A lot of preparedness content makes it seem like you need to spend a small fortune before you're ready for anything. I don't buy that because some of the most useful things I've done cost very little and a few were practically free. Learning basic first aid is near the top of the list. A library book, a community class or a weekend course can teach skills that are worth far more than another piece of gear sitting on a shelf.
A printed local map is another one, they're cheap and somehow become very interesting the moment your phone isn't helping. Keeping a spare fuel container topped off has saved me more inconvenience than I can count, it is just one of those things that's nice to have before you need it.
And then there's food, not freeze-dried mystery meals you'll never touch unless civilization collapses. Just an extra week of the food you already eat. You'll rotate through it anyway and if something unexpected happens, you're already covered.
Don't get me wrong, quality gear has its place. I like gear as much as the next guy but I've noticed that a lot of people, myself included, sometimes get more excited about buying equipment than covering the basics. The fundamentals aren't flashy and nobody posts a photo online and gets excited about a map, a first aid class or a pantry full of normal groceries but when you look at what actually solves everyday problems, it's usually the boring stuff that earns its keep, the expensive gear is nice but the fundamentals are what carry the load.
A printed local map is another one, they're cheap and somehow become very interesting the moment your phone isn't helping. Keeping a spare fuel container topped off has saved me more inconvenience than I can count, it is just one of those things that's nice to have before you need it.
And then there's food, not freeze-dried mystery meals you'll never touch unless civilization collapses. Just an extra week of the food you already eat. You'll rotate through it anyway and if something unexpected happens, you're already covered.
Don't get me wrong, quality gear has its place. I like gear as much as the next guy but I've noticed that a lot of people, myself included, sometimes get more excited about buying equipment than covering the basics. The fundamentals aren't flashy and nobody posts a photo online and gets excited about a map, a first aid class or a pantry full of normal groceries but when you look at what actually solves everyday problems, it's usually the boring stuff that earns its keep, the expensive gear is nice but the fundamentals are what carry the load.
