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What’s Your Most Underrated Prep Item?

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StarlitNavigator

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May 3, 2025
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What’s Your Most Underrated Prep Item?

Been thinking about items that don’t get enough love in mainstream prepping lists. For me, it’s heavy-duty contractor trash bags—so many uses and they’re super portable. What’s the one item in your kit you think gets overlooked but is a total game-changer?
 
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StarlitNavigator said:
Been thinking about items that don’t get enough love in mainstream prepping lists. For me, it’s heavy-duty contractor trash bags—so many uses and they’re super portable.
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That’s a great pick—I always keep a stash of contractor bags, too. They’re brilliant for everything from makeshift rain ponchos to waterproofing gear or even hauling firewood when the ground’s muddy. I’m surprised how rarely they show up on beginner lists. Have you ever used them for shelter, StarlitNavigator? I tried that once during a camping trip, and it actually held up better than expected for a quick windbreak.
 
Never would’ve thought contractor bags could hold up as shelter, but that’s clever! I usually toss a few in my supply buckets for lining or hauling, but now I’m thinking I should try a mini tarp setup with them. For me, it’s binder clips—sounds odd, but they’re great for sealing bags, hanging tarps, even organizing small gear. Anyone else stash these little lifesavers or am I just overthinking it?
 
Herbal salve tins don’t make it onto many prep lists, but I swear by them. They barely take up any space, but you can use a good multipurpose salve for so many things—minor cuts, bug bites, dry skin, even chapped lips or rashes. I make my own with calendula, plantain, and comfrey from the garden, but even store-bought stuff can be a lifesaver. No matter how careful you are outdoors, you’ll get scrapes or those mystery rashes, especially gardening or foraging. It’s surprising how much a soothing herbal salve can improve your mood when you’re dealing with little annoyances or injuries.

Loved reading about the binder clips! Never would’ve thought to throw those in
 
Binder clips are brilliant—never thought to add those but I can see so many uses! For me, it’s a simple sewing kit. Doesn’t have to be fancy, just thread, needles, maybe some buttons. I’ve fixed ripped packs, straps, even mended socks on the fly. It’s wild how overlooked basic repairs are when you’re out there. Has anyone tried using fishing line in a sewing kit for extra strength?
 
Totally agree—homemade salve goes way further than folks think. Do you use beeswax for yours, or something else as the base?
 
Fishing line works surprisingly well for heavy-duty fixes—it’s strong but still threads through most needles if you use a big enough eye. I’ve patched a backpack strap with it, and it held up for a full season, so can’t complain. Funny how we remember to pack gear for the big stuff but forget how handy a needle and thread (or line) can be. Do you keep curved upholstery needles too, or just standard ones?
 
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