Evacuation backpack – what should be inside? 72-hour emergency kit list

An evacuation backpack — also known as a 72-hour emergency kit or bug out bag — is a kit prepared for sudden evacuation or a prolonged lack of access to infrastructure. Crisis management institutions recommend readiness for a minimum of 72 hours — this is the time needed for services to restore basic services after typical events (flood, blackout, fire).

10 elements of an evacuation backpack

1. Water and filtration

A person can survive several weeks without food, but only 3 days without water. The minimum is 2 liters per person per day. For the backpack: a bottle or hydration bladder, water purification tablets and a portable filter (e.g., LifeStraw) — allows the use of stagnant water when supplies run out.

2. Food for 72 hours

Choose products that do not require cooking and have a long shelf life: energy bars, freeze-dried food, canned goods, military rations. Calorie target: approximately 1500–2000 kcal/day per person.

3. Flashlight and lighting

LED flashlight + headlamp (hands-free) + spare batteries. Emergency candles or a solar lamp are a good complement — they do not consume batteries during prolonged use in camp.

4. Emergency radio

When the internet and mobile telephony fail, an FM/AM radio remains the most reliable source of information from emergency services. Choose a model with a hand crank, solar panel, and USB charging — independent of batteries.

5. First aid kit

Minimum: elastic and compression bandages, dressings, antiseptic, plasters, disposable gloves, scissors, pain relievers, and personal prescription medications (5–7 day supply). Regularly check expiration dates.

6. Documents and cash

Scans or copies: ID card, passport, insurance policies, birth certificate, driving license. Preferably in a waterproof envelope or pouch. Cash in small denominations — payment terminals may not work in a power outage.

7. Knife or multitool

A multitool (e.g., Leatherman, Victorinox) is a single item replacing scissors, a screwdriver, a can opener, and a saw. Indispensable in the field and for emergency repairs.

8. Power bank

Minimum capacity of 20,000 mAh — enough for approximately 4–6 smartphone charges. Models with a solar panel as a backup when there is no possibility of charging from the grid. A phone is for family communication, navigation, and access to information.

9. Clothing and thermal protection

Rain jacket, hat, gloves, and NRC thermal blanket (emergency foil, 150×200 cm) — weighs 50g and can save a life in hypothermia. Wool socks: warm even when wet.

10. Hygiene products

Wet wipes (will replace water if tap water is unavailable), antibacterial gel, toilet paper, trash bags (multifunctional — rain protection, water container).

How to plan your kit — practical tips

• 30–40 L backpack per adult — this is what you can carry for several hours of walking
• Families: several smaller backpacks are better than one large one — everyone carries their own
• Check contents every 6 months — batteries, food, and medicines have expiration dates
• Keep the backpack in an accessible place — not in a basement covered with other things
• Tell household members where it is and what it contains — in stress, there's no time to search

Ready-made backpack or custom kit?

Assembling it yourself gives you full control over equipment selection — but requires time and knowledge. A ready-made evacuation backpack already has selected, tested equipment for the 72-hour scenario — it saves time and eliminates the risk of missing something important. A good practice is to buy a ready-made kit as a base and supplement it with personal medications, documents, and specific family needs.

See our offer: Emergency Backpacks and 72h Survival Kits →