It's overwhelming for beginners trying to compile an effective prepper supply list that covers the basics without going overboard.
This straightforward guide presents a practical 30-day supply list for novice preppers, including food, water, shelter, medical, and communication essentials to start your preparedness journey.
You'll discover the most vital items to stock up on first, must-have medical and hygiene products, multipurpose tools and gadgets, and key skills to develop as you continue building experience.
Introduction to Prepping
What is Prepping?
Prepping refers to making active preparations and gathering supplies in advance to help you and your family survive emergency situations or disasters. This can include natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, as well as man-made disasters. Preppers stockpile food, water, medical supplies, and other gear to become self-reliant in case regular supply chains are disrupted.
Why Prepare?
There are many good reasons to start prepping. Being prepared can bring peace of mind and the comfort of knowing you have supplies set aside in case of an emergency. Common motivations for prepping include:
- Preparing for natural disasters that are common in your region, like earthquakes, floods or blizzards
- Hedge against economic uncertainty like inflation or supply chain issues
- Civil unrest leading to shortages of food, water or medicine
- Overall self-reliance for your household
Prepping for Beginners
Getting started with prepping does not need to be intimidating. Begin with the basics - start stockpiling shelf-stable foods, bottled water and first aid supplies. Focus on necessities like food, water, shelter, medicine and self-defense. Build your supplies gradually over time as your budget allows. Consider what emergencies are likely for your region. Connect with local prepper groups to learn community-specific advice. Use this beginner’s guide to help create your own prepper plan.
What should I stock up on for prepping?
When building your prepper supply list, focus first on stocking up on nutritious non-perishable foods that will sustain you and your family during an emergency. Here are some of the most essential items to have on hand:
Food and Water
- Canned and dried proteins: Stock up on canned varieties of meat, beans, fish, and poultry as well as dried beans and lentils. These are packed with protein to support energy levels during a crisis. Some good options are canned chicken, tuna, salmon, chili, and baked beans.
- Canned fruits and vegetables: Keep your vitamin and mineral levels up with canned veggies like carrots, peas, corn, green beans, and potatoes. Canned fruits like pineapple, pears, applesauce, and mandarin oranges also store well.
- Grains: Items like rice, quinoa, oats, pasta, and crackers provide important carbohydrates. Opt for whole grains when possible. - **Dried fruits and nuts:** Both are nutrient-dense prepper supply list additions that give you an energy and nutrition boost. Prioritize nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans along with dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and apricots.
- Cooking oil: Vegetable, olive, coconut, and avocado oils store well and enable you to cook the items above while adding healthy fats to your diet.
- Water: Stockpile bottled water and have water filtration methods like a Lifestraw on hand. Plan for at least one gallon per person per day. Rotate water every six months.
Health and Hygiene
Beyond food and water, excellent additions include first aid kits, medications, toiletries, feminine products, diapers if needed, and cleaning supplies. Prioritize bar soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, garbage bags, bleach, laundry detergent, and other necessities.
With the 30 day prepper list above completed, you can then expand into more specialized items like seeds, tools, and emergency communication devices. The key is starting with the basics that will keep you nourished and healthy first.
What are basic prepper supplies?
Having basic prepper supplies on hand is crucial for being prepared for emergencies or disasters. Here is a list of some of the most essential items to stock up on:
Water
- 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days for evacuation purposes
- 2 week supply of water stored at home
- Water filtration system like a Lifestraw or water purification tablets
Food
- Canned goods and other non-perishable foods like granola bars, beef jerky, peanut butter etc.
- 3-day supply for evacuation purposes
- 2-week supply to store at home
- Comfort foods like coffee, tea, chocolate
Tools and Gear
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand crank NOAA weather radio
- First aid kit
- Multitool knife
- Emergency thermal blankets
- Backup chargers for cell phones/devices
Having these basic yet essential supplies on hand will help prepper supply list newcomers feel more prepared to handle emergencies without becoming overwhelmed. Start small and build up your stockpile over time for ultimate peace of mind.
What should I stockpile now?
When building your prepper supply list, focus first on shelf-stable foods, water, light sources, communication devices, and important documents.
Food & Water
Stock up on foods that do not require refrigeration and have a long shelf life, such as:
- Canned goods (vegetables, fruits, soups, meats)
- Dried goods (beans, grains like rice/quinoa, pasta, cereal)
- Nut butters
- Cured meats like beef jerky
- Trail mixes and granola bars
Avoid stockpiling foods that are high in salt, as you'll need water to rehydrate.
Make sure to have at least a 3-day supply of water for each person. Calculate 1 gallon per person per day. Rotate water every 6 months.
Gear
Essential gear includes:
- Flashlights and headlamps with extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio
- Manual can opener
- Multi-tool knife
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Matches/lighters
Print out copies of important documents like IDs, insurance policies, birth certificates, etc. Have cash on hand in case ATMs are not working.
Customizing Your List
Depending on your family's needs, also stock up on:
- Prescriptions and over-the-counter meds
- Pet food
- Baby formula, diapers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Contact lens solution
The key is preparing now before an emergency strikes. Start small and build your supply list over time. Rotating stock is also critical to ensure freshness.
What do you put in a prepper kit?
As a beginner prepper, it's important to start with the basics when building your prepper supply kit. Here are some of the key items you'll want to include:
Food and Water
- Store at least a 2-week supply of non-perishable food items like canned goods, pasta, rice, beans, etc. Consider foods your family already eats.
- Pack at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes. Aim for a 7-14 day supply.
- Include a portable water filter or water purification tablets as a backup.
First Aid
- Adhesive bandages, gauze, trauma pads
- Antibiotic ointment, anti-diarrheal medication
- Common over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, antihistamines
- Prescription medications you take regularly
Tools and Supplies
- Flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries
- Multi-tool, duct tape, garbage bags
- Cash, important documents
- Map of the area, emergency whistle
- Work gloves, protective eyewear
Start with these basic necessities in an easy-to-carry bag or container. As you advance in your prepping journey, you can expand your supplies further. The key is not to overcomplicate things initially - focus on the essentials first.
Essential Prepper Supply List 2023
This section aims to provide straightforward, practical advice on building an essential supply list for those new to prepping. The focus is on covering basics like food, water, shelter, medical supplies, and communication gear to establish disaster preparedness foundations.
30-Day Prepper Food and Water Essentials
When starting out, it's wise to stockpile a 30-day supply of nonperishable foods that don't require refrigeration. Useful items include:
- Canned goods (vegetables, fruits, soups, meats)
- Dried grains (rice, pasta, oatmeal)
- Shelf-stable proteins (beans, lentils, nuts)
- Comfort foods (granola bars, crackers, peanut butter)
Calculate water needs at 1 gallon per person per day. Store water in food-grade plastic jugs rotated every 6 months. Consider a gravity water filter for sustainability.
Shelter and Warmth for Family Safety
Stock gear to regulate temperature and provide portable shelter, like:
- 4-person tents
- 0°F-rated sleeping bags
- Emergency blankets
- Cold weather outerwear
Tailor quantities to your family size. Focus on versatility, packability, durability.
Sustainable Light and Power Solutions
Reliable light sources and device charging enables self-sufficiency. Useful items:
- LED flashlights + extra batteries
- Crank or solar-powered lanterns
- Portable chargers and power banks
- Solar panels and charge controllers
Choose durable, energy-efficient, eco-friendly options.
Medical Supplies and Hygiene Products
Cover first aid and sanitation needs with:
- First aid kits
- Common OTC medications
- Rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide
- Soap, toilet paper
- Feminine hygiene products
- Garbage bags
Rotate medications before expiration. Prioritize versatile solutions.
Communication Tools and Navigation Gear
Finally, equip your go-bag with:
- Emergency AM/FM radios
- Topographical maps of your area
- Compass, whistles for signaling
- Weather radio for alerts
Select easy-to-use options suited for your region.
This checklist focused on universally practical basics - tailor and expand it to your needs and budget. The goal is building sustainable preparedness foundations.
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25 Must-Have Items for Prepper Stockpiles
Being prepared for emergencies requires having the right supplies on hand. As a beginner prepper, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what items are essential to stockpile. To help get you started, here is a curated list of 25 must-have prepper supplies that cover the basics.
Nonperishable Foods and Preservation Methods
When building your food stockpile, focus on shelf-stable items that have a long expiration date and don't require refrigeration. Some good options include:
- Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruits, soups, meats
- Dried goods like rice, pasta, oats, flour, sugar
- Nut butters and nuts
- High-protein snacks like beef jerky
- Powdered milk, eggs, butter
Make sure to store food properly, keep an inventory list, and rotate items to prevent waste. Consider learning old-fashioned preservation methods like canning, dehydrating, smoking, and pickling.
Water Filtration and Purification Systems
Having access to clean water is critical in an emergency. Stock up on bottled water and also consider:
- Personal water filters like those made by Sawyer, LifeStraw or Berkey
- Water purification tablets
- Five gallon water jugs
- Rainwater collection barrels
Store water in a cool, dark place and rotate it out every six months.
First Aid Kit Essentials and Medicine
A well-stocked first aid kit is a must for any prepper. Be sure to include:
- Bandages, gauze, tape, trauma pads
- Antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream
- Medical gloves, scissors, tweezers
- Thermometer, safety pins
- OTC meds like ibuprofen, antihistamines
Also stock up on prescription medications you take, rotate medicine to prevent expiration.
Tools for Repair and Maintenance
It’s key to have basic tools on hand for minor home repairs, equipment fixes, chopping wood, and other tasks:
- Flashlights, batteries, candles, matches/lighters
- Multi-tool, pocket knife, hatchet, shovel
- Duct tape, super glue, zip ties
- Work gloves, protective eyewear
- Sewing kit with needles, thread, buttons
Focus on manual (non-electric) tools and learn fundamental repair skills.
Protective Gear and Clothing
Round out your prepper stockpile with durable clothing, footwear and protective items:
- Sturdy boots or shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothes
- Raingear, thermal underwear
- Hats, gloves
- Face masks, goggles
- Emergency blankets, sleeping bags
The goal is to layer clothing for warmth and changing conditions while keeping safe from the elements.
By starting with these 25 essential categories, you'll be on your way to building a well-rounded stockpile tailored to your family's needs. Remember to take inventory and use/replace items before they expire. Expand your supplies over time as your skills and budget allow.
Unique Prepper Items to Consider
This section highlights unique and often overlooked items that can be crucial in specific emergency situations, providing an edge in survival preparedness.
Specialized Survival Gear
When building your prepper supply list, it's important not to overlook specialized gear that could give you an advantage in a crisis scenario. Items like night vision goggles, two-way radios, and solar battery chargers may seem excessive for everyday life, but could prove invaluable if the grid goes down. Having the ability to communicate, travel at night, and power devices could literally save your life.
Other key specialized gear includes water filters/purifiers, gas masks, emergency blankets, and a quality first aid kit. Though basic supplies like food and water take priority, these supplemental items fill crucial gaps that will boost your resilience.
Multipurpose Tools and Gadgets
Space and weight are limited in a bug-out bag, so multipurpose tools that serve various functions are ideal prepper items. A quality multi-tool combines pliers, screwdrivers, knife blades, and other implements into one compact unit. Similarly, sporks merge fork and spoon functionality when packing utensils.
There are also innovative multi-use gadgets like the LifeStraw, which filters water for drinking while also serving as a straw. Collapsible cookware sets save space while meeting cooking/eating needs. Items that meet multiple needs amplify your preparedness.
Bartering Items for Post-Disaster Trade
Should paper currency become worthless post-disaster, bartering everyday items for goods and services may become necessary. Stockpiling barter items provides a backup economy. Useful bartering items include batteries, ammunition, candles, hand tools, bars of soap, toilet paper, cigarettes, candy, coffee, liquor, and medicine.
Even mundane items can hold great bartering value when traditional supply chains break down. Consider what comforts people would miss most if stores closed. Stockpile those high-value barter items now.
Books and Manuals for Self-Reliance
When the internet and power grid are down indefinitely, the ability to reference informational books and manuals on survival skills, emergency medicine, foraging, and more could make the difference between life and death. Printed guides are immune to blackouts.
Essential titles like The Survival Medicine Handbook, Bushcraft 101, and the SAS Survival Handbook provide invaluable advice for the post-disaster world. My personal favorites are Where There Is No Doctor and The Encyclopedia of Country Living. Build a prepper library of useful hardcopy references.
Seeds and Gardening Tools
During a long-term crisis spanning months or years, the ability to grow your own food will be crucial. Non-GMO, heirloom vegetable and herb seeds can last 5+ years when properly stored, providing renewable food security. Gardening tools like shovels, hoes, rakes and more facilitate homesteading.
Consider focusing seeds/tools around high-yield, nutritious staples like potatoes, beans, squash, kale, carrots, onions and garlic. The learning curve is steep, so practice gardening now! Having seeds and gardening tools helps ensure a steady future food supply.
Key Skills Every Prepper Needs
Being prepared for emergencies requires more than just having the right supplies. Developing key knowledge and skills is vital to handle crisis situations. This section outlines some fundamental competencies beyond gear that every prepper should develop.
First Aid Training
Taking a reputable first aid and CPR certification course is highly recommended. Knowing how to treat injuries, stop bleeding, perform CPR, and use an AED can save lives in emergency situations where medical care is limited or delayed. Organizations like the American Red Cross and American Heart Association offer in-person and online training options.
Navigation and Orientation
Being able to navigate using a map, compass, and visible landmarks is an essential skill if GPS or cell phones are unusable. Understanding terrain, taking bearings, plotting courses, and orienteering take practice but these traditional navigation techniques could be critical. Resources like REI's navigation basics are a good starting point.
Emergency Communications
Developing an emergency communication plan with family members, including meeting locations and out-of-town contacts, is important. Techniques like using FRS/GMRS radios to communicate when cell networks are down require some knowledge. Shortwave and ham radios are other options for receiving emergency broadcasts without internet.
Foraging and Trapping
Identifying nutritious wild edibles in your region, like berries, herbs, roots, and fungi, could provide vital calories if food runs out. Additionally, learning basic snare construction and hunting small game with traps is an atavistic skill that preppers should cultivate in case extended survival depends on procuring food.
Fitness and Health
Staying active and maintaining good cardiovascular health helps prepare for the physical demands of various emergencies. Hiking with gear, running, strength training, yoga, and other exercise makes demands like evacuation on foot easier. Storing any necessary medications and having basic health knowledge round out good physical preparation.
Creating a Prepper Plan for Your Family
Assembling a comprehensive preparedness plan is essential for protecting your family in an emergency. By assessing potential risks, prioritizing critical supplies and skills, formalizing emergency procedures, and putting your plan into action, you can significantly improve your readiness.
Assess Your Risks
Considering your geographical location, climate, and history of natural disasters will help determine the most likely emergency scenarios. This allows you to focus your prepping efforts on the highest priority threats. For example, those prone to hurricanes should emphasize plans for extended power outages, flooding, and supply shortages.
Set Priorities
With your risk assessment complete, designate the most vital supplies and skills to acquire first, accounting for budget and time limitations. Having basic necessities like food, water, first aid, shelter, self-defense, and communication abilities will provide a foundation to build upon.
Make an Emergency Plan
Formalize emergency meeting places, contacts, evacuation routes and procedures for disasters like fires, floods, storms, and civil unrest. Share documented plans with all family members so everyone understands their role if disaster strikes.
Put Your Plan Into Action
With priorities set and emergency plans established, work to put those plans into action:
- Acquire critical gear and supplies on your list through careful budgeting and occasional splurges. Aim for at least a 30-day supply.
- Develop key skills like first aid, food storage methods, shelter construction, navigation, and more through hands-on practice.
- Operationalize plans by packing go-bags, assigning responsibilities, posting emergency contacts, identifying meeting places, and establishing communication backup plans.
- Review and update your plan twice a year as needs change. Replace expired items and adjust for new risks or family members.
Staying on top of preparedness projects while keeping emergency plans fresh in everyone's mind will help ensure your family's safety when the unexpected occurs.
Joining the Prepper Community
Online Forums and Groups
Online forums and groups provide a way to connect with like-minded preppers, ask questions, and exchange ideas. Some reputable forums include PrepperForums.net, American Preppers Network, and subreddit communities like r/preppers. When joining new communities, read the rules, search before asking questions, and contribute helpfully.
Local Meetups and Events
Connecting with local preppers allows hands-on practice of skills. Check sites like Meetup.com and Facebook for prepper gatherings in your area. Attend community emergency preparation events, volunteer for CERT teams, or organize small prepper meetups to share knowledge.
Books, Magazines and Apps
Useful offline resources include The Prepper's Blueprint by Tess Pennington, Survival Mom, and the SAS Survival Handbook by John Wiseman. Prepper-focused podcasts like The Survival Podcast and apps like Outdoors Survival Manual can build skills.
Prepping Conferences and Expositions
Attending a preparedness expo allows hands-on education. The Self Reliance Expo, Prepper Camp, and Homesteading Expo offer workshops, networking opportunities, and access to new gear. Check their websites for dates and locations.
Conclusion
In closing, a basic prepper supply list for beginners should focus on covering necessities for short-term emergencies without being overwhelming. Here are some key takeaways:
- Start with a 30-day supply of non-perishable food and water for your household. Canned goods, freeze-dried meals, bottled water are good options.
- Have basic first aid supplies like bandages, ointments, medications on hand. Don't forget sanitation items like soap, disinfectants.
- Flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, and cash are key for dealing with power outages. A crank or solar-powered radio helps stay informed.
- Make sure to stock up on fuel, propane, firestarters if you may need to cook or heat your home without power. Having warm clothes, blankets and an emergency kit in vehicles is also wise.
Prepping is also about gaining knowledge and connecting with like-minded communities. Continue learning new skills, make an emergency plan for your family, and take small steps to become better prepared over time. The resources are out there - be proactive and you'll be ready for whatever comes your way.
