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Prepper Essentials: Emergency Kits, Power Outages & Go Bags
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items I may earn a commission when you buy through links in this list.
Practical, researched essentials for power outages and grab-and-go kits, without the doomsday hype. Start with safe drinking water, familiar shelf-stable food and a household plan. Use the nine sections to fill real gaps; you do not need every item.
Amazon links are shopping examples, mainly from the US. Check the seller, availability, delivery, voltage, plug type and local suitability before buying. Follow product instructions and local emergency advice. Equipment is not a substitute for evacua...
Practical, researched essentials for power outages and grab-and-go kits, without the doomsday hype. Start with safe drinking water, familiar shelf-stable food and a household plan. Use the nine sections to fill real gaps; you do not need every item.
Amazon links are shopping examples, mainly from the US. Check the seller, availability, delivery, voltage, plug type and local suitability before buying. Follow product instructions and local emergency advice. Equipment is not a substitute for evacua...
Sections
9
Water storage and filtration
Emergency food and kitchen basics
Torches, headlamps and lanterns
Backup power and charging
Radios and communication
First aid and personal protection
Water storage and filtration
Store safe drinking water first, then choose a container and one filter suited to your kit. The two filters below are alternatives, not a reason to buy both. Follow local advisories; neither makes salt water or chemically contaminated water safe.
A reusable bottle for carrying safe drinking water in a personal go bag.
• 32 US fl oz, just under one litre.
• Wide opening makes filling and cleaning easier.
This is a bottle, not a filter. Fill it with safe drinking water and use larger containers for your home reserve.
• 32 US fl oz, just under one litre.
• Wide opening makes filling and cleaning easier.
This is a bottle, not a filter. Fill it with safe drinking water and use larger containers for your home reserve.
Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle, Camo Gray
A lightweight filter option for hiking or a grab-and-go kit, without batteries or a bulky pump.
• Weighs about 85g.
• Works with compatible pouches and standard 28mm-threaded bottles.
• Filters bacteria and protozoa from freshwater.
It does not remove viruses, chemicals or salt. Store safe drinking water first, practise using and cleaning the filter, and protect it from freezing once wet.
• Weighs about 85g.
• Works with compatible pouches and standard 28mm-threaded bottles.
• Filters bacteria and protozoa from freshwater.
It does not remove viruses, chemicals or salt. Store safe drinking water first, practise using and cleaning the filter, and protect it from freezing once wet.
Sawyer SP129 Squeeze Water Filter System w/2 Pouches
A compact alternative to the Sawyer for a light personal kit. Choose the filter that suits your setup; you do not need both.
• Weighs about 48g and fits standard 28mm-threaded bottles.
• Filters bacteria, parasites and microplastics.
• Rated for up to 2,000 litres, depending on water quality and care.
It does not remove viruses, salt or chemical contamination. Carry safe water first, check bottle fit and follow the care instructions. Replace the whole Solo unit at end of life.
• Weighs about 48g and fits standard 28mm-threaded bottles.
• Filters bacteria, parasites and microplastics.
• Rated for up to 2,000 litres, depending on water quality and care.
It does not remove viruses, salt or chemical contamination. Carry safe water first, check bottle fit and follow the care instructions. Replace the whole Solo unit at end of life.
LifeStraw Peak Solo Water Filter - Hiking & Survival
A larger container for a home water reserve or car-camping setup.
• Holds 7 US gallons, about 26.5 litres.
• Built-in tap dispenses water without lifting the whole container.
Heavy when full, so keep it accessible and plan how to move it safely. Clean and sanitise before filling with safe drinking water. It stores water; it does not filter or purify it.
• Holds 7 US gallons, about 26.5 litres.
• Built-in tap dispenses water without lifting the whole container.
Heavy when full, so keep it accessible and plan how to move it safely. Clean and sanitise before filling with safe drinking water. It stores water; it does not filter or purify it.
Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Water Container
A practical extra water reserve when you have warning before a storm. This food-grade bathtub liner holds up to 100 US gallons, depending on your tub, and includes a hand pump for transferring water into smaller containers. Fill it with safe drinking...
waterBOB 100 Gallon Emergency Water Storage
Emergency food and kitchen basics
Start with familiar ready-to-eat food you can rotate through your pantry. A manual opener works without electricity; freeze-dried meals are optional and need safe water. Check allergens, calories and preparation needs.
A small, practical addition to an emergency food shelf: a manual opener still works when the power is out.
• Cushioned handles and an easy-turn knob.
• No batteries or charging needed.
Keep it beside the canned food and practise using it before an outage.
• Cushioned handles and an easy-turn knob.
• No batteries or charging needed.
Keep it beside the canned food and practise using it before an outage.
OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener
A compact collection of freeze-dried meals for an emergency shelf or camping kit.
• Plan safe water and a way to heat it.
• Check allergens and calories, not just the serving count.
Keep familiar ready-to-eat pantry food as your first layer. This bucket is an optional backup, not a complete household plan.
• Plan safe water and a way to heat it.
• Check allergens and calories, not just the serving count.
Keep familiar ready-to-eat pantry food as your first layer. This bucket is an optional backup, not a complete household plan.
Mountain House Classic Assortment Meal Bucket
A compact no-cook reserve for a go bag or emergency shelf.
• 3,600 calories per sealed pack, divided into 18 bars.
• No cooking or water needed to prepare them.
Contains wheat. Check manufacture and expiry dates. This is emergency fuel, not a balanced diet or three full days of adequate adult calories.
• 3,600 calories per sealed pack, divided into 18 bars.
• No cooking or water needed to prepare them.
Contains wheat. Check manufacture and expiry dates. This is emergency fuel, not a balanced diet or three full days of adequate adult calories.
Datrex 3600 Emergency Food Bars, Single Pack
A useful no-cook protein option for the cupboard or a grab bag. The 2.6 oz pouch is ready to eat, needs no draining and provides 17 g of protein, without using your stored water to prepare it. Pair it with crackers or other familiar shelf-stable food...
StarKist Wild Caught Light Tuna in Water 2.6oz
An ordinary pantry staple that earns its place in an emergency food supply. This 28 oz jar needs no cooking or added water, and a two-tablespoon serving provides 190 calories and 7 g of protein. Keep crackers or another shelf-stable accompaniment nea...
SKIPPY Creamy Peanut Butter Plant Protein 28oz
Torches, headlamps and lanterns
A headlamp keeps your hands free; a lantern lights a shared space. Keep the right spare batteries or a reliable charging plan, and practise finding each light in the dark.
Hands-free light for finding supplies and doing small jobs in a blackout.
• Simple headlamp with three brightness levels.
• Uses three AAA batteries or a separately sold CORE rechargeable battery.
Pack spare batteries or a charging plan. It is weather resistant, not submersible.
• Simple headlamp with three brightness levels.
• Uses three AAA batteries or a separately sold CORE rechargeable battery.
Pack spare batteries or a charging plan. It is weather resistant, not submersible.
PETZL TIKKINA Headlamp
A freestanding lantern for shared room lighting during outages.
• Adjustable light modes and a hanging hook.
• Uses three D batteries, sold separately.
The advertised 30-day runtime is for the lowest setting, not maximum brightness. Store suitable spare batteries with your kit.
• Adjustable light modes and a hanging hook.
• Uses three D batteries, sold separately.
The advertised 30-day runtime is for the lowest setting, not maximum brightness. Store suitable spare batteries with your kit.
UST 30-Day Duro 1000 LED Lantern
A compact backup torch for a bedside drawer, pocket or emergency bag. This is the simple AAA-powered MicroStream, not the USB model, so a fresh battery can get it going without waiting for a charge. It provides 45 lumens, has a push-button tail switc...
Streamlight 66318 MicroStream Pocket Flashlight
A battery-free backup for marking a doorway, finding supplies or keeping a little light nearby during an outage. These six-inch green SnapLights come in a pack of ten and are rated for up to 12 hours of light after activation. Keep a proper torch for...
Cyalume Military Grade Green Glow Sticks 6"
Spare batteries are easy to overlook until the lights go out. This 12-pack of AAA alkaline batteries can back up the Petzl Tikkina headlamp and the AAA-powered Streamlight MicroStream on this list, without a charger. Keep them in their packaging some...
Energizer MAX AAA Alkaline Batteries 12 Pack
Backup power and charging
Choose backup power around the devices you actually need to run. Check output, battery capacity, cables and regional voltage. Fuel-burning generators belong outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents, never in a home, garage or tent.
A compact phone-power backup to charge before an outage or pack in a go bag.
• Built-in USB-C cable, plus USB-C and USB-A ports.
• Up to 30W charging with compatible devices.
Pack the right cable for older Lightning or micro-USB devices. Check the battery periodically and follow storage and charging instructions.
• Built-in USB-C cable, plus USB-C and USB-A ports.
• Up to 30W charging with compatible devices.
Pack the right cable for older Lightning or micro-USB devices. Check the battery periodically and follow storage and charging instructions.
Anker Nano A1259 Power Bank, 10,000mAh
A small rechargeable power station for phones, lights and other low-power essentials.
• 256Wh LiFePO4 battery and 300W continuous AC output.
• Solar panel is separate.
This US listing uses 120V AC input and output. Choose a local-voltage version elsewhere and check each device’s load and starting surge. It is not a whole-home or guaranteed medical-device backup.
• 256Wh LiFePO4 battery and 300W continuous AC output.
• Solar panel is separate.
This US listing uses 120V AC input and output. Choose a local-voltage version elsewhere and check each device’s load and starting surge. It is not a whole-home or guaranteed medical-device backup.
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Power Station, 256Wh / 300W
Spare charging cables are easy to overlook until the one you need goes missing. This two-pack gives you a cable for your emergency bag and another to keep with your backup power supply. The USB-C connections support up to 60W with a compatible charge...
Anker USB C to USB C Cable 60W 2-Pack 6ft
A practical way to top up phones and compatible power banks while travelling. This compact 12V/24V vehicle adapter has USB-C and USB-A ports for newer and older charging cables. The USB-C port provides up to 30W and the USB-A port up to 22.5W. Pack s...
Anker 323 52.5W USB-C Car Charger 30W PQ 3.0
Four pre-charged eneloop AA batteries and an individual-slot charger make a useful reusable option for compatible torches and small devices. The charger also accepts suitable AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries, bought separately. This Amazon US bundle u...
Eneloop Panasonic K-KJ55MCA4BA Charger & 4 AA Batteries
Radios and communication
Keep a way to hear local updates and signal for help when a phone is unavailable. Save important numbers and local radio frequencies on paper. US NOAA weather-radio alerts do not work worldwide.
A way to hear broadcasts without relying on mobile data.
• AM/FM reception and an integrated light.
• USB charging and hand-crank backup.
NOAA weather alerts are a US feature, not an Australian alert service. Check your local stations and treat the small solar panel as a top-up, not your main charger.
• AM/FM reception and an integrated light.
• USB charging and hand-crank backup.
NOAA weather alerts are a US feature, not an Australian alert service. Check your local stations and treat the small solar panel as a top-up, not your main charger.
Midland ER310 Emergency AM/FM Radio
A small, battery-free way to attract attention when calling out is difficult.
• Pealess design with no moving part to jam.
• Breakaway lanyard keeps it easy to reach.
Carry it where you can grab it quickly. Sound travel depends on terrain and conditions, so do not rely on a promised distance.
• Pealess design with no moving part to jam.
• Breakaway lanyard keeps it easy to reach.
Carry it where you can grab it quickly. Sound travel depends on terrain and conditions, so do not rely on a promised distance.
Fox 40 Classic Whistle with Breakaway Lanyard
A small, battery-free way to attract attention when you can see a potential rescuer. The built-in aiming feature helps direct reflected sunlight, and the floating design is useful around water. Keep it accessible rather than buried at the bottom of a...
ust StarFlash Floating Signal Mirror with Lanyard
A paper backup for emergency contacts, meeting points and useful instructions when your phone is flat. These pocket-sized notebooks have weather-resistant pages and a tough flexible cover, making them handy for a grab bag or glove box. Write importan...
Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Spiral Notebook 3x5 Green 3 Pack
For US use only: this is a US FRS pair, not an Australian UHF CB radio. Useful for local contact without mobile reception; each handset needs three AAA batteries, sold separately. Buildings and terrain reduce range, so test them where you plan to use...
Midland T10 X-Talker FRS Walkie Talkie 2 Pack
First aid and personal protection
Build around your household and first-aid skills, not a huge piece count. Check contents, expiry dates and glove fit. Add prescribed medicines and personal medical needs separately with professional advice.
A compact first-aid starter kit with labelled compartments, so basic supplies are easier to find under stress.
• Useful for organising a small home, car or go-bag kit.
• Water-resistant case, not a submersible container.
Check contents and expiry dates, replace used items, and add your household’s personal needs separately. Pair the kit with first-aid training; it does not replace urgent medical care.
• Useful for organising a small home, car or go-bag kit.
• Water-resistant case, not a submersible container.
Check contents and expiry dates, replace used items, and add your household’s personal needs separately. Pair the kit with first-aid training; it does not replace urgent medical care.
Surviveware Small First Aid Kit
Reusable work gloves for carrying supplies and everyday clean-up.
• Washable design for routine work.
• Choose your own size; this link starts with Large.
These are general work gloves, not protection for live electricity, chemicals or sharp debris. Avoid hazardous clean-up without the right training and protective equipment.
• Washable design for routine work.
• Choose your own size; this link starts with Large.
These are general work gloves, not protection for live electricity, chemicals or sharp debris. Avoid hazardous clean-up without the right training and protective equipment.
Mechanix Wear Original Work Gloves
Useful extra gloves to keep with a first-aid kit, especially when helping someone with a minor injury. These powder-free nitrile exam gloves have textured fingertips and avoid natural rubber latex. This box is Medium; choose the size that fits your h...
MedPride Powder-Free Nitrile Exam Gloves, Medium, 100
Eye protection is worth keeping beside your work gloves for routine jobs involving flying debris. These clear wraparound glasses have adjustable arms and a soft adjustable nose pad, with anti-fog and scratch-resistant lens coatings. Check the fit bef...
NoCry Clear Safety Glasses Anti-Fog UV Shield
Individually wrapped, flat-fold respirators are easy to store with emergency supplies. This NIOSH-approved N95 model filters certain non-oil particles, with an adjustable nose clip and headbands to help achieve a seal. Fit matters: follow the instruc...
3M Aura N95 Respirator 9205+, Flat Fold
Hygiene and sanitation
Keep handwashing, body cleaning and waste disposal in your plan. Pack soap, toilet paper, menstrual supplies and sturdy waste bags as needed. Wipes do not replace proper handwashing and should not be flushed.
Rinse-free body wipes for a quick clean-up when a shower is unavailable.
• Useful in a small hygiene pouch.
• Reseal the packet so the remaining wipes do not dry out.
These are body wipes, not hand sanitizer. Pack used wipes out and never flush them; proper handwashing still matters.
• Useful in a small hygiene pouch.
• Reseal the packet so the remaining wipes do not dry out.
These are body wipes, not hand sanitizer. Pack used wipes out and never flush them; proper handwashing still matters.
Sea to Summit Wilderness Body Wipes
An emergency toilet-liner option for times when normal toilets are unavailable.
• Double-bag design with absorbent Bio-Gel.
• Use with a compatible portable toilet or bucket setup, sold separately.
Follow the instructions and local waste-disposal rules. Seal used bags carefully; do not flush or bury them.
• Double-bag design with absorbent Bio-Gel.
• Use with a compatible portable toilet or bucket setup, sold separately.
Follow the instructions and local waste-disposal rules. Seal used bags carefully; do not flush or bury them.
Reliance Double Doodie Waste Bags with Bio-Gel
A proper toilet setup is easy to overlook when building an emergency kit. This five-US-gallon bucket-style loo gives you a dedicated seat and lid, and it works with the Reliance Double Doodie bags already in this section. Better suited to home or veh...
Reliance Luggable Loo Portable 5 Gallon Toilet
Soap leaves give you a compact washing option without a liquid bottle that could leak in your kit. This set contains three pocket packs with 50 leaves each, so you can split them between a bathroom backup, vehicle kit and go bag. Keep the pack dry an...
Sea to Summit Paper Soaps 3-Pack - Wilderness Wash
A compact towel makes a useful partner for soap and wipes when your usual bathroom routine is disrupted. This body-size microfiber towel is 25 by 54 inches and has a hanging loop, giving you something reusable for drying off without packing a bulky h...
PackTowl Personal Ultralight Microfiber Towel
Shelter, warmth and weather protection
Match warmth and weather protection to your climate. Emergency reflective gear is a lightweight backup, not a substitute for proper clothing, a sleeping system or a safe place to shelter.
A compact reflective bivvy to help block wind and rain if you are caught out.
• XL size offers extra room.
• Lightweight backup for a pack or vehicle kit.
This is emergency protection, not an insulated sleeping bag or a replacement for safe shelter. Carry proper layers and a sleep system suited to the weather.
• XL size offers extra room.
• Lightweight backup for a pack or vehicle kit.
This is emergency protection, not an insulated sleeping bag or a replacement for safe shelter. Carry proper layers and a sleep system suited to the weather.
SOL Emergency Bivvy XL
Lightweight rain cover to keep ready in a grab-and-go kit.
• Adjustable hood and side snaps.
• Packs into its included stuff sack.
Try it on over your clothing before relying on it. A lightweight poncho does not replace warm layers or heavier-duty protection in rough conditions.
• Adjustable hood and side snaps.
• Packs into its included stuff sack.
Try it on over your clothing before relying on it. A lightweight poncho does not replace warm layers or heavier-duty protection in rough conditions.
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Rain Poncho
A bivvy covers you, but a sleeping pad adds a separate layer between you and the ground. This closed-cell foam mat folds accordion-style and needs no pump, making it a straightforward backup for evacuation stays or nights outdoors. The regular size i...
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Camping Sleeping Pad
For a home or car kit, a substantial blanket is more useful than relying only on a thin emergency bivvy. This 80% wool blanket measures 64 by 88 inches, so it can serve as an extra layer during an outage, an evacuation stay or a chilly wait in the ca...
Arcturus Military Wool Blanket - Warm & Washable
A separate tarp gives you covered space for bags or a simple rain shelter. The Defender uses reinforced attachment points and a heavier fabric construction, making it a practical option for a vehicle kit or stay-put setup. This link is the 10 x 10 ft...
AquaQuest Defender Heavy-Duty Waterproof Tarp
Go bags and important documents
Use a bag you can comfortably carry, and keep the contents easy to find. Add copies of important documents, written contacts, a small cash reserve and household-specific supplies. Practise a short carry before you need to leave.
A 20-litre daypack for keeping a compact grab-and-go kit organised.
• Ventilated back panel and useful outer pockets.
• A practical size for personal essentials rather than household bulk supplies.
Test the fit and packed weight first. It is not waterproof or a full-family supply carrier; a comfortable bag you already own may be enough.
• Ventilated back panel and useful outer pockets.
• A practical size for personal essentials rather than household bulk supplies.
Test the fit and packed weight first. It is not waterproof or a full-family supply carrier; a comfortable bag you already own may be enough.
Osprey Daylite Plus 20L Backpack
A small roll-top organiser for spare clothes and essentials inside a backpack.
• Taped seams help keep rain out.
• A 5-litre size for grouping a few items, not your entire kit.
Close it exactly as directed. This dry bag is not submersible; give important documents and electronics a separate waterproof case.
• Taped seams help keep rain out.
• A 5-litre size for grouping a few items, not your entire kit.
Close it exactly as directed. This dry bag is not submersible; give important documents and electronics a separate waterproof case.
Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag, 5L
Keep folded document copies, emergency contacts and a small map together rather than loose in your go bag. This flat pouch has a clear front and an eight-by-seven-inch interior, making it useful for paperwork you may need to find quickly. Check that ...
Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Travel Pouch - Medium, Charcoal
An organised go bag is easier to use when you need something quickly. These four mesh-top packing cubes let you separate spare clothes, socks and smaller supplies instead of unpacking everything to find one item. The different sizes also help divide ...
Amazon Essentials 4-Piece Packing Cubes Set, Blue
Small essentials are easy to lose at the bottom of a packed bag. This rigid case gives items such as a USB backup, spare keys and charging adapters a separate home, with a clear lid so you can see what is inside. Its internal space is roughly 6.5 by ...
Pelican 1040 Micro Case (Black/Clear)