In-Store Walmart Survival Items Under $37

Below are six affordable options under $37 that can enhance your readiness for unexpected situations.

GEAR & TOOLS

10/17/20245 min read

Walmart (In-Store) Survival Items Under $37

In-store SHTF (Survive Hard Times Fast) survival finds at Walmart can provide essential supplies for emergency preparedness. Below are six affordable options under $39 that can enhance your readiness for unexpected situations.

Here are some items worth considering for disasters:

104 examples of items to keep in your get-home bag during a disaster, with planner

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Walmart Starter Items: Just One Option To Jump Start Your Prepping Journey

For those who don't like online shopping or don't have the luxury of having military surplus stores nearby them, Walmart is a great resource.

When the unforeseen strikes and chaos begins to ripple across society, the survivalist's mind turns to the essentials—the tools and supplies needed to endure and overcome. For those preparing for the worst, the labyrinth of Walmart's aisles holds surprising value. Beneath the fluorescent lights and neatly arranged shelves lies a treasure trove of SHTF (S**t Hits The Fan) items that won’t break the bank.

First, consider food security and storage. Walmart's inventory includes an array of shelf-stable options that can stockpile easily. Canned goods are a must-have. Brands offering soups, vegetables, meats, and beans line the aisles, providing nutrition and variety. Don’t overlook the dry goods: rice, pasta, and oats. These calorie-dense staples can sustain you when fresh food becomes scarce. For long-term storage, grab vacuum-sealed bags and food-grade buckets to keep pests and moisture at bay. Dehydrated meals and protein bars, often found in the camping section, make lightweight additions to any bug-out bag.

Water—the lifeblood of survival—should never be overlooked, water should be stored for disasters. In the home goods or camping section, you’ll find water filtration systems and tablets that can turn questionable sources into drinkable reserves. Plastic jerry cans, collapsible water containers, and even sturdy five-gallon buckets are affordable and versatile. Don’t leave without a few cases of bottled water; redundancy in water supply is a cornerstone of preparedness.

Fire is another essential element, and Walmart offers a variety of tools to help you ignite it. Lighters and waterproof matches are available in bulk, often for less than you might expect. The camping aisle yields fire starters, magnesium blocks, and even emergency fuel cubes. For cooking and heating, small propane canisters and portable stoves can be lifesavers when the grid goes dark.

Shelter and warmth are critical when the elements turn against you. Wool blankets and sleeping bags—many rated for subzero temperatures—are within easy reach. Tarp and duct tape, sold in the hardware section, can be used to create makeshift shelters or reinforce weak points in your home. Don’t underestimate the utility of an emergency space blanket, which takes up almost no space but can reflect body heat efficiently.

In a crisis, maintaining hygiene can mean the difference between survival and succumbing to disease. Walmart’s aisles are stocked with soap, hand sanitizer, and bleach—the latter being a multi-use tool for water purification and disinfecting surfaces. Grab a box of heavy-duty trash bags; they’re indispensable for waste management and even improvising ponchos or bedding. Stock up on personal hygiene products like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and menstrual supplies, ensuring comfort and health in challenging times.

Power preparation during disasters and lighting are essential when the power grid fails. Flashlights, headlamps, and LED lanterns abound, many powered by affordable AA or AAA batteries—of which you should stockpile generously. Rechargeable options paired with solar chargers are wise investments, ensuring you’re not left in the dark. Glow sticks and candles can serve as backups for extended outages.

Self-defense and tools for fortification are equally important. Walmart’s sporting goods section offers an assortment of knives, hatchets, and even machetes. These tools can double as weapons and essential equipment for chopping wood or clearing debris. Don’t skip over the multipurpose tools and compact shovels, which can assist in everything from digging fire pits to opening cans. Pepper spray and air horns, though not as lethal, can provide a deterrent in moments of danger.

Medical emergencies demand training and preparedness, and Walmart’s pharmacy and first-aid sections hold valuable resources. Stock up on bandages, antiseptics, and over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and antihistamines. First-aid kits, often pre-assembled, provide a baseline of supplies but can be supplemented with trauma shears, gauze, and tourniquets. Consider vitamins and electrolyte powders to maintain strength and hydration during prolonged stress.

Finally, communication tools are critical for staying informed and connected. Battery-powered or hand-crank radios are a staple for monitoring emergency broadcasts. Walkie-talkies can keep your group coordinated when cell networks go down. Don’t forget extra batteries or portable chargers to keep these devices operational. While Walmart does not sell ham radios or satellite radios, i recently wrote about my best picks.

The beauty of Walmart lies in its accessibility and affordability. It caters to the everyday shopper while quietly offering the means to build a resilient stockpile. Preparedness is not the realm of paranoia; it is the domain of those who value self-reliance. For those ready to act, Walmart’s aisles are a gateway to fortifying against the unpredictable.

1. Ready America 2-Person Emergency Kit - 3 Day Backpack

Price: $36.59
This compact emergency kit is ideal for short-term survival situations, especially for two people. It includes food and water with a five-year shelf life, as well as basic survival tools such as ponchos, dust masks, and emergency blankets. Its convenient backpack format makes it easy to grab and go during emergencies.

Ready America 2-Person Emergency Kit - 3 Day Backpack

2. Ozark Trail 17-Piece Outdoor Survival Deluxe Kit

Price: $29.94
This all-in-one deluxe kit includes 17 critical tools for outdoor survival, such as a flashlight, knife, fire starters, paracord, and a whistle. It’s a practical and budget-friendly kit for anyone needing a reliable set of tools for both short-term survival and wilderness situations.

Ozark Trail 17-Piece Outdoor Survival Deluxe Kit

3. Ozark Trail 12-Pack Camping Tool Set

Price: $29.86
This versatile set offers 12 essential tools including a machete, knife, flashlight, and more, all packed into one convenient set. Whether you're preparing for camping or emergencies, this kit will cover a wide range of survival needs. It's an excellent option for those looking to assemble an SHTF gear collection.

Ozark Trail 12-Pack Camping Tool Set

4. Ozark Trail 7-Piece Camping Tool Set

Price: $19.97
This camping tool set includes key items such as a hammer, axe, flashlight, and various knives, making it a compact yet powerful toolkit. Batteries are included for the flashlight, which is a nice touch for a budget-friendly package designed for camping, prepping, or emergencies.

Ozark Trail 7-Piece Camping Tool Set

5. Ozark Trail 6-Piece LED Flashlight, Headlamp & Lantern Combo

Price: $11.99
This lighting set provides multiple options for staying illuminated in the dark. It includes a flashlight, headlamp, lantern, and penlight. Whether you’re preparing for power outages or night-time adventures, this kit offers the lighting you need in a compact and affordable package.

Ozark Trail 6-Piece LED Flashlight Combo

6. Ozark Trail 14-Liter Hydration Pack with Water Reservoir

Price: $27.97
This hydration pack includes a 14-liter backpack with a 2-liter water reservoir. It’s designed to keep you hydrated during long hikes, outdoor work, or in emergency situations where water might be scarce. The lightweight and adjustable design makes it comfortable for extended wear.

Ozark Trail 14-Liter Hydration Pack

These budget-friendly finds offer solid options for anyone prepping for SHTF scenarios. From emergency kits to survival tools and hydration packs, these items can help ensure you’re ready when disaster strikes.