What to pack in an emergency kit
From triage supplies to a water bottle with a secret compartment, these 8 buys will have you covered.
Outer layer
A spare layer will help you weather unexpected chills. The Uniqlo Fluffy Yarn Fleece Full-Zip Jacket also bunches up nicely into a comfy pillow if you have to spend the night on the floor or in a vehicle.
Dental care
Your companions will thank you for minding your hygiene. For clean storage after you brush, the head of the Radius Tour folds backward into its 4-inch handle, which is made from a plastic that began its life as wood.
Water supply
The Bindle Bottle’s insulated chamber holds 24 ounces of liquid, but the real payoff is its hidden compartment. Unscrew the bottom of the stainless-steel vessel to access a spot to stow small valuables, like cash.
Light source
Three AAA batteries provide all the fuel necessary for the quarter-pound Black Diamond Moji lantern. On its lowest setting, it’ll shine about 6 feet in all directions and last for 100 hours, so you can play cards until dawn.
First aid
Treating minor injuries can prevent them from becoming major problems. The 5-ounce Uncharted Supply Co. Triage Kit includes bandages, meds, and flat-packed duct tape for crafting makeshift splints.
Backup power
Gadgets can provide critical information—and needed distraction—when you’re in a bad spot. The Anker PowerCore’s 26,800 mAh battery can deliver more than five phone charges via its three USB ports.
Gear bag
The water-repellent Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel holds 1.4 cubic feet of kit—enough for about a week of clothes and some supplies. If you need to walk a long way, a pair of shoulder straps on top convert it into a backpack.
Multitool
A magnetic latching system lets you open and close the Leatherman Free P2 with one hand. This gives you quick access to 19 tools, including a knife, pliers, and bottle opener for popping open post-crisis brews.
This story appears in the Winter 2020, Transformation issue of Popular Science.
