Brother Sanders was kind enough to show us his 72 hour kit and explain his reasoning behind his choices. He is able to keep it all in a single backpack by keeping it simple and minimalist. Because of the climate we live in, it's easy to not have to worry about large extremes like others in a more varied climate would need. Here is his basic list of items (complete with links & pictures):Clothing
- 1 pair of pants
- 1 long sleeve shirt
- 2-3 pairs of socks
- 2-3 underwear
- Lightweight jacket
- Hat
- Instant Oatmeal (1-2 packs per day)
- Granola Bars (1-2 per day)
- Nuts
- Powder Drink (1 quart per day)
- Dehydrated Soups (1 per day)
- Small Camp Stove - He likes a stove he made from a can. You can find the website information here & the directions for a Pepsi Can Stove here.
- Camp Pot
- Spoon
- 3-5 Ziploc freezer bags - he pointed out these are sturdier and can be used to eat the food from as well.
- Stove fuel - 1 bottle
- Matches to light stove - get strike anywhere matches
- Water (1-2 gallons per day)
- Sm.-Med. Band-Aids (5-10 total) - He feels they don't really help too much, but help kids feel better
- Tylenol - small bottle
- Children's Tylenol (make sure to get your child's age appropriate amount)
- Benadryl
- Anti-diarrhea medicine (because diarrhea can dehydrate you & cause other health issues during that 72 hours)
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Anti-septic wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Light weight sleeping bag OR
- Light weight Quilt (wool or fleece) - he got his from an army surplus store, wool keeps heat in better than anything and was less bulky for his kids on their packs, then also it makes it easier to tuck the kids in with you in a blanket if needed
- Small flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Head lamp
- Pocket knife
- $20-$100 small bills & change
- Whistle - he & his kids use these to help them locate each other if they are separated
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- 1/2 roll of toilet paper - pull the roll in the center out to flatten it
- Baby Wipes
- Water Bottle
- Garbage Bag - he said he planned on using it as needed & would also use it for a poncho if needed as well
- Water purifying chemicals
- Feminine hygiene products
- Radio
- 2- way radio
- Compass
- Pencil & Paper
- Candles
- Scissors
- Needle & thread
- Rope - he got rope from a camping store that was rated for up to 350 lbs. because it was very sturdy
- Vital Documents
- Soap
- Keys
- Cell Phone
- Tarp/Tent
- Babies
- Medication
- Glasses
An additional note that was provided by them was regarding identification cards for your children. Nevada Child Seekers will make ID cards for your children for free. You can reach them at 2880 E. Flamingo Rd. Ste. J, Las Vegas, NV, 89121. 458-7009
