Despite the fact that we have no control over the timing or location of disasters, we can choose to be ready for them, but unfortunately, the majority of us are not. The CDC reports that almost half of the population in America lacks the necessary resources and plans to deal with emergencies.
The Best Emergency Kits
What to Consider
Survival experts highly advise that your emergency kit should contain essential supplies from certain categories, as recommended by the American Red Cross, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- Food and water
- Clothing, blankets, and shelter
- Fire, heat, and lighting
- First aid, medication, hygiene
- Protective gear
- Tools
- Communication
? KIT SIZE
As you start looking for the ideal pre-assembled emergency kit for your family, you may have noticed that prices vary greatly. While certain kits can be as affordable as $40, others can go over $1,000. Our goal was to offer a range of options at different price points to accommodate various budgets and family sizes.
It is important to note that experts generally suggest using kits that include survival tools and first-aid supplies for a minimum of 3 days. This is because it often takes government entities around that amount of time to offer assistance after a disaster.
? EMERGENCY KITS VS. BUG-OUT BAGS
While this guide includes both emergency kits and bug-out bags, it is incorrect to assume that these two terms are interchangeable. An emergency kit contains all the necessary items for you and your family to use during an emergency situation where you remain in one location, such as a snowstorm. On the contrary, a bug-out bag is a kit that can be swiftly grabbed to evacuate an area immediately.
Here, you will find a selection of the top kits that are filled with a diverse range of valuable items that will be useful in case of an emergency.
1. BEST OVERALL
EVERLIT Complete 72-Hour Bug Out Bag
Crafted by U.S. military veterans, the EVERLIT emergency survival kit available for purchase on Amazon is renowned for its comprehensive nature. With nearly everything required for a 72-hour survival period, it stands as one of the most exhaustive pre-packaged survival kits on the market.
According to Lisa Vargas, an editor at I Need That to Prep, the EVERLIT bag is both durable and lightweight, offering ample space for additional items. They stated that these ready-to-use bug-out bags are ideal for individuals seeking reassurance that their needs for food, water, and gear are fully met.
The kit designed for two people consists of 24 packs of emergency drinking water that are 4 ounces each, as well as two packs of 3,600-calorie food bars. In addition, this kit also contains water purification tablets capable of treating 25 quarts of water, ensuring you have a solution when your water supply depletes. Furthermore, the kit also includes a hand-crank flashlight which serves multiple functions as a radio and phone charger.
In addition to the mentioned items, there is also a 200-piece first-aid kit included in this comprehensive package, which notably contains an aluminum tourniquet that is uncommon to find in pre-assembled emergency kits.
2. BEST EMERGENCY KIT ON A BUDGET
Ready America Deluxe 72-Hour Emergency Kit
If you are on a budget and need an emergency kit, consider purchasing one of Ready America’s pre-packaged options, which are priced below $100. The Deluxe 72-hour emergency kit is designed to support two adults for a period of 72 hours. It includes two 2,400-calorie food bars, six 4-ounce packets of drinking water, two glow sticks, two emergency blankets, two ponchos, a whistle, as well as gloves and masks. All of these items have a shelf life of 5 years.
Included in the package is a 33-piece first-aid kit that is housed in a small plastic carrying case. The kit may not contain essential items for severe injuries, however it does include the fundamental necessities such as bandages, a solution for cleansing wounds, antiseptic medication, a butterfly wound closure, and additional items. In addition to this, you will receive a stainless steel multi-tool, a portable battery that can serve as both a radio and flashlight, as well as some hygiene supplies.
If you want to find a midsized emergency kit for safekeeping that is reasonably priced, this option is affordable and will provide you with added peace of mind.
3. AN ULTRA-ORGANIZED EMERGENCY KIT
Redfora by Ethos Complete Earthquake Bag
This emergency kit, which is comprehensive and endorsed by experts, is specifically created for earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural calamities. It contains all essential items to ensure warmth, sustenance, and a sense of security. Included are two food bars, 24 water pouches, 20 water purification tablets, two sleeping bags, a tube tent, several ponchos, and two hand warmers.
In addition to the necessary items, you are provided with supplementary tools such as a whistle, a 50-foot nylon rope, gloves, masks, and a hand crank flashlight which serves as both a radio and phone charger.
Redfora offers different sizes of kits to accommodate different numbers of users. The kit also includes a separate pack for personal items like medication, glasses, IDs, and important documents. Additionally, the kit is color-coded, making it easy to find specific items quickly. Each pack also comes with access to a streamable video featuring a survival expert who guides users on how to effectively utilize the kit’s items.
Additionally, it should be noted that a donation equivalent to 1% of the total cost of each Earthquake Bag ordered is contributed towards disaster relief endeavors, aiding victims, and supporting prevention initiatives. This makes it an ideal purchase for individuals who wish to contribute while also being prepared.
Roadside Kits
Experts recommend that in addition to jumper cables and a flashlight, basic roadside kits should also contain emergency blankets, candles, and sleeping bags. This is particularly useful during winter storms when you find yourself stranded in your vehicle.
4. Lowe’s Lifeline First Aid Emergency Roadside Kit
This is the most basic roadside kit that you can effortlessly place in the rear of your car.
Despite being one of the smaller roadside kits available, it still contains all the necessary items to be ready for unforeseen accidents. Enclosed in a hardshell case are booster cables for jumpstarting your vehicle, along with a LED flashlight, three AAA batteries, and additional essentials.
5. Reese Towpower 2in Drop Towing Security Kit
You should always be prepared to provide a tow whenever the need arises.
The Reese Towpoer kit is equipped with all the necessary items to assist in rescuing a stuck vehicle. All you need to do is insert the draw bar into the hitch receiver tube and fasten it securely with the lock. With a towing weight capacity of 6,000 pounds, you are good to proceed.
6. Lifeline Destination 68 Piece Emergency Car Kit
AAA is the supporting organization behind this emergency car kit.
This kit includes essential tools, jumper cables, and a first aid kit, as well as a premium air compressor. The air compressor can be used to fill flat tires, refill the camping mat, inflatable raft, bicycle tire, or any other devices that need inflation.
Food Supply Kits
The majority of individuals can go without food for approximately three weeks, while they can only survive for a few days without water. It is stressed by experts that it is crucial to plan in advance for your dietary requirements. Typically, it is recommended to store a day’s worth of food and water supplies in your purse or backpack, up to a week’s worth in your car, and up to a month’s worth at home.
7. Augason Farms 1-Week 1-Person Emergency Food Supply
By spending only $50 per week, you have the option to discontinue your regular meal plan subscription and adopt a survivalist-like eating approach.
These meals, which can be prepared easily, will stay fresh for several years and will give you 1,811 calories each day. You can select from a variety of eight meal options including oatmeal, broccoli rice, and creamy chicken soup. All you need to do is mix them with water!
8. Super Vault Emergency Food Supply
Although this kit does not offer Michelin Star meals, it will suffice to meet your dietary requirements for more than a month.
Containing 50 pre-packaged meals spanning 13 different types of food, this food kit guarantees a shelf life of 25 years, ensuring that it won’t expire anytime soon. Conveniently store it at the rear of your pantry, as it might prove useful one day.
9. Ignik 2-in-1 Propane Heater Stove
Why bother with stocking up on food if you are unable to heat it?
With its dual functionality, this propane heater stove provides both heat and cooking capabilities. Take it along on your next camping adventure and savor the delight of warm and perfectly prepared meals no matter where you are.
Communication and Navigation Kits
In general, individuals commonly depend on their cellphones for all communication and navigation purposes. Nevertheless, it is important to note that during emergency situations, mobile phones or cellular networks might not be accessible. Thus, survivalists typically recommend individuals to consider alternatives like handheld radios, compasses, maps, and diverse GPS systems.
10. Coghlan’s Compass
Ensure that you have a compass with you for navigation at the minimum.
This military style compass, housed in a durable plastic case, is the most cost-effective choice for camping, backpacking, and potential emergency travel. With its quick readability and prominent letters, simply attach it to your backpack or place it in your emergency kit.
11. Cobra 30-Mile Walkie Talkie 2-Way Radio 2-Pack Set
Stay connected with your partner using this 2-pack of Walkie Talkies.
During an emergency, having a backup walkie talkie is crucial for effective communication. With 2,662 channel combinations, this set ensures finding an interference-free method of contacting your group. Additionally, it is equipped with a built-in 10-channel NOAA weather radio, keeping you well-informed about all government operated weather channels.
12. Garmin Handheld Navigator System
From steep countryside to dense forests, this handheld navigation system will assist you in navigating your way effectively.
ABC sensors, including an altimeter for elevation data, barometer to monitor weather, and 3-axis electronic compass, enable you to navigate any trail. Additionally, the system comes with preloaded U.S. and Canada maps displaying terrain contours, topographic elevations, summits, parks, coastlines, rivers, lakes, and geographical points.
