Survival kits, also known as bug out backpacks, are crucial for emergencies, outdoor adventures, or minimalist prepping. A well-thought-out kit should prioritize versatility, portability, and essential items. For those who value simplicity and effectiveness, minimalist survival kits are the perfect solution. Below are the best 72 Hour Emergency Survival Kits, or best bug out backpacks, based on customer ratings and features.
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1. EVERLIT Complete Emergency Survival Kit (72 Hours)
- Key Features:
- Comprehensive kit with over 250 items.
- Includes first aid supplies, fire starters, water filtration, and tactical tools.
- Lightweight and compact design, perfect for car emergencies or camping.
- Best For: Those looking for an all-in-one kit with survival and medical essentials.
Get your EVERLIT Complete Emergency Survival Kit here.
See my full EVERLIT Complete Emergency Survival Kit review here.
2. TacPreps 72-Hour Survival Kit
- Key Features:
- A durable polyester backpack with a 45-liter capacity, providing ample space for all items.
- Kit comprises 76 pieces, including food and water supplies necessary for a 72-hour period.
- Suitable for various emergencies such as natural disasters, power outages, and outdoor adventures like camping and hiking.
- Best For: Individuals seeking a ready-to-go emergency preparedness solution.
Get your TacPreps 72-Hour Survival Kit here.
See my full TacPreps 72-Hour Survival Kit review here.
3. First My Family All-in-One Survival Kit
- Key Features:
- Designed for families with emergency supplies for 72 hours.
- Includes food, water, first aid, and multi-purpose tools.
- Backpack-style for easy grab-and-go in emergencies.
- Best For: Families or groups preparing for natural disasters.
Get your First My Family All-in-One Survival Kit here.
See my full First My Family All-in-One Survival Kit Review here.
4. Rescue Guard Survival Kit
- Key Features:
- Contains 48-hour essentials such as thermal blankets, first aid, and water pouches.
- Compact bag design, easy to carry or store in a car.
- High-quality materials with a focus on emergency preparedness.
- Best For: Urban dwellers and travelers who need basic emergency items.
Get your Rescue Guard Survival Kit here.
5. Ready America 72 Hour Deluxe Emergency Kit
- Key Features:
- Basic 2-person kit for 72 hours.
- Lightweight backpack containing food rations, water, and first aid supplies.
- Budget-friendly and compliant with FEMA recommendations.
- Best For: Beginners seeking an affordable entry-level survival kit.
Get your Ready America 72 Hour Deluxe Emergency Kit here.
Choosing the Right Emergency Survival Kit
Selecting the ideal 72-hour emergency survival kit depends on your specific needs, budget, and the types of emergencies you’re most likely to face. Each of these kits offers a solid foundation for emergency preparedness, but remember that personalization is key.
Consider adding items specific to your needs, such as prescription medications, extra glasses, or pet supplies. Think about the climate and environment where you live – do you need extra warm clothing or sun protection?
Are there specific natural disasters common to your area that need specialized equipment?
When evaluating these kits, consider factors such as:
- Shelf life of food and water supplies: Longer shelf life means less frequent replacements and more reliability.
- Versatility of tools included: Multi-purpose tools can save space and provide more options in various scenarios.
- Quality of the first aid kit: Ensure it covers a wide range of potential medical needs.
- Portability and storage considerations: The best kit is one you can easily access and transport if necessary.
- Additional features like water purification methods: These can extend your resources beyond the initial supplies.
It’s crucial to remember that while these kits provide a great starting point, they shouldn’t be considered a finish solution. Regular review and updating of your emergency supplies is essential.
Familiarize yourself with the contents of your chosen kit and consider supplementing it with extra items based on your personal needs and local disaster risks.
Emergency survival kits provide peace of mind and preparedness without unnecessary bulk. These top-rated options offer functionality and reliability for various scenarios, ensuring you’re equipped to handle the unexpected.
The Importance of Familiarity and Practice
The best emergency kit is one that you’ve thoughtfully prepared and know how to use. Take the time to review the contents of your kit regularly, replace expired items, and practice using unfamiliar tools or equipment.
This familiarity can make a significant difference when you’re under the stress of an actual emergency.
Consider running practice drills with your family or household. This could involve role-playing different emergency scenarios and using items from your kit.
Not only does this help everyone become familiar with the kit’s contents, but it can also identify any gaps in your preparations.
For example, practice setting up the emergency shelter if your kit includes one. Try preparing and eating some of the emergency food rations to understand their taste and texture.
Test out communication devices and make sure everyone knows how to use them.
These practice sessions can also be an opportunity to discuss and refine your emergency plans. Where will you meet if separated?
Who are your out-of-area contacts?
What are the evacuation routes from your home and workplace?
Beyond the Kit: Building a Culture of Preparedness
While having a 72-hour emergency kit is crucial, it’s just one part of overall emergency preparedness. Building a broader culture of preparedness in your household or community can significantly enhance your resilience in the face of disasters.
This could involve:
- Developing and regularly updating an emergency plan: This should include evacuation routes, meeting points, and communication strategies.
- Creating a network of neighbors and community members: In many disasters, neighbors are often the first responders.
Building strong community ties can be invaluable in an emergency.
- Staying informed about potential risks in your area: Understanding the types of disasters you’re most likely to face can help you tailor your preparations.
- Participating in community emergency response training: Many communities offer programs like Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, which can provide valuable skills and knowledge.
- Regularly reviewing and updating your preparations: As your life circumstances change, so should your emergency plans and supplies.
Remember, the goal of emergency preparedness isn’t to live in fear, but to have confidence that you can handle whatever challenges come your way. By choosing the right 72-hour kit, familiarizing yourself with it’s contents, and building a broader culture of preparedness, you’re taking important steps to confirm the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones in the face of unexpected emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 72-hour emergency kit?
A 72-hour emergency kit, also known as a bug-out bag or go-bag, is a collection of essential items designed to sustain an individual or family for three days during an emergency situation. These kits typically include food, water, first aid supplies, and other necessities.
How much water should be in a 72-hour kit?
The general recommendation is one gallon of water per person per day. For a 72-hour kit, that means three gallons per person.
However, many kits include water pouches or purification methods to reduce weight and bulk.
What type of food is best for emergency kits?
Non-perishable, high-calorie foods are ideal for emergency kits. This can include energy bars, freeze-dried meals, or specially designed emergency food rations.
Look for options with a long shelf life and minimal preparation requirements.
How often should I check and update my emergency kit?
It’s recommended to check your emergency kit at least twice a year. Many people do this when they change their clocks for daylight saving time.
Replace any expired food, medications, or batteries, and update supplies based on changing needs.
Are pre-made emergency kits better than building your own?
Pre-made kits offer convenience and confirm you have a comprehensive set of supplies. However, building your own allows for customization based on specific needs. Many people start with a pre-made kit and then supplement it with extra personal items.
Is a 72 hour emergency survival kit the same as a bug out backpack?
Yes, the terms “emergency survival kit” and “bug out backpacks” are often used interchangeably, and usually reference the same thing. However, while they are very similar in that they both contain supplies to help you survive in an emergency, a “bug out backpack” is often used to refer to a portable kit designed to be easily carried and used when you need to evacuate your home quickly, whereas an “emergency survival kit” can be a larger collection of supplies kept at home for a longer duration emergency.
Survival kits are also often called a “disaster supply kits”, “emergency kits” or “72 hour kits”, among other names.
How heavy should a 72-hour emergency kit be?
The weight of your kit depends on your physical capabilities and potential evacuation scenarios. As a general rule, aim for no more than 20% of your body weight.
For many people, this means keeping the kit under 20-30 pounds.
Should I have different kits for home, work, and car?
Having many kits can be useful. A smaller kit in your car or at work can be crucial if you’re unable to reach your main kit at home.
Consider creating scaled-down versions of your main kit for these locations.
What’s the most important item in a 72-hour kit?
While all items are important, water is often considered the most critical. You can survive much longer without food than without water.
That’s why many kits include both water supplies and purification methods.
How do I store my emergency kit?
Store your kit in a cool, dry place that’s easily accessible in an emergency. Avoid areas prone to flooding or extreme temperatures.
If possible, keep it in a portable container like a backpack or duffel bag for easy transport.
Key Takeaways
- A well-prepared 72-hour emergency kit can be lifesaving in disaster situations.
- The best kit for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and likely emergency scenarios.
- Regular review and familiarity with your kit’s contents are crucial for effective use in emergencies.
- Consider supplementing pre-made kits with personal items and medications.
- Emergency preparedness extends beyond just having a kit – it involves planning, practice, and community involvement.