This blog was originally conceived as a personal reference. Later I added notes and my publications
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Funny example of a fake for 5.11 tactical from China - fleece Cap and Neck Warmer
Another funny example of a fake for 5.11 tactical production from omnipresent China - Winter men's fleece Cap and Neck Warmer (Balaclava)
5.11 tactical never produces such apparel
By the way, this has already been noticed in Minsk.
Available in store, store, store
Кстати, в Минске это изделие уже замечено в Минске
Monday, December 20, 2021
Compasses
Types of compasses
There are many kinds and shapes of compasses, however these are the most common you see marketed for survival purposes:Button compass. Sometimes they’re stand-alone, however they are often built into other gear, like a water-proof match container, to make it seem more "survivaly."
Clear baseplate compass. A transparent plastic base that might be rigid or foldable. The most frequent type for orienteering, and often referred to as an orienteering compass.
Lensatic military compass. Folds in half like a clamshell. Tougher construction. Designed to give very accurate bearings for army needs, eg. for calling in an artillery strike.
Parts of a Compass
1. Rules(Scales)Each edge of a compass may have different rulers for use with different map scales
2. Direction of Travel
This is a constant line or arrow marked on the base plate, located outside the spinning compass compartment. It points in the same direction the front of the compass is pointing.
3. Orienting Arrow
It is marked on the floor of the housing. It rotates with the housing when the dial is turned. You use it to orient a compass to a map.
4. Declination Scale
It is used to orient the compass in an area with known declination.
5. Dial with Degrees
This is a ring around the housing that has degree markings engraved. You hold the dial and rotate it to rotate the entire housing.
6. Index Line
This is a thin line that points in the same direction as the direction of travel line. It doesn’t spin, however it’s in or close the spinning compartment.
7. Magnetic Needle (arrow)
Magnetic North seeking arrow is magnetized piece of metal that has one end painted red to indicate North. This is the main arrow you’re all familiar with. It sits on a fine point that is nearly frictionless so it rotates freely when the compass is held fairly level and steady. The tip is usually red, which teachers often use in the memorable "red in the shed".
8. Orienting Lines
Built into the face of the compass so that it points to 360 degrees on the rotating bezel ring. The orienting arrow and lines will point wherever you rotate the bezel. The space inside the arrow is the "shed".
9. Rotating Housing
The rotating ring around the Magnetic North seeking arrow with the degree numbers from 0 to 360.
10. Base Plate
Base Plate is hard, flat surface on which the rest of the compass is mounted. It has a rulers on its edges for measuring distances on maps.
1. There are rulers that can be used along with map scale to help calculate distance.
2. A direction of travel arrow reminds which direction to point the compass when taking a bearing.
3. The big arrow called the orienting arrow which we’ll use to help orient the bezel.
4. Some compasses have a handy declination scale which makes it easier to adjust declination.
5. The big circle dial with degrees is the rotating bezel which is marked with degrees from N clockwise up to 360.
6. There is a little marker called the index line which marks where bearings can be read.
7. Inside the bezel, the first thing can be noticed is the magnetized needle which always points to the magnetic north pole, not the true North Pole.
8. Alongside the orienting arrow our orienting lines that can be used to help line up the compass with north on a map.
9. A liquid capsule that contains the magnetic needle is rotating housing. The liquid helps dampen the needle movement, making it easier to get a more accurate reading.
10. The base plate is clear so the map below it can be seen, and there’s always at least one straight edge that can be used later for taking bearings.
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Water Bottle Tactical Molle Pouch
Size: 24*9cm
Weight: 90g
Material: 1000D nylon
Color: Green
Vacuum thermos ESBIT 0.5l was placed in the pouch.
Review: At the bottom of the pouch there is a mesh, which is an unfortunate solution.
Available in store, store
Тактическая сумка с системой Molle для бутылки с водой
Sunday, December 5, 2021
Drainage grommets on 5.11 tactical RUSH24™ 2.0 BACKPACK
There were no eyelets in 5.11 tactical RUSH24™ 2.0 BACKPACK 37L in contrast to the previous model (without 2.0).
Дренажные люверсы на тактическом РЮКЗАКЕ 5.11 RUSH24™ 2.0
Saturday, December 4, 2021
Differences between Rush 2.0 and Rush series
Hidden CCW (Carrying a Concealed Weapon) compartment with loop panel was added in Rush 2.0
Two gidration ports near grab handle are absent in Rush 2.0
Padded laptop sleeve in main compartment
Padded back was changed
Drainage grommets were removed in Rush 2.0
To be continued... Differences between Rush 2.0 and Rush series. Part 2
Thursday, December 2, 2021
How To Become A Gray Man in Urban Survival
Find out how you can be invisible in a sea of a million people.
Being a grayman means moving amongst the crowd undetected. This is an essential skill in a survival situation and a real survivalist have to be always prepared when such event rises.
Gray Man Skills
This survival tactic is a form of urban camouflage referred to as “grayman”, and in the middle of an urban crisis or martial law, it ought to be the only thing that keeps you from having a target painted on your back and a bullet in your brain. Being a grayman and having the ability to seamlessly slip in and out of situations unnoticed is an art form mastered by few.Do it wrong and you’re dead. Do it proper and you’re home free.
What Is a Gray Man?
A gray man is anyone who blends in where they go. It is a person who does now not stand out.How is this accomplished? It seems easy enough – just blend in. But there is quite an art form to this.
Size
Height is an aspect of being a grayman that we have little control over.The best grayman is ordinary in every respect. He’s of average height and weight.
For Men
Long shorts, monochromatic colors or horizontally striped clothing, flat shoes, leaving a longer shirt un-tucked, and slouching should all help you to appear shorter. The slouch will also help make you appear as less of a threat by making you seem unhealthy.For Women
Try wearing capri pants, or pants with cuffs in them. Wear flats instead of heels that cover the tops of your feet.Carrying a big bag will also help you appear smaller.
Dress
Natural or neutral colors work best - browns and grays. Highly colourful and graphic shirts have to be averted at all costs. Neither that shows off a lot of skin and nor too fashionable.Как стать серым человеком при выживании в городе
Saturday, November 27, 2021
Gray or Grey man?
The name itself inspires a sense of mystery and conspiracy. When you hear it for the first time, you will immediately find yourself asking: "What is a gray man?"
About the first thing first. Before defining it, let’s spell it correctly. The spelling is with an “A”. Not an “E” in “Gray Man”.
Thursday, November 11, 2021
5.11 tactical RUSH24™ 2.0 BACKPACK 37L Ranger Green
One of our best-selling packs just got better. Our mid-level entry into the RUSH series works just as well as an urban go-bag as it does going off the grid. We’ve added a padded sleeve for your laptop or other electronics, increased the size of your eyewear storage, created dual top pockets with internal slip pockets, and added a hidden CCW pocket. The generous MOLLE attachment points and ample storage area allow you to compartmentalize your essential gear right where you need it. This pack is ideally suited for the city, rural excursions, and anything in between.Style# 56563. Product page
Main Compartment - 20" H x 12.5" L x 8"
Front pocket - 12.5” x 11” x 2”
Hydration pocket -17” x 12.5”
Total Capacity - 2275 cubic inches / 37 liters
Weight - 3.84 lbs
Fits up to a 15" laptop
- 5.11’s signature Center Line™ design
- Front lower pocket with internal slip and zippered pockets, admin org
- Dual top zippered pockets with 6x1 name tape and internal pockets
- External front and side web MOLLE with 3x3 loop
- Fleece lined eyewear/media pocket
- Built from high strength, water-repellant 1000D nylon
- Dual external side zippered pockets
- Padded laptop sleeve and dual mesh pockets in main compartment
- Hidden CCW compartment with loop panel
- Rear hydration compartment
- Contoured yoke shoulder strap system with web Molle
- Bottom panel web gear loops
- Compatible with 5.11® Tier System
Bought from Arsenal, Minsk
Made in Vietnam
M.O.L.L.E. - Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment
Рюкзак 5.11 Tactical RUSH24™ 2.0 37л Ranger Green
- Главное отделение: 50.8см (20 дюймов) x 31.75см (12.5 дюйма) x 20.3см (8 дюймов)
- Фронтальный карман: 31.75см (12.5 дюйма) x 27.94см (11 дюймов) x 2см (5.08 дюйма)
- Отделение для гидратора: 43.18см (17 дюймов) x 31.75см (12.5 дюйма)
- Общий объем: 2275 кубических дюймов или 37 литров
- Масса: 1.74кг (3.84 фунта)
- Дизайн 5.11® Center Line™
- Фронтальный карман, дополненный внутренними карманами на молнии и админкой
- Сдвоенные верхние карманы на молнии с неймтейп-панелью
- Внешние фронтальные и боковые панели Molle c патч-панелями
- Карман для очков с флисовой подкладкой
- Рюкзак пошит из прочного, влагостойкого нейлона 1000D
- Два внешних боковых кармана на молнии
- Подбитое отделение для ноутбука и сетчатые карманы в основном отделении
- Потайное отделение для табельного оружия (с велкро-панелью внутри)
- Отделение для гидратора
- Укрепленная система плечевых строп с панелями Molle
- Стропы для подвешивания снаряжения на нижней (донной) панели
Monday, November 1, 2021
From Thomas Jefferson to William Taylor Barry, 2 July 1822
From Thomas Jefferson to William Taylor Barry, 2 July 1822
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Survival Tarp Shelters: Why A Tarp is one of the Best Things you Can Carry
Why a Tarp is a Better Shelter Choice.
- While hiking and camping in the backcountry, Tarp Tents allow you to feel even closest to nature. “There’s nothing like sleeping under a trap out in the wilderness; that is because we go out there,” said I.
- In most cases, a tarp goes to be lighter than any tent on the market. change to the canvass allowed me to chop down on my pack weight.
- It’s a dual purpose system. Unlike a tent, I can get more than one use out of the tarp. Besides the apparent shelter related uses, I can use the tarp as a raincoat; as part of a rain catchment system; as an improvised first-aid sling or bandage wrap; to make repairs on my clothing, backpacks, and other equipment that may become damaged; or a hundred other uses that a tent just wasn’t able to handle.
But the main reasons I went with the tarp were they can be easily set up and broken down, and how many different configurations I could get out of one.
Building various Types of Tarp Shelter
With little more than a bit of paracord and a tarp, you can quickly set up an improvised shelter to keep you warm and dry.Full text:
Survival Tarp Shelters: Why A Tarp is one of the Best Things you Can Carry
Укрытия из тента для выживания: почему тент — одно из лучшего, что можно взять с собой
Friday, October 22, 2021
Q70 Mini Magnetic Audio Recorder
Color: black
Battery: 240mAh
Recording time: 40 days and 40 nights continuous recording
Standby time: 365 days
Sampling Rate: 48khz
Bit Rate: 192kbit
Singal to noise ratio: greater than 88dB
Record Audio Format: WAV
Voice Activated Recording: Yes
Size: 65*25*12mm/2.6*0.1*0.5 inch
Weight: 150g
Interface: c-type USB
No External Memory
No Speakers
Magnetic adsorption
Package: Yes
There is a limit on the number of recorded audio files - 190. (This number was intentionally misspelled.)
Volume VOICE created 26.07.2021 12:00
Despite the fact that the voice recorder has one microphone, one sound source, the recording is in stereo.
Mini Magnetic Audio Recorder Q70
Translation from Chinese:
VOR:0 (0:Voice control off 1-7 : Voice control sensitivity) BIT RATE:4 (0:32Kbit 1: 64Kbit 2: 128Kbit 3: 192Kbit) GAIN:7 (0-7 8 levels of recording sensitivity) SEG:(300) (001-999 Segment recording, in minutes) DATE:2021-02-23 (year month day) TIME:20:09:28 (hour minute second)
Available in stores
Мини аудио рекордер Q70 с магнитом
Thursday, October 21, 2021
5.11 tactical A.T.A.C.® 6" Side Zip Boots. Flaw in engineering
When these boots were bought - February 21, 2019.
Socks from the same manufacturer were put on - 5.11 Tactical Slip Stream OTC Sock
Summing up, the laces in the boots were pulled tight.
В хорошем походе, на марш-броске внутренняя подкладка стирается до дыр.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
The 7 Most Important Survival Skills You Need To Know
Survival Skill 1: Building A Shelter
In a harsh environment, a person may only survive for about three hours without shelter. That is why we have building a shelter as number one of our most important survival skills....
Survival Skill 2: Finding And Purifying Water
Safe drinking water is certainly vital for survival. Humans can’t exist more than three days without water, but consuming dirty water can make you seriously ill. The ability to discover a water source and purify the water is therefore one of the most necessary survival skills you can learn....
Survival Skill 3: Starting a fire
A fire can keep you warm, cook your food, purify water, signal for help and many other things. The ability to start a fire is essential in a survival situation. Therefore, it is number three on our list of the most important survival skills, after shelter and water....
Survival Skill 4: Finding Food
Finding food is an important skill, but not as important as shelter, water and fire. Humans can survive for around three weeks without food, although of course you don’t want to wait anywhere near that long to find food....
Survival Skill 5: Tying Knots
Knots have so many uses, not just in survival situations. Learning how to tie a few different knots will assist with many other survival skills, for instance setting up a shelter and first aid can both require knots....
Survival Skill 6: Navigating
Navigation using a map and compass is an pretty beneficial skill. We have come to rely on technology for navigating, however in a disaster scenario that may not be available.Practice using a map and compass to navigate. This survival skill will allow you to find your way if lost, or to navigate new routes that you would possibly need in an emergency.
Survival Skill 7: First Aid
Accidents happen, and when medical help is out of reach, first aid skills could save your life....
Full text:
The 7 Most Important Survival Skills You Need To Know
7 наиболее важных навыков выживания, которые вам нужно знать
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Neoprene Camera Liner Bag Case Protector for Nikon, Canon
Color: Grey/Black (Inside and outside the two-sided)
Size: L (24*22cm)
Available in store
Неопреновый защитный чехол для камеры Nikon, Canon
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Examples of poncho shelters
Hasty shelter-canopy fashion
A hasty shelter is made by suspending the poncho from low underbrush. Due to its simplicity, it can be easily erected at night, especially if heavy strings have already been tied to the corners of the poncho.
Hasty shelter-canopy fashion
This is another hasty shelter pitched canору fashion.
Poncho and spreader bars
This is a hasty shelter using a poncho and two branches for spreader bars.
Low silhouette shelter
This low silhouette shelter can be used while improving fighting positions. It can be lowered by removing the front upright supports.
Poncho shelter
Two ponchos fastened together will shelter four soldiers from the rain. Extra ponchos can be used as ground sheets.
Sleeping-platform and footrest
The following type of shelter may be used for a longer stay in more secure areas. A sleeping platform and footrest protect from dampness and insects.
Примеры укрытий из пончо (плаща-накидки)
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
360 Degree Flashlight Rotary Holster
Поворотная на 360 градусов кобура для фонарика
Monday, October 4, 2021
10 Different Tarp Setups
#1
The most popular and usual and easiest setup that allows to make a hammock or tent within.
Step 1. Find a desirable spot and make sure the trees and bushes for the setup are distanced in an perfect way for accommodating the tent/hammock and tarp.
Step 2. First fix up the tent/hammock and make sure a) Guylines and carabiners are properly fastened b) Hammock is placing at the perfect height.
Step 3. Set up the tarp 4" (10cm) above the tent/hammock and make sure at least all four corners of the tarp are staked to the ground, to hold its shape and provide good wind and rain protection.
#2
Similar to setup #1, however a simple shelter with or without a tent, that works in not only forests but bush-camping and on plains as well.
Setup A. Find two trees and setup up the tarp with guylines and staked corners, either with appropriate tent pegs or wooden stakes, for good rain and wind protection.
Setup B. Not appropriate for rainy and/or windy weather conditions. Use two alpenstocks or wooden stakes 3.9-4.9ft (1.2-1.5m) as an alternative of trees. Same setup as above.
#3
A temporary refuge that is close to same to #2 however gives more light.
#4
This setup and #5 and #6 are similar and appropriate for forest environments and autumn/winter seasons when there are fewer insects on the ground. This setup is ideal for sitting on the tarp floor with a campfire in the front of you for warmth.
Step 1. Divide your tarp into three portions and use guylines to fix up the "roof". Make certain the "wall" is leeward, contrary the wind.
Step 2. Peg or spread out the bottom section on the ground, so that the tarp forms a C-shaped shelter.
#5
This setup and #6 are the same however the former is fixed to the ground with stakes and the the latter is with tent pegs. It is a very simple temporary refuge for the wind or sun and is NOT recommended for when you camp overnight.
Step 1. Spread out your tarp and fix the top two corners with guylines to two trees.
Step 2. Tilt the tarp at a 45° and fix the last two corners on the ground with wooden stakes.
#6
This setup and #5 are the same but the former is fixed to the ground with tent pegs and the the latter is with stakes. It is a very simple temporary refuge for the sun or wind and is NOT recommended for when you camp overnight.
Step 1. Spread out your tarp and fix the top two corners with guylines to two trees.
Step 2. Tilt the tarp at a 45° and fix the last two corners on the ground with tent pegs.
#7
This setup and #8 and #9 are comparable in technique however serve different purposes. The easiest of the three using tent pegs or stakes for pinning the tarp to the ground. It's a temporarily refuge for one night time max; take care to construct the walls on the lee side for good wind and rain shelter.
#8
This setup and #7 and #9 are comparable in technique however takes the longest to complete. It is appropriate for winter and colder weather conditions, such as snowy environments, and is best for lengthier stays.
#9
An advanced version of #8, the use of your own tent poles or sturdy branches onsite. This setup gives the best wind protection.
#10
The pyramid setup that is pretty popular amongst outdoorsmen and women. Setup methods vary however the most common is through using a long hiking cane to form the tip of the structure whilst pinning the corners to the ground. Opt for a slanted doorway pulling the flapped entrance to the contrary direction (see picture) with guylines.
10 разных вариантов установки тента
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Plapie. Security Emergency Keychain Alarm
120dB emergency alarm with push button activation, 120dB sound capacity alert others around you while in danger. Ideal self defense keychain for college and student security, police and correctional officers, walkers, joggers, elderly, students, lone workers.
Material: Plastics
Color: Black
Dimension: Approx. 70*34*20mm / 2.76x1.34x0.78"
Battery: 3xLR44 Batteries (Included)
Available in store
Review: significantly quieter than Alarm Siren Personal Defense Keychain
Брелок - аварийная сигнализация
Monday, September 27, 2021
Sport Camera Portable Bag
Size, Medium Bag (L*W*H): 22*17*6.5 cm
Material: EVA
Color: Black
Available in store
Портативный чемоданчик для спортивной камеры
DSLR Camera Case Cover Bag
Thicker shockproof material, abrasion resistant, extrusion resistant, to protect your camera better. Hand carrying or shoulder strap or buckle. Double zippers designed for easy to fetch. A pocket inside the top of the bag, whwre you can put the battery, memory card, charger and other accessories.Material: waterproof Nylon
Color: Gray
Weight: 225g/7.9oz
Outer size (LxWxH): 14.5 x 12 x 22 cm /5.7 x 4.72 x 8.66 inch
Inner size (LxWxH): 13 x 11 x 21 cm /5.11 x 4.33 x 8.26 inch
Compatible with:
For Canon EOS 1500D, 1300D, 1200D, 760D, 750D, 700D, 600D, 650D, 550D, 60D, 70D, T5i, T6i
For Canon 200D, SX60, SX50, 80D, 800D, 100D, 500D, 1100D, 6D, 7D, T5
For Nikon D3400, P1000, Z7, Z6, D5300
For Pentax K-70, K-50, K-500, K-30, KP, K-S2, K-S1, K-1, K-3, K-5, II, IIs, K-7, K-r
Available in store
Сумка-чехол для зеркальной камеры (DSLR)
Tactical XPE C8 RED LED 625nm Flashlight
Red light is useful for covert movement, because such light is less noticeable to potential foreign observers: security guards, casual passers-by and also to preserve the "night vision", it does not overexpose the retina during night operations, does not "kill" the vision, it takes less time for adaption in the darkness while red illumination. The facts are well-known by old-fashion photographers. Torch can be used during the night for signaling, reading maps and other tasks.Model Number: 1808-RED
Lighting Distance: 100-200m
Wattage: 5W
LED: XPE Red-light
Lumen: 450
Switch Mode: High/Low/Strobe
Band: 625nm
Zoom: No
Body Material: Aluminum
Color: black
Net Weight: 130g
Available in store
The reflector is smooth, the outgoing light has a bright spot in the middle, illumination around is weak.
Тактический фонарь XPE C8 RED LED 625nm
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Tactical Card Phone EDC Holster Pouch
Weight: 200g
Size: S; 11.5×19×2.5cm / (4.5"×7.5"×1.2")
Color: Army Green
Compatible with: iPhone 6s/6/7 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge Plus, S7 edge Plus/S5/S4, LG G4/G5 just with thin clear case.
Available in store
Review:
1. Covering strap is too short, when two smartphones are put into the holster, the lock is difficult to fasten.
2. The upper part may not hold on to the Velcro and will slide out at an angle. Velcro is not a good solution.
3. But, summing up, the quality is excellent!
EDC, тактическая чехол-кобура для карт и телефона
Отзыв:
1. Охватывающий ремень - слишком короткий, когда в кобуру вложено два смартфона, замок застёгивается с трудом.
2. Верхняя часть может не удержаться на липучке и выехать под углом. Липучка - неудачное решение.
3. Подводя итоги, качество - отличное!
Saturday, August 14, 2021
The Right Kind of Crazy: My Life as a Navy SEAL, Covert Operative, and Boy Scout from Hell. Clint Emerson
Clint Emerson, retired Navy SEAL and author of the bestselling 100 Deadly Skills, presents an explosive, darkly funny, and often twisted account of being part of an elite team of operatives whose mission was to keep America safe by whatever means necessary. Clint Emerson is the only SEAL ever inducted into the International Spy Museum. Operating from the shadows, with an instinct for running towards trouble, his unique skill set made him the perfect hybrid operator. Emerson spent his career on the bleeding edge of intelligence and operations, often specializing in missions that took advantage of subterfuge, improvisation, the best in recon and surveillance tech to combat the changing global battlefield. MacGyvering everyday objects into working spyware was routine, and fellow SEALs referred to his activities simply as "special shit." His parameters were: find, fix, and finish-and of course, leave no trace. The Right Kind of Crazy is unlike any military memoir you've ever read because Emerson is upfront about the fact that what makes you a great soldier and sometimes hero doesn't always make you the best guy-but it does make for damn good stories.