Thrift Store Finds Every Prepper Should Snag
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You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars at a survival store to build useful emergency supplies.
In fact, one of the best places to find cheap prepping supplies is your local thrift store.
A quick walk through the housewares, sporting goods, books, bedding, and clothing sections can turn up some surprisingly useful items for your emergency kit, home preparedness supplies, car kit, or bug-out bag.
The key is knowing what to look for.
Emergency preparedness organizations recommend supplies such as warm blankets, extra clothing, sturdy shoes, manual can openers, local maps, basic tools, sanitation supplies, and first-aid materials—all items that can sometimes be found secondhand.
Here are some of the best thrift store finds every prepper should snag when the price is right.
1. Backpacks and Duffel Bags
A good backpack can be expensive when purchased new, which makes thrift stores a great place to look.
You might find:
- Hiking backpacks
- School backpacks
- Military-style packs
- Duffel bags
- Gym bags
- Small daypacks
- Rolling bags
These can be used for:
- 72-hour kits/ Bug-out bags
- Get home kits
- Vehicle emergency kits
- First-aid supplies
- Children's emergency kits
- Camping gear
Before buying, check the:
- Zippers
- Straps
- Buckles
- Seams
- Mold and odor
- Interior lining
Prepper tip: Don't overlook a plain backpack just because it isn't marketed as a tactical survival pack. A comfortable, sturdy backpack is far more useful than an expensive one that hurts your back.
2. Blankets and Sleeping Bags
Warm blankets are some of the best things to look for at thrift stores.
Emergency supply guidance specifically recommends warm blankets or sleeping bags, particularly for cold-weather emergencies.
Look for:
- Wool blankets
- Fleece blankets
- Heavy quilts
- Sleeping bags
- Children's blankets
- Lightweight throw blankets for vehicle kits
Before bringing a used blanket into your emergency supplies, inspect it carefully for damage, stains, pests, and mold, then wash it according to the care instructions.
Keep extra blankets:
- In your home
- In vehicles
- At a cabin or vacation property
- In evacuation supplies
You don't need every member of the family to own a brand-new $100 sleeping bag to stay prepared.
3. Camping Gear
The camping section is a prepper's treasure hunt.
Watch for:
- Sleeping bags
- Tents
- Tarps
- Camp chairs
- Mess kits
- Lanterns
- Flashlights
- Coolers
- Water containers
- Hiking poles
- Camping cookware
- Backpacks
A piece of camping equipment doesn't have to be labeled survival gear to be useful in an emergency.
But don't buy something simply because it's cheap. Check that it actually works.
Open tents. Test zippers. Inspect poles. Look for holes. Check coolers for cracks. Test battery-powered lights before relying on them.
The best time to discover your thrift-store lantern doesn't work is at the thrift store—not during a blackout.
4. Cast Iron Cookware
If you see a usable cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, or griddle at a good price, take a closer look.
Cast iron can be useful for:
- Cooking during a power outage
- Cooking over a grill
- Cooking over an outdoor fire when used safely and appropriately
- Everyday cooking
Look for:
- Cracks
- Severe warping
- Structural damage
Surface rust alone doesn't necessarily mean a cast iron pan is ruined, but decide whether the price and condition make restoration worthwhile.
A heavy Dutch oven can be especially versatile if you have a safe way to cook outdoors during a prolonged power outage.
5. Manual Kitchen Tools
Electricity makes modern kitchens incredibly convenient. But when the power goes out, many of those appliances become useless.
That's why you should keep an eye out for simple, non-electric kitchen tools.
Look for:
- Manual can openers
- Hand-crank egg beaters
- Hand-crank food processors
- Potato mashers
- Cheese graters
- Whisks
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Manual juicers
- Coffee presses
- Stovetop cookware
A manual can opener is specifically recommended for emergency supply kits containing canned food.
When shopping secondhand, prioritize sturdy, simple tools you can use without batteries or electricity.
6. Stainless Steel Pots and Pans
Stainless steel cookware is durable and versatile, and thrift stores often have it for far less than retail prices.
Look for:
- Large stockpots
- Sauce pans
- Frying pans
- Mixing bowls
- Metal kettles
- Serving utensils
A large pot can be useful for cooking, heating water, washing dishes, and other household tasks during an emergency.
Inspect handles and rivets, and avoid cookware with significant damage that could make it unsafe to use.
7. Wool Clothing
Natural-fiber clothing is worth a second look.
Watch for:
- Wool sweaters
- Wool socks
- Wool hats
- Wool base layers
- Wool scarves
- Wool blankets
Wool can help keep you warm even in damp conditions, making it a useful option for emergency clothing and cold-weather preparedness.
Check the label carefully. Some items that look like wool may contain only a small percentage of wool.
Prepper tip: Keep a small basket of warm emergency clothing rather than relying on everyone to find weather-appropriate clothes during an evacuation.
8. Warm Coats and Layers
Extra clothing is part of recommended emergency supplies, and thrift stores can be an inexpensive way to keep emergency clothing on hand.
Look for:
- Winter coats
- Rain jackets
- Hoodies
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Gloves
- Hats
- Sweatpants
- Sturdy pants
- Waterproof outer layers
Thrift stores are particularly useful for children, who may outgrow emergency clothing long before those clothes have been worn.
9. Sturdy Shoes and Boots
A pair of sturdy shoes can be an important emergency supply.
After an earthquake, storm, fire, or other disaster, you may encounter:
- Broken glass
- Nails
- Sharp debris
- Damaged pavement
- Mud
- Flood debris
A pair of sturdy shoes stored near your bed can be useful if you need to evacuate quickly at night.
When buying secondhand shoes, inspect the:
- Soles
- Tread
- Stitching
- Inside lining
- Overall structural condition
Avoid boots or shoes that are heavily worn or cracked.
10. Books on Useful Skills
The book section may be one of the most overlooked places to find inexpensive preparedness resources.
Look for books on:
- First aid
- Gardening
- Food preservation
- Canning
- Sewing
- Knots
- Outdoor skills
- Home repair
- Basic mechanics
- Navigation
- Foraging
- Cooking from scratch
- Emergency preparedness
Skills don't run out of batteries.
A well-chosen reference book can be useful when the internet isn't available. Emergency preparedness guidance also recommends keeping emergency reference material and information available offline.
A Quick Warning About Old Books
Some older information can be outdated, especially medical advice and food-preservation instructions.
Use older books for useful foundational knowledge, but verify important safety information using current, reliable sources.
11. Board Games, Puzzles, and Cards
Preparedness isn't only about surviving physically.
Long emergencies can also be incredibly boring.
Keep an eye out for:
- Card games
- Board games
- Books
- Crossword puzzle books
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Coloring books
These are especially valuable for families with children. Emergency preparedness guidance includes games and activities as items to consider for children's emergency supplies.
And let's be honest: a deck of cards may become much more valuable than another tactical gadget on day five of a power outage.
12. First-Aid Books and Medical Reference Guides
A first-aid kit is important. But knowing how to use the supplies inside it is important too.
Thrift stores may have:
- First-aid manuals
- Medical reference books
- Wilderness medicine guides
- CPR guides
- Emergency care books
Avoid relying exclusively on outdated medical advice. But a current, reputable first-aid manual can be a valuable addition to your preparedness supplies.
13. Toolboxes and Basic Hand Tools
Thrift stores often have basic tools scattered throughout the housewares section.
Look for:
- Hammers
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Adjustable wrenches
- Tape measures
- Hand saws
- Toolboxes
- Work gloves
- Flashlights
A basic tool collection can be valuable after a disaster when you need to make small repairs, move debris, or turn off utilities.
Emergency preparedness guidance also recommends having tools and, where appropriate, a non-sparking wrench or pliers available for utilities.
You don't need to buy an expensive, perfectly matching tool set to get started.
14. Metal Water Bottles and Insulated Containers
Reusable bottles and insulated containers are common thrift store finds.
Look for containers that are:
- Clean
- Free from cracks
- Structurally sound
- Easy to clean
These can be useful for everyday hydration, transporting water, or keeping beverages warm or cold.
Don't assume a used bottle is automatically suitable for long-term emergency drinking-water storage. Clean it thoroughly and follow safe water-storage practices.
15. Coolers
A good cooler can be useful during:
- Power outages
- Evacuations
- Camping
- Long road trips
- Temporary relocation
Check:
- Hinges
- Drain plugs
- Cracks
- Latches
- Seals
A thrift-store cooler can also be useful for keeping important emergency supplies organized in a vehicle.
16. Tarps and Heavy-Duty Fabric
A quality tarp can have dozens of uses during an emergency.
Look for:
- Canvas tarps
- Heavy-duty plastic tarps
- Waterproof fabric
- Drop cloths
Possible uses include temporary shelter, weather protection, covering damaged windows, protecting supplies, and creating a clean work surface.
Inspect used tarps carefully for holes, weak grommets, and dry rot.
17. Sewing Kits and Fabric
A basic sewing kit doesn't take up much space, but it can be surprisingly useful.
Look for:
- Needles
- Thread
- Scissors
- Safety pins
- Buttons
- Fabric patches
- Small sewing kits
You can use them to repair clothing, backpacks, blankets, and other fabric gear.
Thrift stores are also a good place to find inexpensive fabric for practicing basic repairs.
18. Maps and Atlases
Your phone's navigation is convenient—until your phone is dead, damaged, or unable to connect.
Paper maps are specifically recommended as part of basic emergency supplies.
Look for:
- Road atlases
- State maps
- Local maps
- Topographic maps
Make sure the maps are current enough to be useful. Roads and evacuation routes can change.
Prepper tip: Buy the map before the evacuation, not when everyone is trying to leave town at once.
19. Emergency-Ready Storage Containers
Storage containers aren't glamorous, but they make preparedness much easier.
Look for:
- Totes
- Toolboxes
- Plastic bins
- Buckets
- Waterproof containers
- Small organizers
Use them to organize:
- First-aid supplies
- Hygiene supplies
- Camping gear
- Emergency lighting
- Cooking supplies
- Car emergency kits
Inspect used plastic containers for cracks, strong odors, contamination, or damage.
20. Old-Fashioned Entertainment and Electronics
Sometimes you can find useful battery-powered or hand-powered items at thrift stores.
Watch for:
- Battery-powered radios
- Flashlights
- Portable DVD players
- Small fans
- Rechargeable lanterns
Test them before relying on them.
For a dedicated emergency radio, make sure it actually receives the stations or alerts you need. If it has a rechargeable battery, check whether the battery is still available or replaceable.
21. Gardening Tools and Supplies
Preparedness isn't only about surviving the first three days.
If you want greater long-term self-reliance, thrift stores can sometimes provide:
- Hand tools
- Pots
- Garden baskets
- Small watering cans
- Kitchen tools for food preservation
- Storage jars
- Reference books
Used gardening tools may need cleaning or sharpening, but a sturdy shovel is still a sturdy shovel.
22. Children's Supplies
If you have children, check thrift stores for:
- Extra clothing
- Shoes
- Backpacks
- Books
- Games
- Blankets
- Stuffed animals
- Baby carriers
- Activity books
Children may need comfort items as well as basic emergency supplies.
A favorite stuffed animal or familiar blanket can take up very little space while providing enormous comfort during a stressful evacuation.
23. Luggage
Don't overlook suitcases.
They can be useful for:
- Evacuation supplies
- Extra clothing
- Important documents
- Family emergency kits
- Temporary relocation
A rolling suitcase may be easier than a backpack for someone who cannot comfortably carry a heavy load.
Check the wheels, zippers, handles, and overall condition.
Thrift Store Finds You Should Be Careful With
Not every cheap item is a good preparedness purchase.
Use caution with the following:
Used Fire Extinguishers
Don't rely on a used fire extinguisher unless you know it is in proper working condition and can be inspected or serviced as needed.
Old Medical Supplies
Be cautious about used medical equipment, expired medications, and sterile supplies with damaged packaging.
Used Helmets
Helmets may have been involved in impacts even if they look fine. Unless you know the item's complete history and it remains appropriate for your intended use, buying used safety helmets can be risky.
Damaged Electrical Equipment
Inspect carefully for damaged cords, exposed wiring, missing parts, or signs of overheating.
Old Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety devices have service-life limitations. Don't assume an old detector is reliable simply because it was cheap.
Heavily Used Sleeping Bags or Bedding
Check carefully for pests, mold, odors, and damage before bringing them home.
Unknown Water Containers
Don't use containers for drinking-water storage if you don't know what they previously contained or whether they are appropriate for potable water.
How to Shop a Thrift Store Like a Prepper
Want to get the most out of your next thrift store visit?
Make a List Before You Go
Don't buy random items just because they have the word "survival" on the packaging—or because they're only $3.
Know what your household actually needs.
Ask:
- Do we have enough warm blankets?
- Do we have an emergency backpack?
- Do we have manual cooking tools?
- Do we have extra shoes?
- Do we have enough basic tools?
- Do we have activities for the kids?
- Do we have a way to cook if the power goes out?
Focus on your actual preparedness gaps.
Inspect Before Buying
Remember: thrift stores usually sell used items as-is.
Check:
- Zippers
- Cracks
- Missing pieces
- Rust
- Mold
- Odors
- Batteries
- Moving parts
- Seams
If possible, test electronics before purchasing.
Compare the Price
Used doesn't always mean cheap.
A thrift store item may cost nearly as much as a new one during a sale.
Quickly check whether the thrift store price is actually a good deal before buying.
Avoid Stockpiling Junk
There is a fine line between preparedness and filling your garage with stuff you don't need.
The goal isn't to own everything.
The goal is to have what will actually help you during an emergency.
A Simple Thrift Store Prepper Challenge
Next time you're at a thrift store, see whether you can find three useful preparedness items for $20 or less.
Look for one item in each of these categories:
- Warmth — blanket, jacket, or sleeping bag
- Cooking — manual can opener, pot, or cast iron cookware
- Preparedness skill — book, map, first-aid guide, or gardening resource
Over time, those small purchases can add up to a useful emergency supply collection.
Final Thoughts: The Best Prepper Gear Isn't Always Found in the Survival Aisle
A preparedness store may sell an emergency blanket for $5.
A thrift store may sell a perfectly good warm blanket for the same price—or less.
A specialty store may sell a $75 "survival backpack."
Your local thrift store may have a sturdy hiking pack for $12.
Prepping on a budget is all about learning to see everyday items differently.
A pot is emergency cooking equipment. A backpack is an evacuation kit. A wool sweater is cold-weather gear. A board game is disaster entertainment. A book can be a battery-free survival resource.
So the next time you visit a thrift store, don't just look for a bargain.
Look for preparedness.
No fuss. No fluff. No fear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thrift Store Prepping
What should preppers buy at thrift stores?
Some of the best thrift store finds for preppers include backpacks, blankets, sleeping bags, cast iron cookware, manual kitchen tools, basic hand tools, maps, books, wool clothing, sturdy shoes, coolers, and emergency storage containers.
Is it safe to buy survival gear secondhand?
It depends on the item. Clothing, cookware, blankets, books, bags, and basic tools can often be safely purchased secondhand if they are in good condition. Use extra caution with safety equipment, medical supplies, electrical equipment, helmets, and other items where hidden damage could make the product unsafe.
What is the best cheap prepping gear?
The best cheap prepping gear is the gear that fills an actual need in your emergency plan. Before buying anything, inventory what you already have and identify your biggest gaps.
Should I wash thrift store emergency supplies?
Wash clothing, blankets, and other washable items before adding them to your emergency supplies. Clean cookware and containers thoroughly. Inspect all items for damage, mold, pests, or other signs that they may not be safe to use.
Can you build an emergency kit from thrift store supplies?
Absolutely. Thrift stores can be a good source for some emergency kit components, including backpacks, blankets, extra clothing, sturdy shoes, manual kitchen tools, maps, books, and basic tools. However, items such as fresh food, stored water, batteries, medications, and certain safety supplies may need to be purchased new.
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