Table of contents for December/January #58 2024 in RECOIL OFFGRID

“All television is educational television. The question is, what is it teaching?”— Nicholas Johnson, former Commissioner of the FCC As America entered the 1960s and televisions became a common staple in most homes, the derisive term “idiot box” became a popular nickname for the household appliance. This term was a result of the perception that, rather than making us smarter and more informed, the TV was actually making us dumber. Is it true? Similar accusations have been levied against other forms of technology over the years, including the internet, radio, and even the printing press. In the end, we’d argue that the value of any one of these tools is simply a matter of how you use it. Instead of aimlessly channel-surfing or turning your brain into mush watching The…

Outrage culture is often perceived as a recent phenomenon, but it’s nothing new. Granted, the last few years have shown an uptick in keyboard warriors banding together on social media to berate, harass, and cancel anyone who draws their ire. But these so-called trials by hashtag are only the modern manifestation of a much older problem. Law enforcement might call it mob justice; lawyers refer to it as a verdict from the court of public opinion; talent agents say it’s a public relations disaster. Either way, a subset of the population will always jump at the chance to grab their torches and pitchforks (figuratively, or sometimes literally). For one example of this phenomenon, look at the story of Richard Jewell, an innocent security guard who was portrayed as a person…

Anyone who has owned a classic car or truck knows that they come with some trade-offs. On the plus side, they tend to be astonishingly simple, at least by modern standards. Instead of a digital engine control module with tendrils woven into the ignition, fuel injection, transmission, brakes, and other critical systems, you get a distributor and a carburetor — systems that can be maintained in a driveway with basic handtools. However, these aging vehicles can also be more temperamental than their modern counterparts, so occasional tinkering comes with the territory. When Brandon Barton started shopping for a classic 4x4, he was well aware of these pros and cons. “I have always loved having an extraneous ‘fun’ car, but until I found my Bronco, they had been sports cars or…

“The final weapon is the brain, all else is supplemental.”– John Steinbeck Shooting and gunfighting are not the same thing — this is a statement we’ve made countless times in this column and elsewhere in our magazine, and it’s always worth reiterating. A strong grasp of technical shooting skills is essential if you expect to defend yourself with a firearm, but that alone doesn’t make you a gunfighter any more than owning a plane and knowing how to perform a basic takeoff makes you a fighter pilot. Preparing for a gunfight involves maintaining situational awareness, developing a defensive mindset, a smooth and consistent draw, balancing speed and accuracy, footwork, transitioning between multiple targets, and the ability to manage stress. It may also involve skills that are rarely practiced in a…

There’s something primal that stirs within us at the thought of being isolated in a remote place. As social creatures, many of us instinctively shy away from situations that separate us from our fellow humans. Others are drawn to solitude, so that they may more clearly hear their inner voice — a voice that’s often drowned out by the modern-day electronic hum that permeates our lives. The latter individuals typically remain secluded only for a short period of time, before having to return to the social tasks their lives demand. However, there are an elite few who have grappled with not only the physical dangers of the remote wilderness, but also with their own inner demons for months at a time without another human soul to lean on for support.…

We often wonder what would happen if we were forced to confront a life-or-death survival situation. Questions like how would I react, what first steps would I take, and how long could I make it run through our minds. It’s an interesting and sometimes frustrating thought exercise, with no way to fully test our survival theories without diving headfirst into dangerous circumstances. However, there’s an alternative way to explore these ideas from the safety and comfort of our homes. History Channel’s popular TV series Alone mitigates the risk and gives the audience valuable insights by pitting some of the world’s top survival experts against the elements for as long as they’re able. The title of the show is fitting, since each contestant must try to stay alive for as long…

From classics like Survivorman to long-running series like Alone, we've enjoyed many TV shows in the broader survival genre. Whether they lean more toward hard-core realism or entertainment value, there’s almost always something valuable we can glean from the comfort of our couch — even if it’s just "I'm never going to make the same dumb mistake that person did." The latest addition to this genre, Netflix’s Outlast, incorporates a competitive group dynamic that’s reminiscent of Lord of the Flies. The series' tagline, "the enemy isn't Mother Nature, it’s human nature," attests to this fact. We spoke with series Executive Producer Grant Kahler regarding the intricacies of planning Outlast, keeping the contestants and crew safe, and what it takes to survive in the Alaskan wilderness. If you're not already familiar…

Compared to most animals, humans are extremely fragile. We don’t have sharp claws and teeth for hunting, and we lack the powerful sense of smell and ultraprecise eyesight other apex predators are equipped with. Most importantly, when you strip away the insulated fabrics and durable footwear we’ve spent thousands of years developing, we can’t rely on tough hide or warm fur. Our exposed bodies are virtually defenseless against environmental factors such as wind, rain, cuts and scratches, and insect pests. Even the most experienced survivalists shudder at the thought of being stranded in the wilderness with no clothing and minimal tools. This concept led to the development of Discovery’s survival TV series Naked and Afraid, which has aired 15 seasons over the last 10 years. On the show, each contestant is…

Right now, no matter where you are, chances are you’re surrounded by useful natural resources. From the deepest wilderness to the inner city, nature provides a treasure trove of flavors and nutrients, waiting to be discovered by the adventurous forager. Whether you’re a seasoned wild food enthusiast or a curious beginner, having the right gear is essential for a successful foraging expedition. What you pack is highly dependent on what your personal situation is. This foraging bag is focused on roots and other items low to the ground like flowers, berries, and mushrooms. Remember, foraging is not just about taking; it’s about understanding and respecting what nature can provide. Always forage responsibly and try to start out with an experienced guide who can help you on your journey. The Bag:…