When we talk about preparing supplies, what comes to our minds are some James Bond-worthy fancy gadgets. But sometimes you can turn common items into extraordinary survival tools.
Join us as we show you how to get out of MacGyver from tough times using simple household tips and other unusual prep supplies.
Top 8 unusual prep supplies
1. Chopsticks
If you think chopsticks are only for eating sushi, you haven't seen anything yet. Those humble disposable utensils that you often take for granted are great survival devices.
When you are stuck in the wild, fire is a necessity that you cannot live without. To make a fire, you will need a fire starter.
You can invest in state-of-the-art lighters, matches, or even fire starters. Or you can save your extra cash by using chopsticks. These are useful because they are made of wood and are highly combustible.
Once you are done using them to eat sashimi, save them for future use. A pack of chopsticks would go a long way in nature.
To make your recycled chopsticks more combustible, allow them to dry more in the sun. This will remove excess moisture from the wood. When properly dried, these slender wooden utensils would be superb for starting a fire. This will save you the hassle of making ignition materials in wet and damp areas.
2. Rolls of lint and cardboard
Lint and cardboard rolls belong in the trash. Or do they do it? When you're out in the wild, this seemingly unnecessary waste could be gold. It only takes some ingenuity to convert these junks into something useful and essential.
Like chopsticks, fluff and cardboard rolls could be used as great fire starters.
The process is straightforward. In seconds, you'll be making a makeshift fire starter without breaking a sweat.
First, fill the cardboard roll with lint. After that, you can wrap it with old newspaper. This will make your lint and cardboard roll starter more combustible.
If you are camping in a wet or snowy area, this ingenious device would be perfect. Lighting a fire anytime will be a snap.
3. Safety pins
Safety pins are a simple yet clever invention that has been used from bawling babies to rampaging punk rockers. But apart from its original use and fashionable value, a safety pin is an average survival tool.
It should be part of any decent arsenal of preparation supplies.
Safety pins can be used as do-it-yourself hooks, makeshift pliers, and hangers. In addition to these, you can also use them to create hygiene and medical tools.
A bunch of safety pins, on the other hand, can be used to make an improvised arm sling. You can make one out of pins and a first aid t-shirt.
In the worst case, sterilized safety pins have been used by doctors to close open wounds. The possibilities are limitless.
4. Cable ties
Zipper ties or cable ties are common items that can be used in unusual ways as part of your prep supplies. You typically use them to organize cables for electronic equipment.
In the wild, however, cable ties can be an alternative to duct tape. A reliable home repair product, cable ties also have a multitude of outdoor functions.
To start. Cable ties can be used to build a shelter. Lightweight yet sturdy, it can tie poles and fabric together to pitch tents.
Compared to ordinary ropes and rubber bands, cable ties are consistent. It is an excellent binding material. It will not easily break under pressure.
That's why you should have plenty of them in your bug out bag. Cable ties, among many other uses, can tie bags, secure tarps, make traps, tie plants, and make arm slings.
5. Old fabrics
Old fabrics from blankets, curtains, and sheets can be used as an essential part of your prep supplies. Using the old cloth as survival items, however, is nothing new.
In the old days, when clothes were considered luxury items, used fabrics were recycled.
Old and worn clothing is reused in bags, jeans, bedding, army uniforms and many more. With a little ingenuity, these seemingly worthless items can be turned into useful materials.
If you are forced to live in isolated areas, old fabrics can build tents, catch fish, trap wildlife, and heal wounds.
6. Tote bags
Grocery bags, especially the sturdy ones, are great prep materials. Canvas or polyethylene tote bags, for example, are impressively durable.
They can withstand wear and tear for a much longer period of time than regular bags. This specific quality makes the tote bags ideal for use in harsh environments.
Need to transport bundles of wood from the forest? No sweating. Use a tote bag.
Since the bins are made from high quality materials, they will never crack from extreme heat or cold. Some are even water resistant, so you can also use them to repair tents and make jackets.
7. Buffers
Surprise! Who would have thought that tampons would be included in this list? But if you think we're shooting you, think again.
Seriously, a tampon is a great survival item. It should be included on any reasonable list of preparation supplies. So, why is a tampon essential for preppers?
First, tampons are designed to stop bleeding, right? By this you already have a clue as to how it might be useful in nature.
In the absence of real dressings, tampons can be used to treat wounds. With a few safety pins and some old cloth to hold everything together, you're all set.
8. Tights
Tights are an incredible survival item. It might sound weird on this list, but trust us, it works. Even the military are notorious for using it as anti-blister materials worn under their socks.
In addition to preventing blisters on the feet, tights can be used as an improvised mosquito net. If you hate ticks and leeches, wearing one would also help keep those pesky pests away.
Do you want to catch some fish? No problem. Use pantyhose as a makeshift fishnet. You can also use this article of clothing as a self-defense weapon. Just fill it with stones and you have an instant bola.
Check out this video of 8 unusual survival readiness supplies by The Survival Prepper:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbswy0vpnu4
The moral of the story here is that it's really not all about the hardware if you want to survive in the wild. The elaborate and conventional prep supplies can be supplemented with the use of rare items that can be found in your home. Creativity with a good dose of imagination is the key!
What are the most important items on your prep supplies list? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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