31 Thrift Store Finds To Build Your Survival Inventory
by In uncertain times, being prepared can bring peace of mind. The good news is you don’t need to break the bank to build a solid survival inventory. Thrift stores are treasure troves of affordable, useful items. From basic tools to emergency supplies, you can find just about everything you need for a disaster preparedness kit if you know where to look.
Below are some of the many items my family and others have found at thrift stores. This includes Goodwill, local second-hand shops, flea markets, and even ebay or Craigslist. Buying second-hand is the best way to make prepping more affordable.
Blankets and Sleeping Bags
Warmth is essential in survival situations, and thrift stores often have a variety of blankets and sleeping bags for a fraction of the cost. Look for wool blankets, which retain heat even when wet, or sleeping bags that are rated for cold weather.
Having extra blankets can be a lifesaver in case of power outages, camping trips, or if you need to evacuate. They can also be repurposed for other uses, such as shelter building or padding fragile items during transport.
Cast Iron Skillets and Pots
Cast iron cookware is durable, long-lasting, and can be used over an open flame. You’ll often find skillets, dutch ovens, and pots at thrift stores, which are perfect for cooking in an emergency.
They may need a little cleaning and seasoning, but with proper care, cast iron cookware will serve you for decades. These items are great for making food outdoors or on a wood stove if the power goes out.
Canning Jars and Supplies
Canning jars are often found in abundance at thrift stores, making them an affordable addition to your survival inventory. They’re perfect for storing food, water, or even small items like matches and screws.
Pick up some canning supplies, such as lids and jar lifters, if you see them. Learning how to can food is a great skill to have in case you need to preserve fruits, vegetables, or meat.
Flashlights and Lanterns
Thrift stores frequently carry flashlights and battery-powered lanterns, which are essential during power outages or when you need to navigate in the dark. Even older flashlight and lantern models can work well if you replace the batteries.
Always test them out in the store if possible. Even if they don’t work, you may be able to fix them with a little effort, making them a cheap addition to your emergency kit.
Water Filters and Purifiers
Occasionally, you’ll come across water filtration systems or purifying tools like LifeStraws at thrift stores. These are gold mines for anyone building a survival kit, as clean water is crucial during a disaster.
Even if you don’t find a full filtration system, you might discover parts or bottles that can be repurposed. Always check the condition and see if replacement parts are available online. Having several options for purifying water is incredibly important, so if you find a good deal, stock up.
Backpacks and Bags
Survival kits need to be portable, and you’ll need sturdy bags to keep your essentials in. Thrift stores often have backpacks, duffel bags, and even tactical gear that can help you organize your emergency supplies.
Look for bags with multiple compartments and durable straps. They’re perfect for making “go bags” that you can grab quickly in an emergency.
Manual Tools
You can often find hand tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and saws at thrift stores. These manual tools are incredibly useful in a survival situation, especially if you lose access to power.
Look for high-quality tool brands, as these tools will need to withstand heavy use. A little rust isn’t a dealbreaker—just clean them up, and they’ll be ready for action.
Camping Gear
Tents, tarps, and camp stoves are commonly found at thrift stores. These items are ideal for survival situations where you might need to camp out or create temporary shelter.
Check for any wear or damage, but often you’ll find these camping items in great condition. Camping gear is a must-have for emergency preparedness, especially for families who might need to evacuate quickly.
Rain Gear
Coats, ponchos, and waterproof pants are important to have when you’re exposed to the elements. Thrift stores often have a wide variety of rain gear that can keep you dry in a survival situation.
Look for lightweight rain gear options that can easily be packed in your survival bag. Staying dry is key to avoiding hypothermia, especially if you’re stuck outside in cold or wet conditions.
Solar-Powered Gadgets
Sometimes, you’ll get lucky and find solar-powered flashlights, chargers, or radios at thrift stores. These are invaluable in emergencies where electricity is unavailable.
Solar-powered items allow you to keep your essential devices running, whether it’s a radio to receive updates or a flashlight to light your way at night. Always check that they’re still functional before buying.
Manual Coffee Grinders
If you’re a coffee lover, you know that the end of the world shouldn’t mean the end of your morning brew! Manual coffee grinders, which you can often find secondhand, are an excellent way to prepare coffee without electricity.
Even beyond coffee, these grinders can be used to process grains or herbs, making them a versatile addition to your kitchen gear.
First Aid Kits
Many people donate first aid kits without realizing how important they are. Check the medical supplies section of thrift stores for full kits or individual items like bandages, scissors, and antiseptic.
Even if the kit isn’t complete, you can easily add missing items and make it a crucial part of your emergency preparedness. It’s always better to have more than one first aid kit in case of multiple injuries or accidents.
Wool Socks and Thermal Clothing
Cold weather can be dangerous, so having extra wool socks, gloves, and thermal clothing is a great way to prepare. Wool is especially good because it stays warm even when wet.
Look for high-quality, durable items that can be layered. In an emergency, staying warm can mean the difference between life and death.
Old-School Manual Tools
Items like hand-crank radios or egg beaters can be handy when there’s no electricity. These tools don’t require power and can still perform essential tasks.
Hand-crank radios, in particular, are useful for staying informed when the power is out. Check the condition and functionality of these items before purchasing.
Knives and Multitools
Thrift stores often have an assortment of knives, multitools, and other small handheld items that can help you in a survival situation. Look for strong, sharp blades that can serve multiple purposes.
A good knife can be used for food preparation, cutting rope, or even self-defense. Multitools provide a range of functions, making them a great space-saver for your emergency kit.
Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Durable and reusable, stainless steel water bottles are a great find at thrift stores. They can keep water cold, are easy to clean, and are much sturdier than plastic bottles.
In survival situations, they can also be used to boil water, ensuring you have access to safe drinking water. Always check for any dents or cracks before purchasing.
Bicycles and Bike Accessories
If fuel becomes scarce, a bicycle might be your best mode of transportation. Thrift stores often carry bikes at a fraction of their retail price, along with helmets and other accessories.
Having a bike as part of your survival inventory ensures you have a reliable, non-fuel-dependent way to get around in case of an emergency. Just be sure to check the bike’s condition and make any necessary repairs.
Rope and Bungee Cords
You can never have enough rope in a survival situation. Whether you’re setting up a shelter, securing items, or even making a splint, rope, and bungee cords have endless uses.
Thrift stores often carry these in various sizes. Even if they look a little worn, rope can still be incredibly useful, especially in emergency situations. Just give them a good pull and make sure there is no visible wear that is deep in nature that could case the rope or bungee to break.
Heavy-Duty Work Gloves
If you need to do heavy lifting, chop wood, or handle rough materials, a pair of sturdy work gloves is a must. Thrift stores usually have them at very affordable prices.
Good gloves protect your hands from blisters, cuts, and other injuries while you’re performing essential tasks in survival scenarios. Make sure they fit well and aren’t too worn out.
Cooking Utensils
You’ll find plenty of secondhand cooking utensils at thrift stores, such as spatulas, stirring spoons, and ladles. These are essential for preparing meals in an emergency.
Opt for sturdy, metal cooking utensils that won’t melt or break if used over an open fire. Having the right tools to cook and eat makes a big difference when you’re already stressed during a disaster.
Tarps and Plastic Sheeting
Tarps are versatile, whether you need to create a makeshift shelter, cover supplies, or collect rainwater. They’re easy to pack and store, taking up minimal space in your emergency kit. Keep a few different size tarps on hand for different purposes.
Wagons and Carts
Thrift stores sometimes carry wagons or carts that can help you transport supplies. These can be invaluable if you need to move items quickly during an evacuation or transport heavy loads like water or firewood.
Look for collapsible or sturdy options that are easy to store. Even in non-emergency situations, they come in handy for moving groceries or gardening tools.
Books and Manuals
Having a survival manual or even books on basic skills like gardening, first aid, or home repairs can be incredibly useful in an emergency. Thrift stores often have a wealth of knowledge on their shelves.
Look for practical, easy-to-understand guides that you can refer to in times of need. Building your mental preparedness is just as important as stocking up on supplies.
Gardening Tools
If you plan to grow your own food, you’ll need some gardening tools. Look for things like shovels, hoes, and pruners at thrift stores. They’re usually much cheaper than buying new and work just as well.
Gardening tools help you maintain a food source during long-term emergencies. Plus, growing your own food is a great way to stay self-sufficient even when times are good.
Fishing Gear
You never know when fishing might become an essential way to get food, and thrift stores are a great place to find secondhand fishing gear. Rods, reels, tackle boxes, and even nets can all be useful in a survival situation.
Even if you don’t have a lot of experience fishing, having the right equipment on hand increases your chances of catching food if needed. Always check that the gear is still in good working condition.
Fire Starters
Matches, lighters, or even flint and steel can sometimes be found at thrift stores. These fire starters are essential when you need fire for warmth, cooking, and boiling water.
Even if the matches are old, they can often still be used in a pinch. Having multiple ways to start a fire is always a good idea for any survival kit.
Food Dehydrators
Preserving food is crucial during long-term emergencies, and a food dehydrator can help you do just that. Thrift stores occasionally have dehydrators that work just as well as new ones. While it is a less common find, it is not impossible and worth the search. We have an indoor electric dehydrator – as well as a solar dehydrator. We use them both. If you can find either – grab one!
They’re perfect for drying fruits, vegetables, and meats, making your food stores last longer. Be sure to clean them thoroughly before using them, especially if they’ve been in storage for a while.
Sewing Kits and Fabrics
Sewing supplies are another great find at thrift stores. Having a needle and thread can help you make repairs to clothing, tents, or bags in an emergency.
Look for complete kits that include extra buttons, heavy-duty thread, and various sizes of needles. If you come across fabric, grab it as well—you can use it for makeshift bandages, tarps, or even clothing.
Binoculars
Binoculars are a fantastic addition to any survival inventory, and you can often find them at thrift stores. They’re essential for scouting terrain, spotting potential threats, or locating resources like water or shelter from a distance.
In emergency situations, being able to observe your surroundings without putting yourself in harm’s way can be critical. Make sure the binocular lenses are clear and the focus mechanism works smoothly before buying. Even a slightly worn pair can still be incredibly useful for survival purposes.
Compass
A compass is a must-have for navigation, especially if you need to find your way through unfamiliar terrain. Thrift stores sometimes carry them, and even older models can still be reliable if they’re in good condition.
In a situation where GPS devices fail, a compass paired with a map could be the key to getting back to safety. It’s a simple, lightweight tool that ensures you don’t lose your sense of direction during an emergency.
Hunting Gear
Thrift stores can also be a hidden treasure trove for basic hunting gear like camouflage clothing, bow and arrow sets, or even traps and snares. These items can help you hunt or trap small game for food during long-term survival situations.
If you’re not an experienced hunter, it’s still a good idea to have this gear on hand. Learning basic hunting and trapping techniques could be a lifesaver if other food sources run out. Always inspect hunting tools carefully to ensure they’re in good working condition.
Thrift stores offer an affordable way to stock up on crucial survival supplies without spending a fortune. From basic tools and cookware to essential clothing and gear, you can find everything you need to build a reliable emergency inventory. Next time you’re out thrifting, keep an eye out for these items—they could make all the difference for your family in a crisis.
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