STOP WASTING MONEY WHILE PREPPING—DON’T BUY ANYTHING UNTIL YOU HAVE THE PREPPING PYRAMID COMPLETE!

Most people make a huge mistake when they start prepping: they buy gear first. Fancy survival gadgets, high-end backpacks, expensive knives—all before securing the basics. This is the fastest way to burn through cash and still be unprepared when disaster hits.

Prepping isn’t about stockpiling gear—it’s about prioritizing survival essentials in the right order. That’s why I use the Prepping Pyramid, a simple system that ensures you’re covering what matters most before wasting money on unnecessary extras.

THE PREPPING PYRAMID: PRIORITIES FIRST, GEAR LAST

1. Water – The Absolute Non-Negotiable

• You can survive three weeks without food, but only three days without water
• Store at least 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and hygiene. More if you live in a hot climate.
• Solutions: Water storage containers, water purification tablets, a high-quality filter like the Sawyer Mini or Berkey.

2. Food – Two Weeks Minimum

• No power? No problem. You need shelf-stable food that doesn’t require refrigeration.
• Prioritize: Canned goods, rice, pasta, peanut butter, protein sources (canned meat, beans, protein powder).
• Bonus: Freeze-dried meals are great for long-term storage.

3. Power & Heat – Keeping the Lights On

• When the grid fails, you need backup power and a way to cook.
• Essentials: Flashlights, backup batteries, candles, lighters, butane stove, solar generator.
• If it’s winter, make sure you have warm blankets and alternative heat sources like a kerosene heater (with ventilation!).

4. Medical & Hygiene – Stay Healthy, Stay Alive

• A crisis isn’t the time to be dealing with infections or untreated wounds.
• Stock up on: First aid kit, personal medications, soap, disinfectants, baby wipes, toilet paper.
• Sanitation is crucial. Have a plan for waste disposal if water service is down.

5. Tools & Security – The Final Layer

• Once the basics are covered, now you can think about tools and defense.
• Multi-tool, sturdy fixed-blade knife, duct tape, paracord—these are must-haves.
• Home defense: firearms, pepper spray, or other self-defense tools—but only if you have the skill to use them safely and effectively.
  

THE BIGGEST PREPPING MISTAKE

Too many people buy the latest survival gadgets without a week’s worth of food or a reliable way to purify water. That’s like buying a Ferrari before you have a driver’s license—it’s useless if you don’t have the foundation in place.

BUILD FROM THE BOTTOM UP

The Prepping Pyramid isn’t just a concept—it’s a financial and survival strategy. By following this order, you ensure that your money goes toward what actually matters first.

Before you buy another piece of gear, ask yourself: Do I have the entire pyramid complete? If not, redirect your focus and resources to what truly matters.

Survival isn’t about gear—it’s about priorities. Lock down the essentials first. Then, and only then, should you start adding the extra tools that enhance your preparedness.