Survivalists are people who prepare for emergencies. They believe in being ready for anything—natural disasters, power outages, or even societal collapse. Their goal? To survive and thrive in any situation.
In this guide, we’ll explain what survivalists are all about, how they prepare, and why certain tools, including tactical gear, are often part of their plans. Whether you’re new to the concept or just curious, this article will answer your questions.
1. What Is a Survivalist?
A survivalist is someone who plans for emergencies and focuses on self-reliance.
This means having the skills, knowledge, and tools to live without outside help, even when normal systems like electricity or running water are unavailable.
For example, a survivalist might:
- Stockpile months' worth of food and water to prepare for disruptions in supply chains.
- Learn essential outdoor skills like starting a fire, building shelter, and purifying water.
- Develop self-defense techniques and train to handle unexpected dangers.
- Create emergency kits for different situations, including bug-out bags for quick evacuations.
Survivalists are problem-solvers at heart. Their approach may vary, but their commitment to preparedness remains consistent.
2. Why Do Survivalists Prepare?
Survivalists prepare because they understand how quickly things can change. Emergencies—whether large or small—often happen with little warning.
By preparing, they reduce their reliance on external systems and gain the confidence to handle challenges.
Some motivations for survivalism include:
- Natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods.
- Power outages that last for days or weeks.
- Economic instability or job loss that impacts income.
- A desire for greater independence and resilience in daily life.
Preparing isn’t about living in fear. It’s about having peace of mind and being ready to adapt when life takes an unexpected turn.
For tips on preparing for natural disasters, visit Ready.gov, a government resource for emergency readiness.
3. What Is a Bug-Out Bag?
A bug-out bag (BOB) is a pre-packed bag filled with essential survival items.
The idea is to grab it and go if you need to evacuate your home quickly due to a disaster or emergency.
Here’s what you’ll typically find in a well-stocked bug-out bag:
- Water: Enough for at least three days or a portable water purifier.
- Food: Lightweight, non-perishable items like protein bars or freeze-dried meals.
- Shelter: A compact tent, tarp, or emergency blanket for protection.
- First Aid Kit: Includes bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and medical tools.
- Survival Tools: A multitool, fire starter, flashlight, and knife are essential.
- Clothing: Weather-appropriate gear and sturdy footwear.
The bag should be lightweight yet comprehensive. Many survivalists choose durable tactical backpacks for their bug-out bags because they can handle heavy loads and tough conditions.
4. What Are the Key Skills for Survivalists?
Having the right gear is only part of the equation. Survivalists also rely on their knowledge and skills to navigate emergencies. Here are some essential skills every survivalist should learn:
- Fire Starting: Learn multiple ways to start a fire, such as using flint, magnesium, or even a magnifying glass. Fire provides warmth, light, and the ability to cook food.
- Water Purification: Know how to purify water using filters, tablets, or boiling to avoid dehydration.
- Navigation: Practice reading maps and using a compass in case GPS systems fail.
- First Aid: Gain knowledge in treating wounds, fractures, and other injuries. Courses like CPR certification can be life-saving.
- Food Sourcing: Learn basic foraging, fishing, or hunting to supplement stored food.
Developing these skills builds confidence and ensures survivalists can adapt to a variety of situations.
5. How to Be a Survivalist?
Becoming a survivalist isn’t difficult, but it takes dedication. Here’s how to start:
- Begin with Research: Start reading books, blogs, and forums about survival techniques.
- Learn Essential Skills: Pick one skill to learn, like fire-starting, water purification, or first aid.
- Prepare Your Home: Stockpile essentials like food, water, and first aid supplies.
- Create a Bug-Out Bag: Prepare a bag with the essentials you'll need in case you need to leave quickly.
- Practice: The more you practice these skills, the more prepared you'll feel when an emergency arises.
You don’t need to live in the wilderness to start; simply being prepared for local emergencies is a great first step.
6. What Is the Difference Between a Survivalist and a Prepper?
While survivalists and preppers are used interchangeably and have similar goals—being prepared for emergencies—there are some distinctions:
- Survivalists: Survivalists focus on self-sufficiency in all scenarios, including outdoor survival and urban emergencies. They are prepared for any situation and often have a variety of tools, including tactical gear.
- Preppers: Preppers are more focused on stockpiling supplies and preparing for specific long-term disasters, such as a collapse of society or a widespread natural disaster. Their emphasis is often on storing food, water, and other necessities to get through a prolonged crisis.
The difference lies mainly in the approach: survivalists prepare for immediate self-sufficiency, while preppers prepare for long-term sustainability.
7. What Is the Difference Between a Survivalist and a Bushcrafter?
While both survivalists and bushcrafters focus on outdoor survival, there are some key differences:
- Survivalist: A survivalist is someone who prepares for all types of emergencies—both outdoor and urban. Their focus is on self-reliance. They often invest in tactical gear, first-aid kits, and other preparedness tools.
- Bushcrafter: A bushcrafter, on the other hand, focuses primarily on surviving in the wild using natural resources. They prioritize skills like fire-making, shelter-building, and foraging, and they often use minimal gear. Bushcraft is about connecting with nature and becoming highly skilled in wilderness survival.
8. Where Can You Learn More About Survivalism?
If you want to learn more about survivalism, here are some resources:
Books
Books are an excellent way to dive deep into survivalism. A few must-read titles include:
- SAS Survival Handbook by John Wiseman – A comprehensive guide on wilderness survival, first aid, and other essential skills.
- The Prepper's Blueprint by Tess Pennington – A practical guide for building long-term preparedness plans.
- Emergency War Surgery – A vital resource for medical care when help isn't available.
Online Communities
Joining online groups can connect you with others who share your interest in survivalism. You can get advice, ask questions, and stay updated. Some great online communities include:
- Reddit’s r/Survival (r/Survival) – A lively forum for survival tips and discussions.
- Survivalist Boards (Survivalist Boards) – A place to share knowledge and find detailed survival resources.
- Facebook Groups – Search for local prepper and survivalist groups for advice and support.
- YouTube Channels: Channels like Corporals Corner, The Modern Survivalist, and Survival Lilly offer step-by-step tutorials, gear reviews, and survival strategies.
Workshops and Courses
Hands-on experience is essential for survivalism. Look for local or online classes to learn practical skills.
- OutdoorCore (OutdoorCore) – offers courses on survival and bushcraft.
- Boulder Outdoor Survival School (Boulder Outdoor Survival School) – An online platform offering courses in bushcraft, survival skills, and more.
- Wilderness Awareness School (Wilderness Awareness School) – Offers outdoor survival and tracking courses.
- Local Survival Workshops – Check community centers or outdoor retailers for survival courses in your area.
Podcasts and Blogs
Podcasts and blogs are great for learning while on the go:
- The Survival Podcast (The Survival Podcast) – Focuses on preparedness, homesteading, and self-sufficiency.
- Survival Blog (Survival Blog) – Offers a wealth of survival tips and product reviews.
- Backdoor Survival blog (Backdoor Survival) – focuses on simple, practical ways to get started.
9. Why Do Survivalists Use Tactical Gear?
Tactical gear is popular among survivalists for good reason. It’s durable, functional, and reliable under pressure.
While not every survivalist uses tactical gear, it’s a smart choice for those who want equipment that can withstand tough conditions.
Key benefits of tactical gear include:
- Durability: Built to endure harsh weather and heavy use.
- Customizability: Features like MOLLE systems allow for added flexibility.
- Efficiency: Tactical backpacks and vests keep tools and supplies organized.
These qualities make tactical gear a valuable addition to many survivalists' equipment, but it's only part of the bigger picture.
For high-quality tactical gear, visit LQARMY, a trusted brand offering customizable options for survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
10. Is Survivalism Relevant in Today’s World?
Yes. Modern life is filled with uncertainties—extreme weather events, technological failures, and economic instability are just a few examples. Survivalism offers practical solutions for navigating these challenges.
Preparedness isn’t just for worst-case scenarios. It’s also about improving everyday resilience, like handling power outages or unexpected travel delays. In an unpredictable world, survivalism is a mindset that never goes out of style.
