Have you ever feel the anxiety of not knowing what would happen in an emergency? Or the uncertainty of being unprepared? Well that's where prepper supplies come in handy, they provide a way to make sure you and your family have the essentials when you need it most.
Whether you’re planning a short camping trip or a long-term survival retreat, having the right prepper supplies on hand is essential to staying safe, warm and comfortable in a crisis. So what are the top 10 most important items for a prepper’s supplies kit? We’ve got the scoop. Read on to find out!
What is a Prepper Supplies Kit?
A Prepper Supplies Kit or “Survival Kit” is an emergency preparedness kit designed to allow individuals and families to survive in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. This kit can range from basic items in the case of a power outage, natural disaster, or even complete self-sufficiency if necessary.
The primary goal of a prepper supplies kit is safety and security. It’s essential to have the necessary tools and supplies to help you in the case of an emergency or disaster. By preparing ahead of time and ensuring you have the appropriate supplies, you can increase your chances of survival should the worst happen.
In addition to the basic supplies, many preppers consider items such as food, water, medical supplies, shelter, and communications devices as “essential” items. Depending on your preparedness experience, these items may include additional items such as energy food bars, firestarters, and maps.
By having these items at the ready, you can quickly and efficiently respond to a crisis situation. It’s important to store your prepper supplies kit in a safe, accessible place for easy retrieval in the event of an emergency.
Top 10 Essential Items for Your Prepper Supplies Kit
Prepping for an uncertain future is essential, but it can be difficult to know what supplies to include in your prepper’s supplies kit. Here is a list of 10 essentials to help you make sure your prepper’s supplies kit is filled with the right supplies.
1. Water
Water is essential for survival and it should be the first item you include in your prepper’s supplies kit. How much water you need depends on the size of your family, but a good rule of thumb is to have at least one gallon per person per day.
2. Food
Canned food, dried goods, and freeze-dried meals are all good options for food in your prepper’s supplies kit. Make sure to include items that are non-perishable, long-lasting, and can be cooked without access to electricity. Stock up on items such as beans, rice, nuts, and energy bars.
3. First Aid Kit
Having a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any prepper’s supplies kit. Be sure to include items such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic, aspirin/ibuprofen, and other items that you may need in case of an emergency. It is also a good idea to invest in some medical reference books so you can be prepared in any situation.
4. Tools
Tools are essential for any prepper’s supplies kit. Make sure to have items such as a pocket knife, duct tape, wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, and a crowbar. A multi-tool is also a great option that can help in a variety of different situations.
5. Flashlight and Batteries
A flashlight and spare batteries should always be included in your prepper supplies kit. Make sure to test your flashlight before packing it and be sure to include fresh batteries.
6. Fire Supplies
Matches or a lighter should be included in your prepper supplies kit. It is also a good idea to include fire starter cubes, tinder, and a magnesium fire starter.
7. Clothing and Footwear
Your prepper supplies kit should include extra clothing and sturdy, waterproof footwear. Make sure to include items such as raincoats, gloves, hats, and extra socks. A good rule of thumb is to have one extra set of clothing for each member of your family.
8. Electronics
Your prepper supplies kit should also include items such as a hand-crank radio, cell phone with a solar charger, and/or a HAM radio. These items will help you stay aware of the situation and keep in contact with family and friends.
9. Maps and a Compass
It is important to have a good map of your area and a reliable compass in your prepper supplies kit. A compass can be invaluable in helping you determine where you are, even if you are unfamiliar with your surroundings.
10. Survival Guide
No prepper’s supplies kit is complete without a comprehensive survival guide. A comprehensive survival guide can teach you a variety of skills and provide you with essential information you need to survive any situation.
Long-term Food Storage
When it comes to putting together a prepper supplies kit, having a long-term food storage strategy is essential. While you may never need to use it, having sufficient food and water ready to last for a significant period of time can provide you with a safety net in case of an emergency.
When making your food storage plans, there are many different items to consider. Start by making a list of food staples — such as grains, beans, and canned goods — that are relatively shelf-stable and can be purchased in bulk. This will provide you with a nutrient-dense source of food to last you through an extended period. Along with these items, consider purchasing any non-perishable food items that you and your family would enjoy in a pinch. Additional perishables, such as frozen or refrigerated items, will need to be stored in a cold storage area such as a deep freezer or refrigerator.
Other items to consider for your food storage kit include items such as cooking oil, sugar and salt, spices, nutritional supplements, and various types of condiments. Finally, pack an emergency food bar or two, as these provide an instant source of energy and nutrition in a pinch.
Water
Water is essential for your basic survival; staying hydrated can keep your energy up and prevent the development of health issues. Because of this, water must be high on your list of prepper supplies. Stock up on a few large drums of water — at least 60 gallons. You will also want to make sure you have a few other containers filled with water that you can keep in strategic places around your home in case of an emergency.
You will also want to invest in a water filtration system that can attach to the outside of your house. This will ensure that you have plenty of clean, potable water if and when you need it. And don’t forget about water treatment tablets, such as bleach or iodine, which can be used to purify any water that may not be as clean as you’d like.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is an absolute must for your prepper supplies kit. It should contain the basics, such as antiseptic, bandages and dressings, painkillers and other medications, tick removal tools and snake bite kit if necessary. It is a good idea to include items such as burn cream, sunburn cream, insect repellent, antibiotic cream and insect sting/bite treatment. Be sure to include any special items that you or members of your family may need, such as inhalers for asthma or epi-pens for allergies. Also check the expiration dates of all your medications and replace them when necessary. Finally, make sure that your first Aid Kit comes with some form of instructions on how to use each item.
Radio
Having a reliable radio is an essential item for any prepper supplies kit. A radio can be taken with you when you are traveling and can provide vital news and information. An AM/FM radio is a great option and can receive local news, broadcasted weather updates, and other vital information. Additionally, having a weather radio can provide real-time information about hazardous conditions in your area. You should also consider having a two-way radio so you can stay in contact with your family or individuals during an emergency.
Light Sources
Light sources should be at the top of any prepper's supply list. You'll never know when you'll be without electricity, so it pays to be prepared. Investing in high quality, durable gear is essential to ensure you can stay safe and keep your family secure. Examples of essential items you'll need are:
- Flashlights
- Headlamps
- Battery-powered lanterns
- Candles
- Matches/lighters
- Glow Sticks
Make sure you have a variety of light sources, so you're never in danger of running out. Consider collecting a number of smaller items that you can use in different situations. For instance, keep at least several flashlights and headlamps in your gear, each with different sizes of battery-power that are easier to store on a long-term basis. And, in addition to candles and glow sticks, make sure you also have matches and lighters in your stockpile.
By investing in quality light sources, you can rest easy knowing that your family is prepared for any dark times that may come.
Protective Clothing and Bedding
Protecting your body from the elements is a key part of surviving any disaster. Make sure that you are outfitted with protective clothing and bedding. You’ll need extra items such as a hat and gloves to help you stay warm in harsh winter climates. Additionally, you should also stock up on items such as a rain poncho, insulated boots and other protective items.
When it comes to bedding, your kit should contain a sleeping bag or two, waterproof blankets, and a tarp to keep you dry while you sleep. If you want to stay comfortable while you sleep, make sure you have enough cover to keep you warm.
Firewood and Firestarter
Having a reliable source of firewood is paramount in an emergency. Whether you need it to keep you warm and safe at night, or to cook food, firewood is an essential item for your prepper supplies kit.
Along with the firewood, you’ll need fire starters. Fire starters create an immediate flame and make it easier to start a fire even if the wood is wet or damp.
Finding or buying firewood may prove to be difficult depending on the location, so it’s important to plan for this early. Firewood should be stored in a dry and well-ventilated environment.
Fire starters can be homemade or commercially available. For example, cotton rags soaked in wax or paraffin can create an excellent fire starter that can burn for several minutes, making the task of starting a fire much easier.
Multi-purpose Tools
When packing for any emergency situation, a multi-tool is one of the most essential items you will need. Multi-tools have many different elements including scissors, knives, awls, screwdrivers, saws, pliers, can openers, files, and many other tools that can be used for numerous functions. Make sure to include a high-quality, sturdy multi-tool to your prepper supplies kit in order to maximize its usefulness.
Multi-tools can be used for a vast range of tasks including cutting, sawing, opening cans, tightening screws, and even cutting leather or other materials. Additionally, they are a great option for maintaining small items in your prepper supplies kit due to their light weight and portability.
A quality multi-tool may be one of the most valuable and versatile items in your prepper supplies kit and is essential for tackling a wide range of emergency situations. They are now available in many sizes and shapes to suit various prepper needs, from small pocket-sized options to larger, burlier models.
Weaponry
Every prepper needs to have some form of weaponry for protection. The type and quantity of the arsenal will depend largely on the prepper's individual situation. Don't forget to consider a variety of weapons for close-quarters combat and ranged defense.
• Pistols - a handgun is an essential and ubiquitous tool for self-defense and can be easily concealed.
• Shotguns - an important part of any prepper's arsenal, a shotgun easily outclasses other weapons in close-quarters combat.
• Rifles - rifles are the best option for medium and long-range defense and can also be used for hunting.
• Ammo - make sure you have enough of the right caliber to last several weeks.
• Edge Weapons - knives, machetes, and tomahawks are great tools for self-defense and practical tasks such as cutting wood.
• Bows & Crossbows - some preppers prefer ancient weaponry such as bows and crossbows in addition to more modern firearms.
• Pepper Spray - often underestimated but very useful in self-defense, especially when used with other weapons.
• Tasers & Stun Guns - these weapons can temporarily disable an assailant and give you precious time to make an escape or call for help.
Cash
When a disaster strikes, sometimes the power grid may be down or electronic transactions may not be available. That’s why it’s important to always have some cash on hand in your prepper supplies kit. Cash is invaluable during an emergency. It’s good to have a variety of both large and small bills so that you can still purchase things when the power is out. A trick to remember - if you need to use cash that’s been sitting for a while, separate out the bills and hold them up to the light. Sometimes bills will have been printed on BOTH sides, but if the second side looks void, you know that you do NOT have a counterfeit bill.
Conclusion
Having a prepper supplies kit ready is essential in times of emergency or disaster. It’s important to remember that this list is just to get you started. You should create a personalized kit based on your own needs and lifestyle. Make sure to regularly review your prepper supplies kit and rotate items as needed. With a well-stocked prepper supplies kit, you’ll be prepared to face even the most challenging emergency situation.
