Every major kit on the market has been tested. Here's what you need when things go sideways. Your life might depend on it.
Best for each situation
| Category | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Sustain Supply Comfort Kit (2 Person) | $143.50 |
| Best Premium | Seventy2 Core by Uncharted Supply Co | $229.00 |
| Best Value | Ready America 70280 (2-Person) | $36.59 |
| Best for Earthquakes | Complete Earthquake Bag by Redfora | $135.00 - $220.00+ |
| Best for Families | Ready America Deluxe (4 Person) | $133.46 |
| Best Tactical | Stealth Angel Family Kit (1-5 Person) | $99.00+ |
FEMA says 69% of Americans have some kind of emergency supplies. That sounds good until you realize most of those kits are garbage. Half-empty, expired, or filled with junk that'll break the moment you need it. When disaster hits, the first 72 hours separate survivors from casualties.
What you'll find below are thoroughly researched kits that actually deliver on their promises. Real gear, real reviews, real results. Because when it matters most, you need equipment that works.
Everything you need to know before you buy
Most kits on the market are filled with garbage. Sustain Supply doesn't play that game. If it won't save your life in a real emergency, it's not in here. You get a legit Kaito emergency radio, actual Sawyer water filtration (not some knockoff), and tools that won't break when you need them. It's on sale right now at $143.50 down from $249.99. That's a steal.
Check Price on Amazon →For serious preppers who refuse to compromise, this delivers. The Seventy2 was designed by actual first responders and survival pros who've been in the field. Everything's organized in color-coded pockets so when you're stressed and your hands are shaking, you can still find what you need fast. The bag is truly waterproof (field-tested in submersion). Worth every penny if you can swing it.
Check Price on Amazon →Not everyone can drop $150+ on a kit. This Ready America kit is perfect for getting started. For 36 bucks, you get the basics covered. It's Red Cross recommended and has a killer 4.7-star rating for a reason. The gear isn't fancy, but it works. Start here, then upgrade components as your budget allows. Better to have this than nothing.
Check Price on Amazon →If you live in earthquake country (California, Pacific Northwest), pay attention. Redfora built this kit specifically for earthquake prep following FEMA guidelines. Here's what sets it apart: they send you automatic reminders before stuff expires. Sounds simple, but too many people open their kit after 6 years to find expired water and food. The QR code video guides are clutch if you've never used this gear before. Everything's color-coded so you're not fumbling in the dark.
Check Price on Amazon →If you want your gear to look tactical and mean business, this is your kit. Stealth Angel offers sizes from 1 to 5 people, which is great for scaling to your family size. The bags are rugged, the gear selection is solid, and you get an actual emergency tent and sleeping bags. That shelter component is huge. Some quality control issues pop up in reviews, but at 4.4 stars, most people are happy with what they get.
Check Price on Amazon →Got a family with kids? This is your answer. Ready America's 4-person kit covers everyone for 72 hours without breaking the bank. The power station for charging phones is clutch (everyone always forgets about keeping devices charged). At $133 for four people, that's about 33 bucks per person. You won't find a better deal for covering your whole family. Red Cross backs them, and that 4.6-star rating speaks for itself.
Check Price on Amazon →Compare all 6 kits at once
| Kit | Price | People | Duration | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1Sustain Supply... | $143.50 | 2 | 72 Hours | MY TOP PICK - All-Around Kit | ★★★★★ |
#2Emergency Survival... | $229.00 | 1 | 72 Hours | Premium Option | ★★★★★ |
#3Ready America... | $36.59 | 2 (multiple sizes available) | 72 Hours | Budget Option | ★★★★★ |
#4Complete Earthquake... | $135.00 | 1-2 (multiple sizes) | 72 Hours | for Earthquake Country | ★★★★☆ |
#5Stealth Angel... | $99.00 | 1-5 (multiple sizes) | 72 Hours | Tactical Setup | ★★★★☆ |
#6Ready America... | $133.46 | 4 | 72 Hours | Family Kit | ★★★★★ |
20 years of experience boiled down to 6 critical factors
FEMA says 72 hours minimum. That's how long it typically takes for rescue crews to reach disaster zones. Consider adding an extra day if you can afford the space and weight. Better to have too much than not enough.
Don't try to stretch a 2-person kit across four people. The math doesn't work when you're hungry and thirsty. Count everyone in your household including kids. When in doubt, size up. You can always share extra supplies, but you can't create food out of thin air.
Here's the thing: cheap gear fails when you need it most. Look for US Coast Guard approved food and water with 5-year shelf life minimum. Get comprehensive first aid with real supplies, not band-aids and gauze pads. And real tools, not cheap Chinese knockoffs that break if you look at them wrong.
Check those expiration dates. Quality kits use food and water rated for 5 years. Some companies offer reminder services to keep your kit current (Redfora does this and it's genius). Set a calendar reminder if your kit doesn't have one built in. An expired kit is worse than no kit because you think you're prepared when you're not.
No pre-made kit is perfect. You need to customize. Add prescription meds, copies of important documents, cash in small bills, a phone charger, pet supplies if you have animals, and comfort items for kids. Trust me, a favorite toy or stuffed animal makes a huge difference for scared children in a disaster.
Keep it accessible. Not buried in the back of the garage behind holiday decorations. Keep one kit at home near the exit, and smaller kits in each vehicle. Avoid storing in areas with extreme temperatures (garages in Arizona, basements that freeze). Temperature swings mess with food and water shelf life.
For most people, the Sustain Supply Comfort Kit is the best choice. Best balance of quality, completeness, and price. It's what gets recommended to friends and family.
Tight on cash? Start with the Ready America 72-Hour Kit at $36. It covers the basics. Then upgrade components as your budget allows. Something is better than nothing.
For serious preppers who want zero compromises, the Seventy2 Core is worth every penny. It's been tested in real conditions and it delivers.