A couple of years a go, I went without electricity for about two months. I walked or rode a bike, paddled a kayak, or stayed home. I was learning a method of keeping alive through the likely coming people storms. I now use a lot of electricity (but not as much as Algore), and a lot of gasoline. It's easier, and faster. But, I know the other way intimately, now.
I am semi-retired, and spend a lot of time in the woods and rivers of WV (and VA, MD, NC, and more). I have seen different flood stages and all have "wild water". That was the only time when they could float the whole way to Harper's Ferry.
I stayed OFF THE RIVER when it got too harsh. I like me...
I can appreciate going through the voluntary simplicity as a means of preparing for hard times. We also try to remain somewhat self sufficient and to develop or maintain useful basic skills.