What’s Your #1 Most Overlooked Prep Item?

[TeaTimeTalisman]

It seems like everyone stocks up on food, water, and first-aid kits, but I rarely see much talk about spare eyeglasses or reading glasses. Without good eyesight, a lot of survival tasks become way harder. What else do you think folks tend to overlook in their preps? Maybe there's a small item you always include that most forget? I’m curious what makes your “don’t forget” list.

 

[BlueSkyWanderer]

Without good eyesight, a lot of survival tasks become way harder. What else do you think folks tend to overlook in their preps?

You’re spot on about eyesight—almost impossible to thread a needle or read labels without it! I’d add that people overlook wound care stuff, like extra bandages or antibiotic ointment, way more than they realize.

 

[TeaTimeTalisman]

Always surprised how few folks remember to pack a manual can opener—everyone’s got cans but not always a way to open ‘em if the power’s out. I always slip in a few decent quality lighters too, even though I mostly use matches. Wet socks can ruin your week, so dry socks make my list every time. Out of curiosity, has anyone found a solid way to keep batteries from corroding in long-term kits?

 

[EchoTangoFox]

Funny how folks will remember the big flashy gear but forget about the little lifesavers. To me, signal mirrors and basic whistle always go in the bag—those things are lightweight, don't run out of batteries, and have been used for centuries for a reason. But honestly, the one that gets missed most? Old school printed contact lists. Most people rely completely on phones for everyone’s numbers, but if there’s no power or your phone dies, you can’t call anyone, can’t text your group, can’t even leave a note with details. It’s not fancy but makes all the difference when you gotta reach out the old fashioned way (especially for folks that don’t have radio licenses yet).

Batteries corroding is a pain—those little silica gel packs from shoe boxes or vitamins help with moisture control in storage. Plus, I rotate the batteries out every daylight saving time. Curious what everyone else uses for backup power if their main batteries fail? Solar chargers or battery banks, or just more disposables? I've had mixed luck with solar, especially in cloudy spells.