Thread by @krus_chiki

When I was recommending people put together some emergency kits, no matter where they live, I got many replies going “Uhhhh actually some people are poor and can’t afford to be prepared”

So I decided to go out and prove them wrong

For $115 (Minus the price of the rucksack, as you can use literally any bag without having to break the bank) I put together a very basic 72h emergency kit for 2 people.

This does not include all the items recommended- the rest are just plain household items you should have, like a change of clothes, extra socks, copies of all important documents, some basic toiletries, and a few other items. Some of these items are not “the best item in this category” and that is because we had a strict budget to follow. I’ll break down the choices in the following thread, and feel free to add some suggestions, but keep in mind this is intended to be an extreme budget kit.

First up we have some basic survival items-

•2 Emergency Blankets

•Pack of 2 lighters- if for some reason those aren’t adequate, a pack of storm proof lighters. Quite frankly I think BiC lighters are some of the most useful yet forgotten survival items.

• Two emergency ponchos
•a basic fixed blade knife

When it comes to water, this is one of the most important items to have-

•3 Liters of water is certainly not enough water for 2 people and 3 days, which is why we also have the option of a water filter- (This was the only one they had at walmart. I certainly do not recommend these, as there are better options but you’ll have to spend more money on it. While these do filter, I find them extremely inconvenient. I would have preferred tablets or solution, but in the absence of those, this will have to do). There is also the option to boil water, as there are ways to start fires in this kit, along with a metal mess kit. I would recommend the bottled water be used as a last resort.

•Liquid IV Electrolyte Mixes are crucial to fending off dehydration.

Food- This one may be unpopular, but again we’re going for as cheap as possible. Water is more important, but food is still critical. Here are some cheap options, and we chose these specifically because you can cycle them into your regular food use anyways before they expire so you can always keep them up to date. You can definitely add more food to your kit, but keep in mind, we’re on a budget here.

•6 knock-off spam cans and 3 packs of ready made rice

•A surplus mess kit, for heating food, boiling water etc. (We are selling these specific Polish mess kits for $14.99)

Last but not least, some basic first aid supplies. Again, there are better options, but this is a half decent start for an extreme budget. Bleed stop and a typical first aid kit, fairly simple here.

All in all, this is definitely a good start. No one says you have to buy it all at one time, but this is definitely obtainable very quickly for even those on the strictest of budgets. If you’re interested in a medium ALICE rucksack, they are currently in stock for only $49.99. This is a great ruck for a great price, but once again, an old backpack or duffel will do the job as well. This certainly isn’t an end all be all kit, as it is specifically just for the first 72 hours until help arrives. This can be adapted for your environment, nobody knows your situation better than you. There is no excuse for not being prepared.