You’ve finally decided to take emergency and disaster preparation seriously and want to start prepping. But the thousands of survival items and left and right survival kits out there are a bit overwhelming, aren’t they?
Most newbie preppers make the mistake of hoarding too many of the things they don’t really need and little to none of what is truly essential. Don’t be that newbie. Check out our list of 30 basic and important survival items you should be getting to start prepping for an SHTF scenario.
Note: Items are not listed in any order of importance. Learn more about the recommended items by clicking on the caption below the photos.
1. Survival Books for Knowledge
SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere
The most important thing you need to survive is knowledge and know-how. All other survival items you’ll get to keep up are useless if you don’t know how to use them in a way that preserves your life and theirs. Read up on books, take classes, watch videos and learn from the experience or expertise of others.
2. Bug Out Bag
Military Tactical Backpack Large 3 Day Assault Pack Army Molle Bug Out Bag Backpacks
A bug out bag is typically a backpack that contains all of your essential survival items. It should be a high-quality backpack that is durable and can withstand changing weather conditions (rain, extreme heat, snow). It should also be just the right size. Too little and you’ll end up missing important items. Too large and you’ll be wasting your energy lugging around a bug out bag that’s supposed to save you.
3. Water
Water is essential for your survival. It is recommended to store at least one gallon of water per person per day for when SHTF. Although you can get bottled water, you can also buy drinking water packed in more space-saving and lightweight water containers such as the above item.
4. Portable Water Purifier
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
You can only store as much water. You’ll eventually run out, so it is best to have the right items to purify water. Of course, in order to do this, you must identify a water source first so look around your area for lakes, rivers, wells, and the like.
5. Lighter
Make sure that you have a lighter (or a waterproof match kit) to get a fire going in case you need it. You’ll eventually run out of fuel or strikes, depending on how many days or weeks you have ‘til help comes (or things get better), so #6 is very important.
6. Long-lasting Fire Starter
SE All-Weather Emergency 2-IN-1 Fire Starter & Magnesium Fuel Bar, Flint and Steel Kit
A weatherproof, waterproof fire starter will never fail you. The item above, for example, has over 3,000 positive reviews on Amazon, and for a good reason. Fuel-based fire starters are great and quick but won’t last long. This little survival item, however, will last you a long time.
7. Food
MRE (Meals Ready-to-Eat) Genuine US Military Surplus w/ Menu Selections, 13 Cheese Tortellini
Ready-to-eat food is best. You wouldn’t want to waste precious water to make your dehydrated food edible. While you still can, stock up on food that requires little to no preparation. In the event of a disaster, every little bit of resource counts.
8. Portable Stove + Cookware
Esbit Ultralight Folding Pocket Stove with Solid Fuel Tablets
Even the most extensive food storage will run out eventually. To truly survive, you’ll have to be ready to make and cook your own food from scratch, using ingredients you can find around you. A portable stove that doesn’t take up too much space will help you quite a lot.
Heavy Duty Pre-Seasoned 2 In 1 Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven and Domed Skillet Lid By Bruntmor
Invest in good, durable cookware, preferably a pot. A pan is good but you won’t be able to make soups or boil water in it. When you run out of food and have to stretch out meats and vegetables (especially if you have lots of people to feed), making hearty soups is the way to go.
9. Knife
MTech USA MT-20-39 Fixed Blade Knife
A good knife serves a lot of purposes – from preparing food to cutting rope, putting up emergency shelter, and more.
10. Multitool
Leatherman Wave Multitool with Leather Nylon Combination Sheath
A multitool is a good way to have important day-to-day tools like a can opener, scissors, pliers, cutters, and more. Most multitools close down to a compact size, giving you more space for other survival items.
11. Axe
Estwing Camper’s Axe – 14″ Hatchet with Forged Steel Construction & Shock Reduction Grip
You’ll need it to chop logs, small trees, and branches for firewood. Whether you’re getting a fire going for warmth or cooking (some have used an axe to chop up meat, just be careful not to chop up the bones), a good durable axe will be handy when SHTF.
12. Tent
Survival Shack Emergency Shelter Tent
Depending on the condition of your house after disaster strikes, you may or may not need shelter. Regardless, it’s best to be prepared! Shelter is one of the most important elements of survival. You can have all the food and all the water you need but it’s still useless if you’re not protected from harsh weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and wind.
13. Flashlight
MECO Hand Cranking Solar Powered Rechargeable Flashlight
Make it easy to navigate the outdoors come night time or move around a house with no electricity (in case the power grids are affected by the disaster scenario). Power-efficient flashlights are the best choice since you’ll never know when the lights will be back on. Don’t forget to pack spare batteries. If you can get your hands on solar-powered, crank-type flashlights like the item above, that’s even better!
14. Batteries
Eveready AA Batteries, Gold (36 Count)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4PP8FK?aaxitk=sCN6e2mZCfhP2W08DAxYtg&pd_rd_i=B01C4PP8FK&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3930100107420870094&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=Eveready+AA+Batteries%2C+Gold+%2836+Count%29&hsa_cr_id=6458540910601
Get a round-up of all the batteries your gadgets and devices need and pack spares for each type. Batteries have a myriad of other uses too like starting a fire. Simply place steel wool on say a 9V battery’s terminal and you’re good to go. A word of caution: Always store batteries with care. As much as possible, leave new batteries in their original packaging instead of storing them loose in a box. If the terminals come in contact with each other, a fire could ensue.
15. Solar Charger
Solar Charger,Dizaul 5000mAh Portable Solar Power Bank
Will you be able to charge your mobile phones and other electronic devices when SHTF? To be sure, invest in a good solar charger to power up your gadgets. There is no assurance that electricity will still be available in times of disaster but you can always prepare for such a scenario by securing a solar charger right now.
16. Two-Way Radio
Midland GXT1000VP4 36-Mile 50-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)
When all communication networks are down, a two-way radio might be the only way for you to get in touch with family and friends. Most two-way radios nowadays come with a load of other features like weather alerts and scans and SOS sirens to signal distress, such as the above item.
17. Crank Radio
Staying informed when SHTF is essential to survival. Weather updates, safety information, and pretty much just keeping up-to-date with what’s happening are crucial for you to know what to do next in an emergency situation.
18. Toiletries
Depending on where you’re stuck at and the living conditions you’re in when disaster strikes, you’ll need a good stock of basic toiletries like toilet tissue, portable toilets (if you’re out or if your toilet system somehow can’t be used), soap, and shampoo. Make sure to stock up on these basic necessities, especially toilet paper, as water could be scarce. Don’t forget to pack sanitary pads for the ladies, too.
19. Sanitary Supplies
Mountain Falls Advanced Hand Sanitizer with Vitamin E
Keeping things clean is very important in a disaster-struck place. If water is scarce, there is a tendency for bacteria and germs to breed and spread, possibly causing sickness among people in the area. And when SHTF, illness is the last thing you’d want to deal with. Stock up on antiseptics and antibacterial cleaning products like hand sanitizers for everyone.
20. Trash Bags
Plastic bags could come in handy, with the myriad of things you can use them for. Storing trash will of course be the number one purpose for trash bags, especially since a community in disarray won’t be putting garbage collection a top priority. But you can also use them to line interiors or exteriors of the house, wrap stuff and so much more.
21. Self Defense
VIPERTEK VTS-989 – 15 Billion Heavy Duty Stun Gun
You’ll never know what you’ll have to deal with when SHTF. But the good thing is that you can start prepping for the worst-case scenario right now when things are still in your control. Get a good alarm system to protect your family’s safe place and make sure that you’re prepared to fight back with a stun gun, a decent pocket knife, a crossbow, or even pepper spray.
22. First Aid Kit
2-in-1 First Aid Kit (120 Piece) + Bonus 32-Piece Mini First Aid Kit
Make sure you’re stocked up and ready to treat minor wounds, cuts, and other illnesses with an extensive first aid kit. You can never be too prepared when it comes to your health. Get a first aid kit that has a little bit of everything.
23. Medication
Medline OTCS0801C2 12 Anti-Diarrheal Caplets
The usual first aid kit usually only includes topical medication for wounds, cuts, blisters, and the like. Since falling sick is inevitable, especially when you’re in survival mode and getting through with very limited resources, it is a good idea to stock up on OTC meds for common health issues like pain, infection, inflammation, diarrhea, cough, colds, and fever. If you have prescription medicine, talk to your doctor about having an emergency reserve.
24. Duct Tape
Gorilla 6035180 Tape, Black Duct Tape
Heavy-duty duct tape will come in handy when disaster comes. You can use it to seal your home from the inside in case of a nuclear attack or tape together various items and materials. Choose strong and extra thick tape to add to your survival arsenal, like the one above.
25. Gas Mask
Vktech Industrial Gas Chemical Anti-Dust Respirator Mask Goggles Set
Whether it’s an explosion or chemical warfare, ensure that you and your family are protected by getting gas masks ready. There are a lot of options out there, including the gas mask and goggles set pictured above.
26. Map & Navigation
Make sure that you have the right tools to help you get around your area should you need to. Secure a detailed map of your city, outlining all the emergency shelters and evacuation sites so you can figure out the routes to get to them right away. If you’re stuck in the wild, however, that’s another story. You might want to read up on how to go about finding your way back to your safe place with helpful books like Wildnerness Navigation (above).
27. Rope
TITAN MIL-SPEC 550 Paracord / Parachute Cord
Having ropes handy for whatever disaster situation, like evacuating out of a building when the emergency exit cannot be used or simply building a makeshift shelter in the middle of nowhere, is one of the most important preparations you can do right now. There are different kinds of ropes for different kinds of purposes but paracords make great utility cords.
28. Whistle
TruePower 40-0455 Aluminum Emergency Whistle/Survival Whistle with Keychain
A whistle makes a good signal for help. Whistles are also relatively cheap. Get one for each family member so they’ll always have something to hold on to when disaster strikes.
29. Blanket & Sleeping Bags
NYKKOLA 4-Pack Extra Large Emergency Mylar Blanket
An emergency blanket will be very useful to protect yourself against all weather conditions. With the right emergency blanket, you can practically sleep anywhere in safely and comfortably.
30. Seeds
Survival Seed Vault Non-GMO Hardy Heirloom Seeds for Long-Term Emergency Storage
This survival item could ultimately save you and give you a second shot at life. That’s because if there ever comes a time when all food sources are wiped out and life, as we know it today, ceases to exist with its supermarkets and fresh food delivery, you can still sustain your family’s needs by going back to self-subsistence farming.
30 survival items to start prepping for when disaster strikes might seem a lot but it’s just the start. Preparing for the worst that is yet to come entails more – knowledge, patience, and a proactive state of mind. Do you have an essential survival item that didn’t make it to our list? Share with us in the comments!
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