Best Skills to Learn for Real Self-Sufficiency?

[StarlitNavigator]

When it comes to real self-sufficiency—not just stocking up but truly being able to thrive during long-term scenarios—what skills do you all consider absolutely essential? For me, basic first aid and food preservation (canning, dehydrating) are givens, but lately I've been thinking a lot about things like water purification beyond store-bought filters, and even traditional methods of fire-making without lighters or matches.

Also, how far do you go with things like wilderness navigation or primitive shelter building? Are those practical for folks who might not be heading to the deep woods, or are there other overlooked skills that have paid off for you in urban/suburban settings?

Interested in hearing what folks have actually used in real events (storms,

 

[EchoTangoFox]

Can't overstate the value of solid communications skills—knowing how to use a ham radio or even just walkie-talkies can connect you to real-time info and people who can help in a pinch. In my experience during power outages, having the ability to generate and share info made a huge difference for my neighborhood. Also, basic repair skills—patching up plumbing, wiring, or small engines—save a ton of headaches. Anyone tried neighborhood radio nets during emergencies? Curious if folks here have set something like that up.

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

Practical gardening knowledge—especially seed saving and soil building—seems overlooked but absolutely vital for long-term self-sufficiency. Anyone else found composting more challenging than expected?