Nuclear threats, endemic diseases, terrorist attacks, civil unrest and people eating other people’s faces. Suddenly “doomsday preppers” don’t seem so crazy. Here are some useful items to have in your D-day kits so you can be prepared for whatever kind of emergency comes your way.
1. Gas Masks
Okay, yeah this one is a bit drastic. But they’re good to have around in case of a carbon monoxide or gas leak too. Plus, one can never be too prepared for nuclear fallout.
2. Paracord Bracelets
Paracord is pretty much unbreakable. You can use this stuff to create a makeshift shelter, tie important things down or to use as a tourniquet on that zombie bite. They make belts and other accessories out of this stuff too, if you think you’ll need more than 50 feet.
3. Emergency Tinder
If it’s wet outside you’ll be out of luck trying to find dry kindling. This stuff weighs almost nothing and lights instantly.
4. Compass with Signal Mirror
Most compasses come with a signal mirror, so just make sure yours does before you buy it. In case you’re out of cell range or your battery dies, you’ll want a way to know where you’re at and to let others know how to find you.
5. Iodine Tablets
They’re a lot lighter than carrying around a water filter. They taste a little funny, but you can turn any water source into clean and drinkable water.
6. Super Heavy Duty Tarp
A tent would be ideal, but they’re really heavy to lug around. On top of that, the lighter tents tend to have cheap zippers that break easily or fabric that tears easily. You won’t have doors to seal up, but you’ll be dry. Forgot your rope? Good thing you have that paracord bracelet.
7. Vacuum Insulated Bottle
HydroFlask, KleanKanteen, S’well. The brand doesn’t really matter, but these bottles are capable of keeping liquids hot or cold (no matter the temperature) for over 24 hours. So if it’s ice cold water or piping hot coffee, you’ll be covered.
8. Bug Spray
Bug bites are gross, uncomfortable and can lead to infections. Not to mention some bugs are venomous and carry life-threatening diseases. Make sure you’re covered out there.
9. Safety Flares
Unless your rescue team is in close range, they might not see the signal mirror you have. Flares can also be extremely effective in scaring off animals.
10. Non-Perishable Food Packs
It’s recommended to plan at least three days worth of food per family member. This is easily done by stocking up on non-perishable food items.
11. Pocket Knife
Pocket knives have many uses and can come in handy during an emergency. They’re inexpensive and not bulky to keep in an emergency bag.
12. Toilet Paper
You’ll want a way to clean up after you handle business, especially if you’re living in a car or tent for several days. If you run out of tinder, this is a halfway decent replacement.
13. Duct Tape
Duct Tape is the universal fix-all, so having a few roles in your disaster kit is a smart idea. Patch up your tarp shelter or a broken finger.
14. Nylon Rope
There numerous uses for rope, which will become evident in the event of an emergency. Having a few different lengths on hand is the best way to go.
15. First Aid Supplies
You’ll want a way to patch up an injuries when going to the hospital is not an option.
16. Waterproof Matches
This one should be a no-brainer. What good are soggy matches?
17. Five-Year Water
These pouches are recommended for a variety of situations as they last longer than bottled water. They’re also ideal in case the public water supply becomes contaminated.
18. Multi-Powered Flashlights
Don’t worry about dead batteries or finding a power source with a solar powered flashlight in hand. When the sun goes down they usually last all night, but they have a battery and wind up tool just in case.
19. Mess Kit
You’ll need to cook somehow, and a mess kit makes heating food easier while on the move.
20. Multi-Tool
Avoid eating with dirty fingers, which could cause illness, by grabbing a multi-tool that has all the utensils you’ll need built right into it.
21. Fuel And Fuel Stabilizer
Stock up on fuel by using a fuel stabilizer to ensure it lasts longer. Lines at the gas stations will be unbelievably long, and that’s if there’s enough fuel to go around following a disaster.
22. Mylar Blankets
These blankets are easy to store and pack, which make them ideal when grabbing a bag on the run. They also help keep heat in better than most alternatives.
23. Fire Starter
You’re going to want a quick way to start a fire if something truly disastrous happens. Think heat and cooking when planning a survival pack.
24. Tent
If you can afford the extra weight and have room for a tent, storage and shelter are the most important.
25. Hatchet
A hatchet comes in handy when roughing it in the woods. Use it to chop up firewood or fend of zombie hoards.
26. Hand Crank Radio
A hand crank radio is just that, a radio that converts kinetic energy into stored electricity through cranking the lever. It’s an invaluable item when it comes to receiving post-disaster news.
27. Generator
A good generator is hard to come by during disasters. They were completely sold out during Hurricane Sandy, which left people without power. It’s a good idea to look into one of these before something happens.
28. Night Vision Goggles
You don’t need to be stalking an enemy for these to be useful. If all your light sources are out and you’ve used your last flare, these are a perfect alternative so you can see in the dark. Also, if you’re really roughing it and need to hunt for your food, these will keep you alert under the cover of darkness.
29. Pocket Survival Packet
Always keep something small enough to throw in a backpack handy. Make sure it has all the bare necessities; knife, rope, tinder, iodine tabs and a flashlight for starters.
30. Solar Powered Phone Charger
Just in case you don’t have access to power, make sure you have a way to charge your phone. You’ll be able to make that important phone call, and having a phone means you won’t need a personal locator beacon.
31. Boots
When you’re ruffin’ it for an extended time, all kinds of nasty things can happen to your feet… especially if they get wet. Take care of the things that keep you going by getting some high quality boots to run around in.
32. Map
In 2017, no one uses maps anymore. But without your cell phone would you know how to get around? Or where the emergency stations in your town are located? Get yourself out of a bind by knowing where to go.
33. Anorak Jacket
The most versatile jacket for almost any weather. It’s light enough to wear on a warm day to save space in your pack, it’s perfect for that windchill, and it’s roomy enough to layer when it gets really cold.
34. Anti-bacterial Healing Ointment
Some universal healing ointment will help prevent infection, soothe sore areas and prevent your lips from being chapped.
35. Splints
Nothing in an emergency kit will help you with a bad sprain or broken bone. A splint is a good way to keep everything in place without medical attention. If you don’t have one, a solid branch and rope can be a good makeshift option. Also, here’s another use for that paracord bracelet.
36. Hammock Instead of Tent
You might find yourself in a situation where sleeping on the ground just isn’t safe. If there’s snow, that will make sleeping quite cold especially if you’re traveling light. Get yourself a sturdy hammock that will allow you to sleep in a tree or somewhere away from dangerous animals. Many of them come with zippers to keep bugs out and heat in.
37. Peroxide
Your go-to for disinfecting wounds, cleaning your tools or even washing your hands if you can’t find a water source. Some experts say peroxide can help fight ear infections too.
38. Water Collection Device
If you’re getting ready to hunker down for a while, you’re going to want a way to collect fresh water. Water bottles and iodine tabs will only get you so far. Once you run out, make sure you have a way to collect rain water.
39. Portable Stove
You can always depend on mother nature to cook your food, a slab of rock and a fire will do just fine. But if you have room in your pack, these are easily improvised, small enough to carry and super easy to use. You can use pretty much any metal can and make your own.
40. Gloves
When you’re in survival mode, gloves are something easily overlooked. They may not seem so important, but you’ll likely be doing all kinds of things with your hands. Blisters, cuts and bites can slow you down… plus they’re just downright uncomfortable. Upgrade: get some nylon coated gloves to stay dry if you’re around water and snow.
41. Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized is the key word here. They’ll take the glare off the snow, which can cause serious damage to your eyes. They’ll help you see the water if you need to fish for your food. They’ll keep those wrinkles away so when you’re done surviving you’ll look young and healthy. Plus, the apocalypse is no reason to stop making fashion statements.
42. Life Straw Water Filter
You might be noticing a theme here. Water is a necessity for life though. You can never really have too many options. This one is high tech, easy to use and incredibly easy to carry with you.
43. Hand Warmer
In case of emergency, if your tent, clothes and everything else aren’t keeping you warm… stuff a few of these in your clothes to get you through a long and cold night.
44. Emergency Female Kit
Men aren’t the only ones who are going to survive the apocalypse. Ladies have more health concerns in the wild than men do. This one explains itself.
45. Pain Killers
For amputating that gangrenous arm, pulling out that rotten tooth or just soothing a headache. Make sure you’re stocked up as much as possible on these.
46. Fire Blanket
You probably won’t need this out in the wild, but just in case something goes wrong in the bunker you’ll want a way to prevent severe burns or an explosion. Extinguishers are a must, but fire blankets can quickly smother a small fire so you can save the extinguisher for the real emergency.
47. Tree Spigot
Again, you can just never have enough ways to get water. You never know what can happen out there and once dehydration kicks in, you’ll start losing brain power and motor functions within hours.
48. Beanie
Over 70% of your bodies heat escapes through your head. Make sure you cover your noggin with something warm to prevent hypothermia or frostbite on your ears. Bonus tip: make it a bright color so you’ll stand out to other survivors.
49. Hiking Backpack
Your high school backpack just isn’t going to cut it out there. Make sure you get something industrial grade, with tons of pockets and ergonomic straps so your back doesn’t get to worn out from the heavy load. Loops for your cookware and an external space for your tarp or hammock are ideal.
50. Survival Book
