EST. 2011│409 REVIEWS│INDEPENDENT · READER-FUNDED
MAY 13, 2026● NEW REVIEW DROPPED
FIELD REVIEW · Nº 409Long-term test · Updated Mar 22, 2026
SKILLS
How to Purify Water Using Natural Methods
When filters and purification tablets run out, nature provides methods that have worked for thousands of years. Here is how to use them.
▶ NOW TESTING409 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.
Enter Rack →
059
Weapons
59 reviews · Ranked + tested.
Enter Rack →
055
Survival Knives
55 reviews · Ranked + tested.
Enter Rack →
041
Guns
41 reviews · Ranked + tested.
Enter Rack →
032
Survival Buying Guides
32 reviews · Ranked + tested.
Enter Rack →
025
Flashlight
25 reviews · Ranked + tested.
Enter Rack →
016
Food
16 reviews · Ranked + tested.
Enter Rack →
013
Backpacks
13 reviews · Ranked + tested.
Enter Rack →
Dispatches
Fresh from the Field
#409
Survival SkillsHow to Navigate Without a GPS or Phone
Essential navigation skills for when your GPS and phone are dead, including map reading, compass use, and natural indica
SCORE7.5
MAY 11
#408
Gear ReviewsBest Survival Axes and Hatchets for Camp Use
The best survival axes and hatchets for splitting wood, building shelters, and general camp tasks.
SCORE8.7
MAY 9
#407
Survival SkillsForaging for Beginners: Safe Plants to Start With
A beginner's guide to safe wild plants you can forage with confidence, plus rules to avoid dangerous mistakes.
SCORE8.9
MAY 7
#406
VehiclesBest Bug Out Vehicle Modifications
Your bug out vehicle needs to be more than just a truck. These modifications make it reliable, capable, and ready for an
SCORE8.6
MAY 7
#405
Gear ReviewsBest Survival Fire Starters Compared
A detailed comparison of the best survival fire starters including ferro rods, lighters, and emergency tinder.
SCORE9.2
MAY 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 →