Field Report: Building a 72-Hour Go-Bag on a Budget

A 72-hour go-bag is the smallest unit of preparedness that meaningfully covers the Rule of Three. Here is a field-tested build for under $150.

Core load

• Water: 2L capacity + Sawyer-style filter ($25)
• Shelter: emergency bivy + 8x10 tarp ($20)
• Food: 3 days of calorie-dense bars ($15)
• Fire: lighter + ferro rod + tinder ($10)
• Light: headlamp + spare batteries ($15)
• Medical: compact IFAK ($25)
• Tools: multi-tool + 50ft paracord ($25)
• Comms: whistle + signal mirror ($5)

The principle

You are not building a luxury kit. You are buying time and options for the first 72 hours — the window in which most emergencies resolve or escalate. Build it once, test it once a quarter, and forget it until you need it.