Most emergency orders stop at one item: a backpack, a power station or a heater. The outage then shows what is missing, usually light, news, a safe way to get water or a carbon monoxide alarm. This page builds the rest of the list around the item you pick.
Choose a goal and a price band. You get one kit of five to nine items: the core item, the accessories that make it useful and one safety or storage item. Each item has a one-line reason and a number pointing to the maker page behind it. Nobody here has tested this gear, so the reasons repeat what the makers publish. A ready-made 72-hour kit needs more water added, which is why water gets its own items in that kit. Our 72-hour kit comparison has the checklist details.
“Add the whole kit to your Amazon cart” sends every item with an exact Amazon listing to your cart in one step. Each item has its own link too. Where we have no exact listing, such as propane cylinders, the item gets a labeled Amazon search link and stays out of the cart.
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Price bands compare the three kits with each other, not with a current price. Check each Amazon listing before you buy, because prices and stock change.
72-hour kit for the household
A ready-made backpack kit sized to your household, a second water plan, a radio and a CO alarm. Ready-made kits need more water added, so water gets its own items.
Lean kit $
One person.
| Slot | Item | Why it is in the kit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core item | Ready America 70450 Elite 1-Person emergency kit | A 3-day backpack kit for one person; Ready America ties it to the first 72 hours after a disaster. [1] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Sawyer Squeeze SP129 water filter | A hollow fiber filter with a 0.1 micron absolute rating, for a second source of drinking water. [4] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Midland ER310 emergency crank weather radio | NOAA weather radio that charges from solar, a hand crank or a lithium-ion battery. [7] | View on Amazon |
| Safety or storage | Scepter 2.5-gallon military water can | A 2.5 gallon (10 liter) water can for storing the water you filter or fill ahead of time. [6] | View on Amazon |
| Safety or storage | First Alert CO400 battery-operated CO alarm | A battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm, for any outage where a heater or generator is in play. [10] | View on Amazon |
Add the whole kit to your Amazon cart 5 items go in the cart. Review the cart on Amazon before you buy.
Balanced kit $$
Two people.
| Slot | Item | Why it is in the kit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core item | Ready America 70280 2-Person emergency kit | A 3-day backpack kit sized for two people. [2] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Sawyer Squeeze SP129 water filter | A hollow fiber filter with a 0.1 micron absolute rating, for a second source of drinking water. [4] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Midland ER310 emergency crank weather radio | NOAA weather radio that charges from solar, a hand crank or a lithium-ion battery. [7] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Streamlight ProTac 2AA-X flashlight | Up to 550 lumens from two AA batteries, per Streamlight. [8] | View on Amazon |
| Safety or storage | Scepter 2.5-gallon military water can | A 2.5 gallon (10 liter) water can for storing the water you filter or fill ahead of time. [6] | View on Amazon |
| Safety or storage | First Alert CO400 battery-operated CO alarm | A battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm, for any outage where a heater or generator is in play. [10] | View on Amazon |
Add the whole kit to your Amazon cart 6 items go in the cart. Review the cart on Amazon before you buy.
Step-up kit $$$
Four people, with a flashlight and a second filter.
| Slot | Item | Why it is in the kit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core item | Ready America Sustain Supply Comfort 4-Person kit | Ready America says it supports four people for up to 72 hours. [3] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Sawyer Squeeze SP129 water filter | A hollow fiber filter with a 0.1 micron absolute rating, for a second source of drinking water. [4] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | LifeStraw Peak Series Squeeze 1L | A lighter second filter: a 1 L squeeze bottle with a 0.2 micron membrane. [5] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Midland ER310 emergency crank weather radio | NOAA weather radio that charges from solar, a hand crank or a lithium-ion battery. [7] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Streamlight ProTac 2AA-X flashlight | Up to 550 lumens from two AA batteries, per Streamlight. [8] | View on Amazon |
| Safety or storage | Scepter 2.5-gallon military water can | A 2.5 gallon (10 liter) water can for storing the water you filter or fill ahead of time. [6] | View on Amazon |
| Safety or storage | First Alert CO400 battery-operated CO alarm | A battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm, for any outage where a heater or generator is in play. [10] | View on Amazon |
Add the whole kit to your Amazon cart 7 items go in the cart. Review the cart on Amazon before you buy.
Power outage backup
A power station for phones, lights and small loads, plus a radio, light and a CO alarm for outages where a generator or heater is nearby.
Lean kit $
Smallest battery of the three; check what you need to run before you buy.
| Slot | Item | Why it is in the kit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core item | Jackery Explorer 500 v2 | 512 Wh LiFePO4 power station; make a load list before you choose a size. [12] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Midland ER310 emergency crank weather radio | NOAA weather radio that charges from solar, a hand crank or a lithium-ion battery. [7] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | BioLite Luci Original solar lantern | A solar inflatable lantern with up to 65 lumens that needs no outlet. [9] | View on Amazon |
| Safety or storage | First Alert CO400 battery-operated CO alarm | A battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm, for any outage where a heater or generator is in play. [10] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Streamlight ProTac 2AA-X flashlight | Up to 550 lumens from two AA batteries, per Streamlight. [8] | View on Amazon |
Add the whole kit to your Amazon cart 5 items go in the cart. Review the cart on Amazon before you buy.
Balanced kit $$
About twice the capacity of the lean pick.
| Slot | Item | Why it is in the kit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core item | Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | 1070 Wh LiFePO4 battery for longer runs of small loads. [13] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Midland ER310 emergency crank weather radio | NOAA weather radio that charges from solar, a hand crank or a lithium-ion battery. [7] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | BioLite Luci Original solar lantern | A solar inflatable lantern with up to 65 lumens that needs no outlet. [9] | View on Amazon |
| Safety or storage | First Alert CO400 battery-operated CO alarm | A battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm, for any outage where a heater or generator is in play. [10] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Streamlight ProTac 2AA-X flashlight | Up to 550 lumens from two AA batteries, per Streamlight. [8] | View on Amazon |
Add the whole kit to your Amazon cart 5 items go in the cart. Review the cart on Amazon before you buy.
Step-up kit $$$
The largest battery here, plus a fire extinguisher.
| Slot | Item | Why it is in the kit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core item | EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max | 2048 Wh LFP power station with 2400 W output, for larger loads. [14] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Midland ER310 emergency crank weather radio | NOAA weather radio that charges from solar, a hand crank or a lithium-ion battery. [7] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | BioLite Luci Original solar lantern | A solar inflatable lantern with up to 65 lumens that needs no outlet. [9] | View on Amazon |
| Safety or storage | First Alert CO400 battery-operated CO alarm | A battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm, for any outage where a heater or generator is in play. [10] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Streamlight ProTac 2AA-X flashlight | Up to 550 lumens from two AA batteries, per Streamlight. [8] | View on Amazon |
| Safety or storage | Kidde PRO 210 fire extinguisher | Rechargeable extinguisher with a UL rating of 2-A:10-B:C. [11] | View on Amazon |
Add the whole kit to your Amazon cart 6 items go in the cart. Review the cart on Amazon before you buy.
Winter outage warmth
A propane heater made for emergency indoor use per its manual, fuel, a CO alarm and light. Read the heater manual for ventilation rules before first use.
Lean kit $
Smallest heater; Mr. Heater rates it for small enclosed spaces.
| Slot | Item | Why it is in the kit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core item | Mr. Heater Little Buddy MH4B | 3,800 BTU propane heater on a 1 lb cylinder with an oxygen depletion sensor and tip-over shut-off. [15] | View on Amazon |
| Supplies | 1 lb propane cylinders | Mr. Heater says these heaters connect directly to a 1 lb cylinder. Search link, not in the cart. [16] | Search Amazon |
| Safety or storage | First Alert CO400 battery-operated CO alarm | A battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm, for any outage where a heater or generator is in play. [10] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | BioLite Luci Original solar lantern | A solar inflatable lantern with up to 65 lumens that needs no outlet. [9] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Midland ER310 emergency crank weather radio | NOAA weather radio that charges from solar, a hand crank or a lithium-ion battery. [7] | View on Amazon |
Add the whole kit to your Amazon cart 4 items go in the cart; 1 search link is not added because we have no exact listing for it. Review the cart on Amazon before you buy.
Balanced kit $$
Mid output.
| Slot | Item | Why it is in the kit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core item | Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX | 4,000 to 9,000 BTU propane heater on a 1 lb cylinder with an oxygen depletion sensor and tip-over shut-off. [16] | View on Amazon |
| Supplies | 1 lb propane cylinders | Mr. Heater says these heaters connect directly to a 1 lb cylinder. Search link, not in the cart. [16] | Search Amazon |
| Safety or storage | First Alert CO400 battery-operated CO alarm | A battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm, for any outage where a heater or generator is in play. [10] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | BioLite Luci Original solar lantern | A solar inflatable lantern with up to 65 lumens that needs no outlet. [9] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Midland ER310 emergency crank weather radio | NOAA weather radio that charges from solar, a hand crank or a lithium-ion battery. [7] | View on Amazon |
Add the whole kit to your Amazon cart 4 items go in the cart; 1 search link is not added because we have no exact listing for it. Review the cart on Amazon before you buy.
Step-up kit $$$
Highest output, with a fire extinguisher.
| Slot | Item | Why it is in the kit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core item | Mr. Heater Buddy FLEX MH11BFLEX | Up to 11,000 BTU with low-oxygen and tip-over protection. [17] | View on Amazon |
| Supplies | 1 lb propane cylinders | Mr. Heater says these heaters connect directly to a 1 lb cylinder. Search link, not in the cart. [16] | Search Amazon |
| Safety or storage | First Alert CO400 battery-operated CO alarm | A battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm, for any outage where a heater or generator is in play. [10] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Streamlight ProTac 2AA-X flashlight | Up to 550 lumens from two AA batteries, per Streamlight. [8] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Midland ER310 emergency crank weather radio | NOAA weather radio that charges from solar, a hand crank or a lithium-ion battery. [7] | View on Amazon |
| Safety or storage | Kidde PRO 210 fire extinguisher | Rechargeable extinguisher with a UL rating of 2-A:10-B:C. [11] | View on Amazon |
Add the whole kit to your Amazon cart 5 items go in the cart; 1 search link is not added because we have no exact listing for it. Review the cart on Amazon before you buy.
Buying for someone
For a friend or relative who has said they should get ready but has not started. Each kit is a few items that cover light, news and water.
Lean kit $
A crank radio plus light, water and an alarm.
| Slot | Item | Why it is in the kit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core item | Midland ER310 emergency crank weather radio | NOAA weather radio that charges from solar, a hand crank or a lithium-ion battery; the anchor of a small gift kit. [7] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | BioLite Luci Original solar lantern | A solar inflatable lantern with up to 65 lumens that needs no outlet. [9] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Streamlight ProTac 2AA-X flashlight | Up to 550 lumens from two AA batteries, per Streamlight. [8] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Sawyer Squeeze SP129 water filter | A hollow fiber filter with a 0.1 micron absolute rating, for a second source of drinking water. [4] | View on Amazon |
| Safety or storage | First Alert CO400 battery-operated CO alarm | A battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm, for any outage where a heater or generator is in play. [10] | View on Amazon |
Add the whole kit to your Amazon cart 5 items go in the cart. Review the cart on Amazon before you buy.
Balanced kit $$
A ready-made backpack kit for two with extras.
| Slot | Item | Why it is in the kit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core item | Ready America 70280 2-Person emergency kit | A 3-day backpack kit sized for two people. [2] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Midland ER310 emergency crank weather radio | NOAA weather radio that charges from solar, a hand crank or a lithium-ion battery. [7] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | BioLite Luci Original solar lantern | A solar inflatable lantern with up to 65 lumens that needs no outlet. [9] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Sawyer Squeeze SP129 water filter | A hollow fiber filter with a 0.1 micron absolute rating, for a second source of drinking water. [4] | View on Amazon |
| Safety or storage | First Alert CO400 battery-operated CO alarm | A battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm, for any outage where a heater or generator is in play. [10] | View on Amazon |
Add the whole kit to your Amazon cart 5 items go in the cart. Review the cart on Amazon before you buy.
Step-up kit $$$
Adds a power station so phones stay charged.
| Slot | Item | Why it is in the kit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core item | Jackery Explorer 500 v2 | 512 Wh LiFePO4 power station; make a load list before you choose a size. [12] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Midland ER310 emergency crank weather radio | NOAA weather radio that charges from solar, a hand crank or a lithium-ion battery. [7] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | BioLite Luci Original solar lantern | A solar inflatable lantern with up to 65 lumens that needs no outlet. [9] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Streamlight ProTac 2AA-X flashlight | Up to 550 lumens from two AA batteries, per Streamlight. [8] | View on Amazon |
| Must-have accessory | Sawyer Squeeze SP129 water filter | A hollow fiber filter with a 0.1 micron absolute rating, for a second source of drinking water. [4] | View on Amazon |
| Safety or storage | First Alert CO400 battery-operated CO alarm | A battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm, for any outage where a heater or generator is in play. [10] | View on Amazon |
Add the whole kit to your Amazon cart 6 items go in the cart. Review the cart on Amazon before you buy.
Sources
- Ready America 1 Person Elite backpack page: 3-day backpack kit
- Ready America 2 Person emergency kit page: two-person 3-day kit
- Ready America Sustain Supply Comfort Kit 4 Person page: four people for 72 hours
- Sawyer Squeeze product page: filter membrane
- LifeStraw Peak Squeeze 1L product page: filter membrane
- Scepter 2.5 gallon military water can page: can size
- Midland ER310 product page: power sources and NOAA
- Streamlight ProTac 2AA-X product page: output and batteries
- BioLite Luci Original Matte product page: solar lantern
- First Alert CO400 product page: battery-operated CO alarm
- Kidde PRO 210 data sheet: UL rating
- Jackery Explorer 500 v2 product page: capacity and chemistry
- Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 product page: capacity and chemistry
- EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max product page: capacity and chemistry
- Mr. Heater Little Buddy product page: fuel and safety shut-offs
- Mr. Heater Portable Buddy product page: fuel and safety shut-offs
- Mr. Heater Buddy FLEX product page: low oxygen and tip-over protection
How the kits are built
The bands step up in capacity or household size, not in promised protection. For power, use the power station runtime calculator to size a battery against your devices before you buy. The warmth kits follow the heater manuals, which restrict where and how the heaters can be used; read your manual first. For single-product comparisons, see the best indoor-safe heaters for outages and the best backup power stations for home basics .