The value of a prepper supply really lies in how versatile and utilitarian it is, right? Therefore, the more uses a supply has, the more value it has in your prep stockpile or bug out bag.
It’s hard to beat these three. Cheap and universal as they are, there’s probably more they can do than that they can’t.
Duct Tape
Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, duct tape is a cloth-backed pressure sensitive tape that utilizes strong adhesive and which resists tearing. Originally used to secure ducts (hence the name) duct tape has a thousand and one uses for preppers, including but not limited to the following:
- Emergency clothing hemming (if the hem fails or drops)
- Repairing/patching holes in fabric
- Treating warts
- Preventing blisters, soothing hot spots
- Creating rope and makeshift cordage
- Creating a makeshift clothesline for drying clothes
- Trapping flies and other pests; place the adhesive side up around the garbage or around rotting fruit and the flies will get trapped there
- Lint or pet hair removal
- For extra grip to help open a jar
- As a makeshift tool handle wrap to provide extra traction
- Sealing cracked plastic, caulk or plaster
- Stopping small leaks in hoses, water bottles and other vessels
- Snow and pest-proofing pants (wrap duct tape around where your pant leg meets your boot)
- Splinter removal
- Patching together broken items
- DIY camo job, if the duct tape is finished with a camo pattern
This list only scratches the surface of the utility of duct tape – it has many more uses in addition to these!
Vaseline
Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is a mix of mineral oil and wax, and, like duct tape, is invaluable as a prepper supply. Here are some of the top uses:
- Moisturizing dry skin and lips
- Treating/sealing small wounds and burns
- Prevent chafing (simply apply to affected areas)
- To lubricate squeaky wheels or hinges (just do not put in locks!)
- As a fire starter (simply rub some vaseline into a ball of lint or drop a dab on newspaper and it will extend the burn time
- To soften stiff leather (neatsfoot oil is better for this, though)
- As a makeup remover (most oil-based makeups are soluble in vaseline)
- To soothe razor burn
- To treat mild sunburn
- Apply it to metal tools and hardware to prevent rust and corrosion
- Remove scratches, scuffs and watermarks on wood and leather
- Lubricate stuck zippers
Like duct tape, vaseline has many more uses than those that are covered here!
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol, typically isopropyl, like vaseline and duct tape, has a long and interesting list of uses around the home. As a prepper supply, rubbing alcohol can be used:
- As a deodorant; simply dab it on underarms to kill smell (it will dry out your skin though so use sparingly)
- Can also be used to deodorize shoes and boots
- To disinfect surfaces
- To remove ink, oil, and other stains
- As a DIY stove fuel (or lamp fuel)
- To clean steel, glass and other surfaces, and to remove smudges
- To disinfect small wounds
- As an astringent; topically, rubbing alcohol can help with oily skin
- Removing residues; as a powerful solvent, rubbing alcohol can be used to remove gummed up adhesive and other residues
Of course, isopropyl rubbing alcohol has many more uses than what are covered here, but this is a good start, and it is in an invaluable prepper supply.
Gear Up with Prepper Supplies
If you’re looking for prepper supplies like these and others, such as tools, first aid kits, and MREs, check out Fatigues Army Navy online, or, if you’re in their area, in Hawley, Pennsylvania.
They carry an exhaustive list of valuable and practical prepper supplies that can’t be done justice here.
