I Tested 5 Different “Survival” Fire-Starting Methods in the Rain: My Frustration Ranked (Worst to Best)
My rainy fire-starting test began with the absolute worst: the bow drill. It was a romantic, primitive fantasy that, in the damp reality, felt like trying to start a fire by rubbing two wet noodles together. It was a soul-crushing, blister-inducing failure. The absolute best and most foolproof method, however, was a simple ferro rod and a cotton ball soaked in petroleum jelly. In the pouring rain, one strike of the rod produced a shower of molten-hot sparks, igniting the tinder into a confident, life-saving flame. It wasn’t just a fire; it was a triumphant victory over the elements.
Ranking Every Major Tent Brand I’ve Used, from Leaky to Luxurious (Worst to Best)
My tent history is a story of wet nights and cozy mornings. The absolute worst was a cheap, big-box store tent that promised “weather resistance.” It was like a sieve in a rainstorm; I woke up in a literal puddle of regret. The absolute best tent I’ve ever owned is from a reputable backpacking brand. While expensive, it is a portable fortress. I’ve been through sideways rain and howling winds, and the inside has remained a completely dry, serene, and secure sanctuary. It’s not just a tent; it’s the priceless peace of mind of knowing you’ll be safe.
I Hiked the Same Trail in 5 Different Brands of Hiking Boots: The Blisters Ranked (Worst to Best)
My hiking boot showdown was a painful experiment. The absolute worst were a pair of stiff, heavy boots that gave me crippling blisters before I had even gone a mile; it was like hiking in a pair of fashionable torture devices. The absolute best and most heavenly boots were a lightweight pair that felt like a natural extension of my own feet. They were like a trusty, all-terrain vehicle for my body, gripping the trail and supporting my ankles so perfectly that I completely forgot I was even wearing them, allowing me to just enjoy the hike.
Ranking the Most Overrated and Genuinely Essential Pieces of Camping Gear (Worst to Best)
The world of camping gear is full of expensive junk. The most overrated gadget is the solar-powered phone charger, which in reality, would take three days of perfect, direct sunlight to give you a 20% charge. The most genuinely essential and often overlooked piece of gear, however, is a simple, high-quality headlamp. The ability to have both of your hands free while you’re cooking, setting up your tent, or finding your way to the bathroom in the dark is not a luxury; it is the single most important and sanity-saving piece of gear you can own.
I Taste-Tested 10 Different Dehydrated Backpacking Meals: From Vile to Edible (Worst to Best)
My backpacking meal taste test had some real low points. The absolute worst was a “pasta primavera” that rehydrated into a soupy, bland, and vaguely chemical-tasting mush. It was the culinary equivalent of despair. The absolute best and most surprisingly delicious meal, however, was a spicy pad thai from a premium brand. It was packed with flavor, the texture was fantastic, and it tasted like a real, satisfying meal I would happily eat at home. After a long, exhausting day of hiking, that small, delicious taste of civilization was a moment of pure, morale-boosting magic.
Ranking the Most Common and Dangerous Survival Myths (Thanks, Hollywood) (Worst to Best)
Hollywood has taught us a lot of dangerous survival myths. The absolute worst and most deadly is the idea that you should drink the water from a cactus in the desert. Most cactus pulp will actually make you sick and cause you to lose more water through vomiting. The most important survival truth is the simple “Rule of Threes.” You can survive for three minutes without air, three hours without shelter in extreme conditions, three days without water, and three weeks without food. This simple, powerful hierarchy of needs is the true, life-saving compass in any survival situation.
I Compared 5 Different Portable Water Filters on Taste and Flow Rate (Worst to Best)
My water filter test was a quest for a clean, fast drink. The worst was a cheap straw-style filter that had such a slow flow rate, it was like trying to drink a thick milkshake through a coffee stirrer; I was exhausted and still thirsty. The absolute best filter, however, was a simple squeeze-style filter. It was lightweight, easy to use, and filtered a full liter of water in under a minute with a clean, crisp taste. The feeling of being able to turn a murky stream into a bottle of pure, safe drinking water so quickly felt like a true superpower.
Ranking the Best and Worst U.S. National Parks for Solitude vs. Crowds (Worst to Best)
Not all national parks are a peaceful escape. The “worst” park for solitude is Zion in the summer. The main canyon can feel like a crowded, chaotic, and stressful theme park, with a line for the hiking trails. The absolute “best” national park for solitude, in my experience, is North Cascades in Washington. It’s one of the least visited parks, but it has some of the most rugged, dramatic, and breathtakingly beautiful alpine scenery in the country. It’s a place where you can truly feel the immense, quiet power of the wilderness without another person in sight.
I Tried to Build a Natural Debris Shelter That Actually Kept Me Dry (Worst to Best)
My debris shelter experiment was a lesson in insulation. My worst attempt was a simple, flimsy lean-to that I built too quickly. It blocked the wind but did nothing to keep me warm, and I spent a miserable, cold night shivering. The “best” and most successful shelter I built was a small, burrow-like structure with a thick, two-foot layer of leaves and pine needles piled on top. The sheer insulating power of all that trapped air was a revelation. It wasn’t just a shelter; it was a cozy, natural sleeping bag that kept me surprisingly warm and dry all night.
Ranking the Most Annoying and Dangerous Insects You Encounter in the Wild (Worst to Best)
The wilderness is full of tiny terrors. The most annoying, by far, are the tiny, almost invisible “no-see-ums” or biting midges, whose bites are infuriatingly itchy. The most dangerous insect, however, is the humble tick. This silent, stealthy predator can transmit debilitating diseases like Lyme disease, and you often don’t even know you’ve been bitten. A mosquito is an annoying, buzzing declaration of war; a tick is a silent, hidden assassin, making it the undisputed, most dangerous insect you can encounter in the woods.
I Compared the Warmth-to-Weight Ratio of Down vs. Synthetic Sleeping Bags (Worst to Best)
My sleeping bag showdown was a tale of two technologies. The “worst” for pure warmth-to-weight was the synthetic bag. While it was great because it still insulated when damp, it was noticeably heavier and bulkier for the same temperature rating. The “best” and most efficient sleeping bag was the one filled with high-quality down. It compressed down to the size of a loaf of bread and was so light and warm it felt like I was sleeping in a weightless, magical cloud. For a backpacker, where every ounce matters, down is the undisputed king.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Items for a “Go Bag” (Worst to Best)
A good “go bag” is about more than just food and water. The most overlooked but important item is a simple, whistle. It’s a loud, life-saving signal that uses almost no energy. The absolute most important and overlooked item in any go-bag, however, is a sturdy, comfortable pair of broken-in shoes or boots. In an emergency, you will be on your feet, and the ability to move comfortably and safely for a long distance is the single most important, foundational, and non-negotiable tool for your survival. Everything else is useless if you can’t walk.
I Tried to Navigate a 5-Mile Course Using Only a Map and Compass (Worst to Best)
My map and compass navigation test was a humbling journey from confidence to confusion. The worst part was the beginning, when I misread my bearing by a few degrees. It seemed like a small mistake, but after a mile of walking, it had sent me a hundred yards into a dense, thorny thicket. The absolute best and most triumphant moment was when I finally trusted the compass over my own “instincts,” took a new bearing, and emerged from the woods at the exact, predicted spot. It was a powerful, magical feeling of understanding a secret, invisible language.
Ranking the Best and Worst Advice from TV Survival “Experts” (Worst to Best)
TV survival shows are full of dangerous advice. The absolute worst and most reckless advice is to drink your own urine for hydration. This is a desperate, last-ditch “Hail Mary” that can actually make things worse by introducing waste products back into your system. The absolute best and most practical advice I’ve learned from these shows is the simple, powerful acronym, “S.T.O.P.” – Stop, Think, Observe, and Plan. In a real survival situation, the most important thing you can do is not to panic, but to stay calm and make a rational, well-thought-out decision.
I Tested 5 Different Brands of “Bear-Proof” Coolers Against My Local Raccoons (Worst to Best)
My “bear-proof” cooler test had a surprising and clever opponent. The worst cooler was a standard one with simple latches, which the raccoons opened in about 30 seconds with their creepy, human-like hands. The absolute best and most raccoon-proof cooler was the one that required an opposable thumb and the ability to perform two different, complex motions at the same time to open. It was a brilliant, frustratingly clever design that proved to be an unsolvable puzzle for my furry, nocturnal nemeses, keeping my bacon safe and my campsite secure.
Ranking the Most Common and Catastrophic Beginner Hiking Mistakes (Worst to Best)
A beginner hiker can make some catastrophic mistakes. A common one is wearing brand-new, unbroken-in hiking boots, a recipe for a painful, blister-filled disaster. The most common and catastrophic mistake of all, however, is not bringing enough water. People consistently underestimate how much water they will need, and dehydration can turn a pleasant day hike into a serious, life-threatening medical emergency with terrifying speed. It’s the simplest, most essential, and most dangerously overlooked part of any hike.
I Compared Car Camping vs. Backpacking vs. “Glamping” (Worst to Best)
My camping style comparison revealed three different worlds. “Glamping” was the “worst” for a true nature experience; it was just a fancy, expensive hotel room with a canvas roof. Backpacking was the most rewarding and immersive, a true, unfiltered connection to the wilderness. The “best” for a relaxed, accessible, and fun weekend, however, was car camping. The ability to bring a comfortable mattress, a big cooler full of good food, and a few camp chairs is the perfect, golden-mean compromise between a rugged survival mission and a sterile hotel room.
Ranking the Best and Worst Natural Bug Repellents by Their Actual Effectiveness (Worst to Best)
My natural bug repellent test was an itchy one. The absolute worst and most useless were the citronella candles and bracelets; they smelled nice, but the mosquitoes seemed to treat them as a mild, pleasant dinner ambiance. The absolute best and most effective natural bug repellent was a simple spray made with oil of lemon eucalyptus. The results were immediate and dramatic. On one arm, I was a mosquito buffet; on the other, I had created an invisible, mosquito-proof force field. It was a shockingly effective and deet-free way to reclaim my summer evenings.
I Tried to Identify 5 Edible and 5 Poisonous Plants in My Local Woods (Worst to Best)
My amateur foraging experiment was a lesson in humility and caution. The worst and most terrifying part was discovering how many poisonous plants have an innocent-looking “evil twin” in the edible world. The beautiful but deadly water hemlock looks frighteningly similar to the edible Queen Anne’s lace. The best and most confidence-boosting part was positively identifying the simple, unmistakable, and delicious wild blackberry. It was a powerful reminder that while the forest can provide, it is not a grocery store. A single mistake can be your last, and “when in doubt, throw it out” is the first and most important rule.
Ranking the Most Common and Frustrating Parts of Setting Up a Campsite (Worst to Best)
Setting up a campsite is a race against the setting sun. A common and frustrating part is trying to get your sleeping bag back into its ridiculously small stuff sack. The most common and universally frustrating part of setting up a campsite, however, is trying to set up a new tent for the first time in the dark, especially if it’s windy. The confusing poles, the flapping fabric, and the vague instructions can turn a simple task into a frustrating, relationship-testing, and often comical ordeal under the cold, judgmental light of the moon.
I Compared the Brightness and Battery Life of 5 Different Headlamps (Worst to Best)
My headlamp test was a battle of beams and batteries. The worst was a cheap, generic headlamp that produced a weak, yellowish circle of light and whose batteries died in under an hour; it was like trying to navigate a dark forest with a dying candle. The absolute best headlamp was a rechargeable one from a reputable outdoor brand. It had a powerful, bright-white beam that could turn a pitch-black trail into daylight, and a red-light mode to preserve my night vision. It was a small, lightweight, and incredibly powerful tool that is an absolute non-negotiable for any nighttime adventure.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Principles of “Leave No Trace” (Worst to Best)
“Leave No Trace” is more than just packing out your trash. The most overlooked but important principle is to “be considerate of other visitors.” This means not blasting music on the trail or having loud conversations in a quiet campground. The absolute most important and foundational principle, however, is to “leave what you find.” It’s so tempting to take a beautiful rock or a cool-looking flower as a souvenir, but if every visitor did that, the wilderness would be stripped bare. It’s a simple, powerful act of respect for the millions of people who will come after you.
I Tried to Fish for My Dinner Using a DIY Survival Fishing Kit (Worst to Best)
My survival fishing experiment was a hungry one. My worst and most spectacular failure was trying to use a simple hand line with a bit of scavenged bait. I sat for hours, getting nibbles but never a solid bite, and I caught absolutely nothing. The “best” and only successful part of the experiment was the deep, quiet, and meditative experience of just sitting by the water, completely focused on a single task. While my stomach was empty, my mind was surprisingly full. It was a powerful lesson that survival is not just about the result; it’s about the patient, persistent process.
Ranking the Best and Worst Types of Firewood to Burn (Worst to Best)
Not all firewood is created equal. The absolute worst is any kind of green, freshly cut wood. It’s full of water and will produce a frustrating, hissing, smoky fire that gives off almost no heat; it’s like trying to burn a salad. The absolute best and most satisfying firewood is a well-seasoned hardwood like oak or maple. It catches easily, burns hot and long, and produces a beautiful, hypnotic bed of glowing coals. It’s the difference between a frustrating, smoky struggle and a warm, roaring, and perfect campfire.
I Compared the Experience of Solo Hiking vs. Hiking with a Group (Worst to Best)
My hiking comparison revealed two very different kinds of joy. Hiking with a group was the “worst” for a true nature connection; the constant chatter and varied paces made it feel more like a social event than an immersive experience. Solo hiking, however, was the “best” and most profound. The silence of the woods, the ability to move at my own pace, and the heightened sense of awareness created a deep, meditative, and powerful connection to the natural world. One was a fun party in the woods; the other was a conversation with the woods itself.
Ranking the Most Common and Dangerous Weather Conditions to Get Caught In (Worst to Best)
The weather in the mountains is a fickle and dangerous beast. The most common and dangerous condition to get caught in is not a thunderstorm, but a sudden, unexpected drop in temperature combined with rain and wind. This is the perfect recipe for hypothermia, the silent killer of the outdoors. Getting wet and then having the wind suck the heat from your body can be a life-threatening situation, even in the middle of summer. It’s a powerful reminder that the most dangerous weather is not always the most dramatic.
I Tested 5 Different “All-Weather” Lighters and Matches (Worst to Best)
My all-weather fire-starting test was a battle against wind and water. The worst were the so-called “windproof” lighters, whose flame would blow out with a single, gentle puff. The absolute best and most ridiculously reliable fire starters were the stormproof matches. I soaked them in water, and they still ignited with a furious, blowtorch-like flame that was completely impervious to the wind. It was a small, simple, and incredibly powerful tool that felt like it could start a fire in the middle of a hurricane, giving me complete confidence in any weather.
Ranking the Best and Worst Ways to Purify Water in an Emergency (Worst to Best)
In an emergency, clean water is life. The absolute worst and most unreliable way to purify it is to rely on a few drops of bleach, which can be difficult to measure correctly and can leave your water tasting like a swimming pool. The absolute best, most foolproof, and time-tested method is simply to boil it. Bringing water to a rolling boil for just one minute will kill virtually all harmful bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. It requires no special equipment, and it is a simple, powerful, and guaranteed way to make your water safe to drink.
I Tried to Go on a Multi-Day Hike With All My Gear in a 30-Liter Pack (Worst to Best)
My ultralight backpacking experiment was a masterclass in minimalism. The worst and most difficult part was the ruthless, decision-making process of leaving behind my “comfort” items. The absolute best and most liberating part was the feeling of hiking with a light, nimble pack. I felt less like a pack mule and more like a mountain goat, able to move faster and with less effort. The freedom and efficiency of carrying only the absolute essentials was a powerful and addictive feeling that has completely and permanently changed the way I approach the outdoors.
Ranking the Most Common and Annoying Things People Do on Hiking Trails (Worst to Best)
A hiking trail is a shared space. A common annoyance is the person who is playing music out loud from a Bluetooth speaker, shattering the peace of the wilderness for everyone around them. It’s the auditory equivalent of littering. The absolute most common and annoying thing, however, is the person who cuts the switchbacks on a trail. This not only erodes the trail and damages the hillside, but it is also a sign of a lazy, selfish mindset that completely disregards the hard work that went into building a sustainable trail for everyone to enjoy.
I Compared the Insulation of a $20 Fleece vs. a $200 Merino Wool Baselayer (Worst to Best)
My insulation showdown had a clear winner for performance. The cheap, $20 fleece was warm when I was standing still, but the moment I started to sweat, it became a damp, clammy, and cold mess. The $200 merino wool baselayer, however, was a piece of magical, high-performance technology. It kept me warm when it was cold, but it also breathed and wicked away sweat when I was working hard, keeping me perfectly dry and comfortable. It was an expensive but worthwhile investment in staying warm, dry, and safe in the backcountry.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked First-Aid Skills for the Outdoors (Worst to Best)
A good first-aid kit is useless without the right skills. The most overlooked but important skill is not how to tie a sling, but how to properly prevent and treat blisters. A bad blister can be a debilitating, trip-ending injury. The absolute most important and life-saving first-aid skill for the outdoors, however, is knowing how to recognize and treat the early signs of hypothermia. The ability to spot the “umbles”—stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles—and to take immediate action is a simple, crucial skill that can literally save someone’s life.
I Tried to Tie 5 Essential Survival Knots Under Pressure (Worst to Best)
My knot-tying test under pressure was a clumsy, fumbling mess. The worst and most difficult knot to remember was the bowline, a crucial but complex knot that I just couldn’t seem to get right when I was flustered. The “best” and most reliable knot under pressure was the simple, humble, and surprisingly versatile clove hitch. It’s easy to learn, easy to tie, and incredibly useful for a huge variety of tasks around camp. It proved that in a real situation, the best knot is not the fanciest one, but the one you can remember and tie correctly without thinking.
Ranking the Best and Worst States for Public Land Access and Camping (Worst to Best)
Access to public land is a gift. The “worst” states are often in the east, where the vast majority of land is privately owned, and the public lands are small, scattered, and often crowded. The absolute “best” states for public land access are the massive, wide-open states in the American West, like Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada. The sheer, breathtaking scale of the national forests and BLM land gives you a sense of boundless freedom and the ability to find a truly remote, beautiful, and completely free campsite with ease.
I Compared 5 Different Hammock Camping Setups for Comfort and Ease of Use (Worst to Best)
My hammock camping experiment was a quest for the perfect hang. The worst setup was a simple, cheap hammock with no bug net or rain fly; I was a delicious, helpless buffet for the mosquitoes all night. The absolute best and most luxurious hammock setup was an integrated system with a built-in bug net, a structural ridgeline for a perfect, consistent sag, and a large, custom-fit rain tarp. It was not just a hammock; it was a floating, weatherproof, and bug-proof cocoon that provided one of the most comfortable and peaceful night’s sleep I have ever had in the woods.
Ranking the Most Common and Frightening Animal Encounters (and How to React) (Worst to Best)
An animal encounter can be a moment of awe or terror. The most frightening, for me, is the sudden, heart-stopping sound of a rattlesnake’s rattle just a few feet away. The correct reaction is not to panic and run, but to freeze, locate the snake, and slowly back away. The most common and potentially dangerous encounter is with a bear. The most important thing to remember is to never, ever run. You should make yourself look as big as possible, make a lot of noise, and slowly back away. Your goal is not to fight it, but to convince it that you are not prey.
I Tested 5 Different Backpacking Stoves on a Windy Day (Worst to Best)
My windy day stove test was a battle to boil water. The worst stove was a simple, ultralight alcohol stove. While great in calm conditions, the wind completely snuffed out its weak flame, making it utterly useless. The absolute best and most unstoppable stove was an integrated canister stove with a built-in windscreen. It was a marvel of engineering that was completely impervious to the wind, boiling water with an efficient, jet-engine-like roar. It proved that in a real-world, windy situation, a well-designed system will always beat a simple, lightweight part.
Ranking the Best and Worst “Camp Coffee” Brewing Methods (Worst to Best)
A good cup of coffee is a backcountry necessity. The absolute worst and most disappointing method is using instant coffee crystals; it’s a sad, brown, and vaguely coffee-flavored hot beverage that is an insult to both camping and coffee. The absolute best and most delicious camp coffee method, for the perfect balance of taste and weight, is the simple, plastic pour-over cone. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and allows you to brew a fresh, delicious, and aromatic cup of coffee that tastes just as good as the one you make at home, which is a truly magical and morale-boosting start to any day in the woods.
I Tried to Get a Good Night’s Sleep on 3 Different Types of Sleeping Pads (Worst to Best)
My sleeping pad test was a quest for a comfortable night. The absolute worst was the classic, closed-cell foam pad. While it was lightweight and indestructible, it felt like I was sleeping on a slightly softer version of the ground. The absolute best and most comfortable sleeping pad was a thick, insulated, inflatable air mattress. It was so comfortable and supportive that I completely forgot I was sleeping on the hard, rocky ground. It was the single most important piece of gear for getting a truly restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep in the backcountry.
Ranking the Most Common and Frustrating Gear Failures I’ve Experienced (Worst to Best)
Gear failure in the backcountry is a special kind of frustration. A common and annoying failure is a broken tent pole, which can often be temporarily fixed with a splint. The most common and frustrating gear failure I’ve ever experienced, however, is a slow leak in my inflatable sleeping pad. The feeling of waking up at 3 AM with your hip digging into the cold, hard ground is a uniquely miserable and sleep-depriving experience that can completely ruin an otherwise perfect trip. It’s a silent, slow, and soul-crushing failure.
I Compared the Views from 5 “Overhyped” vs. 5 “Hidden Gem” Hiking Trails (Worst to Best)
My hiking trail comparison was a lesson in avoiding the crowds. The “overhyped” trails were often a frustrating conga line of people, and the view from the top, while beautiful, felt a bit like a crowded observation deck at a tourist trap. The “hidden gem” trails, which were often just a few miles away, were the “best.” The view was just as spectacular, but the deep, profound sense of peace and solitude that came from having that breathtaking vista all to myself was a far more powerful and memorable experience. The best view is always the one you don’t have to share.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Aspects of Camp Kitchen Hygiene (Worst to Best)
Camp kitchen hygiene is about more than just washing your dishes. The most overlooked but important aspect is how you dispose of your dishwater. You should never dump it directly into a lake or stream. The most important and life-saving aspect of camp kitchen hygiene, however, is the proper storage of your food and scented items to avoid attracting bears. A clean campsite is not just a tidy campsite; it is a safe campsite. The simple act of storing your food in a bear canister is the single most important thing you can do to protect both yourself and the wildlife.
I Tried to Predict the Weather for a Hike Using Only Natural Signs (Worst to Best)
My natural weather prediction experiment was a humbling failure. My worst and most inaccurate prediction was based on the old “red sky at night, sailor’s delight” adage, which was followed by a torrential downpour the next morning. The “best” and most reliable natural sign was simply observing the direction and speed of the clouds. A sky full of high, wispy cirrus clouds was a surprisingly accurate indicator of an approaching weather front. While it was a fun experiment, the most important lesson was that my smartphone’s weather app is a far more reliable and life-saving tool than any ancient proverb.
Ranking the Best and Worst Multi-Tools for Backpacking (Worst to Best)
A multi-tool is a backpacker’s Swiss Army knife, literally. The “worst” multi-tool is the one that is packed with a dozen tiny, specialized tools you will never use, making it heavy and bulky. The “best” and most essential multi-tool for a backpacker, however, is a simple, lightweight one that focuses on the fundamentals: a good, sharp knife blade, a pair of pliers, and a can opener. These three simple tools can solve 99% of the problems you will encounter on the trail, making them the perfect, efficient, and life-saving companion.
I Compared the Experience of Winter Camping vs. Summer Camping (Worst to Best)
Winter and summer camping are two different planets. Summer camping is the “best” for its ease and accessibility; the long, warm days and the minimal gear requirements make it a relaxing and social experience. Winter camping is the “worst” for its sheer, brutal difficulty. The constant battle against the cold, the massive amount of gear required, and the very real danger of hypothermia make it a serious and challenging undertaking. The reward, however, is a profound, beautiful, and silent solitude that you will never find in the crowded campgrounds of summer.
Ranking the Most Common and Dangerous Mistakes in Treating Hypothermia/Heatstroke (Worst to Best)
Treating temperature-related emergencies requires careful knowledge. The most common and dangerous mistake in treating hypothermia is giving the person an alcoholic beverage to “warm them up.” This actually causes them to lose heat faster. The most dangerous mistake in treating heatstroke is just giving the person water to drink. Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency where the body’s internal cooling system has failed. The single most important and immediate action is to cool the person down as rapidly as possible with any means available, like immersing them in cool water.
I Tested the Waterproofing of 5 Different “Waterproof” Rain Jackets in a Downpour (Worst to Best)
My rain jacket test was a very wet one. The worst “waterproof” jacket was a cheap one that “wetted out” after about ten minutes in the rain, becoming a heavy, saturated, and completely useless mess. The absolute best and most truly waterproof jacket was one made with a high-quality Gore-Tex membrane. Even after an hour in a torrential downpour, the water was still beading up and rolling off as if it was a freshly waxed car, and I was completely, miraculously dry underneath. It was a powerful and tangible demonstration of the value of investing in high-quality gear.
Ranking the Best and Worst Things About a Digital Detox in the Wilderness (Worst to Best)
A digital detox in the woods is a powerful reset. The absolute worst part is the first 24 hours. The constant, nagging feeling of “phantom vibrations” in your pocket and the twitchy, anxious urge to “just check one thing” is a brutal and humbling reminder of how addicted we are to our devices. The absolute best and most profound part is the feeling, a few days in, when that anxiety finally dissolves and is replaced by a deep sense of calm and presence. The world becomes more vivid, your thoughts become clearer, and you remember what it feels like to just be.
I Tried to Forage for an Entire Meal in the Wild (Spoiler: I Got Hungry) (Worst to Best)
My foraging experiment was a lesson in the brutal efficiency of the grocery store. The worst part was the sheer amount of time and energy I expended for a tiny reward. I spent hours and walked miles, only to end up with a small handful of bitter greens and a few sour berries. The best part of the experience was the deep, newfound appreciation for the incredible knowledge and skill of our ancestors who were able to survive and thrive on what the land provided. My “meal” was a pathetic failure, but my respect for the art of foraging grew immensely.
Ranking the Most Awe-Inspiring and Terrifying Moments I’ve Had in Nature (Worst to Best)
Nature can be a source of profound beauty and profound terror. The most terrifying moment of my life was being caught in a sudden, violent lightning storm on an exposed mountain ridge, a moment of pure, primal, and powerless fear. The most awe-inspiring and beautiful moment, however, was seeing the Milky Way for the first time in a truly dark sky, far from any city lights. The sheer, breathtaking scale and beauty of the universe, laid out in a glittering, silent river above my head, was a profoundly humbling and life-changing experience of pure, unadulterated wonder.