The best survival kits to prepare for all the things you can’t predict
Everyone needs some kind of emergency kit. Here’s what they need to include, and the best for every budget.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned in recent times, it’s that we simply cannot predict what life will throw at us. From wild weather events to global pandemics, it’s becoming abundantly clear that we should all be trying to be a little more self-sufficient these days. After all, Mother Nature is pretty pissed at us, so it’s time to call in the reinforcements and give ourselves some backup.
From natural disasters to unexpected emergencies at home or on the road, it can take some time for emergency responders to get to you when you need them. In these survival situations, having a few essential items ready can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve rounded up a solid selection of emergency preparedness essentials to help you find the perfect survival kit or go-bag to help you prepare for all the unexpected.
Why do I need a survival kit?
An emergency can include anything from a power outage to fending for yourself in the woods (depending on your normal activities, of course). And in some cases, you just need to evacuate in a hurry! So we might as well prepare for all that, right?
Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, fires, blizzards, blackouts… maybe a dash of the zombie apocalypse to spice things up, who knows? We’re certainly not ruling anything out these days. But our point is that you can never be too careful.
That said, you certainly don’t need to be a doomsday prepper with a well-stocked bunker to keep yourself safe in case of an emergency. There are pre-made survival gear kits to meet all kinds of needs, whether you want to keep a few basic essentials in your car, take some wilderness survival tools on your next camping trip, or Want to stock up on hunting gear? . In said bunker. You might even consider covering all your bases with a few different types of kits that will help you both indoors and outdoors. It all comes down to your specific needs.
What should a survival kit include?
There’s a lot to consider when looking for your ideal emergency survival kit, especially depending on where you live, what natural hazards can be expected, and whether or not you’ll be taking your outdoor adventures with you. Intend to use the kit. However, the best survival kits on the market have a lot in common, so we’re going to break down what you can see and why you’ll want to carry this gear with you in any survival situation.
At its core, an emergency survival kit should include essential items that provide sustenance (ie, emergency food supplies and water), warmth, safety, first aid, and navigation. And, unless you’ve got one of the aforementioned bunkers, it should all fit inside something easily transportable if you need to get the hell out of there in a hurry.
Common emergency supplies you’ll probably want in your survival kit fall into a few categories, and may include:
Communications, Navigation, and Lighting
- A hand crank radio, flashlight and/or charger so you don’t have to rely on electricity or batteries for information, light, and communication. However, a tactical flashlight should also be quite reliable.
- A compass to find your bearings when outdoors.
- Signal mirror, flare, or glow stick to visually alert others.
- A whistle to alert others to your location, whether lost in the desert or needing to be rescued from your home in the event of a flood, storm, or another natural disaster. Peas less (those that don’t move) are the loudest.
- Waterproof matches and/or lighters for heat and cooking, whether outdoors or indoors. And if you can’t get waterproof matches, be sure to store them regularly in a waterproof container.
First aid
- A first aid kit to treat any injuries as best as possible until help arrives. Ideally, this would include bandages, gauze, tape, small scissors (although your own pocket knife will do), alcohol pads, antibiotic ointment, and surgical gloves for cleaning. Over-the-counter pain relievers, antihistamines, and other similar essentials would also be great.
Food and water
- Food rations, such as meal replacement bars or dehydrated meals (just add water!) with a longer shelf life.
- Water and/or water purification systems, such as filtering straws or water purification tablets. If water is provided, it is important to pack it in pouches with a long shelf life as regular plastic bottles can leach chemicals over time.
Shelter and warmth
- Some emergency survival kits will also include an emergency tent and a sleeping bag or two. Both can come in handy when you lose your way outside, but only if you need to “camp” in an evacuation center outside the emergency zone. If you’re really planning on going outdoors you’ll probably want to supplement your kit with a legitimate camping tent, though, to maximize your wilderness survival essentials.
- An emergency poncho for protection from the elements.
- An emergency blanket — usually a mylar blanket — for warmth.
- If you live in an area that can get cold, you’ll want an emergency survival kit along with hand warmers and other protections for low temperatures.
Hygenic
- Survival items in a personal hygiene kit, such as toilet paper and body wipes (and biohazard bags to put them in after use) should not be overlooked. Some outdoor survival kits, however, may opt for a trowel for digging potholes to hide your business when nature calls.
- Face masks. We know them for virus protection, but don’t forget that they are also very important for dust protection.
- Now would also be a good time to emphasize the importance of hand sanitizer. It’s never necessary to be around.
Survival tools
- A multi-tool with the ability to function as a bottle opener or survival knife to help you cut rope, or open cans, bags, bottles and food cans.
- Instead of a survival knife or a typical multi-tool, a tactical pen can double as a pocket knife in emergencies. But mostly, a tactical pen is just that—a pen—made from heavy-duty materials so you can jot down important information when necessary. Many tactical pens can write in all weather conditions or even upside down.
- A sewing kit can really come in handy if you need to repair or strengthen a piece of gear like your backpack or sleeping bag. And, in more severe cases, a suture kit can also help when suturing the wound. You won’t find a sewing kit in most disaster preparedness kits, though, so this is something you’ll likely want to include yourself.
- Duct tape is a super simple yet endlessly multi-functional tool that can repair gear, patch leaks, or even stabilize broken limbs. It can be made into a bowl to hold food or water – the possibilities are endless. You might not find it in all emergency survival kits, though, probably because it’s so cheap to buy on its own, and so easy to roll with an existing kit. But honestly, it might just be the most valuable survival tool of them all.
- A paracord bracelet is another epic survival tool that can be just as helpful as duct tape for all sorts of applications, from tying gear to securing a shelter. You can even use this survival bracelet for fishing!
Is an emergency survival kit worth it?
Of course, you can technically buy everything separately, or cherry pick what you’ll need. But it will likely cost you more money for less gear, and it will definitely take you longer. Plus, you’ll leave yourself open to gaps in essentials you didn’t expect you’d need (not until the last minute, anyway).
That said, you probably won’t find everything you need in one kit because everyone’s potential survival situation is so unique, depending on location and natural hazards. But a pre-made emergency survival kit will still give you a big leg up, especially if you’re not sure where to start. And remember, you can always supplement a solid kit with additional survival items as you see fit for your specific needs.
What else should I keep in my emergency survival kit?
There are some emergency supplies that you won’t find in a pre-packed emergency survival kit, but you should keep them hidden in or around your go-bag. These typical survival items include rechargeable batteries, a solar power bank or portable generator (and any necessary power outlets for your devices), a large container for storing water, an extra set of car or house keys, Cash, any prescription drugs that are for you or for you. The family may need, and additional pairs of prescription glasses. If your go-bag doesn’t include a hygiene kit, you may want to pack some personal care essentials, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, washcloth, comb or hairbrush, and travel-size shampoo, body wash , and deodorant too. . . You may also want to keep some local maps, emergency contact information for loved ones, and important documents in a waterproof, fireproof container or sleeve. And, of course, don’t forget about your pets! Be sure to have food, water, bowls and other essentials on hand for them as well.
All these things considered, we have taken the pains to find a carefully curated selection here, so that you can choose the best survival kit that is already packed with emergency supplies to get you through disasters. Can start preparing to deal with it.
Emergency Zone Stealth Tactical 2 Person Bug Out Bag
This 72-hour emergency zone kit may be the most comprehensive survival bag on the market. The waterproof bag has built-in space for a hydration bladder and a buckle on the chest strap that conceals an emergency whistle and flint striker for use as a handy fire starter. Packed inside are emergency food supplies, water, and water purification equipment, emergency ponchos, sleeping bags, hand warmers, toilet paper, and a biohazard bag, a hygiene kit, a first aid kit. , a crank radio flashlight, and a multitude of survival tools, such as duct tape, a folding saw, a multi-tool, a compass and more. It also comes with a two-person dome tent. But the best? The Go Bag is completely discreet; It looks like an old backpack, so you won’t be a target for people who don’t have the same foresight to deal with disasters. (And it has a hidden pocket to store your valuables, to boot.)
Ready USA 70280 72 Hour Emergency Kit
For its wallet-friendly price, this emergency survival kit doesn’t skimp on basic necessities. It provides extensive protection for a variety of emergencies thanks to its 33-piece first aid kit, two 2400 calorie food ration bars, water pouches, survival blankets, gloves, masks, emergency ponchos, an emergency whistle, a does. A multi-tool with a pocket knife and more. Even better, everything in the 72-hour kit is packed perfectly into a lightweight bag that’s easy to grab and go or stash in your car for roadside emergencies.
EILIKS Survival Gear Kit
If your potential emergency requires more wilderness survival and disaster preparedness, this compact emergency survival kit has all the modern multi-use survival tools and compact gadgets you need to become the MacGyver rescue of your dreams. may be required for Some of the highlights inside including a saw, emergency blanket, flashlight, survival knife, emergency whistle, multi-use spark, as well as a fire starter, and more. Best of all, everything fits inside a small smartphone-sized container that’s perfect for stashing in your survival gear bag or your glove box.
Jeddah Emergency Prudence Cut-In Bun
If you don’t expect to evacuate your location (perhaps you already have a safety bunker ready?), this top-rated RedKit contains a collection of essential items hand-picked by emergency preparedness experts. The waterproof bin holds everything four people might need for 72 hours, including a 3-in-1 hand crank radio/flashlight/charger, a first aid kit, a multi-tool, replacement food bars, and bio-hard bags. Just to name a few. And it’s all organized into pre-packed boxes clearly labeled with tools, heat, safety, first aid, food and water so you can quickly find what you need. Also super cool and convenient is the fact that you can send JUDY experts your emergency preparedness questions and they will answer you in real-time. (Of course a feature best used before a real emergency.)
S.O.L Survive Outdoors Longer Waterproof Scout Survival Kit
If you need to fit a lot of survival essentials into a space smaller than 4 by 6 inches, this ultra-light, packable emergency kit is big enough to last you until you find it. . If something goes wrong while you’re camping or on a wilderness adventure, you have three separate, but very important fronts to cover: avoiding the elements, staying warm, and alerting rescuers. It includes a survival blanket, emergency whistle, waterproof matches and tinder, sparker, signal mirror, fishing kit, compass and duct tape, all in a welded dry bag that can withstand wild conditions.
Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag
Designed as an earthquake kit, this survival bag can honestly adapt to any emergency. The best part about it is the color-coded organization because everything is reusable for emergency food supplies and water, survival tools and first aid, shelter and warmth, light and communication, and a personal hygiene kit. Uses are distributed in waterproof pouches. (Because, let’s face it, you want it to be as easy as possible to find what you need in the panic of the moment). cleaning tablets, food bars, and a 3-in-1 hand crank radio, flashlight, and phone charger. There’s even an extra pouch to keep your personal items safe.
Sustain Supply Co. Premium Family Emergency Survival Bag
If you don’t anticipate evacuating your location (perhaps you already have a safety bunker ready?), this top-rated RedKit features a collection of essential items hand-picked by emergency preparedness experts. The waterproof bin holds everything four people might need for 72 hours, including a 3-in-1 hand crank radio/flashlight/charger, a first-aid kit, a multi-tool, replacement food bars, and Bio-hard bag. Just to name a few. And it’s all organized into pre-packed boxes clearly labeled with tools, heat, safety, first aid, food and water so you can find what you need quickly. Also super cool and convenient is the fact that you can send JUDY experts your emergency preparedness questions and they will answer you in real time. (Of course a feature best used before a real emergency.)
S.O.L Survive Outdoors Longer Waterproof Scout Survival Kit
If you need to fit a lot of survival essentials into a space smaller than 4 by 6 inches, this ultra-light, packable emergency kit is big enough to last you until you find it. take . If something goes wrong while you’re camping or on a wilderness adventure, you have three separate, but very important fronts: avoiding the elements, staying warm, and alerting rescuers. It includes a survival blanket, emergency whistle, waterproof matches and tinder, sparker, signal mirror, fishing kit, compass and duct tape, all in a welded dry bag that can withstand wild conditions.
Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag
Designed as an earthquake kit, this survival bag can honestly adapt to any emergency. The best part about it is the color-coded organization because everything is reusable for emergency food supplies and water, survival tools and first aid, shelter and warmth, lighting and communication, and personal hygiene kits. Is. Uses are dispensed in waterproof pouches. (Because, let’s face it, you want it to be as easy as possible to find what you need in the panic of the moment). Cleaning tablets, food bars, and a 3-in-1 hand crank radio, flashlight, and phone charger. There’s even an extra pouch to keep your personal items safe.
Sustain Supply Co. Premium Family Emergency Survival Bag With enough high-quality supplies to sustain a family of four for three days, this expertly designed 72-hour kit is easily a great choice for families, especially in areas I who suffer from power outages. It also has a first-aid kit, water-only food ration pouches, a portable stove, plenty of water and water-filtering straws. It also comes with multiple light sources, including a flashlight, an LED lantern, snap light sticks, tinder and a fire starter. And, it’s all organized into a sturdy bag that makes it easy to take on the go when needed – which also makes it a handy earthquake kit.
Provision of VSSL Camp
Constructed from military-grade aluminum, this compact, virtually indestructible adventure tool from VSSL (pronounced “vessel”) provides 70 outdoor survival essentials—all inside a super-bright, 4-mode LED light. They consulted with the military, first responders and outdoor professionals to ensure that this small survival gear kit packs the most functional punch without compromising on space in your pack. Open the compass top to reveal a fire starter kit, water purification bag, wire saw, whistle, can opener, bandages, multi-purpose tape and more for peace of mind any time you’re out and about.
American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Starter Kit
Approved by the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, this basic survival kit hits all the right notes when it comes to emergency preparedness: first aid, food and water, lighting, communication, protection, and comfort. It includes a flashlight with batteries, a crank-powered flashlight/radio/charger, an emergency food supply, emergency water pouches, an emergency whistle, an emergency poncho, a dust mask, a Mylar blanket, hand sanitizer, and a comprehensive First aid kit included. . . It even comes with a toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth, comb, soap, shampoo, body wash, deodorant and body lotion — because being able to clean will make you feel a hundred times better. Plus, it’s all packed into a durable, easy-to-hold bag that also makes it a great earthquake kit.
INEX life Best roadside kit
There are roadside emergency kits and there are survival kits, but it’s rare that one kit provides enough coverage for both scenarios. Any driver can agree that an accident (especially one caused by cold or stormy weather) is their worst nightmare, but having this comprehensive emergency kit stashed away in your car gives you peace of mind. Should. It includes heavy-duty jumper cables, reflective warning triangles, tow rope, bungee cords, a safety vest, screwdriver, emergency whistle, mylar blanket, emergency poncho, glow sticks, a flashlight, and more. It includes a handy first aid kit as well as a window breaker and seat belt cutter tool to help you get out of the worst emergencies.
Best Overall: Uncharted Supply Company Seventy2 Pro Survival System
Let’s get the price out of the way first. Yes, it is expensive. And at about 16 pounds for the two-person version, it’s a bit heavy. But if you’re looking for a one-hitter-quiter kit to handle anything you might encounter, this is it. Uncharted Supply Co. The founders and designers took feedback and advice from military, government and outdoor adventurers to put together the most comprehensive survival system we’ve seen.
This professional grade pack is designed specifically for first responders. This includes a mylar tent shelter, air mask, goggles, a convertible shovel/pick axe, about two dozen wind and waterproof matches, first aid kits, water filtration system, survival blankets, hats and gloves. And we love that the kit has color coding and instructions on how to use the items. It’s all stored in a waterproof bag with sternum and hip straps for more accessible transport.
Best Budget: SOL Survival Medic in Dry Bag
SOL packs a lot into their Survival Medic-in-Dry Bag Kit, including materials to treat minor scrapes and cuts, pain management medications, a Firelight MicroSparker fire starter, which works with Tinder Quick products to The flame can be extinguished quickly. If the tool gets wet. A SOL emergency blanket provides warmth, reflecting 90 percent of your body heat back to the wearer, while the bright orange color makes it easy to see from a distance. This, paired with a whistle — audible over a mile away — helps announce your presence to potential rescuers. The entire package stays in a dry bag that goes down to seal out moisture.
Best for backpacking: ust Gear FeatherLite Survival Kit 2.0
The Featherlight Survival Kit 2.0 from Columbia, Missouri-based Ust Gear has everything you need to survive a backpacking mishap. It includes a blanket, towel, poncho for pop-up storms, fire starter, whistle, button compass, pico light, and light stick. We also love that it comes in a light and compact container for easy packing for the trail and easy storage at home. Besides backpacking, it can easily be a kit at home for other outdoor adventures. Note: There is no first aid kit in this pack, so we recommend combining it with another first aid focused system below.
Best for Overlanding: DECKED x Pathfinder Survival Kit
Midwestern-based DECKED has made drawer systems and vehicle organization carriers for nearly a decade. Recently, they teamed up with survival instructor and best-selling author Dave Canterbury’s Pathfinder School to create a survival kit capable of handling many situations.
The kit comes with a furrow rod, mini fire discs, a tarp, paracord, and a folding saw. We also like that this kit comes with survival and first aid. Now, because it’s packaged, it all comes in a heavy-duty box. It’s perfect for overlanding, van life, your garage, or keeping it in the back of your pickup truck. But it’s not the most practical for everyday use. Still, it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a solid combination of survival and first aid.
Most compact: VSSL Essential RedKit
VSSL has recently launched an essential package of kits. We love the Ready Kit for its compact size and unique accessories found within the kit. The ready kit includes an oil-filled compass, 8 feet of lanyard, 25 feet of rope, a razor blade, and a small wire saw. that’s it. But it is enough to get yourself out of some situations. We see it as the kit you have to combine with other kits.
Best for Travel: Adventure Medical Kits Smart Travel
With a special emphasis on the gear that the intrepid globetrotter might need, Smart Travel of Adventure Medical Kits comes with a refreshing array of solutions for a variety of potential ailments on the open road or international travel. Moleskin patches and GlacierGel strips prevent blisters and treat burns. Medicines provide pain relief, treatment for many common stomach ailments, and common allergies and irritations such as insect stings. And a first aid kit contains bandages, wound dressings, tools such as gloves, forceps, and two disposable thermometers.
The entire kit is organized into injury-specific pockets to make it easy to efficiently access what you need in a hurry, and, even better, this kit can handle basically any possible language. Relies on visual communication to overcome obstacles. Along with patient assessment forms, a comprehensive guide to wilderness and travel medicine is included.
Best for hiking: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Kit
Day hiking implies that you’ll be home and safe long before the sun sets, but the unexpected could change everything. That’s why the Mountain Series Hiker kit from Adventure Medical Kits is the right one to toss in your pack. It comes loaded with enough gear for up to two people for two days, including backcountry wound care products to stop bleeding and bandage wounds or stabilize a strained or sprained ankle.
An external kit map shows where all the supplies are located (organized by injury in clearly-labeled pockets), and a reflective design makes it easier to get what you need in the dark. Other, more common hiking ailments such as blisters, insect bites, and pain mitigation are also covered, and it includes a condensed guide on wilderness medication
Best for road tripping/cars: My Medic Popular Mechanics Auto Medic Kit
Be prepared to deal with the unexpected on your next road trip with the Popular Mechanics Auto Medic Kit from My Medical. The rugged case will withstand all kinds of punishment, making it a reliable resource no matter how tightly you pack your trunk. It boasts plenty of gear, organized into easily recognizable color-coded modules, with everything you need to manage minor to life-threatening injuries, including a pack of assorted bandages, wound care and items such as Relief Mod and Sting Relief Wipes with pain medication. . ; and a medicine mode that covers aspects of diseases.
You also get gauze, mini-tools like whistlers and tweezers, EMT scissors, a sharp tourniquet, a CPR shield, and a pair of disposable gloves. The car’s travel-focused features include a light stick that glows for 30 hours, a combo window breaker/seat belt cutter that helps you escape the car in an emergency, a barf bag, and thermals. Insulation blanket. It also includes a first aid survival guide to help you practically solve any problem you encounter.
Best for Car Camping: Hart Outdoor Multi-Day First Aid Kit
Packability is much less of an issue when compared to car camping, say, by hiking or for a multi-day backpacking excursion, so the Hard Outdoor Multi-Day First Aid Kit is ideal for park and camp scenarios. makes It won’t overwhelm your trunk space, but it still provides everything you and your camping crew might need to handle common jungle injuries. This includes various adhesive bandages and gauzes, handfuls of tablets, wound cleaners, and topical relief for things like burns, insect stings, or poison ivy. It also includes blisters, scissors, forceps, an elastic band, and two large pieces of peel to help keep you informed in the wilderness first aid guide.
Best for Thru Hikes: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7
For hikers, it’s all about the weight-to-value ratio, and at just 5.8 ounces, Adventure Medical Kits’ ultralight/watertight .7 justifies its presence in any backpack. In addition to the expected cadre of medical gear to stabilize fractures and sprains and treat enough to prevent injuries, illnesses and blisters, it also comes with emergency repair gear, including a safety pin and a mini-roll of duct tape. And perhaps just as importantly, it also comes in a two-stage waterproof case – a waterproof DryFlex inner bag and a water-resistant outer treated with DWR for the inevitable rain storm or semi-plan in the river. The effects of closed drowning can be prevented.
Best for cycling: My Medic Cyclist Med Pack
As its name suggests, My Medic focuses on treating the most common bike injuries with its Cyclist Med Pack. It covers common concerns such as chafing, sunburn, stinging insects, blisters, dehydration, chapped lips, pain medication, antibody ointments and wipes, skin glue, and minor cuts and scrapes. A configuration of strips for Medium and large-sized tubular gauzes are easy to pull over your injured arm or leg, while a two-inch-wide gauze roll allows for more targeted treatment or to cover a road rash on your torso or shoulder.
Its grab-and-go size shouldn’t overwhelm even the most ounce-averse cyclist, but remember that the emphasis here is on the medical aspects, so a basic repair kit (tube patch, bike-specific multitool, and spare tubes) to cover your backup emergencies.
What to Look for When Buying a Survival Kit
Items/supplies included
The scope of gear in ready-made survival kits varies based on the level of coverage you want, which generally corresponds to the activities and key risks you want the kit to support. Bare-bones kits usually provide enough gear for first aid, including bandages, gauze wrap, antiseptic, over-the-counter pain medication, and small tools like tweezers or a small roll of duct tape. Small packs of sunblock, sting and allergy treatment, blister treatment, and lip balm are common. Travel-focused kits can also include road-friendly open items such as meds to help with stomach ailments and “visual” first aid books to help overcome any potential language barriers when administering aid. could Kits that emphasize the outdoors include additional products, such as a space blanket for extra warmth, fire-making equipment, small shelters, signaling devices for whistling, and repairing damaged tents or jackets. Kits for Stronger survival kits go even further than before. Focused on helping you during hurricane-like weather, these include basic hygiene and first aid kits, food and water solutions, communication and lighting equipment, more portable equipment, and additional shelter (sleeping bags, “tube” style tents, etc.) are included.
Uncharted Supply Co. Founder and CEO Christian Schaff recommends visiting a site like read.gov or FEMA.gov for a quick starting point. “But no two people are the same, and to be truly prepared, you need to consider your environment, your family’s unique needs, and your lifestyle,” advises Shoaf.
Organization and Instruction
Schaaf recommends finding a kit that emphasizes organization, instructions and ease of use. “People buy kits when they’re comfortable, but they use them when things like extreme weather or injury compromise them, and for many people, those aren’t emergencies,” Shoaf explains. are the ones they have more experience with,” Shoaf explains. “In those moments, adrenaline can cause a sane person to make bad decisions. Being able to access the tools you need and get guidance on how to use them will improve your situation and your mind. will calm the mind, which will lead to better judgment. Making.”
Number of people
Most survival kits will indicate the target number of people the kit can support in most situations, which dictates the amount of gear, bandages, medicine, and even food and water that are included. It’s always wise to aim for a kit that matches the size of your group, or at least ensure that everyone has their own survival kit in case things go wrong.
Number of days
As with the total number of people, the duration of the kit is usually clearly identified for most survival kits. This period also varies with the type of activity the kit is designed to support. Overnight hikers and day hikers don’t need the kind of backup protection you need if something goes wrong and you spend the night on the trail. The primary measurement here indicates the length of time the kit can support without running out of supplies or, in the case of full-on survival kits, how many days of food and water are part of the kit. This should provide peace of mind and a ball park when you need to seek help.
