Comparison: Best 72 Hour Survival Food Kit (Updated | Dec 3rd)
When disaster strikes, having the right food can make all the difference—enter the 72-hour survival food kit. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one truly delivers on taste, nutrition, and shelf life? We’ve tested and compared the top contenders so you don’t have to. From lightweight backpacking meals to family-sized emergency buckets, we’ll break down what’s actually worth your trust and hard-earned cash when the power goes out or the unexpected happens.
- Best for high-calorie kit: 4Patriots 72-Hour Survival Food Kit: Emergency Food Supply Designed to Last 25 Years
- Best for protein-packed survival: ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply – 72 Hour Survival Kit
- Best for compact calorie power: Augason Farms 72-Hour 1-Person Emergency Food Supply Kit 4 lbs 1 oz
- Best for bulk survival stock: AUGASON FARMS Emergency Food Supply Bucket
- Best for lightweight portable meals: Augason Farms 72-Hour Be Ready Emergency Meal Kit
- Best for all-in-one survival pack: Ready America 70180 72 Hour Emergency Kit
- Best for 30-year freeze-dried: Mountain House 3-Day Emergency Food Supply | Freeze Dried Survival & Emergency Food | 18 Servings
- Best for large resealable supply: Ready Hour 120 Serving Entree Bucket-Freeze Dried Emergency Food Supply-Survival Meals with Long Shelf Life-Prepper Essentials for Disaster
- Best for compact high-calorie: Patriot Pantry 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit | 20 Servings
- Best for balanced nutrition pack: Ready Hour 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit Sample – Survival Meals Variety Pack for Disaster Prep
Product Comparison: Best 72 Hour Survival Food Kit
4Patriots 72-Hour Survival Food Kit: Emergency Food Supply Designed to Last 25 Years, 20 Servings
- 20 SERVINGS OF EMERGENCY FOOD: This emergency food supply doesn’t compromise on taste. Enjoy a variety of delicious recipes like Grammy’s Sweet Oatmeal & America’s Finest Mac & Cheese. Enjoy about 6 servings/day for breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks. 72-Hour Kit has an average of 4,800 total calories (approx. 1,600 per day – you may want or need more+) for energy & nutrients to survive an emergency.
- “DISASTER-RESISTANT” PACKAGING: Triple-layer Mylar premium packaging works as a barrier to help protect against things that can harm your survival food: air, light & moisture. We use a high-tech, high-capacity oxygen absorber to suck OUT any excess air.
- DESIGNED FOR SURVIVAL OR ADVENTURES: Whether you’re rounding out your survival stockpile, bugging out, or taking the family camping, this survival food will help keep you prepared. The lightweight, disaster-resistant packaging is perfect for stashing away or to bring on-the-go.
- EASY TO PREPARE, READY IN MINUTES: Tastier than MRE meals, just add boiling water, simmer and serve. It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. With meals like Creamy Rice & Vegetable Dinner, you have a delicious variety of emergency food for your family.
- SURVIVAL FOOD DESIGNED TO LAST 25 YEARS: This emergency food supply is designed for long-term storage. Storage conditions impact shelf life. For best results, protect food from heat, air & moisture. Avoid exposure to temps above 75 degrees F. Keep food sealed until ready to eat. Shelf life varies based on storage conditions.
- PEACE OF MIND FOR DAYS: With a 72-hour supply of survival food on hand, you’ll be better prepared to handle an emergency situation. From dangerous storms and blackouts to supply chain disruptions, this long-lasting food store could be a lifesaver in a crisis.
- +YOU MAY WANT OR NEED MORE CALORIES PER DAY especially if you’re pregnant, a child, elderly, or have health conditions. Your food kit is designed to provide energy & nutrients for 1 person in an emergency, not to be a complete caloric replacement during normal times.
ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply – 72 Hour Survival Kit, 30 Servings of Protein Meals, Freeze Dried Food for Backpacking, Camping Essentials & Disaster Prepping Supplies, up to 25 Year Shelf Life
- READY WHEN YOU ARE: At home, out camping, or caught up in the day-to-day rush – when disaster strikes, READYWISE Grab & Go Emergency Food Supply has you covered with 30 servings of freeze dried meals ready to support you in any situation.
- PREPARED FOOD STORAGE: Compact and easy to tuck away in your pantry, car, or go bag supplies emergency kit. With “just add water” convenience, you can enjoy it anytime and anywhere!
- LONG TERM RELIABILITY: With up to a 25 year shelf life, READYWISE Emergency Food Supply keeps you and your family secure during unexpected events, giving you peace of mind and ensuring you’re always prepared and protected for the long haul.
- NUTRITIOUS & YUMMY: READYWISE protein packed disaster preparedness kit delivers bold, savory & satisfying flavor in every portion. Enjoy quick meals or to boost your emergency food kit with options like Cheesy Macaroni, Whey Milk Alternative & more.
- EXTREME SITUATIONS (OR NOT): From power outages to packed schedules on busy weekdays, our camping essentials emergency supplies offer prepared meals you can count on. Nutritious, tasty, and made to save time when you need it most!
Augason Farms 72-Hour 1-Person Emergency Food Supply Kit 4 lbs 1 oz
- 42 servings
- 2, 667 calories per day & 8, 000 total calories
- 5 meal varieties
- Easy to Prepare. Just add water!
- Up to a 25 year shelf life!
- Net weight: 4 lb 0. 97 Z (1. 84 kg)
AUGASON FARMS Emergency Food Supply Bucket, 176 Servings, Dehydrated Meal Kit, Variety Pail, Long Shelf Life Just-Add-Water Meals for Prepping, Disaster Survival, Camping, Hiking, and More
- 176 Servings
- 26,440 Total calories
- 2,203 Calories Per Day
- (16) Pouches with (7) Food Varieties
- Up to a 20 Year Shelf Life.
Augason Farms 72-Hour Be Ready Emergency Meal Kit, White, Small
- Well-balanced daily meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Averages 1,627 calories and 35 grams of protein per day
- Weighs only 2.5 pounds
- Store in cars, trucks, office drawers, coat closets, backpacks, motorcycle saddlebags, and more
- Easy to prepare meals, just add water, cook, and ready in minutes
- Shelf life up to 25 years
- Made in the USA
Ready America 70180 72 Hour Emergency Kit, 1-Person, 3-Day Backpack, Includes First Aid Kit, Survival Blanket, Emergency Food Portable Disaster Preparedness Go-Bag for Earthquake, Fire, Flood
- EMERGENCY KIT FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Stay prepared for emergency situations everywhere you go. Ready America emergency survival kits sustain 1 person for 3 days (72 hours). Basic essential emergency supplies recommended by the American Red Cross
- INCLUDES FIRST AID KIT: Comes with first aid essentials for minor injuries like bandages and wound cleaning solution. Take care of medical emergencies with easy-to-use supplies. Great for a car emergency kit or boat accessories
- FOOD, WATER, EMERGENCY BLANKETS: Everything you need in case of an emergency. 1 survival food bar (2400 calories) and water pouches with a 5-year shelf life, survival blankets, disposable dust masks, nitrile gloves, whistle, ponchos, pocket tissues
- SAFETY LIGHT STICKS: In case you’re outdoors or in the wilderness with no light, this emergency bag includes a safety light stick. Equipped with survival gear for hunting, boating, workplace, camping, backpacking, fishing, hiking, travel, home
- PORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK: Keep supplies at the ready with this packed handy backpack ready for emergencies that’s lightweight and easy to carry. Store this day pack wherever it can be easily accessed. A great gift for everyone
Mountain House 3-Day Emergency Food Supply | Freeze Dried Survival & Emergency Food | 18 Servings
- EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY – Designed to provide 1,706 calories per day for 72 hours. 12 Cups of water is needed to prepared all meals in this emergency kit.
- NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR COLORS – Made with no artificial flavors or colors. Meals included: (1) Biscuits & Gravy, (2) Granola with Milk & Blueberries, (2) Chicken Fried Rice, (2) Chicken & Dumplings, and (2) Beef Stroganoff with Noodles.
- QUICK PREP – Just add hot water to the pouch & eat in less than 10 minutes. Power outage? No problem. Mountain House meals can be made with room temperature water, just double the hydration time.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT – Kit is easy to carry & store. Emergency kit weighs 3.6 lbs & is 13″(L) x 10″(W) x 9″(H). Perfect for emergency food storage or survival rations.
- SHELF STABLE – Longest proven shelf life in the industry! Backed by a 30-Year Taste Guarantee. Meals are freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness.
Ready Hour 120 Serving Entree Bucket-Freeze Dried Emergency Food Supply-Survival Meals with Long Shelf Life-Prepper Essentials for Disaster, Camping, Hiking, or Outdoor Use
- TASTES GREAT: Ready Hour freeze-dried food is designed for emergencies but tasty enough for everyday use.
- BE PREPARED: The world is unpredictable. Be ready for anything with our durable and flood-safe container which features a convenient handle for easy transport. Requires no refrigeration.
- LASTS UP TO 25 YEARS: Includes up to 120 total servings. Can be stored anywhere that offers a cool and dry environment.
- USE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED: Made for multiple uses; includes 22 resealable pouches that let you use only what you need and save the rest for later. Re-sealed pouches last up to a year.
- MADE IN THE USA from domestic and imported goods: We proudly manufacture and pack our foods in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Patriot Pantry 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit | 20 Servings, 2,000+ Calories/Day | Resealable | Easy Prep | 25 Year Shelf Life
- This emergency food kit is an excellent starting point for food preparedness or a portable option for emergency situations.
- With 20 servings averaging over 2,000 calories per day, it provides extensive calorie coverage that’s hard to find elsewhere.
- The kit includes a variety of meal options like Homestyle Potato Soup, Creamy Chicken Flavored Rice, Maple Grove Oatmeal, and Mac & Cheese.
- Resealable, heavy-duty packaging with zipper tops ensures food freshness and oxygen absorbers extend shelf life.
- Weighing just 2.6 pounds and requiring 1.4 gallons of water to prepare the entire kit, it’s a practical and reliable choice for emergency sustenance.
Ready Hour 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit Sample – Survival Meals Variety Pack for Disaster Prep, Freeze-Dried/Dehydrated Camping Food, Bug Out Bag MRE Alternative, Preparedness & Power Outage Supplies
- CALORIES = ENERGY = SURVIVAL – Provides over 2,000 calories per day for one person for three days. That’s 6,240 total calories to keep you fueled and steady when it matters most.
- 20 EASY TO PREPARE SERVINGS – Includes Homestyle Potato Soup (4), Mac & Cheese (4), Maple Grove Oatmeal (8), and Creamy Chicken Flavored Rice (4). Just add water and enjoy real meals.
- BUILT TO LAST – Each meal is sealed in heavy duty, resealable 4 layer pouches with oxygen absorbers to extend shelf life and lock in freshness.
- REAL NUTRITION YOU CAN COUNT ON – Packed with 12 essential vitamins and minerals to meet 100% of daily values. No MSG added, no filler ingredients, no shortcuts.
- READY HOUR = PREPAREDNESS – From emergencies to confidence in the unexpected, Ready Hour is the original Patriot company. We take survival seriously so you can take care of your family.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I prioritize when choosing a 72‑hour survival food kit?
Focus on calorie count per day, shelf life, and ease of preparation. A kit that provides at least 1,500–2,000 calories per person per day ensures enough energy, while a shelf life of 20‑25 years reduces the need for frequent rotation. Also consider packaging that protects against moisture and light, and whether the meals require only hot water or can be made with room‑temperature water.
How do the calorie totals compare across the kits?
The 4Patriots kit offers about 4,800 calories total (≈1,600 per day), while ReadyWise provides roughly 2,400 calories per day for three days. Augason Farms’ 1‑person 72‑hour kit supplies 8,000 calories total (≈2,667 per day), and Mountain House delivers 1,706 calories per day. Generally, kits ranging from 1,600 to 2,700 calories per day give a comfortable safety margin.
Which kits have the longest guaranteed shelf life?
Most products claim up to 25 years, including 4Patriots, ReadyWise, Augason Farms 1‑person kit, and Ready Hour’s 120‑serving bucket. The Ready America backpack kit lists a 5‑year shelf life for its water pouches but the food bar lasts longer. If you want the maximum storage window, choose a kit that explicitly states a 25‑year shelf life and stores it in a cool, dry place.
Are there differences in preparation time and water requirements?
All kits rely on adding water, but preparation times vary from 10 minutes (Mountain House) to about 15 minutes (4Patriots). Some kits, like Mountain House, can be made with room‑temperature water if you double the hydration time, while others need boiling water for best texture. Water volume also differs; the Patriot Pantry kit needs roughly 1.4 gallons for the whole set, whereas the Mountain House kit requires about 12 cups (≈3 liters).
What packaging features help keep the food fresh?
Triple‑layer Mylar with oxygen absorbers (4Patriots) and heavy‑duty resealable pouches with four‑layer protection (Ready Hour) are designed to block air, light, and moisture. Augason Farms uses sealed buckets with individual pouches, and Mountain House employs foil‑lined pouches that are also vacuum‑sealed. Look for products that mention oxygen absorbers or airtight seals for the longest freshness.
How do price and value differ among the options?
While exact pricing isn’t listed here, kits with higher calorie counts and more servings (e.g., Augason Farms 176‑serving bucket) generally cost more but offer better value per calorie. Smaller kits like the 4Patriots 20‑serving pack provide a lower upfront cost and are ideal for families with limited storage space. Compare the total calories and number of meals you receive for the price to gauge cost‑effectiveness.
Is there a benefit to buying a kit with multiple meal varieties?
Yes, variety helps prevent taste fatigue during a three‑day emergency and can provide a broader nutrient profile. Kits such as ReadyWise, 4Patriots, and Mountain House include several distinct meals like mac & cheese, oatmeal, and protein‑rich dishes. Selecting a kit with diverse options can improve morale and ensure you get a balanced mix of carbs, protein, and vitamins.