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While I do believe that is it worthwhile to be looking forward, it is also good to reflect on past prepping mistakes, to learn from them, and to move forward with a new sense of resolve. Today I am going to share some common prepper mistakes. Many of these – especially those at the top of the list – I have made myself. Others – through luck or planning – I have managed to avoid.
7. Buying stuff while ignoring the need to develop skills.
Buying stuff is easy. Save up your money, select your merchandise and go to your local outdoor emporium or Amazon and make a purchase. On the other hand, learning new skills (or practicing old ones) takes time, patience and bit of study. Do you know how to start a fire without matches or a butane lighter? Do you know how to take advantage of natures bounty by knowing how to fish or hunt? And what about growing your own food? Could you do it? Developing skills to become self-sufficient are every bit as important as having a closet full of the best gear money can by.
Originally posted by jimmyx
to me, the biggest mistake is telling anyone you are a "prepper". shut the hell up, prepare discreetly, and do not go on websites and brag or give advice, let others do that. always act scared and defenseless, the less of a threat you are considered, the more time you have to try and escape a life-threatening situation. when you have no other choice, at that time you need to become an animal, and kill quickly and quietly. as soon as possible, remove yourself from that area with as much speed and stealth as permitted. your ego is your enemy, the control of your fear is the most important asset you can develop. appear stupid in front of others, never let another person think you are smart, it gives them a reason to fear you.edit on 27-12-2012 by jimmyx because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by glassspider
Not read the full article yet but whilst the subject was preppers mistakes i had to share the funniest thing i'd ever seen kind of on topic. i was watching the program about preppers on NGC. and a fella on that was smugly giving it all that about how society is gonna need people like him and how everyone else will be panicking and up pooh creek without a paddle but people like him and his obsessively trained children would be better. He then on camera whilst showing his young children how to shoot (very uncomfortable to watch) accidentally shot himself in the hand and went unconcious. i fell off my chair laughing. so glad we'll have people like him running round with tins of corned beef armed and with armed children.
Originally posted by cartesia
jeez if the writer of that article doesn't know how to use a compass I'm not sure I'd look to them for survival information
Originally posted by Wrabbit2000
I personally look at #3 but I really think the problem comes with prepping too much to stay, not leave. I hear people always talking about buying this and buy that ....cases of a little of everything.
Well, last I knew, I could manage about a 100lb pack and that isn't going to be doing anything fancy...quickly...or with grace. The way I'm looking at this, if we're even fortunate enough to be home if something should happen suddenly ...there are about 100 reasons why any given geographic area may become untenable. If it isn't sudden, then simply being known for what you have is enough to 'prep' for the possibility of turning your back and walking away from all of it...if the situation dictates survival that way.
So it always concerns me....How many people who prep and especially among the urban people, have ever even spent a weekend out in the woods with no running water, electricity, communication devices of ANY kind and nothing but the wind and each others company to pass time by? If things get bad...it won't be a weekend. It could be much much longer. Homeless is one way to put the way that happens...or worse. Depends on how the future unfolds.
I'd just say that while everyone makes sure there is at LEAST 3-6 weeks of comfortable eating and drinking (Not digging Ramen noodles out from packing boxes dating to your college days by the 2nd week either ) It's equally important to look outside and at the woods..or desert or wherever we may be and consider .. "If I have to LIVE in that open natural area for days or weeks and only what I carry.....how?" I know by camping so much in my youth, it can be done and without Military training ....but it can't very well be learned DURING an emergency that doesn't tolerate mistakes and grants few second chances.