“What’s the deal with being a survivalist?”
That question might conjure up images of people in camouflage, hoarding canned beans and building underground bunkers. But being a survivalist is about so much more than that — and it’s not just for conspiracy theorists or people who think the zombie apocalypse is right around the corner. You see, survivalism, at its core, is about being prepared for a variety of situations that life might throw at you.
The Origin of Survivalism
The concept of survivalism isn’t new. If you rewind human history, you’ll find that humans have always had to be resourceful to survive. Our earliest ancestors were essentially survivalists out of necessity. Over time, society became more complex, and we developed specialized roles and systems. But that core desire to be prepared has always stuck around.
Modern Survivalism
Modern survivalism took shape in the mid-20th century, particularly during times of geopolitical tension and nuclear threats. The Cold War, with its looming fear of nuclear fallout, brought the survivalist mindset into more homes. People built bomb shelters, stocked up on emergency supplies, and tried to figure out how to live in a post-nuclear world.
But as the years went by, the definition of a survivalist began to evolve. It wasn’t just about doomsday anymore. Surviving natural disasters, economic downturns, and even pandemic situations became more pressing concerns.
Key Principles of Survivalism
So, what are the guiding stars of the survivalist philosophy? Let’s break it down into some digestible chunks.
Self-Reliance
Self-reliance is probably the cornerstone of any survivalist mindset. It’s about having the skills and resources to take care of yourself and your loved ones without depending too heavily on external systems. Whether it’s growing your own food, purifying water, or making your own clothes, self-reliance emphasizes independence.
Resilience
It’s not just about having a stocked pantry. Resilience is all about mental toughness, adaptability, and having a solid plan B, C, and D. Life is unpredictable, and a survivalist tries to be ready for anything, bending but not breaking in the face of adversity.
Knowledge and Skills
Being a survivalist isn’t just about what you have; it’s about what you know. Skills can range from practical ones—like starting a fire without matches, to more advanced skills like first aid or even navigation. The idea is that knowledge is something that can’t be taken away from you, unlike money or material possessions.
Community Building
This isn’t the lone wolf scenario you might be imagining. Being part of a community can be a vital part of the survivalist toolkit. Sharing knowledge, resources, and offering mutual support can make all the difference in emergency situations.
Basic Survivalist Gear
Alright, let’s talk gear. You may love shopping for clothes or gadgets, but for a survivalist, gear shopping has a whole different flavor.
The Bug-Out Bag (BOB)
A staple for any survivalist, the bug-out bag is a kit you can grab in a hurry if you need to evacuate your home. Think of it as a survival kit on steroids.
| Essential Items | Description |
|---|---|
| First Aid Kit | Bandages, antiseptics, painkillers, and any personal medication. |
| Water and Purification | Bottled water, water purification tablets, or a portable water filter. |
| Food | Non-perishable items like canned goods, protein bars, and freeze-dried meals. |
| Clothing | Weather-appropriate gear, including a raincoat, sturdy boots, and thermal layers. |
| Tools | Multi-tool, flashlight with extra batteries, and a durable knife. |
| Shelter | Compact tents, sleeping bags, or emergency blankets. |
| Fire Starting Gear | Waterproof matches, lighters, and fire starters. |
Everyday Carry (EDC)
Your EDC is all about the items you carry with you day-to-day that can help you handle unexpected situations. It’s a lighter version of a bug-out bag but just as essential.
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pocket Knife | For a variety of tasks, from cutting rope to preparing food. |
| Flashlight | Portable light source in case of unexpected power outages. |
| Paracord | Versatile rope useful for a myriad of situations. |
| Personal Defense | This could range from pepper spray to a legal, small self-defense tool. |
| Multi-Tool | Combines several tools into one compact device. |
| Notepad & Pen | For taking quick notes, important information, or leaving messages. |
| Portable Charger | To keep your phone and other small electronics powered. |
Planning for Different Scenarios
Alright, you’re getting the picture: being a survivalist is about more than just preparing for a dystopian future. Let’s consider some different scenarios you might want to prepare for.
Natural Disasters
Think hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. These natural disasters often come with some warning, but not always. Preparing for these involves having emergency supplies, knowing evacuation routes, and having a communication plan with your family.
Economic Downturns
Remember the 2008 financial crisis? Economic instability can happen, and being prepared might involve having a financial safety net, understanding barter systems, or growing your own food to offset costs.
Pandemics
The COVID-19 pandemic taught us all about the importance of being prepared for health emergencies. This involves having medical supplies, understanding quarantine procedures, and even having mental health strategies for coping with long periods of isolation.
Social Unrest
This includes anything from political turmoil to civil unrest. Being prepared might involve having safe places to go, ways to communicate when traditional means fail, and even understanding basic self-defense.
Mental Aspects of Survivalism
It’s not all about gear and prepping. The state of your mind plays a crucial role. Let’s dig into that a bit.
Mental Toughness
This is an essential quality. How well can you concentrate under stress? Can you make quick decisions without second-guessing yourself? Mental toughness can be developed over time through practice and experience.
Stress Management
You’ll need to manage your stress levels while making clear-headed decisions. Techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, and even physical fitness can greatly impact how well you handle high-stress scenarios.
Continuous Learning
Being a survivalist means continually expanding your knowledge base. Take courses, read books, and practice skills regularly. Keeping that mental edge can make all the difference.
The Ethical Side of Being a Survivalist
You know what they say, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” The very nature of survivalism gives you a set of skills that can be used responsibly or irresponsibly. Let’s not sugarcoat it: survival skills can be used for good or ill.
Responsibility to Others
Having a stockpile of supplies doesn’t mean you should hoard everything during a crisis. If you’ve got a sanitary stash of toilet paper while everyone else is fighting over the last roll at the supermarket, share the love.
Environmental Awareness
Some survivalist activities can be hard on the environment. Over-hunting or reckless use of natural resources can be detrimental. Ethical survivalists try to live in harmony with the land and not exploit it.
Legal Considerations
Some survival tools and tactics tread a fine line legally. Know the laws and regulations of your area, especially concerning self-defense, hunting, and even gathering resources from public lands.
Survivalism in Everyday Life
Survivalism isn’t just an emergency hobby; it can be woven into the fabric of your everyday life. You don’t have to be out in the woods to practice a survivalist mindset.
Minimalist Living
Survivalists often embrace minimalism. Owning less stuff can mean fewer things to worry about in an emergency. Quality over quantity is the principle here.
Sustainable Practices
Growing your own vegetables isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s a practical skill. Composting, rainwater collection, and solar energy use are steps that not only prepare you for emergencies but benefit your everyday life.
Financial Planning
A big part of survivalism is being financially prepared. Building an emergency fund, investing in tangible assets, and even understanding cryptocurrency can be part of a survivalist financial plan.
A Balanced Approach
You might be asking yourself, “Do I have to go all out and live in a bunker?” The short answer is no. Being a survivalist is about balance. It’s about adopting a mindset and practices that fit into your life while being prepared for unexpected situations.
Low-Commitment Practices
Start small. Maybe you set up a basic emergency kit or take a first-aid course. Baby steps are still steps in the right direction.
Medium-Commitment Practices
As you get more comfortable, you might consider more involved activities like gardening or self-defense classes. You’re expanding your skill set and your comfort zone.
High-Commitment Practices
Finally, if you’re all-in, you might start looking at larger projects like building a self-sufficient homestead or learning more advanced survival skills. Just remember, it’s about finding the right balance for you.
Real-Life Survivalist Stories
Stories often bring concepts to life in ways explanations alone can’t. Let’s sprinkle in some real-life survivalist stories for flavor.
The Wilderness Man
Let’s talk about Steve. Steve decided to spend a year living off the grid in Alaska. Armed with basic tools and skills, he built a cabin, hunted his own food, and faced the harsh realities of an Alaskan winter. He didn’t just survive; he thrived, becoming more attuned to his environment and himself.
Suburban Prepper
Then there’s Lisa. Lisa lives in the suburbs, and she’s a master of urban survivalism. Her community respects her for her knowledge and preparedness. She runs local courses on emergency prep, teaches CPR, and has a thriving backyard garden that supplies fresh produce to her neighbors.
Unexpected Hero
Finally, there’s Mark. While he never saw himself as a survivalist, his training came in handy during a local flood. With emergency supplies ready and a well-practiced evacuation plan, he was able to help his family and neighbors get to safety quickly, becoming an unexpected hero in his community.
Conclusion
So, what does being a survivalist mean? It’s multifaceted, encompassing a blend of skills, mindsets, and preparations tailored to meet life’s uncertainties. It’s not about living in fear; it’s about being ready for whatever comes your way.
Whether you’re taking baby steps or looking to dive deep into the world of survivalism, the key is to start somewhere. Equip yourself with knowledge, gather practical tools, and cultivate a resilient mindset. After all, life is unpredictable — being prepared isn’t just smart; it’s empowering.
Avoid seeing survivalism as an extreme path; it can comfortably fit into a balanced, modern life. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. You’ll be better prepared for life’s curveballs and find yourself less stressed, more resourceful, and perhaps, even more connected with the world around you.
