The Ultimate 72-Hour Kit Checklist

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We all know how important it is to have a 72-hour kit or bug out bag. You never know when some disaster will happen and your family will need to evacuate. A 72-hour kit helps keep you alive!

However, packing everything you need seems like a daunting task…

A checklist makes it easier!

We’ve spent a ton of time putting together the ultimate 72-hour kit checklist for you. We’ve tried to ensure it includes everything you’d need to survive on your own after a disaster for 72 hours or more.

All of the items in bold are must-haves.

Food & Water

6,000+ Calories of Food
6-8 Bottles of Water
Water Filter Straw
Emergency Water Pouches
Water Purification Tablets
Mess Kit with Utensils
Portable Camping Stove

Medical & Hygiene

First-Aid Kit: Bandages, gauze, tweezers, etc.
Hygiene Kit: Soap, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Feminine Hygiene Products, Tissues / Wet Wipes, Wash Cloth, Deodorant, Comb, Compact Mirror, etc.
Hand Sanitizer
Waste Bags
Toilet Paper
Dust Masks
Sunblock / Insect Repellant
Over-the-Counter Medication

Shelter & Warmth

Poncho
Emergency Blanket
Tube Tent
Fire-Starting Supplies
Complete Change of Clothes
Hat
Jacket
Sunglasses
Sturdy Shoes
Mylar Sleeping Bag
Mini Umbrella
Hand and Body Warmers
Tarp

Power & Light

Solar Power Bank
Flashlight
Waterproof Matches
Light Sticks
Head Lamp
Tesla Lighter
Fire Starter

Emergency Equipment

Pocketknife
Multitool
Rope / Paracord
Work Gloves
Duct Tape
Tactical Pen
Gas Shut-Off Tool
Scissors
Zip Ties
Folding Shovel / Axe
Pocket Chainsaw
Binoculars
Sewing kit
Fishing kit
Pepper Spray Gel
Ammunition (for Gun Carriers)

Communication

NOAA Weather Radio
Cellphone Charger
Paper & Pen
Local Maps
Compass
Two-Way Radio
Emergency Whistle

Documents

Grab & Go Binder: Important Documents
Family Disaster Plans
Emergency ID Cards
Family Photos
Cash
Home Inventory (Written and in Video)

Miscellaneous

Pocket-Sized Scriptures
Deck of Cards
Crossword Puzzle Book or Sudoku Book
Small Dice Games, such as Yahtzee and Farkle
Paperback Book

You could include so many more items in your 72-hour kit, but we recommend packing as light as possible. Remember, you have to carry everything you put in your bag! The goal is only survival…

If you need more help creating a 72-hour kit, sign up for our email list! We have tons of resources to help you choose the best products for your bag, as well as advice on packing and planning for babies, elderly persons, and pets.

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