In the world of emergency preparedness, the focus often falls on the most obvious survival gear, but it’s those overlooked prepping items that can truly make a difference when things go south. While canned food and bottled water are staples on any prepper’s checklist, there are lesser-known survival supplies that can significantly improve your readiness. Having a comprehensive collection of prepping essentials ensures you’re ready for anything. Whether you’re a seasoned survivalist or just starting out, understanding these often-missed components of emergency preparedness can boost your confidence and peace of mind. Here are 12 critical items almost nobody talks about… until it’s too late.
Spare Prescription Glasses / Contact Lens Supplies
Why it’s overlooked: People assume they’ll “manage” if their glasses break.
The risk: No vision = no navigation, no reading manuals, no self-defense.
Prep fix: Keep an old pair in your bug-out bag and buy cheap backups online.
Dental Emergency Kit (Temp Fillings, Superglue, Clove Oil)
Why it’s overlooked: Preppers focus on trauma, not toothaches.
The risk: Infected teeth can be deadly without antibiotics.
Prep fix: DIY dental kits ($10) or learn tooth extraction (last resort).
Heavy-Duty Work Gloves
Why it’s overlooked: Seen as “just for labor,” not survival.
The risk: Injury, burnt/blistered hands = can’t build, cook, or fight.
Prep fix: A pair of gloves in every kit. Bonus: Having vinyl gloves comes in handy too.
Sewing Kit + Fabric Repair Tape
Why it’s overlooked: “I’ll just buy new clothes.”
The risk: Ripped gear = hypothermia, lost supplies, or bleeding feet.
Prep fix: Add needles, strong thread, and Tenacious Tape to bags.
Cash in Small Bills ($1s, $5s, Quarters)
Why it’s overlooked: Reliance on cards, crypto, or barter.
The risk: No change for $100 when stores can’t break it.
Prep fix: Stash $200 in small denominations (hidden in multiple spots).
Salt, Spices, and Comfort Foods
Why it’s overlooked: Focus is on calories, not morale.
The risk: Bland food = low energy, wasted meals.
Prep fix: Have a canister to keep the fast-food restaurant packets of salt, pepper, and ketchup. Stock bouillon cubes, hot sauce, and chocolate for trade/mental health.
Superglue (For Wounds AND Gear)
Why it’s overlooked: “I have bandages, I’m fine.”
The risk: Deep cuts need closure fast without stitches.
Prep fix: Medical-grade cyanoacrylate duct tape for wounds.
Spare Phone Charger + Offline Maps
Why it’s overlooked: “I’ll just use my car charger.”
The risk: Dead phone = no maps, no contacts, no emergency alerts.
Prep fix: Solar charger + preloaded maps on 2 devices.
Manual Can Opener
Why it’s overlooked: “All cans have pull-tabs now.”
The risk: Starving next to a stack of unopened food.
Prep fix: Test your cans —many still need openers.
Neighborhood Recon Notes
Why it’s overlooked: Preppers focus on gear, not intel.
The risk: No clue where to find water, escape routes, or safe zones.
Prep fix: Walk your area now, mark hidden resources (streams, abandoned warehouses).
Emergency Communication Devices
Why it’s overlooked: “I have my phone.”
The risk: Cell service goes down or the battery dies.
Prep fix: Invest in a hand-crank radio. These don’t rely on batteries and can receive weather and emergency broadcasts. Walkie-talkies are great for staying in touch with family or group members. Consider satellite phones for remote areas. They work where cell service doesn’t reach, providing a critical lifeline. Check out my article on this here.
Water Filtration Unit/System:
Why it’s overlooked:
The risk: Dehydration, illness, death.
Prep fix: Have portable water filtration units, such as a LifeStraw. If you can install a larger filtration system for your home, you may want to invest in one in case your water service is interrupted or for any other reason you question your water source.
Try picturing scenarios where you would need one or more of these items. Would you have to move debris after a flood with no gloves? Have the cellular companies routed all signals to emergency services, and now your phone is useless? You want to give yourself every chance to avoid discomfort or a dangerous situation for as long as possible. Most of these items can be collected over time. To build an emergency stash of cash, consider putting at least $5 a week in a safe place. You’ll have a healthy stash of cash before you know it.
Check out this Reddit discussion for more items, and this article from Survival Frog.
