Mountain Hideaway Blog

So I want to bring to attention a specific topic that has had little coverage in the survival industry. Most preppers tend to focus on homesteading, being self-sufficient, and building up longer term types of preps. This is fine but should not be at the expense of overlooking what you can do to be prepared no matter where you go. The term mircro-prepping is what I would define as having some measure of preparedness with me on my person at all times. If in the event I am faced with a situation in which I need to employ my survival skills; I have the tools necessary to use and be effective. No, I am not suggesting that everyone walk around loaded to the max with survival gear and supplies. I am suggesting that everyone should look into building a micro-supply of tools.

What are everyday items that you might carry? Most people carry car keys, wallet, purse, and for some a pocket knife. These items are with us through out most of the day and can be used to transport micro-preps. Here are some items that can easily be carried with you that I found to be extremely effective tools for survival; Magnesium Fire Starter, Swiss Tech Micro Pro XL 900 Keychain Multi-Tool, and the Leatherman Skeletool CX. So you might look at these and say ok why would I need a firestarter with me everyday around town? Well an answer to that question is why not? Do not underestimate the need for a fire. Fire can fufill some of the most primary needs we have such as warmth, light, cooking, sterilizing water, making tools, and boosting morale. Also another main reason why I carry one with me is so that it reminds me to work on my fire making skills in my backyard or at a friend’s house using their fire pit. Sometimes we can easily forget and take for granted the small things in life that make it better such as having a warm fire.

 Have the right tools with you so that at any moment you can not only be prepared, but work and build up your skills. One quick thing about Leatherman; This company/brand is awesome! Yes I thought at first that I could never be able to afford a nice tool like the Leatherman Skeletool CX, until I finally coughed up the money and got one. This tool stand alone is one of the most functioning, compact, and heavy duty tools I have ever used. Not only do I stand by this tool, but there is something to be said about the company Leatherman who stands by their products and had excellent customer service. Do Not Buy cheap pieces of junk for survival tools! Those crappy made in china tools will only steal your money and leave you frustrated. I hope you have enjoyed this post and as always, if you have any questions or suggestions I am open to both. Shoot me an email at kerry@themountainhideaway.com

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Prepping and survivalism is not just about being prepared to live through bad times, but rather seeking a way of life that has been stolen from us. Life is always changing and it seems that forces like new technologies are changing it faster than we can keep up with. Lately I have noticed how subtly everyone seems to be noticing the changing of the times, from the small talk at the coffee shops to small family gatherings. I listen to people talk as if they are stuck in a world that demands faster and better performance with no time for anything. It seems as if the most fundamental parts of being human are being stripped away from us little by little. Maybe Apple can make an app called real life, where we get a glimpse of how life used to be just 70 years ago, before we were sold the lie that “we can have it all” and that we are “entitled to it all”. Though our conscious is aware that we are stuck in this way of thinking, we seemingly find it hard to find ourselves again. Being  survivalist and preppers can help us build better lives so we can find our roots as people, as Americans, as fellow believers that we can do better.

Take a garden for example, a garden may simply be just another way for you to grown your own supply of healthy fresh foods; but on a deeper lever its more than that. A garden is a teacher. It teaches us the value of hard work, and seldom does anything good in life come without hard work. It also teaches us that we can’t have everything we want, when we want it. Watching the fruits of our labor grow literally is a feeling that no one can take away, but only if we trade it for the lie that a simple quick meal at MacDonald’s will be ok. Growing a garden can plant seeds of truth and lifelong lessons in your life. The rewards of growing a garden far exceed the planning, effort, and hard work that you put in.

Another way in which prepping and survivalism can better your life is the idea of self-sufficiency and self-reliance both of which are different but work together to make us more confident in our abilities to independently provide for ourselves. When you can master your problems; you gain a sense of control and well being. Surviving is finding solutions to problematic areas of your life that seem almost impossible to gain control. What I am more specifically referring to is debt! When you conquer your debt, you are free to choose what your money can accomplish, rather than having your money choose for you. Living debt free is one of the central components to survivalism, because it acknowledges that your own survival is a direct relationship to your habits and your way of thinking. Think of it this way, wealth is not how much money you make, but rather how long you can sustain yourself on the resources you currently have without your income. Live within your means and throw away the “American dream” of affluence that is sold by the media to keep you in debt.

So far everything I have talked about is far removed from the media painted picture of survivalist living in bunkers waiting for the apocalypse. There are so many benefits to this way of life that I could write a book, but for now I’ll explain one last benefit. The most important thing about being a survivalist prepper, is that it teaches you principles in life. It teaches that you aren’t owed one dang thing in life, and that good honest hard work and integrity are great virtues to have. The principle of thinking for yourself is HUGE! I encourage everyone reading this to examine your own life, and see how you and your family can live better lives by the principles of being prepared so you can survive tomorrow.

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