72 Hour Backpack Essentials for Beginners

When it comes to being prepared for emergencies, most people would agree that having the essentials covered in a 72 hour backpack is wise.

With some thoughtful planning and packing, you can assemble a 72 hour backpack that will provide for your basic needs in a crisis.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly what to include to be equipped with shelter, water, food, first aid, fire starters, and more in your backpack. We'll cover everything from calculating water needs to choosing calorie-dense foods so you can feel confident you've got the fundamentals for short-term survival.

Preparing Your 72 Hour Emergency Survival Kit

A 72 hour backpack, also known as a "bug out bag" or "go bag", is a portable kit that contains the essential items one would need to survive for 72 hours when evacuating from an emergency situation. It is designed for those who want to be prepared for unexpected disasters like natural catastrophes, infrastructure failures, or civil unrest. Having a well-stocked 72 hour backpack enables you to grab your most critical supplies at a moment's notice so that you can quickly evacuate while still meeting your basic needs for 3 days.

Understanding the 72 Hour Backpack List Concept

The 72 hour timeframe is typically recommended because it provides a buffer to cover the initial shock, confusion, and delays one might experience in an emergency evacuation scenario. Within 72 hours, it is assumed critical infrastructure will start to be restored, temporary aid stations may be set up, or you will have reached a safe location. While not intended for long-term survival on its own, a 72 hour bug out bag should contain everything you might need in that critical window so that you can focus on more pressing matters.

Situations where having a 72 hour backpack would be useful include natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods that force evacuations; infrastructure failures from power grid cyber attacks or EMPs; societal collapse scenarios due to pandemics, wars, or unrest that lead to supply chain breakdowns; or personal emergencies like home fires that require quick relocation.

Assessing Individual Needs for Your 72 Hour Kit Backpack

When preparing your 72 hour backpack, tailor the contents based on variables like climate, season, your health needs, responsibilities for children/elders, and likelihood of certain disasters in your region.

For example, if prone to earthquakes and winter storms, focus on shelter, warmth, and navigation. In hot regions, carry extra water and sun protection. Have at least 7 days of any vital prescriptions, backup power sources for medical devices, and contingency plans for those in your care. Know where to go and how to get there. Cater the 72 hour backpack to likely emergency scenarios.

Organizing Your Best Survival Backpack Kit

Properly packing your 72 hour bag keeps items protected, dry, accessible, and from spoiling during storage. Consider durability, weight distribution, pockets/dividers, and water resistance in your backpack selection. Essentials like food, water, first aid, tools, and shelter take priority in packing order. Group items into clear categories with internal packs. Inspect and resupply every 6-12 months as contents expire. An organized, maintained bug out bag provides quick access to what you need when every second counts.

What is a 72 hour backpack?

A 72-hour backpack, also known as a bug out bag or get home bag, is an emergency preparedness kit designed to sustain an individual for 3 days in the event of a disaster or emergency situation. This type of backpack typically contains basic survival items such as food, water, first aid supplies, shelter, lighting, navigation tools, and other gear to help you safely evacuate an area or shelter in place until help arrives.

Some key things to include in a 72 hour backpack are:

Water - 1 gallon per person per day minimum. Water filtration/purification supplies.
Food - High protein, lightweight, non-perishable items like protein bars, dried fruits and nuts, peanut butter, etc.
First Aid Kit - Bandages, gauze, medications, etc.
Shelter - Emergency blanket, tarp, tent, sleeping bag.
Lighting - Flashlight, headlamp, batteries.
Navigation - Map, compass, GPS device, signal mirror.
Tools - Knife, duct tape, fire starting capabilities, rope/cord, multi-tool.
Clothing - Weather appropriate outfits, socks, emergency poncho.

The exact contents of your 72 hour backpack may vary depending on your climate, terrain, skill level, and specific risks in your area. But the goal is to have the essentials covered so that you can safely evacuate or shelter in place for 3 days until help arrives or you make it to a secure location. Maintaining and routinely checking a well-stocked backpack is a simple way to be prepared for emergencies.

What should be in a 72-hour kit?

A well-stocked 72-hour kit is essential for emergency preparedness. Here are some of the most important items to include:

Shelter and Warmth

Plastic sheeting and duct tape to create an emergency shelter
Emergency blanket and sleeping bag to retain body heat
Extra socks, gloves, hat, and cold weather clothing

Water

Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
Water purification tablets or filter
Canteen or water bottle

Food

High-calorie, non-perishable food like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit
Comfort food like candy or cookies
Utensils and mess kit

First Aid

Adhesive bandages, gauze pads, wraps, and tape
Antibiotic and anti-itch ointment
Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter
First aid instruction manual

Be sure to customize your 72-hour kit to meet your specific needs, accounting for medications, climate, and potential risks in your area. Maintain and refresh your kit regularly so it's ready to go when you need it.

What are 10 items in a survival kit?

A well-stocked survival kit is essential for emergency preparedness. Here are 10 must-have items to include:

Flashlight - A flashlight allows you to see in the dark and can help with navigation and signaling for help. Make sure to pack extra batteries.
Whistle - A loud whistle can be used for signaling and getting attention if you need rescue.
Dust mask - A dust mask helps filter contaminated air during disasters like volcanic eruptions, fires, or building collapses.
Map and compass - Even if you know the area, having an analog navigation system helps orient yourself if digital maps and GPS fail.
Manual can opener - Don't rely solely on electric can openers. A manual one allows you to open canned food when the power is out.
Emergency radio - Battery-powered or hand crank radios provide news, emergency instructions, and entertainment when electricity fails.
First aid kit - At minimum have bandages, gauze, medications, sanitary items, gloves, trauma items like tourniquets.
Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife - These provide knives, pliers, screwdrivers, scissors, and other functions in one portable tool.
Water and water purification supplies - Stock bottled water and items to collect, treat, filter, or boil water for safe drinking.
Emergency blanket - Lightweight mylar blankets retain 80% of body heat to prevent hypothermia.

Having these basic items on hand will help you safely endure an emergency situation until help arrives. Customize your kit based on your needs.

How to get free emergency kit?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a free Emergency Financial First Aid Kit to help individuals and families prepare financially for emergencies.

To get your free emergency kit:

Go to ready.gov/financial-preparedness
Click on the button to download the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK)
The EFFAK is a PDF document you can save and print at home

The EFFAK covers the basics of financial preparedness with checklists and forms to organize critical information. Key contents include:

Emergency contacts list
Vital records locator
Home inventory checklist
Insurance policy worksheet
Bank account information tracker

Having these financial details organized in one place will help you recover more quickly after an emergency.

The EFFAK also has tips on assessing risks, protecting assets, budgeting, and more. Use it to take control of finances before and after a disaster strikes.

Integrating the EFFAK into your 72 hour backpack ensures you have financial resources to rely on during an emergency. Maintaining organization now prevents added stress later.

Water & Hydration Essentials in Your Survival Backpack Kit

Having enough clean water is critical in an emergency situation. When packing your 72 hour backpack, be sure to include adequate water storage as well as a way to filter or purify water.

Calculating Your Emergency Water Needs

As a general guideline, plan for at least one gallon of water per person per day. However, your specific needs may vary depending on climate, activity level, and other factors. In hot environments or with strenuous activity, you may require more.

To calculate your needs:

Climate: In hotter climates, plan for a minimum of one gallon per day. In temperate climates, 3/4 gallon may suffice.
Activity Level: The more active you are, the more water you will require. Plan for an extra 1/2 to 1 gallon if you anticipate strenuous activity.
Personal Needs: Consider special needs like medications that require extra hydration, children who need more frequent drinking, etc.

Packing and Storing Water in Your 72 Hour Emergency Survival Kit

There are several good options for transporting and storing water:

Water bladders are flexible, durable, and take up minimal pack space when empty. Look for BPA-free models.
Collapsible water containers work well and collapse for storage. Reliable brands include Platypus and Nomader.
Plastic bottled water is convenient but takes up pack space. Balance weight savings with space efficiency.
Water purification tablets like Potable Aqua are lightweight and allow you to purify water on the go.

Choosing Water Filtration & Purification for Your Bug Out Bag

To ensure safe drinking water, pack both a water filter and a chemical purifier:

Water filters like the Sawyer Squeeze physically remove bacteria and protozoa. They are lightweight and fast.
Chemical purifiers like potassium iodide tablets kill viruses and remaining bacteria. Useful if filter gets damaged.
UV water purifiers like the SteriPEN also eliminate pathogens after water has been filtered. Rechargeable models available.

Additional tips:

Pack a mix of purification tools as backups.
Replace filters and purifier cartridges as recommended.
Practice assembling and using your water system before an emergency.

Staying hydrated is key during any disaster. Carefully calculating your water needs and packing the right gear can help keep you healthy until you find safety.

Nutrition: Survival Backpack Kit with Food

When packing food for a 72 hour backpack, it's important to focus on non-perishable, calorie-dense options that will provide enough nutrients to sustain you for 3 days.

Selecting Calorie-Dense Foods for Your Seventy2 Survival Kit

Aim for compact foods that are shelf-stable and rich in protein, fat, and complex carbs to fuel your body. Some good options include:

Canned meats like tuna, chicken, or salmon
Canned beans, lentils, chickpeas
Nuts and nut butters
Dried fruits and trail mixes
Granola, protein, or meal replacement bars
Powdered milk, eggs, or protein shakes

Nutritional Balance: Vitamins & Supplements

To prevent potential vitamin deficiencies over 3 days, consider packing:

Multivitamins
Vitamin C supplements
Electrolyte tablets for hydration

These essential nutrients will help maintain energy levels and optimal health.

Accommodating Special Dietary Requirements

If you follow a special diet, adapt your seventy2 survival kit by packing:

Gluten-free bars, nuts, jerky (celiac disease/gluten sensitivity)
Plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, chickpeas (vegan/vegetarian)
Hypoallergenic meal replacements (food allergies)

Careful meal planning ahead of time is key to ensuring proper nutrition.

Shelter & Comfort: The Basics for a Military Survival Backpack Kit

Having adequate shelter and ability to get quality sleep is vital over a 72 hour timeframe. When packing your 72 hour backpack, prioritizing compact yet efficient shelter options is key.

Choosing Compact and Efficient Shelter Options

When every ounce counts, you need a shelter that provides protection without taking up too much precious space. Some top options to consider:

Emergency bivy sacks - These envelope-style shelters are lightweight, compact, waterproof, and retain heat well. However, they don't allow much room to move around.
Ultralight tarps - Tarps can provide overhead shelter while allowing airflow. Look for durable, ripstop models that pack down small. Pair with a bivy sack for more weather protection.
Hammock systems - Compact hammocks with integrated bug nets and rain flies allow you to set up camp quickly. Make sure to get tree-friendly suspension straps.

No matter which option you choose, be sure to test it out ahead of time so you know how to set it up quickly when needed.

Selecting a Sleeping Bag & Pad for Your Survival Kit

Choosing an efficient sleeping bag and pad ensures you can get the rest you need to keep going. Consider these factors:

Temperature rating - The bag should be rated for the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. Mummy bags offer maximum warmth.
Compressibility - Down fill offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio but loses insulation value when wet. Synthetic fill dries quicker.
Shape/size - Make sure your bag fits your body type to minimize heat loss. If space is tight, try a half-rectangle sleeping bag.
Sleeping pads - Inflatable pads provide cushioning and insulation from the cold ground but are prone to leaks. Closed-cell foam pads are nearly indestructible.

Testing out your sleep system before an emergency lets you identify any issues with comfort or temperature regulation.

Additional Sleep Essentials for Restful Nights

Carrying a few extra items in your 72 hour backpack can make a big difference in your ability to get adequate rest:

Pillow - A compact inflatable pillow prevents neck pain and discomfort. Alternatively, stuff extra clothes into a stuff sack.
Eye mask - Blocks out light for better sleep. Useful if camping near artificial light sources.
Ear plugs - Reduce exposure to loud noises that can disrupt sleep patterns. Helpful if camping near roads, trains, etc.

Prioritizing rest by packing efficient shelter and sleeping gear keeps you refreshed and ready to respond in an emergency situation when every minute counts. Test it out in advance and make adjustments so your 72 hour backpack has you covered.

In an emergency, being able to navigate without cell service is crucial, so having the right navigation tools is key.

Essential Maps & Compasses for Your Bug Out Bag

Having paper maps of your local area can be invaluable if you lose access to digital navigation tools. Choose a high quality compass to complement your maps. Some recommendations:

Local trail maps from outdoor stores
State highway maps
Topographical maps of surrounding areas
Military lensatic compass or baseplate compass

Make sure to practice navigation skills like orienteering beforehand. Know your region and major landmarks.

Emergency Locator Beacons: A Must-Have in a Survival Backpack List

For true SOS situations, locator beacons can connect you with emergency services when out of cell range:

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) signal satellites
Some satellite communicators like the inReach allow 2-way text messaging

These should only be for real emergencies though, as false alarms can lead to fines.

Keeping Devices Charged: Battery & Recharging Solutions

To keep critical devices powered in an emergency:

Pack backup batteries and cables
Foldable solar panels can recharge batteries
Hand crank chargers are low-tech charging options

Choose gear wisely for your situation, balancing weight, efficiency and budget.

First Aid: The Core of Every Survival Kit

Having a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any 72 hour backpack. When an emergency strikes, you may not have access to professional medical care right away. Being prepared to treat injuries on your own could save someone's life.

Essential Wound & Trauma Care Items

Your first aid kit should include supplies to stop bleeding and dress wounds:

Gauze pads - For applying pressure to wounds
Rolled gauze - To wrap injuries once dressed
Adhesive bandages - In multiple sizes
Antiseptic wipes - To clean wounds
Tourniquet - To stop severe bleeding
Trauma shears - To cut away clothing from injuries

Make sure to pack enough wound care supplies to treat multiple injuries during an extended emergency.

Key Medications & Ointments

Having the right medications on hand is also key:

Antibiotic ointment - Prevents infection in scrapes and cuts
Anti-diarrheal medication - Important if water sources become contaminated
Antihistamine tablets - Treat allergic reactions
Pain relief tablets - Alleviate pain from injuries
Electrolyte tablets - Replace nutrients lost from diarrhea/vomiting

Rotate these medications to ensure they don't expire.

Additional Tools & Personal Care Items

Some other important items for your 72 hour backpack first aid kit include:

Digital thermometer - Take temperature if illness occurs
Emergency blanket - Prevents hypothermia
Medical tape - Secure dressings
Tweezers - Remove debris from wounds
Hand sanitizer - Maintain hygiene

Customize your first aid kit based on your own medical needs, such as prescriptions and EpiPens. Having the ability to provide emergency first aid greatly increases your chances of survival when SHTF.

Fire Making: An Essential Skill for Survival

In cold weather or for purifying water, having the ability to start a fire quickly is a critical survival skill for any 72 hour backpack. Packing reliable ignition sources, effective fire starters, and sustainable fuel materials can make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.

Reliable Ignition Sources for Your 72 Hour Backpack

When preparing your 72 hour backpack, be sure to pack multiple reliable ignition sources including:

Waterproof matches - Long-burning matches are compact and reliable. Store in a waterproof container.
Lighter - Pack a quality butane lighter as a backup ignition source. Bring extra fluid if possible.

- Fire steel - A fire steel striker with a ferrocerium rod generates sparks to ignite tinder, even when wet.

Tinder - Have ready-to-light tinder like dryer lint, wax-soaked cotton balls, or fatwood shavings.

Packing redundant ignition sources ensures you can start a fire even if one method fails. Store items separately in case a container gets damaged.

Effective Fire Starters for Emergency Situations

When building a fire, you need an easy-to-ignite tinder to transfer flames to kindling and fuel. Effective options include:

Cotton balls coated in petroleum jelly - Lights quickly even when wet. Burns slowly to ignite kindling.
Wax-soaked dryer lint - Excellent fire starter made by mixing melted wax into dryer lint. Compact and lights easily.
Fatwood - Resin-rich wood shavings scrape easily from fatwood and light quickly.

Group tinder material together to help flames spread to larger fuel pieces. Prepare several fire starters and store some in multiple pack locations for redundancy.

Fuel Material Considerations for Sustaining Fire

To sustain a fire that provides warmth and boiling water, you need adequate fuel supply. Consider packing:

Kindling - Small sticks, pine cones, bark shards ignite quickly from fire starter.
Fuel wood - Pack sturdy, compact fuel like trioxane bars or wood pellets. Fatwood also burns long and hot.
Alternate fuels - Dryer lint, wax, cotton pads all can sustain a small cooking fire in absence of wood.

Look for dead wood on the ground when possible and process into various fuel sizes. Keep some stored fuel dry in a pack compartment to ensure you can start an emergency fire whenever needed.

Essential Tools & Utility Items for Your 72 Hour Backpack

Packing basic tools for gathering resources, self-defense, hygiene, lighting and other essential tasks is critical when assembling your 72 hour backpack. Having versatile and compact equipment will allow you to address basic needs in an emergency situation.

Versatile Cutting Tools for Survival

Carrying cutting tools serves various important purposes when bugging out. A good quality folding or fixed blade pocket knife is an essential item. Consider one with multiple built-in tools like a can opener, screwdriver, bottle opener, etc. A compact multitool is also useful for repairing gear, opening cans, cutting cordage, and more. Pack a small folding saw for processing firewood and building shelters. A hatchet can also be included if space allows.

Illuminating Your Path: Light Sources for Your Kit

Having multiple light sources ensures you can navigate terrain and complete tasks in low light conditions:

A headlamp frees up your hands for activities like cooking, gear repairs, medical treatment, etc. Choose one with different brightness settings and strobe mode.
Pack extra batteries for extended operation. Consider lithium batteries for longer shelf life.
A small flashlight can supplement your headlamp, providing focused beam illumination.
Glow sticks work when other lights fail and provide low-level area lighting.
For redundancy, also pack matches and a lighter as primitive light sources.

Maintaining Hygiene & Cleanliness in the Wilderness

Personal health and hygiene items, though small, significantly boost morale in an emergency:

Pack a small bottle of antibacterial soap for washing hands/body and cleaning cookware.
Pack several moist towelettes for cleaning skin and small spills/messes.
Include backup hygiene items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and feminine products.

Having the ability to maintain basic cleanliness and hygiene will prove invaluable if you need to bug out for multiple days.

Concluding Thoughts: The Peace of Mind Provided by a 72 Hour Backpack

A 72 hour backpack with essential survival items can provide invaluable peace of mind in uncertain times. Here are some key reasons why having one prepared can be comforting:

Be Ready for Anything: Emergencies and disasters can happen suddenly without warning. Having a packed 72 hour backpack means you'll have basic provisions to get through the first critical days.
Take Charge of Your Safety: Rather than feeling helpless in a crisis, being equipped with key supplies empowers you to take action. You'll have what you need to stabilize a situation while awaiting formal assistance.
Practice Independence & Self-Reliance: Making your own 72 hour backpack is a learning experience that builds self-reliance. Understanding how to meet your basic needs is the foundation of emergency preparedness.
Customize for Your Needs: Tailor your 72 hour backpack to your personal situation - factors like climate, health conditions, responsibilities, etc. A customized kit ensures you have what matters most.

While an emergency kit requires some work upfront, the return is ongoing confidence and peace of mind. Ultimately, it allows you to worry less during turbulent times.