Whats Your Most Overlooked Prepping Item?

[MarigoldBreeze]

Thinking through my own prepping supplies, I realize there are certain items that often get pushed to the bottom of the list or totally forgotten. For me, it's always sturdy work gloves—seems basic, but they're essential for so many tasks, from clearing debris to handling hot cookware over an open fire. I went through a tornado cleanup once without proper gloves and learned my lesson.

Curious what other folks consider their “most overlooked” item. Is it something small, like extra shoelaces, or more critical, like spare prescription glasses? I see a lot of focus on food and water, which obviously can’t be skipped, but the little things can really make a difference. Has anyone gone through a real emergency and found themselves missing something you’d never thought about before?

Would love to hear your stories or lists. Maybe we can help each other catch those gaps before they catch us off guard.

 

[CeruleanScribe]

Is it something small, like extra shoelaces, or more critical, like spare prescription glasses?

Extra shoelaces are so easy to forget until one breaks at just the wrong time—learned that the hard way on a muddy hike. I’d add sturdy needle and thread too; clothes always need mending when it’s least convenient!

 

[CrimsonWren145]

Broken shoelaces can be a real pain, right up there with losing buttons! Ever thought about how tricky it gets without a decent pair of tweezers for splinters or ticks?

 

[PrepperLinda65]

Spare batteries for hearing aids—easy to forget, but absolutely critical if you rely on them. Anyone else have medical supplies that tend to slip their mind?

 

[BlueSkyWanderer]

Spare batteries for hearing aids—easy to forget, but absolutely critical if you rely on them. Anyone else have medical supplies that tend to slip their mind?

Spare hearing aid batteries really are vital—one of those items that could make or break your ability to cope, depending on your needs. I think a lot of people underestimate how fast those little batteries can run out, especially when stress and constant use are in play. Along those lines, I’d add blood pressure cuffs and extra medication organizers for folks who need to keep track of daily pills. I’ve seen people lose track of their meds in emergencies, and that can turn into a crisis all its own.

Something else that’s overlooked is spare eyeglasses, especially for reading. I keep an extra cheap pair in my kit just in case. And, not to veer off medical too much, but things like lip balm and saline eye drops are small comforts that can make a huge difference if you’re stuck somewhere dry or dusty.

PrepperLinda65, do you find it hard to keep up with when your hearing aid batteries expire? I imagine it’s similar to trying to keep your first aid kit from getting too

 

[BlueSkyWanderer]

Dental supplies hardly ever make the list but can be a real lifesaver, especially if you’ve ever had a toothache away from home. Temporary filling material, clove oil for natural pain relief, even just extra toothbrushes and floss—those little comforts can prevent a miserable situation from getting worse. I’ve seen too many folks tough out dental issues in an emergency because there was just nothing on hand, and trust me, it can go south fast.

Something else I’ve started packing is a stash of safety pins. They’re so tiny you’d never notice them, but they fix torn clothes, hold up broken zippers, or even replace buttons in a pinch. I once used a couple to fix a busted backpack strap and