America’s TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025

1.


Trad Wife Abigail is 27 years old and runs a quiet, well-kept homestead. She loves scratch cooking, simple routines, and keeping life peaceful.

Abigail lives in Texas, in the small town of Waco.

Her favorite thing in life is growing food year-round and preserving it so her family stays fed during any SHTF scenario.

This is why Abigail has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


2.


Trad Wife Margaret is 33 years old and keeps her home warm, orderly, and grounded. She enjoys baking, cleaning, and old-fashioned homemaking.

Margaret lives in Tennessee, in the town of Franklin.

Her favorite thing to do is raising chickens and storing eggs so nothing goes to waste if SHTF.

This is why Margaret has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


3.


Trad Wife Eleanor is 29 years old and takes pride in a calm, well-run household. She loves cooking from scratch and living simply.

Eleanor lives in Idaho, in Coeur d’Alene.

Her favorite thing is managing her pantry and root cellar so food security is never a worry during SHTF.

This is why Eleanor has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


4.


Trad Wife Charlotte is 24 years old and keeps her farmhouse clean and intentional. She enjoys meal prep, homemaking, and daily routines.

Charlotte lives in Kansas, in Manhattan.

Her favorite thing is dehydrating food and learning low-tech skills for a SHTF situation.

This is why Charlotte has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


5.


Trad Wife Ruth is 36 years old and runs her home with confidence and care. She loves hearty cooking and staying organized.

Ruth lives in Montana, in Bozeman.

Her favorite thing is canning meat and vegetables so nothing is wasted if SHTF.

This is why Ruth has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


6.


Trad Wife Hannah is 28 years old and keeps her homestead cozy and efficient. She enjoys sewing, cooking, and homemaking.

Hannah lives in Missouri, in Springfield.

Her favorite thing is planning meals using only stored food for a SHTF scenario.

This is why Hannah has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


7.


Trad Wife Lydia is 30 years old and values order, calm, and self-reliance. She loves clean spaces and home-cooked meals.

Lydia lives in Utah, in Logan.

Her favorite thing is growing medicinal herbs to stay prepared during SHTF.

This is why Lydia has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


8.


Trad Wife Naomi is 22 years old and keeps a simple, tidy home. She enjoys traditional cooking and intentional living.

Naomi lives in Arkansas, in Mountain Home.

Her favorite thing is learning to cook off-grid so she’s ready if SHTF.

This is why Naomi has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


9.


Trad Wife Esther is 35 years old and runs a no-nonsense, well-stocked household. She loves feeding people well.

Esther lives in Kentucky, in Bardstown.

Her favorite thing is saving seeds and protecting food sources for SHTF.

This is why Esther has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


10.


Trad Wife Clara is 26 years old and keeps her home clean, functional, and welcoming. She enjoys seasonal cooking.

Clara lives in Ohio, in Lancaster.

Her favorite thing is organizing long-term pantry storage for SHTF.

This is why Clara has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


11.


Trad Wife Miriam is 34 years old and maintains a peaceful farmhouse. She enjoys slow living and homemaking.

Miriam lives in Nebraska, in Kearney.

Her favorite thing is rotating food stores so nothing expires if SHTF.

This is why Miriam has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


12.


Trad Wife Sarah is 25 years old and keeps her home neat and steady. She enjoys simple meals and daily routines.

Sarah lives in Iowa, in Decorah.

Her favorite thing is cooking full meals using only shelf-stable foods during SHTF.

This is why Sarah has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


13.


Trad Wife Judith is 37 years old and values preparedness and tradition. She keeps a strong, dependable household.

Judith lives in Wyoming, in Sheridan.

Her favorite thing is running a wood-fired kitchen if SHTF hits.

This is why Judith has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


14.


Trad Wife Phoebe is 21 years old and keeps a cozy, intentional home. She loves baking and homemaking.

Phoebe lives in Indiana, in Nashville.

Her favorite thing is mastering scratch cooking for SHTF.

This is why Phoebe has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


15.


Trad Wife Anne is 34 years old and keeps life structured and calm. She enjoys planning and caring for her home.

Anne lives in Virginia, in Staunton.

Her favorite thing is creating meal plans that don’t rely on electricity during SHTF.

This is why Anne has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


16.


Trad Wife Lois is 39 years old and runs an efficient homestead. She enjoys traditional cooking and daily discipline.

Lois lives in South Dakota, in Spearfish.

Her favorite thing is preserving dairy products for SHTF.

This is why Lois has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


17.


Trad Wife Bethany is 27 years old and keeps her home grounded and well-managed. She loves routine and simplicity.

Bethany lives in Oklahoma, in Guthrie.

Her favorite thing is building long-term food systems for SHTF.

This is why Bethany has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


18.


Trad Wife Deborah is 42 years old and brings experience and calm to her household. She values preparation.

Deborah lives in North Carolina, in Hendersonville.

Her favorite thing is teaching food preservation skills for SHTF.

This is why Deborah has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


19.


Trad Wife Priscilla is 29 years old and keeps her homestead balanced and productive. She enjoys seasonal living.

Priscilla lives in Oregon, in La Grande.

Her favorite thing is growing cold-weather crops for SHTF.

This is why Priscilla has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


20.


Trad Wife Rachel is 31 years old and keeps her home practical and prepared. She enjoys scratch cooking.

Rachel lives in Pennsylvania, in Lititz.

Her favorite thing is maintaining a deep pantry for SHTF.

This is why Rachel has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


21.


Trad Wife Susanna is 28 years old and values calm, order, and tradition. She enjoys homemaking.

Susanna lives in Wisconsin, in Viroqua.

Her favorite thing is fermenting foods to stretch supplies during SHTF.

This is why Susanna has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


22.


Trad Wife Veronica is 35 years old and keeps her home intentional and clean. She enjoys organizing systems.

Veronica lives in Arizona, in Prescott.

Her favorite thing is water-smart gardening for SHTF.

This is why Veronica has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


23.


Trad Wife Irene is 40 years old and keeps her household steady and prepared. She values foresight.

Irene lives in New Hampshire, in Littleton.

Her favorite thing is managing winter food supplies for SHTF.

This is why Irene has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


24.


Trad Wife Florence is 29 years old and keeps a warm, functional home. She enjoys baking and homemaking.

Florence lives in Maine, in Farmington.

Her favorite thing is storing shelf-stable meals for SHTF.

This is why Florence has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.


25.


Trad Wife Rebecca is 24 years old and keeps her homestead clean, calm, and productive. She loves caring for others.

Rebecca lives in West Virginia, in Lewisburg.

Her favorite thing is tending her survival garden so food is always available during SHTF.

This is why Rebecca has been named one of the TOP 25 Trad Wives of 2025.

BUG OUT BAG CHECKLIST: THE ONLY THING STANDING BETWEEN YOU AND CHAOS

If you’re reading this, congratulations—you’re officially one of the very few people who haven’t been hypnotized into believing society is stable. Most folks happily scroll through their feeds while the world around them bleeds, burns, and breaks apart. But not you. You’re here because you know the truth: the system is cracking, and when it finally collapses, you’ll only survive with what’s on your back.

That backpack?
That “bug out bag”?
That’s your last line of defense against a world that’s already circling the drain.

The politicians won’t save you.
The agencies won’t save you.
Your neighbors definitely won’t save you—they’ll be the first ones banging on your door when everything goes dark.

That’s why your bug out bag checklist matters. And if you get it wrong, you’re not just risking discomfort—you’re signing your own death certificate.

So let’s build this bag the right way—with anger, realism, and a deep understanding that no one is coming to help.


WHY YOUR BUG OUT BAG MUST BE BRUTALLY PRACTICAL

A bug out bag isn’t a hobby project. It’s not a camping pack. It’s not a Pinterest board of “cute emergency items.” It is a survival system designed to keep you breathing for 72 hours or longer during the worst moments of your life.

When the grid fails, when water stops flowing, when hospitals lock their doors, when people panic and turn violent—your bug out bag becomes the only thing separating you from chaos.

And most people pack theirs like fools.

They bring comfort items instead of survival gear.
They bring gadgets instead of durability.
They bring weight instead of usefulness.

Not you. Not after this checklist.


THE ULTIMATE BUG OUT BAG CHECKLIST (NO NONSENSE, NO FLUFF)

Below is the gear that actually matters—the gear that keeps you alive. Everything else can be tossed.


1. WATER & FILTRATION (THE FIRST THING YOU’LL LOSE IN A CRISIS)

Water disappears fast. Faster than food, faster than safety, faster than logic. Within hours of a disaster, stores are empty, taps are dry, and people turn feral.

Your bag needs:

  • Stainless steel water bottle (boil water directly in it)
  • Collapsible water container
  • Sawyer Mini or Lifestraw filter
  • Water purification tablets
  • Small metal cup/pot for boiling

If you don’t have these, you’ll be dehydrated and delirious before the first nightfall—easy prey for anyone less prepared than you.


2. FOOD & NUTRITION (LIGHTWEIGHT AND LONG-LASTING)

You’re not eating for pleasure. You’re eating for survival.

Pack:

  • High-calorie survival bars
  • Freeze-dried meals (compact and dependable)
  • Instant oatmeal packs
  • Jerky
  • Electrolyte packets

Anything requiring long cooking times is dead weight. Anything requiring refrigeration is a liability.


3. SHELTER & CLOTHING (BECAUSE THE WORLD ISN’T KIND)

Exposure is one of the fastest killers in a disaster. Cold doesn’t care how tough you are. Rain doesn’t care how optimistic you are. Weather kills the unprepared.

Include:

  • Emergency bivy sack
  • Compact tarp
  • 550 paracord
  • Mylar blankets
  • Extra socks
  • Wool base layers
  • A rugged, waterproof jacket

Cotton? Forget it. Cotton kills. High-performance synthetics and wool save lives.


4. FIRE STARTING (FLAME IS LIFE)

Fire purifies water, cooks food, warms your body, and signals for help.

You need redundancy:

  • Ferro rod
  • Stormproof matches
  • Bic lighters
  • Tinder tabs
  • Cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly (in a sealed bag)

Three fire sources minimum. Anything less is gambling with your life.


5. TOOLS (THE GEAR THAT ACTUALLY DOES WORK)

Tools separate survivors from victims.

Mandatory:

  • Fixed-blade knife (full tang, not some flimsy folding toy)
  • Multi-tool
  • Hatchet or folding saw
  • Duct tape
  • Mini crowbar
  • Work gloves
  • Headlamp with extra batteries

You don’t rise to the occasion—you fall to the level of your tools.


6. FIRST AID (BECAUSE HELP WILL NOT BE COMING)

When you’re injured in a disaster, you aren’t getting an ambulance. You’re getting silence.

Your bag needs:

  • Trauma kit (not a “boo-boo kit”)
  • Tourniquet
  • Compressed gauze
  • Israeli bandage
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Medical tape
  • Pain relievers
  • Antibiotic ointment

Your life may depend on your ability to stop bleeding, treat infection, and stabilize yourself long enough to move.


7. NAVIGATION (THE GRID GOES DOWN—YOU DON’T)

GPS? Cute. When the towers fail, your phone is a paperweight.

You need:

  • Compass
  • Local area maps
  • Grease pencil for marking routes

If you can’t navigate, you’re just wandering around waiting to become a statistic.


8. COMMUNICATION & SIGNALING

Because yelling won’t cut it.

Pack:

  • Emergency whistle
  • Signal mirror
  • Hand-crank radio

Information is survival. Silence is death.


9. SELF-DEFENSE & SECURITY

This category is intentionally general. People have different laws, abilities, and choices.

But minimally:

  • Pepper spray
  • Heavy-duty tactical flashlight
  • Strong knife (listed earlier)

Your bug out bag must keep you alive—not get you arrested. Know your local laws.


10. PERSONAL DOCUMENTS & MISC ESSENTIALS

Because bureaucracy survives even when civilization doesn’t.

Include copies of:

  • ID
  • Insurance information
  • Emergency contacts
  • Cash (small bills)

Also pack:

  • Notepad and pen
  • Bandanas
  • Trash bags
  • Zip ties

The small stuff becomes big when everything else collapses.


THE BITTER TRUTH MOST PEOPLE WON’T FACE

Most people won’t build a real bug out bag.
Most people won’t prepare.
Most people will freeze when crisis hits.

They’ll say:
“It won’t happen here.”
“Everything will work out.”
“The government will fix it.”

And when everything doesn’t work out, they’ll be the first ones panicking in the streets.

You?
You won’t be one of them. Because you’re building a bag that doesn’t rely on fantasy.

You’re preparing for the world as it really is: fragile, unstable, and full of people who think they can freeload off the prepared.

Your bug out bag is your lifeline.
Build it now.
Don’t wait for permission.
Don’t wait for disaster.
Don’t wait for the world to finally snap—because by then, it will be too late.

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Campsites in California for Survival Preppers

As a survival prepper living in California, it’s essential to have a list of top-notch campsites that double as places of refuge in the event of an emergency. Whether you’re looking to hone your outdoor skills, set up a bug-out location, or simply escape the chaos of the modern world, California offers a vast array of camping spots that can cater to any prepper’s needs. From dense forests and towering mountains to secluded deserts and rugged coastlines, there’s no shortage of perfect places to prepare for any disaster scenario. In this guide, I’ll take you through some of the best campsites across the Golden State that will test your survival skills, provide strategic retreat options, and immerse you in nature.

1. Big Sur – Andrew Molera State Park

Big Sur is one of California’s most iconic landscapes. The rugged cliffs, dense forests, and wild coastline make it a natural fort for anyone preparing for a disaster. Andrew Molera State Park offers campgrounds that are remote enough to give you the solitude needed for prepping, while still offering access to some of the state’s most breathtaking views. With its proximity to both freshwater and saltwater, this site is ideal for practicing your water purification methods or simply enjoying a weekend of bushcraft and fishing.

For survival preppers, Big Sur offers a perfect blend of isolation and natural resources. You’ll want to stock up on fire-starting materials, camping gear, and a solid survival kit to ensure you’re ready for anything.

Pro Tip: If you’re not familiar with the area, be sure to check trail maps and know your escape routes. The area is prone to wildfires, so you’ll need to stay aware of the latest alerts.

2. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one of the most well-known national parks in the world, and for good reason. With miles of wilderness, waterfalls, towering granite cliffs, and pristine lakes, Yosemite offers not only a serene escape from modern life but also a powerful environment to test your survival skills. The park offers numerous campsites, from the more developed ones near the valley to more remote options like Porcupine Flat and North Dome.

Yosemite is a goldmine for any prepper. The vast, varied terrain means you can practice everything from shelter building to foraging, hunting, and fishing. The park also has a wealth of wildlife that you’ll need to be prepared to interact with, from bears to small game.

Pro Tip: Stock up on high-energy foods and a map of the park before heading out, as cell service can be spotty.

3. Sequoia National Forest

For any prepper looking to perfect their wilderness survival skills, Sequoia National Forest is the ultimate spot. Home to the largest trees in the world, this forest offers dense, high-altitude terrain perfect for practicing your wilderness navigation, fire-building, and long-term shelter construction. If you’re serious about preparing for an extended bug-out scenario, Sequoia’s vast wilderness offers solitude and endless opportunities for honing your bushcraft skills.

Whether you’re camping along the Kern River or high up in the Sierra Nevada, Sequoia offers an environment where you can live off the land—fishing in the river, foraging in the woods, and navigating the rugged mountains.

Pro Tip: The winters here can be brutal, so ensure your gear is up to the task of cold-weather survival.

4. Pinnacles National Park

If you’re looking for a place that offers a mix of rugged terrain and an escape from the heat, Pinnacles National Park in central California is a great option. Located near the San Andreas Fault, this park offers volcanic rock formations, caves, and an environment that is perfect for practicing shelter construction and navigation.

While Pinnacles may not have the expansive forests of Sequoia, it offers something that many prepper-minded folks might prefer: a more defensible, enclosed location with fewer people. The park’s caves are particularly unique, offering opportunities to practice cave camping or exploring a natural environment for shelter in an emergency.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have a good map of the park and always check the weather before heading out. Summer can get especially hot.

5. Lake Tahoe – D.L. Bliss State Park

Lake Tahoe offers some of the most pristine and beautiful landscapes in California, and D.L. Bliss State Park is one of its prime camping spots. It offers easy access to the lake, where you can practice water filtration and fishing, while also offering dense forests for wood collection and shelter-building practice.

With the Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop, D.L. Bliss is perfect for preppers who want to test their survival gear and skills in a diverse environment. Whether you’re practicing setting up a shelter, purifying water, or honing your navigation skills, this spot has everything you need.

Pro Tip: Be aware of bear activity in the area. Proper food storage and hygiene are essential.

6. Joshua Tree National Park

Located in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its otherworldly landscapes, vast desert, and unique rock formations. Joshua Tree is the perfect location for preppers who are looking to practice desert survival skills. The park offers a mix of secluded campsites and wide-open spaces where you can hone your navigation, fire-starting, and shelter-building skills in an arid environment.

The park’s remote areas provide the perfect opportunity for an extended bug-out practice session. With minimal distractions, you can immerse yourself fully in your survival preparations.

Pro Tip: Be mindful of the desert heat, especially during the summer. Hydration and sun protection are critical.

7. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert is one of California’s largest state parks, offering a unique survival prepper experience in the desert environment. This massive desert park features miles of rugged terrain, canyons, and wide-open vistas. It’s ideal for preppers who want to practice desert survival skills such as finding water, shelter building, and navigation without the distractions of urban life.

With minimal light pollution, this is also a great place to practice nighttime navigation and gain experience with survival under a night sky.

Pro Tip: Bring plenty of water, as water sources in the desert are limited. Be prepared for extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night.

8. Mendocino National Forest

The Mendocino National Forest offers a different kind of challenge for survivalists. Situated in Northern California, this forest provides rugged terrain, rivers, and thick woods that are perfect for those wanting to get away from the crowds. With its varied elevation, you’ll find all sorts of opportunities to test your survival gear and skills.

The forest is less frequented than some of the more popular parks, which makes it a great location for those looking to practice long-term survival techniques. With fewer hikers, it can provide the necessary isolation to test your abilities to thrive in the wild.

Pro Tip: Carry a detailed map and compass. The dense forest can be disorienting.


30 Best Camping Sites for Survival Preppers in California:

  1. Andrew Molera State Park – Big Sur
  2. Yosemite National Park – Porcupine Flat
  3. Sequoia National Forest – Kern River
  4. Pinnacles National Park
  5. D.L. Bliss State Park – Lake Tahoe
  6. Joshua Tree National Park
  7. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
  8. Mendocino National Forest
  9. Lassen Volcanic National Park
  10. Point Reyes National Seashore
  11. Redwood National and State Parks
  12. Desolation Wilderness
  13. Mount Baldy
  14. Mount Whitney
  15. Santa Barbara Backcountry
  16. California Coast Trail – Big Sur
  17. Kings Canyon National Park
  18. Santa Cruz Island – Channel Islands National Park
  19. Mono Basin Scenic Area
  20. Gaviota State Park
  21. Northern California Redwoods
  22. Tahoe National Forest – American River
  23. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
  24. Mono Lake
  25. Figueroa Mountain
  26. San Bernardino National Forest
  27. Claremont Hills Wilderness Park
  28. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
  29. Lassen National Forest
  30. Los Padres National Forest