← Best of the Best: all the guides
The best 72-hour emergency kits for storms and outages
The Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag is the best overall for its organized supplies; Ready America and Blue Coolers offer lower-cost options.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag | Blue Coolers Blue 72 Hour Emergency Backpack | Ready America 72 Hour Emergency Backpack (Model 70280) |
| Price | about $165 | about $40 | about $39 |
| Why | NBC Select chose it as its best overall, citing its hand-crank radio, first-aid kit, water pouches and organized, labeled supplies. It offers a broader starting set than the cheaper kits, though it still needs additions for a real three-day supply. | NBC Select lists this one-person pack at about $39.99, with water pouches, a first-aid kit and a crank-powered flashlight. It is a compact individual option for only a little more than the Ready America pack, and far cheaper than Redfora. | NBC Select names it its best budget pick at about $39.44, and a recent 2026 comparison also highlights the 70280 for its price and contents. It is a low-cost two-person starter kit, not a complete three-day supply. |
| Good to know | It costs substantially more than the starter kits and still does not supply enough water for two people for three days. | The included water is not enough for one person for three days. | Its included water and food are only a fraction of what two people need for three days. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AINBC Select chose it as its best overall, citing its hand-crank radio, first-aid kit, water pouches and organized, labeled supplies. It offers a broader starting set than the cheaper kits, though it still needs additions for a real three-day supply.
Good to know: It costs substantially more than the starter kits and still does not supply enough water for two people for three days.
See on Amazonpicture by AINBC Select lists this one-person pack at about $39.99, with water pouches, a first-aid kit and a crank-powered flashlight. It is a compact individual option for only a little more than the Ready America pack, and far cheaper than Redfora.
Good to know: The included water is not enough for one person for three days.
See on Amazonpicture by AINBC Select names it its best budget pick at about $39.44, and a recent 2026 comparison also highlights the 70280 for its price and contents. It is a low-cost two-person starter kit, not a complete three-day supply.
Good to know: Its included water and food are only a fraction of what two people need for three days.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Plan for one gallon of water per person per day; these kits’ included water is only a small start, so add more. Check food labels for shelf life and servings, and check expiry dates regularly; for first aid, look for bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes and gloves, and ask a pharmacist or doctor about medicines you may need.
Who this is for
These picks are starting points for people preparing for storms, hurricanes or power outages, not complete three-day supplies. Match the kit to the number of people, then add water, food and personal essentials for everyone.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag
NBC Select chose it as its best overall, citing its hand-crank radio, first-aid kit, water pouches and organized, labeled supplies. It offers a broader starting set than the cheaper kits, though it still needs additions for a real three-day supply. The two-person version weighs about 18 pounds, according to NBC Select. The kit includes water pouches and purification tablets, but the included water is far below the roughly six gallons two people need for three days; add safe stored water. NBC also notes it may need extra shelter and communication supplies, such as plastic sheeting, batteries and charging tools. Check the food’s stated shelf life, servings and expiry date when it arrives.
Good to know: It costs substantially more than the starter kits and still does not supply enough water for two people for three days.
See on AmazonBest value: Blue Coolers Blue 72 Hour Emergency Backpack
NBC Select lists this one-person pack at about $39.99, with water pouches, a first-aid kit and a crank-powered flashlight. It is a compact individual option for only a little more than the Ready America pack, and far cheaper than Redfora. The pack weighs about 4.75 pounds and has an outer mesh pocket for extra items, according to NBC Select. Its one-person label does not mean it contains a gallon of water per day for three days, so add water and verify the food servings and shelf life. Check expiry dates on arrival and during routine kit checks. Add supplies to suit local storm risks and your household.
Good to know: The included water is not enough for one person for three days.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: Ready America 72 Hour Emergency Backpack (Model 70280)
NBC Select names it its best budget pick at about $39.44, and a recent 2026 comparison also highlights the 70280 for its price and contents. It is a low-cost two-person starter kit, not a complete three-day supply. NBC Select reports it weighs 7.75 pounds and includes twelve 4.2-ounce water pouches, two emergency lightsticks and two survival blankets. Those pouches total only about 50 ounces, far short of the roughly six gallons two people need for three days. The 2026 comparison lists 4,800 food calories for two people; check the product label for servings, shelf life and expiry date. Add water, food and household-specific supplies before relying on it.
Good to know: Its included water and food are only a fraction of what two people need for three days.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Recent reviewers compared included supplies, portability, organization and price; Reviewed also handled and assessed nine kits, spending at least an hour itemizing each and field-testing selected bags. Most kit reviews report short inspections rather than multi-day use, so check the included quantit Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
Not sure which one is for you?
Ask Danilli anything about these, free. Tell it what you need and your budget and it says which one fits you.
Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.