Many preppers focus on food and water but neglect smaller items that quietly make or break survival.
We all stock the big stuff — calories, water, meds, tools. But in real emergencies, it’s often the little things that hit the hardest: hygiene gaps, no way to fix a tear, no map when your phone dies, or dehydration because electrolytes were forgotten.
When disaster strikes, these “small” items become big problems fast.
Below is a clean list of 25 most commonly forgotten prepping items, now with icons:
25 Most Overlooked Prepping Supplies
🐾 Pet supplies – Extra food, meds, vitamins.
💇 Combs – Hygiene + morale booster.
🛡️ Contraceptives – Stress + crisis don’t mix.
🥤 Electrolyte drinks/powders – Hydration protection.
💊 Vitamins & supplements – When fresh food is limited.
🌞 Sunscreen – Outdoor survival essential.
🩸 Feminine hygiene products – Pads, tampons, cups.
💦 Wound wash – Sterile saline for injuries.
🎴 Boredom busters – Cards, books, puzzles.
🔥 Long-neck utility lighter – Safe, reliable ignition.
🧼 Nail clippers – Stops painful infections.
🪡 Sewing kit – Repairs for clothing & gear.
🩹 Fabric patches – Quick fixes for tents & jackets.
🦟 Insect repellent – Avoid bites & disease.
🐭 Mouse traps – Protect food stores.
🧴 Lice shampoo – Prevents outbreaks.
🔩 Nails & screws – Repairs and reinforcement.
🛍️ Assorted bags – Plastic, Mylar, garbage bags.
🔑 Sillcock key – Access water from locked taps.
🕶️ Safety glasses – Eye protection during debris work.
🪵 Raw wood materials – Boards for quick repairs.
📡 Grid-down comms – Ham radios, satellite, GMRS.
🗺️ Physical maps – Navigate if GPS fails.
⛽ Fuel siphon – Transfer gas when needed.
👓 Spare glasses + repair kit – Vision = survival.
True preparedness is covering the gaps most people miss.
These items don’t cost much, but they drastically improve survival, comfort, and morale when things get rough.
