Prepping doesn’t need to leave you broke. Thrift stores are like gold mines for the savvy prepper, offering a wide range of affordable gear and supplies to keep you ready for anything. From hardy tools to reliable clothing, there’s a lot you can score at second-hand shops if you know what to look for. So, let’s dig into 36 thrift store finds every prepper should be hunting for on their next visit. With a little luck and patience, you’ll walk away with some high-quality essentials without blowing your budget.
Fishing Gear
In an emergency or survival situation, the ability to catch food can be a lifesaver. Thrift stores often have fishing rods, reels, tackle boxes, and other fishing gear at a fraction of their original price. Look for sturdy, well-maintained gear, and inspect fishing lines, hooks, and reels for damage or rust. Even if the rod needs minor repairs, it can still be a great addition to your prepper kit.
Canning Jars
Whether you’re preserving food or storing dry goods, mason jars are worth their weight in gold. You’ll almost always find a good selection at thrift stores, but check for chips or cracks, especially around the rim. You’ll also want to make sure the lids are still good or can be easily replaced.
Camping Gear
Tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves—you can find all sorts of camping gear at thrift stores. Don’t be afraid to grab something that needs a little TLC, as long as it’s repairable and the price is right. Always check for missing pieces or major damage before you buy.
Wool Blankets
If there’s one thing you don’t want to skimp on for your emergency kit, it’s warmth. Wool blankets are fantastic because they insulate even when wet and last forever. Check out the military surplus or vintage sections at your local thrift store, and you’ll likely find one for a steal. Just give it a close inspection for moth damage – a few small holes can usually be mended.
Solar-Powered Items
Solar-powered devices like radios, lights, or even calculators are incredibly useful in grid-down situations. Thrift stores sometimes carry these, and with a little luck, you can test them out before buying to ensure the solar panels are still functional.
Maps and Atlases
Physical maps are vital when electronic navigation is unavailable. Thrift stores often have local maps, road atlases, and sometimes topographical maps of your region. Look for editions in good condition with recent updates, as they’ll come in handy for both navigation and planning.
Fire Starters
Matches, lighters, or fire-starting kits are always good finds. Grab them when you see them, but check to ensure everything works. Lighters should spark, and matches should be dry and intact.
Sewing Supplies
A simple sewing kit can be a lifesaver when you need to repair clothing or gear. Thrift stores often have needles, thread, and other sewing tools for next to nothing. Look for a strong pair of scissors and avoid dried-out or tangled thread.
Multi-Tools
Versatile multi-tools combine several functions in one compact package. Thrift stores occasionally have quality multi-tools at low prices. Check that all tools open smoothly and are free from rust or damage. Look for reputable brands known for durability.
Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron is an absolute must in any prepper kitchen. These pans are basically indestructible, and they can handle everything from stovetop cooking to open-fire meals. Thrift stores are often the best places to snag these at a fraction of the cost you’d pay for new ones. Even if the piece is a little rusty, with a bit of cleaning and re-seasoning, you’ve got yourself a reliable, long-lasting cooking tool.
Thermos Bottles
Insulated bottles are great for keeping liquids hot or cold in off-grid situations. When you find one, test it by filling it with hot water and checking the temperature after an hour. Thrift stores often have these in good condition, but be on the lookout for cracks or missing parts.
Warm Clothing
Good cold-weather gear is crucial. You can often find high-quality coats, socks, and thermal underwear in thrift stores. Stick with natural fibers like wool and avoid anything with major damage. Don’t let a little wear deter you – most of this stuff is built to last.
Backpacks
You’re going to need something to carry all that gear, right? Thrift stores typically have a solid selection of sturdy backpacks. Look for heavy-duty zippers, durable fabrics, and padded straps that can handle the load of a bug-out bag.
Sharpening Stones
Keeping knives and tools sharp is essential for efficiency and safety. Thrift stores occasionally carry sharpening stones in good condition. Make sure the stone is flat and doesn’t have deep grooves, and check for multi-grit stones to give you versatility when sharpening different blades.
Hand Tools
No prepper toolkit is complete without sturdy hand tools. Thrift stores can be a treasure trove for quality, name-brand tools at bargain prices. Look for ones that have stood the test of time – avoid anything rusty or in disrepair unless you’re confident in your ability to restore them.
Emergency Radios
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is essential for staying informed during emergencies. Some models even come with built-in flashlights and phone chargers. When you find one in a thrift store, test it out to ensure it can still pick up signals and charge efficiently.
Rope and Cordage
Strong cordage is a must in a prepper’s toolkit. Paracord is ideal, but any sturdy rope will do. Thrift stores sometimes have spools of unused rope, but always check for fraying. Brittle or stiff cordage isn’t worth the risk.
Water Containers
Storing water is essential for long-term preparedness, and thrift stores often have a surprising selection of large jugs and containers. Always look for food-grade materials and inspect for cracks or leaks. Pass on anything that might have previously held chemicals.
Tarps
Tarps are versatile tools, from makeshift shelters to water collection systems. Grab them when you can find them in decent condition. Inspect for holes or worn grommets—minor damage is fine if you’re handy with repairs.
Flashlights
Light is critical when the power’s down, so always check the thrift store’s flashlight selection. Make sure they work, and look for models that take common batteries, so you’re not stuck hunting for obscure power sources later.
Work Gloves
When you’re faced with manual labor during an emergency, a solid pair of work gloves can protect your hands from injury. Thrift stores often have quality leather or heavy-duty fabric gloves in decent condition. Check for any significant wear or damage before buying.
Portable Stoves
A small camp stove can be a lifesaver when the power’s out. Look for models that are easy to fuel and simple to maintain. Thrift stores occasionally have these at a steal, but make sure you can test it or return it if needed.
Binoculars
For surveillance, hunting, or just keeping an eye on your surroundings, a good pair of binoculars is indispensable. Thrift stores sometimes carry decent models at a fraction of the cost of new ones. Make sure the lenses are clean, and the focusing mechanism works properly.
Books on Survival Skills
You can never have too much knowledge. Thrift stores are full of books on everything from wilderness survival to homesteading. Grab anything with solid, easy-to-understand info and illustrations. The more you know, the better off you’ll be in a crisis.
Sleeping Bags
A warm, durable sleeping bag is a must for any bug-out scenario or even just for sheltering in place. Thrift stores often have good-quality sleeping bags. Check for broken zippers, torn seams, and whether the insulation is still in good shape.
Manual Can Openers
In a power outage, that electric can opener becomes a paperweight. A manual can opener is non-negotiable for every prepper’s kit. When you’re browsing, look for solid, all-metal models that can take a beating. Skip anything with plastic parts—those tend to crack under pressure right when you need them most.
Fire Starters
Matches, lighters, or fire-starting tools are essential for warmth and cooking. Thrift stores often have these items, sometimes still in original packaging. Check that lighters work and matches are dry. Look for waterproof containers to store them.
Rain Gear
Wet clothes can be a nightmare in a survival scenario, so pick up waterproof jackets, pants, and boots when you spot them. Thrift stores tend to have a good selection of rain gear, but make sure it’s still waterproof and free of tears.
Storage Containers
Organization is key in a prepper’s world, and you can never have too many storage containers. Thrift stores have everything from airtight food storage to sturdy bins for larger gear. Inspect for cracks or warping and make sure they seal tightly.
Hand-Crank Appliances
Manual kitchen tools like food processors or grain mills are incredibly valuable if the power’s out for an extended period. Keep an eye out for these in thrift stores, but test them to make sure they still function smoothly and have all their parts.
Dutch Ovens
Like cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens are heavy-duty cooking tools that can handle open fire cooking or baking. They’re perfect for cooking stews, soups, and baking bread in a grid-down scenario. If you spot one in good condition at a thrift store, it’s definitely worth snagging!
Crank-Powered Flashlights or Lanterns
A crank-powered flashlight or lantern means you never have to worry about batteries running out. These are great finds for preppers, and you can often come across them in thrift stores. Check to make sure the crank mechanism works properly and the light is still functional.
Bicycle Parts and Accessories
Bicycles may become essential transportation in a fuel shortage or emergency. Look for spare bike parts like tires, chains, and tools for repairs. You can often find these at thrift stores, and having a backup supply of bike gear could be a game-changer in a crisis.
Cooking Utensils
Don’t overlook basic, sturdy cooking utensils like metal spatulas, large spoons, and tongs. They’re inexpensive but crucial for preparing food over a fire or using in rugged conditions. Thrift stores usually have plenty of durable, stainless-steel kitchen tools.
Gardening Tools
For the homesteader-prepper, growing your own food is key. Thrift stores often have gardening tools like trowels, hoes, and even seed trays. Grab sturdy tools that can handle extended use, and look for any gear that helps with starting or maintaining a garden.
Bicycle Cargo Carriers or Trailers
Another essential for off-grid or emergency transport, bike trailers or cargo racks let you haul supplies without a car. If you spot one of these at a thrift store, especially in good condition, it’s worth considering as part of your prepper gear for mobility and supply transport.
