1. Water Filtration Tablets
Water filtration tablets stay in high demand whenever people worry about clean water access. Because they’re compact and inexpensive, they tend to sell out quickly during emergency prep surges. They also rely on chemical supply chains that can slow down during global shipping delays. That makes them a smart item to grab before they become harder to find.
They’re also a great redundancy option even if you already own a filter. Tablets work in situations where pumps or straws fail or freeze. They’re easy to pack into kits, cars, or backpacks without adding weight. Keeping a few boxes ensures you have a dependable backup for safe drinking water.
2. Shelf-Stable Protein Packs
Shelf-stable protein sources—like tuna pouches, nut butter packets, and freeze-dried meats—have seen steady growth in popularity. As more people rely on lightweight foods for travel and emergency kits, stores often experience brief stock dips. These products require multiple stages of processing and packaging, which makes them sensitive to supply disruptions. That means shortages can happen even when demand stays normal.
Protein is essential in any emergency food plan, so it’s worth grabbing varieties that last a year or more. These packs store easily without refrigeration and fit well into small spaces. They also provide balanced nutrition when fresh food isn’t an option. Stocking up ahead of time keeps you from relying on less filling alternatives.
3. Manual Can Openers
Manual can openers reliably disappear during any rush on canned goods. They’re inexpensive and often an afterthought, which means stores don’t carry large inventories. When people remember them at the last minute, shelves can clear faster than expected. That makes them a small but essential item to snag early.
Even if you use electric tools at home, a manual opener matters when the power goes out. It ensures you can access long-lasting pantry staples without frustration. They’re durable, compact, and require no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. Having at least one backup prevents you from resorting to unsafe improvised methods.
4. Multi-Fuel Camping Stoves
Multi-fuel stoves are popular with campers, overlanders, and emergency planners, so stock can fluctuate throughout the year. Their components sometimes depend on imported parts, which can lead to delays during shipping bottlenecks. These stoves also surge in sales whenever people worry about power reliability. If demand spikes, they can become temporarily scarce.
They’re one of the most flexible cooking options in a grid-down situation. Being able to use propane, butane, or liquid fuel gives you more adaptability. They’re also compact enough for apartments or small storage spaces. Adding one now ensures you can cook even if your primary fuel source becomes unavailable.
5. Propane Cylinders (Small Camping Size)
The small 1-pound propane cylinders often run into supply hiccups during peak camping seasons. Manufacturing capacity for these canisters is limited compared to demand. When outdoor recreation climbs, stores frequently ration or run out. That pattern could repeat during any emergency preparedness wave.
Having extra cylinders gives you portable fuel for stoves, lanterns, and heaters. They’re simple to store and stay usable for years if kept dry. They also give you a dependable backup to larger grill tanks. Securing a few now prevents scrambling when shelves thin out.
6. N95 or P100 Masks
Respirators tend to vanish quickly whenever there’s concern about air quality or respiratory illness. Production has improved since past shortages, but supply can still tighten abruptly. These masks require specialized filtration materials that aren’t instantly scalable. That makes them worth getting before any future spike in demand.
For preparedness, they protect you from smoke, dust, and airborne irritants. They’re helpful during wildfires, home renovation work, or local pollution events. They also store well in sealed bags for long periods. Keeping a small stockpile means you’re not hunting for them during high-demand moments.
7. Battery Banks and Power Bricks
Portable power banks often see fluctuating availability due to lithium battery supply constraints. Increased demand from travel, remote work, and emergency kits adds additional pressure. If manufacturing slows, these items often become pricier or harder to find. Picking them up early avoids price jumps or limited options.
A charged power bank keeps your phone and small devices running during outages. It can also power flashlights, radios, and small USB devices. Since communication is critical in emergencies, this backup helps you stay informed. Having two or more ensures rotation and redundancy.
8. AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radios
Hand-crank or battery-powered radios sometimes go out of stock during storm seasons. They rely on specialized internal parts that aren’t always kept in deep inventory. When demand spikes regionally, national supplies can thin out. Getting one early ensures you have reliable communication when cell networks falter.
A weather radio provides official alerts even without internet access. Many models include flashlights, chargers, and solar inputs. Those extra features make them multipurpose tools in emergencies. Storing one with fresh batteries helps keep you informed when conditions change.
9. Canning Lids and Rings
Canning supplies famously ran low during periods of high home-gardening activity. The lids require precise manufacturing and can’t be reused, which increases demand. If more people return to home preservation, these items can disappear fast. Stocking up ensures you’re not stuck waiting for restocks mid-season.
Canning helps stretch fresh produce into long-lasting meals. With the right supplies, you can preserve meat, vegetables, and sauces safely. Having an extra pack of lids makes your food storage plans more flexible. It also saves you a trip when garden harvests peak unexpectedly.
10. Vacuum-Seal Bags for Food Storage
Vacuum-seal bags can experience supply delays due to their reliance on specific plastics. When food prices rise, more people turn to bulk buying and long-term storage. That increase in home preservation sometimes leads to brief shortages. Securing a few rolls ensures you won’t hit a bottleneck in your food prep routine.
These bags keep dry foods, frozen items, and dehydrated ingredients fresh longer. They also help reduce waste by preventing freezer burn. With a vacuum sealer, you can portion meals more efficiently. A stash of bags ensures you can maintain your storage system without interruption.
11. Solar-Powered Lanterns
Solar lanterns depend on small photovoltaic panels and rechargeable cells that can face supply-chain delays. They also spike in popularity during storm seasons or travel booms. Retailers often carry limited quantities, making sellouts common. Buying early helps avoid unpredictability in stock.
These lanterns give you renewable light without relying on disposable batteries. They’re excellent for both indoor and outdoor use. Many models recharge quickly in partial sunlight. Having a couple on hand keeps your lighting options open during outages.
12. Long-Lasting Shelf-Stable Milk
Shelf-stable milk—such as UHT cartons or powdered varieties—often sells out during weather alerts. Production capacity is steady but not designed for sudden surges. Transportation delays can also affect availability since these products often come from centralized facilities. So grabbing it early can save you from empty shelves during peak times.
It’s versatile for cooking, baking, and coffee when refrigeration isn’t reliable. Powdered and UHT versions last months to years depending on storage. They’re lightweight and easy to rotate through. Keeping a small supply helps round out your pantry without taking up much space.
13. Hand-Crank or Solar Phone Chargers
Off-grid chargers depend on electronics components that can become backlogged during high-demand cycles. Environmental events or travel seasons often cause unexpected sellouts. Limited manufacturing capacity means stores may not restock quickly. Buying one ahead ensures you’re not stuck during a communication blackout.
These chargers let you keep your phone functional without wall power. They provide slow but reliable energy in emergencies. Many models combine solar and manual cranking for flexibility. Having one in your kit helps keep your essential devices usable when the grid is unstable.
This post 13 Prepping Items to Get Before They May Disappear in 2026 was first published on Greenhouse Black.
