Signaling

You don’t have to look hard in winter to find ice. Put this common material to work in a survival situation with these six techniques.

Learn to dissect a cellphone to make a spear, snare, signaling device, compass, and more in this how-to guide. Photos by Creek Stewart, willowhavenoutdoor.com

Nothing but a plastic bag? Use it to waterproof clothes, signal for rescue, and more.

When you’re lost or injured, you need a foolproof way to get your rescuers’ attention. Ted’s testing team tried more than 25 devices—here are their ratings of 9 top tools.

Triple-digit temps by noon. Freezing at night. Scarce water. The desert is as dangerous for unprepared hikers. Give yourself an edge and learn to survive this hostile territory while backpacking.