Top 16 Uncommon Overlooked SHTF Items

There are many overlooked, less common items that can make a significant difference when things go south. Here are 16 essential but often overlooked items to include in your survival kit.

GEAR & TOOLS

9/5/20247 min read

Top 16 Uncommon Overlooked SHTF Items

When preparing for a SHTF (Sh*t Hits the Fan) scenario, most people think of the basics: food, water, shelter, and firearms. However, there are many overlooked, less common items that can make a significant difference when things go south. Here are 16 essential but often overlooked items to include in your survival kit.

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When I first began consulting with clients on disaster preparedness, I quickly learned that the devil is in the details. It’s not the big-ticket items like generators or water filtration systems that catch people off guard—those are obvious. It’s the smaller, overlooked necessities that end up making the difference between a manageable situation and utter chaos. I’ve seen it firsthand: a meticulously stocked bug-out bag rendered almost useless because someone forgot a simple tool or an essential spare part. These experiences taught me the importance of considering the less glamorous but equally vital pieces of the puzzle.

In any SHTF scenario, the big picture often overshadows the nuances. Everyone talks about stockpiling canned goods and securing their homes, but few consider items like heavy-duty zip ties, which can be used to secure gear, repair equipment, or even as improvised handcuffs if the situation demands it. A compact sewing kit, for instance, can repair torn clothing, patch up gear, or even be repurposed for emergency medical stitching. These small items might not seem critical until you find yourself in a bind, wishing you had the foresight to include them in your preparations.

Another often-overlooked category is hygiene during disasters. While many people stock up on soap and toilet paper for barter items, few think beyond the basics. Items like nail clippers and tweezers can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems. An ingrown nail might seem trivial, but in a survival situation, it could lead to infection. I once worked with a client who dismissed the idea of adding a quality razor to his kit. During a prolonged power outage, he realized the value of basic grooming not just for hygiene but also for morale.

One of the most surprising gaps I’ve encountered involves personal documentation. People rarely think to include hard copies of vital records in their go-bags. In an emergency, having printed copies of IDs, medical records, or property deeds can expedite relief efforts or help you prove ownership when systems are down. Electronic backups are great until your devices lose power or connectivity. Now, I recommend staying off the radar during a disaster, keeping minimal identifying documents, depending on the type of event. This usually involves you having a home-base to go back to. And sometimes involves taking out the trash before the trash becomes a threat. Generally, if you have to leave home-base because it is not safe, then bringing documents is crucial.

Entertainment might sound frivolous in a crisis, but anyone who’s spent extended periods in isolation or under stress can attest to its importance. Put another way, you need to stay mentally healthy during shtf whether long or short term. A deck of cards or a paperback novel can provide a much-needed mental break, helping you maintain focus and reduce stress. I’ve seen hardened survivalists break out in smiles over a simple game of solitaire when tensions were high.

One client of mine overlooked footwear maintenance entirely, assuming his sturdy boots would last indefinitely. After a single week of trekking through rough terrain, the soles began to separate. A tube of shoe adhesive and some spare laces, which cost mere dollars, could have saved him a world of trouble. These seemingly minor details have a way of escalating if ignored. In fact, keeping a backup pair of shoes should be a priority if you don't have one yet. And anything in excess can be added to your barter box for trading.

Lighting is another area where people cut corners. Sure, everyone grabs flashlights and batteries, but how many include backup bulbs or portable solar chargers? A flashlight is only as useful as its power source, and in prolonged outages, solar-powered options can make all the difference. Redundancy is key, yet few prioritize it in their planning. There are thousands of combinations of gear and tools that could be useful. You would be surprised what tools you will miss during a disaster.

Even something as simple as survival duct tape can’t be overstated. I once assisted a client in fortifying his home before a storm. We ran out of weatherstripping for the windows, but a roll of duct tape saved the day, sealing cracks and preventing drafts. Its versatility makes it indispensable in any survival kit.

When considering overlooked items, think also about multi-functionality. A bandana, for example, can serve as a face covering, water filter, tourniquet, or even a signal flag. Similarly, aluminum foil has countless uses, from cooking to emergency signaling to creating makeshift tools. These items are lightweight, inexpensive, and can be life-savers in the right situation.

Ultimately, the difference between surviving and thriving often lies in the details. The clients who fared best were those who took the time to consider the uncommon, the overlooked, and the seemingly trivial. While everyone else was clamoring for bottled water and canned goods, they had the foresight to include the little things—those unsung heroes of preparedness that can mean the difference between mere survival and a measure of comfort in the face of adversity.

1. Manual Coffee Grinder

For many, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a daily necessity. In a prolonged emergency, having a manual coffee grinder can allow you to enjoy a fresh brew when electricity or conveniences are no longer available. It’s a small comfort that can keep morale high.

2. Hand-Crank Radio with Solar Charger

Staying informed is crucial during a crisis. A hand-crank radio ensures you have access to news, weather reports, or emergency broadcasts, even when the grid goes down. The solar charger can help power small devices as well.

3. Rat Traps for Small Game

While snares and fishing gear are common in survival kits, few consider rat traps. These compact, easy-to-set traps can catch small game like squirrels, which can provide essential protein in a survival situation.

4. Heavy-Duty Trash Bags

They’re often associated with garbage, but heavy-duty trash bags have multiple uses in survival scenarios. They can serve as rain ponchos, make-shift shelters, ground cover, or even water collectors in a pinch.

5. Lye (for Soap Making)

Hygiene can become a challenge in SHTF situations, and clean water may be scarce. Lye, combined with fats or oils, can be used to make soap to maintain hygiene and prevent disease. It's an old-school but essential skill for long-term survival.

6. Calcium Hypochlorite (Pool Shock)

Water purification is key to survival. While most people know about water filters, calcium hypochlorite (sold as pool shock) is a powerful water disinfectant. It’s highly concentrated and can purify thousands of gallons of water when mixed properly.

7. Wire Mesh

Wire mesh, though often overlooked, can be used to create small animal traps, reinforce windows, or even act as an improvised fence. It’s light and takes up minimal space, but can serve multiple purposes.

8. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is invaluable for water filtration and can also be used to treat poisonings or stomach ailments. It's a natural detoxifier, essential in situations where you may encounter contaminated water or food.

9. Condoms (Non-Lubricated)

This might seem strange, but non-lubricated condoms are strong and versatile. They can be used to carry water, keep electronic devices dry, or even protect the barrel of a firearm from dirt and debris. Their compact nature makes them easy to store and carry.

10. Safety Pins

Safety pins are often overlooked but incredibly useful. They can be used to repair clothing, hold bandages in place, or secure shelter materials. In a pinch, they can even be fashioned into fishing hooks or used as temporary fasteners.

11. Spare Prescription Glasses

If you wear prescription glasses, having a backup pair is essential. A break in your primary pair could leave you with limited vision, which can be dangerous in an emergency situation. Pack an extra set in a protective case.

12. Tampons and Menstrual Pads

In addition to their primary use, tampons and menstrual pads can be repurposed for first aid. Tampons can help plug small puncture wounds, and pads can be used as compresses for larger injuries. They’re sterile, absorbent, and lightweight.

13. Liquid Bandage

Traditional bandages work well for small cuts and scrapes, but liquid bandage provides a waterproof seal that can help keep wounds clean when you may not have access to regular cleaning supplies. It also works well in areas where standard bandages won’t stick.

14. Dental Kit

Most preppers think of first aid kits but often forget dental emergencies. A toothache, abscess, or broken tooth can become debilitating. Having a small dental kit with temporary filling material, dental floss, and pain relief can be critical in a long-term survival scenario.

15. Spare Shoelaces

Shoelaces can wear out, break, or fray when you're on the move. Beyond their obvious use, they can double as cordage for building shelters, securing gear, or even creating snares. They’re small but highly useful.

16. Windproof Lighters

While fire-starting tools like matches and fire steel are essential, windproof lighters are often overlooked. They work in tough weather conditions, providing a reliable flame when you need it most. Having a few on hand is a smart move.