Prepper FAQs

It might be a new word as far as you’re concerned, or a subject that is still some way beyond common usage – but the term “prepper” is becoming increasingly mainstream and one you are likely to be hearing a lot more about in the immediate future.

So, here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the subject. As an article in Battle Box in March 2021 puts it, the first three questions are fairly basic and straightforward.

What is a prepper?

A prepper is someone engaged in the activity of prepping – and prepping simply means preparing. A prepper is getting prepared.

Why is a prepper prepping?

In lots of ways, a prepper is the original Boy Scout. The Boy Scout’s motto is “be prepared” – and that’s exactly what a prepper aims to do and be.

The rationale is simplicity itself. If you have already prepared for an event or situation, you are in a considerably better position from which to handle or manage the fallout.

Rather than running around like a headless chicken, you have a sense of purpose and the stores and skills that have prepared you to face whatever difficulties and challenges may lie ahead.

What is a prepper preparing for?

Anything and everything – that is probably the broadest yet fairest answer.

As the UK Prepper’s Guide explains there is no such person as the “average” prepper. Preppers come from all walks of life and they may be prepping for just about anything – any emergency, crisis or disaster that disturbs the regular flow of everyday life and throws up unique challenges, both minor, major, and potentially life-threatening.

What does a prepper do?

That, in turn, depends on the type of prepper you are and whatever you might be prepping for. Once again, it’s worth saying it loud and clear – there is no such person as the “average” prepper.

Indeed, you might be prepping without even knowing it. If there is any part of you that is following in your grandparents’ footsteps, for instance, you might already be putting some things aside “just in case” – cans of food, non-perishable goods, stocks of candles or kindling for the fire, for instance. You might be continuing that Great British tradition of saving potentially useful items for that “rainy day”.

What is the difference between prepping and just putting things by?

Prepping is more methodical and thought-out than putting things by for a rainy day “just in case”.

A conscious effort goes into making sure that you have a careful plan for any emergency that might happen and have the supplies and stocks of water and food to survive for at least the initial three days – and a strategy in place for continuing to gather essential items beyond that time.

What does that mean in practical terms?

What that means in practical terms once again depends on the type of prepper you want to become and the types of emergency or crisis you envisage. An emergency of crisis could be something like a flood or fire that ravages your home; civil unrest; a pandemic (meaning stuff is in short supply) and so on.

Being prepared could mean you are prepared for an emergency where you “hole-up” at home. Or, where you are on the move. Considerations will include water, food, fire and power, and potentially shelter if you are on the move. We discuss this more in our Beginners Guide to Prepping in the UK.

You will also need to consider your skills and fitness levels. Our blog Benefits of Survival and Bushcraft Courses and Fitness For Prepping provide further information on these.

How do I start?

The first step forward on your journey to becoming a prepper is to have a carefully crafted plan. It can be kept in your head, but is, naturally, better written down – and the most basic of survival items to be stored in what becomes a so-called Bug Out Bag. Our blog Bug Out Bags explains more about these bags and what you need to put in one.