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When it comes to prepping, most of us focus on the essentials: food, water, and basic supplies. But self-sufficiency requires more than just the basics, especially for homesteaders and preppers aiming to be fully prepared for whatever comes their way—whether that’s a power outage, extended crisis, or life off the grid. While there are countless lists out there for what you “must” stockpile, it’s often the strange, overlooked items that prove to be surprisingly useful in a pinch.
The following items may seem odd or even unnecessary, but each one serves a unique purpose and could be a game-changer in tough times. From common household goods to cheap, quirky items, these supplies are worth adding to your stash. They may be inexpensive now, but in an emergency, they’ll be invaluable. Here’s a look at some unexpected items that could make all the difference in a crisis.
Duct Tape
Duct tape might seem a bit unusual but it is one of the most useful tools you should have on hand. It can be used to create cordage for tying down and securing items. You can use it to patch holes in tarps, tents, and even makeshift shelters, adding extra durability to your setup.
Need to seal up drafty windows and doors? Duct tape can help keep the cold out. It’s also great for quick repairs, like mending torn clothing, broken tools, or damaged gear.
27 Ways You Can Use Duct Tape in a Survival Situation
Chapstick
Chapstick might seem odd to prioritize, but it’s surprisingly useful in survival scenarios. This small, portable balm offers more than just soothing chapped lips. Thanks to its waxy composition, when applied to a cotton ball, cloth, or dry leaves, Chapstick creates an effective fire starter, making it invaluable in emergency fire-building.
In addition, Chapstick doubles as a lubricant, useful for freeing up stuck zippers, knives, or hinges, allowing them to work smoothly again.
Lastly, in the absence of proper first aid supplies, Chapstick can be applied as a temporary barrier over small cuts or cracked skin, helping shield wounds from dirt and moisture until they can be properly treated.
Dental Floss
Dental floss may not be the first thing that comes to mind when prepping, but its strength and versatility make it surprisingly valuable in survival situations. Lightweight yet incredibly durable, dental floss can easily be repurposed as an improvised fishing line, offering a way to catch food without traditional gear.
Its thin profile also makes it ideal for tying up bundles of sticks or securing tarps, creating a reliable hold for makeshift shelters or firewood bundles. In a pinch, dental floss can be used to repair torn clothing or gear, acting as a sturdy thread for small sewing tasks.
Zip Ties
Zip ties are a surprisingly useful item to keep on hand, especially in survival situations where quick and secure fixes are essential. Known for their strength and flexibility, zip ties can help you build a temporary shelter by securely attaching tarps or poles, providing a stable, weather-resistant structure with minimal effort. They’re also great for emergency repairs—if a strap on a backpack or piece of equipment breaks, a zip tie can quickly restore functionality without needing complex tools.
Small but mighty, zip ties are an essential item that’s easy to store and invaluable in a range of situations.
Paracord
Paracord is truly one of the most adaptable tools you can have in a survival kit. Paracord can help to build shelters—use it to tie up tarps, secure branches, or even create a sturdy framework.
Inside each cord, multiple smaller strands can be unraveled and used as fishing line, providing a reliable way to catch food in the wild. In medical emergencies, paracord is also a lifesaver; it can be fashioned into a tourniquet to control bleeding or used to tie a splint, helping stabilize injuries until proper care is available.
Alcohol
In tough times, many people turn to the comfort of a strong drink. Regardless of the challenges, small luxuries like alcohol will continue to be in demand, making them valuable items for bartering if needed.
There’s no need to stock up on high-end brands; affordable vodka or whiskey will be greatly appreciated when access is limited. Beyond its role as a morale booster, alcohol also serves as a disinfectant, adding a practical dimension to its value in any emergency stash.
Paper Clips
Paper clips might seem trivial, but these small, lightweight items can be bent into a makeshift fishing hook, providing a basic tool for catching food. They also work well for emergency repairs, such as fixing broken zippers or fastening items together when you’re short on other supplies. In certain situations, paper clips can even serve as a basic lock-picking tool, potentially giving access to critical resources.
Newspaper
Old newspapers are excellent for starting fires, providing a quick and easy way to get a flame going. Newspapers can also be used to insulate windows, helping to keep heat in or out depending on the season.
Additionally, they’re perfect for wrapping and cushioning delicate items in storage, protecting your preps from damage. With so many practical uses, newspapers are a valuable yet often overlooked resource to keep on hand.
Aluminum Foil
Tin foil can be used to cover windows for insulation or privacy, store and preserve food, and even create a solar oven for cooking when traditional heat sources are unavailable. Its reflective properties make it ideal for signaling for help or amplifying light in low-lit spaces. With such a wide range of applications, tin foil quickly becomes one of the most practical and essential items you can stockpile.
Bleach
Bleach is excellent for cleaning surfaces and disinfecting areas to prevent the spread of illness and can also be used to purify water in an emergency. Adding just a few drops per gallon can make contaminated water safe to drink.
14 Prepper Items to Buy at the Thrift Store
For preppers, thrift stores can be a real resource. Building up a stockpile of essential supplies to support your family over an extended period can quickly become quite costly. With that in mind, thrift stores are a great place to find some key items preppers often look for. Here are 14 essential prepper finds you can pick up at a thrift store.
14 Prepper Items to Buy at the Thrift Store
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By making more things at home, you can significantly reduce your grocery list while living more sustainably. Here’s a list of simple items you can easily make yourself instead of purchasing them from the store, helping you take a step toward a more self-reliant lifestyle.
18 Survival Skills Our Great-Grandparents Knew That Most Of Us Today Don’t
Many activities were once essential survival skills, but today, they’ve been forgotten by many. While technology has certainly made life easier, previous generations didn’t have these systems, making them far more self-sufficient. Here are 18 basic skills they mastered that many people today have no idea how to do.
18 Survival Skills Our Great-Grandparents Knew That Most Of Us Today Don’t