In the most bizarre turn of events in 2026, the year looks like it is going to end with everyone turning in to emergency preppers. I think most men harbour secret prepper tendencies though, so you could always stock up the Christmas prezzies early and then use earlier if needed. My daughter is envisioning a Victorian type existence if the power goes out where we read and colour whilst huddled under blankets. Sounds peaceful!
I quite like a good apocalyptic film but the covid pandemic was enough for me. Everyone fighting over toilet roll in the aisles is not something I ever want to witness or hear about, ever again.
As a family, we spend a lot of time camping and charging phones is one of the hardest things to do, so over time , we have ended up with some fairly heavy duty power packs that you can use a hairdryer with.
If you have an electric car, remember to keep it full topped up as the huge battery will keep small phone batteries charged for weeks.
Luckily, these days we can buy with dignity and quietly, online. Here are the best of the best:
- Aferiy Portable Power Station £1818
- Probably the king of portable power. This is going to keep you going for weeks. A real indulgence and available in an instalment option. I suspect this would have a level of re-sale value for years. Of course, only buy if you can afford it.
2. Fossibot Power Station £598
A slightly cheaper but still fairly epic option is the Fossibot.
3. SinKeu Portable Power Station 151.99
This SinKeu will keep you going with phone charging and the occasional kettle boil for a couple of days.
4. Torches £12.99
This is going to last 16 hours before needing a recharge but it won’t be your primary light, as you’ll need a lamp (see below) for that. So a couple of these should be plenty.
5. Lamps £36.97 for x4
These are super cute with 200 hours of run time each for x3 AA batteries. Super value. Super cute for a summer evening or camping.
6. Camping Stove – Campingaz £90.06
This is a really decent option and will work with existing pots and pans.
7. Gas £22.99
To go with the camping stove. Keep in a cool dry place.
6. Water purification tablets £14.95
These 200 tablets are enough to purify 2000 litres of water. They are relatively inexpensive and will last at least 5 years. Good to pop in a grab bag.
7. Water storage – 10L water carrier £14.99
Worth having. Relatively inexpensive.
8. A Decent First Aid Kit £29.99
This has all the essentials but loads of useful extras and just plenty of everything.
9. Batteries £18.12 for x30 decent Duracell Batteries
10. Radio – Emergency with Crank and Solar £17.99
11 . Huge bar of chocolate – Cadbury’s £10
12. Good old cash in an envelope
Not sure you can go wrong with that.
13. A decent grab bag £39.99
I think I first heard that the Finnish people are advised to keep a grab bag a couple of years ago. This seems like a fairly sturdy one and is available in several colours. It can also be worn as a rucksack.
14. A waterproof pouch to keep cash and documents in £7
15 Candles – Large Yankee Candle Rose £20
I know there may be some other cheaper candles out there but honestly, you risk a fire with anything not in it’s own holder. Anyone who has ever had a Yankee candle knows they last forever. I think I’ve had a black one for about 10 years. This will last a long time and smell good.
16 Bryant and May matches £2.00
To light any outdoor fires
17. Pelle and Sol 200 natural fire lighters £11.99
18. Long range walkie talkies £23.99
I just feel like these could be handy.
19. Foil sleeping bags – emergency bivvy bag £9.99
Just in case it gets really cold and there is no heating. This under a duvet would probably get quite cosy.
