Saddlebag Supplies may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. This doesn't change your price. Brands are examples we found and priced on Oct 25, 2026, not endorsements, and prices change. REI and Sportsman's Warehouse picks link to the product page here; Amazon and Walmart picks are linked on the 72-Hour Kit Shelf.
1-inch binder with sheet protectors (planning binder)
Holds the plan, contacts, and copies in one place.
Role add-on: Ramrod (Leader)
How to use it: A Family Walkie-Talkie Channel Plan · The Family Meeting and the Planning Binder · The Go-Binder: Documents, Cash, and Backups · When to Call 911 (and What to Say)
ShoestringPen+Gear + Amazon Basics 1 in view binder + Amazon Basics sheet protectors~$12.38 · Walmart
Trail-TestedAvery + Amazon Basics Durable View 1 in binder + Amazon Basics sheet protectors~$15.33 · Amazon
Top ShelfAvery + Amazon Basics Heavy-Duty One Touch 1 in binder + Amazon Basics sheet protectors~$15.28 · Amazon
Baseplate compass
Your own direction-finding if the group splits up.
Role add-on: Scout (Navigation & Security)
How to use it: Map and Compass Basics
ShoestringOzark Trail orienteering compass~$6.86 · Walmart
Trail-TestedSuunto A-10 compass~$24.00 · Amazon
Top ShelfSuunto MC-2 mirror compass~$70.00 · Amazon
Baseplate compass with declination adjustment
Finds direction with no signal or battery. Adjustable declination keeps map and compass in agreement.
Role add-on: Ramrod (Leader)
How to use it: Map and Compass Basics
ShoestringOzark Trail orienteering compass~$6.86 · WalmartFixed declination; set your bearing by hand.
Trail-TestedBrunton TruArc 5 baseplate compass (tool-free declination)~$49.95 · Amazon
Top ShelfSuunto MC-2 mirror compass~$70.00 · Amazon
Digital watch (no phone needed)
Keeps time and alarms when phones are dead or saved for calls.
Role add-on: Ramrod (Leader)
How to use it: Sleep and Morale When the Power's Out · The Family Meeting and the Planning Binder
ShoestringCasio F-105W Illuminator digital watch, 7-year battery~$29.95 · Amazon
Trail-TestedCasio AE1500WH digital watch, 10-year battery~$39.95 · Amazon
Top ShelfTimex Ironman Classic 30 digital watch~$51.25 · Amazon
Household emergency plan templates (free from Ready.gov), printed
Fill in meet-up spots, contacts, and who does what. Not in the total.
Role add-on: Ramrod (Leader)
How to use it: A Family Walkie-Talkie Channel Plan · The Family Meeting and the Planning Binder · When to Call 911 (and What to Say)
Not bought: Fill in meet-up spots, contacts, and who does what. Not in the total.
Paper road atlas or local map
Routes out when phones and GPS are down.
Role add-on: Ramrod (Leader)
How to use it: Map and Compass Basics · The Family Meeting and the Planning Binder · Wildfire Go-Plan: Evacuation Quick Steps
ShoestringRand McNally 2027 Easy to Read Midsize Road Atlas~$19.99 · Amazon
Trail-TestedNational Geographic 2027 USA Road Atlas: Adventure Edition~$23.71 · AmazonAll 50 states, with parks and backroads.
Top ShelfRand McNally 2027 Large Scale Road Atlas~$32.99 · Amazon
Waterproof notebook + pencils
Notes that survive rain and spills.
Role add-on: Ramrod (Leader)
How to use it: A Family Walkie-Talkie Channel Plan · Map and Compass Basics · The Family Meeting and the Planning Binder
ShoestringElan Publishing Elan waterproof field notebook 3.5 x 5.5~$12.95 check size · AmazonAdd pencils (not priced). Trail-TestedRite in the Rain 4x6 top-spiral notebook, 3-pack~$17.85 · AmazonAdd pencils (not priced).
Top ShelfRite in the Rain all-weather pen + 3x5 notebook kit~$31.29 · Amazon
