Book Review: Take Less, Do More by Glen Van Peski – Lessons for Prepping and Preparedness

Glen Van Peski’s Take Less, Do More isn’t just a guide for ultralight hiking enthusiasts—it’s a philosophy that resonates with anyone seeking efficiency, resilience, and the ability to adapt in challenging situations. For preppers, this book offers valuable insights that extend far beyond the trail, providing a fresh perspective on how to prepare your family for emergencies without becoming overwhelmed by the weight—literal or metaphorical—of unnecessary gear.

Ultralight Hiking Meets Preparedness: Lessons for Prepping

Van Peski’s ultralight hiking ethos is simple but profound: evaluate every item you carry, keep only what’s essential, and refine your system through experience. Prepping can benefit from this mindset in a multitude of ways:

• Eliminate Redundancy: Just as a hiker must scrutinize every ounce in their pack, preppers can reevaluate their stockpiles to focus on versatile, multi-use items rather than duplicating supplies unnecessarily. For example, a single high-quality multitool may replace a drawer full of single-use gadgets.
• Build Systems, Not Stockpiles: Van Peski emphasizes having a system that works together seamlessly. Prepping isn’t just about accumulating gear; it’s about creating a cohesive plan. A bug-out bag, for instance, should be lightweight yet comprehensive, allowing you to act quickly and efficiently without being bogged down.
• Practice, Adjust, Refine: Hikers test their gear on short trips before committing to long treks. Preppers can learn from this by regularly testing emergency plans, practicing skills like fire-starting or water purification, and adjusting their setups based on real-world scenarios.

Helping Others Through Preparedness

One of the most compelling aspects of Van Peski’s philosophy is that ultralight hiking enables you to go farther and achieve more. Similarly, streamlined and well-thought-out prepping allows you to focus not only on your family’s survival but also on helping others in a crisis.

A prepped family can extend aid to neighbors, assist in community recovery efforts, or even evacuate more efficiently, leaving resources available for those who couldn’t prepare as well. The ethos of “taking less” doesn’t mean being underprepared—it means being agile, adaptable, and ready to respond to any situation with clarity and confidence.

Key Takeaways for Preppers

1. Minimalism = Mobility: A lighter, more efficient approach to prepping means you can act faster and adapt better when emergencies arise.
2. Versatility Over Volume: Focus on items that serve multiple purposes and integrate well with your overall system. This not only lightens your load but also ensures that every piece of gear has a meaningful role.
3. Preparedness as a Service: Being prepared isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving in a way that allows you to support others, reinforcing the bonds of community in the face of adversity.
4. Mindset Matters: The book underscores the importance of a minimalist, intentional mindset. For preppers, this means being thoughtful and strategic about what you prepare for and how you prepare for it.

Final Thoughts

Take Less, Do More is a must-read for preppers who want to break free from the misconception that being prepared means hoarding or overburdening themselves with gear. Glen Van Peski’s insights into ultralight hiking translate seamlessly into the world of emergency preparedness, encouraging us to prioritize, simplify, and focus on what truly matters. By adopting the “take less, do more” mindset, you can be better prepared to handle life’s emergencies—and help others along the way.

For anyone looking to build a family preparedness plan that’s efficient, adaptable, and impactful, this book is an essential addition to your reading list.