INFORCE Blog

We’ll never know when we’ll find ourselves retreating from a raging wildfire or city-shattering earthquake. Densely populated spaces like large cities have their own challenges during emergency situations like evacuation traffic or looting.

Modern cities rely on so many lifelines that the failure of just one could be a complete disaster for everyone living in them. A critical failure in a city’s electrical grid, sewage system, or road network may paralyze a section of the city at best or lead to massive civil unrest at worst.

With this in mind, it’s generally a good idea to make one’s way outside city limits in a disaster to places such as a friend’s home or a far-away motel in the event of a disaster. In the case of a complete failure of the electrical grid, it would be advisable to make it to the nearest campground with running water to weather the storm if you anticipate that you’ll be without power for several days. While you’re out there attempting to survive, it would be good to have a few crucial items on hand.

This is not one of those end-of-the-world zombie apocalypse bugout bag packing lists. The following list assumes the bare necessities of a single individual, traveling alone, in the event of an emergency. These materials are not designed to sustain a person indefinitely, but are good for a few days of off-grid survival.

Cash and change. Outside of the complete and total collapse of society or the extremely unlikely event of occupation by a foreign power, you’ll need cash to pay for essentials like gas and food.

Emergency reference material. Booklets like survival manuals and maps stored in waterproof bags may prove to be essential.

Sleeping system. Sleep is a basic human need. If you have enough storage space, you could use an inflatable mattress or use a warm blanket while you sleep in your car with the AC off and the windows open. Sleeping bags are a good choice for comfort, but if you want to travel light on foot, a poncho and poncho liner would suffice for an ad hoc sleeping bag, using your rucksack as a pillow.

Clothing. A complete change of clothing including long sleeved shirt, pants, shoes, and most importantly – socks and underwear. You actually really need only one set, and in pre-industrial times, most poor people only had one set of clothing anyway. In colder environments, pack winter gear for protection against the cold. Getting sick is a no-no in a survival situation.

Fire starter. Some sort of fire starting material such as a magnesium fire starter, waterproof survival matches, or a storm lighter is necessary for starting a fire for warmth or cooking. Storm lighters might be the best option of the three – they’re relatively cheap, windproof, waterproof, and can be refilled with butane from any gas station.

Portable cooking utensils. For lightweight cooking supplies, consider an esbit stove and a 1 quart camp oven instead of an “all in one camp kitchen” that’s probably the size of a cooler. Don’t forget to bring at least one but preferably 2qt canteens for water.

A good knife. You’ll never know when you need to cut a rope, peel the bark off a piece of wood, gut an animal (or fend one off) or make other survival tools. A multitool knife is not the best option, but the small blade is better than nothing. A full size knife like a Ka-Bar is much more appropriate, but at the same time, enormous things like the Bowie knife, which as might as well be a short sword, are not the best option for delicate and meticulous work.

Multitool/can opener. A typical multitool is made for emergency situations, and usually has such essentials as scissors, a saw, and another knife for more intricate work. Some models even have magnifying glasses for starting fires. Unlike a regular knife, these devices have purpose-made tools which make tasks like opening cans or deboning fish easier to do than they would be with a regular single-edged blade.

Paper and pencil/pen for writing. Making journal entries or lists may help you keep track of tasks you need to do or help you relieve boredom. Rite in the Rain notepads are the notepads of choice for the United States military, chosen for their waterproof material.

Potable water. 60% of the human body is composed of water. Dehydration is a real danger when you’re roughing it outside civilization, and keeping hydrated is very important when one is on the move.

Non-perishable food. Canned goods are very heavy, consider dried food with plastic packaging such as beef jerky, protein bars, or meal replacement bars.

Phone with charger. Your phone, even without an internet connection, can function as a clock, and with the addition of some apps, as a notepad, compass, and so much more. If you’re concerned about finding a place to charge, consider solar-powered chargers or hand cranks for those situations where you might find yourself in some truly out-of-the-way places.

Radio. On the topic of powered devices, a battery powered/solar powered/hand crank radio is vital for receiving weather and news alerts from local stations. Portable radios such as these will give you information on the progress of your disaster situation NOAA Weather Radio tone alerts and extra batteries.

Individual first aid kit. Packed with things like alcohol, antibiotic ointment, bandages, cotton buds, calamine lotion to treat itching, and a tourniquet. This first aid kit should have enough supplies to remedy common injuries like scrapes, burns, blisters, cuts, and other physical injuries of that nature.

Personal sanitation. Moist towelettes/baby wipes, garbage bags, your toothbrush, and liquid soap are adequate for hygiene out in the wilderness. An entrenching tool also helps for when you need to dig a latrine pit.

GPS (Global Positioning System): A GPS device can provide precise location information, helping you navigate and find your way in unfamiliar terrain or during an emergency evacuation. A handheld device or a GPS watch can help you plan routes to safety and mark waypoints. It is particularly valuable when maps may not be available or when you need to make quick decisions about your route.

Personal weapon with a flashlight. You may still need to defend yourself from looters and the occasional dangerous animal. A rifle chambered in an abundant intermediate cartridge like the .223 would be suitable for taking down the vast majority of threats, while a powerful high-candela flashlight like the INFORCE WML would serve to identify those threats before you pull the trigger. The WML’s toolless quick detach mount also allows it to function as an improvised helmet mounted light if need be, since many newer models of ballistic helmet come with picatinny rails or picatinny rail adapters which are meant for attachments like the WML.

These materials should all be able to fit in a single large rucksack. It is your responsibility to plan your route to your bugout location. If you’re going on foot, be sure you have the cardiovascular endurance to make the hike, and if you don’t, it should be a warning sign to get you to practice, if you’re taking your bugout plan seriously.

This comprehensive emergency supply list covers essential items to ensure your safety and well-being during critical situations, from natural disasters to unforeseen emergencies. It's designed to provide you with the tools and resources necessary for a few days of off-grid survival, allowing you to navigate, stay nourished, maintain personal hygiene, and even defend yourself if needed. By including GPS technology for navigation and a personal weapon with an INFORCE flashlight for added security, you can better prepare yourself for the challenges that may arise during an evacuation or wilderness survival scenario. Remember, being prepared can make a significant difference in your ability to endure and overcome unexpected circumstances.

In places devoid of self defense measures like firearms, citizens are usually forced to defend themselves with implements such as pepper spray, tasers, and flashlights. As always, someone forced to rely on a non-lethal method of self defense should know that it probably won’t stop the attacker, but will give you enough time to run away.

Out of all the non-lethal self-defense implements one could use, such as kubotans, pepper spray, tasers, or knives, flashlights have one important advantage the others do not give: distance. Most of these non-lethal devices require you to be within melee range of your attacker, except for pepper spray, which has an effective rabe of about 8 to 12 feet depending on the brand. Even so, sprays can work against you if you’re upwind of them, and a person panicking in fear of their life may accidentally spray themselves.

Not only do flashlights give you range, but a flashlight also allows you to visually identify your attacker. This is useful for the police reports you’ll eventually have to file. What’s more, this is the one non-lethal self-defense tool you can absolutely use by mistake on someone without any dangerous repercussions. Most people might hesitate before using a taser or pepper spray, thinking “am I actually about to physically harm another person?” A flashlight, however, can be shone at chest level to check for weapons or identify whether or not a person is a potential assailant. If this is indeed the case, the flashlight can simply be raised to the assailant’s eye level to give him flash blindness.

It also helps that a flashlight helps you walk about safely at night. Since most muggings occur in the dark, you have two reasons to carry your light. Between finding your way to your car in a dark parking lot and fending off an assailant, you will most likely be using your flashlight more for the former purpose than the latter, which makes it viable for everyday carry.

In the unfortunate event of an actual attack, you will not only see your assailant and blind him, but you might also be able to sidestep an attack if you’re far enough away when your attacker charges you. An aggressor who cannot see, more likely than not, will either stop in his tracks or charge you in a straight line. You have the option to slip out of the way and make your escape.

When it comes to non-lethal self-defense options, INFORCE flashlights like the TFx provide intense, concentrated beams that make them shine as self-defense flashlights. In a world where personal safety is paramount, these powerful tactical flashlights offer the critical advantages of distance, the ability to navigate in the dark, and a strobe mode purpose-built for self-defense. INFORCE flashlights are all about practical safety in a world where it matters most.

Flashlights have come a long way from their humble beginnings as simple handheld devices emitting dim, short-range yellow beams. In today's market, there is a distinct difference between ordinary household flashlights and the more robust tactical flashlights. While both serve the purpose of providing illumination in the dark, tactical flashlights offer a range of features and capabilities that set them apart.

One of the most noticeable differences between tactical flashlights and their non-tactical variants is their construction and durability. Tactical flashlights are built to withstand the rigors of challenging environments and rough handling. They are typically constructed from high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, which not only adds to their sturdiness but also makes them lightweight and corrosion-resistant.

INFORCE, for example, utilizes glass-reinforced nylon for its TFx and WML flashlights. This lightweight material is chosen for its ability to endure wear and tear while maintaining high-temperature strength. It's an ideal choice for products intended for rough handling, making INFORCE flashlights a solid, dependable choice for demanding situations.

Another standout feature of tactical flashlights is their exceptional light intensity. While many flashlights focus on high lumens, tactical flashlights like INFORCE prioritize high candela counts. Lumens measure the total amount of light emitted by a source, and high-lumen lights are essential for illuminating larger areas. On the other hand, candelas measure the intensity of a light beam.

To illustrate the difference, consider a fluorescent light bulb with a lot of light (averaging around 1700 lumens) but low intensity (135 candelas). Its light can fill a room, but would not be intense enough to cause harm to the eyes. In contrast, an INFORCE TFx flashlight shines a concentrated, high-powered beam with a high candela count (12,000) and relatively low lumens (700 on high), making it a viable self-defense tool. This intense beam can disorient or temporarily blind an assailant, providing a crucial advantage in self-defense situations.

Tactical flashlights are designed with portability in mind. Unlike the large, heavy Maglite flashlights of the 80s and 90s, modern tactical flashlights are highly compact and easy to carry. While they may not be as substantial as dedicated self-defense weapons, they are certainly not to be underestimated.

Many modern tactical flashlights feature a crenellated beveled edge. This feature serves a dual purpose – it can be used as a makeshift self-defense tool in emergencies, providing a means to strike or deter an assailant, while it can also help protect the flashlight's bulb from environmental damage by preventing it from coming into contact with hard surfaces like tables or walls.

In conclusion, tactical flashlights distinguish themselves from ordinary household flashlights through their durability, light intensity, compact design, and self-defense capabilities. Whether you need a reliable source of illumination in challenging conditions or seek an extra layer of personal security, a tactical flashlight can be an invaluable tool. When choosing a tactical flashlight, consider your specific needs and priorities to find the one that best suits your requirements.

You might not be a hunter, preferring to enjoy the serenity of creation and the melodious birdsong without worrying about harvesting an animal to bring home. However, when you’re out in the woods away from help, the chances of you getting involved in a dangerous situation increase exponentially.

In February of 2023, a five-year-old boy was attacked by a mountain lion in Half Moon Bay California while hiking on his family’s property with his mother and grandfather. The boy’s mother managed to scare away the big cat, but not before it ripped into him with its teeth and claws. He received severe lacerations on his face and a fracture near one eye but is thankfully alive. His family started a GoFundMe to raise money for his medical bills. As of this writing, the mountain lion is still at large.

Similarly, a 70 year old man was attacked by a mountain lion when he was hiking through the Spanish Fork Canyon in Utah, and a woman was killed by a bear near Yellowstone. Despite the saying that an animal is “more afraid of you than you are of it,” this is not always the case, and a frightened animal may resort to violence if it’s startled or defending its territory or young.

There are also unique dangers facing women hikers. In May of 2023, two women were assaulted in Silver Spring by a machete-wielding illegal immigrant. One of them, only fifteen years old, was raped before the suspect got away. He was later captured in a nearby neighborhood assaulting a man before he was apprehended.

Criminals go to remote areas like hiking trails or national parks for the same reasons you do: to get away from people. Except while you do it to get away from the stress of your work environment, they do it to avoid any witnesses. Being alone in the woods should give you even more reason to carry, knowing you’re away from any immediate help from either first responders or others.

According to a survey conducted by the Hike and Camp blog, 78.90% of those surveyed outright refused to carry a gun, but 57.90% of the same people were fearful of others carrying a firearm on the trail. Only 5.3% of hikers carried a firearm with them while hiking.

Where is the logic here? If you’re afraid someone will shoot you while you’re hiking, wouldn’t you want to have the means to defend yourself?

However, the choice to carry a firearm while hiking is ultimately a personal decision, influenced by various factors including individual comfort levels, legal regulations, and one's understanding of firearm safety. If someone does choose to carry a firearm, it's essential to receive proper training, understand state laws regarding open and/or concealed carry, and follow ethical guidelines related to its use.

If you do decide that carrying a firearm is the right choice for you, considering additional accessories like a weapon-mounted light from INFORCE can enhance your preparedness. A weapon-mounted light can provide illumination in low-light situations, aiding in target identification and potentially deterring threats without necessarily resorting to the use of lethal force.

The WILD2 weapon light boasts a formidable output of 1000 lumens of white light, providing substantial illumination in low-light environments. This output can be crucial for identifying potential threats, whether they are animal or human, and for navigating through dark or poorly lit trails. With a runtime of up to 1.5 hours, this weapon light offers a reliable source of light for extended periods of use.

In addition to its benefits for personal safety and self-defense, the INFORCE WILD2 weapon light can prove to be an invaluable tool for hikers who find themselves lost in the woods at night. Getting lost in an unfamiliar wilderness after dark can be disorienting and potentially dangerous. In such scenarios, having a reliable source of illumination like the WILD2 can make a significant difference in navigating through the darkness and finding one's way to safety.

The WILD2's powerful 1000 lumens of white light can help illuminate the surrounding area, allowing lost hikers to better assess their surroundings and identify potential paths or landmarks. The well-defined hotspot and balanced spill provided by the light contribute to creating a clear view, aiding in terrain assessment and potential hazard avoidance.

The device's durable construction, including its waterproof and dustproof capabilities, ensures that it remains functional even in challenging weather conditions or rough terrains. This durability is a critical factor when lost hikers might need a reliable tool that can withstand the elements while guiding them to safety.

The potential dangers that hikers might face from both wildlife and human-related threats are worth considering, and if your state allows you to concealed carry, you would be much safer and be much better prepared for doing so.

Weapon-mounted flashlights have made significant strides since the days when individuals held their pistols with one hand and clunky, unwieldy baton-flashlights in their off hand. Nowadays, there exist pistol-mounted lights, rifle-mounted lights, and helmet-mounted lights, all of which are exponentially brighter than their predecessors from as recently as the 1990s. Despite these technological advancements, there remain potential pitfalls for shooters employing weapon-mounted lights that could hinder their effectiveness.

For instance, a two-point sling is incompatible with an underbarrel flashlight due to the risk of the strap accidentally wrapping around the flashlight's bulb. This could cause the strap to rebound towards the shooter, potentially blinding them and revealing their position to adversaries in the room. When considering rifle platforms with a sling, the optimal placement for your light would be on the 9 o'clock rail, assuming that the front portion of your sling is affixed to the lower part of your handguard.

The INFORCE WML, for instance, can be positioned at the 9 o'clock location due to the convenience it offers in activating its non-slip thumb switch. This configuration enables quicker transitions between the flashlight's momentary, constant, and strobe modes without compromising your grip.

Conversely, for a one-point tactical sling, a 6 o'clock mounted flashlight is feasible, especially for those employing side-mounted lasers. The 6 o'clock mount also offers an advantage when firing from behind low cover. By utilizing your bottom-mounted flashlight as a support, you not only retain control over the light and stabilize your rifle, but you also present potential assailants with a deceptive target. Generally, an individual temporarily blinded by a bright light in darkness will assume that whatever lies beneath the light represents the "center mass" and may fire at the protective cover you are concealed behind, particularly if they are aiming low.

Nonetheless, caution must be exercised to prevent the light from striking the rear side of your cover, leading to a situation analogous to a flashlight entangled by a two-point sling. The beam may ricochet back, causing night blindness. To mitigate this, it is advisable to keep your flashlight off when not actively shooting and to only activate it when you are certain it is safely positioned on cover.

Personally, I prefer mounting my light on the side of my weapon. I have affixed my weapon light to a bolt-action rifle equipped with iron sights. Activating the light not only illuminates the area in front of me but also enhances visibility of my front sight post, facilitating aiming in low-light environments due to the contrast with the dark notches of my rear sights.

For handheld lights, the most versatile technique, which eliminates the risk of bouncing the beam off a surface, is the FBI technique. This involves holding the light in your off hand at a distance from your body, creating a decoy target for potential assailants. When peering around cover, this technique is easier to control as you are acutely aware of the positioning of your hand relative to your body.

The evolution of weapon-mounted flashlights has revolutionized the tactical landscape, offering enhanced visibility and target identification in low-light scenarios. While technological advancements have brought us versatile mounting options and intuitive controls, it is crucial for users to tailor their approach to their specific equipment and tactical circumstances. By carefully considering factors such as sling type, mounting position, and engagement strategies, shooters can harness the full potential of weapon-mounted lights while minimizing the risk of self-sabotage. As the realm of firearm accessories continues to evolve, a well-informed approach to employing these tools ensures that those who rely on them remain safer and more effective in the face of adversity.