I know that statement will cheese a few people off. Preppers and pseudo survivalists cheese me off with their constant mouthing without knowledge. I mean real knowledge, not internet spin doctoring.
I have been a survivalist for nearly 3 years. It's been tough and not a happy time of life. I've learned a few things and debunked a few internet myths along the way. I have a list of things that I wish I had, and had known, along the way. I'm not out of the woods, so there is still time to learn. Actually, some of the common information has been spun so many times that it nearly cost me my life many times.
The water myths come to mind. The one about a 1 gallon allotment a day is first on my mind. Try 2 to 2.5 gallons a day. A woman or large child might get by on 1 gallon, but not an active or large guy like me. Of course, not everything is myth. A few weeks ago I went 3 days without water. The end of the 3rd day was one of the worst days of my life, which I was positive I was at the end of.
I actually have a list of things that I need, want, wish I had. Here are the top 10.
1. Water filters. You absolutely need carbon, ceramic, and absolute filters. 3 of each. They fail, and they seem to do it all at once.
2. Glue. Hot and cold. Lots of glue and tape of different kinds. Invaluable stuff!
3. Aluminum Foil. I use this stuff for all kinds of projects.
4. Buckets and lids. You would be surprised how often you need a bucket. The 5 gallon type is invaluable. They are needed for everything from storing food to making a washing machine.
5. A water kit. They don't exist though so you have to make your own. Mine now consists of bottles for storage, treatment, and filter making. Test supplies for various chemicals and PH. Disinfecting supplies (chlorine, iodine, water tabs). A makeshift still. A coagulant. Carbon. A lot of fussy stuff and knowledge.
6. Means of cooking. This changes with the season. I learned that you need many ways to cook, because they fail when you don't want them to.
7. Entertainment. It keeps you distracted. Which is more important than you know.
8. Seeds. With herbs, spices, veggies, fruits, even flowers. Not just the 20 or so commercial crops either. Every one you can find.
9. 3 or more heat sources. They fail or run out (same thing I guess). This is crucial. I've nearly died from the cold several times. Hypothermia is no joke either. You need heat to live!
10. At least 1 good cookbook. I do mean Book! It should have everything and anything. Food is up there with water in importance!
There are my top 10 fir the moment. Listen to preppers at your peril.
Image from Pixabay.com
