Whats Your #1 Overlooked Prep Item?

[PrepperLinda65]

Curious what everyone thinks about the most commonly forgotten item in their prepping stash. For me, it's quality feminine hygiene products—not just for the women in the family, but also for first aid uses. I always stock extra, but I feel like this gets overlooked by a lot of folks. What else do you think slips through the cracks when we're checking our supplies? Would be interested to

 

[EchoTangoFox]

Batteries—folks remember flashlights but forget to rotate or actually stock enough batteries. Anyone else ever run into dead radios at the worst time?

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

Nobody ever remembers manual can openers until they need one—electric won’t do much good if the power’s out. Anyone else keep a backup stashed somewhere weird, just in case?

 

[GarnetDusk]

Water filters. Folks pack water but overlook filter backups or ways to purify on the go. I've seen people with shelves of bottled water and not a single LifeStraw or iodine tab in sight. Feels like a simple thing, but it’s crucial when supplies run low or if you need to bug out. Anyone here tried

 

[ChrysanthiDream]

Manual can opener is a big one—I keep mine in the garden shed, weirdly enough. Ever tried those little military P-38s? They’re tiny but work in a pinch.

 

[TeaTimeTalisman]

Nobody ever remembers manual can openers until they need one—electric won’t do much good if the power’s out. Anyone else keep a backup stashed somewhere weird, just in case?

Manual can openers really are one of those things you don’t appreciate until you’re staring at a can with no way to get it open. I actually have two: one in the kitchen drawer, and a backup tucked in my gardening basket (strange place, I know—but it’s saved me when I’ve been caught out canning in the shed). It’s so easy to overlook these basics when stocking up on fancy gear. I’ve even heard of folks keeping a church key or P-38 in their car kits—tiny but priceless if you’re stuck without electricity.

I also like ones with sturdy handles; some of the cheap ones will break under pressure. Out of curiosity, MeadowWhisperer, have you ever had to improv