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Evacuation planning

Emergency Kit Weight Calculator

Weigh the actual kit by category, compare it with a user-tested carrying target, and find where the household plan needs redistribution or support.

Weigh the kit you may need to carry

Enter real scale weights wherever possible. The carrying target is yours to set after a realistic test with the people, route, weather, mobility needs, and bags in your plan.

Carrying plan

Count only people who will actually carry a bag. Do not assign critical supplies to someone without confirming the plan works for them.

A user-set planning target, not a medical recommendation.

Complete kit inventory

The calculator converts liters of water to pounds and adds the weights entered for every other category.

Total water carried across all bags. One liter weighs about 2.2 lb before the container.

Weigh the actual shelf-stable food and packaging.

Include necessary medications, devices, chargers, and accessibility items.

Include layers, rain protection, blankets, or other climate needs.

Phones, radio, lights, batteries, cables, and power banks.

Copies, keys, cash, maps, hygiene items, and hazard-specific tools.

Weigh every backpack, tote, or portable container before filling it.

Use the result well

Make portability part of the emergency plan

A complete supply list is not portable until the household can move it along the real route. Keep shelter supplies and evacuation bags as related but distinct layers.

  1. Step 1

    Inventory the actual packed items and weigh each category, including containers and bags.

  2. Step 2

    Set a carrying target from a realistic test, then distribute supplies around capability and critical access.

  3. Step 3

    Practice the route, stairs, transit, weather layers, pets, and communication plan, then revise the load.

Questions about this estimate

What percentage of body weight should an emergency bag be?

This tool does not use a universal body-weight rule. Health, age, mobility, conditioning, terrain, heat, bag fit, and distance vary. Set a target through a realistic carry test and qualified guidance when needed.

Should I remove water to make the kit lighter?

Water is heavy, but safe water is essential. Consider the hazard, evacuation route, refill reliability, treatment limits, vehicle or staged supplies, and official instructions before changing the amount.

Is a go-bag the same as my shelter-at-home supply?

No. A portable kit supports evacuation or immediate movement. A shelter supply can hold more water, food, sanitation, and comfort items. Plan both around local hazards.