I don't know that I would advocate using backpacking/hiking as a cover for developing survival skills; they are quite valid in their own right. It just happens that the skills, attitudes and expectations one develops in knocking around the woods can come in handy when the home situation becomes suboptimal, to say nothing of all that gear.

Once you have worthwhile outdoor skills, and not before, what you want to do is join your local outdoor search and rescue unit. You will then become quite accustomed to responding to situations at all hours, improvising, problem solving, pushing your mental and physical limits, working in a team, and learning your own capabilities. Someday down the road that capability may well come in handy.....

I know there are several on this forum currently serving in this capacity. My SAR experience is basically now history, although I was an avid responder for about twenty years. I would love to hear comments from those currently active.....