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72 Hour Survival Kit (UK): What to Pack, What to Skip, and the One Drill That Stops Panic
Most people build a “survival kit” like they’re shopping for a film prop: gadgets, gimmicks, and a big rucksack that never leaves the house.
In the real world, the first 72 hours aren’t won by gear. They’re won by calm decisions, warmth, water, and a simple plan you can actually follow when you’re tired, cold, and stressed.
Download the FREE 72-Hour Survival Blueprint (Checklist + Drills)
If you want the exact kit checklist, templates, and a simple 72-hour plan you can run this weekend, download the free ebook here:
➡️ 72-Hour Survival Blueprint (FREE):
https://www.southwestsurvival.co.uk/product-page/72-hour-survival-blueprint-steven-kelly
(If you’re short on time, download it now and come back to this post later.)
Why the first 72 hours matter (UK reality)
In the UK, “survival” usually looks like this:
- Car breaks down at night, weather turns, phone battery drops fast
- You get disoriented on moorland/woodland and keep walking… into worse ground
- Power cuts, storms, flooding, or being stuck without support for a day or two
This is why I teach the same priorities again and again: think clearly, get warm, sort water, signal, then worry about food.
The Rule of 3s (a quick reality check)
You can go a long time without food. You can’t go long without shelter/warmth in nasty conditions, and you can’t function without water.
If you want a simple set of priorities to keep in your head, read my Survival Tips page here:
https://www.stevenkelly.uk/survival-tips-tricks
The STOP Drill: the fastest way to kill panic
When something goes wrong, most people rush. That’s how small problems turn into disasters.
Use this drill:
S — Stop (freeze the chaos)
T — Think (what’s the real problem right now?)
O — Observe (weather, light, injuries, landmarks, time, resources)
P — Plan (one simple step at a time)
If you do nothing else from this post, do this: STOP… then move with a plan.
The 72 hour survival kit (UK): the only framework you need
A good 72-hour kit isn’t a shopping list. It’s a system.
1) Shelter + Warmth (priority #1)
If you’re cold and wet, your thinking gets stupid fast. Your kit should help you:
- Get out of wind/rain
- Insulate from the ground
- Stay warm without burning all your energy
Common mistake: people pack “cool kit” and forget the basics of staying dry and warm.
2) Water (priority #2)
Your plan should cover:
- How you’ll carry water
- How you’ll make questionable water safer
- How you’ll manage it sensibly (not smash it in an hour)
Common mistake: “I’ll find a stream.” Great. Now make it safe.
3) Light + Power (especially in winter)
In the UK, darkness is a problem multiplier. A simple light plan beats hero talk.
Common mistake: relying on one phone as your torch, map, and lifeline.
4) First aid (basic and sensible)
You’re not building a trauma unit. You’re covering:
- Minor cuts/blisters (these end trips)
- Pain relief basics
- A way to manage small injuries without panic
Common mistake: loads of kit, no clue how to use it.
### 5) Navigation + Comms
Your best “survival skill” is not getting lost in the first place.
- Know where you are
- Know where you’re going
- Make it easy for people to find you if you stop moving
Common mistake: continuing to walk while confused.
6) Tools + Admin (the boring stuff that saves you)
Tape, cordage, a notebook, a pen, spare cash, spares for the things you actually use.
This is the difference between “annoying problem” and “proper situation.”
Common mistake: forgetting the boring stuff because it doesn’t look good on Instagram.
Two kit builds you should consider (most people get this wrong)
Build A: “Vehicle/Everyday 72”
If you drive a lot, your most likely scenario is being stuck somewhere, not living off berries.
Build B: “Hike/Outdoor 72”
If you spend time on the moors/woods/coast, your kit should prioritise:
- weather exposure
- navigation
- signalling
- water plan
You don’t need 20 different kits. You need one realistic system you can adapt.
The weekend drill that makes you better than 90% of people
Do this and you’ll instantly see what you’re missing:
The 24-hour home blackout drill
Pick a day. Then:
- No mains power
- No “quick cheat” microwave meals
- Minimal phone use
- Track what fails first: light, food plan, warmth, morale, boredom
You’ll learn more in 24 hours than you will from doom-scrolling “prepper content” for a month.
Get the checklist + templates (FREE)
If you want the full kit checklist, a simple step-by-step 72-hour plan, and templates like a trip plan and emergency contacts sheet, download the ebook here:
➡️ 72-Hour Survival Blueprint (FREE):
https://www.southwestsurvival.co.uk/product-page/72-hour-survival-blueprint-steven-kelly
Want hands-on training?
Reading is step one. Skill is step two.
If you want to train properly in real UK conditions (shelter, fire, water, navigation, decision-making), start here:
https://www.stevenkelly.uk/survival-training
You can also read the South West Survival blog version of this topic here:
https://www.southwestsurvival.co.uk/post/the-first-72-hours-the-survival-plan-most-people-get-wrong-and-how-to-fix-it
FAQ: 72 hour survival kit (UK)
Is the blueprint really free?
Yes — it’s a £0.00 download.
Is this kit advice UK-specific?*
The principles are universal, but the priorities and common scenarios here are written with UK conditions in mind.
Do I need loads of expensive gear?
No. You need the right basics and a plan you’ve actually tested.
What’s the single biggest mistake people make?
They keep moving while confused. STOP, observe, plan — then act.
Can I share the ebook?
Personal use only — if your mates want it, send them the download link.
