Gear guides
Original product research to help you choose what belongs in your kit, including inexpensive starter items. These are not current sale listings. Check Amazon for the latest price, shipping, and availability.
Coghlan's emergency poncho: Keep a dry layer close
A small hooded poncho can help during an unexpected shower. It is an inexpensive rain layer, not insulation or serious storm gear.
Coghlan's emergency blanket: A compact weather layer
A small reflective blanket is easy to reserve in a bag. It works best with shelter and insulation, not as a substitute for either.
Fox 40 Classic whistle: A signal you can keep on you
A pealess whistle offers a simple way to attract attention when you cannot shout for long. Make a signaling plan before you need it.
Gerber Shard: A pocket tool for small repairs
The Shard combines a small pry edge, drivers, and a bottle opener. It is handy for light tasks but cannot stand in for full-size tools.
Coghlan's two-pack can openers: Make stored cans usable
Two tiny manual openers give a canned-food kit a simple backup. Learn to use one before an outage and protect its sharp edge.
Energizer MAX AA two-pack: Cover the right device
A small AA pair is useful when a compatible radio or light needs fresh cells. Count the cells your device uses first.
BAND-AID Flexible Fabric 30-count: Refill the basics
Assorted adhesive bandages help restock a kit for minor cuts and scrapes. Check sizes, skin sensitivities, and packaging before storing them.
First Aid Only assorted gauze: Add two useful pad sizes
A box with 12 small and 12 larger sterile gauze pads helps fill a gap in basic first aid supplies. Keep packages intact and know when to seek help.
Nexcare Gentle Paper Tape: Keep dressings in place
Two small rolls can secure an appropriate dressing when an adhesive strip does not fit. Paper tape still needs a skin check.
Nature Valley Oats 'n Honey 12 bars: Pack food you will rotate
Six two-bar pouches are easy to grab without cooking. Check calories, ingredients, dates, and what else your food plan still needs.
Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli four-pack: Start a usable pantry
Four 15-ounce cans are easy to count and rotate. Plan an opener, check the label, and never mistake four cans for four days of meals.
Sharpie Ultra Fine two-pack: Label your kit clearly
Two ultra-fine markers make it easier to date stored supplies and mark device batteries. Choose a label surface that stays legible.
UCO Stormproof Match Kit: Keep ignition for outdoor use
A waterproof case holds 25 stormproof matches and spare strikers. Keep fire-making tools for safe outdoor tasks only.
Ready America lightsticks: Backup light without batteries
Two green eight-hour lightsticks are a compact fallback for locating gear. They are single use and cannot replace a task light.
Rite in the Rain 3-by-5 notebook: Keep a paper backup
A pocket notebook can hold contacts, supply counts, and meeting plans when a phone is unavailable. Protect private details and choose a suitable pen.
Energizer MAX AAA two-pack: Match spare batteries to your gear
A small pair of AAA batteries can keep a compatible light or radio useful when the installed cells run out. Check your device's exact battery requirement first.
Scotch Duct Tape 10-yard roll: Pack a useful repair basic
A compact 10-yard roll is handy for labeling and temporary fixes. Know where tape helps and where a proper repair is required.
Energizer CR2032 two-pack: Check small device batteries now
A compatible CR2032 spare can keep a key fob or small household device working. Match the printed cell number and store coin batteries safely.
Reliance Aqua-Tainer: Store water before you need to filter it
A seven-gallon container makes stored drinking water easier to dispense. Plan its weight, cleaning, and refill schedule before an outage.
Sawyer Squeeze: A compact filter with a clear job
The Squeeze is a portable membrane filter for bacteria and protozoa in suitable freshwater. It is one part of a water plan, not a cure for every contaminant.
LifeStraw Personal: A light backup for one person's water
The original LifeStraw is easy to stash for individual use. Understand its biological filtration limits and how you will carry clean water afterward.
EcoFlow RIVER 2: Size a backup battery around real loads
A 256 Wh power station can cover small electronics and lights. Match its output and usable runtime to the devices you actually need during an outage.
Midland ER310: Keep weather information off your phone
The ER310 combines weather-band reception with a rechargeable battery, hand crank, and solar panel. A reception check matters more than its feature count.
Mountain House Classic Bucket: Count water and calories too
The Classic Assortment Bucket is easy to store, but serving count alone does not tell you how long it will feed a household.
Energizer Vision HD headlamp: Leave both hands free
A basic AAA headlamp is useful for repairs, cooking, and moving around in the dark. Keep spare batteries and use the lower light mode to extend runtime.
Adventure Medical Kits Hiker: Start with a kit you can inspect
The Mountain Series Hiker organizes supplies for minor trail injuries. Review the contents and add personal medicines and training separately.
Leatherman Wave Plus: Useful fixes without a full toolbox
Pliers, drivers, cutting tools, and a file make the Wave Plus a versatile backup. Its compact size still limits torque and cutting capacity.
MSR PocketRocket 2: A stove for compact outdoor cooking
The PocketRocket 2 packs small and boils water with a separate fuel canister. It is outdoor equipment, not an indoor outage stove.