What are your top 10 or 20 items you recommend for beginner preppers? I know I'm a little late to the game.

Bleach
salt
sugar
alcohol
candles
rope
tarp
soap

eta-
precious metals
ammo
garden seeds

which game are you late for, i.e. what are you mainly preparing for?

Water
Food
Fuel
Ammo and firearms
First Aid
Generator
Fire starter gear
Fishing gear
Tarps and such for shelter
Blankets
....etc

Eneloop batteries
Solar panels amd chargers for batteries
Water purification supplies
Various medical supplies
Wool blankets
Flashlights
Lanterns
Tarps

Cash
Available credit on credit cards
Good health and supply of any required meds
Full first aid kit, and know what's in it.
Reliable transportation
Water, and a way to get/purify more.
Shelf stable food (peanut butter, canned goods from grocery store, rice, pasta, etc.)
A way to stay warm in the winter. Heating home, warm clothing (depends on local climate range).
Infection control: N95 masks, full face respirator (good for smoke too), nitrile gloves, bleach
Comms

Generally, whatever you use and/or have for daily use.... stockpile more of it.

Sorry, but an ammo fort didn't make the top 10.

Just to have some extra things on hand that I don't. Not prepping for anything specific. I rotate my month worth of food I rotate the stock regularly.

Guns
Alcohol
Wimminzs
Fried chicken
Type 2 freeze dried coffee
Big screen TV
Porn
Bacon
Steak
Feminine hygiene products
S&M gear
Bottle caps
Assless chaps
Chili with beans
Chili without beans
A friendly T-1000
A pet dag
A war rig
Spikes... lots of spikes
Ho ho's

You can’t live without food, water, shelter, air and the ability to keep all four.  Start at providing the ability to do them all for 2-3 weeks.  Then add on month by month.  Depending on your fear/paranoia do them all now for six month to a year.

Water
Rifle, pistol and bullets
House.  Tent with sleeping bags if you don’t own a home.
Dry food stuffs like Mountain House for however long you think is reasonable.
Now get serious about prepping once you have a start.

Full seasons of doomsday preppers
Armored vault van like they use to fill ATM's
Castle with moat and draw bridge
Nuclear submarine
Abandoned missile silo as a secondary location
50 year supply of Rip-Its and MRE Jalapeno cheese spread

What's your AO? Having lived in FL and the Pacific Northwest I would recommend different items for different locations.

Why the bottle caps?

To get a leg up on the new cash economy.

Toilet paper.   Lots of toilet paper.

Water.

Use string to tie on bottom of shoes, redneck hobnails.  Good for icy surfaces.

A plan for being hot...
A plan for being cold...
A plan for water...
A plan for food...
A plan for currency...
A plan for communications...
A plan for weapons...
A plan for healthcare...
A plan for traveling...
A plan for rest/recovery...

and for #11:

A plan for when you don't have a plan...

baby wipes

Maps
Cash
Boots
Warm clothing, multiple layers, drab colors
Blankets and sleeping bags
Water--bottles, canteens, barrels
Flashlights and a radio that all use the same size batteries, with extra batteries
Short term food, either ready to eat or only needing to heat up
Disaster tools--shovels, crowbars, wheelbarrow, work gloves, eyepro, dust masks
A full tank of gas would be nice

And a plan.

Depends on a number of factors.  Are you brand new to prepping and intending to prepare for a 'shelter-in-place' scenario such as a pandemic virus in the US?  Do you have a location you intend to bug out to?  The two options will have two different answers, but assuming the former:

Start with 2 weeks.  Once covered for two weeks, expand to one month, etc.

1:  fresh water.  Plan on 1 gallon a day per person.  Add more if you intend to bathe well and wash clothes (3 gallons a day is a better goal) I've found I can use 3 liters of bottled water for a 'decent' shower.  The water is used in preparation of food, drinking, washing hands, laundry, and bathing.  A five-gallon bucket and hand-agitation will work for clothing...  try it first to get a feel for the amount of soap/detergent to use and the number of rinses to remove the soap.  A little soap goes a long ways...  and more soap means more rinses.  Buy a 55 gallon drum or two with  a hand pump and sodium hypochlorite water stabilizer for storage.  Total for two drums, pump, and stabilizer will be under 200 bucks.

2:  foods.  Start with canned foods and staples you actually use and enjoy.  It is easier to cycle things you normally use.  For short term storage (under 1-3 years), canned goods (veggies, soups, chillis, fruits, etc.), sugar. Flour, oils, etc. are fine. Long term, invest in #10 cans of sundries.  As we speak, #10 cans of Auguson Farms Pancake mix, potato shreads (hash), and similar are literally less than 8 bucks.  They store for 25-30 years, just add water and cook.  Each #10 can is the size of a large coffee can.  Keep gallon bags and rubbermaid containers to store unused material once you open the cans.  For long-term storage, include a variety of dehydrated foods that will supply your proteins and fats.  Not just flour/biscuit mix/pancake mix /etc.

3:  hygiene!  Dish soap.  Several bottles worth.  Body wash or bar soap for bathing, spare tooth brushes, floss, mouthwash,  TP and paper products.  Laundry detergent.  Deoderant.  Wet wipes.  Start by doubling or tripling the amount you normally buy and go from there.

4:  health.  Stock spare NSAIDS and acetominophen, cold/flu treatments, and cough syrup/expectorent.  Buy broad-spectrum antibiotics from vet supply stores online or your local farm supply stores.  If you have Rx meds, tell your provider you would like an additional supply for emergencies.  If they are iffy about writing scripts, reiterate you'll be self-pay and/or find another provider.  Or source the meds from vet supply, if available and possible.  Oh, look into clorhexidine gluconate (sold in a isopropynol suspension as 'Hibiclense') for treating staph, etc.

5:  daily consumables.  Stock up on things that are nornally used around the house.  Plastic bags, garbage bags, paper towels, cleaners, paper plates, etc.  As with hygiene products, double or triple your normal purchases and go from there.

6:  power.  If you have no spare power sources, start with batteries.  A charger for common batteries is beneficial.  Without power, you might find a 60 or 100W solar panel (or two) in conjuction with a power bank that is compatable with your chargers will make keeping devices powered a little easier.  In addition, dual-fuel generators are available for under 500 bucks. Add a few propane tanks, and you have a few days electricity for more 'power-intensive' appliances.  Bear in mind the noise from the generator can be a liability.

7:  fuel.  If you're going to be cooking, a wide variety of alcohol or propane stoves are available.  And gas cannisters are relatively inexpensive.  Alternatively, if you have a charcoal grill, it doesn't take much to keep a few extra bags on hand.  Be cautious of the smell of food/smoke being a liability/security risk.  Keep your vehicle gassed up...  your tank is "empty" when it hits 3/4.  If so inclinded, you can store two or 3 jerry cans of petrol with stabil added.

...the one after the bottle caps.....his or hers?

Dont get hardware get software.

Ie you cant buy a survival lifestyle you live it.

Garden, rotate, cook own food, practice camping, non AC, limited fuel living.

You cant buy your way through a shtf, youll just die.

You dont prep with items.you prep with knowledge.

What's with all the GD level responses here?  Isn't this a tech forum?

I didn't make this list.  Think I probably copied it from this site years ago.  It gives some good ideas to work from though.

100 Items to Disappear First

1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of thieves; maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice - Beans - Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.
14. Mini Heater head (Propane) (Without this item, propane won't heat a room.)
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels)
49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. "Survival-in-a-Can"
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress's
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens

From a Sarajevo War Survivor:
Experiencing horrible things that can happen in a war - death of parents and
friends, hunger and malnutrition, endless freezing cold, fear, sniper attacks.

1. Stockpiling helps. but you never no how long trouble will last, so locate near renewable food sources.
2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.
3. After awhile, even gold can lose its luster. But there is no luxury in war quite like toilet paper. Its surplus value is greater than gold's.
4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity - it's the easiest to do without (unless you're in a very nice climate with no need for heat.)
5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without heating. One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy - it makes a lot of the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible. Only needs enough heat to "warm", not to cook. It's cheap too, especially if you buy it in bulk.
6. Bring some books - escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more valuable as the war continues. Sure, it's great to have a lot of survival guides, but you'll figure most of that out on your own anyway - trust me, you'll have a lot of time on your hands.
7. The feeling that you're human can fade pretty fast. I can't tell you how many people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in fighting if you have to lose your humanity. These things are morale-builders like nothing else.
8. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches

The #1 most important thing is a flashlight with long runtimes, and the ability to tailstand.

The most common emergency? A power outage / blackout.

Most other serious emergencies? Also result in a loss of power.

I've been in 3x multi day blackouts now. A long life flashlight was crucial. The way you use one is to tailstand it, and bounce the light off the ceiling.



Between 50-100lm is optimal for your average sized room. Thats enough light to read, cook, clean, play board games, etc.

The Malkoff M61LL is my suggestion; 10hrsx100lm regulated runtime using CR123's, and 24hrs ~60lm's using an 18650. All in a made in USA, bombproof light with a simple, 1 mode interface that anyone can use.





The vast, vast majority of flashlights these days are poorly suited for this (too high lumens / poor runtimes / complex multi mode interfaces.) So that would be the #1 thing I would suggest for preps.

Guess everyone else is gonna buy their way out so I’ll go with the ntangibles that they need

1) Common sense
2) A fair level of physical fitness (don’t have to run marathons but should be able to stand and do light to medium tasks for 8-12 hrs)
3) An understanding of basic mechanical trouble shooting (testing electrical circuits, understanding carburetors, understand fuel systems, understand replacing seals)
4) An understanding of advanced first aid/first responder skills
5) Three close friends
6) Knowing the names of your 20 closest neighbors and basics about them (who knows everyone, who’s the rotten egg, who’s the HAM, who’s the mechanic, who has the tractor etc)
7) Understanding of animal husbandry.
8) Basic understanding of construction tasks (how to build a wire fence, how to frame a wall, how to repair a roof/window/door)
9) Strong family (can you carry on a 10 minute conversation with every member of your family without having notes or an agenda?)
10) Situational awareness (how good at you are seeing the object in the road, guy on the corner, weather coming in, animal getting sick, fuel reserve getting low, tool starting to need maint...)

To go with your food spices and seasonings. You can make bland food more enjoyable with spices. Salt and sugar in a large pail.

Water storage - start with three days then build up over time.
Food storage - same as water, 3 days then build up.  Buy what you eat and rotate.
Camp stove or alternative means of cooking
First aid kit - a good one and learn how to use it.
CPR and Stop the Bleed training
Candles, lights, lanterns etc.
Sleeping bags
Alternative means of heat
Perhaps a small solar setup for charging phones & devices.

I try to buy things that I will use at least somewhat regularly and very little that is strictly dedicated SHTF supplies.  That way things get used and replaced and shortcomings/issues tend to be noticed before they become life and death.

The assless chaps were ok to you?

#GOALS

Cash on hand
Money in the bank
eliminate debt
Land asset is nice to have
Well stocked pantry
A reliable quality generator, alternate heat source depending upon location.
Hunt something or get good at fishing
Start a garden, or just grow something
Be active in your community, acquire friends, and friends who own businesses- they generally have skills you don't
A good self defense handgun, with a large supply of ammo and practice with it.

Most of us have tons of items, a overwhelming amount.  Focus on skills and having money, that will put you ahead of 99% of people.

Lots of info here.
https://theprepared.com/prepping-basics/guides/emergency-preparedness-checklist-prepping-beginners/

A garden bigger then you think you need. This will create excess that you can store. You’ll also get some exercise and some people find it relaxing.   It’s what has gotten people by all over the world for centuries.  Food / water would be my number one / two priority. We need a lot of calories a day. If you have extra to trade you’ll be ahead of most. I’m really surprised that most “peepers” are more interested in the newest thing out of Shot Show than gardening.   None GMO seeds of course and I’d add some long term food storage after I covered the other bases.

Get a few chickens and rabbits if you can.

Supplement your hunting guns a little. Some people tend to go overboard in this area under the guise of “protecting themselves” while possibly considering they could take what they needed if they had to. Don’t let your budget get  unproportionately high in this area.

Ammo for sure. Generally doesn’t go bad and it’s fun to shoot.

A well if possible and water purification. Water storage.

Small solar set up. It can be used for electric blankets, crock pots, recharge tools.

Being part of a group is VERY important. This could be church, a hunt club or whatever as long as they are like minded.

Books / knowledge

This is all considering you already have a decent vehicle, some money in savings, a fire extinguishers and a decent first aid kit lol. Not the sexiest list but it’s all things most people can work into there lifestyle if they choose to. Prepping is not a new concept. Being dependent on someone else is.