What’s Your Most Underrated Prep Item?

[CeruleanScribe]

Wondering what items everyone keeps in their kits that don’t get much hype but have really proven useful. For me, it’s cotton handkerchiefs—multi-purpose, lightweight, and take up hardly any room, but incredibly handy (water filtration, first aid, fire starting, etc.). What’s something in your stash you think more people should consider, but most folks seem to overlook? Always on the hunt for simple but effective ideas.

 

[GarnetDusk]

Old-fashioned safety pins—so simple, but I've used them for repairs, splinters, even as makeshift fishing hooks. Surprised they're not in more folks' kits. Anyone else rely on these?

 

[BlueMarigold]

Wondering what items everyone keeps in their kits that don’t get much hype but have really proven useful. For me, it’s cotton handkerchiefs—multi-purpose, lightweight, and take up hardly any room, but incredibly handy (water filtration, first aid, fire starting, etc.). What’s something in your stash you think more people should consider, but most folks seem to overlook? Always on the hunt for simple but effective ideas.

Cotton handkerchiefs are a great pick—I always have a few tucked around. One thing I keep coming back to is beeswax candles. They don’t get much love, but they’re useful for light, waterproofing, and even soothing cracked hands. Plus, they don’t spoil or go bad sitting in storage. It’s funny how these little old-fashioned items end up pulling their

 

[TeaTimeTalisman]

Those beeswax candles really are a solid choice—love how they last forever and do double-duty. Something I rarely see mentioned: binder clips. I know it sounds weird, but I use them for everything—closing food bags, hanging tarps, even holding together torn clothes till I can fix them properly. Surprising how often they come in handy. Anyone else find themselves reaching for little office supplies when things go sideways?