Create a 72 Hour Grab & Go Bag: Complete Gear List

In an emergency, every second counts—are you ready to grab what you need and go without hesitation?

Imagine having just minutes to leave your home in an emergency—would you be ready to grab what you need and go? Preparing a 72-hour Grab and Go Bag for each member of your family ensures you’re equipped for unexpected situations like natural disasters, fires, or other emergencies that require a quick evacuation.

When I was a little girl – maybe 5 or 6 years old – we lived in San Bernadino, California. One night a firefighter banged on our door in the middle of the night and told my parents to evacuate immediately. I’ll never forget my parent waking me up and carrying me out to the car in my nightgown. They grabbed a few important things and we drove off into the night – away from the fires that were coming toward our home.

I watched out the backseat window at the flames and the firefighters battling the fire and clutched my favorite stuffed animal. Thankfully our house was spared and we were able to return home a few days later. You never know when an emergency that forces you from your home may arise. It’s better to be prepared than to frantically grab a few things as you rush out the door.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the essential items to pack in your Grab and Go Bag, helping you stay prepared for anything life throws your way.

What is a 72-Hour Grab and Go Bag?

A Grab and Go Bag is a backpack or kit you can quickly grab in case of an emergency that forces you to leave your home. Each person in your family should have their own bag stocked with enough supplies to last for at least 72 hours.

The goal is to cover basic needs such as food, water, hygiene, and safety, giving you time to reach a safe place or wait for assistance. I’ve outlined the whys and how-tos in this blog post.

Here’s the ultimate checklist to help you pack your bag.

Essentials for Your Grab and Go Bag

Cash: Small bills are best since ATMs and card systems may be down.
Documentation & Identification: Include copies of ID, birth certificates, insurance policies, and other critical documents.
Medications: Pack both prescription and over-the-counter meds you may need. (be sure to replace as needed)
First Aid Kit: A basic kit with bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers.
Personal Hygiene Items: Travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and hand sanitizer.
Feminine Products: For women and girls, ensure there are enough feminine hygiene products to last several days.
N-95 Face Mask: Useful for protection in areas with poor air quality or dust – or in the event of a pandemic.
Lip Balm & Sunscreen: Keep your lips and skin protected from the elements.
Towel: A compact, quick-dry towel for hygiene and various other uses.

Tools and Survival Gear

Being ready for any situation means having the right tools on hand. Here’s what you should include:

Pocket Knife or Multi-tool: Handy for a variety of emergency situations.
Hobo Tool: A compact set of utensils and tools.
Paracord: A versatile cord that can be used for various purposes, such as securing items or creating makeshift shelters.
Compass & Whistle: A whistle for signaling and a compass for navigation.
Matches in a Waterproof Container and Lighter: Both are essential for starting a fire.
Flashlight with Extra Batteries: Or consider a hand-crank or solar-powered flashlight.
Emergency Blanket: A lightweight thermal blanket to keep warm.
Heavy-duty Trash Bags: These have multiple uses, such as keeping gear dry, creating a makeshift poncho, or even a sleeping bag liner.

Food and Water Supplies

Packing lightweight and easy-to-store food is crucial for a 72-hour emergency kit.

Water Bottles or Canteens: Ensure you have enough water or containers to refill as needed.
Water Purification Tablets or LifeStraw Water Filter: For filtering water if your supply runs out.
Lightweight Food for Three Days: Granola bars, peanut butter packs, freeze-dried meals, and other non-perishable snacks.
Mess Kit & Can Opener: A lightweight set for eating, and a can opener if you’ve packed canned food.

Clothing & Warmth

You’ll want to stay warm and comfortable, especially if your emergency occurs in cold weather.

Complete Change of Clothes: Include a shirt, pants, socks, and underwear. Be sure to update sizes as necessary.
Extra Socks: Wet feet can lead to discomfort or even infections.
Sturdy Shoes or Hiking Boots: If you’re not already wearing them, pack a pair.
Winter Hat and Gloves: Even in mild climates, nighttime temperatures can drop. Keeping your head covered is essential for staying warm – have kids wear them to sleep when it’s cold.
Hand Warmers: A small but effective item to keep you warm.

Shelter & Sleep

If you’re forced to spend time outdoors or in an emergency shelter, being prepared to stay warm and dry is crucial.

Tarp or Tube Tent: A lightweight shelter option that can protect against the elements.
Sleeping Bag: Choose one that is compact and rated for your climate.
Sleeping Pad: Optional but useful for added comfort if you’re sleeping outdoors.

Comfort & Entertainment

Emergencies are stressful, especially for children. Packing a few comfort items can make all the difference.

Card Games: Lightweight options like UNO or a deck of cards can help pass the time and relieve stress. Put a different game in each go bag for variety when you get to where you are going.
Small Toy or Book: Especially important for young children.
Notebook and Pen: Useful for jotting down important information or passing the time. I love these compact Field Notes Notebooks.

Hygiene & Personal Care

Don’t forget personal care items for your family members:

Travel Towel: Compact and easy to pack.
Deodorant: Travel-sized for staying fresh.
Fingernail & Toenail Clippers: Handy for maintaining hygiene.
Toilet Paper & Biodegradable Bar Soap: These will come in handy if you’re away from traditional facilities. You can also pack biodegradable wipes.

Additional Safety & Practical Items

For added safety and practicality, consider including the following:

Backup Phone Charger: A solar-powered or hand-crank option is ideal.
Map of Your Local Area: In case GPS is unavailable.
Clothes Pins: Useful for drying clothes or securing tarps.
Signaling Mirror & Carabiners: For extra utility and gear attachment.

Food for Thought: Prepare for the Unexpected

While none of us like to think about being forced to leave home in an emergency, it’s better to be over-prepared than caught off guard. A well-stocked 72-hour Grab and Go Bag can help you and your family stay safe, comfortable, and calm when facing the unknown.

Have you already put together your family’s Grab and Go Bags? If not, now is the perfect time to start. Feel free to use this checklist as a guide, and make adjustments based on your family’s unique needs. Remember, preparedness is key to peace of mind.