What to Pack in an Emergency Kit
What is an emergency kit?
An emergency kit, often called a bug out bag or go-bag, is a portable collection of essential items that can help you survive during a crisis or evacuation. It’s designed to support your basic needs—like food, water, shelter, and first aid—for at least 72 hours. Whether you’re facing a natural disaster, power outage, or unexpected emergency, having a well-packed emergency kit can give you the tools and confidence to act fast and stay safe when every second counts.
What to Pack? Below I will go over the exact types of items you should be packing in your kit, why those items are important, and offer links to make it easy to purchase what you will need. Some of these items will be obvious and others you will be expected to figure out for yourself.
🔥 1. Core Survival Gear
Backpack- A backpack is essential for an emergency kit because it keeps all of your gear organized and ready to grab and go at a moment notice. My recommended back pack - https://amzn.to/4eeiZlh
Multitool - A multitool is important because it combines several essential tools into one compact device, saving space while helping with repairs, food prep, and other survival taks. My recommended multitool - https://amzn.to/40ikuJh
Knife - A knife is crucial for cutting, self defense, fire making, and shelter building, making it one of the most versatile and reliable tools in any emergency kit. My recommended knife - https://amzn.to/4ndQRTe
Paracord - Paracord is vital in an emergency kit because it’s lightweight yet incredibly strong, perfect for building shelters, making traps, securing gear, and more. Make sure you keep 50-100ft in your kit. My recommended paracord - https://amzn.to/4kQzk1M
Gorilla tape - Gorilla or Duct tape is important because it can repair gear, seal leaks, patch clothing, and can even be used for first aid. Try to find a smaller roll that takes up less space in your pack. My recommended tape - https://amzn.to/46dD2xY
Zip Ties - Zip tires (wire ties) are important in an emergency kit because they are lightweight, strong, and very versatile making them oerfect for securing gear, making quick repairs, or restraining things in a pinch. My recommended Zip Ties - https://amzn.to/466grU0
Survival Whistle - A survival whistle is essential because it lets you signal for help over a long distance, especially if you are lost , injured, or in low vis conditions. It’s loud, lightweight, and can save your life. My recommended whistle - https://amzn.to/3HTbZOp
Fire Kit - A fire kit is crucial in an emergency situation because it allows you to start a fire for warmth, cooking, signaling, and purifying water, one of the most important priorities. Check my Prep Shop for the best Fire Kits - Click Here!
Mylar Tarp - A Mylar tarp is important because it provides quick shelter, retains body heat, reflects sunlight, and can protect you from the wind, rain, and cold, making it a lightweight lifesaver. My recommended Mylar Tarp - https://amzn.to/3I8IOab
💧 2. Water
Water filter - A water filter is important because it removes harmful contaminants, making water safe to drink in emergencies or off-grid situations. My recommended Filter - https://amzn.to/4lrSTOB
Collapsible water bottle or canteen - A water bottle or canteen is essential for storing and carrying water, keeping you hydrated wherever you go. My recommended Water Bottle Set - https://amzn.to/4keb7kZ
Water purification tablets - Water Purification Tablets are crucial for killing bacteria, viruses, and parasites in questionable water sources, making it safe to drink. My recommended Tablets - https://amzn.to/3TkkR27
Stainless steel bottle (for boiling water) - A stainless steel bottle is vital because it can be used directly over a fire to boil water, making it both a container and a purification tool. My recommended SS bottle - https://amzn.to/4keb7kZ
🍫 3. Food
Freeze-dried meals or MREs (3 days' worth) - Freeze dried meals are important because they are lightweight, have a long shelf life, and provide quick, reliable nutrition when fresh food isn’t available. My recommended 3 day food supply - https://amzn.to/3GryWrB
Energy/protein bars - Same as before, but you don’t need to cook them! My recommended bars - https://amzn.to/4lAxVfX
Peanut butter packets or tuna pouches - These are great survival foods because they are high in protein, shelf stable, and ready to eat as is. My recommended pouches - https://amzn.to/4nv9SRm
Metal cup/pot (for boiling or cooking) - Same set as previously mentioned from Pathfinder - https://amzn.to/4keb7kZ
👖 4. Clothing
This section you will just have to figure out for yourself and/or pack clothing that you already own.
Extra socks (wool or synthetic) - Keeping your feet dry helps prevent blisters, infections, and frostbite - Keeping you moving and alive in tough conditions
Moisture-wicking underwear - Moisture wicking underwear are important because it keeps you dry, reduces chafing, and helps prevent infections in high stress situations.
Thermal base layers if applicable - These are crucial because they trao in body heat and wick away sweat, keeping you warm and dry in cold or unpredictable weather.
Rain poncho or jacket - These are vital for staying dry, which helps prevent hypothermia and keeps your gear protected in wet conditions.
Hat + gloves (weather dependent) - A hat and gloves are essential because they help retain body heat and protect your extremities from cold, wind, and frostbit is harsh environments.
Bandana or shemagh - These are versatile because they can be used for sun protection, filtering debris from water, first aid, or even signaling for help.
Lightweight change of clothes - A lightweight change of clothing is important for staying dry, warm, and comfortable if your main outfit gets wet, dirty, or damaged during an emergency.
🩹 5. First Aid & Hygiene
First aid kit (trauma kit + meds) - A first aid kit is essential for treating injuries, preventing infections, and managing medical emergencies when professional help isn’t immediately available. My recommended kit - https://amzn.to/4lxGVCm
Tourniquet (CAT or SWAT) - Crucial for stopping severe bleeding from a limb, buying precious time until proper medical care can be given. My recommended Tourniquet - https://amzn.to/44EmEFH
Nitrile gloves - These are important for protecting your hands from blood, chemicals, and other contaminants during first aid or cleanup, helping prevent infection and cross contamination. My recommended gloves - https://amzn.to/4lAoRrw
Pain relievers / antibiotics - These are important to manage pain, reducing inflammation, and fighting infections when medical help is out of reach. I can’t offer advise where to get antibiotics but here are my recommended pain relivers - https://amzn.to/44b3JCb
Personal medications (3-day supply minimum) - These you will have to figure out yourself.
Toothbrush + toothpaste - This here is pretty obvious I feel.
Wet wipes / travel-size soap - Self explanatory, to keep your self clean, all of yourself. My recommended wipes - https://amzn.to/3GtChq9
Toilet paper (compressed or flat pack) - IF you don’t have any TP you an always use the wipes mentioned above,
🔦 6. Tools & Navigation
Flashlight (with extra batteries or solar/crank) - https://amzn.to/4ldBjgp
Headlamp - https://amzn.to/4lwsWN4
Compass (and know how to use it) - https://amzn.to/3I27XUf
Local map (waterproofed or laminated) - A local map of your area/state will help you navigate when GPS is down or other reasons. You will have to acquire your own maps for your area.
Sharpie or pencil - Helpful for writing down any information so you won’t forget it or have to worry about remembering it in the first place.
Small notebook - Same as the pens/marker section.
📻 7. Communication & Info
Hand-crank radio or emergency radio (NOAA-compatible) - https://amzn.to/3I9jkcT
USB power bank - https://amzn.to/448Squm
Charging cable (and adapters if needed)
Copies of ID, insurance, and emergency contacts (laminated or in waterproof bag)
Local emergency plan (rendezvous points, routes)
🔫 8. Self-Defense (where legal)
These you will have to acquire yourself at your own discretion.
Pepper spray
Firearm + ammo
Taser
🏠 9. Shelter
Compact tent - A tent is essential for providing shelter from the elements, offering protection, privacy, and a safe place to rest during emergencies. My recommended tent - https://amzn.to/44bSz07
Emergency sleeping bag - A sleeping bag is cruicial for staying warm, conserving body heat, and getting proper rest in cold conditions. My recommended sleeping bag - https://amzn.to/4kkL6AD
Ground pad or foam mat - A ground pad is important because it insulates you from the cold hard ground, improves sleep comfort, and helps retain body heat. My recommended pad - https://amzn.to/44ukuHw
Extra tarp - An extra tarp is a versatile survival tool that can be used for shelter, ground cover, rain catchment, or gear protection in any environment. My recommended tarp - https://amzn.to/4lclvLs
💰 10. Extras
These items you can also easily acquire yourself.
Cash (small bills)
Lighter leash or carabiner clips
Sunglasses / eye protection
Small Bible or morale booster item
Deck of cards / small game for downtime
