What should an emergency kit include? Don't forget about these 12 indispensable items!

An emergency kit is indispensable in unexpected situations. Whether it's a natural disaster, a home emergency or power outage, an emergency kit can save lives. What should your emergency kit include? Of course, you can simply purchase a ready-made emergency kit, but you could also assemble your own with products that suit your needs. In this article we give tips on putting together your own emergency kit and tell you all about the 12 products that absolutely must be included.

What is an emergency kit?

An emergency kit is a set of essential items you'll need to survive in emergencies. Think of water, food, light and a first-aid kit. It's a good idea to assemble your own emergency kit so you can cater it to your personal needs, environment and likely risks. We will help you put together a complete emergency package to suit your situation. Explore the selection and put together your emergency kit today!

Assembling your emergency kit starts with a backpack or pouch

A good backpack or pouch is essential to keep your emergency kit organized and portable. If your emergency kit is quite large, it's best to pick a sturdy backpack with different compartments. Choose a backpack that can withstand different weather conditions and hold all your essentials. For smaller items or a compact emergency pack, pouches are ideal. They help you store items such as bandages, a multi-tool, or paracord in an organized way and have them quickly to hand. Combine a backpack with several pouches for a modular system that you can easily adapt to different situations.

Emergency kit list: what should be in an emergency kit?

This emergency kit list was compiled based on advice from reliable sources.

A basic emergency kit should have the following:

Water and a water filter: essential for hydration and to obtain safe drinking water.
Knife or multi-tool: useful for various tasks such as cutting, building or repairing.
Power bank: ensures that your communication and navigation tools keep working.
Whistle: useful for communication or calling for help in an emergency.
Flashlight and spare batteries: essential for light in the dark, especially in case of power outage.
First-aid kit: key to treating injuries or health problems.
Lighter, firesteel and tinder: essential for making fire for heat, cooking or signalling.
Paracord: for tying, repairing.

And don't forget about:

Food with a long shelf life
Emergency blanket
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Disinfectant gel
Moist wipes
Candles and matches
Most important documents and cash

12 essential items for your emergency kit:

1
Mora Companion Heavy Duty MG carbon, green
First of all it is important to own a good 'cutting tool'. A strong bushcraft knife is a good option. A knife like that shouldn't be too big, because you need to be able to do everything with it. Food prep, fine cutting tasks etc. It is also very practical if the spine of the knife is flat, to make sure you can strike it with your firesteel.
£19.45
In stock
2
Nitecore NB20000 Gen3 Powerbank, 20.000 mAh
Make sure your phone and other devices are always charged with this powerful and compact power bank. A charged phone can be vital in emergency situations.
£89.99
£93.49
In stock
3
LifeStraw Go Stainless Steel Medium Blue insulated drinking bottle with filter
A water bottle with a built-in filter will also come in handy. A bottle like this will keep your water clean and cold, even in extreme conditions.
£69.99
In stock
4
Tasmanian Tiger First Aid Complete MKII 7300-331, olive green
A first-aid kit is a must-have for first aid for injuries. This kit contains all basic medical necessities.
£63.49
In stock
5
Light My Fire Firesteel Bio Army Rusty Orange
This firesteel allows you to light a fire even in difficult weather conditions. Even when wet, it produces reliable sparks. Ideal for heat, cooking or emergency signals.
£19.45
In stock
6
Leatherman Skeletool CX
This firesteel allows you to light a fire even in difficult weather conditions. Even when wet, it produces reliable sparks. Ideal for heat, cooking or emergency signals.
£100.95
In stock
7
Sawyer Mini SP101 green, water filter
A reliable way to obtain drinking water is crucial in emergency situations. The LifeStraw filters bacteria and dirt directly from lakes, rivers or other water sources.
£31.49
In stock
8
Nitecore FSP100 solar panel
This solar panel allows you to charge your power bank and devices even without access to electricity. This is convenient during prolonged power outages.
£290.99
In stock
9
Fenix E-STAR, 100 lumen, hand-pressing flashlight
This torch needs no batteries as it 'charges' by squeezing it. Ideal when you are without power or batteries.
£42.95
± 2 weeks
10
Knivesandtools 550 paracord type III, colour: wetland, 50 ft (15.24 m)
This super-strong rope can be used for countless purposes: from building a shelter to repairing stuff.
£7.95
In stock
11
Streamlight The Siege 44931 camping light, 540 lumens
This camping light runs on 3 D-cell batteries and provides powerful light. Ideal for illuminating larger spaces. Good lighting increases both safety and comfort.
£60.99
± 2 weeks
12
Savotta Grumpy Stove 140165009 wood burner, stainless steel
This compact wood burner is ideal for cooking without depending on gas or electricity. It's lightweight and easy to carry.
£29.99
In stock

Why assemble an emergency kit?

Putting together your own emergency kit ensures you are ready for anything. With the right tools and products, you significantly increase your chances of survival. Start today and be ready for anything! Unable to find what you were looking for? Check out other items for your emergency kit here or read the SAS Survival Handbook for more inspiration!