When disaster strikes, having the right supplies can make all the difference. Most people would agree that being prepared with an emergency backpack is crucial.
This article will provide a complete guide to packing the perfect bug out bag. You'll learn the essential items to include to be ready for any emergency situation.
We'll cover everything from food and water to first aid, tools, and communication devices. You'll see checklists and recommendations for choosing the most useful and reliable gear so your backpack has what you need to safely get through the critical first 72 hours.
Introduction to Emergency Backpacks
Having a well-stocked emergency backpack can provide critical supplies and potentially life-saving necessities when a disaster or crisis hits. Preparing an emergency backpack ahead of time ensures you have what you need if you must evacuate quickly or shelter in place.
Understanding the Emergency Backpack List
An emergency backpack refers to a bag filled with essential gear and supplies to help an individual survive up to 72 hours in an emergency situation where external help may not be available. Key items to include are:
- Water and non-perishable food
- First aid supplies
- Flashlight
- Radio
- Extra batteries
- Emergency blankets
- Basic tools
- Prescription medications
- Extra cash
- Copies of important documents
- Change of clothes
- Hygiene items
The exact contents can be customized, but the goal is to pack the critical items to meet your basic needs for 3 days.
The Importance of Preparedness: Why Emergency Backpacks Are Crucial
Having an emergency backpack prepared ahead of time can provide sustenance, safety, and survival necessity when a crisis hits, buying vital extra time while awaiting professional emergency response teams. Key reasons emergency backpacks are so important include:
- Provide basics like food, water, first aid during the initial critical hours of an emergency
- Enable mobility if you need to evacuate or get to safety
- Give peace of mind knowing you have the essentials for short-term survival
- Allow you to shelter in place comfortably while awaiting formal assistance
- Customizable to the unique needs of your family or group
Taking time to prepare an emergency backpack can save lives in a crisis. Use the checklist to ensure your bag has the essentials.
What should be in an emergency survival backpack?
An emergency survival backpack, sometimes called a bug-out bag, is essential for sustaining yourself in the critical 72 hours after a disaster strikes. Having quick access to basic supplies can make all the difference during an emergency evacuation or if you need to shelter-in-place.
When packing an emergency backpack, focus first on including:
- Water - Having 1 gallon per person per day is recommended. Water packets or reusable water bottles work well.
- Food - Pack high-protein, non-perishable foods like granola bars, nuts, and canned goods. MREs are also a good option.
- First Aid Kit - Adhesive bandages, gauze, antibiotics, pain relievers, etc.
- Tools - Flashlight, radio, batteries, duct tape, pocket knife, fire starters.
- Clothing - Seasonally appropriate outfits, hats, gloves, sturdy shoes.
You'll also want to consider adding emergency blankets, tents, maps, cash, and other critical items based on your unique needs. Those with medical conditions should pack extra medications. Pet owners need food/supplies for pets.
The key is preparing your emergency backpack well in advance, so it's ready to grab at a moment's notice. Routinely check expiration dates and replenish any depleted items. With the right survival supplies, your bug-out bag can quite literally save your life.
What should I pack in my emergency go bag?
When preparing an emergency go bag, the most critical items to include are those that will help sustain you during the first 72 hours of a disaster. Here are some of the essentials to pack:
Food and Water
Having access to food and water is vital in an emergency situation. Pack high-calorie, non-perishable foods like protein bars, dried fruits and nuts. For water, pack commercially bottled water or personal water filters. Aim to have at least one gallon of water per person for 3 days.
Communication and Light Sources
Staying connected and having light sources are also critical. Be sure to pack a phone charger and battery bank to keep devices powered. Also pack a small battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive news and emergency broadcasts. Have multiple battery-powered or hand-crank flashlights on hand as well.
First Aid Supplies
In an emergency scenario, access to healthcare may be limited. Pack a compact first aid kit with bandages, gauze, ointments, medications, etc. If you take prescription medications, keep at least a week's supply in your bag.
Personal Items
Round out your emergency backpack with personal care items like toiletries, an extra pair of glasses/contacts if needed, and other personal items that will help you be self-sustained during an emergency.
The key is to think about the basics - food, water, light, communication. Prioritizing these types of items in your grab-and-go emergency bag will help ensure you have what you need if disaster strikes.
What is a survival backpack called?
A survival backpack is known by many names, including:
- Emergency kit
- Disaster bag
- Bug-out bag (BOB)
- 72-hour kit
- GOOD bag (get out of Dodge)
- Personal emergency relocation kit (PERK)
- Go-bag
- Survival backpack
- Quick run bag (QRB)
These all refer to a portable kit that contains supplies to help someone survive for 72 hours during an emergency evacuation or disaster scenario. The purpose is to provide basic necessities if you need to leave quickly or be self-reliant for a few days.
The exact contents can vary, but most kits focus on having enough food, water, first aid, tools, and other gear to sustain one person for 72 hours. This provides a buffer to get to safety or wait for formal emergency services.
Having an emergency backpack prepares you for situations like:
- Natural disasters - earthquakes, floods, storms
- Infrastructure failures - power grid, water systems
- Societal breakdowns - riots, pandemics, terror attacks
- Rapid evacuations - wildfires, chemical spills
The key is having your most critical items already packed so that you can grab your survival backpack and go if an emergency strikes. This allows you to focus on getting yourself and your family to safety instead of gathering supplies.
It's an essential part of emergency preparedness and self-reliance. Having a 72-hour kit provides peace of mind that you have the basics covered during a crisis. It empowers you to take control of your survival, rather than just hoping help will come.
What's inside an emergency survival bag?
An emergency survival bag, often called a "go bag", should contain essential supplies to sustain an individual or family during the critical first 72 hours after a disaster or emergency. Here are some of the most vital items to include:
Food and Water
- Pack high-calorie, non-perishable foods like protein bars, dried fruits and nuts. These will provide needed energy.
- Have at least 1 gallon of water per person for 3 days. Water packets or bottles are convenient options.
Shelter and Warmth
- Pack an emergency foil blanket and hand warmers to prevent hypothermia if exposed to cold weather. A poncho can provide makeshift shelter.
First Aid Supplies
- A first aid kit with bandages, gauze, ointments is vital for treating injuries. Pain relievers can also provide relief.
- Include at least 3 pairs of medical gloves to protect against infection when treating wounds.
Prescription Medications
- If you rely on any life-saving prescription medications, always have at least a 3-7 day supply in your bag. Bring copies of prescriptions as well.
Tailoring your emergency backpack to your specific needs is key. Those with medical conditions, seniors, and pet owners may need to pack additional specialty items for their health, safety and comfort. But the basics - food, water, first aid, shelter and medication - are essentials for everyone.
Essential Food and Water Supplies for Your Emergency Kit
Ensuring adequate food and water for at least 72 hours is an emergency backpack essential, providing sustenance when access to fresh supplies may be extremely limited.
Top 10 Non-Perishable Food Items to Include
When packing your emergency backpack, be sure to include enough non-perishable food to last at least 3 days. Here are 10 must-have items:
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Protein/granola bars - High in protein and calories to provide energy. Choose bars that contain nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
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Canned goods - Canned meats, vegetables, fruits, and soups are shelf-stable and packed with nutrients. Prioritize high-protein options like tuna, chicken, and beans.
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Nuts and trail mixes - Packed with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to keep you going. Go for calorie-dense nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts.
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Dried fruits - Raisins, cranberries, apricots and apple chips offer a tasty source of carbohydrates and vitamins.
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Beef jerky - Shelf-stable, protein-packed jerky makes a satisfying snack. Opt for low-sodium varieties.
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Nut butters - Peanut and almond butters deliver protein, fat, and flavor. Choose single-serve packets.
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Crackers - Whole grain crackers provide carbs and travel well. Pair with nut butters or canned meats/cheeses for easy meals.
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MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) - Self-contained, shelf-stable meals with entrée, side dishes, and dessert. Great for emergencies.
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Powdered milk - Adds protein, calcium, and vitamin D when water is added. Useful for drinking, oatmeal, etc.
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High-energy snack bars - Look for bars with oats, chocolate, dried fruits, nuts, and nut butters to provide quick calories.
Water Filtration and Storage Solutions
Pack at least 1 gallon of water per person per day. Consider including:
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Bottled water - Pack commercially sealed bottled water, which typically lasts 6+ months when unopened.
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Water storage containers - Durable BPA-free plastic containers to store and transport tap water safely.
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Water purification tablets - These tablets kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa to make found water safe for drinking.
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Portable water filters - Compact filters that remove contaminants from questionable water sources like streams, ponds, etc. Choose plant-based filters like Lifestraws.
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Electrolyte tablets - Dissolve in water to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Help prevent dehydration.
Having reliable access to safe drinking water is critical in an emergency situation. Be sure to pack adequate water storage as well as backup options like filters and purification tablets. This will provide flexibility and help ensure you stay hydrated.
First Aid and Medical Supplies
Medical trauma is likely in a disaster scenario, making first aid and related medical supplies a crucial component of any emergency backpack essentials list. Having the right medical gear can help treat injuries and manage healthcare needs when professional medical care is limited or delayed.
Essential First Aid Kit Components
An emergency first aid kit should contain:
- Sterile gauze pads and rolls - to control bleeding and dress wounds
- Adhesive bandages - provide wound coverage and protection
- Antiseptic wipes - clean dirt from wounds to prevent infection
- Medical tape - secure gauze pads and bandages
- Antibiotic ointment - prevents infection in minor cuts and scrapes
- Nitrile gloves - protect hands when treating others
- CPR mask - safely perform CPR if needed
- Scissors - cut bandages, gauze, tape
- Tweezers - remove debris from wounds
This basic first aid equipment can treat lacerations, abrasions, burns and other common injuries. Pack supplies to handle the likely medical issues faced in a disaster scenario.
Managing Prescription Medications and Unique Medical Needs
Those relying on prescription medications face serious risks if access is lost. An emergency backpack should contain at least a 5-7 day supply of critical meds like:
- Heart and blood pressure medications
- Insulin and diabetes supplies
- Inhalers and EpiPens for asthma and allergies
- Any drugs taken daily that are necessary for health
Also pack items needed for unique medical conditions, including:
- Cooler packs and ice substitute packs to keep meds cold
- Medical alert bracelet listing conditions and medications
- Extra eyeglasses/contacts and solution
- copies of prescriptions and medical documents
Planning for healthcare contingencies allows continued treatment despite limited access to pharmacies, hospitals and doctors.
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Shelter and Comfort: Emergency Shelter and Sleeping Gear
In a disaster it’s likely you will need to evacuate your home or could face power/utilities loss, making lightweight emergency shelter and sleeping gear a key component when packing your crisis readiness backpack supplies.
Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag and Blankets for Shelter in Place
When preparing an emergency backpack, having the right sleeping bag and blankets is critical for warmth and shelter. Here are some tips:
- Choose a lightweight, compact sleeping bag rated for your climate's temperatures. Aim for one that packs down small.
- Mylar emergency blankets are lightweight and retain 80% of body heat. Pack at least 2.
- For colder climates, pack an insulated sleeping pad for insulation from the ground.
- If packing bedding for pets or children, choose appropriately sized items.
- Test and practice using your sleeping gear at home before an emergency.
Having quality sleeping gear makes sheltering in place safer and more comfortable during a disaster's challenging conditions.
Portable Shelter Essentials
To create basic emergency shelter, pack these lightweight items:
- Durable plastic tarp (at least 8'x10')
- 50 feet nylon rope
- Duct tape
- Multi-tool or knife
With these supplies you can fashion a makeshift shelter by securing a tarp overhead using rope and surrounding trees. Use the tape and tools to safely anchor and seal the shelter from weather elements.
Having the capacity to create even basic portable shelter with items in your emergency backpack can prove extremely valuable if you are displaced from your home during a disaster or disconnection of utilities. Practicing assembling your shelter and understanding appropriate shelter locations will prepare you to respond effectively.
Illumination in Emergencies: Light Sources
Expect power grid failures in disaster scenarios, making packing backup light sources, batteries and general electricity an important part of your 72-hour emergency backpack preparation list.
Reliable Flashlights and Headlamps
LED flashlights and hands-free headlamps are essential items for any emergency backpack. They enable visibility and navigation during blackouts when the power grid fails. Consider the following when choosing flashlights and headlamps:
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Runtime: Look for flashlights and headlamps that offer at least 10-12 hours of runtime. This ensures visibility through the critical first 72 hours of an emergency scenario. Models with runtimes of 24 hours or longer are ideal for prolonged outages.
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Lumens: Aim for flashlights that provide at least 100-200 lumens. Headlamps should offer around 80-120 lumens. Higher lumens mean brighter light, but balance battery life.
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Water Resistance: Since weather events often cause blackouts, choose flashlights and headlamps with water resistance ratings of IPX4 or higher. This protects the devices during storms.
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Batteries: Use lithium or rechargeable NiMH batteries to power emergency flashlights and headlamps. These offer longer lifespans of 5+ years and reliable performance. Stock up on extras.
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Red Light Mode: Select lights with a red light mode for nighttime map reading or other tasks. The red light helps preserve night vision better than standard white light modes.
Stocking Up on Extra Batteries
Include backup batteries for all electronic gear, keeping equipment usable in prolonged power outage scenarios:
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Carry at least two extra sets of batteries per electronic device beyond what is already installed. More spare batteries mean more runtime.
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Use lithium batteries where possible since they offer long 10 year lifespans and reliable performance. Avoid alkaline batteries as they drain faster.
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Bring battery powered power banks to recharge small USB devices. Consider solar powered banks for indefinite off-grid use.
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Pack batteries in protective cases to prevent damage and electrical shorts which can cause fires. Test old batteries and replace yearly.
Having reliable illumination sources during blackouts enables safe navigation, task visibility, and communication. Packing sturdy LED flashlights, headlamps and plenty of spare batteries prepares emergency backpacks for the loss of electricity that often accompanies disasters.
Maintaining Power: Backup Charging Options
Maintaining communication and power during an emergency is critical. Backup charging options like solar chargers, hand cranks, and battery packs provide renewable off-grid power solutions.
Harnessing Solar Energy with Solar Chargers
Solar chargers convert sunlight into electricity to charge small devices. They are compact, portable panels perfect for an emergency kit.
Key benefits include:
- Provide charging power anywhere with sun exposure
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Charge phones, GPS, radios, and other small electronics
- Easy to transport and set up
When selecting a solar charger, look for panels that provide at least 15-20 watts for sufficient power. Aim for durable, waterproof models from reputable brands.
Manual Power Generation with Hand Crank Chargers
Hand crank chargers allow you to manually generate backup power when needed. Simply crank the handle to charge internal batteries, which then charge your devices through USB ports.
Benefits of hand crank chargers:
- Completely self-powered - no sunlight or fuel needed
- Rugged, compact, and portable
- Can charge phones, radios, lights, and other electronics
- Provide power anywhere, anytime - ideal for extended outages
Look for hand crank chargers with multiple charging ports and the capacity to hold charge for future use. Sturdy, steel designs withstand heavy emergency usage.
With solar and hand crank chargers, you can maintain device power when the grid fails. Having backup charging enables ongoing communication, information access, and light in an emergency. Choose portable, durable options tailored to your power needs.
Staying Connected: Navigation and Communication Gear
When disasters strike, access navigation aids and communication devices are essential for coordinating movements/rescue and getting real-time emergency updates from authorities.
Emergency Radios for Critical Broadcasts
AM/FM radios enable access to emergency broadcasts if cell towers are overloaded or electricity fails during a disaster or crisis. Having a hand crank or battery powered radio in your emergency backpack allows you to stay informed about the situation even when regular communication channels are unavailable. Choose a radio that includes features like multiple power sources, weather band reception, flashlight or lantern functions, and smart phone charging.
Some top-rated emergency radios to consider include:
- Kaito KA500 - 5-way powered radio with cell phone charger and flashlight
- RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA Weather Radio - hand crank and solar powered with AM/FM bands
- Epica Emergency Radio - digital radio with flashlight, cell phone charger, and extra battery pack
Navigational Aids: Maps and Compass
Pack local maps and a compass for navigation if displacement occurs and digital navigation tools lose functionality. Having non-electric backups like paper maps, a compass, and even a physical road atlas will enable navigation when cell towers and GPS systems fail. Choose durable, waterproof options that will hold up during an emergency situation outdoors.
Some key items to include:
- Local paper road map
- State paper road map
- Compass with sighting mirror
- Local trail map if evacuating by foot
Pair these physical navigational aids with basic skills like map reading, orientation, and compass navigation. Take the time to gain familiarity with your location on a map and interpreting terrain so these tools can be effectively put to use. Start with short hikes or drives while navigating by map to practice.
Hygiene and Sanitation: Staying Healthy Post-Disaster
Maintaining personal hygiene and sanitation during an emergency is critical to preventing illness and disease. An emergency backpack should contain key supplies to support health and cleanliness when normal infrastructure is disrupted.
Personal Hygiene Essentials
Having basic personal hygiene items in your backpack will help maintain health and dignity in a disaster scenario. Be sure to pack:
- Bar soap, shower gel, or body wipes for bathing
- Towels or reusable cloth towels
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Feminine hygiene products
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Washing your hands properly with soap and water can prevent many illnesses. With limited water access, alcohol-based sanitizers are a decent alternative for cleaning hands and skin surfaces.
Sanitation and Waste Disposal Supplies
Properly disposing of human waste protects the environment and reduces disease risk. Have these supplies on hand:
- Plastic bags or buckets to collect waste
- Zip ties to seal bags
- Bleach or other disinfectants
- Shovel for digging latrines
Designate specific bags and containers for waste only. Dig latrines at least 200 feet from water sources. Seal waste bags securely and mark them as biohazardous material.
Following basic sanitation guidelines during an emergency ensures health and safety for yourself and others. Having the right hygiene and sanitation gear makes adhering to these best practices much easier.
Essential Tools and Safety Gear
Equip your emergency go-bag with basic tools, protective equipment, and backup utility items in event you need to rapidly evacuate your home, workplace, or community due to a crisis or disaster scenario.
Must-Have Multitool and Pocket Knife
A compact multitool or pocket knife provides necessary capabilities like cutting, screwing, puncturing, or prying objects in emergency scenarios. Having these basic tools on hand ensures you can handle minor repairs, open containers, cut rope or bandages, or clear debris when escaping danger or setting up a survival shelter.
Choose a sturdy, corrosion-resistant multitool or pocket knife to include in your 72-hour emergency backpack. Models with locking blades, LED lights, glass breakers, or protective cases help prepare for diverse crisis situations. Test tools to ensure blade sharpness and ease of opening before packing them.
Protective Work Gloves and Eyewear
Sturdy work gloves shield hands from injury when moving debris, handling hazardous materials, or traversing over sharp/dangerous terrain in a crisis situation. Protective eyewear like safety glasses defend eyes against dust, chemicals, projectiles, or other threats when evacuating quickly.
Select puncture- and cut-resistant work gloves in your correct size so you can securely grip tools while keeping hands safe. Clear safety glasses that seal tightly to the face prevent particle or fluid penetration. Those with foam padding increase comfort if worn for extended periods. Inspect and replace gloves or glasses with any signs of damage. Include gloves and glasses for each person or member of your family fleeing danger in an emergency scenario.
Catering to Specialized Needs in an Emergency
When packing an emergency backpack, it's important to consider specialized needs that may require additional preparations. Having the right supplies on hand can provide critical support in an emergency.
Emergency Kit Considerations for Pets
Pets have unique needs in an emergency situation. Be sure to pack the following for each pet:
- Food and water bowls
- At least 3 days' worth of pet food and water
- Medications and medical records
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely
- Waste bags, litter, and litter box if needed
- Pet first aid kit
- Current photos of your pets in case they get lost
Preparing for Infants and Children in Emergencies
Children also have specific needs for emergency preparedness:
- Formula, milk, food and snacks
- Diapers and wipes
- Medications and medical supplies
- Comfort items like small toys, books, and blankets
- Activities like coloring books and crayons
- Baby carrier or stroller if needed for evacuation
Having the proper gear and supplies for pets, kids, and at-risk individuals can provide safety, security and peace of mind when every minute counts during an emergency.
Key Takeaways
An emergency backpack filled with survival basics provides sustenance, safety, and resilience during disasters when professional response teams are overwhelmed or unable to immediately reach those affected. Having a well-stocked emergency backpack on hand can make all the difference during a crisis.
The Importance of Early Emergency Preparations
When disaster strikes, every second counts. Assembling an emergency backpack well in advance ensures you have quick access to provisions and gear that could save your life. Experts recommend updating your emergency backpack contents every six months as supplies expire or needs change. Maintaining an up-to-date emergency kit is like an insurance policy - you hope to never need it, but will be infinitely glad it's there if an emergency arises.
Strategic Storage for Quick Access
In an evacuation, seconds matter. Storing your crisis readiness backpack near your home's main exit, in your vehicle, or at your workplace ensures it's readily available to grab at a moment's notice. The key is keeping your emergency backpack in a quickly accessible place you can easily reach day or night during an emergency. Positioning survival provisions for fast access could make all the difference when urgent evacuation is necessary.
