Being able to start fires and build lean-to shelters will keep you alive for short-term survival in the wilderness, but if the world as we know it comes to an end it’s going to take a lot more to make it. You will need to be able to repair and replace your gear, your clothing, and build long-term shelter. But those skills are still dependent upon other skills. If you really want to be able to live in a world without modern technology then you will need to have a working knowledge of these three skills at least.
Blacksmithing
Without the ability to make new metal tools you will be back in the stone age or limited to what you can scavenge. Even basic survival will be difficult, let alone advancing your life to the point where you could thrive. Most importantly you will not be able to farm or to build shelter on the same level. There is a reason why in centuries past every town had a blacksmith.
Tanning
Another old time staple occupation was tanner. Without the ability to skillfully work leather into clothing and tools you won’t even be on the level of stone age people. You will only last as long as the clothes on your back and the shoes on your feet. After that, if you can’t make replacements, you will die.
Riding
Being able to ride and care for a horse will be the difference between having an 8-mile radius limit to your world, and a limit of what you can carry on your back to your supply list, and being able to cover 20 miles a day and the ability to transport gear and supplies over rugged terrain.
All of these skills are no longer common, but they are still available. It is possible to get a working knowledge of these skills even in our modern world.
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