Maybe you should be both?
Prepper
If you’re focusing on prepping, the goal is to be ready for emergencies or unexpected events, so having a solid plan and the right supplies is key. Here are some key areas preppers typically focus on:
Water Supply
Water is essential, and having a reliable, long-term source is a must. Preppers usually store:
- Bottled water (typically at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3–7 days)
- Water purification methods (filters, purifying tablets, or even a portable water distiller)
- Water storage containers (barrels, large jugs, or collapsible bladders)
Food Storage
Non-perishable food is critical, and many preppers focus on long-term storage. Here’s what’s commonly stored:
- Canned goods (soups, beans, vegetables, fruits, meats)
- Freeze-dried or dehydrated foods (meals, fruits, vegetables)
- Bulk staples (rice, pasta, oats, beans, powdered milk, and honey)
- MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) for more compact, ready-to-eat options
- Manual can opener (for all those canned goods!)
First Aid & Medical Supplies
You’ll want a comprehensive first aid kit that can handle a variety of situations, including:
- Bandages, gauze, and antiseptics
- Prescription medications (having extra can be crucial, especially for chronic conditions)
- Over-the-counter meds (pain relievers, allergy meds, etc.)
- Sutures and medical tape for more serious injuries
- Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer)
Shelter & Heating
Being able to survive in a variety of conditions means having options for shelter and warmth:
- Tents or tarps (for quick shelter)
- Sleeping bags or emergency blankets (compact and essential for staying warm)
- Portable stoves or a wood-burning stove (for cooking and heating)
- Fire-starting gear (matches, lighters, Ferro rods)
Multi-purpose tools are invaluable in a prepping situation. Here are some to consider:
- Multi-tools (like a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman)
- Axes, saws, and knives (for chopping wood, cutting through brush, or defense)
- Shovel or entrenching tool (for digging, whether it’s latrines or creating a shelter)
- Flashlights & batteries (or solar-powered lights)
- Solar chargers (for keeping devices charged without electricity)
Self-Defense
While self-defense isn’t a must for everyone, it can be important depending on your situation:
- Firearms (if legal and something you’re comfortable with)
- Pepper spray, knives, or other non-lethal defense tools
- Tactical gear (if you’re preparing for a serious collapse scenario)
Communication
In the event of widespread disruptions, it’s good to have alternative communication methods:
- Hand-crank or solar-powered radios
- Walkie-talkies or ham radios (if you’re skilled with them)
- Pre-arranged communication plans (with family or loved ones, in case of evacuation)
Evacuation & Bug-Out Plans
If things go south, knowing where to go and how to get there is crucial:
- A “bug-out bag” (BOB) containing essentials (water, food, first aid, flashlight, a knife, etc.)
- Escape routes and rendezvous points with family members
- A vehicle kit (extra fuel, car tools, blankets)
Long-Term Sustainability
If you’re prepping for something that could last years, you’ll need to think about:
- Gardening supplies (seeds, tools, soil for growing your own food)
- Livestock or food-growing systems (chickens for eggs, aquaponics, etc.)
- Energy independence (solar panels, wind turbines, or backup generators)
Mental & Emotional Preparedness
Prepping isn’t just about stuff—it’s about mindset. Being able to stay calm and think critically under pressure is a huge asset. Practice drills, stay physically fit, and be prepared for the psychological toll of a disaster.
Pro Tip:
Start small, then build your preparedness incrementally. You don’t need to buy everything all at once. The key is to have a solid foundation of essentials and then expand from there.
Survivalist
This is all about being self-reliant and able to survive in the wild or in austere environments without depending on modern conveniences. It’s not just about having supplies (though that’s part of it); it’s about the skills to live off the land, adapt to changing situations, and remain resilient in the face of hardship. Here’s what a typical survivalist focus might look like:
Shelter Building
Knowing how to construct a shelter in the wilderness is one of the first things survivalists learn. Whether you’re facing rain, snow, or extreme heat, a proper shelter keeps you warm, dry, and safe from the elements.
- Tarp shelters (easy to set up and carry)
- Debris shelters (using natural materials like branches, leaves, and grass)
- Snow shelters (like a snow cave or quinzee)
- Lean-tos or A-frame shelters (quick and effective)
- Bivy sacks or emergency shelters (compact, lightweight options)
Fire Starting
Fire is one of the most important survival tools—it provides warmth, light, and a means to cook. The key is learning multiple methods for starting a fire, even in wet or windy conditions.
- Firestarter tools: Matches, lighters, ferro rods, and magnesium fire starters
- Fire lay techniques: Understanding how to build a fire depending on the environment (teepee, log cabin, or star fire lay)
- Tinder: Finding and preparing materials (e.g., dry leaves, grass, pine needles, birch bark)
- Fire safety: Knowing how to control and extinguish fire once you’re done with it
Water Procurement & Purification
Without water, you can’t survive long, so finding and purifying it is crucial. Survivalists often rely on natural water sources like streams, rivers, or lakes, but it’s important to ensure that the water is safe to drink.
- Water collection: Using containers, tarps, or solar stills to collect rainwater or dew
- Purification methods: Boiling, chemical purifiers, or filtration (e.g., LifeStraw, Sawyer filters)
- DIY filters: Creating a makeshift water filter using sand, charcoal, and rocks
- Dehydration risk: Recognizing signs of dehydration and how to avoid it
Foraging & Food Procurement
While you can carry some food, knowing how to find and identify edible plants, insects, and animals is a vital skill in a survival situation. This also includes hunting and fishing if you’re in an environment that supports those activities.
- Wild edibles: Learning to identify safe, edible plants, berries, nuts, and mushrooms (e.g., dandelion greens, cattails, acorns, or wild garlic)
- Fishing and trapping: Using nets, fishing lines, or snares to catch food
- Hunting: Basic skills in tracking and hunting (including using primitive weapons like bows or making traps)
- Insect harvesting: Certain insects, like crickets, ants, or grubs, can be a good protein source.
Navigating & Signaling
In a survival situation, you may need to navigate through unfamiliar terrain or signal for help.
- Basic navigation: Using a compass, map, or even the sun and stars to orient yourself
- Landmarks and terrain association: Understanding natural signs like water flow, elevation changes, and vegetation
- Signaling: Using mirrors, fire smoke, whistles, or creating large signs on the ground to attract attention if you need rescue
Self-Defense & Security
Survivalists often prepare for situations where they may need to protect themselves from wildlife or hostile individuals. This includes learning the basics of self-defense and tactical gear.
- Weaponry: Basic knowledge of knives, axes, or firearms (if legal) for personal protection and hunting
- Avoiding confrontation: Knowing when to use force and when to avoid danger by using stealth or camouflage
- Booby traps and alarms: Setting up simple defensive systems like trip wires or noise makers around your shelter or camp
In the wilderness, having the right tools can make a huge difference. Here’s a list of essential gear for any survivalist:
- Fixed blade knife: A solid, sharp knife is a must-have for cutting, preparing food, and building shelters
- Multi-tool: A good multi-tool with pliers, screwdrivers, can opener, etc., is invaluable
- Axe or hatchet: Useful for chopping firewood or building shelter
- Paracord: Extremely versatile for building shelters, making traps, or securing items
- Waterproof matches or lighters
- Rope or cordage: Essential for building shelters, hanging food, or making snares
Primitive Survival Skills
These skills are critical if you want to survive for long periods in the wild without modern tools or resources.
- Primitive fire-making: Techniques like using a bow drill, hand drill, or flint and steel
- Tool crafting: Making tools from stone, bone, or wood (e.g., stone knives, wooden spears)
- Natural cordage: Making rope or string from plants like nettles or yucca
- Stone boiling: A method of cooking by heating rocks and using them to boil water
Mental Resilience & Adaptability
Survival isn’t just about physical skills it’s also about mental state. Remaining calm, thinking creatively, and not succumbing to panic can often mean the difference between life and death.
- Stress management: Techniques to stay calm under pressure
- Problem-solving: Being able to quickly adapt and make the best use of limited resources
- Positive attitude: Cultivating mental toughness and a “never give up” mindset
Survival Situations & Scenarios
Survivalists often train for specific scenarios:
- Bugging out: If you need to leave your home or shelter, have a “bug-out bag” ready to go with the essentials.
- Urban survival: Surviving in a city environment after a disaster or collapse (with access to few resources)
- Wilderness survival: Being in a natural environment with limited tools for an extended period.
Pro Tip:
Survivalism is about practicing your skills regularly because it’s not just about the tools or the knowledge—it’s about being able to apply that knowledge under pressure. Spend time in the outdoors, practice fire starting, shelter building, and foraging in realistic conditions.
Stay Vigilant and Be prepared
In addition, take these steps to ensure you and your loved ones are better prepared to handle emergencies effectively. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive when it comes to safety and preparedness.
You must be logged in to post a comment.