Survivalists and preppers are not one and the same. They are both prepping and there are similarities, but there are several things that sets them apart.
What is The Difference Between Survivalism And Prepping?
While the two certainly have similarities, the two terms are not interchangeable. Both survivalists and peppers aspire to be prepared for anything life throws at them. They are both “prepping” for pending disasters. And though some use the terms interchangeably, they are actually very different. They share a common goal, but there are major differences when it comes to what their end goal is and why they do what they do.
The similarities
They both want to be ready for any disaster that might strike. They spend time and resources on preparing themselves and their families for natural disasters and even disasters that are statistically unlikely to ever occur. Preppers and survivalists both share a strong will to live. Many of their preparations involve gathering supplies that will allow them to live self-sufficiently for an extended period of time. From anywhere between a week and multiple years.
The differences
The main difference between the two is how serious they are about what they do. Of course both groups are serious about their preparations and ensuring their families survival. However, how far they take their prepping and how extreme their plans are is what the sets the two apart.
They may also focus on preparing in different ways. While one group may stockpile massive amounts of food that can be stored for a long time, the other may store less food and more seeds to grow their own. Each group is preparing for food security, but each with a different approach.
What is a survivalist like?
Survivalists tend to look to Earth and nature for what they need to survive. They want to be part of the circle of life and not disturb it. And so a survivalist will learn about the area where they live and find ways to live off the land and forage for their needs, rather than keep huge stockpiles. That’s not to say that they won’t preserve the food they find or grow.
They are likely to grow their own food and/or gather their own food through foraging. Therefore their prepping may stockpiling tools and seeds rather than large quantities of shelf stable foods. And if they aren’t plant-based, through hunting and fishing as well. They won’t rely on anything mass produced, but they will put their own lives in their own hands. The way we all once lived.
A survivalist will do whatever they need to do to survive. They do not expect to rely on the comforts of modern society during or in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
What is a prepper like?
Preppers have their own idea about how they plan on getting by or even thrive after a disaster has struck. Their prepping is likely to involve having large stockpiles of shelf stable foods, supplies and other items they may need to stay safe, alive and comfortable during and after a disaster. The stockpile should be large enough to get them through the disaster and the time it takes for them to be rescued after the disaster.
They are generally considered more relentless in their preparations. This is likely because their preparations are so visible to the world around them. How far the prepper will go to prepare and stockpile goods differ from person to person. Not all preppers think and feel alike.
Conclusion:
The main difference between survivalists and preppers is how they make their preparations and how they plan on surviving any future disaster. Prepping is something they can both agree needs to be done. They both work hard and plan extensively to make sure they not only survive the disaster, but are able to find ways to thrive as well. Both groups strongly believe in themselves, in their own capabilities and in their plans. They share an optimism that they can survive anything.
If we believe we will survive, we’re halfway there.
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