How to Choose the Right Emergency Bag — Size and Strategy by Household
When choosing a survival bag, it’s important to understand that one bag for the whole family is often impractical and too heavy to carry. The best strategy is to distribute weight and functions across multiple bags.
1. One Person (Individual Preparedness)
- Recommended Size: 30–45 litres
- Tip: Choose a comfortable, ergonomic backpack. Since you’ll be carrying everything yourself, comfortable shoulder straps and back support are critically important. All 72-hour contents should fit into this one bag.
- Recommendation: 72h Emergency Backpack
2. Two People (Couple or Two Adults)
- Recommended Size: Two separate 30–40 litre backpacks
- Tip: Distribute contents by function. For example, one person carries food, water, and shelter supplies, while the other carries the first aid kit, documents, communication equipment, and tools. This ensures that even if separated, both people have at least some of the essential supplies.
- Recommendation: 72h PRO Emergency Backpack
3. Family with Young Children (3–4 People)
- Recommended Size: 2 larger (40–55 litre) backpacks for adults + smaller (15–25 litre) backpacks for each child
- Tips:
- Adults’ Backpacks: Should hold all shared equipment (tent, more food/water, documents, tools)
- Children’s Backpacks: Keep them light! Children can carry their own personal items (a stuffed toy, drawing supplies), extra clothing, and a small portion of non-perishable food (e.g. energy bars). Children’s bags should not be too heavy so as not to tire them out.
- Priorities: Pay special attention to infant food, diapers, any special medications, and comfort items.
- Recommendation: 72h Family Emergency Backpack
4. Larger Family (5+ People)
- Recommended Size: One individual backpack (30–45 l) per adult and teenager + small bags for children
- Tip: A detailed distribution plan is essential. You can create “specialised” backpacks:
- Main backpack: Documents, cash, maps, radio, general first aid kit
- Food backpack: All food and water filters
- Shelter/Warmth backpack: Tent, sleeping bags, clothing
- Recommendation: 72h Family Emergency Backpack
Key Features to Look for in Any Emergency Bag
Regardless of size, keep these factors in mind when choosing your bag:
- Durability: The bag should be made from sturdy, water-resistant material (e.g. nylon)
- Comfort: Even when fully loaded, the bag should be comfortable to carry. Look for models with wide padded shoulder straps and a waist belt, which help distribute weight onto the hips rather than just the shoulders
- Organisation: Multiple pockets and compartments make it easier to find items and quickly access the most important supplies (e.g. water or a flashlight)
- Colour: While bright colours are easier to spot, a discreet colour (grey, green, black) may be a better choice if you want to remain inconspicuous
