Remaking my 3-day survival box, what should I add?
Posted by Content_NoIndex@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 48 comments
I’m remaking my 3-day “survival box” and wanted to get some fresh ideas from the community. Right now I have copies of important documents, a flashlight with extra batteries, a small battery radio, food for three days, and water stored separately.
I’m trying to keep it compact but complete, something I can grab quickly in case of power cuts, evacuation, or short-term disruption.
What other items do you think are worth adding? I’m thinking about hygiene, warmth, or comfort items, but I’m open to all tips or clever additions you’ve discovered over time.
ArcaneLuxian@reddit
I keep a copy of all documents, phone numbers, and other important information scanned on a thumb drive. Don't forget scanned/copies of passports, IDs, insurance, bank information, marriage license, deeds/pink slips, passwords/logins. We also have our hardcopies but this is just another back up.
Conscious-Fee7844@reddit
Question for those making 3 to 5 day "go" bags. I've seen locations out of power/water for week+ with aide coming in to help. What would be a reason you'd make a bag that for the most part seems like you're heading for the forest/mountains to wait out a few days? I see various posts about food, water, etc. Is it the assumption that you have cash, gas in the car for 200 to 400 mile range, and you wont find anywhere that has power, food, etc?
Hear me out. I am asking because in my mind.. the only situation that is going to warrant that is either a terrorist attack that takes out infrastructure.. or civil war, or maybe a very bad thing like massive fire or storm. All of which are super rare, and more so, if the latter two happened with even minimal warning you can typically use your credit card, cash, stay with friends/relatives, etc.
So to me.. preparing a bag that is only going to be 3 to 5 days or so.. seems like I could just drive a few hours in some direction and find a motel/hotel, friend/family, even camp at a local camp site, and be ok. Otherwise, I am thinking.. in my situation I got several bags I am setting up for when weeks+ is the situation. Water filters, ammo/guns, first aid, rope, and more. The only thing I dont have any stock on yet is food.. which though we all need, the reality is you can go for weeks without food. Not ideal.. I know. But worse case.. you're likely going to find someone you can trade with.. again I realize not in all situations, but more so than not.
Just trying to understand the 3 to 5 day go bag scenario. To me I am setting up for civil war or pandemic wipes out everything and we're living in the mountains. Otherwise, I am thinking a tent in my back yard, some batteries, and rain water or walk to the near by lake (ok.. ride my bike) to get water. Some canned food/rice, etc.
Honestly not trying to be an ass. I am trying to learn all this and prepare.. now more than ever the way the country is going.
Sorry_Standard_5872@reddit
I know I'm going to repeat some items, but here we go:
Map and compass and/or GPS - specifically a road atlas, if it's a mass evacuation or you're trying to avoid major arteries that'll come in handy. Whistle - great for signaling. I like the Fox 40 (three of anything is the universal sign of distress) Chapstick Small hygiene kit Wipes, baby powder, listerine strips, deodorant Sewing kit Fire kit Ferro rod, char cloth, matches, cotton balls, fat wood, etc. Good fixed blade knife 4 - 6 inches long, full tang Multitool Hydration (bottles or bladders) Stainless steel, single wall, you can use to boil water Tarp or poncho Cordage BooBoo Kit A beefier, albeit smaller, kit than your kit at home. Flashlight/Headlamp At least one for every person in your group Cordage 72 - 96 hours worth of food. Portable power bank w/charging cords Eye protection Gloves Scarf/ head covering Hat Personal protection Sleeping bag/ bivy cover Silcock key Change of clothes in waterproof bag
Outspoken_Idiot@reddit
I don't have a bug out bag, where we live it's a mild climate, we are above a flood plain and no hazardous industries near us.
There are tents in the attic/shed, sleeping bags, cooking gas and loads of camping gear. If we do have to bug out then kit gathered will be based on the reason why.
Some people focus too much on the survival term and not on the everyday preparation, over time you can kit yourself and family out to be comfortable staying put. If you are in a high risk area ask yourself why ?
Outspoken_Idiot@reddit
A moral kit is also very handy, basically a box of sweets, a good book a few of your favorite teabags or coffee sachets. Hot water bottle hat and gloves.
Electronic_Umpire445@reddit
Add a simple AM/FM pocket radio with extra batteries to get some information. Don’t count on cell phones for internet. They will be overloaded or maybe knocked out.
Jkg2116@reddit
matches and multi tool
ruat_caelum@reddit
DO
First aid kit. (with epo pen if you can get one (or cheap generatic) )
Mosquito hoods - these keep all bugs out (Include a large full brim (all the way around your head) hat to keep the net and bugs away from your face.) These hats are often "Fishing hats" etc.
cash
Emergency phone numbers of friends and family written down on a small card and laminated. so you can call from other phones.
Cheap $10 eye glasses in your family prescriptions you can get these from zenni.
old phone / $20 walmart phone - A no sim card phone can still call 911
Paper maps
In sharpie mark one FLOOD, and highlight different routes out (Use a topographical map on google to find the routes but highlight the map for later)
Label ones HAZARDS - these are things like Power plants, chemical plants, etc you might need to avoid if there is a release or fire. The news will name it and say wind from the North, etc, and you know which way to head.
Any other routes or info. Things like Rail road tracks (you can drive on these to cross rivers if need be, etc) Or postal offices or farm co-ops that have fuel (I'm not saying you are playing to steal, but if I had to steal fuel to get my family to safety I'd do it.)
Mostly you want resources that allow you to GET AWAY from the issue. Once you are AWAY, things are 1000% better and easier to deal with.
Plan for whatever "issues" you might have in your specific area.
Tampons (even if you are a guy you don't know the situation you will be in or who will be with you.)
Leash with adjustable collars for any pets you have.
Don't do
Toothbrush, shampoo, etc. - You stink and haven't bushed your teeth, so what. It's extra weight. You aren't stocking a bunker you are stocking up a get to civilization because something happened bag.
vitamins (see above)
etc. Focus on the 3 days and being / getting mobile and out of the affected area. Planning for long term issues is a different prep. DO NOT confuse the two.
Reasonable_Action29@reddit
Really depends if its just a power outage or i need to evacuate.
3day back for a power outrage I keep first aid stuff, rechargeable batteries, led flashlights, solar power bank. Rest of the emergency stuff I have in generally the same location in the house.
Evacuation bag. -change the clothing based on the season spring/summer and fall/winter. Both containt rain gear.
Enigma_xplorer@reddit
So what makes this complicated for me is the purpose. Supplies you need for a power outage or a short term disruption is one thing because you are at home with all of your stuff. Supplies you need to support an evacuation is a whole different ball game. For example, you don't need a change of clothes in your kit for a power outage. Your at home where your clothes are so your just making your kit bigger and heavier stocking things you don't really need for your garden variety disruption. However, if you do need to evacuate, you actually do need a change of clothes. If it were me, I would recommend breaking this up into two boxes. One box intended to keep the basic supplies you need at home for short term disruptions and a second box that builds on that to include the additional supplies you would need to support an evacuation.
Reasonable_Action29@reddit
I also change out the clothes in my bag based on the season if I need to evacuate. But like you normally don't worry about clothes as thr house is full of them.
Anarkya@reddit
Extra money, in case ATM stop working. Small bills. Cash is king! I have ways to make fire. Paracord, duct tape, those cheap plastic raincoat, or those silver heat blanket. They don't take much space and can save lives. Small sewing kit. I have a tarp in mine. Can make a shelter, can hide a vehicle, small fishing kit. Ways to purify water. Even a lifestaw will do.
I have a BOB/3 days survival bag but, it's expendable in a way that if I run out of food, water, or need to move, I can still use the same pack content and go a lil longer with it.
Change of clothes too. Pads if you have people who menstruate, and pads can be used to treat wounds.
Hope this helps!
GonnaFapToThis@reddit
I just added 2 sewing kits to my cart, can't believe I have missed that in the past!
Federal_Refrigerator@reddit
I really hope username doesn’t check out
dogsRgr8too@reddit
I just picked up a guidesman multitool because the emergency sites recommend one and someone mentioned the inexpensive ones are probably ok for the just in case bag.
Tom_C_Streaks@reddit
Re clothes - especially socks.
hoardac@reddit
Cash, enough to get gas to where your going and back plus a room for 3 days.
ItsNotGoingToBeEasy@reddit
If you are in earthquake country a pair of work boots that can walk thru shattered glass.
polaritypictures@reddit
USB drive, Don't put the batteries IN the device, store them separately. Wet wipes, a packable jacket.
susanrez@reddit
Throw some work gloves in your bag. I’ve talked to people who had to survive tornadoes, earthquakes, fires, hurricanes etc. The one thing they all either found useful or wished like hell they had were heavy duty work gloves.
You would be amazed at how much debris you have to deal with in most large emergencies.
In the Sonoma fire my sister had to move a large burning branch off the road so she and her children could get to safety. She burned her hands even though she tried to improvise with a folded sweatshirt.
I know keep 2 pairs in my emergency bag.
Content_NoIndex@reddit (OP)
Good call, we had a storm here a few years ago and good gear to move stuff all night long might be handy all together with the stuff I would grab when electricity goes down due to the event itself.
TermPractical2578@reddit
Travel size toiletries, small-medium-large clear plastic bag; anything that is wet or soiled you would place in the bag.
Waterproof ID holder, one T-shirt, one turtle neck, one pair of leggings; roll up all of your clothing thick socks, thin socks. small radio
Plasma Lighter by LcFun - Waterproof, Windproof, Rechargeable
XHDATA D220 Portable Radio AM FM SW Radio Battery Operated Radio, Shortwave Radio with Headphone Jack, Excellent Reception Transistor Radio, Pocket Radio for Gift, Family, Elder : Amazon.ca: Electronics
moon_lizard1975@reddit
You got yourself great ideas already. How bout camping survival elements kit complete with first aid elements ; also ,according to the risk to your area, in the box or next to it
in Southern California, got earthquake risks so I have leather gloves to help remove rubble if a building collapsed to search and rescue
If you're in a wildfire prone area,then extinguishers on top of your box. hope you get the idea
big question is what's your area's risk ??
Heck_Spawn@reddit
Get a solar powered flashlight. Energizer has one that also has a USB charger built in. Available at Home Depot.
Mental_Comparison636@reddit
100 rounds of 223 and something to launch them with
Wiinorr@reddit
Password-protected Flashdrive containing information you may need?
huscarlaxe@reddit
A battery powered fan. we were out of power for 36 hour in the early summer and the fan helped a lot.
M4lik3r@reddit
Might aswell throw a pack of surgical masks in there.
Anarkya@reddit
N95 masks. Good for viruses and dusts. (The ones without a vent)
badsanta214@reddit
(1)The radio and battery power flashlight should use the same battery type such as AA, C, or D to save on cost, space, and waste. (2)A dishwasher safe reusable bottle such as Nalgene that you can fill with safe and clean water to put into your fridge to get cold by your fridge. (3)Prepackaged canned foods that you like but use the FIFO system (First in and first out).
Ra_a_@reddit
At The website “food storage organizer” Valerie has many lists and printables and plans, ideas. Not just food storage
Subtotal9_guy@reddit
Medications, both your prescriptions and basic headache/nausea/diarrhea/antibiotic ointments.
You're much more likely to get food poisoning than need to treat a chest wound.
I'd also pack a book and some playing cards to keep busy/relax if you're offline.
Content_NoIndex@reddit (OP)
Yes, playing cards and pen and paper was something I’ve also added. Medication is currently separated in my medical box but maybe I need to combine a bit for a real 3 days box.
djarumlover@reddit
as long as you remember to grab the meds box on your way out the door, keeping them separate could make it easier for you to "rotate" your stock so you don't end up with expired meds from 5 years ago when you need them the most.
Many meds are fine when "expired" but they do lose potency over time, and a few can turn toxic after long term storage.
ErinRedWolf@reddit
It’s a good idea to keep a “grab at the last minute” list prominently on your BOB, because there are things like phone, wallet/purse etc. that you use daily but might forget to grab in a panicked evacuation. Make sure your meds are easy to grab in a rush too.
Financial_Resort6631@reddit
3 days survival. Remember that we want to address what can kill you in 3 days.
• Physical Trauma.
You will need a bleeding control kit with a chest seal. It’s the number 1 cause of death under 40 years old.
• Environmental exposure
extreme heat and cold can kill you. I don’t know what your particular environment is like. It starts with your clothing. I would not cheap out here. Also in hot environments you will need electrolyte replacement.
• Dehydration.
So Water. I would keep a sawyer mini and case of “smart water” and water treatment tablets.
• Medical
Personal prescriptions Asprin 81 mg chewable 25 mg diphenhydramine Honey packets Activated charcoal Naloxone
• Information
Your smartphone is everything you need. Extra external battery with cords attached and plug in.
In disasters you can set your phone to roaming and your text messages will reach further than voice or data. So elect to receive text alerts from local authorities.
Ham radio or LoRa devices are nice to have too.
• Physical security
assess your local threat levels Know your local laws Get trained. Arm yourself appropriately based on your skill.
• Cash is King.
$100 USD per person per day will take care of basic necessities.
Anonymo123@reddit
I would swap out the flashlight with batteries for a USB rechargeable and a 10k power bank. Be sure to have 2 sets of cables to charge it and also charge things like your phone\flashlight. I'd also swap the flashlight for a headlamp. Could get a crank radio as well instead.
What type of food? I'd add in a package of the compressed toilet wipes that come in little discs and expand with a little water. unscented babywipes in a ziplock bag.
Water filter, LifeStraw at the minimum. A few Bic lighters, a bag of dryer lint to start a fire, add a small thing of Vasaline which is great to start fires and lips\wounds, small tarp or two, cordage. a few small candles, small medical kit.
I would also change it depending on your season and if this is a get out of town for 3 days or hunker down for 3 days.
Tom_C_Streaks@reddit
Water filter Ziploc bags to collect water and/or keep things dry. I'm on the fence with vodka because it's heavy, but there's a reason it's popular in cold climates. It warms and dulls pain if you drink it, plus it's good as a flame fuel and a sanitizer. It's in my stay home kit, but what do people think about it in a travelling bag?
ElectionReal@reddit
Very important distinction about alcohol. It only makes you feel less cold, and that can be dangerous because it's thinning your blood at the same time. And as a temporary anti- inflammatory/ analgesic, when the alcohol wears off the inflammation gets worse because your bodyimmune system is working on disposing of the poison you consumed. As a fuel, it's not that great at 80 proof (60%water),100+ proof would work better. However, it does work great as a sanitizer. It's best use in my opinion would be for water, in a case where other purification methods aren't available.
Myspys_35@reddit
Haha are you Swedish?
brunello1997@reddit
Surviving what for 3 days?. If I need to flee my home for 3 days, I have cash, credit cards and a working vehicle. If I’m fleeing my home, it’s because all government control has tightened or loosened to the extent that a threat exists. There are few other reasons to not stay at home unless weather or other conditions make it imminently unsafe.
taipan821@reddit
cue public education, get ready QLD
Food and water is good, consider sticking to ready eat meals/one pot meals for simplicity. Stick to dishes that don't waste water
Cash, have a mixture, with more small denominations than large. Speaking from experience, the closer you can be to the exact change, the less expensive things will be. Also consider a credit card for paying for accommodation, such as a hotel or motel room.
Consider standardizing on one type of battery, then keeping a bulk packet in your emergency kit. My flashlights, lantern, radio, baofeng, backup powerbank...all run on AA batteries.
Include an "evac" kit, which contains bedding, spare clothes etc. make sure this kit is compact, but allows you to sleep in a hall, on a concrete floor. We don't provide bedding at shelters during severe weather events
JanieLFB@reddit
A disposable table cloth, a la dollar tree, can do a number of different jobs.
I once used my orange plastic table cloth to cover an injured teenager. It was beginning to mist rain and paramedics were already in route. I kept him covered until the EMTs were ready to assist him.
I realized after the fact that I released his body heat when I removed the plastic. I probably should have left it there and let the EMTs throw it away or keep using it until they had him loaded.
I also like to keep an orange vest in the door pocket on the driver’s side. That way I have the vest in hand before stepping from my car.
Objective_Farm_1886@reddit
Bactine, elastoplast cut-to-size bandages, and 2x tensor bandages. And a glock 17.
MrMaker1123@reddit
A small solar panel and battery bank
Band aids and basic first aid
Walkie talkies
HalcyonKnights@reddit
In case they arent: Rechargeable flashlights/batteries and a solar charger.
Spare glasses for anyone who relies on them.
djarumlover@reddit
Disposable toothbrushes with travel sized toothpaste. A 50 pack like this is probably overkill, but you get the idea:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D1Y4JLG4
Content_NoIndex@reddit (OP)
Ah yes, I’ve already added some disposable washcloths.