Do you ever just know in your gut that something terrible is coming? If you’re one of those people who wants to prepare for the end of the world, we have a list of all the essential zombie apocalypse gear you’ll need. So when zombies show up at your doorstep, you’ll be prepared to take action and protect yourself. Whether you’re planning your strategy on your own or you have a group working together, you can benefit from knowing which gear to have on hand.

Zombie Apocalypse Gear: What You Really Need

This situation will be unlike anything any of us have ever experienced before. So how do you prepare for something like this? Watching shows like The Walking Dead may give you some ideas, but in the case of a zombie takeover, it’s probably best that you form your own plan. When the time comes, the last thing you want is to find yourself unprepared to stick it out for the long haul. If you want to protect yourself from danger, make sure you have these items:

1. Tactical Knife

When it comes down to it, we have no idea what we’re going to have to face in an apocalypse. But a solid tactical knife can be used for many different purposes. Whether it’s for rigging up weapons, manufacturing a makeshift shelter, or even as a weapon itself, this is an important tool to have with you at all times. The WK Belt Knife is a high-quality option for any dire situation.

2. Emergency Water Filter / Water Filtration Packets

In the event of a zombie outbreak, you may not have easy access to fresh water, which is a major issue. During a major crisis like this, you must keep yourself hydrated and on the move. Emergency water filters or water filtration packets can help you make sure the water you’re drinking is safe and not contaminated.

3. First Aid Kit

The last thing you want is an injury to slow you down or cause an infection, so take care of minor scrapes and injuries with a handy first aid kit. There are a ton of options out there to choose from, from small basic kits to larger ones intended for rescue. We recommend the North American Rescue M-FAK Mini First Aid Kit

4. Tactical Watch

A watch is super important for all occasions, but especially in life-or-death scenarios like the apocalypse. This will help you to not only know the time, but also know which direction you are going with a compass, survive rain and water, and be built to survive. The Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar DLC Titanium - 47 mm case is a sturdy option that will last a lifetime!

5. Gore-Tex Boots

During an apocalypse, you never know what type of terrain you’ll have to deal with. But you may be hiking through miles of woods and streams, so be prepared with a good pair of sensible footwear that will keep you moving forward. At Tactical Distributors, we have plenty of footwear options to choose from. The Vans Daschund UltraRange Exo Hi Gore-Tex MTE-2 boots are a solid choice!

6. Binoculars

Binoculars will help you to see ahead, so you’ll know exactly what you’re walking into. Whether it’s fellow survivors or zombies waiting, you’ll want to see them before they see you, and a good pair of binoculars can help you accomplish that!

7. Paracord

Paracord is a lightweight nylon rope that’s used as a general utility cord. This is a must-have in any survival situation since it has many purposes. You’ll want to have some on hand - you never know what you’ll end up using it for!

8. Food

In the event of a zombie apocalypse, there won’t be stores open with food readily available. You’ll want to put together some rations that will keep you going and won’t expire anytime soon.

9. Flashlight

You’ll need a flashlight for those long, dark nights hiding out from the zombies! Just make sure to pick a bright one, preferably water-resistant.

10. Backpack

Surviving an apocalypse may mean you’ll have to continuously be on the move. Since you probably won’t be able to stay in one place for too long, you’ll need to find a way to carry all your gear. Pick a backpack that’s comfortable to hold and has plenty of space for everything you need to have on you. A built-in hydration pack is a huge bonus, which you can find with the Vertx Gamut 2.0 Backpack

11. Sleeping Bag 

Everybody needs to sleep, even during a zombie apocalypse. Make sure you have a high-quality sleeping bag that will keep you warm and safe during cold nights.

12. Firearm and Holster

During a zombie takeover, you know you’ll always have to be on the lookout for potential threats. This means you’ll want a high-quality firearm that you can access at all times, as well as a comfortable holster that offers easy storage and accessibility. We love the Black Triangle Glock 43X Holster Right Hand Configuration 3.

Things are going to get hairy during the zombie apocalypse, so make sure you’re ready. We don’t know when it will happen, so make sure to have your zombie apocalypse gear packed and ready to go. If you are planning a safe house, make sure you have enough supplies to keep you stocked for years, and that you have your security defenses in place for when the day comes. And remember, if you find other survivors, lend a helping hand when you can. We’ll have to stick together more than ever!