If your life included an unexpected emergency tomorrow, would you be ready? To assure that you and your family can survive a catastrophe, a survival backpack will help. You and your loved ones need shelter, fire, signals, tools, food, and water at the very least. Planning for survival for 72 hours maximum, or until you are rescued, is imperative. If you have to go beyond 72 hours, the gear in your backpack will continue to help you survive longer. In an emergency, you will be under stress, so make sure you understand how to use each tool beforehand.

A good survival backpack should include tools, storage room, food, water, hygiene, first aid, safety, and light. Tools should include a whistle, floating compass, fire starter flint, a mirror, and a pocket knife. An ideal knife will have scissors, a file, a toothpick, and tweezers. Other items should include light, consisting of a combination of candles, a disposable lighter, and a flashlight. One AA flashlight with krypton or LED bulbs is excellent. First aid and safety supplies should have bandages, a mask, a Mylar rescue blanket, and a poncho with hood. Hygiene items include hand sanitizer and pocket size tissues.

Until you can get back to civilization, you will have to fend for yourself. All of the above mentioned items can be stored in a waterproof survival backpack for best results. Water, in a canteen, box, or bottle is a must. Sustenance like dried food packets or food ration bars are excellent sources of nutrition. Shelter needs can be met with emergency blankets. Fire starting can be aided with a waterproof military fire starter. These are tested for over 1,000 sparks. Tinder quick emergency tinder also helps start a fire. Light sticks are useful to have on hand.

You may want to begin with a starter survival backpack, and save money, instead of buying each item separately. Information on how to put together a 72 hour kit is available. Your basic survival plans should include a disaster preparedness plan with a checklist, and survival preparedness basics. Prepare by going over your checklists and emergency food supplies with your family. Outdoor survival depends on these basics, but there is always room for more gear. As long as you can safely eat, drink, build a fire, take care of medical needs, and obtain shelter, you may you stay alive during an unexpected emergency. Until you are rescued, or can return to civilization, these basic needs have to be met.