Prepping 101:  How to Become a Prepper

                                                                                          
The standard definition of a prepper is someone who has a distinct interest in preparing for and surviving emergencies. From our perspective, though, prepping is much more than that. 

Preppers are people who take steps to mentally and physically prepare for anything in life. Even the simplest precautionary measures can be considered prepping. When you take life seriously like this, you become self reliant and ready to take on any situation. 

Preppers can be confused with people who are overly cautious and paranoid. But the truth is they’re simply choosing to proactively get what they need instead of waiting until the last minute. Who wants to wait until SHTF to start planning an escape route? 

For Beginners 

Prepping is only as expensive and complicated as you make it. It’s important to remember good financial habits, such as keeping an updated budget, buying in bulk when you can, and always doing your prepping with cost in mind. 

Knowing where to start and focusing on potential scenarios you might encounter in your life and location is key. 

Start Your Prep with Two Weeks of Supplies

The Department of Homeland Security suggests having enough supplies in your home to last 72 hours. While that’s a good start, you really should be preparing for more — even as a new prepper. It's wise to make a prepping list with at least 14 days worth of food, water, and supplies.

Invest in a Bug Out Bag

Bug out bags are grab and go bags that contain only the essential items you need for survival. They provide on-the-go-supplies like a mini tent, sleeping bag, ammo, food, and more.

Having these basics packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice enables you to “get up and get out” quickly during a serious emergency. It’s definitely worth putting together the best BOB you can. You need to be ready to just grab the essentials and RUN.  

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Ammo… Lots of Ammo 

Most non-combat altercations last about 1 magazine (few often reload). Most people with a handgun are effective about 13% of the time under duress. Double that with a long gun. Double both if you're combat trained (25 and 50%). Moral of the story: bring a pistol to a knife fight, a rifle to a pistol fight, and a MRAP to a rifle fight.

If you have a defensive position the amount of ammunition you have should outlast your food if you are under siege. The amount of ammunition should allow you to be punitive to the attacker. They loft 1 round, you dump a magazine. They shoot at your window, you shoot at whatever they hide behind until the cover becomes concealment.

A Way to Carry 

Plate/Magazine carrier vests have become increasingly popular in recent years. They provide a range of advantages to those looking for a reliable tactical vest.

One of the most significant advantages of Plate carriers is their ability to hold body armor securely. Plate carrier vests feature multiple pockets that can hold ceramic, steel, or other armor plates. This affords you maximum protection from bullet and shrapnel impacts while on duty.

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Food

Everyone knows to stock up on canned goods, but they can be quite heavy sometimes. You will want to have lightweight food and water treatment options available in case you need to grab what you can and bug out.

Here are some more light weight options you may consider keeping in your bug out bag: 

• Granola or protein bars
• Dehydrated meat,fish and fruit
• Oatmeal, pasta, or rice
• Comfort/stress foods like cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags
• High energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
• Staples like sugar, salt, and pepper
• Vitamins

MRE

The Meal, Ready-to-Eat is a self-contained individual United States military ration used by the United States Armed Forces and Department of Defense. It is intended for use by American service members in combat or field conditions where other food is not available.

MRE’s are nice because they come with a heating pack. If you have an MRE and a little water you will have the ability to boost morale with a hot meal. 

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Water

If you have been researching preparedness for any amount of time, you have no doubt come across the LifeStraw. LifeStraw is great for keeping in a backpack or a pocket. The LifeStraw filters up to 1,000 liters of contaminated water.

The LifeStraw is a 0.2 micron hollow fiber filter that removes 99.99% of waterborne bacteria and 99.99% of waterborne protozoan parasites.

Berkey is another popular option when it comes to water filters for preppers, and emergency preparedness in general. Berkey is superior to many other water filter systems and bottles because it provides an on-the-go microfiltration system that qualifies as purification system (without using harsh chemicals). This means that it filters 99.99% of bacteria and viruses as well as other heavy metals up to 95% levels.

Learn Core Survival Skills

Prepping for survival isn’t just about having all the right supplies and enough ammo on hand; it’s also about knowing how to physically and emotionally respond during an unexpected event. One of the ways to do this is by planning based on your potential risks. 

You'll never know exactly when or how each catastrophe will unfold. This means all you can do is prepare for each one as best you can. Skills like learning how to tie knots, performing CPR, and stopping a wound from bleeding out are all important things to know in SHTF scenarios.

Once you learn some basics, start personalizing your knowledge based on your circumstances and location. Whether you are perfecting your aim or increasing the amount of running you can do, you can never over train.

It’s your responsibility to learn how to use your tools and surroundings efficiently and effectively. When the unexpected strikes, you will strike back harder and smarter.

Know Who You Can Depend On

Preppers often pride themselves on not depending on others to save them. But truth be told, we all need other humans to survive. If you happen to trip and break a leg, chances are you’re going to need some trusted help.

Make a list of those you can depend on in an emergency. Make sure they know your plans and where to find you. Have a  backup plan in case someone can't make the rendezvous. Be willing to help them, too. In the end, you’re going to want a community backing you up as you navigate through this crazy, unpredictable life. 

Go Prep! 

There are countless things you can be prepared for. Diving into the world of prepping can help you do just that.

Think you’ve got what it takes?