Shelter
Shelter. There are various levels of shelter that you can include in your 72-hr kit. We will discuss some of these. If this is your first time putting together a 72-hr kit and have a limited budget start out by planning for simple methods and then add or increase as you can.
Things to consider for Shelter:
- Consider who you are preparing for, Adult, child or baby.
- Consider health, such as bad knees or back, etc
- Weight and size of the shelter
- Include some comfort, maybe a pillow or a sleeping pad of some sort
- Consider the environment you live in, here in Colorado it can get pretty cold
Levels of Shelter One Can Include
Survival – Emergency blankets/sleeping bags (Mylar reflective type), these are lightweight and fairly cheap starting at $3 up to $20 for each one. These are small, lightweight, water proof and reflective.
Another option would be some old blankets, inexpensive but will not be water proof or lightweight.
Minimalistic – emergency bivvy bags maybe be a step up, more like a sleeping bag but still lightweight and reflective. Some are water proof and breathable too. These range from about $15 to $50. Fleece sleeping bags could also be considered. These are lighter weight than blankets but usually smaller than traditional sleeping bags.
Comfortable – sleeping bags could be a good choice here, but they tend to be more bulky and heavier. Prices can range from inexpensive to very expensive. One should consider if this is actually an option that can fit in your 72 hr kit. Not only will it fit, but can it be carried? If you have the room and the ability to carry it, maybe you can add in sleeping pads too. These range from low tech foam or air mattresses to the high tech self-inflating foam pads. Prices can also range from a few dollars to hundreds.
Traditional – Tents, single or multi person might be an option. Please consider the weight, bulk and ability to carry such items. Tarps also maybe an option to consider. In this area there are so many options from one person tents to huge outfitter tents (difficult for one person to even pick up), you really need to consider your family’s situation and what might be best.
Although this could fall under Survival or Minimalistic, there are plastic tube tents available for around $5, tarps can be found for $10 and up. Another material I have heard of that is lightweight and water resistant is Tyvek, which could be cut into a tarp of sorts.
A combination of a few of these items might be the way to go, such as emergency bivvy bags and a tube tent. Maybe a tarp and a sleeping bag. These are a few ideas to help you get thinking and started. I am sure there could be many more options out there and always welcome your ideas too, please feel free to share.
