Mountain Ready, a family- and veteran-owned small business, has launched an initiative focused on making survival skills approachable for women of all ages. The company combines a curated shop of American-made survival gear with a free online library of instructional content designed to teach practical, immediately applicable skills rather than simply selling products. This approach represents a significant shift from traditional survival training methods that often rely on generic checklists and product recommendations without building actual competence.
The program's importance lies in addressing the specific safety concerns and preparedness needs of women, who are frequently told to "be careful" without being given practical tools and knowledge. Founder Peter Zeppieri emphasized that preparedness involves practical skills that can be used right away rather than following a one-size-fits-all checklist. The initiative covers four key areas: roadside emergencies with step-by-step procedures and gear lists, foraging and herbal medicine basics with safety-first guides to edible and medicinal plants, self-defense fundamentals featuring practical techniques and mindset training, and off-grid energy solutions including portable solar kits and hand-crank tools.
The company's educational resources are available through their online news and education section, which hosts in-depth guides and checklists authored by Zeppieri and other experienced contributors. This approach reflects Mountain Ready's philosophy that self-defense starts with awareness and confidence, with gear serving only as an amplifier of existing knowledge. The initiative aims to strip away intimidation by providing accessible, scenario-based learning that focuses on preserving life and dignity in emergency situations.
Zeppieri noted that many women initially feel intimidated by survival skills but can quickly develop capability through proper training. The company maintains its product offerings through their online shop, which features trusted brands and American-made items alongside the educational content. This skills-first approach to preparedness represents a meaningful shift in how survival training is delivered, focusing on building practical competence that women can immediately apply in real-world situations ranging from changing a tire at the roadside to maintaining power during grid failures.
