American Survival Guide 07.2019
American Survival Guide 07.2019
American Survival Guide 07.2019
Vol. 8 Issue 7
RANGE
TIME!
Shooting Lead Star’s Barrage PCC9 PREVENT THE PERILS OF
HEAVENLY PANDEMONIUM
HAMMOCK
High and Dry in the
Byer Moskito Kakoon
EUELL GIBBONS’
LEGACY
Discover Food Everywhere in the
Great Outdoors
CORROSION
CORRECTION
Resurrect Treasures Hidden
Under Years of Rust
DIGITAL ISSUES AVAILABLE ON WWW.ENGAGEDMEDIAINC.COM
07
0 74470 01319 8
ENGAGED MEDIA LLC
FEATURES
12
REMEMBERING EUELL GIBBONS
The man who brought foraging to mainstream America
By Christopher Nyerges
36
DECIPHERING THE SIGNS OF CIVIL
UNREST
Be ready prior to the fighting in the streets.
By Brian M. Morris
76
BUILD AN EDC LITE KIT
Everyday-carry solutions for nonviolent situations
By Dana Benner
HOW-TO
20
FIRE SAFETY 101
Fight fires before things get too hot to handle.
By Dana Benner
70
DEDICATION TO RESTORATION
Rescue hidden treasures hiding under that rusty patina.
By Dana Benner
REVIEWS
28
RANGE TIME WITH LEAD STAR’S 9MM
36
BARRAGE PCC9
It’s tough to beat lightweight, consistent and 12 60
dependable.
By Kevin Reese
44
THE HEAVENLY HAMMOCK
Lounging in the trees with Byer’s Moskito Kakoon
By Reuben Bolieu
60
A BRIGHT IDEA FOR SOLAR NAVIGATION
The African SunCompass is accurate, compact and
battery-free.
By Brian M. Morris
88
DISCREET DEFENSE AGAINST DIRTY AIR
The Bioscarf stops germs and pollutants cold!
By Christopher Nyerges
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) is published 12 times a year—January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December—by Engaged Media, Inc.,
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GEAR
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TRANSFORMING POLLUTED
INTO POTABLE
Simple, quick and effective water
treatment products
By Michael D’Angona
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FIRST WORDS
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PREPPER PLANT ADVISOR
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LAST WORDS
EDITORIAL
Mike McCourt Brand Manager
Kelly Nomura Executive Managing Editor
THINGSARE
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DESIGN
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CONTRIBUTORS
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Brian M. Morris, Christopher Nyerges, Kevin Reese
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ost people look forward to the some considered a strange way to put food on his table. Manish Kumar Mishra Operations Manager
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warmer months of the year. Christopher met Gibbons, who was an inspiration and Shailesh Khandelwal Subscriptions Manager
Chandan Pandey Production & Newsstand Circulation Analyst
Except for the oft-oppressive heat, influence for his own writing and teaching about natural Alex Mendoza Administrative Assistant
Victoria Van Vlear Intern Program Manager
invasions on the ground and in foods, just a few years before Gibbons’ death in 1975. He EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE
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get outside and stretch our legs after being cooped up be found all around us, as long as we make the effort to www.facebook.com/eembybeckett
indoors since last fall. study our environment. AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) is published 12 times a year—
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occurrence of large gatherings for a variety of social, from Christopher about edible and otherwise useful AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE, C/O ENGAGED MEDIA INC., CENVEO,
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political and other causes. Many Americans take the plants. Each month, in “Prepper Plant Advisor” (see © 2019 by Engaged Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of
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situations he encountered while on active duty as a U.S. over the last couple of years, fire is a heartless and relent-
Army Special Forces combatant. less force of nature that is difficult to contain at the best
Brian’s article covers several aspects of this topic that of times. As with so many subjects we cover, prevention
will enable you to do a better job of predicting when large is key for ensuring you don’t have to face the flames in or
gatherings might turn dangerous. Reminding us of the around your home. ENGAGED MEDIA, INC.
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interesting article written by Christopher Nyerges about “Subscribe Now” button in the upper right corner. There, completeness or technical accuracy.
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wild hickory nuts. Younger readers have probably heard of “Subscribe Now” button.
this self-reliance pioneer as well. Gibbons devoted much And, while you’re online, be sure to like and follow us
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known that he was even parodied and roasted for what Brand Manager
1 2 3 4
5.11 Tactical 5.11 Tactical LV10 Backpack Eberlestock Afterburner LOWA Baldo GTX Boots
Norris Sneaker The idea behind the LV line from 5.11 is low visibil- Pant The Baldo GTX is lightweight—just shy of 3
ity. These packs and bags are intended to blend pounds for the pair—and perfect for hiking
The Norris Sneaker was born out of a request The Afterburner Pant was designed for rough
in on the street and be unobtrusive, rather than moderate terrain. The X-Lacing feature keeps
from members of the tactical world. They use in the field. It is made from four-way
screaming, “Tactical!” The LV10 is a sling pack the tongue centered over the foot, both vertically
wanted footwear that would perform like stretch polyester with a water-resistant finish.
with a capacity of 13 liters. The main compart- and horizontally, for comfort. The roller-style
top-tier, high-speed footwear but without The knees and crotch are made for movement
ment measures 10.5 inches high, 16.25 inches eyelets are set on free-moving tabs that allow
the looks of heavy-duty boots. This high-top and won’t bind as you crouch or climb. The
wide and 5.7 inches deep. It has a rear CCW com- for reduced pressure along the top of the foot.
sneaker sports more than a handsome pockets are designed specifically to keep the
partment, side compression straps and multiple They are available in anthracite/olive (shown)
appearance. The Vibram Marbrani outsole contents from falling out; yet, they are still
grab handles. It also has an admin panel, tablet or black/orange. The Gore-Tex lining keeps
provides excellent traction, even in wet con- comfortable. The tapered cuffs help keep dirt,
pocket and numerous interior pockets for great feet warm and dry while still allowing some
ditions. The puncture-resistant sole is ASTM rocks, snow and other debris from getting into
organization of your gear. breathability. Vibram soles ensure great traction,
certified and will withstand up to 1,200 New- your boots. The Afterburner Pant comes in tan,
and the split-grain leather with nylon upper
tons of force. The Norris Sneaker is available in MSRP: $109.99 gray or two different camouflage patterns.
construction will last through rugged use.
black, Dark Coyote Tan and Ranger Green.
www.511Tactical.com MSRP: $169
MSRP: $99.99 MSRP: $260
www.511Tactical.com www.Eberlestock.com
www.LOWABoots.com
5 6
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TOPS Knives Rapid Strike Bright Forest Forge Spyderco Efficient Spyderco Endura 4
The Rapid Strike is a knife made specifically Pocket Pick Black Blade Wharncliffe
for combat situations. It indexes in the hand
The Pocket Pick is a simple, yet incredibly use- At just a hair more than 4 ounces, the Efficient The Spyderco Endura 4 Wharncliffe is a
perfectly when drawn from the Kydex sheath.
ful, tool. It is made from 5160 steel and has a Black Blade from Spyderco won’t weigh you folding knife that excels at utility, as well as
It has a narrow profile and doesn’t take up
paracord-wrapped handle. Each one is made down. The Spyderco Trademark Round Hole defense. The Wharncliffe blade profile isn’t
much space on the belt or wherever else
by hand. As a result, each one is unique; no provides perfect leverage for one-hand- as popular as some others, such as the drop-
you carry it. The 4.13-inch blade is 154CM
two are identical. These picks can be used to open operation. The knife is completely or clip-point, likely because many people see
steel and, if desired, it can be had with the
bore holes, score or scribe lines, bust knots or blacked out—from the black oxide finish on it as a glorified box-cutter. However, it works
top edge sharpened. Its overall length is
for self-defense. They average about 7 inches the blade to the matching liners and other amazingly well with both cutting and pene-
8.63 inches. The G10 scales combine with
in length and are 1/8 inch thick. Bright Forest hardware. The blade is 8Cr13MoV stainless tration. The Endura has a blade length of 3.75
the jimping on the blade to provide a very
Forge does not make sheaths, but it might steel and has a flat grind, giving it great slicing inches and an overall length of 8.75 inches.
secure grip. It is a thin, lightweight knife at 3.1
recommend a maker upon request. geometry. It is available in either a plain edge The blade is VG-10 stainless steel, and the
ounces—perfect for everyday carry.
(shown) or with a partially serrated edge. A handles are fiberglass-reinforced nylon.
MSRP: $85
MSRP: $180 great liner lock, G10 scales and a reversible
MSRP: $125
pocket clip round out the package.
www.BrightForestForge.com
www.TOPSKnives.com www.Spyderco.com
MSRP: $73
www.Spyderco.com
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Streamlight ProTac 90 Maglite ML150LR Flashlight BigiDesign TPT Slide Tool 5.11 Tactical TKO
Flashlight High-power LEDs are great, but they generate The TPT Slide from BigiDesign is a titanium Ratchet Kit
a lot of heat, which can cause issues with the pocket tool. It packs a surprising number of tools
The ProTac 90 is a right-angle flashlight Having to perform maintenance or a quick
light’s performance. The ML150LR has a pat- into a very compact size: a screwdriver, scraper,
designed for everyday carry. With a single repair to your firearm while you’re in the field
ent-pending heat sink technology that drains pry bar, bottle opener, ¼-inch hex bit opening
CR123A battery, it will generate 300 lumens is nobody’s idea of fun. But it is far better to
heat fast. The light has an adjustable beam that and a universal wrench design that fits 15 SAE
on “high.” That drops to a still-respectable 125 be prepared than to try and make do with
generates 1,000 lumens and will reach about and metric wrench sizes. It can also accept
lumens with an AA battery. The anodized-alu- inefficient or ineffective makeshift solutions.
a quarter-mile. The rechargeable lithium-iron standard utility blades such as those used for
minum body measures 3.75 inches high and The TKO Ratchet Kit comes with a range of
phosphate battery will power the flashlight box-cutters. The TPT comes with a lanyard and
weighs slightly more than 3 ounces with tools, including a pistol punch, pry bar, bottle
for upward of 75 hours (25-lumen Eco mode) a leather pocket sheath. It is a multi-tool you’ll
the CR123A battery. The right-angle design opener and six different hex bits. The bits are
on a full charge. It can be plugged into a wall reach for often.
makes it easy to set the light on a flat surface each color coded, making it easy to grab the
socket or a 12-volt DC source such as is found in
and illuminate an area such as a table or
a vehicle. The dimensions of the ML150LR are MSRP: $80 right one the first time. Everything is stored
workbench. It comes with a nylon belt pouch, together in an elastic webbing holster that can
10.687x1.93 (head) inches.
as well as batteries. https://BigiDesign.com be attached to MOLLE/web if desired.
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GSI Outdoors Pinnacle GSI Outdoors ESCAPE GSI Outdoors Gourmet Streamlight Siege X
Dualist Cook Set Bowl With Lid PourOver Java Set Lantern
The Pinnacle Dualist is a complete cook- The ESCAPE Bowl is made from high- If you’re looking for a way to have the perfect The Siege X is a combination of lantern and
ware solution for two. The set contains a grade, stain-resistant silicone. It features cup of coffee out in the wild or at home during a flashlight. As a lantern, it will illuminate a wide
1.9-quart (1.8 liters) hard-anodized pot with molded-in gradations for measurements power outage, here’s the solution. The Gourmet area with up to 325 lumens. However, you can
Teflon coating, nylon strainer lid, two mugs, and a cut-proof bottom. It has a handle, as PourOver Java Set comes with everything you’ll turn it on its side and activate the flashlight at
two bowls and two Folding Foons (the GSI well as a stable base, making eating juggle need. The ceramic, conical-burr coffee grinder the top for a directional beam of 300 lumens.
Outdoors version of the camp spork). They free. The lid is BPA-free clear polypropyl- is adjustable so you can customize the grind to It also has a red light function for the lantern to
reduce from 6.1 inches down to 3.7 inches. ene, and it screws down for a secure seal. your preference. Pop up the #4 drip cone and save your night vision. It uses a USB-recharge-
There is also a waterproof storage bag that The bowl holds up to 18 fluid ounces or just insert the reusable mesh filter. Fill it with your able 18650 battery or will accept two CR123A
can double as a portable sink. In addition, about ½ liter. Perhaps best of all: It collapses ground beans, put it over your mug and pour in batteries. Ever versatile, it can sit on a flat
there is enough storage space for a small down to about an inch thick, allowing it to fit the hot water. It all folds up into a disk that is 1 surface or hang from the handle.
stove and fuel. into even the smallest packs. inch high and fewer than 6 inches wide.
MSRP: $75
MSRP: $69.95 MSRP: $18.95 MSRP: $39.95
www.Streamlight.com
www.GSIOutdoors.com www.GSIOutdoors.com wwwGSIOutdoors.com
I
n the late 1960s and early ’70s, a
wave of ecological and “back to the
land” awareness swept the country.
This period saw the rise of the
incredibly popular Mother Earth News
magazine, communes ... and Euell Gibbons.
Euell Gibbons was a man of modest
means who loved to fish and forage and
always wanted to be a writer. Aspiring to
be a novelist, his first work was about a
man who tried to live off the land by eating
common weeds that grow everywhere.
But Gibbons’ publisher told him to rewrite
the book as a guidebook for identifying
these wayside plants: Stalking the Wild
Asparagus, first published in 1962, became
a best-seller in the early 1970s, along with
several other books.
By 1974, Gibbons began to capitalize on
his popularity and became the front-
man for Post Grape Nuts—a cereal that
contained no grapes and no nuts (although
Gibbons said it reminded him of wild hick-
ory nuts). The Post company flew Gibbons › Above: The humble
hickory nut—an BY 1974, GIBBONS BEGAN TO CAPITALIZE
around the country to make many of these
commercials in diverse areas. Gibbons
essential part of the
ad campaign that ON HIS POPULARITY AND BECAME THE
would be brandishing a pine cone, cattails
helped make Euell
Gibbons familiar to FRONTMAN FOR POST GRAPE NUTS—A
or goldenrod flowers and would often be almost every Ameri-
can household in the CEREAL THAT CONTAINED NO GRAPES AND
shown having cereal with a group at their
outdoor breakfast table. Of course, they’d
1970s. (Photo: Wag!)
NO NUTS ...
be eating Grape Nuts. The commercial the common weeds currently growing in North America originally came from Europe, as well as
would end with Gibbons’ final and famous from Asia and Africa.
line, “Reminds me of wild hickory nuts.”
Gibbons had somehow tapped into an BACKGROUND
ancient knowledge America was ready and Gibbons was born in Texas in 1911 and spent his childhood in northwestern New Mexico. He describes
hungry for—the knowledge of how to use the how his family moved from place to place with his father’s job. His income was sporadic.
acres and acres of wild-growing plants that At an early age, Gibbons began to collect wild greens and fruits to supplement the family’s
were both edible and medicinal. Not only did meals. He was only 15 when he left home and took jobs as a cowboy and carpenter. He was
he share the ancient knowledge of Native living in California during the Dust Bowl, and he referred to himself as a hobo during that time.
Americans, he also shared the knowledge of Gibbons served in the Army and later worked as a carpenter and boat-builder. He was married,
wild plants from most of the world, because and divorced, describing his first marriage as a “casualty of the war.” By World War II, Gibbons
› Below: In his TV
ads, Gibbons was of-
ten shown holding
was living in Hawaii, building and repairing cattails, explaining
that many parts
boats for the Navy. At 36, he entered the Uni- Pennsylvania, where he pursued his writing aspirations. His first book was published in 1962, and
are edible. Here,
versity of Hawaii as an anthropology student. Angelo Cervera, his books slowly grew in popularity. Once he began doing commercials for Post Grape Nuts in the
a participant in
It was there that he got more serious about early 1970s, the popularity of his books skyrocketed, and Gibbons became a household name.
one of the author’s
writing and also met his second wife, Freda, instructional hikes, Eventually, he was regularly seen on nearly every talk show in the country, especially Johnny
shows examples of
whom he married in 1948. Carson’s “Tonight Show.” Even when he wasn’t on the show, Carson joked about Gibbons’ use of
young, green cattail
By 1953, Gibbons and Freda moved to spikes. wild foods so often that Gibbons became a household name.
Gibbons wrote two articles for National Geo- › Above: Euell Gib-
bons' Beachcomber’s
graphic magazine, regular columns for various Handbook was writ-
newspapers and magazines (such as Organic ten after Gibbons
spent three years in
Gardening magazine) and lectured far and Hawaii. It covered
wide. Each of his books was very popular and a wide variety of
foods, including
included new information about foraging. plants and animals
These books were, indeed, popular —partly on land, as well as
ocean-dwellers.
because of his personality and partly because (Photo: Christopher
there were scant few books about how to Nyerges)
› Right: Gibbons
displays some wild
hickory nuts—the
focus of his adver-
tising campaign
for Post Grape Nuts
cereal.
ABOUT
GIBBONS
Was Euell Gibbons ...
‹ The author is shown examining a yucca plant. Euell Gibbons referred to the yucca as the “hard-
ware store” of the wild because it can be used for many purposes.
ARTICLES
time, and I would constantly check out his books and try to identify local plants. Excited and
fascinated by Stalking the Wild Asparagus and his other books, I explored fields and woods
across the country in search of wild edibles. I used some other books, as well, and took classes
BY EUELL in botany in high school and attended lectures on ethnobotany whenever possible.
By 1974, a local nonprofit asked me to lead a wild-food outing to teach the subject, and I
GIBBONS
have continued to lead walks to teach about wild plants ever since.
When Gibbons came to town to give a lecture at Pasadena City College, I was asked to sit
with him afterward while the press asked him questions (I was asked to sit there as “Pasa-
dena’s Euell Gibbons”). He was a friendly, curious and open man. We chatted for the better
part of an hour, our conversation ranging from carob pods to American Indians to compost.
· Stalking the Wild Asparagus (1962)
He told me of his plans for television documentaries about primitive societies that still
· Stalking the Blue-Eyed Scallop (1964)
live totally ecological lives. Gibbons said he hoped to show the modern world some of the
· Stalking the Healthful Herbs (1966) follies of civilization.
· A Wild Way to Eat (1967; a booklet for the Hurricane One of these follies, he told me, is the persistence and the expenditure of so much time and
Island Outward Bound School) money in attempting to eradicate from our yards and parks plants that have thrived for cen-
· Euell Gibbons' Beachcomber’s Handbook (1967) turies. Some of the most common edible “intruders” are dandelion, Lambsquarters, pigweed,
mallow, mustard and sow thistle. Among the most enduring of the wild plants that were
· Feast on a Diabetic Diet (1969)
brought to California in the westward migrations is chickweed. To even the most pampered
· Stalking the Good Life (1971)
palate, it is an incredibly good salad green, yet it often leads the list of “garden pests” in adver-
· National Geographic magazine (July 1972 and August tisements for herbicides. Other “enemies” highly valued by herbalists and naturalists are wild
1973) garlic, plantain, purslane and sour grass.
· Stalking the Faraway Places (1973) Many of the common wild plants have been used for centuries as herbal medicine and still
· Euell Gibbons Handbook of Edible Wild Plants (1979; have value for simple ailments. But, as with any medicinal ingredient, they can be harmful
when abused.
finished by co-author Gordon Tucker after Gibbons’
In 1976, jimsonweed, which has been in California for thousands of years, became the target
death)
of an eradication program when some people erroneously popularized it as a cheap “high.” This
· Organic Gardening Magazine (regular columns) was not the result of teens reading Euell Gibbons books but from teens reading works by Carlos
Castañeda, another guru of the day who wrote about his “apprenticeship” with a Yaqui Indian
... which included the uses of jimsonweed. (Castañeda’s writings, although wildly popular and
very interesting, were demonstrated to be a our ancestors knew; something that is still a deeply respected tradition in many parts of even the ‹ This chickweed
combination of fabrication and plagiarism.) “civilized” world, where scarce food is more prized than ornamental gardens. salad includes one
of the wild plants
So, while many people regarded the natural Despite the ridicule of passersby, on almost any day in almost any park right here in the city, that Euell Gibbons
foods “craze” as a passing fad, others found people still gather berries, cactus, mustard greens, chickweed and wild mushrooms. These wild worked to popularize.
much that is worthwhile in what Gibbons foods are there for the taking. They grow in relative abundance and are much better for you than a
brought to the national attention. I know I do. lot of the processed junk sold in supermarkets.
Gibbons was just passing along something that Euell Gibbons and his many adherents deserve our admiration, not our mockery.
STAY SAFE
AROUND
A FIRE
Ways of preventing a fire and ways of dealing with one should be
part of your everyday life. However, sadly, too many times, it is not.
Here are my top seven suggestions for being safe around fire:
a fire grows depends upon the material. The older the structure, the quicker it usually burns.
Plan Ahead: Have a plan in place that everyone in your family or
Newer structures made with more-fire-retardant materials tend to burn slower. Man-made
group knows about. Practice this plan over and over, because it
materials, such as wood paneling (which is found in many older homes and contains a great
could save your life. Don’t be the “tough guy” and battle the flames
deal of glue), burn quickly and hot.
if you don’t have to. But if you do, make proper practices and
Shelters made from logs, which are dried wood, burn quickly after they’re lit. The same reason
equipment part of the plan as well.
you want dry wood for your wood stove makes a log cabin a tinderbox. Just as in a wood stove,
Communications: Fire is nothing to mess with. If possible, call for
the dry wood burns long and hot.
help. Keep a fully charged cell phone and a two-way radio handy.
No matter the cause, man-made or natural, the result is always bad. Not only might you be
Most local, state and federal agencies monitor emergency radio
affected by an uncontrolled fire, so could your neighbors.
frequencies, so keep a list of those frequencies on hand and know
how to adjust the radio accordingly. If your cell phone doesn’t work,
use the radio. AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS TRULY
Tools: The tools most associated with firefighters are the axe and WORTH A POUND OF CURE. USE COMMON
the shovel. Both of these tools should be part of your gear. I carry
both an axe and an entrenching tool when camping. The axe is
SENSE WHEN DEALING WITH FIRE ...
used to remove combustible debris (small trees and the like) or ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE IN CASE
to open a locked or jammed door. The entrenching tool is used to SOMETHING DOES HAPPEN.
move dirt and sand.
Water: You can never have enough water. Having access to water,
whether with a hose or bucket, could save the day if applied early
enough. In a wilderness situation, you might not have that luxury.
In those cases, I try to gather water in 5-gallon containers and keep
them close by.
Sand: Nobody expects you to lug a bucket of sand with you, but
you can easily carry an empty bucket or make a container that will
hold sand when you get to your location. In the worst case, make a
pile of sand nearby.
Fire Extinguisher: Whether in your home or cabin, keep at least
one fully charged fire extinguisher within reach—but away from
potential fire locations. I happen to have two (it is better to be
safe than sorry).
Smoke Detectors: Most fires seem to happen at night, when
everyone is asleep. Most deaths associated with fires happen
because of smoke inhalation. Properly working, battery-operated
smoke detectors should be in place in every shelter. Even if it is
too late to save the structure, at least you and your family have a
chance to escape. Fire detectors should be changed every 10 years,
and batteries should be changed every six months. ‹ A motor vehicle fire can involve multiple types of combustible or explosive materials, as well
as toxic smoke. This situation calls for the right equipment and training.
PREVENTION
The best way, by far, to deal with fire-related
incidents is to avoid them in the first place.
Fire is essential for our way of life, but it needs
to be treated with respect, because it has the
power to harm, as well as help. As with most
things that have to do with survival, fire needs
to be handled with common sense. You would
not handle a firearm without following safety
rules (I hope), so it follows that you should
not treat fire any differently.
Whether your shelter is your own home, a
cabin in the woods or a tent, fire is something
you need in order to survive. I heat my home
with a pellet stove, and many people I know
have wood stoves. When properly used, both
are safe, efficient ways to keep a shelter warm.
In both cases, the fire is contained. Neverthe-
less, there is always the danger of something
going wrong: The stove might not be properly
cleaned. It could be too close to flammable
‹ Left: Wildland objects, such as paper or window curtains. It
firefighters carry
could be too close to a wall, or it might not
shovels and other
tools to scrape com- have the proper fireproof backing. The chimney
bustible material
might be faulty or clogged with creosote.
out of the path of
advancing fires to As you can see, there is plenty to think about
deny them access
before you start a fire in your home. Here,
to fuel. This is one
piece of equipment in New Hampshire, there have been recent
you should always
reports of fires being started from sparks
have handy around
home and camp. coming from the chimneys of pellet stoves
› Above: Always igniting tinder (dry leaves) that was too stoves and woodstoves) and open campfires are not the only dangers. Portable stoves,
have water handy
when you have an close to the house. Accidents happen, but as whether they use small propane cylinders or some other fuel, are also potentially dan-
active fire. These with all accidents, most can be avoided with gerous. When using these devices, all the same precautions you would use when burning
plastic 5-gallon con-
tainers are a great proper planning and execution. wood need to be followed.
way to store water Open fires at your campsite come with a list Whether it is in your home or at a campsite, always have handy a means of putting the fire
around base camp.
of potential safety issues. First and foremost, out quickly. In your home or cabin, a few fully charged fire extinguishers are always a good
make sure your fire area is clear of dry, flam- start (and are required by law in most places if you have a wood or pellet stove). The best
mable material such as leaves, twigs and dry extinguishers are the ones that have an A, B or C rating. These units are effective against trash/
grass. According to Lemay, the fire’s location wood/paper (A), liquids (B) and electrical equipment (C). At the campsite, a fire extinguisher
should have a 2- to 3-foot buffer around it that is not always feasible, so keep a bucket of sand or water close by.
› Tons of articles
have been written has been cleared of any flammable debris.
about how to start Never put your shelter too close to the fire or
fires. Classes such as
this one, taught by have a fire inside your shelter. Avoid making
Christopher Nyerges, your fire larger than you really need. Not only
are very popular.
But how many will a smaller fire conserve fuel, it will also be
articles are devoted much easier to control and extinguish when
to fire safety for the
prepper? (Photo: the time comes.
Christopher Nyerges) However, wood-burning devices (pellet
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
It is impossible to look at, or discuss, in one article every possible
scenario you might face when dealing with fire. For additional
information or even training, you should go to the professionals.
› Below: As inno-
cent as this small
Solo Stove is, it can
still be a potential WHETHER CAUSED BY LIGHTNING, MOLTEN LAVA OR A CARELESS
danger. Always use
caution—and never MATCH, ONCE STARTED—AND IF NOT CONTROLLED QUICKLY—
take it into your
shelter. FIRE WILL DESTROY EVERYTHING IN ITS PATH.
fire. Shooting at the flames is a waste of time Try to just slide it off the heat and smother it with the lid of the pan, baking soda or even with a
and resources, because you need to stop the thoroughly wet towel (if you believe it will put the fire out before it can catch fire itself). Better
fire at its source: the fuel. yet: Use your fire extinguisher.
S O U R C E S
Within a shelter, a very common source of In the case of a propane stove, turn off or disconnect the propane cylinder from the stove. If it
fire emergencies is a stove or campfire. is not possible, follow the same instructions you would use for a grease fire. National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA)
A grease fire will spread very quickly, so you These are all stop-gap measures. If you are lucky, you will have stopped the problem from https://www.NFPA.org
need to attack it right away. Don’t douse a becoming a much larger one. At the very least, you will have slowed it down and given time for
National Park Service
grease fire with water! Water will cause an people to escape and for help to arrive. In some cases, the fire will grow so large so quickly that https://www.NPS.gov
explosion, push the burning grease to other there will be nothing you can do but escape its wrath.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife
areas and add a sudden burst of oxygen to The best way to avoid the danger of fire is not having an uncontrolled fire in the first place. An Service
the fire. Instead, safely remove the pan from ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. Use common sense when dealing with fire: https://www.FWS.gov
the heat source—but do not try to carry it to Don’t allow children or others who lack experience and maturity around a fire. Always have a U.S. Forest Service
another area. If you spill the burning grease, plan in place in case something does happen. https://www.FS.Fed.US
you could possibly make the situation worse. Fire can save lives, but it can take them away just as quickly. Treat it with respect.
NEW
BOOK!
www.DoomandBloom.net
in the USA
A
s an aging jarhead, I’ve always had an affinity for AR-platform rifles, because
they share similar fit and form, although clearly not the same function, as semi-
auto rifles. ARs, also known as “modern sporting rifles” (MSRs), are markedly
tamer than those we employed in the service. Still, fit and form in the context of
my service are familiar-feeling and, in a nutshell, comfortable.
While the AR’s fit and form are familiar to me, I also appreciate the system’s multipurpose
application. Contrary to what some might have you believe, AR-platform rifles certainly do make
exceptional hunting rifles, given appropriate calibers for the game pursued. In the interest of
sustenance, these MSRs certainly help fill my freezer. Truth be told, I buy very little meat, and
what goes in the freezer is about as organic as it gets.
ARS MAKE PHENOMENAL HOME DEFENSE RIFLES AND, GIVEN THE OPTION,
THEY ARE BETTER CHOICES TO ENGAGE A THREAT AT DISTANCE.
barrels, BSF’s carbon jacket only touches softens recoil and helps ensure the BCG stops just behind the bolt catch; of course, the Barrage’s ‹ Above: A good
reflex sight is a great
the barrel at specific installation points blow-back gas system also plays a major role here. low-light optic solu-
and is installed under tension, resulting in The Barrage also features a single-stage Hiperfire Hipertouch Eclipse trigger with robust adjust- tion for virtually any
home-defense rifle.
increased barrel stiffening as it warms. Of ability and an ultra-comfortable Hipershoe finger pad. Hiperfire’s triggers have built a reputation
course, "warming" is darned near figurative, for crisp breaks, short overtravel and positive resets. Together, the Hiperfire trigger and other
because the vents and space between the function-related components had me chomping at the bit for a little range time.
barrel and carbon-fiber jacketing actually
provide airfoil-type cooling. In previous test- TRIGGERED: FUNCTION (PART II)
ing, I have had no problem grabbing the BSF Not long after receiving the Barrage, I headed to Triple C Shooting Range, a shooting mecca
barrel after back-to-back magazine dumps. nestled in the center of a 3,000-acre working Texas ranch just south of Fort Worth. Triple C’s
For reliable cycling, the Barrage utilizes a many outdoor pistol and carbine bays, obstacles and zeroing lanes, as well as numerous mid-
proprietary bolt carrier group complete with and long-range shooting lanes from 300 to 2,000 yards, make it the perfect location for all of
last-round-bolt-hold-open functionality, much my firearm testing.
like the standard bolt-function of an AR-15 Once at Triple C, I set up at the zeroing range and mounted a Pinnacle 5-30x50 first focal plane
BCG. The bolt, itself, is constructed of 8620 riflescope. Sure, it seems a bit much on a 9mm carbine, but when it comes to precision shooting, I
steel and includes a standard 5.56 ejector want my point of aim ridiculously clear and close.
and improved firing pin. On the other end of For stability, I also installed an Accu-Tac BR-4 Gen 2 bipod and used a squeeze bag under the
cycling lies Lead Star’s TACCOM 3-Stage buffer stock. As is the case for all my firearms testing, group results and overall zeroing my setup is simple:
system. Per Lead Star, the buffer assembly It’s nothing more than the optic, rifle, bipod and squeeze bag. My results are easily duplicated by
‹ Left: A skeleton-
ized receiver set,
ergonomic controls
and ultra-light recoil
make the Barrage
comfortable to carry
and easy to shoot.
S O U R C E S
Lead Star
(803) 995-8843
www.LeadStarArms.com
Accu-Tac
(714) 980-1306
www.Accu-Tac.com
BSF Barrels
(262) 725-7727
www.BSFBarrels.com
Hiperfire
(651) 762-2800
www.Hiperfire.com
of five shots! All told, I fired more than 800 Barrage retails for a respectable $1,499.99. This price includes its ultralight 416R stainless QPQ
Hornady
rounds with zero misfeeds throughout testing, 16-inch, 1:10 twist barrel—quite a deal, considering the Barrage’s solid performance, precision (800) 338-3220
training and recreational range time. The machining, innovation and overall reliability. www.Hornady.com
Barrage’s reliability is the best I’ve experienced Even so, I’m always on the lookout for those pesky cons. The problem with this is that there MagnetoSpeed
to date from a 9mm carbine rifle. really aren’t any to speak of. Hands down, the Barrage is the finest PCC9 carbine I’ve had the (512) 284-8161
https://MagnetoSpeed.com
privilege of running. My complaints are essentially subjective or to be expected when you shoot
Magpul
A BARRAGE OF FINAL SHOTS hundreds and hundreds of rounds without checking components. (877) 462-4785
Recreational trigger time with the Lead Star The Barrage included the 33-round Glock-compatible magazine; however, I found it a bit excessive www.Magpul.com
Arms Barrage was fun and far exceeded my for regular testing (it’s perfect for home defense, recreational shooting, etc.). Even with a bipod and Mission First Tactical
expectations, further underscoring my belief that squeeze bag, I had to work a little to keep the magazine from bottoming out on the shooting bench. (267) 704-0001
www.MissionFirstTactical.com
a 9mm carbine, in my opinion, remains a solid More than once, I switched to shorter magazines to achieve a lower, more stable shooting profile. Of
Sightmark
home defense option. If you choose to keep one course, this magazine really is purely subjective. I do like the magazine for home defense, as well as (817) 225-0310
within reach for such a purpose, consider iron recreational shooting, but for my precision work, I made the move to a shorter mag. www.Sightmark.com
sights or, again, a reflex or red-dot optic designed Near the end of my testing—again, after 800 rounds or so—I noticed the handguard had Triple C Shooting Range
for quick, low-light target acquisition. Through- rotated about 1/8 inch. The issue was remedied immediately by loosening the two Allen head (817) 727-8411
www.TripleCRange.com
out testing, the Barrage PCC9 carbine became mounting screws a tad more to free up the handguard and then rotating it back into its original
ZRODelta
my go-to home defense firearm. position and tightening the screws. The complete repair took under two minutes; and, to be (828) 874-8560
In our get-what-you-pay-for world, I’ve honest, this is a common occurrence in modern sporting rifles. Dealing with it was a good https://ZRODelta.com
become a huge fan of Lead Star Arms. The overall maintenance reminder.
© GETTY IMAGES
L
behavior.
PRELUDE TO DANGEROUS
SITUATIONS feelings for government, the authorities and anyone not living in the fringe zone range from mistrust ‹ Above: These dem-
onstrators are among
Look to almost any urban area across the United to outright contempt. more than 10 arrested
States today, and you will see a significant Those living in the fringe zone usually feel they are disadvantaged and oppressed; and, right or by police during a civil
disobedience action
number of people living in what I call the “fringe wrong, they often feel they are being denied advantages due to a factor they can’t control or that on August 10, 2015, in
zone.” These are the people who live generally won’t change. These factors might include, but are not limited to, social class, income level, ethnicity, Ferguson, Missouri. St.
Louis County declared
at or below the poverty line and/or whose nationality, political or social stance, or religious affiliation. a state of emergency
following a night of
unrest in Ferguson after
a teenager was charged
with shooting at police
officers.
‹ Left: A protestor
wearing a gas mask
rides a bicycle in
front of a police
line in Baltimore,
Maryland, as looting
and rioting break out
on the day of Freddie
Gray’s funeral.
Gray died in police
custody after being
arrested for carrying
a switchblade knife.
© GETTY IMAGES
carrying her 1-year-old brother on her hip as she ‹ Above, left: Police
push counter-pro-
navigated through a known minefield in order testers back after the
to fetch some firewood for her village. These “America First” group
rally against illegal
children learned at an incredibly young age immigration in Lagu-
how to recognize and avoid or circumvent the na Beach, California,
on August 20, 2017.
threats they were faced with. Their SA develops The presence of horse
far faster than a child of the same age who has patrol officers intro-
duces the potential
lived a sheltered life with no real need for, or for another “behavior
consequence for lacking, situational awareness. wildcard,” depending
on how the horses are
Rioting, civil unrest and violent protests are treated and respond
extremely fluid situations that can sometimes to the actions of the
participants.
be difficult to see coming and could potentially
happen at any time and any place. Some of the
lessons I learned from my first team sergeant
after joining the Special Forces are as true today
as they were then. He told me four things to
© GETTY IMAGES
› Above: Riot police keep a watch on demonstrators during a protest march from the Minnesota
state capital to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, before the start of the Republican
National Convention (September 1, 2008). Confrontations over political opinions can often lead to
conflict and mayhem.
never forget if I wanted to make it out of my newly chosen career path alive:
• Know your operational environment.
• Be situationally aware.
• Keep your head on a swivel.
• Try not to look suspicious; it draws fire.
Building on the experience that his advice helped me gain, I have made the following observations:
• The more you research and understand the environment you live and work in, the safer you will be.
© GETTY IMAGES
• The best time to plan for an emergency is ahead of time, not when the emergency is happening.
• Understanding the views and concepts of the local populace toward the authorities, as well as the
› Above: A demonstrator burns an American flag during a protest on
November 25, 2015, in New York City one day after a grand jury decision views of the authorities toward the locals, is the first step in protecting yourself. This knowledge can
not to prosecute a white police officer for killing an unarmed black teen keep you from falling victim to a mob-driven attack or becoming a victim of unfair treatment or abuse
in Ferguson, Missouri. Even though almost 1,000 miles separates the two
cities, events in one location had an effect on the streets of the other. at the hands of the local authorities.
‹ Above: The author’s morning view from the Byer of Maine Moskito Kakoon Hammock in
Nagsasa Cove in the Philippines
THENEWBYEROFMAINEAMAZONASSLEEPSYSTEMISANEAR-COMPLETE
SETUPTHAT LACKSONLYASLEEPINGPADANDBLANKETCOVER. ‹ Below: Two Byer
of Maine Amazonas
and dwellings, as well as near a water source and had access to a decent supply of firewood, it little while to get familiar with it. I had to wrap hammocks—the new
Moskito Kakoon
was time to hang! the rope around the tree and bring it through Hammock (left) and
Wind near the beach is another issue to be concerned with. However, in this environment, it the loop. Then, there was an adjustable metal the author’s old Trav-
eller Lite Hammock
was welcomed. First, I had to attach the MicroRope to a tree at the approximate height I felt was slider to fine-tune the whole setup. (right), in Zambales,
needed. It was my first time using Byer’s hanging system, so as simple as it was, it still took me a The Moskito Kakoon Hammock was next to Philippines
MSRP: $59.95
MicroRope
• Length: 100 inches
• Weight: 9.2 ounces
• Capacity: 330 pounds
• Color: Red/blue
MSRP: $17.95
MSRP: $79.95
hammocks that need to hang like a banana. hammock from trees without tools or causing damages to the tree. The MicroRope features ‹ Above, left: The
complete Moskito
When you lie in them diagonally, the result is strong polyester ropes and tree-friendly polyester straps with two adjustable aluminum slides Kakoon Hammock
a straight, flat position. to take up the slack between fixed hanging points. with MicroRope and
Traveller Rain Fly—
The mosquito net is built in and has three There are two versions of this system. I chose to use the MicroRope, because it was lighter (I the perfect bug-free
loops that need to be hoisted up with a always worry about weight). The other is the Micro Strap. It holds 440 pounds and weighs 14 system
supplied length of cord. The Moskito Kakoon ounces. Anyone who has ever climbed into a hammock knows how it can be a little worri-
has a better system for the net than the some—doubting the rope or knots. The MicroRope and Micro Strap take the guesswork out of ‹ Above, right: The
guy lines are brightly
older Moskito Hammock because of the two it and give everyone a more comfortable and confident feeling before committing themselves colored and highly
lightweight extension bars that fit into the net, to a hammock. reflective at night.
Here, the author
keeping it spread out wider and away from the attached them to
user. There are two small internal pockets to TRAVELLER RAIN FLY heavy coral, because
the stakes wouldn’t
stash items. However, using them makes the This is an updated take on Byer’s previous Amazonas Jungle Tent Tarp. Made from 210T ripstop stay firmly in the
netting come in closer, which isn’t the idea of polyester fabric and precision cut along its edges with secure stitching and reinforced corners, loose sand.
the net in the first place. the all-new Traveller Rain Fly weighs under 1.5 pounds. The hexagonal cat-cut design comes
The hammock was wide, unconstricting and with ample cord and adjusters, as well as aluminum stakes.
cool to the skin—perfect for the tropics! I have only used one type of tarp for the last 12 years: It’s from Integral Designs, which makes S O U R C E S
some of the lightest tarps on the market. It is made with silicone-impregnated 30D ripstop Byer of Maine
THE MICROROPE KIT nylon. Switching to the Traveller Rain Fly was a big step for me. First of all, “lightweight” is the (800) 338-0580
www.ByerofMaine.com
The MicroRope is the perfect accessory for last thing that comes to mind when I think of this tarp. However, it works perfectly well with
hanging Amazonas Traveller hammock mod- Byer’s products and covers the hammock completely. (If it doesn’t cover the entire hammock, ProForce Equipment, Inc.
(800) 259-5962
els, as they are called. This lightweight, rugged that means the hammock was set up too flat. As was already mentioned, Amazonas hammocks www.ProForceEquipment.com
hanging set provides all you need to hang a are supposed to be set up more like a banana to lie down in them diagonally.)
TRAVELLER
LITE
HAMMOCK
Go light and fast!
I have used hammocks by Byer of Maine due to their travel-friendly
weight. One model is the Traveller Lite Hammock. It weighs about 11
ounces. I can add my own bug net/tarp combo to it, and it will still
weigh well under 2 pounds.
A mosquito net in the jungle is absolutely indispensable. Without it,
you will surely slap away all night while blurting out profanities. In
addition, with diseases such as malaria and dengue fever around,
sleeping without a bug net is a bad idea. Unfortunately, the Traveller
Lite Hammock didn’t have a mosquito net.
For years, Pro Force mosquito nets have been a mainstay with a few of
us who frequent the Peruvian rain forest. They have small metal rings
(reinforced) for easy setup. One of these nets can be used in a swamp
bed or on the ground in a hut. It will pair perfectly with the Traveller
Lite Hammock, which is perfect for dry, warm places where a mosquito
net isn’t needed or for hanging as a way to keep gear off the ground.
× Small footprint
× Single-phase power,
runs on common
120Vac electrical
× A metal-cutting warrior
Human
e
VOY
by Survivor Rober
‹ Shown on an earlier trip in Peru, the older Moskito Hammock hangs under a
silnylon tarp. The bug net sags inward and was usually up against the skin, making
it a constant annoyance.
TRANSFORM
POLLUTED
INTO POTABLESIMPLE, QUICK AND EFFECTIVE
WATER TREATMENT PRODUCTS BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA
MSRP
$59.95
URL
www.TheGrayl.com
MSRP
$59.99
URL
www.Sawyer.com
Sawyer Squeeze
Water Filtration System
Overview Specifications
Versatility is at the forefront of • Percentage of protection: Removes
this water filtration kit. Use the 99.9999% of bacteria; 99.999%
included pouches for just the of protozoa
right amount of water you need • Does not remove chemicals and
or, if desired, attach a water heavy metals
bladder or a screw-cap water • Capacity: Includes one 16-ounce
bottle to store clean water for and two 64-ounce pouches
later. This small wonder will • Filter rate: Filters upon squeezing
remove bacteria, dirt and green • Filter life: Lifetime guarantee
matter from your water source, • Size: 2x5 inches (filter), 6x11 inches
allowing you to keep hydrated (pouch)
and safe from harmful patho- • Weight: 3 ounces
gens. The kit includes the filter,
MSRP
collapsible pouches, backwash-
$49.99
ing plunger, cleaning coupling,
inline adapters, drinking straw URL
and convenient carrying bag to www.Sawyer.com
keep everything secure.
URL
www.Rothco.com
MSRP
$29.99
URL
www.RapidPure.net
MSRP
$70
URL
www.SurvivorFilter.com
MSRP
$40
URL
www.SurvivorFilter.com
URL
www.RapidPure.com
African SunCompass
• Diameter: 4.33 inches
• Thickness: 0.12 inch
• Weight: 1.8 ounces
• Choice of natural bamboo or white plas-
tic-construction compass discs
• Instructions
• Copper retention ring
• Gnomon
• Plumb line and weight
MSRP: $63.20
www.AfricanSunCompass.com
‹ The solid curved line on the graph on the back of the SunCompass corrects for declination.
The dashed curved equation line corrects for time.
ABOUT
TIMM
IRVINE-SMITH
Timm Irvine-Smith was born in Zimbabwe, but his family soon
moved to South Africa, where he was raised in an isolated rural
region of the country (where learning wilderness survival and
navigation skills were part of a normal way of life).
After finishing his bachelor of arts degree—majoring in philosophy
and law—and thereafter bachelor of laws, he left university in
1993 and went overseas. He stayed in the United Kingdom with
his father during 1993 and did multiple close-protection courses
with ex-22 SAS (Lofty Wiseman) and Royal Protection Unit
(Dennis Martin) instructors.
‹ Unlike other bulkier instruments and gadgets used for direction-finding, the SunCompass is
Irvine-Smith was opposed to apartheid, but he was optimistic so small, thin and lightweight that it can fit in the palm of your hand—making it easy to travel
that change was on the horizon. Not long after he returned to with and adding almost no extra weight to your kit.
South Africa in 1994, apartheid ended. Irvine-Smith joined the
newly formed Criminal Intelligence Service, for which he was
challenged with uniting two formerly contentious groups into a
functional protective detail. After accomplishing that, Irvine-Smith
worked his way up through the ranks and was even decorated for
saving 12 people from a gunman.
In 2005, Irvine-Smith was recruited by South Africa’s Special Task
Force (STF)—the country’s most elite police Special Operations
force. During an STF training event, he talked with a comrade
about correcting the error inherent in the shadow stick method of
direction-finding and making it usable on the move. As a result,
the idea for the SunCompass was born.
Today, Irvine-Smith commands an STF medical support
detachment and is the owner of Ronin South Africa. This school
teaches a broad spectrum of close-protection disciplines,
including pre-hospital emergency care, pedestrian escort, venue
security, protective driving, conflict management, and firearms
and operational preparedness.
‹ The front of the SunCompass is shown on the white plastic model, and the back of the device
is shown on the natural bamboo version.
time of the year, and it is effective in the lati- I THINK YOU WILL TOO. THE SUNCOMPASS bamboo.
the markings on the edge of the graph. troubleshoot common questions. Irvine-Smith and his staff are very good at getting back to you ‹ Timm Irvine-Smith
The SunCompass is not a complicated when you have questions, which I found helpful. has taken his
knowledge of math-
instrument to use. With only five parts, it After spending a few days in the wilderness with the SunCompass, it was not long before my ematics, geography
did not take me long to master. The device confidence in the device increased. With some practice, I was able to get an azimuth that was and engineering
to create a device
comes with a “gnomon,” which is used to cast spot-on with my military-issue lensatic compass; and, with the use of a stick I found on the ground made from mainly
a shadow that you use to find north. It has a and a sharp pencil, I was also able to triangulate myself to within 100 meters of my location in natural materials
and no electronic
string, pendant and copper ring, all used for accordance with my GPS reading. Not bad for a newbie! parts. It uses the sun
both direction-finding and for getting a fix. The I went from extreme skeptic to a true believer in just a few days, and I think you will too. The to give direction and
fix a location—with
SunCompass also includes detailed instruc- SunCompass is a remarkable piece of survival gear. I don’t plan to ever go into the wilderness the accuracy of a
tions that explain how to use it and how to again without one. modern GPS.
judging by the number of knives people bring this way, although admittedly, most of the stuff I find is beyond repair or use.
to me to sharpen. Check out yard sales. Stacked in the back somewhere—behind the baby clothes and grandma’s
When it comes to finding these tools, it is china—you’ll usually find the “junk.” A friend of mine is notorious for just buying those boxes of
sometimes just a matter of keeping your eyes › Below, right: These rusty stuff outright and then going through it when he gets home. I like to take my time and look.
shipboard artifacts
open. For example, while hunting, I often come The last thing I need is another box of rusty screws and broken hinges. If I don’t need it, I don’t
were brought up
across old, abandoned shacks, barns and sheds. from the ocean buy it (unless it is something that screams out to me).
floor and were
There usually isn’t much left to them, but I poke While flea markets are good places to find these “treasures,” I stay away from them. Anything
being prepared for
around in them just the same. You just never restoration at the “old” is marked as an antique at a typical flea market, and once that is done, you’ll probably
Mel Fisher Maritime
know what you will find. People always leave end up paying more than it is worth. Unless you are a collector, flea markets are not always cost
Museum in Key
stuff behind. I have actually found a few knives West, Florida. effective. Remember, when I purchase a tool, I intend to use it.
Check with your own family. After my parents died, I had the task of cleaning out their home
of more than 50 years. Buried deep in the recesses of the garage, among the assorted pieces of
scrap metal and cans of old bolts, I found a few items I could use. One was a Dumas machete
THE made in France that dated back to at least the Vietnam War era or even before (they were used
in World War II as well).
BENEFITS
The bottom line: Keep your eyes open, and don’t overlook the obvious.
THE RESTORATION
› Top right: The Before you get to work—and believe me, it
author puts the final
touches on the edge
is work—you have to decide what you intend
of a “saved” shovel. to do with the restored tool. Is your goal to
restore it to its original glory; to make it look
like new? Are you planning to restore it just
enough to use it, leaving some of that age
and character and remembering what I said
about the “spirit”? Do you plan on cleaning
it enough for display purposes? All these
considerations need to be decided before you
get started, because the process is a little
different for each one. shovels, hoes, chisels and similar tools, are a different matter.
To learn more about true restoration, I In some cases, the item is too far gone and cannot be safely restored to a usable condition.
made a trip to Key West, Florida, to visit with Maybe it can be cleaned up enough to be displayed as a wall decoration, but more than likely, it
friend Corey Malcom, the head archaeologist will need to go to the scrap pile. In the case of that Vietnam combat knife, I was at least going to
at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. Corey bring it back enough so it could be displayed if I couldn’t make it usable again.
took me on a tour so I could see the work a The steps I took with the blade my friend asked me to work on are the same steps I take
true museum-quality restoration entails. The with any project.
process is long and painstaking, but you have to
remember that the goal is to try to preserve bits
and pieces of history. After leaving the museum,
I realized that what I am doing, although it is
time consuming, is nothing compared to the
work being done there.
Most of the time, my goal is to restore the
tool back to a point at which it can again
be used safely. No matter what type of
restoration you plan on doing, before you
start, you need to know what you are working
with—and that means a careful inspection
of the item. Whether it is an axe head, knife
or a shovel, you need to make sure it is worth
› Bottom right: The
the effort. Is the rust just surface rust, or does
author puts the edge on it go much deeper? Axe and maul heads are
a Vietnam-era French
machete found in his
thick enough to be rescued, no matter how deep
father’s garage. the rust goes, but thinner blades, such as knives,
SITUATIONS,
ALTHOUGH
POTENTIALLY
VIOLENT, DON’T
REQUIRE THE USE OF
DEADLY FORCE.
T
here are many articles being
written about everyday carry
(EDC), and most of them are
pretty good.
The thing about EDC is that
every person and every scenario is different. As
with so much else we talk about, there is no
such thing as “one size fits all.” Most EDC articles
are written from the standpoint of the person
preparing for being faced with a potentially
lethal situation—a position for which the use of
a firearm or a knife might mean the difference
between life and death.
The truth is that far more situations,
although potentially violent, don’t require the
use of deadly force. There will be times and
places where a firearm—or even a knife—is a
“no-go.” Sometimes, the person might not feel
comfortable with either one, making them
(the person) more of a danger to themselves
than to any potential danger.
This article deals with EDC items everyone
should have, whether they carry a weapon or
not. I call it “EDC Lite.”
SCENARIOS
More times than not, most emergencies will
not require you to fight it out with a bad guy.
Most might just require some basic tools and
your family out? Do you have the simple tools needed to get out as the vehicle fills with water,
and are they on your person? What if the vehicle is upside-down in the ditch? If your 16-year-old
child were driving the car, would they have the tools and the know-how to save themselves?
Chances are, you are thinking, “Roll down the windows and get out!” That’s great advice ... if
your car has manual window cranks. But most vehicles today have electric windows. If the dam-
age is such that the windows don’t work or the electrical system is shot, what then? A simple tool
designed to break window glass, yet small enough to carry on your keychain, can save the day.
There are many options available on the market, and most are well worth the investment.
So, you can break the window glass—but you can’t release your seatbelt or those of your pas-
sengers. If you have a sharp knife, you can cut your way loose. But what if you don’t have a knife?
There are simple tools for that, as well, and most are small enough to carry in your pocket.
The bottom line: You need to have these tools within your reach at all times—and you have to
have the skills to use them. Every member of your family should be carrying both of these tools at
all times. You might not be there to save the day, and they will need to save themselves.
Scenario 2: It is a very hot summer day. You are shopping at the mall. You come across a vehicle
with a dog—or perhaps a small child—locked inside. The temperatures inside the vehicle are dras-
tically higher than outside, and they are rising. Common sense tells you this is a dire situation.
The occupants could be on the verge of death, because you have no idea how long they have
been in the vehicle.
After calling 9-1-1 on your cell phone, you have to decide what your next move is. Do you take
action or wait until help arrives? That is your call, but if it were me, I would ask for forgiveness
later instead of wasting time trying to find the owner (laws in some jurisdictions are changing to
allow breaking windows in certain hot-car rescue situations).
Do you have the tools to quickly get the animal or child out? If you are carrying the tool to break
glass, you can act and begin treating the victim until help arrives.
Scenario 3: This scenario is not as drastic as the previous two, but it has happened to me more
MSRP: $24.99
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MSRP: $8
www.SwissTechTools.com
MSRP: $77
www.GerberGear.com
MSRP: $25
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vehicle. I have yet to see a rental car with an operational toolbox in the trunk. In that case, what
do you do if you need to make a quick repair? For instance, perhaps a hose clamp came loose. 5.11 Tactical EDT Multitool
You can either do it yourself or call the rental company to send help (which could take hours)—
• The EDT Multitool is light and simple, but it includes features that
if you have cell service. The rental doesn’t have a tool box; however, if you are carrying a
are not available on other similar tools, including a hex head wrench,
multi-tool of some sort, you could fix the problem and be on your way.
measuring rulers and a Kydex sheath.
Multi-tools come in all sizes and configurations. Some are very large, while others
are small enough to fit on a keychain or in your child’s backpack. My wife carries a MSRP: $12.99
www.511Tactical.com
small one in her purse. There are many on the market, so pick the one that works
best for you. Bear in mind that most of these tools include a knife blade, so they
might be restricted in some locations and situations.
‹ Left: Several of
the tools contained
in the author’s EDC
Lite kit would have
been helpful in this
situation.
simplicity and ease of carry. 5.11 Tactical puts your keychain or in a backpack pocket. ‹ Above: This is one
out a product called the EDT Multitool. This Seatbelt Cutters and Window Breakers: There are literally hundreds of these items out reason the author
built an EDC Lite
is an all-in-one tool that fits nicely onto your there, but some are really too bulky to be what I would put into the EDC Lite kit, and many are kit for his daughter.
keychain or on your child’s backpack. Another simply knives. Swiss+Tech puts out a handy, little device called the BodyGard PTX that incor- The repair could
be as simple as
one, the Shard, is produced by Gerber. Both porates a seatbelt cutter, glass breaker and LED light, all in one. Gerber’s Impromptu Tactical tightening a hose
of these tools are simple and straight to the Pen does not have a seatbelt cutter, but it does come with a glass breaker, making it a handy clamp.
point, and both have the features that can tool to have. Any sharp tool will cut a seatbelt, so keep one on hand.
keep you up and running in most situations. As with any EDC setup, the EDC Lite kit will not cover all situations. What it will do is give
For those who want a more traditional multi- you peace of mind as you send your kids off to school or when you travel and can’t carry your
tool, yet one that is small enough to carry normal EDC. Bad things happen all the time, but most of the time, they have nothing to do
easily, Gerber puts out the Dime. This is a with terrorists or others looking to do you harm. Having the tools on hand that can get you
multi-tool, complete with pliers, that fits onto out of trouble can make all the difference in the world.
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Name: Lambsquarters served plain or with butter or other seasoning. The broth from this cooking is delicious.
Chenopodium album Lambsquarters leaves and tender stems can also be added to soups, stews, egg dishes,
Lambsquarters is a member of the goosefoot family, which comprises about 1,500 stir-fries and any dish for which you might add spinach.
species found worldwide, typically in desert, saline or alkaline soils. Most members Winnowed, mature black seeds can be added to bread and pancake batters, as well
of this family have leaves and seeds that can be eaten, although many have to be as soup dishes—akin to the use of quinoa seed (a close relative of lambsquarters).
processed if they are unpalatable raw.
NUTRITION: According to the USDA, an analysis of 100 grams ( 1/2 cup) of leaf
Description shows that it contains 4.2 grams of protein, 309 mg of calcium, 72 mg of phospho-
Lambsquarters is an annual plant that generally grows up to 3 or 4 feet tall; much rus, 11,600 I.U. of vitamin A and 80 mg of vitamin C. Another analysis (Duke and
taller in ideal soils. The leaves are roughly triangular in shape with a white, filmy Atchley) shows 684 mg of potassium per 100 grams. Also, 100 grams ( 1/2 cup) of
coating on each leaf that causes water and raindrops to bead up. The leaf shape the seed contains 1,036 mg of calcium, 340 mg of phosphorus, 64 mg of iron and
has been described as similar to a duck’s or goose’s foot—hence another common 1,687 mg of potassium.
name, “goosefoot.” The stalks are typically streaked with red, and there is usually a
bit of red in the axil of each leaf. The green flowers are inconspicuous. Advice for Growing
Lambsquarters is one of the easiest wild plants to grow. It will grow simply by
Areas Found scattering the seed in a garden area or along paths. You can also plant the seeds in
Lambsquarters is a European native that is now found throughout much of the flats or pots. If you allow a few to go to seed, you’ll find you have a continual supply
world. It prefers disturbed soils, such as along trails and roads, in gardens and on of lambsquarters plants.
the edges of farm lands. It can be found throughout North America and, in fact,
throughout most of the world. Cautions
Although lambsquarters leaf can be eaten raw, it is best eaten in a salad with a
When to Harvest/Availability dressing. If you simply pick a leaf from the plant and eat it, the high mineral content
Lambsquarters is an annual plant that sprouts up in late winter or spring, depending of the leaf can cause an irritation in the mouth and throat.
on the rainfall and temperatures. You can harvest the early leaves by pinching off
the tender tops and leaving the plant to continue its growth. Because the leaves do Recipes
not go bitter, you can continue to pinch off the leaves through its growing season. SOUR LAMB
Seeds are harvested in the late summer, when the plant has finished its growth and • 2 quarts lambsquarters leaves
is dying. It’s best to wait until the plant is browning before harvesting the seeds so • 1 pint sour cream
you know they’ll be mature. Seeds can be harvested en masse, allowed to dry and • Garlic powder
then winnowed in a shallow bowl. Steam the lambsquarters leaves and tops until tender. Strain and chop fine. Stir in
the sour cream, add a dash of garlic powder, and serve warm.
Uses
FOOD: Think of lambsquarters as a wild spinach that can be used raw or cooked GOULD MESA DELUXE
in any of the dishes for which you’d use spinach. The young leaves are tender • 3 cups lambsquarters leaves and tender stems, rinsed and diced
enough to be rinsed and added to salads. The leaves can be cooked like spinach and • 1 onion, sliced
• Butter, as needed
• Seasonings to taste (suggestion: use a dash of paprika and kelp)
Warm the butter in a cast-iron skillet. Add the onion and cook until tender. Add the lambsquarters
and cook until tender. Add seasonings and serve.
EARTH BREAD
• 1 cup lambsquarters seeds
• 1 cup flour of your choice (try acorn, wheat or amaranth)
• 3 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 1 egg
• 1 cup raw milk (you can substitute almond milk)
• 3 Tbsp oil
Mix all the ingredients well. Bake in an oiled pan for about 30 minutes in a 350 degree (F) oven.
You can also thin the batter with water and make pancakes.
© GETTY IMAGES
BIOSCARF ORIGIN
During a trip to China, the husband of the Bioscarf’s creator got sick—
most likely from the poor air quality (according to the Chinese doctor
who treated him). When asked how he could protect himself from
getting sick on future visits, the doctor suggested using a medical-type
mask. When the husband related the story to his wife, the idea for an
effective, but fashionable, form of protection was born.
› Top right: Smoke
TESTING THE BIOSCARF
from the 2017
The Bioscarf I tested measures 7 feet long Napa, California,
fires was bad
and 9 inches wide. That’s big, but not too big
enough to cause
to get caught in your car’s or motorcycle’s some people to
wear protective
wheels. However, bicyclists should be careful.
masks as they
I like its size. You have enough scarf to know walked down
the streets of San
you’re wearing a scarf and not forget it. It comes
Francisco.
in white, olive, black and camo, and because
I had the choice of color, I couldn’t resist the
camo. But its main selling point is not the size;
it’s what’s hidden inside the fabric.
The Bioscarf is actually a stylish air mask
that keeps your neck and head cozy while
filtering out unwanted air contaminants,
germs, second-hand smoke, pollen and other
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Dr. Bross Recommends One Year Supply To Reach Your Maximum Potential.
SEXCITER LIQUID to Excite Women . . . . . . . . . $25.00 $
$170 $210 $240 $
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Individual results may vary. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Shipping, Rush Service and Insurance $20.00 VALUE ONLY $ 14.95
V150 This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Total Enclosed $
‹ Left: Lufthansa
In addition to doing its job effectively, the
flight crew members
wear face masks Bioscarf is made from sustainable materials.
as they make their
Post-consumer, recycled PET water bottles go
way through Hong
Kong's airport in the into the polyester fabric, while the signature
wake of the massive
labels are made from recycled PVC. It is also
Severe Acute Respi-
ratory Syndrome built to be long lasting and reusable, meaning
(SARS) outbreak
fewer disposable air filters in the landfill. And
there in 2003.
this filter is reusable: Simply wash the scarf
by hand after use from time to time.
If you’re in a situation for which you might
otherwise put on a face mask, you can just
snugly wrap the scarf over your mouth and
nose and breathe through it. Maybe you’re an
allergy sufferer, visiting somewhere with poor
air quality; or you’re on a bus or plane, and a
lot of passengers are sneezing and coughing.
Maybe you’re on a campout, and the smoke
from the campfire is excessive. The Bioscarf
will give you some protection.
I like the multi-use aspect of the Bioscarf.
allergens and irritants. This can protect you from colds, flus, pneumonia, tuberculosis and allergic When I’m wearing mine, it gives me the feel-
reactions. Bioscarf is the first scarf with an N95 air filter layer built in. ing of being protected, as if I’m living in a Mad
‹ Below: Long a
When tested by Nelson Labs (a leading global provider of medical and pharmaceutical Max, Book of Eli or Blade Runner world. Of
familiar sight in
tests) against normal masks and respirators, the Bioscarf outperformed some of the most many Asian cities, course, that’s a crazy idea, because everyone
medical mask use
popular mask filters available today. It had a 99.75 percent average filtration efficiency of in those futuristic, dystopian societies would
in the United States
0.3 micron test particles. is on the rise. probably be wearing rags. Still, the Bioscarf
EDT® EDT®
SHARPSHOOTER DESIGNATED
MARKSMAN
Follow us on
‹ An arriving passenger at Los Angeles International Airport wears a
face mask because of concerns about the possible swine flu outbreak
in the area in 2009.
INNOCUOUS APPEARANCE
No one blinks an eye when I wear my Bioscarf. To the average passerby,
it is just another scarf. You don’t look as if you’re wearing combat or
BIOSCARF SPECS
• Weight: 19.4 ounces
• Length: 84 inches
• Width: 9 inches
• Material: 100 percent recycled polyester
• Washing instructions: Hand wash only
MSRP: $45
› Above: Angelo
Cervera was THE BIOSCARF IS ACTUALLY A STYLISH AIR MASK THAT
comfortable
while wearing the KEEPS YOUR NECK AND HEAD COZY WHILE FILTERING OUT
Bioscarf in a smoky
environment. UNWANTED AIR CONTAMINANTS, GERMS, SECOND-HAND
SMOKE, POLLEN AND OTHER ALLERGENS AND IRRITANTS.
THIS CAN PROTECT YOU FROM COLDS, FLUS, PNEUMONIA,
TUBERCULOSIS AND ALLERGIC REACTIONS.
medical gear. Even though I have been wearing USE AND CARE
the camouflage version, it’s not too different Although I have no connection to the Bioscarf’s manufacturer, I have been asked a lot of ques-
from what I ordinarily wear, so no one regards tions by those who’ve seen me wearing it. One person asked how I would know if the filtering
it as “militaristic.” Besides, camo has really aspect was still working. I thought that question was a bit unusual, so I asked them how they
become a fashion statement, so it’s now a
normal fashion choice for many.
Still, the camo version consists of dark tones
of green and brown and works well with most
wardrobes. If you don’t care for camo, choose
one of the solid colors.
COMFORT
I’ve had the opportunity to wear this scarf in
cold weather and found it to be a bit warmer
than a comparable scarf. This is probably
› Right: The
because it’s not just a single layer of fabric; it
Bioscarf looks like
any other scarf on has three. The scarf is not thick, however, and it
the street, but it
has the comfortable feel of a “normal” scarf. Its
can give you extra
protection against length is a bit longer than most scarves, so you
smoke and other
have just a bit more fabric that you can wrap
airborne pollutants
and hazards. over your head or around your neck or face.
would know whether or not a standard face mask was still filtering air. Of course,
similar to a water filter, the sure sign is reduced airflow or increasing difficulty
getting air through the scarf. After a day of work on a dusty construction site or
wearing such a mask in an area with very high air pollution, you just put on another
mask. You never really know if it’s “full” or not. www.facebook.com/
In the case of the Bioscarf, you simply hand wash it in warm water and let it americansurvivalguidemagazine
dry. The inner layer of the scarf is the filtering layer, and washing the scarf helps
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remove any trapped particulate matter. Based on your usage, you’ll have to use
your own judgment as to when and how often to wash the scarf. Remember,
the scarf has a much greater surface area than a mask’s filter, so it would make
AD INDEX
July 2019
ADVERTISER PAGE
HIPERFIRE ...........................................................................................................................................................................................93
‹ Shelby Kolar holds the Bioscarf in place as she gets some help donning it as a
filter. The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to American Survival Guide readers.
American Survival Guide is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.
sense to use multiple areas of the scarf before the filter material. ‹ Members of a
family living near the
having to clean it. (That said, if you’ve just I was also asked if there was an “inside” and “outside” to the scarf so that if you needed to use 2017 Thomas wildfire
completed an intercontinental flight, it might it as an actual filter, you’d know which side to breathe through. There is no difference. If you’re wear protective
masks as they walk
be a good time to give it a quick wash.) wearing the scarf and need to protect yourself from smoke or fumes, just wrap the scarf over along a street in Ven-
The manufacturer instructions say to hand your mouth and nose. tura, California.
wash the Bioscarf, but I’d suggest warm water Is it possible to breathe in trapped pollutants if you wear the scarf backward from the previous
with a simple detergent without colors, dyes way you wore it? In the simplest terms, once you breathe through the scarf, there are clean
or fragrances. (I use Ivory dishwashing liquid.) and unclean sides, so you should always wear it with the same orientation—at least between S O U R C E S
Gently squeeze the entire length of the scarf washings. The filter layer is the barrier between you and the impurities it protects you from,
Amazon
while it is in warm, soapy water. Rinse it in so why would you orient the scarf so that the filtered impurities are on the same side as your https://www.Amazon.com
fresh water and hang it in the sun to dry. mouth and nose?
The manufacturer attaches a label to every Research over the past two decades has shown that short-term exposure to common air Bioscarf
https://www.Bioscarf.com
Bioscarf with instructions to hand wash only pollution worsens existing lung and heart disease and is linked to diseases such as asthma,
and not to dry clean, tumble dry, use bleach bronchitis and cancer. Eartheasy Distribution
or iron the scarf. Be careful not to exert too Long-term exposure increases the risks. If you live in one of these areas of higher air pollution (888) 451-6752
https://EartheasyDistribution.com
much lateral pull on the scarf, because you or are concerned about exposure to airborne communicable illnesses and diseases—or you’re
might stretch and decrease the efficiency of simply looking for a soft, warm scarf—the Bioscarf might be just what you need.
t American Survival Guide, we always say that the time to prepare for it simply won’t run. Now, before the winds howl, is the time to pull it out of storage,
an emergency is before it happens. check or replace last year’s fuel and give it a general service so that it is ready if you
Following that logic, we think it is important for all Americans to need it this year.
take a break from their normal summer activities, just for a short time, This is also a great time to make sure everyone in your family knows where to find
in order to begin or check their plans and preparations for the 2019 utility connections, such as your breaker panel and main gas valve. Be sure they
hurricane and cyclone seasons. understand that these might need to be turned off if it looks as if your home is in the
This year’s Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and runs through November 30. path of a massive storm.
The Eastern Pacific season starts on May 15 and ends on November 30. That’s not to If you don’t already have a disaster kit, there is no better time than right now to
say there won’t be any hurricanes outside that window. These monster storms not only put one together. Chances are, you already have many of the components scattered
affect the coastal states, they can also impact almost the entire country in the forms around your home. The kit should include food, water, flashlights, batteries, first aid
of tornadoes, torrential rains, massive flooding, power and gas shortages, and billions kits and all the things you would need to survive on your own without being resupplied
of dollars in damage and lost productivity. Great numbers of citizens, often caught for at least a week or two.
unprepared, could be displaced, injured or die as a result of these predictable storms. If you live in a more populated area, first responders and emergency aid will likely
Each year, we have an opportunity to take the steps to protect our loved ones and reach your location after disaster strikes sooner than if you live in a sparsely populated
property. For example, if you don’t have a generator, take this opportunity to acquire rural area. That doesn’t mean they will quickly make everything right, but rescue and
one. Many 5,000- to 10,000-watt generators can be had for under $1,000. That is restoration efforts will occur more quickly than if you live in a remote location in the
plenty of electricity to power your refrigerator, lights, water pump and many other country, where the return to normalcy could take weeks or longer. Remember: It took
household devices in the event of a prolonged power outage. If money is tight, you can over one year to restore power to some of the more remote regions of Puerto Rico.
go to yard sales or online to find bargains on used or reconditioned generators. Few natural threats are as predictable as hurricane seasons, so take advan-
Plan to keep at least a week’s supply of fuel on hand—but remember to either rotate tage of the advance notice now. The best time to prepare for trouble is before it
it out every few months or add a fuel stabilizer to help keep it fresh until it’s needed. comes your way.
If you already own a generator, you are ahead of the game, as long as you’ve kept Don’t be a statistic; start preparing so you can have the peace of mind to know you
it in good running condition. It won’t be any good to you if you let the fuel go stale or did all you could to prepare for the anger of the storm.
© GETTY IMAGES