According to Ready.gov, emergency preparedness involves the ability to rely on your own resources such as food, water, and supplies for a limited period. Ready.gov is a resource provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that focuses on emergency readiness. One way to achieve this preparedness is through the use of an emergency kit, also known as a survival kit. Having a kit can help you feel more ready and prepared for emergency situations. However, a recent survey from FEMA in 2022 reveals that almost half of Americans have yet to take any steps towards emergency preparedness. If you are interested in starting your own household emergency kit, we have gathered some of the top kits and supplies for you to consider.
Our List
Judy the Mover Max
Judy has positioned itself as a collection of digitally connected emergency kits that are designed to be prepared for anything. The founder and CEO, Simon Huck, has a background in public relations. What sets Judy apart from other kits is the educational element it offers. By entering your Zip Code on their website, you can discover the primary risks in your area, such as pandemics, flooding, snow, hurricanes, and even “terrorism” in my case, as I live in Brooklyn. Customers are also requested to provide their phone number so that Judy can send updates and tips, like reminders to replace the battery in your home’s carbon monoxide detector. While the kit itself cannot be customized, it does come in various sizes ranging from a fanny-pack for a single person to a “vault” for four in a plastic box. I personally tested the Mover, a backpack for two people. It is constructed with a waterproof material and features a stuff-sack-style waterproof closure, as well as multiple handles for easy transportation. However, Hobel cautioned that the material is not extremely durable, as it can be penetrated by a locust thorn without any issue.
Referring to its contents, the boxes contain three cardboard boxes filled with gear, with each one being categorized. Included in the gear are two dust masks (not N95 masks), a whistle, a first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, and a pre-charged, single-use phone charger. However, many of the gear items did not meet Hobel’s standards. For example, the first-aid kit did not have an elastic bandage for sprains, and the Judy-branded work gloves were not waterproof. Additionally, there was no water bottle or water filtration system provided, only water packets. According to Hobel, these packets are more suitable for situations where one is actively moving, rather than just staying at home.
Unchartered Supply Co. The SEVENTY2 Pro
The backpack from Unchartered Supply Co. was the most comfortable out of all the backpacks I tested. It was also the most similar to my technical Gregory backpacking pack. Despite having the heaviest contents, it was still the most comfortable because of its proper lumbar strap and adjustable chest strap. However, there was a drawback in that all the contents were stored in a nylon insert. This meant that to access any single piece of gear, the entire bag had to be emptied out. This could be very inconvenient in emergency situations where a quick grab-and-go is necessary. Additionally, the lack of space in the rest of the bag made it difficult to fit items like extra clothing or prescription medications into the already tightly packed insert.
The gear inside the nylon insert was of high quality. For instance, the first-aid kit included a wrap for sprains and various useful tools like tweezers and surgical-style scissors. What made it unique was the inclusion of a water filtration system and a knife, although Hobel noted that the knife is not ideal for hunting in the woods. Additionally, it featured an Eton hand-crank radio, which is recommended by the American Red Cross and was the only kit that provided warmth with two acrylic hats. However, the downside is that all the gear is bulky and heavy, requiring substantial knowledge to use correctly once removed from the insert.
Preppi The Prepster Backpack
Despite Oprah’s endorsement, the Preppi backpack falls short in comparison to the other options I looked into, especially when considering survivalist requirements. It starts with the bag itself, which is made of canvas and not waterproof, putting all of your gear at risk of getting wet during an emergency. Additionally, the bag’s closure is secured only by a leather strap, making it susceptible to easy cutting. While it may be a stylish and fashionable backpack, it lacks functionality and could have been improved, particularly in terms of the straps. Hobel agrees with this assessment, stating that the Preppi backpack is not only small but also the most uncomfortable to carry due to its internal metal frame and flimsy leather straps that dig into the shoulders. After walking just a mile with it, I was already irritated by its discomfort, making me dread the thought of having to carry it for any extended distance.
Essential Emergency Supplies
First Aid Only All-Purpose First Aid Kit (FAO-442)
According to First Aid Only, the First Aid Only All-Purpose Essential Soft-Sided First Aid Kit is a soft pouch that can hold approximately 300 pieces of diverse first aid supplies. These supplies consist of adhesive bandages, cold packs, and aspirin, among other items.
On Amazon, the First Aid Only All-Purpose Essentials Soft-Sided First Aid Kit has garnered a 4.8-star rating based on more than 68,000 reviews.
Hipat Whistle, 2 Packs Plastic Sports Whistles with Lanyard
These Hipat sports whistles are available in two materials, plastic and stainless steel, depending on your preference. Each pack includes two whistles with lanyards, allowing you to hang them around your neck when they are not being used.
With over 9,900 reviews on Amazon, these plastic variants have received a 4.6 star rating.
GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight
The GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight is powered by three AAA batteries and has a beam that can be adjusted from wide to narrow to provide illumination up to a distance of 1,000 feet ahead. According to the company, it is the top-selling flashlight on Amazon and is sold in a pack of two. Additionally, it possesses water-resistant capabilities.
With over 71,000 reviews on Amazon, the GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight has received a stellar rating of 4.6 stars.
AmazonBasics 8-Pack AA High-Performance Alkaline Batteries
According to Amazon, the AmazonBasics 8-Pack AA High-Performance Alkaline Batteries are suitable for various devices such as flashlights and clocks, providing dependable performance. Amazon ensures that these batteries have a shelf life of 10 years without leakage. It’s important to note that they are not rechargeable.
On Amazon, the AmazonBasics 4-Pack AA High-Performance Alkaline Batteries has received over 685,000 reviews and holds a rating of 4.7 stars.
FosPower 2000mAh NOAA Emergency Weather Radio Portable Power Bank
The FosPower 2000mAh NOAA Emergency Weather Radio Portable Power Bank serves as both a traditional battery-powered handheld radio and a 2000mAh portable power bank. It allows you to charge your smartphones and other devices in case of a power outage. FosPower provides three options to power the AM/FM radio: using three AAA batteries, utilizing the hand-crank lever, or relying on the solar panel. Additionally, the radio is equipped with a reading light and a flashlight.
With an impressive 4.6-star rating, the FosPower 2000mAh NOAA Emergency Weather Radio Portable Power Bank has garnered over 30,000 reviews on Amazon.
REI Co-op HunkerDown 20 Sleeping Bag
According to the brand, this sleeping bag from REI is capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It features a wrap-around zipper which can serve as a ventilation option or can be completely opened to use the bag as a quilt. This sleeping bag is suitable for most adults as it measures slightly over six and a half feet in length.
