Everyone knows the basic gear for survival – but even the best planning and forward thinking people can overlook the simplest items.  In this post, we thought we would share a list of low key items that even the most prepared survivalist could have forgotten to pack.  They might be simple – but these are items that can be used for various tasks and activities and are simply worth their weight in gold!

 

• Aluminum Foil

This is a super little gem – great for all sorts of things like cooking food, boiling water, boosting antennas, keeping sunlight out, signaling and so much more.

• Baby Wipes

A really easy way to keep clean.

• Tennis Ball

Playing ball is a great way to stave off boredom and keep morale up during hard times also use the faithful old tennis ball to offer relief from stress in back necks, shoulders, and feet by rolling it on pressure points.

• 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.

• Bug Spray

There is usually a major lack of proper sanitation after a disaster, especially if there is no running water which means there will be more cockroaches and other critters and with no running water, there could be a lot more mosquitoes.

• Calendars

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

• Candy

Huge morale booster during difficult times.

• Cast Iron Cookware

If you’re cooking over a fire, your regular pots and skillets won’t cut it you will need a real tough guy to see you through!

• Cloth Diapers

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

• Clothes Lines and Pegs

Clotheslines and pegs will assist with ensuring clothes will be hung out to dry and air but more importantly can be used pinch and line up a variety of items.

• Condiments

Imagine eating a typical meal without mustard, T Sauce, soy sauce or even hot sauce.  All food will start to taste the same and your taste buds will get really bored

• Door Stop Alarm

Make sure unwanted visitors such as looters and burglars won’t take advantage of the mayhem and make it a little harder to get into your house without you being alerted.

• Duct Tape

1001 uses!

• Ear Plugs

Chronic sleep deprivation can cause fatigue, daytime sleepiness, clumsiness and weight loss. It adversely affects the brain and cognitive function. Earplugs help drown out the noise and let you get a good sleep.  Just make sure someone is standing guard while you sleep.

• Floss

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

• 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.

• Glasses and Repair Kits

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

• Glow Sticks

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

• Goggles

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

• Hand Sanitizer

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

• Map of Your Town

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.

• Paper Plates

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

• Pencil and Paper

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

• Plant Pots

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

• Plastic Sheeting

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

• Powdered Juice Mix

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

• Shoe Laces

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

• Slingshots

Another way to kill small animals for food.

• Solar Air Lantern

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

• Whistles

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

• Wind-up Clocks

So you don’t have to waste batteries.

• Yard Bags

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

• Ziploc Bags

Great for keeping things dry and organized.