FROM THE EDITORS OF GUN WORLDISSUE 3 / SPRING 2013

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It is not because

things are difficult that

we do not dare; it is

because we do not dare

that they are difficult.

-Lucius Annaeus Seneca

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CONTENTS

5WINTERPREPAREDNESS

12 INTRODUCTION

14 OUTSMART OLD MAN WINTERIf youre into winter outdoor activities, this is onestory you must read. By Garrett Kim

28 WINTER WIVES TALESYouve heard the cold-weather survival tales.Now find out the truth. By Torrey Kim

33 TOP 10 WINTER SURVIVAL ITEMSA top 10 list of anything is always cool. When it can save your life, its even better. By Torrey Kim

42 WHITE WAVEGregg Swanson encountered a climbers worstnightmare on Mt. Rainier. By Gregg Swanson

54 SURVIVING A SURVIVAL CAMPMix in one non-outdoorsy gal with a Virginia survival camp, and youve got the recipe for one dynamic main course. By Erin Hatfield

GENERALPREPAREDNESS

63 INTRODUCTION

64 ANYTHING BUT MUNDANEWhat can you do with a water bottle, a plasticbag, rope and a tarp? A lot more than you mayhave ever realized. By Erin Hatfield

68 ON-THE-GO MEDICAL CAREHoney can do double-duty as an anti-bacterial.Find out other medical tips in this quick hittingguide to first aid. By Torrey Kim

70 FAMILY SURVIVAL CHECKLISTHurricane Sandy is a sad reminder of the chaosnature can create. This 14-day plan will haveyou ready for anything that comes your way. By Sean Cooper

72 PET PREPPERSDogs and cats need a survival plan, too. By Wendy Wilson

76 CALL ME MAYBEIn addition to everything else smartphones can do, add saving your life to the list. By Erin Hatfield

78 HOUSE WARMINGWhen there is no power, crank up these creative ideas to generate heat for your household. By Torrey Kim

82 ROAD KITSDisasters are unpredictable. Take that advantageaway by stocking your car with these essential items. By Paul Hantke

URBANPREPAREDNESS

83 INTRODUCTION

84 UNDER FIREThe danger of wildfire is all too real. These eight tips will douse the danger fires create.By Suzanne Leder

88 SURVIVAL GARDENReap the rewards of a winter garden with thesesure-fire methods to produce food for your family.By Kristin Webb-Hollering

92 SURVIVAL NUTRITIONCreate a long-term plan for your familys needs.By Kristen Kleist

98 SURVIVE THE CHAOSYoure in a movie theater. Someone opens fire.Heres what you do. By Alon Stivi

104 SINK OR SWIMMilk jugs, bags and trash may seem unsightlyuntil you need them to make a floatation device.By Kristin Webb-Hollering

108 LESSONS LEARNEDYou know Dennis Croft from Small Town Security, but you probably did not know hes a survivalist. By Torrey Kim

COLUMNS

FEATURESWILDERNESSPREPAREDNESS

118 INTRODUCTION

119 GIVE ME SHELTERLocation, location, location. Thats the No.1 key to constructing a survival shelter.Do you know the rest? By Abe Elias

124 GAME FOR FISHMultiple ways to land the big one. By Larry Schwartz

BUYERS GUIDES

60 95 112

22 WINTER GEAR36 FOOD AND WATER48 LIGHT SOURCES60 KNIVES95 FIREARMS112 BACKPACKS

6 FIRST WORDS8 NEWS, NOTES130 CLOSING WORDS

THE COVERPhotographer: Dave AlanModel: Neil MelansonDesigner: Eric Knagg

6FIRST WORDS

TAGGERING ARE THE NUMBERS. MORETHAN 100 DEAD. MORETHAN $20 BILLION INDAMAGE. MILLIONS

WITHOUT POWER. SEVENTEENSTATES IMPACTED. IN THE BEACHCOMMUNITY OF BREEZY POINT,NEW YORK, MORE THAN 100HOMES WERE DESTROYED.

The responsibility for

this devastation falls

squarely on Sandys

shoulders. The hurricane

that belted the East Coast

recently is a reminder of

just how ruthless Mother

Nature can be and just

how important it is to be

prepared, regardless of

where you live.

ADVANCED TRAININGTo get you the information so you can ride

out the storm whether its a tornado,

earthquake, flood or some other calamity

well be there for you. The story on page 54

is a perfect example.

Sandys short but destructive life almost

coincided precisely with our own Torrey Kim

and Erin Hatfields journey to the Advanced

Survival Training Camp in Virginia. Of course,

we told them not to make that trek if it wasnt

safe, but the following excerpt from one of

Torreys e-mails exemplifies that dedication:

Erin and I are keeping our eyes on the

road conditions between North Carolina

and Virginia between now and Thursday.

The pair safely

made the journey and par-

ticipated in the camp, just

so youd be armed with

even more knowledge

should you ever have

to go toe-to-toe with

a disaster.

BE READYMeanwhile, between now and the next

American Survival Guide, enjoy this issue.

Learn as much as you can and prepare as best

as you can, because when Mother Nature

strikes, she swings for the fences. There are

millions of people on the East Coast who can

vouch for that.

Live strong.

The hurricanethat belted theEast Coastrecently is areminder of justhow ruthlessMother Naturecan be

S

ISSUE 3 / SPRING 2013

EDITORIALEditor: Doug JeffreyContributing Editor: Torrey KimManaging Editor: Jeffrey RickArt Director: Eric Knagg

CONTRIBUTORS Dave Alan, Sean Cooper, Abe Elias, Paul Hantke, Erin Hatfield, Garrett Kim, Kristen Kleist, Suzanne Leder,Cody Lundin, Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D., Larry Schwartz,Alon Stivi, Gregg Swanson, Kristin Webb-Hollering,Wendy Wilson

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OPERATIONSGus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales ManagerCelia Merriday: Newsstand AnalystAmit Sharma: Newsstand & Production AnalystAlberto Chavez: Senior Logistics & Facilities ManagerJohn Cabral: Creative Graphic Designer

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Riders On The StormBy Doug Jeffrey

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8WaterSafetyTips

TIPS, HISTORY, STATS

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HEN YOU THINK ABOUTDANGEROUS WATERS,

YOU MAY BE PICTURING A WHITE-WATER RIVER OR AN

EXTREME RIP CURRENT IN THEOCEANBUT WHAT ABOUT THEWATER ALL AROUND YOU?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention), about 10 people die

every day from drowning, making it fifth among the

leading causes of unintentional injury deaths in the

United States.

Because most survivalists set up their camps

very close to water sources, its important to know

how to decrease your odds of drowning to help

keep your family safe. Use the following tips to

ensure that youll stay above water if youre near it.

Dont Get A False Sense Of Security

You may feel like your campsite is your home,

and that a nearby stream wont pose a threat since

everyone feels comfortable around it, but thats

untrue. People can drown in any depth of water,

and the CDC reports that more than half of

drownings among those 15 years and older

occurred in natural water settings. Maintain strong

supervision around any water source.

Take SwimmingLessons

This one may seem obvious, but study results

have found that the risk of drowning decreases if

someone has taken swimming lessons.

If you arent near a location that offers

formal lessons, be sure to have the best

swimmer in your family

train the others on

how to swim.

WSurvive Around Water

Source: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (WWW.CDC.GOV/HOMEANDRECREATIONALSAFETY/WATER-SAFETY/WATERINJURIES-FACTSHEET.HTML)

Wear LifeJackets

You may not think

you need to wear a life

jacket to collect water

from a stream, but if

you or your family

members cant swim,

you should zip up the

life vest. If youre on a

boat, the life jacket is

even more important,

whether you can swim

or not. CDC stats

show that 88% of

those who drowned

due to a boating inci-

dent in 2010 were not

wearing life jackets.

LearnCPR

The faster you per-

form CPR on a drown-

ing victim, the better

the chance that theyll

survive. Have as many

people as possible in

your group learn CPR.

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No. 1: Creating The Low-Budget Homestead

WORRY NO MORE. IF YOUVE

EVER THOUGHT ABOUT A

SELF-SUFFICIENT LIFESTYLE ON A

RURAL HOMESTEAD OR SURVIVAL

RETREAT, BUT WERE CONCERNED

YOU DIDNT HAVE THE MONEY OR

SKILLS, READ THIS BOOK.

This is a goldmine or practical steps

and instructions. Among other topics, author

Steven Gregersen hits on the following

topics:

Creative ways to find inexpensive rural

property to buy

10 rules for a self-sufficient garden

Designing the off-grid home so its

warm in winter and cool in summer

The essential tools, vehicles and skills

you need to succeed

No. 2: Makeshift Workshop Skills

For Survival And Self-Reliance

PHONES. COMPUTERS. SPACETRAVEL. WE LIVE IN A HIGH-TECHERA, BUT WE DONT ALWAYSHAVE TO, ESPECIALLY WHEN ITCOMES TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY.

In this Paladin Press book, James Ballou

presents a make-shifters way of building and

repairing things with only a pile of raw or sal-

vaged materials, your hands and your mind.

The book covers a wide range of unconven-

tional and creative home workshop skills,

including:

Homemade tools

Expedient repairs

Makeshift construction

Useful projects

Plus, Ballou provides extensive instruction

in makeshift metalworking, practical calculat-

ing skills, resourceful salvaging and more.

No. 3: Shoestring Survivalism: How To Prepare For BadTimes On A Budget

LIVING ON A BUDGET? IF SO, THISBOOK IS RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY.

In this 184-page book, Andy James pro-

vides dozens of shoestring survival methods

that cost little and advance your prepared-

ness for any disaster. Youll get:

21 simple, low-cost steps that will dras-

tically improve your chances of surviving any

disaster

Stock cheap, filling foods that will feed

you and your family for 30 days or longer

Acquire free stuff that survivalists never

think of

Find hidden values at familiar stores and

in surprising corners of the Internet

Who said you need a fully stocked cabin

in the mountains to make it through hard

times?

No. 4: Eating On TheRun: Survival ForagingFor Plants, Grasses,Nuts and Berries

PREPARATION IS A WAY OF LIFE. You may be covered at home, but what if

you find yourself stranded in the wilderness

and unable to get home for days, weeks or

months? Could you live off the land? With

this book, you could.

There are about 2,000 edible plants, and

these can feed you in the wilderness, even in

winter. You will learn which plants, grasses,

nuts and berries that require the least, if any,

preparation. You will learn how to distinguish

safe plants from toxic varieties and where

abundant supplies are. The 138-page book is

packed with short reads for the various foods

that will keep you alive in a survival situation.

4 Survival Books

WHERE TO BUY THESE BOOKSPALADIN PRESS7077 Gunbarrel Tech CenterBoulder, CO 80301www.paladin-press.com303-443-7250

Numbers TOP 5 NATURAL TINDERS ONE

Dead, dry leaves

TWO

Fibrous tree bark

THREE

Dead pine needles

FOUR

Dead,

dry grass

FIVE

Weed

tops

10

"LOOK AROUND, LEAVES AREBROWN NOW AND THE SKY IS A HAZY SHADE OF WINTER.

Do these melancholy lyrics by two

troubadours of the 60s, Simon and Gar-

funkel, speak to you? Perhaps you can

relate to feeling down? Stressed out due

to a power outage or excessive snow,

which is affecting travel in your city?

Craving carbs? Listless and apathetic? Do

you just want to sleep? Maybe hibernate

until the winter is over? It may be that

your body really does want you to do just

that hibernate like some bears do.

You might have more than the winter

doldrums. You might be suffering from

Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD).

WHAT IT ISAptly named, SAD creates various

degrees of depression in those affected by

it. Its hypothesized that the lack of sun-

light may produce a hormonal change in

some people that triggers a hibernation

reflex. Your body demands sleep. You

crave carbs and may even pack on extra

pounds because like bears your body

wants to store fat to last you through the

winter. Fortunately for bears, they can

sleep the winter months away. Unfortu-

nately for us, we have work, school, fami-

lies and many other responsibilities that

do not end because its cold and dark

outside.

Some cases of SAD are treated effec-

tively by switching over to full-spectrum

light bulbs. This type of light therapy

simulates natural light. Increasing Vitamin

D, the "sunshine vitamin," has helped

many who suffer from SAD. Warning:

don't self-diagnosis your vitamin levels.

Have blood work done by your health

care provider to detect low levels of Vita-

min D in your system. Some doctors may

recommend over-the-counter Vitamin D,

while others may determine that you

need prescription-strength vitamin D.

Trust them, not your own judgment.

WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO

Your health care provider may also

suggest s short course of antidepressant

medication to get you through the winter.

Consider cognition-behavior ther-

apy (CBT). CBT focuses on how your

thinking can affect your moods and emo-

tions. It has been very effective in helping

those with SAD as well as more serious

depression.

Hit the gym. Even light exercise has

been demonstrated to be effective against

mild depression.

BE POSITIVEFinally, as you trudge through the

cold, dark snow-filled months of winter,

recall the lyrics of another of Simon and

Garfunkel's song: April, come she will.

Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D. is the Director of

the LIU Hudson Rockland Graduate Counsel-

ing Programs in Orangeburg and West Point,

New York. Dr. Nardi is a clinical psychologist

and creator of Eclectic Cognitive Behavior

Therapy.

Winter Survival TipsDeceptive Killers

Winter storms can range from a moderate

snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding,

wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Many

winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low

temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing,

sleet and freezing rain.

One of the primary concerns is the winter

weather's ability to knock out heat, power and

communications services to your home or office,

sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and

extreme cold can immobilize an entire region.

The National Weather Service refers to winter

storms as the Deceptive Killers because most

deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead,

people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of

hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold.

Its important to be prepared for winter weather

before it strikes.

Thus, minimize travel, make a family

communications plan, make sure you have an

emergency kit and listen to NOAA Weather Radio.

FEMA

TIPS, HISTORY, STATS

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Wintertime Blues

By Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D.

MentalStrength DuringAdversity

11

FLASH FLOODS CAN OCCUR WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OR HOURS. FLASH FLOODS OFTEN HAVE A DANGEROUSWALL OF ROARING WATER CARRYING ROCKS, MUD ANDOTHER DEBRIS.

Overland flooding, the most common type of flooding event, typically

occurs when waterways such as rivers or streams overflow their banks

as a result of rainwater or a possible levee breach and cause flooding in

surrounding areas. It can also occur when rainfall or snowmelt exceeds

the capacity of underground pipes, or the capacity of streets and drains

designed to carry flood water away from urban areas.

Know this: Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or

work, but especially if you are in low-lying areas, near water, behind a

levee or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks,

culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry

weather can flood.

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Floods Can Happen InA Flash 5 Steps To Prepare

Methods Of PreparationFlood Advice From FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

1. Build an emergency kit and make a family communications 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.

More Numbers

$5 TO $40The range in the cost

of survival gear youll find in the story Top 10

Winter Survival Items

40The number of survival

items that can be made witha water bottle, rope, tarp

and plastic bag

3The number of gallons

of water per day expertsrecommend each person

should have

30The number

of days a person can survive

without food

78,792The number of

wildfires in the U.S. three years ago

12

W i n t e r s F u ry

WIN

TER

Tips for Winter Preparedness

THERE IS PLEASURE IN THE PATHLESS WOODS I LOVE NOT MAN THE LESS, BUT NATURE MORE TO MINGLE WITH THE UNIVERSE, AND FEELWHAT I CAN NE'ER EXPRESS, YET CANNOT ALL CONCEAL.

We share Lord Byrons love of nature, but we all know that winter can turn plea-

sure to pain in a heartbeat, which is why we must respect Old Man Winter. For he

hath no pity.

THINKS

TOCK

In This Section Avalanche Danger Tips to Survive an Encounter

with a Bear Cold-Weather Myths

Winter Buyers Guide A True-Life Survival Story Survival Tips With Common

Items Inside a Survival Camp

13

14

OURE A RISK-TAKER BY NATURE.

Which means when

the winter snow starts to fall, you

see the steep slopes as the ideal

location to test your skills not as

a potential avalanche.

Or when the temperature

drops a country mile below zero

and when most everyone else is sit-

ting comfortably by the fireplace

you seize the opportunity for some

ice fishing.

Regardless of what your winter

sport of choice is from ice fishing

to hiking to snowmobiling to hunt-

ing to skiing you want to maxi-

mize your sport enjoyment time

rather than having to avoid

avalanches, thin ice and nasty bears.

Keep these expert tips in mind

to avoid injuries, and react quickly if

something bad befalls you.

OUTSMARTOLD MANWINTER

By Garrett Kim

How To Avoid an Avalanche, Survive a Bear Attack and More

Y

Snow sport enthusiasts can stay safe with expert tips on preventing winter dangers.

15

If you are caught in anavalanche, make likeyoure swimming, movingyour arms and legs. Mark Wienert, Jr., Lifesong Wilderness Adventures

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WINTER SPORTS

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AVALANCHE DANGERIf youre on a snowy mountain, the number one safety concern is

usually avoiding avalanches, which can be deadly within seconds after

they begin.

The number one action to avoid avalanches is to take a moun-

taineering course that specializes in avalanche education awareness,

says Mark Wienert, Jr., founder and director at Lifesong Wilderness

Adventures, an outdoor wilderness survival school based in North

Bend, Oregon. If you snowmobile in mountain country, avalanche

education is a must.

Once youve been properly trained and youre preparing to head

out to the mountain, make sure you leave a detailed note with a

responsible person letting them know where you're going and when

you will be returning, Wienert says.

In addition, you should avoid venturing into steep snow country

during or after a heavy snowfall, Wienert says. This is when the dan-

ger of avalanche is the highest, he notes.

Wienert also advises mountaineers to look at the mountain land-

scape. Areas without trees or brush may give you advance warning

that the area is prone to avalanches.

Slopes of 35 to 45 degrees are the most prone to avalanche, he

says. Slopes of 25 degrees are also prone to shift. If you are caught

in an avalanche, make like youre swimming, moving your arms and

legs. This helps to keep you on top of the flow and creates airspace

around your head and may help to keep the rest of your body from

being stuck.

17

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ICY WATERNo matter how thick the ice may

look, you always have a chance of

hitting a thin spot when walking on a

frozen lake and plunging into icy

water is extremely dangerous.

If you fall through the ice, you

should immediately climb out, strip

off your wet clothes and get close to

a fire, advises Cliff Hodges, founder

and lead survival instructor at

Adventure Out, LLC, a California-

based outdoor adventure company.

If dry clothes, blankets, or sleep-

ing bags are available, wrap yourself

in those, he adds.

The key is getting body temper-

ature back up and getting dry, he

says. If you are in a very exposed

area, consider building reflector

walls out of debris and/or tucking

your fire area in to a cave or rocky

area to help insulate from wind and

exposure.

AVALANCHE NOTES,

CHECKLISTSECONDS

The amount of time in which these

waves of nature can be deadly.

DO THIS FIRSTTake a mountaineering course that specializes

in avalanche education awareness.

INFORM FRIENDSBefore you head out, leave a detailed note with a

responsible person letting them know where you're

going and when you will be returning.

AREAS TO AVOIDAvoid venturing into steep snow country during or after

a heavy snowfall. Areas without trees or brush may give

you advance warning that the area is prone to

avalanches.

35 to 45Slopes of these degrees are the most

prone to avalanche.

IF CAUGHT IN AN AVALANCHEMake like youre swimming, moving your arms and legs.

This helps to keep you on top of the flow and creates

airspace around your head and may help to keep the

rest of your body from being stuck.

Eating snow is a netnegative equation. Yourbody will expend moreenergy melting the snowthan what youll get outof it. Cliff Hodges, Adventure Out, LLC

18

WINTER SPORTS

Crevasses areserious, and theycan be thousandsof feet deep. Mark Wienert

THE DANGERS OF CREVASSES

Mountaineering on a snow-covered moun-

tain can lead to a hidden danger falling into a

crevasse that could be deadly.

Crevasses are created from glaciers that

slowly move down a mountain and break over a

hump in the living rock, Wienert says.

Crevasses are serious, and they can be thou-

sands of feet deep.

Wienert says that training is key for avoid-

ing crevasses, because anyone traveling high ele-

vations where glaciers are found should know

how to avoid them. In addition, experienced

climbers typically rope themselves together

that way, if one person falls in, the other can

use his or her ice axe to stop the fall, and pull

the fallen climber out.

To avoid crevasses, stay on the narrow

mountain ridges, if possible, and avoid flatter

bowls, which is where you will find crevasses,

Wienert advises. If you have a long pole, you

can poke it into the snow ahead of you to

locate solid and empty ice.

Alternately, you can carry the pole over

your shoulder at a right angle to your body.

If you drop in the hole, the pole may give

you a slight chance from falling all the way in by

arresting your fall if you can hang on, he adds.

WHAT IS A CREVASSE?A deep, narrow gorge that is created from

glaciers that slowly move down a mountain and

break over a hump in the living rock.

THOUSANDS OF FEET DEEPThe depth to which some can be.

HOW TO AVOID THEMStay on the narrow mountain ridges and

avoid flatter bowls.

If you have a long pole, poke it into

the snow ahead of you to locate solid and

empty ice.

Alternately, you can carry the pole over

your shoulder at a right angle to your body.

CREVASSE AVOIDANCE 101TH

INKS

TOCK

PHO

TOS

19

WHEN A BEAR ATTACKS STAYINGHYDRATED

Anyone exercising in the winter can

tell you that hydration is just as impor-

tant in the cold as it is in the summer

months. However, with streams frozen,

the obvious hydration choice is to con-

sume snow. This is typically safe, Hodges

says, but be sure to melt it before con-

suming it.

Eating snow is a net negative equa-

tion, he says. Your body will expend

more energy melting the snow than what

youll get out of it.

AVALANCHEAIRBAGS

Traversing a moun-tain in winter is scary toconsider, due to all ofthe potential risksbutcarrying an avalancheairbag can give youpeace of mind.

These products, suchas the one shown herefrom ABS Systems, canattach to your backpackand inflate when neces-sary with the pull of ahandle. When it inflates,it gives the mountaineermore room to move andbreathe and helps himfrom getting com-pressed into the fallingsnow.

Although your chances of coming across a black bear are rare, you should know what to do if you

happen to see one. Consider these tips compiled by Glacier National Park rangers in Montana:

1. DONT BEEASY PREYIf you believe a bear is

following you and you

cannot escape, make

noise, wave a branch

or rock, or use pepper

spray to indicate that

you are not worth

fighting.

2. BACK AWAYIf you instead surprise a bear

(more common), do not run.

Back away slowly, but stop if

it seems to agitate the bear,

the Glacier National Park

rangers advise. Assume a non-

threatening posture. Turn side-

ways, or bend at the knees to

appear smaller.

3. PROTECT YOUR CHESTIf the bear does attack you,

fall to the ground on your

stomach or assume the fetal

position to protect your chest

and abdomen. Hold your

hands over the back of your

neck and stay still until the

bear leaves.

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20

SURVIVE A FALL INTO ICY WATER If you fall through the ice, climb out, strip off

your wet clothes and get close to a fire.

If dry clothes or blankets are available,

wrap yourself in those.

The key is getting body temperature back up

and getting dry.

If you are in an exposed area, build reflector

walls out of debris and/or tuck your fire area in

to a cave or rocky area to help insulate from

wind and exposure.

TRAINING IS KEYSurviving on a mountain in winter requires

training and preparation. You can enroll in either

of our experts survival courses through their Web

sites below.

Adventure Out, LLC, offers classes in all types

of outdoor education, including survival, surfing, rock

climbing, backpacking and mountain biking.

www.adventureout.com.

Lifesong Wilderness Adventures offers

hands-on courses in wilderness survival, bushcraft,

nature awareness and animal tracking skills.

www.lifesongadventures.com.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH BEARS

Many would-be winter sports enthusiasts

avoid heading to the mountain in the winter

because theyre afraid of waking a hibernating

animal and potentially being attacked, but this

shouldnt be your primary worry on a moun-

tain, Hodges says.

Generally, I would consider being attacked

by a wild animal one of the least important con-

cerns in a survival situation, he says. Other

than grizzly bears (which only exist in a few

places in the lower 48), there are no animals

that pose a significant threat to human beings in

North America. That being said, if you are truly

concerned with not surprising an animal, one

could make extra effort to create loud noises

when moving/traveling through the wilderness.

This technique is often employed by hikers to

scare off black bears.

one could make extra effort to createloud noises when moving/traveling throughthe wilderness. This technique is oftenemployed by hikers to scare off blackbears. Cliff Hodges

RISKS, REWARDS

Risks have their rewards, as you

know so well.

But just make sure you do your

homework before you venture out

into Mother Natures playground for

some thrilling memories. After all,

youve got some free time next week-

end, too.

WINTER SPORTS

ON THIN ICEThere is never a guaran-

tee that ice is safe to walk

on, but youll be more likely

to break through the ice if

you notice water flowing

under the ice or around the

edges, water pools on top of

the ice, or cracks that appear

to be under the ice. These

are all signs that the ice is

thin and could break with

any weight.

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22

B e s t I n W i n t e r G e a r

GEAR

Beat The Elements With These Hot Items

Brutal. Temperatures below 0. Mix in a wind chill. Add a blustery storm to

the mix. Winter can be unforgiving, unless youre prepared. In the following

pages, weve got a number of hot items so you can withstand the elements,

function and survive. Kick a little brutality back at Old Man Winter.

EDITORS CHOICE MR. HEATER www.mrheaterhero.comSpecial Features: Portable, efficient, quick heatingMSRP: $179-200

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MR. HEATER www.mrheaterhero.com

Model: HeroKey features: Portable, efficient,quick heatingMSRP: $179-200

Description: If youve ever been camping in thebitter cold and had trouble startinga fire, you know how welcome abackup warmth source would be.The Mr. Heater Hero is a portablepropane heater that can operate forup to eight hours on one batterycharge. Use it to stave off frostbiteor just to keep yourself comfortableduring an ice fishing excursion,and then pack it away again forlater. Weighing just 12 pounds, itoperates quietly and without theneed for electricity, keeping youtoasty no matter where you findyourself.

ERGODYNE www.ergodyne.com

Model: Core Performance WorkWear 6480 Bottoms Key features: Durable, warm,breathableMSRP: $40-45

Description:Youve no doubt heard the adviceto dress in layers when youreout in the winter, and thats neverbeen easier, thanks to thesedurable and breathable base layerbottoms. Pull on your Core Perfor-mance thermals before you stepinto your pants, and youll be ableto remain out in the cold for muchlonger, thanks to the heat contain-ment abilities of these bottoms.The soft wicking fabric is fitted soit wont ride up, but it grabs perspi-ration and pulls it away from yourskin quickly and then dries fast toensure that you stay comfortable.

HEAT FACTORY www.heatfactory.com

Model: Seater HeaterKey features: Padded, heated,comfortableMSRP: $15-17

Description:Sitting in a chilly tent can be anunpleasant experience if you donthave padding between the tentfloor and your bottom, but theSeater Heater offers a comfortableway to relax. The water-resistantcushioned seat rests comfortablyon any surface, from the ground tothe ice to the snow. Add one of theincluded 18-hour heat packs, andthe seat suddenly becomes a heatsource, allowing you to enjoy awarm rest before you clip it to yourbelt and hit the trail again.

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$40-45ERGODYNE

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$15-17HEAT FACTORY

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$179-200MR. HEATER

Use it to stave off frost-bite or just to keep your-self comfortable duringan ice fishing excursion

buyersGuide GEAR

TUBBSwww.tubbssnowshoes.comModel: Womens Wilderness SnowshoeKey features: High traction, comfortable, simple heel liftMSRP: $180-220

Description:Snowshoes are a must in certainsnowy and icy terrains, but manypeople avoid them because of theperception that they are difficult tosnap into and out of on the fly. Butthe Tubbs snowshoes defy thatstereotype, with a binding that allowsyou to step in and click back out in amoment. Youll barely rememberyoure wearing them thanks to thelight weight and comfortuntil youwalk across the ice with easeandthen youll be pleased youvestrapped into these sleek shoes.

BLACK DIAMOND

www.blackdiamondequipment.comModel: Raven Ice Axe With Grip Key features: Lightweight, durable,comfortable gripMSRP: $95

Description: An ice axe is an invaluable tool whentraveling the snow or ice, thanks toits innate ability to quickly grab ontoany type of terrain and allow you tomaintain stability. The Black DiamondRaven Ice Axe weighs just one pound,two ounces with its slider leashattached, allowing you to toss it intoyour pack or hang it from your cara-biner and grab it again quickly when-ever you need it. The aircraft alu-minum alloy reinforces the axesstrength, ensuring you that youll stayin place no matter where you are.

FISCHER SPORTS www.fischersports.com

Model: Alpine Comfort Socks Key features: Waterproof, windproof,breathableMSRP: $35

Description:Anyone who spends time in the snowwill tell you that a strong base layer isone of the most important keys tostaying warm, and Fischer AlpineComfort Socks give you one of thestrongest foundations available.Thanks to the companys functionalfabric, youll get a waterproof, wind-proof, breathable material that wicksmoisture away from your body. Acushioned sole allows you to ski,skate or hike through the snow with-out suffering foot fatigue, so you defi-nitely wont want to pack your bagwithout including your Alpine ComfortSocks.

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$180-220TUBBS

buyersGuide GEAR

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Tubbs snowshoes defythat stereotype, with abinding that allows youto step in and click backout in a moment.

5

$95BLACK DIAMOND

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COURTESY BLACK DIAMOND EQUIPMENT

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ERGODYNE www.ergodyne.com

Model: Proflex 817 WP Thermal WaterproofUtility Gloves Key features: Waterproof, windproof,durable, breathableMSRP: $23-30

Description:Dexterity and warmth dont always go hand-in-hand, but with the Ergodyne Proflexgloves, you can complete even the mosttechnical tasks without getting frostbite. TheThinsulate insulation, coupled with thegloves water and windproof material, givesyou exactly the movement you need to keepin action. A synthetic leather palm adds dura-bility, and the padded back keeps you fromgetting injured whether youre creating acampfire, tying up your fishing gear or build-ing a shelter.

HEAT FACTORY www.heatfactory.com

Model: Hand and Body WarmersKey features: Long-lasting, easy to use,highly warmingMSRP: $1 each

Description:An essential part of any winter survival kit isa way to stay warm if you dont have a spaceheater or fire-making abilities, and the HeatFactory Hand and Body Warmers definitely dothe trick. Throw a few packs in your car, yourcoat pockets, and your bug-out bag so whenyou need a few extra degrees, you can grabone, which will generate heat for 10 or morehours. Theyre ultra-thin, which means thatyou can stuff them into your gloves andsocks to increase the warming power of yourgarments and keep you on the trail longer.

FISCHER SPORTS www.fischersports.com

Model: Martin Neckwarmer Key features: Soft, durable, highly warmingMSRP: $25-35

Description:Feeling wind chill on any part of your bodycan make your outdoor excursion seem bru-tally unforgiving, but you can keep your neckcovered in any weather using Fischers Mar-tin Neckwarmer. The soft PES fabric is wind-proof and breathable, and keeps any mois-ture such as perspiration or snowfall awayfrom your skin while you scale that moun-tain, cut into the ice to find fish, or head intothe wild to hunt deer.

The soft PES fabricis windproof andbreathable, andkeeps any moisturesuch as perspirationor snowfall awayfrom your skin

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$35FISCHER SPORTS

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$23-30ERGODYNE

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$1 EACHHEAT FACTORY

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$23-35FISCHER SPORTS

SOCKS, NECKWARMER - COURTESY FISCHER SPORTS

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buyersGuide GEAR

HARKEN www.harken.com

Model: Alpine Fleece JacketKey features: Soft, thick, warm, lightweightMSRP: $100-120

Description:Dressing in layers has never beeneasier, since this jacket containsthree full layers within its soft fleeceouter shell. The Alpine Fleece Jacketis coated with Teflon to keep it water-resistant, and includes wool lining tokeep your skin dry and warm. Youwont even feel the wind biting intoyou, thanks to the jackets ability tofight the bitter cold. Want morewaterproofing capability? Use thisjacket as a mid-layer and pull yourfoul weather gear over itthe AlpineFleece Jacket is thin enough that itwont feel bulky under your othergear.

TUBBS www.tubbssnowshoes.com

Model: Mens Flex Alp SnowshoeKey features: Quick snap-in and out,comfortable, high gripping capabilityMSRP: $230

Description: Falling down in the snow or ice canbe devastatingand can cause seri-ous injuriesbut you can trust thatyoull stay steady on your trek withFlex Alp Snowshoes, which offerquick in-and-out bindings, comfort-able flexing ability, and an extremelyhigh gripping factor. Youll stay on thetrail whether youre on flat snow oruneven terrain, and you can tossthese lightweight shoes into your bagafter youre done with your travels.

ORTOVOXwww.orotovox.com

Model: 3+ Avalanche TranceiverKey features: Life-saving, lightweightMSRP: $340-350

Description:Mountaineering is a dangerous sportin the wintertime, based on the likeli-hood of experiencing an avalanche.But you can increase the odds thatyoull survive one of these terrifyingordeals with the 3+ Tranceiver, whichsends out a signal to allow rescuersto find you if youre ever buried in thesnow. The LCD screen shows thesearch party exactly how to find you,guiding them in your direction so youcan be dug out quickly. Operating onjust one AA battery, the Tranceiver islightweight, but it carries a heavyduty when it protects your life.

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$100-120HARKEN10

Why Does Cotton Kill?One key ingredient to surviving outside in the winter months

is to stay warm and dry. This means wearing materials thatcarry moisture away from your skinand unfortunately, cottonis not one of them, leading many survivalists to repeat the oldphrase cotton kills.

Although cotton has its advantages in many applications, if

youve ever used a cotton washcloth or towel, you know howincredibly absorbent the material is, and thats what makes itineffective for wearing when you want to stay dry. Any perspira-tion or precipitation will soak your cotton and make it difficult tokeep your skin dry.

Instead, you should consider materials that wick moistureaway from your skin, which are typically synthetic materialssuch as fleece.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WITH PROPANE

Although propane heaterscan be a must in the winter-time, you should always usecaution when using this typeof gas. The National Fire Pro-tection Association reportsthat around 1,170 home struc-ture fires involved propanebetween 2003 and 2007,resulting in 34 deaths. TheNFPA offers the followingsafety tips when usingpropane:

Follow manufacturerinstructions for lighting thepilot and using the heater,and only use cylindertanks outside of the home

Never store or use propanegas cylinders larger thanone pound inside thehome

Never operate a propanegas grill in the house

Have propane gasequipment inspectedperiodically for leaksor malfunctioningparts

If you smell a strong gas odor,leave the areaimmediately

Source: www.nfpa.org.

THE BASICS OF SNOWSHOEING

You may wonder why any-one would need snowshoesunless they plan to train adogsled team. However, yoursurvival strategy could dependon these amazing pieces ofgear if youre stuck in thesnow or ice for any period oftime.

Essentially, any timeyoure in the cold backcoun-try, a pair of snowshoes willallow you to venture throughall types of terrain withoutslipping on the ice or dippingdown into the packed snow.You can not only get frompoint A to point B easily insnowshoes, but youll get tosee the countryside during anoutdoor workout.

$340-350ORTOVOX12

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$230TUBBS11

$30BLACK DIAMOND13

BLACK DIAMONDwww.blackdiamond

equipment.comModel: PowerstretchKey features: Soft, lightweight,flexibleMSRP: $30

Description:These stretchy gloves are perfect for anafternoon setting up a tent or collectingfirewood. Comfortable, flexible, and soft,they offer wind resistance and quickdrying capabilities. Youll be able to gripyour fishing pole with the goat leatherpalms and thumb patches, which ensurethat your hands wont slip off of some-thing valuable. In addition, the Power-stretch gloves can slip under yourheavy-duty waterproof mittens if youreout in the rain, serving as an effectivethermal liner.

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By Torrey Kim

WE Bust FIVE Cold-Weather Survival MythsWINTER WI

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HEY ARE ALL ABOUT URBANLEGEND, SUPERSTITION ANDFOLKLORE.

They are wives tales.

While they often center around adoles-

cence, they do extend into Old Man Win-

ters realm, too, as youre about to see. So, if

youve ever wondered whether some of the

old wives tales about winter survival are

true, youve come to the right place, as

youre better off knowing the answer before

youre faced with an actual survival situation. T

xxx

VES TALES

MYTHSWIVES TALE: A SPOONFUL OFWHISKEY WILL MAKE THE FROSTBITEGO DOWN

THE TRUTH: One of the mostcommon beliefs about staying warm in

the cold is that drinking alcohol will

keep you from getting hypothermia or

frostbite. Unfortunately, however, this

old wives tale is just that a myth.

Alcohol makes you feel warmer,

but it doesnt change the temperature

of your body, says Tim Smith of Jack

Mountain Bushcraft School in

Masardis, Maine.

If theres any risk that you may be

getting frostbite or hypothermia,

Smith says, light a fire rather than

opening a bottle of liquor. Not only

will this ensure that you stay warm,

but it will also allow you to keep your

judgment intact should you face other

issues that require quick thinking.

WIVES TALE:POURING HOT WATEROVER YOUR HANDSWILL KEEP THEMWARM

THE TRUTH: Many cold win-ter adventurers have reported that

they will pour warm water over their

hands or even urinate on them to

warm them up if they fear that frost-

bite might be approaching. However,

Smith advises, this is not always the

smartest idea.

If youre ice fishing on a frozen

lake and you have a thermos of warm

water with you, its a bad idea to just

pour that over your hands, he says.

Youre wasting your warm water

supply and you now have wet hands

that wont stay warm for more than a

few minutes unless you have warm,

dry gloves to put on them.

If, however, you have a fire where

you can continually reheat the water,

you can soak your hands in the water

as long as it stays warm, because a

warm soak can help your hands thaw,

as long as you keep your clothes dry

during the process.

In addition, Smith says, if you

already have frostbite, do not try and

warm your skin by rubbing or massag-

ing it without professional help.

The first nip you get initially in

your fingers when its cold outside is

usually not a big deal thats just a

warning that you need to get warm,

he says. But if you get third-degree

frostbite where tissue is actually

frozen, then the last thing you want to

do is reheat it. Not only will the heat

increase the danger of sepsis and gan-

grene, but it will be incredibly painful.

Instead, people with frostbite

should go to the hospital immediately.

THE SYMPTOMS OF FROSTBITE

Keep these

signs in mind if

you think you

might have frost-

bite. If you do

have the symp-

toms, report to a

medical facility

immediately:

White or gray-

ish-yellow skin

Skin that feels

strangely firm

or waxy

Numbness

Source:

The Centers for

Disease Control

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Whiskeydecanter

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WIVES TALE:A HILL IS WARMER THAN A VALLEY

THE TRUTH: When youre setting upyour winter campsite, it can be tempting to

pitch your tent on top of a hill, using the argu-

ment that the suns warmth can reach you

faster. However, that may not always be the

smartest decision. Besides, the earth heats

from the ground up.

The answer to this depends on the land-

scape where you are, Smith says. Many fac-

tors come into play, such as the potential for

an avalanche on the mountain, which location

has the most resources for making a fire and

other issues. But in open country, Id make my

campsite at the bottom of the hill. It will pool

the coolest air, but it wont be a difference of

50 degrees the gradations will be small.

The bottom of the hill will be more pro-

tected from the wind chill, which could not

only make you colder, but could make it harder

to keep your fire going.

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Ground P4 ballscrews and single shot lubrication

Computer controlled spindle speed and direction

PTFE bonded slideways (similar to Turcite)

Precision R8 spindle - 100 to 5000 RPM with vector drive technology

Easy to use in manual or automatic modes

CONSIDER PROFESSIONALTRAINING

Before heading out on any winter survival

ventures, you should ensure that you have

the right equipment and that youre aware of

how to handle an emergency.

A good survival class really can save your

life. Make sure that the instructor has cold-

weather experience.

To reach Tim Smith, the expert featured

in this article, visit Jack Mountain Bushcraft

Schools Web site at www.jackmtn.com.

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Alcohol makes youfeel warmer, but itdoesnt change thetemperature of yourbody. Tim Smith, of theJack Mountain BushcraftSchooL

32

MYTHS

WIVES TALE: NEVER EXPOSE BARE SKIN TO THE ELEMENTS

THE TRUTH: One of the most important ways to stay warm whileventuring out in the cold is to dress in layers and wear well-insulated cloth-

ing. So it goes without saying that you should never expose bare skin to the

cold weather, right?

Not necessarily.

If you need to pick up something wet, youre better off using your bare

hands to do it, then immediately drying them and putting your gloves back

on your hands. Its faster and easier to dry your skin than to dry a pair of

gloves. In addition, if your gloves, socks, or other items get wet, you should

take them off immediately and replace them with dry gear. The brief bare

skin exposure is better for you than walking around in wet apparel.

Many adventurers have reported that they will pour warm waterover their handsor even urinate on themto warm them up if theyfear that frostbite might be approaching.

WIVES TALE:A SMALLER FIRE IS SMARTER

THE TRUTH: Many adventurers have heard the phrase, Make asmall fire and sit close, but that may not always be possible.

This is an old saying that doesnt come from places that get bitter

cold, Smith says.

When its really cold and snowy out, you could be stuck making a fire

out of soggy materials, which may lead to a huge fire, he says. And if mak-

ing a small fire is impossible, you should settle for a big one because

warmth is the most important factor.

TRAVEL IN GROUPSOne survival tip that is definitely not a myth is that you shouldnt travel alone

during the winter months. You have a better chance of survival if you head out onyour adventure with at least one other person. That way, if one of you gets into a difficult situation, the other person can provide assistance or call for help.

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Top 10 WinterSurvival ItemsWhen The Elements Are Harsh, You Want Your Best Line-Up With You

You always want your best team on the field, and thats especially the

case in winter. You dont want to be stuck outside without survival gear in

the dead of winter when the elements are at their least forgiving so you

really need to pack your best equipment to give yourself the best chance of

survival such as the following 10 items.

By Torrey Kim

SEIRUS www.seirus.com

Model: HoodzKey Features: Warm, soft, lightweight, multi-purposeMSRP: $25-30

Description: Whether youre ice fishing,climbing a mountain, shovel-ing snow or hiking throughthe woods, you wont get far ifthe wind chill is biting at yourface. The Seirus Hoodz is farmore than a hatin fact, itdoes triple duty, serving as acozy fleece neck gauntlet,hood and mask all in one. Ifyou get too warm, you canpull down the hood and mask,and wear it only as a gaiteruntil you need to pull the cov-ering over your head whenthe wind picks up again. Packthe Hoodz in your backpack orjust pop it into your pocketbefore your next trek.

COGHLANS www.coghlans.com

Model: Tinder Kit Key Features: Fast-lighting, effective, lightweightMSRP: $5-8

Description: If youve ever desperatelyneeded a fire but found your-self with soaking wetmatchesor worse yet, nomatches at allyou knowhow valuable an emergencyfire-making device can be.Coghlans Tinder Kit includeseverything you need to get afire started, and its lightenough to carry in yourpocket. You simply spread outthe included fluffy tinder andthen use the enclosed flint tocreate a spark and get yourfire started. The tinder willburn for more than five min-utes, giving it plenty of time to spread to your preparedkindling and logs.

DONT FORGETWATERWhether you carry yourwater with you or you planto collect and purify it alongthe trail, you must hydrate,no matter what the season.Even in the wintertime,ensure that youve got roomin your pack for a sturdywater bottle.

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25-30SEIRUS

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$5-8COGHLANS

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ZIPPO www.zippo.com

Model: Hand WarmerKey Features: Fast-acting, flameless,long-lastingMSRP: $14-20

WILD THINGS GEAR

www.wildthingsgear.comModel: Ms Wind Pro Hoody Key Features: Lightweight, warm,customizableMSRP: $140

Description:When youre caught in the snow, younot only need to stay warmyou alsoneed to remain dry. The Wind ProHoody offers both of those benefits byfitting snugly enough to keep you com-fortable without riding up or inhibitingyour movement. Although its notbulky, the high-tech Polartec materialdoes provide a massive amount ofwarmth, allowing you to perform yourfavorite outdoor activity while blockingthe effects from wind or precipitation.An added bonus? Wild Things recentlyoffered a new feature that allows youto customize your garment by chang-ing the fabric, insulation, zipper, hood,pocket placement and more.

SNOW CLAW www.snowclaw.com

Model: Shovel Key Features: Versatile, lightweight,strongMSRP: $20

Description:Its more than a shovel. The Snow Clawis a multi-use tool that can not only digyour car out of the mud, uncover yourpack after a major snowfall and hookdirectly to your backpack for quickstorage, it can also act as a snowanchor, plate and even an emergencysplint, thanks to its light weight and itsability to flex without breaking. Forgetabout hauling your 10-pound gardenshovel around in your car as you makeyour next journey. Just snap the SnowClaw to your pack, and youre ready foreverything thrown your way.

EAGLE CREEK www.eaglecreek.com

Model: Afar Backpack Key Features: Comfortable, breathable, lightweightMSRP: $100-120

Description: When you start to gather your survival tools, you wont get too farunless you have a sturdy pack that willhold them securely on your trek. TheAfar backpack will not only give youthe peace of mind that your goods willstay with you, but it will also save youfrom back strain. Weighing just 1pound, 11 ounces when its empty, thepack also features ergonomic shoulderstraps, adjustable sternum strap andhip belt. The back is made frompadded, breathable mesh so your backwont sweat, and its reflective featureswill ensure that youll be visible at allhours, day or night.

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TOP 10

Description:Weve all heard stories of survivalists putting hot stones or freshly baked potatoes in theirpockets to stay warm throughout the day, but the Zippo Hand Warmer takes a more mod-ern approach and lasts significantly longer than the pioneer methods. Activate the sleekwarmer and youve got 12 hours of heat in your pocket. If you need warmth again thenext day, just refill it with more of the lighter fluid and you can use it for another 12 hours.You might want to invest in two, or youll be passing the Hand Warmer back and forthbetween your hands and pockets to keep both toasty.

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$140WILD THINGS GEAR

5

$100-120EAGLECREEK

6

$14-20ZIPPO

4

$20SNOW CLAW

Weve all heard stories of survivalistsputting hot stones or freshly baked potatoesin their pockets to stay warm but the ZippoHand Warmer takes a more modern approach

Thanks to this list, youve got a way to start fire, andplenty of tinderbut dont forget to gather kindling andlarger pieces of wood when you arrive at your campsite toensure that you stay warm and you can cook your food. 34

COLLECT PLENTY OF WOOD

35

SURVIVALSTRAPS

www.survivalstraps.comModel: BraceletKey Features: Lightweight, easyto carry, multi-useMSRP: $25-30

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$25-30SURVIVAL STRAPS

SMARTWOOL www.smartwool.com

Model: PHD Hyfi Training Gloves Key Features: Wind resistant, soft, allows fortouch-screen accessMSRP: $40

Description:Youre hiking through the cold, battling a wind-chill of 25 degrees, but you need to use yoursmart-phone to check out a local map. Pullingoff the gloves and exposing your hands to thebitter cold isnt an optionbut you wont haveto with the Hyfi Training Gloves. These soft andcomfortable gloves keep you warm no matterhow fast the wind is whipping, and the siliconepalm and finger grips allow you to safely holdyour electronics. The fingertip panels allow youto access your smart-phone apps and other fea-tures without removing your gloves, which willbe a huge bonus in the winter.

LIGHT MY FIRE www.lightmyfire.com

Model: Swedish Fire KnifeKey Features: Easy to grip, fast fire-startingability, works wet or dryMSRP: $30-35

Description:This lightweight and ultra-sharp knife servesdouble duty at dinnertimeit not only helps youclean your fish, but it allows you to start a firewith its built-in Firesteel technology. The all-purpose knife comes in a colorful sheath so youwont lose it in the grass, and it has an includedfire starter. Simply turn the knife blade aroundand pull the fire starter against its back, andyoull find a shower of sparks on the first try toignite your tinder and get a fire blazing. Packthe 3.5-inch knife into your pocket, strap it ontoyour belt, or toss it into your pack before you goon any adventure.

YAKTRAX www.yaktrax.com

Model: PRO traction deviceKey Features: Offers traction, easy to pack,flexibleMSRP: $30

Description:You may not have space in your winter survivalkit for a pair of snowshoes, but you certainlyhave room for these flexible, spike-less tractiondevices that strap right onto your regular shoes.Whether youre wearing sturdy boots or lightathletic shoes, you simply stretch the tractionstrap around your footwear and youll be able to jog through the mountains without slippingon icy puddles, walk through the packed snowwithout falling or hike along an icy trail whileremaining stable. Youll be glad you packedyour Yaktrax PROs in your bug-out bag this winter.

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$30 35LIGHT MY FIRE

DeWh y with paracord? Lash together a trap, create a fishingline, hang your rain fly, make a belt and thousands of other uses. Ifyour bug-out bag doesnt have space for 15 extra feet of paracord,youre in luck. Clip a Survival Strap to your wrist, and youve got addi-tional military-grade paracord secured by a stainless steel clasp. If youencounter a situation that creates a need for the rope, simply unravelthe bracelet and use the paracord. Then contact the Survival StrapsCompany and let them know the emergency situation that necessitatedits use, and theyll send you a new one at no charge!

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$40SMARTWOOL

$30YAKTRAX10

youll find a shower ofsparks on thefirst try toignite your tinder and geta fire blazing.

BONUS PRODUCT: Gerber Bear Grylls Knife

Youve seen him on television making a sealskin wetsuit, cuttingbranches to make a fire and lashingtogether logs to create a raftall usinghis trusty knife. Bear Grylls is famousfor his ability to devise a shelter or ameal with his knife, and thanks to Gerbers Bear Grylls line, you can dothe same. With a wide range of products, many of which have multipleuses (for instance, a whistle or a firerod), youll love the ergonomic handleand the incredibly sharp blade whenyoure out in the wild.

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Fa s t F o o d

FOOD/W

ATER

Innovative Food AND Water Products

Face it. Camping or persevering through the aftermath of a disaster with a

grumbling stomach is no fun. This month, we have a new slew of stellar items

to check out. With these fantastic items youll have plenty of energy to enjoy

your excursion or your weeklong backpacking adventure in one piece.

EDITORS CHOICE KELTYwww.kelty.com Model: Basecamp KitchenSpecial Features: All-in-onekitchen solution, ample storage,easy to assemble, lightweightMSRP: $160

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KELTYwww.kelty.com

Model: Basecamp KitchenKey Features: All-in-one kitchensolution, ample storage, easy toassemble, lightweightMSRP: $160

Description:The Basecamp Kitchen is theshining star of campsite foodpreparation. It lets you enjoy theconveniences of your kitchen athome, even while relaxing by thecampfire. This all-in-one kitchenis our No. 1 pick for a good rea-sonit makes you feel likeyoure at your own dining table.With the Basecamp Kitchen,space isnt at a premium; theresplenty of countertop and surfacearea to prepare your favoritemeals. If its a windy day, theresno need to fret and pack up. Itsdurable aluminum tabletop andwindscreens let you enjoy yourmeal, still piping hot. We espe-cially love the ample storage!Preparing, cooking and clean-uphave never been such a breeze!

SOLAR OVEN SOCIETY

www.solarovens.orgModel: SPORT Solar OvenKey Features: Large capacity,weather resistant, long-lasting,stableMSRP: $135

Description:Solar energy isnt just good forheating your homeit alsocomes in handy for cooking tastyand nutritious meals. Introducingthe SPORT Solar Oven, an ovencompletely powered by solarpower. Not only is it environmen-tally-friendly, its easy to use.Simply place your favorite foodin the included pots, ensure theoven is facing the sun, and youllhave a warm, tasty meal in notime. Enjoy all the delicaciesfrom home while campingincluding meat, fish, steamedvegetables, bread, cake andcookies. Best of all, no lemonjuice is requiredthe oven usesnatural moisture, giving yourfood an all-natural taste. Solarenergy has never tasted so good.

ensure theoven is facingthe sun andyoull have awarm, tastymeal in no time.

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buyersGuide FOOD

DEUTER SPORT www.deuter.com

Model: StreamerKey Features: Hygienic, taste-free tube,constant flowMSRP: $30

Description:Water is a basic human necessity. We cansurvive without food for up to 30 days, butif theres a shortage of water watch out!Hydration is key if youre planning to takea weekend backpacking trek. A lot ofbackpacks allow you to use a hydrationsystem, but its up to you select the bestone. Streamer provides you with a steadystream of water to ensure youre well-hydrated thanks to its patented HelixValve. Your water is fresh and taste-freeevery time, whether its straight from thetap or three weeks old!

GSI OUTDOORSwww.gsioutdoors.com

Model: Pinnacle BackpackerKey Features: Cooks gourmet meals, dou-bles as a sink or wash basin, compactMSRP: $90

Description:Enjoy scrumptious gourmet meals fromthe comfort of your campsite. This brilliantset has everything youll ever need to cooka meal for twoa pot, frying pan andstorage containers. The Pinnacle Back-packer is built tough to withstand manyuses. Not only is it heat-resistant, itscrushproof and scratch-resistant. Itscompact and easy to store, perfect fobackpacking! Best of all clean-up is breeze; the stuff sack acts as a maksink and wash basin, so your dishes sparkling clean every time.

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FOOD/WATER

FOOD TO TAKE CAMPINGWould you like to take your

favorite foods from home next timyou go camping, but youre worriethey will spoil? Check our list belofor the best foods to take campingthat will remain fresh and taste go

Dried, dehydrated, freeze-driedmeals Not only do they have along shelf life (freeze-dried meacan last years before they expirthey provide you with plenty ofenergy.

Coffee, tea and hot chocolate long as you have a way to boilwater, you can enjoy your morncup of Joe while camping.

Cereal, bread and pasta A heaadult should have 5-10 servings grains per day. These three fooare an excellent way to get fibe your diet.

Chocolate, cookies, marshmallo These foods are perfect to snon near the campfire if you hav sweet tooth. Who doesnt love ming Smores by the campfire?

Soup, canned vegetables and tu Canned foods are an excellentcamping staple. Just be sure tobring along your can opener!

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$90GSI OUTDOORS

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BODUMwww.bodum.com

Model: FYRKAT Picnic gasgrill, propane regulatorKey Features: Easy to setup, lightweight, portableMSRP: $120-$140

Description:Grilling can be a real pain inthe neck. Not only do youhave to set up, but you alsohave to wait in angst untilthe barbecue is at an opti-mum temperature to enjoyyour food. Turn that frownupside down with theFYRKAT Picnic Gas Grill,where waiting is a thing ofthe past. This brilliant grillis ready to cook from theget-go. Powered by themagic of propane, its greatfor cooking all your favoritefoods, including steaks,sausages, vegetables andfish. Best of all, its com-pact enough to fit in yourtrunk, so you can take itwith you wherever you go.

Turn thatfrown upsidedown withthe FYRKATPicnic GasGrill.

SIERRADAWN

www.sierradawn.comModel: Campsuds BathSoap & Shampoo FormulaKey Features: Environmen-tally-friendly; clean body,face and hairMSRP: $7-23

Description:Hygiene can be challenging,especially while camping.Its hard to stay clean andfresh when youre campingwith Mother Nature. Thisall-purpose cleaner is per-fect for cleaning your body,face and hair, leaving youfresh and squeaky clean. Ifyoure out of dish detergent,no worriesit cleansdishes, too! No need to fearabout leaving a carbon foot-print, as its completelyenvironmentally friendlyand biodegradable. Choosefrom three alluring fra-grancesLavender Oil,Mint Oil and Green Appleand two convenient sizes: 4ounce and 8 ounce.

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buyersGuide FOOD

STERIPENwww.steripen.com

Model: SidewinderKey Features: Durable, easy toclean, lightweight, stableMSRP: $100

Description:Instantly enjoy fresh, purifiedwater in less than two minutes,every time. And no batteriesrequired! Through the magic ofthe Sidewinders unique UVsystem, water is disinfected,safe to drink and ready toquench your thirst in a mere 90seconds. Fill it, crank it anddrink it, knowing youve doneyour part to protect the envi-ronment by reducing plasticwater bottles at landfills. TheSidewinder is compact andlightweight, making it the idealwater purification system tobring along on your next back-packing journey.

SKRATCHLABS

www.skratchlabs.comModel: Everyday Hydration MixKey Features: Provides instanthot water, lightweight, portableMSRP: $20

Description:Are you tired of sports drinksthat energize you for a couplehours only to leave you burnedout and tired? Are you lookingfor a healthy, low calorie alter-native to soft drinks? EverydayHydration Mix is perfectwhether youre exploring thebeauty of Montana or thedesert of Nevada. Only realingredients and real fruit areincluded, so you can restassured youre energized by anall-natural source.

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TREATING WATER FOR DRINKINGAccording the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Man-

agement Agency, there are three safe ways to treat water for drinking:bleach, boiling and distillation. We covered boiling in the past (as well asthe Sidewinder above), so lets take a look at chlorine bleach and distilling.

Bleach: There are so many different types of bleach available that itshard to choose the right one. 5.25- and 6-percent chlorine bleach with noadditives are the best types for treating water. Stay clear of the fancytypes of bleach like scented bleach, powdered bleach or bleach withadded cleaners. Make sure your bottle isnt too old; if its older than a year

it may not treat the water properly, so its best to buy a new bottle. Totreat water with bleach youll need an eyedropper; 16 drops of bleachshould be enough to treat one gallon of water. Let water sit for 15 minutes.If it has the odor of bleach it should be safe to drink.

Distillation: Its probably the least safe and desirable way to treatwater. Only use it as a last resort in a disaster situation if boiling orbleaching water isnt an option. Distillation only works if you use very pureand clean water. The best way to distill water is with a small pot, a cupand a heating source. Let the water boil for at least 20 minutes and dripinto the cup. This is a very slow process; youll need to replenish the potwith fresh water to avoid contamination.

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$20SKRATCH LABS8

DO CANNED FOODS COME WITH A BUILT-IN POT?

Weve all seen cowboy movies where the rugged campers sitaround a fire eating beans directly from the can, sometimes raw andsometimes after placing the can directly over the fire to heat. But isthis safe to do in real life? The answer to this, as well as a few otherfrequently asked questions about canned food, are below.

Are Soups Ready-To-Eat? If youve got a can of soup and a canopener, youve got a meal. It is perfectly safe to eat Campbells soupsright out of the can, Campbells says on its website. Our chefs havealready prepared and cooked the soups for you. However, the full fla-vors of our soups usually will peak when heated. We suggest that youmix condensed soups with the recommended water or milk additionsbefore heating.

Can Freezing Damage Canned Goods? You leave your cannedfoods in the car overnight, only to find that theyve frozen while youslept. Is it safe to eat them? The answer depends on a few factors. Ifthe freezing causes the can to swell, discard it immediately, the FDAadvises. Also, discard frozen cans that are not swollen but have beenallowed to thaw at 40 F or higher, the agency says on its website.Cans that have thawed and refrozen are not safe. If you have afrozen can, thaw it in the refrigerator and then open it. If it smells nor-mal, you should still boil it for 10 to 20 minutes to be safe.

Can You Cook Directly From The Can? You can place a canover an open flame to cook its contents, as long as the can is openedfirst, Hidden Valley advises on its website. Dont cook the can if the lidis still closed, and dont reuse the can after cookingits a one-timeuse pot, Hidden Valley advises.

IT IS NOT A QUESTION OF IF, BUT WHEN . . .Earthquake, Tornado, Hurricane, Tropical Storm, Ice Storm, Snow Storm, Wild Fire, Flooding . . .

Most of us have experienced a number of these natural disasters in our lifetime. Keeping your SURVIVAL BAG close so you can grab it and have something to help immediately sustain life,

could be the difference between living to tell the story and being a statistic. Take it from me, there are things you can do to increase your chances of survival. Let us help you

prepare. Log on to www.SurvivalBagsInc.com. Educate yourself, then plan and train, to SURVIVE!!

-Mike Haller, President, Survival Bags, Inc. Former U.S. Marine, Police Officer, Volunteer Firefighter & Paramedic

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WHITEBy Gregg Swanson

I survived anavalanche

I rose to a sitting position and sat

on the snow, but then I began sliding

down feet first. I could see where the

cliff was about to drop off, and I was

heading there. At that moment, I

knew then that this was it I was

going to die.

T WAS ALMOST 13 YEARS AGOTHAT I MADE ASIGNIFICANT

ACCOMPLISHMENT INMY LIFE: I SUMMITEDMT. RAINIER! IT WASA GREAT EXPERIENCEAND ONE THAT IWILL ALWAYSREMEMBER FOR TWOOPPOSING REASONS:I HAD THE JOY OFCLIMBING TO THE14,408-FOOT PEAK OFMT. RAINIER WITH MY OLDER BROTHER,AND WE BOTH

SURVIVED ANAVALANCHE ON THE WAY DOWN.

I would consider myself

to be a veteran rock climber

and mountaineer, and would

never have imagined that my

climb would end with an

avalanche plowing my

brother, me, and 20 other

climbers down Mt. Rainier,

injuring several of us and

killing one. I was lucky in

that I suffered only two

broken fingers and a torn

PCL (posterior cruciate

ligament) in my left knee.

This is my story.

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The author,Gregg Swanson,says he has dedicated himself to continuing todevelop whatwas born thatday and help others to findtheir four pillarsof strength.

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AN HOUR AT THE PEAK

My brother and I were part of a climbing

school with those 20 other climbers, camped

at Muir Hut on Mt. Rainier at 10,000 feet

learning and practicing mountaineering tech-

niques.

On the last day, we left for the summit at

around 3 a.m. It was a beautiful clear day and

by the time we reached the bottom of Dis-

appointment Cleaver, the sun was rising and

the moon was setting. Amazingly, we could

see both at the same time.

We made the summit around 10 in the

morning. It really was a gorgeous day, allow-

ing us to see Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson and Mt.

St. Helen's. We stayed up at the peak for an

hour and then decided to head back down

because the snow was starting to get mushy.

It was getting warmer, perhaps

approaching 70 degrees, and I shed my

clothes to only the essentials, putting the

excess clothes in my pack before we started

the descent.

The snow was quite slushy, causing me

to sink up to my knees with every step of

the descent. As we approached the traverse

at the bottom of Disappointment Cleaver, a

few of us had snapped ourselves onto an

800-foot rope anchored by aluminum spikes

into the side of the mountain along the ledge,

which had created a makeshift hand railing.

We were also attached to one another, in

groups of five, by ropes attached to our har-

nesses.

As I moved along with the group, I sud-

denly heard someone yell, "Snow!" Immedi-

ately after, I heard the terrifying call:

"Avalanche!" followed by "Run, run, run!"

The beautyand the beast.

INJURIES SUSTAINEDIn the ordeal, Gregg Swanson suffered from the following ailments: Hypothermia Dehydration Two broken fingers A torn PCL

I suddenly heard someone yell, Snow! Immediatelyafter, I heard the terrifying call: Avalanche! followed by Run, run, run! Gregg Swanson, climber and avalanche survivor

SURVIVE

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COLD WATERRUNOFF

When I tried to unclip myself from

the rope that connected me to the

anchor line, I looked up and saw the

avalanche coming toward me. I grabbed

onto the rope, hoping to ride out the

avalanche, but then I felt the impact of

moving snow. It just took me with it.

After the avalanche carried me

from my place on the ledge, I was

buried in the snow for what seemed

like hours, but it was only maybe 10 to

15 seconds. I sat up and thats when I

began sliding toward the cliff. I came to

an abrupt stop, but the snow continued

to move past me. After 15 to 20 sec-

onds, it subsided.

After the avalanche was over, 10 of

us were spread over 100 feet, con-

nected by a tangle of rope. The safety

line was taut and strained. Another line

was fraying. Six of us would hang on for

dear life for hours.

I was pinned to the jagged face of a

rock. Across my chest was a rope con-

nected somewhere above me and

pulled taut by the weight of two people

hanging below me. My hand was bro-

ken. If I looked down, I would see two

people in the crevasse, which darkened

from light blue to black.

There I was, suspended over a cliff

with a 1,500+ foot drop, but I knew

inherently that I had to think clearly.

When I decided to give up some of my

outer layers of clothing to help those

below me on the cliff who were

drenched in freezing cold water runoff,

I found the true meaning of giving from

the heart.

NUMBERS ON

MT. RAINIER54

The number of miles southeast of Seattle, Washington, where this volcano is located

14,408The summit elevation of Mt. Rainier

840,000In years, the estimated age of its early lava deposits

500,000The age of its cone

16,000The previous height of the mountain before

a major debris avalanche and mudflow occurred some 5,000 years ago

1820AND 1854

The most recent recorded volcanic eruptions

Wikipedia

I could see where the cliff was about todrop off, and I was heading there. At thatmoment, I knew then that this was itI wasgoing to die. Gregg Swanson

The ruggedness of Mt. Rainier is obvious.

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SURVIVE

13How many years ago this climb occurred

20The number of climbers in the expedition

800In feet, the length of the rope they used to secure one another

3A.M.The time they left for the summit

AN AMAZING SIGHTDaylight seemed to be fading, even though it was mid-afternoon. Finally,

after what seemed like several hours, the rescuers started to arrive, com-

mencing a delicate and slow operation. Rescuers arrived by helicopter and

rappelled to the climbers, securing each one of us with new ropes that

allowed us to crawl to a safe rock to rest.

In total, we had been hanging there for more than five hours. I was

hypothermic, dehydrated, and suffered two broken fingers and a torn PCL.

But overall, my injuries were not bad considering the experience.

Authorities were alerted by walkie-talkie and a helicopter arrived to

transport us to local area hospitals. We waited for an extended time due to

severe cloud cover that limited the helicopters from flying safely.

Unfortunately, in order to reach the helicopter rescue, I had to crawl

back up the hill and walk more than a mile with my injuries. However, mak-

ing the trek with a broken hand and torn PCL, while dehydrated and

hypothermic, allowed me to discover how tough my mind and body can be. TH

INKS

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Summitting a mountaincan be exhilarating.

THE CLIMBING NUMBERS

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There I was, suspended over a cliff with a1,500+ foot drop,but I knew inher-ently that I hadto think clearly. Gregg Swanson

A MODERN WARRIORWhen asked how the climb has altered my life, after much

reflection, I have come to realize that for me, this was my initiation

into what I call modern warriorship. I had to be strong mentally,

physically, emotionally, and spirituality in order to survive and live a

life of power, purpose and passion.

What are the lessons Nature wanted to teach us? It can be a

scary thing to think about. Since the avalanche, I have dedicated

myself to continuing to develop what was born that day and help

others to find their four pillars of strength, without having to go

through such an extreme event.

Gregg Swanson is a mental strength coach helping others to live a

life of power, purpose and passion. You can get his complimentary

report Six Secrets to Creating Mental Strength by visiting

warriormindcoach.com.

70The temperature at the summit

10-15In seconds, the approximate amount of time Swanson was buried in the snow

5In hours, theamount of elapsed timebefore rescuersarrived

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S 1,500In feet, the distance of the cliff drop over whichthe author was suspended

The majestic Mt. Rainier, the volca

no

where the avalanche occurred.

Gregg Swanson said expe-riencing an avalanche washis initiation into modernwarriorship.

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Shed Some Light

SOME PEOPLE ENJOY BEINGIN THE DARKIT CAN MAKE ACOLD NIGHT AT THE CAMP-SITE STRANGELY PEACEFUL.OTHERS, HOWEVER, WOULDPREFER TO AT LEAST KNOWTHAT LIGHT IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. OR SOMETIMESMOTHER NATURE INTER-VENES AND LETS YOUUNEQUIVOCALLY KNOWTHAT SHES IN CHARGE,

AND THERE WILL BE NOELECTRICITY AND THATSWHERE THESE HANDY GADGETS COME IN.

With darkness falling earlier during

the cold winter months, keeping a light

source nearby is essential. Toss one of

the smaller flashlights into your glove

compartment, and keep a spare lantern

in the garage. With a few options in

your bug-out bag, you wont be stuck

without light for long.

LGHTS

EDITORS CHOICE SKIL www.Skiltools.comModel: 2350 Cordless Screwdriver and FlashlightKey Features: Dual-purpose, bright light, lightweightMSRP: $30-35

Rely on these light sources to ensure that you wont be in the dark.

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SKIL www.Skiltools.com

Model: 2350 Cordless Screwdriver and FlashlightKey features: Dual-purpose, bright light, lightweightMSRP: $30-35

Description:Keep two of your most beloved tools in your kitwithout doubling the weight of your bug-outbag, thanks to SKILs dual-purpose cordlessscrewdriver and flashlight. The rechargeabletool offers 4 volts of power in the screwdriver,totaling 180 rpm of speed for your quick winterrepairs.

Turn around the tool to light up the LED bulb,which provides a strong, bright light to get youthrough the darkness. You wont need a sepa-rate container to hold the screwdriver bits,because they snap directly into the on-tool stor-age compartment, making this double-duty toolan essential part of your survival pack.

BLACK DIAMONDwww.blackdiamondequipment.comModel: Storm Headlamp Key features: Waterproof, bright light, hands-freeMSRP: $45-50

Description:Walking through the snow can often mean youllrisk shorting out your light source, but thats notthe case with the Storm headlamp, which isfully waterproof. The 100 lumens of maximumpower come from the five included lights: atriple-power LED, two single-power white LEDs,and two single-power red LED lights that giveyou night vision power.

Simply pop in four AAA batteries, strap the lightto your head, and turn it to your desired proxim-ity and distance modes before you trust thislight to lead your way. If you fall into thestream, youre still covered, thanks to the waterimmersion protection that can operate down to3.3 feet for up to 30 minutes.

CONCEPT SOLAR LIGHTS www.conceptsolarlights.com

Model: SL-10 Solar Lantern Key features: Works without electricity, bright light, easy to installMSRP: $39

Description:Forget the batteriesyou can let the suns rayspower this weather-resistant lantern, whichworks well both indoor and outside. You can setit to automatically switch on after nightfall, oryou can select when you want the LED lights togive you 50 lumens of power, which can coverup to 80 square feet of light.

You wont need any wires to get this lantern setup at your campsite. Simply hang it from thenearest tree or carabiner, let it absorb the sunspower, and then switch it on whenever youneed some light. The SL-10 will keep yourcampsite bright and well-lit into the evening.

buyersGuide LIGHTS1

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CONCESOLARLIGHTS

If you fall into the stream,youre still covered, thanksto the water immersion protection that can operatedown to 3.3 feet for up to 30 minutes.

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LL BEAN www.llbean.com

Model: 10-Day Camp LanternKey features: Extended light, dimmer switch,water-resistantMSRP: $39.95

Description:Why is this attractive and sleek lantern called the10-Day Camp Lantern? On just one set of D-cellbatteries, you can keep your location constantlyilluminated for 10 full days on the low setting. Ifyoure using the light intermittently rather thankeeping it on uninterrupted, you can turn the set-ting up gradually brighter, and the 12 included LEDlights will give you a bright 160 lumens of power onthe highest setting.

With a handy hook for strapping into your car, tent,or from a nearby branch, the water-resistant lightwill be invaluable for days during your excursion.

BULLET www.bulletline.com

Model: Light-Up CarabinerKey features: Lightweight, dual-purposeMSRP: $3

Description:You wouldnt leave home without a carabiner, away to hold your keys or a flashlight, but this handyaluminum device gives you all three at once. Thestrap and key ring keep your keys nearby, while thecarabiner can hold a variety of items, from keepinga knife on your belt to holding your gloves.

The light isnt quite powerful enough to illuminateyour entire campsite, but it will offer you an oppor-tunity to see where you left your glasses or whetherthe noise youre hearing is a snake, so pop thelight-up carabiner onto your pack the next timeyoure on the trail.

COGHLANS www.coghlans.com

Model: Micro LanternKey features: Lightweight, compact, brightMSRP: $4-6

Description:If youre one of the many survivalists who pur-chases the Micro Lantern as a backup lightsource for your adventures, you might find, like oth-ers do, that it serves just as beautifully as a primarylight source. Although its small and its adverti