We’ve spent a lot of time recently talking about body armor and plate carriers. It’s a topic we think is especially relevant as we continue to see pockets of aggressive unrest that include property damage and crimes against persons. Your equipment should be a reflection of your environment, and you should always take steps...
Personal Security Detachment (PSD) work isn’t as glamorous as it sounds. The idea that you’re always wearing a black suit with a curly earpiece hanging out of your ear like the Secret Service in the movies isn’t accurate in most cases. The point is to offer close protection of a client or high-value individual....
How difficult is it to find your phone number online? For most of us, the answer is “not very,” despite our best efforts. There are countless places where your phone number might be shared, whether it's due to your own actions or those of a third party. Maybe you posted your number alongside a...
Every successful relationship starts with communication. This mantra is important for us as prepared individuals, because no matter the circumstances, we need to communicate with our loved ones and those who rely on us. In a grid-down disaster or even just a back-country emergency, being able to talk to another human being can bring...
Having a dedicated precision rifle in the safe can be an invaluable addition to a well-rounded preparedness plan. The ability to project firepower to 500 yards and beyond is a capability that can be directed to both game-getting and property protection. For those who are interested in building a skillset, the proliferation of the...
It's not uncommon for military technology to eventually make its way into civilian hands — after all, the Internet you're using right now was born from ARPANET, a U.S.-Department-of-Defense-funded research project. From GPS navigation and microwaves to hemostatic bandages and duct tape, many items we now rely on are based on tech that was...
Cloud Defensive is one of the leading names in weapon-mounted lights, with the exceptionally-durable OWL and versatile REIN receiving praise across the industry. Several members of our staff, myself included, own these lights and have had great experiences with them. However, there are a few lighting categories that Cloud hasn't entered yet. The first...
Layering your clothes is a must for cold weather, as we've explained in previous articles. It allows you to add layers to stay warm, or remove them so you don't overheat, sweat, and end up hypothermic. Each layer — including base, mid, and shell — is important, and their moisture-wicking and insulative properties should...
We’ve always said that survival is a team sport. Whether it’s your family, neighbors, coworkers, or the fated group of strangers you wind up alongside, humans are pack animals and there’s indeed strength in numbers. But modern life, particularly in a post-COVID world, has many of us working remotely and socially distanced. While there’s...
It’s with heavy hearts that the RECOIL editorial team found out about the recent passing of one of our own. Chad McBroom was a U.S. Border Patrol tactical officer who wrote frequently for the entire RECOIL family of publications. He was a prolific contributor not just to this magazine, but also to our sister...
