50 Must-Have Items That Could Save Your Life in a Crisis

In a post-collapse world, everyday items we take for granted today could become lifesavers. While we tend to focus on big-ticket survival items like food and water, countless other smaller, dirt-cheap products will become priceless in the wake of a crisis. Stocking up on these items now while they're affordable will put you ahead of the curve when disaster strikes. Here are 50 must-have items that could be essential for your survival.

Stockpiling these smaller items complements your survival strategy—discover the 30 essential items every survivalist should have here.

Ensure access to clean water in any scenario with the Air Fountain, a device that extracts water from the air to keep you hydrated during a crisis.

Activated charcoal is a powerful item that helps treat poisonings and aids in water filtration, making it a key addition to any emergency stockpile. It’s also incredibly affordable right now but could be worth its weight in gold when clean water becomes scarce.

Water is your most critical survival resource—learn 20 powerful ways to purify water during a crisis here.

Enhance your water purification and detox skills with the comprehensive guide The Doctor's Book of Survival Home Remedies, which includes practical advice for treating health issues naturally.

Cheap and versatile, aluminum foil can be used for everything from cooking and cleaning to fire-making and insulation. Stock up on this multipurpose item now—its value will skyrocket when simple tasks like cooking become much more difficult.

While not exactly dirt-cheap, ammunition is relatively affordable now. However, it’s likely to become one of the most valuable commodities in a post-collapse world. Stockpile different calibers not only for self-defense but also for barter.

Baking soda is a humble kitchen staple that has a multitude of uses. Beyond baking, it can be used for cleaning, deodorizing, brushing teeth, and even extinguishing small fires. Best of all, it’s extremely affordable and easy to store.

Injuries will be much more common during and after a crisis, and medical supplies will be in high demand. Stock up on bandages now, while they’re cheap and abundant, so you can treat wounds before they become serious.

Batteries are indispensable in a power outage. Stock up on AA, AAA, and rechargeable batteries, which will be worth their weight in gold when the grid goes down. Powering basic devices like flashlights and radios will be crucial to staying informed and safe.

Investing in sustainable energy solutions is critical—learn how to generate off-grid power for emergencies here.

Stay prepared for power outages with the Lost Generator, a DIY system to generate reliable off-grid energy during emergencies.

Candles are a simple, effective way to provide light during a power outage. They are inexpensive now, but during a prolonged blackout, they will be invaluable for conserving battery power.

The ability to adapt to a grid-down world is vital—discover why 90% of the population wouldn’t survive without electricity here.

Candy may seem like an odd item to hoard, but its ability to boost morale during tough times is priceless. In addition to lifting spirits, candy can also provide a quick source of energy when resources are scarce.

Chapstick isn’t just for keeping your lips moisturized—it can also be used to protect small wounds, prevent windburn, and even help start a fire. Stocking up on this cheap but valuable item will help keep you comfortable and safe.

In addition to providing a little relaxation in a stressful situation, wine can be used as a disinfectant and for bartering. Small, sealed bottles of wine will become highly sought after during long-term survival scenarios.

Cigarettes will be in high demand after a collapse, not only as a means of coping with stress but also as valuable barter items. Even if you don’t smoke, keeping a stockpile of cigarettes could give you a powerful bargaining tool.

Condiments like ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce may not be essential to survival, but they will definitely make bland survival meals more palatable. These items last a long time and will become increasingly valuable as fresh food becomes scarce.

In a world where resources are limited, avoiding unplanned pregnancies is crucial. Condoms are cheap now but will become invaluable in a post-collapse world where modern contraceptives might not be available.

In a world where resources are limited, avoiding unplanned pregnancies is crucial. Condoms are cheap now but will become invaluable in a post-collapse world where modern contraceptives might not be available.

Duct tape is a universal fix-it tool that can be used for everything from patching holes in tents to sealing containers. It’s affordable now, but when supplies run out, people will be willing to trade a lot for a roll of duct tape.

Feminine hygiene products are critical for maintaining health and comfort, especially when modern conveniences are no longer available. These items will be highly sought after and will likely become a key bartering tool in survival scenarios.

Fishing line is incredibly useful for more than just catching fish—it can also be used for securing gear, setting traps, or hanging food to keep it away from animals. Stock up on plenty of fishing line while it’s still cheap.

Practical skills like knot-tying can enhance the use of survival tools—master 7 essential knots every survivalist needs to know here.

Glow sticks are inexpensive and versatile—they can be used for lighting, marking paths, signaling for help, or even as a nightlight for children during a blackout. Stockpiling glow sticks will give you plenty of safe, reliable light sources.

When water is scarce, hand sanitizer becomes a crucial item for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of disease. It’s cheap and available now, but in a post-collapse world, it will be a luxury.

Kleenex may not seem like a critical survival item, but during cold seasons or allergy flare-ups, it will be a welcome comfort. Stockpiling these soft tissues will help keep your family clean and comfortable when modern conveniences are no longer available.

Lighters are cheap and widely available now, but after a collapse, the ability to easily start a fire will be invaluable. Stock up on lighters of various types—disposable, refillable, and stormproof. Fire is essential for warmth, cooking, and even signaling for help.

Dry, cracked skin can become more than just a discomfort in survival situations—it can lead to infections and other health issues. Lotion is cheap and takes up little space, but its value increases dramatically when modern amenities are gone.

Like lighters, matches are an inexpensive fire-starting tool that will be worth their weight in gold post-collapse. Stock up on waterproof and strike-anywhere matches, and keep them in airtight containers to ensure their longevity.

While it might seem like a vanity item, nail polish has multiple survival uses, such as waterproofing matches, sealing small cuts on gear, and marking trails or items. Keep a few bottles on hand for these and other emergency uses.

Over-the-counter medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are essential for pain relief and reducing fevers. These common items will be critical when access to doctors and pharmacies is limited.

Paper clips are cheap, but their versatility in a survival situation is impressive. They can be used for fishing hooks, makeshift fasteners, or even as tools for small repairs. Stockpiling paper clips ensures you’ll have these useful items on hand when needed.

If water is scarce, you won’t want to waste it washing dishes. Paper plates are a cheap and convenient way to keep food prep sanitary while conserving water. They also burn easily, making them useful for fire-starting.

Paper towels are a daily necessity that will continue to be important after the collapse. They can be used for cleaning, drying, and even as emergency bandages or fire-starting material. Keep a large supply on hand for multi-use convenience.

Writing supplies will be indispensable for communication, record-keeping, and passing time. Stock up on pens, pencils, and plenty of paper to keep information flowing, even when technology fails.

Plastic sheeting is useful for covering broken windows, sealing off rooms, or creating makeshift shelters. It’s cheap, lightweight, and easily stored, making it a must-have for your survival stockpile.

Ponchos are cheap, compact, and essential for staying dry in wet weather. In cold, rainy conditions, staying dry is crucial for avoiding hypothermia. Ponchos can also be used as makeshift shelters or ground coverings in a pinch.

Though they seem insignificant, rubber bands have a variety of uses in survival scenarios, from securing gear to making DIY snares or holding items together. Stockpile a bag or two for cheap but versatile utility.

Rubbing alcohol is another inexpensive yet critical item for disinfecting wounds, sanitizing surfaces, and even starting fires. It's one of those essentials that you can't afford to overlook in your preparedness stockpile.

Salt isn’t just for seasoning food—it can also be used for preserving meats, making saline solutions for cleaning wounds, and even melting ice. Its indefinite shelf life and myriad uses make it one of the most valuable items to hoard.

Heirloom seeds will be worth their weight in gold post-collapse, as they allow you to grow your own food season after season. Storing a variety of seeds now ensures that you can start a sustainable garden when needed.

Sewing supplies are essential for mending clothes, gear, and even shelter materials. Stock up on needles, thread, buttons, and fabric patches to keep your clothing and other essentials in good condition for the long haul.

Create long-term solutions for clothing and gear with SpecOps Bushcrafting, which teaches survival skills including repairs and DIY projects.

Shoestrings can serve as makeshift rope, laces, or even be used to build snares and traps. They’re cheap, easy to store, and incredibly versatile—so it’s smart to keep extras on hand.

Soap is a critical item for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of disease. Stockpile bars of soap for personal hygiene, dishwashing, and general cleaning to avoid infections and other health issues post-collapse.

Maintaining hygiene in a crisis is essential—learn survival hygiene tips to stay healthy when resources are scarce here.

Having plenty of clean, dry socks will keep your feet warm and prevent infections or sores, especially if you’re on the move. Don’t underestimate the importance of sock hoarding for maintaining your health during a crisis.

Spices not only make food more palatable but can also boost morale in a survival situation. Stockpiling common spices like garlic powder, cinnamon, and pepper will ensure that you can add flavor to meals, which can be a game-changer during long-term crises.

Sugar is an essential item to store, not only for its ability to sweeten food but also for its ability to preserve fruits through canning or making jams. Sugar is also a high-energy food that can provide a quick boost during times of stress.

Sunburn can become a serious issue in a survival situation, especially if you’re exposed to the elements for long periods. Stocking up on sunscreen will help protect you and your family from sunburn and dehydration, especially in a grid-down scenario.

Super glue can be used for a variety of survival tasks, including repairing gear, fixing shoes, and even sealing small wounds in a pinch. Its versatility makes it a must-have item for any survival stockpile.

Toilet paper is one of the most valuable items you can hoard because it's something people will sorely miss when it's no longer available. It’s cheap now but will be worth a lot more after the collapse.

Good dental hygiene will be crucial when there are no dentists around. Stockpiling toothbrushes and toothpaste is vital for keeping your teeth healthy and preventing painful tooth infections.

Towels are multifunctional—they can be used for drying, cleaning, and even as makeshift slings or blankets. Stockpile extra towels for various uses in a survival scenario.

Post-collapse, you may not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in essential vitamins. Stockpiling multivitamins ensures that your body gets the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, even when food variety is limited.

Zip ties are incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from securing gear to building makeshift shelters. They are lightweight and cheap, so stock up on them while you can.

Ziploc bags are perfect for keeping food fresh, organizing small items, and protecting important documents or electronics from moisture. Keep plenty of these handy for versatile storage and protection.

With power outages likely after a collapse, candles will be invaluable for light. Stocking up on wicks and candle-making supplies ensures you can make your own light sources long after store-bought candles are gone.

Stockpiling these cheap, everyday items is a smart way to prepare for the inevitable challenges that come with any long-term crisis. From hygiene essentials like soap and toothpaste to versatile tools like zip ties and super glue, the small investments you make now will pay off tremendously when resources are scarce. These items will also be highly valuable for bartering and trading when money no longer holds the same value.

When preparing for the unexpected, don’t just focus on the big-ticket items like food and water—small, often-overlooked supplies can be just as crucial to your survival.

Small items are critical, but preparing for a year-long blackout requires advanced strategies—learn how to prepare for the ultimate survival challenge here.