72 Hour Bags Essentials Checklist

Preparing for emergencies is crucial, and most would agree that having 72 hour supply bags ready can provide peace of mind.

This comprehensive checklist outlines the essential items to include in 72 hour kits, with a focus on survival priorities for food, water, shelter, first aid, and more.

You'll learn the purpose of these bags, how much water to pack, what clothing and shelter items are vital, key tools and lighting sources, special considerations for medications and pets, and a final checklist to ensure your 72 hour bag has you fully prepared.

Introduction to 72 Hour Emergency Survival Kits

Having a well-stocked 72 hour emergency kit is an essential part of being prepared for disasters or unexpected events. These kits, sometimes called bug out bags, are designed to provide the basic supplies you need to survive for 3 days without any outside support.

When assembling your 72 hour backpack, the key is to focus on practical essentials - food, water, first aid, shelter, etc. The goal is to have the gear and resources on hand to address your most urgent survival needs in a crisis scenario.

Understanding the 72 Hour Backpack List

A 72 hour kit, also known as a go bag, is a portable emergency backpack that contains supplies to help you survive for 3 days in case of evacuation or disaster. Having one prepped means you have the basics covered during an emergency, whether sheltering at home or bugging out.

It's crucial to build these kits in advance and have them ready to go at a moment's notice. You never know when disaster might strike, be it a hurricane, earthquake, flood, or other crisis.

Some key items that every 72 hour bag should include:

Water - 1 gallon per person per day minimum
Food - Dense, nutrition-packed foods like protein bars, dried fruit, nuts
First Aid - Bandages, ointments, medications, etc.
Tools - Knives, paracord, duct tape, fire starters
Shelter - Tent, sleeping bag, emergency blanket
Light - Flashlight, glow sticks, headlamp

Essential Food and Emergency Water Supplies

When it comes to food supplies for a 72 hour kit, lightweight, long-lasting options are best. Canned goods are heavy to carry and will weigh down your bag. Better choices are:

Freeze dried meals - Lightweight and come in easy-to-carry pouches. Just add hot water.
MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) - Portable, calorie-dense and come in a variety of flavors.
Protein/granola bars - Provide lots of energy in a tiny package.

You'll also need to pack enough water, aiming for at least 1 gallon per person per day. The best options include:

Bottled water - it's heavy but reliable
Water pouches - lightweight and collapsible once empty
Water purification tablets - allow you to make unsafe water drinkable

Having ample food and water buys you time until you can reach safety or resupply. Make it a priority when packing your 72 hour survival backpack.

What should be in a 72 hour bag?

A 72 hour bag, also known as a bug out bag or emergency go bag, is a backpack filled with supplies to help you survive for 3 days in case of an emergency evacuation or disaster scenario. This type of bag prioritizes practical essentials over comfort items.

The most critical components of a 72 hour bag are:

Water - Pack at least one gallon per person for 3 days. Water is necessary for drinking as well as basic sanitation.
Food - Pack non-perishable, high-calorie foods like protein bars, dried fruits and nuts. Enough food for 3 days per person.
First Aid Kit - A basic first aid kit with bandages, ointments, medicines, etc. This could save your life if injured.
Light Sources - Pack LED flashlights, glow sticks, and headlamps so you can see at night and in dark places if the power goes out.
Radio - Battery-powered or hand crank AM/FM radio to receive emergency broadcasts and weather reports when cell towers are down.
Extra Batteries - For flashlights, radios, and other electronics.
Whistle - To signal rescuers if lost or injured. Whistles carry sound farther than voices.
Basic Tools - Pocket knives, duct tape, fire starters, rope/cord, duct tape, plastic sheeting. Solve problems on the go.

Customize your 72 hour bag based on your climate, terrain, health needs, responsibilities for children/pets, and likelihood of certain disasters in your region. Prepare for 3 days alone until help arrives.

What is a 72 hour bag military?

A 72 hour military bag, also known as a "get home bag", is designed to provide critical supplies for 3 days in emergency situations. This type of bag is focused on practical survival needs rather than comfort.

Key Features

Contains enough food, water, and other provisions to last 72 hours
Focused on highest priority survival items like shelter, fire, communication
Durable and lightweight construction for portability
Waterproofing and modularity allows customization for specific needs

What's Included

These bags are equipped with gear and tools for short-term survival, including:

Water purification supplies like tablets, filters, or bleach
High-calorie military-grade food rations
Batteries, flashlights, and other power sources
Emergency blankets, hand warmers, and fire starting tools
Basic first aid items - bandages, ointments, medications
Signaling devices like whistles, flares, or mirrors

The exact contents can be customized but focus is on critical survival rather than comfort. These "get home" bags provide key capacity for short-term endurance in crisis scenarios. With careful planning, they can be invaluable emergency preparedness resources.

What is the purpose of a 72-hour kit?

A 72-hour kit, also known as a disaster supply kit or bug out bag, is designed to help you survive for 3 days in case of an emergency evacuation or disaster scenario where you lose access to food, water, and electricity. Having these critical supplies on hand can make a difficult situation more manageable.

The key purposes of a putting together a 72-hour kit include:

Having the essentials like food, water, first aid, etc. in case you need to evacuate quickly or shelter in place. Many experts recommend having enough supplies for your whole household for at least 3 days.
Being prepared for power outages, natural disasters, or other emergencies that disrupt your normal routine and access to resources.
Promoting peace of mind by having your most critical items organized and ready to go if you do need to leave your home in a hurry.
Allowing you to shelter in place for 72 hours so you don't have to venture out into dangerous conditions to find supplies. This can also help reduce demands on first responders.
Customizing your kit to meet your household's unique needs - for example, including any necessary medications, supplies for pets, items for infants, etc.

The bottom line is that a well-stocked 72-hour kit gives you a safety net in times of crisis. Identifying those essential items for short-term survival will help you ride out emergencies and focus on more important things like remaining safe and caring for your family.

How much water should be in a 72-hour kit?

When preparing your 72-hour emergency kit, having an adequate supply of water is critical for survival. The general recommendation is to have at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and basic sanitation.

Here is a checklist for the water you should include in your 72-hour bag:

At minimum, pack 3 gallons of water per person to last 3 days. This allows for 1 gallon per day.
The best option is to use commercially bottled water, stored in sturdy plastic bottles. Change out the water every 6 months.
You can also pack empty bottles and fill them from your tap when a disaster is imminent. Add water purification tablets to make tap water safe to drink.
Label each bottle with the date and "drinking water" so you rotate your supply.
Include a water filter or purification system as a backup in case you need to source water from outdoor sources. The Sawyer Squeeze Filter is a top choice.

Having enough safe drinking water during an emergency is crucial for health and survival. Following these tips will ensure your 72-hour kit is well-stocked with adequate water for each person. Replenish and rotate water bottles every 6 months.

Shelter and Warmth Essentials

Shelter and warmth are critical considerations when preparing 72 hour emergency bags. Having the right equipment and supplies can help protect you from the elements and regulate body temperature if stranded away from home.

Choosing Appropriate Emergency Clothing

When packing clothing for a 72 hour bag, focus on versatility, durability, and insulation:

Wool socks help wick moisture and regulate temperature in hot and cold conditions. Avoid cotton socks which can cause blisters and do not insulate when wet.
Weatherproof hiking boots provide ankle support and traction on rough terrain. Waterproof materials like Gore-Tex keep feet dry.
Lightweight base layers made of moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics manage sweat and maintain body heat.
Insulated jackets and pants made with down or PrimaLoft provide warmth in frigid conditions. Look for water-resistant outer fabric.
Windproof hats and gloves prevent conductive heat loss from exposed skin in windy, cold weather.
Emergency blankets, also called space blankets, reflect 90% of radiant heat to help maintain body temperature. These lightweight blankets can also be used as improvised shelter.

The right layers and materials make a critical difference in emergency scenarios. Test gear in advance to ensure it provides adequate insulation and weather protection before packing in a 72 hour bag.

Portable Tents and Tarps for Shelter

If stranded from home, having portable shelter in a 72 hour bag can protect from the elements:

Ultralight backpacking tents provide an enclosed shelter option to sleep and store supplies. Look for durable, waterproof flooring and insect netting.
Tubes tents are extremely compact and lightweight. Simple construction with hiking poles can provide basic overhead coverage.
Tarps can create improvised shelter by stringing between trees or vehicles. Look for durable, waterproof materials with grommeted holes to secure.
Tent footprint ground sheets protect tent floors from abrasion and ground moisture. Can also be used as improvised shelter on their own.

Test setting up portable shelter options before packing to ensure they meet needs. Prioritize packable size and weight. Even basic coverage from wind and precipitation can help endure multi-day emergencies when stranded from home.

Safety and Security in Your 72 Hour Bag

Review equipment to defend against threats, mitigate injuries, safely traverse difficult terrain, and signaling/communication devices.

Multi-tool and Survival Gear

A multi-tool or pocket knife is an essential item to include in your 72 hour bag. Choose a good quality option that is durable and includes features like pliers, screwdrivers, bottle opener, scissors, knife, saw, can opener, awl, ruler, etc. This versatile tool allows you to perform various tasks from opening cans, cutting rope or bandages, repairing gear, self-defense if needed, and more.

Make sure any cutting tools are kept safely secured while not in use to prevent injury. Also be mindful of airline regulations if packing sharp objects while traveling.

In addition to your multi-tool, also consider packing the following survival gear items:

Sturdy rope/paracord - for setting up shelter, binding items, etc. Choose a high test pound rope.
Duct tape - can patch equipment, bind items, prevent blisters, etc. Wrap some around your water bottle.
Safety pins/zip ties - fasten clothing or gear
Compass and maps of your area
Emergency space blanket and gloves
Water purification tablets or filter
Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
Weather appropriate clothes and hiking boots

Reliable Fire Starting Kit

Being able to start a fire is critical for signaling, warmth, purifying water, cooking food, and more. Pack waterproof stormproof matches and a quality lighter. Also include a magnesium striker fire starter, which will produce sparks to ignite even damp kindling.

Round out your fire starting kit with some tinder items like cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly, wax covered dryer lint, or commercially made tinder products like Tinder-Quik fire tabs.

Keep all of these items in a clearly marked, waterproof container in an accessible outer pocket of your bag. Be sure to learn fire starting skills using various techniques before an emergency situation arises.

Hygiene and Sanitation in a Bug Out Bag

Maintaining personal hygiene during an emergency is critical for health and prevention of illness. Here are some key items to include in your 72-hour bag:

Essential Soap and Disinfectants

Pack small, travel-sized containers of antibacterial soap, alcohol wipes, and hand sanitizer. These will allow you to properly clean wounds, hands, and skin after handling contaminated objects.
Alcohol wipes can disinfect surfaces. Prioritize disinfecting anything that will come in contact with food or wounds.
Hand sanitizer allows for quick sanitization when soap and water are not available.

Comprehensive Toiletry Kit

A toiletry kit helps maintain daily hygienic routines even during an emergency:
- Toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste
- Small roll of toilet paper
- Feminine hygiene products
- Travel pack of tissues
- Deodorant
- Comb or brush
Packing familiar self-care items provides a sense of normalcy during a stressful situation.

Prioritizing sanitation keeps illness at bay when you may not have access to medical care. Proper hygiene also boosts psychological well-being in an emergency.

First Aid: A Crucial Component of the 72 Hour Emergency Kit

Be prepared to treat injuries with a well-stocked first aid kit tailored to your specific medical needs.

Diverse Range of Bandages and Gauze

Having a diverse range of bandages and gauze is critical for being able to dress wounds and stop bleeding in an emergency situation. Here are some essential items to include:

Assortment of adhesive bandages in multiple sizes
Sterile gauze pads in 2x2, 4x4, and 8x8 sizes
Rolls of stretchy bandage wrap
Medical adhesive tape
Tourniquets to control severe bleeding

Make sure to account for the unique needs of your family or group. Having bandages designed for sensitive skin, children's bandages with fun designs, and extra large bandages can help cover a wider range of needs. Waterproof adhesive bandages are also useful in wet conditions.

Personal Prescription Medications and OTC Drugs

Pack at least a 72-hour supply of any prescription medications your family needs, as pharmacies may be closed or inaccessible during an emergency. Also consider including:

Pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen
Anti-diarrhea medications
Antibiotic ointments
Antihistamines for allergic reactions
Hydrocortisone cream for skin irritations
Electrolyte solutions for dehydration

If anyone in your family has an EpiPen or inhaler, those should be stored in your 72-hour kit as well. Having the right medications on hand can be extremely important during a crisis.

Tools and Lighting: Essentials for a Military Survival Backpack Kit

Equip yourself to repair equipment, navigate terrain, and illuminate your surroundings with specialized gear.

Power Sources: Batteries and Charging Devices

Having reliable power sources like batteries and charging devices is critical when packing your 72 hour bag. Here are some tips:

Pack extra batteries for flashlights, radios, GPS devices, and other electronics. Choose lithium batteries for their long shelf life.
Consider a hand crank or solar powered charger. These allow you to recharge devices if batteries run out and you don't have access to electricity. Popular options include the Anker PowerCore Fusion or Goal Zero Nomad 7.
A battery pack or portable power station like the Jackery Portable Power Station can charge multiple devices like phones, lights and small electronics.

The Versatility of Duct Tape in Emergencies

Duct tape has many important emergency uses, making it a versatile addition to 72 hour bags:

Creates emergency bandages and splints if injured. Combine with gauze, cloth scraps or sticks.
Temporarily patch holes, rips or cracks in tents, tarps, boots and other gear. Helpful during storms or cold weather.
Attach and wrap gear. Can assist in makeshift repairs of broken backpack straps, tent poles etc.
Mark trails or leave directional signs if lost. Tape on trees is highly visible.

Choose durable cloth duct tape like Gorilla Tape rather than standard plastic duct tape, which deteriorates quicker. A small roll takes up little space.

Personal Documents and Emergency Cash

Include copies of critical identification, medical, and contact information sealed in a waterproof bag.

Securing Identification and Emergency Funds

Having extra identification and some emergency cash on hand is critical in a 72 hour bag. Photocopy important documents like your driver's license, passport, insurance cards, and medical information and store them in a watertight plastic bag or container. This ensures you have backup copies if your originals are lost or destroyed.

You'll also want to include $100-200 in small bills in your 72 hour bag. ATMs and credit card readers may not be functioning during an emergency, so having emergency cash for food, fuel, or supplies is vital.

Waterproof Storage for Important Documents

In addition to photocopies of your identification cards, make extra copies of critical information to store in your 72 hour bag:

Insurance information
List of emergency contacts
Prescriptions and medical information
Recent photos of family members in case you need to report missing persons

Place these document photocopies inside of a waterproof plastic bag or watertight container (like a Pelican case). This ensures flooding, storms, or other weather events don't destroy the information. Having backup copies of things like prescriptions, insurance cards, and ID will be essential if you need medical care or government assistance during an emergency evacuation scenario.

Special Considerations for 72 Hour Kits

When preparing your 72 hour emergency kit, it's important to consider the unique needs of those who will depend on it. Customizing your kit can help ensure everyone's safety and comfort during an emergency.

Accounting for Pets in Emergency Situations

If you have pets, include supplies for them in your emergency kit. Essentials include:

Extra pet food and water
Bowls
Leash/harness/carrier
Medications
Medical records
Cat litter/pan
Plastic bags for waste
Toys/treats

Keeping your pets fed, confined, and comforted will be critical in an emergency situation. Prepare for your pets just as you would any family member.

Preparations for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

Those with limited mobility or medical conditions have additional needs in an emergency. Consider packing:

Extra medications
Medical supplies and assistive equipment
Emergency health information
Comfort items
Special food requirements

Check that your 72 hour bag has essentials covered for those who require extra support. Include any necessary mobility aids, medical devices, or accessibility tools as well.

Customizing Your 72 Hour Kit Backpack for Unique Needs

Go through a checklist with each family member when preparing 72 hour bags. Include age-appropriate items for kids like:

Diapers
Formula/baby food
Comfort items
Activities
Extra clothes

Adults may require personal care items, cash, tools, or other specific gear. Assess all individual needs to create comprehensive grab-and-go emergency backpacks. Customizing each kit ensures everyone has what they need if disaster strikes.

Conclusion: Final Checklist for Your 72 Hour Emergency Survival Kit

A well-stocked 72 hour emergency kit should contain the essentials to survive for 3 days if a disaster strikes. Here is a final checklist of key categories to include:

Water

Having 1 gallon per person per day is vital. Store water in sealed, BPA-free plastic containers or pouches. Replace every 6 months.

Food

Pack high-protein, lightweight, and long-shelf-life foods like protein bars, nuts, jerky, and MREs. Have at least 2,000 calories per person per day.

First Aid Supplies

Adhesive bandages, gauze, antibiotics, pain relievers, gloves, and first aid instruction manuals.

Tools and Supplies

Flashlight, radio, batteries, duct tape, garbage bags, zip ties, cash, face masks, emergency blankets and warmth layers.

Sanitation and Hygiene

Toilet paper, feminine products, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, hand sanitizer.

Documents

Copies of identification, insurance policies, bank information, medical records, and emergency contact info.

Customize your 72 hour bag based on possible regional disasters, your unique needs and those of family members. Update and replenish items every 6-12 months. Keep your kit portable and easy to grab if evacuation is needed.