What’s One Prep You Always Forget Until It’s Too Late?

StarlitNavigator

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What’s One Prep You Always Forget Until It’s Too Late?

Spare batteries for headlamps always slip my mind until I need them most. Anyone else forget something basic like that? Curious what slips through the cracks for others so I can add it to my checklist.
 
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Spare batteries for headlamps always slip my mind until I need them most. Anyone else forget something basic like that? Curious what slips through the cracks for others so I can add it to my checklist.

Headlamp batteries get me every time too! I also always forget to stock matches—funny how the tiniest things feel invisible until you're stumbling around in the dark.
 
Hand sanitizer! Always think I have a little bottle somewhere, but when I actually need it, the thing’s bone dry or missing. Funny how those little comfort items don’t stick in the memory like food or batteries. Anyone have a trick for keeping up with the small stuff—like a checklist or something visual?
 
It’s always the extra glasses for me—I remember everything else but end up squinting after misplacing mine or breaking a pair. You’d think with all the time I spend reading, they’d be top of mind! I started keeping a cheap backup pair in my go-bag, but somehow they still wander off. Anyone ever found a
 
Matches disappear on me too—I'd swear I stock up, but somehow end up rationing the last soggy pack at the worst moments. Lighters seem to vanish just as fast, especially when camping with grandkids (where do they go?). And don't even get me started on how the rain manages to find everything you think is waterproof.

Started tucking a few waterproof matches and an old Bic lighter into every jacket and backpack, but then sometimes I forget which pocket I used, so it’s a bit of a treasure hunt when I actually need them. Kind of humbling, realizing how easy it is to overlook the basics when you’re focused on the big stuff like water filters or first aid kits. Anyone try any clever tricks to make those “invisible” items stand out more on your checklist? Or do you just stash extras everywhere and hope for the best?