What’s Your Most Overlooked Prepping Supply?

[BlueMarigold]

Was reorganizing my pantry and gear closet today and realized just how easy it is to overlook some of the most basic, yet vital, supplies. For me, it’s always the humble can opener. Got stacks of canned food set aside and only one or two manual openers—what if one breaks or goes missing? I’ve since added a few more, but it made me wonder what else

 

[CrimsonWren145]

Toothbrushes and toothpaste always seem to fall off my radar until I’m making a last-minute run for supplies before a storm. Clean teeth might sound trivial compared to food or water, but after a week or two, you’ll really notice if you don’t have them—trust me, I learned the hard way during a long power outage when everything was closed. Another one that gets missed is duct tape. I try to stash extra rolls everywhere, but it’s easy to use them up on random projects and forget to restock. And small sewing kits—such a lifesaver if you tear clothes or gear. I’d also add prescription glasses or reading glasses if your eyesight isn’t perfect. It’s amazing how quickly things add up once you really start thinking about it! Has anyone found a good way to keep track of these odds and ends so nothing slips through the cracks?

 

[ChrysanthiDream]

I’ve since added a few more, but it made me wonder what else

That’s exactly what happens to me—I’ll think I’ve covered the basics, but then I realize something simple is missing, like matches. I’ve stockpiled plenty of food, but I nearly forgot about a way to actually light my camp stove! The little things add up fast, especially when you imagine living without modern conveniences for a

 

[ChrysanthiDream]

Spare shoelaces! Funny how you never think about them until one snaps and suddenly boots are useless. I stash a few extras in my kits now—they’re good for a lot more than just shoes too, like tying up bundles or making repairs. Also, a small notepad and pencil—phones can die, but paper always works. Has anyone tried keeping a running inventory on paper, or does everyone rely on apps?

 

[PrepperLinda65]

Was reorganizing my pantry and gear closet today and realized just how easy it is to overlook some of the most basic, yet vital, supplies. For me, it’s always the humble can opener. Got stacks of canned food set aside and only one or two manual openers—what if one breaks or goes missing? I’ve since added a few more, but it made me wonder what else

I’m the same way about can openers, BlueMarigold—it’s always the little tools you use every day that get overlooked until you really need them. I keep a couple in each go-bag now, just in case!

 

[ChamomileCraze]

Bandaids and basic first aid supplies always seem to slip my mind—they vanish fast with little scrapes in the garden. Anyone else accidentally run out when they needed them most?

 

[OrbitJazz21]

Funny enough, I always forget extra batteries for my flashlights and radio—even though I’ve got solar panels, cloudy weeks can leave me scrambling. Also, earplugs. Might sound weird, but a good night’s sleep is gold, especially if things get noisy or stressful. Anyone else keep a stash of earplugs or is that just the musician in me?

 

[BlueSkyWanderer]

Hand soap and nail brushes get forgotten around here—clean hands matter, especially if you’re dealing with wounds. Anyone else stock up on old school bar soap or just use whatever’s handy?

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

Extra shoelaces and a backup pair of reading glasses are tucked in my kit now—learned the hard way after breaking both in one week. Anyone else stash extra glasses?

 

[BlueHarborTea]

Comfort items are easy to miss—tea bags, instant coffee, even a favorite jam can do wonders for morale when things get tough. I used to overlook them, thinking only in terms of calories and essentials, but a taste of “normal” helps so much during stressful times. Also, I always tuck a small hand mirror into my kit—lots of uses beyond just checking your face! Anyone else pack little comforts