I ask myself this, especially as I’m getting down to crossing off the last handful of items on my big list.  On one hand, it is very nice to have certain things on hand for the occasional ice/heavy snow storm or summer storm power loss. On the other, some things can seem like a waste viewed in terms of the probability of occurrence. I’ve tried to only get things that have a dual use, but isn’t always the case. For example, I bought a small wood burning stove with sidesaddle water heater. If I ever buy some undeveloped land, that can get installed in a cabin. But freeze dried food, that will never get used.

I suppose the goal is to keep certain critical items on hand for a short time frame, but not go hog-wild. MREs and firearms are in that latter category, expensive and not required but seem like a major preoccupation with some people). I’ll add things like gas masks (what’s up with that?), bug out bags, night vision gear, camo, etc. It’s as if this is some paramilitary adventure, versus long-term camping.

Anyway, I am satisfied with what I have and don’t feel the need to do much else. I still need to get a big first aid kit, some bleach powder, protective gear for contagion, and a laundry plunger. That’s it, everything else I have. Frankly, if anything does happen plans will have to be formulated on the fly anyway. I just need the basics . I suppose this is the difference between being OCD/hoarder and prepared, is it enough or irrational acquisition?