Benjamin Franklin said it best: By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail.
The sad fact of the matter is, most people are caught on the back foot when a crisis strikes.
Whether political or environmental, there are a handful of things that are good to have on hand when things go left.
Below is our list of 25 cheap items to stockpile before a crisis.
25 Affordable Supplies to Stockpile for Peace of Mind in Emergencies
1. Water Purification Tablets
- Treats 25 quarts, 50 tablets
- Effective against bacteria and Giardia
- Ready in 35 minutes, iodine-based
Clean water is the number one survival necessity. Water purification tablets are a cheap and highly effective solution for making contaminated water safe to drink.
In an emergency, tap water might not be available, and natural water sources can contain harmful bacteria and viruses.
I don’t go anywhere without water purification tablets, and I have a large stock of them at home as well.
These tablets can purify several liters of water per tab, providing a quick, cheap solution that will prevent dehydration and waterborne diseases.
2. Multi-tool
- 17 tools in compact stainless steel
- Replaceable wire cutters, optimized pliers
- Backed by a 25-year warranty
A multi-tool combines multiple essential functions in one compact gadget, which makes it a must-have in an emergency.
Most multi-tools come with knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, along with other useful tools.
In a crisis, you might need to make repairs, build shelter, cut rope, or open cans of food.
If you’ve got a good multi-tool on hand, you can cut down on the amount of single-purpose tools you need to carry around, saving space and weight.
It can also serve as an extremely high-value trade item because of how practical it is.
3. Ferro Rods
- Eight durable ferro rods, 12,000 uses each
- Compact, lightweight, sparks at 5,500°F
- Reliable in all weather, waterproof design
Fire is critical in emergencies for warmth, cooking, and even purifying water by boiling.
If you watch outdoor survivalist experts like Ray Mears, Les Stroud, and others, one of the first orders of business when setting up camp anywhere (whether for pleasure or survival) is to get a fire going.
Ferrocerium rods (ferro rods) are long-lasting fire-starting tools that work even in wet conditions.
Unlike matches or disposable lighters, ferro rods can be struck thousands of times, ensuring you can start a fire no matter how long the crisis lasts.
They are also another high-value trade item.
4. Solar-Powered Lantern
- 360° adjustable light, lantern/flashlight combo
- Solar and USB charging, 25+ hours runtime
- Lightweight, collapsible, and water-resistant
When the power goes out, a solar-powered lantern provides a reliable source of light without the need for batteries.
Solar lanterns are affordable and can be charged during the day, ensuring you have light during long-term blackouts or nighttime outdoor activities.
A lot of them also have USB ports for charging other electronics, making them doubly useful in keeping devices like phones or radios operational.
5. Emergency Whistle
- 120 dB, pea-less, heard over a mile
- Reflective lanyard, clip for quick access
- Durable ABS, waterproof, works in cold
In emergencies, communication and signalling for help are critical.
An emergency whistle can carry sound much further than shouting and help rescuers locate you more easily.
It’s a simple, low cost item that can be life-saving in scenarios where you are trapped or trying to signal to others for help.
Whistles can also be used to ward off wildlife (and even potentially hostile people).
6. Duct Tape
- Strong adhesion, waterproof for all surfaces
- Tears easily, conforms to uneven areas
- Ideal for temporary household repairs
Duct Tape is one of the most versatile emergency tools out there.
You can use it to repair gear, patch clothing, create a temporary shelter, seal cracks in windows or doors during extreme weather, or even immobilize an injury in a first-aid scenario.
Duct tape is inexpensive and lightweight, making it an essential addition to any emergency kit for its vast range of uses.
You can even use duct tape as a fire starter:
7. Space Blanket
- Retains 90% body heat, waterproof, windproof
- Compact, reusable, and multipurpose design
- Essential for warmth in all weather conditions
I remember first seeing a space blanket in Cub Scouts, and I was amazed by how effective this small, thin, lightweight piece of material was at retaining body heat.
These are essential in cases of extreme cold or situations where you’re exposed to the elements for extended periods.
They can also be used as emergency shelter material, a signal reflector for search parties and vehicles, or even as a water collector in certain situations.
Because they’re so affordable and packable, they’re a no-brainer addition to your “cheap items to have in an emergency” list.
8. Manual Can Opener
- Razor-sharp wheel cuts cans smoothly
- Ergonomic handles, easy-to-turn knob
- Includes integrated bottle opener
If you’ve got your multi-tool, then you’ve already got one of these, but a spare can opener is always a good idea.
In many emergency situations, canned food is the most reliable long-term food supply.
However, often people forget to pack manual can openers, which can end up being a major issue when the power is down.
A basic, sturdy, manual can opener ensures that you can access your food stockpile, and it can be used repeatedly without worry.
9. First Aid Kit
- 110 physician-recommended supplies, organized pouches
- Covers cuts, scrapes, bruises, aches
- Ideal for home, car, survival, or travel
A basic first aid kit is a must-have in any emergency scenario.
It should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, painkillers, and more. In emergency scenarios, cuts, burns, and sprains are common.
Well-stocked first aid kits can prevent small wounds from becoming potentially life-threatening infections.
This is also another one of those items that are highly tradable since it provides immediate medical relief.
10. Portable Water Filter
- Removes 99.999999% bacteria and parasites
- Filters 4,000 liters, long-lasting use
- Removes microplastics down to 1 micron
If you’re wondering why I’ve included both water purification tablets and a portable water filter on the same list, it’s because I think it’s important to have both.
The portable filter is an even longer-term solution for accessing clean water.
They let you process hundreds to thousands of gallons of water from streams, lakes, and other natural sources, making them vital for your long-term survival.
They are simple to use and can be carried around in a backpack.
What’s more, you never know when you might have to move rapidly in a crisis.
You might have to grab what you can and dash, and if you’ve got a portable filter in your bug-out bag, you don’t need to worry about how and where you’re going to purify water when you find it.
11. Batteries (Various Sizes)
- 108-pack includes AA, AAA, C, D, 9V
- Ideal for various devices, ready-to-use
- Single-use, delivers adaptive power
Many emergency tools rely on batteries, including flashlights, radios and certain medical devices.
Stocking up on a variety of battery sizes ensures that your devices stay functional when the grid is down.
Alkaline batteries are affordable and easy to find, but consider rechargeable batteries with a solar charger for a more sustainable solution.
They’re also highly tradable. The CDC has put together a great article on battery sizes, what they’re commonly used for and how to properly store batteries.
12. Paracord (550 Cord)
- 550 lb strength, durable 7-core nylon
- UV, weather-resistant, MIL-SPEC compliant
- Multipurpose for camping, crafts, and emergencies
Paracord is another one of those cheap, highly versatile survival items.
It’s lightweight but incredibly strong, with a variety of uses including building shelters, securing gear, making traps, or even fashioning a makeshift tourniquet in first aid situations.
What’s more the inner strands can be separated and used for fishing lines or sewing thread, making in an indispensable part of any emergency kit.
Here’s someone fishing with paracord:
13. Seeds for Growing Food (Non-Hybrid/Heirloom)
- 35 heirloom, non-GMO vegetable varieties
- USA-sourced seeds, mold-resistant packaging
- Includes growing instructions, beginner-friendly
In long-term emergency situations, the ability to grow your own food is invaluable.
Non-hybrid, heirloom seeds can be stored for long periods of time and will produce crops that can, in turn, provide seeds for future planting.
Having a small stock of seeds for reliable crops like beans, tomatoes, or leafy greens lets you establish a sustainable food source, which is especially important if supply chains are disrupted or you have to abandon a survival location.
These seeds often produce stronger, more resilient plants that are ideal for survival situations, allowing you to become less dependent on external food sources.
14. Tarps
- Waterproof, dustproof, heat-sealed, reinforced edges
- Metal grommets and corner reinforcements
- Durable, versatile for outdoor protection
A durable tarp is essential for creating emergency shelters, protecting gear from rain, or collecting rainwater for drinking.
They’re inexpensive, lightweight, and can serve multiple purposes, such as insulating the ground beneath you or covering broken windows.
If you find yourself in a severe weather situation, tarps can also provide quick and easy protection from the elements.
They can be fashioned into makeshift tents or used to shield your food supplies from rain or snow.
Tarps are incredibly versatile and can be used for a range of emergency scenarios, making them a must-have in any preparedness kit.
15. Crank-Powered Solar Radio
- 4000mAh battery, 4 charging modes, NOAA weather updates
- Super-bright 3-mode flashlight, motion sensor reading lamp
- Durable, reliable, 18-month warranty included
One of the most crucial resources in any crisis situation is information, and a radio is probably going to be your best way of staying informed (think of how many zombie movies or games have scenes where people are saved via radio).
You need to know where to go (and where not to go) and when, stay informed of weather updates, and know where the power grid is down, etc.
Many models also come with a built-in flashlight and USB charging port, making them even more valuable in a survival situation.
A crank-powered solar radio ensures that you have access to these critical updates without relying on batteries or external power sources, which can be a game-changer when traditional infrastructure fails.
16. Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant Wipes
- Kills 99.99% of germs in 15 seconds
- Aloe and Vitamin E, non-drying formula
- Convenient, portable, and USA-made
Keeping your hands clean is essential for preventing illness, especially in situations where soap and water are scarce.
Hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes are cheap but critical for maintaining hygiene in the aftermath of disasters, particularly in areas prone to disease outbreaks.
An article in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences titled “Prevention of Communicable Diseases After Disaster: A Review” states that “The most common causes of morbidity and mortality in this situation are diarrheal disease and acute respiratory infections.
You can avoid some of the risks of these types of disease if you are able to disinfect your hands, food and eating and drinking utensils.
17. Fishing Kit
- Durable, water-resistant tin with moisture control
- Includes jigs, flies, hooks, line, and bobbers
- Compact, meets Alaska/Canada survival standards
We’ve already touched on how you can make fishing line out of paracord, but a basic fishing kit is an excellent tool for obtaining food in survival situations.
A small, compact kit with hooks, lines, and sinkers can be used in nearby lakes or rivers to catch fish, providing a reliable and sustainable food source.
Fishing supplies are also (as per the theme on this list) highly tradable if you find yourself in a bartering scenario.
The versatility of a fishing kit makes it a valuable asset in both the immediate survival situation and any future exchanges for goods or services, especially when food is scarce.
18. Disposable Lighter
- Child-resistant, reliable, and quality-tested
- Twice the lights of leading brands
- Over 50 safety checks, assorted colors
While having a supply of fire starters is crucial, disposable lighters offer a quick and easy way to ignite a fire.
They’re cheap, small, and can be used multiple times, making them an essential item for starting fires in a crisis.
Beyond just lighting a fire, disposable lighters are also useful for sterilizing needles or cutting tools in an emergency medical situation (e.g., you need to suture a wound).
They can also serve as invaluable trade items due to their practicality and relatively low cost.
19. Trash Bags
- 13-gallon, scented, toughest Hefty bags
- 6-in-1 protection: leak, rip, odor control
- Arm & Hammer fights odors, satisfaction guaranteed
Heavy-duty trash bags have a surprising number of uses in emergency preparedness.
They can be used to collect rainwater (or create distillation stills), serve as makeshift ponchos, line your shelter for insulation, or even function as emergency sanitation in the absence of toilets.
A roll of trash bags is cheap, portable, and highly versatile, making them a great addition to your emergency kit.
Their variety of potential uses will make them invaluable for maintaining hygiene, securing resources, or improvising solutions to survival challenges.
20. Manual Grain Mill
- Durable cast iron grinder with adjustable coarseness
- Versatile for grains, nuts, seeds, and coffee
- Clamp fits 1/2"-2" surfaces, easy to clean
If you’ve stocked up on grains like wheat or rice for long-term food storage, I’d recommend also investing in a grain mill that will let you turn those into flour or meal for cooking.
If there is no electricity, a hand-crank mill becomes a vital tool for preparing nutritious meals from stored grains.
While it is a bulkier item, a grain mill is a valuable investment for anyone planning for long-term food security.
The ability to process your own grains into flour or meal will ensure that your food supplies last longer and are more versatile, allowing you to bake bread, make porridge, or cook other meals without needing modern machinery.
21. Masks
- 5-layer breathable KN95 with 3D fit
- Adjustable nose clip, soft ear loops
- Lightweight, foldable, ideal for crowded spaces
In emergencies involving fires, volcanic eruptions, or pandemics, the air can become contaminated with smoke, ash or pathogens.
N95 or KN95 masks filter out harmful particulates, ensuring you can breathe safely.
In addition to protecting your respiratory system, these masks can help prevent the spread of airborne illnesses.
They are lightweight and inexpensive, and having a few stored away for emergencies could prove invaluable for your and your family’s health in a crisis scenario.
22. Emergency Blanket (Wool or Fleece)
- 70% wool, flame-resistant, all-season blanket
- Durable, machine washable, retains vibrancy
- Multi-use: camping, car, home, emergencies
A wool or fleece emergency blanket is an affordable, multi-use item that provides warmth and protection from the elements.
Wool blankets, in particular, are great because they retain heat even when wet (which is why sheep in the northern hemisphere can stand outside all winter).
Fleece is lightweight and easy to pack.
In cold environments, hypothermia and exposure are major risks associated with crises, and having a sturdy blanket can be the difference between life and death.
They can also be used for extra insulation inside of a shelter or as makeshift padding.
23. Hand-Crank Generator
- 20W hand-crank generator for emergencies
- Multiple interfaces, charges various devices
- Lightweight design with efficient heat dissipation
A hand-crank powered generator is another great alternative for generating electricity during a power outage or survival situation.
Unlike solar-powered chargers, which depend on sunlight, a hand-crank generator allows you to produce power manually, making it a reliable option in any weather condition.
I find they are great for charging small devices like flashlights, radios, or even phones, and they’re a portable and self-sustaining power source that requires nothing other than your own effort.
24. Portable Butane Stove
- Dual-fuel: compatible with butane and propane
- Automatic piezo ignition, no matches needed
- Safety features: pressure sensor, gas cut-off
Having a portable stove ensures you can cook food or boil water when traditional means are unavailable.
Butane stoves are compact, easy to use, and affordable, making them ideal for emergency kits.
In long-term scenarios, cooking without electricity or gas can be challenging, but a portable stove allows you to prepare meals efficiently.
The fuel canisters are also small and easy to store, making this an affordable solution for crisis situations.
25. Heavy-Duty Zip Ties
- 120 lb tensile strength, 0.3-inch width
- Versatile for indoor and outdoor use
- Resealable storage bag, 1-year warranty
Heavy-duty zip ties, or cable ties, are another essential and highly versatile tool for emergency preparedness.
They can be used to secure gear, repair broken equipment, or fasten makeshift shelters.
Zip ties are strong, lightweight, and take up very little space in a survival kit, making them ideal for quick fixes when rope or cord isn’t practical.
They are also great for tying down tarps, securing items to backpacks, organizing cables, or even as temporary handcuffs in extreme situations.
25 Cheap Items You Will Be Glad to Have in a Crisis
- 1 Bottle Water Purification Tablets
- 1 Multi-tool
- 1 Pack Ferro Rods
- 1 Solar-Powered Lantern
- 1 Emergency Whistle
- 1 Roll Duck Tape
- 1 Space Blanket per person
- 1 Manual Can Opener
- 1 First Aid Kit
- 1 Portable Water Filter per person
- 1 Pack Batteries Various Sizes
- 1 Paracord 550 Cord
- 1 Pack Seeds for Growing Food Non-Hybrid/Heirloom (various types)
- 1 Tarps
- 1 Crank-Powered Solar Radio
- 1 Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant Wipes
- 1 Fishing Kit
- 1 Pack Disposable Lighters
- 1 Roll Trash Bags
- 1 Manual Grain Mill
- 1 Pack Masks
- 1 Emergency Blanket Wool or Fleece (per person)
- 1 Hand-Crank Generator
- 1 Portable Butane Stove (plus butane)
- 1 Pack Heavy-Duty Zip Ties (various sizes)
