When the winds started howling last hurricane season, I found myself staring at my pantry, wondering, “Am I really ready to evacuate in the next hour if needed?”
That moment was a wake-up call. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to build—and test—my emergency food evacuation kit. Today, I’m sharing exactly what I pack, why I pack it, and how you can build your own kit using products I trust and personally recommend.
What Food Should You Pack for Evacuation?
When disaster strikes, you need food that’s:
- Lightweight & portable
- Non-perishable
- Easy to prepare (no or minimal cooking required)
- Nutrient-dense & high in calories
- Shelf-stable for long-term storage
My Personal Food Evacuation Kit: Tried & Tested
Below are the actual products I use—ones I’ve personally tested on camping trips, weekend preps, and real emergency situations. You can find these supplies through my trusted partners at Gentleman Pirate Club Partners.
ReadyWise Emergency Food Kits
The ReadyWise 72-Hour Emergency Food Supply is my go-to for a quick evacuation grab. I keep it in my bug-out bag because it’s:
- Shelf-stable for up to 25 years
- Compact & lightweight
- Simple to prepare—just add water
I’ve personally tried the creamy pasta and vegetable rotini, and honestly, it’s surprisingly tasty for survival food. It also comes in resealable pouches, which makes portioning easy.
Nutrient Survival Meals
For balanced nutrition, I rely on Nutrient Survival. Their meals aren’t just about calories—they’re loaded with:
- Omega-3s & protein
- Fiber & vitamins
- 24 essential nutrients
My favorite? The Hearty Lasagna and Homestyle Scramble. I use these when I know I’ll need sustained energy, not just an empty meal.
Survival Tabs
When space is tight, Survival Tabs are a must-have. I’ve taken these on hikes and road trips—they’re small but pack 240 calories per day. They’re perfect for:
- Emergency backup food
- Compact bug-out bags
- Calorie boosts when food is scarce
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Food is critical, but water is life. I never evacuate without my LifeStraw, which lets me drink safely from lakes, rivers, or questionable taps.
I tested it myself on a camping trip by drinking directly from a stream—and it worked perfectly.
Additional Tools & Food I Use for Evacuations
Over time, I’ve added other essentials to my kit to make food prep and survival easier. Here are six more products I personally use and recommend:
Bear Grylls Folding Survival Knife
A good knife is essential. I carry the Bear Grylls Folding Knife for:
- Food prep (opening packets, slicing food)
- Safety & survival needs
- Cutting rope or fabric
It’s lightweight, folds easily, and feels secure—even when wet.
EcoZoom Versa Rocket Stove
The EcoZoom Rocket Stove lets me cook meals or boil water with just:
- Twigs
- Wood
- Charcoal
I’ve used it in backyard drills, and it boils water faster than my old propane stove. No gas canisters required!
Survival Frog WaterBrick 3.5 Gallon Container
Water storage is non-negotiable. I keep Wise 5-Gallon Containers filled and ready because they’re:
- BPA-free
- Stackable & portable
- Easy to pour during an evacuation
I used them during a wildfire evacuation and was relieved to have clean water on hand.
Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set
The Stanley Cook Set is a compact way to:
- Boil water
- Cook simple meals
- Serve hot drinks
I’ve personally used it to make oatmeal and coffee during overnight bug-out practice runs.
Mountain House Freeze-Dried Meals
For variety, I add Mountain House meals to my kit. The Beef Stroganoff is my favorite—it tastes like actual food, not just rations.
These are great for car kits or longer-term stays away from home.
Augason Farms Emergency Food Buckets
For bulk storage, I rely on Augason Farms. Their buckets contain:
- Rice & oats
- Pancake mix
- Emergency staples
I keep one in my evacuation stash because it’s lightweight for the amount of food inside and lasts up to 30 years.
How I Pack My Emergency Food Kit
Bag/Container
Bug-Out Bag (72 hrs)
Car Emergency Tote
Evacuation Tote
What I Pack
ReadyWise meals, Survival Tabs, LifeStraw, knife
Nutrient Survival, Mountain House meals, water
Augason Farms bucket, EcoZoom stove, Stanley cook set
Real-Life Uses for My Food Kit
Prepping isn’t just for “doomsday.” I’ve actually used my kit for:
- Hurricane evacuations (no power or kitchen for days)
- Roadside emergencies (Survival Tabs during traffic jams)
- Camping & practice runs (to test gear before disaster strikes)
Final Thoughts: Prepare Now, Not Later
Emergencies don’t wait. The best time to build your evacuation food kit is today. I’ve tested these products personally, and they’re part of my real plan—not just a checklist.
Stay safe, stay prepared.
