Why cheap prepping gear? When I first dipped my toes into prepping, I thought I needed to buy the biggest, baddest gear out there—$300 backpacks, $500 solar generators, fancy knives I couldn’t even pronounce. The problem? My wallet laughed at me. What I eventually learned (the hard way) is that some of the best survival tools are the simplest—and the cheapest. You don’t need to spend thousands to be ready. You just need to start. So, if you’ve ever thought prepping was only for people with huge budgets, I’m here to tell you otherwise. This list of cheap prepping gear proves you can build a solid survival kit with a couple of $20 bills. —Why Cheap Prepping Works Here’s the deal: survival isn’t about how much money you spend. It’s about creativity, resourcefulness, and having the right tool when you need it. Sure, high-end gear is nice. But if your power goes out tonight, what’s going to help you more—an $800 tent you don’t have, or a $5 pack of candles you grabbed last week? The truth is, budget survival gear can still save your skin. And once you start picking up a few items here and there, you’ll be surprised how quickly your emergency stash grows. —20 Survival Items Under $20Here are twenty of my go-to items for cheap prepping gear on a budget—all tested, trusted, and under twenty bucks:
1. Mylar Emergency Blankets – They look flimsy, but these little sheets can keep you alive in freezing weather.
2. LifeStraw or Sawyer Mini Filter – Clean water without boiling? Worth every penny.
3. Paracord (100 ft) – Stronger than it looks; I’ve used it for everything from tying down tarps to makeshift shoelaces.
4. Duct Tape – If it moves and it shouldn’t, duct tape. If it doesn’t move and it should, duct tape.
5. LED Headlamp – Because holding a flashlight in your teeth is only funny until it isn’t.
6. Bic Lighters (Multi-Pack) – Don’t overthink fire. Lighters work. Get a bunch.
7. Collapsible Water Containers – They pack flat, then carry gallons when you need them most.
8. Folding Pocket Knife – A simple blade will solve 100 problems in the field.
9. Budget Multi-Tool – Not as slick as Leatherman, but it’ll open cans and tighten screws.
10. Portable Phone Charger – Even if the grid is down, a little juice could get you that one important call.
11. Emergency Candles – Light, warmth, and comfort when the power’s out.
12. Work Gloves – Your hands are survival tools too. Protect them.
13. Compact First Aid Kit – Small cuts can turn big in survival mode. Don’t skip this.
14. Emergency Whistle – Three blasts = distress. It’s louder than your lungs.
15. Contractor Trash Bags – Poncho, shelter, water catch—you’ll be amazed what one bag can do.
16. Baking Soda – Clean wounds, deodorize, even put out grease fires. Seriously underrated.
17. Bandanas – From dust mask to tourniquet, I carry at least two.
18. Solar Garden Lights – Charge during the day, free light at night. Grab a few from the hardware store.
19. Hand Crank Radio – Some models squeak in under $20. Knowing what’s happening out there is priceless.
20. Peanut Butter (bulk jar) – Calorie dense, shelf stable, and honestly? Comfort food matters when the world feels crazy
—Tips for Prepping on a Budget
Shop smart: Don’t overlook dollar stores and discount aisles. Buy extras: Especially on consumables like lighters, candles, and Mylar blankets. Rotate what you store: Use it, replace it—keeps food and meds fresh. Think double duty: Everything in your kit should have more than one use.
—Final Thoughts.
Prepping doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. With just a little planning, you can piece together an emergency kit full of cheap prepping gear that covers the basics: water, food, shelter, light, and communication. Start small. Pick up one or two of these survival items under $20 the next time you’re out shopping. You’ll be surprised how quickly your confidence (and your gear stash) grows. 👉 And if you’re not sure where to begin, grab my free 3-Day Survival Checklist. It’s a simple way to start prepping smarter, not pricier