Nuclear-War Shopping List

Essential Gear for Surviving Fallout and Radiological Exposure

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Full Face Respirator Mask – With 40mm NATO-standard filters (activated carbon/charcoal). Recommended: NBC-compatible, replaceable filters.
  • Amazon $50
  • Temu $20
• Extra 40mm Filters – Stock at least 2–4 filters per person, ideally NBC-rated.
• Disposable Polypropylene Coveralls – Non-woven, hooded, with zipper, elastic cuffs and ankles. Look for Type 5/6 protection or better.
  • Amazon $10 each
  • Temu $15 for 5
• Heavy-Duty Rubber Gloves – Chemical-resistant gloves (not vinyl or latex) for outdoor tasks and decontamination.
  • Amazon $7
  • Temu $3.50
• Waterproof Overboots or Disposable Boot Covers – Prevent tracking fallout indoors.
  • Amazon $20
  • Temu $6
• Goggles or Safety Glasses – If using a half-mask respirator or in dusty environments.
  • Amazon $6 
  • Temu $3.50

2. Radiation Detection

• Geiger Counter / Radiation Detector – Example: Habotest HT629, GQ GMC-300S, Radex RD1503+, or similar.
  • Amazon $56
  • Temu $22
• Dosimeter Badges / Cards – Single-use or rechargeable dosimeters to track cumulative exposure.
  • Amazon $26
• Radiation Meter Calibration Source – (Optional) Low-level source for testing detector functionality.

3. Shelter & Fallout Protection

• Duct Tape (wide rolls) – For sealing doors, windows, and air leaks.
  • Amazon $17.50 (4" x 60 yards)
  • Temu (about $1 per 10m roll)
• Plastic Sheeting (6 mil preferred) – To cover windows, vents, or create isolation areas.
  • Select based on your window/door sizes, so no prices given. 
  • Amazon
  • Temu
• Thick Blankets or Mattresses – Add shielding in interior rooms.
• Buckets or Containers with Lids – For water storage or sanitation.
• HEPA Air Purifier or Manual Air Filter System – HEPA and carbon filters preferred. DIY solutions also possible.

4. Food & Water

• 72-Hour Emergency Food Supply – Freeze-dried meals or MREs with long shelf life.
• Emergency Water Storage – Minimum 1 gallon per person per day (at least 3 days).
• Water Purification Supplies
  • Portable filter (e.g., Sawyer Mini, LifeStraw)
  • Water purification tablets (chlorine dioxide or iodine)
  • Boiling pot for fire or alcohol stove

5. Medical & Hygiene

• Full Medical Kit – Include trauma supplies, burn dressings, anti-diarrheals, and gloves.
• Potassium Iodide (KI) Tablets – Protects the thyroid from radioactive iodine. Take only when advised.
• Electrolyte Powder – Useful for hydration, especially if radiation sickness is a concern.
• Personal Hygiene Kit
  • Wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, nail brush
  • Menstrual hygiene supplies
  • Waste disposal bags

6. Power, Light & Communication

• Wind-Up or Solar-Powered Emergency Radio – With AM/FM/NOAA capability.
  • Amazon $30-50
  • Temu $12-20
• LED Flashlights & Headlamps – Stock multiples with spare batteries or rechargeables.
  • Amazon $9-20
  • Temu $3-15
• Power Banks / Solar Charger – For phones, radios, and small devices.
  • Many options with varying prices, shown is a 35 watt charging panel for reference:
  • Amazon $42
  • Temu $13

7. Optional (But Wise) Additions

• Faraday Bag – To protect electronics from EMP effects.
  • Amazon 4 pack $20
  • Temu 4 pack $17.50
• Lead Lined Storage Bag – For shielding dosimeters or radios.
• Camp Toilet or Luggable Loo – Emergency sanitation if plumbing fails.
• Notebook & Pencil – For tracking exposure, radiation readings, or communication.
• Local Paper Maps – In case GPS or internet is unavailable.

Note on Temu and Other Budget Retailers

Some may be hesitant to purchase from platforms like Temu due to concerns about product quality. However, many of the items sold on Temu are identical or nearly identical to those found on Amazon or in local retail stores—often sourced from the same manufacturers. The key difference is price and delivery time. Temu typically offers lower prices but with longer shipping times, usually 1–2 weeks. If you need an item urgently, consider paying a premium to purchase it locally or through faster-shipping retailers. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your budget, urgency, and comfort level with sourcing.