Not all preppers are created equal and it's best to steer clear of preppers who will harm rather than help you. It is always good to know the warning signs so you can spot the preppers avoid from a mile away.
Check out our list of the types of preppers avoid when SHTF… trust us, it's for your own good.
Types of Preppers Avoid
When it comes to survival and preparedness, it's true that there's strength in numbers. But there are some preppers you don't want to hitch your wagon to.
In a survival situation, these people are sure to drag you down, and maybe, even put you in danger. These are the ones who make rash decisions, don't take prepping seriously, crack under pressure, or just flat-out don't know what they're doing.
Have you met someone from these prepper categories before? In this article, we'll cover some of the most common preppers you should avoid and tell you how to avoid them. Check out the list below to have a more efficient prepper life.
1. The Newbie Prepper
This prepper isn't bad, but he is new. Since he's taking his first steps in the prepper world, he will need a lot of help and may make a lot of mistakes.
Newbie preppers have a tendency to become overwhelmed with how much needs to be done. They may require continuous advice and guidance, which is a drain on your own time and energy.
The desire to learn is there. But in a SHTF situation, they won't pull as much weight as they need to, and you'll be left to pick up the slack.
Are YOU a newbie prepper… or know someone who is? Don't worry! We can easily fix that.
2. The Commander Prepper
This type of prepper uses fear, intimidation, and power to get his way. He forces others to follow his commands by pointing out his superior survival knowledge and perfect bug-out plan.
But as bad as the situation might be, nobody wants to be pushed around. Having one of these preppers in your group could create tension and affect the group's ability to function.
As a result, their chances of survival will be put in jeopardy. There’s a fine line between commanding and leading people.
Here are some proper prepping tips so you won't have to work with the bossy-type preppers.
3. The Homesteader Prepper
This type has the tendency to hunker down more than anything else. They grow their own food, have a sustainable water supply, and more. They have a great amount of knowledge of homesteading survival skills.
However, that may be all there is to it. When it comes to other serious survival skills, especially knowing what to do in a bug-out situation, they may be lacking.
The negative side of this type of survivalist is they love their home so much that they might refuse to bug out, even if the situation calls for it. Overall, the key is to develop the skill to determine whether you should bug in or bug out.
4. The Panicky/Weak Minded Prepper
This type of person would most likely get you into trouble because they mostly rely on their emotions. They easily get upset and have a very short temper.
If placed under pressure, they are always the first to break and make hasty decisions that could put the whole group at risk.
5. The Gun Enthusiast Prepper
All these preppers think about is guns, guns, and more guns!
Don't get me wrong — you should be well-armed in case disaster strikes. But it's possible to go overboard.
If you focus on guns as your main or only priority, when SHTF, you'll be ill-equipped in other areas. These gun-obsessed preppers are usually the ones who end up raiding other groups for supplies.
Click here to see an alternative to guns when things go south.
6. The Accidental Prepper
These people aren't prepared because they're truly passionate about survival — they're really just very organized and have supplies on hand for handling everyday emergencies. For example, they might have a well-stocked first aid kit and a drawer full of flashlights and batteries in case of a power outage. These are great things, but in a true SHTF situation, they're not enough.
Accidental preppers are only good for the short-term and they are only prepared for mild disasters that are easy to predict. When it comes to unexpected emergencies and major disasters, they will have a hard time surviving.
7. The Bragging Prepper
This type of prepper prides himself on how prepared he is for any apocalyptic event. He finds it hard to keep his mouth shut about his food preparation, water supply, and the self-sustaining environment that he built as a whole.
The problem with this is if a disaster does happen, those ill-equipped groups will surely come for these religious preppers first.
You wouldn't want to be with or near him when that happens, would you? Having the right mindset is as important as having supplies when SHTF.
8. The Sheeple Prepper
This type thinks or believes that nothing will go wrong. Thus, they splurge their money on other things instead of spending it on things that they will need when SHTF.
If you ask if they're prepared for a disaster, they'll tell you that they are. But the truth of the matter is they’re not! They just say so just to get you off their back. If you partner up with them, you will most likely have to pick up the slack.
9. The Parasite and Nosy Prepper
This type of prepper is presumed to be the most dangerous kind. Knowing of your readiness and supplies, they join in and will not contribute to the group. They will live off of your stockpile and the comfort of your bug-out location.
If an opportunity presents itself, they will be more than willing to rat you out for their own benefit. Avoid these preppers at all costs. They are a liability.
Read more this extremely dangerous type of prepper by clicking here.
10. The Fake Prepper
This type of prepper tends to exaggerate their bug-out location and stockpile. The truth is they just talk the talk and don’t walk the walk.
They do this with the hope that you will also give out detailed information on your level of preparedness. Once they have that information, they might try to seize your stockpile by force when push comes to shove during a disaster.
11. The King of the Cul-de-sac Prepper
This person often has get-togethers in his home after a long week. They invite friends and neighbors into their home for a barbecue and a couple of beers.
The problem here is there may be one or two people that they don’t even know. If they happen to accidentally stumble upon his stockpile, they would most certainly make a mental note of that. Guess whose house these people would raid first when SHTF?
12. The Pay-for-Membership Prepper Group
These preppers would require you to pay a fee in order to become a part of their group.
This alone is already a red flag. Make sure that you only join legitimate prepper groups.
13. The “Hold My Beer” Prepper
This prepper is overconfident and doesn’t think on his feet most of the time. They have a tendency to show unnecessary displays of bravado.
The risk of putting your group in danger is high with this kind of prepper. They either end up hurting a fellow group member or hurting themselves.
14. The Bug-Out Prepper
The bug-out prepper is sort of the opposite of the homesteader prepper. Instead of focusing on preps at home, the bug-out prepper puts all their time and energy into finding and developing the perfect bug-out location.
This isn't a bad thing… until disaster strikes at home and they haven't stocked up on the necessary supplies. It's best to have a balance between home preps and bug-out plans, so you know you'll be prepared when SHTF, whatever form that takes.
15. The Hoarder Prepper
This type of prepper just buys stuff on the list but never actually uses any of it. These types of preppers are more about collecting the latest gear and showing off than actually being prepared.
When SHTF, they won't have the slightest knowledge of how to actually use all the gear they've stockpiled. You can't afford to have this dead weight around when you're fighting for your life in a survival situation.
16. The Economist Prepper
This prepper hoards raw goods and precious metals in case money won’t be worth anything at all. Bartering will be his main focus for survival. He also believes that if SHTF, he can use his stockpile to trade for supplies.
The problem is his priority is on investing in items for trading rather than developing survival skills. If supplies for trading run out, he's pretty much lost for what to do next. And guess who he'll ask for help when he realizes that his gold doesn't have much practical use in the post-SHTF world?
17. The Super Prepper
This prepper thinks he knows it all and tries to do it all on his own, even when in a group. He will make decisions on his own and doesn’t feel the need to communicate with the rest of the group.
The problem with this type is he will most likely drag you down more than anything else. Because of his being a lone ranger, he might refuse to listen for the betterment of the whole group. His mistakes could be costly for everyone.
Having the right companions can mean the difference between survival and death when disaster strikes.
While it can be an “every man for himself” scenario during this time, it's still safer to be with people you trust literally with your life. We hope this post will help you identify the warning signs for the types of preppers you should avoid when SHTF.
Did we miss any preppers you should stay away from when SHTF? Tell us all about them in the comments!
Up Next: The 7 Deadly Sins of Survival
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on June 11, 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated for quality and relevancy.
The point of the article is, try to be all of these and get over yourself!
Each type you listed (save a couple) will have its uses in a community (group if you will), generally having a small trusted group with each having several skills in the various fields (prepper, homesteader, and survivalist) I believe would be an effective team, though as each group works together would it not be best to ensure that each has overlapping skills in case of injury, death, or other reasoning they can not fulfill their duties?
Also, many who come out here don’t seem to have taken into account ONE aspect that has already marked and recorded their interest in this/these skills. We ALL listed that we came out on here to learn in the least about it and data doesn’t get deleted or lost. (Just saying, we do have a digital fingerprint complete with email, IP address, and every letter typed.)
You forgot one…..the invisible prepper! There are more than enough of these preppers! We have the ability to shop and store without anyone noticing. I don’t need to brag, because when the SHTF, there is going to be enough people that are unprepared and begging. We’ll just state, we are in the same boat…but little do they know. I can’t save the world, only my family.
Absolutely myman…. Couldn’t have said it any better..
I am guessing, I am the homesteader. Or, I would call it “shelter in place prepper”. Since, I am in advanced age, I don’t have the mobility of a 20 year old, to bug out. The problem, I see with a homesteader, is if you don’t have the arms and man power to defend what you, then it will all be taken away. Reason, I am into hiding food in plain site. Pecan trees, oak trees, black berry patch, mushrooms, and such.
………….but always keep in mind, a cougar always has a second exit from it’s cave
You missed the Combat Prepper that wants to fight but has no concept of strategy. They might open fire exposing the group, when the best course would be to withdraw.
The “Commander Prepper” as referred to in the article is the know-it-all who comes into a functioning group and tries to take over the leadership not because they need a leader but because HE (or she) just “HAS” to be leader and will not accept someone else’s leadership.
I don’t think anyone is left after the people from those various groups are eliminated.
Lol…..exactly what I was thinking!!!!!
I agree
Better to be with a really small pack with yourself being a leader.
I do understand, out of my friends and family I’m the most prepared. I constantly go out to the middle of nowhere and put my skills to the test. Just for argument sake, but what if someone is more equipped than you? What if someone else is better prepared ie: more knowledgeable, more practical experience, time in the field putting skills to use than all others in your group? What then, does it mean that you would sideline someone more equipped mentally than you and all others to lead over your own pride?, Or would you go against what you have said and actually not jeopardize your groups well being and let the more experienced person led. To give your group the best possible chance of survival, or would you possibly condemn your loved ones and friends to a fate of death or even worse over your pride?
The Modern Lifestyle Prepper is another one to avoid. It’s not just a game of stock up enough to maintain creature comforts until normalcy is restored. A genuine situation will require the skills and abilities survive with what is available. Can you build a shelter, how long will it take, can you make fire, do you have basic medical knowledge, can you actually trap an animal, can you walk into the woods right now and get dinner?
I’ll take a person with common sense over one who has a lot of survival knowledge and skills. There is too much emphasis out there on wilderness survival. That will be a rarely needed skill set. More common will be urban survival, and suburban survival. Age and physical condition will have more to do with being able to survive a long-term disaster. As a senior I have difficulty convincing myself and my peers that hard core survival skills will be possible or necessary. We can only prepare for those things we feel we have any chance to survive anyway.
Bossy, know-it-all, and super preppers are dangerous to everyone that is part of a group of people trying to help each other survive. Too often preppers tend to undervalue someone who may not fit the mold they are trying to fill. They discount someone not physically as capable without realizing wisdom and common sense gathered over a lifetime can often outweigh and/or supplement their own preps. Often long-term survival requires skills that are quiet, less visible, and more subtle but will keep you comfortable longer. The end goal is re-establishing normalcy in society.
The most dangerous people in a survival situation is the gang of outlaws who only want to take what they need and don’t care about what happens to the owner(s). The hardest to know what to do with, and for, is the individual (person or family) who has done nothing to prepare for emergencies or disaster. It’s hard to want to help someone who does not, and will not, help themselves. But it’s endemic to our society – it’s all about big brother taking care of you, or “the government” being your friend. It’s about entitlement. It’s about not caring about other people, only yourself/family. They are the 2 true dangers to preppers.
Our best hope for survival as a society, let alone preppers, is to fix the above 2 problems. Otherwise, surviving as an individual or family won’t matter in the long run, because there won’t be a society intact with which to integrate.
If you have a friend, (in our case a family) and one of them is Bi Polar, consider NOT partnering up with them,. Even if one of the adults is very well versed in many survival skills.and the adult who is Bi Polar is good at thinking on the fly. No matter how well balanced and in hand the one seems, at some point their condition will manifest and it could well spell out major problems over all. If they are addicted to CHAOS (and many of them are), they will go out of their way to CREATE issues of some type within the group that will do NOTHING of value to insure survival
We had been friends for at least 12 years and knew that the one was Bi Polar, she seemed to have her act together over all, but when we allowed them to live with us, within just a couple of months, problems started that would potentially cause any type of cooperative survival situation to go right down the toilet. We still feel sad about losing the friendship we had shared, but have to admit that God blessed us with knowing what sort of crap COULD have happened very easily in a SHTF situation.
then there is the Trust in God prepper
Just make sure as much as possible that you include a mechanical engineer in your group. If you can never go home again a good engineer is valuable. Also have one person carry the book “How Things Work” . You can’t remember how to build everything.
Makes me laugh many preppers bring bits of many things to the table. Exam, buy in groups . They have the land and many resources. Yes Once U pass an interview or 3 , you pay a hefty fee to step in. This protects from freee loaders. The homesteader types are my favorite; yes, knowing they are standing their ground. Anyone infatuated with bugging out is begging to die. I’ve been in several war zones and famine zones. Many refugees die traveling while those that find a out of the way spot ; live. I believe folks need to do what’s best for them in or travel to a specific location and holding it.
I apologise, but, in my opinion, you commit an error. I can prove it. Write to me in PM.
It’s amazing in support of me to have a web
page, which is useful for my experience. thanks admin
I’m in the homesteading category.
We’ve been comfortably riding out Covid19 because we already maintain a full pantry.
And we have plenty to share with the food banks.
I also have a health care degree/license .
I find such articles meaningless. Because people need one or more reasons to become a Preparer. If it comes to the community, there will also be a leader, financial issues will also be discussed, some tasks will also be performed together. If we are going to stay away from such Preppers, what kind of Prepper is your suggestion to be? The prepper must first have a goal, a plan, a project, a friendly community. You have to spend money every step you take. We don’t live in the stone age so we can carve stones and make hand tools or make ourselves trousers out of fig leaves.. Each person’s approach to the subject of Preparedness is in different directions. We are also working as a Community of Preppers in Türkiye. We have 3 main topics:
1. The approach of a star mentioned in many civilizations, religions and cultures to the earth. Until yesterday, they were calling it a “Conspiracy Theory” or a “Fantasy”. But as the types of disasters and disasters increased in the world, when stars began to appear, when various phenomena appeared, people’s point of view completely changed. i have been researching and watching this topic for 3 years. The star called Wormwood in the Bible and Tariq in the Qur’an is approaching the Earth. The Sumerians called him Neberu, the Latin Americans called him Hercolubus. As this star approached the Earth, more than 200 types of disasters and catastrophes appeared. Statistical figures, Schumann Resonance, the state of the Magnetosphere, Ecliptic Tremors, Plasma Discharges, Sky Phenomena and much more are happening. Space and earth technical measurements also show the facts.
2. The globalists’ New World Order Project also aims at destruction on a global scale. By calling it the “Big Reset”, they aim to eliminate living things on Earth. In this context, they are waging Biological, Chemical, Electromagnetic, Psychological, Propaganda wars. They are reducing the world’s population by deceiving people.
3. Preparing for chaotic disasters and disasters.
These are the two main issues that motivate us. We thought it was necessary to prepare for these. We have carried out some studies in 44 countries around the world:
1. Turkutopia Society
2. Turkish Preppers Community
3. Information Publications For Preparers
4. Safe Area Maps For Preppers
5. Turkutopia Disaster Unity Camps
Time, effort and money were spent on these. It wasn’t easy work. we have reached 25 million people. It doesn’t happen the way it looks from the outside.At first, we were aiming to reach 460 million Turkish families, but we also took people of different nationalities among us. As long as our values are respected.
The 17 types of Preppers you mentioned in the article always work. There’s even more. The important thing is that the intentions are beautiful and that you give effort for the work that you think is beneficial for your nation. It is important that you take care of people who are sane and have faith in God.
It’s not just our person who makes comments according to his own mind just for words. There are also in foreign countries. Stay away from him, stay away from this.. What is the solution proposal? No. You’ve opened a website about guns, you’re saying put aside all the issues that motivate people. Then why should people prepare for it? A reason and an orientation are necessary. The thought and observation that motivate everyone are different. In all areas of life, people need reasons to do something. A girl learns to play instruments and sheet music because of her love for music. A boy learns the techniques of football because of his love for sports. A Preparer also enters into some activities based on the issues he sees as necessary. For some, it is shaped by arming, for some by taking tools, for some by learning information, for others in other ways.. People make decisions based on their financial situation, way of thinking, needs, observations. If you say, “That’s wrong, that’s wrong,” no one will do anything.