
12 Best Emergency Survival Kits (Review) In 2021

Emergency survival summons scary images of stumbling deep in the forest, navigating by compass, building a shelter from tree branches, all while rain whips through the air. However, survival doesn’t always mean you’re lost; survival can happen next to a busy highway, or even in your own home. To prepare for the worst, you can invest in the best emergency survival kits to make any transition from normal life to abject apocalyptic disaster far more comfortable. Whether you’re looking for a survival kit for yourself, the whole family, or even the entire office, these emergency survival kits will provide everything you may need to plan for the unexpected.
The Best Emergency Survival Kit
1Sustain Supply Co. Premium Emergency Survival Kit




Boasting a variety of dependable and ingenious emergency supplies, the Sustain Supply Co. Premium Emergency Survival Kit is our choice for the best emergency survival kit. Packed with 72-hour sustainability to keep you and your family safe, this pack is designed for the crucial aftermath of any disaster or wilderness emergency.
The kit covers all your bases, especially when it comes to staying hydrated. This premium survival kit features the addition of Sawyer’s Squeeze water filtration system. Most might not think about the cleanliness of the water in an emergency situation, but it’s one of the biggest concerns in survival situations. This water purifying set will provide a clean hydration source for as long as you’re out there. (Seriously — it’s designed to last a lifetime!)
This large survival backpack holds a range of materials including 24 servings of food, water, lights, First Aid kit, emergency blankets, portable stove and kitchen equipment, knives, whistles, firestarters, and hygienic supplies. These items make it a fantastic choice for serious emergency demands or for larger groups, but they may feel like overkill for some.
Still, the supplies boast an impressive five-year shelf life, and you can easily replace anything that expires. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use it, but if the need ever arises, this pack won’t let you down.
Premium Sawyer Squeeze water filtration
72-hour sustainability
Large backpack
First Aid kit
3 light source options
Hygiene products
- BrandSustain Supply Co.
- Model9-08420
- Weight28.6 pounds
Easy to carry
High-quality cooking equipment
5-year item shelf life
May be too expensive for ‘casual’ demands
2Emergency Zone 4 Person Family Prep 72 Hour Emergency Survival Kit

If you’re serious about being ready for any disaster, the Emergency Zone 4 Person Family Prep 72 Hour Survival Kit is the survival kit for you and your family. As a premium emergency survival kit, you can guarantee that it comes with all the essentials you’ll need for a variety of survival scenarios, giving you peace of mind that you can overcome whatever the world throws at you.
All the supplies are contained in a durable and nondescript heavy-duty backpack. It’s big enough and tough enough to carry all of your supplies through any situation.
Even if you don’t feel entirely ready for a disaster, you can read up and learn more with the provided Emergency Guidebook. This guide will walk you through the best ways to survive, so you can share this knowledge and plan with friends and family.
This kit includes a range of food and water supplies, as well as water purification, shelter, and first aid. This makes it suitable for a variety of disasters. However, some of the equipment may feel a little basic, especially if you are experienced with survival scenarios. For some more must-have products like this, check out our list of the top paracord survival bracelets on the market right now.
72-hour survival kit
Nondescript heavy-duty backpack
Emergency guidebook included
Food and water supplies
Water purification system
Shelter and First Aid
- BrandEmergency Zone
- Model861
- Weight27.3 pounds
Suitable for a range of disasters
Includes hygiene products
Breathable mesh back
Some items feel cheap and basic for a survival kit
3EVERLIT 250 Pieces Emergency Survival Kit

A perfect choice for hunting, outdoor survival, and staying alive inside the house, the EVERLIT 250 Pieces Survival First Aid Kit delivers high-quality equipment and supplies time and again. It is one of the most comprehensive options on our list, with a wide range of essentials that have been specially selected by US veterans. Who else would you rather trust?
The waterproof backpack makes it ideal for all conditions. This kit also includes a firestarter, a crucial addition that will make it easy to get through the night and warm up a group. There are also high lumen tactical flashlights that give you an edge once the sun goes down.
Its organizational design is also one of the best we have come across. Everything has its place and packs in perfectly to make whatever you need easy to retrieve. Even though it is so densely packed, it’s still lightweight. Plus its compactness makes this kit easy to store or easy to carry over long distances.
As with many emergency survival kits, it may only be suitable for one-time use. Plan to check for expired goods or replacement needs every year.
Water-resistant backpack
Firestarter included
High lumen tactical flashlight
First Aid equipment
Quick-release rip-away EMT pouch
Comprehensive interior organization
- BrandEVERLIT
- ModelB07BC66HQ1
- Weight1.92 pounds
Comprehensive setup
Customized by US veterans
Compact and lightweight
Only suitable for one-time use
4Rescue Guard First Aid Disaster Emergency Survival Kit




The Rescue Guard First Aid Disaster Emergency Survival Bug Out Bag is available in different styles to appeal to as many survivalists as possible, whether they want to be survivalists or not. You can choose from either an Advanced or Basic pack, but this will depend on how many people you are in charge of protecting once disaster strikes.
Whichever pack you choose, there are enough supplies for 72 hours per person. You will get a First Aid kit to treat any injuries and keep everyone as healthy as possible, while the tactical knife and hatchet are some of the most important tools you may need should you be caught in the wilderness.
This kit packs in premium food and drink, as well as waterproof equipment to handle disasters at any time of year. The backpack is compact and portable, but there are some concerns over the durability and sturdiness of the zippers, especially compared to other options.
Despite this minor problem, you still have a kit that will give you the confidence and tools to survive a variety of potential disasters, including floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes. This is a great kit to increase your chances of survival.
Advanced or Basic packs
72-hours of supplies
Deluxe First Aid Kit included
Knife and hatchet included
Premium food and drink supplies
Waterproof equipment
- BrandRescue Guard
- Model10583
- Weight23 pounds
Suitable for a range of disaster scenarios
Compact and portable
Lantern, radio, flashlights included
Zippers are not as durable
5Redfora Complete Emergency Survival Kit

As the Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag is available in a wide range of sizes, it is the most versatile option around. This is crucial for larger families who already feel that some survival kits cannot accommodate them.
As for the equipment, it comes with everything you would expect from a comprehensive survival kit. You have your food and water, as well as a hand crank flashlight, so you eliminate the reliance on batteries. It is also suitable for charging devices such as your iPhone, should you need to get in touch with someone. There are also shelter and warming supplies to keep safe from the elements if you should need to spend the night outdoors.
The multi-tool is an excellent addition, but this is just one good option out of a variety of other useful equipment you can use for survival. The 1078-piece hygiene kit will keep people healthy, and the well-researched supplies mean that you have everything on your list, as well as everything you never considered.
All of these supplies add up, though, and this kit is heavier than other options of the same size. The added weight means it may not be ideal for cross-country travel on foot, but if you have a set of wheels or legs of steel, then there’s no better option than this pack.
Range of sizes available
Food and water
Hand crank flashlight
Shelter and warmth supplies
107-piece hygiene kit
Variety of tools included
- BrandRedfora
- ModelQKCK1-3
- Weight16 pounds
Sleeping bag included
Well-researched supplies
Suitable for charging smartphones
Heavier than other options
6AOKIWO Emergency Survival Kit

Compact and comprehensive, the AOKIWO Emergency Survival Kit is an ideal companion for any survival gear you may already stock. It is also entirely compiled by US veterans, making it something you can rely on in certified states of emergency to ensure the safety of you and your family. While small, it packs plenty of useful tools that could mean the difference between survival and disaster. These tools include essentials like camping utensils, First Aid kit, safety whistle, and a compass — all of which could be highly beneficial should you find yourself lost in the wilderness.
All of these components are constructed from high-quality materials, so you can trust each and every tool to perform well. With its compact size, this kit is missing out on a few items that would be useful for larger families or groups. You may only use this as an additional survival kit on top of something you already own. However, if you’re a lone-wolf type who wants to be prepared, then you are unlikely to find anything that matches the convenience and portability of this survival kit.
Compact carry bag
Durable exterior
Camping utensils
Multi-tool
First Aid kit
Safety whistle and compass
- BrandAOKIWO
- ModelB07X2X5YS4
- Weight2.6 pounds
Customized by US veterans
High-quality parts and equipment
Suitable for a range of emergencies
Not as comprehensive as other emergency survival kits
7Monoki First Aid Survival Kit

Our best value pick is the Monoki First Aid Survival Kit. Immediately, it will catch your eye with its 302-piece set, which is the most expansive kit we have selected reviewed. This is another compact option, and it will surprise you with its contents compared to bulkier and more expensive options.
It is compatible with Molle system backpacks, allowing you to attach it easily to the front of your regular hiking or hunting backpack for extra resources in survival scenarios. Furthermore, the 600D construction is durable and capable of surviving intense situations to guarantee all your supplies are well-protected.
This kit includes enough tools to source your own food, including fish, but there is also a tactical knife and firestarter for outdoor survival. To guarantee health and safety, emergency medical supplies allow you to treat a variety of everyday injuries that could occur in disaster situations to minimize the risk of infections or more serious problems.
It includes many essential items that other kits of the same size and price neglect, including a compass, which is useful for more than just survival. However, because of the price, some items may not be as high quality as you would expect.
302 piece set
Molle system compatible
Durable 600D pack
Emergency medical supplies
Compact design
Fishing equipment
- BrandMonoki
- ModelB07M7JM31Y
- Weight2.2 pounds
Quick removal velcro pads
Effective fire starter
Useful essential items that other kits neglect
Some items do not provide the quality we expected
8Emergency Zone The Essentials Emergency Survival Kit




The number one and best choice for the best home emergency survival kits is the Emergency Zone The Essentials Set. It is available for either 2 or 4 people, although you could buy multiple products to suit larger households. If you’re single and worried about surviving longer, this is a great option for twice the amount of survival gear.
Inside, there is a range of repair and construction tools, including a multi-tool knife, safety goggles, and even a pack of cards to pass the time. There’s also a first aid kit to treat any injuries, while the shelter equipment is useful if you’re ever forced from your home. However, these medical supplies are not as plentiful as other options, so it’s worth creating a backup plan, if only for peace of mind. You’ll also be happy with the food and water, including water purification tablets. The hygiene gear will keep you feeling fresh during the apocalypse. It comes in a neatly arranged backpack that’s easily portable, providing a versatile kit suitable for just about any emergency you could encounter.
2 or 4 person sizes
Range of repair and construction tools
First aid kit
Shelter equipment
Food and water plus purification
Hygiene products
- BrandEmergency Zone
- Weight12.08 pounds
Batteries included
Versatile kit
Neat and compact arrangement
Medical supplies are not as plentiful as other options
9GetReadyNow 72-Hour Grab & Go Emergency Kit

The GetReadyNow 72-Hour Grab & Go Emergency Kit provides essential relief from those early days where you don’t know what will happen next. It comes in a waterproof bag to keep the contents safe from water damage that you might experience from a flood or earthquake, while the compact design makes it easy to carry should you need to get out of the house.
This survival kit features a light source, food, water, and blankets, while the first aid and utility equipment are suitable for both your home and the outdoors. Because of this, it is useful during both evacuations and lockdowns, depending on what steps you need to take. Batteries are included so you can keep the lights on, even when things seem the darkest.
As the food only comes with a 2-year expiration, rather than the typical 5-year expiration, you may need to replenish this kit earlier than you’d like. You may also be interested in some of the best bug out bags from our list, so check them out.
Waterproof bag
Compact design
Light source
Food and water
Blankets
First aid and utility equipment
- BrandGetReadyNow
- ModelGRAB72A-1
- Weight6.8 pounds
Suitable for evacuation or lockdowns
Batteries included
Includes items not typically found in survival kits
Food bars only have 2-year expiration
10ER Emergency Ready 10 Person Ultimate Deluxe Survival Kit

If you’re after the very best survival kit for your home or office, the ER Emergency Ready 10 Person Ultimate Deluxe Survival Kit provides everything you could need. It comes in a range of sizes, whether you need it for 2 people, 4 people, 5 people, or even 10 people. This variety makes it ideal for a range of demands, including families, schools, and offices, among plenty of others.
As a complete survival kit, there’s nothing that you won’t find here: there are food bars to keep your stomachs filled and energy levels up, as well as water purification tablets and survival tools. What’s more, there’s also a clip-on toilet seat should you require one. Despite such a wide range of items, some of them are not as high quality as we’d like, but with the expanse of useful tools, we can look past that. It’s OSHA approved, so you can trust that the kit is safe to use in any workplace. In case the power goes out, the USB charging port will keep you connected to the world for a little longer. It would make a perfect survival gift for your adventurer friend.
Variety of sizes
Complete survival kit
Food bars
Snap-on toilet seat
Water purification tablets
Survival tools
- BrandER Emergency Ready
- ModelSK10R
- Weight2.2 pounds
Suitable for home and office
USB charging port
OSHA approved
Some items are not the best quality
11First My Family All-in-One Premium Disaster Preparedness Survival Kit




For the Family First crowd, this First My Family All-in-One Premium Disaster Preparedness Survival Kit is the exact option you need. Even if you don’t live with a family, there’s still plenty for you to enjoy and feel secure should the worst occur. There are several sizes available, ranging from a 1 person to 4 person kit; the 4 person kit is also available with a life straw to filter water.
Besides this, it comes with 72 hours worth of clean drinking water for 1 to 4 people, and there are also food rations to stop those rumbling stomachs. The shelter equipment will be useful should you find yourself outside, but you can also use it in the home if you encounter a broken window and can’t get outside to find a better place to stay. It’s easily portable thanks to the brightly-visible red backpack and holds enough to make it a good starter kit. However, if you’re serious about survival, you may want to replace some items or even add to what is already there. For more useful products like this, check out our selection of the best survival food kits.
Several available sizes
72 hours worth of clean water
Shelter equipment
Food rations
Body warmer
30-piece first aid kit
- BrandFirst My Family A Disaster Preparedness Company
- ModelFMF1P
- Weight5.9 pounds
Easily portable
LED flashlight
5-in-1 emergency whistle
Decent starter kit but not suitable for more demanding survival requirements
12CQQKS Emergency Survival Kit

Our final pick of the best emergency survival kits is the compact CQQKS Emergency Survival Kit, another outdoor survival option that you can also use in your home or backyard, should you need to. It comes with a flashlight and a compass for emergency navigation, while its portability makes it suitable for urban and wilderness treks.
It comes complete with an emergency blanket to keep you warm, as well as a tactical pen to smash through windows to restock on supplies when you need it. The survival knife and multi-tool are useful when gathering fire supplies; don’t worry, this kit includes a firestarter. The plastic case is watertight to prevent rust and corrosion. However, it’s not as durable as we’d like it to be. For a last-minute emergency, we highly recommend it; if you’re going to be stuck in the wilderness for more than a week, stock it with extra supplies. This lightweight emergency survival kit would be a great addition to any stockpile.
Flashlight and compass
Portable and lightweight
Emergency blanket
Tactical pen
Survival knife
Multi-tool
- BrandCQQKS
- Weight1.1 pounds
Survival cord
Compact storage box
Fire starter included
Some parts are not durable
Emergency Survival Kit Buying Guide & FAQ
Features To Look For In Emergency Survival Kits
With such a vast array of survival kits, we know it can be a challenge to choose which one is best for you. However, these key features should make your decision a little easier.
Batteries - If your survival kit comes with a flashlight, then batteries may be essential unless it's a hand-crank flashlight. Most kits will provide batteries to fit into the flashlight, but not all do. Before purchasing, make sure you know if it includes batteries, and if not, stock up.
Durability - Durability is an essential component of a survival kit. You want to guarantee the backpack or case can survive whatever you put it through. This means looking for options with excellent stitching or durable materials. Otherwise, you may end up losing items or even needing to carry everything by hand — not ideal during an emergency.
First Aid Kit - First aid kits will help you and your family overcome illness or injuries early on. There’s no telling what could happen in the event of an emergency, but small wounds (such as cuts or scrapes) could risk infection. While first aid kits won’t allow you to perform surgery, they are still useful, although it might be helpful to take a first aid course in preparation.
Food and Drink - Food and drink are vital in a survival situation. It saves you needing to live off the land and eating potentially deadly shrubs or plants. When at home, you’ll likely have food in the fridge and cupboards, so you may not need to use this food and drink, but when supplies run out and water gets cut off, they could be crucial. To put yourself in an even better position, look for water purification tablets, or water filter straws.
Portability - While these survival kits are ideal for use at home if needed, emergencies can happen anywhere. Because of this, it’s vital that the kit is portable, either as a backpack with straps or compact enough that you can slip it into a pocket without hindrance.
Shelf-Life - The shelf life of survival items is crucial, but it’s something not everyone thinks about. Most food and drink are perishable, so look for long shelf lives on the products you purchase. The general rule is 5 years, but anything less than that should be replenished as needed.
Shelter - Shelter equipment, including blankets and ponchos, will make surviving outside much more comfortable for everybody involved. You’ll also need a tarp, as well as a paracord, to stay dry, warm, or protected. You can also use this shelter equipment to make small repairs around the house or other building where you take shelter, such as covering windows or doors in a storm.
Size - It might seem like size and portability are similar, but while portability refers to how easy it is to carry the survival kit, the size concerns how much gear comes in the kit. You need to find an option that provides enough food and drink for everyone in your group, whether that’s a one-person, two-person, or even family-sized survival kit. Don't risk skimping on the essentials for everyone involved.
Survival Tools - From multi-tools to tactical pens, and even firestarters, a pack filled with survival tools is a must. However, you don’t want something that takes up too much space, so a versatile tool is key. To get the best results, look for sturdy and dependable tools.
Waterproofing - There is nothing worse than finding your entire survival kit drenched and ruined. A waterproof option will prevent such problems, especially if you live in an area prone to flooding. This waterproofing will also keep the kit safe when moving and will ensure everything remains usable while you are striving to survive.
Types of Emergency Survival Kits
1 Person - A 1 person kit is suitable for just one person. It will only have enough gear to protect an individual from a range of survival needs and is therefore not suitable for more than one individual.
2 Person - 2 person kits can also be used for one person if they want to maximize their survival gear, for additional peace of mind. Typically, these are backpacks with enough supplies for 3 days, but you can add more if you need them.
4 Person - Emergency survival kits for 4 people are ideal for families and should be easily identifiable in times of disaster. Often, they come with more gear compared to smaller options, including items you might not realize, such as dust masks and water purification.
5+ Person - Ideal for offices, schools, and large families. Any kit that is appropriate for 5 or more people will provide plenty of survival gear, including food and drink. However, because of the size, they may not be as portable as you’d like them to be. Switching the contents to your own backpack might be a better option, in that case.
Emergency Survival Kit FAQ
Q: What is an emergency survival kit?
A: An emergency survival kit is a collection of items and tools that can help to keep you safe and, well, alive during a disaster scenario. They contain many essentials that you would need, and will often provide enough to keep everybody alive for at least 3 days following a disaster.
They come in many shapes and sizes, from compact 1 person options to the bigger family versions. Purchase an appropriate kit depending on your needs.
Key items to look for include: multi-tools, knives, first aid kits, food, and drinks. Safety blankets are also useful. However, there is a wide range of potential items you might find in a survival kit. You can often combine the contents of a survival kit with items around your home to make a comprehensive survival kit for a variety of scenarios.
Sources:
- Dealing With Emergencies - University of Michigan
- Types of Emergencies - Red Cross