Recommended equipment

Backpack with hip belt

One per person. The hip belt puts the weight on your hips, not your shoulders.

Waterproof document bag

Copies of documents, contacts and cash, safe from the rain.

Chlorine dioxide tablets

Make water you find along the way safe to drink.

LED head torch

Light with your hands free. With spare batteries.

Battery and wind-up radio

To hear the authorities when there's no network or internet.

Emergency whistle

Carries much further than your voice and takes little effort.

First aid kit

Plasters, dressings, gloves — and add your own medication.

Emergency foil blankets

Weigh almost nothing and help you keep warm.

20,000 mAh power bank

Keeps your phone on to reach family and call 112.

20 L food-grade jerrycan with tap

One per person: 20 L is the recommended minimum.

Manual can opener

Without it, the tins in your supplies are useless.

Camping gas stove

To cook and boil water without power. Always outdoors or with a window open.

LED table lantern

Lights a whole room. No candles.

Rechargeable batteries and charger

For the radio, torches and walkie-talkies.

Carbon monoxide detector

Warns of a gas you can't see or smell — essential with stoves, generators or fireplaces.

ABC powder home extinguisher

To put out a small fire before it grows.

PMR446 walkie-talkies (pair)

Talk to family in the same area, with no network or licence.

Anti-tip furniture straps

In an earthquake, bookcases and tall furniture can topple. Fixing them to the wall is one of the first steps.

Portable power station (≈ 500 Wh)

Lights, phones and small devices during a long blackout, with no fumes.

100 W folding solar panel

Recharges the power station from the sun.

Portable water filter

Removes bacteria and parasites. For viruses, add tablets or boil.

Commercial tourniquet (CAT or SOF-T type)

For severe bleeding from an arm or leg that won't stop with pressure.

⚠ Learn to use it on a first aid course.

Pocket CPR mask

To give rescue breaths more safely.

Oral rehydration salts

Replace water and salts with heat, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Portable jump starter

Starts your car without another car — and charges your phone.