Go Bags

[Doug627]

I've never put a "go bag" together. I would like it to be good for three days for two people. What should I put in the bag? MREs, water, extra ammo? How large a bag? It would defeat the purpose if it takes both me and my wife to drag it up the road. Two separate bags, one for me and one for my wife? I would like for it, or them, to be for natural disasters and civil unrest. What is your advice?

 

[mgjohn]

Each pearson should have their personal bag.

Food -- I have 3 MRE's in mine, jerkey, nuts, hard candy, a couple of life boat rations, peanut butter, crackers, several cans of soup, and a couple of cans of fruit. Instant coffee and tea bags are also included.

Water -- 2 32oz bottles of water. Water straw. I also have severl 1 gallon jugs of water I carry in the trunk of my car.

Spare ammo -- At least 50 spare rounds for my carry pistol.

Fire -- Lighters, matches and 4 road flares.

Spare clothes -- A complete change of clothes in subdued colors, poncho, hat and a goog pair of hiking boots. 2 -3 extra pairs of socks.

Blades -- A good lock blade and a good sheath knife.

Lights -- Surefire combat light and extra batteries, AA mini mag and spare batteries.

Odds and Ends -- Small roll of duck tape, 50 ft of para cord, crank up radio, work gloves, pepper spray, a bag of large zip ties, Handi wipes to clean up with.

Med kit -- Small first aid kit and foot powder. (I plan on adding several of the 5 hr energy drinks to my kits also)

Cooking -- I carry a small folding stove, (stove will also burn small twigs and scrap tinder) 12/15 heat tabs and a canteen cup.

This list is by no means complete but a good start. My kit is set up so that I can leave unneeded stuff behind and add stuff as needed or found.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

never had a go bag but I have used with certain regularity "Go Cups". If you got to ask what a go cup is-you have not grown up in New Orleans
Hell, I didn't know bars actually had a time they had to close or that you couldn't buy alcohol on Sunday until I moved out of New Orleans!!!

 

[Win75]

Each pearson should have their personal bag.

Food -- I have 3 MRE's in mine, jerkey, nuts, hard candy, a couple of life boat rations, peanut butter, crackers, several cans of soup, and a couple of cans of fruit. Instant coffee and tea bags are also included.

Water -- 2 32oz bottles of water. Water straw. I also have severl 1 gallon jugs of water I carry in the trunk of my car.

Spare ammo -- At least 50 spare rounds for my carry pistol.

Fire -- Lighters, matches and 4 road flares.

Spare clothes -- A complete change of clothes in subdued colors, poncho, hat and a goog pair of hiking boots. 2 -3 extra pairs of socks.

Blades -- A good lock blade and a good sheath knife.

Lights -- Surefire combat light and extra batteries, AA mini mag and spare batteries.

Odds and Ends -- Small roll of duck tape, 50 ft of para cord, crank up radio, work gloves, pepper spray, a bag of large zip ties, Handi wipes to clean up with.

Med kit -- Small first aid kit and foot powder. (I plan on adding several of the 5 hr energy drinks to my kits also)

Cooking -- I carry a small folding stove, (stove will also burn small twigs and scrap tinder) 12/15 heat tabs and a canteen cup.

This list is by no means complete but a good start. My kit is set up so that I can leave unneeded stuff behind and add stuff as needed or found.

Pretty much what I have. Ammo for the AR also. One of those small two man sheath tents with the rope that holds up the top.

 

[Doug627]

Gentleman,

Thank you for the input. I appreciate it. As for a "go cup", I just use the empty plactic water bottles.

 

[OleMissLaw]

While in Afghanistan and Iraq I used my Eberlestock backpack with 3 MREs (cut open the packages and then rubber band or ziploc the individual pouches you want to keep, it gets rid of a lot of weight and wasted stuff you wont use). Water bladders and a purification device of some type are important. I wouldn't worry about extra clothes, just some spare socks and maybe a t-shirt or two. You can use Gold Bond powder as both a good foot powder and deoderant in a pinch, it makes you feel much better after a couple rough days. Batteries are a pain, but usually necessary for radios, gps, and other assorted items. A map or atlas can come in handy, especially if your GPS is done. A space blanket or two is great, as well as a tarp and 550 cord to make a temporary shelter. I would keep the ammo to a managable amount, that is a personal decision. The biggest thing to remember is it is supposed to be a bag to survive on, not to wage a guerrila campaign on for weeks on end. Just take what you need to make life sustainable as you move to a more secure location. I personally love the Eberlstock bags, because you can carry your rifle (or other items) in the scabbard while you move, as well as the small amount you need for a week or so. The last thing I would include would be a printed out plan of action for your family. Where to go to meet up (rally points) how long to wait for one another, what to do if no one shows up, series of locations to move towards and a communications plan. It doesn't sound as cool as extra ammo, but a solid plan of action will help get everyone on the same page and give you a common goal to get back together if something were to happen. Just my two cents.

 

[cowart]

A small FRS or GMRS radio in each bag would be handy if you have to separate for some reason. If you're willing to jump through the hoops to get a technician license, a 2 meter handheld would be even better.

 

[oldfella]

Don't forget to take the most accurate .22 handgun/rifle you can find (w/silencer a plus) for small game.

Pete

 

[BEARMAN]

Also I might add a bottle of water purifacation tablets and a couple of candles for light, and to help with fire starting.
A roll of toilet paper would be more than handy in that bug-out-bag, as well.
Leaves will work in a pinch; however, stay away from poison ivy, as that will make life most uncomfortable for your trip!

 

[explorer13421]

If contact lenses or glasses are worn, consider a spare set. Heavy leather work gloves. Hiking boots and spare socks, including synthetic liner socks.

Where do you think you will end up? If a group shelter, your needs might be different than if you are trying to get to your cottage on the lake.

I use my backpack, and think about having what I would need for a week of backpacking, including food, shelter, clothing, cooking gear and food, footwear, stuff for cleaning self and cooking gear, tent/tarp/bivvy sack, and so on.

 

[USAF385]

Oh! I love minimal supply survival! Here's a compact bug out that is pretty close to my aircrew one.. some things added.. some omitted:

- Fixed Blade Knife
- Medical Kit
- Nylon Cord
- Water Bag
- Purification tablets
- Emergency Candle
- Compass
- Flint & Striker
- Waterproof Matches
- Hack saw blade
- Wire saw
- Tinder / Newspaper in water proof bag or container
- Whistle
- Signal mirror
- Fishing kit
- Multi-tool
- Sewing kit
- Safety pins
- Single edge razor
- Snare wire
- Plastic Garbage Bag(s)
- Zip lock bag
- Hard Candy
- Jerky
- If you wear contacts, a pair of glasses. (I have one of my pairs of BCGs packed.)

I have one of these stashed in both of my vehicles.

You can get all this into a very small, compact bag. There isn't much as far as food goes, but we were trained better than having to rely on MREs.

I recommend studying up on the wide variety of wild plants that are edible. Learning to catch small critters like squirrels and rabbits with snares is also essential.

This is actually one of my favorite hobbies. During the past two summers I've met up with some of my aircrew buddies and we spend a week camping utilizing the great stuff we learned in SERE school (all for FREE!). The fun part is we bring the absolute minimum. We do bring some food but that's just in case we have bad luck gathering/catching our own. We haven't had to tap into it thus far.

 

[truckemup97]

Don't forget copies of important documents (driver's license, birth certificate, etc.) in a waterproof container, and some cash. Don't just put a $100 bill in there, break it down into ones, fives and tens. After an earthquake, not everyone will have change.

 

[DeadAye]

A small FRS or GMRS radio in each bag would be handy if you have to separate for some reason. If you're willing to jump through the hoops to get a technician license, a 2 meter handheld would be even better.

A CB handi-talky is even more useful. Trucks and Troopers have CB.
Almost all have the NWS channels now, but make sure yours does.

 

[truckemup97]

- Tinder / Newspaper in water proof bag or container

Cotton balls covered with petroleum jelly will burn for several minutes. It gives you a better chance at starting a fire than a couple of pieces of newspaper. A firestarter log, chipped into pieces, works too.

 

[USAF385]

Cotton balls covered with petroleum jelly will burn for several minutes.

This is a very good option if you want a cheap homemade alternative to other starters. Doesn't last as long but gives you a solid flame. One thing to be careful about is picking a good container. I once had some in an old film container but the heat in the summer caused the jelly to leak out and ruin half of my kit. The balls fit in it perfectly so I thought I'd give it a try. I'd definitely use a better container next time.

 

[schmadt]

I am by no means an expert but to throw in my 2 cents, this is a great read depending on the type of SHTF you are prepping for.
HURRICANE KATRINA
Disclaimer: My credibility should be classed as "internet knowledge /mall ninja" at best, hence the link to others research.

 

[nawilson]

I like this "game" too! There are whole websites devoted to the subject. What is the purpose of your bag? A bag to get home from another location (i.e. work) may require a different packing list than a bag designed to escape from a difficult situation at home.

In the end, read and learn as much as you can (USAF385 has a pretty good list though it seems aimed at wilderness survival. I don't doubt it suits his purposes. I would add cash and a road atlas though), but you will need to tailor what you make based on your situation. Where you live, where you work, what your level of fitness is, what your training is, what type of situation are you prepping for, rural vs urban vs suburban, legality of CCW (your survival kit isn't helping much if you are arrested for CCW), region of the country, etc, etc, etc...

A few random thoughts-

If you work in penny loafers and slacks, a change of clothes may be a good idea. Comfortable walking shoes/ boots and rugged clothes would be nice.

I have seen some recommend entry tools such as lock picks and bolt cutters. That's really not a bad idea unless you are arrested for possession of burglary tools. Use your discretion...

There are enough "small woods" in most urban areas that the stuff you can use in rural areas will still be helpful. Of course, urban connotes people, so you would need to be more careful.

You will most likely not be involved in a running firefight all the way home. So though my personal kit does include a weapon and some spare ammunition, if I had to choose between another bottle of water and another magazine, I would probably choose the water.

Good luck to you! Hopefully none of us will ever need our kits.

 

[mtheo]

I have one of those hanging toiletry bags that is an essential component to my travel gear. It has to pass the scrutiny of the TSA. It contains appropriate sized toiletry items, a small quantity of meds, first aid supplies and a small baggie containing tools and repair items that I lay out for inspection with my bag of liquids and gels.

After 9/11 I had to remove the Swiss Army Knife and the Bic lighter from the kit.

I replaced the SAK with half (under 7" in length) of a 32 teeth per inch hacksaw blade. It is not a knife but it will cut most anything including padlock hasps.

The screw driver functions have been addressed with a small folding SwissTech plier (it has no knife blade.)

The lighter has been replaced with a small ferrocerium rod.

The hacksaw blade and the ferro rod have never been questioned. The pliers have been inspected for the non-existent knife blade and have always passed muster.

These Items are cheap enough that if anyone were to object it would be of no loss.

 

[mstuhr]

Link provided by schmadt

Howdy,
That link provided by Schmadt is a very worthwhile read. It is long but if you have the time take a look.
It provides an insight on Katrina and stresses that the hurricane was a piece of cake compared to the hardships of the aftermath.
I enjoyed it and it gave me some things to think about.
Thanks Schmadt
Mike on the New Madrid fault

 

[Andy Griffith]

Keep your shots up to date.
I know, they don't go in the bag, but dying from tetanus would be anti-climatic after preparing for all other scenarios. Pepto-bismol and aspirin at the least should be in there too.

I still have a go bag from last week I got a Chic-fil-a in the truck.
I'm too old to run, so I'm staying at home come...high water.

 

[HCD]

GO!!!! I'm not going anywhere, if they got what it takes to come and get me well have at it. They better pack a lunch.

 

[HCD]

I've never put a "go bag" together. I would like it to be good for three days for two people. What should I put in the bag? MREs, water, extra ammo? How large a bag? It would defeat the purpose if it takes both me and my wife to drag it up the road. Two separate bags, one for me and one for my wife? I would like for it, or them, to be for natural disasters and civil unrest. What is your advice?

I (for the second time) read all 3 pages of this post. And a thought occurred to me. What if on the second day out of your 3 day excursion a situation happened that required you to have to purchase a necessity for life? What would you use for money? If your go bag was to save your life (I assume that is the rational). Then you needed something, what would you use to buy/get/purchase that item with? Money, theft, murder, guile, what would it be? After all, if the reason for a "go bag" is to leave one point to arrive at another point safely; then surely their is something terribly wrong with the world or where you are at. And in that situation things must be in terrible turmoil. Who's to say what could/would happen along the way.

 

[mkk41]

GO!!!! I'm not going anywhere, if they got what it takes to come and get me well have at it. They better pack a lunch.

I'm with you! At least in spirit.

Got nowhere else to go. All my stuffs here. Solid stone structure , on high ground , so no chance of flood. Got plenty of arms and ammo to protect whats mine , and if need be , kill others and take what's theirs.

Funny , work just put out some kinda 72hr survival drival. Said to have a good supply of quarters for a pay phone to call police in case of trouble.

Are you prepared?

 

[HCD]

I'm with you! At least in spirit.

Got nowhere else to go. All my stuffs here. Solid stone structure , on high ground , so no chance of flood. Got plenty of arms and ammo to protect whats mine , and if need be , kill others and take what's theirs.

Funny , work just put out some kinda 72hr survival drival. Said to have a good supply of quarters for a pay phone to call police in case of trouble.

Are you prepared?

You got pay phones up on that hill? Who the h-e?? double hocky sticks do you work for Mr Slate? (old Flintstones cartoon).

Thanks for the positive reply. And good luck in the comeing melt down.

 

[mkk41]

You got pay phones up on that hill? Who the h-e?? double hocky sticks do you work for Mr Slate? (old Flintstones cartoon).

Thanks for the positive reply. And good luck in the comeing melt down.

Err , don't say meltdown. I live about 17mi from Limerick Nuke plant.


And I work for a British-owned company. They don't think us peasants should own firearms.

 

[truckemup97]

GO!!!! I'm not going anywhere, if they got what it takes to come and get me well have at it. They better pack a lunch.

What do you have in the trunk of your car in the winter? Maybe, kind of, sort of, a "go bag"? I hope you do. If not, don't slide off a snowy back road....

 

[Pete99004]

What do you have in the trunk of your car in the winter? Maybe, kind of, sort of, a "go bag"? I hope you do. If not, don't slide off a snowy back road....

Good point - Always a good idea to have a warm blanket and boots and folding shovel in your vehicle - better to buy a 4x4 with a winch - install an extra fuel tank and keep the rig full at all times.