A Few Extra Good Ideas About Containers For 72 Hour Kits

It is important to remember that your 72 hour kit has an extreme limitation of space. Everything that you need to survive for three days must be organized and squeezed into a portable container small enough for you to carry. Try to use a container that has handles, is small enough to carry, preferably water-proof, and durable. Don't wait to start assembling your kit until you have the perfect container. Begin now with whatever you have. No single container will meet all of the needs of everyone. Try to use containers that are best suited to each individual. Don't try to cram supplies for your entire family into one large container. If you do, you won't be able to move it when a critical situation arises. The contents of a 72 hour kit should be limited to the needs of just one person.

Container Options:
-Polyethylene Buckets: Recommended
--They are large enough to contain all the essential items for one adult. Can be used to carry water, used as a seat, wash bin, or even as a toilet. It is recommended that each family have at least one bucket, even if you have chosen to go with other containers.

-Plastic Storage Tubs: Recommended
--The ten- or twenty-gallon plastic, rectangular storage tubs with carrying handles molded into the sides work well. They stack well and can be used for carrying water. Some have built in wheels.

-Backpacks: Recommended to good, depending on the quality
--Easy to carry. Can be expanded to carry sleeping bags or bedrolls, along with additional lightweight equipment like backpacking tents, stoves, lanterns, and so on. The full back pack should not weigh more than 25% of the weight the person carrying it. Not the best choice for children or elderly people.

-Duffel Bags: Good
--Some have handles and wheels, as well as quality zippers and multiple compartments.

-Luggage: Good to Recommended
--Remember that lightweight and portable are the key! Wheeled carry-on sizes are recommended. Some have handles and wheels. Most suitcases are not waterproof. Use heavy untreated garbage bags inside the suitcase to keep the items protected from the water.

-Tote Bags: So-so
--Can be difficult to carry and usually not large enough.

-Not Recommended:
--cardboard boxes, trunks, footlockers, ammunition boxes, or garbage cans

Additional thought on containers:
-Make individual kits for each separate family member, including the personal items and supplies every person should have. Then create food kits for the whole family in one or two buckets including whatever fuel options and utensils you'll need to prepare and eat those food choices. This will allow for a greater quantity of food.
-In a parent's kit or additional container, include other essentials such as the battery-powered radio for the group, a small tent, family first aid supplies, spare batteries, and the other necessary communal items.
-Label your kits with your names and phone numbers.
-Make a "don't forget" list and put it with your kit. This will include items that you must remember to take with you but are using each day so that they can't be put into your kit now, such as eye glasses, prescription medicines, shoes, special needs, wallets, keys, etc.

KEEP YOUR KITS ACCESSIBLE