How We Choose Gear

Good preparedness is about solving a genuine problem, not collecting equipment. Before Go Prepare recommends a product, we want to understand the task it needs to perform, what alternatives already exist and what reliable evidence supports its suitability.

Our equipment selection method

1. Define the situation. Is it a short power cut, an interrupted water supply, winter car travel, a camping trip or a longer disruption? The duration and environment change what is useful.
2. Check what you own. A reliable torch, spare warm clothing, a suitable power bank or safe stored drinking water may already cover the need. Avoid paying twice for the same capability.
3. Identify the actual shortfall. Is the gap capacity, portability, reliability, safe storage, charging, replenishment, accessibility or ease of use?
4. Check suitability and evidence. Look at the exact model, manufacturer instructions and relevant safety information. A general marketing claim is not proof that a device meets your particular need.
5. Compare the whole cost. Consider batteries, charging, replacement filters, fuel, servicing, accessories, storage and expected upkeep—not just the purchase price.
6. Explain the limits. Describe when it is a poor fit, what extra equipment it needs and what safety precautions apply. Outdoor fuel-burning equipment, for example, is not an indoor cooking or heating solution.
7. Make a decision you can maintain. The best purchase is one you can use confidently, store safely and check regularly. Sometimes the decision is not to buy anything.

Three examples of advice before selling

Power cuts

For lighting and communication in a short outage, check your working torches, spare batteries and phone charging first. Larger backup power equipment should only follow a realistic assessment of the devices involved, their power demands, required runtime and safe charging arrangements. Read our power-cut guide.

Water outages

Begin with safe drinking-water reserves and proper containers. A water treatment device must be evaluated against the actual source and hazards; boiling or portable filtration is not a universal solution to chemical contamination. Read our water outage guide.

Travel and winter delays

Basic vehicle maintenance, a charged phone, warm clothing, a torch, water and sensible route planning can matter more than an expensive branded emergency kit. Our car emergency kit guide starts there.

How to read product claims

• Manufacturer specification: information supplied by the maker; note the exact model and conditions.
• Official advice: linked guidance from public bodies and relevant utilities.
• Our editorial assessment: a reasoned recommendation or comparison, identified as judgement rather than a laboratory result.
• Hands-on testing: only described as such when we have actually performed and documented it. No invented tests or ratings.
• Price and stock: checked against genuine live listings when the shop opens, not estimated from placeholders.

What customers should expect when the shop opens

Our aim is to make each product understandable without forcing visitors to decode jargon: what it does, who it may suit, key specifications, compatibility, important limitations, maintenance and any replacement supplies. If essential facts cannot be verified, we should withhold unsupported claims rather than invent them. The equipment shop is still being prepared.

Start with your own needs

Try the free personalised preparedness planner, then review our selection standards and five checks before buying specialist equipment.

For general UK emergency planning and safe household preparation, see the UK Government Prepare campaign. Product-specific safety instructions and current official advice take precedence over general buying guidance.