Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) events and solar storms can damage unprotected electronics, disrupt communication systems, and wipe out sensitive circuits. While faraday cages are the traditional solution for large-scale protection, faraday bags provide portable, affordable shielding for personal electronics, making them a core tool for modern preparedness planning.
This guide explains how faraday bags protect devices from EMP and solar events, which electronics you should store, and how to build a practical protection strategy for 2026 and beyond.
For a full comparison of top shielding products, see:
https://frequencyblockers.com/best-faraday-bags-2026/
What Is an EMP?
An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is an intense burst of electromagnetic energy capable of damaging or disabling electronics. EMPs can be caused by:
- High-altitude nuclear events
- Specialized electromagnetic weapons
- Severe power grid failures
- Intense lightning strikes
- Solar storms and coronal mass ejections (CMEs)
An EMP’s effect depends on strength, distance, shielding, and the vulnerability of nearby electronics.
What Is a Solar Storm?
A solar storm, or coronal mass ejection (CME), occurs when the sun ejects massive amounts of charged particles into space. When directed at Earth, these particles can:
- Induce currents in power lines
- damage transformers
- Interfere with satellites
- Cause widespread communication outages
The 1859 Carrington Event is the largest recorded example — and a modern event of similar magnitude could impact global infrastructure.
How Faraday Bags Protect Against EMP and Solar Storms
Faraday bags protect electronics by:
1. Blocking Electromagnetic Fields
Their conductive layers prevent EMP or CME-induced currents from entering the device.
2. Redirecting Energy Across the Bag Surface
Instead of penetrating the device, electromagnetic energy flows along the bag’s exterior.
3. Providing 360° Shielding
When properly sealed, faraday bags create a complete enclosure similar to a flexible faraday cage.
4. Preventing Cascading Failures
Even if power grids surge or communications fail, protected devices inside faraday bags remain functional.
While faraday bags likely cannot withstand the most extreme EMP events that overwhelm national infrastructure, they provide extremely effective personal-level protection for portable electronics.
What You Should Store in Faraday Bags for EMP Preparedness
1. Backup Phones
Old smartphones or emergency-use devices should be stored offline in faraday bags to serve as communication tools after a major event.
2. Two-Way Radios (Walkie-Talkies)
Essential for local communication if cell towers fail.
3. Satellite Communicators
Devices like satellite messengers or trackers can allow communication after grid outages.
4. Portable Hard Drives & USB Drives
Faraday bags shield stored data from electrical surges.
5. Solar Charging Power Banks
After an EMP, charging options may be limited; protected batteries remain safe.
6. Medical Electronics (Non-Critical)
Spare glucose meters or pump controllers—not real-time life-critical devices—can be shielded.
7. GPS Units & Navigation Tools
If satellites remain intact, these devices help with location and mapping.
8. Flashlight Electronics
Programmable LEDs and smart batteries can be EMP-sensitive.
9. Drone Controllers and Navigation Devices
Useful for scouting terrain or damage assessments.
10. Vehicle Key Fobs
Relay-protected keys also benefit from EMP shielding.
Your existing key fob enclosure:
https://frequencyblockers.com/faraday-box-for-keys/
What NOT to Store in Faraday Bags
Certain items should not be stored inside faraday bags in an emergency kit:
- Life-critical medical electronics
- Devices that require immediate access
- Electronics with lithium batteries that are damaged or swollen
- Items that cannot be fully powered off
Always evaluate whether storing a device affects safety or usability.
How to Build a Reliable EMP Preparedness Kit Using Faraday Bags
1. Choose Multi-Layer Faraday Bags
Look for bags with:
- Nickel-copper fabric
- Silver shielding layers
- Reinforced seams
- Military-style closures
2. Use Multiple Bags for Redundancy
Double-bagging with two faraday bags increases attenuation significantly.
3. Store Inside an Additional Shielded Container
For high-risk users, place faraday bags inside:
- Metal ammo cans
- Steel boxes
- Faraday tents (you offer these solutions below)
Portable shielding option:
https://frequencyblockers.com/faraday-tents/
4. Keep Devices Powered Off
Powered-off electronics are significantly more resilient to EMP effects.
5. Test the Faraday Bags Regularly
Follow your testing guide to ensure continued protection.
Practical EMP and Solar Storm Scenarios
High-Altitude EMP Attack
Can disrupt large-scale infrastructure; faraday bags protect small personal devices.
Severe Solar Storm
Can damage grid components, transformers, and communication networks.
Localized EMP from Secondary Sources
Industrial faults, arc flash, or severe lightning may harm electronics in unshielded environments.
Faraday Bags vs Faraday Cages for EMP
| Feature | Faraday Bags | Faraday Cages |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Excellent | Poor |
| EMP Protection | Good | Excellent |
| Solar Storm Protection | Good | Excellent |
| Device Size | Small/Medium | Small to Very Large |
| Ease of Use | Very easy | Moderate |
| Cost | Low/Moderate | Moderate/High |
| Best For | Personal emergency kits | Home or facility-level shielding |
Faraday bags excel at protecting personal electronics, while faraday cages protect infrastructure-level equipment.
How Many Faraday Bags Do You Need for EMP Preparedness?
Recommended minimum:
- 1 small faraday bag for key fobs or USB drives
- 1 medium faraday bag for phones or GPS units
- 1 large faraday bag for radios, tablets, or controllers
- 1 extra-large faraday bag for laptops or solar chargers
For group or family kits, multiply the recommended quantity by the number of people.
Key Takeaways
- Faraday bags protect personal electronics from EMPs, solar storms, and electromagnetic surges.
- They work by blocking electromagnetic energy from entering the device enclosure.
- The best items to store include radios, phones, hard drives, power banks, GPS units, and spare navigation tools.
- Double-bagging increases protection and is recommended for high-risk users.
- Faraday bags complement larger faraday cages and shielded rooms as part of a full preparedness strategy.
Product References (Amazon product names only — no links)
- Mission Darkness Faraday Emergency Kit Bag
- Silent Pocket Large Faraday Utility Case
- GoDark 20L Faraday Dry Bag
- Faraday Defense NX3 Gen 2 Bag
- OffGrid Faraday Key Fob Pouch
- SteelShield EMP-Ready Laptop Sleeve
- Survivor Series Waterproof Faraday Bag
- EMP Shielding Pouch (Multilayer)
- Faraday Dry Duffel for Emergency Kits
- RFID & EMP Combo Shield Pouch