09-24-24 The Get Home Bag

Last week we discussed the basics of being prepared for emergencies, this week we are going to take it a step further and talk about building a Get Home Bag. If you aren’t familiar with this concept, the name says it all. It is a 24–48-hour survival kit designed to get you home in the event of a catastrophic event.  

You may be asking – Is this Get Home Bag even necessary? There is an infinite list of events that could warrant the use of a Get Home Bag. Many are regular occurrences, and they are mostly divided into 2 groups.

  • Natural Disasters such as – earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunami’s, floods, severe weather, wildfires, etc.
  • Human-made Disasters such as – crime, arson, civil unrest, terrorism, war, biological/chemical threats, cyber-attacks, etc.   

All these events have happened in the last 10 years and certainly, some disasters are more devastating than others. Statistically speaking, an event like one of the ones mentioned above is going to happen most likely when you are away from home.

What exactly qualifies as a GHB and what’s supposed to be in the bag? First, no two Get Home Bags are going to be the same, nor should they be. Your GHB is going to be unique to you based upon your travel expectations, geography, weather, and personal needs. Here is a basic list of some of the most essential items you could need:

  • Small to Med backpack
  • Knife / Multi-Tool
  • Hygiene kit
  • Flashlight / Headlamp
  • Physical map
  • Compass
  • Whistle
  • Survival blanket / Tarp
  • Rain Poncho
  • Waterproof work gloves
  • Insect repellent
  • Water filter straw
  • Water purification pills
  • Durable water bottle
  • Rope or Cordage
  • Notepad and pencil
  • Signal Mirror
  • Duct Tape
  • N95 face mask
  • Wind & Dust Goggles
  • Pre-packaged food
  • Lighter or waterproof matches with tinder
  • Emergency radio
  • Change of weather appropriate clothing including extra socks, pants, etc.
  • First aid kit; band-aids, moleskin, pain relievers, tourniquet, etc.
  • Power bank or small solar panel

 

This is of course not an all-encompassing list; I highly recommend checking out these websites for an in-depth packing list and gear review, Awaken Outdoors and Tacitcal.com.

Remember This!


A well-prepared Get Home Bag will give you the best chance of survival if the SHTF. Think of it like a fire extinguisher; it’s not a huge investment and will likely never be used…but it’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!

Scroll to Top