American Survival Guide - April 2021

How-to: Build a Backup Blade

Vol. 10 Issue 4

THESE OPTIONS LET YOU HOVER FOOD
ABOVE THE VERMIN BELOW WATER
SHELTER
SECURITY
COMMS
HEALTH

2-WHEELED POWER, DIGITAL ISSUES AVAILABLE ON WWW.ENGAGEDMEDIAMAGS.COM
U.S. $8.99 APRIL 2021 DISPLAY UNTIL 3/23/2021
SPEED & RANGE
04
This E-Cells AWD E-Bike Will Get You Anywhere
0 71486 01319 8
BOLT-ACTION,
ENGAGED MEDIA, LLC
BABY!

Ruger’s 77/44 Rifle in .44 MAG Is
a Potent Midrange Game-Getter

STAY SAFE ON PUBLIC

TRANSPORTATION

Reduce the Risks of
Urban Transit Systems

MAKE THE MOST OF

YOUR GARDEN

Expert Home Planting Advice, Part 2

ROKKA KNIVES’ CLEAN WATER

NEW PUUKKO ANYWHERE!





FEATURES 64 12
32
22
COMFORTABLE, ROOMY AND MOBILE
The White Duck Outdoors Wall Tent is a great
extended-stay shelter.

By Steven Paul Barlow

80
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN
Expert home gardening advice—part 2

By Christopher Nyerges

HOW-TO

32
SLEEP SOUNDLY IN THE SKY
Shelter options that let you hover above terra firma

By Michael D’Angona

72
WHEN PLAN ‘B’ IS FOR ‘BLADE’
Lost your knife? These backups can take up the slack.

By Michael D’Angona

88
STAY SAFER WHEN USING PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION
Reduce the risks of going from point A to point B.

By Michael D’Angona

REVIEWS

12
2-WHEELED POWER, SPEED AND RANGE
The E-Cells AWD E-Bike will get you anywhere.

By Steven Paul Barlow

42
THE TRADITIONAL FINNISH PUUKKO
GETS 21ST-CENTURY UPDATES
Rokka Knives blends form, function and finesse for
today’s bushcrafters.

By Mike Travis

64
BOLT-ACTION, BABY!
Ruger’s 77/44 Rifle in .44 MAG is a potent midrange
game-getter.

By Steven Paul Barlow

AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) is published 12 times a year—January, March, April, Prepper Spring/Summer, June, July, August, September, October, Prepper Fall/Winter, November and
December—by Engaged Media, LLC, 17900 Sky Park Circle, Suite 220, Irvine, CA 92614. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to American Survival Guide, Engaged Media LLC c/o Cenveo, 101 Workman
Court, Eureka, MO 63025. © 2021 by Engaged Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. GST #855050365RT001 Canada Post:
Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC. P.O. Box 25542 London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada.

4 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

88 22

72 80 GEAR
42
GUIDE

54

GET CLEAN WATER ANYWHERE
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES

TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF
SAFE HYDRATION.

By Michael D’Angona

DEPARTMENTS

6

FIRST WORDS

8

8 96 NEW PRODUCTS

96

PREPPER PLANT ADVISOR

98

LAST WORDS

Some articles in this issue might
include stock images that are the

property of Getty Images.

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 5

THE POWER OF VOLUME 10 ISSUE 4
PERCEPTION
EDITORIAL
Preppers are always processing a lot of And because our perception is fluid, we have to find a Mike McCourt Brand Manager
information; probably much more than the way to maintain a sense of equilibrium when we follow our Amy Maclean Managing Editor
average person and non-prepper. process and eventually establish our SOPs. Sometimes,
We’ve been trained, or trained ourselves, to we forget that the inputs we’ve gathered and the outputs DESIGN
glean as much useful data as possible from our environ- we’ve constructed are ultimately things that are unique to Gabby Oh Art Director, Design Director
ment. Not surprisingly, that data can be in the form of us. Chances are that the decisions at which we arrive for
historic records, current events and situations, and it can addressing a given situation agree with those that other CONTRIBUTORS
also come from predictions, assumptions and guesses like-minded people have made. This gives us the percep- Steven Paul Barlow, Michael D’Angona, Christopher Nyerges, Mike Travis
that we, or others, make about the future. tion that they and we have similar interests and might be
better served by working together toward our common ADVERTISING
All told, the range of time we include for evaluation goals. This perception is often correct and prompts us to Gabe Frimmel Ad Sales Director
can cover tens, hundreds or thousands of years, depend- lower our guard and accept others as friends.
ing on the subject. Whether we’re looking at human or (714) 200-1930
climatic events of the distant or recent past or current However, it sometimes proves to be an erroneous [email protected]
weather trends that could help us decide what to plant conclusion, and this is discovered when we begin to see Keith Neville Director of Digital Sales
this season, we look at a huge amount of information. important differences in the way we and our friends
perceive information, topics and solutions. (910) 880-0641
Because each of us is different and is the result of [email protected]
experiencing a unique set of circumstances, the specific Inputs change. People change. Perceptions change. Sebastian Tirkey Advertising Traffic Coordinator
findings we develop after analysis are typically different How we process these natural evolutions also deter-
as well. It’s our individual, personal perception that mines how we’ll perceive related situations in the future. OPERATIONS
guides our choices of what’s important or relevant I think the key to being able to make good decisions Manish Kumar Mishra Operations Manager
enough to evaluate, how much weight is allotted to along the entire timeline of our life is to remember that
each data point and how we ultimately boil it down into our perceptions might change independently of whether Surajpal Singh Bisht Prepress Manager
an action plan. others change or remain the same. Sometimes, what Chandan Pandey Production, Newsstand & Circulation Analyst
we’re focused on moves away from us; and sometimes,
For each of us, this is a very complicated process. To we move away from what we’re focused on. Alex Mendoza Administrative Assistant
make it more so, every step of our process can be affected
by how we feel, both physically and emotionally and In the end, the important thing to remember is that EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE
how our decisions along the path might be influenced by it’s our power of perception that gives us the ability to 17900 Sky Park Circle, Suite 220, Irvine, CA 92614
others around us. Every day, we decide or reaffirm whom adjust and improve our plans and outcomes. To be self- (714) 939-9991 • Fax: (800) 249-7761
we’ll trust and admit into our process as an influencer or aware and honest with ourselves is critical to keeping asgmag.com
authority on one or more topics. our perceptions in proper perspective. facebook.com/americansurvivalguidemagazine
instagram.com/asgmagazine
Sometimes, we don’t have much to choose from in Without honest introspection—the ultimate exercise and
the way of quality sources, but we also factor that in test of perception—we can’t expect to perceive the world AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) is published 12 times a year—
and hope that we’ve properly weighted their input. around us effectively and to our own benefit ... which, after January, March, April, Prepper Spring/Summer, June, July, August, September,
Again, our perception plays a large part of the informa- all, is what gives us the opportunity to live our best life. October, Prepper Fall/Winter, November and December—by Engaged Media,
tion-gathering and plan-building process. We act based
on the assumption that our prior perceptions have been All the best, LLC, 17900 Sky Park Circle,,Suite 220, Irvine, CA 92614.
correct, even though we sometimes come to realize that Mike McCourt POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO
occasionally, they’re not. [email protected]
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE, C/O ENGAGED MEDIA LLC, CENVEO,
101 WORKMAN COURT, EUREKA, MO 63025.

© 2021 by Engaged Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of
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6 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]



BY MIKE TRAVIS

12
34

1 2 3 4

Garmont T8 NFS 670 High Speed Gear Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Bushcraft Basics
Boots ReFlex IFAK Ultralight Backpack
Leon Pantenburg is the author of the
The Garmont T8 NFS is an ultralight The High Speed Gear ReFlex IFAK Because Outdoor Vitals manufactures innovative, Survival Common Sense website,
version of the original T8 tactical boot. (“individual first aid kit”) was designed high-quality outdoor products at a reasonable which has been in continuous oper-
The same rugged upper is now combined with direct input from active-duty military price, it’s been featured in this column many times. ation since 2009. While Pantenburg
with a featherlight sole designed for personnel. The ReFlex is a two-piece system The new Shadowlight Ultralight Backpack is its doesn’t consider himself to be an
speed and agility. Superior support and that’s designed to carry all the medical latest design, created for the realm of ultralight expert, he has extensive experience
protection provide extreme comfort, even supplies contained in the U.S. Army-issued backpacking. This pack comes in both 45L and with a variety of backcountry adven-
when you’re standing for long periods IFAK. It keeps them organized and provides 60L sizes, and each pack weighs under 2 pounds! tures and has interviewed countless
of time. The suede leather, along with ambidextrous access. The system is built Using a new Spectra/Robic ripstop nylon mated subject matter experts in his role
the 600D nylon and webbing upper, is from heavy-duty nylon laminate and allows to a 24-inch frame, the Shadowlight retains all as a newspaper journalist. His new
breathable and quick drying for use in for rapid access to medical gear without the durability associated with Outdoor Vitals. book, Bushcraft Basics, was written to
saturated environments. Despite being an having to remove the kit from your belt. This Each pack features an expandable rolltop design provide a beginner outdoorsman with
8-inch tall boot, the T8 NFS weighs only construction, combined with the neoprene/ with a center-zip access system. The pack also all the knowledge they need to survive
35 ounces—per pair! Kevlar grab handle, ensures long-term has two large water bottle pockets, along with an emergency. Topics covered include
durability. The ReFlex IFAK is covered by the an additional pocket for extra organization. The clothing systems, fire-starting, navigation,
MSRP: $154.95 High Speed Gear lifetime warranty and is belt includes two stretch-fabric pockets and is gear selection and much more.
made in the U.S.A. removable from the frame.
GarmontTactical.com MSRP: $14.99
MSRP: $100 MSRP: Starting at $200
Amazon.com
HighSpeedGear.com OutdoorVitals.com

8 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

With winter in the rearview mirror and spring almost upon us, it’s time to begin
thinking about restocking our preps and provisions. If 2020 taught us anything,
it’s that the improbable might not be so improbable.
This month, we have a variety of new items designed to meet a diverse range
of needs. From instructional books to firearms accessories and from clothing to
camping gear, we’ve collected a group of quality items to see you into 2021 ... and beyond.

56
78

5 67 8

Posi-Lum FireTail Rumpl Puffy Blanket Fenix E03R Keychain Cedar Mill Rifle Cleaning
Light Kit
Weapon lights mounted on long guns have Rumpl blankets were designed when the
become extremely popular and are one of company founder wanted a blanket with The Fenix brand has long been With brass slotted tips and ends, coupled
the accessories considered to be essential. all the innovation of a modern sleeping associated with high-quality, with a 34-inch steel flex snake rod, this kit
While many weapon-mounted lights use tape bag but couldn’t find one. The original innovative flashlights. The new is designed to fit everything from airguns,
switches, the inclusion of extra accessories and Puffy Outdoor Blanket is designed to be E03R Keychain light builds on that revolvers and pistols to rifles and long guns
wires can create additional points of failure portable, packable and weather resistant. reputation. Built from rugged 6061- while still being compact and easy to carry.
and complication. The FireTail is built around The Ripstop nylon shell is DWR coated to T6 aluminum and offering an IP66 This kit enables you to clean bores from .17
the “K.I.S.S.” (“Keep it simple stupid”) principle. shed water. The insulation is made of 3D water-resistance rating, the E03R is to .308 and barrel lengths up to 34 inches.
Built from 6061 T6 aluminum, the FireTail silicone-treated hollow fiber that’s made designed to last. The light measures Included are four bronze and two wool
attaches to the tail cap of many popular lights from recycled water bottles. Each blanket 1.8x0.47x0.94 inches and weighs brushes, two brass slotted slips, a brass
and uses a simple lever to convert the forward includes a cape clip that allows the blanket under an ounce. The light has a built- adapter, a 5-ounce bottle and 25 3x3-inch
push of the tail cap to a simple squeeze. Full to be worn and used hands free. The in 200mAh battery that’s USB-C patches. The Super X-Tool, a multi-function
functionality of the light’s features are retained, corners feature integrated loops; as a result, rechargeable. The light has five disassembly and scraping tool, is also
and there are no switches to fail when you need the blanket can be secured in a variety of output modes: 260lm/45 minutes; included. Everything’s neatly packed into
them the most. Should the FireTail rail ever configurations. The blanket is machine 80lm/1 hour, 15 minutes; 30lm/3 a zippered case to keep components
fail, the lever can be flipped out of the way for washable and can be stored compressed hours; 5lm/18 hours; and red mode organized and at your fingertips.
access to the tail cap. It also includes a lockout with no loss of insulation value. (4lm/5.5 hours).
feature to prevent accidental activation. MSRP: $19.99
MSRP: $149.25 MSRP: $24.95
MSRP: $64.99 CedarMillFirearms.com
Rumpl.com Fenix-store.com
Fire-Tail.com

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 9

9 10
11 12

9 10 11 12

Inforce Wild2 Weapon Light Foraging for Survival: Elite Tactical Systems Streamlight Stinger
Edible Wild Plants of P320 Magazines 2020 Flashlight
The new Inforce Wild2 weapon light is North America
the culmination of years of research, Elite Tactical Systems is well-known The Streamlight Stinger has been one of
development and listening to customers’ Written by Mykel Hawke and Douglas for producing high-quality polymer the most trusted flashlights used by law
feedback. The Wild2 is built from 6061 T6 Boudreau, Foraging for Survival: Edible magazines for a variety of popular enforcement for decades. Now, after extensive
aluminum that's been hard-anodized for Wild Plants of North America provides handgun and rifle platforms. The research and user feedback, Streamlight
durability. The light is waterproof and rated an in-depth look into living off the wild company recently introduced a new has created the all-new Stinger 2020. The
for submersion up to 66 feet. It's powered by foods that grow all around us. This book line of magazines for the SIG SAUER new Stinger now has a 2,000 lm maximum
two CR123A batteries that can be accessed provides a 208-page compendium P320 family of pistols. The clear output with a 315 meter throw. It also offers a
through the patented push-button rear door. of wild edible plants from all over polymer magazines provide extreme “medium” setting at 850 lm and a “low” setting
Light output is fixed at 1.000 lm and uses North America. Detailed descriptions impact resistance and won’t crack at 100 lm. Runtimes range between two (“high”
a specialized parabolic reflector to provide are accompanied by photos and or break when dropped. They’re mode) and 24 hours (“low” mode) because of
an intense hotspot with well-balanced spill illustrations. The book provides a list highly resistant to chemicals and the new lithium-ion USB rechargeable battery
to maintain situational awareness. Runtime of edible plants, edible bugs and grubs, are designed to withstand extreme pack. The new body features a flat design that
is 1.5 hours. The Wild2 uses ambidextrous the warning signs of poisonous plants, temperatures. Each magazine is indexes your hand perfectly to reach either
activation paddles for momentary or foraging techniques and much more. backed by a lifetime warranty. ETS the shoulder or tail cap activation switch.
constant on. The light also features a lockout offers 15-, 17-, 21-, 30- and 40-round As always, the Stinger 2020 is backed by
and strobe mode for those who wish to use MSRP: $17.99 magazines. Streamlight’s lifetime warranty.
them.
Amazon.com MSRP: Starting at $16.99 MSRP: $139.95
MSRP: $179.99
ETSGroup.us Streamlight.com
Inforce-Mil.com

10 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

13 14
15 16

13 14 15 16

Work Tuff Gear Scalarworks Peak/01 Iron Beyond Guide The Prepper’s Medical
Siddah Khukuri Sights Lite Gloves Handbook by William W.
Forgey, M.D.
Work Tuff Gear has partnered with Timothy Scalarworks designed and built the Beyond Guide Lite Gloves are built
McLaughlin from Dragonfly Khukuri and Peak/01 AR15 Iron Sights at the request for work, comfort and breathability. The basic concept of prepping is to be ready
Knives to add a modern khukuri to the Work of Larry Vickers. The sights are designed They're a lighter, more breathable for common risks and dangerous emergencies
Tuff lineup. McLaughlin has been designing around a 15-inch sight radius to provide alternative to the standard Guide that might occur at any time and under
and importing traditional khukuris since 2011 optimal performance on today’s shorter Gloves and provide all the protection the worst circumstances. Because these
and created the Siddah to meet the demands carbine platforms. The front and rear you need—where you need it. Features situations could include the breakdown of
of the 21st-century knife user. The Siddah sights are both fully adjustable, providing include a reinforced thumb and normal emergency support services, you
is a full tang design with a 16.9-inch overall 0.5 MOA adjustments, and require no forefinger, adjustable cuffs, articulated need to be prepared to deal with health
length. The blade is 11.3 inches (with a 10.7- tools. The front sight blade and rear leather palms, pre-curved fingers, and medical emergencies. This 305-page
inch cutting length) and is 0.23 inch thick at aperture have been milled flat to provide carabiner loops and a breathable, book provides information on a variety of
the spine. The tang has been skeletonized a more consistent sight picture with no woven stretch back-of-hand. The important topics, such as pain and fever,
to improve balance and uses 3D-machined, highlight bias. The sights are precision- brushed tricot lining increases dental emergencies, bioterrorism, radiation
ergonomic G10 grips. The tough SK85 steel, milled from 7075 T6 aluminum that’s durability and creates a soft feel exposure and much more. It also helps you
combined with a flat grind and an expert been Type 3 anodized and nitride finished. against the skin. Guide Lite Gloves are identify sources of materials you’ll need,
heat-treat, means that this modern khukuri Despite their rugged construction, the temperature rated for comfort down discusses storage issues and directs you to
can take on almost everything you can throw Peak/01 sights weigh in at only 2.38 to 25 degrees (F). sources for more-complex procedures that
at it! ounces. nonprofessionals won’t be able to handle.
MSRP: $95
MSRP: $220 MSRP: Starting at $139 MSRP: $19.95
WorkTuffGear.com Scalarworks.com BeyondClothing.com
Amazon.com

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 11

12 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

TWO-WHEELED
POWER, SPEED
AND RANGE

THE E-CELLS SUPER
MONARCH CROWN
AWD 1500 E-BIKE WILL
GET YOU ANYWHERE,
ANYTIME.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

› The E Cells Super Monarch AWD 1500
Crown has motors in the hubs of both wheels,
providing all-wheel-drive power and traction.
[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 13

‹ Left: The author
was continually
smiling—and
sometimes outright
laughing—as he rode
this bike. It was that
much fun!

› Near right: The
rear rack provides

a good place for
toting heavy gear,
and an elastic strap
is included to keep
things secure. Under
the rack is one of the
bike’s two batteries.
There’s a taillight

at the end of the
battery that runs

on separate AA
batteries.

I’ll tell you right up front: The only 400 pounds of rider and gear, not counting the weight of the bike. It’s quiet too, so you ‹ Above: The bike is
downside about this bike is that I could use this for scouting and reconnaissance. You can pedal it on your own, get pedal fitted with hydraulic
was smiling the entire time I was assistance from the motors or simply turn the throttle and hold on tight. disc brakes, front
riding it. If it had been summer, I and rear. They pro-
would've had bugs stuck on my TWO MOTORS, TWO BATTERIES vide good stopping
teeth. What separates the E-Cells Super Monarch from the competition is that it’s a dual- power, which is
needed with such a
From my first ride on the E-Cells Super motor, dual-battery, dual-suspension, fat-tired e-bike. That’s right—it’s an all-wheel- heavy bike.
Monarch Crown AWD 1500 Off-Road drive bike! There are motors in the hubs of the front and rear wheels. When you need
E-Bike, I confirmed that my money had the power, the work is spread between the two motors so you’re not overstressing one
been well-spent. This solidly made bicycle power plant. And, with both wheels driving the bike, you’re not as apt to lose traction in
offers more power, more range and more sloppy terrain.
features than anything I’ve seen on the
market. And, it comes with more extras Also, there are two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries on board: one on the down tube
thrown into the deal as well. of the frame and one under the rear rack. So, you can get there and back. In addition,
with front and rear suspension, together with the fat tires, it smooths out what would
Take it hunting, take it on a fun trail ride, be bone-jarring terrain with lesser bikes.
or use it as a daily commuter. When things
get serious, load it up with your bug-out FULLY EQUIPPED
gear and escape to a remote outpost out The E-Cells Super Monarch AWD 1500 Crown Off-Road E-Bike has an aluminum alloy
of harm’s way. It’s rated to carry up to
frame. My bike is the Hunters Edition (HE II), which has a camo paint job. That makes it

14 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

less obvious if you chain it to a tree when › Right: One of the
you’re out scouting, hunting or when you bike’s two batteries is
want to be discreet about where you’re attached to the down
camped. If that’s not for you, the bike is tube. Each battery is
also available in Shiny Black, Candy Apple
Red and Metal Flake Blue. The 19-inch secured with a key
(large) frame size is standard, but you can lock. There’s a USB
special-order a medium (17-inch) or extra- port on this battery
large (20-inch) frame.
you can use to
The bike features a 10-speed Shimano charge your phone.
Deore Hyperglide gear cassette on the rear
hub, along with a Shimano Deore shifter. travel. They’re adjustable and have a lockout feature. The rear suspension is a RockShox
The wheels are double-walled aluminum Monarch RL shock. It, too, is adjustable with a lockout feature.
to prevent spokes from puncturing a tube
if there’s a serious impact. Those spokes There are front and back racks for carrying your gear. What’s nice about the front rack
are 12-gauge steel with stainless steel is that it’s not attached to the handlebar. So, if you get a little bit of weight in that front
beds. The tires are Vee Bulldozer (26x4.25 rack, it’s not going to hamper your steering. The seat is wide and comfortable, and its
inches). If the tires seem wider than that, height is adjusted effortlessly by flipping the quick-release clamp. That makes it easy
it’s because the aggressive off-road tread when you’re switching from road riding, for which you want nearly full leg extension, to
actually stretches to more than 5 inches the trail, for which you probably want the seat to be lower. The grips are leather and are
across.

The bike has hydraulic disc brakes, front
and back. With a bike that weighs a hefty
95 pounds, you need good brakes, and
these work well. The front forks feature the
RST Air Suspension Shock with 96mm of

‹ Left: On delivery,
everything on the
Super Monarch AWD
1500 Crown bike
was secured and in
good condition. The
assembly required
to get the bike up
and running was
minimal; and E-cells
provides the neces-
sary tools, which are
included.

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 15

shaped to support the heels of your hands. There are bosses with hex bolts on the top bar ‹ Left: There’s only know that the front battery has a USB
of the frame for installation of a water bottle cage or other accessories. one sprocket at the charge port, so you can spare some of that
crank. All the gears raw electrical power to charge your phone.
The bike comes with a headlight that attaches just above the forks. The taillight is are at the rear. The The rear battery has an on/off switch on
attached to the rear battery, but it runs on two AA batteries of its own so that if you leave motors are in the the bottom if you want to run on just one
it on by mistake, it won’t drain the batteries that power the bike. wheel hubs too, which and keep one in reserve. However, these
enables powering the batteries run cooler, and I’m told you’ll
POWER IT bike without pedaling typically get longer ranges if you run both
Speaking of power, let’s get technical for a moment, because it’s one of the things that or chain movement. at the same time. The 45-amp controller is
sealed, as are the other electronics.
make this bike so special. ‹ Below: Included
The bike features twin 750-watt, 52-volt Bafang geared hub motors that give you up among a long list Both batteries have push-button battery
of extras are two level indicators, but you can also get your
to 170nm of torque. Between the 17.5AH front battery and the 14AH rear battery, you get separate panniers battery level readout on the dashboard
1,638 watt hours of power and up to 2,200 watts of peak power. You’ll also be happy to that clip to the sides computer. The batteries lock onto the bike,
of the rear rack. They and two sets of keys are provided. The
feature shoulder batteries can be removed to be charged
straps—handy for the separately using the included AC charger.
commuter who wants However, the bike also has a charging port
to park the bike and on the frame that allows you to charge
just go with the bags. both batteries onboard simultaneously.
The charging time when the batteries are
fully drained is listed as seven hours.

CONTROL IT
So, how do you unleash that all-wheel-

drive power? Well, you’ll find the on/off
button, menu button and pedal-assist

SPECIFICATIONS

E-Cells Super Monarch Crown AWD 1500 HE II

• Type: E-bike; pedal assist or throttle drive
• Motors: Twin 750-watt, 52-volt Bafang geared hub motors
• Batteries: 52-volt 17.5AH front battery with USB phone

charge port and charge indicator; 52-volt, 14AH rear rack
battery using SAMSUNG 35E 18650 3,500mh matched
batteries with an on/off toggle switch and built-in rear
taillight
• Frame: #6061 aircraft aluminum alloy
• Rear cassette: 10-speed Shimano Deore CS-H650-10
Hyperglide
• Suspension: Front fork RST Air Suspension shock with
96mm of travel; includes lockout feature and adjustability
for weight of rider; RockShox Monarch RL rear shock
• Wheels: Double-walled aluminum rims
• Tires: Vee Bulldozer, 26x4.25 inches
• Brakes: Tektro Dorado HD-E730 hydraulic disc brakes with
4 pistons, front and rear
• Cargo capacity: 400 pounds
• Weight: 95 pounds

MSRP: $5,195

16 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

‹ Far left: For
hunting, camping,
bugging out or
daily commuting,
the E Cells Super
Monarch can haul
up to 400 pounds
of rider and gear.
Included cargo
netting helps
secure the load.

level buttons near the left grip. There’s is set to just five pedal-assist levels and a top speed of 20 mph so you can comply with ‹ Near left: A
also a rocker switch that lets you run with limits imposed by some jurisdictions for this type of vehicle. Nevertheless, the computer can rechargeable
the front motor only, rear motor only or easily be reset to take those limits off—a good feature if you need the extra power because electric pump is
both (all-wheel-drive). Again, I’m told you’re using the bike primarily for off-road use. included with the
that running both usually means each has bike. It makes it
to work less, thus consuming less battery Start to pedal, and the motors kick in according to the power level you’ve set. Lots of easy to inflate the
power. companies tout their mid-drive e-bikes that have the motor in the crank. But, they’re bike’s fat tires.
dependent on the pedal and chain movement, whereas a wheel-hub motor e-bike isn’t.
The bike features nine pedal-assist levels So, with the E-Cells bike, if you don’t want to pedal, you can still make use of the motors ‹ Below: This bike is
and gives you a top speed of more than 30 and control your speed from the throttle near the right grip—the same way you would a true four-season
mph. From the factory, the bike’s computer with a motorcycle. bike, so bundle up
in snow country.
It proved to have
excellent traction
and stability when
the author rode it
through about 4
inches of snow.

“IF YOU’RE NOT EXPECTING IT, THIS BIKE CAN REALLY TAKE OFF ON YOU,
ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHER ASSIST LEVELS.”

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 17

‹ Near left: The
dashboard of the
E-Cells bike provides
all the information
you need: pedal-assist
level, speed, max
speed, average speed,
wattage being used,
time, odometer, trip
odometer, range,
battery status ... and
more.

I like this feature. It could be important if › Above: The bike “WHAT SEPARATES THE E-CELLS SUPER
you become injured miles off-road and you comes with an LED MONARCH FROM THE COMPETITION IS THAT
aren’t able to pedal out. There’s a walk- IT’S A DUAL-MOTOR, DUAL-BATTERY, DUAL-
assist mode too: Press and hold the “down” headlight that’s SUSPENSION, FAT-TIRED E-BIKE. THAT’S
power button, and the bike will move right powered by the RIGHT—IT’S AN ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE BIKE!”
along beside you as you walk. It moves bike’s main batteries
pretty fast, so you might have to use it in a and is positioned
succession of short bursts. to illuminate any
obstacles on the trail
To keep track of what’s happening
with your E-Cells bike, there’s a display ahead.
dashboard right on the handlebar. It shows
which power-assist level you’re using, › Right: The handle-
along with your battery level. You can see bar is adjustable. The
your current speed or cycle the display author found it most
to show your top or average speed. The comfortable when it

was angled slightly
upward.

› Left: The author secured this Voodoo Tactical shotgun scabbard to the bike’s rear cargo rack using
the scabbard’s MOLLE attachment straps (the scabbard holds a lever-action rifle very nicely).

mileage indicator lets you toggle between odometer, trip distance, riding time and range.
There’s also a clock, so you’ll know when to stop having fun and get home in time for

dinner! An important display feature is your wattage output indicator. Using this similarly
to how you would a vehicle’s tachometer, you can keep track of how hard your motors
are working— which directly affects battery usage. In addition, the dashboard computer
allows for mobile navigation through a Bluetooth connection to an app you can download
to your iPhone (if you have one. I don’t).

LOTS OF EXTRAS
When you buy an E-Cells bike, you’re provided with lots of accessories for no extra

charge. Included are a bike helmet; a separate taillight that fits the rear of the helmet;
two rearview mirrors that fit into the ends of the handlebars; a stretchable cargo strap;
cargo net; complete tool kit; two clip-on panniers; a rechargeable electric air pump; and
two aluminum heat sinks for the controller.

18 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

› Right: On the left The tool kit contains everything you need to maintain everything on the bike. After all, ASSEMBLE IT
side of the handlebar you don’t want to be miles from help when something vibrates loose. There’s an included
inner tube repair kit, as well as a mini manual air pump. It all fits in a sturdy zippered case When my bike was delivered and I opened
there are controls with straps on the outside so you can secure it to either of the racks. This is a great kit! the box, I found I had a little bit of work to
to power the bike do; but, it wasn’t difficult. I had to attach
on and off; to adjust The soft-sided panniers are made of heavy-duty nylon with zippered closures. They clip the handlebar to the stem and the pedals
the amount of assist; onto the rear rack in three places each. That makes them easy to attach or remove. And, to the crank. The batteries, rear rack and
and to choose which when you remove them, each has an adjustable shoulder strap. When traveling off-road, I rear wheel were already in place. So was
motor (or motors) is like to keep my gear higher on the racks and out of the mud. Nevertheless, these panniers the seat, but I had to adjust it to the proper
would be great when traveling by road. For instance, commuters might make use of these height for me. Attaching the front wheel
being used. to store a laptop computer and other items needed during the daily work routine. In took a little finesse (it would’ve been
addition, they’d come in handy for quick trips to the grocery store or for other errands. easier with two people, but I got it done
› Below, left: The fat without too much effort).
tires on the bike are The included portable electric air pump is programmable. You can set it for several
listed at 4.25 inches, regularly used inflatables. On the “bike” setting, I set the pump for 10 psi, which is the The front fender, headlight and front
but the tread extends recommended inflation pressure for this bike’s fat tires. The pump inflates the tires rack needed to be attached too. These
effortlessly and stops automatically when the set pressure is reached. It runs on a USB- were all simple tasks, and all the tools you
a bit wider than rechargeable lithium battery and also has a flashlight and charge port to charge your need to get the job done are included in
that. They provide phone or other devices. the zippered tool pouch. I used the electric
good traction and a pump to inflate the fat tires. That was the
easiest part. In fact, I probably spent more
comfortable ride. time cutting up the cardboard box for the
recycle bin than I did assembling the bike!
› Below, right: The
bike’s two batteries RIDE IT
can be removed and
charged separately. On my first ride—a short jaunt around the
Alternatively, they neighborhood—I was literally laughing out
loud (the neighbors must’ve confirmed
can be charged their previous suspicions that I really am
together while still completely crazy!).

onboard. I grew up riding off-road motorcycles, and
I continue to log lots of miles on bicycles
every year. Because this is a heavy, but
powerful, bike, I’d compare the ride as
somewhere in between a bicycle and a
motorcycle.

If you’re a novice bike rider, I’d advise you
to start on a low pedal-assist setting. If
you’re not expecting it, this bike can really
take off on you, especially on the higher
assist levels.

I spent time during my testing of this bike
finding the highest hills in my area. None of
them was the slightest challenge for this
bike. With the chain on the proper gear and
the assist level set properly, you can get up
any hill with almost no effort on your part.

And don’t forget to use your gears
when you pedal. The temptation is to let
the motors do all the work. But, when
you’re anticipating a stop, such as at an
intersection, it’s a good idea to downshift
to an easier gear. That’ll make starting
again easier on you ... and on your motors.
Move through the gears as you build your
speed.

I tried the bike both on and off the roads.
On a road, there’s no fear of going off into

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 19

CARRY chain. And every so often, you should check to make sure your spokes remain tight. I also
CONSIDERATIONS discovered that the batteries don’t like to be charged when it gets cold. Bring them in and
let them warm up to room temperature, and they’ll be fine.
Transporting your e-bike on the back of your car might take
a heavier-duty carrier than you use for your conventional bike. HOW FAR CAN I GO?
Carriers designed for fat-tired e-bikes can cost between $500 to The range you’ll get on a full charge can vary widely, depending on the terrain, wind
more than $1,000.
conditions, how fast you’re going and the level of pedal-assist you’re using. Around town
What many e-bike owners are doing to save a few bucks is on level roads, I was using Level 3 with little effort and cranking it up only to Level 4 or 5
buying a hitch-mount carrier that’s designed for motorcycles. for the moderate hills. I rarely got into the upper assist levels.
These carriers are designed for the weight, usually have a ramp
to roll your bike onto it and cost under $200. Riding conservatively like that, I found that the battery level barely dipped. On one ride, I
traveled slightly more than 41 miles and used 50 percent of my battery capacity. Even so,
Harbor Freight (HarborFreight.com) and Black Widow much of that time, I was playing around—seeking out hills, using the throttle instead of
(BlackWidowPro.com) are two sources to check out. pedaling and testing the bike’s capabilities. Using the power more judiciously, I believe I
could get more than 100 miles on a charge.

Keeping an eye on your wattage output will help you conserve the bike’s batteries.
The wattage will jump when you accelerate, but it should level off as you settle in at a
particular speed and with the proper gearing.

the gravel along the shoulder. Between the LOTS OF VALUE
bike’s fat tires and the pedal-assist, you
just power right through it. The MSRP price of the E-Cells Super Monarch AWD 1500 Crown is $5,195, but the
company had it on sale for $4,195 as of this writing. That’s comparable to the cost of
However, off the road is where this some other e-bikes that don’t provide nearly the same levels of power, range, cargo
bike really outshines other models. That capacity and off-road capability. In addition, E-Cells offers a financing offer of 0 percent
all-wheel-drive system gives you lots of for 12 months, and the bikes ship free.
traction and power to go through dirt,
mud, stone and snow (yes, I rode it through “FROM MY FIRST RIDE ON THE E-CELLS
snow). It was late fall when I started SUPER MONARCH CROWN AWD 1500
testing this bike. One day, we had about 3 OFF-ROAD E-BIKE, I CONFIRMED THAT MY
or 4 inches of snow. I bundled up and took MONEY HAD BEEN WELL-SPENT.”
out the Super Monarch. I crossed my street
and headed uphill through my neighbor’s › Below: This bike ‹ Left: The seat post
yard (I hope she didn’t mind all the tracks is very off-road- is secured with
in her yard ... ). The bike performed very capable and is a quick-release
well. This is truly a four-season bike. equipped with front lever for fast
and back shocks adjustments. This is
There are a few cautionary notes: Because that are adjustable wise, because you
this bike has so much torque, changing and feature lockout want the seat high
gears when you’re on the highest pedal- levers. enough for full leg
assist levels could cause problems with the extension for road-
riding but perhaps
lower for traveling
tricky, off-road
terrain.

‹ Left: The rear
wheel of this E Cells
bike has 10 gears
that provide a good
range of ratios for
both trail-riding and
on-road cruising.

SOURCE

E-Cells Bikes
(702) 960-2015
ECells.com

20 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

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COMFORTABLE,
ROOMY AND
MOBILE

A WHITE DUCK OUTDOORS
WALL TENT MAKES A
GREAT EXTENDED-STAY
BASE CAMP.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

22 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

› When new poles arrived, the author
replaced the bent ones to get the most use
out of his camp. In a pinch, he could have
cut wooden poles to size.

“CHOOSE A TENT TOO SMALL, AND YOU CAN FEEL TOO
CROWDED IF YOU’RE FORCED INSIDE FOR LONG PERIODS

DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER ... CHOOSE A TENT
THAT’S TOO LARGE, AND YOU’LL HAVE MORE DIFFICULTY

TRANSPORTING IT, SETTING IT UP AND HEATING IT.”

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 23

“FOR THOSE WHO, LIKE ME, DON’T HAPPEN TO OWN ANY GETAWAY
PROPERTY, SUCH A TENT MAKES SENSE. ONE KEY ADVANTAGE IS
THAT I’M NOT LOCKED INTO A PARTICULAR LOCATION.”

‹ Left: The author, his
brother and nephew
set up this camp
using the White Duck
Alpha Wall Tent,
along with an old
family camping tent
and an overhead tarp
on a steel cable.

› Near right: Open-
concept kitchen:
The wall tent was
designated as

living and sleeping
quarters only. The

covered space
between the two
tents was for dining.

Inow have a mobile base camp ... and ESTABLISH AN OUTPOST ‹ Above:
it fits in the back of my Toyota Rav4: I bought my tent with the idea of setting it up on state forest land for the duration of the Establishing a base
I recently invested in a White Duck camp requires lots
Outdoors Alpha Wall Tent. fall deer-hunting season to be used by my brother, his son and me. But, along the way, it of odds and ends—
Although this tent is easy to set up, occurred to me that this tent would make a good basis for a mobile outpost—a remote pots, pans, utensils,
it’s not the type of thing you’d normally refuge for anyone evacuating because of a temporary disaster or, as a last resort, escaping lanterns and much
bring for a summer weekend campout. man-made mayhem. more.
This is a four-season tent that’s roomy and
comfortable for more-extended stays. (I For those who, like me, don’t happen to own any getaway property, such a tent makes
understand that some “glamping” resorts sense. One key advantage is that I’m not locked into a particular location. Depending on
offer them as an alternative to renting how far-reaching a critical event happens to be, I have a whole country in which to choose
cabins for those who don’t want to rough a safe retreat. As a bonus, it incurs no property taxes or property upkeep.
it.) However, there are other possibilities
for this tent as part of an emergency SIZING IT UP
preparedness strategy. The White Duck Alpha wall tent I chose is the company’s 12x14-foot model.
Choosing the size you need can be a tough decision. I wanted it big enough to fit a

propane or wood stove and three or four cots for sleeping, along with some spare living

24 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

› Near right: A good-
sized duffel, such as
this Voodoo Tactical
Mojo Load-Out Bag,
is perfect for storing
clothing and gear in

camp.

“THE BENEFIT OF CHOOSING A WALL TENT IS THAT YOU HAVE ‹ Above: Buckets
5-FOOT-HIGH VERTICAL SIDE WALLS, SO THERE’S VERY LITTLE and bins with lids
WASTED SPACE AS YOU’D HAVE WITH A TEPEE-STYLE TENT.” are important for
keeping mice and
space. Choose a tent too small, and you can feel too crowded if you’re forced inside for long rods to hang clothes. There’s no center other small critters
periods during inclement weather. I also wanted to be able to squeeze in more people if pole stuck in the middle to complicate from invading your
necessary. But, choose a tent that’s too large, and you’ll have more difficulty transporting your floor plan. food stores, even
it, setting it up and heating it. Obviously, the larger the tent, the higher the cost. if they’re stored in
I also purchased the optional porch to be your vehicle.
The 12x14-foot wall tent gave us plenty of room for the three cots we set inside, but we used as our “mud room.” This is an open-
could have doubled that and then simply folded some of the cots out of the way when front addition to the front of the tent that ‹ Far left: The porch
they weren’t being used. The benefit of choosing a wall tent is that you have 5-foot-high provides side walls with covered windows frame was easy to
vertical side walls, so there’s very little wasted space as you’d have with a tepee-style and a roof. It provides an additional 7½ assemble, as was
tent. We positioned our cots along the sides and out of the way. feet of space for gear, chairs, a table and the wall tent itself.
such and protects the entryway to the tent
The center height is 8 feet, 8 inches. That provides plenty of headspace for moving from the elements. And, for extra storm
around and getting dressed, but it’s also space that can be used to hang lighting and

‹ Near left: Cooking
with a Dutch oven
in a base camp can
really expand your
menu—which is
great for keeping
morale high during
extended stays.

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 25

WHITE DUCK protection, I also purchased the waterproof
OUTDOORS fly that covers the tent.
12x14-FOOT
ALPHA WALL TENT ‹ Below, left: The WHITE DUCK CONSTRUCTION
optional porch that
Specifications attaches to the front The tent uses a framework of aluminum
of the wall tent has poles and angled couplers. The uprights
• Construction: 100 percent cotton, 10.10-ounce Army duck canvas (tent and porch); windows that can have swivel feet on the bottoms to
200gsm polyethylene (fly); vinyl (sod cloth and mud skirting) be uncovered in automatically adjust to uneven ground.
good weather for The tent fabric is white, 100 percent cotton,
• Frame: Anodized aluminum poles, 1.181 inches (diameter) added ventilation. 10.10-ounce Army duck canvas. It’s heavy-
• Weight: Approximately 200 pounds (tent and poles) (Photo: White Duck duty material that’s breathable. That limits
Outdoors) any condensation problems. And, after
MSRP: $1,449.99/12x14-foot tent; $499.99/canvas porch; $300/waterproof fly getting wet once, the threads in the fabric
‹ Below, right: With swell and close together to form a natural
the tent doors tied water-repellent barrier. All the seams
back, you can see are double stitched, and the corners are
the zippered screens reinforced. There’s vinyl mud-flap skirting
that will come
in handy during
“buggy” times of
year. (Photo: White
Duck Outdoors)

“THIS IS A FOUR-SEASON ‹ Above: The Alpha Wall Tent is shown with
TENT THAT’S ROOMY the optional waterproof fly attached. The
AND COMFORTABLE author considers the fly a necessity for this
FOR MORE-EXTENDED tent. (Photo: White Duck Outdoors)
STAYS.”

26 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

‹ Far left: There
were no S-shaped
poles with this
tent; they’d all been
straight before
the snowstorm
disaster!

around the bottom of all the walls where storm flaps in the roof of the tent, the fly and the porch. They must be cut to the correct ‹ Near left: Despite
they contact the ground. size and can accommodate up to a 5-inch stove pipe. the bent poles at
the front of the
The double zippered doors at the front Zippered canvas bags with reinforced waterproof bottoms are included—one each for wall tent, it still
can also be secured with the included the tent, the poles and the porch. That makes it easier to transport. The total weight of remained roomy
quick-release buckles. Zippered mesh the tent and poles is approximately 200 pounds. Separating the poles and tent into their and habitable.
behind the doors keeps out the bugs. There own bags divides that weight into two nearly equal bags with carry straps. There’s also a
are two triangular windows on each of the canvas bag for the stakes. A rubber mallet is included for pounding them in. ‹ Below: The White
long sides. They, too, have closures and Duck Outdoors
bug screens. A free-floating ground sheet EASY SETUP Alpha Wall Tent
or sod cloth of 12-ounce PVC provides a One of the main motivators for buying this tent is that I wanted something that was can be an integral
waterproof barrier from the ground on the part of establishing
inside. It’s not attached to the tent so that easier to set up and take down than the old military tent, which required an army to a base camp.
you can remove it for easy cleaning. maneuver and erect! One person, alone, could probably set up the White Duck Alpha tent.
Two people will have no problem; three are even better (unless one tends to be a little
The waterproof fly you place over the bossy. I won’t admit to that!).
tent is made of heavy-duty 200gsm
polyethylene. There are stove jacks with The instructions that came with the tent are easy to follow. Even so, the White Duck
website offers a video that takes you through the setup process step by step, and it’s

“WITH A WALL TENT ... YOU CAN ESTABLISH A HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME THAT
CAN BE MOVED EASILY FROM ONE LOCATION TO ANOTHER AS NEEDED ...
WITHOUT REQUIRING A TRACTOR TRAILER TO DO IT.”

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 27

‹ Near left: When
cooking for more
than one person, the
old Coleman stove is
always a good choice.

worth watching before setting up your tent › Above: There’s
for the first time. nothing wrong

The tent frame is erected first, but with keeping things
without the uprights for one side. This simple. After all,
keeps the frame low enough for you to
drape the tent over the frame without burgers cooked on
needing a ladder. Once the tent is over the the grill comprise
frame, the remaining uprights are put into standard camp fare.
place, and the poles, tent and guy lines are
staked down. The fly goes over the top. › Right: The author’s
The fly’s guy lines can be attached to the nephew removed
same stakes as the tent lines. There are
line adjusters to keep things taut all the the old family tent,
way around. which had been

crushed when the
steel cable snapped
under the weight of
the snow. The porch
and front of the new

wall tent suffered
considerable
damage too.

› Left: A little privacy, please! The author’s portable toilet was placed in this outhouse tent.

MAKING IT A HOME
Across from the wall tent, we put up an old tent that had been used for family camping

trips when I was a kid. We ran a steel cable over everything to suspend tarps for extra
protection. In the space between the tents, we put up a couple of portable tables and
some folding camp chairs. This was to be our open-air dining area. We had a two-burner
Coleman gas stove and a nearby fire pit for cooking with Dutch ovens and a grill top. The
old tent was our overflow area for gear and guests or if foul weather forced us inside to
eat. We kept all food out of the new wall tent to keep out the critters, big and small alike.
The food usually went into our vehicles. Even so, we stored it in buckets or bins with tops,
because mice sometimes hitch a ride and find a way in.

In the wall tent, we placed a small area rug that’s perfect for walking around in stockinged
feet after logging miles in hunting boots all day. This first season, we used a propane
heater to heat the tent before we went to bed and again the first thing in the morning after
climbing out of our sleeping bags. The temperature got down to 24 degrees (F) one night,
but the temperature inside the tent was comfortable with just that one propane heater.
A propane heater is lighter to pack, and you don’t have to spend time chopping firewood.
For a getaway shelter, at least in a wooded area, a stove can make use of a readily
available fuel supply.

DISASTER HITS
So, everyone lived happily ever after, right? Not in this fairy tale! We'd been away from

the camp for a few days, and during that time, an unexpected early-season snowstorm hit

28 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

› Right: And then,
disaster struck: A
severe, early-season
snowstorm took
down many camps

in the vicinity,
including the
author’s, which was
unattended at the

time.

› Below: Keeping “A FREE-FLOATING GROUND SHEET OR SOD CLOTH OF 12-OUNCE
perishables cold PVC PROVIDES A WATERPROOF BARRIER FROM THE GROUND ON
can be a challenge THE INSIDE. IT’S NOT ATTACHED TO THE TENT SO THAT YOU CAN
in warm weather REMOVE IT FOR EASY CLEANING.”
but not so much
in the fall during

deer-hunting
season in the

Northeast.

the area. It leveled several tent camps in the
vicinity ... including a good part of ours.

The overhead tarps had sagged, and the
snow built up until the steel cable snapped.
Down came the snow in an avalanche that
crushed our old family tent, the new tent’s
porch and the front of the wall tent. About
10 of the poles from the porch and wall tent
were severely bent. On the bright side, none
of the fabric was torn and, until a new batch
of poles arrived, we continued to use the wall
tent. Most of the space was still usable.

I have to emphasize that this mishap was
in no way the fault of the tent, its design or
its construction. The fault is in the fact that
we were “absentee landlords.” Had we been

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 29

› Left: By removing
the uprights on one
side of the frame,
the tent fabric can
be draped over the
top for setup or
takedown without
the need of a ladder.

on-site during the storm, we could have if possible—with the support of the community behind you. But sometimes, you must
monitored the snow buildup and dealt evacuate. In addition, a temporary situation can sometimes turn into an ordeal that lasts
with it before it got to a critical point. And, for weeks. With a wall tent, such as this one from White Duck Outdoors, you can establish
in fact, White Duck does offer telescoping a home-away-from-home that can be moved easily from one location to another as
poles to reinforce the frame for extra needed ... without requiring a tractor trailer to do it.
protection against such storms (I think
that'll be next year’s investment). As an added benefit, this wall tent doesn’t have to sit in a corner of your attic, awaiting
trouble. You can use it for a hunting camp or for cozy extended vacations.
EASY REPAIRS
Had more of the tent poles been The quality of the White Duck Alpha wall tent is excellent and, with proper care
(don’t store it wet, for instance), it should last for many years–freak snowstorms
damaged, we could have cut wooden poles notwithstanding!
to size to fit the couplers as a temporary
fix (that’s one more reason to have a good ‹ Left: The tent
assortment of tools in camp). However, frame, with uprights
because only the porch and very front removed on one
of the wall tent were affected, we didn’t side, is easy to
bother. When replacement poles arrived, assemble. One
it was a simple matter of “out with the old person could set up
and in with the new.” the tent (but two are
better).
IMPRESSIVE QUALITY
In the wake of most disasters, it’s usually › Below, left: Back
up to full height
better to stay in your well-supplied home—
with the new poles,
the porch provides

lots of usable
covered space.

‹ Near left: The
poles used as
uprights feature
feet that adjust to
uneven ground.

SOURCE

White Duck Outdoors
(208) 866-1850
WhiteDuckOutdoors.com

30 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

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SLEEP
SOUNDLY
INTHE SKY

SHELTER OPTIONS FOR HOVERING ABOVE TERRA FIRMA

BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA

32 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

“THE TREES YOU
SELECT FOR

ATTACHMENT SHOULD
BE HEALTHY AND

LARGE ENOUGH TO
SUPPORT YOUR

SHELTER, YOUR BODY
WEIGHT AND ANY
GEAR THAT’LL BE

SHARING YOUR ‘CRIB’
FOR THE NIGHT.”

PHOTO: HENNESSEYHAMMOCK.COM

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 33

PHOTO: TENTSILE.COM

When setting up shelter, › Below: Don’t always shopping online or bringing your choice to the register at an outdoor gear store, you
one of the basic rules think “woodland” need to have all your bases covered in order to choose the model that’s right for you.
in the survival world environment with
is, Get yourself off tree tents. Here, an The primary decision when choosing a suspended shelter is which type you’d prefer—a
the ground. This is island setting works hammock or an elevated tent. Both have their pros and cons, and those, too, will vary
important because, in addition to avoiding equally well. (Photo: by consumer, because everyone’s needs and wants are different. Once you’ve made your
cold and wet conditions, the ground can Tentsile.com) choice, it’s time to go a little deeper into your personal outdoor situation.
come alive throughout the night (and the
day too) with all types of Mother Nature’s First, you need to consider how many people will be sharing your shelter. Suspended
critters—from biting and stinging bugs to tree tents, as well as a few hammocks, offer room for more than one person. The
slithering snakes and larger animals such combined size and weight of your “team” and gear will factor into your selection.
as raccoons, rats and others.
Second is the environment. What temperatures could you possibly face during your
Being elevated above the surface can outing? If you predict cold, you’ll need to equip yourself with a roomier interior so
provide a worry-free night’s sleep when it blankets and extra layers can be added. Conversely, if your plan includes staying in
comes to wildlife, as well as being quite
comfortable suspended several feet in
the air and not having to endure the hard,
rock-strewn ground.

From suspended tents to simple
hammocks to multipurpose platforms
and more, today’s above-ground shelter
options are both diverse and numerous.

Now, it’s time to elevate your
understanding of “high-rise” shelters—
where to set them up and choosing the
best style for you (as well as considering
the negatives, which might compel you to
stay planted firmly on the ground).

Nothing will be left on the ground as we
venture upward to your shelter suspended
amid the trees.

BEFORE YOU BUY
Before you click “add to cart” when

34 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

tropical or sub-tropical conditions, having › Above: This simple
good ventilation and multiple zip-down jungle hammock
screening options will come in handy on is compact, yet it
hot and humid days.
protects you from a
Next, ease of carrying is a concern for night of irritating, bit-
those traveling light or who are already
bogged down with heavy gear. Remember: ing insects. (Photo:
The larger the tent or hammock, the Rothco.com)
heavier it’ll be to carry. This fact might
seem quite obvious, but with the › Right: Parachute factor. When you’re on a budget, you have a certain range to hold to; and that, in itself,
excitement of buying your shelter, it could hammocks can limits you in some respects. If you have a maximum spending amount, you need to do an
easily be overlooked. When shopping even deeper search. Read plenty of reviews, ask around in the outdoor community through
online, product descriptions should include have an extremely Internet chat rooms and forums and, if you’re able to go to a brick-and-mortar store, feel
the dimensions and weight of the shelter. simple design but the material to get a true sense of its durability and construction. A thrifty shopper needs
Take note and find a comparable item serve the purpose of to find the optimal balance between affordability and quality.
around the house to get a true “feel” of relaxing in the great
what you’ll be adding to your load. outdoors. (Photo: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Whether you choose a suspended tent or a hammock, the location and materials you
For most people, price is also a deciding Coghlans.com)
use to set up your elevated shelter shouldn’t be a quick decision on your part. It’s wise
› Below: Some
hammocks don’t
need to be supported

by trees, which
makes them ideal for

bare, level lands.

› Above: Nothing is simpler than a mesh
hammock for two. This basic hammock is a
staple at many campsites across the country.
(Photo: Coghlans.com)

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 35

› Left: A totally enclosed, roomy hammock offers comfort and peace of
mind when you camp out in the deep woods. (Photo: DDHammocks.com)

“SUSPENDED TENTS AND
HAMMOCKS BOTH OFFER
A GROUND-FREE SLEEPING
EXPERIENCE THAT AIDS
IN ELIMINATING POSSIBLE
PROBLEMS WHEN
SLEEPING OUTDOORS.”

to start thinking about setting up your ‹ Right: The Nest, by DD Hammocks, ‹ Below, left: On a
camp—especially your shelter—long before offers plenty of interior space and a clear night, you can
sundown occurs so that if you do encounter see-through section to prevent the stargaze from your
any issues, you won’t be scrambling when sensation of claustrophobia. (Photo: hammock without
darkness hits. Rushed, incomplete or biting insects
incorrect location setup of your suspended DDHammocks.com) feasting on your
shelter could cause you physical harm and/ tender skin. (Photo:
or a night of anxiety as you ponder if you’re and/or vines that touch your shelter can cause damage or create a bridge for creepy- DDHammocks.com)
hanging in harm’s way. crawlies to invade your shelter and attack you, ensuring you’ll get no sleep.
‹ Below, right: This
The trees you select for attachment It should go without saying that any trees exhibiting previous contact with bears should unique hammock
should be healthy and large enough to be avoided, no matter how structurally sound they appear, how perfect their location is or offers plenty of
support your shelter, your body weight their setup configuration with other trees nearby. If you notice trees with scratch marks, room and an open-
and any gear that’ll be sharing your “crib” broken branches, worn-down patches and bits of fur scattered around, it’s a sure sign a to-nature appeal.
for the night. Inspect your tree options bear has made that tree theirs, and you shouldn’t camp anywhere near it. (Photo: Tentsile.
thoroughly. What might look alive and well com)
could possibly have a dead or decaying Your setup location should be relatively far from a large water source; anywhere from 150
portion within its trunk. If you choose this to 300 yards to stay on the safe side. You can then avoid the interference from animals as
piece to tie your shelter to, you could be they travel to drink through the night.
in for a nasty surprise during the night. In
addition, dead branches from adjacent Finally, look at the ground below your proposed hammock or hanging tent site. If
trees that are intertwined far above your it has any large rocks, stumps or fallen logs, move the obstacles out and away from
intended camp might come loose during your shelter, or avoid that area and look elsewhere. Falling out of your tent at night or
your stay and fall on you. stepping down awkwardly and landing on the hard stones or uneven earth can cause
injuries you don’t need.
Live, mature trees with sparse low-lying
foliage are ideal for setup. Bushy branches EASE OF SETUP
This category is not as clear-cut as it might seem. For most people, a hammock would

36 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

‹ Left and below, left and right:
The Hennessy Hammock 4
Season Survivorman Zip XL
has a 350-pound capacity
and includes a rain fly and
survival kit, along with
everything you need for a
good night's rest. (Photo:
HennesseyHammock.com)

“FOR A NEWBIE, THE STRAPS,
POLES AND CRANKING MECHANISM

[ON A HANGING TENT] CAN SEEM
OVERWHELMING

AT FIRST BUT BECOME SECOND
NATURE OVER TIME.”

WANT ONE? LOOK NO FURTHER

Luckily for the outdoor gear consumer, there are numerous outlets, both online and in-store, to purchase a suspended shelter. Here are some great
manufacturers that are ready to take your outdoor sleeping arrangements to the next level:

Tentsile Tree Tents Hennessy Treez Tree Tents Coghlan’s Products DD Hammocks
Hammocks
One of the best suspended These tree tents, hand- Simple setup and Want a roomy and comfort-
tree tent manufacturers Quoted as “The coolest built in the U.S.A., offer affordable pricing make able hammock that blends
on the planet today, tent(s) in the world,” Hen- something for every- Coghlan’s a great choice into your outdoor surround-
Tentsile offers a great nessey Hammocks offers one. From entry-level, for a lightweight ham- ings? If so, DD Hammocks is
range of models to choose suspended shelters with ultra-lightweight versions mock intended for casual the company for you. With
from. They range from all the “bells and whistles” to expedition-grade styles outdoor outings. When deep-green, brown and
single-person platforms to that totally turn your idea (such as the Alpha and no-frills shut-eye is on your camo patterns, you’ll dis-
full, multi-person, "sleep- of a basic hammock upside Omega models), this schedule, these hammocks appear into the darkness as
ing-in-style" versions. down. Hennessy offers company does it all. In are for you. Choose from you sleep the night away.
This company offers an everything from extremely addition, you can custom- several different styles and (DDHammocks.com)
abundance of accessories lightweight models for min- ize your tent’s size and colors. (Coghlans.com)
and add-ons to make your imalists to full, heavy-duty colors. (TreezTreeTents.
outdoor stay the best it styles for deep-woods use. com)
can be. (Tentsile.com) (HennesseyHammock.com)

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 37

‹ Left and right: Rein-
forced material and
durable straps that
can hold an immense
amount of weight
keep you safe and
secure up in the air.
(Photo: Tentsile.com)

seem to be the easiest and fastest type “THE PRIMARY DECISION WHEN
of shelter to assemble and occupy. But, CHOOSING A SUSPENDED SHELTER IS
as a result of the new and innovative tent WHICH TYPE YOU’D PREFER—A HAMMOCK
technologies available today, a hammock OR AN ELEVATED TENT.”
could have some stiff competition.
› Right: Three straps
In order to properly distinguish the best keep this tree tent
all-around choice for setup, we first have above the cold,
to identify the players. Hammocks, as
well as suspended tents, come in various hard ground. Setup
shapes, sizes and configurations, as well is fast and easy ...
as a plethora of options to suit a variety once you get the
of needs.
“hang” of it! (Photo:
Tentsile.com)

HAMMOCKS
A basic hammock is, of course, the easiest

suspended shelter to set up. This type
of hammock is usually no more than the

› Left: Setup is easy with this tree tent. Just secure straps around three stable trees, and you’re good
to go. (Photo: Tentsile.com)

central “bed” area, consisting of a solid piece of nylon or netting and an attachment rope
at each end. These don’t include overhead covers, a comfortable suspension system or
extras to hold your gear. All it takes is a few minutes to tie the ropes around nearby trees,
and you’re done. However, this is definitely not the ideal shelter when you’re deep in the
woods or camping for a number of nights. Comfort and a restful night’s sleep won’t be
achieved using this option. In fact, it’s more suited for short naps in your backyard than it
is for survival purposes.

The next style of hammock is a bit more complex, but only because it has added
components. These could include a rain cover, flexible poles to construct a roomier
canopy or added interior layers for a more comfortable sleep. The attachment to the
trees, however, remains the same: essentially two points of contact to trees, one on
each end.

More-complex hammocks include additional ropes to add stability or to stretch an
oversized rain cover overhead. They might also offer insect netting that needs to be
attached. These units take time to properly set up, but it’s well worth it for you. For what
you get in exchange, this is one of the best styles of hammocks available today. It’s a true
trade-off between time and quality of rest.

38 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

› Tents aren’t always
for camping. Take
one on your next
relaxing vacation.

(Photo: Taylor Burke)

HANGING TENTS comfortable sleeping and are designed
more for aesthetics than regular outdoor
Hanging tents have less variation and fewer models to choose from. There are two main use. However, the ease of setup for a basic
styles of suspended tents: those with a single point of connection and those with multiple model makes it hassle free and, if one
points (three straps being the most common). chooses this, they can use it in a pinch to
catch some shut-eye and rest up for the
A single-point-connection tent has the attachment apparatus at the top of the tent next day.
that has a frame-supported base (imagine a bird feeder hanging from a tree branch).
These unique tents come in a variety of styles that range from very simple to larger, more The most popular suspended tents are
permanent and intricate structures. It should be noted that these suspended tents don’t the ones with three points of connection
lend themselves very well to camping or survival applications. They’re often too small for (I have one of these). They vary in size and
configuration, and setup times can vary
› Top right: greatly, depending on a few variables, such
Camouflage as finding the ideal three-tree pattern; the
hammocks blend room available to lay out the materials
into natural and tools; and, most importantly, the
surroundings— familiarity one has with the method of
useful in a survival erection. As with anything else, the more
situation. (Photo: experience you have doing something,
DDHammocks.com)

› Bottom right:
Numerous

configurations can
be made, depending

on the outside
temperature and

insect activity.
(Photo: Tentsile.com)

› Above: Inexpensive hammocks work well
for short excursions in mild climates. They’re
compact, easy to carry and perfect for one or
two individuals. (Photo: Coghlans.com)

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 39

BATTLE OF ‹ This diagram of the the faster and more efficient you become
THE BEST Tentsile Stingray tree at doing it. For a newbie, the straps,
tent shows how large poles and cranking mechanism can seem
Here’s a comparison of two giants of it is and the sleeping overwhelming at first but become second
the suspended shelter world: nature over time.
configuration for
Tentsile Stingray three occupants. The overall takeaway is that if you
plan intelligently during your outing and
Weight limit: 880 pounds give yourself enough time to erect your
Height limit: 4 feet suspended shelter, setup time becomes an
Hammock fabric: 21 OT PU coated irrelevant point. You won’t have to sacrifice
polyester rainfly the extra amenities for a fast setup.
Packed weight: 20.9 pounds
Unique feature: Anti-roll strap system “FROM SUSPENDED TENTS ‘HANG IN’ THERE
prevents occupant from rolling to the TO SIMPLE HAMMOCKS TO
middle of the tent MULTIPURPOSE PLATFORMS AND Suspended tents and hammocks both
Includes: Poles, ratchet, straps, carrying MORE, TODAY’S ABOVE-GROUND offer a ground-free sleeping experience
bag, instructions SHELTER OPTIONS ARE BOTH that aids in eliminating possible problems
DIVERSE AND NUMEROUS.” when sleeping outdoors. Curious animals,
MSRP: $899 insects and inhospitable ground all
become non-factors during your outdoor
Tentsile.com adventure. In addition, the gentle sway of
a hammock or the cushiony feeling of a
Hennessey Hammock’s suspended tent adds to your ability to get
4 Season Survivorman Zip a great night’s sleep ... and when you’ve
trekked for hours or have been chopping
Weight limit: 350 pounds through intense brush and foliage, getting
Height limit: 7 feet long hours of quality sleep is a ... dream
Hammock fabric: 1 layer of 70D nylon come true.
taffeta; 1 layer of 40D nylon taffeta
Packed weight: 5 pounds, 9 ounces
Unique feature: Bright-orange interior
is reversible for signaling purposes
Includes: Hammock, mosquito netting,
detachable Hex rain fly, support poles,
compression sack, webbing straps,
open-foam pad, survival kit

MSRP: $319.95

HennesseyHammock.com

‹ Above and left: The
Stingray tree tent (Photo:

Tentsile.com)

40 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

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FENIXLIGHTING.COM

For me, the word, “puukko,” conjures images of World War II-era Finnish guer-
rilla fighters clad in white camouflage, living off the land and battling Soviet
invaders. While the Finnish national hero, Simo Hayha, is better known for his
incredible record as a sniper, I often imagine him in a mythical Red Dawn envi-
ronment, using his traditional puukko to create sniper hides, shelters and traps
as he wages a one-man war against the Red Army. While this image is equal parts conjecture
and fantasy, the rugged individualism of a man with a rifle and blade defending what he
loves never ceases to bring a smile to my face.

The feel of a well-made puukko in my hand conjures that same smile.
Of course, the puukko dates back much further than the Finnish/Soviet winter war of
1939–1940. The general design goes back at least 1,000 years. “Puukko” means “knife”
in Finnish and is broadly associated with the indigenous people of the Nordic countries.
Many examples of the design have been unearthed among Viking ruins, and the design
variations are as numerous as the people who used them.

“WHILE THE KORPISOTURI DID WELL WITH
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION TASKS, THAT’S
NOT WHY I BOUGHT IT. THIS KNIFE WAS TO
ACCOMPANY ME IN THE WOODS FOR HUNTING,
CAMPING, BUSHCRAFTING, AND PRACTICING
AND TEACHING SURVIVAL SKILLS.”

› The Rokka Korpisoturi represents
the latest development in the modern
puukko genre, bringing features only
previously seen on custom knives.

42 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

TRADITIONAL
FINNISH

PUUKKO MEETS
21ST-CENTURY
INNOVATION

ROKKA KNIVES’ KORPISOTURI BLENDS FORM,
FUNCTION AND FINESSE FOR BUSHCRAFTERS.

BY MIKE TRAVIS

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 43

› Above: The Rokka Korpisoturi PUUKKO DESIGN
combines the best attributes of a
number of other modern puukkos into The traditional puukko design is very simple. It comprises a blade that’s about the width
of a palm and incorporates a narrow stick tang that either ends inside the handle or runs
a single, highly capable knife. its full length. Many of the through-tang puukkos use a metal pommel to which the end of
the tang is peened to create a mechanical lock for the handle. The handle, itself, tends to
ROKKA have an oval profile and has been historically made from birch wood, birch bark, antler or
KORPISOTURI bone (although the variations in handle material and construction are endless).

Specifications Puukko blades are most often associated with a Scandi grind, which uses a broad bevel
that ends at the apex of the edge. This creates a very fine edge that’s well-suited to
• Overall length: 9.02 inches carving and woodwork. It’s simple to maintain, because you need only lay the bevel on your
• Blade length: 4.13 inches sharpening surface and work the edge. It’s one of my favorite grinds to take into the woods.
• Blade thickness: 0.2 inch
• Blade steel: 80CrV2 carbon steel In reality, a large portion of traditional puukkos used a full flat grind. This grind uses a
• Blade style: Clip point constant bevel from the spine of the knife to a point almost to the edge. The edge is then
• Blade grind: Rhombic Scandi sharpened at an increased angle. The full flat grind has the advantage of being more
• Blade hardness: HRC 63 adept at food preparation and has a more robust edge.
• Handle material: TPE Dryflex
• Sheath: Kareline natural composite Despite being an ancient design, the puukko is still extraordinarily popular today.
• Weight: 4.48 ounces Craftsmen all over the world are making puukkos in the traditional ways, creating
• Country of origin: Finland everything from working tools to pieces of functional art.

MSRP: $164.99 “BECAUSE VOUTILAINEN AND HIS
PARTNERS ARE BIG FANS OF THE
TRADITIONAL FINNISH PUUKKO DESIGN,
IT WAS NEVER THEIR GOAL TO RADICALLY
REDESIGN THE KNIFE.”

44 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

‹ Left, top: A Rokka Many well-known companies are mass-
Korpisoturi is being producing modern puukkos using a variety
hand-ground by of carbon and stainless steels. Some of
the CEO of Laurin these use full-tang construction, although
Metalli Oy. Note most use a rattail tang that ends inside a
the temper line synthetic handle. These knives are cheap
running the length to produce and very popular.
of the blade.

‹ Left, middle: The ENTER ROKKA OF FINLAND
knife’s spine is sharp
and durable, making In 2014, Finnish knifesmith Juho
it a great fire steel Voutilainen decided he wanted to make a
striker. better modern puukko than those found on
the market. Voutilainen partnered with two
friends to create a design that would pay
homage to the classic Finnish puukko, be
appealing to both professional soldiers and
woodsmen, and take advantage of modern
materials and construction methods.

By 2018, Voutilainen and his friends had
settled on the basic blade profile, and the
Rokka Knives, Ltd. company was formed.
Discussions among friends about building a
modern puukko shifted from just "campfire
talk" to a business plan. Voutilainen
created a series of prototypes, getting
feedback from his peers, soldiers and
outdoorsmen at each step along the way.
After two years of constant development
and refinement, the fifth and final model
was accepted for development—the Rokka
Korpisoturi.

ANATOMY OF THE KORPISOTURI

Because Voutilainen and his partners are
big fans of the traditional Finnish puukko
design, it was never their goal to radically
redesign the knife. They wanted a puukko
that would stay true to its predecessors but

› Near right: The
Rokka Korpisoturi

is at home in the
woods and is

extremely capable
for limbing tasks and
gathering materials.

› Far right: A good
bushcra knife
should be able
to make large
feathersticks for

starting fires. This
task is no challenge

for the Rokka
Korpisoturi.

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 45

› Far right, top: have better, more functional ergonomics
A rack of Rokka and a more robust design ... using modern
Korpisoturi blades materials.
waiting to be ground.
The Korpisoturi uses a through-tang
While it’s not a design. This means that the tang runs the
full-tang knife, the full length of the handle, ending outside
Korpisoturi has a the pommel. Many traditional puukkos use
very substantial full- a laminated steel, welding a softer steel
around a hard core. This creates a strong,
length tang. resilient blade with good edge-holding
characteristics.
› Far right, middle:
The sharp spine of However, laminated steels aren’t cheap.
Rokka chose to use a solid piece of 80CrV2
the Korpisoturi is for its blades. This high-carbon tool steel
being used to scrape has a reputation for being tough (it’s one
of my favorite knife steels). Rokka uses a
fatwood shavings. proprietary, induction-based heat-treat
method that leaves the edge hardness at
› Below, left: The about 62 Rockwell and the spine hardness
handle design ensures at about 50 Rockwell. This differential
the Rokka Korpisoturi heat treat creates an edge that takes—and
holds—a fine edge while leaving the rest
is comfortable in a of the blade springy to absorb abuse and
variety of grips. hard use.

The Korpisoturi uses a rhombic blade
profile that’s typically only seen on custom
or semi-custom knives. The 4.13-inch
blade tapers from a thinner spine to its
thickest point at the beginning of the edge
bevel and then back down to the apex
of the edge. If looked at from the tip of

the knife, the thickest part of the blade
is about two-thirds of the way from the
edge. The rhombic geometry, along with
the 0.2-inch-thick blade stock, allows a
two-thirds-height high flat grind with a
19.5-degree edge angle. This grind allows
the Korpisoturi to combine many of the
best features of a full flat grind with a
Scandi grind in a blade that’s extremely
strong.

The handle has been carefully developed
for comfortable ergonomics in a variety
of grips. It’s made from TPE Dryflex that’s
molded around the tang. This material is
firm, but it feels “soft” to the touch and
keeps its grippy properties, even when
wet or greasy. Another benefit of the
overmolded handle is that it insulates the
user from coming into direct contact with
cold steel during the winter months.

‹ Le : Sometimes, the driest wood is found inside
branches and logs. The Rokka Korpisoturi’s rhom-
bic geometry means that it has plenty of strength
to split wood.

46 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

FIELDCRAFT
SURVIVAL
TRAINING
GROUP

› Kevin Estela is the new head of the Survival Division of the Fieldcraft Survival training group. Possessing the best outdoor/bushcraft knife won’t
magically make you adept at using it to its fullest
“IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A BUSHCRAFT/ capabilities. As with everything else in life, acquiring
HUNTING/WOODS KNIFE THAT’S HAD EVERY and maintaining skill sets require training. And, while
DETAIL WELL-THOUGHT-OUT AND WELL- it’s possible to learn a great deal from books and the
EXECUTED, LOOK NO FURTHER. THE ROKKA Internet, there’s no substitute for personal, hands-on
KORPISOTURI IS SIMPLY OUTSTANDING!” learning with a skilled instructor.

The tang of the knife protrudes from the pommel and uses an angular, sharpened design. Fieldcraft Survival (in Heber City, Utah) is a family-oriented,
As delivered, the pommel makes an excellent glass breaker. U.S.-based, veteran-owned company dedicated to training
citizens to be better prepared for the unique challenges that
I discussed this design choice with Voutilainen, who explained that Rokka debated it face us all each and every day. Fieldcraft Survival offers
for some time during the initial design phase. In the end, the company decided to leave it courses in firearms training, hand-to-hand combatives,
sharp and angular, because it was much easier for the end user to round the sharp edges mobility, medicine and wilderness survival, to name just
than it would’ve been for them (that is, the end user) to sharpen them. a few. Its training curriculum is incredibly diverse and
heavily based in reality and experience.
After much consideration, Rokka chose renowned Finnish knife manufacturing company
Laurin Metalli Oy to make the production blades. This company has been making knives Fieldcraft Survival offers classes all around the country.
Its cadre of instructors includes former Special Forces
operators, law enforcement professionals, high-level
competitive shooters, medical doctors and wilderness
survival experts.

Heading up its Survival Training division is Kevin Estela,
who’s well-known to American Survival Guide readers,
having contributed many articles to it over the years. His
credentials include being the lead instructor for the Wil-
derness Learning Center, founding and running the Estela
Wilderness Education school, authoring the best-selling
survival manual, 101 Skills You Need to Survive in the
Woods, and other related accomplishments.

As I write this, Fieldcraft Survival is offering a Mod-
ern Predator class that’s focused on both traditional
and alternative methods of game procurement, along
with its Basic Survival Skills class, in which students
are immersed in the psychology of survival, as well as
hands-on skill development.

Estela describes his classes as “trying to drink from
a fire hose.” Bring a pen, a notebook, your knife and a
thirst for knowledge ... and get prepared to level-up your
survival skills!

Fieldcraft Survival
(435) 709-8159
FieldcraftSurvival.com

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 47

since 1918 and has extensive experience › Top right: The
making both traditional and modern two-thirds-height
puukko designs. Scandi grind means
that the Rokka Kor-
When designing the sheath, Rokka wanted pisoturi is a natural
to use modern materials that would be
easy to maintain, very durable and provide at carving.
good retention while still being able to be
operated with one hand. › Bottom right: After
the featherstick
The sheath is molded from Finnish
Plasthill Kareline natural-fiber composite. has burned out, the
This material was chosen because it’s duct tape continues
stable from -22 to +212 degrees (F) and
is extremely durable. The mouth of the to burn.
sheath locks around the handle, providing
excellent retention. It’s ambidextrous and
uses a channel on each side of the sheath
into which a stainless steel threaded bar
is inserted. A provided MALICE clip is then
screwed into place, allowing the sheath
to be carried on a belt or threaded into

“THE BLADE JUST BECAME AN
EXTENSION OF MY HAND AND

DID EVERYTHING I ASKED OF
IT, DRAWING NO ATTENTION

TO ITSELF. TO ME, THIS
REPRESENTS THE HIGHEST
PRAISE I CAN GIVE A KNIFE.”

‹ Far left: While the
tip of a knife should
never be used as a
pry bar, the tip of the
Rokka Korpisoturi is
thick enough for stab-
bing and breaking up
some kindling.

‹ Near left: Among
the many mounting
options available, the
Rokka Korpisoturi is
seen here mounted
to a belt using a
carabiner.

48 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

webbing. I’ll be honest: I was skeptical › Above: The Rokka “DESPITE BEING AN ANCIENT DESIGN,
of this sheath when I first saw it, but Korpisoturi is THE PUUKKO IS STILL EXTRAORDINARILY
extensive use has proven my skepticism to POPULAR TODAY. CRAFTSMEN ALL OVER
be unfounded. This sheath is outstanding! delivered with a
It has good retention, and it’s easy to single MALICE clip THE WORLD ARE MAKING PUUKKOS IN
sheathe and unsheathe the knife with THE TRADITIONAL WAYS, CREATING
one hand. that allows for a
variety of mounting EVERYTHING FROM WORKING TOOLS TO
PIECES OF FUNCTIONAL ART.”
options.
[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 49
REAL-WORLD USE › Right: The Rokka
Korpisoturi strikes
When I first contacted Juho Voutilainen
about the possibility of reviewing his knife, the tiny firesteel
he agreed to send me a sample blade. embedded in the
Unfortunately, high demand, limited
production runs and COVID-19 created magnesium bar.
significant delays, so when I saw one for This will ignite
sale this past summer, I bought it. the magnesium

One of the first tasks for which I used the shavings, which
Korpisoturi was a construction project at will then ignite the
my home. The edges of a piece of heavy,
pressure-treated plywood needed to be featherstick.
shaved down. This material is tough—and
hard on knife edges.

The Korpisoturi had no issues with this
task. Its handle was comfortable, even
when I applied a lot of pressure, and was

‹ Far left: The
spine of the Rokka
Korpisoturi will
be used to scrape
magnesium shavings
onto a bed of duct
tape.

‹ Near left: The
Korpisoturi’s higher
grind and tapered
design make it more
adept at food prep
than many other
popular bushcraft
knives.

stable in my hand. This task put a lot of › Right: The grind
lateral pressure on the blade, but it never and the fine tip
once tried to rotate in my grip. When I make the Rokka
was done, its fine edge needed only to be
stropped to bring it back to 100 percent. Korpisoturi a joy to
use when doing fine,

detailed work.

INTO THE WOODS › Below: Despite
being a greasy mess,
While the Korpisoturi did well with
general construction tasks, that’s not why the handle of the
I bought it. This knife was to accompany Rokka Korpisoturi
me in the woods for hunting, camping, remained secure and
bushcrafting, and practicing and teaching
survival skills. grippy enough to
slice this venison.
On one of my first camping trips with
the Korpisoturi, I used it to process some
venison fillets to cook over the campfire.
The two-thirds-height Scandi grind makes
the Korpisoturi act almost like a full flat

“THE KORPISOTURI USES A RHOMBIC BLADE
PROFILE THAT’S TYPICALLY ONLY SEEN ON
CUSTOM OR SEMI-CUSTOM KNIVES.”

grind when cutting food, but with less of the binding often associated with preparing food
with a Scandi-grind knife.

The actual test came when the entire knife and my hands were coated in grease while
cutting the meat. While everything was still greasy, I picked up a stick and did a little
carving while the meat cooled. The Dryflex handle maintained an impressive amount of its
grip while covered in grease and was easy to clean when I was done.

The Korpisoturi was made for carving and woodworking. On my second trip into
the woods, I was accompanied by two good friends, both of whom are accomplished
woodsmen and are highly proficient with knives. While all of my impressions of the
Korpisoturi were favorable, I wanted to get a second and third opinion.

During our outing, the Korpisoturi was used to carve a try stick. The brainchild of
bushcraft legend Mors Kochanski, the try stick was used to gauge the competency of his
students' carving skills by creating a variety of notches, holes and dovetails. Not only is
this a great test of a person’s abilities, it’s also a good way to test the capabilities of a
knife. The fine edge of the Korpisoturi, combined with its ergonomic handle, meant the
blade was a pleasure to use, no matter who was using it.

To test the edge-holding ability of the blade, it was used to create kindling by batoning
the knife through pieces of wood. It was here that the rhombic geometry shined! By
tapering down from the middle of the blade to both the edge and the spine, there’s

50 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]