But what exactly does it mean to be a survivalist? What does this entail? How can you tell if you’re a survivalist? Continue reading to find out everything you need to know!
What Is A Survivalist?
A survivalist is a person who follows the ideologies of survivalism. This is a movement in which people prepare for various emergencies. This is so that these people or groups can survive these social breakdowns.
These events can be grounded and realistic, such as natural disasters or economic crashes. Alternatively, some survival events may seem far-fetched, including zombie apocalypses.
There are also different forms of preparation, with some being short-term while others are long-term.
Often survivalists emphasize the importance of outdoor survival skills.
How Do Survivalists Prepare?
The forms of preparations that survivalists take will depend on what events they are preparing for. Some skills are useful in the majority of survival situations.
Here are some of the ways in which survivalists prepare for emergencies:
Becoming Self-Reliant
Self-reliance is the state of being able to survive on your resources. This is a key ideology of survivalism. How are you going to survive if you need to rely on other people? While you might be able to survive as a group, self-reliance is essential.
Learn Self-Defense
The world can be a dangerous place. To protect themselves, survivalists learn self-defence skills.
This can include more general tips, such as constantly being aware. However, many survivalists also engage in physical self-defense strategies to disarm attackers.
It’s a good idea for anyone to pick up some self-defense skills so that they are protected from attacks. If you want to learn self-defense, there are tons of classes that you can try out.
Moreover, there are online courses (Also check out Best Online Survival Resources) for you to consider, though many find it more beneficial to try these skills out on another person.
The equipment can vary, though tools such as knives, compasses, and first-aid kits are quite popular in survival kits. Just make sure that you know how to use these tools.
You should also research laws regarding knife possession in your area. Though you might be able to use them freely when society collapses, at present you could be arrested for carrying a knife.
Items that keep people warm, such as blankets and heaters are commonly included among survival equipment.
Storing Long-Lasting Food
Many survivalists store non-perishable foods. This is to prepare for the event of famine. The amount of food stored can vary, though many survivalists will have enough food for a few months or years.
Common foods include dried pasta, beans or rice, energy bars, canned vegetables or soups, and dried meats. Most canned foods will suffice due to their long use-by dates.
Though these are not always the most appealing, their longevity allows people to survive. It also means that the food won’t have to be replaced regularly.
There isn’t much point in keeping a bag of survival food if it needs to be regularly replaced.
Foods that perish quickly, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, must be avoided for survival kits.
Developing Outdoor Skills
As mentioned, outdoor skills are a major element of survivalism. This is because it can be easy to survive in the natural landscape when you know how.
As a result, survivalists develop skills such as lighting fires by rubbing sticks. They may also learn how to make outdoor shelters that can protect them from the rain.
There are lots of different food sources in nature. Many survivalists learn to hunt so that they can feed on animals. Others focus on foraging, allowing them to identify edible plants. Fishing can also be beneficial for gathering food.
First Aid
If you intend to live in the wilderness, your body is likely to be injured at some point. If society collapses, there may not be doctors or hospitals to treat wounds.
Therefore, survivalists must cultivate fantastic first aid skills. This involved learning how to use all of the equipment in a first aid kit (Also check out What Is An IFAK?). This will allow you to plaster and bandage the injuries of not only yourself but also other survivors.
These kits are must-haves for survivalists.
What Characteristics Do Survivalists Need?
If you wish to become a survivalist or suspect that you may already be one, here are some vital characteristics for you to possess:
Determination
Preparedness
Patience
Independence
Planning
Adaptability
Motivation
Resourcefulness
If you do not have these characteristics, you may lack what it takes to become an effective survivalist. That does not mean that this is a hopeless endeavor, as you might be able to develop these traits over time.
What Are The Differences Between A Survivalist And Prepper?
Survivalists and preppers are two terms that are often used synonymously. Though they have very similar meanings, these two identities are separate. Like survivalists, preppers are ready for societal breakdowns.
The main difference is that preppers are more rooted in one location. It is a common practice for preppers to create a space in which they can survive. This may include a bomb shelter.
In contrast, survivalists are not so limited to one space. Many survivalists believe in using the outdoor resources that mother nature provides to survive.
Consequently, many survivalists are not rooted in one space. Many survivalists would be driven mad in a bomb shelter. Instead, they often prefer to live off the land.
One can see why people get confused between survivalists and preppers as they are two similar identities but they utilize different methods of survival.
Closing Remarks
Ultimately, though some consider survivalism to be an insane and overly precautions ideology, one can see why many people are adopting it. After all, can it hurt to be prepared for these emergencies?
If they do occur, survivalists will not only be able to survive but also thrive in these environments.
Hello, my name is Tim Roth and I have lived in Texas all of my life. I have seen it all - tornadoes, flash floods, and other natural disasters that have come our way.
I have kept a survival kit for all my family members in my basement since I was in my 20s. Every time a new member comes along, I make them a new kit. No one in my family will be caught out in a disaster - I make sure of it.
I teach a survival class at the local hall as well. It’s free for anyone who wants to learn about keeping themselves and their family safe, should the worst happen. We cover how to help children and the elderly, make your own evacuation and survival kits, and much more.
