In this article, you will discover a wealth of invaluable resources that will help you acquire and hone essential prepper skills. Whether you’re a seasoned survivalist or someone just starting out on their preparedness journey, these handpicked resources are guaranteed to equip you with the knowledge and know-how needed to navigate any unexpected situation with confidence. From online courses and informative blogs to practical guides and immersive workshops, the collection of resources featured here ensures that you’re well-equipped to face any challenge that comes your way. So, gear up and get ready to embark on a transformative learning experience that will empower you to become the ultimate prepper.
Books
Survival Guide
When it comes to learning prepper skills, a survival guide is an essential resource. Packed with information on everything from finding and purifying water to building shelter and starting a fire, a good survival guide is like having a trusted mentor by your side. Look for books that cover a wide range of scenarios and provide practical, step-by-step instructions. Some popular titles include “SAS Survival Handbook” by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman and “Bushcraft 101” by Dave Canterbury.
Bushcraft Skills
Bushcraft skills are essential for anyone looking to survive and thrive in the wilderness. These skills encompass a wide range of techniques, including building shelters, foraging for food, and navigating using natural landmarks. Books on bushcraft skills often delve into the finer details of survival, providing expert advice on topics such as knife skills, fire making, and primitive hunting techniques. “The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, and Cooking in the Wild” by Dave Canterbury is a great resource for those looking to develop their bushcraft skills.
First Aid
In any emergency situation, first aid skills can mean the difference between life and death. It’s crucial to have a solid understanding of basic first aid techniques, such as CPR, treating wounds, and managing common medical emergencies. Look for books that provide comprehensive guides on first aid, including step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations. “First Aid for the Outdoors” by William W. Forgey is an excellent resource for learning how to handle medical emergencies in a wilderness setting.
Wilderness Medicine
When you’re far from civilization, having a basic understanding of wilderness medicine is essential. This branch of medicine focuses on treating and preventing injuries and illnesses that can occur in remote areas. Wilderness medicine books cover topics such as recognizing and treating hypothermia, managing snake bites, and improvising medical supplies. “Medicine for the Outdoors” by Paul S. Auerbach is a comprehensive guide that covers a wide range of medical scenarios and provides practical advice for wilderness emergencies.
Online Courses
Survival Skills
If you prefer a more interactive learning experience, online courses can be a great option. Survival skills courses offered online provide comprehensive training on various survival techniques. From building shelters to foraging for food, these courses offer step-by-step guidance and may even offer practical assignments to test your skills. Websites like Udemy and Coursera offer a range of survival skills courses taught by experienced instructors.
Primitive Skills
For those interested in learning traditional and primitive survival skills, online courses can provide a wealth of knowledge. These courses cover techniques such as making friction fire, creating natural cordage, and constructing primitive tools. Platforms like Skillshare and MasterClass offer a variety of primitive skills courses taught by experts in the field.
Emergency Preparedness
Being prepared for emergencies is crucial, and online courses can help you develop the necessary skills. These courses provide guidance on disaster preparedness, emergency planning, and response strategies. You’ll learn how to create emergency kits, develop evacuation plans, and handle various emergency scenarios. Websites like FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute offer free online courses that cover a range of emergency preparedness topics.
Self-defense
In uncertain times, knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones is essential. Online self-defense courses offer instruction in both physical techniques and mental strategies for staying safe. You’ll learn techniques to defend against common attacks, as well as how to assess dangerous situations and make quick decisions. Websites like Krav Maga Worldwide offer online self-defense courses taught by experienced instructors.
YouTube Channels
Survival Theory
If you’re a visual learner, YouTube is a goldmine of prepper resources. Survival Theory is a popular channel that covers a wide range of survival topics. From building shelters to purifying water, you’ll find step-by-step tutorials and practical advice for surviving in different environments. The channel also features interviews with experts, gear reviews, and survival stories.
Outdoor Skills
Outdoor Skills is another great YouTube channel for learning prepper skills. Hosted by experienced outdoorsman Joe Robinet, the channel offers informative videos on wilderness survival, bushcraft techniques, and outdoor gear reviews. Joe’s engaging style and wealth of knowledge make his videos both educational and entertaining.
Homesteading
Homesteading is another aspect of prepper living that involves self-sufficiency and sustainability. YouTube channels like Justin Rhodes and Pure Living for Life provide valuable insights into living off the land, growing your own food, and establishing a self-sustaining lifestyle. These channels offer a wealth of information on topics such as raising livestock, building sustainable homes, and preserving food.
Self-sufficiency
The Wranglerstar YouTube channel is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in self-sufficiency. With videos covering everything from traditional skills like blacksmithing and woodworking to modern homesteading practices, this channel provides practical advice for achieving self-sufficiency in today’s world. You’ll also find helpful tips on gardening, food preservation, and emergency preparedness.
Podcasts
Prepper Lifestyle
Prepper Lifestyle is a podcast that explores all aspects of prepping and self-reliance. Hosted by a knowledgeable prepper, each episode covers different topics, ranging from beginner tips to advanced survival strategies. The podcast features interviews with experts, real-life survival stories, and practical advice for living a prepared lifestyle.
Emergency Preparedness
The Emergency Preparedness podcast focuses on providing listeners with valuable information on how to be prepared for emergencies. Each episode covers a specific aspect of emergency preparedness, such as creating emergency kits, developing communication plans, and understanding different types of disasters. This podcast is an excellent resource for those looking to enhance their emergency preparedness skills.
Self-reliance
The Self-reliance podcast explores the mindset and skills needed to be self-reliant in today’s world. Hosted by experienced homesteader Nicole Sauce, the podcast covers a wide range of topics, including sustainable living, outdoor survival, and financial independence. With informative interviews and practical advice, this podcast is a great resource for those looking to become more self-reliant.
Homesteading
Homesteading podcasts, such as Homesteady and Living Homegrown, provide valuable insights into the self-sufficient lifestyle. These podcasts cover topics such as gardening, raising livestock, and preserving food. They also offer guidance on establishing a homestead and navigating the challenges of rural living. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just starting, these podcasts have something for everyone.
Blogs
Survival Tips
When it comes to learning prepper skills, blogs can be an invaluable resource. Survival Tips blogs, such as The Prepared and Tactical Intelligence, provide practical advice and expert tips for surviving in various scenarios. From wilderness survival to urban preparedness, these blogs offer a wealth of information on everything from essential gear to emergency planning.
Prepping Advice
Prepping Advice blogs focus specifically on helping readers prepare for emergencies and uncertain times. Websites like Survival Sullivan and The Prepper Journal offer comprehensive guides on topics such as building bug-out bags, developing emergency plans, and navigating the challenges of long-term survival. These blogs provide a wealth of information for anyone looking to enhance their prepping skills.
Self-sustainability
For those interested in sustainable living and self-sufficiency, blogs like The Self-Sufficient Life and Off Grid World offer valuable insights and practical advice. These blogs cover topics such as off-grid living, renewable energy, and growing your own food. With step-by-step guides and personal stories, they inspire readers to embrace a more self-sustainable lifestyle.
Homesteading Projects
Homesteading Projects blogs, such as The Prairie Homestead and The Homesteading Hippy, provide a wealth of information on all aspects of homesteading. From DIY projects to raising animals and preserving food, these blogs offer detailed guides and personal experiences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced homesteader, these blogs have something for everyone.
Forums
Prepper Community
Online prepper communities and forums provide a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share knowledge, and discuss prepper skills. The Prepper Forums and American Preppers Network are popular forums where you can ask questions, share ideas, and get advice from experienced preppers. These forums often have dedicated sections for different topics, making it easy to find information on specific prepper skills.
Survival Skills Discussions
For in-depth discussions on specific survival skills, Survivalist Boards and Bushcraft USA forums are excellent resources. These forums have active communities of survival enthusiasts who are eager to share their knowledge and experiences. Whether you’re looking for advice on fire making, shelter building, or wilderness navigation, you’ll find a wealth of information and helpful discussions.
Gear Recommendations
Choosing the right gear is an essential part of prepping, and online forums can help you make informed decisions. Websites like Reddit’s r/preppers and The Gear Page have dedicated sections where members discuss and recommend various gears for different prepping scenarios. These forums are a great resource for finding honest reviews and real-world recommendations.
DIY Projects
If you enjoy hands-on learning and getting crafty, online forums like DIY Prepper and Instructables have dedicated sections for DIY prepper projects. These forums are filled with step-by-step guides, photos, and videos that walk you through various DIY projects, such as building survival shelters, making homemade water filters, and creating emergency lighting.
Training Courses
Wilderness Survival
For those looking for hands-on training in wilderness survival, attending a wilderness survival course can provide invaluable skills and knowledge. These courses typically cover topics such as shelter building, fire making, navigation, and foraging for food. Look for reputable training centers or outdoor schools that offer immersive experiences and are taught by experienced instructors.
Emergency Response
Emergency response courses, such as CPR and first aid training, are essential for anyone looking to develop prepper skills. These courses teach vital skills, such as assessing and managing medical emergencies, performing CPR, and controlling bleeding. Community centers, hospitals, and organizations like the American Red Cross offer a range of emergency response training courses.
Self-defense Tactics
Learning self-defense tactics is crucial for personal safety, especially in uncertain times. Look for self-defense training courses that focus on practical techniques that can be used in real-life situations. Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are popular martial arts disciplines that teach effective self-defense techniques and improve your overall fitness.
Food Preservation
Food preservation is an essential skill for preppers, allowing them to store food for extended periods without spoilage. Look for courses or workshops that teach various food preservation techniques, such as canning, dehydrating, and fermenting. These courses often cover the basics of food safety, equipment needed, and step-by-step instructions for preserving different types of food.
Local Workshops
Bushcraft Skills
Local workshops can provide hands-on training in various bushcraft skills. Look for workshops that offer instruction in topics such as shelter building, fire making, and foraging for wild edibles. These workshops are often led by experienced instructors who provide guidance and feedback as you practice your skills in a real-world setting.
Gardening and Farming
Learning how to grow your own food is an essential skill for self-sufficiency. Local workshops on gardening and farming can provide valuable guidance on topics such as soil preparation, plant selection, and pest management. These workshops often include hands-on activities and interactive discussions, allowing you to learn from experienced gardeners and farmers in your community.
First Aid Training
Local organizations, such as the American Red Cross and community centers, often offer first aid training courses. These courses provide hands-on instruction in basic first aid techniques, such as CPR and wound management. Attending a local first aid training workshop can give you the confidence and skills needed to handle medical emergencies effectively.
Firearm Safety
If you choose to include firearms in your prepping plans, it’s essential to receive proper training and practice firearm safety. Local shooting ranges and firearm training centers offer courses on firearm safety, handling, and marksmanship. These workshops provide the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors who emphasize safe and responsible firearm use.
Online Communities
Prepper Networks
Joining a prepper network can provide a sense of community and the opportunity to learn from others with similar interests. Online prepper networks, such as Prepper Link and MyPrepper Network, allow you to connect with preppers from around the world. These communities provide a platform for sharing knowledge, discussing prepping strategies, and finding like-minded individuals to collaborate with.
DIY Projects
Online communities focused on DIY projects offer a wealth of information and inspiration for preppers. Websites like Instructables and DIY Network have active communities where members share their DIY projects, tips, and advice. Engaging with these communities allows you to learn from others, get feedback on your own projects, and discover new ideas for self-sufficiency and prepping.
Homesteading Forums
Homesteading forums provide a space for homesteaders and self-sufficiency enthusiasts to connect and share their experiences. Websites like Homesteading Today and The Modern Homesteading Forum offer dedicated sections for different aspects of homesteading, such as livestock care, gardening, and preserving food. These forums are a great resource for learning from experienced homesteaders and getting answers to specific questions.
Self-sufficiency Groups
Joining a self-sufficiency group in your local community is a great way to connect with others who are interested in reducing their reliance on external resources. Look for self-sufficiency groups or sustainable living groups on platforms like Meetup or Facebook. These groups often organize workshops, meetings, and events focused on various aspects of self-sufficiency, providing opportunities to learn new skills and share knowledge.
Documentaries
Survival Stories
Documentaries featuring survival stories offer a unique insight into real-life survival experiences. “Touching the Void” and “Alive” are two gripping documentaries that tell the stories of individuals who faced unimaginable challenges and managed to survive against all odds. Watching these documentaries can provide inspiration and teach valuable lessons in resilience and resourcefulness.
Off-grid Living
Documentaries on off-grid living showcase individuals and families who have chosen to disconnect from the grid and live a self-sufficient lifestyle. “Life Off Grid” and “Off the Grid: Life on the Mesa” offer a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of living off the land. These documentaries can inspire and educate viewers on the possibilities and realities of off-grid living.
Homesteading Lifestyles
Homesteading lifestyle documentaries showcase the joys and challenges of living a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle. “The Biggest Little Farm” and “The Farm: Life Inside Angola Prison” are two documentaries that explore different aspects of homesteading. Watching these documentaries can provide valuable insights into the daily routines, successes, and struggles of those living a homesteading lifestyle.
Disaster Preparedness
Documentaries focusing on disaster preparedness provide valuable information and insights into the importance of being prepared for emergencies. “The Preppies Next Door” and “Doomsday Preppers” offer a glimpse into the lives of individuals and families who are actively preparing for various disaster scenarios. These documentaries can help viewers understand the importance of prepping and inspire them to take action.
In conclusion, there are numerous resources available for learning prepper skills, ranging from books and online courses to YouTube channels, podcasts, and online communities. Whether you prefer to learn through reading, hands-on training, or engaging with like-minded individuals, these resources provide a wealth of knowledge and practical advice. By immersing yourself in these resources and actively practicing the skills you learn, you can become better prepared for emergencies, enhance your self-sufficiency, and embrace a more resilient lifestyle. Remember, the journey to becoming a skilled prepper is ongoing, so keep learning, practicing, and connecting with others who share your passion for preparedness.