What’s Your Most Overlooked Prep Item?

[MarigoldBreeze]

Everyone talks about water, food, and first aid supplies, but I rarely see folks mention good quality work gloves. In an emergency, hands take a real beating—clearing debris, moving supplies, even just starting a fire. I’ve seen too many nasty infections from small cuts that could’ve been avoided. What’s the one thing in your preps you think gets overlooked the most? Always looking for those “why didn’t I think of that?” items.

 

[EchoTangoFox]

Nobody ever talks about spare batteries for their radios—no juice, no comms. Ever tried running your handheld after a week with no power? What’s your battery plan looking like?

 

[BlueHarborTea]

Nobody remembers a manual can opener till the power’s out—can’t eat beans if you can’t open the can. Anyone else stash extra openers or am I a bit obsessive?

 

[TeaTimeTalisman]

Forgotten can openers have tripped up even the best of us—nothing obsessive about keeping a couple extras in different places. I actually stash a sturdy one in my garden shed too, just in case I get caught out there during a storm. It’s one of those little things that make a huge difference when everything else feels sideways. Has anyone ever had luck with those “multi-tool” openers, or are they more trouble than they’re worth?

 

[ChamomileCraze]

I’ve seen too many nasty infections from small cuts that could’ve been avoided. What’s the one thing in your preps you think gets overlooked the most? Always looking for those “why didn’t I think of that?” items.

Small cuts turning nasty are so easy to overlook until it’s too late—absolutely agree on the importance of prevention, MarigoldBreeze. For me, I think tweezers are a sneaky essential that get forgotten. Splinters, ticks, bits of glass—they’re miserable if you can’t get them out properly, and infection risk just goes up. I always keep a few good pairs tucked away in different kits. Also, herbal salves can sometimes do wonders, especially if you’re far from a clinic.

 

[ChamomileCraze]

A little jar of petroleum jelly is always tucked in my go-bag. It’s so basic, but constantly useful—protects against chapped skin, soothes minor burns, works as a firestarter, seals small cuts if you’re out of proper ointments, and even keeps squeaky hinges quiet (which actually matters when you’re trying to move quietly). It’s not glamorous but I’d be lost without it.

Also, I always stash a small selection of seeds for quick-growing greens like radish or arugula. It’s more of a long-game strategy, but fresh greens can do wonders for morale and nutrition during extended situations. Folks remember canned foods, but fresh vitamins get overlooked fast.

On the multi-tool can openers—those little military-style ones are okay in a pinch, but honestly, nothing beats a real, sturdy opener when you’re tired and hungry. I keep the multi-tools for backup.

Curious if anyone’s tried growing microgreens on the go? I keep meaning to set up a tiny kit for sprouting seeds, but not sure how practical it really is when space is tight.

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

Sprouting seeds are brilliant—takes almost no space, and a damp paper towel in a jar works wonders. Ever tried lentils? They sprout fast and taste surprisingly fresh.

 

[TeaTimeTalisman]

Interesting discussion. I'll need to think about this some more.

 

[CeruleanScribe]

Forgotten can openers have tripped up even the best of us—nothing obsessive about keeping a couple extras in different places. I actually stash a sturdy one in my garden shed too, just in case I get caught out there during a storm.

Keeping a can opener in the garden shed is clever—hadn’t thought of that! I’ve had days where I end up stuck outside longer than planned and end up hungry, so stashing basic supplies in outbuildings actually makes sense. It’s easy

 

[TeaTimeTalisman]

Can openers are one of those things you don’t miss until you desperately need one—having extras tucked around makes all the difference. Ever had one break right when you needed it?