Review – Top Prepper Items

Periodically, I visit a number of Amazon lists to get a bead on both best selling and most wished for items.  In the past I would look at lists related to outdoor recreation (which can be found in the second half of this article) but this time around I had some new choices.

Top Emergency and Survival Kit Items

I was able to couple and cobble the “Best Sellers” and “Most Wished For” into a single list that would make any prepper proud.  Using these lists, I have found a number of items that have made it into my personal kits.

Below you will find the top ranking items from these lists. They are loosely listed in order of popularity and no surprise, I either own most of them or have them on my personal wish list.

1. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

The LifeStraw is considered the most advanced, compact, ultra light personal water filter available. It contains no chemicals or iodinated resin, no batteries and no moving parts to break or wear out. It weighs only 2oz.  making it perfect for the prepper.

 

2. Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets (Pack of 12)

I was happy to see these show up in the top 10 again.  These lightweight blankets are small enough to fit almost everywhere and have no weight to them.  They are perfect for tucking into pockets as you head out the door.  I keep some in my car and in my first aid kit. Another great stocking stuffer.

3.  Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter

Whether you even need to use it or not, everyone should have a quality fire starter in their kit.  I have not used this particular unit (I use the Scout) but am impressed with the 2,800 positive reviews.  Whichever fire starter you choose, take time to practice using it so you are familiar with the process.

. 4. LifeStraw Family 1.0 Water Purifier

So here is the deal.  The LifeStraw Family is a cinch to use and you don’t have to mess with filters.  It is good for 4755 gallons and can be purchased for less than two Black Berkey filters.  Gravity fed, the LifeStraw Family surpasses EPA standards for water purifiers and removes 99.99% viruses, 99.9999% bacteria and 99.9% protozoan cysts to 0.02 microns.  For reliability and ease of use, LifeStraw is my number one choice.

5.  Emergency Sleeping Bag with Drawstring Carrying Bag

Next up is this emergency sleeping bag.  Great review and value priced, this is one of the few items on the list I do not own yet.  I have added one to my shopping cart, however, and will post a mini-review as soon as I can.

6.  Pack of 2 Paracord Bracelets with built-in Compass, Fire Starter, Emergency Knife & Whistle

Less than $10 for two paracord bracelets is a good deal.  Even non-preppers will not balk at wearing one of these.  Each bracelet compactly stores 12 feet of paracord, ready for deployment.

7.  Mountain House Beef Stroganoff

I was recently asked whether I thought bulk food in buckets was preferred over freeze-dried meal pouches.   For bulk foods such as beans, rice, oatmeal, wheat, pet food,  etc. you will save a ton of money doing it yourself.  On the other hand, it is good to have some freeze dried meal pouches in buckets ready to go for those times when the power is out and your ability to cook regular meals is limited.  I personally have enough in freeze dried entrees to get by for five or six months.  They are both in buckets and in #10 tins, mostly from Buy Emergency Foods and Mountain House.

My two Mountain House favorites are Chili Mac and Beef Stroganoff.  I promise that you will not be disappointed.

8.   MPOWERD Luci EMRG Inflatable Solar Lantern

This is the original Luci EMRG Solar lantern. I have put mine through its paces and it is one tough cookie.  It has weathered both a wind storm and rain storm while hanging outdoors for a month.  Lightweight, waterproof and shatterproof, Luci EMRG provides ultra-bright, reliable light to guide your way indoors and out, through blackouts or extreme weather conditions.

9.  Olive Drab Green Warm Wool Fire Retardant Blanket

This is the first time I have seen a wool blanket on the top 10 and I am happy to see it.  I own a similar blanket I purchased at Emergency Essentials and am amazed a warm, yet light weight and compact, it is.  I keep my wool blanket in the car at all times.  It is 66 x 90.

10.  Survival Shack Emergency Survival Shelter Tent

This is another one of those handy items that takes up very little room yet can be a godsend if you ever have to use it.  It definitely will keep you sheltered from the rain but note it is not designed for long term survival use.  Still, as a rain shelter it is perfect and packaged small enough to fit in a pack without taking up a lot of room.