Survivorpedia
72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist
Everything you need to survive the first 72 hours of any emergency. Check off items as you pack them.
Water & Hydration
Water — 1 gallon per person per day (3 gallons total)
Essential Water filter
Essential Sawyer Squeeze, LifeStraw, or similar portable filter
Water purification tablets
Recommended Aquamira drops or iodine tablets as backup
Collapsible water container
Recommended 2-5 liter capacity for collecting and carrying water
Metal water bottle or cup
Recommended Can be used to boil water for purification
Food & Nutrition
Energy/granola bars (6-8 bars)
EssentialHigh calorie, long shelf life
Freeze-dried or dehydrated meals (3-6 pouches)
EssentialPeanut butter or nut butter packets
RecommendedCanned tuna/chicken (foil pouches preferred)
RecommendedInstant oatmeal or coffee packets
RecommendedElectrolyte powder packets
RecommendedHard candy or trail mix
RecommendedEating utensils — spork, can opener, mess kit
EssentialShelter & Warmth
Emergency bivvy or sleeping bag
EssentialSOL Escape Bivvy or a compact 40-degree sleeping bag
Tarp (8x10 ft minimum)
EssentialLightweight shelter, ground cover, rain protection
Paracord — 50 ft minimum
EssentialEmergency space blankets (2-3)
EssentialRain poncho
RecommendedHand/body warmers (4-6 packs)
RecommendedClosed-cell foam pad (sleeping pad)
RecommendedInsulation from ground — cut to torso length to save space
First Aid & Medical
Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
EssentialGauze pads and rolled gauze
EssentialMedical tape and ACE bandage
EssentialAntibiotic ointment (Neosporin or generic)
EssentialPain relievers — ibuprofen and acetaminophen
EssentialAnti-diarrheal tablets (Imodium)
RecommendedMoleskin (for blisters)
RecommendedTweezers, small scissors, nitrile gloves
EssentialPrescription medications (3-day supply minimum)
EssentialTourniquet (CAT or SOFTT-W)
RecommendedTools & Fire
Fixed-blade knife or sturdy folding knife
EssentialMulti-tool (Leatherman, Gerber, etc.)
EssentialFerrocerium rod (fire starter)
EssentialBIC lighters (2-3) in waterproof bag
EssentialTinder — petroleum jelly cotton balls, fatwood, or fire tabs
EssentialHeadlamp with extra batteries
EssentialDuct tape (15-20 ft wrapped around a pencil)
RecommendedWork gloves
RecommendedCommunication & Navigation
Portable battery bank (10,000+ mAh)
EssentialKeep your phone charged for emergency calls and maps
Phone charging cable
EssentialNOAA weather radio (hand-crank or battery)
EssentialEmergency whistle
EssentialLocal area map (paper)
RecommendedCompass
RecommendedNotepad and pencil
RecommendedDocuments & Cash
Cash — $200-300 in small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20)
EssentialATMs and card readers may be down during emergencies
Photo ID copies (driver's license, passport)
EssentialInsurance documents (copies)
EssentialHealth, homeowners/renters, auto, life
Emergency contact list (printed)
EssentialFamily, friends, doctors, insurance
Medical info — allergies, blood type, conditions
RecommendedWaterproof document bag or zip-lock bags
EssentialPersonal Items & Hygiene
Change of clothing (weather-appropriate)
EssentialMoisture-wicking base layer, warm mid-layer, rain shell
Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots
EssentialExtra socks (2 pairs — wool or synthetic)
EssentialToothbrush and travel toothpaste
RecommendedToilet paper or wet wipes
EssentialSunscreen and insect repellent
RecommendedGlasses/contacts (spare pair)
RecommendedTrash bags (heavy duty — multiple uses)
RecommendedRain gear, ground cover, waste disposal, gear protection
N95 masks (2-3)
RecommendedBandana or shemagh
RecommendedSun protection, dust filter, sling, water pre-filter