Best Picks 2025
I've spent thousands of dollars and countless hours testing gear so you don't have to. These aren't paid placements. These are the products that performed when it actually mattered.
Browse Best Picks by Category
Jump directly to our top tested products in each category
Off-Grid Energy
Our top tested products in this category, ranked by performance and value.
Home Security
Our top tested products in this category, ranked by performance and value.
Water & Sustainability
Our top tested products in this category, ranked by performance and value.
Food & Kitchen
Latest guides in this category while we finish our full Best Picks.
Smart Home
Our top tested products in this category, ranked by performance and value.
Urban Prepping
Our top tested products in this category, ranked by performance and value.
Our #1 Picks Across All Categories
If you're just starting your preparedness journey, these are the single best products in each category.
Product Recommendations Coming Soon
We're currently testing and evaluating the top products in each category to provide you with unbiased, expert recommendations. Our comprehensive testing process ensures we only recommend products we've personally used and trust.
In the meantime: Browse our detailed guides and reviews in each category above to learn about the best products and features to look for.
How We Test
Our recommendations are the result of hundreds of hours of hands-on testing in real-world conditions.
Unbiased Sourcing
We purchase over 90% of the products we test at retail prices, just like you do. This ensures our reviews are independent and free from manufacturer influence.
Real-World Scenarios
We test products in the conditions they were designed for. Solar generators are tested during actual power outages, water filters are tested with contaminated water sources, and security systems are tested against simulated intrusions.
Long-Term Durability
A product that fails after a few months is a liability. We conduct long-term testing (6-12 months) to assess durability, battery degradation, and overall reliability over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
We test products extensively for reliability, value, and real-world performance across various conditions and scenarios. Our recommendations combine hands-on testing, user feedback, and long-term durability assessments. We only recommend products we'd trust our own families with during emergencies.
Yes, we continuously update our recommendations as new products launch and existing ones improve or decline in quality. We test new releases and re-evaluate our top picks quarterly to ensure accuracy.
We always include budget-friendly alternatives and "runner-up" options. Look for our "Best Value" picks which offer excellent performance at lower price points. Quality emergency preparedness doesn't require premium products.
Minimum 6-12 months of real-world use, with extended testing for critical items like solar generators and water filters. We test seasonal products through full weather cycles and simulate emergency conditions when possible. Products must demonstrate consistent performance under stress before earning our recommendation.
We purchase most products at retail price for unbiased testing. While we may receive review samples, our editorial decisions are never influenced by manufacturer relationships. Our recommendations are based solely on performance and value.