Since I run an entire website about survival gear you’d think I would be firmly in the camp that says gear is more important than knowledge. Well, that’s not always the case. Here we’ll look at a few of the important aspects of each and you can decide where your priorities lie.
SKIP AHEAD
Gear Vs Knowledge
Gear
Gear is any object, tool, or supplies that you physically use to accomplish a task. Tools are great because they allow us to perform tasks we may otherwise not be able to do. They as also allow us to be more efficient and effective in the work.
Pro
- Wide range of capabilities
- Work is much easier
- Saves time
Con
- Expensive
- For specific situations only
- Gear breaks or can be lost
Knowledge
The collective information a person has learned in their life. In the absence of tools and gear, knowledge allows us to create them or to find a different way of completing a task. Knowledge is always with us, never breaks, and is flexible in its use.
Pro
- Cannot be lost or stolen
- Can always be used or rebuilt
- Can be adapted for the situation
Con
- Some tasks absolutely require tools
- Work is difficult
- Time intensive
Middle Ground
Obviously the middle ground here is the intelligent choice. You will want gear to make things easier, but of course you should have both the skills to use your gear, and the skills to survive if you have no gear.
Which is more important to you?
If you were to ask someone like Tom Brown, he would say you don’t need gear at all, simply the knowledge to survive. However, most modern preppers aren’t that skilled at wilderness survival. So, at this point in your prepping which do you value more? Tell us what you are doing to improve both areas.