Survival Kit Building Guide

Build the right survival kit for your situation. Day hike to 72-hour bug-out.

Day Hike Kit

8 items, under 3 lbs: Water bottle, snack bars, knife, lighter, whistle, space blanket, headlamp, first aid. Fits in a fanny pack. The minimum for any time in the woods.

24-Hour Kit

15 items, 8-12 lbs: Day hike kit + water filter, fire kit (ferro rod + tinder), tarp, cordage (50ft paracord), extra food (2,000 cal), metal cup, compass, rain layer. Survive a night in any weather.

72-Hour Bug-Out Bag

25-30 items, 20-30 lbs: 24-hour kit + 3 days food, change of clothes, cash ($200 small bills), copies of documents (in waterproof bag), phone charger, medications, radio, sleeping bag. Evacuate and sustain.

Vehicle Kit

In your car always: Jumper cables, tire inflator, water (1 gallon), blanket, flashlight, first aid, snacks, phone charger, basic tools. The emergencies that actually happen to most people.

What NOT to Pack

Don't pack: too much clothing (1 change is enough), guns before water, fancy gadgets you haven't practiced with, anything heavy you've never carried. Weight kills speed. Speed saves lives.