We started with food just as a starting point. So far we have meals loaded up for one day for each member of the family. We included items such as:
- Instant oatmeal packets.
- can of fruit to split between family members
- beef jerky pouches
- granola bars
- ramen noodles
- macaroni and cheese
- trail mix
- dried fruit
- water
- we also had to take infant formula and food into consideration
- etc.
We were aiming for food items that don't expire quickly so that we don't have to swap out our food on a frequent basis, and items that wouldn't burst open in the kit and ruin everything in them. We were also looking for food options that would give everyone as rounded of a meal as possible (and get everyone the vitamins, protein, etc) for while having to live out of these bags. We were trying to bear in mind the weight of the bags as well, trying to limit them as best we could, especially with the kids in mind.
I found that it helps to sit down with a pen and paper and write down everything you need for each meal...day one: breakfast, day one: lunch, day one: dinner, day two:...
Then go out a purchase. We put all of our food into piles. This is mom's, dad's and each kid. That way no one is missed. We also put all of the food for each family meal into a plastic, resealable bag. Each day gets a new bag. Then the food was directly deposited into each family member's backpack.
It took us a while to get to this stage and we still have lots to go. We tend to procrastinate, which will get us into trouble in the end. I hope you have better luck and motivation!
Here are some links for inspiration:
- 72 Hour Emergency Kits
- Infant 72 Hour Kits
- 72 Hour Kits for Children note that there is a spreadsheet available from this site.
- 36 Lessons Learned from Testing A 72 Hour Kit
- 72 Hour and Survival Bags
If anyone has any great links, stories or hints based on 72 hour kits to share, please do. That would be great!