Survival kits on-the-go: The 9 best 'bug-out bags' for every emergency situation

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A bug-out bag is packed with essentials to keep you safe (Photo: Amazon)
A bug-out bag is packed with essentials to keep you safe (Photo: Amazon)

You know what they say about an ounce of prevention. Being prepared in case of an emergency, whether it’s a flood, hurricane, earthquake, tornado or [enter disaster-of-choice here], will give you control over a scary situation.

Emergency preparedness kits (aka “bug-out bags”) contain basic supplies, but they’re supplies that could save your life—and since you may be dealing with power outages, water shortages, and more, you’ll want a bug-out bag that can sustain you for at least 72 hours. Keep in mind that you’ll want to consider including personal documents and medications, too.

We found 10 survival kits, from a 4-person backpack to a roadside assortment, to help you and your loved ones stay safe in various situations.

Wise Five Day Emergency Backpack

Wise Five Day Emergency Backpack (Photo: Walmart)
Wise Five Day Emergency Backpack (Photo: Walmart)

Along with survival necessities like waterproof matches, a flashlight, and a blanket, this 5-day emergency preparedness kit contains items to ease the situation too, like a deck of cards and palatable eats. The 32 servings of food (with a 25-year shelf life) include creamy pasta, tortilla soup, and apple cinnamon cereal. You’ll also find a portable stove with fuel tablets to heat it all up.

Shop it: Wise Five Day Emergency Backpack with Food & Water & First Aid for One Person (Camo), $59 (was $63), walmart.com

Life Gear “Wings of Life” Emergency Survival Kit

Life Gear “Wings of Life” Emergency Survival Kit (Photo: Walmart)
Life Gear “Wings of Life” Emergency Survival Kit (Photo: Walmart)

For the ultimate preparation for whatever life throws at you, we present this water-resistant backpack complete with wings that zip open to reveal clear pouches filled with survival tools. You’ll find a 3-day supply of food and water, a whistle, compass, leather work gloves, emergency red flasher, signaling mirror, and more.

Shop it: Life Gear “Wings of Life” Emergency Survival Kit, $95, walmart.com

GetReadyNow Personal 72-Hour Grab & Go Survival Kit

GetReadyNow Personal 72-Hour Grab & Go Survival Kit (Photo: Amazon)
GetReadyNow Personal 72-Hour Grab & Go Survival Kit (Photo: Amazon)

In an emergency situation, waterproof items are key. This heavy-duty bag o’ essentials is waterproof and lets you see everything at once. It features items not typically found in 72-hour survival kits, like a waterproof solar lantern that lights up a room and lasts 16 hours per charge, and a bandana that protects against wind, cold, heat, and UV rays. A keep-it-safe pouch is perfect for keys, medication, and cash. And all electronic items, like the LED headlamp and wristband, come with batteries already installed—and extra batteries too.

Shop it: GetReadyNow Personal 72-Hour Grab & Go Survival Kit, $95, amazon.com

Wise Solar Backpack + 5 Day Survival Kit

Wise Solar Backpack + 5 Day Survival Kit (Photo: Wise Company)
Wise Solar Backpack + 5 Day Survival Kit (Photo: Wise Company)

This smart backpack features a waterproof solar panel with a USB port so you can charge up a phone or GPS; two minutes of sunlight result in a 1 percent charge. It has enough supplies—from water pouches and food to a whistle and poncho—to sustain one person for five days. It even has a portable stove and a reservoir pocket to hold water, with hoses that pass through the top so you can hydrate on the go.

Shop it: Wise Solar Backpack + 5 Day Survival Kit, $192, walmart.com

Roadside Assistance Car Emergency Kit

Roadside Assistance Car Emergency Kit (Photo: Walmart)
Roadside Assistance Car Emergency Kit (Photo: Walmart)

Stash this in the trunk and you’ll be able to tackle anything from a breakdown in harsh and bad weather to a fender bender or dead battery. The kit contains a reflective safety vest and warning triangle, a tow rope with a 3-ton capacity, and jumper cables. Tools like a tire pressure gauge, screwdriver, safety hammer, and seatbelt cutter are also included. Got a first-time driver on your hands? This is a gift that you’ll feel good about giving.

Shop it: Roadside Assistance Car Emergency Kit, $39, walmart.com

Ready America 2-Person 3-Day Emergency Kit Special Edition

Ready America 2-Person 3-Day Emergency Kit Special Edition (Photo: Home Depot)
Ready America 2-Person 3-Day Emergency Kit Special Edition (Photo: Home Depot)

If you’re a hiker, camper, or other outdoor enthusiast, this kit is for you. The camouflage backpack contains enough supplies to sustain two people for three days, including the three most important things recommended by the American Red Cross—water, food, and a blanket—in addition to ponchos, gloves, masks, light sticks, and much more.

Shop it: Ready America 2-Person 3-Day Emergency Kit Special Edition, $53, homedepot.com

Mayday Deluxe 4 Person Backpack Kit

Mayday Deluxe 4 Person Backpack Kit (Photo: Amazon)
Mayday Deluxe 4 Person Backpack Kit (Photo: Amazon)

This stocked backpack is perfect for a family of four. It contains a slew of items, from an AM/FM radio, a camper’s stove, and a tent to 50 water purification tablets and a 54-piece first-aid kit. Food and water will be taken care of thanks to 24 pouches of water, 50 water purification tablets, and four 2,400-calorie food bars.

Shop it: Mayday Deluxe 4 Person Backpack Kit, $89, amazon.com

Ready America Emergency Grab ‘n Go 2 Person Fire/Blackout Kit

Ready America Emergency Grab ‘n Go 2 Person Fire/Blackout Kit (Photo: Target)
Ready America Emergency Grab ‘n Go 2 Person Fire/Blackout Kit (Photo: Target)

Keep this backpack in a closet—it contains all the necessary items for two people to weather a blackout. You’ll find a crank-powered headlamp, 12-hour light sticks, dust masks, goggles, ponchos, food, water, a whistle, and more.

Shop it: Ready America Emergency Grab ‘n Go 2 Person Fire/Blackout Kit, $46, target.com

First Aid Kit- 150 piece

First Aid Kit- 150 piece (Photo: Amazon)
First Aid Kit- 150 piece (Photo: Amazon)

Be ready for just about any injury with this first-aid assortment that features 150 items but weighs only a pound, and is small enough to fit in a glove compartment, suitcase, or junk drawer. The canvas case is packed with medical-grade supplies compiled by a team of doctors and CPR instructors.

Zippered clear pouches offer easy access and leave room to stash things of your own, like medications. You’ll find bandages of various sizes and shapes, sting relief pads, moleskin blister relief, antiseptic wipes, wound dressing, scissors, and metal tweezers.

Shop it: First Aid Kit- 150 piece, $22, amazon.com

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