What Should Be In Your Survival Kit

A general survival kit is a pre-packed bag with basic emergency supplies that you are able to grab at a moments notice should you need to leave your home or office. I like the term "bug-out bag" but it's also sometimes called a G.O.O.D bag (Get Out of Dodge bag), or even a simple 72-hour kit. Whatever you want to call it, it's a smart idea.

There is no one right way to pack a survival kit because it depends on your personal situation. There is no one size fits all solution.

The most important thing you need to decide is what you want the kit to accomplish. Is your survival kit intended to provide basic supplies as you head to a safe retreat location? Will you need to rely on the kit for outdoor survival, or will it serve as a place to stow convenience items to use during time at a shelter?

Most kits are packed into backpacks for easy carrying, but other sorts of bags are suitable as well. Your survival kit should be easy to carry, with padded shoulder straps or handles. Backpacks with multiple zippered pockets and compartments can make it easier to organize your supplies.

When making a list of what you want to have in your kit, don't forget that weight can become an issue. In fact, this is the hardest part of packing or modifying a survival kit. A 50-pound bag may not be a realistic in an emergency. Seasonal items can be swapped out with the changing weather so you're not carrying useless items during an emergency.

• Food and water for at least 3 days


• Clothing (warm socks, rain gear, gloves, underwear)


• Shelter options (emergency space blankets, tarps, tents)


• Complete first aid kit (bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic wipes)


• A camping or hunting knife (be sure to follow local laws)


• Multi-tool (pliers, screwdriver in one unit)


• Fire-starting materials (matches, lighter, flint/steel)


• A compass, and map of your area


• Flashlight


• Radio (wind-up power won't require batteries)


• Cord or rope (at least 25 ft, consider this project to neatly stash parachute cord)


• Roll of duct tape


• Insect repellent and sunscreen


• Hand-warmer packs


• Diversions (deck of cards, pocket games)


• Sturdy work gloves


• Signaling items (whistle, mirror)


• Small notebook with pen or pencil


• Sanitary supplies (hand cleanser, toilet paper, washcloth)

Other options might be a small camp stove with solid fuel tablets, camping mess kit, extra water bottles, and garbage bags. Rotate items regularly so you're never caught with dead batteries or stale food.

Food should include things like energy bars, or dehydrated camping meals. Canned food won't spoil either, but is heavy. Water can be included in ready made kits as pre-measured, hermetically sealed pouches, and you could add a portable water filter and collection bag. Water can be very bulky to carry, so water purification systems as you go can let you take advantage of streams or rainwater for drinking.

This is a basic bag list, intended mainly for a single person. I suggest a complete survival kit for each person in your family. Some items don't really need to be duplicated, such as the radio or camp stove. Children can carry small items in appropriately sized backpacks too.