Preppers and the Primitive Life

by Megan

The majority of preppers view bugging out to live a primitive life in the woods as a last resort option. In fact, I would venture a guess that most preppers have planned or are planning a strategic relocation to make bugging in more sustainable. Others know they must endure a short-term bug out from their homes to a shelter or retreat location. But you may have also heard quite a few preppers say something like “I’ve got a permanent reservation at Mother Nature’s hotel”.

This category of primitive life preppers intend to bug out to the woods and live off the land at the first sign of trouble. There’s nothing outright wrong with this tactic. Our ancestors did it. And there are scores of avid outdoorsmen, experienced campers, and backpackers who can live off the land for short periods. At first glance, relying on the primitive life following a SHTF situation seems a logical solution to the problem of more gear and supplies than you can carry.

There’s no doubt that having some primitive survival skills will come in handy in a SHTF situation. In truth, there are scores of preppers, such as Mors Kochanski, Cody Lundin, Dave Canterbury, and Lofty Wiseman, who teach primitive skills as a career and make a good living from it. Many of these experts practice what they preach at least part-time. Some of them even routinely rely on primitive skills to survive day to day.

What Are Primitive Skills?

The term primitive skills or bushcraft skills refers to someone who can live off the land and make the best of whatever situation mother nature may throw at them, without relying on manufactured gear and supplies. Living the primitive life centers around using the resources available in whatever environment you find yourself in, to survive.

But is primitive living for preppers really the best strategy? Is the primitive life a feasible way for people to survive long-term today? If you’re considering a reservation with Mother Nature when SHTF, we’ll give you some things to think about first.

Benefits of Primitive Living for Preppers

• the more primitive skills you have the less gear and supplies you need to carry
• your knowledge and experience can save your life if gear fails
• resources are plentiful if you know where to look and how to use them
• very inexpensive way to live; no need for much cash
• become more connected to nature
• easier to stay on the move to avoid hordes
• no danger of looters stealing your gear and supplies
• very skilled survivalists could stay alive indefinitely
• improve your use of gear when it is available
• Sense of pride and accomplishment in doing things yourself
• Skilled survivalists will have best chance of procuring food ahead of others

Problems with living a Primitive Life

• More labor intensive to accomplish daily tasks
• Requires more physical strength and stamina
• Time can work against you frequently(storm coming, getting dark, etc.)
• More difficult to learn and perfect skills, especially in the moment
• The number of primitive skills you need to learn is almost never ending
• Knowledge doesn’t equal experience
• Learning primitive skills to a level where you can rely on them to work every time regardless of conditions takes much time and practice.
• During a SHTF situation, your stress level is high, your energy level and mental functioning may suffer so not the best time to learn or be practicing new skills.

So what’s the verdict on living the primitive life for preppers? There’s no denying that preppers who stockpile gear and supplies may one day find that it’s still not enough. Yet, even survival experts with the greatest amount of knowledge and experience admit anything can go wrong in a survival situation. Do you really want to bet your life and your loved ones lives solely on your primitive skills?

It seems to me, a better survival strategy is to strategically relocate and plan to bug in or to set up a survival retreat where you can go when you bug out. AND learn and practice as many primitive skills as you can in the coming months and years. If your gear fails, your supplies run out, are stolen by looters, or something else goes awry, you’ll be at peace knowing that Mother Nature is your backup plan and not your sole option.

via Modern Survival Online http://ift.tt/2giB20W