Things to Look Closely at When Shopping for a Good Quality 72 Hour Survival Kit

1. Quality of the Bag:

Most the time the search stops right here. 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 a backpack, have padded shoulder straps. Does it have extra room for you to add an old sweatshirt or light jacket? How about extra room to add a pair of old tennis shoes (in an evacuation you can walk or run faster in tennis shoes than dress shoes or heels).
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.

2. First-Aid Kit:
Look closely here. Most kits simply include a ziplock bag with a few bandaids and antiseptic wipes. Better kits will have a much broader selection of first-aid items and also include a comprehensive first-aid book. First-aid kits can range from the $2 types to the $30+ types. Be sure your kit has a wide range of various first-aid supplies.

3. Food:
Be careful here. 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. Lifeboat 'emergency food rations' are ideal for 72 hour kits and meet all these requirements like the food bars made by Datrex or Mainstay. We recommend only the 3600 calorie size bars (1200 calories per day for 3 days). Smaller sizes are woefully inadequate.

4. Water:
Your kit should include water. Some kits have none. The best way to store water in your kit is using U.S. Coast Guard Approved "Lifeboat" water ration pouches. They have a 5 year shelf-life. At a minimum you should have 3 to 4 pouches (4 oz each) per day per person (or means to collect and store more). No, that is not a lot of water, but remember, weight is always a factor and you may need to hike with your kit for some distance.

5. Flashlight & Radio:
Here is often where good quality kits differ dramatically from lesser quality ones. Does your kit come with a quality flashlight and include batteries, or is it the $1 store type? Is there a backup light source such as an instant lightstick or long burning candle? Does it include a good quality am/fm radio? A radio should be included so you can hear the latest news reports and updates. It is also a good moral booster. Be sure batteries are included and that you rotate them every couple of years (you might even want to add an additional set for added safety). A windup rechargeable solar/dynamo radio would even be even a better choice like the one that comes with this upgrade kit.

6. Shelter, Heat & Warmth:
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 kit (it can also be used as a signaling device). Your kit should also have several items to cover the basics of Heat & Warmth, too, such as a long burning candle with MATCHES (for light & heat), instant pocket hand warmers and a Space® Blanket for each person. As always, remember quality. Most companies will only use low cost inferior knockoffs.

7. Is the Kit Made for 1 or 2 People?
Most preparedness experts recommend having one or multiple kits that protect 2 people each. The reason for that is when disaster strikes, you'll be preparedness for both you and someone else (child, co-worker, etc)