When starting out as a prepper, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what supplies to stock up on.
This article provides a comprehensive shopping list to help prepper beginners build their emergency stockpile in a strategic way.
You'll discover the most essential categories of gear, food, and medicine to cover, with specific must-have items outlined. Tips are also included to help you focus your efforts on the fundamentals first when accumulating your preparedness supplies.
Introduction to Prepping and the Prepper Shopping List
Prepping refers to preparing for potential future disasters or emergencies by gathering necessary supplies. Being prepared can help provide peace of mind and ensure safety for yourself and loved ones.
Having an organized shopping list is an essential first step for prepping beginners. It helps you methodically obtain important items for your emergency stockpile and prepper pantry. Let's explore the basics of prepping and the benefits of a prepper shopping list.
What is Prepping?
Prepping involves proactively preparing for unexpected events by stockpiling vital food, water, medical, and other supplies. Preppers aim to be self-reliant in case normal supply chains are disrupted. Reasons to prepare include:
- Natural disasters - storms, earthquakes, floods
- Extended power outages
- Economic crises
- Pandemics
Prepping can seem overwhelming for beginners. Start small with a basic shopping list of essentials. Build your supplies over time as your budget allows.
Why is Prepping Important?
Emergencies happen unexpectedly. Being prepared can help keep your family safe by meeting basic needs if stores close or utilities fail. Benefits include:
- Avoid scrambling for scarce supplies when disaster strikes
- Reduce panic and stress for household members
- Provide nutritious food and clean water if sheltering at home
- Independence if infrastructure and supply chains are disrupted
Benefits of Having a Prepper Shopping List
A detailed list helps prepper beginners thoroughly and efficiently stock up on key items. Benefits include:
- Comprehensive - Ensures you obtain well-rounded supplies for survival needs
- Organized - Methodically build emergency stocks week-by-week
- Budget-friendly - Plan affordable purchases rather than impulse buys
- Customizable - Tailor list to your household's unique needs
- Shareable - Easily collaborate with family or group members
Accessing a Prepper Shopping List PDF
A downloadable PDF prepper shopping list helps you conveniently manage purchases on the go. Benefits include:
- Portable - View the list offline from your smartphone
- Printable - Post on the fridge or bring to the store
- Editable - Customize the list for your situation
- Sharable - Distribute to family or group members
- Durable - Won't get lost like a paper list
Follow a comprehensive prepper shopping list to methodically build your preparedness supplies. Start small if needed, and expand your emergency stocks over time. Being proactive reduces panic and provides safety when the unexpected occurs.
What should a prepper stock up on?
When building your prepper shopping list, focus on non-perishable foods that have a long shelf life and do not require refrigeration. Some good options include:
- Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruits, soups, meats, etc. Opt for low sodium versions when possible.
- Rice, pasta, oats, flour, sugar, baking needs
- Nut butters and nuts like almonds, walnuts, etc.
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Powdered milk, shelf-stable milk like UHT milk
- High protein foods like beef jerky
- Bottled water and water purification tablets
- Multi-vitamins to supplement nutritional needs
You'll also want to stock up on other critical supplies like:
- Flashlights and lanterns with extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Manual can opener
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Personal hygiene items
- Copies of important documents
- Cash in small denominations
Depending on your family's unique needs, also consider stocking specialty items like pet food, infant formula, diapers, contact lens solution, etc. Aim for at least a prepper shopping list that covers your basic food, water, and health needs for 2-4 weeks to start out. You can gradually build up to a 3-6 month supply over time.
What foods to buy when prepping?
When starting your prepper food storage, focus on shelf-stable basics that will provide nutrition and calories in an emergency. Here are some of the most essential items for your shopping list:
Canned and Dried Goods
Stock up on canned meats like tuna, chicken, and salmon as well as beans, chili, and stews. These are packed with protein and easy to store. Canned fruits and vegetables are also handy for quick meals and snacks. Look for low-sodium options when possible.
Make sure to get canned milk, evaporated milk, and milk powder as well. Other canned goods like soups, pasta sauce, and tomato products are versatile additions.
Don't forget dried goods like pastas, rice, oats, and cereal. These have a long shelf life and are perfect carb sources. Trail mixes and dried fruits and veggies also make good snacks.
Water
Water is the most vital supply, so be sure to have at least a gallon per person per day. Get some cases of bottled water as an easy option. You can also store tap water in food-grade plastic jugs and rotate it out periodically. Consider adding water filtration methods too.
Other Essentials
Round out your prepper shopping list with other basics like cooking oil, sugar, salt, spices, honey, peanut butter, jam, crackers, granola bars, and comfort foods like cookies, candy, and coffee. Don't forget pet food either!
Having these core food staples and some go-to snacks on hand will help you withstand an emergency situation while keeping your family fed.
What are basic prepper supplies?
Having basic prepper supplies on hand is crucial for being prepared for emergencies. Here is a starter list of some of the most essential items to have in your prepper stockpile:
Food & Water
- Canned goods and other non-perishable foods like rice, beans, pasta, oats. Enough to last 3-7 days.
- Bottled water or water filtration system
- Manual can opener
Tools & Supplies
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio to get weather updates
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid kit & medications
- Multi-tool knife or pocket knife
- Fire starting supplies like matches, lighter, firestarter
- Duct tape and heavy duty garbage bags
- Work gloves and protective eyewear
Sanitation & Hygiene
- Personal hygiene items: toilet paper, feminine products, soap, hand sanitizer
- Disinfectants like bleach to purify water
- Bucket with tight lid for makeshift toilet
Other Essentials
- Extra cash
- Map of the area
- Blankets, warm clothes
- Pet food/supplies if needed
Focus first on stocking up on the critical basics - food, water, first aid. Then build up your preparedness supplies from there. Review and take inventory of your prepper shopping list every 6 months.
What is the 30 day prepping list?
The 30 day prepping list outlines the basic supplies you need to survive for a month in case of an emergency or disaster. Having these essentials on hand will help you safely ride out situations like power outages, severe storms, or civil unrest.
The list covers critical categories like:
- Water - A water filter and bottled water to provide clean drinking water if pipes are contaminated.
- Food - Canned goods, MREs, and other non-perishables to feed yourself and family.
- Light - Flashlights, candles, matches to illuminate dark spaces when electricity fails.
- Communication - Hand crank and solar powered radios, whistles to get news and call for help.
- Warmth - Blankets, clothing layers to prevent hypothermia if heating fails.
- Safety - First aid supplies, tools, personal hygiene items for health protection.
- Navigation - Maps, compass to find your way if disoriented.
The exact composition depends on your situation - number of people, pets, climate, etc. But the basics remain the same. Stockpile a 30 day supply using the prepper shopping list as a guide. Replenish as you go to be ready for the unexpected.
Following this fundamental prepper food storage list provides a critical lifeline until utilities are restored. It lifts worry, instills confidence to act calmly, and could save lives if catastrophe strikes. Beginners should start here and expand supplies as skills grow.
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Building Your Prepper Food Storage
When building your emergency food supply, having a comprehensive prepper shopping list is key to ensuring you stock up on nutritious, long-lasting foods. Focus on shelf-stable items with essential macros like protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
Canned and Jarred Goods: A Doomsday Prepper Food List Staple
Canned and jarred goods are prepper pantry staples due to their long shelf lives. Prioritize nutritious options like:
- Canned tuna, salmon, chicken for protein
- Canned beans, vegetables, fruits for carbs and vitamins
- Canned soups and sauces add flavor and variety
Go for low-sodium versions when possible.
Grains and Legumes: The Foundation of Cheap Prepper Food
Stock up on grains like rice, oats, pasta and legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and beans. These shelf-stable carbs and plant-based proteins should form the base of your food supply. Buy 20-25 lb bags for the best deals.
Fats and Oils for Long-Term Energy
Fats and oils help boost the calorie content of foods. Prioritize shelf-stable options like:
- Vegetable, olive, coconut cooking oil
- Nut butters like peanut or almond butter
- Nuts and seeds
Aim for a mix to add flavor and nutritional variety.
Dried and Freeze-Dried Foods for Extended Shelf Life
Dehydrated foods like jerky, dried fruits and vegetables, powdered milk and eggs have very long shelf lives. They provide essential nutrients from meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables.
Freeze-dried camping meals are also great for adding convenience.
Water and Beverages: Hydration Essentials
Bottled water is essential. Calculate 1 gallon per person per day for at least 2 weeks. Beyond that, stock coffee, tea, powdered drink mixes to meet comfort needs.
Having a comprehensive prepper shopping list ensures you build well-rounded food reserves to sustain yourself and loved ones through any emergency scenario. Update and add to it over time.
First Aid and Hygiene Essentials
Be prepared to treat injuries and maintain health/cleanliness with these fundamental medical and sanitary supplies.
Comprehensive First Aid Kit
A comprehensive first aid kit allows you to treat cuts, burns, sprains and other common injuries. Be sure to stock up on various bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, medical gloves, trauma shears, tweezers, a thermometer, and any necessary personal medications. Rotate and check expiration dates every 6 months. Consider taking a first aid class so you know how to correctly use the supplies.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Common Ailments
Stock OTC meds like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines, antacids, cough/cold medicine, and anti-diarrheal medication to treat minor illnesses. Also useful are electrolyte replacements, vitamins, medicated ointments, and syringes/eyedroppers. Store properly in a cool, dark place and check expiration dates twice a year.
Personal Hygiene Items for Sanitation
Soap, toilet paper, feminine products, toothpaste and other self-care essentials promote cleanliness and health. Prioritize bar soap, dish soap, shampoo, toilet paper, toothbrushes, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, diapers if needed, and trash bags. Proper sanitation prevents the spread of illness.
Protective Equipment for Safety
Face masks, gloves, goggles shield you from viruses, bacteria and hazardous materials during a crisis. Focus on N95 respirators, nitrile gloves, protective eyewear, tyvek suits, and shoe covers. Ensure proper fit and replace when damaged. Reduce disease transmission and chemical/radiological exposure.
Tools and Miscellaneous Survival Gear
Round out your prepper shopping list with multifunctional tools, lighting, communications devices and other key equipment. These items will enable you to handle repairs, construction tasks, see in the dark, charge devices, cook meals, and stay informed when the grid goes down.
Multi-tools for Repairs and Construction
Compact multi-tools like those from Leatherman or Gerber are a prepper essential. Models with knives, pliers, screwdrivers, bottle openers and other implements allow you to complete various DIY repair and construction tasks after a disaster. The portability, versatility and durability make them a must-have item.
Consider your needs and choose a multi-tool with the specific tools you'll require. Some key features to look for include a high quality knife blade, needle nose pliers, wire cutters, saw, scissors, and both Phillips and flat head screwdriver bits.
Emergency Lighting for Power Outages
It's critical to have emergency lighting like flashlights, lanterns, glow sticks and headlamps in your prepper supplies. These items provide illumination when the power goes out so you can safely move around and complete tasks.
LED flashlights that use AA or AAA batteries are affordable and practical options. Crank or solar powered lights are also handy since you don't need disposable batteries. Glow sticks offer long-lasting light too. Have lighting stationed around the house, in emergency kits and on persons.
Radio Transceivers for Communication
Battery-powered or hand-crank radios enable you to receive AM/FM stations, NOAA weather reports, and emergency broadcasts when the grid is down. This allows you to stay informed about local conditions, threats, relief efforts and more.
Portable two-way radios are also useful for short-range communication with family or neighbors. When cell towers fail, they allow you to coordinate efforts nearby.
Cooking Devices for Meal Preparation
Without power, you'll need alternate cooking devices like a camp stove, grill or rocket stove to heat food and water. Fuel types include propane, butane, wood pellets or sticks.
Mess kits, pots, pans and utensils are also essentials for meal prep. Stock up on single-use plates, cups and cutlery since doing dishes may not be possible. Items like a manual can opener, knife sharpener and heavy duty aluminum foil are handy too.
Printable Resources for Preppers
Having printable resources can be invaluable for preppers looking to organize their supplies and plan for emergencies. Here are some of the most useful printable documents to have on hand:
Best Prepper Shopping List: Printable and Comprehensive
A printable prepper shopping list ensures you don't forget important items while stocking up on supplies. Make sure to include:
- Long-lasting foods: Canned goods, rice, beans, honey, peanut butter
- Water and filtration: Bottled water, water filters and purifiers
- First aid: Bandages, antiseptic, medicines, etc.
- Tools: Flashlights, batteries, multi-tool, duct tape
- Sanitation and hygiene: Toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, feminine products
- Cooking equipment: Camping stove, fuel, mess kits, utensils
Having a comprehensive list makes shopping easier and ensures you get what you need. Print it out and check items off as you go.
Prepping Food List Printable: Daily Meal Planning
Creating a daily meal plan is important when relying on your food storage. Make a printable food list with breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack ideas to stay organized.
Plan balanced meals utilizing your stored ingredients. For example:
- Breakfast - Oatmeal, canned fruits, granola
- Lunch - Rice, canned tuna, vegetables
- Dinner - Pasta, jarred sauce, canned chicken
- Snacks - Trail mix, protein bars, dried fruits
Check all ingredients off your master list so you know what needs restocking.
Prepper Pantry List PDF: Organize Your Supplies
A prepper pantry list PDF allows you to take inventory and track what needs replenishing. List categories like:
- Food (by type like grains, canned goods, baking ingredients)
- Water
- First aid
- Lighting
- Tools
- Clothing and bedding
- Hygiene and sanitation products
Update the PDF every time you use something to ensure you have a real-time snapshot of your supplies.
Food Storage List for 1 Year PDF: Long-Term Planning
For true long-term preparedness, have a food storage list for 1 year accounting for 2,000 calories per day for each family member.
Determine total calories needed, then list ingredients accordingly:
- 400 lbs grains
- 130 cans fruits and vegetables
- 100 lbs legumes
- 50 lbs cooking oil
- Spices, sugar, salt
- Specialty items like coffee, chocolate
Adjust amounts based on consumption and track with a PDF checklist to ensure you maintain adequate reserves.
Having printable lists and PDFs makes organizing and tracking emergency supplies much more manageable. Adapt them to your specific needs and update regularly.
Final Tips and Conclusion
Essential Categories to Cover
When building your prepper shopping list, be sure to cover all the essential categories to meet your basic survival needs. Prioritize obtaining supplies of non-perishable food, water, first aid items, hygiene products, tools, and communication devices. Having adequate reserves of food, water, and medical supplies will help you withstand emergencies when access to stores may be limited. Basic tools, hygiene items, and ways to communicate are also fundamental to functioning effectively during a crisis.
Focus on Fundamentals First
When starting out prepping, focus first on stocking up on fundamental necessities before specialized gear. Meeting basic survival needs with food, water, shelter, first aid, etc. should be the priority over items just for comfort. Once you have a reserve of essentials for staying alive, you can graduate to enhancing your supplies with items like camping equipment, survival tools, and more advanced medical products. Build a solid foundation of the basics before worrying about specialized wants.
Be Proactive and Vigilant
Prepping requires ongoing effort - it's not something you just do once and then ignore. Keep adding to your stockpile over time as your budget allows. And regularly review and take inventory of your existing supplies to ensure nothing is expired or missing. Being proactive and vigilant about assessing and upgrading your emergency reserves will ensure you're always fully prepared.
