Putting together a survival kit can feel overwhelming — or expensive — especially if you’re just getting started. But here’s the truth: you don’t need top-shelf tactical gear to be prepared. A solid 72-hour bug-out bag can be built with affordable tools that work when you need them most.
This isn’t about extreme prepping. It’s about covering the basics — for floods, wildfires, blackouts, hurricanes, or any moment when normal life gets disrupted. Below are 10 reliable, budget-friendly gear picks to help you get started building a kit you can trust.
#1 – 🎒 The Bag Itself
Your bug-out bag doesn’t need to be tactical or expensive — a sturdy duffle bag can work in a pinch. But if you’re building a long-term kit, a tactical-style backpack offers more comfort, compartments, and organization for carrying 72 hours’ worth of essentials. Remember, the goal is to have a pack that holds your gear securely and is easy to carry when it counts.
Personally I like a 1000 denier bag. (Denier has to do with the thickness of the fabric.) I spent quite a bit on mine back in the day and bought a Vulture II bag. I guess the Maxpedition Falcon III bag is about as close as you could get to that one today. However, I found a 900 denier bag that is almost identical and WAY cheaper.
The QT & QY 35L bag is an excellent budget option that has PLENTY of room. It has a rubberized coating on the inside which is nice but but the only reason I’m not a fan is because over time it can degrade. This one is made in China.
The Helikon-Tex Raccoon Mk2 offers impressive quality for the price, with sturdy stitching, great weight distribution, and a streamlined tactical design that makes it ideal for bug-out use. It’s a solid value alternative to more expensive name brands — and it’s made in Poland.
![[ Rugged Durability ]: Made from durable 1000D ballistic nylon with Teflon coating, the Falcon-II is water- and abrasion-resistant, ensuring your bug-out gear stays safe and dry in the harshest conditions. [ Smart Organization ]: With a 1400 cu in / ...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41UVWDFCRcL._SL160_.jpg)
If you’re interested in backpacks made in the USA, here are a couple of options comparable in size to the ones listed above. However, get ready for a little sticker shock! Goruck is renowned for its durability and minimalist design, making it ideal for everyday carry. The Mystery Ranch 2-Day Assault Pack offers a 27L capacity with a 3-zip design for easy access and MOLLE webbing for customization. My only issue with it is that it’s only 500 denier fabric but it gets good reviews. These American-made packs are built to last and are well-suited for both urban and outdoor environments as a 72 hour bug out bag.
#2 – ➕ The First Aid Bag
A bug-out bag isn’t complete without a solid first aid setup. Whether you’re dealing with minor cuts or something more serious, having the right supplies could save a life. We recommend starting with a sturdy, empty first aid bag like the ones below. — They fit easily in your pack or can be attached with molle straps and they keep your medical supplies organized.
👉 Want to build your own complete kit? Just click the green button at the top of the page that says “Get Your Free First Aid Kit Guide!” — it’ll open a quick form where you can grab your free checklist.
At a minimum, stash a handful of basic first aid supplies: assorted adhesive bandages, alcohol wipes, gauze pads, and a pair of tweezers. These lightweight items come in nearly every affordable kit online and cover most minor injuries. It’s not about having a full medical setup — just enough to stabilize things until help arrives.