Vuong

At First Bite: Hello, high blood pressure. Meet deviled ham spread.

Overall: This was essentially a really salty pâté — but a good one nonetheless. Out of the can, it tasted like a decent meat paste. However, there's really not a whole lot in each tiny can, so you'd have to either buy a ton to have enough sustenance or use it as a flavor enhancer for other foods. You could spread it on crackers or bread…or cake it all over the canned boiled oysters to mask the mollusks' disgusting flavor.

Tester #2:
John Schwartze

At First Bite: A little salty, but pretty decent.

Overall: It's definitely no Easter ham in terms of flavor, so don't expect it to be sweet or smoky. Out of the can it's not a bad way to go, and the meat was moist. Even though the contents take up the entire can, the can itself is so small it's only worth about one serving of food for an adult male. I definitely wouldn't pass this up though. It's pretty tasty and versatile. I finished the can with no complaints. Warmed up it's even better.underwood-deviled-ham-spread

Tester #3:
Martin Anders

At First Bite: It's salty meat spread.

Overall: The flavor isn't bad, but it's very salty. I wouldn't attempt eating this straight unless it's all I had. I do think it's perfect to spread onto crackers or accompany flavorless foods such as rice. Heating it up might increase its appeal. The can has a pull-tab cap and is smaller than a hockey puck, which makes it easy to stow.

How Long Can I Store It For?

Canned foods low in acid, such as corn or peas, can last for about five years. Canned foods high in acid like tomatoes can keep 18 months or more. It's all about how the cans are stored. You want to keep them away from heat and humidity. Storage in dry and dark places that range in temperature from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for long-term storage. For more on expiration date management, see “For a Limited Time Only” in OFFGRID's Spring 2014 issue.

Know Can Do

Canned meat isn't just good for sustenance. It also offers a useful byproduct: the aluminum can itself. In desperate times, know that the can…well, can be repurposed for all sorts of uses. Below are just a few examples:

  • Cup
  • Candle holder
  • Rain water catch
  • Pot for cooking or boiling
  • Berry and nut basket (if you have to gather food)
  • Security alarm when combined with rocks and some string (see “Early Warning System” in OFFGRID's Fall 2014 issue)

Spamhormel-spam-teriyaki

Make & Model
Hormel Spam Teriyaki
Notable ingredients:
(Not a complete list) Pork with ham, salt, water, modified potato starch, sodium nitrite
Size
12 oz.

Tester #1:
Patrick Vuong

At First Bite: It's Spam with a hint of East Asia…and slathered in a saline sauce.

Overall: Who doesn't love this mystery meat? I enjoy it on occasion as a component of fried rice, as a complement to eggs, or as the main ingredient in Spam musubi. So I figured the teriyaki version would be just as good. To my surprise, it was really salty — and that's saying a lot for Spam. While it would be most agreeable with a generous amount of white rice, I'll probably stock my provisions with regular Spam and save this version for when I want to feel extra Asian.

Tester #2:
John Schwartze

At First Bite: Flavorful, but please don't pass the salt.

Overall: Spam is something else I can't remember the last time I ate outside of some Hawaiian cuisine that uses it. Mine was teriyaki so had a bit more flavor than expected, but was really salty. Comparatively speaking it was pretty good — the texture was firm, and could be used as a nice grilled steak, as filling in a sandwich, or chopped up and served with other things. This would be another I'd happily resort to if times got lean. Its versatility, flavor, and texture make it a worthwhile resource, and I may actually start using this more often to find new and exciting ways to make it taste good when mixed with other ingredients. Plus, I can sing the Monty Python Spam song while I'm cooking it as an added bonus!hormel-spam-teriyaki

Tester #3:
Martin Anders

At First Bite: It's a brick of meat; what's not to like?

Overall: Stocking up on Spam in case SHTF is a no-brainer decision. Loading up on this teriyaki version on the other hand is questionable. It's surprisingly sweet, clearly a result from its very strong teriyaki flavor, but it also has an unusual aftertaste that the original flavor doesn't have. I can't say that I'm digging this version, but if you already have a five-year supply of original Spam, it probably wouldn't hurt to throw in a few cans of alternative flavors like this teriyaki version just to mix it up a bit.

Tunachicken-of-the-sea-chunk-light-tuna-in-water

Make & Model
Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna In Water
Notable ingredients:
Chunk light tuna, water, vegetable broth (contains soy), salt
Size
5 oz.

Tester #1:
Patrick Vuong

At First Bite: For those who've never tried canned tuna, it had a salty yet slightly sour texture, followed by a “seafoody” aftertaste.

Overall: If you're a low-carb nut or a fitness freak, you're probably well acquainted with this style of seafood. Some guys I know eat this straight from the tin for lunch — and nothing else. (Tuna is a storehouse of protein, which not only helps build muscle, but also keeps you feeling full longer — which is highly useful when rations are low.) I suggest eating it with veggies, rice, or crackers. I've long gotten used to canned tuna, so this portion of the taste test was fairly ho-hum. I'd rather have a plate of fresh tuna sashimi, but, hey, preppers can't be choosers. I'd venture to guess that in dire circumstances, this tuna would be palatable enough for most people.

Tester #2:
John Schwartze

At First Bite: Tolerable, but definitely not my first choice.

Overall: For some reason I've hated canned tuna since childhood. I enjoy sushi or a nice grilled tuna steak, but can never get into tuna of this kind so my evaluation is a bit biased. This is a good source of protein and nutrients, but my preference would direct me to other sources of canned nourishment if I had the choice. There's a lot you can do to jazz this up with mayo, onions, etc., but in a forced situation with nothing else to use I would likely be using this as a bartering chip more than I would a source of sustenance. My cat was happy to finish the majority that I couldn't, which also makes it a reasonable alternative pet food to keep your four-legged buddies going if there's nothing else to use.chicken-of-the-sea-chunk-light-tuna-in-water

Tester #3:
Martin Anders

At First Bite: Very dry with a sour, tangy flavor.

Overall: Sure, I like myself a good tuna melt once in a while. When I took a mouthful of tuna straight from the can, I was a bit disappointed. This isn't what my tuna melt is made up of is it? Its consistency is similar to overly cooked chicken, soaked in salt water. Can I eat it in a survival situation? Absolutely. Do I wish I had some mayo and other seasonings to add to it? Absolutely.

Vienna Sausagesarmor-vienna-sausages

Make & Model
Armour Vienna Sausage Original
Notable ingredients:
(Not a complete list) Mechanically separated chicken, water, salt, corn syrup, sodium nitrite
Size
4.75 oz.

Tester #1:
Patrick Vuong

At First Bite: This ain't my first time at the Vienna sausage rodeo — easily my favorite dead animal product of this taste test!

Overall: Truth be told, I've been eating these little bad boys since I was a kid (though a lot less after I realized what goes into making them), so I had zero inhibitions when cracking open the lid. These are basically mini hotdogs that you can eat straight up, throw into soup or stew, or douse in ketchup and mustard with some bread. Stock up on Vienna sausages without reservation, folks.

Tester #2:
John Schwartze

At First Bite: Mushier than I expected, but had a nice flavor.

Overall: I don't remember the last time I had one of these that wasn't slathered in barbecue sauce and served hot as some sort of Christmas party appetizer, so my palette was pretty objective. These were quite nice and something I'd definitely stock up on if food became scarce. They weren't too salty and had a nice flavor. I expected a firmer texture, but it wasn't so soft that it was gross. There are a variety of things you could eat these with (sauces, mixed with other items, as a side dish) that would make them a nice part of a complete meal. If you like hot dogs, you'd like this.

Tester #3:
Martin Anders

At First Bite: Seven little piggies all snug in a can.

Overall: A childhood favorite of mine, the Vienna sausage is the younger cousin of the hot dog. By no means is this a gourmet food, but it is enjoyable to eat — especially when you're hungry. I do like the fact that it comes in a small pull-top can. They're painless to carry in a bug-out bag or cargo pant pocket and easy to open when it's time to eat.armor-vienna-sausages

New DVX Safety Sunglasses

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A good pair of sunglasses is extremely important for any survival kit, not only because they cut glare and improve your vision in bright daylight, but because they protect one of your most vulnerable organs: your eyes. Without proper eye protection, you run the risk of things like dust, sand, wood chips, metal fragments, chemicals, or even bloodborne pathogens incapacitating you at a moment's notice. Even if you already wear a pair of sunglasses every day, having a backup pair in your bug-out bag is wise.

DVX Eyewear has released two inexpensive new models that would be well-suited as EDC sunglasses or as backups to your existing gear. The lenses on both these DVX safety sunglasses are rated to meet ANSI Z87 High Velocity and High Mass Impact standards, and the frames are constructed of durable and flexible Triloid Nylon. This results in OSHA-grade protection for your eyes, at a very affordable price point.

DVX sunglasses Axon

The DVX Axon, a new frame and lens combo for 2015.

The first new pair is called the DVX Axon, and it comes with gunmetal frames and Silver Flash lenses. The Axon also features a rubberized nose bridge and temple tips for added comfort and a secure fit, even if you work up a sweat. The Axon retails for $48.

DVX sunglasses Mojave

The matte black DVX Mojave, another new model for 2015.

The second pair is known as the DVX Mojave, and it features stealthy matte black frames with Polarized Grey lenses. The 8-layer polarization on the lenses dramatically cuts glare from water, roadways, snow, or other reflective surfaces. This yields excellent visual clarity in even the brightest conditions. The Mojave retails for $78.

All DVX eyewear products can be found conveniently at Walmart Vision Centers throughout the United States, and they carry a 1-year warranty against defects on frames and lenses. To learn more about DVX safety sunglasses, visit dvxeyewear.com.

Infographic: Essential Knots

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We'd be willing to bet you've got some paracord somewhere in your survival kit, go bag, or EDC gear. Maybe it's a keychain, bracelet, knife handle wrap, zipper pull, or just a loose bundle—but whatever form it's in, it's important to have cordage available. You've probably heard this message many times by now.

However, cordage is basically useless if you can't tie knots. Even one or two essential knots (such as the bowline) will get you a long way, but there are literally hundreds of different knot types out there. You probably won't be able to remember all of them, so having instructional pictographs is a huge help. Fix.com created this great infographic that not only shows how to tie important knots, but what they're used for.

Essential Knots Infographic

So, go grab some paracord and practice these knots. Once you've tied them 10-15 times, you should have them committed to memory, which is what will really matter once you don't have this graphic to refer to. Good luck, and be sure to let us know which of these essential knots is most useful to you.

Paperclip Lock Picks

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If you've been following the site, you may have seen our feature last week on cracking a padlock without tools. That technique is very simple and effective, but it also makes quite a bit of noise as you tap the lock with a hard object. Additionally, it won't work on recessed door locks—if you're being illegally detained in a building, that's more likely to be what you're dealing with. Fortunately, there's another easy method that anyone can try using a common household item: paperclips.

DISCLAIMER: We’re certainly not advocating you do anything against the law, so only practice this technique on locks you own. Please don’t do anything stupid and/or illegal with this knowledge, and if you do, we are not responsible.

You may have thought picking a lock with a paperclip was too good to be true, since it's often featured in otherwise unrealistic TV shows and spy movies. It may seem far-fetched, but it's actually quite doable. YouTube channel BlackScoutSurvival shows how it's done:

You'll notice the host makes picks using a set of pliers. While a pair of pliers makes the process easier, it's not necessarily a must-have tool. Both the tension wrench and the rake can be made manually, as shown in this video (most relevant from 2:22 to 5:02):

Admittedly, these videos still make it look easier than it might be for a true beginner. However, even with minimal practice, paperclip lock picks can be an effective method of escaping captivity. Looks like MacGyver wasn't so far off after all.