The Top 10 Things You Need in Your Prepper’s Pantry

Emergency Food Supplies

Types of Food to Store

One of the most crucial things to have in your prepper’s pantry is a diverse range of emergency food supplies. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck eating the same thing day in and day out. Aim to have a variety of canned goods, dried foods, and some comfort foods too.

Canned foods like beans, vegetables, and meats have a long shelf life and can be incredibly versatile. You can whip up a decent meal with just a few cans. Also, don’t forget about dried foods like rice, pasta, and lentils. They’re lightweight and last ages.

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Personally, I also like to include some comfort foods like chocolate or instant coffee. Yes, it’s not life-saving, but a little morale boost can go a long way in stressful times. You know, sometimes you just need that piece of chocolate to get through the day.

How Much Food to Store

Now, the big question: how much should you store? Well, it depends on your situation. For a family of four, aim to have at least a month’s worth of food. That’s usually around 100 liters of canned and dried food.

I always recommend rotating your stock. First in, first out is a good rule of thumb. This way, you ensure nothing goes bad and you have a constant supply of fresh food available.</

It’s also a good idea to consider any dietary restrictions in your family. And don’t forget about pets! They need food too. A good rule of thumb is to keep a couple of extra shelves in your pantry just for their needs.

Preservation Tips

Once you’ve stocked up, you need to keep everything stored correctly. Cool, dark places are best for storing most foods. Heat and moisture are the enemies of long shelf life.

Properly sealed containers are also a must. Use airtight containers for dried foods and keep cans in their original condition—no dents or rust. I usually transfer dried goods to vacuum-sealed bags to prolong their shelf life.

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If you’re keen, you could also venture into canning and dehydrating your own foods. It’s a bit of work but totally worth it for those who like to be fully self-sufficient. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, it becomes a fun little hobby.

Water Storage and Filtration

Importance of Water Storage

Water, folks. It’s more essential than anything else in your prepper’s pantry. Most people underestimate how much they need. On average, you need at least one gallon per person per day, just for drinking and basic hygiene.

I always recommend having a two-week supply as a minimum for each person in your household. That may sound like a lot, but think about how much water you use daily.

Consider different storage solutions. I have both bottled water and larger storage tanks. It’s also beneficial to know where your nearest water sources are, like rivers or lakes, in case you need to supplement your supply.

Choosing Water Containers

Not all water containers are created equal. While those cheap plastic jugs from the grocery store are handy, they’re not meant for long-term storage. They can degrade over time.

I prefer using BPA-free plastic containers designed for long-term storage. You can get these in various sizes, from small 5-gallon jugs to large 55-gallon drums.

It’s crucial to clean and sanitize these containers before use. One tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water works as an excellent sanitizing solution. Rinse thoroughly, fill them up, and you’re good to go.

Water Filtration Methods

Even if you have tons of stored water, you’ll want a solid filtration system. You never know when you might need to source water from less-than-ideal places. I always keep a few types of filters on hand.

Portable water filters, like those you’d use for camping, are excellent for small needs. I personally have a squeeze bottle filter that fits right into a standard bottle.

Bigger systems, like gravity-fed filters, are better for handling larger quantities of water. I also have purification tablets and a small portable UV purifier, just in case. Better to be over-prepared, right?

Medical Supplies

Basic First Aid Kit

Your prepper’s pantry should include a well-stocked first aid kit. I can’t tell you the number of times having a decent first aid kit has saved me a trip to the doctor. From simple cuts to more complicated emergencies, having the right supplies is a game changer.

A good first aid kit includes at a minimum: bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, scissors, and basic over-the-counter medications like pain relievers and antihistamines.

I also recommend including a first aid manual. In an emergency, it’s comforting to have a step-by-step guide at your fingertips. Plus, it’s great for teaching the kids some basics too.

Medications and Prescriptions

If someone in your household requires prescription medications, you need to have a backup supply. Talk to your doctor about getting an extra month’s worth and rotate it as needed.

Don’t forget about common medications like pain relievers, fever reducers, and cold medications. Having these on hand can make a world of difference during an emergency.

Store these in a cool, dry place and check expiration dates regularly. I have a little system where I put older meds at the front and newly bought ones at the back, just like they do in pharmacies.

Specialty Medical Gear

Depending on your family’s needs, you might require some specialty medical gear. Items like EpiPens, insulin, or even surgical masks can be crucial.

I also keep a stash of multi-vitamins and supplements, especially for the kids. You never know when someone’s diet might need a boost, and vitamins can help bridge that gap.

Lastly, consider investing in a blood pressure monitor and a glucose meter if anyone in your family has conditions that require monitoring. These can provide peace of mind during uncertain times.

Basic Cooking Equipment

Non-Electric Cooking Methods

Electricity isn’t always a given, so having non-electric cooking methods is vital. Thanks to my time spent camping, I’ve grown pretty fond of portable stoves and rocket stoves. They are reliable and easy to use.

I also keep a Dutch oven and some good old cast iron skillets. These are perfect for cooking over an open flame or charcoals. It’s amazing the kind of dishes you can whip up with just these basics.

Finally, a good camp kettle for boiling water is essential. Whether it’s for coffee, tea, or making dehydrated foods, you’ll find it invaluable.

Multi-Functional Tools

My pantry wouldn’t be complete without a few multi-functional tools. A reliable knife, can opener, and some basic utensils will go a long way.

I also have a multi-tool that features pliers, screwdrivers, and even a small saw. It’s excellent for those unexpected DIY tasks that always seem to pop up.

Also, consider a small, manual coffee grinder. If you’re like me and need your coffee to function, this little gadget will make your life so much easier.

Fuel Storage

Having the right cooking equipment is great, but don’t forget the fuel! I keep a stash of propane tanks and butane canisters. These fuels store well and can be used in various cooking appliances.

For longer-term solutions, I also stockpile firewood and charcoal. Just make sure wherever you’re storing these is cool and dry. Moisture is the enemy here.

And don’t overlook fire starters like matches, lighters, and a good flint striker. You’d be surprised how much easier these make starting a fire, especially in challenging conditions.