The Ultimate Survival Kit Guide
What is a Survival Kit? Why are Survival Kits important and what should be in one?
Disasters and emergencies can strike at any time—whether it's a natural disaster, power outage, or unexpected survival situation. Having a well-equipped survival kit ensures you have the essential supplies to stay safe, self-sufficient, and prepared for the unexpected.
A survival kit isn’t just for extreme situations like getting lost in the wilderness—it’s a crucial tool for home preparedness, vehicle safety, and emergency evacuations. The right kit provides food, water, shelter, first aid, and essential survival tools to help you navigate any crisis.
In this guide, we’ll cover what a survival kit is, why it’s essential, and exactly what you should include in one. Whether you're building a DIY survival kit or looking for a ready-made emergency survival pack, this guide will help you make informed decisions to ensure you're always prepared.
What is a Survival Kit?
Essential tools to help you survive
A survival kit is a collection of essential supplies designed to help individuals stay safe and self-sufficient during emergencies. Whether facing natural disasters, power outages, or outdoor survival situations, a well-equipped survival kit provides the tools needed for shelter, hydration, food, first aid, and protection.
Typical survival kits include non-perishable food, water purification tablets, first aid supplies, flashlights, multi-tools, fire-starting gear, and emergency blankets. More advanced kits may contain communication devices, self-defense tools, and medical-grade trauma supplies.
Survival kits vary based on the situation they’re designed for, such as 72-hour emergency kits, bug-out bags, or wilderness survival packs. Whether for home, vehicle, or outdoor use, having a well-prepared survival kit ensures you can respond to unexpected crises with confidence.
For the best ready-made survival kits, browse our Survival Kits Collection and be prepared for anything.
Why are Survival Kits Important and what should be in them?
You may need to evacuate your home or workplace quickly
Having a survival kit is essential because emergencies and disasters can happen without warning. You may need to evacuate your home or workplace quickly, and having a survival kit can help you and your loved ones survive until help arrives. A survival kit can also provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you're prepared for any emergency.
What Should be Included in a Survival Kit?
When creating a survival kit, it's important to include items that will sustain life for a minimum of three days.
Here are some essential items that should be included in a basic survival kit:
- Water: Plan for at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes.
- Non-perishable food: Include enough food to last each person for at least three days. Choose high-energy, easy-to-prepare foods like canned goods, protein bars, and dried fruit.
- First aid kit: Include basic supplies like bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
- Emergency radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can help you stay informed of weather and emergency updates.
- Flashlight: Include a flashlight with extra batteries.
- Whistle: A whistle can help you signal for help in an emergency.
- Dust mask: A dust mask can protect you from inhaling harmful particles.
- Moist towelettes: Include moist towelettes or baby wipes for sanitation purposes.
- Garbage bags: Include garbage bags for waste disposal.
- Important documents: Include copies of important documents like identification, insurance policies, and medical information.
- Cash: Include cash in small denominations.
- Multi-tool: A multi-tool can be useful in a variety of situations.
Our Top Picks for Survival Kits
Best Grab and Go Kit
This 64 Piece Survival Kit is a great basic bug out bag and is well-equipped with the essential gear and emergency food and water you may need in an emergency situation.
- Designed for 1 person
- Comes with individually packed meals you will actually enjoy eating
- 37 Piece First Aid Kit can help you address minor injuries
- Portable Stove allows you to enjoy a warm cooked meal
- Emergency Whistle, Mylar Blanket, N95 Mask and other useful supplies
3-Day Adventure Emergency Food Kit
Be prepared for any outdoor excursion with the 3-Day Adventure Emergency Food Kit, a compact and convenient emergency food supply designed for adventure seekers. Packed in a 10-liter dry bag, this kit includes six hearty entrées, three breakfasts, and three snacks, providing the energy and nutrition you need on the go. Each lightweight pouch is easy to carry and requires only water for a quick, hot meal—no cooking needed.
How to Create a Survival Kit
When creating a survival kit, it is important to consider your individual needs and the needs of your family. Here are some steps to follow when creating a survival kit:
Determine the size of your survival kit: The size of your survival kit will depend on the number of people in your family and the amount of supplies you need.
Choose a container: The container for your survival kit should be durable, waterproof, and easy to carry. A backpack or duffel bag is a good option.
Gather essential items: Use the list of essential items above as a guide for gathering supplies for your survival kit.
Consider individual needs: If you or your family members have specific needs, such as medications or medical equipment, make sure to include them in the survival kit.
Update the kit regularly: It is important to update your survival kit regularly. Check expiration dates of food and medications and replace items as needed.
Additional Supplies to Consider
Depending on your specific needs and the type of emergency you may face, consider including these additional items in your survival kit:
- Prescription medications and glasses: Include a supply of prescription medications and glasses.
- Sleeping bag and blankets: Include a sleeping bag and blankets for warmth.
- Warm clothing: Include warm clothing like a jacket, hat, and gloves.
- Personal hygiene items: Include personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.
- Pet supplies: If you have pets, include food, water, and supplies for them.
- Tools: Include tools like a wrench, pliers, and duct tape.
- Map: Include a map of your local area.
- Water filtration system: Include a water filtration system if you're in an area without clean water.