Besides the obvious foundational requirements of food and water, these are the dozen or so things every prepper should have on hand.
Duct Tape
From patching window screens to waterproofing items to creating cordage, duct tape has seemingly unlimited uses due to its strength, stickiness and water resistance.
Buy good quality rolls. My preferred brand is Gorilla Tape but duct tape from any of the major manufacturers are fine.
Tarp
A waterproof tarp can be used for shelter or for patching a leaky roof or for collecting rainwater. Like duct tape, it also has a myriad of use cases. I like tarps with grommets or eyelets which allow the tarp to be held in place.
Multi-Tool
A high-quality multi-tool can serve many purposes, from repairing gear to preparing food. Look for one that includes a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, and a can opener.
Batteries
When stored properly, batteries should last 10+ years. Keep a variety on hand, and more in sizes for your flashlights.
An extra measure would be to have a number of rechargeable batteries (with charger) handy.
Trash Can
Using an aluminum or steel trash can is the simplest way to make a good-sized Faraday Cage to protect your electronic devices from EMPs. Also you can throw garbage in it.
Portable Solar Charger and Battery
Aside from a larger solar generator that can power essential devices in your home, having a portable solar charger and battery for phones and laptops can be indispensable.
For extra redundancy, keep a set in your trash can Faraday Cage.
Paper Maps
When your phone is not working, you’ll have to resort to good old maps v1.0. Keep a few maps of the surrounding areas, plus for any areas you would consider moving to. Stash them in a waterproof bag together with a compass.
If your phone has power, but no internet, offline maps can be a more vital compliment for survival as you won’t be fumbling around with mounds of folded paper. You can download detailed maps of your home areas and any other target areas for use ahead of time.
Silver and Gold Coins
Unlike fiat currency, silver and gold have intrinsic value. I keep 1964 and earlier quarters (90% silver), silver half-dollars and dollars, and 1/10 and 1/4 ounce Krugerrands on hand. I prefer Krugerrands over Maples and American Eagles because they are 22 carat gold, or 91.67% gold. The remaining 8.33% is copper. As a result, they are more durable than pure 24 carat gold coins which are more malleable and dent easily.
Small denominations are more easily traded.
Fishing Gear
Who wouldn’t want to supplement their diet with fresh fish.
You should adjust your fishing gear according to your location, whether you’re likely to be fishing on the coast, in rivers and streams, or in lakes.
Mylar Blankets
These lightweight, compact blankets reflect up to 90% of body heat and can be life-saving in cold weather. They’re also useful for creating a makeshift shelter or signaling for help due to their reflective properties. They’re also very cheap so there is no excuse to not have them.
Playing Cards and Board Games
We’re so used to lots of electronic stimulation, which we might not have in a calamity. Boredom can set in very easily in this situation. It’s important to have something fun and interesting to pass time with.
Playing cards can be used for poker, crazy eights, rummy, hearts, or if you’re Ricky Jay, as weapons.
Building Lego is another way to have fun without a screen. It’s stimulating, gets the creative juices going and can be a social activity.
Cordage
550 paracord is an essential piece of equipment. 550 refers to the weight in lbs the cord can hold. I’m sure you weigh less than 550lbs, but do not use it for climbing! That load number is based on static, vertical force. Dynamic loads can be many multiples higher. There is a reason that climbing rope is 10x the strength of 550 paracord.
Use paracord to string things together, hold your tarp down, and other non-human-weight-bearing activities.
Learn how to tie the most useful knots, like the Bowline. It only takes a few minutes.
Knots also significantly reduce the strength of paracord, at least by 20% and some even more. Who knew? Ramblin’ Jim has a great post about everything you ever wanted to know about paracord.
