Peyton...
Peyton, you are correct on how little it takes to survive. Give a woman or a man, one or two firearms, that he or she knows and shoots well... they can survive with that if need be.
Many people can survive with the LESS is MORE 'stuff' in all areas of their lives. Some CHOOSE to live like this, some have to live like this and some MAY have to live like this if this country and the worldwide economy, wars, devaluation of the US dollar, worldwide 'money', deficits, food supplies, potable water, etc. continue on the DECLINE.
Many Veterans, old timers, depression era people, WW 1, WW2, other wars/conflicts 'survivors' from all around the world including here/stateside will tell you the same thing.
Take care.
Catherine