Your Essential 72-Hour Survival Kit
Everything you need to survive when you need to get out fast
Build it before you need it
The best time to build a bug out bag was yesterday. The second best time is now. When disaster strikes, the gear you've packed determines whether you survive or struggle. Build this bag today.
Water: Your #1 Priority
Water is non-negotiable. You can survive three days without food, but only one day without water. Plan for at least 1 gallon per person per day for 72 hours.
- Water Bottles (32oz): Multiple durable bottles with screw tops
- Water Filter System: LifeStraw, Sawyer Mini, or Katadyn water filter
- Purification Tablets: Chlorine dioxide or iodine tablets
- Collapsible Water Containers: Lightweight storage for extended survival
- Water Bladder: Hydration bladder for carrying more water
Food: High-Calorie Survival Nutrition
Pack calorie-dense, non-perishable foods that require no cooking or refrigeration. You need 2,000-3,000 calories per day to maintain energy during emergency situations.
- MREs (Meals Ready to Eat): Complete meals that don't require cooking
- Energy Bars: High-calorie bars (Clif, Kind, protein bars)
- Nuts and Trail Mix: High-calorie, lightweight protein
- Dried Fruits: Raisins, dried cranberries, dates
- Jerky: Beef or turkey jerky for protein
- Crackers: Non-perishable carbohydrates
- MRE Heaters: Chemical heaters for warming food without fire
First Aid and Medical Supplies
Medical care may not be available. Pack a comprehensive first aid kit and survival medicine supplies.
- Trauma Kit: Tourniquet, bandages, gauze, medical tape
- Antiseptic: Alcohol wipes, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment
- Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen
- Prescription Medications: Minimum 7-day supply of all prescriptions
- Medical Book: Survival medicine guide for reference
- N95 Masks: Air filtration for smoke, dust, biological threats
- Water Purification: Chlorine dioxide tablets for medical water
Shelter and Warmth
Hypothermia kills faster than hunger. Protection from the elements is critical.
- Emergency Tent: Lightweight 1-2 person tent
- Tarp: Heavy-duty tarp with grommets
- Emergency Blankets: Mylar space blankets (carry 2 minimum)
- Sleeping Bag: Temperature-rated sleeping bag
- Poncho: Rain protection that can double as shelter
- Extra Clothing: Weather-appropriate layers, extra socks
- Hand Warmers: Chemical warmers for extreme cold
Light and Power
When the power grid fails, your ability to see becomes critical for safety and survival.
- Flashlights: Multiple LED flashlights (carry 2 minimum)
- Headlamps: Hands-free lighting for working at night
- Batteries: Extra batteries for all devices (store separately)
- Solar Charger: Portable solar panel with USB charging
- Power Bank: Portable battery bank for phones
- Candles: Emergency candles for long-term lighting
- Matches: Waterproof matches in waterproof container
Communication and Navigation
GPS may fail. Networks go down. You need alternative methods to navigate and communicate.
- NOAA Weather Radio: Hand-crank radio for emergency broadcasts
- Walkie Talkies: Two-way radios for family communication
- Road Atlas: Physical maps of your region and routes
- Compass: Magnetic compass for navigation
- Whistle: Emergency signaling device
- Satellite Communicator: Emergency satellite communication device (optional but recommended)
- Emergency Contact List: Phone numbers written on paper (not just in phone)
Tools and Multi-Tools
A good multi-tool can fix problems, create solutions, and save lives. Don't underestimate its value.
- Multi-Tool: Leatherman, Swiss Army, or similar multi-function tool
- Duct Tape: Heavy-duty duct tape (many uses)
- Zip Ties: Heavy-duty cable ties for repairs
- Paracord: 50+ feet of 550 paracord
- Rope: Lightweight climbing rope for various survival tasks
- Work Gloves: Leather gloves for protection
- Knife: Fixed-blade survival knife
Fire and Cooking
Fire provides warmth, light, and the ability to cook food. Multiple fire-starting methods increase your chances of success.
- Lighter: Multiple lighters in waterproof container
- Waterproof Matches: Tinder-ready matches
- Fire Starter: Ferro rod, magnesium, or waterproof tinder
- Camp Stove: Portable camp stove with fuel
- Fuel: Extra fuel for camp stove
- Cooking Pot: Lightweight pot for cooking food and boiling water
- Can Opener: Manual can opener (don't forget this!)
Hygiene and Sanitation
Poor hygiene leads to disease. Maintain cleanliness to prevent illness when medical care isn't available.
- Toilet Paper: Compact roll of TP
- Baby Wipes: For cleaning when water is limited
- Hand Sanitizer: Alcohol-based sanitizer (multiple bottles)
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Maintain dental hygiene
- Soap: Biodegradable soap for washing
- Trash Bags: For waste disposal
Documents and Money
Keep important documents and cash in waterproof bags. Digital copies only work if devices function.
- Copies of Important Documents: ID, insurance cards, etc.
- Cash: Small bills ($20s, $10s, $1s) - at least $100
- Emergency Contact List: Written on paper
- Maps: Physical maps of evacuation routes
- Insurance Info: Copies of insurance policies
- Waterproof Bag: To protect all documents and electronics
Pack Your Bag: Step-by-Step
- Choose your bag: Backpack (not suitcase) - 40-60 liter capacity
- Pack in layers: Bottom = heaviest items, Top = most accessed items
- Keep it accessible: Water, food, first aid within easy reach
- Distribute weight: Heavy items closest to your back, evenly distributed
- Test your pack: Load it and walk 1 mile - should weigh 20-30 lbs max
- Regularly update: Check expiration dates, rotate food, update supplies quarterly
- Store strategically: Keep bug out bag near main exit, ready to grab quickly
Use Watchtower Survival Pro to Track Your Preparedness
The Watchtower Survival Pro app helps you build and maintain your bug out bag systematically:
- Complete Checklists: Systematic tracking of all supplies
- Weight Calculation: Track total bag weight to stay within limits
- Expiration Tracking: Get notified when food or medical supplies expire
- Scenario-Specific Lists: Different bag contents for different disasters
- 50+ Survival Guides: Complete offline library for when things go wrong
- Real-Time Emergency Alerts: Get notified when threats are developing
DOWNLOAD WATCHTOWER FREE (7-Day Trial)Free limited version available • Pro: $4.99/month or $39.99/year