Practice may not make perfect...but it can make you prepared.

Thats the philosophy I apply to prepping, and how I integrate it into my life.  You can't wait until an emergency and hope your plan works.  You need to try it out. Both big things, and little things.  Now if you can integrate practice with daily life, then thats a bonus.

Here is a classic example.  Walking has been a part of my exercise regiment for years.  I do 3 to 5 miles for cardio 3 or 4 times a week. I knew I needed to upgrade my backpack, so over the winter I invested in a Kelty Redwing 50.  Well its now all fully packed to be my "get home" bag and ride in the kit in the back of my pick up.  But the LAST thing I want to do is be strapping it on for the first time when a crisis has occurred and i've got 22 miles to hoof to get home.

So, I have combined the two.  I'm breaking out my full pack and doing my walks in full gear.  Its adding a little bit more intensity to my training, and has made me sort through what I have packed and look for ways to lighten the load.  I also have a chance to break in my hiking boots by rotating them instead of running shoes.  A few of my neighbors kind of give me a stare, but its well worth it to know i'm ready to hump my way home.

Now I have said before, I don't have a bug out bag.  But a lot of people do.  So if you have one, don't be an "arm chair prepper", pull that back pack out, strap it on, and go for a nice long walk. You will be happy you did.