Prepping. Just hearing the word might conjure images of bearded hermits in underground bunkers, surrounded by canned food and ammunition, waiting for an apocalyptic event that never comes. That caricature has been repeated so often in movies, TV shows, and news segments that it’s practically become the mainstream definition of what it means to be prepared. It’s an unfortunate reality, because the truth is that any step we take to become more self-reliant is a step in the right direction. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that depending entirely on governments, institutions, or organizations to secure a stable future tends to end in disappointment at best and atrocity at worst.

Even though the word has been stigmatized over the years, in its simplest, most condensed form, prepping is nothing more than anticipating the most common setbacks in life and taking steps to mitigate them. It’s not about hoarding vast supplies for a doomsday that may or may not happen. Instead, it’s about having a plan when life throws inevitable obstacles in your path. It’s about minimizing risk, increasing options, and ensuring that when bad times eventually come, they aren’t quite as bad as they could be.

Think about it this way, if you set aside a little money for an emergency fund, you’re prepping. If you keep a spare tire and jack in your car, you’re prepping. If you stock up on groceries before a snowstorm, you’re prepping. If you learn basic first aid, pick up a new skill, or even just take a daily walk to improve your health, you’re engaging in a form of preparedness that makes life easier and less stressful. Prepping isn’t a radical lifestyle, it’s a proactive — rather than reactive — mindset.

This issue is all about building that solid foundation of self-reliance, covering a range of topics that make preparedness feel less like a fringe movement and more like common sense. We start with Jim Cobb tackling a subject most people would rather ignore: preparing for what happens after we’re gone. Reuben Bolieu explores alternative cooking methods for when modern conveniences aren’t available. Meanwhile, Nicholas Italiano walks us through some simple-but-effective tweaks to everyday carry that can make all the difference in a crisis.

Tom Sarge tackles the often-debated topic of bartering precious metals in lieu of traditional currency. Scott Finazzo rounds things out with a guide to essential items you should always keep in your vehicle, because getting stranded unprepared can turn an inconvenience into an emergency fast. We’re also taking a look at some of the best gear to carry you into spring and exploring some incredible off-grid adventures — because preparedness is also about living well and making the most of life.

At the end of the day, prepping shouldn’t activate anyone’s cringe reflex. Instead of paranoia or hunkering down in fear, we should be thinking ahead, making smart decisions, and avoiding unnecessary hardship. Actively shaping our future is a better strategy than knee-jerk reacting to the curve balls life may throw us. So, as you read through this issue, remember preparedness

Editor’s Letter Issue 67

Common Sense, Not Conspiracy

Read More from Issue 67

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