The traditional connotation of “Survivalist” is not good and usually involves crazy people with lots of guns, too much camouflage, and a bomb shelter full of food. You and I both know this isn’t true. There are “survivalists” in all walks of life with various levels of gear and preps.
I wrote descriptions of a few common types of modern survivalists. Which are you?
*Please Remember* These descriptions are obviously broad, sweeping generalizations and should not be taken too seriously. They are simply my thoughts on the types of survivalists and preppers I have noticed since getting involved in the community.
1. The Off-Grid
The Off Grid Survivalist lives off the land in a “homesteading” type of way. They grow and produce as much of their own food as possible and get their energy in non-traditional means. To call someone who is off-grid a survivalist can sometimes be a misnomer because they don’t always stockpile food and seeds the way other preppers do since they are already living the life.
2. The Serious Prepper
The serious prepper lives in a more traditional manner but often has an extensive Bug Out Location stocked with lots of gear. The serious prepper spends all of his or her available time and money on prepping and gear, and has the stuff to show for it. The Serious Prepper might be a contradiction in terms because they often think of prepping and gear testing as their hobby and fun time, so it’s not really work, but at the same time they take it all very seriously.
3. The Average Citizen
In my opinion this is probably the most common type of survivalist out there. The Average Citizen Survivalist lives in a regular home and his or her friends and family may not even know they are a “survivalist” They spend a small or moderate amount of their money on preps and gear, concentrating mostly on events that are likely to happen, such as regional emergencies and extended power outages. They will most often have a Bug Out Bag prepared.
What are You?
Do you fit into one of these descriptions? Or in the more likely event that are you somewhere in between, tell us a little bit about your preps and survival philosophy.
Also, if you have other “types of survivalists” I’d be happy to add them to the list.
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I'm pretty new to prepping. I've been a resident of Florida my entire life… Despite having been effected in various forms by hurricanes, I have never had an emergency kit.. never stored extra food, etc. I prep now because I don't trust our socio-economic future and feel like we are 3 meals away from seeing humanity at it's worst (and God at his finest). I dont have a bunker or a years supply of food…, but that isn't because I don't want them… it's because I haven't been able to aquire them YET.
I understand exactly where you are coming from.
Until recently I was never a "survivalist" either. I have lots of good experience but I wasn't consciously prepping and things.
I couldn't agree more about our delicately balanced society. All it takes in one good catastrophe and it's off the deep end.
I don't have those things either, Yet
but I'm getting there one step at a time.
when and if the time comes you would be welcome to come into our area we did not have all that stuff when we started either but like you said one step at a time one thing though do you have a car/truck/SUV that is dedicated to Buging out?
Thanks that's really generous of you.
Unfortunately I do not. I'm fresh out of college and still driving a Saturn. Hard to get rid of 30+ mpg these days).
I just don't have the money for something bigger right now, but of course that's on the wish list.
its a great thing to look into for a project but go to a junk yard and get just the fram to a JEEP i drive a grand cherokee but my project is to build a BOV(bug out veichle)
sometimes I feel like I'm one step away from being the guy with a sandwhich board on that says "THE END IS NEAR"…
If you were a Marine you're ahead of the game in ways that count. You have mental toughness and self-discipline. You have relevant skills. You are better off than the average civilian with or without the supplies you intend to buy over time.
It's not how I would choose to go about it, but these days I really understand where that guy is coming from.
I am somewhere in between the serious prepper, and the average citizen. I am concerned with what is going on, but I don't yet have the preps to show for it.
I also am starting to get seriuos. My wife says what for, we are old 60+ and if things get that bad she does not want to live to see it. Our 5 children are spead out all over the county, and would not be able to get hear. (25 miles from nyc). But I am strong minded and don’t give up.. I have enough for a few months and ammo enough to protect it.
Sounds good. I have grand parents in their 60s with no preps but something tells me they would last longer than a lot of people in the event of collapse.
Josh, I think that is probably where the majority of us are. I've been getting gear piece by piece. It is pretty amazing how fast you can accumulate gear.
I agree, I started buying food preps a couple months ago, when Lucas publishedhttp://survivalcache.com/survival-food-pyramid/ . Working on a budget of 20- 30$ a month, I now have enough food for my family of six for almost a month.
That is AWESOME. I have a family as well and it is certainly a challenge trying to do this on a larger scale. I have 4 (including myself) in my family… aside from the cost associated with buying large quantities of supplies… I also run into issues of storage. Keeping 3 months of food for a family of 4 is not a simple task. If you really think about that… it's a ONE YEAR supply of food for one person.
I live in the suburbs and see bugging out as a much more likely scenario than me staying here in my house that is literally riddled with windows (I never realized how poor my security was until I started prepping)
I've moved my mindset to gearing up so that I have the ability to Bug Out and create my own food. Survival Garden, Hunting, Canning, Water Purification, etc
The first thing I did when I started prepping was build a bug out bag. After going through this resourcehttp://www.thereadystore.com/readysteps-videos/ma… I have considerably changed my mindset. I highly recommend you at least print out the worksheets from the link, I have found them very helpful in my planning.
Thanks for the encouragement. I know what you mean about the amount of food needed for three months, I am almost out of storage space already, (I am trying to contain every thing in a filing cabinet in the garage). I also live in the city in the middle of what will probably be prime looting territory. For the time being however, we are trying to be semi-self-sustainable. We have parts of a garden planted in four raised beds in the back, and the two front flower beds. We also now have six chickens in between our shed and garage. The home is the largest investment most families ever make. I am trying to make the home sustainable, instead of running off and leaving the equivelent of over 120,000$. I do however have bug-out gear packed for those emergencies where an evacuation is necessary i.e. wild fires near the home, rioting. I spent the first ten years of my life in Florida and would recommend that you focus your bug-out gear as more of an evac bag. If the world were to end, I would be loading up the majority of my personal belongings and moving to a remote location (Lord willing and the creek dont rise).
My plan for evacuation is to leave Florida… I have some higher ground in Texas that I hope to be able to get to before things get really bad. I have basic GHB in our vehicles (basic tools, first aid, water, clif bars, blankets, shoes/socks, hats, gloves), a decent BOB (but I do need to add some more pieces) and I'm building a series of Bug Out Bins. I consider my Bag to be a RED ALERT leave NOW— RUN! and my bins will progress from additional essential items, ammo, and practical tools in the 1st bin to comfort items in bin#3. (something I picked up from Preps: Evacuation Planhttp://bisonrma.blogspot.com/2010/04/preps-evacua…
That sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the link, I will be checking it out soon. Where in Florida are you living?
I guess I'm an Average guy who is doing some prep with food and gear, but I have a list of skills that are for not only for survival but other situations as well. other than your basic survival skills. Most of you have most likely gone 4 wheeling but how many of you can fly an airplane or a helo, I can. How about sailing. and celestrial navigation. can you swim or use scuba. or do you know how to save someones life. had life guard or EMT training. I haven't done motorcycle or horseback riding yet but they're on my list.Why? because in some countries you might only beable to find a motorcycle or a boat to get out of town. and if the disaster is big enough and the roads a blocked .I'm heading for the nearest airport. Alot of flying clubs have to many planes and not enough pilots to take their planes out or there might be one there for the taking. There is more than one way to survive. I have a big list but I have a lot checked off.
Jerry,
Welcome to SurvivalCache. It seems like you have a lot of great experience in the survival preparedness area, but I'm glad to hear you are working on stocking preps too.
I'm still young and I have my own checklist of "survival" training that I not only plan on doing, but am absolutely looking forward to. I want to get prepared AND enjoy the trip.
Thanks for telling us about your prepping philosophy.
have you any thought on SCUBA diving its is not only great recreation but it can save your butt lol
I would love to get SCUBA certified. It's on my to-do list, but of course have to find the money first.
I went snorkeling in the Keys a couple years ago and since then I've been hooked and wanting to do more ever since.
I myself am not so new to as you call it preping. I am one of the few that live in the country because it is one of the easiest places to jump out from once the call goes out, and that is what it will be is a call, my friends and I have a spot all picked out to meet at. we have a phone tree system in place with all the teams numbers in place we love to test it from time to time. all that needs to happen is one call and within 30-45 mins we are all on the road within 1.5 hours we are at the first point in our journey.
it is great to find people of like mind in your area to associate with and talk about the unthinkable happening. we also have the help your neighbor philosiphy if anyone of us knows of a friend in need we all show up and help them out even if it is some one that a few of us have never meet before. I can think of a few times where the majority of the group had no clue who the person was that needed repairs done or just a hand getting things back on track.
Caine,
That sounds like a pretty good support system you have going there.
I'd have to be really really good friends with some people to trust them Post-TEOTWAWKI. Not because they aren't good people, simply because any person, good or bad, will do many things if they are starving and hopeless.
However it sounds like your group is all on board the prepared wagon. If that's the case you'll have quite a powerful group.
thanks lucas another thing to keep in mind when or if you make a group is to make sure they are dependable people, like minded, and someone you would ride the river with. that means they will not run when the going gets tough but will stay and help. I also make it a habbit to cross train my men like a cook could also be an armour. stuff like that.
I think you need more than 3 categories. There is the 'non prepper', there is also the 'raider'(who we all hate).
I am bugging in and have 200 lbs of rice and several hundred cans of veggies and meat. Have 13 Chickens and plans on meat rabbits.
I'm close to the serious prepper but far from the average citizen.
Davemon
Davemon,
There are probably more than a couple different categories of preppers and survivalists that I left out. the "Gun Nut" is another good one. (The guy who has 100 guns and no food, but is "Prepared") Maybe he is the raider you're talking about.
The article was mostly just for fun and to get people thinking about the approach to prepping.
Congrats on your livestock by the way, that's a great renewable food source
hate is a strong word but I get what you mean Davemon the raiders will do just as much if not more damage than what ever it is we as survivalists are running from you will see old hatreds come alive again and this time we might not survive all the hatred but by god i am going to do my best to be ready for it when it comes.
I also agree with Lucas good job with the livestock its not easy having all those animals atleast for me its not easy so i leave it to the pros lol
Thats the direction I am going, stocking food, raising chickens, gardening, etc. Its great to be prepared to bug-in, but you should really have a bugout plan in place for those scenarios where you really just dont have a choice (i.e. wild fire near the home, hurricane, etc.). I dont think any of us would really choose leaving over staying unless the situation demands it.
that is right it all depends on the situation and most of the people that would pull out to save their skin would wait till it is almost to late it would be a tough call but one that might need to be made in order to save the lives of your family.
I think there are hybrids of all of these.
I personally am the citizen type, but my personal plan is to get in, get gear, and get out. The serious prepper faces the problem of people finding out about al the food they have after TEOTWAWKI and then they have to hold the house against the world. The off the grid person, once found, will be raided, and left to die after all their resources have been taken. If I can grab all the stuff I need, get out, and hide until the main heat is over, and then move out and begin procuring even more food. Davemon has it right. All of the nonpreppers will die off or be killed, and then I can come out and gather what I need. without going raider style, of course.
In those scenerios that would work. however, I'd like to hear the cars as they're getting close to me, even though the sirens would drive me crazy-better crazy then run over. And if i stayed to help and it wasn't a survival situation, I'd still like to hear the guy on the back hoe as he swings his 1 ton bucket by me and yells, "move, your in my way"! It's a survival thing with me.
yeah lucas but you have an advantage over the normal preper by having this site. I think this is one of the best sites i have found where we can all talk and get new ideas about how to prep better and we dont get called all the dirty names that the liberals call us here cause we are all like minded being prepaired for the worst but still a hope that nothing like this will need to happen I for one dont want to see TEOTWAWKI but some times thing like this happen so i am prepaired and practice skills months on end just so i am not sitting one my ass hoping that the governent will come in and tell me this is going to happen and you have no say. I started to see all this was going to be needed at a young age and i loved the woods it was my sanctuary growing up as an only child in the backwoods of Maine. I know that some day what i have learned will be needed and we just dont know it yet.
stay cool and get prepared.
Chuck
Thanks for the compliments on the site.
I know what you mean about having good discussion. At first I was on all the message boards and forums, but those places are just absolutely filled with people ready to tell you that your gear is crap, and your doing this wrong, and that wrong and bla bla bla.
Fortunately, I do have this site. I won't tolerate that kind of negativity and I'll delete comments that are that way. (I haven't had to yet though, which is good.
That doesn't mean that I'm not open to disagreement or debate, I certainly am. It just has to be in an adult and constructive way.
As I looked around at all the other "survival" sites I tried to see what was best about them to decide how to run my site.
From the beginning I decided that:
A) The site was going to actively teach people, and not just follow my personal prepping and things. Some sites that do that are good and I read them, but after a while it just gets old.
B) I was going to completely leave news and politics off the site. That is where you into trouble. I'm not afraid to debate anyone on anything, but not on this site. I keep it strictly survival. There are plenty of other sites for that kind of stuff.
you know when i was growing up i wish i had a site like this to help keep my happy butt out of trouble but i did not even have internet at my house it was all books on how to do house repairs and then my other favorites that kept me busy my survival manuels that i got from friends but i had to teach myself most of what i know then i had the chance one day a met a ritired army ranger DI and things have not been the same for me my biggest draw back is my size I am not a little guy and trying to sneak around trainging is not as easy for me as it would be for a guy half my size but I found guys around my size with minds like mine and we have become a happy band of brothers I am just the unoffical leader because I have not lost touch with my younger years yet I still like taking off for parts unknown and mapping out where i have been and not been yet lol
And thats the ethic that we all appreciate, its what keeps people coming back
I just found this site and It really seems like a good resource for preparedness minded people, I guess I would consider myself a serious prepper. I don't have a detailed Bug Out Plan yet, but I am very concerned and aware of what's going on, and (thankfully) have the preps to show for it, but there is still so much more to do
Parabellum,
Welcome and glad to have you. I hope you find the site helpful.
I think you might be the first one (except maybe Chuck) to say they are the "Serious Prepper" very cool.
i find myself between the average citizen and the serious prepper, but mostly because i carry a certain number of things on my person at all times, just in case. these items are partly defense oriented items and partly due to the fact that i live in alaska, and alaska, while being the best state in the U.S., is also a place where even in the main city one can die of hypothermia just waiting for the bus if one isnt prepared.
i also go this route because ive witnessed and experienced some really bad situations in my life and this has promoted a preparedness mindset coupled with a tendency to try to constantly be aware and "watching my six."
someday though i hope to go to the full serious prepper, the only thing really holding me back is money, raising 3 kids is sure spendy. so we dont have the food stockpiles, but ive got much of the gear due to my hunting and camping hobbies. anyways, good article, keep em coming.
truemonster,
Never under estimate the power of a good EDC system. Yours might be more serious than a lot of people since you live in Alaska.
I've found through this site that people have all kinds of different reasons for being prepared and moving towards a prepared lifestyle, but the fact that you recognize the needs in a huge part of it.
Thanks for the compliments and thanks for joining in the discussion.
Dogs are great to have around the house. I have two, a german sheppard who guards outside and a lab that guards inside. However, if shtf and I take these two dogs they are going to do what they have been taught, that is to bark at intruders. So if i'm trying to hide my family in the woods from others who would do us harm, I will not take them. They will give our position away and therefore bring harm to my family. Having said that, if you have trained your dog not to bark or if you have surgically removed the larynx from the dog, and taught them not to run off or run after game, by all means i would take them. There are other ways of knowing when the dog alerts. Just a thought
Bailing wire? or Safety wire w/safety wire pliars……..
Dental floss? (waxed) Works for teeth. Also sewing repair…. sails, clothing etc. A lot stronger than thread/string and it can withstand the elements.
By the way, I hope I’m not the only woman on this site!
You are not.
Thank you Sunnie!
What type of survivalist are you?
you're not, don't worry
I think there might be another militaristic survival catagory that prepares more toward being combat ready than anything else, I probably fall in between this catagory and the average citizen along with many other Americans. I love this site, it’s nice to know there are so many aspiring survivalist keep up the good work guys.
I'm the average "Citizen Joe", I do some prepping but not as much as I'd prefer. I on the other hand do have true survival skills as I was a Survival Instructor. Having survival skills don't make the situation any easier, they actually help by your ability to asses the surroundings first then make a decision of action. Anyone can do this, but most people panic and don't think clearly in emergency situations. The way you learn to think is to pay attention to details such as watching your mirrors while driving, know where cars are, watch for brake lights three to four cars in front. Paying attention to your surroundings, is a simple skill that can be applied every situation.
I am a sort of philosophical preper.Unfortunately I do not have the funds to stock up much.
A.L.C.
There is a blog called survival mom she has a list posted there of the things you can buy for your kit for 5$. here is the link.
http://thesurvivalmom.com/2010/05/18/5-dollar-pre… also.. there is the list for you to look ar copied from her site..
Here is an entire list of food and gear you can get for just $5:
Food
Five gallons of purified water
4 pounds of Sugar
5 pounds of Flour
1.5 quarts of cooking oil
Two cases of bottled water
4 cans of fruit
5 pounds of rice
5 Pounds of Spaghetti
4 Cans of Potatoes
4 Cans of Vegetables
4 Cans of Beans
2 bottles of garlic powder or other spices
A case of Ramen noodles
Five packages of instant potatoes
4 Cans of Soup
2 12 ounce cans of chicken or tuna
Two 12.5 ounce cans of Salmon
5 pounds of Oatmeal
5 packages of corn bread mix
3 Pounds of dry beans
2 Jars Peanut Butter
2 boxes of yeast
8-10 pounds of Iodized salt
A can of coffee
10 Boxes of generic brand Mac&Cheese
Non-Food Items
A manual can opener
Two bottles of camp stove fuel
100 rounds of .22lr ammo
25 rounds of 12 ga birdshot or small game loads
20 rounds of Monarch 7.62×39 ammo
a spool of 12lb test monofilament fishing line
2 packages of hooks and some sinkers or corks
3 Bic Lighters or two big boxes of matches
A package of tea candles
50 ft of para cord
A roll of duct tape
A box of nails or other fasteners
A flashlight
2 D-batteries, 4 AA or AAA batteries or 2 9v batteries
A toothbrush and tooth paste
A bag of disposable razors
8 bars of ivory soap (it floats)
A box or tampons or bag of pads for the ladies
2 gallons of bleach
Needles and thread
OTC Medications
2 bottles 1000 count 500 mg generic Tylenol (acetometaphin)
2 bottles 500 count 200 mg generic advil (ibuprofen)
2 boxes 24 cound 25 mg generic Benadryl (diphenhydramine HCI)–also available at walgreens under “sleep aids.”
4 bottles 500 count 325 mg aspirin
2 boxes of generic sudafed
4 bottles of alcohol
a box of bandages (4×4)
Hope that helps
Start at the Dollar Store. I packed individual day packs (bug out bags) and put them in each family member’s car. The following items can be found at your local Dollar Store for your kits: Spam, canned spaghetti, meet in foil pouches like tuna, salmon and chicken, chili, beef stew, instant noodles, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, crackers, coffee, hot coco, sports bars, powdered drinks*, canned nuts, canned fruit, dried fruit, rice, oat meal, cous cous, bullion cubes, olive oil, season salt, Tabasco, and of course a case of water.
*I like powdered drinks like Tang or raspberry flavored drinks because you can also use them for spicing up your food. Tang and season salt on fish, raspberry drink and season salt on game.
Continued:
In addition to the food you can find candles, lighters, flash lights, duct tape, foil, zip top bags, garbage bags, plastic sheeting, first aid stuff, toiletries, and more there.
Add road flares, fix-a flat, machete, folding shovel, and some snivel gear (warm gear) and your ready for most SHTF situations.
The rule of thumb is to eat the heavy food first. The exception to that is if you are in an area that has water but are moving into and area that does not. Save the food with high moisture content like the canned fruit. With the old C-Rations I saved the canned fruit for the end of the patrol when I might be running low on water. It was a great way to rehydrate and get an energy boost.
Personal favorite field meal: Spaghetti with cured spicy sausage, Jiffy Pizza Crust ($0.77) focaccia and a mug of red wine.
I live in a major city but have around 40 undeveloped acres a few hours from where i live. As of now water, wildlife and woods. Plans to build a bunker on the property actually (i know, I know!) but its more for secure storage than weathering WWIII as we will only have a semi permanent structure(yurt) on the property. Other than that I am a Katrina survivor. I am an intuitive and gifted urban survivalist. I know where I live. I know Im very likely to end up being stuck where I live. Therefore my primary focus is my immediate surroundings augmented by wilderness survival skills. Im very prepared in terms of skills and moderately prepared in terms of gear.
Such the prepper am I..
I think another catagory an offshoot to the serious preper is the Para Military. Unlike the average citizen and off the grid survivalist there are many former Military /Police/Government types active and retired that still maintain equipment, training ..thinking that keeps them in a quazi state of readiness. They have firearms of all variations and military grade gear and quipment. They often still live within the confines of and among the average citizens and see them selves as the Sheep dogs to the sheep(public), watching out for the wolves"Terrorists/Criminals" they live thier lives as a hybred of all three not focusing too much on one untill needed.
Pinkerton,
Do you count yourself among their number? How exactly can you survive with weapons and weapons training alone unless you are planning on stealing from others?
me i am 3 . i have over 500 acres paided off .2 wells ,complet butching,and live stock. when it hits the fan my mom and dad come to me , my brother comes to me,my 2 kids stay away they only know me when they wont something (money). i have been told by my girl that i am a cold harted butthole.my exwife fokes raised them becouse i worked for this day. i paided off a20 year morage in 7 years. nobody helped me ! but the ones that stod be hind me and said they new i could do it . i am putting soal and wind power next mouth.i have a bid on 300 acres next to me,and 750 next to mom witch joyns me then i am done buying. these are cash price.i dont belive in loans.
I have lived off grid before and hope to do it again post TEOTWAWKI. As long as the economy still has breath I will work for "the man". I am a serious prepper (mountain retreat, food and ammo storage, planning to build a forge,etc.) I think when the economy tanks it will be almost overnight. Within two weeks infrastructure will fail due to worthless currency, and radical groups(terrorists?) taking advantage of the situation and smashing the grid. "Who is John Gault?"
I am an outdoor enthusiast who has some serious gear for camping/hunting purposes which double as survival gear. I love the outdoors, and therefor have a bug out bag as just a basic camp bag – It gets tossed in the boat, the four-wheeler, or truck for emergency and practical uses. Everything in my bag gets routine use (except emergency blanket and first aid kit) – I own plenty of guns for all types of game as well as loads for home defense. I fish quite often and consider a collapsible pole and flies to be a pretty good piece of gear to keep packed for both recreation and emergencies. I live too close to Cabela's I guess
I think "sportsmen" should be in its own class – we are "preppers" by default, but do not buy everything with survival in mind as much as we see the necessity for certain pieces of gear as basic needs for enjoying our hobbies. Reading terrain, weather/water patterns, understanding plant and animal life, reading tracks, etc. is just part of hunting/fishing and isn't necessarily a "survivalist" mentality, but it obviously doubles as survivalists skills.
Jake, I think you have hit the nail on this post. Sportsmen and women in this country have a different mindset every time we walk out the door. We seek adventure and prepare for what the adventure will and "could" present us with. My go bag is an old hand-me-down canvas backpack, siular to an Alice bag, and is well over 15 years old. Regardless of the days journey, it is with me. My family says its my "Bag of Tricks". Prepping has become a way of life since Scouting instilled the motto, "Be prepared".
i guess im the crazy nut job with way to many guns food and ammo with the exception of havin electricity which i have a generator and some solar i have one room in my house dedicated to food storage i grow a garden raise a cpl cows have around 50 chickens r more along with a pear tree a apricot tree along with 3 pecan trees all behind my privacy fence
I am a average citizen/prepper. I own a few firearms and I am stocking up on some food and ammo and some gear.I plan more on bugging in then out,though I am working on a bug out vehicle.. I live in a low population erea but alot of them are marginal citizens at best.That is why I have the bugout option. Steve
the other type that is not listed here is what some call "THE RAIDER" a well armed, opportunistic individuals looking to take what they can when they can instead of prepping in advance like they should. although it is a "survival plan" it is not good news for most traditional preppers. yes there will be hundreds of thousands of people running around getting what they can but the "raider" is the deadliest of all. security precautions should be taken to say the least!
and no im not one but i have ran into some in my life. they are not to be underestimated.
hi just found this site, very good to see i'am not alone. i've been a prepper for a long time but changed my veiws some what in a small scale problem i would get by with my family easliy but if it all went up in hell. well then not sure now you see i know we need a social net work to live doctors, dentist, farmers, nurses, it is on good being a jack of all and master of none every single person is important to are survival with out a good social net work are family hurts and we can not help then all the prepairing we do will be for nothing. i live in england where they do not let you have guns and other things like america so it is harder to get ready for the big day
but now i feel the best long term chance is the raider as the right military training may see you survive until a social net work returns as with out this we are all horrible animals
I fall under the average citizen category, given the definitions you listed above. We plan for the most likely regional threats – hurricanes and crime (riots etc). We plan to "bug in" unless we absolutely have to evacuate. We budget a small portion of our income every month to preparing, and count on our skills and planning to carry us through.
I am just getting into this really I have grown up hunting and camping so I would say that I have a leg up on some people. I have several weapons but believe that one can never have to many
I am working on stocking up on ammunition. I do not have a stock pile of food but would like to change that as well. I have a loose plan on what I would do if our world should take a turn for the worse. however for my plan to be successful I still need to purchase a 4×4 vehicle so that is what I am saving for right now to be followed by several more guns and of course more ammo. I wouldnt say I have a stockpile of food however when shopping I tend to buy a little extra to put back in the cuboard. I try to have at least some extra food on hand at all times. Like most people have said it is the $$ that keeps me from doing everything that I want to concerning survival but I am working at it slowly.
I just recently found this site and find it very uplifting to find so many diversified folks with self preservation in mind. I might add a couple notes on publications that I have found to be useful. The Backwoodsman Magazine and The Backwoods Home Magazine are full of insight to preparedness. Not to forget the Boy Scout Handbook, the original "BE PREPARED" motto is the first rule of scouting. At 55 y/o, I have tried to live by that motto for more than 46 years and it has served me well.
As for prepping and what kind of a survivalist I would call myself? I am a SURVIVOR. I have the will to survive, the skill sets to survive, training, a plan of action (A, B,C, and D if need be), and stores cached in more than one location and direction.
Living in a suburb area of a large metroplex, I am prepared for the basic catastrophy (weather, riots/ civil unrest, earthquake etc) for an extended period of time without electricity, water and social convenience.
I do not consider prepping for apocoliptic demise of the world, beyond my fall back point. From there I have what is needed to sustain and protect my family and extended family in the long term.
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I would consider myself to be be a survivor, I have collected a huge variety of skills through my life(not a long one but never the less). I have a few plans for how to survive when SHTF. Since I live in the EU (Sweden) I'm realy concerned about all new laws and legislations that are emerging here in the EU. They have just passed a law that will come in affect in a couple of months and that law will bee the end of all free media, since the law gives the EU the right to controll and check all media.
Growing up on a farm, hunting, fishing, and loving the outdoors has provided a great background for me. I remember becoming obsessed with living off the land and becoming self sustained after reading "My side of the Mountain" and "Hatchet" in like 4th grade. Only after leaving the farm and going away to college have I truly realized how completely oblivious others are to the delicate society in which we live in.
Right now I have nothing but my knowledge and experience, along with my B.O.B (which is such a hard thing to explain to others why I have an ALICE pack in my dorm room filled with various thing I can use to survive.) But if i were to make it home, I would be a nearly off-grid and serious prepping survivalist. I am in ROTC ,an avid outdoorsman, and possess skills a majority of the population has no need or care for, at least until TSHTF.
Its pretty cool to see how other people prepare and debate different topics, great site
"My Side of the Mountain" was a good read as a kid. I still have my copy and will be giving it to my nephew, who already loves the outdoors and hope this stimulates his wanting to read. I used the same tactic on my step-son, who now is an avid reader. I've seen the article on getting spouses involved in the prepping, but we cannot forget the kids, as they are the true future.
I'm definitely the "Off The Grid" type.
I have found a slingshot/wrist rocket is very useful. For small game, river rocks work well, usually smooth and rounded, but for bigger game, muzzleloading round balls seem to work better than the steel ball bearings most associate with slingshot "ammo". I carried a slingshot during my tour to the sandbox for OIF and found it worked to keep feral dogs and cats in check and officers mad…lol. During my tests, the 45 cal lead round balls seem to perform the best, enough weight for kinetic energy and yet light enough for velocity.
i wait for it to happen and use what i see like plants growing on there own but i have some gear oh and like junk i will find a way to make a trap from it or something
Sadly, I seem to fall into the “Average Citizen” zone. The few pluses is that I’m good in the EDC category, am thinking about preparedness, both of the family vehicles are 4x4s, and I am a camper by choice for vacationing purposes.
Found this site soon after the Japanese disaster happened. Been reading it daily and making lists and prioritizing purchases. The wife or as another poster calls his “She Who Must Be Obeied” is still in the “That’s nice dear” phase, but slow and steady wins the race.
My big problem is that I’m in San Francisco, bug out is to the North (crossing the Golden Gate Bridge), East (crossing the Bay Bridge) or South (driving thru the gang infested part of town).
Well I have to say I’m not sure where I fall I am a long haul trucker I dont have a BOB I have a KW T2000 I keep well stocked with groceries enough for 2 to 3 weeks I’m well armed, maintain 3 levels of first a kit from basic first aid to trauma kit. My truck is equipped with a back up generator that powers my fridge and GE dual burner hot plate as well as maintaining trucks batteries. I have always been a live off the land back woods camper/hiker so I do have my satchel with both traditional firesteel and flint and moderen magesium backed flint and steel, a zip lock bag of 2″ squares of char cloth a small can used to make more char cloth a 9′x12′ heavy canvas drop cloth makes great mostly water proof shelter, zip ties, my hat band is about 40′ of paracord braided together etc basically my prep is just what you might find on any otr drivers truck whos e been at it for awhile. If a SHTF scenario happens I should say when it happens I’m already rolling with a 53′ refer trailor filled with food as I drive for a major grocerery store chain.
I enjoy hearing where everyone is coming from and how they are preparing. I see many of us have developed our backgrounds from childhood and it has stuck with us. One of the things I am working on now is increasing my household and food supply quantities and rotating the supplies. I am also trying to increase my supply of ammunition. I try and stay with a commonality of calibers such as same shotgun guage for everyone in the family. The same goes for the hanguns and hunting rifles. If we are all using the same caliber we can stock up on the ammo and be more easily prepared for reloading. I try and buy a couple of boxes of ammunition with each paycheck. Along with whatefer else I buy, I .22 ammo. I think the .22 rimfire could be one of the most commonly needed and used calibers. I am also looking at the .22 conversions for the hanguns such as Glock.
i would rather get killed by a gun than wounded with a bow. i would not mess with a person who had a bow, close range…of course.
I have been urban homesteading for a few decades now; I have “get-to-my-shelter” bags (individual, household, vehicle, dog) and a small “Altoid” type in my purse. I have supply stores and caches (not just food); Defense/Safety/Security; gardening; communications; hardcopy library and digital; I’m always learning something new by attending “live colonial”, crafts and Native American events, etc … Am a member of my neighborhood group; have a formal individual and group preparedness plan; primary & secondary retreats, as well as various routes to get to each from my usual activities, even if on foot; I have “Prepper” and self-reliant family and friends scattered around the U.S.A.; No debts; I work at staying in shape; have previous C.E.R.T., the Red Cross and CB REACT, wilderness backpacking, camping and hunting experience; as well as First Aid training. My self-reliance/preparedness covers the gambit of: Bad Luck/Clumsiness (personal finance crisis; illness/injury; crime; house fire); Natural; Human Made and Metaphysical/Spiritual (Armageddon, Nostradamus, etc). I am also a firm believer that you can’t buy self-reliance or preparedness you have to do it and live it.
“Be Prepared …
the meaning of the motto is that a scout must prepare himself by previous thinking out and practicing how to act on any accident or emergency so that he is never taken by surprise.”
Sir Robert Baden-Powell
(British Army Officer, founder of the Boy Scouts, 1857-1941)
Although I consider myself the “Boy Scout/Coast Guard” type – Be Prepared/Always Prepared I guess by your description I fall into your Serious Prepper, however I don’t spend all my time, energy or monies on preparedness – I actually spend most of my time, energy and monies on self-reliance, which lends itself to preparedness, yet in my book is different.
From a 50 Something, urban homesteading, Prepper; I share Preparedness, Homesteading, Self-reliance knowledge & doc's at: http://nmurbanhomesteader.blogspot.com/ & http://www.scribd.com/TNTCrazyLady
Today is the Tomorrow that you worried about Yesterday – Prep On ;-}
i'm the first type, i live in the woods as a matter of course, off-grid, off pipe and simple as possible, I'm crappy at cooking and all phases of food production. however when TSHTF i have a lot of other skills that would be in demand and barterable, #1 being nursing/trauma care. I have herbal and pharmaceutical knowledgeand can grow medicinal plants. I stockpile drygoods and canned food, but for long-term, i'd barter healthcare for food. Also most folks want a guitar player around their campfire and would toss a biscuit my way. Prepping is maximizing what you know and networking that around what you don't makes a strong community. Which i also have out here in the woods. We're defensible asn isolated, and long-time local. I worry more about being trapped away from home, but i know all the ways to get back, and always carry my get-home kit.
Totally unpreped
im a mix beteen serios prepper and off the grid, and cheese slid off the cracker a few years back when they elected Osama obama to the white house
I am what you might call " The Unknown Prepper" I simply go thru my life trying to help people along the way, I do not think I am better than anyone I just try to be prepared.
Imagine if you could go back in time just 50 years ago and tell the people what type of country the United States has become from just a moral stand point.
We have Abortion on demand, God is a second class citizen at best in this country, we are 14 trillion in debt. Some people treat our Troops like Dirt. and so on, Now how long do you think it would take them to form a lynch mob or have us commited ?
One day something will happen it could be Weather related , Terrorist, Government take over, Or something as simple as running out of gas on a trip to the mountains in the winter.
In the end it really does not matter you will have the prepared and the un prepared.
I would have to disagree with your classifications a bit. You suggest that the "Average Citizen" preps, has gear and food put away, and has a bug out bag. I believe that the "Average Citizen" is completely asleep at the switch and is in for a Rude Awakening in the event of a large scale, serious, regional or national emergency. The "Average Citizen" has only the food that is in the pantry and fridge and no clue what a BOB is or a GOOD plan of any kind. i wished it were otherwise but in my humble opinion, it just 'aint so…
Before you can answer that question, what are your limits/limitations? Do you have a chronic
health condition. Being prepared for short term crisis is common sense. Many could not manage
without modern medicines. Its why people over 60 were rare 100 years ago.
I am somewhere between Average Citizen and Serious Preper. My dad was raised during the Cold War. His entire family (extended Included) had BOBs, BOLs, Interlocking / Independent Bug Out Plans, Gas Masks, Bomb Shelters, and a few weapons caches and supply caches stored around BOLs. Also, livestock and seed for farming. People look back at that and laugh, but I look back at that and ask: What has Really Changed? I've run into a lot of resistance in this topic from those who think I'm CRAZY because I carry enough gear in my SUV to go camping for a week at any given moment. ( I could actually go much longer if necessary) I'M NOT CRAZY!!! I don't think that the Incontrovertable Evidence of an Impending Global Catastrophy is a for sure thing or that Zombies are a likely occurance, but Camping is fun. I do think the Internet (though useful) is overrated, and most TV shows suck. I like Shooting, Camping, and 4Wheeling. Throw in a gas mask, some seeds, and a GOOD plan and suddenly I'm a Nut!!
am somewhere between Average Citizen and Serious Preper. My dad was raised during the Cold War. His entire family (extended Included) had BOBs, BOLs, Interlocking / Independent Bug Out Plans, Gas Masks, Bomb Shelters, and a few weapons caches and supply caches stored around BOLs. Also, livestock and seed for farming. People look back at that and laugh, but I look back at that and ask: What has Really Changed? I've run into a lot of resistance in this topic from those who think I'm CRAZY because I carry enough gear in my SUV to go camping for a week at any given moment. ( I could actually go much longer if necessary) I'M NOT CRAZY!!! I don't think that the Incontrovertable Evidence of an Impending Global Catastrophy is a for sure thing or that Zombies are a likely occurance, but Camping is fun. I do think the Internet (though useful) is overrated, and most TV shows suck. I like Shooting, Camping, and 4Wheeling. Throw in a gas mask, some seeds, and a GOOD plan and suddenly I'm a Nut!!
I have 10 acres in the rural South. We garden with heirloom seeds and can the extra for winter. We raise chickens, rabbits, and goats. My horse Dakota can plow or get me to town when all other means fail. We have 2 wells, one with an old style hand pump. I'm still tied to the grid, but we maintain a 21kw standby generator that has a 500 gal propane tank for backup power. If that fails I have a gas generator. We keep 3 freezers full and a 1 year supply of rice, beans, wheat, and other dry and canned goods. We also have a wood burning Jotul stove for heat. We recycle everything and do our best to minimize our impact on th environment. I'm raisingmy 3 boys to hunt, fish, garden, ride horseback, make fire, and value hard work. My next project is to purchase a solar power system as insurance in the event of an extended grid down scenario. I love all the cool gear, but feel that knowledge and experience will be far more important when things go bad. I'd say I'm a serious prepper who aspires to be an off-grid survivalist.
What language is that?
I totally agree with the Marine-speak because "I is one" but you just can't help but wonder what the heck is going on and what will happen these days in the face of all of the mid East upheaval and our own issues at home; you really have to balance between the "now" with work and family and what could happen,,,,,,gas prices/shortages, the economy in general, geesh, where do we draw the line?
I agree John, there is another level/degree of preparedness that is something along the lines of being willing and able to defend one's "stuff" if someone comes to try and take it/commandeer it. You have to be in a certain state of mind and have the willingness to do whatever it takes to prevent someone else from harming your friends/family and/or taking your stuff. If you're not willing to do that, then you are going to get taken advantage of and killed or hurt at a minimum.
I totally agree with you here John. After 46 total months of over seas combat I've developed a combat ready style of preparation. I've been designing my kit for mobility…. my biggest struggle is only being able to take about 2 months of food with me as I move out (skilled in hunting but it's always better to have it already there). When SHTF my whole intent is to migrate from the cities and establish a Forward Operating Base to sustain life as best I am able.
umm that means your a average citizen
Hey Josh, if you are concerned for room for your "goodies" you might consider a rubbermaid locker. they are in various sizes, are lockable, waterproof, and can be put in a vehicle, 4×4, etc, if needed. I have the majority of my food wares in one, camping/survival gear in another. I also have a list of the items taped to the inside of the lid so I can inventory. Had to start that due to son and his friends "acquiring" my stash of mres for their camping trips.. invest in the lockable rubbermade totes and problemo solved…
A good book that I found helpful is the "SAS Survical handbook" by John Wiseman. It covers a wide range of topics, gear, and sooo many other helpful information tidbits…a GOOD INVESTMENT
Pretty good list, however I would avoid stocking up on ammo other than what is chambered with your guns. Trading ammo over to unarmed men makes them armed and ready to attempt to have a run upon you for the rest of the stuff you have. Its always best to avoid the confrontation unless its squarely aimed at you. Vodka or smokes on the other hands make a far less compromising barter..
Privacy fence!? Have you not upgraded to razor wire prison fencing yet?
with back up trip wire.
Be careful about the rabbits. you dont need that much of it to get protein poisoning and that would suck in a survival situation no matter what. They are good because they can be meaty if feed enough and they breed in a good tempo.
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