100 Survival Items You Forgot To Buy

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If you’re reading this, you probably already know the basics: water, food storage, first aid, etc. But even hardcore survivalists can overlook items that could be important. In this post, I’m going to list 100 survival items you might have forgotten to buy.

Originally, this was a list of 50 survival items, but since then, I’ve gotten all sorts of comments and messages from people telling me about other things preppers often forget. Once I had 50 more, I added them to the list. Now there’s a total of 100.

To be clear, this isn’t meant to be a comprehensive list of every survival item you’ll need. It’s just a list of the ones that are often overlooked. Hopefully, it will help you fill in any gaps in your survival plan. For everything on this list that you already have, give yourself a pat on the back.

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1. Acoustic Instruments

For entertainment and morale.

2. Activated Charcoal

This has many uses, the most important of which is the treatment of poisoning.

3. Altoids

It’s not the Altoids themselves that are useful, but the tins. There are lots of cool ways to reuse them.

4. Aluminum Foil

Great for all sorts of things like cooking food, boiling water, enhancing antennas, keeping sunlight out, etc.

5. Animal Repellent

This stuff will keep rodents away from your home and small herbivores away from your garden.

6. Axes

How else will you chop firewood?

7. Baby Wipes

Really easy way to keep clean.

8. Baking Soda

A very useful item that cleans and deodorizes.

9. Bandanas

Not just a headband. They can be used as tourniquets, cords, slings, and more.

10. Baseballs, basketballs, footballs, etc.

Playing ball is a great way to stave off boredom and keep morale up during hard times.

11. Bicycle Gear

If gasoline is in short supply, you might need your bike to get around. That means you’ll need a bike pump, extra tubes, etc.

12. Binder Clips

Hang clothes to dry, hook tarps together, keep bags clipped down, and more.

13. Booklights

It’s difficult to read by candlelight and you don’t want to waste your flashlight’s batteries. Book lights are cheap and last a long time.

14. Books

You might be surprised how much free time you have after the SHTF. Now’s your chance to read those novels you always meant to read.

15. Bug Spray

There is usually a major lack of proper sanitation after a disaster, especially if there isn’t running water. That means there will be more roaches and other critters. There might also be a lot more mosquitoes.

16. Bungee Cords

You may need these to tie valuables to your bug out vehicle, or you could use them instead of rope for other projects.

17. Calendars

You’ll need a way to track the day and date if the power is out for a long time.

18. Chapstick

You wouldn’t think so, but there are at least 20 things you can do with chapstick.

19. Candy

Huge morale booster during difficult times. Just don’t overdo it.

20. Car Charger

Don’t get stranded somewhere with a dead phone. This one has a battery backup in case your car won’t start.

21. Cast Iron Cookware

If you’re cooking over a fire, your regular pots and skillets won’t cut it.

22. Cloth Diapers

Other than the obvious usage, these are also great for cleanups because they’re so absorbent.

23. Clothes Lines and Pins

Because your dryer will be a waste of space. Here’s how to wash clothes without a washing machine.

24. Condiments

Imagine eating a typical meal without mustard, ketchup, soy sauce, hot sauce, etc. You’ll get bored fast.

25. Condoms

TEOTWAWKI is not a great time to get pregnant, but people still have needs. Use protection.

26. Cookbooks

Especially ones that explain how to make things from scratch, like this one. You could also look for some good from-scratch recipes online and print them.

27. Crank Lantern

No need to waste batteries or wait for the sun to charge it up. This one also has a port for charging electronics.

28. Crayons and Coloring Books

A good way to keep small children entertained while the power is out. Also, crayons can be used as fire starters or emergency candles.

29. Crowbar

You may need this if you have to scavenge for supplies. It can also be used for self-defense.

30. Dental Kit

A first aid kit is obvious, but many preppers forget that dental emergencies are also very common.

31. Diapers

I mentioned cloth diapers in the other post, but regular diapers are also important. Plus, they have several other uses.

32. Door Stop Alarm

Make sure looters and burglars taking advantage of the chaos can’t get into your house without you being alerted.

33. Duct Tape

A must-have for any prepper.

34. Ear Plugs

It’s important to use these when hunting with firearms, but they’ll also help you sleep at night. Why? Because after the SHTF every little bump will wake you up. Just make sure someone is standing guard while you sleep.

35. Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants

If you get desperate for food, you might need this.

36. Fire Blanket

A quick and easy way to extinguish a small fire.

37. Fire Extinguisher

For larger fires, you’ll need one of these. We’re supposed to be preparing for emergencies and fires are a very common emergency. Don’t forget this one.

38. Floss

It’s even more important than your toothbrush. If you’re not flossing now, get started.

39. French Press

No need for a coffee maker. Just add boiling water and enjoy fresh coffee.

40. Frisbee

I know this sounds silly, but there are actually several things you can do with one.

41. Games

Playing cards, board games, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and any other type of game that doesn’t require power. This is especially important if you have children.

42. Glasses and Repair Kits

If you wear glasses, make sure you have a backup pair and a way to fix them.

43. Glow Sticks

A great way to find your way around in a dark house.

44. Goggles

This includes safety goggles and swim goggles. You never know.

45. Hand Sanitizer

As I mentioned above, there might be a lack of proper sanitation after a major disaster. Stay germ-free.

46. Inflatable Mattresses

If you and your prepper friends and/or family members all stay in one home, you may need more places for people to sleep.

47. Instant Coffee

If you’re hooked on coffee (like I am), then you’re liable to go crazy when your coffee pot won’t turn on.

48. Kiddie Pools

You’re better off getting these at a flea market or yard sale. Believe it or not, there are all sorts of things you can do with them.

49. Landline Phone

If the power goes out, a simple landline phone will continue to work. But that’s just one type of SHTF communication.

50. Maps of Local Areas

Most of us have gotten used to relying on Google Maps and GPS, but those could become things of the past. Paper maps never stop working.

51. Meat Thermometer

Very helpful item if you want meat that is safe to eat but still nice and juicy. Here is a guide to recommended temperatures.

52. Mesh Strainer

Strain oil, rendered fat, herbs, etc.

53. Mylar Blankets

These aren’t just blankets. Here’s a list of 22 things you can do with them.

54. N95 Masks

These provide protection from dust, toxic fumes, and airborne viruses.

55. Pantyhose

These can be used to hold bait, make cordage, strain water, go fishing, dehydrate food, and many other things.

56. Paper Plates

So you won’t have to waste water cleaning dishes.

57. Paracord

It has dozens of applications. Here’s a list of 44 fantastic uses.

58. Pencil and Paper

These are historic times so keep a journal. Also important for games and making lists.

59. Pet Supplies

Don’t forget about your pets! There’s a detailed list of pet supplies in this post.

60. Plant Pots

Plants are often easier to grow in pots than in the ground.

61. Plastic Sheeting

For repairing leaks, collecting water, keeping out contaminants, and much more.

62. Plywood

It can protect your windows during a hurricane, but it’s also great for many other unanticipated construction projects.

63. Powdered Butter and Eggs

It’s amazing how many recipes require butter and/or eggs. These are hard to store long-term, so try some of the powdered variety.

64. Powdered Juice Mix

Because you’re going to get sick of drinking room-temperature water.

65. PVC Pipe

As with plywood, this is great to have around just in case.

66. Rem Oil Wipes

This stuff is awesome. It’s not just for firearms. You can also use it to keep anything metal clean and protected from rust.

67. Rubber Bands

I use these to keep small items together and organized, and sometimes string just isn’t enough.

68. Safety Pins

Use as a fish hook, hang stuff to dry, fix shoelaces, attach gear to your bug out bag, connect blankets or tarps to build a shelter, etc. Your imagination is the limit.

69. Sandbags

Use to protect your home from flood waters. They can also be used to gather water, carry supplies, trap animals, patch tents, and much more.

70. Saw

Axes are good for chopping firewood, but you’ll need a saw for everything else.

71. Seed Sprouter

Sprouts are tasty and healthy, making them a great addition to your survival food.

72. Sewing Kit

If your clothes tear, you might not be able to afford or even get access to new ones. Learn how to sew.

73. Shoe Laces

Again, you might not be able to get new ones. Plus, shoelaces have several uses.

74. Shut-off Wrench

Very important if you have gas power. A broken gas line is extremely dangerous.

75. Slingshots

Another way to kill small animals for food.

76. Socks

In the words of Lieutenant Dan, “Take good care of your feet!” They can also be used as gloves, pouches, bandages, masks, and tinder.

77. Solar Air Lantern

Set these in the sun for a few hours and they will light up your home or camp all night.

78. Song Books

As with acoustic instruments (mentioned above), these are good for entertainment and morale-boosting.

79. Stainless Steel Pot

Great for boiling water, heating soup, cooking Ramen noodles, making instant rice, etc.

80. Steel Wool

In addition to scrubbing pots, it can be used to start fires, peel carrots and potatoes, and plug mouse holes.

81. Super Glue

Seal small cuts, repair water bottles, fix equipment, etc.

82. Survival Books

You’ll need this as a reference. Check out my post on the 100 Best Survival Books of All Time.

83. Tarps

Use them to keep stuff dry, provide shade, carry things, and so forth.

84. Toys

Another good way to keep kids entertained. Find some good toys that don’t require batteries.

85. Treadle Sewing Machine

With this, you can fix clothes or sew new ones without power.

86. Umbrellas

Do you have one? If so, does it work well? And do you have extras for your family members?

87. Vacuum Sealer

In addition to sealing food, you can also seal things that could corrode, things that could dry out, and you can reseal mylar bags.

88. Vaseline

It’s a firestarter, it prevents rust, and it’s even useful for first aid. Here are 4 reasons to buy it.

89. Vehicle Escape Tool

If you ever get into a major car accident and can’t get out of your car, this tool will help you cut through the seat belt and break the glass.

90. Vet Wrap

Self-adherent tape that holds bandages in place.

91. Waterproof Wristwatch

Nowadays most people check the time on their phones or computers. In a SHTF scenario you might want to have a good watch.

92. WD-40

Good for much more than lubricating hinges.

93. Whistles

These can be a lifesaver if someone is under attack or lost.

94. Whiteboard and Markers

My wife uses one as a calendar, to jot down notes, grocery lists, etc. Could be useful.

95. Wind-Up Clocks

So you don’t have to waste batteries.

96. Window Insulator Kit

These are essential during the winter, especially if the power is out and you want to keep the heat inside.

97. Wonderbag

A non-electric portable slow cooker. All you have to do is bring your food to a boil, then put it in the bag. It retains the heat and slow cooks your food for hours. This thing is awesome!

98. Yard Bags

Heavy duty bags will be useful for all the trash and debris that accumulates.

99. Zip Ties

These can be used for building shelter, repairing clothes, building snares, and more.

100. Ziploc Bags

Great for keeping things dry and organized.

So there you have it, my ultimate list of survival items people often forget about. If you’re a homesteader, be sure to check out these 25 Homestead Items You Forgot To Buy.

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