Every Type of Survival Kit for Preppers

You can make many types of survival kits, and this is where we list every single one.

BY SEAN GOLD, UPDATED:

July 1, 2024

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You need a survival kit. You probably need more than one survival kit, but one is a start. Check out The Threat List to help determine the threats that apply to you and start planning in conjunction with developing your kits. Here are a few of the various types of survival kits with short descriptions:

Main Survival Kits

Home Survival Kit: In-place survival kit with supplies for basic disaster mitigation and lengthening the period that you can comfortably live in your home without assistance. The majority of preppers wisely start with this kit since it is applicable to many types of likely and unlikely threats.
Bug Out Bag: Mobile kit condensed to a bag that focuses on tools for survival. Also designed to be lightweight and accessible quickly. It can also be called a 72 Hour Kit or a Go Bag depending on functionality and preference.
Get Home Bag: Mobile kit often kept in vehicles to traverse whatever likely distance to literally get home. A change of clothes and gear accounting for typical weather patterns or risks encountered on this trip home are included.
Everyday Carry (EDC): This system of tools and equipment is kept on your person for rapid use without notice. A concealed-carry handgun is often included in the system and is of a similar mindset.
Car Kit: Kept in vehicles to repair or stay in the car for a longer period if necessary. This kit is to avoid being stranded and to survive if you are. They are very common in areas that experience harsh winter weather patterns and are suggested everywhere else.
Survival First Aid Kit (FAK): Medical supplies and tools condensed into a kit designed to be rapidly accessible. This is usually tacked on to other survival kits as a modular kit and is one of the more important components.

Situational Kits

Technically speaking, there are an unlimited number of specialized kits. Here are a few common specialized kits that you would make depending on your situation:

Bug Out Vehicle – Again, if you don’t have a vehicle you may not need it. If evacuating is necessary, it may be worth investigating alternative transportation.
INCH Bag – A bug out bag variant for never returning home.
SCARE Kit – This bug-out variant is meant for urban areas, so it may not apply.
Kids’ Bug Out Bag – This only applies to those who have kids or may be responsible for kids during an emergency.
Dog Bug Out Bag – This kit only applies to those with dogs.

Threat-Specific Kits

While we are big supporters of the generalized survival kit, certain threats require specific equipment. We put together lists that augment your general kits, so these aren’t meant to be stand-alone resources. Check the Threat List to see if you should be looking into these kits and adding the resources to your preparedness plans.

Earthquake Survival Kit
Flood Survival Kit
Shelter in Place Kit
Nuclear Survival Kit

Survival Kit Focuses

Most survival kits focus on the same types of gear that focus on different areas of survival. Sometimes people choose to componentize their kits or at least organize them by color.

Shelter
Water
Food
Fire
Cookware
First Aid
Navigation
Communication
Clothes & PPE
Hygiene
Sanitation
Self-Defense & Tactical Gear
Documents & Personal Items
Tools

The Next Step

Now that we’ve covered the overview and the types of prepping kits, we’re going to take a closer look at the foundational kit: the home survival kit.

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Disaster Planning – Sean has earned a degree in Emergency Management, holds FEMA, DoD, and USAF certifications, and has contributed to high-impact plans executed for real-world disasters, like Fukushima Daiichi. He can break down large-scope issues and complicated situations.

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TruePrepper independently reviews everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Disclosure >

Every Type of Survival Kit for Preppers

Main Survival Kits

Situational Kits

Threat-Specific Kits

Survival Kit Focuses

The Next Step

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