Hunting for bargains can be a treasure hunt, especially when prepping for emergencies. Thrift stores often hide gems—items that can make your survival plan both effective and budget-friendly.
Building an emergency kit doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Many thrift stores offer a surprising selection of gear, from camping essentials to first-aid supplies, all at a fraction of retail prices. Every time I step into one, I’m reminded of the thrill of discovering useful items that can enhance my preparedness without breaking the bank.
The goal here is to highlight practical, cost-effective choices for your prepper stash. Finding quality items at thrift stores can be a game-changer, allowing anyone to build a reliable emergency kit. While brand-new gear has its appeal, the secondhand finds often carry stories and character that add a personal touch to your preparedness journey.
1. Backpacks
Backpacks are cheap and plentiful at thrift stores. You can put together several go bags with inexpensive packs for various emergency scenarios.
2. Camping Equipment
Keep an eye out for camping gear like tents, sleeping bags, and cookware. These items can be useful for bugging out or setting up a temporary shelter.
3. Candles
Stock up on candles for emergency lighting during power outages. Goodwill stores often have a variety of candles at low prices.
4. Canning Equipment
If you plan on preserving your own food, look for canning supplies like jars, lids, and pressure canners. You can often find these items in good condition at thrift stores.
5. Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron pots and pans are durable and versatile for cooking over open flames. Keep an eye out for cast iron cookware to add to your prepper supplies.
6. Fencing Items
Posts, chicken wire, and barbed wire might be useful for securing your property. Check the front and back rooms of the store for these items.
7. Survival Books
Look for survival-related books on topics like first aid, foraging, and bushcraft skills. Reference books are great to have in your prepper library.
8. Wool Blankets
Wool blankets are warm, durable, and can serve multiple purposes in a survival situation. Goodwill stores often have plenty of blankets to choose from at great prices.
9. Manual Tools
Look for manual versions of common tools like can openers, meat grinders, and coffee makers. These will be useful if the power goes out for an extended period.
10. First Aid Supplies
Keep an eye out for first aid items like bandages, gauze, and medical tape. You can often find these supplies in unopened packages at thrift stores.
11. Clothing
Look for durable, practical clothing like jeans, boots, and jackets. These items can be useful for outdoor activities or emergency situations.
12. Matches and Lighters
Stock up on matches and lighters for starting fires. You can often find these items in large quantities at Goodwill stores.
13. Gardening Tools
Look for gardening tools like shovels, hoes, and rakes. These items can be useful for starting a survival garden or maintaining your property.
14. Rope and Cordage
Rope and cordage have many uses in a survival situation. Look for various types and lengths of rope at thrift stores.
15. Water Containers
Keep an eye out for water containers like canteens, water bottles, and storage jugs. These items are essential for storing and transporting water.
16. Knives
Look for knives of various sizes and types. Knives are versatile tools that can be used for self-defense, food preparation, and other survival tasks.
17. Flashlights and Batteries
Stock up on flashlights and batteries for emergency lighting. You can often find these items in good condition at Goodwill stores.
18. Sewing Supplies
Look for sewing supplies like needles, thread, and fabric. These items can be useful for repairing clothing and gear.
19. Camping Stoves
Keep an eye out for camping stoves and fuel. These items can be useful for cooking food and boiling water in emergency situations.
20. Fishing Gear
Look for fishing gear like rods, reels, and lures. Fishing can be a useful skill for obtaining food in a survival situation.
21. Binoculars
Binoculars can be useful for scouting and observing from a distance. Look for a pair in good condition at thrift stores.
22. Tarps
Tarps have many uses in a survival situation, such as creating shelter or collecting water. Look for tarps of various sizes at Goodwill.
23. Hunting Gear
Keep an eye out for hunting gear like camouflage clothing, game calls, and ammunition pouches. These items can be useful for hunting and obtaining food.
24. Two-Way Radios
Two-way radios can be useful for communication during emergencies. Look for a set of radios in good condition at thrift stores.
25. Propane Tanks
Propane tanks can be used for cooking, heating, and other purposes in a survival situation. Check the back rooms of Goodwill for these items.
26. Maps and Compasses
Maps and compasses are essential for navigation in the wilderness. Look for these items in the book section of thrift stores.
27. Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are important for fire safety in any situation. Look for a working fire extinguisher at Goodwill.
28. Emergency Radios
Emergency radios can be used to receive important information during disasters. Look for a battery-powered or hand-crank radio at thrift stores.
29. Water Purification Items
Keep an eye out for water purification items like filters, tablets, and iodine. These items are essential for ensuring safe drinking water in emergency situations.
30. Solar Chargers
Solar chargers can be used to power electronic devices during power outages. Look for portable solar panels or chargers at thrift stores.
38 Things Every Prepper Should Stockpile That Aren’t Water, Food, or Weapons
This list extends beyond the basic survival trio of water, food, and weapons. It’s a given that we need to stock up on water, food, and a way to defend ourselves and what we have. But what other things will you need in a survival situation?
None of us truly knows what TEOTWAWKI will really look like, although most of us have theories we think most likely. But whatever the situation is, there are certain supplies that it just makes sense to have on hand, aside from the obvious trio I mentioned above.
31 Ways to Boost Home Security: How to Fortify Your Fortress and Deter Burglars
We sadly live in a society where it’s all too common for criminals to want to take what we’ve worked hard to get. The results of a break-in are traumatic, too. Beyond just losing your stuff. Victims often feel violated, anxious, and unsafe, sometimes for years after the event.
Prevention is the best way to stay safe. And, while you shouldn’t have to turn your home into a fortress, that’s the stark reality of our world. But you can take plenty of simple steps to deter burglars and ensure your home is less attractive to would-be thieves.
23 Smart Ways to Preserve Food
Preserving food is an art as much as it is a science, tapping into our ancestral roots and addressing modern needs. Whether you’re looking to avoid waste, prepare for leaner times, or simply enjoy the fruits of your labor year-round, these 23 smart methods will guide you through.
I’m a huge fan of preserving things I find on sale, gluts of produce from my homestead, or produce I’ve bartered with someone else.
Thanks for your time to assemble practice items for home & outdoors.