Hurricane Prep Bag Essentials: Waterproofing Your 72-Hour Kit

Hurricane season brings unique challenges that can rapidly compromise an unprepared bug out bag. While standard prep bags work well in many emergencies, hurricanes introduce a critical element that destroys emergency supplies faster than almost anything else: water. A thoroughly waterproofed 72-hour kit can mean the difference between having functional supplies during a hurricane evacuation and watching your carefully prepared resources become waterlogged and useless.

The Water Vulnerability in Standard Prep Bags

Most get home bags and emergency kits are designed with some water resistance, but few are truly prepared for hurricane conditions where:

• Heavy rainfall can persist for days
• Flooding can submerge equipment completely
• High humidity can penetrate seemingly “waterproof” containers
• Moving through floodwaters may fully immerse your prep bag

Even “waterproof” backpacks typically only resist light rainfall – not the sustained deluge of a hurricane or the complete submersion that often occurs during evacuation through flooded areas.

Essential Waterproofing Strategies for Your Hurricane Prep Bag

1. Start with Waterproof Containment

The outer shell of your emergency kit needs serious water protection:

• Waterproof backpack cover: A high-quality, seam-sealed rain cover designed specifically for your pack size provides the first line of defense.
• Internal waterproof liner: Line the inside of your backpack with a heavy-duty contractor garbage bag before packing any items.
• Double-bag protection: For hurricane scenarios, using both external and internal waterproofing isn’t redundant – it’s essential.

Remember that even “waterproof” backpacks often allow water intrusion through zippers and seams during extended exposure.

2. Compartmentalize with Dry Bags

Organize your prep bag contents into waterproof compartments:

• Use color-coded dry bags to organize supplies by category (food, first aid, documents, etc.)
• Choose compression dry bags that remove air to reduce pack volume
• Select transparent options for easy content identification without opening

This multi-layered approach ensures that even if outer waterproofing fails, your critical supplies remain functional.

3. Protect Critical Documents

Documents require special protection in hurricane scenarios:

• Store all papers in waterproof document pouches with zip-locks
• Use waterproof paper for handwritten emergency information
• Make digital backups on waterproof USB drives as secondary insurance
• Consider laminating the most essential cards and identification

The combination of physical and digital backups provides redundancy when floodwaters threaten your identification and insurance information.

Three Often-Overlooked Areas in Hurricane Prep Bags

1. Electronics Protection

Standard zip-lock bags often fail in hurricane conditions. Instead:

• Use marine-grade waterproof cases for phones, radios, and batteries
• Pack electronics with moisture-absorbing silica gel packets
• Choose electronics with built-in waterproof ratings (minimum IPX7)
• Include waterproof power banks rather than standard versions

2. Medication Waterproofing

Medications can become dangerous or ineffective when wet:

• Store in watertight prescription bottles with silicon seals
• Add additional protection with vacuum-sealed bags
• Include moisture-absorbing packets in medication containers
• Label with waterproof markers or tape that won’t run when wet

3. Alternative Fire Starting Methods

Traditional fire starters fail when wet:

• Pack storm matches in waterproof containers
• Include windproof/waterproof lighters
• Add magnesium fire starters that function when wet
• Store petroleum-jelly cotton balls in waterproof containers as foolproof kindling

Test Your Waterproofing Before You Need It

Don’t wait until an actual hurricane to discover waterproofing flaws:

1. Conduct a “shower test” by running your fully packed bag under shower water for 5 minutes
2. Check all contents for moisture penetration
3. Identify and reinforce vulnerable points
4. Consider a more extreme “submersion test” if you live in serious flood zones

Final Considerations for Your Hurricane Prep Bag

Remember that waterproofing adds weight to your 72-hour kit, so balance protection with portability. Prioritize waterproofing for the most critical items (medications, documents, electronics) if weight becomes a concern.

For a more comprehensive approach to emergency planning beyond waterproofing, check out our guide to advanced bug out bag considerations covering additional hurricane preparedness strategies.

Need help determining exactly what should be in your hurricane-specific prep bag? Our bug out bag calculator provides customized recommendations based on your family size, region, and special requirements.

Remember, when hurricane warnings arrive, it’s too late to properly waterproof your emergency supplies. Take action now to ensure your 72-hour kit remains functional when you need it most – even in the wettest conditions.