72-Hour Bag: Exactly What to Pack (Checklist)

A 72-hour bag keeps you comfortable and self-sufficient for 3 days. Aim to keep the full pack under 20 lb so you can move quickly and stay nimble.

Picking a Bag

When you build your kit, picture when you will actually use it. Mine lives in my vehicle so I have it during commutes, errands, and road trips. If something happens—storm, civil unrest, infrastructure failure—I can rely on that bag to get me home safely (and even comfortably).

For every readiness decision, I choose low-key gear that doesn’t scream “prepper.” My current setup is the Ascend Meander 20L Daypack. It stores everything on this list, looks subtle, and is durable enough for daily carry. You don’t have to match what I carry, but choose something discreet, sturdy, and comfortable.

What to Keep in a 72-Hour Bag

The Shortlist

• Water: 72 hours of stored water (use the water needs calculator) plus a way to treat water on the move (fire starter, iodine, filtered straws/bottles)
• Food: 6,000–7,500 calories (gummy worms, canned meats, energy bars, energy gels, jerky)
• Shelter: Poncho/rain jacket, space blanket, small tarp or tent (I use paracord + contractor bags)
• Light: Two flashlights plus a headlamp, with spare batteries
• Power: Phone charger and a 10k–20k mAh power bank (top it off monthly)
• First Aid: Common medications and a stocked IFAK
• Hygiene: Wipes, sanitizer, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant
• Tools: Knife/multitool, tape, cordage, fire starter, local map & compass, manual can opener
• Documents: Copies of ID/Passport, SS card, insurance
• Cash: $100 in small bills (stashed in multiple spots)
• Clothing: 3x underwear, 3–5x socks, at least one change of outer layers
• Ammunition: If you carry, pack extra ammo and an additional magazine
• Extras: Spare bags (grocery, trash, zip-top), portable/crank radio

Recommended Gear

Packing & Weight Targets

Keep the full pack 10–20% of your body weight. Use stuff sacks or packing cubes to break everything down:

• Shelter & warmth: 2–3 lb
• Water & food: 4–6 lb
• Tools & lighting: 1–2 lb
• First aid & hygiene: 1–2 lb
• Documents & cash: < 1 lb

Target 15–20 lb total for most adults.

Essential Checklist

Water (3L minimum)

• [ ] 1L water bottle (carry full)
• [ ] Water filter (Sawyer Squeeze or similar)
• [ ] Collapsible water container (2L)
• [ ] Metal container/pot for boiling

Food (6,000+ calories)

• [ ] Energy bars
• [ ] Dehydrated meals (2–3 meals)
• [ ] Canned meats
• [ ] Nuts and trail mix
• [ ] Hard candy (morale + quick energy)
• [ ] Jerky

Shelter & Warmth

• [ ] Emergency poncho or tarp
• [ ] Space blanket (Mylar)
• [ ] Lightweight sleeping bag liner
• [ ] Extra socks/underwear

Lighting & Power

• [ ] Two flashlights + headlamp with batteries
• [ ] Spare batteries (three-pack minimum)
• [ ] Power bank (10k–20k mAh)
• [ ] USB charging cable

First Aid

• [ ] Bandages (assorted sizes)
• [ ] Antiseptic wipes
• [ ] Pain relievers (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)
• [ ] Personal medications (7-day supply)
• [ ] Tweezers
• [ ] Medical tape
• [ ] Tourniquet

Hygiene

• [ ] Wet wipes
• [ ] Hand sanitizer
• [ ] Toothbrush & toothpaste (travel size)
• [ ] Toilet paper (in zip-top bag)
• [ ] Deodorant

Tools

• [ ] Multi-tool or pocket knife
• [ ] Duct tape
• [ ] Paracord (50 ft)
• [ ] Whistle
• [ ] Two lighters + waterproof matches
• [ ] Fire starter (ferro rod or tinder)

Documents & Communication

• [ ] ID copies (driver’s license, passport)
• [ ] Insurance cards (copies)
• [ ] Emergency contact list
• [ ] Cash ($100 in small bills)
• [ ] Notepad & pen

Ammunition (if you carry)

• [ ] Extra ammunition
• [ ] Spare magazine or speed loader

Why This Matters

A 72-hour kit isn’t about doomsday prepping—it’s about being ready for realistic emergencies: power outages, wildfires, road closures, or surprise travel delays. The gear above is field-tested, budget-friendly, and easy to scale up or down. Start with the essentials, then tailor it for your climate, commute, and family.

Two is one, one is none—pack backups for anything mission-critical, and practice with your kit before you need it.