Kits

There are two reasons for wanting your gear already contained. The first reason is that you never know when there will be a sudden emergency, and you’re going to want your family to know exactly where their supplies are ready to go.

The other reason is that in a case of such an emergency, or if for any reason your home becomes inhabitable, you’re going to need to grab your gear and go. Ideally you will have a bag that has solid double stitching and many compartments for easy organization.

Since it’s impossible to carry enough supplies for your whole family in just one or two bags, you’re going to want a bag for every single member of your family. Make sure they have their names loud and clear on them so they are easy to identify in the case of an emergency.

Have babies or toddlers in your family? You’re going to want bags for them as well. Although these small children can’t carry their own bags, you will still want to have their emergency supplies together in one easy to grab place.

For older children and teenagers, however, their own bags would be preferred. Not only is this easier on you, but it also gives your older children a sense of security in knowing that they have their own provisions on hand. These backpacks can come in varying shapes and sizes so your young children can carry theirs easily.

When you buy backpacks for your children, make sure that they’re height adjustable. Obviously, your children will grow as they get older, and you don’t want to buy a new one every year.

For these same children you’re going to want lightweight but sturdy materials. Also, try to get waterproof bags. Older children may be able to use backpacks with frames, but younger ones should go without. Frames can either be internal or external.

The children’s backpacks are usually just smaller versions of the adult’s survival backpack. They also have the added bonus of easy to reach pockets and compartments that are quite helpful.

Survival backpacks have padded shoulder straps to make carrying them over long periods of time easier on your body. They are also made of resistant nylon and come with many pockets, hooks, and compartments for carrying your things. If you want a hydration backpack, know that they come in this style as well.

Wicking fabric is also popular. They’re thickly padded and help keep the contents of your backpack dry. Expandable backpacks are great because they can hold everything you need in an emergency while also being quite compact when they need to be.