72 Hour Survival Food Kit – What You Need to Know

A 72 hour survival food kit is essential for anyone preparing for an emergency, natural disaster or evacuation. Whether an individual is going into the wilderness, or needs to be prepared for any eventuality, a 72 hour survival kit can give you peace of mind. However, purchasing or assembling your own survival food kit can be overwhelming. It’s important to consider the needs of your family and what type of environment you may encounter in order to make sure that your kit is adequately prepared for whatever circumstances may arise.

A well-stocked 72 hour Survival Food Kit should include:

Non-perishable foods and meals that have a long shelf life
High-energy snacks like nuts and dried fruit
A variety of beverages
Familiar comfort foods
Appropriate cooking supplies such as matches, a lighter and/or flint & steel
A stove or campfire cooking gear
Utensils like plates and spoons
Kitchen essentials such as salt and pepper
Hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap
Blankets/sleeping bags/tents/tarps
Communication devices like radios so you can be alerted to any dangerous changes in weather or locales.

By creating or purchasing a pre-made 72 Hour Survival Food Kit one will rest assured knowing that their family has essential items available if necessary. Investing in this equipment now means being better prepared for whatever comes tomorrow!

Table of Contents

Food and Water

When it comes to preparing for an emergency, food and water are usually the first two things that come to mind. Having the right food and water in a 72-hour survival food kit is essential and can be the difference between life and death in certain situations.

This article will cover the types of food and water needed to include in a 72-hour survival food kit:

Water

In extreme survival situations like a 72-hour survival kit, having access to clean and potable water is of utmost importance. In order to ensure that you are able to stay safe and healthy during your adventure, it is important to plan ahead and make sure that your water needs are covered.

When preparedness is on the agenda, accessibility should be a top priority. Be sure to source clean water from reliable locations such as designated water sources or streams. If boiling or chemical treatments are necessary before drinking, make sure you have usable fuel sources to boil the water or appropriate chemical treatment products on hand such as purification tablets. During your time in the wilderness, it’s not a bad idea to bring excess amounts of drinkable water–you may never know what challenges you will face and having enough for your team can prove invaluable in an emergency situation.

Additionally, if food is part of your 72 hour emergency pack, include ample amounts of:

dry food rations that are high in carbohydrates so you can keep up with the demands the outdoor environment puts on the body in regards to energy expenditure.
fiber-rich foods such as grains, beans and whole grains will also serve as dietary staples that work best when combined with other nutrient rich meals from fish and/or nuts.

Non-perishable food items

When it comes to preparing a 72-hour emergency survival kit, there are several items which should be included. Non-perishable and compact food items should be at the top of the list since they provide much needed nutrition and energy in times of stress and crisis.

Canned foods are one of the most accessible and cost-effective items for stocking up on when you're assembling a 72-hour kit. They can last up to 3 years without needing refrigeration, so they're a great option for emergency preparedness planning. Canned fruits, vegetables, beans, soups and stews are all excellent choices for non-perishable food items that you can use to stock your kit with nutrition.

Protein bars or meal replacement bars are also great options for packing into your kit since they offer the necessary nutrients and typically do not require any preparation. If you’re looking for more filling snacks during an emergency situation, trail mix or granola bars can imbue a long lasting source of energy when making do with limited resources.

Dehydrated food is another alternate option that is ideal since it is lightweight and shelf stable; especially freeze dried foods which require neither water nor cooking tools to prepare them in times of need. Just add water!

It’s important to make sure your pre-assembled supplies contain proper sources of carbohydrate, protein and healthy fats – ideally products that don’t take up much space but still contain vitamins, minerals and overall nutritional content – to give yourself an advantage while navigating through this unpredictable landscape.

Cooking and Eating Utensils

When planning a 72 hour survival kit, it is important to consider the necessities including food, warm clothing and shelter, and essential items such as a first aid kit and a cooking and eating utensil set. A 72 hour survival food kit includes enough non-perishable food items to last up to three days, but without the right cooking and eating utensils in your kit, you will not be able to make a meal out of it. Let's take a look at the various utensils you should have in your kit:

A cooking pot with a lid.
A frying pan.
A spatula.
A ladle.
A can opener.
A knife.
A fork.
A spoon.

Cooking Utensils

Cooking utensils are an essential part of any survival kit. It is important to choose items that can work for multiple purposes, such as a spoon/fork combo or a pot/pan multipurpose solution. For three days of living in an emergency situation, you will need the following supplies:

Multi-purpose spoon/fork set
Stainless steel cup
Lightweight camping stove
Camping cookware set (pot, pan, plate)
Mug with lid (for boiling water)
Long handle spatula and tongs
All purpose knife
Grill and Barbecue tools (optional)

It is also important to choose utensils that are lightweight and easy to transport. These multi-purpose items can save you from hauling extra weight and space in your kit.

Eating Utensils

Eating utensils are an essential part of any 72 hour survival food kit. While many items such as pots and pans can be used for both cooking and eating, other items such as plates, bowls and even metal spoons are specifically designed for eating. Having the right set of eating utensils will make your meals safe, efficient and enjoyable in the event of an emergency.

When making your 72 hour survival food kit, it is important to think about what types of dishes you plan on having in order to choose the proper utensils. If you plan on dehydrated or freeze-dried meals for instance, you may need a spoon or fork that is tougher than regular plastic or metal ones due to the sometimes hard texture of this type of food. A stainless steel spoon would work well in this situation.

In addition to picking out specific types of utensils in your kit, it is also important to consider quantity as well. Depending on the size of your family or group, having at least two sets per person is a good idea so that everyone has their own set of dishes throughout their time away from home. If space allows it in your kit, bringing extra disposable plastic dishes may be necessary too – this way everyone can have their own plate with some left over each day! Just remember when thinking about quantity that when conserving space while using up valuable resources like fuel or water is crucial!

Finally don't forget about specialty items such as chopsticks if needed – which add a unique way of experiencing different foods and can be reused multiple times! Now you're armed with information needed to create a useful 72 hour survival food kit including all necessary cooking and eating utensils!

Other Supplies

A 72 hour survival food kit is an essential part of any emergency preparedness supplies. But there are other supplies that you should include in your kit in order to adequately prepare for any situation. This includes items such as water, shelter, communications, and tools.

Let us look further into what other essential items should be included in your 72 hour survival food kit:

First Aid Kit

It is vitally important that your 72 hour survival food kit includes the supplies and equipment necessary to administer first aid. Many of these items can be found in any basic medical first aid kit, such as bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, and anti-bacterial ointment.

However having a medical kit more tailored to a 72 hour survival situation is recommended when assembling your own emergency kit. These specialized kits often include additional items like sterile gloves, instant-cold packs, blades, forceps and tweezers, pocket masks for CPR support and much more.

Regardless of whether you assembled the kit yourself or purchase a pre-made version always remember to check the contents regularly, replace depleted items and add new products based on your specific needs. Additionally it is recommended that at least one person in your household receive basic First Aid/CPR training so they can provide medical support if needed during an emergency.

Flashlight

Light is one of the most important elements in a successful survival situation. A flashlight should be included as part of any 72 hour kit as lighting provides not only illumination, but can also offer assurance when darkness falls. Whether navigating through a dark hallway or providing a source of comfort in an unfamiliar environment, light offers both visibility and security.

When selecting a flashlight, size and durability should both be considered. A larger light provides more illumination while a smaller light can provide focused beam in small spaces, such as tents or closets. Durability is important to ensure that the flashlight remains intact in a survival situation. Additionally, batteries should be checked frequently to ensure that they remain healthy and replaceable at all times.

Other types of lights that may prove helpful when assembling an emergency kit include:

Headlamps, which allow hands-free use while offering considerable lighting power
Glow sticks
Signal mirrors, which can provide assistance when summoning help during exposure to enclosed spaces.

Matches

Matches are an important element of your 72 hour survival food kit. It is important to have the right kind of matches in order to be prepared for any emergency situation. The best option is strike-anywhere matches, which do not require a striker to light. Strike-anywhere matches are waterproof and more reliable than standard wooden matches, which require a striking device and can easily become soggy in wet conditions.

For your package of strike-anywhere matches, consider choosing ones that have been dipped in wax or painted with red or black paint for added durability. You should also include waterproof containers for storing your matches that'll ensure the safety and longevity of the product even in wet conditions.

Firestarter

Firestarter is a vital part of your 72-hour survival food kit. Fire is an essential resource in any survival situation, allowing you to cook food, purify water, and keep warm when temperatures drop. Knowing how to effectively use fire starters can make all the difference in a crisis situation.

It is recommended that fire starters be included in your kit for several scenarios. For starters, if you’re stranded without access to electricity or other lighting sources and fuel supplies are limited, firestarters can instantly provide warmth and illumination. Furthermore, if you’re unable to locate dry fuel sources due environmental circumstances such as rain or snow, firestarters can easily ignite tinder and create a flame even in wet conditions.

The best way to begin a fire with an fire starter is by:

Gathering small bits of tinder like dry grasses and leaves along with kindling like twigs or small sticks.
Placing the tinder-kindling mixture at the center of your intended burning location where it will be less likely to spread outwards into nearby unconditioned areas.
Creating a soft cushion of dirt around this bundle as it will enhance air flow underneath it during ignition stage which will facilitate its burn rate and intensity.
Assembling the materials for easy access then striking the spark against the fine grit surface of your starter repeatedly until it catches light onto its tinder material – this could sometimes take up to 30 seconds depending on striker type and spark experience but once done right should last no longer than 2 minutes till the entire pile erupts into flames!

Compass

When considering an emergency supply kit to help you or your family survive over 72 hours, don’t forget one of the most important items: a compass. Knowing how to navigate using a compass is essential if you are in an unfamiliar area and trying to find help or shelter. With a compass, you can ensure that you remain on the correct route and stay on course if your environment changes quickly due to inclement weather or dangerous conditions.

Other supplies for navigation such as road maps or signal mirrors should also be considered during the planning of any survival food kit in case technology fails or disappears. A signal mirror can be used to alert authorities from long distances and can also double as a make-shift navigation aid when combined with other tools such as a flashlight and/or map. Ensure that all navigational items include easy-to-read fonts and information along with clear instructions so they can be used with confidence in any situation.

Conclusion

When you equip yourself with a 72-hour survival food kit, you are doing your best to prepare for the unexpected. The goal of this kit is to provide you with three days of nourishment while also allowing you to stay focused during an emergency. It is essential to store the food in a cool, dry and dark place like a closet or garage in order to maximize its shelf life.

It is also important to research the contents of your kit and choose items that provide the most nutritional value for your overall needs. It’s also beneficial for many people to supplement their 72-hour kits with additional items that are specific to their location and needs such as powerful flashlights and first aid supplies.

In conclusion, having a well-stocked 72-hour survival food kit can make all the difference in an emergency situation. Be sure to include enough perishable items so that you do not become malnourished or dehydrated, review usage guidelines regularly, and test the contents of your 72 hour survival food kit once every year. Your preparedness could save lives when disaster strikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a 72 hour survival food kit?

A1: A 72-hour survival food kit is a collection of non-perishable food items that can sustain a person for up to three days. These kits provide a variety of items such as ready-to-eat meals, energy bars, and water-purification tablets that can help a person survive in an emergency situation.

Q2: How much food is in a 72 hour survival food kit?

A2: A 72 hour survival food kit typically contains enough food for one person for up to three days. The exact amount of food in a kit varies depending on the manufacturer, but most include enough food for three days and some include enough for five days.

Q3: What type of food is in a 72 hour survival food kit?

A3: A 72 hour survival food kit typically contains a variety of non-perishable food items, such as ready-to-eat meals, energy bars, and water-purification tablets. Depending on the manufacturer, the kit may also include other items such as survival tools, first aid kits, and even shelter items.