72 Hour Kits to Keep on Hand for Emergencies

Look closely at the quality of the bag.

It should be well constructed, made to take heavy-duty abuse, have easy carrying handles and if it's a backpack, it should have padded shoulder straps.

Make sure it has extra room for you to add an old sweatshirt or light jacket. You will want room to add a pair of old tennis shoes (just in case you get caught in your heels or clumsy work boots).

Remember, this bag is going to protect your "survival insurance" supplies and it had better be up to the task. It should be able to endure the punishment of bouncing around in the trunk of your car for years.

You will want to look closely here. If the kit has passed your inspection to this point, you will want it to pass this check!

Your kit should only have foods specifically made to be non-thirst provoking, provide high calories (for energy), be low in protein (requires less water of digestion), not affected by high heat (think, car trunk in the summer), have a long shelf-life and yet still tastes good.

Here is where kits can vary a lot. A cheaper kit will have a dollar store flashlight. A higher value kit will have either a better quality flashlight or what I would recommend is that regardless what they have for a flashlight in your kit, add a few of those shake LED flashlights.

Also it is a good idea to add a crank style radio. No batteries to rust and corrode that way.

Some kits have light sticks and long burning candles and that is a sign of a better quality 72 hour kit as well.

Many low cost kits do not include much. Protection from the elements is important.

A heavy mil thickness 'tube tent' makes a low cost shelter for 2 people and should be included in your 72 hour kit (it can also be used as a signaling device).

Instant pocket hand warmers and a Space Blanket for each person is a good thing to have in your kit. As always, remember quality!

I have seen some very cheap space blankets and then there are better ones...

There are always things you can add and learn about as you go along, such as survival outdoor gear,, but don't make a habit of "borrowing" supplies from your kit with the good intentions of putting it back later, even if you have been carrying it around in your trunk for a year.

When an emergency arises, you will be very glad your kit is all intact!