The one thing a lot of 'preppers' ignore is the most important thing you need to survive

by Alex Hollings · June 21, 2017

In the online world of survival preparation, there are a number of camps you might fall into. Some folks stock up on supplies in hopes of remaining self-sufficient for a time after the modern infrastructure collapses. Others like to buy the latest in survival gear intended to make living off the land a bit more comfortable or convenient. Some folks just stock up on ammunition, knowing that in the days that follow an apocalypse event, there’ll be plenty of folks intent on taking what you have… and you may find yourself needing what they have. This short list of niches isn’t conclusive – and no matter what part of surviving the end of the world you might be interested in, there’s a corner of the internet full of websites and forums waiting to commiserate with you.

The truth of the matter is (and I know I’ll get some flak for saying so) a lot of so-called “preppers” or “survivalists” are nothing more than folks with a hobby, and would probably find themselves in real dire straits if ever an emergency were to arise. The thing is, preparing for a wide-spread emergency requires more discomfort than your average prepper is willing to subject themselves to. Being prepared isn’t just about having stuff, it’s about being physically and mentally capable of using it under duress.

U.S. Special Operations Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines aren’t the most formidable fighting force on the planet because of the weapons they use, for instance. The M4 service rifles, Glocks, and Sigs aren’t some kind of advanced alien tech they use to overwhelm enemy contacts (though technology does certainly benefit all special operations missions). It’s ultimately the training our elite war fighters undergo that makes them so formidable. Drones, GPS satellites, and advanced optics be damned, I’d still put my money on a Navy SEAL over the best the Iranian Guard has to offer – and with good reason.

About Alex Hollings

Alex Hollings writes on a breadth of subjects ranging from fitness to foreign policy, all presented through the lens of his experiences as a U.S. Marine, athlete and scholar. A football player, rugby player and fighter, Hollings has spent the better part of his adult life competing in some of the most physically demanding sports on the planet. Hollings possesses a master's degree in communications from Southern New Hampshire University, as well as a bachelor's degree in Corporate and Organizational Communications from Framingham State University.

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Mason F
So I am no prepper expert, but I have done my share of existing in cold, rain drenched, miserable environments. The one thing that always boggles my mind with preppers, is they amass hoards of materials in a semi fortified position, usually not far from suburban centers. That always struck me as odd, and precarious. I have always been of the mind set you need to be mobile and bug out as far as you can away from population centers. I also think that if three to four hundred armed hungry suburbanites find out you are holed up in your prepper bunker, they can and will find a way to get at you. Maybe I am wrong, but mobility, and basic survival skills, coupled with the ability to ruck your own gear and food are far more valuable than holing up in a giant food and ammo dump. P.S. just stumbled across this, a bit late.
CPT Padera
Love the article. So true on many levels. I find that your mind is likely the top thing to focus on. And that means, being physically fit and understanding pain is not your enemy. Being smart on basic survival techniques is also a fantastic prep. I found that many plants, bugs, and other items are packed with nutrition and readily available if you know where to look. But, in the end, willpower and that intestinal fortitude will be your best ally.
Tessa Shmessa
<3
Joni S
I'll be sure to stock up. I could probably barter using coffee if I stick up enough. ?
Joni S
Thank you, Tessa. You are very kind to say such a sweet thing. As I told Pat, we all have had challenges to overcome. Each of us has a story of obstacles overcome, hardships endured, heartache, disappointments, failures, grief of loss of loved one, and challenges won and lost. It's something we share in common. It is the attitude that we use to approach life that helps us face those obstacles and challenges and conquer them. I choose to approach with a smile, lots of laughter, and a refusal to give up. I try to remember even when things are bad, that tomorrow is a new day and a chance for things to be better. And though I may think I have it bad at the moment, someone else has it worse. It's not always perfect and sometimes it sucks. Just like Alex says "sometimes things suck, so you’re better off just working until they improve." I am going to have to remember that one.