How to Pack an Emergency Go Bag | 72-Hour Kit Basics

For the full breakdown, see our best Emergency Bag guide.

A good emergency go bag keeps you self-sufficient for at least three days when you have to leave in a hurry. The core idea is simple: one portable container per person, stocked so you can evacuate quickly and stay comfortable for 72 hours without relying on outside help. It works for wildfires, hurricanes, power outages, or any situation where you need to move fast. If you’re comparing ready-made options, our tested roundup of the best emergency bags can save you research time.

What Should Go Inside a 72-Hour Kit

The essentials break into six categories: water, food, light and power, medical, documents and money, and clothing. Start with water. Official guidance from Ready.gov calls for one gallon per person per day for several days, so a three-day standard means three gallons. That’s heavy about 24 pounds, so plan for a wheeled container if you’re carrying for a family.

Food means a three-day supply of non-perishable items that need no cooking. Think granola bars, peanut butter, canned beans, and dried fruit. If you pack cans, add a manual can opener, one of the most forgotten items on every official checklist. Rotate the food twice a year so nothing expires.

• Light and power: battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight and an AM/FM radio, ideally a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. Pack extra batteries and a backup battery to charge your phone.
• Medical: first aid kit, pain reliever, medical gloves, and a three-day supply of prescription medications plus copies of each prescription. Include a copy of prescription too.
• Documents: cash in small bills, photo ID, and waterproof copies of insurance policies, birth certificates, and emergency contacts. Keep paper copies in Ziplock bags.
• Clothing: one change of clothes, sturdy shoes, an emergency blanket, and a rain poncho.

How to Pack the Bag the Right Way

Packing method matters as much as contents. Put every item inside an airtight plastic bag first, then into the container. That protects documents from water damage and keeps food dry. Use a backpack, duffel bag, or a plastic bin with a handle, and choose something light enough to lift into a car. The Ready.gov guidance suggests keeping the kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers.

Heavy items like water and canned food sit at the bottom and against your back. Lighter gear like clothing and toiletries goes on top so you can reach it without unpacking everything. Store the bag near your front door or in the trunk, and tell every adult in the household where it lives. Keep the total weight under 30 pounds if you plan to carry it on foot.

What Most People Forget or Get Wrong

The biggest mistake is weight. People stuff the bag with enough gear for a week and then can’t lift it. The second is medication: a three-day supply is the minimum, and several official sources recommend a seven-day reserve for life-saving drugs. Third is documents. Originals get lost or destroyed, so pack copies in waterproof bags, not the originals. Ready.gov’s official emergency kit checklist covers the full list.

Another common miss is tailoring the bag to your household. A family with kids needs diapers and formula. Pet owners need food and a leash. Someone with glasses needs a spare pair. Check your bag twice a year and update it when seasons change, medications change, or a family member’s needs change.

Special Situations: Wildfire, Travel, and Family Needs

Wildfire evacuation guidance from official sources emphasizes sturdy shoes, a flashlight kept near the bed, and route maps. For travel-specific go bags, the State Department adds passports, visas, birth and marriage certificates, insurance records, and a personal security alarm.

Families with children should add medical consent forms for minors, especially if a child might be separated from parents. Pet owners pack food, water, a leash, and a carrier. If anyone uses a daily medical device, write down the model and serial numbers. The point of the bag isn’t to cover every scenario, it’s to cover yours.

FAQs

How often should I update my emergency go bag?

Check the bag twice a year, ideally when clocks change in spring and fall. Rotate food and water before they expire, swap out seasonal clothing, and update medications and document copies. A quick ten-minute review twice a year keeps the bag ready when you actually need it.

Should each family member have their own bag?

Yes. Official guidance recommends a separate go bag for each person so one adult isn’t carrying everything. Each bag holds that person’s own medications, clothing, and personal documents. Keep a family-size bag with shared supplies like water, a first aid kit, and sanitation items.

Is one gallon of water per day really necessary?

Yes. One gallon per person per day covers drinking, basic hygiene, and food prep, and it’s the standard across Ready.gov and other official emergency guidance. A three-day supply means three gallons per person, which is heavy but necessary. Store it in sealed containers and rotate it regularly.