Homesteading vs. Prepping

Believe it or not, I get asked "what's the difference between prepping and homesteading?" all the time.

Up until a year or so ago, prepping wasn't a word that most people even knew.  Now it seems entrenched in the mind of the American public, thanks largely in part to NatGeo's Doomsday Preppers television program.  So what is the difference?

Beliefs

Homesteaders:  Believe that we have gotten too farm away from our traditional roots and have lost a number of the skills of our forefathers.  We believe in reclaiming that heritage through action by practicing self-sufficiency and frugality. 
Preppers:  Believe in a number of scenarios that result in a breakdown of civilization which will result in a person or persons not being able to depend on traditional services.  This means planning ahead for all aspects of life: food, water, shelter, communications and security.  This is not about reclaiming heritage, though learning traditional skills are sometimes involved.  This is more of a survival mindset and often with the end goal of waiting it out until civilization rights itself or until a new one is created, post-scenario.

Thoughts on the Prepper's five pillars:

Food storage/production:

Homesteaders:  We try to produce enough food for ourselves and our families with enough to preserve for the future.  Homesteaders often have roughly a year's supply of food on hand.  Most items are preserved with a mindset of extending the harvest until the next reaping - as in you can tomatoes in summer to carry you through to the next year's tomato harvest.  What isn't grown on the homestead is usually purchased in bulk, although not always.  Most homesteader's shy away from anything pre-packaged, including commercially canned goods.
Preppers:  In the case of most preppers (although certainly not all), food production is secondary to food storage.  A number of preppers invest in dehydrated or freeze dried #10 cans or buckets of fruits, veggies, and staples.  Although people vary, it's not unusual for preppers to store heirloom seeds for future gardening, but don't actively garden now.  In regards to meat, it seems that the plan is always more focused towards hunting instead of raising livestock.  Some do engage in gardening and livestock tending, but purchasing seems to be more the norm.

Water:

Homesteaders:  Don't generally store water.  Although most try to have a spring or well on their properties to draw from, even those that do don't always have a way to collect water in a power outage.  Some use rain barrels to collect rain run-off  for gardens or animal useage, but generally don't have a way to purify if needed to use as drinking water (and even with purification this is a tricky area).
Preppers:  Store water.  Have ways to filter and purify water.  Some even have water catchment systems in place and/or wells with a way to manually pump water if necessary.

Shelter/Land:

Homesteaders:  Generally don't believe in extravagance.  We work the land we live on, and try to find and/or create the most energy efficient dwelling we can.  Although most homesteaders strive for a place in the country, this is certainly not a requirement and plenty of people have become modern day homesteaders on small acreage in the suburbs.
Preppers:  Often have a "Bug Out Location" located in the country and as farm from people as they can get it.  If the property has a home it is usually built in such a way as to be defensible and is more utilitarian than the home of a homesteader.  Unless a prepper lives full time at their retreat (and some certainly do), it is often lacks most home comforts and is more in line with a weekend cabin or hunting cabin.

Communications:

Homesteaders:  Don't generally worry about this.  Most have phones and/or cell phones like every body else, although some certainly don't.  We often have Internet, radio, and TV - although we might now always have much time to spend watching it! 
Preppers:  Have all the same modern conveniences, but plan ahead for a time without such things.  Many preppers invest in walkie-talkies, NOAA radios, HAM radio, etc.  Preppers feel that communication is vital in a collapse and feel the need to be on top of this at all times.

Security and Medical:

Homesteaders:  Again, not something most homesteader's think of.  A hearty percentage of homesteaders have guns for hunting and/or varmint killing, but don't keep that large of an ammunition inventory, although that has changed in recent years due to fears about losing our rights to bear arms.  Most homesteaders don't worry about things like security cameras, alarms, or multiple firearms in the event of invasion/self-defense.  On the medical front, we try to look for natural remedies and herbs when possible, but most of us accept that at some point we need the help of a qualified physician.  First aid kits are essential but not extensive, and ours includes things for our animals.
Preppers:  In almost all scenarios, preppers believe that a collapse of our systems will lead to looting and a need for self-defense.  Because of this, preppers usually have a stockpile of firearms and ammunition, but also many layers of defensive strategy and systems in place to secure their retreat location.  This includes fences, perimeter alarms, security cameras, night vision setups, guard dogs, etc.  Medical items can range from fully stocked first aid kits, to surgical sets, to full-on pandemic supplies depending on the person.  Preppers accept that in a grid down situation they or someone in there group will be acting doctor and take steps including participating in classes and purchasing physician manuals.

So can you be both of these things?

I certainly think so.  Although we mostly identify ourselves as homesteaders, we are ever incorporating prepper ideals into our lifestyle.  I think the current economic climate dictates that some preparedness is essential.  Additionally, living in the south where there is always a threat of hurricanes or tornadoes means taking care of yourself and your family is essential.  Even FEMA and the Red Cross are advocating preparedness, even if only on a limited basis.

Whatever you call yourself, no matter how you do things, stay safe out there!