The 72-Hour Kit Checklist That Actually Works

If you Google "72-hour kit," you'll find a million lists telling you to pack glow sticks, cheap ponchos, and MREs that taste like cardboard. Forget those lists. They are designed to sell you junk, not to keep you alive.

I've spent two decades in the field, both professionally and personally, testing gear until it breaks. A true 72-hour kit isn't about comfort—it's about stabilizing a chaotic situation. It needs to be mobile, durable, and redundant.

The Core Philosophy: Rule of Threes

You've likely heard the Rule of Threes: 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food. Your kit should prioritize these needs in that exact order (after immediate shelter/clothing).

1. Shelter & Warmth (The "3 Hours" Rule)

Exposure kills faster than dehydration. In the Rockies, night temperatures drop effectively year-round.

• Wool Blankets or 0° Sleeping Bag: Synthetics lose insulation when compressed for too long. High-quality wool works even when wet.
• Tarp & Paracord: Learn the "plow point" shelter configuration. It takes 2 minutes to set up and sheds wind/rain perfectly.
• Ferro Rod & Striker: Lighters fail. Matches get wet. A ferro rod works 10,000 times.

2. Water (The "3 Days" Rule)

Carrying 3 days of water is heavy (roughly 24lbs per person). You need a way to procure it.

• Grayl Geopress: My go-to for instant filtration and purification (viruses included).
• Single-Walled Stainless Steel Bottle: Can be placed directly in a fire to boil water if your filter breaks.

3. Calories (The "3 Weeks" Rule)

Don't pack for a gourmet meal. Pack for fuel.

• Pemmican or High-Fat Bars: Fat burns slow and keeps you warm. Sugar crashes you.
• Freeze Dried Meals: Lightweight, but require water (see above).

Building a kit is a process, not a purchase. Start with the basics, test them in your backyard, and refine. The best gear in the world is useless if you don't know how to use it.