Clothes and Toiletries

Picking out what clothes to pack in your 72 hour kit can make a difference to both the size of your kit, and the comfort of using your kit in an emergency.

At minimum pack one full change of clothes per person – don’t forget a full change of underclothes too. Extra socks are always a good idea.

If you are packing your 72 hour kit into a suitcase instead of a backpack, you may have slightly more room. Add in more clothes starting with socks, then underwear. After that, based on room put in a light jacket or another pair of pants that could double as PJs.

Plastic space saver packing bags can both waterproof your clothes and create more room in your kit. For example, these found on Amazon.com.

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How you fold your clothes can also create more room in your kit. I recommend the Marie Kondo style of folding.

Once a year try on the clothes in your 72 Hour Kit and make sure they still fit and feel comfortable. It’s also a good time to put everything through the wash.

Remember outerwear and seasonal items. A thin but warm hat and gloves are good for winter. Consider adding an umbrella if you have an outside pocket on your kit backpack.

Something to consider – if you anticipate helping to clean up directly after being involved in a natural disaster, then it is recommended to include at least a sturdy pair of work or gardening gloves in your kit. Other safety items like a hard hat, eye protection, and a high-vis vest could be helpful.

Toiletries

Pack travel size or smaller toiletries. A good rule is to use the TSA’s flight restriction size of 3.4oz or less that will fit in one quart-sized bag.

Here is a list of some essentials:

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Deodorant
  • Comb or brush
  • Small mirror
  • Hair product or ties
  • Sunblock
  • Lotion
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Face wash/wipes
  • Soap
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Disposable face masks (flat N95 if you can get them)
  • Contact solution/care products
  • Travel towel – either a hand towel size for a smaller kit or full sized for a larger kit.

If you have more room then some of these items can do double duty as part of the First Aid kit.

  • Shaving cream
  • Razor
  • Q-tips
  • Nail clippers
  • Tweezers

Lastly, don’t forget the toilet paper and feminine products.

Take the cardboard center out of the toilet paper roll so you can squish it flat for a tighter fit into your kit. Don’t forget to pack it in a plastic bag.

Sneaky tip – the company Clean Waste specializes in portable poo and pee bags and toilets for various uses. You can obtain a free sample Go Anywhere Trial Pack from their website, which is perfect for a small 72 hour kit. If you like their products, then it is easy to purchase more for a larger kit, or stock up for a shelter-at-home emergency.

You can make a temporary portable toilet out of a bucket, garbage bags, and cat litter. This video has additional instructions on how. Pro tip: use a floatable pool noodle to edge the lip of the bucket for a more comfortable experience.