25 Prepping Supplies You Forgot to Stock

You’re loaded to the gills with batteries, Band-Aids, and buckets of freeze-dried food. Your shelves of prepping supplies are a testament to your dedication to emergency preparedness, and you're ready to tackle any situation that comes your way.

Or are you…?

Before you dust off your hands and declare victory, pause for a moment. Fact is, there's a subset of critical prepping supplies that often slips under the radar, overlooked amidst the frenzy of stocking up on everyday essentials. These commonly forgotten items hold the power to boost your survival odds and move the needle in your favor in a tough situation. So, check these 25 prepping supplies you might have forgotten to stock off your list and take your readiness to the next level.

1. Pet Supplies – You have all the rice, beans, and canned meat a prepper could ask for – but do you have extra kibble or cat food for your furry friend? Many of us forget to prep for our pets. During an emergency, they’re going to need food and water too.
2. Combs – Personal hygiene often takes a backseat during emergencies, but proper grooming not only helps keep you healthy, keeping up appearances has a psychological component too and it provides a sense of normalcy and routine. A comb's teeth tend to break over time, so store extras before you find yourself in a situation where you're detangling your hair with the tines of a fork.
3. Contraceptives – Not to get too personal, but uh, if you’re hunkering down with a partner, don't forget to stock up on birth control methods. An unexpected pregnancy would be extra challenging during a crisis.
4. Electrolyte Drinks – Your body will be working overtime during an emergency (stress makes you sweat!), and hydration is critical. Premade electrolyte drinks like Gatorade or Pedialyte, or powder mixes like DripDrop, Liquid IV, and Nutrient Survival can help replenish lost electrolytes and keep you going. And in case of any illnesses with fluid loss symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, you're going to want something more than water on hand to help you bounce back.
5. Vitamins and Supplements – Just say no to scurvy. Remember, your regular diet might not be available during an emergency – especially fresh foods that provide a dose of vitamin C. Stock up on essential vitamins and supplements to help maintain your health and give your immune system a boost. Most preppers are well stocked with first aid kits and prescription meds but lacking in the vitamins and supplements department.
6. Sunscreen – Whether you're bugging out and on the move, or hard at work in your home garden, you’re going to want some SPF action if you're in the sun for any extended period of time.
7. Feminine Hygiene Products – Another somewhat taboo prepping topic, but for half the population, menstruation is a fact of life – and it doesn't stop during an emergency. If there are any ladies in the house, be sure to stock up on extra pads, tampons, menstrual cups or reusable cloth pads to stay comfortable and clean that time of the month.
8. Wound Wash – Bandages galore won't do you much good to prevent infection if you have a dirty wound. Sterile saline wound wash can clean your wound without the need for running water, and since the contents are under pressure, it also flushes out any dirt or debris that might be hiding.
9. Boredom Busters – Just because you're in survival mode doesn't mean you can’t have a little fun or distraction. Stock up on card games, board games, books, and other forms of entertainment to keep your mind occupied and lift your family's spirits during downtime.
10. Long Neck Utility Lighter – To boldly go where no lighter has gone before! Matches, lighters, and other fire-starting tools are standard prepping supplies. But a long-neck utility lighter can come in handy for lighting hard-to-reach places where standard sized lighters simply don't cut it – like half-spent candles, charcoal grills, or stoves during power outages – all while keeping your fingers further from the flame.
11. Nail Clippers – Consider this the sister item to combs, and a hygiene item that often gets forgotten. Long nails are more prone to breaking, and trimmed nails harbor less dirt and bacteria (but biting them is a bad idea). Keep your nail game on point with a pair of clippers in your prepping supplies. Plus, in a pinch you can use them to remove nails from the wall and even snip fishing line.
12. Sewing Kit – Ripped clothes don't fix themselves, and a trip to the mall is likely out of the question in a crisis. A sewing kit with a variety of threads, needles, buttons, and scissors can help you make necessary repairs to your clothing and gear during an emergency.
13. Iron-On Fabric Patches – Instead of always relying on your trusty sewing kit, you can also patch holes in clothes with iron-on fabric patches. These are also handy as a quick fix for repairing torn tents and backpacks.
14. Insect Repellent – Keep pesky insects at bay with bug spray to prevent itchy, uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous bites. Any protection is better than none, and some preppers opt for natural repellents like those made from essential oils. Others reach for longer-lasting, harder-hitting defense options like DEET, picaridin, or permethrin.
15. Mouse Traps – Keep mice away from your preps! Even if you don't have an infestation now, it's important to be prepared for a potential rodent problem that could contaminate your hard-earned survival food stash or even spread disease. Stock up on mouse traps and bait staples like peanut butter to keep any unwanted critters in check.
16. Lice Shampoo – One of the more unpleasant overlooked preps but it can be a real lifesaver if and when you need it. Lice are highly contagious and can spread quickly through close quarters, so it's essential to have a lice shampoo on hand just in case. And some very fine-toothed combs in your collection.
17. Nails & Screws – You never know what you might need to repair, secure, or mend. Not only could nails and screws be used to board up windows in the immediate aftermath of a crisis, but they're vital for building new projects and structures.
18. Bags, Bags, Bags – Beyond your bug out bag or camping pack there are plastic bags, garbage bags, Ziplock bags, mylar bags, canvas tote bags – they all have their various uses in an emergency situation. Keep your supplies organized and protected from water or other potential contaminations with a variety of bag options. Plus, you can repurpose the bags for hygiene purposes or even make a makeshift poncho or tarp if needed.
19. Sillcock Key – This unassuming little tool could be a lifesaver in an emergency. Also known as a water key, it can open outdoor spigots or fire hydrants in case you need to access water during a crisis. It's important to familiarize yourself with the location and use of these keys in your area before an emergency strikes. They can be especially important for city dwellers and bug out bags.
20. Safety Glasses – Protect your peepers! You only get one set. Safety glasses can protect your eyes from debris, projectiles, or other hazards that may occur during a crisis. They're also useful for outdoor activities like chopping wood or using power tools. It's useful to have spares in case one pair breaks.
21. Wood – We're not talking firewood, which you've probably thought of and have, but raw building materials like boards and 2x4's. Similar to nails and screws above, you never know what you may need to patch, board up, or build.
22. Grid Down Communication Method – This often gets overlooked or avoided because it takes a little more know-how and money, but being able to communicate with loved ones and get updates during a crisis is crucial. What if the power is out and cell towers are down? Consider investing in a grid-down communication method like ham radios, a satellite phone, or even CB radios to stay connected when all else fails.
23. Physical Maps – Don't rely solely on technology when navigating during a crisis. Have physical maps of your area and surrounding areas in case you lose access to GPS or are unable to charge electronic devices. It's important to familiarize yourself with the layout and topography of your region before an emergency strikes, and having these maps can be crucial for finding alternate routes or landmarks.
24. Fuel Siphon – Don't let your vehicles or generators run dry during an emergency. If you need to transfer fuel from one vehicle (say, from an abandoned vehicle to your ride on the way to your bug out location) or from one container to another, a siphon can make the process much easier and less messy. It's also useful for draining water out of flooded areas or removing excess water from a bathtub for drinking purposes.
25. Glasses & Eyeglass Repair Kits – imagine a stressful survival situation...now imagine facing the same situation after hearing your glasses break and fumbling around while not being able to see. If you wear glasses or contacts, stock extra with your preps. In emergency situations, a broken or misplaced pair of glasses can severely impact your ability to navigate and perform essential tasks. Plus, even if you don’t need them right now, you may in the future when they’re less easy to access – and everyday essentials make great bartering items.