Try to choose items that you enjoy, as you may be in a very unenjoyable situation and need just that handful of raisins to perk you up. Include a mess kit or other cooking and eating gear. Seal food items inside zip-lock bags. Not only will this protect your stash, but you will be able to reseal the balance of the supply for the next meal. Water weighs about eight pounds per gallon.
Experts advise having one gallon per person per day for drinking and cooking.
If that is too much to carry, look into getting water purification tablets, and read the section below on how to purify water and make sure you have the supplies to go that route. To Top of Page Shelter and warmth are critical to your long term health. Here's where the camping equipment should to be ready when you need it. A tent is a luxury but in a pinch large garbage bags will work as a poncho, ground cloth, or even as a sleeping bag. Get the camping gear out, inspect it and pack it in or near your emergency kit.