In times of crisis or societal collapse, certain items can become incredibly scarce, often disappearing quickly due to high demand or lack of production. Over the years, several versions of "The Top 100 Things to Disappear After SHTF" (Sh*t Hits The Fan) have circulated among survivalists and preppers. While not all items on the list are essential for survival, many will still be highly sought after in the short term, either for practicality, comfort, or barter value. This compiled list serves as a helpful guide for understanding what may vanish first in such scenarios and what you might want to prioritize when preparing for the unexpected. ~Dinarian
The First 100 Things To Disappear After The SHTF
1. Generators Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands. Lots of fuel must be stored(away from home).
2. Water Filters/Purifiers The Sawyer Mini Water Filter is highly recommended and widely available. For higher usage volume check out the Sawyer Bucket Kit.
3. Zippo Lighters, butane, Bic lighters
4. Seasoned Firewood (About $100 per cord; wood takes 6 – 12 mos. to become dried, for home uses.)
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Tents
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats and Slingshots Any means of defense will be highly sought after.
8. Manual Can Openers These can be picked up for as little as $1.00 each.
9. Sweeteners such as sugar and honey.
10. Rice – Beans – Wheat (White rice is now around $20.oo – 50# bag @ Sam’s Club, pack in Mylar with oxygen absorbers)
11. Vegetable oil (for cooking) (Without it food burns/must be boiled, etc.)
12. Charcoal and Lighter fluid These will disappear QUICKLY post-event.
13. Water containers Any container that can hold water. Water will need to be stored AND transported.
14. Propane Heaters This includes the larger Mr. Heater models and smaller versions.
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)
16. Propane Cylinders
17. Silver/Gold
18. Buckets
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula/ointments/baby aspirin(81mg), etc
20. Laundry Supplies for Manual Use Washboards, plungers, and also compact washer machines
21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman, and Kerosene)
22. Vitamins Important due to changed diets.
23. Cough drops
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products
25. Thermal underwear (Tops and bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets and Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum foil Reg. and Heavy. Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item – available at Dollar Store)
28. Gasoline containers (Plastic or Metal)
29. Garbage bags Emphasize 13 gallon and larger 30+ gallon sizes. Impossible to have too many.
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, paper towel
31. Milk – Powdered and Condensed (Shake liquid every 3 to 4 months.)
32. Garden seeds Heirloom seeds only. Seed banks can be purchased for under $20.
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers
34. Pet food
35. Clothes – underwear, socks, pants, shirts, jackets, hats
36. Fire extinguishers – such as this one
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes…buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates) Prioritize AA/AAA and CR123 types
39. Garlic, spices and vinegar, baking supplies
40. women’s makeup
41. Flour, yeast, and salt
42. Matches (“Strike Anywhere” preferred. Boxed, wooden matches will go first.)
43. Writing paper/pads/notebook/pencils/solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime)
45. Work boots, belts, Levis and durable shirts
46. Flashlights/Light Sticks and torches, “No.76 Dietz” Lanterns
47. Prescription medications/insulin/syringes
48. Plastic Garbage Cans (great for storage, water, transporting – if with wheels)
49. Shampoo, Toothbrush/toothpaste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito repellent
53. Duct tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry detergent (Liquid)
57. Backpacks and Duffle bags
58. Garden tools and supplies – manual
59. Scissors, fabrics and sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives and Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles…Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc.
65. Sleeping bags and blankets/pillows/mats
66. Saline solution for contacts
67. Board Games Cards, Dice, cards
68. d-Con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps and cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks…)
71. Baby Wipes, oils, waterless and Anti-bacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, emergency rain poncho’s, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors and creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps and siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bouillons/gravy/soup base
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. Rain barrel kits(valve assembly)
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. US Army Survival Manual FM 21-76
81. Plastic sheeting for insulating windows and shelter creation
82. Food storage products such as freeze dried food/buckets/pouches
83. Walkie-Talkies/ham radios/CB radio
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons and carts (for transport to and from open Flea markets)
87. Cots and Inflatable Mattresses (for extra guests)
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Solar panel kits – small for charging batteries and devices
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws, nuts, and bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc.)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Air guns and bb’s/pellets/CO2 cartridges
99. Hats and cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens
Whether you're preparing for worst-case scenarios or simply curious about survival dynamics, this list underscores the importance of foresight and adaptability. Items that may seem trivial now could become valuable commodities during a crisis, not just for survival but also for trade and community building. Though the specifics of a crisis are unpredictable, being proactive about preparing can make a significant difference in navigating such uncertain times with confidence and resilience.
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