One of the most fundamental challenges in a survival situation is getting enough food. Lots of wilderness lore and survival training revolves around identifying, collecting, and preparing wild edibles safely.

And though most of us think of hunting various critters, or picking safe berries and mushrooms, you might not have stopped to wonder if the leaves that grow plentifully on the trees all around you are safe to eat or not.

If they are, that could be a huge boon to your efforts! So, should you eat tree leaves?

You can eat tree leaves in a survival situation, but most offer very little in the way of nutrition. Though leaves can fill your stomach and offer some vitamins and minerals, many species are toxic and must be positively identified.

Leaves occupy a gray area when it comes to survival food. Many of them, especially ones from the most ideal species, are highly edible and even tasty, capable of filling your stomach.

But even among the best ones, they offer precious little in the way of nutrition, and many species of trees, including several look-alikes, are dangerously toxic.

As with all wild edibles you must learn your stuff before you partake of them, and even with expert knowledge you’ll need a backup plan when it comes to meeting your calorie and nutritional requirements.

Keep reading and I’ll tell you what you need to know…

Throughout history, in times of scarcity or serious survival situations many people and cultures have turned to tree leaves as a source of emergency or supplemental sustenance.

Edible leaves provide an accessible and plentiful, if incomplete and marginal, food source when other options are unavailable for whatever reason.

Tree leaves can serve the same purpose today for survivors in need, or be gathered as an option for fulfilling gaps in your diet that you might encounter.

As mentioned, tree leaves don’t offer anything close to complete nutrition but they can serve admirably as useful dietary supplements.

Rich in essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc, and in many cases having one or two vitamins, they can contribute to a balanced diet and help prevent the onset of horrible diseases like scurvy or rickets.

Pine needle tea is a well-known and traditional fireside offering that has long been used by trappers and explorers to provide vitamin C when fresh fruits were simply unavailable.

Additionally, many leaves can be brewed into tasty and soothing teas or used as garnishes for salads or other foods.

Either use can serve as a remedy or just flavor purposes, in both cases helping you thrive and keep your head in the game.

Just because leaves are not a “high value” wild edible, that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth your time or effort.

Even though they don’t provide meaningful amounts of calories much of the time, consuming safe tree leaves can help curb hunger pangs.

This can be especially beneficial in survival situations where food is sparse and gnawing hunger is a distraction you can ill afford.

And, not for nothing, every calorie helps!

But, while some tree leaves can be an asset or even a lifesaver, others can be genuinely lethal.

It’s imperative to know which ones are safe to eat and which ones are not: Incorrect identification will lead to serious health issues, and even minor problems can turn deadly when you are already in a bad way.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution and avoid or look for trees that you can positively ID as safe.

The following species are some of the most common trees around, and all have leaves that are safe to eat.

The rule of thumb is that you should always try to find the newest, greenest, tenderest leaves for consumption; older, mature or dead leaves are tougher to digest and have less nutrients to offer.

1. Birch

Birch trees are commonly found across the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Easily spotted thanks to their distinctive white bark, birch leaves are slightly sweet or else have a bracing minty flavor, and can be boiled or consumed raw. Great as tea or in a salad!

2. Beech

Beech trees predominantly grow in temperate regions throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. The leaves are typically light green, with new growth being a vivid green color.

All have a slightly bitter taste when eaten raw (usually a bad sign, but okay in this case). However, when cooked slowly over low heat they take on a milder, more palatable flavor.

3. Sugar Maple

The Sugar Maple is native to the hardwood forests of eastern Canada and the northern parts of the United States.

Most famous (and loved) for their sap which produces delectable maple syrup, their leaves are edible also.

They’re best when young and tender, with a flavor that’s mildly sweet and nutty. One of the best edible leaves around.

4. Sassafras

Sassafras trees are mainly found in the eastern parts of North America. The leaves have a unique, aromatic flavor that’s often described as a mix between woody, citrusy and root beer-like.

Traditionally, sassafras leaves have been used in all sorts of drinks and other recipes. Good for making tea, and a good option for eating if you can stomach the taste.

5. Mulberry

Mulberry trees are widely distributed across warmer regions of the globe. The leaves are quite bland in taste or mildly tart, but can be eaten safely raw or cooked.

They’re commonly used in teas or as supplement ingredients due to their high nutrient content.

6. Chinese Elm

The Chinese Elm, also known as the Lacebark Elm, is native to East Asia and many parts of the Pacific Rim. The small, dark green leaves a mild leafy flavor not unlike lettuce.

They can be eaten raw or cooked, and are commonly used in various cuisines in salads or as garnishes.

Unlike the trees above, eating the leaves, or any other parts, of these trees can kill you. Some of them are lethally toxic. Learn them, and avoid them!

1. Yew

Yews are evergreen trees native to various regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and found in many subspecies around the globe.

They contain a toxic compound called taxine, which can cause dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, or worse if ingested. All parts of the tree are poisonous. Yews can be deadly for both humans and animals.

2. Cherry

Cherry trees are known for their beautiful blossoms, enticing fragrance, and delicious fruit. Many species are found worldwide.

However, unlike those wonderful fruits their leaves, stems, bark, and seeds all contain cyanogenic glycosides that turn into deadly hydrogen cyanide when ingested.

Bad news! Eating large amounts of the leaves, especially if they’re wilted or crushed, can lead to symptoms like difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and fatal seizures.

3. Horse Chestnut

The Horse Chestnut tree, native to parts of Southeast Europe but found throughout much of Europe and the Northern US, contains a toxin called aesculin.

This toxic compound is found in all parts of the tree, but is particularly concentrated in the seeds and is highly toxic.

Ingesting even a small amount can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and severe vomiting, while larger doses can be lethal.

4. Manchineel

The stuff of literal nightmares. Considered one of the most dangerous trees in all the world, the borderline demonic Manchineel is found across Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. All parts of this tree contain strong toxins.

Its sap causes skin blisters, and even coming into contact with rainwater that has touched it will cause blistering and hives.

Eating its small, enticing, apple-like fruit will cause burning pain, major digestive problems, and potentially fatal complications.

Any contact with the eyes can lead to temporary or permanent blindness. ID and avoid at all costs!

5. Black Locust

Black Locust trees, most common in southeastern United States, contain the toxin robitin, a type of lectin.

The bark, leaves, and especially the seeds can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps if ingested. Death is rare, but possible in cases of severe poisoning.

6. Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons are widely distributed across Asia, North America, and Europe. All contain grayanotoxins, present in their leaves, nectar, and pollen.

Consumption will result in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and heart arrhythmia. In extreme cases, it can potentially prove fatal.

To further complicate your search for edible leaves, some edible trees have dangerous lookalikes you’ll need to rule out.

For instance, consider the sugar maple tree above. Known for its sweet sap and leaves, it has a potentially harmful lookalike called the Norway maple.

While not outright deadly, the sap of the Norway maple contains toxins that will cause mild skin irritation or seriously upset your stomach.

Misidentifying these two could mean the difference between a welcome edible and bad reaction.

Similarly, lurch trees can sometimes be confused with cherry trees. There are many other examples besides for all kinds of other species.

Accordingly, a thorough, intimate knowledge of what trees are safe and edible and what trees are to be avoided in your area is paramount if you want to depend on them in a survival situation.

Like what you read?

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When it comes to personal readiness, there’s always something to do, something to improve. Your list of chores and homework will never end if you are serious.

But, we need R&R also, just like anyone else but it’s easy to feel guilty when you just want to veg out in front of the TV…

But you don’t have to feel guilty if you tune in to the right kind of survival-based entertainment. From conservative tv shows to high-stakes reality shows, there’s something here for everyone.

Keep reading and you’ll find your next favorite!

Revolution Season 1 Promo

Watch this video on YouTube

This captivating post-apocalyptic television series is set in a future where all electricity on earth has suddenly, inexplicably, shut off.

The mother of all blackout/EMP scenarios, the show focuses on a family’s struggle to survive in a world that has instantly regressed back to a pre-Industrial age.

A thrilling exploration of human resilience and adaptability, it offers valuable insights into survival strategies and community building.

Even in the world of survival, there are celebrities and legends. From legendary adventures and soldiers who overcame frankly unbelievable odds, to everyday people who found themselves embroiled in a fight for their very lives, the people on this list run the gamut when it comes to experience and expertise.

Many are professionals who have passed on their skills to others in books, survival shows and even face-to-face through their schools and courses.

All of them have stories worth knowing, and no matter where you are in your survival journey, there are bound to be at least a few that can help you get to where you want to go.

Below is a list of 21 famous survivalists that you’ll want to know about, but more importantly, to study and learn from…

No matter what you need a pack for, whether it is hiking, camping, hauling gear to the range, or serving as a bug out bag, you’ll find no shortage of backpacks to choose from.

Choosing the right pack is fundamentally important, but this decision is harder than ever thanks to the sheer variety out there.

You’ll find military style tactical packs, hiking packs, and fusions of the two.

Which one is right for you? Are the differences just aesthetics? Are you missing out on critical advantages going with one over the other? Just what are the differences between tactical and hiking packs?

Broadly, hiking backpacks tend to focus on lightweight materials, waterproofing, visibility and user comfort, whereas tactical packs put emphasis on expansion capability, low profile colors, durability, and carrying capacity.

Believe me, that is the simplest possible explanation between the two, but the nuances are important.

You might be just fine with either one, but depending on your preferences and objectives, either a tactical or a hiking backpack might be perfect for you.

It helps to understand what to expect, generally, when you are looking at either one and I’ll tell you all about the typical differences down below.

Yes and no. Tactical and hiking backpacks have a lot in common, namely that they are purpose-designed to haul a lot of gear and supplies on your back.

But, don’t be deluded into thinking it’s simply an aesthetic difference. Getting the little things right is an important part…

If you choose the wrong pack, it might not have enough room for all your gear, it might be cripplingly uncomfortable, or it might fail you in any number of other ways, including breaking, being too visible, not visible enough, or lacking the flexibility to carry special items.

For this reason, it’s worth assessing both tactical and hiking backpacks on their own stereotypical merits.

If you take a tactical and a hiking backpack of equal size, and from any manufacturers, and lay them side by side one of the first things you will notice is that the hiking backpack is made of lighter weight material.

This, obviously, is done to save weight, making hiking backpacks lighter as a rule.

Whereas most tactical backpacks are made from 1000d or 500d ballistic nylon weave, hiking packs are made from thinner, lighter but still sturdy materials typically of a synthetic nature.

If properly constructed, a hiking backpack can still be quite durable when it comes to stitching and assembly, meaning you won’t suffer from an unfortunate blowout, but the material itself is easier to puncture and tear up.

This reflects the notion that a hiking backpack is not going to be subjected to quite the same rigors as a tactical pack that is carried in a conflict zone or on an active battlefield.

Concerning material construction, tactical packs usually have hiking backpacks beat when it comes to sheer durability.

This is because the materials they are made from are thicker, more abrasion resistant, more difficult to puncture and less likely to come undone when they are damaged.

Conversely, the thinner and more delicate the material that an average hiking backpack is made from can be easily damaged from a slash or scrape, and is highly likely to get worse quickly.

Of course, manufacturer procedures and quality control makes a big difference here: a top of the line hiking backpack will probably prove to be more durable overall than a “flea market special” tactical pack.

The reverse is also true, with very cheap hiking packs proving to be shockingly frail, and top of the line tactical packs being almost impervious to damage.

Although picking any pack that can carry a sizable enough load is important, because you want to be able to haul all of the gear you need, tactical packs emphasize carrying capacity.

Note that carrying capacity isn’t necessarily a function of volume alone.

The overbuilt, heavy-duty construction of a tactical pack means they can be loaded to the gills, nearly to bursting, and are more likely to hold up compared to a similarly stuffed and heavy hiking pack.

Yes, seasoned hikers and campers tend to snicker at newbies who bring everything but the proverbial kitchen sink, weighing themselves down and setting the stage for injury or disaster, but sometimes you really do need a pack that can perform in those circumstances.

This is where the tactical pack shines, considering their “DNA” of these packs is from the issued packs of soldiers.

Soldiers who are expected to carry absolutely everything they need to not only survive but to execute their mission!

If you know you’re going to be loading heavy, really heavy, a tactical pack is probably the better choice – as long as you can handle the weight yourself!

Certainly the most readily apparent difference between a hiking and a tactical pack is going to be the color.

Tactical packs invariably come in some low profile color if not an outright camouflage pattern.

You’ll hardly ever see anything other than some variation of tan or dark earth, olive drab green, black and so on.

Hiking packs are just the opposite, coming in every shade of the rainbow and garish patterns from time to time.

The most subtle colors you’ll usually see on a hiking pack are a dusty charcoal gray and a cool or pale accent color. Exceptions do exist, of course.

The choice here is a simple one: a tactical pack invariably wants to avoid drawing attention to the person who carries it, when the consequences of being spotted are usually being shot at.

A hiking pack is either more visible on purpose or bright enough to help draw attention, and potentially rescue!

A cursory examination of a tactful pack will show that it’s almost always covered from stem to stern with PALs or MOLLE webbing, and a variety of other loops, openings, straps and more for attaching additional pouches or carrying external gear.

This is because a tactical pack must be, to a degree, mission configurable and highly adaptable. Or else it needs to support the occupational specialty of the trooper that carries it.

Hiking packs, although often featuring a few choice attachment points, are rarely covered in webbing in the same way.

However, we have seen a sort of fusion between the two design ideologies in recent decades, and you’ll find plenty of purpose-built hiking packs that have a few panels of webbing on the outside or one on the inside from time to time.

The lack of such attachment points on most hiking packs is indicative of their intent; externally carried gear is rarely efficient or comfortable on a pack, and most seasoned hikers prefer not to if at all possible.

Accordingly, designers and manufacturers of these packs believe that most of their users would probably avoid doing so, and so have no need of the capability.

Opening up our packs, another thing you’ll notice straight away is that most hiking packs tend to be one step removed from a big duffel bag or rucksack.

They usually have one, huge main compartment and possibly a small inner pouch or lid for small odds and ends.

Users are expected to pack their belongings inside in such a way that they are secure, efficient and comfortable to carry.

Tactical-style packs, on the other hand, usually follow this philosophy as well but place added emphasis on internal storage and organization.

This might be a divider in the main compartment, a selection of zipper pouches stitched on the inside of the lid, a pouch serving as a top over the opening in the main compartment, and so on.

These additional pouches gobble up a little bit of room that could otherwise be used in the main compartment, but they make it very easy to locate gear stowed within them, even in the dark.

As you might imagine, in any kind of tactical situation when seconds count and lives are on the line, being able to open up a pack and immediately go to and access critical gear might make the difference.

Most modern backpacks, of either kind, offer a little bit of water resistance or even outright waterproofing built into the design, but it is hiking packs that put extra emphasis on it.

Many hiking packs are created with materials that are either partially or completely waterproof on their own, or constructed in such a way that water is less likely to soak into them.

Tactical packs, on the other hand, are usually made from thick, chunky nylon fabrics that are fairly thirsty by comparison, readily absorbing water.

This is another symptom of the design philosophy behind the pack, considering the most tactical packs are carried by people who simply will not care or have the luxury of stopping just because it is raining.

But also because everything that they carry must, to a degree, be completely weatherproof in order to fulfill a mission.

Circling back to the hiking packs, we see that many are designed and built in such a way as to offer a modicum of weather protection for the things that they carry.

Do keep in mind, this capability is pretty dependent upon the manufacturer and so don’t assume any pack is or isn’t waterproof.

Make sure you read that feature sheet, and more importantly test your survival backpack.

Whether tactical or hiking in nature, some packs feature an integrated rain fly or cover that can be deployed to shield the pack and its contents from a serious downpour, and of course you can always purchase a rain fly or a dry bag for the job.

Like what you read?

Then you’re gonna love my free PDF, 20 common survival items, 20 uncommon survival uses for each. That’s 400 total uses for these dirt-cheap little items!

We will not spam you.

They say there’s nothing better than experience, and perhaps that’s true, but you can still learn a lot and step your “survival game” up by reading the right publications.

Whether they are old-fashioned printed paper, or digital copies that you can take with you on any of the devices you use most, a good magazine is a treasure trove of information. Information that, mind you, will add up over time.

And just like a whetstone sharpens a knife, reading continually on a chosen subject will sharpen your mind. The following magazines will help you get sharp and stay that way.

What is a hobby farm? Is it a form of a certain size or certain kind? Is it one you just run for fun?

The term means different things to different people, but I can tell you this: even if you are doing it for fun, it’s darn hard work and requires lots of specialist knowledge.

If you don’t know what you’re doing, Hobby Farms magazine can help impart that knowledge. This is a specialist publication concerned only with farming and nothing else, but boy, does it cover absolutely everything.

You’ll learn about all sorts of different crops and livestock, tools and machinery, growing zones, home and property maintenance, and a whole lot more.

If you aren’t dealing with any of that stuff you can skip this one, but if you are, it’s a sure subscribe.

Everything you need to know about this magazine is in the title. A venerable publication that focuses on homesteading, self-sufficiency, real outdoor living in the deep country, and all sorts of related skills.

There’s no telling what you’ll find when you crack the cover of Grit. If you are a prepper, camper, hiker, hunter or something of a modern-day pioneer, Grit is one magazine you’ve got to read.

I especially appreciate the super-detailed instructional articles accompanied by photos that they have in every volume.

More truth in advertising, Backpacker magazine is focused entirely on the recreational pursuit of the same name.

That being said, don’t be turned away because you don’t think this one is serious enough: Much of what you will learn in Backpacker, skills that would be applied to an enjoyable hiker camping trip, translate wonderfully to prepping, particularly packing your own rucksack for maximal efficiency.

Aside from this, there are countless little fieldcraft tips that will make you more comfortable, more efficient, and more confident wherever you’re going out in the wild.

Don’t let the name fool you: you won’t be learning how to align your energy with crystals or any such nonsense in this magazine.

But if you need to learn how to bring in a bumper crop, take care of common homesteading problems, and generally get more aligned with living in the way your grandparents might have- more sustainable, simpler and fulfilling- this one is for you.

As much as we don’t like the idea, a big part of being a prepper is just domestic drudgery, so if you don’t know how to preserve food much less grow it in the first place, Mother Earth News is going to cover a big hole in your skillset.

Another wonderful variety publication, Backwoodsman could again serve as a wonderful manual or primer of sorts for preppers.

This is another one I look forward to every time that new issue rolls around because you can never be sure exactly what you’re going to learn.

You might get traditional techniques for catching, cleaning, and cooking wild game on one page, and then another for building an improvised shelter with natural or man-made materials.

And, of course, you’ll have a few special interest gear reviews in there too. Great stuff, and a blast to read. Subscribe!

If there was ever a regular publication that was a legitimate prepper’s handbook, had to have been the American Outdoor Guide.

Formerly published as the American Survival Guide, and most recently as Boundless, this is another “grab bag” of publication with one overarching focus, and that’s on survival.

If you are a suburban prepper worried about terror attacks or active shooters, there will be something in here for you.

If you live in the deep country and are concerned with hostile critters and diseases, it will be here. One of the magazines I looked forward to the most, and a beautiful one to boot!

Sadly out of print, but there is a bountiful online archive and many back issues available. One worth keeping on hand in print format!

Out of all of the dearly departed, retired survival publications out there, I think I miss S.W.A.T. the most. On the newsstand, you might have lost it among all the other gun rags, but S.W.A.T.

was so much more. Among their alumni of writers you’d find a who’s who of real-deal tactical professionals, along with hard-hitting coverage of up-and-coming (or classic) guns and related gear, alongside instructional and even philosophical pieces.

With guns, gear, tactics, the way of the warrior and home defense insights aplenty, SWAT really was one of a kind. The good news is you can still get back issues and the website is still online.

Self-reliance. It’s a concept, but also a command for most of us. This quarterly publication addresses all sorts of things that the responsible among use might not think about, or anticipate, as a homesteader.

These might be domestic problems but they are major ones when you are depending only on yourself and your family.

From the proper way to harvest, preserve, and store food yourself to dealing with uncertainty and isolation in an austere setting, there is so much to learn and master.

And not all of it is super-serious, because sometimes you just get a great recipe or a humorous anecdote about life on the homestead. Another wonderful publication!

Backwoods Home Magazine is a publication focused on rural and country living, kind of like a more practical, blue-collar Better Homes and Gardens.

If you didn’t have a family that taught you a lot of practical skills growing up, this is a great way to learn.

You’ll learn how to work on your own tools and vehicles, raise your own food even at a very small scale, and get more in tune with nature along with a variety of other more nuanced topics on mindset and things like that.

A great way to work on your basic skill set without living in a state of “Defcon 1” all the time like you get with some of the other tactically-oriented magazines.

The New Pioneer has something of a poetic title, but it is another case of truth in advertising, or rather who it is advertised to.

If you would become a new pioneer of sorts, one that is learning how to take care of animals, put in a garden, preserve your harvest, build a deck, and change your own oil, this is the magazine for you.

Sure, lots of us who have lived the life for a while or grew up doing it will think this stuff is old hat, even elementary, but everyone started somewhere and if you are that person just getting started, The New Pioneer is probably the absolute best magazine for the purpose.

A legendary magazine focused on, what else, home power generation supply, Home Power morphed over time into a self-sufficiency publication that factored in all elements of creating your own off-grid infrastructure.

Sadly, this is yet another wonderful resource that has gone out of print, but there’s good news and bad news…

The bad news is that back issues still on the market in new condition are becoming basically non-existent, but the good news is that every single issue is now available electronically and for free!

Truly, there is no other magazine quite like this, and if you dreamed of setting up solar panels with a deep cycle battery bank but don’t know where to start, you need to start with Home Power.

It’s a mouthful of a name, but it matches the mountain of content you’ll get in each and every issue.

Countryside and Small Stock Journal, commonly abbreviated to CSSJ or just “Countryside,” is focused purely on living an agricultural or ranching life.

All the intricacies and eccentricities associated with livestock, growing crops and taking care of everyday practical problems related to both is covered in exacting detail by staff of writers that live it, day in and day out.

If you’ve ever wanted to make the transition to such a life and leave the concrete jungle behind, this magazine more than any other is a great way to start.

Ballistic is another newer magazine, but one that’s focused entirely on firearms, accessories and related topics.

Whether you are cruising for a new carry piece or a dedicated firearm to help you confront what goes bump in the night or get you through the collapse of society, ballistic can help you zero in on it.

I particularly like the frequent rankings of different competitors’ guns they do. It always pays to stay on top of cutting edge tech!

One of the oldest and still one of the best magazines dedicated to hunting, fishing and everything else associated with the lifestyle, this is another publication devoted to recreational pursuits that can teach you more than a thing or two.

Field & Stream writers are often masters of their chosen vacation, and many of them have more lived field experience than 10 other mere mortals.

You’ll keep reading for the pictures and stories, but pay attention and you can learn quite a lot, and that can make the difference when it’s time for you to bring home dinner the hard way.

When you visit an external link on this page and then make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Read my full advertising disclosure here.

Skillset is one of my favorite and newest magazines. Equal parts adventure mag, hard-hitting interviews and skill-building pieces, there is something for every red-blooded man (or woman) in its pages.

From down-and-dirty self-defense to navigating your way out of a wilderness survival situation or a close encounter in the urban jungle, everyone, no matter where they are in life, can learn something useful from this magazine, and have a good time doing it.

Skillset is a blast to read and educational to boot.

There’s living in a rural setting, living on a true homestead, living off-grid, and then there’s living way, way out there- living in the backwoods.

This is the magazine if you fit into the latter category! All of the info in the Backwoods Survival Guide mag is oriented towards hardcore self-sufficiency to the point where you are living truly off the land in these places.

That’s an important distinction because lots of us plan only to survive in such a setting in order to get back to civilization.

Backwoods Survival Guide will teach you how to actually make a life out there if that’s what you want. Another great read, and almost totally unique in its category.

A new, cool, and highly polished publication, OFFGRID is best known as the sister publication to RECOIL.

Although, in fact, much of the magazine is a barely disguised advertisement for various products that they review, OFFGRID has made it a point to hire some of the best and brightest minds in the survival sector to write and produce the publication.

My favorite columns cover theoretical scenarios and how they might be handled, along with step-by-step insights and observations of the event from a panel of various experts.

Another one of my favorite publications, this isn’t one of the best if you’re focused on rural living in preparation; it has a decidedly urban reader base.

Like what you read?

Then you’re gonna love my free PDF, 20 common survival items, 20 uncommon survival uses for each. That’s 400 total uses for these dirt-cheap little items!

We will not spam you.

Self-sufficiency is a must if you’re planning on homesteading. Becoming a full-fledged homesteader is a learning process. You must learn new skills and hone those you already have.

Just like other major life decisions, the commitment to homestead might be a shock to new preppers in the beginning. But using the wisdom and knowledge of others who have done it before can help immensely. Read on for the skills needed to be self-sufficient!

Self-Sufficiency Skills Every Prepper Should Learn

1. Canning Your Garden Produce

Preserve fruits and vegetables from your homestead naturally so you can eat holistically all year long.

2. How to Compost

Don’t throw out all your biodegradable odds and ends.

Put them in a compost and make your garden thrive with compost tea.

3. How to Bake Bread

Never rely again on grocery store bread with bleached flour or expensive healthy loaves.

Bake your own bread at home!

4. Make Homemade Remedies

Do away with your dependence on the drugstore.

Heal yourself naturally with these home remedies!

5. Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

Make your own chemical-free detergent in either liquid or powder form.

6. How to Make Playdough

Your kiddos will love making homemade play dough.

And if they eat it, it’s made from organic ingredients so it’s not a risk to their health.

7. How to Make Cheese from Scratch

Use your milk product to make your choice of fresh, delicious cheese.

This is one of the most valuable homestead skills when you consider the cash you could earn.

8. Know How to Make a Compost Bin

Correctly storing your compost will save your backyard from smelling like a dumpster. Make your own homemade compost bin and make compost all year-round.

9. Grow Plants in Your Climate

Every climate has a different time period for planting various seeds.

Find the best one for your homestead.

10. Know How to Save Seeds for Future Harvests

Create a never-ending supply of seeds for your garden by learning how to correctly save and store seeds.

The Art of Seed Saving Photo by Survival Life

Also, a lot of seeds are excellent and long-storing food sources, like corn, beans, nuts, and grains.

11. Know First Aid and CPR

Just in case there is an accident on the homestead, you should always be prepared (especially if you live out in the boonies as I do).

Learn the basics of first aid and CPR and find out how to build your own first aid kit.

12. Learn How to Operate a Tractor and Heavy Machinery

Operating a tractor can greatly decrease the amount of time you spend walking back and forth from various chores on the homestead.

Learning to operate heavy machinery is a great help when you need to carry heavy loads of supplies from one place to another.

13. Know How to Ride a Horse

An alternative to the tractor and dirt bike (and much less of a gas hog) is the horse.

Be sure you are conscious of weight limits for your breed if you are planning on using your horse to help carry supplies.

Click here to learn English Riding

Click here to learn about Western Riding

14.  Train Dogs and Farm Animals

Believe me when I say this will save you loads of time in the future.

If you have to stop gardening to discipline a dog that’s using his digging skills in your garden and then replant the dissembled plants, you would have wasted more time than it takes to properly train him.

15. Learn How to Tie Knots

If you have a very stubborn dog or horse that you have to keep tied up to stay out of trouble, or if you just want to hang a line for your laundry, you will need to know a variety of knots.

16.  Make Simple Booby Traps

Keep those pesky squirrels out of your cow’s feed or simply trap them for a little extra protein.

Learn to make simple booby tramps to deter pests and to catch food.

17. Change a Tire and Change Oil

Life on the homestead means no guarantees that someone is nearby at any given time.

Learn how to change tires and how to change oil so you don’t lose a whole day of work due to a busted tire.

18. Learn How to Forage for Wild Edible and Herbal Plants

Preparation for emergencies is key, but in the event of injury in a natural disaster, you may have to forage for plants with healing properties.

Be very cautious when using herbs you did not plant yourself and do not use them unless you’re 100% sure that you have the correct plant.

19. Make your Own Fire Starter

Many people in Ireland still make their own natural fire starters today.

This saves time when needing instant warmth on those blistering cold winter days.

20. Know How to Start a Fire Without a Match

No one should ever rely completely on one method or another.

Learn how to start a fire in a variety of ways in case you are ever without matches.

21. Know How to Properly Handle, Shoot, and Clean a Gun

Predators and threats on the homestead are inevitable.

Don’t let the lack of gun knowledge be the reason that your family doesn’t get the protection they need. You will learn all about guns by searching for your favorite topics here on our sister site, guncarrier.com.

22. Store a Gun Safely and Properly

Part of knowing how to use a gun is learning to store it safely away from children and possible attackers.

You’ll sleep more soundly at night knowing it’s in a safe place.

23. Know Basic Auto Mechanic Skills

Again, you wouldn’t want to lose an entire day of work just because a switch needed to be flipped or a bolt needed tightening.

Basic auto mechanic skills are essential whether you’re a self-sufficient, a homesteader, a prepper, or just any regular practical Joe.

24. Know How to Hunt Wild Game

Make sure you have the proper licenses to hunt game provide more protein for your family and keep your livestock’s predators at bay.

25. Know the Laws and Regulations Regarding Hunting Wild Game in Your Area

It is only legal to hunt certain animals during specific seasons and knowing about these laws is important for your safety.

The consequences for hunting a game outside of its respective season can end in costly fines or the restriction/loss of your hunting license.

26. Make Your Own Meat Smokehouse

Whether you butcher your own livestock or hunt wild game you will need a way to preserve the meat properly.

Smoke your meat in your own homemade smokehouse.

27. Using a Smokehouse to Smoke and Cure Meat

Learn which techniques work best for different types of meat.

Whether you hunt or raise livestock, smoking and curing meat will allow you to keep your stock for longer.

28. Know How to Milk Cow and Goat

You may think that one is exactly like the other, but I assure you it is not.

Learn the basics of milking your livestock. Every cow and goat is different so you will have to learn to adjust your techniques accordingly, but the basics remain the same.

29. Learn How to Fish

Fish is packed with rich vitamins our bodies need (and love). Hopefully, your nearest waterbed is also packed full of fish.

<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-67977 size-full" title="Learn how to fish" src="https://survivallife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Learn-How-to-Fish-Self-Sufficiency.jpg" alt="Learn How to Fish