As we shelter in place for COVID19 I’ve caught up on a few projects that have been on my mind for a while. More like at least for the past 3 years. One of the projects was to create my disaster supply kit. This was supposed to happen when the California PGE wildfires were happening. Since there was no immediate urgency, I started by selecting a bag to keep all the stuff. The really sad part is that I added a raincoat to it and then sealed it up for a few months. I revisit this when I look at my Amazon wishlist near Christmas time. For the past couple of years I’ve also not really wanted anything and a wishlist of survival gear seemed like one of the best things to build. Maybe it’s one of those things where I don’t want to spend money but would be nice if my entire disaster supply kit was gifted.

I went through this exercise 15 years ago but that one was mostly about food and I really got tired of eating the expiring food at the end of the year. With all that said, I think it’s very hard to figure out what to put in your kit. There are random kits for sale on Amazon and many prepper websites/vloggers that can show you what you should bring. I like watching them to get a little laugh for the day but then a sense of laziness comes over me so I revisit my personal bag.

After watching too many YouTube videos on how to build your kit, I decided to show you my approach on my kit and general plan.

Backpacks vs Suitcases

Before I continue, I’ll fill you in on one of my approaches to things. Compartments; I love compartments. If I have a bag, it has to have compartments and once in a while no compartments is a compartment. I believe that bags should have places to put big and small things in an organized way. Then use things like packing cubes or pencil cases to keep things more organized. With my backpacks, I have a backpack for: one to commute to work, when going to work in a kitchen, going to the gym, mini remote office, and music gear.

They say these kits should hold you over for at least 3 days. The current COVID19 pandemic opened my eyes and made me think that a disaster kit should last a while. My kit all goes into a suitcase. What’s in your suitcase if you’re not travelling? It’s really the best since it serves a purpose while in storage. Also, with current airline regulations, I’m sure you have a suitcase that does not meet the limitations.

What Goes In My Kit

Since I live a compartment style life, my approach to my disaster kit only serves 1 purpose. Mine is more like a mobile toolbox and contains what I think is necessary to survive out in the wild for a few days. At the same time, and one of the reasons why I love separate bags, you should pack other kits; food, clothing, personal, etc… Now why not put it all in one? Mainly, you’re going to pack more stuff anyway. Might as well just be keep everything separate. Other reasons are…you have enough food in your pantry to hold you for a few weeks, you’re going to pack clothes, and it all stays organized.

My survival kit contains

• Knives
• Hatchet
• Raincoat
• Rainboots
• Napkins
• Firestarter
• Paracord
• Tape
• Reflecting stuff
• Water filter
• Lighter fluid
• Candles
• Solar blanket
• Clamps
• Multitool
• Wire
• Walkie Talkie
• Power extension
• Safety hammer
• Screwdrivers
• Tent stakes
• Ratchet straps
• Not listed
• Whistle
• Pen
• Pencil
• Pen
• Nail cutter
• Flashlight

This is my kit. I think I designed it with this scenario in mind. There’s something happening and I need to leave the house within 24 hours. I know we are going to pack another suitcase for clothing. We’ll probably shove as many heavy blankets as possible. We’ll pack up all the food in the pantry and also load a cooler with the frozen and perishables. And then a backpack of tech (this depends on what else is going on…no cell phone towers, no power, no internet will change things). Another note, with the clothing, add the other supplies you need, toothbrush, docs,  Finally, another bag of fun stuff and creature comforts.

What I think I’m missing and will add at some point:

• Maps
• First aid kit
• Soap and towels

Thanks to COVID19 for helping me update my bugout bag. What’s in your kit?

Lucky for us, you can buy some premade kits: