Why a 72-Hour Go-Bag Matters
A 72-hour go-bag is a small, portable kit you can grab quickly if you need to leave home for a short period. It is meant to support basic comfort and safety for about three days, not to cover every possible scenario.
For most households in the United States, realistic reasons to use a go-bag include:
- Short-notice evacuations for wildfires, chemical leaks, or neighborhood gas issues
- Being asked to leave due to an apartment fire or building damage
- Needing to stay elsewhere during power, water, or heating problems
- Heading to a friend’s, hotel, or community shelter for a couple of nights
The goal is simple: keep your kit light enough to carry, organized enough to use under stress, and tailored to the people and pets in your home.
How to Right-Size Your Go-Bag
Before you start packing, think about what you can realistically carry and where you live:
- Housing type: Apartment dwellers may need lighter, more compact kits. Households with a car might manage slightly larger bags stored near an exit.
- Who you support: Adults, kids, babies, older adults, and pets all have different needs. It is usually better to have one main bag plus small personal packs for those who can carry them.
- Local risks: Winter storms, hurricanes, and wildfire evacuations call for some different emphasis, but the core items stay similar.
- Health and mobility: If anyone in your home has mobility limits or uses medical devices, plan for weight, wheels, and backups of critical items.
Keep this kit focused on three basics: move, stay warm and dry, and communicate. You do not have to buy everything at once. Add items slowly as budget and storage allow.
| Living situation | Recommended bag style | Main priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small apartment, no car | Light backpack | Low weight | Keep under a weight you can carry up and down stairs. |
| Apartment with car nearby | Backpack + small tote | Portability to vehicle | Backpack holds essentials; tote can stay in the trunk. |
| Single-family home with driveway | Medium backpack | More complete supplies | Keep by exit; consider a cart if distance to car is long. |
| Family with young kids | Adult backpack + kid mini-packs | Distribute weight | Kids carry comfort items and light snacks only. |
| Adult with limited mobility | Rolling bag or small backpack | Ease of movement | Test moving the bag along your usual exit route. |
| Pet owners | Human bag + pet tote | Pet care | Pet food, leash, and carrier kept together by the door. |
Example values for illustration.
Core Items for Any 72-Hour Go-Bag
These basics fit most adults and households. Adjust quantities for your location, season, and household size.
Water and Simple Food
Water is heavy, so your go-bag is more of a short bridge than your entire water plan. Aim to keep enough to get you started and tools to refill when you can.
- Water: Small bottles or a durable refillable container you can carry comfortably.
- Compact water treatment: Simple options such as water treatment tablets or a small filter can help if you reach another water source.
- Non-perishable snacks: Items that do not melt easily and do not require cooking, like energy bars, nuts, or crackers.
- Easy meals: Ready-to-eat pouches or cans that can be eaten cold if needed.
- Utensils: A lightweight spoon or spork and a small, durable cup or bowl.
Check expiration dates a couple of times a year and rotate items into everyday use before they expire.
Light and Basic Power
Safe lighting makes a big difference in unfamiliar or damaged spaces.
- Flashlight or headlamp: Something compact with an easy on/off switch.
- Extra batteries: Stored in their original packaging or a small case to avoid contact with metal objects.
- Small battery bank: A compact power bank to recharge a phone once or twice.
- Charging cables: Keep one dedicated set in the bag so it is never missing.
Clothing and Warmth
Think layers and staying dry, not a full wardrobe.
- Base layers: Lightweight, quick-dry shirts and undergarments.
- Spare socks: At least one or two pairs per person to prevent discomfort from wet shoes.
- Lightweight warm layer: A compact sweater or fleece that fits over your regular clothes.
- Rain protection: A simple rain jacket or poncho.
- Gloves and hat: Especially in cooler climates or during winter.
Store clothing in a sealable plastic bag to keep it dry and organized.
Documents, Cash, and Keys
Copies of key information help you function if you are away from home for a few days.
- Spare keys: House and vehicle keys stored securely in the bag.
- Small amount of cash: Focus on smaller bills in case card systems are not working.
- Document copies: Photocopies or printed summaries of identification, insurance, and key contact information in a waterproof sleeve.
- Contact list: Phone numbers and addresses for family, friends, doctors, and workplaces, in case your phone battery dies.
Family, Kids, and Seniors: Adjusting the Checklist
Different ages and needs change what goes into each person’s go-bag or mini-pack.
Kids and Teens
For children who can carry a small backpack, include light items so they feel involved without being weighed down.
- Comfort item: A small toy, stuffed animal, or blanket.
- Simple activities: A small notebook and pencil, puzzle book, or deck of cards.
- Child-size clothing: One complete change of clothes, plus a warm layer.
- Snacks: Familiar, easy-to-eat items they like.
- Identification: Card with caregiver names and contact numbers stored discreetly.
Babies and Toddlers
For very young children, plan for frequent changes and comfort.
- Diapers or training pants: Pack a reasonable amount for a couple of days, plus wipes.
- Changing supplies: Disposable changing pads or an easily cleaned mat.
- Baby food or formula: Single-serving containers when possible, plus a small bottle or cup.
- Extra clothing: Several changes, since spills and messes are common.
- Comfort item: A favorite small blanket or toy.
Older Adults and Mobility Needs
For seniors or anyone with mobility or medical needs, focus on comfort, access, and clear labeling.
- Written medication list: Names, typical times, and usual dosages, updated regularly.
- Spare glasses or hearing aid batteries: Stored in a clearly marked pouch.
- Simple assistive items: Such as a compact cane or grip aids, if helpful and practical to carry.
- Emergency contact sheet: Names and numbers of family, caregivers, and doctors.
- Comfort items: Small cushion, shawl, or favorite warm layer.
Pets: Basic Go-Bag Add-Ons
Pets depend entirely on you during evacuations. A small pet kit can live next to your main go-bag.
- Food: A few days of your pet’s usual food in a sealed bag or container.
- Water bowl: A collapsible or lightweight bowl.
- Leash and harness: Even for indoor-only pets, for safety in unfamiliar places.
- Waste supplies: Bags for dogs, litter in a small container for cats if feasible.
- Vaccination summary: Printed record or notes, if available.
- Carrier: For small animals, keep a sturdy carrier accessible.
Health, Hygiene, and Sanitation
A small hygiene kit helps you feel more normal and reduces stress when you are away from home.
Basic Hygiene Kit
- Toothbrush and small toothpaste
- Unscented travel-size soap or body wash
- Travel-size deodorant
- Facial tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Menstrual products as needed
- Small pack of wipes
Pack these items in a small pouch that can move with you to different locations or restrooms.
Simple First-Aid Basics
A compact first-aid kit is meant for minor issues, not major medical treatment.
- Adhesive bandages in several sizes
- Gauze pads and medical tape
- Small roll of elastic bandage
- Antiseptic wipes
- Disposable gloves
- Tweezers and small scissors (store safely)
- Any personal, over-the-counter items you use regularly
Check your kit occasionally to replace used items and make sure packaging is still intact.
Communication and Simple Planning
A go-bag is more useful when paired with a basic communication plan. The goal is to give everyone a simple script to follow if you are separated or phone networks are busy.
Communication Essentials for the Bag
- Written contact list: At least one per adult, with key numbers and addresses.
- Small notebook and pen: For leaving notes or recording information when you cannot rely on your phone.
- Compact radio: A simple battery or hand-crank radio can help you hear local updates if power or cell coverage is limited.
Basic Family Communication Plan
Even a one-page plan helps reduce confusion.
- Primary meeting spot: For example, a corner near your building or a nearby landmark.
- Backup meeting spot: Somewhere slightly farther away if the immediate area is closed.
- Out-of-area contact: A relative or friend in another city who can be a common check-in point.
- Check-in routine: For example, everyone sends a short message when they are safe and where they plan to be.
Review this plan briefly with household members a couple of times a year, such as at the start of a new school year or season.
Storing, Rotating, and Testing Your Go-Bag
Once your go-bag is packed, a little upkeep keeps it useful.
Where to Store Your Go-Bag
- Near an exit: Such as a front closet or spot by the main door, but out of direct sunlight.
- Off the floor if possible: To avoid spills or pests.
- Consistent location: Everyone in the household should know exactly where it lives.
When to Check and Rotate Items
Set simple reminders, such as twice a year, to review contents.
- Swap seasonal clothing (warm layers vs lighter layers).
- Replace snacks and water before they expire.
- Confirm documents and contact lists are current.
- Test flashlights, radios, and power banks, and replace or recharge batteries.
Practice Carrying and Using the Bag
Take a few minutes to pick up the bag, walk a short distance, and adjust straps or handles.
- Make sure you can lift and carry it comfortably.
- Show kids how to open and close their own packs.
- Review the location of critical items like keys, medication, and documents.
| Food type | Storage tip | Rotation interval idea | No-cook use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canned beans | Store in a cool, dry cabinet. | Consider using and replacing every 6–12 months. | Eat straight from the can with simple seasoning. |
| Nut butter | Keep tightly closed after opening. | Use regularly and replace before best-by date. | Spread on crackers or bread from your pantry. |
| Crackers | Seal in airtight container once opened. | Rotate every few months for freshness. | Pair with canned items or nut butter. |
| Ready-to-eat pouches | Group by date so older items are used first. | Review dates during seasonal check-ins. | Eat directly from the pouch if heating is not available. |
| Shelf-stable milk | Store upright away from heat sources. | Use in everyday meals before best-by date. | Drink as-is or mix with cereal. |
| Dried fruit | Keep in sealed bags or containers. | Check for quality every few months. | Eat as a quick snack with nuts. |
Example values for illustration.
Keeping Go-Bag Planning Simple and Doable
A 72-hour go-bag does not need to be perfect or expensive to be helpful. Start with what you already own, add a few key gaps, and aim for a kit that you can actually carry. Review it on a simple schedule, talk through your plan with the people in your home, and adjust as your life and household change over time.
Frequently asked questions
How much water should I pack in a 72-hour go bag?
For a portable 72-hour go-bag, aim to carry at least about 1 liter (roughly 34 ounces) per person per day—around 3 liters for three days—plus a small water-treatment option like tablets or a compact filter. A full household emergency water plan typically recommends about 1 gallon per person per day, but that larger amount is usually stored at home rather than carried in a go-bag.
What bag size is best for a 72-hour go-bag checklist?
Choose a bag you can comfortably carry for a short distance; daypacks in the 20–40 liter range suit most adults and hold typical 72-hour essentials. If someone has limited mobility, consider a rolling bag or distributing items into several small personal packs to keep individual loads manageable.
Can I use items from my pantry for a 72-hour go-bag?
Yes—pick shelf-stable, ready-to-eat items from your pantry and rotate them into regular use before they expire to keep the go-bag fresh. Avoid perishable foods and repackage bulky items into lightweight, sealed containers so they are easy to carry and use.
How often should I check and rotate items in my go-bag?
Review your go-bag contents at least twice a year and whenever medications, contact information, or household members change. During checks, test batteries and electronics, replace expired food and water, and swap seasonal clothing to ensure the kit stays ready.
What medical items should I prioritize in a basic 72-hour go-bag?
Prioritize an up-to-date written list of prescriptions, a several-day supply of necessary medications if feasible, any critical medical devices or backups, and spare glasses or hearing-aid batteries. Include a compact first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and basic over-the-counter items you use regularly.
Related guides
- Simple checklists and realistic planning
- Water, power, lighting, and pantry basics
- Family plans (kids, pets, seniors) and seasonal prep