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The best home emergency kits for 2026
The Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag wins for its useful, organized 72-hour supplies; Ready America offers a lower-cost starting point.
| 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 |
| Price | about $165 | about $40 | about $39 |
| Why | NBC Select names this its best overall, citing its 72-hour contents, hand-crank radio, first-aid kit, water pouches and clearly labeled, color-coded supplies. The two-person version was listed at about $165 on Amazon. | At about $39.99, it’s a well-regarded one-person option with water pouches, a first-aid kit and a crank-powered flashlight, according to NBC Select. It costs far less than the Redfora pick and is lighter to carry. | NBC Select recommends it as a budget starting point for two people and listed it at about $39.44 on Amazon. Its contents include emergency lightsticks, survival blankets and twelve 4.2-ounce water pouches. |
| Good to know | It does not include all the shelter and communication supplies agencies recommend, so you’ll need to add items. | It is for one person and its packed water is far below the roughly 3 gallons one person needs for three days. | Its small water supply and relatively basic contents mean you’ll need to add quite a bit. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AINBC Select names this its best overall, citing its 72-hour contents, hand-crank radio, first-aid kit, water pouches and clearly labeled, color-coded supplies. The two-person version was listed at about $165 on Amazon.
Good to know: It does not include all the shelter and communication supplies agencies recommend, so you’ll need to add items.
See on Amazonpicture by AIAt about $39.99, it’s a well-regarded one-person option with water pouches, a first-aid kit and a crank-powered flashlight, according to NBC Select. It costs far less than the Redfora pick and is lighter to carry.
Good to know: It is for one person and its packed water is far below the roughly 3 gallons one person needs for three days.
See on Amazonpicture by AINBC Select recommends it as a budget starting point for two people and listed it at about $39.44 on Amazon. Its contents include emergency lightsticks, survival blankets and twelve 4.2-ounce water pouches.
Good to know: Its small water supply and relatively basic contents mean you’ll need to add quite a bit.
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
Check how many people a kit covers and what it actually includes; no pre-made bag replaces your household’s water, food and personal supplies. Plan on about 1 gallon of water per person per day, and check any food’s shelf life and expiry date. For first aid, check the kit’s bandages, gauze, wipes and other supplies; ask a pharmacist or doctor about medicines your household may need.
Who this is for
These picks are for U.S. households preparing for storms, hurricanes, power outages or evacuation. They’re starting points: add supplies for your family, pets, local hazards and any personal needs.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag
NBC Select names this its best overall, citing its 72-hour contents, hand-crank radio, first-aid kit, water pouches and clearly labeled, color-coded supplies. The two-person version was listed at about $165 on Amazon. The kit is available in sizes for up to four people, and the two-person bag weighs about 18 pounds. Its labeled bags and QR codes are intended to make supplies easier to identify and use. Treat the included water as a start: a person needs about 1 gallon daily, so check the kit’s water quantity and store more separately. Add food, charging supplies, maps and shelter items that fit your household and local risks.
Good to know: It does not include all the shelter and communication supplies agencies recommend, so you’ll need to add items.
See on AmazonBest value: Blue Coolers Blue 72 Hour Emergency Backpack
At about $39.99, it’s a well-regarded one-person option with water pouches, a first-aid kit and a crank-powered flashlight, according to NBC Select. It costs far less than the Redfora pick and is lighter to carry. The backpack weighs about 4.75 pounds and has an outer mesh pocket for extra clothing or a blanket. NBC Select describes it as a 72-hour kit for one person, but the included supplies are not a substitute for three days of drinking water. Add water, food and household-specific supplies, and check any food’s shelf life and expiry date. It suits an individual or a small backup kit; households should look at a larger option.
Good to know: It is for one person and its packed water is far below the roughly 3 gallons one person needs for three days.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: Ready America 72 Hour Emergency Backpack
NBC Select recommends it as a budget starting point for two people and listed it at about $39.44 on Amazon. Its contents include emergency lightsticks, survival blankets and twelve 4.2-ounce water pouches. The backpack weighs about 7.75 pounds and costs much less than the Redfora kit, while providing basic supplies for two people. The water pouches total only about 50 ounces, so plan separately for about 1 gallon per person per day. Add food, a radio, extra batteries and supplies specific to your household. This is best for shoppers who want an inexpensive base to build on, not a complete home emergency supply.
Good to know: Its small water supply and relatively basic contents mean you’ll need to add quite a bit.
See on AmazonHow we chose
These are editorially selected picks, not products we independently tested. NBC Select compared pre-made kits against FEMA, CDC and Red Cross guidance, including contents, household size and customer ratings; TODAY used agency guidance and interviews with preparedness experts. Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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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.