When people think about survival bags, they almost instantly have a bug out bag in mind. But in reality, it’s not really practical to lug around a giant backpack containing 72 hours worth of provision to and from work, or school, or wherever it is you go everyday. You can keep it in your office, at home or even in your car (if you have that much space) but it’s not the survival bag that you keep with you at all times. That’s a different kind of bag. That’s a get home bag.
A get home bag is essentially a survival bag that has enough provision to last you 24 hours, during which you should (ideally) be on the way home or to a safe place, where you can have access to your bug out bag or any other source of provision and shelter (like an evacuation area, for example).
Ideally, a get home bag is compact and light but complete in terms of content. In essence, it’s like a small-scale version of the bug out bag. The contents are more or less the same. But this time around, size, weight and simplicity are given much importance.
Here are 18 items you need to pack in a get home bag. These contents are very important in order to survive the first 24 hours in the event of a disaster or crisis, so make sure you don’t miss any of them.
1. Water
Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System
Pack a liter of water in your get home bag, ideally in a lightweight but durable bladder or pack it in a metal can so it doubles as cookware should you need to cook or heat something up 24 hours after SHTF.
Survival Frog Hydration Bladder
Also consider packing a mini water filter should you need more than a liter or take more than a day to get to a safe place.
2. Food
Choose ready-to-eat food that doesn’t need heating or adding water. Every second and resource (water, heat) counts so it’s best to pack survival food like high-calorie energy bars or ready-to-eat food pouches that can last you 24 hours.
3. Poncho
Be prepared for rain and wind with a (preferably oversized) poncho. The right sized poncho can also be used as emergency shelter, water collector, ground cover and as an emergency bag.
4. Tarp
Chill Gorilla Hex Hammock Rain Fly Tent Tarp
You’ll never know if you can make it to your home or any other safe place when SHTF so you might as well pack a tarp to serve as emergency shelter for good measure.
5. Fire Starter
Coghlan’s Flint Striker Fire Starter
Never be without a waterproof lighter or matches. Did you know that countless of people who try to survive don’t make it because of hypothermia? Fire can also help you cook and ward off animals if you ever find yourself in the wild.
6. Walking Shoes/ Boots
Xero Shoes Prio – Minimalist Barefoot Trail and Road Running Shoe
Depending on what you wear to work, school or wherever, you might want to pack a pair of comfortable shoes that will help protect your feet from debris and possible sharp objects. Choose a pair that you can wear even on rough terrain, as you’ll never know where you may end up.
7. Change of Clothes
Frogg Toggs Men’s Classic Pro Action Jacket with Pockets
Include a change of clothes suitable for layering (depending on weather and temperature) in your get home bag. Keep it lightweight, even when you pack in a jacket.
8. Multi-tool
Get a good quality multi-tool for your get home bag. Essential tools include blade, pliers and a wire cutter.
9. Paracord
Black Paracord 100′ 7 Strand 550 Lbs Rated
100 feet of paracord doesn’t take up much space but has various uses when SHTF.
10. Lamp
Get a lamp you can count on, like the one above. It’s solar-powered, rechargeable and can actually charge your phone if needed.
11. First Aid Kit
Try to avoid going overboard and choose a compact first aid kit that has a little bit of everything.
12. Emergency Blanket
Arcturus All Weather Outdoor Survival Blanket
The right emergency blanket could save your life. Use it as ground cover, head cover or even as shelter from the sun.
13. Hygiene and Sanitation
ArcherOG Biodegradable Wipes for Camping and Outdoor Use
Pack a simple emergency toilet bag and sanitary wipes to keep viruses and bacteria at bay.
14. N95 Mask
Gerson N95 Disposable Particulate Respirator Surgical Mask Without Valves
Protect yourself from germs and other airborne particles when SHTF with N95 or surgical N95 masks that effectively filter out at least 95% of air particles.
15. Self Defense Gear
SABRE 3-IN-1 Pepper Spray – Police Strength
Make sure to pack something that can protect yourself from harm. Pepper spray, a stun gun or a pocket knife will do if you don’t have a gun.
16. Navigational Tools
SE CC4580 Military Lensatic & Prismatic Sighting Survival Emergency Compass with Pouch
Navigate with ease wherever you are. A compass may not be needed when you’re on the familiar route to home but if circumstances take you to new territories, it could be the only thing that can lead you out.
17. Emergency Radio
RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA Weather Radio For Emergency
Stay informed in the event of disaster by packing an emergency radio in your get home bag. Most emergency radios nowadays come with other useful features. The radio pictured above, for example, has a flashlight, reading lamp and 2000mAh power bank.
18. Cash
You’ll never know what you need to buy or pay for on the way home or to safety. Make sure you have some cash in your get home bag.
Ready to start building your get home bag now? Share this post if it helped you! It could help another prepper get started.
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