Most people know to stock up on bottled water, canned food, flashlights, and first-aid supplies. But there are plenty of other things that could come in handy during an emergency, including a few you probably wouldn’t think to pack.
From pencil sharpeners and hot sauce to portable stoves and snow sleds, some of the most unusual survival supplies have surprisingly practical uses. Here are 12 items preppers keep on hand and why they might be worth considering.
1. A Pencil Sharpener
A small pencil sharpener can turn dry twigs into thin wood shavings that are easier to ignite when starting a fire. One prepper explained that they keep a magnesium sharpener with their ferro rod to “sharpen kindling twigs into tinder.”
They also scrape magnesium dust from the sharpener’s body to help start a fire, making it a compact tool with multiple purposes.
2. Hot Sauce
Emergency meals can get repetitive, especially when you’re eating canned food or packaged rations for several days. A bottle of hot sauce adds flavor without taking up much storage space, making it a simple way to improve meals during a stressful situation.
As one prepper explained about emergency rations, “Those meals can get suppeeerr boring.”
3. Books About Foraging and Medicinal Plants
Printed books about edible plants, gardening, and medicinal herbs can provide useful information when the internet isn’t available. As one prepper put it, “Tuna runs out, and you can’t shoot your way out of an infection.”
Choose guides specific to your region, and remember that identifying wild plants takes practice. Medicinal plant references should never replace necessary medical care.
Related: 14 Powerful Medicinal Plants for a Self-Sufficient Homestead
4. A Titanium Toothpick
A titanium toothpick is useful for more than cleaning between your teeth. Its thin, pointed design can help press recessed buttons, reach tight spaces, and handle small tasks where larger tools won’t fit.
One prepper described it as a handy tool for “getting into things, pushing recessed buttons,” and other small jobs.
5. A Rocket Stove
A compact rocket stove can cook food and boil water outdoors using small pieces of wood instead of electricity or gas. It requires relatively little fuel and can be a practical backup cooking option during an extended power outage.
6. A Butane Catering Stove
A portable butane stove makes it possible to prepare hot meals when the electricity goes out. One Florida resident who had experienced several hurricanes explained that “the emotional and morale boost from a hot meal in a stressful situation is significant.”
Choose a certified stove and use it outdoors only, away from enclosed spaces, because of carbon monoxide and fire risks.
7. A Powerful Flashlight
A phone flashlight works for small tasks, but a dedicated flashlight can illuminate a much larger area. Keeping a powerful flashlight and spare batteries in your emergency supplies makes it easier to navigate during nighttime outages or other situations with limited visibility.
8. A Solar Battery Maintainer
A solar battery maintainer can help prevent a parked vehicle’s battery from slowly losing its charge. It’s particularly useful for vehicles that sit unused for extended periods, although its effectiveness depends on sunlight and the equipment being used.
9. A Good Pair of Walking Shoes
Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes could be essential if you need to evacuate on foot or walk a long distance after a disaster. Keeping an extra pair in your vehicle or emergency bag means you won’t have to rely on whatever shoes you’re wearing.
10. A Water Utility Key
A four-way water utility key can operate certain outdoor faucets that don’t have standard handles. It’s a small tool that may be useful for authorized maintenance or emergency access, although it doesn’t guarantee the water is safe to drink or that you’re permitted to use it.
11. Small Bolt Cutters
Compact bolt cutters can be useful for cutting certain wires, chains, and metal fasteners during repairs or other authorized tasks. They’re not essential for every emergency kit, but they may be worth keeping with household maintenance tools.
12. A Sled for Transporting Emergency Supplies
A pulk sled can transport blankets, food, water, and other supplies across deep snow when wheeled carts aren’t practical. It’s particularly useful in areas where winter storms can leave motorists stranded or make roads difficult to navigate.
One prepper built a sled after hearing about motorists trapped on an interstate during a major snowstorm. “I prep for myself, but I also prep to help my community,” they explained.
