Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag review

What the Redfora bag is, and a name change to know about

Redfora is a US maker that sells earthquake and emergency kits. The product address that used to be its Complete Earthquake Bag now opens a page titled Ready For Anything Emergency Kit, which Redfora calls a best-selling earthquake preparedness kit. It comes for one to four people, for three or seven days, in a red backpack or a roller bag. A two-person, three-day backpack is one of the listed options, so confirm the version and what is inside before you buy.

Redfora says it packs the bag in a color-coded system so you can find items in under a minute, and that every kit includes access to a video guide to the supplies.

What is inside, as far as the maker lists it

The specification Redfora prints on the page is for the one-person, three-day backpack. It lists a NOAA radio with flashlight and charger, a solar charger power bank, a whistle, a multi-function tool, work gloves, safety glasses, a mylar sleeping bag, a two-person tube tent, an emergency poncho, a 3,600-calorie food bar, 12 water pouches, a personal water filter straw, a first aid kit and three 3-ply masks. That backpack weighs 13 lb.

The maker's page does not give a separate contents list for the two-person bag, so treat the list above as a guide to the style of kit, not a promise of exactly what two people receive. Redfora also notes that a shown item may occasionally be swapped for a similar or better one.

Strengths

The contents are well beyond a bare minimum: a radio, a power bank, shelter, a water filter straw and a first aid kit in one pack. Redfora gives the food bar and water pouches a five-year shelf life from the date of manufacture, and says kits are packed within six months of that date. It also enrolls buyers in reminders before the food and water expire, with a way to replace them.

For a household in earthquake country, a pre-packed bag by the door is a sound start; see our earthquake preparedness guide. Having it packed in one place, with the radio and power bank charged, saves time when you need to move quickly.

Limits and what Ready.gov asks for

Ready.gov's basic kit list calls for water at one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation, plus at least several days of non-perishable food. A three-day bag for two would need about 6 gallons by that rule. The maker's list for one person shows 12 water pouches and a filter straw, so check the pouch size and plan extra water at home.

Ready.gov also lists items no bag can hold for you: prescription medications, eyeglasses, cash, important family documents, a change of clothes and sturdy shoes, and a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. A mylar sleeping bag is thin cover for a cold night. Add your own medicines and documents, and walk through the pack once so you know where everything sits.

How it compares, and the verdict

On our go-bag comparison, the EVERLIT 72-hour kit for two and the Ready America 70280 are the nearest rivals. Redfora's bag lists a fuller gear set and a roomier pack. It is also heavier. Compare prices on the day, and compare contents line by line rather than by piece count.

Verdict: a fuller, better organized two-person bag from a maker that focuses on earthquake kits, as long as you add water, medicines and documents. Skip it if you want the lightest possible pack, if you cannot confirm the two-person contents, or if you would rather build a kit from Ready.gov's list piece by piece.

Is the Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag still sold?

The maker's address for it now opens a page named Ready For Anything Emergency Kit, with one to four people and three or seven days as options. Check the exact name and contents on the listing.

How much water does a two-person, three-day kit need?

Ready.gov says one gallon per person per day for several days, which is about 6 gallons for two people over three days. Bags usually carry far less, so store the rest at home.

How long do the food and water in the bag last?

Redfora gives the food bar and water pouches a shelf life of 5 years from the date of manufacture, and offers reminders before they expire. Replace items as dates approach.

What should I add to a ready-made earthquake bag?

Ready.gov suggests prescription medications, glasses, cash, copies of key documents, a change of clothes, sturdy shoes and a warm blanket or sleeping bag for each person, plus your own pets' and children's needs.