30 Essential Items You Should Be Stockpiling for Survival

When disaster strikes, survival depends on how prepared you are to live without modern conveniences. Many of us are aware that food, water, and first aid supplies are crucial, but there are plenty of other everyday items that become invaluable in long-term survival situations. From basic tools to overlooked household items, having a stockpile of these 30 essential items ensures that you and your family can weather any crisis.

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When preparing for a prolonged emergency, it's easy to focus on the obvious essentials like food and water. But real preparedness goes far beyond the basics. Stockpiling items that you use every day—and those you might overlook—can significantly improve your chances of surviving comfortably during an extended crisis. Here are 30 survival items that should be at the top of your list.

Alcohol isn't just for drinking. High-proof spirits can be used for disinfecting wounds, starting fires, and even bartering during a crisis. In situations where resources are scarce, having small bottles of liquor could provide a valuable commodity for trade. Alcohol is an essential part of a well-rounded survival supply, offering both practical and economic benefits.

In a long-term survival situation, barter items become more valuable than you might think. Alcohol can be traded for food, medicine, or other essential supplies that you might need in a dire situation. It’s also a good idea to keep some alcohol-based hand sanitizer on hand for hygiene purposes when water is scarce.

To further prepare for unexpected crises, you may want to explore guides like Operation Blackout, which provides in-depth strategies for securing essential resources during a blackout.

Power outages are inevitable in any survival scenario, making batteries critical for keeping your electronics and tools functioning. From flashlights and radios to essential medical devices, having a large stockpile of batteries in various sizes is a must. Consider buying an extra pack of batteries each week to build up your reserves over time.

In a prolonged crisis, alternative power sources might be limited or completely unavailable. Keeping a supply of batteries allows you to maintain basic functions, such as staying informed through a battery-powered radio, using flashlights for light, or powering up emergency medical devices. Be sure to rotate your battery stockpile to keep everything fresh and functional.

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In cold weather conditions, warmth becomes a top priority. Stockpile wool blankets, which are particularly effective at retaining heat even when damp. Wool can last for decades if properly stored and is much more durable than cotton.

Wool blankets are especially useful because they can trap heat efficiently, providing warmth in extreme conditions. In a long-term crisis without access to modern heating, having sufficient blankets can prevent hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses. In addition to wool, consider adding thermal or emergency blankets to your stockpile, as they are compact and effective at reflecting body heat.

Bobby pins are among the smallest, most versatile tools you can hoard. Use them for securing hair, as makeshift fishing hooks, lock picks, or even for short-circuiting electronic devices in a pinch. These tiny tools may just save your life one day.

Beyond personal grooming, bobby pins have surprising survival uses. They can be fashioned into tools for minor repairs or used to create improvised traps for small game. Their small size makes them easy to carry, and their multifunctionality makes them an invaluable addition to any survival kit.

Stockpiling rope is important, but knowing how to use it effectively can save your life—master 7 essential knots for survival here.

When the grid is down, and there's no electricity, books will become an invaluable resource. Whether it’s how-to guides for survival, cookbooks, or just novels to pass the time and keep morale high, you should have a well-stocked library at home.

In a prolonged emergency, keeping your mind sharp and maintaining a positive outlook is crucial. Books provide not only entertainment but also education. Having a collection of survival manuals, gardening books, or medical guides will offer practical knowledge, while fiction can provide a much-needed escape from the stress of the situation.

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Coffee filters are incredibly versatile, and they offer much more than just their obvious use. These filters can serve as makeshift water pre-filters, fire starters, or even emergency bandages. Lightweight and easy to store, coffee filters are a must-have for any survival kit.

Coffee filters are compact and inexpensive, yet they can serve a variety of purposes. Use them to filter out large particles from water before boiling or purifying it, or stuff them with tinder to make an effective fire starter. In a pinch, they can even be used as an improvised face mask or as a means to clean wounds.

Crayons are great for entertaining children during a crisis but also work as emergency candles. Removing the wrapper and lighting the crayon will provide enough light to help you through the darkest of nights.

In addition to keeping kids occupied, crayons are an excellent resource for creating quick light in an emergency. Each crayon can burn for about 30 minutes, providing just enough light to navigate in complete darkness or signal for help. These small items take up minimal space in your stockpile but offer significant utility when needed.

One of the most versatile items you can have, duct tape can be used for everything from repairing torn clothing and tents to making improvised bandages. Its strong adhesive makes it a survival must-have.

Duct tape can be used to seal gaps in windows or doors to keep out wind and rain, patch holes in tarps or clothing, or even construct a temporary shelter. It's incredibly durable and weather-resistant, making it ideal for any survival situation. Keep several rolls in your emergency supplies for all your repair and survival needs.

Creative survival tools can make a big difference—learn how to craft ingenious tools from tree bark here.

Garbage bags have a wide range of uses, from collecting rainwater to creating makeshift shelters. They are lightweight, compact, and can be used to protect supplies from moisture or as an emergency blanket in harsh conditions. Be sure to have plenty on hand.

Garbage bags are one of the most versatile and easily overlooked survival tools. Use them to keep your gear dry, collect rainwater for drinking, or even wear them as a makeshift poncho. Their flexibility makes them a critical component in any survival kit, and they take up very little space.

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Glass bottles can store liquids and be repurposed for other survival needs. You can use them to start fires by focusing sunlight through water or even break them to create makeshift weapons for self-defense in emergencies.

While glass bottles might seem fragile, they can be reused in numerous ways. They can be sterilized for water storage, used to store homemade vinegar or tinctures, and even repurposed into solar stills for water purification. The sharp edges of broken glass can serve as a last-resort defense tool if necessary.

You might be tempted to throw away your old grocery bags, but they are incredibly useful in survival scenarios. Use them to collect water, gather food, or even mark trails. They can also serve as makeshift hand coverings or be used to keep gear dry in wet conditions.

Newspapers are often overlooked in survival situations but are incredibly useful. They can be used to start fires, insulate clothing, or even as a last-resort option for makeshift toilet paper.

Newspapers have many uses beyond just starting fires. In a survival situation, they can be shredded to create insulation for your shelter, wrapped around injured limbs to provide a makeshift splint, or even used to wrap food for cooking over a fire. Having a stockpile of newspapers gives you a lightweight and disposable resource that can be invaluable in a pinch.

Stockpile over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen. These medications will be essential for reducing fever, alleviating pain, and addressing minor injuries when medical help is scarce.

In the absence of modern medical care, pain relievers can help manage symptoms of injuries or illness, allowing you to continue functioning in a survival situation. Beyond pain management, these medications can help reduce inflammation, lower fever, and improve overall comfort during prolonged emergencies.

Pencils have a surprising number of uses beyond writing. The graphite in pencils can serve as a fire starter when connected to a battery. Be sure to stock up on pencils and keep them stored for emergencies.

Additionally, pencils can be sharpened to a point for creating makeshift tools or weapons. In a crisis, communication will often revert to non-digital methods, making pencils and paper an essential way to document information, leave messages, or plan your next steps.

Salt is a survival staple, offering a variety of uses beyond just seasoning food. It can preserve meat, clean wounds, and even be used to make saline solutions for medical purposes.

In the absence of refrigeration, salt becomes one of the most valuable tools for food preservation. It can also be used to create a basic saline solution for cleaning wounds or creating an improvised electrolyte drink to prevent dehydration. Make sure to keep large quantities of salt in your storage for both culinary and medical purposes.

Soap is essential for maintaining hygiene during long-term survival scenarios. Stockpile bars of soap for washing dishes, clothes, and keeping yourself clean in the absence of running water.

Maintaining hygiene during a crisis is critical to preventing disease and infection. Soap bars are lightweight, long-lasting, and can be used for a variety of cleaning purposes, from personal hygiene to disinfecting wounds. Stock up on unscented, all-purpose soap that can serve multiple functions in your survival kit.

Hygiene is critical in a survival scenario—learn how to stay clean and healthy in the wilderness here.

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Socks are more than just for keeping your feet warm. In a survival situation, socks can filter water, carry supplies, or even be used as a makeshift weapon when filled with heavy objects.

In cold weather, warm socks are essential for preventing frostbite. Beyond that, socks can be used to filter sediment out of water before boiling or purifying it, serve as carrying pouches for small items, or even be used in self-defense by filling them with rocks or other hard objects. A good stockpile of durable socks will go a long way in any survival situation.

Super glue isn’t just for household repairs. It can be used to seal minor cuts and wounds in emergency situations, helping to prevent infection until proper medical attention can be accessed.

Super glue can be used as an emergency medical tool, especially for sealing small cuts and wounds. Its quick-setting properties make it ideal for temporarily closing wounds when traditional first aid supplies are not available. Keep super glue in your first aid kit as a backup option for wound care.

An essential item for hygiene, toilet paper is something you should definitely stockpile. It's not just a luxury—proper hygiene is vital in a crisis to prevent the spread of disease.

Toilet paper may seem like a luxury, but maintaining proper hygiene in a crisis situation is crucial for preventing illness. While it’s important to stockpile toilet paper, you can also consider alternatives like reusable cloth wipes or natural materials like leaves in case your supply runs out.

Vaseline is another incredibly versatile item. It can be used to protect wounds, prevent blisters, and as an effective fire starter when combined with cotton balls.

Vaseline can also be used to lubricate mechanical parts, protect exposed skin from harsh weather, and prevent rust on metal tools. Its versatility makes it a must-have item in your survival stockpile, and when paired with cotton balls, it can create an excellent fire starter that burns for a long time.

While stockpiling everyday items like these is essential for survival, the possibility of a long-term crisis—such as a nationwide blackout—requires even more intense preparation. Understanding the devastating effects of a nationwide blackout can help you prioritize your preparations—learn why 90% of the population would perish without electricity here.