American Survival Guide - Agosto 2014

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TEST YOUR SURVIVAL SKILLS BEFORE A CRISIS

AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE
WAYS TO FIGHT ILLNESS ON THE RUN
LIVING
WITHOUT
MONEY:
MEET A PRO
SURVIVALIST
SPECIAL
SECTION
EDGED
TOOLS: 12
WAYS A
VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 4
SUPERCHARGE CANTEEN
YOUR KNOW-HOW CAN SAVE
YOUR LIFE
DECODING
The THE TIERED

SURVIVAL BAG
CONCEPT
GEAR
YOU’LL
NEED
ON THE
Strong REFUELING
DON’T MAKE A
FATAL MISTAKE
OTHER
SIDESurvive SURVIVAL
BUYER’S GUIDES
Signaling
Devices,
Compasses
& More
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4 • AUGUST 2014 • U.S. $8.99
DISPLAY UNTIL: 8/26/2014
08
AUGUST 2014
0 71486 01319 8
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48 COVER
TRAPPINGS
TREASURE
If you need survival
gear, Major Surplus
is the place to go for
one-stop shopping.
By Gary Carter
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) Volume 3, Number 4 is published 9 times a year – January, February, April/May, June, July, August, September, November, December by Beckett Media, LLC,
22840 Savi Ranch Pkwy., Suite 200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887. POSTMASTER: send address changes to American Survival Guide c/o Beckett Media, 4635 McEwen Road, Dallas, TX 75244. © 2014 by Beckett Media,
LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. GST #855050365RT001 Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. Return undeliverable
Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC. P.O. Box 25542 London, ON N6C 6B2.
4 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

ASG_1408_TOC.qxp 6/10/14 1:07 AM Page 5
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4 | AUGUST 2014
BUYER’S
GUIDES
FEATURES 42 SIGNALING
54 FOOD/WATER
GENERAL WILDERNESS 72 COMPASSES
PREPAREDNESS PREPAREDNESS 92 SLINGSHOTS
106 BOOTS
18 INTRODUCTION 76 INTRODUCTION
20 HIT THE ROAD, JACK! 77 PACK-TICALITY

Follow these three valuable tips to ensure Arrange your survival kit so that it works
you have the perfect evacuation plan. for you. By Jack Richland 42
By Torrey Kim
82 HONE
24 COMMAND CENTRAL Top 10 supplies you shouldn’t be without
10 principles of effective survival group in an emergency. By Larry Schwartz
leaders. By Roy A. Woodall, Jr.
88 AWESOME ALTERNATIVES
28 SHEAR NECESSITY Three ways to bug out and how to handle
Knife maker Lynn Thompson explains why each. By Garrett Kim 54
you should never be without a knife in a
survival situation. By Steven Paul Barlow
32 LIVIN’ THE LIFE

URBAN
A professional traveler walks the walk and PREPAREDNESS
shares his secrets. By Garrett Kim
97 INTRODUCTION
38 EMP UPDATE
Electromagnetic pulses: be afraid, very 98 DON’T BE FUELISH 72
afraid. By Garrett Kim When you have to refuel your bug-out
vehicle, there are some important points to
52 GOTTA GET GONE remember. By George Singarella
If you need to flee, consider all-wheel-drive,
good tires and efficient gas mileage in 102 VITAL VESSEL
transportation. By Alex LaGrand Think twice if you believe canteens are mere
water holders. By Garrett Kim
92
HOMESTEADING SPECIAL SECTION:
PREPAREDNESS
EDGED TOOLS
60 INTRODUCTION By Larry Schwartz
61 CUSTOM CABIN 112 INTRODUCTION

You can have an Amish-built cabin that you
design. By Torrey Kim 113 GET AN EDGE 106
Learn how to safely use and maintain your
64 CONVENIENT CURES edged tools.
Learn about three natural remedies that can
work for myriad issues. By Alex LaGrand 116 THE SERVICEABLE SAW
A saw can be a priceless survival tool.
68 HOW SWEET IT IS
Honey is just one by-product of bees that 120 CUT TO THE CHASE COLUMNS
The humble axe could save your life in
can benefit your homestead. By Michele Doele
an emergency.
FIRST WORDS 6
NEW PRODUCTS 8
124 STAY SHARP NEWS & NOTES 12
A good knife can handle a multitude of
GEAR REVIEW 16
tasks in a serious situation.
PREPPING WITH RALSTON 127
THE COVER: CLOSING WORDS 130
Photographer: GUS ALONZO
Model: ENRIQUE GAMBOA
Designer: JESSE CAO
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 5

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FIRSTWORDS
BY BARRI SEGAL
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4 / AUGUST 2014
EDITORIAL
Editorial Directors:
Doug Jeffrey, Jennifer Degtjarewsky
Editor-in-Chief: Barri Segal
Managing Editor: Kari Windes
Creative Director: Eric Knagg
Art Director: Jesse Cao
Graphic Designer: John Bernikow
CONTRIBUTORS
DOMINATE THIS
Sean Cooper, Mike D’Angona, Amber Erickson
Gabbey, Torrey Kim, Alex LaGrand, Tony Nester, Tim
Ralston, Larry Schwartz, Tori Tellem, Gary Carter
ADVERTISING
Gabe Frimmel - Ad Sales Director
ACCORDING TO the book of (714) 200-1930 - GFrimmel@Beckett.com
Casey Clifford - Senior Account Executive
Genesis, the world is here for us (717) 896-8956
to oversee: Mark Pack - Senior Account Executive
(714) 200-1939
“Fill the land and conquer it. Gennifer Merriday - Ad Traffic Coordinator
Dominate the fish of the sea, the DIRECT MARKETING GROUP
birds of the sky, and every beast that John Bartulin (866) 866-5146 ext. 2746
Paul Caca (866) 866-5146 ext. 4961
walks the land.” —Genesis 1:28 Ryan Lauro (866) 866-5146 ext. 2756
I’m sure we can all agree that Mary Ann Jaca (866) 866-5146 ext 2716
mission is accomplished. Filled, OPERATIONS

conquered and dominated. Gus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales Manager
Celia Merriday: Newsstand Analyst
Unfortunately, knowing when to Amit Sharma: Business Analytics Manager
stop filling, conquering and dom- Mohit Patel: Newsstand and Production Analyst
Alberto Chavez: Senior Logistics & Facilities Manager
inating isn’t apparently under- John Cabral: Creative Graphic Designer
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
stood by many on our planet. EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE

Now consider that the popula- 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200
Yorba Linda, CA 92887
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is still the same size—one could www.facebook.com/americansurvivalguidemagazine
www.facebook.com/eembybeckett
argue that 2,000 years of highly sanctioned poly-domination has led us to where we
are today: AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937)
Volume 3, Number 4 is published 9 times a year –
• Over-crowded January, February, April/May, June, July, August, September,
November, December by Beckett Media, LLC, 22840 Savi
• Limited access to rapidly diminishing resources Ranch Pkwy., Suite 200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887. POST-
• Ailing infrastructure MASTER: send address changes to American Survival Guide
c/o Beckett Media, 4635 McEwen Road, Dallas, TX 75244. ©
And so much more… 2014 by Beckett Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduc-
tion of any material from this issue in whole or in part is
Consider the possibility that a single EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) generated by strictly prohibited. GST #855050365RT001 Canada Post:
one nuclear event could wipe out almost all of our communications infrastructures Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. Return undeliver-
able Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC. P.O. Box
in an instant. You can guess what happens next. It’s yet another checkmark on the 25542 London, ON N6C 6B2.
long list of reasons why we prep.
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can be vital for some who might otherwise ignore the danger signs.
This month’s issue is especially filled with a wide range of information focused
on not just surviving, but surviving well, and that alone might just pique the inter-
est of those not normally inclined to prep. From home remedies to survival colleges, BECKETT MEDIA, LLC
slingshots to doomsday cars, tips on homesteading and urban environments— Nick Singh: Executive Director
Jennifer Degtjarewsky:
here’s to surviving as richly as possible. Group Editorial Director & Business Unit Director
AUGUST 2014
This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the

understanding that information presented is from
various sources from which there can be no warranty or
responsibility by Beckett Media, LLC as to the legality, com-
pleteness or technical accuracy.

ASG_1408_7 6/9/14 12:41 AM Page 7
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ASG_1408_PRODUCTS-CX-8-9 6/11/14 11:44 PM Page 8
NEWPRODUCTS
C U T T I N G - E D G E I N N OVAT I O N
WHAT’S
HOT
SIX NEW
1 PRODUCTS TO HELP
YOU SURVIVE
1. TRUFUEL
3
2. GERBER 3. AZODI
PRODUCT: TruFuel 50:1 PRODUCT: Myth Hatchet PRODUCT: 1N1 Case
WEBSITE: Trufuel50.com WEBSITE: GerberGear.com WEBSITE: In1Case.com
MSRP: $43.99 MSRP: $48 MSRP: $44.95
Specifications: Specifications: Specifications:

• Pre-blended for outdoor power equipment • Blade Length: 3.5 inches • Blue pen and red pen
• Premixed and ready-to-use formula with synthetic oil, a • Overall Length: 8.5 inches • Nail file, tweezers, scissors and toothpick
fuel stabilizer and ethanol-free gasoline • Weight: 14.6 ounces • Polycarbonate casing
• Zero gum and varnish provides more power and easier • Philips and flat-head screwdrivers
starting, smoother running for high-revving engines Defining Features: A robust, full-bellied hatchet, the new • Scratch protection inside felt
• Stable, long-lasting, high-octane, ethanol-free fuel with an Myth Hatchet is designed to expertly skin and chop even the
added stabilizer reduces engine wear for a longer life biggest game. Featuring a high-carbon, stainless steel Defining Features: Are you looking to protect a smart-
blade, the Myth Hatchet employs full tang construction for phone while on the go? There’s no worse way to begin your
Defining Features: TruFuel is the world’s first pre-mixed, superior strength and balance. Its cleverly engineered rub- venture into the outdoors than dropping your expensive
pre-packaged engineered fuel designed specifically for use in ber handle delivers a grippy hold, no matter the conditions, iPhone. Not only does the IN1 case protect your phone, it’s
two- and four-stroke engines. It’s perfect to use in your out- while a pronounced choil and finger hole allow the user to sleek and stylish, too. The case is so much more than just a
door power equipment, including your generators and chain- choke up on the hatchet for delicate work. protective case. It’s been called the Swiss Army knife of
saws. What sets TruFuel apart from the competition is it’s smartphone cases for a good reason: it comes in handy for
ethanol free; you’ll never have to worry about the corrosive everyday tasks, with a nail filer, tooth pick, scissors and so
effects and reliability issues of ethanol-enriched fuels again. much more. We haven’t seen a tool quite as cool as this in
ages, so be sure to pick it up.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_PRODUCTS-CX-8-9 6/11/14 11:44 PM Page 9
5
4
6
CAN'T GET ENOUGH ASG? WHEN YOU'RE NOT OFF
THE GRID, BE SURE TO FIND US ON FACEBOOK.
4. THERMACELL 5. HI MOUNTAIN 6. GERBER

PRODUCT: Mosquito Repellent Appliances PRODUCT: Hi Mountain Camp Meals PRODUCT: Decree
WEBSITE: Thermacell.com WEBSITE: Hunteroc.com WEBSITE: GerberGear.com
MSRP: $26.99 - $31.99 MSRP: $7.99 MSRP: $95
Specifications: Specifications: Specifications:

• Effectively repels mosquitoes, black flies, and other biting • Each meal contains three servings per packet • Blade Steel: S30V
insects • Lightweight; weighs only 8 or 9 ounces • Handle Material: Rubber over molded, glass-filled
• Has no open flames • 90 percent lighter in their freeze-dried form nylon
• Compact, easy-to-carry size • Easy to transport in a backpack or travel bag • Blade Length: 3.7 inches
• Weighs 0.7 pounds • Provides great-tasting meals wherever you are • Open Length: 8.7 inches
• Quiet on/off turn dial • Closed Length: 5.1 inches
Defining Features: Hi Mountain Camp Meals are ideal for • Weight: 4.8 ounces
Defining Features: The Mosquito Repellent Appliance is a the outdoors—they’re guaranteed to keep you fueled up and
compact and easy-to-use tool to keep bloodsuckers away. It full of energy. They come in a variety of tasty and nutritious Defining Features: The Decree features a premium S30V
creates a 15x15-foot bug-free zone, plenty of room for you flavors including Cajun Beans and Rice, Campfire Chili Mac- steel modified tanto blade. The tanto point provides supe-
to enjoy the warmth of the campfire. If you have allergies, aroni, and Hot Caramel Apple Crunch. Although Hi Moun- rior piercing ability, while the rounded bottom edge allows
no need to worry—it’s free from scented lotions, sprays or tain is best known for seasoning, it does an impeccable job users to sharpen the blade while maintaining the knife’s
oils. This device operates on a single butane cartridge that with these products. We were sent a sample and it was geometry. Thumb studs and a finger flip tab allow the oper-
comes with the package. absolutely scrumptious. ator to rapidly deploy the blade. Partial serrations provide
additional cutting power and the tempered steel glass
breaker in the pommel allows the operator to use the knife
AUGUST 2014
in rescue applications.

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PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
Book Review
Apocalypse Soon
YOU’VE GOT A BUG-OUT BAG near the
door and enough water to fill a city reser-
voir in your pantry—so you’re prepared for
a major disaster, right? Not so fast. Prepa-
ration includes much more than the basics
that come to the top of mind, and Dana
Burkinshaw’s new book Apocalypse Soon
walks you through the items that you’ll
need to address if you want to survive any-
thing from a terrorist attack to a financial
crash to a tsunami, and beyond.
Even if you created a preparation
plan 15 years ago, it’s time to scrap it
and update for the 21st century, because
the current threats—and potential reac-
tion plans—are now completely different.
The book is offered in a step-by-step
format so that even the most novice sur-
vivalist can create an action plan that
allows you to be completely ready for
whatever might come your way.
The 112-page resource is filled with
effective tips and preparation lists, and
you can buy it for $33 at BlackCard-
MERS: The Next Big Outbreak?

Books.com.
AFTER SURVIVING SARS, bird flu, and the other illnesses that seemed to spread
quickly through the population, you may have thought that the United States had
seen enough plagues, but that would be incorrect.
In May, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed that two cases of Mid-
dle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) had been discovered in the U.S. Both of the
people with the illness had recently traveled to Saudi Arabia, where MERS has struck
scores of people, 30 percent of whom died from the disease.
The illness “is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus called MERS-
CoV,” the CDC said on its website. “Most people who have been confirmed to have
MERS-CoV infection developed severe acute respiratory illness. They had fever,
cough, and shortness of breath.”
MERS spreads from person to person, particularly when they are in close contact
to one another. If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness within
two weeks of traveling to the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries, see a
medical practitioner immediately, the CDC advises.
Source: cdc.gov/coronavirus/MERS/faq.html
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
“IN MAY, THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC)

CONFIRMED THAT TWO CASES OF MIDDLE EAST RESPIRATORY
SYNDROME (MERS) HAD BEEN DISCOVERED IN THE U.S.”
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_NEWS.qxp 6/9/14 1:33 AM Page 13
Great Lakes’ Harsh Winter = Summer Floods

NOW THAT WE’VE EMERGED from the snowdrifts of 2014’s harsh winter weather, it’s time to take a look at the outlook for summer. It’s
no surprise that excessive snow has made rivers swell significantly.
“Rivers in half of the continental United States are at minor or moderate risk of exceeding flood levels, with the highest threat in
the southern Great Lakes region due to above-average snowpack and a deep layer of frozen ground,” the National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration (NOAA) said in a March 20 news release.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
However, not every state will benefit from the winter’s wet weather.
“Drought is expected to continue in California and the Southwest,” the NOAA added.
Unfortunately, the prolonged dry weather in those regions could lead to an increased risk of wildfires, as well as massive stress on
gardens and crops that are essential to survival for those who grow their own food.
To read more about the NOAA’s weather predictions, visit NOAANews.Noaa.gov/Stories2014/20140320_SpringOutlook.html.
Watch Out for Asteroids!

ALL KINDS OF DISASTERS require sur- Hiroshima in 1945 exploded with an
vival know-how! When you think about energy impact of 15 kilotons,” the
asteroids colliding with other objects, B612 Foundation says on its website.
the thought of extinct dinosaurs or Hol- That means that an asteroid impact
lywood movies may come to mind. But could be exponentially more damag-
the reality is that it happens with ing than a nuclear bomb.
increasing frequency, one nonprofit Unfortunately, no single set of
organization says. eyes can detect every potentially harm-
The B612 Foundation has tracked ful asteroid, because we don’t have
infrasound signatures of nuclear deto- enough coverage or telescopes to
nations since 2000 by using a network watch the entire sky at all times. To
of sensors. Shockingly, the foundation’s that end, the B612 Foundation is hop-
equipment picked up 26 explosions ing to build an infrared space tele-
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
caused by asteroid impacts between scope that tracks asteroids while

2000 and 2013, which emitted energy they’re still far enough away to set up
ranging from one to 600 kilotons. a deflection system.
“To put this data in perspective, To read more about the asteroid
the atomic bomb that destroyed threat, visit https://b612Foundation.org.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_NEWS.qxp 6/9/14 1:33 AM Page 14
“WOULDN’T IT BE NICE IF WE COULD LIVE SOMEWHERE

THAT HAS NO DEPENDENCE ON GOVERNMENT UTILITIES?”
Off-Grid Island
WHO AMONG US hasn’t mused,
“Wouldn’t it be nice if we could
live somewhere that has no
dependence on government utili-
ties?” That place exists, and it’s
called El Hierro.
The island, which is the small-
est of Spain’s Canary Islands,
opened a wind farm in June that
made it a completely self-suffi-
cient island. El Hierro’s unique
location allows it to harvest wind
off the coast of Africa to power five
turbines that can meet the needs
of its 10,000 residents, the UK’s
Daily Mail reports.
In the event of a day too calm
for wind, the island has a backup
plan—a water turbine that can
generate additional electricity.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
El Hierro joins the Danish
island of Samso in being com-
pletely free of dependence on
government utilities.
Cyber Attacks Likely

MEMBERS OF THE SURVIVALIST community
have so many issues to prepare for that it
seems like just as you’re ready for one
incoming disaster, another threat pops up.
And right now, that threat could be right
inside of the government’s computers.
“North America’s energy grid is facing
increased risk of cyberattacks from crimi-
nals, terrorists and foreign states,” an article
in the Globe & Mail reports. “The technolog-
ical modernization of the grid—from smart
meters to less-centralized generation—is cre-
ating new opportunities for cyberthreats to
enter the system, and new risk for the utili-
ties,” the newspaper noted.
If an attack on American utilities does
occur, it will be the self-sufficient among us
who are still operating their homes and
businesses by doing so off the grid, which is
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
just another reason to ensure you’re pre-

pared now for a disaster that could strike
AUGUST 2014
down the line.

ASG_1408_15 6/9/14 12:43 AM Page 15
ASG_1408_REVIEW-CX 6/11/14 10:52 PM Page 16
GEARREVIEW
Airforce Airguns’
Escape Is Excellent
For Small-Game
THE GREAT Hunting In A

Survival Situation
BY TONY NESTER
ESCAPE
PHOTO COURTESY OF AIRFORCE AIRGUNS

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE the route. Better yet would be to have
power of an air gun when you’re some spare, fully charged air tanks on
in a bug-out situation. hand; fill these via a scuba tank before
For years, all I used for squirrel and a weekend of shooting.
rabbit hunting was a venerable .22 rifle, The Escape comes in both .22 and
but a friend introduced me to high- .25 caliber. About a year ago, I switched
velocity air guns and this has become over to using the .25-caliber rifles for The Escape features a precision, 24-
my primary tool for bagging small small-game hunting and the difference inch rifled barrel, which is a leap above
game, especially given the shortage of in range and power is noticeable. your standard break-barrel air rifles. I
.22 rimfire ammo. The butt stock, which is attached to used JSB Match Diabolo King .25-caliber
Air rifles have come a long way in the air tank, was a little short for me pellets obtained from Pyramyd Air. I use
the past 10 years. and didn’t offer any method for exten- these in my personal air rifles and found
No longer is the shooter relegated sion so I would want to purchase a they performed well with the Escape.
to using a low-velocity, break-barrel longer stock to suit my lanky arms. The brochure indicates a velocity
rifle for plinking. In many states, you that ranges from 800-1,300 fps
can legally hunt small game with an air (depending on power setting and pel-
rifle or practice target shooting in your let weight), and the rifle did an excel-
backyard. With this in mind, the Air-
THE FACTS lent job of dispatching plywood bun-
Force Escape Airgun is a quality sur- FEATURES nies at 40 yards.
vival firearm to consider. • .25- or .22-caliber Lothar Walther Barrel The trigger is the smoothest I’ve
• Lightweight felt on a small game rifle—even supe-
THE BASICS • No recoil rior to several of my .22 rimfire rifles.
The rifle I received for review • Pressure relief device
• Adjustable power
required some assembly and the direc- AN EXCELLENT CHOICE
• Quick-detachable air tank
tions, air pump and tools were all easy The difficulty of obtaining .22 rim-
to use, enabling me to have the rifle up fire ammo, coupled with the effective-
SPECS
and running within 30 minutes. Velocity: 800 to 1,300 fps (depending on
ness of a high-powered air rifle, makes
The first step in assembly was to caliber, pellet weight and power setting) the Escape an excellent choice for
attach the air tank to the rifle frame Power adjustment: User-adjustable varmint hunting or backyard plinking.
with a simple spin-lock. The company Maximum fill pressure: 3000 psi/200 bar The multiple barrel lengths to
also provides an instructional DVD cov- (use only compressed air or dry nitrogen) choose from, its lightweight aluminum
ering the nuts-and-bolts of how to use Action: Single shot design and a variety of calibers renders
its products; I would advise reviewing Weight: 5.3 pounds this is a noteworthy rifle to add to one’s
this material beforehand if you are new Length: User-adjustable, 34.5-39 inches survival arsenal. The spin-lock Escape
to using this type of air rifle. Barrel: 24 inches model retails for $660, minus the air
The air tank required filling using Trigger: Two-stage adjustable, for position pump, scope and accouterments.
the air pump that was provided with Sights: Open or optical sights can be
this test product (sold separately). It installed Tony Nester is the author of numerous books and
Typical groups: 1 inch or less, at 75 yards DVDs on survival. His school, Ancient Pathways, is the
has a max fill pressure of 3,000 psi. The primary provider of survival training for the Military
instructional DVD shows you how to fill Air tank volume: 213 cc
Special Operations community and he has served as a
the air tank off a scuba tank and seri- Safety: Automatic on cocking consultant for the NTSB, FAA, and the film, Into the
ous shooters would save themselves a Wild. For more information, visit APathways.com.
AUGUST 2014
lot of triceps workouts by going this
CONTACT For more information, visit AirForceAirguns.com or call (877) 247-4867.

ASG_1408_17 6/9/14 12:45 AM Page 17
Dillon Precision’s
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ASG_1408_INTRO_GENERAL.qxp 6/9/14 1:35 AM Page 18
GENERAL
IN THIS SECTION EVACUATION + GROUP LEADERSHIP + NO-MONEY LIVING + MORE
DOWN
TO BRASS
TACKS
Keep the Basics in Mind
When Prepping
HOW DO YOU DEFINE your life as a survivalist?
You may say you’re preparing for any disaster
that comes your way, or you might instead
respond that your goal is to be completely off
the grid and self-reliant. But no matter what your
lifestyle and goals are, everyone has the same
basic needs when it comes to keeping our fami-
lies safe. You need food, water, shelter and the
ability to stay unharmed if a storm or terrorist
attack should occur.
On the following pages, you’ll find out how to
remain safe from the threat of electromagnetic
pulses, and what it takes to live as a professional
survivalist. We’ll also take you inside the mind of
Lynn Thompson so you can learn just how he rec-
ommends you defend yourself if you’re ever in an
extreme situation.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_19 6/9/14 12:46 AM Page 19
ASG_1408_EVAC-CX-p20 6/11/14 11:45 PM Page 20
HIT THE ROAD
JACK
THREE EASY STEPS TO
CREATE YOUR PERFECT
EVACUATION PLAN
BY TORREY KIM
I
T’S SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU’LL TAKE WHEN
YOU BUG OUT OF TOWN FOLLOWING AN EVACUATION OR EMERGENCY.
The bug-out bag is just a small part of your evacuation plan. In addition to
bringing the right things on your trip, you’ll have to consider a few additional
important factors.
Check out what people have to say about their personal experiences, then
use the following three steps to round out your evacuation process.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_EVAC.qxp 6/9/14 1:37 AM Page 21
1 EVERYONE IS
RESPONSIBLE
Long before you find yourself in the situation “The teenagers were in charge of listening to
where you have to evacuate due to a hurricane or the radio to find out the most congested routes
nuclear meltdown, you must discuss the possibil- and the best times to hit the road based on traf-
ity with your family so that everyone is on the fic patterns. My husband and I were able to pick
same page. the best travel location based on that informa-
The American Red Cross advises families to tion, and it got us out of the house a full 18 hours
go over the emergencies that are most likely to before the majority of people were on the road.”
occur in your area, and then designate certain Remember to update your emergency
responsibilities to each member of your family so evacuation plan every year or so. Your younger
that everyone knows exactly what to do should kids may be able to handle bigger responsibili-
an emergency occur. ties, and teenagers could be elsewhere, such
“When we knew that Hurricane Katrina was as work or college. In addition, roads can be
coming, the younger kids were responsible for built or rerouted over time that can make
getting the pets’ things packed up and ready, your evacuation plan obsolete if it’s based on
and ensuring that the car had a few bowls in it so outdated information.
we could give the dogs water along the trip,”
says Kathleen Corrigan of Metairie, La.
“DRIVE YOUR PLANNED

EVACUATION ROUTE AND
PLOT ALTERNATE ROUTES ON
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
YOUR MAP IN CASE ROADS

ARE IMPASSABLE.”
—THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
CASH IS KING
If the grid fails during an emergency
situation, you won’t be able to simply swing
through the ATM for some cash, and most hotels,
hospitals and grocery stores won’t be able to
accept electronic payments. Therefore, you
should keep enough cash in your emergency bag
to get you out of town.
Although this amount will differ from one
family to the next, you will want to tabulate how
much your family would need, based on its size
and how self-sufficient you are (e.g., whether you
have food, water and a shelter, or if you’d need to
pay for those). Make sure you don’t just have big
bills—you’ll also need smaller denominations, the
Centers for Disease Control states in its Family
Emergency Checklist brochure.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
AUGUST 2014

2 AGREE ON A
MEET-UP SPOT
You should choose more than one spot where
your family can meet up after an emergency, the
will release the students if there’s an emergency
because the school is outside the emergency
American Red Cross advises. The first should be radius of the nuclear plant,” Russo says. “But my
“right outside your home in case of a sudden elementary schooler will be transported to a facility
emergency, such as a fire,” while the second 30 miles from my house, so our secondary meetup
should be somewhere outside of the neighbor- location is at that facility. All of the family members
hood in case you are away from the house when know to go straight there in case of a nuclear melt-
the evacuation order comes through and you can’t down, where we would get our youngest child and
return home. immediately get on the road out of town.”
Anne Russo of Apex, N.C., lives near a nuclear Make sure that everyone in the family has a
powerplant, and the plant has issued information mapped out route to the secondary location,
about where families can be reunited with their because GPS services may not work during
children in case of a breach. “My older son’s school an emergency.
BROADCAST
“THE BUG-OUT BAG It has happened quite a few times in our nation’s history—a terrify-
ing event such as 9/11 takes place and all communication systems are
IS JUST A SMALL down, ensuring that you can’t find out if your loved ones are safe or
PART OF YOUR not. When the phone lines are jammed, turn to the Red Cross Safe &
EVACUATION PLAN.” Well website, where you can register as being safe, and your friends
and family can search for your name on the site to determine your sta-
tus. The website is available at SafeAndWell.CommunityOS.org.
GAS UP
When Hurricane Katrina was
heading toward the Louisiana
coast, residents lined up for
miles to get gasoline, and
many were unable to fill their
tanks because pumps ran out of
fuel, Corrigan says. To ensure
this doesn’t happen to you,
keep a tank full of gas in a safe
storage area near your house so
you can fill your tank and get
on the road if everyone else is
flocking to the pumps.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
AUGUST 2014

MAPQUEST
Make sure every member of
your family is able to read a paper
map in the event that GPS tech-
nology isn’t operational.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
3 PRACTICE
RUNS
After you’ve established your meetup location
and shared it with family members, you can’t simply
forget about the plan and push it aside. Instead,
you should practice evacuating your home twice a
UPDATE
year, the American Red Cross advises. “Drive your You should update your family’s bug-
planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes out bags semi-annually, or whenever
on your map in the event roads are impassable,” you practice your evacuation routes.
the organization states. Kids’ sizes can change and the seasons
This is especially important since you might may require different clothing, so you
change jobs along the way or your kids could be want to make sure your bag is always
coming from a different school than they had updated. However, don’t make extra
originally attended. As long as you perform the room in your car for bags of clothes—
semi-annual practice run, everyone will have a clear instead, food and water are more
path to the meetup location from their current important in an emergency situation.
place of school or business. Just a few spare outfits will do the trick
In addition, the practice runs will allow you to so you can have enough room for non-
jot down alternate routes you may see along the perishable food and jugs of water.
way. This is particularly important if everyone is
heading out of town at the same time—if you’re
the one person with a back route to another state,
AUGUST 2014
you’ll experience a smooth ride while the rest of

your neighbors are sitting in traffic.

ASG_1408_LEADER.qxp 6/9/14 1:38 AM Page 24
GENERAL
COMMAND
CENTRAL
10 PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE SURVIVAL GROUP LEADERSHIP
BY ROY A. WOODALL, JR.
I
N A BAD SITUATION, it’s definitely a case of
survival of the fittest.
That said, sometimes a group has better
odds of surviving than individuals.
Groups can accomplish much more than a single
person. Groups with great leaders can pretty much
accomplish anything. Being a great leader isn’t easy,
but with these tips, you can put together and lead an
effective survival group that will flourish through
hard times and ultimately develop into a family.
BACKGROUND
I have been a member of many tactical teams
over the years: the U.S. Army; two police depart-
ments; and military contracting in Iraq, Afghanistan
and Africa have taught me a few things about lead-
ership. Unfortunately, I learned more from the bad
experiences than the good. Being part of a dysfunc-
tional team teaches you posthaste what traits make
for a good leader, and I got to see firsthand the
cause and effect of how treating people poorly
destroys morale and creates turmoil. In a survival
situation, walking away from a dysfunctional, toxic
or dangerous group would be an agonizing choice if
you and your family depended on it for protection,
shelter, food and water.
AUGUST 2014

FOOD FOR
THOUGHT
The fundamental principle of military
leadership is “mission first, men
always.” These words reflect the value
of people: never see them as
expendable; value them always.
“LEADING PEOPLE IS THE HARDEST AND MOST REWARDING JOB EVER.”

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
AUGUST 2014

QUICK TIPS
NURTURE > Establish yourself as an authority figure.
Just like plants need water, fertilizer > Be a good role model.
and sunlight to grow, human relation- > Be worthy of respect.
ships need nurturing to survive. There > Be clear about rules and expectations.
is a natural tendency for people to ini- > Be consistent.
tially get along in a crisis because > Leave room for input and ask for help if you need it.
everyone is trying hard and pitching in. > Delegate.
But as the days turn into weeks and > Show your love of teamwork.
months, priorities can shift and bad > Show your expertise.
feelings can start to fester. Imagine the > Assess fairly and give praise when due.
danger created by exposing a group of
short-tempered, well-armed people to
no electricity, no water and no food.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
To make a group work, it takes a
smart, empathetic leader who can fos-
ter loyalty, not lose sight of the mission
and hold on to his or her humanity.
BIG 10
Below are 10 important traits that
every good leader needs.
1. Show the love: people know BAD 9. Communicate: praise in public and
when you care about them and also LEADERSHIP criticize in private. Don’t micromanage.
when you don’t. Be dedicated and loyal Tell people what you want them to
to your team. Loyalty and trust is TRAITS accomplish, not how to do every little
earned. Learn people’s names and > Failing to listen. task. Keep instructions simple and con-
show genuine interest in their lives. > Exhibiting the “do as I say, not as cise and encourage feedback. Allow
2. Stay fit: if you’re out of shape, I do” mentality. room for creativity. Trust the knowl-
you’ll tire more quickly and not have > Not providing adequate support. edge and experience in your group, but
the stamina to keep up with the > Withholding information. be ready to make a hard decision if you
demands of survival. Tired people > Being afraid to discipline. have to. Always conduct after-action
have less patience and quickly lose reviews at the end of projects to
focus on the mission. It is hard to care encourage quality improvement. Focus
about anything other than taking and you cannot stand for that. It is on three questions: What did we do
shortcuts when you are exhausted. impossible to be an effective leader right? What did we do wrong? How can
3. Keep informed: a leader’s job is when subordinates undermine you. we improve next time?
hard; you’ll get up early, stay up late Leaders who withhold information 10. Don’t forget to laugh: funny
and work harder than anyone encourage rumors, so have people are a natural anti-depressant!
in the group. You need to scheduled times to dissem- Humor is an important way of dealing
know how to do the job inate information, intel- with stress and can significantly boost
of everyone under ligence, news, accom- the mood of the group. Use it liberally,
your leadership,
because knowl-
WARNINGS plishments and
praise.
but make sure it doesn’t get out of
hand; e.g. pranks, nasty sarcasm, etc.
edge is power. Don’t expect everyone to follow you. There 7. Be truthful:
4. Set an exam- are some people out there who just refuse credibility is such a REQUIREMENTS
ple: be on time to to follow. No matter how hard you try, you fragile thing; do Good leadership involves much
meetings. Be orga- may not be able to reach everyone. not lie to your sub- more than telling other people what to
nized, neat and ordinates. A good do; it is about being a better person,
clean. Work hard You might get called bossy or pushy, no way to encourage learning new things and never giving
and don’t ever be matter what you do to be fair. It’s people to lie to you up on yourself or your team.
viewed as lazy. part of the game. is to lose your temper Leading people is the hardest and
Remember that ambi- when you hear bad most rewarding job, ever.
tion, good attitude and news. Resist the urge to get A true leader requires wisdom,
friendliness are infectious. upset when someone tells you patience and most important, compas-
5. Build a team: set goals, inspire something you don’t want to hear. sion to get the job done.
vision and establish a chain of com- 8. Take responsibility: nobody is
mand. Make basic rules and encourage perfect, so don’t pretend to be. Be Roy A. Woodall, Jr. is a veteran of the U.S. Army
Infantry. He is also a retired police officer, a post in
feedback before any final decisions are accountable, make the corrections and which he served as a SWAT Team sniper, firearms
made. Emphasize the importance of apologize as needed. Taking risks instructor, armorer and field training officer. Woodall
teamwork to minimize effort and maxi- means making mistakes. Not taking has spent the last three years working overseas as a
mize results. risks and playing it safe can have a private military contractor working in Iraq,
AUGUST 2014
Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Nepal and Italy.

6. Zero tolerance: rumors and gos- diminishing return. Don’t be afraid to
sip undermine the chain of command, be bold.

ASG_1408_27 6/9/14 12:47 AM Page 27
ASG_1408_LYNN-CX-28 6/11/14 11:47 PM Page 28
GENERAL
SHEAR
necessity
KNIFE MAKER LYNN THOMPSON
CAUTIONS NOT TO OVERLOOK ONE OF
THE BEST SURVIVAL TOOLS OUT THERE
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

ASG_1408_LYNN.qxp 6/9/14 1:41 AM Page 29
IMPROVISE!
Thompson has hunted all over the world. He
was the first to shoot all of Africa’s Dangerous
Seven with an iron-sighted handgun. But
he’s just as adept at taking game with primi-
tive weapons such as spears and blowguns.
Even in some short-term emergency sit-
uations, you might have to fight other peo-
ple or wild animals for your life and the lives
of your loved ones. And in those situations,
according to Thompson, you need to be able
to find improvised weapons.
“I always tell people, a 10-inch chef’s
knife. Every kitchen has one. You can get one
anywhere in the world. You can make a
sheath out of cardboard. They’re always avail-
able. A hammer’s almost always available.
You can buy a hammer almost anywhere. If
you can’t get a gun, there are tons of impro-
vised weapons that you can get.
“I’ll tell you about my whole hierarchy of
weapons for survival. If you’ve got a good
survival knife, a big survival knife like a Trail
Master, you can make a bunch of other stuff.
The first thing is that all non-firearms
weapons are about distance.
“If I can, I’ll make a bow. One of the best
things you can do is to carry a bowstring with
you. They don’t take up hardly any room at
all. You can make a bow from a green wood
sapling, from bamboo, from cane. There are
lots of things you can use to improvise a bow.
“If I can’t make a bow, I might make a
sling. You can braid a sling out of paracord.
You can cut the tongue out of one of your
Choose your weapons. Lynn Thompson selects a kukri for a sparring exhibition at this year’s shoes to make the pouch. I would make
NRA Annual Meetings in Indianapolis.
lances and spears. A lance is typically not
thrown; it’s a stabbing weapon. A spear can
be thrown or used to stab.
“I usually make my spears about 7-feet
long. I’ll find a sapling and cut it down and
“I MAKE EVERYTHING AS A WEAPON FIRST AND AS A TOOL SECOND the fat end I’ll carve into a point.”
Thompson said a common mistake is to
BECAUSE THERE’S NO HIGHER STANDARD THAN AS A WEAPON.” make the spear point too short, which won’t
penetrate very well.
“I’ll make that point about 6 inches
long,” he said. “And I’ll bring it down to
where it’s about as big around as my little
T ONLY TAKES A MOMENT TO KNOW THAT THIS MAN MEANS BUSINESS. finger and then I’ll sharpen another bevel on
He’s barrel-chested and powerfully built, and all 5 feet, 9 inches of him con- it so that it still has some strength, but it’s
vey determination and direct purpose. pointy. I would fire-harden that. I would
make at least one lance and two or three
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
If his mere physical presence wasn’t daunting enough, there are the knives,
one in each hand, the glint off of their shiny steel blades flashing a warning that spears to throw.
at any instant they can be unleashed in a hailstorm of misery and death. “I would make a quarter staff maybe 6 or
Confronted by such a man in a dark alley or lonely parking lot would possibly 7 feet long and 2 inches in diameter. I’d
trigger a fight-or-flight response. But this man is one of the good guys. In an emer- make a succession club starting with a 4-foot
gency situation, he is one person you’d want on your side. He is Lynn C. Thompson, club that weighed at least 3, maybe 4
president and founder of Cold Steel, Inc., a California-based business that is one of pounds. I’d make some wooden daggers as
AUGUST 2014
the premier manufacturers of edged weapons in the world. well. And then I would gather stones.”

TACTICAL TALK Lynn Thompson

produces DVDs
showing cutting
What makes a good survival use to split things. You can tests on Cold
Steel knives.
knife? carve around a sapling and
“When you think about a snap it off or you can burn
survival knife,” said Thompson, through it. There are lots of
“the first thing you think about ways besides batoning. I’ve
is, is this your only knife? If it’s never agreed with that. I think
your only knife, you can’t break it’s stupid, unless you have
it. That’s the most important multiple knives.
thing. I think it needs to have As far as blade configura-
enough blade length and tion, Thompson said he recom-
weight to be able to help you mends a clip point blade rather
to cut down saplings or at least than a drop point preferred by
cut into them so you can break others.
them off to build a shelter. It “A drop point doesn’t stab
should be long enough to be as well and it doesn’t do
PHOTO COURTESY OF COLD STEEL, INC.

able to stab something or finesse as well,” he said. “Your
somebody with and kill him. blade gets narrower at the tip
Thompson firmly believes with a clip point so you can do
a survival knife has to be able more finesse work. It is a
to serve as a weapon. As an slightly weaker point than a
example, he used the movie drop point, but with a lot of the
The Grey, where survivors of a drop points I see on survival
plane crash are forced to fight knives, you have to put too
off a pack of wolves. much pressure to stab anybody
“You’ll never watch that with it. And a lot of people
movie again and not think
you’d want to have a big, bad
aren’t interested in that. They
don’t think you’re ever going EXTREME KNIVES
knife in your suitcase, espe- to have to stab anybody. But I Thompson says that what separates Cold Steel from the competi-
cially when flying over a forest. make everything as a weapon tion is that he’s willing to put his knives through extreme, abusive tor-
Even though it was fiction and first and as a tool second ture tests. He has showcased the results first through his “Solid Proof”
you know it probably wouldn’t because there’s no higher stan- DVD and now his “Apocalypse Proof” DVD that accompanies each Cold
happen in a million years, it dard than as a weapon. Steel catalog.
was very primal. I think your Thompson also prefers a The company has produced numerous instructional DVDs, many
survival knife has to double as survival knife with a double featuring Thompson, covering edged-weapon techniques. In this six-
a fighting knife. guard to protect his hands. DVD set, Never Unarmed, Thompson takes you through the hunting
“I’m always bemused by “A large knife can be and self-defense capabilities and limitations of every type of firearm,
people who want to hammer pressed into a smaller knife’s from pocket pistols to the largest double rifles.
on the back of their blades,” he role. But small knives, not visa Thompson believes in a multi-discipline approach to self-defense.
said. “You don’t risk batoning versa. So what would he suggest to a person who’s just getting started?
with your survival knife. The “There are so many scenar- “I’d send him to a Filipino martial arts school,” he said. “If I had
chance of breaking your sur- ios where you might need to kids, I would start my kids boxing and wrestling. I would start them
vival knife negates any benefit lay down fire, that I can’t deny out on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or shoot fighting, which came out of profes-
of batoning you could possibly the superiority of the semiau- sional wrestling in Japan.”
have. You can cut a wedge to tomatic.”
Ready for anything.

Lynn Thompson WARRIOR TOOLS
believes in a multi-
Thompson is also an expert hunter
discipline approach
to self-defense and and marksman with both conventional
is ready to fight firearms and primitive weapons. He is a
hand-to-hand, with recognized Master at Arms, a lifelong
firearms and edged
student of several martial arts disci-
weapons.
plines and an expert in fighting tech-
niques, especially involving anything
with a blade. Knife, tomahawk,
PHOTO COURTESY OF COLD STEEL, INC.
machete, sword, you name it; Thomp-

son can use it to slice you and dice you
with the speed of the best food
processor available on the market.
Thompson got into the knife busi-
AUGUST 2014
ness after he broke a knife from

another manufacturer while training.

“I went in the house and got

another one and broke it too,” he said.
“I was so disgusted, I decided to make The Cold Steel Trail Master
with its 9½-inch blade embodies
my own knives. That was the catalyst
Thompson’s idea of what a
for Cold Steel.” survival knife should be.
Thompson started Cold Steel in 1980
and built the company around his now-
famous series of tanto blade fighting
6
knives and large Bowie designs, such as
his Trail Master. He boldly marketed his SURVIVAL KNIVES YOU
knives as being intended primarily as
weapons and that made the rest of the
CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
knife industry uncomfortable. • Trail Master bowie—91⁄2-inch enough to handle big jobs, continuous piece of steel.
“We’ve always been a warrior com- blade, double guard, the ulti- small enough for finer, detail Handle can be fitted onto
pany,” Thompson said. “We were tacti- mate survival knife according work. wooden shaft to become a
cal when tactical wasn’t cool. And now to Lynn Thompson, that can • Gurkha Kukri Plus—12-inch spear or lance.
you see all of my competitors have handle any chore from cut- blade, really a curved • XL Recon 1—51⁄2-inch blade,
opened tactical divisions. These are the ting to chopping to machete with excellent chop- the only folding knife on my
same people that criticized me in the stabbing. ping properties, the “Plus” is list. Normally you want your
1980s and ‘90s for being too aggres- • Recon Scout—71⁄2-inch blade for the guard between the survival knife to be a fixed
sive and too fighting-oriented, and now (basically a smaller version of blade and handle to protect blade for strength, but there
they’re all making fighting knives.” the Trail Master). the hand. may be times when it’s incon-
• SRK (Survival Rescue Knife)— • Bushman—7-inch blade, eco- venient tot carry a fixed blade
Steven Paul Barlow is a retired sergeant/station com- 6-inch blade (my personal nomical, tubular handle knife. This extra-large Recon
mander and former firearms instructor with the New
favorite all-around knife), big extends from blade in one 1 is a huge folding knife.
York State Police. He has been writing on outdoor
topics for 30 years.
“WE’VE ALWAYS BEEN A WARRIOR COMPANY…WE WERE TACTICAL WHEN TACTICAL WASN’T COOL.”
Improvised weapons might be necessary in an

emergency survival situation. It helps to have a
Cold Steel Bushman, which can easily be fitted
to a wooden shaft to make a spear or lance.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_32 6/9/14 12:48 AM Page 32
CONVENIENT FOR STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION

RELIABLE PERFORMANCE FOR WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
20'' 18.5''
The Ruger ® 10/22 Takedown® combines all of the features and functionality of the 10/22® rifle, America’s
favorite rimfire rifle, with the ability to easily separate the barrel/forend and action/buttstock for convenient
storage and transportation. The simple reassembly of the barrel and action is secure, ensuring an accurate
return to zero for consistent, reliable performance when you need it most. Packed in a rugged, ballistic nylon case
(included with rifle), the Ruger® 10/22 Takedown® makes it easy to keep America’s favorite rimfire by your side.
RUGER.COM/1022TAKEDOWN
ASG_1408_33 6/9/14 12:48 AM Page 33
©2014 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 050114

ASG_1408_PRO 6/9/14 1:43 AM Page 34
GENERAL
Livin’
the Life
A PROFESSIONAL SURVIVAL TRAVELER SHARES
SECRETS FOR LIVING OFF THE BEATEN PATH
WITHOUT MONEY BY GARRETT KIM
Most survivalists have had fantasies about exciting adventures in the

wilderness at one point in their lives, but few have gone out and acted on the desire.
We’ve all heard, through movies like Into the Wild and 127 Hours, of people who
pursue these exciting lifestyles, traveling the country and living off the land, but is this
a path that is possible to follow?
We talked to Luke Riegel, who has been a professional traveler for the past 16
years, to discover what it takes to live life off the grid. He offered some insightful
answers to five quick questions that can help you determine if you’re ready to follow
this path.
“I DON’T HAVE TO ANSWER TO ANYONE OR RELY ON

CORPORATIONS OR THE GOVERNMENT IN ANY WAY.”
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
—LUKE RIEGEL, PROFESSIONAL TRAVELER

AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_PRO 6/9/14 1:43 AM Page 35
ASG: Is it possible to get by without

having a job or a trust fund to rely
on?
Riegel: Yes, it’s completely possible. I
am not a traveler who lives without
money, even though there are people
who do that and can get by well with-
out it. But I can get by on very, very lit-
tle money. I have a small tent that I
carry in my pack, and I can put it up on
most public lands. I do not have a car
or bicycle. I walk, but if I want to go
somewhere further, I will take a day
construction, landscaping or farm help
job wherever I am to make enough
money for a train or bus ticket, and
then I’ll explore that new area for
months. Really as long as I have my
tent, I’m set.
ASG: What do you do for food?

Riegel: Food is not a problem in the
slightest. I have never gone hungry in
16 years, and I don’t beg for food or
anything else, ever. Between dumpster
diving and food available on public land
(insects, plants, fruit) I can eat every
day. I have even found strawberries
growing on the side of the highway. I
don’t eat meat or fish anymore but
when I did, I was pretty good at fishing
for my dinner. As for water, I drink from
streams and public water fountains. I
will usually treat stream water with
bleach tablets I keep in my pack.
HITCHHIKING?
Riegel has hitched rides during his 16
years as a traveler, but not as often as
you’d think.
“I have done it if the weather is
really bad or if I’m in a really hitch-
friendly area, but it’s just generally
unsafe,” he says.
If you’re considering hitchhiking,
check local laws because some states,
such as Arkansas and Pennsylvania,
prohibit it.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_PRO 6/9/14 1:43 AM Page 36
KEEPING
IN TOUCH
If you’re concerned about keeping in
touch with relatives during your travels,
remember that you can always mail a let-
ter for 46 cents at any post office, and
you can check email at public
libraries during your travels.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
Riegel carries a portable tent on his travels, so he always has a place to sleep.
ASG: Don’t you miss sleeping in a

home or eating a meal made in a
kitchen? WHERE TO CAMP
Riegel: I actually do those things at least Riegel sleeps in his portable tent during his Other public sites allow you to sleep on loca-
once a month. That gets me to an impor- travels, and you may want to follow suit if you tion as long as you maintain a drug-free area
tant point. I am in contact with friends pursue this lifestyle. Keep in mind that you and you leave nothing behind at your site
and family through the Internet (anyone can typically camp on public land, but most (you must take away all waste), while some
can use a computer at a public library). I public sites have regulations about how long states have more specific rules. In New York,
will check my email a few times a month you can stay or where you can pitch the tent. for instance, you can camp on public land as
and if I’m traveling somewhere that I For instance, the Bureau of Land Manage- long as you are more than 150 feet from a
have friends or family, they always offer ment requires you to only stay in one location road, trail, spring, stream, pond or other body
for me to spend a night with them. for two weeks at a time. After the 14-day of water. You can find most states’ rules on
I think the perception would be that threshold, you will typically be asked to move. their websites.
a lot of people would shun my lifestyle
but it’s really the opposite—most peo-
ple I know will tell me “I wish I could
do what you’re doing” and they respect
it, and they like to help out and spend
time with me and hear about my trav-
els. I never ask for a place to stay but
people who know about my journey
will often ask me to let them know
when I’m going to be in their area, and
when I do, they always offer.
It’s really, really important to keep
your network of friends and family,
because it’s difficult to trust people on
the road that you’ve just met. I’ve met
some amazing people who have
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
become lifelong friends, but I’ve also

met people who you wouldn’t want to
spend more than five minutes with, so
you just have to be nice to people you
AUGUST 2014
meet but not trust them straight off.

You can often find wild fruit, like these strawberries, growing on public land.

ASG_1408_PRO 6/10/14 10:36 PM Page 37
UNSURPASSED
CAPACITY
“IT’S REALLY, REALLY IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOUR NETWORK
OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY, BECAUSE IT’S DIFFICULT TO TRUST PEOPLE
ON THE ROAD THAT YOU’VE JUST MET.”
—LUKE RIEGEL
CZ P-09
With 19+1 in its flush fitting
magazine, the P -09 can’t be beat
when it comes to 9mm service pistols.
It’s a good idea to

treat any water you
drink in the wild
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
with a purifier, such

as bleach tablets, a
laser or a filter.
MAIN FEATURES
t*OUFSDIBOHFBCMFCBDLTUSBQT
BATHING RULES t$POWFSUJCMF TBGFUZPSEFDPDLFS
t0NFHBUSJHHFSTZTUFN
Riegel says he usually bathes in public bodies of water such as creeks, but he cautions other
travelers in following his lead and avoid using soap in a waterway because it’s harmful to the
t1PMZNFSGSBNFXJUI1JDBUJOOZSBJM
eco-system. Instead, he uses sand to scrub himself, or he carries water to his campsite in bot-
t NN 48
tles and then lathers up and rinses there, followed by a suds-free dip in the water. t5XPNBHB[JOFT
tZFBSXBSSBOUZ
ASG: It sounds like you go long peri- tions or the government in any way. I
ods without seeing people—do you have the knowledge that I am com-
miss that? pletely self-sufficient and can do what-
Riegel: No, I don’t. I think anyone who is ever I want, whenever I want. It’s a
going to take this journey as a traveler is very freeing feeling. The worst part is
probably someone who is fairly solitary. I probably weather fluctuation. I have
like traveling alone, but if I get lonely, I learned over time that I don’t want to
do talk to people I meet along the way. be in Texas in the summer or Alaska in
the late fall (I was there one summer
ASG: What are the best and worst and stayed a little too long and it was
parts that people should know about dangerously cold, as you would
this lifestyle? expect). I love nature (if I didn’t, I 1305&$5t)6/5t$0.1&5&
Riegel: The best is obviously that I get wouldn’t be living this way) but there
to see the country and meet people are definitely weather events that
www.cz-usa.com
AUGUST 2014
from all walks of life. I don’t have to make you question living in a tent.
answer to anyone or rely on corpora-

ASG_1408_EMP-CX-all 6/11/14 11:51 PM Page 38
EMP UPDATE
YOU MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES,
BUT THEY CAN DESTORY LIFE AS YOU KNOW IT BY GARRETT KIM
IF
AN EMP ATTACK WERE TO HIT THE UNITED STATES, our nation could become
crippled without possibility for repair.
Essentially, an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a short burst of electromagnetic
energy that can fry any electronics in the vicinity. In today’s society, if the power
goes out for an hour, we come to a standstill—from cell phones to computers to
traffic lights, the population at large is easily crippled without their electronics.
Whether you’re aware of the EMP threat or not, there’s a good chance you could learn more
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
about how to protect yourself from this silent but realistic threat. The following tips from Scott
Hall, president of EMP protection supplier Relatus LLC, can help you stay safe from EMPs.
AUGUST 2014

EMPs AS WEAPONS “The important thing about all these is that they
If your only exposure to an EMP is learning about are targeted energy weapons. Instead of creating
EMPs that strike as part of a lightning storm, then region-wide damage, they would damage only the
this reality might be eye opening: EMPs can be used buildings/area they target. If terrorists or enemy
as weapons by terrorists who want to disable our countries target important locations, that would cause
communications system, or worse. significant damage, but it would not be anywhere
The most common way an EMP attack could occur near the impact of a high-altitude nuclear EMP.”
would be if a nuclear weapon exploded high enough
over the middle of our country, Hall says. RECOVERY?
“The impact of a nuclear EMP depends on the Not only would electronic sys-
size of the warhead,” explains Hall. “A bigger bomb
creates stronger energy fields across a wider area.”
tems be damaged if an EMP hit, but
so could the power grid as a whole,
EMPs
Although it seems unlikely to happen, the reality Hall says. DEFINED
is that although large warheads are mostly in the “Let’s use a worst-case scenario,” The United States government
hands of the major powers, Pakistan and India also he suggests. “If Russia decided it defines an EMP as “the burst of
have large bombs that could cause multiregional would benefit from knocking back electromagnetic radiation created
damage, Hall reports. the United States, it could launch a when a nuclear weapon is deto-
“Pakistan is a concern, since it is at risk of becom- secret EMP attack. It could place a nated or when a non-nuclear EMP
ing a failed state,” he adds. nuclear missile launcher on a cargo weapon is used.” You can read
However, an EMP attack could also be caused ship, then launch the missile from a the government’s stance on EMPs
from other non-nuclear means. point at sea. It could then sink the on the Department of Homeland
“A non-nuclear EMP can be created a few differ- ship. As revealed by the tragic Security page at: Dhs.Gov/News
ent ways,” says Hall. “First, terrorists with explosives search for Malaysia Airlines flight
and technical abilities could create a flux compression MH370, the sea is a big area.”
generator (a device used to generate a high-power If an EMP with a large warhead
electromagnetic pulse by using explosives.) Second, struck, it could knock out the power grid for a good
a high-tech enemy could use a portable radar system portion of the country, Hall warns.
to create EMP-type effects. Third, the U.S. is in final “A large EMP would cause extensive damage to
testing of an EMP cruise missile.” the power grid. Large transformers would be dam-
Although these attacks would be critically harm- aged, and so would the SCADA computerized con-
ful, they would not be as devastating as the power of trollers that manage the power grid. This could lead
a nuclear EMP, Hall tells us. to power outages that last months in some areas.”
“THE ABILITY OF THE

POWER COMPANIES AND
THE GOVERNMENT
TO MANAGE THE PROBLEMS
REALLY DEPENDS ON THE
SIZE OF THE ATTACK.”
—SCOTT HALL, PRESIDENT OF RELATUS LLC
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
Lightning strikes produce electromagnetic pulses, and it’s clear how much can be destroyed when lightning
strikes. Just imagine that energy placed into a weapon to get a feeling for how powerful an EMP attack could be.
AUGUST 2014

SOLAR STORM: SAME THING?

Although a solar storm can knock out the electrical grid, it’s different
than an EMP attack. Solar storms are natural disasters, Hall says, but
we have almost twice the odds of facing a solar storm than an EMP
blast. Fortunately, EMP cover bags will also protect electronics during a
solar storm, so the products can offer double duty to your devices.
“IF TERRORISTS OR ENEMY COUNTRIES
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
TARGET IMPORTANT LOCATIONS, THAT WOULD
CAUSE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE, BUT IT WOULD
NOT BE ANYWHERE NEAR THE IMPACT OF A
HIGH-ALTITUDE NUCLEAR EMP.”
If the grid falls, even transportation
systems that are electronically
—SCOTT HALL
programmed could be crippled.
If the attacker used a smaller bomb, the damage wouldn’t

be as horrific, but it would still be severe.
“Fewer systems will burn out and the area of the attack
will be smaller,” Hall explains. “So, the ability of the power
companies and the government to manage the problems
really depends on the size of the attack. Some of the large
transformers could take more than a year to replace. Like-
wise, damaged SCADA controllers could take a long time
PHOTO COURTESY OF EMPCOVER.COM
to swap out.”
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE?

Today, the odds of an EMP attack in our nation are hard
to ignore, and many Americans have already began taking
measures to prepare for the possibility of an attack. To ensure
you’d be prepared for an EMP blast, you’ll need an emergency
kit for your family and another for your business, Hall says.
Once you have about three days’ worth of supplies set
aside in your kit, you should consider placing some backup
electronics into an EMP shield such as a Faraday cage
protection, Hall says. Then you can place your emergency
The four bags in the
10x9-inch kit can hold radios, backup cell phone, etc. into the kits so if the grid goes
slightly larger electronics, such down, you could still be operating your backup electronics,
as tablet computers. safe and sound from the EMP blast.
HOPE
Although an EMP attack would put the country in a terri-
EMPCover.com’s 8x7-inch
bag kit includes four bags ble position, the situation isn’t completely hopeless.
PHOTO COURTESY OF EMPCOVER.COM
that can safely protect “Regarding an EMP paralyzing the country, there is no
your electronics. doubt that it would cause a large problem,” Hall says. “I,
however, am not in the camp that predicts 90 percent of the
country will die. Instead, the evidence points to a multiregion
disaster that would be terrible, but not unrecoverable.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Hall’s company, Relatus, offers you an opportunity to see what an
EMP blast would really entail. Simply visit his website at EmpCover.com
and click on the EMP simulator at the top of the page. There, you can
change the target area and size of the EMP to determine what type of
damage it could cause.
In addition, the website offers EMP survival kits and Faraday bags, as
AUGUST 2014
well as other EMP protection gear, to ensure that you stay safe in the
event of an attack.

ASG_1408_41 6/9/14 12:49 AM Page 41
ASG_1408_BG_SIGNAL.qxp 6/9/14 1:49 AM Page 42
Buyer’s Guide
SIGNALING DEVICES
HELP IS ON
THE WAY
For as Low as $1.50, You Can Start Stocking
Your Signaling Devices
NOT EVERYTHING GOES ACCORDING TO PLAN.
What starts out as a fun day hiking or exploring unknown
areas of the outdoors can quickly and unpredictably turn into
a life-or-death situation if someone gets injured, lost, or dis-
oriented from a sudden natural disaster.
There are numerous personal signaling devices that are
available on the market today. Always remember to include a
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
few different varieties in your bag before venturing out into

nature’s backyard.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_BG_SIGNAL 6/9/14 4:25 AM Page 43
SIGNALING DEVICES Buyer’s

Guide
1 $125
MORE PREPARED 1 MORE PREPARED
Model: Megaphone 16 Watt - 600 Yard Range
Website: MorePrepared.com
MSRP: $125
Key Features: Weatherproof; pistol-trigger talk switch;

built-in siren
Description: This megaphone lets people know you are
nearby—in a big way. Pumping out a full 16 watts of
power with a range of 600 yards, you can give your lungs
a rest and let this attention-grabbing machine do the work
for you. Its built-in siren and foghorn are perfect for sig-
naling during unexpected emergencies or natural disas-
ters. Constructed of sturdy, high-impact ABS plastic, this
unit is built to last under harsh conditions. This signaling
device is ideal for use when lost in marine environments,
deep woods excursions, or exploring unknown territories.
Volume control, dynamic microphone and pistol-trigger
switch makes this device easy to use and operate. It uses
“THIS COMPACT six “C” cell batteries, and includes a carrying strap.
SIGNALING DEVICE
CAN SEND A
DENSE CLOUD OF 2 ORION
Model: Orange Smoke Signal
Website: OrionSignals.com
EYE-ATTRACTING MSRP: $15.99
ORANGE SMOKE Key Features: Easily visible smoke; daytime use; self-
HUNDREDS OF contained ignition
FEET INTO THE AIR Description: Being lost while trying to enjoy the great
THAT CAN BE SEEN outdoors is a terrible thing. But it does happen. So, the
next time you go out, be prepared and carry the Orion
FROM MILES Orange Smoke Signal canister. This compact signaling
AWAY.” device can send a dense cloud of eye-attracting orange

smoke hundreds of feet into the air that can be seen from
miles away. Perfect for daytime use, this smoke signal
device requires no matches, has an included self-con-
tained ignition mechanism and is fully waterproof. It
burns for a full minute, and is a necessity for hikers and
weekend explorers scouting through unknown territory.
ORION
2 $15.99
AUGUST 2014

Buyer’s SIGNALING DEVICES

Guide
3 SOL Model: Sharx Whistle

Website: SurviveOutdoorsLonger.com
“THIS UNBREAKABLE WHISTLE EMITS AN EAR-
MSRP: $10 PIERCING 120 DB SOUND THAT CAN BE HEARD
Key Features: Unbreakable ABS plastic; rubber grip;
piercing sound FOR MILES TO ATTRACT RESCUERS OR PEOPLE
Description: Don’t expend needed energy yelling for
PASSING BY IN YOUR SURROUNDING AREA.”
help when lost in the woods. The Sharx can do it for you
… and much better. This unbreakable whistle emits an
ear-piercing 120 dB sound that can be heard for miles to
attract rescuers or people passing by in your surrounding
area. Constructed with a dual resonator body, this emer-
gency whistle produces sound with minimal effort, so con-
stant and steady signaling can be achieved. It works in
any conditions or environments—won’t freeze or stick to
your lips, even in extreme cold. Its molded rubber grip
ensures a firm hold, while the included key ring secures
the whistle to your belt loop, zipper pull, or anywhere else
convenient for quick access.
4 SOL
Model: Rescue Flash Mirror
Website: SurviveOutdoorsLonger.com
MSRP: $9.50
Key Features: Unbreakable; lightweight; long range
Description: Sometimes simple is better, and with the

SOL Rescue Flash Mirror, signaling for help has never
been easier. Constructed of lightweight Lexan, this mirror
will not break when dropped or knocked about when lost
in the wild. The unit is very easy to operate, requiring only
one hand to aim the mirror’s bright reflection to overhead
planes, helicopters or distant search and rescue teams. No
batteries, no moving parts, no power source of any kind is
needed for operation, just direct the mirror at the sun’s
powerful rays and send a signal up to 10 full miles away
or further; it’s a key necessity in your pack when traveling
in any unfamiliar environment.
5 ESSENTIALS
EMERGENCY
Model: 5-in-1 Survival Whistle
Website: BePrepared.com
MSRP: $1.50
Key Features: Tough plastic casing; survival essentials;

easy-to-use operation
Description: This multi-function signaling device helps

get you out of a jam when lost by providing several means
of signaling. Its primary signaling device is a molded res-
cue whistle that creates a piercing sound that can be
heard for miles. Extend your chances of being seen by sig-
naling planes overhead or other search vehicles with the
attached signaling mirror; it’s easy to use and operate
under the bright sunshine. Other features include a flint
fire-starter, aluminous dial compass and a waterproof
matchbox, perfect to fill with any wind- or waterproof sur-
vival matches (not included). Extremely cost effective, sev-
eral of these could stock all your survival kits, backpacks or
SOL
even hang in your back pocket, just in case.
3 $10
AUGUST 2014

SIGNALING DEVICES Buyer’s

Guide
SOL
4 $9.50
“THIS MULTI-FUNCTION
SIGNALING DEVICE NOT
ONLY GETS YOU OUT
OF A JAM WHEN LOST,
BUT PROVIDES A
WHOLE LOT MORE!”
EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS
5 $1.50
AUGUST 2014

Buyer’s SIGNALING DEVICES

Guide ROTHCO
7 $2.49
6 ORION
Model: Pocket Rocket
Website: OrionSignals.com
MSRP: $38.99
Key Features: Reusable launcher; water-

proof storage container; long burn time
Description: When you need to get the

message out that help is needed immedi-
ately, few items do this as well as the Pocket
Rocket Signal Flares. Small enough to fit
into your backpack or your camping supply
bag, these signal flares can be lifesavers for
you or your loved ones. Easy to operate, this
essential kit contains a much-needed water-
proof and floatable storage container, a
reusable launcher and three aerial flares. ORION
Each flare burns for more than six seconds
and can shoot upwards of 300 feet to alert
6 $38.99
rescuers and make them aware of your loca-
tion. Its bright red color can be seen during
daytime or nighttime. Be prepared for the
“WHEN YOU NEED TO GET THE MESSAGE OUT THAT

unexpected.
HELP IS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY, FEW ITEMS DO THIS

7 ROTHCO
Model: Dog Tag Signal Mirror
Website: Rothco.com
AS WELL AS THE POCKET ROCKET SIGNAL FLARES.”
MSRP: $2.49
Key Features: Scratch-resistant; integrated

sighting hole; neck chain hole
Description: Simple in use and design, yet

extremely valuable in a lifesaving situation, ORION
the Rothco Dog Tag signaling mirror lets
overhead planes, helicopters or search-and- 8 $12.38
rescue parties notice you amidst the back-
drop of endless foliage or other natural ter-
rain. Its reflective power sends a flash of
sunlight into the daytime sky, easily seen by
anyone in the immediate area. A sighting
hole allows you to line up your signal
towards whatever direction is needed to
maximize your chances of being seen and
ultimately rescued. The pre-punched hole is
perfect for any size necklace to keep the mir-
ror secure and close by for easy access when
you need to signal quickly before your
chance passes you by. A must-add to any
survival kit or bag!
8 ORION
Model: Orion Safety Lightsticks
Website: CheaperThanDirt.net
MSRP: $12.38
Key Features: Nonflammable; waterproof,

provide 10 hours of light
Description: These nonflammable light

sticks are waterproof, environmentally
friendly and will float in water. Each stick
provides more than 10 hours of light, and
they’re great to carry in your backpack or car
in the case of an emergency.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_47 6/9/14 12:50 AM Page 47
t h E R A N G E , E X P E C t
IN thE W OODS O R ON ,
QU A L It Y , RE L IA B ILIt Y
DUR ABILIt Y
When you own a Del-Ton rifle,

you are guaranteed:
s!LIFETIMEWARRANTY
s'OODVALUEFORTHEMONEY
s%XCELLENTCUSTOMERSERVICE
s(UGESELECTIONOFPARTSANDACCESSORIES
Del-Ton Incorporated is a manufacturer of quality

AR-15 style modern sporting rifles and your
online source for parts, upgrades, accessories,
optics, and custom rifle kits. Ask your dealer
about Del-Ton rifles or visit del-ton.com.
*For as long as you own it www.del-ton.com www.facebook.com/deltoninc

ASG_1408_COVERSTORY.qxp 6/9/14 1:51 AM Page 48
COVER STORY
PHOTO BY GUS ALONZO

TRAPPINGS
TREASURE
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SURVIVE CAN BE FOUND AT MAJOR SURPLUS
BY GARY CARTER
B
EING CAUGHT IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION WITH- 1. Voodoo Tactical
OUT THE RIGHT GEAR CAN BE FATAL. Combat Shirt
Just like you need food, water and shelter to sur- Stay comfortable under
vive, you need gear to protect against the elements your tactical vest or plate
and enable you to take on the tough tasks you will face. carrier with our soft body
Enter Major Surplus, carrier of all a comprehensive selec- made of 100-perent
tion of gear that makes it a one-stop survival store. With a breathable cotton. Sleeves
wide array of clothing, backpacks, combat knives, first aid have zippered hook-n-loop
supplies, camping items and food and water supplies, you pockets of various sizes
can bug out in comfort and security. with outer soft hook-n-
Read on to see how we geared up our cover model, then loop to attach unit ID
check out the website and see what fits your own needs. patches. Double-rein-
forced elbows stay strong
and adjustable hook-’n’-
loop wrist closure to keep
out the sand.
MSRP: $38.95
2. Tru-Spec 24-7
Tactical Combat Pant
These 65/35 poly/cotton
2 Rip-Stop Tactical Pants’
pocket design features
two front-slant pockets,
two open accessory pock-
ets and six expandable
pockets with hook-’n’-
loop flap closures. The
pants are made with a
comfort waistband and
double-reinforced knee
with built-in kneepad
1 pockets. Colors include
black, OD and khaki.
AUGUST 2014
MSRP: $39.95

TRAPPINGS
TREASURE
3. Italian Alpine Parka 4. Ambush LED Voodoo

The Italian, military-issue Alpine parka Rechargeable Flashlight
offers superior cold-weather protec- This flashlight has been field tested
tion with its poly/cotton outer shell and approved by a tactical/law
that’s waterproof and windproof. Out- enforcement professional team for
side there’s a full-length front zipper dependability and durability. Its
with outer wind baffle, adjustable rugged aerospace aluminum alloy con-
sleeve cuffs and two, flap-covered struction is combined with military-
pockets. Inside is a full length, sewn-in level anodized bodies featuring the
3
wool liner with an added button-in, latest lighting technology; LED chipset
quilted, insulated liner. The face-warm- with America CREE Q3 and Q5 with
ing mouton collar and lined hood are up to 100,000 hours. Models include
both removable. an ultra-bright spotlight, regular spot-
MSRP: $49.95 light, low spotlight, strobe and SOS, 5. Matrix Pack
and all include a rechargeable lithium The Mini Matrix features an
battery and battery charger. Maximum adjustable, padded shoulder harness
output on high is 245 lumens, medium with attached electronics instrument
180 lumens and low 80 lumens. High pouches; multiple side, upper and
run time is 2.5 hours, medium is 4 lower pockets; and reversed coil zip-
hours and low is 20 hours. pers to keep the sand out. Other
MSRP: $99.95 features include lots of universal
webbing for pouch attachments,
hook-n-loop ID patch and an
enhanced harness-retention system
for maximum load carry. The mini is
hydration compatible with covered
hose exit port, and the main com-
5
partment features admin pockets
and compartments, a padded pocket
for laptop and hydration bladder
pocket. All seams are double-
stitched and bar-tacked at all stress
points. It measures an overall 9
inches long, 13 inches wide and 15
inches high.
MSRP: $149.95/$159.95 (Multicam color)
CONTACT INFORMATION
To see all of Major Surplus’ gear, check out
MajorSurplus.com, or for more information
call (800) 441-8855.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_51 6/9/14 12:51 AM Page 51
J A N T Z
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ASG_1408_CARS-CX-p52 6/11/14 11:51 PM Page 52
GENERAL
GOTTA GET
GONE
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
IF YOU NEED TO FLEE, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TRANPORTATION
BY ALEX LaGRAND
I
N THE EVENT OF AN APOCALYPSE, DOOMSDAY, OR EVEN LESS IS MORE
A GOVERNMENT MELTDOWN, HAVING GOOD TRANS- Technology is popular in today’s world, seen
PORTATION IS ESSENTIAL. in every aspect of life from the ordering of food
Many realists are great about survival preparation, but often to the way we communicate with one another.
the transportation issue is overlooked. However, too much technology in a car for
If you’ve seen shows like The Walking Dead and movies like future survival needs could prove detrimental
World War Z, you know that cars play an enormous role in survival and would be a waste of money.
during an apocalypse, but how does one choose the most efficient According to Pelkey, “Electronics and
and durable car in order to ensure utmost preparation? extras from the factory are more things that
American Survival Guide met with car expert Robert Pelkey in could go bad or malfunction,” and he advises
North Carolina to bring you the answer. installing as little “extras” as possible to ensure
that the number of malfunctions in your car is
GAS MILEAGE little to none.
With gas prices the way they currently are, it’s no question that In addition, basic maintenance such as regu-
gas mileage should play an enormous role in choosing the best car lar oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles with
for your prepper needs. In the case of imminent government melt- good oil would keep the car in good shape for
downs or the possibility of a dooming apocalypse, gas mileage is future use.
important to consider, for it could prove beyond pivotal if you want
to ensure that your car uses every morsel of oil—and uses it wisely. TIRES
Car expert Robert Pelkey explained, “Twenty miles per gallon is In the case of any natural disaster, Pelkey
the average for modern cars; this is the mid-range between sports suggests, “One word: Tires.”
cars and economy cars.” Pelkey emphasized tires as the main thing
It is highly important for one to consider the gas mileage each that could prove imperative in any situation,
AUGUST 2014
model offers. As Pelkey noted, 20 miles or even more to the gallon especially in the case of snow, tornadoes, and
is great for adequate transportation in future doomsday events. thunderstorms. Having good tires could ensure

ASG_1408_CARS.qxp 6/9/14 1:54 AM Page 53
rapid getaway from hazardous situations and

could end up protecting life.
Choosing tires is the same as choosing cloth-
ing. Many factors are included, and it comes
down to several questions, like, in what kind of
weather will the car be driven? And how much
will the car be driven? These should be consid-
ered not only when purchasing your car, but
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
purchasing tires.
Depending on the climate you will be driving in, take special circumstances
Many tire companies offer a wide range of into consideration when purchasing your car. If you will be experiencing a lot
options, each boasting various features. While of snow, investing in all-wheel drive may be a benefit worth the money.
often the cheapest tire may prove convincing,
oftentimes it will lack safety features that could
come in handy with future survival endeavors.
Meet with a local tire specialist to discuss which According to Pelkey, many import
tire would be the best option for you, based on vehicles offer all three in excess. “My
your situation. favorite two [models] would be the
Subaru WRX STI and the Mitsubishi
MODELS Evo. Both have good power with
With car companies and dealerships con- turbo-charged motors and both are all-
stantly boasting about having the latest avail- wheel drive.”
able models, how are you to know which brands He also goes on to mention that
give you the biggest bang-for-your-buck? Which the aforementioned Subaru WRX STI is
ones offer the most in terms of durability, gas more of a rally car, referring to racing, Tires are the
mileage, and speed? yet offers superb off-road capabilities. most important
additional cost
As for more, Honda, one of the
that could end
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
most popular brands in the United up being the
States and beyond, is known for its deciding factor
long-lasting engine. They are priced in a life-or-
death scenario.
well and typically can run for more
than 300,000 miles, more than the
average car running for much less.
In the end, Pelkey explained, “It all comes
down to how much you want from a car and
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
how deep your pockets are.”

BRAND
Bio: Alex LaGrand is a North Carolina-based freelance writer who
enjoys writing about various topics, particularly involving the out-
LOYALTY
doors and the military. Each car brand is
famous for its own rea-
sons; maybe it’s the top
“ONE WORD: TIRES.” pick in safety, durabil-
ity, or even gas
—ROBERT PELKEY, NORTH CAROLINA-BASED CAR EXPERT mileage, and these
brands are constantly
competing for busi-
ness. Below are some
THE BASICS OTHER COMPONENTS of the top-rated brands
Other items essential for safe driving may also require throughout the world,
Knowledge of basic car maintenance is essential for
maintenance in due time. While car maintenance may but keep in mind that
any driver. Below are some things that should be
prove costly, the biggest thing to remember is to address the best choice in car
checked routinely to make sure that your car will
issues in a prompt manner, otherwise safety issues could will depend on your
remain in working order:
arise. The following are parts, in addition to the regular personal situation.
Engine oil level
checkup, that should be inspected routinely: > Honda
Antifreeze/coolant level
Air filter > Mercedes-Benz
Brake and power steering fluid levels
Headlight, turn signals, and brake lamps > Mazda
Transmission fluid
Spark plugs and cables > Jaguar
Belts
Engine timing belt > Skoda
Leaking fluids
Windshield wipers > Lexus
Brake and headlights
Source: DMV.org > Kia
Vehicle battery (Batteries should be replaced
> Volvo
roughly every five years)
> Toyota
Loose electrical connections
> Audi
Radiator tube
MORE 411 Source: Telegraph.Co.UK
Source: DMV.org.
For more information about how to choose the right
AUGUST 2014
tire for your needs, visit Auto.HowStuffWorks.com.

ASG_1408_BG_FOOD.qxp 6/9/14 1:56 AM Page 54
Buyer’s Guide
FOOD&WATER
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
SURVIVAL SUSTENANCE
Food and Water Options, Including Gluten-Free and Vegan!
SURE, IN A CLUTCH SITUATION, you can go a long time without eating.
But your senses, reasoning skills and overall mental and physical state will be sorely
affected; and during harsh times, that could have very deadly results for you.
Constant nourishment and a well-balanced diet can help you maintain your sharp-
ness under not-so-ideal conditions out there in the world.
To accomplish this and to avoid trying to secure food and water when thousands of
others are trying to do the same, you must prepare ahead. Lucky for you, your options
are plentiful in the form of freeze-dried or dehydrated foods, water storage and
preservation items, easy-to-use MREs, as well as protein rations, energy bars and
AUGUST 2014
dozens of survival food and water items available on the market today.

ASG_1408_55 6/9/14 12:52 AM Page 55
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Buyer’s FOOD&WATER
Guide
MORE PREPARED
1 $9.95
“FOUR BRAND-NEW 55-GALLON
BARRELS ARE EQUIPPED WITH
PROTECTIVE SEAL CAPS TO KEEP OUT
CONTAMINATES, DIRT AND DEBRIS.”
1 MORE PREPARED
Model: Five-Gallon Collapsible Water Carrier
Website: MorePrepared.com
MSRP: $9.95
Key Features: High-grade polyethylene; flexible material;

convenient dispensing spigot
Description: Having enough water is only half the battle;

storing it for your future needs takes planning and proper
supplies. Thankfully, the 5-gallon collapsible water storage
jugs do the trick. Constructed of a flexible, but highly durable
polyethylene, these water storage jugs hold up to 5 gallons
of fresh drinking water for you and your family. The carrier
features an integrated leak-proof spigot with an on/off option
for convenience when dispensing. Holds its shape and main-
tains sturdiness even in extremely cold temperatures and
folds down easily to conserve valuable space when storing.
An easy-carry handle is included.
2 NITRO-PAK
Model: Family Water Storage Package
Website: Nitro-Pak.com
MSRP: $625
Key Features: Manual hand pump; protective seal caps;

five-year life
Description: Last-minute water storage plans don’t always

go as planned, so don’t take the chance. Fill up at your leisure
and enjoy fresh, drinkable water for up to five years without
replacing. Use ordinary tap water and treat with the included NITRO-PAK
water stabilizers and you’re all set. Four brand-new 55-gallon
barrels are equipped with protective seal caps to keep out 2 $625
contaminates, dirt and debris. An aluminum bung wrench is
supplied to open and reseal the barrels, as needed. The
included manual siphon pump makes access to the fresh
water easy and controlled, so you have little or no wasted
water. 220 gallons will supply water for a family of four for up
AUGUST 2014
to 28 days. FDA-approved barrels.

FOOD&WATER Buyer’s
Guide
3 NITRO-PAK
Model: Deluxe Security Pack
Website: Nitro-Pak.com
MSRP: $232
Key Features: Ten-year shelf life; quick-and-easy prepara-

tion; delicious taste
Description: The Deluxe Security Pack is essential for short-

term survival when food is unavailable or contaminated due to
natural disasters or other sudden emergencies. Equipped to
supply up to 1,530 calories per person per day, you and
another person can eat regular breakfast, lunch and dinner for
up to seven days. Compact and extremely lightweight, these
instant meals can be stored at your home, in your supply pack
or at your alternative Bug-out location for up to 10 years with-
out worry. No cooking is necessary, just add hot water and eat
directly out of the bag. Enjoy beef stew, lasagna, macaroni and
cheese, and many other delicious varieties.
“EQUIPPED TO SUPPLY UP TO 1,530

CALORIES PER PERSON PER DAY,
YOU ... CAN EAT REGULAR BREAK-
FAST, LUNCH AND DINNER FOR UP
TO SEVEN DAYS.”
NITRO-PAK
4 $232
4 WISE
Model: 60 Serving Entrée Bucket
Website: WiseFoodStorage.com
MSRP: $134.99
Key Features: Easy-to-carry bucket; delicious variety; 25-

year shelf life
Description: Convenience, easy storage ability and deli-

cious flavor all come together in this 60-serving entrée
bucket. With enough food to last one person for a full
month or a family of four for a week, this collection of deli-
cious entrees is perfect for long- or short-term food stor-
age needs. The lock-in stacking buckets with grab-and-go
handles make storage and transport easy, even under
stressful or emergency situations. All entrees are pre-mea-
sured in convenient four servings per pouch which pro-
duces less waste while reducing prep times when feeding
2 people or more. All foods are sealed for safety and dura-
bility in strong Mylar pouches. Some items included in
this assortment include cheese lasagna, chili macaroni,
pasta Alfredo, chicken soup with noodles and many more
tasty varieties.
WISE
4 $134.99
AUGUST 2014

Buyer’s FOOD&WATER
Guide
5 FOOD
LONG LIFE
DEPOT
Model: MRE Breakfast Kit
Website: LongLifeFood.com
MSRP: $35.50
Key Features: Delicious variety; home-cooked

taste; hot preparation
Description: Under normal everyday conditions,

breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
During survival situations, this fact still holds
true. Start your morning with the MRE breakfast
kit. Each MRE comes complete with the comfort
foods you need to add a bit of normalcy during
trying or uncertain times. Your three-day break-
fast kit is filled with favorites including pork
sausage, biscuits and gravy, French toast, cinna-
mon buns, muffins, cookies and three accessory
packets to round out this high-calorie assortment.
Pack a few kits when camping, and with your
short-term prepping supplies. Easy, delicious …
and life saving.
6 MOUNTAIN HOUSE
Model: Gluten Free Scrambled Eggs
Website: MountainHouse.com
MSRP: $5.49
Key Features: Gluten free; durable Mylar pouch;

easy to prepare
MRE BREAKFAST KIT
Description: Personal dietary requirements
don’t stop when disaster strikes. People requiring
5 $35.50
gluten-free foods now have an option when food,
especially gluten-free foods, becomes scarce dur-
ing emergencies or natural disasters. Pack for
short- or long-term food preparation and never be
caught without your needed gluten-free food
items. Add boiling water; allow reconstituting
and eat directly from the pouch. No matter what
your situation, the aroma of scrambled eggs and
crisp bacon will give you comfort and much
needed sustenance during trying times.
GLUTEN FREE SCRAMBLED EGGS

6 $5.49
“ENJOY DELICIOUS GLUTEN-FREE SCRAMBLED EGGS AND

BACON IN AN EASY-TO-PREPARE, DURABLE MYLAR POUCH.”
AUGUST 2014

FOOD&WATER Buyer’s
Guide
LONG LIFE FOOD DEPOT

7 $195
7 WAREHOUSE
SURVIVAL
Model: 12 MRE Meal - Vegetarian Case
8 LONG LIFE
FOOD DEPOT
Model: 72 Hour MRE Supply for 4
Website: Survival-Warehouse.com Website: LongLifeFood.com
MSRP: $89.95 MSRP: $195
Key Features: 100 percent vegetarian selec- Key Features: Extensive food variety;
tion; included heaters; full accessory pack included heater units; meat and non-meat
options
Description: Vegetarians can now maintain
their specific needs even during survival or Description: Prepping for the unknown is
emergency situations. This full, 12-meal case not only important for yourself, but also for
of entirely vegetarian entrees and sides has your whole family. Now you can meet the
everything you need to get your needed calo- challenges of the first 72 hours of any survival
ries under “not so normal” conditions that situation with the MRE supply kit for four.
may occur in this unpredictable world. Check food off your list of concerns because
Choose from three varieties, including vege- this kit comes complete with 36 entrees, 24
tarian chili, cheese tortellini or pasta mari- side dishes, 24 bakery items, 12 desserts, 12
nara and enjoy delicious sides such as dried beverage bases, accessory packets with all
fruit, sugar cookies, raisin nut mix, crackers your essentials and 36 one-use heaters so
and even high-energy bars. An accessory your meals are hot and comforting under
pack containing a spoon, napkin, coffee, non- stressful circumstances. Great taste and long
dairy creamer, salt, pepper, sugar and a wet shelf life makes these MRE meals a must for
nap comes complete with every meal and an every family member’s bug-out bag. They are
easy-to-use entree heater brings your meal also available in an all non-meat option.
up to piping hot temperature in minutes.
Each full meal provides between 1,100-
1,300 calories.
“VEGETARIANS CAN
NOW MAINTAIN
THEIR SPECIFIC
NEEDS, EVEN
DURING SURVIVAL
OR EMERGENCY
SITUATIONS.”
SURVIVAL WAREHOUSE
8 $89.95
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_INTRO_HOMESTEAD.qxp 6/9/14 2:02 AM Page 60
HOMESTEAD
IN THIS SECTION AMISH CABINS + NATURAL REMEDIES + BEEKEEPING + MORE
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Are You Ready for a Real Homesteading Lifestyle?
THE FOLLOWING PAGES will take you through the lives of homesteaders who are
achieving their dreams, one step at a time.
Being completely self-sufficient doesn’t just mean you’ve got a vegetable garden and
a pantry filled with home-canned fruits. It means you’re ready to handle illnesses, that
you can heat or cool your house without having to rely on government utilities, and much
more. But we don’t all arrive at self-reliance at the same time—for many of us, it takes an
entire lifetime to completely disassociate ourselves from an “on-the-grid” lifestyle.
Explore the merits of beekeeping, get a handle on home remedies, and embrace
AUGUST 2014
green power for your cabin with the turn of a page.

ASG_1408_AMISH-CX-p61 6/11/14 11:53 PM Page 61
HOMESTEADING
custom
CABIN
THIS AMISH CABIN COMPANY WILL BUILD YOUR HOME TO YOUR SPECS
BY TORREY KIM + Photos Courtesy of Amish Cabin Company
your dream of cabin living wears off once you realize you’d have
to invest years to make it happen, listen up: Now’s the time to
make your dream a reality. “THE AMISH JUST WANT TO BUILD
One hard-working cabin company can deliver a pre-built cabin A GOOD PRODUCT. THEY WOULD
to your property just three months after you order it.
Amish Cabin Company doesn’t just build its cabins based on RATHER LOSE MONEY THAN
the Amish style of quick-and-sturdy “barn raisings”—the cabins SACRIFICE THEIR REPUTATIONS….”
are actually built by the Amish in an off-grid facility, so you bene- —LINTON WELLS, OWNER, AMISH CABIN COMPANY
fit from the well-known Amish craftsmanship without having to
AUGUST 2014
move to Amish country.

ASG_1408_AMISH.qxp 6/9/14 2:04 AM Page 62
“Several years ago, I wanted to

build a cabin for myself, and when I
came across these Amish modular cab-
ins, they just totally captivated my
interest,” says Amish Cabin Com-
pany’s owner Linton Wells. “I struck
up a friendship with the Amish and I
have a lot of respect for them and I
think they can tell that.”
Wells then worked out a relation-
ship in which he hired the Amish
craftsmen to build the cabins in their
own facility.
“The Amish just want to build a
good product,” Wells says. “They
would rather lose money than sacrifice
their reputations. I’ve seen them rip
things apart and start all over again,
eating all the cost themselves, because
their character and reputation is
attached to everything they do.”
[ABOVE] The Deluxe Appalachian

log cabin is the company’s most
popular model, used for main
residences, getaway cabins,
offices, and guesthouses. It has
a full, six-foot front porch.
[LEFT] The company’s 10x20-foot

“Baby Boone” cabin costs less
than $20,000 and makes a great
lake retreat for your fishing trips
or the perfect bug-out cabin.
GOING
OFF-GRID
You’ve got a sturdy wooden cabin and all
of the amenities you could want—can’t you
get it powered by off-grid energy sources
as well? In fact, you can.
Amish Cabin Company has partnered
with an established regional solar energy
company to provide two primary off-grid
Just the Facts solar power options for its customers, and
Amish Cabin Company’s products are indeed built by the Amish in a custom off-grid facil- custom solutions are available. The com-
ity on an Amish farm in Kentucky. The floors are radiant heated by a wood-fired furnace pany can also recommend solar indoor
fueled by pine scraps to ensure proper application of stains inside the facility. The CNC composting toilets, propane tankless
machines and all other tools are powered by an onsite diesel generator. water heaters, solar-powered portable
The cabins are built of eastern white pine, cut in the Amish sawmill. The same Amish lighting, and reasonable EPA-rated small
crew that builds the cabin makes the cabinetry and the interior and exterior doors. woodburning stoves.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_AMISH.qxp 6/9/14 2:04 AM Page 63
SPECIAL DELIVERY
If your cabin is being delivered within 200 miles of the com-
pany’s headquarters in Elizabethtown, KY, delivery is free, but
the company can deliver just about anywhere for an additional
charge. The delivery charge is about $8 per loaded mile for
prebuilt cabins, and $4 per loaded mile for the do-it-yourself
unassembled cabin kits.
The company will then deliver its prebuilt cabins directly
onto your pre-existing foundation or pad.
“THE DELUXE KITS, ONCE THEY’RE DELIVERED

TO YOU, ARE READY FOR SAME-DAY USE.”
—LINTON WELLS, OWNER, AMISH CABIN COMPANY.
In addition to sturdy
Amish-built cabins, the
company can also help
you find Amish-built
furniture to complete
the look of your home.
THE DETAILS
Once you choose which of the five
DIY
main models the company offers, you’ll If you’ve always wanted to
place a deposit and then you can participate in your own
expect delivery of your cabin about 10 Amish cabin-raising, you can
weeks later, Wells says. The pre-built buy the unassembled cabin
cabins range in price depending on kit and build it yourself
your customization requests, but they based on the kit instructions
start at about $16,000. if you’re already quite handy.
The company’s deluxe prebuilt cab- “I definitely would not
ins are delivered fully assembled and recommend this for a novice
offer the following as standard fea- builder,” Wells says. “We do
tures: A metal roof with a 40-year war- provide technical support,
ranty, energy-efficient 3Ht insulation, and the Amish can be
energy star-rated insulated windows, reached to provide support
exterior stain, Amish-built pine kitchen/ and answer questions, but
bathroom cabinetry, kitchen counter- you should only order these
top, Amish-built pine exterior/interior if you have some residential
doors, pine flooring, pine tongue and construction experience.”
groove ceiling, pine interior walls, pine The kits start at about
exterior siding, pine exposed 3- x 4-inch $9,500 for the smallest insu-
posts and beams, prewired/inspected lated cabin set; all kits come
200 amp electrical wiring with all fix- with all of the materials you’ll
tures/receptacles including back/rear need to construct the cabin’s Several of the layouts can be built to accommodate a spacious
exterior, including the wood, front porch.
exterior receptacles and lighting, all
plumbing fixtures except water heater, screws, caulking, windows,
cosmetic exterior dormers, Amish-built metal roof, doors, precut
loft ladder, and shutters. posts and beams, exterior FOR MORE INFORMATION
siding, window trim, stain, To see the layout plans that Amish Cabin Company offers, as
“The deluxe kits, once they’re deliv- well as a price list and a full description of the options available
ered to you, are ready for same-day flooring and ceiling, loft for your cabin, visit the company’s website at AmishCabinCom-
materials and instructions.
AUGUST 2014
use,” Wells says. pany.com.

ASG_1408_HOMEREMEDIES.qxp 6/9/14 1:58 AM Page 64
HOMESTEADING
CONVENIENT
CURES
THREE NATURAL REMEDIES TO USE FOR A HOST OF AILMENTS BY ALEX LAGRAND
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
A CLUTCH SITUATION, you’re not going to be able to walk into a pharmacy and
get something for what ails you. Should you need to bug out, you’ll need to con-
sider some natural remedies that could keep you going.
Many remedies offer a way to take care of the issue at hand, while maintaining a
perfectly natural and healthy medicinal option. American Survival Guide went
straight to an expert source, Angela Wastchak, known in North Carolina for her
copious use of natural remedies. She defines such as the utilization of natural
resources coming from the earth, including leaves, roots and plants through what
AUGUST 2014
she refers to as “God’s pharmacy.”

10 YEARS OF NATURAL
Wastchak began using natural remedies 10
years ago after finding a website to help her
with her family’s needs.
She explained, “I began my journey by look-
ing for alternative ways to heal our family
health issues without conventional medicine as
the first line of defense. I also raise our animals
in a natural and holistic environment, as well.
There are many doctors and researchers to
whom I look to gain insight.”
So far, Wastchak and her family have seen
astounding improvements in health and the
overall quality of life just by using natural reme-
dies as opposed to conventional medicines. Nat-
ural remedies offer a world of wonders for those
who wish to pursue a natural, holistic lifestyle,
as Wastchak has done.
1. GARLIC
In addition to fighting off vampires, garlic
provides a natural substance that helps to fight
many common illnesses.
Wastchak says, “I use garlic because of its
anti-viral, anti-fungal and antibiotic properties.”
Olive oil is great
Coming from the onion family, garlic is to help with the
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
something easily grown in one’s backyard or on common earache.

one’s homestead.
To help with the common cold, a sore throat,
or even the flu, take about three cloves of garlic,
dice them and leave them out in the open for at
least 10 minutes. According to Wastchak, the
more it is exposed to air, the more allicin it will
create and this is what helps to heal. Run a cup “IT [OLIVE OIL] HAS SAVED MY CHILDREN ON MANY LATE NIGHTS.”
of hot water through a coffee maker or bring to
a boil on the stove. Set it aside for about five —ANGELA WASTCHAK
minutes to allow it to cool. Be sure to never
place garlic into too hot of water or it will break
down the healing properties of the garlic. Then, Whole can always add any kind of tea during the
place all the garlic in the heated water and let it
steep for about fifteen minutes. Finally, drain off
Health steeping process. Teas have excellent healing
properties because they help pull toxins from
the garlic pieces through a strainer and sip what Many books are available the body.”
for purchase to help one
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
Wastchak refers to as the “hot toddy” until it is

gone. She says to do this once a day for a few initiate a natural lifestyle, 2. OLIVE OIL
days and a difference should be felt quite but the one Wastchak uses Olive oil, created from extracting the oil from
quickly. Wastchak also noted that “If you or most and found the most olive drupes, is a great resource to help one’s
your patient find it hard to palate the taste, you useful was Whole Health: A skin and overall health. By replicating our bod-
Holistic Approach to Heal- ies’ natural properties, olive oil will help to
ing for the 21st Century. maintain good health and keep us going for
Available on Amazon, it much longer.
offers valuable insight on
Furry Friends how to achieve more vital-
To help with the common earache, take a
small container and slightly warm about a tea-
Keeping your pets healthy through natural means ity and energy through the spoon of olive oil—not too hot, merely warm. In
is not an easy task, but it is more than doable with Whole Health Healing Sys- order to make sure it is the perfect temperature,
the help of Dr. Becker, a veterinarian who operates tem. A winner of 2014 test the temperature on the underside of your
the animal section of www.mercola.com, a website Nautilus Award, it offers wrist to ensure it will not burn. With the patient
offering articles, videos, and various information nutritional recommenda- lying affected ear up on a pillow, take an eye-
on maintaining health through natural sources. If tions, help in diagnosing dropper and place about eight drops in the
you are looking to include your pet on your jour- ailments and techniques to affected ear canal. Wastchak suggested that if
ney to a natural and holistic lifestyle, visit healthy- help balance the mind, you do not have a dropper handy, take a clean
pets.mercola.com for more information. body and spirit. tissue, absorb the oil and squeeze the drops in
AUGUST 2014
Source: Amazon.com
with that. In addition, placing a towel over the
pillow beforehand will allow for easy clean up at

“I USE GARLIC BECAUSE OF ITS ANTI-VIRAL, ANTI-FUNGAL AND ANTIBIOTIC PROPERTIES.”

—ANGELA WASTCHAK
Natural vs. Conventional

Conventional medicine is often easy to access—one needs
only to head to his or her local grocery store to pick up an
over-the-counter substance that helps to treat whatever ill-
ness or ailment needs attention; however, conventional
medicine often treats the symptoms of that illness or ail-
ment, rather than fighting the true cause and preventing it
from resurfacing later on. Wastchak has found that the use of
natural medicines often not only treats the symptoms, but
also offers that preventative aspect that conventional medi-
cines don’t offer. She suggests using the natural remedies as
the base medicine for most needs, and then supplementing
the use with conventional medicine as needed.
3. ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
A very powerful absorbent, activated char-
coal binds with poisons and toxins in your body
to move them safely through the gastrointesti-
nal tract.
Garlic can help
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
In order to help a stomachache or for one

ease the common
cold, the flu or
who has come into contact with raw or contami-
even a sore throat. nated food, take one tablespoon of activated
charcoal in powder form and mix it into a full
glass of water. The charcoal will bind itself to the
toxins and poisons and move it safely through
the end. Now place a warm, wet washcloth your system. Or, if you have charcoal capsules,
(heated it to as warm as the skin can take it) and take three capsules and follow suit with a full
place it over the ear. Keep re-warming the glass of water to get the same results. Wastchak
washcloth as it cools and placing it over the ear. emphasized that if you take charcoal capsules, to
Keep an iron and a bowl of water close by and always drink at least a glass of water to help this
dip the cloth in every few minutes then reheat to work safely and efficiently.
the damp cloth with the iron by pressing it like
you would iron a shirt; this helps to reheat the
Weil In addition to stomachaches or dealing with
contaminated food, activated charcoal helps to
cloth. This remedy is instant relief, and when Foundation relieve bug bites, particularly ant bites or even
you have repeated the process for approximately Offering valuable advice, bee stings. You will need to make enough of a
a half hour, place a few tissues over the patient’s products, information, and poultice to cover the bite area. Take equal parts
ear and have them turn over and let it drain. guidance in regards to water and charcoal powder and mix together.
Such a remedy comes highly recommended health, the Weil Founda- Then, take a few drops of flaxseed oil and mix in
from Wastchak, who says, “It has saved my chil- tion maintains a website with charcoal and water. This will allow the
dren on many late nights.” which provides endless mixture to stay moist while against the bite. Dab
Q&A, numerous webpages on enough of this mixture to cover the bite area
for every part of the body, and place a bandage over the area. Next, wrap
and in-depth information the bandage with a layer of plastic wrap to
on herbs and supplements. ensure the poultice stays moist. This will work
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
Wastchak and her family by drawing toxins that are causing pain and
consult the Weil Founda- swelling out of the skin.
tion at DrWeil.com con-
stantly for updated infor- EXPLORE
mation and advice to main- Start learning about home remedies today;
tain their healthy lifestyle. you never know what could save you in a bad
It offers many resources situation. Mother Nature has provided us with
not offered anywhere else, plenty of natural meds right under our noses;
Some prescription medications have many unwanted and Dr. Weil himself wake up and smell the cure.
side effects; many home remedies have come about
answers questions that
in an effort to maintain health and treat both the
AUGUST 2014
everyone encounters, but Alex LaGrand is a North Carolina-based freelance writer who
symptoms and causes of ailments or illnesses.
enjoys writing about various topics, particularly the outdoors and
don’t always ask. the military.

ASG_1408_67 6/10/14 10:53 PM Page 67
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ASG_1408_BEES.qxp 6/9/14 2:06 AM Page 68
HOMESTEADING
How
Sweet It Is
BEEKEPING BENEFITS:
HONEY IS JUST ONE OF MANY
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MICHELE DOELE
Raising bees is a fantastic way to add to your home-

steading stores, we all know that. But do you know how many
things you can reap from bees’ work besides honey?
Raw honey is not only a great sweetener, but it contains anti-
viral and anti-fungal qualities that can be potent healing agents. In
addition, raw honey is great for treating
wounds and burns. Because of its chemical
makeup, honey is a great long-term food Sweet Facts
storage item that can easily be preserved
for decades. Also, don’t forget beeswax: it > Honey contains vitamins,
can be used to make anything from can- antioxidants, is fat-free, cho-
dles to lotions and lip balms. lesterol-free and sodium-free
Armed with the latest in beekeeping > Honey never spoils, and no
education, a few materials and the right refrigeration is necessary
outdoor setting, you can be an advocate for > High fructose levels make
the world’s best pollinators and not only honey 25 percent sweeter
produce honey, but also work to preserve than sugar
the environment one honeybee at a time. > Honey speeds healing of open
One of the oldest forms of food produc- wounds and combats both
tion, beekeeping can be enjoyed by all infections and scarring
ages and almost anywhere there is enough
pollen for the bees to forage. Being witness to a thriving hive and
its perfectly running society is also quite inspiring and teaches
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
valuable life lessons and work ethics for anyone willing to learn.
Read on to find out what you need to do to start a bee colony of
AUGUST 2014
your own.

“RAW HONEY IS NOT

ONLY A GREAT SWEETENER,
BUT IT CONTAINS ANTI-VIRAL
AND ANTI-FUNGAL
SUBSTANCES THAT CAN BE
POTENT HEALING AGENTS.”
AUGUST 2014

The smoker is filled

with pine needles and
Fun Facts
used to keep the > Honeybees never sleep
bees calm while tend- > Younger bees are taught to make honey
ing to the boxes.
by older bees
> Eighty percent of the pollination of fruits,
vegetables and seed crops is done by bees
> The hive has special “nurse bees,” whose
only job is to feed the larvae
A HOBBY WORTH HAVING

“If you could do one thing for the
environment, be an ambassador for the
bee. Think like a bee,” says Cindy Bee,
whose last name was bestowed upon
her family upon arriving in the states as
beekeepers. Cindy is a third-generation
master beekeeper with Overland Api-
aries in Portland, and Jefferson, Maine.
“BEES ALSO KNOW TO MAKE AND STORE MORE HONEY THAN Visiting her in the field that dis-
THEY NEED. THESE RESERVES WILL PROVIDE NOURISHMENT WHEN plays her decorative hives in deep pur-
THE COLD WINTER MONTHS ARRIVE.” ples and vibrant designs, she explains,
“Bees are the best pollinators; they are
designed for it. They are covered with
Securing the hives
prevents the tops hair, even their eyes have hairs on
from being blown them. When they land on a flower, the
off by wind or
tampered with by
Healthy Hive Hints electrostatic charge they produce
attracts the pollen and they do this
hungry bears. > When you examine frames, look for
until they are covered.”
signs that the queen is alive and lay-
Pollination allows a flower to
ing eggs like she should: capped
develop seeds or fruit and is essential
brood in a compact pattern, tiny white
for plants and crops that feed us to
eggs at the bottom of cells.
survive.
> Routinely assess whether the colony
The hive works as a complete soci-
needs additional food stores, more
ety where every bee can perform every
nectar storage space, increased venti-
job, but they move through various
lation, medication, swarm control
jobs mostly based on age. The young
measures or a new queen and more.
bees start out as nurses, some move on
> Medicate colonies with miticides and
to foragers others remain nurses or
antibiotics in the fall and spring to
move up to nurses tending the queen.
protect against parasites and diseases.
Forager bees travel from pollen source
to pollen source, tirelessly bringing the
pollen back, along with nectar, to feed
the hive. Nurse bees feed the larvae.
They also make important decisions in
a hive like when to swarm which
means leaving the hive or when to
replace the queen.
Perhaps the greatest lessons we can
learn from these busy little creatures is
to first, rejoice in the good of the hive
as a whole and, also, how to save for a
rainy day. When a forager bee finds a
prime source of food, she returns to the
hive and does a dance to show her
excitement and, more importantly,
show the others where they can find
this source. No hoarding the treasure
The cells filled on the left side of this frame contain honey. On the right, the pink dot marks the
AUGUST 2014
queen; she is tended to by other female bees and is much longer, almost twice the length of the in this community! When one wins,
other bees. everyone wins, all for the good of the

hive. Bees also know to make and store

more honey than they need. These
reserves will provide nourishment Bee Mentors
when the cold winter months arrive. Mentoring is a core value of beekeepers. Find
Beekeepers extract some of the excess groups and associations to join. Just like the bees
honey from the hives and the bees con- themselves help each other, so do beekeepers.
tinue working, refilling the hive. Visit the American Beekeeping Federation at
“For kids, it provides a wonderful www.abfnet.org. to find nearby beekeepers.
learning experience. It teaches sociabil-
ity, math, history and responsibility,”
says Cindy.
sleeve, collared white shirt will provide
BECOMING A BEEKEEPER further protection. A hive tool, similar
Educate Yourself: Before starting, to putty knife but stronger, is invalu-
educate yourself first. Immerse your- able. You can use it to pry boxes apart, [ABOVE] A sugar block can be used to feed
self in anything related to beekeeping. scrape Propolis or wax and many other your bees during the months when foraging
is not productive.
Read, research and reach out to other tasks. Finally, you’ll need a smoker to
beekeepers online and offline. Most help keep the bees calm while you
importantly, learn to recognize signs of tend to the hives. harvests of honey from the bees. One
a thriving hive and one suffering from When to Start: Winter is the best can happen near July 4, and one should
diseases, mites or the beekeeper’s time to start your education in bee- take place around Labor Day. In the
worst fear, American foulbrood. Being keeping. Use this down time to gather south, however, you will harvest once
well educated will help you help the as much information as possible. Late before the heat sets in during July.
bees in your hive. spring, or when there is enough to for- “After that it’s just too hot for the bees,”
Location: While acres and acres are age, is a good time to start. In the north- warns Cindy. Once you have an estab-
not necessary, you will need to make ern parts of the U.S., you can get two lished hive, it is important not to open
sure there is availability of forage for the boxes in winter; it’s too severe, and
the bees to gather pollen and nectar to [BELOW] The decorative colors on these hives the bees are busy inside trying to main-
feed the hive. serve two purposes. The dark purple helps tain a warm environment.
“Bees can travel up to three miles, absorb heat in the winter and the bees Getting Your Bees: When you are
remember the patterns and return to the
but it’s really not in their best interest right hive.
ready to start, you can order bee kits
to travel that far,” Cindy reports. from catalogs, online or a provider
Instead you should have a viable nearby. You’ll receive about 12,500
source of clover, wildflowers and trees bees to start and one queen for each
within a mile. Once the bees find a hive. Having done your research and
source, they will revisit and thrive. learned as much as possible, you’ll
Tools and Equipment: Start with at have a much greater chance of success.
least two hives; this gives you the abil- Cindy says there comes a time when
ity to compare one hive to another. you just need to let the bees do their
You’ll need at least two boxes for each thing and they know what to do. There
hive. Eight frame boxes provide are things that can happen to a hive
enough room for the bees. Each frame and it is important to recognize signs of
will need a starter sheet of wax to pro- disease or mites. Building a great net-
vide a foundation for the bees to build work with other beekeepers will allow
their cells. You will also need a veil to you to call someone and find answers
protect your head and neck; a long- to problems or questions you may have
in your hive.
GET BUSY AS A BEE

Get started now! The honeybee
needs all the help and publicity it can
The honeybee’s nat-
get. We depend on these industrious
ural predator is the bear, so
little creatures for the food we love
avoid anything that might have a
so much. If beekeeping seems a bit
bee mistake you for a hungry bear.
daunting at first, but you still want
Dark fuzzy clothing, like sweaters or
to do something, then plant flowers,
beards, are likely to cause alarm
This frame fruit trees and for goodness sake,
shows a full, around the hive. Choose light col-
leave the dandelions in your yard.
healthy group ors—white is best—and keep
This is precious food for the bees, and
of worker your movements calm.
bees. All in turn, for you.
worker bees
AUGUST 2014
are female. Michele Doele is a freelance writer who works at The

Damariscotta Lake Farm in Jefferson, Maine.

ASG_1408_BG_COMPASS.qxp 6/9/14 2:09 AM Page 72
Buyer’s Guide
COMPASSES
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
LOST AND FOUND

A Compass is a Crucial Tool for Finding Your Way in the Great Outdoors
BEING LOST IN any environment can create extreme stress and anxiety, but being lost
in an emergency makes for a complete panic scenario.
A situation like this can cause you to make rash decisions that can ultimately put
you in perilous situations. One tool, the compass, which has been used for hundreds of
years, can help guide you to safety. Find the direction north, and use that information
AUGUST 2014
to plot your way.

COMPASSES Buyer’s
Guide
THE COMPASS STORE

1 $16.50
1 THE COMPASS STORE
Model: Ultimate Para-cord Bracelet with Compass
Website: TheCompassStore.com
MSRP: $16.50
Key Features: Carrying convenience; compact size;

usable survival cord
Description: Never lose your compass again, thanks to

the Ultimate para-cord bracelet. This multi-function device
features a fluid-filled compass woven into the usable
nylon cord. This bracelet clamps around your wrist, and
stays locked in place until you need it. The compass is
easy to access when trying to find your way through deep
brush or spacious desert environments. Integrated in the
plastic buckle is a useful emergency whistle to sound out
your location when help is near. The 9-inch version fits
most adults, while the 8-inch version is perfect for kids
and younger teens. Black color.
“DESIGNED TO FIT OVER EITHER

2 THE COMPASS STORE
Model: Orienteering Thumb Compass THUMB WITH ITS ADJUSTABLE THUMB THE COMPASS STORE
2 $39.95
Website: TheCompassStore.com
MSRP: $39.95 STRAP, THIS COMPASS OFFERS A
Key Features: Adjustable thumb strap; map marking
BRIGHT HI-VIS NORTH NEEDLE…”
hole; bright north needle tip
Description: This handy little compass is made to lie over

any map to help you identify objects on your path during
your travels. Designed to fit over either thumb with its
adjustable thumb strap, this compass offers a bright Hi-
Vis north needle, meridian-orienting lines in the capsule
and a hole for map marking, if needed. High visibility on
the unit ensures easy readings, even during rapid move-
ment through rough terrain. Its compact size and light-
weight design allows for a comfortable hold during hours
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
of use.
3 ROTHCO
Model: Cammenga G.I. Military Phosphorescent
Lensatic Compass
Website: Rothco.com
MSRP: $109.99
Key Features: Magnifying sight wire; waterproof hous-

ing; nighttime use ROTHCO
Description: The G.I. Military Compass has all the fea-

3 $109.99
tures of a more expensive lensatic compass, without sacri-
ficing quality or accuracy. With only a brief exposure to an
external light source, this unit operates in low or non-exis-
tent light using phosphorescent markings that glow for
“THIS UNIT OPERATES IN LOW
easy reading. It’s equipped with dial graduations in both OR NON-EXISTENT LIGHT
degrees and mils to ensure accuracy and its unique cop-
per induction dampening system slows the rotation of the USING PHOSPHORESCENT
magnet without the use of liquids. Its outer casing is built
from durable aluminum and is fully waterproof and it
MARKINGS…”
AUGUST 2014
comes complete with carrying pouch, lanyard, and belt

clip. It’s a rough-and-tumble compass that does the job
right every time.

ASG_1408_BG_COMPASS-CX-74 6/11/14 11:24 PM Page 74
Buyer’s COMPASSES
Guide
4 GERBER
Model: Bear Grylls Compact Compass
Website: GerberGear.com
5 SILVA
Model: Ranger CL (Hi-Vis)
Website: SilvaCompass.com
MSRP: $16 MSRP: $53.99
Key Features: Durable ABS plastic; compact & lightweight; life- Key Features: Map magnifier; included lanyard, nighttime illu-
time warranty mination points
Description: When Bear Grylls puts his name on a product, you Description: The Silva Ranger CL delivers unsurpassed accuracy,
can be sure it has been tested under the most extreme conditions even when in demanding conditions or harsh environments. It
that can be faced on the planet. This compass is simplicity “at its features three scales for quick, easy plotting with any topo-
best.” It works in rain or shine, light or dark and requires no bat- graphic map, while silicone feet hold firmly on the map’s surface.
teries. It has one primary, yet important function; help you find The unit’s geared declination allows you to “set and forget” the
your way back home. Its compact size and attached lanyard declination for the area you are in, ensuring constant compensa-
allows it to be secured to your jacket’s zipper, so you will always tion for this variable when taking bearings. An added clinometer
have it nearby. Constructed of durable ABS plastic, the Bear Grylls allows you to measure angles of inclination and luminous points
compass can take some heavy punishment and still continue to on the device enable easy nighttime use when navigating under
function for you when it counts. Comes complete with Bear low light.
Grylls’ Priorities of Survival pocket guide and is backed by Ger-
ber’s lifetime warranty.
GERBER
4 $16
“WHEN BEAR GRYLLS PUTS HIS NAME

ON A PRODUCT, YOU CAN BE SURE IT
HAS BEEN TESTED UNDER THE MOST
EXTREME CONDITIONS…”
SILVA
5 $53.99
AUGUST 2014

COMPASSES Buyer’s
Guide
SILVA
6 $29.99
“DON’T PACK A COM-

6 SILVA
Model: Be Expert with Map & Compass Book
Website: SilvaCompass.com
PASS OR MAP MSRP: $29.99
UNLESS YOU HAVE Key Features: Complete overview; easy-to-carry paperback;
AN UNDERSTANDING
included compass and protractor
ABOUT HOW THEY Description: A tool is only good if you know how to use it properly.
Survival supplies are no different. Don’t pack a compass or map
SHOULD BE USED.” unless you have an understanding about how they should be used.
This knowledge must be gained before any disaster or survival situa-
tion may occur. Lucky for you, Be Expert with Map & Compass is
there for you. This book covers all the essentials of learning the com-
pass and reading maps properly, whether you’re a beginner or vet-
eran user of these two tools. Packed in 220 pages of material is infor-
mation illustrating basic-to-advanced techniques everyone needs to
gain confidence with the use of maps and compasses, no matter
what environment that you may be lost or disoriented in.
EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS
7 $12.95 7 EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS
Model: Military Spec Prismatic Sighting Compass
Website: BePrepared.com
MSRP: $12.95
Key Features: Included pocket guide; front-magnified window; tri-

pod ready
Description: Affordability and accuracy go hand in hand with this

precision sighting compass. This unit has all the bells and whistles
you need to obtain accurate readings when stuck out in the middle
of nowhere. When your GPS fails, you will have confidence that the
Prismatic Sighting Compass will assist you in finding your way back
to your family or loved ones. Use the added pocket guide to familiar-
ize yourself with this amazing survival tool. A nylon pouch and lan-
yard are included to keep your compass safe and attached to you
when on the move.
8 CELESTRON
Model: TrekGuide
Website: Celestron.com
MSRP: $34.95
Key Features: Multi-functional; digital precision; easy-to-operate
Description: The Trekguide digital compass can be one of your most

important tools while trekking through unknown territory. The digi-
CELESTRON tal compass displays both heading and degrees for maximum accu-
8 $34.95 racy to help get you out of an unexpected wrong turn. Other impor-
tant readings to further aid you include current altitude, shown in
feet and meters, temperature, barometric pressure, local time, date,
calendar and alarm. This unit packs a lot into a compact, yet durable,
waterproof package. An LED backlight allows for use in nighttime or
low light conditions, and its included lanyard keeps the unit close to
you and secure at all times. Batteries are included. Comes with full
“THIS UNIT PACKS A two-year warranty.
LOT INTO A COMPACT,

YET DURABLE, WATER-
PROOF PACKAGE.”
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_INTRO_WILDERNESS.qxp 6/9/14 2:11 AM Page 76
WILDERNESS
IN THIS SECTION PACK-TICALITY + PERFORMANCE REVIEW + BUG-OUT ALTERNATIVES
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
INTO THE WILD
Crucial Survival Topics for
Beginners and Experts
WHAT’S YOUR IMMEDIATE reaction when

you hear the word “bug out?”
Do you cringe at the reminder that you
haven’t yet fulfilled your dream of building a
bug-out cabin? Do you stare at your empty
backpack, wishing you’d already created a
survival kit to stuff in there so you can head
outdoors at a moment’s notice? Or, do you
hear the term “bug out” and smile to your-
self, knowing that your family will be com-
pletely ready if you have to get out the door
within seconds?
No matter which group describes your
situation, the articles on the following pages
will ensure your survival kit and bug-out plan
are ready to roll, and that you know exactly
whose leadership skills you’ll want to follow
when the stuff hits the fan.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_KIT-CX-p77,79-81 6/16/14 12:30 AM Page 77
WILDERNESS
“BE A SURVIVOR AND NOT A STATISTIC.”
PACK-TICALITY
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
H
AVING YOUR SURVIVAL KIT the beaten path. This is standard first-
IN YOUR PACK, TRUCK, OR line gear that should accompany you
CANOE WON’T DO YOU whenever setting foot in the outdoors.
MUCH GOOD IF YOU GET
SEPARATED FROM IT.
Those essential items are:
• Signaling device
LEARN HOW TO
The best safety measure is to “layer”
your survival kit on your person. The mili-
• Knife
• Fire starter
USE YOUR SURVIVAL
tary teaches this principle and it is a very • Cordage KIT IN THE MOST
SENSIBLE WAY
effective technique if you happen to get • Sheltering equipment
separated from your pack. You will have all • Water container
critical survival gear on your person to bet- • Adequate clothing
ter aid you in a bad situation. • Navigation tools
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY
ESSENTIAL ITEMS LAYERING PHILOSOPHY JACK RICHLAND
Let’s first go over a few items that you The layering process is beneficial
should have with you when you venture off because if you lose your survival kit,
AUGUST 2014

you lose everything. If you were in a

canoe that had been overturned by a
sudden encounter with rapids and your
gear is in only one bag/container, you
would lose your means of survival. As
the saying goes, “don’t put all your
eggs in one basket.” Let’s discuss how
we can layer these tools on our person
to increase survivability.
SIGNALING
Signaling devices are critical in mak-
ing you more visible to rescuers. Get-
ting rescued before you have to build
shelter, start fire, or acquire food/water
is the best case scenario.
You can wear a simple whistle
around your neck for accessibility,
especially in the case rescuers are in
sight and you need to deploy a distress
call quickly. Three short blasts from a
whistle is the international distress call.
Another item that can be added to
your survival lanyard is a small LED
light. This can obviously be used for
A fixed-blade knife is one of your most valuable tools in a survival situation. Keep it safe and illumination, but it can also be used as
secure with a good sheath. a nighttime signaling device. Mimicking
a strobe by using a sporadic on-and-off
pattern will get the attention of those
that may be searching for you.
“GETTING RESCUED BEFORE YOU HAVE TO BUILD SHELTER,
START A FIRE, OR ACQUIRE FOOD/WATER IS THE BEST-CASE SCENARIO.” CUTTING TOOL/FIRE
A knife is one of the most valuable
assets in a survival situation. It can aid in
creating a primitive fire-starting method,
such as bow or hand drill, to provide
warmth. You can obtain kindling by
employing techniques like batoning (a
method of splitting wood with a knife).
You can construct shelters to help main-
tain your body’s core temperature. You
can acquire food by building traps or
snares and subsequently preparing the
food by skinning and filleting your catch.
In some environments you can even find
water by cutting a water-bearing vine or
digging a hole near an underground
water source.
Bottom line: a knife can provide
many of your physiological needs. I
prefer a fixed blade that has a full tang;
they tend to be stronger than folding
knives and can handle the abuse in
extreme situations. A standard belt
carry is the easiest to ensure your knife
remains secure. Simply look down.
Build a simple
neck lanyard to Sheaths are important to your survival
carry a whistle, system; they retain your most impor-
small signaling tant survival tool. A sheath needs to be
mirror, and LED constructed from quality components
keychain light.
and have a secure retention strap. To
AUGUST 2014
incorporate layering, I prefer to have a

firesteel loop attached to the sheath

THE TIERED
SYSTEM
A tiered survival system will ensure you
have redundancies as well as having the
minimum gear if faced with a survival
situation.
• First-line gear: The survival equip-
ment you have layered on your per-
son; e.g., compass, lighter, knife,
whistle and emergency blanket.
• Second-line gear: This refers to any
gear that you would take in a small
daypack, while leaving your main
pack at camp. These items include:
A small button compass
rations, headlamp, first-aid kit, cook will ensure your primary
set and rain gear. compass is holding an
• Third-line gear: Your primary camp- accurate reading, as well
ing equipment would be covered as give you a general
direction in case you lose
under this tier. A sheltering system, your main compass.
such as a tent/sleeping bag, large
backpack, food, clothing and water
bladders should be left at camp.
that holds a ferrocerium rod. As long as

you have your knife, you will have the
ability to make fire.
Fire is the next critical component
to survival. It can purify water, make
food edible, help with thermoregula-
tion, illumination and lift morale. We’ve
already discussed carrying a ferro-
cerium rod on your knife sheath. Hav-
ing redundancies is the unwritten sur-
vival code. As the saying goes, “two is “Dummy cord” your
one and one is none.” Carrying a gas compass by tethering it
to your belt loop. Keep
station- grade cigarette lighter in your a lighter and a folding
pocket is a sure flame, and in most knife in your pocket as
cases, your fastest way to start a fire. a redundancy to your
Placing it inside a birthday balloon and primary gear. This is a
good example of the
tying a knot will make it a waterproof layering process.
and ensure you don’t use it until you’re
faced with a real emergency.
NAVIGATION
A map and compass are essential to will ensure you’re not walking in circles.
any wilderness expedition. A good This is a problem when traveling long dis-
base plate compass should be your EVERYDAY tances, since people tend to stray in the
main tool in navigation. Tethering it to CARRY direction of their dominant side.
your belt loop with a piece of cordage
Make it a habit to carry a few essentials
is one method of layering. Carrying a
with you every day. This is known as
THERMOREGULATION
button compass on your watch band is Having clothing appropriate to the
EDC, an acronym for everyday carry.
another method. This will give you gen- season and environment is your first line
Items such as small flashlight, pock-
eral direction as well as a way to ensure of defense when it comes to shelter.
etknife, and lighter are a great
your primary compass is giving accu- When it’s hot during the day and cold at
starting point.
AUGUST 2014
rate readings. In the event your main night, carry a jacket for the coldest tem-
compass is lost, the button compass perature possible for that season. Staying

GETTING
FOUND
Using components of your standard
backpacking gear can help you to be
better seen by search and rescue teams.
• The mirror on a sighting compass can
double as a signal mirror for daytime Changing out
signaling. your bootlaces
• By tying a glow stick to a 3-foot piece for para-cord is
an easy way to
of cord and swinging it in a circular carry additional
pattern, it can act as a buzz saw—a cordage.
nighttime signaling technique.
• A bright bandanna tied to a long
sapling can be waved like a flag for
aerial rescue.
dry is also critical in colder environ- CORDAGE
ments as being wet will draw the heat Cordage is handy, whether you’re in
• Burning green vegetation will emit
from your body. Throwing a small a survival situation or not. Para-cord is
white smoke to contrast in a wood-
emergency blanket in your parka a favorite among survivalist and can be
land environment. In a desert or
pocket will give you the ability to make layered in a few different ways. You can
snow-covered environment, you will
a simple shelter and reflect your own replace your bootlaces with it, wear a
want to burn oil or dark rubber (like a
heat back to you. They are small and para-cord bracelet, or place a lanyard
vehicle tire) to give contrast.
lightweight, and also available in bright on your keychain. This layering process
colors that can be used as a distress will ensure you have cordage in a time
signal for aerial search teams. of need.
AUGUST 2014

WATER CONTAINER
A water container or canteen is one of
the most difficult items to recreate in the
wild. In a self-rescue situation, you may
have to leave your natural water source.
Stainless canteens are durable and can
boil water to kill any microorganisms that
can cause you to become ill. It can also be
used to make char cloth if you have trou-
ble locating usable tinder in the wild.
Using a carabiner or cordage, you can
attach a canteen to your body. This is one
of the most crucial components of a kit
and needs to stay with you.
BE A SURVIVOR
Finally, understand that your most
important survival tool is you. Letting
someone know your destination and time
of return is a good practice before head-
ing out on any activity in the wild. Practic-
ing survival skills will not only help if
you’re faced with a bad situation, but will
allow you to manage these situations with
less equipment. Be a survivor and not a
statistic.
Carry your map separate from your compass. If you lose your compass you will still be able to navi-
gate by terrain association. Throw a brightly colored space blanket in your parka. This lightweight Jack Richland is an expert in urban/wilderness survival
item can help you signal for help or maintain your body’s core temperature. and the founder of BlackScoutSurvival.com.
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AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_HONE 6/10/14 1:12 AM Page 82
WILDERNESS
PERFORMANCE
REVIEW
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
MAKE SURE YOU’RE READY: PRACTICE THESE 10
SKILLS THAT CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE 1. BUILD A FIRE
Every time you go for a hike or a
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW hunt, try building a fire. Can you get a
fire going in the wind, the rain, the
snow? Try starting fires with matches, a
W
HEN IT COMES TO OUTDOOR SURVIVAL, THE SKILLS YOU’VE READ lighter, a magnesium fire steel. Did you
ABOUT OR HAVE SEEN DEMONSTRATED ON TELEVISION PROBABLY ever try making a fire by friction using
LOOK PRETTY EASY, RIGHT? THINK AGAIN. the bow-and-drill method? Here’s a real-
Don’t wait until an emergency happens to test out your skills. For instance, you ity check: it typically takes longer than
can’t wait until you’re lost or you break an ankle far from camp. In a true survival sit- the 30 seconds usually devoted to it on
uation, you might find there’s more at stake than a skinned knee. television. One secret is to carve some
It isn’t enough to devote an entire shelf of your personal library to survival manu- flat sides on the spindle so that the
als. It’s not enough to be a dedicated viewer of every survival television show ever string on your bow won’t slip as easily.
aired, both gimmicky and authentic. Until you develop the skills yourself and use Can you find dry tinder and kindling
them regularly, you are ill-prepared to survive an emergency situation outdoors. in wet conditions? Hint: look for stand-
Make it a habit whenever you venture outdoors to continually test your knowl- ing dead trees and shrubs off the wet
AUGUST 2014
edge and practice your skills. Here are some things you can practice to help ground and whittle down until you get
increase your odds of making it back to tell the tale. to dry wood to make shavings.

ASG_1408_HONE 6/10/14 1:12 AM Page 83
I’m not lost, just a little bewildered. Learning

how to navigate by map and compass and
practicing those skills regularly can give you
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
confidence when tackling new terrain and can It’s not the Hilton, but it doesn’t have
prevent instances where fun outings might to be. Here the framework for a simple
become survival situations. lean-to is being erected, which will
later be fitted with brush to provide
some shelter. Here is where bringing
along strong, lightweight cord makes
How much wood do you need to things much easier than using vines or
keep a fire going all night long? The braiding other plant material.
answer is much more than you think.
Try it on your next campout. You don’t
want to be stumbling around in the
dark looking for more wood in a real
emergency situation.
“MUCH OF SURVIVAL COMES DOWN TO THE INTELLIGENT
2. READ A MAP EXPENDITURE OF YOUR TIME AND ENERGY, COUPLED WITH
Do you know how to read a topo- MAINTAINING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.”
graphic map? I am always amazed at
how many people, invited to hunt or
hike with friends, have no idea of their
surroundings. Sometimes they have no
intention of leaving a trail or wandering
far from it. And yet many of them end
up lost.
Make it a habit to carry a topo map
of the area you’re hiking or hunting,
even if you have no intention of leaving
marked trails. There’s no excuse now
because maps can be downloaded and
printed for free through the Internet
from the U.S. Geological Survey and
other sites.
Learn how to use a map. Practice
An easier, more efficient
identifying terrain features and finding shelter can be made from a
them on your map. Practice looking at poncho. It will keep the rain
your map and anticipating what terrain out without the expenditure
features—a gully to your right, a rock of time and energy that it
would take to make a shelter
face to your left—are just ahead. from natural materials.
AUGUST 2014
Don’t wait until you’re lost to pull out

your map.

ASG_1408_HONE 6/10/14 1:12 AM Page 84
road or river whether your starting

point is to the east or west.
Learn how to use your compass in
conjunction with your topo map to
plot a course and then practice doing
it to get from point A to point B.
Practice using identifiable terrain
features with your map and compass
to triangulate your position. From a
hilltop, you clearly see in the distance
a steep, pointy peak at 290 degrees
according to your compass and a
sharp bend in a river at 45 degrees.
You find those landmarks on your
map and draw straight lines directly
back (180 degrees opposite) from
those landmarks. In this case it would
be 110 degrees from the peak and
225 degrees from the bend in the
river. Where the lines cross is your
Developing the ability to improvise primitive location.
hunting implements and then the skill to use Seem confusing? That’s not the
them effectively can be lifelong pursuits. It’s tricky part. You have to adjust the
better to plan ahead and pack accordingly. If
taking a firearm along isn’t feasible or per- readings for declination because your
mitted, alternatives such as slingshots can be compass aligns with magnetic north
good choices if you are willing to practice. and the lines on your map are aligned
with true north. See now why you need
to practice?
3. PLOT A COURSE
Carrying a compass isn’t enough. 4. BUILD A SHELTER
Practice using it. A GPS unit can be Practice building different types of
[TOP] Pure water? Better not take a chance.
handy, but don’t let it replace your shelter using available resources in dif-
Water-borne pathogens can lead to debilitat-
compass. Learn to use the compass ferent areas. Chances are you built ing illnesses. Make sure you have a metal cup
with a simple baseline technique: you’re “forts” in the woods when you were a to purify water by boiling it if other treat-
hunting roughly north of a road or a kid. Try doing it now. You can save ment means aren’t available.
river that runs east to west. Toward the time and energy by adding to or
[BOTTOM] How much wood will it take to keep
end of the day, plot a return course enhancing existing natural features a fire going all night? More than you might
slightly southeast until you cut that road such as large boulders, downed trees think. Dry, dead branches such as these were
or river. It’s then a simple matter to or earth embankments. easily gathered in a few minutes, but the
trade-off is that their relatively small diame-
head west to return to your starting Next, try doing it without your para-
ter compared to larger logs will mean they
point. If you walked directly south, you chute cord, using natural cordage, will burn more quickly, requiring more of
might not be sure once you hit that instead. See how much more difficult it your time tending the fire during the night.
COOK POT KIT

The inexpensive ones are nearly worthless; the good ones are too expensive. You
can put together your own survival kit for less money, tailor it for your specific
needs and be thoroughly acquainted with its contents and capabilities.
I start with the container, which is always a small cook pot with a lid that
clamps securely. The cook pot keeps the contents from becoming crushed. It
enables me to purify water through boiling. It allows me to cook wild edibles and
to keep putting warm fluids into my body to ward off the cold. You are severely
handicapped in an emergency situation if you don’t have such a metal container.
Inside my cook pot are these basic contents: pocket knife; water purification
tablets; butane lighter; magnesium fire starter (ferrocerium rod); tinder material
(dryer lint or cotton balls); fuel tablets or candle stub to keep a new fire burning;
whistle; small pill bottle containing fish hooks, small lures, sinkers, sewing nee-
dles, thread and safety pins (fishing line is wrapped around the outside, secured
by duct tape); small LED, button-type flashlight; compass; wire saw; adhesive ban-
AUGUST 2014
dages and antiseptic cream; tea bags; and bouillon cubes.

ASG_1408_HONE 6/10/14 1:12 AM Page 85
[TOP] Can you cut it? Taking time during your

outings to develop and maintain your skills
with cutting tools such as hatchets and saws
will pay dividends in a survival situation
when you must call upon those skills to build
a shelter, cut firewood or improvise other
items you need.
[BOTTOM LEFT] Not as easy as it looks. Starting

a fire with the bow-and-drill method can be a
long, frustrating, exhausting process. It’s a
good skill to learn, but it’s better to have
more than one reliable means of making a
fire on you for every outing.
[BOTTOM RIGHT] How does it work? Don’t wait

for an emergency to test your new gear.
Here, a new hand chain saw is put through its
paces. It easily cut through this branch. Com-
pact when rolled up, it will probably end up
as a regular item in the ready kit.
is to secure your shelter’s framework?

Add roofing materials—pine boughs,
large leaves, sections of tree bark—
from the bottom up, so rain will run off
your layered “shingles” properly.
Would your shelter do a good job
blocking the wind and rain?
Always carry a poncho and some
cord. With these, you can have a shel-
ter up in about two minutes, saving you
valuable time and energy.
5. TEST YOUR GEAR

Does the equipment in your day-
pack or survival kit measure up? Or will
it fall apart when you need it the most?
Will that new hatchet or saw perform
as advertised? Do you know how to
use them properly? Just how warm are
“UNTIL YOU DEVELOP THE SKILLS YOURSELF AND USE THEM

REGULARLY, YOU ARE ILL-PREPARED TO SURVIVE AN EMERGENCY
SITUATION OUTDOORS.”
educated, adult effort at the same
thing. Build a primitive bow, a slingshot
those lightweight emergency blankets? Better yet, make them part of your or an atlatl. Learn the challenges
How far away can your whistle be meals. Did you know that boiled dan- involved. Once you’ve improvised
heard? Will your water filter function in delion greens taste much like spinach? these weapons, take them into the
extremely cold water? That can be a good or bad thing woods for some old fashioned stump-
Don’t set yourself up for unpleasant depending on your point of view. Try shooting to hone your skills.
surprises. Don’t simply trust the label- making tea from spruce tree needles
ing on the package. Test your gear and on a chilly evening in camp. Boil some 8. SET A SNARE
learn how to use it properly. cattail or burdock roots in with your Snares are advantageous in that you
soups and stews, or add some yellow can set numerous traps that don’t
6. FIND THE EDIBLES dock leaves to your salads to extend require you to be actively involved with
Learn about edible plants and their your food supply. them every minute of the day. You can
uses. Know which can be eaten raw and be resting or tending to your other sur-
which must be cooked. Taking a trip far 7. IMPROVISE WEAPONS vival chores while increasing your
from home? Take the time in advance If you spent any time in the woods chances of obtaining a meal.
to learn what edible plants you can as a kid, then you certainly learned how Take a few minutes from your day
expect to find. Start by learning just a to sharpen sticks and probably tried to of hunting or fishing. Extend your lunch
AUGUST 2014
few and make sure you can positively launch them with a bow and some kite break during a day hike and try to con-
identify them. string. Now’s the time to make a more struct a snare. Learn and try different

ASG_1408_HONE 6/10/14 1:12 AM Page 86
[TOP] Setting a snare. You can find ideas for

many types of snares and traps in books and
videos, but setting them yourself is a good
skill to practice. Location along a game trail
where small animals can be funneled toward
your trap is critical. White cord was used
here for demonstration purposes. Strong
wire especially designed for the purpose is
better.
[CENTER, LEFT] Watch the sparks fly. A good

fire steel (ferrocerium rod) can be a lifesaver.
Small, lightweight and waterproof, it will
provide hundreds of fires. Scrape the striker
across the rod to shower sparks onto tinder,
such as this cotton ball. It should be a must-
have in your fire-making kit.
[CENTER, RIGHT] Tea time. Learning how to rec-

ognize and prepare wild edibles prevalent in
your area can be a lifesaver. The needles of
many evergreen trees such as spruce and
pine can add some flavor and some vitamins
to your water.
[BOTTOM] Hungry yet? Every ready kit or pack

should include a metal cup or cook pot to boil
water and prepare food. A cup of hot soup or
stew of wild edibles can keep away the cold
and help to maintain a positive attitude when
in a tough situation. Here, a small, lightweight
stove that burns denatured alcohol, was
made by punching holes in an old tuna can. It
too is a good addition to a ready kit.
THE READY
PACK
Every survival pack should contain gear
elements that address the following:
fire, warmth, water (both containing it
and treating it), food, food procure-
ment and preparation, navigation and
signaling.
Whenever I venture into the
woods, my cook pot survival kit goes
into my daypack or fanny pack. That
pack normally includes other items that
won’t fit in the cook pot: a multi-tool; a
larger knife or hatchet; an emergency
blanket; a poncho; a headlamp; a
water bottle; 50 feet of parachute cord;
topo map; and a plastic bag containing
high energy snack bars, instant soup
and cocoa; more tea bags and bouillon
cubes; several folded paper towels;
spork; notebook and pencil; extra
ammo for the .22 pistol on my belt.
Sometimes I travel lighter. Other
times it looks as if I’m running away
from home. But the essentials are
always with me. Your kit might have
AUGUST 2014
things I didn’t list here.

ASG_1408_HONE 6/10/14 10:41 PM Page 87
carried in a simple kit can make your job

of surviving an emergency a little easier.
You’ll know from experience how
much harder it is to lash a shelter or
raft together without rope or cord;
how hard it is to start a fire without
matches; how hard it is to purify water
or cook wild edibles without a metal
container; how hard it is to build a shel-
ter when you could erect a good one in
about two minutes with a good poncho
and some cord.
These practice exercises, if nothing
else, will emphasize the importance of
having cord, a poncho, a metal cup, a
The whole kit and caboodle. Add the cook pot survival kit to other larger items such as a water
bottle, poncho and cutting tools to your daypack and you have a ready kit waiting for any out- water bottle, cutting tools and a fire kit
door adventure. with you on every outing.
Much of survival comes down to the
trigger mechanisms. Be sure to disas- tice mentally filing away water sources intelligent expenditure of your time
semble your snares after your practice and recognizable terrain features that and energy, coupled with maintaining a
sessions. you see along the way. Do it until it’s no positive attitude. By testing your abili-
longer a conscious effort. ties before a crisis arises, you will have
9. OBSERVE AND RECOGNIZE a better understanding of the time and
You have to make it a habit when- 10. CARRY THE KIT energy it takes to accomplish survival
ever you’re outside to continually watch Assemble a good survival kit and tasks. You’ll be better able to weigh
for sources of tinder, cordage and shel- get into the discipline of always taking your options when your life might
ter materials. Learn to spot edible it with you. Now that you’ve tested depend on the outcome of the critical
plants and good shelter locations. Prac- your abilities, you know that the items decisions you make.
Find us on
Be prepared when
disaster strikes.
AUGUST 2014
www.facebook.com/americansurvivalguidemagazine

ASG_1408_ALTERNATE 6/9/14 5:02 AM Page 88
“THE MOST BASIC WAY OF BUGGING OUT

WOULD BE TO WALK OR RUN ON FOOT JUST
TO GET AWAY FROM THE DANGER.”
—SCOTT WILLIAMS, AUTHOR OF BUG OUT: THE COMPLETE PLAN FOR
ESCAPING A CATASTROPHIC DISASTER BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
AUGUST 2014

WILDERNESS
AWESOME
ALTERNATIVES
IF YOU’RE BUGGING OUT, THERE ARE MORE WAYS
THAN ONE TO GET OUT OF DODGE! BY GARRETT KIM
Y
OU MAY NOT HAVE A LUXURY BUG-OUT CABIN FULLY STOCKED
WITH YOUR FAMILY’S FAVORITE FOODS, BUT YOU CERTAINLY WANT
TO GET OUT OF TOWN QUICKLY AND SAFELY IN THE CASE OF A
DISASTER. FORTUNATELY, YOU DON’T HAVE TO INVEST MILLIONS
TO BUG OUT WHEN A CRISIS STRIKES. USE THE FOLLOWING THREE
TIPS FROM SCOTT WILLIAMS, AUTHOR OF “BUG OUT: THE COMPLETE PLAN FOR
ESCAPING A CATASTROPHIC DISASTER BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE” TO HELP YOU
FIGURE OUT WHERE TO GO IF YOU JUST CAN’T STAY WHERE YOU ARE.
BE
WARNED
If your bug-out plan
FAST EXIT and longer without food, it’s possible to includes heading directly
Depending on how urgent your stay alive for at least a few days without to your fully stocked bug-
need to bug out is and how quickly you additional supplies. “Clearly, what you out cabin, you still
need to get out of town, your methods can take with you has a huge impact on shouldn’t just hop in the
may vary. The simplest of all bugging how comfortable you’re going to be, so
car without supplies. In a
out styles is to just head out of town even a backpack can increase your sur-
immediately, going in the direction vival odds if you’re just going out on survival situation, you
away from the disaster. foot,” Williams reports. could hit traffic or find
“The most basic way of bugging Make sure you have a backpack other reasons why you
out would be to walk or run on foot already stocked and at the ready for this might be severely delayed
just to get away from the danger,” type of situation; you’ll be happy you do.
from getting right to the
Williams says.
“That would be the worst case sce- VEHICLE BOUND cabin. At the very least, you
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
nario, because it would take a really If you don’t have anywhere to stop should have drinking
skilled outdoorsman to be able to do your car at the end of a long drive, it water, blankets, flash-
that with just the clothes on his back might be a good idea to bug out right lights, matches and food in
and have a good chance of surviving.” in your vehicle. But you should follow
your vehicle with you.
However, because most humans can different tips depending on what type
AUGUST 2014
go at least three days without water of car you have.

“When it comes to bugging out in

your vehicle, I break it down into dif- “THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO KEEP IN MIND IF
ferent categories of vehicles,” YOU WANT TO LIVE IN THE WILD DURING A DISASTER
Williams says.
“First, there’s your basic car, truck
IS TO HAVE A MEANS OF SHELTER.”
or SUV, which would be what I would —SCOTT WILLIAMS
consider an escape vehicle, just enough
to get out of the disaster area quickly.
Then there’s the class of vehicle I’d
consider a mobile retreat, which would
be something like a small RV or van or
something you could live in while
you’re bugging out.”
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
If you do have an RV or van, you
should keep some bug-out supplies
(like canned food, bottled water and
fuel) inside of it in case you need to live
in it for an extended period of time.
WILD LIVING
When you plan to leave the comfort
of your hometown, the most danger-
ous part of your journey could end up
If you have an
being the wilderness around you. Harsh RV, it can serve
weather, unforgiving hunger and sav- double duty as a
age wildlife are just a few of the many bug-out cabin.
aspects that must be taken into
account if you plan to disappear into
the forest. BOAT
BUG OUT?
Essentially, you can bug out anywhere, and
a boat would not only make excellent shelter,
but could also be a mode of transportation. If
you have a boat that you dock within driving
distance of your home, it would be a
smart place to keep some auxiliary
bug-out supplies.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
AUGUST 2014

It is possible to
bug out in nature
and sleep under
the clouds, but the
reality is that you
will evetually need
some type of shel-
ter to protect you
from exposure.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
FOR MORE
INFORMATION
To read Williams’
books, including Bug
Out: The Complete Plan
for Escaping a Cata-
strophic Disaster Before
It’s Too Late and The
Prepper’s Handbook,
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
among others, visit his
website at ScottB-
Williams.com.
“The most important thing to keep

in mind if you want to live in the wild
during a disaster is to have a means of
shelter, such as a tarp or tent, and
some kind of sleeping bag or clothing
to protect you from the elements,”
Williams says.
“Those are important because you
can die quickly from exposure, espe-
cially if you’re in a cold climate, so you
want to be sure and have things that
protect you from the elements.”
BE PREPARED
These three scenarios are the most
likely should an emergency occur. It’s
wise to be ready for all of them,
because you just never know what’s
right around the corner.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
BUGGING IN
When you’re creating your bug-out
plan, keep in mind that you may not
want to leave your house for every sur-
vival situation. For instance, in the case
of volcanic ash falling near your house,
you are typically safer staying inside
with your doors and windows sealed
than venturing out. You should deter-
mine whether to bug in or out based
on your specific survival situation.
ASG_1408_BG_SLING.qxp 6/9/14 3:04 AM Page 92
Buyer’s Guide
SLINGSHOTS
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
WRIST ROCKETS
Slingshots Can Make Formidable Survival Weapons
THE SLINGSHOT hardly takes up any room in that backpack, for sure. Plus, this small item can
come in very handy in a survival situation. Don’t overlook it!
Slingshots have come a long way from the typical Y-shaped stick, a rubberband and a
small rock. They have evolved into sophisticated weapons, complete with sights, interchange-
able bands, easy-grip handles and a variety of different-sized ball bearings and BBs.
Many characteristics make slingshots ideal for survival prepping, as well as “real-life”
ongoing survival situations. Their compact size takes up almost no room when storing; nearly
all, even the most complex, require little training to operate, and finding ammo is as easy as
looking down for loose pebbles or stones.
Pack several throughout all your belongings to be able to defend yourself against those
out to do you harm or steal your precious goods. Also, when or if food becomes scarce, these
modern high-powered slingshots make excellent weapons to snag small game or wild birds.
AUGUST 2014

SLINGSHOTS Buyer’s
Guide
“ITS UNCOMPLICATED DESIGN AND

INCLUDED SHOOTING GUIDE IS
PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS NEW TO
THE WORLD OF SLINGSHOTS.”
BLACK WIDOW SLINGSHOT
1 $9.99
PRO DIABLO SLINGSHOT

2 $24.99
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
1 BARNETT
Model: Black Widow Slingshot
Website: BarnettCrossbows.com
2 BARNETT
Model: Pro Diablo Slingshot
Website: BarnettCrossbows.com
MSRP: $9.99 MSRP: $24.99
Key Features: Fold-away wrist brace; soft-touch grip; Key Features: Weighted stabilizers; wrist brace;
shooting guide sight system
Description: The Black Widow slingshot pioneered the Description: Steps above basic, the Pro Diablo slingshot
ingenious fold-way wrist brace, allowing for easy storage is a professional grade weapon that hits its target with
and portability when space is limited. Its comfort grip deadly accuracy. Using a three-piece weighted stabilizer
handle ensures a steady shot and less handgrip fatigue. system and adjustable sight system, your ball bearings
Its uncomplicated design and included shooting guide ammo will find its mark repeatedly. The Pro Diablo is “…THE PRO DIABLO SLINGSHOT
is perfect for beginners new to the world of slingshots.
Standard replaceable power bands and target ammo is
equipped with magnum power bands for maximum pro-
jectile velocity. Its detachable wrist brace ensures compact IS A PROFESSIONAL GRADE
included. The Black Widow is economically priced, mak-
ing it easy to add multiple units to all your supply or
storage when not in use. Perfect for small game hunting
or personal protection during any unexpected crises. A
WEAPON THAT HITS ITS TARGET
gear bags. shooting guide, comfort grip handle and sleek body WITH DEADLY ACCURACY.”
design round out this awesome piece of weaponry.
AUGUST 2014

Buyer’s SLINGSHOTS
Guide
3 AFTERMATH
Model: Bone Collector
Website: AftermathAirsoft.com
4 AFTERMATH
Model: Kavia Elite
Website: AftermathAirsoft.com
MSRP: $8.50 MSRP: $15
Key Features: Rapid reloading: leather Key Features: Adjustable sight; inte-
carrying pouch; easy to use grated handle magazine; jet-black design
Description: Add trophies to your collec- Description: The Kavia Elite Slingshot is
tion with the Bone Collector Sport Sling- perfectly constructed for hitting your tar-
shot. This highly durable and simple-to- get time after time. Equipped with an
use slingshot will help you bag game adjustable sight and adjustable wrist
BONE COLLECTOR when hunting for food becomes a neces- brace, you are assured a steady and accu-
3 $8.50 sity. Equipped with high-quality tubular
thrust bands, the Bone Collector can
rate shot. Its sleek black color melts per-
fectly into the darkness to launch a sur-
become your greatest asset when firearm prise attack or when defending yourself
ammo becomes scarce. Use the built-in BB against marauders or thieves. The Kavia
magazine in the unit’s handle for rapid Elite uses 3⁄8-inch BBs as ammo, and offers
reloading so you never miss an opportu- quick reloading, thanks to its integrated
nity to shoot. An included leather pouch magazine located within its contoured
secures your weapon when not in use. handle. Leather pouch and high-quality
thrust bands are included.
“ITS SLEEK BLACK COLOR MELTS

PERFECTLY INTO THE DARKNESS TO
LAUNCH A SURPRISE ATTACK…”
KAVIA ELITE
4 $15
“EQUIPPED WITH
HIGH-QUALITY
TUBULAR THRUST
BANDS, THE BONE
COLLECTOR CAN
BECOME YOUR
GREATEST ASSET
WHEN FIREARM
AMMO BECOMES
SCARCE.”
AUGUST 2014

SLINGSHOTS Buyer’s
Guide
5 SIMPLE SHOT
Model: Axiom FlipKung
Website: Simple-Shot.com
MSRP: $75
Key Features: Slingshot minimalism;

extremely lightweight; interchangeable
band options
Description: Basically designed, but

highly customizable, the Axiom Flipkung
AXIOM FLIPKUNG
is your simple go-to weapon in a pinch. Its
unique 3G fork tips can accommodate
nearly any style elastic bands or rubber
5 $75
tubes, giving you superior adaptability
when supplies may run thin. Cut from ¼-
inch 6061T6 aircraft aluminum, this versa-
tile slingshot is tough and extremely
durable while remaining lightweight to
carry in any 72-hour emergency bag.
Wrapped around nearly the entire unit is
10 feet of usable paracord, a crucial supply
for numerous survival applications. Multi-
ple cord colors available.
6 SIMPLE SHOT
Model: The Scout
Website: Simple-Shot.com
MSRP: $39.95
Key Features: Innovative flex-clip; simple

operation; comfortable grip
Description: Quality, precision and accu-

racy is what you get with this 100-percent-
made-in-America Scout Slingshot. The tra-
ditional design of this fine weapon allows
for easy operation and pinpoint accuracy
on your target with every shot. The unit
comes fitted with .30-inch latex flatbands
“THE TRADITIONAL
and also includes an innovative FlipClip DESIGN OF THIS FINE
band attachment accessory. At just under
6 inches in height, this slingshot’s design WEAPON ALLOWS FOR
allows it to fit into the back pocket of blue EASY OPERATION AND
PINPOINT ACCURACY
jeans or shorts, reminiscent of days gone
by. This attractive piece comes in nine dis-
tinct colors, including hunter orange, royal
blue, desert sand, and lobster red among
ON YOUR TARGET WITH
many others. Comes complete with EVERY SHOT.”
leather carrying pouch.
THE SCOUT
6 $39.95
AUGUST 2014

Buyer’s SLINGSHOTS
Guide
DAISY
7 $29.99
7 DAISY
Model: PowerLine P51 Slingshot Kit
Website: Daisy.com
MSRP: $29.99
Key Features: Full start-up kit; flexible wrist support;

molded pistol grip
Description: The Daisy Powerline Slingshot Kit has every-

thing you need to hone your skills, when or if tough times
fall upon the world. The kit has everything you need to
become a great slingshot shooter, including a molded pis-
tol-grip handle, comfortable wrist support, a tough
release pouch and durable latex tubing to send your shot
flying into the bull’s-eye. The set comes complete with 75
count of 3/8-inch and 250 count of ¼-inch solid steel,
zinc-covered ammo, and one replacement band to keep
you shooting for hours on end.
8 SURVIVAL SLINGSHOT
Model: Archer Complete w/ Tactical Light
Website: SurvivalSlingshot.com
MSRP: $139.95
Key Features: Archery configuration; tactical light;

25-pound pull
Description: This is a serious slingshot for the serious

survivalist. This piece of weaponry is especially designed
for shooting arrows, as well as standard slingshot ammo.
Using a Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit for accuracy and
standard 25-pound pull bands, your arrows will find their
target with speed and power. The Survival Slingshot is
ideal for bow fishing as well as hunting small game and,
of course, personal defense when times get rough. SURVIVAL SLINGSHOT
Equipped with a 1-inch tactical light for nighttime use,
this multi-use slingshot will come in handy on all outdoor
8 $139.95
excursions or for protecting your home or camp using
stealth tactics. A watertight storage area can hold a multi-
tude of small survival tools and necessities. A compass
and ball-bearing ammo are included.
“THIS PIECE OF WEAPONRY IS ESPECIALLY

DESIGNED FOR SHOOTING ARROWS, AS WELL
AS STANDARD SLINGSHOT AMMO.”
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_INTRO_URBAN.qxp 6/9/14 3:06 AM Page 97
URBAN
IN THIS SECTION REFUELING SAFELY + 12 CANTEEN USES + BOOTS BUYER’S GUIDE
SO YOU HAVEN’T yet invested thousands of dollars in your

own survival kit, but you want to be prepared for whatever
might strike your city. Sure, MacGyver may have been a fic-
CITY LIFE tional character, but it’s possible for you to follow in his foot-
steps. You can find more uses for the items in your apartment
Don’t Underestimate the than you think are possible.
That’s the idea behind the articles you’re about to read—
Value of Urban Prep to help remind you that an urban lifestyle doesn’t mean
you’re unprepared for the ultimate survival challenge. You
may not have 100 acres of land, but you most certainly have
what it takes to persevere.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_REFUEL.qxp 6/9/14 3:08 AM Page 98
URBAN
DON’T BE
FUELISH!
CRITICAL STEPS TO REFUEL SAFELY DURING CIVIL UNREST AND OTHER DISASTERS
BY GEORGE SINGARELLA + Photos By David Corey of David Corey Photography
YOU ARE AWARE OF THE SIGNS: CIVIL UNREST IS BREWING.

Your gear is ready, your supplies are prepped and you’ve practiced THE
your bug-out plan. You are good to go. ESSENTIALS
Regardless of where you are bugging out to, if you have to travel a > Fuel cans
great distance, you’ll need to refuel your bug-out vehicle (BOV). Read > Self-priming syphon
on to find out how to do that with the utmost security in mind. > Good location
AUGUST 2014

“I DO NOT TEXT OR TALK ON THE PHONE WHILE I WAIT

FOR MY VEHICLE TO FILL. I ACTUALLY PAY ATTENTION TO
WHAT IS TAKING PLACE AROUND ME.”
[ABOVE]
If you’re bugging
SAFETY FIRST out and need to
As preppers, survivalists, or simply individu- refuel, make it
als who deem it necessary to be “ready just in snappy.
case,” you have made the conscious decision to
[LEFT]
be prepared for something going wrong in soci- Make sure you
ety. That said, I assume you’re already a secu- insert the hose end
rity-minded person. My personal security prac- into the fuel tank
opening of your
tices aren’t just for “special occasions,” they are
vehicle at least 4
part of my everyday life. For example, I have a inches deep.
concealed carry permit and carry my pistol …
always.
Similarly, my situational awareness is always
on high alert.
When I fill my vehicle up on normal occa- WORDS OF ADVICE
sions, day or night, I keep a watchful eye out. I During a bug-out, security is paramount.
pick a spot around my vehicle from which I can Hands-free refueling is the best practice so you
see as much of my surroundings as possible and can focus on awareness and not be distracted.
I move around. I do not text or talk on the Obviously, the first thing you need is fuel
phone while I wait for my vehicle to fill. I actually cans. I use an external 12-gallon, Moeller marine
AUGUST 2014
pay attention to what is taking place around me. fuel tank I have modified so I can carry it on the

rack of my vehicle. It is extremely rugged, has

the ability to expel gasses so it will not bulge in
the heat and also has strap grooves to make
securing it with ratchet straps quick and easy. I
prefer to transport my fuel on the outside
because I do not like the smell of fuel in my
vehicle. I need the space for other equipment
and supplies.
Some folks are concerned about the security
of their fuel when it is on the outside of the
vehicle. Quite honestly, that is not a big concern
for me. If someone has the ability to get on my
truck and the time to take the tank or empty its
contents, then something went terribly wrong
for me.
You are also going to need a self-priming
Place the
siphon with syphon; luckily, many inexpensive options exist.
the self-prim- Finally, you are going to need to pick a loca-
ing end in the tion for the refueling. Depending on the situa-
extra tank tion and the environment, look for a spot that
until it hits the
bottom and will afford you the best area of observation
make sure the while providing some physical security attrib-
container you utes. A location that will give you the ability to
are refueling see danger from a distance is best, but not
from is higher
than your always available. I am not a big advocate of
vehicle’s fuel going off the beaten path to refuel. I know from
tank opening. practice that it takes me about seven to nine
minutes from stopping my vehicle to getting
back on the road to unload the 12-gallon tank.
The majority of those minutes are devoted to
paying attention to my surroundings, not deal-
ing with the refueling.
EASY AS 1, 2, 3, 4 URGENCY COUNTS

1_Put the hose end (without the primer valve) into the fuel tank open- Once you establish a good location for the
ing of your vehicle at least 4 inches. refueling, act with some urgency. Remember, in
2_Place the syphon with the self-priming end in the extra tank or can your bug-out with a vehicle, speed is your secu-
until it hits the bottom. rity. The quicker you are back on the road and
3_Set the primer by shaking the ball valve end a few times until the moving the better. I set my vehicle up a certain
fuel starts moving. way so I know where things are. This is vitally
4_Remove the end from the external tank first and allow any remain- important, as you do not want to be searching
ing fuel in the line to empty into your vehicle’s tank. Replace the for the syphon in the dark when you should be
filler caps on your vehicle and extra tank/cans and stow the syphon. paying attention to whom may be approaching.
Know where your equipment is and practice
AUGUST 2014
getting to and using it. Depending on the envi-

ronment and the situation, you need to make a

Set the primer by shaking the ball

valve end until you create a vacuum
and the fuel starts moving.
tactical decision whether to keep the vehicle PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

running or shut it down during the refuel. Both If you practice and have a consistent
SAFETY have advantages and disadvantages, so the method for the way you perform tasks, you can
decision needs to be yours. become quite efficient. The key is consistently
SIPHON practicing these steps the same way every
BENEFITS THE STEPS time. For example, place the caps to the refuel-
• A safe alternative to From this point, the steps are quite simple: ing tank in the same location, and insert the
transferring dangerous place the hose end (without the primer valve) syphon the same way. It is just like a draw
fuels by usual means. into the fuel tank opening of your vehicle at stroke for your pistol. If you are continuously
• Eliminates the risk of least four inches in so it does not slip out. Next, changing the location of your pistol and have a
drawing hazardous or place the syphon with the self-priming end in plethora of techniques to get it into action, you
nasty fluids into your the extra tank or can until it hits the bottom. will not be as efficient when you need to do it
mouth when getting the Remember, the container you are refueling from quickly or when under stress as if you trained
siphon process started. needs to be at a higher level than the fuel tank with it consistently in one location.
• Solves many draining opening of your vehicle.
Now set the primer by simply shaking the George Singarella is the president and founder of LANISTA Inter-
problems. national LLC, a training entity that specializes in combative disci-
• Lack of complex, moving ball valve end a few times until the fuel starts plines. He is a former combat-decorated U.S. Marine, who in the
parts; relies on gravity. moving. Take up a position from which you have mid ‘90s began his career in the high-risk environment security
• Simply jiggling gets visibility of anyone approaching. Once refueling industry. He is the former director of training and protective oper-
is complete, remove the end from the external ations of The Crucible training facility.
things going.
tank first and allow any remaining fuel in the line
to empty into your vehicle’s tank. Replace the
AUGUST 2014
filler caps on your vehicle and extra tank or

cans, stow the syphon and get back on the road.

ASG_1408_CANTEEN-CX-103-105 6/11/14 11:28 PM Page 102
AUGUST 2014

URBAN
VITAL
VESSEL
12 WAYS A SIMPLE CANTEEN COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
BY GARRETT KIM
W
HEN YOU’RE IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION,
YOU OFTEN HAVE TO PUNT. YOU
WON’T ALWAYS HAVE WHAT YOU NEED
AT HAND, AND FINDING CREATIVE USES
FOR EVERYDAY ITEMS COULD MAKE
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH.
A water canteen is most likely one of the first things you’d
take with you for a trip into the wild, but it can save you in
more ways than just keeping you hydrated.
The next time you’re trying to survive in the brush,
remember these 12 possible uses for a canteen from Dan
Baird, head instructor for California Survival School:
Signaling Device – If your bottle is brightly colored or

1 reflective, it could be a great way to get the attention of
rescue crews.
You can use a reflective
canteen or water bottle
as a signaling device.
“A good signaling tool is one that contrasts with its sur-

roundings and/or attracts attention with movement,” Baird
says. “Waving around a brightly colored water bottle
attached to a string may be just what is needed to attract the
attention of the rescue plane overhead.” PHOT
O BY THINKSTOCK
“OBJECTS THAT DO A GREAT JOB KEEPING LIQUIDS IN

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
OFTEN DO AN AWESOME JOB KEEPING THEM OUT, TOO…”

AUGUST 2014
—DAN BAIRD, HEAD INSTRUCTOR, CALIFORNIA SURVIVAL SCHOOL

REPURPOSE?
Much like you can with a canteen, you can use your other household
objects for survival purposes if you ask yourself a few questions.
First, you should evaluate the actual material from which the
item is manufactured. Ask yourself if it will burn, or whether you
can manipulate its shape to meet a survival need, Baird says. “Plas-
tic can be melted, metal can be bent or sharpened, etc.”
For example, “a metal spoon could be heated up and used as a
hot/sterile tool to cauterize wounds, or sharpened into a cutting
edge using heat and rocks,” Baird says. “A metal fork could become
a frog gig, or the tines could be broken off and bent into fish hooks
or shaped into a sewing needle set.”
Alarm System – As any survivalist can tell

2 you, it’s not always possible to make your
sleeping area completely safe from intruders,
especially if you’re in hostile territory. That’s
where your water bottle can serve as your own
personal alarm system.
“A canteen with rocks inside, suspended by
a trip wire, can work as an early warning system
for nighttime trespassers and predators,” Baird
suggests.
Fire Starter: Remember starting fires with
3 magnifying glasses when you were a kid?
Using that same technology, your water bottle
can work as a great substitute for a lighter. Drawing Surface: Most of us don’t bring a
“If you can use your canteen to focus light
into a tight beam either through reflection (think
7 pad of paper on our travels, but if you really
need one, your canteen could do the trick.
focusing light off a metal canteen) or refraction
(focusing light passing through a see-through ROCK “A good, plastic canteen could provide a
great place to scratch out a map or a rescue
canteen) and get the heat intensity of the light
high enough to ignite some grass or other nat-
BOILING note using a knife or a sharp rock,” Baird says.
Heat Pack: When you think of your canteen
ural tinder, then congratulations! You’re sleep-
ing warm tonight,” Baird says.
Baird refers to “rock boil-
ing” in tip four—but what
8 this time of year, you’re probably inter-
ested in keeping it filled with cold water—but
Cooking/Boiling Container: If you don’t have exactly does this mean? it can also serve the opposite purpose in the
4 room in your pack for pots and pans, consider
using your metal canteen to serve double-duty.
“To rock boil, simply heat
rocks that will fit into your
cooler months.
“Filling a container full of hot water or hot
“Metal canteens can, of course, be placed container and still allow rocks (not too hot if it’s plastic) could be a great
directly into the fire while cooking,” Baird tells room for water/food,” Baird way to keep some extra heat close to your body
us. “Plastic, wood, or even throw-away contain- says. when away from a fire or while you’re sleeping if
ers (think plastic bag/paper cup) can become “Be careful to not use done right,” Baird says.
cooking containers for water purification or for rocks that may already “If the container is insulated, having a hot
soup if suspended above/out of contact with have water trapped in cup of tea ready to drink at 3 a.m. without get-
the flames, or by using indirect heat cooking them as these can explode ting up to cook it sure is nice!”
methods like rock boiling,” he adds. (like rocks scooped out of a Lantern: No lantern? No problem.
5 Dry Storage: “Objects that do a great job

keeping liquids in often do an awesome job
running river).”
After heating the rocks
9 “Setting up a flashlight so light refracts
through the water in a see-through canteen can
keeping them out, too,” Baird says. over your fire for an hour or be a nice way to diffuse light for a lantern
“A canteen could be a great way to keep tin- so, you can put them into effect,” Baird suggests.
der and matches dry in a pinch.” your soup pot to boil your Irrigation Syringe: If you need to perform
6 Fishing-Line Bobber: If you’re trying your

hand at some fishing in the wild, you might
water.
“Keep changing out the
10 first aid in an emergency situation, your
canteen can be exactly what the doctor ordered.
need a quick bobber—and your wattle bottle rocks frequently to help “If you can stab a needle-sized hole into the
could serve just fine. maintain a nice boil,” he bottom of your semi-flexible plastic canteen or
“The buoyant nature of your canteen could adds. secure a piece of plastic bag with a pinhole over
serve well as a fishing line float in a pinch with the canteen’s mouth, an improvised irrigation
improvised tackle to get your bait out to where syringe could be made for cleaning out
AUGUST 2014
it needs to be,” Baird reports. wounds,” Baird advises.

$6.99/100FT
Genuine 550 lb. Type III, 1/8" diameter
nylon Paracord with a seven strand core.
46 colors available.
FISHING
If you’ve ever been hungry
You can use a canteen or in the wild, you’ve probably
5
water bottle as a fishing
wondered whether you’d
line bobber in the wild.
be able to create fishing
gear with your everyday PC101 White
5
items—but remember that
you’ll need some fishing
skill before you start. PC102 Black
“Necessity is the
mother of all invention, but
if you’re not familiar with
how to improvise fishing
PC103 Olive Drab 0
gear under normal condi-
tions, your chances of
PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK
PC104 Coyote Brown
P
improvising effectively
under duress aren’t very
good,” Baird says. PC106 Charcoal
“To greatly increase
“… ONE MIGHT CONSIDER SACRIFICING

your chance of catching fish
with improvised fishing
tackle in the wild, it would
PC108 Burgundy
A
A PLASTIC CANTEEN TO THE FIRE GODS IF
R
be smart to make it happen
THERE ARE NO BETTER OPTIONS.” before you’re stuck without
PC116 Colonial Blue
food somewhere.”
—DAN BAIRD
You should use strong
Hunting Trap: Although we think of our

clothing thread to braid
fishing line and improvise
curved or straight gorge
PC118 Neon Orange A
11
C
canteens as a way to provide hydration, hooks from any material
they can also provide a meal. that will hold the right PC123 Solar Orange
“The slick walls of your cylindrical metal can- shape with a fish pulling on
teen could be perfect for trapping critter edi- the other end, Baird says.
O
bles, like scorpions,” Baird says. “Keep in mind as well PC127 Desert Camo
“Simply bury the canteen in an upright posi- that there are many types of
tion with the mouth exposed right at the fishing methods besides
bait and hook that might fit
R
entrance or below the opening of an active crit- PC128 Foliage Camo
ter den (look for tracks and other recent distur- better with your environ-
bance) and check every few hours for a meal.” ment and resources at
Fire Tinder/Extender In a last-resort situ- hand. Fish can be trapped, PC140 G.I. Camo
12 netted, speared, poisoned
D
ation, you can exchange your water bot-
tle for a night of warmth. and caught by hand. Invest-
“When the need to get a fire going hot and ing time on the front-end to PC139 Galaxy
fast outweighs the ability to carry and store become proficient in these
Side Release Buckles
water, one might consider sacrificing a plastic methods really expands
your options when it comes Durable plastic side release buckles
canteen to the fire gods if there are no better used to complete paracord bracelets.
options,” Baird says. to improvising your way Available in 3/8” and 5/8” sizes.
“Since most plastics are petroleum based, into a fish meal.”
they’ll burn and could provide the extra kick you
need to get your fire burning strong in wet or
cold conditions.”
PC993 3/8” (PKG OF 10) Assorted 6.95

FOR MORE INFORMATION PC995 5/8” (PKG OF 10) Assorted 6.95
JANTZ
Dan Baird is the head instructor for California Survival School, a family-run school dedicated to
providing people with local access to hands-on adventures that refine inborn survival instincts into
functional survival skills-sets. Their survival courses focus primarily on equipping students with
1-800-351-8900
functional knowledge of ancestral living skills that make it possible to survive wilderness emergen-
cies using only resources from their natural environment.
AUGUST 2014
For more information, visit the school’s website at CASurvival.com.

knifemaking.com
ASG_1408_BG_BOOTS.qxp 6/9/14 3:19 AM Page 106
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
Buyer’s Guide
HIKING BOOTS
A STEP IN THE
RIGHT DIRECTION
Sizes, Prices and Styles of Boots that Fit Everyone’s Outdoor Needs
BUGGING OUT? You won’t get very far without some good boots!
Every journey begins with a single step, but to keep your survival trek going, you
need dependable footwear.
Quality hiking boots should be your first choice to protect your feet from the rigor-
ous hardships of traveling through nature’s backyard.
The key to making the right choice of boots depends upon the environment
around you, so make sure you examine your needs and find the boots that conform to
the necessities of your outing. Choose wisely now and your hiking boots should be
beneficial for you now and for countless years ahead.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_107 6/10/14 10:55 PM Page 107
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ASG_1408_BG_BOOTS-CX-108-111 6/16/14 12:34 AM Page 108
Buyer’s HIKING BOOTS

Guide
WOLVERINE
1 $100
“ITS DURABLE OUT-

SOLE CAN TAKE A
BEATING FROM
STONES, FALLEN
BRANCHES AND
OTHER NATURAL
DEBRIS WITHOUT
SUSTAINING DAMAGE
THAT COULD END
YOUR TRIP QUICKLY.” 1 WOLVERINE
Model: Black Ledge
Website: Wolverine.com
MSRP: $100
Key Features: Compression-molded footbed; rubber

outsole; cement construction
Description: Trekking over rocky terrain will be a breeze

with the Wolverine Black Ledge hiking boot. Its durable
outsole can take a beating from stones, fallen branches
2 WOLVERINE
Model: Rival Boot
Website: Wolverine.com
MSRP: $104.99
and other natural debris without sustaining damage that
could end your trip quickly. The waterproof membrane
Key Features: Waterproof; full-grain leather;
keeps your feet consistently dry, repelling any rain, morn-
slip resistant
ing dew on the grass or shallow puddles impeding your
trek. Constructed with a light flex to ensure stability over
Description: The Rival SwampMonster Boot offers slip
uneven surfaces. The Black Ledge balances toughness
resistance and complete waterproofing to ensure easy
with flexibility to ensure quick movement under unpre-
mobility over wet or swampy conditions. This tough boot
dictable conditions. Available in sizes 7 to 14.
is constructed with lightweight, yet highly durable materi-
als to keep you moving without weighing you down. Its
outsole has edges that grip surfaces and hold tight for
added stability. This is the perfect boot for wet rugged
trails or slippery rocks along streams or riverbeds. Keep in
WOLVERINE mind, your hiking boot is your most important asset when
2 $104.99 traveling in nature’s backyard; the SwampMonster will
not let you down when it counts. Natural brown color and
available in sizes 7.5 to 13.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_BG_BOOTS-CX-108-111 6/11/14 11:04 PM Page 109
HIKING BOOTS Buyer’s

Guide
“…THE ICETREKKERS GRIP THE

GROUND USING HUNDREDS
OF BITING EDGES…”
3 ICETREKKERS
Model: Diamond Grip
Website: ICETrekkers.com
MSRP: $41.95
Key Features: Multi-surface slip protection;

attaches easily; self-clearing design
Description: ICEtrekkers offer you an added

defense against slips on icy, muddy or slime-
covered surfaces. Designed to fit easily over
your existing hiking boots, the ICEtrekkers grip
the ground using hundreds of biting edges
that prevent falls which could result in life-
threatening injuries while out in the wild. ICETREKKERS
Hardened steel alloy and steel aircraft cable
create an extremely durable impact web, while
3 $41.95
the flexible rubber sling holds its shape and
remains elastic even under extremely cold con-
ditions. Its self-clearing feature prevents build-
up from snow or ice, so you will never have to
stop and dislodge any material while on the
move. Also works well on gravel, rocks or other
uneven surfaces.
4 KENETREK
Model: Hardscrabble LT Hiker
Website: Kenetrek.com
MSRP: $400
Key Features: Triple stitching; anti-corrosive

hardware; reinforced rubber sole guard
Description: The Kenetrek Hardscrabble LT

Hiker may just be the last hiking boot you ever
buy. Built tough is an understatement with
this exceptional pair of rugged outdoor boots.
Made in Italy, this boot features high-traction
K-Talon outsoles with extra stiff nylon midsoles
that keep you from slipping when traveling
over rough terrain.
In wet or excessively moist conditions, your
feet will stay dry within a breathable and fully
waterproof membrane. Constructed of 2.8 mm
full-grain leather, one-piece uppers with no
stitching, these high-quality boots won’t wear
out like others do with time and excessive use.
Lightweight and high-traction outsoles won’t
slow you down on long distance or intense
hikes. These boots come non-insulated to use
in warmer seasons and climates. Total boot
weight is 3.6 pounds; boots are available in
sizes 7 to 16.
KENETREK
4 $400
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_BG_BOOTS-CX-108-111 6/16/14 12:33 AM Page 110
Buyer’s HIKING BOOTS

Guide
“THE MATHEWS BOA HIKER 5 MATHEWS

Model: Boa Hiker
COMBINES COMFORT, Website: RobinsonOutdoors.com
MSRP: $199.99
FLEXIBILITY, RUGGEDNESS Key Features: Water resistant; durable
AND EXTREME DURABILITY.” rubber outsole; protective rubber toe
Description: The Mathews Boa Hiker is

your all-around hiking boot, useful in
nearly all types of environments. Its
durable Vibram rubber sole protects from
the dangers of trekking through rough or
congested terrain. A rubber toe protects
from unexpected bumps into rocks,
fallen tree limbs or stumps, while also
keeping your toes safe if anything drops
from your hands while moving quickly
through the brush. The hiker utilizes the
Boa lacing system, which creates a con-
trolled closure, unlike typical laces. A
removable insole features S3 antimicro-
bial technology, which helps to inhibit
the growth of odor-causing bacteria and
keeps the boot smelling fresher longer.
MATHEWS
5 $199.99
6 DREAM SEASON
Model: Knee Boot
Website: RobinsonOutdoors.com
MSRP: $179.99
Key Features: 100-percent waterproof;

multi-terrain traction; windproof material
Description: The Dream Season Pro Insu-

lated Boots keep you carefree in wet, snowy
or damp environments. They eliminate the
chance of suffering complications from wet
feet while in the wilderness or on the move
with their 100-percent waterproof Rain-
DREAM SEASON
blocker protection. This unique feature
allows interior perspiration to be dispersed 6 $179.99
through its membrane system, while keep-
ing the boot waterproof, windproof and
breathable. All seams are heat sealed and
extra secured from moisture with water-
proof tape. The interior is insulated with
wool to keep you warm and comfortable
during harsh or frigid conditions. A brush
blocker shin guard is added for extra protec-
tion throughout nature’s rough terrain.
Boots measure 17 inches in overall height.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_BG_BOOTS-CX-108-111 6/11/14 11:05 PM Page 111
HIKING BOOTS Buyer’s

Guide
7 HI-TEC
Model: Altitude Pro RGS
Website: Hi-Tec.com HI-TEC
MSRP: $179.99
7 $179.99
Key Features: Waterproof; rustproof
metal hardware; abrasion-resistant toe
and heel
Description: The Hi-Tec Altitude Pro

RGS combines all the necessary ingredi-
ents to create the perfect all-around hik-
ing boot ideal for your outdoor adven-
tures. This boot is constructed with rust-
proof metal hardware that will hold up
throughout all seasons and weather con-
ditions, all while keeping your feet dry
and comfortable in waterproof interior
booties and waterproof, full-grain
leather uppers. Customize your fit with
its unique, locking-hook flex point; its
abrasion-resistant heel and toecaps
ensure no damage will be sustained
when traversing rough or jagged terrain.
Its Vibram rubber outsole powerfully
grips the ground, providing world-
renowned traction and durability. Avail-
able in sizes 7 to 13.
“…CONTOURED AND SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED 8 HI-TEC

Model: Sierra Lite Original
Website: Hi-Tec.com
FOR THE WOMAN ADVENTURER…” MSRP: $69.99
Key Features: Versatile lacing system;

removable sockliner; soft padded collar
Description: Built to meet the demands of

the outdoors, yet contoured and specifically
designed for women, the Sierra Lite hiking
boot offers supreme comfort and perfor-
mance when exploring, camping or hiking
throughout the wild. Its contoured sockliner
and soft, padded collar ensures mile after
HI-TEC mile of ache-free walking, while its versatile
8 $69.99 lacing system and high-performance syn-
thetic material provides a custom and secure
fit. A moisture-wicking lining will help keep
your feet dry in damp conditions. Style, com-
fort and quality round out this must-have hik-
ing boot for women.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_INTRO_TOOLS-CX-112 6/11/14 11:55 PM Page 112
TOOLS
IN THIS SECTION EDGED TOOLS MAINTENANCE + SAWS + AXES + KNIVES
TOOL TALK
Exploring the Use of Saws, Knives and Axes for Survival
BY LARRY SCHWARTZ
NAVIGATING A SURVIVAL SITUATION without knowing how to use tools

can be a disaster in itself. For those of us still learning about the right way
to buy, sharpen, and swing an axe, the entire process can be intimidating.
Your brand-new custom cabin is perfect for your family, but now it’s
time to chop some wood in preparation for winter and create a storage
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
crate for the firewood—not easy to do if you don’t have the right tools.
Enter Larry Schwartz, our resident outdoorsman, who created this
special section just for readers who need a primer on using edged tools.
AUGUST 2014
You can’t appropriately live the survivalist lifestyle without some basic
tools and know-how—and we’ll shed some light on both those issues.

ASG_1408_HANDLING-CX-p113 6/11/14 11:56 PM Page 113
EDGED TOOLS
GET AN
PHOTO COURTESY OF LARRY SCHWARTZ
LEARN HOW TO SAFELY USE AND MAINTAIN YOUR EDGED TOOLS
IN
SKILLED HANDS, SHARP-EDGED TOOLS ARE AN OUTDOORS- Do not run or jump with an exposed
MAN’S BEST FRIENDS. IN UNSKILLED OR CLUMSY HANDS, blade. Even if you are just walking a
THEY CAN BE YOUR WORST ENEMY. few feet away through the brush, put
There are so many things you can accomplish with edged tools: the sheath back on to avoid getting
for starters, you can build a shelter or a shed in which to store sup- injured if you stumble.
plies, chop wood for fires…the possibilities are endless. Follow along for some Never play around and throw
great tips on developing your tool skills and how to safely use what can become knives or axes. They are designed to
your new best friends. be used while in your hands, not
rotating through the air to bounce of
SAFE USE some distant log or tree and into a
There are several key things to keep in mind when you use edged tools. Remem- femoral artery.
bering these things will help you avoid any accidents and make using your tools eas- Make sure the area around you is
ier and more efficient. clear of obstacles and other people.
Keep your edge sharp. Dull blades on chopping tools like axes or machetes do For example, rotate your axe above
not bite into what you are cutting as well as a sharp blade, and as a result they can your head to make sure there are no
glance off and injure arms and legs. Sharp blades also cut much more easily and overhead branches that could catch the
cleaner than dull or nicked blades, making them more efficient in use. axe head as you swing it. If you’re
Always hold your cutting tool (knife, saw, axe, etc.) near the blade for maximum using a knife, make sure nobody is sit-
control of the cutting edge; for example, hold the axe just below the head and a ting nearby who might walk into the
knife with the blade pointed away from your body. path of the blade.
Move the sharpening stone or file away the blade, never towards the blade; Always cut away from your body
that’s how hands get cut and fingers sliced. and the body of others in the area. Just
AUGUST 2014
It is safer to keep the blade stationary and move the sharpener rather than move like the basic safety rules for guns, keep
the blade along the sharpener. it pointed down range at all times.

ASG_1408_HANDLING 6/9/14 5:05 AM Page 114
A power sharpener should have the
PHOTO COURTESY OF WORK SHARP

ability to handle different angles and
different types of blades.
Use the right tool for the job. You

would never use a chisel as a screwdriver
or a heavy wrench as a hammer, so don’t
use a heavy bladed knife to chop wood if
you have a hatchet or hand axe that will
do the job much better and safer. Use a
pocket knife for cutting sticks down into
smaller diameter pieces for use as tinder
rather than a hatchet; although both will
do the job, the pocket knife gives you
better control.
SHARPENING
Although sharpening a cutting tool As you have probably noticed,
varies a little bit between knives, saws sharpening a blade is not really compli-
and axes, the basic principles are the cated, but it does take some time and
same. Just remember the “sharpness practice to get the right touch with dif-
trinity” of maintaining the right angle
DIFFERENT ferent grits and learn how to keep a
with the right grit and applying the STROKES consistent angle as you move the
right amount of pressure. The steel that goes into each of sharpener across the blade.
To maintain the sharp edge that your cutting tools was chosen specifi-
came with your cutting tool, you need cally for that tool and what it would be POWER SHARPENERS
to use the same angle for the cutting used for. Each type of steel is an alloy If you have cutting tools with a lot
edge. That means both using the same of iron, carbon, and various other ele- of damage to the edge, or that came
angle that it came with and keeping the ments which affect its hardness, dura- without a sharp, factory-made edge on
angle consistent across the length of bility, brittleness, and flexibility. it, or if you have several tools that need
the blade. The angle on a saw refers to Harder steels are used for jobs that to be sharpened on a regular basis,
the angle of the cutting edge on the come with significant abuse, like chop- then a power sharpener might be a
saw tooth. The angle on a knife or axe ping down trees with an axe or split- good investment.
refers to the angle of the cutting edge ting a branch in half with a heavy hunt- The regular grinding wheel or belt
from the perpendicular, or centerline of ing or field knife. Because of their dura- sander you have in your workshop will
the blade. Do this by holding the file bility, harder steels are more difficult to suffice for the heavy lifting needed to
or sharpening stone at the same angle sharpen but hold their edge better. For add an edge to a new hand axe or
to the blade with each stroke. Use long this reason, even though it does not remove the dings and gouges made to
strokes rather than short strokes to receive a lot of abuse, straight razors a kitchen cleaver or hunting knife
take the same amount of steel off of are normally made from harder steels through incorrect use. However for the
the full length of the blade. for their edge-holding qualities. finishing touches, or for finer edges, a
The type of grit you use will depend Softer steels are easier to sharpen purpose-built, powered sharpener
on how rough or damaged the blade is. but don’t hold their edge as well and might be easier to use.
The more you need to do to the blade, require more frequent sharpening. The Knife & Tool Sharpener from
the rougher the grit needs to be. For They are used for less vigorous activi- Work Sharp is a good example of a
very hard steel or if you need to take ties like cutting food and vegetables or good, purpose- built, powered sharp-
off a lot of metal you may want to start whittling. ener. It is a belt-driven sharpener that
with a file instead of a sharpening comes with a variety of different grit
stone. You use a series of different grits belts, from rough for shaping axes and
to move from fixing the rough edge heavy knives all the way to a fine belt
with the rough grit to finer/smoother for the final polishing and stropping of
grits to clean up the edge, and then your newly sharpened blade. It also
finally to honing or polishing the edge contains two angle guides to help you
with a hone and then a final stropping make sure you have the first part of the
with leather or heavy fabric. sharpness trinity correct.
The amount of pressure you apply As with any power tool, care needs
as you move the sharpener over the to be taken to ensure you don’t over-
blade is the final factor that goes into sharpen what you are working on. Many
SKY
OF LAN
creating a sharp, clean cutting edge on a first-time user of a belt sander used to
your cutting tools. The rougher grits sharpen farm implements has uninten-
SY
COURTE
will obviously take off more metal, but tionally changed the shape of the blade
you can fine tune what they do by by applying too much pressure or not
PHOTO
reducing the pressure you apply to the looking at what is being taken off of the
Sharpening kits, like the Lansky
blade. Also, as you move to finer and blade. The picture of my favorite pock-
Variable Angle Sharpening Kit shown
finer grits, you will need to reduce the here, are very versatile tools for the non- etknife with the dip in the blade by its
amount of pressure you apply so that professional who needs to sharpen tools red handle shows the results of my inat-
AUGUST 2014
you are smoothing the edge, rather with different cutting angles. tention many years ago when I first
than shaping it. tried out a powered sharpener.

ASG_1408_HANDLING 6/9/14 5:05 AM Page 115
FIND YOUR ANGLE

The cutting angle on your edged tool is designed for a specific use. So is the type of steel used in the blade.
CHART COURTESY OF LARRY SCHWARTZ

TYPE OF TOOL STEEL CHARACTERISTICS SHARPENING ANGLE
Razors and other fine cutting tools Hard and more brittle, excellent edge-holding ability 15 degrees
Kitchen and general purpose knives Hard but less brittle, good edge-holding ability 20-22 degrees
Hunting knives and other hard use tools Good balance between hardness, edge-holding ability, and flexibility 27 degrees
Chopping tools Relatively softer steel, much less brittle, while still holding an edge 30-35 degrees
HAND SHARPENING operation of the knife. The internals and

Although power tools make the job the slots that the blades fit into should
easier when there isn’t an existing also be cleaned out after each use.
edge or it is very rough, it is better After each use, you should
to acquire the basic skills of sharp- touch up the blade to bring it back
ening by learning to do it by hand to its original sharpness, so it is
first. This ensures you will be able ready for use the next time you
to sharpen your tools whenever reach for it. I keep a small file or
you need to with just a simple sharpening steel in my outdoor
Saw blades are
file instead of depending on a sharpened one tooth kit at all times to touch up my
belt sander to do the work for at a time, always knives, broadheads, and other
you when there isn’t an electrical going away from the cutting tools. Just a few light
outlet nearby. As a matter of fact, cutting edge. strokes on the edge will bring it
you can touch up the edge on back to its previous level of sharp-
most any cutting tool with nothing ness. The file from a multi-tool
more than a mill bastard file and a works well for this purpose, as well.
piece of leather or heavy cloth.
To make your sharpening life easier, VALUE ADDED

there are a variety of sharpening tools, Using edged tools safely and effec-
some simple and some multi-function, tively, whether in the field, on the farm,
that will help you build your skills for or in your kitchen, is a very valuable
the sharpening trinity. Lansky, which
SINGLE-PURPOSE skill. Especially so is the art of sharpen-
started in 1979, and Great American TOOLS ing your tools, the “touch” you devel-
Tool Company (GATCO), which came Single-purpose tools, like carbide sharpen- oped in knowing how to hold that edge
several years later, both make excellent ers that have carbide blades fixed at a spe- and how much pressure to apply can
hand-held sharpeners. The Lansky Con- cific angle, have both advantages and dis- go away over time. So, use your edged
trolled Angle Sharpening Systems advantages over general-use sharpening tools regularly and touch them up after
come complete with a set of hones that tools, like files or whetstones. each use so that you can keep both
range from coarse to fine, oil to lubri- PRO: Easy to ensure that you are using the your skills and your tools sharp.
cate the hones. Most importantly the proper angle and can maintain it for the
system also comes with a bracket with full length of the blade Larry Schwartz is an experienced outdoorsman,
hunter and former Boy Scout who enjoys passing on
slots in it so you can select and main- CON: They also only work for blades that his knowledge of how to be prepared through his
tain the proper angle for the tool being use that one cutting angle. writing and workshops.
sharpened. This was the first sharpen-
ing tool I bought back in the 1980s and
I still use it today. It is a well thought Sheaths made of plastic are available FOR MORE INFORMATION/CONTACT
out design, easy to use and it gets the commercially or can be made at home Lansky: this company offers a wide spec-
job done. to avoid this problem. trum of sharpeners, ranging from individual
sharpening stones and pocket sharpeners to
All blades should be kept clean to kits with multiple hones and sharpening
MAINTENANCE prevent rust on high-carbon steel brackets, to special purpose sharpeners for
Once you have a sharp blade, blades or discoloration on stainless axes and other tools; Lansky.com.
house it in a protective cover or sheath blades. On non-stainless blades, a light Gatco: offerings include a similar products
to Lansky’s but with a different mix of sharp-
to keep it from dulling due to contact coating of oil, like WD-40 or another eners; GATCOSharpeners.com.
with hard objects and to keep yourself lubricant will help keep it from rusting; Work Sharp: although it doesn’t have the
from getting bloody from contact with only a thin layer is needed, as a thicker wide variety of products that the other two
sharp objects. Sheaths are the protec- layer will tend to gather debris and grit do, Work Sharp is one of the few vendors on
the market that produces a powered sharp-
tive covers we use when carrying our onto the blade. ener that fits into the home budget; it also
sharp things, but if your sheath is For folding knives, the same applica- offers an innovative set of hand-sharpening
made of leather, then don’t store your tion of oil should be made to moving tools like its Guided Field Sharpener (GFS);
AUGUST 2014
cutting tool in it as the leather may parts and pivot points a few times a WorkSharpTools.com.
cause the blade to rust or discolor. year, or as needed, to ensure smooth

ASG_1408_SAW.qxp 6/9/14 3:27 AM Page 116
“THE SAW…TURNED
SHAPING AND SIZING
MATERIALS FOR
CONSTRUCTION WORK
FROM ONE OF BRUTE
FORCE WITH AXES TO
ONE OF PRECISION
ACHIEVED WITH MUCH
LESS EFFORT.”
THE
SERVICABLE
SAW
A SAW CAN BE A PRICELESS SURVIVAL TOOL
T
OOLS ARE A MAJOR PART of any survival equation,
because they can help you build shelter, without which
you just won’t cut it.
Make sure you have the right tools, and make sure you
don’t forget the humble saw.
The saw, probably one of mankind’s earliest “big” inventions,
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
turned shaping and sizing materials for construction work from

one of brute force with axes to one of precision achieved with
much less effort.
For the outdoorsman, they do things that an axe or knife can-
not do. Follow along to see how this valuable tool can benefit you.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_SAW.qxp 6/9/14 3:28 AM Page 117
BLADE
HANDLE
BACK
The
parts of
a saw.
TOE
HEEL FRONT
TEETH
PARTS OF A SAW of lengths of lumber or to square off

To talk about saws we need to rough edges on planks.
know the names of their parts, and how Hack Saw: The hack saw blade is much SPECIALTY
these parts work together to make an
effective cutting tool. Looking at a saw
shorter in height than the crosscut or
rip saws, normally less than an inch
SAWS
from end to end, you can see it has the high. It has a U- or C-shaped frame Nothing epitomizes the description of man as
following parts: that holds each end of the blade and the “tool-making animal” more than the wide
> Handle: The plastic or wooden grip attaches it to the handle. Hack saws variety of special purpose saws available today
attached to the saw blade. are used to cut very hard materials, on the market. Some of the more commonly
> Blade: The flat, sometimes tapered, such as bone or metals; since they known, and some of the rarely heard of are:
sheet of metal attached to the handle are very rigid, they are also used for Keyhole Saw: A hand saw with a very nar-
with teeth on the bottom edge. cutting PVC piping or rubber hoses. row blade used to cut small holes in wood
> Teeth: Cuts or serrations on the bot- Coping Saw: With a handle like that of and drywall.
tom edge of the blade designed to cut a hack saw, the coping saw has an Concrete Saw: A power saw with a flat circu-
the material the saw is designed for. even narrower blade and is used for lar grinding wheel in place of a blade with
> Back: The top edge of the saw cutting intricate patterns which teeth that is used to cut asphalt or concrete.
blade, flat with no teeth. change direction a lot. Plywood Saw: A circular saw with very small
> Front: The bottom edge of the saw teeth designed to make smooth cuts in ply-
blade with the teeth on it. CONTINUOUS: This blade on this type wood without making a jagged edge of the
> Toe: The end of the saw blade farthest of saw is actually a continuous loop laminated material.
from the handle on the toothed edge. with the saw teeth attached to it, either Mitre Saw: A hand or power saw designed
> Heel: The end of the saw blade clos- in the form of a belt or as a chain. They to cut specific angles for moulding and other
est to the handle on the toothed edge. include: small materials. If hand powered, it uses a
Band Saw: A band saw is a stationary mitre box to get the correct angles. If pow-
VARIETIES table saw with a metal blade that ered, the arm on which it is mounted pro-
Next, it’s important to understand spins along two wheels to provide vides the correct angle.
the different blade types: its cutting action. This provides a
very uniform cutting action, which
STRAIGHT: These are what most peo-
ple think of when they hear the word makes it ideal for cutting meat,
“saw”—a rectangular blade with a han- metal, or timber. This type of saw is
dle attached to it; these are hand saws commonly found in lumberyards to
rather than a power saw. They include: cut logs into planks.
Crosscut Saw: A crosscut saw is used Chainsaw: The chainsaw is a handheld
to cut across the grain of wood, motorized saw with a blade com-
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
either for cutting down trees or turn- posed of a chain with cutting teeth
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
ing fallen trees into rounds for later set along its length. Their main use is
use. They are also commonly used outdoors cutting down trees, remov-
for cutting lumber such as 2x4s to ing limbs, and clearing brush. It is a
the proper length. lot of sawing power in a small pack-
With its thinner and shorter blade and smaller
Rip Saw: Rip saws have teeth that are age, so use of protective gear in the
teeth, the hack saw is ideal for cutting
AUGUST 2014
designed to cut with the grain. As through metal sheeting, rods and even PVC form of gloves, chaps, and eye and
such, they are used to cut strips out or rubber tubing. ear protection is needed for safety.

ASG_1408_SAW-CX-118-119 6/11/14 11:07 PM Page 118
IT’S ALL
ABOUT
THE TEETH
Handsaws are greatly varied in use and
design, but come in just two major cat-
egories, based on their teeth.
Cross cut saws have teeth that are
designed to cut across the grain of
trees or lumber. For this reason, they Chainsaws sounded the death knell for the
are the most prevalent of all general two-man cross cut saw used for cutting down
purpose saws. The teeth flare out away trees. With its various length blades, it can be
from the centerline of the saw blade so used for most trees; gasoline power makes it
much easier and less tiring to do large
that they cut a channel wider than the amounts of work.
width of the saw blade. This helps to
keep the blade from binding or catch-
ing when cutting through thick wood.
So, if you are cutting 2x4s to size, or
sawing a fallen tree into rounds for
later use, or cutting odd shapes
that go across the grain with a coping “CHAINSAWS SOUNDED THE DEATH KNELL FOR THE TWO-MAN
saw you would want to have a cross cut
blade on your saw.
CROSS CUT SAW USED FOR CUTTING DOWN TREES.”
Rip saws are designed for cutting
wood in line with the grain, or ripping
it. Its blade design has the cutting edge
The handsaw is
of the teeth facing forward, acting like designed to cut
a chisel. This helps the blade cut either with or
through the grain and avoid following across the grain
the grain and moving off of the straight of the material
being cut. It is a
line being cut. So, if you are ripping general pur-
the edge off a rough-cut piece of wood pose tool and
to get it to the width you needed, or belongs in the
cutting a piece of lumber into several toolbox of
every home.
narrower pieces, you would want to
have a ripping blade on your saw.
The size of the teeth also varies
based on the type of materials being
cut. For metal and bone, the teeth are
smaller and set closer together. For
The jigsaw is designed for cutting curved
wood, both soft and hard, the teeth are shapes, normally on a thin piece of material.
longer in length and set farther apart to
cut deeper and clear the wood out of
the cut channel, or kerf. Circular saws work best
when cutting straight
lines through relatively
thick wood or cutting
be cut is moved across the fixed- across lumber to cut it
position cutting blade. Table saws to size.
CIRCULAR: These include what most are commonly used for cutting lum-
people think of when you mention ber, either with the grain or across.
power saws. They include: Radial Arm Saw: A variation of the
Circular Saw: Using a flat circular table saw, the radial arm saw has the
blade, the circular saw is a hand-held blade mounted on an arm which is
powered saw. It can cut through a moved across the material that is
wide variety of materials just by resting on the platform.
changing out the blade used.
Table Saw: A table saw is basically a RECIPROCATING: This category of
circular saw fixed in place on a flat saws, unlike the other powered saws,
platform. Rather than moving the has a single bladethat moves back and
AUGUST 2014
saw across the material to be cut, as forth, rather than in one direction. It
with a circular saw, the material to includes:

ASG_1408_SAW-CX-118-119 6/11/14 11:07 PM Page 119
[LEFT] Different materials, like bone or metal or

wood, require different tooth designs to effectively handle
each materials composition.
[RIGHT] Since it comes apart for packing and is lightweight, the bow
shaped buck saw is one of the most popular designs for backpacking
and camping. It has large, well-spaced teeth that make quick work of
dead branches for the campfire or improvised shelter poles.
Jigsaw: The jigsaw is another saw with a wall studs. It has a strong reciprocat- RECOMMENDED
narrow blade that is intended for cut-
ting out irregular shapes rather than
ing blade that allows it to cut through
pretty much anything on the job site.
VENDORS
straight lines. It is a hand-held saw and If you need to make a hole in a hurry, Although you can normally find good saws at
is found in most home workshops. this is the saw you want. your local DIY megastore, at times you may not
Scroll Saw: The scroll saw is similar to be able to find the one that best fits your
the jigsaw in function, except that it BE INCLUSIVE needs. The following are some of the better
is mounted on a platform. You follow The most sophisticated and most known and well trusted makers of saws, and
the irregular shape by moving the varied of the edged tools covered in they make a wide variety to fit most any need.
material to be cut instead of moving this issue, the saw in its many forms
the saw as you do with the jigsaw. was probably one of the biggest jumps Black & Decker; BlackAndDecker.com
Reciprocating Saw or Sawzall: This is in construction technology for early Makita; MakitaTools.com
the power saw you see people using man. It was definitely the first tool Hitachi; HitachiPowerTools.com
all the time on the home improve- made with other tools. Include a saw in Craftsman; Craftsman.com
ment shows doing demolition work, your survival tool must-haves and you Husqvarna; Husqvarna.com
like cutting through drywall or interior won’t be sorry. (for chainsaws)
Stihl; Stihl.com (for chainsaws)
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_AXES-CX-p120 6/11/14 11:11 PM Page 120
EDGED TOOLS
CUT
TO THE CHASE
THE RIGHT AXE CAN BE A LIFESAVER
IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION
T
HE HUMBLE AXE COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.
Just think of all the things it can do: cut wood for a shelter and for a
fire, plus serve as a weapon, should the need arise.
Today, the axe in its various forms is an integral part of the life of the
outdoorsman, homesteader, woodcrafter and even first responders.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
This tool started out as a sharp rock held in the hand of primitive man, then it
was attached to a split stick with animal sinew. The Iron and Bronze Ages con-
tributed technical knowledge that led to the metal axe heads we know today and
the development of a wide variety of head designs and handle lengths began.
We explore the different kinds of axes and their use in the survival world.
USE
YOUR HEAD
The shape of the head is based on its intended purpose,
and is critical to its effectiveness. Axe head designs range from
narrow with a straight edge for hewing trees, to wedge shaped
and massive for shaping logs into planks, to concave for use in
woodworking to hollow out a log. It’s all based on what this versatile
hand tool needs to do. Whether it has a straight or curved cutting
edge, has a narrow blade versus a thicker wedge-shaped blade, or
has a beard that extends down for making bigger cuts, all go into
how well your axe does its job and how good it feels in your
hand. Try a few, pick the design that will work best for you,
and if you can’t find one, then search out a blacksmith or
The knife maker and create something new to add to
parts of the hundreds of designs out there already.
an axe.
AUGUST 2014
PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDI.ORG

ASG_1408_AXES.qxp 6/9/14 3:31 AM Page 121
PARTS OF A WHOLE
To understand axes and how we use
them, we need to first know how they
are made, the names of their parts, and
how these parts work together to
make an effective cutting tool. Let’s
look at an axe from bit to butt and eye
to knob to see what those parts are:
“SELECTING AN AXE, • Head: the metal cutting head

WHATEVER LENGTH IT attached to the axe handle
IS, SHOULD BE • Toe: the top of the cutting edge on
the axe head
LOOKED AT LIKE • Heel: the bottom of the cutting edge
SELECTING A SUIT OF on the axe head
CLOTHES.” • Bit or Blade: the actual cutting edge
on the axe head
• Beard: that portion of the bit that
extends below the point where the
axe handle meets the axe head
• Cheek: the flat, unhoned sides of the
axe head
• Eye: the opening in the axe head
through which the axe handle fits
• Poll or Butt: the flat, back end of the
axe head
• Haft or Handle: the handle of the
axe, often made of wood or a rein-
forced plastic composite
• Shoulder: the point on the handle,
normally thicker than the rest of the
handle where the axe head stops on
the handle
A felling axe is
ideal for big
jobs, like cutting
down trees,
since its longer
handle provides
more leverage
and energy on
impact.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WILIPEDIA COMMONS
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_AXES.qxp 6/9/14 3:31 AM Page 122
• Belly: the “front” side of the

handle, on the side facing the
cutting edge of the axe head.
(The reverse side, on the butt
The camp, or hand axe, is probably
side, is called the back) the first thing that comes to mind
• Throat: the curved portion of the axe when most people think of an axe,
handle, above the grip. This is the but keep its bigger brother and sister
portion that your hand slides along in mind, too, as you start to do more
chores in the outdoors.
on a two-handed axe.
• Grip: the section of the handle just
before the bottom of the handle
• Knob: the very bottom of the axe wedge shape of the head is designed
handle to make it more effective for cutting
with the wood grain, as opposed to the
VARIETY felling axe, which is designed to cut
Although there are as many different across the wood grain.
designs for the combination of axe han-
dle and head as there are different uses Half length or hand axe: A hand axe is
for an axe, we can look at them easiest half the length of a full-length axe. The
in terms of the length of their handles. handle can range from a very short 6
inches to around 18 inches at the long
Full-length or felling axe: A full-length end of the range. This short handle
axe has a handle that is approximately makes it easy to use around camp and
36 inches in length at its longest and easy to pack and carry on your belt or
approximately 27 inches at its shortest. pack. The axe head will weigh between
With this long handle, both hands are 1 and 2 pounds, having a wedge-
[ABOVE, TOP] A three-quarter, or
forest axe, is ideal for splitting log required to control the axe when shaped head like the forest axe for
rounds into useful-sized pieces for swung and to take advantage of the general purpose chopping and cutting.
the fire or other general purpose
cutting and chopping jobs.
[ABOVE, BOTTOM] Use your camp axe

for small chores like making kin-
“… THE THREE-QUARTER AXE CAN STILL BE USED TO FELL TREES
dling or tinder for the fire, making BUT CAN ALSO BE USED FOR LOPPING OFF BRANCHES, MAKING
tent pegs, or lopping branches off
of larger trees. KINDLING OR GENERAL CAMP CHORES.”
extra leverage provided by the longer GET ONE

handle. Full length or felling axes are Whatever your need is, chopping
mainly used for chopping down trees kindling for a campfire, clearing a
HOW TO or cutting downed trees into segment. woodlot for use as pastureland, or
CHOP WOOD The axe head on a full-length axe will hewing logs for use in a log cabin, a
weigh between 3 and 4.5 pounds, giv- sharp, well-balanced axe of an appro-
Here’s how to use an axe to chop wood:
ing it the mass needed to cut cleanly priate length can be a great tool. Find
• Place one of your hands 1-2 inches
across the grain of the wood. The one that fits your needs, feels good in
above the end of the axe handle.
head’s narrow head and thinner blade your hands, and have at it.
• Place your other hand about 25 percent
are designed to allow it to cut across
down the handle, below the blade.
the grain of the wood.
• Stand over your wood and swing
the axe to chop into it at a 45-
degree angle.
Three-quarter length or forest axe: A RECOMMENDED
forest or camp axe is three-quarters
• Alternate swings left to right; bring
the length of a full-length axe. The han-
VENDORS
the axe up over your shoulder with Although you can normally find good axes of all
dle length ranges from approximately
each swing. lengths at your local DIY megastore, at times you
27 inches down to 18 inches. The
• Move the hand closest to the blade may not be able to find the one that best fits your
shorter handle will accommodate use
toward the end of the handle as you needs. The following are some of the better-
with just one hand, but you can still
swing. known and well-trusted makers of axes, and they
swing it with hands using a shorter
• Bring the top hand down to meet the make a wide variety to fit most any need.
stroke if you need the added power. A
bottom one as you finish your swing.
jack of all trades in the world of axes,
• Aim your swing for the top, middle > Gransfors Bruk; GransforsBruk.com
the three-quarter axe can still be used
and bottom portion of each side of > Estwing; Estwing.com
to fell trees but can also be used for
the spot where you are cutting the > Cold Steel; ColdSteel.com
lopping off branches, making kindling
wood.
AUGUST 2014
or general camp chores. The head will > Craftsman; Craftsman.com

weigh between 1.5 and 3 pounds. The

ASG_1408_123 6/10/14 11:00 PM Page 123
ASG_1408_KNIVES-CX-124,126 6/12/14 12:00 AM Page 124
EDGED TOOLS
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
CUTTING
IT CLOSE A GOOD KNIFE CAN
HANDLE A MULTITUDE
OF TASKS IN A SERIOUS
SITUATION
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_KNIVES 6/10/14 1:22 AM Page 125
“DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD KNIFE

IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION; IT COULD COST YOU YOUR LIFE.”
H
OW MANY WAYS CAN Guard – the piece that protects the
YOU USE A KNIFE TO hand from slipping onto the blade,
SURVIVE? PLENTY. and provides a place to press against
You can use a knife to for leverage, a guard that does not
prepare food, to dress out extend past the edge of the handle
small game, to cut a variety of materi- is called a bolster.
als and even to defend yourself. Quillon – a portion of the guard that
Don’t underestimate the impor- extends above or below the edge of
tance of a good knife in a survival situa- the blade and handle.
tion; it could cost you your life. Handle – the grip of the knife, it is
located around the tang.
FUNDAMENTALS Tang – the piece of metal extending

Each knife has as a minimum a han- from the blade into the handle that
dle of some form and one or more is used to attach the blade to the
blades. The hundreds of designs avail- handle.
able today are variations of just two Scales – the pieces of material that are A strong blade of 4 to
basic designs; either a fixed blade knife attached to a full tang knife to form 6 inches with a flat
or a folding blade knife. These changes a handle. spine makes a good
knife for batoning.
are what transform a simple fixed- Butt or Pommel – the very end of the
blade knife from a butter knife to a knife and handle.
Bowie knife to a scalpel to a letter
opener to a meat cleaver to a chef’s
knife or the ever popular hollow han-
dled survival knife (more on these
BATONING can start hitting the forward hard/brittle steel. Although it
later). In the same way a simple folding From the French word “bâton”, edge of the blade to con- will hold an edge better it
knife design can transform from a meaning stick, batoning is a tinue splitting the wood. will not hold up to the strik-
straight razor to a Boy Scout pocket technique for using a knife as a Be sure to strike the ing very well and may break
knife to a balisong/butterfly knife to a chopping tool if you don’t have blade close to the stick or damage the edge.
switchblade to a heavy-duty pocket an axe close at hand. You are you are splitting to • Always rest the wood being
folder carried as a field knife in a pouch basically using a strong field avoid putting undue split on something hard so
on your belt. knife, with a thicker and pressure on the tip of that you don’t waste energy
To understand knives and how we stronger blade and a flat spine, the blade. pushing it into something
use them we need to first know how as a splitting maul to break up Continue to apply soft.
thicker sticks into thinner sticks downward pressure In addition to splitting
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
they are made, and the names of their

parts, and how these parts work for use as tinder or kindling. with your other hand on thick branches you can also
together to make an effective cutting The technique is pretty simple the handle of your knife use the batoning technique to
tool. Let’s look at a fixed-blade knife to do. to keep the blade going cut through thick branches, an
from tip to butt to see what those • You rest the stick you want to straight down. approach in which you are
parts are: split on something hard and • Never use a rock, or anything using your knife as you would
flat so that you will split it else harder than your knife a hand axe rather than as a
Point – the sharp, pointy end of the and not drive it into the blade, to hit your knife splitting maul.
blade. ground. blade. You can damage the • Place your knife blade on the
Cheek – the flat part of the blade that • Then you place the edge of blade or hurt your hand if branch at a 45-degree angle
is not sharpened. your field knife on the top your baton slips. and strike it with your baton,
Spine – the edge of the blade along end of the stick with the • Always hold the knife in line again directing the force
the top, it is often unsharpened. blade pointing straight down with the center axis of the straight down through the
Bevel – the ground part of the blade its central axis. wood you are splitting so knife blade.
where it is sharpened. • Then, using a heavy stick, not that it goes straight down • Move the blade backward
Edge – the cutting area of the blade, a rock, you start tapping/hit- through the wood. and forward to free it from
where the bevels on each side come ting the spine of your knife • Always strike the knife with the cut, do not move it from
together. until it starts to go into the the baton so that the force side to side as this may hurt
Belly – the part of the blade where the wood. goes straight down through the blade.
edge curves towards the point. • Once you get it started you the knife blade and not at an • Place the knife blade to
Heel – the part of the blade where it can use heavier strokes to angle. Applying force directly make the second notch from
joins the handle, it is composed of a drive it down through the down will make your blow the other direction and
small section of the bevel and the stick you are splitting. more efficient. A blow to the repeat the previous steps.
ricasso. • When the spine of your knife side may damage the knife • Continue doing this until
Ricasso – the unsharpened part of the is flush with the end of the edge or the blade itself. you have chopped through
AUGUST 2014
blade just before the handle. stick you are splitting you • Avoid using a knife with the branch.

ASG_1408_KNIVES-CX-124,126 6/11/14 11:14 PM Page 126
PHOTO COURTESY OF JONAS BERGSTEN 1

needed to perform the more rugged
jobs that it is designed to do, such as
BALANCE OF chopping branches for firewood, dig-
BIG AND SMALL ging if needed, use as a defensive
weapon, or cutting up game animals.
If you could only have one knife for all Given the wide range of uses, the knife
of your needs, then a medium-sized maker strives to get the right balance
field knife is probably going to be your between rigidity, ease of sharpening,
best option. What I call a field knife is edge retention and durability.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MURRAY CARTER

also called a belt knife, sheath knife or
survival knife. It is equally good at cut- CHOPPERS
ting as it is as a chopper or even for pry- These are the bigger, heavier, often
ing. Its steel is hard enough to give it longer knives that are used for chopping
strength but also soft enough to give it branches like you would with a hand axe
the flexibility to absorb impacts and or cutting through foliage to clear a
make it easy to sharpen. It has a full path. Choppers include the classic Bowie
tang blade to give it added strength. knife, machetes and myriad survival
The mid-sized length makes it long knives designed with more mass and
enough for hard camp and survival larger cutting edges to meet their
tasks like making tinder or building a design requirements. Their steel is
shelter, but not so long that it is cum-
PHOTO COURTESY OF HORST BURKHARDT
alloyed for durability and edge retention.

bersome to wear on your belt or store
in a lumbar or backpack. CUTTING IT CLOSE
The shorter version of the KABAR Man’s favorite cutting tool…the
fighting and utility knife and the Ger- knife. It comes in an amazing range of
ber LMF are both good examples of a sizes, shapes and purposes designed to
field knife. meet a number of uses. Choose the
knife, or knives, that meet your needs,
are of good quality and fit your bud-
[TOP TO BOTTOM] The Swiss Army knife, with its
mix of useful blades, is one of the most pop-
get. With all the different knife makers
ular styles of pocket knife made. I carry one always have one when you need one. out there, you will surely be able to
on a daily basis. • The Bowie knife is an Like the Swiss Army knife or the Boy find one that meets all three of those
excellent example of the chopper category Scout pocketknife, they often have a requirements.
of knives. • The straight razor is emblematic
of the hard and edge holding end of the
variety of blades for different pur-
knife steel spectrum. Its hard steel takes a poses. This steel will hold up to normal
very sharp edge but that same ability makes use, but is often a little too hard or brit- RECOMMENDED
it more brittle so it can nick or break more
easily than more durable or thicker blades.
tle to be used for prying or digging. It
holds an edge well and is relatively VENDORS
easy to sharpen. There are dozens of knife makers out
A pocketknife or folding blade knife there to choose from. Below are some of
has the same parts as a fixed blade or MULTI-TOOLS the most popular, quality-oriented, and
sheath knife, with the addition of: Multi-tools, like the Leatherman, are well established manufacturers of fixed-
Pivot – the point where the folding like pocketknives on steroids, a cross blade and folding-blade knives; and they
blade rotates from the open position between the things you need most won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
to the closed position. often from your tool chest and your
Locking Mechanism – the mechanism favorite cutting blades from your EDC FIXED-BLADE
that locks the blade into the open pocketknife. Their steel is stronger Benchmade; BenchMade.com
position so that it cannot close on than that normally found in a pock- Buck; BuckKnives.com
your hand; not all folding blade etknife, but it will hold an edge but not ESEE; EseeKnives.com
knives have this feature. break when used hard. Gerber; GerberGear.com
KaBar; Kabar.com
Each of the many different knife FIELD KNIVES Ontario; OntarioKnife.com
designs available today are tailored to Field knives, as I refer to them, are Schrade; SchradeKnives.com
perform the specific set of functions normally made as fixed-blade knives,
the designer wanted by modifying the but during the past decade more of FOLDING-BLADE
shape of the various parts of the knife them are being made with the same Benchmade; BenchMade.com
and the materials used in their con- blade size and shape but as a single- or Buck; Buckknives.com
struction. double-blade folding knife. Unlike Cold Steel; ColdSteel.com
pocket knives and multi-tools, whose CRKT; Crkt.com
POCKET KNIVES blades are normally less than three Gerber; GerberGear.com
Most of us carry a pocketknife, and inches in length, a field knife has a rela- Kershaw; Kershaw.KaiUSALtd.com
AUGUST 2014
if you don’t, you should. They are small tively larger blade, ranging between 3- SOG; SogKnives.com
enough to carry every day so you 6 inches in length. This extra length is Spyderco; Spyderco.com

ASG_1408_RALSTON.qxp 6/9/14 3:33 AM Page 127
PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM RALSTON
PREPPING RALSTON WITH
BY TIM RALSTON
Timothy Bryan Ralston is an American inventor, veteran, adventurer, author and movie consultant for his expertise in the field of survival and
preparedness education. He is best known for his appearance in the powerful motivational film “The Compass” and for being the international
spokesperson in the launch of NatGeo’s No. 1-rated program, “Doomsday Preppers.”
BUG-OUT BASICS
Five Steps to Survive in the Wilderness
When it comes to survival situations, there are many

variables that would have an effect on your plan of action.
Ideally, being able to bug in would be your best sce-
nario. For those who prepare correctly, you would have all
of the essential provisions needed for your family to wait
out the disaster. Yet, being that emergency circumstances
are unpredictable, there is no guarantee that your home
will necessarily be your haven. In fact, you may find your-
self having to brave the great outdoors with nothing more
than the supplies you carry. It is for these times that you
must prepare alternative ways to survive, focusing on self-
reliance and the tools that will get you there.
In the wilderness, there is a progression of steps that
you must take if you intend to survive. All five of these
steps would be much easier if they were paired with the
proper tools.
Step 1
Your first priority needs to be finding or building a shel-
ter. Having the ability to escape from the elements is cru-
cial to your well being. Whether it’s the sun, the cold, the
rain, the wind ... out in the wilderness, Mother Nature can
be your worst enemy. Shelter will be your main weapon
of defense.
Tool Suggestion: cordage (paracord, rope, wire, fishing
line, etc.), Polarshield emergency blanket or a shemahg.
FOR THOSE WHO PREPARE CORRECTLY,

YOU WOULD HAVE ALL OF THE ESSENTIAL
PROVISIONS NEEDED FOR YOUR FAMILY TO

WAIT OUT THE DISASTER.
AUGUST 2014

ASG_1408_RALSTON.qxp 6/9/14 3:33 AM Page 128
PREPPING RALSTON WITH
AD INDEX
AUGUST 2014
RECON
While the hope would be that you would have access to these prepared tools if a catastrophe
were to occur, unfortunately there is no guarantee that you will. Like I noted before, the many
variables that go into emergency situations make predicting their outcomes virtually impossible.
It was for this reason I invented the RECON 6, which is a survival watch equipped with the most
vital tools you need in the wilderness. This concept allows you to be prepared at all times.
FEATURES:
> Liquid compass
> Signal mirror
ADVERTISER PAGE > LED flashlight
> Magnifying glass
American Tactical Imports . . . . . . . . . . . .80 > Knife
> Signal fire bands
BARSKA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 > Can opener
> Bottle opener
PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM RALSTON
Blade-Tech Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

> Ferro fire steel rod
Chiappa Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 > Aluminum survival
whistle
CZ-USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 > Fishing line and
fishing hooks
Del-Ton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Dillon Precision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Jantz Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Jantz Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
JRH Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Step 2 Step 4
LifeStraw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
The second focus? Create a fire. The fourth imperative step would be
This source of energy will have many to construct an edged tool if you
Major Surplus & Survival . . . . . . . . . .11-Oct benefits for you out in the wilder- don’t already have one. Some exam-
ness. Not only will it keep you warm, ples of where this tool would be of
Nitro-Pak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 but also it will boil your water, cook great assistance would be in hunting,
your food, and provide you with a preparing food, and self-protection.
Plue Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 morale booster. Tool Suggestion: nax, crovel, knife
Tool Suggestion: fire starter
Secure Medical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
Step 5
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. . . . . . .32-33 Step 3 This final step is for the event where
Next, you must locate a water source you have actually become lost in the
Survival Bags Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 and also an object to contain it in. wilderness and are not just bugging
Lakes, puddles, and streams would all out. Being able to navigate and signal
Tactical Night Vision Company . . . . . . . .131 be excellent finds, but without a may be what allows you to be found.
water filtration device or a contrap- Use visual and auditory devices to
TOPS Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132
tion for boiling, you would be flat out alert others of your whereabouts.
VICKI WILSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 of luck. (This can be performed throughout as
Tool Suggestion: metal pot or con- long as you are able to still focus on
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. . . . . . . . . . .2 tainer the preceding steps.)
Tool Suggestion: compass, whistle,
The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to American Survival Guide signal mirror
readers. American Survival Guide is not responsible for
AUGUST 2014
omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.

ASG_1408_129 6/10/14 11:01 PM Page 129
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ASG_1408_CLOSING 6/9/14 3:37 AM Page 130
CLOSINGWORDS
“Keep busy with survival. Imitate

the trees. Learn to lose in order to
recover, and remember, nothing
stays the same for long…”
— MAY SARTON, AMERICAN POET AND NOVELIST
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

ASG_1408_C3 6/9/14 12:59 AM Page C3
Fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, terrorism, nuclear/biological/chemical, destruction, panic.

These disasters present lethal challenges in daylight. They are compounded by darkness. Are you ready?
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ASG_1408_C4 6/9/14 1:00 AM Page C4

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