10 Survival Items You Need to Buy Before Prices Skyrocket (UK Preppers Guide 2025)
With rising inflation, global instability, and new import tariffs hitting the UK hard in 2025, now is the time for preppers to act. Prices are increasing across the board—especially for essential survival items. If you're serious about preparedness, there are key pieces of gear and supplies you need to secure now—before they become unaffordable or unavailable.
At The Bug Out Shop, we help you stay one step ahead. Here are 10 survival items you should stock up on today before prices skyrocket.
1. Long-Life & Freeze-Dried Food
With supply chain disruptions and increased food import costs, freeze-dried and long-shelf-life food is getting more expensive. Whether you're building a bug-out bag or stocking a prepper pantry, now is the time to act.
✅ Stock up on UK survival food brands like Expedition Foods, Firepot, and Mountain House
✅ Add Mylar-packed rice, pasta, lentils, and tinned goods
✅ Rotate your stock regularly and store in a cool, dark place
2. Water Filtration & Purification Supplies
Water is the #1 survival priority, yet most people overlook it. Whether you’re preparing for a power cut or a full-blown grid-down scenario, you’ll need a reliable water filtration system.
✅ Look for LifeStraw, Sawyer Mini, or British Berkefeld gravity filters
✅ Stock water purification tablets (like Oasis or Aquatabs) for backup
✅ Consider collapsible water containers for easy storage
3. Power Banks & Solar Charging Solutions
With energy prices soaring and growing risk of blackouts, off-grid power is vital. Portable solar panels and power banks keep phones, radios, and lights running when the grid goes down.
✅ Check out portable solutions from EcoFlow or Jackery
✅ Small foldable solar panels are ideal for bug-out bags
✅ USB power banks are essential for powering devices on the move
4. Firewood, Fuel & Off-Grid Cooking Gear
As utility costs rise, cooking without gas or electricity is becoming more important for UK households. Having off-grid cooking options will make a massive difference in a long-term emergency.
✅ Solid fuel stoves (Esbit, Trangia), camping gas stoves, or Kelly Kettles
✅ Stock up on butane, propane, or hexamine tablets
✅ Keep manual fire-lighting tools like ferro rods or waterproof matches
5. First Aid Kits & Medical Supplies
Most medical supplies are imported—and their prices are going up fast. A well-stocked first aid kit is non-negotiable for every UK prepper.
✅ Buy quality kits like the BCB Lifesaver First Aid Kit
✅ Include antiseptics, bandages, gloves, and trauma dressings
✅ Stock up on over-the-counter medicines while you still can
6. Rechargeable Batteries & LED Torches
With electronic tariffs in place, batteries and torches are already seeing price hikes. Keeping the lights on is more than comfort—it’s security.
✅ Use 18650, AA, and AAA rechargeable batteries
✅ Solar and USB chargers reduce dependency on the grid
✅ Torches from brands like Olight, Fenix, or Nitecore offer reliability
7. Warm Clothing & Insulation
UK winters are no joke—and if fuel costs continue to rise, staying warm will be about survival, not just comfort.
✅ Invest in thermal base layers, wool blankets, and down jackets
✅ Check out Snugpak sleeping bags or surplus British Army gear
✅ Layering is key: think merino wool and windproof outerwear
8. Manual Kitchen & Cooking Equipment
When the power’s out, your electric kettle and microwave won’t help you. Having manual kitchen tools ensures you can still eat and boil water safely.
✅ Stock non-electric can openers, cast iron cookware, and a hand-crank grain mill
✅ A Jetboil stove or Kelly Kettle is ideal for boiling water fast
✅ Learn basic bushcraft cooking techniques
9. Home Security & Legal Self-Defence
As economic stress increases, so can crime. Protecting your home and family is part of being prepared.
✅ Use solar-powered motion lights, reinforced locks, and door/window alarms
✅ Install budget-friendly CCTV systems
✅ Carry legal tools for self-defence like tactical flashlights or personal alarms
10. Seeds & Gardening Tools
Food security starts at home. More UK preppers are growing their own food, and demand for seeds and garden gear is already rising.
✅ Choose heirloom, non-GMO vegetable seeds
✅ Invest in compost, raised beds, and polytunnels
✅ Learn to harvest and save your own seeds to future-proof your food supply
Final Thoughts
Preparedness isn’t about panic—it’s about being proactive. These 10 items are more than just gear—they’re your lifeline if things go wrong. With import tariffs, inflation, and rising demand, the cost of waiting is high.
At The Bug Out Shop, we stock trusted survival gear and prepping supplies to help you get ahead of the curve. Check out our full range at www.thebugout.co.uk and start securing your essentials today.
🛒 Stay ready. Stay safe. Stay sharp.