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FEATURES
WATER SHELTER
By: Frank Phillips By: Michael D’Angona
8 68
THE ELIXIR OF LIFE FIGHTING WINTER’S
It’s There—You Just Have to Work DEADLY COLD
Harder for it Stay Protected When Winter’s Worst
Comes Your Way
18
WRESTING WATER FROM 78
WINTER’S GRIP HOME IS WHERE THE
How to Secure a Safe Water Supply in HEARTH IS
the Winter Hot Tips for Surviving Winter’s Perils
22 82
DRINKING PARTNERS SOLVING YOUR SURVIVAL
Essential Gear to Keep Your Water Safe SHELTER NEEDS
and Flowing Diverse Structures for Keeping Mother
Nature at Bay
FOOD
By: Steven Paul Barlow COMMS
By: Jim Jeffries
28 88
NEVER GO HUNGRY SILENCE ISN’T GOLDEN
Stay Well-Fed in Times of Trouble
A Working Comms Link May be Your Key
to Survival
38
TANTALIZING TIPS FOR 98
YOUR TABLE
20 Ways to Get, Store and Cook Food in
COMMUNICATIONS HELP
the Dead of Winter
DESK
Tips and Tricks for Staying Connected
68
42 102
EPICURIAN ESSENTIALS GEARED UP TO STAY IN
FOR EMERGENCIES TOUCH 42
Must-Haves for Sourcing, Preparing and
Top Picks for Critical Connections
Storing Your Sustenance
SECURITY HEALTH
By: Will Dabbs, MD,
By: Mike Travis
48 108
PREPARE TO DEFEND WINTER WELLNESS
Staying Healthy Will Keep You in the Fight
Taking Control of Your Security Needs
58 118
STAYING SAFE HINTS TO WARM YOUR
Personal Guidelines for Living in an
HEART, AND MORE
Tips and Tricks for Staying Healthy in
Unstable Environment
the Cold
62 122
GEARED FOR SECURITY GEAR TO KEEP YOU GOING
Enhance Your Security with these
Crucial Kit for Cold Conditions
Critical Tools
By: Dana Benner
4 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [FALL 2017]

88 8
28 38
78
122
DEPARTMENTS
6
FIRST WORDS
102 108 PREPAREDNESS

CHECKLIST
129
Some articles in this issue might
include stock images that are the
property of Getty Images.
[ASGMAG.COM] PREPPER FIELD MANUAL 5

FALL 2017
EDITORIAL
Mike McCourt Editor
Kelly Nomura Executive Managing Editor
Wendy Wilson Managing Editor
GET PREPARED
DESIGN
Nadezda Sverdlova Art Director
CONTRIBUTORS
FOR WINTER’S
Steven Paul Barlow, Dana Benner, Michael D’Angona
Will Dabbs, MD, Jim Jeffries, Brian Morris
Frank Phillips, Mike Travis
ADVERTISING
PERILS
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(714) 200-1930
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of us. In many parts of the country, it’s almost as if Mother Nature herself is celebrating John Bartulin Account Executive
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with her version of fireworks as the leaves on trees change from their shady summer greens John Cabral Advertising Design
through bright explosions of reds, oranges and golds, just before they wither and drop from Gennifer Merriday Advertising Traffic Coordinator
Eric Gomez Advertising Traffic Coordinator
their branches, brown and dead—a harbinger of what is to come.
MARKETING
We should heed this signal because, in most areas, the environment will turn cold and barren. Elise Portale Content Marketing Manager
If something goes wrong with our energy, fuel or food supply chains now, we’re in trouble, unless Brooke Sanders Content Marketing Specialist
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we’re prepared. Those living in the suburbs and rural areas may be able to light a fire in a real fire- Michael Chadwick Digital Marketing & Media Coordinator
place, but tens of millions of urban dwellers won’t have that option and will have to scramble to Andrew Dunbar Videographer
find other ways to stay warm, heat their food and keep the water flowing, unless they’re prepared. OPERATIONS
Robert Short IT Manager
That’s where American Survival Guide’s Fall Prepper Manual comes in. This special edition Parveen Kumar Newsstand and Circulation Analyst
provides you with insight, advice and information about the upcoming challenges winter, and Shailesh Khandelwal Subscriptions Manager
Alex Mendoza Administrative Assistant
other forces, will bring, including almost 100 products that can make your preparations for winter Victoria Van Vlear Intern Program Manager
survival more efficient and effective.
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down because of winter storms or sabotage, it may take longer to get them back up at this time of
year because of additional transportation, access and repair challenges.
Health is typically a much more serious concern when colder weather hits. Simply moving
around outside can be treacherous and cause injuries like no other time of the year. Injuries related
to exposure to lower temperatures can be devastating, and even fatal, and the consequences of
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If you’re not quite sure how prepared you really are, check out our Prepper’s Checklist on page Pinaki Bhattacharya Vertical Manager
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handy when you check your stores and evaluate your level of readiness. Jason Mulroney Director of Content
Stay safe and warm! Philip Trinkle Newsstand Director
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Editor there can be no warranty or responsibility by Engaged Media Inc.,
as to the legality, completeness or technical accuracy.

FOUNTAIN
OF LIFE
FINDING WATER MEANS
EXTENDING LIFE
BY FRANK PHILLIPS
S
now as far as the eye can in a dusty desert. This leads to chapped
see, the Arctic Circle is a lips, cracked skin, nosebleeds, dehydra-
vast wasteland of nothing- tion and more serious problems, including
ness but snow and ice—but death. We don’t often associate cold
it is actually a desert. So weather with dehydration, but its symp-
dry, the arctic air contains less moisture toms are a lot subtler. The body doesn’t
than the Sahara Desert, and because get as hot, and sweat evaporates more
colder air holds less water vapor, it can rapidly in the cold air so you don’t notice
snow at incredibly low temperatures. It it accumulating on your skin. Thus, you
can also lead to rapid dehydration. are tricked into thinking you aren’t losing
Combined with the dry, sub-zero fluids as rapidly. But you are.
temperatures, wind chill also adds to 1.1. Diminished Thirst Response: In
the weather’s dehydrating effects on a cold weather, the body’s thirst response
person’s body. It will drain moisture at a is diminished (by up to 40 percent, even
rapid rate, only increasing the person’s when dehydrated). This happens because
chances of losing too much fluid. our blood vessels constrict when we’re
Whether you’re trekking through the cold to prevent blood from flowing
icy continent or suffering the effects of freely to the extremities. This enables the
a frigid blizzard or other cold-weather body to conserve heat by drawing more
disaster, your body needs fluids to stay blood to its core. But because of this, the
warm. You will need water—and lots of body is fooled into thinking it’s properly
it. Old Man Winter lacks empathy and hydrated. For example, you don’t feel as
compassion for those not prepared. thirsty and your body doesn’t conserve
water.
1. WINTER DEHYDRATION 1.2. Cold-Induced Diuresis: During a
The arid air of winter will sap your hypothermic event, such as being stuck
body’s moisture as quickly as if you were in freezing temperatures, your body will

› Drink more
water in dry win-
ter air as it will
quickly sap your
moisture, leading
to chapped lips,
nosebleeds,
dehydration and
more serious
problems.
“THE DRY COLD AIR WICKS AWAY ... SURFACE

MOISTURE VERY QUICKLY, SO MUCH SO THAT
YOU MIGHT NOT EVEN NOTICE YOU ARE SWEATING.”
redirect blood from the extremities to the core, which will increase blood pressure and because it tends to evaporate so quickly.
signal the arterial cells in the kidneys to excrete superfluous fluids in an attempt to However, if you are wearing several extra
stabilize the pressure. This increases urine production and your chances of dehydration. layers of clothing and you are working
1.3. Respiratory Water Loss: In cold weather, you lose more fluids through respira- hard at a task, your body’s response—re-
› To ensure tory water loss. For example, when you can see your own breath, that’s actually water gardless of the situation—is to sweat to
survival, never
let your fire go vapor that your body is losing. The colder the temperature and the more intense the regulate the temperature. The dry cold
out when living activity, the more vapor you lose when you breathe. air wicks away this surface moisture very
outside in the
winter. 1.4. Evaporation of Sweat: We often think we aren’t sweating in cold, dry weather, quickly, so much so that you might not

‹ Exertion from
building a snow
shelter will double
or even triple your
water intake needs.
‹ If you’re trekking
even notice you are sweating. in the winter chill,
rehydrate yourself
1.5. Urine Color: A good yardstick by
regularly.
which to measure your hydration level and/
or the danger of you becoming dehydrated
is to observe the color of your urine. The
darker it is, the less water your urine con-
tains, therefore, the less water that’s in you.
If your urine is an orangish/brown color, you
are severely dehydrated.
1.6. Signs of Dehydration, in Self:
Recognizing the early signs of dehydra-
tion may save you from a serious medical
problem, but some of the early signs are
not detectable by other people. Dry, sticky
mouth, swollen tongue, dry skin, muscle
weakness, headaches and dizziness, and
rapid heartbeat are all signs of dehydration
that are imperceptible by other people.
1.7. Signs of Dehydration, in Others:
If you are an observant person and pay
attention to the moods, attitudes and
overall wellbeing of the people in your
group, you might be able to see the signs
of dehydration in others before they
become a problem. Sleepiness, tiredness,
irritability or decreased alertness, sunken
eyes, dry shriveled skin that lacks elasticity,
feverishness, and lack of attention to detail
or empathy for the situation are all signs of
dehydration.
1.8 Fluid Loss Breakdown: A 5 percent
loss of bodily fluids results in thirst, irritability,
nausea and weakness. A 10 percent loss
results in dizziness, headache, inability to
walk and a tingling sensation in the limbs. A
15 percent loss of body fluids results in dim

vision, painful urination, swollen tongue,
deafness and a numb feeling in the skin.
“WHETHER YOU’RE TREKKING THROUGH
2. CONSUMPTION REQUIRE-
MENTS
THE ICY CONTINENT OR SUFFERING THE
Water is far more important than food to EFFECTS OF A FRIGID BLIZZARD OR OTHER
our survival. You can live for up to a month
or longer without food, but you’ll only last
COLD-WEATHER DISASTER, YOUR BODY
a few days without water. Thus, you need NEEDS FLUIDS TO STAY WARM.”
to either pack enough for the duration of
your trip or know how to find water in the
environment in which you are traveling.
2.1. Water Physiology: Our brains are
made up of approximately 70 percent
water (more than what’s in our bodies)
whereas our blood is 82 percent water
and our lungs consist of about 90 percent
water. Water metabolizes and transports
vital elements to all parts of our bodies
through the bloodstream and helps dis-
pose of bodily waste via the kidneys.
2.2. Minimum Requirements: During
a normal day of sitting in the office or
relaxing at home, your body will require
two to three quarts of water to properly
function. The general rule of thumb for
survival situations (regardless of the en-
vironment) is to have one gallon of water
per person per day.
2.3. Active Requirements: When a
person is physically active, say digging a
snow shelter or transporting a pack full of
gear over rough terrain, the body’s need
for water will increase dramatically. In
extreme hot or cold environments, the
requirement for water doubles and some-
times triples what it would need during a
non-strenuous day.
2.4. Water is Heat: When cold, the
body loses fluids through the process of
warming itself. Shivering, for example,
takes energy, so drinking more water than
usual when you are cold will replace the
lost fluids and therefore help ward off
hypothermia.
3. SOURCES OF WINTER
WATER
It seems counterintuitive to search
for water in the wintertime, especially
considering that your environment may
be layered in snow and ice. However, areas
such as the tundra can be devoid of sur-
face water due to the cold temperatures
and low humidity. Finding water will be
difficult, but not impossible.
3.1. DIY Solar Oven: Place snow in a
dark container and then cover it with a
pane of glass (say, from a car window). If
the sun is out, it will help melt the snow.
3.2. Roof Melt: By placing buckets or

‹ When exerting energy in frigid
temperatures, remember that
you still sweat and lose valuable
moisture through respiration.

other catchment basins near the drain-
pipes of rain gutters, you can capture the
“ICE IS USUALLY AVAILABLE FROM A
snowmelt from the roof (heat from inside STREAM, TREE LIMB, OR OTHER WATER
the building will melt some of the snow).
Consider purifying the water due to chem-
SOURCE AND NOT ON THE GROUND.”
icals in some roofing materials. tassium brings water into your cells, which helps hydrate your entire body. Add high-po-
3.3. Pond Freeze: In milder climates, a tassium foods like coconut water, dark leafy greens, white beans, fish and bananas into
pond or lake may not completely freeze your diet during the winter.
and the ice layer can be broken to access 4.5. Warm Water: Warm water is easier for your body to digest and takes less energy to
the water below. acclimate it to your body’s temperature.
3.4. Melt Ice or Snow? Melting ice will 4.6. Warm Storage: If you have a hydration pack, storing it close to your body will help
give you more water than melting the keep it at room temperature and prevent freezing.
same amount of snow. Also, ice is usually 4.7. Drink, Drink, Drink: It doesn’t matter if you think you are not thirsty, always drink
cleaner and may not require filtering water. If you have enough and don’t need to ration it, drink it.
before you use it. The big problem with 4.8. Medicated: You may have to consume more liquids if you’re taking medica-
snow is that small twigs, rocks, and other tions that cause the body to lose water, such as diuretics for hypertension (high blood
foreign objects may be in it. Ice is usually pressure) and laxatives, or suffering from a disease that causes vomiting (like cancer) or
available from a stream, tree limb, or oth-
er water source and not on the ground. ‹ In milder
3.5. Pillow Melt: Use a pillowcase (or climates, a pond
or lake may not
cloth bag), fill it with snow, and hang it freeze over com-
near a fire. Place a container under it to pletely—making
it a good source
catch the snowmelt. of water.
3.6. Radioactive Snow: Snow taken
from six inches or more below the surface
is a safe source of water after a nuclear
event.
3.7. Body-Heated Water: You can use
body heat to melt snow. Place the snow in
a container and place it between your lay-
ers of clothing (not directly on the skin).
3.8. Melts in Your Mouth: Do not
‹ Melting ice
melt snow in your mouth. It will lead to will give you
chapped lips and will actually lower your more water than
melting the same
body temperature. amount of snow.
4. DEHYDRATION PREVEN-
TION METHODS
Psychologically, it can be rather easy to
forget hydration during winter because
it’s cold and we’re less likely to feel thirsty,
but heavy exercises or activities such as
shoveling snow, cycling, mountaineering,
snowshoeing, skiing or skating can cause
your body to lose more than two liters of
water an hour and increase your risks of
dehydration.
4.1. Hard Breath: Your body works harder
to warm cold air you inhale during the
winter.
4.2. Eat Your Water: When spending
time in a snowy environment, choose
water-based vegetables, like cucumbers,
cabbage, lettuce and tomatoes, over
starchy vegetables, such as corn, beans,
potatoes and peas.
4.3. Decrease Sodium Intake: Sodium
keeps water outside your cells, which gives
dehydration a helping hand. Eat foods with
less than 250 mg of sodium per serving.
4.4. Increase Potassium Intake: Po-

› Warm water is diarrhea (like Crohn’s disease).
easier for your
body to digest
than cold water.
5. WHAT NOT TO DO
Not all liquid is good. Certain types of
beverages can lead to increased water loss.
Temperature, too, matters when prevent-
ing dehydration.
5.1. Drinks to Avoid: Be mindful that
diuretic drinks like alcohol—beer, wine,
grain alcohols—encourage water loss by
increasing urine production.
5.2. Don’t Drink Coffee: Because caf-
feine is a mild vasodilator, it will help draw
more blood into the extremities, where it
will cool more quickly. The result will be
a colder core and your body will use more
energy to warm it.
5.3. In Hot Water: The amount of hot
water needed to raise the core tempera-
ture of a human being is well more than a
person is capable of drinking at one time. It
would be better to place a gallon of warm
water in his or her sleeping bag.
5.4. Never Drink Urine, Salt Water or
Blood: By the time you even think about
doing this, you are very dehydrated. That
means your urine and blood are full of salts
and other waste products you’ll just be
reintroducing into your body. Because your
body uses water to remove waste (such as
salt from the saltwater), it will draw upon
its reserves to do so, and you’ll actually be
losing more water than you are gaining.
5.5. No Snow for Supper: Simply put,
do not eat snow, period. The amount
of energy used to melt the snow in your
mouth and stomach is more than the
water will replace in lost fluids, therefore
making you colder (and thirstier) than
before.
5.6. Body Thaw: Do not place a con-
tainer of ice or snow directly next to your
skin thinking it will melt quicker. It will
› Icicles are a bet-
ter source of water likely make you colder, and it may lead to
than snow. frostbite.

TIPS
AGE OF
AQUEOUS
HOW TO WRESTLE WATER FROM
THE ICY GRIP OF OLD MAN WINTER
BY FRANK PHILLIPS
W
ater may be a foot or so below the waterline.
everywhere during 1.4. Questionable? If your water source is
the winter, locked questionable at all, always filter and purify
up in snowdrifts, it the best you can.
icicles, and frozen 1.5. Dangerous Snow: Though you might
lakes and ponds. Eking it out from its solid see snow as just frozen water, it can contain
state to liquid form will take a lot of energy, many nasty elements like sulfates, nitrates,
not to mention time and patience. Finding formaldehyde and mercury.
fresh, readily available water during winter 1.6. Polluted Snow: With its intricate
may pose a challenge, so it is best to be latticework, snow catches pollutants in the
prepared for when the mercury dips below air, such as black carbon (a.k.a. soot) and
the freezing point. some airborne pesticides, as it falls from the
sky. Wait a few hours before collecting any
1. IS IT DRINKABLE? snow for drinking water.
Even though water is available, even in 1.7. Pink Ice: Avoid using pink ice and
great quantities, it may not be potable snow for conversion to drinking water, as
thanks to chemicals, bacteria, pesticides it has been contaminated with toxic red
and microorganisms contaminating it. algae, which will have an extreme laxative
To stay healthy, you must find drinkable effect.
water (or have the ability to make it so). 1.8. Cancer-Causing Snowfall: Snowfall
1.1. Oil Slick: Avoid collecting water near urban areas contains benzene, toluene,
from any source that has an oily film ethylbenzene and xylenes, all carcinogens.
across the top. 1.9. Windblown and Plowed Snow:
1.2. Dead Water: Water should be con- Avoid using windblown snow (a.k.a. snow-
sidered quite undrinkable if there is a dead drift) and snow that has been plowed in a
animal in it. The water was either poisoned field, as both sources contain large amounts
intentionally (by placing the animal there) of ground-level contaminants, such as dirt,
or the water itself is toxic. sand, chemicals and debris.
1.3. Seepage Basin: If the water source 1.10. Roof Icicles: Because of the harmful
is questionable, dig a seepage basin a few chemicals in your roofing materials (arsenic,
feet away and allow the water to seep lead, cadmium, etc.), purify any water from
through the dirt and into the hole. Dig down roof icicles.

2. HOW BEST TO PURIFY IT “FINDING FRESH, READILY AVAILABLE
Dozens of filters and chemical treatment
options are on the market for a wide WATER DURING WINTER MAY POSE
range of situations and needs: pump fil- A CHALLENGE, SO IT IS BEST TO BE
ters, gravity filters, filter straws, chemical
drops and UV filters. Even if those are not
PREPARED FOR WHEN THE MERCURY
on hand, natural methods, such as stills, DIPS BELOW THE FREEZING POINT. ”
bleach, boiling and solar disinfecting, have
been the mainstay for thousands of years
before modern filters. DNA of the organisms so that they cannot reproduce. The downside is that after you’ve
2.1. Filter to Go: Carrying a water treated the water and allowed it to sit in sunlight or a long period of time, the organisms
treatment system is much lighter than can rejuvenate.
bringing all the water you need. And with 2.9. Watch for the Freeze: When using water filters in freezing temperatures, it is
a treatment system, you need only carry crucial that the filtering element itself does not freeze as this could render the filter in-
enough water to get you from one source
to the next. › Avoid collecting
2.2. Filter Size: The smaller the pore water from ques-
tionable sources.
size, the more pathogens and impurities
the filter can strain out. A simple rule of
thumb is that the smallest bacteria is 0.2
micron, so a filter should be around that
size or smaller to be the most effective.
2.3. Filter Sooner than Later: You
should not wait until you are thirsty to
start the water purification process, as
some methods can take some time to
execute.
2.4. Rinse the Lip: When filtering water
in a canteen (or other container you plan
to drink directly from), make sure to rinse
the threads and lip of the canteen or
container).
2.5. Chemical Limitations: Chemical
treatments eliminate bacteria and viruses.
They eliminate the microscopic parasite
Cryptosporidium, however, only after
extended time in the chemical solution.
Chemical treatments do not strain out
particulate matter (plants, bugs and dirt),
and they usually have a negative effect on
the taste of water.
2.6. Harmful Chemicals: Chemical
treatment methods should be considered
an emergency or short-term solution, as
these chemicals—iodine, sodium chlorite,
potassium permanganate—can be harm-
ful long term or to children or pregnant
women. Also, these chemicals may not kill
all parasites.
2.7. Killing Cryptosporidium: The
only effective means of neutralizing the
Cryptosporidium parasite is by boiling
the water or by using a filter. Chemical
disinfectants such as iodine tablets or
bleach are not 100 percent effective in
eliminating Cryptosporidium. The parasite › If you collect
melted ice and
can lead to the diarrheal disease crypto- snow from your
sporidiosis. roof’s runoff, be
sure to purify the
2.8. DNA Disrupters: Ultraviolet water as it could
contain chemicals
(UV) light treatments do not actually
from the roofing
kill pathogens. Instead, they disrupt the materials.

effective. Store your filter in an inside coat
pocket where your body heat will prevent
it from freezing.
2.10. Drinkable Snowmelt: Make
snowmelt drinkable by adding eight drops
of bleach per gallon.
2.11. No Need to Boil: Water doesn’t
need to be boiled to be safe. Merely
heating the water to 150 degrees (F) for
20 minutes pasteurizes the water, making
it safe to drink. Pasteurization kills all
human disease pathogens.
2.12. DIY Natural Still: Depending
› Above: Because
on the environment, you may be able to water is difficult
make a transpiration still (a.k.a. vegeta- to transport, pack
a portable filter in
tion bag still) by covering a large bunch your bug-out bag.
of leafy branches of a tree with a clear
plastic trash bag. Place a small stone › Above right: Use
storage containers
inside so there is a space at the bottom of that are BPA-free.
the bag for water to collect. Seal the bag Single-wall stainless
steel containers are
tightly and it will average one to two cups best in the winter as
you can use them to
of water in a day.
heat ice and snow if
2.13. Get the Most Water: Compared to needed.
other types of stills, a vegetation bag still
produces the most water.
2.14. Poisonous Plants Equals
Poisonous Water: When making a
vegetation (or transpiration) bag still, do
no use poisonous plants.
› Strenuous activity
2.15. Filter Building Blocks: Five in cold tempera-
simple elements go into making a natural tures will quickly
deplete your body’s
water filter system. From top to bottom: water reserves.
Hydrate often—even
charcoal, rocks, gravel, coarse sand and
when you’re not
fine sand. thirsty.
3. STORAGE SOLUTIONS
If water is at a premium and you think it will get increasingly scarce, you’ll need to
consider ways to properly store large quantities of water for future use. Keep in mind
that your group may grow in size or have to relocate, so having a plan that can expand
as your group does is important.
3.1. Go Stainless: When choosing a water bottle, choose stainless. Having a stainless
steel water bottle will ensure that you always have an effective and reliable container
to heat otherwise unclean water to make it safe to drink.
3.2. Creative Storage: You can store water in any variety of things like discarded
cups, canteens, water bottles, plastic baggies, or empty beer cans you may find along
the trail as long as you can confidently clean them.
3.3. Keep Tap Water Pure: If you fill your storage containers with tap water, theo-
retically you won’t need to treat it with anything, like chlorine or iodine, before you seal
the container. Water directly from a tap should already be treated with chemicals to
keep it free of water-borne contaminants and algae/bacteria.
3.4. Chlorinate: For large storage containers of tap water, it is suggested you add
seven teaspoons of chlorine to be on the safe side.
3.5. Stale Water: Water stored for a long time will lack oxygen, which will give it an
overall flat taste. To remedy this, just stir it up a little bit, as that flat taste doesn’t
mean anything is wrong with your water.
3.6. No Chemical Leaching: Make sure the containers you use to store water for
long term are BPA-free and marked as safe for food storage.
3.7. Snow Fridge: To help prevent your water from freezing at night, build a snow
fridge with 12-inch-thick walls all the way around (including the top), and store your
container with the lid facing down.

WATER
GEAR GUIDE
DRINKABLE
DEALS
ESSENTIAL GEAR TO KEEP THE
WATER SAFE AND FLOWING
BY FRANK PHILLIPS
W
ater is non-compress-
ible. One gallon of wa-
ter takes up about 232
cubic inches and one
cubic foot of water is
about 7.48 gallons. There’s no way of packing
any more water into that space, which is
why water, a necessity for life, is so difficult
to transport and store in quantities great
enough for long-term emergency situations.
Therefore, gear to purify, filter, store and carry
water has become very popular.

1. STORAGE
As soon as an emergency or disaster hits your area, the first services to go will be the municipal ones—gas, electricity and water. Just in case that should hap-
pen, have a system in place where you have a means to obtain clean water on your property. Using underground cisterns or a variety of smaller storage solutions
around your home, you need 1 gallon of water per person per day… and you’ve got to put it all somewhere.
1.1. 100-Gallon Emergency Water

Storage Tank
Overview Specifications
This 100-Gallon Emergency Water • FDA/NSF approved, food grade, BPA-free
Storage Tank is equipped with all the polyethylene
necessary fittings needed to store an • Diameter, 30 inches; height, 42 inches
emergency drinking water supply at • Weight: 38 pounds (empty), 951 pounds (full)
home. It is made from FDA/NSF- ap- • 8-inch lid with air vent
proved, food-grade, BPA-free polyeth-
MSRP
ylene and has built-in UV inhibitors to
$249.99
prevent color fading and breakdown
from harsh sunlight. URL
www.PrepperWaterStorage.com
1.2. Baytec Containers

300-Gallon AquaTank II
The Aquatank II is ideal for emergency • Capacity: 300 gallons
water storage, but it can be used • Material: Polyurethane-coated nylon
for many other applications. Unlike • Puncture resistant
Baytec’s previous models that were • Empty dimensions: 4.5 x 12 feet
designed to be static after filling, the • The drain sleeve has a male hose attachment
new Aquatank II can be transported in • The fill sleeve has a female hose attachment
an SUV, truck, camper or trailer with- • Olive drab in color
out the risk of damaging the unit.
MSRP
$372.97
URL
www.BaytecContainers.com
1.3. Augason Farms Emergency

Water Storage Kit
The 55-gallon water barrel is a durable • The barrel is made from food-grade
container designed for emergency water polyethylene
storage. The Aquamira liquid water • BPA free
treatment drops are ideal for large water • Dimensions: 23.5 x 32.25 inches
treatment (up to 60 gallons), and the
MSRP
four-year shelf life is not affected by
$169.99
partial use of a bottle. It’s effective on
bacteria, viruses and cysts. It introduces URL
no unpleasant aftertaste and meets www.AugasonFarms.com
stringent EPA guidelines. The bucket lid
opener allows quick and easy opening
of barrels, pails and buckets without lid
damage.
[ASGMAG.COM] PREPPER FIELD MANUAL

2. FILTERS AND PURIFIERS
When it is an emergency and your life is slowly fading away, drinking water that may be contaminated with bacteria or dangerous cysts is better than dying.
When your life is not immediately being threatened, take care and consideration for your health by always filtering and purifying your water before you drink,
cook, clean or bathe with it. High quality gear is inexpensive, decidedly small, and easily stowed in your B.O.B. or emergency cache.
2.1. Polar Pure Iodine

According to the manufacturer, Polar • Indefinite shelf life
Pure Iodine is the only water treatment • Small, lightweight and easy to take with you
product that completely sterilizes the • Built-in temperature gauge for dosage needs
water from all living organisms, and it • Bottle trap prevents the crystals from falling
is the highest rated water purification out
product available. It treats up to 2,000
MSRP
quarts of water from a single bottle.
$24.99
URL
www.PolarPureWater.com
2.2. Seldon Water Station

Seldon’s Portable WaterStation is a • Portable two-stage in-line filter system
rugged yet effective stand-alone water • Patented “Nanomesh” technology for high
purification system that is portable. It performance contaminant removal
can deliver purified water from either • Removes 99.9999 percent of bacteria, 99.99
piped water pressure or, using a built-in percent of viruses and 99.9 percent of cysts
pump, any water source and a 12-volt • Reduces sediment, chlorine, TOCs, bad taste
power supply, such as a car battery or and odors
cigarette lighter socket. The system • Reduces chemicals and many harmful metals
delivers up to 30,000 liters, and it is
MSRP
easily stored and transported.
$525
URL
http://H2O.co.za
2.3. Trek Ultra Water Filtration

Straw
At 1.6 ounces and 6.5 inches tall, the • Includes canteen, carrying case and backflush
Personal Filter Straw is lightweight kit
and very portable, perfect for camping, • Meets EPA/ANSI protocols
kayaking, emergency response kits, • Tested to NSF standards
survival gear, travel (international or
MSRP
domestic), hiking and backpacking.
$19.95
Removes parasites, chemicals, heavy
metals, contaminants and waterborne URL
pathogens as well as kills bacteria by www.TrekUltra.com
using an EPA-approved iodinated resin,
which is then filtered back out for fresh
tasting water.

2.4. SteriPen Adventurer Opti
The Adventurer Opti UV water purifier has • Weight: 3.8 ounces
an optical eye that senses water to ensure • Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.5 x 1 inches
safe use and effective treatments. The water • Lamp Life: 8,000 treatments
sensor also doubles as an integrated LED • Battery: CR123 (included)
flashlight for added convenience on the trail • Includes neoprene case
or around the campsite. The Adventurer Opti
MSRP
is powered by two CR123 batteries, making it
$89.95
a lightweight water purification system and
keeping it operating effectively in even cold URL
environments. The long-lasting UV lamp www.Steripen.com
purifies up to 8,000 liters.
2.5. Sawyer 4-Liter Water

Filtration System
The Sawyer 4-Liter Water Filtration • Removes particles, protozoa and bacteria
System provides water for larger down to 0.10 micron in size, including Giardia,
groups. No pumping or chemicals are salmonella, Cryptosporidia and leptospirosis
needed. Simply set up the Sawyer water • Includes a faucet adapter for a thorough
filtration system, and let gravity provide backwash
the crew with four liters of fresh, clean • Fully field maintainable to ensure a fast flow
water in about three minutes. of water
• Weight: 12 ounces
MSRP
$139.95
URL
www.Sawyer.com
2.6. Brita Hard Sided Water Filter

Bottle
The 23-ounce hard-sided bottle is • Dimensions: 9.48 x 2.96 x 3.60 inches
made with durable, BPA-free plastic • Weight: 0.39 pound
and uses replaceable filters that pro- • Capacity: 23 ounces
cess your water as you drink. It comes • Multiple colors available
with a built-in loop and easy-sip straw
MSRP
so you can enjoy your water without
$18.99
hassle.
URL
www.Brita.com

3. TRANSPORTATION
Sometimes, the perfect plan of staying put in your home or secluded emergency shelter is shattered by unforeseen events that force you out into the cold.
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t take at least some of your precious water with you; you’ll need it while you find another place to hunker down.
3.1. Reliance Aqua-Tainer

The Aqua-Tainer 7-gallon jug is made from rug- • Capacity: 7 gallons
ged, BPA-free materials for safe and effective • BPA free
storage over time. The container features a • Dimensions: 11.25 x 11.00 x 15.25 inches
contoured handle for ergonomic comfort while • Weight: 2 pounds (empty)
carrying, and it comes with a built-in vent with
MSRP
a screw-on cap for smooth pouring. Water can
$22.49
be dispensed out of the hideaway spigot or
poured out the large opening at the top. The URL
container is cube-shaped for easier storing and www.RelianceProducts.com
stacking.
3.2. Coleman 5-Gallon

Water Carrier
The Coleman water carrier holds five gallons. • Can be stored on its bottom or sides
It has a molded handle for mobility and an • Spigot is removable for easy filling
adjustable spigot for water access, and is made • Scratch- and impact-resistant
from tough polyethylene plastic, making it
MSRP
scratch- and impact-resistant.
$18.99
URL
www.Coleman.com
3.3. Ozark Trail Desert Patrol

6-Gallon Water Jug
Keep plenty of water on hand with the Ozark • Traditional jerry can design
Trail Desert Patrol 6-gallon water jug. This BPA- • Heavy-duty plastic construction
free container features a traditional jerry can • BPA-free
design. It has an angled handle for easier lifting • Spout system
and pouring.
MSRP
$12.97
URL
www.Walmart.com

3.4. Coghlan’s Expandable
Water Carrier
Carry water back to your campsite with the Cogh- • Comfortable carry grip
lan’s Expandable Water Carrier. This container • Dimensions (empty):
features a twist cap and spout for easy pouring 9-3/4 x 16 x 2-1/4 inches
and is made from high-strength polyethylene. • Capacity: 2 gallons
Sides expand to increase capacity when filling it
MSRP
with water.
$18.02
URL
www.Walmart.com
3.5. Dune X-Fit Hydration Pack

The Dune, from Source Outdoor, introduces • Material: Ripstop 70D nylon
unique X-Fit shoulder straps that wrap around the • Easy bladder insertion and removal
body for a perfect fit while allowing uninhibited • Easy access hip pockets
body movement. Small, easily accessible pockets • Reflective straps for enhanced
are available for essentials. Bladder capacity is 2 visibility
liters. • Adjustable sternum strap for
stability
• Magnetic clip for the hydration tube
MSRP
$125
URL
www.SourceOutdoor.com
3.6. Colapz Liquid Carrier

This compact liquid carrier holds 9 liters of any • Won’t crack in cold weather
cold liquid. It comes complete with a spigot and • Made from recyclable plastic
level indicator, so you can see exactly how much • UV resistant
is inside. When empty, the carrier twists down • Dimensions (open):
flat to be stored in a small spot. Available in 10.6 x 8.7 x 8.7 inches
multiple colors. • Dimensions (collapsed):
3.5 x 8.7 x 8.7 inches
MSRP
$37.50
URL
www.Colapz.co.uk

NEVER
GO
HUNGRY
IN THE FALL AND WINTER,
STAYING WELL FED IN TIMES OF
TROUBLE IS NOT AS SIMPLE AS
PICKING BLUEBERRIES
BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW
W
here will you be 1. PRELIMINARY PREPS
when the lights Before we even talk about how to acquire
go out? And if it food, store it and prepare it, we need to
happens this fall take stock of some preliminaries.
or winter, how 1.1. No Time Off: First, you have to ac-
prepared will you be to handle it? cept that being prepared for emergencies
If you’re lucky enough to survive the is a year-around project. And any disaster
first round—the blizzard, the wildfire, occurring during the fall or winter months
the hurricane, the flood, the tornado, can be especially challenging. We’ve all
the terrorist attack, the power plant heard the Aesop’s fable of the ant and the
meltdown—how will you feed your family grasshopper. The ant worked all summer
once your neighborhood’s in ruins and to prepare for the long winter months.
there’s no electricity or supermarket The grasshopper did not. Be the ant. You
supply chain? What will you eat and how have to stockpile resources and hone your
will you prepare it? survival skills long before disaster strikes.

› Right: Cooking
“HAVING A SUR- outdoors during
a disaster can be
PLUS OF CERTAIN a challenge if the

weather turns ugly.
SUPPLIES WILL
GIVE YOU EXTRA
BARGAINING
POWER WHEN IT
COMES TO TRAD- ‹ Below: Clean
water is a priority
in any survival
ING FOR THINGS situation. When
traveling light, one
YOU NEED.” of these water filter
straws is sufficient.
At the homestead,
something that
can handle larger
1.2. Location, Location, Location: Lo- quantities of water
cation counts in business and in survival. is preferred.
If you want to live in the penthouse of a

high-rise apartment building in the mid-
dle of a city, that’s your choice. But you’ll ‹ Bottom: Chopping
firewood is a likely
find yourself competing for few resources
task during a fall or
with multitudes of desperate people who winter crisis and
can burn lots of
thought this could never happen to them. calories that you’ll
need to replace.
I’ll say a prayer for you while I’m sitting by the fire chowing down on venison stew.
When it comes to feeding your family, a desirable residence would be close to a water
source. It would have room for a garden, and it would be where you could hunt and fish
nearby. Ideally, you would not be dependent on public utilities for heat and electricity.
Sometimes your location isn’t your first choice, such as when you have to leave your
well-stocked, fortified homestead and flee disaster that arrives on your doorstep.
Always have a Plan B. Throwing a bug-out bag in your car and driving away is a very
temporary solution. Having a secondary location already prepped or well-prepared
friends or relatives who’ll take you in is a big plus.
1.3. Never Too Much: There might not be such a thing as too much when it comes
to your food supply because you can’t always know for certain how long a survival
situation will last. Also, the amount you need can change if you end up being persuaded
to take in others less fortunate—remember the grasshopper.
We like to think we’d be independent during a crisis, but a time will come when you
need to depend on others. Having a surplus of certain supplies will give you extra
bargaining power when it comes to trading for things you need. A cup of sugar, a sack of
flower or a pound of salt can become priceless.
2. WHAT YOU NEED

Once you’ve survived the initial crisis and you’ve found a safe place where you’re warm
and dry, you have to consider how you’ll keep from starving in the days ahead.
2.1. Clean Water: First off, you need a steady supply of clean water. Some areas are
short of water in the first place. In low-lying areas, flooding can taint water supplies. Power
outages can also affect your ability to obtain clean water. You can boil it, treat it or filter it.
It’s best to have more than one option. If you plan on melting and purifying snow during
the winter, consider that this requires lots of fuel. You’ll get more water from ice than from
the same volume of snow.
2.2. Stoke Your Furnace: In cold weather, you’re going to need lots of calories. That
old guideline about 2,000 calories a day can vary according to your size, age and sex
and is just a starting point. In cold weather, your body can produce more heat through a
process called nonshivering thermogenesis, but that fire inside needs food to burn. Factor
in strenuous activity from gathering and chopping firewood, dragging a deer you’ve shot
or trudging through two feet of snow and the calories you burn, and need to replace, can
easily triple. You’ll need lots of high-calorie food.

‹ Growing your
own vegetables
could be a required
skill in a long-term
disaster scenario.
‹ Below left:
Canning requires
strict attention to
detail, but people
have been doing it
for generations as a
way of preserving
food for the lean
months. Dreams-
time photo
‹ Below: Dried
beans and peas
“MANY ROOT VEGETABLES—CARROTS, are inexpensive,

available at most
BEETS, ONIONS, GARLIC, RADISHES,

grocery stores and
can be stored for a
long time. They can
POTATOES—CAN BE GROWN YEAR-AROUND provide the basis
for hearty meals in
INDOORS OR IN GREENHOUSES.” emergency situa-
tions. Dreamstime
photo
3. HOW TO GET IT
When it comes to food, the goal in any sur-
vival situation is not to expend more calories
than are contained in the food you obtain
in the effort. Hunting all day, covering miles,
and coming home with one squirrel puts you
in a deficit for the day.
3.1. Stockpile It: The best way to have
enough food without expending too much
energy, of course, is to stockpile it in advance.
Buy canned goods on sale—more than you
need immediately—and rotate your supply
so you use the older cans first. Add to your
stores of the staples—sugar, flour, pasta, › Bottom left: Acorns and other nuts can be a good food source
during the fall months. Acorns have to be processed to remove
dried beans and peas, and other dried goods. the tannin before you eat them.
For those needed calories, look to store › Bottom right: Meat can be preserved by drying it in strips to
make jerky.
lots of food that’s high in fat. Stockpile jars
of peanut butter and canned meats. Add
some high-calorie snack bars. Those are all
ready-to-eat foods you don’t need to cook.
Sardines, olive oil, coconut oil, eggs, butter
and animal fat are other good sources of
fatty foods. The only trouble with the fat in
the fish you might catch yourself is that this
is also where any toxins would reside.
3.2. Gather It: Wild edibles are hard to
find in the late fall and winter, but you can
still go nuts, so to speak. Acorns, pine nuts,

› Hunting birds
is an option, but
remember that
you’ll need to fill
your game bag to
be able to justify
the calories spent
on a day-long
hunt.
“WHEN PREPARING FOR A SURVIVAL SITUATION,

CONSIDER HUNTING AND FISHING ACTIVITIES ONLY
AS A WAY TO STRETCH YOUR FOOD SUPPLY, BUT
DON’T DEPEND ON IT. ”
‹ Left: Fish are a
great source of
protein, but you
shouldn’t expect to
be this lucky every
day.
› Below: Choosing
a place to live that
gives you room to
raise your own food
is a big plus in trou-
bled times.
‹ Above: Fishing
during the winter beech nuts are often available late in
months can be
the year. Make sure you know how to
extra challenging
and you should identify and prepare wild foods. Sweet
consider anything
you catch a bonus. chestnuts are edible, horse chestnuts are
not. Acorns require leaching off the bitter
tannins before consuming them. In many
places, you can find apple trees in the
woods, the remnants of old orchards, still
bearing fruit.
3.3. Hunt For It: There have been times
when I went hunting or fishing and came
home empty-handed. When preparing for
a survival situation, consider hunting and
fishing activities only as a way to stretch
your food supply, but don’t depend on it.

“CHICKEN
› Chickens can
provide eggs on
a regular basis.
DOESN’T SPOIL Thanks to their
feathers, they
IF IT’S STILL do well in cold

weather.
WALKING
AROUND.
CHICKENS
REQUIRE LITTLE
SPACE AND CAN
BE RAISED FOR
THEIR MEAT OR
THEIR EGGS.”
Consider any food gained through hunting
or fishing as a bonus. Also consider that
many other people in your vicinity will
have the same idea.
3.3. Grow Your Own: It might be
comforting to know that some foods can
be stored for 25 years, but you probably
won’t keep it that long. Most likely you’ll
use older items as needed, replenishing
your emergency stores as you go. People
living during the Great Depression had
gardens. During World War II when food
was rationed, people had victory gardens.
You can grow your own vegetables, and
some fruits, too. It will take some advance
planning, but not necessarily a lot of land.
Front porches, back decks, window sills,
that small area on the side of your garage
are among the small spaces you can use 4.1. Can It
to grow pots of vegetables and herbs. Fruits and vegetables grown or gathered during the growing season can be canned, or
Many root vegetables—carrots, beets, sealed in glass jars. There is a danger of botulism if the canning procedures are not fol-
onions, garlic, radishes—can be grown lowed correctly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture publishes the USDA Complete Guide
year-around indoors or in greenhouses. So to Home Canning. It’s available online for free at http://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/
can some herbs, tomatoes and spinach. publications_usda.html.
3.4. Winner, Winner…chicken dinner.
Chicken doesn’t spoil if it’s still walking
around. Chickens require little space and
can be raised for their meat or their eggs.
An average hen can lay about 270 eggs in
a year – that’s a lot of protein. And they
do well in cold weather. Chicken droppings
make good fertilizer for your garden, too.
Check your local laws. Some localities
allow hens, but no roosters.
4. HOW TO STORE IT
In most emergencies, the electricity will
most likely be out. If that happens in the
late fall or winter in the northern parts › Foods high in
of the country, the weather might be Omega-3 fatty
acids are wise
cold enough to put your frozen foods in choices both in
good times and
coolers outside. But don’t count on this bad. Dreamstime
short-term solution. photo

4.2. Dry It: Food dehydrators take the “THESE DRIED FOODS CAN THEN
moisture out of fruits, vegetables and
meats to keep them from spoiling. These BE VACUUM SEALED IN AIR-TIGHT
dried foods can then be vacuum sealed in CONTAINERS WITH OXYGEN
air-tight containers with oxygen absorbers
to extend their shelf life even further.
ABSORBERS TO EXTEND THEIR
4.3. Freeze-Dry It: Although they’re SHELF LIFE EVEN FURTHER..”
quite expensive, appliances are available
that will freeze-dry foods that, once prop-
‹ For the many
erly sealed, can stay good for 25 years. foods that do not
last long after being
There are long-term cost-savings and
harvested, like
you can preserve a greater variety of food these mangosteens,
drying is the best
than is available commercially. option for long-term
storage.
5. HOW TO PREPARE IT
Consider how you will cook your meals if
the power is out. Sure, there’s always the
traditional campfire, but when the wind
is howling and the snow is blowing, that
might not be your best option.
5.1. Traditional Fireplace: Residential
wood-burning fireplaces are seldom used
and have become more ornamental over
the years, but, if the chimney is in good
shape, there’s no reason why you can’t ‹ Food dehydra-
tors, are not very
make it the center of your indoor cooking expensive and
provide a good way
activities, just as the pioneers did in the
to preserve fruits,
19th century, and earlier. vegetables and
meats.

› Some camp
stoves, such as this
“CONSIDER
BioLite model, can
provide a hot meal HOW YOU WILL
COOK YOUR
by burning just a
handful of twigs.
This one also gen-
erates electricity
to recharge your
MEALS IF THE
electronic devices.
Dreamstime photo POWER IS OUT.
SURE, THERE’S
ALWAYS THE
TRADITIONAL
CAMPFIRE, BUT
WHEN THE WIND
IS HOWLING
AND THE SNOW
IS BLOWING,
THAT MIGHT NOT
BE YOUR BEST
OPTION.”
5.2. Multi-Fuel Stoves: Camp stoves
that use canisters of pressurized fuel are ef-
ficient and convenient … until the fuel runs
out. Multi-fuel camp stoves and improvised
alcohol stoves should also be part of your
strategy.
5.3. The Versatile Dutch Oven: You
can use these cast iron kettles indoors or
out. They have short legs on the bottom
that allow you to place them directly in the
coals. You can place coals on the lids, too,
and bake cakes, pies, cobblers, biscuits,
roasts, stews, casseroles, soups—just about
anything you can make in a conventional
oven. They don’t need much maintenance.
› Below: Gas-pow-
Wipe or rinse out old food residue. When
ered camp stoves
are a common the oven is dry, apply a light coat of
go-to cooking tool
for preppers, but vegetable oil to it and you’re done. Properly
what will you do cared for, a Dutch oven can last for several
when you run out
of fuel? generations.
‹ Above: If your
home has a fire-
place, you have a
ready-made place to
cook meals indoors
during inclement
weather during a
power outage.
‹ A Dutch oven
would be too heavy
to tote if you had to
travel light, but it’s a
very versatile cook-
ing implement.

‹ Sometimes you’ll take what you can
get when you’re hunting for food. Rabbit
meat is tasty, but very lean.

TIPS
TASTEFUL
TIPS
20 TRICKS OF THE TRADE FOR
OBTAINING, STORING AND COOKING
FOOD DURING HARD TIMES
1. GROW IT, GATHER IT have to eat bland food. Along with your
Growing and foraging for your own food vegetables, grow some chives, oregano,
could become a necessary part of survival. dill and other herbs and spices to liven up
Understand the basics before a disaster your dishes. Many of them can be grown
strikes. indoors year-round.
1.1 Start Small: Don’t feel overwhelmed.
If you are new to gardening, start small with 1.4. I’ll Drink To That: You don’t have to
just a few vegetables and herbs so that you drink plain water either. Mint is especially
can monitor your progress closely. Soil, sun easy to grow and the leaves make an
and water requirements can vary. Do your excellent tea. It’s a perennial, so it’ll come
research and take notes. The same is true up every year and will spread like crazy
with gathering wild edibles. Start with a and take over your whole garden if you
handful that you can positively identify, and aren’t careful. The leaves are easy to dry
learn where to find them and how best to and store. The needles of spruce trees and
prepare them. Gradually add more to your other evergreens can be gathered all year
knowledge base. and make an excellent tea high in vitamin
1.2. Soap Deterrent: Deer can be C. The fuzzy red fruit of the Staghorn Su-
persistent about eating your vegetables. mac can be steeped to make a nutritious
We tried moving some of our vegetables drink with a mild lemonade flavor.
to flower boxes on our back deck, but the
deer simply walked up on the deck at night. 2. HUNT IT
Fencing can work, but deer have no trouble Vegetables and fruits taste good and
jumping over 4-foot barriers. Another add nutrition to your diet—but you’ll need
option is to place shavings of Irish Spring protein and fat, too. Hunting can provide
or other strong-smelling soap around your both.
young plants. 2.1. Squirrels To Nuts: When hunting
1.3. Add Flavor: Just because you’re in squirrels, you can often hear them squawk-
the middle of a disaster doesn’t mean you ing in the treetops. Follow the sound, and

where you find lots of squirrels you’re likely
to find beech nuts or acorns as a bonus.
2.2. One Gun: If you can afford only one
gun, make it a shotgun. Loaded with shot-
shells, you can take flying or running game.
Loaded with slugs, you are ready for big
game. It also makes an awesome weapon
to protect what you have.
2.3. Hunt Your Garden: If you live in the
country where you can shoot off your back
porch, one of the best places to hunt will
be your own garden. Wild game animals
will be attracted to what you’re growing.
› Above: Deer
Rabbits, deer, woodchucks and squirrels will have no problem
jumping fences.
all try to pick your vegetables for you.
Soap shavings is
2.4. Put A Bow On It: Learn to use al- another option for
trying to keep them
ternative hunting implements—compound out of your garden.
bow, recurve bow, crossbow. There are Dreamstime photo
usually special hunting seasons for bows. In › Above right: The

desperate times, the advantage is that they fuzzy red fruit of the
Staghorn Sumac,
are silent. You won’t attract others who when steeped in hot
might want to rob you of your downed deer. water, makes a good
drink with a mild
Learning to hunt with a spear or slingshot lemonade flavor.
Dreamstime photo
might come in handy in long-term situa-
tions when ammo becomes scarce. ‹ Right: Procuring
wild game is only
2.5. Include Artificials: Fishing with part of the equa-
worms or other live bait is usually your best tion for staying
fed during an
bet. But during the fall and winter, live bait emergency.
can sometimes be hard to find. In your fish-
ing kit, include a selection of artificial lures:
jigs, flies, spinners and stick baits. Keep the
lures small. It’s often easier to catch many
small fish than one or two big ones.
2.6. Do-It-Yourself Kits: Just as with
survival and first-aid kits, you’ll get more
bang for your buck by assembling your own
emergency fishing kit with the rods, reels,
hooks, sinkers, lures, leaders and line.
‹ Live bait might
2.7. Snare It, Trap It: The advantage work best, but
with setting out multiple snares and traps during the fall and
winter you might
is they keep working for you when you’re not be able to find
asleep – you don’t expend a lot of energy to it during a disaster.
It’s a good idea to
obtain any meat you get. Snares are more have a variety of
artificial baits in
portable, but are trickier to set up. Live
your tackle box.
traps, baited and set near your garden can Dreamstime photo
be very effective in securing a little extra
protein and fat. foods that can be stored for long periods.
3.2. Put Some Gravy On It: Because you might have to improvise with some of your rec-
3. KEEP IT ipes during a crisis, make sure you stockpile lots of bouillon cubes and powdered gravy mix-
A pantry full of food is a welcome sight— es. They can also mask the different tastes of unusual foods you might have to consume.
especially if you’re hunkering down at home 3.3. Seal It Yourself: You can seal away your own foods for long-term storage. Com-
during a winter blizzard or ice storm. Stock panies such as Emergency Essentials (www.BePrepared.com) offer food storage buckets,
your shelves and rotate the foodstuffs sealing lids, metalized food storage bags and oxygen absorbers.
regularly to ensure freshness. 3.4. Play Poker: Keep your cards close to your vest when it comes to how much emergen-
3.1. Smart Shopper: You can stockpile cy food you have stored. During hard times, you can become the target of thieves, beggars
buckets of freeze-dried emergency food, and the sorely unprepared. If you are trading some of your surplus food for other items you
but that can get very expensive. Save mon- need, be a tough negotiator and never let on exactly how much you have on hand.
ey by combing through the grocery store 3.5. Dry It and Go: A food dehydrator is a relatively inexpensive (usually less than $150)
aisles where you can find many packaged way to preserve food, and it’s much easier than canning. It’s also a good way to make sure
pasta and rice dishes, quinoa, bean and pea you have a good supply of ready-to-eat fruits, vegetables and jerky that you can grab when
soup mixes, chili starters and other dried you have to be on the move. Cooking is sometimes impractical, too, such as when you’re

snowed in or if you’re sitting on the roof of your flooded-out house awaiting rescue. ‹ Above left: A
shotgun, such as
this Remington
870 pump, is an ex-
4. COOK IT cellent, all-around
Before disaster strikes, test your recipes that use only the ingredients you’ll have when firearm. Remington
photo
the power goes out. Cook them using your camp stove or over the coals of a fire just as you
would in hard times as temperatures and cooking times might vary from your conventional ‹ Above center:
This PSE Thrive
stove. I cook with my Dutch ovens in my own backyard as often as I do with them on camp-
365 crossbow is
ing or hunting trips. I’m always testing new recipes and refining my cooking techniques. a highly accurate
and capable hunt-
4.1. Stack Them: It’s a good idea to have more than one Dutch oven. In preparing a meal, ing tool as well as a
you can place one directly in the coals, shovel coals on the lid and then stack a second useful self-defense 5. RECIPES FOR DISASTER
weapon.
Dutch oven on top of the first, followed by more coals atop the second oven. In this way, Here are two of my favorite Dutch oven recipes
you are making efficient use of your coals and you can cook your main dish in one and your ‹ Above right: A that can be adjusted using available ingredients:
dessert or side dish in the other. bow, such as this 5.1 Cheesy Chicken and Rice
compound model
4.2. Adjust the Plan: One year, many of the vegetables in our garden didn’t do very from PSE, can be 3 cups water
well, except for the zucchini. We had piles of zucchini, and it wasn’t long before the a good alternative 3 cups white rice
to hunting with a
neighbors stopped answering our knocks on their doors. We couldn’t give it away. With a firearm. PSE photo 3 cans cream of chicken soup
little research, we learned how to make not only zucchini bread and muffins, but breaded 1 pound mixed cubed carrots and green peas
fried zucchini, zucchini lasagna, zucchini pie, zucchini pasta and pickled zucchini. It was Five to six boneless chicken breasts
a good lesson in adjusting to the circumstances and making the best use of what was in Season (Old Bay or other) to taste
abundance at the time. 1 ½ to 2 pounds of shredded cheese
4.3. Soups, Stews And Casseroles: Your family might be disgusted by roast squirrel Place water, rice, soup and vegetables in the
or rabbit on a stick, but put the same squirrels and rabbits in a stew, soup, casserole or bottom of a 12-inch Dutch oven. Arrange the
pot pie and there will be little objection. Stews are also a good place to substitute wild chicken breasts on top and sprinkle them with
ingredients – giant burdock or cattail roots instead of potatoes. You also have the least seasonings. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min-
amount of waste and retain the most nutrition with a soup or stew compared to other utes. Sprinkle cheese on top and cook for an
cooking methods. additional 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
5.2 Chili Beef and Mac
1½ pounds of hamburger or ground venison
1 pound of ground sausage
One 28-ounce can of baked beans
One 15.5-ounce can of kidney beans
One 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes
1 cup of diced onions
1 cup of diced green peppers
Two packages of chili seasoning
1-pound box of elbow macaroni
1 quart of water
3 pounds of shredded cheese
Chili powder to taste
Brown hamburger and sausage in 12-inch
‹ Combining Dutch oven. Drain. Add beans, tomatoes,
whatever you onions, peppers, chili seasoning, macaroni and
have on hand into
a stew can make one quart of water. Bake at 350 degrees for 45
for hearty meals
minutes. Stir in shredded cheese and cook until
during times of
emergencies. cheese is melted. Add chili powder to taste.

FOOD
GEAR GUIDE
KITTING OUT
YOUR CAMP
KITCHEN
THE RIGHT GEAR TO PROCURE,
PREPARE, AND PRESERVE
FOOD FOR SURVIVING
A DISASTER
T
he fall and winter months
can be challenging times
for gathering, storing and
preparing your food. If
you’re properly equipped,
however, you’ll have the options you
need to adjust to even the most dire
circumstances.

1. FOOD
It’s smart to have some food in long-term storage in case circumstances prevent you from procuring it on a more regular basis. Though there’s an upfront
investment in the purchase of freeze-dried food or the labor involved in growing and preserving your own food, you’ll have peace of mind during the long, lean
months of fall and winter if you encounter any emergency.
1.1. Legacy Food Storage

720-Serving Bulk Meal Pack
All meals from Legacy Food Storage • Variety: 19 different entrees, four different
are freeze-dried and dehydrated first breakfasts
and then receive a nitrogen flush to • Total weight: 184.56 pounds
remove the oxygen, ensuring a long • Total calories: 267,360
shelf life. This 720-serving package, • 2,000-calorie days: 133.68
includes enough breakfast, lunch and • Cost per pound: $10.29
dinner meals to keep you fed for eight • Cost per 2,000 calories: $13.37
months. Each is packed with an oxy- • Serving size: 1.5 cups
gen absorber to keep the oxygen level • Containers: 18 pouches in six large buckets
low. The wide variety includes such
MSRP
entrees as Chili Mac, Stroganoff, Chili,
$1,899
Pasta Alfredo, among others.
URL
www.LegacyFoodStorage.com
1.2. Emergency Essentials

Three-Month Food Supply
This three-month food supply con- • Variety: 15 entrees, 5 sides, 3 fruits, 3 drink mixes
sists of both Mountain House entrees • Total weight: 75 pounds
and Emergency Essentials fruit and • Total calories: 75,000+
vegetable side dishes—some freeze- • 2,000 calorie days: 37.5+
dried and some dehydrated—stored • Containers: 30 #10 cans in five cases
in cans. Variety includes turkey, beef, • Cost per pound: $10.67
chicken and pork dishes. • Cost per 2,000 calories: <$21.33
• Shelf life: Up to 30 years
MSRP
$799.94
URL
www.BePrepared.com
1.3. My Patriot Supply 4-Week

Emergency Food Supply
All My Patriot Supply food products • Varieties: Five soup or stew entrees; four potato,
are grown and packaged in the U.S. mac and cheese or rice sides; pancake and oat-
Heavy-duty, sealed Mylar bags with ox- meal breakfasts; banana chip and pudding snacks;
ygen absorbers are packed in a rugged powdered milk and orange energy drink mixes
stackable tote to keep them preserved • Total servings: 140
for the long haul. This four-week supply • Shelf life: 25 years
of meals, drinks and snacks is just one
MSRP
of many emergency food packages
$230
offered by the company.
URL
www.MyPatriotSupply.com

2. PROCUREMENT
You can extend your stored food supply with fresh meat and fish that you obtain yourself by hunting and fishing. The gear choices can vary from a simple
fishing rod to firearms to more primitive implements that were effective for thousands of years.
2.1. Buck Kinetic Fishing Spear

If ammo becomes scarce, you might • Steel: 420HC stainless
have to resort to more primitive hunting • Overall length: 9 inches
techniques. The Kinetic Fishing Spear • Blade thickness: 0.18 inch
is one of three spear heads introduced • Weight: 12.6 ounces
by Buck Knives. This one features four
MSRP
points optimally designed for spearing
$82
fish. A chisel edge allows you to whittle
down a spear shaft that you improvise URL
from a tree branch or sapling. A length www.BuckKnives.com
of 550 cord is provided to fasten the
spear head to a shaft. It folds flat and a
sheath is included. Made in the U.S.
2.2. Remington 870 Express

Shotgun Combo
With more than 11 million sold since it • Action: Pump with twin action bars
was introduced in 1951, the Reming- • Gauge: Available in 12 or 20 gauge, chambered
ton 870 is the best-selling shotgun for 2¾- or 3-inch shells
of all time. It’s been offered in many • Barrels: 26- or 28-inch ventilated ribbed
different configurations over the smooth-bore barrel with bead sight and a 20-
years. One of the most useful is the inch fully rifled deer barrel with rifle sights
870 Express Combo. It includes two • Choke: Accepts other Remington chokes,
barrels: a smooth-bore barrel for birds modified choke tube included
and running game with the ability to
MSRP
change choke tubes, and a fully rifled
$606
deer barrel that turns the gun into a
moderate range big game gun. URL
www.Remington.com
2.3. Shakespeare Synergy TI

Spincast Fishing Combo
Shakespeare makes a wide variety of • Reel: Polished stainless steel front cone and
fishing gear, including this rod and reel rear cover
spincast combo. Spincast combos are • Rod: Graphite composite rod with cork grip
inexpensive and the easiest to use by and titanium line guide and pickup pins
any member of the family. This particu- reduce line wear
lar combo is available in light, medium • Rod lengths: 5 feet, 6 inches; and 6 feet
and medium-heavy configurations. Just • Number of pieces: Two
add some hooks and sinkers, dig up
MSRP
some worms and you’re ready to catch
$24.99
your dinner.
URL
www.Shakespeare-Fishing.com

2.4. Fleming Survival Snare
Kit Deluxe
Fleming Traps is a one-stop online source • Eight small animal snares
for all of your trapping equipment. Normally, • Four large animal snares
trappers target larger fur-bearing animals • 14-gauge tie wire
for their pelts, but in an emergency situation, • Snaring instruction book
game animals such as rabbits can be snared.
MSRP
This 12-pack of snares is a great, lightweight
$29.95
addition to any bug-out kit.
URL
www.FlemingTraps.com
2.5. PSE Fang 350 XT Crossbow

PSE makes all types of archery equip- • Bolt speed: 350 feet per second
ment. A crossbow handles more like a • Package includes: String stops, green limb
rifle and is easier to learn to shoot than dampers, 4x32 MR scope, anti-dry fire and auto
a compound, recurve or long bow. This safety trigger, five-bolt quiver, three 20-inch
model has been improved this year carbon bolts with 100-grain bullet points, cocking
with a new, shorter butt stock for better rope, rail lube, rubber-coated foot stirrup, soft
shootability and balance, better string coat trigger grip
stops and a new compact scope. This
MSRP
package includes everything you need
$349.99
to get started.
URL
www.PSE-Archery.com
2.6. Harvest Right 24-Foot

Geodesic Greenhouse
A greenhouse can extend your growing • Size: Diameter, 24 feet; height, 10.5 feet
season by providing consistent, • 452 square feet of floor space
controlled temperatures and humidity • Enough room to provide fresh produce for a
to allow you to grow vegetables, herbs family of six to seven people
and small fruit trees. These green- • Fabric: Woven ripstop plastic
houses are easy to set up. No tools are • Shipping weight: Approximately 225 pounds
needed and one person can set it up in • Frame: Anodized aluminum poles with center hub
about two to three hours. Other sizes • Other: Two windows, fitted door
are available.
MSRP
$3,995
URL
www.HarvestRight.com

3. PRESERVATION
With the right equipment and a little time to learn how to use it, you can preserve the food you gather and grow so you’ll have it during times of crisis and in the
off-seasons. Preserving food yourself saves money. Another major benefit is that you will know exactly what is going into your stored food containers.
3.1. Aroma Professional Six-Tray

Food Dehydrator
This heavy-duty dehydrator is excellent for • Six removable racks that hold up to 1
drying fruits and vegetables for long-term pound of food each
storage, making jerky and trail mix, drying herbs • Adjustable thermostat
and spices, even making potpourri. The height • Automatic fan promotes even drying
of the six trays is adjustable. Automatic fan • Drip tray for easy clean-up
ensures even drying and prevents overheating.
MSRP
$199.99
URL
www.Aroma-Housewares.com
3.2. FoodSaver FM5460 2-in-1

Food Preservation System
Though you normally think of vacuum-sealing • Dimensions: 16.23 x 7.80 x 7.41 inches
foods to store in your freezer, a FoodSaver • One vacuum seal roll, 11 inches by 10 feet
system can also be used as an aid in preserving • One expandable vacuum seal roll, 11
foods in your pantry as well. This two-in-one inches by 8 feet
sealer allows you to vacuum-seal foods in bags • Includes 14 assorted-size vacuum bags
or in available hard-sided containers with the • One regular jar sealer
included handheld sealer. • One bottle stopper
MSRP
$199
URL
www.FoodSaver.com
3.3. Harvest Right Small

Freeze Dryer
Freeze-drying food allows you to preserve food • Commercial-grade vacuum pump
for up to 25 years. It provides long-term savings • Three stainless steel trays (7.75 x 14 x
and the ability to use your own recipes beyond 0.75 inches)
ready-made freeze-dried products. This unit • One oil filter
allows you to freeze-dry 4 to 7 pounds (1 to 1.5 • Dimensions: 25 x 16.5 x 18.5 inches
gallons) of food per batch. • Owner’s manual
• Guide to freeze drying
• Colors: Red, white, aqua, black
MSRP
$2,795
URL
www.HarvestRight.com

4. PREPARATION
Preparing your food can be a challenge during emergencies when the power is out, especially during inclement weather in the fall and winter. Plan on having
several options to prepare your meals.
4.1. Primus OmniFuel Stove

Primus has been making stoves for outdoor • Output: 3,000 W / 10,500 BTU/h
adventurers for many years. The Primus OmniFuel • Weight: 15.9 ounces
Stove allows you to cook using Primus PowerGas • Burn time: 70 minutes
canisters or liquid fuels such as white gas, gas- • Boiling time: 2:00 / 3:10 (:40
oline, diesel fuel, kerosene, paraffin and aviation preheating)
fuel. Control knob allows easy flame adjustment • Dimensions: 140 x 95 x 66 mm, 5.6
even when wearing gloves. x 3.5 x 2.6 inches
• Ignition: Manual
MSRP
$169.95
URL
www.Primus.us
4.2. Lodge 12-Inch, 6-Quart

Camp Dutch Oven
Lodge Dutch Ovens are top-of-the-line, Ameri- • Flanged lid holds coals/briquettes
can-made versatile cooking implements. Legs on • Three legs on bottom allow Dutch
the bottom allow you to place the cast iron oven oven to be put in fire
directly into the coals. The flanged lid also holds • Bail handle for use with tripod
coals for surrounding your oven with heat for • Includes “Camp Dutch Oven Cook-
baking. The lid can be flipped over and used as a ing 101” cookbook
griddle. This oven is 12 inches in diameter with a • Available in many other sizes
6-quart capacity.
MSRP
$99.50
URL
www.LodgeMfg.com
4.3. Sunnydaze Tripod

Grilling Set
Sunnydaze Décor tripod grilling sets are available • Material: Steel with black high-tem-
in several sizes. They provide an easy way to perature paint
cook in your fire pit. A cooking grate (24-inch • Dimensions: 53 x 37 inches (assem-
model shown) is suspended over your fire by the bled); each leg is 57 inches long
tripod with an adjustable chain. Cooking grate • Weight: 11 pounds
can support up to 20 pounds and its height is • Includes: Tripod, chain with hooks,
adjustable. Tripod features two-section legs for and a 24-inch cooking grate
easy transport. • Easy to assemble and transport
MSRP
$98.95
URL
www.SerenityHealth.com

PREPARE
TO
DEFEND
TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR SECURITY
BY MIKE TRAVIS
I
n today’s society, it is commonplace do what they can to take control of their
for the majority of people to entrust personal and family security. Waiting un-
their personal security to others. til a crisis is at hand to think about these
The false hope that the police or the things is a recipe for disaster.
military will be there when you need What follows are basic areas to consider
them leads many people into a dangerous when making your own security plan.
sense of complacency. While the brave men
and women of our Armed Forces and law 1. FIREARMS
enforcement agencies do a tremendous An old adage says, “God created man.
job at making our society a safe place to Sam Colt made them equal.” There is no
live, they can’t be everywhere for everyone, single item available that can even out
even in times of relative peace and security. the disparities of a defensive situation
What will happen if the machinery that like a firearm. The knowledge and ability
drives our civilized society breaks down? If to use that firearm properly can turn an
the police and the military can no longer otherwise helpless victim into a success-
operate in their current capacity, or worse ful defender of life, liberty and property.
yet, they become non-existent, who will be Just remember, simply buying a firearm
there to keep the wolves from the door? won’t make you a gunfighter. Knowledge
It is the responsibility of every citizen to and skill gained through training and

› Not all hunting
rifles are created
equal when
pressed into the
role of a defen-
sive rifle. This
Ruger Gunsite
Scout, with its
detachable box
magazine and
forward mounted
scope, is uniquely
suited for person-
al defense.
› The first rule of practice are an absolute must for every

gun fighting is to
have a gun. The responsible gun owner!
author carries
1.1. Long Guns: Long guns include
his Smith and
Wesson Shield in shotguns and rifles. These long-barreled
a concealment
holster from weapons tend to be more accurate, and
Charlie Mike Tac- because they’re fired when braced against
tical as his first
line of defense. your shoulder, they’re more stable than a
handgun.
1.1.1. Shotguns: Few sounds are more
recognizable or more intimidating than
the sound of someone racking the slide
on a pump-action shotgun. That sound
alone is enough to cause those who would
do you harm to have second thoughts.
Unfortunately, movies and TV have
caused many people to have unrealistic
expectations as to the effectiveness and
the ability of a shotgun when used in
self-defense. Despite what you see in the
media, a shotgun must be deliberately
aimed to be effective, even at bad-breath
distances. When fired at the distances at
which most armed confrontations occur, a
round of 00 Buckshot will act almost like
a solid projectile.
What shotgun should you use to defend
yourself and your loved ones? While many
› Can you pick excellent options are on the market, the
out the avenues
simple pump-action shotgun is the best
of approach?
While this choice for most people. The Remington
position affords
a good view, 870 and the Mossberg 500 have a long
additional steps and distinguished history serving with
would need to
be taken to make both the military and law enforcement.
this a defensible They are extremely rugged, simple to use,
fighting position
or observation and easy to repair and maintain. Either
point.
weapon can be configured to be an effec-

‹ The Remington
870 shotgun
is amazingly
versatile. Simply
swapping out
some parts will
take it from
being a hardcore
hunting tool to a
serious close-quar-
ters-combat
weapon.
“IN TODAY’S SOCIETY, IT IS COMMONPLACE FOR

THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE TO ENTRUST THEIR
PERSONAL SECURITY TO OTHERS.”
tive hunting tool and a first rate combat weapon. critical error. What kind of rifle to select is
1.1.2. Rifles: Jeff Cooper (1920-2006) once said, “Personal weapons are what raised very much a personal choice. ‹ Military surplus
mankind out of the mud, and the rifle is the queen of personal weapons.” 1.1.2.1. Semi-automatic Rifles: The rifles like this Lee
Enfield #4 Mk1
Though a good combat shotgun may arguably be the ultimate close-range weapon, ubiquitous AR-15 is manufactured by so were designed and
it lacks an ability which can only be found in the rifle. That is the ability to project its many companies and comes in so many built for war. In the
hands of someone
power with precision over distance. A rifle in the hands of someone who knows how to configurations that it can be customized who knows how
to use them, they
use it, working from a position of dominance, can single-handedly control large areas to fit most any role needed. With more
are still formidable
of ground. When building your pillar of security, neglecting to include a quality rifle is a than 50 years of development behind it, weapons

“IT IS THE
RESPONSIBILITY
OF EVERY CITIZEN
TO DO WHAT THEY
CAN TO TAKE
CONTROL OF
THEIR PERSONAL
AND FAMILY
SECURITY.”
it is about as refined a weapon system as
you can ask for. The knowledge to maintain
them and the parts to do so are readily
available to anyone willing to invest a little
time and money.
1.1.2.2. Hunting Rifles: If a semi-auto-
matic rifle isn’t a realistic option, a quality
hunting rifle may serve you well. Unlike the
AR-15, AK-47 and other rifles of their kind,
hunting rifles are typically not ideal for
close-quarters-combat situations. However,
most hunting rifles are chambered in
higher-power calibers and can project more
kinetic energy over greater distances and
with a higher level of precision.
1.1.2.3. Military Surplus Rifles: Though
the military surplus rifle market isn’t
what it used to be, these rifles are still
readily available and are a viable option
for someone looking for a defensive rifle.
Many surplus rifles are built using older
technology and materials, so you must keep
in mind that most of these rifles have been
proven in the fields of combat. These rifles
are chambered in full power cartridges
like .303 British, 30-06 and 8 mm Mauser.
A trained person armed with an Enfield,
Mosin Nagant or Mauser that has been
well maintained is not something to be
dismissed.
1.2 Handguns: The first rule of gun fight-
ing is to have a gun. Though there can be
little disagreement that rifles and shotguns
make superior fighting weapons, it may not
always be possible or preferable to carry a
long gun. This is where the handgun shines.
Handguns, while having limited power and
range, are designed to be easily carried and
concealed.
1.2.1. Ammunition: The question of
what caliber to choose when selecting a
‹ A high-quality AR-15 is an excellent choice

for an all-around defensive rifle. Its simple
construction and the availability of spare parts
means that the educated owner should be able
to keep it running for a very long time.

handgun has been discussed for as long
as I can remember. I recently conducted
the selection process for new handguns
and a new caliber for a local police
department. What I found while doing the
needed research was that the difference
in terminal ballistics (what effect the
projectile has on its intended target) be-
tween the major calibers (9mm, .40 S&W,
.45 ACP) is so close as to be statistically
irrelevant. These statistics come from
data taken from actual police-involved
shootings. Advancements in propellant
and projectile technology have evened the
‹ Cover not
playing field enough so that caliber choice only provides
concealment,
is much less of a factor than it used to be.
but it will also
Find a caliber that is readily available and protect you from
incoming fire.
inexpensive to practice with. Stock up on
high quality defensive ammunition, get
some training and maintain your skills. “HIDING IN TALL GRASS MAY NOT
2. PERIMETER SECURITY PROVIDE DIRECT PROTECTION
A time may come when you will need AGAINST BULLETS BUT MAY PRE-
to defend your encampment or survival
retreat against potential threats. The U.S.
VENT YOUR ADVERSARY FROM REC-
Army has an acronym for just about every- OGNIZING THAT YOU ARE THERE.”
thing and setting up a defensive perimeter
is no exception. Following the military could be found in a hilltop, a building or other structure such as a bridge.
‹ Derelict pieces
OCOKA approach will serve you well. A. Avenues of Approach: Having points in your perimeter from which you can ob- of machinery can
provide excellent
2.1 Using Terrain to Define your serve and defend the routes that an attacker would need to take to gain access to your
cover and con-
Perimeter: retreat is a vital part of your defensive plan. These can be roads, paths, or waterways. cealment. If they
can be moved
O. Observation and Fields of Fire: The farther you can see along these avenues, the more warning you will have. they can also be
Simply put, this refers to the ability to see 2.2 Early Warning Devices: Early warning devices fit into the Observation and used as obstacles
to complicate
in all directions. This ability, coupled with Avenues of Approach of OCOKA. These devices are force multipliers in that they allow a avenues of
the appropriate weapons, will allow you single person to “observe” multiple places at once. They may be as complex as a sophis- approach.
to observe the surrounding area and en-

gage threats as needed. Placing yourself
on the high ground is one of the simplest
ways to achieve this position.
C. Cover and Concealment: Cover
and concealment, though related, are
not interchangeable. Cover will provide
protection from a weapon. What makes
up cover will depend on what weapon
you are facing. Terrain features like hills
and boulders can provide excellent cover.
Concealment only provides protection
from being observed. Hiding in tall grass
may not provide direct protection against
bullets but may prevent your adversary
from recognizing that you are there.
O. Obstacles: Obstacles can be natural
or man-made and are used to slow,
impede, or stop movement altogether.
They can also divert movement in another
direction. Bodies of water, swamps, steep
slopes, trees, deep snow and buildings can
all be used as obstacles.
K. Key or Decisive Terrain: This refers
to any terrain feature that gives a marked
advantage to whomever controls it. This

If paying too much for a quality 1911 makes you want
to scream, grab a TCM from Rock Island Armory.
We don’t cut corners to make a less expensive gun.
We simply believe in delivering value and performance

› Though there are few things better
than a warm fire on a cold night, the
smoke and flames can be seen from a
long distance away. Practicing light dis-
cipline may mean going without a fire.
Prepare your gear accordingly.
“ BEING ALERT,
AWARE, AND
USING THE
APPROPRIATE
TOOLS FOR › Above right:
YOUR
Prominent terrain
features such as
this should be
ENVIRONMENT incorporated into
your defense plan
AND THE TASK whenever possible.
AT HAND WILL
GO A LONG WAY
TO IMPROVING
YOUR LEVEL OF
SECURITY, NO
MATTER WHERE
YOU ARE.”
ticated video surveillance system or as
simple as a trip wire connected to a string › Right: The view of
the Devils Den from
of tin cans. Early-warning systems that Little Round Top at
include video surveillance may act as a Gettysburg National
Battlefield.
standalone “observation point.” Systems
designed to give a secondary visual or
auditory cue should be backed up. While
these systems can provide the user with a
great advantage, they are not foolproof.
All early warning devices should be
checked regularly and have a backup
system in place whenever possible.
2.3 Noise and Light Discipline:
Noise and light discipline fall into the
Concealment portion of OCOKA. Sound
can travel amazing distances given the › Right: Simple
right circumstances. Years ago, I lived in a barriers such as this
split rail fencing
cottage on top of a hill. My neighbor had may not provide
much resistance
a place of business in the valley at the to approaching
base of the hill about 600 yards away. On vehicles, but it can
be used to create
a clear, still day I could hear him having a barriers and choke
normal conversation with his customers points to those who
would approach
like he was right next door. Keeping your your perimeter on
sound signature to a minimum is always a foot.
good idea when trying to stay concealed.

Voices should be kept low and gear and lights. Modern LED lights can be seen from miles away and the flash of a lighter on a
equipment should be muted to prevent dark night is certain to draw the attention of anyone paying attention. Excessive use of
unnecessary noise. external lighting sources may also have a negative impact on your own night vision.
At night, the use of flashlights, cell With a little imagination, you can apply all of these principles to your home and your-
phones, lighters and matches should self as well as to the defense of a bug-out location or base camp. Being alert, aware, and
be kept to a minimum. Be aware of any using the appropriate tools for your environment and the task at hand will go a long way
equipment that uses small LED indicator to improving your level of security, no matter where you are.

TIPS
STAYING
SAFE
PERSONAL GUIDELINES FOR LIVING
IN AN UNSTABLE ENVIRONMENT
BY MIKE TRAVIS
W
hen dealing with 1.1. Increase Your Awareness: Being
the security of aware is more than just observation of
yourself and others, your immediate surroundings. Checking
it is best practice news reports and police logs for an area
to do everything you are planning to travel in will give you
in your power to stack the odds in your a good idea of what to expect while there.
favor. Physical preparation, situational Are there any protests or rallies planned?
awareness, the ability to plan and the Has the area had any civil unrest in the
adaptability to change those plans when recent past? Are there groups in the area
needed all play a part in this. The follow- who may be inclined to relieve you of your
ing are tips and considerations that may life and property? Knowledge is power. It
be applied to a variety of circumstances, will not only help you to prepare for the
from home defense, everyday living and worst case scenario, but it may help you to
urban and wilderness survival. avoid it altogether.
1.2. Blend into Your Environment: This
1. PERSONAL SECURITY will mean different things in different sit-
Taking control of your personal security uations. The ability to blend in starts with
needs starts between your ears. Imple- your basic level of situational awareness.
menting these simple practices can help You may like wearing your 511 Tactical
transform you from a sheep to a sheep- pants and your favorite Second Amend-
dog. Elevate your awareness. Don’t stand ment t-shirt, but if they make you stand
out from the crowd. Be able to constantly out from the crowd, they may ultimately
evaluate and reevaluate your situation be a detriment to your defensive plan.
and train to be able to effectively react. Adopting the Gray Man philosophy in a
This will help make you a more effective civilized environment is akin to using good
and flexible survivor. camouflage in the wild. Recognize the

reality of the environment you will face
and plan to blend in. You cannot target
what you do not see.
1.3. Have a Plan: Do your best to plan
out where you are going and how you will
get there. Share your plan with others.
Gaining an understanding of the layout
of the land may entail studying maps,
talking to locals or doing short patrols. If
your plan involves defending a fixed po-
sition, take the time to get as intimately
acquainted with the area as you can.
Given enough time and resources, you
may even alter your environment to your › Having a good
defensive plan
advantage. Do not marry yourself to your starts with know-
ing how to avoid
plan. Inflexibility can lead to indecisive-
trouble before it
ness. Plans rarely survive contact with begins.
significant resistance. You must maintain
the ability to reassess your situation and “CHECKING NEWS REPORTS AND
adapt to changing circumstances to have
the best chances to prevail.
POLICE LOGS FOR AN AREA YOU
1.4. Get Out and Train: Training can ARE PLANNING TO TRAVEL IN WILL
take on many forms. If you are developing
a plan to defend your home with your
GIVE YOU A GOOD IDEA OF WHAT TO
family, your training might comprise EXPECT WHILE THERE. ”
detailed discussions around the dinner
table reinforced with some dry runs of
your plan. If you intend to use weapons
in your defensive plan, you absolutely
must take the time and the effort to seek
quality training. We are all tempted to go
out and buy the latest and greatest gear,
but none of it will do you any good if you
are too inept to use it effectively. “Beware
the man with one gun. He probably knows
how to use it,” said Clint Smith.
1.5. Prepare Yourself Physically: This
should go without saying. If you have a
well-stocked gun safe, the best bug-out
bag in the world and five years’ worth
of provisions stockpiled but can’t go up
a flight of steps without getting out of
breath, you have a problem. Survival is a
contact sport. Whether you are surviving a
natural disaster, a weather event, the zom-
bie apocalypse or have just gotten turned
around during a hunting trip, there will be
heightened demands on your body. The
middle of whatever crisis you have found
yourself in is not the time to resolve to
lose the weight and get fit. Your two most
important survival items are your mind
and your body. Get them ready now or be
prepared to suffer the consequences later.
2. GEAR SELECTION
While mental and physical training will › Making physical
always be the most important elements fitness a priority
is essential to
in survival, selecting quality gear will go building a strong
a long way toward increasing your surviv- defense. Fitness
doesn’t have to be
ability. Choosing gear that you will have a chore.

› Choose what you carry in your pockets
wisely. After your clothing, your EDC may
be all you have to get you through whatever
situation may arise.
when you need it and won’t fail when you

are counting on it the most can mean the
difference between seeing the next sunrise
or pushing up daisies.
2.1. Clothing: Think of your clothing as
your personal, perimeter defense system.
Your body requires a constant, tropical
microclimate to survive. Too much of a de-
› Above right:
viation in either direction from 98.6 degrees Training is vital
if you plan to use
(F) will begin to negatively affect your
firearms in your
body’s core functions. This may lead to de- defense. Here, the
author, left, engages
creased physical and mental performance, in a shoot/no-shoot
physical injury and ultimately, death. You exercise guided by
an expert instructor.
must choose your clothing according to the
environmental conditions in which you may
find yourself. Can you carry spare clothing? › Right: Your clothing
Do you need wet weather gear or extra is your first line of
defense against the
insulation? These considerations must be environment.
balanced with the need to blend into your › Below: Increasing
environment. (See section 1.2) your awareness
starts with good
2.2. EDC: Your everyday carry (EDC) intelligence. Checking
newspapers and local
items are your next layer of defense and
news reports are great
security. While EDC means different things places to start.
to different people, I consider it to be › Bottom: Choose
personal weapons
those items that are in your pockets or
with a bias toward
otherwise attached to your body. These quality. Your life may
depend on it. The
are items that, if you took off running right author carries a Sig
now, would still be with you. Just like what Sauer P320 and a
Wenger Blades Belt 4.
clothes you choose, what you carry in your
pockets should be partly determined by your environment. My EDC items revolve around
ways I can supplement the microclimate created by my clothes as well as enhance my
personal security. A small belt pouch containing a Swiss Army Knife, a ferro rod and small
amount of tinder rides on my belt and are typically reserved for “emergencies.” A pocket
knife, a flashlight and a lighter are always in my pocket. Combined with a cell phone and
my wallet, these items have all proven their usefulness.
2.3. Weapons: Your personal weapons are your last line of defense and security. When
awareness, planning and preparation have not been enough to keep you out of trouble,
your personal weaponry may be all you have left. This starts with your own body and base
of knowledge.
2.3.1. Martial Arts: Studying and practicing martial arts can give you a big advantage in
a defensive situation.
2.3.2. Personal Alarms: Items such as whistles and personal electronic alarms may be
of use in a “civilized” environment. These items, while not technically weapons, can draw
the attention of others in your surroundings (like a flare set off by a tripwire in a perimeter
defense) and can take your opponent out of their O.O.D.A. loop. (Observe, Orient, Decide,
Act)
2.3.3. Firearms: Carrying a firearm serves as the ultimate equalizer and force multiplier.
This option also carries with it a great responsibility. You must know the rule of law and you
owe it to yourself and everyone around you to have attained a sufficient level of proficien-
cy. You must also be honest with yourself about your capabilities. Are you mentally and
emotionally able to take a life? Have you trained enough not to be more of a liability than an
asset? What kind of firearm you will carry is a matter of choice and need.
Whether you need a concealed carry firearm or a rifle to defend your homestead or
retreat, choose the best quality firearm you can afford, learn how to maintain it and train
like your life depends on it. It just might.

SECURITY
GEAR GUIDE
ENHANCE
YOUR SAFETY
WITH THESE
ESSENTIAL TOOLS
BY MIKE TRAVIS
GEARED
FOR SECURITY
M
aintaining control of your Cooper was also a proponent of buying
personal and group se- the best equipment that you can afford—
curity needs depends on and then studying and training diligently
having a proper mindset, to prepare for the fight.
good training and the This gear guide will highlight training
gear to implement your plan. and products that you can use to effec-
Colonel Jeff Cooper famously said, “A fine tively hone your skills and mindset, and to
marksman with a second-rate rifle is far more efficiently outfit yourself to handle what-
effective than the reverse.” However, Colonel ever situation might present itself.

1. TRAINING
All the gear in the world will do you no good if you don’t know what to do with it. Simply having a gun will not magically turn you into a gun fighter. Quality
training is every bit as important as the gun and ammunition you choose. Engage in the best training that you can afford. The payoff will be worth it.
1.1. Thunder Ranch Online Training

Clint Smith is an icon in the realm of fire- • Monthly newsletter
arms training. With a three-decade career • Includes downloadable material, full
of teaching people to fight with a gun, I lectures and on-range instruction and
can think of no one with whom I would demos
rather train. For the past seven years, Clint • Supplemental videos on gear selection,
has been developing and honing an online tactics, medical topics, history, book
training program like no other. Though the selections and more
subscription program has multiple tiers, I
MSRP
feel that the full, one-year subscription is
Starts at $179
the best value. With it, you are getting three
full courses every year that are exactly what URL
you would get if you attended in person. You www.ThunderRanchinc.com
will also have the ability to ask Clint ques-
tions and have him answer them directly.
1.2. Sig Sauer Academy

Sig Sauer’s training academy is a state-of- • Courses include armorer certification,
the-art campus based in Epping, N.H. The competitive shooting, instructor devel-
facilities include shoot houses, indoor and opment, shooting development and
outdoor ranges, a 1,000-yard range and specialty training
multiple specialty ranges to encompass • Facilities feature pro shop, 1,000-yard
every kind of training environment that you range, indoor range, shoot house, tactical
can think of. It offers introductory classes for training area and more
beginners, as well as classes for seasoned
MSRP
competitors and armed professionals.
Starts at $230
The Academy is staffed by highly trained,
full-time professionals and special guest in- URL
structors. As a police firearms instructor, and www.SigSauerAcademy.com
student of the Sig Sauer Academy, I highly
recommend you check them out.
1.3. Extreme Wilderness Survival

Written by Craig Caudill of the Nature • 192 pages
Reliance School, this book is full of valu- • Publisher: Page Street Publishing, first
able information useful to everyone from edition (March 21, 2017)
beginners to seasoned professionals. I • Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.4 inches
recommend this book not only because of • Learn how to strengthen mental forti-
the useful information on skills and gear, but tude, avoid danger, gather food, make
also because Craig takes the time to go into gear from scratch, and track animals and
the psychology of survival, a subject that is people
sorely lacking in many “survival manu-
MSRP
als.” This book also delves into tracking,
$21.99
situational awareness and self-defense and
tactics. This is one of the most well rounded URL
survival manuals I have ever seen and is, in www.NatureReliance.org
my opinion, a must-have.

2. FIREARMS AND EDGED TOOLS
When choosing the tools you may need to save your life, you must ask yourself, “how much is my life worth?” High quality doesn’t always come with a high
price tag but more often than not, you get what you pay for. What follows are some new, high-quality items that I wouldn’t hesitate to trust with my life.
2.1. Thunder Ranch

Marksman Rifle
The Thunder Ranch Marksman Rifle was • TRR’s billet machined lower and Lite upper
designed with direct input from Clint • 20-inch barrel with Lo Pro gas block
Smith. Using his decades of experience • Phantom 5C1 flash hider
teaching tens of thousands of students, • 9-inch PicMod handguard
he designed this to be a designated • Ballistic Advantage phosphate BCG
marksman rifle that gives you everything • Gas Buster charging handle
you need and nothing you don’t. This • ALG Defense ACT combat AR-15 trigger
rifle features a lightweight, forged lower • Magpul MOE K grip, CTR stock and MBUS
and a 20-inch free-floated barrel. This PRO back-up sights
allows the shooter to wring all of the
MSRP
velocity and accuracy available from their
$2,787
.223/5.56 ammunition. This full-featured
rifle manages to come in weighing only URL
6.2 pounds. www.ThunderRanchRifles.com
2.2. Thunder Ranch

Standard Rifle
After years of watching students • TRR’s billet machined lower and Lite upper
bring overweight, overbuilt carbines • 14.5-inch 5.56 .625 bbl w/ Lo Pro gas block
to his classes, Clint Smith decided to • Phantom 5C1 flash hider
take matters into his own hands. He • 13-inch PicMod handguard
realized that trying to effectively hold • Ballistic Advantage phosphate Bolt Carrier Group
a 9-pound carbine for an extended • Gas Buster charging handle
period of time is beyond the ability of • ALG Defense ACT combat trigger
most average citizens. The Thunder • Magpul MOE K grip, CTR stock and MBUS PRO
Ranch Standard is a purpose-built back-up sights
fighting rifle that is designed to be
MSRP
compact, rugged, reliable and weighs
$1,990
just 5.9 pounds.
URL
www.ThunderRanchRifles.com
2.3. Sig Sauer P320 Pistol

The P320 is Sig’s first entry into the strik- • Caliber: 9mm, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, .45 ACP
er fired pistol market. The heart of the • Size: Subcompact to full size
320 is the modular fire control group that • Fully modular; swap frames, slides and cal-
houses the trigger and sear system inside ibers; one-lever takedown without pulling
a stainless steel frame. The frame also the trigger
incorporates the slide rails and the serial
MSRP
number. This system allows the shooter
Starts at $679
to swap out frames, slides, even calibers.
I spent several months with the P320 in URL
2016 during a lengthy T&E process with www.SigSauer.com
several other well known, highly regarded
pistols and this one now rides in my duty
holster, and they’ve also been adopted by
the U.S. Army.

2.4. Mossberg Shockwave
Shotgun
In early 2017, Mossberg introduced the 590 • Gauge: 12
Shockwave. The Shockwave is a pump-action • Capacity: 6
firearm with 14-inch barrel, pistol grip and • Barrel type: Heavy-walled
overall length of 26.37 inches. Classified by • Barrel length: 14 inches
the BATFE as a “Non-NFA Firearm,” the 590 • Sight: Bead
Shockwave requires no tax stamp for transfers. • Choke: Cylinder bore
This compact 12-gauge has all of the features • Barrel finish: Matte blued
of Mossberg’s legendary pump-action platform • Weight: 5.25 pounds
combined with the latest innovation from • Length: 26.37 inches
Shockwave Technologies, its Raptor pistol grip
MSRP
and a strapped forend for improved handling.
$455
URL
www.Mossberg.com
2.5. Mossberg MVP Light

Chassis Rifle
The MVP LC combines the MVP platform with • Caliber: 5.56 NATO, 7.62 NATO, 6.5
a lightweight target chassis, Magpul stocks and Creedmore
an optional Vortex Optics Viper HS-T scope. The • Capacity: 11
patented MVP bolt design is compatible with • Barrels: 16.25, 18.5 and 22 inches
standard AR magazines (AR-15, LR308/SR25) • Overall: 35.5, 37.75 and 41.5 inches
and features the MDT LSS light chassis alumi- • Length of pull: 11 to 14.5 inches
num stock. A Magpul CTR adjustable LOP stock • Barrel finish: Matte blue
with A-frame profile is used to reduce snagging • Stock: Aluminum MDT LSS Light
for height adjustment. Barrel is threaded with • Weight: 8 to 8.5 pounds
SilencerCo Saker Trifecta muzzle brake. Also
MSRP
included is the patented LBA adjustable trigger
$1,407
system, an oversized bolt handle, Picatinny rail,
adjustable bipod and optional Vortex Viper HS-T URL
4x zoom and MRAD reticle (with rings). www.Mossberg.com
2.6. SOG Pillar Field Knife

The SOG Pillar is an all new field knife for 2017. • Blade length: 5 inches
The Pillar is made in the USA with premium CPM • Blade thickness: 0.16 inch
S35VN stainless steel wrapped with textured • Blade steel: CPM S35VN
canvas Micarta handles. The full tang construc- • Hardness: HRC 58-59
tion means that this knife is up to just about any • Extended tang with lanyard hole
task you can ask of it. The blade comes with
MSRP
a premium Kydex sheath that includes a fully
$254
adjustable locking belt mount. The design and
construction of this knife means that it is as URL
adept at combat as it is at fieldcraft. www.SOGKnives.com

3. LIGHTING AND OPTICS
Being able to light up the night, see in light spectrums otherwise invisible to the human eye or bring distant objects closer can be a true force multiplier. Informa-
tion is power, and visual information is one of the most powerful sources we possess. The following items are able to bring you the information you need to help
keep you and your loved ones safe..
3.1. Black Scout Survival

Tactical Flashlight
The BSS TAC Light is the cul- • LED: CREE XP-L V6 LED
mination of years of searching • Battery: Wowtac Li-ion 18650 battery (3.7V/3400mAh)
for the perfect flashlight by the • Choose from five output modes
company owner, Jack Richland. • Output from 24 to 1,150 lumens
He couldn’t find a light that was • Runtime from 144 to 3 hours
exactly what he wanted, so he • Max beam distance: 277 meters
had it made. This light has a • Water and impact resistant
custom coyote brown anodized • Size: 5.4 x 1 inches
finish, an aggressive, removable • Weight: 3 ounces (excluding battery)
strike bezel and a red lens filter.
MSRP
$79.95
URL
www.BlackScoutSurvival.com
3.2. Leupold BX2

Tioga HD 10x42 Binoculars
The name Leupold is synonymous • Actual magnification: 10x
with high-quality optics. I have trusted • Linear field of view: 368 feet at 1,000 yards
their riflescopes for years and have • Angular field of view: 7.0 degrees
received nothing but stellar service • Eye relief: 15.5 mm
from the products and the company. • Exit pupil: 4.2 mm
The BX2 Tioga binoculars are new for • Interpupillary distance: 57 to 76 mm
2017 and offer 10X magnification and • Weight: 23.5 ounces
lenses that provide optimal color, clar- • Length: 6.2 inches
ity and light transmission, especially in • Includes protective case and other accessories
low light conditions. Whether you are
MSRP
on the hunt of a lifetime or scanning
$419.99
your perimeter, these binoculars will
give you exceptional performance. URL
www.Leupold.com
3.3 Leupold LTO-Quest

Thermal Scope
In the past, a high-quality thermal imaging • Thermal sensor: 206 x 156
scope would cost thousands of dollars. • Field of view: 20 degrees
Leupold has changed that this year with • Detection distance: 300 yards
the LTO-Quest. The Quest is about the size • Focus: Fixed focus
of a GPS unit and has a ruggedized con- • Display: 2.4-inch LCD
struction for use in the field. It can detect • Battery: Rechargeable, 4-hour runtime
and display heat signatures from up to 300 • Data storage: Micro SD card; minimum of
yards away and has a built-in camera to 2,000 images
capture and store these images and also • Color Palettes: Eight options
includes a multi-output 300-lumen LED
MSRP
light. The Quest would be an excellent
$649.99
option for those in need of a discrete
detection method that won’t break light URL
discipline protocols. www.Leupold.com

4. SECURITY DEVICES
When setting up a security perimeter for your home, base camp or campsite, you can’t always have a platoon of scouts at your disposal. The following items can
help make up for that lack of manpower by allowing you to monitor many places at the same time.
4.1. Ring Video Doorbell

The Ring Video Doorbell is a simple way to • Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi con-
add a significant amount of security to your nection at 2.4GHz
home. The unit is simple to install and is • Audio: Two-way audio with noise
powered by the built-in rechargeable battery cancellation
or pre-existing doorbell wiring. It has a 720p • Video: 720p, night vision, motion
wide angle lens and a built-in microphone activated
and speaker. When connected to your WiFi • Dimensions: 4.98 x 2.43 x 0.87 inches
network and paired with a smartphone • Operating conditions: 5 - 120 degrees F
app, it allows you to see and communicate • Encryption: Bank grade
with whomever is at your door and can be • Field of view: 180 degrees
connected to multiple secondary video units
MSRP
to provide a full perimeter of coverage. It can
$179
also be set up with a customizable motion
sensor to let you know there is someone URL
there, even if they don’t ring the bell www.Ring.com
4.2. Dakota Alert MURS HT Kit

The MURS ALERT HT kit uses a passive infrared • Connectivity: Five main radio
sensor to monitor activity at remote locations. channels with 38 individual sub
When the sensor detects a person, vehicle or large channels
animal, it will send a signal to the transceiver, tell- • Audio: Spoken English, zone-spe-
ing the user in spoken English which security zone cific alerts
has been activated. Up to four MURS sensors can • Power: AA alkaline batteries
be programmed to the transceiver. The transmitter • Battery life: Up to one year
has five channels and 38 sub channels, reducing • Range: Several miles, depending on
the risk of interference from other radio sources. terrain
The transmitter and receiver use commonly
MSRP
available AA batteries that, with common usage,
$249.99
should last for about a year. Each transmitter has
a range of up to several miles allowing the user to URL
monitor a large area from a remote location. www.DakotaAlert.com
4.3. Dakota Alert MAPS HT Kit

The MAPS HT Kit from Dakota Alert is specifi- • Connectivity: Five main radio chan-
cally designed to monitor vehicular traffic. Its low nels with 38 individual sub channels
profile, proprietary detection sensor is specifically • Power: Four CR123A batteries
tuned to filter out false activations from people • Battery life: Up to six months
and large animals. When the sensor detects a • Range: Several miles, depending on
vehicle, it sends a signal to the transceiver from terrain
a range of up to several miles. The transceiver • Distance from sensor to transmitter:
will tell the user which zone has been activated Up to 50 feet
using a spoken English alert. Up to four MAPS
MSRP
sensors can be assigned to a single transceiver
$379.99
allowing the user to monitor four different zones
of activity. URL
www.DakotaAlert.com

FIGHTING
WINTER’S
DEADLY
COLD
STAY PROTECTED WHEN FREEZING
TEMPERATURES COME KNOCKING
AT YOUR DOOR
BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA
T
he human body is tough wind chill, falling precipitation (frozen or
but, unfortunately, not otherwise) and, what many people tend
tough enough to endure to forget, the heat-sapping properties of
the constant extremes of the ground itself.
the outdoors. Intense cold, From single-person hammocks to
stinging rain, and frigid sleet and hail can spacious, long-term, permanent cabins,
all end your life quickly if you find yourself shelters vary by size, as well as the
exposed and at the mercy of nature amount of protection they provide in a
without adequate protection. given environment.
But what exactly is adequate
protection? 1. PORTABLE PROTECTION
Simply put, adequate protection—be it In an emergency situation that requires
a natural or fabricated structure—must you to pack up and go, it’s critical to
enable a person to survive without consider shelter, especially in the frigid
incurring any long-term health effects, times of year. Portable options allow you
like hypothermia or frostbite. This to set up a safe, dry space—no matter
protection would need to shield you from where you wind up.

› In a survival/
rescue situation,
“... ADEQUATE PROTECTION ... MUST ENABLE A PERSON
your shelter should
be easy to spot in
TO SURVIVE WITHOUT INCURRING ANY LONG-TERM
whatever environ-
ment you are in. HEALTH EFFECTS ...”
1.1. Ponchos: A poncho is your first line
of protection against the winter elements.
It is also your most basic. Is a poncho a
shelter? It may be a stretch, but yes, it
is. First, the poncho protects your body
and clothing from getting wet from snow,
sleet and rain. Getting wet and staying
wet in almost any environment can cause
the onset of hypothermia, and if you don’t
warm your core temperature, death can
be a very real possibility. Many ponchos
these days, especially the more heavy-
duty or survival-based ones, actually have
grommets built into the corners of the
garment. These can be used to construct
‹ Above: A poncho is your first line of defense to protect your-
self from the blustery cold of icy rain or snow. the simplest of shelters, if needed. Any
‹ Left and below: Basic shelters can keep you alive until you protection above you that’s preventing
secure more permanent protection from the elements.
your body and clothing from getting wet
is a valuable shelter, so don’t discount the
multi-functional poncho.
1.2. Tarps: A step up from a poncho, a
tarp can create a large overhead cover,
enough to deflect hard-hitting rain and
enable you to stay dry and avoid any
detrimental effects of hypothermia (that
is, if the surrounding temperature is not
abnormally cold). A tarp also has the
ability to be constructed into a number of
different configurations. From an A-frame

‹ In bad weather,
be sure to get your
shelter squared
away before con-
cerning yourself
with any other
survival needs.
‹ Below: A
four-season
tent provides
instant shelter
in a fierce winter
environment.
Photo courtesy of
YamamMounta-
inGear.com.
‹ Bottom: A
canvas wall tent
to a lean-to, to a cone-shaped teepee, the layouts are nearly endless. Depending upon to hypothermia. If needed and available, with an integrated
wood stove offers
your nearby natural terrain, a tarp can be used in conjunction with overhead branches, change clothes to keep yourself as dry plenty of warmth
a stone overhang or rounded ditch to achieve a more complex and stable structure as possible. Finally, with the walls at and headroom
for season-long
that’s waterproof and windproof. Tarps are relatively inexpensive and come in a wide least one to two feet thick, poke a hole outdoor encamp-
assortment of sizes and colors and numerous fabrics and weights. Bright orange works ments. Courtesy
at the opposite side of the entrance for
of MontanaCan-
well if you need to signal for help or assistance, while camouflage helps to keep your ventilation and you’re good to go. Your vas.com.
shelter hidden from curious eyes. When choosing a style and color, always select one
that fits your own particular needs. Fiddling with an oversized tarp when a smaller one
would work much better only wastes your time and resources, while one too small to
contain your companions will, unfortunately, keep some members out in the storm.
1.3. Trekking Tents: Lightweight and easy-to-carry, trekking tents offer the minimum
amount of protection from the intensely cold weather surrounding you. They weigh on
average from one to three pounds, making them perfect for those traveling with minimal
supplies. These tents provide a wind break, as well as protection from wet snow, sleet
or ice-cold rain. They set up with minimal effort and break down just as fast. When it
comes to a fast, reliable shelter for the solo adventurer, a lightweight trekking tent is the
way to go.
1.4. Mountaineering Tents: As the name implies, a mountaineering tent is designed
for higher-altitude conditions that include high winds, cold temperatures and snow-
covered landscapes. These tents are heavy and take up more space, yet, in exchange,
they provide excellent protection, spacious interiors and an all-around sturdier and
more solid set up. They are available from one-person designs to those that fit an entire
family, and everywhere in between.
2. NATURAL STRUCTURES
Should you find yourself in the winter wild and in need of shelter, Mother Nature will
provide—as long as you know how to use the resources at your disposal.
2.1. Snow Cave (Quinzee): A snow cave, or quinzee as it’s also called, is a simple
structure created out of a large mound of snow. First, find an existing mound or if none
are nearby, build one yourself. The pile should be at least 8 to 10 feet in all directions.
Next, start digging out the main opening toward the downside of the structure. As
you dig, continuously pat down all sides of the “tunnel,” allowing time for the unit to
literally freeze together. Bear in mind, this structure takes a lot of physical work, so
rest constantly and be aware if you begin to sweat. Your sweat can chill you, leading

› Right: Be sure to
pack all interior
surfaces before
anyone gets into a
snow cave shelter
you build.
‹ Left: Knowing how

gear, branches or a large round snowball to build a shelter in
extreme environ-
can be used to close off the front
ments can make the
entrance to seal in warmth. difference between
life and death.
2.2. Tree-Pit Shelter: If you find
yourself in a snow-covered winter
wonderland surrounded by numerous
large trees, you may have the ability
to create a tree-pit shelter. A tree-pit
shelter is created under the thick layered
branches of a tree, where you dig a hole
around the trunk as your “house” with ‹ Below: A cave
the branches above you becoming your makes a great natural
shelter, but be sure
instant “roof”. Your first task is to dig to investigate first for
signs of a threatening
around the tree trunk and hollow out a
tenant already living
cavity where you have enough space to inside.
sit up if need be, but still be below the
snow line. Use the snow you excavate to
build a protective wall at snow level for
added protection against blowing winds.
Next, as with all snow structures, gather
tree boughs with the needles or leaves
still attached and line the base of your
shelter. This will be your insulation from
the cold snow or, if you dig to ground
level, the frigid earth. Always gather
more than you think you need because,
generally speaking, a pile three feet high,
will compress under your body weight to
become a “mattress” of only about six
inches. Now your structure is complete
as the snow will act as insulation

and protect you from the outside
temperatures.
2.3. Caves: Caves are great instant
shelters if you are lucky enough to find
one. However, certain precautions need
to be taken if you decide to call a rock
cave your temporary home. First, you
may not be the only living creature to
shelter in the cave; wildlife may already
be residing inside. Hibernating bears,
mountain lions or wolves huddled
together may be inside, ready to make
your time in the snowy outdoors much
worse. Second, if the cave is vacant,
examine the structure for stability.
Cracks, overhanging rocks or shifted
“walls” may indicate an insecure
structure and should be avoided. Like
all cold-weather shelters, always lift
yourself off ground level or lay down
some type of insulation to prevent the
cold earth from sapping precious body
heat.
2.4. Snow Trench: A snow trench,
like a tree-pit shelter, utilizes snow’s
‹ Above: Any- excellent insulation properties. The
where you can
find shelter from
structure is also not difficult to create.
the icy winds and First, dig out a rectangle in the snow,
swirling snow, do
it! Hypothermia just large enough for you to lie down
can creep up on comfortably. Next, line the interior with
you before you
know it. tree branches and any other natural
materials to keep you off the cold
ground. For the roof, lay branches across
the opening, spread across a tarp, or if
the night is still and showing no signs of
wind or falling snow, enjoy some time
‹ As close to a
regular house as under the stars.
you can get, an
assemble-it-your-
self bungalow 3. LONG-TERM DWELLINGS
is perfect for a
seasonal home or
Semi-permanent or permanent
auxiliary bug-out structures can be fabricated using very
location. Courte-
sy of SweetWater- simple—or quite complex—materials. If
Bungalows.com. you need to set up a long-term dwelling
in a wintertime survival situation, take a
look at these options.
3.1. Wall Tents: Wall tents are semi-
permanent structures designed to be, and
look very similar to, an everyday house.
Typically, the walls and roof are made
from very durable canvas, mounted on a
wooden or metal frame. The walls extend
upward vertically, allowing ample walking
room throughout the tent. An interior
center support allows rain or snow to fall
‹ Mini log cabins
are perfect evenly downward and disperse on all
for one or two four sides of the structure. The inclusion
people wanting a
sturdy and secure of a wood stove keeps the unit warm
structure while and offers the ability to heat or cook
immersed in the
great outdoors. food. These tents offer enough room for
Courtesy of Sun-
danceLogAnd-
an entire family or group of individuals
Timber.com. spending extended stays in the outdoors.

“WITH SOME
SKILLS, SOME
BASIC TOOLS
AND A LOT OF
HANDS-ON
WORK, CRE-
ATING A LONG-
TERM CABIN
IS ONLY A FEW
THOUSAND
CHOPS AWAY!”
Sizes range from 8 by 10 feet to larger sizes,

‹ An abandoned
such as 16 by 20 feet for larger groups.
hunter’s cabin
3.2. Cabins: Log cabins have been can be used for a
last-minute option
around for ages. These days, however, a when you’re cold
person has the option of buying a cabin and need shelter
in the wilderness.
pre-made and ready for immediate Any protection
occupancy. In fact, mini-cabins can from the power
of nature is good
be pulled by a trailer and dropped off protection. Photo
by Bigstock.
nearly anywhere. In addition, off-grid
accessories, such as solar panels or wind
turbines, provide you with electricity
when you’re far from any power sources.
Custom-created cabins are available when
the need arises to meet personal needs
and wants. Some people prefer a distinct
size or shape requirement, while others
want specific types of building materials
or certain roof configurations. The options
are abundant and diverse.
Of course, building your own log cabin is
always an option. With some skills, some
basic tools and a lot of hands-on work,
creating a long-term cabin is only a few
thousand chops away!
3.3. Permanent House-Like
Structures: Other long-term winterized
structure options are pre-made or kit-
based living spaces. These structures are
the closest in size and style that you will
find to an everyday house. They feature
solid-wall construction as opposed to
canvas used in wall tents, and they
have integrated windows and doorways.
Patio or deck platforms are available to
extend your outdoor space, allowing you
to have a sitting or viewing area above
the ground. Of course, wood stoves, solar
panels, wind turbine setups and a great
number of luxuries can be added to give
your home in the woods a personal and
creative touch.

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‹ An abandoned cabin in the woods is a
great place to take refuge from the bitter
cold and fierce winds.

TIPS
HOME IS
WHERE
THE
HEARTH IS
HOT TIPS FOR SURVIVING
WINTER’S PERILS
P
rotection from cold winter 1.1. Fire Production: Tinder can be found
temperatures, harsh precip- in a variety of places. You just need to know
itation and bitter winds will where to look. Peel away a layer of bark
give you a better chance to on a nearby tree and scrape the material
survive. It’s not enough to just underneath for a fluffy mound of very dry
hunker down…you have to fight back if you’re and usable tinder. Your pants pockets often
going to win the high-stakes battle with have balled up pieces of lint and cloth ma-
winter’s hazards. These tips will help you terial that can take a spark, as well as tufts
stay sheltered and warm enough to weather of cotton fabric pulled from your socks.
the storm. Wood found underneath the low-hanging
branches of trees can provide useable fuel
1. WARMTH IS LIFE to keep your fire roaring for hours. In addi-
The harsh temperatures during the tion, if you find yourself in an urban setting,
seemingly endless months of winter make wood pallets, discarded clothing and other
fire-starting skills a must when you’re forced trash can keep a fire going in a pinch. Just be
to seek shelter in the outdoors. The difficul- sure you don’t light something up that will
ties are manifold. The three main compo- produce noxious fumes or excessive smoke.
nents of fire-building are starting tools, tinder 1.2. Don’t Eat Snow: Even though you
to take the spark or flame, and fuel to keep it may be fighting off dehydration and are
burning throughout your outdoor stay. Only surrounded by frozen water, don’t grab a
when these three components are secured handful and throw it in your mouth. The
can you enjoy a night of warmth, as well as reason is three-fold. First, it takes energy—
the overall comfort that a fire provides. energy you may not have to spare—to melt

the snow that’s in your mouth and convert
it to a liquid state. Second, because snow
is mostly air, you would need to eat a lot of
it to satiate your thirst; and in the process,
you would be subjecting your body to the
dangers of a lower core body temperature
for a relatively long period of time. Finally,
even though many say that snow is distilled
water and safe to drink, you should always
boil it to make 100 percent certain that it
won’t harm you. Freshly killed animals, ani-
mal waste products, airborne contaminants
or other unseen dangers may taint the area
of snow you choose and, as with drinking
pathogen-filled river water, your quest
for instant thirst-quenching may lead to
abdominal cramps and pains, and further
dehydration through vomiting or diarrhea.
1.3. Heating Rocks for Warmth: To
further keep you warm within your shelter,
collect several nearby rocks and warm them
in the fire. Then carefully lay them under
and/or around your sleeping area. They
should give off plenty of heat as you sleep
through the night. Avoid collecting rocks
near streams or rivers as they may literally
explode due to water inside them turning to
steam once they’re heated.
1.4. Hypothermia - Frostbite Preven-
tion: While building your cold-climate shel-
ter, be cautious that you do not overexert
yourself. Sweating can be deadly, especially ‹ A tarp is a valuable piece of survival shelter gear. The endless configurations allow for a personalized shelter in any
environment. Photo courtesy of SelfRelianceOutfitters.com.
when ignored in cold temperatures and/
or windy conditions. At the first signs of
perspiration, stop what you are doing and
rest. Be sure if your clothing is wet, and you
have replacements, to put dry clothing on
immediately. Hypothermia can sneak up on
you without you realizing it. While you work
and sweat, your core body temperature will
begin to drop and, when finally noticed, it
will be that much harder to raise it back to
safe levels.
Frostbite differs from hypothermia in that
the intense cold freezes your skin and un- ‹ Survival expert Les Stroud uses natural cover for pro- ‹ This log cabin-style elevated bed gets you off the ground
derlying tissue. Numbness in the fingers and tection from the winds, which can make the surrounding and helps prevent heat loss while you sleep. Photo Cour-
temperatures feel much, much colder. Photo by Laura tesy of CreekStewart.com.
toes is the first sign of frostbite, followed Bombier.
by extreme skin damage causing infection
and nerve damage. Prevent this by keeping
your hands and feet always protected by
wearing gloves and utilizing hand and feet
warmers. These disposable pouches acti-
vate by just shaking them vigorously and
can provide warmth for four to six hours.
2. STAY OFF THE GROUND!

In cold weather survival situations, the
ground can quickly sap warmth from your
body. It’s critical to stay off the ground or ‹ A tarp-covered bed, insulated with leaves and tree boughs, can keep you warm and dry throughout the night. Photo
insulate yourself and your shelter with Courtesy of CreekStewart.com.
readily-available materials.

Plus, they pack easily in your backpack or
supply bag.
2.4. Snow for Protection: Snow makes
great insulation. If you find yourself
surrounded by a sea of white with no other
materials nearby, dig yourself a pit or build
up makeshift snow walls, and you will have
a great temporary shelter. This can protect
you from harsh, bitterly cold winds and
give you a place to rest before you start out
once again. Remember, though … stay off
2.1. Insulation: Insulation is the name of the game to stay warm during bitter cold ‹ Wintertime the ground!
survival must-
weather. Insulation can be sourced from many sources. First and foremost, your own haves include
clothing should be your first source of insulation. However, not all clothing is created equally a wood saw, an 3. USE YOUR SURROUNDINGS
ax or hatchet, a
when it comes to keeping you warm. Cotton clothing should be avoided. It holds moisture, trusty knife and When you need to get out of the cold
an all-important
which can kill in extremely cold weather, and it doesn’t hold a body’s warmth as long as weather, use what’s available—even if it’s an
fire-starter. Pho-
other fabrics. The proper layering includes a synthetic moisture-wicking layer, such as to by Bigstock. abandoned shack, rocky outcrop or stranded
polyester, close to the skin, followed by wool; then a light jacket; and finally a wind- and vehicle. They can provide a roof over your
‹ Paracord that
rain-proof outer layer. This is the basic configuration, but it can be altered to fit particular has an inner head, as well as resources to make survival
strand that acts
tastes and situations. easier.
as tinder for
2.2. Bed Frame: If you have a wood saw or an ax, you can create an elevated bed frame. your fire is a 3.1. Abandoned Cabins: Years-old
great addition
This sleeping structure features cut logs, roughly a bit longer than your height and about 6 to your winter hunting cabins can be found throughout the
to 8 inches in diameter, positioned in a log-cabin-style rectangle. Cut saplings to create the survival kit. wilderness. Some may be fully intact, while
Photo courtesy
mattress, which will provide some flexibility and give as you sleep. Leaves or other soft ma- of LiveFireGear. others could be damaged from years of
terials can be used as your cushion—and you’re good to go, off the ground, in a comfortable com. neglect and exposure to the elements. Either
bed within your winterized shelter. way, the less work you need to do to have
2.3. Hanging Tents and Hammocks: A hanging tent or hammock removes one worry or a workable shelter, the better. Remember,
hassle that you may endure in the cold—the heat-sapping ground. Most people believe that before you bed down, make sure it’s not
you should secure overhead protection when building a shelter, but you should also raise already inhabited by two- or more-legged
yourself off the ground. When you sleep on the ground, it steals your body heat through tenants and that it is strong enough to
conduction, which puts you at further risk for hypothermia. Both hammocks and hanging withstand the weather.
tents are easy to set up and can be insulated with surrounding materials to keep you warm. 3.2. Rocky Overhangs: If you’re lucky to
find a rocky overhang with a solid back, use
it. It can provide protection from above and
will not take much effort to secure the front.
Chop or saw down (always have a wood saw
or an ax when venturing into wooded areas)
trees roughly 6 inches in diameter and lean
them against the rock edge above. Secure
with paracord, vines or other means for a
strong and protected front wall.
3.3. Stranded Vehicle: An abandoned
vehicle provides instant shelter from the
outside. Although you may have the desire
‹ Everyday disposable lighters should be carried by every- ‹ You can use your stranded car’s battery and jumper to try to find help, doing so during bod
one in your survival group. They are inexpensive, small, cables to start a fire during an outdoor survival situation. weather would not be a good idea. Instead,
light, provide numerous ignitions and they’re simple to use
when a fire is an absolute must. Photo by Bigstock. stay put and use the vehicle to its fullest,
even if that means butchering it to suit
your needs. The seats contain soft foam,
useful to insulate from the cold, while
the battery can be used to start a fire just
outside the vehicle. Touching together
the two ends of jumper cables, or similar
conductors, can create a spark for your
waiting tinder bundle or, if you have a
wooden pencil, the cables can be connect-
ed to both ends of it until it catches on fire.
The simplest way, though, is if you have a
‹ Butchering your vehicle, or someone else’s, to get ‹ Les Stroud uses his vehicle for protection from adverse cigarette lighter in your car (some modern
materials that can be used to keep you alive may be an winter conditions while keeping warm by a fire fueled by cars now come without one). Just heat it
alternative in cold-weather survival situations. Photo resources found nearby. Photo by Laura Bombier.
by Laura Bombier. up and apply it to your tinder.

SHELTER
GEAR GUIDE

SOLVING
YOUR
SURVIVAL
SHELTER
NEEDS
THESE DIVERSE STRUCTURES WILL
KEEP MOTHER NATURE AT BAY
S
helter may be one of the avoided if you plan ahead by obtaining
most underestimated the proper type of shelter for your wintery
aspects of survival once environment. From single-person tents
thirst and hunger set in and designed to keep the icy rain out to full-
take center stage. Being blown, custom-made cabins, the options
outside for only a few minutes to face the for shelter are as diverse as everyone’s
unrelenting might of Mother Nature can personal budget, tastes and needs. Your
turn a simple survival situation into a fight objective to is to make key decisions before
for your life. Your problems only get worse harsh conditions come your way. When you
during a snowstorm, blizzard or incredibly do, you will have peace of mind that you
frigid temperatures. and your family will be warm, comfortable,
This horrible scenario can easily be safe and secure.

1. SIMPLE CONTRUCTS
1.1. Tube Tent

It doesn’t get any easier than this • Material: Polyethylene
tent. With a simple rope and a couple • Dimensions: 8 feet long
nearby trees, you’ll have a temporary • Lightweight
shelter up in just a few minutes. This • Included: Directions and nylon rope
tube tent is ready to keep you dry • Easy setup
when an unexpected storm threatens,
MSRP
and it is roomy enough for three kids
$5.50
or two adults to fit comfortably. The
tube tent is so small and compact URL
it stores easily in your supply bag or www.EmergencyEssentials.com
backpack. At 8 feet long, there’s room
for small items or light gear. A must-
have for any outing emergency kit.
1.2. Heimplanet Tarp Dawn

Endless configurations are possible • Material: Ripstop 100 percent polyester 66D
with this premier-style tarp. Ready 210T
when you need it, this instant shelter • Dimensions: 13.62 x 12.03 feet
offers multiple attachment points, as • Weight: 2.43 pounds
well as grommets for use with poles • Included: Guy lines, pack sack and tarp
(not included) for a stand-up struc- • Three-way anchoring points
ture that protects you from the harsh • Available in grey or camo
weather. Use it by itself or as a roof
MSRP
between tents or other structures.
Starting at $160
This simple covering offers endless
options. URL
www.HeimPlanet.com
1.3. Coghlan’s Nylon Tent

Repair Kit
Murphy’s Law says that unexpected • Two adhesive-backed nylon patches
tent damage happens when you’re • Two mesh screen patches
far from a supply store, exposing you • Two spools nylon thread
to the harsh outdoor elements. Your • One #4 needle
best bet is to carry Coghlan’s Nylon • Three ferrules (8.5 mm, 9.5 mm, 11 mm)
Tent repair kit with your shelter. This kit • 45 inches of shock cord
has all the essentials to make quick, • 0.5 fluid ounce seam seal
long-lasting repairs. Simple to use, • Reusable storage bag
it works with all nylon tents or tarps.
MSRP
Don’t be stranded with a torn or broken
$5.99
shelter. Keep this valuable item handy
during every excursion. URL
www.Coghlans.com

1. SIMPLE CONTRUCTS / 2. TENTS THAT CAN HANDLE THE CHILL
1.4. Defender King Camo Tarp

Sporting 24 reinforced webbing loops • Material: 100-percent waterproof 70D nylon
and four corner-pole inserts, this camo • Dimensions: 13 x 10 feet
tarp can be set up in a vast number of • Weight: 5 pounds
configurations depending upon your • Packed size: 16 x 8 x 5 inches
terrain and environmental conditions. • Hammock and other accessories shown not
Hydrostatic resistance of 20,000 mm included
ensures not a drop of water or flake of
MSRP
snow will get through while you stay
$169.95
protected underneath. Store in your
vehicle, bug-out bag or anywhere you URL
go for instant weather protection. www.SelfRelianceOutfitters.com
2.1. Kamp-Rite Compact Tent

Cot (CTC) XL
An amalgamation of a tent and a cot, • Material: Heavy-duty 190T fabric with mesh
this portable shelter keeps you off the on windows and doors
ground while enjoying a roomy and • Tent dimensions: 84 x 33 x 38 inches high
comfortable sleep. This Tent Cot has • Weight: 28 pounds
plenty of headroom and numerous • Capacity: 350 pounds
pockets to keep your personal items in • Included: Two carry bags, fitted waterproof
place. Two zippered windows provide rain fly, spreader bar
plenty of fresh air flow, while its large • Heavy-duty, powder-coated steel frame and
doorway allows easy access. Set-up taped seams
takes only minutes, leaving you more
MSRP
time to set up the rest of the camp.
$169.99
URL
www.KampRite.com
2.2. Kamp-Rite Original Tent Cot

This multi-function sleeping structure • Material: Heavy-duty 190T fabric with mesh
elevates you nearly a foot off the on windows and doors
ground, far away from insects or both- • Tent dimensions: 84 x 33 x 24 inches high
ersome rocks. The Tent Cot provides • Weight: 24 pounds
a sturdy sleeping area with complete • Capacity: 300 pounds
protection from the outside. Two • Included: Carry bags and fitted waterproof
zippered, polyester and mesh doors rain fly
allow convenient entry and provide • Heavy-duty, powder-coated aluminum frame
ventilation and air flow throughout and multi-function hinge design
the shelter. Setup takes just a few
MSRP
minutes and, when not in use, the cot
$169.99
converts to a comfortable lounge chair.
Unit comes complete with rain fly and URL
convenient carry bag. www.KampRite.com

2. TENTS THAT CAN HANDLE THE CHILL
2.3. Heimplanet Maverick Tent

The Maverick Tent takes extreme outdoor • Materials: Outer layer: high-tenacity
shelters to the next level. Designed to with- polyester; inner layer: thermoplastic
stand winds up to 110 mph, this spherical tent polyurethane; fly sheet: polyester rip-
has no breakable parts. Its 10-chamber air stop; ground sheet: nylon
system offers stability, even in case of a leak • Dimensions: Inner diameter: 13 feet, 5
in the inflatable frame and is easily repaired inches; internal height: 6 feet, 7 inches
with little effort. Five doors allow for flexible • Weight: 55 pounds
access and five closable windows grant a • Included: Inflatable air frame, tent skin
view of all of your surroundings. A removable and carry bag
ground sheet is included and a pair of snow • Pack size: 31 x 20 x 20 inches
flaps ensure your interior will be free of snow,
MSRP
dirt, sand and other debris. This is a true
$6,500
harsh-weather home away from home.
URL
www.HeimPlanet.com
2.4. Sportz Truck Tent 57 Series

Stay connected to your truck while • Material: Polyester oxford floor and taffeta
elevating yourself off the cold, hard walls and roof
ground with this amazing Truck Tent. • Center height: 5.7 feet
Designed to be set up in the open bed • Weight: 23 to 26 pounds
of your pickup, you never again have to • Includes: Gear loft and pocket, integrated
worry about uneven ground, surprise lantern holder and expandable carrying bag
flooding, creepy crawly insects or curi- • Built-in storm flaps in windows and door
ous animals. Keep it behind the seats • Full rainfly protects against harsh weather
and, when the need arises, this tent sets
MSRP
up in no time flat. Accommodates two
$269.99
adults plus gear comfortably. Complete
instructions and color-coded pole and URL
sleeve assembly is included. www.NapierOutdoors.com
2.5. Black Diamond Bipod Bivy

Single person sleeping has never been • Material: ToddTex single-wall fabric
easier. Using just a single support pole, • Single-pole design
you’ll be in sound slumber quickly with • Large zippered entry
this rugged, outdoor bivy. Constructed • Taped seams
of ToddTex single-wall fabric, this • Large mesh panel for ventilation
sleeping structure stands up to the
MSRP
harsh weather and cold temperatures
$289.95
with ease. Created to give you ample
headroom while decreasing carrying URL
weight, this bivy is ideal for those www.BlackDiamondEquipment.com
wanting to travel light yet with ultimate
comfort.

3. CAMPING CABIN KITS
3.1. Homestead Bungalow Kit

Spacious and convenient, the Homestead Bun- • Wood frame, white shell and rainfly,
galow Kit allows you to assemble this amazing and eave and awning systems
structure easily, no matter where you want to • Three 4 x 4 foot enamel windows and
call home. This model features an oversized double French door with trim
floor plan with tall side walls, three large • Assorted hardware included
windows and double French doors, giving you a • Step-by-step assembly instructions
touch of style while in the great outdoors. At 14
MSRP
by 20 feet, you’ll have plenty of sleep, lounging
$8,900
and eating space. Built tough, and with the
availability of upgrades, this bungalow will keep URL
you sheltered for years to come. www.SweetWaterBungalows.com
3.2. Camping Cabin Kits

Enjoy shelter from the fierce outdoors with this • Material: Constructed of solid wood
easy-to-assemble cabin kit. Available in either and plywood
10 by 16 foot or 12 by 16 foot sizes, this kit allows • Dimensions: 10 x 16 feet, or 12 x 16 feet
easy transport to your final destination with • Assemble with basic carpentry tools
pre-cut and pre-assembled pieces. With just • Full-color detailed instruction
some simple tools, you and a buddy can erect • Optional add-ons available
this cabin in no time, giving you season-long
MSRP
shelter. Insulation kits, exterior and interior
Starting at $6,795
staining, a metal roof, and interior paneling are
all optional to add if desired. URL
www.OregonTimberWerks.com
3.3. Tiny House—Elm Model

Choose your options and nearly every other • Dimensions: 20 feet long/187+ sf; 26
detail with this amazing tiny house. The Elm is feet long/255+ sf
a RVIA-certified travel trailer and is as beautiful • Fully functional porch
as it is functional. Sporting from 187 to 255 • Conventional RV hookups for water
square feet of living space depending upon and electrical if needed
your chosen length, this tiny home is definitely • Can be custom designed to suit your
more than a few steps above “roughing it”. No needs
assembly needed. Just park and you’re good to • Sleeps three people comfortably
go for years of outdoor protection and indoor • Delivery available
comfort.
MSRP
Starting at $62,950
URL
www.TumbleWeedHouses.com

RADIO
SILENCE
IS NOT
GOLDEN
A COMMS LINK WITH THE
OUTSIDE WORLD MAY BE
YOUR KEY TO SURVIVAL
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JIM JEFFRIES
S
evere weather poses a to the Eastern seaboard.
significant threat to the It Can—and Does—Happen
majority of the popula- This storm system had been forecast
tion in North America, in the days before, and the National
and the spring of 2017 Weather Service (NWS) had issued
saw several outbreaks. One particular warnings emphasizing the threat. Taking
storm system swept across the Midwest, the warnings seriously—and knowing
producing wave after wave of severe that the storms were to hit our location
thunderstorms. Torrential rains, large sometime overnight—my family and I
hail, tornadoes and straight-line winds hunkered down in our underground storm
beyond hurricane force knocked out pow- shelter the evening before. As predict-
er and damaged cell towers and other ed, it was indeed a stormy night with
vital elements of the communications the first line of thunderstorms hitting
infrastructure from Oklahoma all the way before midnight, February 28, followed

› This tornado struck outside Dodge
City, Kan., in May 2016 and was charac-
terized in the weather alert as being “...
a large ... extremely dangerous ... and
potentially deadly tornado ...”
Getty Images/ Ryan McGinnis
“I TURNED UP
THE VOLUME ON
OUR 2 METER
VHF HAM RADIO
(ALREADY
TUNED TO
THE NWS
WEATHER RADIO
FREQUENCY) IN
TIME TO HEAR
THE ALERT TONE
SOUNDING.”
by another a few hours later on March 1. volume on our 2 meter VHF Ham radio (already tuned to the NWS weather radio frequency)
The third and most violent line of storms in time to hear the alert tone sounding. Just as a tornado warning was being issued, the
swept through the area at 6 o’clock that radio went silent. I switched over to the local repeater and listened. Nothing! I tapped the
morning, waking us from our sleep with ‹ Television, VHF/ push to talk (PTT) button on the side of the microphone while watching the standing wave
UHF and HF radios,
the thunderous noise of 90-mile-per- as well as Internet ratio (SWR) meter beside the radio—the meter showed a very high SWR reading indicating
hour winds. access make up the
a failure somewhere in the antenna system.
nerve center in our
Jumping from my bunk, I turned up the storm shelter. With no information coming into the storm shelter and no way to contact anyone outside,

‹ The EF4 tornado
that moved
through Garland
and Rowlett, Texas,
had winds up to
180 mph. Of the 10
people who died in
its path, nine were
motorists. Getty
Images/ Prairie
Pictures
‹ Below left: In the

days leading up
to the storm, the
Storm Prediction
Center (SPC) in
Norman, Okla.,
issued severe
weather probabi-
listic outlooks; this
one is from Feb.
27, 2017. During
the normal storm
season, it pays to
check these predic-
tions daily.
“... IT WAS AS IF I HAD BEEN

‹ Below: The
all we could do was sit inside the shelter Storm Prediction
and wait, thankful that we had made the Center (SPC) severe
decision to spend the night there. PUNCHED IN THE GUT WHEN weather outlook
issued on Feb. 28,
After the winds and rain subsided, I DISCOVERED I HAD NO 2017, looked even
more ominous and
we emerged to find the 35-foot-tall
mast that held the 2-meter VHF and CELLULAR PHONE SERVICE!” had more certainty.
At this point, my
family was in
multi-band HF antenna aloft lying on the ACTION mode.
ground, destroyed by debris carried on
the incredible winds that blew out ahead
of the line of storms. There was minimal
damage to our house and barn, but tree
limbs and other debris were scattered all
around our yard.
Concerned about the safety of my
friends and family living in the direction
the storm was heading, I tried to call
them on my cellphone to give them
warning—it was as if I had been punched
in the gut when I discovered I had no
cellular phone service!
As I walked around the yard surveying › Below right: Especially troubling was the tornado probability
the damage, I looked again at my phone outlook issued the morning of February 28, 2017.
and saw it showed an intermittent weak › Below left: This radar mosaic shows the lines of severe storms
on the evening of February 28, 2017 stretching from Lake Huron
signal. I tried again, but still the call through Kansas and into Oklahoma. Radar image from the
wouldn’t go through. I sent a text message National Weather Service.
to my sister, warning her of the approach-

ing storm. A few minutes later I received
her reply: “In basement, we’re OK.”
We made it through the storms OK, but
others in our county weren’t as lucky. Sev-
eral confirmed weak tornadoes touched
down in the communities around us, and
a few families lost their homes. Much of
the damage was caused by the ferocious
straight-line winds that blew out ahead
of the entire line of the storm. Many of

“DURING › With the primary
antenna down,
WEATHER
outside communi-
cations were cut off.
Having complete
EVENTS, LISTEN spare antenna
systems in standby
FOR WARNINGS ensured comms
could be reestab-
OVER YOUR lished quickly.
WEATHER ALERT
RADIO.”
them had no warning. Some never even

knew there was a storm coming.
The lesson here is that your communica-
tions plan should be built on overlapping
layers covering everything from close
range to as far as you deem necessary,
and include contingencies and redundan-
cy for critical gear.
1. COMMUNICATING DURING
AN EMERGENCY
Getting information in and out is crucial
before, during and after emergencies.
1.1. Conventional Methods: Television,
Internet and radio (both broadcast and
two-way) are the most common ways to and verify your gear.
find out what’s going on. Know what is 2.1. Local Events: Storms, wildfires and other disasters can knock out communica-
happening in the news and stay abreast tions. You will likely know the cause of the failure and be able to take corrective action
of weather forecasts. if it’s on your end. Systems outside your control should be back up within hours.
1.2. Less Common Methods: Law
enforcement dispatch frequencies can
be monitored on a scanner. Shortwave
broadcast news from other countries
(i.e. BBC) is often more accurate than
domestic sources.
1.3. During Emergencies: Tune to local
television or radio stations and monitor
continuously. Amateur radio nets will be
very active; listen on a scanner or other
appropriate receiver. During weather
events, listen for warnings over your
Weather Alert Radio.
1.4. Spread The Word: Keep your fam-
ily, friends and group members informed
as to what is happening or about to
happen, via telephone, face-to-face or
two-way radio. › Right: Backup
power for the storm
shelter comes from
2. IF COMMUNICATIONS FAIL a pair of 110 Amp
Hour Telecom
Communication systems break down for batteries, the same
many reasons. Always assume the failure type used by tele-
phone companies
is on your end first; have a way to test

‹ Far left: The
primary antenna
system for the HF
and VHF radios
before the storms of
Feb. 28, 2017.
‹ Left: The same

antenna system
after the storm.
The mast was no
match for the debris
carried by 90-plus
mph winds.
› This is the au-
thor’s emergency
communications
(EmComm) sta-
tion. Always ready
for activation,
it consists of an
all-band all-mode
transceiver; televi-
sion/computer
monitor; Linux
computer (Rasp-
berry Pi) for HF
digital modes and
VHF/UHF packet;
battery bank and
inverter. Packaged
in a Pelican case
for protection. A
complete solar
charging package
provides virtually
unlimited station
duration.
› Above: Spring 2.2. Regional Events: Infrastruc-

and summer
storms can become ture-based communications (i.e.
severe in minutes, telephone, cable, Internet) may be down
but there is almost
always ample due to a failure somewhere else; test your
warning for those
equipment and work your way outward.
who make the ef-
fort to be informed. Shortwave and AM radios can receive
signals from very far away. It may take
several days to repair damage to commu-
› Right: In most nications infrastructure.
tornado-prone ar- 2.3. Nation-Wide Outages: If no
eas in the US, early
warning systems signals of any kind are coming in from
are in place to alert adjacent states, a major event such as an
residents about
severe weather electromagnetic pulse (EMP) or massive
threats. Getty
Images/ Samuel D.
solar flare has likely occurred. If your gear
Barricklow still seems to be working, continue moni-

toring as many frequencies as possible.
2.4. Long-Term Outages: Usually, power
and communications will be restored within a
few hours or days, but your communications
plan should include provisions for keeping
group members in contact with one another;
extra two-way radios and support gear
should be available, and all members should
have basic knowledge of how to use them.
3. WHAT TO DO NEXT
When your communications system fails,
it’s important to watch and listen, because it
should come back on—eventually.
3.1. Set a Radio Watch: Radios should be
monitored continuously after an emergency
or loss of communications. Establish a watch
rotation utilizing all available personnel.
3.2. What To Listen For: Eventually, some
communications systems will come back on
the air. Amateur Radio operators usually have
gear stashed away in Faraday cages that will
be protected against EMP damage and, once
the possibility of additional strikes has dimin-
ished, hams will be back on the air. If radio
traffic is heard on FRS/GMRS frequencies,
someone is very close to your location – be
concerned!
Follow Us On
Capturing the Lifestyle that is Firearms!

4. SEASONAL CHALLENGES “WEATHER AND TEMPERATURE
Weather and temperature extremes
can wreak havoc on communications
EXTREMES CAN WREAK HAVOC ON
systems. Know what the seasonal threats COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS.
are in your area and prepare for them
accordingly.
KNOW WHAT THE SEASONAL
4.1. During Warmer Months: Storms, THREATS ARE IN YOUR AREA AND
especially if they are severe, will stress PREPARE FOR THEM ACCORDINGLY.”
outdoor antennas and supporting
structures. Lightning is a primary threat to
communications equipment; disconnect ‹ Left and below:
Many homes
all outdoor antennas when lightning is
and outbuildings
near, and remember to unplug gear from were damaged
or destroyed in
the grid if operating on utility power. the communities
4.2. Winter: The cold, dry air of surrounding the
author’s home.
winter can provide some excellent radio Photos by Wash-
communications conditions, but when ington County,
Indiana, Sheriff
the temperatures drop below freezing, Roger Newlon
March 1, 2017
problems may arise.
4.2.1. Ice: Ice buildup on antenna
elements can weigh them down, causing
them to break in extreme conditions. Any
water trapped inside antenna compo-
nents or support structures can cause
cracks as it freezes.
4.2.2. Extreme Cold: Extremely low
temperatures will decrease the output
of all batteries, according to Battery Uni-
versity: “The performance of all batteries
drops drastically at low temperatures...
At –20°C (–4°F) most batteries stop
functioning.”
Attempting to recharge a battery that is
too cold can cause permanent damage,
and a lead-acid battery that is not fully
charged will freeze sooner than one that
is completely charged.
“Freezing a lead acid battery leads
to permanent damage,” warns Battery
University. “Always keep the batteries
fully charged because in the discharged
state the electrolyte becomes more
water-like and freezes earlier than when
fully charged.”
According to Battery Council Interna-
tional, a specific gravity of 1.15 has a
freezing temperature of –15 degrees C
(5 F). This compares to –55 C (–67 F)
for a specific gravity of 1.265 with a fully
charged starter battery. Many battery
users are unaware that consumer-grade
lithium-ion batteries cannot be charged
below 0 C (32 F).
Any battery-powered communications
equipment needs to be kept warm when
operating in cold temperatures; batteries
for base stations should be stored indoors
(with adequate ventilation), and portable
radios like Walkie-Talkies should be
placed inside your outer garment when
possible.

TIPS
TIPS FOR
STAYING
IN TOUCH
GREAT IDEAS FOR KEEPING YOUR
LINES OF COMMUNICATION UP AND
RUNNING
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JIM JEFFRIES
Y
our communications plan organizations for centuries. By using a
must be reliable and standardized set of visual signals, discrete
resilient to accommodate communications are possible, day or night,
changing situations and at close range. The United States Army
conditions. One very Visual Signals Field Manual (FM 21-60) is a
important aspect of the plan is informa- great resource. Practice often!
tion collection; knowing what is going on 1.2. Radio: Family Radio Service (FRS)
in the world around you, both near and far, walkie-talkies are inexpensive and very
enables you to make critical decisions or effective at ranges out to several hundred
take actions that could save your life. In- yards, as long as there are no obstructions
ternet access and television are both great between the radios. These are usually avail-
sources of information, but remember to able as FRS/GMRS (General Mobile Radio
pay particularly close attention to what’s Service) combination radios—no license is
happening in your local area. required as long as the radios are only used
on low power.
1. CLOSE-RANGE
COMMUNICATIONS 2. MEDIUM-RANGE
When your family and friends are nearby, COMMUNICATIONS
you can use close-range communication to If you’re more than a mile away from your
transmit signals and information. party, you can still keep the lines of commu-
1.1. Non Verbal: Visual hand signals nication open.
have been in use by the military and other 2.1. Visual methods: Flashlights can be

used to send visual signals at night a mile
or more so long as both parties can see
each other; during the day, signal mirrors
may work better.
2.2. Radio: Radio works when the
communicating parties are unable to see
one another.
2.2.1. GMRS Radios: Operating at higher
power, GMRS radios have considerably
more range than FRS. Combine GMRS walk-
ie-talkies with a GMRS base station and
the range can be pushed beyond 10 miles
in good terrain—GMRS operation requires a
› Above: Testing
GMRS license. antennas with
an analyzer after
2.2.2. Amateur Radio: VHF and UHF
installation but be-
portable and mobile transceivers are fore connecting to
an expensive trans-
effective from close proximity to beyond mitter can reveal
20 miles, depending on terrain. Commu- problems before
they happen. Good
nicating through an amateur repeater can test equipment
extend the useful range of even a handheld should be on your
short list.
ham radio to 100 miles or more. Trans-
› Above right: A
mitting on any amateur radio frequency
signal mirror can
requires a ham license; VHF/UHF operation be useful over long
distances, during
is allowed with the technician license. the day.
3. LONG-RANGE
COMMUNICATIONS
Once more than 10 miles separates you
from your party, you will need to rely on
radio communication.
‹ Your emergency
3.1. Radio: Radio is the only reliable communications
system must
method beyond 10 miles, but not just any
be completely
radio will do. self-reliant; radios,
antennas, power
3.1.1. VHF Amateur Radio: VHF ama- storage and power
teur radio mobile transceivers, with ap- generation equip-
ment should be in-
propriate antennas mounted at adequate cluded and always
height, will permit reliable communica- ready to go.
tions 200 miles or more (depending on

terrain). High gain directional antennas
will maximize this distance.
3.1.2. HF Amateur Radio: HF amateur
radio frequencies cover several different
bands, and will cover almost any distance
from across town to around the planet,
but there are some caveats.
3.1.2.1. Time of Day: Time of day is a
factor in determining which HF band to
use. Certain bands work great during the
day and others at night. Having the ability
to effectively communicate requires the
correct gear and knowledge of how to
use it.
3.1.2.2. Time of Year: Time of year has ‹The Back Country
some bearing on the quality of HF radio. Access BC Link
FRS/GMRS radio
During spring and summer months, thun- is made for cold
derstorms in the northern hemisphere weather; the radio
stays in your pack
create significant atmospheric noise that or under your
drowns out weak signals; this is generally coat where it is
protected from the
not an issue in winter. elements while the
microphone with
3.1.2.3. Fading Signals: As atmospher- the controls stays
ic conditions change, signals can fade. within reach.

1
3
2
4
Solar activity has a great effect on HF communications; sun spots, solar flares and ‹ 1. Shortwave 3.2.3. Use Your Computer: Software
radio receivers are
coronal mass ejections (CME) can make atmospheric conditions change rapidly and capable of tuning Defined Radio (SDR) can turn your desktop
irregularly, sometimes for hours or days. in broadcasts from or laptop computer into a very powerful ra-
around the world.
3.1.2.4. Skip Zones: Skip zones are a concern in HF communications. A station too far dio receiver. Simply connect an inexpensive
‹ 2. Mobile GMRS
away to receive the ground wave signal but too close for skywave will be unreachable; transceivers have tuning device to a USB port, add software,
by changing the frequency, antenna type or both, the skip zone can be filled in to allow much more power connect an antenna (even a long piece of
than do Walk-
communications. ie-Talkies, giving wire will do) and start listening. Most SDR
3.1.2.5. Real Estate: Where you are can be a problem when it comes to operating on them far more devices have very broad frequency coverage
range.
the lower bands; a simple dipole antenna used on 80 meters needs a span of about 130 and do a fabulous job tuning in stations
‹ 3. These are
feet to set up. If you have plenty of room this isn’t a problem, but if you live on a post- examples of a and signals from all over the globe.
age stamp sized piece of property it may be difficult to deploy an effective antenna. pair of FRS/GMRS 3.3. Specialized Distress Devices:
Walkie-Talkies.
3.2. Monitoring Frequencies: Different monitoring frequencies allow you to listen to Specialized devices communicate when
different broadcasts. ‹ 4. Avalanche you can’t.
transceivers like
3.2.1. NOAA Weather Radio: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the Back Country 3.3.1. Avalanche Transceivers: Ava-
(NOAA) weather radio stations send out more than just National Weather Service Access Tracker2 lanche transceivers are designed to be worn
have saved many
alerts; civil emergency information may also be broadcast on the same stations that lives. In the event securely inside the clothing of all members
bring your local weather information and warnings. of an avalanche, of a group venturing into snow country
group members
3.2.2. Shortwave: Listening to broadcasts or two-way conversations from distant who are not where there is risk of an avalanche. These
buried in snow can
places can shed some light on what is taking place in your own area or other areas of are not stand-alone devices and will not
home in on the
interest. Many shortwave receivers are available—those with external antenna connec- transmitters of the do any good if you are out on your own. At
avalanche victims.
tions will provide the best possible performance. the beginning of an adventure, all members
of the group must turn their transceiver on
and place it in TRANSMIT mode. If an ava-
lanche occurs, members not trapped under
the snow must switch their transceivers to
RECEIVE in order to home in on the beacon
signal of the less fortunate. With a maxi-
mum range of about 50 meters, searchers
use a search pattern to locate victims.
3.3.2. Man Overboard Distress Trans-
mitters: Unlike Personal Location Beacons
(PLB), Man Overboard Beacons (MOB) do
not rely on satellites to transmit a distress
call (although they still need the GPS satel-
‹ Mobile amateur
radios can reach lites to acquire a location fix). Instead, they
more than 100 transmit a distress code along with precise
miles under the
right conditions; coordinates to any vessel equipped with
even farther when
a Digital Selective Calling (DCS) enabled
used with a repeat-
er station. radio or plotter within 5 miles.

COMMS
GEAR GUIDE
L
ike the other five Pillars of
Survival discussed in this
manual, Communications is an
essential part of your prepa-
ration and survival plan. It’s
also one of the few that can and should
be practiced every day and the only one
that will give you the opportunity to get
ahead of the curve when something bad is
coming your way or enlist help from others
to improve your situation.
A multi-faceted topic, Communications
takes many forms- commercial radio
broadcasts, small group local and distant
communications, electronic rescue and lo-
cation systems, non-verbal visual and aural
signals and numerous other ways to share
information between people and groups.
Your communication needs are unique
to your situation but some of the gear in
the following pages may be just what you
need to push your chances of survival to
the next level.
SERIOUS
COMMS
ESSENTIALS
WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH, YOU NEED TO
STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR FRIENDS
BY JIM JEFFRIES / PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS

1. NOAA WEATHER RADIO
2. TWO-WAY RADIOS
1.1. Midland WR400 Deluxe

NOAA Weather Radio
The WR400 Deluxe NOAA Weather • S.A.M.E. digital technology
Radio uses digital Specific Area Message • Customized alerts
Encoding (S.A.M.E.) technology to lock • 85 dB siren
into your county’s warning system, giving • Emergency power backup (requires four AA
you instant weather updates from the batteries, not included)
National Weather Service and Environ- • AM/FM radio with alarm buzzer
ment Canada. The USB output allows • Color-coded alert level indicators
you to charge devices directly from the
MSRP
radio. Program up to 25 counties with 80
$69.99
different emergency alerts and hear only
those alerts for your area. URL
www.MidlandUSA.com
2.1. Motorola Talkabout T480

FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio
With its plugged-in, always-on connec- • Built-in FM radio to listen to music or news
tivity and instant communication, the • Integrated LED flashlight for emergency
Talkabout T480 keeps you and your fam- lighting
ily ready for emergency situations. Even if • Quiet Charge turns off calls while charging,
the power is out or cell phone towers are but you still get emergency alerts
down, your radio will be charged and ready • Compatible with any FRS/GMRS radios you
to go so that you can get weather alerts already own
and communicate with your community. • Weatherproof IP54 rating
Keep updated with real-time weather con- • Sold individually
ditions by turning on the weather channel
MSRP
or initiating weather alerts. With these
$69.99
capabilities, you will always be prepared
for the unexpected. URL
www.MotorolaSolutions.com
2.2. Midland GXT1000VP4

Two-Way GMRS Radio
With 50 channels, this NOAA Weather • NOAA weather radio with scan and alert
Alert/GMRS two-way radio gives you max- • X-TRA TALK power: Maximum allowed
imum output power with Xtreme Range by law
Technology. While it works on all of the • Dual watch: Monitor two channels at once
FRS only and shared FRS/GMRS channels, • Direct call: Call one or all radios in a group
it provides maximum power on the GMRS • Waterproof: JIS4 Standard
channels to provide longer-range commu- • Three-year warranty
nications. The FRS only channels can be
MSRP
used license-free, but use on the GMRS
$89.99 (package of two)
channels does require a license.
URL
www.MidlandUSA.com

2. TWO-WAY RADIOS
3. AMATEUR TRANSCEIVERS
2.3. Midland MXT400 GMRS

Micromobile Two-Way Radio
Max out your GMRS performance with the • Full 40 watt output power
Midland MicroMobile MXT400 two-way ra- • Mobile or base station installation
dio. With 40 watts of transmit power, this ra- • Channel scan
dio is the most powerful GMRS radio made • Monitor mode
by Midland. Especially useful on massive, • Compatible with all Midland GMRS
sprawling properties like farms and ranches, radios
this radio utilizes 15 GMRS channels and • GMRS license required to operate
eight high-powered repeater channels. For
MSRP
the best performance, use with an antenna
$249.99
and mount (sold separately).
URL
www.MidlandUSA.com
2.4. BCA BC Link Group

Communications Two-Way Radio
Strong group communication is the key to • Designed to withstand cold winter
any successful survival plan. Find separated weather
teammates, communicate plans, and share • Battery life: Up to four days in extreme
observations in real-time with the BC Link cold
group communication system. The Smart • Compatible with all standard FRS/GMRS
Mic user interface is located at your finger- radios
tips, meaning you never need to dig the radio • Waterproof to IP56 standards
out of your pack to change settings. This ra- • Three-year warranty
dio comes with a long-lasting rechargeable
MSRP
Lithium-ion battery. BC Link two-way radios
$149.95
operate on 22 FRS GMRS channels plus 121
sub-channels ensure minimal interference. URL
www.BackCountryAccess.com
3.1. Yaesu FT-70D Amateur

Handheld Dual-Band Transceiver
Capable of analog and C4FM digital oper- • Built to commercial standards
ation, this compact dual-band handheld • Transmit -VHF (144-148 MHz) UHF (430-
radio incorporates Yaesu’s System Fusion 450 MHz)
for exceptionally clear digital audio between • Extended Receive (108-579.995 MHz)
other C4FM-enabled radios. Compatible capability
with conventional analog FM operation, • Digital group monitor
non-System Fusion users will still be • System Fusion and conventional modes
reachable when the FT-70D is operating • FM repeater capable (including CTCSS/
in analog mode. Automatic Mode Select DCS function)
(AMS) switches the FT-70D to the appro-
MSRP
priate mode when it receives a signal. This
$199.99
is a ham radio, so proper FCC licensing is
required to operate. URL
www.Yaesu.com

3.2. Yaesu FTM-100DR Amateur

Mobile Dual-Band Transceiver
The FTM-100DR’s single receiver design • Automatic Packet Reporting System
provides 50 solid watts of RF power on both (APRS) data capable
the 144 and 430 MHz amateur radio bands, • Built-in 66 channel GPS receiver for
while still being host to a feature-packed suite time, direction and APRS information
of both C4FM digital and FM analog com- • Digital group monitor function
munications capabilities. The FTM-100DR • Extended receive (108-999.99 MHz)
operates in three digital modes and an analog • Removable head unit for remote instal-
mode to suit your needs. This is Yaesu’s first lation
digital mobile radio equipped with their new
MSRP
Automatic Mode Select (AMS) function that
$339.99
instantly detects the received signal mode.
This is a ham radio, so proper FCC licensing is URL
required to operate. www.Yaesu.com
3.3. Yaesu FT-991A Amateur

All-Band Portable Transceiver
The FT-991A is the next generation in all mode, • Frequency Ranges: RX 30 kHz - 56
all band MF/HF/VHF/UHF transceiver with MHz, 118 MHz - 164 MHz, 420 MHz -
C4FM (System Fusion) digital capability. The 470 MHz
FT-991A includes multi-mode operation on CW, • TX 1.8 MHz - 54 MHz, 144 MHz - 148 MHz,
AM, FM, SSB and digital modes (Packet, PSK31, 430 MHz - 450 MHz (amateur only)
RTTY and C4FM), with 100 watts of HF/50MHz • USB connection for firmware updates
capability (50 watts VHF/UHF). The new and computer controlled operation
FT-991A now includes a high-resolution color • Built-in high-speed antenna tuner
3.5-inch TFT Touch panel with real-time scope • 12-volt DC operation
with ASC (Automatic Spectrum-scope Con-
MSRP
trol) built right in. This is a ham radio, so proper
$1,399.99
FCC licensing is required to operate.
URL
www.Yaesu.com
3.4. Kenwood TS-2000 Amateur

All-Mode Multiband Transceiver
The Kenwood TS-2000 is an all-band (HF/ • Built-in antenna tuner
VHF/UHF) transceiver that offers exception- • Multiple scan functions
al features and versatility. Essentially two • Dual-band monitoring
radios in one box, the TS-2000 is capable of • Programmable function keys
advanced functions such as cross-band repeat • Data communication capable
and Amateur Satellite operation. Operating on • 5+1 antenna connections (+1 HF
12 (13.8) Volts DC, the maximum transmitter Receive only
power is 100 watts on all HF and VHF (50/144
MSRP
MHz) bands, and 50 watts on UHF (430 MHz).
$1,589.99
Additionally, the TS-2000 is fully equipped for
Kenwood’s Sky Command System II Plus. You URL
can control the TS-2000 remotely with the TH- www.Kenwood.com
D74A Handheld Transceiver. This is a ham radio,
so proper FCC licensing is required.

4. ANTENNAS & ACCESSORIES
3.5. Kenwood TH-D74A Amateur

Tri-Band Handheld Transceiver
The TH-D74A offers Triband (144/220/430 • APRS-compatible for packet data trans-
MHz) operation and is packed with conve- mission
nient features including D-STAR and APRS • Local and international communications
support. The color transflective TFT display possible with D-STAR
offers excellent visibility day or night. Easily • Tough weatherproof construction
understandable pop-up screens make pro- • Digital voice and data capable
gramming and operating the radio a breeze, • Voice recording to SD card
even when accessing the more complicated • CSV data import/export (digital repeater
features. Built-in GPS and Bluetooth support, list/call sign list)
as well as Micro USB and microSD/SHDC,
MSRP
this transceiver is ready to harness exciting
$649.99
developments in radio communications. This
is a ham radio, so proper FCC licensing is URL
required to operate. www.Kenwood.com
4.1. Diamond X30A Dual-Band

Base/Repeater Antenna
The Diamond X30A Dual-Band (VHF-144MHz/ • Fiberglass radome
UHF-430MHz) antenna is made to take high • Stainless steel hardware
winds (135 MPH – no ice) making it suitable for • Wide band performance
almost any environment. With a compact 4½- • Factory adjusted; no tuning required
foot height, the X30A can be easily mounted, • DC grounded (for static discharge)
even in areas that have antenna restrictions. • Maximum power rating: 150 watts
The high gain (3.0/5.5 dB VHF/UHF respect-
MSRP
ably) makes it great for long-range communi-
$69.95
cations for base or repeater installations. Con-
nect it to any V/U cross-band repeat capable URL
transceiver for simple repeater operation. www.DiamondAntenna.net
4.2. Radio-Oasis G5RV HF

Multiband Wire Antenna
The G5RV antenna is one of the most popular • Versatile: Install as a sloper, flat-top
multiband HF antennas on the market. With or inverted V
it, HF communications are possible on 80 • Manufactured from 14 AWG stranded
meters all the way to 10 meters (12, 30 and 60 copper wire
meters excluded), permitting long-range and • End-to-end length: 102 feet
around-the-world capabilities day or night. • Weatherproof connections
G5RV antennas are capable of operating on • Max power: 1,500 watts
multiple bands through the use of an antenna
MSRP
tuner (Built-in tuners typically do not have
$68
enough flexibility to successfully tune all
the bands. More capability is provided by an URL
external tuner) www.Radio-Oasis.com/g5rvs

4. ANTENNAS & ACCESSORIES
5. DISTRESS BEACONS
4.3. RigExpert AA-600

Antenna Analyzer
After installing and before using any an- • Permits rapid check-out of antenna
tenna, it’s sometimes necessary to test • Tuning an antenna to resonance for best
the antenna to ensure it is properly tuned performance
for the band or frequency on which it will • SWR and impedance measurements for
be used. The RigExpert AA-600 Antenna comparison before and after a specific
Analyzer is a powerful tool designed event (rain, hurricane, etc.)
for testing, checking, tuning or repairing • Cable testing and fault location measurement
antennas and feedlines. Graphical SWR • Indispensable when building antennas from
and impedance readings, as well as other scratch
functions are key features of this analyz-
MSRP
er, significantly reduce the time it takes
$649.95
to adjust antennas, and find faults that
could lead to a damaged transmitter. URL
www.RigExpert.com
5.1. BCA Tracker3 Avalanche

Transceiver
Saving lives is what BCA does best. They • Signal frequency: 457 KHz (Industry
invented the digital multi-antenna ava- standard)
lanche transceiver and continue to push it • Maximum range: 55 meters
to the next level. Tracker avalanche trans- • Operates on three AAA alkaline batteries
ceivers are the most widely used in North • Minimum one hour in search mode after
America—with a reputation worldwide as • 200 hours in transmit mode
the industry standard for ease of use. De- • Weight: 7.6 ounces with batteries
signed to be “pocket friendly,” Tracker3 is • Assembled and tested in the USA
the thinnest multiple-antenna avalanche
MSRP
transceiver available. Signal suppression
$335
and Big Picture modes for no-nonsense
multiple-victim searching. URL
www.BackCountryAccess.com
5.2. ACR AISLink Man Overboard

(MOB) Alert Transmitter
Seconds count in a man overboard • Intended for coaster cruising, sailing, off-
situation. The AISLink MOB automatically shore recreational and commercial marine
activates upon inflation of the lifejacket, • Battery life: 7 years from date of manufac-
sending an initial alert within 15 seconds to ture, 24+ hours of operational time
all AIS receivers and plotters in the vicinity. • Waterproof to 10 meters (33 feet)
Both positioning and MOB emergency • LED strobe for visual locating in low light
messages are transmitted alerting vessels conditions
up to 5 miles away of your emergency
MSRP
situation. Advanced Automatic Identifica-
$289.99
tion System (AIS) technology comes to the
rescue with this compact and affordable URL
man overboard beacon with integrated www.ACRArtex.com
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and GPS.

STAYING
ALIVE
WHENTHE
MERCURY
DIVES
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT COLD WEATHER SURVIVAL
BY WILL DABBS, MD
I
t was 52 degrees below 0 (F) in The heated command tent was maybe
the wilds of Alaska. Lubricants 75 meters away, so I just gathered up my
thickened, weapons froze and gear and struck out. I was dressed solely
common tasks done improperly in my long johns and boots. I planned to
could easily become lethal. Utterly finish getting dressed around the stove.
exhausted, I fell asleep alone in an Halfway there, my steps began to slow. I
unheated tent and later awoke shivering was suddenly exhausted and felt that if I
violently in my arctic sleeping bag. sat down next to a tree for a few minutes

› Mind your head.
Particularly if you
don’t keep a lot
of hair, you can
lose a tremendous
amount of heat if
you don’t insulate
your dome.
› Winter winds and other cold-weather to rest, all would be well. Oddly, I no longer even felt cold. When finally I stumbled into
threats can have swift negative impacts
on your health and safety, even if you the command tent, I was blue and incoherent. Make no mistake: Truly cold weather will
have on the right clothing. kill you as dead as a doornail.
1. HYPOTHERMIA
Mammals are homeotherms. This means we must maintain a relatively constant body
temperature by metabolizing the stuff we eat as fuel. While that means a trip to the
warm, temperate beach is restful and relaxing, it also means that staying alive when it is
really cold is serious work. If the environment is sufficiently severe as to overwhelm the
body’s capacity to maintain its body temperature, then death results in fairly short order.
To understand hypothermia, it helps to know a little about thermodynamics. Heat
transfers via conduction, radiation and convection. Conduction burns your finger on the
teakettle. Radiation gives you sunburn. Convection is what kills you when you fall into a
river or are exposed to persistent wind in cold climes. As evaporating liquids remove an
extra measure of heat due to the latent heat of vaporization, getting wet in the cold is
particularly dangerous.
1.1. Signs of Hypothermia: Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include shivering,
slurred speech, lack of coordination and sleepiness.
1.2. Hold Your Heat: Wear layered clothing that can be stripped or added to as
necessary to maintain comfort. Modern wicking fabrics, such as polyester with Lycra,
do a great job of cutting the wind while passing perspiration so long as they are used
properly. You lose a tremendous amount of heat through your hands, feet, head and
ears. Dress accordingly.
1.3. Stay Dry: If you get doused in water in cold areas, you have to get dry quickly.
Moving about in wet clothing hemorrhages heat. Change into something dry
immediately. If that’s not possible, then stop what you’re doing, make a fire and dry out
your clothes. Change your socks frequently if your feet sweat in heavy boots.
1.4. Watch the Wind: Moving air sucks heat. Avoid the wind if possible. Dress for it if
you cannot. A thin windproof layer on the outside, even if it is improvised out of a tarp,
canvas or space blanket, can help marshal your heat reserves.
1.5. Share Your Heat with Friends: Cuddling is great fun if you happen to be
marooned in the arctic with the love of your life. It’s not so cool with a bunch of icy-toed
strangers. However, sharing body heat with an individual who is heat compromised can
be a legitimate lifesaver. Get over it.

‹ The combination
of cold weather,
wind and water
can have disas-
trous consequenc-
es unless you are
fully prepared and
protected from
each hazard. It’s
best not to travel
alone in these
environments.
‹ Below: If you
must wear gloves
in extreme cold,
“YOU LOSE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF HEAT your best option
is a system with a
THROUGH YOUR HANDS, FEET, HEAD AND EARS. removable warm

internal liner and
a wind- and weath-
DRESS ACCORDINGLY.” er-resistant shell.
This is not the way
to keep your hands
warm.
2. FROSTBITE
Frostbite is what happens when tissues
actually freeze. Exposed skin in cold,
windy weather is most vulnerable to
frostbite. It is most common on the
fingers, toes, ears, nose, chin and cheeks.
Frostnip, the first stage of frostbite,
causes temporary skin damage that
can be treated with first-aid measures.
All other frostbite requires medical
attention.
2.1. Signs of Frostbite: Initially, your
skin will feel prickly as the nerves die › Left: The right clothing, worn improperly, can be just as dan-
gerous as inadequate protection.
back, followed by a general numbness.
Sometimes, the nerves will actually feel › Below: Your top priorities should be to keep your extremities
from freezing. Body parts farthest from the heart are the most
hot. Affected areas will become white, susceptible to cold weather injuries.
red, bluish-pale or grayish-yellow while
taking on a hard, waxy appearance.
Limbs grow clumsy and ineffective. When
rewarmed, these areas will typically
blister badly.
2.2. Frostbite Treatment: Unless
absolutely necessary, do not walk with
frostbitten toes or feet. Do not rewarm
the affected flesh until you can keep it
warm. Repeated freezing and thawing
worsens the problem. Warm the affected
area gently with warm water that is not

› Even if your
area is served
by emergency
services, they may
not be able to get
to you during pe-
riods of extremely
bad weather.
‹ Injuries in cold
weather are tougher
to manage than
might be the case in
temperate climes.
It is imperative that
you keep injured
folks warm during
treatment or trans-
port.
› Getting wet can

be deadly even if
it is just chilly out.
Should you inadver-
tently get dunked in
cold weather, stop
what you are doing
and change into dry
clothes, even if it
means making a fire
to dry out.
‹ Above: One hot. If warm water is not available, then

essential piece of
survival equip- breathe on the area or warm it against
ment for cold
unaffected skin. Do not use direct or radiant
weather is a mylar
blanket. Wrapping heat from fires, heaters or heating pads.
it around a casu-
alty’s body will Treat the injury like a burn, and do not
trap their body rupture blisters.
heat and greatly
improve their pro- Apply loose, sterile dressings. Separate
tection from wind affected fingers and toes with cotton balls
and precipitation.
or gauze. Seek medical help, and include a
tetanus vaccination if indicated.
3. TENDING TO THE INJURED

Serious injury makes body temperature
maintenance all the more important.
Keeping an injured person warm and dry

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helps guard against shock. Use a sleeping › Above: If at all
possible, warm
bag, blankets, spare clothing or another’s your food up
body heat as necessary to keep a casualty prior to eating
in cold weather.
warm in cold environments. Don’t make your
body work any
harder than it
4. SUSTENANCE must to keep
warm.
Caloric requirements can climb in cold
weather as your body works to maintain its
body temperature. If effectively insulated,
this is not necessarily the case. However, if
you get cold to the point of shivering, you › Exercise the
burn your fuel precipitously. same caution
when rendering
If working hard in cold weather, you can snow and ice into
water as you do
burn as much as 23 percent more calories when processing
warming that frigid, inspired air. The Army any other raw wa-
ter. Just because
allots an additional 10 percent in caloric it looks clean
intake just to manage the weight and doesn’t mean it is.
bulk of arctic clothing. Plan your supplies

accordingly.
4.1. Food: In addition to ensuring you
have enough calories, your body will have
to work to bring ingested food up to body
temperature. Eat your food hot whenever
possible, particularly if it is wet. Energy bars,
chocolate or dried fruit make for handy
high-energy snacks. Keep them in your
pockets so they stay warm.
4.2. Water: It is shockingly easy to get
dehydrated when it is cold. Aggressively › You’ll need to
hydrate even if you aren’t thirsty. be able to make
fire. Keep two
or three means
5. SUNLIGHT handy. They are
not heavy and
Though radiation injury is likely not your take up very
little space. Photo
primary concern in cold weather, it can courtesy Brian M.
be severe. Morris

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“MAKE NO
MISTAKE: TRULY
COLD WEATHER
WILL KILL YOU
AS DEAD AS A
DOORNAIL.”
5.1. Sunburn: Snow’s brilliant white

does a splendid job of reflecting sunlight.
One of the worst sunburns I ever incurred
was on the bottom of my chin and
nose after a week spent on a glacier.
Use SPF30 or higher broad-spectrum,
water-resistant sunscreen—and be aware
that reflected radiation could strike you
differently than might be the case at the
beach.
‹ Proper shades
5.2. Snow Blindness: Reflected do way more than
sunlight can strain and ultimately damage make you look cool
on the slopes. Bright
your eyes. Wear UV radiation-blocking sunlight reflected
sunglasses when operating in bright off of snow can
seriously damage
sunshine in snowy areas. your eyes.

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TIPS
STUFF
TO KNOW
WHEN IT
STARTS
TO SNOW
TRICKS AND TIPS FOR
BEATING THE COLD
BY WILL DABBS, MD
T
he most effective survival 1. SHELTER
tool ever imagined rests The first order of business when stuck
firmly atop your shoulders. out in the cold is to get out of the cold.
Should you find yourself Take stock of your environment and figure
threatened in a cold-weather something out.
environment, the first task is to settle down 1.1. Snow Cave: I wouldn’t have believed
and think. Many times, the world around it had I not lived in one myself, but a prop-
you will provide what you need to survive. erly constructed snow cave can be quite
Naked and unadorned, humans are actu- comfortable. Snow is a superb insulator,
ally fairly pathetic. Our soft, fleshy bodies and the ground radiates a little heat no
are not terribly tough when compared to matter your latitude.
your typical garden lizard or noxious weed. To build a snow cave, start by digging the
However, add that magnificent brain to the snow away until you can build your shelter
mix, and the game changes markedly. on bare ground. Construct a tapering

structure out of lashed limbs or some- › A snow cave
should be small.
thing similar, and cover it with a tarp, Snow is a superb
insulator, and
parachute or similar cloth. Your structure
packed snow is
should be open on one end and tall remarkably robust.
Start with bare
enough to accommodate your sleeping ground and take
bag and little more, and then taper to the your time. For a
snow cave to work
ground on the opposite end. Pack at least it has to be built
two feet of snow atop the structure. Once properly.
properly packed, it will be robust enough

to hold your weight atop it.
Create a door by building a giant snow-
ball that’s larger than your opening. Take
a large piece of cloth and wrap it around
the snowball. Tie this off and then pull it
in to occlude the entrance hole once you
› Below left: If
are inside your snow cave. Seal the area
your vehicle is
around the opening with enough snow to stalled in truly
cold weather, you
stop the wind. might be better
1.2. Reconsider Your Vehicle: Your off constructing
a shelter outside.
vehicle is predominantly steel, and the Steel and glass
airspace underneath it will rob your heat conduct heat
quickly, and the
pitilessly. If it is really cold you might air space under-
neath your car or
actually be better off building a shelter
truck will hemor-
outside your car or truck. rhage warmth.
2. KEEPING YOURSELF › Above right: and effectively.

Candles won’t do
WARM, YOURSELF much to keep you 2.3. Insulation: If proper clothing is not available, stuffing your clothes with pine
A shelter will keep out the wet and cut warm, but they needles or wrapping your boots in loose cloth can help retain precious heat. Loose
can sure brighten
the wind. However, cold weather survival the mood inside a leaves make decent insulation, too. Keep in mind that once you warm this stuff up, the
snow cave.
is typically an individualized affair. bugs will awaken. And stay away from rash-inducing leaves like poison oak, especially if
2.1. Sleeping Bags: Sleeping bags are you are sensitive.
rated by temperature, but that rating
is the point where it will keep you alive,
not where it will keep you comfortable. If
you are bugging out through someplace
cold, every member of your party needs
a sleeping bag. Keep your underclothes
on and stack your over garments over the
› A sleeping bag
top. Seal the bag around your nose to need not be heavy
or bulky, and it can
prevent unnecessary heat loss. be used for lots of
2.2. Ground Cover: Though the ground things other than
sleeping. Keep one
radiates a little heat, it will be colder for each member
than you will be. Pay as much attention of your company
if bugging out in
to what’s underneath the bag as what’s the cold. A proper
on top. Commercial sleeping mats are sleeping bag can
also be used to keep
cheap, relatively compact and effective. injured members
of your team warm
Layering evergreen branches to make an during treatment or
insu-lated bed can be done comfortably transport.

‹ Decent footwear can be critical in cold weather. These GI-surplus › Top right: Pay as
mukluks, worn over warm socks, work like a champ and were much attention to
dirt-cheap. Wrapping your footwear in loose cloth can help add what’s underneath
insulation in cold weather. your bag as what’s
on the top. A decent
sleeping mat will
keep you from
“THE FIRST
losing heat into the
2.4. Space Blankets: Tiny, lightweight and cheap, Mylar sheets are available at ground. A similar
your local discount store. Wrapping up in one of these and nothing else is miserable contrivance can be
in cold weather. However, they make great ancillary layers when wrapped around a
improvised from
pine needles or
ORDER OF
sleeping bag or used to cover the interior of a shelter. They shed rain and cut wind leaves.
BUSINESS WHEN
nicely over your clothes as well.
‹ The military makes a dedicated
rubber water carrier with a
‹ Above: A basic
tubular scarf can STUCK OUT IN
THE COLD IS TO
be formed into
wide mouth to accept snow. It is some of the most
discouraging to appreciate how imaginative and
much melted snow it takes to
yield a decent supply of drinkable
effective head
coverings in cold
GET OUT OF THE
COLD.”
water, however you can get more weather. Such
water from the same volume a tube can help
of ice. protect your head,
nose, chin and ears.
Search online to 3. HYDRATION
‹ Below: You can get some ideas. You’re going to hate this, but if you’re
improvise snow
goggles out of ‹ Above right: working hard, keep a bag full of snow inside
cardboard or any A mylar space
similar material. your clothes. As the snow melts, it becomes
blanket is com-
Blunt sharp edg- pact and nearly drinking water. It is a real gut check to drop
es with tape, and weightless. It can
secure them in a water bottle filled with snow between
really be handy
place with cord as an improvised your shirt and coat when it is 30 below 0(F)
or a bootlace. w p uter
g g outside, but this is the only way to keep
f y ve. liquid drinking water available when it is
ng
g really chilly. Obviously, if you are struggling
p e against hypothermia, do not stuff snow
rad a t eat a d
add d a d a- inside your clothes.
t p .
4. SNOW BLINDNESS
Sunlight reflected off the snow can seri-
ously damage your eyes. If you do not have
sunglasses handy, improvise something out
of cloth or cardboard. Cut a slit in your ma-
terial and tie it around your face such that
you are looking through the slit. This will
indeed restrict your vision, but it occludes
enough sunlight to protect your eyes.

HEALTH
GEAR GUIDE
MUST-
HAVES
FOR COLD
WEATHER
HEALTH
A COMPREHENSIVE
COLLECTION OF GEAR
YOU NEED FOR WINTER
WELLNESS
BY DANA BENNER
T
he best treatment for winter
health issues is to prevent
them in the first place. That
means dressing properly, stay-
ing nourished and hydrated
and addressing health concerns and injuries
when they arise. Here is a broad array of the
key survival items you should have to keep
well when it’s cold out.

1. CLOTHING
To defend against cold-induced injuries, you can’t choose between protecting your extremities and your core; both are imperative for your survival. Ultimately,
you must keep your whole body as warm and dry as possible.
1.1. Smartwool PhD Hunt Heavy

Crew
The new PhD Hunt Heavy Crew sock • Heavy full-cushion leg and foot
provides Merino wool blend comfort, • 69 percent Merino wool, 30 percent nylon,
great breathability, stay-in-place fit, 1 percent elastane
and long term durability. A knit-in • Flat knit toe seam
achilles reinforcement adds stability • Machine washable
and protection that’s great for long • Naturally repels odor-causing bacteria
days on your feet.
MSRP
$27.95
URL
www.Smartwool.com
1.2. Blackhawk Force Boot

The Force Boot features a Hy- • Upper is made of 1,000 denier padded DWR
droGuard+ Breathe Right moisture nylon
wicking membrane that repels water • Memory foam insole
yet remains breathable to keep your • Speedlace system makes donning and doffing
feet dryer and warmer. This boot is easier
constructed so the upper is stabilized • Agion antimicrobial lining
to support the foot without adding ex- • Non-slip rubber sole for optimal traction
cess weight. The robust TPU counter • Sizes: 7-12, 13, 14, medium width
and toe provide further protection for
MSRP
your feet.
$129.99
URL
www.Blackhawk.com
1.3. 5.11 Tactical Knit Beanie

It may be low tech but a classic knit • 100 percent acrylic yarn
beanie will retain heat and keep wind • Knitted, cuffed beanie
off your head without getting in your • Unisex style
way. Easily fits under poncho and parka • One size fits all
hoods to give you added flexibility in
MSRP
changing weather. Roll it up or down as
$19.99
the situation requires.
URL
www.511Tactical.com

1.4. 5.11 Tactical Caldus Winter
Gloves
The Caldus Cold Weather Glove fea- • Full Thinsulate C100 lining
tures 5.11’s TacticalTouch fingertip con- • Goatskin leather palm and knuckle pad
struction for enhanced tactility, even in • Wind-resistant mini ripstop stretch knit back
an insulated glove. The extended cuff panel
provides needed protection without • Neoprene cuff keeps wind chills and debris
adding unnecessary bulk. out
• Sizes: S-XXL
MSRP
$54.99
URL
www.511Tactical.com
1.5. Smartwool NTS Mid 250

Bottoms
The Mid 250 Bottom is constructed • Covered elastic waistband
with Smartwool’s warmest fabric, • Flat seams for comfort
making it well suited for wearing on • 100 percent Merino wool
cold days outdoors. It has a simple • Machine washable
design and won’t add bulk under your
MSRP
pants or shell.
$95
URL
www.Smartwool.com
1.6. Strafe Alpha Mid Jacket

The secret to this garment is the • Breathable, puffy insulation
Polartec Alpha material used as insula- • Made from stretch woven micro ripstop fabric
tion. This innovation was originally de- • Zippered chest and hand warmer pockets
veloped for use in garments for the U.S. • Cuffs designed to interface with gloves to seal
military. The Alpha Mid can be worn as out cold air
an insulating mid layer or a light outer
MSRP
jacket when the weather turns a little
$225
more temperate.
URL
www.StrafeOuterwear.com

1.7. Smartwool NTS Mid 250
Crew Neck
Always start with a warm base layer. The • Chafe-free seam construction
interlock knit construction is comfortable but • 100 percent Merino wool
note that this shirt is cut in a slim fit. Base lay- • Shoulder panels offer more comfort
ers work best against your skin for enhanced when carrying a pack
moisture movement. • Machine washable
• Sizes S-XXL
MSRP
$95
URL
www.Smartwool.com
1.8. Blackhawk Bolster Jacket

This jacket can be worn alone or zipped • Quilted insulation stays in place and won’t
into Blackhawk’s Fortify Jacket as a settle or thin out with use
liner. Its quilted design and lightweight • Six utility pockets for carrying gear and keep-
insulation makes it well suited for dual ing hands warm
purpose use, whether you add the For- • Treated to repel oil and stains
tify to your system or wear the Bolster • Sizes: S-3XL
under other outerwear.
MSRP
Starting at $99.99
URL
www.Blackhawk.com
1.9. Blackhawk Waterproof

Tactical Softshell Jacket
This jacket is designed to protect • Teflon Shield+ repels water, oil and stains
you from everything Mother Nature • Highly water resistant YKK AquaGuard main
can throw at you, and then some. zippers keep rain out
Dual waistband-to-armpit side seam • Two-way seam zippers provide easy access
zippers allow quick access to sidearm when carrying concealed weapon
when needed. Coupled with the proper • Integrated collapsible hood with stiffened bill
underlayers, you will stay warm and
MSRP
dry in this jacket.
Starting at $199.99
URL
www.Blackhawk.com

2. FIRST AID
It’s debatable whether cold weather has an impact on the potential for injury and illness but the fact remains that the risk is ever-present. As always, carrying
the most comprehensive first aid kit you can is of prime importance. Adding some of the equipment mentioned above will improve your ability to prevent and
treat cold weather-specific concerns. Here are a few basic items you should have at hand to improve your chances in the cold.
2.1. Sawyer Hunting and Fishing

First Aid Kit
This first aid kit contains materials and • Highly visible
instructions that specifically address the first • Supplies to treat multiple issues
aid requirements of hunters and fishermen and • Includes pain medication
others who spend time in the outdoors. The • Stop bleeding and treat wounds
bright orange carrier is easier to see in your pack
MSRP
and in all environments, especially in the winter.
$54.99
The comprehensive First Aid Field Manual is
provided in addition to a First Aid Manual that URL
specifically addresses hunting and fishing inju- www.Sawyer.com
ries. This kit is well-stocked to meet the needs
of any other outdoor activities.
2.2. North American Rescue

Hypothermia Kit
Recommended by the Committee on Tactical • Tapered shape with hood for maximum
Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) for the pre- heat retention
vention of hypothermia during combat casualty • Ample perimeter velcro closure traps
care, the patented Hypothermia Prevention and heat and allows easy access to patient
Management Kit (HPMK) with reinforced Heat • Integrated fluid absorption pad for
Reflective Shell is strong, flexible, lightweight severe trauma victims
and impervious to wind and rain. The outer • Packed size: 6.75x10.5x5.5 inches
shell is constructed of a 4-ply composite fabric • Weight: 3.5 pounds
with a non-conductive reflective layer that
MSRP
provides thermal insulation. This low cube kit
$108.99
is vacuum-packaged in a rugged, pliable pouch
featuring NAR’s Red Tip Technology® with tabs URL
that allow easy access and rapid deployment. www.NARescue.com
2.3. Chinook Medical

Hypothermia Thermometer
Ideally suited for when a quick reading is im- • Quick 10-second read time
portant for patient care, especially when lower • Can be used orally or rectally
core temperature is a concern. This thermome- • Large LCD display
ter covers a range of 78.0 to 111.9 degrees (F). • Water resistant
• Includes replaceable battery and
storage case
MSRP
$7.70
URL
www.ChinookMed.com

3. PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS
To stay safe, healthy and productive, you need a way to offset the damaging effects of wind, rain, snow, cold and harsh sunshine. If you allow yourself to get,
and stay, exposed to these conditions you’ll compound the negative effects on your body and spirit and will have a reduced likelihood of surviving.
3.1. Solo Stove Titan Camp Stove

This lightweight biomass stove isn’t picky • Lightweight, only weighing 16.5 ounces
about how you feed it. There’s no need to • Made from 304 stainless steel
carry fuel, let alone a specific type, as it will • Double wall design employs natural
burn any biomass available. Perfect for boiling convection for efficient combustion
down ice and snow for sourcing water or • Uses less material than traditional
cooking a warm meal for two to four people, camp fire
this stove can also be a good way to keep your
MSRP
shelter warm, with proper ventilation.
$109.99
URL
www.SoloStove.com
3.2. SOL Emergency Blanket

A great addition to your go-bag and any • Reflects 90 percent of body heat back to the
survival kit, this lightweight emergency body
blanket is tough enough to keep you • Wind and water proof
warm in a multitude of situations. It • Reverses from silver to orange for improved
opens easily and won’t shred or tear if it visibility in rescue situations
is nicked or punctured. An added bonus • Weighs only 2.9 ounces
is a list of helpful survival tips and tech- • Highly visible
niques printed on the fabric.
MSRP
$5.00
URL
www.SurviveOutdoorsLonger.com
3.3. Bolle Nova II Goggle

The Bolle Nova II goggle has a very • Polarized and photochromic lenses available
wide field of vision that is well-suited • P80+ anti-fog lens coating
for a variety of uses in the field. The • Anti-scratch lens treatment
wide elastic head strap adjusts to • Flow-tech venting reduces fogging
all head sizes and will fit over most
MSRP
helmets. The polycarbonate lenses
Starting at $59.99
are available in a range of colors and
performance levels to suit almost all URL
requirements. www.Bolle.com

AD INDEX
FALL 2017
ADVERTISER PAGE
Aero Precision ...............................................................................................................................................................................................35
Armscor.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Atabase ........................................................................................................................................................................................................128
Battenfeld Technologies/Taylor............................................................................................................................................................. 117
Battlbox LLC.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Bradford USA ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 95
Bravo Company .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 2-3
Chiappa Firearms........................................................................................................................................................................................ 93
Doom and Bloom, LLC................................................................................................................................................................................ 77
Emergent BioSolutions ............................................................................................................................................................................. 131
Grey Ghost Gear............................................................................................................................................................................................37
Holosun...........................................................................................................................................................................................................57
Lansky Sharpeners ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 117
Micro 100 Tool Corporation .......................................................................................................................................................................97
Mission Critical Designs ................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
OFD Foods, Inc ...............................................................................................................................................................................................17
Sellmark Corp ...............................................................................................................................................................................................73
Titan Reloading ...........................................................................................................................................................................................115
TOPS Knives ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 132
Tormach LLC.................................................................................................................................................................................................115
TPS Arms ......................................................................................................................................................................................................115
World Gone Silent ........................................................................................................................................................................................75
Yankee Hill Machine Co ............................................................................................................................................................................128
The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to Prepper Field Manual readers.

Prepper Field Manual is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.

1. FOOD PILLAR
ASGU recommends keeping a 30-day food supply on hand for each
person. Remember that, on average, men need about 2,500 calories
a day and women need around 2,000. Depending on your condition,
level of stress and physical exertion, you may need more.
1.1. FOODSTUFFS
◻ Cooking oils (coconut, vegetable, olive, etc.)
◻ Cooking powders (flour, baking powder/soda, etc.)
◻ Dairy products, dry
◻ Eggs, dry
◻ Freeze-dried entrees and meals
◻ Fruit (dried, canned, preserved)
◻ Grains and cereals
◻
PREPPER’S
MREs and other ready-to-eat packaged foods
◻ Pasta
◻ Protein, animal (fish, meat, poultry)
◻ Protein, plant (beans, lentils, nuts, powdered mixes)
CHECKLIST
◻ Rice
◻ Salt, iodized
◻ Seeds for both consumption and planting
◻ Soups and stews
◻ Sweeteners (agave, honey, sugar, etc.)
◻ Vegetables (dried, canned, preserved)
BY BRIAN M. MORRIS 1.2. FOOD PROCUREMENT NEEDS

1.2.1. HUNTING AND TRAPPING
◻ .22 air pellet gun and pellets and gas cartridges
Empowering you to survive any adverse situation, no matter what the odds, is the ◻ .22 rifle and ammo
ultimate goal and driving force behind every lesson taught by American Survival ◻ Compound bow/crossbow and arrows
Guide University (ASGU). Whether you’re concerned about a wilderness or urban ◻ Maintenance materials for items in this group
survival scenario, an emergency or disaster preparedness situation, or even a ◻ Rifle and ammo
catastrophic societal collapse, ASGU is dedicated to making sure that you have ◻ Shotgun and ammo
the knowledge to develop the skills to not only survive, but to thrive! ◻ Traps and snares
1.2.2. FISHING
This comprehensive checklist will help ensure you have what you need to survive ◻ Compact fishing kit
almost any situation. It is organized according to our Six Pillars of Food, Water, ◻ Full size fishing rod and tackle
Shelter, Security, Communications and Health so you can organize and track your
level of preparedness in each area more easily. We encourage you to customize it 2. WATER PILLAR
to better meet your specific requirements. You should have enough potable water to support each person with
2 gallons per day for 30 days for hydration, food preparation and
hygiene. Water should be stored away from light and away from
chemicals or pesticides. Always use FDA-approved DOT #34 opaque
containers to store your water. ASGU recommends that you cycle
NOTES your water supply every six months unless you treat it with a water
preservative.
2.1. WATER STORAGE OPTIONS

◻ Individual bottles or cans
◻ Portable water containers (1, 5 or 7 gallon sizes)
◻ Static water containers (30 and 50 gallon drums, larger tanks
or blivets, cistern)
◻ Water resupply plan
2.2. PRESERVATION AND TREATMENt

◻ Chemical disinfectant supplies
◻ Heat source and fuel for boiling water
◻ Ultraviolet water sterilizer
◻ Water filter/purifier; one filter/purifier per person
◻ Water flavor enhancer to improve the taste of treated water

3. SHELTER PILLAR 5. COMMUNICATIONS PILLAR
In an emergency, you are usually better off hunkering down in your ◻ Amateur/HAM radio, CB radio scanner and accessories
home, but a time may come when you need to seek shelter elsewhere. ◻ Cell phone and accessories
In addition to knowing where local emergency shelters are, you need to ◻ Chargers and batteries
have a bug-out plan for a safe location where you can take shelter. ◻ Faraday cage
◻ FM/AM/SW/Weather radio and accessories
3.1. HUNKERING DOWN AT HOME ◻ Personal locator beacon/EPIRB
◻ Fire extinguishers ◻ Satellite phone and accessories
◻ Generator and fuel and maintenance tools and materials ◻ Solar charging panel and accessories
◻ Power inverter ◻ Television and power source
◻ Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and batteries. ◻ Two-way radios and accessories
◻ Wood or manufactured fireplace logs and kindling
6. HEALTH PILLAR
3.2. FABRICATED SHELTER ◻ 90 to 180 day supply of all vital prescription medications
◻ Sleeping bags and ground mats, appropriately sized and insulated ◻ Backboard or other litter
◻ Tarps, real 550 cord and bungee cords ◻ Blankets/space blankets
◻ Tent replacement and repair parts ◻ Emergency dental kit, per person
◻ Tent(s) large enough for people, pets and weather-sensitive gear ◻ Epinephrine pen kit
◻ Home first aid kit
3.3. LOCAL EMERGENCY SHELTER ◻ Individual first aid kit, per person
◻ Know the location of the closest emergency shelter ◻ Neck brace and splints
◻ Personal hygiene kit, per person
3.4. CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT ◻ Slings and cravats
◻ Base layer and street clothing suited to your environment at any ◻ Snake bite kit, per person
time of the year ◻ Special medical equipment; Defibrillator, CPAP, O2 machine and any
◻ Hunting/camouflage clothing and accessories accessories
◻ Insect and snake-protective clothing ◻ Suture kit
◻ Weather-resistant clothing, outerwear, headwear and footwear ◻ Trauma kit, per person
4. SECURITY PILLAR ADDITIONAL ITEMS
The Security Pillar includes safety issues along with self-defense, ◻ Assorted hand tools according to your needs
making it a very broad category. If you have additional security and ◻ Binoculars
safety preparations, you should add them to this list. ◻ Bug-out bag/three-day pack
◻ Bushcraft knife (we suggest carrying more than one knife)
4.1. HOME SECURITY/EARLY WARNING SYSTEM ◻ Candles
◻ Home alarm ◻ Dependable transportation, fuel and repair and maintenance supplies
◻ Motion detectors ◻ Flashlights and hands-free lights and batteries
◻ Remote camera systems ◻ GPS, compass, maps, protractor and marking pens
◻ Pace counter beads
4.2. LETHAL WEAPON SYSTEMS ◻ Road flares
◻ Assault rifle and spare mags, ammo and accessories ◻ Wind/waterproof matches, fire starters and tinder
◻ Handgun and spare mags or speed loaders, ammo and accessories ◻ Windproof lighter and fuel
◻ Shotgun and ammo
EMERGENCY PLANS
4.3. LESS LETHAL WEAPON SYSTEMS ◻ Bug-Out Plan and Leave-Behind note
◻ Less lethal shotgun rounds ◻ Group Emergency Preparedness Plan
◻ Personal defense spray/tear gas dispenser and replacement ◻ Local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) point of contact
cartridges ◻ Local FEMA/Homeland Security point of contact
◻ Restraint systems ◻ Local hospital phone number
◻ Stun gun and batteries ◻ Phone number and address of local National Guard Armory
◻ Taser and replacement cartridges, batteries, and other accessories ◻ Police and Fire phone numbers

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What items are listed under the Water pillar?

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What shelter options are listed under the Shelter pillar?

R  S E C U R I T Y  C O M M U N I C AT I O N  H E A LT H 

U.S. $9.99 FALL 2017 DISPLAY UNTIL 11/28/17

Folding Rear Sight

• BCM KMR-A15 KeyMod Rail

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ • BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KMSM

Stock $55.95 Gas Block $44.95

BCM® A2X Flash

Trigger Assembly BCMGUNFIGHTER™

$1,422.05 KeyMod Bipod Thorntail M3M6

Hartland, WI U.S.A. / Toll Free: 1-877-BRAVO CO (1-877-272-8626) / Fax: 262-367-0989 / BravoCompanyMFG.com

• BattleComp 1.5 $155.00 • BCMGUNFIGHTER™

Handguard 13 Inch $189.95

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KAG • BCM

PWS FSC556 Tactical

KeyMod BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KAG VG-KM-MOD-3, KeyMod Version . . $18.95

Hartland, WI U.S.A. / Toll Free: 1-877-BRAVO CO (1-877-272-8626) / Fax: 262-367-0989 / BravoCompanyMFG.com

4 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [FALL 2017]

102 108 PREPAREDNESS

[ASGMAG.COM] PREPPER FIELD MANUAL 5

This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding

6 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [FALL 2017]

8 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [FALL 2017]

“THE DRY COLD AIR WICKS AWAY ... SURFACE

10 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [FALL 2017]

[ASGMAG.COM] PREPPER FIELD MANUAL 11

12 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [FALL 2017]

[ASGMAG.COM] PREPPER FIELD MANUAL 13

14 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [FALL 2017]

16 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [FALL 2017]

[ASGMAG.COM] PREPPER FIELD MANUAL 19

20 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [FALL 2017]

[ASGMAG.COM] PREPPER FIELD MANUAL 21

22 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [FALL 2017]

1.1. 100-Gallon Emergency Water

1.2. Baytec Containers

1.3. Augason Farms Emergency

[ASGMAG.COM] PREPPER FIELD MANUAL

2.1. Polar Pure Iodine

2.2. Seldon Water Station

2.3. Trek Ultra Water Filtration

24 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [FALL 2017]

2.5. Sawyer 4-Liter Water

2.6. Brita Hard Sided Water Filter

[ASGMAG.COM] PREPPER FIELD MANUAL 25

3.1. Reliance Aqua-Tainer

3.2. Coleman 5-Gallon

3.3. Ozark Trail Desert Patrol

26 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [FALL 2017]

3.5. Dune X-Fit Hydration Pack

3.6. Colapz Liquid Carrier

[ASGMAG.COM] PREPPER FIELD MANUAL 27

28 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [FALL 2017]

PLUS OF CERTAIN a challenge if the

If you want to live in the penthouse of a