The 10 Biggest Prepper Debates. What Side Are You On?

No matter how long you’ve been prepping you’ve no doubt run across some prepping concepts and advice that you disagree with.

Preppers are a very diverse bunch of people. Whether they call themselves bushcrafters, survivalists, preppers, off-gridders, or homesteaders, all have different goals, motivations, skill levels, and beliefs.

With the recent political upheaval and changes in economy and the weather and natural disasters in the United States and around the world, more and more people are discovering that being prepared is not such a bad idea.

While preppers and non-preppers have long argued over the necessity of prepping, there are also many different debates that go on even among preppers.

In this article, we’re going to highlight some of the long-standing debates among preppers. As you read through our list, think about what side of the prepper fence you come down on each of these issues and let us know your reasoning in the comments.

Barter Food & Water or Save for Yourself?

It’s no secret that, when SHTF, the economy is going to suffer in some way. In fact, most preppers are in agreement about the fact that U.S. currency or cash will quickly become almost useless after a major SHTF event.

The primary theory is that in order to survive and to get your hands-on items you may need to survive, you will need to be in the position to barter with other people who have what you need.

But that’s where the agreement ends for a lot of preppers. Many disagree over exactly what the best items will be when bartering replaces currency. Food and water are something that every single person is going to need in order to survive, right?

And after a SHTF event, many people will be desperate to get food and water so their family can survive. It makes sense then, that food and water could be a good thing to have on hand so you can barter with other people to get what you need.

Because of this logic, many people stockpile extra food and water with the intent of using it to barter for other needed items.

But there are those that disagree and will vehemently insist that you should never use food and water to barter with and that you should save all that food and water for yourself and your family.

In fact, these opponents of food and water for bartering purposes believe that if you use food and water to barter, you are actually putting yourself and your family at risk for starvation.

These folks believe that you should keep food and water for yourself and instead stockpile other items for bartering such as gold and silver, ammunition, or luxury items such as alcohol, cigarettes, and candy.

So where do you stand when it comes to bartering? Will you barter using food and water or will you stockpile something else that you can trade for items you need?

Bug in or Bug Out?

Next on our list of long-standing debates is the age-old debate, is it better to bug out or bug in? Preppers from all walks of life come down on opposite sides of the fence on this issue.

The debate over whether to bug in or bug out involves many different factors including location, climate, security, population density, and a host of other issues.

Some bushcrafters and survivalists are counting on bugging out to the woods to survive on their skills and whatever nature provides. Other preppers who are tied to the city for income purposes are intent on bugging out to a more remote bug out retreat they have prepared ahead of time.

Most experts will tell you that, for most people, bugging out is more dangerous than bugging in and that it puts your family at risk from other people but there are still those who will insist that bugging out is the best option for them.

Those who come down on the bugging in is best side of the fence will point to their immense stockpile of food, water, and other supplies as testament to the fact that they are better off to stay put.

Others who intend to bug in have gone to great lengths to secure their property from intruders including everything from guns and ammunition to booby traps.

There are groups of preppers who believe that bugging in is the answer in most situations but they are preparing to bug out if the situation calls for it. I’m not sure this one will ever be put to rest because there are simply so many varying factors involved, but what say you? When SHTF, what will YOU do?

Talk About Prepping or Stay Quiet?

Many preppers will agree that just like in fight club, “you don’t talk about prepping”. They keep their prepping activities discreet and they don’t talk to strangers, neighbors, friends, or even family about what they’re stockpiling.

Some preppers even prepare a logical explanation if a cashier or neighbor asks why they are buying so many supplies.

Their motto is that each person has the same access to information and the ability to prepare as the next and those who don’t prepare are on their own.

The preppers in the “keep your mouth shut about prepping” camp believe that talking to others about prepping simply opens you and your family up to becoming a target when SHTF.

But there are some preppers out there who believe that the more people who are prepared for some kind of SHTF situation when it happens, the better it will be for everyone. It’s no secret that one of the most dangerous threats following a SHTF situation will be people in your area who aren’t prepared trying to take your stuff.

Some preppers believe that by talking to friends and neighbors about prepping they are helping to reduce the number of people who will be so desperate and helpless following a SHTF event.

So, by talking to others about prepping and even convincing them to prep too, it reduces the number of people in the area coming after your supplies following a SHTF event and could potentially create allies to help boost your odds of survival.

Help Zombies or Shoot Them?

Following a SHTF event, most preppers will agree that there will be huge numbers of people who have not prepared.

These people are those who are so dependent on technology and having services readily available to them that they won’t know what to do when the power goes out indefinitely. Believe it or not, there are two camps of preppers for this topic as well.

There are those preppers who believe that prepping is a personal responsibility and anyone who doesn’t take on that responsibility and prepare for themselves and their family, deserve what they get.

Many of these preppers also feel that when these unprepared people or “zombies” come knocking on their door looking for food or some other handout, the best course of action is to turn them away or even shoot them if they refuse to leave. Preppers in this camp see the

On the other side of this debate are the people who realize that shooting unarmed and desperate people might not be the best way.

Preppers in the “help those in need” camp believe that every person has value and should have an opportunity to prove themselves useful. The preppers in this camp typically stockpile extra supplies to pass out to the zombies before asking them to move on.

Also on this side of the debate there are also some preppers who believe that there is strength in numbers. This subset in the “help zombies” camp are making plans to invite or accept zombies into their own survival group by giving them responsibilities and chores in exchange for food and a place to sleep.

This subset of preppers believes that by making their own group larger they will be better able to defend against the roving gangs and thieves.

Survive Alone or in A Group?

When it comes to debates among preppers one of the longstanding debates is whether your chances of survival are better alone or in a survival group or community.

On one side are the bushcrafters and survivalists who believe that they are better off alone after a SHTF event. These preppers believe that depending on their skills, rather than on other people, is the best course of action.

Many of the preppers in this camp are former military men or are lone wolf types who are already living a pretty isolated lifestyle. These guys may do okay on their own, just them against nature, or at least they think they will.

But only if their skills are truly up to par and they don’t get any serious injuries that render them physically incapable of making a fire and doing the many other chores that are needed to survive in the wild.

On the other side of this debate are the preppers who believe that it’s beneficial to have a group of people to share the immense workload involved with long-term survival after a SHTF event. These are the prepper families, those who have loved ones and can’t imagine leaving them behind.

This group of preppers believe that pulling together a group of people who have a diverse range of skills and knowledge puts them at an advantage after a SHTF event. This group understands the concept of “no man is an island” and they have a group of people that they trust that can plan and train together for a whatever the future may hold.

Read more arguments about whether or not it’s better to survive alone or in a group.

What Disasters Are We Prepping For?

One of the things preppers have in common of course is that they are all preparing for some emergency or other event in the future where life won’t run as smoothly as it does now. But the agreement on a need to prepare is where the harmony ends and the debates begin.

Some preppers are simply preparing for the next emergency, whether it be a natural disaster, a storm, a home invasion, or terrorist event. They are getting ready for a short-term period where they will need to protect themselves from those who intend harm, survive without power, without running water, or without the usual amenities modern life holds.

This group of preppers may or may not have an interest in preparing to bug out or leave their home on a short-term basis.

They often don’t believe that there is some catastrophic event that is coming for the country or the world that will change life as we know it. They are preparing for a short-term local emergency and they believe after such an event, life will return to normal.

On the far side of this debate are the doomsday preppers. This group is preparing for the TEOTWAWKI (The End of The World As We Know It). They believe that there is some cataclysmic event looming in our future which will alter the course of history and change the world forever.

This group of preppers is not only stockpiling food and supplies but they are working toward a way of life that is completely independent of the economy that they fear will collapse when this event occurs.

Knowledge and Skills versus Gear?

Another longstanding debate among preppers is the one over knowledge and skills versus gear. Some preppers, especially those new to the whole concept, get caught up in having the newest, greatest, best gadget to accomplish any post-SHTF task.

These gear gurus believe that they will be fine after a disaster because they have an EDC kit, a get home bag (GHB), and a bug out bag (BOB) filled with all the best gear.

They may have large stockpiles of water, food, and other supplies in their bug out location or home. If they need to handle it following a major disaster event, they are confident they have something in their stockpile of gear that will get the job done.

But on the other side of this debate are those who believe that the more knowledge and skills you have under your belt, the less gear you will need to carry with you.

These preppers recognize that depending on gear to get you through a crisis is a dangerous thing in the chaos that will follow. They travel light with just the basic gear and intend to survive on what can be found in the environment. These preppers focus on mastering the foundational survival skills and then learning as much as they can in other areas they feel are important.

Join a Prepper Network: Yay or Nay?

There is strength in numbers, right? Or is there? The decision to join and participate in a prepper network is one that has been long debated among preppers. On one hand, joining a prepper network gives you access to the varied skills and knowledge of a wide group of people.

As part of a prepper network, you have the opportunity to meet preppers at all levels of experience and you can learn from the mistakes of those who have been prepping longer than you have.

Being part of a prepper network can give you the opportunity to get together with people in your area and practice the skills you are learning and gain confidence in your ability to survive when the time comes.

But on the other side of the debate are fears and distrust surrounding the decision to join a prepper network. There are different levels of prepper networks from those that are community based to those that are loosely organized online.

Some preppers believe that sharing information about your preps, your location, and your plans when SHTF can make you a target.

In reality, it is a big risk to put yourself out there, to let complete strangers into your planning process and alert them to where they could go to get supplies if they themselves get desperate. For this reason, even if you do join a prepper network, make sure you limit the amount of detailed information you share about your plans and preps.

Follow basic opsec and don’t tell people how to get to your bug out or bug in location, how many guns you own, or where your food stockpile is hidden.

Guns Over Bows for Hunting and Defense?

When SHTF, most preppers agree that security and defense will be a priority issue for just about everyone. Even those in remote locations will occasionally have to deal with intruders who might wish to do harm. The majority of preppers plan to deal with defense by stockpiling guns and ammunition.

This is definitely something worthy of consideration because there’s no denying that having access to firearms gives you an advantage. But since ammunition is finite and you can only stockpile so much prior to a SHTF situation, some think there’s another option for defense and hunting.

Bows, whether recurve or compound, are an option for many. Those who are experienced know the limitations of this method but they also recognize the advantages.

Firearms are loud and will alert people to your location or at least let them know that you have the ability to hunt food, which they could possibly steal. Bows are quiet and there’s something to be said for stealth after a SHTF situation.

One of the most dangerous threats will be other people, so some preppers figure silent is better. There are preppers who believe the other advantage of bow hunting is that they require less maintenance and in a long-term situation, ammunition can be made by hand.

MREs: Are They Worth It?

Another of the major debates many preppers have is over food for a long-term survival situation post SHTF or TEOTWAWKI event. MREs are “Meals Ready to Eat” designed by and for military field troops.

MREs come pre-packaged so that they don’t need refrigeration and can be eaten with very little and sometimes no preparation at all.

They can typically be bought online or through companies that have commercialized the “ready to eat” meal packaging. Each one contains about 1200 calories and MRE shelf life is about three years.

Many preppers purchase and stockpile them because they are easy to store, caloric intake is already considered in each package, and they require little preparation.

One of the downsides to MREs is of course the taste. Military troops have giventhem many different nicknames including “Meals Rarely Edible” and “Meals Rejected by Everyone”. A number of the MREs are considered inedible, and would be especially unappealing to children.

Companies have begun making them very similar to the military style and have improved upon the taste somewhat. These are prepared by adding boiling water. But the downside of these are the expense.

Many preppers believe that while having a few MREs might be beneficial in a pinch, it’s much cheaper and far more nutritious and better for morale to be in a position to stockpile, grow and cook your own food.

What’s the Best Way to Filter and Purify Water?

Water after a SHTF event will truly be the lifeblood for any prepper and their family or group. Public utilities may be shut down or operate sporadically. Wells and other water sources could be contaminated depending on the type of disaster.

A normal, healthy adult can only survive without water for about three days. So, it’s not surprising that preppers argue over the best way to filter water for drinking. They know how critical fresh drinking water will be following a SHTF event.

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Some preppers swear by their LifeStraw filter while others insist the Sawyer Mini Water Filter is the way to go. For others, the best way to purify water in a survival situation is through boiling or distillation. It’s a debate that’s been going on for a number of years and I doubt it will ever be settled.

So, where do you stand on these top ten biggest prepare debates? Are you stockpiling MREs? Will you use food and water to barter when the time comes? Will you bug in or bug out? When the zombies show up at your door, will you help them or shoot them? Share your thoughts in the comments below.