Prepare for outages, heat, wind, and disrupted services.
Premade kits save time, but the label is only a starting point. Match the bag to your people, location, medications, pets, and evacuation plan.
Lowest-cost starterA basic one-person grab kit with emergency food, water pouches, light sticks, a blanket, poncho, whistle, gloves, and a small first-aid kit.
Compact outage add-onA small, easy-to-store pouch with basic food, water, first aid, a hand-crank flashlight, poncho, mask, and whistle. It is a supplement—not a complete 72-hour kit.
Best two-person valueA two-person backpack with food, water, purification tablets, first aid, hygiene supplies, tools, blankets, ponchos, and a crank light/radio combination.
Best family starterA four-person backpack combining food, packaged water, first aid, protective gear, tools, light sticks, and a crank light/radio for a household starting from zero.
Most complete blackout bagA broad two-person pack with food, water, filters, lighting, first aid, protection, shelter, a compact stove, cookware, and a crank emergency power station.
Prices and listed contents were observed on official U.S. manufacturer or retailer websites on September 4, 2026 and may change. Confirm current contents, shelf-life dates, quantities, shipping, warnings, availability, and price before buying. “Three-day” describes the seller’s kit format and does not guarantee that it meets every person’s needs.
Pack waterproof documents, evacuation routes, cash, rain protection, sturdy shoes, medications, pet supplies, and enough fuel to leave before conditions deteriorate.
Add room lanterns, headlamps, charging power, a weather-alert radio, safe food storage, and a plan for any temperature-sensitive medication or medical device.
Ready.gov recommends one gallon per person per day for several days. Small pouches inside premade kits do not replace a household water supply.
| Kit | Best role | Listed coverage | Format | Biggest next purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ready America Compact 1-Person Kit | Lowest-cost starter | 1 person | 3-day starter | More stored water |
| Preppi Essentials Emergency Kit | Compact outage add-on | Personal pouch | Supplement only | Full multi-day food + water |
| Ready America 2-Person Deluxe Kit | Best two-person value | 2 people | 3-day starter | Substantial stored water |
| Ready America 4-Person Deluxe Kit | Best family starter | 4 people | 3-day starter | More household water |
| Sustain Fire & Blackout Deluxe Kit | Most complete blackout bag | 2 people | Up to 72 hours | More stored drinking water |
Generators, grills, camp stoves, and other fuel-burning equipment can produce deadly carbon monoxide. Follow manufacturer instructions and official local guidance. Use battery-powered lights instead of candles whenever possible.
Add prescriptions, contacts, IDs, local maps, spare keys, pet supplies, infant or older-adult needs, and the equipment your household depends on.
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