Tech and Survivalism: A Necessary, Reluctant Pairing

Tech and Survivalism: A Necessary, Reluctant Pairing

While not all survivalists can classify themselves as preppers, most preppers are survivalists. Many survivalists will embrace technology, while most preppers are distrustful of it. However, despite the distrust, preppers and survivalists must agree that some technology is necessary for realistic survival.

PRE-TECH AND ANCESTORY

There is a common theme when talking to specific individuals about survival tech: the inevitable discussion of tech-free ancestors. There is no denying that before tech, people survived disasters and emergencies. However, there is also no denying that tech has improved the odds of survival in many of these situations. 

Many survivalists and preppers view the internet, electric grid, and cell towers or service as weak and vulnerable innovations. In some respects, they are correct. Each of these technologies is likely unreliable after a mass EMP attack or in the backcountry, but they are still helpful.

If you are reading this, it is likely you rely on the internet for some form of research and study into survivalism and prepping. Additionally, those who use a cellphone likely have apps to identify vegetation or find their location on GPS maps. Therefore, you already have some reliance on technology, which is natural and expected in the modern age.

TECH AND SURVIVAL

Even survivalists who swear off tech or use it minimally can find some benefits in embracing new and old technologies. Satellite phones or beacons, for instance, are excellent survival tools. People trust satellite technology over cellular tech because it is more challenging to bring down. Even if someone can somehow affect the satellite signal in a specific area, you are still likely capable of finding pockets of reception.

Solar power is another technology that has come a long way. A small, portable solar charger can power a phone, radio, or light. A charger is always a good idea when carrying other potentially life-saving electronic equipment.

TECH AND FOOD OR WATER

Many preppers and survivalists do not realize that some of the staple items in their gear bags rely on new tech. A LifeStraw, for example, uses quality and new-age filtration technology to give people access to clean drinking water wherever they roam. You do not need to waste fuel or time boiling water, and the filtration device is only nine inches long, weighing only two ounces.

Camping stoves are other tech tools that many preppers and survivalists embrace. Stoves like JetBoil’s MiniMo promise a rolling boil in under two minutes, and the beauty is that it does this while consuming only half the fuel of other systems.

While there will always exist a tension or level of distrust between survivalists and preppers and technology, it is illogical to swear off tech for the sake of some primitive ancestral connection or stance. Some tech is over-the-top or relies on vulnerable and weak infrastructure, but other technologies build on reliable systems to improve efficiency and efficacy. When it comes to personal survival, you should embrace anything that gives you the upper hand because the wilderness is unforgiving, and your survival might depend on it.

Do you have any tech tools or gadgets that you consider essential?

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