2026 Ranked: The Most Dangerous Countries According to Robert Young Pelton
Robert Young Pelton lays out the global landscape of danger using statistics and personal experience. His recent podcast is an hour well spent as he combines insight and hard won wisdom to rank the top ten most dangerous places.
A Tribute to Billy Waugh: Learn About the Knife He Inspired
Learn about the legendary man, Billy Waugh and see the knife he inspired: The RYP and Bill Harsey Designed, Billy Waugh DEMO Folder.
RYP first met Billy when he was writing his book Licensed to Kill, Hired Guns in The War on Terror. Driving his cop Harley across the country during the winter, Billy graciously took out time from his wedding day to meet at the local Waffle House.
The two men - one an author, and one an operator, both veterans of numerous hot spots often at the same time - hit it off immediately. They have been fast friends ever since.
Jungle Slumber: RYPs Tips And Essential Equipment to Keep You Comfortable
Sleeping in the jungle is probably one of the most unpleasant parts of tropical travel. Like clockwork, the rain pours at night along with some insects that go off at 6:30pm sharp, later on rodents, insects and all manner of large and unnamed species will crawl, flutter, slither and hop into your life.
Pelton says of jungle sleeping arrangements: "Although I spent years sleeping directly on the ground usually with a tarp, I would not recommend it for the squeamish. In some jungles, you can actually drown if you don’t pick your spot wisely. Worse is the relentless pursuit of biting or stinging insects to explore every inch of your body. Not to mention how miserable it can be to unglue yourself from the mud at dawn."
The ideal method of sleeping is to copy the locals. Use a hammock but one that has a bit of western technology thrown in. I now swear by the SAS style jungle hammock with built in bug screen and an overhanging tarp. All you need is some rope and carabiners depending on the location. A cheap fleece blanket and your headlamp and you are good to go.
