How to Make a Bug Out Bag (72 Hour Emergency Kit)

Disasters seem to be happening every day, and many of them have people fleeing their homes in a matter of minutes to get to safety. If you had to leave your home in the next 10 minutes, would you be able to gather everything you need and evacuate in enough time?

Probably not.

Which is why making a Bug Out Bag, also known as a 72-Hour Emergency Kit, is so important. Putting together this kit when you have the time and resources will save you a tremendous amount of stress should a quick evacuation be needed.

My emergency bag is designed to get me to my next best location, whether that is driving to a shelter or a family member’s home, walking into town or needing to spend the night in the car on the way to safety.

This bag is NOT intended to live in the woods for a week hiding from humanity. While many of the critical items in this bag are designed to keep you safe and comfortable if you should need to spend a few nights outdoors, that is not the focus of the essential items in my bug out bag.

I put together this bag over many months, looking for sales to save money, sourcing items from thrift stores and around the house, and gathering free supplies (I’ve got a list of 27 free prepping supplies to get you started). It is okay if you don’t get your bag done in a day!

The important thing is to start!

Focus on these things first:

• Food
• Water
• Clothing
• Important Paperwork

Then everything else is good to have, but if you had to run and leave immediately, you’d still be okay.

If you would be leaving with other family members, consider varying the types of items in each bag. For instance, different types of lighting, a variety of foods or different entertainment items. That way you are able to have more to choose from, but keep the bags manageable.

You may want to begin with an easy-to-make water bottle emergency kit first. You will feel a little more prepared and also start to get the hang of prepping for emergencies without drama or fear.

I have a video showing every single thing in my bag and how it works, so be sure to see the video below if you’d like to see what is in my actual bug out bag.

Backpack

Choose a backpack that is sturdy, comfortable and has as much storage as possible. After much research, I chose this 60L backpack, which was among the largest available yet easy to carry and did not look like a military backpack.

Here are some ideas to keep in mind:

• Sturdy, solid straps
• Padded straps are great
• Be sure you are able to carry it on your shoulders
• A hand grip can be helpful, especially if there is a sturdy wire inside
• Lots of pockets to organize items
• Easy access from outside or front
• Water bladder in the backpack, if that is something that is important to you
• A waist belt or other ergonomic designs can help

My entire bag with all contents (shown in the video below) weighs 22 lbs., including the two water bottles.

Clothing / Outerwear / Shoes

You will want 2-3 days worth of clothing appropriate for the weather. This can be challenging, especially if you live in an area with hot summers and cold winters.

• Pack clothing for each season and make a note on your calendar to switch out items when the weather changes
• If you can’t remember to switch out clothes, be sure to pack multiple layers. For instance a t-shirt, button down shirt and fleece hoodie. In the summer you can just wear the t-shirt. In the fall, you could pair the button down shirt with the t-shirt. In winter, you would wear all three. This way you will always be comfortable no matter what the weather.
• Thin layers will take up less room than one bulky clothing item.

When packing clothing, consider adding these items depending on where you live:

• T-shirt and/or long-sleeved thermal shirt
• Lightweight hoodie
• Fleece hoodie or jacket
• Leggings
• Hiking Pants (especially hiking pants with zip off legs to convert to shorts)
• Shorts
• Pajamas or multi-functional clothing to sleep in, such as t-shirt, long johns, leggings, etc.
• Socks (at least 2-3 pairs); make sure they are wool or moisture wicking, not polyester
• Underwear (3 pairs)
• Bra, sports bra or tank with built-in support

Outerwear is going to vary greatly depending on your climate and the time of year. Here are some ideas of what to pack:

• Warm Hat (in the winter)
• Gloves
• Scarf (especially one that could be wrapped around your head for extra warmth)
• Bucket hat or sun hat (in the summer)
• Cold Weather Jacket (especially one that is lightweight and folds down easily; water resistant is even better)
• Rain jacket or rain poncho (good quality, reusable poncho, not a disposable one)
• Rain gear with hoods are the best
• Lightweight windproof jacket (especially if water-resistant)
• Longer coats are better for more protection from elements
• Consider a backpack rain cover or a poncho that will fit over the backpack

Shoes can be really difficult to pack in a bug-out bag because they take up so much room. It is usually best to leave the shoes on top of the bug-out bag (put them on before leaving) or put in your vehicle. Or make a note and put on your bag to grab the shoes before leaving.

Here are some more helpful tips for packing shoes:

• Waterproof shoes, such as hiking boots, will be ideal. Wet feet will make you miserable.
• Hiking boots or sneakers are the best choices.
• Make sure your shoes are comfortable and have been worn. You don’t want brand new shoes to break in.
• Add a pair of flip flops to wear in the shower at a shelter. Flip flops are lightweight and easy to pack. They would be great if you are walking through water, letting your feet breathe after hours of walking, etc.

Water Purification

Clean water is a must for survival! If you have to leave your home, you will not know where you will be able to source water or how clean it will be.

You may be getting your water from spigots in a shelter or water sources in the city, or you could be getting water from creeks and streams in the outdoors.

Even water provided through disaster assistance can be questionable because it usually is stored outside in the hot sun for days or weeks before being distributed.

For the healthiest water options, keep these ideas in mind:

• A Lifestraw (or something similar) is among the best ways to purify water. You can literally suck water out of a dirty stream or a toilet bowl (if needed) through the straw and it will purify the water to be safe to drink. These straws are light-weight and can be used for thousands of gallons of water purification. If space is an issue, consider the LifeStraw Sip, which is literally the size of a stainless steel straw but has purifying properties.
• A Sawyer mini filter is another great option. It weighs just 2 oz. and works with a pouch, which means you will squeeze the water into your mouth.
• Water purification tablets can be used in large amounts of water. You will need a large storage bottle or plastic bag to combine the water and tablets. These are among the least expensive options.
• Pre-filtering water before purifying is smart. If you are using water from ponds, streams or puddles, you will want to pre-filter out the dirt, debris and sediment. A cotton bandana or a paper coffee filter, or even a clean sock, make great pre-filters.
• Have at least two 16-oz water bottles in your bug-out bag so that you have water on the way. Store these bottles in a zip-top plastic bag in case they leak. Switch these out every 6 months for freshness.
• While disposable plastic water bottles can be reused, it is a smart idea to have a stronger water bottle packed in your bag. I like Lifestraw water bottles because the Lifestraw is already included in the bottle.

Food and Drinks

Among the most important items to put in your bag are easy-to-make meals and snacks. You will want non-perishable foods that take little to no water to prepare. There are so many different types of non-perishable foods, but here are some important tips to keep in mind:

• Freeze dried food and meals are light-weight, but you will need water to rehydrate them.
• Beef jerky is a great source of non-perishable protein.
• Add foil packs of tuna or chicken, rather than canned meats.
• Freeze dried meals, like the ones you can buy in camping stores, Walmart or Amazon, are great because they are complete meals, but they can be expensive!
• Make your own dehydrated meal bags or dried soup packets to bring.
• Don’t bring canned foods! They weigh too much and you will need a can opener.
• Individual peanut butter packets are a great source of protein. Peanut butter powder packs are also great, but you’ll need water.
• Bouillon cubes are perfect for making a hot soup or hot broth to sip in cold weather.
• Instant potatoes, especially ones without flavoring or oils, are a great idea. They are easy-to-fix and add much-needed carbs.
• You want HIGH calorie, nutrient dense foods to fuel your body during this high-stress, high-activity time. Now is not the time to look for diet-friendly options.
• Candy is a great morale booster and adds a quick burst of energy. Choose hard candies that won’t melt, such as Jolly Ranchers, Werther’s candies, peppermints or butterscotch.
• Spices and condiments can make non-perishable foods taste so much better. Add salt and pepper packets, sugar packets, and condiments to your stash. Many of these can be sourced when eating out or in take-out food bags. If you are really concerned about making great-tasting meals, a camping spice kit would be a great addition to your bag.
• Emergency food ration bars are a long-term, shelf-stable food that is convenient to pack but may not be yummy to eat. However, at least you would have nutrients available.

Water is what you need to stay alive, but you may want to enjoy specialty beverages for a morale booster. The good news is that these drink enhancers are light-weight, easy to pack and relatively inexpensive. They may be a smart investment for you bug-out bag!

• Flavor enhancers can cover the taste of water purification tablets, if used.
• Some people feel that coffee is a necessity for survival. And the caffeine in coffee can help keep you awake and focused when needed. Bring individual packets of instant coffee.
• Tea bags add flavor, and black tea can add caffeine. Peppermint tea can aid digestion, soothe upset stomachs and make you feel cooler in the heat. Lavender or chamomile tea may help soothe and calm during a high stress time.
• Hot chocolate packets are one of the easiest ways to enjoy chocolate when bugging out! They are great for kids, too!
• Flavor enhancers, especially those with electrolytes, are excellent to bring.
• Lemon crystals or lime crystals are small bits of dried fruit that add flavor to your water. They are a great way to add a refreshing flavor, plus they are sold in small packets so they are easy to pack.

Not many people think of bringing alcohol in their bug-out bags, but you should, even if you don’t drink!

Mini bottles of alcohol are not only morale boosters (if you do drink), but they can also be traded for supplies or cash.

Clear vodka with no flavors can be used for medicinal uses and disinfecting, too.

Important Documents / IDs

Food, water and shelter are necessary and your top priorities in your bug-out bag. In my opinion, the next most important items are copies of your documents and IDs.

A bug-out bag is designed to keep you alive during an emergency, but what happens after the disaster has passed and you go on with life? You will need to get things back to normal as soon as possible, and there’s probably a lot of paperwork you will need to do that.

Scan these important items into digital files (either JPG or PDF) and see on a mini flash drive:

• Mortgage Info
• Home Title / Deed
• Home Insurance Policy Number
• Auto Insurance Policy Number
• Drivers License / State ID
• Car Title / Loan Info
• License Plate Numbers
• Health Insurance Cards
• Bank Account Numbers
• Social Security Numbers
• Passport
• Birth Certificates
• Marriage License
• Divorce Decrees
• Adoption Papers
• Phone Numbers and Addresses of Family, Friends, Medical Providers and Emergency Contacts
• Medical Records, Prescription Info, Eye Glasses Prescription, etc.
• Latest tax filing
• School / College Records
• Passwords for Important Websites
• Professional Accreditation paperwork
• Cell Phone Provider Info
• Photos of Family Members and Pets (recent photos; these will be used finding missing people or pets)
• Cherished Family recipes
• Pictures of heirlooms, art, keepsakes or other memorabilia

Update these files frequently, especially if you change service providers. Store the USB jump drive in a small plastic bag so that it is not damaged in weather.

If you own a business, be sure to bring business-related paperwork, too, such as:

• EIN #
• Filing Status Paperwork
• Previous Tax Filings
• Payroll Info
• Mortgage and Insurance information for rental properties

Cash

If you are bugging out, chances are the grid is down. And computers and processing machines are down. Cash might be the only way to make transactions.

Carry small bills, such as $1, $5 and $10. Stores and individuals probably won’t be making change, so smaller bills allows you to pay for small items such as food, water and gas.

Emergency Gear

These are the things that will make living off the grid and away from home easier and more comfortable.

Emergency Blanket

The metallic-looking fabric can keep you warm by reflecting heat back onto you. An emergency blanket can also be put on the ground to protect you from moisture, or can be used as a small tent shelter when you drape it over some paracord tied between two trees.

Lay a blanket on the ground overnight and the dew will collect on top, giving you drinking water in an emergency.

Knife or Multi-Tool

You never know what you will need away from home, so choose a sturdy multi-tool that has several attachments of things that can be useful. What I look for in my multi-tools are:

• Scissors
• Mini saw
• Screwdriver
• Bottle opener

Other accessories can be useful, too. You definitely want to buy a solid multi-tool. While Gerber or Swiss Army are among the best (and the most expensive) you can get less expensive tools with lots of accessories. But those $5 credit card size multi-tool kits probably aren’t going to be worth using in a disaster situation.

Alternatively, you may just want to invest in a solid knife that can cut branches, cord, etc. and work as protection, too.

Foldable Saw / Wire Saw / Hatchet / Shovel

My bug out bag does not have these larger tools because they are more for off-grid survival in the woods.

However, if you have the room and don’t mind adding extra weight to your bag, these items can be really helpful if you are living outdoors, especially if you cut firewood or want to dig a pit to use as a bathroom.

A mini shovel can be especially useful if you must remove snow for your vehicle.

Contractor’s Trash Bag / Tarp

A thick, solid piece of plastic can be used in so many ways. A contractor’s grade trash bag (thicker and sturdier than a black trash bag used for yard debris) is more lightweight and smaller than a tarp, however either one will work.

Use the bag or tarp to put on the ground as a moisture protection barrier. Open it up and drape over paracord tied between two trees to make a tent. Cut holes in the bag to create a rain poncho.

Use a tarp to drag people (especially someone injured and immobile) or things such as firewood over long distances. It can also be used to collect water or dew.

Add water inside the black trash bag and collect it into a corner and allow it to heat up in the sun. This will give you warm water without needing a campfire.

Flashlight / Lighting

You have to have light for reading, navigation, cooking food or just walking through unfamiliar areas in the dark. And, no, you can’t rely on your phone’s flashlight for this. You will drain the battery fast, which isn’t smart because there are so many other ways to get lighting without needing electrical power.

Flashlights that require batteries aren’t the best option. Why?

Because batteries only last so long. They can leak while being stored. They are heavy. And you might not be able to get replacement batteries in an emergency.

If you insist on using battery-operated lights, though, at least put some extra batteries in a separate bag or keep in original packaging and add to your kit. You will also want to store the original batteries outside of the battery compartment to keep them lasting longer.

Your lighting sources should have one or more of these alternative power options:

• Solar charing
• Hand crank
• USB charging

I have multiple light sources in my bag in a variety of styles. Yes, I have 5 different methods of lighting that can be used, because you always need backups for your backups. Each style can also be used in different ways, according to what I might need.

• Traditional Flashlight Mine is extremely lightweight and can be charged with its own solar panel or via USB cord. This version has a strobe light feature for flashing to get attention, as well as a flat panel light on the handle.
• Small Carabineer Flashlight This tiny light can be clipped to a backpack or belt loop for hands-free lighting if walking in the dark. Mine has a hand crank and a mini solar panel for recharging.
• Headlamp I learned the importance of headlamps when working in our flooded basement after Hurricane Helene. When you need light to follow you wherever you go, but you don’t want to carry a flashlight, a headlamp can be invaluable. Either put it around your forehead or wrap it around your neck like a necklace for lighting that goes wherever you go. This is the only-battery operated light I have in my bag and I keep the batteries outside of the main compartment for storage.
• Small Camping Lantern These lanterns are great because they collapse for storage but can be pulled apart for really bright light. The handles make it easy to hang this light in a tent or from a tree branch, allowing much better illumination than just a flashlight. I chose a light that had solar recharging, as well as a hand crank and USB charging.
• Glow Sticks You may need lighting in a place you don’t want to leave your flashlights, such as a designated potty area or outside your vehicle. Glow sticks can be activated and create light for several hours. These are also great for kids if they are scared of the dark or just want something fun to play with to keep their stress levels down.

Fire

If you are outdoors, a fire can keep you warm, provide light and cook food.

You don’t need a big campfire, either. A small fire using a folding camp stove and fuel pellets can be just enough to boil water, yet easily fits in a backpack.

Here are some important things to bring so that you can start a fire outdoors:

• Tinder You will need small items that easily burn in order to get the larger fire going. Tinder can be fire starters that you buy in the camping section of stores. Or you can make your own by smearing cotton balls with Vaseline and storing in a plastic bag. Dryer lint also works as tinder. Even some foods such as corn chips or Cheetos have been used as fire starters in an emergency.
• Lighter You need to create a flame. A Bic lighter is a great thing to pack in your kit. Or bring a box of matches (waterproof is best, but you could just put a box of matches in a small plastic bag for safety). A ferro Rod or flint are also more primitive, yet reliable, ways of starting a flame.

You will need multiple backups if you plan on using fire to stay warm and cook food. You never know when matches might not work, a lighter lost it’s fuel or you can’t find leaves in the forest to work as tinder.

A foldable portable stove that uses an alternate fuel source, such as a lightweight mini camp stove with fuel pellets or a Biolite stove that uses small twigs, can be great ideas to have even if you plan on cutting wood to make a campfire.

Power Supply / Phone Charger

While most of the items in your bug-out bag should be solar powered, you do want an additional power supply for your phone and other electronics.

Choosing the best type of power supply or phone charger is not necessarily easy. There are so many different types, that you can get confused and overwhelmed. So I will simply it for you.

• Power banks, such as battery back ups for your phone, are a great choice. They are small and lightweight and relatively inexpensive. However, once the power supply is used up, you will need to replenish it somehow. Some small power banks have a solar panel, but it often takes days of sunlight to fuel up the power bank again. If it is not sunny or you are indoors, you won’t be able to recharge your power supply.
• Solar panels, such as portable solar arrays designed for camping and backpacking, are great ideas because they can be lightweight. However, if there is no sunlight or you are in the woods, they won’t work for you. Solar panels also don’t store energy like a battery pack does. You will need to charge up your electronics as the solar panels are charging, which can be quite limiting.
• Portable Power Units, such as Jackery, would be great to put into a vehicle, but they are way too heavy to carry.
• Hand crank power devices can be used without sunlight, however they generate very little power for the amount of effort you put into cranking them. You will need to commit to cranking for an hour or more to get any decent amount of available power. These are usually features on weather radios and flashlights, but you may be able to find a hand crank power device on its own.

So what is the answer? It all depends on how much money you want to spend, how big of a unit you can carry, how much power you want to store, and the weight of the device.

Ideally, you will want a power bank that can use solar panels to regenerate power, but also have a USB power cord so that you can recharge it if you are able to find electricity. Your device should be able to store power, rather than just make power, as well.

Emergency Radio

In a grid-down situation where the internet isn’t working (or just barely working), you must have a weather radio! Important safety information, community resources and weather forecasts will be shared over emergency radio channels that can be picked up with these radios.

Be sure to get an emergency weather radio that has a hand crank to recharge it. Many radios also have small solar panels and can be recharged with a USB cord, too. All three power options are important since this will be your lifeline in a true grid-down situation.

Even better? Get an emergency radio with a flashlight.

Whistle

A whistle can alert rescuers that you need help. It may also scare away animals or intruders.

Make sure that your whistle is loud and easy to blow and doesn’t require too much huffing and puffing to make noise. Try it out before adding it to your pack. Then put it somewhere that will be quickly accessible, such as on a cord to put around your neck or attached to a backpack strap.

Bandana

A cotton bandana in a bright color, such as safety orange or red, can be used for passive signaling for help. It can be tied to a car door handle or antenna, or tied on a tree branch.

The cloth can be used to pre-filter water and remove debris before using other filtration methods.

A bandana can protect your neck from the sun, work as a cooling device if soaked in water, and help to wrap wounds.

You can even make a small pouch from a bandana.

Make sure it is 100% cotton and not polyester or rayon. Hobby Lobby has a great selection of bandanas that are affordable when they are on sale.

Towel

While a luxury, bringing a small, thin towel can really help you out in more ways than one.

A towel can be used to remove moisture from being in a rain storm, or used as a personal towel in a shelter if you don’t want to use the ones supplied.

A large one can also be big enough to work as a blanket, a shelter from the sun, or wrapped into a big scarf.

If you bring a microfiber towel, you could leave it outside to absorb water and squeeze it out to get drinking water, if necessary.

I use a Turkish Towel because they are very thin yet absorbent, pack up easily and are lightweight.

To really save room, you could choose Compressed towels instead. These need just a little bit of water to expand, however they won’t be very big.

Water Bottle

You probably can’t carry enough water with you to survive several days outdoors, so bringing a refillable water bottle is important for hydration.

A Lifestraw Water Bottle is great because it is a reusable bottle and a water purifier all in one.

However, you may prefer a single-wall stainless steel water bottle (without paint on the outside). These types of bottles can be heated over the fire to boil water, in which case you don’t need an extra cup or pot.

Double-walled stainless steel water bottles are more common now, and those are the kind that are insulated. Do NOT heat these over a fire because they can expose.

To save space, you may prefer a collapsible water bottle, but you should have an additional source of water purification.

Aluminum Foil

Fold a large piece of aluminum foil to be flat and add it to your bag. It takes up little room and weighs almost nothing, but it can be invaluable if you need to fashion it into a bowl or cup to heat something over a fire.

Stainless Steel Cup or Pot

A large stainless steel cup or small pot can be used to heat water or food and also used as a bowl or cup. I bought this 2-Pack of Stainless Steel Camping Cups because they were larger than most camping cups. They also nest together and have a lid. Since I needed two cups for our two bug out bags anyways, this option was less expensive for us and gave us larger cups.

Utensils

You will need something to eat with! I prefer disposable plastic cutlery because it is lightweight and you can get them for free with take-out meals. Sometimes these cutlery packs also have a napkin and spices in them, so that’s a win-win.

A reusable utensil set is also an option. It will take up less room, but you will need to wash it after every meal, which could use up precious water or resources.

Compass and Maps

Everyone feels the need to get a compass for an emergency kit. But what are you going to do with it? If you truly think you will be navigating by a map and stars while out in the wilderness, go ahead and get a good-quality compass.

Old-school paper maps of your area can be helpful to navigate if you need to drive away from your home and the internet is down or so slow that you can’t use navigation apps. They can also help you find alternate roads should the main road become too congested or is impassable.

Downloading digital maps of your local area is also a wise idea, too. A downloaded map would not need internet to use.

Zip-Top Plastic Bags

Sealable plastic bags can be used in so many situations that you are going to want to bring several of them. The good news is that these bags take up no space and are so light weight you can carry quite a few.

Resealable plastic bags can store toilet paper after use if you can’t dispose of it elsewhere; they can work as a urinal bag if you need to go; and they can store trash, especially medical supplies such as used bandages and gauze.

These bags can also be used to collect water and food. Add a little soap and water in a bag with a pair of underwear or socks, seal the bag and shake it around for a few minutes for a make-shift laundry.

Bring a 2-gallon bag to work as a dry bag. You can put your dirty clothes or wet clothes inside and keep the rest of your backpack belongings dry. If you can’t find a 2-gallon bag, use a couple 1-gallon bags.

Zip Ties

Zip-ties are like duck tape, they can be used for so many things. They are incredibly lightweight and take up no room at all! Get them in a variety of sizes.

Harbor Freight is where we suggest to get them, also at Dollar Tree and home improvement stores.

Small Mirror

Not just to look at yourself, but also good to reflect the sun as a signal mirror.

Reflective Vest

A high visibility reflective vest can keep you safe when walking on roadways, but you may want to blend in, too. It depends on the situation. If you don’t want to invest in a vest, consider a bright orange t-shirt instead.

Reflective tape applied to your backpack or jacket is also another idea, but it won’t work as a signal to be seen from far away.

Protection

Whether it’s pepper spray, a large knife, or other items, you should have at least one method of protection quickly available.

Foldable Scissors

If you don’t have a multi tool with scissors, get a pair of foldable scissors to cut duct tape, help with sewing, open food packages, etc. Even if you do have a multi-tool with scissors, I still suggest adding a small folding pair of scissors if you have room because they will work so much better than the tiny ones on the tool.

Hand Warmers

If you live in colder climates, adding air activated hand warmers can keep you warm during a chilly night or hiking in the cold.

There are different sizes of hand warmers. You can get small ones to go in shoes or gloves, or get the larger ones which may work better for keeping your warm sleeping at night.

Small Sewing Kit

This is a great-to-have item in your kit, but I’m not sure how much it would get used. I have small sewing kits that are amenities at hotels, with just a few needles and some thread.

You don’t need a huge kit. In fact, you could just thread a couple needles with some very long pieces of heavy-duty thread and bring them, along with a few buttons and a safety pin.

Duct Tape

Duct tape, or Gorilla tape, can be used in so many situations. Duct tape really can fix so much stuff!

Don’t bring the whole roll, though. Rip off a pretty good length and make into a smaller roll. Be sure to tuck under the end for easy and quick access. Or get pocket-size duct tape packs.

Paracord

There are a million and one uses for Paracord in an emergency kit, from securing items to hanging tents. The cord can be unraveled to reveal multiple stronger strings inside that can be used for fishing, fire tinder, etc.

Be sure to get a heavy strength, such as 550 or higher.

Either add a bundle of the rope to your bag, or make a paracord keychain or bracelet.

Blanket

Comfort and warmth are so important in stressful situations. A blanket not only will keep you warm in cold weather, you can also wrap it around you for comfort and stress relief.

A blanket can be folded to use as a pillow or seat cushion, too. Or hang it over some paracord for privacy.

I added a Turkish Towel (see above) to use as my blanket, doing double duty for both items. However, you could use a small fleece blanket. Even a flannel baby blanket would be big enough to cover your shoulders for a little bit of warmth.

Putting the blanket in a zip-top compression bag may reduce its bulk in your bag.

Inflatable Pillow

Along the lines of comfort, I put an inflatable pillow in my emergency bag. It only takes a few breaths to inflate this pillow. Whether sleeping outdoors or in a shelter, this extra comfort item can give you a good night’s sleep, which is important!

Hygiene Kit

• Toothpaste and Toothbrush Toothpaste tablets are great because they are light-weight. Or bring a travel-size tube of toothpaste. Choose a small toothbrush. You can even cut off the end of the handle if you need to save room or get a foldable travel toothbrush.
• Toothbrush Picks A small, lightweight alternative to a toothbrush.
• Floss While maybe not a necessity for a 72-hour emergency kit, floss can also be used as string in a variety of ways.
• Body Wipes The next best alternative to a hot shower, disposable body wipes can keep you clean and feeling fresh. Dude Wipes are some of our favorites, but I also appreciate the individually wrapped wipes because you can use one without the others drying out. Baby wipes are another alternative (get the smaller packs, which are lighter.) These wipes are ideal for hands, body and feet.
• Lip Balm Dry, cracked lips can make you miserable all day long, whether cracked lips from cold weather or dry lips from sunburn or wind. You may want to get lip balm with SPF to protect from the sun. Vaseline is one of the best options because not only can it be used on lips, it can also be used on your skin as a moisturizer or used for fire tinder.
• Hand Sanitizer I’m not a big fan of hand sanitizer because they are harsh, full of chemicals and a liquid or gel that can make a mess. However, they are good for cleaning your hands and killing germs. Plus, it can be used as a fire starter.
• Deodorant Get travel size or melt down deodorant and put it into a smaller container for travel.
• Bar Soap Use a small travel size soap or cut a slice off of a bar of soap. You could also use camping-sized soap sheets. Just don’t bring liquid, it is too heavy and too messy.
• Shampoo / Conditioner Bring a travel size bottle. Consider a small shampoo bar if you don’t want to bring liquids. Dry shampoo is a great option in between showering. You can make a DIY hair shampoo or just bring some cornstarch to work in the same way.
• Lotion
• Nail File
• Razor
• Insect Repellant Important if you are spending time outdoors. After many natural disasters, especially hurricanes, you will find that the insects become even more of a nuisance. I chose these wipes vs. spray because spray is heavy and the bottle is bulky. Wipes allow you to use a single serving and throw away packaging.
• Feminine Products
• Sunscreen Especially if you live in the south or southwest. A few travel size bottles, or individually wrapped sunscreen wipes, is preferable to a large bottle.

Toilet Paper / Facial Tissues

You need toilet paper! Whether you are stuck in traffic and got to go in your car or on the side of the road, or you are going to the bathroom while in the outdoors, toilet paper is almost a must!

To bring a roll, remove the cardboard tube from the inside and then flatten the roll and compress it into a zip-top plastic bag.

Pocket sized facial tissues will also work, too, you just won’t have as much to use compared to a toilet paper roll.

Tissues and T.P. can also be used for a runny nose, wiping up spills or thrown in a fire as tinder.

Glasses / Contacts/Sunglasses

If you use prescription glasses or contacts, add a second pair to your bag. Also add a copy of your prescription in case you need to replace them in an emergency.

Don’t forget contact solution and a case! You should have a travel size bottle of solution and an extra case in your bag and not rely on bringing your existing case and solution because you may forget.

Add a pair of reading glasses in your bag, too. You will be miserable if you don’t.

Sunglasses are important if you will be outdoors. You can get an inexpensive pair at a dollar store. Or get a disposable pair at the eye doctor next time you go. These are thin, lightweight, free, and work well with your existing glasses or as an emergency pair of sunglasses.

You may leave when it’s dark and not think about having sunglasses with you. Add a pair of sunglasses in a protective case inside your bag so you don’t have to go searching for your normal pair.

Put eye glasses and sunglasses in hard cases to protect them.

First Aid Kit

Everyone’s version of a first aid kit is different. You can purchase ready-made first aid kits, but I find that the small ones that would easily fit in a bag are often lacking some of the essentials I would want.

If you are needing multiple first aid kits for several bags, sometimes it is less expensive to buy the supplies individually and make your own.

Here are some of the important items to look for or pack in a first aid kit:

• Band Aids
• Gauze Pads
• Antibiotic Cream Skip the bulky tube and just bring small individual packets of triple antibiotic cream.
• Alcohol Wipes (These can also can be used as fire starter)
• Hydrocortisone Cream Get the small packs of cream, which is useful for bug bites and allergies
• Allergy Medications such as benadryl
• Aspirin or Pain Killers
• Disposable Medical Gloves
• Disposable Thermometers These single-use thermometers are much easier to carry than traditional ones.
• Bleed Stop This clotting agent is important to have on hand for larger wounds that are bigger than your band-aids or gauze pads.
• Anti-Diarrheal Medications such as Immodium. Different foods, stress, and other water sources can lead to stomach problems. You don’t want to get dehydrated.
• Tick Removal such as tweezers

N-95 Mask

Not only will an N95 mask (or KN95 mask) protect your from particulates in the air such as a wildfire, you may also want to have one to protect yourself from other airborne contaminants, such as viruses.

Entertainment

Even in an emergency, it can be easy to get bored. Especially for kids. Tech-free entertainment options are morale boosters and can save your sanity. Plus, they can be much-needed stress relief.

• Dice One of the smallest and most lightweight games to bring.
• Card Games Plastic cards or waterproof cards are the best choices so they don’t get ruined by weather. Playing cards, UNO, and Go Fish are great options.
• Activity Books / Puzzle Books / Sketchbook Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, Word Search and other brain teasers are great tech-free games. Or just have plain paper for drawing, sketching or games of tic-tac-toe. Once you are done with the paper pages, you can add dispose of the paper in a fire.
• Coloring Books Great for kids and adults can love them, too. Be sure to bring crayons, markers or colored pencils.
• Pen / Pencil / Sharpie Much needed for playing games, but also important for leaving notes, writing down important information, etc. A Sharpie can be used to write important information on skin (name of a child, phone number, allergy info, etc.)
• Travel Games There are all kinds of mini games, magnetic games and kid-friendly ideas. Check out the Dollar Tree or Dollar General, or order on Amazon.
• Paperback Book A book with several short stories, rather than one long one, is great, but any book that interests you will be much appreciated. The best part is that you can rip out pages after you read them and add to the campfire if needed to reduce weight. If in a shelter or urban situation, donate the book to someone else.
• Mini Notebook Not only is a small composition book good to have for paper to leave notes to family members or jot down important information, it is also good to have paper to play tic-tac-toe or to start a journal during a stressful time.

Laundry Sheet and Dryer Sheet

If a short evacuation turns into a longer stay away from home, doing your laundry will become essential.

Many people have allergies to laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Bringing your own is the answer to having to rely on donated laundry supplies that could cause allergies, hives or worse.

A flat detergent sheet takes up no room at all in your bag and weighs next to nothing. Add a dryer sheet in a separate bag.

Collapsible Tote Bag

A small bag, even a plastic grocery bag, is perfect for storing laundry or bringing toiletry items with you to the bathroom. They take up no room and weigh almost nothing, so be sure to put one in your larger bag.

Mini Fan

A portable fan can keep you cool in warm temperatures, whether you are outside or indoors without the power. Make sure the fan has a rechargeable battery, with USB charging. If it has solar charging, that is great, too!

Ideally the fan should clip on your shirt or backpack strap (or have a neck lanyard), and also have a stand for the ultimate in comfort and convenience.

Ear Plugs / Eye Mask

Helps to reduce noise and light pollution if in a shelter.

See me unpack my entire bag in my Youtube video:

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For more emergency preparedness lists, check out these ideas next:

• 25 Mistakes We Made in Hurricane Helene
• 50 Things We Did Right in Hurricane Helene
• Best Single Burner Electric Burners for Off-Grid Cooking
• Emergency Preparedness Stocking Stuffer Gifts