Innholdsfortegnelse for Spring 2021 i Survivor's Edge

Joshua Tree National Park lies about 130 miles east of Los Angeles and contains some remarkably breathtaking natural features, but enjoying a couple of nights during a particularly frigid winter can be a challenge for the unprepared. To summarize the first night in my tent, I did everything wrong to keep warm. I didn’t get my hat out of my pack. I wore the same clothes to bed that I’d had on all day. I didn’t eat anything before bed. And for most of the night, I kept my face inside the sleeping bag, so around 4 in the morning, the inside of my sleeping bag was dripping wet from condensation. Because of that truly awful night’s sleep, I woke up in the morning tired and unenthusiastic about the day.…

When making decisions about gear to include in your inventory, and to have that Survivor’s Edge, there’s one key consideration to keep in mind. That is versatility. Whether a prepper is storing gear at home or packing it out on the trail, the inherent versatility of a piece of gear defines its overall utility and it helps minimize space and weight. That was my thinking when I put my hands on Henry Repeating Arms’ new Big Boy X lever-action rifle. Aside from its new tactical features, it also includes the new side gate loading mechanism which greatly improves the overall utility of an already iconic rifle. Throw in a versatile (there’s that word again) caliber like .357 Magnum/.38 Special, and you’ve got a rifle that can pretty much do it…

THERE IS NOT A DAY THAT GOES BY DURING WHICH ONE OF US DOES NOT SUFFER THE EFFECTS OF DISASTER IN SOME FORM OR ANOTHER. SOME DISASTERS AFFECT US FINANCIALLY, WHILE OTHERS MAY KNOCK US DOWN EMOTIONALLY OR PHYSICALLY. OF COURSE, THERE ARE THOSE DISASTERS THAT MAKE HEADLINES THAT, IN TURN, MAKE US THANKFUL THAT IT’S HAPPENED TO SOMEONE ELSE AND NOT US. AT LEAST, NOT YET. IF THE ADAGE, “IT’S NOT IF BUT WHEN,” IS TRUE, THEN THERE MAY BE A DAY THAT WE EVENTUALLY FACE A DISASTER OF SUCH EPIC PROPORTIONS THAT IT SHAKES THE CORE OF OUR BEING. MANY AMERICANS NONCHALANTLY LIVE THEIR LIVES PRETENDING THAT THEY’LL BE IMMUNE TO DISASTER, SUBCONSCIOUSLY ASSUMING THAT IT’S SOMEONE ELSE’S problem. We often hope that disaster never strikes, but “hope” is…

In the 1980 comedy film, The Gods Must Be Crazy, a pilot tosses a Coca-Cola bottle out the window of a small plane, and it lands in the midst of a tribe living close to the land in the Kalahari Desert of Africa. The tribe members assume that it is a gift from their gods, and they proceed to discover the many uses for the cylindrical glass object that their people had never seen before. Yes, the movie is funny, but it does show how so much modern trash can be a treasure to anyone living in primitive conditions. Today, let’s look a little closer at that Coca-Cola bottle. Trash is found everywhere these days, even in the wilderness. What are some of the uses you might put to that…

The wilderness can be a damp, drizzly place even when it isn’t raining. Organizing your thoughts and plans onto paper in that environment usually requires peeling apart sticky, wet pieces of paper. Plus, ordinary ballpoint pens don’t work on paper that’s even the slightest bit moist, so you’d better have a good memory. Believe it or not, Rite in the Rain has been providing waterproof paper since 1916, when founder Jerry Darling was asked if there was a better way to record and tally lumber in the drizzly Pacific Northwest. Soon after, Jerry met with printers who were able to help him create a mechanism that dipped paper into a waterproofing solution. The rest is history, and now there’s no reason to refer to soggy notes again, especially since Rite…

Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris or a loud roar similar to a freight train. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System and NOAA Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone. And pay attention to the weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado. Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building. Once you have identified your safe…

THE GUNS ARE LIKELY JUST EYE CANDY. I FREELY ADMIT THAT I HAVE A POCKET PISTOL, AN EDC CARRY GUN AND A TRICKEDOUT SERVICE-SIZED HANDGUN ALL READY TO GO DEPENDING UPON MY WARDROBE AND MISSION. THERE’S THE PISTOLCALIBER CARBINE, THE TOP-END 5.56MM DEFENSIVE RIFLE AND MY 7.62X51MM SPRINGFIELD ARMORY SOCOM 16 IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOMBIES ARRIVE IN CARS OR ARE WEARING SOFT BODY ARMOR. LET’S NOT FORGET THE SIDE-BY-SIDE 20-GAUGE FOR SUBSISTENCE HUNTING AS WELL AS THE TAVOR TS-12 JUST IN CASE I HAVE TO HOLD OUT AGAINST THE AGGREGATE ARMED FORCES OF SOME THIRD-WORLD DESPOT WISHING TO INVADE RURAL MISSISSIPPI. Balance of probability, however, says I’ll never need any of that stuff. If I’m faced with an ice storm, a hurricane, a catastrophic degradation of the power…

IN NEW YORK CITY AND NEW JERSEY LAST FALL, A TERRORIST PLANTED PRESSURE COOKER BOMBS AT SEVERAL DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. THE INVESTIGATION LATER REVEALED VIA SURVEILLANCE VIDEO THAT A SUSPECT, LATER IDENTIFIED AS THE MAIN TERRORIST, PLANTED A BOMB ON WEST 23RD STREET IN MANHAT TAN, THEN WALKED TO WEST 27TH STREET DRAGGING A DUFFEL BAG. THE TERRORIST LEFT THE BAG AT WEST 27TH STREET. LATER, TWO INDIVIDUALS TOOK THE PRESSURE COOKER BOMB OUT OF THE BAG AND LEFT THE SCENE. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS DETERMINED THAT THE TWO MEN WHO HAD TAKEN THE BOMB OUT OF THE BAG WERE, MOST LIKELY, SCAVENGERS WHO HAD ONLY WANTED THE DUFFEL BAG AND DID NOT KNOW WHAT THEY HAD BEEN HANDLING, WHICH WAS, IN FACT, A BOMB. THE BOSTON BOMBERS ALSO USED PRESSURE COOKER…

In the great kitchen of the outdoors, we want our packs to be as lightweight and well organized as possible. Bringing five different spices just won’t do. So, Red Eyed Hog was designed by an award-winning barbecue pitmaster for the backpacker, bushcrafter, camper and outdoorsman. Red Eyed Hog Original is a versatile camp seasoning. It comes packaged in a small, lightweight, space-saving container that easily fits in your kit. The Original is just the right blend of sweet, spicy and smoky to give a distinct flavor profile that reflects its barbecue origins. It’s perfect on freeze-dried meals, MREs, wild game, fish, soups and stews. If you’re more at home without walls, ceilings and electricity, then this seasoning was created specifically for you. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’ll never eat another…

A common suggestion in the various survival forums online is to use .22 LR or another common caliber ammunition for barter material. For the sake of discussion, we’re going to put aside the current difficulty in finding reasonably priced ammunition. While ammunition will certainly be highly valuable in a post-disaster world, trading it with someone you don’t know very well could be problematic. There’s little to prevent them from returning it to you—at high velocity. It might be wise to refrain from bartering away anything that could come back to haunt you later.…

Although the Core Four categories of survival—fire, water, shelter and food—are extremely important, don’t ever overlook the need for a quality first-aid kit that’s always within reach. A wound can become infected, loss of blood can make you faint, dizzy and lightheaded, and burns and insect bites can affect you both mentally and physically. Don’t put yourself in any of these harrowing situations by not having the proper first-aid gear. From compact mini kits to full-sized, multi-person packs, finding the one that suits your particular needs is your first objective. From there, your main goal is to always have it nearby in case an unexpected accident arises, and let’s be honest: When trekking through prickly underbrush, climbing across uneven ground and “playing” with fire, accidents can and often do happen.…

1. DRYSHOD Southland Men’s Hunting Boot Southland’s hunting boots provide the perfect all-day comfort you need during the warmer hunting months. Complete with moisture-wicking lining, these 100-percent waterproof boots also feature an all-over whitetail camo print, a removable molded EVA sockliner, a genuine natural-rubber overlay, convenient back-pull tabs and double Achilles-heel and instep reinforcement for added comfort and protection. MSRP: $170. (dryshodusa.com) 2. GOOD TO-GO Dehydrated Meals Eating on the go typically means sacrificing quality and taste, but Good To-Go wants to change that. With a full line of chef-inspired recipes, including the Mexican quinoa bowl, herbed mushroom risotto, Indian vegetable korma and Cuban rice bowl, not only can you choose your adventure but you can also select the meals that will keep you moving in the great outdoors. All…

Aside from Henry, other well-regarded manufacturers are also updating their standard lever-action rifles with more modern appointments to fit with the needs and wants of the 21st century shooter. For instance, Rossi USA has recently introduced its new Triple Black line of carbines chambered in both .357 Magnum/.38 Special and .44 Magnum/.44 Special and have an MSRP of $857.95. Slightly different from the Henry offerings, the Triple Black carbines are fitted with a forward rail for mounting scout-style scopes as well as a peep sight which many lever-action aficionados prefer. To help withstand the elements, the Triple Black rifles sport a black Cerakote finish to match up with the black wooden furniture. The Rossi lever-action rifles include a 16.5-inch threaded barrel that can accept a suppressor or other muzzle device…

How can you tell if you or a loved one has experienced mental duress after a disaster has occurred? According to the University of Houston, those who experience several of the following symptoms for one month or more after they survive a disaster may benefit from counseling or additional mental health support. Nightmares or other intrusive (unwanted) memories of the disaster Extreme distress at reminders of the disaster or when recalling upsetting circumstances Avoidance of conversations, news or memories of the disaster Changes in the way they think or feel about themselves, others or the world Sleep disturbance (trouble falling or staying asleep, waking up too early) Irritability Strong startle reactions Panic attacks Increased and intense worry Increased fear and anxiety, including agitation or physiological symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath,…

A simple jaunt through the local park requires very little skill, forethought or planning of any kind; you just show up, enjoy the scenery and stroll (usually in a wide circle back to your car). Take that same mentality onto a moderate trail more than a few miles from civilization and you might have a recipe for catastrophe. Hiking is a sport that requires training, logistics and preparation. Those who skip the planning phase either aren’t allowing themselves the full benefit of the activity or are going to downright have a terrible time, possibly ending the day with a foot injury or a very nasty fall. The best route to take to avoid the discomfort is to plan ahead. THE RIGHT HIKE Being knowledgeable about what lies head of you…

Although you may not have everything you need when it’s time to bug out, don’t fret too much; you can always collect your necessities while on the move. The truth is that junk—or, in survival terms, useful stuff thrown out by others—is found nearly everywhere out in the wild as well as within the urban jungle. From the shores of sandy beaches to the deep backwoods to the foothills of immense mountains, you can collect many items that can be repurposed to suit your needs. These include empty plastic bottles, Styrofoam coolers or floatation devices, tin cans, disposable lighters, ripped netting, tangled fishing line and so much more. The only thing that differentiates these thrown-out items from survival gear is the mindset and knowhow needed to transform them from seemingly…

While conducting a landscape study, I learned that only 2 percent of the land in question was riparian—located on the bank of a natural watercourse—but that nearly all the wildlife in the area had to relate to that 2 percent in some way. Why? Because water is essential to life, and where that river flows, lots of unique riparian plants also grow. It turns out that those plants we typically find in or around water are some of the most useful plants. Though indigenous peoples of the old days utilized just about all plants from all environments, the growth within the riparian zone was some of the most diversely useful for food, tools, medicine and so forth. Here, we’ll look at some of the riparian plants that are widespread and…

Immediately provide first aid and get help for injured or trapped persons. KEEP LISTENING to the radio, TV or NOAA weather radio for updated information. LOOK FOR fire hazards. Clean up spilled medications, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. WATCH OUT FOR fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company. TURN OFF your utilities if there is a danger to your structure/house. AVOID damaged areas and stay out of damaged structures. BE MINDFUL of emergency personnel and do as instructed. WEAR appropriate clothing: long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes. USE battery-powered lanterns or flashlights. Never use candles or matches. EXAMINE your house and make sure it’s not in danger of collapsing. WATCH your pets and keep them well contained. CHECK for…

There has been a lot said about the benefits of getting the drop on somebody. Clandestinely observing the cautious approach of a potential threat can give you time to formulate a plan of defense as well as the opportunity to decide how best to classify the threat before it is upon you. The best way to achieve these results is with a pair of tried-and-true field glasses—binoculars that can not only bring the horizon right into your hands but that can also tuck neatly under a jacket, always at the ready. Hawke Optics offers several lines of binoculars in its Nature category, whereas its Sport line is reserved for scopes and sights. A couple of quality examples of their binoculars come from the high-end Frontier line and the more affordable…

Every shooter knows how their firearm shoots at the range, but what happens if you find yourself defending yourself in the water? Will your gun work full of water? Will your ammo stop someone or something bad in the water with you? How far will a bullet go? Shooting firearms underwater is not recommended, suggested or even a good idea. We used a 9mm Taurus G2c right out of the box to shoot at a concrete target submerged 6 feet deep, starting at 20 feet away. The G2c performed well, although light primer strikes occurred about a third of the time, but it full cycled with every fired round. The first surprise was that the perfectly formed Magtech 115-grain FMJ bullets were accumulating on the bottom of the pool just…

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FOR YEARS, AUTOMATIC KNIVES have carried with them a stigma that they are only for criminals and hooligans, partly thanks to the efforts of Hollywood throughout the 50s and 60s. However, in recent years, Knife Rights, Inc., has worked hard to reverse restrictive legislation in many states throughout the U.S. that have banned the ownership and carry of automatic knives, making them more mainstream. The resurgence of the automatic knife has brought with it the popularity of the OTF (out-the-front) auto, which is ideal for single-handed use. Where an out-the-side auto generally requires two hands to close safely, OTFs are double action, and the blade can be retracted with a pull of the release button. With the easing of auto laws throughout the states, many knife consumers have been turning…

“NATURE’S CONSTANT STATE OF FLUX CAN POSE A SERIOUS RISK TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS. It was supposed to be the adventure of a lifetime. Pastor Luke Barnett was out hiking the 800-mile Arizona Trail, spanning from Mexico to Utah, with his 20-year-old daughter, Annalee. It was a bonding experience for the pair but also a chance to do some good in the world by fundraising for the Colorado City Dream Center—an organization that works with victims of sex trafficking. The father-daughter duo were 500 miles into their hike when they hit a scramble down a short ravine—not so unlike other rough patches of trail they’d been through already. But as they shuffled down past shrubs and cacti, the ground started to slide beneath their feet. Then one of the large boulders…

Right now, you can buy an axe for around $15 on Amazon and you’ll be chopping wood in a couple of days. However, a few days after that, your “good buy” axe will have said “good bye” to you. People learn the hard way that inexpensive tools are cheap tools, and nothing says quality work or sustainable implements than a classic first-rate tool meant to last a lifetime. If you buy quality tools, you won’t have to buy them again and again. Take this axe for instance. For some reason, Sweden has become the world’s preeminent axe maker, producing hand-forged axes known for their distinctive style and legendary for their balance and quality, pounded into existence in some of the oldest forges on earth. Hults Bruk—the oldest axe maker in…

When experiencing a disaster, there are many who suffer immense emotional distress that can further harm themselves or others. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a learned activity that many can do to help ease the fears and duress of others during and after a disaster-related event. The following information comes directly from the World Health Organization. WHAT IS PFA? Humane, supportive and practical assistance to fellow human beings who recently suffered a serious stressor Assessing needs and concerns Helping people to address basic needs (food and water) Listening, but not pressuring people to talk Comforting people and helping them to feel calm Helping people connect to information, services and social supports Protecting people from further harm WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM PFA? Boys, girls, women and men who have recently experienced…

If you spend any amount of time on the trail, the inevitable will happen: You or someone you’re with will succumb to a foot injury of some kind. Even if you have appropriately fitting boots and the correct socks and liners, these common foot maladies might still rear their ugly heads. When this happens—and it will—you’ll be glad that you know what to do to treat it. Be prepared to prevent and treat these injuries as soon as they are discovered so that they don’t get worse. BLISTERS Because of the friction between your foot and ill-fitting footwear, blisters can be tremendously painful with every step. Wearing the proper socks and boots that are well broken in is helpful in preventing them, but they still happen. PREVENTION: Other methods of…

Like all of the deadly tools in Mother Nature’s arsenal of catastrophes, a tornado is an unstoppable force that can easily ravage anything and everything in its path, laying to waste an entire community in a single afternoon and causing billions of dollars worth of damage, most times without so much as a warning. It’s important to know what to do in the face of this natural disaster. HOW DO TORNADOS FORM? The United States is inundated with tornadoes, as it experiences more annually than any other country on Earth (three out of four tornadoes in the world happen in the U.S). The most active area for tornadoes is known as Tornado Alley, where more than 500 twisters touch down every year. Tornado Alley is roughly made up of Texas,…

In 2020 through November, there were 1,212 tornadoes compared to 1,448 in the first 11 months of 2019, according to NOAA. In 2020 through November, 78 people perished in tornadoes compared to 38 in the first 11 months of 2019. On April 12 and 13, 2020, 32 people perished in tornadoes in Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. Those tornadoes were part of a larger convective storm system that affected the Plains, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states from April 8 to April 12 and caused at least $3 billion in insured losses, according to Aon. On March 2 and 3, 2020, 24 people were killed in tornadoes in central Tennessee, including in the city of Nashville. Tornado deaths in 2020 are the highest since 2011, when 553 people were killed in…

Mirroring the Goldilocks’s scenario, having a blade that is “just right” can make a huge difference where comfort and ease of use are concerned, and the Versafix Pro appears to fit that bill perfectly. This amalgamation of a machete and an oversized knife by Gerber Gear is an impressive addition for those who enjoy one-handed chopping power capped by modern design aesthetics. However, what may look good on the surface doesn’t always translate to being dependable in the field when it matters most. Does the Versafix Pro fall into this category? The answer lies ahead as I put this powerful chopper through a gauntlet of down-and-dirty challenges. MAKING A GOOD IMPRESSION Without a doubt, the Versafix Pro was impressive straight out of the box. The weight-forward design was apparent instantly…

Early spring was upon us in the mountains of North Carolina. We were camped out for a weekend teaching a wilderness survival class for search and rescue personnel. We’d work hard throughout the day, taking a break for lunch, and then feast at night in the camp. The temperatures were still low, as winter was only days behind us. The light and dreary mist of the rain was the perfect backdrop for our dinner menu: chili. There’s something about cold weather that just dictates what food we should be eating. It’s no big mystery why cold, rainy climates favor soups, porridges and stews—they’re hearty and comforting, warming the soul. I feel the same way about chili. It could be made thick and hearty or more like a stew, with more…

BARTERING IS AN OFT-DISCUSSED CONCEPT IN PREPPER CIRCLES. FIRE UP YOUR FAVORITE SEARCH ENGINE AND YOU’LL FIND COUNTLESS LISTS OF THINGS THAT VARIOUS EXPERTS SUGGEST YOU STOCKPILE FOR LATER USE FOR TRADING. THAT’S ALL WELL AND GOOD—SORT OF A WAY TO HEDGE YOUR BET WHEN IT COMES TO PREPAREDNESS. BUT, BEFORE YOU GO OVERBOARD TURNING YOUR BASEMENT INTO A HOARDER’S PARADISE, HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS. BARTER REQUIREMENTS It sounds like a simple concept, but let’s break this down a bit so that we fully understand what needs to happen for bartering to be successful. Successful trading in a post-disaster environment will be reliant on three factors coming together. Someone in your area has something you want or need. You have something that person wants or needs. You’re able to…

The movie Lifeboat was released in 1944, and it has since come to epitomize a certain type of story. How does human nature, personal character and integrity reveal itself under life-and-death circumstances? 48 Hours is a lifeboat story. The premise is fairly simple: We follow the lives and choices of the characters who are faced with a looming extinction-level event. Will the president of the United States decide to keep the truth from the people to avoid panic and chaos? What should the security chief of a massive underground warehouse do when he begins to suspect what is really going on? Will the head of the Joint Chiefs push for a preemptive nuclear strike? Can the science advisor offer any hope? As with the author’s previous catastrophe trilogy One Second…

Over the years, Knife Rights, Inc., has been championing the rights of everyday American citizens when it comes to carrying the knife of our choice. Along with those rights has been their fight to repeal switchblade bans and restrictions. When I spoke with Knife Rights CEO Doug Ritter about the organization’s ongoing fight, he had this to say: “When I founded Knife Rights, most in the industry told me we would never repeal a switchblade ban. Sixteen switchblade ban repeals later, I can safely say, ‘Told you so.’ Our aggressive legislative efforts are the difference and why we’ve succeeded. We don’t give up; we are persistent—we just keep at it. That’s how you get knife bans repealed. Those naysayers were blinded by their acceptance of the status quo. “Forty-four states…