Kids' Go-Bags: What Children Need in a 72-Hour Evacuation Pack

Why Children Need Their Own Bags

The adult go-bag includes everything the adult needs. When a child has their own bag — however small — several things happen that don't happen when everything is in the parent's bag:

The child knows what's in it. They packed some of it. They've carried it. It's theirs.

In an actual evacuation, a child who has their own bag picks it up and carries it. A child who doesn't have their own bag may or may not be remembered to grab items from the family bag, and is not sharing any of the load.

More importantly: involving children in packing their bag is one of the most effective ways to have the preparedness conversation without it feeling like a lecture. "What do you think you'd want if we had to leave the house quickly?" is a conversation that most children engage with immediately.

By Age Group

Infants and Toddlers (0-4 years)

Very young children don't carry a bag. Their supplies go in a parent's bag, or in a dedicated "baby bag" carried by a parent.

Contents of the infant/toddler supply section in a parent's bag:

• Formula (if formula-fed): 3-day supply, ready-to-feed format simplest in emergencies
• Diapers: 2-3 day supply (30-50 diapers depending on age)
• Wipes: 1-2 packs
• A change of clothes: 2 outfits appropriate for current season
• Infant medications: acetaminophen (age-appropriate), gas drops, diaper cream
• Pacifier(s) if used: 2 (one in use, one backup)
• A small comfort item
• Copy of immunization record and pediatrician contact
• Portable changing pad

Small carry bag for toddlers (ages 2-4): A small backpack the toddler can carry themselves, even if it only holds a water bottle and one toy. This gives them a sense of participation. Weight: 1-3 pounds maximum.

Young Children (Ages 5-8)

Bag: Appropriately-sized daypack (not an adult bag worn at half-height). Many children's daypacks are 10-15 liters, which is adequate.

Maximum weight: 6-9 pounds (10-15% of body weight).

Contents:

• Water: 1 liter (a full Nalgene or Hydro Flask is too heavy; a flexible water pouch or 1-liter Platypus is better)
• Food: 1-2 day supply of foods they actually eat and recognize — not mystery survival bars
  • Peanut butter crackers or peanut butter packets
  • Fruit snacks or dried fruit
  • Granola bars or breakfast bars
  • Small juice boxes (familiar, morale-boosting)
• Comfort item: one small stuffed animal or familiar toy — non-negotiable for this age group
• Warm layer: a lightweight fleece jacket or hoodie
• Change of clothes: underwear, socks, one outfit
• Flashlight: small, age-appropriate, with fresh batteries
• Emergency card: laminated card with family contact information (their copy)
• Any personal medications

Involve them in packing: Let them choose their comfort item. Let them test the flashlight. Let them pick their snacks (within limits). Ownership of the bag creates genuine engagement.

Older Children (Ages 9-12)

At this age, children can carry a meaningful load and be a genuine resource in the family plan.

Bag: Standard 20-25L daypack.

Maximum weight: 12-18 pounds.

Contents (in addition to or evolved from younger list):

• Water: 2 liters
• Food: 2-3 day supply, more calorie-dense selections
  • Trail mix and nuts
  • Protein bars or energy bars
  • Peanut butter and crackers
  • Dried fruit
  • Hard candy (caloric and morale)
• Warm layer plus a rain shell or packable jacket
• 1-2 changes of clothes plus sleep wear
• Flashlight or headlamp (headlamp is more practical)
• Basic first aid: band-aids, antiseptic wipes, moleskin (for blisters)
• Emergency card with full contact list
• Personal medications
• Small amount of cash ($10-20 in their bag specifically — their own emergency money)
• A small book, deck of cards, or activity for downtime (hours of waiting are part of many emergencies)
• Phone or tablet if they have one, with charger

Teenagers (Ages 13+)

Teenagers can carry an adult-equivalent bag and be a full participant in the family plan.

Bag: Standard 30-40L pack.

Maximum weight: 20-25 pounds (still lighter than an adult's working load — they have growing bodies).

Contents:

• Water: 2 liters + water filter (Sawyer Squeeze or similar)
• Food: 3-day supply, full calorie-dense adult selections
• Layers: base layer, insulation, rain shell appropriate for climate
• 2-3 changes of clothes
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• First aid kit: more complete than younger children's kit
• Emergency card and personal identification
• Personal medications
• Cash: $40-60
• Phone and charger plus power bank
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, feminine products if applicable
• A book or entertainment for waiting periods
• Any EDC items they carry (multi-tool, etc.)
• Their specific assignment in the family emergency plan (first aid responsibility, navigation role, etc.)

The Annual Check-Up

Children grow. What fit last year is too small this year. What was age-appropriate at 7 needs to be updated at 9.

Every year, pull out every bag and:

• Check all food for expiration dates; replace what's expired or stale
• Check water storage for leaks or degradation
• Check clothing fits; replace if outgrown
• Check medication expiration dates
• Test flashlight batteries
• Ask the child to walk you through what's in their bag and what everything is for

The annual bag check is also a natural opportunity to have the preparedness conversation again, updated for the child's current age and understanding.

The Practice Run

At least once, have each child put on their bag, walk around the block (or equivalent), and confirm that:

1. The bag fits and doesn't cause pain or instability
2. They can access contents without removing the bag
3. The weight is manageable for them over distance
4. They know what's in it and where

This takes 20 minutes and catches every fitting and weight problem before it matters.