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I don't know why you've been downvoted, since IMO you raise a valid point. I've known a few prepper types. They had plans for escape rooms, a significant cach

I don't know why you've been downvoted, since IMO you raise a valid point. I've known a few prepper types. They had plans for escape rooms, a significant cache of weapons, some ammo, and a few MREs in the closet. Nobody had more than maybe a few liters of water per person in the home, and when I asked about an escape plan (e.g. there's a fire, get out and meet at John's house on the next street over) they looked at me like I was insane. Oh, and of course they're all in fairly bad shape. In my opinion, most of the "prepper" stuff is about fantasy role playing. I see it as related to the "middle aged man porn" we see lately in the form of the Taken franchise of movies. It perhaps it gives a feeling of smug satisfaction in a chaotic life. You're angry that you were cut off in traffic on your way to a job that might have layoffs tomorrow, but at least you can tell yourself that when the apocalypse comes, you'll succeed while that jerk will be fodder. Sort of a tough guy variant of the classic "ass pennies" comedy sketch.

antisthenes 10y ago
I agree. The best investment for a doomsday scenario is to invest in yourself and your own skills first: get in shape, learn basic farming, wood/metalworking to make and repair tools, animal husbandry, basic first aid skills, learn geography and where clean water sources are, etc. The 2nd best investment is to invest in your community and friends, because survival as a group is much easier than being a loner. Stockpiling supplies I don't think is very relevant until signs of the collapse are obvious. A lot of medicines and some fuel don't last very long either, afaik.
- patch_collector 10y ago
  Stockpiling to an extent makes sense, in my mind. Things like food and water to last at least a few weeks, ideally months or a year, are quite practical. Because the moment a problem is obvious, it's too late to get them. If you've ever lived in a hurricane area and let your toilet paper supply run low before an event, you'll know what I'm talking about ;) Alternatively, if you've ever been sick and not wanted to leave the house for a week, or lost a job and wanted to limit what you're spending, etc. Also, stockpiling should be done smart. If fuel doesn't last long, make sure you're using things like fuel extenders to keep them usable. And ideally, make it part of your daily life. Stockpiling 5 or 500 gallons of water in your apartment or house is a great idea (when the water main breaks after an earthquake, would you rather be the person who can help others because you know you're taken care of, or the guy who's fighting off dehydration while he waits for the red cross to arrive?), but keep using it. Don't buy one of those blue tanks and just leave it in a corner, buy 10 and use them, replacing them as you use them. Same thing with food, and fuel. Going to extremes, of course, give you diminishing returns (like anything). So stockpiling several million rounds of ammunition and more medicine than can be used before it expires doesn't make much sense.

antisthenes 10y ago

I agree. The best investment for a doomsday scenario is to invest in yourself and your own skills first: get in shape, learn basic farming, wood/metalworking to make and repair tools, animal husbandry, basic first aid skills, learn geography and where clean water sources are, etc. The 2nd best investment is to invest in your community and friends, because survival as a group is much easier than being a loner. Stockpiling supplies I don't think is very relevant until signs of the collapse are obvious. A lot of medicines and some fuel don't last very long either, afaik.

patch_collector 10y ago
Stockpiling to an extent makes sense, in my mind. Things like food and water to last at least a few weeks, ideally months or a year, are quite practical. Because the moment a problem is obvious, it's too late to get them. If you've ever lived in a hurricane area and let your toilet paper supply run low before an event, you'll know what I'm talking about ;) Alternatively, if you've ever been sick and not wanted to leave the house for a week, or lost a job and wanted to limit what you're spending, etc. Also, stockpiling should be done smart. If fuel doesn't last long, make sure you're using things like fuel extenders to keep them usable. And ideally, make it part of your daily life. Stockpiling 5 or 500 gallons of water in your apartment or house is a great idea (when the water main breaks after an earthquake, would you rather be the person who can help others because you know you're taken care of, or the guy who's fighting off dehydration while he waits for the red cross to arrive?), but keep using it. Don't buy one of those blue tanks and just leave it in a corner, buy 10 and use them, replacing them as you use them. Same thing with food, and fuel. Going to extremes, of course, give you diminishing returns (like anything). So stockpiling several million rounds of ammunition and more medicine than can be used before it expires doesn't make much sense.