As an Amazon Associate, Modded gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
While life post-2020 might resemble the film “2012,” the world hasn’t completely fallen apart yet. There’s still a way to go until the actual end of the planet. On a brighter note, that means you have time to prepare all the survival bunker essentials you might need. Here are more than 20 supplies for a bomb shelter and some doomsday bunker essentials to keep in mind.
1. NBC Air Filtration System
Underground survival bunkers might protect you from all sorts of threats, but they won’t be survivable for long without a viable air filtration system. Investing in a system that’s capable of filtering nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) waste from your breathable air will help keep your shelter running smoothly no matter what happens. It should be at the top of your bomb shelter supplies list.
Get it from Northwest Shelter Systems
2. 275-Gallon Rebottled IBC Tote
Buying bottled water from the grocery store might seem convenient, but if you’re sheltering in place in a survival bunker, making a trip to your local Walmart won’t be an option. Water storage will be an essential part of your fallout shelter supplies, and solutions come in various shapes and sizes, depending on your needs. You should have a minimum of 1 gallon of water available per person per day for an extended period.
3. Roloway Fireproof Document Bag
Our lives are filled with all sorts of documents, many of which are essential for functioning in modern society. Everything from birth certificates to car titles, home deeds and international qualifications is essential when you leave the bunker. You can’t do anything — such as getting a mortgage, buying a gun or bringing home a case of beer — without them.
Create an emergency document bag so you can grab it on your way to the bunker if disaster strikes. Many sites recommend putting them in large zip-lock bags, but this only protects them from water. A waterproof and fireproof document bag is your best option for protecting all those important papers.
4. SolarPlay 2400W Portable Power Station
We’ve grown accustomed to a certain level of creature comforts, and most of those rely on power. In a survival situation, we might not be browsing the internet or waiting on Amazon deliveries, but having power can make it easier to survive comfortably. Gathering fuel for traditional generators might be an issue, so solar power will likely be the best option.
5. Biersafe Underground Beer Cooler
This sounds a little silly, but hear us out. Unlike water supplies, beer doesn’t get contaminated by nuclear fallout in the event of a nuclear apocalypse. The United States government did a study in 1955 on the effect of nuclear explosions on packaged beverages and found that bottled beers and sodas are safe to drink even if they’re within a quarter-mile or so of ground zero. Plus, making your own craft beers, such as the peanut butter and jelly beer, will keep you entertained.
6. Ultimate Pantry 40-Piece Seasoning Herb, Spice and Salt Set
You can make nearly anything taste good if you have a handful of spices and enough salt — even those nonperishable meals you’re busy filling your survival bunker with. Make sure you stock up on stuff you use regularly. It also never hurts to have a couple of new and different flavors to add a bit of variety to your pallet.
7. MyMedic First-Aid Kit
If you’re sheltering in a survival bunker, going to the ER for an injury or illness just isn’t an option. You’ll need to have everything you need on hand to bind wounds, set bones, suture lacerations and treat illnesses. You’ll also need the knowledge to complete all of those tasks. Start by building or purchasing an emergency first-aid kit and completing first-aid and emergency response classes to brush up on your skills. Add some valuable OTC medications like painkillers, anti-diarrheal pills and allergy medicines.
8. The Laundry Alternative Wonderwash
The apocalypse is no excuse for dirty clothes. If the power goes out and you don’t have access to running water, you can still use nonelectric alternatives to wash your laundry. Plus, you can use grey water after washing your clothes to water your plants or supplement other nondrinking uses.
9. Potassium Iodate Tablets — KIO3, 170mg
Nuclear weapons release massive amounts of radioactive iodine into the air. You can end up breathing it in, drinking it in your water or eating it in your food. This radioactive iodine attacks the thyroid, causing cancer. In high concentrations, it can cause more acute cases of death. Stock up on potassium iodide or other similar substances. The pills have a shelf-life of five to six years, and you’ll definitely want to have them on hand if the nukes start flying.
10. Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) 12.5%
Bleach has various uses, including cleaning clothes, sterilizing surfaces and even purifying water in a pinch. Make sure you’re stocking up on bleach. Keep in mind that bleach does expire, losing about 20% of its efficacy every year. Rotate out your bleach supplies as needed to keep them fresh.
11. LINSY 3 Piece Bedroom Set
If you’re going to spend a lot of time in your bunker, you’ll want it to be comfortable. That, at a very minimum, means a bed, pillows, blankets and other bedding. You can bring home an entire bedroom in a box without spending too much money. These sets usually include a bed frame and numerous types of bedroom furniture, depending on your needs.
12. Super Nintendo Classic
The last thing you want to do during an apocalypse is to get bored. Stock up on different types of entertainment, such as books, music and movies. Even video game consoles can be useful if you have power in your bunker, though you’ll probably want to opt for older models that don’t require an internet connection to function.
13. RitFit All-in-One Squat Rack for Home Gym
Being cooped up in a small space like a bunker can take a physical toll, so having a home gym can increase your muscle health, maintain strength and help build mental health. It’s also a fun way to pass the time.
14. NO GRID Survival Projects
When the world hits the fan, the power grid is likely one of the first things to go. Learning to do various survival projects that don’t require electricity is a clever survival strategy, and this book features dozens of ingenious projects to keep you mentally and physically occupied.
15. Yundie Kalimba Thumb Piano
During drastic times, people often lose their sense of creativity. What better time than this to learn a musical instrument? This compact thumb piano is ideal and comes with every tool you’ll need, including a music and songbook. Its tones are soft enough not to drive you and your family insane while learning, and it’s sure to offer hours of useful occupation.
16. Plantional Leather Repair Sewing Kit
It may be the last thing on your mind when seeking shelter, but a sewing kit is essential for survival. Having needles, thread and other sewing tools on hand lets you repair clothes, tents and even shoes. During a lengthy shelter period, you may also need to alter clothes for children who outgrow theirs, and this tool set is ideal for that.
17. Gobena 5lb Fair Trade Organic Certified Honduran Medium Roast Ground Coffee
One luxury item you can’t do without is a good cup of coffee. A bulk coffee roast or bean supply can make life a little more comfortable. A plus is those used coffee grounds make an ideal organic fertilizer if you start growing your own food.
18. B&KM Farms 20,000+ Survival Seed Kit 5+ Year Supply
Planting your own vegetables and fruits may become nonnegotiable, and having a secure supply of seeds to start a tunnel garden or grow a patch in a hidden valley is a lifesaving strategy. Keep seeds in cool, dark and dry conditions to prevent spoiling. When you harvest new seeds, label them clearly for the next season.
19. Marvin’s Magic – Ultimate 250 Card Tricks Set
Beat the boredom with a magic tricks guide that teaches fantastic card tricks. It suits your kids and will relieve boredom in your doomsday bunker. Remember to take an extra deck of cards with you to replace them when worn out.
20. RESISTANCE Unisex Western Oilskin Waterproof Duster Coat
If you have to venture outside, a thickened raincoat resistant to dust and other harmful contaminants may be a blessing. It can keep you dry and protected against possible environmental challenges like acid rain and dust storms — if you believe in apocalyptic movies’ versions of what the earth may look like after an international incident. Just pair it with a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head.
21. Irish Spring Icy Blast Bar Soap for Men
It may not seem important enough to add to your list of supplies needed for a bomb shelter when you head into your bunker, but soap is a luxury item that’s equally functional for maintaining personal hygiene. After a hard day, a wash with fresh soap will surely hit the spot.
22. E-Shidai Solar Flashlights
Lights are essential for survival and rescue. A quality flashlight offering solar and USB charging is a valuable investment. The emergency strobe light is useful when searching for a lost family member or to signal you toward home.
23. The Linen Lady Trapping Kit Supplies
You may have to resort to hunting or trapping to get fresh meat. While you prepare your bunker, you should also learn basic survival skills, including how to set a trap to catch smaller game.
24. Sanlida Archery 60″ Royal X8 One-Piece Hunting Longbow
Hunting is likely to become an essential skill during your stay in the bunker, and you may need to protect yourself, your family and your bunker home. A quality bow and arrow set is perfect — you can always make more arrows or reuse the ones in the set. Note, this one has a 50-pound draw, making it a reasonably potent weapon, but it also takes skill to practice, so learn how to use it before you need to use it.
Be Ready for Anything with These Bunker Essentials
When it comes to survival, even if you have a bunker to retreat to, it helps to be ready for anything. This list includes our top picks for survival bunker essentials, but it’s by no means an exhaustive inventory — just a good place to start.
Originally posted 10/30/2020 – Updated 02/07/2025
