No matter where you live, when I advise people to prepare emergency supplies, I often get a response like, “Well, the truth is, some people are poor and can't prepare.''
So I decided to try and prove them wrong.
For $115 (minus the cost of a backpack, since you can literally use any bag without breaking the bank), I built a very basic 72-hour emergency kit for two people.
This price does not include the usual household items you will need, such as a change of clothes, extra socks, copies of all important documents, some basic toiletries, and a few other items.
Also, given tight budgets, some of these pickups may not be “best in class.” The options are explained in detail below.
First, basic survival items
- 2 emergency blankets
- lighter pack of 2 — If for some reason those aren't enough, a pack of windproof lighters. A BiC lighter is one of the most useful yet forgotten survival items.
- 2 emergency ponchos
- basic fixed blade knife
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Now, the most important thing is hydration.
- 3 liters of water: This is certainly not enough water for two people for three days. Therefore,
- water filter: This filter was found at Walmart. There are certainly better options, but you will have to spend more money for them. Filters like this work, but I find them very inconvenient. I wish I had a tablet or solution, but if you don't have that, this is the only way to do it. You can also boil water using matches or a lighter and a metal utensil set. We recommend using bottled water as a last resort.
- liquid IV electrolyte mixture This is important to prevent dehydration.
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and food
Water may be more important, but food is still important. These may not be the tastiest options, but again, we aim to be as cheap as possible.
We specifically chose these because they can be used regularly in food before they expire, so you can always keep them up to date.
You can also add more food to your kit, but keep in mind that budget is your thing here.
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Last but not least, basic first aid supplies
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Again, there are better options, but this is pretty decent on an extreme budget: BleedStop and a basic first aid kit.
Overall, this is definitely a good start. No one says you have to buy it all at once, but it's readily available to even those on the tightest of budgets.
If you are interested in the ALICE medium rucksack, we currently have
In stock for just $49.99. This is a great backpack at an affordable price, but again, any old backpack or duffel will work just as well.
A backpack with everything I listed above is certainly not the be-all and end-all of your emergency kit. Again, this means only holding out for the first 72 hours until help arrives.
No one knows your situation better than you, so don't hesitate to adapt this to your particular environment and situation. And remember, there are no excuses for not being ready.
