16 of the best emergency kits on the market
“Be prepared,” the Girl Scout motto, seems to be the adage many Americans live by today. Volatile international politics, global climate change, and ever-advancing technology give people plenty to worry about these days. It’s estimated that as many as 3.7 million Americans identify as “doomsday preppers,” or people who have detailed plans in place to help them survive an apocalyptic event. Modern survivalism takes shape in many forms, from stocking up on cryptocurrency and investing in expensive bunkers, to taking a first-aid class and creating an emergency kit.
Most people don’t have the money, time, or energy to stockpile a 15-foot storage shed full of freeze-dried foods, so many American “preppers” or “survivalists” have found a simple solution by buying emergency kits. Sure, they can always put a kit together themselves, but rounding up all of the supplies can be extremely costly and time-consuming. Instead of tracking down a NOAA Weather Radio or other sophisticated emergency survival equipment, many “preppers” just opt for one of these pre-packaged emergency kits that include everything from first-aid supplies to nonperishable foods.
Stacker searched online retailers and read countless reviews to compile this list of the 16 best emergency kits on the market. The only thing an aspiring “prepper” has to do is add one of these kits to their online shopping cart. Click the order button to be prepared for anything—in about two to three business days.
RELATED: Click here to find the 35 things you need in your emergency kit.
Sustain Supply Co. Premium Emergency Survival Bag
This thoughtfully curated emergency kit includes everything you need to survive for 72 hours, from 12 servings of freeze-dried food to the portable stove to cook them on. Customers can choose between the two- or four-person option, so it’ll be easy for them to customize to fit their family.
Buy it: $199, Amazon.com
American Red Cross Deluxe Personal Safety Emergency Kit
If looking for something smaller than a full-on pack, this compact kit from the American Red Cross might be the best bet. While it doesn’t contain any food, it does come with a first-aid kit, survival blanket, drinking water, hand warmers, glow sticks, and other crucial supplies.
Buy it: $24.95, Redcross.org
ER Emergency Ready Tornado/Hurricane Survival Kit
People who live in Tornado Alley or hurricane country might want to go for this kit in a bucket. The supplies included—from extra water purification tablets and emergency water pouches, to a multi-purpose utility shut-off tool and a folding shovel—are specialized to be geared toward surviving natural disasters.
Buy it: $165, Amazon.com
Emergency Zone 840-2 Urban Survival Bug Out Bag Emergency Disaster Kit
Both the two- or four-person versions of this ergonomically designed bug-out bag are easy to throw onto someone's shoulders to be carried away in case an evacuation is called for—a major pro for survivalists. This kit is full of everything needed to weather the storm, including a tube tent, a folding 1-liter water container, a multi-tool knife, work gloves, two 3,600-kilocalorie food bags, and a full toiletry kit.
Buy it: $119.99–$179.99, Amazon.com
Ready America 70280 Emergency Kit, 2-Person, 3-Day Backpack
This small, bare bones kit is one of the best values on this list. While it doesn’t include a blade or fire starter, the backpack does include enough food and water to sustain two people for three days. This backpack also includes emergency blankets, dust masks, nitrile gloves, an emergency whistle, and a first-aid kit.
Buy it: $45.60–$49.99, Amazon.com
Aootek Upgraded First Aid Survival Kit
All 25 items in this survival kit fit into a compact hard-shell case, so it’s easy to stow in a glove compartment or desk drawer. While this kit doesn’t come with any nonperishable food, the tactical knife, fire starter, and fishing line and hooks included will help with catching and cooking food.
Buy it: $24.99, Amazon.com
XUANLAN Emergency Survival Kit
Tools with multiple functions are the highlight of this nine-piece kit. The seven-strand paracord bracelet doubles as a compass, emergency whistle, and fire starter, and the card-shaped multi-tool works as a ruler, screwdriver, bottle opener, and miniature saw. And since the entire kit weighs less than a pound, it’ll be easy to carry around.
Buy it: $33.89, Amazon.com
EVERLIT 250-Piece Survival First Aid Kit
This military-grade camouflage pack holds 250 pieces of gear, including a full first-aid kit, tactical card, fire starter, and paracord bracelet. Since the bag is water-resistant, this kit is also a great choice for people who like to spend their time hiking or camping.
Buy it: $36.99, Amazon.com
Wise Food 5-Day Survival Backpack
This kit is for those who are particularly worried about what to eat after a natural disaster or emergency. The 32 entrees included—from southwest beans and rice to apple cinnamon cereal—would sustain one person for up to five days. It even includes a portable stove that can be used to heat up each meal.
Buy it: $67.03, Amazon.com
Prepper's Favorite Get Home Bag
This heavy duty black bag contains everything needed to survive outside of the home for at least 72 hours, from 3,600-calorie lemon-cookie bars to a 57-piece first-aid kit. However, this kit’s most impressive feature might be the water filtration straw. The straw features an activated coconut-shell carbon filter that instantly purifies any water source, making lake or river water safe to drink right from the source.
Buy it: $129.95, Amazon.com
Ultimate Arms Gear 2 Person Supply 3 Day Emergency Bug Out Bag
Worried about roughing it in the wilderness after a disaster? Opt for this bug-out bag with some seriously heavy-duty gear. In addition to the standard first-aid kit, compass, and pocket knife, it also comes with a 19-inch machete, 10-inch axe, folding shovel-saw combination tool, and survival manual.
Buy it: $206.99, Amazon.com
Essential Packs Office Pro Emergency Pack
Keep the entire office safe with this emergency kit that can support as many as 25 employees for three days. It should be noted that Essential Packs also offers models for up to 1,000 people, so large businesses are covered, as well. The kit includes emergency ration bars, a megaphone with a siren and voice recorder, plastic tarps that can be used as shelter, a two-way radio, and a complete toilet system.
Buy it: $749, EmergencyKits.com
Tactical 365 Operation First Response Stage Three 3 Day 2 Person Bug Out Survival Bag
The makers of this large pack truly thought of everything, from water purification tablets and a crank-powered NOAA Weather Radio, to playing cards and roll-on deodorant. Also, a portion of the proceeds from each pack sold go to Operation First Response, a charity that supports military families.
Buy it: $214.99, Amazon.com
GetReadyNow Personal Car Emergency Kit
This see-through bag easily stows underneath a seat or inside the glove compartment, so it’s perfect to keep in the car. Although it’s not as comprehensive as many of the other kits on this list, it does include ration bars, basic first-aid supplies, a LED headlamp, and other crucial survival gear.
Buy it: $79.99, Amazon.com
Guardian Dog Survival Kit
Don’t forget about man’s best friend in the event of a disaster. Make sure Fido is prepared for anything with this red backpack that includes emergency dog food, water purification tablets, a 16-hour body warmer, collapsible bowl, collar and leash set, and dog toys.
Buy it: $54.99, CPR-savers.com
Ready America 77100 Cat Evacuation Kit
Avoid a catastrophe—pun very much intended—with this three-day emergency kit designed for feline family members. The emergency bag—which includes cat food, water pouches, cat litter, antibiotic ointment, gauze, treats, and a collapsible bowl—also doubles as a carrier, in case Felix isn’t accustomed to walking on leashes just yet.
Buy it: $52.70, Amazon.com
