Top-performing Survival Kits of 2025: Comprehensively Evaluated
Gear up for emergencies: Our top-rated survival kits
In today's unpredictable world, having a bug-out bag packed with necessary gear is a must. As climate change escalates the frequency and intensity of natural disasters - storms, wildfires, floods, oh my! - having the right supplies within reach will save your life during any unexpected crisis.
While it's best to curate your own survival kit with high-quality items, pre-made bags offer a solid foundation to start from and upgrade where needed. We tested six bags designed to protect and provide for one or two people for 72 hours. None were perfect, but these caught our attention:
Best all-around survival kit: Uncharted Supply Co. The Seventy2 Pro Survival System
This sturdy bag comes fully organized with clear directions for all items, an impressive hand-crank radio/light/charger, and a well-stocked first aid kit. Take 30% off at Uncharted Supply Co. with code CNNDEALS through April 30. Exclusions apply.
$412 at Uncharted Supply Co.
Best budget bag: Emergency Zone Stealth Tactical Bug Out Bag
This large bag is a great value with an impressive amount of gear, including a spacious dome tent that can sleep multiple people.
$300 at Amazon $300 at Emergency Zone
Best light-duty transition bag: Judy The Mover Max
Not made for survival, but for smooth transitions during emergencies, this bag offers many essentials for 72 hours but lacks some basics such as food and water.
$146 at Judy
Here's a look at our favorite bags and their must-have features.
The Seventy2 Pro Survival System
The Seventy2 Pro announces its intentions as a serious survival bag with a durable, waterproof exterior and comfortable shoulder and hip straps with extra pockets and a tight system of loops and straps for additional gear. Inside, an insert pack unfolds to reveal a matrix of labeled pockets, holding high-quality survival gear.
While removing and unbuckling the insert for access can be tedious, the organization is crucial in emergency situations. The insert also provides clear directions and advice on various circumstances, such as setting a broken bone and lists of edible plants and insects for survival situations. The first-aid kit is the most complete and well-appointed of those tested with labeled pockets suggesting inventory and usage.
Supplied food includes three days' worth of Datrex bars, and though the pack doesn't provide water, it includes a Lifestraw water purification filter and a 48-ounce aluminum water bottle that fits into a sleeve on the outer bag. Tools include a powerful flashlight, multitool, rugged fixed blade knife, collapsible shovel, 100 feet of paracord, full-coverage goggles with activated charcoal filters for protection against harmful particles, and emergency blankets and a mylar tube tent.
The hand-crank radio/light/charger doesn't include emergency alerts, but it was the best of the lot, with access to weather bands and NOAA broadcasts. Besides the crank, it has a solar charging pane and a rechargeable battery, capable of charging a phone, powering a call, and taking a charge from a laptop.
Overall, the Seventy2 Pro is a great starting point and offers great value for more than $500.
Additions to consider
- Headlamp (Underscored recommends the Black Diamond Spot 400)
- Bivouac bags (lightweight mylar-lined sleeping bags)
- Water purification tablets
- Playing cards/books
- Personal items (see list below)
Best budget bag: Emergency Zone Stealth Tactical
The Emergency Zone bag is a considerable contender among survival bags, both in terms of size and what it offers. The large bag has space for additional items, but while the shoulder straps and back are well-padded, the hip belt is not. It includes loops and clips for gear additions, a flint igniter on the belt buckle, a rain cover, and a hydration system.
Inside, it doesn't have the polish and organization of the Uncharted Supply bag, but it sets itself apart through the sheer volume of gear. It starts with a 74-inch by 74-inch dome tent that doesn't fit inside the bag but provides more comfortable shelter than its tube counterpart. The tent pairs well with a pair of full-size bivvy sleeping bags, which are included in an inner case.
The range of toiletries covers all the basics and even includes toilet paper. There are misses, though. It was hard to fit everything back into the cases, and a molded handled knife and coil of paracord would be a better mix instead of the current cord-wrapped knife. It also didn't include masks or goggles, which could be life-saving during emergencies where air quality is poor. With affordable pricing, consider adding a few essential items to meet your needs.
Additions to consider
- Paracord
- N-95 masks
- Goggles
- Headlamp
Best light-duty transition bag: Judy Mover Max
The Judy is designed for smooth transitions during emergencies but is not built for true survival scenarios. The boxed essentials for 72 hours are organized and packed in a way that provides a sense of calm during emergency situations. Individual boxes, labeled with their contents, stack neatly.
The multitool is solid, and the crank radio/flashlight/charger works well, with directions claiming that one minute of cranking can provide five or six minutes of radio time, but a minute produced 25 minutes of steady sound. Food and water provisions are lacking, and the bag's fire-engine red color may not be useful for discrete travel. Overall, the Judy is a good basic bag with room for simple upgrades.
Additions to consider
- More food and water
- Water filter
- Water purification tablets
- Water bottle
- Headlamp
- N-95 masks
Why do I need a survival kit?
The U.S. government began tracking natural disasters - storms, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires - that caused more than $1 billion in damages in 1980. Over the past five years, the average has exceeded 18 such events per year.
These occurrences often necessitate evacuations, wreak property damage, and force displacements. A little preparation can save your life. Even in cases with more lead time - hurricanes, winter storms - having a prepacked bag will cover the essentials, allowing you to gather additional items and get out sooner. They even work for "bugging in," providing vital supplies if you're forced to shelter in place.
What should be in a survival kit?
Here are the basic supplies recommended by the government:
1. Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
2. Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
3. Radio with tone alert for receiving NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts (battery-powered or hand-crank)
4. Flashlight with portable or rechargeable batteries (or a wind-up flashlight)
5. First aid kit including materials for major bleeding, burns, and medical emergencies
6. Extra batteries for all electronics
7. Whistle to signal for help
8. Dust masks (to help filter contaminated air)
9. Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to make shelter or repair damage)
10. Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal hygiene)
11. Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
12. Manual can opener for food
13. Local maps
14. Cell phone and chargers
15. Backup battery or solar charger
16. Emergency blankets and ponchos
17. Non-prescription medications (such as pain relievers, antacids, and laxatives)
18. Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene products)
19. Copies of important documents (identification, insurance policies, bank account records)
20. Cash and change
Consider these additional items:
21. Fire extinguisher and waterproof matches or a lighter
22. Waterproof clothing
23. Tent or other shelter
24. Sleeping bags or warm blankets
25. Chapstick or lip balm
FAQs
1. Do I really need a bug-out bag?
Having a packed survival kit can significantly improve your chances in an emergency. It will help you escape dangerous situations, provide essential supplies, and enable you to shelter in place if necessary.
2. How long should I store my bug-out bag?
It is essential to rotate and update your bug-out bag every six months to ensure that its contents are still fresh and usable. Check expiration dates on food, medications, batteries, and other items.
3. How do I customize my bug-out bag for my specific needs?
Assess your location, climate, and personal needs, including medical conditions or special equipment, and adjust the contents of your survival kit accordingly. You may also consider region-specific kits tailored to address common disasters in your area.
4. Can I make my own bug-out bag?
Yes! With the right research and planning, you can create a survival kit containing the essential items for your personal needs, climate, and region. There are numerous guides and resources available to help you customize your bug-out bag.
- In addition to the items included in the Seventy2 Pro Survival System, it might be beneficial to pack a headlamp, such as the Black Diamond Spot 400, for navigating in dark conditions.
- For better outdoor living and comfort, consider adding bivouac bags or lightweight mylar-lined sleeping bags to your survival kit.
- In situations where air quality might be poor, it's worth including N-95 masks and goggles to protect your health and wellness.
- For those interested in sustainable living, a reusable water bottle made of safe and eco-friendly material would be a good addition to any survival kit.
- As climate change increasingly affects the environment, it's important to stay updated on the latest environmental science news and developments. A book on the topic can help pass the time and broaden one's knowledge during emergencies.
- For those who enjoy fitness-and-exercise activities, a calorie-counting App can be advantageous for planning meals and monitoring nutritional intake during emergencies.
- If you're a science enthusiast, a multitool with built-in instruments like a stethoscope or a magnifying glass could be a valuable addition to your survival kit, offering the comfort ofEngaging in scientific exploration even during challenging times.
