Hey all. Before I get started, I just wanted to say that this thread is the result of my being physically and emotionally exhausted after a 13 mile hike today.
I've been a prepper of sorts for quite some time (learned most of what I know via survivalistboards). While buying up and storing gear, food, and firearms/ammo is important, I cannot stress how important it is that you take care of yourself and maintain a high level of physical fitness.
The sad fact for a lot of people out there (youtube) is that their plan to bug-out and ruck all of their gear into the mountains to live off the land is unrealistic. My observations over the years have shown me that the majority of the people who want to do this seem to be unhealthy/overweight. Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are those out there that could manage, but wouldn't it be easier if you were physically prepared to do so?
At the time I'm writing this, I'm 31 years of age, tall, thin, eat healthy, and am almost in the best shape of my life. I'm a runner and I walk/hike a lot. Let me tell you something...there are days that I go out and run/walk 10+ miles...and it is exhausting! Keep in mind I'm doing this without any type of pack or gear, other than a water bladder. It sometimes takes days to recover from those distances, not to mention the months of consistent training to even build up to that distance. Now, imagine having to walk/run that distance, if not further, every single day during shtf/teotwawki because your vehicle broke down/ran out of gas. Could you do it? Could your loved ones do it?
In addition to my earlier comment about why I'm writing this, I also want to include a message to those who aren't worried about such things because they plan on "bugging in". Take a look at what's going on in the world right now with the riots. Right now, as usual, they're taking place in the larger cities. In the true event of a major shtf scenario, you WILL NOT be able to bug in forever. At some point in time, someone or some group of people will reach and approach your home. Yes, we all have firearms and ammo stored to the ceiling, but do we really expect to shoot our ways out of it? What happens when someone firebombs your house? You will need to flee and a vehicle may not be an option.
Just a thought....
I've been a prepper of sorts for quite some time (learned most of what I know via survivalistboards). While buying up and storing gear, food, and firearms/ammo is important, I cannot stress how important it is that you take care of yourself and maintain a high level of physical fitness.
The sad fact for a lot of people out there (youtube) is that their plan to bug-out and ruck all of their gear into the mountains to live off the land is unrealistic. My observations over the years have shown me that the majority of the people who want to do this seem to be unhealthy/overweight. Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are those out there that could manage, but wouldn't it be easier if you were physically prepared to do so?
At the time I'm writing this, I'm 31 years of age, tall, thin, eat healthy, and am almost in the best shape of my life. I'm a runner and I walk/hike a lot. Let me tell you something...there are days that I go out and run/walk 10+ miles...and it is exhausting! Keep in mind I'm doing this without any type of pack or gear, other than a water bladder. It sometimes takes days to recover from those distances, not to mention the months of consistent training to even build up to that distance. Now, imagine having to walk/run that distance, if not further, every single day during shtf/teotwawki because your vehicle broke down/ran out of gas. Could you do it? Could your loved ones do it?
In addition to my earlier comment about why I'm writing this, I also want to include a message to those who aren't worried about such things because they plan on "bugging in". Take a look at what's going on in the world right now with the riots. Right now, as usual, they're taking place in the larger cities. In the true event of a major shtf scenario, you WILL NOT be able to bug in forever. At some point in time, someone or some group of people will reach and approach your home. Yes, we all have firearms and ammo stored to the ceiling, but do we really expect to shoot our ways out of it? What happens when someone firebombs your house? You will need to flee and a vehicle may not be an option.
Just a thought....