There are no differences between survivalists & preppers to an average person because he believes both are the same. This is understandable: both are outdoor enthusiasts in a way or two, and so he may not be wrong.
But to you, the survivalist or prepper, it is necessary to know that both differ. Let’s look at what we mean.
Definitions Of A Survivalist & Prepper
A survivalist is a minimalist, meaning: one who minimizes. He is perfectly trained and has honed his skill set to survive any situation in any place, whether he is expecting it or not.
On the other hand, a prepper stockpiles. What he does is to stock and hoard essential foods and commodities to prepare for whatever may come their way. In a sense, he looks to be ready ahead of whatever may come his way.
In a nutshell, a survivalist prepares himself for a simple life while he always thrives in (and even seeks for) challenges WHILE a prepper is more keen on preserving his current way of life, which is why he stockpiles as much as he can.
So, let’s say, if a hurricane hits town, the survivalist is the first to hit the wilderness while the prepper will remain at home as long as possible before making a move.
Overview Of A Survivalist
Generally, the average survivalist is more skilled and knowledgeable at survival than a prepper. He usually knows how to hunt, trap, and make kills and know the edible wild plants. He tends to carry a multi-tool because he prefers to travel light, so his entire belongings usually fit in a single pack.
For the survivalist, his backpack is typically his tool for the future. He does not carry his pack for the ordinary purpose of a disaster. Instead, his backpack is all he needs for the future, and this usually contains knives, firearms, water filters, a firestarter, and basic clothing. He does not bother about comforts or convenience: he just dreams of survival.
Overview Of A Prepper
The prepper is more concerned with luxury than the survivalist. He relies on his heavy stockpile, which contains nearly every essential item since it is what he has been prepping for. He barters items he doesn’t have, may choose to start a survival garden, and even include the rearing of livestock.
The prepper is not interested in a simple life. Wherever he moves to, he starts developing his surroundings until he achieves a sustainable homestead while steadily working towards self-sufficiency.
Self-defense is a big part of the prepper since he typically has many provisions that others may want. Therefore, he is often more keen on firearms than the survivalist.
Concluding The Differences Between Survivalists & Prepper
As you have seen, the differences between survivalists & preppers are not very pronounced, so don’t blame the average man who doesn’t know. However, regardless of the margin, a typical survivalist differs from an average prepper. Lastly, a prepper can put more effort into being as skilled as the survivalist in survival and remain a prepper, but should a survivalist start gathering luxurious items; he becomes a prepper.