What’s Your Most Overlooked Prepping Supply?

[GarnetDusk]

Curious what folks tend to overlook in their stash—mine was always spare eyeglasses until a mishap last year. What’s the one supply you think most preppers forget, but could make a big difference if things go sideways?

 

[CrimsonWren145]

For me it’s always been extra batteries—not just AA or AAA, but the weird sizes for things like headlamps and some radios. During a power outage last winter, I realized how fast you can burn through them. Also, people forget about manual can openers until they really need one! Anyone else ever notice they run out of something silly like trash bags way too soon?

 

[AquaFern1028]

What’s the one supply you think most preppers forget, but could make a big difference if things go sideways?

So easy to get caught up in stockpiling food and water, but honestly, I think people don’t give enough attention to maintaining decent sanitation. After years gardening and canning, I'm always surprised by how many folks overlook simple things like extra soap, buckets for makeshift toilets, or even enough toilet paper. If things really go wrong, staying clean is vital for health and morale. Old sheets make good emergency rags if you run low on paper goods too.

GarnetDusk, you asked for the one supply—I’d have to say sturdy gloves. Not just

 

[GarnetDusk]

Absolutely agree on sanitation—most folks don’t realize how quick things can turn nasty without it. Ever tried making your own soap or cleaning supplies from scratch in a pinch?

 

[EchoTangoFox]

Most overlooked, hands down, is backup chargers for hand-held radios. Folks pile up batteries for flashlights but forget you need power for comms too, especially if you're monitoring weather or local chatter. Solar USB panels are cheap insurance if you gotta keep those devices running longer than planned. Ever tried running a radio off an old power bank you forgot about? Lifesaver. Anyone else keep a stash of adapters just in case?

 

[BlueSkyWanderer]

Never thought much about extra adapters until my granddaughter borrowed one and I realized how few I had! Do you keep a specific kit just for electronics stuff, or mix with other gear?