This page brings together my core preparedness recommendations in one place. Everything listed here is gear and resources I personally use, trust, and would confidently recommend to family.
Whether you’re just getting started or refining a more complete setup, the goal is to help you find reliable, proven options without wasting time or money on unnecessary gear.
If it’s listed here, it’s something I stand behind. I update this page regularly as I come across gear and resources that meet that standard.
Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the site and allows me to continue producing practical, real-world preparedness content. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Food/Water
waterBOB Bathtub Emergency Water Storage Bladder
Up To 100 Gallon Capacity – Food Grade Liner with Hand Pump for Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness – BPA Free Drinking Water Container. A simple and highly effective way to secure a large supply of clean water in an emergency. When a storm or disaster is approaching, you place it in your tub, fill it from the faucet, and seal it off—protecting the water from contaminants that would normally make bathtub water unsafe to drink. It comes with a siphon pump for easy dispensing and is especially useful for short-term “bugging in” situations where you need a reliable water source without permanent storage. It’s a low-cost, high-impact item that’s hard to beat for emergency preparedness.
Sawyer Mini Water Filter
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System The Sawyer Mini Water Filter is one of the most reliable and compact water filtration options you can carry. It removes bacteria and protozoa from contaminated water, making it safe to drink from streams, lakes, or other questionable sources. Small enough to fit in a pocket, it can be used with the included squeeze pouch, attached to a standard water bottle, or integrated into a hydration pack. With a long lifespan and no need for batteries or chemicals, it’s an easy, low-cost addition to any bug out bag or emergency kit.
LifeStraw Go Series – BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle
The LifeStraw Go Series – BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle is a simple, all-in-one solution for safe drinking water when you’re on the move or dealing with uncertain water sources. It combines a durable, BPA-free bottle with a built-in filtration system that removes bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and even improves taste by reducing chlorine and odors. Unlike bulky purification setups, it’s lightweight and ready to use—just fill from a questionable source and drink through the filter. For beginners building a preparedness kit, it’s a practical backup to stored water and a reliable option for travel, hiking, or short-term emergencies where clean water isn’t guaranteed.
Valley Food Storage
The Valley Food Storage offers long-term emergency food designed to be simple, reliable, and easy to store. Their meals are freeze-dried and packaged for extended shelf life—often up to 25 years—making them a solid option for building a food reserve without worrying about frequent rotation. Preparation is straightforward, typically just requiring hot water, which makes them practical during power outages or off-grid situations. With a focus on clean ingredients and decent taste compared to many emergency food options, they’re a convenient way to add depth to your preparedness plan, whether you’re just getting started or expanding an existing setup. Be sure to check out my review of their food by clicking the link here.
Communications
Garmin inReach Mini 2
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a compact satellite communicator that gives you a reliable way to stay connected when you’re completely off the grid. Unlike a phone, it works anywhere with a clear view of the sky, allowing you to send and receive text messages, share your location, and trigger an SOS to emergency services if needed. It’s especially valuable for remote travel, hiking, or any situation where cell service isn’t guaranteed. Lightweight and easy to carry, it adds a serious layer of safety and communication to your gear without taking up much space. (Active satellite subscription required.)
Emergency Hand Crank Radio With LED Flashlight For Emergency
An emergency hand crank radio is one of those items you don’t think about until you really need it. It gives you access to critical information during power outages or disasters, especially NOAA weather alerts, while also doubling as a flashlight and backup power source. With multiple charging options—hand crank, solar panel, and often USB—it keeps working even when the grid is down. It’s a reliable addition to any emergency kit or bug out bag, giving you light, communication, and limited device charging all in one compact tool.
The Retevis Ailunce HA2 Ham Radio with Bluetooth
The Retevis Ailunce HA2 Ham Radio with Bluetooth is a rugged, handheld communication tool designed for reliable use when traditional networks go down. Built with durability in mind, it offers long-range communication capabilities typical of ham radios, along with modern features like Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free use with compatible headsets. It’s well-suited for preparedness setups where staying in contact is critical—whether coordinating with family, monitoring local traffic, or receiving updates during an emergency. For those willing to get licensed and learn the basics of radio operation, it’s a solid addition to a communications plan that doesn’t rely on cell service or internet access.
Equipment
LcFun Electric Lighter Windproof Dual Arc USB Rechargeable Flameless Plasma Lighters
The LcFun Electric Lighter Windproof Dual Arc USB Rechargeable Flameless Plasma Lighter is a compact, modern fire-starting tool designed to work when traditional lighters struggle. Instead of a flame, it uses a dual electric arc, making it highly windproof and effective in tough outdoor conditions. It’s rechargeable via USB, which pairs well with power banks or solar setups in a preparedness kit, eliminating the need for disposable fuel. While it shouldn’t replace primary fire-starting methods, it’s a reliable backup for lighting stoves, candles, or tinder—especially in situations where wind or moisture would make a standard lighter frustrating to use.
SOG Fixed Blade Knive with Sheath
The SOG SEAL Pup Elite Survival Knife is a compact, fixed-blade knife built for durability and real-world use in tough conditions. Featuring a 4.85-inch AUS-8 stainless steel blade in a versatile bowie-style profile, it’s designed to handle a wide range of tasks—from cutting cordage and preparing food to light field work and general camp use. The textured handle provides a secure grip even in wet conditions, and the included sheath makes it easy to carry as part of a bug-out bag or everyday gear setup. For preparedness, it’s a reliable, no-nonsense tool that balances size, strength, and versatility without being overly bulky.
Kershaw Blur Tanto Black Pocketknife
The Kershaw Blur Tanto Black Pocketknife is a fast-deploying, everyday carry option built for reliability and control. It features a 3.4-inch Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade with a tanto-style tip and slight recurve, giving it strong piercing capability while still handling slicing tasks well. The assisted thumb-stud opening makes one-handed use quick and smooth, and the anodized aluminum handle with textured inserts provides a secure grip in various conditions. Compact enough for daily carry but tough enough for real-world use, it’s a solid addition to a preparedness setup where a dependable, easy-to-access cutting tool matters. This is my EDC knife.
Teton Celsius 0 F Degree Sleeping Bag
The Teton Celsius 0°F Sleeping Bag is a heavy-duty, all-weather sleeping bag designed to keep you warm in cold conditions without overcomplicating things. Rated down to 0°F, it uses a double-layer construction and draft tubes to help retain body heat, making it well-suited for winter camping or emergency preparedness situations. The roomy design adds comfort—especially for side sleepers—and the durable outer shell holds up well in rugged environments. While it’s bulkier than ultralight options, that trade-off gives you reliable warmth and comfort, making it a solid choice for vehicle kits, bug-out setups, or cold-weather overnights.
OLIGHT Baton4 Rechargeable EDC Flashlight
The OLIGHT Baton 4 Rechargeable EDC Flashlight is a compact yet powerful everyday carry light designed for reliability in a small package. Despite its size, it delivers impressive brightness with multiple output modes, making it useful for everything from quick tasks around the house to navigating in low-light or emergency situations. Its rechargeable design eliminates the need for disposable batteries, and the durable, water-resistant construction holds up well in real-world use. Easy to carry in a pocket or bag, it’s a dependable lighting option that fits naturally into an everyday carry setup or emergency kit without adding bulk.
Leatherman Wingman Multi-Tool
The Leatherman Wingman Multi-Tool is a versatile, all-in-one tool designed for everyday carry and general utility. It combines 14 essential tools—including pliers, wire cutters, a knife, screwdrivers, scissors, and a package opener—into a compact, easy-to-carry design. Built with durability in mind, it’s well-suited for quick repairs, small projects, and unexpected situations where having multiple tools on hand makes a difference. The one-handed opening features and pocket clip add convenience, making it a practical addition to an EDC setup, vehicle kit, or emergency bag where reliability and versatility matter.
Metal Ammo Can
The HARDROCK Metal Ammo Can is a durable, no-nonsense storage solution designed to keep your gear protected from moisture, dust, and rough handling. Built from solid steel with a tight-sealing lid and rubber gasket, it provides a reliable way to store ammunition, important documents, or small emergency supplies. Its stackable design and carry handle make it easy to organize and transport, whether you’re setting up long-term storage or building out a grab-and-go kit. For preparedness, it’s a simple but effective way to keep critical items protected and ready when you need them.
Silica Gel Desiccants 1-1/16 x 2-1/16 Inches – 20 Packets
Silica gel desiccant packets are a simple but highly effective way to protect gear from moisture damage, especially in sealed storage like ammo cans or emergency kits. These small 3-gram packets absorb humidity from the air, helping prevent rust, corrosion, mold, and degradation of sensitive items like ammunition, electronics, documents, or medical supplies. The compact size (1-1/16 x 2-1/16 inches) makes them easy to toss into containers without taking up space, and having a 20-pack ensures you can spread them across multiple storage setups. For long-term preparedness, they’re an inexpensive upgrade that adds a layer of protection most people overlook.
98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping your Ass Alive
The 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive is a no-nonsense survival guide (by Cody Lungin formerly of Dual Survivor) that focuses on one critical priority: maintaining your core body temperature in any environment. Written in a straightforward, often humorous style, it breaks down essential survival concepts like shelter, hydration, and heat management in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. Instead of overwhelming you with complex tactics, it emphasizes practical, real-world decision-making—what actually keeps you alive when things go wrong. For beginners, it’s a great foundational read that builds the right mindset and helps you prioritize what truly matters in a survival situation.
When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need To Survive When Disaster Strikes
Cody Lundin’s follow up guide is a practical, no-nonsense guide to preparing for real-world emergencies without going overboard. It focuses on everyday readiness—covering essentials like water, food, sanitation, and home preparedness—while keeping the approach realistic and accessible for beginners. Written in an engaging, straightforward style, it emphasizes self-reliance and common-sense planning rather than fear-based scenarios. For anyone just getting started with preparedness, it’s a solid resource that helps you build a well-rounded foundation and think through what you’d actually need when normal life gets disrupted.
Disaster Preparedness for EMP Attacks and Solar Storms
The Disaster Preparedness for EMP Attacks and Solar Storms is a focused guide on preparing for high-impact, low-frequency events that could disrupt modern infrastructure on a large scale. Written by an engineer, it takes a practical, systems-based approach to protecting electronics, maintaining power, and planning for long-term disruptions caused by electromagnetic pulses (EMP) or solar storms. Rather than being alarmist, it breaks down complex topics into actionable steps, helping you understand what’s actually at risk and how to prepare realistically.
For those looking to go beyond basic preparedness and build resilience against grid-down scenarios, it’s a valuable and informative resource.
The Disaster Preparedness Handbook: A Guide for Families
The The Disaster Preparedness Handbook: A Guide for Families is a practical, family-focused guide that walks you through building a solid emergency plan without overcomplicating the process. It covers core areas like water, food, medical supplies, communication, and home readiness, all with an emphasis on real-world scenarios that families are most likely to face. Written in a clear, straightforward style, it breaks preparedness down into manageable steps, making it especially useful for beginners or those looking to organize their approach. For anyone wanting a structured, common-sense plan to keep their household ready, it’s a reliable and easy-to-follow resource.
A Navy SEAL’s Bug-In Guide
The A Navy SEAL’s Bug-In Guide: How to Turn Your House into the Safest Place on Earth is a practical guide focused on strengthening your home as your primary line of defense during a crisis. Drawing on real-world experience, it covers areas like home security, situational awareness, and preparing your living space to function during extended disruptions. The approach is grounded and realistic—emphasizing staying put (“bugging in”) as the safest option in most situations rather than immediately leaving. For those looking to improve home readiness and build a more secure, self-reliant setup, it offers actionable insights without getting overly complicated.
The Survival Medicine Handbook
The The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide for When Help Is NOT on the Way is a comprehensive guide to handling medical emergencies when professional care isn’t immediately available. Written by a Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy (both active preppers), it focuses on practical, real-world scenarios—covering everything from wound care and infections to long-term health concerns in off-grid or disaster situations. The book breaks down complex medical topics into understandable, actionable steps, making it accessible even for those without a medical background. For preparedness, it’s an invaluable resource that helps you build the knowledge and confidence to care for yourself and others when traditional medical support may be delayed or unavailable.
The Backyard Homestead:
Want to keep honey bees? This book shows you how. (How can last indefinitely if stored correctly.) It has has easy-to-follow instructions for preserving food as well. Instructions on canning, drying, and pickling are listed here too.
This is a great book for beginning homesteaders. A “Homesteaders for Dummies” if you will. I highly recommend this book for those of you who want to homestead and/or become more self sufficient. There are other books in this series if you are interested.
Active Response Training – Good source of material on self defense
Reality Survival – site run by a former Air Force SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) Instructor
Apartment Prepper – great tips for urban preppers
Preppers Survive – Lots of great articles and DIY stuff
Offgridsurvival– Great source of news and information on preparedness and living off grid
Truthsurvival – A great resource for beginner preppers
SurvivalPunk – Lots of great DIY and off-grid articles
Surviving Prepper – Plenty of great articles
Doom and Bloom – Site of Joe Alton, M.D., (retired, actively licensed M.D. and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American College of OB/GYN) and Amy Alton, (A.R.N.P. Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife). This site is a WONDERFUL source of information and material that can help you be medically prepared for disasters big and small.
Bunkerbasics – Great site on self-reliance, prepping, and of course, bunkers!
Preparedbee – Great little website with lots of content
Ham Radio Prepper – Great resource for emergency communications
Cast and Spear – Great resource for fishing related material. Could be useful in SHTF events
Ammo.com/Preparedness – Great site for 2nd amendment related articles. Also has a lot of good intel on preparedness
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