A lot of gear in the self-defense and preparedness community come loaded with features. Often, however, those features are cool only in pictures of the product, not so much in functionality. Case in point, the glow stick on the Snakestaff Systems Tourniquet. So far I like this tourniquet, and I hope it gets COTCCC... Continue Reading →
Assessment of the Snakestaff Systems Tourniquet
So, there is a new outfit on the trauma medical scene named Snakestaff Systems and they are producing a couple of tourniquets that are claimed to be specifically designed for on-body carry. Being a nerd for anything preparedness related, I bought one. These things, literally, sell out within five minutes. The website lists the next... Continue Reading →
Another Option for Carrying Medical
Several weeks back I ran an article on carrying medical gear. In that article I showed my methods for actually carrying this gear on-body. I always have a Soft-T Wide tourniquet in my pocket, but when doing activities that are more dangerous than usual I have an ankle kit that carries a tourniquet, packing gauze,... Continue Reading →
A Realistic Approach to Carrying Medical Gear
Thanks to the GWOT (Global War on Terror) the civilian sector is now awash with vetted hemorrhage control devices. Prepared citizens are more aware of the need for such gear, and the training on its use, than in times past, though still only a small fraction of the public carries or knows how to utilize... Continue Reading →
AAR: Medic 1 with Lone Star Medics
This past weekend I took a two-day medical class with Lone Star Medics. Caleb Causey, founder of Lone Star Medics and a well-known individual within the firearms and self-defense training world, taught the class. I have wanted to train with Caleb for a while, though most of what he does is in Texas, his home... Continue Reading →
Review of the Mountain Man Medical Wind River Trauma Kit
I recently acquired the Mountain Man Medical Wind River trauma and first aid kit. I have two larger trauma kits that I have built out through buying and assembling different components, one that is in the home and one that is in the vehicle. These two kits contain gear to treat multiple casualties, not just... Continue Reading →
Review of the Mountain Man Medical Ankle Trauma Kit
I used to carry medical gear on my ankle and I did so for a while. I eventually abandoned this practice and went to carrying a SOFT-T Wide and small pack of hemostatic gauze on a Phlster Flat Pack, which fits easily in my pocket. While the ankle rig was able to carry more gear,... Continue Reading →
Training Advice for the Ammo Drought
Well, we are there again. For those of you who were shooters in 2013, you may recall the great run on guns, and the great ammo drought of 2013. The ammunition market did not come back strong for a couple of years. We are there again, perhaps worse. The reality is, if you can get... Continue Reading →
Self-Defense Training: Fantasy Band Camp versus Useful Endeavor
When it comes to self-defense training, there are many gimmicks out there, a lot of idiots with naive followers, and, of course, a lot of excellent teachers and thought leaders as well. Sifting through the entire mashup can be the foremost challenge for many just getting into preparedness and self-defense. However, even for those who... Continue Reading →
The 5 Essentials of EDC
After many years of carrying concealed I have concluded that there are five tools that I insist upon carrying at all times legally possible. Before proceeding I have a caveat: there are other tools that I believe you should also always carry when in civilized society that I do not include in this 5. These... Continue Reading →