A dependable backpack is the foundation of any effective emergency kit. At EmergencyKits.com, our backpacks are built for durability, comfort, and mobility, making it easy to grab your essentials and go when time matters most. Designed with rugged materials, multiple compartments, and practical features for organization and access, these backpacks help keep your emergency supplies secure, portable, and ready for real-world situations.
Find answers to the most common questions about backpacks and bug out bags, from what to pack and how much weight you can carry to planning for kids, pets, and situations where sheltering in place might be the better call — because when it's time to go, the last thing you want is to figure it out on the way out the door.
A general rule of thumb is to keep your bug-out bag at 15 to 20 percent of your body weight — light enough to carry for miles without causing fatigue or injury. Heavier bags may be manageable for short distances but can slow you down when it matters most. Test your packed bag on a 3 to 5 mile walk before committing to the final load.
A bug out bag can be a regular backpack or a specialty emergency kit backpack. Both are loaded with 72 hours of survival supplies (food, water, shelter, first aid, tools).
One well-stocked general bug-out bag covers most emergency scenarios. If you live in an area with specific regional risks, consider supplementing with a few scenario-specific items — like N95 masks for wildfires or extra warmth layers for winter emergencies. Think of it less as separate bags and more as knowing what to add based on the threat.
Plan for 1 liter of water per person per day, so roughly 3 liters carried in a reservoir or bottles for a 72-hour bag. Include a water filter or purification tablets for resupply along the way. For food, pack 9 meals worth of compact, calorie-dense options like food bars or freeze-dried pouches. Together, food and water should add up to around 10 to 12 lbs.
Store it near your primary exit (entry closet, garage, or mudroom). Stage a second bag at work if your commute is long. Do not store in the attic, far bedrooms, or behind other items that slow access.
Distribute supplies across family members' bags proportional to carrying capacity. Kids 8+ can carry 5 to 10 lbs. For pets, use a pet backpack or a pull-behind cart. Pre-plan evacuation routes and vehicle-first evacuation whenever possible.
Yes. A bug out bag covers the scenarios where shelter-in-place is not an option: wildfire evacuation, flood, structural damage, HVAC compromise, or civil unrest. Keep both a home kit (for shelter) and a go bag (for evacuation).
A 72-hour go bag should include water (3 liters), high-calorie food bars, a flashlight with extra batteries, a multi-tool, a whistle, a first aid kit, a mylar blanket, a fire starter, a N95 mask, water purification tablets, a compact rain jacket, cash, ID copies, and any prescription medications.