Welcome!
Welcome to week #1 in the “Survival Kit Ideas: A week by week approach” series.
This series is all about making it simple and do-able (and a bit fun!) to get a survival kit (aka 72 hr kit, bug out bag etc) put together for you and your family: something that will help you care for yourself without the aid of others for at least 3 days!
Creating such a kit can be overwhelming and financially difficult to do all at once. So, through this series, I’ve broken it down for you into 26 small steps! Just take one small baby step each week and in 6 months you will have a well stocked kit!
You can even go through the series a few times over a year or two adding just the most basic supplies the first 6 months and then a few more “extra” supplies each time you cycle through it again.
And don’t forget that I give stuff away each week too! I not only want to make this simple for you, but each week, I’d like to help one of you out financially by providing supplies to help you fulfill the coming week’s goals. To enter the drawing each week simply leave a comment about what you have done or plan to do for your kit that week!
Week #1: Packaging Your Kit
If you are just starting or will be seriously re-vamping your kit, you should start by deciding how you want to package it:
- It needs to be something you can carry relatively easily.
- It needs to be durable.
- It should be as lightweight as possible.
Here are a few ideas I’ve seen (and my opinions on them). Feel free to share your ideas and opinions if you’ve got them in the comments below:
Option #1: A cooler or suitcase on wheels
- Easy to drag behind you, meaning you don’t have to actually carry it.
- May be difficult to use over tough terrain.
- Would be heavy / difficult if you ever DID have to carry it.
- Durable.
Option #2: A large tupperware type tub.
- Relatively durable.
- Lightweight.
- Can easily see & find what is inside.
- Very difficult to carry.
Option #3: Backpacks*
*This adult backpack (the one pictured above) is currently on sale for Q-Club members for just $18.50!!! I just noticed this and have no idea how long this sale will last. This is the pack I use and I love it. That is an incredible price! (it retails at $32) If you have a Q, you can purchase it directly through this link. If you do not have a Q, but still want that price, you can fill out this form and I will place your order for you to get that price!
- Very lightweight, but must be on your back at all times.
- Will be heavy once packed.
- Could put them in a wagon and pull them unless / until forced to carry them.
Option #4: Wheeled Backpack
- Could be carried if needed, but can also be pulled behind you to make things easier unless covering rough terrain.
- Heavier than a traditional backpack would be.
What We Have Done in Our Family:
Right now, we have 2 adult backpacks* and 2 children’s backpacks. Only two of our four children would be able to carry a pack / walk on their own at all (the 4 yr old twins); the other two would need to be carried (a 2 yr old and 1 year old). Both my husband and I will need to have both hands free in order to be able to carry a child and manage another. So, we went with backpacks. Plus, the price can’t be beat! (as of April 2012: $8.95 for the children’s pack and $31.67 for the adult pack; contact me for current pricing). However, we will likely switch to wheeled backpacks eventually.
*This adult backpack (the one pictured above) is currently on sale for Q-Club members for just $18.50!!! I just noticed this and have no idea how long this sale will last. This is the pack I use and I love it. That is an incredible price! (it retails at $32) If you have a Q, you can purchase it directly through this link. If you do not have a Q, but still want that price, you can fill out this form and I will place your order for you to get that price!
How about you? / Enter Drawing
Leave me a comment and tell me how you’ve decided to package your kit. Remember, everyone who participates by leaving a comment will get one entry into this week’s free product drawing! This week’s winner will win the following package which will help them fulfill next week’s challenge:
And don’t forget….
Add at least $1 per person to your survival kit this week. Make sure you use $1 bills and / or quarters.
Last Week’s Winner:
I had 11 entries (only 1 entry per person) and according to random.org, comment number 3 or “Shauna H” was the winner. Congrats Shauna! I will contact you by email with details about how to claim your prize!
Is this the first time you are beginning this series or is this a second round? I am excited to get my bags up to date and reviewed, it will be interesting to see what I am missing…Thanks
This is the 1st round! I'm glad you have you join us!
Since we are somewhat tight on money for the next couple weeks due to me having a baby, I plan to use the suitcases we have on hand to pack our kits in. Once we have extra income again, I plan to buy backpacks since those are easier to carry.
Stormy,
I totally get the tight on money b/c of a baby thing! Suitcases will work just fine until then. I had my 72 hr kit in a suitcase for years before we moved it to backpacks last March. Good luck!
I have tracking down 55 gal drums to catch rain water but seems to be a demand on them. Also I bought 3 cases of water on sale and with coupons for $1.99 each..little bit at a time..
McKrysT: you can get 55 gallon drums here: yourownhomestore.shelfreliance.com/55-gallon-water-container.html They should be shipped out within 2 weeks.
we found some pretty decent backpacks at GoodWill recently. Until we can upgrade to bigger and better ones, these will work find. Looking into getting a hikers backpack for my husband. There are 6 of us… my kids are 14, 11, 3, and 2. so the little ones won't have much in their bags. any advice here on the extent to what they should have in theirs?
@ Rachel. I have my 2 yr old's stuff in my pack. I gave my boy's their own packs right around 3 yrs of age. I've listed what is in their packs here: http://www.yourownhomestore.com/2008/03/72-hr-kits.html (near the bottom of the post)
Do you own baby carriers? You can wear a backpack on the back and your baby on the front, or vice versa. Our Ergo supports up to 40 lbs of child, just in case you’re worried about carrying your little ones. It also has a zippered pocket, and a pull-up cover for their heads if it is in inclement weather.
Yes, I have a carrier and plan to strap the youngest to my front with a pack on my back. LOVE those carriers! I don’t have a cover for their heads though. Thanks for the tip!
What a great website! I need something like this!
Welcome Hilary!
I have yet to see anywhere where there are tips for handicapped persons in wheel chairs. We need survival kits too! I have two smaller duffel bags in my handicapped van and they stay there because in case of an emergency, I could not carry anything out. I do check them once or twice a year and update any medicines and food though. I did have a house fire 9 years ago and had to leave with only the clothes on my back and my purse. However, I was ok for three days because of what I had in my van.
Josie,
I hadn’t thought about that as it isn’t something I would have to face, but you are right: I should do a post about it as it is something important to many. I will put some time into doing some research and post on it in the future. If you have any tips for me, I’d love them! Just shoot me an email: misty@yourownhomestore.com
Thanks!
Misty
I have a backpacking backpack i had purchased years ago and am planning on using that, i do daycare so if i have to evacutate i will need 10 extra hands, so it has to be something i can carry! (and as it’s a high quality one it can take a lot weight without feeling heavy)! Just discovered your blog last night and excited to update and make my kit ready for real! (the one i have right now isn’t very good considering i need it to work for up to 10 kids and me!)
i used to do home childcare as well. it was a startling/overwhelming thing when i attended an emergency preparedness conference shortly after 9/11 and the reality of the fact i could easily be responsible for the whole house full of kids for an extended length of time. OMG…. it was hard enough getting a regular amount of diapers, wipes, etc out of hte parents for a normal week. it was a huge challenge to make sure i had supplies for the…. just in case situations. But… i never considered having to evacuate w all the kids. they didn’t mention that at the classes. most people just don’t think of having to leave their house.
i have been wondering how prepared the public schools are. we homeschooled our older boys and have just this yr sent them to school. have talked to them about having certainemergency supplies in their school backpacks.
I live in a tsunami zone, so that would be the only real reason i would evacuate with the kids (that i can think of anyway) most of my kids are all walkers so it would be more of keeping them all together that would be difficult (and i have a rope with plastic bracelets tied on it spaced out that we use on walks etc that would work in a pinch if needed), we also have a wagon thats nearly always out front that i would use for slow walkers etc. I’m not too worried about getting full changes of clothes etc for the kids, just whats needed for a few days survival, our city has placed barrels of supplies in the hills where we would evacuate to, and that along with the likely hood of many houses still standing in the area (and therefore supplies etc). I figure there is only so much i can do, I can do my best to be prepared, and not stress about it too much. OUr area schools practice evacuations at least a few times a year and i think basically rely on the barrels placed in the hills. The more likely situation would be a big storm with downed trees blocking roads etc and keeping parents from being able to pick up kids, and with those there is almost always plenty of warning, and with my well stocked pantry we would be ok for a few days (and living in a small town could relistically almost always walk around the downed trees etc). Of course there are the extreme situations, but I figure i can only do so much!
Sounds like a good plan Megan. It is never a good idea to overwhelm yourself! Just do what you can. But I have to say I admire you for thinking about it and doing what you can to plan beforehand!
We use smaller backpacks – I have issues trying to fit in our clothes…maybe I need to upgrade to a larger backpack.
PS – I really would love to win those water boxes for our cars!
My husband and keep our 72 hour kit with our camping supplies in a rolling, lockable trunk that can either be dragged behind us on foot, or thrown in the car if we can drive. We have some backpacks IN the trunk that have the “essentials” if we truly needed to run, but we like that we can have a few extras (sleeping pad, camping stove, etc) to make life more comfortable in a difficult situation.
Good idea Andrea!
I can’t believe how helpful it is to keep everything in one place. Your ideas are very on point. Just yesterday, we had tornado warnings and a watch here in our neighborhood, and it was awesome to know that with your help we have everything in our packs ready in the basement in case we needed to evacuate, but it actually gave me peace of mind to see them ready. I hope everybody takes this seriously. thanks again for your posts and blog.
SO SO wonderful to know that this is actually helping others Kelly! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a comment. So glad to hear you are safe.
working on getting things into the backpacks.
also working on getting things together to have in the kids school backpacks. seeing online that some are calling the car storage stuff Get Home Bags. i always have some stuff in my car but am trying to focus on getting it organized and in a backpack as well.
Yes, I really need to work on my car kit too Rachel. I typically keep this one in the car, but not always and there are some additional things I’d like to have in the car that are not in this kit…soon!
Definitely going with the backpacks. It would be nice to carry it all and have your hands free. I have a couple hiking backpacks that will work perfect. So glad I found your website just in time as you are starting on week 1!!!
Welcome Erin!
I think we will do backpacks. So glad I found your website just in time to start over with week 1! You are the best to share all this info.
Yay for week #1. Welcome!
I have a backpack with wheels and a handle so it can be worn or pulled. I also have an ice chest with wheels and a handle. We make sure we have enough bikes for everyone including the little kids. we have a bike trailer to pull them and other things.
LOVING the bike / trailer idea!
i found your website the other day, and i am loving it. i like how you start/go over your series again! we already have some back backs with something in them, and i am hoping that ill be able to add a lot more things to them
I figure I’ll always learn something more over the 6 months that I can add! (-:
Misty,
I just love your site and everything thrive! We ordered one of the 2 person survival packs when they were $72 and then my husband was a Marine so he has a pack that can carry a ton. If you can find one of those military issues packs at a thrift store it is a great way to have a very sturdy, big pack for CHEAP.
Oh, and are you giving away the prize packs again since this is the second time around for the series??? Just wondering.
Jennifer
Yes, I am still going the giveaway. It is just a bit different. Each giveaway will focus on the NEXT week’s assignment. So the items I give away will actually help you complete the assignment each week. (-:
I’m going to get the backpacks first!
We ordered the 2 person survival backpacks. I love how everything was already done for me. I just added some extra stuff and food. I need to get some child backpacks for my daugters.
Me too Amber… Aren’t those packs great!?!?!
The 2 person kits are a GREAT deal! They are a really great place to start!
I have a rubbermaid container with everything in it now. But I’m investing every week in inexpensive backpacks, so hopefully by the time I’m done with this round I’ll hopefully have 4 backpacks full of emergency gear!
Great goal Katie!
I have backpacks for myself, my husband and my oldest son. My youngest sons stuff is split up between the three other packs. I’m doing good with most things, but need to look closer at water storage!!
Water storage is always tough Robin. I have a pretty extensive post on it here if you are interested: http://www.yourownhomestore.com/2011/02/water-storage/
My friends Jodi and Julie also just had a great series all about water storage over the last month or so here: http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2012/04/05/water-storage-series-faq/
I think it is awesome you have all this information on here. I have been wanting really badly to start making emergency kits and what not for my family!! This helps out alot, thanks!! And I agree on the backpacks, I think I will also do that. Cant wait to do next weeks!!
Welcome Amber! I’m glad you like the site!
We also have chosen backpacks since they are easy to grab and let our hands be available for the baby.
The more hands the better, right? (-:
I think I would like backpacks. Love all your ideas!
Thanks Tamara!
I have backpacks for our family, and have had them for a while. I get so overwhelmed with what to pack, what isn’t necessary, etc. Thanks for laying it out week by week to make it simple for mom’s like me.
You are welcome Jen! Best of luck!
To be honest, I’d never thought about a survival kit before, but now that I have, I can’t wait to run out and start assembling it for some peace of mind. Thanks for the information!
And being that we have two small kids (1 year, 3 years) we’re definitely going with backpacks.
Glad to hear you are getting started Lori!
Ah! Im SO excited that you’re redoing the giveaway. I woke up this morning on a rampage to get my young family more prepared. (4 kids 5 and under). I’ve found some backpacks online Im just waiting for the hubs go ahead to order. Like you, we’ll need all hands free to manage the children.
The giveaways are so FUN! I plan on offering them for quite a while! (-:
so happy to have found your site!
We just started compiling info about 72 hr kits, so I will now be following along with your series!
We have backpacks and are ready to start filling them!
Yay! Welcome!
So glad I found your site. I always feel a little overwhelmed but breaking it down by weeks makes me feel so much more organized!! I’m going to start with some old rolling backpacks that I was thinking of getting rid off. THen upgrade when the funds are a little better.
Welcome Regi!
I am so excited about this! I just found your site today and I found two old school backpacks for me and my husband, just need a little something for my two year old to carry. Thanks!
Welcome Ivy! It makes it so much more fun when you are excited! (-:
Hello Misty! I found your site through a friend’s Facebook/Pintrest post. After glancing through your posts from round 1, I think I have most of these things already, but:
1) They are not centrally located.
2) Just because I know where they are doesn’t mean my husband does.
3) Most of the things we do have would be good for sheltering-in-place or evacuating by car but are too heavy or bulky for evacuating on foot.
I will focus on #1 and #3, and both naturally take care of #2.
I plan to package everything in a hiking backpack and a well-padded backpack we already own. Looking forward to week 2!
Sounds like a great plan Aimee!
SO happy I found this! We have been wanting to do a 72 hour kits for FOREVER for me, my hubby, daughter and 2 sons. I haven’t looked at everything yet, just week 1. Do you include any info on what to pack for dogs? i know it might sound crazy, but we wouldnt’ be able to just leave them stranded…..
Yep. Not crazy at all! It is important. However, I don’t have pets so my knowledge was a bit limited. I highly suggest you read all the readers comments! There are some great ideas there! Good luck:
http://www.yourownhomestore.com/2012/03/survival-kit-ideas-week-22-prepare-for-your-pet/
I think this is a great idea! I am just coming across this website via Pinterest so i am starting back at the beginning. My children are 10 & 11 and we buy them new backpacks for school every couple years..as you can imagine..we have lots of “old” backpacks from previous years. I am going to put some of the old backpacks to use..and i thank you for the idea!
Welcome! Free is always best! (-: Glad you have some packs you can easily use.
I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your ideas!
You are welcome Cassandra. Thanks for taking a minute to say thanks!
I just bought a wheeled carry-on suitcase for a train trip to DC (from Mississippi). After the one trip, I shall repurpose it for this more important project. …I have other luggage for more usual car trips. I’m planning my kit for a family of four. I’ve been needing to do this for awhile, and have gathered some things into a notebook, but your ideas are much more thorough and practical for emergency preparedness. Thanks for all the helps I will be using every week. This is going to be really good for us!
karen
Great Re-purposing! (-:
I just want to post a word or two about backpacks. I have been working on my bug-out bags for a while and I first just got a decent backpack like the kids might use for school. These are OK if you don’t have any other resources, but the weight in the pack is all on your shoulders. I have tried hiking some with a pack like this and it is incredibly tiring in just a short time. I know we have to work with what we have, but you might just consider getting one of the camping backpacks that have the substantial belt that goes around your waist. The weight of the pack is supported by your hips and makes traveling for any distance, much easier. I recently bought this type of pack and I really love it. I am a grandma and hiking with a 30-40 pound pack on my shoulders isn’t something I could do very easily (probably not at all). I keep this pack in my car so I will have it if I need to get home somehow. Also, it is at home when I am and is easily accessible if I need to leave from there.
I am glad that so many of you are getting prepared. Begin with what you have, but if you can save up the money and get the one shown above (or one similar) I know you will be very glad that you did. I was blessed to find the one I bought on clearance online. It was a $200 backpack that I found for $35. They are sold out now, but maybe you can find a similar deal for the kind of pack that you want. Good luck!
Great suggestions Envy! The pack I link to above for $18.50 has a substantial waist belt. (-:
We are just getting started, I just found your page. There are five of us, my husband and I and 3 boys 15,14, and 4 so I think we will go with backpacks.
Welcome Kathy!
We were just working on our packs tonight. The kids (11,7,3,1) all have a pack (school size). my husband and I each have a pack (hiking). One of the adult kits will have the more esssential stuff in it, the other will have the less essential stuff. We did it this way just incase I am home alone with the kids and he is at work. I couldn’t take all the kids and two hiking packs. We also all have bikes and a bike trailer, in fact we have two trailers. Something I was thinking about was maybe we should have a small bike pump, and extra tubes or a patch kit. I know my kids tires are always going flat, and I would hate to be stuck with a flat tire.
We have the same arrangement with the packs Melinda, but I like the bike trailer idea!
Just found this site thanks to a friend on Pinterest. Thank you for putting the time into this site & allowing people to post. Many minds can make life MUCH easier! I can’t wait to begin my prepping
Welcome Debbie!
Misty,
I just found your sight thru Pinterest & I am in love. =) I have been meaning to start my emergency kits for some time now, but I get so overwhelmed. This is such a great idea to break it down weekly. Thank You!!!
Now for my question. I am going to price shop for good back packs but the ones you listed about seem pretty great and great pricing. If I’m wanting 2 Adult and 2 Child Packs, Do I just give you my info thru the form posted above?
Thanks,
Brooke
Welcome Brooke! I’m glad you are enjoying the site! Thanks for taking the time to let me know that.
As for your order, yes, just enter your info here: https://fs20.formsite.com/yourownhomestore/form13/secure_index.html
In the “anything else you want me to know?” section, just mention that you’d also like 2 kids packs. I will email you the total with shipping / tax before I actually place the order with Shelf Reliance. (-:
Very cool site!
Thanks Marilyn!
Starting at the beginning, I will use my suitcase on wheels.
Welcome Mary!
I just stumbled across your sight through Pinterest! I am so excited to get started!
Glad to have you here Melissa!
We live in tornado alley so I have a large rubber made tote that I keep stocked that says in our cellar so when the sirens go off I can focus on getting my kids safely down the steep steps. I really like the ideas I have seen about keeping the emergency stuff I have in my car in a backpack of some kind to better find what I need in that situation and it would help keep the kids calm. One thing I keep for my 4 year old daughter is a coloring book and small box of crayons in the cellar, it occupys her and distracts her from the bad weather going on around her and also a stuffed animal. It’s the little things of comfort that help as well with kids.
I agree Stephanie! I’ve got similar things in our kits for the kids!
Can I still get the prices listed for backpacks? We would love 2 adult and 2 kid backpacks.
I found you by one of my friends posting your site to pinterest. I’ve been meaning to start a 72 hour kit, but never had the motivation until seeing your site!
Welcome Danika!