72 Hour Survival Kit: A Complete Guide To Your Emergency Go Bag

Updated January 2025

When emergency strikes, are you prepared for the next 3 days? Learn to pack the best 72 hour survival kit that's full of essentials you’ll need in a disaster.

What is a 72 Hour Kit For?

A 72 Hour Kit is designed for preparedness in times of disaster, and to help you stay self-sufficient for the first few days. It's built around food, water, first aid, weather-appropriate clothing, light, basic hygiene, and a few tools to keep small problems from turning into big ones. Ready.gov recommends being prepared to sustain yourself for up to three days in emergencies.

For extended kits, see what is on a full bug out bag checklist.

Three Day Preparedness: Why a 72 Hour Emergency Kit is Crucial

In times of danger, having a 72 hour bag at your disposal is not just prudent, it's essential. Most emergencies don’t look like a movie plot. They look like power outages, winter storms, hurricanes, wildfires, flooded roads, or a sudden evacuation order. A 72-hour kit is the grab-and-go layer that buys you time and options while services catch up.

With natural disasters, unexpected events, or even urban disruptions becoming increasingly common, investing in a 72 hour survival kit isn't just a precaution, it's a proactive step towards protecting yourself and your loved ones.

For a 72 hour get home bag, start with mastering your preparedness mindset and how to start preparing today.

Where to Keep Your 72 Hour Emergency Kit

Deciding where to store your emergency 72 hour kit is as important as putting together its contents. Ideally, it should be easily accessible yet secure, so you can grab it swiftly in times of need. Think about keeping one at home, mindfully placed where everyone knows its location. 

Having a kit in your vehicle is often wise too, especially for unexpected situations while on the road. Additionally, If you spend a lot of time at work, having a kit there can provide peace of mind. 

A practical setup is one main kit at home, plus a smaller version in your vehicle and at work. Ready.gov specifically encourages keeping supplies where you spend time, so you’re not starting from zero if something happens away from home.

The effectiveness of your emergency kit lies not only in its contents but also in its accessibility in the event of an emergency. Wherever you choose to store it, make sure you can reach it easily to get the most out of its utility.

The Complete 72 Hour Survival Kit Checklist

When it comes to preparing for emergencies, having a well-stocked 72 hour survival kit list is your ticket to peace of mind. We've compiled a straightforward 72 hour survival kit checklist with the most critical 72 hour kit contents to make sure you're ready for whatever challenges may come your way.

Water and Filtration

Water is the hardest basic need to improvise quickly. A simple planning baseline is one gallon of water per person, per day. The Red Cross recommends a 3-day supply for evacuation kits. It also notes a longer home supply when possible.

• Water Bottles: Keep a supply of water bottles for you and your family on hand. They're convenient and often necessary for storing your water on the go.
• Purification Tablets and Filters: Make sure your water is safe to drink by having purification tablets and filters ready. They're invaluable for treating water from questionable sources, making it safe for consumption.
• Hydration Multipliers: Don't just replenish fluids; replenish electrolytes too. Electrolytes like Nuun tablets or Liquid IV packs are a must-have addition to your kit, ensuring you maintain proper electrolyte balance during physically demanding situations.

Food

The best food for your 72 hour kit keeps you fueled and nourished:

• Shelf Stable Meals and Snack Ideas: Stock up on non-perishable items like energy bars, nuts, and canned goods that require minimal preparation and provide essential nutrients to keep you going.
• Freeze Dried Foods and MREs: Include options with a long shelf life and easy preparation, such as freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals.

Prioritize foods you can eat without cooking, and that you’ll actually tolerate under stress. Include a manual can opener if you pack canned goods.

First Aid

A well-equipped first aid kit is your first line of defense:

• First Aid Kit: Include basics like bandages, gauze, antiseptic, tape, and blister care.
• OTC and Prescription Medicine: Include a 7-day buffer when possible, plus over-the-counter (OTC) essentials you use.
• Bleed Stop: For more serious injuries, having bleed control supplies at your disposal can be life-saving. These items can help manage severe bleeding until professional medical assistance arrives. A tourniquet, compressed gauze, and a pressure bandage are designed for life-threatening bleeding, all items in Premier's Bleed Control Kit. This comprehensive kit is designed to meet the highest standards of safety, keeping you prepared for whatever emergencies you face.

Clothing

When curating your 72-hour emergency kit, don't forget about the importance of appropriate clothing for all scenarios. Here is a simple guide to what you'll need to stay comfortable and protected in any weather:

• Warm Weather Clothes: Ensure you have lightweight and breathable attire such as t-shirts, shorts, and sandals to keep cool during hot climates. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics to help manage sweat and prevent overheating.
• Rain Gear: Be prepared for wet weather by packing waterproof jackets, pants, and ponchos. These items will help keep you dry and comfortable, which will prevent discomfort and illness associated with exposure to rain.
• Cold Weather Clothes: Include insulated layers such as thermal shirts, fleece jackets, and wool socks to stay warm in chilly temperatures. Don't forget accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves to protect your extremities from frostbite and hypothermia.
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or boots you can walk in.
• Work gloves: Helpful for debris, broken glass, and basic repairs.

Self-defense and Protective Gear

• Tasers: When faced with danger, tasers offer a non-lethal yet formidable means of incapacitating threats. They provide a window of opportunity to escape dangerous situations unscathed, meaning they can be an excellent addition to your 72-hour survival kit. But, like any tool like this, practice the utmost caution when handling it.
• Pepper Spray: A compact pepper spray canister holds the capability to temporarily blind imminent threats. It can serve as a tactical asset in self-defense.
• Body Armor: During times of danger, body armor acts as a protective shield against ballistic threats.

If you want discreet rifle-rated protection in a bag, our Rifle-Rated Backpack Inserts include Level III and special threat protection. Both are It’s 10”×15”, around 3.5 lbs, and designed to fit most standard backpacks, giving you discreet protection.

Shelter and Sleeping Gear

Prepare for rest and shelter even when you need to take refuge in challenging environments using this shelter and sleeping gear list:

• Tent: A reliable tent offers secure shelter from the outdoor elements. A small shelter option matters most if you might need to leave home or sleep somewhere you didn’t plan to.
• Sleeping Bag: A quality sleeping bag provides warmth and insulation, granting you restful sleep even in cold climates or rugged terrains.
• Sleeping Pads: Sleeping pads offer cushioning and comfort, minimizing discomfort from the earth’s uneven terrain.
• Tarps: Lightweight tarps provide protection and shelter, serving as makeshift roofs or ground cover to guard you against the rain, wind, and sun.

Hygiene and Toiletries

Another all-important aspect of emergency preparedness: hygiene and toiletries. In times of crisis, maintaining cleanliness is not just about comfort — it's about maintaining overall health and well-being. Check out the comprehensive list of everyday care items for survival situations:

• Soap, washcloth, and body wipes: Stay fresh and hygienic with cleansing items like soap, washcloths, and body wipes.
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Bring along mini toothpaste and toothbrush in your 72 hour survival kit. You can also pack chewable toothpaste, a popular choice amongst backpackers and campers.
• Toilet Paper and Waste Disposal Bags: Ensure proper sanitation by bringing along toilet paper and waste disposal bags. If you are in an outdoor setting, it is often worthwhile to bring a small, lightweight shovel for digging a proper latrine or disposing of waste in a more environmentally sound manner.
• Feminine Hygiene: Prepare for all needs with feminine hygiene products.
• Hand Sanitizer: Combat germs and bacteria with hand sanitizer. It can prevent illness, which makes it a crucial item for your 72 hour survival kit
• Heavy-duty trash bags: These are helpful for waste, water protection, or an improvised rain cover.

Documents and ID

In your 72-hour survival kit, include your personal documents and identification to allow for optimal communication and access to vital services during emergencies. Store copies in a waterproof pouch, and include a printed contact list in case your phone dies.

• License and Passport Copies: Copies of licenses and passports provide proof of identity and citizenship.
• Birth Certificates for Children: Ensure proof of guardianship and identity for children. This is especially important for accessing medical care and other services during emergencies.
• Documents for Medical Needs: Include medical documents such as health insurance cards and prescription information to get proper treatment at all times.

Survival Gear

Some survival gear items are absolutely essential in your 72-hour kit. Here’s the all-encompassing list:

• Pocket Knife: A versatile tool for various tasks, a pocket knife is indispensable for cutting, slicing, and sometimes self-defense during survival scenarios.
• Solar Power Bank: Stay connected and powered up with a solar power bank. This device would grant you access to electronic devices and communication in some off-grid locations.
• Flashlights: Light sources for navigation and signaling during emergencies are provided by flashlights to illuminate dark environments.
• Cash: Keep some financial flexibility with cash, which offers a backup payment method when electronic systems fail during emergencies.
• Lighter/Matches: Start fires for warmth, cooking, and signaling with lighters or matches.
• Duct Tape: Duct tape, one of the most versatile items in survival kits, facilitates repairs and first aid applications for all kinds of situations.
• Ziploc Bags: During emergencies, Ziploc bags organize and protect essential items, ensuring food, water, and supplies remain dry and accessible.
• Pet Supplies: Make sure your furry companions' comfort and well-being are in shape during emergencies with pet supply staples like pet food, water, and any necessary pet-friendly medications tailored to their needs.
• Maps and Compass: Navigate confidently through unfamiliar terrain with maps and a compass. This is particularly handy whenever technology fails you.
• Charging Cables and Batteries: Stay powered up and connected with charging cables and extra batteries for electronic devices.
• Radio: Battery-powered or hand-crank is best.
• Headlamp: This helps keep both hands free.
• Whistle: A simple signaling tool that can prove very useful.

Beyond 72 Hours: Preparing for Longer Emergency Situations

A 72 hour go bag is your fast-start layer. If you can, build a separate home supply that covers a longer disruption. Red Cross suggests thinking in terms of a 3-day supply for evacuation and a longer supply at home when possible.

Set a recurring reminder to rotate water and food, update meds, replace dead batteries, and swap seasonal clothing. A kit you maintain beats a kit you bought once.

72 Hour Kit FAQs

How much water do I need for a 72-hour kit?

A practical baseline is about 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and basic sanitation. For a 72-hour kit, that’s roughly 3 gallons per person. If you need to carry your water supply, carry what you can and include a way to refill and treat water.

What’s the difference between a 72-hour kit, a go bag, and a bug out bag?

A 72-hour kit (often called a go bag) is built to cover the first few days after an emergency or evacuation. A bug out bag is usually a more extended, capability-heavy setup, and it often overlaps with longer-term planning.

Should I focus more on food or water?

Water comes first. Food matters, but dehydration becomes a problem faster, and water is harder to improvise in the moment. Build your kit so you can carry water plus treat/refill water if needed.