Prepping:
Beyond stockpiling to self-sufficiency

The changing landscape of prepping

Prepping is short for preparation but it seems to conjure an entirely different image than preparation or emergency preparedness. Some people still view it as stocking an underground bunker or learning the skills to become an extreme survivalist but that’s not a holistic view of what it means to be a prepper today.

 

Modern prepping embraces a broader and more sustainable approach to self-sufficiency and preparedness. It’s about building a life that empowers individuals and communities to thrive independently.

 

This shift reflects the evolving challenges and uncertainties in our world, including natural disasters, economic instability, and pandemics. To understand why prepping is relevant today, let's explore its multifaceted aspects:

• Emergency preparedness

• Off-grid living

• Homesteading

 

Before we jump into each aspect, let’s talk about what a prepper is.

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What is a prepper?

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It’s important to note that preparedness isn’t a straight shot with a one-size-fits-all solution, and you don’t have to go full-on doomsday prepper to be ready for most emergencies. It’s a journey involving personal growth and various obstacles.

 

We’ve loosely defined that journey: 

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1. Beginning to wake. This is when you realize the world isn’t the stable, spinning ball of mud you used to think it was. You realize the government may not have your best interests at heart (shocker), that calamities pay no mind to individuals, and Mother Nature has no qualms with wiping out your favorite vacation destinations with one good hurricane. Now is a good time to start organizing some emergency preparedness supplies.
    

2. Sustainable lifestyle. You’ve started realizing that life isn’t as stable “out there” as you may want it to be. You’ve got to take control of your own life and resources. This could include growing a garden, raising livestock, harvesting rainwater, or becoming “off-grid ready.” It’s often easy for people to recognize that living sustainably without depending heavily on external resources is mostly positives and very few negatives. This adds quality and security to your life.
    

3. Prepping with benefits. You are fairly well prepared for any emergency but don’t want to go “full-on prepper” until it’s necessary. You have food storage. You’re growing food, raising animals, and you likely live in a strategic area for survival while still being connected to utilities. You want your daily comforts but will likely adjust well when chaos reigns.
    

4. Active prepper. You may actually be looking forward to SHTF and actively prepping to live a minimalist life off-grid for the rest of time. You process your own animals and know how to preserve your own food. You may already have your own bunker.
    

5. Stocking the bunker. Yep. You’re “that guy” the neighbors (if you had any) would whisper about. You’re probably on a government list for having purchased an unusually large order of fruit cocktail. Your bunker is likely in the process of being stocked, or it’s ready for long-term habitation. You are the doomsday prepper and you’re ready for anything!
    

Whether you’re beginning to wake or stocking your bunker, we’re trying to produce information that will help you on your journey to self-sufficiency. With that, let's cut the fluff, get real, and delve into the nitty-gritty of prepping for survival. 

 

Emergency preparedness

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Emergency preparedness means having a solid game plan and the necessary resources in your back pocket to handle unforeseen events. Think natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires — or societal crises like economic downturns or pandemics.

 

Did we say back pocket? You know that’s a figure of speech, right? You’re going to need a bit more space for prepping supplies than that. 

 

Emergency preparedness begins with being ready for those first 72 hours after disaster strikes. That’s where bug out bags may be necessary. It doesn’t end there. Emergency preparedness means being ready to ride out catastrophe for the long haul, be it 72 hours, 365 days, or 13 years. Each scenario requires a new level of preparedness. 

Emergency preparedness supplies are the things that keep you alive, hydrated, and with a roof over your head. 

 

There are several ways that preppers prepare for emergencies and disasters. We’ll go through them quickly here, but check out this article for a more indepth look at emergency preparedness.

 

Stockpiling SHTF supplies

Prepping isn’t just about turning your basement into your personal Costco or Sam’s Club — with mountains of goods in oversized packaging. Modern prepping is about creating a balanced and sustainable stash. You want non-perishable food, a reliable source of clean water, first-aid supplies, and essential tools like hammers, saws, sewing supplies, and other DIY survival tools. This ensures you can hold your own during short-term emergencies without having to rely on external help.

 

You should also aim for a minimum one-year supply of food storage. Yes, this can be daunting, so we recommend you start with a three month supply and gradually work your way up. There are a lot of considerations when it comes to long-term food storage, and we cover many of them in this post, 1-year food storage list with PDF.

 

Communication and information

Communication is key during emergencies. Preppers recognize the importance of staying informed and they invest in communication tools like two-way radios and satellite phones — well before they need to use them. 

 

These devices become your lifeline when traditional communication methods go haywire. And it's a good idea to coordinate with friends and family. Consider equipping nearby friends and relatives with GMRS radios as they’re easy for anyone to use in a pinch. You’ll also want to develop an effective emergency communication plan.

 

Home defense 

Prepping also involves safeguarding your castle and the people inside it. This can range from simple security measures like fortifying doors and windows to more elaborate setups such as alarm systems, firearm training, and hand-to-hand self-defense classes. Go ahead and justify those Krav Maga classes you’ve been eyeing. 

 

The goal of home defense is to protect the lives of your loved ones — and to protect what you've worked so hard to prepare.

 

Living off the grid

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Modern prepping is centered on developing complete self-sufficiency — while preparing for that moment when life goes sideways and living off the grid becomes necessary. This means living in a way that you don’t have to rely solely on public utilities and infrastructure, which can become vulnerable during disasters or crises. In a world dominated by technology and convenience, off-grid living can be exciting and overwhelming. 

 

Living off the grid is a journey of learning and experimentation, accomplishment and resilience — but it’s not easy. There are a lot of factors to consider, as we learned when we moved to a homestead in the mountains, far from nearly every public service. 

 

There are a lot of advantages and disadvantages to off-grid living, but the good news is that there are a lot of systems that allow you to enjoy your modern conveniences while relying on your own off-grid tech to power it all.

 

Preppers are often adept at living off the grid. We’ll cover a few off-grid considerations here, but check out this article for a more indepth look at living off the grid.

 

Alternative energy sources

Preppers like to experiment with alternative energy sources. You know, like solar panels, wind turbines, and micro-hydro systems. This is some of the off-grid tech that empowers you to generate your own electricity. It's like having your personal power plant, so you're not stuck in the dark when the grid goes down.

 

Alternative energy can be as simple as a backup generator to power a few of your most important appliances (freezers and refrigerators) until the power comes back online. It can be as complicated as a whole-house generator or solar system so you’re not using the grid at all in day-to-day living.

 

Water independence

Prepping involves getting clever with collecting, purifying, and storing water from places like rain, rivers, or wells. It also means having the tools and supplies to filter water so it’s safe to drink. This could come in the form of simple filters, setting up a Berkey on the counter, or installing a whole-house UV water purification system. 

 

Knowing where to get your water and how to purify it can help guarantee a sustainable water supply in times of need.

 

Food production

Let’s talk about grub. Growing and preserving your own food is a cornerstone of self-sufficiency. This is a big deal when you're living off the grid. Many preppers have a little farm with chickens, rabbits, cows, or goats. Being truly prepared is all about making sure you've got a steady source of food. Remember, canned goods don’t replenish themselves. At some point, they’ll run out and you’ll be facing worse consequences than a grumbling belly if you don’t have a way to replace your stockpiles.

 

Grow food, learn to hunt, raise and process animals, and learn the art of canning and preserving, like grandma used to do, to make those meats and veggies last.

 

Waste management

Responsible prepping means handling your waste responsibly — human, food, packaging, and product waste. Prepare to recycle and upcycle products that may have broken, and to remake or mend old clothing. Learn how to compost your food and human waste — but not in the same pile! 

 

As a prepper, you need sustainable sanitation solutions to reduce your environmental impact and protect against disease. Most off-grid locations or scenarios have limited to no services for waste collection.

 

Homesteading

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Homesteading is a crucial aspect of modern prepping. It involves adopting a self-reliant lifestyle by producing as much as possible right in your own backyard — think food, energy, and even goods you can trade with others. 

 

Let’s clarify one thing. Homesteading doesn’t mean going all “Little House on the Prairie” with pioneer dresses and bonnets — depriving yourself of every modern convenience. 

 

Can someone get that message out to the “pioneer” accounts on Instagram? Who really wants to walk through a chicken run or tall grasses covered in bugs while wearing an ankle-length dress? And has anyone actually tried to chop firewood in those dresses? There’s a valid case for modern workwear. 

 

Get yourselves some Crocs or muck boots to wear in the chicken coop so you can hose them down as needed, some workbooks, and some firehose pants from Duluth. Seriously, check out Duluth. After you’ve spent a small fortune to replace your current wardrobe, you may even thank us.

 

Homesteaders are often referred to as the new preppers and it makes sense. They’re prepared to ride out crises for the long term. We’ll cover a few of these items below, but check out this article for more information about homesteading.

 

Sustainable agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is like farming with a twist. To prepare for long-term self-reliance, many preppers practice sustainable farming methods, such as permaculture and crop rotation, to grow as much food as possible on their land. 

 

When you plan out your garden, prioritize heirloom and non-GMO seeds to keep control over your seed stash and ensure your food hasn’t been tampered with before it’s even started growing. And, make sure you save seeds from the produce you grow. You can plant them for next season’s garden.

 

Animal husbandry

Raising livestock like chickens, cows, or goats is common in prepping communities — with many preppers running their own mini farms. If you can’t have big livestock where you are, consider raising some small livestock instead like rabbits or miniature goats.

 

Livestock play an important role in self-sufficiency. By raising livestock, you can cultivate your own food supply and reduce your dependence on the external food system. It’s literally a gift that keeps giving, putting meat, dairy, and eggs on your menu.

 

Preservation and bartering

Preppers often can, smoke, and dry food like pros. Preserving food helps them stock up on extra goodies and even swap them with other homesteaders or folks in the community. That’s what you call bartering and it’s an essential skill when life takes a turn back in time.

 

Learn how to preserve food before you have to rely on it, and rotate what you preserve so you’ve always got good, healthy food storage waiting for a rainy day.

 

DIY skills

Preppers develop a wide range of DIY skills, from carpentry and construction to plumbing and sewing, enabling them to maintain and repair their homesteads, clothing, and equipment.

 

When you develop DIY skills you’re better prepared to build emergency structures, and repurpose or repair household and farm goods. These skills are essential when you’re no longer able to run down to your local Tractor Supply to pick up farm goods — or buy new clothes when you outgrow or tear something. 

 

Why prepping Is relevant today

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Now that we’ve explored three key aspects of prepping, let's delve into why this lifestyle is particularly relevant in today's world.

 

Natural disasters

There’s been an increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Prepping equips individuals and communities with the tools and knowledge to withstand these challenges, helping to ensure their safety and survival.

 

Economic uncertainty 

Economic stability is never guaranteed. Prepping helps people build resilience by reducing reliance on the fragile supply chain and fostering self-sufficiency — whether it’s a nationwide crisis or a job loss.

 

Health crises 

The recent pandemic highlighted the importance of healthcare preparedness. Having essential medical supplies and knowledge of basic healthcare practices can be life-saving especially when stores are closed or entering them is restricted.

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Energy and resource scarcity 

Prepping encourages the development of alternative and sustainable energy solutions, reducing dependence on municipal services that may be affected by larger political issues or hacking threats.

 

Community resilience 

Prepping is not just an individual pursuit. It fosters a sense of community resilience, where neighbors and like-minded individuals come together to support one another during emergencies, creating stronger, more self-sufficient communities.

 

Self-empowerment

Prepping empowers individuals to take control of their lives, fostering a sense of self-reliance and confidence in the face of adversity. Preppers can move forward despite outside hardships, knowing they’ve done what they can to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones.

 

Developing essential life skills

Prepping teaches essential life skills that have been largely lost in our modern, convenience-driven world. These skills can be invaluable not only during emergencies but also in everyday life.

 

What do we mean by essential life skills? Let’s take a look:
 

• Food preservation. Learn how to can, pickle, ferment, and dehydrate food so it stores long-term without refrigeration.
   

• Hunting and fishing. Learn how to hunt and process animals to supplement your food supplies.
   

• Sewing and mending. Learn how to repair or repurpose clothing to extend the life of each garment.
   

• Improvised cooking. Learn how to cook over open flames, in Dutch ovens, or on a wood-fired grill — without modern appliances.
   

• Foraging. Learn how to identify edible plants and mushrooms to supplement your food supply.
   

• Herbal medicine. Learn which herbs can be used to treat illness or disease and how to prepare them.
   

• Water purification. Know how to make water safe to drink through filtering and purification methods.
   

• Fire starting. Understand various fire-starting methods including ferro rods, flint and steel, or other fire starters.
   

• Navigation. Learn how to use a map and compass or navigate by the stars to find your way without a GPS.
   

• Knot tying. Master various knots to help with securing items or building quick shelters.
   

• Basic construction. Learn how to repair or construct simple structures and furniture, and how to fix minor electrical issues and other household repairs.
   

• Self defense. Learn basic self-defense techniques to protect yourself and your family.
   

• Basic first aid. Learn how to administer first aid for injuries and illnesses.
   

• Emotional resilience. You need to develop the emotional and mental strength to cope with stress and uncertainty during emergencies.

 

Prepping is so much more than stockpiles

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In today's world, prepping has evolved far beyond the stereotype of bunkers and stockpiles. It’s become a holistic approach to self-sufficiency, emergency preparedness, and sustainable living. Preppers embrace a lifestyle that includes off-grid living, homesteading practices, and a commitment to reducing their environmental impact.

 

The relevance of prepping in today's world cannot be overstated. Economic instability, health crises, and resource scarcity all underscore the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Prepping provides individuals and communities with the tools, knowledge, and skills they need to thrive independently and to support one another during challenging times. It’s about developing a prepping mindset — and taking the path toward resilience and self-empowerment.

 

Where do I start prepping?

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This is a common question as prepping can be overwhelming when you’re starting out. Focus on essentials and start prepping by taking one step at a time: 

 

1. Assess your risks. Identify the potential risks and emergencies most relevant to your location and circumstances. This could include earthquakes, hurricanes, power outages, or economic downturns.
    

2. Create a basic emergency plan. Develop a simple family emergency plan that outlines where to meet, how to contact each other, and what to do during various types of emergencies.
    

3. Build a bug out bag. Assemble a basic emergency kit containing essential items like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents. Ensure you have enough supplies for at least 72 hours. Check out this complete bug out bag list.
    

4. Store food and water. Store clean water and non-perishable food items. Aim for a three-day supply initially, and then work toward a two-week supply and up to one year — as your budget allows.
    

5. Learn basic first aid. Enroll in a basic first-aid and CPR course to handle injuries and medical emergencies effectively.
    

6. Create a communication plan. Establish a communication plan with family and friends, including alternate methods like GMRS radios as traditional communication may fail during emergencies.
    

7. Improve home safety. Ensure your home is safe by securing heavy objects, reinforcing doors and windows, and having fire extinguishers on hand.
    

8. Prepare financially. Build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses during crises.
    

9. Learn essential skills. As we mentioned above, begin acquiring practical skills such as preserving food, basic self-defense, and cooking without electricity.
    

10. Stay informed. Know what’s going on in the world on a day-to-day basis, and tune into emergency frequencies during crises.
     

11. Review and update. Regularly review and update your emergency plan, bag, and skills. Replace expired items in your bug out bag, and regularly rotate your food storage.
     

By taking these initial steps, you'll be better equipped to handle a range of emergencies. As you become more experienced and comfortable with prepping, you can expand your preps to cover longer durations and additional scenarios, gradually increasing your self-reliance and resilience.

 

As the saying goes, "It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it." Prepping helps ensure that you’re prepared for whatever the future may bring.