The popularity of having a backpack for emergencies has increased dramatically in recent years. It’s a compelling concept – store critical survival food and supplies in one compact bag that can be taken anywhere.
For many people, having this type of survivor kit on-hand provides peace of mind. It’s also a great way to keep your most important survival gear organized in one place.
An emergency backpack can be minimalist in nature, or it can be built out to include a wide range of supplies. You might want an emergency backpack that can be carried every day, or a backpack that can be packed for trips out of town.
For the ins and outs of buying a 72-hour survival bag or “get-home bag”, check out this article. Here, we’ll focus on the more streamlined everyday carry (EDC) version of the emergency backpack.
Whether you commute to work in an urban environment, or simply move around town throughout your day, having an emergency backpack is a great way to keep your most important survival items at arm’s reach. If you find yourself in a natural disaster, man-made disaster, or an emergency, you’ll already have the gear and supplies to handle the situation.
When choosing your backpack, resist the urge to purchase something flashy or tactical-looking. Select a bag that will blend in with your environment and not draw unwanted attention. Earth tones are best. You don’t need a massive backpacking-style pack either. Something in the 20-30 liter range should do the trick.
When it comes to packing your emergency backpack, think about the items you would want to have with you in an emergency.
A first aid kit and trauma response kit should be at the top of your list.
It would be smart to include an emergency water filter and emergency water purification tablets. Keep a reusable water bottle in your bag, and rotate the water regularly.
You’ll also want to include a flashlight or headlamp. Other items to consider would include snacks, an emergency mylar blanket, and poncho.
From there, you can consider survival items that are personal to your needs. Do you have a GMRS radio that you plan to use to communicate with friends/family in the area if the cell network goes down? Do you or a loved one require a prescription rescue medication?
Don’t load up your bag with so much gear that you won’t want to carry it with you on a daily basis. Keep it lightweight, compact, and practical. If you’ll be traveling farther from home and feel the need to bring along more gear, that’s a perfect opportunity to build out a more comprehensive 72-hour bag.
