17 Must-Have Items For Your Get Home Bag

[Sentry18]

Can you think of anything else?


https://www.survivopedia.com/17-must-have-items-for-your-get-home-bag/

17 Must-Have Items For Your Get Home Bag

By
Bob Rodgers
September 23, 2019

You’re at your workplace putting in the hours, and it seems to be just an ordinary day, like many others before it…

Suddenly, you hear sirens in the distance and the power goes out. You take your phone out and try to call your loved ones, but the line is busy.

You get the feeling that something is very wrong and deep down inside, you know that a disaster is coming your way. Although you are many miles away from your loved ones, you have to get home. Your only hope of reaching them is your get home bag, resting against your desk.



Our modern lives seem to be spinning out of control most of the time, and unfortunately, we spend surprisingly little time at home. You run errands, you make appointments, and you spend most of your time at work. If you are a preparedness like-minded individual, you have to take his into account when building your emergency preparedness plan. You can’t count on luck and hope when it hits the fan.

What is a get home bag and why you need on
As the name implies, a get home bag is a survival kit designed with the main purpose of getting you home if a disaster occurs while you are away from your loved ones. By design, it is much more simple than a bug out bag and more practical to be carried around back and forth to work each day.

Your get home bag can take a variety of forms depending on your preferences. However, the main point is to keep it as light and as simple as possible. A small pack may be the ideal solution in this case.

Some people will argue that building a get home bag may be nothing more than wasting precious resources, and you don’t actually need to use one. The folks saying such things are those that work close to home and for them, having such a bag becomes somehow useless.

For the rest of us, having a get home bag may be our only insurance to get back home safely. When you plan yours, don’t think about the end of the world or something like that. Such a bag can be useful even during during a car failure, a regional blackout or a powerful storm.

A get home bag drastically increases your chances of getting home unharmed, and putting one together is not a difficult task. In fact, you can do it rather quickly, in one afternoon. I’ve listed below the recommended supplies for your get home bag. You can build upon this list, but remember that a get home bag should be custom made based on the lifestyle of the owner. Factors such as survival knowledge, the career and environment will often dictate what goes into your bag.

Must-have items in your get home bag

1. A gallon of water
You should have at least one gallon of water in your bag and pick a metal container or canteen to store it. Such a container will give you the option to boil the water for cooking or other purposes if necessary. A metal container is durable in extreme conditions, and you can find many uses for it.

Besides water, I recommend getting a practical mini water filter. This is an excellent addition to your bag, and it can cover your water needs when you run out of it. It’s a perfect plan B.

2. Energy bars
Certain people will put some MREs in their get home bags or other elaborate meals. Don’t do that since you need to keep things simple. Get six energy bars, and you should cover all your food needs. These high-calorie bars are easy to carry and are a good meal substitute.

When you’re on the go, you should have food that doesn’t require heating or cooking. Go with open and ready to eat meals. Even homemade pemmican can be a good alternative for your get home bag.

3. A tarp
Make sure you have a lightweight tarp in your bag. This versatile item can be used during various scenarios. You can improvise a temporary shelter, use it as ground cover and it can even be used as a ground to air signal. A tarp has many survival uses, and it’s a must for every survival bag.

4. A rain poncho
Chances are the weather will turn on you, and you will get wet. It’s not only a miserable and morale lowering experience, but it can also be a deadly one. Hypothermia is the number one killer in unknown environments, and you don’t have to be in the mountains to catch it.

When you get wet and you need to cover a long distance, every passing minute increases your chances of getting it, and you become vulnerable. If you an improvise a poncho from your tarp you won’t need to get a rain poncho. However, if you lack the skill to do so, I recommend getting a military rain poncho which can also be used as an improvised shelter and ditch the tarp.

5. Emergency Blanket
An emergency blanket or Mylar blanket can prove useful when you don’t have a sleeping bag. It’s cheap, lightweight and compact. It can keep you warm in cold weather and it may even save your life. Used in conjunction with your tarp or rain poncho, it can deliver maximum efficiency.



6. A pair of sturdy walking boots
If you wear formal shoes to work, you might want to add a pair of sturdy boots or hiking sneakers in your get home bag. You need comfortable footwear to travel faster and cover long distances while keeping your feet protected.

It should go without saying that you also need to pack the right type of socks since you don’t want to get blisters when traversing rough terrain. There are socks on the market designed for both cold and hot seasons so make sure you look into this matter when picking a pair or two.

7. A change of clothes
No matter what survival kit I have in reach, I’m always certain I’ve packed an extra change of clothes. This becomes mandatory for a get home bag since you will be able to change out of your working clothes into something more comfortable. Something that offers both protection and better maneuverability.

Pick the type of clothes that will help you blend in your environment and into crowds and don’t forget a hat or a cap to protect yourself from the sun or rain. Whatever you pick, I recommend vacuum sealing it so you can save space.

8. A first aid kit
There are all sorts of mini first-aid kits available on the market nowadays, and you should consider getting one for your bag. This should be common sense at this point, and you need to make sure it contains the following: bandaged, gauze pads, medical tape, insect repellent, lip balm and tweezers.

It should also contain medication such as Dramamine, Aspirin, antacids, and specific medicine you depend on. If you wear contacts or glasses, make sure you include a spare pair as well.

9. Hygiene kit
Things will get dirty, and you need to stay clean. Don’t assume you will get home just in time to get a hot shower. Your hygiene kit should contain some toilet paper, soap, disinfecting wet napkins, and hand sanitizer. Some folks will even include a toothbrush and some toothpaste, but I honestly believe it’s overkill, and it will just add to the weight of the get home bag.

I suggest you also consider adding a face mask to protect you from dust, debris or sickness. Some folks will improvise a face mask from a t-shirt or a bandana, but I can tell you from experience that nothing beats the N95 facemask.

 

[Sentry18]

10. A sturdy multi-tool
This is an item that can come in handy during various scenarios. I don’t think there’s the need to list all the survival uses of such a tool. However, I think it’s better to stress on two things when it comes to buying a multi-tool.

The first thing is not to be cheap when picking one since you might later regret this when the multi-tool fails you. And second, make sure your tool has a solid knife, a saw blade, pliers and flat/cross point drivers at the minimum. You never know when you might need to use one of these tools. This is a valuable resource to have, and if you have the proper knowledge it can get you out of various nasty situations.

11. Paracord
There is a lot of literature on the use of a paracord and if you are a prepper or survivalist, you should know by now how useful such item is. You can do pretty much anything you can think of using a paracord, and it’s a must-have item for your bag.

12. A map and a compass
We are used to letting our car GPS drive us around, and we memorized our daily routes to the letter. However, chances are you may find yourself in a situation where you have to find your way back home without the help of technology. In such cases, having a map or a compass can be a lifesaver.

If you don’t know your surroundings very well, and you need to find an alternative route, a map will become an invaluable item. Everyone will try to get out of the affected area, and you need to plan for detours and avoid bottlenecks.

13. A flashlight or lamp
A light source is a must-have for any survival kit. While most folks will go with a sturdy flashlight, I prefer to have a hand-cranked one. There are even LED lamps you can pick and if you decide to do so, go with a hand-free water-resistant headlamp. It’s much more practical to be used when traveling at night.

14. Emergency radio
This item is mandatory to keep you updated and to help you stay ahead of the crowd. Once again, I recommend picking a hand-cranked one to avoid carrying batteries in your backpack. Whatever model you chose, make sure it can receive NOAA alerts. Also, if it has USB ports, it will help you charge your phone or other devices.

15. Rescue signal items
Learning to signal for help is a valuable help, but not everyone has such skills and time may not work in their favor. In those cases, a signal mirror, led flares, and even a whistle can be used for conveying messages and making your location know to the rescue teams.

In certain scenarios, you may have to let people know where you are, and you need to do so with the items at hand. Your phone may not always work, so make sure you take into account some “primitive ways” of signaling for help.

16. Self-defense items
Depending on the nature of the disaster, its aftermath may not be as devastating or as impacting compared to the unpredictable actions of the social elements. The event may cause mass panic, and as we all know, panic is the breeding ground for violence and desperate actions.

I won’t go into details about categories of self-defense items or make scenarios. However, I can tell you that your safe-defense items of choice should be practical to use, you should be able to use it under various circumstances, and it should help you avoid hand to hand combat.

Some people will go with a compact pistol with two or three extra magazines, but as I said, it’s all up to you and the skills you have in handling a firearm.

17. Cash money
No matter the disaster or the human factor you will have to deal with, cash remains a universal language. Cash doesn’t care about the power grid, and it can persuade most people into giving up willingly the goods you need.

Pack small denominations in a variety of places and never reveal all your money at once. The money will help you get out of a sticky situation, and it’s better to learn how to negotiate to avoid spending it all at once.


Concluding
A get home bag is an essential item if you spend most of your time away from home, and you need to cover a long distance to get back to your loved ones. You need to make it as light as possible, and you should never limit yourself to a small backpack, even though it can fit all your items.

Get a bigger backpack in case you need to scavenge for items if the event lasts longer than expected and if you have to make long detours. Survival becomes a gamble when you have to face the unexpected, and in most cases the event has the upper hand. Having a get home bag can even the odds, and it may help you reach the safety of your home.

 

[Bacpacker]

That is a pretty good kit for a GHB. Some other things I carry:
Headlamp instead of flashlight. I like to have my hands free both when walking or trying to do something.
Fire making kit, I keep some esbit balls, a striker of some type, and a bic lighter. Fire could save your life if you are hyperthermic.
I usually have a daul band ham radio handheld instead of an emergency radio.
I don't like ponchos, much prefer my GoreTex parka. My legs will get wet, but as long as I'm moving they stay warm, even down in the single digits.
If you are gonna carry a tarp, get a good nysilk one. They are very light, quite, and shed water and snow as good or better than a cheapie from walmart or TSC. Plus they take up much less space.
EMergency blanet. Don't count on one of the cheapo shiny ones to last. They are super thin and rip easily and are then worthless. I can't recall the brand name right off, I want to say SOL brand, but may be wrong. Anyway the packaging is generally orange. They have both blanket type and bag type survival goods that are much better.
Food. I carry Kind brand bars, and they are nutritous. But it's gonna take me 2-5 days to get home. 6 might do me if I make it in 2, but no way that strecthes to 5. A jar of peanut butter, some dried fruit, nuts, etc along with the bars would be much better. I do have a small stove and carry 2 freeze dried meals. I'm expecting to stop and rest a time or two on a 3 day trip at least. If I can locate a out of the way hide, which around here shouldn't be too hard, a nice warm meal would serve wonders when getting back on the road.
I like theirfirst aid kit, but would add a TQ useable with one hand, an isreali bandange, and a a pack of the bleed stop gauze.
Self defence, I can't have a fire arm where I work, but it is a very secure facility. But to get home, I do have both a sheath knife and either a small hand ax, or a tomahawk. Neither is a good as a gun, but anyone with out a gun likely will want to challenge me either.

Great topic. I can't wait to see what other ideas folks have. Mine has been a work in progress for 15 years now. Always looking for something better. But the last 2-3 years has been pretty consistent. I can make it home with what I've got, short of running into a gang, and I have every intention of avoiding that at all cost.

 

[Weedygarden]

I don't like ponchos, much prefer my GoreTex parka. My legs will get wet, but as long as I'm moving they stay warm, even down in the single digits.

I was caught in a downpour once, wearing a poncho, and I was wet to my waist. Without the option of getting my clothes dried shortly after, I would have been cold.

I did a little looking for Gore Tex parkas. I am wondering if you or someone can recommend a brand that is better. Does anyone make them for women? I also prefer not to wear camo because I think that is an attention getter.

I do have an Orvis jacket and a pair of Orvis pants, but I haven't looked at them for a while. I need to look at them. They might not fit now, but they are in my GOOD bags.

 

[Weedygarden]

EMergency blanet. Don't count on one of the cheapo shiny ones to last. They are super thin and rip easily and are then worthless. I can't recall the brand name right off, I want to say SOL brand, but may be wrong. Anyway the packaging is generally orange. They have both blanket type and bag type survival goods that are much better.

I so agree with this. I have a few of the heavier ones in the bag with my sleeping bag and gear. Anyone who has the thin ones is going to have little protection from it.

 

[Sentry18]

I have a few of the SOL Bivvy blankets, which are more like a sleeping bag. They are indeed very durable. But I also have a pile of the cheaper emergency blankets. I am not sure of the brand but they are much more durable than average. I wasted some money finding some that weren't cheap and thin, but when I did I bought a box full.

 

[Weedygarden]

"9. Hygiene kit
Things will get dirty, and you need to stay clean. Don’t assume you will get home just in time to get a hot shower. Your hygiene kit should contain some toilet paper, soap, disinfecting wet napkins, and hand sanitizer. Some folks will even include a toothbrush and some toothpaste, but I honestly believe it’s overkill, and it will just add to the weight of the get home bag.

I suggest you also consider adding a face mask to protect you from dust, debris or sickness. Some folks will improvise a face mask from a t-shirt or a bandana, but I can tell you from experience that nothing beats the N95 facemask."

I have N95 facemasks.
When I took CERT, bandanas were included in our kits. I have since purchased a few more. They have many potential uses.

 

[Weedygarden]

"8. A first aid kit
There are all sorts of mini first-aid kits available on the market nowadays, and you should consider getting one for your bag. This should be common sense at this point, and you need to make sure it contains the following: bandaged, gauze pads, medical tape, insect repellent, lip balm and tweezers.

It should also contain medication such as Dramamine, Aspirin, antacids, and specific medicine you depend on. If you wear contacts or glasses, make sure you include a spare pair as well."

I have now included Benadryl in my everyday carry, for insect bites and other potential problems. I have yet to get Sudafed to accompany it to take in tandem with Benadryl, to prevent drowsiness, thank you to Sheepdog's recommendation here on Rant for the Day thread.

 

[phideaux]

Maybe I'm alone here , but I doubt it,
I'm not physically fit or able anymore to try packing, treking, walking, hiking to anywhere.
That includes getting home from any distance over 5 miles. (Maybe not even that far)
Sooooo I do not pack up for it...only thing I have in car and truck is 2 blankets, 1 gal fresh water, and a bunch of ammo and a few guns.
Oh , jumper cables.

Just the way it is, honestly.

If I'm at home I'm good, away from home not so much. Dead man walking.

Jim

 

[Sentry18]

.only thing I have in car and truck is 2 blankets, 1 gal fresh water, and a bunch of ammo and a few guns.
Oh , jumper cables.


Jim

Tack on a toolbox, some hard candy, and some of those "hot hands" heaters and you have my Dad's "get home" kit too.

 

[phideaux]

Tack on a toolbox, some hard candy, and some of those "hot hands" heaters and you have my Dad's "get home" kit too.

I do have a tiny tool box and a 12v tire inflator compact compressor in each vehicle.
If I get a flat tire I can make it.


Jim

 

[Weedygarden]

Maybe I'm alone here , but I doubt it,
I'm not physically fit or able anymore to try packing, treking, walking, hiking to anywhere.
That includes getting home from any distance over 5 miles. (Maybe not even that far)
Sooooo I do not pack up for it...only thing I have in car and truck is 2 blankets, 1 gal fresh water, and a bunch of ammo and a few guns.
Oh , jumper cables.

Just the way it is, honestly.

If I'm at home I'm good, away from home not so much. Dead man walking.

Jim

The idea of some people not being able to make it for even a few miles came to my mind. A gallon of water is important, but the 8 pounds feels heavier and heavier as time goes on. I was thinking of my collapsible dolly that I have gotten great use out for more than a decade. I used it almost daily when I was teaching carrying stuff in and out.

Can't walk the distance? What are other options that could help? Something with wheels, a wheelchair, a bike, ? Stay put until help arrives? Many people do that now, and it is not a bad option in many situations.

I once saw a man use a scooter in a video when he had car problems, but for me, I could see a wheel hitting a rut, flipping, and then breaking a hip or something. They can be dangerous. Many large cities have a bunch of scooter companies set up doing business and scooters are everywhere. But ER's are busy with scooter riders and their injuries.

 

[Weedygarden]

"1. A gallon of water You should have at least one gallon of water in your bag and pick a metal container or canteen to store it. Such a container will give you the option to boil the water for cooking or other purposes if necessary. A metal container is durable in extreme conditions, and you can find many uses for it. Besides water, I recommend getting a practical mini water filter. This is an excellent addition to your bag, and it can cover your water needs when you run out of it. It’s a perfect plan B."

I have never seen a gallon metal container for water, but it looks like Walmart has them. I do have some smaller metal water bottles.

I fill up gallon sized water jugs frequently for my car for dogs and dog park outings. For a while, I usually have had several gallons with me.

Relative to water, I have had water leak into my bags before. I keep water in my car, but do not keep it in my bag, but with my bag.

I do have a few of the Sawyer water filters. I have never used one. You have to have a place to put the water once you filter it.

 

[Bacpacker]

I was caught in a downpour once, wearing a poncho, and I was wet to my waist. Without the option of getting my clothes dried shortly after, I would have been cold.

I did a little looking for Gore Tex parkas. I am wondering if you or someone can recommend a brand that is better. Does anyone make them for women? I also prefer not to wear camo because I think that is an attention getter.

I do have an Orvis jacket and a pair of Orvis pants, but I haven't looked at them for a while. I need to look at them. They might not fit now, but they are in my GOOD bags.

Weedy just do a search with Bass Pro, Cabelas, most any quality sporting goods or back packing stores will carry them. I have 2 now, I think mine both came from Cabelas. Colors vary as well. Mine are green and the other gray, but you can find about any color you want. Gore tex isn't very cheap, but it holds up well and shed water better than anything I have ever used.

 

[Bacpacker]

"1. A gallon of water You should have at least one gallon of water in your bag and pick a metal container or canteen to store it. Such a container will give you the option to boil the water for cooking or other purposes if necessary. A metal container is durable in extreme conditions, and you can find many uses for it. Besides water, I recommend getting a practical mini water filter. This is an excellent addition to your bag, and it can cover your water needs when you run out of it. It’s a perfect plan B."

I have never seen a gallon metal container for water, but it looks like Walmart has them. I do have some smaller metal water bottles.

I fill up gallon sized water jugs frequently for my car for dogs and dog park outings. For a while, I usually have had several gallons with me.

Relative to water, I have had water leak into my bags before. I keep water in my car, but do not keep it in my bag, but with my bag.

I do have a few of the Sawyer water filters. I have never used one. You have to have a place to put the water once you filter it.

RTIC.com carries several size metal water containers. But they are vacuum lined, keep hot stuff hot, cold stuff cold. Couldn't put them on heat. I just bought a 1 gallon and a half gallon one. The small one I can fill with ice and water and will be able to stay hydrated most of a day, maybe refill it once.
I think another company is called Kleen Kanteen that makes metal bottles and IIRC they are made for cooking in.

 

[SheepDog]

I carry a cup (3 cup stainless cup) to boil water and a metal quart size canteen. I also carry water in gallon jugs to fill the canteen. With canteens you have to watch for holes.The metal ones - even stainless - will corrode from the inside out. Stainless goes fast if you use chlorine to treat the water. I use pressure formed canteens and not the stamped and welded ones.

 

[lonewolf]

depending on how far you have to go I think i'd want more food that just a few trail mix bars, some of those boil in the bag meals say.

 

[fteter]

My GHB includes a block of lifeboat rations. Not the tastiest stuff in the world, but it'll get ya through in a pinch.

 

[Bacpacker]

My GHB includes a block of lifeboat rations. Not the tastiest stuff in the world, but it'll get ya through in a pinch.

I forgot about those. I keep a block of Datrex in mine. Hope I never have to eat them. But I'll be thankful for them if it comes down to it.