Build the best 72 Hour Survival Kit! A Complete Guide!

[@ahomesteadjourney]

What items are important to you in your 72 hour survival kit?

[@veedubya4636]

I just went through our 72 hour kit checking expiration dates. We use a five gallon bucket with a lid for the meds, hygiene, entertainment, vitamins/supplements, flashlight, batteries, glow sticks, etc. We keep water and food items in the pantry set aside from everyday use food and water.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@veedubya4636 Glad you’re so prepared!!! 🙌🏽

[@veedubya4636]

@@ahomesteadjourney we are getting there, still a few more things to get and skills to learn.

[@kurtsteiner8384]

@@ahomesteadjourney depends if i can stay af home. Im not in usa but uk. Not in city out side, near the coast and english channel. Leave car at home, take what you can cary 1 vellon water in separate litrss, sleapink kit, 2 sets of clothes, washing and cleaning kit. Local maps, know your area, north is farm land, west is city, south is english cbannel 5 mins walk away, that may be a good option. A means to filter, and purify and distil water.. portable folding stove i,e crusader 2 system and some fuel enough food for atleast 10 days.

[@davesivonen9020]

@ahomesteadjourney still catching up on your videos. But besides food and water, first aid supplies.

[@force_majeure4070]

I'm sure the internet will weigh-in with their opinions but, one thing I learned is that you should never completely remove all the water from the bowl of the toilet, unless you can close off the sewage pipes to the entire house. The water in the toilet's p-trap acts as a barrier that prevents the gasses from the sewage system (which are HIGHLY TOXIC) from backing up into the house, and the water there is in the bowl itself keeps the pressure high enough to keep the gasses out. This can also happen if that water evaporates from extended periods of non-use, if there's a clogged vent pipe, a damaged wax seal, and some other causes. It's not super-common, but can be a real health hazard on top of an emergency situation.

[@tomtroy3792]

Maybe that's why my bathroom stinks

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@force_majeure4070 Oh my goodness, thank you for taking the time to share that information. I’ve never heard that before.. Great insight! I appreciate it!! ☺️

[@MosaicHomestead]

I'm not going to have this problem 😂

[@widowswatch6610]

Good video. I just subscribed. Great kit I hope someone helped you to lift that . That would be way to heavy for me to lift. I think I would divide my things up and store under the bed. 👍

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@widowswatch6610 That would be a great tactic! Or you can also build in place where it’ll be stored ☺️ Thank you for subscribing! Hope you have a great week!

[@wendymason6477]

Wool blanket. Mylar blanket too- personally I like alpaca blankets, less itchy. I would add bowls and plates and a water bottle😊 All stainless steel, a sponge and a small amount of Castile soap. This kit is good for bugging in-- good also to have a backpack with change of clothes and jacket, etc in case you need to leave quickly. Add a sawyer squeeze water filter in case it’s more than 72 hrs.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@Rpol_404]

How about a manual can opener or even a P38? Also be aware of the weekly recommendations for tuna consumption due to trace amounts of mercury. Here’s a tip for lighting: mount a medium or large tactical flashlight where it is pointed at the ceiling. The higher you can place it the better (think small bookshelf). It will totally illuminate the entire room.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@Rpol_404 I agree about the tuna, and thank you for the flashlight tip! - Yes, manual can openers are a must! One is none, and two is one 😉 Never heard about a P38 before.. I just looked it up. Have you used one before and do you like them?

[@judycrews784]

😂²w×××​@@ahomesteadjourney

[@LindsayLindsay-c9x]

​@ahomesteadjourney I always keep a P38 in my purse and car. They are great. They are military issue. Very small, easy to use. Not as easy/fast as a kitchen can opener, but definitely worth the size/packability tradeoff. I learned a ton about prepping/bugout by learning about backpacking gear from backpacking channels. That's how I learned about things like the P38 and denatured alcohol stoves, cooking oil lamps, bottle-top bidets (to replace toilet paper), best water filters, and just the best all around small lightweight gear needed to survive on the go. Through-hikers survive out of their pack for months, so they really know all the best tips and gear.

[@donniblahh]

I have the NOAA emergency weather radio. I did try to make sure it worked and it does and even gets a channel that plays music which was nice. I didn't put it with my emergency items yours is put together so nicely but for years I've been accumulating and I recycle my labels. Unfortunately I returned my two-way radios back to Amazon because I could not get a good radio reception nor could I get anyone in my household to assist with testing it. But anyway.😆 Thank you for sharing.🎉

[@susieramick7202]

A blanket or sleeping bag on top of the tote or put the tote in a sleeping bag. Small bottle of Tums nerves and digestion good calcium in them.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Thanks for sharing those tips!

[@hfortenberry]

I have that EXACT same reusable pads bag. 😊

[@williamneal7210]

Great video! Here's the GORP (i.e. ,the basics) when t comes to the "12 C's" in a survival kit --Cordage --Cover --Cutting tool (knife, hatchet, saw, etc.) --Container (water) --Combustion (ferro rod, matches, lighter, sterno, etc) --Calories --Casualty care --Cleaning (hygiene) --Comms --Candle power (flashlight, candles, glow sticks, etc.) --Combat (personal protection) --Construction (shovels, sandbags, etc.--note the shovel comes in handy when dealing with...um...wastes...) Thanks for the video!

[@Cogzed]

10 C’s of Survival: 1) Cutting 2) Combustion 3) Cover 4) Container 5) Cordage 6) Candlelight 7) Cotton Bandana 8) Compass 9) Cargo Tape 10) Canvas Needle First 5 are MUSTS!

[@Jummby762]

Very well thought out kit. Everything is easy enough to obtain for everyone at your local store or Amazon. I like the idea of it being in that container just incase you have to throw it into a vehicle with you if you have to escape from an environmental danger (like a wildfire). My only add I'd recommend is some extra batteries for the radios and light sources. Probably even a few battery banks to keep your phones alive. I personally camp out of my truck a lot and have a few of those exact containers filled with my camping supplies which is very similar to your 72hr pack. Just some extra stuff like a coleman grill with a few 1lb green propane tanks.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

I definitely agree about throwing in additional batteries/light sources/power banks. All of those definitely come in handy. Also, it's great that you camp out of your truck often because it's a great way to practice skills of relying on less. I think it's one of the best ways to really learn what you need and don't need! Thanks for sharing and your feedback 😊

[@ntracefan]

Personally , I would put everything in freezer bags ( they are thicker ) just in case one of the water jugs leak. The radio, little lantern, headlamp , paper towels, knife, duct tape, etc would do you no good if they got wet and ruined them.

[@tennesseeterri]

This is the first video of yours that I have ever seen, and I think you did a great job. You are well-spoken concise and genuine. I like your way of presentation. There are other items I would want to include with my kit. Things such as some work gloves, zip ties, a few cheap painters clear plastic drop cloths ( dollar tree has them), sleeping bags /blankets, clothing items including extra outfit, jackets, bug repellant, and I would also throw in some bug netting in case you end up camping out of your car. We never know what may happen in any sort of disaster. Those water bottles of yours should be stored standing up. If one leaks it could jeopardize your whole kit. Also you don't want to be using your precious drinking water to wash out those sanitary pads. For heaven's sakes, get some disposables. If there's lots of rain and you can't dry them out after washing them, then you will be sorry. And that's one thing you definitely don't want to be without.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Thank you so much for the kind words and feedback! I appreciate it 😊 Wishing you a great week ahead!

[@AprilArmijo]

❤

[@HopeRowe-l8x]

Just a note: Dollar Tree shower curtains/liners are a tougher plastic than the drop cloths. My #1 added item is a small bottle of Original Dawn Dish Soap. It's good for the following non-dish uses... - hand washing laundry - de-greasing hands, feet - kills fleas on pets - emergency bathing - rinses off easily if outer containers of emergency supplies become contaminated.

[@tennesseeterri]

@@HopeRowe-l8x the shower curtains are good but they are very small. I am going for a larger area of coverage, actually I would like to have both.

[@FlumadiddlingAway]

I may have just missed it, but a manuel can opener is a must have.

[@simplecountryliving7555]

Great ideas for 72 hour survival kit.

[@suekpp]

Thank you for the great video and keeping us prepared, but not paranoid. I really love the idea of the needlepoint kit. I would’ve never thought about that but what a great idea!

[@flpirate4565]

Great advice radio communication is a must

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@flpirate4565 It certainly is. Thanks for watching!

[@billythekid2594]

Just subscribed. Great video. 10 years ago, society would’ve considered you a “nutcasezconspiracytheorist” for thinking outside the box. Great video. My parents went months without electricity in PR. When the hurricane hit.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@billythekid2594 Thank you for the kind words! Wow, I’m sorry that your parents went through that! That must have been so hard… I heard a lot of the island was impacted. What area of PR are they in?

[@guadalupeskitchen3734]

I would stand/store the water jugs straight up, because you don't want to open that tub up and find everything floating in water if they spring a leak.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Great point!

[@guadalupeskitchen3734]

Very nice video.

[@brendapitts3967]

Thank you so...much for being so...detailed!! GREAT video, very good & needed information!!👍🏽🥰

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rachelgoodkind6545]

Thank you for great video's. I have been watching similar for over ten years. Practical prepping makes challenges easier and more comfortable. As a vegan, beans in easy-open cans, lots of nuts, protein bars, amy's soups, apples and other fruit, goji berries, dried fruit, chlorella, probiotics, cabbage makes great salads and keeps a long time), great candles, flashlights, maybe a wind-up radio, playing cards, board games, good books, water, supplements, first aid kit is terrific, and camping lanterns as well. Have a great day.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Thank you for these great tips! ☺

[@AGilbert_81]

Awesome...will definitely be sharing this video.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@AGilbert_81 Thank you so much for watching & sharing! I appreciate that ☺️ Hope it’s helpful to whoever it reaches!

[@robasiansensation3118]

Those blue shop towels are great. If you get the better brand, it's worth the few extra bucks because -depending on what you've cleaned with it- they can be washed right with your laundry and even the dryer. you can re-use them once.

[@rachelebromley8090]

Love the baking soda idea

[@ts2603]

Great video, not sure if I mised it but dont forget a can opener for the cans. I like the little ones that come on a swiss knife.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@ts2603 Thank you! Yes, I did add a manual can opener! I’ve never seen one on a swiss knife.. that would be neat to have around as well! Thank you for the suggestion ☺️ I’ll need to pick up one of those!

[@brendapitts3967]

She mentioned both of those items!

[@nickcasolino8903]

For aa potty bucket, cat liter works better than water.

[@davesivonen9020]

Hi. New sub. I enjoyed this video very much. Will be doing this for sure. Already kind of been doing it, but like your advice, I will be putting stuff together (with your videos) better and more organized. Look forward to more of your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for subbing and have a great day!

[@robbiehollywood1937]

This lady is beautiful as much as she is smart! Thanks for the information, and the refresher course. I have quite a bit of food stored up, but… “Does not need to be cooked” type of food is a great idea.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lbfaith]

I wouldn’t really recommend cloth pads. Only for the sake of using water you need to drink or cook with. Unless you plan to overstock water. (Guess you can find somewhere to wash them outside) but I think it’d be more sanitary using disposables.

[@jessicacanfield5058]

I am so happy to see people go back to the basics. So many of the older you tubers have done a couple of those but now have moved on. So thank you very much. I am not new to this but feel that I need to start over and see these videos again. I love those blue shop towels they are great😊 Also if you know there have been times when you or your community has had emergencies for longer than 72 hours make several of these or have a certain place to designate these items

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I appreciate it ☺️ I hope the video can encourage many! And yes, you have a great point - Multiple kits can be very wise!!

[@mangannon1647]

Your dog looks so happy & comfy:)

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Thanks! ☺

[@joannacurran8475]

I would advise not keeping all of these items in the container, but have a list either inside or attached to the lid. Then list items you need to add and where you will find it in your house. In particular you often need to keep medication in a fridge. Also often the use-by date is short. Also keep out items thart need to be kept charged.

[@tomtroy3792]

I have to dig into my 72-hour kit every month and use it up while I'm waiting for my social security

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@tomtroy3792 Oh no 🙈 Is your area prone to a specific type of natural disaster?

[@Jbuskirk]

It helped you survive 👍🏻

[@dougbotimer8005]

Probably a better stock rotation plan than most of us have. I’m sure there are many living on SSI, who are completely unprepared.

[@renondagregson1363]

Granola bars, whole grain fruit bars, cheese snack crackers. Can soups, and some candy

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Thanks for sharing! Ready-to-eat foods are so important!

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Dont forget freeze dried meals just add water. Thats just drinkinv water 1 gallon. Youll need extra for washing sanifation and toilet flushing etc

[@veedubya4636]

Very well done and informative. I hope people will take heed to your recommendations. On the garbage bags, keep the regular bags for trash and waste, but I also recommend getting contractor bags. Contractor bags are thicker than regular garbage bags 3-5 mils thick), I believe they are 33 or 39 gallon bags. Like you said you can make a poncho, or even a make shift tent with them. They are also good for blacking out windows. Hardware stores and the big box stores have them, in either 10 or 20 bags per box. We have them in our bug out bags, get home bags and our 72 hour kit.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@veedubya4636 Thank you so much for sharing all of the tips! I appreciate it ☺️

[@HummerGirl88]

I take a 5gallon bucket with trash bag and some kitty litter and for the seat we use a pool noodle much cheaper then those camping seats.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Love the creativity! Thank you for sharing!

[@Jbuskirk]

Very helpful ❤

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@Jbuskirk I’m glad that it is! ☺️

[@guadalupeskitchen3734]

If you have a home you need a generator (bi-fuel) and have a electrician install a 30 amp panel in your house, so you can power your whole house in a long term power outage.

[@NoMoreTears64]

72 hours is not enough. We just had a storm in Nebraska. The winds were 45 min at 75-90 mph. They said almost equivalent to Category 2 hurricane. Record number power outage ALL TIME for our utility company. They are saying 5-8 days to get everyone back on. I would suggest at least a WEEK for that "survival kit"

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@NoMoreTears64 I’m so sorry about the storm! I hope power gets restored sooner than that. We had a tornado come through recently with 120-150 mph winds and our power was predicted to be out for up to a week, but thankfully it was restored after 3 days. I agree that the longer your survival kit can last you, the better!! Wishing y’all the best and stay safe!

[@papadre70]

72 hrs is better than 0hrs .of emergency supplies.

[@wolflover4life19]

I learned that. Prepped for 3 days. We were out 4 days during Beryl and "lucky". Others were out for 8 or even 10 days. I'm working on bumping mine up to a week.

[@dsveo]

A good Swiss Army knife (SAK) would be a nice addition to your kit. A Huntsman or Ranger (91mm)

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Thanks for the tip!

[@rusty7760]

Thank you for a good Vid!

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@rusty7760 Thank you for watching and the kind words! ☺️

[@clarkkent4991]

Thanks for sharing! If more people were prepared we could all be in a better position to help even more people. I really like the idea of the baking soda for brushing. I’m going to use that idea! One thing that I plan to do is to put mine in a common container. I say common because at a quick glance that bag of baking soda looks a little like something else if you get my drift. My issue with that appearance is in a civil unrest situation if you have an “encounter “ with the “wrong” law enforcement officer that may be quick to jump to conclusions…. this could be bad. Or the least very inconvenient. So I’m thinking putting it in a smaller seasoning container. It would blend in being that you have other food items in the box as well. Place it next to the beans etc… Thanks again!Stay safe and stay prepped up! 👍🏾🏆Oh and for honorable mention preps to add. I added some hydration packs in my box. I live in a hot environment and may need it to replace vital vitamins and minerals through rigorous activity. Also added some energy supplements just Incase you may have to pull double duty and stay awake for some reason or another.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@kanchalaj9978]

Great video! Another thing to have I feel is cash just incase the card cannot be used to purchase things!

[@qconard]

Thank you

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Welcome!

[@jeremysimons6475]

Beautiful,smart your husband is a lucky man,love watching your videos

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Thank you!

[@CharTurner6928]

For those who aren't feeling the washable menstrual pads, I'd recommend one of the many models of "Menstrual cups" on the market.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Thanks for sharing!

[@catherine9646]

Super helpful! I like prepping from a woman’s point of view!

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Glad it was helpful! ☺

[@guitarman5032]

great information

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@guitarman5032 Glad it’s helpful!

[@robinraebel1273]

Don’t forget to pack some food and water for your pets!

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@robinraebel1273 Absolutely!

[@jessicacanfield5058]

Almonds also have fat which is good for energy and thinking in a stressful situations

[@ahomesteadjourney]

You’re absolutely right! They’re a superfood ☺️

[@jacqueline9001]

Don’t forget your important documents in a water proof bag

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Yes! Absolutely true!!

[@theresagarcia5403]

Don’t forget to add pet supplies.

[@VCurrie]

Don't forget a can opener

[@ahomesteadjourney]

👍

[@VCurrie]

Don't forget the cat food and water

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Absolutely! Can’t forget about the needs of our pets!! 💛

[@Jbuskirk]

Is this kit for one person ?

[@ahomesteadjourney]

@@Jbuskirk Yes, as far as food/water/sanitation/etc. Each person should have their own set. Certain items such as radio, can opener, lighter, etc can be shared with others 👍🏽

[@miguelvalladares1986]

Survival kit with no survival plan, and backpacks, will go so far. You need multiple maps or croquiz for the area, and a compass a ruler and a calculator, you need to know your area, were to go or how to evacue. You need the ability to transport your supplies with you. I give you 1km until you leave that plastic box on the road.

[@petepete66]

Ok … good idears … but what if you have to leave suddenly your home … and you do not know if you can’t come back … or your home burnes or civil unrest is around you … I nreally SHTF scenarios you always need a never come home bag ( always a winter inch bag ) you never know how long you have to stay outdoors… if you are not prepared for the worst situation… you have not good chances to survive… 🍀🍀🍀✌️🥶✌️🔥🔥🔥🌎🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Yes, that’s what a good bug out/evacuation bag would be great for! Do you have one already made??

[@petepete66]

@@ahomesteadjourney … always prepared for everything everytime everywhere… car tank full all complete inch … with knives 🔪 🪓 firesteels hot tent and tent woodstove … machetes NRG5 emergency food and so on … and all things also for colder winter ❄️… you never know … maybe you have to go into the mountains… 🔥🔥🔥✌️😎👍😜✌️🍀🍀🍀🌎🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@estherdavis1646]

Don’t forget a Medical Kit

[@ahomesteadjourney]

👍

[@123gwilco]

Thanks for what you do. LDS Prepper has an excellent video on GMRS radios. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5mniZiserqSq6c. He recommends the models that have at least 50 watts of power to communicate any decent distance. The cheap 5 watt ones are more or less a toy for your kids/grand kids. However, the 50 watt ones are quite expensive. Don't believe the hype and marketing exaggeration about the cheap ones on Amazon or at Walmart. I cannot afford the good ones yet but I am saving up for a set of them. These DO NOT require you to pass a test like a HAM radio does. You need a license for one but it is super easy to get , just pay the fee every 10 years and ANY family member can use them. Knowledge is power!

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Thank you so much for sharing this information! I appreciate it!

[@plm087]

Don't forget to put the dog in, for protection. lol

[@ahomesteadjourney]

✅

[@juliepark4717]

What about pet food and treats, and their toys?

[@ahomesteadjourney]

Definitely include those as well if they’re needed! Or you can make a separate kit just for your pets ☺️

[@MosaicHomestead]

I dont bother with these kits, its stuff i have around the house at all times.

[@ahomesteadjourney]

That’s awesome! 🙌🏽

[@tennesseeterri]

if there is a fire and you have to leave within 5 minutes, will you be able to grab all of these things that quick and get them into your car with your kids and pets?

[@samtheskoolie]

Personally, toothpaste and a toothbrush aren't too heavy or bulky that for a 72-hour kit, I would omit it. I've had to bug out with life-threatening weather before and there isn't much that makes you feel better in a stressful environment, where you are literally out of your element, than staying clean. It's refreshing and for me, also aids in my mental health when I am physically clean. And if you are going to put your baking soda in a baggie, label it hahaha. It looks like you're carrying drugs, and the last thing you want in a stressful bug-out scenario is to be questioned by authorities about your little baggie with white powder - innocent or not. Also...squish your TP rolls people lol. It's so much wasted space to keep it in that nice pretty cylinder.