EST. 2011│429 REVIEWS│INDEPENDENT · READER-FUNDED
MAY 29, 2026● NEW REVIEW DROPPED
FIELD REVIEW · Nº 429Long-term test · Updated Mar 22, 2026
SURVIVAL SKILLS
Wilderness 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 execute crossings safely.
▶ NOW TESTING429 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
#429
HuntingBest Survival Slingshots for Hunting Small Game
A good survival slingshot is lightweight, silent, and lethal enough for rabbits, squirrels, and birds. Here are the best
SCORE8.7
MAY 28
#428
Survival GearBest Survival Saw Options: Wire vs Folding vs Chain
Every survival kit needs a cutting tool for processing wood. A good saw outperforms a knife or hatchet for many camp tas
SCORE9.3
MAY 27
#427
ParacordBest Paracord Projects for Kids and Beginners
Paracord crafting teaches useful knot-tying skills while producing functional gear. These beginner projects are simple e
SCORE9.1
MAY 26
#426
Shelter BuildingHow to Build a Debris Hut Shelter
A debris hut is one of the most effective emergency shelters you can build with no tools and no gear. Learn the step by
SCORE9.3
MAY 25
#425
SkillsNight Navigation Skills Without Electronics
GPS batteries die. Phones break. Knowing how to navigate at night using stars, terrain, and natural signs keeps you movi
SCORE9.4
MAY 25
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 →