This is your Spring Prep Bag update where we outline 5 quick changes for the new season

As winter’s grip loosens and spring arrives, it’s time to reassess your emergency preparedness. Your carefully packed prep bag or 72-hour kit needs seasonal adjustments to remain effective. Many preppers diligently winterize their go bags but forget to update them when warmer weather arrives. Let’s explore five essential changes to make to your prep bag for spring that will keep you ready for whatever emergencies the changing season might bring.

1. Lighten Your Clothing Load

Winter prep bags are typically loaded with heavy insulation layers, but spring calls for a different approach. Remove bulky winter clothing from your 72-hour kit and replace with:

• One lightweight, waterproof shell jacket
• Quick-drying synthetic layers (avoid cotton)
• Convertible pants/shorts
• Moisture-wicking underwear and socks

This adjustment alone can reduce your prep bag weight by 3-5 pounds while maintaining versatility for the fluctuating temperatures common in spring. Remember that spring nights can still be chilly, so keep one lightweight thermal layer for unexpected temperature drops.

2. Update Your Medical Supplies for Seasonal Ailments

Spring brings its own medical challenges that winter prep bags might not address. Add these items to your get home bag’s first aid section:

• Antihistamines for seasonal allergies
• Anti-itch cream for insect bites
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+ becomes essential again)
• Tweezers for tick removal

These small additions address the most common spring-specific medical issues you might encounter in an emergency situation. Check expiration dates while you’re updating—medications that sat untouched all winter might need replacement.

3. Adjust Your Water Strategy

Spring’s warmer temperatures increase your hydration needs during emergencies. Your 3-day bag should be updated to:

• Increase carried water (add 1L per person)
• Check and replace water purification tablets that expired during winter
• Add electrolyte packets for dehydration risks
• Ensure water containers didn’t crack from winter freezing

According to most preparedness experts, your spring/summer water needs are approximately 25-30% higher than winter requirements. Make sure your prep bag reflects this reality.

4. Prepare for Spring Storms and Flooding

Spring is notorious for severe weather in many regions. Update your bug out bag with:

• Small pack towel for unexpected downpours
• Extra waterproof bags for electronics and documents
• Emergency poncho (even if you have a rain jacket)
• Paracord for creating emergency shelters or clotheslines for drying wet gear

Flash flooding is particularly common during spring, so ensuring documents and electronics stay dry becomes even more critical than during winter months.

5. Refresh Your Food Supplies

Spring offers an opportunity to optimize your emergency food stores:

• Replace heavy winter calorie-dense foods with lighter options
• Check all food expiration dates
• Add more no-cook meals (spring weather may allow cold meals)
• Consider adding foraged food identification materials for your region

The transition from winter to spring is the perfect time to rotate your emergency food supplies, replacing items you’ve had for months with fresh alternatives.

Take Action Now

Don’t wait for emergency situations to discover your 72-hour kit is still winter-focused. Take 30 minutes this weekend to implement these five simple changes to your prep bag. The best emergency kits are those that adapt to current conditions and are maintained regularly.

For a more comprehensive approach to seasonal preparedness, check out our complete guide to winter survival kits and apply the opposite principles for spring. Seasonal rotation ensures your investment in emergency preparedness remains effective year-round.

Not sure exactly what your prep bag needs for your specific situation? Our bug out bag calculator provides customized recommendations based on your family size, location, and seasonal considerations.

Remember, the most effective prep bag isn’t necessarily the one with the most gear—it’s the one that’s properly maintained and seasonally appropriate. A 15-pound spring-ready go bag you can carry comfortably is infinitely more valuable than a 25-pound winter kit that’s too heavy and filled with unnecessary items for the current season.

What spring update does your emergency kit need most urgently? Take action today—before you need your prep bag in an actual emergency.