Best Skills to Learn for Total Grid Down Survival?

[BlueSkyWanderer]

If we lose the grid for good, what skills do you think would be absolutely essential? Obviously fire-making, water purification, and first aid come to mind, but I’m curious if there are more overlooked ones folks are focusing on. Things like herbal medicine, canning, or even basic animal husbandry? What are you personally prioritizing, and why? Looking to fill some gaps in my own training.

 

[MarigoldBreeze]

Canning and basic wound care are non-negotiable for me, honestly. Anyone here actually tried tanning hides for clothing or shelter? Seems tricky but maybe worth learning.

 

[MarigoldBreeze]

Learning how to identify wild edibles and medicinal plants has jumped to the top of my list lately—knowing which weeds can fill a stomach or heal a wound could make a real difference if supplies run dry. Agree with MarigoldBreeze, wound care is huge, but also think about sanitation. Simple things like homemade soap or composting toilets could keep a group healthy long-term. Has anyone here actually made their own soap from scratch?

 

[ChrysanthiDream]

Knowing how to make vinegar is underrated—it's useful for food preservation, cleaning, and even basic wound care in a pinch. I’ve been practicing with apple scraps and honestly, it’s simpler than I expected. MarigoldBreeze, I’ve made soap from rendered fat and wood ash, though getting the balance right can be a little messy at first. Has anyone tried spinning or weaving their own fiber for clothes? That’s one skill I’ve been debating if it’s worth picking up.