Prepping isn’t a shopping list—it’s a system. The goal is simple: build repeatable ways to meet needs when things fail. Below are the most common prepping mistakes I see in the field, plus fixes you can run this week.
Common Prepping Mistakes #1: Treating prepping like buying stuff
The problem: Pantries and gadgets feel like progress, but gear without a plan is dead weight.
Fix: Map capability with PACE in the core categories—Water, Food, Power/Heat, Medical, Sanitation, Security, Comms, Shelter.
- Primary: easiest/normal
- Alternate: immediate backup
- Contingency: slower/less comfy, still works
- Emergency: last-ditch that keeps you alive
Field drill (10 min): Write P-A-C-E for each category. Every blank = your next task.
Mistake #2: One rigid plan (bug-in only or bug-out only)
The problem: Reality breaks plans. Roads close, homes become unsafe, destinations fall through.
Fix: Build a stay/go decision card you can run under stress:
- Threat? (fire, flood, violence, chemical, grid)
- Time? (how long can you safely shelter?)
- Place? (confirmed destination with water/beds/permission)
- Route? (two routes + one on foot)
- People? (who goes, who checks in, rally point if split)
Tape it by the door. Rehearse it.
Mistake #3: Never testing the plan
The problem: First use happens during the emergency.
Fix: Short, low-risk drills:
- Blackout Evening (2–4h): no grid; cook, light, communicate with what you own.
- No-Grocery 48: eat only from storage.
- Water-Only Weekend: store → filter → disinfect everything you drink.
After each, do a 5-line AAR: What happened? What worked? What failed? Why? Fix by when?
Mistake #4: Only planning for 72 hours
The problem: Most bags and bins are three-day bridges—then what?
Fix: Stack short-term → sustainable:
- Water: stored jugs → filter + disinfect → rain catchment/surface (where legal)
- Food: 2–4 week pantry you actually eat → garden/eggs → fish/forage/hunt
- Power: grid → generator + fuel → small solar + battery → low-energy living
Common Prepping Mistakes #5: Tactical > practical
The problem: High-dollar gadgets; low capability.
Fix: Buy function first and multi-use:
- Tarp, paracord, contractor bags, duct tape, headlamps, basic stove + pot, squeeze filter, mid-tier knife + sharpener.
- Thrift/used is fine. Save cash for consumables (fuel, filters, food).
Mistake #6: Ignoring fitness and stress
The problem: A 30-lb pack feels light in the garage and heavy at mile two.
Fix: Weekly ruck: 1–3 miles with your BOB; adjust weight and fit.
Practice calm-breathing and decision checklists when tired/cold/wet. Train basic first aid.
Mistake #7: Weak, gear-only security
The problem: Assuming one tool solves complex threats.
Fix: Layer deter-detect-delay-defend:
- Harden home (locks, lighting, cameras, dogs, neighbors).
- Gray-man profile on the move (neutral pack, no jingles, low signature).
- Clear comms and rally plan.
Mistake #8: Lone-wolf thinking
The problem: One person can’t sustain 24/7 security, food production, and maintenance.
Fix: Build a small, trust-based network: shared drills, skill swaps, check-ins, and two pre-agreed destinations.
Common Prepping Mistakes #9: Only prepping for doomsday
The problem: Overlooks the events you’ll most likely face next month.
Fix: Cover everyday disruptions: emergency fund, insurance basics, job-loss plan, meds refills, outage kits, evacuation paperwork.
Mistake #10: Waiting to start (or trying to finish in a weekend)
The problem: Perfection paralysis or panic buying.
Fix: $50/month build (scale as needed):
- Water containers + bleach/tabs + headlamp/batteries
- Two-week pantry from foods you already eat (FIFO) or an emergency food kit
- Compact stove + fuel + pot with lid + lighter/matches/ferro rod
- Squeeze filter + spare bottle/pouch
- Power bank + car charger + small AM/FM/NOAA radio
- Insulate one room; add blankets and sanitation supplies
60-Minute Audit (Printable)
Write P-A-C-E for each: Water, Food, Power/Heat, Medical, Sanitation, Security, Comms, Shelter
Check now:
- Stored water labeled? Filter + disinfect on hand?
- Pantry supports your real meals for 2 weeks? Opener, oil, spices included?
- Lights staged and batteries stocked?
- Stove + fuel tested? Pot with lid ready?
- Meds you actually use + basic trauma items?
- Documents/cash sealed?
- BOB fits and you can carry it 3 miles?
- Two routes and one foot route to your destination?
- Contact tree + rally point set?
Bottom Line
Avoid these common prepping mistakes. Plan with PACE, buy to fill real gaps, and pressure-test with short drills. Keep it simple, sustainable, and repeatable. When one plan fails, the next should take over without panic—that’s real preparedness.
You might also like this blog posts:
90 Day Prepping Plan
A Bug-Out Bag Isn’t A Plan
Survival Water Filtration Systems
