The Perfect Survival Pack - Building the Perfect 72 Hour Survival Kit

A well stocked survival pack could be the most important item you can take with you when a disaster is imminent. When there is no time to shop, and little time to plan.

You must have your gear ready to go the second you need it. Do not create your kit with the assumption everybody in your house will be available to help transport it.

There should be one kit created for every member of your family, this kit should be updated on an annual basis to reflect any changes in clothes sizes you may need. It is best to have the clothes contained in waterproof bags in the event of a wet disaster, such as a flood or hurricane disaster.

The number one rule is your gear should be portable. It is impossible to foresee what situations you may find yourself in.

You should have a torch or some form of lamp within easiest reach, so it should be the last thing you survival backpack into your kit, and thus the first thing at hand.

The following instructions are just a guide and intended to steer you in the right direction when thinking about constructing a emergency backpack. You may feel some are valuable and others are not really required.

Small storage devices for things such as food and water.

The bag to carry your gear should be well built and durable. Younger children should carry smaller bags.

You could also decide to contain your 72 hour disaster kit within a bucket. Not only can the bucket carry supplies but can also double as an emergency toilet.

It is advised to take some plastic bags such as bin liners or shopping bags, these can have many uses as well as double as an emergency toilet. Toilet paper is also a good idea.

Water and Fluids

The number one thing you will need during a disaster is clean water. It is possible to survive for longer without food than it is without water. You will require on average 1 gallon of water per person each day, this includes that used to keep clean.

Each person should carry their own water in personal bottles which are easier to carry and hoard. Simply put some water bottles in each persons kit. You will be unable to carry all the water you may require but will have enough for an emergency.

With the assumption that you will deplete your water supplies in a hurry it is recommended you have water purification tablets at hand, these will take up minimal space but could save your life.

Foodstuff

Supplement bars are a great idea, they are easy to carry, offer a great resource for much needed calories and will last a number of years in storage.

Meals, ready to eat. These are better known as the food soldiers will eat in the field. MRE's can be stored for many years also.

You can store dehydrated foods in 'Mylar Bags'. They are easy to use and take little time to prepare. They can be stored for an incredibly long period of time. Never forget the importance of fluids. Canned food is a good idea as they have a long lifespan and canned fruit comes in fruit juice, however it is important to remember the tin opener.

Protection from the elements

Shelter is important and should be as cozy as possible. Be certain to have items in your 72 hour disaster kit that will offer protection from the cold and supply some level of comfort.

Sleeping bags or emergency space blankets are a necessity. Be sure to purchase the one with the best grade possible.

You should have a portable stove in order to prepare food and boil water. You should keep fuel for your stove in your pack.

Boot or hand warmers are great, they can last a number of hours and will provide heat on demand.

You will need a method for creating fire or lighting your stove, waterproof matches and lighters will be needed.

Waterproof clothing such as raincoats will be required. This is where bin liners can come in handy, if lacking in waterproof clothing you can make your own poncho.

Lights

To save space you should try and take things that have more than one use, such as torches that are wind up radios or sirens.

Long lasting candles. Candles can be used for numerous tasks, they provide light and heat and can even be used to cook food.

With this advice and tips in hand, you should be able to create the perfect survival pack. Buying these items separately can sometimes be a little challenging and expensive. One great solution is to buy a ready made survival pack.