The following is some suggestions, resources, and items think about when building an emergency short term bag. Depending on your location and situation, you might want to add more things. Add what you want and feel that you will need, but these items will be a base idea of important items to add.
There is a general guideline of thought to think about in a survival situation to stay alive called the Rule of 3: 3 hours without shelter, 3 day without water, and 3 weeks without food. Depending on your location and your activity, these can lower significantly.
Another general guide line for items to add your emergency kit is called the 5C’s: 1. Cutting tool, 2. Combustion device (i.e. to start a fire), 3. Covering device (i.e. shelter, something to keep you warm or block the sun), 4. Container (i.e. preferably a single wall metal one; can also be used to boil water), and 5. Cordage.
The following are some items that you can add that follow these guidelines. It is good to carry items that can be used for multiple things; some items are good to have multiple of…
For Shelter:
– Tarp
– military poncho (can also be used to protect from rain, blanket, gather rain water)
– thick trash bag (cheap and you can stuff leaves in it to make an insulated mat)
– reflective blankets
For Water:
– Single wall metal container to boil water
– water purifier filter
– water purifier tablets
For Fire:
– lighter
– Ferro rod
– matches
– cotton balls covered in petroleum jell (cheap and simple to make fire starters)
Basic first aid, IFAKs, and trauma kits are important to carry but you also need to learn how and when to use these items. When you are able to expand your knowledge of being able to make things out of your surroundings, the less items you will have to carry (being light and mobile is hella important). However, it can still be more convenient to just carry extra items. Making things takes a lot of time and energy, and—depending on the situation—you might not have the time or resources at hand.
Medical supply websites:
– Rescue essential
– North American rescue
Survival/ self-defense websites:
– Self Reliance Outfitters
– Optics Planet