My Prepper Essentials

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This is a list I started compiling of prepper gear I own or have used and recommend for various situations. I will be adding to this list as I go but most of these items are what I would consider prepper essentials that can save your butt.

For more survival items you can also see our 75 Item Survival Gear List page that goes into much greater detail.

Everyday Carry Items:

Depending on where I am headed and what I am wearing, I will carry one or more of these items daily.

LEATHERMAN, Squirt PS4 Keychain Multitool with Spring-Action Scissors and Aluminum Handles, Built in the USA, Black
Levi's Men's 100% Cotton Multi-purpose Bandana Gift Sets – Headband, Wrap, Protective Coverage, Black, Pack 3
GearLight 2Pack LED Headlamp - Outdoor Camping Head Lamps with Adjustable Headband - Lightweight Battery Powered Bright Flashlight Headlight with 7 Modes and Pivotable Head and Red Light
LEATHERMAN, Squirt PS4 Keychain Multitool with Spring-Action Scissors and Aluminum Handles, Built in the USA, Black
Levi's Men's 100% Cotton Multi-purpose Bandana Gift Sets – Headband, Wrap, Protective Coverage, Black, Pack 3
GearLight 2Pack LED Headlamp - Outdoor Camping Head Lamps with Adjustable Headband - Lightweight Battery Powered Bright Flashlight Headlight with 7 Modes and Pivotable Head and Red Light
Price not available
$12.00
$19.99
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Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
This is the Leatherman Wave’s smaller brother and I do mean smaller. This is on my key-chain and is for times when I can’t really wear my big Leatherman on my belt or throw it in a bag.
No, they aren’t only for blowing your nose, they can be used as a bandage or to filter water to remove large particles.
Headlamps allow you to light your way while keeping your hands free.
LEATHERMAN, Squirt PS4 Keychain Multitool with Spring-Action Scissors and Aluminum Handles, Built in the USA, Black
LEATHERMAN, Squirt PS4 Keychain Multitool with Spring-Action Scissors and Aluminum Handles, Built in the USA, Black
Price not available
-
This is the Leatherman Wave’s smaller brother and I do mean smaller. This is on my key-chain and is for times when I can’t really wear my big Leatherman on my belt or throw it in a bag.
Levi's Men's 100% Cotton Multi-purpose Bandana Gift Sets – Headband, Wrap, Protective Coverage, Black, Pack 3
Levi's Men's 100% Cotton Multi-purpose Bandana Gift Sets – Headband, Wrap, Protective Coverage, Black, Pack 3
$12.00
Amazon Prime
No, they aren’t only for blowing your nose, they can be used as a bandage or to filter water to remove large particles.
GearLight 2Pack LED Headlamp - Outdoor Camping Head Lamps with Adjustable Headband - Lightweight Battery Powered Bright Flashlight Headlight with 7 Modes and Pivotable Head and Red Light
GearLight 2Pack LED Headlamp - Outdoor Camping Head Lamps with Adjustable Headband - Lightweight Battery Powered Bright Flashlight Headlight with 7 Modes and Pivotable Head and Red Light
$19.99
Amazon Prime
Headlamps allow you to light your way while keeping your hands free.
Casio Men's Watch XL Series G-Shock Quartz 200M Water Resistant, Shock Resistant, Matte Tan Resin Finish, Durable Men's Wrist Watches, Digital Casio G-Shock for Men (Model GA-700UC-5ACR)
Zippo 200 Classic Brushed Chrome Pocket Lighter
Casio Men's Watch XL Series G-Shock Quartz 200M Water Resistant, Shock Resistant, Matte Tan Resin Finish, Durable Men's Wrist Watches, Digital Casio G-Shock for Men (Model GA-700UC-5ACR)
Zippo 200 Classic Brushed Chrome Pocket Lighter
Price not available
$16.23
-
Amazon Prime
Casio Men's Watch XL Series G-Shock Quartz 200M Water Resistant, Shock Resistant, Matte Tan Resin Finish, Durable Men's Wrist Watches, Digital Casio G-Shock for Men (Model GA-700UC-5ACR)
Casio Men's Watch XL Series G-Shock Quartz 200M Water Resistant, Shock Resistant, Matte Tan Resin Finish, Durable Men's Wrist Watches, Digital Casio G-Shock for Men (Model GA-700UC-5ACR)
Price not available
-
Zippo 200 Classic Brushed Chrome Pocket Lighter
Zippo 200 Classic Brushed Chrome Pocket Lighter
$16.23
Amazon Prime

Bug Out Bag Items:

When you have to get out of dodge, there are some basic preparations you should already have packed and ready to go.

Nalgene Stainless Bottle 38 oz.
Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle, Gray W/Blue Lid, 32 oz
Nalgene Wide Mouth Cantene (48-Ounce)
Nalgene Stainless Bottle 38 oz.
Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle, Gray W/Blue Lid, 32 oz
Nalgene Wide Mouth Cantene (48-Ounce)
Price not available
$8.25
$22.93
-
-
Amazon Prime
Stainless steel water bottles not only allow you to carry water, but you can boil water if needed in this to kill bacteria when drinking from suspect sources.
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Nalgene Stainless Bottle 38 oz.
Nalgene Stainless Bottle 38 oz.
Price not available
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Stainless steel water bottles not only allow you to carry water, but you can boil water if needed in this to kill bacteria when drinking from suspect sources.
Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle, Gray W/Blue Lid, 32 oz
Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle, Gray W/Blue Lid, 32 oz
$8.25
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-
Nalgene Wide Mouth Cantene (48-Ounce)
Nalgene Wide Mouth Cantene (48-Ounce)
$22.93
Amazon Prime
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Platypus GravityWorks Group Camping Water Filter System, 2-Liter
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Tarp, Hammock Tent - Rain Tarp for Camping Hammock - Camping Gear Must Haves w/Easy Set Up Including Tent Stakes and Carry Bag - Standard Grey
Mainstay Emergency Food Rations - Case of 10 Packs
Platypus GravityWorks Group Camping Water Filter System, 2-Liter
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Tarp, Hammock Tent - Rain Tarp for Camping Hammock - Camping Gear Must Haves w/Easy Set Up Including Tent Stakes and Carry Bag - Standard Grey
Mainstay Emergency Food Rations - Case of 10 Packs
Price not available
$40.99
$119.95
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Amazon Prime
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Gravity water filters are my favorite water filtration option. No mechanical parts to break and they are fast.
Great lightweight option for shelter over your head. Instead of packing a tent, you can just string a rain fly between two trees.
Emergency Rations – There are a lot of options for bug out bag food, but these emergency rations stand up to years baking in the trunk of your car.
Platypus GravityWorks Group Camping Water Filter System, 2-Liter
Platypus GravityWorks Group Camping Water Filter System, 2-Liter
Price not available
-
Gravity water filters are my favorite water filtration option. No mechanical parts to break and they are fast.
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Tarp, Hammock Tent - Rain Tarp for Camping Hammock - Camping Gear Must Haves w/Easy Set Up Including Tent Stakes and Carry Bag - Standard Grey
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Tarp, Hammock Tent - Rain Tarp for Camping Hammock - Camping Gear Must Haves w/Easy Set Up Including Tent Stakes and Carry Bag - Standard Grey
$40.99
Amazon Prime
Great lightweight option for shelter over your head. Instead of packing a tent, you can just string a rain fly between two trees.
Mainstay Emergency Food Rations - Case of 10 Packs
Mainstay Emergency Food Rations - Case of 10 Packs
$119.95
-
Emergency Rations – There are a lot of options for bug out bag food, but these emergency rations stand up to years baking in the trunk of your car.
TETON Sports Tracker, 5 Degree Sleeping Bag; Lightweight, Warm Mummy Sleeping Bag, Camping, Backpacking, Hiking
S.O.L. 90% Reflective Lightweight Emergency Bivvy
Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2-Servings
TETON Sports Tracker, 5 Degree Sleeping Bag; Lightweight, Warm Mummy Sleeping Bag, Camping, Backpacking, Hiking
S.O.L. 90% Reflective Lightweight Emergency Bivvy
Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2-Servings
$62.11
$30.18
$9.68
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
TETON Sports Tracker, 5 Degree Sleeping Bag; Lightweight, Warm Mummy Sleeping Bag, Camping, Backpacking, Hiking
TETON Sports Tracker, 5 Degree Sleeping Bag; Lightweight, Warm Mummy Sleeping Bag, Camping, Backpacking, Hiking
$62.11
Amazon Prime
S.O.L. 90% Reflective Lightweight Emergency Bivvy
S.O.L. 90% Reflective Lightweight Emergency Bivvy
$30.18
Amazon Prime
Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2-Servings
Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2-Servings
$9.68
Amazon Prime
Light My Fire Fire Steel Scout - Magnesium Fire Starter Kit, 3000 Strikes, Waterproof, Bushcraft Gear, Emergency Survival Tool with Whistle & Cord
Jetboil Flash Camping Stove Cooking System, Carbon
Gerber Gear LMF II Infantry Survival Knife, Military Grade Tactical Fixed Blade with Serrated Edge, Shock Absorbing Handle, Molle Sheath and Sharpener, Coyote Brown
Light My Fire Fire Steel Scout - Magnesium Fire Starter Kit, 3000 Strikes, Waterproof, Bushcraft Gear, Emergency Survival Tool with Whistle & Cord
Jetboil Flash Camping Stove Cooking System, Carbon
Gerber Gear LMF II Infantry Survival Knife, Military Grade Tactical Fixed Blade with Serrated Edge, Shock Absorbing Handle, Molle Sheath and Sharpener, Coyote Brown
$13.95
$109.81
$135.00
Amazon Prime
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Amazon Prime
Firestarter - Matches can get wet and lighters can run out of fuel. It will take a long time of making fires before this old-style method doesn't work. It is a great backup.
Jetboil - There are lighter options out there, but this unit is simple and mostly self-contained. Perfect for quickly heating up water for coffee or Freeze-dried food.
Gerber LMF II - Folders are great for around town, but if I am walking out the door never to come back, I want a serious knife. The Gerber LMF II is great and reasonably priced.
Light My Fire Fire Steel Scout - Magnesium Fire Starter Kit, 3000 Strikes, Waterproof, Bushcraft Gear, Emergency Survival Tool with Whistle & Cord
Light My Fire Fire Steel Scout - Magnesium Fire Starter Kit, 3000 Strikes, Waterproof, Bushcraft Gear, Emergency Survival Tool with Whistle & Cord
$13.95
Amazon Prime
Firestarter - Matches can get wet and lighters can run out of fuel. It will take a long time of making fires before this old-style method doesn't work. It is a great backup.
Jetboil Flash Camping Stove Cooking System, Carbon
Jetboil Flash Camping Stove Cooking System, Carbon
$109.81
-
Jetboil - There are lighter options out there, but this unit is simple and mostly self-contained. Perfect for quickly heating up water for coffee or Freeze-dried food.
Gerber Gear LMF II Infantry Survival Knife, Military Grade Tactical Fixed Blade with Serrated Edge, Shock Absorbing Handle, Molle Sheath and Sharpener, Coyote Brown
Gerber Gear LMF II Infantry Survival Knife, Military Grade Tactical Fixed Blade with Serrated Edge, Shock Absorbing Handle, Molle Sheath and Sharpener, Coyote Brown
$135.00
Amazon Prime
Gerber LMF II - Folders are great for around town, but if I am walking out the door never to come back, I want a serious knife. The Gerber LMF II is great and reasonably priced.

Prepping Books and Reference Material

Survival Manuals – Great introduction to the concepts of survival.

How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It: Tactics, Techniques, and Technologies for Uncertain Times
SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: A Comprehensive Course in Emergency and Wilderness Medicine
When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need To Survive When Disaster Strikes
Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide: Food, Shelter, Security, Off-the-Grid Power and More Life-Saving Strategies for Self-Sufficient Living (Books for Preppers)
How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It: Tactics, Techniques, and Technologies for Uncertain Times
SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: A Comprehensive Course in Emergency and Wilderness Medicine
When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need To Survive When Disaster Strikes
Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide: Food, Shelter, Security, Off-the-Grid Power and More Life-Saving Strategies for Self-Sufficient Living (Books for Preppers)
$11.59
$24.78
$15.40
$12.49
Amazon Prime
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Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It: Tactics, Techniques, and Technologies for Uncertain Times
How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It: Tactics, Techniques, and Technologies for Uncertain Times
$11.59
Amazon Prime
SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: A Comprehensive Course in Emergency and Wilderness Medicine
SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: A Comprehensive Course in Emergency and Wilderness Medicine
$24.78
-
When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need To Survive When Disaster Strikes
When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need To Survive When Disaster Strikes
$15.40
Amazon Prime
Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide: Food, Shelter, Security, Off-the-Grid Power and More Life-Saving Strategies for Self-Sufficient Living (Books for Preppers)
Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide: Food, Shelter, Security, Off-the-Grid Power and More Life-Saving Strategies for Self-Sufficient Living (Books for Preppers)
$12.49
Amazon Prime