for me:

1) It is fun. ie, it is a hobby.
2) I feel a sense of security knowing that i have prepared and am aware of my surroundings.

Why do I find it fun and why do i get a sense of security from "being prepared"? I have no clue. I don't know why some people are more intelligent than others, or amazing sportsmen, or pessimistic. that is just a little too deep into the phillosophical realm for my in-educated mind <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> . I am interested to see how this thread develops...