My wife and I just went through this exercise. The first thing we did was walk into our bathroom and list every toiletry item that we each use in the course of a month. We each then collected or purchased a 3 day (or more) supply of each item for both of us. These were then placed in heavy duty tupperware containers with our initials on them (ie. she has a three day kit and I have a three day kit). We also made up a separate container that included items such as, tp, eating utensils, sak, matches, playing cards, paper, pencils, tape, etc. These containers, and some other BOB type items are now in a wheeled backpack in our hall closet. This is not a survival kit (We keep our hiking packs loaded all the time) but more of a kit to take to a shelter or relative's house in case of evacuation.

Interestingly enough, this kit was not put together with survival in mind. We did it because of a recent event. Back in November I was admitted to the hospital unexpectedly for surgery and remained there for a week. While this was not a survival situation. My wife was at a loss as to what to pack for my stay (She was understandably distraught at the time). With our system, we now have the option of either taking the whole pack (which would be overkill for a hospital stay) or extracting our personal kit. Either way, we'll know that we have most basic needs covered.

Our next step is to make up a similar kit for the dog. In that kit I plan on including, food, bowl(s), grooming supplies and a mesh cage if I can find a cheap one.


Chris