Review: Uncharted Supply Co. Seventy2 Pro

As a general statement, having the right gear on hand can make all the difference. Of course, knowing what that gear is and where to find it is of equal importance. Uncharted Supply Co.'s Seventy2 Pro ($689) aims to simplify the calculus by packing a broad assortment of emergency essentials into one ready-to-go backpack.

Designed to support two people for up to 72 hours, the kit includes everything from water filtration and first-aid supplies to fire starters, emergency shelter, and basic tools. Its strongest feature is organization: a removable, labeled insert keeps everything in its place, eliminating the need to rummage through a chaotic pack when time is of the essence.

The tradeoff is that a kit designed to cover so many scenarios inevitably makes compromises. Some components are more convincing than others, and experienced outdoorsmen will likely find themselves swapping out a few items for equipment they already know and trust into the kit.

You're paying as much for the convenience of a preassembled system as for the gear itself, but there's something to be said for having a designated emergency kit ready to grab on your way out the door or already in your truck. The Seventy2 Pro makes a reasonable starting point, particularly for someone looking to get organized without building a system from scratch. Just don't mistake a well-stocked backpack for a fully developed contingency plan.

Available at unchartedsupplyco.com.