There are some useful survival items that people don’t often think about. Your survival stockpile probably already has plenty of food and water, but it might also need one of these 12 underrated – but still essential – items. (h/t to UrbanSurvivalSite.com)

Cooking oil

Be sure to add some olive oil or coconut oil into your stockpile for cooking your meals. Plus, if the power grid fails, you can use your small stockpile of cooking oil to light some oil lamps.

Hygiene items

Staying clean does not become less important during survival situations. Having some means of washing your body will lower your risk of catching bacterial or fungal infections, so pack some natural soaps into your bug-out bag.

Socks and shoes

You may not notice how much your feet can take a beating after a long day of walking or hiking. Good quality socks and shoes can help cushion all the pressure your feet have to deal with on a daily basis, especially if you have to move through rough terrain. Be sure to pack some extra socks as well, in case your first pair gets drenched.

Sewing kit

Sewing is an underrated survival skill. Having a sewing kit in your survival stockpile will be able to help you repair a lot of items, such as ripped tents, backpacks with holes and tears in your clothing. In extreme circumstances, you may even be able to use your sewing kit to stitch up a wound.

Natural sunscreen and bug spray

Do not take your skin for granted. Increased exposure to sunlight can still give you skin cancer, if you aren’t careful with how much of those ultraviolet rays you’re taking in. Pack some natural sunscreen and lather it on at noon. Plus, if you’re in an environment filled with mosquitoes, don’t forget your bug spray. You wouldn’t want to contract malaria or dengue during a survival situation.

Notepad and pen

Having a notepad and a pen can help you write down essential information on the fly. If you need to draw a small map, to leave a note on your car’s windshield or to write down your survival plan, having a notepad and a pen around will make your life easier. Plus, if you’re bored, you can use your notepad to draw or to play games like tic-tac-toe.

Extra pair of eyeglasses

This is important for those who would rather wear eyeglasses than contact lenses. Chances are you won’t be able to see your eye doctor during survival situations. Along with an extra pair of eyeglasses, consider obtaining a repair kit and learning how to fix your own eyeglasses.

Freezer bags

Freezer bags and Ziploc storage bags are very versatile survival items that you should not miss out on. You can use them for things like collecting water, keeping your electronics dry and organizing your bug-out bag.

Sillcock key

A sillcock key is a cross key that can help you access emergency sources of water. You can use it to open up water taps in commercial and industrial areas. A sillcock key can be very handy, especially if you’re running out of water.

Security items

Your survival stockpile probably already includes self-defense instruments like firearms, ammunition and the like. But, you need to consider your everyday security as well. Items like security cameras and knowledge of how to safely communicate and put out fires can help improve your everyday situation. Consider what survival scenario you might have to deal with, and figure out what items and skills you must acquire to help boost your everyday security. (Related: Here’s why self-defense fitness is crucial to your survival.)

Entertainment items

Having a deck of playing cards, some board games or a good novel lying around will help you and your survival group keep boredom away during downtime and to relieve stress after tense situations.

Knowledge

Survival gear is essential, but these items require knowledge on how to use them. Consider adding some guide books for things like plumbing and car repair to your survival stockpile.

There are many other possibly unorthodox items that can turn into survival gear. The next time you take a look at your survival stockpile or you’re shopping for more gear, think about what else you can add that will make your survival experience easier.

Sources include:

UrbanSurvivalSite.com 1

PreparednessMama.com

PrimalSurvivor.net

OffGridWeb.com

OffGridSurvival.com

SurvivalCommonSense.com

UrbanSurvivalSite.com 2

LetsTalkSurvival.com

TheProvidentPrepper.org