It’s not expensive to set up your own prepper gear. Today, we present to you ten things you can add to your survival bag to make sure you’re always prepared for whatever happens.
$18 or Below Quality Prepper Gear
There’s no denying that Prepping can become expensive very quickly. Between stocking food and water, gathering books and supplies, and building your tool and firearm collections, you can spend tens of thousands of dollars.
Survival shelters and underground bunkers will set you back even further. But the good news is that savvy shoppers can pick up essentials on the cheap, too – and without sacrificing quality.
When you come back to the 5 C’s of Survivability (Cutting tools, Coverings, Combustion, Containers, and Cordage), there is no need to spend a fortune on any individual items. A secondhand backpack will work just as well as a top-of-the-line Bug Out Bag with all the bells and whistles.
You don’t even need to buy secondhand to enjoy low price points on these Prepping basics!
1. UCO Stormproof Match Kit with Waterproof Case
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Price:
$10.99 on Amazon with Prime shipping
Includes 25 windproof and waterproof matches, 3 strikers, and a case that can hold up to 40 matches. These matches are easy to light, will stay lit for 15 seconds, and will relight after being submerged in water. The case is waterproof and floats. Matches are a must-have for Preppers and there are none better than these!
2. Tac-Force TF Tactical Spring Assisted Knife
- Blade Length: 3 1/4 inches; Closed Length: 4 1/2 inches; Overall Length 7 3/4 inches; Weight 5oz
- Plain - no logo
Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Price: $9.12 on Amazon with Prime shipping
An EMS-approved folding knife with one-hand deployment, seat belt cutter, and a glass breaker on the end, this 4 ½” blade has a pocket clip so you can affix it for easy access. A great knife is always necessary and can be used in a myriad of situations.
3. AOFAR Military Compass
- Durable and Compact: Durable ABS compass. A needle lock to protect the compass assembly during transit and .
- High Precise: Magnetic declination adjuster to allow for simple compensated bearings; the vertical angle clinometers scale...
Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Price: $10.99 on Amazon with Prime shipping
A reliable compass is a must in your kit, and this one is waterproof, shakeproof, and fluorescent.
4. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
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LifeStraws may be more expensive than iodine tablets or other water purifiers, but their compact size and weight (9x1x1 inches, 2 oz) make them incredibly practical to throw in your Bug Out Bag. They can filter up to 1,000 gallons of contaminated water surpassing EPA guidelines.
5. Esbit Folding Stove with Fuel Tablets
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Price:
$12.95 on Amazon with Prime Shipping
This incredibly lightweight and foldable camp stove with solid fuel tablets is a great backup for your other, larger stoves. Each tablet will burn for about 12 minutes.
6. Pepper Spray
- LONG RANGE PROTECTION: This 3-in-1 Mace pepper spray delivers effective self defense from a distance with a powerful stream...
- MAX STRENGTH FORMULA: OC pepper spray and tear gas work together for maximum heat and potency, providing strong, reliable...
Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Price: $11.99 on Amazon with Prime shipping
Non-lethal weapons are a great addition to your stockpile, especially if your ammunition supply is limited. You’ll be able to use this Mace brand one for up to 20 uses, and it will shoot 12’, giving you time to get away.
7. Waterproof Outdoor Knots Cards
- Crafted from the highest quality materials
- Built for performance and durability
Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Price: $5.95 on Amazon with Prime shipping
The one thing you can’t buy is knowledge, so keep reference cards on-hand for when you need them.
8. SAS Survival Handbook
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Price:
$15.89 on Amazon with Prime shipping
John “Lofty” Wiseman’s field guide to survival in any situation is a top pick for thousands of Preppers. Keeping a physical copy ensures that you have answers when there is no power grid or Internet to rely on.
9. Food-Grade Plastic Storage Buckets
- Made To Handle More: Tackle bulk storage with a plastic bucket and airtight gasketed tear strip lid made from sturdy 90 mil...
- Safe For Food Storage: This food safe bucket is BPA-free, making it a practical choice for dry ingredients, brewing projects...
Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Price: $33.99 for 3 on Amazon with Prime shipping
Food-grade plastic storage bins are another must-have for Preppers – they protect your food supply from light, air, and rodents. At roughly $11 each, these are a steal.
10. Paracord & Carabiner
- Use this heavy-duty, 100% nylon 550 paracord as a clothesline, secure tents and tarps, or unravel its 7 strands to use it as...
- Suspend a clothesline or hang a bear bag (100 ft paracord recommended) with this multipurpose 4 mm utility cord; ideal for...
Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Price: $12.95 on Amazon with Prime shipping
You will never regret stocking up on cordage, and here you get 100’ of 7-strand utility cord that can be unraveled for even more uses (a fishing line, firestarter, etc.). Choose between camouflage, black, or reflective orange based on your needs.
Always Go for Quality Prepper Gear
While it can be tempting to purchase even less expensive items, make sure they meet the minimum requirements of safety and long-term use. Quality will be tested in survival situations. Read the reviews and look for a high star rating when you shop.
Do you have any affordable prepper gear that you believe is a must-have? Let us know in the comments section!
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