National prepping surge

[thescoutranch]

My wife just ordered a freeze dryer a few hours ago since the freeze dried stuff you buy is really expensive now.
I think her main reason was to make freeze dried Skittles though.

Which one? And what made you choose that one?

Thanks

 

[DaBull]

Cholula and Tabasco

You gotta try Yellow Bird Habanero. Its all I use now. Made in Texas and sold in HEB and Costco. You can order it direct from YB in gallon jugs.

 

[Sam Colt]

My wife just ordered a freeze dryer a few hours ago since the freeze dried stuff you buy is really expensive now.
I think her main reason was to make freeze dried Skittles though.

Hope it’s not a Harvest Right.

 

[billtool]

I have no out of town land and don't varmint hunt much as a result. Why the heck is a thermal or IR optic calling my name. Dangit - from what I read - $700.00 is the going rate for a serviceable unit. Anyone want to talk me out of it? Where else could I better spend the $? Otherwise, I feel we have prepared fairly well to stay home when things get crazy.

I pulled the trigger on this one. Got one hell of a deal from Amazon on a solidly reviewed solution. Don't know if there are any left, but y'all might want to grab it up for <$450.00 if you can.

Wraith 4K Max 3-24x50 Digital Rifle Scope

Sightmark's Wraith 4K Max digital riflescope offers ultra-high definition sensor, detecting objects up to 300 yards away in low-light conditions.

sightmark.com

 

[caddy]

I have never prepped before. The most prepping I have done was watch prepper shows on TV as entertainment. I live in the city and like others got used to the comfort provided by being on city power, water and sewer. The only issue is when power goes out during storms. I bought a generator during Harvey because we lost power for like 12 days. Since then i have only used the generator a handful of times. The last time we used it was during the freeze that had rolling power outages.

Now I see a need to be more prepared than what I had been. I am hoping to buy some land away from the big city to build on and also plant some crops to get used to growing some of my food incase it is needed in the future. So I have some catching up to do.

 

[SARGE67]

I have never prepped before. The most prepping I have done was watch prepper shows on TV as entertainment. I live in the city and like others got used to the comfort provided by being on city power, water and sewer. The only issue is when power goes out during storms. I bought a generator during Harvey because we lost power for like 12 days. Since then i have only used the generator a handful of times. The last time we used it was during the freeze that had rolling power outages.

Now I see a need to be more prepared than what I had been. I am hoping to buy some land away from the big city to build on and also plant some crops to get used to growing some of my food incase it is needed in the future. So I have some catching up to do.

Growing crops takes time. To me prepping means having things on hand now, never knowing what tomorrow may bring in very unstable times.

 

[MountainGirl]

Now I see a need to be more prepared than what I had been. I am hoping to buy some land away from the big city to build on and also plant some crops to get used to growing some of my food incase it is needed in the future. So I have some catching up to do.

One thing you could do now is practice growing food in containers if you have access to a bit of sunlight - porch, balcony, etc... or even inside a south facing window works well for small plants, herbs.

Point being, start up the learning curve now, and welcome to the forum. You've already made some nice posts.

 

[majormadmax]

Despite what they believe, most preppers won't last that much longer than the average citizen once the shit hits the fan.

In fact, many will probably die quicker.

 

[thescoutranch]

Despite what they believe, most preppers won't last that much longer than the average citizen once the shit hits the fan.

In fact, many will probably die quicker.

What is your reasoning behind this statement?

Just curious.

 

[MountainGirl]

What is your reasoning behind this statement?

Just curious.

I agree with Max, for two reasons: They think they're ready and they're not because of things they didn't think of - or, and more likely, they are somewhat prepped but didn't keep their mouth shut about what they have.

 

[MountainGirl]

@no2gates - Any update on the freeze dryer? I dehydrate protein & some veggies with a 6-tray Cosori, works great. Thought about a freeze dryer but decided to not.

 

[no2gates]

@no2gates - Any update on the freeze dryer? I dehydrate protein & some veggies with a 6-tray Cosori, works great. Thought about a freeze dryer but decided to not.

Got it a week ago and it's been working great so far. My wife has made the most delicious freeze dried pickles with it. They are great !
ETA: Oh, and Freeze Dried Tajin Skittles are out of this world.

 

[SARGE67]

I agree with Max, for two reasons: They think they're ready and they're not because of things they didn't think of - or, and more likely, they are somewhat prepped but didn't keep their mouth shut about what they have.

I agree but none of us have ever experienced having to "prep". I make sure we always have at least 24 gallons of water and lots of protein like black beans, fish like canned mackerel and tuna, some canned soups. But hell, how long are we supposed to live on all that ? Is best we never have to find out because if and when it happens, we won't be able to process it physically, mentally or emotionally.

 

[majormadmax]

What is your reasoning behind this statement?

Just curious.

I've seen some of these "expert preppers" put to the test, and failing miserably!

Most have never exercised the vast majority of their plan, if they even really have one; and have no idea of any vulnerabilities or shortfalls they may contain.

Secondly, most preppers I've encountered are badly out of shape and/or overweight.

Thirdly, most have no real long-term sustainment built into their plans. 50-60 days worth of food really isn't going to make much of an impact, and given the above observation, it will likely go quicker than they realize.

Case in point, during the five days without power and water in San Antonio during the winter storm of February 2021, a significant portion of the population was running out of food and water.

Lastly, and there are probably a lot more factors which will lead to the failure of these individuals, the vast majority of these preppers do not possess the required skills necessary for survive for any significant period of time.

Oh, and most likely, they individuals will be overconfident in their perceived abilities and due to their poor OPSEC will be some of the first targets of those who truly understand the situation and how to deal with it!

To be fair, if something of truly apocalyptic level occurs, 99.9% of the population won't survive it so it's all a moot point and waste of time and money. I'll just enjoy what little time I have left on this earth, be it another day or another couple of decades, and not worry about such nonsense...

 

[billtool]

It’s the EMP that’ll do us dirty. Read a book recently that lays out simply - one year of food and water source per person will be needed to get past it. Seems reasonable to me. At that point - food/booze/drugs/ammo will be the currency of the day.

 

[easy rider]

I started buying prep food since COVID. While I used to laugh at preppers, that event told me I can't trust anything coming out of D.C., and I don't see it getting better. I also added more propane and bought a solar generator. As far as night vision, while I did like my Wraith, it pales to my new thermal. I went slowly, but now I've built up quite a supply.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

What will preppers do when family and friends come begging for food?

 

[MountainGirl]

What will preppers do when family and friends come begging for food?

Feed them. And when they run out of food they'll steal yours, killing you if they have to. And it's not just "preppers". How hungry do you think your neighbor will let his kids get?

 

[billtool]

I get it. I have some loved ones that will come knocking on my door if they can make it here. And I’ll let them in. Beyond them- the answer is sadly- No.

 

[MountainGirl]

It’s the EMP that’ll do us dirty. Read a book recently that lays out simply - one year of food and water source per person will be needed to get past it. Seems reasonable to me. At that point - food/booze/drugs/ammo will be the currency of the day.

Our long term plan relies on trade goods; but that has a real major flaw. Once it's 'known' that there are items here, we'll be the biggest target in the area. We've made our decisions on that, though, and are at peace with them.