As a busy mom navigating the beautiful chaos of toddlers, teenagers, and even young marrieds, I’ve come to appreciate the value of being prepared for anything life throws our way. And let’s be honest, it feels like “anything” is happening more and more often these days. From personal experience to headlines, the world around us highlights the increasing importance of self-reliance. Did you know that the frequency and cost of billion-dollar disasters in the U.S. have increased dramatically, with the average number of such events growing from about three annually in the 1980s to 19 events annually during the last 10 years (2015-2024)? In fact, 2023 and 2024 shattered previous records with 28 and 27 billion-dollar disasters, respectively. (Source: Climate Central, “U.S. Billion-Dollar Disasters: 1980-2024,” last updated January 2025). It’s a sobering thought, but one that nudges us to consider what we would do if the unexpected knocked on our door.

My faith tradition, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, places a strong emphasis on self-reliance and preparing for the future, not out of fear, but out of a desire to be able to care for our families and help our neighbors. It’s a principle echoed throughout scripture, like the ancient advice to “lay up in store as God hath blessed thee” (1 Corinthians 16:2). More recently, our church leaders have often reminded us of this important principle. President Russell M. Nelson, our prophet, has taught that “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30). This isn’t just about having a pantry full of food, though that’s certainly a part of it! It’s also about developing skills, strengthening our family relationships, and cultivating a peaceful spirit that can face challenges with courage. While this blog post focuses on the practical, tangible items that can make a difference in an emergency, remember that true preparedness encompasses so much more than just a well-stocked backpack.

Real Prepper Gear: 60+ Survival Items Trusted by Experienced Preppers (2025 List)

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty: the actual gear that experienced preppers swear by, the best survival gear for the family. This isn’t just a random list; these are the items that consistently prove their worth when situations get tough. Whether you’re just starting your preparedness journey or looking to refine your existing supplies, this 2025 list of 60+ survival essentials will give you a solid foundation.

1. Life Straws or Sawyer Filter: When clean tap water isn’t available, these personal filters are lifesavers, allowing you to safely drink from natural sources and avoid nasty waterborne illnesses. They’re compact and incredibly effective for ensuring vital hydration.
2. Headlamp: Being hands-free is crucial in an emergency, especially when navigating in the dark or working on tasks. A headlamp provides essential illumination while keeping both your hands free.
3. Full Tang Knife or Leatherman: A sturdy knife or multi-tool is invaluable for countless tasks, from opening packages to cutting cordage, preparing food, or even light shelter building. It’s a true do-it-all essential.
4. Lighters: Fire is critical for warmth, cooking, purifying water, and signaling. Having multiple reliable lighters ensures you can easily start a fire when needed.
5. First Aid Kit: Accidents and injuries don’t stop in an emergency. A comprehensive first aid kit allows you to treat wounds, manage pain, and address basic medical needs for your family.
6. Butane Stove with 6 Cans of Fuel: A portable stove is essential for cooking food and boiling water when your regular utilities are down. Six cans of fuel provide a good reserve for extended use.
7. Buddy Heater with 4 Tanks of Propane: Staying warm is vital in cold climates or during power outages. A portable propane heater can keep a small space livable and protect your family from dangerous cold.
8. Solar Battery Charger: Keeping communication devices, flashlights, and other small electronics charged is crucial. A solar charger provides a sustainable way to power these items when electricity is unavailable.
9. Sub Zero Sleeping Bags: Good quality sleeping bags are non-negotiable for warmth and comfort, especially if you lose heat in your home or need to shelter elsewhere. They’re designed to keep you safe in very cold conditions.
10. Solar Lights: These are fantastic for providing ongoing, gentle illumination around your home without relying on batteries or fuel. They’re perfect for lighting pathways or rooms during extended outages.
11. Mountain House Meals (or similar freeze-dried food): Lightweight, easy to prepare, and with a long shelf life, these meals provide essential nutrition and caloric intake when cooking options are limited. They’re specifically designed for emergency situations.
12. Radio (Battery-powered or Hand-crank): Staying informed is vital during an emergency. A radio allows you to receive crucial weather alerts and emergency broadcasts when other communication methods fail.
13. Candles: While not as bright as electric lights, candles provide a warm, comforting glow and can conserve other power sources. Just be mindful of fire safety!
14. Ammo (if applicable/desired): For families who choose to have firearms for self-defense, a sufficient supply of ammunition is an important part of their security plan.
15. Water Bob for the Bathtub: This clever device allows you to store up to 100 gallons of potable water in your bathtub when an emergency is imminent. It’s an excellent way to quickly increase your water reserves.
16. Paper Soap and Shampoo: Maintaining personal hygiene is important for morale and preventing illness in a prolonged emergency. These compact options conserve water and are easy to store.
17. Medicine Kit (Prescription & OTC): Beyond a basic first aid kit, having extra supplies of all necessary prescription medications and common over-the-counter remedies is absolutely critical. Always check expiration dates and rotate your stock.
18. Emergency Prep Book/Manual: Knowledge is power! A physical guide on first aid, survival skills, and emergency procedures can be invaluable when you can’t access the internet.
19. Backpack (for each family member): A sturdy backpack serves as a “go-bag” or “bug-out bag” for each person, allowing them to quickly grab their essential personal items if evacuation becomes necessary.
20. Cash (Small Bills): In a disaster, electronic payment systems might be down. Having a stash of small bills can be crucial for purchasing necessities if stores are open but only accepting cash.
21. Wool Socks: Keeping your feet dry and warm is critical for comfort and preventing frostbite or trench foot. Wool socks provide excellent insulation even when wet.
22. Toilet Bags (with solidifier): When plumbing isn’t working, these bags provide a sanitary way to manage human waste, which is essential for hygiene and preventing the spread of disease.
23. Sewer Plugs: These can be important for preventing backflow or odors from compromised sewer lines into your home during a severe plumbing issue.
24. Hydrated Lime for Sewer Smell: If you’re using alternative waste disposal methods, hydrated lime can help neutralize odors and aid in sanitation, making a difficult situation more bearable.
25. Fire Blankets: These are a quick and effective way to smother small fires, providing a vital first line of defense against a dangerous blaze.
26. Wheat Grinder (manual): For long-term food storage, whole grains are excellent. A manual grinder allows you to turn wheat into flour for baking, providing fresh food even without electricity.
27. Carbon Monoxide Detector (battery-powered): If you’re using alternative heating or cooking methods indoors, a CO detector is absolutely critical to protect against this invisible, odorless, and deadly gas.
28. LifeVac for Choking: This anti-choking device can be a literal lifesaver, providing an extra tool beyond traditional first aid for clearing an airway obstruction, especially valuable with young children.
29. Feminine Products: Often overlooked but incredibly important for comfort and hygiene, ensure you have a good supply of feminine hygiene products.
30. Tent (four-season if possible): Even if you plan to shelter in place, a tent can provide an extra layer of insulation inside your home or serve as emergency outdoor shelter.
31. Walkie Talkies (FRS/GMRS): For short-range communication with family members when cell service is down, walkie-talkies are invaluable for coordination and safety.
32. Rope (Paracord): Extremely versatile for shelter building, tying things down, making snares, or even as a clothesline. Paracord is strong and has many internal strands for various uses.
33. Dutch Oven (cast iron): A heavy-duty cast iron Dutch oven can be used for cooking over an open fire, a rocket stove, or a propane burner, offering versatility for meal preparation.
34. Toilet Paper: While not a “survival” item in the strictest sense, a comfortable supply of toilet paper is a huge morale booster and essential for basic sanitation.
35. Generator (with fuel stabilizer): For power outages, a generator can keep essential appliances running, but remember to store fuel safely and use fuel stabilizer for long-term storage.
36. Life Jackets: If you live near water or in an area prone to flooding, life jackets are crucial safety gear, especially for children and non-swimmers.
37. Hard Candy/Lollipops: These are wonderful for a quick energy boost, a morale lift, or to keep children occupied and calm during stressful situations.
38. Fire Extinguisher (ABC rated): Essential for putting out various types of fires quickly and safely, protecting your family and your property.
39. Survival Blanket (Mylar): Lightweight and compact, these blankets reflect body heat, providing crucial warmth in cold conditions or shock situations.
40. Ax (or Hatchet): Useful for processing firewood, clearing debris, or other tasks requiring heavy-duty cutting.
41. Water Purification Tablets/Bleach: These offer a secondary, chemical method of purifying water, ideal as a backup to filters or for larger quantities of water.
42. Manual Can Opener: If your food storage includes canned goods, a reliable manual can opener is absolutely non-negotiable when electricity is out.
43. Duct Tape: The ultimate fix-all! Duct tape can patch, seal, bind, and repair countless items, making it incredibly versatile for emergency situations.
44. Work Gloves: Protecting your hands from cuts, scrapes, and blisters is essential when performing manual labor or clearing debris.
45. Map of Your Area (physical): With GPS potentially unreliable, a physical map of your local area and surrounding regions is vital for navigation and understanding your environment.
46. Whistle: A simple yet effective tool for signaling for help, attracting attention, or communicating over distances when voice isn’t enough.
47. Emergency Whistle/Signal Mirror: These can be used to signal for help over long distances, making you visible or audible to rescuers.
48. Battery Bank/Power Bank: Pre-charged power banks are fantastic for quickly recharging phones and small devices multiple times before needing to be recharged themselves.
49. Glow Sticks: A safe, light-emitting alternative to candles, perfect for children or in situations where an open flame isn’t advisable.
50. Hand Sanitizer/Disinfectant Wipes: When water is scarce, these are crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of germs.
51. Gardening Tools (hand trowel, seeds): For long-term self-sufficiency, having basic gardening tools and a supply of heirloom seeds allows you to start growing your own food.
52. Books (non-electric entertainment): During extended outages, books, playing cards, or board games can provide much-needed comfort, distraction, and family bonding.
53. Spare Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses: If you rely on vision correction, having a spare pair is critical, as a broken pair could severely hinder your ability to function.
54. Portable Hand Tools (wrench, pliers, screwdriver set): Basic tools are essential for minor repairs, turning off utilities, or other household maintenance tasks.
55. Important Documents (copies in waterproof bag): Keep copies of birth certificates, IDs, insurance policies, and critical contact numbers in a waterproof bag for quick access if you need to evacuate.
56. Bleach (unscented, regular strength): Beyond water purification, bleach is a powerful disinfectant for sanitizing surfaces and preventing the spread of disease when regular cleaning supplies are unavailable.
57. Plastic Sheeting & Duct Tape: These two together create instant shelter, window covers, or even barriers against contaminated areas, offering incredibly versatile protection.
58. Manual Tools (e.g., hand saw, shovel): When power tools are useless, basic hand tools like a saw or shovel become indispensable for clearing debris, digging, or managing your property.
59. Firewood (if you have a fireplace/wood stove): If you have a wood-burning option, a good, dry supply of firewood is your primary source of heat for cooking and staying warm.
60. Pet Supplies (food, water, medicine, carrier): Don’t forget your furry family members! Ensure you have a dedicated supply of their food, water, and any necessary medications, plus a carrier for evacuation.
61. Sleeping Pads: These provide crucial insulation from the cold ground and add a layer of comfort when sleeping on floors or in a tent, greatly improving rest and warmth.
62. Salt: More than just a seasoning, salt is vital for food preservation (curing meats), essential for hydration, and has various other uses in a survival situation.
63. Sewing Kit/Repair Kit: Simple repairs can extend the life of clothing, tents, and other gear. A small kit with needles, thread, and patches is very handy.
64. Sunscreen & Insect Repellent: Protecting your skin from sun exposure and warding off disease-carrying insects are crucial for long-term health and comfort, especially if spending time outdoors.
65. Emergency Contacts List (laminated/waterproof): In a non-digital format, a list of critical family, friend, and emergency service phone numbers is essential if your phone dies or networks are down.

No matter where you are on your preparedness journey, taking small, consistent steps can make a monumental difference. It’s not about stockpiling enough to survive the apocalypse tomorrow, but about building a little bit each week, each month, as you’re able. Think of it as an ongoing project, something you can chip away at as a family, teaching valuable lessons along the way. My hope is that this list provides you with a practical starting point, giving you confidence and peace of mind knowing you’re better equipped to handle whatever comes your way. Because in a world that often feels unpredictable, there’s immense comfort in knowing you’ve done your best to prepare, not just for yourself, but for those you love most.

If you like this list of survival items for natural disasters, check out:

• DIY Alcohol Stove for Bug Out Bag
• Foods You Can Freeze Dry for Your Home Emergency Kit
• 26 Cheap Camping Tips and Tricks

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