EST. 2011│508 REVIEWS│INDEPENDENT · READER-FUNDED
OCT 8, 2026● NEW REVIEW DROPPED
FIELD REVIEW · Nº 508Long-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 TESTING508 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
Survival Skills
16 reviews · Ranked + tested.
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Food
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Dispatches
Fresh from the Field
#508
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
#507
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
#506
Survival SkillsWilderness Water Crossing Safety Guide
Stream and river crossings are one of the most dangerous aspects of backcountry travel. Here is how to assess, plan, and
SCORE8.5
MAY 29
#505
Survival SkillsHow to Build a Winter Emergency Kit for Your Car
How to build a winter emergency kit for your car that covers warmth, traction, signaling, and survival if you get strand
SCORE7.3
MAY 23
#504
Water PurificationHow to Purify Water with UV Light Devices
UV water purification is one of the fastest methods for making water safe to drink in the field. But it has limitations
SCORE9.4
MAY 23
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 →