American Survival Guide Magazine - Issue 1

FROM THE EDITORS OF GUN WORLD ISSUE 1 / SUMMER/FALL 2012 U.S. $8.99 DISPLAY UNTIL: 10/23/12

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URBAN PREPAREDNESS 11 12

INTRODUCTION SECURITY “BLANKETS” Teddy bears, home schooling and a regular routine are all methods to help children cope with a crisis. BY KAREN WILHELMSEN AND DR. THOMAS J. NARDI

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ARMED AND READY If the world gets crazy, you need to be ready. And nothing does that better than a firearm. BY PAUL HANTKE

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ROCK AND ROLL What to do before, after the earth shakes violently. BY ANDREW M. LUTHER

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SURVIVAL PANTRY Self-sufficiency in the wake of a disaster includes growing your own food. BY TORREY KIM

WILDERNESS PREPAREDNESS 48 50

INTRODUCTION ADVENTURE AND ADRENALINE The whole story behind Les Stroud. BY KAREN WILHELMSEN

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MOTHER NATURE’S FEROCITY Deadly can the weather be, which is why we have surefire ways to deal with bone-chilling cold and intense heat. BY TORREY KIM

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SMOOTH “SAILING” Six essentials for navigating the wilderness without a GPS. BY ADAM MORRA

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ESSENTIAL 10 Post it, memorize it and never forget it … the emergency preparedness checklist every family must have. BY GARRETT KIM

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SAFETY NET The seven most important wilderness skills you must have … don’t leave home without them. BY ABE ELIAS

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

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GENERAL PREPAREDNESS 99

INTRODUCTION

100 I WILL SURVIVE In a traumatic incident, your mind can be the difference between living and dying. Find out how to make your mind stronger than steel. BY DR. THOMAS J. NARDI

104 PLAN, PREPARE, SURVIVE Disasters don’t make appointments. They can happen at any time, and that’s exactly why you should have these 20 items in your emergency car kit. BY ABE ELIAS

106 THE DEPTHS OF HUMANITY If you think it’s impossible to survive a traumatic event, think again. Then read these three amazing stories of individuals who did. BY KAREN WILHELMSEN

54 BUYER’S GUIDES 15 25 35 44 54 65 76 84 92 115

GENERATORS FIREARMS LIGHT SOURCES INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS BACKPACKS KNIVES FOOD, WATER GEAR SHELTER TOOLS

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COLUMNS 4 FIRST WORDS 6 TIPS, HISTORY, STATS 128 CLOSING WORDS

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114 FAST FOOD For any disaster, this pre-stocked food kit is a must-have. BY TORREY KIM

118 REALITY TRAINING In one of Cody Lundin’s survival classes, you’re going to go through the grinder … and you’ll be glad you did. BY KAREN WILHELMSEN

122 BEST PROFESSOR Survival training is an investment of your time and money, and effective instruction will save you both. Here are 15 tips to find the best one. BY CODY LUNDIN

126 20 GREAT SURVIVAL SCHOOLS THE COVER MAIN IMAGE CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES DROP-IN: LES STROUD PHOTO BY LAURA BOMBIER DESIGNER: ERIC KNAGG

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5 Miles from the Epicenter

ISSUE 1 / SUMMER/FALL 2012

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

EDITORIAL Editorial Director: Doug Jeffrey Editor: Doug Jeffrey Managing Editor: Teena Artman Art Director: Ronald Abella

CONTRIBUTORS Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D., Paul Hantke, Andrew M. Luther, Torrey Kim, Karen Wilhelmsen, Adam Morra, Garrett Kim, Abe Elias, Cody Lundin

BY DOUG JEFFREY

ADVERTISING

lthough the room was rocking violently, I sat up in bed and immediately bolted for the room my two sons shared. As I approached the hallway, the force slammed me into the door jam. The sudden impact created a flash of bright white light, but it only stopped me for an instant. The sound of breaking glass pierced the massive reverberation created by the earth as it tried to open up and swallow Los Angeles. Adrenaline surged through my body, and I thought my heart would burst through my chest. As I entered the room, I yelled, “Get under the bed.” Justin threw his feet over the top rail and scrambled under the bed. Although the room was bouncing, Byron was still asleep. I grabbed him and pulled him under. As we three lay there, we waited for the apartment building to collapse.

A

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NORTHRIDGE QUAKE That’s how my day started on Jan. 17, 1994. It was 4:31 in the morning. I lived with my two sons in Canoga Park, California. At most, we were five miles from the epicenter of the Northridge Quake. When the earth finally stood still, I stood and looked out. A fire lit the morning darkness. Due to the enormity of the situation, my mind was racing. “Would we die?” “Should I close the refrigerator door so the food stays fresh?” “Glass shattered all over. How can I get to the kitchen?” “What should we do?” I asked the kids if they wanted to get outside before the walls came tumbling down. They were hesitant. At about that moment, an aftershock ripped through the San Fernando Valley again. And then another. “This had to be the Big One,” I said, taking a large breath. “That was huge. It had to be at least an 8.” And the power was obvious all across the Valley. The quake thrust the nearby Santa Susanna Mountains upward some four feet. CSUN was hit hard. A multi-tiered parking structure leaned over like a wall of mud slowly moving to nearby Chatsworth. Freeways collapsed in the nearby Newhall Pass. People died. The Richter Scale hit 8, but the official reading was 6.7. Scientists said it didn’t last long enough to be an 8. Their office couldn’t have been in L.A.

GET READY Where are you going to be when disaster hits your city? And read that again. Three times, if necessary. When. Not if. When. Have you done everything you can to prepare for what is coming? How will you provide for your family? What will you eat? Don’t think it can’t happen to you. Whatever you do. ASG

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BECKETT MEDIA, LLC Nick Singh: SVP Newsstand & Operations Bridgett Hurley: VP Editorial & Subscriptions [email protected] Erin Masercola: Business Unit Editorial Director Jen Kahn: Circulation Director 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, completeness or technical accuracy.

Got Power? Historic California Earthquake

Thinkstock Photo

Devastation Serves As a Reminder Kern County, California July 21, 1952 Magnitude 7.3 This earthquake claimed 12 lives and caused property damage estimated at $60 million. On the Southern Pacific Railroad southeast of Bealville, the earthquake cracked reinforced-concrete tunnels having walls 46 centimeters thick; it shortened the distance between portals of two tunnels about 2.5 meters and bent the railroad tracks into S-shaped curves. —United States Geological Survey

“ … the quake bent the railroad tracks into S-shaped curves.”

Find Water In the Desert • Get to a high point and look for a riparian zone (the area of vegetation that borders a body of water). • Gather succulents and juice them. Scoop out the flesh and place a large amount in a rag. Twist them until the juices pour out. • Use a sheet of plastic to collect dew. • Insects and game birds are indicators that you are near water. • www.californiasurvivaltraining.com —Thomas Coyne, chief instructor, Survival Training School of California

A High 5 How To Prepare for a Flood 1 Build an emergency kit and make a family communication plan. 2 Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home. 3 Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk. 4 Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home. 5 If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds. —FEMA

Win a Free

Backpack This school backpack has plenty of room and compartments for students on the move. But, it offers so much more. The iSafe School Backpack is equipped with an alarm Photo courtesy of iSafe system, so you can sound the alarm if you need immediate assistance. It’s durable, great for students who walk home alone or for any outdoor trip. To win it, send us an e-mail. We’ll select a winner at random. You must be 18 or older. The address is [email protected].

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WATER EVERYWHERE: Flood Facts, Driving

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. • A foot of water will float many vehicles. • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups. • Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped. • Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way. • Do not try to take shortcuts. They may be blocked. Stick to designated evacuation routes. • Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. —FEMA

Frequency of Earthquake Occurrence: United States MAGNITUDE 8 and higher 7 - 7.9 6 - 6.9 5 - 5.9 4 - 4.9 3 - 3.9 2 - 2.9

AVERAGE ANNUALLY 1 15 134 1,319 13,000 130,000 (estimated) 1,300,000 (estimated)

“Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.”

Fast Facts

The Truth About Tornadoes • The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 mph, but may vary from stationary to 70 mph. • Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land. • Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water. • Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months. • Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer. — FEMA Thinkstock Photo

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Winds from a hurricane can produce winds exceeding this speed. —FEMA

Thinkstock Photo

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(Continued from page 7)

Seek and Ye Shall Find Foods in the Wild to Stave Off Hunger BY GARRETT KIM

Don’t rely on McDonald’s. The appropriate level of preparation before a disaster can help ensure that your survival pantry is well stocked. But if you’ve put food gathering on the back burner and you need to locate your own dinner after a disaster, you’ll benefit from these expert pointers.

FIND FOOD IN THE CITY Don’t assume that you’ll starve if you are in an urban area and not among farms. “Nuts, fruits, berries and edible weeds are some of the most tasty and highly nutritious foods you can find,” says Robert Richardson of OffGridSurvival.com.

Thinkstock Photo

IDENTIFY UNIVERSAL PLANTS

“ … 80 percent of the world's nations include insects in their diets.”

Certain edible plants grow across the country. For example, says Christopher Nyerges, author of “Guide to Wild Foods” and educator at the School of Self Reliance, you could make a meal out of lamb’s-quarter, amaranth, chickweed or sow thistle, among others. Another example is the ever-present dandelion, Richardson says. “Throughout history, weeds like the dandelion have been used for both food and medicinal purposes,” he says. “They are rich in a number of important vitamins and micronutrients and can be found throughout urban and wilderness areas of the United States. The entire plant is edible!”

VEGANS TAKE NOTE Even if your diet is plant-based, you still need to find protein in the wild, Nyerges says. “We are talking about roots, but mostly seeds, and combinations of them,” he advises. “Check out the seed of lamb’s-quarter and/or amaranth, and even nettle. These are remarkable foods.” “In general, you must combine the seeds of grasses and legumes to get proteins,” Nyerges adds. “The grass seed is relatively easy to come by, but the legumes are not as common.” ASG

DON’T FORGET YOUR PROTEIN

APP-TO-DATE

Insects are a great source of protein. “Insect larvae, worms and insects are probably among the best sources of protein in an urban or wilderness setting,” Richardson says. “They not only provide a great source of protein, but they also make an excellent source for a number of essential vitamins, minerals and fats.”

Get the greatest in survival apps! Adapted from John “Lofty” Wiseman’s best-selling handbook, “SAS Survival” is a must-have for you Android, iPhone and iPad techies. Read text from book, videos of “Lofty” demonstrating survival tips, browse photos of plants to discover which are edible or poisonous and even use the Morse code signaling feature for speedy rescue. Not enough? It also includes quizzes to test your know-how, a checklist of what you’ll need for the wilderness, a sun compass and will give you knowledge to become a First Aid, extreme climate know-it-all. “SAS Survival”: $5.99, or try the Lite version free. Go to www.sassurvivalguide.com for more information.

IF AN INSECT MAKES YOU SQUEAMISH “As weird as it may sound to Americans, 80 percent of the world’s nations include insects in their diets,” Richardson adds. “Pound for pound they provide more protein than most animal meats and are one of the most environmentally-friendly foods that you can eat.”

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Fury Happens Tips for Urban Preparedness

THINKSTOCK

Feb. 9, 1971. 6 a.m. As the residents of the San Fernando Valley were getting ready for work and school, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake ripped through the sprawling Los Angeles suburb. The quake killed 65 people and reportedly caused more than a billion dollars in damage. Jan. 17, 1994. 4:31 a.m. A 6.7 temblor rocked the San Fernando Valley to its core as the residents were sleeping. This time 57 perished, and officials estimated damage at $20 billion. When will the big one hit Southern California? No one knows. And that’s exactly why preparedness is critical. In the following pages, you will get tips on how to survive when the infrastructure is obliterated and self-reliance means the difference between living and dying. The American Survival Guide. Because fury happens. ASG

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Security “Blankets” From the Comfort of a Teddy Bear to Home Schooling BY KAREN WILHELMSEN PHOTOS: THINKSTOCK

For the middle-school aged children, the same anxiety can occur, along with other symptoms like irritability, anger, overeating or loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, headaches, nightmares, nail biting and avoidance of the problem by distancing themselves. For teens, they’ll be susceptible to seek comfort in drugs and alcohol to cope with pain. (Source: NYU Child Study Center’s “Caring for Kids After Trauma, Disaster and Death”)

hen Hurricane Katrina hit, 80 percent of New Orleans went under water—a city home to more than 400,000 people at the time. Swarms of displaced residents sought refuge in the Superdome and later FEMA trailers where some residents lived for years. This natural disaster was one of the worst in history. Displacement, even temporary, causes stress for an entire family, but it hits children the hardest. Following are signs of stress and methods to cope, including getting back into the routine of school.

W

SOLUTIONS TO STRESS Stress during a crisis is inevitable, but there are a number of ways to alleviate it. Talk to your children. Ask questions and provide answers, because the child does not know what’s going on. Assure young kids that it’s OK to cry and find out what their fears are.

SIGNS OF STRESS Signs of stress come in various forms. For younger kids, crying, an upset stomach, bed-wetting, thumb sucking and mood fluctuations are common indicators.

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PSYCHOLOGY OF A DISASTER The Crisis of Change, the Comfort of Control By Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D. People are driven to seek pleasure and avoid pain. So say the psychologists who follow the theories of Freud. In contrast to the Freudians are the Behaviorists. They believe that people act according to rewards and punishments. If a behavior is rewarded, it tends to be repeated; if punished or not rewarded, it usually is not repeated. While appreciating the merit of these two theories, my experience as a psychologist suggests another perspective on what motivates us. Yes, we do seek pleasure (or rewards) and avoid pain (or punishment), but there is perhaps another, even stronger, motive behind our actions. MOTIVATION Perhaps what really motivates us the most is the desire for the security provided by the familiar. The father of American psychology, William James, wrote that “Habit is the great flywheel of society.” James believed that habit—the familiar routine of our daily lives—is what holds society together and keeps us going. There is a certain comfort in the familiar. It provides a sense of security, control, comfort and safety. The “sameness” of our day minimizes the disruptions that can tax our ability to cope. The familiar routine helps us achieve and maintain a certain homeostasis or balance both physically and emotionally, within ourselves. We do not want “surprises” that throw us off. Change challenges us. Change—even positive change—produces stress. Our bodies and minds are called to adapt to a new situation. The greater the change, the more of a challenge to regain our homeostatic balance. Major changes produce what I term a “crisis of change.” Calamities, whether natural or manmade, change our lives. The expression “everything changed after 9/11” illustrates the long lasting effect of one devastating crisis. GET BACK TO NORMAL One of the best ways of regaining your homeostatic equilibrium after a crisis is to return to your normal routine as soon as possible. Even if circumstances prevent a full return, the closer to the familiar you can get, the better. The structure provided by the return to the familiar routine will facilitate recovery from the crisis. Quite simply, the more control you can establish over your external situation by returning to your normal routine, the more in control you will feel. And, the more in-control you feel, the faster and better you will recover, survive and overcome the crisis.

The Writer: Thomas J. Nardi practices psychology in New York.

“The structure provided by the return to the familiar routine will facilitate recovery from the crisis.” —Thomas J. Nardi, psychologist

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“During times of crisis, it’s healthy to remain as close to a normal routine as you can … and that includes schooling.”

A KEY TO COMFORT It’s amazing how a smell or favorite item can bring you back to memories of a better time. Utilize the fact that kids have a favorite toy or comfort blanket that keeps them at ease. When packing an emergency kit, be sure to include at least one item per child for their psychological comfort. The items could be: • A teddy bear • Jacket • Coloring book • Favorite blanket since birth • Family photos

You can use the textbooks or reading materials that the children already have and pick up where they left off at school, or pack workbooks and reading materials for their appropriate grade level. If you’re home schooling for extended periods of time, be sure you know your state’s home schooling laws.

IT’S ONLY TEMPORARY A natural disaster isn’t forever, so rest assured that your life will go back to normal. And make it as normal as you can as fast as you can … from personal items of comfort to schooling for your child. ASG

TIPS FOR HOME SCHOOLING If you have access to a computer, the following sites can provide a temporary curriculum for your child to continue learning online: • For preschool to elementary kids, download the FEMA coloring book, activity book, and lessons and activities at the FEMA Web site (www.ready.gov/kids); this site also has countless resources for you and your family on coping, planning for risks and building a kit for emergencies • Visit www.time4learning.com for home schooling materials online • Or purchase books at www.homeschoolingbooks.com

YOUNGER CHILDREN • Crying • An upset stomach • Bed-wetting • Thumb-sucking • Mood fluctuations

SIGNS OF STRESS

MIDDLE-SCHOOL AGED • The same anxiety as the youngsters • Nervousness • Anger • Overeating or loss of appetite • Vomiting, nausea, headaches • Nightmares • Nail-biting

Avoid news coverage on TV, as the media replays violent and horrific incidences nonstop, which can be scarring. Use positive thinking and remain in control—you’re the adult. What’s worse than going through a survival situation? Roughing it alone. So stay positive if your family is safe and together. It’s also important to get back into a routine as quickly as possible.

A ROUTINE

TEENS • Drug and alcohol abuse (Source: NYU Child Study Center’s “Caring for Kids After Trauma, Disaster and Death”)

During times of crisis, it’s healthy to remain as close to a normal routine as you can … and that includes schooling. Regardless of where you’re living, you should have materials on-hand to home school your children. That way, they’ll be mentally prepared to return to school and won’t fall too far behind. 14

The

Backup Plan Great Generators Are In Store Here n the event of a natural disaster, having a backup portable generator can mean the difference between night and day—and we mean either having light or staying left in the dark. These generators offer a wide selection in watts, sizes and capabilities for any survivalist’s needs. So the next time you experience an earthquake, tornado or hurricane that knocks out power lines on your block, don’t sweat it. You’ll be covered.

I

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUBARU

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GENERAC PRODUCT COREPOWER SERIES WEBSITE  WWW.GENERAC.COM MSRP  $1,995 AND UP  The 7-kilowatt CorePower Series is ideal if you only need to protect your essential circuits and want a portable, affordable option for standby power  Starts automatically when the power goes off, if you’re home or not  Provides immediate backup power and runs on LP or natural gas fuel

ALL POWER AMERICA

ALL POWER AMERICA

 Lightweight and compact, 44 pounds  Runs lights, coffee makers, small tools at campsites  Attached rubber feet reduce vibrations, circuit breaker protects generator from overload  Air-cooled 2 stroke engine and 1.2 gallon tank capacity; runs 8.5 hours at half load on 1.2 gallons of fuel; delivers 1,200 watts surge or 800 watts continuous

 Propane powered, 6,000 surge watts; 5,000 running watts  13 HP OHV engine with electric start  Two 120V outlets and one 120V twist locking outlet  20 pounds, providing 8 hours of runtime on half a load

PRODUCT  1,200W GENERATOR, 2 STROKE WEBSITE  WWW.ALLPOWERAMERICA.COM MSRP  $134.99 AND UP

PRODUCT  APG3560 6,000W GENERATOR WEBSITE  WWW.ALLPOWERAMERICA.COM MSRP  $736 AND UP

(Continued on page 18)

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MODEL No. 3- A Commander-Sized 50GI

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ALL POWER AMERICA

BUFFALO TOOLS

 Electric/recoil start with a battery (maintenance-free battery included)  420ccOHV air-cooled engine; 10,000W surge and 8,000W rated; horsepower 15 HP  Has a fuel capacity of 8 gallons (takes unleaded gasoline) and a protective circuit breaker

 13 HP 4 stroke OHV engine, 7,000 surge watts/6,000 running watts  Electric and recoil start  Automatic low-oil shutdown and voltage regulator  3,600 RPM, EPA approved and last longer than traditional gasoline generators  Engine runtime is 8 hours at 50 percent load per 20 pounds of LP fuel

CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT

CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT

 1,200 running watts/1,500 starting watts  Comes with a 2-year limited warranty  Uses intelligauge (for volts, frequency and operation hours)  Has a runtime of 10 hours at the 50 percent load

 6,500 running watts/8,250 starting watts  Comes with a wireless remote starter and a 2-year limited warranty  2, 10-inch never-flat wheels  Has a runtime of 8 hours at the 50 percent load

PRODUCT  APGG10000 10,000W GENERATOR WEBSITE  WWW.ALLPOWERAMERICA.COM MSRP  $899 AND UP

PRODUCT  SPORTSMAN GEN7000LP WEBSITE  WWW.BUFFALOTOOLS.COM MSRP  $785 AND UP

PRODUCT  1200W GENERATOR WEBSITE  WWW.CHAMPIONPOWEREQUIPMENT.COM MSRP  VARIES PER RETAILER

PRODUCT  6500W REMOTE START GENERATOR WEBSITE  WWW.CHAMPIONPOWEREQUIPMENT.COM MSRP  VARIES PER RETAILER

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IMD LLC

GENERAC

PRODUCT  22KW PTO GENERATOR WEBSITE  WWW.IMDLLC.COM MSRP  $2,690

PRODUCT 

GP SERIES PORTABLE GENERATORS (5,500W) WEBSITE  WWW.GENERAC.COM MSRP  $689

 22,000-watt continuous output, 90-amp output at 240V  Power Meter Pro installed on the back of the unit  Small unit that’s powerful enough to supply energy to your home in need; high-quality PTO generator with heavy-duty single-phase and brushless design for maintenancefree performance  Aluminum- and steel-built for durability

 A favorite for home use, emergency power, or power for camping, job sites and outdoor events  Uses Generac’s OHV engines with cast-iron cylinder sleeves and low-oil shutdown  Comes with a large steel tank, has easy-to-read fuel gauges for extended runtimes and covered outlets—all protected by a steel tube cradle

GENERAC

KOHLER

PRODUCT 

PRODUCT  20KW HOME STANDBY GENERATOR WEBSITE  WWW.KOHLERPOWER.COM MSRP  $4,949

XG SERIES PORTABLE GENERATORS (6500W) WEBSITE  WWW.GENERAC.COM MSRP  $1.025 AND UP

 Protects your home during extended power outages; automatic, air-cooled engine  Standby generator for residential use  60 Hz frequency, rated wattage: 20,000 watt  Warranty: 5 years/2,000 hours

 Ideal for home or work use because of its great quality, power and reliability.  Powered by the OHVI engine, the XG Series features an illuminated control panel and PowerBar to display the watt capacity  Steel tube cradle, fullwrap frame tubing and impact resistant corners  Covered outlets provide some extra protection

SUBARU

PRODUCT  SUBARU ROBIN RG3200IS INVERTER GENERATOR WEBSITE  WWW.ROBINAMERICA.COM MSRP  $2,446  Control panel that’s user friendly  3,200 watts of power, with a multi-monitor display that shows voltage, hours or operation and if it’s overloaded (for prevention)  Engine automatically shuts off if low oil level is detected  Adjusts engine speeds to meet power requirements ASG

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAUL HANTKE

Armed and Ready

The Complete Guide to Buying a Used Handgun IF the world gets crazy, you gotta be ready.

And that’s exactly why your list of must-have items should include a handgun. At first, it may seem like a monumental task, especially if the closest you’ve been to a gun is a 3D showing of the latest action movie at your local theater. But it’s cool, because, as you’re about to find out, buying a used handgun is a lot like buying a car. You simply need to define your needs, the job for which it is intended (self-defense), determine your budget and then investigate the market. Once you have narrowed down the field, it is time to “kick some tires.”

FIRST IMPRESSIONS First impressions are important. You’ll see NIB (new in box) guns with all their original packaging down to those that the owner keeps wrapped up in an oily rag—or worse. For those guns that are not boxed, there are some simple first steps to take in your evaluation.

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

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BEFORE YOU BUY • Define your needs • Determine your budget • Investigate the market • Once you have narrowed down the field, it is time to “kick some tires.”

• First, confirm that the firearm is unloaded before your initial inspection. Then, go down this checklist: • What is the general condition of the gun? • Is it clean overall? • Is the bore bright and shiny with crisp edges to the rifling and no damage to the crown at the muzzle? • Are there any scratches, dents, dings or other evidence of mistreatment or accidents? • How is the finish? Rust or corrosion is obviously a problem, although if the gun is sound you can always refinish it if it is financially feasible. However, that typically destroys any collector value that may have existed. Be aware that many guns will show a lot of holster wear to certain spots on the firearm but still be mechanically tight. You can either touch those spots up or let the old gun wear them proudly. It really is that simple for starters. From there you can do some basic ergonomics and mechanical checking. I’ll cover specifics for both revolvers and pistols in a moment, but first let’s look at the basics.

The two basic revolver designs are represented here by the Ruger single action (top), and the Smith & Wesson double-action (trigger-cocking).

Besides trying the gun, looking at fired brass can tell you a lot. Off-center primer strikes are not good, backed-out primers are not good, and cases from a semi-auto with smudged primer impacts or obvious rim damage from an extractor are not good. Most often, there will not be a chance to actually shoot the gun, so be warned you will probably be buying “a pig in a poke” and hoping for the best.

REVOLVERS THE BASICS

That circular thing with the holes in it is the cylinder, and it needs to spin freely and squarely to produce reliability and consistent accuracy from chamber to chamber. You may find that the cylinder is marked with a line around the bolt-stops, which are the cut-outs at the rear of the cylinder. This indicates that there is a weak spring or a timing

Having confirmed that the gun is completely unloaded, start by seeing if it fits you. The coolest gun in the world is no good if it doesn’t fit your hand and point naturally for you. You should be able to focus on a “target” across the room, close your eyes and raise the gun. When you open your eyes, it should be pretty well aligned with that spot. If not, you may be able to correct that with different stocks (grips), or maybe you should just find a different gun. Continue by checking its basic action. Check to make sure that the safeties work as designed, and that the cylinder, slide or magazine latches work properly. Ask if you may dry fire the handgun to check the trigger, and ask if you can test fire it.

THE INITIAL INSPECTION • What is the gun’s general condition? • Is it clean overall? • Is the bore bright and shiny with crisp edges to the rifling and no damage to the crown at the muzzle? • Are there any scratches, dents, dings, or other evidence of mistreatment or accidents? • How is the finish?

An easy way to check a single action cylinder pin is roll it on a hard, flat surface, as you would do with a pool cue stick. 22

A double-action cylinder pin/ejector rod can be checked by holding it up with a good contrasting surface behind it and then rotating it.

The barrel-to-cylinder gap is where the portion of the barrel that extends through the frame almost meets the cylinder. Hold the gun up, look through the gap and slowly cycle the action. The space should remain consistent, and anything that looks off square should be suspect.

problem because the locking bolt has been dragging on the cylinder. The cylinder should not wobble sideways. It also should not move forward and/or backward when in battery, or you have a condition called “end shake.” Rotate the cylinder and watch to see if the gap between the barrel extension through the frame and the front of the cylinder changes as it rotates. It should be minimal and consistent. The ejector rod on swing-out cylinders can be checked for trueness by holding it upright and against a plain background while rotating it. Single action guns with removable cylinder pins can be inspected much like a pool cue stick—just roll it on a hard, flat surface. Finally, check the inside of the top strap of the frame just above the barrel extension to make sure there is not significant flame-cutting and that the forcing cone (end of the barrel that receives the bullet from the cylinder) does not appear to be eroded. A little bit is to be expected with an older gun, but a well-defined torch line, especially on a newer gun, tells you that it was fired with a lot of hot rounds.

Check the top strap just above the barrel to cylinder gap for “flame cutting” and inspect the forcing cone of the barrel for erosion, which indicates the revolver has been fed a lot of hot ammo.

Magazines should insert easily, lock in securely and drop free when released. There are so many different trigger designs on pistols today that it is hard to talk about them without starting your own book. In any case, you’ll have traditional single-action, double-action (trigger cocking) first round with a transition to single-action, double-action only or what Glock calls a “safe action” with an activator on the trigger and a pre-loaded striker.

PISTOLS The semi-auto is a bit more complicated than the revolver, but there are a few basic tests that will give you some idea about the gun. Slide-to-frame fit should be snug but smooth in operation and have no slop when in battery. The barrel should also lock up tightly at both ends, and you can test this by pushing on its locking points—the chamber and the muzzle.

“The coolest gun in the world is no good if it doesn’t fit your hand and point naturally for you.”

From the top: a Beretta 92 with a double-action/single-action trigger, a 1911 Colt with a straight single-action trigger and a Glock with a safeaction trigger. 23

8

ITEMS A FIREARM INSTRUCTOR WILL TEACH YOU

• Accuracy • Speed • Distance shooting • One-handed shooting • Speed reloads • Double taps • Multiple targets • Low-light shooting The barrel needs to lock up tightly at both ends, which is easy enough to check by pushing down on the chamber through the ejection port. The muzzle should also be tight in the frame.

7

This is really part of you doing your homework before going shopping. You need to know what you are looking for, because each design has different features, and some require more training and “trigger time” before I would recommend them to novice shooters. Another area of concern should be the feed ramp area Another thing to check at the chamber end of the barrel is the feed ramp. of the pistol, as feeding malThese vary from this one from Beretta, to the original 1911 style functions could have scarred with a bit of a bevel to the surfaces, this over time, especially with to “ramped” (or reinforced) units. an alloy frame or polymer pistol. If you can field-strip the pistol, it should be easy to see any unusual wear patterns or obvious problems. Unlike the revolver, a change of sights is common on a pistol, so see if the sights are set in dovetails (and what are the dovetail specs?), as that will determine part of your overall cost. If the front sight is pinned, it must be drilled out from underneath for a change, and if the rear sight is not in a standard dovetail, the slide will have to be machined and then refinished (unless it is stainless steel). Today, many modern pistols allow for a change of stocks, and some of the newer models even have interchangeable back strap inserts with specific profiles for the grip to change the feel, balance, and natural pointing angle of the handgun for shooters of all dimensions.

KEY TIPS TO REMEMBER

To protect your homestead, try these things in addition to having your self-defense weapon: • Know the quickest way into/out of your home • Consider a fence, wall or shrubs to prohibit unwanted home entry • Use thorned bushes, cacti or palm fronds to create a natural barrier • Invest in a gate with a sturdy deadbolt • Get motion-activated lights • Use protective animals like dogs; where possible, use livestock • Install an alarm

?

DID YOU KNOW

Good training will teach you the parameters within which you can use deadly force in self-defense. The instructors of a shooting school should be available to explain to the court why you were taught what you were taught and why actions such as what you did should be considered reasonable under the circumstances.

THE LIMITATIONS OF

LASERS

BE READY You never know when the world may get tossed upside down, so it’s better to have a firearm that can provide the selfdefense you need … just in case you need it. ASG

Very bright light can make some laser beams hard to spot on a target. Lasers that are not in direct line with the bore of the weapon are designed so the nominal midline of the bore and the laser beam will coincide at a certain distance. Beyond—or short of that distance—the laser beam and the midline of the bore will not be completely synchronized on the target. –Jerry Ahern

Paul Hantke, the former editor of ASG, has written about firearms for close to three decades. 24

The

Ultimate in Protection Firearms for Self-Defense Firearms.

Thinkstock Photo

They are the ultimate form of protection. And one thing is most definitely clear: They’re effective in getting the job done should you have to protect your home. So be prepared.

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HANDGUNS

CHIAPPA FIREARMS

PRODUCT  RHINO WEBSITE  WWW.CHIAPPAFIREARMS.COM MSRP  $775 OPERATION: DA/SA Revolver; DAO optional CALIBERS: .38/.357, .357/9 mm combo, .40 S&W CAPACITY: 6 rounds BARREL LENGTHS: 2, 4, 5 and 6 inches SIGHTS: Fixed (2-inch model), other models micro adjustable GRIPS: Rubber, walnut, olive wood, laminate and neoprene FINISHES: Black anodized/black steel finish, hard chrome option (White Rhino) WEIGHT: 25, 30, 31.6, 33 ounces, respectively OVERALL LENGTH: 6.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 inches, respectively

LONE WOLF DISTRIBUTING

RUGER

OPERATION: Safe Action CALIBERS: 9 mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG CAPACITY: 17+1 (9 mm), 15+1 (.40 & .357) rounds BARREL LENGTH: 5.85 inches SIGHTS: Burris FastFire II micro red dot GRIP: Interchangeable backstops (swelled and flat included) FINISH: Stainless steel slide, polymer frame WEIGHT: 25.3 ounces OVERALL LENGTH: 9.125 inches

OPERATION: DAO CALIBERS: .38 Spl+P; .357 Magnum CAPACITY: 5 rounds BARREL LENGTH: 2 inches SIGHTS: Fixed, XS Standard Dot tritium, CT LaserGrip GRIP: Hogue Tamer, CT LaserGrip FINISH: Matte black, Target Grey cylinder WEIGHT: 13 (with CT LaserGrip); 13.5 (with Hogue Tamer); 17.1 ounces (with .357 Mag) OVERALL LENGTH: 6.5 inches

PRODUCT  WEREWOLF WEBSITE  WWW.LONEWOLFDIST.COM MSRP  $1,348

PRODUCT  LCR WEBSITE  WWW.RUGER.COM MSRP  $525; $575 (XS SIGHTS); $792 (LASERGRIPS)

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SIG SAUER

PRODUCT  P250F WEBSITE  WWW.SIGSAUER.COM MSRP  $558 OPERATION: DAO CALIBERS: 9 mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, .45 ACP MAGAZINE CAPACITY/TYPE: (9 mm) 17 rounds, (.357 SIG,.40 S&W) 14 Rounds, (.45 ACP) 10 rounds BARREL LENGTH: 4.7 inches RATE OF TWIST: 1:16 SIGHTS: Siglite Night sights RAILS: 1913 Accessory Rail GRIP: Black polymer FINISH: Black Nitron stainless slide WEIGHT, EMPTY: 29.4 ounces OVERALL LENGTH: 8.0 inches

SIG SAUER

SMITH & WESSON

OPERATION: DA/SA CALIBERS: 9 mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG CAPACITY: 8 rounds (9 mm) 7 rounds (.40 S&W, .357 SIG) BARREL LENGTH: 3.5 inches SIGHTS: SIGLITE night sights GRIP: Black polymer FINISH: Satin stainless slide, black hard-anodized frame WEIGHT: 29.5 ounces OVERALL LENGTH: 6.5 inches

OPERATION: DAO revolver CALIBER: .38 S&W Special +P CAPACITY: 5 rounds BARREL LENGTH: 1.875 inches SIGHTS: Fixed rear, integral front and CT Lasergrips GRIP: Synthetic rubber FINISH: Matte silver WEIGHT: 15.3 ounces OVERALL LENGTH: 6.32 inches

PRODUCT  P239 SAS GEN 2 WEBSITE  WWW.SIGSAUER.COM MSRP  $1,015

PRODUCT  SMITH & WESSON 642 CT WEBSITE  WWW.SMITH-WESSON.COM MSRP  $669

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SMITH & WESSON

TAURUS

OPERATION: Striker Fire Action CALIBER: .357 Auto MAGAZINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 15 BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inches SIGHTS: Front: White Dot Dovetail, Rear: steel low profile carry GRIP: 3 interchangeable Palmswell grip sizes FINISH: Black Melonite, 68 HRc WEIGHT, EMPTY: 25.5 ounces OVERALL LENGTH: 7.63 inches

OPERATION: Revolver CALIBER: .38 Special + P MAGAZINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 5 Shot BARREL LENGTH: 2 inches SIGHTS: Fixed GRIP: Rubber FINISH: Matte stainless WEIGHT, EMPTY: 17 ounces OVERALL LENGTH: 6.5 inches

PRODUCT  M&P357 WEBSITE  WWW.SMITH-WESSON.COM MSRP  $727

SHOTGUNS

PRODUCT  85 ULTRA LITE WEBSITE  WWW.TAURUSUSA.COM MSRP  $461

EUROPEAN AMERICAN ARMORY CORP. PRODUCT  SAR SPECIAL PURPOSE SHOTGUN WEBSITE  WWW.EAACORP.COM MSRP  $327 OPERATION: Semi-Auto CALIBER: 12-gauge MAGAZINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 5 rounds, tube BARREL LENGTH: 18.5 inches STOCK: Synthetic pistol grip WEIGHT, EMPTY: 5.75 pounds OVERALL LENGTH: 39 inches

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KEL-TEC CNC INDUSTRIES, INC. PRODUCT  KSG WEBSITE  WWW.KELTECWEAPONS.COM MSRP  $880

OPERATION: Pump CALIBER: 12-gauge MAGAZINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 14 rounds, tubes BARREL LENGTH: 26 inches STOCK: Glass-reinforced nylon pistol grip WEIGHT: 6.9 pounds OVERALL LENGTH: 26.1 inches

O.F. MOSSBERG & SONS, INC. PRODUCT  BLACKWATER 500 CRUISER WEBSITE  WWW.MOSSBERG.COM MSRP  $447

OPERATION: Pump CALIBER: 12-gauge MAGAZINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 6 rounds, tube BARREL LENGTH: 18.5 inches STOCK: Synthetic, pistol grip WEIGHT, EMPTY: 5.75 pounds OVERALL LENGTH: 31 inches

WILSON COMBAT

PRODUCT  PROFESSIONAL MODEL WEBSITE  WWW.WILSONCOMBAT.COM MSRP  $1,355 OPERATION: Pump CALIBER: 12-gauge MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 5 rounds, tube BARREL LENGTH: 14 inches SIGHTS: Aperture, blade STOCK: Synthetic with tactical forend WEIGHT, EMPTY: 8.4 pounds OVERALL LENGTH: 34.4 inches ASG

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Rock and Roll ANDREW M. LUTHER PHOTOS: THINKSTOCK

What To Do Before, After the Earth Shakes Violently and not placed on high shelves or near a bed where they could fall and injure someone. • Pack a kit with enough supplies to survive outside the house for at least three days and ensure that it is both accessible and known to everyone in your household. • Officials also recommend that you create a family plan for escaping and meeting after an emergency.

very year, more than 100 earthquakes of 6.0 or greater occur. Because they strike with no warning, earthquakes must surely be among nature’s most terrifying and dangerous phenomenons. As with all disasters, a little preparation can go a long way in mitigating the effects of these extremely dangerous disasters.

E

BEFORE THE QUAKE DURING THE QUAKE

Important steps must be taken long before an earthquake occurs. • Inspect your home and identify hazards such as tall bookcases or heavy pieces of furniture that could fall over. Anchor them to the wall using flexible straps or hooks. • Make sure heavy objects are securely anchored to the wall

In spite of what many people have been told, the doorways in the vast majority of modern buildings are no stronger than the rest of the structure. So, when an earthquake strikes, the safest thing to do is take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture and

30

“Because they strike with no warning, earthquakes must surely be among nature’s most terrifying and dangerous phenomenons.” 31

cover your head with a soft object or your hands. As soon as the earthquake is over, immediately leave the building—and do not return inside. Even if a building looks to be secure, invisible structural damage or gas leaks could cause damage long after the earthquake has ended.

ONE OF AN EARTHQUAKE’S GREATEST DANGERS … AND HOW TO OVERCOME IT

THE EMERGENCY PLAN • No matter what the disaster is, developing a communications plan for you and your family is key. • Agree on a location (and an alternative location) to meet in case you are apart when a disaster strikes. • Select a family or friend far away with whom everyone can check in, should they get the chance to use a phone or e-mail.

“Unless a trained professional or in the case of a severed limb, use of a tourniquet by an amateur can very quickly lead to the death of a limb and it’s amputation.”

BEYOND THE WEST Contrary to popular belief, earthquakes are not restricted to the West. On Aug. 23, 2011, the strongest earthquake east of the Rocky Mountains in more than 100 years struck near Washington, D.C. Felt in more than a dozen states and causing hundreds of millions in damage, the quake serves as a reminder that earthquakes can occur anywhere.

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One of the greatest dangers after an earthquake may come from where you least expect it—the water. Ruptured pipes, leaking sewage and insufficient water treatment can produce a water supply that can lead to sickness or death from a variety of diseases. Vigorously boiling water for 10 minutes, or using a professional water filter, can go a long way to preventing illness or even death. You should also have a supply of bottled water on hand. The effects of dehydration can be just as deadly. Humans can go days, or even weeks, without food, but death from dehydration can occur in days or even hours, depending on conditions.

G10 SCALES 84 DIFFERENT COLOR & TEXTURE POSSIBILITIES. Each texture listed is available in the seven colors shown.

FIRST AID MYTHS

THE PROPER WAY TO HANDLE THE EMERGENCY By Andrew M. Luther Knowing what not to do in an emergency can be almost as important as knowing what to do. Here are a few common myths of First Aid dispelled:

Sandstorm - Pink

ONE MYTH: To stop profuse bleeding, apply a tourniquet to the wound. SOLUTION: Unless a trained professional or in the case of a severed limb, use of a tourniquet by an amateur can very quickly lead to the death of a limb and its amputation. Instead, apply heavy pressure to the wound with a towel, bandage or other piece of cloth. Do not give over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin because that may increase blood loss. Immediately get to a medical professional.

TWO MYTH: Remove a knife or other foreign object from a victim. SOLUTION: Removing a foreign object from the body, such as a knife or arrow, is never a good idea. Indeed, removing it will usually do more harm than good, as the object not only may be preventing further blood loss, but may EXPAND YOUR cause even more severe damage on the way FIRST AID SKILLS out. • Simple courses lasting just an Instead, attempt to keep the object stable afternoon can be found at local hospitals and immediately go to the emergency room. and American Red Cross centers. • If you have more time available, courses such as Certified Emergency THREE Medical Technician, Wilderness First MYTH: If someone faints or feels like he may Responder or Certified First Responder faint, have him put his head between his knees. can usually be found at a local community SOLUTION: This will likely only lead the person college or university. to fall forward. The proper way to handle the These courses offer in-depth training situation is to have him lie down with his legs and often end in career-building certifielevated to increase blood flow to the brain. cates and licenses, as well. (Sources: American Heart Association, FEMA, U.S. Army Survival Guide)

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“CPR alone will not restart a heart. CPR is intended only to continue the circulation of blood to the brain until a defibrillator can be used.”

For safe drinking water, boil it for 10 minutes.

WHEN THE HEART ATTACKS

Even more dangerous, aftershocks—as strong or even stronger—can continue to occur days or even weeks after the initial earthquake. Remain outdoors and away from tall buildings or other objects until a professional has ensured it is safe to return.

AFTER THE QUAKE The aftermath of an earthquake can be as deadly as the initial jolt. Aftershocks can continue to cause damage, devastating structures already damaged by the initial quake. In some cases, electricity and communications

networks will be disrupted, overwhelmed or even destroyed. Make sure you have a generator, matches, flashlights and food. Roads and highways are likely to be damaged or even impassable from damage and debris, impeding the ability of police, fire department or medical services to provide help. If your home is destroyed, head to the closest shelter. ASG Andrew Luther is a freelance writer based in North Carolina.

THE ESSENTIALS

WHAT YOUR FIRST AID KIT MUST INCLUDE In a medical emergency, a properly packed First Aid kit can mean the difference between life and death. While the most important tool to have with you in a disaster is proper training, the International Red Cross recommends that all First Aid kits have the following items. Of course, additional preparations should be made depending on you and your family’s individual circumstances. • 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches) • 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes) • 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch) • 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram) • 5 antiseptic wipe packets • 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each) • 1 blanket (space blanket) • 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve) • 1 instant cold compress • 2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)

• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each) • Scissors • 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide) • 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide) • 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches) • 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches) • Oral thermometer (non-mercury/ non-glass) • 2 triangular bandages • Tweezers • First Aid instruction booklet

34

Earthquakes can be terrifying and could possibly trigger a heart attack. Sudden cardiac arrest (often called a “heart attack”) remains the leading cause of death in the United States. From recommendations on how to perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation, to new technologies, here are some of the biggest changes: • On March 31, 2008, the American Heart Association updated its suggested method in the case of cardiac arrest. Completely removing rescue breathing, the AHA now recommends performing ONLY chest compressions. Research conducted by the AHA has suggested this may double the effectiveness of CPR. • With a doctor’s prescription, you too can have the single most effective lifesaver in the case of cardiac arrest: the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). According to the American Heart Association, for every minute after the onset of cardiac arrest, survival falls by 10 percent. While the national survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest is less than 10 percent, when an AED is used within the first five minutes, this rises to 74 percent. Modern AED’s are small, compact and very easy to use. One activated, through vocal commands or prompts, the machines aid the rescuer in the set up process. Once the electrodes are placed on the victim, the machine automatically analyzes data such as breathing, heart rate and blood pressure to determine how and when it should deliver the charge. • CPR alone will not restart a heart. CPR is intended only to continue the circulation of blood to the brain until a defibrillator can be used.

Let There Be Light From Fire Starters to Flashlights to Lanterns, These Hot Items Will Light a Spark quake has rocked your city’s foundation to the core. Buildings have collapsed, infrastructure is in disarray and there is no power. And that’s why you have got to be ready. To help you prepare, we have selected the best in flashlights, lanterns and matches. Get these hot new items today, so you won’t be left in the dark tomorrow.

The

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELTY

35

FIRE STARTERS AND MORE D.LIGHT

PRODUCT  D.LIGHT S10 SOLAR LANTERN WEBSITE  WWW.DLIGHTDESIGN.COM MSRP  $15.95  A great, “green” alternative to a typical flashlight or latern is the d.light Solar Latern, which offers about eight hours of bright lighting  Can be charged by the solar panel (even on rainy or cloudy days) or through electric charging  Can withstand tough conditions, harsh weather, accidental drops and intense heat  A product that’s helping provide light to families without reliable electricity

CANDLE LAMP

EXOTAC

 Candle Lamp’s line of Soft Light oil-based candles can burn and burn and burn—anywhere from eight hours to a whopping 115 hours depending on the size.  They don’t drip messy wax all over the place like traditional candles, and they’re disposable.  Made from refined clear liquid paraffin, they’re non-hazardous and the fuel cells can even be recycled

 This tin has tinder that lights quickly, burns hot and is wind and moisture tolerant.  Takes the hassle out of searching for firewood outdoors  Made from domestic organic materials with reusable tin

PRODUCT  TINDERTIN WEBSITE  WWW.EXOTAC.COM MSRP  $5.95

PRODUCT  SOFT LIGHT CANDLES WEBSITE  WWW.CANDLELAMP.COM MSRP  VARIES PER RETAILER/SIZE

(Continued on page 38)

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(Continued from page 36)

FLASHLIGHTS

EXOTAC

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES NETWORK CORP (ATN)

PRODUCT  POLYSTRIKER XL WEBSITE  WWW.EXOTAC.COM MSRP  $17.95

PRODUCT  ATN JAVELIN J600 WEBSITE  WWW.ATNCORP.COM MSRP  $209

 Burns at nearly 5,500 degrees Fahrenheit!  The ferrocerium rod works even when wet, it’s ultra lightweight and durable, and is a tungsten carbide striking tool  Comes with lanyard and instructions so you’ll never be without fire when you need it most

 This tactical flashlight reckoned with. Equipped multi-edged bezel, this one c be used as a weapon for your p tection.  Even better, its output is 6 lumens, it’s made of aircraft-grade 60 aluminum, has an LED lamp, weighs a m ounces and is 7.9 inches long.  Controls on the tailcap provide either momentary or constant illumination. This flashlight might just be your ticket to safety.

LIGHT MY FIRE

PRODUCT  SWEDISH FIRESTEEL 2.0 SCOUT WEBSITE  WWW.LIGHTMYFIRE.COM MSRP  $12.99 AND UP  Light My Fire lives up to its name. This fire starter is the perfect tool to light a campfire, stove or barbecue.  It works just as well when wet and at all altitudes, capable of producing 3,000 strikes, each at 5,400°F.  The fire or sparks are a great way to signal for help in an emergency.  The striker handle even includes an emergency whistle.  Available in over seven fun colors

BROWNING

PRODUCT  ON POINT FLASHLIGHT, AA WEBSITE  WWW.BROWNING.COM MSRP  $49.99  Contains an LED rated for 50,000 hours that never needs to be replaced  It comes with a clip to easily attach to a pocket, belt or other strap  The high setting is 105 lumens, or it has a 20hour runtime on low.  We recommend this one because it has a faststrobe setting for personal rescue signaling. In addition, it features a rugged aluminum base with an “unbreakable” lens, has been drop-tested and is water-resistant.

UCO

PRODUCT  STORMPROOF MATCH KIT WEBSITE  WWW.INDUSTRIALREV.COM MSRP  $6.99

BUSHNELL OUTDOOR PRODUCTS

 Have you ever seen matches like these? The UCO Stormproof Match Kit comes with 25 matches (can hold up to 40) and three strikers, so you can get a fire going even if your pack got soaked in the rain.  The case is ribbed so it’s easier to grip and features an integrated striker for easier lighting.  These bad-boys stay lit for as long as 15 seconds—even if they’ve been fully submerged in water.

PRODUCT 

HD TORCH BONE COLLEC WEBSITE  WWW.BUSHN MSRP  $113  Made of aircraft-grade waterproof aluminum, th bad-boy produces 200 lumen light—and has runtime of 90  Handheld and part of the B  Length 9.2 inches, weight of 9.8 ounces

38

GERBER

JOBY

 The Bear Grylls Survival Torch is a lot like Bear Grylls—mighty, powerful and up for some adventure. The Survival Torch features a water-resistant rubber handle, has a 36-hour runtime and an interior capsule to store anything from waterproof matches to tinder.  On high it’s 15 lumens, with an overall length of 5.98 inches, a weight of 3.89 ounces and runs on AA batteries. It’s ready for survival. Are you?

 The GorillaTorch Switchback is an easy-to-use headlamp/lantern that uses a bright, five-LED light display (up to 130 lumens).  Bendable legs can attach to a tree, pole or stand on its own  It features a 92 percent ultra-efficient holographic lens, has red or white LEDS for night vision or flood lighting, includes six different brightness settings, has a battery life of 72 hours

PRODUCT  BEAR GRYLLS SURVIVAL TORCH WEBSITE  WWW.GERBERGEAR.COM MSRP  $32

PRODUCT  GORILLATORCH SWITCHBACK WEBSITE  WWW.JOBY.COM MSRP  $59.95

SUREFIRE

PRODUCT  P2X FURY (DUAL-OUTPUT LED) WEBSITE  WWW.SUREFIRE COM MSRP  $155

KELTY

 If you’re going to splurge a tactical flashlight, we’d li to introduce to you SureFire Fury. It has two settings: low lumens, with a 46 hour runtim high (500 lumens, with a 1.5 hour runtime).  It’s super small (5.4 inches long and weighs 5.7 ounces) but oh so mighty.  Make Fury your very own pocket-sized searchlight. With an aerospace aluminum body and a secure grip, it’s hard anodized to military specifications for extreme resistance to scratches, abrasion and corrosion.

LANTERNS

PRODUCT  FLASHBACK WEBSITE  WWW.KELTY.COM MSRP  $45.95  Two, for the price of one! This 2in-1 Flashback by Kelty is an adjustable spotlight and lantern— all in a compact, durable aluminum casing with rubberized non-slip ends.  Features a five-step switch that allows for high to strobe in seconds.  This strobe light could just save your life out there.

PAROH

PRODUCT  2-IN-1 LED WIND-UP LANTERN WEBSITE  WWW.PROTEAM.CO.UK MSRP  VARIES PER RETAILER

EUREKA!

PRODUCT  WARRIOR 230 IR LED WEBSITE  WWW.EUREKATENT.COM MSRP  $64.99

 20 Tritronic Optrimax LEDs with an 11 LED latern function  9-LED torch function, black soft touch finish, magnetic base stand and directional light  Wind this latern up for one minute, and you’ll get 30 minutes of power for 9 LEDs or 25 minutes of power of 11 LEDs  It can also be charged with AC/DC adapters ASG

 This lantern comes with a remote control that can be operated 25 feet away and features it’s own LED for navigating around a campsite at night.  Will last two days of off non-stop use on high mode  Manual or infrared remote operation provides bright white area lighting which becomes brighter when diffuser globe is removed  SOS flash mode and IR standby mode equipped

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BY TORREY KIM

Survival Pantry PHOTOS: THINKSTOCK

Grow and Preserve Your Own Food With These 6 Tips eing self-reliant in the wake of a disaster—whether it’s natural or manmade—doesn’t just mean you have to find shelter.

B

You’ll need sustenance to keep your mental and physical strength, and you probably can’t rely on any grocery store to provide it for you. Consider these six essentials when preparing your survival pantry.

1. READY YOUR SOIL IN ADVANCE If your contingency plan is to grab a cucumber from the refrigerator after a disaster and plant the seeds in your yard, you’ll be hungry for quite a while, experts say. Instead, know what type of soil you have, and prepare it for a garden well in advance of a disaster. “A family should first begin with the richest quality soil possible by developing it,” advises Lisa Bedford, author of “The Survival Mom” and editor of the blog at www.thesurvivalmom.com. “This is an enormous factor in successful gardening. Begin a compost bucket, or if space allows, a larger compost area outdoors.”

2. DETERMINE WHAT TO PLANT Do you love avocados? Don’t start planting the pits right away. Instead, visit farmer’s markets to find out what grows best in your area, rather than trusting the home improvement store nurseries or seed catalogs, Bedford advises. “Get to know your growing season and region,” she says. “Your county extension office can provide a wealth of information for your area.” You should also track what produce you already buy and use most. “Don’t plant celery, for example, if you rarely use it and no one likes to eat it,” she says. If they grow well in your region, you should consider planting ingredients commonly used in soup and stew recipes, such as onions, carrots, tomatoes and green beans, because those can go far for large groups.

3. START A SMALL GARDEN Once you’ve developed rich soil, you should plant a few seeds to see whether they’re successful. But don’t fall into the common trap of sowing

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DISCOVER THE 4 METHODS OF WATER PURIFICATION Food isn’t the only menu ingredient essential to your survival—you’ll also need clean water to drink. “Water can be purified in four ways,” Bedford says. She suggests that a family should always have at least three of these ways available to them. Check out this breakdown that she offers as a quick primer on water purification. 1. CHEMICALS Bleach is inexpensive and handy but also has a one-year shelf life, after which it is only half as effective. “Iodine and iodine-based purification products come with numerous health warnings but can be handy, especially for camping and outdoor activities,” she adds. 2. FILTERING “I recommend a filtering system,” Bedford suggests. “These filtering systems can be large countertop versions or small enough to fit in a backpack.” 3. BOILING Water should be boiled to the point of pasteurization or 149 degrees Fahrenheit. At that point, harmful bacteria are destroyed, but to be safe, keep the water at a rolling boil for a full minute. “Be sure to have a way to heat water in case of a power outage,” Bedford adds.

“Trust me, you’ll forget which varieties of tomatoes died off and which thrived,” she says. “As the growing season progresses, take note of successes and failures as well as your own actions, such as watering schedules. You’ll likely figure out why some plants didn’t thrive while others went on to be productive.”

4. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT “SteriPEN makes portable units that use UV light to purify water,” she suggests. “This product can be purchased online as well as in many outdoor stores, such as R.E.I.”

5. FOOD PRESERVATION METHODS Once you’ve grown a thriving garden, you’ll want to preserve your surplus in case you’ll have to subsist on it for long periods. Contrary to popular belief, preserved foods aren’t limited solely to jerky and pickles. “Just about every food can be preserved at home,” Bedford says. “For example, spaghetti sauce and cooked risotto can both be dehydrated. Meat and chicken can be safely home-canned, as can homemade soups and stews.” The easiest way to preserve food is to buy a food dehydrator (or build one using online instructions). You can dehydrate your own garden’s bounty or prepare for the future by buying vegetables now. “When you come across bags of frozen produce on sale, buy multiple bags,” Bedford advises. “The produce can be placed on the dehydrator trays without being thawed. It has already been washed and cut into small pieces, so it’s ready to go!” Likewise, fresh produce gleaned in bulk from farmer’s markets can be dehydrated, as can canned fruit. If you’d like to can your own fruit and vegetables, keep in mind that the process requires more supplies and takes a bit of training. “However, having wholesome food without any unwanted additives makes it worthwhile,” Bedford says. “The key is to

thousands of seeds right off the bat, because you could end up wasting precious time and money if they don’t sprout. “Start with a small 4x4 plot or raised bed, or even just a pot or two,” Bedford says.

4. KEEP A GARDEN JOURNAL You should maintain a written record of what you plant and where, Bedford advises.

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INVALUABLE RESOURCES • BOOK: “The Survival Mom” • WEB: www.thesurvivalmom.com • BOOK: “Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving” • SUNDRY: Local farmer’s market • BOOK: Your own journal

CHECKLIST • Prepare your soil • Determine what to plant • Start a small garden • Keep a journal • Learn how to preserve foods • Include comfort foods

“Just about every food can be preserved at home,” Bedford says. “For example, spaghetti sauce and cooked risotto can both be dehydrated. Meat and chicken can be safely home-canned, as can homemade soups and stews.”

BONUS TIP In addition to these purification methods, families should store at least one gallon of water per person per day in order to be ready for short-term emergencies.

follow written instructions in a book such as the ’Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving’ closely and completely.”

6. COMFORT FOODS Once you’ve got your fruit and vegetable plan underway, consider stocking some of your favorite menu items. “Any time a family must rely on their stored food will be a time of stress, so familiar comfort foods should be included,” Bedford says. “Make a list of several breakfast, lunch and dinner meals your family enjoys, and begin looking for ways to store those ingredients.” If young kids are still at home, be sure to store some foods that will be essential to their health, such as instant milk, peanut butter, fruits, vegetables and various grains. “Food storage companies, such as Shelf Reliance, now offer enormous varieties of products that include organic foods, glutenfree products and non-GMO produce. Food storage doesn’t have to be limited to buckets of wheat, rice and beans!” Bedford adds. ASG Torrey Kim is a freelance writer and author of the book “Portrait of the Outer Banks.” She lives with her family in North Carolina, where she enjoys camping, swimming, hiking, gardening and most other outdoor activities. 43

Groundbreaking 9 Innovative Products that Will Take You to New Survival Heights BY KAREN WILHELMSEN LEAD PHOTO COURTESY OF EARTHEASY

CALLING all tech-savvy nerds. Now you’ll be able to survive Mother Nature’s wrath because these lifesaving innovations are every clever camper’s saving grace (or if you’re just an average Joe who doesn’t know jack about wilderness survival). Thanks to these bright ideas that will inspire a, “Why didn’t I think of that?” you’ll be able to get clean water, signal for rescue, stay warm, eat and have light to do it all. Using the latest in “green” technology—solar, fire and waterpower—is what this geeky camper’s guide is all about. There’s no shame in being a geek, because it’s the smart ones that make it out, alive.

VESTERGAARD FRANDSEN PRODUCT  LIFESTRAW DISTRIBUTED BY  EARTHEASY WEBSITE  WWW.EARTHEASY.COM MSRP  $19.95

 You can have knives and guns and gear, but if you don’t have clean water, you won’t last.  The LifeStraw, a personal water filter that’s gaining international attention for the possibilities that lie in its future, is able to filter down to 0.2 microns. That means it depletes contaminated water of 99.99% of bacteria and protozoa, and filters out dirt particles to make dirty water drinkable. Did we mention that it does this as you suck water up the straw? No waiting, no fuss.  The LifeStraw surpasses EPA guidelines for safe drinking water, filters 264 gallons, weighs only two ounces and has a shelf life of five years. As a bonus, for every 10 sold Eartheasy donates to crisisaffected people in developing countries, and plants a tree with every order.

44

ETON

GLOBAL SUN OVEN

PRODUCT  AXIS WEBSITE  WWW.ETONCORP.COM MSRP  $69.99

DISTRIBUTED BY  EARTHEASY PRODUCT  SUN OVEN WEBSITE  WWW.EARTHEASY.COM MSRP  $259.95

 What if you forgot to charge the cell phone and couldn’t call for help? Or if you were in the wilderness so long that your cell phone battery died? The Etón Corporation has the answer to your distress calls.  The Axis, which is the partnership of Etón and the American Red Cross, is a hybrid machine with multiple capabilities—it’s a digital alarm clock and radio, gets NOAA weatherband alerts, is a four LED flashlight with a flashing red beacon light to signal for help and a cell phone charger. To power the machine or to get energy to charge your phone, just start crankin’ away on the hand turbine. One minute of cranking provides you with a 30 second phone call.

 It’s like an Easy Bake Oven, but it’s for big kids. Instead of a light bulb, however, it uses natural sunlight and can boil or steam too.  Weighing in at 21 pounds, the oven is portable for camping and ideal to cook in during a power failure. This thing cooks in the same amount of time a conventional oven does, but is environmentally friendly, has collapsible reflectors and can bake two loaf pans at once.

SNOW LIZARD PRODUCTS PRODUCT  AQUA TEK S WEBSITE  WWW.SNOWLIZARDPRODUCTS.COM MSRP  $100

JAKPAK

PRODUCT  JAKPAK WEBSITE  WWW.JAKPAK.COM MSRP  $249.99

 This doohickey seems like something James Bond would own.  Check it out: a car chase scene and Bond loses control, his car flips over the bridge into the ocean. He squirms out, water rushing on all sides, pulling him down. He escapes, pulls out his phone and makes a call—20 feet underwater.  The scene isn’t real, but the gadget is. AQUA TEK S is a phone case that can be safely submerged up to 20 feet underwater. An integrated 2000mAh battery extends your phone’s charge by up to 1.5 times more; meanwhile, solar panels on the back of the case charge it.  It’s compatible with the iPhone 4/4S, weighs 11 ounces, has a temperature range of -40°F to 140°F and protects your phone from drops of up to 20 feet. The solar charger can provide a boost to your phone so you can call for search and rescue in a dangerous situation.

 It’s a jacket. No, it’s a tent. Perhaps, a sleeping bag? Wait, a mosquito net? Yep, if you guessed anyone of those, you’re right … kind of. It’s all four—in one—but you can pass it off as just a jacket and whip out the fancy stuff only when needed.  Start off with a rain jacket that easily converts into a tent and sleeping bag device built in. It’s ideal for the camper who wants to carry little to nothing or a savvy outdoor explorer ready for emergency shelter. Even use the detachable tent as a backpack cover.  It’s equipped to last you through three seasons (all year except for winter, but you can wear it over heavy winter clothes) and is breathable, waterproof and fully zippable. Storm flaps keep water out and while insulating heat within.

45

MYFC

NOKERO

 You’re miles and miles away from home, and your cell phone’s battery is dead. Luckily, now there’s a way to charge it—or any device that uses a USB charger. With PowerTrekk just add water, for instant power no matter where you are.  With water, PowerTrekk uses fuel cell technology to convert hydrogen into electricity, with no harmful byproducts. Unlike solar chargers, this guy is quicker and weather doesn’t impact its performance. If you have no water, the portable battery pack can operate on its own as stored power for emergency usage.  The PowerTrekk Fuel Cell creates 2.5 watts of power at 5 volts, and can run for more than two hours.

 An idea as bright as the sun. Environmentally friendly and oh so convenient.  No more kerosene, candles, matches or flashlights needed. This transportable hanging light bulb produces 13.5 lumens on high and is powered by sunlight. This light will run for about a year and half, and the battery can be replaced to keep the bulb running longer.  You can even put the N200 Solar Light outside because it can withstand rain. Inside, it will automatically switch off in bright light to save its charge.  Operation is capable in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 131°F. Support Nokero’s efforts to eliminate harmful and polluting fuels by donating the bulbs to their partner organizations.

PRODUCT  POWERTREKK WEBSITE  WWW.POWERTREKK.COM MSRP  $229.99 AND UP

PRODUCT  N200 SOLAR LIGHT WEBSIT  WWW.NOKERO.COM MSRP  $20

SWISS+TECH

PRODUCT  BODYGARD SURVIVOR WEBSITE  WWW.SWISSTECHTOOLS.COM MSRP  $39.99

ACR ELECTRONICS

PRODUCT  RESQLINK 406 GPS WEBSITE  WWW.ACRELECTRONICS.COM MSRP  $250

 This is about as much resourcefulness as you can jam-pack into a tiny eight ounce, 3-by-2 by 5.5inch space.  This 12-in-1 tool is amazing. We’re talkin’ 45 hours of flashlight usage, 24 hours of an emergency flasher use, two hours of FM radio or two and a half hours of a security alarm going off—all running off the internal lithium ion battery.  Let’s go over all the tools “thing” is: panic alarm, LED flashlight, digital FM radio, motion activated security alarm, red emergency flasher, cell phone/MP3 charger, AC charging adapter, signaling mirror, self-charging/hand-cranking capability, thermometer, adjustable lanyard and a compass. In need of a saving grace? The panic button delivers a piercing alarm and red flashing light. If you’re going into the wild all the time without this useful, affordable device, think again.

 The ultra light and compact ResQLink 406 GPS is a lifesaving personal locator beacon that uses GPS tracking from a powerful 406MHz satellite signal so a rescue team can find you. The 66channel GPS fixes your location within 100 meters and alerts a distress call while emitting a bright LED strobe light so you’re even easier to track down.  Just put it in your pocket or backpack. Once it’s activated, it will continue transmitting for around 30 hours. It’s even waterproof up to 16 feet for about an hour, or 33 feet for 10 minutes. ASG

46

THINKSTOCK

Adversity Happens Tips for Wilderness Survival STUNNING she can be. The afternoon sunshine on Yosemite’s Half Dome highlights some of her best features. Lovely she so often is. In June, the morning light dances beautifully across her dew-covered meadows. And perfection describes her “figure.” Summer streams gurgle and meander through paradise, ultimately feeding into a pristine lake. She is the world’s loveliest lady. She is Mother Nature. As gorgeous as she is, remember that Mother Nature has another side. From her inclement weather to hazardous terrain to her swift water to the fury of her storms she can be so deadly. You must respect her—at all times—and be prepared should you get lost or when the temperature soars or drops. In the following pages, you will find tips for these situations and more. The American Survival Guide. Because adversity happens. ASG

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Adventure and Adrenaline Discovery Channel’s “Survivorman” Les Stroud Shares His Journey and His 3 Zones of Survival BY KAREN WILHELMSEN PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAURA BOMBIER

HE’S the Real Deal. And make that the original Real Deal. He’s Les Stroud, and you’re about to go oneon-one with Survivorman, a man whose two best friends are adventure and adrenaline. -Editor How did you transition from studying music in college to becoming a survival expert? Not too many survival guys are into music, but what it comes down to is that all my life I’ve had a couple of passions. I grew up first with the passion of watching Tarzan and Jacques Cousteau and really wanting to be an outdoor adventurer and photographer. But, when I was a teenager I discovered rock n’ roll, and I became obsessed with music, which I then did for the next 10 years. I wrestled between these two loves and around the age of 24 I decided to pull out of music and focus entirely on adventure. So it’s not that I became a musician and found survival. It’s more that ever since I can remember both loves have cycled through my attention. How did Jacques Cousteau inspire you? It was like Tarzan was my compass and Jacques Cousteau was my compass bearing. I wanted to be out in the wilderness and doing adventure and survival and all that stuff. Jacques Cousteau was a filmmaker and around wildlife all the time, which gave real purpose and real reason to be out there

doing something other than just hanging out in the bush. He was doing things no one else had done before; and that’s the inspiration there. Tell us how your show “Survivorman” spawned from the hit reality TV show “Survivor.” When I was studying in survival, I saw a really cheesy film about a guy surviving overnight. I thought, “It’s a pretty cheesy film, but a great idea.” I wanted to do some home DVDS—back then it was home videos—on it, but thought, how much better would it be if I went out and survived and filmed it? That’d make a much better story and much better film. So I sort of shelled that idea for a long time, like 14 years. In 2000, the “Survivor series came out, and I starte doing interviews about if th show was really survival; well it’s not survival at all, but a light bulb went off. I called the networks and wanted to actually survive for real and film it myself, which is the way that it needs to be done or it’s no really survival if there’s people there with me. The In a survival situa networks loved it, and the the three zones tion, once you go through of answers, saysof survival, you have a lot rest is history. Les Str oud.

50

With the creation of “Survirorman,” Les Stroud (left) created the survivor genre.

“… be proactive, because survival is not passive, it’s active.” —Les Stroud

51

Jacques Cousteau provided some inspiration to Les Stroud.

You produced, wrote, filmed and hosted “Survivorman.” To be a true survivor show, is that what needs to be done? The reality is that I’m no more noble than the next guy. You can’t go out and say, “Look at me, I’m surviving,” when you have a crew of people with you and you’re keeping to a shooting schedule and union rules and guys who eat their lunches sitting down beside you. You can’t film survival when you’re playacting, when you finish all of your takes and then you go to a hotel. There’s no claim to actually surviving with shows that are shot that way. To film surviving you need to be going to bed hungry at night, you need to be having no food or no water, no shirt. I felt that for me to truly say, “Look at me, I’m surviving,” I needed to be really surviving. I think it just creates a much more realistic picture then the other version, which is faked or set up. You can’t fake survival when you’re really out there. You can’t fake being tired, cold, hungry and starving—and these things happen. So I felt that, yeah, for me to be alone, that was the magic ingredient to portraying. Because that’s what I am doing; I’m still portraying “something,” because I do know I’m going to come home eventually. But how close can I get and still make a film? What’s the most dangerous situation you’ve ever been in? Probably getting heatstroke in the Kalahari Desert [in southern Africa]. That was really close. And then recently in Norway I got stuck on the side of a mountain in the freezing rain, which was quite dangerous—one because of heatstroke and the other hypothermia. How do you remain calm during those situations? I utilize my skill set, my experience level. The big thing for me is to stop and assess the situation. Once I assess the situation, I go over all that information and can get the answers I need. That basically helps me to remain calm.

MORE LES GO TO: www.lesstroud.ca • WATCH: Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, “Beyond Survival” and “Survivorman” • READ: His books “Will to Live,” “Survive! The Ultimate Edition” and “Survive!” • HEAR: Stroud’s music, sampled on his Web site

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If somebody else were thrust into a similar situation, what advice could you give them? The first thing is absolutely to stay calm. The second thing, which helps you stay calm, is to assess.

I like to think of it as three zones: The first zone of assessment is, what do you personally have on your body? Are you injured? Are you hungry? Do you have food? The second zone of assessment is your immediate gear around you—do you have tents, sleeping bags, what’s the situation, is there anybody around you that’s hurt or anybody with you that can help you? And then the third zone of assessment is the larger picture. How far away are you from rescue? Is anybody coming? Can you make it out? Are you stuck? Once you go through those three zones of assessments on yourself and what’s around you, you have a lot of answers. And with those answers you can be proactive. And that’s the next thing, to be proactive, because survival is not passive—it’s active. But you can’t be proactive if you don’t have answers, so you get some.

3 ZONES OF SURVIVAL ZONE 1 What do you personally have on your body? Are you injured? Are you hungry? Do you have food? ZONE 2 Do you have tents, sleeping bags, what’s the situation, is there anybody around you that’s hurt or anybody with you that can help you? ZONE 3 How far away are you from rescue? Is anybody coming? Can you make it out? Are you stuck? THE RESULT Once you go through those three zones of assessments on yourself and what’s around you, you have a lot of answers. And with those answers you can be proactive.

Do you find it discouraging when other “survival shows” are purely for entertainment, rather than teaching valuable skills? First of all, I’ll say something to you bluntly. I created the survival genre. It didn’t exist before “Survivorman.” You can go back and check it out, there was nothing there. When I brought “Survivorman” onto television, it was two or three years as it built and then it suddenly exploded and became a hit. Immediately on the hit of “Survivorman,” it mushroomed into all these other shows. One thing that’s important to me is that I created the genre itself, which sounds a little pretentious, but it plays out, so I don’t mind saying it. There are two answers to your question: The positive level—I am happy that excitement for the skills has built up because of the various shows. It’s got people wanting to go outside, it’s got people wanting to take courses, it’s got people touching the earth again. That’s an important to me. So I would not deny that. I think it’s a beautiful thing that from this little tiny idea for “Survivorman” it has expanded into an entire genre of shows specifically dealing with survival and wilderness skills. On the negative side, when I create “Survivorman,” it’s from the angle of wanting to show survival and make films about it. The new shows come from the angle of “we want to make a TV show.” You know, get ratings and in some cases maybe make some TV stars. I never got into this to be a survival guru, on the larger media perspective or in terms of the public’s eye. I’m just doing what I do. So there is a negative angle that because that’s the angle other shows come from, skills are taught that are incorrect. They’re on an objective level—wrong skills to teach, bad skills and even dangerous skills to teach. In addition, some things are made up that just don’t even exist. I remember on a show it was taught that you can squeeze elephant dung and get water, but you can’t do that. What is done is that elephant dung is soaked in water and squeezed when the camera’s rolling. To me, that’s the negative side. That’s what’s not right. Mostly I take the high road and laugh, but I get irked seeing skills that are just blatantly wrong to teach.

“The first thing is absolutely to stay calm. The second thing, which helps you stay calm, is to assess.” —Les Stroud, on how people should handle a survival situation

I also get irked when I see, even though disclaimers have been placed, shows leading you to believe that people were going through stuff that they weren’t. These things are all set up and staged. So there’s that smaller piece of me that goes, “Huh. Here I am putting my life on the line and at great risk, to portray true and real survival as best as I can, and along comes some other show that is pretending to do that, and even upping the ante in terms of what’s shown on camera, but they are faking the whole thing.” Part of that is irksome, but after many years of seeing it, what am I gonna do? I’m gonna do what I do—teach solid survival skills, have fun doing it, be myself, be myself on camera. I’ve moved on from that a long time ago. Even though I will have new survival shows, my own personal ambition is to be progressive and always do new things. Not cranking out 150 “Survivorman” episodes because I know I’m gonna get the money. ASG

STILL GOING STRONG Since 1876. That is how long Camillus Cutlery has been supplying the world with “reliable, innovative and quality-made knives.” They have, to be sure, survived the true test of time. As one of the oldest knife manufacturers, Camillus Cutlery has always “answered the call for quality,” and you can bet they will continue to do so with their hunting, fishing, sporting and tactical knives. Check them out at www.camillusknives.com.

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Survival Backpacks The Best Backpacks for Any Survival or Emergency Situation ORDINARY backpacks these are not. These are the ones built to last in the wilderness as long as you can. These are designed to attract the attention of rescue teams. They are waterproof, durable, functional and practical. These are the ones that can mean the difference between survival and death. Ordinary backpacks these are not.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELTY

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VOLTAIC

PRODUCT  OFFGRID SOLAR BACKPACK WEBSITE  WWW.VOLTAICSYSTEMS.COM MSRP  $229  Off the grid is right! This backpack has two solar panels that generate power from sunlight. Four to five hours in the sun will fully charge a typical phone, and one hour will provide three hours of talk time— perfect for an emergency call whenever you might need it.  Waterproof, lightweight and built to withstand abuse  The solar pocket is removable and can be attached to other bags as it charges.  1,500 cubic inches of storage space, a padded laptop sleeve, integrated phone pouch and other pockets

DEUTER

EUREKA!

 Built for those who travel light and fast, with breathable padding for ventilation and contour shoulder straps  3 pounds, 4 ounces of durable material, like Duratex and rip-stop threads

 Versatile pocketing, ease of use and an adjustable suspension will bring years of use.  Internal sleeve with padded bottom features a single hook for a hydration pack  Zippered sleeping bag compartment; removable top lid with two pockets make it convertible to a belt-mounted pack  Orange high-visibility rain cover with reflective graphics

PRODUCT  ACT ZERO 50 + 15 WEBSITE  WWW.DEUTER.COM MSRP  $179

PRODUCT  MT. ISOLATION 65L WEBSITE  WWW.EUREKATENT.COM MSRP  $159.99

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EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS

PRODUCT  3-DAY LITE EMERGENCY KIT WEBSITE  WWW.BEPREPARED.COM MSRP  $32.95  For a natural disaster or the unexpected, this three-day emergency kit, pre-packed backpack is all you need.  Includes: food, water, warmth, light, communication and First Aid  Easy transporting or great to store in case of evacuation

GREGORY

ISAFE

 A balance of volume, weight and robust features make this backpack your reliable companion—built for the female anatomy  Water-resistant roll top style pocket; molded foam back panel, harnesses and waist belt  External hydration access  Comes is a beautiful Rosewood red (shown), Tule blue and Cyprus green

 This backpack features a mobile personal alarm system in the event of an emergency—urban, wilderness or wherever—for immediate attention in a crisis.  Find yourself in trouble and off trail, a quick tug on the activation pin sets off a loud audible alarm and LED lights and can run continuously on two 9-volt batteries for 2 hours.  Perfect for packing for summer hikes and outings, the iSafe backpack is lightweight and comes in a variety of color combinations.

PRODUCT  WOMEN’S SAGE 45 WEBSITE  WWW.GREGORYPACKS.COM MSRP  $179

PRODUCT  SCHOOL BACKPACK WEBSITE  WWW.ISAFEBAGS.COM MSRP  $59.99

(Continued on page 58)

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(Continued from page 56)

RIBZ

KELTY

PRODUCT  RIBZ FRONT PACK WEBSITE  WWW.RIBZWEAR.COM MSRP  $59.95

PRODUCT  FURY 35 WEBSITE  WWW.KELTY.COM MSRP  $164.95

 Already have a backpack but want more storage? Try a front pack. The perfect addition to a backpack with wearable pockets on the front for easyaccess storage.  Only weighs 11.7 ounces, so no added bulk  Comes in stealth black (shown), alpine green or camo

 The Fury 35 is part of Kelty’s Agile Series—with a lightweight, agile suspension system (so weight is transferred to the hips while the pack moves with its wearer), ventilating back panel, mesh shoulder straps and it’s hydration compatible.  Integrated pull-out rain cover included, as well as features such as: front-panel access, sleeping bag compartment and mesh water bottle pockets  Multi-directional air flow for added comfort

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR

SALEWA

 A great winter pack for harsh, cold weather conditions  Wet locker under padded front flap offers quick access and has plenty of storage space for gear; fleece-lined goggle/sunglass pocket with water-resistant zipper  Versatile strap system can carry snowshoes or other items

 The new Ascent 22 is as rugged as the outdoors themselves. The MotionFit System contours the body for extra comfort.  Features include: ice axe/pole attachment, valuables compartment, separate front pocket and bottom compartment, side pockets and SOS label

PRODUCT  ASCENT 22 WEBSITE  WWW.SALEWA.COM MSRP  VARIES UPON RETAILER

PRODUCT  CHUTER 28 WEBSITE  WWW.MOUNTAINHARDWEAR.COM MSRP  $150

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SIERRA DESIGNS

ULTIMATE DIRECTION

 The Garnet 20 has a large front stash pocket, full-panel access; hip belt snap-or-snack pockets; hydrationready and has a security pocket with key clip.  Comes in Sunflower (shown), Blue Jewel, Mirage Gray and Rio Red.

 This pack is packed with features: pump and tool pockets, organization for spare tubes and room for an extra layer  Sleek, lightweight design enables a full range of motion and molded back panel offers ventilation  Quick access storage, gel pockets on shoulder straps, internal security pocket tool organizer, map sleeve and more

PRODUCT  GARNET 20 WEBSITE  WWW.SIERRADESIGNS.COM MSRP  $109.95

PRODUCT  GRIND 12 WEBSITE  WWW.ULTIMATEDIRECTION.COM MSRP  $109.95

QUAKE KARE

PRODUCT  STANDARD 4 PERSON BACKPACK SURVIVAL KIT (SKBP4SS) WEBSITE  WWW.QUAKEKARE.COM MSRP  $69  This emergency kit is ready-to-go and packed for four people in a durable backpack designed for the car.  Includes: emergency food, water, lighting, radio, First Aid, sanitation and shelter supplies  You’ll be prepared for a slew of many disasters. ASG

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“Heat and cold are the No. 1 killers in any survival situation.” —Robert Allen, president and head instructor at the Sigma 3 Survival School

Mother Nature’s Ferocity The Keys To Surviving In Extreme Cold, Heat

BY TORREY KIM PHOTOS: THINKSTOCK

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THE ferocity of Mother Nature. From her bone-chilling cold to her oppressive heat, she can be deadly. In addition to staying hydrated, the most important tool you need to cope with extreme heat or cold is the same thing—your clothing. “Heat and cold are the No. 1 killers in any survival situation,” says Robert Allen, president and head instructor at the Sigma 3 Survival School in Arkansas. If you’re in an extreme weather situation and don’t have access to a store for gear, your clothing can serve multipurpose uses in both weather extremes, if you know how to repurpose them for additional functions. Following are some tips that can save your life.

BEAT THE HEAT If you’re ever stuck in the sun without access to shade, use your clothes to shade you, Allen says. You can wet your clothing and wrap it around your head and neck to stay cool when necessary, or you can rig your clothes to create a small tent that will shade you from the sun. “Shelter is the biggest priority any time you’re trying to survive,” he says. “Not just if you’re trying to keep out of cold weather, but just as important if you’re avoiding the sun. You need to stay fully covered, because you can bake yourself in a heartbeat if it’s hot outside and you aren’t covered.”

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HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT • To stay cool, wet your clothing and wrap it around your head and neck. • To create shade, rig your clothes to create a small tent.

FIGHT THE COLD

“I spent a year in Iraq and saw temperatures upwards of 130 degrees during the day,” Allen says. “Then in the evening it can go down into the 80s—which doesn’t seem that low, but that quick fluctuation is a massive shock to your system.” Therefore, before the sun sets, you should have your insulation ready to put into your clothing, and remove any wet gear so you don’t get the chills at night.

If you find yourself facing particularly cold temperatures and you don’t have the right gear to stay warm, you can make it yourself. “Anything that causes dead air space is basically insulation,” Allen says. “You’ve got your base shelter, which is your clothing— then you take that and fill it with grass or whatever is around you to create that dead air space. If you stuff enough dead leaves or pine needles into your clothes, you’ve made your own sleeping bag or parka, and that can retain a lot of heat and keep you warm.”

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIALS Three items you don’t want to forget, no matter what the weather is, are a knife, fire starter and water, Allen says. The knife can help you cut branches to create a shelter or make a fire, among myriad other uses. The fire starter will help you create warmth and a cooking area effortlessly, and the water is a must for your survival.

PREPARE FOR FLUCTUATION No matter what the circumstances, you should be ready to adjust your strategy once the sun goes down. 62

3 ESSENTIAL ITEMS

REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER, YOU NEED TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING: • A knife • A fire starter • Water

WATER CONSERVATION PARAMOUNT IN BOTH HEAT AND COLD

Most people know how important it is to stay hydrated in the heat—but it may surprise you to learn that rationing your water is just as important if you’re in the cold weather. No matter what the temperature where you are and how tempting it may be to chug your last bottle of water, you should stick to taking sips of your water ration, says Reggie Bennett, owner of Mountain Shepherd Wilderness Survival School in Catawba, VA. “Your body can only process one liter of water an hour,” Bennett says, “so you’re better off taking in small amounts at a time.” BEST BET Ration your sweat so you won’t have to water, Bennett says. he heat, stay in the shade so you t sweat,” he advises. “In any WHEN THE WATER ather, breathe through your nose IS RUNNING LOW d not your mouth, talk as little as If you get down to your last bottle ossible, and eat as little as possiof water, keep taking sips of it e (especially protein, which takes throughout the day while re water to process). In that way, you’re in search of l be conserving your water so a fresh water supply. need to take less in.”

CHECKLIST FOR COLD TEMPERATURES • Anything that causes dead air space is basically insulation. • Your base shelter is your clothing. • Fill that with grass or whatever is around you to create dead air space. • If you stuff enough dead leaves or pine needles into your clothes, you’ve made your own sleeping bag or parka, and that can retain a lot of heat and keep you warm.

THER TIP Bennett trained for cold weather survival by studying people who live among polar ice caps, where he learned the essential adage, “To sweat is to die in a cold environment,” he says. “If you get dehydrated in the cold, you set yourself up for frostbite because the less water you have in your skin, the less heat you can retain, and you can get severe dehydration.” In addition, he says, the air in cold weather is so arid that “it steals the water from your breath.”

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BE PREPARED While Mother Nature is usually awe-inspiring, she has a nasty side, too. So be prepared and never take her for granted. Torrey Kim is a freelance writer and author of the book “Portrait of the Outer Banks.” She lives with her family in North Carolina, where she enjoys camping, swimming, hiking, gardening and most other outdoor activities. ASG

THE SCHOOLS NAME: Sigma 3 Survival School LOCATION: Arkansas WEB: www.survivalschool.us NAME: Mountain Shepherd Wilderness Survival School LOCATION: Catawba, VA WEB: www.mountainshepherd.com

To prevent dehydration in the extreme cold, as it is in the heat, it’s critical to drink water. Make sure a knife is on your list of essential items.

“Shelter is the biggest priority any time you’re trying to survive. Not just if you’re trying to keep out of cold weather, but just as important if you’re avoiding the sun.” —Robert Allen, president and head instructor at the Sigma 3 Survival School

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Rugged, Practical, Reliable WHEN disaster strikes, will you be prepared? From skinning dead animals to cutting wood to slicing rope to cutting a path to self-defense, you need to be ready, which is exactly why you need a reliable survival knife in your bug-out bag. The knives showcased in this section are rugged and practical … exactly what you can depend on in an emergency. Stay sharp.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIGHT MY FIRE

LIGHT MY FIRE PRODUCT  SWEDISH FIREKNIFE WEBSITE  WWW.LIGHTMYFIRE.COM MSRP  $34.99 AND UP OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5 inches BLADE LENGTH: 3.75 inches STEEL: Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel HANDLE: TPE rubber material WEIGHT: 3.31 ounces NOTES: Available in 5 colors, the Swedish FireKnife has a handle equipped with a fire starter.

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BENCHMADE

BUCK KNIVES

PRODUCT  275 ADAMAS WEBSITE  WWW.BENCHMADE.COM MSRP  $195

PRODUCT  FLASHPOINT LE WEBSITE  WWW.BUCKKNIVES.COM MSRP  $65

OVERALL LENGTH: 8.7 inches BLADE LENGTH: 3.82 inches STEEL: D2 Tool Steel WEIGHT: 7.7 ounces NOTES: A portion of the sales proceeds will be donated to The Ranger Assistance Foundation.

OVERALL LENGTH: 4.5 inches (closed) BLADE LENGTH: 2.87 inches STEEL: Titanium Coated 420HC WEIGHT: 4 ounces NOTES: As a bonus, the Flashpoint LE incorporates a bottle opener and carabiner clip for attachment in the knife’s handle.

BROWNING

BUCK KNIVES

PRODUCT  HOG HUNTER, MODEL 865 WEBSITE  WWW.BROWNING.COM MSRP  $61.95

PRODUCT  BUCK/HOOD HOODLUM WEBSITE  WWW.BUCKKNIVES.COM MSRP  $242

STEEL: 440 stainless HANDLE: Texturized rubber handle NOTES: Browning’s Hog Hunter fills the bill for a big carry knife. It features textured rubber finger grooves, a nylon sheath and full-tang construction.

OVERALL LENGTH: 15.5 inches BLADE LENGTH: 10 inches STEEL: 5160 with powder coating HANDLE: Black linen Micarta WEIGHT: 14.6 ounces NOTES: The Hoodlum’s handle has a shock migration system and balances better than most large knives. It points quickly.

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COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE & TOOL (CRKT)

GERBER PRODUCT  BEAR GRYLLS ULTIMATE FIXED BLADE KNIFE WEBSITE  WWW.GERBERGEAR.COM MSRP  $62

PRODUCT  FREE RANGE HUNTER WEBSITE  WWW.CRKT.COM MSRP  $49.99

OVERALL LENGTH: 10 inches BLADE LENGTH: 4.8 inches STEEL: Stainless steel drop-point HANDLE: Texturized rubber WEIGHT: 11.2 ounces (not including sheath) NOTES: An emergency whistle is integrated into the lanyard cord, a stainless steel pommel is at the base of the handle for hammering and the sheath features a fire starter. It also includes Bear’s “Priorities of Survival” pocket guide.

OVERALL LENGTH: 8.875 inches BLADE LENGTH: 3.75 inches STEEL: 8Crl3MoV, satin finish HANDLE: Double injection WEIGHT: 4.4 ounces NOTES: Designed by Russ Komer, which features both fixedblade and folding knife designs.

COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE & TOOL (CRKT)

HELLE

PRODUCT  S.P.E.W. (SMALL POCKET EVERYDAY WHARNCLIFFE) WEBSITE  WWW.CRKT.COM MSRP  $44.99 OVERALL LENGTH: 6.25 inches BLADE LENGTH: 3 inches STEEL: 5CR15MoV HANDLE: G-10 WEIGHT: 1.1 ounces NOTES: Slim and easy to carry, the S.P.E.W. gives you ultimate control. It’s designed by knifemaker and metalworker Alan Folts.

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PRODUCT  TEMAGAMI WEBSITE  WWW.HELLE.COM MSRP  $189 BLADE LENGTH: 4.33 inches STEEL: Triple laminated stainless steel HANDLE: Curly Birch WEIGHT: 5.5 ounces NOTES: Designed by Les Stroud, this knife is great all-around, but especially for hunting.

KERSHAW KNIVES

LEATHERMAN

PRODUCT  CAMP 10 WEBSITE  WWW.KERSHAWKNIVES.COM MSRP  $64.95

PRODUCT  SIDEKICK WEBSITE  WWW.LEATHERMAN.COM MSRP  $34.99 AND UP

OVERALL LENGTH: 16 inches BLADE LENGTH: 10 inches STEEL: Carbon steel, powercoated HANDLE: Full-tang WEIGHT: 1 pound 3 ounces NOTES: Clear brush, hack wood and fulfill all your survival needs, because this 10-inch blade is multifunctional.

OVERALL LENGTH: 3.8 inches (closed) BLADE LENGTH: 2.6 inches BLADE: Combo or serrated STEEL: 420 stainless HANDLE: Stainless steel WEIGHT: 7 ounces NOTES: The Sidekick combines 15 tools (pliers, cutter, knives, screwdriver, can opener, wire cutter, etc.) into one portable, useful gadget.

LEATHERMAN

SMITH & WESSON

PRODUCT  OHT (ONE HAND TOOL) WEBSITE  WWW.LEATHERMAN.COM MSRP  $82

PRODUCT  SEARCH & RESCUE, MODEL CKSUR7 WEBSITE  WWW.SMITH-WESSON.COM MSRP  VARIES PER RETAILER

BLADE: Straight edge, 2.37 inches LENGTH CLOSED: 4.5 inches STEEL: Stainless WEIGHT: 9.9 ounces NOTES: Includes: one-hand opening pliers, one-hand opening blades, strap cutter, can and bottle opener, saw, screwdrivers and oxygen bottle wrench—and the pliers are spring loaded. Nylon M.O.L.L.E. sheath included; comes in black or Coyote Tan

OVERALL LENGTH: 13.75 inches BLADE LENGTH: 8.63 inches STEEL: 440 stainless steel HANDLE: Rubberized aluminum WEIGHT: 17 ounces NOTES: Comes with a sheath that makes it storable in a bug-out bag.

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SOG

WETTERLINGS

PRODUCT  BLADE LIGHT - FIXED WEBSITE  WWW.SOGKNIVES.COM MSRP  $115

PRODUCT  COMPACT HATCHET WEBSITE  WWW.WETTERLINGS.SE MSRP  $98

OVERALL LENGTH: 11.3 inches BLADE LENGTH: 5.7 inches BATTERY: 1 AA (included) WEIGHT: 7.1 ounces HANDLE: Glass-reinforced nylon SHEATH: Hard-molded nylon NOTES: Water-resistant and comes with a lifetime warranty

OVERALL LENGTH: 10 inches BLADE LENGTH: 5.5 inches STEEL: Swedish Carbon steel HANDLE: American Hickory WEIGHT: 1.2 pounds NOTES: Ideal for camping and wildlife due its light weight and versatility, the Compact Hatchet is useful for collecting firewood, and can attach to a backpack or belt.

SOG

W.R. CASE & SONS CUTLERY

PRODUCT  POWERDUO WEBSITE  WWW.SOGKNIVES COM MSRP  $80

PRODUCT  #137 LOCKBACK XX-CHANGER WEBSITE  WWW.WRCASE.COM MSRP  VARIES UPON RETAILER

OVERALL LENGTH: 6.2 i BLADE LENGTH: 2.9 inch STEEL: 9Cr18MoV HANDLE: Polycarbonate WEIGHT: 6.3 ounces SHEATH: Nylon or leather NOTES: It’s pliers, a pock screwdrivers, can/bottle o tweezers and more—all in

OVERALL LENGTH: 5 inches (closed) HANDLE: Rosewood WEIGHT: 12 ounces NOTES: This knife comes with four blades: clip, drop-point, saw and guthook; each one fits in the frame and then works as a conventional lockback folder. ASG

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY For advertising information in our Business Directory

please contact:

Martin Butalid 866-866-5146 ext: 2829 [email protected]

BY ADAM MORRA

Smooth “Sailing” PHOTOS: THINKSTOCK

6 Essentials for Navigating the Wilderness Without a GPS YOU’RE all set.

Competitive orienteer Greg Lennon—a wilderness mapmaker and outdoorsman with more than 20 years of experience—provided the six essentials for effective navigation, sans the use of a GPS.

You’ve tossed on your old cap, laced up your trusty hiking boots and stuffed your pack full of must-haves like sunscreen, protein bars and water. Moreover, you had the presence of mind to check the local weather and to text a buddy your itinerary. In terms of venturing out for that much-anticipated trek, you’re pretty much good to go. So, sure, while your primary choice for navigation may be the use of a GPS receiver, these modern-day marvels are not without their drawbacks. Factors such as insufficient battery life, subpar accuracy, poor reception and system crashes suggest that other options may also be worth pursuing. Do you have a backup plan? You will in a moment because it’s important to know that in the event your GPS encounters a snag, you possess the ability to confidently navigate your course via self-sufficient means.

1 PURPOSE What is your purpose for navigating? Where are you trying to get to and what is your timetable for doing so? Generally, this concerns traveling from point A to B or perhaps avoiding a potentially hazardous area. Whatever it may be, establishing your purpose for navigating will save you time and aid in defining your itinerary, says Lennon.

2 PLANNING, PREPARATION An expansive category, planning and preparation is paramount to successful navigating and generally refers to the collection of whatever resources or information an individuals may want

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“ … while your primary choice for navigation may be the use of a GPS receiver, these modern-day marvels are not without their drawbacks.”

to gather and organize ahead of time, to assist with their trek, he says. Examples of things to consider in this category are as follows: • Do you know of potable water sources that will be accessible? • Will you stockpile a surplus of water or food caches (in the bush), available for procurement? • Have you confirmed or identified sources of shelter? • Do you know which plants are edible and likely to be available during the time of year you are hiking? • Can you rely upon being able to locate wood to burn for cooking and warmth?

your destination, without the need for electronic assistance. They are lightweight, easy to use, extremely portable and when secured in a map case, extremely waterproof.

TRAIN WITH LENNON, SPECIAL THANKS To learn how to navigate or to contact Greg Lennon, head to orieteeringusa.org. Special thanks to Glen Schorr, executive director for Orienteering USA.

4 TERRAIN Familiarizing yourself with the landscape you plan on traversing through will aid in making your trek easier and decrease the likelihood of problems, says Lennon. “In some terrains, you might know that traveling along river beds is actually pretty quick,” says Lennon. “In other terrains, riverbeds are the absolute slowest, and that really depends on

3 A MAP Maps aid in pinpointing your location and help determine where you want to go. They also establish a route for reaching

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SOURCES FOR GEAR For all your hiking and navigation needs, check out any of the following outdoor specialists: • www.rei.com • www.adventure16.com • www.backcountry.com • www.hudsontrail.com

• Know the number of miles in length your trail is and how high in elevation you will be hiking; • Consider the scenery and wildlife you will likely encounter along your outing; • Know if the trail you plan on following is an “in and out” trail or one that is looped; • Join your local orienteering club. As a preamble to heading out on your own, these groups provide instruction in navigation and educate you about the surrounding terrain.

5 COMPASS USE A compass is a navigational implement that measures directions in a stationary frame of reference, relative to the surface of the earth. It primarily orients your map and is used for taking bearings. These tools aid in determining particulars such as: where you’re headed, which way you need to head and your current position.

BENEFITS OF A MAP • Aids in pinpointing your location • No electronic assistance needed, no reliance on batteries • Lightweight • Easy to use • Portable • Waterproof in a casing

what part of the country you’re in and the time of year.” “Similarly, traveling along a ridge or using a linear feature like a ridge is something you can follow easily, and it may or may no be the fastest way, depending on the terrain. But if you’ve done your due preparation and your planning and you know the terrain, you’ll know, ‘Do I stay high or do I stay low?’ Is it easy to go off-trail through the vegetation at the time of year that I’m trying this, or is it next to impossible?” Examples of getting to know the terrain are: • Research the terrain type (grassland, forest, desert) and consider how sunny or shaded a trail may be; • Determine whether your degree of experience and your fitness level are suited for a particular hike;

6 TIME MANAGEMENT Perhaps even more essential than a compass is the ability to effectively use time to your advantage, he notes. In essence, this translates to making the most of daylight. Navigating is far more difficult at night and most plans will stipulate that you relegate it to daylight hours. ASG Adam Morra is a Los Angeles-based journalist who has written for The Santa Monica Mirror, Ultimate MMA and American Martial Arts Movement.

DID YOU KNOW? THE WEATHER While it may cost you a bit more time, yielding to inclement weather is recommended over navigating under substandard conditions. The smartest and safest choice is to suspend your hike until conditions improve. Always pay close attention to weather reports for the areas you plan on navigating.

“In some terrains, traveling along river beds is actually pretty quick. In others, riverbeds are the absolute slowest. It depends on what part of the country you’re in and the time of year.”

HAZARDS Familiarize yourself with terrain-based hazards such as crevasses and areas with falling rock or unstable footing. Identify precarious flora and fauna and avoid hiking at night, which increases your probability of encountering difficulties. When used effectively, a map is more beneficial than a compass.

—Greg Lennon, competitive orienteer 74

Survival Foods Great Products, Functional Utilities for Two of Your Basic Needs FOOD and water. We sometimes take for granted how we have these basic elements at our disposal, but things happen. Just ask the Southern Californians who rocked and rolled through the 1994 Northridge earthquake that registered 6.7 on the Richter Scale. Or those who suffered through New Orleans’ Hurricane Katrina back in 2005. Food and water. Because things happen.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE AND TOOL

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STERIPEN

PRODUCT  TRAVELER 3-IN-1 (RIGHT) WEBSITE  WWW.STERIPEN.COM MSRP  $49.95  SteriPEN Traveler’s germicidal UV light makes water safe to drink—great for outdoors or emergency situations  Destroys 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and protozoa, microbes, travel pathogens (diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis, polio), germs (influenza, E.coli, salmonella, staph), cholera and waterborne illnesses  Disinfect 16 ounces of water in 48 seconds  Also available is the rechargeable (wall outlet or computer) “Freedom” model—lighter in weight and smaller ($119.95, shown here on the left)

BYER OF MAINE

BEARVAULT

PRODUCT  TRILITE WASH STATION WEBSITE  WWW.BYEROFMAINE.COM MSRP  VARIES PER RETAILER

PRODUCT 

BEAR RESISTANT FOOD CANISTERS (BV450 OR BV500) WEBSITE  WWW.BEARVAULT.COM MSRP  $59 AND UP

 The TriLite Wash Station is the portable way to clean dishware.  The Wash Station includes a wash, rinse and mesh drain cavities, as wells as a handy pouch for a brush, sponge or silverware.  It can be broken down quickly into a nylon storage bag.

 You need to eat, but don’t leave the food out, or pesky bears can get into it. That’s why BearVault’s food canisters are a must—and they’re lightweight too.  BV450 (weighs 2 pounds 1 ounce) has a four-day capacity, and BV500 (weighs 2 pounds 9 ounces) has a sevenday capacity.  Super rugged, transparent polycarbonate exterior resists impacts without shattering.

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BUCK KNIVES

CRKT

PRODUCT  TRAVELMATE KIT WEBSITE  WWW.BUCKKNIVES.COM MSRP  $75

PRODUCT  EAT ‘N TOOL WEBSITE  WWW.CRKT.COM MSRP  $7.99

 A great device for preparing food outdoors, the TravelMate Kit slices, dices, spreads and serves—all in one easy-topack tool.  Comes with a spreader (for cheese, peanut butter) that’s sturdy enough for slicing, an antimicrobial injection molded sheath to prevent bacterial growth and a multi-functional stainless steel fork with integrated bottle opener, can opener, screw driver and grill scraper.

 What can’t this little doohickey do? It’s a spoon, fork (or spork), bottle opener, emergency screwdriver, pry tip to open canisters, metric wrench and carabiner—all in a small, 4-inch, 1.5-ounce package.  For easy snap-on carry on D-rings or loops on clothing/backpacks, there is a carry carabiner.  Bead blasted finish (9100C) with a food-grade non-stick coating; available in bead blast or black

COLEMAN

EARTHEASY

PRODUCT  HOT WATER ON DEMAND PORTABLE WATER HEATER WEBSITE  WWW.COLEMAN.COM MSRP  $259.99

PRODUCT  BACK TO THE ROOTS “GROW YOUR OWN MUSHROOM KIT” WEBSITE  WWW.EARTHEASY.COM MSRP  $22.95

 Hot water on demand—in about five seconds. Ideal for emer-

 Growing your own gourmet

gency preparedness  Heat up to 40 gallons of water with one propane cylinder (sold separately)  For even more hot water, adapt to a bulk propane tank (tank and adapter sold separately)  Rechargeable 6-volt battery pumps water, battery can be recharged in the car or a household outlet

Pearl Oyster mushrooms from your windowsill couldn’t be simpler with this kit—any time of year, anywhere.  Pierce the box, mist twice a day (mister included), and in 10-15 days you can harvest your first fungi (up to four harvest per box).  Mushrooms are currently grown on wood chips, but coffee grounds are a sustainable substitute, and this product uses 100% recycled coffee grounds.

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FOZZILS

GERBER

PRODUCT  BEAR GRYLLS CANTEEN WEBSITE  WWW.GERBERGEAR.COM MSRP  $37

PRODUCT  FOZZILS SOLO PACK WEBSITE  WWW.FOZZILS.COM MSRP  $15.95

 Bear Grylls and the great folks at Gerber partnered up and

 The Solo Pack is a set of a collapsible cup, bowl and dish that uses an easy snap system to turn from flat to usable.  The dishes are light and super thin, so they won’t weigh down your backpack.  Made of high-quality, odor-free, food-grade materials.

designed this BPA-free canteen—with a snug fitting nylon sheath and leak-proof lock top.  The canteen is aluminum and suitable for boiling water. The exterior is textured to avoid spills, drops and you can keep your gloves on too.  For survival in the wild and extreme conditions, a typical water bottle just won’t do the trick. This guy will.

FARMCURIOUS

KELTY

PRODUCT  LARGE URBAN GARDENING KIT WEBSITE  WWW.FARMCURIOUS.COM MSRP  $40

PRODUCT  KITCHEN SINK WEBSITE  WWW.KELTY.COM MSRP  $49.95

 All the essentials

 A must-have for a camper outdoors for an extended period of time  This nifty portable kitchen sink is compact, organizes your dishware and has a retractable drying rack.  Mesh pockets for utensils, dual carry handles and it can be used with ice or hot water

you’ll need to start your own urban garden … just add soil and water, and watch them grow.  In an urban disaster, having plants on-hand at home can sustain you for days.  This kit includes: 10gallon aero grow bag (the bag “root prunes” you plants so they grow stronger), 12-ounce plant nanny (for watering), sun stick (to help you pick just the right spot in your yard) and three seed packs of your choice of heirloom seeds

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LEDGE SPORTS

PRODUCT  JET FLOW HYDRATION SYSTEM WEBSITE  WWW.LEDGESPORTS.COM MSRP  $19.90 TO $39.90  Unlike typical hydration pack bladders that you fill with water (which are tough to dry and clean), the Jet Flow eliminates the problems of rubbery taste, bacteria growth, fugus, funky flavors and funny colors in your drink.  This system adapts to use different plastic bottle sizes and even electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade.  Take you pick of beverage, and attach it to your pack. It’s that easy.

MOUNTAIN HOUSE PRODUCT 

LOW SODIUM MEAL LINE OF FREEZE-DRIED FOODS WEBSITE  WWW.MOUNTAINHOUSE.COM MSRP  $6.99 TO $8.09 PER POUCH  Mountain House’s new low sodium line includes delicious flavors like: Chicken Alfredo, New Orleans Style Rice with Shrimp and Ham, and Chicken and White Bean Chili  Each contains 2.5 servings; just add hot water to the resealable pouch you can eat from  Ideal for emergency preparedness (each has a shelf life of seven years), or great as backpacking food with more than 40 flavors to choose from

LIGHT MY FIRE

RAW CRUNCH

 This meal kit is slim and perfect for easy packing (get the harness to attach it to the outside of your pack!)  Microwave safe, dishwasher safe, floats  Includes lid/plate, plate/bowl and combo fork/spoon with one serrated edge to use as a knife  Available in 10 fun colors

 Nutritious, organic, delicious and chocked full of energy  Comes in four tasty flavors—cranberry, blueberry, goji berry and chocolate  Handmade, uncooked and unprocessed … no artificial nothin’ ASG

PRODUCT  LUNCHBOX WEBSITE  WWW.LIGHTMYFIRE.COM MSRP  VARIES PER RETAILER (AROUND $8)

PRODUCT  RAW CRUNCH BARS WEBSITE  WWW.RAWCRUNCHBAR.COM MSRP  $14 (4 BARS)

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Essential 10 Ensure Your Family’s Safety, Security With This Post-Disaster Checklist BY GARRETT KIM PHOTOS: THINKSTOCK

WHEN disaster strikes, life is anything but normal.

matches, a flint, a lighter or other fire-making materials on hand.

That’s why you must prepare today for how your family will survive tomorrow. The following checklist, from Wolfgang Posth of Wolf’s School of Survival in Plattsburgh, NY, will ensure that you have all the essential safety requirements on-hand following a disaster.

3 MEDICAL You never know what kinds of injuries might occur after a disaster, so pack a First-Aid kit with everything from bandages to antiseptic ointments.

1 SHELTER First and foremost, you’ll need somewhere to keep your family safe, so a shelter—no matter how makeshift—should be a top

4 NAVIGATION If you can navigate via compass—or better yet, by the constellations—you can pack lightly in this regard. But if not, make sure you have a few comprehensive U.S. maps. Don’t count on GPS signals to be readily available.

5 SIGNALING You should ensure that you have a way to signal for help if you need it, or to just help your family find you if they’re lost. Flares, smoke signals, lightsticks, whistles or foghorns will be essential to your survival. priority when you’re first establishing your post-disaster plan. Whether you’re staying in a tent made of old shower curtains or in an abandoned barn, you’ll be protected from the elements.

2 FIRE-MAKING This skill will be essential to keeping you warm and having the ability to cook meals. Make sure you have

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6 WATER, FOOD

9 HYGIENE

Nobody’s going to make it very long without a source of food and water. If you can’t grow or find your own food, pack a supply

Keep soap, antibacterial wipes, toilet paper and shampoo at hand. Women should have feminine products. Add diapers if you have young children with you.

10 COMMUNICATION DEVICES

of non-perishable food or dehydrated/preserved food that you can reconstitute later, as well as a very robust water supply.

You may be without electricity, but you’ll still want to get contact from the world at large. Keep a transistor radio, walkietalkies and plenty of batteries with you. ASG

7 KNIVES/TOOLS A knife is one of the most essential items you’ll require, and it will come in handy for everything from cooking to clearing brush. Other tools, such as handheld shovels and hammers, may also help.

8 APPROPRIATE CLOTHING/SHOES

GET MORE INFO ON WOLF NAME Wolf's System of Survival ADDRESS P.O. Box 2922 Plattsburgh, NY 12901 PHONE 518-645-6960 518-645-6961 EMAIL [email protected]

You should anticipate the types of clothing and shoes that can help you in all seasons, including boots, long underwear, hats and jackets. Layers can always be removed if it gets hot.

WEBSITE www.wsos-wildernesssurvival.com

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Geared Up Jackets, Shoes, Gear, Equipment GOOD gear is a must. No exceptions. If you want to survive in the toughest of conditions, your gear has got to live up to the test. The following compilation of jackets, shoes, gear and various equipment will allow you to do just that. Good gear. Never leave home without it.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SIERRA DESIGNS

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ADIDAS

PRODUCT  TERREX FAST WEBSITE  WWW.ADIDAS.COM MSRP  $210  Use the normal sun frame for causal glasses or transform them into the high-performance outdoor model; double-snap nose bridge for fit and protection  Non-slip, clear vision with anti-fog lenses and Climacool ventilation system  Use the nose cover as spare part for defense against wind and extreme temperatures

TOUGH JACKETS & PANTS BURTON

PRODUCT  2L CRICK JACKET WEBSITE  WWW.BURTON.COM MSRP  $94.95  Burton says the Crick Jacket is “known to pack light and attack unexpected weather with fury”  Waterproof rainwear that is breathable for staying dry on the trail, while it packs away discreetly (so small it fits into its own chest pocket, that doubles as a stuff sack)  Zippered hand-warmer pockets; comes in Midnight Blue or Trench Green

COLUMBIA PRODUCT 

MEN’S COMPOUNDER SHELL WEBSITE  WWW.COLUMBIA.COM MSRP  $300  The Compounder Shell uses an ultra light, breathable fabric, and the 2.5-layer construction features Omni-Dry technology so you’ll stay dry, while Omni-Wick EVAP wicks moisture from skin.  Venting for cooling airflow and thermoregulation when you need it most  Waterproof zippers and a draw cord adjustable hem keeps unwanted elements out.

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MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR PRODUCT 

ABSOLUTE ZERO PARKA

WEBSITE  WWW.MOUNTAINHARDWEAR.COM MSRP  $800  Built to withstand the harshest conditions atop the world’s highest peaks.  Waterproof 800-fill down, welded, watertight baffle construction, insulated  Soft, stretchy, internal cuffs seal in warmth; zip handwarmer pockets  Comes with an internal water bottle pocket and mesh stash pocket

SIERRA DESIGNS

MONTANE

 In chilly weather, this 800-fill goose down jacket will keep you all warm and snuggly.  Down insulation is comfortable and features 100% polyester taffeta lining, one interior zip pocket, two dump pockets, center front storm flap, fitted hood, elasticized hem and cuffs, and a stuff sack.

 A fusion of nylon and spandex together for super stretch, technical mountain pants  Perfect for high intensity movement activity in tough conditions, such as trekking on mountains, climbing or camping  Granite stretch fabric  Available in sizes XS-XXL, for men and women

THE NORTH FACE

OUTDOOR RESEARCH

 Classic, all-around, waterproof, seamsealed, breathable GORE-TEX jacket  Center front zip with Velcro closure  Includes handy chest and stretch water-bottle pockets

 Quick-dry, sun-protective fabric with zip-off lower legs for the ultimate convenience on the trail  Great for unpredictable temperatures, and you’ll be ready for hot or cold  Comes in cairn, mushroom and charcoal (shown)

PRODUCT  GNAR HOODY JACKET—WOMEN’S WEBSITE  WWW.SIERRADESIGNS.COM MSRP  $209

PRODUCT  MEN’S MOUNTAIN LIGHT JACKET WEBSITE  WWW.THENORTHFACE.COM MSRP  $250

PRODUCT  TERRA ALPINE PANTS WEBSITE  WWW.MONTANE.CO.UK MSRP  $76 AND UP

PRODUCT  MEN’S EQUINOX CONVERT PANTS (SHORT) WEBSITE  WWW.OUTDOORRESEARCH.COM MSRP  $75

CRITICAL BASELAYERS GRAMICCI

PRODUCT  ORGANIC ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE TEE WEBSITE  WWW.GRAMICCI.COM MSRP  $30.40  Made with “Natural Performance Technology,” and from pesticide and herbicide free hemp and organic cotton  Durable, antimicrobial (for no unwanted odor)  The double traverse knit provides ventilation, and the natural fibers are comfortable.

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HELLY HANSEN

POLARMAX

 Athletic jersey tee with dry fiber and air circulation features pull excess heat and sweat away from the skin  Great for high-intensity runs  Flatlock stitching so no seams irritate the skin  Also available in azure blue and black

 “Cold weather gear that actually keeps you warm”  Brushed fleece interior, dry moisture wicking and stretch for mobility  Anti-microbial and anti-odor protection  Flat seam for conformability and it won’t shrink when washed

LAND’S END

HIGH PERFORMANCE FOOTWEAR

PRODUCT  W NEW PACE STRIPE SS WEBSITE  WWW.HELLYHANSEN.COM MSRP  $55

PRODUCT  WOMEN’S ZIP MOCK WEBSITE  WWW.POLARMAX.COM MSRP  $59.95

PRODUCT  MEN’S REGULAR SILK INTERLOCK CREW WEBSITE  WWW.LANDSEND.COM MSRP  $49.50  The interlock knit is denser, so you’ll stay warmer on chilly outdoor nights.  Light and great for layering—ideal for travel with unexpected weather  100% silk makes it a light, ultra comfortable and the perfect insulator

BROOKS

PRODUCT  PURECONNECT WEBSITE  WWW.BROOKSRUNNING.COM MSRP  $90  Cushiony for long distance walks and running  Has a lightweight, minimal, barely-there, glovelike feel and weigh only 7.2 ounces  Comfortable enough so you can keep going longer

GARMONT

PRODUCT  TOWER PLUS GTX WEBSITE  WWW.GARMONTUSA.COM MSRP  $399.95  An outstanding compact mountaineering boot compatible with semi-automatic crampons.  The tailored leather and suede upper delivers an incredible fit and secure edging.  The Vibram sole guarantees your feet won’t give out, no matter the journey.  Gore-Tex waterproofing for all-weather protection

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LA SPORTIVA

PRODUCT  QUANTUM WOMEN’S WEBSITE  WWW.SPORTIVA.COM MSRP  $125  Fits like a glove but for your foot! A slip-lasted upper built provides form-fitting fit that sculpts the contours of your feet.  Midsole of the shoe absorbs shock from the ground to make a rocky trail feel as smooth as flat ground.  Well cushioned, well designed and the ultimate trail shoe

TIMBERLAND

PRODUCT  RADLER TRAIL CAMP SHOE WEBSITE  WWW.TIMBERLAND.COM MSRP  $65  This lightweight, unisex shoe is easily packable and won’t take up space or weigh down your pack—just zip it up so it’s compact, and you’re ready to continue on the trail.  Fleece-lined and made of 42% recycled rubber outsoles for traction  Available in five colors

OUTDOORSY ACCESSORIES MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR

PRODUCT  HYDRA PRO GLOVE WEBSITE  WWW.MOUNTAINHARDWEAR.COM MSRP  $125  Look for these new gloves in Mountain Hardwear’s Fall 2012 line. A flexible soft shell glove made for alpine climbing; Q.Shield works as a repellant to the fabric prevents water from soaking in.  Extremely waterproof and totally windproof, to keep hands warmer  Fleece lining, goatskin leather palm and nylon fabric softshell

MOUNTAINSMITH

PRODUCT  CARBONLITE PRO TREKKING POLES WEBSITE  WWW.MOUNTAINSMITH.COM MSRP  $69.95  The Carbonlite Pro trekking poles are ultra-light and great for long treks  Made of carbon and aircraft grade 7075 aluminum, equipped with cork grips, an anti-shock absorption system, removable hiking baskets, rubber boot tips and carbide tips for traction  Help your body by giving it the extra support it needs to keep going

WOLVERINE

PRODUCT  FULCRUM WEBSITE  WWW.WOLVERINE.COM MSRP  $200  Wolverine’s Fulcrum ICS Mid-Cut Off-Road Gore-Tex Hiker shoe (that’s mouthful) has a long name, and an even longer life as you trek through harsh terrain.  Outsole grips cling to unforgiving terrain, while the waterproof full-grain leather upper and Gore-Tex membrane are guaranteed to keep your feet dry  Ideal for long hikes with heavy gear

TECH4O

PRODUCT  DISCOVER GPS WEBSITE  WWW.TECH4O.COM MSRP  $199.99  The Discover includes a heart rate monitor and software to download/upload entire routes using Google Earth; workout metrics, track log function, waypoint navigation, digital compass, an EL backlight and more  30 m water resistance  Works on a rechargeable battery ASG

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BY ABE ELIAS PHOTOS: THINKSTOCK

Safety Net The 7 Most Important Survival Skills You Must Have It only happens in the movies … at least you thought. Your heart races uncontrollably, adrenaline surges through your body and sweat pours down your face … all because of the sudden realization that you’re lost. In the span of a few hours, you have gone from an outdoor adventure to a survival situation. Will you live or will you die? Every year people venture into the wilderness to enjoy Mother Nature, and every year some of them will run into trouble. The consequences can be death … unless the necessary precautions are taken. And that means go equipped with the following seven skills.

THE 7 ESSENTIALS license plates. Every detail will serve as a tool to help officials find you, if need be. By all means, don’t vary from the plans. Sure, it is great to be easy-going and flexible, but it’s not so great to be a statistic.

• Plan • First Aid • Navigation • Fire • Shelter • Signaling • Composure

2 FIRST AID Let’s face it … accidents happen. A gash from a sharp rock while walking to the river’s edge, or a stumble on a slippery slope resulting in a broken arm. Even a simple blister can ruin a perfectly good outing. First Aid is an essential skill in the wilderness, and it is easy enough to pick up. Look for various credible sources that teach courses in first aid. This is one skill everyone should have in his arsenal.

1 PLAN Planning: Make it your No. 1 priority. Regardless of the duration of the trip or the location, make a plan. There is an old saying about the five Ps that always rings true: Proper planning prevents poor performance. Should something happen to one of them, provide your trip agenda to more than one person. Remember, you can’t be lost if no one knows you’re missing. Your trip agenda should have a list of travelers, intended destination, travel route, departure and return times, the number of vehicles (including colors) and

3 NAVIGATION Let’s talk navigation. A GPS is great, but you should always have a back-up navigational tool. Every wilderness traveler should learn the

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“In matter of a few hours, you have gone from an outdoor adventure to a survival situation. Will you live or will you die?” art of map and compass reading, just like the old days. These tools may be old, but they work and are reliable. If you’re unfamiliar or need to brush off some of the rust of map reading, there are plenty of good resources. Books and DVDs are that explain navigation are available. Another option is to join an orienteering club. Now, imagine yourself in the wilderness. When you realize you are lost, stop wondering around. Getting even more off course never helps. Sit down, collect yourself and don’t move until you get your bearings. Next, break out the map. If you still don’t have a good fix, don’t move! Search and rescue personnel can find you easier if you aren’t outrunning them. If you have to move or choose to, do not necessarily follow a river … because they do not always lead to civilization. That is a common mistake people make. Make sure the river is on your map and be positive that it leads somewhere. Obviously, shooting for a highway is best, but hydro lines and rail ways were built for commerce; therefore, they will lead to the people who pay for the services. That’s a whole lot better than trekking river banks.

Every trip must begin with an agenda.

Your best source of firestarting material will come from dead trees. Trees that have blown down and that are propped off the ground often have dry wood inside. If you have the means, you can access it. Also, look for dead branches from the bottom rungs of tall pine and spruce trees. Birch bark or shavings from the inside of cedar bark are also fuel sources. It’s best to carry two ways to start a fire on you— at all times—and of those should be a firesteel because it is an excellent method for making fire. It doesn’t hurt to keep some sort of fire starter on you like cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly or a magnesium block, too. Once your fire is happening, keep it midsized. Keeping it burning brightly and warm allows you to stay close and benefit from the heat, and that is more fuel efficient than a raging fire. Raging fires provide little benefit outside of entertainment or cremation.

4 FIRE Let’s clear the air about something. There is no shame in using a lighter. We’re talking life or death here, remember. Many authors talk about traditional ways to start a fire, and they are all good. If I had to recommend one, I would suggest the bow-and-drill method. Some say if you learn to make a friction fire, you will never forget your matches. For that reason alone, it is worth trying it once. Next, go to the dead to help the living.

5 SHELTER In adverse conditions, shelter can make the difference between living and dying, so let’s cover the basics. Keep it simple. Look at it in terms of how long it takes to build and how hot and sweaty you will get doing it. Some primitive shelters take a lot of work and require large amounts of material. Do your research in advance. If you need to build shelter, balance the need for that shelter versus the energy expended. Then go with what works. Keep in mind that shelters are built to protect you from the elements and conserve

YOUR TRIP AGENDA Leave a trip agenda with more then one person, and make sure it contains the following information: • A list of travelers • Destination • Departure, arrival and return times • Location • Travel route • The number of vehicles (including colors) and license plates

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en a bright bandana will do. A smoky fire ill work, but remember to keep it under • By scraping a FireSteel, a shower of white hot ntrol. To get a smoky fire going, simply (5,500°F) sparks spew forth. dd damp vegetation to your fire like wet • The sparks will start your fire even in adverse aves or spruce/pine bows. The column of conditions. moke will send a clear signal. • www.firesteel.com Always use audible and visual signals gether. It is easier for people to see your when they are looking for you, of course. In the case of an emergency, you might be signaling when someone is not searching for you, so take every measure possible to get noticed.

THE BASICS OF A FIRESTEEL

7

COMPOSURE

In any emergency situation, equipment is a bonus. In any emergency situation, a well-working mind is a necessity. To help maintain composure, pay attention to your breathing. Keeping it under control will help keep you stay calm and focused on what’s important. Don’t panic over things like food unless you have a specific medical condition like hypoglycemia or diabetes. The average North American can go some time on only their reserves.

BE SMART It is important to be prepared for the challenge of wilderness adventure. Having these seven basic skills is a good start. Leave nothing to chance and prepare yourself in order to enjoy your time out there in the woods. Basic survival skills … don’t leave home without them. ASG

heat. It is easier to huddle in a small shelter than it is to build and stay warm in a large one. Keep shelters low and small and insulate yourself from the ground. If you are combining a shelter with a fire for warmth, the fire is more effective if you can expose your whole body to it. A shelter that allows you to lay parallel to the fire is best.

Abe Elias has been teaching wilderness trip planning since 1993. He is certified by the Ontario Recreational Canoe Association. For more information, go to www.dskw.ca or www.greatlakesbushcraft.com.

6 EMERGENCY SIGNALING

Emergency signaling is often taken for granted, and that is a huge mistake. If you want to be found, it is best to make it easy for those who are looking. There are two forms of signaling: audible and visual. Carry both types on you at all times and learn how to use them. Whistles are a standard signaling device, and they are inexpensive and light to carry. Stash a couple in your gear and always carry one with you. A signaling mirror is the most common visual signaling tool. With the advent of LEDs, you can purchase affordable strobes too. I recommend carrying at least one SIGNALING DEVICES mirror. As a rule, I never skimp on survival gear, • A mirror which means purchase a good mirror and leave • A strobes the used CDs at home. As the search and rescue • A smoky firearm plane passes over head and misses your signal, • Bright-colored items such as that is no time to question the $5 dollars an orange garbage bag or you saved using an old CD. clothing Other methods include a smoky • Smoky fires firearm, bright colored items such as an orange garbage bag or clothing. 91

Dead trees are a great source for fire.

Cover Up The Best Comfort, Protection in Sleeping Bags, Tents other Nature doesn’t take reservations. And that means she may displace you at any time, place or season, which is exactly why you need to be prepared with the most rugged, badass sleeping bags and tents on the planet. So, if you’ve got no place to stay and the temperature heads south of zero or you find yourself on the hard ground until the floodwaters subside, you’re covered. Literally and figuratively.

M

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.

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SLEEPING BAGS ADVENTURE MEDICAL KITS PRODUCT  SOL THERMAL BIVVY WEBSITE  WWW.ADVENTUREMEDICALKITS.COM MSRP  $30

 Waterproof, windproof and built for survival! This bivvy reflects up to 80 percent of your radiated body heat back to you!  The metalized non-woven fabric provides protection against the elements and reflects heat, weighing only 9.1 ounces.  It’s built to last through snowy conditions and is AMK’s top-selling item.

ADVENTURE MEDICAL KITS

BIG AGNES

PRODUCT  SOL EMERGENCY BIVVY WEBSITE  WWW.ADVENTUREMEDICALKITS.COM MSRP  $17

PRODUCT  GROUSE MOUNTAIN WEBSITE  WWW.BIGAGNES.COM MSRP  $259.95 TO $279.95

 It’s only 3.8 ounces! This pocket-sized SOL Emergency Bivvy is your backup against the unexpected.  It’s available in an ultralight stuff sack, can be used repeatedly and it’s made from rip-resistant heatsheets to reflect 90 percent of our body heat.  Durable, repairable and will give you the comfort of extra warmth

 600-fill goose down for optimized insulation  A half pad sleeve allows for attachment to the pad, with wiggle room for legs  Mummy shape decreases weight and packed size; cotton storage sack and nylon stuff sack included  Built-in pillow pocket holds a fleece or Big Agnes pillow

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COGHLAN’S

EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS

 Provides shelter against wind and rain while retaining body heat to keep you alive  Prevents or treats hypothermia  Comes in a compact box, readily available for emergencies

 This emergency sleeping bag is pocket-sized, handy and lightweight  Keep it in the glove compartment of your car, a backpack or emergency kit  Designed to reflect 80 percent of radiated body heat for warmth and dryness; use as a sleeping bag, ground cover or radar reflector

DEUTER

EUREKA!

 The affordable Dreamlite 500 has a Polydown soft Polyester fiber fill, lined with soft-nylon Taffeta  Lightweight (1 lb. 5 oz.) and packs down super small; great for a summer sleeping bag that’s not too bulky and hot—even use it as a sleeping bag liner for winter.  For the extra tall, Dreamlite is also available in long

 Features Rteq insulation that is a blend of four unique polyester fibers for denier, loft, weight and thermal efficiency  The Women’s Casper is the anatomical shape that fits the female form—4 inches shorter and 2 narrower than the regular Casper, while generously cut at the hip level  Has the feel of cotton; insulation-filled draft tube runs the length of the zipper to hold in warmth

PRODUCT  EMERGENCY BAG WEBSITE  WWW.COGHLANS.COM MSRP  $3.99 AND UP

PRODUCT  EMERGENCY BAG WEBSITE  WWW.BEPREPARED.COM MSRP  $3.75

PRODUCT  DREAMLITE 500 WEBSITE  WWW.DEUTER.COM MSRP  $95

PRODUCT  WOMEN’S CASPER 15°F WEBSITE  WWW.EUREKATENT.COM MSRP  $134.90

EDDIE BAUER FIRST ASCENT

KELTY

 600-fill premium European goose down  40-ounce denier ripstop nylon shell, raised footbox for comfort, YKK zippers for smooth closure  3-season mummy bag with down insulation—ideal for drier conditions; nylon stuff sack and cotton storage bag

 550-fill power down, 40D nylon ripstop and 50D polyester micro-pongee liner  This bag features a removable hood and other extras like sleeping bag security loops, slant-baffle construction, Cheveron stitching, two-way locking blanket zipper, hang loops for storage and zippered chest pocket  Unzip the hood in warmer weather  Can be fully unzipped and opened to use as a flat blanket

PRODUCT  SNOWLINE +20° DOWN SLEEPING BAG WEBSITE  WWW.EDDIEBAUER.COM MSRP  $229

PRODUCT  COROMELL 0 WEBSITE  WWW.KELTY.COM MSRP  $239.95

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MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR

SIERRA DESIGNS

 Insulated 850-fill down provides outstanding warmth  Max warmth, with minimal weight—15.7 ounces!  Five chamber hood design maintains even loft around head for consistent warmth  Insulated draft tube with anti-snag panel prevents cold spots along the zipper line

 600-fill down for light weight and warmth  Stays drier seven times longer than untreaten down, retains 34 percent more loft than untreated down exposed to moisture, dries 33 percent faster than untreated down  Revolutionary DriDown technology for a “hydrophobic” finish

SEA TO SUMMIT

SLUMBERJACK

 850+ loft European goose down and protected with 3D NanoShell technology for water repellency and condensation management  Prepared for winter camping in subzero climates  Relaxed mummy shape cut larger on the hood, broader on the shoulders and at the chest for comfort

 Fleece-lined hood, two-layer construction adds warmth and prevents cold spots  Flip-over hood allows user to flip the hood inside out for flatness or shape  Anti-snag zipper protection; draft tube along zipper for heat loss prevention; extra foot space for comfort, without the bulky weight (29 ounces)

PRODUCT  MTN SPEED 32 WEBSITE  WWW.MOUNTAINHARDWEAR.COM MSRP  $400

PRODUCT  TRAVERSE SERIES WEBSITE  WWW.SEATOSUMMIT.COM MSRP  $479 TO $569

PRODUCT  WOMEN’S ELEANOR 30 WEBSITE  WWW.SIERRADESIGNS.COM MSRP  $259.95

PRODUCT  LONE PINE 20 WEBSITE  WWW.SLUMBERJACK.COM MSRP  $89.99

TENTS ALPS MOUNTAINEERING

PRODUCT  JAGGED PEAK WEBSITE  WWW.ALPSMOUNTAINEERING.COM MSRP  $299.99 TO $349.99  Easy entry and ventilation with two doors covered by mesh windows  Two vestibules for gear storage and extra weather protection  Easy assembly with pole clips that quickly snap over tent poles

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BIG AGNES

EDDIE BAUER FIRST ASCENT

 Three season, freestanding and ultra light  Packed weight is only 2 pounds, 3 ounces  Made of breathable ripstop nylon and polyester mesh  Sparse, fast and adventurous— just like you

 A four-season expedition tent with double-wall construction for condensation control, two-vestibule design for space and storage, steep walls for maximized floor space and a 6-pocket interior organizer for your gear  Made of 40D rip-stop nylon, polyester and aluminum poles

PRODUCT  FLY CREEK 2 PLATINUM WEBSITE  WWW.BIGAGNES.COM MSRP  $499.95

PRODUCT  KATABATIC TENT WEBSITE  WWW.EDDIEBAUER.COM MSRP  $599

BLACK DIAMOND

PRODUCT  SKYLIGHT TENT WEBSITE  WWW.BLACKDIAMONDEQUIPMENT.COM MSRP  $449.95

EUREKA!

PRODUCT  ZEUS 2 CLASSIC WEBSITE  WWW.EUREKATENT.COM MSRP  $209.90

 Part of the Superlight Series, capable for three seasons with a hybrid single/double-wall construction; the tent’s front has a mesh inner wall for ventilation and panoramic view  2-3 person capacity with one door opening  Weight when packed is about 5 pounds

 Light and large, this innovative design is for the solo traveler but can expand to accommodate two campers  Minimum weight is 3 pounds 14 ounces  Aluminum frame, easy set up, high and low venting door vents for circulation and mesh storage pockets

EUREKA!

PRODUCT  EUREKA SOLITAIRE WEBSITE  WWW.EUREKATENT.COM MSRP  $94.90  Eureka’s most compact solo tent, for perennial backpackers  Minimum weight of 2 pounds 9 ounces  Durable 6.3 mm of fiberglass frame, nylon pole sleeves aid in set up and stability, has two storage pockets and one flashlight loop

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GOLITE

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR

 This tent for three weighs in at only 4 pounds 5 ounces  Combining the Flysheet and Nest, the versatile Shangri-La is light, has two larger peak vents, high internal gear loops for clothes lines and hanging items  Pitches with 4 stakes, packaged with 8  Mesh is designed to keep bugs out, but let air flow in for summer nights

 Mountain Hardwear’s lightest two person backpacking tent for three seasons, weighing in at just more than two pounds  Designed for going fast and light without compromising in protection, strength or storage space  Watertight construction with fully taped fly, vestibule for added storage and convenience

KELTY

SIERRA DESIGNS

 Equipped for three seasons, with a capacity of four people  The freestanding design means easy set up, with more than 61 feet of floor space  Great for a comfy night’s sleep with the whole family under one roof  A double track door unzips to create a full awning that provides protection from the sun or rain when sitting outside

 Four person, four season tent  The low-to-the-ground design is built to withstand strong polar gusts of wind, while also being weatherproof  Built to house a team of four intrepid winter adventurers, with plenty of space, air vents and hanging pockets ASG

PRODUCT  SHANGRI-LA 3 TENT WEBSITE  WWW.GOLITE.COM MSRP  $199.99

PRODUCT  PARTHENON 4 WEBSITE  WWW.KELTY.COM MSRP  $399.95

PRODUCT  SUPERMEGA UL 2 IN TREE WEBSITE  WWW.MOUNTAINHARDWARE.COM MSRP  $430

PRODUCT  POLAR TUNNEL 4 WEBSITE  WWW.SIERRADESIGNS.COM MSRP  $999.95

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Chaos Happens Tips for Crisis Survival COOL under fire. It’s an expression used in the sports world that refers to the composure and unparalleled performance elite athletes show when the game is on the line. Pressure and adversity bend and ultimately break a normal athlete, but the elite player remains focused and rises above the rest. In our everyday world, we could face adversity at any time … whether that’s a flood, hurricane, some other disaster or civil unrest. And that’s exactly why you need to be prepared. With training. With mental tenacity. With a plan. You’ll find these tips in the following section. Don’t be normal. Be among the elite. The American Survival Guide. Because chaos happens. ASG

THINKSTOCK

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I Will

The Key To Surviving Any Traumatic Incident Is a Positive Attitude

SURVIVE BY DR. THOMAS J. NARDI PHOTOS: THINKSTOCK

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“The single most important aspect of surviving any crisis—whether a powerful devastating hurricane, a terrorist attack or a family tragedy—lies in your mind.” —Thomas J. Nardi, psychologist

HER

patient could identify with the lyrics. In fact, she felt like the song was written for her in her time of need, which is exactly why she bought the record and played it over and over. She even wrote the lyrics down and carried them around with her as a reminder that she, too “will survive.” By playing the song repeatedly, my patient kept giving herself positive messages. Before adopting the song as her personal anthem, her messages to herself were negative. In effect, she kept telling herself she would not survive and that she “could never live” without her husband “by my side.” As we continued with the counseling, she “grew strong and learned how to get along.” Giving herself positive affirmations, repeatedly throughout the day, helped her stay positive while displacing the negative messages. Although she did not know it, the survival messages she gave herself were the same used by elite military forces. They are also the ones that many cops and firefighters learn to tell themselves to ensure their own safety. This technique can also help you, especially during a natural disaster or some other traumatic event.

tears flowed.

She paused momentarily, wiped her cheeks without looking up and then continued. At the age of 18, she told me she left her parents’ home to get married. Now, 23 years later, she was alone with two children. Her husband had suddenly and unexpectedly decided he no longer wanted to be married. He left her and moved in with his new girlfriend. “I've always had someone to take care of me,” she sobbed. “My husband took care of the money, the car, the bills, everything. I feel helpless and scared.” The year was 1978. Disco was the rage in music, and this woman was my patient.

FIGHT BACK Why do I mention disco? As I worked with her, Gloria Gaynor’s song “I Will Survive” became a crucial part of the counseling I provided because my

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“Mentally rehearsing your plan of action and your self-talk can be a sort of psychological fire drill to prepare you for the real thing.” —Thomas J. Nardi, psychologist

WHAT ARE YOU TELLING YOURSELF? When a crisis hits, the first reaction is denial. Our mind shouts, “Oh, no. This can’t be.” But we quickly realize that it not only can be, but it is happening. What you tell yourself next is crucial. If you tell yourself, “I can't handle this, I’ll never survive,” you will likely give up. You have created what is considered a self-fulfilling prophecy. And, in time of severe disasters, giving up equates to dying. Your very survival depends upon believing you not only can survive, but that you will survive. The single most important aspect of surviving any crisis—whether a devastating hurricane, a terrorist attack or a family tragedy—lies in your mind. More specifically, your ability to react, survive and overcome any crisis depends upon your mindset … the messages you give yourself. “But I don’t know for sure that I will survive,” you may be thinking.

THE ABC’S OF EMOTION Dr. Albert Ellis, the late psychologist and founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, formulated a simple model to explain emotions. A According to Dr. Ellis, we start with an A. In terms of survival, the A stands for Adversity. Some Adversity has occurred, be it an earthquake, major blizzard or terrorist attack. C As a result we experience C, a Consequence. The Consequence may be fear, anxiety, depression or some other negative emotions. Some people may think that the A caused the C. Ellis disagrees. He argued that the C is caused by our self-talk. Our self-talk is what we tell ourselves about the A. The self-talk takes place at B, our Beliefs about the Adversity. B We cannot change the Adversity, but we can change the emotional Consequence. To do so we need to be aware of the B. Identify the messages you are giving yourself, because they are creating the negative emotions. Dispute and challenge the negative thoughts. Replace them with more realistic positive and hopeful ones. The result will be a change—for the better—in how you feel and how you react.

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True, you don’t know for sure that you will survive, but, you don’t know for sure that you won’t. So, you have a choice: believe you will or believe you won’t survive. As Thomas Ford once observed: “If you think you can or if you think you can’t, you are probably correct.” Be aware of your thoughts. Your thoughts are the messages, or self-talk, that determine your emotions and your behavior.

COPING STATEMENTS Facing some adversity? Some seemingly overwhelming challenge? Replace your negative thoughts with positive coping statements. Here are a few examples. • I can do this! • I won't give up! • It may seem rough, but I'll get through this. • When the going gets tough, the tough get going. • Quitters never win, and winners never quit.

MENTAL REHEARSAL Another helpful strategy for developing a survival mindset is to use mental rehearsal. When you read or see reports of disasters in other areas, think about how you would react. Mentally rehearse what you would do in the same situation. Think about specific actions you would take in dealing with the crisis. Also think about how you could be better prepared to cope. For instance, do you keep supplies of batteries, flashlights, First Aid kits, non-perishable food, etc.? If not, consider doing so.

THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE When the massive quake struck Los Angeles in 1994, there was no warning. Just like that killer temblor, really bad things can happen at any moment, and the severity is increased because we have little, if any, advanced notice that they are about to occur. In these circumstances, we often feel like we have no control over our lives. In truth, of course, we cannot control what happens to us. There are many things that we cannot predict or prevent. What we can control, however, is what we tell ourselves about what happens. The messages we give ourselves determine if we will surrender to the disaster that has befallen us or if we will fight back and overcome it. As Winston Churchill once said, "Never, never, never give up.”

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Mentally rehearse what thoughts would be racing through your head. Identify the thoughts that would contribute to negative feelings and replace them with positive messages. Mentally rehearsing your plan of action and your self-talk can be a sort of psychological fire drill to prepare you for the real thing.

WHERE IT BEGINS When things seem really bad, consider a line from the “Lord of the Rings” novel. “If you can say, ‘This is the worst thing that ould happen,’ it means it is not the worst thing hat could happen.” Remember, survival begins and ends in your ind. Good thinking gives good results. ASG The Writer: Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D. is a psyhologist in private practice. He is also director of he Graduate Mental Health and School Counselng programs at Long Island University Hudson raduate Campus in Orangeburg, NY. Dr. Nardi’s inical orientation is cognitive behavior therapy.

BY ABE ELIAS PHOTOS: THINKSTOCK

Plan, Prepare, Survive 20 Essential Items Needed for Your Car Emergency Kit IS the end of the world just around the corner?

for the cables. Connect the positive and negative cables to the corresponding terminals on the “live” car and then connect them to the “dead” car. Then, turn on the ignition of the dead car. A small selection of tools is good to have, and that includes a multi-driver and duct tape. Wrenches and ratchets sets can be used to tighten things that have come loose as happens from time to time. The duct tape can be used to temporarily patch broken water hoses or cover broken windows. Keep in mind that your life could depend on these items so buy good quality items and don’t substitute. For instance, digging yourself out of a snow bank is easier and safer with a proper shovel than it is with a coffee can. Sure, one is free and the other isn’t, but your life is worth a $14 collapsible shovel.

Probably not. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. After all, there are enough emergencies in today’s world … from the earthquakes that rattle the Western states, to the tornadoes that whip through the Midwest to the hurricane and floods that hammer the south. And that is exactly why it makes good sense to keep an emergency kit in your car to help you in times of need. There are two kinds of car kits. One is used for vehicle troubles while the other is for you and any passengers in the car. In the following story, we’ll look at some of the supplies you need, why you need them and the strategies needed to use them.

THE VEHICLE KIT Very few people have enough command of auto mechanics to actually perform any major repairs at roadside. Even if they do, they don’t have access to the parts or tools needed to make those repairs. But that is a problem that should never happen. So what should the contents be? Start with a back-up liquid like water. If the car overheats, you’re covered. Next, carry the tools to repair a flat tire. Every car should be equipped with a car jack and spare tire, and it is imperative to learn how to change a flat. You should also have a set of jumper cables. The cables are two colors: red for positive and black for negative. Battery connections usually show corresponding colors and symbols

THE PEOPLE KIT The first item you need is a good sturdy backpack. Sure, it’s not generally recommended that you move from the car, but the backpack will make it easier to transport your supplies should you have to get mobile. Next, what should you carry? Some good items to have are a candle lantern because it will supply warmth and light. A headlamp is a good source of light and it leaves your hands free to do work. Back-up food is good too. You might not be out there long, but a quick snack will keep spirits up and provide energy. An axe and saw can be used

THE VEHICLE KIT ITEM PURPOSE Water Overheating Jack, spare tire Flat tire Jumper cables Dead Battery Multi-driver tool Repairs Duct tape Patch broken water hoses or cover broken windows

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DID YOU KNOW?

THE PEOPLE KIT ITEM Backpack Candle lantern Headlamp Backup Food Axe and/or saw Whistle Signal mirrors Emergency help signs Rescue tool Safety vest

Packing a kit is not enough. You have to remember to check it to ensure that items like food and batteries aren’t expired.

PURPOSE Carry Supplies Warmth and light Light and leaves your hands free to do work Energy, lifts spirits Cut branches that can then be used for traction Effective audible signal Alert rescuers Alert rescuers Emergency car exit Better visibility if you are working on your car at night

to get your car unstuck. On occasion, I have chopped down braches and put them under the tires to get traction. Always carry something to signal with audibly and visually. A whistle and your car horn are good for audible signals. Visual items include signal mirrors and emergency help signs. There are a couple of extras that you should have too, including a rescue tool in the event you have to make an emergency car exit and a safety vest so you’re visible on the highway at night if you are working on your car.

but it’s a safe bet it won’t … for a very long time. However, you can be assured that somewhere in the country an emergency is going to occur, and you may be caught in your car when that does happen. That’s why it’s important to stay calm and stay with the vehicle, ideally in a highly visible location. Then all you have to do is keep yourself safe until help comes. And your supply kits will allow you to do that. ASG Abe Elias has been teaching about wilderness and survival for more than 17 years.

DIG A LITTLE DEEPER

“Keep in mind that your life could depend on these items so buy good quality items and don’t substitute.”

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• WEB: www.dskw.ca • WEB: www.greatlakesbushcraft.com • E-MAIL: [email protected]

The Depths of Humanity BY KAREN WILHELMSEN

From the Amazon to 9/11 to New Zealand Mountaintops, Three Amazing Survival Stories THE meaning of life.

THINKSTOCK

It’s something survivors of horrific misfortunes are forced to think about, knowing the likelihood that they might not live to see another day is probable. And even after their harrowing journeys— up Everest, through the Amazon or amidst an urban attack—it’s still on their mind, every day, forever. But the survivors didn’t just come out alive, they came out stronger—mind, body and spirit. Through willpower, persistence and an ounce of luck, they each lived to tell their heroic tales. What can we learn from cases in which it’s one man against all odds? You’re about to find out, as you embark on a journey through the depths of the human soul.

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YOSSI GHINSBERG

there was no skin left on his feet—just two chucks of exposed flesh oozing puss. “I was bitten thousands of times by bees, wasps, mosquitoes, and worst, some bugs that left larva under my skin that hatched and were feeding on my flesh,” he says. “Famine left me nothing but skin hanging on bones. My physical condition was horrific. Thank God that my mental faculty somehow realized that if I lose it there, I will be dead for sure.” Ghinsberg remained good spirited—focused only on the positive vision of staying alive and making it out to civilization … somehow.

nds venturing into the It started as three frie had to but ultimately they heart of the Amazon, ere wh no on ati With civiliz split up to find help. al tur na the vs. rg Ghinsbe in sight, it was Yossi d an rs ua jag es, ch lee tion, world—battling starva gle loration into the jun himself. A dream exp e as one viv sur to gle ug str us turned into a perilo ing s pushed to his break man’s will to live wa point.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS In December 1981, Ghinsberg, a native to Israel where he was born and raised, set out as a young explorer into the Bolivian Amazon along with friends Markus Stamm, a Swiss mystic, and Kevin Gale, an American photographer. The three met Karl Ruprechter in La Paz, an Austrian expatriate claiming to be a geologist, who inspired the trip after promising to be their guide down the Tuichi River. After weeks wandering the Amazon, a river-rafting outing resulted in Markus getting trench foot, a condition that occurs when feet are exposed to unsanitary and chilly water for prolonged periods of time. The group split up after realizing Karl wasn’t fulfilling all he promised for the group, and that they were ill equipped.

“I WAS PRAYING TO DIE” Against All Odds, a Young Man Survives 20 Days Lost in the Amazon, “Finds” Himself in the Process Yossi Ghinsberg was alone alongside the Tuichi River … just as he had been for the previous 19 days. “The amount of pain and suffering was quite unimaginable,” says Ghinsberg. “I was one big open wound that couldn’t heal because I was completely drenched for weeks.” During his ordeal, his clothes had torn and his skin had broken, and each wound had become infected. He had fallen off a cliff, saved miraculously by a branch, which punctured him, causing agonizing pain. His feet contracted a severe fungal infection, and

BOILING POINT

THINKSTOCK

Day 17 would bring the lowest point on Ghinsberg’s 20 days in the Amazon. After a huge flood forced him up into the hills, his feet became so raw that could no longer walk. Crawling, he tried to find the riverbank again, for without it he was lost. Out of nowhere, Ghinsberg heard a plane. “Knowing it was searching for me, I jumped on my feet and ran amok, screaming my lungs out and waving my hands in despair—the surge of hope that it will be all over in a minute if I am seen,” says Ghinsberg, who had gotten his taste for exploration early when he served for the Israeli navy. But under the forest’s canopy, he was invisible from above. “It passed and disappeared, oblivious to my agony,” he says. “That was too much to bear. Something deep inside me snapped. I collapsed into the mud, my feet on fire. From the depth of my heart, I was praying to die. I gave up on life. To my surprise, life did not give up on me.” 108

TEN YEARS LATER

The positive elements of this story inspire me and thousands of others all around the world.” Though most will never experience anything close to Ghinsberg’s journey, he says most people put in a similar circumstance will endure as well. “[I want people to know] that there’s providence in life and miracles,” he says. “I also want them to know that adversity is part of life, yet being a victim is our choice; that we are heroes of our life story; that having a clear purpose and being strong is the key to dealing with tough times; that working toward a goal that is larger than us, contributing to others and being of service is the key to discovering our true power; that accepting reality for what it is is the definition of sanity; that nature is our true home and we are part of it; that the company of others is the most precious thing in the world; that if not for the goodness of other FIND OUT MORE we would be dead; that every For more on Yossi and his breath is precious and every incredible tale, check out his day is a blessing; if it can be best-selling books “Jungle” and taken from us it was never “Laws of the Jungle.” ours; that to lose everything You can also book him for may mean to find yourself; that motivational speeches at we are here for a reason and www.ghinsberg.com. we better shine.”

Ten years after Yossi Ghinsberg escaped death, he returned to the same spots he ventured. He stayed for three years, making the forest his home, its inhabitants his family. While there, Ghinsberg built one of the most celebrated ecological resorts on the Amazon basin called Chalalan, and it now inspires sustainable development and eco-tourism. He also inspired the Madidi National Park—the largest biosphere conservation belt in the region. “We have transformed the Madidi Valley from the hands of the exploiters to a national reserve and the entire region from loggers, hunters and miners,” says Ghinsberg.

OUT, ALIVE During the 20 days, Ghinsberg’s mantra played loudly in his head. “I’m a man of action,” he repeatedly told himself, which meant no worry, no despair, no speculations, no complaints. “It meant acceptance of the circumstances and taking the right action. In essence, this is the secret of survival in extreme situations. As I learned, it is also the recipe for happiness in life. A man of action accepts reality for what it is and acts upon what the present challenge is, not wasting time to find out why this happened. Not complaining with a ‘why me’ attitude, not worrying about the possible disastrous consequences, but rather focusing on the best-desired outcome and taking the right action toward it.” Ghinsberg says that in any survival situation, this attitude comes naturally, because it’s the most efficient strategy for survival. He says the mind is quiet and doesn’t waste precious energy on self-doubt and fear. “All faculties are honed and directed at the task ahead— staying alive,” he says. Yossi’s best friend, Kevin, is the one who eventually found him. Kevin never gave up the search, though the other two didn’t make it.

“Famine left me nothing but skin hanging on bones.” –Yossi Ghinsberg

SELF-DISCOVERY Looking back, Ghinsberg doesn’t describe the event as tragic, though the saddest aspect was losing two friends. “It was never painful,” says Ghinsberg, now a motivational speaker. “Not even days after the rescue. While in the Amazon the experience was one of self-discovery and the discovery of my spiritual connection. A sense of elation is what I felt and still feel when I recall and recount my jungle against-all-odds survival story.

PHOTO COURTESY OF YOSSI GHINSBERG

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SUJO JOHN

prior. Earlier in the morning his wife, Mary, who worked on the 71st floor of the South Tower, was running a few minutes late for work out of the couple’s home in Teaneck, New Jersey. At 8:05 a.m. John sent an e-mail to a friend, telling him of wanting more purpose in his life, as the night before Sujo and Mary discussed their life insurance policy, so the topic of death had been fresh on their minds. Forty-one minutes later, John heard a piercing explosion, and the office rattled as the room resonated with screams. Debris flew into the building and ignited. John saw a huge crater below and above him of mangled metal, smoke billowing out. He knew it was a plane, and he wondered if it had also hit the South Tower where Mary worked. His adrenaline kicked in. “This is real,” he thought. John watched firemen running up the stairwells while hoards of office workers ran the opposite direction. “There were hundreds of firemen running up the stairways, with fire and smoke, and it gave me such strength to know that they stepped into danger and died trying to save others,” he says. “It made me realize that we’re bigger than this, and that there had to be a way out.” As he descended down the stairs, he wondered if his wife,

He emerged from the three feet of white soot, ashes and glass, holding the hand of an FBI agent who just saved his life. Sujo John had no idea what was going on. His cell phon e still wasn’t connecting, so he couldn’t call his pregnant wife, Mary, to hear her voice on the othe r line, just to know that she too was still alive . “You never know that on any day, at any moment, your life can change forev er,” says John. Little did he know his life would take such a drastic turn on the morning of Sept ember 11, 2001.

“THROUGH THE ASHES COMES BEAUTY” A Concrete Blizzard Over Manhattan

THINKSTOCK

Sujo John worked in marketing in the North Tower of the World Trade Center, on the 81st floor. Sept. 11, 2001 seemed sunny and typical, at least of what John knew since immigrating to New York from India six months

“John emerged on the street to find three feet of ashes and soot and a graveyard of dead bodies littering the ground.”

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE carrying their first To donate to the anti-trafficking movechild, might be alive. ment, visit www.youcanfree.us or for more John, though someon Sujo John, visit www.sujojohn.com. what confused about what was happening, knew that every medi outlet must have been covering the story already, and he didn’t want his parents worrying—glued to their TV in India seeing such horrific images. They had already dealt with the loss of one of their children, John’s sister, who passed at a young age. He wouldn’t let his parents deal with that again. He knew something was inflicted upon America; that someone was attacking. He would not let the enemy win.

never went into either building, and managed to reach 39th St. in Manhattan, shaken by the images of people hurling themselves out of the burning buildings.

ON LIFE AND FAITH “Life is short,” says John, who has since quit his marketing job and switched to motivational speaking. “Post 9/11 there was pain and hatred, but there’s still humanity and so much left,” he says. “It drives everything that I do with purpose beyond my wildest dreams.” John has since founded his own ministry and You Can Free Us, a non-profit that rehabilitates victims of human trafficking in safe houses in New Delhi, India. He wrote his novel “Do You Know Where You Are Going?” and frequently travels to villages in India, where he helps build schools. “I’ve shared my story so many times, and any 9/11 survivor can tell you that it becomes part of your life,” he says. “Everything changed. I think about it every day. It’s a defining moment for our generation, and it’s great when you change the world by sharing your story. It’s been a launch pad.” He wouldn’t have done any of it without faith. “Faith has helped me reach my goals,” he says. “The reality is you can wake up and you never know that on any day, at any moment, your life can change forever. It’s not about what car you drive or what stuff we acquire; it’s about our relationships with one another. You might end up dying with money, but what about the people in your life? I’m not against people having their dream house, but it’s not all about the pursuit. I have God and family and know that we’re put on this earth to love and spread hope. From the slums of India to the White House, there is humanity. We all have our stories and pain, but God is real. Through brokenness He can change our life story around. Through the ashes comes beauty.”

FOLLOWING THE LIGHT “At a time like that, the most important thing is faith—it’s all you can lean on,” says John. “It gave me the strength while the building was collapsing. But, we all have our stories, and some might be going through something worse right now or fighting cancer.” On the 53rd floor he took a break to make a phone call, but the landlines were dead. Going toward the exits facing the South Tower, John attempted to get a glimpse of the building. It was then another explosion shook the earth. The South Tower crumbled. John emerged on the street to find three feet of ashes and soot and a graveyard of dead bodies littering the ground. A man with an FBI jacket and flashlight helped him, and he told John to follow the light in the distance coming from an ambulance. Huge boulders and rubble pummeled around him, people bunched up on one side of the building, prayed and cried, “Jesus!” “It was like a blizzard, one caused by all the concrete and ash that had been stirred up into the atmosphere,” John wrote, on the events of that day.

THROUGH THE ASHES Around noon, John’s cell phone finally linked to Mary’s. “Babe, are you alive?” she said. “It was the most amazing experience,” says John, on hearing his wife’s voice. “We both didn’t know if the other was dead. It’s amazing how close we came to death.” Mary had been running a little late for work, and her train reached the World Trade Center subway stop five minutes after the first building was hit. She

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUJO JOHN

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MARK INGLIS Mark Inglis is a double amputee, but more importantly he’s a mountaineer, a scientist who studies human biochemistry, a winemaker, a cyclist who competed in the 2000 Paralympic Games, an author and motivational speaker first. He once had the dream to climb Mt. Everest … and losing his legs did nothing to hinder him from achieving his goal. Inglis’ story is nothing short of inspiring—and even inspired him to write five novels, including “No Mean Feat” and “Legs on Everest.” His tale takes place atop New Zealand’s

says Inglis, who was 23 at the time. “I always say the best person to lose his legs is a young mountaineer. He is an intensely proactive person, just to be a climber; he has been in life-threatening situations that only work out through his competence. Take that attitude along in life, and you see the double amputation for what it truly is: just an opportunity to live life in a new and different way. Not easier, but just different.”

3 MONTHS LATER Within three months, Inglis was back on the mountains, though he grew frustrated that he couldn’t climb like he once did. After several years of trying with discouraging results, he ventured into other pursuits—skiing, cycling, his career as a scientist and winemaking. “It is frustrating that things never go fast enough, but a great lesson in understanding and accepting challenging change— change that you can make,” he says. “But, it’s equally important how you adapt to change that you have no apparent control over. I just had my legs cut off, not my intellect or soul. I’m the same person with new ways to express myself.” It would take years before he felt the need to conquer mountaineering again. “It wasn’t until many years later I felt confident enough to climb again,” he says. “I don’t want people helping. In the mountains it is essential you are totally personally responsible. Don’t expect a hand up.” On Sept. 27, 2004 Inglis climbed Cho Oyu, the sixth highest peak in the world. But that was just the appetizer to the main course. On May 15, 2006 Inglis accomplished his lifelong goal of climbing Everest—as the world’s first double amputee to do so. As an added bonus, the climb raised tens of thousands for Cambodia Trust.

highest peak.

ABOVE THE HIGHEST PEAK A Climber Loses His Legs, Gets the Opportunity To “Live Life in a New and Different Way” December, 1982. Mark Inglis found himself in what he calls a “very unique situation.” As a search and rescue (SAR) team leader for Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, he and Philip Doole were on a routine training climb in New Zealand. But this expedition turned out to be anything but routine. A severe blizzard trapped them on a mountain for 13 days. “Most of the time [during the 13 days] we were constantly thinking about our decisions, our options and continually assessing the situation,” says Inglis. “Much of the time we worried that someone, one of our SAR team members, would get hurt or killed trying to get to us. We survived through knowledge and faith—faith that our team would never stop until they got us.”

METAPHOR FOR LIFE What are some of the things to take away from Inglis’s experience? “Challenge is the essence of life,” says Inglis, who donates prosthetics to Tibetan Sherpas who lost limbs to frostbite. “Always dream big, but most importantly, take the first step to that dream. I believe in ‘responsible optimism.’ That is, just think positive thoughts, but do something about making them become a reality.” Inglis continues to spread his knowledge of wealth as a motivational speaker and is the founding trustee of Limbs4All, which gives prosthetic limbs to disable people around the world. “My talks are based around mountaineering as a metaphor for life and business,” he says. “My corporate life dovetails into my mountaineering life and my life as a double amputee. I always ask, ‘Which Mark do you want? Business, mountaineer, cyclist, amputee, scientist?’ Well actually, you get all of them!”

SURVIVAL 101 To battle the onslaught, the men built a shelter, a snow cave later dubbed “Middle Peak Hotel,” and they waited for the storm to pass, hoping their search and rescue peers would find them soon, as their supply of food and water was running low. Because the men knew their job was dangerous, they were mentally prepared for hardship. “Initially, we thought we would lose toes … occupational hazard!” says Inglis, with a sense of humor about the situation. “It became clear it would be our legs as it was a gradual process. We had time to understand the inevitability of it.” By the time Christmas Eve rolled around, Inglis and Doole wanted their limbs cut off just below the knees so they could move on and start rehabilitating their new lives. “It’s not so positive when you wake up on Christmas day to truly understand there is no going back—a very tough few days,”

ASG

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“Initially we thought we would lose toes … it became clear it would be our legs. We had time to understand the inevitability of it.”

SHARE THE WEALTH

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK INGLIS

• There are more than 400 million disabled people in the world, and millions who can’t afford prosthetic limbs. To donate to the cause or to shepherd Inglis’s charity, visit the Limbs4All Web site, www.limbs4all.com. • For more on Mark and his books (“Off the Front Foot,” “Too the Max,” “No Mean Feat,” “High Tech Legs On Everest” and “Legs On Everest”) visit his Web site at www.markinglis.co.nz.

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BY TORREY KIM

Fast Food

Get A Jump Start on Your Survival Pantry hether a disaster catches you off-guard with an empty pantry or you simply aren’t up to the task of growing your own food, you might want to let someone else do the work of stocking your cupboards. If you do decide to invest in a pre-stocked food kit, part of the work of food preparation has been done for you—but you aren’t ready to set the table just yet. Even dried and reconstituted foods require some finesse to make into complete meals. For a jump start on creating a family meal using some common ingredients, check out this recipe.

W

HAM OMELETS WITH SCONES OR BISCUITS INGREDIENTS 1 teaspoon clarified butter (or oil) 1/2 cup freeze-dried ham 1 cup boiling water 1/2 cup scrambled egg mix 1/4 cup freeze-dried cheddar cheese (optional) 2/3 cup warm water 3 tablespoons milk (made from reconstituting dehydrated milk) Scone mix or buttermilk biscuit mix

THE STARTER KIT

INSTRUCTIONS Combine boiling water and freeze-dried ham and let sit for five to 10 minutes to allow to reconstitute. Meanwhile, stir together the egg mixture and the warm water and mix until smooth. Add milk and stir. Drain excess water off of the reconstituted ham, and add ham to the egg mixture. Stir well until blended. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and coat with oil or clarified butter. Add the egg mixture to the hot pan and let the eggs cook without stirring for a minute or so, until the bottom layer begins to set. Using a heat-resistant spatula, push on one side of the eggs while tilting the pan; allow liquid eggs at the top to flow underneath the cooking eggs. Flip the entire omelet over and cook for about one minute. Fold in half and serve with scones or biscuits. Serves two. Also, if you don’t want to flip the omelet, it can be folded and the heat will finish cooking the eggs. ASG

The recipe here can be made with ingredients from the American Survival Guide Food Starter Kit, which includes enough cuisine to feed two people for 30 days. Stocked with a variety of both entrees (such as Pasta Primavera and Fettuccini Alfredo) and simple ingredients that can serve as springboards for your favorite recipes (such as stew vegetables and sausage crumbles), you’ll have no shortage of nutrition. The kit is available for $499.99 (a $650 value) at www.beprepared.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS

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Serious About Survival?

RELOAD! Ideal for the Bug-Out Bag Creative, Practical Gear that Can Get You Out of a Sticky Situation INVENTIONS. Creative minds churn out amazing products. Like the items in this section. From calling for help to taking a shower in the great outdoors to finding your way home, these miscellaneous tools do it all. Make sure they are in your bug-out bag.

XL 650

• Auto Indexing • Uses 7/8” x 14 Dies • 800-1000 Rounds/Hour • Interchangeable Toolhead • Auto Powder Measure • Auto Primer System • Lifetime Warranty

ETON PRODUCT  AMERICAN RED CROSS ROVER WEBSITE  WW MSRP  $49.99  Hand turbine te

powered by hand c cranking powers y for a 30-second ca  Compatible to c phones and USB d  AM/FM/weather  3 LED flashlight

BACKGROUND PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

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GERBER

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PRODUCT  BEAR GRYLLS SCOUT ESSENTIALS KIT WEBSITE  WWW.GERBERGEAR.COM MSRP  $43

PRODUCT  SPORTSMAN’S TOOL 625L WEBSITE  WWW.SILVACOMPASS.COM MSRP  $7.49

 This handy-dandy kit includes: waterproof matches, compact

 Four great tools

scout knife, Bear’s “Priorities of Survival” guide, First Aid supplies, an LED light and a button compass  The polypropylene case even doubles as a water capturing device  Useful, at only 5.4 ounces of additional weight in your pack

in one! (compass, thermometer, magnifying glass and safety whistle)  Compact and lightweight, it even floats  On a lanyard for easy use

SEA TO SUMMIT

SUPREME PRODUCTS

PRODUCT  POCKET SHOWER WEBSITE  WWW.SEATOSUMMIT.COM MSRP  $29.95

PRODUCT  THE POCKET CHAINSAW WEBSITE  WWW.POCKETCHAINSAW.COM MSRP  VARIES UPON RETAILER

 Weighs only 4.25 ounces

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and measures 3 by 6 inches—taking up little space in your pack  Contoured shower head with graduated apertures for equal spray  Flow adjustment, 20-foot cord included and can also be used as a regular dry sack to transport clothes/sleeping bag

portable, compact and foldable  Includes the saw, hook, handles and carrying tin  Made of durable, high-strength steel coated so it won’t rust

ZEISS PRODUCT  VICTORY HT WEBSITE  WWW.ZEISS.COM MSRP  $2,444 TO $2,499  High-end binoculars that achieve nearly 95% light transmission

for longer usage in lower light conditions  High-transmission glass and multi-layer coating  Protection on knob for durability; coating sheds water, dirt and

fingerprints can be wiped away with ease ASG

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“Dual Survival’s” Cody Lundin Puts His Students Through the Grinder, So They Learn Survival Skills

Reality Training BY KAREN WILHELMSEN PHOTOS COURTESY OF CODY LUNDIN

“I WANT to go beyond the bullshit gloss.” That’s Cody Lundin’s philosophy in a nutshell—as well as “thermoregulate core body temperature” … but more on that later. The proclaimed “abo dude,” who is the founder, director and lead instructor of the Aboriginal Living Skills School, takes survival seriously—it’s the man’s life. And under the reality TV persona is a man who wants to protect people lost in a world of delusion, hyped-up by the sensationalized “survivor” craze, by providing the correct information. “I’m gonna be Cody because I’m a professional instructor first, TV personality second,” says Lundin. “And that’s the way it needs to be or people die. My first allegiance is to keeping people alive.” So gear up. His larger-than-life personality isn’t for the feint of heart, but he might just help you remember the key to survival when you need it most.

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DIG DEEPER • Visit: the Aboriginal Living Skills School in rescott, Arizona • Read: “98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive” and “When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need to Survive When Disaster Strikes” • Watch: “Dual Survival” on Discovery Channel • Or Browse: www.codylundin.com

Cody Lundin (left) showcases his survival skills on the Discovery Channel’s “Dual Survivor.”

“The military doesn’t do an online course on becoming a sniper. You don’t do an online course for kayaking. You get in the f#@king swimming pool first, then the river.” –Cody Lundin [on getting your feet wet]

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23 YEARS With more than 23 years of wilderness experience and two books under his belt, Lundin certainly knows what he’s talking about. But the man most known for his role on the Discovery Channel’s “Dual Survival” has a background in wilderness well beyond his TV familiarity (“I’m the conservative one who doesn’t take chances,” he says, if the trademark braided, golden locks, bandana and lack of footwear aren’t clues enough on which of the two of the show’s stars he is). Just don’t ask him about the show—he’s never seen it. He knows that editing tricks can make him appear to do just about anything. When not filming, Lundin lives in a self-reliant, unconventional home that utilizes insulation and warmth from the sun. “I don’t just teach this, I live it,” he says of his “simpler” existence. His comical novels on serious methods to survive and his dealings with students are in a signature Cody-fashion—profanity and all. “I write like I teach in the wilderness,” he says. “Humor is a great way to grease the wheels for students. And, imagery is everything,” he says about his books, which contain memorable survival cartoons and abide by his “Wayne’s World” way of thinking and take on life: Party on! But there’s nothing light about the subject matter.

KEYS FOR COLD WEATHER SURVIVAL Your trip is set. The wilderness is going to be beautiful, but count on it being cold. Real cold. You may not associate cold weather dehydration, but it can be a factor. “In subzero, 40-below temperatures, you can lose up to a quart of water just by breathing,” says Lundin, adding that in modern outdoor survival situations the most common cause of death is a too low or too high body temperature (hypothermia or hyperthermia). Therefore, the following items are key for your survival, says Lundin. • Appropriate clothing (staying warm so you don’t die of hypothermia) • Water (to regulate the circulatory system and prevent dehydration) • Way to make fire (for your body temperature to stay up, disinfect water) • Tarp (to provide shelter and heat) • Way to signal for rescue (could use fire, stated above) • Candy bars/trail mix (food high in fat, proteins and carbs— though within a 72-hour period stuck in the snow, you aren’t going to starve, you’ll dehydrate much faster) • Teddy bear (something for psychological comfort)

THE COURSES The Aboriginal Living Skills School (ALSS) provides four distinctive types of courses that each highlight a different genre of self-reliance: Modern Outdoor Survival Skills (like getting out alive and signaling for rescue when the Jeep breaks down), Primitive Living Skills (bushcrafting and catching fish with your bare hands), Urban Preparedness (such as in a natural disaster scenario, starting fire with a car battery) and Homesteading (permanent agriculture). “I take my training very seriously, so it depends on the intention of the person to steer them in the right direction,” says Lundin, who

ONE THING’S CLEAR “Thirst is never an indicator of hydration,” says Cody Lundin. “It’s the clarity of the urine, which metabolically lets you know how much water the body has. But, B-vitamins change the color of your pee.” The other two factors of hydration are the volume and frequency of urination.

Cody Lundin offer one-hour lectures, weekend courses or nine-day classes.

To learn survival skills, Cody Lundin says clients have to “get off their ass and get dirty.” 120

trains in one-hour lectures, HEAT IS GOLDEN weekend courses or nine-day Following are ways to proclasses, depending on a client’s duce heat for the body: needs. • Make fire For modern survival, the • Eat calorie-rich foods keys to staying alive are water, • Exercise (at the expense of signaling for help, shelter— calories) which could be in the form of clothing—and fire. All of these relate to one thing: your tempera ture. “The biggest killer in the outdoors is people dying of lack of thermoregulation—hypothermia, or low core body temperature, and hyperthermia, high body temperature,” says Lundin. So, if sweating and beating the sweltering heat of the desert is what you had in mind, try the Arizona Combo special—a sevenday extended survival course through three distinct bioregions. Travel through the Sonoran desert, woodlands and forest, feeling like you went from Mexico to Canada. Warning: sweating, vomiting from heat, getting hit by hail or harsh weather and maximizing thermoregulation included. All jokes aside, Lundin discourages people from enrolling in traditional survival schools that don’t provide a realistic scenario. This is because when you’re scared, that won’t cut it. “Your motor skills go to hell when you’re under low level anxiety or fear,” he says. Lundin, who teaches most of ALSS’s courses, has around 12 students per trip, with a class limit of 10 for rigorous journeys like that of the Desert Drifter—so you’ll be sure to get your hands dirty with Cody. And that’s important to gain any competency in the skills. “You can get some education by a video, TV or book, but if you don’t get off your ass and get dirty, how can you expect to get anywhere when you’re really scared?” he says. “The military doesn’t do an online course on becoming a sniper. You don’t do an online course for kayaking. You get in the f#@king swimming

pool first and then the river. But, you better not think you can go whitewater rafting.” So his students get that realistic flavor. “They have picked up some hard skills wired into the body,” he notes. “If the student learns to make fire after a crappy night’s sleep, with no food, dehydrated, getting bit by bugs in a vast wilderness area where they psychologically know no one can help them and they’re alone with the group, they get much, much more value from that experience.” It’s Cody’s emersion training—isolated, hardcore, scary at times, leaving you dragging yourself through the dirt slightly bloody—that’s effective. Though you might shed a tear, at the end of it, you’ll be ready for much worse.

THE BOSS And remember the wilderness is not a controlled environment. “That’s why she’s the boss,” he says. “If you give up, you die,” says Cody. Lundin designed ALSS’s courses based on what he knows about the land. He can turn a three-mile hike into a walk from hell, playing with factors like: a lack of gear, no sleep the night before, limited water, no food or being in a horsefly infested area. And trust him, he will push your buttons to beat you down mentally. Tweak those variables in high temperatures and humidity, and you got a kickass course. Compliments of Cody Lundin. ASG The Writer: Karen Wilhelmsen is a contributor to several Beckett Media publications.

Cody Lundin oversees a group of thirsty students. 121

Best

Professor BY CODY LUNDIN PHOTOS COURTESY OF CODY LUNDIN

15 Tips on How to Find the Right Survival Instructor

urvival training is an investment of your time and money, and effective instruction will save you both. Many so-called “survival instructors” exist on the Internet and elsewhere. While some have good intentions, others simply see an opportunity for extra income due to the increasing popularity of survival training. It’s important that you choose your instructor(s) wisely. The advice you take dealing with the safety and lives of you and your loved ones should come from a very knowledgeable source. After all, you’re learning skills that could save your life—not buying a toaster oven. Regardless of an outdoor school’s longevity, size, media appeal, number of YouTube videos, or fancy Web site, the numberone variable into the quality of their program is the quality of its instructor(s). The following tips will help you choose a good instructor whether you’re looking for skills in outdoor survival, primitive living or urban preparedness.

S

1 INSTRUCTOR’S RESUME If your would-be instructor claims to have many years of survival experience, yet does not have a resume proving so, this should be your first red flag. Professional people have professional resumes, especially when their profession deals with life-and-death training.

2 BEWARE THE HOBBYIST Ask if the instructor has been teaching survival skills continuously during his self-proclaimed years of operation. Interpreting and promoting years of ones sporadic hobby or wishful thinking as “experience” on a professional resume or Web site is fraudulent at best. To confirm an instructor’s honesty about the length of his school’s operation, look at the dates of their media portfolio. If he claims his school is 20 years old, but all of the newspaper and magazine clippings are five years old or less, he’s likely exaggerating his years of operation and experience.

3 SELF-PUBLISHED IS NOT PUBLISHED If your potential instructor has a book, it will give you an overview of how he teaches and what he knows about a given subject. If the information seems weak, and/or the book itself is really a “booklet” of 50 or 60 pages, reconsider the last few sentences. Self-published books by vanity or homegrown presses are NOT written by published authors.

4 TRAIN WITH A FULL-TIME INSTRUCTOR Would you feel comfortable seeing a physician who practiced medicine three months out of the year? Large schools with dozens of instructors have the impossible task of attempting to keep them employed full time. Finding year-round work in this business can be challenging, so locating an instructor that fits this category will tell you something about him. He is either very good, very lucky, both or someone else is paying the bills. 122

“ … self-made videos, blogs, You Tube whatevers, e-courses and Web sites abound, and … it doesn’t take long before someone with a couple years of back yard experience becomes the internet darling wilderness survival expert.” —Cody Lundin

5 FIND AN INSTRUCTOR WHO LIVES WHAT HE TEACHES While this trait is rarer than hen’s teeth, it does exist. Whether you wish to learn outdoor survival, primitive living, home preparedness or other forms of doing more with less, they all have one thing in common … self-reliance. Ask your instructor about his or her lifestyle. Would you call it selfreliant? An outdoor survival instructor who lives in a city or town will have less daily outdoor experience than one who lives in a rural setting. If you have the opportunity to see your potential instructor in person, look at his hands, feet and face. Any calluses or tan lines? Any signs of bodily use other than typing, selling survival gear online, or surfing survival forums? Self-reliant skills can be very physical and one who practices them on a routine basis will show the signs, just like all native peoples did for thousands of years.

6 IF YOUR INTEREST IS PRIMITIVE LIVING SKILLS, TRAIN WITH SOMEONE WHO LIVES IN YOUR REGION He will be the most familiar with your local flora and fauna. Learning to harvest cactus fruit from an Inuit is sketchy at best. If quality concerns you, the longer dedicated instructors have lived within the geographic areas they teach, the greater experience they’ll be able to pass on to you.

7 THE INSTRUCTOR’S BACKGROUND Is your potential instructor known and respected by his or her peers? Are they known at all by their peers? Has his school been in operation for as long as the Web page says it has? Unfortunately, these days the school with the best Web page and brochure is thought to be the best wilderness school as well. Don’t be a fool with your time and money. Ask the hard questions and cross-reference your instructor the best that you can.

8 BEWARE THE EXPERT Large egos and cocky attitudes are all too common in the field of wilderness survival. One of the more unfortunate manifestations of this mindset is the failure to be open to learning new material. Any instructor who tells you there is only one way to do a skill is destined to be upstaged by a humble student with no preconceived bias as to how that skill is done.

9 STUDY WITH SOMEONE WHO KNOWS SEVERAL FORMS OF SELF-RELIANT SKILLS Most outdoor schools confuse “modern survival skills” with “primitive living skills.” Although there is overlap between the two, learning to flint-knap a stone knife has limited value for your 59-year-old aunt if she finds herself thrust into a real time wilderness survival situation. Ultimately and when taught in the proper order, knowing both sets of skills gives you greater potential for success when dealing with a survival scenario.

DID YOU KNOW? When not teaching for his own school, Cody Lundin is an adjunct faculty member at Yavapai College and a faculty member at the Ecosa Institute.

10 MAKE SURE THE STUDENT-TO-QUALIFIED INSTRUCTOR RATIO IS LOW Learning and practicing survival skills is a very experiential process. Unless you’re getting a price break, hands-on instruction involving more than 10 or 12 students will cause the course quality to suffer because you’ll spend more time watching than doing. 123

The U.S. military insists on training their Special Forces soldiers in small groups as they know it’s the most effective way to learn and practice hands-on skills.

11 IS THE FIELD COURSE TAUGHT IN THE FIELD?

GLIMPSE AT THE CURRICULUM A Sample of Cody Lundin’s Classes • Sonoran Desert Daze • Light My Fire! • The Abo Kitchen • The Essential Abo • Self-Reliance Symposium • The Arizona Combo Special • Staying Alive: Modern Wilderness Survival Skills • The Provident Primitive • Catching Critters

with a couple years of backyard experience ecomes the Internet darling wilderness urvival expert.

14 FIELD EXPERIENCE, FIELD EXPERIENCE, FIELD EXPERIENCE

It is impossible to Google, Facebook r YouTube field experience and compeency. The longer an outdoor survival nstructor has trained people in the eld—remote wilderness back country— simply their backyard in a suburban area or a camp ground, the better they should be at the learned mindset of what effective, realistic survival training is all about. When going back inside is not an option, when you’re miles from the trail head in rugged wilderness terrain with inexperienced students having no food, little modern gear and the thunder heads are gathering, this is the type of repeated experience that separates the men from the boys for the survival instructor.

Imagine a kayaking instructor who never took his or her students beyond a swimming pool for training. It's obvious that the swimming pool offers zero training reality and variables compared to an actual ocean or river, and yet the student is learning to kayak ... or is he? When a survival instructor teaches you skills in a campground or in his backyard, you are not learning survival skills in the context of how they will be needed and executed in a real survival scenario in the backcountry. Survival is 90 percent psychology. Thus a so-called “advanced” course should not have student vehicles parked 100 yards away as the student knows “escape,” physically and mentally, is literally right around the corner.

15 GET WHAT YOU PAID FOR Bargain hunting for survival instruction has been a bad idea since humans first roamed the planet. Think about it. You’re proposing to purchase knowledge and skills that could literally save your life or that of someone you love. The $100 or so that you save upfront from a cheaper school could cost you dearly in the future. In essence, the money you put down for survival training reflects how much you think your life is worth. Aren’t you and your loved ones worth the few extra dollars? Remember, if you ever need to use your skills, you’ll find them to be priceless. ASG

12 I SAW THEM ON TV SO THEY MUST BE GOOD No one gets field credibility by having a survival show on television. Thoroughly research your TV expert using several sources to see if he is the real deal ... and more than likely you will be disappointed.

13 PHONY ONLINE EXPERT, YOUTUBE WANNABE Within the last few years, online survivalism—for lack of a better term—has increased radically. The Internet is brimming with online stores featuring survival goods by people who have no real field experience in what they are trying to sell. Also, self-made videos, blogs, YouTube whatevers, e-courses and Web sites abound, and with the power of the Internet mixed with easily duped people, it doesn’t take long before someone

Cody Lundin (with a shovel) says do not bargain hunt for survival instruction.

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Great Outdoor Survival Schools

20 19 10

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15

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What

You Can EXPECT Skills Courses Single-Day Courses Advanced Courses 5- and 7-Day Multi-Climate Skills Course Wilderness Survival and Bushcraft Permaculture and Sustainable Living And more … 126

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CODY LUNDIN AND THINKSTOCK

What You Can LEARN • How to produce a primitive trap • Produce cordage (string/rope) from wild plants • Identify and harvest wild edible plants commonly found across the globe • Identify and process wild medicinal plants commonly found across the globe • Learn to cook a meal without pots, pans or utensils • Learn to purify water in the field with primitive methods 1 ALASKA • Construct a survival shelter “Learn to Return” Survival • Practice common First Aid measures Training Systems • Cover signaling concepts for rescue Anchorage, Alaska www.survivaltraining.com

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ARIZONA

Ancient Pathways, LLC Flagstaff, Arizona www.apathways.com

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Ozark Natural Science School Huntsville, Arkansas www.onsc.us

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ARKANSAS

CALIFORNIA

Survival Training School of California Tehachapi, California www.californiasurvivaltraining.com

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Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS) Boulder, Colorado www.boss-inc.com

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MAINE

Jack Mountain Bushcraft School Massardis, Maine www.jackmtn.com

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6

FLORIDA

Byron Kerns Survival School Weirsdale, Florida www.byronkernssurvival.com

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COLORADO

MARYLAND

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

Kroka Expeditions Marlow, New Hampshire www.kroka.org

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NEW JERSEY

Tom Brown Jr.’s Tracker School Manahawkin, New Jersey www.trackerschool.com

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NORTH CAROLINA

Earth School Asheville, North Carolina www.lovetheearth.com

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OHIO

Midwest Native Skills Institute, Inc. Cleveland, Ohio www.survivalschool.com

15 OREGON Lifesong Wilderness Adventures Northern CA and Medford, Oregon www.lifesongadventures.com

16 TEXAS Primitive Living Skills of Texas College Station, Texas www.primitivetexas.com

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VERMONT

ROOTS School Montpelier, Vermont www.rootsvt.com

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VIRGINIA

Ancestral Knowledge Brentwood, Maryland www.ancestralknowledge.org

Mountain Shepherd Wilderness Survival School Catawba, Virginia www.mountainshepherd.com

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MONTANA

WASHINGTON

Heartroot Nature Connection Bigfork, Montana www.heartrootnatureconnection.com

Alderleaf Wilderness College Monroe, Washington www.wildernesscollege.com

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Montana Wilderness Arts Institute Choteau, Montana www.wildernessartsinstitute.com

Anake Outdoor School Duvall, Washington www.wildernessawareness.org

What You Can EXPECT TO PAY THE WILDERNESS COLLEGE • Wilderness Survival Weekend Course (Class cost: $250) • Wilderness Survival Series (Class cost: $1,100) • Self-Sufficiency Series (Class cost: $2,000)

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THINKSTOCK

“Nature says to women: ‘Be beautiful if you can, wise if you want to, but be respected—that is essential.’” —Beaumarchias, French composer, playwright THINKEXIST.COM

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