EST. 2011│408 REVIEWS│INDEPENDENT · READER-FUNDED
MAY 12, 2026● NEW REVIEW DROPPED
FIELD REVIEW · Nº 408Long-term test · Updated Mar 22, 2026
SURVIVAL SKILLS
How 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 indicators.
▶ NOW TESTING408 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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013
Backpacks
13 reviews · Ranked + tested.
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Dispatches
Fresh from the Field
#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
#404
Survival SkillsHow to Build a Wilderness Shelter from Natural Materials
Step-by-step guide to building emergency wilderness shelters using only natural materials found in the forest.
SCORE8.5
MAY 3
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 →