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Prepping channels are full of gear lists. But what happens when you sort through all of them and see what comes up again and again? You get a short list of items that nearly every experienced prepper recommends.
That’s what this countdown is about. The 11 items that prepping YouTubers recommend you stockpile more than anything else. These aren’t tactical toys or expensive gadgets—they’re the basics. The kind of gear that should be standard issue for anyone serious about preparedness.
Let’s count them down, from #11 to #1.
TL;DR: The 11 most recommended prepper items are simple, affordable, and versatile: garbage bags, duct tape, toilet paper and wipes, a knife, fire starters, an emergency radio, a multi-tool, flashlights with batteries, a first aid kit, canned food, and a water filter.
Quick Look at What You’ll Learn
#11: Garbage Bags
Garbage bags don’t look exciting, but they make almost every list for good reason. Heavy-duty contractor bags aren’t just for trash. They work as ponchos, waterproof liners, improvised shelters, blackout covers, or even as a backup toilet. Lightweight kitchen bags won’t hold up, but 2 to 6-mil contractor bags will. They’re cheap, versatile, and take up almost no space—so keep a stash in your home, car, and pack.
#10: Duct Tape
When something breaks—and it will—it usually happens in the rain, at night, or when you’re already tired. Duct tape steps in when you don’t have time to sew, weld, or replace gear. Patch a torn tarp, seal a leaky tent, or hold busted boots together long enough to keep moving. It’s fast, it works, and it belongs in every ruck, vehicle, and home. Stock more than you think you’ll need—you’ll find a use for it.
#9: Toilet Paper & Baby Wipes
Food and ammo get the attention. Hygiene usually doesn’t. But when you’re uncomfortable, dirty, and dealing with rashes or infections, it becomes a survival problem fast. Toilet paper and wipes make a big difference. Wipes go further—they don’t fall apart and let you clean your whole body when showers aren’t an option. Pack both in waterproof bags. You’ll thank yourself later.
#8: Knife
Preppers love knives—and for good reason. A good blade handles food prep, fire-starting, scraping, cordage, and self-defense. It’s one of the few tools you’ll always want within reach. You don’t need a $300 showpiece. A $16 Morakniv or a $38 Outdoor Edge RazorLite will handle most jobs. Carry one, maintain it, and rely on it. Simple as that.
#7: Firestarter
Fire is survival. It keeps you warm, boils water, cooks food, signals for help, and keeps your head in the game when conditions are miserable. But fire isn’t always easy to start—especially when you’re cold and wet. That’s why you need options: Bic lighters, stormproof matches, and a ferro rod as a backup. Fire is too important to leave to chance.
#6: Emergency Radio
When the grid goes down, so does the information flow. An emergency radio keeps you connected. With NOAA alerts, AM/FM, and multiple power options—crank, solar, and USB—you’ll know what’s happening when others are in the dark. A radio isn’t a luxury—it’s an early warning system. Have one at home and another in your vehicle.
#5: Multi-tool
Think of it as a pocket-sized toolbox. A multi-tool gives you a backup blade, saw, can opener, pliers, and more. You won’t need it every day, but when you do, nothing else will do the job as well. From fixing broken gear to opening cans, a multi-tool bridges the gap when you don’t have a full kit nearby. Compact, reliable, and worth carrying.
#4: Flashlight (with extra batteries)
When the lights go out, everything changes. A reliable flashlight restores control. Beyond just lighting the dark, flashlights are tools for signaling, checking corners, and deterring threats. Don’t trust your phone light or dollar-store junk. Carry a reliable flashlight, keep a headlamp in your bag, and have lanterns at home for extended power outages. Light equals awareness. Awareness equals safety.
#3: First Aid Kit
Injuries don’t wait for good timing. A cut, burn, or sprain can escalate if you don’t have supplies ready. A good first aid kit isn’t just band-aids—it includes pressure dressings, antiseptics, gloves, tourniquets, and basic meds. Keep a trauma kit in your vehicle, a smaller kit in your bag, and a full kit at home. Help might not arrive quickly. Be ready to treat yourself and others.
#2: Canned Food
Canned goods aren’t glamorous, but they’re reliable. They last for years, don’t require refrigeration, and can be eaten cold if needed. Stock meat, vegetables, fruit, and soups—foods you already eat. Rotate them so nothing goes to waste. Canned food buys you time and options while others scramble.
#1: Water Filter / Purifier
You can survive weeks without food but only days without water. And when systems fail, clean water is usually the first thing to disappear. That’s why nearly every prepper puts water filters at the top of the list. Whether it’s a Sawyer Squeeze, Grayl, or purification tablets, you need a way to make water safe to drink. Without it, nothing else matters.
The Bottom Line
These 11 items consistently appear on almost every prepper’s list because they are effective. They’re practical, affordable, and proven. If you’re just starting out, focus here first. If you’re already stocked, check your supplies and rotate as needed. Preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be consistent.
📌 Next StepsWhat did I miss? What would you add? Drop your answers in the comments. Someone else might learn from what you’ve figured out—or help you spot what I missed.