Beginner doomsday preppers often get caught up in the hype of cool tactical survival tools, gadgets, and pre-made emergency kits, but they tend to miss some key items that don’t get much attention but can be a lifeline in a real crisis. This guide breaks down practical, often-overlooked essentials that’ll make a big difference when you’re putting together your bug-out bag for an SHTF scenario.
Water and Food Realities
Many preppers underestimate just how much water they’ll need—not just for drinking, but for cooking, sanitation, and cleaning. You’ll also want portable filters for contaminated water but remember, most filters won’t remove radiation or viruses. Stocking a sufficient supply of safe drinking water is a much safer bet than relying solely on filtration systems during emergencies.
Consider no-cook food options such as canned goods, protein bars, or MREs (yes, even if they don’t taste great, they can be lifesavers). Also, include spices, salt, and even a jar of honey in your survival kit as these can make bland meals bearable and lift morale.
Also, think beyond survival rations. Yes, MREs and canned goods will hit the spot to fend off hunger, but comfort foods like chocolate, hard candies, or trail mix can lift spirits during dark days.
Remember pet food!
Digestive Health
When you start eating foods you’re not used to, your gut may go on strike. Prepping stores often focus on calorie counts and long shelf life but rarely highlight how these foods can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Adding laxatives and antacids to your medical kit is crucial. Don’t forget to sanitize wipes and ointments for discomfort because extended gut issues can turn unpleasant in survival scenarios.
Tools and Accessories
A comprehensive prepper kit isn’t complete without the right tools. Small yet essential items include scissors, utility knives, and quality multitools. Rechargeable LED flashlights or headlamps with extra batteries, duct tape, a pocket whistle, and waterproof storage bags should also be included.
Parasite and Fungus Treatments
Prepping isn’t just about surviving but also about maintaining a basic quality of life. Exposed environments and limited hygiene access heighten the risk of infections from parasites, fungi, or bacteria. Stock up on antifungal creams, anti-lice shampoo, pinworm medicine, and yeast infection treatments. Parasite infestations might sound unlikely, but they become much more common under poor sanitation conditions.
Dental and Oral Health
Dental problems don’t pause for a crisis and can quickly escalate from painful to life-threatening. Stock up on items like temporary dental glue for reattaching crowns or caps, emergency fillings, and numbing gel for pain.
Hygiene Supplies
The classics—soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and yes, a towel—should not be ignored. Floss can double as a durable thread for emergency stitching. A towel is surprisingly versatile keeping you warm, dry, or shaded.
Other overlooked items include nail clippers and hand lotion to deal with dryness and irritations.
Also, it’s not the most glamorous topic, but what’s your plan for bodily waste management? Contractor-grade trash bags can double as makeshift toilets when paired with a bucket (and as emergency ponchos or waterproof bags to protect your gear from rain). If composting is an option, have a supply of carbon-rich materials like sawdust or leaves for covering waste. Stock up on baby wipes for quick clean-ups.
Feminine Products
Whether you’re prepping for long-term emergencies or short-term disruptions, having a plan for managing menstrual health is crucial—not just for yourself, but for other women in your household. Stocking up on disposable pads and tampons is a good start, but consider more sustainable options like menstrual cups, reusable pads, or period underwear. These options can reduce dependency on disposable items and are great for scenarios where waste management or water usage might be limited. Menstrual cups, for example, take up minimal storage space, have a long shelf life, and can last for years with proper care. Pair these items with travel-sized sanitizing supplies or a portable bidet.
Backup Prescription Glasses
For those who rely on glasses, backups are essential. If your prescription glasses break, you’re in serious trouble so consider investing in several inexpensive pairs. Also, include a repair kit with spare screws and a mini screwdriver, or a twist tie works as a quick fix. And don’t discount the utility of duct tape—it can hold frames together until you’re able to replace them.
Footwear and Clothing Maintenance
Feet take a beating during emergencies, especially if you’re walking long distances or working outdoors. Invest in durable socks, antifungal foot powder, and moleskin to prevent or treat blisters. Sew kits and high-quality needles handle clothing repairs, and you may even want latex or leather patches for reinforcing parts of your boots.
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Entertainment and Mental Breaks
Many preppers hyper-focus on essentials like food, water, and first aid but forget one simple reality—in long-term survival situations, morale can make all the difference. Once the adrenaline wears off, days spent in a shelter or without power can feel endless, and boredom can quickly set in. This is why having a plan for entertainment is a must.
Think of lightweight, versatile options. A deck of cards is a classic. For something a bit more enduring, try a small magnetic chess or checkers set or crossword puzzles. If electricity isn’t an issue in your scenario, a rechargeable portable DVD player and a flash drive loaded up with shows or movies you’ve collected (legally, of course) can offer hours of distraction. Lastly, books never fail.
Navigation and Communication
Portable radios or HAM radios provide necessary communication tools. However, technology isn’t going to be your best friend in a grid-down scenario—networks can fail, batteries can die, and backups can falter. Keep a paper map handy with pre-planned escape routes based on likely disasters. For example, if you live close to a chemical plant, map out a clear path to an evacuation zone to avoid toxic fumes. If flooding is a risk, the map should guide you to high ground.
Don’t forget an old cell phone with the correct local frequencies—it can still dial emergency services in many countries, even without a SIM card. Turning it on occasionally for emergency broadcasts can also keep you informed without relying on newer smartphones, which could be overwhelmed or non-functional in critical moments.
Fitness and Mental Conditioning
A bug-out plan is useless if your body isn’t ready to execute it. It’s easy to say, “I’ll walk miles to safety if I need to,” but unless you’re conditioned to walk long distances while carrying a heavy load, you’re going to face some serious challenges. Start building stamina now. Walk, hike, or bike regularly, and include practice runs with your bug-out bag so you get used to the weight. Getting into shape pre-disaster not only improves your chances of survival but also reduces stress levels during emergencies.
Monthly drills are equally important. Pick a scenario from a jar—whether it’s a power outage, a chemical spill, or needing to evacuate in minutes—and practice your response. See how quickly you can grab your gear, gather your family, and head out. These “prep tests” help refine your skills and ensure everyone involved knows exactly what to do when the time comes.
Building Community
Survival is often a group effort. Trustworthy friends or neighbors can work as trade partners or offer skill shares if needed. Start building relationships now, so you can lean into each other’s expertise during emergencies.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the most important thing about prepping is to stay grounded in reality. A survival plan based solely on fantasy isn’t going to cut it. Prepping means taking a hard look at real-world events, historical data, and potential risks in your area. Think critically, prep comprehensively, and always revisit your strategies to ensure they’re as practical and adaptable as possible.
