We live in an age of increasing terrorism and criminal activity. Hostage taking and kidnapping have dramatically increased as preferred tactics. No country is totally safe. Those at greatest risk include military and government personnel, foreign aid workers, and journalists in conflict zones, as well as recreational and business travelers in countries with a high
No matter where we go in the wilderness, trash is strewn across the forest floor and in waterways: tin cans, plastic water bottles, clothing, foam, paper, and many other types of rubbish. Sadly, there is no place in the world immune to humans who litter or, as my old friend Ron Hood called them—the humis
S.W.A.T. Magazine is all about preparedness and individual responsibility. Preparedness requires the proper mindset, training, and tools. It doesn’t just happen. It’s a way of life and takes some effort. And it’s about preparing for possibilities, not just probabilities. Everyone should carry a med kit. If you have made the choice to responsibly carry a
Campers, backpackers, hunters, and outdoorsmen alike are using small, portable devices to heat up dehydrated food, boil water, cook, and even keep warm with. These devices are known by many names and are sold commercially or home-made. Variously called twig stoves, natural fuel stoves, backpacking stoves, and bio-stoves, they are made by a plethora of
The skills of our grandparents and great-grandparents are being forgotten and lost faster than they can be written down and memorialized. Many of our modern conveniences replace the need to have some of these old techniques. Yet some people are finding a way to meld old and new technologies, and these old skills and tools
Well-known knife company TOPS Knives has brought back childhood memories with one of their newest products. President and designer of TOPS Knives, Leo Espinoza, had some fond memories in mind when he decided to make his own slingshot—again. Much like he did as a kid, Leo wanted to make a new slingshot on a larger
Months ago, I started looking for the best packable survival kit. Searching high and low brought many results, but none of the kits had experience and support behind the design of the products. Most included a basic medical kit or were military surplus kits that had been made 20 years ago and long since expired.
Pine Fire Shop started out as Pine Fire Fatwood in 2014 with mainly fatwood. The company often appeared in online videos showcasing their fatwood products and reviewing other outdoor gear they believed in. When they came back after a short hiatus in late 2016 as Pine Fire Shop, the business was more focused on fire
Being able to identify basic trees in wilderness areas you frequent is beneficial for survival. The British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a standard unit of energy that is used to measure the amount of thermal energy necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of pure liquid water by one degree Fahrenheit. Wood should be
Everyone should carry a med kit. If you have made the choice to responsibly carry a firearm for defense, it’s irresponsible not to have the tools to render aid as well. A med kit should be lightweight, compact, and easy to use. It needs to be convenient to carry on your person. When life is
