What to Store Your Emergency Kit In

If you think you need to store your emergency kits inside a backpack, it might surprise you that there are other options out there.

You might not have to purchase anything and be able to use what you have on hand already.

Do You Need to Store Your Emergency Kit in a Bag?

Not necessarily. A bag is great for portability and if you need to move in a hurry. So is ideal for a grab and go emergency kits and smaller kits.

But what happens if you have a lot of items? What happens if the bag is too big or too heavy for the person that needs to use it?

You might not need a bag at all.

When it comes to a household emergency kit, you have a lot more options available to you.

Ideas for Storing Your Emergency Kit

• Backpack
• Storage Tubs
• Suitcases

Backpack

Pros

• They allow you to store a lot of gear together in one place.
• They can have a lot of compartments, pockets etc
• They allow you to move easily

Cons

• The bigger they are the heavier they may become.
• They might not be waterproof
• It might be hard to find what you are looking for easily

This or some type of bag is going to be your go to storage solution for most emergency kits. There are different sized options out there.

They can range in price and quality, so finding one that works for you, your items and your intended use is important. But when you are starting out think about what you have on hand already to begin making your emergency kit.

Storage Tubs

Pros

• Can come in a variety of sizes
• Easily stackable
• Durable and can be use for multiple purposes
• Waterproof

Cons

• Can be expensive
• Can limit where they are stored
• Can get heavy if overloaded or the tub is very large

Storage tubs range in prices and storage sizes. Can be quite sturdy, and some will have wheels to help push it around if needed.

Suitcases

Pros

• Durable and strong
• Could be easily maneuverable
• Might already have some one hand 

Cons

• Hard to travel with in non-urban settings
• Could make you stick out more

Suitcases are great for normal everyday travel. They could also be good to help store your emergency kit. Even if just for a temporary solution and you build out your kit.

Transportation Considerations

If the kit you are making has the potential of needing to be moved in a hurry, a backpack or bag makes a lot of sense. But you will need to get the right size for the person that has to carry it.

There is no point in having a giant bag that can carry everything if no one can actually carry it, or can only carry it for a short distance.

On the other hand, if you can move items with a few people, or if a vehicle is used, then other options open up to you.

I think in a household that has a well-rounded set of emergency kits you will be covered for most scenarios.

Backpacks allow you to carry items on your back for the longest distance. Suitcases might have wheels that allow easy rolling, but could be cumbersome if needing to cover rough terrain.

Storage tubs or containers can be hard to move long distances, but are great when packed into a vehicle.

Storage Considerations

An emergency kit is for an emergency. As we don’t know when they can occur, it makes sense to keep everything stored as safely as possible.

Keeping it dry and out of direct sunlight is a key to storage. Storage tubs can help with this greatly. Keeping water out and blocking sunlight is easily achieved. Suitcases, especially those with solid sides, can also help with this.

Backpacks or bags just by themselves do an OK job. But can easily be affected by any dampness found in the storage location. Consider using some moisture removing product if you think that could be a problem in your storage location.

Another option is combining both storage containers and backpacks or bags. Have your kits in backpacks or bags as they have the most benefits and features, but store them in storage tubs. Everything is together. Everything has more protection and you can stack things easily.

Have the Right Size for the Right Situation

Once you have everything on hand for your kit, you will have a better idea of how to store it. 

But keep in mind who has to potentially carry or use the kit. If you have children in your household, it’s probably unrealistic that they have the same sized bag or kit as you. Think about who would carry what.

You may need to split your kits up to make them more manageable. Or you might want to split them up so items that are similar are together. The benefits to this is that the total weight might be spread. You could also find it easier when you just need to grab one container or bag to get the item type you want.

For other kits, this might not be the best option. If you need to go in a hurry like with a grab and go bag. You want everything you need on one easy to grab way.

Everyone’s situation is different. So there isn’t a one size fits all solution for this. Just like the kits, storing them is unique to you. Have a think about what will work best for your situation.

Next >> What to Have in Your Emergency Kit