Best Survival Kits

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By Joel Jefferson •  14 min read

Finding a great survival kit can be difficult. Especially when you are trying to figure out what you need to pack in the event when you’ll need to bug out and escape certain disaster in the area.

Best Survival Kits in the market

A survival kit should at least last you a minimum of 72 hours (depending on the situation) and resembles a bug out bag. If you are looking for a long-term bug out options, then it would be important to prep for the long term and build your own cache at your designated bug out (or bug-in) shelter. We’ll be taking a look at some of the best survival kits on the market shortly. But first, we’ll show you how to find the best kit for you where you apply the process of elimination based on your needs and preferences.

But before all that, here are our top kits if you are in a hurry:

SURVIVAL KITS DETAILS
  • Plenty of tools at your disposal.
  • Affordable for those on a budget.
  • Compact in size and easy to store.
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  • Surprisingly affordable.
  • Perfect for spending time outdoors for days or bugging out with a single family.
  • Excellent quality tools and items.
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  • Enough food to last you and your family 72 hours.
  • Plenty of EDC tools and items at your disposal.
  • Foods have a very long shelf life.
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Types of Survival Kits Available

There are plenty of survival kits on the market ready-to-go, or there are many that you can make yourself (i.e., DIY). But they come in different types. Here are some of the types that you can find on the market ready-to-go:

All-Inclusive Kits

These are your run of the mill kits with the basic items you need to survive any scenario. They are not specialized but will get you through a disaster.

Make sure the ready-to-go kits have been put together by a reputable company with a team of survivalists, preppers, ex-military, firemen, etc. Check out our reviews below for such kits.

First Aid Kits

Obviously, first aid will be important when you are nowhere near a medical facility. This will include but are not limited to bandages, gauze, ointments, aspirin, tweezers, ice packs, and more. First aid kits will vary depending on the size and what you’ll need for medical care. Keep in mind that most EDC survival kits will include a small first aid kit with basic provisional items.

EDC Survival Kits

Every Day Carry (EDC) or EDC kits will contain tools that you’ll need just in case. While you might not use them every day, you’ll always have them handy. These kits will include items like flashlights, knives, paracord for starting fires, a basic first aid kit, and various survival tools. Again, it will depend on the size and how many tools will be included.

Food Kits

Of course, food will be essential when you’ll be bugging out. Most survival kits will give you at least 72 hours worth of food for a short-term bug out period. Some will include enough food for one person, while others will include a 72 hour supply of food for 2 to 4 people.

Consider who will be bugging out with you in such a situation before choosing a survival food kit.

DIY Survival Kits

Kits come in so many different sizes, shapes, and use-cases. Our experts have compiled various DIY guides for putting together your own kits. Check them out below:

Let’s get into reviewing the generic kits that you can ready-to-go in the market.


Best Survival Kit: Generic Kits

The following are the best survival kits that are considered the best on the market. Please note that some of these are comprised of different types. Choose a survival kit that is based on your needs and preferences so the decision is an easy one for you and your budget.

Let’s begin with the first kit on our list:

1. 47-in-1 Professional Survival Gear Kit Review

Angieast Survival Kit 35 in 1, First Aid Kit, Survival Gear, Survival Tool...

Let me tell you something about EDC toolkits. There is never such a thing as having too many EDC tools. But you’ll need enough to store in a kit without feeling the need to overstuff your bugout bag. Don’t forget, it’s always important to have essential survival tools that will work to your advantage in a camping or dire outdoor situation. This kit contains 47 tools in a case that is rugged and discreet. Your tools will include the basic provisions like a flashlight, knife, first aid kit, emergency blanket, and paracord among others.

If you don’t have an EDC kit already in place, this is the closest thing you are going to get to a complete kit without figuring out what you need in order to put it together. If you are pressed for time and want to save a good amount of money rather than spend a lot on standalone tools, this kit might be what the doctor ordered.

Pros

Cons

Angieast Survival Kit 35 in 1, First Aid Kit, Survival Gear, Survival Tool...
  • 【35 in 1 first aid survival kit】- 35 in 1 professional emergency survival kits with essential...
  • 【Christmas Gift Idea for dad men him】 - Funny gift and Christmas Birthday Valentine's Day Gifts...

Last update on 2024-04-26 at 15:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. EVERLIT 250 Piece Survival Kit Review

EVERLIT 250 Pieces Survival First Aid Kit IFAK EMT Molle Pouch Survival Kit...

If 35 pieces are not enough, you might as well go with 250 pieces. Not only will you get that many tools, but it comes in a durable military-grade survival bag with outer molle attachments. In fact, it has a survival kit that will not just have enough equipment and items for yourself, but also for a small family as well. On top of that, you’ll have your regular set of EDC tools. This bag is durable and water-resistant. Whether you are camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, or bugging out this is a bag that will definitely stand out as the go-to survival kit if you plan to be away from civilization for days on end.

Pros

Cons

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EVERLIT 250 Pieces Survival First Aid Kit IFAK EMT Molle Pouch Survival Kit...
  • ✅【250 PCS First Aid Survival Kit, Meaningful and Cool Gifts Ideas for Families and...
  • ✅【Be Prepared for the Unexpected, Complete Comprehensive First Aid Essentials Exceeds OSHA...

Last update on 2024-04-26 at 15:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Sustain Supply Emergency Survival Kit Review

Sustain Supply Emergency Survival Kit & Backpack, 4 Person, 72 Hours,...

If you want a survival kit that will supply you with 72 hours of food and plenty of EDC tools that will get you and a family of four through a bug out, then this is the best option. This has up to 24 servings of food, a portable stove, water, a survival straw, bowls, utensils, a first aid kit, four emergency blankets and so much more. You’ll and your family will be prepared more than ever in a situation where bugging out will be your only option. All of these items will fit in a durable backpack that is lightweight to carry even when fully loaded.

Pros

Cons

Sustain Supply Emergency Survival Kit & Backpack, 4 Person, 72 Hours,...
  • 72-HOUR SURVIVAL KITS - The first 72 hours after disaster are the most critical, making it essential...
  • SUPERIOR QUALITY EMERGENCY BAG - Survival backpacks include 24 Wise Company non perishable food...

Last update on 2024-04-26 at 16:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Complete Earthquake Bag Kit Review

Complete Earthquake Bag - Emergency kit for Earthquakes, Hurricanes,...

When an earthquake or a hurricane bears down on your area, it might be bad enough to where you’ll need to escape the area for a few days. This bag contains first aid items, survival tools, and emergency rations. This kit consists of enough supplies to get you through a 72-hour bug in period. Every item is made from high-quality materials and will prove their worth if and when you need them most. This has all the right necessities that you need just in case you need to outrun the storm or when the earth gives off an unexpected jolt that may knock things out of whack for a few days. The sooner when disaster sets in, you’ll be ready with a kit like this.

Pros

Cons

Complete Earthquake Bag - Emergency kit for Earthquakes, Hurricanes,...
  • COLOR-CODED ORGANIZATION SYSTEM: Built for 2 People for a 3-Day Period, Organized in Re-sealable...
  • FOOD + WATER + HYGIENE INCLUDED: 3600 Calorie Food Bars with 5 Yr Shelf Life (Packaged within 6...

Last update on 2024-04-26 at 12:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. First My Family 4-Person Premium Disaster Preparedness Kit Review

First My Family All-in-One 4 Person, 72 Hour Emergency Survival Kit for...

Lastly, we’ll be taking a look at the First My Family 4FK All-in-One Premium Disaster Kit. This is yet another kit that will provide you with enough supplies to last you for 72 hours. The only difference here is that this kit will accommodate up to four people. So if you have a small family, odds are you’ll have no problem snagging this bag. When disaster is about to strike or already has without warning, it’s always important to be prepared with the right kind of tools.

This kit includes a first aid kit, emergency drinking water, emergency rations, emergency blankets, a safety glow stick, and much more. Whether you are camping for a few days or riding out a short bug out period, this bag has most of what you need when the going starts to get rough.

Pros

Cons

First My Family All-in-One 4 Person, 72 Hour Emergency Survival Kit for...
  • ALL YOU NEED FOR FOUR: Includes food and water rations for four, an 85-piece first-aid kit, and...
  • BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING: When disaster strikes and time is of the essence, you’ll be thankful for...

Last update on 2024-04-26 at 12:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Features To Look For in a Survival Kit

Knowing which survival kit you need is important. That’s why this buyer’s guide will help you choose which one is best for you based on your personal needs. First, let’s take a look at some of the features you’ll find in a survival kit based on type.

First Aid Kit

As mentioned, most survival kits will either be a standalone kit or a basic kit with EDC tools. It would be almost suicidal to disregard the need for a first aid kit. When you are miles away from a hospital, knowing basic first aid is important. And injuries can be severe.

Have a kit with enough bandages, gauze, tweezers, and other essential tools that you might need in what could be a life and death situation with those bugging out with you. There are other items that you can use for the purpose of self-care.

Flashlight

One of the most important EDC tools you’ll need is a flashlight. In an outdoor situation, a flashlight will be important when it comes to navigating obstacles when there is little to no sunlight outside. Alternatively, you can use a flashlight that will be bright enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It will give you just enough time to escape danger.

Fire Starter/Paracord

Firestarters are probably one of the most underrated and underappreciated tools in a survival kit. And yet, it’s essential for one reason: a good open fire to keep you warm. Whether you are outdoors or lost in the woods, a fire starter will save your bacon. That’s because you’ll need to keep warm on when it gets cool at night.

Not to mention, cooking over an open flame is essential. Unless you have a camping stove, the closest thing you’ll get to one is kindling. Most survival kits will either have a magnesium fire starter, paracord or both.

Emergency Blanket

An emergency blanket will conduct heat when you are close enough to a heat source (i.e.–open flame). Even if you are in a survival situation with makeshift open shelter, an emergency blanket will heat up fairly quickly. This is a life-saving item that you absolutely must have in a survival kit, especially if you are stranded in a cold-weather climate.


Things To Consider for a Survival Kit

What Is My Budget?

Of course, there are survival kits that will be priced differently. It will also depend on the size and type. Whatever you need, you’ll need to make sure it is the best you can possibly afford for your budget. Especially when it comes to quality. The last thing you need to do is go for cheap and sacrifice not just quality, but do away with survival tools or items that you might need.

What Type Of Survival Kit Do You Need?

Do you have a bugout bag full of tools and items? Make an assessment of your food supply. Do you have no EDC tools or kits? If no, get a kit that has essential EDC tools like a knife, flashlight, firestarter, first aid kit, etc.

How Long Will it Last Me?

This will depend on the kit type. An EDC kit will last you a long time depending on the stockpile of tools you might have. But if you are looking for a food kit, find one that will give you enough food to survive a 72-hour bug-out period. There are other food kits that will supply you with 30 days of food or more.


FAQ about Survival Kits

The following is a brief FAQ that will give you a better understanding of what survival kits are and how they will work to your advantage. Here are the following questions:

What do you need in a survival kit?

There are plenty of things that you’ll need in a survival kit. But the true must-have items you need include but are not limited to first aid kits, emergency blankets, water, food or rations, a firestarter, a knife, a multi-tool, paracord, rope, an emergency whistle, and a flashlight among others.

How long should a regular survival kit last?

A regular survival kit should contain supplies and food that will last you a 72 hour period.

What should be included in a first aid kit?

Your first aid kit should include gauze or dressing, bandages, tweezers, aspirin, burn ointment, a splint, biodegradable soap, medical sheers, a tourniquet, and a CPR pocket mask. These items may vary depending on the kit you purchase.

For more details, read out survival first aid kit article.


Wrap Up

Finding the right survival kit is important. It will depend on several of your own personal needs and factors. This is why it’s best to figure out what items you need, and put together a DIY kit for your needs.

That takes time though so if there was a ready-to-go survival kit that we recommend, the EVERLIT 250 piece survival kit would be the best option.

The backpack is durable and it’s loaded with so many EDC tools that you’ll need in case you or your family need to bug out for a few days or so. You might also want to consider having a separate bag that will contain enough food to last you the 72 day period as well.

Joel Jefferson

Joel is one of the original founders of SurvivalCache.com. After college, he joined the USMC where he served as an (0302) Marine Infantry Officer. Joel is an avid outdoorsman and spends much of his free time in the mountains. Joel’s hobby is researching survival gear & weapons as well as prepping. Read his full interview here.