Independence Day sales are typically known for deals on grills, lawn equipment, coolers, and ways to stay cool through the summer, and all of those can relate to prepping and survival in some way. After checking out a slew of sales, we’ve rounded up the best gear for preppers to check out to augment their survival kits and preparedness plans.July 4th lands on a Friday this year, but sales have already started, and a few run through the weekend for the most part. Like most roundups, we’ll keep updating as sales come and go throughout the period, so check back…

Ultralight backpacking is exploding in popularity — and rightfully so: Going light means going farther, faster, and more comfortably, but you’ll need the right pack to do it with. I’ve been testing the best ultralight backpacks since my first thru-hike in 2018, and all of our current testers are long-distance hikers. Collectively, we’ve put down somewhere north of 15,000 miles on long trails. In 2026, the headlines are this: consider the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 as an excellent light-and-tough option, and the Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Carbon 60 for a lot of UL pack for a little less spend. Otherwise,…

War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Thursday that, beginning immediately, active duty service members can request permission to carry their own personal firearm on base for self-defense. According to Hegseth, there will be a presumption on the part of base commanders that the service member’s request should be granted, and if it’s denied, the reason for that must be in writing.  Our military installations have been turned into gun-free zones—leaving our service members vulnerable and exposed.That ends today. pic.twitter.com/IQ204YepZ0— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) April 2, 2026Hegseth’s announcement was cheered by many Second Amendment…

Hurricanes pose a large threat to those who live near the coast. Between the high wind and massive amounts of rain, they can cause various types of damage that can exceed $150 billion each year.I’ve lived through several hurricanes of all categories and dealt with flooding, wind damage, power outages, and more. In North Carolina, we don’t have it quite as bad as Florida, but less prepared communities can have even tougher times with large storms.Many people around the world and in the US aren’t affected by hurricanes, so this list isn’t for everyone. But, if you live on the…

Nepalese authorities have charged 32 people in an alleged fake rescue and insurance fraud scheme tied to trekking routes around Everest. Police say the network used staged medical emergencies, forged paperwork, and inflated helicopter evacuation claims to siphon nearly $20 million from international insurers between 2022 and 2025. The Alleged Crimes Everest base camp; (photo/Shutterstock) According to Nepal Police investigators, the case reaches across the trekking industry, including trekking agency owners, helicopter operators, hospital executives, and guides. Kathmandu District Court spokesperson Dipak Kumar Shrestha said a charge sheet has been filed and the court is recording statements. Nine suspects were…

Two of the most common SHTF scenarios can catch you off-guard: house fires and home invasions. When something happens in the middle of the night, you don’t want to be fumbling around for your larger kits. Enter the WUSH Bag (Wake Up, Stuff’s Happening Bag). This kit is designed to be highly portable and address your immediate needs for evacuation and more.WUSH bags are still an extension or variant of everyday carry, even though they serve a specific objective. Below, we break down what exactly a WUSH bag is, how it is different than a bug out bag, and share…

Midlayers are some of the most versatile layers out there and come in all sorts of shapes and styles. If you feel that layering for the cold is tricky, or if you need an insulated jacket, our list of the best midlayers is a must-read. We’ve tested a slew of midlayer styles: full-zip jackets, hoodies, vests, puffies, and lightweight and ultralight midlayers as well. Below are our best picks for winter, with all-around solid fleece options like the Patagonia R1 Thermal to budget-wise layers like the REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch. Our experts are a multi-sport bunch with layering needs that…

The fact that guns are being smuggled out of the United States and into Mexico is a problem. It’s not the problem the anti-gunners like to pretend it is, as if we could snap our fingers and suddenly Mexico would be a safe, welcoming place with no violence at all. I mean, the cartels are getting heavy machine guns and rocket launchers, and it’s not from Bubba’s Guns and Tackle. But smuggling is still something that needs to be addressed. It’s not that I don’t think Mexicans should have guns; it’s that I think guns…

The fight over suppressors just took a serious step toward the Supreme Court. The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms has filed an amicus brief urging the high court to take up George Peterson v. United States, a case that could directly challenge the National Firearms Act’s tax and registration requirements on suppressors. And if the Court agrees to hear it? This could be a big one. At the center of the case is a simple argument: suppressors (often mislabeled as “silencers”) are protected arms under the Second Amendment. If that’s true, CCRKBA argues, then taxing…

President Donald Trump has relieved U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has frequently raised the ire of pro-gun rights groups, of her AG duties. On April 2, President Trump announced the change in a Truth Social post, and quickly tabbed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as acting Attorney General. “Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year,” the president wrote. “Pam did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown in crime across our Country, with murders plummeting to their lowest level since 1900.” Trump continued: “We…

There aren’t a ton of Veterans Day sales that apply to prepping supplies and survival gear. It’s close enough that many retailers just wait for the post-Thanksgiving holidays.Veterans Day is on November 11th, as always, which falls on a Tuesday this year. Sales have already started, and a few run through the end of next week. Like most roundups, we’ll keep updating as sales come and go throughout the period, so check back periodically to catch new deals. Contents (Jump to a Section) Check back through the Veterans Day period for updates. When you buy through our links, we may…

Interest in off-roading and overlanding has grown rapidly over the last decade, only accelerating during the COVID lockdowns. Hyundai has tried to tap into that market with products like the redesigned 2026 Palisade XRT Pro. Now, it seems, the Korean carmaker is getting ready to take the next big step. It rolled out the wild Crater concept at the Los Angeles Motor Show last autumn and, for those who didn’t take it seriously, followed up with the Boulder SUV at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday. While it’s officially described as a “concept,” top Hyundai officials told me…