The Late Prepper with JD Rucker

As a "late prepper," I am often forced to sift through conflicting recommendations. I comb through 2-3 hours per day of videos and articles as I learn how best to prepare for whatever is to come. When I see contradictory material, I seek additional perspectives to see who is right. Thankfully, prepping isn't difficult so it doesn't happen very often.

Occasionally, I come across recommendations that are demonstrably bad. I wish I had documented them all, but I was able to compile this short list of things that preppers should definitely avoid. I'll accumulate other pieces of bad advice to share going forward, but here's what we've seen so far...

125 ml Water Packets

This particular piece of advice came from a prepper channel that I generally admire. Everyone makes mistakes, and this was a big one.

Several companies sell mylar packs with around 125 ml of water in them as "emergency water." While these may be useful in a bugout bag for the sole reason that they are less likely to get contaminated over several years, there's a big problem. They're a waste. A case of 64 of them is expensive, coming to around $28 per gallon. Considering that we need 1-2 gallons of water per day, that means someone would need several dozen of them to survive.

In a bugout bag, it may make some sense since we often pack our bags and let them sit for a long time, but if you're checking on your bag every few months then you can rotate out bottled water which is far more economical and can last for a long time.

Create a Post-Apocalyptic Gang

I'm not sure which show this was on but a site I read referenced the "Apocalypse Gang" that had chosen to only prepare for crap hitting the fan by accumulating guns, ammo, and burly men. Their idea was they wouldn't need to store food if they could just go around and take what they wanted from everyone else. This is, of course, a very bad idea.

However, it should act as a reminder that when society starts to collapse, there will be desperate people who will try to take what you have. Firearms, ammunition, and other self-defense resources are imperative in such a situation. It may be a bad idea to plan to rob everyone else, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't prepare for when people try to rob us.

Prepackaged Food Buckets Are All You Need

The reason people buy prepackaged food buckets with various meals in them is for convenience. I can completely understand and appreciate pushing the "easy button" because not everyone wants to or has the time to get into canning, building our own food buckets, freeze drying, or sealing food away in mylar bags. Those who want to simply set it and forget it can visit our emergency supply sponsor, who has plenty of packages available.

From a financial perspective, it makes better sense to build your own buckets. For example, Augason Farms Rice is currently selling for over $60 for a 24 lb bucket. It's convenient and I bought a couple (granted, when I bought them they were $38 but even that is too expensive), but then I learned how easy and inexpensive it is to get my own 5 gallon buckets with lids, 5 gallon mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, and bulk rice.

Many stores carry 25 lbs for $10-$15. The buckets at Home Depot are around $4-$8 with lids. Five-gallon mylar bags and oxygen absorbers can be under $5. To make what Augason Farms is currently selling for over $60 takes ten minutes and under $20.

I Don't Need to Be Entertained

In a long-term bugging-in situation, you'll want to be entertained, especially if power and internet are down. Most preppers recommend books, board games, playing cards, or dice among other things that can help pass the time and keep the family's mind off something other than the approaching apocalypse. Psychological health will be challenged in a societal collapse so don't expect to sit around and chat with the family all day, every day, as your way of coping.

My Pets Are My Backup Food Supply

There may come a time when we get so desperate, we're forced to look to unacceptable sources for food. I don't want to recommend it and I'm definitely not planning for it, which is why I won't link to the story that had a chart showing how many calories you can expect to consume from mid-sized family pet.

Only Buy Long Term Food

My plan is to have bug-in food that works in stages. For the beginning when we can't just go to the grocery store for our needs, we have what's available in our refrigerator and some of the expiring pantry items. When those run out, we'll move to our midterm storage items like canned foods, shelf-stable meals, and freezer items. When those are exhausted, I'll pull out the buckets and #10 cans of freeze dried long-term storage foods.

I've heard on a couple of occasions that you should just store food that will last for decades. I can understand why, but it's neither cost-effective nor practical. We will keep our long-term storage food items untouched until we have completely exhausted our more perishable food.

One brief note: the reason that I count my freezer items as midterm storage is because we have a solar generator to keep it running if the grid goes down. If we did not, I would include the freezer items with short-term storage foods because the likelihood of the grid going down seems very high in a crap-hits-the-fan situation.

Focus on Bugging Out Instead of Bugging In

It's funny because around half of the prepper items on the market today are designed for bugging out. Since the most likely scenario for most Americans is one where economic or societal collapse puts us in a bugging in situation, I prefer to make sure I'm stocked up at home.

With that said, we should all be prepared to bug out on a moment's notice. I have a plan for instant bug out scenarios where we only have time to grab our bags and run. I also have a plan for a quick bug out scenario where we know we're going to have to leave in hours or even days. Do not get so attached to your bug-in fortress that you're not willing to leave it if you have to because there are scenarios in which bugging in is simply not an option.

Conclusion

I generally only recommend prepping ideas when I have two or more experienced preppers validating them. If you hear something that sounds weird, double- and triple-check it. Like I said earlier, prepping isn't hard. You just have to be cognizant of who NOT to listen to before the crap hits the fan.

Image by Nestle via Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lateprepper.com

As a "late prepper," I am often forced to sift through conflicting recommendations. I comb through 2-3 hours per day of videos and articles as I learn how best to prepare for whatever is to come. When I see contradictory material, I seek additional perspectives to see who is right. Thankfully, prepping isn't difficult so it doesn't happen very often.Occasionally, I come across recommendations that are demonstrably bad. I wish I had documented them all, but I was able to compile this short list of things that preppers should definitely avoid. I'll accumulate other pieces of bad advice to share going forward, but here's what we've seen so far...125 ml Water PacketsThis particular piece of advice came from a prepper channel that I generally admire. Everyone makes mistakes, and this was a big one.Several companies sell mylar packs with around 125 ml of water in them as "emergency water." While these may be useful in a bugout bag for the sole reason that they are less likely to get contaminated over several years, there's a big problem. They're a waste. A case of 64 of them is expensive, coming to around $28 per gallon. Considering that we need 1-2 gallons of water per day, that means someone would need several dozen of them to survive.In a bugout bag, it may make some sense since we often pack our bags and let them sit for a long time, but if you're checking on your bag every few months then you can rotate out bottled water which is far more economical and can last for a long time.Create a Post-Apocalyptic GangI'm not sure which show this was on but a site I read referenced the "Apocalypse Gang" that had chosen to only prepare for crap hitting the fan by accumulating guns, ammo, and burly men. Their idea was they wouldn't need to store food if they could just go around and take what they wanted from everyone else. This is, of course, a very bad idea.However, it should act as a reminder that when society starts to collapse, there will be desperate people who will try to take what you have. Firearms, ammunition, and other self-defense resources are imperative in such a situation. It may be a bad idea to plan to rob everyone else, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't prepare for when people try to rob us.Prepackaged Food Buckets Are All You NeedThe reason people buy prepackaged food buckets with various meals in them is for convenience. I can completely understand and appreciate pushing the "easy button" because not everyone wants to or has the time to get into canning, building our own food buckets, freeze drying, or sealing food away in mylar bags. Those who want to simply set it and forget it can visit our emergency supply sponsor, who has plenty of packages available.From a financial perspective, it makes better sense to build your own buckets. For example, Augason Farms Rice is currently selling for over $60 for a 24 lb bucket. It's convenient and I bought a couple (granted, when I bought them they were $38 but even that is too expensive), but then I learned how easy and inexpensive it is to get my own 5 gallon buckets with lids, 5 gallon mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, and bulk rice.Many stores carry 25 lbs for $10-$15. The buckets at Home Depot are around $4-$8 with lids. Five-gallon mylar bags and oxygen absorbers can be under $5. To make what Augason Farms is currently selling for over $60 takes ten minutes and under $20.I Don't Need to Be EntertainedIn a long-term bugging-in situation, you'll want to be entertained, especially if power and internet are down. Most preppers recommend books, board games, playing cards, or dice among other things that can help pass the time and keep the family's mind off something other than the approaching apocalypse. Psychological health will be challenged in a societal collapse so don't expect to sit around and chat with the family all day, every day, as your way of coping.My Pets Are My Backup Food SupplyThere may come a time when we get so desperate, we're forced to look to unacceptable sources for food. I don't want to recommend it and I'm definitely not planning for it, which is why I won't link to the story that had a chart showing how many calories you can expect to consume from mid-sized family pet.Only Buy Long Term FoodMy plan is to have bug-in food that works in stages. For the beginning when we can't just go to the grocery store for our needs, we have what's available in our refrigerator and some of the expiring pantry items. When those run out, we'll move to our midterm storage items like canned foods, shelf-stable meals, and freezer items. When those are exhausted, I'll pull out the buckets and #10 cans of freeze dried long-term storage foods.I've heard on a couple of occasions that you should just store food that will last for decades. I can understand why, but it's neither cost-effective nor practical. We will keep our long-term storage food items untouched until we have completely exhausted our more perishable food.One brief note: the reason that I count my freezer items as midterm storage is because we have a solar generator to keep it running if the grid goes down. If we did not, I would include the freezer items with short-term storage foods because the likelihood of the grid going down seems very high in a crap-hits-the-fan situation.Focus on Bugging Out Instead of Bugging InIt's funny because around half of the prepper items on the market today are designed for bugging out. Since the most likely scenario for most Americans is one where economic or societal collapse puts us in a bugging in situation, I prefer to make sure I'm stocked up at home.With that said, we should all be prepared to bug out on a moment's notice. I have a plan for instant bug out scenarios where we only have time to grab our bags and run. I also have a plan for a quick bug out scenario where we know we're going to have to leave in hours or even days. Do not get so attached to your bug-in fortress that you're not willing to leave it if you have to because there are scenarios in which bugging in is simply not an option.ConclusionI generally only recommend prepping ideas when I have two or more experienced preppers validating them. If you hear something that sounds weird, double- and triple-check it. Like I said earlier, prepping isn't hard. You just have to be cognizant of who NOT to listen to before the crap hits the fan.Image by Nestle via Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lateprepper.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lateprepper.com

Every Friday on my show at Red State Talk Radio (listen live Monday through Friday at 2:00 pm Eastern), I answer email questions from listeners. Today, I asked for questions about prepping. I took the segment of that show in which I answer questions and isolated it here.

Below are the questions asked, edited only for spelling and punctuation. If any of them interest you, please take a listen to the podcast itself.

* No name - You seem new to prepping so why should we listen to you?

* Andy O. from outside Minneapolis - A comment on your Substack said that MRE's are a waste of money, but you had recommended them. Who's right?

* Krissy - What do we do about prescription meds if things go south. I cannot survive without them nor can my husband.

* No name - What scenarios do you see as most likely making us fend for ourselves? Do you recommend iodine for nuclear war?

* Kyle from Denmark - Is Elon Musk a good guy or a bad guy?

* Filemone - I have a large family in a crowded city. We have very close friends and family here and we are trying to take advantage of this fact since only one of us even has a big yard and none of us have a lot of space. What can we do to make sure we're taking care of each other?

* Sam (Samantha) from Franklin PA - I'm getting mixed signals on gold and silver. Should I buy or should I not?

* No name - We are very late to prepping and I have a few thousand dollars to spend. Pretend like we have nothing stocked up yet and tell me what to buy.

* No name - Should we leave the city?

* Vera from Texas - Our church started an emergency group for people to share their supplies but I've always heard to keep prepping a secret.

* Jake from State Farm - I live alone but I have a young son nearby and I'm sure he and his mother will come to me if the apocalypse comes. I have 200 lbs of rice and 50 lbs of pinto beans. I know I need more but how long will that last? Should I buy a food bucket and if so which one?

* Ann - How is your meat company coming?

Today’s show was sponsored by Our Gold Guy, the patriotic and honest source for physical precious metal purchases.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lateprepper.com

Every Friday on my show at Red State Talk Radio (listen live Monday through Friday at 2:00 pm Eastern), I answer email questions from listeners. Today, I asked for questions about prepping. I took the segment of that show in which I answer questions and isolated it here.Below are the questions asked, edited only for spelling and punctuation. If any of them interest you, please take a listen to the podcast itself.* No name - You seem new to prepping so why should we listen to you?* Andy O. from outside Minneapolis - A comment on your Substack said that MRE's are a waste of money, but you had recommended them. Who's right?* Krissy - What do we do about prescription meds if things go south. I cannot survive without them nor can my husband.* No name - What scenarios do you see as most likely making us fend for ourselves? Do you recommend iodine for nuclear war?* Kyle from Denmark - Is Elon Musk a good guy or a bad guy?* Filemone - I have a large family in a crowded city. We have very close friends and family here and we are trying to take advantage of this fact since only one of us even has a big yard and none of us have a lot of space. What can we do to make sure we're taking care of each other?* Sam (Samantha) from Franklin PA - I'm getting mixed signals on gold and silver. Should I buy or should I not?* No name - We are very late to prepping and I have a few thousand dollars to spend. Pretend like we have nothing stocked up yet and tell me what to buy.* No name - Should we leave the city?* Vera from Texas - Our church started an emergency group for people to share their supplies but I've always heard to keep prepping a secret.* Jake from State Farm - I live alone but I have a young son nearby and I'm sure he and his mother will come to me if the apocalypse comes. I have 200 lbs of rice and 50 lbs of pinto beans. I know I need more but how long will that last? Should I buy a food bucket and if so which one?* Ann - How is your meat company coming?Today’s show was sponsored by Our Gold Guy, the patriotic and honest source for physical precious metal purchases.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lateprepper.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lateprepper.com

More Americans are starting to stock up on long-term food storage items, ammunition, and precious metals. This makes perfect sense considering the trajectory of the nation under the Biden regime combined with all of the turmoil that is erupting across the globe. Food shortages are coming, which means society may be on the verge of collapse in the United States in a matter of year, perhaps even months.

Perhaps even sooner.

But there's one important factor that far too few people are considering. One of the reasons I started The Late Prepper was to not only help others but to help myself and my family. The things I am forced to learn while operating The Late Prepper can be invaluable; I often learn much more from the community over there than I read in articles or watch in videos.

The factor that seems to be missing in many preparation plans, especially for those of us who are new to prepping, is what to do if the water runs dry. We are a society dependent on water infrastructure. When the water gets shut off, even for a short time, people tend to have no proper plan. It's the most vital component to survival in this life since we can die after 72 hours without water. Yet it seems like far too many people (including me) are dependent on the faucet continuing to spout forth water or the grocery stores having plenty on hand.

This is the problem that I believe will drive the most people to turn to government assistance like they did in the aftermath of Katrina. If water infrastructure breaks down, most people do not have a plan.

Now's the time to make one. On the latest episode of The Late Prepper, I clumsily tried to describe in 17 minutes how to secure water and why it's important. It's not me best show, not by a longshot, but I like to do things live so we're sticking with it. Hopefully there are some nuggets of usable information in there. If anything, hopefully I portrayed why it's so important to be ready for whatever is to come.

First and foremost, we need to be able to filter our water. Many use Berkey, but as I noted in a recent article and podcast, I chose Alexapure. Either works, and there are likely others that are nearly as good. Having a proper water filter expands your potential sources for water should the crap hit the fan. If you can get plenty of water from rain, streams, rivers, lakes, or ponds, then you're in better shape than most. All you need is a water filter and a decent amount of stored water and you're good to go.

For those of us who do not have a sufficient nearby supply, that means we have to store it. Considering humans need somewhere between one and two gallons of water per day, that means a lot of storage space. The containers to hold the water are not necessarily cheap. I keep about 350 16-oz bottles of water on hand for immediate needs. Beyond that, I've been getting collapsible 5-gallon containers since the stackable hard-plastic ones ones are so expensive. I also got a WaterBOB even though one of our sponsors sells one as well. The WaterBOB is bigger - no brainer there.

Those who can afford the price and space for much larger water storage should definitely get that now. A common size is 300 gallons, and while that sounds like plenty it would actually only last one or two months for a family of four.

The bottom line is this: Make a plan for what you will do if water infrastructure goes down. If you can't get water from the faucet and the stores are empty or inaccessible, there are only three options:

* Make a plan that combines storage, filtering, and acquisition of water without standard infrastructure available

* Become beholden to government

* Not survive long

I'm being blunt about the options because water is THAT important. Don't wait. Get your plan together. When you're done, start looking for backup options. Without water, you're done.

Support us AND YOURSELF by buying from our survival sponsor.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lateprepper.com

More Americans are starting to stock up on long-term food storage items, ammunition, and precious metals. This makes perfect sense considering the trajectory of the nation under the Biden regime combined with all of the turmoil that is erupting across the globe. Food shortages are coming, which means society may be on the verge of collapse in the United States in a matter of year, perhaps even months.Perhaps even sooner.But there's one important factor that far too few people are considering. One of the reasons I started The Late Prepper was to not only help others but to help myself and my family. The things I am forced to learn while operating The Late Prepper can be invaluable; I often learn much more from the community over there than I read in articles or watch in videos.The factor that seems to be missing in many preparation plans, especially for those of us who are new to prepping, is what to do if the water runs dry. We are a society dependent on water infrastructure. When the water gets shut off, even for a short time, people tend to have no proper plan. It's the most vital component to survival in this life since we can die after 72 hours without water. Yet it seems like far too many people (including me) are dependent on the faucet continuing to spout forth water or the grocery stores having plenty on hand.This is the problem that I believe will drive the most people to turn to government assistance like they did in the aftermath of Katrina. If water infrastructure breaks down, most people do not have a plan.Now's the time to make one. On the latest episode of The Late Prepper, I clumsily tried to describe in 17 minutes how to secure water and why it's important. It's not me best show, not by a longshot, but I like to do things live so we're sticking with it. Hopefully there are some nuggets of usable information in there. If anything, hopefully I portrayed why it's so important to be ready for whatever is to come.First and foremost, we need to be able to filter our water. Many use Berkey, but as I noted in a recent article and podcast, I chose Alexapure. Either works, and there are likely others that are nearly as good. Having a proper water filter expands your potential sources for water should the crap hit the fan. If you can get plenty of water from rain, streams, rivers, lakes, or ponds, then you're in better shape than most. All you need is a water filter and a decent amount of stored water and you're good to go.For those of us who do not have a sufficient nearby supply, that means we have to store it. Considering humans need somewhere between one and two gallons of water per day, that means a lot of storage space. The containers to hold the water are not necessarily cheap. I keep about 350 16-oz bottles of water on hand for immediate needs. Beyond that, I've been getting collapsible 5-gallon containers since the stackable hard-plastic ones ones are so expensive. I also got a WaterBOB even though one of our sponsors sells one as well. The WaterBOB is bigger - no brainer there.Those who can afford the price and space for much larger water storage should definitely get that now. A common size is 300 gallons, and while that sounds like plenty it would actually only last one or two months for a family of four.The bottom line is this: Make a plan for what you will do if water infrastructure goes down. If you can't get water from the faucet and the stores are empty or inaccessible, there are only three options:* Make a plan that combines storage, filtering, and acquisition of water without standard infrastructure available* Become beholden to government* Not survive longI'm being blunt about the options because water is THAT important. Don't wait. Get your plan together. When you're done, start looking for backup options. Without water, you're done.Support us AND YOURSELF by buying from our survival sponsor.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lateprepper.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lateprepper.com

In the world of gravity water filtration systems, there are two names that rise far above everyone else. If you think one of those names is Brita, then I'm glad you're reading this and listening to the podcast because your standard water filters just won't cut it in a societal collapse and you need to know that now. Sure, they make the water taste better but that's just about it.

Berkey and Alexapure are high-dollar water filters that actually filter water. If things go south, as we expect they probably will soon, we could all find ourselves in a situation where we desperately need water to survive. You can only go about 72 hours without water before dying. If the water from your tap turns off or gets contaminated, you'll need to have alternative supplies of water and a way to filter it.

I set forth on the quest long ago of determining which of the two top water filtration systems were the best. I read reviews and watched plenty of comparison videos, and invariably they all said the same basic thing: Both filter systems are great. They work the same way, they're comparably priced, and the few real advantages for one or the other aren't really gamechangers.

One of the big differences is that Berkey is much more well known. When I finally made my decision last night, I did so knowing that my sponsor sells Alexapure but not Berkey. As much as I love supporting my sponsor, I chose to buy a Berkey (temporarily) because one of the arguments I heard in its favor made sense. There are more Berkey filters in circulation right now which means replacement parts will likely be easier to find in a crap-hits-the-fan situation. That tipped the scale for me to go to Berkey.

Then, I went to buy it. What I've seen in reviews that were made recently, some of them just a few days ago, is that both the Big Berkey 2.25 gallon filter and the Alexapure 2.25 gallon filter are around $270 each. Apparently, that changed dramatically. As of April 11, 2022, the Big Berkey is listed at BerkeyFilters.com at $387 ON SALE from $405. It was the same price without the discount on Amazon.

The Alexapure at our sponsor's site is still at $279.95, though they may follow Berkey's play and raise their prices as well. If they do, I'll be glad I bought it before the price hike.

One might say it's petty that I changed my mind over $109, but at this stage every penny counts unless you're rich. I bought the Alexapure. I also realized that the argument of more availability of replacement parts for Berkey is probably moot because in a true crap-hits-the-fan situation, how are we going to get replacement parts from them anyway? I ordered the bigger package of Alexaure with four filters and a pack of replacement parts, so I should be good to go with potable water for at least five years... assuming I can find water when the crap-hits-the-fan. That's another problem altogether, one I'll address in a future installment.

Buy your Alexapure Water Filter now.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lateprepper.com

In the world of gravity water filtration systems, there are two names that rise far above everyone else. If you think one of those names is Brita, then I'm glad you're reading this and listening to the podcast because your standard water filters just won't cut it in a societal collapse and you need to know that now. Sure, they make the water taste better but that's just about it.Berkey and Alexapure are high-dollar water filters that actually filter water. If things go south, as we expect they probably will soon, we could all find ourselves in a situation where we desperately need water to survive. You can only go about 72 hours without water before dying. If the water from your tap turns off or gets contaminated, you'll need to have alternative supplies of water and a way to filter it.I set forth on the quest long ago of determining which of the two top water filtration systems were the best. I read reviews and watched plenty of comparison videos, and invariably they all said the same basic thing: Both filter systems are great. They work the same way, they're comparably priced, and the few real advantages for one or the other aren't really gamechangers.One of the big differences is that Berkey is much more well known. When I finally made my decision last night, I did so knowing that my sponsor sells Alexapure but not Berkey. As much as I love supporting my sponsor, I chose to buy a Berkey (temporarily) because one of the arguments I heard in its favor made sense. There are more Berkey filters in circulation right now which means replacement parts will likely be easier to find in a crap-hits-the-fan situation. That tipped the scale for me to go to Berkey.Then, I went to buy it. What I've seen in reviews that were made recently, some of them just a few days ago, is that both the Big Berkey 2.25 gallon filter and the Alexapure 2.25 gallon filter are around $270 each. Apparently, that changed dramatically. As of April 11, 2022, the Big Berkey is listed at BerkeyFilters.com at $387 ON SALE from $405. It was the same price without the discount on Amazon.The Alexapure at our sponsor's site is still at $279.95, though they may follow Berkey's play and raise their prices as well. If they do, I'll be glad I bought it before the price hike.One might say it's petty that I changed my mind over $109, but at this stage every penny counts unless you're rich. I bought the Alexapure. I also realized that the argument of more availability of replacement parts for Berkey is probably moot because in a true crap-hits-the-fan situation, how are we going to get replacement parts from them anyway? I ordered the bigger package of Alexaure with four filters and a pack of replacement parts, so I should be good to go with potable water for at least five years... assuming I can find water when the crap-hits-the-fan. That's another problem altogether, one I'll address in a future installment.Buy your Alexapure Water Filter now.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lateprepper.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lateprepper.com

Many of the folks who follow this website and podcast are seasoned preppers who probably already know everything I'm about to post. In fact, they probably know a whole lot more than I do about the various "hobbies" people should consider taking up now that it seems like some sort of societal collapse is imminent.

For the rest of us who are just getting started, it can be challenging to change everything and take on a "prepper lifestyle." One of the first things I did after making my plan was to think of the various skills I would like to acquire before it becomes too late to do so easily. I replaced old "hobbies" with activities that can help me and my family survive. In a way, these activities have become hobbies themselves, though far more productive than watching Netflix or going bowling.

Here's a very incomplete list of things we all can consider doing to use our time that's not spent working or with family. Some of these activities are things that we can do WITH our families, so it can be doubly productive. I've grouped them into three basic categories — food, outdoors, and self-defense. There are dozens, perhaps hundreds of others that could be added to this list, but I wanted to use this as a primer for others to list their ideas below.

Could you replace any of your current hobbies with some of these survival-productive actions?

Food Prep

* Gardening - This is the ultimate way to establish food security that can last for a very long time, perhaps indefinitely.

* Canning - I've never gotten into canning, though my wife has. She's starting again very soon.

* Sprouting and Growing Microgreens - This is one of those little miracles I wish I'd known more about long ago. It's so easy, doesn't take much space, and even a non-green thumb like me can do it.

* Dehydrating and Freeze Drying - For those like me who do not have a lot of outdoor space for a garden, I consider freeze drying or dehydrating food to be the most important. Freeze dryers are very expensive but dehydrators are not, but freeze dried food lasts years or even decades longer than dehydrated, it tastes better, and it retains more vitamins and minerals. On a side note, those interested in receiving an update when our own organic freeze dried chicken company is up and running, please email me at [email protected]

* Beekeeping - I know nothing about keeping bees. I just heard it was a great hobby and I love honey!

Outdoors

* Camping - While I try to focus on securing for a bug-in situation, it would be foolish to not be ready if we're no longer able to secure our home. That means more than just having a bugout bag. It means having the skills necessary to survive and even thrive out in the world. Camping is the perfect way to practice, plus it can be fun for the whole family.

* Hunting - It may become necessary to secure your own meat. If supplies run dry, that means going out and killing what you can find. It's not for everyone, but some of us actually enjoy hunting.

* Fishing and Trapping - Just like hunting, but with less gunfire. Trapping and fishing can be relaxing as well. As with hunting, it's not just killing the animal. It's about learning the skills to properly collect the meat.

* Survival Skills Practice - Even if you can't go out and do the things listed above, you should take time to practice survival skills. You may have the equipment to start a fire or secure a campsite, but do you have the skills? Make sure you do before you HAVE to make sure you do.

Self-Defense

* Firearms Practice - If you own a firearm, you should be as proficient as possible with it. I used to take my kids shooting at least two or three times a month. When my little ones are older, I'll do the same.

* Archery - This is often seen as a skill to have in lieu of a firearm. I consider it a separate and equally important skill to have, especially considering the ammunition can often be collected and reused.

* Self-Defense or Martial Arts - Whether things collapse or not, being able to take care of yourself is becoming increasingly important. Things are getting crazy out there and oftentimes that craziness can find you in your own home. Be ready and well-practiced at taking care of yourself should someone want to do you harm.

One things I didn't mention in the podcast is that I've started devoting my reading time to two types of books: The Bible and survival guides. I haven't read a fiction novel in over a year, though I have many saved and ready to go should we get stuck bugging in for an extended period of time with limited forms of entertainment.

If you have time to sit around in front of the television, you have time to improve on your skills and current situation. The "prepper lifestyle" doesn't have to be all or nothing. Easing into it by replacing some current hobbies makes sense in today's rapidly devolving world.

Visit our food supply sponsor to enhance your prepping today.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lateprepper.com

Many of the folks who follow this website and podcast are seasoned preppers who probably already know everything I'm about to post. In fact, they probably know a whole lot more than I do about the various "hobbies" people should consider taking up now that it seems like some sort of societal collapse is imminent.For the rest of us who are just getting started, it can be challenging to change everything and take on a "prepper lifestyle." One of the first things I did after making my plan was to think of the various skills I would like to acquire before it becomes too late to do so easily. I replaced old "hobbies" with activities that can help me and my family survive. In a way, these activities have become hobbies themselves, though far more productive than watching Netflix or going bowling.Here's a very incomplete list of things we all can consider doing to use our time that's not spent working or with family. Some of these activities are things that we can do WITH our families, so it can be doubly productive. I've grouped them into three basic categories — food, outdoors, and self-defense. There are dozens, perhaps hundreds of others that could be added to this list, but I wanted to use this as a primer for others to list their ideas below.Could you replace any of your current hobbies with some of these survival-productive actions?Food Prep* Gardening - This is the ultimate way to establish food security that can last for a very long time, perhaps indefinitely.* Canning - I've never gotten into canning, though my wife has. She's starting again very soon.* Sprouting and Growing Microgreens - This is one of those little miracles I wish I'd known more about long ago. It's so easy, doesn't take much space, and even a non-green thumb like me can do it.* Dehydrating and Freeze Drying - For those like me who do not have a lot of outdoor space for a garden, I consider freeze drying or dehydrating food to be the most important. Freeze dryers are very expensive but dehydrators are not, but freeze dried food lasts years or even decades longer than dehydrated, it tastes better, and it retains more vitamins and minerals. On a side note, those interested in receiving an update when our own organic freeze dried chicken company is up and running, please email me at [email protected]* Beekeeping - I know nothing about keeping bees. I just heard it was a great hobby and I love honey!Outdoors* Camping - While I try to focus on securing for a bug-in situation, it would be foolish to not be ready if we're no longer able to secure our home. That means more than just having a bugout bag. It means having the skills necessary to survive and even thrive out in the world. Camping is the perfect way to practice, plus it can be fun for the whole family.* Hunting - It may become necessary to secure your own meat. If supplies run dry, that means going out and killing what you can find. It's not for everyone, but some of us actually enjoy hunting.* Fishing and Trapping - Just like hunting, but with less gunfire. Trapping and fishing can be relaxing as well. As with hunting, it's not just killing the animal. It's about learning the skills to properly collect the meat.* Survival Skills Practice - Even if you can't go out and do the things listed above, you should take time to practice survival skills. You may have the equipment to start a fire or secure a campsite, but do you have the skills? Make sure you do before you HAVE to make sure you do.Self-Defense* Firearms Practice - If you own a firearm, you should be as proficient as possible with it. I used to take my kids shooting at least two or three times a month. When my little ones are older, I'll do the same.* Archery - This is often seen as a skill to have in lieu of a firearm. I consider it a separate and equally important skill to have, especially considering the ammunition can often be collected and reused.* Self-Defense or Martial Arts - Whether things collapse or not, being able to take care of yourself is becoming increasingly important. Things are getting crazy out there and oftentimes that craziness can find you in your own home. Be ready and well-practiced at taking care of yourself should someone want to do you harm.One things I didn't mention in the podcast is that I've started devoting my reading time to two types of books: The Bible and survival guides. I haven't read a fiction novel in over a year, though I have many saved and ready to go should we get stuck bugging in for an extended period of time with limited forms of entertainment.If you have time to sit around in front of the television, you have time to improve on your skills and current situation. The "prepper lifestyle" doesn't have to be all or nothing. Easing into it by replacing some current hobbies makes sense in today's rapidly devolving world.Visit our food supply sponsor to enhance your prepping today.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lateprepper.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lateprepper.com