Very true, in my opinion. I resemble that post to some degree. I have some skills and I camp alot (ok, I think it's alot), and I try to practice techniques when I can. But between work and family, and all the chores, practicing by itself is very sporadic. There is a ton of stuff that I mentally muse over, even when camping and practicing, but that I don;t really have "experience" with. Even camping: I don;t take the family out when it's 20 degrees and there's 6" of snow on the ground. It's too cold! <------evidence that I am lacking in certain preparedness skills. No, we go camping in the "other three" seasons.

Alot of the gear that I have was not necessarily purchased because of a real need, just a desire to be prepared, without really having the experience of A) needing it during an emergency; B) recognizing that I needed it; C) purchasing it; and D) practicing with it and having it ready for the next emergency.

I think this is a good thread and I'd like to read and participate in a few or more threads involving "technique and experience".