Survival A–Z: 137 Supplies Organized by Priority

This survival gear list contains 137 items, but it is not a command to buy 137 things. Use it as an inventory: define the scenario, mark what your household already owns, identify the first failure point, and add only the item that closes that gap.

Evaluation label: buying guide and planning inventory. Products were not physically tested for this revision. The list was reorganized by function on September 9, 2026; individual comparison pages own product-level recommendations.

How to use the Survival A–Z list

Start with the household plan and a specific duration.
Prioritize medication, safe water, shelter/temperature, communication, sanitation, and familiar food.
Separate home supplies from equipment that must be carried.
Check weight, storage temperature, expiry, charging, training, and local law.
Test the system, not just each object.

Planning, documents, and money

#	Item	Job or limitation
1	One-page household emergency plan	Contacts, triggers, destinations, routes, and responsibilities.
2	Paper contact cards	Works when a phone is flat or locked.
3	Local paper map	Mark routes, water crossings, shelters, and closures.
4	Regional road map	Provides alternatives outside the immediate area.
5	Waterproof document pouch	Protects copies; does not replace secure originals.
6	Identity-document copies	Store and dispose of them securely.
7	Insurance and property records	Include photographs and claim contacts.
8	Medication and allergy list	Keep it current and readable.
9	Small cash reserve	Use sensible denominations; cash can be lost or stolen.
10	Spare keys	Label discreetly and control access.
11	Emergency numbers and radio frequencies	Choose the entries relevant to your location.
12	Notebook	Logs messages, resources, medication, and decisions.
13	Pencils and permanent marker	Pencils tolerate storage; marker labels gear and dates.
14	Printed equipment instructions	Keep the pages needed for safe operation.
15	Inventory and inspection schedule	Records location, expiry, charge, and replacement.

Water storage and treatment

#	Item	Job or limitation
16	Commercially bottled water	A reliable first emergency supply.
17	Food-grade water containers	Choose sizes household members can safely handle.
18	Small dispensing container	Reduces contamination of the main reserve.
19	Container labels	Record contents and fill/inspection date.
20	Portable microfilter	Check which organisms it removes; many do not remove viruses.
21	Gravity filter	Useful for groups when its contaminant claims fit the source.
22	Water purifier	Verify the definition, test standard, cartridge life, and limits.
23	Manufacturer-approved spare cartridge	Protect from freezing and contamination as instructed.
24	Metal boiling vessel	Boiling addresses germs, not most chemical contamination.
25	Stove and compatible fuel	Use with ventilation and fire safety appropriate to the device.
26	Water-treatment tablets	Follow the exact label; effectiveness and contraindications vary.
27	Unscented bleach for emergency guidance	Strength and age matter; follow current public-health instructions.
28	Clean prefilter cloth	Removes debris only; it does not disinfect water.
29	Collapsible clean-water bag	Keep clean and dirty sides distinguishable.
30	Dedicated dirty-water bag	Prevents cross-contamination.
31	Water-system cleaning supplies	Use only the method specified by the maker.

Food and cooking

#	Item	Job or limitation
32	Familiar ready-to-eat meals	Build around foods the household already tolerates.
33	Shelf-stable protein	Check allergies, sodium, package damage, and rotation.
34	Shelf-stable fruit	Choose usable package sizes.
35	Shelf-stable vegetables	Rotate into ordinary meals.
36	Calorie-dense staples	Confirm water, fuel, cooking time, and nutrition.
37	No-cook foods	Keep a fallback for unsafe or unavailable cooking.
38	Infant or specialist food	Follow individual clinical and preparation guidance.
39	Pet food	Include water, serving tool, and rotation.
40	Manual can opener	Test it on the containers you store.
41	Cooking pot with lid	A lid reduces fuel and contamination.
42	Frying pan or second vessel	Optional when weight and fuel are constrained.
43	Eating utensils	Durable washable items reduce waste.
44	Insulated mug	Useful for drinks, measured portions, and heat retention.
45	Food-safe storage bags	Do not rely on them against every pest.
46	Food-grade bucket or bin	Protects packages; inspect seals and weight.
47	Seasonings	Help a rotating pantry remain edible.
48	Dish soap	Plan safe water and a wash/rinse process.
49	Heavy-duty rubbish bags	Waste control, protection, and many non-food uses.

Shelter, temperature, and clothing

#	Item	Job or limitation
50	Weather-appropriate outer layer	Fit every household member and inspect seasonally.
51	Insulating mid-layer	Layering is more adaptable than one bulky garment.
52	Base layer	Choose fabric for the actual climate and activity.
53	Spare socks	Protect feet; keep one pair dry.
54	Work gloves	Fit, dexterity, and task-specific protection matter.
55	Warm hat	Simple temperature protection.
56	Sun hat	Heat and ultraviolet exposure can be the larger risk.
57	Sturdy footwear	Broken-in shoes beat unfamiliar “survival” boots.
58	Rain shell or poncho	Ventilation and wind performance vary.
59	Sleeping bag or quilt	Temperature ratings and user metabolism differ.
60	Sleeping pad	Ground insulation can matter as much as the top layer.
61	Blankets	Useful at home and in vehicles; protect from moisture.
62	Emergency reflective blanket	Compact wind/vapour barrier, not a complete sleep system.
63	Appropriate tent or shelter	Practise pitching it and pack repair parts.
64	Tarp	Size, attachment points, wind, and drainage matter.
65	Groundsheet	Protects shelter and separates gear from wet ground.
66	Cordage	Know its rated and non-rated uses.
67	Tent stakes appropriate to ground	One design does not suit every surface.
68	Safe home heating contingency	Combustion, clearance, fuel, ventilation, and CO risks are critical.

Lighting, power, and communications

#	Item	Job or limitation
69	Headlamp	Hands-free light; include a low mode.
70	Handheld torch	Use a common battery system where practical.
71	Area lantern	Stable, low-output lighting can preserve power.
72	Spare batteries	Correct chemistry, storage, and orientation matter.
73	Rechargeable battery bank	Record capacity and recharge it on a schedule.
74	Charging cables	Test every connector and device.
75	Vehicle USB adapter	Useful only if the vehicle and fuel can be used safely.
76	Small solar charger	Output depends on panel size, sun, angle, and storage.
77	Broadcast emergency radio	Choose bands and alerts for your country.
78	FRS or local licence-free radios	Real range is usually far below marketing maximums.
79	Licensed radio where justified	Training, lawful operation, frequencies, and a contact plan are required.
80	Satellite messenger	Coverage, view of sky, subscription, and battery are limits.
81	Registered 406 MHz beacon	For distress, not ordinary messaging; register and test as directed.
82	Whistle	Low-power local signalling.
83	Signal mirror	Requires visibility and aiming practice.
84	High-visibility panel	Useful for location and identification.
85	Watch	Supports schedules and navigation without draining a phone.
86	Battery tester	Helps distinguish flat cells from equipment faults.
87	Surge protector	Appropriate only to normal mains use and device rating.
88	Carbon-monoxide alarm	Essential around combustion; use listed equipment and fresh batteries.

Medical, hygiene, and sanitation

#	Item	Job or limitation
89	Personal prescription supply	Arrange legally with the prescriber/pharmacy; protect storage conditions.
90	Personal medical devices	Include power, spares, instructions, and a failure plan.
91	First-aid kit	Match contents to training and household needs.
92	First-aid reference	Training is more useful than a book alone.
93	Nitrile gloves	Check size, condition, allergies, and storage heat.
94	Adhesive dressings	Multiple sizes; replace degraded adhesive.
95	Sterile gauze	Keep packaging intact and dry.
96	Medical tape	Adhesive can degrade in vehicles.
97	Elastic wrap	Use within training; avoid dangerous constriction.
98	Trauma supplies appropriate to training	Do not substitute equipment for instruction.
99	Thermometer	Include compatible batteries if electronic.
100	Soap	Basic hand cleaning and sanitation.
101	Alcohol hand rub	Useful when hands are not visibly dirty; flammable.
102	Toilet paper	Keep dry and ration sensibly.
103	Menstrual supplies	Store the products the user prefers.
104	Nappies or incontinence supplies	Include disposal and skin-care needs.
105	Toothbrush and toothpaste	Routine hygiene still matters.
106	Heavy-duty toilet bags	Use with a lawful, sanitary waste plan.
107	Absorbent toilet medium	Separate from food and follow local disposal rules.
108	Household disinfectant	Never mix chemicals; follow the label exactly.

Tools, repair, and fire

#	Item	Job or limitation
109	Utility knife	Safer for many household cutting tasks than a large field knife.
110	Field knife	Choose for lawful tasks, maintenance, grip, and skill.
111	Multitool	Useful compromise; individual tools are often stronger.
112	Adjustable wrench	Know which household shut-offs it actually fits.
113	Pliers	General gripping and repair.
114	Screwdriver set	Match fasteners used by your equipment.
115	Hammer	Home repair and securing materials.
116	Compact shovel	Vehicle or camp digging; poor substitute for a full shovel at home.
117	Full-size shovel	Better leverage where portability does not matter.
118	Folding saw	Efficient on suitable wood; use protective technique.
119	Hatchet or axe	Only where the task, law, and training justify it.
120	Duct tape	Temporary repair; heat and age degrade adhesive.
121	Electrical tape	Not a universal electrical repair.
122	Cable ties	Fast temporary securing in several sizes.
123	Repair wire	Sharp ends and electrical use require care.
124	Sewing and fabric-repair kit	Needles, strong thread, patches, and pins.
125	Disposable lighter	Simple primary ignition; protect and test it.
126	Storm-resistant matches	Store dry; still require prepared tinder and safe conditions.
127	Ferrocerium rod	Durable backup that requires practice and good tinder.
128	Fire extinguisher	Correct type, accessible placement, inspection, and escape route matter.

Evacuation, safety, accessibility, and morale

#	Item	Job or limitation
129	Appropriately sized backpack or tote	Container follows load and transport, not the other way around.
130	High-visibility vest	Roadside and low-light visibility.
131	Vehicle warning triangles	Place only when it is safe to leave the vehicle.
132	Seat-belt cutter/window tool	Mount within reach and learn vehicle-specific limits.
133	Mobility or sensory support spares	Build around the individual and care plan.
134	Pet carrier, lead, and records	Practise loading and identify accepting destinations.
135	Child comfort item	Reduces distress without adding much weight.
136	Cards, book, or compact activity	Morale and routine matter during long waits.
137	Task-specific protective equipment	Eye, hearing, respiratory, or head protection must match the hazard.

Useful shopping shortcuts

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These broad searches are starting points, not endorsements of every result.

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Substantively rewritten and reviewed September 9, 2026. Product links and availability checked September 9, 2026. This revision is a researched inventory, not a hands-on product test.

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