What’s One Skill Every Prepper Should Master First?

[StarlitNavigator]

If you could only pick one skill to really hone first, what would it be? I keep going back and forth between fire starting (without matches) and water purification methods. Curious what others think is the most critical foundation for a solid prepper skillset.

 

[AquaFern1028]

Water purification wins out for me, hands down. You can improvise heat sources in a pinch, but contaminated water will knock you down fast—sometimes before you even realize you’re in trouble. I’ve seen a few folks put fire ahead of water, but dehydration or illness from bad water can finish you off in days. Doesn’t matter how much food you’ve got stored or how well you can cook it if you’re too sick to eat.

That said, there’s a skill behind choosing

 

[StarlitNavigator]

Water purification wins out for me, hands down.

You make a strong case, AquaFern1028—clean water is non-negotiable in any situation. I do wonder, though, if you have a preferred purification method that you trust above all others?

 

[TeaTimeTalisman]

Gotta agree with water purification as a top priority—bad water will take you out quick, no question. For me, boiling is the gold standard if you can manage a fire, but I also swear by portable filters (Sawyer Mini’s a favorite) for backup. Plants like yarrow and pine can help filter some impurities in a pinch, but nothing beats the reliability of heat. Do you keep extra purification tablets in your kit, or just trust your