Preparedness Gear Guides
By Ian Freng-MeeteerUpdated November 12, 2026
Practical preparedness isn’t about bunkers or worst-case fantasies. It’s about the things that actually happen: multi-day power outages, boil-water notices, storms, wildfire evacuations, and getting stuck on the road. These guides cover the gear that makes those situations manageable, and most of it doubles as hiking and camping kit you’ll use every season.
Where to start
- Water first: a reliable water filter or purifier matters more than anything else on this page.
- Power and light: a power bank and a good flashlight cover most outages.
- First aid: a well-stocked first aid kit for the home and the car.
- Tools: a multi-tool, a fixed-blade knife and a folding saw handle most repairs and cleanup.
- Plan it out: use the food storage calculator and power outage planner.
All preparedness guides
Best Solar Generators
The best solar generators and portable power stations for power outages, camping and RV trips, compared on capacity, output and value.
Best Bug Out Bags
The best bug out bags, from ready-made 72-hour kits to rugged packs for building your own, plus a complete checklist.
Best Emergency Radios
The best emergency radios with NOAA weather alerts, hand crank and solar charging, for power outages and emergency kits.
Best Fire Starters
The best fire starters for survival kits and camping, from ferro rods to stormproof matches.
Best Faraday Bags
The best Faraday bags for phones, car key fobs, laptops and emergency electronics, plus how to test them.
Best Two Way Radios
The best two way radios for families, outdoor trips and emergencies, plus what you need to know about FRS and GMRS licensing.
Best Tactical Backpacks
The best tactical backpacks for everyday carry, go-bags, travel and hiking, from premium packs to budget picks.
Best Survival Kits
The best survival kits for hiking, cars and emergencies, from compact pocket kits to complete gear kits.
Best Water Storage Containers
The best water storage containers for emergencies, from portable jugs to 55-gallon barrels, plus how much water to store and how to…
Best Paracord
The best paracord for survival kits, camping and DIY projects, plus how to spot real 550 cord.
Best Folding Survival Saws 2026
The best folding survival saws, from the Silky Gomboy I carry to a $25 Bahco Laplander and big saws for real firewood.
Best Books For Preppers 2026
The best survival and preparedness books, from the SAS Survival Handbook to Where There Is No Doctor.
Best Survival Foods 2026
The best long-shelf-life emergency foods, from Mountain House freeze-dried meals to MREs, with tips on storing and rotating them.
Best Power Bank For Power Outages 2026
The best power stations and power banks for keeping phones, lights and small appliances running during a power outage.
Best Survival First Aid Kits 2026
The best first aid kits for hiking, vehicles and home emergencies, led by the My Medic MyFAK I carry.
Best Survival Flashlights 2026
The best survival flashlights for power outages, bug-out bags and everyday carry, led by the Nitecore MH12 v2 I've used for 4+…
Best Survival Axes & Hatchets of 2026
The best survival axes and hatchets, led by the Hults Bruk carpenter axe I have used for over five years.
The Best Survival Shelters 2026
The best survival shelters: hammock systems, pop-up tents, tarps, bivies and insulated emergency tarps.
Best Survival Knives 2026
The best survival knives for hiking, camping and emergency kits: fixed blades, folders and a $20 bushcraft classic.
Best Survival Multi-Tools 2026
The best survival multi-tools for bug-out bags, hiking and home kits, led by the Leatherman Wave+ I carry every day.
Best Survival Water Filters 2026
The best survival water filters for bug-out bags, backpacking and home emergencies, including the three I carry myself, plus which ones actually…
How I choose preparedness gear
- It has to work after sitting in a closet. Emergency gear gets ignored for months. I favor simple, durable designs over gadgets.
- It should earn its keep outdoors too. A water filter, headlamp or saw you use camping is one you know how to use when it counts.