Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit for Under $100
The first 72 hours after a disaster are the most critical. Here's everything a household of two needs — sourced from Amazon for under $100.
By ReadyNotRich · Emergency preparedness guidance for everyday households · Published 1 May 2026
Most emergency management agencies recommend every household have a 72-hour kit — enough supplies to survive independently for three days. You don't need expensive gear or a military background. You need a clear list and about $100.
The Core Four
Every 72-hour kit starts with water, food, light, and first aid. These four categories cover the vast majority of emergencies: power outages, storms, floods, and short-term evacuations.
Water (~$25)
Store at least 1 gallon per person per day. For two people that's 6 gallons for 72 hours. Store-bought bottled water works, but a personal filter like the Sawyer Mini lets you purify water from any source — a much better long-term investment.
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filter
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Removes 99.99% of bacteria. Lightweight and simple to use.
Food (~$30)
Skip freeze-dried meals for your starter kit — they're great for long-term storage but expensive per serving. Instead: stock 6 days of non-perishable foods you already eat (tinned beans, peanut butter, crackers, oats). Aim for 2,000 calories per person per day.
Light & Power (~$30)
A charged power bank and a reliable torch cover most situations. The Anker 26800 can charge your phone multiple times and costs under $60 — well worth splitting across two kits.
Anker 25000mAh Portable Charger
Charges an iPhone 15 about 6 times. Dual USB ports. Budget-friendly power backup.
Fenix PD35 1000 Lumen Torch
Tactical-grade brightness in a compact body. Runs on standard AA batteries.
First Aid (~$15)
A basic 200-piece kit covers cuts, burns, and basic wound care. Learn to use it — a kit you don't know how to operate is just a box.
200-Piece First Aid Kit
Bandages, antiseptics, gloves, CPR mask. Suitable for a family of 4.
Putting It Together
Store everything in a single bag — a large backpack or a lidded plastic bin both work. Keep it somewhere accessible, not buried in a garage. Check expiry dates once a year. For a full UK-specific checklist covering all categories, see our complete UK prepping list.
Frequently asked questions
What should be in a 72-hour emergency kit?
A 72-hour emergency kit should contain water (1 gallon per person per day), 3 days of non-perishable food, a torch, a power bank, a first aid kit, and emergency mylar blankets. For a household of two, total cost is under $100 using budget-friendly options from Amazon.
How much does a 72-hour emergency kit cost?
A solid 72-hour emergency kit for two people costs between $75 and $100. The key items are a water filter ($25), a power bank ($55), emergency blankets ($10), and a basic first aid kit ($35). You likely already own some of these items, reducing the cost further.
How much water do I need in a 72-hour emergency kit?
You need at least 1 gallon of water per person per day, so 6 gallons for two people over 72 hours. Store-bought water works, but a portable filter like the Sawyer Mini is more practical — it filters up to 100,000 gallons from any freshwater source and costs around $25.
What is the most important item in an emergency kit?
Water is the most critical item in any emergency kit. The human body can survive weeks without food but only 3 days without water. After water, a charged power bank and a basic first aid kit are the next most important items for most common emergency scenarios.