Emergency Kits for People Who Hate Emergency Kits

Let’s be real: most emergency kit checklists read like they were written by someone prepping for the fall of civilization, not a two-day power outage in the suburbs. Tactical backpacks. Canned bread. Flint strikers. A $300 “off-grid comms device” you’ll never use unless you’ve also buried a shipping container in the woods.

You don’t need all that shit. You just need a few things that’ll make your life significantly easier (and safer) when something does go wrong. Because it will. That’s what we do here: prepare like something might happen, without turning into a caricature.

This guide is for the rest of us: the begrudgingly practical. The “I’ll do it, but I’m not happy about it” crowd. The lazy geniuses. Let’s build a kit that doesn’t suck.

What you actually need (hint: not a tactical vest)

Think of your emergency kit in categories, not products. You’re not building a Pinterest-perfect go bag. You’re making sure Future You can get through 24–72 hours of mild chaos without saying, “God, I wish I had a fucking flashlight.”

Here’s a basic foundation:

• Water: A case of bottled water (yes, it’s wasteful and no, this isn’t the moment to argue about it). 1 gallon per person per day is the general rule, but just some water is already a win.
• Food: Shelf-stable, no-cook stuff you’d actually eat. Granola bars, peanut butter, trail mix, boxed milk, etc.
• Warmth & Light: A flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries. A backup blanket or sleeping bag. Bonus: USB-rechargeable hand warmers.
• Power: A charged power bank (or two) for your phone. Even better if it’s solar or crank-powered…but honestly? A basic one you keep topped off is good enough.
• Communication: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio. At least you’ll know why the lights are out.
• First Aid: A basic first aid kit. You can buy one or throw together your own. Whatever. The point is having bandages, pain relievers, and anything you specifically need.

Not included: MREs, iodine tablets, knives big enough to gut a deer. Not because they’re bad! Just because you’ll probably never touch them, and this is about building something you’ll actually use.

Where to put it (and why that matters)

You don’t need a single, massive “emergency kit.” You need the right things in the right places.

• Home: A bin or backpack in a closet is fine. Even better if you know exactly where it is in the dark.
• Car: A tote in the trunk with a blanket, flashlight, water, snacks, phone charger.
• Work/Day Bag: A mini-kit of bandages, meds, charger, granola bar. It’s not dramatic; it’s just smart.

Ask yourself: What kind of “emergency” am I most likely to deal with? Build for that first. A snowstorm power outage? You’ll want heat, food, and a working phone. A wildfire evacuation? You’ll want a go bag with documents, meds, and pet supplies.

This isn’t about preparing for everything. It’s about preparing for something.

Getting over the mental hurdle

Emergency prep often dies on the vine because it feels overwhelming. You look at a checklist and immediately want to nap instead.

Here’s how to make it easier:

• Start with 3 items. Seriously. Pick three things from the list above and gather them this weekend. That’s it.
• Shop your house first. You probably already own a flashlight. Check it. Make sure it works. Done.
• Keep a running list on your phone. That way, when you’re at Target or online, you can grab a thing or two without making it a Whole Thing.

And remember: this kit isn’t for the end of the world. It’s for a rough weekend, a surprise storm, or a two-day boil notice. You’re not trying to survive alone in the woods. You’re trying to stay warm, fed, and informed when the systems around you break down for a bit.

3 Takeaways

1. Pick where your kit will live. Don’t overthink this. Just choose a closet, trunk, or drawer. Then like, y’know. Actually remember it’s there.

2. Gather 3 basics. Water, flashlight, snacks. Or whatever you’ve already got at home.

3. Add one comfort item. Something that makes a crappy situation suck less: a cozy blanket, a shelf-stable favorite snack, pack of gum, etc.

That’s it. You’re already doing more than most people. And you didn’t even have to buy a camo duffel bag. unless you really wanna.

Feature image courtesy Mikhail Nilov/Pexels