Introduction
A 72-hour go bag is a disaster preparedness kit that contains everything you need to survive for 72 hours in the event of an emergency. It should be small enough to carry with you and contain essential supplies like food, water, and first aid.
What is a 72-hour go bag?
A 72-hour go bag, also known as a bug-out bag, is a backpack or duffel bag filled with essential items that can help you survive for up to 72 hours in the event of an emergency or disaster situation. The idea behind having a go bag is to have everything you need in one place, ready to grab and go at a moment’s notice.
While we all hope that we will never have to face an emergency situation, it is important to be prepared for the worst. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires can strike without warning, leaving you without access to food, water, and shelter. Other emergencies, such as a sudden job loss or medical emergency, can also leave you in a difficult situation.
72 Hour Kit: The Complete Bug Out Bag List
A 72-hour go bag is designed to help you survive during these types of emergencies. The bag should contain all the essential items you need for survival, including:
1. Water – You should have at least one liter of water per day for each person in your group. You can either pack bottled water or a water filtration system.
2. Food – Pack non-perishable foods that are easy to prepare and provide plenty of nutrients. Examples include canned goods, protein bars, and trail mix.
3. Shelter – You will need some form of shelter to protect you from the elements. Pack a tent, a sleeping bag, and a tarp to stay dry and warm.
4. First aid kit – A basic first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any medications you or your group members need.
5. Tools – You will need a few tools to help you survive in an emergency situation. Pack a knife, multi-tool, flashlight, and a whistle.
6. Clothing – Pack a change of clothes and extra socks in case your clothes get wet or dirty.
7. Personal documents – Make copies of important documents such as your ID, passport, and insurance information and pack them in a waterproof bag.
8. Cash – In an emergency situation, banks and ATMs may be unavailable. Pack some cash in case you need to buy supplies or pay for transportation.
When packing your go bag, it is important to keep it as light as possible. You may have to carry your bag for long distances, so pack only the essentials. Make sure to check your bag regularly and update it as needed. Replace any expired food or medications and check that your tools and equipment are in good working condition.
Why do you need a 72-hour go bag?
In an emergency, you may need to evacuate your home quickly. A go bag is a collection of items you may need if you have to leave your home in a hurry. It should be kept in an easily accessible place, such as by the front door, so you can grab it on your way out.
A go bag should be small enough that you can carry it easily, but large enough to fit everything you need. It should have enough supplies to last you for 72 hours. This includes food, water, clothes, and other essentials.
You may also want to include items like cash, important documents, and medication. If you have young children or pets, you will need to make sure their go-bags are well-stocked too.
What to include in your 72-hour bugout bag?
A “go bag” is a bag that you can grab in case of an emergency evacuation. It should be packed with everything you need to survive for 72 hours. This includes food, water, shelter, clothing, and first aid.
Water
One of the most important things to include in your 72-hour go bag is water. You should have at least a gallon of water per person, per day. And, if you can, try to find water that doesn’t need to be boiled before drinking it.
If you don’t have access to clean water, you’ll need to boil it before drinking it. Boiling water for at least one minute will kill most bacteria and viruses. So, make sure you have a way to boil water in your 72-hour go bag.
In addition to water, you should also have some food in your 72-hour go bag. Non-perishable food items like granola bars, peanut butter, and canned fruits and vegetables are all good options. And, if you have any special dietary needs, be sure to pack food that meets those needs.
Finally, you’ll need some basic supplies in your 72-hour go bag. Things like a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a whistle can all be lifesavers in an emergency situation.
Food
There are a few things to consider when packing food for your 72-hour go bag. Firstly, you want to make sure that the food you pack will not spoil quickly and can be eaten without cooking. Secondly, you want to pack food that is high in calories and will give you the energy you need in an emergency situation. Here are some suggested items to include in your food supply:
-Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon)
-Canned fruits and vegetables
-Dried fruits and nuts
-Jerky and trail mix
-Granola bars
-MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)
-Canned soups and stews
-Coffee, tea, and cocoa mix
-Powdered milk
-Water bottles
Shelter
Good emergency shelters provide warmth, protect you from the elements, and keep you dry. If you have to evacuate your home, bring a tent or tarp and some cordage to make a basic shelter. In an urban area, you may be able to find an abandoned building for shelter.
If you have time, consider packing a more elaborate shelter system such as a bivouac sack or hammock. Be sure to include a ground tarp in either case.
Backpack (Tactical or Hiking)
Backpacks can be used for various purposes, such as for tactical or hiking activities. However, depending on the intended usage, the type of backpack needed may differ. For instance, a tactical backpack is designed for military or law enforcement purposes and features durable materials and compartments for storing gear. On the other hand, a hiking backpack is designed for outdoor activities and features a comfortable fit, lightweight materials, and pockets for water bottles and snacks. Nevertheless, both types of backpacks are essential for carrying necessary items during outdoor activities.
Fasteners (Safety Pins, Carabiners, Ziploc bags, etc)
Fasteners such as safety pins, carabiners, and Ziploc bags have various uses. Safety pins can be used to hold clothing in place, while carabiners are handy for securing items together. Ziploc bags are commonly used for storing and transporting small items. Additionally, these fasteners can provide a quick and easy solution for temporary repairs or makeshift closures. However, it is important to use these fasteners safely and appropriately to avoid accidents.
Clothing
Include at least one complete change of clothing for each family member, including shoes and undergarments. Be sure to pack clothes that will be suitable for the climate and that can be layered for warmth. Consider packing sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots as well as rain gear.
Bivvy or Sleeping Bag
When it comes to emergency preparedness, having a 72-hour go-bag packed and ready to grab at a moment’s notice is essential. This bag should contain all the necessary items to sustain you for at least three days in the event of an emergency or evacuation. One of the most important items to include in your go bag is a sleeping bag. A sleeping bag is vital because it provides warmth and comfort in a range of temperatures. In an emergency situation, you may not have access to a bed or shelter, and a sleeping bag can provide you with a place to rest and sleep comfortably.
First Aid
A well-stocked first-aid kit is a handy thing to have. You never know when you might need it, and it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. At a minimum, your first-aid kit should include the following items:
-Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
-Antiseptic wipes
-Antibiotic ointment
-Burn ointment
-Calamine lotion
-CPR breathing barrier
-Gauze pads in assorted sizes
-Nonlatex gloves
-Safety pins
-Scissors
-Sterile roller bandages in assorted widths
-Sting relief wipes or lotion
Tape
Triangular bandages
Tweezers
Tools
The tools you include in your go bag should be those that will help you to survive and to call for help. A flashlight is essential, as are matches or a lighter. You might also want to include a multi-tool, a whistle, and a phone charger.
Communication
One of the most important items in your 72-hour go bag is some form of communication. This could be a cell phone, a two-way radio, or even a satellite phone if you have one. Make sure that your communication device is fully charged before you pack it, and also consider including a backup battery or charger. If you have a two-way radio, include extra batteries for it as well.
In addition to your communication device, you should also pack any important documents that you might need. This includes things like birth certificates, Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, passports, and insurance information. If you have children, be sure to pack their birth certificates as well. You should also include a list of emergency contacts and any medications that you or your family members take on a regular basis.
Documentation
One of the most important things you can include in your 72-hour go bag is documentation. This can include items such as your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, and insurance information. If you have children, be sure to include their birth certificates and any pertinent medical information as well. You will also want to bring along a copy of your will if you have one, as well as any other important legal documents.
Conclusion
A 72-hour go bag should be packed with enough supplies to last you and your family for three days in case of an emergency. This includes food, water, shelter, clothing, first-aid, and tools. You may also want to pack additional supplies based on your specific needs and the needs of your family.