American Survival Guide 07.2021

How-To: CHOOSE YOUR 1st FIREARM
Vol. 10 Issue 7
FOOD
WATER
SHELTER
SECURITY
COMMS
HEALTH
THE A-KLUB GREY MAN TACTICAL’S

REDEFINES ORGANIZATION
“A WOMAN’S TOUCH” SOLUTIONS
Secure Your Critical Gear Where You Need It
SEE THE
LIGHT!
Select the Right Tools for Missions in the Dark
WHEN ONE
ISN’T FUN
Teamwork Enhances Your Survival Chances
PRESERVE FOOD
WITHOUT
REFRIGERATION
Adopt Ancient Arts of Food Preservation
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FEATURES
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SEE THE LIGHT
Select the right lighting tool for the mission.
By Dana Benner
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DANA BENNER’S BEST BETS
The critical tools and gear he keeps close at all times
By Dana Benner
70
WHEN ONE ISN’T FUN
Being part of a team enhances your chances for survival.
By Dana Benner
HOW-TO
20
FIRST-TIME FIREARM SELECTION BASICS
Important considerations for choosing the right gun
By Dana Benner
46
PRESERVE FOODS WITHOUT
REFRIGERATION
Pascal Baudar teaches ancient arts of food
preservation.
By Christopher Nyerges 12
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FINANCIAL SURVIVAL IN HARD TIMES
How to make money with a home business
By Christopher Nyerges
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ASSEMBLE YOUR BASIC EMERGENCY
ESCAPE BAG
Save time and trouble: Prepare before emergencies
strike.
By Dana Benner
REVIEWS
12
THE A-KLUB PULLS ITS WEIGHT AROUND
CAMP
TOPS Knives’ collab with Amanda Kaye redefines “a
woman’s touch.”
By Reuben Bolieu
38
GREY MAN TACTICAL ORGANIZATION
SOLUTIONS
Keep critical gear secure and ready for when you need it.
By Sean Curtis
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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 7
EDITORIAL
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OUR NEW TITLE EXPANDS DESIGN

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In 2011, American Survival Guide appeared on [email protected]

BY MIKE TRAVIS
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Benchmade Adamas Zero Tolerance 0308BLKTS Benchmade Adamas Kershaw Endgame
275FE Folder Folder 375 Fixed Blade Folder
The Benchmade Adamas has been the The ZT 0308 is one tough knife! This Benchmade’s fixed-blade Adamas 375 The new 2021 Kershaw Endgame
company’s gold standard for hard-use, tactical titanium framelock features a stainless has been serving those who venture into is designed to stand out from the
folding knives for many years. The Adamas steel lockbar insert for maximum durability. harm’s way for a long time. The Adamas crowd with both its looks and its
is characterized by its heavy-duty Axis lock, The hardened, 0.25-inch pivot can be easily 375 is designed to be a tough, minimalistic performance. The Endgame features a
full steel liners and hand-filling G10 grips. adjusted in the field with a 0.5-inch wrench. blade that provides maximum performance 3.25-inch drop-point blade made from
The brand-new 275FE not only introduces The CPM-20CV blade rides on KVT ball with minimal weight and bulk. It's received premium D2 tool steel. The blade rides
a Flat Earth DLC blade coating and layered, bearing washers for rapid deployment with a design refresh for 2021. While the overall on KVT ball bearing washers mated
Flat Earth G10 grips, there's also a brand- the integrated flipper, and the pocket clip profile and footprint of the blade remain the to a unique stainless steel framelock
new blade made from CPM-CruWear. This design is compatible with many aftermarket same, the large, scalloped serrations along body. The handle is contoured for
new steel is poised to take the already-tough clips. The 0308BLKTS now features a black the spine have been removed. The blade comfort and includes both nylon and
Adamas to new levels. G10 grip, and the blade has an all-new, steel has been upgraded to CPM-CruWear, bronze PVD-coated inlays. The deep-
black-oxide blackwash finish with ZT’s iconic and the sheath has been redesigned to work carry pocket clip is reversible for both
tiger-stripe camo pattern. with low-profile Malice clips. right- and left-hand carry.
MSRP: $280
Benchmade.com MSRP: $400 MSRP: $250 MSRP: $99.99
ZT.KaiUSA.com Benchmade.com Kershaw.KaiUSA.com

hile COVID-19 might have slowed down industry and our economy, it did nothing to hinder innovation
W and product development. Despite the challenging environment brought on by a pandemic and the
political shenanigans that surrounded it, these companies forged ahead to continue to provide new,
state-of-the-art, high-quality products to their customers.
This month, American Survival Guide offers a variety of cutlery, packs, flashlights, training
opportunities and more for your consideration. We hope you find something here that will assist you in being more self-
reliant and better prepared to meet the challenges of our future.
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5.11 Tactical Halo Neck Gaiter CRKT Bona Fide Folder GiantMouse ACE Riv Folder Fieldcraft Survival Training
The new 5.11 Halo Neck Gaiter provides a This new EDC knife from CRKT was The ACE Riv folding knife is a brand-new Fieldcraft Survival is a "one-stop shop"
simple, stylish solution to a variety of problems. designed by Ken Onion and features design from GiantMouse. It’s named after the for improving your level of self-reliance.
This simple, laser-cut piece of stretchable the company's revolutionary Field owner's favorite dive bar in the company's Founded by former Green Beret Mike Glover,
material is seamless, lightweight and Strip Technology. The 3.6-inch new headquarters in Lansing, Michigan, the company is dedicated to promoting
breathable. The gaiter can be used to keep the blade is made from D2 tool steel, and packs a lot of performance into a small community and family and providing the
wind, sun or blowing sand off your neck and rides on IKBS ball bearing washers package. The blade measures 2.44 inches training and gear necessary to allow citizens
face and never needs to be tied or wrapped. It and opens with an integral flipper and is made from 0.118-inch-thick Elmax to be independent and self-reliant. Fieldcraft
comes in five colors and three camo patterns, tab. The blade locks securely with a steel. It rides on a hardened stainless steel offers in-person and online training courses
including Woodland, Desert and Night Grid. linerlock, with stainless steel liners pivot that uses ball bearing washers and in weapons handling, tactics, self-defense,
inside the hard-anodized aluminum opens via a flipper or oblong thumb hole. medical response and wilderness survival, with
grip panels. A deep-carry pocket clip The Riv is a titanium framelock design with more fields of study being offered regularly.
MSRP: $14.99 ensures the knife stays secure and a hardened steel lock insert. A variety of Based in Heber City, Utah, Fieldcraft offers
out of sight until you need it. handle materials is available, including brass training at its state-of-the-art headquarters,
511Tactical.com and Micarta. Each Riv includes a strong, mobile locations across the country and via
pocket-friendly wire pocket clip. webinars.
MSRP: $99.99
CRKT.com MSRP: Starting at $185 MSRP: Check website for pricing
GiantMouse.com FieldcraftSurvival.com

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Nature Reliance School Pelican Personal Utility Pelican EZ-Click Espin Nero Electric Bike
Ruck Case MOLLE Panel
The Nature Reliance School was founded by Espin Bikes designed the Nero to
Craig Caudill to teach and promote wilderness- be the ultimate sport-utility, fat-tire
Pelican introduced the Personal Utility Ruck Case Pelican has long been known as
based self-reliance skills. Craig is a certified electric bike. The Nero features a new,
line of containers for 2021. The R20, R40 and R60 the premier provider of advanced
master naturalist and a heavily credentialed reinforced frame; wider tires for extra
offer different levels of storage while sharing similar protective cases for both personal
tracking expert. He’s also the author of Extreme stability and grip; powerful, 180mm
design features. The Ruck series is designed to be and professional use. Now, for
Wilderness Survival, Ultimate Wilderness disc brakes; and an impressive, 50-
“the ultimate personal utility case for your personal 2021, Pelican introduced its new
Gear and Essential Wilderness Navigation. mile range. A color display shows
gear that’s crushproof, dustproof and adventure EZ-Click MOLLE Panel inserts for
The Nature Reliance School offers courses in battery, speed and pedal assist level,
proof. [It offers] strategic organization features the 1510, 1535, 1560, 1610/20 and
survival, bushcraft, tracking, land navigation and a convenient thumb throttle
and trusted Pelican protection for your everyday 1650 Protector cases. Each panel is
and much more. In 2020, The school developed activates power on demand. The
life gear.” Each case is IP68 rated for water, dust, custom fit to its case and is easily
a series of online live stream and online Nero is available with front and rear
dirt and snow resistance. Rubberized protective installed and removed using the
learning courses to enable people to learn cargo carriers that are designed to
bumpers provide shock and drop protection, while EZ-Click Swing Cam Lock. This system
remotely. Combined with its extensive series of carry up to 22 pounds and 66 pounds,
a built-in MOLLE panel system and hook-and-loop allows separate MOLLE panels to be
in-person training classes, the Nature Reliance respectively.
straps enhance organization. set up in unique configurations and
School is the perfect place to increase your quickly swapped out as needed.
self-reliance skills.
MSRP: $44.95 (R20); $54.95 (R40); MSRP: Starting at $1,499

$64.95 (R60) MSRP: Starting at $39.95 EspinBikes.com
MSRP: Check website for pricing
Pelican.com Pelican.com
NatureReliance.org

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Peak Refuel Freeze-Dried Streamlight TLR-6 Streamlight TLR-7 Sub Lansky C-Clip Combo
Foods Weaponlight Weaponlight Sharpener Kit
Peak Refuel freeze-dried meals aren’t run- Subcompact carry handguns have never For those who demand a high-output weapon- At home, on the trail, in camp and
of-the-mill camping rations. Peak Refuel is been more popular or in higher demand. mounted light for their subcompact handgun, anywhere you keep a knife, you
dedicated to providing the absolutely best- Streamlight has developed its new Streamlight offers its new TLR-7 Sub. This can keep it sharp with this kit. The
quality food it can in a convenient, freeze-dried TLR-6 line of lights to fit these defensive premium light features a white LED emitter C-Clip and Mini knife sharpeners
form factor. Peak recipes provide nearly twice handguns while remaining lightweight with a 500-lumen output and a range of up to have 1,000-grit ceramic rods that
as much protein as those of their competitors and low profile. The TLR-6 features a 141 meters. The front bezel features a lockout will keep the knife’s edges keen. The
... with none of the fillers and “mystery 100-lumen white light with an 89-meter switch to prevent accidental illumination, and Eraser Block removes debris from
ingredients.” Best of all, Peak meals are all made beam distance. The light can be there are ambidextrous activation switches at the ceramic rods and can remove
and packaged in the U.S.A. and use premium purchased with or without an integrated the rear. The light is powered by a single CR123 stains and spots from almost any
ingredients. Their shelf lives are up to five years. red aiming laser and is powered by a CR battery and has a runtime of 1.5 hours. This light surface. The rods in the C-Clip
With meals such as Chicken Pesto Pasta, Chili 1/3N lithium battery that provides one is specifically designed to fit on subcompact are set at a 20-degree angle, and
Mac, Sweet Pork and Rice, Breakfast Skillet and hour of illumination. The TLR-6 weighs handguns from manufacturers such as Glock, the rods in the Mini are set at 22.5
Mountain Berry Granola, there’s sure to be a only 1.2 ounces and is available in black SIG SAUER, H&K, Smith & Wesson, Springfield degrees. Keep them in a pocket,
Peak meal to satisfy your hunger. and Flat Dark Earth. Armory and Beretta. pouch or pack, in which they’ll take
up little space.
MSRP: Starting at $6.99 MSRP: $187.43 MSRP: $225.75

MSRP: $18.99
PeakRefuel.com Streamlight.com Streamlight.com
Lansky.com

orking with outside
W designers has taken

TOPS Knives to another
level over the past
several years. One of its
latest outside designers also represents a first
for the company ... and a rarity in the industry.
TOPS now proudly has the first female
designer on its “qualified experts in their field”
roster. Amanda Kaye (“AK”) is probably best
known for having appeared in seven episodes
of Discovery Channel's Naked and Afraid, but
that hardly defines who she is and what she’s
achieved (you can learn more about her in the
sidebar on page 19). After Kaye’s work with
TOPS, the “AK” moniker is easily interchange-
able between Amanda Kaye and her design
for TOPS—the A-Klub.
MEET AK’S A-KLUB

The Blade. The blade on this knife is
made of 1095 high-carbon steel that
comes in with a Rockwell hardness of
56–58. The steel is most commonly used
in knives that are going to have to take a › The TOPS Knives A-Klub was designed by
beating. The steel has a carbon content of Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid star Amanda
Kaye. It’s based on the shape of a Native American
0.95 percent, which hardens the blade and gunstock war club. The A-Klub features green canvas
reduces the amount of wear it’ll experience Micarta handles, a kukri-style blade with an Acid
Rain finish and includes a black Kydex sheath.
over time. In general, 1095 carbon steel
isn't going to be brittle, which is one of the
reasons it can take such a beating. This
blade steel holds its edge for long periods
of time and is also easy to sharpen—a
cutlery contradiction, indeed!
“THE TOPS A-KLUB

IS NOT A SPOON-
CARVER; NOR IS IT A
FINESSE KNIFE. IT’S
A HARD-WORKING
TOOL MEANT TO
WREAK HAVOC ON
WOOD AND OTHER
ORGANIC MATTER
IT FINDS IN ITS WAY.
NEVERTHELESS, IT
PERFORMS WITH
CLASS AND STYLE.”

TOPS KNIVES’ COLLAB WITH
AMANDA KAYE REDEFINES
‘A WOMAN’S TOUCH.’
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY REUBEN BOLIEU
THE
A-KLUB
PULLS ITS
WEIGHT
AROUND
CAMP
› Top left: The sheath for the A-Klub is made with Kydex and features a heavy-duty
leather dangler loop. This allows the user to sit without the knife binding up, as
well as walk through thick brush without the knife getting hung up. (Photo: TOPS
Knives)
› Middle left: The A-Klub was used to break out chunks of wood for a small wood
stove. This sort of prying was no problem for the A-Klub!
The stonewash finish is created when the

steel is tumbled in an abrasive material.
The finish easily hides scratches, smudges
and other “battle scars” that’ll accumulate
over time. It also provides a less-reflective
surface than you’d get with a brushed or
satin-finished blade. A stonewash finish
“THE TOPS A-KLUB COMBINES THE SHAPE

OF A NATIVE AMERICAN GUNSTOCK WAR
CLUB AND THE UTILITY OF A KUKRI TO
CREATE A SHARP-EDGED CHOPPING TOOL
THAT HANDLES MANY CAMP TASKS WELL.”
is known to be one of the more-low-
maintenance finishes. It also looks rather
rugged because of the textured appearance
it has. It gives the blade a well-worn,
experienced look that true users will
appreciate. Any imperfections the blade
might gain are just going to add to the
patina instead of taking away from it.
The blade on this beastly knife measures
a whopping, 12.38 inches long. That’s over
a foot of business end! The knife has a
dramatic kukri shape, which makes for a
distinctive silhouette. The spine starts off
with a long row of thick jimping. The jimping
is wide, so it isn’t going to bite your fingers
as much as some finer jimping might. It
also adds more control when using the
knife, because it adds some texture for a
better grip. In fact, I don’t put my thumb
on the spine unless I need to apply
more forward pressure when making
hard cuts (as on thick rope); but
the A-Klub already has a lot of
forward momentum.
The spine has a dramatic curve that ends
› Above: The author stabbed the tip of the A-Klub into a stable at the tip of the blade. The belly is recurved,
log and used dry wood to make shavings for a fire. He tried a few
places on the blade to find the best position for making thin, curly which is going to assist in slicing, because
tinder.

“AFTER KAYE’S WORK
WITH TOPS, THE ‘AK’
MONIKER IS EASILY
INTERCHANGEABLE
BETWEEN AMANDA KAYE
AND HER DESIGN FOR
TOPS—THE A-KLUB.”
TOPS Knives A-Klub

Specifications
• Overall length: 17.88 inches
• Blade length: 12.38 inches
• Cutting edge: 12.13 inches
• Blade thickness: 0.190 inch
• Blade steel: 1095/Rockwell hardness: RC 56–58
• Blade finish: Acid Rain
• Handle material: Green canvas Micarta
• Knife weight: 23.8 ounces
• Weight with sheath: 33.0 ounces
• Sheath material: Black Kydex with a dangler
• Designer: Amanda Kaye
MSRP: $300
TOPSKnives.com
it adds more surface area to the sharpened portion of the blade. The belly doesn’t
end at the point; rather, it ends at the bottom of a corner, at which point the blade
runs straight to the tip. The flattened front portion of the A-Klub’s blade can be used for
minimal piercing. However, that being said, with a blade this large, you probably won’t
need to pierce all that much.
The Handle. The A-Klub’s simple handle is made of green canvas Micarta (Micarta is
created when thin plies of canvas are soaked in a phenolic resin and then layered and set) stretch- and shrink-resistant. It’s also
› Above: The TOPS
and is built for comfort and durability. (It also looks great!) incredibly durable and stable, meaning Knives A-Klub
The handle portion of this knife measures 5.5 inches, which means that the overall you can have it with you in a variety of fixed-blade knife
is a handful! Its
length of the knife is 17.88 inches. The spine of the handle is nearly completely straight, extreme situations, including humidity and black Kydex sheath
with only a small amount of curve. The butt of the knife does flare out, so the curved-in saltwater. In addition, it’s not affected by secures the knife in
place, protecting the
belly slopes upward toward the end. The belly of the handle has a deep finger groove up most chemicals. user from incidental
front that ends with a slight fingerguard. These two features are important for such a Kydex really doesn’t require any injury. (Photo: TOPS
Knives)
menacing knife, because it could do some real damage if the knife stopped during a stroke maintenance. This is perfect for a huge
and your hand didn’t. Three bolts secure the scales to the full tang. The end of the handle outdoors knife sheath such as the A-Klub,
features a lanyard hole in the middle. because it weighs so much less than
The Sheath. The sheath is made of black Kydex, which is waterproof and scratch-, leather.

FIELD-TESTING THE
“CHOPPING MACHINE”
Winter might not have been the optimal
time to field-test the A-Klub. However,
I don’t generally get to choose the
WORKING WITH TOPS
seasons or weather for testing gear while I caught up with Amanda Kaye to ask her about her collaboration with TOPS Knives and how the
outdoors. Adversity is sometimes needed A-Klub came about.
for a successful outcome, especially when Amanda says she’s always messed around with designing knives in her spare time—not thinking it
lessons learned are applied to living would go anywhere. After meeting the TOPS Knives guys at trade shows, she wanted to explore the
outdoors. possibilities with them.
The TOPS A-Klub is not a spoon-carver; “I knew TOPS’ reputation in the knife world, and I was absolutely honored to design a knife for it. I
nor is it a finesse knife. It’s a hard- couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with,” Kaye said.
working tool meant to wreak havoc on In the past, she’s been told she couldn't design a knife ... because she’s a woman and that the handle
wood and other organic matter it finds probably wouldn't fit men’s hands because she has smaller hands.
in its way. Nevertheless, it performs with Nevertheless, Kaye sent a design to TOPS several years ago and has been slowly working toward
class and style. making the perfect knife—not only for survivalists, but for hunters and hikers as well.
Because my semi-permanent camp was “Thinking about it,” she said, “I guess TOPS was taking a chance with a woman designer. I've never
still experiencing an “ice age,” I needed considered that before.”
to relieve the stress on my tarp from the The design concept was for the A-Klub to primarily be functional and to wrap it in a badass pack-
mound of accumulated snow. A stout age! The Native American gunstock war club was the blueprint for the basic shape. Amanda wanted
digging stick/icebreaker was needed. The something practical to use in a survival situation, but also for camping and hiking.
Kaye explained, “I'm a huge hunter, and I needed something to help with putting up tree stands and
clearing out shooting lanes with the least amount of effort. Survival isn't a two- or three-day thing;
› Below: A heavy baton was one method used tools need to last, stay sharp and perform. TOPS' quality, along with the A-Klub’s design, gives you
by the author to split wood. This was especially
useful when powering through a tree knot. maximum performance with minimum effort. Gotta maximize those calories!”
Kaye has plans for a future knife design that’ll complement the A-Klub and also be something
anyone can take with them for hiking, camping, hunting or survival tasks.
A-Klub chopped a piece of deadwood that was a little less than wrist thickness for this
task. I then shaped one end by quickly chopping it flat for both a poker and digging tool.
I soon discovered the knife’s “sweet spot” for chopping: just at the inside curve of the
elbow, before the flat straight portion started. When I was chopping with the A-Klub,
this part just felt right. This was also the case when chopping wrist-thick vines that were
strangling a tree as well as downed firewood. The A-Klub was a “chopping machine” right
out of the gate!
But, there was still plenty of work to do in the
winter camp before nightfall.
I proceeded to dig out my camp, mainly the
fireplace area, using the A-Klub-crafted
digging stick. Once I got down to old,
frozen coals, I used the A-Klub spine to
break up more snow and ice before
scraping the area clean. The blade’s
length helped me clear it a lot
‹ Near left: The A-Klub was used like a

hatchet for splitting wood. This type of
task requires a solid stump to prevent
the blade from splitting through and
injuring the support hand.
‹ Far left, bottom: The author carves the end of a

tarp stake with the A-Klub. This area of the blade
traditionally has a lot of control.

› Top, far right: The forward-sweeping
edge widens toward the tip, which
enables it to chop very similarly to a
kukri design. The handle widens a bit at
the pommel, making it easy to hold onto
when chopping heavily.
› Near right: The author used the

A-Klub as he would a drawknife.
Pushing down or pulling up with
the blade produced good results
when the wood was pinned
between a stone and the author’s
waist area.
› Bottom, far right: The TOPS Knives

A-Klub in a winter camp. The large
blade made short work of wood for the
log cabin fire lay.
faster than using a stick or my boots. Along the way, the blade’s spine and sides came into
contact with lots of “stopper stones” I use to prevent hot logs from rolling toward me at
night. Not to worry: The A-Klub’s a hard-working tool.
The next task was to dig out my work station—a downed oak tree that had a flattened
top surface (whenever possible, back your work on a solid surface when chopping and
splitting with a long blade). Again, the A-Klub’s spine was used to scrape snow off the
surface, and the drier the oak wood was, the better.
Now, with a place to work, it was time to start processing wood.
I walked a short distance away from camp to hack some standing deadwood, because
anything on the ground was too wet to use. Maple and witch hazel were “on the menu”;
they made for a good combination of hard and softer wood to start a fire.
As I’ve already mentioned, the A-Klub was made for chopping, and it did that well. The
long blade had a sweet spot for heavy chopping, while the flat portion toward the tip
chopped thinner branches well. I chopped into and pried chunks from a dead oak tree
sticking out of the ground. The knife’s big blade showed some flex, but I never felt it was
going to snap; sometimes, a blade that’s too hard could do just that.
The A-Klub’s blade has a forward drop as dramatic as that of a kukri
knife, but with a gentler curve. Kukri blades have three parts: a
pointed tip for stabbing, a wide midsection for chopping
and a narrow area near the handle for whittling and
carving. The same applies to the TOPS A-Klub. › Above: The TOPS Knives A-Klub
fixed-blade knife features green canvas
The forward curve increases leverage and Micarta handles, along with a kukri-style
power—a definite difference in feeling 1095 carbon steel blade with an Acid
Rain finish. (Photo: TOPS Knives)
from a straight blade. This is the
“THE FORWARD CURVE INCREASES

LEVERAGE AND POWER—A DEFINITE
DIFFERENCE IN FEELING FROM A STRAIGHT
BLADE. THIS IS THE FEATURE THAT GIVES
THE KNIFE ITS CHOPPING PROWESS. LIKE
THE SHAPE OF A GUNSTOCK CLUB, IT’S
DESIGNED TO CONCENTRATE A LOT OF
FORCE ON A SMALL AREA.”

‹ Far left, top: The author favored the front
portion of the blade with a thumb-assisted
push-cut using the opposite hand. This is
best done by holding the rear of the blade’s
spine against the ribs for stability, along with a
slightly modified chest-lever grip.
‹ Near left: The author cut wild

grape vines with the TOPS A-Klub
to free up a live tree. The sap is
lower during the winter, making the
vine much easier to chop through.
‹ Far left, middle: Tarp stakes were made with

the A-Klub using a chisel end cut and a simple
notch. This is standard, simple bushcraft with a
large blade.
“THE BLADE ON THIS BEASTLY KNIFE

MEASURES A WHOPPING, 12.38 INCHES LONG.
THAT’S OVER A FOOT OF BUSINESS END! THE
KNIFE HAS A DRAMATIC KUKRI SHAPE, WHICH
MAKES FOR A DISTINCTIVE SILHOUETTE.”
feature that gives the knife its chopping prowess. Like the shape of a gunstock club, it’s
designed to concentrate a lot of force on a small area.
As a result, chopping standing deadwood low to the ground, where it was more solid,
was a breeze, and the blade sank in deep. I placed thinner branches for stakes and trap
parts on a solid tree trunk and lopped them off with a single blow. The front portion of the
blade was perfect for quickly snipping thin branches.
SPLITTING WOOD—A WINTER MUST

I used a chunky baton and the A-Klub to split larger pieces of wood. I split the more
manageable pieces using a hatchet technique, with the blade inserted in the end of
the wood and positioned parallel to it. Both the blade and wood were swung down on
a stump at the same time, and the blade dug deeper when the wood hit the stump. It
worked ... but this is safer with an axe or similar tool: A long blade can split the wood and
your fingers at the same time, unless it’s backed up by a stump in a position where the
blade is driven into the stump, never giving it a chance to get to the support hand.
Additionally, I used an icepick grip and a hatchet technique, placing the knife tip on the
end of the wood farthest from me and bringing the wood and the blade down together on
a stump. This was best suited for broomstick-thick and smaller-diameter pieces.
A long blade such as the A-Klub begs to be used as a draw knife. I used long, broomstick-
thick pieces of dry wood to make kindling. I found that wedging them between a solid,
stationary object, such as a boulder or the base of a tree, and my waist area worked best.
For this task, I used both downward and upward draw positions by gripping the spine at
the blade’s widest portion, along with the handle. For the finer work, it was easy to make
› Above: The A-Klub takes a break yet remains in close proximity long, thin shavings with the lower, thinner area of the blade.
if needed. The A-Klub didn’t spend much time in the sheath ...
except when it was left in camp under a log and snow during the Finally, for the more detailed work, I made several tarp stakes with the A-Klub. I used
winter months.

simple, angled chops with its large blade
to form the point and a controlled chop for
the stop-cut. I used both the lower section
of the blade, just above the finger guard WHO IS AMANDA KAYE
(“AK”)?
area, and the front flat section to carve out
the notches.
Naturally, as with fixed blades, the most
control seems to be the area of the blade
Native American survival techniques are what make Amanda Kaye tick! She’s been an avid hunter
closest to the hand. However, by bracing
her entire life, which also coincided with studying Native American primitive skills. As a child, her
the spine against my side (ribs) and using
family was very active in the reenactment community, sharing with others their Native American
my left thumb to assist, the blade was
heritage. The idea of living off the land is second nature to her; it's who she is.
almost more controlled than holding a
Most people know her from the Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid. However, she really sees
nearly 18-inch tool in a traditional way.
herself as an adventurous mom who goes on five-day hikes with her kids up and down mountains
Additional finer work took the form of
... and doesn't bring enough food. As a result, they have to forage for it. She loves teaching her kids
making tinder and kindling for the log
everything she knows.
cabin fire lay. (My go-to method for making
“My goals revolve around my family. My kids are the reason for everything, and my goal is to produce
fuzz sticks with a long blade is to stab it
good people who are self-reliant. There are too many people in this world who require someone to
into a secure stump and draw straight
take care of them,” Kaye pointed out.
pieces of wood back against the blade.)
She continued, “In reality, there’s no such thing as a survival expert; there are millions of ways to do
I used different portions of the lengthy
everything, and no one does it the same way.”
blade to get a variety of results. Either way,
Amanda is also a gymnastics coach. She tells her students to practice until they get it right ... and
all shavings went into the middle of the log
then to keep practicing until they can’t get it wrong—not just in gymnastics, but in life as well.
cabin, which resulted in success.
“Just get out there, have fun, and don’t worry about failing. If I can fail in front of millions and get
back up, then you can also get back up when no one sees!”
STELLAR KNIFE
The TOPS A-Klub combines the shape of
a Native American gunstock war club and
the utility of a kukri to create a sharp- “THIS DESIGN HITS A HOME
edged chopping tool that handles many
camp tasks well. TOPS hit three points that
RUN ... AND SOMETHING
are inherently important to this company TELLS ME IT WON’T BE
for crafting an effective edged tool: a AMANDA KAYE’S LAST
differentially heat-treated 1095 blade, an
overbuilt and unique design, and working
KNIFE COLLABORATION
with an outside designer who has credible WITH TOPS KNIVES.”
survival skills and knife experience.
The A-Klub squarely hits all three of those
categories. It gave a stellar performance
over the weeks it dealt with the snow
and ice and was constantly used for hard
work. This design hits a home run ... and
something tells me it won’t be Amanda
Kaye’s last knife collaboration with TOPS
Knives.
› Far right, top & near right: The

A-Klub is the first knife to be
released by TOPS that was designed
by a woman—Amanda Kaye, who’s
known for having appeared in
seven episodes of the Discovery
Channel’s Naked and Afraid.
Aside from her TV appearances,
she’s always been an avid hunter
and student of Native American
primitive skills. (Photo: Amanda
Kaye)
› Far right, bottom: Amanda Kaye in her new

uniform as a law enforcement officer in Ala-
bama. In her hand is the TOPS A-Klub. (Photo:
Amanda Kaye)

“ … THINK EARNESTLY ABOUT GUN
OWNERSHIP. OWNING A FIREARM IS A
VERY SERIOUS MATTER, AND IT’S NOT
SOMETHING TO TAKE LIGHTLY.”
› The author takes a bead on

his target with a Coach Gun.

FIRST-TIME
FIREARM
SELECTION
BASICS field questions from many people
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
FOR PICKING THE RIGHT GUN
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY DANA BENNER I who are looking to purchase a
firearm for the first time, especially
during this time of unrest in our
country. They usually ask me about
the best firearm they should purchase … or
if they should even purchase one.
One of those people was my son-in-law
who, up until now, was strictly against
having firearms in his home. This is in spite
of the fact that his wife (my daughter)
knows how to shoot and is actually a
pretty good shot.
The events of January 6, 2021, while not
entirely changing his mind, did open him
up to having the conversation. My answer
to him, just as it is for anyone else, was
to think earnestly about gun ownership.
Owning a firearm is a very serious matter,
and it’s not something to take lightly.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Before you visit the local gun store
and purchase a firearm, you need to ask
yourself the following important questions:
Why Do I Want a Firearm? Is it for
protection? Is it for hunting? Am I just
scared and think owning a firearm will help
me feel better? If your answer relates to
protection or hunting, move to the next
question. If you answered that you’re
scared, perhaps you’re better off not owning
a firearm. A scared person with a firearm is a
dangerous situation waiting to happen.
Are Emotions Overruling My Better
Judgment? The attacks on our nation’s

› Right: Examples
of a revolver (top)
and semi-automatic
.22LR handgun
Capitol outraged many people—including me. My son-in-law’s feelings about this are very important. You can’t expect a typical,
what got him to call me. Emotions are powerful things and often result in rash decisions. 14-year-old child to safely shoot a .357
› Below: The author’s
Emotions should never be the reason you purchase a firearm. This scenario is like going Magnum handgun or a .30-06 rifle. However,
friend Mark takes to the grocery store when you are hungry: You’ll probably regret at least some of your a .22 rifle or a .410 shotgun would be perfect
a turn firing a
Winchester 94 lever-
decisions. Cool down, and give the topic plenty of thought. for teaching them safe firearms handling.
action rifle. Who’ll Be Using the Firearm? Understanding who in your family will use the firearm is Take into consideration the stature,
strength and coordination of the people
likely to shoot the gun. A big firearm is
difficult to safely handle if it’s larger than
the person using it. Likewise, consider their
levels of maturity and emotional control,
because these are very important when
people and guns get together.
Handgun or Long Gun? After answering
the first question, decide what you’re
looking for in a firearm. First, do you want a
handgun or a long gun (a shotgun or rifle)?
While some people hunt with handguns
(I carry one as a backup for bear and hog
hunting), others prefer handguns for
personal defense. Long guns are used for
both home defense and for hunting. I often
discourage people from getting handguns
as their first firearm, because they take
additional skill to handle safely.
How Will I Store the Gun? Between
uses, the firearm needs to be stored
somewhere safe—especially if there are

SAFETY
FIRST
The top priority for all firearms owners is safety. Here are
my top six rules for gun safety:
1. Never have a loaded firearm in your home or vehicle.

Don’t rely upon the firearm’s safety, because it can fail. A
loaded firearm is a dangerous firearm.
2. Keep your firearms and your ammunition in separate
locations—and locked. A firearm can do no harm without
ammunition.
‹ Above: This Stoeger Coach Gun is a 12-gauge shotgun. It’s a great home-defense firearm. 3. Take firearms classes taught by trained profession-
als. Know everything you can about your firearm.
4. Protect your ears and eyes. Always wear eye and ear
children or others in the home who are not ready for access to it. There are numerous protection when shooting your firearm.
methods of keeping firearms from being fired by mistake, from trigger locks and other 5. Never point a firearm, loaded or not, at another per-
means of preventing an accidental discharge to small or large gun safes that are available son unless you intend to use it. Always treat every firearm
with a variety of lock types and access speeds. Sort out this aspect of gun ownership as if it’s loaded. Once the firearm is fired, you can never get
before you bring your first firearm home so that security will be addressed from day one. that moment back.
How Easy Is it to Use? Is the weapon user friendly? How easy is it to load the firearm, 6. Make sure the firearm is completely unloaded before
unload it and break it down for cleaning? Where’s the firearm’s safety located, and is it cleaning it. Removing the magazine isn’t enough: Also
clearly visible? check to make sure that there’s no round in the chamber.
What Are the Ownership Laws? Every state is different, and some municipalities
also have their own rules. What are the laws pertaining to firearms in your state? Do you
“FIREARMS ARE TOOLS AND, LIKE ALL TOOLS, THEY’RE MADE FOR
SPECIFIC JOBS. BEFORE YOU PURCHASE ANY FIREARM, YOU NEED TO
KNOW EVERYTHING YOU CAN SO YOU'LL BE ABLE TO PURCHASE THE
RIGHT ONE FOR THE JOB (OR JOBS).”
› Near right: The
author is wearing
eye and hearing
protection while he
fires a .30-30 rifle at
New Hampshire’s
Manchester Firing
Line.
› Far right: This

Henry lever-action
.30-30 rifle is the
perfect deer rifle.
The lever is used to
load and eject rounds
from the chamber.

need a permit? If so, how do you get one? What are the rules regarding concealed carry?
Are certain firearms banned in your area? Know the laws before you buy. You also need
to know both the state and federal laws regarding transporting firearms across state
lines. Don’t rely on the salesperson at the gun store or a friend to know or give you that
information.
READY FOR OWNERSHIP

So, you’ve done your homework, and now, you’re ready to purchase your firearm … right?
Wrong! You’ve only just begun.
You now need to learn the proper use, care and responsibilities associated with owning a
firearm. I suggest enrolling in one of the many good basic firearms classes held throughout
the country.
I’d connect with an experienced gun owner or shooting professional you know and/or trust
and shoot different firearms to find out which one is the best for your abilities and needs.
Where I live, Manchester Firing Line (in Manchester, New Hampshire) allows you to rent
and shoot different firearms just for this purpose. The money spent is worth it. Like most
reputable dealers with ranges, they also offer classes and instruction by trained firearms
experts.
TYPES OF FIREARMS
Not all firearms are the same, so you need to know the differences.
Firearms can be broken down into handguns and long guns. Handguns are further broken
down into semi-automatics and revolvers. Long guns are broken down into rifles and
shotguns. What are the differences, and why are they important?
Firearms are tools and, like all tools, they’re made for specific jobs. Before you purchase
any firearm, you need to know everything you can so you'll be able to purchase the
right one for the job (or jobs). For example, if you intend to hunt birds, you aren’t going
to purchase a handgun or a rifle. On the other hand, a shotgun can be used for hunting
‹ Above: This is the author’s Mossberg 500 12-gauge, pump-action
birds, large game or for home defense. To make the right decision, you need to know your shotgun. It’s an example of a good, mechanically operating, basic
firearms. firearm. It’s used for bird and deer hunting, as well as home defense.
‹ Below: The author’s friend Stan safely carries the Coach Gun on a
hunt. Notice that the breech is broken open, ensuring the firearm can’t
fire and is safe. Safety is always top priority where guns are concerned.
“EMOTIONS ARE POWERFUL

THINGS AND OFTEN RESULT IN
‹ Below: This Sako
RASH DECISIONS. EMOTIONS bolt-action rifle is
chambered in .270.
SHOULD NEVER BE THE REASON It’s a great deer
rifle and is fully
YOU PURCHASE A FIREARM.” mechanical.

› Near right: The
author uses a brush
to clean the threads
in a shotgun choke.
Properly cleaning
all parts of your
firearm, even the
little things, is part
of good firearms
ownership.
› Far right: This

spray bore cleaner
helps get the dirt
and fouling out of
the chamber.
“THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH PURCHASING A FIREARM, BUT

WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE EITHER PURCHASE THE WRONG FIREARM
OR FAIL TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT GO
ALONG WITH GUN OWNERSHIP.”
HANDGUNS fast the shooter squeezes the trigger. The
Semi-automatic. Semi-automatic handguns are designed to fire rounds in rapid number of rounds fired depends on the
succession (as fast as you can squeeze the trigger). The rounds (bullets) are fed from a magazine capacity. With the exception of
detachable magazine, with the number of rounds fired only being limited by the capacity a few hunting rifles, most semi-automatic
of the magazine. Semi-automatics are the handguns carried by the military and most law rifles fall into the sporting or military-style
enforcement and private citizens. category (ARs, AKs, SKS, etc.).
Revolvers. Revolvers are handguns for which the rounds are put into a cylinder that, Manual action rifles are most commonly
when the hammer’s cocked, revolves, thus putting the round into the firing position. represented by bolt-action and lever-
The number of rounds is typically limited to five, six or seven, depending on the firearm. action models, although there are a few
› Far right: Bore Revolvers are purely mechanical. This makes them slower to use, but they’re dependable
cleaner is used to
remove fouling from
and much easier to clean—and perfect for training purposes. Revolvers are available in
the barrel, bolt and either single action (the hammer must be manually pulled back to fire) or double action
bore chamber.
(the hammer is cocked when the trigger’s squeezed).
LONG GUNS
› Below: Shown Rifles. Rifles are firearms that are fired from the shoulder and on which the barrels have
here is a Mossberg
500 shotgun, along
spiral grooves called “rifling.” These grooves make the bullet spin as it travels down the
with a replacement barrel, giving it better accuracy and the ability to travel longer distances. Rifles can be
rifled barrel for deer
hunting. With a rifled
broken down into semi-automatic or mechanical actions.
barrel, this firearm Semi-automatic rifles are magazine fed (either detachable or tubular). The rifle operates
is capable of firing
Sabot slugs, which
by gas being released by the fired round. This gas pushes the bolt back, thus feeding
are more accurate. another round from the magazine into the chamber. The rate of fire depends on how

› Top right: The
pump models made as well. The rounds author’s friend
are usually fed from a magazine, but Mark is cleaning
a firearm. Notice
the feeding and ejection of the rounds is that the work area
accomplished by the mechanical operation is well organized,
and the cleaning
of the bolt or lever. These types of rifles are kit and supplies
most commonly used by hunters. Popular are readily at
hand.
calibers for large-game hunting rifles
include .30-30, .30-06 and .308 (all 0.308
inch). For small game, .22LR is the most
popular round.
Shotguns. Shotguns, like rifles, are
shoulder fired and, also like rifles, they
can be found in both semi-automatic and
manual actions. The big difference is that,
unlike rifles, the barrel of the shotgun
has no rifling. A caveat here is that rifled
barrels are available for most shotgun
models. › Bottom right: In a
While rifles are often referred to by their scene that can be
found at reputable
calibers, shotguns are generally referred firearms dealers
to by their gauges; the most common and ranges around
the country,
are 12 gauge (0.729 inch) and 20 gauge new gun owners
(0.615 inch). Other gauges include 16 take a basic
firearms class
and 28. The only shotgun referred to by at Manchester
caliber is the .410. Firing Line (in
Manchester, New
Ammunition for shotguns comes in the Hampshire).
form of pellets and chunks of lead called
“slugs.” Shotguns are short-range firearms
and are often used for hunting birds and,
when using slugs, larger game (such as
› Below, left:
deer). Shotguns also make great home- This spray is a
defense weapons. rust-preventing
lubricant. It’ll
There’s nothing wrong with purchasing a enhance the rifle’s
firearm, but way too many people either accuracy and
help ensure a long
purchase the wrong firearm or fail to service life.

KEEP IT CLEAN
A dirty firearm is an unsafe firearm. Dirt, grime, spent powder, and lead and copper
fouling can lead to improper ammunition feeding, inaccurate shots and possible
catastrophic accidents.
Part of firearm ownership is keeping your firearm in top condition … which means keeping
it clean. The following should be part of your cleaning supplies:
• A complete cleaning kit designed for your firearm. These kits are commercially
available and include cleaning rods, bore brushes and other items.
• Cleaning patches that are sized to fit your firearm. Patches large enough for a
12-gauge shotgun won’t work in a .22 rifle.
• Bore cleaner to remove copper and lead fouling. If left in the barrel and bore,
fouling will cause damage to the rifling and cause rust pitting.
› Some examples of cleaning supplies used by the author on his • Gun oil. All firearms involve movement of metal parts. To keep everything moving
firearms. There are many options available, so ask experienced
gun owners and select the options that’ll work best for you. freely, the proper lubricant needs to be used. In addition, I also use a rust preventative as
an extra layer of protection.
Finally: Make sure to follow the cleaning instructions in the firearm’s manual.
take into account the responsibilities that go along with
Every firearm has its own specifications.
gun ownership. Every day, we hear about people shooting
themselves—or others—because of a lack of respect for the
firearm ... or as a result of plain carelessness.
“A SCARED PERSON WITH A
Even worse, people think a firearm will protect them, but
because they don’t know how to use it properly, the firearm FIREARM IS A DANGEROUS
is wrenched away from, and used against, them. All this SITUATION WAITING TO HAPPEN.”
happens because people fail to take firearm ownership
seriously enough.
Before you purchase any firearm, remember to at least ask
yourself the questions mentioned earlier in this article, and
give the topic plenty of serious thought. Know what you
want before you walk into the gun store. The salesperson
will sell you what they want you to buy, so (pardon the
pun), stick to your guns.
Take the courses and ask all the questions.
› This Heritage Rough

Rider, in .22LR, is a single-
action revolver. It’s a
great firearm for teaching
new gun owners how to
shoot—and be safe while
doing it.

SEE THE
LIGHT
SELECT THE RIGHT TYPE OF
LIGHT FOR THE MISSION.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY DANA BENNER
he topic of lighting, like knives and firearms, is discussed often—and for
T good reason: It’s very important. Anyone who’s lived through an extended
power failure can attest to that. Fumbling around with a generator in the
dark is no fun.
Emergency planners are constantly pounding home the idea of having
flashlights in our home in case of a power outage or natural emergency. But how
many people actually heed that advice? And if they do have them, how many of
those flashlights are inexpensive, discount store varieties? Worse yet: How many have
working batteries?
Let’s assume you do have a good, working flashlight with good batteries in your home …
but do you have one in your vehicle or in your “go bag”? Changing a broken fan belt or a
flat tire in the dark is not only hard, it could also be dangerous if you can’t see what you’re
doing.
The light sources you have in your home might not be the right choices for your vehicle,
at the campsite or in your bag. In a pinch, anything is better than nothing but, as with
everything else that has to deal with survival, there’s a right light source for every job.
In this article, I’ll look at some common scenarios you’re likely to run into and the right
light source for the job.
POWER OUTAGE
No matter where you live, Mother Nature is bound to throw you a curve ball at some
point. Severe storms and other issues can, and do, knock out power. Part of your survival
stores should be multiple light sources and plenty of batteries and/or a way to recharge
“THE TOPIC OF LIGHTING, LIKE

KNIVES AND FIREARMS, IS
DISCUSSED OFTEN—AND FOR GOOD
REASON: IT’S VERY IMPORTANT.”

› This is a collection of some typical inexpensive flashlights.
The author has a ton of these lights scattered around his
home; typically, one in each room. While they’re not the
greatest quality and/or don't offer the optimal light output,
they do work when he flips the switch.

› Right: This is the
those lights that use rechargeable author’s Marlboro
batteries. promotional
lantern, which was
In this scenario, light is much more than a great yard sale
the ability to see. It, like fire, also lends find. It still works;
he just needs a
itself to restoring calm and comfort. ton of batteries
Anyone who has kids knows what I’m to keep it going. It
works well in the
talking about. house, but it’s not
Humans are inherently afraid of the dark. something he’d put
in his pack.
As soon as the lights go out, some people
seem to go into a tailspin. Bad things
happen in dark places, so having light › Below: This
Coleman LED
allows you to relax, even if it’s only a bit. lantern has
It’s difficult to get those “must-dos” (such the company’s
BatteryGuard
as checking the circuit breakers or doing a battery-saver
quick assessment of the situation) done system, and
it’s powered by
when your kids, and even some adults, are in D batteries. It
various stages of panic. Light will help calm has multiple
output settings
them down so you can think and react. so you can
Here are the light sources I have on hand minimize battery
consumption.
for emergencies at the Benner homestead. This is a great,
inexpensive
lantern to have
LANTERNS for power outages
Lanterns provide light over a large area and camping
adventures alike.
“USING THE PROPER LIGHT FOR THE TASK

WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARD HELPING
YOU ACCOMPLISH YOUR PERSONAL
MISSION.”
and also give that welcome psychological boost in stressful times. There are many brands
on the market, and most are pretty compatible. Nevertheless, here are a few things to look
for in a quality product:
• What’s the runtime? This light will be on constantly, so you want to have an idea of
expected battery life. (Clearly, the longer the better.)
• What kind of batteries does it use? This is important, because you want to make sure
you have plenty on hand for all your needs. Does it take the same size batteries as your
other devices, or do you have to stock multiple battery types?
• Does the lantern run on both rechargeable batteries, as well as alkaline batteries? If
it does run on rechargeable batteries, do you have the means to keep them charged?
Plugging them into a wall socket won’t do you any good if the power’s out.
Find the lantern that meets your needs—and don’t worry about the name on the label.
My lantern is a yard sale special that I picked up more than 10 years ago. It’s an old,
multi-purpose item put out by Marlboro as a promo. It has a flashlight, strobe light, AM/
FM radio and a fluorescent lantern that puts out a ton of light. Unfortunately, I have
no information on the light output rating, but it’s bright enough for us. It was made
long before rechargeable batteries were commonplace, but it does take both D and AA
batteries.

Over the years, I’ve looked into ‹ Left: Emitting a soft
glow of 60 lumens
rechargeable devices, concentrating in in the dark, the Goal
particular on lights. I recently picked up a Zero CrushLight
collapses into a
collapsible solar lantern sold by Goal Zero. small package. Its
Putting out 60 lumens, this lantern has its solar panel keeps it
charged. It can also
own solar panel, is very light and fits into be charged via its
my pack when I need to move out. USB port.
If batteries are your “thing,” you can’t

beat a Coleman lantern for reliability and
price. I purchased a Coleman Battery Guard
lantern for use in my home or at my base
camp. It puts out 600 lumens, runs on
three D batteries and has a runtime ranging
from 30 to 200 hours, depending on the
setting. This is a good product for those
power outage days when you need to keep
the kids busy with board games.
FLASHLIGHTS
In most cases, those standard, garden
variety flashlights that most people have
lying around will work fine over limited
distances in familiar areas. During storms
and other emergencies, the safest thing is
to stay in your home, assuming your home
is intact. For safety reasons, you shouldn’t “THE SAME LIGHT SOURCES YOU HAVE
be going anywhere unless you have to. Just
hunker down and wait it out. There’s no
IN YOUR HOME MIGHT NOT BE THE RIGHT
need for red lights, high-lumen output or CHOICES FOR YOUR VEHICLE, AT THE
even pinpoint beam focus. If you’re only CAMPSITE OR IN YOUR BAG.”
using the flashlight to move from one room
to another to check the circuit breaker box, ‹ Below: The author’s
you’ll be fine. from my home in New Hampshire to an article assignment in upstate New York, I broke Bushnell Rubicon
T500R flashlight. Its
Vehicle light sources. Having a reliable a fan belt. Changing a fan belt along the side of a deserted road is never pleasant, but aluminum housing
light source (or two) in your vehicle is changing one at night is even worse. Luckily, I had a headlamp in the truck, which left my makes it one tough
light. This light uses
overlooked too often. After all, what could hands free to turn wrenches. only rechargeable
possibly go wrong? Well, a bunch. At the very least, you should include a handheld flashlight among your vehicle’s emergency batteries. (Note:
Bushnell has discon-
While traveling in the middle of the night gear. If the light uses alkaline batteries, make sure to carry spares. If your light uses tinued this model.)

› Top right: The
rechargeable batteries, make sure to keep 5.11 Tactical EDC
them charged. This can be accomplished K-USB is a new key
chain flashlight
by charging them off the vehicle battery that puts out 150
while you’re driving. Alternatively, you can lumens and is easy
to keep nearby.
use portable solar panels or other charging This is a handy,
devices. little light to have
in a multitude of
situations.
MOVING AT NIGHT
Let me start by saying I’m not a big fan
of moving during the night. Unless you’re
on some sort of tactical mission or you’re
fleeing from a life-threatening situation,
there’s no sound reason to be moving at
night. Your best bet, if at all possible, is to
stay put until the sun comes up. Too many
things can go wrong when you move at
night. If you must move at night, there are
certain lights that are essential. › Bottom right:
The lantern on the
Headlamps. If you do need to venture author’s Marlboro
outside in the dark, a headlamp is a promotional
emergency
valuable light source. Besides allowing radio/light
you to keep your hands free to carry things allows flexible
positioning, which
(or to break your fall if you trip over a tree helps adjust the
root), headlamps direct light where you light distribution.
need it ... simply by turning your head.
Good ones have adjustable angle settings,
which comes in handy as you make your
way through unfamiliar areas in the dark.
What I look for in a headlamp is one that
gives off plenty of light—because, if I’m
using one, it means I’m looking for a good
place to set up camp or I'm keeping an
eye on the trail. In these situations, I don’t
care about light "discipline." I like a lamp
that has around 1,000 lumens and offers
a red setting as well. The red light not only
preserves your night vision, it also saves
your batteries.
I carry a 5.11 Tactical Response HL-XR1
› Below: The
author has had
this Bushnell
“PART OF YOUR headlamp for
many years … and
SURVIVAL it has yet to fail
him. It operates
STORES SHOULD on an internal
rechargeable
BE MULTIPLE battery.
LIGHT SOURCES
AND PLENTY OF
BATTERIES AND/
OR A WAY TO
RECHARGE THOSE
LIGHTS THAT USE
RECHARGEABLE
BATTERIES.”

› Right: The 5.11 Tactical EDC PL2AAA is a
penlight that uses two AAA batteries. It’s the
perfect flashlight to carry in your pocket, and
it can be mounted in MOLLE webbing. It’s
great for reading maps at night and can light
up a room enough to see all its contents.
in my pack. This headlamp puts out 1,021

lumens, has a red light option, is adjustable
and, with good batteries, has a steady,
1½-hour spotlight runtime and six hours
with its flood light. Plus, I can remove the
light from the headband and use it as a
common, angle-head flashlight that’ll
stand upright.
Flashlights. After 10 years in the U.S.
Army, I’ve done my fair share of night
navigation. Let me tell you: It’s not fun.
One thing I did learn was that a little goes
a long way, especially when it comes to
light. Too much light will give away your
position, and red lights tend to blur the
contour lines on your map. For that reason,
you want a low-lumen light with a pinpoint
beam, not a flood light. I carry a 5.11
Tactical EDC PL2AAA in my shirt pocket.
This light puts out only 107 lumens and
“DETERMINE
WHAT YOUR
NEEDS ARE, DO
SOME RESEARCH
ON BRANDS AND
MODELS, AND
PURCHASE THE
BEST LIGHT YOU
CAN FOR THE JOB.”

› Right: The 5.11
Tactical Response
HL-XR1 is the
headlamp the
author keeps
handy in his
home and his
go-bag. It runs
on both alkaline
and rechargeable
batteries.
has a very small cone of light. It’s perfect flashlight. You don’t need much light when all you want to do is sleep. The Rubicon T500R
for map reading or for making intricate puts out 538 lumens and has a continuous runtime of 137 minutes on a full charge. It’s
emergency repairs to your gear. since been discontinued, but a light such as this one is perfect for those late-night runs to
Around camp, I use a Bushnell Rubicon the latrine.
T500R rechargeable, auto-dimming All the lights I mentioned here are heavy duty, made with aluminum bodies. They're also
RECHARGEABLE VS. ALKALINE BATTERIES

There are pros and cons to both rechargeable and alkaline batteries.
Alkaline Batteries Rechargeable Batteries

Pros: Pros:
• They’re available just about anywhere. This is important, because • They generally have a long life. Good ones can be charged hundreds of
you never know when a battery will fail. times.
• They come in a variety of price ranges and strengths. • The cost per charge is tiny compared with the cost for one alkaline
• Good ones are generally longer lasting. battery.
• There’s no need to constantly purchase replacement batteries.
Cons: • You don’t need to stock or carry large quantities of batteries for
• They lose power over time, even when they aren’t being used. extended use.
• Old batteries can leak, often ruining the device.
• Carrying spare batteries adds weight to your pack load. Cons:
• Spent batteries need to be disposed of correctly. • They need to be recharged when they run low.
• They cost more up front.
• You need to carry a charger.
• You must have access to a power source for the charger.

“HUMANS ARE ‹ Far left: Goal
Zero makes this
INHERENTLY AFRAID compressible solar-
powered lantern that
OF THE DARK. AS can be easily stowed
SOON AS THE LIGHTS wherever you need
a light. It’s self-
GO OUT, SOME rechargeable with its
own solar panel and
PEOPLE SEEM TO GO can also be charged
using its USB port.
INTO A TAILSPIN.”
air, it’s sometimes hard to see someone
on the ground, especially through trees or
during extreme weather. A pulsating light
will be seen—similarly to the flashing light
from a rescue mirror. When the lives of your
family are at stake, a strobe could make all
the difference.
There are literally thousands of lighting
products available today. You can pick
them up at every corner store and purchase
what are touted as “real” U.S. Navy SEAL-
and U.S. Army Ranger-approved models
online for “only $19.99, plus shipping and
handling.”
Don’t be swayed by high-energy
advertising. Use your head: Determine
what your needs are, do some research on
brands and models, and purchase the best
light you can for the job.
Using the proper light for the task will go
a long way toward helping you accomplish
your personal mission.
shock and water resistant. They’ll take ‹ Left: The 5.11

a beating—which is good, because while Tactical Response
HL-XR1 headlamp
you’re fumbling around in the dark, you offers multiple
might drop them. output options and
carry methods,
making it a very
STROBE LIGHTS versatile lighting tool
that provides low
In countless television and Internet ads, and high light levels.
flashlight companies brag about the strobe
feature of their flashlights, promoting
the use of the strobe feature mainly as a
deterrent against attackers.
The claim is that the pulsating light
disorients the attacker … but so will a direct
S O U R C E S
beam of light in the eyes, which ruins their
night vision. For me, the jury’s still out on 5.11 Tactical
(888) 451-1726
whether a strobe is an effective defensive
511Tactical.com
tool, but I do know that I’m not going to
Bushnell
bet my family’s safety on that claim.
(800) 426-3537
Nevertheless, I think the strobe option Bushnell.com
really shines as a rescue tool. If you’re
Coleman
stranded on a snow-covered back road (800) 835-3278
Coleman.com
in the middle of nowhere or trapped on
the top of a roof during a flood, you’ll Goal Zero
(888) 794-6250
want a way to catch the attention of first
GoalZero.com
responders and rescue personnel. From the

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OPTIC
HOLOSUN.COM
he concept of the “gray man” has gained a lot of popularity in survival
T and tactical circles in the last few years. I applaud it wholly. Being pre-
pared for just about anything while not looking like you’re prepared for
just about anything is a great way to live your life. One of the benefits
of this approach is not attracting undue attention or the occasional
challenges that standard “prepping” appearances can create.
Grey Man Tactical is a Louisiana-based company that sells many products
supporting this very lifestyle. They allow you to prepare without broadcasting it
to the world around you. In particular, two of the company’s Rigid MOLLE Panels
(RMPs) help you get organized while still flying under the radar.
The value of a low-key approach can’t be overstated. Over two decades, I’ve
responded to, and investigated, a number of crimes in my law enforcement career.
I’ve had the benefit of “20/20 hindsight” when trying to figure out what happened.
I’ve seen assaults, thefts, break-ins and other situations in which “victimology” (that
is, ways in which the behavior of crime victims might have led or contributed to their
GREY MAN
TACTICAL
ORGANIZATION
SOLUTIONS
KEEP CRITICAL GEAR SECURE AND READY
WHEN YOU NEED IT.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SEAN CURTIS
‹ Using this system, the author

was able to mount priority gear
that could be quickly retrieved
in any emergency.

“I FOUND IN TESTING THESE TWO
RMPS THAT I COULD SET THEM UP
FOR ESSENTIALLY WHATEVER GEAR
I WANTED QUICK ACCESS TO.”
‹ Left: This small

bag was found on
Amazon.com. It
weaves in with
MOLLE and holds
24 shells.
› Above: The Rifle

Mount’s hardware
is very solid and
intuitive to use.
victimization) played a large part in what when it’s been my experience that most carriers don't have weapon-retention training. › Above, left:
Always do a
ultimately happened. The things we do, Sadly, social media bears this out: I’ve seen a few handguns deftly snatched from open thorough job when
how we conduct ourselves and how we carriers who were both badly trained and poorly equipped. weaving your
MOLLE; you'll be
arrange our affairs are all potentially key rewarded with a
indicators to those who’d target us for GETTING ORGANIZED durable hold.
criminal activity. Nevertheless, prepping doesn’t strictly revolve around self-defense. We understand that
For example, when teaching firearms, I survival is a complex equation, and we have to dedicate skills and gear to handle multiple › Above, right: You
can see how the
always caution students to be cognizant of hazards. Rifle Mount holds
making a choice to introduce a firearm in a Grey Man Tactical’s RMPs are valuable pieces of the puzzle, helping folks pull together weapons without
marring their
situation. Let it be a terrible surprise for the critical gear so it can be safely and securely stored, as well as quickly accessed. surfaces.
bad guy. It should be a deliberate decision; As a young EMT, I learned some hard lessons about arranging my gear in an optimized
and when you draw from concealed carry fashion. There are few things worse than searching frantically for a piece of kit that might
mode, you’re the one who makes the mean the difference between life and death while someone suffers.
choice. Early in my first-responder career, I caused this to happen by trying to get as much gear into
I’ve run into young toughs at Wal-Mart my bag as possible. After responding to a pretty bad crash, I ultimately found what I needed;
who have cheap holsters dangling off but, with medical gear strewn everywhere, my bag ended up looking as if it were part of the
their hips. Sure, while they’re celebrating accident investigation. I soon learned that some items—frequently used go-to gear—needed
the Second Amendment and enjoying to be placed in locations that were easy to see and reach, staged for quick access.
their freedom to do so, it’s not the most Grey Man Tactical knows this lesson equally well. Its RMPs are essentially polymer
tactically sound decision—particularly panels strategically fashioned into a grid that allows users to mount gear that’s MOLLE

› Right: The mount's
tri-glide snap buckles
are pretty easy to set
up and use.
‹ Above: The row

of teeth on each
(“modular lightweight load-carrying equipment”) compatible. It’s pretty clear that MOLLE Blackhawk, for example) such as general- mount allows users
lends itself to a military/tactical application, because that’s where the system originated. purpose pouches, shotshell holders and all to adjust the tight-
ness with which
Certainly, there are a lot of accessories on the market, such as holsters, magazine holders kinds of holster mounts. they hold weapons.
and the like, that match up nicely with the RMP.
However, this doesn’t strictly have to be the case. I found in testing these two RMPs that BACKPACKING
I could set them up for essentially whatever gear I wanted quick access to. I began by working on the 15.25x11-inch
While MOLLE is the main interface, some components are function specific. Grey Man panel, because its intended function was
Tactical sells a number of attachments on its website that are designed for a specific to serve as an internal organizer for smaller
purpose ... such as the Rifle Rack. This setup attaches to the panel with steel hardware bags (such as a backpack). Thinking about
and doesn’t require weaving any straps. Other pieces of kit, such as the Quick Release my typical loadout, I added items to the
Shock Cord or the Shockloop, allow you to mount up just about anything you desire grid by weaving their MOLLE straps through
using the grid. The company even sells products from other manufacturers (Esstac and and then securing them.
“BEING PREPARED FOR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING WHILE NOT

LOOKING LIKE YOU’RE PREPARED FOR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING IS
A GREAT WAY TO LIVE YOUR LIFE.”
› Left: This is the

collection of Grey
Man Tactical gear
the author tested
for this review. It
includes two RMP
panels, a weapon
mount and a Black-
hawk mag pouch.

15.25x11-Inch Rigid
MOLLE Panel
Specifications
• Width: 15.25 inches
• Height: 11 inches
• MOLLE-compatible holes: 45
• Mounting slots, 1.0 inch: 2 per side and end
• Mounting holes, 0.25 inch: 2 per side and end
• Thickness: 0.188 inch
• Weight: 11 ounces
• Material: High-density polyethylene
MSRP: $55
“WITH MORE ‘REAL ESTATE,’ If you have a decent assortment of accessories, it’s wise to map things out before you start
strapping them on. In addition, it’s prudent to give some thought to the gear you’ll really
GREY MAN’S DESIGNERS need in a clutch situation. The panel only has so much room, and the whole idea is to easily
WENT WILD, ADDING IN MORE and quickly get to what you need, ideally using muscle memory after plenty of practice with
AND LARGER ACCESSORIES.” your rig. Some items might fit well but need clearance to retrieve and access their contents,
such as drawing a firearm from a holster or pulling magazines quickly and efficiently.
My Viking ancestors were great weavers, but the skill is largely lost on me! I muddle
through with pliers (grumbling the occasional oath) and a common screwdriver, working
to thoroughly complete the weave so the accessories mount up securely and don’t
flop around. This is an effort where you’ll get out of it exactly what you put in; no half
measures will do.
The final product was something I was happy with. I had a backup handgun, magazine
holders, flashlight holder, chemlight pouch and multiple accessories that held crucial
medical gear such as tourniquets and combat gauze. When you need these items, you
need them right away and don’t want to be rifling through a bag to find them. The RMP
assures you hassle-free access. And, after securing the high-priority stuff to the panel, I
‹ Above: For medical kits, make sure the mounting base allows you to quickly unhook from the
panel, such as this kit with a hook-and-loop retaining field.
‹ Left: The RMP can be quickly removed from a vehicle via a couple of snap buckles.

can still use the pack as normal; but, in the ‹ Above, left: After There’s a strap you mount to the top of the panel that goes around the headrest of your
checking clearances
event of an emergency, I can swiftly access for a long gun mount, seat. This anchors the 15.25x25-inch panel in place. There’s another strap that mounts to
the things I need most, individually or as a the author moved on both sides of the panel, loops around the seat and keeps it tight up against the back.
to adding supporting
grab-and-go unit. gear. The first step consists of mounting the tri-glide snap buckles to both sides and the top
of the panel. This involves some weaving, because you have to feed the tail through small
‹ Above, middle:
GOING MOBILE Always keeping use- slits in the panel, loop it back through the buckle and tighten it down to secure it.
Taking the backpack panel concept a lot fulness in mind, the
author made sure he
further, Grey Man Tactical expanded the could access the gear “THERE ARE FEW THINGS WORSE THAN
idea by making it much larger and adding from the driver’s seat.
SEARCHING FRANTICALLY FOR A PIECE OF
hardware so it can be mounted to the back ‹ Above, right: With
of a vehicle seat. With more “real estate,” a traditional 870 KIT THAT MIGHT MEAN THE DIFFERENCE
loadout, the author
Grey Man’s designers went wild, adding in mounted his firearm BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH WHILE
more and larger accessories. muzzle down but
could have easily SOMEONE SUFFERS.”
Pulling everything out of the box, the inverted it due to the
process seemed pretty straightforward. modularity.
15.25x25-Inch Rigid
MOLLE Panel
Specifications
• Width: 15.25 inches
• Height: 25 inches
• MOLLE-compatible holes: 108
• Mounting slots, 1.0 inch: 2 per end, 1 per corner,
4 per side
• Mounting holes, 0.25 inch: 2 per end, 3 per side
• Mounting holes, 0.563 inch: 2 per end, 2 per side
• Thickness: 0.188 inch
• Weight: 34.5 ounces
• Material: Injection-molded glass-filled nylon
MSRP: $125

‹ Left: After the
Once this was completed, I snapped in the author fitted the
top belt around the headrest and cinched panel to the back
of the seat, he
it snugly so it wouldn’t move. Then, I ran began to map out
the base strap around the seat back, the gear placement
on the grid at his
snapped in the buckles and tightened it so workbench.
the panel was held firmly in place against
the back of the seat. Once I was certain I
had the panel mounted up as I wanted it, it
was time to consider the loadout I wanted
to carry in the vehicle.
I typically lean toward a multi-purpose
solution that combines self-defense with
a heavy emphasis on the medical. For this
application, I used Grey Man Tactical’s Rifle
› Right: Whether
drawing from the
driver’s seat or from
the relative safety of
a vehicle’s passen-
ger side, organizing
gear for quick
access is the RMP’s
chief value.
› Left: The RMP

Cover is a worth-
while investment
that ensures all your
subterfuge isn’t
unraveled because
of someone's simple
glance through the
window.
Rack. While there are a few options on the GMT website, this rubber clamp version seems
ABOUT GREY to have good versatility. There are two rubber clamps that mount to the RMP with sturdy
hardware. One is larger than the other, but both have a somewhat stretchy strap that
closes on the other side over a series of teeth. These teeth allow you to select how snugly
MAN TACTICAL you secure your weapon.

With the 25-inch-tall panel, you can safely mount a pistol, AR pistol, AR, SBR, a shotgun
or other long gun if you configure the panel and the clamps properly.
Paul Capdepon started Grey Man Tactical when he was I was able to set up a version for lever guns, shotguns and AR-platformed weapons pretty
unable to find gear that served his needs. easily. The basic idea is using the larger clamp to handle the forend of the weapon and
Part of the origin story involved not wanting people the smaller clamp to catch near the buttstock. You can mount the weapon muzzle up or
to know what he carried while living in a nonpermissive down as you see fit. I considered the way I’d most likely draw the shotgun or rifle—from the
area in 2012. As a result, he decided to build his own driver’s seat—and mounted accordingly. However, I love the fact that this platform gives me
solution and eventually came up with the first Rigid so many options.
MOLLE Panel that fit into a 15-inch laptop sleeve. Soon
after, interest in his invention grew, and he started ACCESSORIZE YOUR LIFE
working with local manufacturers in Louisiana and then Most of the MOLLE-compatible gear I have on hand (and I’ve accumulated quite a bit
selling the products via a website. over the years) leans toward the "hoplophile" (a person who enjoys collecting and using
Paul’s creations have been used by all levels of law firearms) lifestyle. In many ways, my focus on firearms and accessories helped drive the
enforcement and many military units as well. loadouts I placed on the various RMPs. However, that doesn’t have to be the case for you!
Admittedly, many of the general-purpose pouches can be set up any way you'd like.
(985) 290-3161 I imagined varied loadouts such as off-roading gear (I know some folks now use the
GreyManTactical.com term, “overlanding”), where I’d have at the ready my winch controller, tow strap, shackles
and other accoutrements. Using the various hardware available on the Grey Man Tactical

‹ Left: The Grey
website, you can affix just about anything Ghost Gear Gypsy
to these panels and completely customize was a great pack to
use during testing
them exactly how you’d like; and you of the smaller
don’t even have to rely strictly on MOLLE MOLLE panel.
compatibility.
Another important aspect to consider
is not leaving the idea of the "gray man"
behind. It’s all well and good to have
some super-sweet tactical gear at your
fingertips, but if it can be plainly seen
through your window, you’re well outside
this whole concept.
Grey Man Tactical has a solution: the
RMP Cover. This item is a black, polyester
fabric piece that looks like a backpack. It
fits over the top of whatever you have on
the panel and conceals the contents nicely.
While extremely long guns wouldn’t fit
‹ Below, left: One
under here, compact versions absolutely “I CONSIDERED THE WAY I’D MOST LIKELY simple-looking
fit and are more secure. (In fact, Grey Man MOLLE bag holds a
DRAW THE SHOTGUN OR RIFLE—FROM lot of extra ammuni-
Tactical has a lot of options for you to set tion, should the need
up things just as you’d like, even locking
THE DRIVER’S SEAT—AND MOUNTED arise.
gun mounts.) ACCORDINGLY. HOWEVER, ‹ Below, middle: The

Keep in mind that adherence to security I LOVE THE FACT THAT THIS PLATFORM author liked taking
his time during the
mean redundant layers: Tinted glass, the GIVES YOU SO MANY OPTIONS.” setup and made sure
RMP cover, as well as locking down your the panel fit well
before he mounted
firearms, together provide the best outcomes. potential benefits and perils of leaving a firearm mounted to an RMP. items to it.
During testing, everything was extremely solid and rode quietly in the vehicle. The panels
‹ Below, right:
GOING GRAY were rigid enough to support the varied loadouts I tested and provided quick access to Even with long
I used these products for a few months whatever I reached for. guns mounted on
the front seat of
and loved the ability to set up my vehicles While the “tactical” applications of these Grey Man Tactical panels are obvious, you his vehicle, the
however I liked. I enjoyed being able to could just as well set them up to support your photography hobby, for your kids' toys in passengers in the
back still had plenty
quickly remove items and recognized the the backseat or anything else—that’s the real beauty of these products. of room.

› This is a view of the
diversity of foods that
Pascal Baudar has
pickled and fermented
for longer-term storage.
(Photo: Pascal Baudar)

PRESERVE FOODS
WITHOUT
REFRIGERATION
PASCAL BAUDAR TEACHES
THE ANCIENT ART OF FOOD
PRESERVATION.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES
rowing up in Belgium, young Pascal Baudar’s grand-
G mother taught him about some of the local basic

wild foods.
“But I really got serious about this when I was
living in California in 1999 and I began to work with
some chefs. I not only wanted to create some unique products, I
also wanted to find a way to extend the harvest of wild foods,” he
explains.
Once he was living in California, he undertook the study of wild
food identification and pursued the preparations of wild foods in a
unique way.
“I look at food as an artist,” the way a top chef is concerned
about the presentation of food on the plate, Baudar pointed out.
He worked at creating unique food products from wild plants, but
he was disenchanted with chefs, who were more concerned about
speed and cost, and went his own way.
Baudar, wild food researcher and instructor and the author of
three books on the preservation techniques of wild foods, points
out that there are about 50 methods of food preservation, which
include drying, yeast fermentation, pickling with vinegar or salt,
lacto-fermentation, the use of alcohol and many variations of
these.
“‘FERMENTATION IS A VERY
SAFE PROCESS … .’”
› Pascal Baudar with a

copy of his Wildcrafted
Fermentation book

LEARN 01 02
MORE 01 Holding up a
cabbage, Pascal
Baudar says, “Think
of this as the world
… there are good
• Read Pascal Baudar’s book: guys and bad guys,”
Wildcrafted Fermentation referring to good and
bad bacteria on the
Chelsea Green Publishing cabbage.
MSRP: $29.95
Amazon.com
02 Baudar begins
• Watch Baudar’s and other YouTube the preservation
process by thinly
videos on this subject. slicing the cabbage.
YouTube.com
03 04
• Visit one of Baudar’s classes or
webinars. They’re usually announced
on his Instagram page or website.
Instagram.com/PascalBaudar 03 Everything
is sliced finely in
UrbanOutdoorSkills.com/schedule preparing to make
sauerkraut.
04 Baudar slices
radish greens and
LACTO-FERMENTATION
roots.
During a small, private class, Baudar is
demonstrating simple lacto-fermentation 05 06
techniques, showing methods that’ll 05 All the prepared
ingredients go into a
help preserve foods without modern big bowl.
refrigeration. These methods have stood
the test of time. And although Baudar has
focused on the use of wild foods, ordinary,
cultivated garden crops could be preserved
06 According to
using these same methods. the recipe, add 2
He stands in front of an array of his teaspoons of salt per
pound of greens.
preserved wild vegetables in jars and holds
up some wild radish greens.
“Most of the bacteria we need for lacto- 07 08
fermentation already exists on the leaves,”
he explains, pointing out that the cabbage
family members are particularly good for 07 Sprinkling in the
this method of preservation because they salt is an essential
part of the process.
also contain the sugars that are the food
for the lactobacteria.
GOOD BACTERIA VS.

BAD BACTERIA
Baudar holds up a cabbage and smiles.
“Think of this as the world,” he says.
“There are ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys,’” 08 Crushing the
he continues, referring to good and bad leaves breaks the cell
walls and releases
bacteria. “The good guys will preserve the the juices that will
food, and the bad guys will make it moldy make the “magic”
happen.
and spoil it.

09 Baudar is shown
09 squeezing the greens
with the salt to get
10
the process started.
10 Baudar shows
a jar of previously
made sauerkraut
that was created via
the method he just
demonstrated.
“I want the good guys—the

lactobacteria—to preserve my food,” he “ … THERE ARE ABOUT 50 METHODS OF FOOD
explains. “And I want to eliminate most of PRESERVATION, WHICH INCLUDE DRYING, YEAST
the bad guys with salt. The application of FERMENTATION, PICKLING WITH VINEGAR OR SALT,
salt will kill a lot of the bad bacteria, but
the lactobacteria don’t mind the salt,” says LACTO-FERMENTATION, THE USE OF ALCOHOL AND
Baudar. MANY VARIATIONS OF THESE.”
He further explains that by adding a bit
of salt to a bowl of diced and crushed to feed the good guys and bombard the bad guys with salt; and our third protection is
vegetables, the salt breaks down the cell to deprive the undesirable bacteria of oxygen. The lactobacteria don’t need oxygen, so
walls of the vegetables and releases the they’re OK with that.”
juices—the sugars, which is food for the To deprive the “bad guys” of oxygen, Baudar places a flat leaf at the top of the jar,
good guys. directly on top of the greens he just placed in there, and presses it down to keep the
contents under the created brine (salted juices).
METHODOLOGY Once you’ve packed your vegetables or greens with the salt, you should shake the
Baudar dices up several wild radish roots, jar a couple of times every day for about five days and open the lid slightly to let the
half a regular green cabbage and a handful fermentation gases escape.
of greens, including dandelions and wild Another method consists of pressing down the contents twice a day for the first four to
radish, and puts them into a large bowl. He five days and then perhaps once a day after that until the initial fermentation is complete
then adds 2 teaspoons of salt per pound (in other words, when there are no more fermentation gases). If the temperature is cold,
of greens and squeezes it all by hand, Baudar will actually place the jar outside.
releasing the juices of the greens and roots.
“That’s the beginning of a sauerkraut-
type ferment,” he points out as he begins
4 STEPS OF
to pack it into a clean jar.
Baudar explains that “this is a cold-
climate preservation technique; and, in
southern California, as well as in warmer
climates, you should eat such foods within
two to three weeks. If it’s colder, it’ll last
LACTO-FERMENTATION
longer; and certainly, you can keep this in 1. Add salt (which kills most of the bad bacteria)—2 teaspoons per pound of greens.
your refrigerator or a cool basement. If it’s 2. Extract the sugar by squeezing the greens (this feeds the good bacteria).
hot, the fermentation speeds up. 3. Close the lid and deprive contact access with oxygen (that is, "starve" the bad bacteria).
“The food never really goes bad,” Baudar 4. The food becomes acidic (like vinegar), which is bad for the bad bacteria.
says, “but there’s a loss of texture of the
food, which might be unappealing. If it’s The jars can be kept outdoors in the winter or in the refrigerator. In warmer climates, if there’s no
stored in a refrigerator or cold basement, a refrigerator available, the jars should be kept in a cool basement or used within two or three weeks.
ferment can last for at least a year.
“Remember: We’re still ‘at war.’ We have

› Left: Baudar
shows the
pickled leaves of
01 02
a black mustard
plant, which is
considered an
invasive weed by
many. He’s turned
it into a tasty treat.
01 Crushing fresh garlic in a molcajete 02 Garlic, chili and water are blended into
(mortar and pestle) is the first step for making the stone molcajete.
a kimchi-like product.
03 04
HOW TO MAKE
VINEGAR
FROM WINE
Vinegar is made from an alcoholic beverage that contains
around 5 to 8 percent alcohol. Wine is about 12 percent alco-
hol. (Read the label, which will indicate the specific alcohol
percentage of the bottle’s contents. )
If your wine has 12 percent alcohol, mix it 50/50 with water,
and you'll end up with around 6 percent alcohol. Pascal Baudar
likes to go closer to 8 percent and often uses the ratio of 40 per-
cent water and 60 percent wine. A higher percentage of alcohol
will give you a more acidic vinegar, so stay within the range of 5 03 Baudar is about to add the chili mixture to 04 At this stage, the chili mix is blended into the
greens. greens.
to 8 percent alcohol.
Then, buy some Bragg’s raw apple cider vinegar. Add 20 to
30 percent by volume of this vinegar to the wine. So, if you
05 06
have 4 cups of wine, add 1.25 cups of Bragg’s vinegar.
Transfer the liquid into a clean jar, cover it with a paper
towel or cloth, and seal the cloth with a rubber band. Within
two weeks at 70 degrees (F), you’ll have your own vinegar,
along with the “mother” (a mass that’s created during
the process and that can be used to create other batches
of vinegar). Vinegar is made within the range of 60 to 80
degrees (F).
“ … ALTHOUGH BAUDAR HAS

FOCUSED ON THE USE OF WILD
FOODS, ORDINARY, CULTIVATED
GARDEN CROPS COULD BE
PRESERVED USING THESE
SAME METHODS.” 05 Baudar begins packing the kimchi-like product
into a clean jar.
06 The kimchi mixture is pressed into a jar, and a
leaf is placed on top of the ingredients.
50 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY

[ 2021]
‹ Far left, top: Baudar
answers questions
about the shelf life
of his fermented and
pickled products.
‹ Near left: This array

of fermented foods
was made by Pascal
Baudar and is on
display in one of his
classes. (Photo: Pascal
Baudar)
‹ Far left, bottom: Pas-

cal Baudar is shown
teaching the popular
topic of beer- and
soda-making during
one of his public
classes. (Photo: Pascal
Baudar)
“‘MOST PEOPLE ARE AFRAID TO EXPERIMENT … BUT AS

LONG AS YOU FOLLOW THE SIMPLE RULES, YOU CAN TRY ALL
SORTS OF FOOD WITH ALL SORTS OF FLAVORS. AND, YOU CAN
PRESERVE YOUR CROPS FOR OUT-OF-SEASON USE, EVEN
WITHOUT REFRIGERATION.’”
He says, “Remember that foods in contact with oxygen go bad, so you want to keep all
your food under the brine and the container closed. Alternatively, work with it and shake/
stir the contents inside, which become acidic over time. The bad bacteria love oxygen.”
He shows a jar he recently processed and points out little bubbles rising in the contents.
PICKLING
“The lactobacteria eat the sugar and excrete lactic acid, so the food becomes a bit Pickling foods in vinegar or fermenting them in brine
acidic. That’s good, because that preserves it. I usually ferment my sauerkraut (or kimchi) is one of the oldest food preservation methods. The
at room temperature until there are no more fermentation gases (about 10 to 14 days) earliest archaeological evidence comes from ancient
and then store it in the refrigerator, where it’ll keep for at least a year.” Mesopotamia and the Tigris River Valley more than
4,000 years ago.
A KIMCHI-LIKE PRODUCT Before the availability of refrigeration, pickling allowed
Baudar also demonstrates a kimchi-like product. In a stone molcajete (mortar and vegetables and fruits to be eaten long after they were
pestle), he blends some fresh garlic and Korean chili. He pours this into a bowl of in season and meats (such as salt pork) to be carried on
sliced radish and diced greens (to which he’s added salt in the amount of 2 teaspoons long journeys and into wars.
per pound of greens). He blends everything and smiles as he serves up a taste to his Pickling soon spread around the world: Pickles are
students. We all taste it, and it’s absolutely delicious! mentioned by Aristotle, in the Bible and in Shakespeare’s
“Technically, this isn’t ‘traditional’ kimchi,” he explains, “so I call it a ‘kimchi-like’ product.” plays. Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I were prominent
The contents are transferred into a jar, and Baudar then presses the greens below the proponents of pickles’ health properties.
level of the brine. “Remember: Keep the food under the brine. The bad guys like oxygen.” The wide adoption of electrical refrigeration in the 20th
Baudar has a wide variety of greens, roots and vegetables laid out on the table in front century meant that pickling was no longer necessary for pre-
of us. Everything’s been processed in some variation of what’s been described here. serving food. Nevertheless, by then, pickles were appreciated
We begin to taste the incredible array of foods he’s created. for their taste. And so, the method has lasted.

EASY RECIPE:
ALMOST-INSTANT
CUCUMBER PICKLE
“Quick” or “refrigerator” pickles are easy to make. The following is barely a “recipe.”
However, it’s both reliable and totally adjustable to individual taste.
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider, white wine or rice)

• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 2 teaspoons sugar (white, raw or brown)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cucumber, washed (peeled or not, depending on the variety)
Mix the vinegar and water in a bowl and stir in the sugar and salt until they’re dis-
solved. Thinly slice in the cucumber. Stir gently.
An even more-instant result is obtained by marinating the cucumber slices in some
liquid from a jar of pickles. Finely chopped dill, mint or chives can be added. More (or
less) vinegar, water, sugar or salt can be included to taste.
This can be made during the day and refrigerated. When they’re drained, these
crunchy slices can be used on burgers and in sandwiches and salads. Or, they can
be enjoyed on their own. They can be stored in the fridge for a few days, but they’ll
become softer.
“Most people are afraid to experiment,” he says, “but as long as › Top right: This
photo provides a
you follow the simple rules, you can try all sorts of food with all view of some of
sorts of flavors. And, you can preserve your crops for out-of-season the items kept in
Pascal Baudar’s
use, even without refrigeration.” pantry. (Photo:
To emphasize his point, Baudar grabs a jar of whole garlic he’d Pascal Baudar)
pickled using the salt-and-vinegar method. He said it would still be

good in 20 years!
Answering students’ many questions, he explains that another
method of food preservation—yeast fermentation—is typically
a process used to make beers and sodas (of which Baudar has
pioneered many new beverages based on wild foods). This is all
documented in his book, The Wildcrafting Brewer (available at
Amazon.com).
Because vinegar is one of the major methods of food
preservation, Baudar typically makes his own from scratch (see
the sidebar on page 50). He’s currently working on his fourth book,
which will focus exclusively on making vinegars from scratch, often
flavoring with, or utilizing, wild ingredients.
GOOD VS. BAD FERMENTATION

One student asks Baudar, “How will you know if your food’s gone
bad and should be discarded? Its smell? Its appearance?”
Baudar responds, “Fermentation is a very safe process, and a bad › Bottom right:
ferment is typically easy to recognize with the appearance of mold, Pascal Baudar is
self-reliant in many
slimy texture and foul smell. Personally, I’ve never experienced ways. Here, he
mold in one of my ferments, because I like to work with them, serves samples of
his foods on little
which means shaking the bottle or pushing the food under the clay dishes … that
brine.” he made.

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“THE BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE

ANYONE IS TO TAKE CARE OF THE
BASICS, HAVE A GOOD PLAN THAT
YOU’RE UPDATING REGULARLY AND,
WITH LUCK, EVERYTHING ELSE WILL
FALL INTO PLACE.”

hen American Survival Guide Editor Mike McCourt asked me to do
W this article for the magazine, I originally thought, This’ll be a piece of

cake.
However, as I started to write it, I realized that it’s no such thing:
How do you reduce a lifetime of experience and more than 30 years of
writing about my preparation gear to just 25 items? So, I decided to go back to the basics.
THE BASICS
Growing up in rural New Hampshire, the place I make my home today (although it’s not
as rural as it once was), I was taught to live by the four basics: food, water, shelter and fire.
These are all the things you need to stay alive. My father always said, “All a person needs
is a good knife and a way to start a fire, and they’ll survive.”
Over the years, our lives have become more complicated. What were once considered
“extras” have now become the norm. The “basic” list has grown to include communication,
medical, transportation and navigation—a daunting list of things to be concerned about,
to say the least. My, how things have changed!
UNDERSTAND YOUR ENVIRONMENT

The number-one position on my list is, Understand the environment. All the fancy stuff
in the world will do you no good until you do that. It doesn’t matter whether you live in
“A FEW DAYS’ WORTH OF DEHYDRATED

FOOD IS STORED IN EACH OF MY FAMILY’S
GO-BAGS. MY FAVORITES ARE PALEO
MEALS TO GO, MADE BY WILD ZORA. I ALSO
KEEP A VARIETY OF MEAT SNACKS MADE
BY THE NEW PRIMAL AND HIGH-ENERGY ‹ Above: This Bushnell portable charging panel saves on backup
energy costs by charging rechargeable batteries used in electronics.
PRODUCTS MADE BY HONEY STINGER.”
an urban or rural area; the precept still
applies. Know where to find food and
water. Know where medical help can be
found and how to get to it.
Locate potential areas where additional
resources can be found and know possible
evacuation routes if you have to leave in a
hurry. Take a course or read books to find
out what kind of natural resources are
available. Education is the key.
Although I live in the Northeast, at any
given moment, I could find myself almost
anywhere. I could be in the piney woods
of Georgia, the swamps of Florida or
somewhere in the desert Southwest. No
matter where I am or plan to be, survival
‹ Near left: The Liberty Lifesaver water filter

processes all questionable water before the
author drinks it. To be safe, he even filters
tap water during emergencies.
‹ Far left, top: These are the author’s

two favorite go-to dehydrated meals for
emergency use.
‹ Far left, bottom: The author and his family

always use this PUR water filter on the
kitchen faucet at home.

› Near right: Cooking
on a Camp Chef
pellet stove during a
power outage is easy
and is pretty similar
to cooking on a
kitchen stove.
› Far right: This

jerky is from New
Primal. The author
includes it in his
bug-out bags and
vehicle supplies.
All of New Primal’s
meat snacks are
part of his stores.
is always on my mind. I try to learn as much as I can about the environment I might find least expensive and the most valuable.
myself in. I keep my eyes and ears open for potential resources. Food. Food is always near the top of my
Shelter. Where I live, you won’t survive long without some sort of shelter. During the list. There’s always a 30-day supply of
winter, temperatures often drop to -20 degrees (F), and snow is measured in feet, not dried, dehydrated and canned food in my
inches. During the warmer months, hurricanes and tropical storms ride up the coast and home. I hunt and fish as much as I can, so
often unleash their fury on us. Tornadoes, while not common, do occur as well. Getting the freezers stay stocked as well. However,
caught without shelter could be life-threatening. keep in mind that the food in the freezer
My home is the main shelter for my family and me. It’s where I have the resources to keep my will only stay good as long as there’s
family safe until the danger passes. If I’m not home, at least I know my family will be safe. power, so don’t rely on it.
When I’m on the road, I usually travel light. I observe the area and locate the natural A few days’ worth of dehydrated food is
resources needed for shelter-building. I can use my truck as an emergency shelter if stored in each of my family’s go-bags. My
› Below, left: needed; however, I also carry a tarp, which can quickly be turned into a lean-to or favorites are Paleo Meals to Go, made by
Paracord (left) and
nylon clothesline
makeshift overhead cover. Wild Zora. I also keep a variety of meat
rope are two good Cordage. Whether it’s rope or paracord, cordage is a must-have around the home, in your snacks made by The New Primal and high-
types of cordage to
keep with you. Like
bag or in your vehicle. Sadly, it’s one item that’s overlooked in many people’s survival gear. energy products made by Honey Stinger.
a multi-tool or Swiss The number of uses for cordage is limitless—from shelter-building to making emergency Water. There’s no such thing as having
Army knife, cordage
has many uses.
bindings for snowshoes and clothesline. Of all the gear out there, cordage is one of the “too much” water. In fact, just the opposite
“WHETHER IT’S ROPE OR PARACORD, CORDAGE IS A MUST-

› Below, right: The
Sun Jack solar panel HAVE AROUND THE HOME, IN YOUR BAG OR IN YOUR VEHICLE.
is great for charging
a cell phone and SADLY, IT’S ONE ITEM THAT’S OVERLOOKED IN MANY PEOPLE’S
many other small
electronic devices. SURVIVAL GEAR.”

› Top right: When
is true. Chances are that no matter how the author’s
much water you have, it won’t be enough. family has a bigger
meal to prepare,
In my home, we keep at least three cases they use a large
of bottled water and another five 1-gallon propane stove.
jugs as well. In the case of an impending
storm, I fill another two 5-gallon containers
to have on standby.
After a storm, the quality of the water
from the tap, whether from a well or from
a municipal source, will be in question, so
it needs to be filtered before drinking. I use
PUR filters on my home’s taps, and I always
filter outside sources with my Sawyer Mini
(which I carry in my bag) or my Lifesaver
Liberty filter.
Fire. Fire provides heat, allows you to
cook food and provides comfort. For those
reasons, I always have a way to start a fire. › Bottom right:
Lighters are cheap
By far the easiest—and the one method and will get your
I recommend—is using a butane lighter. fire started in
most situations.
They’re inexpensive and will do the job. I They definitely
always carry one in my pocket. There are beat rubbing two
sticks together!
also two in my go-bag and at least one However, you
in my truck. I also carry a ferro rod, just in should also know
how to start a
case. It also doesn’t hurt to learn fire- fire using more-
making skills using primitive methods. primitive means.
Cooking. Most canned food is edible

without heating or cooking, and most
dehydrated food can use cold water (in
a pinch). Even so, a warm meal is much
better, and it’s a morale-booster during
stressful times.
I don’t waste power using the stove or
oven in the house. Instead, I use my large
propane grill, my smaller Camp Chef Everest
propane grill or my Camp Chef pellet-fired
› Bottom left: The
grill/smoker (which does use electricity to Camp Chef Everest
propane stove
fire up, but it’s much less than a standard
is small enough
stove). Away from home, I use my biofuel to bring along if
you have to leave
Solo Stove to warm water and heat up food.
home during an
Communications. In the case of an emergency.
‹ Near left: The author

prefers to use a map
and compass for
navigation, rather
than a GPS. He feels
that these tools are
more reliable than
a GPS during an
emergency.
58 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY

[J 2021]
KNIVES
A good knife is an important tool, and everyone
should have at least one. The key word is “tool.”
I’m not talking about combat knives; instead, these
knives should be work knives. My favorite knife is the
Jessmuk, made by LT Wright Knives. The blade is heavy
enough to make kindling for a fire, yet it’s nimble
enough to make tent pegs, cut cordage for making a
shelter or cleaning that trout you caught for dinner.
Think about the tasks you might ask your knife to
perform and get a good quality knife that can handle
those jobs. You might be well served if you choose a
backup knife that’s also adept at some other work so
that they complement each other.
‹ Top, far left: The

emergency, having a reliable line of communication is very important. While some might fuel tanks full at all times. LT Wright Jessmuk
rely on tablets, laptops and cell phones, I don’t. They might not work for a variety of In addition, I always keep the vehicle is the one knife the
author never leaves
reasons. Instead, I rely on AM/FM radios for news and weather and two-way radios to loaded with basic survival supplies such as home without,
communicate with family and first responders. food, water, a first aid kit, blankets, tools because it’s versatile
enough to handle
I use a Midland Base Camp XT511 radio in my home, which allows me to transmit and and communications gear. If we have to most of his cutting
receive. I carry a Midland GXT portable radio on my person or in my pack so I can stay in bug out—and there's time—I’ll add more and camp needs.
touch with home or get help. In my vehicle, I have a Midland Micro Mobile radio. supplies. If not, I know that at least I have
Transportation. No matter how good your home is, there'll be times you’ll need to leave. enough to get my family to a safe place.
How will you get your family out of harm’s way? If you have your own vehicle, the issue is Navigation. In today’s world, the art of
already decided. The next question is, Is that vehicle ready to go whenever you need it? navigation can be a lost skill. We live in a
Because I never know if or when I’ll need to evacuate my family, I make sure our vehicles world of electronics; and, like all electronic
are always ready to go. I check the oil, tires, belts and hoses on a regular basis. I keep the devices, GPS units can be hacked or suffer
“BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW IF OR WHEN I’LL NEED TO EVACUATE

MY FAMILY, I MAKE SURE OUR VEHICLES ARE ALWAYS READY TO
GO. I CHECK THE OIL, TIRES, BELTS AND HOSES ON A REGULAR
BASIS. I KEEP THE FUEL TANKS FULL AT ALL TIMES.”
‹ Far left: The
author’s truck
always has a basic
load of provisions
and a full tank of gas
so that it’s ready to
go at all times.
‹ Near left: A
Midland GXT
portable two-way
radio. It has great
range and is how
the author stays in
touch with family
and first responders.

› Near right: This compact first aid kit can slip
into, or attach to, the outside of a backpack. It’s
just one of the medical kits the author and his
family keep at the ready.
“GROWING UP
IN RURAL NEW
HAMPSHIRE, I WAS
TAUGHT TO LIVE BY
THE FOUR BASICS:
FOOD, WATER,
SHELTER AND FIRE.
THESE ARE ALL THE
THINGS YOU NEED
TO STAY ALIVE.”
other failures. For that reason, I prefer to

use maps and compasses. Magnetic north
never fails or goes away. Whether you’re out
in the wild or trying to get your family to a › Above: This is the
safe place, I recommend having a good map author’s go-to medical
book for dealing
and a compass on hand. I also recommend with illness or basic
taking a land navigation course. injuries.
Medical. In any emergency, people can
get sick or injured, and you might need S O U R C E S
to rely on yourself to take care of them.
American Red Cross
In the case of a hurricane, earthquake or RedCross.org
other natural disaster, first responders
Bushnell
probably won’t be available everywhere Bushnell.com
they’re needed. Be prepared to handle the
Camp Chef
situation until help can get to you. CampChef.com
Our family keeps ample supplies of all
Doom and Bloom Medical
prescription medication on hand at all DoomandBloom.net
times. Over-the-counter pain medication,
Honey Stinger
antiseptics and bandages of all sizes are HoneyStinger.com
in boxes from which they can be easily and
Lifesaver
quickly accessed. Additionally, complete IconLifesaver.com
› Above: This generator has a maximum output of 3,500 watts and is one of two the author uses
first aid kits are always kept in my bag to keep cold food cold when the power goes out. It’s always ready to go ... just in case.
LT Wright Knives
and truck. I have copies of The Survival LTWrightKnives.com
Medicine Handbook, written by Joseph
Midland USA
Alton, M.D., and Amy Alton, A.R.N.P. (this The Benner homestead is prepared when the power’s lost. Two generators—one that runs MidlandUSA.com
book is sold by Doom and Bloom), and the on gas and the other on propane—are always ready to go. The generators are what keep
PUR
American Red Cross’s Standard First Aid the freezers running. Items such as cell phones, rechargeable lights and radios are kept PUR.com
and Personal Safety. I also recommend that charged by portable solar panels. We use one from Sun Jack and one from Bushnell. When
Sawyer Products
everyone take a basic first aid course. the sun isn’t out, we use the crank power features on our Midland radios. Sawyer.com
Power. No matter the situation, the
Sun Jack
power will go out sooner or later. As a THE BASICS AND A PLAN SunJack.com
result, you need to have a plan to keep Is my list the end-all for survival and self-reliance gear and skills? Not by a long shot.
The New Primal
your homestead viable. For me, part of Did I leave out a few things that are on your list? You bet I did. Every person and every TheNewPrimal.com
that plan involves generators, portable situation is going to be different. What works for me might not work for you. The best
Wild Zora
solar panels and other ways to keep advice I can give anyone is to take care of the basics, have a good plan that you’re WildZora.com
things running. updating regularly and, with luck, everything else will fall into place.

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FRUGAL
FOLDERS
UNDER $50
CUT THE COST, NOT THE
PERFORMANCE.
BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA
Q
uality isn’t always directly proportionate to price, and knives are no
exceptions.
The fallacy that it takes plenty of green to secure a reliable blade
is one the consumer should dismiss from their mindset. In fact, there
are dozens upon dozens of knives that you can carry daily without
breaking the bank and still have a reliable blade in hand.
However, for the uninformed, choosing such a knife might take a bit of time.
With the plethora of knives on the market today, there’s certainly a lot of “junk”
to sort through to find the true gems of the bunch. Criteria such as durability, knife
steel, handle material and reliability after repeated use must be accounted for
before you make your purchase.
Luckily for you, American Survival Guide has sifted through the mounds of metal
to find the best inexpensive blades under $50 that can rightly find a home by
your side. Although their specifications differ widely, their backbone qualities
remain solid.
There’ll be no more tossing inexpensive knives into the trash when they quickly
cease being productive, because these knives will serve you well for years to
come.
62 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [MARCH

[JULY 2021]
2021]
PHOTO: KABAR.COM

Gerber Gear Asada Folder
Overview Specifications
The Asada Folder mini-cleaver offers a • 7Cr17MoV steel blade
super-strong blade with a buttery-smooth • Cleaver-style blade
folding action. It’s perfect for everyday • Framelock with anti-pinch
use. The handle features anodized alumi- plate
num mark scales and, with its patented • Overall length: 7.50 inches
pinch plate, you’ll have quick openings • Weight: 4.70 ounces
and equally fast closings. This econom-
MSRP
ical folder is at home in a variety of set-
$45
tings and handles a plethora of survival
URL
and around-the-house tasks.
GerberGear.com
Gerber Gear Ayako Folder

At first glance, The Ayako blade’s tanto • Two deployment options: front
tip and sleek body design are noticeably flip and thumb hole
Japanese influenced. Its handle features • 7Cr17MoV steel blade
a coined aluminum mark scale and a • Black oxide-coated blade
stainless steel pile scale, so it’s both • Overall length: 8.10 inches
durable and easy to grip. The rectangu- • Weight: 3.80 ounces
lar, offset thumb hole makes opening
MSRP
this slender beauty a breeze and, with
$31
a quick press of the lock, the knife folds
down safely and is secured. An integrated URL
pocket clip holds your blade safely in your GerberGear.com
pocket for fast access.
CRKT Squid Folder

This stocky blade features a compact • On-blade jimping for extra grip
design that packs a powerful punch • 8Cr13MoV steel blade
when it needs to flex its muscles for a • Stonewash blade finish
variety of daily tasks. The Squid’s design • Overall length: 5.70 inches
offers a framelock for safety, jimping • Weight: 3.50 ounces
on the blade for a secure grip and a
MSRP
stonewash exterior on the easy-grip
$34.99
handle. This EDC blade secures easily to
your pocket with the included belt clip. URL
Alternatively, you can attach a key chain CRKT.com
or fob to the pre-drilled lanyard hole.
This inexpensive folder has it where it
counts! It’s available in black or silver
finish.

CRKT CEO Flipper Folder
The CEO Flipper is thin, lean and mean. • IKBS ball bearing pivot
With a design more similar to a pen than a deploys blade smoothly
knife, this economical blade doesn’t skimp • AUS 8 stainless steel blade
on performance, usability or ergonomics. sharpens easily
The CEO Flipper’s elegant design is right • Glass-reinforced nylon handle
at home in a fancy suit pocket and is ready is durable and comfortable
to slice open letters and packages or help • Overall length: 7.69 inches
with tasks around the house or office. Its • Weight: 1.90 ounces
lubed ball bearings reduce friction and
MSRP
offer a lightning-fast opening, while a
$39.99
locking liner keeps it securely locked in
place to prevent unexpected accidents. A URL
glass-reinforced nylon handle complements CRKT.com
the CEO’s razor-sharp blade.
CRKT LCK+ Folder

An all-around, do-everything blade, the • Low-profile, deep-carry clip
LCK+ offers rapid blade deployment via rides low in the pocket
an assisted-opening flipper. Its stainless • 8Cr13MoV steel blade
steel drop-point blade combines with • Glass-reinforced nylon handle
its rugged glass-reinforced nylon handle scales
to create a tool that’s always ready to • Overall length: 7.47 inches
tackle any number of challenges. The • Weight: 2.80 ounces
ball bearing pivot system makes blade
MSRP
rotation smooth, and the linerlock keeps
$49.99
it solidly in place until released. Confi-
dent, one-handed opening makes this a URL
convenient cutting tool. CRKT.com
Gerber Gear Sumo Folder

One of the best knives under $50 on the • Beautiful, sleek design
market today, the Sumo Folder offers a • 7Cr17MoV steel blade
hardy grip and an equally stocky blade • Ceramic-coated liners and
that’s sharp and ready to use right out barrels
of the box. Its top-heavy design enables • Overall length: 9.02 inches
more power to be directed to the cutting • Weight: 5.02 ounces
edge while your hand stays firmly in place
MSRP
on the layered G10 scales. The pivot lock
$42
is ultra-smooth, the design is brilliantly
artistic, and the blade delivers when it URL
counts. What more could you ask from a GerberGear.com
knife?

Gerber Gear Sharkbelly Folder
With this American-made knife in your • Glass-filled nylon handle
pocket, you’ll have a thrifty choice for • 420HC steel blade
an EDC, as well as a highly reliable one. • Ambidextrous thumb hole
The Sharkbelly features a modern drop- • Overall length: 7.75 inches
point blade, glass-filled nylon handle, • Weight: 2.30 ounces
scratch-resistant pocket clip and a
MSRP
limited lifetime warranty to back it up. An
$34
integrated lanyard hole is added for max-
imum convenience. Whether you’re out URL
in the backwoods or in your own garage, GerberGear.com
there’s seldom a task that the Sharkbelly
can’t handle.
KA-BAR Mark 98 Folder

At first glance, if opened, the Mark 98 • Integrated pocket clip
looks like a solid fixed-blade knife. • 5CR15 stainless steel blade
However, in reality, it’s an all-purpose • Textured G10 handle
folder that can be your trusty sidekick • Overall length: 8.18 inches
for any outdoor adventure. This folder • Weight: 4.80 ounces
features a solid, multi-color, G10 handle
MSRP
that keeps the knife snugged within your
$26.19
grip. Its 3½-inch blade can both punc-
ture and slice with ease. A convenient URL
belt clip allows you to always keep this KaBar.com
important tool within arm’s reach.
KA-BAR Warthog Folder

The Warthog doesn’t follow the rules; • Thumb-assisted opening
it breaks them! Sporting an ergonomic, • 420 stainless steel blade
easy-grip handle and a stubby, yet durably • Textured G10 handle
constructed, blade, this modestly priced • Overall length: 7.56 inches
knife can offer you dependable cutting • Weight: 4.80 ounces
performance on a daily basis. Its drop-
MSRP
point blade and generous cutting edge
$20.30
slice material for both outdoor and
at-home tasks. The Warthog's ribbed URL
handle ensures a secure grip, while its KaBar.com
integrated belt clip secures it until it’s
ready to come out and play.

KA-BAR Coypu Folder
The Coypu is much more than a knife— • One-handed linerlock
it’s an all-around, save-your-life tool! • 5Cr15 stainless steel blade
Equipped with a generous, 3¾-inch • Durable, black G10 handle
blade, a belt- and cordage-cutting tool, • Overall length: 9.0 inches
and a window glass-breaker tip, this • Weight: 7.20 ounces
EDC knife won’t let you down when
MSRP
an accident occurs. The included clip
$22.23
affixes this lifesaver to your pants pocket,
your windshield visor or anywhere it’ll URL
be handy if there’s a vehicle crash. The KaBar.com
Coypu is inexpensive, durable and a
possible escape tool ... what more could
you ask for?
Kershaw Analyst Folder

There’s a lot of knife here for under • Glass-filled nylon handle
$50, and it’s evident in both its features • 8Cr13MoV steel
and reliability. Sporting a tanto-style • Black-oxide BlackWash
blade—complete with a combination coating
edge with serrations near the pivot end— • Overall length: 7.50 inches
the Analyst can cut through a variety of • Weight: 3.50 ounces
materials fast and efficiently. The unique
MSRP
BlackWash blade finish keeps the blade
$49.99
from showing any scarring. The included
belt clip adjusts to four positions for your URL
preferred deep-pocket carry method. A Kershaw.KaiUSA.com
lanyard hole for secure retention rounds
out this dependable work tool.
Kershaw Oso Sweet Folder

This classic drop-point blade offers a • Satin finish coating
simple answer to the question, “Which • 8Cr13MoV steel
knife should be my everyday carry?” • Glass-filled nylon handle
Not only is the Oso Sweet Folder a • Overall length: 7.10 inches
do-it-all pocketknife, this amazing • Weight: 2.80 ounces
blade also sports a SpeedSafe assisted
MSRP
opening feature, as well as a durable,
$46.19
enhanced-grip handle and an attractive
satin finish that looks as great as it pro- URL
tects. A two-position belt clip secures Kershaw.KaiUSA.com
the knife when it’s not in use.

KA-BAR Agama Folder
Sometimes, you need a knife around • Budget-friendly EDC knife
the house or at the office for odd jobs. • 420 stainless steel
The Agama Folder can be that knife. • G10 handle
Featuring a low price tag—but high on • Overall length: 8.50 inches
performance—this blade can be used to • Weight: 4.80 ounces
cut tape or cordage, open boxes, slice
MSRP
belts, split tubes and much more. This
$22.23
knife’s ideal for small jobs and makes
a great stocking-stuffer or anytime-of- URL
the-year gift. KaBar.com
Rothco Folding Hunting Knife

The no-frills, economical Rothco Fold- • Buck-style folder
ing Hunting Knife is ideal for entry-level • Lockback blade release
knife buyers who want a good blade • Stainless steel with zinc alloy
that won’t dig too deeply into their wal- construction
lets. Its stainless steel blade is perfect • Overall length: 8.50 inches
for odd tasks around the house or minor • Blade length: 3.50 inches
outdoor needs. The lockback blade
MSRP
release mechanism ensures safety
$18.99
during use and makes it easy to fold this
knife when the job's done. Start your URL
collection off right. Rothco.com
Victorinox Classic Foldable Paring Knife

The Classic Foldable Paring Knife can • Linerlock blade release
peel, chop, slice and complete just • Stainless steel blade
about any small or food preparation • Durable polypropylene handle
task in the kitchen or out in the field. • Blade length: 4.30 inches
It’s a Swiss classic in both style and • Weight: 1.50 ounces
reliability. As a result, you’ll enjoy this
MSRP
take-anywhere blade with its wavy
$16.80
edge day after day as it helps you
tackle any small cutting tasks you URL
need to take care of. It’s available in six Victorinox.com
handle colors, so everyone in your fam-
ily can have their own color-assigned
Classic Foldable Paring Knife.

Buck Knives 110 Slim Select Knife
A lightweight design, a 420HC steel • Tumbled 420HC stainless
blade and plenty of cutting power when it steel blade
counts—that’s the Slim Select from Buck • Glass-filled nylon handle
Knives, one of the most trusted U.S. knife • Overall length: 8.625
companies. This deep-carry EDC knife inches
allows for discreet carry and quick, easy • Blade length: 3.75 inches
access for any situation that might arise. Its • Weight: 2.80 ounces
blade offers good edge retention, and the
MSRP
knife’s glass-filled nylon handle features
$35
scales that minimize weight and offer a
great grip. This folder sports a lockback fea- URL
ture for dependable safety. The Slim Select BuckKnives.com
Knife is available in four colors.
Spyderco Cara Cara Rescue 2 Knife

Designed to accompany first responders • Four-position pocket clip
to accident sites, the Cara Cara’s fully • 8Cr13MoV blade steel
serrated blade is the go-to choice for • Safe and durable lockback
slicing through seat belts, rope, webbing blade release
and other fibrous materials that might give • Blade length: 3.938 inches
other knives pause. Its blunt, sheepsfoot • Weight: 3.75 ounces
tip allows the knife to work close to vic-
MSRP
tims without accidentally harming them,
$48
and its high-visibility orange color ensures
it’ll be hard to lose in the disarray of a URL
crash site. An integrated belt clip keeps Spyderco.com
this lifesaver nearby.
Spyderco Robin 2 Folder

The Robin 2 Folder is much more than • High-carbon 8Cr13MoV stainless
initially meets the eye. This EDC knife steel
sports a lightweight design and a • Four-way pocket clip
rapid-opening blade that doesn’t stop • High-performance, full-flat-
until the job’s done. Additionally, it ground blade
has several subtle features that make • Blade length: 2.438 inches
this knife a keeper: The fish-scale grip • Weight: 2.2 ounces
pattern allows for a sure grip, even
MSRP
in wet or slick conditions; the unique
$39
“dent” feature lowers the profile of
the lockback lever to enhance safety URL
during use; and a lanyard hole allows Spyderco.com
the addition of your preferred cordage.

BEING PART OF A
TEAM ENHANCES
YOUR CHANCES OF
SURVIVAL.
WHEN
ONE
ISN’T
FUN
he year 2020 was a tough
T one—physically, mentally,
emotionally, sociologically
and politically. We faced
forest fires, hurricanes, a
contentious election, political unrest and
a pandemic. In the past, we typically faced
major issues together “as one nation,” with
petty differences put aside for the good
of all. The first responders’ response at
“ground zero” in New York City after the
events of 9/11 is a good example of what
we can do when we’re united for a single
cause.
In an emergency, or at a time when our
survival is at stake, this is how it has to be
for the greatest benefit to all. Survival isn’t
a game for individual players. We all need
to rely on each other if we’re going to make
it through serious challenges.

“THE BIGGEST AND TOUGHEST
CAN FALL JUST AS EASILY AS
THE WEAK. IF YOU’RE ALONE OR
REFUSE TO ASK FOR HELP, EVEN
THE MOST MINUTE ILLNESS OR
INJURY CAN BE FATAL.”

LONE WOLF
The romantic idea of being a lone survivor—a self-reliant person who doesn’t need
START anyone’s help—isn’t a new one. In the 1700s and 1800s, man after man “headed for the
hills” to seek their fame and fortune running trap lines in the Rockies or striking it rich in
A TEAM the goldfields of the Yukon and Alaska.

Many long, cold nights were spent alone. These men faced starvation, frostbite and
attacks by bears, wolves ... and human predators. Often, even a minor injury or illness
Here are some steps to help you put a team together: meant death. There was no backup plan or support team. Without friendly human
contact, there was nobody to share the load or bounce ideas off, and depression was
• Know with whom you’re working. Trust is key, because common. Of those who survived, very few found what they were seeking. Nevertheless,
you’re literally putting your life into other people’s hands. If you the fact that they did survive meant they were among the lucky few.
can’t trust someone—or they don’t trust you—they shouldn’t be Today’s “lone wolf” isn’t drawn by furs or gold. Today’s driving force is the desire for
on your team. freedom and the “simple way of life.”
• Establish the group’s dynamics. From the start, decide Truth be told, the “simple way of life” isn’t so simple. Surviving is a constant struggle. If
who the leader is going to be and create a chain of command. you’re alone, you have to constantly think about your shelter, food, water, medical and
While group decisions are good, someone needs to be in charge sanitation needs. The time you use to improve your shelter (a necessity) takes away from
in case there’s no time to debate. the time you need for gathering food (hunting, fishing and foraging) and collecting and
• Take advantage of people’s strengths. If someone’s really purifying water (also necessities). Having another person (or people) with you can lighten
good with electronics but weak when it comes to hunting, don’t the load, as well as provide different perspectives on tackling the tasks at hand.
task them with hunting. Use that person in a role they’re good at. Many likely lone wolf types are egged on by the continual movies, television programs
That said, there’s no reason they can’t learn to become a better and magazine articles that encourage people to go it alone. All you need to survive is a
hunter or share their skills with others.
• “Teamwork makes the dream work.” Encourage the idea of “DON’T LET YOUR EGO GET IN THE WAY OF
working together. Share tasks equally. Nobody’s above digging a
latrine, cooking or policing the area. Cross-train everyone in case
YOUR SAFETY AND HEALTH. DON’T TRY
someone goes down with illness or injury. Remember: “Two is TO GO IT ALONE. BY BANDING TOGETHER
one, and one is none.” WITH PEOPLE YOU TRUST, YOUR ODDS
• Be a leader, not a dictator. Lead by example. Don’t ask
anyone to do something you wouldn’t do.
OF MAKING IT AND THRIVING THROUGH A
CRISIS INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY.”
› When you work as

a team, tasks get com-
pleted more quickly
and efficiently.

“HAVING ANOTHER PERSON
(OR PEOPLE) WITH YOU CAN
LIGHTEN THE LOAD, AS WELL
AS PROVIDE DIFFERENT
PERSPECTIVES ON TACKLING
THE TASKS AT HAND.”
› Top right: This
old World War
high-powered rifle, a big knife and a bucket II ammo depot
of freeze-dried food—or so they tell you. Even near the author’s
home would be a
if you have all the skills (most people don’t) great place for the
and equipment, there’s a very good chance team to meet in an
emergency.
you won’t last long on your own. Reading Jon
Krakauer’s book, Into the Wild, will give you an
idea of what can happen if you don’t have a
good support team.
The COVID-19 pandemic has, or should
› Middle right:
have, shown us how important it is to come This group is
together and work as a team. The biggest participating in a
class that teaches
and toughest can fall just as easily as the the basic skill of
weak. If you’re alone or refuse to ask for erecting a tent.
It’s important
help, even the most minute illness or injury to learn critical
can be fatal. skills ... and work
together as a team.
Survival plans shouldn’t be about “me” or (Photo: Christopher
“I.” They should always be about “us.” This Nyerges)
change of mentality is essential; we just have
to change our prideful attitudes. Remember:
› Below, left: The team takes a break during an orienteering course to

review past lessons and prepare for the hike’s next leg. (Photo: Austin
Lester, Fieldcraft Survival)
› Bottom right: Classes, such as this deer-processing class, are ideal for
attending as a team. By doing this, everyone learns valuable skills.

“THE GROUP’S
MEMBERS MUST BE
WILLING TO POOL
ALL AVAILABLE
RESOURCES FOR
THE GOOD OF THE
GROUP. IT CAN
BE FOOD, WATER,
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
OR KNOWLEDGE
AND SKILLS, BUT
SHARING ASSETS
IS KEY TO THE
GROUP’S SUCCESS.”
Those “survival” programs are meant to do nothing more than entertain. In front of the › Above: A team that everything and that every member has
trains together works
cameras, it might appear that the people are on their own, but there’s usually a complete well together. In this something to offer the team.
support team behind the scenes. Make sure you have a support team as well. case, the author’s You don’t need to look too far to find a
team is learning kay-
aking skills at Eco- team—or at least the nucleus of a team.
THE TEAM Tours in Key West, Your family is the first place to look. Family
Florida. Training can
After 10 years of military service, I learned the real value of being part of a team. There’s also be fun! members are normally the only people you can
always someone bigger, stronger or smarter than you. The key to teamwork is to take really count on. However, that might not be
advantage of the strengths of all members. In every group, there’ll be those who excel › Below: Learning the case for you. Expanding the term, “family,”
basic skills—in this
in food-gathering, shelter-building and keeping things running. Every skill will have its case, maple sugaring— a bit more, it can include close friends.
expert, relative to the skill levels of others in the group. was something The bottom line is that you need to surround
passed down to the
There’ll be leaders and followers. A successful team needs a strong and capable leader. A author from some yourself with people you can really count on.
good leader needs to be confident—yet smart enough to know what they don’t know and, local old-timers. He
willingly passes this
as a result, surround themselves with people who have the skills they lack. A good leader knowledge on to HOWDY, NEIGHBOR!
listens to those around them. Above all, a good leader recognizes that nobody knows others. At one time, everyone knew their
ALWAYS BE
LEARNING
Training is essential. This can be done through organized classes or by doing
research on your own. Where possible, train with other members of your group.
This’ll build a better team, as well as your own, and their, skill sets.
Survival courses. There are tons of survival courses available, and they’re
located throughout the country. When you find a credible school or trainer, learn
the basics first. The advanced stuff should come later.
Medical. You can never have too much medical training. The American Red
Cross and many fire departments offer CPR and basic first aid courses. C.E.R.T.
(Community Emergency Response Team) is another option for this, as well as
for other training. These courses are usually offered by county or state organizations
and include first aid and emergency response for natural disasters.

‹ Top left: Working
on a lobster boat
neighbors. But how many of us today
really instilled in can honestly say that they know their
the author how
important a team
neighbors? Oh, sure, we greet them in
is. Here, crew mem- passing, but do we really know them—and,
ber Chris waits for
the signal to place
more importantly, can we trust them? Will
the pots in just the they be there when you really need them?
right spot.
Will you be there when they need you?
Make the effort to get to know the people
around you, because you might find that
some of them have the skills, resources
and mindsets that make them valuable
members of your team. On the other hand,
this exercise might also clue you in to those
you should be wary of.
SIZE DOES MATTER

Whether you’re in an emergency
situation or just living a quiet life, resource
consumption needs to be kept in check.
‹ Middle left: Know- Common sense tells you that the larger the
ing how to handle a
raft in rough water group, the more resources will be used. The
could be essential size of the group you assemble must be
for a safe bug-out, so
this is a good skill- supportable and manageable. You mustn’t
and team-building build a group that can’t sustain itself.
exercise.
The group’s members must be willing to
“THE SIZE OF
THE GROUP YOU
ASSEMBLE MUST BE
› Below, right:
Always know where SUPPORTABLE AND
help can be found
in case it’s needed, MANAGEABLE. YOU
especially if you’re
on the water. The MUSTN’T BUILD A
U.S. Coast Guard
offers boating safety GROUP THAT CAN’T
training in many
locations. SUSTAIN ITSELF.”
› Near right:
Learning the basics
of sailing taught the
author that it takes a
team effort to keep
this boat afloat. Just
raising the sail takes
two people.

› Far right, top: pool all available resources for the good of
Community gardens
are great places to the group. It can be food, water, medical
meet your neigh- supplies or knowledge and skills, but
bors. They’re also
excellent for trading sharing assets is key to the group’s success.
growing tricks ... and Some will have more of these items than
possibly for finding
prospective mem- others. Some of your team might not have
bers for your team. material items, but they might have the
heart and willingness to work hard for the
group. These are all things that must be
taken into consideration when forming
your team.
My team is made up of family members
(wife, daughter and son-in-law), close
friends and a few neighbors. Each person
on the team brings something useful
with them. My daughter (a nurse) and
› Far right, middle:
The author (middle) son-in-law (a respiratory therapist) are
takes a break during the medical team for the group. They’re
a hike with part of
the bushcraft train- also certified EMTs. My wife is an expert in
ing support team the financial field and in planning, so she
in Arizona. (Photo:
Gaetane Benner) handles resource logistics. My son-in-law is
also an expert in electronics, so he’ll take
care of communications. My two friends
would be in charge of camp construction
› Below, left: One of and supply-gathering (i.e., scrounging).
the most important
survival skills is how
They’ll also, along with my daughter
to start a fire. These and me, do the majority of hunting and
students in one of
Christopher Nyerges’
foraging. Tracking and land navigation
self-reliance classes would fall upon my shoulders. Everyone
help each other get
the hang of it. (Photo:
would pitch in to do all the other jobs that
Christopher Nyerges) needed to be done.
Although the group has given me the

role of leader, all decisions are normally
made by the entire group. Your situation
might be different, but this is what works
for us. During times when quick, decisive
action is essential, the group has given
me the power to do what I think is right.
Thankfully, up to this point, nothing life-
threatening has faced us.
Our team isn’t only to be drawn upon
in an emergency or in a personal security
situation. These scenarios are only two
facets of our survival. Everyday survival
might be more mundane, but it also calls
for the occasional helping hand or a fresh
set of eyes to look at an issue. We all need
help from time to time. It could be simply
borrowing a tool, helping with chores or
being there for emotional support.
‹ Left: You can never learn too much; and

sometimes, you’ll be surprised by how you
find your teachers. Hugh and Ann Aaron
taught the author a great deal throughout
the time he spent with them in their coastal
Maine home.

A good example is when I was building a shed on my property. It was a bigger job than I › Below, left: Into the Wild is a › Below, right: Call of the American
could safely handle on my own, so I asked some of the team for help. Even with the extra must-read. It covers a real-life Wild is a book that shows how
example of the downside of things can work out when you
sets of hands, it took us awhile to complete the task. However, it would’ve taken much what can happen when you try have a support team.
longer without the help. When I have issues with my electronics, I call my son-in-law. In to go it alone.
turn, he and my daughter often call me with questions about gardening or anything else
that has to do with the outdoors. Teamwork is like a wagon wheel—a group of spokes,
equally sharing the load and connecting to a central hub.
GATHER AND SHARE INFORMATION

Everywhere I go, I ask questions. And I’m constantly reading books. With every question
and every book, I gather more information. I’ve learned survival tips from Native American
elders from Alaska, Arizona and the Dakotas. I’ve studied with Native Hawaiians, the Amish
and old-time loggers and fishermen in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. I “pick the
brains” of experts in the field, such as Christopher Nyerges and Kevin Estela. I freely share
these lessons with my team and with others. We can never know—or share—too much.
The world can be a dangerous place during the best of times, but if you’re responding to
an emergency and in “survival mode,” it’ll be even more so.
Don’t let your ego get in the way of your safety and health. Don’t try to go it alone. By
banding together with people you trust, your odds of making it and thriving through a
crisis increase substantially.
“THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS, OR TEAMWORK

SHOULD HAVE, SHOWN US HOW
IMPORTANT IT IS TO COME TOGETHER
AND WORK AS A TEAM.”
LIBRARY
There are many good books that deserve to be in your
library for reference. Here are six that I feel are important
to have on hand:
1. 101 Skills You Need to Survive by Kevin Estela

Kevin Estela is one of the top experts in the survival
world, and this book gives you plenty of useful informa-
tion. (Amazon.com; MSRP: $21.99)
2. Call of the American Wild by Guy Grieve
This book tells the story of a man intending to do it on
‹ Top left: Students his own. However, he quickly realizes that he needs help.
in one of Christopher (SkyHorsePublishing.com; MSRP: $24.95)
Nyerges’ self-reliance
classes learn some 3. How to Survive Anywhere by Christopher Nyerges
useful cordage crafts. Christopher Nyerges is another expert to whom I often turn
(Photo: Christopher
Nyerges) for information and advice. This book packs a ton of useful
information that’s easy to understand. (StackpoleBooks.com;
MSRP: $19.95)
4. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Please read this book! It tells you many things that can go
wrong. (AnchorBooks.com; MSRP: $15)
5. Medicinal and Other Uses of North American Plants
by Charlotte Erichsen-Brown
This great book discusses medicinal plants that could
prove helpful. (Store.DoverPublications.com; MSRP:
$19.95)
‹ Bottom left: The
author’s daughter 6. The Survival Medicine Handbook by Joseph Alton,
regularly teaches his M.D., and Amy Alton, A.R.N.P.
granddaughter about
wildlife identifica- When it comes to survival medicine, this book is my “bible.”
tion. This is just one It’s a must-have for your own library. (DoomandBloom.net;
essential skill she’ll
need to know and MSRP: $41.99)
pass on to the next
generation.

› Honey can be sold
at local farmer’s mar-
kets, craft fairs, local
shops and directly to
your neighbors.

FINANCIAL
SURVIVAL
IN HARD TIMES
HOW TO MAKE MONEY WITH A HOME BUSINESS
› Below, right: If you
learn to keep bees,
you’ll always be able
to sell some of the
surplus honey. You
might also be able to
rent out the bees for
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES pollination services.
› Above, left:
ard times come and go and, as an insightful person once said, “No storm books about every imaginable aspect of
H
Tamales are easy
to make, and the
homemade ones stays forever.” personal economics. You see them on
are very popular in True; and yet, it’s still a good long-term idea to live frugally and learn how television shows and selling tickets to
certain commu-
nities. There are to make many of the things we need. their seminars, telling you that they have
many ways to In so much of “survival literature,” everyone talks about guns, knives, a secret to getting rich quick and retiring
make them, so you
can develop your survival kits, food storage, solar power and all manner of off-the-grid and self-reliant skills young. Maybe it works. Maybe not.
own recipe. and gear. This is good and necessary ... but that’s not all there is to life. Those seminars aren’t cheap, and the
few I’ve attended contained nothing I’d
DOES ANYONE “GET RICH QUICK”? call a “secret”; just lots of practical advice
For whatever reason, survivalists rarely talk about the role of money in “survival.” Perhaps about the changing market, mostly online,
this is understandable. However, there’s a major industry out there of people who write and that if you lay down a few thousand

‹ Near left, top:
Elderberries are
popular the world
over for food and
medicine. Dozens
of foods, drinks,
jams and medicines
are made from
these berries. The
wildcrafter can dry,
cook or otherwise
process these
berries and sell the
packaged product.
‹ Near left, bottom:

It’s easy to learn
how to grow
sprouts. While
they don’t last
long, you can sell
them directly to
neighbors.
‹ Far left: Cookies!

Everyone likes
cookies, and these
are nicely packaged
and ready to go.
dollars, they’ll personally guide you “ … NOTE THAT EVERYTHING I SAY HERE
down the “yellow brick road.” There’s no IS ABOUT FINDING WAYS TO LIVE BETTER
shortage of seminars and classes teaching
you how to cash in on stock market day-
ON LESS. THAT MEANS, AMONG OTHER
trading and how to get in and out ahead THINGS, GETTING MORE MILEAGE OUT OF
of the curve. Maybe it works. Maybe not. EACH DOLLAR.”
I believe that the only ones getting rich in
these situations are the ones offering the › Below: Kombucha
money managers and investment specialists. This is about some very basic guidelines for
seminars. is a unique health personal economic solvency.
drink that can be
So, what follows here is in no way made and bottled at
First, please note that everything I say here is about finding ways to live better on less.
trying to compete with professional home. That means, among other things, getting more mileage out of each dollar. It also means
that you should seriously think twice before every purchase. A lot of “stuff” you want you’ll
really never need, and it’ll only clutter up your life and deflate your wallet. In addition,
remember that a deal with a discount isn’t always a deal.
EARN MORE OR SPEND LESS

There are two ways to improve your buying power: Earn more or spend less. Yes, everyone
says they want to do both. OK; good!
Spending less is harder than most of us think, especially if we have children who are
crying for the latest gadget, toy and article of clothing their friends have; or, when one
spouse of a married couple might be very disciplined, but the other “can’t live without”
some trinket or gadget. We get it. We know it’s difficult.
The bottom line? Do whatever you can to cut expenses to pay off debt.
BEGIN BY CUTTING COSTS

First, make a list of all your expenditures—the big ones and the little ones. Write them
down so you can look at them as objectively as possible. Clearly, you can eliminate some
outright. You know what I mean: that third car you almost never drive that just continues
to cost money in insurance and other overhead. Sell it or give it to charity. It’s a drain that
should be plugged.

› Near right: Selling
trees and bushes
that you raise can be
a good business … if
you grow the plants
that people want
and need and if you
advertise well.
› Above: Julie Sell What You Can Make. If you have

Balaa (left) sells
edible and medic- the ability to make something people
inal plants at local want, you can probably generate some
farmer’s markets.
She also provides income from it. Lots of people make useful
valuable consult- things such as soap, candles, woven bags,
ing advice to her
many customers. clothing, leather goods, etc. As long as
you make something that people actually
need, you’ll always have a market for it.
Arts and crafts are a little more “iffy,”
because you’re creating something no one
actually needs but just wants. Part of your
problem will be to convince people that
they don’t just want your wood carvings,
‹ Prudence wreathes, cards, metal crafts, baskets and
Boczarski makes the like but that they actually need them!
and sells healthy
pastries at farmers Sometimes, that works; sometimes, it
markets and doesn’t.
to friends and
neighbors. However, if you really love to do these
crafts, and you do them well and have a
You rent a garage or rental unit to store all the junk that didn’t fit into your new home. good way to get them in front of interested
You pay a few hundred dollars month after month to store stuff you never look at and buyers, you might actually make a name
will probably never use again. Wake up! After a few years of paying to store old junk, most for yourself, and people will pay you well.
people realize (too late) they could have purchased new versions of the few items in there There’s a handful of potters, basket-
that they actually needed. makers and artists who command a great
Bite the bullet and, once you’ve picked out the very few items you really need, sell or give price for their work. Keep in mind that if
away the rest and quit paying rent on the storage unit. If you must, just default on your you pursue this path, you’ll spend a lot
payments and let the rental place auction off your junk. (You’d be amazed at how little of time just promoting yourself and your
the auctioning public will pay for your accumulated detritus!) work—with no real guarantee that it’ll all
Can you bundle a few family phones onto one bill and save money? In many cases, you pay off. But, if you really believe in yourself
can get your phone, Internet and television service from the same provider and pay less for and your products, go for it!
the “bundle” than they cost separately. I vividly recall a Native American woman
Can you also bundle insurance payments for your vehicle, home and life coverages? If you (I believe she was Navajo) talking about
don’t know for sure, you need to find out. Sometimes, if you have a good driving record, how her mother taught her crafts such as
you can just request a lower rate. It doesn’t hurt or cost anything to ask. (I once told my basketry and related skills. She said that
agent I wanted a lower rate, but he said he couldn’t do it. Miraculously, he found a way to if you can make something and sell it,
do it when I told him I was going to cancel my policy.) you’ll never go poor. She then added with
Most people can figure out the larger things to cut out in order to spend less. It takes a laugh, “but you’ll never get rich either!”
a bit more discipline and attention to really cut out the smaller expenses—the ones you alluding to the fact that people want to
think are only a few dollars but add up. pay the lowest possible amount for most
crafts.
INCREASE YOUR INCOME Things You Can Grow. Food is one of the
Now, let’s explore some ways you can generate some extra cash. Remember: These are major product categories everyone needs—
just basic ideas, and you have to see what works for you and run with it. food, clothing and shelter. If you just

‹ Near left: Everyone
uses soap, and soap
isn’t hard to make.
Here’s a selection of
soap made by Rick
Adams.
have a small farm or a backyard garden, › Above: An assort- “IF YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE
you won’t be competing with any of the ment of woven
big chain grocery stores or factory farms.
items sold at a local SOMETHING PEOPLE WANT, YOU CAN
outdoor market
Nevertheless, you can still create a niche PROBABLY GENERATE SOME INCOME FROM
product based on quality, freshness or IT … AS LONG AS YOU MAKE SOMETHING
something that the chains can’t.
This could provide some income for your
THAT PEOPLE ACTUALLY NEED, YOU’LL
family. The key is to get to know what the ALWAYS HAVE A MARKET FOR IT.”
opportunities are. Be observant regarding
what people are buying in the trendy
› Below: This woman
stores, the farmers markets and even makes and sells her
online and find an angle that makes your assortment of greet-
ing cards at local
produce stand out as the better choice. outdoor markets.
› Above: Julio Toruno sharpens knives while his customer waits.
Do you have something you can grow (a fresh vegetable, fruit or herb)? Can you pack
and ship it? Do you know how to can vegetables and jams? You can market your canned
goods under your own label and create at least a local following and an ongoing demand
for your product.
Remember: I’m not saying you can get rich doing this; just that you can avoid being poor.
Services You Can Offer. When you’re in the position of needing more income and you
don’t particularly want a job working at someone else’s business, you should start by
making a list of all your skills and talents. Write them down on a sheet of paper—whatever
they might be. This includes hobbies and trained skills.
Take an objective look at everything on your list and look for the abilities you’re truly
skilled at that people need. Here are some ideas: dog walking and/or washing, auto
mechanic, cooking, food canning, yard work or gardening, tree pruning, wine- or beer-
making, electrical or plumbing work, nursing, teaching, writing or editing, musician, wood
or metalworking, handy work, roofing, cleaning, sewing and repairing garments (to name
just a few options).
Your next task is to decide which of your skills you can market, deciding first on

‹ Left: Open-air markets are more and more
common, and they provide an opportunity for
the average person to sell the products from
their garden. Usually, these vendors pay a
percentage of their sales to the market. (Photo:
Helen Wong)
“THERE ARE TWO

WAYS TO IMPROVE
YOUR BUYING
POWER: EARN MORE
OR SPEND LESS.”
advertise in every way you can, preferably
starting with all the free advertising
options.
Another income source is to rent out a
room in your house. However, make sure
you understand the local regulations and
requirements, have a clear contract with a
prospective tenant and thoroughly screen
those skills you’d really like to do most often. You also need to consider the customer them. After all, they’ll be living with you.
interaction side of the service you’d like to offer. Yet another income source is to rent out
I knew a man who loved working on cars. However, when he finally opened his own shop, your garage (or yard) for someone to store
he hated it and couldn’t wait to sell off his business. You see, he derived great pleasure a car. Now, I told you earlier in this article
› Below, left: Julio from his involvement with automobiles, their history and what makes them tick, along to get rid of any car you might be keeping
Toruno expertly
sharpens knives. He
with talking with friends about various cars and fixes for common problems. But once around or that you’re not actually using,
realized he could he had a shop, everyone had a complaint. Everyone wanted the work done cheaper and and that’s still good advice. Even so, lots of
drive his truck to any
open market or to a
quicker, and the complaints were overwhelming. So, make sure you investigate an area people won’t take that advice, and they’ll
customer’s home and you’ll love … and also love getting up in the morning to pursue. pay you for the privilege of storing their
sharpen items that
needed sharpening.
Once you make your list of skills and talents, circle the top three you’d like to pursue. unused vehicle on your property. Again,
He learned his trade in Then, make another list of at least three ways you can move forward in presenting your check local regulations, your possible
the food industry and
then developed his
skills to the public for each of your three chosen talents. That means you must actually liabilities, and make a good contract that
own style. envision that someone will hire you or pay for your services. And you then have to covers things such as damages to, or theft
of, the vehicle.
Selling in Your Neighborhood. Start
your business enterprise in your immediate
neighborhood. You can talk to neighbors
and give them a flyer about what you sell
and how they can acquire your products.
Make it easy for people to buy without
“giving the store away.”
I’ve engaged my neighbors in numerous
home businesses, beginning with selling
eggs door to door when I had many
chickens. I’ve also sold potted plants,
edible cactus and fruits, and sewing and
cleaning services this way. In addition, since
I began organizing a local Neighborhood
Watch, I got to know all my neighbors and
began working with them.
Yes, I know some of you will recoil at
going to all your neighbors and trying to
sell your products or services.
› Near left: Gary Gonzales shares some tips for

sewing an outdoor coat. If you can sew and
make things people want, you can earn income.

› Near left: If you
love music, you
should play—
whenever and
wherever you can.
And although there
are many well-paid
musicians, it’s a sad
fact that far more
barely get by at doing
what they love. As
a result, they hold
other jobs as well.
‹ Above, left: John

What will my neighbors think of me? Zender has devel-
Won’t they assume I'm poor? oped a reputation
for making quality
I’m well aware of these concerns, and murals in the Los
whether this is a real concern depends on Angeles area and
now supports
your neighborhood and the people who himself from his
live there. I’ve primarily had very positive mural-making.
feedback from my attempts to reach out

and find a mutually beneficial solution to
an economic hardship. ‹ Below: Janice
Cooney operates a
One of my associates reported that repair business for
when he lived in a small, rural town, it backpacking and
outdoor equipment.
was common to offer canned goods, If you know how to
produce, home repair services, plumbing sew, you can also
learn how to repair
and electrical services, and auto repair at equipment.
‹ Above: Xochitl (right, black hat) has learned how to obtain a diverse variety of jewelry. She markets
them at local outdoor venues, such as art markets and farmer’s markets. Her secret to success is buying
low—and also selling low.
“A LOT OF ‘STUFF’ YOU WANT YOU’LL REALLY

NEVER NEED, AND IT’LL ONLY CLUTTER UP
YOUR LIFE AND DEFLATE YOUR WALLET.”
discounted prices to neighbors. Of course, for some very obvious reasons, the economics of
a small town are very different from those of a city, but the opportunities might still exist.
DOLLARS OR SCRIP?
Sometimes, in certain unique circumstances, the members of an economic community
have created their own alternative “money”: a scrip that they print and circulate among
themselves. I’m aware of this occurring at some schools or in remote communities and
even in some Third World countries in which there are no banks.
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER
A home business might be a viable solution for getting people to produce and exchange
goods—and thus, get out of poverty. To ensure everyone buys into the program, it should
be well-thought-out to accommodate growth and should also take fraud into account.
Such a system tends to work best when it stays small, such as fewer than 500 people.
However, as it grows, such a “community” should probably consider forming a credit
union-style bank.
‹ Left: Three books by Christopher Nyerges, author of this article. Nyerges has written nearly two
dozen books. One of them, Extreme Simplicity: Homesteading in the City, describes how he and his
wife practiced many of the self-employment methods described in this article, especially during a
period of economic hardship they endured. (That book is available on Amazon and from the store
at www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com.)

ONLINE
GO VISIT US
WWW.ASGMAG.COM
› Below: Left to right: the Swiss Tech bodyguard tool, which includes a light and seatbelt cutter; 5.11 EDT rescue tool; 5.11 Base ISP
key chain knife; and the Gerber Dime mini-multi-tool. Each of these is lightweight and perfect for your pack.
ASSEMBLE YOUR
BASIC EMERGENCY
ESCAPE BAG
SAVE TIME AND
TROUBLE BY
PREPARING BEFORE
EMERGENCIES STRIKE. he idea of bug-out bags has a negative connotation—not among people who are veterans
T
‹ Opposite: This is the author’s wife’s pack—a 5.11

Tactical RUSH24 2.0. Also shown are Honey Stinger
and The New Primal snacks, along with water,
of preparing for emergencies, but with the public in general. When many people think of
“bug-out bags,” they think of militias or paramilitary organizations, especially after what
happened at the nation’s Capitol Building on January 6, 2021.
Perhaps we should re-name them “preparation bags,” because that’s actually what they are.
Literally hundreds of articles have been written on this subject, including many I've authored. Sadly,
in some ways, these articles often revolve around firearms and knives and take on that stereotypical
paramilitary nature. We normally talk about extreme situations that most people won’t have to
which are always part of the family’s pack load.

› Two headlamps, one from Bushnell (left)
and one from 5.11 Tactical, are part of the
author’s kit. The third light is the EDC-K
USB key chain light. This is the perfect light
for your kids to have in or on their packs.
Giving them a light helps calm them and
makes them feel important.
“HAVING PREPARATION BAGS READY TO

GO CAN SAVE VALUABLE TIME ... AND JUST
MIGHT MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
SUCCESS AND FAILURE.”
experience ... at least hopefully not to the extent we often write about. Those articles
address worst-case scenarios, which is a widely adopted way to be prepared for what
might come.
This article won’t deal with firearms, combat knives or freeze-dried meals. Rather, the
purpose of this piece is to address the concerns of “regular” people and moms and dads
who’re getting started in prepping and just want the basics needed to protect their
families.
WHY DO YOU NEED A PREPARATION BAG?

Emergencies happen all the time, and you need to be prepared for them. House fires,
forest fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and even social and political upheavals
require that you’re prepared to move quickly and efficiently. In some cases, you might only
have a few minutes— or even seconds—to react and get away from danger. If you have a
preparation bag for each person ready to go, you’ll have a greater chance of keeping your
family safe.
WHO NEEDS A BAG?

Every person in your household should have a bag that’s ready to go. Some people do
have emergency bags packed and ready ... but they often fail to put one together for
their children. When something happens, as scared or unprepared as you might be, your
› Above: The RUSH24 2.0 pack is a versatile pack that’s designed for
many different situations. children are even more so. You need to keep calm, even though a hundred things are

› Below: Snacks, such as these Honey Stinger Waffles, are
great to keep in each family member’s bag. “ALWAYS PACK FOOD THAT’S
LIGHT TO CARRY AND HAS A
LONG SHELF LIFE. PROTEIN
BARS, JERKY, MEAT STICKS,
DRIED FRUIT ... AND THE LIKE
ARE ALL GOOD CHOICES. STAY
AWAY FROM CANS AND JARS.”
MUST-HAVE
GEAR
A plan: First of all, you must have a plan in place. Without
one, everything else is for naught. Write it up, practice it and
modify it as needed.
Preparation bag: This must be small enough to quickly
grab and go but large enough to carry what you need. Avoid
a large pack, because the natural tendency is to keep add-
ing stuff until the bag is difficult to carry or it’s hard to find
the inside contents when you need them.
Water: Water is heavy—but you need it. There’s no such
thing as having too much, but be reasonable. If you know
of possible natural water sources along your route, add a
high-quality water filter or purifier to your kit. Safe and
effective devices are often reasonably priced.
Food: This isn’t a camping trip, so stick to food items
that’ll keep you and your family going until you can get to
a safe place and “normal” meals. Dried fruit, granola bars,
cereal and jerky are good choices. Don’t overdo the sugar,
salt and other unhealthy additives.
Communication: Cell phones, tablets and two-way radios,
› Above: The New Primal makes some of the best meat snacks available. Its Snack Mates line is as well as ways to keep them charged, are key.
perfect for kids.
Important paperwork: Licenses, insurance paperwork
and other pertinent legal documents, IDs, inoculation
swirling in your mind. Your children take their cues from you, so you need to be ready for and other medical records should be stored in waterproof
just about anything before you need it. The most important job you have as a parent is to containers and/or on flash drives or saved on portable
keep your children safe. A bag that’s specifically theirs and ready to grab is one big way you electronic devices.
can do that. Medical items: Don’t forget to include a well-stocked first
Another group we often forget is elderly people. They need a bag as well. Some elderly aid kit, prescription medications and any devices needed for
people might not be able to plan for themselves—or even carry their kit. You need to step regular use.
up and make sure they have what they need, ready to go, and a way to keep it with them. Items to keep children entertained: Games, books,
And last, but not least, be sure to assemble a bag with similar contents for your pets. video games or favorite toys will help keep your children
occupied.
WHAT TO PACK Pets: Make sure you don’t forget your pets’ needs. Pack
As a military veteran, my advice to you is to throw all that “combat” talk out the door. food, treats, water, medications, printed-out medical
Your preparation bag, as well as those of your children, elderly family members and pets, histories, leashes, collars, bowls and some toys.
needs to focus on having the basic items needed for staying alive until you can reach a
safe place. That doesn’t have to include firearms, large knives or any such items; you need
to concentrate on food, water and medical supplies.

› Top left: Single-walled aluminum water bottles are perfect for water
purification tasks. You never know when you’ll need to boil questionable water.
› Below: This is the Fenix HM65R rechargeable headlamp. Using a

headlamp allows your hands to stay free to work on projects or for
other tasks. (If you have children, you know how important that is.)
“YOUR PREPARATION BAG, AS WELL AS

THOSE OF YOUR CHILDREN, ELDERLY
FAMILY MEMBERS AND PETS, NEEDS TO
FOCUS ON HAVING THE BASIC ITEMS
NEEDED FOR STAYING ALIVE UNTIL YOU
CAN REACH A SAFE PLACE.”
› Left: Your supply of water might run out. In addition, natural sources
along your route might be questionable. A water purifier, such as this
one from Sawyer, is good to keep handy.
Let’s face it, mom and dad, you’ll have to carry the majority of the load. That just comes
with being a parent. With that said, you have to be logical. There’s no way you can carry
everything that you and each child, senior or pet will want or need. Nor do you have to.
Stick to those items that’ll keep your family alive until you get to safety and can take
stock of the situation.
This takes careful planning and practice. Remember: This isn’t a camping trip. This bag is
meant as “grab-and-go” life support.
These items need to be in your preparation pack at all times:
• Food and water. Always pack food that’s light to carry and has a long shelf life.
Protein bars, jerky, meat sticks, dried fruit (my granddaughter loves dried cranberries) and
the like are all good choices. Stay away from cans and jars.
Water is vital. Despite what some people believe, water doesn’t go bad as long as it’s
not stored in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Each adult should keep at least
two bottles (16 ounces per bottle) in their pack, plus at least one for each young child.

› Left: Two-way radios work when cell phones
don’t. On the left is an inexpensive version
that’ll work over very short, unobstructed
distances. On the right is a Midland GXT radio
that’s capable of receiving multiple channels
over a greater unobstructed distance.
“EMERGENCIES
HAPPEN ALL THE
TIME, AND YOU NEED
TO BE PREPARED
FOR THEM.”
• Medical supplies need to be included.
A good first aid kit is a must, and it should
be more than just a box of Band-Aids.
Over-the-counter pain medications,
such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen,
are safe bets (especially with children).
Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, for
› Below, left: This
is the author’s reaction to insect bites and contact with
granddaughter’s bag, toxic plants, should also be part of your
along with a comfort
toy she likes to keep kit. Carry a supply of any prescription
in it. Whether you’re heading for a shelter or another safe place, you have no idea what the medications you might need (heart
availability of food and water will be. If your safe place is more than a day away, add to medicine, insulin, etc.). You also need to be
› Below, right:
Coloring books and these stores as needed. in charge of children’s, seniors’ and pets'
crayons will keep • Clothes comprise other items that are often forgotten. Always keep at least one medications and support equipment.
kids busy and calm
during stressful change of clothes in your pack. I also usually throw in a sweatshirt, just in case. Adjust • Copies of vital paperwork. This
times. these items depending on the time of year. includes copies of insurance documents,
passports, driver’s licenses, IDs for your
children and shot records for everyone—
including your pets. All these documents
should be placed in a resealable plastic bag
and stored in a safe location in your pack.
• Cash is a must, because credit cards,
debit cards and ATM machines might be
down or nonexistent. Cash always talks.
• Communications. The ability to
communicate with first responders,
medical resources and among all the
members of your group is essential. Make
sure to keep fully charged cell phones or
portable, two-way radios (that everyone
knows how to use) in your packs.
Children’s bags. Each child should have
their own bag. While a 5-year-old can’t be
expected to carry as much as an adult, they
can help with the load. If they’re like my
granddaughters, they might even think this
is fun. Impress on them that this is their
bag, and let them help you pack it.
Here are some suggestions for what to

› Right: A full-sized
multi-tool (this one
is from Gerber)
“THERE’S NO WAY is always a good
addition to your
YOU CAN CARRY pack.
EVERYTHING THAT
YOU AND EACH
CHILD, SENIOR OR
PET WILL WANT OR
NEED. NOR DO YOU
HAVE TO. STICK
TO THOSE ITEMS
THAT’LL KEEP
YOUR FAMILY ALIVE
UNTIL YOU GET TO
SAFETY AND CAN
TAKE STOCK OF THE
SITUATION.”
EXTRA ITEMS
Here’s a short list of other handy items you might want
to carry in your preparation bag(s):
Lighting: Headlamps, a key chain and handheld
flashlights, etc. Keep them small (remember: You’ll have
limited space). Make sure to purchase good ones and
extra and/or rechargeable batteries.
Carabiners and cordage: Carabiners have many uses.
One is for attaching items to the outside of your pack.
Cordage, whether it’s parachute cord, strong string
or something similar, can be used in a wide variety of
situations.
Portable radios: You’ll need to know what’s happening in
the area once you get moving. Local radio news will give you
information regarding ongoing threats, shelters, road and
weather conditions, and other important notifications.
Multi-tool and EDC knife: Good multi-tools are great
for making emergency minor repairs and adjustments. › Above: The 5.11 Tactical Hardpoint M3 carabiner (left) has two gates, is MOLLE compatible
and will support more than 120 pounds. The carabiner on the right is perfect for attaching light-
They typically include a knife blade. However, if yours weight gear to your pack or belt loops.
doesn’t, a decent, simple pocketknife makes a good
backup.
pack in their preparation bag:
Water purification items: After flooding, hurricanes or
• Snacks, snacks and more snacks. In a stressful situation, it’s important to keep your
other natural disasters, even community water systems
children “fed and watered.” Dried fruit, cereal and other such food items are good choices.
could be compromised. If you need to refill your water
Keep a bottle of water and some fruit drinks in the pack as well. Consider any sensitivity to
bottles, make sure to first filter the water. Many good
sugar and food allergies when loading up.
water purification options are inexpensive, simple to use
• Diversions and entertainment. Keep children entertained. Pack some books, games
and can provide a lot of safe water.
or coloring books and crayons in their bag. The trick is to keep their minds occupied, so this
can be a good time for video games or other electronic diversions (as long as you can keep
them running).

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› Carry a cell phone—as well as a way to
charge it. The author’s Midland combo
weather radio, seen here, uses rechargeable
batteries and has solar and crank charging
options.
“SOME PEOPLE DO HAVE EMERGENCY

BAGS PACKED AND READY ... BUT THEY
OFTEN FAIL TO PUT ONE TOGETHER FOR
THEIR CHILDREN. WHEN SOMETHING
HAPPENS, AS SCARED OR UNPREPARED
AS YOU MIGHT BE, YOUR CHILDREN ARE
EVEN MORE SO.” › Right: Carabiners come
in handy when you have
gear you want to keep
accessible on the outside
of your pack.
• Clothes. Pack a few days’ worth of clothes that are suitable for the time of year.
• Toys. Make sure to pack a favorite toy in their bag. If you have to move out to avoid
danger, it will give the child security and make a stressful situation less so.
THE PREPARATION BAG

The brand name of the bag isn’t important. What is important is its functionality.
Because the adult’s bag will be carrying most of the vital stuff, it should be high quality. I
like the packs produced by 5.11 Tactical, although I also use products made by Blackhawk.
With that said, any strong pack with comfortable straps and secure closures will do the
job. For the children, use the same sort of packs you’d use to carry their books. Bags with
their favorite characters on them are perfect, because they’re something the child can
relate to; in addition, it gives them a sense of ownership.

GREAT SURVIVAL TOOLS
Knives with a Story
Knives with a Purpose
› A first aid kit is always an essential part of a preparation bag for use any time of
The GRAMPS KNIFE
the year. with Field Kit
A Couple perfect op�ons for those who love
having useful tools in the woods. The DAU TRANH Neck Knife
with Blaze Orange Handle
FINDING THE ITEMS We offer a great camp tool , the Gramps
The items you carry in your bag are available from a variety of sources. You Knife w/ the Field Kit, spoon and waterproof The Dau Tranh neck knife comes in five
match case. Developed for my Grampa – a colors (Black, Tan, OD Green,
probably already have some of them in your home, so start there. You might one handed outdoorsman. S35VN Steel. Metallic/Blaze Orange) with several
need to purchase the rest. different moun�ng op�ons - Loop/Clip/
A word of caution here: Unless you really have to, stay away from discount A�leboro Knives P:877.993.8227 Chain. CPM 20CV Steel.
stores. When my family members’ lives are on the line, I’d rather pay up 217 Cedar St, Suite 63, Sandpoint, ID 83864
to get quality gear. Do your homework and get the best you can afford. WWW.ATTLEBOROKNIVES.C0M Proud Sponser
You can often get good deals online or by purchasing items directly from a
manufacturer’s website.
MORE THAN THE BAG

Your bag is just one tool to keep your family safe. The bag, alone, isn't
enough; you also need to have a plan.
AD INDEX
This plan needs to include answers to the following questions: JULY 2021
• Where are you going, and how will you get there? Are you heading to
an emergency shelter or to a friend or relative’s home? Is it within walking
ATABASE .................................................................................................................................................................. 27
distance, or do you need to take a vehicle? What will you do if a vehicle isn’t an
option? ATTLEBORO KNIVES ............................................................................................................................................ 95
• What route will you take? The most obvious route might not be the best
or safest one when it’s time to go. Traffic snags could impede you. In the case BATTLBOX LLC ....................................................................................................................................................... 100
of a forest fire, hurricane or earthquake, the normal route might be impassable.

BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION ............................................................................................................................... 53
Your plan must have multiple possible routes, and you need to practice
traveling each one so you’ll know what to expect. BRADFORD USA..................................................................................................................................................... 53
• Don’t rely on your GPS. Use your GPS in conjunction with a good map (and
compass). Because they’re designed to find the most direct route, GPS on its CONDOR - MARS GEAR ........................................................................................................................................ 35
own might actually direct you into problems. Sometimes, the most direct route
DOOM AND BLOOM, LLC...................................................................................................................................... 99
isn’t the best route.
Emergencies happen all the time, although they seem to be getting worse HOLOSUN................................................................................................................................................................. 37
every year. You need to be prepared to get your family out of harm’s way as
quickly as possible. READY MADE RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................. 2
In some cases, the emergency situation—and/or its effects—could continue

READY MADE RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................. 7
for a long period of time (for example, hurricanes, floods and forest fires).
However, the immediate survival threat will normally be short-lived. You’ll get TOPS KNIVES .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
to a place where you’re safe and with people who’ll help you.
The trick is getting to that place quickly and efficiently.
Having preparation bags ready to go can save valuable time ... and just might The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to American Survival Guide readers.
American Survival Guide is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.
mean the difference between success and failure.

PREPPER PLANT ADVISOR
THIS PLANT SHOULD

BE ON EVERYONE’S MENU
AMARANTH HAS BEEN USED FOR EVERYTHING FROM
HONORING THE GODS TO TREATING DYSENTERY.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES
NAME: AMARANTH The young stems also make a tasty vegetable when lightly steamed, cooked or
(Amaranthus spp.) sautéed.
The seeds can be used for food as well. Gather them when the plant is fully
DESCRIPTION mature. Rub the seed clusters between your hands to free the seeds from their
There are at least 60 species of amaranth worldwide. Some are grown as husks. Then, winnow the seeds if there’s a breeze; alternatively, if the air is too
potherbs, some for seed, and some are grown as ornamentals. Many are found calm, slowly pour the seeds out of your hand and blow the chaff away. The
growing in the wild. whole seeds can be added to bread products or ground and used as flour.
Amaranth is an annual herb that grows from 1 to 3 feet tall. Some have erect In Mexico, the seeds were used to make tortillas even before the cultivation of corn.
stalks; others are semi-erect. Perhaps the most common wild species in North Atole, made with ground amaranth and honey, was a popular high-protein drink.
America is Amaranthus retroflexus, which is often called “redroot” because the When mixed with honey or maguey sap, amaranth seeds were used to make
root and lower part of the stalks are tinged with a red or purple hue. a sweet candy bar. Still found today in Mexico (and Los Angeles), this candy is
The underside of the young, lower leaves is purple. The oval-shaped (ovate) formed into human skulls and other shapes and is most popular on the Day of
leaves are alternately arranged on the stems, pinnately veined, have wavy margins the Dead.
and are glossy green. Amaranth has inconspicuous small, green flowers in bristly
dense spikes. When dead, they give the plant an unkempt, weedy appearance. PROCESSING
Numerous small black seeds develop after the flowers mature. When the amaranth plant is maturing in the summer, you can test to see if
its seeds are mature: Just take a little of the bristly flower cluster in your hand
WHERE FOUND and rub it to see if there are any black seeds. If there are few or none, the seeds
You’ll find this ubiquitous plant in dry or cultivated fields, foothills, arroyos, aren’t yet mature. If you get a lot of black seeds (or white seeds, depending on
vacant lots, orchards, front lawns, vegetable gardens and even sidewalk cracks. the species), they’re ready to harvest.
For this reason, amaranth is, unfortunately, often considered a weed. Thus, its Harvest is easy: Collect the seed heads and loosen them into a large bowl. You
many benefits are lost as it’s hauled by the truckload to the dump throughout can then winnow by blowing off the chaff.
the spring and summer.
WHEN TO HARVEST/AVAILABILITY
USES Amaranth is an annual. Its leaves are best gathered in the spring. The seeds are
Leaves, seeds, popped seeds and flour are all used in traditional Mexican dishes harvested in late summer and autumn as the plant matures and dies.
and in gluten-free dishes.
If their flavor is pleasant and mild, some young amaranth leaves and MEDICINE/NUTRITION
tender stems can be eaten raw in salads. As the plant gets older, the leaves The USDA analysis was done on A. hypochondriacus, although the vitamin
become slightly bitter and astringent and should be lightly cooked. To cook, and mineral content of most amaranth species is likely very similar. (The values
chop the greens, add onions, bring to a medium heat and season. This is a listed here depend on which entity’s analysis you’re reading.)
better-than-spinach meal! One hundred grams (about ½ cup) of amaranth leaf contain 267 to 448
The Aztecs dried and ground the leaves into a flour, which they then made milligrams of calcium; 411 to 617 milligrams of potassium; 53 to 80 milligrams of
into tamales. These tamales were offered up to the dead and to the fire god, vitamin C; 4,300 micrograms of beta carotene; and 1,300 micrograms of niacin.
Xiuhtecuhtli, on the Aztec feast of Huauquiltamalcualitztli (which means “the This volume of leaves contains about 35 calories.
meal of the amaranth tamales”). One hundred grams of amaranth seed contain about 358 calories; 247 milligrams

of calcium; 500 milligrams of phosphorus; and 52.5 milligrams of potassium. Cook the beans until they’re tender. Dice the onion
Amaranth seed offers a nearly complete balance of essential amino acids, including lysine and methionine. and let it cook with the beans. Dice and blanch the
In addition, amaranth leaves are a recognized astringent. Made into tea, these leaves have long been greens. Blend the greens into the beans when the
used in Mexico for abnormally excessive menstruation, diarrhea, intestinal infections and dysentery. greens are well cooked. Blend well and serve warm.
Season with cilantro, garlic, etc. Serves 5.
ADVICE FOR GROWING
Probably the most widely cultivated amaranths are Amaranthus hypochondriacus (in Mexico),
Amaranthus cruentus (in Guatemala) and Amaranthus caudatus. These seeds are widely available. About ASG’s
In the wild in the United States, the most common species found are the erect Amaranthus hybri- Plant Advisor
dus and the lower-growing A. retroflexus. The seeds are easy to obtain and easy to grow. I’ve actually Christopher Nyerges has been teaching eth-
hand-scattered seed in a field during a spring rain and found a field full of amaranth a few months later. nobotany since 1974. He’s the author of Guide
to Wild Foods and Useful Plants, Foraging Wild
HISTORY Edible Plants of North America and other books
Amaranth seeds and leaves were important diet items of the people of Mexico in the pre-Columbian on the uses of wild plants. He can be contacted at
period. The seed was mixed with honey or blood and SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com.
made into the images of their gods (such as Tlaloc,
the rain god, or Xochipilli, the god of flowers and
youth, and others). These images were then
eaten as a “communion.” When the Spanish
conquistadores and priests invaded Mexico,
they outlawed the cultivation of the
amaranth plant—probably because
it was viewed as a key plant used in
“pagan rituals” (ironically, these
‹ Below: Eggs and amaranth greens are
rituals were very similar to those being cooked in a skillet.
of the Catholic communion).
CAUTIONS
None.
RECIPES
AMARANTH HALVA
Place the amaranth seed (wild or cultivated)
into a fine blender (such as an electric coffee
grinder) and blend into flour. Pour it into a bowl
and add honey until you get the right consistency
for it to form shapes. You can roll it into balls or bars
and serve.
DESERT SUNRISE
• 1 pound of your choice of beans (navy,
black, etc.)
• 1 pound of fresh amaranth leaves
• 1 onion
› Near right, top: Christopher Nyerges
examines the red amaranth grow-
ing in the garden at the Smithso-
nian Museum of the American
Indian in Washington, D.C. (Photo:
Helen Nyerges)
› Near right, bottom: A. retroflexus, with

its characteristic red root
› Far right, bottom: The shiny, black seeds of a

wild amaranth almost look like caviar!
AVOID GETTING PARCHED AND PUNCTURED
ith more people getting back outside this summer, as well as many Aside from the pain and itch or allergic reaction to a sting or bite, bugs can
W folks who are new to the outdoor lifestyle hitting the trails, it’s a
good time to review the topics of dehydration and bug protection.
pass illnesses that range from bothersome to fatal. In fact, some scientists
believe that mosquito-borne illnesses, alone, account for the death of almost
half of all humans who’ve ever lived.
DEHYDRATION So, as you get more fresh air this summer, it’s important to remember that
While dehydration can occur at any time of the year, it’s mostly associated how you dress and where you go will have an effect on your potential exposure
with the warmer months. As we enter summer, here are some useful bits of to these pesky critters. Knowing the environment in the areas you’re visiting
information about the human body and the effects dehydration can have on it. will help you understand what types of pests you’re likely to face.
Adults range from 55 to 60 percent water by weight, while children are about Whether you opt for a repellent that can be applied safely to your skin or to
65 percent and infants are closer to 75 percent. Water is a critical component your clothing, apply the recommended amount; and make sure you re-apply
of all the body’s metabolic processes, and any ongoing, significant loss can as necessary, according to the product’s instructions. Some of the better repel-
put systems, or people, in severe jeopardy. lents provide protection from a wide variety of bugs, so opt for those if you’re
The minimum required water intake varies greatly, depending upon your body not sure what you might come up against.
weight, weather and the environment, level of exertion, your nutritional state The colors you wear can help or hurt your efforts to elude bites and stings.
and genetics. Most people will tolerate a 3 to 4 percent short-term decrease in Ticks are said to be attracted to white, while mosquitoes tend to avoid light
total body water fairly well. Some symptoms include fatigue and dizziness, a colors. Striped clothing has been observed to distract and disorient biting flies.
headache, decreased appetite and general grouchiness. Loose-fitting clothing can reduce the number of mosquito bites and bee
A 5 to 8 percent decrease will precipitate significant symptoms, such as decreased stings. Snug-fitting pant and shirt cuffs can help keep ticks from getting to
urine output, confusion and worsening fatigue. Over 10 percent results in serious your skin underneath. Floral scents and stinky shoes and socks have been
mental and physical impairment and purple fingernails, while the loss of 15 to 25 known to attract tons of mosquitoes, but it might be tough to avoid BO when
percent of total body water is usually fatal. you’re on the trail. One piece of clothing that’s effective for keeping all sorts
To prevent dehydration, maintain a steady intake of potable water, drinking of bugs out of your face and hair is a head net. Consider this bit of bug armor
periodically throughout the day—not only when you feel thirsty. Waiting for when you’re in the wild—whether it’s worn alone or attached to a hat and with
that prompt from your body might make things worse before they get better. or without a hoop to keep it off your face.
Whether it’s in a bottle or a hydration pack, bring more water than you think Whatever you do, don’t be deterred by these two outdoor challenges. You can
you’ll need. It’s better to have a little too much than too little. Slip a trusted easily integrate protective measures into your plans and still have a great time
water filter or purifier into your pocket or pack so you can replace what you use getting fresh air and exercise in the beauty and freedom of the outdoors.
along the way.
BUGS! All the best,

Most of us are well aware of the risks that bugs carry for humans (and our Mike McCourt
pets), whether they’re creeping on the ground or are the airborne variety. [email protected]
© ISTOCK BY GETTY IMAGES

ARE YOU REALLY PREPARED?
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by DOOM AND BLOOM MEDICAL
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How-To: CHOOSE YOUR 1st FIREARM

THE A-KLUB GREY MAN TACTICAL’S

DIGITAL ISSUES AVAILABLE ON WWW.ENGAGEDMEDIAMAGS.COM

US $8.99 JULY 2021 DISPLAY UNTIL 6/22/2021

4 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2021]

CUT THE COST, NOT

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 5

OUR NEW TITLE EXPANDS DESIGN

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU Nyerges, Mike Travis

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[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 9

MSRP: $44.95 (R20); $54.95 (R40); MSRP: Starting at $1,499

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[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 11

W designers has taken

MEET AK’S A-KLUB

“THE TOPS A-KLUB

12 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2021]

The stonewash finish is created when the

“THE TOPS A-KLUB COMBINES THE SHAPE

14 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2021]

TOPS Knives A-Klub

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 15

‹ Near left: The A-Klub was used like a

‹ Far left, bottom: The author carves the end of a

16 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2021]

› Near right: The author used the

› Bottom, far right: The TOPS Knives

“THE FORWARD CURVE INCREASES

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 17

‹ Near left: The author cut wild

‹ Far left, middle: Tarp stakes were made with

“THE BLADE ON THIS BEASTLY KNIFE

SPLITTING WOOD—A WINTER MUST

18 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2021]

› Far right, top & near right: The

› Far right, bottom: Amanda Kaye in her new

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 19

› The author takes a bead on

20 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2021]

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 21

22 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2021]

1. Never have a loaded firearm in your home or vehicle.

› Far right: This

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 23

READY FOR OWNERSHIP

“EMOTIONS ARE POWERFUL

24 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2021]

› Far right: This

“THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH PURCHASING A FIREARM, BUT

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 25

26 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2021]

› This Heritage Rough

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 27

he topic of lighting, like knives and firearms, is discussed often—and for

“THE TOPIC OF LIGHTING, LIKE

28 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2021]