Innehållsförteckning för April 2020 från American Outdoor Guide

A number of years ago, I had the “pleasure” of spending a day at a local police department’s training range. At the time, I was a product manager for a well-known tactical products company, and some of us were invited to spend some time with a few of the tactical officers to learn more about their work in the hope that we could create new and useful clothing and gear for them. I had been involved in supplying products to military, law enforcement and survivalists/outdoorsmen for many years before that day and had countless conversations with LEOs about their work and the tools they used to perform their jobs. I had heard a lot of stories and detailed explanations of routine and unusual calls and considered myself fairly well-versed in…

Tu Lam is the epitome of many things—a loyal military member and a highly trained martial artist, weapons expert, firearm tactician, teacher and, finally, a soft-spoken and caring individual. However, words are just that: words. To truly understand Tu’s mindset, physical abilities and prowess, as well as why his training company, Ronin Tactics, is so well-regarded, American Survival Guide caught up with this ever-active retired Special Forces operator and explored what made him what he is today, including the arduous, sometimes dangerous, but truly fulfilling, path he took to get here. American Survival Guide: What was your childhood like as you were growing up, and was your life then instrumental in creating the man you are today? Tu Lam: Unfortunately, growing up the in 1980s as an Asian American…

Sometimes, good gets better. ESEE Knives and Armatus Carry have teamed up in a big way. A limited number of Architect sheath models will be offered directly from ESEE in what Armatus calls True Hide Whiskey (brown) Kydex Sheathing. The Architect sheaths employ the taco (fold-over) design that, when compared to the two-piece (pancake) sheath style, offers far superior levels of strength and durability. The retention is set on each individual Architect sheath so that the knife will seat firmly into place and will not shake loose, providing the level of security vital to any good survival or EDC sheath. The built-in thumb ramp and recessed index finger cut allow you to draw your knife quickly and smoothly, despite the firm retention of the Architect Sheath. The standard belt attachment…

One marvel of our modern society might be a perfect solution for those times to come: the shipping container. It is designed to be easily transported on a large semi-truck trailer, cargo vessel and even trains. While moving such large objects without said equipment could be difficult, it wouldn't be impossible. With a simple crane and trailer, a shipping container can be moved virtually anywhere. The real benefit of a shipping container is that it is designed to be durable and waterproof, and most are designed to be airtight as well. With the right modifications, a shipping container can be converted into a livable space. In fact, in 2010, an organization called SEED proposed a disaster relief plan whereby shipping containers could be used for housing following the earthquake in…

There was a time when I wasn’t the biggest AR fan. Later, I realized my Remington 742 in .30-06, which I used for deer hunting, was more powerful. Then, I shot an AR and quickly became a fan of the platform. This was during the ban decade, so obtaining one was difficult and expensive. After the ban lifted, I had other priorities, which pushed back my purchase of a modern sporting rifle. In fact, it was early in Mr. Obama’s presidency that I got my hands on a DPMS AP4. This basic rifle came with standard features, including a Glacier Guard handguard, A2 detachable handle sights and the A2 birdcage flash hider. While this is an excellent rifle, I had zero plans to leave it stock. Unfortunately, it took a…

The Oxus is inspired by the work of Bob Loveless, a custom knifemaker who rose to prominence in the 1950s. Even after his passing in 2010, he remains one of the most influential knifemakers in modern history. Much of his work was with fighting or tactical knives. Among other innovations, Loveless popularized the hollow-ground, drop-point blade profile and the use of screw-type fasteners for handle scales. His designs have stood the test of time, and it is not a stretch to believe that most knifemakers working today have probably been inspired by one or more of his knives.…

While a weapon light makes a great tool in a low-light situation, it makes gun concealment tricky. As a result, it is advisable to always carry a small handheld light, especially considering how much the cost of lights has come down. Many powerful models are available that run on AA batteries rather than the expensive 123A lithium batteries. In addition to illuminating the situation, a flashlight can be used to blind potential attackers, and the aluminum housing makes an excellent striking object. However, a small flashlight simply makes a good tool in the pocket for seeing in the dark. I’ve used mine to help change tires, spot horses in a field and even find a baby’s “binky” on a plane. Flashlights are not considered weapons, so they can go anywhere.…

Uses for resin taken from conifer trees are numerous. You’ll often see trees ooze resin when they get damaged, much like a scab. The resin has antibacterial properties that prevent the damaged tree from getting infected. The same goes for humans, because resin can be used on cuts and burns in the field. Additionally, pitch glue can be made to provide strong waterproofing for crafts, shoes and tools. The waxy resin can be used as a temporary filling for a tooth. Resin, in its hard state, can be added to a flame to accelerate and prolong a fire. When it is gummy and more on the liquid side, it can be collected, along with other combustible materials (such as lichen, cottonwood fluff and shredded cedar bark), and wrapped in any…

Toiletpaper Alcohol (all forms, including the do-it-yourself variety) Chocolate (has a great shelf life) Tobacco (cigarettes, tobacco, loose) Aspirin (and various common medical supplies) Vitamins (in small containers) Food, canned goods (small and compact) First aid supplies (bandages, tape, disinfectant) Feminine hygiene supplies Soap (bar soap and liquid soap) Small sewing kits Batteries (ideally rechargeable, because they can be reused hundreds of times) ***Is ammunition a good barter item? In theory, yes, but in an emergency, you won’t want to barter away any of your ammo, especially to people you don’t know or trust.…

EDITORIAL Mike McCourt Brand Manager Lin Simon Managing Editor DESIGN Nadezda Sverdlova Art Director CONTRIBUTORS Reuben Bolieu, Jim Cobb Michael D’Angona, Christopher Nyerges Paul Rackley, Peter Suciu, Mike Travis ADVERTISING Gabe Frimmel Ad Sales Director (714) 200-1930 gfrimmel@engaged.media Andrew Demiar Account Executive (714) 200-1903 Eric Gomez Advertising Traffic Coordinator OPERATIONS Manish Kumar Mishra Operations Manager Surajpal Singh Bisht Prepress Manager Chandan Pandey Production, Newsstand & Circulation Analyst Alex Mendoza Administrative Assistant…

In Alaska, two types of moss really shine for our purposes: Sphagnum and caribou moss seem to be the most useful for wilderness camp and survival needs. Sphagnum moss can be peeled off large boulders easily. It forms a cushiony "bog mat" that even floats. It can be used as insulation and bedding for a pole bed or on the ground. In its green, damp stage, it is an amazing way to steam veggies by wrapping them up in the moss and placing the assembly over hot coals. The moisture rises and cooks (even hard carrots) thoroughly. Its absorbent qualities make it ideal to clean and dry camp cookware. Caribou moss is soft and fluffy but dries fast when plucked from the ground. It makes an excellent scouring pad for…

Perhaps the simplest upcycling material is the can, which, fortunately, comes in all sizes but is usually the same basic round shape. Cans have become so ingrained in our society that no one alive today can remember a time without them, and they hold everything from soup to soda pop, cooking grease to motor oil. If Rome was built of marble, we could almost say that the Western world of today was built on the can. However, without industrial machines, cans are quite literally impossible to make. If the machines break down, along with society, the production of cans will cease. Fortunately, there are millions upon millions of cans around already that could last for decades before rusting back into the earth. Cans made from aluminum can be crushed—but they…

The only reason to clear your home is because it is an absolute necessity. If you have your family gathered in a safe location, there is no reason to put your life—or theirs—in danger. After all, stuff can be replaced; lives can’t. However, if someone is out of place, you might have to go in search of them. This brings up an interesting dilemma: whether or not you should call out before conducting a search. Arguments can be made for both sides, but I’m of the opinion that you should, both to determine the location of family and even to warn intruders that you’re willing to fight. After all, the unusual sounds or activity that raised the alarm in the first place could be due to a family member. Calling…