Survival Bag

A survival bag, also known as a “go bag”, “bugout bag” or “72-hour survival kit”, is recommended by FEMA, the Red Cross and all survival experts. You can buy ready-to-go bags that contain the items recommended by the experts for most emergency situations.

You can get the budget-friendly bag, or the more expensive bag that contains everything but the kitchen sink. You can also make your own bag, and that way you know it contains everything you could possibly need.

72-Hour Survival Kit

Do-It-Yourself

The first step to creating your own survival bag is finding the bag that suits you best. Some people find that a backpack is to their liking. A backpack can be worn and frees up your hands. Others may find small-wheeled suitcase easier as it can be pulled. An load bearing equipment, LBE’s, designed for use by the military, is another hands free item that is easily converted to a survival bag.

Once you have your bag, it’s time to consider the contents. All survival bags need a well-stocked first aid kit, food, water or the necessary equipment to create safe drinking water, emergency shelter, bedding and clothing.

Water

Your bag should contain enough food and water for 72 hours. By making safe drinking water using a Katadyn Hiker filter, you will save yourself from packing water. Water is heavy, weighing a little over 8 pounds per gallon. Adults require at least one gallon of water per day. Replacing the water weight with food or bedding will provide a greater comfort level and extend your survival time from three to five days.

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Food

Meals Ready to Eat, MRE’s, are a complete source of nutrition. Dehydrated food weighs virtually nothing, but it does require hot water to re-hydrate. The Esbit or Alco Brite compact stoves are lightweight and quickly heat water to a boil. Other foods that store easily and are lightweight include dried fruits, nuts, instant soup, oatmeal and grits. Beverages including drink powders along with tea bags and instant coffee are invaluable during an emergency.

First Aid

A survival first aid kit should contain more than a household kit does. In addition to the standard wound care items you may want to include sutures, triangular bandages, air splints and Adaptec dressings. Over the counter medications including aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, anti-vomiting and anti-diarrhea medications need to be included. Taking a multi-vitamin daily increases your body's ability to fend off minor infections. Antihistamines, decongestants, throat lozenges, and cough syrup may prove quite useful. Sterile gloves, instant hand sanitizer and surgical masks will allow you to protect yourself from infection.

Shelter

Emergency shelters can be made from space blankets. The reflective material is very visible and versatile. Space blankets provide warmth, keep you dry, keep the sun off and take up almost no space.

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Personal Items

You should keep at least one change of clothing in your survival bag. Extra socks, gloves and a hat should be included as well. You should change the clothing in your survival bag when the seasons change. Many people rotate their supplies quarterly.

Comfort

An all-purpose, lightweight sleeping bag is handy and can easily be attached to your survival bag. If you place the tightly rolled bag inside a garbage bag then inside a second one your sleeping bag will remain dry even in the worst rainstorm.

Miscellaneous

Waterproof matches, small flashlight and a fixed blade knife are must have items. A small hatchet or axe and a multi-purpose tool will provide you with the basic tools needed to provide shelter or remove debris.

Before an emergency strikes, make sure that you can carry your bag for at least 30 minutes. Your survival bag is your passport to safety, if you cannot carry it you cannot use it.