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We've picked out some of the best survival kits on the market and compiled them into a list for your perusal. Our favorite survival kit is the Everlit 250-piece Tactical Survival First Aid Kit. The bag is sturdy and water-resistant and contains essentials like a paracord bracelet, a first aid kit, and a firestarter. In case you're at a loss of where to start, we've attached a buying guide and expert recommendations in emergency preparation.
Motivated by an unsettling news headline in 2009, Lisa Bedford began digging around the internet for information about how she could protect her family. She sorted through mountains of information and began her "prepping" journey. She runs her own site, The Survival Mom Blog, where she writes about not only survival and preparedness, but also home and family life, homeschooling, and living a frugal lifestyle. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter, and find her tips and tricks to living a prepared life.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Choosing a survival kit can be a daunting task with a lot of components to consider. There are so many, in fact, that we asked Lisa, a “survival mom,” for some help sifting through them all, leaving you with the right kit in hand.
There are survival kits for general use or more specific situations. Look for a kit that fits your needs and circumstances, whether it be camping in remote areas, living areas prone to natural disasters, or having a basic survival kit for the family.
The next necessity is shelter-related items that will keep you warm and dry. This includes a poncho and emergency blanket. While some survival kits come with sleeping bags and tents, most only come with thin blankets. However, you can spend money on a compact, high-quality blanket and add that to your kit. Wool is a popular choice for blankets. It's warm, thick, water-resistant, and fire-resistant.
You’ll also need to keep warm and have a light source to get around safely. Look for a fire starter, lighter, or even waterproof matches to start a flame. A portable light source is optimal, whether it be a LED flashlight, keychain flashlight, or headlamp for a hands-free option.
First aid kits are also essential. Most of the included first aid kits in survival bags have the basics, such as alcohol wipes, gauzes, and bandages. If you're preparing for a major disaster or are far from civilization, check to see if there are supplies for major trauma, like tourniquets, a CPR face shield, or trauma pads.
You can never go wrong with cutting tools in your survival kits like a knife to cut bandages, make firewood, or prepare food. Many kits include multitools to handle a variety of tasks. Other kits take it a step further and have tools for fishing if your food supply becomes scarce and you need to take matters into your hands.
I recommend SOS bars, available on Amazon and from survival-supply websites. These bars are intentionally high in calories and fat and nutritionally dense enough to provide energy. Don’t pack anything with chocolate since it melts; a mess is the last thing you want to deal with in a crisis.
The thin mylar "emergency blanket" included in many store-bought kits can be handy for signaling, catching water, and possibly as a ground cover. But for warmth, you'll need first to consider your most important cold-weather defense: your clothing. Don't rely on that fragile layer of mylar in cold weather conditions! Instead, for a little more money, consider an extremely lightweight sleeping bag.
If you’re looking for extra signal assurance, you can also invest in a personal locator beacon (PLB), which is not usually included in survival kits. Whatever signaling device you choose, make sure you know how to use it properly. It will help to have more than one when with family or friends.
Personal hygiene can also often be overlooked. Some kits include personal hygiene items, but if your kit doesn't, add them. Keeping bacteria off your hands and out of your mouth can save your life. Your first aid kit will most likely include hand sanitizer and antiseptic wipes that can be used to keep your hands clean. Some kits include moist towelettes or wet naps to clean your body, too.
For signaling, a whistle is very effective. Buy a high-quality, heavy-duty whistle, one that is not susceptible to freezing. You can only yell or scream for a short time, but a whistle will allow you to make loud, repetitive sounds to attract attention. If you have a mylar emergency blanket, it can be used to attract attention as a reflective device.
For hygiene, pack a bar of all-purpose soap in a water-tight plastic container. You can use it as shampoo, body soap, hand soap, dish detergent, and even for your laundry. It's cheap and extremely versatile. A roll of toilet paper with the inner cardboard tube removed can be flattened and stored in a plastic bag or a vacuum-sealed pouch.
If you find yourself stranded near a large body of water, you can use that to your advantage. Not only will you have a steady food supply from fishing, but you'll also have a freshwater supply if you have a water filtration system. Common systems are water purification tablets or a LifeStraw. These systems are best for one or two people on the go. Larger systems will be needed for groups of people or families.
Rope or paracord is also helpful and invaluable in the wild. You can use it as tinder, for rappelling, to carry stuff like firewood, to tie down your tent, or build a raft or shelter. The list goes on and on. Finally, a map and compass are time-tested alternatives to GPS technology if you're separated from the rest of your supplies or group.
If wilderness living and survival appeal to you, begin taking Bushcraft classes. That’s where you’ll learn how to construct shelters using only the materials provided by nature, start a fire without any fire starter, stay warm, stay cool in hot weather, tend to injuries.
An effective water filter - one that can guarantee safe drinking water in a wilderness setting - must be able to carry the water. A LifeStraw or a Sawyer Mini Filter are both good options. You’ll find DIY water filter instructions online, but a filter made of gravel, charcoal, and sand has no way of filtering out what is most dangerous—microorganisms that can cause deadly illnesses.
Water can warp a door; an earthquake can jam it. Make sure your survival pack includes an escape tool, whether it be a glass-breaker or some other item. Glass-breakers are invaluable for vehicles. If you accidentally end up driving into a deep body of water, the water pressure makes it difficult to open doors. Being able to break the car windows is a life-saver. Seat-belt cutters can also save your life if the fastener jams.
Other nifty tools to have in your survival kit to expand its capabilities are multi-function cards or saber cards, screwdrivers, and tactical pens. Multi-function cards are flat, steel, wallet-sized multitools that have cord-cutters, rulers, bottle openers, screwdrivers, and peelers built into their designs. Tactical pens are thick, heavier pens with sharper tips and a back end that can break glass. These are readily available in most survival kits today and can be purchased separately if need be.
To find high-quality, durable tools, start visiting estate sales. Some of the best "made in the USA" tools were manufactured in the 1950s and 60s. Hand tools such as a claw hammer are versatile and should be part of your emergency gear. As part of your vehicle kit, purchase a multi-use tool, such as the OWL Car Window Breaker & Seatbelt Cutter.
Ensure everyone you normally travel with knows where this tool is and what is in your vehicle emergency kit. In a panic, no one is going to think, "Maybe there’s something in the glove compartment" while you’re watching the car fill with water. Everyone should know where the tool is and how to use it.
If you're very inexperienced, you may need more tools than a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or survivalist. Make sure you know how to use all of your tools beforehand. First and foremost, look for a first aid manual. Then, if there are any tools or gadgets you’re unfamiliar with, check for instructions. Most kits will have manuals and instructions for all of their contents.
Survival kits geared towards wilderness survival can also benefit beginners but have tools that people may not know how to use. Firestarters, water filtration systems, and multi-functional cards are not common items and may have a learning curve. These kits also sometimes include information on finding shelter, searching for sources of water, and gathering edible plants. This usually isn't common knowledge, so they will be beneficial for campers or those that want to leave an urban environment during a crisis.
If you buy a pre-made emergency kit, review all the contents as soon as you receive it. That supply gear is only going to help you survive if you know what it is, where it is, and how to use it! Shop carefully for your kit, as some of them contain poor-quality supplies.
For example, a flimsy multi-tool that breaks the first time you use it. If you’re depending on this kit to keep you safe and possibly save lives, don’t leave anything to chance. If you find yourself in a survival scenario in the wilderness, youʼll need to learn how to find water and food sources. Learning how to forage for safe, edible plants or berries is invaluable.
Most bags are water-resistant but not waterproof. They repel some splashing, which is good for walking through a drizzle. But if you live in a rainy area like Louisiana and expect to get stuck during a rainstorm, we recommend looking for something completely waterproof. Plastic containers are a great waterproof option and many survival kits have a plastic case.
If you can’t find anything waterproof, at least look for a bag or container where the contents are individually wrapped, sealed, or made of some other watertight material.
Next, if your kit comes in its backpack, make sure it’s comfortable to carry for long periods. That means checking if the straps are sturdy, properly padded, and suited for your height. If you prefer a pouch-type kit, ensure it can attach to your backpack easily and securely or slip it into your bag without taking up too much room.
Many survival and emergency kits use MOLLE technology, also referred to as being MOLLE-compatible. MOLLE stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. MOLLE-compatible equipment has strips of heavy-duty nylon sewn into it so that the item can be attached or secured to another compatible object, usually a larger backpack. This system makes it easy to attach other pouches and packs to a larger backpack or bag.
Survival kits can also come in a plastic bin, container, bucket, or duffel bag. These storage methods are versatile and can be used for other purposes such as bathing, washing dishes, or collecting water.
Most backpacks are made of heavy-duty fabric, but look for very sturdy stitching and seams. Imagine dragging that bag along a sidewalk or dirt path. Will it hold up under very rugged treatment? My own bag is from Flying Circle, whose products I highly recommend.
Although these heavy-duty bags are typically favored for emergency kits, in some cases a thin nylon backpack may be better because it’s lightweight. Not every person can carry a bag weighing 30 or 40 pounds when fully loaded, so keep in mind the importance of matching the bag to the person.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Everlit 250 Pieces Survival First Aid Kit | $39.95 Low Mid | Best Single-Person Kit for Beginners | ||
2 | Sustain Supply Co. Premium Family Emergency Survival Bag | $299.00 High | Best Kit for Families | ||
3 | Surviveware Survival First Aid Kit | $89.95 Mid | Best Kit for Day Hikes | ||
4 | Taiker First Aid Kit Survival Kit | $47.99 Mid | Best Kit for Camping | ||
5 | Kosin Survival Gear and Equipment | $24.99 Low | Best Waterproof Kit for Aquatic Emergencies | ||
6 | Aokiwo Premium Disaster Preparedness Survival Kit | $30.59 Low Mid | Best Kit for Fishing | ||
7 | ReadyAmerica Mark 1 Survival Kit | $37.96 Low Mid | Best Kit for Urban Areas | ||
8 | Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag | $149.99 High Mid | Best Kit for Natural Disasters | ||
9 | Everlit Earthquake Bug Out Bag Emergency Survival Kit | $164.95 High Mid | Best Kit for First Aid | ||
10 | Everlit Emergency Survival Kit | $74.95 Mid | Best Kit for Hot Climates |
Pros:
Cons:
Everlit's 250-piece Tactical Survival Kit contains tools that will help you in most situations. This water-resistant, military-grade EMT kit contains basic essentials like a paracord bracelet, tactical knife, fire starter, and a multi-function tool card. It also has a robust 241-piece first aid kit for scrapes, wounds, and burns. All of the items included in this kit are survival essentials you'll be happy to have.
Some reviewers comment that the bag is smaller than they expected. They also express the desire for items like a tourniquet and more first aid supplies to be included. Mostly, customers say that this is a good startup bag for beginners. They also like the pack’s durability, despite its size. Customers also purchase this kit for their kids and like it for their homes.
Cons:
This Premium Comfort4 Family Survival Kit has 105 brand named items put together by survival experts for your family's peace of mind. There is enough food and water to sustain four people for 72-hours. Included are four survival straws, emergency blankets, a portable stove, and eating utensils. There are also bath wipes and a firestarter kit with tinder.
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Cons:
The Surviveware Survival First Aid Kit is a water-and-rip resistant pouch with Molle compatibility so you can easily attach it to your car seats or hiking pack. It includes glowsticks, a signal mirror, and a few tactical items like a knife and paracord bracelet. The 100-piece first aid kit covers most medical issues that could come up on your hike. You can even check with your FSA/HSA company, as this item can be purchased with such plans.
A few reviewers feel that some of the supplies are not durable and not enough is included to cover someone in a true emergency. On a positive note, most customers love that the bag is lightweight and strong. They also appreciate the labeling and Molle compatibility. Many noted it's one of the best first aid kits they have used.
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Cons:
This unique, 151-piece emergency kit by Taiker has camping equipment like a fire starter, a foot-long ax, and a four-in-one camping utensil. A waterproof, windproof emergency shelter and blankets are also included as an excellent backup for your tent and sleeping supplies. Fishing gear is also in this kit in the event of a food shortage.
A few users find this pack to be too small for their needs and say that the knife doesn’t fold well. On the other hand, many reviewers report that the majority of the items are of good quality, especially the ax. They also love the inclusion of the hand-cranked flashlight and the emergency shelter.
Pros:
Cons:
This portable, lightweight survival kit is outfitted with several tactical pieces, including a knife, a pen, a paracord bracelet, and a multifunctional card for the savvy explorer in a tight situation. The kit is made from waterproof, ABS plastic, perfect for watery, rainy areas, hurricane emergencies, or floods. The pocket bellow and firestarter are great additions to start and sustain a fire.
To some reviewers, this kit is too small and can't fit the items back inside easily. They also have issues with the compasses working properly. Yet, many reviewers find that the kit easily fits into a hiker's backpack. They like that the whistle is loud and find the large gold compass to be a nice touch. One reviewer reports that the contents stayed dry even after they submerged the kit.
Pros:
Cons:
Aokiwo's 126-piece survival kit is a portable, durable, water-resistant kit that will serve you well in the wilderness. Unlike most kits, fishing wire, lures, and weights are included in case you run out of food. The tactical pen, multitool pliers, and multifunctional card can service all of your needs while roughing it in the great outdoors.
Several reviewers remark that the kit is rather small and a few items, like the compass and knife, broke rather easily. On the other hand, many reviewers comment that this kit is great for boats, cars, and other vehicles. They love that the case is compact, heavy-duty, and keeps materials dry even when doused with water.
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Cons:
The ReadyAmerica 3-Day Emergency Kit has all the basics for those that can't immediately access emergency services. The kit includes two 2,4000-calorie rations and 12 pouches of water in case there is no access to food or clean water. Two 12-hour safety light sticks give you light in the event of power outages and the included first aid kit can treat basic injuries.
Some reviewers comment that the food and water rations are not enough to last two people for three days. However, many reviewers find the bag to be sturdy and happily received a deluxe camouflage option from the company. They also comment that it is a good starter kit for areas that experience frequent natural disasters and are a great size for their children.
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Cons:
Redfora's comprehensive emergency kit is thoroughly organized with sealed, labeled, color-coded pouches so you can easily access everything in an emergency. Natural disasters often leave people homeless and without viable food or water. This kit takes care of that with three days worth of food, a portable stove, a tent, and a sleeping bag. Redfora offers kits for up to six people.
A few reviewers mention that the bag is rather heavy and their water pouches were leaking. They also mention that the zippers can be flimsy. However, many customers love that a radio, charger, and battery-less flashlight are included. They also find that the bag is sturdy and love the bag's organization.
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Cons:
Everlit's Earthquake Emergency Kit has the essentials to tide two to three people over during a crisis for 72 hours. The advanced first aid kit includes 200 items, including a military-grade tourniquet and a CPR kit for serious emergencies. Each high-quality item is chosen by U.S veterans. The hefty pack is water-resistant and Molle compatible. An emergency shelter and hand crank charger and radio are also included.
According to a few reviewers, the straps or buckles are not durable or secure. However, many reviewers comment that this kit is a great start to building a bug-out bag. They appreciate the included emergency shelter, food, and water. They also like how roomy the bag is and report that there is more space to add items and customize the contents.
Pros:
Cons:
Everlit's 42-liter Tactical Backpack has a ventilated back to dry sweat and a built-in two-liter hydration pouch for a hands-free supply of water. The hydration pouch is a dust cover to prevent sand or debris from tainting your water supply and a leak-proof mouthpiece to preserve every drop. This kit also has a foldable shovel which can be used in for different purposes, like starting fires, chopping, and self-defense.
A few reviewers mention that the multitool pliers are only keychain-sized and flimsy. They also point out that the compass is either incorrect or breaks fairly quickly. On the other hand, most customers love the quality of the tactical shovel. They say that the water bladder is durable and never leaks and the mouthpiece is of excellent quality, as well.
It is also equally important to ensure the survival kit has enough necessities for your group. While most companies will state how many people and how many days their kits are meant to support, it won't hurt to do a full inventory check.
Even if there’s enough food and water for everyone, there might not be enough first aid to cover more than one traumatic injury or masks for more than one person. Double-checking the contents of your survival kits also eliminates the risk of possible missing items from the supplier. A double-check will also show you what items need to be bought and added separately.
Checking reviews for quality and examining everything in it beforehand really pays off. Make sure items are not damaged and function as they should. Make sure flashlights or headlamps work accordingly and anything flimsy, thin, or torn is replaced. Otherwise, your supplies will be useless to you when you need them most.
Every survival kit should be customized to the needs of yourself and your family or group. Consider ages, health issues, and physical condition. If a kit becomes too large and heavy, break the contents into one or two smaller packs.
This will allow the younger or weaker members to share the load but not be overwhelmed by a heavy burden. The more fit members can then add items to their own packs to help with redundancy or comfort—for example, more food, an extra water filter, or a better-equipped medical kit.
There is no perfect go-bag on the market for every person. Therefore, you will most likely have to build on your survival kit. Some necessities are not included in most survival kits because they're not ubiquitous needs; if they're a must for you, consider adding them into yours.
For families and pet owners, add food for pets and babies. Family preppers will also need kid-sized ponchos, children's medication, prescription medication, sanitary pads for women, diapers for babies, and such. Furthermore, jackets and changes of clothing are essential if the emergency is extended. These are only a few examples, and you can freely customize your go-bag accordingly.
A well-equipped survival kit is something everyone should own, but it’s not enough to just make the purchase! Take on the responsibility of customizing it to your personal needs. If there are medical issues, pack supplies, medication, and remedies for them.
Once you’ve purchased the kit, pull it apart and examine the contents. You don’t want to open your kit for the first time ever in the middle of a disaster and not know what’s inside or how to use it.
In line with preparing for emergencies, you might be interested in a few more add-ons to your survival kits, such as those listed below.
If you're wanting more options, check out Amazon's best-selling list of survival kits below.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Everlit|250 Pieces Survival First Aid Kit
No. 2: Sustain Supply Co.|Premium Family Emergency Survival Bag
No. 3: Surviveware|Survival First Aid Kit
No. 4: Taiker|First Aid Kit Survival Kit
No. 5: Kosin|Survival Gear and Equipment
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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