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Clothing Must-Haves for the Coming Autumn Weather

By
Reuben Bolieu
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The Wazoo Gear Cache Beanie™ combines style and functionality, crafted from 100% fine Italian Merino wool to keep you warm in cold weather. (Wazoo Gear Photo)

Layering clothing for Autumn activities helps you stay warm and comfortable. Clothing acts as the first line of defense when you step outside or venture into the wilderness. These autumn clothing must-haves are a good place to start for your cool-weather wardrobe! Incorporating these key pieces will ensure you are ready for the cool autumn air.

Autumn Must-Haves

The base layer manages moisture with materials like polyester, nylon, merino wool, and silk. Next, the middle layer provides insulation, using options such as fleece and down. Finally, the outer layer protects you from wind and rain, featuring water and windproof jackets that remain breathable. Naturally, these are general guidelines for assembling your autumn clothing must-haves. 

Hand Must-Haves 

Leather gloves may not be the star of your outdoor gear lineup, but they sure know how to steal the show when it comes to protection and versatility. Whether you’re wrestling with logs, getting a campfire going, or tackling rugged terrain, these gloves have your hands covered—literally! They double as oven mitts, ward off the wind, and give snow a run for its money.

For those chillier days, simply slip on a pair of light fleece gloves underneath for that extra cozy warmth. Plus, when it comes to gripping slippery surfaces or dodging thorny plants, leather gloves have got your back. With them on, your outdoor escapades just became a whole lot more comfortable and secure, making them a must-have for any autumn outing.

5.11 Adiron PrimaLoft® Insulated Glove

Meet the Adiron Insulated Glove, your new best friend for staying warm and dry in any weather! Packed with 170g of Primaloft Gold insulation, these gloves team up with 5.11’s Tac Dry® waterproof and breathable system. Consequently, they give you unbeatable protection.

Need to check your phone, tablet, or GPS? No worries! The touchscreen-compatible palm and fingers let you swipe and scroll without shedding your gloves. 

Discover the Adiron Insulated Glove—your shield against cold and wet weather! With 170g of Primaloft® Gold insulation and Tac Dry® waterproof technology, stay warm and dry. (5.11 Photo)

With an elastic wrist and a cinch strap, the Adiron gloves fit like a glove (pun intended) for a secure and comfy feel. And let’s not forget the BBP-resistant material, brushed fleece lining, keystone thumb, and handy handcuffs for added convenience. TAA-compliant and built tough, these gloves feature a nylon and PU shell, a polyester and PU palm, and a snuggly polyester brushed lining.

Whether you’re navigating the concrete jungle or embracing the great outdoors, these gloves have got your back, proving essential for any autumn clothing collection.

Head Covering Must-Have

The Wazoo Gear Cache Beanie™ is not your average cold-weather cap—it’s a stealthy multitasker disguised as a stylish wool hat. Built from 100% fine Italian Merino wool and lined with soft, itch-proof polyester fleece, this watchman-style beanie delivers serious warmth while quietly leveling up your everyday carry.

Hidden inside the fleece liner is a credit card-sized pocket so discreet, you might think Wazoo forgot to include it. But it’s there, ready to stash micro survival tools like the FireCard™, spare keys, hunting licenses, or even a Tiny Survival Guide. It’s clear this beanie is a true autumn must for those who value functionality and style.

The beanie features a chunky 3-inch cuff and a shallow, snug fit that suits most head sizes. A multifunctional Wickett & Craig leather tab doubles as a stylish accent and a pocket pull tab. Meanwhile, a tear-away care label keeps things streamlined.

Inside, a high-visibility goldenrod mesh pocket with a low-profile hook-and-loop closure keeps your gear secure and accessible. Whether you’re navigating city streets or backcountry trails, the Cache Beanie keeps your head warm and your essentials close. It does so without tipping off anyone that you’re carrying more than just good taste.

The Wazoo Gear Cache Beanie™ combines style and functionality, crafted from 100% fine Italian Merino wool to keep you warm in cold weather. (Wazoo Gear Photo)

Autumn Scarf Must-Haves

Scarves and bandanas are the ultimate multitaskers! In survival situations, they can clean messes, dry off, or even act as clever gear—outdoorsy folks have touted their usefulness since the late 1800s.

For materials, synthetic fabrics or wool are your best bets. They provide shade and can double as a makeshift arm sling or tripod support. Plus, in cold weather, a warm scarf wrapped around your neck and face will keep that vital body heat snug!     

Tuff Possum XL Multipurpose Survival Scarf

The Tuff Possum XL Multipurpose Survival Scarf isn’t just any scarf; it’s like the Swiss Army Knife of neckwear! Made from soft, diamond rip-stop nylon, this versatile piece of gear traps dead airspace to keep the chill at bay. It makes sure your neck stays toasty warm in the chill of autumn.

With its long, bag-shaped design, this scarf isn’t just about keeping warm. You can use it to gather materials for a debris bed, kickstart a fire, collect nuts, berries, and seeds, or even fashion a makeshift pillowcase when you stuff it with clothes. Plus, its vibrant neon orange interior isn’t just for show—it turns the scarf into a handy signal panel or a stylish piece for hunting season.

The Tuff Possum XL Survival Scarf is a versatile neckwear made from soft, diamond rip-stop nylon. (Tuff Possum Gear Photo)

And if you’re in a pinch, it can even act as a pre-filter for water—though do remember to hand-wash it without soap first! You’ll be amazed at how quickly it dries. At 29 inches wide, 70 inches long, and weighing in at just under 11 ounces, this scarf not only shields you from UV rays with its dark color, it also proves its worth whether you’re deep in the wilderness or just enhancing your Everyday Carry (EDC) kit.

You can even lay it on the ground to catch shavings for your fire prep. Talk about earning its keep! 

Conclusion: Autumn Clothing Must-Haves

Get ready for Autumn with essential layers! Start with a moisture-wicking base, add insulation, and finish with a water-resistant outer layer. Don’t forget leather gloves for versatility, the Wazoo Gear Cache Beanie™ with a hidden pocket, and the Tuff Possum XL Survival Scarf for warmth and multifunctionality.

Embrace the season with these must-have autumn clothing options for smart gear!

Tuff Possum Gear Keeps the New Goodies Coming

By
Jim Cobb
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Tuff Possum Gear - new goodies

Tuff Possum Gear is one of my favorite companies. They do high-quality work at fair prices, and everything they produce is made here in the USA. On top of that, their designs are practical and useful, rather than just being showy nonsense. I own and use quite a bit of their product line at this point.

Tuff Possum Gear: Cranking it Out

Recently, Jayberry Miller, owner of Tuff Possum Gear, sent me a few of his newest products to check out. These aren’t prototypes. They’re all available on the site now. And you’re probably going to want to pick up at least one or two of them.

Cordage Wrangler Card

Tuff Possum Gear - Cord Wrangler Card
The Tuff Possum Gear Cord Wrangler Card is lightweight and easy to use.

Cordage is always a valuable resource to have when you’re out in the field. While it is certainly possible to weave some from foraged plant fibers, it’s a whole lot easier to pack some in your bag. The problem becomes how to store it so it doesn’t just turn into a tangled mess.

Enter the Tuff Possum Gear Cordage Wrangler Card. It’s a solid piece of laser-cut poly laminate. It measures approximately 5 inches by 2.25 inches. It will store dozens of feet of 550 paracord, Kevlar kite string, or tarred bank line. Best of all, you can pull off what you need easily without tangles or knots.

Run the free end through the hole, then start wrapping it around the card. When you’re done, slip the loose end through one of the slots on either side to secure it in place. Simple, easy, and effective.

Tuff Possum Gear - cord wrapped on card
There’s about 16 feet of paracord here, with room for plenty more.

Currently, the Tuff Possum Gear Cordage Wrangler Card goes for $6.00 each.

Fire Plug Zipper Pulls

Tuff Possum Gear - Fire Plug Zipper Pulls
These Tuff Possum Gear Lester River Bushcraft Fire Plug Zipper Pulls are a great multipurpose addition to your kit.

This is a collaboration between Lester River Bushcraft and Tuff Possum Gear. Colored zipper pulls are an excellent way to organize and identify your kit contents. Use red for fire gear, orange for signaling, that sort of thing. What they’ve done here is add to the usefulness and practicality of this simple accoutrement.

Secreted inside the black heat-shrink tube at the end of the pull is a wax-coated fire plug. In an emergency, you can cut open that tube, remove the fire plug, and use it to get your fire going fast. All you need to do is twist and pull the plug a bit to loosen up the fibers, then hit it with sparks from a ferrocerium rod or light it with a match or lighter.

I love multi-purpose gear when it actually performs those multiple purposes well, like this one does.

Tuff Possum Gear - zipper pull opened
Slice open the heat shrink tube and pull out a fire plug.

Tuff Possum Gear has these Lester River Bushcraft Fire Plug Zipper Pulls on their site in a six-pack (two of each color) for $15.00.

Program J Micro Kit Pouch

Tuff Possum Gear - Program J Micro Pouch
The pouch is small, but very versatile.

This is another collaboration product, this time between Tuff Possum Gear and Project J. The Micro Kit Pouch measures about four inches by three inches. It features multiple carry options, including MOLLE, belt, or even running a lanyard through and carrying it around your neck.

It’s small, but perfect for things like lockpicks or tinder material. It’s for those little items that we often misplace or even forget to bring along. You can attach this pouch right to your pack or even just toss it right into your pocket if you prefer. It’s made from laser-cut Squadron laminate, and it’s built to last.

Tuff Possum Gear - Program J Pouch back
It can be carried via MOLLE straps, a belt, pack strap, or even neck lanyard.

The Program J Micro Kit Pouch is on the Tuff Possum Gear website for $20.00. It comes in Coyote Brown (shown), Black, or Ranger Green.

Silky Nata 240mm Outback: Taming the Wild Places

By
Reuben Bolieu
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The Silky Nata 240mm Outback sets itself apart from traditional nata hatchets with its impressive combination of stealth, durability, and refined ergonomics.

The Silky Nata 240mm Outback is a modern take on the traditional Japanese nata hatchet. It gives it a stealthy, field‑ready upgrade that Silky designed for more complex, wetter environments than most stock models.

The Silky Nata 240mm Outback

What’s a Nata Hatchet?

A nata hatchet is a traditional Japanese tool known for its versatile design, combining features of both a hatchet and a machete. A gardener primarily uses a nata for chopping, slicing, and general cutting tasks. The blade of a nata often has a unique, wider profile, allowing for effective cutting through brush, small branches, and other materials.

When comparing a Japanese nata hatchet to a western-style hatchet, several key differences emerge. The Japanese hatchet typically features a thinner blade, excelling at precision cutting, making it ideal for detailed work like crafting. The weight distribution in a nata hatchet often allows for better maneuverability, which enhances its effectiveness for quick, repeated cuts. Here is where the Silky Nata 240mm Outback shines. 

On the other hand, western-style hatchets usually have a thicker, heavier blade designed for more powerful chopping motions. People often use them for splitting larger logs or heavy-duty tasks. While western hatchets offer robustness and strength, they may lack the finesse and agility seen in Japanese nata hatchets. This makes the nata better suited for users who need a tool that can perform both delicate tasks and robust cutting in diverse environments.

The Silky Nata Outback Difference

The Silky Nata 240mm Outback sets itself apart from traditional nata hatchets with its impressive combination of stealth, durability, and refined ergonomics. Featuring a full-blade black oxide coating, it resists rust, withstands wear, and eliminates glare, providing you with a tactical advantage over the bright, polished steel found on many standard models. Its non-slip rubberized grip actively absorbs vibration, channeling more power into each cut and reducing fatigue during long periods of use, unlike the bare wood or basic synthetic grips of other natas.

The double-beveled edge of the Silky Nata 240mm Outback provides adaptability for chopping and slicing in a range of situations.

Handcrafted in Ono, Japan, this tool reflects the precision and heritage of a traditional forging hub, distinguishing it from mass-produced alternatives. Weighing approximately 34.2 ounces, with a blade that weighs 20.8 ounces, the Silky Nata delivers a hatchet-like punch along with machete-length reach. The double-beveled edge offers versatility for chopping and slicing in various conditions.

Designed for all-conditions fieldwork, the Silky Nata 240mm Outback excels in tasks like clearing dense brush and prepping firewood, all while avoiding the compromises that typical off-the-shelf options present.

Quick Specs:

Blade Length240 mm / 9.5 in
Blade Thickness5.7 mm / 0.22 in
Hatchet Weight970 g / 2.13 lb
Blade Weight590 g / 1.3 lb
Blade PlatingSilky Black Oxide
Made InOno, Japan
MSRP$131.99
The larger Silky Nata 240mm Outback used alongside the Knives By Nuge prototype Nata hatchet.

Silky Nata 240mm Outback Performance

It was early December in the Northeast, and temperatures were already hovering in the freezing zone. I was doing an overnighter with a buddy who had an electric chainsaw and small folding saws. I was the one who split the wood and bucked branches off poles for fire preparation.

The Silky Nata was new to me. Up until then, I’d always used traditional natas or American-made versions from TOPS and Knives By Nuge. These nata hatchets were shorter at about 6.5 inches, equalling 165mm. However, that’s the typical size of nata hatchets—it’s the Silky Nata 240mm Outback that’s longer and heavier. 

A person can generally use a hatchet with one hand, and two hands for extra power. The same goes for a nata hatchet. However, the larger, heavier Nata 240mm was more exhausting to use one-handed. It had the weight of a larger tool, but lacked the agility and versatility. 

No question about it, the handle on the Silky Nata 240mm Outback was excellent. It had a positive grip and reduced vibration.

The handle had less shock than my Knives By Nuge Nata prototype, which was a plus. The Silky Nata 240mm Outback handled like a heavy, weight-forward chopping knife. It was excellent for splitting wood via a baton like a froe. The forward-leaning angle (the cant) gives added power, but is challenging to swing for long periods.

A conventional nata hatchet allows for quick chopping and splitting on 2-inch to 4-inch wooden rounds while providing control and precision. Bucking off pinky to thumb-thick branches is also what a nata hatchet does well. The size and weight make this possible. However, the Silky Nata 240mm Outback model didn’t perform these tasks as efficiently as most nata hatchets for my taste.

Heck, I’m still glad I had a chance to try it out once!

Take Them With You – Handling the Pet Bug Out Problem

By
Jim Cobb
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Pet Bug Out

No matter where you live, there’s the possibility you’ll need to evacuate your home quickly. Grabbing your kids and kits is one thing, but corralling the critters can be another matter entirely. It’s important to plan ahead for evacuating your pets. Don’t just leave them behind to fend for themselves.

Bugging Out with a Pet

Pet bug out - don't leave them chained
Never leave your animal tied or chained up somewhere when you evacuate. That’s cruel.

Pet-Friendly Bug Out Destinations

One of the first steps is determining where you can go with Fido and Fluffy. Talk with family and friends who live within a day’s drive or so of where you live. Ask them about the possibility of crashing on their couch for a day or two if something were to happen in your area.

The fact that you’ll be bringing pets with you should absolutely be part of that conversation. If they’re cool with you staying with them, you’ll want to offer to return the favor if the roles are reversed, of course.

Pet bug out - motel
Call ahead to make sure the motel will allow you to keep your critter with you in the room.

Another option might be motels. If you want to explore that possibility, call around now and find out which ones are pet-friendly. Don’t call the corporate reservation 800 number, though. Reach out to the folks running the front desk at the location you’re planning to stay. Those are the folks who will be making the ultimate decision whether you’re allowed to bring your pets into the room.

Be honest with them in terms of the number and size of your pets. It gains you nothing to lie to them.

Pet Bug Out Supplies

There are a few things you should make sure you have with you when you evacuate with pets. Ask your vet for a copy of the animal’s immunization record. It might be important to be able to prove your pet is up to date on their shots. If your animal takes any sort of prescription medication, be sure to have a short supply ready to go.

Many animals experience digestive issues if there are sudden changes to their diet. Do what you can to minimize this risk by keeping a stash of their normal food with your emergency supplies. Silicone collapsible dishes are great for food and water. They don’t take up much space and are easy to clean.

Pet bug out - food
Keep a stash of your animal’s normal food with the bug-out supplies.

A favorite toy or treat can help reduce their stress and anxiety. A familiar blanket or pillow can also be good in that regard.

If you have cats, a disposable litter box might be a wise addition, along with a small container of litter. A roll of paper towels, a spray bottle of cleanser, and doggie doo bags are also a wise investment for your canine companions.

Keep all of these supplies stored alongside your own bug-out bags so everything is in one place and easy to grab.

Pet Bug Out Training

If the animal is small enough to be transported in a crate, that’s typically the best option when bugging out. Some locations may require pets to be confined, even if just temporarily. When you’re in a hurry, the last thing you want is to try to catch a dog or cat that doesn’t want to be caught.

If the only time they ever get crated is when they’re going to the vet, they’re going to run and hide the moment they see you bring it out. Get them used to traveling by taking them on short trips around town on a regular basis.

Pet bug out - crate
Get your animals accustomed to going into a crate so it’s easier to handle them in an evacuation.

Bugging out is a high-stress situation. But the better prepared you are ahead of time, the easier it’ll be if it happens for real.

Best AOWs – Free Stamps Part 4

By
Travis Pike
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Stamps are soon to be free. If you’re like me, you’re making a list and checking it twice. Seriously, my form 1s are about to explode. I’m doing a series in celebration of what I think will be great free tax stamps, and today’s is about AOWs. AOWs, or any other weapons, are a broad category of NFA items that exists as another category for firearms that don’t fall into the other base categories. 

What’s an AOW?

An AOW, or Any Other Weapon, is a broad category of NFA items that exists for firearms that don’t fit into the other base categories. AOW transfer stamps cost a mere $5, but Form 1 AOW stamps still cost $200. Luckily, that cost will be eliminated on January 1, 2026. I think AOWs in particular will be an exciting genre in the home brewing landscape. With that in mind, we have categories more than specific NFA items.

A Super Short Shotgun

Technically, AOWs aren’t legally shotguns, but they are functionally shotguns. These are often guns that have smooth bores, fire shot, lack stocks, and are less than 26 inches long. The Serbu Super Shorty is one of the most famous of these guns. Additionally, Mossberg produced a short run they called Compact Cruisers. Currently, the only option I know that’s in production is PTR’s The Jack.

These ultra-short shotguns would be fairly cheap to make. You could make a Lupara-style AOW from a double or single-barreled shotgun. If you’re willing to spend a little money, you can have a gunsmith professionally cut the barrel and magazine tube of your favorite shotgun and turn it into an AOW.

These AOWs are a ton of fun. Imagine having a 12-gauge you can drop under a coat and carry it? I honestly want to take a Mossberg 500 HS model in .410 and make it into an uber-short AOW. As the owner of the Compact Cruiser, let me tell you these things are tons of fun.

A Pen Gun

Pen guns are AOWs because they don’t technically look like guns. Yep, that’s why. These silly things have been around forever. These days, they aren’t common but are still in production. The Aklys Defense Pugio Pen-15 is a factory option that comes in either .22LR or .32 ACP. As a .32 ACP fan, I approve.

Making pen guns isn’t as easy as sawing a barrel off, but without tax stamps and with fast NFA turnaround times, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more enter production. Who doesn’t want a James Bond-approved pen?

They say the pen is mightier than the sword, and in this case, that is indubitable. Add a suppressor and you get a long, quiet rod that is all kinds of cool.

A Knife Gun

Knife guns are one of the silliest genres of firearms. If you have a gun, why do you need a knife? Who am I to judge? China and Russia have both supposedly produced these guns for their military forces. Knife guns are AOWs because, like pen guns, they are disguised guns. The most common you’ll find in the United States is the Arsenal RS-1.

The Arsenal RS-1 is a six-shot .22 Short revolver that’s hidden in the grip of the knife. It’s an extremely expensive knife gun, but not the only one. The Powell Knife Pistol is another example, and these things chamber much larger cartridges.

A Cane Gun

Another AOW that is only an AOW because it’s a disguised gun. There was an era when cane guns were somewhat common. Remington famously produced a number of cane guns until 1910. Some of those antiques are available, but aren’t real shooters. In fact, the only one I’ve seen that’s even close to modern is the SWD Cane Gun.

SWD is part of that Cobray group that was producing all sorts of crazy guns. They made a handful of AOWs, including a .22LR cane gun. They pop up at auctions every now and then and aren’t fancy, but functional. Cane guns are another category of firearms that don’t seem tough to get into.

In my mind, I’d take an Altor single-shot pistol and produce either a barrel or barrel sleeve and easily turn it into a cane gun. It would require some custom machining, but it’s certainly possible, and the Altor is a bargain gun to be sure.

A Combination Gun

Did you know if you have a gun that has a shotgun and rifle barrel, and you trim those barrels, it’s an AOW and not an SBR or SBS? If you were to trim the barrels on a Savage Model 42, it would be an AOW. The same could be said for an M4-type rifle with a Masterkey-style shotgun attachment, a Marble Game Getter, or a clone-correct M6 Survival rifle.

Rock Island Auction

A twin-barreled combination gun, or even a three-barreled, three-caliber shorty, would be a fun AOW. I’ve found custom shops willing to make clone-correct M6s, and I don’t have to sell anyone on a Master Key, do I? A combination gun would be a fairly effective brush gun for hunting, but I won’t sell these AOWs as anything other than fun, because that’s exactly what they are.

The AOWs: A Different Kind of Fun

My favorite non-machine gun NFA item is an AOW. I think they are uniquely weird and fun and different. I don’t care about a Mk 18 clone, give me a pen pistol in .32 ACP and I’d be much happier. I’m going to go a little AOW crazy in the coming years with Form 1s flying off the handle. Stay tuned, we are doing SBRs next.

BCO Backcountry Fire Kit—Ready for the Wilderness Life

By
Reuben Bolieu
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BCO Backcountry Fire Kit: the ideal stand-alone setup or a foundation for a more extensive kit.

If you can’t make a fire with this BCO Backcountry Fire Kit, the woods may not be the place for you! All kidding aside, this kit offers numerous ways to make fire. The kit gives beginners a chance to practice on three types of tinders utilized with a ferro rod.

The BCO Backcountry Fire Kit

BCO: Born in the Wild, Built for a Lifetime

Since 2011, Badger Claw Outfitters (BCO) has crafted gear as tough and adaptable as the people who carry it. From hand‑tooled leather to waxed canvas and rugged nylon, every stitch, seam, and rivet is made in the USA and backed for life. This isn’t just equipment — it’s a promise born from the founder’s years hunting, fishing, and living off the land, from Alaska’s wilds to the Texas hill country. Whatever the journey, gear up with confidence and make every mile, every campfire, every memory count.  

BCO Backcountry Fire Kit

When the weather turns foul and the wind cuts deep, this compact kit turns a cold night into a warm camp. Built for those who know a Bic lighter isn’t enough. The BCO Backcountry Fire Kit delivers the tools and assurance needed to make fire when it counts.  

The writer kept the Poplar bark in the provided BCO Small Zip Pouch to offer some resistance against moisture.
Stainless Steel Collapsible Pocket BellowsDrives oxygen right to your ember’s heart, turning a stubborn spark into a roaring flame with minimal effort.  
Fatwood Shaving StickBurns hot and fast, even when soaked, giving you a dependable fuel source pulled straight from nature’s resin‑rich bounty.  
Alcohol SwabsIgnite instantly, doubling as emergency tinder when conditions leave everything else damp and useless.  
Jute TwineFluffs into a tinder nest in seconds, catching sparks with ease and speeding your first flame.  
5/16” Ferro RodThrows a shower of molten sparks that light your fire in rain, snow, or high altitude — no fuel, no fail.  
Carbide Steel StrikerBites into the ferro rod cleanly, producing hotter, longer sparks for faster ignition.  
Laser‑Etched Matte Black TinShields your kit from the elements, keeping contents dry and ready, with enough space for extra tinder.  
BCO Small Zip PouchOrganizes and protects your fire‑making lifeline, slips easily into a cargo pocket or pack.  
Fire Kit ID TagMarks your gear with pride and makes it quick to spot when time matters.
MSRP$31.95

Summer Kit Testing

That’s right, making fire in the heat of the summer seems strange. Time wasn’t my friend when it was time to test this kit before an extended overseas trip. I knew when I would come back, it would be cool autumn weather, perfect for making fires. However, I had to crank out a couple of cook fires to get a feel for how the kit handles.

Since it was the heat of summer, I made sure to have small fires, and this is where my Uberleben flat stove came in handy. Nothing like a small contained cook fire when it’s about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preparing for a fire, as usual, involved making sure I had all the right components: toothpick, pencil, and finger thickness. Then, I needed thumb thickness, in addition to larger chunks of wood used for small fuel. I split down the larger pieces using my heavier tool. For the most part, I relied on twigs and dead standing wood. Summer in my area doesn’t necessarily mean dry weather; we often experience rain in the Northeast during these months.

And The Fire!

A stick of Fatwood was a godsend in the humidity. However, it didn’t start there. I used jute twine and shredded it to create the initial spark. Then, I added shavings and slivers of fat wood to keep the flame alive until the small, damp twigs ignited. Eventually, the pencil and finger-thick pieces were ablaze, and I knew I would have a sustainable fire if I kept that up.

On another occasion, I stored Poplar bark in the supplied BCO Small Zip Pouch for marginal protection from dampness. Marginal being the keyword here. The poplar bark was a little damp but quickly dried out as I repeatedly struck the ferro rod into the tinder bundle. You can consider this technique as warming or charring the tinder material.

A good ferro rod needs a good striker like the kind included in the BCO Backcountry Fire Kit.

The BCO Backcountry Fire Kit has a hidden gem in carbide form. A good carbide steel striker stays sharp and has an evil edge for scraping tenders and the Ferro rod. I could have easily cut myself if I had not been careful or wearing a glove. However, the striker is too small for wearing a glove, and gloves are fumbly.

The stainless steel collapsible fire bellows was perfect for pointing towards the small opening of a wood stove. This was a much simpler bellows than I’ve seen before. It didn’t have a knob at the top or bottom, or a key ring or other pieces that could come loose.

And of course, the pouch that came with it makes it easier to add components for fire-making or survival.

The BCO Backcountry Fire Kit is compact, leaving room to expand.

Backcountry Fire Kit Conclusion

Made in the USA and guaranteed for life, the BCO Backcountry Fire Kit doesn’t just help you start a fire — it enables you to stay alive, stay warm, and stay in control of your adventure. Carry confidence everywhere and ignite fires anywhere!

Going SBS – Short Shotguns Rule- Free Stamps Part 3

By
Travis Pike
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In January, the tax price goes from $200 to $0, and I imagine we’ll see a flood of Form 1 and Form 4s. Suppressors and SBRs will explode in popularity, and we’ll see shortages of both. Sadly, one group of NFA weapons will likely be ignored, and that’s the humble SBS, or short-barreled shotgun.

Only men and women of the refined class will appreciate the short shotgun and what it can do for them. From home defense to just having fun, a short-barreled shotgun is great for everyone. Which guns make for solid short-barreled shotguns? Well, I have five candidates primed for your next Form 1 or Form 4.

SBS Options for Your Free Tax Stamp

990 Aftershock

First on the list is the 990 Aftershock, released early this year, and I’m an instant fan. The 990 Aftershock comes as a firearm, meaning it’s not a shotgun. You can buy it now and enjoy it until your stamp comes back. Mossberg wisely made it compatible with 590 stocks, meaning once that stamp comes back, you have tons of stock options. You have stuff like the Magpul SGA, folding stocks, and more.

Finding a short-barreled semi-auto shotgun is tough. The 990 Aftershock gives us an affordable, easy-to-find platform that’s Form 1 ready. It’s the most drama-free and affordable semi-auto SBS option on the market. Plus, it’s reliable, fun to shoot, and comes from a beloved shotgun company. The 990 Aftershock will be the first free stamp I hit the file button for.

Mossberg Shockwave

If semi-autos aren’t for you, the natural option for most people will be the Mossberg Shockwave. The Shockwave is likely responsible for the majority of Form 1 SBS guns on the market. It’s a firearm with a 14-inch barrel and a pistol-grip-only design. The Shockwave gives us an incredibly affordable SBS candidate that also comes in .410 and 20 gauge.

Mossberg also makes a variety of Shockwave variants. This includes hardwood models, SPX models, magazine-fed models, and more. The Shockwave is nothing more than a 590 with a short barrel. This makes it easy to customize and turn it into whatever type of short-barreled shotgun you want it to be.

Remington TAC-14

The Remington TAC-14 gives you the same treatment as the Shockwave, but for the 870 platform. The 870 tends to be the more refined shotgun compared to the Mossberg. It’s slicker, a little more of a tank, and is just as customizable. The TAC-14 series has a 14-inch barrel and makes it easy to mount any standard 870 stock.

My dream TAC-14 SBS would feature all wood furniture, and that’s a possibility. I’m not sure if the current incarnation of Remington is putting new TAC-14s out, but tons are floating around the used market. There tends to be a distinct line between Mossberg and Remington fans, so it’s nice that the Remington guys and gals have options.

Genesis Arms GEN-12

This takes us into Form 4 and Form 1 territory. The Genesis Arms shotguns are one of the very few magazine-fed shotguns I’d ever suggest. These are AR-like in shape and size, but they use a recoil-operated design. Genesis Arms produces both short-barreled shotgun variants and firearm variants you can make your own SBS.

The PDS, or Personal Defense Shotgun, variant even pairs an uber-short five-inch barrel with a 12-gauge suppressor. The GEN-12 comes in other barrel lengths, including 7, 10.5, and 14.5 inches. They also have a stockless AOW version, which isn’t an SBS, but close enough. These are mag-fed guns with AR-like controls and handling. They are reliable, fun, and Genesis Arms gets credit for their creative SBS and firearm designs.

Heritage Badlander

Last, but not least, is the Heritage Badlander. This one will take some effort and a gunsmith to do it right. The Heritage Badlander series is a traditional western-style side-by-side shotgun that is a ton of fun. The only way they could be more fun is to cut the barrels short. A short-barreled side-by-side shotgun is old-school cool, and you get bonus points for cutting off the stock for a Lupara.

The Badlander comes in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore. We get different wood finish options as well as black or stainless steel for the barrel and receiver. A short, light, and easily maneuverable double-barreled shotgun is the best home defense option of 1877, but these days it’s a fun and classic design. Plus, how else will I play El Mariachi?

The Small World of the SBS

Short-barreled shotguns are a total blast. They are underrated and can be an effective defensive weapon. I’m not sure why a couple of inches make such a difference, but it truly does. The shorter the better is my general attitude towards shotguns, and I can’t wait to flood the ATF with my Form 1 shotgun contraptions.

Keeping Your Family Fed – Food Storage Basics

By
Jim Cobb
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Food Storage Basics

When it comes to emergency food storage, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to go out and buy a ton of special survival food or military rations. Going that route is cost-prohibitive for most people. Plus, it can lead to digestive and other health issues for some folks.

Instead, let’s look at a more common-sense approach to food storage.

Food Storage Basics

Keep it Familiar

Store what you eat and eat what you store. In other words, concentrate on the shelf-stable foods you and your family eat on the daily. You know you like them. Just as important, you know they like you. Meaning they aren’t likely to cause digestive upset.

Food storage - grocery store
The grocery store has a wide range of foods that are well-suited for your food storage plan.

Most families in the United States buy their food at grocery stores. What foods found there would be good choices for stocking up?

  • Canned goods
  • Pouched meats
  • Dry pasta
  • Jarred or canned sauce
  • Rice
  • Beans
  • Soup mixes
  • Baking mixes
  • Instant potatoes
Food storage - canned soup
Most families make use of at least some shelf-stable foods purchased at grocery stores, such as canned soups.

If all you need to do is heat it up or perhaps add water, it’s probably a good candidate for your food storage plans. No, these aren’t usually the healthiest foods in the store. But all you’re looking to do here is fill bellies for a short time.

Home Preserved

Food storage - home canned
Learn how to can foods at home. It’s a valuable skill and it can save you money in the long run.

You can always preserve your food through canning, dehydrating, or even freeze-drying. This is a great way to use garden produce and meat you’ve harvested. Additionally, preserving food at home can allow you to take better advantage of sales at the grocery store. For example, if the store has ears of corn at a great price, you can buy extra and then can it at home for your food storage.

First In, First Out

Another reason to focus on foods you eat regularly is that doing so makes rotation of the supply easier. Don’t look at your food storage as a buy it and forget it situation. It should be in constant rotation. While food doesn’t automatically go bad the day after the date printed on the can or package, it’s a good practice to always use the oldest food first.

One approach is to mark each can, box, or package with the date you purchased it. Store everything so the newest items are at the back of the shelf, pushing the older stuff forward.

Use Fresh Foods First

If the power goes out, the food in your refrigerator will be okay for up to about four hours. After that is when things start to turn. Your freezer will last 24-48 hours or so, depending on how full it is. When possible, consume food before it goes bad.

Things like dairy products and eggs will likely be lost causes. But fruits and vegetables aren’t going to rot instantly. As food in the freezer thaws, cook it up. Share with neighbors if you can. The idea here is that the food is better off going into stomachs than trash cans.

Food storage - fresh food
Use fresh foods before they go bad, if at all possible.

Using the food in the fridge and freezer first will also extend how long the rest of your food will last you and your family. Don’t jump right to the emergency stash.

Best SBRs – Free Stamps Part 2

By
Travis Pike
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I’m betting that once tax stamps become free, the number of Form 1s filed to make SBRs will explode. They’ll be everywhere. Everything will be SBR’ed from ARs to derringers. Yeah, derringers, we know someone will turn an NAA micro revolver into an SBR. (That someone is me.)

However, we’ll keep things grounded today. Let’s dig into the five excellent potential SBRs when those stamps go from $200 to $0 in January. 

Top SBRs for Your Free Tax Stamp

SIG Sauer Rattler

For years, I resisted .300 Blackout platforms. The ammo was just too pricey for me to justify. These days, the cost difference between 5.56 and .300 Blackout has narrowed a fair bit, which is sad because 5.56 has gotten expensive. I blame Ready or Not for making me want an LVAW, but I’ll settle with a SIG Sauer Rattler with its ultra-short barrel and a can.

The 5.5-inch barrel is begging for a can, and even with a can, we get an extremely lightweight and maneuverable platform. The gun comes stock-ready thanks to the 1913 rail, so getting the stamp and attaching a stock isn’t a problem. The Rattler won the PDW contest with SOCOM, and it’s won the PDW contest in my heart. As far as SBRs go, this takes you in the modern, high-tech, PDW route.

Springfield Kuna

The Springfield Kuna is brand new, but is a prime candidate for the SBR treatment in my opinion. Namely because I love subguns as a whole, but also because the Kuna represents a great value and a gun that’s easy to turn into an SBR. The Kuna is a 9mm large-format pistol that uses a roller-delayed system. It’s affordable and retails for less than a thousand dollars.

The Kuna also has a 1913 rail for adding a stock, which makes it an easy SBR candidate. Add in how easy it is to suppress, and we have a perfect two-stamp gun without spending 400 dollars in just stamps. The Kuna series is extremely modern, has ambi controls, is optic and accessory ready, and the magazines are even affordable.

Rossi Brawler

With stamps being free, I don’t feel silly turning a 200ish dollar gun into an SBR. The Rossi Brawler series are great big pistols that chamber a mix of cartridges. I would personally SBR a Rossi Brawler in .300 Blackout and throw a can on it. These guns are compatible with the stocks from the Rossi Tuffy and LWC series.

The LWC folding stock on a Rossi Brawler with a 9-inch barrel and a folding stock would be an awesome little carbine for hunting. Finish it off with a suppressor and an optic, and you have a very light, efficient, and even affordable firearm. The Brawler is a blast, and with a free tax stamp, it doesn’t seem expensive to make a cheap gun into an SBR.

A Krink Wannabe

“Krink” typically refers to an AKS-74U, which would be a 5.45 platform with an 8.1-inch barrel and a big flash hider. For the sake of this article, I’m using the term Krink to describe any uber-short AK SBRs. The lack of a stamp would make it much more tempting to get a PSA Krink and strap a stock on, but you could also grab a Draco or PAP pistol and slap a stock on and call it a Krink.

With that in mind, you might have to do some gunsmithing work to make it stock compatible. Dracos use an underfolder trunnion, but other variants might need some drilling, welding, and machine work. This makes it a bit more tempting to find an AK pistol with a 1913 rail and call it a day. What’s great about the Krink-style platforms is that 7.62×39 and 5.45 do pretty well from short barrels.

Plus, the fireball is part of the fun!

An Mk 18

I’m almost positive Palmetto State Armory introduced their new Mk 18 style large format pistol because tax stamps are going to zero dollars. The Mk 18 has long been a bit of a standard-bearer for SBR enthusiasts, but admittedly has lost a little sheen as modern systems like the URGI took over. Still, when it comes to short ARs, the Mk 18 is the most proven and arguably one of the best compromises when it comes to size and performance.

An Mk 18 features a 10.3-inch barrel, a quad rail, and a fixed front sight base, and standard AR-type controls with a carbine stock and a flat-top upper. It’s not exactly a fancy rifle, but it’s workable and a great throwback to the GWOT era. The Mk 18 was the platform that helped put the final nail in the coffin for submachine guns. While it has some retro flair, it’s still a competent and capable platform.

Plus, SBRing an AR lower makes it easy to have SBRs in tons of different calibers and configurations.

SBRs: Short Is Better

I like my rifles like I like my chow lines, short. Short rifles are sweet rifles and can be excellent tools for home defense, for USPSA PCC, 3-Gun, and more. SBRs will be a hot commodity, and if you’re wondering what deserves your stamp, I hope I’ve provided you with a little inspiration.

5.11’s ingenious HexGrid storage system goes along for the ride

By
Michael D'Angona
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For many people, their vehicle is their home away from home. They use it for daily commutes to and from work and for traveling for fun. Additionally, if things go bad, it’s an escape tool that gets them out of danger and to a safer location. With all the time people spend inside the vehicle, it’s a fair bet that it carries many of their personal items. That’s where 5.11’s ingenious Vehicle-Ready HexGrid organizational system comes into play.

5.11 Tactical HexGrid Storage System

This attachment system, with accompanying bags and pouches (sold separately), can turn your spare seating into gear-toting helpers that keep necessities within arm’s reach. With my own sample of the HexGrid in my possession, I tested its practicality, durability, and ease of assembly, and the results were nothing less than remarkable.

Starting with the basics

You can’t build a house without a foundation, and you can’t create an organizational system without the fundamental base units. In this case, I had both the 5.11 HexGrid Seat and 5.11 HexGrid Headrest in-hand and ready to install. Both these units came with all the needed straps to secure them to your vehicle’s seat and headrest, respectively.

Examining them first, I noticed their flexibility and, with that, had concerns about their durability or ability to hold numerous gear attachments. However, with some tugging and flexing of the material, my mind changed quickly. It exhibited a true toughness under my constant pressure, even though its meshwork was surprisingly thin throughout.

The headrest unit exhibits the same materials. There was no question in my mind that it would be equally tough.

Holding onto your seat

Both the seat and headrest gridwork included the needed straps to hold them in place on your vehicle’s seat. The headrest portion had two attachment straps. The larger seat portion came with one top strap already attached and two side straps. These needed to be strung through the unit and secured. This unit also came with a quick-release seat wedge that was also pre-attached with two equal-length straps.

Now for the installation.

Ease of Installation

The installation of both units was far easier than I would have suspected. The headrest unit fit over my vehicle’s headrest on the first try. After a quick tug here and there on the straps to adjust, it “locked” in place very well.

You have an option to install the HexGrid on either the front or back of the seat. I chose to attach it to the back. I moved my way downward, securing the top first, then the sides, and finally the lower portion. Every strap is fully adjustable. It took some tweaking to apply the perfect amount of tension to secure the entire meshwork carrier.

Overall, it was a fifteen-minute installation and no problem whatsoever.

Adding multiple carriers

Various pouches and small packs do not come with the Hexgrid system. But the good people at 5.11 Tactical sent me some of their pouches to attach to the units.

I used their Flex Vertical GP Pouch, UCR IFAK Pouch, Flex Admin Pouch, a flashlight holder, and tourniquet containment pouch. The HexGrid system’s gridwork is in a hexagonal pattern, which is visually obvious right from the start. This allows not only horizontal attachments but also diagonal attachments to allow for greater versatility and space optimization.

I set a pattern that I initially liked, but changed it a few more times soon thereafter to get the best balance between space and accessibility to the gear.

A Place for Everything

Truly, the only limitation you have when storing gear on the HexGrid is the size of the pouches that you attach to the units. With my various pouches, I was able to accommodate numerous small survival and self-defense items.

In lieu of a tourniquet, I place my expandable baton in that pouch. I also added in the other pouches a mini first-aid kit, my eyeglasses, a slender flashlight, and a folding knife. Mind you, I was testing for a review and would most likely change gear and equipment on a regular basis.

Adaptable for your personal needs

What I realized when testing the HexGrid was the versatility it will have depending upon my needs at a given time. If I take a road trip, auto-travel-centric items could be added. Essentials could be substituted inside the pouches for camping trips. Even if I don’t have any deep outdoor adventures planned, everyday items like a pen and paper, paper towels, a little extra cash or coins, and even a window breaker escape tool would be great additions.

Final Thoughts

The HexGrid is both an ingenious storage system and highly customizable. The fact that you can add your preferred pouches and packs and remove them just as easily is an absolute plus. The one drawback that may deter some people is that you must purchase the add-on pouches, and that may become a bit costly at first.

However, this isn’t a dealbreaker by any means, as you can acquire them over time, so you don’t break the bank. In fact, you may surprise yourself and find several pouches already in your possession that are compatible. Finally, the HexGrid utilizes space that few people realize they have in their vehicles. This is where the HexGrid shines, and this is how you take prepping for any unexpected problem to a whole new level.

Best Suppressors – Free Stamps Part 1

By
Travis Pike
-

I’m not Pew Science, I can’t tell you which suppressor is scientifically the quietest. My perspective comes from the experience behind the gun and how friendly suppressors are to the shooter, as well as how useful they can be over various platforms. Since the price of tax stamps is dropping to $0, I figured this was a good time to introduce a new series of articles we are doing on some of the better NFA items on the market that you can make or buy.

Let’s start with keeping it quiet by going with suppressors. 

Go Quiet with These Suppressors

Velos 556K

The Velos 556K from SilencerCo is their 3D-printed, flow-through suppressor. Flow-through suppressors promise to reduce or even eliminate gas blowback when shooting suppressed. I’m a bit of a sissy when it comes to gas blowback. I don’t understand how people deal with the eye-watering and choking I get from shooting suppressed.

The Velos 556K eliminates that issue. You don’t need an adjustable gas block, a special charging handle, or any other upgrades. I can toss this on an over-gassed budget carbine and not get hot gas in my face with every shot fired. The Velos 556K is also a little shorter than the OG Velos, and this makes it a bit more carbine-friendly.

I can’t measure sound reduction, but I can tell you that the 556K certainly takes the sting out of a 5.56 cartridge. It makes shooting much more comfortable and reduces volume significantly. SilencerCo uses a muzzle flash-reducing endcap, which does help mitigate the primary downside to flow-through cans. The Velos isn’t cheap, but I view cans as a buy once, cry once deal.

SilencerCo Hybrid 46M

Speaking of “buy once, cry once,” if you wanted only one can ever, I’d go with the SilencerCo Hybrid 46M. This is a .46 caliber suppressor, so it can suppress everything from .22LR to .45-70, and even powerful magnum calibers. Admittedly, smaller calibers won’t suppress as well, but the ring and sting of common calibers like 9mm, 5.56, .300 Blackout, and more.

The suppressor is just as useful on a .44 Magnum, a .338 Lapua Magnum, or really any magnum cartridge you want to suppress. The M in 46M stands for modular, and you can reduce the length at the cost of some of the suppression capability. The Hybrid 46M can suppress practically any common cartridge and a lot of uncommon ones.

OCL Polonium-30

If you just want to suppress rifles because you believe suppressors on handguns are basically a meme, then you likely want a .30 Cal can. The Otter Creek Labs Polonium-30 has been an impressive can at a great price point. At around $500-ish, the OCL-30 can suppress everything from 5.56 to .300 Norma Magnum.

The Polonium-30 uses the HUB mounting system that makes it easy to mount in a variety of ways. The OCL can is made from stainless steel and is full-auto rated. At 13.5 ounces, it’s not exactly lightweight, but for the price and the durability, the Polonium-30 is tough to beat for a dedicated rifle shooter.

Rugged Obsidian 45

If you don’t think suppressing pistols is a meme, then the Rugged Obsidian 45 is tough to beat. This .45 caliber suppressor (also available in 9mm) allows you to suppress a wide variety of calibers. Besides being able to suppress most common pistol calibers, you can suppress various rifle calibers as long as you stick to the recommended barrel lengths.

The Rugged Obsidian 45 claims to be the quietest .45 caliber suppressor, and it’s certainly long enough to be at 8.6 inches long. Luckily, it is modular, and you can reduce the overall length to 6.7 inches. It will turn POWs into pews and deliver a tough-to-beat experience for the pistol connoisseur, and it’s even compatible with most pistol-caliber lever guns.

GSL Pill Box

There are lots and lots of great .22LR cans out there. Some are as cheap as $99, some are modular from SilencerCo, and others, like the OCL Titanium, are both light and affordable. The GSL Pill Box is not the best .22LR suppressor, but I’m adding it because it’s the first can I’m going to buy when stamps are free. I couldn’t justify paying $200 for a tax when the can only cost $200.

The GSL Pill Box is a micro-sized suppressor; in fact, it’s the smallest suppressor available for the .22LR. This micro-sized suppressor is only 1.44 inches long overall, and it weighs less than an ounce. It’s a wipe-based suppressor, so the wipe has to be replaced every 50 rounds. GSL straight up says it’s not a suppressor designed for extended shooting purposes.

Ultimately, it’s a novelty, but it’s just so cool. It can fit on a keychain and will be a great can for my Beretta 20X Bobcat. It’s just cool, and sometimes things can just be cool.

Suppressors: Silence Is Brass Colored

Suppressors are going to be a hot commodity when the stamp price is $0. In most cases, the tax stamp was a significant part of the purchase price. Even if you spend a grand on a suppressor, the tax stamp adds 20% to the price of admission. With this speed bump gone, I imagine suppressor sales will skyrocket!

Stealth Camping Hacks

By
Reuben Bolieu
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Here is a stealth camp the author made using a tarp and some natural materials.

There are many ways to stealth camp. However, most people associate it with escape and evasion techniques such as military training and camouflage, aiming to remain hidden from view. The reality is that only a small percentage of stealth camping hacks involve these tactics.

The Stealth Camp

The type of stealth camping that the majority of people practice focuses on creating a smaller, less intrusive presence. This is especially true in other campers’ minds. Color choices and gear selection are essential in this context. 

These tips are useful for long trips in small camping areas, especially with large groups. They help minimize your impact on fellow campers and the environment.

Conventional vs. Stealth

Conventional camping involves setting up tents in designated campgrounds. These campgrounds often have amenities like restrooms and fire pits. Campers gather to socialize and participate in organized activities. 

In contrast, stealth camping is more adventurous. It requires individuals to find discreet locations for pitching shelters. These locations are often away from prying eyes. 

Here is an example of the author using an A-frame tarp up against a tree for the ultimate coverage.

Stealth camping emphasizes low impact, often in urban or remote areas. Campers can experience nature privately while embracing freedom. This method encourages spontaneity and a sense of adventure. 

Unlike conventional camping, stealth camping needs only essential gear. It allows for easier setup and teardown without disturbing others.

Stealth Camping Hacks 101

Tarps are the best way to stay hidden and keep your footprints small when stealth camping. However, I may be biased because I haven’t used a tent in so many years that I’ve forgotten. I have been a tarp advocate for 25 years with no sign of looking back. One of the best stealth camp hacks is to set up your tarp close to a wide tree trunk. This works particularly well when you use an A-frame setup.

The author prefers a subdued color when camping in the desert and stays close to a rock.

In the desert, you can rig a tarp near a rock to blend in effectively. This setup provides enough room for gear if the weather turns bad. Getting up close and personal with rocks in the desert is much harder with the tent, even if it’s small. However, gear is constantly changing!

Pitch It Low Hacks

To be truly stealthy when pitching any type of shelter, keep it low to the ground, around waist height—just enough for you to slide in. The average person tends to look around at eye level and rarely looks up or down, especially if they are unfamiliar with the forest or camping. This approach is an effective way to stay hidden in plain sight.

During a long backpacking trip, the author used a small poncho tarp to minimize his environmental impact.

If you have a ridgeline and are using two trees, make sure they are positioned low. An alternative option is to use a long, smooth wooden pole. Tie one end of the pole at waist height to a tree. Allow the other end to gradually rest on the ground, forming a 45-degree angle. From here, you can drape your tarp over the pole.

This setup will likely give you enough room to tuck the edges of the tarp inside. This shelter is smaller and more compact, helping you stay warmer during colder months. More importantly, it remains out of regular view.

Colors for Stealth Camping

Choosing the right colors for your gear is essential for blending in with diverse environments like forests and deserts. This is especially important for casual stealth camping to ensure you remain unobtrusive.

In forests, earthy tones like deep greens, browns, and muted grays are most effective. These colors mimic natural hues, keeping you inconspicuous among the trees. For desert settings, opt for sand and beige shades, alongside light browns that can reflect the color palette of the terrain. Subtle patterns, such as camouflage or nature-inspired designs, can enhance your ability to blend in. They also add functionality to your gear.

By selecting these colors, you can enjoy a more discreet camping experience, minimizing your impact on both wildlife and the natural landscape. However, always have some type of gear with bright coloring for emergency signaling. 

The author opts for a chill color while camping in the desert, staying close to a rock—because even nature loves a little shade!

These are just a few exciting tips for stealth camping! I’m inspired to write a follow-up article on using natural materials. Can’t wait to share more! Stay tuned!

Otis Earshield Hearing Pro

By
Tim Stetzer
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While most of you are probably familiar with Otis Technology because of their excellent gun cleaning products, you may not know they make some great hearing protection as well. I’ve been working with a set of their electronic Earshield Ranger earmuffs and Earshield Scout headset over the summer. Let’s take a look at how they performed.

Earshield Ranger Electronic Pro Earmuff

I had a set of electronic earmuffs years ago, and wasn’t a fan. The battery life wasn’t great, and it was a pain to change batteries. You had to pull the foam out of the inside to get to the battery compartment. I traded them off at some point and had kind of given up on the idea. Until SHOT Show this year, that is. I got to talk to the folks at Otis about their EarShield Ranger Electronic Pro Earmuffs and decided to give the concept a second chance.

The Earshield Rangers are low-profile muffs, and they fold up to fit in your range bag. They have a wide, soft, adjustable headband and gel ear cups. You can even get a good seal with glasses on. The ear cups are easily replaceable as well, with a snap-in design.

The Ranger offers 23dB noise reduction while also offering amplified hearing. The headset has 5x noise amplification, so you’ll have no problems hearing range commands or regular conversation. Essentially, it enhances your hearing at normal noise levels and cuts off when it passes 82dB. It cuts off in an ultra-fast 0.5 milliseconds.

The control dial is on the outside of the left muff. It has an LED power indicator so you know if the muff is turned on. It also has a 4 hour auto shut-off to conserve battery life. Both of those are welcome features compared to my old muffs. Further, battery change is simple with an easy-to-access compartment on the outside of the muff. It only uses two AAA batteries as well. I think my old headset used 4 AA’s if I recall correctly.

There’s also an auxiliary port on the headset. A jack and cord are included as well, so you can easily connect to your phone if you want. Otis also makes a Bluetooth version of the Ranger as well, if that’s your thing. MSRP on the Earshield Ranger is $73.49. Which I think is pretty competitive for hearing protection with these features.

Earshield Rangers on the Range

Despite a brutal summer of torrential rain, high temps, and humidity, I still got a fair bit of shooting in this summer. I shot a good amount of pistol, some shotgun, and various long guns. The Earshield Rangers were comfortable even during multi-hour range sessions. Battery life was very good as well. Which I was pleased with since that was a big gripe on my old set of muffs. I swapped batteries once over the summer, but I used the headset a lot.

The amplified hearing works great. I have pretty bad tinnitus from years of shooting and working on the flightline in the Air Force. Probably from loud music when I was young and dumber, too. Sometimes hearing with conventional plugs or ear pro is rough. The amplification of the Ranger works very well, though. It was generally clear and distortion-free.

I did notice some interference with my buddy’s phone one day. Every time he pulled it out and would be texting, I would get some interference. It didn’t make the headset unusable by any means, but it was noticeable.

I was easily able to hear normal conversation, but the system always kicked in when we were shooting. The 0.5 millisecond delay may as well not exist as far as I could tell. I could never detect an obvious transition between being able to hear and the sound reduction kicking in when needed. It’s pretty seamless.

Full Protection

The Earshields worked well with everything I shot. I had some full-power .357s out of a 4-inch barrel that were real boomers, but no issues. The same for a number of short-barreled rifles, shotguns, and .30-06’s. I thought they did a great job of protecting what hearing I have left.

They’re a pretty low-profile muff, too. I had good luck having them stay in place, even when getting a good cheek weld on various rifles and shotguns. Better than some muffs I’ve used, which get knocked loose with long guns. If full muffs do bother you for long gun shooting, though, read on. The Earshield Scout might be what you need.

EarShield™ Scout

I’ve actually used a set of Otis’s EarShield Scout headsets for years. I got a set of the 26dB ones for a review in a now-defunct print gun mag ages ago, and it’s been part of my range kit ever since. These are honestly one of the best bangs for the buck in hearing protection I’ve ever used.

Although my old ones still work fine, I picked up one of the newer 31dB sets to try out. I figure a little extra hearing protection at my age can’t hurt.

The Earshield Scout uses what Otis calls Sound Reduction Chamber Technology. Rather than a battery-operated system, it uses a series of chambers integrated into the side pieces of the headset. These chambers allow you to hear normal conversation, such as range commands, but still cut off high-decibel noise. Honestly, I don’t understand how it works. Science I guess. Or magic. I’ll take it, whichever one it is.

The Scout is extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear. It’s low profile too, and works well when shooting long guns. It doesn’t interfere with your cheek weld like full muffs sometimes can. Otis mentions that they’re cool to wear, too, and that’s true.

This summer has been brutal, and some of the days I was shooting, the Ranger muffs got pretty hot to wear. The Scout doesn’t fully cover the ear, so you have a lot more airflow. The Earshield Scout folds up and won’t take up much space in your range bag either.

Earshield Scout Passive Protection

Although the Scout doesn’t amplify your hearing like the electronic Ranger muffs, it still works extremely well. You can hear what’s going on around you, but it cuts off the dangerous, higher-decibel noise.

The best part of the Scout is the price, though. The 26dB model has an MSRP of just $23.59. The 31dB model is slightly more at $29.49. That’s a bargain for how well the Scout works. At that price, you can afford to buy a couple of sets and leave them in your various gun cases or range bags so that you’re never without a good set of ear pro.

Two Great Options

Whether you want the amplified sound and full muff setup of the Earshield Ranger or the inexpensive, lightweight Earshield Scout, Otis has you covered. Both systems work extremely well and are reasonably priced for the features they offer.

Trump Administration Embraces Armed Citizens To Curb D.C.’s Violent Crime

By
Mark Chesnut
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By now, everyone is aware of President Donald Trump’s crime crackdown in our nation’s capital. While somewhat controversial, the president has brought in federal troops to bolster law enforcement presence and make the streets safe again in Washington, D.C.

Second Amendment to Curb D.C. Violent Crime?

What most are likely unaware of, however, is the fact that part of the D.C. crime emphasis has involved the Trump Administration greatly reducing the amount of time it takes to be issued a gun permit or concealed carry permit in Washington.

Trumps’ D.C. Effort

In March, President Trump created the Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Task Force. The idea behind the task force was for it to implement policies aimed at “preventing crime, punishing criminals, preserving order, protecting our revered American monuments, and promoting beautification and the preservation of our history and heritage” in Washington, D.C.

According to a recent Fox News report, one of the successes of the task force so far has been to greatly reduce the time it takes to apply for and receive a permit to own a firearm in the city. Before the task force, applicants were forced to wait four months just for a firearms registration appointment. Additionally, the task force has also greatly reduced the wait time for permit processing.

“President Trump is not only stopping violent crime in Washington, D.C., he is also streamlining the permitting process for law-abiding residents who want the ability to protect themselves and their families,” White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told the network. “The Making DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force has been working with local officials to eliminate longstanding obstacles and successfully reduced the average permit processing time from several months to just five days.”

The timeline for applying for and receiving a concealed carry permit has also been greatly reduced. According to the task force, while it used to take several months to obtain a concealed carry permit, that process has also been cut down to four or five days.

Such progress is remarkable, as the city’s permitting process was previously stacked against those wanting to defend themselves with a permitting process that is extremely restrictive. Along with the onerous process to acquire a permit, lawful gun owners have to reapply for their license every two years.

A Change For The Better

The Trump Administration’s embracing lawful gun owners as a means to battle violent crime in D.C. is an abrupt about-face from the Biden years when anti-gun executive orders and ATF “Final Rules” were often the order of the day. It’s a refreshing thing to see administration officials trying to make armed self-defense easier. It signifies that the Trump Administration understands that the term “Guns Save Lives” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a reality.

You can look far and wide, but you’ll have a hard time finding a better example of the old saying, “Elections have consequences.”

Workplace Emergency Kits – Be Ready to Sit Things Out

By
Jim Cobb
-
Workplace emergency kit

Very few people want to spend even a minute longer at their workplace than is absolutely necessary. I totally understand that. However, there may be times when hanging out for a while is the wisest course of action. A workplace emergency kit makes sense.

Building a Workplace Emergency Kit

Why You Need a Workplace Emergency Kit

There are a few reasons why you might need to hunker down at work instead of heading for home.

When snow has been piling up for a while, you may want to wait until the plows have gotten out and about.

Workplace emergency kit -- snowstorm
If the roads are bad, you might want to hunker down and let the plows do their magic.

Maybe you work in an urban area and for some reason, there’s a major protest happening right outside your building. Rather than fight through the potentially violent crowd, you might decide to just hang tight until they disperse.

There may be a shelter-in-place order from the authorities due to a terror attack. In this case, you’re going to have to sit and wait for the all clear.

In each of these scenarios, running out to your vehicle to grab anything might be problematic at best. Thus, it’s not a bad idea to put together a workplace emergency kit that you can sock away, just in case.

What Should Be in Your Workplace Emergency Kit

The exact configuration of the kit should be tailored to the individual situation. Look at the following as suggestions rather than a set-in-stone checklist.

Flashlight – yes, many of us carry a pocket flashlight on the daily. But having a spare means you can let someone borrow it during a power outage. Want to be a hero? Be the one who makes it easy for people to find their way to and from the bathroom when the lights go out.

Workplace emergency kit - flashlight
The Streamlight Nano II is a great option for the workplace emergency kit.

Battery Pack – if you’re playing games or listening to podcasts you’ve been saving for a rainy day, it can chew up your phone’s battery.

Snacks – do you really want to take a chance with the Wheel of Death in the break room, assuming it’s even working? A better idea is to have some trail mix, granola bars, or similar snacks squirreled away, along with a couple of bottles of water or soft drinks. You might even pick up a case of bottled water to keep under your desk so you can share with co-workers.

Toiletries – being able to brush and floss your teeth, and maybe wash up a bit, could be nice.

Workplace emergency kit - toothbrush
You might appreciate having a toothbrush in your kit.

Clothing – depending on your work dress code, having a soft hoodie or something else comfortable to change into while you’re sitting around for hours on end might be appreciated. Thick socks are another good addition to the workplace emergency kit.

Medications – if you have any prescriptions you take regularly, keep a stash at work. This could be vital in a bad situation where you run out and you can’t easily get a refill.

Boredom Relievers – a deck of cards can be used by yourself or as a group, depending on whether you like your co-workers or not. A novel or magazine to read, or a book of puzzles could help pass the time as well.

Workplace emergency kit - cards
While HR will likely frown on gambling, you can still have fun playing cards until you’re able to leave.

Where To Keep Your Workplace Emergency Kit

This isn’t the type of kit that really needs to be stored all together in one spot. It’s a kit only in the sense that you’ve assembled the items for a specific reason. That said, a canvas shopping bag works as well as a backpack, but might be a little more low-key.

Keep the supplies somewhere accessible, such as your cubicle or locker. Remember that the idea here is to have these items available to you without you having to leave your workplace.

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