Recommended Tools & Resources for Self-Sufficient Living

Tough Kraut's Self-Sufficiency Toolkit

Welcome to the Tough Kraut Toolkit and Resources. Here's where I share a curated collection of gear, tools, and resources to help you grow, build, compost, and thrive off the land. Without losing your sanity.

Note: Most of the links on this page are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I use, trust, or have on my own wishlist. No greenwashing, no gimmicks, just good gear. Every item here is Kraut Approved.

Gardening Tools & Supplies

Tools that make your soil sing, not scream.

From ergonomic hand tools to raised bed kits and hose reels, this is our no-nonsense garden gear list. Tough enough for heavy use and light enough for daily joy.

MuDan’s Pantry & Apothecary

Simple remedies and timeless ingredients from MuDan’s off-grid kitchen and daily rituals.

These are the trusted items MuDan uses to care for body, home, and spirit. Rooted in nature, backed by tradition. Discover natural pantry staples, wellness tools, and practices that support slow, sustainable living.

Off-Grid Water Systems

If you can’t rely on the tap, build your own rain army.

These tools and systems support rainwater harvesting, wicking beds, and low-tech irrigation. Designed for drought resilience and water independence. No pipes, no problem.

Seeds & Soil

Start with life in your hands, and good dirt under your fingernails.

Our go-to sources for organic seeds, soil amendments, compost options, and testing tools. Everything you need to grow nutrient-rich, regenerative gardens from the ground up.

Learning Resources

Feed your brain like you feed your soil. Rich and diverse.

Books, courses, guides, and YouTube channels that have shaped our path to self-sufficiency. Whether you’re digging into permaculture or starting your first garden, this is where the journey begins.

Homestead Essentials

Because off-grid doesn’t mean off-your-rocker.

Solar setups, food storage, and backup power we’ve tested and rely on. Durable, dependable tools for everyday off-grid resilience and peace of mind.

Composting & Waste Reduction

Turn scraps into gold and guilt into growth.

From worm bins and bokashi to compost thermometers, these tools help you reduce waste and build fertility. Simple systems with lasting impact. Because nothing should go to waste.

Tough Kraut Merch

Wear the mission. Start the conversation.

Support Tough Kraut and show your soil pride with original designs printed on demand via RedBubble. For homesteaders, rebels, and everyone growing something real.

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Transparency Matters. I only recommend tools that I've personally used (or thoroughly researched) or trust to build a self-sufficient, off-grid homestead. This page contains affiliate links. If you buy something, I may earn a small commission, which helps fund Tough Kraut’s mission. Thanks for your support!

Read our full Disclosure page for more information.

FAQ & Affiliate Transparency
Q: Do you use all of these?
A: Mostly, yes—or they’re on my trusted wishlist. If I wouldn’t use it on my own homestead, I won’t recommend it here.

Q: What are affiliate links?
A: If you click a link and buy something, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps me grow Tough Kraut and keep the compost turning.

Q: How often is this page updated?
A: Regularly, usually after a few months of real use in the garden or homestead. I only update when I’ve got the dirt (pun intended).