EST. 2011│447 REVIEWS│INDEPENDENT · READER-FUNDED
JUN 10, 2026● NEW REVIEW DROPPED
FIELD REVIEW · Nº 447Long-term test · Updated Mar 22, 2026
SURVIVAL SKILLS
Natural Rope Making from Plants and Bark
Making rope from natural plant fibers is one of the oldest and most useful survival skills. Here is how to identify materials and twist strong cordage by hand.
▶ NOW TESTING447 reviews on file│4 seasons of field testing│Reader-funded · No sponsored reviews
Rack 02
The Gear Wall
Every review, organized the way you'd rack it. Pick a category, get ranked reviews with real numbers.
149
Blog
149 reviews · Ranked + tested.
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059
Weapons
59 reviews · Ranked + tested.
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055
Survival Knives
55 reviews · Ranked + tested.
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041
Guns
41 reviews · Ranked + tested.
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032
Survival Buying Guides
32 reviews · Ranked + tested.
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025
Flashlight
25 reviews · Ranked + tested.
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016
Food
16 reviews · Ranked + tested.
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016
Survival Skills
16 reviews · Ranked + tested.
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Dispatches
Fresh from the Field
#447
EDC GearBest Tactical Pens for Self Defense and Writing
Best tactical pens that work as reliable writing instruments and discreet self-defense tools.
SCORE8.5
JUN 10
#446
Survival GearBest Molle Pouches and Attachments for Packs
MOLLE pouches let you customize your pack with modular storage. These are the best pouches and attachments for survival
SCORE8.2
JUN 7
#445
Survival SkillsHow to Make Natural Insect Repellent in the Wild
Mosquitoes and biting flies can make outdoor survival miserable and even dangerous. Here is how to make effective insect
SCORE8.6
JUN 6
#444
BushcraftHow to Make a Bow Drill for Primitive Fire Starting
Step-by-step guide to building and using a bow drill fire starting kit from natural materials.
SCORE8.5
JUN 6
#443
Survival SkillsBest Survival Blanket Uses Beyond Staying Warm
That shiny mylar blanket in your kit is one of the most versatile tools you can carry. Most people know it keeps you war
SCORE7.1
JUN 5
Ranked · Vetted · Updated quarterly
Buyer's Guides
Updated 2026
BUYER'S GUIDE · 149 PICKS
Best Blog 2026
01
Editor's Choice
EDITOR'S CHOICE
9.1
02
Runner-Up
CLOSE SECOND
8.3
03
Best Value
<$100
7.9
+ 146 more picksRead guide →
Updated 2026
BUYER'S GUIDE · 59 PICKS
Best Weapons 2026
01
Editor's Choice
EDITOR'S CHOICE
9.1
02
Runner-Up
CLOSE SECOND
8.3
03
Best Value
<$100
7.9
+ 56 more picksRead guide →
Updated 2026
BUYER'S GUIDE · 55 PICKS
Best Survival Knives 2026
01
Editor's Choice
EDITOR'S CHOICE
9.1
02
Runner-Up
CLOSE SECOND
8.3
03
Best Value
<$100
7.9
+ 52 more picksRead guide →