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 know 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 you and your family can weather any crisis. Additionally, innovative solutions like My Survival Farm and The Lost Generator can empower you to achieve self-sufficiency in food and energy, critical components of any survival plan.

When preparing for a prolonged emergency, it’s easy to focus on obvious essentials like food and water. However, true preparedness goes beyond the basics. Stockpiling everyday items—and innovative systems like My Survival Farm for food production and The Lost Generator for energy independence—can significantly improve your chances of surviving comfortably during an extended crisis. Here are 30 survival items, along with strategic additions, that should be at the top of your list.

High-proof spirits are more than just a luxury—they’re a versatile survival tool. Use them for disinfecting wounds, starting fires, or bartering in a crisis. Small bottles of liquor can become a valuable commodity when resources are scarce, offering both practical and economic benefits.

In a long-term survival scenario, barter items like alcohol can be traded for food, medicine, or other essentials. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also a must for hygiene when water is limited. Stock up on both for maximum preparedness.

Power outages are inevitable in any survival scenario, making batteries critical for keeping electronics and tools functional. From flashlights and radios to medical devices, a stockpile of batteries in various sizes is essential. Build your reserves by adding an extra pack each week.

In a prolonged crisis, alternative power sources may be unavailable.

Batteries ensure you can stay informed via a battery-powered radio or power emergency devices. For a sustainable power solution, consider The Lost Generator, a DIY blueprint for a portable, grid-independent energy source. Discover energy independence with The Lost Generator.

Warmth is a top priority in cold weather. Wool blankets are particularly effective, retaining heat even when damp and lasting for decades if stored properly. They’re far more durable than cotton and a must for any survival stockpile.

Wool blankets can prevent hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses. Add thermal or emergency blankets for compact, heat-reflecting options. Stockpile enough to keep your household warm during extended power outages.

If you happen to run low on rope you need to learn how to make durable natural cordage from plants.

Bobby pins are small, versatile tools with surprising survival applications. Use them for securing hair, as makeshift fishing hooks, lock picks, or for short-circuiting electronics in a pinch. These tiny items can be lifesavers.

Beyond grooming, bobby pins can aid in minor repairs or improvised traps for small game. Their compact size makes them easy to store, making 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, books become invaluable for both knowledge and morale. Stock how-to guides for survival, gardening books like My Survival Farm, and novels to keep spirits high during tough times.

Books provide education and entertainment in a crisis. My Survival Farm offers step-by-step instructions for creating a self-sustaining garden, ensuring a reliable food source. Learn to grow your own food with My Survival Farm.

Coffee filters are incredibly versatile, serving as makeshift water pre-filters, fire starters, or emergency bandages. Lightweight and easy to store, they’re a must-have for any survival kit.

Use coffee filters to remove large particles from water before purification or as tinder for starting fires. In a pinch, they can double as face masks or wound dressings, making them a space-efficient addition to your stockpile.

Crayons entertain children during a crisis but also serve as emergency candles. Remove the wrapper, light the crayon, and enjoy up to 30 minutes of light per crayon.

Crayons provide quick illumination for navigation or signaling in darkness. Their small size and dual purpose make them a smart addition to your survival stockpile, especially for households with kids.

Duct tape is a survival staple, used for everything from repairing clothing and tents to creating improvised bandages. Its strong adhesive and durability make it indispensable.

Seal gaps in shelters, patch holes, or build temporary structures with duct tape. Keep several rolls in your emergency supplies for repairs and survival needs in any scenario.

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

Garbage bags are lightweight and versatile, perfect for collecting rainwater, creating shelters, or protecting supplies from moisture. They can also serve as emergency blankets or ponchos.

Use garbage bags to keep gear dry, collect water, or wear as a makeshift poncho. Their flexibility and compact size make them a critical component of any survival kit.

Glass bottles store liquids and can be repurposed for survival needs. Use them to start fires by focusing sunlight through water or break them for makeshift self-defense tools.

Glass bottles can be sterilized for water storage, used for homemade tinctures, or turned into solar stills for purification. Their versatility makes them a valuable addition to your stockpile.

Everyday items like duct tape, glass bottles, and garbage bags can have countless survival applications.

Don’t discard grocery bags—they’re incredibly useful in survival scenarios. Use them to collect water, gather food, mark trails, or keep gear dry in wet conditions.

Grocery bags can also serve as makeshift hand coverings or storage for small items. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to stockpile in large quantities for various uses.

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.

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.

Disposable lighters are reliable for creating fire in damp conditions, offering heat, cooking, and sterilization. They’re a top choice for emergencies.

Keep lighters in multiple locations—home, bug-out bag, and car—for redundancy. Pair them with The Lost Generator for a sustainable power source to reduce reliance on batteries. Build your own power source with The Lost Generator.

A survival scenario may mean going months—or even years—without access to new clothing or gear. A sewing kit enables you to repair tears, patch holes, and extend the life of essential fabric-based items like clothing, tarps, and backpacks.

Beyond repairs, sewing kits can also assist with medical emergencies, such as closing small wounds when professional help isn't available. Choose a durable kit with heavy-duty needles, thick thread, and curved needles for versatility in tough fabrics or skin.

In an extended crisis, access to fresh produce and diverse food sources will be limited, making it difficult to maintain proper nutrition. Multivitamins fill critical nutritional gaps, especially for vitamins like C, D, and B12, which are essential for immune and cognitive function.

Even if you're well-fed with preserved foods, your body may still suffer from hidden deficiencies. Adding multivitamins to your survival stockpile ensures your family maintains physical resilience when fresh nutrition is scarce.

Safety pins are incredibly underrated but offer a surprising range of survival uses. They can be used to repair clothing, secure bandages, pop blisters, pin gear to backpacks, and even fashion emergency fishing hooks or gear fasteners.

Due to their lightweight size and strength, it’s wise to include dozens in your survival kits. Organize them by size in a small tin for quick access when you're out in the field or dealing with daily emergencies.

In survival planning, it's easy to overlook feminine hygiene needs—but for millions of women, they are an essential part of daily life. Stockpiling tampons, pads, or reusable menstrual cups ensures dignity, health, and comfort during long-term emergencies.

Additionally, many of these products double as emergency resources: pads can be used as wound dressings, and tampons as fire starters or even for nosebleed control. Don’t leave these off your list—especially if you’re preparing for a household with women or girls.

Heavy-duty trash can liners are among the most versatile items you can stockpile. Not only are they critical for sanitation and waste control, but they can also be used as ponchos, tarps, moisture barriers, or insulation for makeshift shelters.

In a water emergency, you can line containers with them for storage or use them to collect rainwater. Opt for contractor-grade bags when possible—they’re tougher, larger, and better suited to survival needs than standard kitchen bags.

In the event of a power outage, candles provide an immediate and renewable source of light that doesn’t rely on batteries or fuel. Emergency candles, especially long-burning or dripless varieties, can offer hours of consistent illumination with minimal effort.

Beyond lighting, candles can also be used to help start fires, heat small areas, or even melt wax for sealing jars and waterproofing gear. Store them in cool, dry places and pair them with waterproof matches or lighters for guaranteed usability.

Stocking up on canned food is a smart move—but it’s useless without a way to open them. A manual can opener is a small but vital tool that ensures access to your food supply when electricity is unavailable.

Don’t rely on electric gadgets—choose a rugged, handheld model and keep spares in multiple locations. Some survivalists also include military-style P-38 can openers in their EDC kits for compact redundancy.

Zip ties, also known as cable ties, are compact and extremely strong for their size. They can be used to fasten tarps, bundle gear, construct traps, secure splints, or create makeshift handcuffs in self-defense situations.

Their ease of use and versatility make them a staple in any well-stocked survival kit. Keep a variety of sizes on hand to handle different needs, from securing a shelter to organizing cords and tools.

Aluminum foil might seem like a kitchen-only item, but its applications in survival are far more diverse than most people realize. From cooking meals over open flames to creating reflective surfaces for heat and signaling, foil is an incredibly flexible tool.

In an emergency, it can be used to fashion cooking pans, line shelters for insulation, protect food from pests, or even serve as a mirror for signaling aircraft or rescuers. Lightweight and easy to store, aluminum foil is a space-efficient addition to any serious survival stockpile.

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.

Beyond stockpiling physical items, achieving self-sufficiency in food and energy is critical for long-term survival. My Survival Farm provides a comprehensive guide to creating a hidden, low-maintenance garden that produces nutrient-rich food year-round, even in harsh climates. Similarly, The Lost Generator offers a DIY blueprint for a portable, cost-effective energy generator, ensuring power independence during outages. These tools empower you to thrive in any crisis.

Start your self-sustaining garden with My Survival Farm today.

Secure your energy future with The Lost Generator.

Prepare now, and ensure your family’s resilience in any emergency.